The hotest stuff on cars

Dec

Raikkonen wants to stay with Ferrari

Posted by galardo Published in Ferrari

Ralph Kalal
Filed in: Ferrari | F1

Kimi Raikkonen says that he wants to spend the remainder of his career with Ferrari.

“Ferrari will be my last team, I’m not interested in going anywhere else. It suits me. I have two years on my contract and it may not be the last." That’s what Raikkonen told the British newspaper, the Daily Mail, according to a report on the BBC. Raikkonen, of course, won the World Driver’s Championship last year, in a Ferrari.

Raikkonen won out over McLaren’s upcoming star, Lewis Hamilton. Raikkonen attributed that, in part, to Hamilton’s inexperience in Formula One. “Hamilton made a mistake in China and then had something wrong with the gearbox, or whatever, in Brazil,” according to Raikkonen. Nonetheless, the Ferrari driver was clearly proud of his, and the Ferrari team’s accomplishment: "We won it fair and square. He [Hamilton] would say it wasn’t pressure that got to him, but it wasn’t an easy thing for him to do. Everyone is under pressure."

Since the end of the season, the focus of the media has been elsewhere. That suits Raikkonen just fine: “I wouldn’t say winning has changed my life but it is good to get what I have always dreamed of. If there is focus on Lewis getting prizes and Michael Schumacher testing with us, or where Fernando Alonso is going, I’m happy. I have a nice quiet life. I’ve got the trophy they probably all wanted. I’d rather take the world title than any other prize."

Source:BBC

Source: Raikkonen wants to stay with Ferrari

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Dec

Ford to recall 1.2 million trucks, SUVs and vans

Posted by galardo Published in Ford

Merritt Johnson
SUVs, Trucks/Pickups, Recalls/TSBs, Ford

Ford will be recalling 1.2 million trucks, SUVs and vans due to a faulty engine sensor. The recall affects vehicles of from 1997 through 2003 that are equipped with the 7.3L Power Stroke diesel engine. This diesel motor actually came before the dreaded 6.0L diesel from International/Navistar that was known for its unreliability. Though also built by Navistar, the 7.3L is actually considered to be quite bulletproof. The recall, however, encompasses F-series Super Duty pickups, Excursion SUVs and E-series vans that were equipped with the 7.3L diesel. The sensor in question is the engine’s camshaft position sensor. Over time the part can apparently degrade leading to engine stall, potentially causing an accident if the vehicle is moving. Ford claims it’s aware of 14 accidents or instances of drivers losing control of their vehicle related to this issue, which we’d say is about 14 too many. Customers with possibly affected vehicles will be notified beginning December 17th for a free repair.

[Source: Detroit News]

Source: Ford to recall 1.2 million trucks, SUVs and vans

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Dec

Spy Shots: Lotus “Supercar”, a.k.a. the Esprit replacement

Posted by galardo Published in Lotus

John Neff
Spy Photos, Supercars, Lotus

click above image to enlarge

This spy shot just came in from Brenda Priddy and her horde of photogs. They know it’s a Lotus and claim it shows what has been identified internally as “THE Supercar”. We do know that Lotus showed off its future product to employees about a month ago, and from that it’s been learned that the Jaguar XKR’s supercharged V8 producing 420 horsepower will be the engine used in this car. Since we also know the upcoming Esprit replacement is the only Lotus slated to get a V8, well, you do the math…

After inspecting the photo, however, we can’t deny that whatever’s underneath that sheet must bear a resemblance to the Tesla Roadster. Where the cover wraps tightly around the body revealing some of its shape we can see a fender and rear 3/4 panel that’s very similar to the all-electric roadster that’s been developed in conjunction with Lotus. The length of this cloaked supercar, however, appears too long and its wheels don’t match what we’ve seen on Tesla Roadsters before. Clearly, though, it’s a mid-engine high-performance car of some sort, and we can’t wait to find out exactly what.

[Photos: Brenda Priddy & Co.]

Source: Spy Shots: Lotus “Supercar”, a.k.a. the Esprit replacement

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Dec

Dodge offering a Journey to kick off a couple’s journey!

Posted by galardo Published in Dodge

Sam Abuelsamid
Chicago Auto Show, Contests, Etc., Dodge

While Chrysler typically puts on a big song and dance for their auto show press conferences, at next February’s Chicago shindig they are giving someone else a chance to be the star. As a promotion for the new Dodge Journey crossover they are looking for a couple willing to get hitched on the show floor at McCormick Place on Valentines day. Couples that are interested tying the knot at an auto show can enter Chrysler’s essay contest at the the special web site that’s been set up. Before the happy couple gets to drive off into the sunset in their new Dodge Journey they’ll be forced to stay stay for the all-expenses paid reception featuring a Journey cover-band — something none of us could ask our significant others.

[Source: Chrysler]

Source: Dodge offering a Journey to kick off a couple’s journey!

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Dec

Study: non-flex fuel cars get better fuel economy on ethanol

Posted by galardo Published in Other

Lascelles Linton
Filed under: Ethanol, Flex-Fuel, MPG, Green Daily

There are many people that say you can get better mileage with ethanol and you can even use blends higher than E10 in non flex-fuel cars. While controversial and only proven in tests done by mechanics or culled from impressions from truckers, there are finally some government and university studies to back up these amazing claims. The American Coalition of Ethanol has details and results from a study co-sponsored by themselves and the U.S. Department of Energy and conducted by The University of North Dakota Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) and the Minnesota Center for Automotive Research (MnCAR).

They study was done with four 2007 model vehicles: a Toyota Camry, a Ford Fusion, and two Chevrolet Impalas (flex-fuel and non). The cars took the EPA Highway Fuel Economy Test (HWFET) on ethanol-gasoline blends and normal gasoline. The results found “fuel mixtures with more ethanol than E10 but less than E85 - can in some cases provide better fuel economy than regular unleaded gasoline, even in standard, non-flex-fuel vehicles.” In fact, along with three out of four actually traveling further on ethanol, “all of the vehicles got better mileage with ethanol blends than the ethanol’s energy content would predict.” The study even showed there was no engine fault signs when normal cars used blends up to 65 percent.

These are initial results and there will be more studies but can you imagine a day when ethanol blended fuels (cellulosic, naturally) actually get better mileage than regular gas? Not in special flex-fuel cars but normal every day cars on the street right now? Imagine reducing the pollution levels in all cars by simply changing the fuel blends while saving money in the process? Dare I hope?

[Source: The American Coalition of Ethanol via Green Car Congress and tipster Nathan]

Source: Study: non-flex fuel cars get better fuel economy on ethanol

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Dec

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Images From Bologna Presentation

Posted by galardo Published in Subaru

Along with the European public debut of the 2008 Impreza WRX STi at the Bologna Motor Show, Subaru also made the European media presentation of its new STi in the Italian city. We added a few high-res pictures from the presentation that you can check out right after the jump. The 2008 STi will be available in Europe with a 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer engine producing 300 PS at 6,000 rpm with torque of 300 lb ft at 4,000 rpm – increases of 19 PS and 11 lb ft respectively. Top speed is 155.3 mph (250 km/h) with a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time of 4.8 seconds. Sales in Europe will begin in early 2008. -Continued

Source: 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Images From Bologna Presentation

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Dec

New Jetta TDi is green and performs well, says Popular Mechanics

Posted by galardo Published in Other

Hybrids are not the only vehicles getting the spotlight for the green movement; America also welcomes new diesel technology as the new Volkswagen Jetta TDi. According to Popular Mechanics “it will be the first automobile to meet the world’s most stringent emission control standards, California’s Tier II, Bin 5,” with its 2.0 liter engine that can generate 140 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque.

The difference of the new Jetta technology and that of the BlueTec is its way of eliminating “the biggest environmental hurdles facing diesels”, NOx emissions. In BluTec vehicles, the NOx is converted into nitrogen and water by “injecting a urea-based solution into the exhaust system upstream from the catalytic converter.” The Jetta, on the other hand, first stores the NOx in the NOx-storage catalyst, and will then be burned in one of the engine cycles.

A common-rail fuel injection system that uses piezoelectric fuel injectors will also replace Volkswagen’s traditional mechanical system. Fuel will be atomized better with this as higher injection pressures are released. This will also give a chance to control the pollution easier.

Popular Mechanics found after test driving the new Jetta that it is more powerful and is capable “to power through traffic and accelerate from stoplights with authority and a little bravado,” as said by the report. Engine operation was also quieter.

News from: http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/automotive_news/4235586.html

Source: New Jetta TDi is green and performs well, says Popular Mechanics

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Dec

BMW 3-Series by Hartge

Posted by galardo Published in Bmw

Simona Alina
Filed in: BMW | coupe | BMW 3-Series | car tuning

Hartge released a new body kit for both the 3-Series Coupe and Convertible.

HARTGE BMW 3 series Coupe upgrade kit includes:

HARTGE front spoiler lip for E92 Coupe and E93 Cabrio
HARTGE lip for boot lid for E92 Coupe
HARTGE rear diffuser for E92 Coupe 335i, 335d and E93 Cabrio 335i (only in connection with HARTGE stainless steel rear silencers 18 92 0335)
HARTGE left side sill for E92 Coupe and E93 Cabrio
HARTGE right side sill for E92 Coupe and E93 Cabrio
HARTGE speedometer 300 km/h (dial in silver metallic with red needle) for E92 Coupe and E93 Cabrio
HARTGE speedometer 300 km/h for E92 Coupe and E93 Cabrio
HARTGE stainless steel rear silencer with dual round tail pipes left and right for E92 Coupe 335i, 335d and E93 Cabrio 335i

Source: Internal

Source: BMW 3-Series by Hartge

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Dec

Volkswagen US starts the new year with new customer care post

Posted by galardo Published in Volkswagen

It will certainly be a new year for Volkswagen of America as it set up a new customer care post on January 1. Edmunds.com reported that the new Volkswagen of America director of customer care will be the longtime VW executive, Matthias Seidl.

In the report, Volkswagen of America spokesman Keith Price said that the new post “will up the notch of consumer service and improve the experience.” Price later added that Seidl “will take the customer call center to a new level.”

According to Volkswagen, “The objective of this new post is to build and optimize individual customer relationships, strategically invest resources to support these relationships, in support of the aggressive United States growth plans for the Volkswagen Group.”

Seidl’s past experience with Volkswagen U.S. dealers as chief operating officer let him establish the fundamentals of the company.

Edmunds also reported that the new Volkswagen post is similar to Chrysler’s, wherein last October, Doug Betts became Chrysler vice president and chief customer officer.

Source: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=123828

Source: Volkswagen US starts the new year with new customer care post

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Dec

Mercedes-Benz UK adds wind power for charging Smart EVs

Posted by galardo Published in Smart, Mercedes

Sam Abuelsamid
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Mercedes Benz, SMART

Just in time for the launch of a test fleet of battery-powered Smart ForTwos in the UK, Mercedes-Benz is adding some wind power. The Mercedes facility in Milton-Keynes has added a new wind-turbine that is specially designed for urban applications where space is at a premium. The 20 m tall turbine rotates on a vertical axis and can pick up wind power from any dir