Mercedes Benz ML320 BlueTEC

With Bluetec diesel variants of its available luxury SUVs, Mercedes-Benz said that diesels are now ambient as clean as gasoline engines, while providing great couple Americans like, with greater fuel economy than SUVs comparable gasoline-fueled. Having taken the latest Bluetec 320 ml, GL and R models,

All models share the combination of diesel and automatic seven-speed of 3.0 liters. For ‘09, AdBlue - an aqueous solution of urea in the 28 aboard - the tank of 32 liters - is injected into the exhaust treaty, which operates through a converter, reducing nitrogen proteolyses nitrogen and water harmless. The reservoir is completed AdBlue level as part of routine maintenance. Mercedes is the first manufacturer to save diesel SUVs from 50 states.

The only diesel indices are discrete insignia on Bluetec shocks front and rear doors. When you push the button ML320’s, there’s no thrill, vibration or rattling. The engineers have paid particular attention to the fight against noise high-pressure injection system and the isolation of the vibration with the body and the rotation of the engine mount.

These vehicles are great couple, possession 398 pound-feet between 1600 and 2400 rpm. The engine is rated at 210 horsepower at 3800 rpm, and with the tachometer dial marked in widely spaced increments of 200 rpm; each marker bears the great weight.

Accelerating hard rest, there’s instant, locomotive-like thrust. Flows power smoothly, quietly and without effort. The full-throttle passes, also smooth, occurs at 4000 rpm indicated.

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Summary of The 2010 Mazda Mazda3 s Grand Touring

Product summary of The Mazda 3 s Grand Touring

The good:

The 2010 Mazda Mazda3 s Grand Touring 5-door features aggressive styling, strong performance, and a solid fit and finish. High-end features such as adaptive headlamps, Bluetooth audio streaming, and keyless entry/start contribute to a more refined driver experience.

The bad:

The 4.3-inch display is much smaller than most OEM navigation offerings. Entering destinations with the steering wheel-mounted rocker switch can be tedious. Dealer-installed iPod integration seems tacked on.

The bottom line:

The 2010 Mazda Mazda3 s Grand Touring 5-door's cabin tech package is good, but not the best in the business. However, its performance and utility sit well above that of your average economy car.

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The 2010 Mazda 3

The 2010 Mazda MAZDA3 ranks 4 out of 37 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 19 published reviews and test drives of the Mazda MAZDA3, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The redesigned Mazda3's aggressively sporty performance is notable among affordable small cars, but its once-sleek exterior is now described as goofy-looking by some auto writers.

When it came time to redesign the popular Mazda3, most reviewers had the same opinion. In terms of the car's energetic engine power, solid handling and abundant sportiness -- don't mess too much with a good thing. According to our analysis, Mazda's engineers listened and delivered a 2010 model that enhances the best-loved attributes of the outgoing 3.

Still, not all of the 2010 Mazda3's new features are viewed favorably. The 3's now elongated exterior makes the sedan more aerodynamic, but most call the front grille's smiling appearance goofy-looking. In addition, the Mazda3 has more upscale amenities, including Bluetooth connectivity and heated front seats, but its optional new navigation system has a display screen that reviewers find too small to read easily.

Few affordable small cars or hatchbacks have the Mazda3's level of sportiness or fun driving experience, but reviewers say the Honda Civic compares well. Like the 3, the Civic is praised for its outstanding quality and perky performance. The Civic also has an optional navigation option -- in fact, the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System is one of the most accurate and intuitive in-dash devices in the segment.

The 2010 Mazda3 is available as a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback.

Mazda3 Performance - 9.0 (Excellent)

Reviewers find the new Mazda3 still has a strong powertrain following its redesign, and the minor enhancements made to the new model work well with the sedan's existing mechanics. AutoWeek says, "All the parts come together to make the Mazda3 better than its already good predecessor, with a direct and linear steering feel, rigid chassis and well-sorted suspension, and sufficient engine power for the car's size and weight."

Mazda3 Exterior - 5.6 (Mediocre)

While some critics are pleased with the 2010 Mazda3's smiling front fascia, most say the aerodynamically enhanced front end looks more like a smirk. According to Automobile Magazine, "From dead-on, the new 3 looks a bit silly -- like an anime gremlin wearing an I've-been-naughty grin."

Mazda3 Interior - 8.4 (Very Good)

For the interior, Mazda chose to concentrate its redesign efforts on supportive front-row seating and upscale materials and features. As a whole, reviewers say the manufacturer succeeded. The Austin American-Stateman says "the interior materials and attention to detail are a cut above, especially the padded, pebbled surface covering the dash." About.com says, "The new cabin is fantastic -- beautifully designed and built with nicer materials than the old car -- but it's the creature comforts that set the Mazda3 apart."

Mazda3 Safety - NA

The 2010 Mazda3 does well in federal government crash tests.

Mazda3 Reliability - NA

The Mazda3 has a three-year or 36,000 mile basic warranty, and transferable powertrain coverage for the first five years or 60,000 miles.

2018 Mazda3 LA Show design winner

So after finally hoping on the Facebook-bandwagon, we decided to check up on how Mallory McMorrow’s Mazda3 concept was coming along.

After shaping and molding the clay on the LA show floor for over 10 days, the 2018 Mazda3 was finally displayed. Overall, it’s cues tie in nicely with the “flow” theme crafted by Franz von Holzhausen and his team who helped McMorrow hone her design.

We think it’s a step in the right direction, particularly from an undergrad, and we’re hopeful that the 21-year old industrial design student hits the ground running once she has her degree in hand.

[Source: Facebook]

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USA Government Set to Loan Billions to Ford, Tesla, and Nissan

Ford will receive $5.9 Billion in low interest loans from the US Govt Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program (ATVMLP). The funding will go towards transforming factories in Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri and Ohio to produce 13 more fuel efficient models. Tesla ($465 million) and Nissan ($1.6 billion) were also approved to receive some of the low-interest loans.

From the DOE press release:

Ford Motor Company will receive $5.9 billion in loans through 2011 to help finance numerous engineering advances to traditional internal combustion engines and electrified vehicles. In addition, theses loans will help the company convert two truck plants to the production of cars. Ford will be raising the fuel efficiency of more than a dozen popular models, including the Focus, Escape, Taurus and F-150, representing close to two million new vehicles annually and helping to transform nearly 35,000 employees to green engineering and manufacturing jobs in factories across 5 states: Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Ohio. Ford is driving a major upgrade, leveraging a portfolio of technologies, including the direct injection, smart turbocharging EcoBoost engine, advanced transmissions, and new hybrid technologies.

The facilities that will be impacted by today’s announcement include: Chicago Assembly, Louisville Assembly, Dearborn Assembly, Dearborn Engine, Livonia Transmission, Michigan Assembly, Van Dyke Transmission, Kansas City Assembly, Cleveland Engine, Lima Engine, and Sharonville Transmission.

GM and Chrysler were told their finances have to improve before they can receive any loans from the government's program to loan billions to retool factories in order to make more fuel efficient vehicles. The program was set up by Bush before the TARP program began.

The car companies at the time wanted the loan program, but said the funds would not be available in time to help them survive. Thus, the loans that GM and Chrysler eventually took which allowed them to survive for a few months more before going into bankruptcy.

Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally released this statement on the government loan program:

"Ford Motor Company is proud to be among the first automakers deemed by the government to be among the best companies with the best technologies in American manufacturing and fuel efficiency. This green partnership between Ford and the U.S. government will help accelerate the development of advanced technologies for even better fuel efficiency and emissions. Ford is absolutely committed to fuel economy leadership with every new model we introduce. In fact, we plan to invest nearly $14 billion in advanced technology vehicles in the next seven years. Our partnership with the Department of Energy also will help retool our U.S. plants more quickly to produce fuel efficient vehicles and help meet the new, rigorous fuel-economy requirements."

Ford anticiaptes they will begin repaying the loans back in 2012

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The New 2010 Ford Fusion

Ever since the Ford Taurus died its slow, painful death, Ford has been struggling to replace it with a competitive entry in the midsize-sedan arena, with little success. For a struggling domestic automaker, the midsize sedan market can mean huge sales and a path toward recovery -- should it get the formula right. With that in mind, the Blue Oval has released details of its all-new 2010 Ford Fusion -- a car that will go head-to-head with the best in the business from Toyota, Honda, and Chevrolet.

The most immediate difference between new and old is in the styling department. A gargantuan love-it-or-hate-it three-bar chrome grille sits out front, while a more aggressive-looking lower air intake is flanked by two (much larger) foglamps. We like the sharp, angular look to the headlights that transform the Fusion away from the model's current, rather mundane appearance.

Powering the new Fusion will be a range of I-4 and V-6 engines. Expect an all-new 2.5L inline-four to provide power in the base model, cranking out 172 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque and allowing a 9.5-sec sprint from 0-to-60 mph. The engine features a new block, pistons, heads, crankshaft, connecting rods, and camshaft -- all in an effort to make more power, while reducing emissions and increasing fuel economy. According to Ford, the new I-4 will have more power than the four-cylinder Toyota Camry, while besting economy levels set by the Camry and the Honda Accord.

Next up the food chain is the midlevel Fusion with a 3.0L V-6 good for 240 hp (250 hp in E85 spec) that knocks 2.5 sec off the 0-to-60-mph run, dropping it to 7.0 sec flat. We don't have fuel-economy figures yet, but Ford is integrating an "aggressive" fuel shut-off program on deceleration.

The top-level 2010 Fusion Sport will feature a 3.5L Duratec V-6 (the same unit used in the Flex) that will curiously offer the same output as the 3.0L unit -- 240 hp. Ford did not give us details on the torque rating for that unit, but we speculate it may be considerably more than the 3.0L motor. Ford also wouldn't give us any acceleration figures on that top-level engine, but did note that all-wheel drive would be available with the 3.0L and 3.5L six-cylinder engine options.

Eliica, The Eight Wheels Car

Tokyo - four wheel vehicle is identic with a car and vehicle more than four wheel is identic with truck. but eight wheel car now also there.

Eliica is a name of the revolutionary car from japanese.

The Eliica (or the Electric Lithium-Ion Car) is a battery electric vehicle prototype, or concept car designed by a team at Keio University in Tokyo, led by Professor Hiroshi Shimizu. Eliica runs on a lithium-ion battery and can accelerate from 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in four seconds (faster than the Porsche 911 Turbo at the time). The team's goal is to exceed 400 km/h (250 mph), breaking the record set by today's street-legal gasoline-powered vehicles.

The body was tested in a wind tunnel. The front doors open forward and the rear doors open upward like wings. The car's platform contains 4 tracks of 80 batteries, which make up one third of the vehicle's cost. They currently require about 10 hours of recharging from empty to full charge, and can be easily charged off a residential power grid.

The Eliica has eight wheels enabling it to be closer to the ground for better traction. Each of the wheels has a 60 kW (80 hp) electric motor, giving a 480 kW (640 hp) eight wheel drive which can tackle all kinds of road surfaces. The four front wheels steer. The electric motors mean that the Eliica can deliver a smooth acceleration free from gear shifts of about 0.8 g. Each wheel contains a disc brake and employs a regenerative brake system to recover energy.

The motor, reduction gear, wheel bearing, and braking system are integrated in a single unit, and the suspension arm adapter is attached to the outer motor casing. Because all the wheels are driven, spin is minimized and the vehicle can be easily controlled, even under difficult road conditions.

There are currently (as of 2005) two versions of the Eliica: a Speed model and an Acceleration model. The Speed model is made to challenge gasoline-based records and has a top speed of 370 km/h (230 mph) with a range of 200 km (120 mi). The Acceleration model is made for the street and has a top speed of 190 km/h (120 mph) with a range of 320 km (200 mi). The Eliica is faster than a Porsche 911 Turbo.

The estimated cost of development was in excess of US$320,000. Once the team receives corporate sponsorship, they plan to produce at least 200 units. As of early 2007, the projected pricetag was ¥30,000,000, or about $255,000 US.

On latest news, Eliica is stills in testing and it will produced massly at japan.

with 8 tires at rightside and leftside, front and rear, eliica has another posture from other saloon cars. but don't be afraid, because with existing tires, exactly the security level increase because the speed can achieve 370km/hour, faster than formula 1 (f1) car. It's incredible, isn't it?

SPECIFICATIONS

Vehicle Type

Fully electric, 8-wheel-drive,

8-passenger, 6-door saloon car

Motors

Eight 6-phase synchronous Nd-Fe electric motors

Power (each) 74 hp

Torque (each) 74 lb.-ft.

Max Speed 12,000 rpm

Batteries

Eighty-four Li-ion batteries

Voltage (each) 3.75V

Capacity (each) 88 A•h

Weight (each) 7.7 lb.

Dimensions

Length 263.8 in.

Width 76.8 in.

Height 65.9 in.

Weight 6,578 lb.

Performance

0-TO-62 MPH: 7 sec.

Quarter-Mile: 15.3 sec.

Top Speed: 193.3 mph

Range: 186.5 mi.

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Honda FC Sport

American Honda Motor Co.. Inc. introduce the concept of sport cars of the future newest arena in the Los Angeles Auto Show 2008, California, United States. Concept car is named Honda FC Sport. A special, a car that is no longer rely on machines based on fuel oil. Instead, the Honda FC will use the hydrogen. This means that FC will be the Honda car sport zero emissions.

In the car containing the three-sport seats, the hydrogen from the fuel cell stack. Furthermore, hydrogen is used to generate electricity and stored in the battery. When the car dikebut, electric motor will get direct supply of electricity from the battery.

So that the performance of the car was really okay to dikebut, in addition to the forceful use of hydrogen, Honda designers take advantage of the body design and aerodynamics mulus. The other approach is to create and place a component of the modular power cars.

Therefore, the main component of the car with a carefully placed. The goal, the distribution of weight evenly divided on the two as wheels, front and rear. With that addition, the balance of the car steady, easily manageable, and devour spirited twist.

The position of the two passenger cars plus pengemudinya is also unique. Drivers placed in the middle, just like Formula 1 car drivers. Two passengers are almost parallel with the driver. FC has a roof or cover a transparent canopy that opened up.

Appearance is very gahar FC. Body smooth, flat postures, and body make berlekuk sharply different from the other car. The back of the car as it dipancung. Technique was used so that the radiator to cool the fuel cell can be installed with a steady.

There is also a barge board or body side panel, as in the Formula-1. In the FC, barge board is in the front wheel. With the barge board, aerodinamika grow at a car race on the high speed.

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Audi R8 with the awesome V10 engine

When the Audi R8 was first introduced in 2007, many observers argued a more powerful motor might be needed to unlock the true potential of the car. Fast-forward a few years, and a considerably more powerful R8 is a reality.

The world of the development of automotive technology will continue to race. For example, made by Audi. The Germany car manufacturer issued the latest version of the R8 series . On the new car product, the Audi R8 install with a ten-cylinder engine. Its engine is able to power up to 525 hp. Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro can reach up to 100 km / hour in 3.9 seconds. This car Figure are impressive, even to the size of supercar. While the top speed of the Audi R8 V10 can reach 316 km / hour. The fuel consumption of 13.7 liter for 100 km. Such as the V8 engine V10 5.2 FSI Audi installed longitudinally right behind the cockpit. Mechanical heart is same as used by R8 LMS, the version of GT racing car series for 3-class car consumers in Nurbugring circuit, Germany. Technically, V10 FSI engine capable of up to 525 hp 8,000 rpm lap. The result is intended to spur the size torque peak 530 Nm at 6,500 rpm. R8 V10 engine-driven position as close as to a center point of car, the weight distribution of 44 percent on the front and 56 percent on the back. Audi R8 V10 gives a touch of the chrome-plated grill and headlight LED technology. Even it has a different rear bumper diffuser. Another different is two exhaust alloy rim19-inch 10-spoke. For tires, This car use the 235/35 front tires and 295/30 at the rear tires. All feature of R8 V10 must be redeemed at EUR 142,200. Audi R8 was used in the Iron Man movie . Audi R8 will also plan at present in the Transformers movie, the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.

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Reno Footage And Pics

I posted a few pics in the blog but I have a bunch more here.

Someone got some nice footage of V-RAM over-cooking a corner on top of the course.

Honda Jazz 2009 (Honda Fit)

Though fuel prices have gone down a bit over the past few weeks, it seems “fuelish” that consumers would go back to their big SUV, gas-guzzling ways. If you need utility for five in a great, small package, you should strongly consider the 2009 Honda Fit (known as Honda Jazz).

The Fit is now in its second generation, and the 2009 model is all-new. The new Fit features a “super-forward” design that pushes the wheels out to the corners, offering a spacious interior that belies its diminutive exterior dimensions. A new larger windshield and large front quarter windows ensure a clear, unobstructed view to the front. Side and rear views are also very good - a safety feature sometimes overlooked by consumers on ten-minute test drives.

It should also be noted that despite Fit’s small size, it is a very safe platform. The introduction of Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure contributes to enhanced safety and is combined with improvements to body rigidity for crisp handling and a surprisingly quiet and comfortable ride. Expect high marks for Fit in U.S. Government and insurance industry crash testing.

With the trend downward in size, many consumers recall the days when going “small” meant sacrificing comfort and convenience. But things have always been different with Honda, as they’ve built their reputation on building subcompact and compact cars with features steps above their MSRPs. Fit continues this trend with a very high level of standard content, regardless of trim level. On base models for example, standard features include a great sounding deluxe sound system with iPod connectivity, premium finishing details inside and out (like varied materials inside and a chrome exhaust finisher and side sill moldings outside), a tilt and telescoping steering column, keyless entry, ten cupholders, myriad storage areas, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, six airbags, antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, and Fit’s “Magic Seat.” Magic Seat is built into the 60/40 split rear bench, and allows the rear seats to be folded flat into the floor with the flip of a single lever, even with the front seats in their rearmost position.

Tall drivers and passengers will enjoy Fit’s abundant headroom, though legroom is expectedly tight. Wide bodies will enjoy not rubbing arms with passengers. Even at 6’9” and 275 pounds, my test drive in the Fit through upstate New York’s hilly terrain was enjoyable and not just because of the spacious interior. Pushing the Fit’s 1.5-liter i-VTEC four cylinder was downright enjoyable. If you opt for the more expensive Fit Sport, you can choose a sweet shifting five speed manual with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The Fit accelerates smartly, and handles curvy roads like sporty cars that cost thousands more. Quiet and nimble, driving this car won’t cause any “fits” of frustration.

My only gripe about the 2009 Fit is the lack of electronic stability control on base models. It’s simply not available on that trim level. Choose the Fit Sport however, and you get stability control standard, as well as the ability to choose optional DVD based, satellite-linked navigation. The 6.5-inch, voice recognition, touch screen navi system opens to reveal PC card playback capability, further enhancing audio choices.

The 2009 Honda Fit is priced between $14,500 and $18,760 depending on trim levels, transmission choices, and whether you choose optional navigation. Purchasing this well done offering from Honda could help keep your resources in “fit” condition.