Ferrari’s new California GT
Wow does this thing look b@d@$$! Ferrari’s first (automatic folding) hard-top convertible - California GT - will officially be unveiled in October @ the Paris Motor Show.
(via MotorAuthority)
Here Comes the Sun
Toyota recently announced that it will be adding solar equipment to its next-gen Prius (as well as reducing the vehicles weight to improve mpg). The solar panels installed on the roof will aid in powering the hybrid’s air-conditioning system, of all things.
Now that’s just funny.
(via MarketWatch)
Toyota takes dead aim at Smart with iQ
Toyota’s latest city car - iQ - has Daimler’s Smart brand squarely in its sights. Not only is this oddly appealing ride aiming for the top of its class (”premium” ultra-compacts), but it also happens to be big T’s most fuel (gas-only) efficient vehicle.
(via Motor Authority)
The Batmobile gets real, goes upscale
This ultra-limited edition supercar - the Bugatti Veyron Sang Noir - has Bruce Wayne written all over it!
(via Motor Authority)
GM turns to Spy Hunter
A better way to go hands-free
This summer, California will be following on the heels of a number of other States/DC which have made using a cellphone while driving illegal. The “Hands-Free Law” goes into effect on July 1, 2008 (more info here).
In a nutshell, motorists over 18 will be required to use some sort of hands-free device (be it a headset or external speaker) in order to use their mobile phone while driving. While some people prefer on-ear headsets (wired or bluetooth), I have recently become a huge fan of my new bluetooth hands-free speaker, the Jabra SP5050.
Why bring this up now? It is on sale this week at Costco (in-store only) from $69.99 to $49.99. Once charged and configured, this ultra-slim device offers one of the best hands-free options out there. It auto-pairs with most mobile phones, has an easy to understand interface, is barely noticeable, and offers extremely clear sound with noise-canceling technology. For regular commuters (or Californians), this is absolutely a step (or three) above other hands-free solutions, especially wireless headsets.
Air is in
(almost) Zero Pollution Motors will soon be accepting pre-orders for its up-coming Air Car, due to be delivered late 2009/early 2010.
Not quite gas-free (see below), The Air Car relies on compressed air rather than gasoline to power the 6 cylinder, 75 hp engine. It has an estimated top speed of 96 mph and an estimated fuel economy of 106 mpg. The first model expected to ship to the States is a 6 seater (above) with an expected range of 848 miles (8 gal gas tank).
It’s a matter of perspective
Hyundai has developed a new in-dash lcd screen capable of 2 different displays depending on the viewing angle. As you can see (above), the driver sees a GPS navigation screen while the passenger can watch a movie from the other seat.
(via CrunchGear)
Another reason to hate speed bumps!
A recent study by the UK’s AA motoring group has documented proof that speed bumps (aka speed humps in the UK) directly effect a car’s MPG.
Researchers found that a car capable of achieving 58mpg fuel economy when cruising at an uninterrupted 30mph speed would only deliver 31mpg when it’s forced to slow down for a series of speed bumps.
Ready, Set, Tesla Roadster
Tesla Motors is set to begin production on its long-awaited Roadster on March 17, 2008. The initial batch of Roadsters will be slightly less than perfect, sporting a work-around transmission, increasing the all-electric sports car’s 0-60 time from 4 seconds to 5.7 seconds.
Tesla is promising to retrofit earlier cars at no cost once it’s sure DriveTrain 1.5 works. Those who get a Roadster early will find themselves getting a substantial boost in performance some time down the line.
Along with the resolution of recent transmission-related setbacks, the Tesla Roadster has also passed all of the required federal safety and emissions test making it legally available for sale and operation in the U.S.
(via Wired | img Tesla Motors)
