Archive for the 'Auto' Category
Saturday, November 7th, 2009
Almost 20 years ago now, Gordon Murray conceived of and designed the McLaren F1 supercar. Only 106 were ever produced and it is one of the fastest production cars in the world, reaching a speed of 391 km/h (243 mph) in 1998. What has Gordon Murray done since production of the McLaren F1 ended in 1998? Why, he’s gone all green of course, and is preparing to unleash his T.27 electric car on the world over the next few years.
Posted in Auto, Green Technology, Opinion | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009
Black box recorders, or Event Data Recorders (EDR) to give them their official title, have been fitted on aircraft for decades. They help investigators piece together what happened after an accident occurs, with the last actions of the pilot recorded for posterity. But could a similar sort of scheme work in cars? And if so, should it be compulsory to fit EDRs in every vehicle on the road?
Posted in Auto, Legal, Opinion, Technology | No Comments »
Saturday, October 3rd, 2009
For many years creative minds have dreamed about a world where vehicles can drive autonomously without human interaction. It seems like those dreams are closer to coming true as one car manufacturer has been playing around with this idea. Nissan recently demonstrated a mini robotic car that can move in groups avoiding obstacles autonomously.
Posted in Auto, Green Technology, Science and technology, Technology | No Comments »
Monday, September 7th, 2009
Google has told the European Union that a proposed deal to settle the row over its book search system will aid democracy. The firm is trying to smooth over hostilities on the continent with the governments of both France and Germany lining up against the deal.
Posted in Auto, Hacking, Legal | No Comments »
Sunday, August 30th, 2009
The issue of climate change is a complicated and controversial one. Some don’t believe it’s humanity’s fault, while some who do don’t really feel the need to do anything about it. But there are scientists, engineers, and scholars out there all the time trying to figure out ways we can help the planet cope. The latest ideas include artificial trees, algae-lined buildings, and white roofs, all designed to help slow down global warming.
Posted in Auto, Green Technology, Opinion, Science and technology | 3 Comments »
Monday, August 24th, 2009
In 2002, legislation was passed to force GM and other automakers to pay for the removal and proper disposal of mercury light switches that GM had continued using long after environmentally safer methods were developed. In 2006, the End of Life Vehicle Solutions (ELVS) program was given the responsibility by the EPA to coordinate the automaker’s efforts to collect and dispose of removed mercury switches. GM is now backing out of ELVS and refusing to pay.
Posted in Auto, Green Technology | 1 Comment »
Friday, August 21st, 2009
Electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles(PHEVs) require charging either at home or at future charging stations. Most electric companies have variable rates depending on the time of day and when electricity is most in demand. Nissan and Ford have found ways for their EVs and PHEVs to limit charging times to the lowest rates.
Posted in Auto, Green Technology | No Comments »
Thursday, August 20th, 2009
The Fisker Karma is a luxury plug-in hybrid that is due to be officially released in 2010. Currently, there are prototypes that have circulated at auto shows and most recently at the Mazda Racetrack Laguna Seca. The car is sleek, sporty, incredibly fast and powerful.
Posted in Auto, Green Technology | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, August 19th, 2009
Well, as green as an RV can go that is. Evergreen recreational vehicles (RVs) are made out of composite materials that allow the final RV to be lighter than other RVs and use less gas, and for Evergreen less gas is just the start of what the company calls its eco-friendly RV.
Posted in Auto, Green Technology | No Comments »
Tuesday, August 18th, 2009
Nissan’s electric vehicle (EV) for the masses is expected to hit Japan and North America next year. LEAF, as this car is called, has been anticipated since 2006 and Nissan has been working with cities, states and the U.S. government to make sure that its debut goes smoothly.
Posted in Auto, Green Technology | 2 Comments »
Friday, August 14th, 2009
U Car Share is a U-Haul spin off. U Car Share, unlike U-Haul, requires a membership. But once you are a member, you can use any U Car Share vehicle and pay low hourly rates. On Aug. 18 Salt Lake City, Utah, will be the newest U Car Share location.
Posted in Auto, Green Technology | 2 Comments »
Monday, August 3rd, 2009
Hybrid cars have gotten a bum rap. Fuel savings over the car’s lifetime didn’t outweigh the higher cost of the car. Well a new report by IntelliChoice has factored in not just fuel savings but maintenance and repair. When all three, fuel, maintenance and repair are factored in, hybrids come out ahead.
Posted in Auto, Green Technology | 1 Comment »
Sunday, August 2nd, 2009
Blind or visually-impaired people can achieve many things in life that the rest of us would have thought impossible generations ago. It’s entirely possible that blind or visually-impaired people can live normal fulfilling lives full of endeavors and efforts many of us without disabilities would balk at. But is driving the final frontier which is impossible to break through? Will blind drivers ever make it on to the road?
Posted in Auto, Opinion, Technology | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, July 29th, 2009
Wheego Electric Cars manufactures Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs), also known as Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs). LSVs and NEVs have a top speed of 20-25 mph and are limited to streets with 35 mph or lower speed limits. While the rest of the country may see the elimination of car dealerships as an unemployment disaster, Wheego sees them as opportunities.
Posted in Auto, Green Technology | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 29th, 2009
When you think of electric vehicles you might envision Tesla’s sports car or other electric cars. But Smith Electric Vehicles makes electric trucks, big electric trucks. If you want an electric pick-up truck, check out future Ford and GM products. If you want a large electric commercial vehicle, go to Smith Electric.
Posted in Auto, Green Technology | No Comments »
Tuesday, July 28th, 2009
Driving is an activity that most of us do, and which most of us do well. But even the best drivers still need to focus on the job in hand or risk causing an accident and possibly death and destruction. Drinking and driving is obviously frowned upon in all sensible counties, but texting while driving, which can be just as dangerous, isn’t treated as harshly.
Posted in Auto, Cell phones, Crime, Opinion, Technology | 4 Comments »
Thursday, July 16th, 2009
Indian car manufacturer Tata Motors has taken a crucial step towards offering its cheapest car in Europe. Tata’s inexpensive Nano recently passed crash tests in Europe and is hoping to eventually pass American crash tests. Tata has made no secret of its intention to market its cars not just in India but worldwide.
Posted in Auto, Green Technology | 2 Comments »