Autoblog

Due to the continuing evolution of safety standards, high speed car-on-car impacts have made life better for everyone inside the cars. Now, even pedestrians get love from some car makers in the form of hoods that pop up when the car senses a pedestrian impact, so that the walker doesn't hit the engine block. Now, the Dutch Cycling Federation wants to know: what about us? The federation is asking for exterior airbags to protect cyclists in collisions with cars.

In a country where getting around by bike is the done thing, the federation estimates that external airbags on cars could save 60 cyclists and eliminate 1,500 serious injuries every year. The airbags they have in mind would be mounted on the hoods, which is where cyclists usually end up.

In case you're thinking "There's no way...", the Swedish company Autoliv Inc. has created an air bag that deploys from the A-pillars and extends over the hood to keep people from crashing down onto the engine block. It strikes us as a bit nutty to think that one day our cars could turn into giant bubbles to protect everyone everywhere in an accident, but hey, if it saves lives....

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Now, we certainly don't want to look like we condone this sort of thing, but OMG is this hilarious! A biker manages to evade police during a freeway chase and even wreck a cruiser in the process. Might not sound too special until you realize the "bike" is a bicycle, not a motorcycle. This guy is really flying here. Amazing speed and good instincts let this criminal slip away. No word on what he was wanted for or if he was caught yet, so if you know the rest of the story, please share.

Nice two-wheel tip, Brian!

[Source: Break.com]

General Motors of Europe imprint Vauxhall has released some photos of its upcoming five-door Corsa, in advance of the car's debut at the British International Motorshow.

Like the three-door version we've show Autoblog readers before, the five-door Corsa carries over much of the three-door's interior fitments, but it has more interior and cargo space, including "DualFloor" flexibility - a flexible system designed to maximize cargo space. Arguably the car's most interesting feature is its optional "FlexFix," a drawer-like contraption that pulls out from the Corsa's rear bumper to accommodate a pair of bikes.

As with the three door, buyers will have the option of specifying one of three gasoline engines (displacing 1.0, 1.2, and 1.4-liters, respectively), or 1.3-liter common rail diesel. If that isn't enough, the EuroGeneral promises that a third, more powerful oil-burner on its way.

[Sources: Motoring.co.za; Vauxhall]