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Post by Spider on Jan 30, 2009 13:55:27 GMT -5
11 Photos A Spin Through The New Porsche MuseumJanuary 29, 2009 Photo by Porsche Caption by Candace Lombardi While Ferrari fans have had a splashy museum in Maranello, Italy, to make pilgrimages to for years, Porsche fans have had to be satisfied with a small 20-car rotating exhibit near the company factory. Not anymore. The new Porsche Museum at Porsche's headquarters in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, Germany, is set to open Saturday. On Wednesday, the press and VIPs got a sneak peek at the interior, which contains 5,600 square meters of exhibition space, as well as a restaurant, a rooftop terrace, a Porsche Archive library, conference facilities, a Porsche workshop where mechanics tinker with cars, and a museum shop that will at times offer collectors items. _________________________ 'S'
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Post by Spider on Feb 1, 2009 1:15:34 GMT -5
Lithium ion battery technology is all the rage when talking about future vehicle propulsion systems. Everybody wants lithium ion batteries because so far they are the only electro-chemical batteries devised that come close to providing the energy density necessary to be truly useful for passenger vehicles. There are lots of promising variations that may be able to improve the lifespan and chargeability of such cells, but one question has remained unasked. At least until now. The ability of the electrical grid to support large scale use of EVs is an open question, although some recent studies seem to indicate that having vehicles charged mostly at night, might be beneficial.
The new question is: "Where do we get the lithium?" In a story in the Toronto Star, William Tahil, research director with Meridian International Research asserts that there isn't enough lithium available to mine to support the world's 900 million vehicles. Evidently most of the known supplies of lithium are in South America, in Argentina, Chile and Bolivia, potentially making them the new OPEC. Bolivia alone may have fifty percent of the world's metal lithium reserves. Production of 60 million PHEVs with smaller lithium batteries than would be needed for a full EV would require 420,000 tonnes of lithium every year, which is six times the current production level. So it looks like any potential savings from mass producing lithium batteries, could easily get negated and then some just by increasing demand driving up raw material costs.
Tahil proposes that battery research should be more focused on technology that uses more common metals like nickel and zinc. The article mentions sodium nickel chloride (Zebra) batteries and zinc air batteries. The Zebra batteries apparently tolerate cold and hot temperatures well, something lithium batteries generally don't.
It looks like we need to start looking past lithium even before it gets established. ___________________________________
'S'
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Post by Spider on Feb 6, 2009 21:40:55 GMT -5
[/b][/color] The Year Of The Battery According to the Chinese, it is now the 'Year of the Ox', but in the automotive world, it's the 'Year of the Battery'.
With production electric cars from major auto makers launching next year, lithium ion battery development is proceeding full force. [/center] GM announced at the Detroit auto show that it picked a battery supplier, LG Chem, for the Chevy Volt, and will also build a battery pack manufacturing plant in Michigan. Daimler showed an electric concept based on the F-Cell research vehicle it has been testing for some time, and has a considerable investment in battery developer Li-Tec, a subsidiary of Evonik, a major German power company. Last year there was some hand-wringing about lithium ion battery production being dominated by Asian companies, something Mitsubishi took advantage of a few years ago to get its iMiev car built. From the test drive I had in that car last month, the iMiev is a completely practical electric car, and could probably go into production now, but Mitsubishi is holding U.S. sales until next year. [/color] Competition for automotive-battery production is rapidly heating up.
As automakers have their own engine plants now, they will have to start gearing towards opening up battery plants to stay in business.
Electric cars in a pine forest, in downtown Detroit
GM to build Chevy Volt Batteries
Daimler R&D chief: We're ahead in Battery tech __ 'S'[/center][/color]
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Post by Spider on Feb 8, 2009 3:14:42 GMT -5
This ULT concept is becoming popular all over the world.
For more information go HERE __ 'S' [/b][/color]
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Post by Spider on Mar 2, 2009 19:03:57 GMT -5
Source Ford Fusion Hybrid gets soy-based foam seatsMarch 2, 2009 by Liane Yvkoff The 2010 Fusion Hybrid is the latest Ford family vehicle that to be outfitted with soy-based foam seat backs and cushions, and covered in 100 percent recycled fabric, which goes to show that mileage isn't the only way to measure the environmental impact of a car.
By the end of 2009 model year, more than 1 million Ford vehicles will have been manufactured with these petroleum-alternative seats. Since its debut in 2008, Ford has used the foam in the Mustang, Expedition, F-150, Escape, Focus, Mazda Tribute, and Lincoln Navigator.
Replacing the seat cushions may not sound like a huge technological leap, but the switch from polyurethane foam derived from petroleum to soybean oil-based foam in these vehicles has offset more than 5 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions, said to Cynthia Flanigan, a plastics expert in Ford's Research and Advanced Engineering department. It's another step toward reducing the United States' dependence on foreign oil.
Given the years of research and testing that goes into replacing traditional materials in integral parts of a vehicle, this accomplishment is no small feat, Flanigan says. Ford is also exploring ways to replace other vehicle components with bioplastics and bio-based resins.
The Fusion Hybrid's seats are comprised of 85 percent post-industrial recycled material and standard equipped with recycled cloth. But if your environmental conscience is satisfied by the Fusion Hybrid's capability to achieve up to 700 miles per tank during in-city driving, you're free to forgo the eco-cloth and upgrade to leather-trimmed heated seats.
___________ __ 'S'
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Post by Spider on Mar 31, 2009 3:52:02 GMT -5
March 27, 2009 Did You See Tesla’s Amazing New Model S ?
Yesterday, Tesla Motors (the guys that brought you the Tesla Roadster) unveiled the new Model S.
A 4 door, 7 passenger sedan that is set to compete with the BMW 5 series of the world.
Why all the buzz?
The Model S is an EV able to achieve 300 miles on a single 45 minute charge.
The Tesla Model S should land around $57,400, minus the government EV tax credit, and you’re looking at a sub 50 thousand dollar EV luxury sedan.
Coming in 2011.
TESLA MOTORS Made in the USA ____________ __ 'S'
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Post by Spider on Apr 23, 2009 7:50:29 GMT -5
ArticleProject PUMA GM, Segway Partner on Two-Wheel City VehicleApril 7, 2009 By: Martin LaMonicaA PUMA concept vehicle.(Credit: GM)
General Motors and Segway plan to take a two-wheel concept vehicle for a spin around New York City on Tuesday. The prototype vehicle, called Project PUMA (Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility), is designed to ease congestion and pollution problems in cities. It is based on the Segway Personal Transporter but holds two people, instead of one, and lets them sit, instead of stand. A PUMA runs on lithium ion batteries, can reach 35 miles per hour, and can travel up to 35 miles between charges.
It includes some high-tech touches, including GM's wireless OnStar communications technology that lets a passenger locate other drivers in a city.
The two-wheeler is meant to address the mounting problems of urban car transportation, according to the two companies that plan to unveil the vehicle at an auto show in New York.
GM is touting other features as well. "Imagine small, nimble electric vehicles that know where other moving objects are and avoid running into them. Now, connect those vehicles in an Internet-like web and you can greatly enhance the ability of people to move through cities, find places to park and connect to their social and business networks," Larry Burns, GM's vice president of R&D and strategic planning, said in a statement.
GM is looking to drum up excitement for its vehicles as it undergoes a massive restructuring in an effort to become financially viable and more competitive with other automakers.
The Segway[/b] Personal Transporter, a two-wheel vehicle that allows people to stand and move around at slow speeds, was released with great fanfare several years ago, but it remains a niche form of transportation. __ 'S'
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Post by moonpuppy on Apr 23, 2009 10:07:46 GMT -5
Puma vers Mack. I don't like the odds.
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Post by Spider on Apr 24, 2009 1:14:14 GMT -5
I don't think that the average citizen will be owning and driving any MACK deisel/electric hybrids in the near future.
Do you? __ 'S'
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Post by Spider on May 20, 2009 12:46:56 GMT -5
[clic pic for site & videos]
Purpose-Built To Kick Some Butt. The words "purpose-built" describe everything from fighter planes to military vehicles to postal delivery trucks – but not law enforcement vehicles. While the nation’s other first responders and public servants drive vehicles designed for the job, our 800,000 law enforcement first responders drive lightly modified retail passenger cars that were never designed to handle the rigorous, round-the-clock demands of law enforcement.
That is why Carbon Motors has designed the E7—the world’s first purpose-built law enforcement patrol vehicle, designed by law enforcement, for law enforcement.
The Carbon E7 has been designed to provide the highest levels of officer protection using world-class technologies and processes. E7 hailed the police car of the future [/color] WATCH VIDEO[/center]
LANCASTER, SC (WBTV) - An Atlanta-based company funded buy the Homeland Security Department is developing America's first purpose-built law police cruiser. A portion of the car is manufactured in the South Carolina town of Lancaster.
To some, the car may remind them of "Kitt" from the hit television show Knight Rider.
The co-founder of Carbon Motors, Stacy Stephens, says the E7 proto-type police cruiser is very real.
"It's built from the ground up, bumper to bumper, specifically for law enforcement," Stephens said.
The E7 comes fully loaded and can travel from 0 to 60 in less than 6 seconds. It can reach speeds more than 150 miles per hour. The cruiser comes with a few extras including an automatic license plate recognition camera capable of reading up to 1,500 license plates per minute.
The vehicle has an infrared camera so officers can see in the dark and it is equipped with radiation, chemical and biological sensors.
It has everything a law enforcement officer needs.
"Because they do sit in their cars for 8 to 12 hours, we do have heated and cooled cup holders as well," Stephens said.
The vehicle, however, is not bulletproof but it comes close.
The bumper, hood, roof, doors and even the 911 sticker is covered with a special film manufactured by Soliant in Lancaster.
"It withstands dents, dings and is much easier to repair," Stephens said.
Soliant employs more than 100 people and the company's new relationship with Carbon Motors will help keep people working.
What do officers say about the new ride?
We asked Lt. Jeff Meeks with the Lancaster Police Department. He said the car has "...everything we've already got now, but it's well placed and put where it needs to be."
Carbon motors wouldn't tell WBTV exactly how much the car will cost, but they say it will be competitive with what other local police departments are using now.
The E7 is more durable than others cruisers on the highway and it is 40 percent more fuel efficient.
________ __ 'S' [/b][/size][/color][/center]
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Post by Spider on Jun 9, 2009 19:21:51 GMT -5
~ REAL CHINESE TRUCK ~ __ 'S' [/color]
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Post by Spider on Jun 9, 2009 19:31:32 GMT -5
~ OLDE-TYME CAMP-MOBILE ~__ 'S'
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Post by Spider on Jul 11, 2009 9:57:08 GMT -5
~ THE 2010 TOYOTA PRIUS ~
After the success of its predecessor, the advent of the 2010 Toyota Prius created a lot of expectations.
But instead of incorporating sought-after features such as a lithium ion battery pack or plug-in capability, Toyota opted for incremental changes, tweaking the power train to get more power and better fuel economy. [/size] All About The 2010 Toyota Prius & Road Test Video__________ __ 'S'[/b][/center]
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Post by Spider on Jul 27, 2009 2:23:27 GMT -5
2010 Honda Insight vs 2010 Toyota Prius By: CNET Staff [/color] 2010 Honda Insight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2010 Toyota Prius With its Prius, Toyota has dominated the hybrid scene for the last five years. The Prius has even been used to transport movie stars to the Oscars.
But just in time for its 2010 model update, Honda comes along with a scrappy little competitor. Honda got in on the hybrid game early, too, but hasn't been as successful as Toyota. It's first Insight, a high mileage hybrid two-seater, was discontinued in 2006. For 2010, Honda comes out with a brand-new Insight that looks nothing like its namesake.
Instead, it's a four-door hatchback, just like the Prius.
At the starting gate, we know the Prius gets better mileage, while the Insight costs less, but how will these hybrids fare against each other through the entire course?
It's time for these contenders to raise their green gloves and come out fighting.[/color][/size] __ 'S' [/center]
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Post by Spider on Oct 16, 2009 19:14:00 GMT -5
(Credit: Suzusho)Supasse V borrows Lotus strategyBy: Wayne Cunningham October 15, 2009 The Supasse V uses a Mazda-sourced engine, and will be at the Tokyo Motor Show. Lotus has few competitors, but Suzusho, a Japanese specialty carmaker, announced a car for the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show that looks like it could give the Elise S a good run. Mid-engined and weighing only 1,875 pounds, the Supasse V takes a page from the Lotus strategy book, but it remains to be seen if Suzusho can match Lotus engineering expertise for handling.
The Supasse V uses a fiberglass body and aluminum frame, explaining the low-weight figure, and takes the engine from the Mazdaspeed 3, similar to how Lotus uses engines sourced from Toyota. The turbocharged 2.3-liter four cylinder engine puts out 270 horsepower, which puts the power-to-weight ratio at 1 to 6.9.
(Credit: Suzusho)
No interior pictures have emerged, so we don't know what kind of cabin tech you can expect, but these types of cars are usually pretty stripped down. Of course, as the car will only be sold in gadget-loving Japan, it might use technologies we've never seen before. [/color] Suzusho, Inc(Source: WorldCarFans.com)[/color][/b][/size] __________ __ 'S'[/center]
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Post by Spider on Oct 21, 2009 19:27:12 GMT -5
The 4WD With Seats Made of Whale PenisDartz Prombron Monaco Red Diamond Edition If four-wheel-drives weren’t politically incorrect enough, a Russian car maker is offering one with whale penis leather trim.
A Russian armoured-car builder is boasting that its latest vehicle has seats covered with “whale-penis leather”.
The €1 million ($1.6 million) Dartz Prombron Monaco Red Diamond Edition armoured car has been developed by the same company, RussoBaltique, that built armoured vehicles for Tsar Nicholas, Vladimir Lenin and Leon Trotsky. On its official website, the company says the whale-penis leather is the same as that used by Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis on the yacht Christina O. Onassis is rumoured to have had some of the barstools on the yacht, the world’s most expensive at the time, covered in the controversial leather. The leather is not the only tacky accessory on the Prombron, which Dartz claims is the world’s most expensive SUV. The bulletproof windows are gold-plated, the exhaust is made of tungsten, the gauges are encrusted with diamonds and rubies and the exterior has a Kevlar coating. The car also comes with three bottles of the world’s most expensive Vodka, RussoBaltique, although the website does warn prospective buyers not to drink and drive. The vehicle is being specially prepared for the ultra-exclusive Top Marques luxury motor show in Monaco next year. Dartz’s armoured vehicles weigh roughly 4 tons, are powered by V8s putting out between 300bhp and 400bhp and are “rocket grenade-proof” according to the website. For those wondering just how may whales may need to be harvested to outfit the special edition, the answer is not many. [/b][/color][/size][/size][/color][/url] __________ 'S' [/center]
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Post by Spider on Aug 28, 2010 16:44:58 GMT -5
- How 'NOT' to sell a car -"A couple of years ago I had a Ford Mustang GT. I had a bit of trouble selling it, must have been my advertising method."__ 'S'
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Post by Spider on Oct 11, 2010 2:48:17 GMT -5
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Post by Spider on Oct 30, 2010 15:26:04 GMT -5
[/b][/u][/size][/color][/url] _______________________ 'S'[/center]
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Post by Spider on Jan 7, 2011 2:45:56 GMT -5
CNET.Com By: Chris Matyszczyk BMW Burns Its Logo Onto Viewers' Eyelids "Make the logo bigger!" is a cry that has emerged from the mouths of so many marketing directors.
"Burn the logo onto everyone's eyelids!" is perhaps spoken less often. But as technology moves apace, the possibilities expand in proportion to the ambition and brazenness of the marketers. So I am grateful to Wired for imprinting upon my eyes an attempt from earlier this year to burn the BMW logo onto the eyelids of unsuspecting German cinema-goers. Perhaps knowing that most commercials for motor vehicles are duller than the water in a Russian hotel, BMW decided to equip one German cinema with a Profoto Pro-7B and a studio flash unit strong enough to illuminate the dark mind of every member of Congress. They rigged the machines behind the movie theater screen and, at a particularly dull moment in this wonderfully dull BMW ad, they fired the flash. Then, the fascinating man on screen suggested that the audience members close their eyes. In a moment that melded science fiction with the happy possibilities of authoritarian politics, the audience could see the BMW logo, as if it had been imprinted on the backs of their eyelids. You know, like when you stare at the sun and then shut your eyes. I am left to wonder whether the fine, forward-thinking minds behind this stunt availed themselves of a strong insurance policy before attempting this light of fancy. [/b][/size][/color] Did not work for me. Probably because I'm not German!
But I really liked the motorcycle footage. __ 'S'
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