Friday, February 13, 2015
2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Durham NC 27703
CBS Mitsubishi | Durham, NC New and Used Car Dealer
2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
http://www.cbsqualitycars.com
For more information on this vehicle and our full inventory, call us at 919-794-4101
CBS Quality Cars
1331 S. Miami Blvd.
Durham NC 27703
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Alloy Wheels, Leather seats, Navigation, Power locks, Power windows...
Vehicle History Report is available for free on our website.
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Thursday, February 12, 2015
2015 Mitsubishi Mirage Durham NC X5593
Find new Mitsubishi cars for sale, and used cars for sale at CBS
Mitsubishi in Durham, NC. Also serving Raleigh, NC and Cary, NC areas.
CBS Mitsubishi | Durham, NC New and Used Car Dealer
2015 Mitsubishi Mirage
http://www.cbsqualitycars.com
For more information on this vehicle and our full inventory, call us at 919.794.4101
CBS Quality Cars
1331 S. Miami Blvd.
Durham NC 27703
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Read this!!! Great MPG: 42 MPG Hwy!! New Inventory! This respectable
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instead of sitting here unutilized on our lot... Safety equipment
includes: ABS, Traction control, Passenger Airbag, Curtain airbags,
Front fog/driving lights...Other features include: Bluetooth, Power
locks, Power windows, Climate control, Cruise control.... See dealer for
details. Discount taken from MSRP and includes all factory rebates and
incentives. Not everyone will qualify for all rebates and incentives.
Join us on Facebook.com/CBSCars
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Send Money Through Gmail Using Google Wallet
Another awesome announcement from the Google I/O Developers Conference yesterday was the ability to attach and send money via Gmail using Google Wallet.Look for this feature to be introduced to all users over the age of 18 during the next few months. This may be met with some initial skepticism from some users but this has the makings for becoming a major force in the online payment ecosystem. Security and trust will obviously be at the core of any debate. Watch this develop quickly as individuals and business explore new opportunities.
Imagine being able to take deposits for a vehicle via email. That's disruptive.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Dubai police drive 700-hp Lamborghini Aventador, because a Taurus doesn’t cut it
Dubai remains a city known for its wealth; built off the back of the oil industry, it now flourishes in tourism, real estate, and financial services. All that cash floating around evidently means one thing: lawbreakers drive highly expensive, fast cars. So, in response, the Dubai Police Department added an even faster car to its fleet – a 700-hp Lamborghini Aventador.News surfaced of the acquirement on Twitter, with tweets stating “Only in Dubai” and “Officer, please cuff me in the Aventador and throw away the keys.” Additional sports cars are set to join the fleet too, with machines being designed according to police specifications in an effort to “facilitate policing on highways.”
Here in the U.S., we now focus on fuel efficiency from our cop cars rather than brute strength; philosophies between the two countries couldn’t differ more wildly. A recent study of several Ontario, Canada based police departments found the “average police car spends two-thirds of a 10-hour shift idling.” That translates to more than six gallons of fuel wasted over two shifts each day. Imagine how much fuel the Aventador will burn. Dubai has been burning through oil quickly enough as it is.
No word on which lucky Dubai cop gets to pilot the beastly machine, nor if they require special driver training. One thing's for sure, if we introduced a 217 mph Lamborghini into the U.S. police fleets, applications to become a cop would be at an all-time high.
By Alex Lloyd | Motoramic
Monday, April 1, 2013
Some cars will read texts and e-mails or take dictation
Automakers are racing to make driving less distracting for those who want to stay.
Automakers including Chrysler, BMW and General Motors are racing to make driving less distracting for those who want to text, e-mail and even check social media behind the wheel.
"Integrating certain apps into a vehicle limits eyes off the road and will remove the temptation to hold, look and manipulate the phone," says Tom Baloga, the recently retired engineering VP at BMW.
TEXTING IN TRAFFIC: Adults worse than teens
Among automakers' text/voice initiatives:
Several Chrysler models, including the Dodge Dart, can turn text to voice or allow drivers to read messages on dashboard screens. Drivers can respond with a few select responses, such as "I'm on my way," says spokesman Eric Mayne. Some vehicles with higher end radios, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Ram 1500 pickup, can send more "free form cloud-based text messages," Mayne says.
GM announced last month that 2013 Chevrolet Sonic and Spark vehicles with the Chevrolet MyLink communications system can translate voice to text and text to voice for drivers with compatible iPhones with iOS 6. The company also plans to add 4G LTE WiFi in some 2015 models but hasn't announced what commands will be voice-enabled.
When phones are paired with BMWs, drivers can get e-mail messages on dashboard screens that are limited to three lines. Text-to-speech will read the whole e-mail back. BMW's 7-series has a dictation function that turns speech into text that can be forwarded by e-mail or text.
Audi, which uses voice recognition for "points of interest" and full street addresses, is working on voice-enabled features that will allow drivers to send or receive text messages or use social networks in the car "without having to handle a device," says Anupam Malhotra, Audi of America's manager of connected cars.
Focus group research by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers late last year found that 90% of drivers with smartphones keep them in their hand, lap, cup holder or on the passenger seat.
"So, clearly, having access is really important to them," says Alliance spokesman Wade Newton.
Nearly three quarters of respondents also said the government shouldn't ban the use of hands-free, voice activated phone systems. If the government did ban these systems, almost half of those with smartphones said they'd use their phone or GPS device instead.
"Voice operation can allow them to do it in a way that's safer than it would be to have them behind the wheel fumbling around with something they bought at an electronics store; and was never even designed to be used in a car," Newton says.
Baloga agrees: "Lack of cup holders doesn't separate drivers from their coffee. Expecting all drivers to endure smartphone withdrawal is unrealistic."
But some safety advocates warn that the new technology may not solve the problem.
The safety benefits — or detriments — of these technologies are still largely unknown, says David Strayer, a University of Utah psychology professor who has studied in-car technology and distraction for about a decade. AAA and Strayer are working on new research due in June that measures how mentally distracting in-vehicle communication use is while driving.
"We've seen there is all this functionality put into vehicles, but what we don't know is if it is an activity that is or isn't safe," says Strayer. "There hasn't really been any formal analysis of the efficacy of these kinds of technologies."
Clay Skelton, inventor of a system that won't allow a car to be started unless cell phones are in a docking station, cites a study by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute researchers that concluded the riskiest behaviors with cell phones are "texting, typing, reading, dialing and reaching for a phone." Technology such as his OrigoSafe and voice to text "takes away the dangerous visual and manual" distractions, Skelton says.
Source: USA Today
Automakers including Chrysler, BMW and General Motors are racing to make driving less distracting for those who want to text, e-mail and even check social media behind the wheel.
"Integrating certain apps into a vehicle limits eyes off the road and will remove the temptation to hold, look and manipulate the phone," says Tom Baloga, the recently retired engineering VP at BMW.
TEXTING IN TRAFFIC: Adults worse than teens
Among automakers' text/voice initiatives:
Several Chrysler models, including the Dodge Dart, can turn text to voice or allow drivers to read messages on dashboard screens. Drivers can respond with a few select responses, such as "I'm on my way," says spokesman Eric Mayne. Some vehicles with higher end radios, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Ram 1500 pickup, can send more "free form cloud-based text messages," Mayne says.
GM announced last month that 2013 Chevrolet Sonic and Spark vehicles with the Chevrolet MyLink communications system can translate voice to text and text to voice for drivers with compatible iPhones with iOS 6. The company also plans to add 4G LTE WiFi in some 2015 models but hasn't announced what commands will be voice-enabled.
When phones are paired with BMWs, drivers can get e-mail messages on dashboard screens that are limited to three lines. Text-to-speech will read the whole e-mail back. BMW's 7-series has a dictation function that turns speech into text that can be forwarded by e-mail or text.
Audi, which uses voice recognition for "points of interest" and full street addresses, is working on voice-enabled features that will allow drivers to send or receive text messages or use social networks in the car "without having to handle a device," says Anupam Malhotra, Audi of America's manager of connected cars.
Focus group research by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers late last year found that 90% of drivers with smartphones keep them in their hand, lap, cup holder or on the passenger seat.
"So, clearly, having access is really important to them," says Alliance spokesman Wade Newton.
Nearly three quarters of respondents also said the government shouldn't ban the use of hands-free, voice activated phone systems. If the government did ban these systems, almost half of those with smartphones said they'd use their phone or GPS device instead.
"Voice operation can allow them to do it in a way that's safer than it would be to have them behind the wheel fumbling around with something they bought at an electronics store; and was never even designed to be used in a car," Newton says.
Baloga agrees: "Lack of cup holders doesn't separate drivers from their coffee. Expecting all drivers to endure smartphone withdrawal is unrealistic."
But some safety advocates warn that the new technology may not solve the problem.
The safety benefits — or detriments — of these technologies are still largely unknown, says David Strayer, a University of Utah psychology professor who has studied in-car technology and distraction for about a decade. AAA and Strayer are working on new research due in June that measures how mentally distracting in-vehicle communication use is while driving.
"We've seen there is all this functionality put into vehicles, but what we don't know is if it is an activity that is or isn't safe," says Strayer. "There hasn't really been any formal analysis of the efficacy of these kinds of technologies."
Clay Skelton, inventor of a system that won't allow a car to be started unless cell phones are in a docking station, cites a study by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute researchers that concluded the riskiest behaviors with cell phones are "texting, typing, reading, dialing and reaching for a phone." Technology such as his OrigoSafe and voice to text "takes away the dangerous visual and manual" distractions, Skelton says.
Source: USA Today
Friday, March 22, 2013
Feds offer car safety app for recalls, ratings
By:
Federal regulators released a mobile app Thursday with car safety information including vehicle safety ratings, searchable recalls and complaints and help with child seat installation.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's iOS SaferCar app for iPhones and the iPod Touch will also let users file a vehicle safety complaint and subscribe to automatic notices about vehicle recalls. It also provides directions to the nearest child seat installation location.
"Timely, accurate, and accessible safety data is the lifeblood of our agency's work," said NHTSA chief David Strickland. "The new SaferCar app literally puts the latest in vehicle safety information directly in the hands of consumers so they can make the appropriate purchasing and other decisions for themselves and their families."
The announcement is the first phase for the SaferCar app, which can be downloaded from Apple's iTunes Store. The agency is still working on an Android version of the app. Earlier this year, NHTSA updated its www.SaferCar.gov website to allow consumers to quickly locate information on safety defect investigations, complaints and vehicle recalls.
The app launch coincides with the release of NHTSA's Application Programming Interface (API), which will provide software developers with better access to safety data for analysis and integration into consumer-friendly web and mobile apps.
NHTSA also plans to release an online course to teach developers how to use the APIs.
The new auto safety app can tell you about car crash test ratings and recalls.(Photo: Mark Humphrey, AP)
Federal regulators released a mobile app Thursday with car safety information including vehicle safety ratings, searchable recalls and complaints and help with child seat installation.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's iOS SaferCar app for iPhones and the iPod Touch will also let users file a vehicle safety complaint and subscribe to automatic notices about vehicle recalls. It also provides directions to the nearest child seat installation location.
"Timely, accurate, and accessible safety data is the lifeblood of our agency's work," said NHTSA chief David Strickland. "The new SaferCar app literally puts the latest in vehicle safety information directly in the hands of consumers so they can make the appropriate purchasing and other decisions for themselves and their families."
The announcement is the first phase for the SaferCar app, which can be downloaded from Apple's iTunes Store. The agency is still working on an Android version of the app. Earlier this year, NHTSA updated its www.SaferCar.gov website to allow consumers to quickly locate information on safety defect investigations, complaints and vehicle recalls.
The app launch coincides with the release of NHTSA's Application Programming Interface (API), which will provide software developers with better access to safety data for analysis and integration into consumer-friendly web and mobile apps.
NHTSA also plans to release an online course to teach developers how to use the APIs.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Volkswagen to Unveil 261 M.P.G.e. Production Car
By JERRY GARRETT
The automaker, since at least 2002, has been experimenting with the idea of a vehicle capable of using only one liter or less of fuel to travel 100 kilometers. That would be the fuel economy equivalent of about 235 m.p.g., the company said; in tests, the XL1 has managed to achieve even better numbers than the original goals.
“The 261 m.p.g. fuel consumption figure is a record that has not been achieved by any other vehicle to date,” the company announced in press materials on Thursday, “showing that Volkswagen is redefining what is technically feasible in the automotive industry.”
Concept versions of the car, called the L1, have been shown in the last decade as a tandem two-seater. With the XL1, a concept version of which appeared in 2011, the cockpit has been widened to allow driver and passenger to sit more or less side by side.
The production version, Volkswagen says, still is able to achieve a low 0.189 drag coefficient, despite its wider body. Other aerodynamic aids include fully covered rear wheels and rearview mirrors that are integrated into the door panels. It has a curb weight of 1,753 pounds. The body is made principally of plastic, with an underlying aluminum frame.
Its powertrain is comprised of an 800-cc 2-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, with an output of 47 horsepower, which works with a 27-horsepower electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. The vehicle can travel up to 31 miles on electric power. Under full power, VW says the XL1 will accelerate to 60 m.p.h. in about 12.7 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 99 m.p.h.
VW says it will hand build the XL1 at its plant in Osnabrück, Germany, where the Porsche Boxster and VW Golf convertible are also built. After an initial production run of 50 vehicles, VW says it will adjust further production plans according to demand.
VW/European Pressphoto Agency Volkswagen XL1 two-seater sports car.
Volkswagen says it plans to unveil its 261-miles-per-gallon XL1 plug-in hybrid, a two-seat sports machine that it will begin offering for sale this year, at the Geneva auto show on March 5.The automaker, since at least 2002, has been experimenting with the idea of a vehicle capable of using only one liter or less of fuel to travel 100 kilometers. That would be the fuel economy equivalent of about 235 m.p.g., the company said; in tests, the XL1 has managed to achieve even better numbers than the original goals.
“The 261 m.p.g. fuel consumption figure is a record that has not been achieved by any other vehicle to date,” the company announced in press materials on Thursday, “showing that Volkswagen is redefining what is technically feasible in the automotive industry.”
Concept versions of the car, called the L1, have been shown in the last decade as a tandem two-seater. With the XL1, a concept version of which appeared in 2011, the cockpit has been widened to allow driver and passenger to sit more or less side by side.
The production version, Volkswagen says, still is able to achieve a low 0.189 drag coefficient, despite its wider body. Other aerodynamic aids include fully covered rear wheels and rearview mirrors that are integrated into the door panels. It has a curb weight of 1,753 pounds. The body is made principally of plastic, with an underlying aluminum frame.
Its powertrain is comprised of an 800-cc 2-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, with an output of 47 horsepower, which works with a 27-horsepower electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. The vehicle can travel up to 31 miles on electric power. Under full power, VW says the XL1 will accelerate to 60 m.p.h. in about 12.7 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 99 m.p.h.
VW says it will hand build the XL1 at its plant in Osnabrück, Germany, where the Porsche Boxster and VW Golf convertible are also built. After an initial production run of 50 vehicles, VW says it will adjust further production plans according to demand.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Kelley Blue Book Ranks Top 25 Used Cars Based on Traffic to Their Information Pages at KBB.com
Posted on Auto Remarketing by Editor Joe Overby
Same as last month, the Honda Accord and Honda Civic took spots one and two, respectively, and were followed by the Toyota Camry (No. 3), Ford F-150 (No.4) and Toyota Corolla (No. 5).
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500, which was No. 8 in December, moved up to sixth this month. It switched places with the Nissan Altima. Placing seventh again was the BMW 3 Series.
These were two of the eight Ford models on the list; no other automaker had more.
Honda was represented by four vehicles, while Chevrolet and Toyota each had three. Jeep and Dodge combined for three spots.
There were two Nissan models to make the list; Volkswagen and a BMW each had one.
The complete top 25 is as follows:
- Honda Accord
- Honda Civic
- Toyota Camry
- Ford F-150
- Toyota Corolla
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- BMW 3-Series
- Nissan Altima
- Ford F-250/F-350/F-450 Super Duty
- Ford Mustang
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Jeep Wrangler
- Volkswagen Jetta
- Toyota Tacoma
- RAM 1500
- Ford Focus
- Honda CR-V
- Ford Explorer
- Ford Ranger
- Ford Escape
- Chevrolet Impala
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- Nissan Maxima
- Ford Taurus
- Honda Odyssey
Friday, January 4, 2013
China starts ticketing motorists running yellow lights
First installed in London by a railway engineer in 1868, traffic lights are used in just about every city on the planet today. In the most basic sense, drivers have learned that red means stop, green light means go and that yellow indicates that caution is due as the signal is in the process of change. Even an elementary school child understands that traffic flows through a green and yellow light, but running a red light is not only dangerous, but it is against the law.
Yet China has now rewritten the rules.
On January 1, 2013, it became illegal to drive through both red and yellow lights in the Asian country. Those cited more than once will likely lose their driving privileges. The aggressive rule follows a crackdown by Chinese authorities aimed at reducing the estimated 250,000 road traffic fatalities the country experiences each year – a figure that makes road accidents the leading cause of death among residents between the ages of 15 and 44, says the World Health Organization.
The physics behind the law are flawed, as many in China have already criticized, as it is impossible to legally stop for a light without knowing when the signal is going to change. Many argue that the new regulation will grind traffic to a halt, as drivers are scared to proceed through even green lights. Despite the controversy, China's Ministry of Public Security continues to defend its odd ruling.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Text-to-911: Harnessing Technology to Keep Americans Safer
Imagine you are witnessing a crime or facing a life-threatening situation where making a voice call to 911 could further endanger your safety. You need to reach 911 emergency responders, but an audible call could alert a would-be assailant. What can you do to summon help fast?
You reach for your cell phone and send an instant – and silent – text message to 911 responders who quickly arrive to help you and remove you from harm’s way.
This scenario will soon become a more common reality. Limited tests of text-to-911 in Iowa, North Carolina and Vermont have seen lives saved, an attempted suicide averted and domestic abuse prevented.
And, by May 15, 2014 —following actions by the Federal Communications Commission and the wireless industry this week —text-to-911 will become much more widely available to millions of Americans.
In most cases, 911 cannot be reached today by sending a text message, and text-to-911 will be a complement to, not a substitute for, voice calls to 911 services. Consumers should always make a voice call to 911 during an emergency if they can.
However, the rollout of such a service will greatly widen the accessibility of 911 for all Americans, including millions with disabilities. And today, the FCC has taken an unprecedented step toward making text-to-911 available across America.
For the first time, we are proposing specific requirements and timeframes that will add text capability to the 911 system. This marks the first major milestone in the country’s migration towards Next-Generation 911.
The actions build on months of Commission work, as well as efforts initiated by industry and the public safety community, such as the voluntary agreement approved this past week.
Under its terms, the nation’s four largest wireless carriers - AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint and T-Mobile - have agreed to accelerate the availability of text-to-911 to local 911 call centers (known as Public Safety Answering Points or PSAPs) that request service. Major deployments are expected in 2013, and the agreement includes a commitment to provide nationwide availability by May 15, 2014.
The agreement will accelerate progress and ensure that over 90 percent of the nation’s wireless consumers, including consumers with hearing or speech disabilities, will be able to access emergency services by sending a text message to 911, where local 911 call centers are also prepared to receive the texts.
To help eliminate consumer confusion while this capability is being phased-in, the carriers have committed to provide an automatic “bounce back” text message to notify consumers if their attempt to reach 911 via text message fails because the service is not available in their area.
If approved, the actions we have taken would require all wireless carriers, as well as providers of certain Internet-based text messaging applications - those that send messages to telephone numbers, but not, for example, messages within games and social media - to enable their customers to send text messages to 911 where PSAPs are prepared to receive such messages.
We will also take additional steps to address other aspects of Next Generation 911 in the coming year - such as enabling transmission of photos and videos to 911 centers - to ensure we meet the nation’s public safety needs.
For further information and updates on text-to-911, please see www.fcc.gov/text-to-911.
By Julius Genachowski
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
White House Wants Black Boxes in All Future Cars
The Detroit Bureau
The famed "black boxes" aren't actually black. But they may soon be attached to every car.
The majority of vehicles produced today already have such devices onboard and they have aided in recent investigations into such safety issues as the so-called unintended acceleration scare at Toyota. But the use of the technology has also raised some concerns with privacy advocates.
The proposal was originally expected by late 2011 but the process was delayed without explanation. Nonetheless, NHTSA has listed the use of black boxes as a “priority,” a spokesperson insisting such devices are critical to “continued improvements in vehicle safety.”
Automotive EDRs are similar, though not nearly as sophisticated, as the black boxes used in commercial airliners – and which are routinely used to provide critical information about crashes and other aircraft incidents. They are already installed in nearly 92% of today’s vehicles, according to industry officials, and also provide important information for industry engineers and, under some circumstances, law enforcement authorities.
During several investigations looking into claims that Toyota products would unexpectedly begin to accelerate without driver input, researchers used such recorders to see what actually happened, often discovering the issue was, in fact, the result of driver error, such as the application of the throttle rather than the brake.
The industry trade group, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, or AIM, has endorsed the use of black boxes – but has also warned that any new rules must consider privacy issues.
“We need to make sure we preserve privacy,” spokesperson Gloria Bergquist told the Detroit News. “Automakers do not access EDR data without consumer permission, and any government requirements to install EDRs on all vehicles must include steps to protect consumer privacy.”
One concern is that new mandates for such devices might make it easy for authorities to see if a motorist were speeding or otherwise violating the law.
Rules vary by state but in much of the country a law enforcement official – or a plaintiff in a legal case – must get court approval before a vehicle’s black box can today be accessed without the permission of the owner.
As with an airliner’s black box, the current technology records and stores only a limited amount of data – though that is considered enough to piece together a snapshot of what might have led up to a crash, such as whether the driver was applying the brakes or throttle, and if seatbelts were being used. Unlike the aerospace industry, the new regulations are not expected to require taping of conversations in a vehicle’s passenger compartment.
NHTSA already has stepped into the issue requiring that as of the start of the 2013 model-year all EDR data be commonized while simplifying access. The use of proprietary formats complicated the Toyota unintended acceleration investigations.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Holy car auction Batman! Original Batmobile for sale.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- The Batmobile used in the 1960s Batman TV series is expected to go up for auction in January, the Barrett Jackson auto auction house said Thursday.
The car could sell for millions, said Craig Jackson, chief executive of the auction firm.
But Hollywood cars don't always command such high prices. Often there are multiple versions created for different types of shots and for promotional use, making it hard to to say that one car is definitively "the car."
Unlike most TV show cars, the Batmobile really is a singular creation. While there have been many imitations, this really is the only original.
The Batmobile started life as the Ford Motor Co (F, Fortune 500).'s 1955 Lincoln Futura concept car which, itself, was based on a Lincoln Mark II. Besides its pearl white paint job, the Futura actually looked very much like the Batmobile it would become over a decade later.
Famed car customizer George Barris -- also known for creating the Munster Koach for the The Munsters and the Beverly Hillbillies' car -- was tasked with creating the Batmobile in 1966. With a tight deadline, he decided that modifying the Futura, rather than starting from scratch, was the way to go.
On television, the Batmobile's technology allowed it to shoot flames, squirt oil and shoot tire slashers, but the car is not actually designed to do any of that.
Barris has been the sole owner of the Batmobile since he created it for the TV show.
Unlike the Aston Martin's multi-million dollar price tag, Jonathan Klinger, with the collector car insurance firm Hagerty Insurance, thinks the Batmobile will probably sell for a few hundred thousand dollars. The trouble, he said, is that there are so many very good Batmobile replicas around.
The only thing that makes this one unique is that it's the authentic original, but hardly anyone would be able to tell that by looking at it. Very good replicas can sell for under $100,000.
"I could be wrong," said Klinger. "I'll bet George Barris hopes I'm dead wrong."
In an interview with CNNMoney, Barris said he has been offered large sums for the car in the past but he's never considered selling before. He agreed to sell this time, he said, because he thought it was time to move the car out of his studio and put it someplace where more people could enjoy it.
Excellent replicas of rare and desirable cars like Plymouth Hemi 'Cudas and Shelby Mustangs often sell for fractions of what real ones sell for, Jackson said.
"It's just a matter of where you put the commas and the decimals," he said. "They all slide over for the real thing."
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
High-Octane Hijinks: Is Premium Fuel Better Than Regular?
When it’s time to top-off the tank, drivers are confronted with a dizzying variety of choices at the pump. There’s premium gasoline, mid-grade, regular and – depending on where you live – some even offer ultra-high octane, with a rating of 94 or above.
Octane numbers, ethanol content and diesel get thrown in the mix, while TV commercials shout about special cleaning additives and better fuel economy. What’s a motorist to do? Is premium fuel worth the extra cost over regular? It’s more expensive so it must be better, right?
Wrong. And this is a common misconception. A lot of people seem to think higher octane gasoline will deliver better performance and economy. In many instances this is simply not the case. In fact, it’s mostly a waste of money. High-test fuel is typically priced anywhere from 20 to 40 cents more than regular-grade gas.
“Use what’s in the owner’s manual. Don’t use more, don’t use less” said Bill Studzinski, Fuels Technical Specialist at General Motors. He also said drivers “should not run the octane above what’s required in their vehicle,” because there is no real benefit.
The overwhelming majority of GM vehicles are built to run on regular-grade gasoline. Some of the company’s high-performance models like the Cadillac CTS-V and Corvette ZR1 are designed to take advantage of the additional octane found in premium fuel.“If it says ‘premium required’ I strongly suggest using the premium gasoline,” Studzinski said. However, if a driver mistakenly puts 87-octane regular in a vehicle that needs 91 or more, the engine-control computer should be able to adjust spark timing and other variables to prevent damage. “In general, the knock sensors are pretty good,” he said, but drivers will likely experience a drop in performance and fuel economy.
Studzinski strongly discourages the use of other fuel products, though. “Say ‘NO’ to aftermarket octane boosters and organometallic octane-boosting additives such as MMT [methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl].”
“We don’t recommend using any of those,” he said because they can plug up catalytic converters, a critical and expensive-to-replace component of a vehicle’s emissions-control system. Thankfully these sorts of additives are not used in gasoline sold in the United States and Canada.
Studzinski also warned drivers to steer clear of high-octane race fuels (like those with a rating of 100) sold at some gas stations. These products can contain high amounts of ethanol or methanol and are “really not advisable” for street-driven vehicles.
Stephen Russ, Technical Leader with Ford Motor Company Engine Engineering echoed much of what his cross-town colleague had to say. If a driver runs premium fuel in a vehicle that only requires regular he said, “typically it would not be noticeable.” But there could be slight benefits in certain situations such as hot, dry weather or while towing.
In the past it was thought running premium fuel when only regular was called for could cause damage. “Most every engine, every manufacturer, can handle that higher octane so there are no deposit concerns,” Russ said. And according to Studzinski, “going up in octane is ok for the vehicle, it doesn’t damage it.”
“Under high-load conditions the additional spark advance from the premium fuel will result in higher cylinder pressures, but they are limited by the [computer] calibration to what the engine structure can handle,” Russ said, so there’s no risk of damage from running higher octane.Occasionally, manufacturers will list specific benefits to running premium fuel. For instance, when equipped with the optional 3.8-liter V6 engine the 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is rated at 344 horsepower on regular gasoline and 348 on premium. Pick your price, pick your pump and pick your performance.
Still, when it’s time to fill ‘er up most Americans go for the cheapest option. According to Studzinski “about 80 percent of the gasoline sold in the United States is regular unleaded,” that’s an estimated 140 billion gallons per year.
At the end of the road it’s a driver’s choice whether they up the octane and buy premium fuel, but experts say go by the book. “We defer to the manufacturers” said Carlton Carroll, a spokesman for the American Petroleum Institute. He also said “these are the people that have designed and built the car and they know the type of fuel required.”
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Dodge to Withdraw from NASCAR at Conclusion of 2012 Season
Auburn Hills, Mich. – SRT Motorsports announced this week that Dodge will withdraw from NASCAR competition at the conclusion of the 2012 season.Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – Street and Racing Technology Brand and Motorsports, Chrysler Group LLC, made the announcement during a media teleconference call. The decision affects current involvement in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series. Penske Racing currently fields two Dodge Charger cars in the Sprint Cup Series and two Dodge Challenger cars in the Nationwide Series.
Penske Racing announced in February that it would end its partnership with Dodge, which started in 2003, at the end of the 2012 season.
“We’ve spent an intense five months working to identify and evaluate all options for our future involvement in NASCAR,” Gilles said. “A number of opportunities emerged, and our team worked diligently to put a structure together to fit our overall business and competitive objectives. While we have been pleased and enthused with the amount of interest from teams and sponsors over that time, in the end, we simply couldn’t develop the right structure.”
Dodge has recorded 215 wins in the Sprint Cup Series, including 55 since 2001, and has been represented in the NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup seven of the eight seasons. In 2010, Brad Keselowski captured the NASCAR Nationwide Series championship in a Dodge from Penske Racing.
“It’s an extremely difficult decision to know that we won’t be there for our fans next season,” Gilles added. “It’s important to note that we have not lost focus on 2012 or the commitment to our partnership with Penske Racing in both the Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide Series this season.”
Brad Keselowski currently is seventh in the Sprint Cup Series standings and has three wins in his quest to make the 12-driver Chase field for the second consecutive year. In Nationwide Series competition, Sam Hornish Jr. is locked in a four-way battle for the season championship.
Penske Racing announced in February that it would end its partnership with Dodge, which started in 2003, at the end of the 2012 season.
Brad Keselowski, No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge Charger, celebrates with a victory burnout after winning Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
“We’ve spent an intense five months working to identify and evaluate all options for our future involvement in NASCAR,” Gilles said. “A number of opportunities emerged, and our team worked diligently to put a structure together to fit our overall business and competitive objectives. While we have been pleased and enthused with the amount of interest from teams and sponsors over that time, in the end, we simply couldn’t develop the right structure.”
Dodge has recorded 215 wins in the Sprint Cup Series, including 55 since 2001, and has been represented in the NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup seven of the eight seasons. In 2010, Brad Keselowski captured the NASCAR Nationwide Series championship in a Dodge from Penske Racing.
“It’s an extremely difficult decision to know that we won’t be there for our fans next season,” Gilles added. “It’s important to note that we have not lost focus on 2012 or the commitment to our partnership with Penske Racing in both the Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide Series this season.”
Brad Keselowski currently is seventh in the Sprint Cup Series standings and has three wins in his quest to make the 12-driver Chase field for the second consecutive year. In Nationwide Series competition, Sam Hornish Jr. is locked in a four-way battle for the season championship.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Texas man finds his car on eBay. 42 years after it was stolen
Andrew Buckley/MCT
If there is a lesson to this story, it is that persistence can pay off -- even if it takes 42 years.
That's how long it took for Bob Russell of Southlake, Texas, to track down his stolen 1967 Austin-Healey 3000. The Dallas Morning News reports that it had been stolen from a Philadelphia apartment complex.
Now he has it back after finding it in a listing on eBay. He had been scouring the online auction site and eyeing every Austin-Healey he saw on the road.
Things were looking pretty grim for Russell, 66, a retired sales manager, when it came to the search until he got his big break. That came when he found the car listed for sale online, being sold in California by a dealer called the Beverly Hills Car Club. Even then, getting the car back wasn't easy.
Russell didn't have the stolen-car report from 1970. But he did have the key and a copy of the car title. Detectives were unable to help him at first because they couldn't find the report, either. But it was located after it was determined that a digit was off when the report was entered into the computer system.
Eventually the issues were settled, and Russell came to California to claim it. How much is it worth, besides sentimental value? The last bid on eBay was $19,700.
That's how long it took for Bob Russell of Southlake, Texas, to track down his stolen 1967 Austin-Healey 3000. The Dallas Morning News reports that it had been stolen from a Philadelphia apartment complex.
Now he has it back after finding it in a listing on eBay. He had been scouring the online auction site and eyeing every Austin-Healey he saw on the road.
Things were looking pretty grim for Russell, 66, a retired sales manager, when it came to the search until he got his big break. That came when he found the car listed for sale online, being sold in California by a dealer called the Beverly Hills Car Club. Even then, getting the car back wasn't easy.
Russell didn't have the stolen-car report from 1970. But he did have the key and a copy of the car title. Detectives were unable to help him at first because they couldn't find the report, either. But it was located after it was determined that a digit was off when the report was entered into the computer system.
Eventually the issues were settled, and Russell came to California to claim it. How much is it worth, besides sentimental value? The last bid on eBay was $19,700.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Looking to buy a used car? Here are the 15 best
The Detroit Bureau
The 2010 Toyota Prius; one of 15 Used Car Best Bets.
The good news is that inventories are once again rising – which means used car prices are beginning to fall, according to a new report by the Black Book, a used car pricing and tracking service. In the meantime, vehicle quality is reaching an all-time, something true for both used cars and new.
The list includes a total of 11 different brands, but four marques appear twice, Ford, Honda, Hyundai and Toyota. (Nissan is there twice, as well, if you include both the Nissan and Infiniti brands). The editors’ picks:
- Compact Sedan: 2005-2010 Hyundai Elantra
- Midsize Sedan: 2005-2010 Nissan Altima
- Large Sedan: 2006-2010 Hyundai Azera
- Coupe: 2005-2010 BMW 3 Series
- Convertible: 2005-2010 Mazda Miata
- Wagon: 2005-2010 Pontiac Vibe
- Compact SUV/Crossover: 2005-2010 Honda CR-V
- Midsize SUV/Crossover: 2005-2010 Ford Explorer
- Large SUV/Crossover: 2005-2010 Chevrolet Tahoe
- Minivan/Van: 2005-2010 Honda Odyssey
- Compact Truck: 2005-2010 Toyota Tacoma
- Large Truck: 2005-2010 Ford F-150
- Luxury: 2005-2010 Infiniti G35/G37
- Hybrid: 2005-2010 Toyota Prius
- Sport Compact: 2005-2010 Subaru Impreza WRX
But the big bubble in used car pricing may finally be at an end.
“Almost a million more used vehicles will be added to the industry this year as a result of more trade-ins on new-car sales,” said Ricky Beggs, auto analyst at Black Book USA. “This is a significant driver of lower prices, combined with additional rental cars being sold at auction and dealers preparing for the coming 2013 models.”
Monday, July 2, 2012
Survey Reveals Safety at the Front of Car-Shoppers' Minds
According to a survey conducted by marketplace of in-process vehicle leases Swapalease.com, at the top of car-shopping consumers’ needs is still safety. In fact, more than 60 percent of Swapalease.com users chose safety as the most important consideration in choosing a new car, outranking style and appearance (30 percent), luxury and convenience (12 percent) and electronic features (9 percent), officials shared.
"Safety has long been high on the list for prospective car buyers or lessees, and our survey shows that changing times don't always change people's priorities," said Scot Hall, executive vice president of operations, of Swapalease, which is an online marketplace of in-process vehicle leases.
"Thanks to today's technology, we have an ever-growing list of features that make cars safer than ever before,” he continued.
Specifically, survey responders showed a particular interest in blind-spot warning systems, giving it 32 percent of the vote for most important safety elements.
Following close behind were hands-free calling and a back-up camera, the company added.
"It's interesting to note that people are so interested in the blind-spot warning system. It's the very latest in safety technology, and I know from personal experience that it's a wonderful feature," said Hall.
"It's also currently priced at a premium, so whether consumer will put their money where their opinions are remains to be seen,” he continued.
Next up, for those who chose electronics as a crucial element to consider when in the market for a new vehicle, a navigation system was of utmost concern, taking more than half the vote.
The company also noted that the majority of other technology features mentioned fell into the “entertainment category,” such as iPod/MP3 player compatibility.
Moving along, in the luxury and convenience category, heated/cooled seats were by far the most desired features, officials shared.
Memory settings for things like seat and steering wheel placement; rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a heated steering wheel, were also important to survey responders.
Lastly, upgraded interior trim and upgraded wheels took the top spots for style needs.
Read more: Autoremarketing | Survey Reveals Safety at the Front of Car-Shoppers' Minds http://www.autoremarketing.com/trends/survey-reveals-safety-front-car-shoppers-minds#ixzz1zVUiYOge
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Who Are Better Drivers: Men or Women?
MSN sheds some light on which sex is the better motorist — one of the most hotly debated arguments since 'Which came first, the chicken or the egg?'
Famed composer Irving Berlin captured the battle between the sexes quite succinctly in his legendary song "I Can Do Anything Better Than You" from the 1946 Broadway musical "Annie Get Your Gun." Gunslingers Annie Oakley (Ethel Merman) and Frank Butler (Ray Middleton) lyrically debated who could shoot more accurately: she or he? But what they were really fighting about was which sex is the more capable: man or woman? That same argument has been waged many times, about many topics over the years. But no gender-related discussion has been more heated than the one that rages behind the wheel. So who are better drivers: men or women?
The Answer Is ...
In a study released by Quality Planning, an analytics company that validates policyholder information for auto insurers, women came out on top.
The study analyzed different kinds of vehicle code violations (traffic violations) and then compared how many times men were cited versus women. The conclusion was that men break more traffic laws and drive more dangerously than women. Because they violate laws designed to make the roads safer, men cause more accidents and expensive damage.
Who do you think are better drivers: Men or Women?
"We were not surprised to see that men have slightly more violations — about 5 percent — that result in accidents than women," said Raj Bhat, president of Quality Planning. "And because men are also more likely to violate laws for speeding, passing and yielding, the resulting accidents caused by men lead to more expensive claims than those caused by women."
Topping the list is the finding that men are cited for reckless driving 3.41 more times than women. Reckless driving is considered one of the most serious traffic offenses by courts since it implies a disregard for the rights and safety of people or property.
Violations for which men scored at least 50 percent higher than women:
Evidence Gets Worse
Guys, when it rains it pours. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, more men than women die each year in motor vehicle crashes. "Men take more risks behind the wheel than women, and so men are more likely to get into serious crashes," says Anne McCartt, the institute's senior vice president of research. "We don't have any way of comparing their driving abilities, but on the likelihood of getting into a serious crash in which someone dies, men win handily."
*Total includes other and/or unknowns
On the Flip Side
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also reported that from 1975 to 2003, female deaths in motor vehicle crashes increased 14 percent, compared with an 11 percent decline for male motorists during that same period. Insurance industry experts peg the rise in female deaths in vehicular crashes to more women obtaining driver's licenses than in the past and driving more miles than, say, 25 years ago.
Plus, it seems as if female motorists are getting more aggressive. "It's true that men do take more risks than women," says Carolyn Gorman, vice president of the Insurance Information Institute. "However, [women] are partaking in more risky behaviors than ever before. The gap is closing quickly."
So Are Women Better Drivers Than Men?
Many auto insurance industry experts would agree with the theory that men, especially young men, tend to drive more aggressively than women and display their aggression in a direct manner, rather than indirectly. Furthermore, as a rule of thumb, male drivers are more likely than women to break the law, and the male of the species tends to be more of a risk-taker.
Even so, it's hard to say women are better drivers, although they are statistically safer. Women have just as many accidents as men; however, they tend to be minor fender-benders. Men, on the other hand, tend to do the job properly when they crash, and as a result cost their insurance companies a lot more money.
So, even though it's a blow to our male egos, we'll have to give this round to women. Sorry fellas.
The Answer Is ...
In a study released by Quality Planning, an analytics company that validates policyholder information for auto insurers, women came out on top.
The study analyzed different kinds of vehicle code violations (traffic violations) and then compared how many times men were cited versus women. The conclusion was that men break more traffic laws and drive more dangerously than women. Because they violate laws designed to make the roads safer, men cause more accidents and expensive damage.
Who do you think are better drivers: Men or Women?
"We were not surprised to see that men have slightly more violations — about 5 percent — that result in accidents than women," said Raj Bhat, president of Quality Planning. "And because men are also more likely to violate laws for speeding, passing and yielding, the resulting accidents caused by men lead to more expensive claims than those caused by women."
Topping the list is the finding that men are cited for reckless driving 3.41 more times than women. Reckless driving is considered one of the most serious traffic offenses by courts since it implies a disregard for the rights and safety of people or property.
Violations for which men scored at least 50 percent higher than women:
| TYPE OF VIOLATION | RATIO M:F |
| Reckless driving | 3.41 |
| DUI | 3.09 |
| Seatbelt violations | 3.08 |
| Speeding | 1.75 |
| Failure to yield | 1.54 |
| Stop sign/signal violation | 1.53 |
Guys, when it rains it pours. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, more men than women die each year in motor vehicle crashes. "Men take more risks behind the wheel than women, and so men are more likely to get into serious crashes," says Anne McCartt, the institute's senior vice president of research. "We don't have any way of comparing their driving abilities, but on the likelihood of getting into a serious crash in which someone dies, men win handily."
| Age | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16-19 | Crash Involvements: 4,257 Miles: 46,427,394,010 Rate: 9.2 | Crash Involvements: 1,852 Miles: 35,264,476,105 Rate: 5.3 | Crash Involvements: 6,109 Miles: 81,691,870,114 Rate: 7.5 |
| 20-29 | Crash Involvements: 8,949 Miles: 225,999,581,860 Rate: 4.0 | Crash Involvements: 3,172 Miles: 156,283,683,955 Rate: 2.0 | Crash Involvements: 12,122 Miles: 382,283,265,815 Rate: 3.2 |
| 30-59 | Crash Involvements: 15,027 Miles: 845,507,965,689 Rate: 1.8 | Crash Involvements: 6,946 Miles: 551,350,306,430 Rate: 1.3 | Crash Involvements: 21,973 Miles: 1,396,858,272,119 Rate: 1.6 |
| 60-69 | Crash Involvements: 2,097 Miles: 128,814,817,845 Rate: 1.6 | Crash Involvements: 1,008 Miles: 64,778,212,790 Rate: 1.6 | Crash Involvements: 3,105 Miles: 193,593,030,635 Rate: 1.6 |
| 70-Plus | Crash Involvements: 3,148 Miles: 76,991,652,560 Rate: 4.1 | Crash Involvements: 1,571 Miles: 39,093,332,009 Rate: 4.0 | Crash Involvements: 4,719 Miles: 116,084,984,569 Rate: 4.1 |
| Total* | Crash Involvements: 33,733 Miles: 1,324,373,970,682 Rate: 2.5 | Crash Involvements: 14,633 Miles: 847,734,931,097 Rate: 1.7 | Crash Involvements: 48,638 Miles: 2,172,108,901,779 Rate: 2.2 |
On the Flip Side
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also reported that from 1975 to 2003, female deaths in motor vehicle crashes increased 14 percent, compared with an 11 percent decline for male motorists during that same period. Insurance industry experts peg the rise in female deaths in vehicular crashes to more women obtaining driver's licenses than in the past and driving more miles than, say, 25 years ago.
Plus, it seems as if female motorists are getting more aggressive. "It's true that men do take more risks than women," says Carolyn Gorman, vice president of the Insurance Information Institute. "However, [women] are partaking in more risky behaviors than ever before. The gap is closing quickly."
So Are Women Better Drivers Than Men?
Many auto insurance industry experts would agree with the theory that men, especially young men, tend to drive more aggressively than women and display their aggression in a direct manner, rather than indirectly. Furthermore, as a rule of thumb, male drivers are more likely than women to break the law, and the male of the species tends to be more of a risk-taker.
Even so, it's hard to say women are better drivers, although they are statistically safer. Women have just as many accidents as men; however, they tend to be minor fender-benders. Men, on the other hand, tend to do the job properly when they crash, and as a result cost their insurance companies a lot more money.
So, even though it's a blow to our male egos, we'll have to give this round to women. Sorry fellas.
Mitsubishi promises Outlander plug-in hybrid for Paris *UPDATE
The New Outlander PHEV will have three drive modes, all of which are 4WD: Pure (all-electric drive), Series (electric drive, supported by the gas generator) and Parallel (ICE engine supported by Twin Motor 4WD). Mitsubishi says the New Outlander PHEV will have a total driving range of 800 km (497 miles) and emit fewer than 50 grams of CO2 per kilometer.
As previously noted, the PHEV version of the Outlander should arrive in the spring of 2013. Given the coming pack of plug-in crossovers (see: Tesla Model X, Volvo V60 plug-in hybrid, Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid and Amp's offerings), if Mitsubishi can get the cost comparatively low, the way the i is compared to the Nissan Leaf, without making it quite as spartan, this thing could carve out a niche for itself. For the moment, though, it sounds like Mitsubishi is only going to sell the new Outlander PHEV in Europe.
*UPDATE: As DaveMart points out in the comments on AutoblogGreen, Mitsubishi reps have told Inside Line that the plug-in Outlander will come to the U.S. in late 2013 or early 2014.
MITSUBISHI MOTORS AT 2012 PARIS MOTORSHOW - NEW OUTLANDER PLUG-IN HYBRID EV WORLD PREMIERE
CIRENCESTER, UK - At the forthcoming 2012 Paris Motor Show[1] ("Mondial de l'Automobile"), Mitsubishi Motors will continue to roll out its ambitious, global and green new product generation with a series of significant premieres. Highlight of this offensive will be the world introduction of the all-new Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV.
New Frontier
Neither a mere adaptation of an existing Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) – powered vehicle, nor a dedicated Plug-in Hybrid technology showcase, the New Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV (or "PHEV") will share its architecture with the soon-to-be-introduced New Outlander's ICE versions – an engineering feat in itself.
As such, it will be the first mainstream car from a major manufacturer envisaged from the outset with built-in provisions for either ICE or PHEV power trains.
Plug-in Hybrid EV
Adding to its credentials, the New Outlander PHEV will further distinguish itself:
Mitsubishi Motors' first Plug-in Hybrid car, it will be an EV-based vehicle, relying on MMC's extensive EV and electronic know-how, supplemented by a petrol engine when needed – a solution more suited to global markets than Diesel.
Making the best use of Mitsubishi's renowned 4-Wheel-Drive expertise, it will also be the first permanent 4WD electric car in series production.
Long haul
The New Outlander PHEV unique drive train combination of front electric motor + rear electric motor + front traction/generator petrol engine will translate into a choice of three driving modes:
Further...
Whilst the New Outlander ICE will start its commercial career in Western & Eastern Europe in the fall of 2012, the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV will be retailed in Europe during the course of 2013.
Complementing this New Outlander family, Mitsubishi Motors will stage further premieres at the Paris Motor Show, aimed at a European audience and to be detailed at a later stage...
CIRENCESTER, UK - At the forthcoming 2012 Paris Motor Show[1] ("Mondial de l'Automobile"), Mitsubishi Motors will continue to roll out its ambitious, global and green new product generation with a series of significant premieres. Highlight of this offensive will be the world introduction of the all-new Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV.
New Frontier
Neither a mere adaptation of an existing Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) – powered vehicle, nor a dedicated Plug-in Hybrid technology showcase, the New Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV (or "PHEV") will share its architecture with the soon-to-be-introduced New Outlander's ICE versions – an engineering feat in itself.
As such, it will be the first mainstream car from a major manufacturer envisaged from the outset with built-in provisions for either ICE or PHEV power trains.
Plug-in Hybrid EV
Adding to its credentials, the New Outlander PHEV will further distinguish itself:
Mitsubishi Motors' first Plug-in Hybrid car, it will be an EV-based vehicle, relying on MMC's extensive EV and electronic know-how, supplemented by a petrol engine when needed – a solution more suited to global markets than Diesel.
Making the best use of Mitsubishi's renowned 4-Wheel-Drive expertise, it will also be the first permanent 4WD electric car in series production.
Long haul
The New Outlander PHEV unique drive train combination of front electric motor + rear electric motor + front traction/generator petrol engine will translate into a choice of three driving modes:
- Pure (Twin Motor 4WD EV)
- Series (Twin Motor 4WD - EV supported by generator)
- Parallel (ICE engine supported by Twin Motor 4WD).
Further...
Whilst the New Outlander ICE will start its commercial career in Western & Eastern Europe in the fall of 2012, the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV will be retailed in Europe during the course of 2013.
Complementing this New Outlander family, Mitsubishi Motors will stage further premieres at the Paris Motor Show, aimed at a European audience and to be detailed at a later stage...
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
GM, Honda, Toyota confirm interest in Apple's Siri voice command technology
LOS ANGELES -- Toyota, Honda and General Motors have confirmed they plan to integrate Siri, Apple Inc.'s voice control technology used on the iPhone, into connectivity systems of upcoming vehicles.
Spokespersons from the three companies confirmed the plans to Automotive News on Monday after announcements made by Apple at its Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco.
Apple executives said five other automakers -- Chrysler, Mercedes, Audi, BMW, and Jaguar/Land Rover -- have agreed to use Siri in their entertainment systems, according to a report on Yahoo! Autos.
In essence, vehicles compatible with the Siri service will allow drivers to make calls, dictate text messages, look up directions and use other Siri functions by plugging their iPhone into a USB cable in the car. Pressing a button on the steering wheel will activate Siri, and drivers can speak commands to their phone hands-free.
A new Siri feature, called "Eyes Free," will help drivers use their iPhones while keeping their eyes on the road by allowing iPhone owners to control more of the device's functions with Siri with the screen off to mitigate distracted driving. The Eyes Free feature will be released as part of Apple's latest version of its mobile operating software due out this fall.
"A number of auto manufacturers have committed to delivering Eyes Free Siri integration in the next 12 months," Scott Forstall, Apple's senior vice president of iOS software, said during a keynote speech at the conference as a screen behind him showed the logos of GM, Toyota, Honda, Chrysler, Honda, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes Benz and Audi.
Leap into autos
The move is a feet-first leap by Apple into the auto industry.
It also suggests that the industry is beginning to recognize that personal device makers -- in this case, Apple -- are best-equipped to provide consumers with the connectivity and info-on-demand they want. Automakers may be best-served to focus on making it easy and safe to access those devices in the car.
GM has been an early adopter, confirming it will offer such a system on a specific vehicle. The MyLink infotainment system offered on the 2013 Chevrolet Spark and Sonic small cars will be compatible with Siri, GM spokesman Scott Fosgard said. The vehicles go on sale later this year.
Toyota, Honda plans
Toyota spokeswoman Carly Schaffner said Toyota was working with Apple, but declined to discuss when Siri compatibility may come to Toyota vehicles.
"Apple and Toyota are exploring the potential to introduce the Siri Eyes Free Mode interface into Toyota, Lexus, or Scion vehicles," Schaffner said inERP Must-Haves for Automotive Suppliers
an e-mail.
"As the SEFM is a widely used and highly accurate voice recognition system, we believe it would contribute to safer and more comfortable usage of vehicles for customers."
American Honda spokesman Alicia Jones said that the new Siri Eyes Free feature would be "extensively applied" to coming Honda and Acura vehicles. Jones declined to say when Honda planned to launch the technology, but said Honda would announce more about it by the end of the year.
"We think smartphones have become so integral to people's lives that they're using them in their vehicles and the challenge is to enable the benefits of these devices without contributing to visual or manual driver distraction," Jones said.
Christina Rogers contributed to this report.
You can reach Ryan Beene at rbeene@crain.com.
Spokespersons from the three companies confirmed the plans to Automotive News on Monday after announcements made by Apple at its Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco.
Apple executives said five other automakers -- Chrysler, Mercedes, Audi, BMW, and Jaguar/Land Rover -- have agreed to use Siri in their entertainment systems, according to a report on Yahoo! Autos.
In essence, vehicles compatible with the Siri service will allow drivers to make calls, dictate text messages, look up directions and use other Siri functions by plugging their iPhone into a USB cable in the car. Pressing a button on the steering wheel will activate Siri, and drivers can speak commands to their phone hands-free.
A new Siri feature, called "Eyes Free," will help drivers use their iPhones while keeping their eyes on the road by allowing iPhone owners to control more of the device's functions with Siri with the screen off to mitigate distracted driving. The Eyes Free feature will be released as part of Apple's latest version of its mobile operating software due out this fall.
"A number of auto manufacturers have committed to delivering Eyes Free Siri integration in the next 12 months," Scott Forstall, Apple's senior vice president of iOS software, said during a keynote speech at the conference as a screen behind him showed the logos of GM, Toyota, Honda, Chrysler, Honda, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes Benz and Audi.
Leap into autos
The move is a feet-first leap by Apple into the auto industry.
It also suggests that the industry is beginning to recognize that personal device makers -- in this case, Apple -- are best-equipped to provide consumers with the connectivity and info-on-demand they want. Automakers may be best-served to focus on making it easy and safe to access those devices in the car.
GM has been an early adopter, confirming it will offer such a system on a specific vehicle. The MyLink infotainment system offered on the 2013 Chevrolet Spark and Sonic small cars will be compatible with Siri, GM spokesman Scott Fosgard said. The vehicles go on sale later this year.
Toyota, Honda plans
Toyota spokeswoman Carly Schaffner said Toyota was working with Apple, but declined to discuss when Siri compatibility may come to Toyota vehicles.
"Apple and Toyota are exploring the potential to introduce the Siri Eyes Free Mode interface into Toyota, Lexus, or Scion vehicles," Schaffner said inERP Must-Haves for Automotive Suppliers
an e-mail.
"As the SEFM is a widely used and highly accurate voice recognition system, we believe it would contribute to safer and more comfortable usage of vehicles for customers."
American Honda spokesman Alicia Jones said that the new Siri Eyes Free feature would be "extensively applied" to coming Honda and Acura vehicles. Jones declined to say when Honda planned to launch the technology, but said Honda would announce more about it by the end of the year.
"We think smartphones have become so integral to people's lives that they're using them in their vehicles and the challenge is to enable the benefits of these devices without contributing to visual or manual driver distraction," Jones said.
Christina Rogers contributed to this report.
You can reach Ryan Beene at rbeene@crain.com.
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