Autoblog

Novitec Rosso offers up tuning package for Ferrari California

Noah Joseph — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Ferrari

Novitec Rosso Ferrari California - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been a little over a year since Ferrari released the California. It was Maranello's first front-engined V8, bearing its first dual-clutch transmission, its first folding hard-top, and its first standard fitment of carbon-ceramic brakes. Unfortunately Ferrari found public reception to the convertible's styling rather cold, and although we found it looked much better drenched in soft Sicilian sunlight than it does it photos, not everyone's a fan.

Fortunately there's an elite cadre of Ferrari tuners eager to spruce up Maranello's finest - as well as their more controversial designs. Hamann's one, and they've taken their shot at the California already. So has Edo Competition. Now it's Novitec Rosso's turn.

The Dutch tuning garage has just released a full array of modifications for the 2+ cabrio, starting with a revised ECU for a modest 40 horsepower bump to 500 even. A sport suspension drops the ride height by 35 millimeters, but it can be raised up front by as much as 40 mm to clear curbs and speed bumps. Outside, Novitec's fitted a carbon fiber aero kit with front lip spoiler, side skirts, revised diffuser and a little rear wing, along with modular rims measuring 21 inches up front and 22 in the rear, shod with Pirelli rubber.

While opinions remain divided as to the sacriligiosity of tuning a Ferrari, in the California's case it could be - to some eyes anyway - just what the doctor ordered. Details in the press release after the jump and photos in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Novitec Rosso Ferrari California

[Source: Novitec Rosso]

Continue reading Novitec Rosso offers up tuning package for Ferrari California

Novitec Rosso offers up tuning package for Ferrari California originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM confirms Chevrolet Volt to be introduced in California before nationwide rollout

Noah Joseph — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Chevrolet, Electric

2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

If environmentally-friendly transportation is your thing, there's no place like California. Not only is the state home base to Tesla - the first company to genuinely demonstrate that hugging a tree and hugging the road needn't be mutually exclusive - it was also chosen by General Motors as the launch site for its EV1 and by Honda for the FCX Clarity. It should come as no great surprise, then, that GM has just announced that its latest earthmobile - the highly anticipated Chevrolet Volt - will launch in California first before being introduced in markets across the country.

Not only with the Volt be available in the nation's largest car market before any other, but The General is also partnering with a number of local electric companies to accompany the rollout. Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison and Sacramento Municipal Utility District, together with the non-profit Electric Power Research Institute, will help demonstrate the benefits and practicality of the Volt's hybrid powertrain, thanks in part to a $30 million grant from the federal Department of Energy's Transportation Electrification Initiative. Follow the jump to read all about it in GM's full press release.

Gallery: Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM confirms Chevrolet Volt to be introduced in California before nationwide rollout

GM confirms Chevrolet Volt to be introduced in California before nationwide rollout originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Montezemolo beaches Ferrari California at own World Finals in Valencia

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Convertible, Performance, Etc., Europe, Videos, Ferrari, Luxury

Last week, we all watched in collective awe as a $1.8 million Bugatti Veyron drove into a pond. While the driver claimed that he was attacked by a pelican, close examination of the video would appear to reveal... no pelican whatsoever. Instead, there's just a supercar inexplicably jumping into a marsh. Today, we've got another head scratcher for you - Luca Montezemolo beaching a Ferrari California.

Luca and the stuck California were at the Ferrari World Finals in Valencia, Spain. The Ferrari and Fiat Chairman was ferrying the Scuderia's brand-new F1 driver Fernando Alonso (who is technically still under contract with Renault) and carryover driver Felipe Massa around the track, waving to the fans. Then - for who knows what reason - Montezemolo decides to not bother with pit lane and just make a ninety degree right hander into a gravel trap. A gravel trap, it should be pointed out, that's used to catch and slow cars spinning out of control at triple digit speeds.

The result is the new Ferrari grand tourer getting stuck like whale. Montezemolo tries spinning the back tires a bit, which only digs them deeper, while Alonso and Massa attempt to push. Sooner than later, track workers show up and all three men escape to safety seated on the back of a blue California. Watch a few different videos of the ordeal, after the jump.

[Source: GT Spirit]

Continue reading VIDEO: Montezemolo beaches Ferrari California at own World Finals in Valencia

VIDEO: Montezemolo beaches Ferrari California at own World Finals in Valencia originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Jeep Wrangler safe from CARB "Cool Cars" proposal

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:33:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Chrysler, Jeep

Remember California's "Cool Cars" regulation? Coming into force in 2012, the rule requires manufacturers to install windows that prevent 45% of the sun's energy from entering a vehicle by 2014, and 60% by 2016. It's the law that no one thinks is cool at all. In a minor victory against The Golden State's increasingly severe environmental regulations (and we live there and love it, but still...), the soft-top Jeep Wrangler has reportedly been given an exemption.

Specifically, any flexible plastic window is exempt. Said a CARB representative, "If the plastic windows are rigid, they must comply with the same standards as glass windows, beginning with the 2012 model year." If not for the flexible-window exemption, Chrysler wouldn't have been allowed to sell the Wrangler in California with the soft top because its plastic windows would have been non-compliant. Chrysler's Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) were also threatened, but are now safe from the regulation as well.

As for the other issue -- radio wave interference that degrades GPS and other signals -- CARB said it hasn't found any such problems in its testing. But who knows, now that the Jeep gets a pass, carmakers might just put flexible windows in every car sold in CA ... and how cool would that be?

[Source: The Detroit News]

REPORT: Jeep Wrangler safe from CARB "Cool Cars" proposal originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Debate rages over whether to extend HOV-lane exemptions for hybrids in CA

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Electric

Besides the potential feeling of environmental superiority, one of the great benefits to having a hybrid in California has been the availability of a magic little sticker set for a vehicle's rear bumper and fender. The "Access OK" tags have allowed its possessors to cruise in the carpool lanes even while driving solo. The special lanes - alternatively known as HOV lanes (High Occupancy Vehicle) or diamond lanes - have proven to be a great time saver on California's clogged freeway system, but not everyone can find a ride-share partner to grant them access. Thus, getting a hybrid with one of the highly prized yellow (or white) decals is like getting yourself a free passenger - without the annoying banter.

As a result of their rarity and ultility, used cars with those decals usually command a premium. Heck, we've even reported on sticker thefts. The problem is that the benefits of those stickers were originally set to run out by 2009. The government intervened and extended those limits through January 1, 2011, but some would like to see them extended further - like through 2016.

Naturally, as more people move towards more efficient vehicles, some think the program should be halted altogether, while others (especially those with stickers themselves) continue to think that hybrids and other "clean" vehicles deserve the added benefit of solo access.You can be sure that this debate will continue right up until the deadline - unless California's legislature steps in to extend the program before then.

[Sources: The Los Angeles Times; California DMV | Image: David McNew/Getty]

Debate rages over whether to extend HOV-lane exemptions for hybrids in CA originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota seeks $2 million from California for training NUMMI workers

Chris Shunk — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: GM, Toyota

Back in February, New United Motor Manufacturing Co. (NUMMI), the now defunct joint agreement between Toyota and General Motors in Fremont, CA, entered an agreement with California's Employment Training Panel that would provide training to 1,400 workers. Since the time of the agreement, GM has backed out of the partnership with Toyota and ceded the plant to the Japanese automaker. For its part, Toyota has announced it will close the plant by March 2010, leaving 4,700 workers unemployed.

That isn't stopping Toyota from trying to collect the $2 million it says is owed to them for completing the training program. The training covered improved manufacturing techniques, automotive training and computer skills, but critics say the training is effectively useless since the NUMMI plant is the last automotive assembly plant in California. Labor Union lobbyist Barry Broad went as far as to call the request "corporate welfare" in light of the fact that the training will likely never be utilized in the Golden State. Toyota, on the other hand, is sticking to the company line, with a statement saying, "These skills have made our team members greater contributors to NUMMI and will make them more attractive to prospective employers when they conclude their employment here in April 2010."

The California Manufacturers and Technology Assn, which provided the training and later worked hard to keep the NUMMI plant open, is on Toyota's side in the dispute, saying "a deal's a deal." While Toyota's request for $2 million even though it is closing the plant sounds like a PR nightmare given the horrible financial state California is in, it's hard to deny that they deserved to be compensated for the training. After all, the agreement was for training, not for continued employment. Perhaps next time the Employment Training Panel makes a deal to provide money for training, it'll stipulate that the workers being trained stay employed long enough to reap the benefits of their education.

[Source: LA Times | Image Source: Justin Sullivan/Getty]

Toyota seeks $2 million from California for training NUMMI workers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari California the latest object of Hamann's tuning affections

Drew Phillips — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Ferrari

Hamann Ferrari California - Click above for high-res image gallery

Like their ever-tuning counterparts Edo Competition, Hamann Motorsport have got their hands on a 2010 Ferrari California and are working on an aftermarket program for the folding hardtop sportscar. Among the performance parts on the way are new exhaust system and a revised engine management program that the company says yields a 20% gain in horsepower from the 4.3-liter V8.

Until then, California owners can opt for Hamann's aerodynamic kit that makes extensive use of carbon fiber. The complete kit consists of a new hood, front spoiler, side skirts, a three-part rear diffuser, and a small rear wing. Other available components include Hamann's lightweight forged wheels and a range of interior accessories. Hit the jump for the company's press release or browse through the high-resolution gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Hamann Ferrari California

[Source: Hamann Motorsport]

Continue reading Ferrari California the latest object of Hamann's tuning affections

Ferrari California the latest object of Hamann's tuning affections originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW Caravelle, California and Transporter get Golf nosejobs, head for Frankfurt

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Minivan/Van, Europe, Volkswagen, Specialty

Volkswagen Caravelle and Transporter - click above image for high-res gallery

Some of us enthusiast types are still upset that Volkswagen never released the retro-futuristic new Bus first seen back in 2001. Looking backwards with 20-20 vision, perhaps the conceptual Bus was a little too slavish to the Type II's (a.k.a. Transporter, a.k.a. Station Wagon, a.k.a. Bus) design aesthetic and not concerned enough with its zeitgeist - affordable, practical family fun.

Meet the new VW Caravelle (passenger van), Transporter (cargo van) and California (camper van - not shown). These Golf-nosed successors to not only the Transporter, but the Vanagon and Eurovan, will be making their refreshed debuts in a few short weeks at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Beyond receiving a new shnoz, other tweaks include a range of common rail TDI engines, new rear-light clusters, more aerodynamic side mirrors, touchscreen navigation, USB connectivity, updated ESP and a hill-start assist feature. Plus, you can get either van with a manual gearbox.

While both these cars are Euro-only (Volkswagen hasn't sold a Eurovan in the U.S. since 2003), it is good to see a modern version of a Westphalia-style camper van. And you know, maybe Volkswagen should think about ditching the Routan and bringing these new vans here... especially the pop-top California? Just a thought. Either way, we'll know more come Frankfurt. High-res shots below, full press releases after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Caravelle and Transporter

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading VW Caravelle, California and Transporter get Golf nosejobs, head for Frankfurt

VW Caravelle, California and Transporter get Golf nosejobs, head for Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FOLLOW-UP: McLaren F1 all fired up for return to England [w/VIDEO]

Noah Joseph — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Supercars, UK

Click above to watch video after the jump

We hate the sight of a destroyed exotic, especially one so rare and exceptional as the McLaren F1. So we're glad to bring you this follow-up report from Santa Rosa, California, where one such supercar went up in smoke last week. And though it hasn't been fixed yet, journos on the scene report that the McLaren in question is being flown back to the factory in England to be repaired.

Ordinarily an engine bay catching on fire would be cause enough for a write off, but this is no ordinary vehicle. With a reported value in excess of $2 million (and being insured for $3 million), even if the repairs cost over a million by themselves, it'd still be well worth the effort and expense, especially if there hasn't been any real damage to the chassis. Check out the video after the jump, and follow the link to check out the full report at the Press Democrat where they quote the most authoritative source in the land. (Hey, one good turn deserves another.)

[Source: Press Democrat]

Continue reading FOLLOW-UP: McLaren F1 all fired up for return to England [w/VIDEO]

FOLLOW-UP: McLaren F1 all fired up for return to England [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ken Okuyama Design takes over at former Mercedes Advanced Design studio in Irvine

Noah Joseph — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Plants/Manufacturing

K07 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Anybody can start sketching cars in their basement and call themselves a design studio. Of course it helps if you've got the clout and experience that comes with having steered an established coachbuilder like Pininfarina. But if you're going to make a dent in the increasingly troubled independent automotive design community, you're going to need a fancy facility to make it all happen. And that's just what Ken Okuyama has done.

The former Pininfarina chief stylist, since turned independent, has established an American arm to his expanding design enterprise, and they've set up shop at what used to be the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design studio (which in turn moved into Chrysler's former Pacifica Advanced Design Center in Carlsbad). The facility at 17742 Cowan Street in Irvine, California, (close to the line with Newport Beach) was purpose-built by Mercedes and boasts some 13,500 square feet of space right in the heart of Southern California's automotive design epicenter. While Okuyama himself will presumably continue to work from his headquarters in Italy, he's assembled a crackerjack team to lead the American studio, including Neil Brooker, Michael Castiglione and Stuart Macey - the team credited with such work as the Porsche Carrera GT and Dodge Challenger, designs which clearly speak for themselves. In addition to automotive design, the crew at Ken Okuyama Design USA will be working on furniture, eyewear and mass transit, among other things, as well as a custom coach-building operation to allow discerning (read: filthy rich) customers create their own one-of-a-kind rides. We'll expect to see more from the studio in the near future.

Gallery: K.O. 7 and K.O. 8

[Source: Car Design News]

Ken Okuyama Design takes over at former Mercedes Advanced Design studio in Irvine originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Devil's in the Details: McLaren F1 meets maker in California

Noah Joseph — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Etc., Supercars

It's the little things in life that make all the difference. Flames shooting out the exhaust of a supercar? Awesome. Flames billowing out of the entire engine bay? Uh-oh. So seeing a McLaren F1 - in the United States, no less - going up in smoke is a real tear-jerker.

We have to admit that with so many drivers exhibiting more flash than talent, reporting on the endless barrage of destroyed supercars got a little tiresome, if not downright depressing. The McLaren F1 made even the Ferrari Enzo seem dime-a-dozen common - 100 examples were made in all, and only a tiny fraction of those squeaked through DOT regs to make it Stateside.

Reportedly valued at $2 million, this toasted Mac was spotted on Airport Boulevard in Santa Rosa, California, its BMW V12 on fire after its owner reportedly took it for a ride after leaving it dormant for six months. If that's the case, this is proof positive that cars need to be driven, not mothballed.

[Source: Wrecked Exotics]

Devil's in the Details: McLaren F1 meets maker in California originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: California still wants EPA waiver to set emissions standards until 2012

Sebastian Blanco — Fri, 29 May 2009 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Government/Legal, Green

Even though President Obama's new national CAFE standards will lean on the stricter California standards for support and there was broad agreement that a national standard of this type is the way to move forward, the devilish details could still cause a disagreement or two.

Problem One is that the new CAFE rules don't start affecting new cars until the 2012 model year. Problem Two is that the whole EPA waiver thing hasn't been decided. While California will back down once the 2012 models are here, that state has announced that it still wants to be able to regulate tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions between now and then. The New York Times' Jim Motavalli explains that California doesn't see its rules for the next few years being all that tough for automakers to comply with using existing technology. The battle lines are still drawn, but they're getting a bit scuffed up.

[Source: The New York Times | Image: Mel. B under C.C. 2.0)

REPORT: California still wants EPA waiver to set emissions standards until 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 May 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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California already looking ahead to tougher post-2016 mpg standards?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 21 May 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Government/Legal, Green

California's lead in setting stricter mileage standards for automobiles helped President Obama's administration formulate the new 35.5 mpg requirement for 2016. Since California's voice is so strong in the debate, we can see what might possibly be coming to the whole country in the later half of the next decade by looking at what California thinks will happen after 2016. Reuters did just that, and found that the California Air Resources Board chair Mary Nichols thinks that "a much more stringent standard" will be announced for 2017 and beyond.

That everyone appears to be happy with the 2016 requirement doesn't mean the struggles between CARB and the automakers have ended. Nichols told the news service that the compromise "doesn't signal any kind of flagging interest on the part of California in being part of a transformation of the auto fleet to something much more efficient than what it is today." A new EPA waiver request will need to be applied for, Reuters believes, but at least there appears to be a new feeling of working together. For now.

[Source: Reuters; Image: Pink Sherbet Photography | CC 2.0]

California already looking ahead to tougher post-2016 mpg standards? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 May 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Obama to announce new CAFE standards tomorrow, require 34 mpg standard

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 18 May 2009 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Green

According to reports from both the New York Times and Politico, the Obama Administration plans to announce new CAFE regulations tomorrow that will finally reconcile both federal and state standards. The plan is expected to combine California's strict emission rules with the federal rule, raising the national fleet mileage to around 42 mpg for cars and approximately 26 mpg for light trucks by 2016 - an increase over the current standards of 27.5 mpg for cars and 24 mpg for trucks.

The administration set a self-imposed deadline of June 30 to grant California's request to impose the state's standard to the federal CAFÉ regulations, and according to the NYT, the auto industry isn't expected to challenge the new rules as they finally set both a definitive time table and a national standard. Politico is reporting that the Obama Administration sat down with several states and a number of domestic and foreign automakers to discuss the standard, including Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, BMW and others. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is expected to attend the announcement on Tuesday, at which point all the hard details will be released.

[Sources: NYT, Politico | Image Source: Alex Wong/Getty]

REPORT: Obama to announce new CAFE standards tomorrow, require 34 mpg standard originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 May 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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California town giving away $500 gift cards to buy cars

Chris Shunk — Thu, 07 May 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal

If we knew of a place where you can get a car cheaper than anywhere else, you'd want us to tell you, right? Well, the small town of Tracy, CA is that place. The municipality is giving away 800 $500 gift certificates to any one of the city's car dealerships and the dealers apparently love the program. Sales in the region are down 50% versus previous years, and a Volkswagen store has already closed, and a Cadillac/Pontiac/GMC store is set to follow suit at the end of this month.

While the city is spending $800,000 in public money to fund (including advertising) the program, it won't only serve the dealers. In the past, the city received 20% of its revenue from dealers, and recently that figure is down to 15%. Sales taxes from the sale of cars and trucks also make up 30% of the city's $45 million city fund, which pays for necessary services like police and fire. The taxes paid on the 800 vehicles will pay off a significant portion of the $800,000. Spurring sales at the dealerships will also help save tax-paying jobs, further bolstering the city's finance.

The $500 gift certificates makes Tracy, California a hot spot for car sales. It also illustrates just how important dealerships are to small cities and towns across the US. Thanks for the tip, Jon!

[Source: Tracy Press]

California town giving away $500 gift cards to buy cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 May 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Group sues Obama administration over weak MPG standards

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:04:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Green

When the next step in the road to 35 mpg by 2020 CAFE standards was announced recently, those in the know made it clear that the Obama administration's upcoming goal of 27.3 mpg by 2011 would not be hard for automakers to meet. In fact, the 2007 average was already 31.3, so the 2011 goal would not require any change in product lineup (more difficult changes are scheduled to come into effect down the line). The 2011 standards were so light, in fact, that the Center for Biological Diversity took the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Department of Transportation to court last week, saying that the Obama administration's standards "ignore greenhouse gas emissions and the climate crisis, are illogical, illegal, and very disappointing from a president who has promised to make the United States a leader in the fight against global warming."

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the Center filed suit in the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco to push the 2011 standards to "the maximum feasible level, in light of current technology, economic impact, and the nation's need to conserve energy." Read the Center's press release after the jump.

[Source: Center for Biological Diversity, San Francisco Chronicle]

Continue reading Group sues Obama administration over weak MPG standards

Group sues Obama administration over weak MPG standards originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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California to require mandatory tire-pressure checks at automotive businesses

Chris Shunk — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Maintenance, Government/Legal, Green, Safety

Keeping your tires properly inflated is a very good idea. An under-inflated radial can increase wear while also decreasing performance and fuel economy. But if the state of California can help it, under-inflated tires may soon be a thing of the past.

California has passed a new law requiring most auto servicing sites to check tire pressure at each visit and add air when necessary. The law will affect 40,000 businesses in the state, although the mandate does not effect body shops, car washes, glass repair shops, or parts stores. The state's government will let the service stations, smog-check stations, oil change places, and so on determine how much to charge for the check, and they must have a high-accuracy pressure gauge on hand. The tire pressure monitoring law will go into effect in July 1, 2010.

California's Air Resources Board says the state-wide law will save 75 million gallons of fuel per year, while also eliminating 700,000 metric tons of greenhouse gasses. That sounds mighty impressive, but if the Sacramento Bee is to believed, that's less than 0.5 percent of what California's greenhouse-gas reduction goals for 2020. Better is the CARB estimate that optimized tire pressure will save drivers about $12 per year (about six gallons of gas at today's prices), along with added safety and tire longevity benefits.

Those figures are based off statistics which show that vehicles lose 1% efficiency for every 3 psi a tire is low. Testing by Consumer Reports showed little or no impact on fuel economy when tire pressure is off by 10%, though most agree that low tire pressure will shorten the life of tires. Fewer tires in state landfills figures to be a good thing, too.

Check out CARB's official press release by clicking here, and find more information at the link below. Thanks for the tip, Mark!

[Source: Consumer Reports | Image: Einstein/Getty]

California to require mandatory tire-pressure checks at automotive businesses originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Greenwashing? Governator looks to have gotten himself a new Dodge Challenger SRT8

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 08:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Green, Dodge, Celebrities, Humor

It is well known that California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has had a very public change of heart when it comes to seeking out a greener lifestyle. Heck, he's gone from owning the very first civilian AM General HMMWV to talking up green environmental initiatives and start-ups like Tesla. He's even taken delivery of one of the company's Roadsters.

Fitting in the car, however, is apparently proving to be a bit of a challenge for the bodybuilder/actor formerly known as Conan, so word is that he's trying to return it to Tesla. What he might have slotted in the garage in the space of that Tesla? If TMZ's paparazzi video footage at the link is to be believed, the answer is a TorRed Dodge Challenger with all the trimmings. A little lighter on the green credentials, sure, but it's not black, it's not hard to get into, and it makes all the right noises for the ~~man~~ character who said the best things in life are "to crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of their women."

[Source: TMZ]

Greenwashing? Governator looks to have gotten himself a new Dodge Challenger SRT8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FOLLOW UP: CARB says "Just kidding about banning black paint..."

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Green

To be completely fair, the California Air Resources Board never intended to ban black paint -- or any color of paint, for that matter. When devising ways to implement the Cool Cars Initiative, CARB couldn't find any dark paints that passed the 20% solar reflectivity test, which others took to mean that CARB would be banning them. Not so, says a CARB spokesman: "We are by no means interested in banning or restricting car colors." For now, CARB is sticking with the reflective glass portion of the initiative, which would add a reflective clear coat to windows and $31-$50 to the price of a new car, and is taking public comments on the proposed new rules. Thanks for the tip, Jason

[Source: LA Times]

FOLLOW UP: CARB says "Just kidding about banning black paint..." originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Mar 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

John McElroy — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Autoline on Autoblog

Big Problems with California's CO2 Standard

Earlier this week President Obama instructed the EPA to determine whether it should grant California a waiver to set its own CO2 standards for cars. It's a hugely controversial issue, and one that's fraught with major problems for the auto industry.

First off, cars and trucks account for only 18% of total CO2 emissions in the United States. Yet it's the automotive industry that's in the cross-hairs, and California's rules are designed to "hold the automaker's feet to the fire." But even if it eliminated all automotive CO2, that still leaves 80% of other man-made sources untouched.

Besides, California's standard will merely bring the federal standard forward by four years. What's the big rush? Even more importantly, California only accounts for 1% of global CO2 emissions. So is it really fixing anything? And above all else, whatever reduction the state achieves will be immediately replenished by CO2 and other green house gasses blowing in from India, China and other points in Asia.

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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