Fri, 06 Jul 2007 04:20:02 GMT

Ford GT Best American Sports Car Ever?

[Image Source: SpeedyCars]

Bruce McCulloch has touched off a raging debate over @ AutoSavant. He tossed aside such venerable U.S. nameplates as Shelby and Corvette to give the title of best sportscarmaker to Ford.

The GT - not any of the Mustangs past or present - was what Mr. McCulloch believed to be the best ever all-American sportscar (even though it was designed by a Welshman).

"Chevrolet and their Corvette Z06 which has already managed (amazingly) to out-perform the GT in most categories. It doesn't matter though - the GT has a level of allure which the Z06 can only dream of."

Perhaps, though an early 50s Vette is prettier.

[Source: AutoSavant.net] Posted by: Gunnar Heinrich      Read more     Source

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 21:25:45 GMT

Californian Governors Novel Motorcycle!

Ever thought if Arnold rides a bike, what it would like be. Sent on a special mission by the US Army the Machine wouldnt suite better on anything less than the one shown under. One riding another in all passivenesses!

Dunnoh! Who is the rider of this super contraption, but when it comes to imagining a burly dude riding it, the Californian governor would ouster any compatriot , although there is an advice before you offer this awesome bike to him, make sure it runs on ethanol, he will love it and cherish it forever .




Credit : Techeblog Posted by: Atul      Read more     Source

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 03:06:12 GMT

Ford Focuses Our Attention On New Focus

[Image Source: AutoExpress]

Ford's Euro Focus is getting a serious facelift - drawn up by auto design guru Martin Smith - to transform the Focus with new Mondeo-like styling ques.

From the pictures on v, it's easy to see and say that what is to be the new Focus is more exciting than any Ford product Stateside - the smart, but comparatively staid Fusion sedan included.

Yet another reason to ask why isn't Ford sending its own home market its finest?

[Source: AutoExpress] Posted by: Gunnar Heinrich      Read more     Source

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 02:02:14 GMT

First Documented Color Photo of an Automobile

When Ted Turner's Atlanta TV people began colorising old black & white films there was an instant backlash from traditional movie enthusiasts. Not from me, though.... I loved them. "How could you?" my ex-and-still-good-friend Maggie (who is a knowledgeable movie buff) asked me. "Because they bring reality to the screen," I replied "and if you'll notice, the depth of field is greatly increased so that backgrounds are much clearer." Even simple things like art objects used as props come to life when given color. Mine was a losing argument inasmuch as colorisation seems to have gone the way of the cassette recorder, yet I have the same feeling about black & white photographs of cars in their early years. Yes, they're fascinating and one can appreciate the photographer's artistry, but show one to a person who has difficulty relating to early automotive history and all you'll get for your trouble is a shrug of the shoulders.

Which explains why I'm captivated by a photo that aClassicCar.com's newsletter, one that its editors suggest could be the first documented color photograph of an automobile. It was taken c.1907 by Jean-Baptiste Tournassoud using the Autochrome Lumière method, patenteClassicCar invited its viewers to identify the car and several folks said it was a Peugeot 116. You're welcome to add your thoughts in our Comments box. Personally, I feel about this photo as I felt about Turner's movie efforts. It brings history to life. Posted by: Philip Powell      Read more     Source

Sun, 17 Jun 2007 13:04:42 GMT

Change Your World with Fiber Silicon Exterior

Looking for some interesting auto advancements in the recent times! For the manufacturing of both the interior as well as exterior design huge amount of experimental and alternative materials are being used. This would probably result in their extensive usage.

You would be surely wondering the product with which its body is being manufactured. Fiber Silicon is used for making the prototype’s body. This would prevent from any kind of deformation in the matter of accident.

Interestingly, it is also capable of changing shape with the modification of the vehicle’s entire configuration. According to your use, comfort and requirement, you can change the vehicle either more spacious or compact.
Via:yankodesign Posted by: Anshu      Read more     Source

Sun, 10 Jun 2007 01:12:14 GMT

Toyota Sells One Million Hybrids

To paraphrase US TV network Comedy Central's South Park, that's a whole lot of smug. Since Toyota first started selling the first generation Prius sedan in 1997, more than 750,000 Priuses have been sold worldwide since. Toyota calculates that the more than one million Toyota hybrid models currently sold over the period have reduced global carbon emissions by 3.5 million tons (that's a lot of gas).

Curiously, only 500 Lexus LS600hL units have been sold since that model's market debut in Japan earlier this year.

Press release in full after jump.

[Source: Toyota] Read more of "Toyota Sells One Million Hybrids" Posted by: Gunnar Heinrich      Read more     Source

Fri, 25 May 2007 03:50:03 GMT

Simple Insights

The best advertising is always based on the simplest of insigh"Safe Happens" ads for Volkswagen is a great example. We've all been driving, in a conversation with a friend, when we almost get in a wreck. These ads make you feel the situatCadillac has been running an ad that evoked deep emotions for their DTS, lately. I've never perceived myself as a Cadillac customer but the new "Gentleman" ads remind me of my grandfather who not only was a real gentleman but loved his Cadillac. Maybe, as I grow older, being a gentleman has turned into something I aspire to be. Cadillac has tapped into this simple insight to produce a fantastic ad. Posted by: John      Read more     Source

Wed, 23 May 2007 23:06:18 GMT

Audi TT Clubsport:The Most Desirable Audi

This R8 supercar called the Clubsport Quattro is a marvel. The car features a sleek design that will surely make you centre of attraction with its eye catching looks. The car is powered by a 2.0-litre 260bhp turbocharged engine.

You can readily enjoy the open air with its wraparound glass screen and has no windscreen surround, and no hood. The front design has a single-frame grille and some aluminum inserts that provide just proper air to pass to cool the engine and provide this sportster with flat looks.

Some more elements have been added to it to complement its beauty. It has ceramic brakes, LED lights and a bespoke interior and the biggest change that you will notice is that logo featuring 4 rings is embed on the bonnet instead of grill.

Via: autoexpress Posted by: Vishal      Read more     Source

Mon, 21 May 2007 16:17:18 GMT

US Judge Approves Plans for Northwest Airlines to Exit Bankruptcy

Northwest Airlines Corp., the last major US carrier still in bankruptcy after the September 11 attacks that distressed the industry, won authorization to emerge from 20 months under court protection. US Bankruptcy Judge Allan Gropper in New York has agreed to Northwest’s exit plan today over union objections. The Eagan, Minnesota-based company cut costs by $2.5 billion, mainly by worker concessions and won approval of a stock-for-debt swap from 97 percent of its creditors.

Northwest’s emergence from bankruptcy will represent the first time in nearly five years that a leading US airline would not be in bankruptcy. The airline has been restructuring process since September 14, 2005, when two major airlines Northwest and Delta Air Lines had filed for Chapter 11 on the same day. The airline industry has certainly been on a long road of resurgence after a long-drawn-out collapse that also tipped UAL Corp.’s United Airlines and US Airways Group into bankruptcy.

Almost all the airlines face cost challenges such as higher jet fuel prices and less elasticity in setting ticket prices. In the meanwhile, the industry’s success in lowering wages has created a brand new problem: draw and retaining workers, from flight attendants to pilots who are willing to work harder for less money. At the same time, passengers have been dejected with the delays and inadequate service that have beleaguered some US airlines.

According to the plan accepted by Judge Allan Gropper after a two-day hearing, Northwest’s secured creditors will be paid in full. Most of the unsecured creditors are likely to be paid 66 to 83 cents on the dollar in new shares of the reorganized company. However, existing shares will be canceled, leaving shareholders with nothing. After emergence from chapter 11, court protection, its shares will be traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NWA.

While seeking authorization of its plan, Northwest confronted opposition from its three biggest labor unions, which were pessimistic over plans to give 400 top managers a collective 5 percent equity stake in the recently reorganized company. The company estimates the stake is worth $297 million.Image

Read Posted by: Balendu      Read more     Source

Tue, 15 May 2007 05:54:39 GMT

New Luxury Hybrid LS600hL by Lexus

I would acknowledge this car as rich liberal’s guilt free car. The new luxury hybrid LS600hL is powered by a 5-liter V8 engine that gives out 389 horse power enough to push this 5220 pound masterpiece. The car reaches 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and has a satisfactory mileage of 20miles per gallon. In addition the car features a 221 hp electric motor to make it greener than an aircraft carrier or a hummer as it cuts the carbon footprint by one fourth.

What else do you expect from a luxury car?

Via: wired
Posted by: Vishal      Read more     Source