Sam Abuelsamid
Filed under: Hybrid, Infiniti, Nissan

For their first production hybrid vehicle, the Altima, Nissan licensed Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive. At the same time, Nissan announced that they would be developing their own in-house system for introduction in 2010. Several months back rumors surfaced that the system would be used in luxury Infiniti models in addition to Nissans. It now turns out that Nissan executive vice president Mitsuhiko Yamashita told Reuters last month in Detroit that the hybrid system would indeed be used by Infiniti. In fact, it will primarily be used by the premium brand. The approach echoes what General Motors is doing by applying hybrid technology to their thirstier rear wheel drive cars where the actual number of gallons of fuel saved would be greater than in a smaller, inherently more efficient car. Given Toyota’s limited success selling Lexus hybrids, it will be interesting to see how Infiniti does. It will also be interesting to see how the hybrid compares to Nissan’s new diesel coming in the new Maxima.

[Source: Reuters]

Source: Nissan hybrid system to go into RWD Infinitis first

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Jus as we where getting ready to call it a day, a reader of ours dropped us an e-mail that included the first official images of the all-new Fiat 500 Abarth that’s set to be unveiled in Geneva next month. If you liked the standard 500’s appearance then you’re definitely going to fall in love with the 500 Abarth.

The sport version of Fiat’s hugely popular minicar has been fitted with an aggressive bodykit that included new bumpers, side skirts, a rear diffuser, wider fenders that house larger alloy rims, a roof spoiler, red mirror caps and Abarth decals. Add the twin exhaust outlets in the rear and this is one 500 that you won’t call cute. There are no images of the interior, but it apparent from the ghost sketches that Abarth has equipped the sporty 500 with a pair of red bucket seats.

Sorry to say, we don’t have any technical details in our hands yet, but we’re guessing that the 500 Abarth will be equipped with Fiat’s 1.4-liter turbocharged engine developing between 120 and 150 HP. –More images after the jump

Thanks for the pics CC!

Source: 2009 Fiat 500 Abarth – Official Images!

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This is the first promotional video for the all-new 2009 Ford Fiesta (details & pics) that will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in a couple of weeks. The Fiesta will go on sale in Europe in both 3door & 5door body styles this fall with engine options including three petrol units (1.25-litre in 60 and 80 PS guises, 1.4-litre 91 PS and 1.6-litre 115 PS), and two diesel units (1.4-litre 68 PS and 1.6-litre 90 PS). In the States, the Fiesta is expected to enter the market by 2010 though it is unclear whether Ford will bring the hatchback or/and a notchback version – have your say here. -Vid after the jump

Via: Motorpasion

Source: 2009 Ford Fiesta Promotional Video

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Simona Alina
Filed in: Smart | car commercials

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Automobile company smart will introduce its creative anthology, “sideways. a smart art project,” on March 19, 2008 in New York. The book picks up on the brand’s philosophy of questioning generally accepted ideas. The collection includes work by 100 international artists and creative minds, and seeks to evaluate the way we think about the environment and mobility in the here and now.

The artists present work from the fields of photography, illustration, graphic design, painting, sculpture, architecture, styling, hairstyling and make-up over 248 pages, providing an aesthetic cross-section of modern-day pop culture and making creative statements about how we can promote greener modes of transportation. The international Trend Magazines acted as curator for the project, and the book itself was produced by the Gestalten Verlag, a Berlin publishing house, in conjunction with smart.

Developing greener urban transportation for the future is one of the smart brand’s primary goals, which explains why the manufacturer has been producing the series vehicle with the lowest CO2 emissions in the world for many years now. The “sideways” project will be accompanied by an international marketing campaign and will seek to underline smart’s view that it is possible to act ecologically without remotely neglecting aesthetic design concerns.

Anders Sundt Jensen, Head of Marketing and Sales at smart, explained the motivation behind the project: “sideways looks at the issue of ecology in a new creative context, and it should therefore generate some interesting new takes on the topic. And this is a key motivation behind the approach of smart itself.”

sideways will be presented officially at its U.S. launch on March 19 in New York and will subsequently be available in bookshops and through the dvg Verlag at €29.90 per copy.

Source: Smart will launch “sideways. a smart art project”

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Complimenting the all-new Ford Falcon’s modern appearance is a world-class, technologically advanced Human Machine Interface (HMI), which brings vehicle interaction, system control and integration to a new level.

This system is incorporates the Interior Command Centre (ICC), Multi-function Display (MFD), instrument cluster and steering wheel controls, as well as integrating a host of new customer-oriented features where fitted, including a reverse camera, a Bluetooth mobile phone integration module and full iPod integration with the audio system.

“Navigating through the system is possible from three different points, depending on the function being accessed, with the ICC, instrument cluster and steering wheel buttons all providing various levels of sub-system control.”

There are two levels of ICC, a low series version with an LED back lit monochromatic LCD screen on XT, G6, XR6, XR6 Turbo and XR8 models and a high series version with a seven-inch colour TFT screen on G6E and G6E Turbo models, which utilises colours and layers to enable simple navigation of menus and functions.

This system controls simple functions such as audio which incorporates MP3 functionality and iPod connectivity, along with driver conveniences such as auto-headlamp off, interior light dimming and auto-audio off with driver’s door.

Upscale models which utilise the TFT screen also incorporate a sonar display for the reversing system along with a reverse camera display. The driver will also be greeted with an animated Ford logo upon start-up.

The new Falcon will be offered with two levels of audio systems, a standard audio system that is fitted as on XT, G6, XR6, XR6 Turbo and XR8 models, and a premium audio system on G6E and G6E Turbo models.

The standard system incorporates a single CD/MP3 player delivering sound through a four-speaker setup. Rear speakers are located in the rear doors rather than the parcel shelf so that rear-seat passengers can converse more easily.

The premium system includes a six-disc in-dash CD/MP3 player which delivers its sound through an impressive eight speakers, coupled with a 150-watt amplifier and 150-watt subwoofer.

The Satellite Navigation System in the new FG Falcon uses a new SD card-based system in lieu of the DVD based system used in prior models.

Improved mapping software includes and all-new display and menu, shut-down-delay mode which recalls route guidance if the vehicle is off for a short period of time, current Sensis map data, 2D/2.5D perspective view map mode, for easy recognition and understanding and an infrared remote control.

There are three functional levels of cluster in the FG Falcon – low series, high series and FPV – of which there are a total of seven unique variants across the vehicle range.

A multi-function display inset into the cluster delivers a range of information to the driver in their peripheral vision including a large digital speed display, overspeed, odometer, tripmeter, system warnings, audio information and trip computer information.

Cluster settings are stored on the key fob, maintaining preferences for multiple drivers.

With the introduction of the new Set-Point cruise control system on FG Falcon, the MFD shows cruise control status including Cruise On, Set and set Speed, while there is now also a “one touch lane change indicator”.

New warning functions include a driver fatigue chime which sounds at two, three and four hour intervals and a display which indicates if the driver’s door has been opened without putting the vehicle into park.

Cluster illumination is determined by the ambient light level via an ambient light sensor, independent of the headlight status – it compensates for using headlights during the daytime or travelling through a tunnel.

Source: 2008 Ford Falcon technology

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Merritt Johnson
Sports/GTs, Nissan

Click the image above for a high-res view.

How long does it take to pack and ship a container of cars from Japan to the United States? Apparently 10 weeks is about right. The brave few who choose to buy their R35 Nissan GT-Rs when they officially went on sale in Japan on December 6, 2007 are now receiving their cars. Not all those buyers ever intended to use their vehicles for mere transportation, though. Eager tuners want to have parts available to the masses when the US launch gets underway. Recently, Cobb Tuning showing its test mule being loaded into a container. It might be a little more time before they get their toy up and running around Miller Motorsports Park, but we know of some other cars that may be spied around the West Coast a bit sooner. J-Spec Connect has unloaded a pair of black and white Godzillas and the photographic proof is in the gallery below. With this news, it’s certain that more engineering details will soon be analyzed, and perhaps some four wheel burnouts will get captured on video. We’ll let know when you they surface in the blogosphere, only if we’re not too busy laying rubber with a GT-R.

Gallery: J-Spec Connect R35 Nissan GT-Rs

[Source: 2009gtr.com]

Source: J-Spec Connect R35 Nissan GT-Rs in the USA

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Tony Stewart won the Busch Nationwide race today in Daytona, beating Kyle Busch and, you guessed it, Dale Earnhardt Jr. at the end of the race, with Busch blocking Jr. to finish second. Kyle also came in second the night before in the truck series race, losing to Todd Bodine and driving past Johnny Benson for second. Appears tomorrow’s race is going to be a good one, with Kyle and Dale running so well every time they get in a car, they are going to be hard to beat.

Polesitter Tony Stewart repelled a strong challenge from teammate Kyle Busch and Dale Earnhardt Jr. to win the Camping World 300 Nationwide Series race Saturday at Daytona International Speedway.

Stewart surged to the lead on Lap 117 of 120 and stayed there as the rest of the field diced for position behind him. On the final lap, Busch blocked Earnhardt’s last-ditch attempt to improve his position and all but assured the victory for Stewart, who crossed the finish line .259 seconds ahead of Busch, with Earnhardt .412 seconds back.

Brian Vickers ran fourth, followed by Matt Kenseth, rookie Bryan Clauson, Greg Biffle, Denny Hamlin, David Ragan and defending series champion Carl Edwards. Source: Stewart starts, finishes first in N’wide season-opener

Busch Series, Busch Series News, Dale Earnhardt Jr, Kyle Busch, Tony Stewart

Source: Stewart Wins First Nationwide Series Race at Daytona

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Xavier Navarro
Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Hydrogen, Carbon Capture

What, motoring without polluting? That sounds like a good thing to me. But before we take our champagne bottles out to celebrate, let’s see what this means.

According to a group of researches at the Georgia Institute of Technology, pollution-free transportation is possible. While major projects in places like Europe are focused on using emissions-free technology at power plants to generate electricity, people from Georgia Tech are thinking about automobiles, transportation vehicles and industrial power generation applications (e.g., diesel power generators).

The team’s target is creating a closed-loop carbon circuit system. This means burning a liquid fuel in the engine and trapping the carbon emissions at the tailpipe to be stored until the next refueling. At that point, the carbon would be transformed again into liquid fuel and reused to power the cars.

The researcher’s current strategy is trying to capture carbon from gasoline (or any fuel) using a fuel processor to separate the hydrogen in the fuel from the carbon. The hydrogen will be used to power the vehicle and the carbon would be kept stored on board in liquid form. This process is not unlike DECARBit’s project, to separate carbon before combustion. This rich-in-carbon liquid would be disposed at the fueling station and taken to a centralized site. First to sequester it (as explained here) or, as a long-term strategy, transforming it into another fuel.

[Source: Physorg]

Source: Carbon capture strategy could lead to emission-free cars

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Simona Alina
Filed in: Lotus | coupe | sports cars | Lotus Exige

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Lotus revealed the MY2008 Sport Exige Cup 260, a direct development of the 2007 Exige Cup Car. The Exige Cup 260, once again represents Lotus’ most radical version of the Exige, with the track environment being its home and for 2008, the Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 has full European homologation for road use.

The Sport Exige Cup 260 is powered by a supercharged and intercooled engine that delivers 257 hp at 8000 rpm and a peak torque of 236 Nm (174 lbft) at 6000 rpm. It makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 4.1 seconds and the 0 to 100 mph in 9.9 seconds. It can hit a top speed of 147 mph.

The Exige Cup 260 is available now for sale in mainland Europe at -56,034 euro.

Press release after the jump.

Press release

Lotus Sport, the motor sport division of Lotus Cars Ltd, has unveiled the MY2008 Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260. A direct development of the 2007 Exige Cup Car, this year’s car has a revised engine management system to take the maximum power output to 257 hp (260 PS), up by nearly 5 hp (5 PS) over last year. Bespoke performance enhancements created to offer a car with even greater levels of handling and acceleration capable of taming Europe’s most challenging race circuits.

The Exige Cup 260, once again represents Lotus’ most radical version of the Exige, with the track environment being its home and for 2008, the Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 has full European homologation for road use (a must have for some competitive environments where a road legal car has to be entered).

There are further product changes: all Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 cars now have a number of the 2008 Model year improvements from the road versions of the Elise and Exige, namely:

• Instrument pack with new graphic design and expanded functionality
• New alarm/immobiliser + single integrated function key
• Variable Lotus Traction Control
• Variable Lotus Launch Control

In traditional Lotus style, weight saving is paramount. Weighing in at just 928 kg, the power to weight ratio is an impressive 271 hp / tonne (273 PS / tonne). Such a fantastic power to weight ratio alone of course does not make a superlative track car, so the Exige Cup 260 has a formidable list of standard equipment that includes Lotus specific LTS compound Yokohama A048R tyres, 4-piston AP Racing front brake calipers, adjustable dampers and anti-roll bar, the latest FIA 6-point roll cage and sports driver and passenger seats.

The options are even more race-focused with slick tyres*, an FIA approved Recaro/Lotus Sport driver’s seat*, an FIA approved 70 litre fuel cell*, ‘Level Two’ stainless steel sports exhaust with de-cat pipe*, dog gearbox* and a plate type Lotus Sport limited slip differential (*track use only and special conditions apply).

The Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260 is one of the quickest cars around a circuit. Key to this incredible performance is the aerodynamic package, which produces over 40 kg of downforce at 160 kmh increasing grip and stability at higher speeds. With a top speed of 237 kmh (147 mph) and a zero to 160 kmh (100 mph) in circa 9.9 seconds, 0 to 100 kmh in circa 4.1 seconds (0 to 60 mph in circa 4 seconds), the MY2008 Exige Cup 260 is the perfect partner for the serious racer.

The Exige Cup 260 is available now for sale in mainland Europe at -56,034, exclusive of local taxes and on the road charges.

Mike J Kimberley, Chief Executive Officer Group Lotus plc said: "In keeping with our racing and high performance sports car heritage, we are very pleased to launch this exceptionally exciting, phenomenal-handling Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260. This is yet another example of how Lotus Cars and high-tech engineering with Lotus Sport, can transform an already brilliant road car into an exceptionally high performance product for the track.”

Engine

The supercharged and intercooled engine in the Exige Cup 260 has a maximum power output of 260 PS (257 hp) at 8000 rpm and a torque figure of 236 Nm (174 lbft) at 6000 rpm. This significant amount of extra power and torque now available together with the VVTL-i variable cam system ensures that there is a smooth and linear surge of power from low engine speeds all the way to the maximum 8000 rpm (8500 rpm transient for 2 seconds).

The Roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger (with a sealed-for-life internal mechanism meaning that it does not require the use of the engine’s oil) is run from the crankshaft and has an integral bypass valve for part load operation. Charge air (air under pressure from the supercharger) is cooled through an air-to-air intercooler (the air enters via the enhanced roof scoop) before being fed into the engine itself. All charge air ducting has been kept as short as possible with large diameter pipes to minimise restriction and maximise throttle response and efficiency. Four high capacity injectors and an uprated fuel pump add additional fuel under hard acceleration or continuous high speed driving.

A sports-type clutch plate and heavy duty clutch cover transfer the engine power and torque to the lightweight C64 six-speed gearbox (with an aluminium casing) – with the same perfectly spaced ratios as the Exige S. A Torsen type limited slip differential is fitted as standard, with a plate type limited slip differential available as an option. Keen to pass on lessons learned on the track with the Exige GT3 racing programme, Lotus Sport has contributed another important technology – launch control combined with variable traction control. This combo has already made its production debut with the track-oriented Lotus 2-Eleven.

From the driver’s seat the launch control allows you to determine the number of revs you wish to use during a standing start. Having programmed that limit, you then hold your foot down hard on the throttle and sidestep the clutch at departure from the line time. The clutch damper cushions the severity of the clutch / transmission engagement to minimise the stresses to the drivetrain (noting that abusive/ continuous standing start applications will destroy the drivetrain components). The launch control also keeps wheelspin at bay until 6 mph, after which the traction control assumes its duties.

As with launch control, you can control the amount of traction control you require from the driver’s seats, altering it on the move to suit the characteristics of particular corners. The amount of traction control can be varied in over 30 increments from an optimum 7 percent tyre slip to completely off. The message display in the new instrument pack displays what degree of traction control you have currently dialled in.

An Accusump (engine oil accumulator unit) is included in the whole package as an oil reservoir back-up for extreme track use ensuring that, under those conditions, the engine oil pressure remains constant.

Source: Lotus Sport Exige Cup 260