U.S. Forests Soak Up Carbon Dioxide, but for How Long?

CARBON SEQUESTRATION: U.S. forests soak up 11 percent of U.S. emissions per year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but that ability might be compromised by future climate changes.Image: USDA.gov

MISSOULA, Mont.—U.S. forests offset roughly 11 percent of the nation's industrial greenhouse gas emissions, storing "significant amounts" of carbon that would otherwise pollute the atmosphere, according to new government data.

The findings, released last week, estimate the nation's expanding forests sequester an additional 192 million metric tons of carbon annually due to increases in both the total area of forest land and the amount of carbon stored per acre.

That's the equivalent of removing about half the cars on the roads nationwide, or almost 135 million vehicles.

But as emissions increase and the planet warms, that storage capacity could be compromised, scientists warn.

Warmer summers, changing precipitation patterns and a thinning snow pack are already "aridifying" Western forests, University of Montana Professor Steven Running said during a conference here last week. The combination imperils the health of vast swathes of the western landscape, he warned.

"We think of range as having a 'carrying capacity' - you put too many cows on a pasture and they all get skinny because they don't have enough to eat," he said at a meeting of the Society of Environmental Journalists. "It's the same principle for our forests."

In 40 years, for instance, Montana will likely see 5ºF warmer summers on average but receive 10 percent less rainfall, he said. "We're aridifying our forests."

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But for now, the trend in carbon sequestration across the nation is up, according to the U.S. Forest Service data. On average, the agency said, the amount of carbon stored in forestland has increased since 1990.

Wet, temperate conifer forests along the Pacific Coast from Alaska to California store the most carbon - about 93 metric tons of carbon per acre. Arid pinyon-juniper forests of the Southwest store the least - 31 tons of carbon per acre on average.

Forests in the western United States store a greater proportion of carbon in the trees; other areas, such as the Great Lakes, have larger concentrations of peat in the soil, storing more carbon there.

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Understanding those differences - and corresponding climate-induced changes - could have important ramifications as the agency assesses the carbon sequestration potential of the nation's forests, agency officials said.

"Forest management on all lands can contribute significantly toward cooling a warming planet," U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement. "This new information will assist the public and policy makers as we work to address this significant issue."

DailyClimate.org is a nonprofit news service that covers climate change.

Volatile Organic Compounds May Worsen Allergies and Asthma

ASTHMA TRIGGER: A new study finds that fumes from water-based paints and solvents may make children more likely to suffer allergies or asthma.Image: courtesy Flickr

Children who sleep in bedrooms containing fumes from water-based paints and solvents are two to four times more likely to suffer allergies or asthma, according to a new scientific study.
 
Scientists measured the compounds – propylene glycol and glycol ethers, known as PGEs – in the bedroom air of 400 toddlers and preschoolers, and discovered that the children who breathed them had substantially higher rates of asthma, stuffy noses and eczema.

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It is the first human study to link harmful effects of these chemicals to common exposures in households, and it suggests that they might exacerbate or even cause allergic disorders and asthma, according to the team of scientists from Harvard University and Sweden’s Kalstad University.
 
“Apparent risks of PGEs at such low concentrations at home raise concerns for the vulnerability of infants and young children,” according to the report, published Monday in the journal of the Public Library of Science, PLoS ONE.

The aim of the study was to investigate the health effects of chemicals called volatile organic compounds that are widely used inside homes. The result: Of the hundreds of compounds tested in eight different categories, only one group -- the PGEs - was associated with the children’s allergies and asthma.

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That discovery is particularly surprising, since PGEs are widely used in water-based paints and varnishes, as well as in cleaning fluids such as glass cleaners. They are considered healthier substitutes because they have low volatility, which means they emit less fumes than the high-polluting, oil-based paints and solvents.
 
For several decades, scientists have tried to unravel why allergies and asthma have skyrocketed among children throughout the developed world since the 1970s.
 
Experts suspect that exposure to some environmental factors in the womb or early in life might trigger the disorders. The findings of the new study add to the many theories that have evolved, including ones about other indoor air pollutants, diesel exhaust, viruses and cockroach allergens.

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Michael Laiosa, an assistant professor at the School of Public Health at University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, who studies children’s allergies and immune disorders, called it “a very interesting article and well-conducted study.’’
 
If these findings are confirmed by other studies, “it may be another piece of the puzzle as to why atopic diseases like allergy and asthma are on the rise, particularly in kids,” said isa, who was not involved in the research.
 
“It also is concerning given how ubiquitous these compounds are, particularly at low levels like those found in this study,” he said.
 
The research involved 198 children in Varmland, Sweden, between the ages of 1 and 5, who had asthma or at least two symptoms or wheezing or rhinitis without a cold or eczema in the previous year, as well as 202 children with no symptoms.
 
For children with rhinitis – or nasal allergies – the average PGE concentration in their bedrooms was twice as high as the concentration found in rooms of the children with no symptoms. The higher the dose, the more likely the children were to suffer from rhinitis, asthma, or eczema, even when concentrations were low.

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Children in bedrooms with the highest concentrations were 4.2 times more likely to have rhinitis, twice as likely to have asthma and 2.5 times more likely to have eczema, compared with children with the lowest concentrations in their rooms.
 
High concentrations of the chemicals also doubled their likelihood of testing positive for immunoglobulin E, an antibody that develops when people are exposed to something that inflames their airways. None of the other VOCs led to similar associations.
 
The researchers did not identify the sources of the PGEs in the bedrooms. But children living in a house where at least one room was painted right before or after their birth had 63 percent more PGEs in their room than those whose houses had not been repainted. “Thus, repainting might have provided a sustained exposure since the gestational period or shortly following the birth,” the study said.
 
The airborne compounds can remain inside homes for months, perhaps even years.

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“Overall, the question of long-term airway injury from the glycol ethers and other organic solvent exposure requires clarification,” wrote the scientists.
 
How the glycol compounds might trigger allergies and asthma “is not well understood,” the authors said, but they added that “it has been known for more than three decades” that inhalation of propylene glycol methyl ether irritates nasal passages of people and lab rats.
 
Asthma, eczema and allergies are inflammatory, immune system disorders, so it is possible that the compounds disrupt a baby’s or child’s immune system development. Some of the compounds already are known to alter hormones.
 
“Several glycol ether compounds join a growing list of VOCs that are suggested to contribute to allergic diseases in humans,” the study says. “While several PGEs are well-known endocrine disruptors, very little is known whether and how they influence developing immune systems.”

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Laiosa added that “one of the most interesting aspects for me is that our understanding of how VOCs in general, and PGEs specifically, affect the immune system, is quite limited.”
 
Previous studies of house painters and some adult volunteers exposed to some PGEs have found higher incidence of nose and throat irritation, wheezing and shortness of breath. But the levels found in the children’s bedrooms are “more than 400-fold lower than exposure ranges reported in occupational and experimental settings,” according to the report.
 
“Several lines of evidence support that our findings are not due to a chance or a bias,” the authors reported. For instance, the increase in allergies, eczema and asthma were observed for every rise in exposure, from the lowest-exposed children to the highest-exposed. In addition, it wasn’t driven by any single compound.

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“This suggests that multiple compounds, rather than a single one, contribute to the observed risks,” the report says.
 
A compound called 1-methoxy-2-propanol was the most prevalent glycol ether in the children’s rooms. But because multiple types of PGEs were found in the children’s homes, “we currently cannot distinguish the risks of the individual compounds,” the authors said.
 
In their analysis, the researchers accounted for other factors that might raise the children’s risk, including secondhand smoke, allergies of parents, cleaning with chemical agents, age of the homes, pet allergens and exposure to other indoor chemicals called phthalates.

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Laiosa said that testing for VOCs is tricky, but the researchers “did an admirable job” of identifying the limitations of their study and ensuring the testing methods were reliable.
 
The levels found in the bedrooms were strikingly similar to those found in previous studies of homes in other Scandinavian countries.
 
That finding “is a strength of this work,” Laiosa said. “In other words, I don't think anyone can question the validity that these PGEs are present in the children's bedrooms, even at such low levels. “
 
Many volatile organic compounds have been regulated in recent years to clean up smog. The petroleum-based compounds, found in car exhaust as well as consumer products, react in sunlight with nitrogen oxides to form ozone, the main ingredient of smog.
 
Carl-Gustaf Bornehag , a professor of public health science at  Sweden’s Kalstad University, and John Spengler, an environmental health professor at the Harvard School of Public Health, conceived of and designed the experiments, while the lead author was Harvard’s Hyunok Choi.

The Dean of Invention: Segway Mastermind Probes Sci-Tech's Future [Video]

HERE COMES THE DEAN: Dean Kamen is greeted at a "Dean of Invention" promotional event in Brooklyn, N.Y., by Sico, a two-meter-tall robot made by International Robotics.Image: © LARRY GREENEMEIER/SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN

Ask a random person on the street to name his or her five favorite scientists, chances are you would hear a litany of familiar names—perhaps Marie Curie, Albert Einstein or Louis Pasteur—all of them instrumental in casting the world in which we live. Much less likely would be a recital of contemporary researchers hard at work shaping the work in which we will live.

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If inventor and entrepreneur Dean Kamen has his way, the names of some of these architects of the future will roll off the tongue just as easily as those of the giants of the past after the premiere of his new television program—aptly named "Dean of Invention"—later this week.

The show, which debuts October 22 at 10 P.M. Eastern time on Discovery Channel's Planet Green, follows Kamen and co-host Joanne Colan as they travel the world in search of new developments in a variety of fields, including biotech, energy, genomics, nanotech and robotics. At each stop the viewer has the opportunity to meet the people under the lab coats as Kamen and Colan ask the researchers to explain the methodologies, failures and breakthroughs that have defined their work.

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The show's goal is to convince the viewing public that science, technology, invention and engineering are in fact "fun, cool, accessible, rewarding, important," says Kamen, who is perhaps best known as the inventor of the Segway personal transporter. "Too often in our culture we seem to believe that science and technology are important, but it's for those weird, special people that are willing to dedicate themselves like monks, going off into a laboratory to cure our diseases and solve our problems."

The key to encouraging young people to pursue science and engineering is to bring not just the science and technology to life, but the people behind this work as well, says Kamen, whose other projects include FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a program he created in 1989 to get kids interested in science, technology and engineering.

With so many different areas of science and technology to choose from, Colan says the show opted to create episodes around hot-button issues including aviation, bionics and mobility and waste management as well as more obscure topics including regenerative medicine and brain-to-computer interfaces. Meeting the researchers in person humanizes their work, says Colan, who hosted the popular video blog Rocketboom from 2006 to 2009, adding, "It provides insight when you realize how hard people work behind closed doors—in machine shops or in laboratories—when they're committed to a vision."
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This week's episode focuses on developments in "microbot technology," or efforts to create tiny machines that may someday heal the human body without the need for surgery. The episode begins with Colan visiting the lab of Brad Kratochvil at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, where he and his team are developing miniature robots powered by magnets. Kratochvil describes how these microbots might someday be injected into the eye to perform high-precision retinal repairs without invasive surgery.

Kamen praises Kratochvil's work but then points to some of the challenges the technology may face moving forward, for example the fact that magnetism is effective over only short distances. This takes Kamen to the show's second segment, where he meets with researchers Sylvain Martel and Evan Shechter at Montréal Polytechnic School, who use MRI magnets to steer microbots (30 times smaller than Kratochvil's) designed to move throughout the body's circulatory system. When placed in the vicinity of a cancerous tumor, these tiny delivery robots would release a payload of cancer-fighting medicine.

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Noting that many cancers are not localized in individual tumors but instead spread throughout the body, Kamen spends the show's third and final segment interviewing Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) scientists Sangeeta Bhatia and Geoffrey von Maltzahn, who more recently joined venture capital firm Flagship Ventures. Von Maltzahn and Bhatia are developing ways to use nanobots nearly 500 times smaller than Montréal Polytechnic's microbots that can find their way to cancerous tumors without needing to be guided from outside the body.

Kamen hopes that his program can showcase science and engineering in a way that convinces kids to devote some of their time, energy and passion to learning math, physics and analytic skills. "If they do, this country may be able to sustain itself as a world leader" in areas such as innovation, wealth creation and standard of living, he says. "If we don't manage to turn this generation into a group of people that want to lead the world in innovation, I think it's very unlikely that the U.S. will retain its world-class position."

The ultimate Pontiac G8-just add a Z06 engine

Aussie tuner will GM, PunchFrom of the December 2007 issue of motor trend my, as are the badges. This black Holden Commodore someone else on the road is a regular HSV GTS, the 6.0-liter V-8-sport sedan of GM's Australian hot shop, built Holden special vehicles (HSV). With 20-inch wheels, big brakes, and tied-down suspension HSV GTS previews of the 425 hp Pontiac G8 GXP we here sometime will see in the late 2008.Under of Hood, though, is a little secret-a 7.0 L 505 hp LS7 V 8 directly lifted from the Corvette Z06. Yup, it's basically screws directly into. And an outsider, the operation to do, the GM has to run many Aussie Musclecar enthusiasts have been waiting for. The work done vehicles (CSV) in Melbourne, Australia, a tuner with no small amount of experience in turning was of Corsa specialized some evil Commodore-based stories in the last 15 years or so .we have the car dangers: run it down drag strip, peak hour traffic and out in the country, so can attest that the engineering, the finish and most all performance beautiful work. All it is needed a new badge now. Worth just hunting cut and talk about the acceleration. There is a six-speed automatic transmission involved but experience on the road suggests that, even with gummierter-Up track surface, traction of the line is not only difficult, it is almost not existent. The LS7 show lb-ft, Chevrolet numbers grunt, 470 but in this example, with a better feed intake and exhaust system certainly produced even more so, a couple of standard do, 20 Bridgestone tyres have if the chance is that the lot in Wrath Unleashed? Holden's traction and stability control is left to sort it out. Load up the torque converter, then... Wham! The GTS stutter a bit on the software, then hook and catapults down the track. A few seconds manual that shift the 6L80E transfer seems to work best, but there scratching head if the first-to-second circuit of the Rev limiter, is how the shift software finds it difficult to match the rapid escalation in lean operation. The answer is it in drive for the first layer, then change goals for the manual shift in the third and fourth to leave with approximately 6500 of the available 7,200 rpm. Work that much from, and each version is repeatable and trouble free last like that. Results? Pretty spectacular for a sedan of less than half of the price of equivalent muscle from Germany. 0-62 Mph is 4.89 seconds; The standing 400 metres (14 ft short by one quarter mile) takes 12.90 seconds at terminal 116.2 mph. But then there are to consider some other numbers. The standing 125 mph-- achieve a speed are few cars able, in less than 500 metering-14.7 seconds, and the 7.0 litre GTS is still hard drag. But then there is the elasticity is the offered to all the torque. Click increment is demolished in third gear that pass 50-75 mph in 3.2 seconds, but in the sixth (the car's manual shift mode allows no Kick-Down) the same speed range is covered in 7.3 seconds. Sum up: a budget BMW 5-series. Seriously.Motor trend assessment:

Stasis engineering to 710 hp Audi R8 Spyder reveal at the SEMA show

27 October 2010 at 1: 22 pm by Jake Holmes

Audi's first SEMA booth is a R8 5.2 Spyder massaged by rigid engineering Funktion.Das car is officially known as the rigid signature series challenge-extreme-Edition-R8 and therefore has more syllables as cylinders.

Stasis a roots type Compressor installed 7.5 blowing psi boost reprogrammed in V-10 engine management computer and a low restriction, stainless steel exhaust system that claimed 30 pounds lighter than stock is added. The result is 710 HP and 523 lb-ft torque, large increases the 525 HP and 5.2-Liter-V-10 served by the camp 391 lb-ft.

In addition the rigid R8 results lightweight, 20-inch wheels with tyres Michelin pilot sport PS2 forged and 15, 4-inch diameter front brake discs (trim versus 14.4 inch Creative Commons).There are stiffer springs at every turn, and new stabilizers front and rear;Car DriveSelect adjustable cushioning system remains functional.

The company claims of the modified R8 Spyder can hit 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and 1.01 g of lateral grip on a Skidpad to erreichen.Das entire kit as shown at SEMA costs $49, 990; the engine options alone are about $10 k of less ausgeführt.Wenn at one of the 50 stasis certified Audi country installed dealers, it even comes with a four year/50,000 mile warranty.

Related posts: 2011 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 v10 FSI Quattro - official photos leaked2011 Audi R8 Spyder - car news2011 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 v10 - BentleyAudi E-Tron-Spyder concept - car shows2011 Audi R8 Spyder 4.2 FSI Quattro - official infoTags: 2010 SEMA show, Audi, Audi R8 Spyder, auto shows, tuner |

2011 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.0T counter balance - short take road test

October 20, 2009 at 2: 43 pm by Tony Swan

Who needs a V6?

In our may issue, we complained that is a new Hyundai Sonata V6 engine option ["virtually chic"] fehlt.Das are still lacking occurs, but most of our complain the Sonata's performance version has stopped. system spreads 1998 cc on only four cylinders by a new direct-injection fed and enhanced by a new twin-scroll turbocharger.

Keep reading: 2011 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.0T counter balance - take road quick test

Related posts: 2011 Hyundai Sonata - take road quick test2009 Hyundai Sonata SE V6 - short take road test2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T counter balance - car shows2009 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 - short take road test2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T counter balance - short take road testTags: Hyundai, Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai Sonata 2.0T counter balance, Korean, Performance testing, sedan, Turbo |

Name the exhaust note, Episode 63

26 October 2010 at 3: 08 pm by Car and Driver tags: name, the exhaust note | Sorry, I could read the content fromt of this page.

Bentleys in a barn: collector notes two 8 litre Bentleys with rare 1931 under treasure trove of vintage machines

From November 2007 issue of motor trend 

 car collector and dealer mark Hyman did not know what to expect when he led was in the old barn on a known Ohio dilapidated farm property. "Hyman knew the man was a fellow enthusiast but until he packed mere inches apart saw 15 vintage within the wooden structure, he had no idea how much.""My mouth dropped when I saw all these great classics next to each other,", says Hyman. "It was one of the most exciting days of my life."

 It turned out, under the vehicles shacked up in the barn together, were two vintage Bentleys 1931 8 litres, 1931 Cadillac dual cowl Phaeton, 1941 Cadillac Coupe, 1938 Lagonda Drophead, 1927 Rolls Royce Phantom I, 1956 Cadillac sedan, 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster and seven other collector cars. Hyman did the only reasonable thing could do a decent enthusiast. "He bought every single one of you."Were not for sale at ten in the morning, but sold all of five o'clock, "Hyman callbacks." Hyman says the negotiation process was not so much about money, but reluctant to convince the seller that he was the right person to buy. "However, was that a deal was struck, baffled Hyman."I left and got back into my car and asked me ", which has really only happen?","Hyman said.By at the end of the day, Hyman was already back home in St. Louis friends and associates gather to help carry his newly found collection." It took four tractors and 18 hours to move the car carefully. According to Hyman still in relatively good condition, your accommodation in the last thirty years were given. Most vehicles have been restored in the 1960s Hyman guesses with little use since.

 Well-being bought two 8 litre Bentleys Hyman, are the most important vehicles in the collection. The first arrived coachbuilders Thrupp & Maberly, bodies of period with sedan first equipped in the United States in 1966. The second car was built near the end of 8 liter production and 12 foot design was built with a short wheelbase and modified bodies of Gerney Nutting.The, 8 litre Bentleys between 1930 and 1932 produced most touring dual windshield implementation sedan and coupe body. Only about 100 cars were built in this configuration and the short wheelbase version is much rarer than the long wheelbase model. Speed depends on the type of the body and chassis of 8 liters is equipped, but should be North of 100 mph for most of the examples - impressive at a time when most powerful Rolls-Royce models were only capable of 80-90 mph. 

 Hyman has already developed plans for the future for the two Bentleys. "After he both Bentley's mechanical update, I plan on one in my personal collection to keep and selling the other to a legion of Bentley fans," says Hyman. "I'm looking forward to this amazing vehicle driving in the city and rallies across the country."Still, Hyman looks back on this day with AWE. "It was just one of those things," he sighs. "I was just in the right place at the right time."

2011 Ford Edge Sport - short take road test

Sorry, I could read the content fromt of this page.

This much I know: Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO Lamborghini automobiles

From November 2007 issue of motor trend Lamborghini sold more than 1000 cars for the first time in 2003, and last year it sold nearly that many Papagayo, Gallardos and derivatives in the US alone. Lamborghini grow slowly, carefully, from its current volume of 2400 cars worldwide. What we do is we stick to the two model series. We have a longer life than most normal cars. But because we recognize it is important to have always something new, we promise our customers a new product coming out every year coming indexiert.die all new models are derivatives of the Gallardo and the Murciélago. We can reinvent the car of these. What will come next to cars that are amazing but are in line with the derivatives. The Reventon is something the we as a one-off. And we don't plan to do it again. Do not GT cars. Aston Martin, Scaglietti, even Ferrari 599, are cars which we never would come. And we are not an other SUV (such as the LM002). The environmental issue is one thing, but we would be shot if a brand like us talk a SUV.We on less fuel consumption and smaller cars. We talk about maintaining DNS of the sports car. I don't think that so far the rush more HORSEPOWER is over, but we want the trendsetters with cars to weigh that less for better performance. It would be foolish to expect Lamborghini to an ecological car. We sell now 2400 cars per year. The average Lamborghini is driven less than 5000 miles per year. The global impact zero.Get is a free and easy new car price quote in minutes.

Chrysler: Innovations "R" US

The small private car company that failed the engine outlines its technological FutureFrom of March issue 2008 trend 

 in an attempt, some good news coverage of us car media types prod, Chrysler LLC instead of a unique technology press event at its Auburn Hills its direct report Veeps, but President Tom LaSorda, Vice Chairman Jim Press and its CEO Bob Nardelli visited Tech Center not only EPP Frank Klegon product development and more. The hourly value which collected talent on this one afternoon would likely have "Late Night" paid for a 30 second spot with Letterman, but it would only TiVo have anyway out would. We were introduced to and brass assert, Chrysler, which helps you active on the industry-leading edge allows more and pending product innovations announced to experience themselves as the company's headcount shrinks.During a design dome tour with engineers present new key technologies, made a point pointed Bob Nardelli interjecting the "ask," designed to illuminate to decisive advantages vis - vis competitors and maybe let us know that he has completely moved from the lumber drywall plumbing guy, car guy. During peak Q & A session that followed, he conceded the redundancies in the integration with Daimler leave away some drilling at Chrysler LLC but he reassured the gathering crowd that as mission critical restore it is, while employing joint venture (as the developed 2-mode hybrid system with GM that soon on the Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen rolls), alliances and partnerships to meet others. Battery development is an area ripe for partnership, said Frank Klegon and one in which some fascinating non-traditional players have expressed interest in teaming with a private company like Chrysler. Jim Press suggested a smidge across a wider spectrum of the market to improve market total reach the product lineup top-heavy in the SUV realm and light can be on small efficient cars, that future product planning work will attempt to distribute the limited number of badges, Chrysler can afford.

 Knowledge-based engineering
Tech presentation led off with a new computer engineering aid credited with compressing the Challenger's development time by only 21 months and allows to beat the Camaro in the market. The proprietary software, developed in-house, with all engineering know and best practices program information gathered in previous programmes. Starting with a fully digitized Dodge Charger, transforms "the software" chassis in a condensed two-door Challenger, redesign every part that had to change. The model broke the car in 800,000 items with over five million degrees of freedom and then over a trillion calculations ran crash tests each. Each test lasted only a matter of hours, each iteration of the test helped the "knowledge base", and by the time that was the first prototype parts out of the tools (directly from computer data), the car meets all crash standards. Not only that, but the Assembly process was known and all parts fit together because automatically scan your computer access, etc. the new parts for fit, welding and Assembly.Most aerodynamic analysis was carried out before the first full-size was sound available, the 25-percent improvement in drag, who swears in comparison with the 1970 Challenger it so resembles der.Herr Nardelli, KBE will be used to further reduce engineering head count but uniquely allows the company to do more with less and/or to do it faster

2008 Motor trend truck of the year: testing and finalists

From the February 2008 issue of motor trend / photography by Brian Vance, Julia LaPalme, Jessica GermillerCrisis? What crisis? Although the price of gas by the $3 a gallon barrier crashed has and nailing hell bent is $4 a gallon is out before 2008; Although the subprime mortgage fiasco has devastated the domestic market and on Wall Street in a tailspin sent Nellies nervous; Although the greenback now value, something like monopoly money, and the price for everything from plasma TVs is tuna sushi up America loves a pickup.

 Although pickup truck sales at close seemed to 12 percent on 2005, 2006 levels run. Even so, meant that some 230,000 Americans is a brand new pickup truck off the dealer lot every month last year went. To it included another way pickup trucks alone for one in every five new vehicles sold in the U.S. This is big business, especially when you consider, the entire pickup market is composed of less than 20 badges, compared with far over 200 cars and SUVs, that the other two thirds.There may less Namensschilder-- and therefore larger volumes per plate on the cost of all form of marketing tools amortisieren-- but the pickup truck game is still a complex business. The ability, mix and match motors, transmission, drive train, suspensions and axes, cab and bed configurations plus interior trim levels, makes for nightmarish manufacturing and distribution discovered reported full size scenarios such as Toyota with his brand new Tundra.Automotive April last year, buyers of Toyota's were new full-size pickup as buyers of versions built Detroit Act news want your truck with specific features and preferably see the exact truck had in mind before you bought it. It was a culture shock for Toyota dealers used to make the implementation of lean inventories and customers happy in pretty independent Camry you sell had in stock.The launch of the new Tundra was a seismic event for the industry; with dimensions and performance that eventually his Detroit rivals combined matched with Toyota's production and marketing muscle, a Japanese truck was a serious rival and F-150, Silverado finally here and saw RAM. Tundra's start was more testing than I expected, but by end of the year was leisure truck market.

Volkswagen announces seven speed DSG; officially updated gear set to debut in Europe

December 2007 issue of motor trend  Volkswagen six-speed DSG (direct shift transmission) transmission has already were highly praised in the automotive media for its fast, positive displacement and fuel-saving advantages. In fact Volkswagen has sold worldwide approximately one million units in vehicles. In an effort to improve the transmission, the German car maker rolls out an updated DSG that adds a different speed of changing mix.The 7-speed DSG that has been under development for some time, is ready to European production in the Gulf and enter Golf plus with a 1.9 TDI or 1.4 TSI engine, at a price of 1,750 euros (approximately $2,510). In addition to featuring an additional equipment that is new the first DSG in a configuration with front across to be mounted and dipped with dry couplings rather than those in oil. Volkswagen says these changes allow higher efficiencies, fuel consumption in the two models in which it first claims a maximum torque of 184 lbs-ft for the 7-speed DSG just meaning review installed.VW that there may be no option in some of the Volkswagen more powerful vehicles for some time. A Hill Start assist system is also included in both the models offered with the seven-speed DSG holding brake pressure temporarily after Footbrake, keep the car just before it is off.There no word yet on, if we the 7-speed DSG stateside, be seeing though the introduction of highly rumored can 2009 redesign of the rabbit/GTI. In the current configuration of the 7-speed DSG seems to be strong enough to handle the kind of power that probably save rabbit and derivatives, of next-generation upcoming R32 variants.

BMW's future on 2 series?

BMW - like its competitors, Audi and Mercedes - is his small-car portfolio add hot and new information suggests that the Munich-based company could be as many as four new planning and/or products to below the 3 series 2015 covered slot.

For enthusiasts is certainly the most exciting prospect way a 2 series. Just in this month, BMW filed U.S. trademark applications for the moniker 228 230 and 235. The 28-30 and 35 suffixes are currently on six-cylinder engines in the BMW others about cars, a strategy that could contribute to the 2 emerging, although it would surprise us if a car with four-cylinder Powertrain options were inappropriate. (BMW has stuck on a straight badge to shift naming strategy for some time.)So or so, our sources tell us that the car be rear-wheel drive dürfte.All this requires BMWS June trademark application for "M2? in some very exciting context."

How this square with the current 1 series?Mid-2011 the current 1 series combined saloon cars get a serious face lift.It is possible that begins coupes on RWD adopt 2 series platform emblems wird.Wahrscheinlicher, though, is that even with a front wheel drive platform - 1 Series switches a change generally expected to take place around the year 2015 - BMW would 2 series as its entry level back drivers to starten.Unsere guess is that the two series would be a 2 door-coupe/convertible only, at least in our market.

Baby Bimmers (Yes, plural) on the way

BMW megacity vehicle (artist's rendering)

But we are still not fertig.unterhalb of this front drive 1 series plans BMW two other models.Smallest size will have the full electric-megacity - as you guessed maybe, is a car (although said to be larger than a small).A more conventional entry below the 1 series is on the way, also: a Ford Fiesta-sized front wheel Treiber.Dass vehicle and the 1 series are announced candidates probably a new gasoline electric hybrid drive, offer the BMW recently, will together with Peugeot Citroën entwickelt.Die company, which on four cylinders for front-wheel drive applications (it's in the Mini Cooper) worked, and this new hybrid system, which will probably be using next generation of the family.

As usual, this influx of information answered some questions about BMWS plans but raises more: one of the front wheel drive platforms for his upcoming small car use will Saab? have the Swedish company (and BMW own mini) access to the hybrid technology? and most importantly of all, if the M2 each, it have a stick, right?

Related posts: 2012 BMW 6-series rendered - future cars2013 BMW 1 series hybrid - Bentley2010/2011 Bentley BMW 5-series takes notes from the 2009 7 series-That's the BMW 1 series M?-spiedFuture already use Turbo BMW four cylinder, probably more ties

Funny Kitty: 2009 Jaguar XFR M5s and E63s goes hunting

From the March 2008 motor trend Jaguar outside the box with almost every aspect of the XF has gone the question. His view is fresh and bold. The interior design and technology are anything but retro. Unlike its competitors from Germany there are no "base" six cylinder model in the United States sold maybe try more beginners focus buyer towards the updated-for 2008 {{{X type}}}, will find no less than eight cylinders under a XF hood.

-Buy-in starts with the above 4.2-litre, 300 hp V-8. The XF supercharged sceptre that blown into the same, 4.2-litre, 420-HP V-8 currently huffing away in the performance-minded XKR Coupé/convertible and XJR sedan. But BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz four doors with 450 to 500 horses offer their midsize sport/Lux. This is where JAG with led XFR.Our Intel being XFR V-8 proposes specific architecture with the current AJV8 engine but deal to share at least one new block that dimensioned able to 5.0 litre and beyond. Atop, boot and intercooling. The result should be at least 500 HP in blown form with a 400-or so-horse, aspirated version coming later, may replace the current supercharged fit 4.2. The XFR's remains the excellent ZF six-speed automatic transmission, with rocker like on the XKR, plus your own unique calibration.Standard on the XFR rubber, along with the usual cocktail of upgraded brakes, stiffer suspension tuning, a beefier engine sound and sportier Interior will be 20-inch alloy wheels and speed rated. Visuals probably other Jaguar "R" monkeys, wire mesh models, i.e. a little less chrome front Grillework, front and rear fascias, a rear lip spoiler and a slightly reduced drive height.The XFR production 2009 shows aggressive face at some point in 2008 as a model. Pricing will be announced but it be aggressive against the M5 and E63, i.e. positioned by just under $80,000.

Tuner: Ghost work/sport Corvette C6 GTR

From the January 2008 issue of motor trend  probably is one which has the brand ever worn aggressively raked, today's Corvette C6, better designs and scientifically sculpted to cheat and use the wind.

But no matter how successful GM design staff's final form is there are always the ones the the need to manipulate it. One which currently fill must better companies is Troy, Michigan-based ghost work/sport. The company provides engineering, design and prototyping services for the automotive industry, but founder Jeff Nowicki's first love is corvettes race and tuning. His last Magnum Opus was the C5 GTR, some 30 copies of which were produced from 1998, driven by a 424 horse Katech-modified LS1 V-8 is stroked to 6.3 liters.SWS prepares to launch a new C6-GTR for a spring and it will again completely new function body (with the exception of greenhouse gas emissions and roof) with a number of optional engine, brake and interior upgrades. This time around, Nowicki, who previously worked at GM design staff doing heart criticism, the GTR's former body too close was camp look. The new package last optimizations in tone being subject, stretches out to cover new 11 7.0 x 19-inch front/12.5x20-inch rear wheels shod in Michelin PilotSport 2 zero pressure rubber, adding an inch of total width on the front fenders, 1.6 inch rear, and the inclusion of numerous functional air scoops and exhaust openings. Deep balls in the hood extract high-pressure hot air from the radiator while a front Chin splitter and rear Extractor manage airflow. Headlights and also stainless steel trim will be also clear, featuring jewel-like.

 The form been tested wind tunnel but Nowicki said his experience tuning vehicles in GM's wind tunnel (such as the olds Achieva IMSA GTU race car) should against any bad behavior ensure and check that GTR's design. Counting on an increase in drag and lift should be reduced and balanced. He expects a top speed of around 200 mph for the achieved horsepower LS3 dashed engine.The C6 GTR basic package expected, to the market this spring beat priced at $34,995, with engine, brakes and an interior upgrade package (Spinneybeck suede and Italian leather) add of an another $15-20 K. The body is not expected that much, add to the weight of a stock Corvette (if a Z06 or ZR1 applied the new fiberglass parts will outweigh the carbon fiber discards). SWS offers a two year/24,000 mile warranty, too.We hope soon in a C6 GTR manufacture belt and some acceleration measurements to take, to value assessment of the car better later in the spring or summer offer.

Accident prevention: Volvo develop new safety systems

From the December issue 2007 of motor TrendIf there is an attribute Swedish premium automaker Volvo known, it is the security. Everywhere in the history of the company Volvo has pride itself on the production of cars, the safety regulations to exceed an important marketing component for automotive manufacturers. Now, Volvo has announced three new technologies developed to take safety on the road to a new level: automatic brakes, automatic steering and car to car Communication.Volvo's with collision warning auto Brake--recently introduced in the Volvo S80, XC70 and V70 starts already problems of both Visual and audible warnings, brakes and hydraulic Bremsdruck of detection a probable collision with another vehicle but is Volvo development technology a step further by detecting people with wide angle radar technology, the vehicle allows to "see who" increases. The process is already much work as it the same, with an initial audio and Visual warning, when a pedestrian in the path of the vehicle is detected when a collision technology is evolving imminent.Another Volvo lane departure warning system is activated with automatic brakes. The system currently in use provides an audible alert, if the vehicle lane markers, moves without using turn indicators. In the future with collision avoidance would applications, Volvo car control - a feature to integrate used cameras and radar to a vehicle self-navigate back into its original lane when it wanders in the path of oncoming traffic. Testing is still underway on this system to assess input and what the system can be accelerated also looks proper amounts of steering used.Volvo, develop vehicle to vehicle communication, the drivers to upcoming obstacles or hazards can warn before you can be seen. The technology could make as crucial for reducing traffic accidents in the future, claimed the car manufacturer, although Volvo says work a standard language for the system to use for all automakers, be developed should allows regardless of communication between vehicles or model.

Hummer HX concept: Young designers spin put on show vehicle bound for 2008 Detroit

From the December 2007 issue of motor trend General Motors is a new Hummer concept German Hummer HX at the 2008 Detroit car show at the January-a project, the new GM designers down to three and young graduates of the College for Creative Studies.The young designer, David Rojas, min young Kang received debut and Robert Jablonski, the task, a vision for the future Hummer were assigned to. Every designer received an other specified share-wheelbase, approach and departure angles and Haltung--with a free will to the rest of each vehicle. Carl Zipfel, Director of the Hummer Design Studio, oversaw the designer as each outlined and sculpted approach their own ideas. Design process took three months, after which all three concepts were presented model form GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz, Ed Welburn, scale, who each other chose the winning concept at the Detroit show floor are displayed. According to GM, the winner has a fully customizable package with removable roof panels and doors, fender flares, a tilt back Assembly and a rear roof which the Hummer HX from a closed vehicle to an open SUT like configuration can be separated to transform. The concept is capable of E-85 Flex and retains, what GM calls the lobster spirit in a compact Package.We more about Hummer HX live from the show Detroit January of this year, have so 13-15, motor trend online for live updates on this and all other concepts during show press days, Jan. 2008 shown harmonisation. Receive a free new car price quote within minutes.

2011 Ferrari 599 HGTE vs. 2012 Lexus LFA - video

October 20, 2009 at 2: 58 pm by Car and Driver tags: Ferrari, Ferrari 599, Ferrari 599 HGTE, Italian, Japanese, Lexus, Lexus LFA, sports car, Supercars, video |

Nissan FORUM concept: The future of people move?

From the December 2007 issue of motor trend  as well as its name would suggest, the Nissan FORUM concept was developed with the goal of the people brings together. The FORUM is much like a futuristic minivan, a car Nissan is designed says to transport the modern family, conveniently and securely, while the needs displays both the driver and each passenger on board.The FORUM, demanding, even luxurious advanced. Pearl White and dark tinted Windows continue its advanced image and trackless sliding door design is profiled a look that is clean and continuous. The short side and aggressively raked windshield make the forum you are looking a bit more aerodynamic than it is likely, during a pretty broad strength and conveys elegance. In a FORUM of the most dramatic features the roof is Panel glass sunroof to give the inside an open, airy feeling is accentuated by the stylized bucket seating for all passengers. Leather, aluminium and wood trim appear more vehicle upscale intentions and of high quality.

 The FORUM should, taking into account the needs of adults in the front and children in the Rückseite--easy to ride, for MOM and dad to be while keeping control of the activity in the back. Rear cameras, German "kid's cam," monitor show the driver behaviour of the inhabitants and it during a "time out" button on the steering wheel all audio muted and the driver's voice to the entire car broadcast. Console-mounted microwave is large enough to a bag of popcorn nuke and is accessible for the first and second rows and single dial Bose Media system allows for audio, video, navigation and hands-free phone use with hard drive storage of digital media files.

 In the rear of the vehicle, the entire second series seating is able to rotate passengers face full 180 degrees on the third line, and individual monitors are built for movies or video games. Each seat in the FORUM has individual audio programming, so that each passenger to another type of music to hear. A Bose FreeSpace audio system integrated speakers and a wireless media player into the vehicle's exterior audio entertainment outside of the vehicle. Shag carpet covers the floor for an elegant look.The FORUM showcases of the around view monitor (AVM), a function, the it debut in the Infiniti EX35. The AVM is a situations for visibility bird's-eye view of the FORUM during the car park and improved security.

 We an in-person preview of the Nissan FORUM at the SEMA show this year in Las Vegas caught and were impressed with the concept of high build quality and solid, upscale design. Is this the future of the people move? We will learn, more when we see the Forum again on its international car debut in Detroit January of this year show. Stay tuned to motor trend online for more information. 

Subtle changes: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG

December 2007 issue of motor trend  as his less powerful SLK siblings, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG is newly refined with a number of exterior Visual more clearly from the driver's seat as from one standpoint.With 360 BHP--up five of last year's model and the same 376-kg-ft of torque, SLK55 AMG race from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds per after Mercedes subtle changes.

The roadster's V-8 is carried out by a seven course AMG Speedshift-gearbox with steering wheel paddle, the Gearchanges makes about 10 percent faster than before in sports and manual mode SLK's are subtle, external changes including a new, larger air intakes redesigned front apron, and newly positioned fog lights with chrome surrounds. The larger rear-view mirrors have LED indicators in an arrow design that more tastefully done as the Oestantatious indicators to the new c-class. The rear end was revised easy with new exhaust tips the most significant update. Fortunately, the 18-inch AMG-multi-spoke wheels appear the same and are packaged with 225 / 40 and 245 / 35 front and rear tires. T

he direct steering system that also on non - AMG SLKs characterised, helps the SLK55 feeling more in everyday driving, controllable according to the manufacturer. The speed-sensitive power steering boost and the newly designed steering rack help only 2.16 times from lock to lock.Inside to contact the SLK SLK55 AMG sports a new three spoke steering wheel with perforated leather in the grip area. Car of graphics Panel a Upshift recommendation that display those RaceTimer, the engine oil temperature or the battery voltage to command.For want to even more AMG with their SLK, is also offered an AMG performance package.

The package features carbon fiber trim, a specially tuned performance suspension, brakes and a thicker steering updated wheel.The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG goes on sale in Europe for over $100,000 USD in March 2008. The car should U.S. Bank shortly afterwards taken

.

2009 Mercedes Benz SLK: more power, more style

From December 2007 issue of motor trend 

 of second generation Mercedes-Benz SLK since always a good-looking and luxury sports car fast. Regeneration of the SLK for model year 2009 with revisions of the body, Interior and engine Mercedes attempts is its sporty convertible that much better.The redesigned most noticeable change between old and new SLK's front clip. Easily changed air intakes and a bold v-shaped bulge on the front hood developed more resemble the muzzle of the Mercedes Formula 1 car. On the back, a diffuser like view SLK seem makes a bit more to introduce the following behind.

 Inside to keep the new three spoke sport leather steering wheel multifunction controls of the driver includes focus on the road while the updated instrument with newly designed mounts helps erfrischen-Up cabin. A media interface in the glovebox for iPod connectivity, standard Bluetooth compatibility and Mercedes' Linguatronic voice control system has been added, including NTG 2.5 audio and telematic systems, new technology. An optional Harman/Kardon Logic7 audio system is also offered.

 No good refresh is complete without some engine optimizations. During the American spec SLK's base level engine a 3, 5-liter V-6 remains the Rev limit was raised to 7200 RPM, compression ratio has been raised and changes have been made to the intake manifold and camshafts. The result is an increase of 32 PS and seven lb-ft of torque, amounts to a even 300 horses and bring 265 lb-ft. No performance numbers have been offered by Mercedes, but we encourage those changes are good for a few tenths a seconds off the previous 5.5 second 0 to 60 mph Sprint and perhaps even in the stroke 0 to 100 mph. A six speed manual transmission 7 G-TRONIC are now standard with an automatic ' field is optionally available. The 5.5-Liter-V-8 which in the SLK 55 AMG found remains unchanged, available with 355 PS and 376 lb-ft.

 While more power is a good thing, Mercedes has also added a new direct-steer system for precise control. Developed power steering from the previous speed-sensitive system, changes that new system steering relationships mechanical, and electrical components of the mixture. Mercedes allows for smaller movements of the steering wheel while negotiating twisty back roads.Mercedes offers 2009 SLK models in the United States will begin in April 2008 claims that the number of revolutions has reduced lock to lock by 25 percent.

Rotary-powered rocket: Mazda Furai concept to meet Detroit Show 2008 with RX-8 revised 2009

From the December 2007 Edition TrendOver last year, Mazda motor has a number of the sheet expressions was parading of its Nagare evolving or "flow" design language around the car show circuit. So it is not surprising that the Japanese automaker's latest Nagare-inspired Schaffung--based car Furai concept-make 2008 arc his world at the Detroit show. But Furai 2009 Mazda RX-8 will be joined at the revised is much more than just a design exercise. There is a strong statement of Mazda its "Zoom-Zoom relentless" (sorry, we have not tried to use it) message really means something. According to the automakers are on a given weekend in the United States, further ribs Mazda powered vehicles tracks than any other brand. That's a lot of sports cars with soul.Underpinned by a courage C65 chassis, which the company in the American Le Mans Series series two is powered by a 450 HP Furai seasons fought, three-rotor Rotary, a fans of the Rotary are bound to appreciate and endlessly speculate. Sounds like the perfect engine for RX-7, doesn't it? Teaser shots of the car, you can definitely make the top of the front wheel housing and excessive Cutline along the Bodyside Nagare style gills. It definitely has the appearance of an amp type ALMS car with a closed cockpit design. What appears to be a cooling vent Setup at the top of the car does not specify layout a mid-engine. The fuel for the Furai rotary's is 100% pure ethanol produced in partnership with oil has huge BP.According, Franz von Holzhausen, Mazda North American Director of the design: "Furai deliberately blurring boundaries, the traditional street cars from track cars have made a difference." In the past there was a gap between single-purpose cars and street-legal opportunity-General super sports cars-called, to emulate the real drivers on the road. "Furai bridges the gap as no car at all has done before." Sounds great to us, Franz. Everything can be done to a supercar to make we are even more great behind 110 percent. For the 2009 RX-8, Mazda was much less forthcoming, but says the car will be visually refreshed, function, improved handling, acceleration, and overall quality and come up with new features. The RX-8 is powered still automaker's Renesis rotary engine by which, although it is unclear at this point if Mazda's next-generation, direct fuel injected version of the Rotary it on October's Tokyo Auto show will be presented on board for 2009.Joining Mazda Rotary-powered parade in Detroit the Taiki Tokyo seen for the first time. The fourth of the Nagare concept clan (Ryuga, hakaze concept and Nagare were the others, all four are shown) Taiki is sporting the automaker's next gen engine under its flowing lines of the robe. Mazda trio for this year's Motown Show is a great statement committing the brain trust in Hiroshima Rotary for the long haul.Stay MotorTrend.com for all the latest leading up to and during the 2008 Detroit show press days, Jan. 13-15, 2008.Get a free and easy new car price quote in minutes with connected is.

2007 Motor4Toys - the fourth annual charity-exotic, European and classic car show

...And the toy kept on coming! from the December 2007 Edition engine TrendThe holidays sneak up on us every year. Before we know it, Turkey has been served, and the craziest sales of the year are department stores with. Yup, the holidays are here and Christmas is just around the corner, and that means ' Tis of the season for those who are not as lucky as you.

 I drove over 100 miles with three other mini owners at the 2 charity to participate in one of the largest Southern California automotive-based toy drives. This is the third year that I this toy drive to help, the families of all Los Angeles have participated. This toy drive is lost hills Sheriff's Department Booster Club toy collection, Carlsbad boys and girls Club plus chips for kids that benefit program and individual orphanages Los Angeles Fire Department program, the LAPD. Over 10,000 toys were that day alone, compiled a huge dent in Motor4Toys goal made of 15,000 by the end of the year. Organisers of the event hosted a raffle and auction reinforced more than 20,000 US US dollar on donations will be spent on more toys.

 Before I continue this year the case, let me a bit to give you more about a little side project say, of which I most proud rewind. For last year's toy drive I pulled together help from colleagues, family members, family and friends with a goal "fill my mini." About 70 - percent was on my Mini Cooper filled with toys for me to take drive Motor4Toys the year 2006. I wanted to do it again this year, and for the last weeks before the big day I collected about 70 toys, filled the mini from ceiling to floor. I was not alone in my quest; Part of the project took two other mini owners "fill my mini". Together we donated over 150 toys.

 The Motor4Toys objective could be made online car enthusiasts based communities possible only thanks to the support of many. Over 1000 was owner-clubs, Volkswagen ranging from Lamborghini and Ferrari lovers, cruising lowrider and one of a kind drift cars-showed their support, fill the countrywide financial parking and finally in the neighbouring lots.There crowded much to see at the event. Santa went the rows of flashy cars and took time to make with kids. Pink's famous hot dogs, were to keep page of our full bellies. The largest was the Ferrari show, but it was the hidden classic among these exotic where, classy Volvo, strong Ford rat rod and the 1969 Lola T70, chopped, that the masses moved the polished Cobras.

 This is one of the events where I every year take wait cant to part. There is nothing better than free car show with a target-to bring a smile of a child's face for the holidays.

2011 Kia Sportage EX FWD-short take road test

October 21, 2009 at 6: 15 pm by David Gluckman

A sporty chassis ensures badges and sporty looks, but we look forward to the upcoming Turbo model.

What is it?

Is striking small crossover platform with the Hyundai Tucson, even for 2010 redone teilt.Die new for 2011 KIA's more stylish of the two, pairing is a ready for primetime exterior and a handsome cabin with an equally competitive Chassis.Der look be included even though we prefer the monochromatic LX model of the exterior of lightened - up's EX - no vehicle a chrome needs C-pillar.

Keep reading: 2011 Kia Sportage EX FWD-short take road test

Related posts: 2011 Kia Sorento EX - take road quick test2010 Hyundai Tucson GLS FWD manual - short take road test2011 Kia Sportage - official photos2011 Kia Sportage - first drive review2011 Kia Sportage - official photos and infoTags: crossover, KIA, Kia Sportage, Korean, Performance testing, SUV |

Sponsored post: Enter to win free Shell fuel for one year - winning contest close Sunday!

26 October 2010 at 12: 56 pm by Car and Driver

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GM releases first image of production Chevy Volt, wind up helping cranks, development aid

From December 2007, the question is motor TrendThe high electrical area of 40 miles, GM Chevrolet Volt set has its engineers to achieve was not easy. A way to get closer to it is through extensive wind tunnel tests to minimize drag. After GM global vehicle line executive and global vehicle Chief Engineer for the E-Flex system Frank Weber's Volt's electric sensitive aerodynamic improvements instead mass reduction, which is generally more important in the traditional cars. Drag accounts for roughly 20 percent of energy consumption by an average vehicle.According to GM global design honcho Ed Welburn, GM has already managed to cutting the production of Volt's drag coefficient by 30 percent over the the concept with more tests and revisions planned to further reduce it. The Volt is still in an early stage of development, so that all wind tunnel tests on a model scale 1 / 3 is done, a detailed floor contains and engine compartment and analysis with computer models. A comprehensive prototype is tested, towards the end of the development cycle of physical and mathematical scale model results.The Michigan Volt validate within GM Advanced Design Center in Warren, the first vehicle that design studio located on the new Flex systems are developed. It is led concept exterior celebrated Bob Boniface, volts, that will monitor a team of 45 designers, engineers, sculptor, researchers and administrative staff. Beyond the Volt Studio are responsible for the development of other future vehicles based on the E-Flex platform, the the Volt.Motor trend support rating:

2011 Dodge journey gets face lift, Pentastar V6, revised Interior

Dodge's newest product makeover is the journey crossover model received several upgrades for the year 2011. Outside, the trip benefits front grille (like the one of Durango) fog light housing, LED taillights and 19 new wheel designs of a new cross hair style, braver.

More importantly, the journey is Chrysler of's new 3.6-Liter-Pentastar-V6-Motor make 283 HP and 260 lb-ft torque.The new optional engine friends around a six-speed automatic transmission and a 3, 5-liter V-6, the 235 produced replaces hp and journey's base 2.4-Liter-vier-Zylinder-Motor is still standard 232 lb ft.Die, with either a four - or six-speed automatic transmission depending on the version.

Dodge promises a better overall experience driving you revised suspension geometry and tweaked tuning steering. Extra sound deadening and insulation to reduce noise in the cabin.

Speaking of which, the trip's interior was, also überarbeitet.Die start improvements with a new three spoke steering wheel and an instrument cluster with red backlight and a central color display.The new dashboard has a curvier, more cohesive look, and his base has been redesigned to give more freedom driver and front passenger knee.From the admittedly limited look allow these images which appears journey's interior more modern and should be a nice improvement over the 2010 model.

The center stack houses a new iteration of the Chrysler Uconnect touch Infotainment System.Je measures 4.3 or 8.4 cm after trim of the touch screen and is with or without navigation assisttroubleshooting.the seats are as comfortable as referred to above, and there is a large armrest for the driver. Finally there are six new interior color schemes you can choose.

The 2011 dealers Dodge journey achieved later this year.

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6.2-Liter-V-8 engine option get 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe

From the December 2007 issue is motor trend Chevrolet's Tahoe his GMC and Cadillac GMT900 platform mates in GM offers 6.2-Liter-V-8 as an engine option for model year 2008 join. It is now the most powerful engine for the Tahoe.

 Engine offered for the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ trim package is available only for two-wheel drive models and is rated at 380 PS and 417 lb-ft torque. The engine is also available on Denali trim, while a little uprated version of the engine is standard equipment on the Cadillac Escalade.The block, GM six-speed Hydra-Matic 6 L 80 automatic transmission, which has a Tapshift aisle is mated select GMC Yukon system is located on the column shifter. Setup in the world it is not the most graceful, but at least you can say you have. The vehicle will have a towing capacity of 7,900 pounds, according to the automaker.The Tahoe LTZ is Chevrolet Tahoe lineup top trim level and the vehicle comes standard feature list and a set of available upscale options.

First look: 2009 Subaru Forester

From the December 2007 issue of motor trend 

 Subaru's third generation is the latest vehicle in the Japanese automaker's 2009 Forester U.S. to undergo a comprehensive makeover lineup. It comes in the course of the recent and much-publicized durchgegangen introduction the Impreza and signature WRX and WRX STI variants.The Forester, its world premiere in the make car will show on the road a few weeks at the 2008 Detroit to U.S. Subaru dealers in the spring car in a vehicle will now be billed is gone from a tallish others - of course-a crossover utility.As standard with a fully revised model 2009 Forester has increased (wheelbase grows 3.6 inch to 103,0) and (side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, stability and traction control are secure standard on all models now). But despite his efforts, XXL, refine and otherwise smooth from the new Forester, Subaru has tried keep sporty vehicle, small car spirit alive keep for longer than the outgoing Car.Subaru's now total length trusts, normally aspirated and Turbo intercooler 2.5 litre Boxer engines power the Forester that provide the same horsepower figures as the Impreza, 177 for the base engine and 224 for the Turbo version in, in only three inches should come. The vehicle has independent suspension system with a double-wishbone rear Setup, has a four wheel up to 8.9 inches of ground clearance and, of course, with Subaru symmetrical all-wheel-drive standard equipped Forester. Manual transmission models are equipped with a start assist feature to help, the vehicle in place spec keep look at the first official photos in a rising situation.A U.S. (pictures of the Japanese market Forster have been circulating around the Web recently) shows a vehicle that has grown up on several fronts and definitely looks the part of the crossover. It takes Tribeca Ute on cues similar Subie how, like for example the vehicle grille. A plated bottom front clip area houses prominent front fog lamps, wheel arches are pronounced, and dual tailpipes now distribute foresters exhaust.As with the Impreza, Subaru urges its interior design, better quality touting a cabin that it says and is a quiet and comfortable. Forester is available now for the first time with a navigation system, with multiple audio system options. A number of trim levels are available including the sportier XT and the automakers to build its relationship with clothing maker l.l. Bean.We will have more details on the Forester, reveal his world in Detroit. Stay tuned on MotorTrend.com for all the latest leading up to and during the Detroit show press days, Jan. 13-15

The continental: More VW tidbits, BMW's new look and improved traffic flow with a smart

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Each week, our German correspondent slices and dices the latest rumblings, news, and quick-hit driving impressions from the other side of the pond. His byline may say Jens Meiners, but we simply call him . . . the Continental.

 

At the Volkswagen Passat launch this Monday, I spoke with VW engineering chief Ulrich Hackenberg. Conversation quickly turned from the Passat to the sub-Polo model called Up, VW’s future city vehicle. Originally, the Up was supposed to be rear-engined, but the company subsequently changed its mind in the interest of component compatibility with the Polo. The Up will launch with a new family of three-cylinder engines, but VW is working on a two-cylinder unit as well. It’s unlikely the Up will be sold in the U.S.—at least not any time soon.

Hackenberg is understandably proud of the super-efficient Passat BlueMotion diesel, a spacious sedan that gets Prius mileage. And he is bullish about the internal-combustion engine: “Over the next ten years, we will get [an additional] 10 to 15 percent out of the IC engine—without hybridization.” VW, of course, is working on excellent hybrids as well, but those cars don’t get the folks in Wolfsburg excited. While the company has gotten the memo on America’s love affair with hybrid technology, engineers continue to be mystified. “We did the Touareg hybrid to show people: there, we got it. But if you want mileage, why pass up the diesel?” says one of them. No wonder the latest Passat—which won’t be sold in the U.S.—will do without a hybrid version. We won’t miss it in Europe.

 

Lexus, on the other hand, is hell-bent on becoming a hybrid-only brand on the Continent. Company officials say that every new model launched will be a hybrid. To be sure, Lexus sales are so low here that the brand can probably do without the three or so LS460 customers that refuse to upgrade to an LS600h. In Germany, Toyota and Lexus are especially “green.” For example, the 1.8-liter Yaris, which is sold elsewhere in Europe, is not offered to German customers so Toyota can brag about its superior carbon-dioxide fleet average. Whatever Lexus does, I am glad the new strategy was put in place after the LFA’s launch and not before.

Get ready for a modified BMW face. The 6-series concept shown in Paris is equipped with new, flat-bottom corona rings around the headlights. “This specific look, which you will also have noticed on the Vision EfficientDynamics concept of 2009, could define several new models,” Anders Warming, chief exterior designer, tells me. But the SUV models will keep the full circles. Interestingly, the 6-series concept also has LED fog lights—even though BMW’s M division has lectured for a while that fog lights were obsolete and the space they occupied better utilized by additional cooling apertures. “We actually do need fog lights: to create identity, and to improve safety,” Warming tells me now. I agree; keep them on the regular cars. Also, please, bring them back to the M models, where LED technology should make them fit easily.

VW officials are not at all eager to speak about the planned acquisition of Alfa Romeo. Behind closed doors, they are working with fervency on different scenarios to integrate Alfa Romeo into the Group’s growing roster of brands. Few of these scenarios still include VW’s Spanish SEAT subsidiary. We also hear that VW is none too eager to take over any of the existing Fiat production sites along with the Alfa Romeo brand. Alfas could well be produced in Spain, plus—why not?—in an entirely new Italian plant dedicated to the new Alfa Romeo.

You liked the Porsche 911 GT2 RS? It’s too late to get yours. At the launch in Moscow less than two months ago, Porsche announced it would make 500 units of the 620-hp monster. Now they’re all sold out, including the 133 copies scheduled to arrive in the States in February.

Autobahn Tested: Smart MHD

 

Driving a Smart halfway across Germany? Everybody thought I was kidding, but it’s doable. I drove the MHD (Micro Hybrid Drive) with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine from Cologne to Bavaria and survived, only mildly traumatized. The car uses a stop-start system that’s eager to shut down the engine even before you come to a standstill. Compared to the original Smart (which was never sold in the U.S.), this one looks more substantial and has a more comfortable chassis—because it’s longer. But the added length makes parking sideways almost impossible. A pity, because this used to be pretty much all the fun you could have with a Smart.

And driving it isn’t. Being limited to just 70 hp doesn’t seem so bad when only trying to move about 1650 pounds, but the three-banger sounds stressed, and the semi-automatic five-speed manual transmission is still jerky. Steering is imprecise and indirect, and handling suffers thanks to that unhappy combination of rear engine, short wheelbase, and high center of gravity. The brake pedal is spongy, and—by the way—the rear drums are not pretty enough to justify spending an extra euro on alloys. On a sunny weekend in the city, the Smart still brings smiles to everyone’s faces, but on a busy day on the autobahn, this cutesy car is clearly not welcome. I look at it from the bright side: A Smart topped out at 90 mph does miracles to enhance traffic flow because nobody wants to get passed by it.

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