The fuel-efficient Hyundai Accent, which gets up to 35 miles per gallon on the highway, was named the most dependable sub-compact car by J. D. Power and Associates in its 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). The study measures problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old (2005 model year) vehicles. The study is based on the responses of more than 52,000 owners of new vehicles bought between November 2004 and April 2005.
Nissan previewed the next generation of environmental vehicles at the Nissan Advanced Technology Week, with the unveiling of a range of all-electric and original hybrid electric prototypes powered by advanced lithium-ion batteries. Other highlights included the presentation of an All-Around Collision Free prototype and of the world first eco pedal to help reduce fuel consumption, as well as the next generation fuell cell stack with doubled power density.
Electric Vehicle (EV)
Powered by advanced lithium-ion batteries, the EV prototype is part of Nissan’s substantial research and development program on zero emission vehicles. This latest generation vehicle features a front-wheel drive layout and uses a newly developed 80kW motor and inverter. The advanced laminated compact lithium-ion batteries are installed under the floor, without sacrificing either cabin or cargo space.
The production vehicle to be introduced in 2010 will have a unique bodystyle and is not based on any existing Nissan model.
Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
The Nissan original HEV delivers two breakthrough technologies – a high-performance rear-wheel drive hybrid system and parallel-powertrain hybrid system. The hybrid employs Nissan’s own originally developed hybrid technology and its first rear-wheel drive hybrid powertrain.
The parallel-powertrain system comprises an energy-optimizing system with two clutches, where one motor is directly connected to an engine and transmission via two separate clutches. Under changing driving conditions, the motor switches between the two clutches to optimize and conserve energy utilization as well as improve fuel-efficiency.
The parallel-powertrain hybrid system eliminates the need for conventional torque converters, contributing to higher responsiveness and linear acceleration for improved driving feel.
ECO Pedal
ECO Pedal – a world first technology – designed to assist drivers to become more fuel-efficient. When the eco-pedal system is on, each time the driver steps on the accelarator, a counter push-back control mechanism is activated if the system detects excess pressure, helping to inform the driver that they could be using more fuel than required. An eco-driving indicator integrated into the instrument panel feeds the driver with real-time fuel consumption levels to help improve his/her driving behavior. The ECO Pedal system can be turned on or off according to the driver’s preference.
Nissan plans to commercialize the ECO Pedal during 2009. Research conducted by Nissan has shown that by using the ECO Pedal drive system, drivers can improve fuel efficiency by 5-10%, depending on driving conditions.
After traveling through Western Europe and Africa on a pair of motorcycles, actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman’s “Long Way Down” journey will be shown in movie theaters for one night only throughout the U.S. Presented by NCM Fathom and Wasserman Media, the “Long Way Down” event chronicles their 15,000-mile excursion which started in Scotland and ended in South Africa. Tickets are available at www.fathomevents.com. The video below includes footage from the journey and soundbites from Ewan McGregor.
Report by G.Meylemans/D. Collins
Brussels–More than 90% of motorists drive on under-inflated tires which can put their safety at risk. Checking tires condition and pressure, loading carefully the vehicle and using dedicated tires for caravans are some of the key holiday tips given by Bridgestone.
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Land Rover enters 2008 with the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, LR3 and LR2 models. The Range Rover for 2008 features door sill plates in a ribbed-metal design and a storage slot for the rear seat entertainment system’s remote control added to the rear seat center armrest. The high-performance SUV Range Rover Sport incorporates the Land Rover’s Terrain Response™ system with a Supercharged V8 engine and Dynamic Response technology, for improved agility. The recently unveiled LR2 features a 3.2-liter inline-six engine which provides 0-60 mph acceleration in 8.4 seconds (0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds). The engine is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission, with Land Rover’s CommandShift™ offering manual sequential gear changes when required. The LR3 new features for 2008 include enhanced ‘Noble Finish’ accents, elevated standard trim and updated option-package content.
In the past decade, an estimated 36 children have died every year from being left in a hot car, according to a study by the National Weather Service. Most hyperthermia deaths are accidental and many parents are unaware of how dangerous it is to leave children in cars unattended – even for a short period of time. For example, when the outside temperature is 75 degrees, a vehicle’s interior can reach more than 100 degrees in a half hour. The video below includes general views of children and cars heating up, a narrated package on child safety, and soundbites on hyperthermia and rising temperatures in cars.
Following its recent announcement to shift its focus from trucks to cars, General Motors (GM) has received positive news regarding its 2008 Chevy Malibu. The car was recently ranked number one in the midsize car segment according to the J.D. Power and Associates’ Initial Quality Study. The rankings were based on feedback from more than 81,500 consumers who bought or leased new 2008 vehicles during a 90-day period.
The MiTo is the first car to be built since the 8C Competizione and will be Alfa Romeo’s most compact sports car with dimensions of just 4.06 meters long, 1.44 meters high and 1.72 meters wide. The car will have special features available as standard such as the Alfa D.N.A. system, suspension with coilover springs, Q2 Electronic, DST as well as 7 airbags.
The name MiTo has great evocative resonance for Alfa Romeo for it was chosen to mark the deep-seated link between the past and future of the brand: between Milan, the city of design that brought to the car’s style into being, and Turin, which will be responsible for its industrial production, a decision that highlights the brand’s strong desire to consolidate its Milanese roots. The Alfa Romeo MiTo is due to be launched gradually from July in all major markets.
We have taken the data gathered by the NICB for 2007 Top Thefts by State and turned it into a convenient interactive map.
Des Plaines, IL – Hot Wheels 2008, the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NICB) companion study to its annual Hot Spots auto theft report examines data reported to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and determines the vehicle make, model, and model year most reported stolen in 2007. See the full report at www.nicb.org.
