Hybrid Living

Filed under: Kia, New York Auto Show

Click the Kia Koup for a high res gallery
Kia just officially unveiled their latest concept at the New York Auto Show, the Koup. As we already showed a little earlier this morning the Koup is a front wheel drive coupe that exhibits Kia’s latest styling direction. The look isn’t hugely original, but it is clean and very nicely proportioned. Of course as is requisite on any concept car with sport pretensions, the Koup has plenty of carbon fiber trim including the mirror housings, the wheels and at strategic locations on the inside. The really important stuff remains under the hood, where the 2.0L turbocharged and direct injected engine resides. In this concept the engine is rated at 290hp, and 289lb-ft of torque. Kia PR Director Alex Fedorak said that they are working on DI and turbo engines and there is a good chance such engines will appear in upcoming Kia’s since they are a cost effective way of getting good power with lower fuel consumption.

[Source: Kia]
Click the Kia Koup for a high res gallery
Kia just officially unveiled their latest concept at the New York Auto Show, the Koup. As we already showed a little earlier this morning the Koup is a front wheel drive coupe that exhibits Kia’s latest styling direction. The look isn’t hugely original, but it is clean and very nicely proportioned. Of course as is requisite on any concept car with sport pretensions, the Koup has plenty of carbon fiber trim including the mirror housings, the wheels and at strategic locations on the inside. The really important stuff remains under the hood, where the 2.0L turbocharged and direct injected engine resides. In this concept the engine is rated at 290hp, and 289lb-ft of torque. Kia PR Director Alex Fedorak said that they are working on DI and turbo engines and there is a good chance such engines will appear in upcoming Kia’s since they are a cost effective way of getting good power with lower fuel consumption.

[Source: Kia]

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Filed under: Kia, New York Auto Show

Click the Kia Koup concept for a high-res gallery

After all the embargo breaks that typically occur during the run up to big auto shows, Kia actually managed to drop a real surprise here in New York. The Kia Koup concept that is debuting here is a front wheel drive four seat coupe. This concept is the first vehicle from Kia to use a new turbocharged direct injected four cylinder engine. The 2.0L engine is rated at 290hp and 289lb-ft of torque. The design of this car points to something that will likely be produced and GTDI engines are almost a certainty in the next couple of years. It would be no surprise to see a GTDI four cylinder replacing V-6s in applications like the next generation Sorento, Optima and Sedona. The Kia press release is after the jump.

Press Release:

KIA DEBUTS KOUP CONCEPT AT 2008 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

Design Cues, Indicative of an Emotional and Powerful Driving Experience, Reflect Brand Evolution

Distinctive “check mark” shape furthers the performance-inspired appearance
Realistic interior design makes KOUP a true driver’s car

NEW YORK, March 20, 2008 – Combining youthful exuberance with a sporty and sleek design, Kia Motors America (KMA) today globally debuted the KOUP concept at the 2008 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) during a press conference at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Illustrating the shape and evolution of future Kia vehicles, the simple yet bold and aggressive KOUP exterior is complemented by its realistic and sleek interior design. Originating from the Kia Motors America Design Center in Irvine, Calif., the KOUP concept embodies Kia’s philosophy of “Exciting and Enabling” with its balanced proportions and fluid design set to evoke an emotional driving experience.

“The Kia KOUP concept represents the future of the Kia brand and its dynamic vehicles that speak to our core philosophies,” said Tom Kearns, chief designer of KMA. “Kia strives to appeal to the emotional side of car enthusiasts who seek adventure and want to take a leap into the future with style and advanced technology, and the KOUP effectively delivers.”

First Glance
Curb appeal begins with the KOUP’s balanced proportions and fluid design. From the tab-shaped and purposeful upper grille to the high-tech and pragmatic headlamps, the front fascia’s form gives the vehicle a bold and aggressive stance.

The KOUP features an uncomplicated yet dynamic wedge shape along its sides stemming from its glowing, carbon fiber and black chrome enhanced LED lamp lenses.

While the KOUP’s overall form is simple and precise, it makes a design statement with positive tension created by a “swoosh” that swoops from the “C” pillar forward, down to the “A” pillar and flares all the way back around to the rear deck lid. A trailing horizontal lip along the deck lid tapers up toward the outer ends to meet up with the swoosh from the beltline. The rocker sill has a distinctive “check mark” shape and prominent wheel flares that give the KOUP a strong, lowered stance. The short overhangs and wide stance reflect its well-balanced and responsive character.

No element of high-style design is missing in the KOUP concept as illustrated by its greenhouse-integrated, panoramic-view glass with two panels extending from the windshield through the roof to the backlight, appearing as two parallel pieces of glass – similar to a fighter jet cockpit. Segregating the glass panels, an interior mood light runs the full length of the greenhouse. To further the performance-inspired appearance with sporty elegance, carbon fiber enhancements accent the KOUP’s chin spoiler, lamp lenses, cowl panel, side-view mirrors, rear bumper insert and rear diffuser, while flashy twin wheel spokes include carbon fiber inserts paired with an open design to show off the Brembo(R) calipers and cross-drilled rotors.

Inside the Cockpit
Conceived artfully and with graphic precision, the KOUP’s interior hones in on the desires of auto enthusiasts from the inward lean of the dashboard and Supervision instrument panel, enhancing the performance-inspired driving experience to the custom-designed, race-inspired steering wheel in front of a three-gauge instrument cluster. Carbon fiber accents on the shifter plate and seat tilt-adjust mechanism reinforce sporty performance.

Audiophiles and car enthusiasts alike will take heed of eight speakers, including large rear deck speakers matched to a juke box audio system, further harmonizing the driving experience. A built-in Bluetooth-enabled navigation system with Map On Demand (MOD) is just the beginning of the telematics services, including safe driving, car maintenance and life/assistance offerings.

The KOUP features a realistic interior design that integrates high-style materials, including rich and supple seat fabrics accentuated with concrete- and black-color trims. As a true driver’s car, the front seats contrast the rear seats with opposing colors and patterning and horizontal, padded silicone bars occupy the seat backs for extra comfort. High-tech details are integrated into the interior, including convenient smart key with push button start, and a six-speed automatic transmission with steering column-mounted paddle shifters.

Taking Flight
Powered by a commanding 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged engine producing 290 horsepower paired with a GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) twin scroll turbocharger for greater power and efficiency, the KOUP delivers astonishing torque of 289 lb-ft at a low 2,000 rpm sustained to 4,000 rpm. By injecting fuel directly into the cylinder under high pressure using the Kia GDI system, the intake charge is cooled and combustion behavior is improved. Improved combustion assures excellent fuel economy and low emissions. Lower grille openings enable additional air intake for extra power.

Built on a front-wheel-drive unibody frame, coil springs and stabilizer bars complement an independent front suspension featuring MacPherson struts and an independent dual link rear suspension to provide the optimal balance of ride comfort and engine responsiveness. An engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system adds the finishing touch for precise handling. In keeping with the KOUP’s sporty essence, Continuous Damping Control (CDC) for quick movements and sharp turns paired with a sport-tuned, four-wheel independent suspension and strut tower bar offer a tighter grip for more spirited driving.

Safety
The KOUP concept features all of the standard safety features offered in Kia’s regular production vehicle lineup including six standard airbags and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Electronic Stability Control (ESC) paired with CDC stabilizes the KOUP for maximum contact with the pavement. The large 245/40ZR19 tires complete the KOUP’s impressive package. Also included is adaptive front lighting and cruise control, adding to the KOUP’s advanced safety technology.

[Source: Kia]

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Filed under: Scion, New York Auto Show

click the Hako concept for a high-res gallery

Apparently Scion got the message from fans of the first generation xA and xB when the replacements grew larger and heavier. Today they debuted a new concept called the Hako Coupe at the New York Auto Show. The Hako was created by Toyota’s Tokyo design team with an eye on vintage American design. Frankly I think it just looks weird. Nonetheless it is smaller and it sounds like Scion is seriously considering this thing for production as a new addition to the lineup. At 145.7in the Hako is 9in shorter than the xD although Toyota didn’t give any other technical details. The interior is packed with all kinds of techno goodness such as video cameras and interfaces for ipods and other gadgets. Scion made a point of mentioning that they wanted a polarizing design that wouldn’t necessarily appeal to everyone, but those who like it would love it.

[Source: Scion]
SCION REVEALS HAKO COUPE CONCEPT
AT THE 2008 NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

NEW YORK, March 19, 2008 — Scion unveiled its Hako Coupe Concept vehicle at a press conference today at the New York International Auto Show.
Scion’s Hako Coupe was developed by Tokyo Design Division, which studied global, youth-inspired trends. Japanese and American youth cultures often influence each other and are interpreted with a unique twist. The Hako Coupe Concept was inspired by the iconic xB and the emergence of American vintage style among young Tokyo trendsetters.
“Scion’s Hako Coupe Concept embodies a distinct global perspective on today’s youth,” said Jack Hollis, Scion vice president. “This type of forward thinking complements the Scion philosophy of intently listening to our customers and being willing to take risks to help us see where our brand should be. We took the xB’s iconic boxy shape and explored something more vivacious, yet just as emotionally appealing. This concept is the sporty version of a box.”
Tokyo Design developed the Hako Coupe with classic American coupes in mind. The car’s geometric profile conveys a powerful stance in a compact and bold package. Its trapezoidal LED headlights lie parallel with a large and aggressive, rectangular upper grille. The lower rectangular grille anchors the front fascia and continues to communicate the Hako’s aggressive attitude. Round fog lights, symmetrically placed high on the front bumper, have integrated turn signals.
The Hako’s silhouette is accentuated by slim, race-car-inspired side mirrors that also feature integrated turn signals. Powerful, flared fenders add dimension and contrast to the concept’s boxy shape and smooth surface planes. The Hako concept hugs the road with custom 18-inch deep dish five-spoke wheels and tires with a “Scion” custom tread.
The Hako Coupe features a vertical windshield as the concept sits upright and ready to attack the road. A high linear beltline along with a blackened and chopped greenhouse seamlessly wrap around the rear to provide a mysterious profile. As an example of potential personalization, the concept is equipped with a
-moreSCION
HAKO 2-2-2-2
flat, panorama roof that features a random, barcode-like pattern that can be seen on the exterior and from the interior.
The rear features LED taillights that echo the shape of the headlights. To complete the package, the rear bumper has an integrated fog and back up light on the left and exhaust on the right.
Inside, the Hako is accented with orange and metallic detailing that exudes a modern environment with entertainment possibilities. The front and rear seats are covered with urethane and rubber-like upholstery for easy cleaning. The contemporary front bucket seats flow to the floor and incorporate a geometric design on the seatback. The seats are separated by a center console that features a large storage crevice for storing magazines, cell phones, and other small items. Two cockpit-like rear seats also share a storage crevice.
The orange driver’s seat has a gaming theme. Instrumentation and warning lights cascade from the art inspired instrument panel to the steering wheel. The shifter, located on the center console, resembles a large joystick. On the steering wheel is a simple button to start the engine and a track-ball type control for the Hako’s entertainment system located on the passenger dash. The entertainment system consists of two video monitor screens mounted on the dash for radio, video, and music capabilities. Users can upload their videos and music through a Bluetooth(R) connection. The front passenger controls the system using a large rollerball mounted on the center of the dash. A black seat differentiates the front passenger area.
Video monitors located on each door and on each side of the rear seating area project distorted fish-eye images from orange filtered cameras mounted beneath the A-pillars. While the vehicle is parked the driver and passenger can edit the scenes captured by the cameras to show their friends where they have been and perhaps even post the clip online for others to see.
“As you know, polarizing style fits in well with our lineup,” said Hollis. “And of course we love a good box. We’ll listen to the feedback from this concept to help us determine how our brand could evolve and grow over the next five years.”

SCION HAKO COUPE CONCEPT VEHICLE
PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
DIMENSIONS (inches)
Overall Length: 145.7
Overall Width: 68.1 without side mirrors
74.0 including side mirrors
Overall Height: 57.5
Wheelbase: 94.5
Ground clearance: 4.0
Wheels: 18-inch alloy wheels
Tire Size: 225/45 R18
Seating Capacity: 4

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Filed under: EV/Plug-in, MPG, Nissan, New York Auto Show

Click the Denki Cube for a high res gallery.

As part Nissans Green 2010 program, they announced today that they will be going for a new low next year. Sometime in 2009 Nissan will launch the next generation Cube in the US market as an entry level model below the Versa. The Cube should be be a nice replacement for who missed the style of the original Scion xB, when the bigger second gen model debuted last year. Nissan didn’t give any other details on the new car but they did have a pair of current Japanese market models on display. They also showed off one of their prototype electric cubes. The Denki Cube uses new laminated lithium ion batteries from Nissan’s joint venture with NEC. The batteries are stashed below the floor and rear seat. The Nissan press release is after the jump.

[Source: Nissan]
Click the Denki Cube for a high res gallery.

As part Nissans Green 2010 program, they announced today that they will be going for a new low next year. Sometime in 2009 Nissan will launch the next generation Cube in the US market as an entry level model below the Versa. The Cube should be be a nice replacement for who missed the style of the original Scion xB, when the bigger second gen model debuted last year. Nissan didn’t give any other details on the new car but they did have a pair of current Japanese market models on display. They also showed off one of their prototype electric cubes. The Denki Cube uses new laminated lithium ion batteries from Nissan’s joint venture with NEC. The batteries are stashed below the floor and rear seat. The Nissan press release is after the jump.

[Source: Nissan]

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Filed under: MPG, Chrysler, Dodge, China

The initial spawn of the agreement between Chrysler and Chery Motors has made its first tentative appearance. The Dodge Breeze is nothing more than a rebadged version of the Chery A1 but it has apparently turned up on a Chinese forum. The Breeze is not expected to come to the U.S. but will likely be sold in South and Central America. If and when a Chery-built car does make it to the American shores, it will likely be an all-new design developed with Chrysler engineering input.

[Source: CarScoop]

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Filed under: Diesel, Acura, New York Auto Show

Click the TSX for a high-res gallery

Acura took the wraps of the all-new TSX today at the New York Auto Show, although we already saw it with Honda badges at the Geneva Auto Show a couple of weeks ago. The TSX will almost certainly be the first Acura model to get Honda’s new 2.2L diesel four cylinder next year. Unfortunately, Acura decided not to officially announce it here in New York, although it was shown in Geneva. For launch, the TSX gets an updated 2.4L gasoline four cylinder with 201 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is rated at 21/30/24mpg city/highway/combined with the 5-speed automatic. The TSX is also available with a 6-speed manual transmission. The new model is also about 2.4 inches longer providing more room inside. The Nav system that is part of the technology package now features automatic traffic re-routing based on data from the Acura-Link telematics system.

[Source: Acura]
Click the TSX for a high-res gallery

Acura took the wraps of the all-new TSX today at the New York Auto Show, although we already saw it with Honda badges at the Geneva Auto Show a couple of weeks ago. The TSX will almost certainly be the first Acura model to get Honda’s new 2.2L diesel four cylinder next year. Unfortunately, Acura decided not to officially announce it here in New York, although it was shown in Geneva. For launch, the TSX gets an updated 2.4L gasoline four cylinder with 201 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is rated at 21/30/24mpg city/highway/combined with the 5-speed automatic. The TSX is also available with a 6-speed manual transmission. The new model is also about 2.4 inches longer providing more room inside. The Nav system that is part of the technology package now features automatic traffic re-routing based on data from the Acura-Link telematics system.

[Source: Acura]

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Filed under: Diesel, Nissan, New York Auto Show

Click the new Maxima for a high-res gallery of 60+ photos

Almost a year ago, Nissan announced that they would introduce their first U.S.-market diesel engines in 2010 in the Nissan Maxima. While we still have a while to wait for the new fifty-state legal diesel V-6 to turn up, the car that will carry it is debuting this week in New York. The 2009 Maxima is the first new production Nissan to carry the design language that debuted on the Nissan Forum concept at the Detroit Auto Show.

The bodywork of the new Maxima has a look that Nissan describes as “liquid motion.” The look is livelier than the current model, which has something of a slab sided, sharp edged style. The hood has a wave-like appearance with a trough on either side of the center bulge while the fenders are more prominent than the old car. For its launch this summer the Maxima will be available with Nissan’s 3.5L gasoline V-6 paired up with the Xtronic continuously variable transmission driving the front wheels. The new diesel is a 3.0L V-6 being jointly developed by Renault and Nissan that will be fully Tier 2 Bin 5 compliant. After it debuts in the Maxima, it will almost certainly be added to other Nissan models and a higher-performance version will go into Infinitis.

[Source: Nissan]

Press Release:

At a Glance: 2009 Nissan Maxima

The 2009 Nissan Maxima, which makes its world debut at the 2008 New York International Auto Show, marks the seventh generation of Nissan’s flagship sedan. Designed as a commanding four-door sports car, Maxima is unique in both appearance and driving feel, with renewed relevance for today’s active and ambitious sedan buyers. The all-new 2009 Maxima will be offered as two well-equipped models, Maxima 3.5 S and Maxima 3.5 SV, and is scheduled to arrive at Nissan dealers nationwide in early summer 2008.

High targets were established for the development of the new Maxima, including the goal of creating “the best performing front engine, front-wheel drive car in the world,” along with the goals of class-leading acceleration, braking, handling, craftsmanship and cockpit design.

The breakthrough exterior design of the new Maxima imparts a feeling of “liquid motion,” which combines an aggressive stance and powerful fender design – not unlike many exotic sports cars on the market today. Maxima’s new stance comes, in part, from a slight reduction in wheelbase and overall length, along with a wider front and rear track.

The new Maxima’s interior design team developed an interior concept of “Super Cockpit” – imparting the feeling of sports car with controls ergonomically close, yet with ample roominess and comfort for both driver and passengers. The interior includes a special driver’s sport seat, available leather-appointed seating, offset shifter lever that is closer to the driver, “Daylight Illumination” gauges and a wide range of available technology, including a premium audio system, RearView Monitor and Nissan Hard Drive Navigation system with XM NavTraffic real-time traffic information (active XM(R) subscription required, sold separately), Voice Recognition and 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive.

The new Maxima offers a more powerful engine, quicker acceleration response and a performance-oriented tuned exhaust note. The 2009 Maxima again features a standard award-winning 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve VQ-series V6 engine, enhanced and refined to take driving performance to new levels. The revised engine is now rated at 290 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque (estimated), increases of 35 horsepower and 9 lb-ft of torque over the 2008 Maxima engine. All 2009 Maximas come equipped with a revised standard Xtronic CVT[TM] with manual mode, tuned specifically for Maxima’s sporty driving character, and available paddle shifters. A new “Ds mode” (drive sport) is added to the CVT for 2009.

Highlights of the 2009 Nissan Maxima include:

Body
o. “Liquid Motion” exterior design theme, embodying the flow of its powerful and beautiful surface, like the undulation of a wave
o. Aggressive, powerful form and commanding stance
o. Nissan GT-R-influenced front end, with large wraparound L-shaped headlights with “turbine” light surrounds, wide grille, large bumper opening and “catamaran-style” hood
o. Deeply sculpted body/fender treatment similar to that of exotic sports cars

o. Distinctive “Maxima-style” C-pillars and high trunk lid
o. 1.9-inch shorter wheelbase, 1.5-inches wider, 1.4-inch/1.2-inch wider front and rear track than previous generation Maxima
o. Available Dual Panel Moonroof with wide opening front panel, fixed translucent rear panel with front and rear power retractable sunshades, providing the appearance of a full black glass roof; available power rear sliding sunshade
o. Auto on/off halogen headlights, available High Intensity Discharge (HID) Xenon headlights, available fog lights
o. New 12-LED L-shaped “stepped” taillights
o. Manual folding outside mirrors; power outside mirrors with available reverse tilt-down feature, available turn signal indicators, available heated outside mirrors, available auto-dimming feature (driver’s side)
o. Available rear spoiler
o. Dual exhaust with chrome finishers
o. UV reducing solar glass
o. 0.33 coefficient of drag
o. Eight exterior colors: Super Black, Sterling Blue, Tuscan Sun, Winter Frost, Radiant Silver, Mystic Jade, Precision Gray and Dark Slate

Engine and Driveline
o. Front engine/front-wheel drive
o. New Nissan “D platform” with enhanced body rigidity for responsive handling with virtually no torque steer
o. 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 with improved air intake, combustion and exhaust efficiency, producing 290 horsepower and 261 lb-ft torque (estimated)
o. Engine features include electronic throttle, silent timing chain, microfinished camshaft and crankshaft surfaces, molybdenum coated pistons, resin intake collector, digital knock control system, cross flow coolant pattern and high capacity muffler
o. New standard quad E-VTC (addition of exhaust-side continuous valve timing control)
o. Platinum-tipped spark plugs with 100,000-mile maintenance intervals
o. New 6-point engine mounting system
o. Revised standard Xtronic CVT[TM] (Continuously Variable Transmission) with standard Ds and manual modes
o. Available paddle shifters
o. 20-gallon fuel tank capacity for extended driving range

Suspension, Steering and Braking
o. Independent subframe-mounted strut/coil spring front suspension with extensive use of lightweight aluminum parts
o. X-type upper cowl structure helps establish front body rigidity for suspension mounting
o. Independent multi-link double wishbone rear suspension
o. Rear shock absorbers and springs separated for minimized friction; shocks are in line with the center of the rear wheels, providing excellent damping and minimal harshness
o. Front and rear stabilizer bars
o. 4-wheel power-assisted vented disc brakes, standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA)
o. New vented rear disc brakes with larger rear rotors (versus the previous generation Maxima), variable ratio linkage, increased brake pedal stroke rigidity and smoothness
o. New Twin Orifice Power Steering (TOPS) vehicle-speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering system
o. 10-spoke, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P245/45R18 all-season tires
o. Available split-5-spoke, 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P245/40R19 tires; available 19-inch high-performance summer tires

Interior Features
o. Warm, inviting “Super Cockpit” interior with flagship craftsmanship
o. Tailored, refined interior styling, use of premium materials including available metallic-link trim and Eucalyptus wood-tone trim
o. Five-passenger seating with luxury cloth or leather-appointed seats with available sport stitching
o. Premium leather-appointed seats available with Premium and Sport Packages
o. Sporty driver’s seat with available manual thigh extension and climate control (heating and cooling)
o. Standard 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with manual lumbar support with available 2-driver automatic entry/exit memory feature
o. Standard 4-way power-adjustable passenger seat
o. Available heated front seats
o. New slim, sculpted design for front seatbacks, provides additional rear passenger knee room
o. Rear 60/40 split fold-down rear seat or fixed rear seat with armrest pass-through
o. Available large rear-seat fold-down armrest with HVAC and audio controls
o. New leather-wrapped steering wheel with illuminated steering wheel switches; unique “parallel” stitch pattern on Sport and Premium Package models
o. Available heated steering wheel
o. Revised shifter placement and raised center console
o. Use of soft-touch materials and padding
o. “Daytime Illumination” electroluminescent meters, with a special tilting of the tachometer so engine redline is placed at 12 o’clock
o. Chrome surrounds for the gauges, vent rings, vent knobs and audio switches
o. Power door locks, power windows with driver and passenger auto-up/down feature; rear window auto-up/down feature on Premium Package models
o. Two 12-volt power points
o. Driver and passenger door bottle holders
o. Dual overhead map lights, dual rear reading lights
o. Available 7.0-inch color monitor
o. Available RearView Monitor
o. Standard audio system with 8 speakers and AM/FM/6CD/MP3 with auxiliary audio input jack and steering wheel-mounted controls
o. Available Bose(R) premium audio system with 9 speakers, AM/FM/CD6 in-dash CD changer and RDS radio function
o. Available Interface System for iPod(R)
o. Available XM(R) Satellite Radio (active XM(R) subscription required, sold separately)
o. Available Nissan Hard Drive Navigation system with XM NavTraffic(R) with Real-Time Traffic Information (active XM(R) subscription required, sold separately), Voice Recognition, 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive, and 7.0-inch touch-screen color display
o. Dual zone air conditioning with automatic temperature control and rear vents
o. Available Bluetooth(R) Hands-free Phone System
o. Available HomeLink(R) Universal Transceiver

Safety and Security
o. Standard Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage air bags, seat belt sensors and occupant classification system
o. Front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags
o. Front-seat Active Head Restraints
o. 3-point ALR/ELR seat belts (driver’s seat ELR only) including rear center position

o. Front seat belts with adjustable upper anchors, pretensioners, and load limiters LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
o. Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones
o. Standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS)
o. Emergency inside trunk-release
o. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Models and Manufacturing
o. Offered as two well-equipped models: Maxima 3.5 S and 3.5 SV
o. Assembled by Nissan North America Manufacturing Smyrna & Decherd Tennessee Plants

[Source: Nissan]

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Filed under: Diesel, Green Daily

Some of us here at ABG are big fans of compression ignition engines due to their inherent efficiency and massive torque. Of course none of those oil-burners would be around today (or they would at least have a different name) without the work of one Rudolf Christian Karl Diesel. On this day 150 years ago, Dr. Diesel entered the world in Paris, France. The engineer and inventor developed the concept of the compression ignition engine. Over the years he worked on many different kinds of machines including steam engines using ammonia vapor.

Ultimately, he published a treatise in 1893 that eventually led to the engine that bears his name. Interestingly, Diesel originally designed his engine to run on biofuels such as peanut oil. Diesel engines initially went into industrial and heavy duty applications. The first automotive diesel application was the 1936 Mercedes-Benz 260D. Dr. Diesel died in 1913. Happy Birthday, Rudy!

[Source: Chuck Goolsbee, Wikipedia]

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Filed under: Etc., Chrysler

Chrysler may be slow to the party in introducing production hybrids and electric vehicles, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t been working on cleaner energy. The company has been cooperating with university researchers on growing biofuel feed stocks on brownfield sites, for example. They have also been growing potential biofuel crops at their Chelsea, MI proving ground as an alternative to grass. The company’s latest effort is a wind power project, also at the Chelsea track.

The first stage of the project will take place over the next year and a half at Chelsea with the construction of a 264ft tall test tower. The tower will be used to collect meteorological data that will be analyzed in conjunction with the University of Michigan, North Coast Wind and Power and Washtenaw county. Most wind power projects are built near coastal areas or large flat regions in order capture the most undisturbed winds. This project will look at the viability of wind power at higher altitudes. If the data proves favorable, Chrysler will consider construction of wind turbines on the property while the county will look at adding more capacity in the surrounding area. The Chrysler press release is after the jump.

PRESS RELEASE:

Chrysler and Washtenaw County Collaborate to Test Winds for Clean Energy Production

• Washtenaw County energy initiative to study winds’ potential for clean energy
• 6-Story (264-foot) meteorological test tower sited at Chrysler Chelsea

Proving Grounds

• 12- to 18-month test will determine future of wind energy in Western Washtenaw County
• University of Michigan atmospheric scientists lend expertise to the project

CHELSEA, Mich., March 18 /PRNewswire/ — The winds in western Washtenaw County will be tested for clean energy production over the next year, beginning with construction of a 26-story meteorological tower at Chrysler LLC’s Chelsea Proving Grounds this week.

Over the next 12-18 months, energy experts from the county, the University of Michigan and the consulting firm, North Coast Wind and Power, will monitor high-level winds at the site to determine if they are suitable for generating electricity.

A study by Washtenaw County found that the area around Chrysler’s Proving Grounds has the greatest potential for developing wind energy in the county.

“I think that today it’s incumbent on the Board of Commissioners, and really on any political body, to take the issues of environmental change and economic impact very seriously. This testing will give us the necessary information to help us look forward with ideas and hope for reducing our dependence on fossil fuels in the future,” said Board Chair Jeff Irwin.

“Chrysler is committed to reducing our impact on the environment, both through conservation and use of alternative, clean energy,” said Deborah Morrissett, Vice President — Regulatory Affairs at Chrysler. “This project is another opportunity for us to be part of a clean energy future.”

While much of the potential wind power in the State is along the coasts, state-wide wind models show that significantly high wind speeds can be expected at the elevations to be tested by the tower. However, no actual measurements have been taken to confirm the predictions of the wind models, said Joshua Long, Energy Coordinator for the County Department of Planning and Environment.

“Once we collect the necessary data, our consultants will produce an investment grade report which will detail exactly what kinds of wind installations are economically feasible based on how much wind there is at various heights,” Long said.

The study of Washtenaw County wind energy potential, along with other related documents, is available at www.ewashtenaw.org/wind .

If the study yields favorable results, Chrysler will investigate the potential to construct turbines on its Proving Grounds property. Additionally, the County would explore its options to further advance wind power in the area near the proving grounds.

“We are pleased to provide the location for the first test of wind energy potential in this region of the county,” said Jeffrey Zyburt, Director of Chrysler’s Proving Grounds.

“For us, this is really a community project, because we know there are other locations in the neighborhood that may also benefit from this study. This is an exciting project.”

Source: Chrysler LLC
http://www.chrysler.com/
http://www.ewashtenaw.org/wind

[Source: Chrysler]

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Prior to 2005, Top Gear blowhard Jeremy Clarkson was not a fan of diesel-powered cars. In fact, until July 2005 no diesel had ever turned a lap on the Top Gear test track. But then Jeremy met the BMW 535d. Although the 535d is a bit heavier than the gas version, Jezza found that it still comported itself remarkably well even on a wet track. The 535d didn’t get quite as good mileage being thrashed on the track as it did in the ABG garage but that’s to be expected. After Clarkson was done playing by himself, he took on the mighty Stig in a gas V8-powered 545i, and although the V8 beat the six-cylinder diesel, the 535d did remarkably well. Clarkson came away with a newfound respect for modern diesels. Check out the video after the jump.

[Source: eGMCarTech]

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