The Car Tech Lady

The World Will Continue to Use Internal Combustion despite New Technologies

The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of fuel and an oxidizer (typically air) occurs in a confined space called a combustion chamber.

The four-stroke internal combustion engine is the type most commonly used for automotive purposes. Literally, this engine works in four strokes, Intake stroke: Compression stroke: Combustion stroke: Exhaust stroke.

New technologies such as electric, fuel cell, and hybrid technology, do exists today to make alternatives for the internal combustion engine. These new technology proposes to increase driving distances before refueling or recharging, that is why they are installing more lightweight materials in their construction. But the result somehow gives the car less safe in the cases of accidents.

There will be hydrogen, electric or hybrid concept vehicles unveiled. But the biggest news will be the green tech in the gasoline and diesel engines that will power most of our cars in the next decade.

Alternatives to the internal combustion engine have resulted in smaller cars with less power which proves that current internal combustion engine technology has many advantages over its potential competitors. So it is therefore assumed that the internal combustion engine is not going away for a very long time," said Casey Selecman, an industry analyst at CSM Worldwide. Cars will become much cleaner and more fuel-efficient, he said, but "it's going to be an evolutionary change, not a revolutionary one.

While new technologies will continue to improve, car manufacturers also continue to invest billions in improving the internal combustion engine.

Ridgeline: A Major Improvement

The Honda Ridgeline made its debut in 2006 as a standard sized crossover vehicle. It is more closely a mid-size pickup than a full-size. It is produced by the Japanese automaker Honda.

The latest edition, 2008 Ridgeline is a 4-door, 5-passenger compact pickup, available in 5 trims, ranging from the RT to the RTL w/ Navigation System. It still continues to redefine and improve the pick-up standards. Ridgeline has many unique pick-up features, including independent rear suspension and crossover-style construction which made it vie for the title as the most innovative pickup.

“Both trims are equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 247-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 20-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.” The Ridgeline's advanced 4-wheel independent suspension and chassis have been designed for towing, hauling and off-road use.

Most reviewers appreciate its functional design and attractiveness. For 2008, a new wheel design with "machined styling" appears on the Ridgeline RTS and RTL. It also features 17-inch wheels a dual-action tailgate and Industry first In-Bed Trunk®. All models have an integrated closed-box frame with unit-body construction and a steel-reinforced composite (SRC) cargo bed. The trunk is 8.5 cubic feet and is "big enough to hold a huge 72-quart cooler. With this features we can say that “only your imagination limits what you can do."

Ridgeline has the Honda's legendary high-quality fit and finish. It has firm, well shaped and comfortable seats. Five adults can sit comfortably inside. It is quipped with dual-zone automatic climate control.

The original version has been well improved as of today, but we can expect more because Honda has stated that the Ridgeline will be redesigned for 2010.

How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

At all times I have been a believer in inspecting and changing my oil on a habitual basis. The main rule is every 1500 miles, but if all vehicles were alike, it would be an uninteresting planet nowadays. What do you think? What has verified better for me is to do what is greatest for my car.

First, I always check my oil every 500 miles, or extend up to 5 minutes while reloading and have the assistant ensure it for me. You can not tell what oil leaks incident sporting about town within your vehicle.

If we have the same car, following 300 thousand miles, I am constantly having a leak. Do you assume it is the time that I go to the nearby car space and treat myself to a perfect latest SUV. When inspecting your oil, you must constantly turn off the motor, and then make use of your emergency handbrake. Safety and protection is what I’m talking about here, when repairing underbody repairs. Pull the oil dipstick out, if you’re tired and having a hard time finding this, for sure you will need the owner’s manual for further instructions.

Secondly clean it dirt free cloth, put it back in and when you drag it away you will be able to see the oil point on that dip stick. Some vehicle requires 30 weights even as further needs 40. If you can’t decide which fits for your vehicle, read and understand your owner’s manual or go to your nearest reputable mechanic for help. In addition, concentrate when inspecting your oil level to the color/stability of the oil. The oil must constantly be slight with a well-off average brown color. If the color is blacker than brown, you have to change it. Preventive maintenance will guarantee a extended life for your car.

Women Cars - give power to women drivers

Men obviously always purchase the popularity of automobiles. For instance, the race car and more pricey BMW 3 Series is the persistent sales leader in the entry-luxury car lone up, and growing its power. Last August, 3 Series from BMW Motors sales rise about 25%, to 97,039, according to Automotive News. But it didn't even have it on to the top 10 survey of women's much loved cars.

Most of women always preferred an automobile that's agile than others, has clear visibility, and isn't a chore to handle for driving. A lot of women also like to sit elevated and mainly, rightly wants more space for luggage space compartment, low-priced as well as low running expenses. Better room for growing families is necessary in several cases and lastly protection and safety is a main issue. Moreover, many women saying that a high-quality, fun-to-drive aspect is very important.

Some large luxury sedans and exclusive all-wheel-drive system results in marvelously capable handling, even when driven aggressively. Like the Acura's new satellite-based real-time passageway information scheme, a North American creation, is made into the typical navigation unit's 8-inch screen to guarantee that you're never be late for a meeting, conference, reunion and other important activities because you got trapped in traffic.

These ten cars I found listed below got these criteria while giving a special tastes, lifestyles, plus earnings.

Ford Focus

Honda Civic

Honda Fit

Mazda 3

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Mercedes-Benz E-class

Nissan Sentra

Subaru Forester

Toyota Camry

Volkswagen Jetta

Mazda To Test Safety Cars

The Japanese sure know about cars.  First, they have created almost a monopoly in hybrid vehicles thanks to Toyota.  Recently, it looks as if they are after Volvo's reputation.

The Swedish automaker of course is known for the safety features of its vehicles.  Now, Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transportation has called for automakers to develop vehicles with features that will help them avoid accidents.

Mazda is one of the first automakers to respond to the call with its ASV-4.  The said vehicle will be tested on public roads in Hiroshima as part of phase four of its development.

The ASV-4 is equipped with sensors which will be relied on heavily to avoid road traffic accidents.  These sensors are the anchors of Mazda's vehicle to vehicle communication.  With this technology, vehicles will be able to detect the presence of another vehicle even before the driver is aware of it.

This can be used to avoid collisions during blind curve navigation.  This is the situation where Mazda will be testing the ASV-4.  The tests will be done in cooperation with Mitsubishi Motors Japan and Kawasaki Heavy Industries which have also heeded the call for safe vehicles.

Mazda will be taking gathering data from the public road tests and the data will be analyzed to come up with a good solution to create a special safety feature for vehicles.  The vehicle to vehicle communication is not only thing that Mazda is focusing on but also road to vehicle communication.

Said safety feature involves sensors embedded on the road and on vehicles.  If a vehicle can easily communicate with other vehicles around it and the road ahead, it would be easier to avoid accidents caused by driver error.

Auto Site To Help Female Car Buyers

Female car shoppers have their own unique needs. Generally speaking, women's preference in vehicle differs to that of men.  Of course, there would be few females who would choose the bumpy ride on a muscle car over the luxurious seats and suspension setting of a BMW or Mercedes-Benz.

It is thus obvious that when women shop for vehicles online, they should go to a site developed for them.  That's where CarTango.com comes in.  The said site is designed for women to have a fee rein in choosing the right vehicle for them.  The site even has a cool car soulmate thingy which predicts the right vehicle which can fit the need and personality of female car shoppers.

 Daniel Osborne, founder and CEO of CarTango is very enthusiastic about this new site. "CarTango.com is designed to provide a better experience for the primary purchasers of automobiles in the United States – women," said Osborne.

"Women directly purchase over 50% and influence the purchase of over 80% of all vehicles sold. Unlike any other site on the internet, the functionality and exclusive features of CarTango.com were specifically designed to address the wants and needs of this powerful female demographic. CarTango ultimately makes it easier for women to locate and purchase their ideal new or used car, at the best price because it eliminates the frustrating aspects of the car-buying process that typically inhibit female consumers," he continued.

This is really a cool thing for female car shoppers. Apart from having features tailor made for female car shoppers, the site also has a data pool containing millions of information about new and used vehicles making it easy for shoppers to pick out the best one for them.

Toyota Closing In On General Motors

World's Cheapest Car Unveiled

Tadah! Or should I say Tata? Oh yeah, India brought in an astonishing surprise in the automotive industry by introducing the cheapest car in the world - the Tata Nano. This vehicle is a 4-seater with an engine which is approximately 625cc. According to my source, the Nano is tagged with a dealer price of only 100,000 rupees ($2,500) and that is nearly half the price tag of the cheapest car in the market today. The cheapest as of present is a 25-year old model from competitor Maruti Suzuki. Wow, India really made a big bang this time. In addition to this, the Nano will hit dealerships later this year according to the company.

"Let me assure you and our critics the car we have designed will meet all safety norms and all foreign environmental criteria," Chairman Ratan Tata said as he proudly introduced what had been nicknamed as the "People's Car" at the Auto Expo in New Delhi.

The unveiling of the Nano is perhaps right on schedule when oil has topped $100 a barrel. As a result, the reinforcement of fuel-efficient "green" cars is gaining momentum.

According to the company, the Nano would have a rear-mounted engine and travel 20 km per liter. It would be available in a standard model and two luxury options. Tata will start to manufacture approximately 250,000 Nanos and projects ultimate annual order of 1 million units.

Specifications of the Tata Nano cortesy of the Auto Channel:

• Length: 3.1 meters
• Height: 1.6 meters
• Width: 1.5 meters
• Engine: Rear-wheel drive, 2-cylinder, 623 cc, multi-point fuel-injection petrol engine. Engine is rear mounted. Tata said it was the first time a 2-cylinder gasoline engine was being used in a car with single balancer shaft.
• Safety: Tata said the Nano has an all sheet-metal body, 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. Tires are tubeless.
• Environment: According to Tata, tailpipe emission performance exceeded current regulatory requirements, and the Nano had a lower overall pollution level than two-wheelers made in India. It said high fuel efficiency (20 km/liter) ensured low carbon dioxide emissions.
  

2007 Cars Of The Year: The Cream Of The Crop

With so many cars on American roads, which made it big this year? Which car is the most notable? Which car is a total flop? Is your car one of the most commended in the industry? Let’s see…

Here’s MarketWatch’s list of the best of the best cars:

Car of the Year: Honda Civic Si. When you put together the total package -- styling, fit, finish, reliability, long life and heaping helpings of fun to drive, nothing tops the Si for the money. The experts say that the price of petrol is going to do nothing but go up, so we might as well make the best of it. Yes, one has to keep the revs at silly levels to extract all that this car has (0 to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds) but the Honda fours have always been like that. Add some great handling into the stew, a comfortable and somewhat futuristic interior, and for an affordable price of $22K or so you have our car of the year. Close runner up: Mazda's Mazdaspeed 3.

Best Sports Car: (Tie) Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera and the Porsche 911 Twin Turbo. Two very different cars, with similar results -- and that is lots of super car power and excellent handling. The Lambo is in-your-face Italian virility, both in its styling and its performance. If you want to be seen, the Lambo is the way to go and we think the slightly lighter and slightly more powerful Superleggera is the way to do it.

Best Sedan: Honda Accord. Every four years Honda manages to find a way to make one of the best cars on the road even better. The 2008 Accord is a bit bigger, and passengers in the back seats will love the change. The excellent fit and finish remain, along with good gas mileage and the promise of dependability and long life. Factor in good resale values and the sporty feel of Honda cars in general, and you have the mid-sized class leader (again).

Best Gas Sipper: Nissan Versa. Offered as a 4-door sedan or a 4-door hatchback, the Versa offers exceptional room for four and has one of the best CVTs we have driven. Owners say 30 miles per gallon is common on the highway. The price is right, too, starting at $12,630. Keep a lid on the expensive options, and the expected rush to $4 a gallon will seem a much more bearable.

Green Car: (Tie) Honda FCX and Chevrolet Equinox. Both are encouraging looks at what the future might be like without gasoline. They were both comfortable, quiet (since they are electric powered) and eminently practical cars that will meet the real world needs of real customers, assuming that manufacturing costs can be lowered, and a network of hydrogen filling stations can be established. With just water vapor coming out of the pipe, you could be really green in about 2011 or so.

More notable cars here.

The 2009 Corvette ZR1 Reclaims Title As King

We have known Corvette as one of the meanest and the most powerful all-American super cars in the world thus earning the crown as the king of the road. But for quite some time, the king has rested, remained silent and some took over the position as the world’s best. But today, Chevrolet Corvette resurfaced with the most powerful package in its drivetrain! The 2009 Corvette ZR1 is all set to reclaim the throne!

“The king has returned. The new ZR1 upends the notion of what an American supercar can deliver, with performance that trumps exotics that cost two, three or four times as much - and does so with the driving ease of a daily commuter,” says Ed Peper, the Chevrolet general manager.

“Preliminary testing shows the ZR1 bests the highly respected Corvette Z06 in every performance category, from acceleration and braking, to cornering grip and top speed. It all boils down to the power-to-weight ratio and the ZR1’s is exceptional - better than the Porsche 911 GT2, the Ferrari 599 and even the Lamborghini LP640. In fact, the ZR1 is expected to be the first production Corvette to achieve a top speed of at least 200 mph,” added Peper.

Here are bits of specifications courtesy of The Auto Channel that will explain why the 2009 Corvette ZR1 is king once more:

The all-new LS supercharged 6.2L V-8 targeted at producing at least 100 horsepower per liter, or 620 horsepower (462 kW), and approximately 595 lb.-ft. of torque (823 Nm). Other features include six-speed, close-ratio, race-hardened manual transmission; a new, high-capacity dual-disc clutch; higher-capacity and specific-diameter axle half-shafts; enhanced torque tube Specific suspension tuning that provides more than 1g cornering grip; and twenty-spoke 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires.

The 2008 Urban Wheel Awards Finalists

On the 15th day of January 2008, the ’08 Urban Wheel Awards will proclaim the ultimate winners from the set of finalists from different categories. A group of automotive journalists came up with their votes to finalize the set of nominees to be included in the said ceremonies in cooperation with the Press Preview Week during the North American International Auto Show.

"The Urban Wheel Awards brings together top leaders in the auto industry with the multicultural community which represents their true customer base," said Randi Payton, the President and CEO of On Wheels, Inc. and the founder of the awards. "Inclusion of all its customers is critical to building bridges to the multicultural community and to recognizing the contributions of minorities in the industry."

The 12th Annual Urban Wheel Awards finalists courtesy of The Auto Channel:

African American Executive of the Year

  Bennie Fowler
  VP, Quality
  Ford Motor Company

  Marshilia Snoddy
  Zone Manager for Process Improvement, Southwest Zone
  American Honda Motor Company

  Ed Welburn
  VP, Global Design
  General Motors Corporation

Asian Executive of the Year

  Takeshi Abe
  Henry Ford Technical Fellow
  Ford Motor Company

  Ray G, Young
  Group VP, GM Global Finance
  General Motors Corporation

Latino Executive of the Year

  Dave Mondragon
  General Manager, Ford Motor Company Southwest Region
  Ford Motor Company

  Victor Nacif
  VP Design, Business Aspects
  Nissan Design America

Supplier of the Year

  Detroit Chassis
  Ewie Co. Inc.
  Pinnacle

Company of the Year

  Chrysler
  Ford Motor Company
  General Motors

Car of the Year

  Chevrolet Malibu
  Honda Accord
  Mercedes-Benz C Class

Truck of the Year

  Buick Enclave
  Chrysler Town & Country
  Infiniti EX 35

Diversity in Motor Sports Finalists

National Hot Rod Association
STAR Motorsports
Urban Youth Racing School

Urban Dealer of the Year

Bill Perkins Automotive Group
Mike Pruitt Honda
Southaven Pontiac/Buick/GMC

Best Car Resale Values by Class

Cars.com released the latest list of the Best Car Resale Values by Class on their official website. The residual value may not be the buyers forefront on buying cars but it is also important to put in mind the price of their car on its future resale. The cars.com said, “These 2008-model-year vehicles are expected to hold the most of their original value within their vehicle class after three years. Find the residual value of any 2008-model-year vehicle with our residual values tool.”

Here are the cars included on the Best Car Resale Values by Class:

Compact Car: Mini Cooper S (convertible/ 60%)
Midsize Car:  Honda Accord (EX/ 57%)
Full-Size Car: Toyota Avalon (XLS/ 52%)
Sports Car: Volkswagen Eos (Turbo/ 59%)
Near-Luxury Car: Infiniti G35/G37 (Coupe sport/ 63%)
Luxury Car:  BMW 5 Series (M5/ 59%)
Luxury Sports Car:BMW 6 Series (M6 convertible/ 59%)
Minivan:  Honda Odyssey (info unavailable/ info unavailable)
Crossover: Subaru Tribeca (Limited (7-passenger)/ 52%)
Luxury Crossover:Land Rover Range Rover Sport (Supercharged/ 55%)
Compact SUV: Jeep Wrangler Sahara (2-door)/ 62%)
Full-Size SUV: Toyota 4Runner (SR5 V6/ 55%)
Luxury SUV: Lexus GX 470  (not available/ 56%)
Compact Truck: Toyota Tacoma Double-cab (PreRunner V-6/ 61%)
Full-Size Truck: GMC Sierra/Chevrolet (Silverado SLT/LT1/ 53%)

The residual value is also important and should be one among the thing you have in mind when you own a car. The car with higher residual value requires the owner to pay less. There is certain variety of factors to be considered. These are:

*consumer appeal
*production levels
*whether buyers are paying over or under the sticker price

So the next time you buy a car, you know what to look for.

Is Your Car Safer Than Average?

Lexus Environmental Challenge #1 Winners

• "Team Kramedawg"- Farmingdale High School, Farmingdale, NY
• "The Elementals"- Herricks High School, New Hyde Park, NY
• "Manatee Team"- Manatee High School, Bradenton, Fla.
• "Bayou Bartholomew EAST"- McGehee High School, McGehee, Ark.
• "Newberry Environmental Girls"- Newberry High School, Newberry, Fla.
• "Viva Verde"- North Mecklenburg High School, Huntersville, NC
• "The Ones Who Care"- Sierra Vista High School, Baldwin Park, Calif.
• "Westminster CCC"- The Westminster Schools, Atlanta, Ga

• "Eggsteins"- Great Neck South Middle School, Great Neck, NY
• "Chi-Town Team"- Madero Middle School, Chicago, Ill
• "The Eco-Gangsters"- Nevada Middle School, Nevada, Mo.
• "OJH World Environmental Managers"- Olympus Junior High School, Holladay, Utah
• "The Spachio Six"- Phillipsburg Christian Academy, Phillipsburg, NJ
• "St. Margaret Science Club"- St. Margaret Catholic School, Lake Charles, La.

RAND Reveals That Diesel Engines Are More Advantageous

Hybrid cars have been the most sought after car type in the US car market after it has been released a decade ago. However, RAND Corporation conducted a study that revealed that diesel engine cars are more advantageous compared to hybrids. Diesel cars are more advantageous over fuel efficient cars such as hydrogen cars, electric cars and ethanol cars for both consumers and the environment.

In the US, the battle between hybrid cars and diesel cars has become very obvious. In a study released months ago, car buyers are looking for cleaner diesel against hybrid cars. This only means that people are looking at two factors. They can save the environment while saving their budget over buying expensive hybrid cars.

In terms of vehicle’s lifetime, the newest diesel technology shows greater savings depending on the type of car being used. Savings range from hundreds to several thousands. We are aware that cleaner diesel is slightly more expensive than gasoline but buyers are willing to spend a few more dollars to help save the environment. This could make the cost of hybrid cars drop against diesel propelled cars.

The study also reveals that diesel engines have a slight advantage against hybrids in the societal point of view. RAND found out that cleaner diesel holds more environmental advantages over hybrid cars. Diesel may have black carbon emissions but it does not connect to carbon dioxide which is noted to be the number one cause of the climate change.

However, the popularity of hybrid cars today can also be seen in the next years to come. But this does not make diesel cars completely out in the market. There are still several car makers building cars propelled on cleaner diesel just like the Mercedes E320 BlueTec and the Jeep Liberty CRD. Next year, Volkswagen will be releasing their latest Jetta which is said to be running on cleaner diesel as well.

What Automakers Say About Mileage...

With the increasing gas prices and the dependence on foreign oil, what can automakers say about mileage?

"They're definitely saying one thing to Congress and one thing to consumers," said Phyllis Cuttino, the director of the Pew Campaign for Fuel Efficiency, an environmental group lobbying for tougher fuel-efficiency rules.

Last week, an alliance of environmental groups took on Toyota Motor Corp. in a full-page ad in USA Today for opposing the mileage proposal.

Automakers turn down suggestions that are contradictory to their marketing and lobbying messages. For years the industry flatly opposed any increases in federal fuel-efficiency rules, known as corporate average fuel economy, or CAFÉ, reported The Wall Street Journal.

But now they are willing to accept higher standards, so long as they set separate standards for cars and trucks and allow adequate time to meet mileage targets, said Dave McCurdy, the head of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the main lobbying group for Detroit's Big 3 automakers and Toyota, among others.

"The position that we're supporting in CAFE is a dramatic increase over any proposal that many in Congress - even the advocates - in their wildest dreams would've hoped for," he told The Journal. The bevy of fuel-efficient technologies on display in Los Angeles shows automakers are "putting their money where their mouth is.”

So what are they doing?

GM

General Motors Corp. CEO Rick Wagoner said this summer that the standards Congress is pushing "don't look achievable."

Detroit automakers have suffered under the perception that they lagged in environmental prowess despite years of research and development. Wagoner has said that the domestic car industry spends $21 billion annually in research and development, topping any other sector.

"I think there was a sense that we were not effectively getting our message out," said Beth Lowery, GM's vice president of environment, energy and safety.

GM Vice Chairman Robert Lutz is expected to unveil a string of alternative-fuel cars in Los Angeles, including hybrid versions of its Silverado pickup, Tahoe SUV and new Malibu sedan, as well as the Volt electric plug-in prototype. Also, the Detroit-based automaker will promote "Project Driveway," in which 100 everyday drivers will get the use of a Chevy Equinox SUV. The vehicle is powered by hydrogen fuel cells.

Ford

Ford Motor Co. CEO Alan Mulally picked up a similar theme later, saying Washington's regulatory scheme on mileage is the most "market-distorting" policy he's ever seen.

Mulally is expected to highlight the "high-volume" possibilities of gasoline turbocharged direct injection, or GTDI, a technology that allows smaller, more efficient engines to get the power of larger motors.

Ford sees GTDI as a less-expensive solution to improving fuel economy than diesel engines. The automaker will install GTDI on its new Lincoln MKS luxury.

Chrysler

Chrysler LLC, meanwhile, will showcase its Aspen and Dodge Durango hybrid sport utilities, which will be in showrooms in the middle of 2008.

Toyota

Toyota, on the other corner, is launching its latest fuel-cell efforts in Los Angeles, finds itself in the unfamiliar situation of defending its record as a recent newspaper ad campaign asked, "Which is the real Toyota?"

"Toyota markets itself as a forward-looking friend of the environment, and its popular Prius hybrid does get great gas mileage," the ad says. "But behind the scenes in Washington, D.C., the company is moving backward.”

"It is not inconsistent or hypocritical to be marketing the most advanced technologies available in today's market and pursuing advanced technologies... while simultaneously supporting challenging yet realistic legislative and regulatory mechanisms that are achievable from an engineering standpoint and will satisfy customer demand," retorted Toyota spokeswoman Martha Voss.

More Safety Equipments On The New SMART Car

We have seen the previous SMART car on the road but the car maker promises to bring out more at the forthcoming SEMA Auto Show. We are all excited to see the promised new car as there are several people who were privileged to drive the new SMART car for the first time on American roadways.

We have seen the SMART car at the Frankfurt Auto Show last September and the car maker declared that they would bring out new designs in the coming months. And now the new units are going to be  showing off at the SEMA show this coming November 14. If people were able to love the baby Mercedes, the SMART car maker also promises that they would definitely indulge themselves on the new car.

Of course, they would confidently say that as they bring more quality equipments on the new car. They also secured the safety equipments installed on the new SMART car. The safety equipments were made tougher and stronger to protect their passenger during a crash. They have also set several advantages here:

• A frontal impact at 40 mph at 40 percent overlap against a deformable barrier.
  
• A frontal impact at 35 mph against a rigid barrier with 100 percent overlap in accordance with US-NCAP.
  
• A car-to-car compatibility test with a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, 50 percent overlap and an impact speed of 31 mph.
  
• A side impact at 31 mph against a deformable barrier.
  
• A side impact at 31 mph against a deformable SUV barrier.
  
• A side impact at 50 mph against a solid pole.
  
• A rear impact at 50 mph and 70 percent overlap with a deformable barrier.
  
• A dynamic rollover test at 31 mph and two full overturns.

If you wish to see the complete details of the new SMART car, visit theautochannel.com and be familiar with the new features matched to the new strong design of the SMART car.

Carbon Motors Teams & Lotus Engineering Joint Forces!

Carbon Motors Corporation and Lotus Engineering have proudly and jointly publicized their partnership yesterday. The two renowned companies will work together on the improvement of the world’s pioneering purpose-built law enforcement patrol vehicle. Unfortunately, the terms of the deal were undisclosed. Anyway, we should expect nothing but the best from these two great companies that will soon bring a ground-breaking law enforcement patrol vehicle!

“We have been seeking a world-class high technology engineering alliance that would help us provide the best possible vehicle for our country’s First Responders - we have found that in Lotus Engineering. We thank the team at Lotus for joining the cause to provide the over 800,000 women and men in uniform patrolling our homeland with the appropriate equipment to help keep our cities safe. This project is projected to create well over 10,000 new direct and indirect American jobs with a positive economic impact of over $3 billion. Lotus will be playing a key role in helping us to achieve our goals,” stated William Santana Li, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Carbon Motors. 

“I am personally very excited at this opportunity to demonstrate, not only to the USA, but also to the world what two creative companies such as Carbon Motors Corporation and Lotus Engineering can achieve. We will do everything possible to ensure the success of this tremendously exciting, innovative and creative project which, in my personal view, will meet the needs of the law enforcement automotive segment in the USA,“ said Michael J Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer, Group Lotus plc.

Stress Busters

Traveling this holiday season by land?  Be sure that you will not be stressed out before or during the road trip.  We know that there are times when the journey is too long and boredom is eating at you.  That's where stress comes in. Since millions of Americans will be hitting the roads this holiday season, I would like to share with you some tips on how to beat stress.

What's more annoying than the endless "are we there yet?" question?  Kids would ask you that question over and over again until they get under your skin and resulting to a massive stress overload.  So to keep them from asking that question over and over again, make sure that they will be occupied through the whole trip.  Vehicles with DVD players can do the trick.  Just let them watch a movie or two and you'd have no trouble with their ceaseless questioning.

Another source of stress is in packing. Here are tips to help you in packing according to The Auto Channel:

• Two days ahead: Clean out the interior and cargo area and get rid of everything not needed for the trip. Make sure the interior light, especially in the cargo area, works properly.
• One day ahead: Pack as much of the vehicle as you can the night before you leave using the "last in, first out" rule. Packing always takes longer than you think it will, and this way you can actually leave first thing in the morning before everyone gets cranky.
  

Another tip according to the site is to enjoy the journey.  The Auto Channel reports:  "Choosing a vehicle that has a navigation system is an easy way to chart your itinerary, including stops at places of interest, instead of simply rest stops. Visit local parks or sights throughout the trip. History and geography become real when kids see the country for themselves. Choosing a different route for the return home helps to keep everyone interested for the entire trip."

Volvo May Say Goodbye To S40 Sedan

Time is fast and the customers demand changes. The trend also changes as fast as how lightning strikes. This is the reason why some car makers are dropping some of their car models which are no longer selling. Just like what happened to Volvo which is reported to thinking about dropping their S40 off their line up. However the news deserves a little investigation.

Volvo may have retained the S40 for three more years but it seems it will not be staying too long in the market. Volvo planned to retain the V50 in its line up while they are willing to give up the S40. Aside from this, they are not sure if they need those two more sedans which are the S80 and the midsize S60. These two car models are almost equal in size so they are also willing to include these two on the cars they are giving up. A source said, "This is one of many scenarios. Don't take it to the bank yet."

Joe Phillippi of an automotive consulting firm AutoTrends, "It makes sense to consolidate because everyone else in the auto industry is consolidating.”

"Volvo doesn't need three sedans. The new C30 can serve the purpose of attracting younger, less-affluent buyers than the S40 now does. It costs a lot of money to refresh a car like the S40 every five years, though at Volvo it's more like six years, and money is very important to Volvo and any eventual partner," Phillippi continues.

"Any new partner may not want to invest the money it would take to support three sedans, which is a very expensive proposition," Phillippi finally said.

So if ever you don’t see these three Volvo brands on their showrooms don’t wonder why. But I guess Volvo will do new sedan car for their brand.