Archive for July, 2009
Trucktoon: Magical Spring Dust
Posted on 28. Jul, 2009 by admin.
H/T to Mr. Truck for coining the term Magic Spring Dust
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Nissan iPhone App to Check EV Battery Levels
Posted on 28. Jul, 2009 by admin.
Someday in the future, if you own an electric car, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to check the battery remotely at any time? Nissan has been thinking about this and developed a prototype iPhone application that would let EV owners dial up their cars’ battery levels at any time.
Owners who’ve left their vehicles charging will be able to see how much time they have before the battery is fully charged, and what the approximate cost of the juice will be. Furthermore, if it’s a hot day out, the owner will be able to start the air conditioner before he or she has reached the car.
This is nifty because it will allow the car time to cool down while it’s still hooked up to the grid, so it doesn’t drain the car’s battery during the drive and decrease its range.
Nissan wants to debut an electric car by 2010, so the push to devise innovative EV-specific features will go hand-in-hand with that goal.
Nissan Dials iPhone for Car Remote Control (PC World)
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2010 Acura TSX Gets V-6 Engine, Same Price as TL
Posted on 28. Jul, 2009 by admin.
When the Acura TSX got a face-lift for the 2009 model year, we were a bit surprised at the sales success of this littlest Acura. Its fuel-efficient and peppy four-cylinder engine, front-wheel-drive setup and pleasant ride swayed a lot of near-luxury buyers. For 2010, Acura seems to have answered a question no one was asking: It put a 280-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 in the TSX and priced it within $150 of the larger Acura TL with the same engine and transmission.
We won’t spend too much time breaking down the similarities of the TSX V-6 and the base TL V-6, but they have the same power and five-speed transmission, and they’re within 1 mpg in estimated highway mileage. The TSX gets 18/27 mpg city/highway, while the TL gets 18/26. The TSX V-6 gets standard steering-wheel shift paddles and 18-inch wheels, while the base model gets 17-inch wheels standard.
Otherwise, the TSX remains mostly the same from 2009, with a slight price increase of $150 for the four-cylinder model. Full pricing and more photos are below. The 2010 TSX is on sale now.
- TSX – five-speed automatic: $29,310
- TSX – six-speed manual: $29,310
- TSX – five-speed automatic with Technology Package: $32,410
- TSX – six-speed manual with Technology Package: $32,410
- TSX V-6: $34,850
- TSX V-6 with Technology Package: $37,950
Destination: $810
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Study: Texting While Driving Greatly Increases Risk of Crash
Posted on 28. Jul, 2009 by admin.
The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute conducted the first extensive study of drivers texting in real-world conditions, and the results were not pretty. Researchers found that the risk of an accident was 23 times greater when drivers picked up a cell phone to send a message.
This puts texting while driving in a pretty special category of driver distraction. Compared with this data, driving while talking on the phone or with a .08 blood-alcohol level seem downright safe. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has found that both of those activities make the risk of a crash just four times greater.
Now for a couple of caveats: The study rigged video cameras into the cabs of long-haul truck drivers for 18 months. A big-rig truck takes longer to stop and is harder to maneuver than a typical car. Truck drivers also spend much more time on the road, simply giving them more opportunity to roll the safety dice.
Having said that, the VTTI study found no significant difference in texting behavior between the truckers and average drivers. Texters who end up in accidents typically spend five seconds looking at their devices — enough time to cover 100 yards on the highway.
Previous laboratory studies have found that texting increases the risk of a crash by eight times, so while this new real-world study isn’t surprising in its result, the severity of the risk is somewhat shocking. Only 14 states ban texting while driving.
Car & Driver recently conducted its own test to show how two different people react while driving and texting, and while driving under the influence of alcohol.
Next up, VTTI will study texting while driving in light-duty vehicles, and will look specifically at teenagers. That study will be out later this year, but early results from the car drivers are similar to those of the truck drivers.
In Study, Texting Lifts Crash Risk by Large Margin (The New York Times)
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2010 Acura MDX: First Look
Posted on 28. Jul, 2009 by admin.
Back to where it all began. When the Acura MDX was redesigned for 2007, its new two-tiered, mesh-like “shield” of a front grille would soon become the inspiration for Acura’s new corporate face. Every model, including the TSX, TL, RL and RDX, now sport a revised take on that look. Now, for 2010, the MDX’s original shield has been replaced by what it brought: a solid, silver V-shaped crest.
We’re not sure of the final treatment. The still-spectacular headlights don’t seem to line up properly with the new grille. Perhaps if the silver V floated in the middle of the grille instead of at the top, the proportions would look more streamlined. New lower vents aped from the new TL are a definite improvement, however. The rear and hood also get some slight tweaks.
More important, the 3.7-liter V-6 engine is thankfully now accompanied by a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode and shift paddles on the steering wheel. It’s still good for 300 hp, but mileage goes from 15/20 mpg city/highway to 16/21 mpg, according to early estimates. The MDX still comes with standard all-wheel drive.
The interior is mostly the same, with new leather seating surfaces, a slightly larger steering wheel and other updated materials. The layout, however, remains basically unchanged.
There is still a base trim and a Technology Package trim, which adds navigation and an upgraded sound system. Instead of a Sport Package topping the lineup, there’s now an Advanced Package that includes the Technology Package plus performance equipment like 19-inch wheels and a new adaptable suspension system, as well as additional creature comforts, like heated and ventilated seats.
The current MDX is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick, and the 2010 will supposedly pass future roof-strength tests as well. According to Acura, the MDX’s roof can support three times the vehicle’s weight instead of the mandated 1.5 times.
The 2010 goes on sale this fall and will likely be priced similar to the outgoing model’s $40,990-$47,140 range.
More Photos
2010 and 2009 Acura MDX
2010 Acura MDX Interior
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Fiat 500 First Drive: Will Americans Buy It
Posted on 28. Jul, 2009 by admin.
You might be wondering why KickingTires, the blog for car buyers, is posting about the subcompact Fiat 500, a car that's not available in the U.S. Well, it will be sold here next year, according to a Bloomberg report, and I had a chance to drive one on a recent trip to the United Kingdom. My early take on it is that it's a fun-to-drive little car in the vein of the Mini Cooper, but perhaps not the model the new Chrysler-Fiat alliance needs first in the U.S.
One characteristic of the 500 that's very similar to the Cooper is its suspension, which manages to offer decent comfort on bumpy pavement while still delivering a sporting experience when cornering. The 500's steering, though not quite as weighty and engaging as the Cooper's, is quick and in keeping with the car's lively personality.
My 500 was powered by a 1.2-liter four-cylinder gas engine producing 69 hp. It's one of a handful of engines offered in the car overseas, but my guess is that it won't be offered in the States out of concern that customers might deem its relatively low output undesirable. A more likely base engine for U.S.-bound cars is the 1.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine that's rated at 100 hp, a little less than a Hyundai Accent.
I drove the 500 on everything from narrow city streets to the Motorway — the U.K.'s version of Interstates — and the 1.2-liter engine offered sprightly acceleration in the city and more modest performance at highway speeds. The engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission, and the stick's light, precise movement through the gears made for easy shifting. I did have to be diligent about making sure the transmission was in the correct gear in order to keep engine power available.
Interior materials quality and construction is pretty good for a small car. It might be a little behind what Volkswagen is doing in terms of the richness of its materials, but the trim is as nice as what you'd see in small cars from Honda and Nissan. More importantly, the interior is much nicer than what Chrysler has been able to muster in its Dodge Caliber hatchback, the smallest car it currently offers.
I wasn't a big fan of the 500's seats, though. The Lounge trim level I tested had attractive black-and-white checked seat fabric, and the driver's seat was height-adjustable, but the flat backrest wasn't the most comfortable when I drove longer than an hour or so. I could have also used a telescoping steering column; I was sitting fairly far away from the steering wheel with my arms stretched forward once I had positioned myself a comfortable distance from the pedals. Meanwhile, the two-person backseat — while somewhat short on headroom — can handle adult passengers if the front ones are willing to slide their seats forward to offer some extra legroom.
There's no question the 500 will improve Chrysler's small-car offerings in the U.S. It could also make a sales splash among car buyers who want the next new thing. That said, I think its small size will restrict it to niche status, and a niche model isn't what Chrysler needs right now.
What it does need is a small car that can take on the Honda Civic and Mazda3 and sell in high volume. The 500 isn't that car, but there are other, larger Fiat cars, like the Grande Punto and Bravo, that have potential. There's a good chance we'll see them in some form … eventually.
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How Do You Build a Car for the Blind?
Posted on 28. Jul, 2009 by admin.
It certainly sounds outlandish, but Virginia Tech undergraduates want to build a car that can be driven by blind people.
The National Federation of the Blind issued a challenge to universities in 2004 to develop a vehicle for the blind, and Virginia Tech’s Robotics and Mechanisms Laboratory was the only team to take up the challenge. The team built a semi-autonomous vehicle out of an all-terrain buggy that uses a laser range finder and sensory technology that allows a blind driver to operate it.
The steering wheel is connected to a distance monitor that uses the laser range finders and voice software to tell the driver how to turn the wheel. The voice might say something like “turn right four clicks,” then the software will click four times as the driver adjusts.
As for acceleration, the driver wears a vest that vibrates in different places for different signals. The back, stomach and shoulders all mean different commands, except when the whole vest vibrates, which essentially means “hit the brakes now!”
A system called Airpix blasts compressed air through tiny holes in a screen, which creates a kind of tactile map that the driver can feel, like Braille. It renders a type of three-dimensional map about the car’s immediate surroundings. Laboratory director Dennis Hong said more feedback will be needed from visually impaired people to refine the system.
Blind people are still a long way from becoming drivers, but the program promises to offer other breakthroughs for blind people trying to live independently through associated technologies.
Students Build a Car the Blind Can Drive (Autopia)
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Poll: Which BMW diesel would you like to see in the U.S.?
Posted on 27. Jul, 2009 by admin.
Even prior to BMW’s announcement last year that two BMW diesel powered will make their way into the U.S. market, there have been numerous debates amongst the BMW fans regarding the best suited diesels to be sold on the American market.
Seven-eight moths later and the debate continues, maybe even more intense than ever and we believe a poll will be appropriate to learn more about your preference when it comes to a diesel engine. Before you vote,we encourage you to take into consideration some of the following factor and not only:
- Is there a market for a specific diesel model?
- Will it make sense financially to invest into a new marketing campaign to bring awareness to a different type of diesel? e.g a small, very efficient, but less powerful engine
- Are the U.S. buyers educated enough to see the advantage of a diesel engine over a gasoline powerplant?
- Will it hurt BMW’s brand if, let’s say, a BMW 316d will be sold in the U.S. market?
These are just some guidelines to help you make an educated choice, but we’ll go even further and name some of the diesel engines that WE believe might be suited to North American market.
BMW 123d Coupe
It is powered by a 2.0 liter four cylinder twin-turbo engine which produces 204 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque (400Nm). Fuel consumptions is rated at 45 mpg, but that doesn’t stop the 123d from running 0 to 62 in only 7 seconds. This is one of the best engine in the diesel line-up and a prime candidate for any market.
BMW 320d Sedan
Powered by a 2.0-liter four turbocharged diesel engine, the 320d has 175 horsepower underneath its hood and 258 lb-ft of torque (350Nm). The engine delivers an impressive 49 mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of just 140g/km. 0 to 62 mph is achieved in 8.2 seconds. (Photo Source: TheMotorReport )
BMW 535d
We’re back to the latest 3.0-liter six cylinder turbo diesel engine found in the 335d and X5d as well. Many U.S. based 5er fans have been requesting a diesel powerplant for quite some time now and the rumors of a 535d coming to the U.S. have been going around many times in the past. The diesel engine in the 535d outputs 272 horsepower and an impressive 413 lb-ft of torque (560 Nm) at only 2,000 rpm. 0 to 62 takes just 6.5 seconds and the 535d is rated at 35.3 mpg. While a 520d might be more efficient, we still believe the 5er needs a more powerful engine.
BMW X1 xDrive23d
This BMW’s latest diesel powered model and will launch in the European market in the Fall. It is still powered by the same engine found in the 123d Coupe, but it’s rated at 37 mpg. BMW North America has already announced that the X1 will make it to the U.S. in 2010, but there was no indication on which engines to expect.
These are some of the prime candidates and the ones that make the most sense, but once again, this is just our opinion, so feel free to tell us yours.
Other vehicles worth mentioning, just to satisfy all the BMW groups and buyers, are: BMW 116d Hatchback (not the most marketable car in the U.S, but definitely the most efficient one), BMW 730d, BMW X3 30sd.
If you believe there is a model that we overlooked and which should have been included in our poll, please let us know and we will make the necessary additions.
In conclusion, will the results of this poll change BMW’s plans of bringing new diesel engines to the U.S.? Probably not, but that doesn’t stop us from expressing our opinion.
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post’s poll.
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Top Gear reviews the BMW Z4 and compares it against the Nissan 370Z
Posted on 27. Jul, 2009 by admin.
Jeremy Clarkson likes the new BMW Z4!!! Yes, a shocker to us as well, but we kinda got over that feeling when we read his first review last month on Times Online. As many Top Gear fans might have noticed over the years, Mr. Clarkson has not been a huge BMW fan, except the M3 and M3 Coupe, his reviews could be classified as…..bitter.
Even at the beginning of his new review, he makes it clear that he absolutely didn’t like the old Z4, a statement that many BMW fans would disagree with, but that’s another story…..
So what made him change his mind this time around? “The best thing about this car is how it feels to drive….” and to make us smile a bit, “it’s sorta Uma Thurmanish……PERFECT!”
But one of his closing statements really nails it and BMW can only be happy they managed to satisfy even one of their biggest critic: “And today I would buy a Z4 over a Mercedes SLK in a heart beat…..”
As much as he praises the Z4, the Nissan 370Z takes a beat and settles this debate for now. We do wonder how the new Audi TTS will come against the Z4, knowing that he’s not a huge Audi fan either….
So, we’re less than two weeks away from getting our hands on the Z4 sDrive 35i and we’re hoping that the new Roadster will blow us away.
All good for now, but….we wonder what he will say about the new 5 Series GT.
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Interesting renderings of the next BMW 1 Series
Posted on 27. Jul, 2009 by admin.
We know how much you hate love renderings, so we decided to show you some new renderings of the next generation BMW 1 Series due out in 2011. The renderings belong to two different sources and they both take a different approach, so that should open an interesting debate.
As some of you might have probably read on here before, the next generation 1 Series will offer the largest variety of models within the BMW brand, the rumors say that at least five variants of 1 Series models are being considered, excluding the BMW Z2 and X1 which are based on the 1er platform as well. There are also various sources close to BMW that mention a possible 1 Series Shooting Brake and even an X-Cabrio crossover, but those particular models are still in the early research days.
The new BMW 1 Series hatchback model will feature a slightly longer wheelbase and wider track than the current model. It will be available in three and five door variants with both models using the new modular/expendable platform. The backbone of these models was designed especially for this purpose so every model can have a variation backbone, simply be moving suspension points and firewalls to areas that will benefit each vehicle. Corroborated with more parts sharing, this new approach will allow BMW to reduce even more the production costs.
As far as the exterior design, not many details have leaked recently and anything we would say at this point could be interpreted as pure speculations. Of course, the 1 Series test mules seen around don’t help too much, but as the cars go through different evaluation phases, then we should find out more.
What we do know for sure is that the interior will take many design cues from the BMW X1, of course emphasis on the sportiness aspect.
Now looking at the two renderings, the first one is closer to a “real design” than the second one, even though we do see why some people might enjoy the aggressive stand of this last rendering.
[Source: BilNorge.no | Automedia, Inh. Andreas Conradt e.K.| Burlappcars ]
