Last Cars Reviews Blog: августа 2009

Are Electric Cars the iPhones of the Automotive Industry?

Автор: RaymondLilly | понедельник, 31 августа 2009 г.

CNet has a controversial article up on its site right now. Electric Cars: iPhones of the Automotive Industry

hybrid cars

Depending on who you talk to, electric cars pack the disruptive force of either Dell PCs or the Apple iPhone.
Regardless of your choice of analogy, the auto industry is facing the kind of technology-based competition it hasn’t seen in years.
And in this game, start-ups claim to have the upper hand on the incumbents.

I tend to believe that new electric car or hybrid car startups will help drive innovation within the automotive industry that is neccesary to change what I consider one of the most influential industries in the world. Automotives,Car Travel, and Oil.

Former Car Craft Cover Car Nova on eBay

Автор: RaymondLilly |

It’s always neat to see cars formerly featured in the print mags hit the auction block on eBay. This particular Nova from a recent Car Craft cover shoot is one tough customer. It’s equipped with a 420ci small block Chevy and has been 8.90s on the spray.

Although the seller said that the car can be street driven if the new owner wants to, the 14.5:1 compression ratio may limit that to short, race-gas-swilling trips. The rest of the tech list on the car reads like a build sheet on a drag car. This puppy is hard core.

The asking price of $39,995 is not pocket change, but for the amount of work that has been placed into all aspects of this car, from the body, to the chassis, to the motor, it’s not out of whack either. If we had a the scratch this thing would be on a truck headed to us already.

This is roughly the third time around for this car on the Bay. Let’s follow along and see if anyone bites this time.

Former Car Craft Cover Car Nova on eBay

If Your Car Could…

Автор: RaymondLilly |

In my years of driving, I’ve found I’m more of a handling kinda guy than a straight line speed kinda guy. What I mean is that I’m far more impressed with a car that’s capable of sticking to the road through hairpin turns, than I am with a car that can merely pin me to the seat. That being said, which would you like your car to be capable of: to run a 7.27 lap at Nurburgring, or a 10.55 at Englishtown’s Raceway Park ?
thing

3 Electric Cars To Revolutionize Driving

Автор: RaymondLilly | воскресенье, 30 августа 2009 г.

Tesla Motors

Tesla Motors opened its first dealership in Santa Monica, Calif., on Friday, attracting a gaggle of reporters. And it will continue to push the electric car revolution forward. Bring peace and a huge electricity bills to all those that can afford fancy looking cars and high electric bills.
electric cars by tesla

Zap Electric Cars

Zap produces a line of scooters,bikes, and electric cars. My personal favorite being the Zap Alias.

Priced out at 32,500 and expected delivery of 2009 this looks like a car to drool over in years to come.

Commuter Cars

This is a car I can actually see many people buying who live in urban markets. Commuter Cars produce a ridiculously amazing little car called the Tango. The revolutionary commuter vehicle that combines the speed and agility of a motorcycle with the security and comfort of a high-performance sports car.
Electric Cars
It’s basic model prices out at around 19,000 with future delivery in 2010 expected. Something pretty unique and affordable.

Chrysler sales drop 18% in April

Автор: RaymondLilly |

Chrysler LLC sales dropped 18% in April which is a 23% difference from this time last year. This is not a good sign for Chrysler who has struggled much in the last few years.

“The overall decrease in April sales, particularly of pickup trucks, demonstrates that the auto industry continues to be under pressure from the national economy,” Vice Chairman and President Jim Press said.

While the national economy plays a huge effect on auto sales, in my opinion Chrysler has been slow to innovate in the last 10 years and this plays a huge role in its decline during the national recession.

Do the Terms ‘Hybrid’ and ‘Fuel Efficient’ Have to Equate Odd/Bad Design?

Автор: RaymondLilly |

hybrid car

…That is the question that many people are asking. While design taste and preferences are truly a matter of preference, and to some design falls second or third to utility or performance, an appealing design will make or break a vehicle.

One modern day, non-hybrid design that exemplifies bad design and a sales flop is the Pontiac Aztec.
pontiacaztek.jpg picture by willfusion
While picking on the Aztek at this time is a little off topic in that it is not a Hybrid it is still a prime example of what happens when design fails function. Although the car has been out of production for years Pontiac is still able to sell new Azteks from their stockpile of “New” cars that never sold. In 2007 they sold 25 Azteks.

The concern today turns toward the hybrid and ultra fuel sippers that are growing in demand as gas prices continue to climb. Europeans have been enduring high gas prices for decades and on a whole adjusted their shopping to what they could afford, smaller cars and diesels, a long time ago. After a solid 15 years of SUV mania in the states it is difficult to break those shopping habits along with the feelings of need for utility and safety associated to SUV’s. And believe me, the American auto industry was more than happy to sell those marked-up SUV’s to a thirsting populace. So much so that during that 15 year span of SUV mania cars nearly slipped off the radar in the design and board rooms. Now that another fuel crisis is upon us and new technologies are advancing the auto industry is having to rethink just what the Car will become. …And that in turn is leading to some interesting, odd and sometimes quirky autos.

Follow the Leap for analysis on 10 designs that represent the Hybrid-Electric-Fuel Efficient market.

All-New 2009 Honda Fit Hits New York

Автор: RaymondLilly |

Honda has officially unveiled the all-new 2009 Honda Fit for the US market that has already been on sale in Japan since the end of last year.

2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Announced As 2009 Green Car Of The Year [La Auto Show]

Автор: RaymondLilly |

For all of you sitting on the edges of your seat waiting for the announcement of the 2009 Green Car of the Year awarded by Green Car Journal at the LA Auto Show, you'll be happy to know it went to the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI. The Jetta TDI is a fuel economy monster registering 50 MPG returns while avoiding environmentally dubious battery packs and high gravity snobbishness. The other contestants (the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, the BMW 335d, Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid, and Smart Fortwo) will now have to hang their headlights in shame. Press release below the jump.

VOLKSWAGEN’s JETTA TDI NAMED 2009 Green Car of the Year®

LOS ANGELES - Nov. 20, 2008 - Volkswagen’s milestone 2009 Jetta TDI has been named Green Car Journal’s 2009 Green Car of the Year®, besting competitors that included a pair of advanced hybrids, a clean diesel sport sedan, and a trendy fuel-efficient microcar. This is the first time that a clean diesel model has been awarded the title Green Car of the Year®. Green Car Journal has been unveiling the Green Car of the Year® winner at the LA Auto Show every year since it initiated the annual award in 2005.

“The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI epitomizes what the Green Car of the Year® honor is all about,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com. “It raises the bar significantly in environmental performance with its EPA estimated 41 mpg highway fuel economy, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and extremely low tailpipe emissions. This is all the more impressive when you consider the Jetta TDI is a clean diesel, achieving the kind of fuel efficiency offered by gasoline-electric hybrids but in a more affordable way.”

Volkswagen’s Jetta TDI features a 2.0-liter, turbocharged direct injection engine featuring the latest in diesel injection and emissions technology that allows it to meet strict emissions standards in all 50 states. Although its mission is to provide buyers a comfortable and fuel efficient five-passenger family sedan at an affordable $21,990, there’s a bit of performance in the bargain because of this clean diesel engine’s abundant low-end torque and the Jetta’s well-tuned suspension. This Volkswagen’s new-generation diesel powerplant is also exceptionally quiet for a diesel, reflecting just how far advanced diesel technology has come in recent years.

A jury of environmental and automotive experts selected the 2009 Jetta TDI from the field of five finalists that also included the BMW 335d, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid, and smart fortwo. This jury is comprised of nine jurors including Carl Pope, executive director of the Sierra Club; Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council; Jean-Michel Cousteau, president of Ocean Futures Society; automotive expert and Tonight Show host Jay Leno; automotive icon Carroll Shelby; and four Green Car Journal editors.

All-New 2009 Infiniti FX Bows in Geneva!

Автор: RaymondLilly |

Last week a single teaser shot of the all-new 2009 Infiniti FX leaked onto the web. Today Infiniti officially unveiled the all-new FX in Geneva.

Pothole Season: How Do They Happen?

Автор: RaymondLilly | пятница, 28 августа 2009 г.

Pothole

Have you ever wondered how potholes appear? You take the same route home every day, hundreds of days in a row, and then one day, all of a sudden … BAM! Your car hits a hole the size of a pet cemetery plot.

The Chicago Tribune wrote all about the potential explosion of potholes when temperatures change suddenly. The newspaper even hit up the experts, who say that, here in Chicago, we’re in for some bad roads this spring thanks to February’s long stretch of frigid weather, followed by a sudden warm-up.

"Whenever you get freeze-thaw cycles, you can almost hear the pavement cracking," said David Schulz, director of the Infrastructure Technology Institute at Northwestern University.

How does a pothole actually happen? According to the Tribune and the experts it spoke with, “it's basic physics. Water collects under roadways, freezes and expands, weakening the pavement above. After the water dissipates, a void is left, and the roadway collapses under traffic.”

[Pothole Crews Say Freeze-Thaw Cycle Just Warming Up, Chicago Tribune]

How to Give the Ultimate Car Wash

Автор: RaymondLilly |

Do you feel like your car has been neglected, and could use a little work when it comes to cleaning? If so, you want to give your car the ultimate car wash. By taking care of the exterior you’re making your car look newer longer, and are protecting it from rusting, and the typical wear and tear. If you’re looking to give your car a car wash, consider a few of these tips when doing so!

Scrub - First of all, you’re going to want to scrub off all the grime on your car. Try to get bugs, bird poop, sap, etc off your car beforehand. Get some spray that will take all of these nasty things off.

Rinse – Now, you’re going to want to rinse your car. This is just a simple power wash to help get your car wet and to remove some of the grime that was on your car.

Wash – Next, you want to wash your car. Get a nice foamy sponge, and some soap and really wipe down your car. Keep spraying so it doesn’t dry on your vehicle. Make sure you rub every spot on your car.

Rinse – Now you can rinse your car of all the soap. Make sure you don’t have any left on or it will harden on you vehicle. Soak your car, and be sure to open your doors and get along the bottom. That part tends to rust easily. So, if you take care of it you’ll see less of that.

Wipe – Once you’re done rinsing, let it air dry and drip for a few minutes. Now, get a rag and wipe it dry to avoid any water spots.

Wax – After your car is completely dry, you will want to wax it. Wax is the best thing for your car’s exterior. Not only does it make it shiny and smooth, but it protects the exterior from every day wear, sun, and rust.

Touch up – Once you’re done waxing, you will want to touch up any spots you can. Whether you fix the little paint chips, or you wipe your windows clean, you will want to make sure you fix the last touches to complete your final touch.

GTbyCITROËN Concept Sounds Meaner than Possible

Your Video About Saving Gas Could Win $5,000

Автор: RaymondLilly | четверг, 27 августа 2009 г.

The ultimate gas-saving strategy

A group called the Alliance to Save Energy has paired up with NASCAR and the Indy Racing League to sponsor a clever contest. They invite anyone to submit a two-minute video that illustrates one or more of the Drive Smarter Challenge campaign’s gas- and money-saving tips. They’ve got dozens of these, ranging from turning off the air conditioning to curbing your road rage.

Gas prices are creeping up again. But you know lots of reasons to save energy. If you need some prodding, here is a list of six. Now get smart and create a clever video about how to do it.

The first 80 people who submit valid entries (mention that you saw this story on CarGurus) will receive a $25 ExxonMobil Gift Card and a Car Care Council Car Care Guide. Entrants will also be eligible for some really cool prizes. Contest judges will select the finalists, and the public will vote for the winners.

Grand Prize: $5,000
Second Prize: Choose between one VIP NASCAR Race Package (two tickets and two garage/pit passes to a NASCAR race event) OR one VIP Indy Racing League Package (two tickets and two garage/pit lane passes to an Indy race event, plus a ride in a specially modified Indy car driven by a pro driver)
Third Prize: Whichever second-prize package hasn’t been chosen
Fourth Prize: A set of 4 Michelin Energy Saver All Season Tires (or comparable tires for the winner’s vehicle), a one-year AAA membership, and two Silver Spoke League of American Bicyclists memberships.

Send a copy of your video submission to blogideas@cargurus.com so we can feature the best contest entries!

—jgoods

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Honda FC Sport: Hydrogen Sports Car Concept Of The Future [LA Auto Show]

Автор: RaymondLilly |

Honda surprised the motoring world today with the release of the radical and futuristic Honda FC Sport, a three-seat Hydrogen-powered design study that hints at the future of Honda sports cars to come. Using the Honda V Flow fuel cell setup already found in the Honda FCX Clarity, the FC Sport is the supercar to the FCX's stately sedan. The stunning design is meant to invoke the concept of a high-performance, low-weight hydrogen sports car. Press release and more details below the jump.

Honda FC Sport Design Study Suggests Hydrogen Sports Car Future

Innovative fuel cell packaging demonstrates green performance potential

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 19, 2008 – Honda today revealed the Honda FC Sport design study model, a hydrogen-powered, three-seat sports car concept, at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.
The FC Sport emphasizes the design flexibility and potential of Honda’s V Flow fuel cell technology – already deployed in the Honda FCX Clarity sedan – and reconfigures it into a lightweight sports car design with an ultra-low center of gravity, powerful electric motor performance and zero-emissions. The design study concept is inspired by supercar levels of performance through low weight and a high-performance, electrically driven fuel cell powertrain.
“The Honda FC Sport explores how to satisfy automotive performance enthusiasts in a world beyond petroleum,” said Dan Bonawitz, vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “People who love sports cars will still have a reason to love in a hydrogen-powered future.”
The high-output Honda fuel cell powertrain and a sleek, aerodynamic body contribute to the vehicle’s performance potential. A modular approach to fuel cell component packaging and the electric drivetrain contribute to the FC Sport’s low center of gravity with the majority of vehicle mass distributed between the axles, creating the balanced weight distribution sought after in sports cars.

Geneva 2008 Preview: Mitsubishi Prototype S Photos Leaked!

Автор: RaymondLilly |

Mitsubishi is going to unveil the Lancer Prototype S at the Geneva Auto Show next month. The concept is supposed to hint at the actual production Lancer Sportback that will eventually be released later this year.

Toyota's Next Hybrid Concept

Автор: RaymondLilly | среда, 26 августа 2009 г.

We’re not sure how many of the vehicles that will be shown at the Geneva Motor Show next month will make it to the U.S., but Toyota’s Hybrid X — teased in the photo above — could be the car that replaces the Prius worldwide. We don’t know much about it other than it’s “a concept car that proposes a new design language for hybrid models while also acting as a technology showcase for future hybrid cars.” Yeah, that says a lot. We’ll learn more in March.

Pontiac's New Experimental Logo

Автор: RaymondLilly |

We’ve gone a few days without talking about the Pontiac G8, so it should be safe to bring it up again, right? OK, we promise not to talk about the G8 itself, but instead the new Pontiac emblem GM unveiled on the show car. The silver emblem was created to replace the conventional red Pontiac logo we’ve grown accustomed over the past 40 years or so. Obviously, a car company doesn’t mess with that much tradition without some market research, and the Chicago Auto Show is ripe with consumers. We like the new look, and it sure will be easier to swallow on certain exterior colors. What do you think? Is it time for a change? Should GM keep it the way it is? Is this more interesting than the Ford Taurus naming announcement?

Porsche Cayenne: Test drive for the Transsyberia drivers

Автор: RaymondLilly |

Porsche has provided a chance to test drive the Porsche Cayenne for the drivers who participate at the Transsyberia rallye.Porsche has produced a small production run of 26 Cayenne S Transsyberias at its Leipzig plant, two months ahead of the long-distance rally in which they’ll compete. Scheduled to start the journey on August the 2nd, the drivers were given the chance to get acquainted with

Cars.com Reviews the 2007 Mazda CX-9

Автор: RaymondLilly | вторник, 25 августа 2009 г.

Cx9

Mike Hanley got an early look at the all-new Mazda CX-9 crossover recently in Detroit. His review lays out an impressive case for the fun-to-drive seven-seater. The CX-9 joins a quickly improving Mazda lineup that already includes the obviously smaller crossover, the CX-7. The CX-9 has a lot of competition in the rapidly expanding crossover segment, like the Saturn Outlook, so this review comes just in time for shoppers testing out these models just now arriving on dealer lots.

Click here to read the full review.

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