Technology News

It looks as though the current price of a barrel of oil is now having a profound affect on U.S. auto sales, which have now hit a 15 year low. The rest of 2008 does not like it will be any better, now automakers are working hard to meet the demand for smaller fuel-efficient cars. So it now shows that the current credit crisis is not just causing problems for the housing market.

Many automakers in the U.S. are now cutting the production of trucks; they are now scrambling to increase production of fuel-efficient cars as it is these that are now showing more sales strength. Auto sales for North America are down 18.3 percent from June 2007, this is now the worst half year sales performance since 1993. Autodata Corp has released some data stating that U.S. consumers purchased just 7.41 million vehicles in the first half of 2008.

According to Freep, some automakers are having worse sales figures than others, Chrysler LLC is 35.9% down, Ford Motor Co. is down by 27.8%, and Toyota Motor Corp. is down by 21.4%. Also down is Nissan Motor Co. by 17.7% as well as General Motors Corp. who are down 18.2%.

However Honda Motor Co. has bucked the market by reporting a 1.1% sales increase; this is a result of their more affordable, fuel-efficient vehicles.

It is not just in the U.S that people are wanting more fuel-efficient cars, in the UK they have to pay £5.40 a liter, that about $10.69. Also they are being taxed for having larger cars, so more people want to sell their larger cars and swap them for smaller cars.

Written by Peter for Product Reviews
In Sections: Autos
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It seems that the guys over at Maranello have their work cut out for them, as they are now working on a successor to the Ferrari Enzo. Everybody knows just how jaw dropping the Enzo was in looks and performance, and Ferrari have said that this successor will be their lightest and fastest two-seater super they have ever developed. It seems that Ferrari are now thinking how other car makers have been doing for years “Less is More.”

Ferrari has had to respond to the current environment issues, and have now been working hard to improve fuel economy by 40 percent as well as reducing emissions by 25 percent. These are uncharted waters for the Italian automaker; they have always gone for faster cars while fuel efficiency has always seemed to suffer. Well it seems that the guys over at Maranello have found a way to do this without compromising its reputation for performance, it seems that we are about to see a greener Ferrari.

As yet Ferrari have not given the Mini Enzo a name but what we do know is, it will arrive in 2010 and will have a 600-horsepower engine and will only weigh 2,200 pounds, that is 660 pounds lighter than the Enzo. As yet people have no idea as to what the new Ferrari will look like, but many assume that it could take some of its styling features of the picture above.

The new car will have an aluminum space frame, and it is thought that the Ferrari V10 engine will be used. Figures say that the new Ferrari will go from 0 to 62 mph (100 kph) in 3.65 seconds, and should be able to reach a top speed of 225 mph (362 kph). As the car is so light, it should have one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any car on the road. As you would expect this will not come cheap, there will only be 300 made and is expected to cost at least $500,000.

Source

Written by Peter for Product Reviews
In Sections: Autos, Supercars
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As an owner of a Ford Mondeo I seem to get a lot of stick from my father and brother, as they both own BMW’s. They seem to think that BMW are better in every way, but I have to say that Ford build great cars and use a number of great technologies, much like a BMW. Ford announced not so long ago that they were to launch the new PowerShift high-tech automatic transmission; this new system has the fuel economy of a manual gearbox.

These new gearboxes are as light and sporty as a manual gearbox, but have the efficiency of a six-speed manual with the convenience of an auto. We have just learned that the Ford Focus and C-MAX are to use the new PowerShift system. This new lightweight transmission uses the latest electronically-controlled twin-clutch technology to change gear; as a result there is no need for complex and weighty sub-systems such as torque converter or planetary gears of regular auto boxes.

So we know that PowerShift is efficient, but it is also very simple to use and has a sporty personality. When shifting up and down through the gears, you will notice that the changes are made much faster than any standard automatic transmission; changes are also faster than anyone could do with a manual gearbox.

The new Co2 laws have always been against cars with automatic transmission as they produce more emissions than a car with a manual gearbox. However; the new PowerShift system gives the cars a lower Co2 rating, so you will get more to the gallon, and in the UK the road fund license will also be much cheaper.

Source - Press Release

Written by Peter for Product Reviews
In Sections: Autos
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The new 2009 Ford Glass Roof Mustang certainly is a great addition to the range, this vehicle offers you the enjoyment of driving a convertible-like car, but the glass roof filters most of the suns harmful rays. This glass roof is the first of its kind from Mustang, even though it is a glass roof the car is still very cool and the new type of glass offer less wind noise.

Other cars which offer this new glass roof are the 2009 Lincoln MKS and the New 2009 Ford Flex. How great is it to be able to drive your car and be able to see most things around and above you, and you will not have your breath taken away like you do with a convertible. These new glass roofs that filter 90 percent of the sun’s heat-generating infrared (IR) rays, as well as 96 percent of burn-causing ultraviolet (UV) rays are now being shipped to dealerships.

The UV-filtering capability of the new Mustang’s glass roof is almost as good as having a sunscreen lotion with a sun protection factor (SPF) of approximately 50. The new screen also filter out IR rays, this means that the heat load in the cabin is much lower than it would be from a standard glass roof. The glass is also reflective which reduces energy as the vehicle’s air conditioner system does not need to work as hard; the interior fabric is also protected from fading and deteriorating.

Paul Randle, chief nameplate engineer, has said Quality is a continuous process. The whole team is passionate about it, which results in our paying attention to the smallest details.” He also added “Our owners have high expectations, and we always want to meet them - with strong features like this new roof option, quality and performance.”

Source – Press Release

Written by Peter for Product Reviews
In Sections: Autos, Sports Cars
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Well it is now official, GM and Corvette have just released details of how much the new 2009 Corvette ZR1 will cost. You had better sit down because the cost of the sports coupe will have a starting price of $103,300. However; you then have to consider that you have to pay an extra $1,700 Gas guzzler tax, if you are bored with the standard rims then you can upgrade to chrome wheels, this comes at a cost of $2000.

If you want to upgrade to a different option package then you only have a choice of one, the package costs $10,000 and with that you get Bluetooth, Bose audio, leather-wrapped interior, nav system and power tilt/telescoping steering wheel. With all these extras included the total price comes to $117,000. Autoblog believe that the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 has to be one of the most expensive models that General Motors has ever produced.

So what exactly are you getting on this car with a huge price tag? Well firstly the engine is something special a 638-hp lump. The car will go from 0 to 60 in just 3.4 seconds and will max out at 205 mph. Now comes the bad part, fuel consumption, 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.

Other cars in the market range have better fuel efficient figures like the Porsche GT3 and the Dodge Viper, but then again they are not as powerful. Ok so the Porsche is also more expensive, but my money would be on the GT3 when it comes to getting round a track quicker.

Written by Peter for Product Reviews
In Sections: Autos, Coupe Cars, Supercars
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Hydrogen cars are set to become very popular with the news that we reported earlier that Honda are to mass produce the new FCX Clarity, as well as other automakers like BMW working hard on their hydrogen vehicle. This now means that fuel companies will now need to increase the amount of hydrogen fuel stations that they currently have. These fuelling stations are one of the most important factors for the success and future of hydrogen cars.

Having more than enough of these stations will not happen overnight, the hydrogen fuelling stations of the future might just be a part of current gasoline stations, or even new standalone stations. At this time California have 23 hydrogen fuel stations across the state, these currently fuel just a fleet of 158. This will never be enough, but there are already plans for another fourteen new fuel stations to be built.

When thinking about new hydrogen fuelling stations there are a few important issues that have to be addressed, storage, containment, delivery and safety. Once all these issue have been solved then we will see more of these new types of stations popping up around the U.S. and the rest of the world. It might even be possible for you to fill your hydrogen vehicle from home, this is done with a process of electrolysis, an electrical current can split tap water into hydrogen and oxygen.

As things stand at the moment hydrogen fuel is more expensive than fossil fuels, and there are not enough hydrogen service stations, to support the large-scale roll-out of hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Source

Written by Peter for Product Reviews
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When it comes to the design of cars one thing has never changed, the skin has always been of a rigid design from metal to carbon fibre. However; BMW might have an alternative solution with their latest concept car. The name for this revolutionary design is called the GINA Light Visionary Model from the German automaker. Gina stands for Geometry and Functions In “N” Adaptions, which promotes thinking by allowing maximum freedom of creativity.

BMW have been very bold with the design of this car, but they needed to so that they could answer the question of how a car of the future would look like. The design of the Gina Light Visionary Model gave BMW the chance to explore their creative freedom, and I have to say “the results are remarkable.” BMW realised that the skin of a car did not need to be rigid, so come up with this flexible skin instead.

The outer skin of the BMW GINA Light Visionary Model is almost seamless; the skin is made from a flexible textile cover which stretches over the movable substructure. There are a number of individual functions on the substructure, but these will only be revealed when they are needed.

The BMW GINA Light Visionary Model is very unique compared to standard cars on our roads today, my car just like yours is made up of a number of body panels, like a bonnet, doors, side panels, roof, trunk etc. With this concept BMW have done away with all this, instead replaces it with a new structure with a minimum amount of components. The fabric used is both highly durable and extremely expansion-resistant fabric; as a result designers have a higher level of freedom of design and functionality.

For more on this visit: Full Boost

Written by Peter for Product Reviews
In Sections: Autos, Concept Cars
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Honda have announced that they are to mass produce their FCX Clarity fuel-cell car, they hope to be able to do this within the next ten years. Honda, who are Japans second largest automaker after Toyota, are looking for ways to meet public deman for more fuel effiecent car models, and they might just have the answer with the Honda FCX Clarity.

Honda President Takeo Fukui, has said “If we can bring costs down by a certain amount, I think we can start mass-production.” Honda have now started production of these more enviornmantally firendly cars today, and hope to be able to lease at least 200 of these FCX Clarity’s vehilecs in the US and Japan over the next three years. Honda already have five customers for these new vehilces in the US.
According to Bloomberg, the Honda FCX Clarity will be available in California, US, in the beggining of July as they already have plans for a range of hydrogen fueling stations across the state. This new honda has a top speed of 105 miles per hours, which is more than fast enough, well we are not meant to drive that fast anyway.

Honda along with a number of other major automakers are now adding a number of new low-pollution models to their car range, like fuel-cell and gasoline-electric hybrids. These hybrids had a slow start as the public did not know much about this new kind of technology. However; as the price of oil is increasing almost everyday, hybdrid cars is a technology that is growing fast and this technology will only get better.

Written by Peter for Product Reviews
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Nissan updated its premium sedan Teana to fit for growing China automarket and at this year’s 2008 Beijing International Auto Show they revealed the all-new Nissan Teana premium sedan. Today we are hearing that Nissan Motor Co has announced the first all-new Teana in China. Read the press release below for the full information.

TOKYO (June 16, 2008) — Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., today announced that the first all-new Teana, the flagship model in the company’s line-up in the Chinese market, rolled off the lines at the Xianfang plant of Dongfeng Motor Co., Ltd. (DFL), Nissan’s partner in China.

The premium sedan made its global debut at Auto China in April 2008 where it received the “Best World Premier” award.

“The first generation of Teana in China accounted for nearly half of total global sales for that model in the five years from 2003,” said Toshiaki Otani, managing director of Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Company. “As China is the largest market for Teana, DFL and Nissan considered the needs of the Chinese customers very carefully in developing the next generation model.”

The concepts of modern luxury and moving comfort guided the development of Teana, and contributed to the hospitable and relaxed ambience drivers and passengers experience with the vehicle.

Dongfeng Nissan Technical Center (DNTC) played a vital role in gathering market information for the development of Teana for China. Working with the Nissan Technical Center (NTC), DNTC conducted automotive testing across China and made necessary modifications, such as enhancements in quietness, in order to best match the needs of the Chinese market.

Teana is powered by the company’s highly regarded V6 engine (VQ25DE and VQ35DE), combined with XTRONIC CVT and incorporating Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) for a smooth ride and better fuel economy. Teana also is offered with a 2.0L gasoline engine (MR20DE).

Teana is built on the newly developed “D” platform, which optimally balances a flat, comfortable ride with quietness, refined handling and stability.

The special grade Teana XV offers a distinctive design in the front bumper, front grille and rear bumper, along with metallic painted 17-inch alloy wheels. Other unique features of the Teana XV grade are a top-loaded sunroof and a Bose 5.1 channel sound system.

Teana, which will be available across China later this month, ranges in price from RMB 190,800 (USD: 27,652) to RMB 332,800 (USD: 48,232). DFL projects monthly sales of more than 8,000 units. Sales of the new Teana during its lifecycle are expected to double from the total sales of the first generation model.

First introduced in China in 2004, Teana has turned in sales of 166,000 units since then. Teana won the “Car of the Year award” in 2005 and was ranked No. 1 in the 2007 J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Survey (IQS) for the premium and mid-size class. Teana also was the first mid-size sedan to be rated “five stars” in the China New Car Assessment Program (C-NCAP).

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June 8, Beijing Golden Port Circuit Round 3 of the “China Circuit Championship” or “CCC” took place at Beijing’s Golden Port Circuit (1 lap, 2.39kms), continuing the closely-fought battle from the last round in the series. The winner in the 1,600 class was a NISSAN Tiida, run by the DongFeng NISSAN Ghia Team, driver #4Lin Li Feng taking a lights-to-flag victory.

After taking 2nd in the opening round, and then an unfortunate retirement in the following race, this event saw the #4Lin’s car turn up with 20kgs success ballast. Showing perfect consistent of speed in qualifying, pole position was duly snatched. In the warm-up session held on the morning of race day, his rivals also demonstrated quick lap times, but it was no worry for Lin ahead of the final race. On this day, Beijing’s Golden Port Circuit was blessed with fine weather. Just prior to race start, the temperature stood at 33 degrees Celsius, with the track surface measured at 43 C which was like day on midsummer. A total of 17 cars left the line together for the start of the race, Lin calmly holding on to the lead. Over the course of the opening lap, he built up a gap over the ensuing pack. Later on, last year’s championship-winning Volkswagen and Kia Cerato gave chase, but Lin gradually moved further and further away. He ran at the head of the field for the duration of the 33-lap event. It was a lights-to-flag victory, his first win of the season.

Meanwhile, his teammate and 2006 series champion #3Guo Haisheng was saddled with a colossal 120kgs success ballast in qualifying, relegating him to a fifth-place start. Guo fought for position with the 4th-place starter, the #7 Kia Cerato throughout the opening lap, finally taking the position after a daring move on the back straight stuck at the last corner. Heavy side contact however meant that the cars spun out. Both machines ended up in the gravel bed and went into retirement.

Winner Lin Li Feng:
“Over the course of the first 10 laps, I was a little worried when the following cars made up some ground. Over the final 10 laps however, I was able to ease off a little as I had built up a bit of a margin. The handicap weight has now become 100kgs – still very heavy. The next round is at Zhuhai, our home circuit, so somehow we’ll have to finish on the podium. I really want to fight to be this year’s champion. Today, we got support from over 500 Tiida Owner’s Club members. It’s really very gratifying, thank you all very much.”

The season has now reached its halfway point, with Wang(Kia) leading on 20 points. Lin (NISSAN Tiida) sits in 2nd with 2 points down. Also, in the tie for 3rd is Guo (NISSAN Tiida) and the top VW, with the battle set to continue.
Source: Press Release

Written by Daniel for Product Reviews
In Sections: Autos
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