Thursday, 31 March 2011

Kobe Bryant's Chinese Smart Car crime-stopping adventure [Video]

L.A. Lakers star Kobe Bryant hasn't come close to Michael Jordan's record of corporate endorsements, but as this Chinese ad for Smart shows, he's honing the necessary skills, such as Beijing-quality stunt driving and one-handed nailing of art thieves. More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/jalopnik/full/~3/x0x4FXMWouA/kobe-bryants-chinese-smart-car-crime+stopping-adventure

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Report: Kia Optima Hybrid delayed due to Hyundai Sonata Hybrid push-back

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2011 Kia Optima Hybrid
2011 Kia Optima Hybrid - Click here for high-res image gallery

The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was supposed to go on sale in December, but at the eleventh hour, the company decided on a last-minute engineering change to enhance safety. When the automaker learned that President Obama planned to sign a bill that would ban a switch that can disable a noisemaker designed to warn blind pedestrians, the Korean automaker decided it was best to remove the switch. The move delayed mass availability of the Sonata Hybrid from December to late April.

But what about its twin, the Kia Optima Hybrid? Ward's Automotive reports that the mid-size hybrid has been delayed until late in the second quarter, or about five months after its scheduled January launch.

Will the substantial delay of the Optima and Sonata Hybrids hurt sales and satisfaction? We're sure there are probably some impatient buyers out there who don't understand why they have to wait, but in the long run, we're likely looking at a mere bump in the road.



[Source: Ward's Automotive - sub. req.]

Report: Kia Optima Hybrid delayed due to Hyundai Sonata Hybrid push-back originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://green.autoblog.com/2011/03/31/kia-optima-hybrid-delayed-due-to-hyundai-sonata/

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Buick ?Ampera? In Development

Bloomberg reports: Designers and engineers are working on a version of the plug-in hybrid Opel Ampera, which was modeled after the Volt and scheduled for sale in Europe this year, with a Buick grille and front-end styling, said the people, who didn?t want to be named because the plans are private. The Buick version would [...]

Source: http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/03/buick-ampera-in-development/

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Jaguar to Unveil Face-Lifted 2012 XF and XK at the New York Auto Show

Jaguar’s cars may not sit at the top of their segments’ sales charts, but each of the company’s three current offerings?the XJ, XF, and XK?really hit the sweet spot. The cars all share forward-looking styling, interiors finer than a Milan luxury hotel’s, athletic handling, and powerful engines. For 2012, Jaguar will try to improve on [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/lXyagjgUZHw/

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2010 Suzuki Kizashi GTS ? Long-Term Road Test Update

At 30,000 miles, our Kizashi is only getting more popular. Date: March 2011 Months in Fleet: 14 months Current Mileage: 31,197 miles Average Fuel Economy: 27 mpg Range: 448 miles Service: $556.37 Normal Wear: $0 Repair: $0 If a great mid-size sedan falls into the showrooms of a small brand that few people know about, [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/3NG9h4g9OCI/

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I'll Buy That For a Dollar

Source: http://carscarscars.blogs.com/index/2009/08/ill-buy-that-for-a-dollar.html

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Rendered Lamborghini Estoque Wagon is Too Cool for Real Life

Every red-blooded car fan knows that wagons are the business, serving drivers and fashionistas far better than SUVs can. And after years of obscurity, the appeal has reemerged for blue-blooded car fans as well. Ferrari?s Geneva debut of the�shooting-brake FF ups the ante for the prancing horse?s primary antagonist and raises the question, ?Why not [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/5a5EHYhqAdo/

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Take a look inside the new 2012 Ferrari FF

While its exterior styling remains a point of contention, the state-of-the-art V12 engine, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, multi-link chassis components and lightweight 4RM all-wheel drive system beneath the skin of the new 2012 Ferrari FF are nothing short of brilliant.

Source: http://rss.kbb.com/~r/kbb-car-news/~3/DbOnYkRXkH4/take-a-look-inside-the-new-2012-ferrari-ff

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Wednesday, 30 March 2011

Stasis R8 V10 coming to the UK

Modified 710bhp ?Challenge Extreme? Audi R8 Spyder now available to order...

Source: http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/stasis-audi-r8-available-710bhp-2011-03-30?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ongoing

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Update: Japan-sourced GM batteries back in production

GM says that the Hitachi-built batteries that will power its mild hybrids are being built again after Japan's earthquake shut down production.

Source: http://feeds.leftlanenews.com/click.phdo?i=0fdc94275e2a0b9238154bfe8d6a964b

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Jaguar to Unveil Face-Lifted 2012 XF and XK at the New York Auto Show

Jaguar’s cars may not sit at the top of their segments’ sales charts, but each of the company’s three current offerings?the XJ, XF, and XK?really hit the sweet spot. The cars all share forward-looking styling, interiors finer than a Milan luxury hotel’s, athletic handling, and powerful engines. For 2012, Jaguar will try to improve on [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/lXyagjgUZHw/

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Report: Nissan suffers 55,000 vehicle production loss in March

Yet another gloomy report has surfaced regarding fallout to a Japanese automaker. This time, it is Nissan, reporting a significant loss of vehicle production in March.

Source: http://feeds.leftlanenews.com/click.phdo?i=bb3bc41e21199cde19f857f1e956fcd4

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2012 Audi S8 ? Feature

25 Cars Worth Waiting For. What it is: The sportiest version of the Audi A8. While the previous S8 had a Lamborghini-based 5.2-liter V-10, the new S8 has a twin-turbo V-8. Keep Reading: 2012 Audi S8 – Feature

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/7lt58oIDK68/

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2010 Suzuki Kizashi Test Drive: Is This Sporty Midsize Sedan the Best Suzuki Ever?

Suzuki clearly has lofty expectations for its new Kizashi sedan, which we recently drove on the roads around the Washington/Oregon border, as well as on Portland's eponymous international raceway.

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Source: http://feeds.popularmechanics.com/~r/pm/blogs/automotive_news/~3/EOVGufBy7wg/4334214.html

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U.S. Will Get Its Own Version of Maserati?s GranTurismo MC, Will Be Unveiled in April

The U.S. is going to get its own version of Maserati’s track-inspired GranTurismo MC Stradale, which is already out in Europe. Ours will be called the GranTurismo MC?the Stradale name hits the autostrade?and will be unveiled on the eve of the New York auto show in April. It will be joined by the U.S. version [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/m51AE5-d6ao/

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Hyundai Elantra road trip: Predict our MPG!

2011 Hyundai ElantraThis Wednesday, Robin and I will be heading out on a road trip in a 2011 Hyundai Elantra, which is rated for 40 MPG on the highway -- so let's see who can come the closest to guessing our fuel economy.

...

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Source: http://cars.about.com/b/2011/03/28/hyundai-elantra-road-trip-predict-our-mpg.htm

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Tuesday, 29 March 2011

2014 Mini Cooper Hybrid Spy Photos ? Future Cars

Mini?s first hybrid will take the mullet approach: combustion-engine business up front, electric party in the back. Due in about three years, the next-generation Mini Cooper will offer a four-wheel-drive version. There?s a catch, though: The rear wheels will have no connection to the engine. The car will be a hybrid, and the rear wheels [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/zc7phSD4GcQ/

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EPA turns to AVL for emissions testing of renewable fuels

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EPA logoBack in July of 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced what it thinks the 2011 amounts and percentages should be for four fuel categories under the agency's Renewable Fuel Standard program (aka RFS2):
  • Biomass-based diesel (0.80 billion gallons; 0.68 percent)
  • Advanced biofuels (1.35 billion gallons; 0.77 percent)
  • Cellulosic biofuels (5 - 17.1 million gallons; 0.004 - 0.015 percent)
  • Total renewable fuels (13.95 billion gallons; 7.95 percent)
With those renewable fuel marks set, the EPA has enlisted the assistance of AVL North America to conduct critical emissions tests at the National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory in Ann Arbor, MI. AVL's tests aim to determine an engine's performance in both cold (20 degrees Fahrenheit) and hot (100 degrees), while renewable fuels are injected into its cylinders. In addition, the firm will evaluate exhaust emissions using the EPA's SC03 test procedure. The end goal is to prove that some renewable fuels can replace diesel and gasoline without sacrificing engine performance or increasing a vehicle's emissions. No chance this'll cause any problems, will it?

[Source: AVL North America]

Continue reading EPA turns to AVL for emissions testing of renewable fuels

EPA turns to AVL for emissions testing of renewable fuels originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://green.autoblog.com/2011/03/28/epa-turns-to-avl-for-emissions-testing-of-renewable-fuels/

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For $650,000, Mr. Bond, I expect you to buy [Nice Price Or Crack Pipe]

Toyota is like Marion the Librarian, whose staid demeanor is punctuated by occasions of raw, unbridled passion simply by letting down her hair and casting off her glasses. Today's Nice Price or Crack Pipe 2000GT happens to be one of those occasions. More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/jalopnik/full/~3/5Vf2FllgFjo/for-650000-mr-bond-i-expect-you-to-buy

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Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz to Partner Up for Future Maybachs and Lagondas ? Feature

Aston, Transformed: The British bulldog mashes up with the German zeppelin. Since the arrival of ?the 2004 DB9, all successive Aston Martins from the V-8 Vantage coupe to the Rapide sedan have used the company?s VH (?vertical horizontal?) architecture. Developed during Ford?s ownership of Aston, the VH platform cannot be stretched beyond the size of [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/x1OCOKir0zk/

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Electric motor maker Remy International files for $100M IPO

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Remy electric motorLast Friday, auto parts maker Remy International Inc. filed with U.S. regulators for an initial public offering valued at up to $100 million. The Indiana-based company is perhaps best known for its electric motors that provide propulsion for vehicles such as the Aperta 2e and AMP's converted Saturn Skys, Pontiac Solstices and Chevrolet Equinoxes. Additionally, Remy teamed up with motorcycle maker MotoCzysz to develop an integrated electric drive system, known as the D1g1tal Dr1ve, which is slated for launch in mid-2011. The electric motor maker also has deals with Daimler, Zap and others.

Remy International plans to list under the symbol "RMYI" and intends to use the proceeds from its IPO for debt payments, expansion and acquisitions. The company separated from General Motors in 1995 after 70-plus years of supplying the automaker with original equipment components and is also known for the Delco Remy brand of automotive parts.

In 2009, Remy received a $60-million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy for development and commercialization of its electric motor technology. Earlier this month, Italian manufacturer Tecnomatic SpA filed a lawsuit against Remy, claiming it stole Tecnomatic's proprietary stator technology and applied for the grant on its own instead of in a partnership with Tecnomatic. In its defense, Remy has said that the accusations are "baseless" and are "false and totally without merit."

Remy International intends to release additional details regarding its IPO at a later date.

[Source: Reuters]

Electric motor maker Remy International files for $100M IPO originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://green.autoblog.com/2011/03/28/electric-motor-maker-remy-international-files-for-100m-ipo/

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Seven Seconds in Heaven with the Ferrari FF

Some say the new Ferrari FF looks like a few older, lesser models (BMW Z3 clown shoe, we’re lookin’ at you), but it sure as heck doesn’t sound like one. Recently, we drew straws to determine the poor sucker from the Car and Driver team who would go to Europe to drive Ferrari’s latest creation. [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/w17jK0xFueA/

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Gol Weekend: Paint It Black (And White)

Before you read this article, go back and read the History of the Gol (Partes Um and Dois). Really, go. Now that you’ve read this icon’s history you are better prepared to opine on what lies ahead. In celebration of the model’s 30th anniversary, Volkswagen do Brasil has launched a commemorative version of the Gol. [...]

Source: http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/03/gold-weekend-paint-it-black-and-white/

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Brabus builds world?s fastest mobile office

Modified Mercedes S-Class features full iPad2 connectivity. And 788bhp twin-turbo V12

Source: http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/brabus-tuned-mercedes-s-class-ipad2-2011-03-23?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ongoing

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Monday, 28 March 2011

Spy Shots: All-wheel-drive Mini Cooper hybrid caught weathering the arctic

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hybrid mini cooper spy shot
AWD Mini Cooper Hybrid Spy Shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Once you've put an all-electric drivetrain into a Mini Cooper, is it that hard to hybridize one? Well, yes, especially since BMW's limited testing program was intended to give the company information about a plug-in architecture. But our spy photographers have discovered what's believed to be the first Mini Cooper prototype fitted with a hybrid drivetrain.

The body certainly looks the same, but - as you can see in our high-resolution gallery - BMW has affixed a sticker in the window that clearly says "hybrid test vehicle." We don't know many details about the powertrain sitting under the bright red paint, but sources indicate that this is a through-the-road hybrid, with the front wheels powered by a normal engine and the rear wheels motivated by an electric motor. Things like displacement, total horsepower and battery size are all as mysterious as they ever were, but rumor has it - no, really this time - that a hybridized Mini will be available when the next-generation arrives in 2013.



[Source: Carpix]

Spy Shots: All-wheel-drive Mini Cooper hybrid caught weathering the arctic originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://green.autoblog.com/2011/03/28/spy-shots-all-wheel-drive-mini-cooper-hybrid-caught-weathering/

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David E. Davis, Jr., auto buff book pioneer, dead at 80 [Rip]

David E. Davis, Jr., former editor and publisher of Car and Driver and founder of Automobile magazine, died today following cancer surgery in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Davis was 80. More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/jalopnik/full/~3/6qUn4hiKlv8/david-e-davis-auto-buff-book-pioneer-dead-at-80

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About.com Cars Readers' Choice Award Winners

RCA logo You nominated, you voted, we tallied -- and I'm pleased to present the winners, the cars you selected as the best the market has to offer. Check 'em out: Your About.com Cars 2011 Readers' Choice Award Winners. -- Aaron Gold

Source: http://cars.about.com/b/2011/03/15/about-com-cars-readers-choice-award-winners.htm

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