Auto Parts: 1,325 MPG Hypermiling CarJune 29th, 2011 | Author...

Auto Parts:
1,325 MPG Hypermiling CarJune 29th, 2011 | Author...: 1,325 MPG Hypermiling Car June 29th, 2011 | Author: Faraz Ali Malik As gas prices continue to skyrocket, the importance of fuel-eff...

Auto Parts: Ford showcases wide-opening Easy Access doors on ...

Auto Parts:
Ford showcases wide-opening Easy Access doors on ...: Ford showcases wide-opening Easy Access doors on new B-Max February 14th, 2012 | Author: Faraz Ali Malik Every year the auto show ...

Ford showcases wide-opening Easy Access doors on new B-Max

February 14th, 2012 | Author: Faraz Ali Malik

Every year the auto show circuit is packed with concept cars (usually crossovers and minivans) that do away with the B-pillar to tease us with easy access and a wide aperture to the cabin. It’s what Ford’s European exterior design director Stefan Lamm calls “a designer’s dream”. But none of them ever make it into production. That is, until now.
Ford first showed off a compact MPV concept called the B-Max at the Geneva Motor Show last year that, like many others, did without a B-pillar altogether. Earlier this month, the Blue Oval automaker announced it was putting the Fiesta-based minivan into production – and that the pillar would stay out. But this is the first image we’ve received of the production B-Max with its wide-opening doors actually, you know…open.
The combined aperture of the conventional front-hinged doors and sliding rear doors, unencumbered by the pillar you’d usually expect to find there, comes in at a whopping 1.5 meters (nearly five feet) wide – nearly twice that of the Opel Meriva with its innovative rear “suicide” doors – and is made possible by strategic use of high-strength steel incorporated into the doors.
Follow the jump for the full press release and stay tuned for the vehicle’s debut at the upcoming Geneva show. While we might hope for the Easy Door Access System to find its way into Ford’s American offerings in the near future, we wouldn’t expect to find the B-Max you see here in U.S. showrooms any time soon.

1,325 MPG Hypermiling Car

June 29th, 2011 | Author: Faraz Ali Malik

As gas prices continue to skyrocket, the importance of fuel-efficient vehicles can’t be emphasized enough. Luckily, the Cambridge Design Partnership just unveiled a hypermiling concept car that can travel an astonishing 1,325 miles on a single gallon of diesel! While most green vehicles are tested through a series of intense trials, this concept car was put through its paces by an 11 year old Cambridgeshire girl at the annual Mileage Marathon Challenge at Mallory Park.
The vehicle was designed to promote engineering and technology and to educate school and college students about the benefits of eco-friendly vehicle concepts. Test driver Kitty Foster, 11, of Kings School, Ely said of the test drive, “When I told my parents how far this car could go on a gallon of fuel they were absolutely amazed! It wasn’t too hard. The Go system helped me use as little fuel as possible. It monitored the car’s performance, which helped us know when to stop the engine and start coasting.”
“The GPS information made a big difference and added 150 mpg. The whole car was great fun to drive. It’s good to see cars getting more environmentally friendly, and I’m really pleased we’ve done so well in the challenge’.
Cambridge Design Partnership used elements from its own lightweight oxygen concentrator, as well as other in-house technologies, to create the unique car. The oxygen generator system was originially developed to treat injured soldiers, but in the car it is powered by an innovative micro-diesel-engine. The car also features low-friction tires to increase mileage.

The car also uses a unique ‘Go’ real-time tracking service that allows the Cambridge team to optimise the car’s systems. The Go technology has previously been used to track the Tour of Britain cycle race. Stephen Lamb, the MoD project leader from CDP added: “This is about more than just an ultra-eco-friendly car. This supports what our technologies can achieve.”
“We quickly realized that our R & D work for the MoD, creating an oxygen generator, was highly applicable to the Mileage Marathon Challenge. Both required an extremely efficient system that used very low power and could run off diesel. Now I just need to figure out how to make my own car get the same kind of mileage!”

Here’s hoping they can make a version with more than one seat.

Auto industry to feel impact from Japan’s troubles

March 29th, 2011 | Author: Faraz Ali Malik

The full impact is a month or two away, but Berkshire County drivers seeking new vehicles or parts eventually may encounter shortages.
So far, the effects of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster on Japan’s manufacturers have been limited here, though supplies of computer chips and other components used in vehicles have been curtailed worldwide.
Some Ford models are now unavailable in black or red because the pigment for the metallic paint comes from Japan, said Gary Johnson, chairman of Johnson Dealerships Inc. Noting that many parts for Ford vehicles are manufactured there, including audio systems, Johnson said he has yet to be notified of any delays. His Nissan dealership also has been unaffected up to now.
At the Haddad Motor Group, which sells Toyotas, Subarus and Hyundais at separate facilities, owner George Haddad said he hadn’t heard of much disruption except for Internet-access shutdowns at Subaru caused by rolling power blackouts.
“We try to think positively,” he said. “It’s too soon to see an impact, and I’m hoping everything comes back online. In another month, we should feel something.”
He explained that monthly allocations of new vehicles trucked to dealers could be affected by disruptions in Japan.
His Hyundai line, manufactured in South Korea and the U.S., uses few if any parts or components from Japan, Haddad added.
Interrupted production of the Toyota Prius should catch up, he said, as factories are reopened in the coming days. He also reported an abundant supply of parts from pre-earthquake shipments.
At Bedard Bros. in Cheshire, where two of the seven lines are Japanese, Brian Bedard said he has a 60-day supply of Hondas and Suzukis on the lot.
He was advised late Monday that Honda expects a disruption of parts and supplies after April 1. He expects a possible impact locally in 30 days, but any effects on the monthly allocation of vehicles to dealerships are unlikely until June.
Jim Salvie, owner of the Berkshire Mazda franchise on Pittsfield’s East Street “auto mile,” predicted that temporary production shutdowns and parts shortages “won’t hurt us until June or July.”
Because parts and supplies are shipped by slow-moving boats, the real drop-off has yet to be felt by factories in the U.S., Europe and Asia, according to the Associated Press. That will come by the middle of April.
“This is the biggest impact ever in the history of the automobile industry,” said Koji Endo, managing director at Advanced Research Japan in Tokyo.
Much of Japan’s auto industry — the second largest supplier of cars in the world — remains idle. Few plants were seriously damaged by the quake, but with supplies of water and electricity disrupted, no one can say when factories will crank up. Some auto analysts predict it could be as late as this summer.
IHS Automotive expects that one-third of daily global automotive production will be cut because of supply chain disruptions. That means about 5 million vehicles worldwide won’t be built, out of the 72 million vehicles planned for production in 2011.
The uncertainly has suppliers, automakers and dealers nationwide scrambling. And it exposes the vulnerability of the world’s most complex supply chain, where 3,000 parts go into single car or truck. Each one of those parts is made up of hundreds of other pieces supplied by multiple companies. All it takes is one part to go missing or arrive late, and a vehicle can’t be built.
Auto-industry analysts think buyers will soon see higher prices and fewer choices.
Customers already face rising prices for models like Toyota’s Prius, which is made only in Japan. Fears of falling supply have some dealers nationwide driving a hard bargain with customers who want the fuel-efficient hybrid as gasoline prices rise. Recent discounts of 5 to 10 percent on that car are disappearing.

Battery Service

September 19th, 2011 | Author: Faraz Ali Malik

Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 10­–30 minutes
How often: Every 3–5 years
If you need to jump start your car in the morning, it might be time for a new battery. You can bring your car to a NAPA AutoCare Center for a new battery or you can change it yourself.
Changing a car battery is a relatively easy job that can be accomplished with only a few tools. However, some vehicles’ batteries are located in tough-to-service areas such as under the front fender, under the rear seat or in the trunk. If this is the case, consider having it changed at your local NAPA AutoCare Center.
Your battery supplies the electrical current necessary to start the engine. It also provides necessary power to the electrical components and accessories even when the vehicle’s engine isn’t running. The battery also acts as voltage stabilizer for the whole electrical system.
Things you’ll need from your garage or your local NAPA AUTO PARTS Store:

• New battery
• Battery terminal cleaning brush
• Proper tools to remove the battery terminals and hold-down

Step 1

Buy a replacement battery for your car.

You must know the make and model of your car to make the correct purchase. It also helps to know your battery’s BCI number. Car batteries come in different sizes, construction types, CCA (cold cranking AMPS) and ampere hour ratings. You want the replacement battery to match the original battery as closely as possible.

Step 2

Open the hood of your car, using the prop rod to hold it in place.

Locate the car battery and identify the positive and negative terminals. Positive terminals are labeled with a “+” or color-coded red. Negative terminals are labeled with a “-” or color-coded black. Loosen the bolt that holds the negative terminal and remove the negative cable first. Next, remove the positive cable.

Step 3

Unscrew the battery hold down clamp.

Lift the battery and remove it from the car. Inspect the battery terminal clamps. Clean and replace them if necessary.

Step 4

Clean the battery tray.

Use plenty of fresh water or a mixture of baking soda and water. Wait for the terminal clamps and the battery tray to dry before installing the new battery.

Step 5

Clean all corrosion from your battery.

Corrosion can be cleaned off using a stiff brush and a baking soda/water solution. After removing the corrosion, rinse off the battery with water. Clean the battery tray by wiping it out with moist paper towels and mild detergent. NAPA AUTO PARTS stores carry anti-corrosive battery spray. Use this to prevent future corrosion.

Step 6

Place the new battery into the battery tray.

Make sure the positive and negative terminals are on the correct sides, and then install the battery hold-down. Reattach and tighten the positive cable first before reattaching the negative cable.

Step 7

Start your car.

Verify that the installation is complete and the cables are securely attached to the battery posts. Release the prop rod and close the hood of your car securely.

Step 8

Dispose of the old battery properly.

Car batteries contain highly toxic material and cannot be thrown out with your garbage. You can dispose car batteries at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store or NAPA AutoCare Center.

Important Tips:

• Wear gloves whenever working with batteries and follow all safety precautions listed in your owner’s manual.
• Your battery and charging system or alternator should be inspected at least once a year at your local NAPA AutoCare Center.
• Neutralize any electrolyte spills or corrosion with a solution of baking soda and water.
• Always remove the negative terminal first.
• Protect your eyes with safety glasses when changing a car battery.
• Never touch a metal tool across the battery terminal or from the positive post to any other metal on the car. Heeding this advice will help prevent large sparks and damage.
• Extinguish all smoking materials and open flames. Be cautious about creating any electrical sparks around the battery.

Detroit auto show: Think small

March 25th, 2012 | Author: Faraz Ali Malik

Think small. Think fuel efficient. That is the theme at this year’s Detroit auto show, also known by the official name North American International Auto Show. This year’s expo does not have the kind of heart-pounding displays of horsepower and luxury of past years. But there are some very significant models that tell us where higher fuel prices and tougher emissions regulations are pushing the cars of tomorrow.
Judging by the new models and concepts on display, carmakers are trying to make the case that you can have a hot car and a bit of fun driving it but without having a panic attack at the pump. There are compact Buicks and a subcompact from Chevrolet. Ford has a small people mover. Honda has the new Civic and both Mini and Hyundai are trying to give us more fun in a small package. Here are seven cars worth checking out.
Most significant: Honda showed off a new concept car that is, more or less, going to be the new 2012 Civic when it goes on sale this spring. You can tell by the aggressive curves in the car that Honda is trying to get its mojo back. Honda’s market share fell to 10.6% in 2010 from 11% the year before. The Civic is a perennial winner for the company and vital to its success. Styling has never been the Civic’s calling card. This one takes a bold step with a fast backward-sloping roofline and some curves in the side panels that reminded me a bit of a Hyundai Tiburon. More important for Hondaphiles, the car has the company’s vaunted i-VTEC engine and a hybrid option will be available. We’ll see if its bold new look will get any love from outside Honda’s loyal followers.
Biggest turnabout: You’ve heard the cliché “as big as a Buick.” It comes from a description of a spider in Woody Allen’s film “annie Hall.” I doubt anyone will say “as small as a Buick” when the compact Verano goes on sale late this year, but the 2012 Verano compact tells us where carmakers think the market is headed. General Motors figures fuel will only get more expensive and that luxury buyers will want creature comforts without shelling out a fortune for gasoline. The car’s 177-horsepower engine will get 31 miles per gallon on the highway with the 2.4-liter engine. A 2-liter turbo model comes later. The Verano will be an interesting test. Can Buick, which grew 52% last year, sell small cars to younger luxury buyers? On the surface it’s a tough sell. But who would have thought a year ago that the Lacrosse sedan would be one of the hottest cars on the market?
Pick of the show: TheMini Paceman is my pick for the best design at the show. It’s Mini’s future crossover SUV and it probably it is dead one for the brand. It’s stylish, sporty, has a bit more space than a Mini Cooper but can go off-road. Stylistically, the two-door Paceman is an athletic version of the Countryman, Mini’s existing crossover suv. The two-door Paceman doesn’t look as upright as its more practical forebear. In the rear, it has haunches like it’s going to pounce. The concept had Mini’s 1.6-liter turbo engine used in the John Cooper Works performance cars and the ALL4 all-wheel drive system. That’s a strong hint that the Paceman will offer both as options. That will make it an off-roader with tire-burning potential. One bonus: They will probably ditch the Paceman name. Mini USA President Jim McDowell said in an interview that, onfortunately, consumers associate it with ’80s video-game sensation Pac Man.
The comeback kid: Beating up on Toyota is a favorite pastime these days, what with their quality woes, lost market share and fallen image. I’ll give the company some accolades. The Prius c concept takes a hybrid franchise known for its egg-shaped fuel sippers and takes it out on the edge. The car leans forward like it’s in motion. The headlights are pushed up the hood and closer to the windshield as if the car is barreling down the highway. The car has shoulders, which makes it look more muscular. This car will come to market in the first half of 2012. One word of caution: There is no telling how much of the concept car’s edgy design will make it to the showroom.
Ford gets in the game: Nissan and GM have a jump on Ford in the green-car game. Next year, Ford will make a big statement with the C-Max Energi, a five-passenger plug-in hybrid small SUV that the automaker says will get better fuel economy that the Chevy Volt. Untested fuel economy ratings are always suspect; the Volt gets 37 mpg if it runs the gas tank dry. GM may even upgrade the Volt before the C-Max Energi goes to market. But it still looks like a good package. It’s more spacious that the other EVs and hybrids on the market and can go 500 miles using a full battery charge and tank of gas.
Hyundai makes a bold statement: The Hyundai Veloster will go on sale in 2012 as a boldly-styled three-door coupe that promises to be a fun ride that gets 40 mpg on the highway. It doesn’t need a hybrid-electric system to do it, either. It mates a dual-clutch transmission with a direct-injection 1.6-liter engine to maximize fuel economy. The interior is inspired by sporty motorcycles. This could be a hit with younger buyers given the curvy styling and fuel economy. Hyundai has moved well beyond selling just on price.

Biggest snoozer: And last, the new Volkswagen Passat is the German carmaker’s attempt to offer more value and become a big-volume seller in the U.S. market. The company only has 2.2% of the market, so it is dropping the price of the Passat by some $7,000 to get close to $20,000. The cabin looks like a VW, with well-crafted appointments and a certain German precision to the construction. On the outside? There isn’t much to it. The sides of the car are pretty flat. The back end reminds me of a Saab. Overall, the Passat is undistinctive. The selling point is affordable German engineering with options like a 2-liter diesel engine that is expected to get 43 mpg on the highway. That will have to win buyers because the design won’t turn many heads.

Suzuki Kizashi topples 200 mph at Bonneville for new Land Speed Record

Suzuki Kizashi topples 200 mph at Bonneville for new Land Speed Record

by Faraz Ali Malik

The crew from Suzuki and Road & Track officially hold the new Land Speed Record for the Blown Gas Coupe Category. The team wheeled out their modified 2010 Suzuki Kizashi to the Bonneville Salt Flats and managed to average an impressive 203.720 mph across two high-speed runs, besting the previous record by a little less than a second and a half. R&T commissioned legendary engine builder Richard Holdener to rework the engine in the Kizashi before it hit the salt, and as a result, the car wore forged internals and a beefier turbo that shoved a full 16 pounds of boost into the four-cylinder as the Sam Mitani-helmed Suzuki headed down the dry lake bed.

Now that the Kizashi has one record under its belt, Road & Track is planning to try for a second, naturally-aspirated record by unbolting the turbo and going hog wild. Now all we have to wonder is how much it's going to take to convince Suzuki to offer those slick seam-welded steel wheels as an option on the Kizashi Sport. Hit the jump to take a look at a video of the car during its record-setting run, as well as a press release detailing the occasion.

General Motors mid-size sedans going all four-cylinder

General Motors mid-size sedans going all four-cylinder

by Faraz Ali Malik

Straight from the "No Surprise" department comes word from GMInsideNews that all of General Motors mid-size offerings will come equipped with four-cylinder engines as the only available powerplant.

GM has made it clear for the last few years that a large part of its future product strategy is to downsize its engine line-up in preparation for the new 2015 CAFE standards. The shift has already begun with the introduction of the 2011 Buick Regal, available with either a 182-horsepower direct injected 2.4-liter or a turbocharged 2.0-liter putting out 220 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque.

The next model to go all-four-banger will be the next generation Chevrolet Malibu, slated to arrive late next year and likely packing – to begin with – the same 2.4-liter four. A range of direct injected engines, both naturally aspirated and turbocharged, are in the works, so the General won't be hurting for options, but expect the V6 to stick around for GM's larger offerings, including the next Impala.

How The Gas Tax Is Under Threat From Green Vehicles

How The Gas Tax Is Under Threat From Green Vehicles

by Faraz Ali Malik

Live in the right part of California and work for the right company and you might be able to buy the new Nissan Leaf for as little as $12,500, as Autoblog has reported, due to the raft of incentives that are available for buyers of the little battery car and other high-mileage, low-emission products.

In recent years, lawmakers have been racing to come up with incentives designed to encourage motorists to migrate to clean, efficient vehicles. It's a clearly noble effort, but one that deserves a closer look in an era of fiscal restraint.

Several states are looking at a more direct form of taxation: a per-mile usage fee on battery-based vehicles.

The feds, and most states offering such incentives, have put caps on their zero-emission incentive programs, and most will vanish by mid-decade. But, ironically, if these programs do what they're intended to, the fiscal impact could be felt for years to come. It turns out that going green could plunge state and federal balance sheets into the red.

The short-term costs are already potentially significant. At the federal level, a $7,500 tax credit could drain billions of dollars a year out of the Treasury if major automakers come even close to their battery car sales targets by mid-decade.

Such cash incentives – along with other perks, such as access to California's HOV lanes – are designed to motivate the move to vehicles like the Leaf and the new Chevrolet Volt. Once momentum starts building, these givebacks can be phased out, proponents contend. But they're missing a big part of the picture.