Monday, December 20, 2010

Revealed: Mini Concept Paceman

 
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The Mini range will experience a serious expansion. Besides Coupe, Roadster and the promised new compact model , is now the handsome Paceman.

Mini will Paceman first proposals in the Detroit Motor Show, which takes place next month. The model is based on the recently launched Countryman and also shares the platform with this crossover. The designers have Paceman however a more elegant and desirable form created, so the car can withstand the handsome Continue reading here.

Lamborghini LP700-4 Order Guide Leaked, Reveals MurciĆ©lago Replacement’s Specs and Options

 

A purported order guide for the not-yet-revealed Lamborghini LP700-4 has leaked onto the internet via Teamspeed.com, and it presents a pretty comprehensive rundown of the specifications and options for Lambo’s MurciĆ©lago replacement.

There’s no surprise in the powertrain specs, which mirror those we told you about a few weeks ago. The raging bull’s heart will be a new 700-hp, 6.5-liter V-12 bolted to an equally fresh seven-speed single-clutch automated manual transmission. The order guide claims 0-to-62-mph runs will take just 2.9 seconds and promises a top speed of 217 mph. Fuel economy is listed at 13.5 mpg, although it’s not clear whether that’s a city, highway, or imaginary mileage figure. Also, who cares? Continue reading here.

 

Kia to debut 2 midsize sedans within 6 months

 

Kia plans to replace its slow-selling Amanti sedan this year--close on the heels of the similarly sized, redesigned Optima sedan now being rolled out. But the exact timing of the launch is undecided.

The Amanti replacement, tentatively called the Cadenza, had been expected in April. Kia officials now say only that that car will be launched in the first half of 2011.

Bringing out the two sedans in rapid succession could create a problem, although U.S. executives say the vehicles are aimed at different customers.

Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20101220/CARNEWS/101229994#ixzz18gLA1q4R

Remote control for Nissan Leaf owners

 

Nissan has now made it easier for owners of its electric Leaf model to stay in touch with their vehicle and check on vital stats such as battery status and range. Teaming up with Telenor Connexion, the Japanese car maker will enable owners to use a mobile phone or PC find out the current status of their car and even do thing such as remotely turn on the vehicle’s air conditioning. Continue reading here.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Leaf And Chevy Volt Fight For NACOTY Award

 

Hyundai Sonanta, Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf are the three finalists of the North American Car of the Year 2010 contest. The winner will be officially announced on January 10, 2010.

The Detroit Auto Show 2011, expected to open its gates next month, will also mark the announcement of the new winner of the North American Car of the Year award. The competition’s officials have already revealed the names of the three remaining finalists, the big final being disputed between Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Volt and Hyundai Sonata. Continue reading here.

Mercedes-Benz Delivers First F-CELL EV to Californians

 

The new Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL uses an electric motor doling out 134 hp and 215 lb-ft of torque. A fuel-cell stack is used for generating electricity which gets stored in a lithium-ion battery. While maintaining a terrific fuel economy, the F-CELL does not compromise on the quality of a ride. The only by-product in the process is water and the car takes just three minutes to refuel.

The F-CELL, however, is not ready for mass sale as of now. The test lease program is a part of the development still going on for a production version of the EV. A costly $850 per month is also not exactly the buyer’s idea of debuting onto the EV bandwagon. But a limited 70 number of the F-CELL available at present is definitely a tempting idea.

The initial group of buyers will get the opportunity to test the vehicle as regular ones over the next three years. The data collected by the Department of Energy (DOE) from this campaign will be utilized to reinforce their Hydrogen to the Highways programme. We may also safely assume that the valuable information gathered about the user patterns and customer response will be incorporated in the next batch of F-CELLs.

source:nitrobahn.com

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Recall Alert: 228,235 Volkswagen Golf, Jetta, New Beetle, Rabbit

 
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Volkswagen is recalling five models across five model years due to an improperly placed fuel line. If the fuel line rubs against other parts, it could leak and lead to a fire.

2007-09 Golf 2007-09 Jetta 2007-09 Jetta Sportwagen 2006-10 New Beetle 2007-09 Rabbit Depending on the model, dealers will remove or reposition parts that come into contact with the fuel line.

Source:autorifi.com

Jeep moves 2011 Compass upmarket

 

The Compass, which now draws on the luxury styling cues found on the Grand Cherokee, went “from sketch to released surface, usually a six-month program, in five weeks,” said Mark Allen, head of Jeep design.

All of the sheet metal from the A-pillar forward, plus the grille, headlight treatments, and front and rear fascias were replaced. In fact, the headlights were taken from the Grand Cherokee's parts bin.

“We were focused and we had enough resources to throw at it quickly” to meet the deadline for the 2011 model year, Allen said. “It was an amazingly lightening-fast program.”

Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20101216/DETROIT/101219948#ixzz18IdakecB

BMW plans alternative fuel cocktail

 

Speaking to the agency in London this week , Dr Jochen Schroeder, BMW’s manager of electric powertrain pre-development said;"We want to see how the market reacts to the first EVs,” as he explains how BMW is learning from its first steps into the electrification of motor cars and is planning to explore and develop a host of alternative fuel solutions. Read the rest of this article here.

2011 Jaguar XJ Supersport – Short Take Road Test

 

With the new XJ, Jaguar has clarified the menu. Where once buyers had to choose between XJ8, XJ8 L, Vanden Plas, XJR, Super V-8, and Super V-8 Portfolio, now the car is offered as either a standard length XJ or the supersize-me long-wheelbase XJL. In the spirit of Jaguar’s Indian ownership, we envision the engine lineup as three levels of spiciness: the mild 385-hp base car, the medium 470-hp Supercharged, and the extra-spicy 510-hp Supersport. We already sampled the XJ Supercharged, and now we have a chance to taste the extra heat of the Supersport.

The XJ Supersport starts at a base price of $111,075, or $22,500 more than an XJ Supercharged. Nearly everything Jaguar offers is standard on both; the only major options are different wheels, rear-seat entertainment, a heated windshield, and adaptive cruise control, a $2300 upgrade on the Supercharged that is included on the Supersport. The flagship also adds little bits of garnish throughout the interior and, as if the XJ’s leather-and-wood trappings weren’t enough, the Supersport goes whole-cow and adds a leather headliner. Otherwise, it appears to be exactly like the lesser car. In other words, you don’t get a lot more for your money.

Source:caranddriver.com

2012 BMW 1-series Coupe and Convertible – Car News

 

It’ll take a serious Bimmerphile to spot them, though. New headlight units feature frosted brows but otherwise appear very similar to the current car’s. The taillights now match those of other current BMWs, incorporating hockey-stick-style accents; these are rendered with LEDs on cars equipped with active xenon headlamps.

Both the 128i coupe and convertible will come standard with what BMW calls “air curtain,” which is basically special ducting built into the front fascia. This new system, which was first announced for the upcoming 1-series M coupe, routes air from a pair of intakes in the front fascia to the outsides of the front wheels, forming a high-speed wall, or “curtain,” that smoothes airflow in that area. The 135i forgoes this efficiency-minded series of tubes and instead comes standard with the M Sport body kit, which continues as an option for 128i coupes and convertibles as well.

Inside, the 1er gets new switchgear. A new gloss white (can we call it piano white?) trim option joins the lineup—it has a clean look, and should hide the inevitable scratches better than shiny black trim does.

These likely will be the last tweaks to the first-gen 1-series, as a new model should arrive for 2013. We'll get our first in-person look at the 2012 1-series in Detroit next month, and the cars will go on sale in April 2011.

Source:caranddriver.com

Monday, December 13, 2010

2011 Jeep Compass Preview

 
Key upgrades for the 2011 Compass include a retuned suspension with stiffer springs, damping, and rear anti-roll bar for a more controlled highway ride, while a new available Freedom Drive II package steps up the Compass's off-road capability. The design is heavily revised as well, with a new hood, fenders, nose, and head lights presenting a more modern face. Read full review here.
 

Nissan Markets 2011 Nissan Quest Minivan Through "Mommy Bloggers"

 
The Internet has been a boon to automakers looking to reach the widest possible audience in terms of advertising their latest and greatest models. However, the Web is also a powerful tool when attempting to market a vehicle to a very specific niche, due to the sheer variety of traditional and “new” media outlets available. Continue reading here.
 

Toyota to recall Sienna minivans for brake risk

 
Toyota Motor Corp said on Monday it would recall about 110,000 of the 2011 Sienna minivans due to a risk that drivers could damage the brake system as they use the parking brake.

The Sienna is an all-new model.

Toyota said it was not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this issue, and that it would notify owners in January of the problem.

But the fix will be delayed until replacement parts are available in February, Toyota said, when it will ask owners to bring the minivans to dealers for installation of new parts. Read the rest of this article here.

Source:msnbc.msn.com

Friday, December 10, 2010

2012 Mercedes-Benz C-class Coupe AMG Spy Photos – Future Cars

 

AMG used to be about straight-line performance above all. The small subsidiary, located some 15 miles north of Stuttgart in the village of Affalterbach, has traditionally focused on stuffing monstrous V-8 and V-12 engines into pretty much everything Mercedes makes. But now, the sub-brand is focusing more intently on compact and agile cars. Continue reading here.

Source:caranddriver.com

Kia recalls nearly 8,000 Sorrento models over incorrectly machined brakes

 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, certain 2011 Kia Sorento models were fitted with rear brake calipers that were improperly machined.

Says NHTSA: “As a result, brake fluid will leak, followed by illumination of the malfunction indicator light indicating the brake fluid level is low and should be checked, then a soft or spongy brake pedal feel, and if not serviced, reduced braking power which could increase the risk of a crash.” Read the rest of this article here.

The All-New BMW 1 Series M

 

With anticipation of enthusiasts around the world at fever pitch, today BMW’s M GmbH division unveiled the newest member of its intimate product family. It’s here, it’s live, it’s great. The new BMW 1 Series M Coupe.

For the first time, the coveted M badge has been granted to the popular BMW 1 Series in the form of the all-new BMW 1 Series M Coupe. Read the rest of this article here.

Source:inautonews.com

Rumor has it that Chevrolet will change Aveo to Sonic

 
December 9, 2010) Automotive sites around the internet are abuzz with rumors that General Motors will change the name of the sub-compact Chevrolet Aveo to Sonic for the 2012 model year. It's the right time for a name change. A change for change sake could be a good thing. The Aveo name never struck much of a chord, and it is probably mispronounced as much as any car name currently in circulation. But more than that, the Aveo will be completely redesigned for the 2012 model year. Continue reading here.

Source:motorwayamerica.com

2010 Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid Prototype: Drive Report

 
Toyota has decided that the particular lithium -ion cell chemistry used in our prototype is a technical dead end. When the production 2012 Plug-In arrives, it will use a different type of cell in its battery pack.

We also devoutly hope that Toyota enables the production car to use its larger battery pack under all circumstances. To our shock and confusion, we came to understand after our April drive that once the car has used the energy stored in its larger pack, it essentially reverts to being a standard hybrid. Read the rest of this article here.

Source:greencarreports.com

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

2011 Chevrolet Volt Ultimate Guide

via Google Alerts - "nissan leaf" by All Cars Electric (blog) on 12/8/10

December 8th, 2010 You told us that you enjoyed our 2011 Nissan Leaf: Ultimate Reference Guide so much that we're back again with AllCarElectric's ultimate ...
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Priced: 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon


The 2011 Acura TSX Sport Wagon will go on sale on December 21 with a base price of $31,820, including an $860 destination charge.

2009-'10 Mazda 5 Recalled for Faulty Fuel Pump Connector


Mazda is recalling 16,200 2009-'10 Mazda 5 vehicles because of a defective fuel pump connector that could lead to engine stall and the inability to restart the engine, said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

2011 Kia Sorento Recalled for Defective Rear Brake Calipers


Kia is recalling 7,697 2011 Sorento vehicles because defective rear brake calipers could reduce braking power, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Nissan LEAF Power System Named to Ward's '10 Best Engines'

 

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Dec. 7, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Ward's today announced that Nissan LEAF's 100-percent electric, zero-emission drive system is included on its prestigious '10 Best Engines' list for 2011. It is the first time in the 17-year history of the magazine's '10 Best Engines' that the selection committee has chosen a power system which doesn't have an engine and will never burn a drop of gasoline.  

2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid Eligible for $1800 Tax Credit, But You’ll Have to Act Fast

 
Uncle Sam has deemed the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid worthy of an $1800 Alternative Motor Vehicle tax credit, but interested parties need to take the plunge soon: the tax break expires December 31. Continue reading here.

2011 Dodge Journey - First Drive Review

 
Chrysler is waging a war against the lame reputation of its own products—a war on dullness, if you will. The battlefield strategy? Thoroughly refresh or totally re-do pretty much every Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep model for 2011, an audacious rollout—a Mopar “shock and awe” Continue reading here
 

Monday, December 6, 2010

Two new Hyundai transmissions boost mpg

via Google Alerts - "automotive news" by AutoWeek on 12/6/10

By HANS GREIMEL, AUTOMOTIVE NEWS on 12/06/2010 Hyundai already uses a continuously variable transmission on the hybrid version of the Elantra sold in South ...
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Nissan's next Sentra to look more like the Altima

 

Nissan aims to double or even triple sales of its next-generation Sentra by offering a car with styling more in line with the mid-sized Altima.

"We miss the heart of the market right now," said Al Castignetti, Nissan Division vice president of sales. "A lot of people reject the Sentra because of its looks. It's not a bad car; it's a great car. But it is not a natural progression to move down to it from the Altima."

Nissan will sell about 100,000 Sentras this year in the United States, well below its compact rivals at Toyota and Honda. Continue reading here.

Source: autoweek.com

Honda planning turbocharged, non-hybrid CR-Z

 
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As much as Honda wants us to believe that its CR-Z hatchback is some sort of "sport hybrid," the truth is that it doesn't exactly live up to our expectations. It's a decent steer, but it's not exactly a sports car, and its meager fuel efficiency is easily bested by the majority of non-hybrid B-segment offerings. According to a report from Autocar, however, Honda is rumored to be working on a CR-Z that ditches its conventional hybrid powertrain in favor of a small-displacement, turbocharged mill.

2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8′s 6.4-Liter Hemi Dyno Tested

 
We’ve known for months now that Dodge would be dropping a new 6.4-liter (392 cubic-inch) Hemi V-8 into its SRT8 variant of the new 2011 Dodge Challenger, and then in late October we finally saw it. Now we have some insight into the kind of power delivery we can expect from the big cube V-8 thanks to these latest dyno results. Read the rest of this article here.
 

BMW X5 Wallpapers

 
Purely image only post of sweet BMW X5 vehicle. Wallpaper image format so you can put any of these into background of Windows or whatever OS you use. Good car wallpaper for iPad and iPhone too! See the rest here.

Friday, November 26, 2010

TOYOTA DEBUTS 100-MILE RANGE, RAV4 EV DEMONSTRATION VEHICLE

via onlineautobrochure
 

TOYOTA DEBUTS 100-MILE RANGE, RAV4 EV DEMONSTRATION VEHICLE

AT LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW

Toyota/Tesla Collaboration To Build, Demonstrate And Evaluate 35 Vehicles:

Fully Engineered Second-Generation RAV4 EV Slated For 2012 On-Sale Date Read full release here.

2010-'11 Jaguar XJ Recalled for Defective Windshield Wipers


Jaguar is recalling 6,475 2010-'11 XJ sedans because the windshield wipers could detach from the car, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Most Saab 9-4Xs are headed for U.S.

via onlineautobrochure
 
LOS ANGELES--Saab expects 75 percent of 9-4X output to go to the United States. But even so, the number isn't large by industry standards.

The 9-4X is Saab's new crossover, developed with former owner General Motors Co.

9-4X output will average 12,500 units annually when full production is reached next year, said Jan Ake Jonsson, CEO of Saab Automobile AB. Jonsson said it is a conservative production forecast. About 9,400 are for the United States, he said. Read more here.

source:reviews.cnet.com

VW considers building a new minivan

via online auto brochure
 

However, one major automaker that has struggled to gain any kind of traction in the North American minivan market is Germany’s Volkswagen. The brand virtually invented the genre with the 1950 Type 2 (or Transporter), but left North America with the departure of the T4 Transporter — marketed in Canada as the Eurovan — in the 1990s.

But now there’s talk of a new VW minivan, more in line with the well-received Microbus Concept from the 2001 Geneva auto show. Continue reading here

source: wheels.ca

Thursday, November 25, 2010

EV Batteries Will Have Lives Beyond the Road | dailyator.com


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EV Batteries Will Have Lives Beyond the Road | dailyator.com

That bodes well for the coming wave of electric vehicles, and it's safe to assume lithium-ion batteries will keep cars we'll see next month like the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt rolling for a long time to come. ...
dailyator.com - http://dailyator.com/

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Coyote Blog » Blog Archive » More Thoughts on EV MPG


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Coyote Blog » Blog Archive » More Thoughts on EV MPG

To this end, the more sophisticated DOE standard is a much better reflection of how well the Nissan Leaf affects US fossil fuel use. The only reason not to use this standard is because the EPA, and the Administration in general, ...
Coyote Blog - http://www.coyoteblog.com/

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GM Volt and Nissan Leaf all set to take on Toyota Prius


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GM Volt and Nissan Leaf all set to take on Toyota Prius

Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf, both having better reviews than Prius, are scheduled to be launched next month in US. Toyota Prius gives a mileage of 37 mpg ...
See all stories on this topic »

Rush Lane

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Chevy Volt receives 93 MPGe EPA rating; Nissan Leaf 99 MPGe


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Chevy Volt receives 93 MPGe EPA rating; Nissan Leaf 99 MPGe

Earlier this week, Nissan announced that the Nissan Leaf, its all-electric vehicle, will achieve the equivalent of 99 MPG in combined city and highway ...
See all stories on this topic »

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Friday, November 19, 2010

First 2011 Toyota Corolla Live Photos

via online auto brochure, an informational blog.
 

The 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show is open to the press, and we've nailed down the first live photos of the 2011 Toyota Corolla.

The Corolla is one of the most popular cars currently on sale in the U.S. The 2011 model is a facelift, with new front and rear bumpers, a lightly reskinned interior, and two new colors--as well as the Toyota Care complimentary maintenance plan, which covers service for two years. Continue reading this article and view more pictures here.

Source:motorauthority.com

Hyundai introduces new Elantra model

via online auto brochure, an informational blog.
 

The global stage of the Los Angeles Auto Show was the perfect setting for the fifth generation Hyundai Elantra model to make its debut – with a host of fuel economy improvements.

The vehicle is powered by a new 1.8litre Nu four-cylinder engine with 148hp and 131lb-ft of torque, replacing the outgoing 2.0litre Beta engine. It is smaller in size and weighs 74lbs less, helping the vehicle to fuel economy improvements of 18 per cent when compared to its predecessor. In all, the vehicle achieves 29mpg city and 40mpg highway with a highway-only driving range of up to 500miles. Continue reading this article here.

Download free Hyundai online auto brochure here.

Ford reducing stake in Mazda to 3.5%

via online auto brochure, an informational blog.
 
Ford said the decision to reduce its ownership stake in Mazda allows it to increase flexibility as it continues to pursue growth in key emerging markets. Ford said it plans to remain one of Mazda’s largest shareholders and remains committed to its strategic partnership with Mazda, which spans more than 30 years. Continue reading this article here.
 
 

Battery price fall ‘to make EVs cost-effective’

via online auto brochure, an informational blog.
 

The price of batteries for electric and hybrid vehicles will ‘tumble’ over the next decade to the point where alternative powertrains will be as cheap as internal combustion engines, a leading battery maker said at the Reuters Auto Summit this week.

According to Reuters, Prabhakar Patil, the chief executive of LG Chem unit Compact Power reports that the price for lithium ion batteries has already fallen by a factor of 14 since the technology was first commercially introduced in the early 1990s. Read the rest of this article here.

Source:thegreencarwebsite.com

Thursday, November 11, 2010

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Gets Racing TracKey

via online auto brochure, an informational blog.
 
 
Just the Facts:
  • 2012 Mustang Boss 302 can be fitted with a new aftermarket TracKey that provides full race calibration and two-stage launch control.
  • TracKey was developed by Ford Racing and the Mustang engineering team.
  • It's an aftermarket option from Ford dealers.

Read the rest of this article here.

Free Maintenance Added To All 2011 Lincoln Models

via online auto brochure, an informational blog.
 
Lincoln has added a Complimentary Maintenance Program to its entire lineup of vehicles for the 2011 model year. The program was first offered last summer on some 2010-model-year vehicles, Lincoln says, but it's now become a permanent offering for all 2011 models. Read the details here.
 

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Revealed On Facebook

online auto brochure is an informational blog dedicated to the latest automotive news. Please visit us and enjoy, thanks.
 
The 2011 Camaro Convertible is out from under the covers courtesy of the official Camaro Facebook site, and we have all the details--and the photos. It's precisely what you'd expect, since the car has been out in concept form for about three years now, but there are a few surprises. Continue reading here.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Global Vehicles USA Still Hopes to Sell Mahindra Truck by Spring | Online Auto Brochure

John Perez, CEO of Global Vehicles USA, said he expects Mahindra’s small diesel pickups to go on sale in the U.S. by spring 2011.

News & Rants: 2010 Mazda CX-9: Car Seat Check | Online Auto Brochure

The Mazda CX-9 is a sleek-looking three-row crossover. For 2010, it received a more powerful engine, which will make running weekend errands that much more fun. In its three rows, the CX-9 can carry seven passengers. For the Car Seat Check, we use a rear-facing infant-safety seat, a convertible child-safety seat and a high-back booster seat, all made by Graco. The front seats are adjusted to a comfortable position for a 6-foot driver and a 5-foot-8 passenger. The child seats are installed in the second row and, if available, third row. The booster seat sits behind the driver’s seat, and the infant seat and convertible seats are installed behind the passenger seat. Keep reading here http://www.onlineautobrochure.com

Time for Mark Perry, Nissan Director of Product Planning, to answer a new question from this community. Many of you asked about options for roadside assistance, which comes standard with the Nissan LEAF. Watch and learn more in this video.


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Time for Mark Perry, Nissan Director of Product Planning, to answer a new question from this community. Many of you asked about options for roadside assistance, which comes standard with the Nissan LEAF. Watch and learn more in this video.

Time for Mark Perry, Nissan Director of Product Planning, to answer a new question from this community. Many of you asked about options for roadside assistance, which comes standard with the Nissan LEAF. Watch and learn more in this video.


Mark Perry Answers a Question for the Nissan LEAF Facebook Page [HQ]

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Time for Mark Perry, Nissan Director of Product Planning, to answer a new question from this community. Many of you asked about options for roadside assistance, which comes standard with the Nissan LEAF. Watch and learn more in this video.


Sent to you via Google Reader

Time for Mark Perry, Nissan Director of Product Planning, to answer a new question from this community. Many of you asked about options for roadside assistance, which comes standard with the Nissan LEAF. Watch and learn more in this video.

Time for Mark Perry, Nissan Director of Product Planning, to answer a new question from this community. Many of you asked about options for roadside assistance, which comes standard with the Nissan LEAF. Watch and learn more in this video.


Mark Perry Answers a Question for the Nissan LEAF Facebook Page [HQ]

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History Of Some Of The Most Famous Automobile Logos | Online Auto Brochure

Did you ever wonder where the logos and symbols that adorn manufactures automobiles and their auto brochures originated? Below is a history of some of the most famous logos on the market. Chevrolet- The legend behind the Chevy logo was that Louis Chevrolet saw the shape in a wallpaper pattern in his hotel room during a trip to Paris in 1908. His wife however later debunked that myth when she said that her husband had actually seen a similarly shaped logo in an add in a Sunday supplement and liked it so much he decided to expand on it.

Is The Electric Car Worth It?

via online auto brochure an informational blog.

some interesting points.

The overall fuel efficiency of electricity would be the remainder of the burning of fossil fuel at a power plant at around 40% efficiency then it is delivery or transmittal to the consumer’s home at around 93% then the electricity is used in the vehicle at 92% providing a total of 34% efficiency. The oil refinery functions at 75% of efficiency then the delivery causes another 6% loss of energy. Combustion engines are around 20% efficient leaving the total efficiency at 14%.It’s probably more beneficial to break this all down to dollars and cents.

12.5 gallons at 20 miles to the gallon will get 250 miles. If gasoline costs $3.09 per gallon, the total distance will cost you $ 38.62. With electric, it costs $10 per kWh; it will cost 3.7 cents per mile or $9.25. Remember at night economy rates for electricity kick in as low as 2 cents per mile. So what would be the differences between driving an electric and gasoline vehicle? With a gasoline vehicle, you can travel more miles on one fill compared to electric which the average range is 100 +/- miles. It only takes minutes to refuel with a gas vehicle as opposed to minutes to hours with electric. Now you can recharge conveniently at home or work, in other words –while being productive. Electric vehicles costs around 2 cents per mile compared to 10+ cents for gas. Okay so sooner or later you will need to replace the battery pack, some manufacturers have recycling programs. There is a cost to replace a battery pack, you’re not going to get t for free, It costs around $375 per KWh. A Nissan Leaf 25 kWh battery will cost $9,375. This cost is far less than the yearly maintenance costs for a gasoline run vehicle. Electric vehicles produce no tailpipe emissions; Gas vehicles create pollution and greenhouse gasses. Keep reading here.

Subaru Announces Pricing On 2011 Forester

via online auto brochure an informational blog. Please visit us and enjoy, thanks.

The new model year brings an all-new version of Subaru’s hallmark “boxer” engine, which leverages horizontally opposed cylinders for compact packaging and a lower center of gravity. The new 2.5-liter mill still provides plenty of pep, but now it also offers up to 10 percent better fuel efficiency. EPA ratings on the new Forester can reach as high as 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway/23 mpg combined, regardless of whether it’s equipped with a standard five-speed manual transmission or Subaru’s optional automatic gearbox.

In addition, all Forester models showcase a new grille design and an updated instrument panel made from more premium materials.

Also notable is something that didn’t offer a significant upgrade for the new model year—the Forester’s MSRP. The highly contented base model (the Forester X) receives a mere $200 bump to its price tag, which now starts at $20,495 with a DIY transmission or $21,695 with an automatic. And the price of a key Forester X option, the hot-selling alloy wheel package that delivers eye-catching 16-inch alloy wheels and roof rails, remains at just $400. Continue reading here.

Source: subaruinthenews.com

Electric Volt and Leaf: Zippy, fun, superquiet

via online auto brochure an informational blog. Please visit us and enjoy, thanks.

This is a story of two test drives, albeit two very different ones.

Recently I got behind the wheels of two highly anticipated new-model electric cars -- the first of what could be a new wave of electric vehicles in the United States.

Made available for my scrutiny as a typical driver were the all-electric Nissan Leaf and the plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt. I drove the Leaf about five miles around the city streets of Atlanta (with a brief highway detour) and the Chevrolet Volt 630 miles from Orlando, Florida, to Raleigh, North Carolina.

It was 15 minutes in the Leaf versus 10 hours in the Volt. Both driving experiences showed me that these cars are very much like piloting a "normal" vehicle -- with one difference -- it's much easier to sneak up on people. Keep reading here

Source: cnn.com

2010 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited AWD – Short Take Road Test

via online auto brochure. Please visit us and enjoy, thanks.

Hyundai’s entry in the super-competitive mid-size crossover segment got a refresh for 2010, the focus being its underpowered engine lineup. The base 185-hp, 2.7-liter V-6 was replaced by a more fuel-efficient 2.4-liter four making 175 hp, while the uplevel Lambda V-6 was extensively upgraded and grows from 3.3 liters to 3.5. Output increased from 242 hp to 276. Front-wheel-drive four-cylinder models have a six-speed manual as standard—a six-speed auto is optional—while V-6s and all-wheel-drive examples only offer the self-shifting tranny. (Previously, the Santa Fe offered a five-speed stick and four- or five-speed automatics.) Keep reading here

Source: caranddriver.com

Toyota Brand New Airbag System.

via online auto brochure. Please visit us and enjoy.

Toyota has revealed a brand new airbag system, that`s specifically for the small autos, designed for protecting the passengers on rear. This airbag is protects the passengers on a rear end collision. And according to Toyota this all-new airbag is deploying from the roof lining up above the rear window on the curtain-like barrier form and, having the headrests, it minimizing the impact on head from the colliding car pieces of the hit auto. This technology will be featured on the ... >> Read more

Monday, November 8, 2010

Test Driving the Chevy Volt

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After four years of development, and a near dismantling of the whole project when General Motors went through bankruptcy and full restructuring in 2009, the electric car, or as GM calls it, the "electric vehicle with extended range," finally arrives at select North America Chevy dealers before the end of 2010.

Like many next-generation fuel-efficient cars, the Volt won't come cheap. The four-door sedan will list for $41,000 (there's also a leasing option: $350 a month/36 mo. with $2500 down). There will be some relief on the price-tag front: the electric vehicle qualifies for a $7,500 tax credit. Cintinue reading this article here

Source: http://www.pcmag.com

 

Mixed Results For October Hybrid Car Sales

 

The nation's major automakers have published their October sales reports, and there is mixed news in the hybrid market. While the Toyota Prius remains the nation's bestselling hybrid, Prius sales in October were down 9.9% from October 2009. Read the rest of this article here.

Source: forbes.com

Friday, November 5, 2010

Behind the wheel of electric cars, no big surprises

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For all their differences under the hood, the electric cars coming to market do a pretty good job of disguising their electric identities. That will make these vehicles more attractive to potential buyers, but don’t expect auto sales to flip electric like a light switch.

A few weeks ago, I had the chance to drive a number of electric vehicles at the Business of Plugging In auto industry conference in Detroit. I can report what many car reviewers will tell you: these are real cars. You really can forget that old notion of rickety golf carts.

Step into a Nissan Leaf or a Chevy Volt and you’ll feel at home, even with the new “fuel gauges” you’ll see. Although I only had short drives with the Leaf, Volt, and other electric cars, I found them comfortable and enjoyable to drive.

Continue reading this article from the surce here.

What Technology Will Achieve 2011 Green Car of the Year Accolade

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The nominees for 2011 are especially arousing because of the broad diversity of power supplies among the group, plus the few that are absent this year. The Chevrolet Volt and the Nissan Leaf are the first electric vehicles to make the finals. The EVs are competing with the Ford Fiesta, the only gasoline-only powered automobile, and 2 hybrid gas-electrics, the Sonata Hybrid from Hyundai and the Lincoln MKZ. Observably absent for 2011 are recent victors which include a diesel from 2009 plus a hydrogen fuel cell auto in 2007.

Read the rest of this article here.

Designer seeks sporty car to blow doors off Kia's image

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LOS ANGELES--Kia's design boss wants to add a sports car or convertible to lend more appeal to the brand.

No such car is officially in the pipeline, said Peter Schreyer, Kia's chief design officer. Kia first needs to get on more solid footing, he said.

"I think Kia needs a car like that sooner or later, but at the moment it's not yet the time to make any promises," Schreyer told Automotive News. Read the rest of this article here.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Audi aims to boost electric car know-how

 

As it bids to position itself among the leading car makers in the electric vehicle sector, Audi has announced a partnership with Tongji University to boost its research, instruction and services in electromobility.

The company has actually been co-operating with the Shanghai-based university since January with students working with the car manufacturer on a number of technical projects as part of their coursework for a bachelor’s, masters or doctorate. The first is to develop an Audi A6L as an electric car in what is known as “Audi Tongji Joint Labs”. Read the rest of this article here.

5 ways mobile car apps will change the way you drive

 
Smartphone apps connected to electric vehicles will let us track charging levels and control certain vehicle functions. And when it comes to the in-car experience, our cars will be able to communicate with our mobile devices effectively thanks to built-in software and apps. Read the rest of this article here.

New Rolls Royce Ghost Pictures Gallery

 
 
See the rest of this photo gallery here.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Lawsuit Alleges Toyota Purchased Cars as a Cover-Up

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A newly revised lawsuit against Toyota Motor Corp. claims that the company purchased defective vehicles from consumers under strict confidentiality agreements to hide the unintended acceleration problem that started a series of recalls and quality control issues that have damaged the company's sales and public image. Read the rest of this article here.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Honda Civic GX adds another way to drive Green!

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Honda is competing with the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf with the Civic GX.  It’s new appeal comes from the fact that it runs on Compressed Natural Gas (also known as CNG) and can qualify buyers for $4,000 tax credit because of the lower emissions. According to DriveClean.ca.gov, “Driving a compressed natural gas vehicle reduces smog-forming and greenhouse gas emissions as well as our dependence on foreign oil. Although the range between fills is slightly less than their gasoline counterparts, the benefits such as HOV lane access, cheaper fuel and the ability to fuel at home can outweigh this seemingly negative attribute.”

Here’s some quick facts about the model from the Edmunds Daily Blog:

The Civic GX is equipped with a 1.8-liter, i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine that produces 113 horsepower @ 6300 rpm and 109 lb-ft. of torque @ 4300 rpm, and achieves an EPA-estimated2 city/highway fuel economy of 24/36 miles per Gasoline-Gallon Equivalent (GGE). Maximum fuel-tank capacity is 8.0 GGE at 3,600 pounds per square inch. A 5-speed automatic transmission is standard.

Built on a high-rigidity, unit-body platform, the Civic is designed to deliver precise and refined handling performance with its fully independent MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension designs. A sweeping roofline and a sleek windshield angle convey an advanced, one-motion profile. The interior focuses on sophisticated styling with a two-tier instrument panel, CNG-optimized fuel gauge, comfortable seating and accommodating storage areas with room for mobile phones, compact discs and more. Read the rest of this article here.

Drive Time review of the new 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX 4-door Limited by auto critic Steve Hammes

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Nissan announces third-largest recall in company history--2.14 million SUVs and trucks

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Nissan has announced its third largest recall in company history, affecting 2.14 million light trucks and SUVs worldwide, according to Automotive News. The recall involves a potentilly faulty ignition relay that could lead to engine problems on Nissan Pathfinder, Armada and Xterra SUVs, Titan and Frontier pickup trucks, and Infiniti QX56 SUVs. The majority of the vehicles affected are Japanese market units,  but the recall does include 738,276 vehicles sold in the United States, and 23,252 sold in Canada.
Read the rest of this article to find out if your's is included by clicking here.

2011 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport – First Drive Review

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Sun-sopped Andalusia, home to Picasso and the flamenco, is a solitary landscape of rolling cordovan-hued hills stitched by vineyards and olive orchards and best explored on the back of a donkey. At 204 mph, Andalusia sprays at you in a brown and green smear. Read the rest of this article here.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Saab 9-3 Clean diesel engines give ageing saloon fresh lease of life

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Launched in 2002, and built on the same platform as the now defunct Vauxhall Vectra, the 9-3 has always struggled to compete with rivals from the German firms. But now, there’s at least one very good reason to reconsider Saab’s ageing boardroom pretender; super-low CO2 emissions.

Three new 1.9-litre diesel engines have been added to the range, each boasting 62.8mpg and 119g/km in saloon form, despite varying power outputs. The Convertible and Sportwagon estate get 
the engines, too, although economy and emissions suffer a bit because of the extra weight. For the saloon, the low CO2 means first year road tax is free. The old 118bhp and 148bhp 1.9-litre diesels are replaced by quicker and cleaner 128bhp and 158bhp twin-turbo versions. But best of all is the 178bhp TTiD4 driven here. 
 
Continue reading this article here.

Chrysler To Tap Federal Money--This Time, for Green Cars

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Chrysler may join Nissan, Ford, Fisker and Tesla in winning a share of federal loans to convert old factories to greener-car production.

Automotive News reports that Chrysler has applied to the Department of Energy for approximately $10 billion in low-interest loans, to be used for retooling plants. The monies were made available as a part of the Bush Administration's 2007 energy plan, which set aside $25 billion in funds to be loaned to companies changing over plants to assembly of lower-emissions and zero-emissions engines and cars.

Read the rest of this article here.

First Chevrolet Volt TV Ad Hits the Web Before World Series Debut

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Chevrolet will debut their first television commercial for their Volt electric car during Game 1 of the World Series on Wednesday. The ad will tout the Volt’s ability to go farther than other electric vehicles by using its gasoline-engine range extender. Read the rest of this article here.
 

Monday, October 25, 2010

Is the Honda Element in a death spiral?

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The 2011 Honda Element returns with fewer options and fewer model lines for the new model year, with no sign of a replacement in sight. Read the rest of this article here.

 
 

Sport Packages Amp Up 2012 Ford Focus

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The 2012 Ford Focus might be one of the most eagerly awaited new small cars in a long while--particularly the 240-hp Focus ST--and Ford is upping the handling anticipation with the announcement of handling packages for the top two Focus trim lines.

The automaker says both the Focus SE and the Titanium models will be offered with a sport package with performance upgrades. On the SE, the Sport Package adds new 16-inch wheels, sport seats,  , a blacked-out grille and a five-speed manual gearbox. Four-door SE models also get a spoiler; those with the dual-clutch

PowerShift transmission will have manual gear selection available through the shift lever, though steering-wheel paddles are still in the offing. The Sport versions will carry a 17-inch wheel option. Read the rest of this article here.

 

Recalled Fords Remain Unfixed, on Roads

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“The vehicles are the remainder of a 14 million-unit recall that covered 1993-2003 F-Series pickups, 1995-2003 Windstars, 1995-2002 Explorers and 1995-2003 Rangers that were built with faulty cruise control units,” writes Autoblog. “The units could leak onto the vehicles' anti-lock brake system and cause a fire even if the vehicle is off.”

The fact that the fire can occur even though the vehicle is off is key. As we reported on the Ford recall, some consumers assumed their cars were fine because their cruise control worked.  But, some cars caught fire while they were parked in their owners’ garages – leading to house fires. 

According to Automotive News, “about 60 percent of the 14 million recalled vehicles -- or 8.4 million – have not been brought in for repair by owners.”  It is common that 30% of recalled vehicles are not fixed. Read the rest of this article here.

New trend in looking sharp: A dull finish

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What's the latest trend for superexpensive cars? Making them look dull.

The matte paint once reserved for cars headed for crash testing is showing up on the highest of high-end models. The new Mercedes-Benz CLS sedan and Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale coupe can be ordered with matte finishes, and the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento supercar concept showed up with matte paint last month at the Paris auto show.

The reason crash-test cars get a matte finish is because there's no need to spend the extra money to add coats of glossy paint to something that's about to be driven into a wall. But that casual look is catching on. Continue reading this article here


Overhaul of Nissan GT-R includes power boost

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The 2012 Nissan GT-R, which arrives in the United States next year, gets its biggest overhaul since the high-performance sports car was relaunched in 2007--with a premium placed on more horsepower and better fuel efficiency.

Nissan Motor Co. boosts engine output to 530 hp, from 485 in the current model. Fuel economy improves to 20 mpg, from 19.5 mpg, under Japanese testing standards.

The redone GT-R, which goes on sale in Japan on Nov. 15, also gets a refreshed interior and exterior. Engineers adjusted the styling to reduce its drag coefficient to 0.26, from 0.27.  Read the rest of this article here.

 

Government to Propose Fuel Standards for Big Trucks

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I guess they wont be happy until we are all riding the light rail.
 

The government is seeking to cut fuel consumption and emissions, depending on the vehicle's size, by 10 to 20 percent and would go into effect on vehicles sold starting in the 2014 model year. Read the article here.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Jeep Upgrades Patriot and Wrangler for 2011

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The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee has created momentum in the showroom, boosting sales by 65 percent in September compared to last year. Product planners hope refreshed Patriot and Wrangler models will make the buzz about Jeep even stronger.

A new Patriot model called the Latitude offers enhanced content over the base grade, giving customers for the compact sport-utility vehicle more bang for the buck. Pricing for the front-wheel Latitude begins under $16,000. Read the rest of this article here.

Chevrolet Camaro T-Top Conversion Headed for SEMA

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Drop Top Customs will bring a Chevrolet Camaro with T-tops to the 2010 SEMA show next month. The conversion can be made to any fifth generation Camaro. Production starts in mid-November of this year. Continue reading this article here.
 

Suzuki is hoping that a sporty design and competitive price will make the Kizashi a surprise hit

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The Kizashi, which in English means “something great is coming,” is the Japanese automaker’s first model in the mid-sized segment, which is dominated in Europe by the Volkswagen Passat, Opel/Vauxhall Insignia and Ford Mondeo. The Kizashi debuts in key markets such as Germany, France, Russia and the UK this month. An all-wheel drive variant with a continuously variable transmission arrives before the end of the year. Continue reading this article here.

Toyota Recalls 740,000 Vehicles for Brake Master Cylinder Seal

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The Problem: The hydraulic brake system houses a seal at the end of the brake master cylinder piston, which moves in conjunction with the driver’s braking efforts. Toyota says its genuine brake fluid possesses a certain quantity of lubrication polymers crucial in keeping the seal in working order. Replacement brake fluid with insufficient amounts of the polymers may not saturate the seal adequately and cause it to deform, eventually leading to fluid leakage, a soft brake pedal, and a warning light. According to Automotive News, 600,000 vehicles in Japan and 190,000 in other markets are affected as well.

2005-2006 Avalon, 2004-2006 Highlander (excluding Hybrid), 2006 Lexus GS 300, 2006 IS 250, 2006 IS 350, 2004-2006 RX 330
 
Continue reading article here.

LEAF production begins in Japan

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Nissan has started production at its Oppama facility for the all-new 100% electric, zero-emission Nissan LEAF, which is planned to go on sale in December in Japan and the United States, and from early 2011, in select markets in Europe. In November, the company will begin exports to the United States, followed by shipments to Europe in December. Read the rest of this article here..