Posts filed under 'Fresh Metal'
The Nano is being launched today. March 23, 2009. The car will be available in both standard and deluxe versions. Both versions will offer a wide range of body colors, and other accessories so that the car can be customized to an individual’s preferences.
With an expected starting price of about $1,945 for dealers, which doesn’t include a markup and other charges that consumers will pay, the 10.2 foot-long Nano will be one of the world’s cheapest cars.
Its mono-volume design, with wheels at the corners and the power train at the rear, enables it to uniquely combine both space and maneuverability, which will set a new benchmark among small cars.
The Nano has a rear-wheel drive, all-aluminum, two-cylinder, 623 cc, 33 PS, multi point fuel injection petrol engine. This is the first time that a two-cylinder gasoline engine is being used in a car with single balancer shaft.
The Nano’s safety performance exceeds current regulatory requirements. With an all sheet-metal body, it has a strong passenger compartment, with safety features such as crumple zones, intrusion-resistant doors, seat belts, strong seats and anchorages, and the rear tailgate glass bonded to the body.
The Nano’s tailpipe emission performance exceeds regulatory requirements. In terms of overall pollutants, it has a lower pollution level than two-wheelers being manufactured in India today. The high fuel efficiency also ensures that the car has low carbon dioxide emissions, thereby providing the twin benefits of an affordable transportation solution with a low carbon footprint.
Want to check out more environment friendly cars? travelmom1 review the Conch Electric Car:
March 23rd, 2009
The entire Ford Fusion line received a makeover for 2010. Up front, the grille and the hood’s power dome grow larger for the 2010 model year. Everything from the back of the hood to the trunk remains the same, but a pair of honeycomb lenses set the taillights apart from those of earlier Fusions.
Last October, Ford introduced the brand new SmartGauge system and you’ll find it on the Fusion Hybrid. It’s a huge technological leap in driver information, comprised of a large center analog speedometer flanked by two high-resolution LCD screens. The display can be configured to show varying amounts of information. The driver can choose from one of four configurations.
Inform: Fuel level and battery charge status
Enlighten: Adds electric vehicle mode indicator and tachometer
Engage: Adds engine output power and battery output power
Empower: Adds power to wheels, engine pull-up threshold and accessory power consumption
As a bonus, anyone who purchases a Fusion Hybrid by March 31, 2009 will be eligible for a $3400 federal tax credit. Buyers who wait until April 1, 2009 will be eligible for only a $1700 credit. From October 1, 2009 until March 31, 2010, the credit will be reduced by half again, to $850. Anyone buying a Fusion Hybrid after March 31, 2010 will not be eligible to receive any tax credits unless there is a change in the tax code
Price: $27,995 (base)
Check out a review of the 2008 Ford Fusion by Socialbuzz
March 20th, 2009
The Peapod from Chrysler is first of a new generation of GEM electric vehicles that will be more user-friendly and efficient. These vehicles use no gasoline and emit no pollutants. The Peapod is fully enclosed and designed to be more aerodynamic. It will have a built-in interface in the dash for iPod or iPhone and will interface with the iPhone for hands-free calling. The seats will be made of a mesh material to allow better air circulation and will be made of ecofriendly and recycled materials. GEM hopes to have the Peapod into production in 2009 and will follow it with more new models. For now, future plans include an electric light-duty commercial truck and a large city electric car with more range and performance, both of which GEM hopes to get into production next year along with the Peapod.
Check out more reviews of electric cars like this review of Conch Electric Cars by travelmom1:
March 2nd, 2009
In more fun and environmentally friendly vehicles, check out the Aptera 2e.
The three-wheel vehicle is technically a motorcycle, but it has met the safety requirements of a car. It’s lightweight, roomy, and it boasts more than 100 miles on a single full charge–an equivalent of 300 miles per gallon. The 2e, named for its two passenger configuration and electric powertain, is designed to provide safe, reliable transportation for the average consumer who tends to travel approximately 40 miles per day in their daily commute. The car is scheduled to be available later this year and will cost about $30,000.
Check out reviews of other environmentally friendly vehicles at Expo like this review of the Saab 9X BioHybrid:
February 20th, 2009
Ford Motor Company announced plans to bring an all-electric version of the 2010 Transit Connect to the North American market in addition to its 2.0 liter gasoline-powered model. The electric Transit Connect, a small van, will be offered in “select” U.S. Ford dealerships.
Ford spokeswoman Jennifer Moore said the Ampere was the EU version of the Transit Connect and reiterated that Ford has not announced a battery type or supplier. However, she said the North American version of the all-electric Transit Connect will have a targeted range of approximately 100 miles. The Transit Connect is a smaller alternative to a full-size cargo van and can be outfitted for package delivery or for passenger use.
Ford has not announced pricing on the all-electric Transit Connect. The light commercial vehicle will be Ford’s first all-electric move into the North American market, preceding the small electric passenger sedan in 2011.
Check out reviews of other Ford vehicles like this peek at the 2009 Ford Flex:
February 10th, 2009
According to Gas2.org, Shelby SuperCars (SSC), the company behind the world’s fastest production car, has announced plans to launch an electric supercar that is four times as powerful as the Tesla Roadster later this year. According to SSC, this car should be able to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 208 mph.
The car will boast a range of 150-200 miles on a single charge. Moreover, SSC’s Green division has trademarked an on-board charging system called “Charge on the Run,” which enables a 10 minute full battery recharge on a 220V service.
Shelby expects to roll out its first full-scale, pre-production Ultimate Aero EV in the second quarter of 2009, with full commercial availability anticipated as early as the fourth quarter of 2009.
Check out the Saab 9X BioHybrid at NY Auto show:
January 30th, 2009
According to Wired Magazine the future is almost here
Aptera Motors has rolled out the first pre-production model of the 2e, an all-electric three-wheeled two-seater that gets the equivalent of 200 mpg and goes 100 miles on a charge. The car’s ultralight weight of just 1,700 pounds contributes to its efficiency. Aptera says there’s enough room inside to haul around 15 bags of groceries, two sets of golf clubs or a surfboard. The interior includes a stereo, roll-down windows and solar-assisted climate control. The first models will be classed as motorcycles and available only in California, but Aptera hopes to sell it nationwide. Once the car hits mass-market, it should be relatively affordable ranging from $25,000 to $45,000 EVs on the road.
Check out reviews of other electric cars, like this review of the Conch Electric Car by travelmom1:
January 23rd, 2009
Nissan announced pricing for its 2009 370Z sports car starting at $29,930 which is about $1,500 more expensive than the 350Z it replaces. The base model comes with a 6-speed manual, while upgrading to a 7-speed automatic brings the total to $31,230.
Designed as a replacement to the 350Z, the 370Z’s styling is evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Overall, the 370Z — which was developed under the code name C53D — keeps the same general shape as the current 350Z. As previously speculated, the newest Z receives a “boomerang” headlight treatment similar to the design seen on the 2009 Maxima. The headlamps will use LEDs.
There’s two options packages: the $3,000 Sport Package brings 19-inch wheels, sticky tires, front and rear spoilers, bigger brakes, the controversial SynchroRev Match system and the limited slip differential; the $1,850 Navigation Package ads satellite navigation, a 9.3 GB hard drive to store music on and an iPod interface.
The rear is also a bit stubbier, with a sharper crease along the trailing edge of the hatch. The 370Z’s rear taillights also have a fishhook design similar to those seen on the Maxima’s headlights.
Check out this review of the 2009 Nissan GT-R:
January 14th, 2009
If it survives its first test flight, the Terrafugia Transition is expected to land in showrooms in about 18 months’ time, which would make it available in 2010. It can transform itself from a two-seater car to a plane in 15 seconds and its wings fold when in car mode
Massachusetts-based Terrafugia said the vehicle can fly up to 500 miles on a single tank of unleaded gasoline at a cruising speed of 115 miles per hour. In its car mode, the Terrafugia can go up to 90 mph. The same 100-bhp engine powers the car in the air and on the ground.
Carl Dietrich, the company’s CEO, said that the target audience are general aviation pilots. He said it should be viewed as a “roadable airplane,” not a flying car.
Hopefully we will have a review of the Terrafugia Transition once it comes out, but until then check out reviews of currently available cars at Expo like this review of the 2009 BMW 328i by hmmxkrazee:
January 12th, 2009
According to Technoride:
“the Fusion’s advantages include mileage, nearly 40 mpg, that beats other mid-to-large size sedans, a cockpit that isn’t shamed by Japanese sedans, outstanding iPod and Bluetooth connections, and useful navigation. Not only that, but no hybrid has more ways to track, display, and possibly help improve your efficiency as you drive. The Fusion has the potential to be the best hybrid sedan when it arrives.”
Ford Fusion Hybrid (2010)
Ford, www.ford.com
Price: $27,995
Fuel economy: TBD (estimated 39 mpg city)
Pros: Excellent fuel economy. Useful (with practice) EcoGuide gauges.
Cons: Confusing EcoGuide setup. Stiff hybrid price premium. Silly LCD display in rear view mirror.
Bottom line: The Ford Fusion Hybrid is the most economical medium-large hybrid sedan ever and may be the best hybrid on the market when it ships in early 2009.
Since this great car will not be out until 2009, check out reviews of the Ford Fusion like this review by Socialbuzz:
December 23rd, 2008
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