Turns out, the Fisker Karma is a subcompact, says the EPA

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Hybrid, Legislation and Policy, USA, Fisker

Look at the vehicle in the picture above. Does that look like a subcompact car to you? Well, if you peer at the Fisker Karma through the regulatory lens of the EPA, then it would.

See, the EPA has a strange methodology that bases vehicle classes on interior size, and the Karma isn't exactly spacious inside (the upcoming Fisker Surf has more luggage space). As AutoObserver notes, since the Karma has less than 100 cubic-feet of space, it fits nicely into the subcompacts class. Go figure.

Like with the low drained-battery mpg rating the Karma gets - just 20 mpg - the Karma's potential customers probably won't care what the EPA officially calls this plug-in hybrid. But just imagine if someone were to cross-shop all the cars in the subcompact class: "Let's see, hon, should we get the Karma, the Bentley Continental Supersports or the Mitsubishi i?" Looks like this class has something for everyone.

Turns out, the Fisker Karma is a subcompact, says the EPA originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/27/turns-out-the-fisker-karma-is-a-subcompact-says-the-epa/

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2011 Sepang 125cc Race Result: Thrilling Race Decided On Final Lap

Results and summary of the 125cc race at Sepang:

Race Details

2011

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/KxCcbRM71kg/2011_sepang_125cc_race_result_thrilling_.html

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Chrysler Group SRT8 Drifting Video Released

Everyday, we hear about cars getting greener and greener and that's just what's supposed to happen, because there is no reason for which transport means that take you from A to B should harm the environment.

However, when we are talking about big V8s, tire smoke, and drifting, we really don't want to hear about anything eco-related.

Chrysler's performance division, SRT, has decided to fuel the aforementioned fire, and is giving us a video that shows us its vehicles in action. You'll get to...

Source: http://www.autoevolution.com/news/chrysler-group-srt8-drifting-video-released-39953.html

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Hyundai-Kia Expect to Sell 7 Million Vehicles in 2012

The new design language of both Kia and Hyundai has left its mark on the global automotive market, and together with their more affordable vehicles is securing them a more and more sales every month.

The combined force of the two South Korean automakers makes them a force to reckoned with, as they are now the fifth biggest group in the business. As a result of the strong demand for their lineup, the group has shifted their 2011 sales target from 6.33 million to 6.6 million according to Reuter...

Source: http://www.autoevolution.com/news/hyundai-kia-expect-to-sell-7-million-vehicles-in-2012-39930.html

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Report: Bill introduced to give low-volume vehicle manufacturers a break

Filed under: Government/Legal, Specialty

Low volume vehicle manufacturers may soon find it easier to have their products approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Congressman John Campbell (R-Calif.) has introduced the "Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturer's Act," which aims to introduce a regulatory system specifically designed for companies that build fewer than 1,000 vehicles per year. Currently, it's difficult for boutique carmakers to shoulder the burden of safety and emissions evaluations tied to bringing a new vehicle to market. The bill, which has bipartisan support, would make it possible for the Environmental Protection Agency greenlight low-volume cars and trucks that use engines that have already been EPA-certified in other vehicles.

That would allow small carmakers to skip the costly exercise of having their creations subjected to emissions evaluations. The legislation also has provisions for alternative-fuel powerplants, which would theoretically make it easier for green-car startups to take to the roads. The bill is also being advocated by the Specialty Equipment Market Association.

Bill introduced to give low-volume vehicle manufacturers a break originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Oct 2011 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/29/bill-introduced-to-give-low-volume-vehicle-manufacturers-a-break/

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Video: Lexus documents LFA development

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Lexus

It's not often that a mainstream automaker sets its sights on building a world-class supercar, but a few standout examples come to mind: cars like the Acura NSX, the Ford GT, the Dodge Viper, and the Lexus LFA.

Of course, none of these projects simply materialized overnight. Each took years of development, fine-tuning, tweaking and, in the case of the LFA, going back to the drawing board. Toyota spent years on the car's development and put some of its best personnel on the job. Lexus has now documented the LFA's development in a ten-minute video.

Follow the jump to watch it in full and see how the LFA went from idea to aluminum concept car to carbon fiber reality, through its rigorous development at the Nürburgring, the tragic loss of Hiromu Naruse and the victorious Nordschleife lap time.

Continue reading Lexus documents LFA development

Lexus documents LFA development originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Oct 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/29/lexus-documents-lfa-development/

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Report: Italian man gets $44,500 parking ticket that dates to 208 AD

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Government/Legal, Police/Emergency, Humor

Never underestimate the power of a clerical error. A couple in Sicily were recently treated to an eye-popping $44,500 parking fine after interest and late fees were accounted for. According to the officer who wrote the citation, the car was illegally parked in the year 208 during the reign of Roman Emperor Septimius Severus. Needless to say, there were some chronological issues at play. According to The Associated Free Press, the shock of the fine was so severe that it sent the wife into a dizzy spell. She was treated at a local hospital and released.

Not surprisingly, the ticket should have read 2008. Local police acknowledged the error and reduced the fine to a much more manageable $144, which the family later paid.

Italian man gets $44,500 parking ticket that dates to 208 AD originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/28/italian-man-gets-44-500-parking-ticket-that-dates-to-208-ad/

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Mac Audio MINI Countryman Cooper S Demo Car [Photo Gallery]

The MINI Clubman S has been turned into an audio project car by Germana amplifiers and loudspeakers producer MAC Audi, with the result being visible in the adjacent images.

Mac Audi brought a watt hurricane inside the car, by installing the following components:

* 12 sq meters of Dynamat Xtreme insulating material
* Mac Audio Star X 2.16 front and rear loudspeakers system, installed in custom door panels
* Handmade 90-liter bass enclosure fitted with 3 x Mac Audio STX Reference-Woofers
...

Source: http://www.autoevolution.com/news/mac-audio-mini-countryman-cooper-s-demo-car-photo-gallery-39915.html

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Suzuki to Skip Los Angeles and Detroit Auto Shows

Despite having originally said that it's coming to the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show next month, Japanese automaker Suzuki is now withdrawing its participation.

Jeff Holland, a spokesman for American Suzuki, told Automotive News that the company's decision not to appear under the LA sun was only recently taken.

For the upcoming season, our brand will selectively participate at auto shows where our distinctive and engaging story will resonate the most, Holland said.

Basically, the money is ...

Source: http://www.autoevolution.com/news/suzuki-to-skip-los-angeles-and-detroit-auto-shows-39932.html

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Nissan claims average Leaf is driven 37 miles per day, more range not needed

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Nissan

How much range does an electric vehicle really need? A hundred miles... two-hundred miles? We suppose the answer to that question depends on who you're asking, and if you're asking Nissan, the answer you'll get may be surprising.

According to Mark Perry, director of product planning and strategy for Nissan North America, drivers of the Leaf electric car almost never go more than 37 miles in a single day, and the average length of a single trip is just seven miles. In other words, the Leaf's 70-plus-mile range is plenty enough for the all-electric machine to satisfy the requirements of a "primary-use car."

This data has been extracted from the daily use cycles of the roughly 7,500 Leafs currently roaming the streets in the U.S. It's probably safe to assume, though, that the majority of these Leaf drivers knew going in that their average driving routines wouldn't be too much for the electric car to handle.

In any case, the Leaf seemingly proves that, for at least a sizable portion of the population, an electric car is completely viable.

Nissan claims average Leaf is driven 37 miles per day, more range not needed originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/28/nissan-claims-average-leaf-is-driven-37-miles-per-day-more-rang/

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Colin Edwards To Miss Final MotoGP Round At Valencia

Colin Edwards is to miss the final round of MotoGP at Valencia. The Monster Tech 3 Yamaha rider is to go undergo surgery to repair the shoulder he damaged in the accident that fatally injured Marco Simoncelli, and he will not be fit to ride at what would have been his last outing for the team.

The injuries Edwards sustained are also a blow to the NGM Forward Racing team: Edwards was due to start testing the BMW-powered Suter at the Valencia test on the Tuesday and Wednesday after the final MotoGP race, but that will now also be impossible. Instead, Edwards will be recovering from surgery to fix the cartilage in his shoulder which was damaged in the crash at Sepang. The good news for Edwards is that he did not fracture his wrists or heel in the crash, which the Texan had feared he cracked in the fall. Edwards is said to be recovering well from the crash, despite his injuries.

There is no news of a replacement for Edwards at the moment, but the Monster Tech 3 Yamaha team are almost certain to have someone ride the Texan's bike. With Simoncelli's bike to be understandably vacant, though on display for the fans at Valencia, and Ben Spies and Jorge Lorenzo also not yet confirmed as participating, the grid at Valencia threatens to be dangerously small.

Below is the press release from the Monster Tech 3 Yamaha team:

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/8_dmkvSgbb8/colin_edwards_to_miss_final_motogp_round.html

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Scion Targets xB Numeric at SEMA�s Snowboarder Crowd

No matter what sort of crazy car conversions you've seen so far, you are not ready to see what the Scion xB has been turned into. Basically, this funky looking creating is coming to the 2011 SEMA Show in Las Vegas bearing a body that's been what looks like fabric that's been tailored to fit it like a glove. All the glass surfaces have also received the sort of mesh wrap that you see on busses for advertising.

The Scion xB Numeric, as the vehicle is called, is a the end result of the collabora...

Source: http://www.autoevolution.com/news/scion-targets-xb-numeric-at-semas-snowboarder-crowd-39926.html

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SUVs Help Volkswagen Increase Profits by 46%

Volkswagen Group has reported that their operational profits have increased by 46 percent in the third quarter of the year, backed by strong demand from emerging markets and for SUVs.

Rumor has it that Volkswagen stands a chance to be named the world's largest automotive group by sales volume this year, beating Toyota and GM. The results achieved so far indicate that the Germans are well on their way to actually beating their original sales estimate of 8 million vehicles delivered globally th...

Source: http://www.autoevolution.com/news/suvs-help-volkswagen-increase-profits-by-46-39937.html

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Marc Marquez discharged from hospital, Valencia in doubt?

Marc Marquez was not able to compete in last Sunday’s Moto2 race at Sepang after being judged unfit following his highside during the first free practice, which was caused by a wet patch at[...]

Source: http://feeds.blogo.it/~r/twowheelsblog/com/~3/CVY-3qCKe-Y/marc-marquez-discharged-from-hospital-valencia-in-doubt

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2013 Dodge Viper Rumored To Use 8.7-Liter V-10: Report

We’re still over a year away from being able to buy a 2013 Dodge Viper at our local dealership, but rumors about the car continue to circulate. We don’t have a lot of hard facts, but here’s what we do know: Dodge has been been seen testing the new Viper on several occasions, and the car’s development appears to be...

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotorAuthority2/~3/DEWw7L0WQZs/1067857_2013-dodge-viper-rumored-to-use-8-7-liter-v-10-report

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Range Rover Pickup Based on Honda Ridgeline Is Pure Overkill

We understand the desire to see a Jeep pickup, but we're not quite sure that a Range Rover one would be such a good idea. However, it seems that the creators of the vehicle you can see in the adjacent image (scooped by GT Spirit) think they know best.

We don't even know where to start explaining, such is the extent of wrongness of this tuning project. We are dealing with a Honda Ridgeline that has received A LOT of custom work, with the most proeminent feature being a front fascia that is try...

Source: http://www.autoevolution.com/news/range-rover-pickup-based-on-honda-ridgeline-is-pure-overkill-39912.html

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Bruno Spengler to drive for BMW in the DTM from 2012

BMW Motorsport Munich, 26th October 2011. The third driver chosen to represent BMW Motorsport in the coming DTM season has been confirmed: from 2012, Bruno Spengler (CA) will drive one of the premium automobile manufacturer's BMW M3 DTM cars....

Source: http://www.motorsportsjournal.com/archives/2011/10/bruno_spengler_to_drive_f.php

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Audi R8 GT Rides on Nutek Concave Wheels

The Audi R8 is already an exclusive vehicle, but when talking about its lighter, more powerful GT version, things climb up to the sky.

We are talking about massive carbon fiber use and driving dynamics that can upset your biological watch. However, one owner in the US decided that he must add a personal touch to his R8 GT.

Thus, he turned to Nutek Forged Wheels for a new set of rims. His ride was gifted with a set of Series 708 Concave rims, which come in a 20x11-inch size for the rear axl...

Source: http://www.autoevolution.com/news/audi-r8-gt-rides-on-nutek-concave-wheels-39862.html

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Cloud Connectivity Turns Cars Into Chameleons

A collaboration between Ford and Google may produce plug-in hybrids that can pick and predict their powertrain use depending on location and past driving habits.

Source: http://www.wired.com/autopia/2011/10/cloud-connectivity-turns-cars-into-chameleons/

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Porsche Announces Winter Driving Experience for New 911

We know that Porsche test its cars anywhere from the desert to the Arctic, because we've seen numerous sightings of the new 911 that was recently revealed and even the new Boxster.

Now, The Stuttgart automaker is announcing the Porsche Driving Experience Winter, which will give all fans of the sportscar a chance to test it under more extreme conditions than they would encounter on the road.

In the winter training courses of the Porsche Driving Experience both beginners and experienced driv...

Source: http://www.autoevolution.com/news/porsche-announces-winter-driving-experience-for-new-911-39849.html

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Fiat Previews 500 Titanium And Carbon Ahead Of 2011 SEMA

In and amongst all the Chryslers, Dodges, and Ram pickups on show at this year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show will be a pair of pintsized 2012 Fiat 500 hatchbacks dressed up in the latest accessories from Mopar. The two custom 500s will be the 500 Titanium, previewed here in this official teaser, as well as the 500...

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotorAuthority2/~3/3S_kmi7ytRU/1067725_fiat-previews-500-titanium-and-carbon-ahead-of-2011-sema

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Team orders put NASCAR into disrepute at Talladega

Source: http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/10/24/1592356/team-orders-put-nascar-into-disrepute.html

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Ben Spies Pulls Out Of Sepang With Rib Injuries, Grid Down To 16 Starters

The grid for tomorrow's Malaysian MotoGP race at Sepang has been cut from 18 to just 16 today. After the announcement that John Hopkins was pulling out due to his finger injury flaring up again, Yamaha's Ben Spies has also confirmed that he will not be able to race at Sepang. The Texan is still suffering badly from the injuries he picked up in a very high-speed crash at Phillip Island, where he suffered a concussion and damaged ribs, and after consulting with the team, Spies decided against racing on Sunday.

Spies damaged ribs, especially, have been very hard at Sepang, which features two of the hardest braking sections of the season on two successive corners. The strain imposed by braking from 300 km/h down to under 100 twice in a row places massive strain on on the riders' upper bodies, and this stress was proving too much for Spies. That became evident in two heavy crashes the Texan suffered on both Friday and Saturday, merely adding to Spies' misery. 

Spies will also miss the test scheduled for Monday, leaving only Yamaha test rider Katsuyuki Nakasuga to ride Yamaha's 2012 M1. Spies will head back home to concentrate on recovering for the final round of MotoGP at Valencia, in two weeks' time.

Below is the official Yamaha press release announcing Spies' withdrawal:

read more

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/r34qVoODF4g/ben_spies_pulls_out_of_sepang_with_rib_i.html

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Rear Window LED Panel: Express Road Rage [Video]

People use all sorts of ways of expressing their feelings and emotions when behind the wheel. However, the automotive industry hasn't exactly paid attention to these kind of needs over the years, so when you buy a car, you don't get any communication tools, other than the barbarian lights and horn.

However, one motorist called Gandeep Singh has come up with a solution that will help you rely on more than just your fingers for non-verbal, in-car communication.

The man has fitted his VW Polo...

Source: http://www.autoevolution.com/news/rear-window-led-panel-express-road-rage-video-39797.html

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Ford sweeps Texas Truck Rodeo awards, Chrysler defends SUV crown

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Etc., Crossover, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Jeep

The Texas Auto Writers Association has awarded the 2012 Ford F-150 a slew of honors. The pickup took home the Truck of Texas title by beating out its competitors at the annual Truck Rodeo. The award is the association's most prestigious honor, but Ford also picked up a few other nods. TAWA named the company's EcoBoost engine technology its best vehicle feature, and the 2012 Ford Edge took home the CUV of Texas badge. Finally, the entire Ford pickup line was named the Truck Line of Texas by the association, making for a pretty clean sweep of the truck competition.

This year, manufacturers entered 48 vehicles into the TAWA Truck Rodeo, and 57 automotive writers turned out to evaluate the trucks and SUVs. When the dust settled, Ford had earned seven awards total, including the best heavy-duty, luxury and full-size pickup trucks.

For its part, Chrysler saw its products fare well in the competition, too. The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee went home carrying SUV of Texas trophy, while TAWA awarded its sister, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, the mid-sized SUV of Texas title. Finally, the writers in attendance named the 2012 Dodge Durango the full-size SUV of Texas.

Hit the jump for a volley of press releases.

Continue reading Ford sweeps Texas Truck Rodeo awards, Chrysler defends SUV crown

Ford sweeps Texas Truck Rodeo awards, Chrysler defends SUV crown originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/24/ford-sweeps-texas-truck-rodeo-awards-chrysler-defends-suv-crown/

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Solar Ship sails the skies, schlepps supplies

Filed under: Solar, Transportation Alternatives

By crossing airships with airplanes, Solar Ship is creating craft that can carry heavy loads long distances with a tiny carbon footprint. Filled with helium, they soak up rays from the sun to provide the energy for forward motion and fulfill its original design challenge - carry 1,000 kilograms (2,205 lbs) of payload 1,000 kilometers (621.4 miles).

The company says it has recently completed and flown its first prototype and plans a three-strong range with both solar-only and hybrid models. From the 150 kg-capable (330.7 lbs) sun-powered Caracal, to the range-extended, mothership-sized Nanuq with the ability to haul 30 metric tons (66,139 lbs), the Canadian firm envisions its flying machines doing tasks as diverse as hauling humanitarian relief to moving payloads for mining operations in remote locations.

Though public demonstration of the heavier-than-air craft will only occur sometime in the summer of 2013, you can get a preview of the company's aeronautical vision in the promotional video after the break.

Continue reading Solar Ship sails the skies, schlepps supplies

Solar Ship sails the skies, schlepps supplies originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 22 Oct 2011 08:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://green.autoblog.com/2011/10/22/solar-ship-sails-the-skies-schlepps-supplies/

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Nick Tandy claims championship title, Sean Edwards wins finale

PORSCHE Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland Round 9 in Hockenheim Hockenheim, Sunday, Oct 23, 2011 It was a thriller for the championship title that couldn't have been more gripping. In the end, third place was enough for Nick Tandy to win...

Source: http://www.motorsportsjournal.com/archives/2011/10/nick_tandy_claims_champio.php

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2011 Sepang Moto2 And 125cc Saturday Post-Qualifying Press Release Round Up

Press releases from the 125cc and Moto2 teams after qualifying at Sepang:

Year: 

2011

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/hyANioz3jkQ/2011_sepang_moto2_and_125cc_saturday_pos.html

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2011 Sepang 125cc Qualifying Practice Result: Pole Taken By Slim Margin

Result:

Race Details

2011

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/SowukbDY0vs/2011_sepang_125cc_qualifying_practice_re.html

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