Recent Comments:
REPORT: Plans under way for harborfront IndyCar Grand Prix in Baltimore {Autoblog}
Jul 9th 2009 8:22AM I live within half an hour of the Inner Harbor. Bring it, and I will be there!
I went to the (only) National Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. (the ALMS held an event on a temporary track created in the RFK parking lot in 2002 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_Grand_Prix_of_Washington_D.C. ). It was hardly an ideal setting - but the event was still a lot of fun, and I would have loved to see it continue.
This would rock!
VIDEO: Toyota dealer employees caught snooping through customer vehicle, watching porn {Autoblog}
Jul 8th 2009 3:09PM Read the letter over at Consumerist: The vehicle was in the shop for regularly scheduled maintenance. Even Toyotas need that.
Regarding the camera: He claims he didn't try to hide it. He probably just taped it in place, knowing they simply wouldn't notice.
VIDEO: Worst crash test ever will definitely leave a mark {Autoblog}
Jul 6th 2009 7:24PM Best moment: Note the Bondo popping off right behind the Holden's right-rear mudflap...
Michelin, Honda settle lawsuit over costly Odyssey runflats {Autoblog}
Jul 1st 2009 11:52AM The Michelin PAX system *DOES* force you to use their tires: The inboard and outboard wheel rim diameters are *different*, so no standard replacement tire will fit the wheel.
Worse, IIRC, the TPMS system was integrated into the wheels - which meant standard aftermarket wheels wouldn't work properly, either (I suspect there may now be ways around this limitation, which I read about some time ago).
Energy Secretary Chu: electric vehicles "inevitable" {Autoblog Green}
Jun 16th 2009 7:10AM A scientific approach includes quoting your sources - as well as not overstating your case.
Since the topic of electrical transmission line losses periodically shows up on ABG, here's a real number:
As of 1995, total electrical transmission and distribution losses in the USA were estimated at 7.2%, quoted from the U.S. Climate Change Technology Program. I didn't (quickly) find a more recent estimate.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_power_transmission#Losses
http://climatetechnology.gov/library/2003/tech-options/tech-options-1-3-2.pdf
California looking to classify tires by rolling resistance? {Autoblog Green}
Jun 15th 2009 12:33AM That's interesting.
Sadly, it could be some gamesmanship to make their numbers look better. It's likely easier to meet a LRR spec with less weight on the tire; changing the rating helps them do it.
It's not necessarily a problem for your car - as long as you stay within the tire's rating. It could mean that, with this tire, you won't be able to load as much in your car as the OEM load sticker claims you can.
California looking to classify tires by rolling resistance? {Autoblog Green}
Jun 15th 2009 12:29AM A tire's load index relates to its load carrying capabilities:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=35
BMW introduces new pedal power machines, too {Autoblog Green}
Jun 11th 2009 9:18AM Richard -
Currency conversion is rarely helpful, particular when comparing vehicle prices in the US vs. Europe.
Can I convert a gas vehicle to electric? {Autoblog Green}
Jun 5th 2009 9:03PM FitFan -
Perhaps this is clearer: Having researched a number of conversions - where ABS and airbags were available options on the donor vehicle - I've been surprised at how few implement these features in the final EV vehicle.
Can I convert a gas vehicle to electric? {Autoblog Green}
Jun 5th 2009 5:21PM I've spent quite a bit of time researching conversion projects, and would love to try one myself.
So I'll mention a glaring item missing from most conversion projects: Features that are considered fundamental safety items in new (and even used) cars rarely make it into conversions. I was well into talking my wife into buying a not-quite complete conversion project - until she realized it didn't - and would never - have airbags or ABS.
Yes, I know: Many conversion use platforms from before the airbags-and-ABS era. But these two useful functions are very common on many readily available donor vehicles in the 10+ year old range. Both features are (usually) fully electrically powered, and so fit right into the EV paradigm.
Many are willing to forgo these two capabilities on sunny-day fun vehicles. But it we expect people to adopt conversion EVs as daily drivers, we need to find a way to bring features like ABS and airbags along during the EV conversion process.
