Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Video: Nissan's Easy Fill idiot-proofs tire inflation]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/nissans-easy-fill-idiot-proofs-tire-inflation/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/nissans-easy-fill-idiot-proofs-tire-inflation/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/nissans-easy-fill-idiot-proofs-tire-inflation/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Nissan Easy Fill Tire Alert System

Nissan is moving to make its Easy Fill Tire Alert system standard equipment on its 2013 model year vehicles. Taking the federally mandated tire pressure monitoring system to the next logical step, the Nissan system honks the car's horn when you've inflated your tires to the correct pressure. No more reading the tire pressure placard on the door jamb and hunting around in the glovebox for a pressure gauge.

While Nissan actually introduced this feature beginning with the 2011 Quest minivan, its proliferation throughout the lineup makes sense. After all, it's a good idea, and most motorists can't be bothered to care about tire pressure, despite its importance for both fuel economy and on-road safety. If Nissan's system can actually encourage a few of those disinterested drivers to maintain proper tire inflation pressures, it's a win for all.

Scroll down to watch a Nissan-produced video demonstrating the feature on the company's 2013 Altima and read the press release.

Continue reading Nissan's Easy Fill idiot-proofs tire inflation

Nissan's Easy Fill idiot-proofs tire inflation originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 May 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 nissan altimaaltimaeasy fillnissantiretire inflationtire pressuretire pressure monitoring systemtirestpmsThu, 24 May 2012 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Subaru Tribeca getting the axe?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/subaru-tribeca-getting-the-axe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/subaru-tribeca-getting-the-axe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/subaru-tribeca-getting-the-axe/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Subaru Tribeca - front three-quarter view

Could it be? Could Subaru finally be killing the Tribeca?

We'll admit it. We've been waiting for this day since we first spied the 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca. So has every other too-clever-by-half automotive journalist who slammed Subie's range-topper when it debuted in late 2005, looking like it had been styled by whatever group-think team General Motors had canned for unleashing the Pontiac Aztek on the world. We never thought Plan B9 From Outer Space would last this long to begin with, and we wouldn't be surprised if someone told us that Subaru has been keeping the slow-selling, three-row crossover in production just to keep the automotive journalist peanut gallery from gloating. We do love to gloat.

Of course, the report from Motor Trend is nothing more than a rumor at this stage, and Subaru's official response is that there will be a 2013 model year Tribeca. And who knows, maybe the powers that be at Fuji Heavy Industries will shove another delightfully refreshed model year down the pipeline. Volvo's been doing it for years.

Subaru Tribeca getting the axe? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 subaru tribecab9 tribecasubarutribecaWed, 23 May 2012 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Florida judge rules flashing lights for speed trap warning is covered under free speech]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/florida-judge-rules-flashing-lights-for-speed-trap-warning-is-co/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/florida-judge-rules-flashing-lights-for-speed-trap-warning-is-co/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/florida-judge-rules-flashing-lights-for-speed-trap-warning-is-co/#commentsFiled under: ,

Audi S7 headlights

Count this one as a big victory for motorists. A Florida man has won his First Amendment case against the Seminole County Sheriff's Office, who wrongfully ticketed him for flashing his lights to warn other drivers of a speed trap. According to the Orlando Sentinel, a Circuit Court judge not only said that the deputy who ticketed Ryan Kintner had misapplied a state law banning aftermarket flashing emergency lights, but also ruled that flashing your lights to communicate with other drivers qualifies as constitutionally protected speech.

But this victory for Kintner is just a stepping stone towards a larger case. According to the report, his attorney has filed a class action lawsuit that charges the Florida Highway Patrol with willfully violating a 2005 court order prohibiting the police from ticketing motorists for flashing their brights. The report says that case has a hearing scheduled for next month, so this is certainly not the last we'll hear on the issue.

Florida judge rules flashing lights for speed trap warning is covered under free speech originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2012 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>first amendmentflashing lightsfloridaflorida policeflorida speed trap lawsuitfree speechlaw enforcementspeed trapWed, 23 May 2012 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Lexus moves to trademark spindle grille]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/lexus-moves-to-trademark-spindle-grille/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/lexus-moves-to-trademark-spindle-grille/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/lexus-moves-to-trademark-spindle-grille/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Lexus LF-LC concept

Apparently the new Lexus spindle grille is here to stay. According to the Kaizen Factor blog, Toyota has filed numerous trademark applications in both the United States and Canada for various spindle grille designs.

The main differences in the designs are the inserts, either a zig-zag mesh like the current F Sport models of the CT, IS, GS, RX and LS, or a horizontal pattern like the non-F Sport models. But there's also a new "vertical bar" design revealed by the filings, which the report speculates may be applied to the next-generation IS.

Toyota has also filed paperwork to trademark the basic spindle outline with no insert, according to the report. For what it's worth, Lexus isn't the only Japanese automaker that's using a grille with this general shape...

Lexus moves to trademark spindle grille originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2012 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lexusspindle grilletoyotatrademarkWed, 23 May 2012 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: Blue Oval no longer in hock as Ford credit rating upgraded]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/blue-oval-no-longer-in-hock-as-ford-credit-rating-upgraded/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/blue-oval-no-longer-in-hock-as-ford-credit-rating-upgraded/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/blue-oval-no-longer-in-hock-as-ford-credit-rating-upgraded/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ford badge

Moody's upgraded Ford's credit rating to investment grade today, the final step for the company to be able to reclaim its Blue Oval. Ford had offered its globally recognized trademark as part of a 2006 loan package. According to the Detroit Free Press, the collateralized logo and the rest of Fod's assets and intellectual property would not return to the automaker until it achieved an investment-grade credit rating with at least two of the three major agencies. Last month, Ford's credit was upgraded by Fitch.

At the time the loan was issued, the move was viewed as bold and risky, as Ford literally bet the farm that it could pay back the $23.5 billion. But as it turned out, the automaker's head start on restructuring allowed it to weather the financial crisis and resultant industry downturn in 2008 without declaring bankruptcy and needing government intervention like its cross-town rivals.

The upgrade from Moody's is said to potentially help Ford by lowering its borrowing costs, and certainly having its assets back should allow everyone in Dearborn to sleep peacefully tonight.

Scroll down to read Ford's official statement.

Continue reading Blue Oval no longer in hock as Ford credit rating upgraded

Blue Oval no longer in hock as Ford credit rating upgraded originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue ovalfitchfordford credit ratingford investmentford stockMoodysstandard and poorsstocksTue, 22 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Followup: Pricing added to 2013 Ford Fusion configurator]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/pricing-added-to-2013-ford-fusion-configurator/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/pricing-added-to-2013-ford-fusion-configurator/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/pricing-added-to-2013-ford-fusion-configurator/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Ford Fusion

We've noticed that 2013 Ford Fusion configurator has been updated with dollar values for each of its four models, however, we're not so sure the pricing is that black-and-white. Ford has also updated the disclaimer at the bottom of the page, to read, "Prices and features are for survey purposes only and are subject to change and features may become unavailable at the time of vehicle introduction." In other words, don't get too fixated on the numbers, as they're not locked down yet. And by playing with the configurator, you're likely serving as a FoMoCo lab rat - after all, this is the company that never met a focus group it didn't like.

It's worth noting that Ford has not issued an official press release on pricing yet. But for now, it seems like the base Fusion S will start at $22,495, though we're not sure whether that includes destination or not. Stepping up to the SE at $24,490 will upgrade the steel wheels to alloys, add heated, lighted mirrors with turn signal indicators, and get you body color rocker panels. Inside, the SE has a power driver's seat and a better stereo, and backseat passengers get an armrest and their own HVAC ducts. The SE also allows you to order other stuff, including navigation and start/stop, or opt for a different engine than the base-spec 2.5-liter four-cylinder with automatic transmission.

The 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder is available with a manual or automatic on the SE for $25,290, while the start/stop-equipped version (automatic only) is $25,585. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost with automatic is $26,745 when ordered in SE trim. Ford lists a number of different packages and options, but they seem to be offered on a sliding scale, such that the packages are more expensive on the lower-priced models. For instance, the Luxury Package with leather and heated seats, among other equipment, is $1,505 on the 1.6-liter EcoBoost but only $1,050 on the 2.0-liter EcoBoost.

On the SE Hybrid, which starts at $27,995 and is equipped with a non-EcoBoost 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a CVT, the same Luxury Package is listed at $2,000. Apparently if you're saving all that money on gas, you can afford to pay double the guy with the most powerful engine.

At the top of the Fusion price list, of course, rests the Titanium, which offers a lot of the optional stuff standard for $30,995. It's also the only way to get all-wheel drive, which will set you back $32,995. Note that the Titanium is exclusively powered by the 2.0-liter EcoBoost and is not available with a manual, so you won't be configuring your Fusion as a dual-use weekend rally car.

But then again, Ford will likely change this all tomorrow.

Pricing added to 2013 Ford Fusion configurator originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford fusion2013 ford fusion hybridfordfusionfusion hybridfusion pricingpricingTue, 22 May 2012 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Cadillac releases trunkload of new XTS images]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/cadillac-releases-trunkload-of-new-xts-images/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/cadillac-releases-trunkload-of-new-xts-images/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/cadillac-releases-trunkload-of-new-xts-images/#commentsFiled under: ,

2013 Cadillac XTS

Maybe it's just having downloaded 50-plus images of the new full-size Cadillac, but the 2013 Cadillac XTS is starting to grow on us. And not like a fungus, but like a jumbo CTS - one fitted with Magnetic Ride Control and HiPer Struts, all-wheel-drive and Brembos. And a trunk that's enormous enough that GM says the XTS "is in a league of its own," promising "room for five or more suitcases."

So maybe that enthusiasm might be premature - or better reserved for the ATS - but we've got someone driving the big Caddy this week. We'll have a full report soon.

Cadillac releases trunkload of new XTS images originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 cadillac xtscadillacxtsTue, 22 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: BMW named most valuable car brand]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/bmw-named-most-valuable-car-brand/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/bmw-named-most-valuable-car-brand/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/bmw-named-most-valuable-car-brand/#commentsFiled under: ,

In the latest release of its BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands study, market researchers Milward Brown have given BMW the highest ranking of any carmaker, according to Automotive News. Toyota - last year's winner - finished second, followed by Mercedes-Benz, Honda and Nissan, according to the report.

BMW had last finished atop the rankings in 2010, according to the report, with Toyota taking the crown from 2006-2009. The highest-ranked American brand was Ford at seventh, trailing sixth-place Volkswagen. The top ten was filled out by Audi, Hyundai and Lexus. Toyota's drop was attributed to its production interruptions due to the natural disasters that affected all of the Japanese automakers last year, according to AN.

BMW's win among auto manufacturers was only enough to place it 23rd in the overall brand ranking, with an estimated brand value of $24.6 billion. Apple, the overall winner, according to the report, had a $182.9 billion valuation, ahead of IBM ($116 billion) and Google ($107.9 billion). Toyota's valuation was $21.8 billion, with Mercedes-Benz and Honda far behind at $16.1 billion and $12.7 billion respectively. No other carmaker had a valuation over $10 billion.

BMW named most valuable car brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbrandsbrandzmost valuable brandstoyotaTue, 22 May 2012 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Next Ford Transit Connect revealed in new patent filings?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/next-ford-transit-connect-revealed-in-new-patent-filings/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/next-ford-transit-connect-revealed-in-new-patent-filings/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/next-ford-transit-connect-revealed-in-new-patent-filings/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ford Transit Connect Patent Images

While these supposedly leaked patent images aren't as sexy as those of the Acura NSX convertible we recently spied, they do point to an interesting new look for the homely Ford Transit Connect.

As the pedestrian delivery van in its current form is in need of a massive upgrade in the aesthetics department, adopting more of a "Ford face" like what's found on the Fiesta and forthcoming Fusion seems like a great idea. We're not sure, however, what to make of the buttresses at the base of the pillars, which reminds us a bit too much of the Honda Element.

While we haven't heard much about when a new Transit Connect might be headed to our shores, according to Left Lane News, Ford may show an almost-production-ready concept at the Paris Motor Show in September.

Next Ford Transit Connect revealed in new patent filings? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordparis 2012paris motor showpatent drawingstransit connectTue, 22 May 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Study: Survey Says: Fuel economy is #1 factor when buying a car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/survey-says-fuel-economy-is-1-factor-when-buying-a-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/survey-says-fuel-economy-is-1-factor-when-buying-a-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/survey-says-fuel-economy-is-1-factor-when-buying-a-car/#commentsFiled under: ,

Toyota Prius C

It seems like it was just a few years ago that car manufacturers used to laugh at us when we'd ask why a new model didn't get any better fuel economy than its outgoing predecessor. "Car buyers don't care about fuel economy," was the refrain, "They certainly won't pay for it."

A few years of three- and four-dollar-per-gallon gas has apparently changed that attitude. According to a new study by Consumer Reports, 37 percent of respondents said fuel economy was now their leading consideration in car shopping, topping all others by a landslide. Quality was the second-most-important factor at 17 percent, while safety was mentioned by 16 percent, and value by 14 percent of shoppers. Two-thirds of respondents said they expected their next new vehicle to beat their current one on fuel economy. And yes, it is the economy, stupid, as 90 percent of those surveyed said high gas prices were the reason why they wanted a more fuel-efficient vehicle.

None of this is too surprising, given what has been going on both in the auto industry and in the larger economy since the economic meltdown of 2008. But we still kind of wonder how performance managed to rate number one with just six percent of those surveyed? Is that it then, there are six times as many tee-totalers than auto enthusiasts out there in the world?

CR says that it called 2,009 people across the country to get its results, obtaining 1,702 responses from adult car owners. Scroll down to read the full press release.

Continue reading Survey Says: Fuel economy is #1 factor when buying a car

Survey Says: Fuel economy is #1 factor when buying a car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 06:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer reportsfuel economyfuel mileageTue, 22 May 2012 06:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Motorsports: Rally car plows into crowd in France, kills two [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/rally-car-plows-into-crowd-in-france-kills-two-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/rally-car-plows-into-crowd-in-france-kills-two-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/rally-car-plows-into-crowd-in-france-kills-two-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Rally car kills two

A rally race in France ended in a tragedy this weekend, when a driver missed his turn and hit a crowd of people. Two deaths were reported, with 17 injured including a race marshall and several children, according to the BBC.

Four of the injuries were deemed "serious," and the scope of the accident overwhelmed rescue services, according to the report. The driver was also injured, and is in the custody of the police, who have launched an investigation, according to iafrica.com.

The Pays des Maures race was being held in Southern France, with the accident occurring on Saturday afternoon near Toulon, according to the BBC.

Scroll down to see a TV report on the accident, in French.

Continue reading Rally car plows into crowd in France, kills two [w/video]

Rally car plows into crowd in France, kills two [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 May 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>francePays des Maures rallyrallyrally accidentrally crashrally racingvideoMon, 21 May 2012 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[<i>Top Gear</i> building its own Nissan DeltaWing race car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/top-gear-building-its-own-nissan-deltawing-race-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/top-gear-building-its-own-nissan-deltawing-race-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/top-gear-building-its-own-nissan-deltawing-race-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Nissan DeltaWing

Think back to childhood for a moment. What did you do when you wanted, say, a new skateboard, but mom and dad were dragging their heels about ponying up for one? That's right, you built your own, out of bits of scrap plywood and some old wheels discarded by an older sibling. And it sucked.

We see the same situation playing out here. The children at Top Gear are absolutely gaga for the DeltaWing race car, which Nissan will be campaigning at this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans. And even if they are Top Gear, nobody at Nissan is going to just give them an experimental race car for futzing around. So they are building their own. Or at least a simulacrum of the DeltaWing, out of what appears to be junk.

Details are scarce, but the image gallery Top Gear has on its website tells enough of the story that we're pretty sure they aren't going to come anywhere close. Not only does the 1,100-pound curb weight of the revolutionary race car present something of a challenge when you're basically welding the thing up from scratch, but whatever that ancient engine sitting in the nose of the Top Gear project is, we're plenty sure it won't be packing the 300-plus horsepower of Nissan's turbocharged four.

But just as your pre-pubescent charm and pluckiness eventually prevailed in the skateboard scenario, we're thinking Top Gear might be on to something with its fanboy-ish DeltaWing replica. After all, mom may have embarrassed you in the skate shop, but she did get you the real thing, didn't she?

Top Gear building its own Nissan DeltaWing race car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deltawingnissannissan deltawingtop gearMon, 21 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: 2013 BMW M5 configurator revs up]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/2013-bmw-m5-configurator-revs-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/2013-bmw-m5-configurator-revs-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/2013-bmw-m5-configurator-revs-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 BMW M5 configurator

With a starting MSRP of $90,695, the 2013 BMW M5 is spendy to begin with. But loading it up with all the trimmings, you'll see a sticker price north of $116,000. And we know this because we just spent a few minutes playing with the M5 configurator, which is now live on the BMW consumer website.

While we're not really that shocked by the price, we are kind of confused by the M5's color palette. While mainstays like Monte Carlo Blue Metallic and Alpine White are there, you cannot have an M5 in red - Sakhir Orange Metallic will have to do if you're the flamboyant type. If you're into earth tones, however, BMW has you covered, with five silver and gray tones, three shades of black, and two browns.

When it comes to options and packages, there's all kinds of way to drop several thousand dollars at the tick of a box, including an Executive Package that bundles together a bunch of stuff you probably don't need - active front seats, heated rear seats, sunshades, soft-close automatic doors, yada, yada, yada - and charges you $5,500 for it. It makes the Driver Assistance Package with lane departure warning and blind spot detection seem like a steal at just $1,900. A night vision system with pedestrian detection ($2,600), a head-up display ($1,300), and a rear-seat entertainment system ($2,200) are also offered, though the best piece of optional kit is one BMW isn't charging for: a manual transmission.

Check out all 14 exterior M5 colors in our gallery.

2013 BMW M5 configurator revs up originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 May 2012 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 bmw m5bmwm5m5 configuratorMon, 21 May 2012 16:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: BMW 3 Series, Acura RDX named IIHS Top Safety Pick]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/bmw-3-series-acura-rdx-named-iihs-top-safety-pick/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/bmw-3-series-acura-rdx-named-iihs-top-safety-pick/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/bmw-3-series-acura-rdx-named-iihs-top-safety-pick/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The IIHS Top Safety Pick list is already quite long, but it keeps growing, with five more vehicles added this month alone. The latest pair are the 2012 BMW 3 Series sedan and the 2013 Acura RDX. The BMW needs no introduction, as the new F30 chassis has already earned its right to sit alongside previous generations of the well-loved sport sedan, while the RDX is a refreshed version of the midsize Acura crossover.

Both vehicles earned their listed status by upgrading the strength of their roofs. The previous-generation 3 Series scored only acceptable on roof strength testing, while the 2007-2012 RDX earned a marginal rating. The newest models are now rated "good" for roof strength.

Scroll down to read the full press release.

Continue reading BMW 3 Series, Acura RDX named IIHS Top Safety Pick

BMW 3 Series, Acura RDX named IIHS Top Safety Pick originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 bmw 3-series2013 acura rdx3-seriesacurabmwcrash testiihsrdxtop safety pickMon, 21 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: University of Michigan hopes to set new 3,300-mpg record in SAE Challenge [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/university-of-michigan-hopes-to-set-new-3-300-mpg-record-in-sae/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/university-of-michigan-hopes-to-set-new-3-300-mpg-record-in-sae/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/university-of-michigan-hopes-to-set-new-3-300-mpg-record-in-sae/#commentsFiled under:

University of Michigan Supermileage Team

The University of Michigan has had one of the preeminent solar car teams in the world for more than two decades, but a new group of students is looking to make its own mark in the world of green engineering. The school will be fielding its first entry in the annual SAE Supermileage competition this year.

If you think a bunch of newbies would launch their effort somewhat low-key, you probably aren't from Michigan or familiar with the Wolverine Way. Michigan has set its goal at nothing short of the North American record of bettering 3,169 miles per gallon with its single-cylinder, Briggs & Stratton lawnmower engine. The expectation is that the Michigan car will hit 3,300 mpg.

The Supermileage competition has been held since 1980, requiring students to design and build extremely lightweight, single-seat vehicles. The competition itself involves circling the Eaton Corporation Proving Grounds test track. Last year, 27 teams competed, with Quebec's Universite de Sherbrooke dominating the competition, recording 2,158 mpg, over 500 mpg more than its cross-province rival, Universite' Laval.

The 2012 Supermileage competition is scheduled for June 7-8 in Marshall, MI. Scroll down to read the press release and watch Michigan's promotional video.

Continue reading University of Michigan hopes to set new 3,300-mpg record in SAE Challenge [w/video]

University of Michigan hopes to set new 3,300-mpg record in SAE Challenge [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fuel economyhypermilingmichigansae supermileage competitionsupermileageuniversite de sherbrookeuniversite lavaluniversity of michiganThu, 17 May 2012 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Toyota turning Nintendo DS into navigation system]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/toyota-turning-nintendo-ds-into-navigation-system/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/toyota-turning-nintendo-ds-into-navigation-system/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/toyota-turning-nintendo-ds-into-navigation-system/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Nintendo DS

Video games are already an easy target for politicians, what with their amazing ability to turn both brains and muscles to jelly while also promoting violence and other sociopathic behaviors. So we can only wonder at the political grandstanding that might accompany this development: The Nintendo DS can now be used to control a Toyota navigation system.

Yes, that's right, if you can pull yourself away from drawing evil kittens on your DS - and you live in Japan - you can pair it via Bluetooth, and use it to input destinations and display a speedometer on the DS, according to Kotaku. The Kuruma de DS game card also gives your handheld gaming device the ability to broadcast its audio through the car's stereo system.

The software is designed to be used by passengers - of course - but we're sure it's only a matter of time before Japan experiences its first I-was-just-using-my-DS-to-program-my-nav crash. Kotaku says the game card is being sold by Toyota dealers for about $92.

Toyota turning Nintendo DS into navigation system originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>distracted drivingdsnavigation systemnintendonintendo dstoyotaThu, 17 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Volvo XC90 to become Geely]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/volvo-xc90-to-become-geely/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/volvo-xc90-to-become-geely/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/volvo-xc90-to-become-geely/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Volvo XC90

Volvo recently unveiled yet another model year of the impossibly old XC90 - promised to be the final one before a complete redesign. But the overripe vintage of the first SUV to fall from Volvo's vine isn't stopping corporate parent Geely from absconding with the platform to launch a new high-end brand for China.

According to China Car Times, Volvo's new XC90 will be launching in 2014, and after that the original will soldier on in China, at least in some form. The report does not make clear whether the first-generation XC90 will merely be re-badged, or if the platform will be used for a new Geely design.

Geely launched its first SUV, the GX7, at this year's Beijing Auto Show, according to the report.

Volvo XC90 to become Geely originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinageelygx7volvoxc90Thu, 17 May 2012 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Martin Scorcese to produce <i>Silver Ghost</i> film about Rolls-Royce]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/martin-scorcese-to-produce-silver-ghost-film-about-rolls/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/martin-scorcese-to-produce-silver-ghost-film-about-rolls/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/17/martin-scorcese-to-produce-silver-ghost-film-about-rolls/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Martin Scorcese

This could be interesting: Oscar-winners Martin Scorsese and Richard Attenborogh are teaming up to make a film called Silver Ghost, based, in part, on the lives of Charles Rolls and Henry Royce. The screenplay was written by Jeffrey Caine (Goldeneye) and playwright Sharman Macdonald, who also happens to be actress Kiera Knightley's mom.

According to Top Gear, the biopic will be set at the dawn of the 20th Century, during the seminal days of the auto industry. But the report says the real hero of the story will be one Lord John Douglas-Scott Montagu, the Second Baron Montagu of Beaulieu and a member of British Parliament who used his position in British society to champion motoring.

While we're not quite sure what all that Barons and Lords stuff is about, reading that in 1899 Montagu drove the first car to enter the yard of the House of Commons made us think he must have been a decent enough chap. According to the report, he even launched a monthly car magazine. And like any good period-film protagonist, he was romantically linked to another key figure in the story, Eleanor Thornton, the woman who inspired the Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy mascot that became a defining feature of the marque.

The film is still a long way from the screen, although Scorcese's involvement can't hurt its chances of getting made. Neither would casting Knightley as Thornton, if you ask us.

Martin Scorcese to produce Silver Ghost film about Rolls-Royce originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kiera knightleymartin scorceserichard attenboroughrolls-roycescorcesesilver ghostsilver ghost filmspirit of ecstasyThu, 17 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: BMW celebrates 40 years of M]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/pics-aplenty-bmw-celebrates-40-years-of-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/pics-aplenty-bmw-celebrates-40-years-of-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/pics-aplenty-bmw-celebrates-40-years-of-m/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

1978 BMW M1 - dead-on view, red

When we think of the BMW M division, the 1978 M1 comes instantly to mind, followed by the E30 M3 and then the 2001-2002 M Coupe. But the company's in-house hot rod shop actually dates back to 1972, when it was formed as a subsidiary to manage the company's racing operations, dubbed BMW Motorsport.

It was this month 40 years ago that what is known today as BMW M GmbH was launched. So to celebrate its anniversary, BMW has offloaded some 50 lustworthy images celebrating that performance history. See them all in our gallery.

Pics Aplenty: BMW celebrates 40 years of M originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 May 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 m coupe1 series m coupebmwbmw mBMW Motorsportmm coupem roadsterm1m3m3 cslm5m6pics aplentyWed, 16 May 2012 19:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Official: NHTSA proposes mandatory stability control on big rigs, busses]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/nhtsa-proposes-mandatory-stability-control-on-big-rigs-busses/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/nhtsa-proposes-mandatory-stability-control-on-big-rigs-busses/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/nhtsa-proposes-mandatory-stability-control-on-big-rigs-busses/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Freightliner Cascadia

Stability control was made mandatory on passenger vehicles for this current model year, but it's still not a requirement for semis and busses. But that could soon be changing, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has proposed requiring the technology on all new large commercial trucks, motorcoaches, and other large buses.

While big rigs and their brethren are often available with stability control, the rule would make the feature standard, with manufacturers given between two and four years to comply. NHTSA says the change in policy could save about 50 lives a year, and prevent over 2,300 crashes. Further, research into the effectiveness of stability control systems in preventing rollover crashes shows that over half of all such accidents could be prevented by adopting it.

Scroll down to read the full press release.

Continue reading NHTSA proposes mandatory stability control on big rigs, busses

NHTSA proposes mandatory stability control on big rigs, busses originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 May 2012 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big rigbusbussesdepartment of transportationdotelectronic stability controlescnhtsasemisemi trucksemitruckstability controltractor trailerunited states department of transportationWed, 16 May 2012 15:59:00 EST