Nissan Australia just announced that it’s enhancing the Navara’s line-up with the addition of a limited edition version dubbed “Outlaw”. Based on the Navara ST-X with the 2.5-liter, 168 HP diesel engine, the Outlaw adds 17 inch alloy wheels, chrome side steps, chrome bonnet protector, alloy nudge bar, fog lights, Bluetooth connectivity, soft tonneau cover and an Outlaw decals. -Continued
The Navara Outlaw also comes with an upgraded stereo system comprising a six stack CD with AM/FM radio, MP3 compatibility and an auxiliary audio jack. Available with a choice of special Outlaw Red or Midnight Black paint schemes, the Navara’s price is set at $47,990 AUD or exactly $2000 over the standard ST-X diesel’s price.
Source: Nissan Navara Outlaw: Limited Edition Version Launched in Australia
We’ve already been given a taste of what the next Mercedes SL will look like ahead of its official unveiling in Geneva this March and despite the previous spy shots, we were still in the dark about what would come after AMG worked its wizardry on Mercedes’ new high-dollar coupe. CAR was able to get the exclusive details on the SL65, which is being built in cooperation with HWA, the same folks who develop vehicles for the DTM/German Touring Car Championship.
The U.S. Department of Energy announced the recipients of the department’s first round of cellulosic ethanol biorefinery project funding yesterday. Four small-scale projects will share $114 million of federal funds. The grantees are:
In recent years, General Motors has had something of a change of heart regarding hybrids. In 2004, “Car Czar” Bob Lutz dismissed hybrid cars as “impractical” and “a fad.” By 2007, Saturn gained a Green Line off-shoot dedicated exclusively to selling such endeavors. While GM doesn’t separate out sales stats for Saturn’s sub-brand, suffice it to say sales suck. This bodes badly for Saturn’s newest green machine: the 2008 Aura Green Line. Does the hybrid version of last year’s North American Car of the Year deserve a chance?
To wit: the Green Line’s five horsepower electric motor is little more than an overgrown alternator, incapable of motivating the Aura on its own. It serves primarily to restart the gas engine after its stoplight shutoffs. An Olde Tyme four-speed automatic chews (slowly) on the resulting output. Want to monitor your fuel savings? Squint to spot an “eco” idiot light. The Green Line is based upon a flawed premise: that people buy hybrids primarily to pinch pennies.
You also get three big, chrome-and-green “Hybrid” badges: one for the trunklid and for each front fender. One could argue that these gleaming proclamations of parsimony are misleading, given that the Green Line’s EPA Air Pollution Score is no better than the Aura XE’s. Never mind. Badges aside, the Aura’s styling is the equal of anything in the family-car class. It communicates a clean, crisp, and anonymous grace.
Yes, this is a hair-shirt hybrid, nowhere more so than in its performance. The Aura’s hand-me-down Ecotec isn’t a bad egg: it idles smoothly and drones dispassionately in motion. But with only four Sequoia-tall gears over which to spread its 159 lb/ft of torque, rolling throttle response is often vacant and dilatory. Zero to sixty mph takes about ten seconds, roughly the same as a $20,950, 45 mpg Prius.
Indeed, whether it’s a marketing gimmick or an earnest attempt at niche-carving, Saturn’s hybrid Aura demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of its audience. Again, hybrid buyers aren’t bargain-hunters. Demographically speaking, they’re loaded. They’re willing to pay a premium for an interesting, unusual vehicle that reflects their convictions.
Attention residents of The Green Mountain State! Has your legislature got a deal for you! In return for your vital organs, you could drive free for the rest of your life! While a lot of states have organ donor boxes on their driver's licenses (which we at TTAC encourage you to tick), Vermont wants to sweeten the pot. So the pols have ponied-up a bill that would waive the cost of the driver's license fee for anyone agreeing to part with their parts once they depart. The Burlington Free Press does the math. By participating in the program in your mid-30's, you could save up to $400, provided you live to your late 70's. Of course, finding any organs still fit to be transplanted in a 78-year old donor isn't their problem. That's why the transplant surgeons get paid the big bucks. [thanks to Gord Mack for the link]