As any drag racer will tell you, achieving the perfect launch is something of an art form. Or maybe it’s closer to a religion to the people constantly struggling to find exactly the right RPM, clutch technique and number of prayers to the God of the Quarter Mile.
Naturally, having a computer take all the guesswork out of the process (cheating? Not if everyone else is doing it… and they are) makes everything more than a little bit easier. The is the latest supercar to get the technology here in the States. But how does it work?
Glad you asked. Lexus’ carbon fiber wonder-mobile is finally hitting the streets, and its handy-dandy owner’s manual outlines the launch controll process rather nicely. Nicely, but not exactly easily… as you might expect from a factory-installed technology that is known to be rather stressful on drivetrain components. See what we mean .
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Photos copyright (C)2009 Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc.
Everybody loves Mad Men. It’s a hit TV show that has something for everyone. Heck, it even features some nice old cars, like the pimpin’ that Betty Draper inherited from her father, and discussions around the office on marketing import cars for the first time in America. But what the series really needs – well, what we really need, anyway – is some good ol’ classic racing action. Enter Hollywood producers Ridley and Tony Scott.
The British brothers’ production company Scott Free just signed on to a project called The Drivers. It’s based on Wallace A. Wyss’ book “Shelby: The Man, the Cars, the Legend,” which was optioned for the screen and is reportedly being turned into a television drama.
The series is set to follow the daring drivers from the U.S. and Europe who raced the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 1950s and 1960s – one of the most exciting periods in racing history with plenty of material to draw on. There’s no telling at this point when the project will begin filming, let alone air, but the notion of a Mad Men-style show set at La Sarthe has got our TiVos twitching already. Thanks for the tip, Peter!
Volkswagen Formula XL1 Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery
Well, what do you know? When decided to show off the of its so-called one-liter car, the , at the Qatar Motor Show, we wondered out loud whether or not the German automaker would actually manage to put it into production. As it turns out, that’s the plan, albeit at a very small scale.
According to (sub. req’d, via ), Volkswagen will build 100 XL1s as a small batch of regular production machines… meaning they’ll actually be offered for sale to the general populace. No word on what will power the production models, but the concept features a two-cylinder TDI engine, electric motor, lithium-ion battery pack and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. All that fuel-sipping goodness is enough to achieve an astonishing 0.9L/100 km – just over 261 mpg.
Germany will reportedly get first crack at the XL1, followed by the United States and China. Color us surprised that VW actually plans to produce a nearly 300-mpg machine, going to the trouble of putting it through safety and emissions tests and all that goes along with making it legal, for such a small batch of vehicles. Surprised, but pleased, while also a bit skeptical it will ultimately happen. Projects like these are usually the first to get cut when the global economy forces belts to be tightened.
2011 Volvo V60 – Click above for high-res image gallery
has announced plans to bring a “virtually production ready” V60 plug-in hybrid to the Geneva Motor Show this March, and if it makes it to market, it will be both the automaker’s first gasdiesel-electric production model and the first all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid to be sold in the States.
The V60 hybrid will essentially pack two separate drivetrains: a 215-horsepower turbodiesel 2.4-liter five-cylinder up front and a 70-hp electric motor mounted between the rear wheels. A 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack feeds juice to the rear electric motor and Volvo claims that the V60 hybrid can be driven for up to 31 miles on electricity alone. Volvo CEO Stefan Jacoby is adamant that the V60 will be a sports wagon for the enthusiast, which we can hopefully confirm when sales begin in 2012.
It’s not without reason that are among the top choices for high-security personnel transport. vehicles – armor-reinforced versions of the standard roadcars we see on the road every day – are known to be both secure and responsive to quick, often life-saving maneuvers. But what good would these vehicles be if their drivers didn’t know how to handle them properly?
That’s why BMW has a security vehicle training facility in East Germany. Built on the grounds of what was once the largest Cold War air base in Europe, the center is run by advanced driving instructor Klaus Heimerl, who shows chauffeurs and security personnel how to evade any number of potentially threatening situations, from ambushes to roadside bombs. to watch the video, and head to to find out more.
Honestly ? Why even bother with camo? If you’re going to parade the 2012 Beetle out in the open – with it’s chopped roofline and redesigned rump – is a little bit of paint-matching trim around the headlamps really worth the effort? And while we’re at it, the bright silver paint isn’t doing your clandestine efforts any favors, either.
Unlike the , this newest batch shows a near production-ready Beetle, complete with a reworked fascia, more deeply drawn headlamps and some attractive contouring around the greenhouse. The new chiseled sides, thickened C-pillar and higher hatch do their best to modernize an aging design, as will the underpinnings: all the good bits from the VI platform combined with V-Dub’s 2.5-liter inline-five in the base models and something turbocharged further up the food chain. Expect more details to surface over the next few months, with a possible debut at the .
2011 Scion tC – Click above for high-res image gallery
Historians William Strauss and Neil Howe are known for that America goes through a repeating cycle of four periods: a High, an Awakening, an Unraveling and a Crisis. Depending on who you believe, we could be in an Unraveling period about to fall headlong into a major crisis, which our two historians call the Fourth Turning. But if we persevere and turn the corner, we’ll find ourselves back in High times once again.
We reckon the brand is in about the same spot. It hasn’t had much positive to report lately, so the redesigned gives the brand something to talk about while it works out how to improve on its initially strong showing in the U.S. Does the new tC portend a return to High times for Scion, or is it leading a parade lap right into the Fourth Turning?
Back in August, recalled 462,750 Windstar minivans in Salt-belt states for , with another 117,000 units recalled in Canada. Then Utah’s 29,900 Windstar owners were added to the list in November. In 2009, Ford also recalled 1.7 million Windstars for faulty cruise control deactivation switches.
So is the much maligned Windstar finally over its recall addiction? Hardly. The Detroit News reports that Ford is issuing another recall for 425,000 1999-2003 Windstars in 22 cold-weather states. The recall focuses this time on the front suspension’s lower control arm, rear attaching brackets and body mount attachments, all of which can potentially corrode to the point of becoming a safety hazard. DetNews says that one possible cause of the corrosion problem is condensation from air conditioning lines that drip on the subframe on the right-front side of the vehicle.
Ford actually informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it was issuing the recall, adding that the company was replacing the parts even though it didn’t feel the repairs were necessary. Ford likely issued the recall in response to NHTSA intensifying its investigation of the minivan to an engineering analysis back in December.
Ford will reportedly begin repairing the recalled minivans as early as March, and some loaner vehicles may be offered while repairs are made.
Earlier today, announced that it is withdrawing its request for $14.4 billion in direct loans from the Department of Energy’s (DOE) $25-billion program aimed at retooling factories for the production of fuel-efficient vehicles. GM’s chief financial officer Chris Liddel, outlined the automaker’s choice to cancel its loan request, stating:
This decision is based on our confidence in GM’s overall progress and strong, global business performance. Withdrawing our DOE loan application is consistent with our goal to carry minimal debt on our balance sheet.
Speaking at the , GM’s Ed Welburn said, “This decision will not affect the strong investment we are making in new technologies and design.”
For the past several months, The General had debated canceling its request for DOE loans, which the automaker first submitted in late 2008. The DOE has been having a in a timely manner anyway, so last week GM’s board of directors approved the decision to withdraw the application. However, GM’s ongoing commitment to develop and produce fuel-efficient automobiles can be seen in vehicles like the plug-inhybrid and the 40-plus miles per gallon .
The Department of Energy began its Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Loan program in September of 2008. Over 100 companies applied with monetary requests totaling $42.7 billion. The DOE has $25 billion to provide, and so far it’s only handed out $8.5 billion. This is bad news for quite a few companies that were looking forward to receiving a helping hand. Of the 100 applicants, just four have completed the process and received funds.
, , Tesla and Fisker have closed on their loans while a fifth company, Vehicle Production Group LLC, has been awarded funds but the deal has not yet closed. What’s the holdup? That’s the question many of the applicants and members of congress are asking.
The DOE has fallen behind schedule on the loan review process, term negotiations and seemingly all other steps involved. Also, due to rising costs involved with the program, it appears that the entire $25 billion will not be doled out. There may be just $10 billion left.
Some companies are still hoping for good news, like electric-vehicle builder Zap. Others, such as automotive parts supplier Tenneco, were approved but have yet to see a dime and have given up waiting.
Everything is going 3D. The latest movies, TV shows and videogames are touting the third dimension as the new “it” way to view things. Even . Now, a new automotive website is trying to get in on the action by offering 3D videos and images.
offers a variety of ways to explore its content, and you can do so with or without 3D glasses. But if you had trouble seeing the image within those Magic Eye photos (It’s a schooner!), then you’ll want to find a pair of 3D glasses, otherwise head on over to and experience cars from a new perspective. They just posted a you’ll want to check out.
The that we get in the United States is a different animal than the one enjoyed throughout Europe. are fitted with a multi-link rear suspension setup, upgraded wiring harness to handle more complex optional features and more upscale interior materials. Why don’t we get these things? The main answer is cost.
A base Jetta in Germany would cost about $24,000 in the United States, and that is before any taxes are added. That base Jetta also features a less powerful 105-horsepower engine. That is a hefty leap over the North American Jetta’s base of $15,995. However, if the new VW Jetta sells well in the States, there is a chance we could start to see some features that the European customers enjoy.
Strong sales would show that the Jetta is in high demand, meaning could realistically introduce the upgraded European features by way of a mid-model change, perhaps by 2014. Will it happen? Somehow, we tend to doubt it… but a lot can happen in three years.
just slapped itself on the wrist due to some inappropriate activity in a relatively unknown area of its business dealings. The Japanese automaker is involved in the seafood business and, although we’re fairly certain it’s not working with Matsumura Fishworks, it’s active in the shrimp and shellfish trade. The “slap on the wrist” is of the monetary kind, and Honda owes $180 million due to misguided activity.
Employees involved in the seafod trading business are tasked with securing wholesale seafood then reselling it to supermarkets, restaurants and other interested parties. However, Honda had been paying well above market price for some of the transactions then failed to find a buyer for the overly-expensive seafood. To make the books look clear, the traders listed that they returned the purchased items yet then managed to find an interested third party to buy the overflowing inventory.
The resulting $180 million charges are necessary to adjust for a reduced inventory value and to clean up accounts receivable.
Steven Ratner, the ex-Car Czar, has a healthy prediction for US automotive sales this year. Ratner believes the magic number will be 14 million for 2011. In 2012, the number will climb to 15 million, per Ratner’s estimates. Why the optimism?
Ratner sees shrunken fleets, improved business conditions in Detroit and signs of sustained recovery in the US economy. Prior to ousting Rick Wagoner at , the automaker would only be able to make a profit in an environment when 16-17 million cars were being sold. Now they have been reworked and profits can be produced from 10-11 million sales per year. Ratner believes that is following the same pattern as well.
If Steven Ratner’s estimates are true, it would be a strong sign that our economy is heading in the right direction. For what it’s worth, the . Who will be correct? Who knows… but if either prediction comes true, we’ll be in better shape than we were just a few years ago.
Mini Cooper Mat Edition – Click above for high-res image
The Cooper may be as German these days as it is British, but it’s proven popular all around the world. Like in France, for example, where the division has announced a special Mat Edition.
The special factory offering is exclusive to the land of baguettes and white flags, and comes with a black matte-finish vinyl wrap, checkered mirror shells and special side grilles. French customers will find that they can order the package in 118-horsepower naturally-aspirated Cooper trim, 208hp turbocharged Cooper S or 110hp diesel Cooper D.
The package adds €2,800 (about $3,800) to the purchase price. Only 250 examples will be made, and underneath the vinyl wrap there’s reportedly still the factory paint (in black, we’d guess), so if owners get tired of the matte finish, we suppose it could always be removed. Press release (in French) .
Chevrolet dares to compare the new Cruze to an old Elantra – Click above to watch video
is using the phrase “Dare to Compare” as part of a campaign pitting its vehicles directly against competitors. In a new video you’ll find after the break, the lines up against the … the now-outdated 2010 Hyundai Elantra.
While the Cruze 1LT (why not the base LS?) indeed performs quite well against the previous-generation, base-model sedan, we would prefer to see it go wheel-to-wheel with the . Apples to apples and all that, right? As it stands, Chevrolet has dared to compare itself to an older version of a car that has since improved greatly. Hardly seems like a fair fight…
For those wondering about the dollars and cents, the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze 1LT starts at $18,175 (the base Cruze LS starts at $16,275). By way of comparison, the base 2011 Hyundai Elantra GLS starts at $14,830 and the 2010 model started at $14,145.
It’s not that the Cruze isn’t a fine car… but ya know, the new 2011 Cruze is quite a bit better than a lot of older cars… including the this Elantra once competed with. for the clip.
Hot Wheels Video Racer in action – Click above to watch the video
In case you hadn’t noticed, we’re firmly entrenched in the year 2011. Clearly, it’s high time for the little 1:64-scale cars your fathers were playing with when they were your little boy’s age to get an update, and has just stepped up to the plate in a big way.
Come Christmas time, you’ll be able to fill stockings with the Video Racer, which, as its name suggests, adds a tiny camera to the front of your favorite little micro-sized motorer. Even cooler is the itty-bitty LCD screen you see when you flip to the bottom of the car, where you can then watch up to 12 minutes of recorded footage.
You can also use a USB connection to hook the Video Racer to your computer, and the little cars come equipped with attachments that allow them to be worn on the wrist (for covert spy work?), helmet, bicycle, skateboard or anything else that suits your fancy.
For $59.99 (we’ll let you be the judges on the value proposition), you’ll be able to purchase one of these little jewels this fall, and that price includes video editing software that works on Windows-powered PCs. Well done, Mattel. Check out a video of the Video Racer .
Consider the 2011 Volvo S60 a premium sport sedan for people who don’t want the stereotypical premium sport sedan.
Chevrolet is preparing one highly customized Camaro SS to pace the upcoming Daytona 500, and it appears that the Bowtie brand has thrown every accessory at its disposal to see what would stick.
At least we get to hear the engine and get a very brief view of the chrome-clad interior…
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F1 Racing’s 2020 projection – Click above for high-res images
Think of what a future F1 race car might look like and you’re likely to conjure up images similar to the Red Bull X1 prototype. But the fact is, in all likelihood, an F1 car nine years from now will look pretty much like the ones we see today. After all, how radically different are contemporary F1 racers from the ones we saw a decade ago?
You can expect some significant changes to come into effect, though, over the coming decade, as the sport grapples with finding the sweet-spot in terms of spectacle, environmental friendliness and the like. Speaking with Renault F1 designer Pat Symonds, F1 Racing magazine came up with their projection. It takes into account such anticipated features as low-profile tires on larger wheels, ground-effect aerodynamics returning to replace the downforce reduced by the standardized rear wing and a beefier Kintetic Energy Recovery System good for a 250 horsepower boost.
Of course all these projections could prove way off by the time 2020 rolls around, but they could prove spot on. We’ll just have to keep watching to find out. In the meantime you can see the only two images which the publication has released, or head to the newsstand to see more.
