Talking About Automobiles
Friday, July 27, 2007
Paris Hilton is Going Green
My friend Art is looking at me with a scornful eyes, I know I promised that I will not write anything about Paris Hilton but the latest news on her is so hard to miss up that I felt I just got to write something about it.
The article on Tonight state that the hotel heiress was given a Ford hybrid in exchange of her gas-guzzling Range Rover. This news in a way has both good and bad sides to it. Good in the sense that at least the road is off with one more gas guzzler the bad news however is that Paris will be driving it.
And we all know just what a road hazard she is recalling all the news about her run-ins with the law which I am not going to discuss anymore since everybody knows of her 23 days ordeal in prison. Anyway, let’s just hope that she learned her lessons well because if not then we’re in for another road mishap only this time it will have lesser environmental impact since it’s an eco-friendly car. LOL
Here are some of the quoted statements of Paris Hilton at the music magazine BPM’s green party at Los Angeles’ Avalon night club and what she wrote on MySpace. I dare you to believe. LOL
At BPM’s Green Party
"I'm getting a car from Ford, a hybrid one. They gave me one. So, I think driving hybrid cars is the new way to go, and recycling."
At MySpace
“I'm going to start writing about ways kids can help save the world, because anyone can do it, no matter how old you are or where you're from.”---Hmmm…I wonder will she be doing the writing or will be paying someone to do it for her. You want to know what I think. LOL
“I just want this world to be a better place for my grandchildren.”---The big question is: will she be able to stick with one guy long enough to have children and longer still to have grandchildren? And with the type of driving skills that she has, does she really think she can survive every car accident caused by her?
These are big words coming from Paris Hilton. Oh well, let’s just wait and see.
The article on Tonight state that the hotel heiress was given a Ford hybrid in exchange of her gas-guzzling Range Rover. This news in a way has both good and bad sides to it. Good in the sense that at least the road is off with one more gas guzzler the bad news however is that Paris will be driving it.
And we all know just what a road hazard she is recalling all the news about her run-ins with the law which I am not going to discuss anymore since everybody knows of her 23 days ordeal in prison. Anyway, let’s just hope that she learned her lessons well because if not then we’re in for another road mishap only this time it will have lesser environmental impact since it’s an eco-friendly car. LOL
Here are some of the quoted statements of Paris Hilton at the music magazine BPM’s green party at Los Angeles’ Avalon night club and what she wrote on MySpace. I dare you to believe. LOL
At BPM’s Green Party
"I'm getting a car from Ford, a hybrid one. They gave me one. So, I think driving hybrid cars is the new way to go, and recycling."
At MySpace
“I'm going to start writing about ways kids can help save the world, because anyone can do it, no matter how old you are or where you're from.”---Hmmm…I wonder will she be doing the writing or will be paying someone to do it for her. You want to know what I think. LOL
“I just want this world to be a better place for my grandchildren.”---The big question is: will she be able to stick with one guy long enough to have children and longer still to have grandchildren? And with the type of driving skills that she has, does she really think she can survive every car accident caused by her?
These are big words coming from Paris Hilton. Oh well, let’s just wait and see.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Nissan’s Two Future Offerings
This week Nissan has revealed two exciting products -- the first one is their highly innovative small van concept which was unveiled at the Nissan Design Europe (NDE).
The new van concept is called the NV200 and is scheduled to make its world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show this coming October. The most noticeable feature of the NV200 is the storage pod which extends from the van’s load area when the vehicle is parked. Once empty the pod is converted into a mobile office.
NV200 was a joint project of Nissan Design Center in Japan and NDE located in Paddington, London. Surprisingly, the team that worked on the NV200 didn’t have any pre-conceived ideas on the form of the new van fortunately despite such lack in design they have been able to come up with an entirely practical new concept.
Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at Nissan Motor Co., Ltd said "A light commercial vehicle has a specific job to perform, but that’s no reason to design a purely rational vehicle with no warmth. For NV200, function becomes the aesthetic. Our concept is a highly efficient tool but one with a human touch."
The NV200 according to Nissan will answer the specific needs of professional underwater photographer which means that this new van is an amphibious vehicle.
The other new product that I’ve failed to mention in the introduction is Nissan’s Preventive Drink-Driving Technology. This new technology makes use of an on-board breathalyzer system that disables the ignition when a high level of alcohol is detected from the driver’s breath.
Nissan is still in the process of testing this new technology to see the reliability, functionality, and practicality of the new technology applied to daily operating vehicles.
The Japanese automaker said that it use the test results to further its research and development in preventive drink-driving technology. It can be noted that last June, Nissan has announced that it will incorporate a message alert against drunk-driving into the CARWINGS navigation system. Aside from Nissan, Saab and Volvo are in the process of developing their very own breathalyzer devices.
The new van concept is called the NV200 and is scheduled to make its world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show this coming October. The most noticeable feature of the NV200 is the storage pod which extends from the van’s load area when the vehicle is parked. Once empty the pod is converted into a mobile office.
NV200 was a joint project of Nissan Design Center in Japan and NDE located in Paddington, London. Surprisingly, the team that worked on the NV200 didn’t have any pre-conceived ideas on the form of the new van fortunately despite such lack in design they have been able to come up with an entirely practical new concept.
Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at Nissan Motor Co., Ltd said "A light commercial vehicle has a specific job to perform, but that’s no reason to design a purely rational vehicle with no warmth. For NV200, function becomes the aesthetic. Our concept is a highly efficient tool but one with a human touch."
The NV200 according to Nissan will answer the specific needs of professional underwater photographer which means that this new van is an amphibious vehicle.
The other new product that I’ve failed to mention in the introduction is Nissan’s Preventive Drink-Driving Technology. This new technology makes use of an on-board breathalyzer system that disables the ignition when a high level of alcohol is detected from the driver’s breath.
Nissan is still in the process of testing this new technology to see the reliability, functionality, and practicality of the new technology applied to daily operating vehicles.
The Japanese automaker said that it use the test results to further its research and development in preventive drink-driving technology. It can be noted that last June, Nissan has announced that it will incorporate a message alert against drunk-driving into the CARWINGS navigation system. Aside from Nissan, Saab and Volvo are in the process of developing their very own breathalyzer devices.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Porsche 911 GT2 Revealed
Porsche is saving something remarkable for the coming Frankfurt Motor Show on September 11, 2007 and its going to be based on the current 911 Turbo. The 911 GT2 is expected to easily ascend to lead the ever impressive Porsche lineup of vehicles.
The new 911 GT2 will sport some new features such as large air intakes at the front and the rear wing, together with the rear-wheel-drive and manual six-speed gearbox that expresses the supreme performance abilities that are exclusive to this particular model.
The new 911 GT2 can also accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and reaches top speed of 204 mph. Its 530 horsepower twin-turbo engine is based on the six-cylinder boxer engine of the 911 turbo, with air supply driven by two exhaust gas turbochargers that features variable turbine geometry (VTG).
Despite the immense power of the new GT2 it has low fuel consumption down by 15 percent courtesy of the oscillating air in the intake during the cooler expansion phase which keeps the temperature of the fuel/air mixture much lower than that of the 911 Turbo.
The GT2 has also functional design features such as:
a muffler and tailpipes made of titanium as standard equipment which reduces weight by approximately 50 percent
PCCB brakes that feature brake discs made of a composite carbon fiber/ceramic compound ensuring highly consistent and maximum stopping power
Porsche Active Suspension Management system
19-inch alloy wheels filled with 235/35 ZR 19 front sport tires and 325/30 ZR 19 rear sport tires.
The new Porsche 911 GT2 is scheduled to make its North American debut in early 2008 and will have a base price of $191,700.
The new 911 GT2 will sport some new features such as large air intakes at the front and the rear wing, together with the rear-wheel-drive and manual six-speed gearbox that expresses the supreme performance abilities that are exclusive to this particular model.
The new 911 GT2 can also accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and reaches top speed of 204 mph. Its 530 horsepower twin-turbo engine is based on the six-cylinder boxer engine of the 911 turbo, with air supply driven by two exhaust gas turbochargers that features variable turbine geometry (VTG).
Despite the immense power of the new GT2 it has low fuel consumption down by 15 percent courtesy of the oscillating air in the intake during the cooler expansion phase which keeps the temperature of the fuel/air mixture much lower than that of the 911 Turbo.
The GT2 has also functional design features such as:
a muffler and tailpipes made of titanium as standard equipment which reduces weight by approximately 50 percent
PCCB brakes that feature brake discs made of a composite carbon fiber/ceramic compound ensuring highly consistent and maximum stopping power
Porsche Active Suspension Management system
19-inch alloy wheels filled with 235/35 ZR 19 front sport tires and 325/30 ZR 19 rear sport tires.
The new Porsche 911 GT2 is scheduled to make its North American debut in early 2008 and will have a base price of $191,700.
Friday, July 13, 2007
2007 Volvo S80 detailed
The updated flagship sedan of Volvo at a quick look seems very similar with the previous model. The redesigned Gothenburg, Sweden-built S80 presents the same broad-shouldered Swedish good looks that have characterized Volvo styling since they threw the sharp-edged box look.
Exterior:
Slightly longer wheel base
Slightly more athletic stance overall but still not aggressive
“Shimmer Gold Metallic” exterior body paint
Steeply raked windshield and flowing lines
Rearward slopping roofline
14.9 cu.-ft. trunk
Standard 17-inch tires with 15-spoke alloy wheels
Stronghold of safety technology:
Crash avoidance system
Industry-first blind spot indicator that flashes noticeably but unobtrusively on the rearview mirrors when a vehicle is in a blind spot on either side of the car.
Heartbeat sensor that senses the heartbeat of any villainous hiding in your car
All the air bags
Structural enhancements
Sophisticated restraints and chassis controls
Under the hood:
Traditional in-line engine but the new one is just a few millimeters longer than the in-line five it replaced
New 3.2-liter I6 that makes 235 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque
Dual overhead cams
Variable valve timing
Variable intake system
Cam profile switching
Performance:
0-60-mph takes about 8 seconds
Shift logic and a winter mode on the transmission
Efficiency:
19-mpg city and 28-mpg highway, California’s ultra-low emissions rating
Handling:
Smooth, quiet and luxurious as most mid-luxury sedans on the market
Independent strut front suspension with anti-dive geometry
Anti-roll bar
Fully independent rear multi-link setup
Interior:
Soft colors, smooth lines and simple controls
Two surfaces swooping organically across the dash with just the gauges inset
Stylized human shape with three sections on the center stack
Door on the dual cup holder
Leather seats
Standard audio equipment:
In-dash 6-CD changer
AM/FM stereo radio
Active sound control
Scan
Autostore
4X40-watt amplifier
8 speakers
Auxiliary input for MP3 and WMA players
Volume and mode controls on the steering wheel along with cruise control functions
At a base price of $38,705 for the S80 3.2 (six-cylinder), package includes all those amazing stuffs mentioned above and a few others like power glass sunroof, wood inlays inside, 8-way power seats with memory and lumbar supports for both fronts and dual-zone climate controls, keyless entry, and heated outside mirrors
Warranty coverage is at 48-month/50,000-mile plan.
As a mid-luxury car that is competing with the 5-Series Bimmer, Audi A6, E-Class Mercedes and lots of Japanese entrants in this race, the Volvo S80, in fairness, is good.
Exterior:
Slightly longer wheel base
Slightly more athletic stance overall but still not aggressive
“Shimmer Gold Metallic” exterior body paint
Steeply raked windshield and flowing lines
Rearward slopping roofline
14.9 cu.-ft. trunk
Standard 17-inch tires with 15-spoke alloy wheels
Stronghold of safety technology:
Crash avoidance system
Industry-first blind spot indicator that flashes noticeably but unobtrusively on the rearview mirrors when a vehicle is in a blind spot on either side of the car.
Heartbeat sensor that senses the heartbeat of any villainous hiding in your car
All the air bags
Structural enhancements
Sophisticated restraints and chassis controls
Under the hood:
Traditional in-line engine but the new one is just a few millimeters longer than the in-line five it replaced
New 3.2-liter I6 that makes 235 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque
Dual overhead cams
Variable valve timing
Variable intake system
Cam profile switching
Performance:
0-60-mph takes about 8 seconds
Shift logic and a winter mode on the transmission
Efficiency:
19-mpg city and 28-mpg highway, California’s ultra-low emissions rating
Handling:
Smooth, quiet and luxurious as most mid-luxury sedans on the market
Independent strut front suspension with anti-dive geometry
Anti-roll bar
Fully independent rear multi-link setup
Interior:
Soft colors, smooth lines and simple controls
Two surfaces swooping organically across the dash with just the gauges inset
Stylized human shape with three sections on the center stack
Door on the dual cup holder
Leather seats
Standard audio equipment:
In-dash 6-CD changer
AM/FM stereo radio
Active sound control
Scan
Autostore
4X40-watt amplifier
8 speakers
Auxiliary input for MP3 and WMA players
Volume and mode controls on the steering wheel along with cruise control functions
At a base price of $38,705 for the S80 3.2 (six-cylinder), package includes all those amazing stuffs mentioned above and a few others like power glass sunroof, wood inlays inside, 8-way power seats with memory and lumbar supports for both fronts and dual-zone climate controls, keyless entry, and heated outside mirrors
Warranty coverage is at 48-month/50,000-mile plan.
As a mid-luxury car that is competing with the 5-Series Bimmer, Audi A6, E-Class Mercedes and lots of Japanese entrants in this race, the Volvo S80, in fairness, is good.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Cadillac BLS Wagon Headed to Europe
The much awaited world premiere of the Cadillac BLS Wagon will take place at the IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany this coming September. But I think General Motors' Cadillac luxury division is very excited and released the details of the vehicle ahead of the show. Well, we cant blame them for that.
Anyway, according to Cadillac, the BLS Wagon is scheduled to roll out in dealer showrooms across the European continent in November, shortly after its debut in Frankfurt. The BLS Wagon comes in 4 model trim levels for the customers to choose from. These include Business, Elegance, Sport and Sport Luxury. Moreover, Cadillac said it would be offering a new variant for the BLS Wagon that is capable in running with bio-ethanol fuel.
Check out what Cadillac has in store for out fellow European car freaks! I hope GM will also launch the BLS Wagon here in the US.
Highlights of the Cadillac BLS Wagon include.
Powertrain
- 1.9-liter four-cylinder two stage turbo-diesel engine with common-rail direct-injection and pumps out 180 hp and 400 Nm amount of peak torque. This engine will be combined to a six-speed manual transmission, or to a five- or six-speed automatic gearbox.
- two other petrol engines including the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, and the 2.8-liter V6 unit capable of producing 255 hp with a twin-scroll turbocharger and variable phasing of the intake camshafts
Other features:
- Cadillac hallmark V-shaped chrome-plated grille
- Vertical tail lamps with the latest LED technology and rear bumper
- Three-spoke leather steering wheel and an analog clock in the center stack
- High-quality audio units from American sound specialist Bose
- DVD navigation system with touch-screen operation
- Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone system with a hands-free kit and remote controls on the steering wheel
- Comfort and driving dynamics
- Chassis developed to provide both the agility and comfort
The Cadillac BLS Wagon Business adds:
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Cadillac’s StabiliTrak electronic stability program engine immobilizer
- front, side and head curtain airbags
- three-spoke leather steering wheel with control buttons
- seven-speaker audio system with CD player
- “Piano Black” interior decor trim.
Cadillac BLS Wagon Elegance adds:
- wipers with rain sensors
- eight-way power seats
- dual-zone climate control
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Red walnut wood veneer trim
Cadillac BLS Sport adds
- 18-inch wheels
- lowered sports suspension for the front MacPherson struts
- aluminum interior trim and the circular instruments with white numerals
Cadillac BLS Sport Luxury adds
- Bi-Xenon headlamps
- heated and electrically adjustable leather seats with memory function and wood trim
Meanwhile, Cadillac General Manager Jim Taylor commented:
“The BLS Wagon is an appealing addition to the Cadillac portfolio for customers seeking dramatically designed luxury vehicles that offer versatility and performance along with outstanding ride and handling characteristics. We think it will do well in many European markets where consumers desire a high degree of versatility and functionality in their vehicles.”
Anyway, according to Cadillac, the BLS Wagon is scheduled to roll out in dealer showrooms across the European continent in November, shortly after its debut in Frankfurt. The BLS Wagon comes in 4 model trim levels for the customers to choose from. These include Business, Elegance, Sport and Sport Luxury. Moreover, Cadillac said it would be offering a new variant for the BLS Wagon that is capable in running with bio-ethanol fuel.
Check out what Cadillac has in store for out fellow European car freaks! I hope GM will also launch the BLS Wagon here in the US.
Highlights of the Cadillac BLS Wagon include.
Powertrain
- 1.9-liter four-cylinder two stage turbo-diesel engine with common-rail direct-injection and pumps out 180 hp and 400 Nm amount of peak torque. This engine will be combined to a six-speed manual transmission, or to a five- or six-speed automatic gearbox.
- two other petrol engines including the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, and the 2.8-liter V6 unit capable of producing 255 hp with a twin-scroll turbocharger and variable phasing of the intake camshafts
Other features:
- Cadillac hallmark V-shaped chrome-plated grille
- Vertical tail lamps with the latest LED technology and rear bumper
- Three-spoke leather steering wheel and an analog clock in the center stack
- High-quality audio units from American sound specialist Bose
- DVD navigation system with touch-screen operation
- Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone system with a hands-free kit and remote controls on the steering wheel
- Comfort and driving dynamics
- Chassis developed to provide both the agility and comfort
The Cadillac BLS Wagon Business adds:
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Cadillac’s StabiliTrak electronic stability program engine immobilizer
- front, side and head curtain airbags
- three-spoke leather steering wheel with control buttons
- seven-speaker audio system with CD player
- “Piano Black” interior decor trim.
Cadillac BLS Wagon Elegance adds:
- wipers with rain sensors
- eight-way power seats
- dual-zone climate control
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Red walnut wood veneer trim
Cadillac BLS Sport adds
- 18-inch wheels
- lowered sports suspension for the front MacPherson struts
- aluminum interior trim and the circular instruments with white numerals
Cadillac BLS Sport Luxury adds
- Bi-Xenon headlamps
- heated and electrically adjustable leather seats with memory function and wood trim
Meanwhile, Cadillac General Manager Jim Taylor commented:
“The BLS Wagon is an appealing addition to the Cadillac portfolio for customers seeking dramatically designed luxury vehicles that offer versatility and performance along with outstanding ride and handling characteristics. We think it will do well in many European markets where consumers desire a high degree of versatility and functionality in their vehicles.”
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Drive Defensively this Summer
The summer season is the time where city streets and highways are congested with vehicles heading for road trips or just taking joy rides and burn some gas. This season is also the time where traffic accidents are more likely to occur, as drivers spend more time on the road during summer compared to other seasons.
So this only means that you should ensure your safety when driving, specially if you are with your family or friends to avoid endangering their lives. I think the most effective way to this is to drive defensively. Check out these defensive driving guides I got from PassingTheDMVTest.com to help you out.
Look a few blocks ahead
By looking farther ahead, you can detect and avoid dangerous situations before or as they happen, such as a car coming to an abrupt stop or a child running into traffic.
Look for a way out
Always have an exit strategy in mind. Having one can help you to react to dangerous situations quickly and safely.
Keep your distance
the rule of thumb is that you should leave a 3-second gap between you and the car in front of you. Roughly, that translates into 1 car distance for every 10 miles an hour driven.
Signal your intentions
Whether you are making a right or left turn or changing lanes, always signal where you intend to go. This alerts other drivers in advance and allows them to keep their distance, even if you don’t see them (for example, an on-coming vehicle as you are making a left turn).
Look, then back up
Among the leading cause of accidents is backing up into something or someone. Powell recommends taking a stroll around your vehicle before entering it. Doing so can help you avoid hitting objects that are in close range. Once you are in and ready to back up, check your rearview and side mirrors. Then physically turn your body to the rear and scan the surrounding area for any adults, kids or cars that are coming up behind you.
Meanwhile, Charles Powell, creator of Passing the Written DMV Test added: “Fatalities due to traffic accidents increase in the summer, because people tend to spend more time on the road."
So the next time you hit the road, just remember these tips and you won't regret it.
