DriversDrive.com

Shelby American Brings Back the Shelby GT350

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST

Shelby American is returning the legendary Shelby GT350 to its lineup of American performance cars. The Shelby team unveiled a supercharged concept version of the Mustang-based 2011 Shelby GT350 at the Barrett-Jackson Auction Opening Night Gala to honor the 45th anniversary of the first GT350 and first Shelby big block Cobra. Each GT350 will be clad in traditional white with Shelby Guardsman blue Le Mans stripes and feature the new Ford V8 coupled to a 6 speed manual transmission and center exit exhaust.

"The 2011 GT350 balances heritage with modern necessity," said Shelby American president Amy Boylan. "Former Hot Wheels and Ford designer Larry Wood joined Vince LaViolette, Walter Cardenas, Andrew Smidt and the rest of our Las Vegas team to help integrate 1965-1970 Shelby styling cues with modern aerodynamics. We worked with Ford Racing to supercharge the engine with a goal of 500 horsepower, as well as to sharpen the handling. Baer Brakes helped engineer the fantastic brakes and we shod the GT350 with 19" modern Cragar wheels and super sticky Goodyear tires. This Shelby is truly a complete performance package."

You can find more details and see a photo gallery here.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Speeding Swiss Motorist Fined $290,000

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST

Reuters reports that a speeding Swiss motorist was fined 299,000 Swiss francs for speeding at 100 miles per hour in his Ferrari Testarossa.

A court in the northeastern Swiss canton of St Gallen gave the millionaire the hefty penalty, which outstripped the previous record of 111,000 francs handed a Porsche driver in 2008 in Zurich, after a string of previous traffic offences.

"The accused ignored elementary traffic rules with a powerful vehicle out of a pure desire for speed," the court said in its judgment of the motorist, who clocked speeds of up to 137 km per hour on country roads, said daily Blick.

The St Gallen Cantonal Court ordered the man to dip into his 23.3 million franc fortune, which included a villa with a garage containing five luxury cars.

It goes without saying that that is a very expensive and exorbitant ticket. 100 km per hour is only a little over 62 miles per hour. It does not even seem excessive.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Porsche Sees Economy Picking Up Despite Recent Losses

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST

The Wall Street Journal reports that revenues for Porsche plunged over 30% in the luxury automaker's first quarter. As awful as that sounds Porsche is actually optimistic for 2010.

Porsche said car sales slumped 40% from a year earlier to 11,385 vehicles in the three months ended Oct. 31, reflecting the woes embroiling the luxury-car market.

"A look at the four-month figures suggests that the economy is gradually bottoming out and recovery is in sight," Porsche said, referring to a 25% decline to 18,764 cars in the August-through to November period. Porsche said it expects car sales "to pick up over the year 2010," driven by the new Panamera model.

Porsche may be correct about the trends and luxury automobile sales should begin to climb slowly over the next couple years. However, the merger with Volkswagen could make for a complex and confusing time period for the company.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

AIDA: Mounted Robot Head Helps You Navigate

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:50:00 EST

The Affective Intelligent Driving Agent (AIDA) is a robot head that mounts on your dashboard and attempts to help you with navigation. AIDA is a collaboration between Volkswagen of America and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (SENSEable City Lab and Personal Robots Group of Media Lab). Crave writes that AIDA "incorporates an expressive 'face' that can smile, look sad, show warning signs, and even wink at you." That sounds like it could be a little distracting to have a cute face looking at you while you drive but AIDA's purpose is to help you. Warning signs appear right on the robot's head as you can see in the image on the right. AIDA's intelligence also learns about your driving habits and builds knowledge about them over time. Take a look:

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Bugatti Veyron Ends Up In Salt Marsh

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:50:00 EST

A driver reportedly drove his $1.7 million Bugatti Veyron sports car into a salt marsh because he was distracted by a low-flying pelican. You can see the car crash in the video below. Another video here shows the car being dragged out from the salt marsh. The Christian Science Monitor has a story about the crash here.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

BMW Drives Over Cars in Parking Lot

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:15:00 EST

Wow. A driver of a BMW wagon inexplicably drives over two other cars in the parking lot. This was a parking lot outside of a fitness facility. Take a look:

(via Boing Boing)

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Dartz Prombron Monaco Red Diamond Edition

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:15:00 EST

The Dartz Prombron Monaco Red Diamond Edition is the ultimate in over-the-top SUVs. Dvice says the $1.6 million vehicle comes with gold-plated bulletproof windows, an exhaust made with tungsten and diamond encrusted gaugges. The RussoBaltique vehicle also has those whale penis leather seats you always wanted but were afraid to request at the dealership.

(via Sydney Morning Herald)

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Japanese Company Starts Selling Solar Powered Carports

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST

Crunchgear reports that a Japanese company named Sankyo Tateyama Aluminium has started selling solar powered carports. The company claims its M.Shade carports can generate enough electricity to cut a household's electricity bill in half.

The so-called M.Shade carports can accommodate two cars maximum and come with extra-strong pillars that support the weight of the solar panels on top of them. Home owners get total of twelve solar panels (5.6*5.4m) that provide 2,235kW per year. Sankyo says this is enough to cover about 50% of what a typical household needs on a yearly basis.

That sounds great until you learn that the solar-powered carports cost $40,000. When the price comes down this idea will become more commonplace. New apartment complexes could include them as a way to help tenants save money on their electricity bills.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Japan's New Green Car Ideas

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 21:00:00 EST

Japan's top two manufacturers, Honda and Toyota, unveiled new green cars at the Toyota auto show. The vehicles focus on low emission technologies. Take a look:

Posted in Green

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

BMW's Mini Kicks Off Motor-tober Campaign

Fri, 2 Oct 2009 21:00:00 EST

BMW's MINI brand appears to have the Halloween spirit with its orange ad but the campaign actually advises against pumpking carving. BMW is kicking off its third annual Motor-tober campaign. Through November 2nd, MINI will offer 1.9% financing for up to 60 months on the purchase of any new 2009 MINI vehicle. Lease rates as low as $259 per month will also be available on select 2009 inventory.

"MINI wants to celebrate the ramp-up to the winter holiday season, which is usually a stressful time, and make it a time to thoroughly enjoy motoring," said Jim McDowell, Vice President, MINI USA. "Nothing says exhilaration like getting behind the wheel of a MINI, and our Motor-Tober celebration encourages customers to do just that."

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

MyKey: Ford's Parent-Controlled Car Key

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST

Parental controls are the next wave of technology that will make parents happy and keep teens safer. Ford safety director Andrew Sarkisian helped create MyKey. He explains the technology to the CBS Early Show in this video clip. Sarkisian says it works similar to the V-chip on the television. It can allow a maximum top speed and keep the radio from turning on until kids have buckled up. Sarkisian says MyKey is standard on the Ford 2010 Taurus and it will be standard on the next Ford Focus. Take a look:

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

The Leaf: Nissan's Electric Car Coming in 2010

Thu, 3 Sep 2009 21:00:00 EST

The Leaf is an electric car from Nissan that is expected to be available beginning in 2010. Here are some details about the Leaf.

The Leaf is powered by a 24kWh/90 kW lithium ion battery
The Leaf will have a range of 100 miles per charge under average, everyday driving conditions.
The battery pack is mounted undernear the Leaf's seats and floor. Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20090801/carnews/908019995#ixzz0SzbfhkSN
The battery will charge in 4-8 hours on a 220V home charging unit.
Nissan says the Leaf handles and accelerates like a V6 car and has a top speed of up to 90mph.
Expected to cost around $30,000

Nissan says the Leaf will be on the road in some states in 2010 and mass-production will begin in 2012. You can find more about the Nissan Leaf here, here, here, here, here, here and here. The official website is here.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Common: An Open Source Car

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EST

It's okay for software to be open source so why not vehicles too? It might be okay providing the project is not lax on safety standards and the vehicle works. The Common open source vehicle projcet is underway in the Netherlands and you yourself can even get involved here.

(via Dvice)

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Durham Residents Threaten Speeders With Paintbal Guns

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST

WRAL reports that a group of Durham residents are so angry about people speeding through they neighborhood they have posted signs warning that speeders will be blasted with paintball guns.

The group, Angry Neighbors With Paintball Guns, posted signs at strategic locations throughout the city, warning motorists to slow down or risk being shot at with a paintball gun.

The group does not say if the signs are meant to serve only as an attention-grabber or if it plans to shoot paintballs at vehicles.

Kammie Michael, a Durham police spokeswoman, said it is a crime to shoot a paintball at a vehicle. However, the Durham police have increased patrols in the problem areas which should prevent some of the speeding.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

BMW Pulls Out of Formula 1

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST

The New York Times reports that BMW has pulled out of Formula One raising. BMW's chairman Norbert Reithofer said a press conference that the decision was a difficult one.

"Of course, this was a difficult decision for us," said Norbert Reithofer, BMW's chairman, at a press conference at BMW headquarters in Munich.

"But it's a resolute step in view of our company's strategic realignment," he said. "Premium will increasingly be defined in terms of sustainability and environmental compatibility. This is an area in which we want to remain in the lead. Our Formula One campaign is thus less a key promoter for us."

BMW has had a factory team, BMW Sauber, since 2006.

Last year was an encouraging season for the team. Robert Kubica gave the team its first Formula One win at the Canadian Grand Prix, and BMW Sauber scored 11 podium finishes, ending the season third in the constructors' title, behind Ferrari and McLaren-Mercedes.

Things have been quite the opposite this year. The team had failed to cope with rules changes. After 10 races, the team had only one podium, a second-place finish in a rain-shortened race in Malaysia, and has scored only eight points. Kubica was 15th out 20 drivers in the championship; his teammate, Nick Heidfeld, was 13th.

Driver Nick Heidfeld wrote on his website that BMW's move was "totally unexpected." You can see part of the BMW press conference in the video clip below.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Francois Knorreck Builds a Snaefell

Sun, 5 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST

Francois Knorreck spent over 10,000 hours of his time and about 15,000 Euros to create the impressive Snaefell, a motorcycle/sports car hybrid.

The vehicle is very neat and the finishing is astounding. The general design is quite beautiful, which is quite rare throughout the sidecar production. While this is a very special vehicle, the Laverda touch is obvious. This is not only the triple engine which does that but probably a smart and hard work on the global design. The rear part recalls the RGS side panels. The glorious triple 1000cc seems magnified in this red dress...

You certainly would not think this car was made in someone's garage.

(via OhGizmo, Autoblog)

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

ETA Names Jaguar XJ Britain's Greenest Luxury Car

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:00:00 EST

JustLuxe reports that the ETA has named the Jaguar XJ Britain's greenest car. The Jaguar XJ 2.7 Diesel, which gets 53.5 mpg, has been named the greenest car for three straight years.

"In our tests the XJ consistently outperforms its rivals in the luxury car class," said Andrew Davis, director of ETA. The Jaguar XJ displayed its fuel-economy credentials demonstratively by achieving more than 1,000 miles on a single tank of fuel, which averages out to 53.5 mpg.

"I am delighted we have won this award for the third year running," said Geoff Cousins, managing director of Jaguar UK. "We fully recognize our responsibility to the environment and are committed to playing our role in developing technology solutions for our cars to address climate change -- this award shows we are heading in the right direction."

The new Jaguar XJ will be unveiled July 9th. Jaguar has set up a teaser website about the vehicle here.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Bentley's Grand Bentley Teaser

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:03:00 EST

Bentley has a new car coming out this summer called the Grand Bentley. They have released this very short teaser clip about the new car. There is also a website at newgrandbentley.com. The words in the video describe a place (Bentley) where products are created with quality in a world that is spinning faster and faster and most things are copies of copies. Take a look:

(via Carscoop)

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Ramping Up Fuel Efficiency Could Reduce Car Safety

Thu, 28 May 2009 18:00:00 EST

With new auto regulations coming smaller, more fuel-efficient cars are likely to become the norm. The Wall Street Journal says other ideas to make vehicles more fuel-efficient include gas engines that shut down when idyling, lighter more aerodynamic vehicles and tires that have less-friction with the road. The downside to this is safety may take a hit. Lighter vehicles may have weaker cages offering less protection to the people inside. Take a look:

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Green Race Car Powered By Chocolate, Made With Veggies

Tue, 19 May 2009 18:00:00 EST

Inhabitat reports that the WorldF3rst racing car made by the Warwick Innovative Manufacturing Research Centre is made with vegetables and powered by chocolate. The car was made from sustainable and renewable materials. Carrots were incorporated into the steering wheel and potatoes into the windows. Soybean oil was also used in the seats. The car is powered by a biofuel made from waste products from chocolate factories.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Automotive Webby Awards 2009

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 21:00:00 EST

Here are the Webby automotive awards. The nominees are basically interactive auto ad websites. The Porsche site that lets you draw a road is probably the best of the five.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

BMW Snug Concept Has Unique Seating Arrangement

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST

The concept vehicle by Hungarian designer David Raffai is called the BMW Sngu. Dvice says Raffai considers the vehicle a "social space with wheels." The concept car would have changeable side graphics and use green technologies including hydrogen fuel cells. The vehicle has a unique seating arrangement in the back, which is meant to allow more room and comfort for passengers.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Traffic Exposure Linked to Heart Attacks

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:00:00 EST

People who have had a heart attack are likely to report having been in traffic shortly before their symptoms began, researchers reported at the American Heart Association's 49th Annual Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention.

Driving a car was the most common source of traffic exposure, but taking public transportation or riding a bicycle were other forms of exposure to traffic. Overall, time spent in any mode of transportation in traffic was associated with a 3.2 times higher risk than time spent away from this trigger. Females, elderly males, patients who were unemployed, and those with a history of angina were affected the most by traffic.

"Driving or riding in heavy traffic poses an additional risk of eliciting a heart attack in persons already at elevated risk," said Annette Peters, Ph.D., lead author of the study and head of the research unit at the Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum Muchen, Germany.

While this study wasn't structured to pinpoint the reasons that being in traffic may have increased the risk of heart attack, "one potential factor could be the exhaust and air pollution coming from other cars," Peters said. "But we can't exclude the synergy between stress and air pollution that could tip the balance."

Pollution could play a role but stress can lead to a heart attack for those already at risk so it seems logical that stress from urban traffic could be a trigger.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Video: Woman Struggles to Park Car

Sat, 28 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST

A woman struggles to park her car in a parking lot. Eventually a frustrated driver of another vehicle helps her park it. Maybe she was just having a really bad day.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Luxury UK Carmaker Bentley Cuts More Jobs

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST

Luxury UK car manufacturer Bentley Motors Ltd. has cut another 220 jobs and reduced salaries by 10%. The International Herald Tribune reports that these cuts come in addition to 230 jobs the company shed in December.

The top-end car manufacturer already shed 230 jobs in December. Last month the company, a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, said it would stop production at its plant in the central English city of Cheshire for seven weeks beginning in March to deal with the collapse in the auto market.

Car sales have crashed as Britain has fallen deeper into recession, and the future of the country's auto sector is in doubt. Many companies, such as Jaguar Land Rover, have asked for government help to survive. Suppliers have also suffered - British car parts maker Wagon PLC filed for a form of bankruptcy in December.

Luxist, Sky News and The Guardian have more on Bentley's latest round of cuts.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

The Sashimi Tabernacle Choir Vehicle

Sat, 21 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST

This Volvo has been adorned with singing fish and a mechanical lobster. Wow. What a crazy thing to do to your car. There are about 250 fish and lobsters on the car. (via Buzzfeed)

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Gracenote and Voxonic Demonstrate CarsStars at CES

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 14:00:00 EST

For those who would be happy with their favorite musicians acting as their personal DJ this technology called CarStars is for you. Designed to create a user interface tailored to a driver's specific tastes, CarStars provides an in-car entertainment experience using celebrity images and voices. For instance, coupe drivers can go hip hop with American King/Capital Records recording artist Mims calling out the tunes, while an SUV owner might opt for an R&B theme with Nick Ashford. CNET has some photographs of CarStars here. In the demonstration in the video below, hip-hop star Mims is making the music suggestions.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Nissan Recalls Over 240,00 Trucks

Wed, 7 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST

The AP reports that Nissan is recalling over 240,000 trucks because of a flaw that could front air bags from deploying in a crash. The recalls are in twenty cold weather states where salt used on roads coult rust a crash zone sensor.

The government said in a posting on its Web site Wednesday that the recall affects the Frontier, Pathfinder and Xterra for the 2005-2009 model years. In states where winter time road salt is used, a mix of snow and salt could enter a crash zone sensor area and rust, interrupting the signal and potentially preventing the front air bags from deploying in a crash.

The recall report from the can be found here (PDF file) (via TruckTrend.com)

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Towns Turn to Molasses and Garlic Salt During Salt Shortage

Sat, 3 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST

A national salt shortage has U.S. towns and cities turning to alternatives that include molasses, garlic salt and a product that smells like soy sauce reports the Wall Street Journal.

Soaring rock-salt prices are prompting communities across the U.S. to try novel alternatives for clearing snow and ice, including molasses, garlic salt and a rum-production byproduct that smells like soy sauce.

Rock-salt prices normally surge in January and February, when communities running low on salt resort to buying the de-icing compound on the open market. But after last year's fierce winter taxed supplies, state and local government officials ordered tens of thousands of tons more salt ahead of this season. The high demand pushed salt prices to $60 to $120 per ton in many places, from last year's range of $30 to $50 a ton.

The molasses mix being used according to the WSJ is a mix of molasses, calcium chloride and brine. It's said to be a gooey mixture (as you might expect) but those using it claim it works.

Paul Simonsen, a maintenance superintendent for the Washington state department of transportation, has been mixing de-sugared molasses into saltwater, creating a gooey mixture that can keep roadways clear for three or four wintry days, he said.

The mix consists of molasses from a local supplier, calcium chloride and brine donated by a local dairy company. Mr. Simonsen had been experimenting with the right proportions and ingredients for several years, blending them in a 1,000-gallon vat and dispersing the liquid with the same salt trucks. He first used it last year on a busy mountain pass in southwest Washington.

As long as the chemicals being used can lower the freezing point of the snow and ice and help drivers gain traction than it should be effective - or at least better than it would be if you did nothing at all.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Gas Prices Hit Five-Year Low

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 18:00:00 EST

CNN reports that gas prices have hit a five-year low after falling for seven straight days. The AAA has the nation's average gas price at $1.630 a gallon. A year ago gas prices were just over the $3 mark and earlier this summer they hit a peak of $4.114 a gallon. The $1.630 average is the lowest we have seen gas prices since February 18, 2004 when they were $1.63.

Today, the AAA has gas prices down again to $1.627 which is even lower than the Feb. 18, 2004 number. You can find the AAA's Fuel Gauge Report here.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Chrysler Halts Manufacturing For One Month

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

Chrysler says it will close all 30 of its manufacturing plants for a month starting Friday. Chrysler says the decrease in demand requires a slowdown in production. Crysler also says tight credit markets are keepign buyers away from its showroom.s

In a statement Wednesday, Chrysler said tighter credit markets are keeping would-be buyers away from its showrooms. The company said its dealers are unable to close sales for buyers due to a lack of financing, and estimate that 20 to 25 percent of their volume has been lost due to the credit situation. Sales in November slid 47.1 percent.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Road Salt Shortage Could Mean Slicker Roads

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:00:00 EST

Kate Couric reports for CBS that there is a road salt shortage. The reasons are that Hurricanes Ike and Gustav delayed barges from making salt deliveries. Last Winter's higher snowfalls also depleted salt stockpiles. With this year's Winter already starting out as a colder winter the road salt shortage could escalate. Shortages are already impacting some roads around the nation - see here, here and here.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Big Three Want $34 Million

Fri, 5 Dec 2008 18:00:00 EST

The CEOs of the big three automotive companies were in D.C. to make the case for an auto industry bailout. A new jobless report showing over 500,000 layoffs in November alone have given backers of the an automotive bailout extra amunition. There is concern that the Big Three won't make it even with the loan. The auto execs are warning that the fallout from not loaning the auto firms money could mean millions more jobs will be lost.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

James Bond Lotus Esprit Coupe Auctioned

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 21:00:00 EST

The James Bond Lotus Esprit Coupe from The Spy Who Love Me was auctioned off on Monday at the Bonham's auction room in London. The 1976 vehicle sold for 165,936 dollars reports Sky News by an anonymous buyer.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Terrafugia Transition to be Sold in 2009

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 18:00:00 EST

The Terrafugia Transition is a flying car from Terrafugia, Inc.. Dvice reports that the Terrafugia Transition will be available in 2009 for $194,000. The company also says the car will be out in 2009 in the FAQ. The video below shows the Terrafugia Transition landing and converting itself into a regular car. OhGizmo says it's not really a flying car - it's just a drivable plane. Popsci.com has a longer story on the Terrafugia.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Lamborghini Gallardo Coupe With Custom Artwork Sold for $289K on eBay

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:40:00 EST

The Lamborghini Gallardo Coupe above was just sold on eBay for the Buy it Now price of $289,950.00. You can see the listing on eBay here. The Lamborghini has 1,000 hours worth of artwork on its exterior.

This is a 'ONE OF A KIND ' Gallardo Coupe: The car has been featured on MTV 'My sweet 16 with 'Timbaland'. This car is the most Famous Gallardo ever made for the U.S. market. It took over 1000 hours of art work done by hand to complete this incredible masterpiece. This car is still on M.S.O. so you would be the first owner if you win the auction.

Via Geekologie who calls it the Sharpie Lamborghini.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

GM Losing $2 Billion a Month

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:00:00 EST

General Motors is losing $2 billion a month and is on the brink of bankruptcy says CBS in the clip below. Speaker Pelosi is said to be pushing for an aid package for U.S. auto makers GM, Ford and Chrysler. GM's sales fell 45% in October. If one of the big three fails it is estimated that over 2 million jobs could be lost. There's also an article here about what could happen if GM fails.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Custom Ferrari Station Wagon

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:40:00 EST

Above is a sleek station wagon from Ferrari called the Ferrari 456 Venice Station Wagon.

Yes, Ferrari created a custom, one-of-a-kind station wagon for the insanely rich family, putting a station wagon body on a Ferrari engine. It looks like some sort of cruel hybrid created in a lab, with the front end looking like a sports car and the back looking like a Subaru.

You have to admit that for a station wagon it is pretty good looking. But that doesn't mean it was a good idea for this to be made. At least it is a limited-edition custom vehicle from Ferrari and not something we will see a lot of. (via Dvice via DoobyBrain)

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Titanium Fighter Motorcycle in Neiman Marcus Christmas Book

Tue, 7 Oct 2008 17:40:00 EST

This limited-edition Fighter Motorcycle was featured in the 2008 Christmas Book from Neiman Marcus. The motorcylce from Confederate Motor Company packs 190 mph of performance into its cutting-edge carbon fiber, titanium, and aluminum chassis. Features include the 62" wheelbase, 27"H seat, integrated braking system and other high-tech bells and whistles. The bike retails for $110,000. Neiman's holiday book also includes an NM limited-edition 2009 BMW Individual 7 Series sedan.

ShoppingBlog.com has more on some of the unusual goodies inside this year's Neiman Marcus Christmas Book.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

New Meters End Free Parking

Mon, 6 Oct 2008 21:00:00 EST

The AP reports that Forth Worth, Texas has implemented new parking meters that contain censors. The censors reset the meter each time a car leaves. Some in favor of the new meters believe the new meters will free up more parking spaces. Others think it is just a way for the city to make more revenue.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Auto Sales Plunged in September

Thu, 2 Oct 2008 18:00:00 EST

Consumers are turning away from buying new cars as the nation's credit crisis deepends. Reuters reports a 26% drop in industry-wide auto sales

Major automakers reported plunging U.S. sales for September -- led by a 34 percent slide at Ford Motor Co -- as an escalating credit crisis hit the slumping industry and raised new doubts about when the world's largest auto market would stabilize.

The 26-percent drop in industry-wide auto sales was sharper than expected and coincided with a crisis on Wall Street that automakers said rocked consumer confidence and made it harder for remaining shoppers to finance vehicles.

Sales were down 24 percent at Honda Motor Co, 32 percent at Toyota Motor Corp and 37 percent at Nissan Motor Co. Chrysler LLC sales were down 33 percent.

GM beat out its rivals by having sales fall 16%. October isn't likely to be any better for automakers as the economy seems to be getting worse before it gets better. An AP story about the auto sales cites economists who say a bottom has not yet been reached. BloggingStocks reports that Ford Motor CEO Alan Mulally has warned of stagnant sales through 2009.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

2010 Chevy Orlando Has Interesting Blue Lights

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:00:00 EST

This is the 2010 Chevy Orlando which is a prototype vehicle that will be displayed at the Paris Motor Show next week. Gizmodo says that blue lights give the Orlando a Tron-like feel.

It's pretty similar to the 2010 Chevy Cruze, but as you can see, it's got some pretty dramatic blue lighting on its exterior. I'm not quite sure if its completely ridiculous or totally awesome; it probably falls somewhere between the two. I mean, Tron lights are awesome, but Tron lights on a glorified minivan?

The blue lights are cool but are they real or is it just a trick of the lighting. There are many more pics here on Jalopnik.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

GM's Chevrolet Volt

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:00:00 EST

Above is an image of the upcoming Chevrolet Volt from General Motors. It's an impressive vehicle and for an electric car you have to love the name choice of Volt. Dvice has some more pictures and Jalopnik has yet more pictures and specs. The car will be out in 2010. You can find the website for the Chevrolet Volt here. You can see a spec sheet on the Volt here.

General Motors launched its next 100 years today by unveiling the much-anticipated production version of the Chevrolet Volt - a vehicle that delivers up to 40 miles of gasoline- and emissions-free electric driving, with the extended-range capability of hundreds of additional miles.

"Revealing the production version of the Chevy Volt is a great way to open our second century," said Rick Wagoner, GM Chairman and CEO. "The Volt is symbolic of GM's strong commitment to the future ... just the kind of technology innovation that our industry needs to respond to today's and tomorrow's energy and environmental challenges."

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Club Monaco and Smart USA Colaborate on Designed Smart Fortwos

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST

The above smart fortwo was a collaboration between Club Monaco, a global fashion brand, and smart USA. It was part of a caravan at New York Fashion Week of chic Club Monaco designed smart fortwos and fall fashion. The Club Monaco smart fortwos, ten in total, featured images from the newly launched Fall 2008 Club Monaco Campaign as well as the brand's iconic black and white crest.

"It's a natural partnership for us and one we feel aligns with Club Monaco's core values - design, style, and function," says John Mehas, President and CEO of Club Monaco. "Both Club Monaco and the smart fortwo are urban and sophisticated, and are geared toward meeting the needs of the modern consumer - one who has a versatile and demanding lifestyle, and is looking for affordable luxury."

You can get a look at the Club Monaco Fortwo designs here, here, here and here.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Adrienne Janic to Host Hot Import Nights

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 18:00:00 EST

Adrienne Janic (AJ) will host "Hot Import Nights" on Speed, a cable television network dedicated to motor sports, beginning in November. The show takes viewers inside the Hot Import Nights touring event and combines elements from the worlds of cars, music and style.

"Going into 2008, we told our viewers it would be the most ambitious year ever when it came to developing a wide variety of new weekly automotive and motorcycle lifestyle shows on Speed," said Steve Craddock, Speed SVP of Programming. "Hot Import Nights continues to honor that pledge with a nod to the youth movement and tuner culture that continues to gather strength across the country."

The final episode will be shot in Las Vegas at a special event scheduled for Nov. 4-7 at the SEMA Show, the world's premier automotive specialty products trade show.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

New Porsche 911 Site Features Online Road Course

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST

Porsche has developed a new micro-site that attempts to simulate a driving experience online. The new 911 website begins with a product tour, during which the user interacts with the car by turning it, looking at its interior, and reviewing key features, such as Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK) and DFI. The visitor can thien use his or her mouse to draw a three-dimensional road course on the computer's monitor to "test" the mettle of the new Porsche 911. Move the mouse to the left or the right to create curves in the road.

"Our goal was to go well beyond simply picking the colors and options on a new 911; the goal is to actually make it possible to have an engaging experience with the car that hints at what it is like to get behind the wheel," said David Pryor, PCNA's Vice President of Marketing. "You could say the technology available on our Web site is providing an engaging and clear way to communicate the technology in our car."

The latest version of the iconic Porsche, the updated for 2009 911, goes on sale September 20 and features significant advancements, including engines with direct fuel injection (DFI) and an optional seven-speed transmission called Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK), which is essentially two transmissions in one: an automatic that is actually a true manual that uses two automatically engaged clutches. The result is more power in the 911 model series with improved fuel efficiency, a development that helps Porsche meet today's demands for reducing environmental impact, yet maintain the brand's performance persona.

It certainly can't replace road testing the car yourself and it would have been nice if the new website was even more interactive. Drawing the road is a little confusing but it is still a step in the right direction. It would have been nice to see the road test in the day - not sure why the test had to take place only at night.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

The Bio-Diesel Seinfeld Bus Tours Campuses

Tue, 2 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST

It's the Seinfeld bus. This bus is going to log over 10,000 miles this year as it drives to college campuses this year promoting Seinfeld DVDs. Speaking of mileage Sony is certainly getting a lot of it out of the Seinfeld tv show. You can find the tour's website here. It is a bio-diesel-fueled bus that has a mini Seinfeld museum inside according to MediaPost.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Nissan to Release Eco Pedal in 2009

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 16:50:00 EST

Nissan plans to release the eco pedal in 2009. The Detroit News reports that the pedal helps to improve gas mileage by calculating the most efficient rate of acceleration. The pedal can be shut off if it is annoying the driver.

It calculates the most efficient rate of acceleration in a vehicle based on how fast fuel is being burned and other factors and causes the gas pedal to push back to alert overzealous drivers.

Nissan says the system is designed to help drivers become more fuel efficient behind the wheel.

Autoblog, Green Tech, Treehugger, EcoGeek, Environmental Leader, Green Car Congress and Earth2Tech are also discussing Nissan's eco pedal. Here's a video from the AP about Nissan's new foot pedal that pushes back.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

GM to Invest Over $500 Million in Small Car Plant

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 21:00:00 EST

GM announced they will pour over $500 million into the manufacturing of a small car called the Chevrolet Cruze. The car will get better than 40 mpg. GM will start building the vehicle in 2010. A post on Jalopnik has more photos of the GM's new small car.

The Cruze will be launched in Europe and Asia Pacific next year and will also be manufactured in those regions.

"Our goal for the Chevrolet Cruze is to lead in fuel economy in this very competitive car segment," Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner said in a statement.

The Cruze, expected to top 40 mpg, is yet another example of GM's commitment to shaking up its product portfolio as drivers shun the big trucks and SUVs.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Track Your Car's Mileage With Fuelly

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST

Lifehacker reports on the launch of a new social media website called Fuelly. The service lets you track the car mileage on your car by entering data each time you fill up your car. A mobile version is available so you can quickly add your gallons purchased and miles driven right after you fill-up.

Sign up for Fuelly and add your car's make, model, and year to your Fuelly "garage." Fuelly will display the EPA's MPG estimates for your car (average, city, and highway). Then, each time you fill the gas tank, you record the number of gallons you've purchased and the number of miles you've driven since the last fuel-up in Fuelly (which offers an iPhone-friendly version too). Fuelly will track your MPG over time, as well as your friends' and other members, and even track which user has had the "best tank" on a per model basis. Overall the point of Fuelly is to make saving fuel more fun by connecting your stats with your friends, and at this early point in its life, it does a pretty great job.

Once a lot of people have signed up for Fuelly the service will probably have some interesting aggregate data to offer. Fuelly was launched by MetaFilter founder Matt Haughey. There's a 3-minute tour of Fuelly available on the Fuelly.com homepage.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

50 Most Famous Cars Of All Time

Fri, 8 Aug 2008 21:00:00 EST

RideLust.com has an interesting post that list the 50 most famous cars of all-time. Here's a few of the cars included.

1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 fastback
1981 DeLorean DMC 12
1963 Volkswagen Beetle
1969 Dodge Charger
1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
1962 Volvo P1800
1955 Chevrolet 6700-series bus
1972 Ferrari 365 GTS/4
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS
1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor Ambulance

The cars are not ranked in order. Most of them are famous cars from movies and tv. You will recognize a lot of them on site.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Many Small Trucks Weak on Side Safety

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 21:00:00 EST

Recent insurance industry crash tests have raised safety concerns about small trucks - particularly impacts from the side.

The latest crash tests by the insurance industry raise safety questions about small pickups, which are drawing more interest because they get better mileage than larger trucks.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported Thursday that several small pickups from the 2008 model year offered dismal protection in side crashes. Versions of the Chevrolet Colorado and its twin vehicle, the GMC Canyon, without optional side air bags earned the institute's lowest rating of poor in the side test.

Several pickups were judged marginal, the second-lowest in the four-scale ratings, in the side tests: the Dodge Dakota and Mitsubishi Raider without optional side air bags; the Ford Ranger; Mazda B-Series; and the Nissan Frontier without side air bags. The Ranger and B-Series, which share the same underpinnings, do not offer side air bags.

Small pick-up trucks have the highest death rates of any vehicle on the road reports Susan Koeppen for CBS. Several of the trucks have poor side-safety ratings due to a lack of a side airbags. Only the Toyota Tacoma received a good rating - it will have side airbags as a standard feature in all of its 2009 models.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Robert Q. Riley Releases XR3 Hybrid Plans

Wed, 6 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST

Robert Q. Riley Enterprises, a product design firm in Glendale, Ariz., has announced the release of construction plans for anyone who wants to build its XR3, a two-passenger, plug-in hybrid that they say can travel up to 225 miles per gallon.

Robert Q. Riley Enterprises says the three-wheel sports car's modular design can be outfitted with different power trains to create a 125-mpg, diesel-only vehicle; a 100-mile-range, battery-only vehicle; or a hybrid for increased performance and fuel versatility.

"During the two years it took to develop the XR3, we received more than 2,500 advanced order reservations for the plan set," said Robert Q. Riley, company president.

Interested do-it-yourselfers can by the plans for the hybrid from the company for $200. In addition to printed drawings and instructions, the do-it-yourself plans include electronic 3D models that can be viewed on an ordinary PC, computer files vendors can use to make parts, and a DVD that shows the car being built. The company's website also has a do-it-yourself forum which features a gallery of some vehicle projects completed by others.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Manila Police Cars to Run on McDonald's Cooking Oil

Mon, 4 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST

CBS reports that police squad cars in the Philippines are going to run on cooking oil donated by McDonald's. The effort could save the Makati branch of the Philippine National Police force $10,000 a year. The cars will run on 60 percent diesel and 40 percent cooking oil.

With oil prices at an all-time high, the project, spearheaded by the Makati branch of the Philippine National Police, aims to convert squad cars in Manila's bustling central business district to run on a combination of 60 percent diesel and 40 percent cooking oil, according to police Senior Superintendent Gilbert Cruz.

McDonald's is the first fast food chain to offer donations for the program - oil used to cook French fries and fried chicken, but other restaurants may soon help to grease the wheels of law enforcement.

"It's a win-win situation for us because we will both benefit," Cruz told French news wire AFP. "The cooking oil of their Makati stores will be reused and the Makati police will use it as a component for their biodiesel and also save money."

Autobloggreen.com notes that traffic enforcers are using electric jeepneys in Makati City. The Philippines are sounding very savvy when it comes to green technologies.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Porsche Introduces the 911 Targa

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST

Porsche is introducing the new 911 Targa, which will come in two variants: the 911 Targa 4 and the 911 Targa 4S. The 911 Targa 4 is powered by a new 3.6 liter flat-six engine, developing a maximum output of 345 horsepower for a top track speed of 176 mph. The 3.8 liter 911 Targa 4S engine delivers a maximum output of 385 horsepower that accelerates to a top track speed of 184 mph.

Technological highlights of the 2009 Targa include two new engines, with direct fuel injection to improve both performance and fuel economy; the seamlessly-shifting PDK Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, or double-clutch gearbox, replacing the optional Tiptronic S automatic transmission; and the electronically controlled Porsche Traction Management (PTM), which takes the place of the former all-wheel drive system.

The 2009 911 Targa 4 and Targa 4S will be available in the United States in October at a MSRP of $89,500 and $100,100 respectively.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

The Peugeot: Three Wheeled Hybrid

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST

Ecofriend has an interesting post about the three-wheeled vehicle above that is called a Peugeot plus. Econfriend says the car runs on an electric motor and aims to have almost no carbon footprint.

Here's how creator David Vargas describes it:

it's a hybrid, between a scooter and a car. This combination allows using a smaller electric engine, saving energy. This saving generates less pollution and a major autonomy of the batteries. Besides the small size gives more agility into the traffic and makes easier to find parking.

It would probably be much easier to find a parking place with this. The problem is you would still be surrounded by the SUVs, Hummers and large trucks of today's world. For something like this to work it almost needs a city that is modeled for them or a city that bars large vehicles from entering.

Likecool.com, Kanye West and IGreenSpot are also discussing the Peugeot plus.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Harley Davidson Museum Opens

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST

MSNBC reports that the Harley Davidson Museum has opened in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The museum's 20-acre site with three buildings of black brick, galvanized steel and glass will likely become a temple for Harley owners. It features about 200 bikes and other pieces of history and culture, and opens in time for the company's 105th anniversary celebration Aug. 28-31.

Among the motorcycles is the oldest Harley: Serial Number One. It's a pedal bike with a small engine, built by company founders William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson inside a 10-by-15-foot wooden shed that had the words "Harley-Davidson Motor Company" scrawled on the door.

Also featured is Elvis Presley's red and white 1956 Model KH, along with its January 1956 paperwork, which notes he bought it from a Memphis dealer, his payments were $50.15 a month and lists his occupation as a "vocalist-self-employed."

MSNBC says the museum expects to attract 350,000 visitors annually. The website for the museum can be found on the museum tab on Harley Davidson's website. The museum's website also has a blog and online exhibits.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Futuristic Car Designs from the Royal College of Art

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST

The above car design is Joonas Vartola's Iomega project. It explores ways of incorporating a private 'relaxation capsule' into a chauffer-driven vehicle for busy commuters. It was one of the vehicle designs from the Royal College of Art's 2008 exhibit.

It includes highly influential figures like Peter Horbury who turned Volvo around, and the maverick designer of Ford of Europe, Martin Smith, as well as Jaguar design chief, Ian Callum. Other graduates include the original Audi TT designer and current head of Kia design, Peter Schreyer and Aston Martin?s design director Marek Reichman.

This year's fourteen graduates kept the flag flying. Competing for the 2008 Pilkington Automotive Vehicle Design award, their projects ranged from a fresh take on eco-design to finding new ways of expressing personalisation. A couple of the students even challenged the status quo by designing boats for an imaginary future destroyed by global warming.

You can see a slideshow of all the designs here.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Several States Including California Ban Handhelds While Driving

Sat, 5 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST

California drivers now have to go hands-free if they want to talk while they drive. Bill Whitakers from CBS reports that experts believe it is the distraction from talking - not the holding a mobile phone - that technically causes motor vehicle accidents. California and Washington State are joining New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and D.C. in banning handhelds while driving. Nolo describes California's handheld law - there are exceptions for emergency calls. While handhelds are banned people can apparently still legally text and drive - as scary as that sounds.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Alanis Morissette and a Mercedes-Benz E320 BlueTEC

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST

In the photograph above Alanis Morissette is standing with her "Underneath" video co-star, the Mercedes-Benz E320 BlueTEC. Here's the music video that Alanis and the Mercedes both star in. You can also find the video here.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Advertisement: Plurk is a fun new microblogging service. You can get an invite here!

North Carolina DMV To Replace WTF License Plates For Free

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST

On the Internet people know what WTF stands for but it takes local DMVs a little longer to catch on. Now that they have caught on the North Carolina DMV is offering to change license plates for free.

Officials learned last year the common acronym stands for a vulgar phrase in e-mail and cell phone text messages.

The DMV recently realized the same letters appeared on the sample license plate on its own Web site. Officials are trying to remove the plate from the site.

DMV officials got word of the plates last July when a 60-year-old technology teacher from Fayetteville complained about the plate after her teenage grandchildren clued her in.

DMV officials said they try to keep up with the latest acronyms, and that anyone who has an issue with their plate can contact their local DMV office to request a new one.

There are about 10,000 North Carolina drivers with WTF plates according to the WXII12.com news story. This WTF license plate "problem" appears to be countrywide as you can see by looking at these Flickr photos.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

$4 Gas Just Tip of the Iceberg?

Thu, 22 May 2008 15:00:00 EST

Consumers only recently got used to seeing the $3 mark at the pump. This year they have been surprised to see prices breaching the $4 a gallon mark just for regular and some drivers have grudgingly acknowledged that $5 is a possibility in the near future. But what if gas just keeps going up and up and up? What if it hits $12 a gallon and there are severe gas shortages? That's a likely possiblity according to Robert Hirsch, the Senior Energy Advisor for Management Information Services. Hirsch made his frightening prediction on CNBC's Squawk Box.

"[T]he prices that we're paying at the pump today are, I think, going to be 'the good old days,' because others who watch this very closely forecast that we're going to be hitting $12 and $15 per gallon," Hirsch said. "And then, after that, when oil - world oil production goes into decline, we're going to talk about rationing. In other words, not only are we going to be paying high prices and have considerable economic problems, but in addition to that, we're not going to be able to get the fuel when we want it."

Hirsch told the Business & Media Institute the $12-$15 a gallon wasn't his prediction, but that he was citing Charles T. Maxwell, described as the "Dean of Oil Analysts" and the senior energy analyst at Weeden & Co. Still, Hirsch admitted the high price was inevitable in his view.

"I don't attempt to predict oil prices because it's been impossible in the past," Hirsch said in an e-mail. "We're into a new era now, and over the next roughly five years the trend will be up significantly. However, there may be dips and bumps that no one can forecast; I wouldn't be at all surprised. To me the multi-year upswing is inevitable."

At those kind of prices the way the U.S. runs its cities and highways would not be feasible. An alternative fuel would be needed or new means of transporting people to and from work, grocery stores and shopping malls would be needed.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

Ferrari California Spyder Sets Auction Record

Wed, 21 May 2008 21:00:00 EST

CNN reports that a A 1961 Ferrari California Spyder sold for $10,894,900 in auction in Maranello, Italy. That's a world record price for an auctioned vintage car.

A 1961 Ferrari California Spyder sold for $10,894,900 at an auction in Maranello, Italy, Saturday. It was the highest price ever paid for a vintage car at auction, according to RM Auctions and Sotheby's, the companies that organized the sale.

The previous record was set in 1990 when Sotheby's sold a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO in Monaco for $10,756,000.

But that was a race car, not a convertible designed for driving on the street, pointed out McKeel Hagerty, president of Hagerty Insurance, a company that insures high-value collectible cars in Europe and North America.

Ferrari race cars have traditionally sold for much higher figures than the company's street cars, Hagerty said.

"Ferrari 250 GTO's are now selling privately for twice that," he said

Only 56 of the cars were ever built. This vehicle had previously been owned by actor James Coburn.

The above image is from Autoblog.com. They have several more photos of the high-valued car here.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds

People Finding Carpoolers on Craigslist

Fri, 16 May 2008 18:00:00 EST

The Associated Press has a clip about how some people are using the web to save money on gas prices. In this case people are using Craigslist to find carpoolers. The AP video suggests you meet in a safe place - you don't want to share a ride with a dangerous person.

Permalink | Recent Headlines | RSS Feeds