Car Chute

People will do the craziest things, especially the ones who are so fond of their car. But being a car owner, would you go to the extent of designing a house so that you can have your car “live in it” as well? Well for this architect, that seems to be the case. And he has covered everything, especially when it comes to taking it out of the house and making sure that none of the toxic exhaust will spread inside the home before leaving.

One guy was able to do it, Hogler Schubert. He designed his pad to accommodate his Maserati Granturismo. To make sure that no carbons are left, he even went as far as providing it with a remote-controlled ramp so that he can easily slip out the car before traveling.

You can bet that this guy spent a lot. But wait a minute, he is an architect so he can do what he pleases! What a guy!

(Source) Slashgear

Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced that consumers in need of a new vehicle will be able to choose from a total of 12 eligible Kia models (85 percent of full lineup) that qualify for up to a $4,500 rebate. Under this new buyer incentive program consumers can purchase a new, more fuel efficient Kia vehicle when they trade-in a less fuel efficient car or truck of any eligible make or model.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) guidelines indicate that consumers may earn $4,500 with the purchase of a new car with an increase of 10-plus miles per gallon (mpg) or may earn $3,500 with an increase of four-plus mpg when they trade in a car or SUV with less than 18 mpg combined. For SUVs, five-plus mpg may earn $4,500 and two-plus mpg may earn $3,500. New passenger cars purchased under the program must get a minimum combined fuel economy of 22 mpg while new light-duty trucks or SUVs must get at least 18 mpg combined fuel economy to qualify.

In accordance with the NHTSA, retailers that are enrolled in the program will process transactions using program guidelines and apply appropriate credits at the time of purchase. The following details the official government criteria for trade-in rebates:

• Trade-in vehicles have been manufactured less than 25 years before the date of trade-in
• Trade-in vehicles must have a federal combined city/highway fuel economy of 18 mpg or less
• Eligible vehicles must be in driveable condition and have been continuously insured and registered to the same owner for at least one year
• Vouchers are not necessary; dealers will apply a credit at the time of the purchase

Press

Visteon Corporation, a leading supplier of a full range of cockpit electronics products for vehicles, has developed a second-generation pulse count system for automotive heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) controls. The new system provides a significant reduction in wiring complexity and weight, achieving up to a 25 percent system cost savings (based on system control only) compared with conventional HVAC control solutions.

In Visteon’s system, the position of the actuator in the HVAC system is determined by reading pulses from the motor. The system uses Visteon’s patented climate control algorithms to control the direct current (DC) motor actuators via the power and ground wires only, eliminating the traditional feedback wire harness and position sensors.

The pulse count control system enables vehicle manufacturers to use simpler, lower cost non-feedback DC motor actuators. System reliability is improved by using fewer connections and deleting the position sensors in the HVAC actuators.

Visteon used its system expertise to develop an Application Specific Integrated Chip (ASIC) with an embedded inductor-based sense element. The microprocessor, with Visteon proprietary software, monitors and filters the current/voltage fluctuations inherent within permanent magnet DC motors to determine the position of the motor and then employs pulse counts to control the position of HVAC doors.

The accurate sensing, filtering and adjustments of the pulses provide robust overall HVAC system performance. The system is self-calibrating and monitors key operating parameters to maintain optimal performance during its life. It is compatible with a range of actuator solutions and hardware configurations for a cost-efficient solution.

Visteon’s technical centers in China and in India worked on implementing this first program application of the second generation of Visteon’s pulse count technology, which is scheduled for commercialization in mid-2010. Visteon launched its first-generation pulse count HVAC control system on the Chrysler Pacifica in 2006.

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AutoNation stores in Lithia Springs offset their Carbon Footprint. Team Honda, Team Toyota and Team Nissan of Lithia Springs, Georgia, already had an extensive recycling program in place for their used tires and oil when they decided to take the next step and offset their carbon footprint, becoming the first carbon neutral dealerships in Georgia.

“We found out that energy use was 90 percent of our carbon footprint” said the Controller of Team Honda, Toyota and Nissan, Clarence Ratcliffe. “It’s our job to make sure our dealerships run efficiently. Saving energy and natural resources have the benefit of helping the environment. Our customers were so impressed with our waiting room recycling unit that they’ve asked us where they can buy one too. We also reduced waste by giving each employee DCI Thermal Porcelain Cups, which eliminated the need for Styrofoam.”

All AutoNation dealerships, Team’s parent company, make it easy for car buyers to shop for more fuel-efficient vehicles with its E-Vehicle program. The program identifies cars and trucks that produce at least 28 miles per gallon or deliver 10 percent better fuel efficiency than average for their class. AutoNation also singles out what they call “F-vehicles” with a yellow leaf logo; these are cars and trucks that use flex-fuel technology.

“The three dealerships are taking responsibility for their carbon emissions,” said Verus Carbon Neutral’s Eric Taub, whose company measured the footprint and provided the offsets. “Seems especially appropriate when you offer hybrids that get anywhere from 35 to over 50 miles per gallon,” adds Taub. “Bottom line, they are trying to lower their electricity use but are still dependent on the grid. Until the local utilities employ more renewable energy, 50 mpg cars and offset projects help to reduce emissions.”

Team Honda, Toyota and Nissan decided to use a Georgia forestry project, managed by Valley Wood Timber, to offset their carbon footprint. The project is actively managed to sequester CO2 in a sustainable manner that protects over 60,000 acres of forest habitat. Proceeds support the Humane Society. Additionally, Team Lithia Springs also promotes Georgia Beautification license plate tags.

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High School seniors across the country have long since moved their graduation tassels from right to left. And before they start buying mini-fridges and extra-long bedsheets for their dorm rooms, prospective undergraduates need an affordable, safe and mpg-friendly ride that will leave Mom and Dad stress-free during trips to and from school.

AutoWeek editors pick their list of top cars in which to send a kid off to college. The list includes:

• 2009 Hyundai Elantra Sedan
• 2009 Honda Civic
• 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
• 2009 Ford Escape
• 2010 Toyota Prius Hybrid
• 2010 Kia Soul
• 2009 Dodge Caliber SE
• 2009 Ford Focus
• 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Sedan
• Used cars will do the trick

Press

Fairtheworld today commented on the new GM’s decision to join with eBay. The newly restructured GM had several moves: the old GM model is being scrapped, while the new GM will take environmentally-friendly small cars as its core research focus. As for sales, GM will now experiment with new operational models which will enable customers to purchase cars and services more conveniently.

The new GM is reported to be in talks with eBay, in the hope of building online auto sales channels through the eBay portal. If struck, the deal will allow customers to buy cars online, purchasing and auctioning them like they do on any other goods. This will fundamentally change the existing auto sales model, and may become a future direction.

Fairtheworld.com has already recently put forward the “online 4S store” concept. The revolutionary “Fair N Fair” 3D Virtual Expo platform, developed by Fairtheworld, will provide complete online sales solutions for auto companies. 3D virtual reality technology allows for a 360-degree, full view display of cars in “Fair N Fair”, greatly enhancing the experience of visitors and buyers.

The newly-emerged e-commerce platform “Fair N Fair”, with its vividness and industrial clustering feature, will help auto companies achieve functions such as purchasing and supplying, bidding and inviting tenders, and recruitment, as well as building and expanding sales networks.

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Toyota Motor Europe today announced plans to manufacture full hybrid Auris, at its UK-based facility in Burnaston, Derbyshire. Production of Toyota’s first European-built full hybrid will kick-off at Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd (TMUK) in mid-2010. Engines will be produced at TMUK’s facility in Deeside, North Wales. The announcement, which coincided with a site visit by UK First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Business, Innovation & Skills Rt. Hon. Lord Mandelson, underlines Toyota’s commitment to expand its offering of low-emission hybrid vehicles to customers in Europe.

‘With today’s announcement, Toyota has taken a significant step forward in ensuring that full hybrids become more accessible to a wider range of customers. Such efforts are crucial if we are to see more low-carbon vehicles on European roads,’ said Tadashi Arashima, CEO and President, TME.

‘Our decision to produce a full hybrid in the UK reflects both our confidence in the quality and commitment of the TMUK workforce and the strength of our long-standing partnership with the UK Government. Today’s announcement is positive for Toyota, our UK suppliers and the local communities here,’ he added.

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said: ‘This is a welcome and forward-looking investment in Britain from a world class manufacturer. As part of our low carbon industrial strategy we set out to make Britain the best place in the world to develop low carbon vehicles. These commitments, backed by the formidable skills of the UK automotive workers enable companies like Toyota to invest with confidence in low carbon car production in the UK. It demonstrates that the UK’s car industry is already making the low carbon transition.’

The Toyota Auris hit the European market place in spring 2007. Since then, it has sold over 370,000 vehicles. Under the new Toyota Optimal Drive technology, Auris now comes equipped with a 1.33-litre dual VVT-i engine and Toyota’s Start&Stop technology, reducing CO2 emissions by 17% (135 g/km) and improving fuel consumption by 19% (48.7 mpg combined cycle).

TMUK started production in 1992 as Toyota’s first manufacturing company in Europe and today employs around 4,100 workers. The plant has produced over 2.5 million vehicles to-date, including the Carina E, Corolla, Avensis and Auris, for sale in Europe and export overseas. TMUK represents a total investment of over £1.85 billion and is one of nine Toyota manufacturing companies in Greater Europe.

At the upcoming 36th Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races, held at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca on August 14-16, the sound of the initial stirrings of over 450 race cars will be complimented by the exquisite growl of the newest, most daring and most advanced vehicle Porsche has produced to date, the 2010 Porsche Panamera gran turismo.

“This year’s Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races presents the perfect opportunity to demonstrate that Porsche’s DNA, its competitive spirit and drive for perfection, runs from the very first 356, Porsche No. 1 up through today’s all-new Panamera,” said Detlev von Platen, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America.

“We at Porsche are deeply honored to have been named the ‘featured marque’ on this, the 61st anniversary of the very first Porsche and the North American debut of the Panamera, the very latest Porsche,” added von Platen.

In addition to the 145 Porsche racers already entered by their owners, or one-third of the 450-plus field, Porsche will showcase the Panamera on the world-famous race track and will also provide display vehicles on site.

Along with the North American debut of the 2010 Panamera, four special cars with significant American connections will also be on site — all on loan from the new Porsche Museum in Germany:

• The 1960 Porsche Type 718 Formula 2 racing car, which gave Porsche its first Formula 2 world title and was driven in 1961 by Californian Dan Gurney, is making its North American debut.
• The 1962 Porsche Type 804 Formula 1 racer, which was the car that brought Gurney to his French Grand Prix win that year. This car has not been in North America since the 1960s.
• The 1962 Porsche Type 718 W-RS 8-cylinder Spyder, in which Gurney and Joakim Bonnier finished second at the Targa Florio in 1961, has also not been in North America for more than 40 years. In the 1960s, it was raced in the U.S. by Gurney, Bonnier and Phil Hill.
• The Porsche GT1 98LM, which helped Porsche finish 1-2 at the 1998 24-hours of Le Mans event.

Porsche-sponsored activities for the fans at Laguna will include a heritage display including former and current race cars, Porsche’s current showroom product line, and experts to answer Porsche questions. Porsche Motorsport North America, the racing arm of Porsche in the U.S., will also showcase its engine and chassis services for both professional and club/vintage racing, while the Porsche Club of America expects to have more than 400 Porsches in its club corral and will parade all its cars on the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

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Nissan North America, Inc. today announced pricing for the all-new 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster, which goes on sale in September at Nissan retailers nationwide.

The 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster is offered in four models. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices start at $36,970 USD for the 370Z Roadster 6MT and $38,270 USD for the 370Z Roadster 7AT.

Also offered are two Touring models, which add a 6CD Bose audio system, XM Satellite Radio (XM subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, aluminum-trimmed pedals and power leather-appointed heated and cooled ventilated net seats. The 370Z Touring Roadster 6MT is priced at $40,520 USD and the $370Z Touring Roadster 7AT is $41,820 USD.

“The new 370Z Roadster offers more refinement, quality, performance and sheer driving pleasure than any Z convertible that has come before – while retaining its great value positioning in the sports car segment,” said Christian Meunier, vice president, Nissan Marketing, NNA.

“Compared to the 2009 350Z Roadster, the new 370Z Roadster features 26 more horsepower and cleaner emissions from an all-new standard 3.7L with VVEL technology. The Z Roadster also offers an all-new exterior design, refined interior, all-new auto-latching convertible top design, and technology not previously available on the 350Z Roadster, including Bluetooth, XM Satellite Radio and Nissan Navigation System with XM NavTraffic Real-Time Traffic Information.”

Two option packages are offered (Touring model only): the Sport Package, with 19-inch RAYS forged wheels and Bridgestone Potenza tires, Nissan Sport Brakes, SynchroRev Match (6-speed manual transmission only) and Viscous Limited Slip Differential; and the Navigation Package, with Hard Drive-based Nissan Navigation System, 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive and USB connectivity.

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Brooklyn Audio, available at www.Brooklynaudio.com, is a new line of high quality, low-cost mobile electronics, consisting of amplifiers, LCD monitors, and subwoofers.

Manndia Distributors has discovered a way to provide East Coast audio dealers with these products at a substantially lower price than their competition, which allows the dealers to pass on the savings to their customers, and also to improve their profit margins.

The vast majority of mobile electronics wholesale vendors are from the West Coast, and when they sell to the East Coast, the shipping costs force them to mark up prices, explains Victor Elmann, owner of Manddia Distributors.

“Because I am located in the East Coast I can sell better quality goods for cheaper prices than all of my competition,” according to Elmann.

The audiophile enthusiasts at Manndia Distributors have created an earth-shattering bass amplifier, window-shattering subwoofer, and crystal clear flip-down LCD TV.

The Brooklyn Audio amplifiers will have a manufacturers suggested retail price of $100 to $200.

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