CO2 Emissions Down by “Biggest-Ever Margin” in UK
January 15, 2009
CO2 emission levels of new cars in the UK are down by the “biggest-ever margin” in 2008, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the UK’s motor industry trade association.
The average emission figure for new cars in 2008 was just 158.0 g/km, a 4.2-percent drop from the 2007 numbers. Even more staggering is the 10-year period drop: last year’s marks were down 16.8 percent from 1997’s 189.8 g/km emissions numbers.
This reflects the collective efforts of lawmakers, car manufacturers, and car owners. The EU imposed regulations that target 130 g/km levels by 2015. Additionally, the SMMT reported that 2008 saw 236 vehicle models with emission levels of 130 g/km or less. Practically every car market segment saw decreases in emission levels, a definite plus for the effort of automakers.
With the new regulations on emissions, increased awareness from both manufacturers and drivers, as well as the development of new eco-friendly and fuel-efficient technology for new car models, it’s not hard to see these CO2 emissions figures continue to drop over the years.
Source: Motor Torquedrowning mona free download marked for death divx
The Daytona Coupe Le Mans Edition by Exotic Auto Restoration
January 14, 2009
With only six units ever produced, the Daytona Coupe was an ultra-exclusive car from the 1960s. After winning the FIA GT Championship in 1965, the car became a full-fledged legend—the first and only American car to get that title.
Now, car enthusiasts can get their hands on something like it, as Exotic Auto Restoration will be making a Le Mans Edition of the Superperformance Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe styled just like the 1965 champion car that took the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Of course, it can’t stay just like the old car. Exotic Auto Restoration brings modern components to the classic car, to the tune of 18-inchers, Bilstein shocks, H&R springs, Le Mans Edition gauges, and a Momo steering wheel in suede. The car also comes with Alcantara trim and a billet aluminum top and side hood louvers.
The Le Mans Edition will be available with a choice of engines from the Ford 351 Windsor block. The one previewed to the public sported a Roush V8, good for 530 horsepower and mated to a Tremec 6-speed transmission.
New Subaru Legacy Due for NY Show
January 12, 2009
At the New York International Auto Show this April, Subaru will be unveiling its much-anticipated fifth-generation Subaru Legacy mid-sized car, seen as a definitive vehicle that is critical to the manufacturer’s future success.
The production model will be officially revealed, just a few months after Subaru showed the Legacy Concept at the Detroit Show last January and again at the Geneva Show a while back. Some reports say that the fifth-gen Legacy will be sporting a new 3.6-liter engine, foregoing the 3.0-liter H6 in the current model.
There haven’t been many details revealed so far, but we expect more bits of information to be released as the New York show draws closer. It will be held on April 12-19 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on the West Side of Manhattan.
The Subaru Legacy vehicle is traditionally among Subaru’s biggest sellers. It reached the 3 million mark back in 2005, a testament to the car’s extensive patronage. Here’s hoping the new Legacy maintains its standing, given the automotive industry situation and the global economic crisis.
Source: Autocar mother of tears the third mother movie
First Fully Schreyer-Designed Kia to Debut at Geneva Show
January 9, 2009
Kia will be unveiling its Kia YN concept mini MPV at the Geneva Motor Show next month. It is the first model for the Korean automaker to be designed single-handedly by Kia design director Peter Schreyer, with apparent influences from his longtime tenure as the Audi and Volkswagen AG design head.
The YN concept is going to be built on the same platform as the Kia Soul. Sources have said that, while the YN still incorporates such Kia staples as the “tiger grille”, there will be new elements in the vehicle’s design that should serve as a preview of the direction that Kia is taking for the future.
Schreyer spent 25 years with Audi and Volkswagen, designing iconic vehicles including the Audi TT, before moving to Kia back in 2006. Many are already pointing out that the Kia YN concept has a lot of Audi-like influences going into the design.
Hopefully, Kia will be releasing a complete set of official photos for this much-anticipated vehicle. Then again, it’s just a few weeks until the Geneva Show opens; then, we’ll be able to see what the Kia YN really has to offer.
Source: Autocar
AutoNation: Over Half-Million Hybrids Sitting Idle Across America
January 9, 2009
Another indication of the steadily-plummeting vehicle sales is that some 600,000 hybrid vehicles are still awaiting potential buyers, as reported by Mike Jackson, CEO of AutoNation—the largest dealer of new and used cars in America.
Jackson said that this overstock of hybrids contributes to the drastic state of the automotive market, which saw a 40% sales decline in 2008’s fourth quarter. He also cited the fickle-minded market: the people who have clamored for more fuel-efficient hybrids are practically the same people that aren’t buying the stockpile.
In an effort to initiate buyer incentive, Jackson has advocated taxation on petroleum that should help make using hybrid vehicles make more financial sense to the people. This is because people aren’t inclined to purchase hybrids now that gas prices have reached a more manageable state, compared to when it hit the $4 mark just several months ago.
With a lot of automakers recently releasing new hybrids, the AutoNation report doesn’t bode well. Manufacturers can’t keep making cars, especially hybrids, if people won’t buy them. Lots and even test tracks are filling up with unsold cars, and it’s not a pretty sight.
Source: Motor Authority
Future Ambulance Concepts at 'Healthcare on the Move' Exhibition
January 7, 2009
The Royal College of Art is having an exhibition in London titled “Healthcare on the Move”, featuring ambulance concepts and designs made by RCA students aiming for a masters in vehicle design.
Among the designs is the Shell Concept by Rui Guo, a fast-response unit designed to deal with a large number of emergencies on-scene thanks to a wide array of equipment. It also features a removable outer jacket that can make the Shell a semi-permanent treatment room. David Seesing made an off-road treatment unit concept called the Ladybird, with a rigid canopy that allows treatments to be made in inaccessible areas.
Another interesting concept is the Morphing Concept, designed by Miika Heikkinen. Its flexible displays and ample space allow for a variety of interior layouts that can be made to suit any need.
These designs have the potential to be the future of ambulance design, with a lot of functionality geared toward specific situations and designs that really make the vehicles ‘mobile treatment’. Whether any of these concepts actually see application in real ambulances is another story.
Source: Autocar
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