When building a new factory, especially one as large and complex as an auto manufacturing plant, there are plenty of elements that can throw things off schedule. Scheduling itself, however, is rarely the problem, especially for a German company. But that's the reason why Volkswagen has delayed the groundbreaking ceremony for its new plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. According to VW spokespersons, the ceremony is being delayed until March due to several members of the company's management board in Wolfsburg wanting to be present, but can't make it any earlier. (And it's not even Oktoberfest yet!)
However, Volkswagen insists that construction of the $1 billion plant is progressing as planned. This also includes the city's preparations for hosting the factory, refurbishing office buildings downtown, the opening of a new school for the German-speaking children of VW employees, stores and restaurants to cater to the workforce, as well as space for the vendors and suppliers who are expected to come to town to support the factory. In the words of the director of the local development organization, "We're so fortunate that, given the economy and that kind of thing, we have robust employers in downtown." Indeed.
We don't have anything against the T-Rex, but... you can keep it. Whenever we enter the market for a three-wheeled vehicle, we'll take this baby designed by New Zealander Alex Hodge. A fiberglass shell rides on an alloy chassis that connects the three wheels. For motive power there's the heart of a Honda RC51 sportbike, and the 10,000 rpm, 120 rear-wheel-horsepower would give the thing a theoretical top speed of 145 mph. When it's red light time, disc brakes are fitted up front and double-up in the back. Sure, you can't buy it yet, but we're not looking for a trike at the moment, either. And we can wait. So Alex, get to work, please...
They don't build 'em like they used to. At least, most of 'em don't. But "most" doesn't include the Huet Brothers. The Dutch duo operates classic rallies and tours across Europe. But having grown up around vintage Alfas and Bugattis, Paul and Tino Huet wanted to recreate something special. The result is the HB Special, a neo-classic roadster with a modern twist inspired by events like the Mille Miglia, Targa Florio and Le Mans, which hosted competitors like the Aston Martin DBR1, Maserati 300 S and Ferrari 412 S.
Based on a Triumph TR6, the HB Special uses carbon-fiber and aluminum to keep the weight down to just 750 kg (1650 lbs). The car is motivated by a simple inline-six engine, tuned to produce a modest 180 horsepower. But outright speed isn't the point: The HB Special, like the Creative Workshop's Sport Speciale, is a modern exercise in classic design. The Huet Brothers plan to produce 12 examples, but they won't be for sale; they'll be used for hire in their exclusive HB Experience tours. To complement the car and the experience, the Huet Brothers have crafted a selection of classic motoring accessories, all of which you can check out on their website, or click the images below to see the car in all its high-resolution glory.
The Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Top Safety Pick award for 2008 to the Audi Q7, a luxury performance SUV. The luxury performance SUV came out on top as it received a ‘good’ rating in all three crash tests: side impact, offset frontal, and rear impact seat tests.
The Q7 isn’t the only Audi recognized this year for outstanding vehicle safety ratings. The Audi A3, A4 and A6 have also been recognized as Top Safety Picks for 2008, giving Audi the honor of having the most Top Safety Pick designations for any luxury automaker for 2008.
To achieve the Top Safety Pick honors, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of good in the Institute’s front, side and rear tests. The vehicle should also be equipped with electronic stability control. Audi offers this safety feature as standard on every model it rolls out.
“For Audi, safety and performance have always gone hand in hand: our cars are engineered to offer the best not just in crash protection, but in preventing traffic accidents altogether,” said Johan de Nysschen, executive vice president, Audi of America. “With the launch of the Audi Q7 TDI clean diesel in 2009, American SUV buyers will have even more options from which to choose for safety as well as fuel economy, convenience and performance.”
In this installment of "As the Yen Skyrockets," Autocar is reporting that the introduction of the long-awaited Subaru Impreza diesel has been delayed indefinitely due to unfavorable exchange rates. A source inside International Motors, the firm that imports Subarus into the UK, told Autocar, "At the current rate we would have to charge vastly more than we can justify for the diesel Impreza if we were to make a profit. As a result we can't guarantee when the car will go on sale as we can't predict when the economy will change."
Both Toyota and Honda are facing the same problem, with Honda CEO Takeo Fukui going so far as to threaten moving Honda's headquarters outside of Japan. Analysts predict that the yen could begin to sink in the coming weeks, but if the market doesn't correct itself, the Japanese government might have to intervene and begin devaluing its currency.
Mother Nature has hit the deep freeze button again, and that means getting stuck in a snowstorm is not such a wild improbability for some of us. If you can't stay off the roads and happen to find yourself immobile once you get on them, PEMCO Insurance has a brief guide for what do if you absolutely must abandon your car. Perhaps the most important advice is to always carry some emergency winter clothes and supplies with you, like flares and blankets, which could come in handy even if you don't get permanently stuck. You'll especially want to make the car as visible as possible so that others can avoid hitting it. You can read the full guide after the jump, and be careful out there this holiday season.
The chassis for Lamborghini Miura #1 is such a work of art, it'd be a shame to cover it up with that swoopy, classic bodywork. The Dallara-designed masterpiece first met the world in 1965 at the Turin Auto Salon and was apparently stored after that until Marios Kritkos fell in love with it in 1977. Kritkos, who handled the importation of Lamborghini cars for Cyprus, went to Sant'Agata in 1978 and dragged the chassis back to Cyprus. The chassis has recently been "discovered," not that it was ever really lost, and Los-Angeles based Joe Sackey (author of The Lamborghini Miura Bible) and Gary Bobileff (whose website has a sweet Ferrari-themed interface) now have Miura #1 at Gary's shop, where it will get a restoration to an astounding standard. Give us a pair of Snidely Whiplash goggles, and we'd drive that thing every day.
Today marks the first anniversary of The Passionate Pursuit! It’s funny the way time works, at times it feels like I’ve only just started, and in another way, it seems like something I’ve always done. I’ve learned a lot over the past year, running this site is a very rewarding experience.
To mark the occasion, I asked the photographers of some of my favorite photos over the last year to contribute their images as wallpapers for my readers. The response was great, and I’ve very grateful to be able to share these images:
Since starting this website, I’ve been asked numerous times about the overall benefits of Lexus hybrid technology, so I thought it would be a good idea to put together a basic primer.
First off, here’s a direct-from-Lexus video explanation on how a hybrid engine works:
Now, everyone knows the primary advantage that (most) hybrids have over conventional gas engines is better miles-per-gallon performance, but that’s just one of the benefits to this progressive technology:
Environmental - All Lexus hybrids carry the Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV II) certification, meaning they release approximately 76 percent fewer emissions compared to their gasoline counterparts.
Ride Quality - The electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) that Lexus employs creates exceptionally smooth shifts between electric and gasoline power, most occupants are usually unaware the change has occurred.
Noise Reduction - Hybrids are quieter than their gasoline burning counterparts, and Lexus engineers took it even further by moving the engine mounts upward in their hybrids and completely re-conceptualized the air intake system. Those changes, in addition to all the sound-dampening insulation, make Lexus hybrids virtually silent.
Long Battery Life - Improvements in battery technology are central to the continued evolution of hybrids. Lexus uses nickel-metal hydride batteries rated to last 100,000 miles. This choice, paired with regenerative braking, gives Lexus hybrids longer battery life on the road over the competition.
Superior Horsepower - An early complaint about hybrids was the lack of the “get up and go” of conventional cars. Lexus solved this problem by synchronizing the operation of their electric and gasoline motors, which turns the weakness into a strength. The combined performance of the two engines gives a V6 the acceleration power of a V8 and a V8 the power of a V12.
Manufacturing Waste Reduction - Lexus didn’t just focus on the engine when building their hybrids, these vehicles are lighter and more economical in terms of raw materials required. Sustainable natural materials, like kenaf, are employed, as are soy-oil-based polyurethane and water-based paints on the undercoatings to reduce Volatile Organic Compound emissions. Also, the use of left-over construction materials as sound insulation allows Lexus manufacturing sites to recycle 98 percent of their manufacturing waste.
There are even some unexpected benefits, such as insurance companies granting discounts to hybrid drivers, and a reduction in congestion tax charges. These fees can add up, which can help offset the additional cost of the purchase.
Most importantly, hybrid technology is improving, and it will only get better with every new implementation. In fact, it’s only a matter of time before every Lexus is powered by the dual-powerplant.
Due to an email I sent out far too late, I wasn’t able to include Dougie Wand’s great mirror image of the Lexus LF-A as part of my anniversary wallpaper collection, but all the better to offer it on a hot Friday afternoon. Here’s the various desktop sizes, enjoy!
Today marks the first anniversary of The Passionate Pursuit! It’s funny the way time works, at times it feels like I’ve only just started, and in another way, it seems like something I’ve always done. I’ve learned a lot over the past year, running this site is a very rewarding experience.
To mark the occasion, I asked the photographers of some of my favorite photos over the last year to contribute their images as wallpapers for my readers. The response was great, and I’ve very grateful to be able to share these images:
Since starting this website, I’ve been asked numerous times about the overall benefits of Lexus hybrid technology, so I thought it would be a good idea to put together a basic primer.
First off, here’s a direct-from-Lexus video explanation on how a hybrid engine works:
Now, everyone knows the primary advantage that (most) hybrids have over conventional gas engines is better miles-per-gallon performance, but that’s just one of the benefits to this progressive technology:
Environmental - All Lexus hybrids carry the Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV II) certification, meaning they release approximately 76 percent fewer emissions compared to their gasoline counterparts.
Ride Quality - The electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) that Lexus employs creates exceptionally smooth shifts between electric and gasoline power, most occupants are usually unaware the change has occurred.
Noise Reduction - Hybrids are quieter than their gasoline burning counterparts, and Lexus engineers took it even further by moving the engine mounts upward in their hybrids and completely re-conceptualized the air intake system. Those changes, in addition to all the sound-dampening insulation, make Lexus hybrids virtually silent.
Long Battery Life - Improvements in battery technology are central to the continued evolution of hybrids. Lexus uses nickel-metal hydride batteries rated to last 100,000 miles. This choice, paired with regenerative braking, gives Lexus hybrids longer battery life on the road over the competition.
Superior Horsepower - An early complaint about hybrids was the lack of the “get up and go” of conventional cars. Lexus solved this problem by synchronizing the operation of their electric and gasoline motors, which turns the weakness into a strength. The combined performance of the two engines gives a V6 the acceleration power of a V8 and a V8 the power of a V12.
Manufacturing Waste Reduction - Lexus didn’t just focus on the engine when building their hybrids, these vehicles are lighter and more economical in terms of raw materials required. Sustainable natural materials, like kenaf, are employed, as are soy-oil-based polyurethane and water-based paints on the undercoatings to reduce Volatile Organic Compound emissions. Also, the use of left-over construction materials as sound insulation allows Lexus manufacturing sites to recycle 98 percent of their manufacturing waste.
There are even some unexpected benefits, such as insurance companies granting discounts to hybrid drivers, and a reduction in congestion tax charges. These fees can add up, which can help offset the additional cost of the purchase.
Most importantly, hybrid technology is improving, and it will only get better with every new implementation. In fact, it’s only a matter of time before every Lexus is powered by the dual-powerplant.
Due to an email I sent out far too late, I wasn’t able to include Dougie Wand’s great mirror image of the Lexus LF-A as part of my anniversary wallpaper collection, but all the better to offer it on a hot Friday afternoon. Here’s the various desktop sizes, enjoy!
Today marks the first anniversary of The Passionate Pursuit! It’s funny the way time works, at times it feels like I’ve only just started, and in another way, it seems like something I’ve always done. I’ve learned a lot over the past year, running this site is a very rewarding experience.
To mark the occasion, I asked the photographers of some of my favorite photos over the last year to contribute their images as wallpapers for my readers. The response was great, and I’ve very grateful to be able to share these images:
A 200bhp Suzuki B-King? Yes, yes, yes! We want one of these! Pics: Superbike
Powered by the Hayabusa’s 1.3-litre engine, the stock Suzuki B-King weighs 262kg and packs around 160bhp. It does the standing quarter-mile (400m) in 10.23 seconds and top speed is about 250km/h. And that, for some people, simply isn’t enough. Which is where the B-King you see here comes in…
The guys at Superbike magazine took their long-term (stock) Suzuki B-King to Big CC Racing for their Stage I makeover: A set of Yoshimura TRC end cans, Dynojet Power Commander III with hub, a nitrous-oxide kit and some airbox mods. Plus a shortened tail unit, replacement LED tail lamp, smaller numberplate and a set of mini indicators to clean up the aesthetics.
The Yoshimura exhaust system looks so right on this bike. This is how Suzuki should have made it in the first place. Now all that needs to be added is a supercharger...
Press the horn button on this bike and the nitrous-oxide system boosts power to around 200bhp. With the speed limiter removed, the Nitro B-King is loud and fast – there’s no mercy ever, for the bike’s Dunlop Qualifier rear tyre. ‘In third gear, at full throttle, pressing the button is like operating a fast-forward switch on a video. The front wheel lifts like it's in first gear, and you're quickly braking to avoid running into the back of slower motorway traffic,’ say the guys at Superbike mag. Brilliant…!
Following the Bugatti Veyron that got a parking ticket a few days ago, here is something new that you could be interested in. Did you know that about 1/5th of Bugatti Veyrons have been sold in Dubai? Consider the 1.5 million people population and the fact that 15 have been sold there and you get a pretty nice ratio, 1 supercar for every 100,000 people.
In the other direction, 37 units have been sold in Great Britain where they have a 60 million population so the rate is pretty bad. I guess business is doing great in Dubai if they have 15 millionaires to afford a Bugatti Veyron.
With their futuristic appeal, many look like space capsules.
At left, Japan's automaker Suzuki Motor unveils the concept commuter models, a one-person electric vehicle Pixy, left, and the larger SSC (Suzuki Sharing Coach), right. (Yoshikazu Tsuno, AFP/Getty Images)
While others got a little pretty, presented in a pink light.
At left, Takeo Fukui, president of Japan's auto giant Honda Motor introduces the concept vehicle PUYO. The small car features ultra-high efficiency, a small frame and fuel cell technology to please both drivers and onlookers alike. (Toru Yamanaka, AFP/Getty Images)
American carmakers weren't afraid to crash the Japanese car party. Randy Krieger, president and chief executive officer of Ford Japan premiered the new Escape Expression concept vehicle, in the background, but also revamped the Mustang, introducing the Mustang GT/CS, foreground. (Robert Gilhooly, Bloomberg News/Landov)
It's always greener on the other side (door), according to Toyota Motor Corp.'s two-toned design for the concept vehicle RiN. (Shuji Kajiyama/AP Photo)
It's never been a better time to be single in the auto world. Toyota Motor Corp. President Katsuaki Watanabe took the automaker's concept single-seat vehicle i-Real for a test run. (Katsumi Kasahara/AP Photo)
This red-hot concept car, Daihatsu Motor Co.'s OFC-1, could give other sleek rides a run for their money. (Haruyoshi Yamaguchi, Bloomberg News /Landov)
"Back to the Future" has nothing on this streamlined concept sports car. Mazda premiered the Taki, aimed at helping to create a sustainable society. (Toru Yamanaka, AFP/Getty Images)
When building a new factory, especially one as large and complex as an auto manufacturing plant, there are plenty of elements that can throw things off schedule. Scheduling itself, however, is rarely the problem, especially for a German company. But that's the reason why Volkswagen has delayed the groundbreaking ceremony for its new plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. According to VW spokespersons, the ceremony is being delayed until March due to several members of the company's management board in Wolfsburg wanting to be present, but can't make it any earlier. (And it's not even Oktoberfest yet!)
