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Nissan's (Nasdaq: NSANY) hydrogen-fuel-cell research vehicle, along with several fuel-cell vehicles from other manufacturers, made a stop today at Nissan's Smyrna Test Track as part of an historic two-week cross-country trip.

The 13-day, 31-city Hydrogen Tour is traveling from Portland, Maine, to Los Angeles and is designed to showcase the commercial viability of environmentally friendly fuel-cell vehicles (FCVs).

"We are excited to showcase innovations today to enable zero-emissions mobility in the future," said Bill Krueger, senior vice president, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Supply Chain Management and Total Customer Satisfaction, Nissan North America, Inc.

"Nissan is committed to being a global leader in zero-emission vehicles and has demonstrated that through our ongoing advancements in fuel-cell technology."

Today's stop, the 24th on the tour, provided invited guests an unprecedented, hands-on driving experience with the tour's fuel-cell vehicles. Guests were also able to witness the safe and easy refueling process for FCVs.

Nissan is nearing the end of the research-and-development phase on the fuel stack. Last week, Nissan announced the development of the latest generation fuel cell, which doubles the power density, costs 35% less and is 25% smaller than the previous stack.

"I commend Nissan's commitment to the environment and zero-emission vehicles," said U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon, who chairs the House Science and Technology Committee.

"Nissan is demonstrating that tomorrow's technology is here today and can help our nation become more energy independent."

The Hydrogen Tour is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of Energy, California Fuel Cell Partnership and the National Hydrogen Association.

In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing.

Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program 2010, whose key priorities are reducing CO2 emissions, cutting other emissions and increasing recycling.
+ 2010 MercedesB-Class With Fuel-Cell
+ GM Enter Fuel Cell Vehicles Market

The SUV-influenced styling, ‘command’ seating position and genuine driving enjoyment are all carried over from the standard Qashqai, but the greater length of the new seven-seater crossover is aimed squarely at families seeking practicality without sacrificing style.

Three equipment levels, two engines and front or four-wheel drive

Pricing follows logical, step-like increments and like its smaller sibling, Qashqai+2 is offered in three trim and equipment levels, Visia, Acenta and Tekna. Moving up from Visia to Acenta adds £1550, from Acenta to Tekna £1150, and each is available with either the 140 PS 2.0-litre petrol engine or the 150 PS 2.0-litre dCi diesel engine in either front-wheel drive or ALL-MODE four-wheel drive configuration. As well as the standard six-speed manual gearbox, there’s the option of a CVT gearbox on petrol 4WD models or a conventional six-speed automatic on diesel 4WD models.

Automatic transmissions are an additional £1100, while ALL-MODE 4WD and the diesel engine both carry a £1400 premium.

So, with the entry 2.0 petrol Visia 2WD model priced at £17,199, opting for 4WD takes the price to £18,599, and adding CVT, £19,699. The equivalent diesel Visia models are £18,599, £19,999 and £21,099 (automatic transmission), respectively (see full price list below).

Qashqai+2: logical next step

A 135 mm extended wheelbase and a 210 mm increase in length bring added space for larger families and the ingenious third row of seats can be used by children or for occasional use by adults. Their reclining backrests will fold completely flat without the need to remove the head restraints first, opening up the luggage space to give almost 500 litres of capacity, an increase of 90 over Qashqai.

The standard full-depth roller-blind tonneau cover can be stored beneath the boot floor when the third row seats are being used, while the underfloor storage lid can double up as a cargo divider if you need to keep fragile items separated from heavier objects.

Second row passengers enjoy increased kneeroom and the 40/20/40 split backrest slide to provide walk-in access to the third row and reclines over a range of 15 degrees. Added versatility is provided by the centre ‘20’ portion which can be folded forward to act as a large multi-function armrest, complete with two cupholders, a lidded storage box large enough to hold personal music players and a power outlet..

Standard panoramic roof

Qashqai+2 comes with a huge fixed panoramic glass roof that opens up the cabin to create a sense of airiness; if the sun becomes a little too intense, then a sunshade will glide into place at the touch of a button. Rear Seat passengers also travel incognito thanks to standard privacy glass for all windows beyond the front doors, and standard roof bars provide an added sense of exclusivity.

Despite these added features and the greater versatility of the new configuration, pricing for the Qashqai+2 represents an increase over the standard model of just £1800 for Visia grade models, £1850 for Acenta and only £1500 for Tekna.

Visia, Acenta and Tekna in detail

All models are well-equipped and as well as the panoramic roof, privacy glass and roof bars, Visia spec includes power windows with driver’s one touch operation, air conditioning, a drive computer, Bluetooth hands-free, a four speaker CD audio system, 17 inch alloy wheels, satin silver front grille and alarm. Ample storage is provided by an under Seat drawer, large glovebox and deep door pockets.

A full safety package, mirroring that of the five-star Euro NCAP rated five-seat Qashqai, includes six airbags plus front Seat active headrests and seatbelt pretensioners.

Move up to Acenta and you get a leather trimmed steering wheel and manual gear knob, a centre rear armrest and a choice of interior trim colours.

The audio system is upgraded to an in-dash six-disc autochanger, six speakers and steering wheel controls and the air con becomes dual zone and climate controlled. Automatic wipers and headlamps, cruise control and rear parking sensors complete the package.

Select the top spec Tekna and you enjoy the luxury of heated, leather seats with contrasting stitching, the convenience of the Intelligent Key, and the added safety of xenon headlamps and an auto-dimming interior mirror. At night you bathe in the warm glow of the front ‘mood’ lamp.

We're still three months out from seeing the revised 2010 Ford Mustang at the 2008 Los Angeles auto show, but enthusiasts can bide their time waiting at a new website launched for the car - and possibly even win one.

Little more than a Flash-based movie with clips highlighting the pony car's heritage, the new website - available at www.fordvehicles.com/the2010mustang - allows for enthusiasts to recount their stories involving Mustangs.

The best tale will yield one lucky fan an all-new 2010 Mustang once they're available.

The website is Ford's latest attempt to drum up interest in the new Mustang; a disguised version of the revised coupe appeared at Road America in a 'sneak peek' event.
+ 2008 Honda FCX Hydrogen in Los Angeles AutoShow
+ Ford 2008 Shelby Mustang GT500KR Full Touch

By Bob Boniface
Director of Design for Chevrolet Volt, GM
Earlier today, I spent some time discussing the development of the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle at the Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, Mich. My team has put a lot of effort into creating a beautifully designed, fun-to-drive vehicle – inside and out. The beauty of [...]

By Bob Lutz
GM Vice Chairman
Wednesday night, I watched Phil LeBeau’s hour-long special on CNBC, which was titled “Saving GM.” And I must say, I came away impressed — and not just because they got my name right (although, not quite my title — I am, after all, vice chairman of global product development, not [...]

By Jamie Hresko
GM Vice President, Quality
Type “one million miles” into a Google search and you know what comes up? Honestly, one of the first things on the list are Wisconsin residents Peter Gilbert and Frank Orsenick reaching one million miles in a 1989 Saab 900 SPG and 1991 Chevrolet Silverado, respectively. Pretty amazing [...]

Toyota’s total automotive sales dropped 11.9% in July as Americans bought fewer vehicles and $4 a gallon gas caused an even more rapid sales decline for SUV’s and pickups.

For the month Toyota said it sold 197,424 Toyota and Lexus vehicles, a decline of 26,634 compared with last July. Sales for almost every Toyota SUV and pickup declined during the month, but Toyota’s overall sales were helped by a continuation of strong demand for its two highest selling cars, Camry and Corolla.

Sales of Toyota’s largest pickup, the Tundra, dropped 42.1% in July to 13,413 while sales of the Toyota Camry increased 1.5% to 42,131 and sales of the Toyota Corolla increased 15.9% to 42,131.

Toyota has also struggled this year to produce enough small cars and Prius hybrids to keep up with customer demand. Sales of the Prius, Toyota’s best selling hybrid, declined 8% in July to 14,785.

In July, Toyota announced plans to build the Prius in the United States for the first time at its new plant in Blue Springs, Miss. where it originally planned to build the Toyota Highlander SUV.

“Having the industry’s most fuel-efficient lineup is of value to us so long as we have the right product mix in our showrooms,” Toyota Motor Sales President Jim Lentz said in a statement on Friday. “That’s why we’re accelerating production of 4-cylinder models and quickly responding to market conditions with repurposed U.S. plants and plans for a U.S.-built Prius.”

Hybrid cars are not miracle vehicles

Hybrid cars are not miracle vehicles like advertisers claim.

New federal guidelines on fuel economy will decrease the posted gas
mileage of hybrid vehicles.

Do hybrid vehicles save owners money in the long run with better gas
mileage when compared to other vehicles?

No, the additional cost of hybrid vehicles nullifies the cost savings in gas.

According to Smart Money, hybrid cars cost 25 to 35 percent more at
the dealership and save consumers little at the pump.

Smart Money declares:

Consumer Reports compared the 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid model, which
gets 36 miles per gallon and sells for roughly $21,000, with the 2003
Honda Civic EX, which gets 29 miles per gallon and sells for an
average of $18,500.

The results?

Not including the tax break (which would vary depending on one's
income), it would take you 21 1/2 years in gas savings to pay back the
extra money you initially laid out for the hybrid, says Consumer
Reports' Shenhar.

With the tax break, it would still take four years to break even.

That is right. Consumer Reports found that it would take 21 1/2 years
to break even with the Hybrid.

--
Kenny.li
http://horisly.blogspot.com

VALENCIA, Spain — Engineers follow our every step as we scope out the clean body lines of Audi's new Q5 crossover. Audi's team is ready, with an answer to any question we might ask. There's good reason for this special attention: Audi's entry into the growing luxury small-crossover segment will do battle with tough players like the BMW X3, Acura RDX and the upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLK.

Ah, but Audi may have an upper hand over these rigs. Sure, the Q5 shares the new A4's brilliant chassis, and it's powered by a sporting 3.2-liter V6, too. But neither tech spec is this player's trump card. To us, this Audi might be the only truly handsome vehicle in the class. And if image-conscious luxury buyers agree, we just might have a new pack leader. —James Tate

The Specs
One could think of the Q5 as an A4 Avant that can wade through 20 inches of standing water and scramble across a mildly muddy two-track trail. The standard Quattro all-wheel-drive system has the same 40:60, rear-drive biased torque distribution, and the Q5 packs the same sweet 265 hp 3.2-liter V6 with 243 lb.-ft. of torque.

The engine is paired with a ZF six-speed automatic, and Audi estimates the combination will net 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. If we're honest, that is a bit disappointing, especially when compared to the powertrains they'll offer in the homeland. German Q5s can be had with three of Audi's most impressive engines—the four-cylinder gasoline 2.0 TFSI, and two diesels: a thrifty 2.0 TDI or the powerhouse 3.0 TDI V6, which belts out 407 lb.-ft. of torque. Oh yes, they all get better mileage than our V6.

The Q5 cabin is nearly identical to the A4's, which is no bad thing. It is all quite intuitively designed, right to the flip-down rear seats, which are easily actuated from the cargo area. Only leather will be offered, and upscale niceties like a climate-controlled cup holder and ventilated front seats can be optioned. Audi's MMI (Muti-Media Interface) is much improved too, with small pop-up windows sliding onto the screen to note temperature or seat heat adjustments. The navigation system now shows details on buildings, and can be viewed in "bird's eye" format—quite chic, indeed. But we'd still like to have touchscreen controls.

The optional Audi Drive Select offers three preset modes that affect the steering response, shock stiffness, throttle response and transmission shift points. These can also be set to your liking on cars equipped with navigation. Opting for Drive Select means you'll get dynamic steering, which works with the ESP to make minute adjustments to keep the shiny side up.
Pricing hasn't been announced, but we know that the Q5 will be offered with two optional packages.

The first will include bi-Xenon headlights and a power tailgate, and the second will offer Audi advanced key, Audi side assist, and a 14-speaker, 504-watt Bang & Olufsen stereo. There are numerous stand-alone options, like a panoramic sunroof, Audi drive select, adaptive cruise control, 20-in. S-Line wheels, and, for the discerning buyer, chrome dubs.

The Drive
The V6 offers brisk acceleration. But we were flat-out infatuated with the 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder engine offered in the rest of the world. It feels just as quick, and it's not as thirsty at the pump.

The dynamic steering system gives the Q5 responses like nothing in the segment. If it weren't for the high seating position, the Q5 might have you convinced you were driving an A4.

Pushing the Q5 too hard in corners generates understeer, but we were surprised at the effectiveness of the ESP. The Q5's stability system will happily use the brakes to rotate the chassis nicely if it senses imminent disaster. Under just about any circumstance, the drive is confidence-inspiring and quite a lot of fun.

On the tech watch, Audi's side assist "sees" cars in the blind spot and triggers yellow LEDs mounted on the mirrors. The system works flawlessly, but we had to train ourselves to look for the dim yellow LEDs in bright sunlight. And frankly, if you're going to look that hard, you may as well just check your blind spot.

The Bottom Line
The Q5 does an incredible job balancing luxury with a genuinely sporting character.

It's more than a strong competitor, but we'll have a truer sense of value when pricing is announced. Audi hints that a new engine will join the lineup for 2010 models. If you want our guess, that engine will be the 3.0-liter TDI that will soon appear in the Q7. And the Q5 is the small, luxury crossover we'd pick.

@ Related Contents:
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Test Drive: 2007 Ford Mondeo
Test Drive: 2009 Nissan Murano
Test Drive: 2009 Audi TT
Test Drive: 2008 Audi TT 2.0 Diesel
Test Drive: Lotus Evora 2008

Lotus has a long-standing relationship with Polyphony, the game’s developer with Lotus cars appearing in each release of the Bafta award-winning Gran Turismo series.

Now, thanks to the new title’s unprecedented realism (enabled by the ultra-powerful PLAYSTATION®3 system), Gran Turismo drivers will find their virtual ride in the new Lotus Evora to be startlingly similar to the real thing giving Lotus fans a taster of what to expect before the Evora is available to test-drive for real in Spring 2009.

Polyphony’s digital model of the Lotus Evora was unveiled simultaneously with the car at the British International Motorshow in London last week and fans can try their hand at the game via a demo pod situated on the Lotus stand for the duration of the show.

Mike Kimberley, Group Lotus CEO remarked, “We are delighted to join forces with Sony Computer Entertainment and Polyphony once again on such a special occasion for Lotus.

The Launch of the Lotus Evora is a milestone for us and represents a new and exciting phase of our development. I’d like to thank the Gran Turismo team fororganising this outstanding addition to our exhibit at the British International Motorshow and hope guests enjoy the first ride in our Evora, albeit a virtual one.”

Guests to the Lotus stand at London’s Excel exhibition center will be able to navigate an Evora on the new London city circuit which was recently introduced to the GT series with the release of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue.

The London city circuit takes in some of the city’s most popular landmarks including Piccadilly Circus, Shaftesbury Avenue, Charing Cross, the National Portrait Gallery and Trafalgar Square.
@ Related Contents:
Test Drive: 2008 Mitsubishi Evo X
Test Drive: Saab 9-3 Aero wagon
Test Drive: 2007 Ford Mondeo
Test Drive: 2009 Nissan Murano
Test Drive: 2009 Audi TT
Test Drive: 2008 Audi TT 2.0 Diesel