Latest Cars News Blog: newsworthy

Показаны сообщения с ярлыком newsworthy. Показать все сообщения

The Hybrid Jeep EV, An Electric Wrangler Prototype

On Tuesday, on behalf of Chrysler LLC and Chrysler’s in-house hybrid technology design team, Chrysler ENVI, CEO Bob Nardelli unveiled a series of three “production intent” electric vehicles, one of which Chrysler intends to begin mass producing by 2010. Unfortunately, the consuming public will be held in suspense as to which of the three makes the production cut - at least until 2009, when preliminary models become available for commercial and fleet sales. While we await the final decision with bated breath, RideLust has decided to profile each of Chrysler’s ENVI vehicles individually, beginning with the most rugged [read: least like the loathsome Prius plug-in], the Jeep EV.

Jeep EV photo gallery after the jump

Tagged by Chrysler suits as an extended-range electric-vehicle [ER-EV], the Jeep EV is essentially a hybrid version of the Jeep Wrangler [though it bears an uncanny resemblance to the Jeep Commander from the rear]. In keeping with the Jeep Wrangler’s legendary off-road capability, the Jeep EV is equipped with a body-on-frame electrical drive train that individually powers each of the Jeep EV’s four wheels. To keep it green, the Jeep EV [like all 3 of the Chrysler ENVI vehicles], is tri-powered by an electric motor, a lithium-ion battery, and small gasoline engine integrated with an electric generator. By itself, the electric motor generates a whopping 268-hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, making it at least as powerful as any standard Jeep. Unlike any standard Jeep, however, the Jeep EV can average approximately 400 miles off of 8 gallons of gasoline, and another 40 miles relying completely on electric propulsion, consuming no fuel and producing zero emissions.

According to Chrysler, the Jeep EV was entirely engineered with to be the ultimate off-roading vehicle, intended to “…[provide] nature ambassadors with the ability to roam the planet and take care of it at the same time.”

We say: So, where do we sign?

New 2010 Mustang Pony Badge Revealed, Temporarily Sates Our Wild Mustang Lust

With no production photos to feed our gnawing hunger for the new, 2010 Ford Mustang, we’re gobbling up even the tiniest flashes of skin. Undoubtedly feeling our pain, last Wednesday, the guys at MuscleCarBlog threw us a bone and revealed the new pony badge the redesigned Ford Mustang will be wearing in 2010. At first glance, there doesn’t appear to be much of a difference between the reportedly “beefy” 2010 badge and the sleek ‘09 badge, but given the Mustang’s tradition-rich history, you didn’t really expect the new pony to look like a Budweiser Clydesdale, did you?

View The New Badge After The Jump

If you look closely, the subtle changes to the 2010 pony definitely make for a meaner, faster looking steed. Chief designer for 2010 Ford Mustang, Douglas Gaffka explained, “We wanted to give the Mustang pony a more realistic feel,” apparently to more accurately convey the sentiment of most Mustang drivers: “I slow down to 85mph in school zones.” Gaffka went on to explain that the 2010 Mustang is intended to look more like the wild horse that it is, “It’s more chiseled and more defined.” Although the new pony will feature the same chrome finish as its predecessor, the 2010 Mustang GT will get a more aggressive pony finished in black chrome [as pictured below].

GM-based Pickup To Be Sold In Russia: Red Dawn Sales Skyrocket

Isuzu Trucks headed to Russia

As we head into another Cold War, Isuzu Motors has announced that it will introduce and market its D-Max pickup trucks in Russia beginning in February 2009. The pickup trucks to be sold in the Russian market are the Isuzu Motors Thailand-made versions of the D-MAX. Patrick Swayze responded by stating, “WOLVERINES!!!”

Isuzu D-Max

The completed pickup truck models will be imported by Severstal Avto Isuzu (SAI) of Russia, directly from Thailand and marketed through the dealer network under the umbrella of SAI. Sales are initially projected at 1,000 units and will be extended to the 5,000-unit level in the third year. The D-Max shares the same platform with several General Motors mid-size trucks in the United States including the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon and Isuzu i-Series. The Chevrolet Colorado name is also applied to a rebadged version of the D-Max in Thailand, although not identical to the American version. The original D-Max is sold alongside the Chevrolet Colorado in the Thai market where they are both built. In America, the engine in the smaller i-290 is a 185-horsepower 2.9-liter four-cylinder with a standard five-speed manual transmission comes standard and a four-speed automatic is available as an option. In America the larger i-series trucks come with a 242-hp 3.7-liter five-cylinder with a standard four-speed automatic transmission. The larger crew-cab model has a reduced 5-foot cargo bed, but more rear-seat room and four doors. The rear bench seat is big enough for three adults and folds down in a 60/40 split.

Isuzu Interior

In Russia, the small and medium-sized pickup truck markets are rapidly expanding. The total demand increased to about 11,300 units in 2007 from about 3,600 units in 2005. The demand is expected to further increase production in the future.

The company said that the pickup trucks will be powered by the 3L and 2.5L common-rail direct injection diesel engines that will be fully compliant with the Euro-4 emission regulations. The truck will be available as a crew cab and be available with both automatic and manual transmissions.

As a side benefit in the U.S., Russia’s ability to purchase the D-Max provides Americans the motivation to watch “Red Dawn” with renewed animosity.

World Rally Championships Head To New Zealand

Ford Focus WRC

Those here in the U.S. not entirely familiar with the WRC have surely seen plenty of 20-somethings tearing around in the most popular Rally-inspired production car; the Subaru WRX. The racing heads to New Zealand this week for the oldest WRC race in the Southern Hemisphere; and perhaps the most beautiful.

Citroen Rally Car

Depending on the weather, the racing in New Zealand is known for it’s insanely fast jumps or extremely slippery mud. Either way the terrain demands drivers and cars be at their best and willing to take risks. In fact, storms last month have forced race organizers to change the route.

Citroen taking off

At any rate, the teams competing include some very cool vehicles, including models based on the Ford Focus (pictured above) that would give the Subaru a run for the younger set’s money if it were sold here in the States. If you don’t believe that these cars take some punishing abuse (or that they can take flight) check out these photos.

Sebastien Loeb and Citroen favored in New Zealand

Sebastien Loeb , pictured in most of these pictures moved into the lead piloting the Citroen C4 WRC. The Ford team, which has Finnish drivers who prefer racing on the mostly gravel surface that will used in New Zealand, are expected to have a strong showing as well.

Loeb last year in New Zealand

After a ceremonial start in Hamilton on Thursday August 28, Friday’s route heads southwest for four stages in the Pirongia - Waitomo region. Saturday’s action is based northwest in the Franklin and Te Akau regions, and includes the ‘Possum’ stage, named after the late Possum Bourne, the rally driver who was an icon of this district. Sunday’s final day is the most spectacular of the rally and is based on roads around a remote service zone at Raglan bay. The highlight is two passes over the classic Whaanga Coast test (not making up that name), which hugs the coastline and features dramatic views over the Tasman Sea. Each leg includes a short Super Special stage at Mystery Creek, in view of the service park. There are 18 stages in all, covering 353.04km in a route of 1218km.

Citroen playing in the snow

The New Zealand race is historically very competitive. Last year’s winner, won by a mere .3 seconds over Loeb.

Morgan Freeman Involved In Car Crash, Totals 1997 Nissan Maxima

In Hollywood ride news, Morgan Freeman has been hospitalized after reportedly being involved in an accident on Sunday night. According to TMZ [or "The World Is Ending], the accident occurred around 11:30 pm on Highway 32 in Batesville, Mississippi.

Apparently, Freeman lost control of his Maxima, careened off the highway and flipped several times before coming to a stop in a ditch [let the records indicate that we took the high road and refrained from making any "Driving Miss Daisy" references...but we SO wanted to]. Both Freeman and his passenger were freed from the wreckage using the Jaws of Life. Despite the severity of the accident, after being removed from his Maxima, Freeman was still conscious and alert. After speaking to authorities, Freeman was then airlifted to Regional Medical Center in Memphis, Tennessee where he is being treated for a broken shoulder and arm.

Although authorities confirmed the accident did take place, details as to its cause are still being gathered [Freeman's car was reportedly the only one involved]. Although no evidence has been offered to support the theory one way or the other, at least one news source has eluded to the possible involvement of alcohol.

In overlooked-minor-detail news, Academy, Golden Globe, and Oscar award-winner Morgan Freeman drives a 1997 Nissan Maxima.

[Source: NY Daily News]

The Top 10 Most Toxic Cars

A report released yesterday by a Michigan-based non-profit environmentalist group, the Ecology Center, ranked the interior air quality of about 450 2008-09 model vehicles. The investigation is part of a two-year old (fledgling) endeavor initiated by the Ecology Center known as the Clean Car Campaign.

The CCC’s primary objective is to raise consumer and manufacturer awareness concerning, beginning with their official findings. Accordingly, the Ecology Center’s report ranks vehicles based on the potential threat they pose to human and environmental health. Ranked on a scale from 0 to 5 (0 being little-to-no threat), a vehicle’s score is tabulated by measuring the amount of toxic chemicals present in its interior. According to the report, the ten most toxic cars in descending order are [with score appearing beside vehicle model]:

Mitsubishi Eclipse Spider GT [4.7]

Suzuki Reno [4.2]

BMW 128i [3.9]

VW Beetle [3.9]

Lincoln Mark LT 4×4 [3.5]

Suzuki Forenza [3.5]

Mazda 6 Sport Value Edition [3.4]

Lincoln Navigator [3.3]

Kia Rondo LX [3.3]

Audi TT Coupe 2.0 [3.3]

When asked by Automotive News about the significance of these findings, Jeff Gearheart, who is spearheading the Clean Car Campaign, said, “Companies are starting to take this seriously.”

I beg your pardon, starting? Shouldn’t interior air quality already have been important? I mean, I know the fuel crisis is what’s on the front burner right now, but I don’t want a car that gets 40 mpg if the flame-retardant material used to upholster the seats is going to give me Black Lung.

[Full article & additional report results available at Automotive News]

Latest Cars News Blog

The Hybrid Jeep EV, An Electric Wrangler Prototype

Related posts:

Related posts:

New 2010 Mustang Pony Badge Revealed, Temporarily Sates Our Wild Mustang Lust

Related posts:

Related posts:

GM-based Pickup To Be Sold In Russia: Red Dawn Sales Skyrocket

Related posts:

Related posts:

World Rally Championships Head To New Zealand

Related posts:

Related posts:

Morgan Freeman Involved In Car Crash, Totals 1997 Nissan Maxima

Related posts: