The AAA (Australian Automobile Association), which represents motoring bodies including the NRMA and RACQ, has today agreed to assist the motoring public by supporting a carbon trading scheme in a bid to reduce greenhouse gases.

Executive Director Mike Harris said the Association’s commitment to “assist and encourage motorists to reduce and offset their greenhouse gas emissions” was the first in a series of policies to be released next year.

Considering private vehicles account for 8 per cent of the dangerous gases emitted annually, the proposals flagged by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd now having motoring body support is seen as a big step forward. The proposals will utilise market based carbon trading schemes rather than a government imposed tax regime.

Source: AAA backs Carbon Trading

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Rinspeed has released images — although not truly realistic — of its sQuba concept ahead of the car's 2008 Geneva Motor Show debut in March. Known for over-the-top concepts, the latest Rinspeed concept is no exception. The Swiss company hails the sQuba as the "world's first real diving car" as it is capable of diving to depths of 33 feet.

On land, the sQuba is powered by an electric motor that sends its power to the rear wheels. Once in the water, propulsion is provided by two propellers and a pair of jet drives.

A self-contained on-board air system provides the driver and passenger with oxygen when the sQuba is submerged.

No other details were released about the car.

Like the majority of Rinspeed's creations, there are no plans to put the sQuba into production.

Source: Early look: Rinspeed sQuba concept

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Simona Alina
Filed in: Ford | ford Focus | future cars

Ford of Europe is confirming its plan to deliver an exciting all-new, high performance Focus RS model for launch in 2009. A design image released by the company today hints at the exciting direction the new model is taking.

The new Focus RS will be based on the dynamic new Focus ST. It will be developed by Ford Team RS, a specialist team led by Jost Capito who, as previously announced, is being appointed to the new role as Vehicle Line Director for Ford of Europe Performance Vehicles from January 1, 2008.

"With two consecutive Manufacturers’ World Rally Championship titles under our belt, the time is right to create a new Focus RS," said John Fleming, Ford of Europe’s President and CEO. "With the Fiesta and Focus ST models, Jost and his team have proved already that they can deliver exciting and practical performance road cars. The success of these models, combined with Jost’s experience in motorsport and Ford of Europe’s positive business results, mean that we now have a credible business case for a no-compromise Focus RS roadcar for more enthusiastic drivers."

The basic concept for a new Focus RS has been under development within Ford Team RS under Capito’s leadership for some months already. Now that the programme has been given the ’green light’, Capito and his team will be concentrating fully on this programme.

"We have reviewed our technical options and worked closely with the Design team on how the car might look, and I’m very excited by the results," said Jost Capito, "Now with the programme going ahead, the hard work really starts as the small team working on the project takes the car from prototype to production."

Stay Tuned

Ford of Europe will not reveal any of the technical details of the new Focus RS until closer to launch in 2009. The company plans to show a concept version of the car publicly for the first time in mid-2008.

"We will use the redesigned 2008 Focus ST as the base for a no-compromise RS model that will become the ultimate road-going Focus," Capito added. "Just as the Focus RS WRC owns the rally circuit, we want the new Focus RS to own the road, so we have the major competitors in our sights as we develop the car’s performance, design, handling and braking."

"We’re not ready to confirm any of the technical details of the new Focus RS yet - Jost and his team have a lot to do to finalise the exact specification and styling," said Fleming. "But make no mistake, I can assure you that ultimately, the car we plan to launch will be worthy of wearing the coveted Ford RS badge."

Source: Internal

Source: Ford Focus RS - teaser image

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Volvo has long been recognized as one of the leaders in automotive safety technology, and this is a reputation its likely to keep thanks to a raft of new technologies the carmaker will be rolling out in coming years. Collision warning with automatic braking for pedestrians, collision avoidance by automatic steering, and vehicle-to-vehicle communication are three concepts currently in development by Volvo.

The collision warning with automatic braking system uses radar technology with a wide-angle search area to detect objects in front of and around the car and brake if it predicts an accident will occur. Before the system allows a computer to take control, it will alert the driver using a warning signal and sound.

Collision avoidance by automatic steering uses a camera to monitor the car’s position between lane markers. If a car wanders across any of the lane markers without using the indicator, the driver is warned by an audible signal. The system also detects if the car has moved into the oncoming lane and can automatically steer itself back to a safe position in the original lane.

The final system is the vehicle-to-vehicle communication set-up, which can receive information on other cars further up the road or around blind corners.

Sadly, the trend of carmakers installing systems that take control away from drivers is on the rise and it’s only a matter of time until one of those controls will limit the speed at which a car can travel or the rate of acceleration it can move at.

Source: Volvo’s future safety tech

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Alex Nunez
SUVs, Crossovers/CUVs, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Misc. Auto Shows

Okay, the Automotive News story we were tipped on earlier is now out, and we can clarify the details about the upcoming 2009 GMC Terrain. As initially reported, the Terrain replaces the Pontiac Torrent, which gets laid to rest as Pontiac becomes car-focused once again. The news is that Terrain will be a new vehicle roughly sized the same as the Jeep Liberty, and probably not the exact truck you see above, from the sound of things. It’ll join a new Chevy Equinox also built atop the updated Theta platform, and the GMC will have unique sheetmetal that’s said to be “bolder” than that of the Chevy. Look for pricing to be in the same ballpark as the Equinox, which will start in the $22,000 range. The Terrain (and presumably the Equinox) will be built at the CAMI plant in Ingersoll, Ontario. So, while the new Terrain will share a name with the Antara variant being sold in the Middle East, it sounds like it’s going to be its own truck, and not a straight rebadging exercise like the one shown here. We expect to see both the new Terrain and the next-gen Equinox at some point during the upcoming show season.

[Source: Automotive News]

Source: UPDATE: 2009 GMC Terrain a new vehicle, will join a new Chevy Equinox

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Placed an order for a Maserati GranTurismo lately? Needing some luggage to go with it? Well, you’re in luck my friends.

Maserati has teamed up with Ferragamo to produce a bespoke luggage set for your GT. Using the GT’s grille as inspiration, two calfskin carry sets are available.

‘Firenze’ features hand-grained leather and is available in dark brown or Maserati blue. Alternatively ‘Modena’ sports a more textured finish in a natural, scratch-resistant calfskin leather, in black or aubergine, with contrasting stitching. Each set comprises a suitcase, a weekend bag, a beauty case, a garment holder and a dual function shoe case with a removable compartment divider, all sized to suit the GranTurismo’s boot.

Pricing you ask? Firenze will set you back $16,000 inc GST, and Modena is listed at $15,000 inc GST.

Or sir can buy each item seperately from his local Maserati dealer, should sir so require.

Source: Maserati and Ferragamo create luggage heaven

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Along with the Atenza / “6” sport concept and a trio of Demio / “2” custom editions, Mazda’s stand at the 2008 Tokyo Auto Salon in January will also include a MX-5 / Miata roadster prepped by MAZDASPEED. Unfortunately, the Japanese carmaker hasn’t released any specific details on the roadster, but from what we can see in the pictures, the MX-5 / Miata features a full bodykit with front and rear aprons, skirts, a rear spoiler, side air vents and new alloy-wheels. Inside, MAZDASPEED equipped the roadster with a pair of two-tone bucket seats and a matching steering wheel. -One more image after the jump

Source: Mazda MX-5 – Miata by MAZDASPEED: 2008 Tokyo Auto Salon

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Land Rover, the company famous for building oversized luxury SUVs has unveiled a new concept vehicle designed to reflect its seriousness about continued relevance and sustainable motoring. Some of the new features the LRX Concept highlights are its compact size, lightweight design and use of environmentally-responsible materials.

The official word is that this is purely a concept designed to gauge customer reaction but a production version is tipped to hit the streets in 2009. More details about the LRX concept, including its new powertrain, will be revealed at the car’s Detroit Auto Show debut next month.

LAND ROVER LRX CONCEPT

* Bold evolution of Land Rover design – but still unmistakably a Land Rover
* A desirable, premium and more compact 4×4 which extends the definition of ‘breadth of capability’
* Demonstrates Land Rover’s seriousness about continued relevance and sustainability – with new technologies, lightweight design and environmentally-responsible materials
* Impeccable attention to detail and precision of execution underpins the LRX’s premium credentials
* Public debut at NAIAS (Detroit Show) in January, to start gauging customer reaction

Gaydon, December 14, 2007 - Land Rover unveils a vision of its future at the NAIAS (Detroit Show) in January 2008, with the world debut of the LRX concept - a bold evolution of Land Rover design that indicates the brand’s progressive shift into new areas of the market, while remaining true to its core values. As the company prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary during 2008, the three-door LRX, with its more compact size, lighter weight and sustainability focussed technologies, clearly addresses the needs of a changing world.

“The LRX concept delivers the powerful message that we are as serious about sustainability as we are confident about the continuing relevance and desirability of our vehicles,” says Phil Popham, Land Rover’s managing director. “The LRX is in every respect a Land Rover, but it’s a very different Land Rover.

“LRX has unmistakable Land Rover design and the breadth of capability that you’d expect from our vehicles. But it carries those essentials into a segment where the brand has never been before, and with a proposed level of efficiency that would make it one of the cleanest vehicles in its class. It is Land Rover’s way of affirming the brand’s responsible approach to future product development. At this stage, LRX is purely a concept, designed to help us develop our thinking as well as gauge customer reaction – but this feels like a hugely exciting direction to take.”

Compact and premium

The LRX is described as a cross-coupé, and dramatically extends the scope of what Land Rover stands for. Though smaller than Freelander 2 / LR2, the LRX is conceived as a premium car, designed to appeal to new customers in the luxury and executive sector – those who want many of the benefits of a 4×4 and the visual presence of a larger vehicle, but in a more compact package.

The first all-new Land Rover revealed since Gerry McGovern became the company’s design director, LRX is a natural extension of the Land Rover range, complementing the existing models with a car that will help to define a new segment. Its many recognisable Land Rover design cues include bold new interpretations of the signature clamshell bonnet, the floating roof and the solid ‘wheel-at-each-corner’ stance.

“LRX is a design born out of passion for the brand, but it is different, relevant, engaging and exciting – because Land Rover has never built ordinary cars,” says Gerry McGovern. “LRX has a highly desirable identity and the design alludes strongly to its capability, while clearly underlining our forward-looking philosophy – it’s a Land Rover that would be comfortable on Bond Street or Fifth Avenue, but wouldn’t flinch at getting its wheels dirty.”

Its compact size is one of its greatest assets, which will appeal to anyone who wants the versatile ability of an agile 4×4 with the cachet of the Land Rover name. In addition, its lower weight and the reduced aerodynamic drag resulting from the smaller frontal area give significant gains in fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions.

The LRX concept also adopts intelligent power management systems and other technologies first shown by Land Rover in the Land_e concept in 2006. Further details of the LRX’s powertrain and sustainability technologies will be released at the Detroit Show.

Extending ‘breadth of capability’

The positioning of LRX could be described as moving subtly from traditional SUV to crossover, with its more car-like appearance and dynamics that are sportier and on-road biased. But while its character is underlined by excellent agility, handling and performance, the LRX also promises the widest breadth of capability in the class. To help achieve this, it has full-time four-wheel drive and Hill Descent Control, as well as a special version of Land Rover’s acclaimed Terrain Response system, to optimise traction on difficult surfaces ranging from icy roads to wet grass, gravel and snow. But to reflect LRX’s more on-road bias, Terrain Response also gains a new ‘Eco’ mode for lower emission urban driving.

The design of the LRX was developed entirely in-house, driven by a passion to create a car that truly represents Land Rover’s future thinking. It has a very dynamic profile, with a distinctive taper to the floating roofline and a muscular shoulder running the length of the car, accentuated by the rising beltline. The glazing wraps right around the LRX, with no exposed pillars, creating a bold design graphic. The architectural structure of the upper body can be glimpsed through the windows and roof – echoing some of the best contemporary buildings.

Pushing the wheels out to the four corners helps give the car its purposeful stance, and its front-end design makes a powerful and instantly recognisable statement of Land Rover’s identity. There are new interpretations of Land Rover’s traditional clamshell bonnet, distinctive headlamps, jewel-like, tapering blade indicator clusters front and rear, and subtle side vents. The LRX’s wheel arches are wide but softly integrated, housing 20-inch alloy wheels.

The carefully sculpted corners dramatically reduce the car’s visual overhangs front and rear. With its perforated two-bar grille, door releases concealed in the car’s shoulders, and graphic details ‘punched out’ of the smooth body surfaces rather than overlaid on them, the LRX is beautifully proportioned and elegantly simple – but very dramatic and distinctive.

Impeccable, premium interior

The interior of the LRX concept clearly demonstrates how a compact Land Rover can still be roomy, practical and versatile – and one with great sophistication. The impeccably executed cabin features a combination of soft leathers in rich tan and dark chocolate, with polished aluminium details.

The ‘fast’ sloping architecture of the centre console reflects the LRX’s sporty dynamics, as does the distinctive binnacle over the instrument cluster. The electronic display uses ‘floating’ LCD graphics to create a three-dimensional look that can be personalised for different drivers, as well as interacting with the LRX’s touch-screen display.

The instrument graphics present data in layers depending on their level of importance, to give maximum relevant information with minimum distraction. When appropriate, displayed information transfers between the main instrument cluster and the touch screen. And further adding to the LRX’s involving personality, the different drivetrain modes are matched by changes in the cabin’s background lighting colour – green in economy, red in sports and blue in standard mode.

Clever use of space

Although the LRX is compact, clever use of space makes it impressively roomy, and many neat design touches maximise its practicality. A second touch screen area gives a fully interactive display and control for the LRX’s iPhone docking facility. On either side of the horizontally-split, power-operated tailgate, removable and power-adjustable speakers include an iPod docking station. There is also a coolbox, plus a bottle chiller that can be clipped to the lowered tailgate. This also has integral aluminium cupholders between two padded seating areas, for a new twist on the idea of a traditional Land Rover tailgate lunch.

Every interior design detail combines to maximise both actual space and the feeling of space. The clear roof is supported by a ‘spider’ frame running into the A-pillars, and the rear quarter pillars have glazed apertures for improved visibility and a lighter feel in the cabin.

The LRX’s distinctive seats ‘float’ on individual plinths and have open frameworks to reinforce the impression of light, airy interior space – while also creating useful under-seat and under-floor stowage areas. The clever, powered mechanism of the seat backs maximises interior flexibility and helps create a large, flat storage area when needed, complete with multiple tie-down options. The generous load space and through-loading option also help accommodate bikes, skis or surfboards.

“Flexible load carrying capacity is fundamental to the concept of the LRX,” says Gerry McGovern. “With this car, we’ve interpreted the idea of Land Rover ‘breadth of capability’ to be more about versatility than about ultimate off-roading. This meets the needs of the new customers that we believe would be attracted by this type of car. They will not only appreciate LRX’s versatility, but will also recognise that this has been packaged with the highest levels of precision.”

Sustainable product design

The structures of the seats and instrument panel are elegant enough to be left exposed - one novel approach that Land Rover’s designers have taken to reduce vehicle weight. Another example is replacing the glass for side windows and roof with polycarbonate, which is around 40% lighter.

Even the choice of the premium quality trim materials reflects Land Rover’s deep thinking about sustainability, with vegetable-tanned leather (chromium-free, so better for recycling), extensive use of aluminium (both lightweight and readily recyclable), and carpeting made of felt from sustainable sources. And the luxurious vanilla-coloured ‘fine suede’ on the door inserts and headliner is a 100% recycled material made from used plastic bottles.

“We are determined to make sustainability a key element in our future product design and the way we do business, while still creating vehicles that have a strong emotional appeal as well as fulfilling people’s practical needs,” says Phil Popham.

“No one technology delivers all the answers to whole life sustainability, but the LRX concept brings together some of the future ideas that interest us, into a car that we believe represents an exciting way forward for Land Rover.”

Source: Gallery: Land Rover LRX Concept

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Lascelles Linton
Filed under: Hydrogen, Solar, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, Holidash

digg_url = ‘http://digg.com/arts_culture/Top_10_Greenest_toy_cars_for_the_holidays’; It’s almost Christmas, so I compiled a list of the top 10 green toy cars for you. Any toy on this top 10 list would be a great gift for that green, gear-head kid (or kid at heart) on your Christmas/holiday shopping list. The list includes toy cars that are created or powered in green ways such as wooden or solar powered toy cars. I’ve also included several videos previewing the toys and after reading this list, I really hope you shy away from regular plastic, battery-powered RC toy cars.

1. Wood Toy Car. Plastics are apart of almost every toy but there are a few wood car toys out there like cars from Automoblox and Playsam.

2. Fuel Cell Toy Car. There are several very good fuel cell toy cars but the best looking ones are the H-Racer and Hydrocar.

3. Solar Powered Toy Car. There are lots of cool, solar toy cars but I really like tiny, solar cars like the Owi.

4. Wind Powered Toy Car. This is the only wind powered kit I know of that comes with a toy car but the Windlab Junior is also a very good wind turbine toy.

5. Wind Up Toy Car. There are a few good rubber band cars but nothing beats the old, metal key, wind ‘em ups.

6. Flex Fuel Toy Car. I am cheating a little here because diecasts are not exactly toys or green but you can find almost any car in diecast form usually with fine details like working doors.

7. Pixar Cars Fillmore Toy Car. The character Fillmore in the Pixar movie Cars is a VW Bus that liked to burn alternative fuels.

8. Gravity Powered Toy Car. Good ol’ gravity powers these races cars in this double spiral race track toy from Fisher-Price.

9. Air Powered Toy Car. Not quite at the level of complexity of the Air Car but balloon toy cars are very popular and fun.

10. Fair Trade Toy Car. That smiling, little toy car may not look like much but a lot of thought went into it; it’s Fair Trade, made with sustainably-harvested wood, vegetable dyes and non-toxic coating.

Source: ABG Top 10: Greenest toy cars for the holidays

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