CBS is way behind WatchMojo.com… but they do have some more info on this make or break car for Chevrolet:
To say General Motors has a lot riding on the Volt is both a bad pun and a big understatement.
GM says this electric car is designed to lead the company into the second century - if it is to have a second century.
But when GM invited reporters to experience the Volt, what they actually drove was the Volt technology stuck into a conventional car called the Chevy Cruze, reports CBS News correspondent Dean Reynolds. The real Volt is not yet ready.
The rush to showcase the technology was clearly designed to generate publicity for the car and public support for the federal money GM needs to stay afloat.
“What makes the technology so significant is actually what is under the skin,” said Frank Weber, with GM.
What is under the skin is a 6-foot-long battery that you can recharge every night by plugging it into your garage socket.
Battery power takes the Volt 40 miles. Since most Americans drive less than 40 miles a day, GM says the Volt will use zero gasoline and produce zero emissions. When the charge wears off, an on-board gas tank can power the car and extend the trip 400 miles, addressing what’s know in the trade as “range anxiety.”
“The current Prius doesn’t deliver that,” said Brian Johnson, an industry analyst with Barclay’s Capital. “The current Honda doesn’t deliver that, so they are trying to leapfrog the competition in that respect.”
“This is a livable vehicle,” said Tony Posawatz, a vehicle line director with GM. “It’s not a golf cart or whatever. This is something that people could buy in quantity … particularly if we can get the cost down.”
Perhaps way down - because the sticker price will be about $40,000 - for what GM calls a spunky car that can go from zero to 60 in less than nine seconds.
The Volt is due in dealer showrooms by the end of next year, which is itself a show of optimism about GM’s future. But there’s a problem: sales of existing hybrids have been plummeting for months because the price of gasoline has dropped. If that consumer attitude holds, it could mean that GM will be bringing out the right car at the wrong time.
Rinspeed will be debuting the company’s all-electric car - the iChange - at the Geneva Auto Show next month. Rinspeed, while known for designing extravagant concept cars, says the iChange is not another of these, but shows the dramatic shift in the auto industry. Read more…
Unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show, the 2010 Toyota Prius is the first - and so far only - car in the US to get mileage greater than 50 miles per gallon. This third-generation model is even bigger and more powerful than its predecessors. Read more…
Honda is currently the only car-maker to offer vehicles that run on compressed natural gas (however these cars are only available in California and New York). This Civic GX is selling out consistently, and so Toyota has decided to get in on the game. In November at the LA auto show, they will be unveiling their CNG-electric hybrid Camry - although the company has not yet decided whether they should put the car into production. Read more…
One of the most exclusive sports cars in the world just became more exclusive.
On the night before the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Bugatti took over the awards ramp to show its latest creation. Given that dozens of vintage Bugattis have traveled across that ramp over the past 50 years, it seemed quite an appropriate location for the debut of the latest model from the French automaker, the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport.
The regular Veyron 16.4 is quite exclusive in its own right – only 160 have been built, with deposits on 240 more — and the new Grand Sport will be built in even fewer numbers. Only 150 copies of the new roadster will be built, with the first 50 available only to current Bugatti customers.
The new Grand Sport is distinct in many ways, but the most noticeable addition — or perhaps subtraction — is the removable roof. The roof is made of a transparent polycarbonate and requires two people to remove. Once removed, the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport becomes what Bugatti calls the fastest roadster in the world, with a top speed of around 225 mph. Put the top back and the Grand Sport will reach just over 250 mph. Read more…
According to Perry Stern
LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire - March 21, 2008) - Research results showing how physical conditions faced by senior adults can be mitigated by choosing a vehicle with appropriate features was announced today by AAA, in partnership with the University of Florida’s National Older Driver Research and Training Center (NODRTC).
AAA and the NODRTC researchers released its Smart Features for Mature Drivers guide today at the New York International Auto Show.
AAA’s Smart Features for Mature Drivers identifies vehicle components that can assist drivers with visual, physical and mental changes that are frequently encountered as they age. The AAA information pointed out conditions often faced by senior adults, including diminished vision, arthritic hands, hip and leg pain and limited upper-body range of motion, highlights features that best address each condition and provides examples of vehicles exemplifying those features.
“Driving is a key to social interaction and healthy living and independence,” said Steve Mazor of the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center in Diamond Bar, Calif. “This is important information for this growing segment of the driving population. We encourage older drivers and their families to use the Smart Features for Mature Drivers research as a guide when selecting their next vehicle or evaluating their current one because specific vehicle features can help improve driver safety and comfort.”
Persons over age 65 represent the fastest growing population segment in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were more than 37 million people age 65 and older in the United States in 2006 and 29 million were licensed drivers in 2005. It is estimated that by 2020 there will be more than 40 million licensed drivers age 65 and older.
As a person ages, physiological changes can affect driving ability. Muscle strength, reaction times, range of motion and visual acuity tend to diminish as part of the natural aging process. Also, the increased prevalence of health issues such as arthritis, hip and knee joint pain or osteoporosis can reduce the ability to safely execute the complex task of driving.
In a recent survey, AAA found that 43 percent of motorists over the age of 55 suffered from at least one of nine driving related difficulties commonly caused by aging, and nearly one out of four motorists over 55 plan to purchase a vehicle in the next two years.
Because everyone ages differently, AAA recommends mature drivers look for vehicles with features that address their specific needs and health issues. Some of the recommendations included in Smart Features for Mature Drivers include:
– Drivers suffering from hip or leg pain, decreased leg strength or
limited knee range of motion should look for vehicles with six-way
adjustable power seats and seat heights that come between the driver’s mid-
thigh and lower buttocks. Both of these features can make it easier for
drivers to enter and exit a vehicle.
– Drivers with arthritic hands, painful or stiff fingers or diminished
fine motor skills would benefit from four-door models, thick steering
wheels, keyless entry and ignition, power mirrors and seats and larger
dashboard controls with buttons.
– Drivers with diminished vision or problems with low contrast
sensitivity will find helpful vehicles with extendable sun visors, large
audio and climate controls and displays with contrasting text.
AAA’s Smart Features for Mature Drivers also includes vehicle features recommended for all seniors, regardless of their health issues, such as:
– Proven crashworthiness, crash test and rollover ratings from the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (safercar.gov) and the
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (iihs.org/ratings)
– Side and dual-stage/threshold airbags that adjust the deployment force
based on the severity of the crash
– Adjustable head restraints and extra padding
– Antilock brakes
– Dynamic stability control
NEW YORK, March 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — XM announced that XM NavWeather, the first in-vehicle real-time weather tracking service for navigation, will be available on the all-new second-generation Acura TSX sports sedan. The vehicle was unveiled today at the 2008 New York International Auto Show at the Jacob K. Javits Center.
2009 TSX drivers will be first to experience the new XM NavWeather service, available as part of the Technology Package that also includes an Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition(TM) and AcuraLink® real-time traffic powered by XM NavTaffic. The 2009 TSX will also offer XM® Radio, which features 170 channels of audio entertainment. The XM NavWeather service uses sophisticated Threat Matrix(TM) technology to track nationwide weather information for more than 20 different weather conditions, then scales and customizes this detail to the driver’s specific location and route. XM NavWeather can alert drivers to severe conditions before they drive into them. The service works with the Navigation System to display information via color weather icons or warning signals on the vehicle’s navigation screen, and can give the driver the option to easily re- route around a storm’s path. The service also provides multi-day forecasts based on weather monitoring stations across the United States. “XM NavWeather is the only service that utilizes Threat Matrix technology to provide drivers with an enormous amount of information about the weather conditions that could potentially impact their journey,” said Steve Cook, executive vice president, Automotive, XM Satellite Radio. “Acura drivers will soon find our real-time weather service a convenience impossible to live without.” “Acura is a leader in developing the latest in customer relevant technologies that advance the driving experience,” said Dick Colliver, executive vice president, Acura sales. “The real-time weather system debuting on the all-new 2009 Acura TSX further connects the driver to the world around them, allowing them to get where they need to go more quickly, safely and efficiently.” XM NavWeather was developed with Baron Services and utilizes Baron’s exclusive Threat Matrix technology. Baron Services is also XM’s weather partner for its award-winning XM WX Satellite Weather, a trusted information source for professional pilots and mariners. XM NavWeather builds upon the success of this professional grade service by providing a “driver friendly” interpretation of the dynamic weather data direct to the vehicle’s navigation screen. XM NavTraffic, the nation’s leading real- time traffic service powered by NAVTEQ Traffic, offers comprehensive traffic data for select major metropolitan markets to ensure the driver has detailed, real-time information at his or her fingertips. XM NavTraffic is also included in the Acura Navigation System as part of the Technology Package, and offers Traffic Rerouting with dynamic route guidance to help navigate around slow-downs. The 2009 Acura TSX will be in the XM® display, March 19-20, at the New York International Auto Show. For more information on XM NavWeather, visit
http://www.xmradio.com/navweather.
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 6 /PRNewswire/ — Audi of America Inc. today announced the debut of the 2008 A4 Special Edition at the Chicago Auto Show. The new configuration was created for customers wanting a thoroughly modern German luxury sport sedan with more exterior appeal and attractive packaging. This adds to the popular S line exterior bumpers and grille introduced as standard features on the A4 for the 2008 model year, which include a sportier front bumper and grille design, lower side door flares, and integrated rear trunk lid spoiler.
Designed for A4 sedan and Avant models equipped with the 2.0 TFSI engine, exterior differentiation for the Special Edition includes a new standard 17- inch wheel that features a 9 Y-spoke design pattern. Standard interior features for quattro-equipped models include leather-trimmed heated front seats and metallic paint. As a result, models equipped with FrontTrak attain a $405 improved value in new standard equipment, while those with quattro permanent all-wheel drive attain a $1,155 value improvement.
All A4 Special Edition models include a one-year subscription to SIRIUS Satellite Radio, complete with commercial-free music plus sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic, weather and data. Similarly, customers can still choose the full S line and Titanium packages as optional sport upgrades, as well as a full range of individual options. Some of these sophistications include DVD-based Audi Navigation system, Bluetooth hands-free preparation, iPod adaptor, and wood beltline trim.
The A4 is also one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its luxury segment. The cutting-edge 2.0 TFSI direct injection engine made the prestigious Ward’s 10 Best Engines list for the third consecutive year in 2008, which recognized Audi’s expertise with efficient performance and advanced technology.
Safety has also been a top priority for the current model, and the A4 was the first passenger vehicle in its luxury segment to offer brake disc wiping as standard equipment in early 2005. This feature, combined with one of the most advanced and proactive stability control systems, ESP 8.0., reduces the chances of inhibited braking performance during wet or inclement weather.
The A4 was one of three Audi models to receive the “Top Safety Pick” designation for 2008 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), for which it also won in 2007. Audi has the highest number of IIHS “Top Safety Pick” designations within its entire model line in comparison to luxury competitors BMW, Mercedes, and Lexus. This category recognizes excellence in top frontal, side, and rear crash performance and the availability of ESP (Electronic Stability Program).
“The Audi A4 has been a star performer for many years as an exciting sport luxury product offering in addition to its outstanding residual value,” said Johan de Nysschen, Executive Vice President, Audi of America. “Much attention has been paid to constant enhancements to proactively meet and exceed the most particular customer wishes and tastes.”
The A4 Special Edition is expected to be available at authorized U.S. Audi dealer partners by mid March 2008 in both sedan and Avant body styles. For more information about previewing the A4 special edition at the Chicago Auto Show, please visit chicagoautoshow.com.
About Audi of America
Audi of America, Inc. offers a line of luxury vehicles that include the Audi A3 sport compact; the sporty A4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models; the high performance S4 sedan, Avant and Cabriolet models, the high-revving RS 4 sport sedan and Cabriolet; the all new S5 Coupe with 354 hp; the design- leading A6 sedan and Avant; the V-10 powered high performance S6 sedan; the Audi Q7 performance SUV; the new all-aluminum Audi A8 and A8L; the new S8 with V10 power; the all-new 2008 TT Coupe and Roadster models; and the all-new, all-aluminum R8, one of the most exclusive mid-engine sports cars in the world. For more information, please visit www.audiusa.com
BOSTON, Nov. 27 /PRNewswire/ — Announced today at the Boston International Auto Show, Volvo will be the first automotive manufactures in the U.S. to offer innovative digital HD Radio technology on almost all models. Equipped with the HD Radio system, Volvo owners will enjoy a higher-quality AM/FM radio system that features more channel choices, crystal-clear sound and new data services. Volvo Cars of North America, LLC will be offering factory installed HD Radio receivers as standard and optional equipment.
“We believe Volvo will have the largest standard equipped HD Radio technology fleet in the world. Our drivers expect the highest quality in every aspect of their vehicles,” Dirk Bott, Vice President Brand, Business & Product, Volvo Cars of North America, LLC. “Adding HD Radio capability to our S40 T5, V50 T5, C30, C70, S80, V70, XC70 and XC90 models truly makes our audio systems state of the art, giving Volvo drivers an even more enjoyable driving experience.” Introduction is scheduled for Fall of 2008.
HD Radio technology is the most significant advancement in radio broadcasting since the introduction of FM stereo. Across the United States, more than 1,500 AM and FM stations are broadcasting using HD Radio technology and more than 700 are offering subscription-free HD2 multicast channels on the FM dial. These channels feature fresh new music and news formats, showcase young artists and local bands, as well as air non-English language programming and more.
HD Radio broadcasters also offer valuable information that appears on the HD Radio receivers’ display screen, such as song title and artist, traffic and weather updates, news, school closings and other emergency alerts. In addition, there are no fees or costs associated with this information. For a complete list of HD Radio stations currently broadcastings in the United States, please visit http://www.hdradio.com/
An innovative technology that allows broadcasters to offer digital services in addition to analog signals while remaining in their existing frequencies, the HD Radio system is being or has been tested in many countries throughout the world, including Argentina, Australia, Bosnia, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Poland, Switzerland, Thailand and Ukraine.
Volvo vehicles and specifications are subject to change without notice.
The HD Radio and HD logos are registered trademarks and HD Radio(TM) is a trademark of iBiquity Digital Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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