Click above for a high-res gallery of the Chevrolet Volt concept.
One of the many things General Motors boasted about when it unveiled the Volt concept at the Detroit Auto Show in 2007 was its 600-mile range. This was achieved partially by the battery pack, which could sustain a (theoretical) charge allowing the Volt to run for 40 miles without reverting to the gasoline engine/generator, as well as a 12-gallon fuel tank. According to Kicking Tires, GM has shrunk the size of the tank by an unknown quantity and the result is a reduction in range from 600 to 400 miles - or 360 miles without the aid of auxiliary (read: grid-provided) power.
The General maintains that since most owners don’t travel more than 40 miles in one day, it wasn’t necessary to fit the Volt with a larger tank. That reduction in capacity will save some weight, but what will it cost in public perception? The hype surrounding GM’s supposed savior and game-changer are based on two figures: range and cost. If GM can deliver on both counts, they might have a hit on their hands. If not, the Volt will be DOA the day it hits dealers.
[Source: KickingTires]
Sales of General Motors’ one time cash cow, full-size trucks, are declining faster than the value of the US dollar, but with a birthday coming, GM still wants something to celebrate. This September, the world’s largest automaker will be celebrating its centennial under a financial pall unlike any it has faced since its early days under Billy Durant. The car that GM management hopes will represent a new beginning is the Chevrolet Volt, which has been locked in for production for November 2010 and the shape of the production car has reportedly been finalized. The Volt team is apparently planning to unveil the definitive Volt shape as the star of the big party this September.
Early powertrain development mules have been running for several months now and GM insiders claim the lithium ion battery packs are exceeding performance expectations so far. The big question at this point seems to be cost. With everyone focused on GM’s cash burn rate, the company is hoping that showing the production version of the extended range electric vehicle will divert attention to something positive. However, without some serious cost reduction of the battery and some hefty tax breaks from the government, the Volt may just end up making things even worse. GM desperately needs the Volt to be successful, but with the current financial situation, one has to wonder how long they will be able to build Volts at a loss?
California Governator and (soon-to-be) Tesla Roadster owner, Arnold Schwarzenegger, addressed the seething throngs of media types at Tesla’s San Carlos, California facility. The topics of conversation centered on new incentives for Tesla to continue its production of vehicles in the Golden State, specifically the start-up’s second vehicle, codenamed the Model S, which according to Tesla, get 225 miles on a single charge and cost $60,000. Tesla did not officially announce when the new model would go on sale, nor would it say where in California the “multi-use sport sedan” would be produced.
The incentive for Tesla to remain in California, rather than move production of the sedan to New Mexico (discussed last year), is part of the CAEATFA program that was approved last Wednesday. The initiative exempts automakers from paying sales and use tax when they purchase manufacturing equipment to build electric vehicles. That’s expected to save automakers - and Tesla specifically - millions of dollars when the company invests in building a new plant in California. A Schwarzenegger press conference wouldn’t be complete without a lame quote from his erstwhile movie career, and the Governor didn’t let us down, saying that he was disappointed by the initial announcement that Tesla was considering a manufacturing center in New Mexico, but that “They’ll be back.” And they are.
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 BMW 335d.
KPG’s crack team has caught the U.S.-spec BMW 335d undergoing testing ahead of its official launch in the States later this year, and according to the shooters, the introduction of the 335d will coincide with the launch of the revised 3-series. Don’t expect much from the facelift, as the new 3 will only receive a new front bumper and some tweaks to the headlamps. However, the interior will benefit from the new iDrive interface recently revealed on the 2009 7-series.
The 335d is expected to lose a few ponies when it makes the trek across the Atlantic, so power figures are estimated at 265 hp and 425 lb.-ft. of torque. That kind of twist is nothing to sneeze at, allowing the 335d to hit 60 in around 6.2 seconds and could make a compelling case for gasoline purists to make the transition to oil burning efficiency. Fuel consumption is expected to be 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the open road.
Naturally, BMW will be launching a new campaign when it introduces the 335d to the U.S. market for the first time, so expect to see ads touting BMW’s “Advance Diesel with BluePerformance,” - with the “Blue” referring to the urea solution that reduces NO2 emissions.
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Here’s something which gizmo freaks must check out. My friend Abhinav recently installed a mini-computer in his Corsa - it has a 40 GB hard disk, and works as a GPS (Yup, with digital maps of Chennai), Music Player, Movie Player and it’s armed with a touch-screen monitor. The dude installed the device all [...] Go here to read…
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While the first glimpse of the production version of the Chevy Volt should be coming this fall, we might get an action-packed view of the car in the Transformers sequel. In news that’s a bit more down-to-earth, we also hear that the Volt’s range (and gas tank size) might be downsized. In more positive news, T. Boone Pickens unveils “The Plan” and Popular Mechanics will finally and forever (we hope) debunk the “run your car on water” myth.
Click above for more shots of the VW One-Liter concept car
A few years back, Volkswagen introduced a concept vehicle which derived its name from its stated goal of using just one liter of fuel per one-hundred kilometers traveled, and according to CAR production version may be on the way in 2010. The original concept actually beat its lofty goal rather handily as it managed to achieve a miserly 282 miles per gallon in testing. Much of its amazing fuel-saving capability stemmed from its 660 pounds (300 kilograms) curb weight. The concept also featured a single cylinder engine and a 1+1 seating arrangement down the center of the car. While the engine is likely to be replaced by a twin-cylinder turbodiesel with hybrid drive, the carbon fiber construction and canopy-style roof are likely headed for production.
As you’d expect, such technology and carbon-heavy construction isn’t going to come cheap. To offset part of the cost, the automaker is surely looking for some government assistance for purchasers of the limited edition machine, though it could still be sold at a loss. Safety features like airbags, anti-lock brakes and stability control aren’t lacking, but convenience items like air conditioning may be optional. In that case, we’d recommend being really comfortable with your passengers in the rather close-knit quarters.
Tulsi Plant Known for over 1000 years and 4 from India, then he conquered Asia and Egypt - (where he fell in the mummification process under its anti-bacterial and preservative) - before he arrive in Greece (where collected by the sovereign, it was a grass royal symbol of fertility) - and Rome.
Tulsi is the renowned for its soothing and balancing body and mind. It would significantly reduce stress and déprime.Il is recommended for nervous and hypertendus.Concocté by infusion, it enables a good sleep.
. I often watched them putting out the leg through window to show the turning signal. So please go with driver option if you are new to Indian city roads like chennai.
