Sunday, September 30, 2007

Boston’s AltWheels Alternative Transportation and Energy Festival

Here at Carscoop, we have a green heart for eco-friendly cars. So you can imagine how excited I was when I discovered that the annual AltWheels Festival was being held right in our back yard, Boston!

The interactive and informative event was set up behind Boston’s City Hall and took place yesterday and Friday. The event consisted of inventers and futuristic concept vehicles, alternative transportation options from fuel cell vehicles to taxi rickshaws to human-powered transport systems. It was quite the science experiment! Among those alternative fueling methods exhibited during the event included Hybrids, Plug-in Cars (including hydrogen fuel-cell plug-in’s) Electric Vehicles, Ethanol, Biodiesel, Used Vegetable Oil, and Ultra-low Sulfur Diesel Buses. -Continued after the jump

I had an hour to kill in between classes so I headed on over to partake in the festivities and grab some photos. It’s sponsored by various car manufacturers such as Toyota, VW, Chevrolet and Ford. The plaza was divided into exhibits with kiosks of information and representatives from each company available to answer questions about alternative fueling methods they’re working on. Check out some of the photos including the bumper sticker loving Prius that’s lived to see 322,700 miles on the same batteries!

Posted by Daniella

Saturday, September 29, 2007

Video: 2008 BMW 1-Series Convertible


BMW has officially launched the fourth model in the 1-Series range, the 1-Series Convertible which is expected to go on sale on both sides of the Atlantic in spring 2008. Equipped with an electro hydraulic operated soft top that closes within 22 seconds, the 1-Series Convertible will be available in the US in two guises, the 128i which receives a
3.0-liter, 230 Hp inline six-cylinder engine and the 135i with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 300 Hp. European’s will get a broader range that includes apart from the 135i, the 125i (3.0L, 218 Hp), 120i (2.0L, 170 Hp), 118i (1.8L, 143 Hp) and the 120d (2.0L diesel, 177 Hp). You might also want to check out our BMW 135i Coupe Video by clicking here

Poll: Which Car Should Play In The New Knight Rider TV Series?

Since we learned last night that NBC has decided to revive Knight Rider (click here) with a new TV series next fall, we've been raking our brain to try and find the best candidate to surrogate Knight’s 1980’s Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am. Heck, we even stayed up last night playing around with photoshop just to see what KITT would look like if he were a Chevy Camaro –mmm, maybe, a Cadillac Cien –we liked this one, an Audi R8 –that sucked, even an Impreza WRX STi –that’ll piss off many Texans.

Which one of today’s production cars/concepts do you think would be the ideal choice for KITT’s role? And oh, if you know your way around with Photoshop, don’t hesitate to e-mail us a pic! Have your say in the comments below. -Chops after the jump

Pics: Carscoop

Suzuki Kizashi 2 Crossover Concept - 2007 Tokyo Preview

Apart from the weird looking X-Head, Suzuki will also introduce a follow up to the striking Kizashi Concept Sedan (click here) previewed at the Frankfurt Show in September at next month’s Tokyo Show. The Kizashi 2 is basically a crossover version of the original concept that takes advantage of AWD system. Differences include the higher ground-clearance and the body cladding which to be frank, doesn’t do justice to the Kizashi. Moreover, instead of using the frugal 2.0-liter diesel engine like the original concept, Suzuki equipped the crossover with a 3.6-liter V6-engine, mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. -Image gallery and press release after the jump

Translated Press Release

Suzuki Kizashi 2 Concept

The stirring impression the top athlete having and, it adopted the expectation which becomes unknown overflows from inside as design expression the crossover sport wagon. You propose to the user of the wide layer where with the wide field such as the leisure from business, life is enjoyed actively. As for design two keywords, “dignity” and the “stirring impression” adopting the emotional silhouette which raises the satisfaction which uplift impression is owned to running for the axis. As for the 3.6LV type 6 cylinder engine of the sea bass maximum aerodynamic volume displacement not only strong acceleration feeling with the combination with 6 speeds AT, and at high speed regarding cruising, actualizing the running which exceeds class. In addition, you are inserting also the hybrid engine and the like which considers in environment in range of vision.

Lexus BS Compact Hatchback – Rendering

Just last week, Tokuichi Uranishi, a Toyota executive vice president, told German car magazine Auto Motor und Sport, that Lexus is interested in developing a compact hatch. “We can foresee a competitor to the BMW 1-Series” said Uranishi. This year, Lexus expects to sell around 55,000 units in Europe but its targeting annual sales of 150,000 units by 2015 and the addition of a lower priced (than the IS) entry-model would definitely help Lexus achieve that goal.

We’re not sure if this rendering of the so-called BS series that we discovered in the net has anything to do with reality, but we can tell you that if Lexus goes ahead and introduces the compact hatch, it'll most likely be based on the IS platform and mechanics (front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout). -Continued after the jump

Of course, since the hatch will be aimed towards the European market, we should expect 4-cylinder petrol and diesel engine variants added to the range. In addition, a hybrid version shouldn’t be out of the question, as Toyota Europe needs to sell more frugal and low-emission cars to deal the EU’s stricter rules.

2008 BMW 1-Series Convertible – Official Pictures Leaked!

Damn; you wait for the weekend to take some time off blogging and Saturday day kicks off with the reveal of GM’s full product portfolio through 2013 (click here) and continues with the official images of the 2008 BMW 1-Series Convertible! Needless to say it’s a dam(n) leak… We don’t have any information for the time being besides the fact that the 1-Series Cabriolet will be offered with at least two 6-cylinder engines, a 215 Hp 3.0-litre (125i) and the 306 Hp 3.0-liter bi-turbo (135i). According to our information, the 1-Series Coupe based soft-top will be available from early next year. We’ll get back on this story (there goes Saturday night…) as soon as we retrieve more info. -Follow the jump for the full image gallery

Via: Autoblog.nl (& The Internet...)

Suzuki Crosscage & Biplane Concepts - 2007 Tokyo Preview

We’re quite fine thank you, meaning we haven’t mixed our socks with our underwear -yet... The Tokyo Show isn’t only about cars; it also hosts motorcycle and commercial vehicle premiers. Suzuki on its behalf will show off two motorcycle concepts, the Crosscage and the Biplane. We found a Japanese teaser press release on both concepts but it didn’t make much sense so we can only tell you that the Crosscage uses fuel-cells while the Biplane, which incorporates a V4 engine, draws its inspiration from airplanes. -Continued after the jump

Translated Press Release

Crosscage

It is the fuel cell car which can do optimum power control by combining the air cooled fuel cell system and the advanced accumulator of simple small size light weight. Starting which fuel economy efficiency is fast low, the intelligent energy corporation of feature (England) make adopted the thing to fuel cell unit, in addition it was safe in the accumulator and the lithium ion electric battery whose environmental load is low was adopted. Not only not applying load, being simple in terrestrial environment, from the fact that it is small size lightweight, it has contributed to also the actualization of the sporty style which the sea bass seems

Biplane

The request that was included, you feel the enjoyment of the motorcycle in many people, would like to have having interest in the motorcycle " “the design proposition model which designates the joy of running by the motorcycle” as shape” is. You propose in order to have representing the common feeling which is felt from the vehicle where “, it designates the kind of image which is riding the airplane” as keyword, calls the motorcycle and the airplane and is different completely. Although it is the machine, the bosom which makes tenderness feel it forced and “the biplane” (bi- the plainness) designated modelling as design motif, it expressed the open impression of not being covered in the canopy. The engine has designed V type 4-cylinder engine in vertical ranging.

UAW’s Contract Reveals GM’s Future Product Portfolio! – Cadillac CTS Coupe, H3T Pick Up & More!

We just finished reading the full summary of UAW’s contract with GM (click here) and guess what; UAW included (by mistake?) GM’s future product portfolio through 2013!!! What a #ucking booboo! The list gives us an unprecedented view of specific product commitments in 16 assembly plants across the USA. As you might have guessed, GM isn't at all happy with UAW as this information is considered highly confidential for apparent competitive reasons. We’ve included the whole list for your gratification right after the jump (click the title or below), but here are a few goodies to get you started:
  • Corvette and Cadillac XLR replacements due in 2012
  • Global Delta Volt beginning in 2010
  • Global Delta MPV7 beginning in 2009
  • Cadillac CTS Wagon to be introduced in 2009
  • Cadillac CTS Coupe coming in 2009
  • Hummer H3T Pick Up to be introduced shortly
  • Hummer H3 and H3T replacement beginning in 2011
  • Two midsize / large rear-wheel-drive cars based on the Zeta platform (Camaro) to be introduced in 2011
  • Chevrolet to produce large four-door notchback in 2010


Plant

Products

Arlington, Texas


GMT 900 truck and SUV continued until 2012

C3XX full-sized truck and SUV replacement beginning 2013


Bowling Green, Ky.


Corvette and Cadillac XLR continue until 2011

Corvette and Cadillac XLR replacement product beginning 2012


Detroit Hamtramck, Mich.


Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS continue until 2010

Global Delta MPV7 beginning in 2009

Global Delta Volt beginning in 2010

Global Epsilon Chevrolet beginning in 2012


Fairfax, Kan.


Chevrolet Malibu and Saturn Aura continue until 2011

Global Epsilon Buick and Saturn beginning in 2009

Chevrolet large 4-door notchback beginning in 2010


Flint, Mich.


GMT 900 full-sized truck and heavy-duty commercial cab until 2011

GMT 900 medium-duty truck continues until 2008

C3XX full sized truck and heavy-duty commercial cab beginning in 2012


Fort Wayne, Ind.


GMT 900 full-sized truck and light-duty commercial cab until 2011

C3XX full-sized truck and light-duty pickup replacement product beginning in 2012


Janesville, Wis.


GMT 900 full-sized truck and SUV continues until 2012

Medium-duty truck continues until 2009

C3XX full-sized truck and SUV replacement for current GMT 900 full-sized truck and SUV products beginning in 2013


Lansing Delta Township, Mich.


GMC, Saturn and Buick Lambda products continue until 2011

GMC, Saturn and Buick Lambda replacement products beginning in 2012

Chevrolet Lambda product beginning in 2011


Lansing (Mich.) Grand River


Cadillac CTS, Cadillac STS and Cadillac SRX continue through 2009

Cadillac CTS wagon and Cadillac CTS coupe beginning in 2009

Zeta products (two styles) beginning in 2011


Lordstown, Ohio


Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 continue through 2009

Global Gamma 4-door notchback beginning in 2010

Global Alpha (2 styles) beginning in 2011


Orion, Mich.


Pontiac G6 continues through 2013


Pontiac, Mich.


GMT 900 full-sized light-duty pickup and heavy-duty pickup continue through 2011

C3XX full-sized truck, light-duty pickup and heavy-duty pickup beginning in 2012


Shreveport, LA.


H3, H3T, Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon continue through 2011

H3 and H3T replacement beginning in 2011


Spring Hill, Tenn.


Chevrolet Lambda continues through 2012

Theta Epsilon SUV beginning in 2011

Next-generation Chevrolet Lambda replacement product - demand and business-case dependent beyond 2012


Wentzville, Mo.


Chevrolet and GMC large vans continue through the product lifecycle, beyond 2012

Next-generation Chevrolet and GMC large vans replacement for the current product - demand and business-case dependent beyond 2012


Wilmington, Del.


Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky continue until 2012


Cell Phone & Cars Equals Trouble...

No wonder Arnie doesn’t want anyone –especially teenagers (click here) to use cell-phones in their cars... Can you think of a better reason to ban those "devilish" machines in vehicles than this cell-phone related accident caused in Russia?

-More images after the jump

Via: englishrussia

Suzuki X-Head Concept - 2007 Tokyo Show Preview

The X-Head is one of Suzuki’s many offerings at the forthcoming 2007 Tokyo Motor Show in late October. According to the Japanese carmaker, X-Head is a new type of lifestyle utility vehicle that incorporates the DNA of the Jimny and Grand Vitara. Huh? Looks more like a Jap version of the Mercedes-Benz Unimog if you ask us, but whatev; it’s not as if you’ll ever see one of these going to production. -Translated press release after the jump

Translated Press Release

“X-HEAD” is " the cross utility vehicle " of the new genre which brings the various values which until recently are not. It has high running the whole distance characteristic, the “gym knee”, “the escudo”, it has high loading characteristic, DNA “of [kiyarii]” was succeeded, functional hopefulness was had. The naming, “X-HEAD” adjusting to the life style and sense of value of the person who rides, has meant the possibility this car which corresponds to various uses becoming unknown. Being possible to combine the carrier unit which is adjusted to life style 2 adults sleeps and can stay " the camper " and in the town coolly to ride it handles, " fashion " and so on, the person who rides " you play and stimulate heart and curiosity ". In addition, supposed the rescue rescue in various road circumstances " rescue " and so on, it is possible to answer also social mission, being tough, you propose the pleasant car.

Via: Le Blog Auto , Source: Suzuki

Fiat Nuovo 500 Bi-Colore By Aznom

Can you imagine how many tuners will present customization programmes for the “nuovo” 500 once Fiat begins selling it in all of Europe early next year? We’ve already seen a dozen or so propositions and the 500 is (or rather was since 2007’s production is sold out) available only in Italy and France! This one is the work of Italian custom shop, Aznom who picked out a “bumblebee” paintjob theme for the exterior along with 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside, Aznom offers three grades of customization –depending on the depth of your wallet, covering the cabin with wood inserts, bi-colour seats etc. -Follow the jump for more pictures and the translated press release

Via: Autoblog.it , Source: Aznom

Translated Press Release

The rework of the 500 is born from the will to improve and to personalize a icona, sign of the Italian rebirth, the will to change and to render on measure something created one for all. One new challenge for Aznom, only owner of the brand in the field automotive, not only on base 500, but for whichever other your desire on two and four wheels. For our realizations we have established a partnership with Giovanni Novello, of the Nowa Group, whose family is engaged sin from years `50 in the preparation, numerous realization and cure of specially built. The group is distinguished also in the field of the restorations and the handicraft personalizzazioni.

500 Fiat ricarrozzata Topolino by hand from Walter Novello, father of Giovanni, in 1949. In origin it was a giardinetta in wood, after the transformation it it has been lengthened the step and elaborated the motor, and rifared completely the auto body with inner and colors it personalizes to you.

Our first realization on base 500 is been born with the scope to experience new materials, new colors and to risk new cromatismi in order to stimulate the fantasy and the estro of our customers. The plancia totally it is personalized covered from an eccentric essence of wood that donates a touch of originality for who does not want to conform to the aesthetic usuals canoni.

The outside of the 500 by Aznom is bicolored, the particular one of the roof and of the small mirrors pearly cangiante is painted with one ocher tonality, in perfect contrast with the black one of the inferior part.

The inner ones are completely are covered in bicolored skin. Sitting and back are rifiniti to cannelloni style years' 60. The brown and the ocher yellow are alternated wise between several the sitting for giving a sense of elegant mobility to all the nside. Perfect frame is the alcantara that it covers the sky and mounting, without to omit the fins parasol alternated in skin brown and alcantara. Specchiatevi in the lusso.

The circles in alloy from 16 inches of series have been replaced with of the 17 inches in ultralight alloy multirace Mak Passenger XLR with pneumati specific Yokohama “Parada”, thanks to partnership with RS & TA to us the Yokohama and Mak.

Specials on this version: key with same essence of wood used for the plancia, ag in skin with the inner colors of and the manici ones with the same lignea essence of the plancia, trousse for tools in skin with the colors of the inner ones. A singular particularitity of this version 500 is an exclusive device for the sbloccaggio of the door fleeting side through a hidden appropriate push-button in the dashboard. This device was mounted in origin on 130 Fiat Coupè in order to facilitate the climb to edge of the getlteman. We have likeably renamed it “push-button gallant”, an unavailable accessory vintage and. The galanteria returns fashionable…

For the fortunate owners the course of sure guide will be the opportunity to carry out to the special price of 400 € trackznom.

The 500 by Aznom in three declinations…
Aznom redefines style and quality creating with its partner a chosen width of personalizzazioni; in this case we have reassumed in three adjectives, the three ways to be Aznom.

“Amiable” version
External Selleria in skin, particular on ink to your choice
beginning from 4500€
time realization 1 month approximately

“Intriguing” version
Selleria and particular in skin (panels door ant. post. , change and brake by hand) bicolored Auto body, plancia personalizzabile.
beginning from 6500€
time of realization 1 and half approximately

Version “Seducente”
Covering total in skin, bicolored auto body or special color, plancia in valuable materials, tappetini personalizes and vain baggages to you.
Beginning from 8500 €
Time of realization 1 and half months approximately

The prices can vary based on the choice of the skin and valuable materials to use

Friday, September 28, 2007

Video: BMW 3-Series Crashes Into A Water Filled Ditch!



Ouuuuch; We admit, the late 3-Series Compact wasn’t a pretty sight to look at and we’d probably have preferred if BMW had ditched it altogether before it even came into production, but isn’t “ditching” it yourself sort of a overly drastic measure…? -Thanks for the tip Feodosiy!

Ford S-MAX Scooped In Los Angeles!

Motortrend’s senior editor, Ed Loh, scooped a Ford S-MAX this morning on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. Interestingly enough, Ford’s “European Car Of The Year” winner (click here) was equipped with Michigan manufacturer plates, so, as Motortrends’ Kirill Ougarov rightfully points out in his article, this aint no foreign diplomat car. Could it be that Ford’s looking into bringing the high-acclaimed Euro MPV to the States? Up until now and despite Ford CEO Alan Mullaly’s interest in European Fords, the American carmaker has denied any such rumours. On our behalf, we’d really like to see Ford offering the S-MAX to U.S. consumers. We’ve had the chance to drive all versions and it’s one hell of an MPV; not only does it look good but it’s spacious and a treat to drive.

Via: Motortrend

Knight Rider Coming Back To TV In 2008

If you’re in your late 20’s – early 30’s like yours truly, you’ve probably spent countless hours as a kid in front of the TV watching Michael Knight (played by David Hasselhoff) and his blacked out K.I.T.T. 2000. Yes, we shamelessly admit that there was a time and a place were we dreamed of driving Knight’s talking Trans-Am –with a handful of chicks in it! But we better stop here before we make a complete “arse” of ourselves… Anyway, what we really wanted to tell you is that NBC is bringing back the 1980s action-drama series. According to Variety, the new "Knight Rider" could air as early as next fall. There’s no word on which car will substitute the Pontiac Trans-Am, but producers are exploring the idea of adding "evil" cars to offset K.I.T.T.

Via: Autoblog.com , Source: Variety

2018 Mazda3 Contest: Design It & See It At The LA Show!

Mazda launched a pretty innovative contest today where the winner will have the chance to create a concept that’ll premiere at the 2007 L.A. Show in November. All you have to do is visit Mazda’s dedicated page on Facebook.com (membership required) and submit a 150-word description of your vision on a 2018 MAZDA3 including an optional sketch drawing.

Mazda’s design team will review the entries choosing 10 semi-finalists. Facebook community will then take over picking out five finalists which will be paired with a Mazda designer to hone their concept. Finally, the five projects will be subjected to a vote on Facebook. The winner will see his vision of a 2018 Mazda3 in a full-scale model at the LA Show. The contest, which is open only to U.S. residents, will end on November 7, 2007. -Press release after the jump

WANTED: DESIGNER TO CREATE THE 2018 MAZDA3, LIVE ON STAGE AT THE LA AUTO SHOW IN A WORLD-EXCLUSIVE DESIGN CHALLENGE

IRVINE, Calif., September 27, 2007 – It’s the ultimate assignment: tell Mazda what you think the 2018 MAZDA3 should look like. And better, if your design is chosen, you’ll have the chance to put your talent where your mouth is at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, where you’ll work with Mazda designers to bring your creation to life in front of more than a million anxious show-goers.

The “Mazda Design Challenge,” launched today on Facebook.com (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7602701619), will enlist help from Facebook members across the United States to compete to design a future MAZDA3, Mazda’s best-selling car globally. For the first time ever in the auto industry, the victor will work with Franz von Holzhausen, director of Mazda Design in North America, and his team, to bring the concept to life, live on stage at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show.

To enter, contestants must submit a 150-word description of their vision of the 2018 MAZDA3 including an optional sketch drawing. The Mazda Design team will then judge each entry, choosing 10 semi-finalists. Five finalists will be chosen by the Facebook community. Each of the five finalists will be paired with a Mazda designer to hone their concept, which will then be judged and voted on in a second round by fellow Facebook members.

Voting will take place over the course of a week, with the winning designer traveling to Los Angeles to hone their work with the Mazda Design team. Over the course of the ten-day auto show, the winner will bring their vision to fruition, ending with a full-scale model that represents their view of what the 2018 MAZDA3 will be.

“The ‘Mazda Design Challenge’ is an exciting, interactive competition that capitalizes on the power and influence of social networking,” said David Klan, director of marketing, MNAO. “By inviting young voices into the highly classified and secretive design process, Mazda will prove it’s a company involved in an active partnership with its customers.”

“Usually the design ideas come from inside our studio, but this is a rare opportunity for my team to look at design through our potential customers’ eyes,” added von Holzhausen. “Never before has any other automaker built a concept car on the show stand, in full view of show attendees. The pressure’s really going to be on all of us – especially the contest winner – to get it finished in time for the closing weekend of the show.”

Travel, accommodations, $1,000 spending cash and a new MAZDA3 to drive during their stay awaits the winner. In addition, the winner will have the opportunity to take the microphone to introduce the final concept at its unveiling on the final day of the show.

The contest is open only to residents of the United States, and begins on September 25 and ends on November 7, 2007 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Participants must enter by visiting Facebook.com.

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts, accessories and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc., located in Ontario, Canada, and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de México in Mexico City.

GM - UAW Deal: Non-Core Workers To Get Half Pay!

As many insiders predicted when General Motors and the United Auto Workers (UAW) shook hands earlier this week, the shift of $50 billion in health-care obligations to the union fund was just half the story.

Citing people with knowledge of the plan, Bloomberg is reporting today that GM and UAW have agreed to create a new class of jobs that’d pay about half the current rate thus breaking UAW's tradition of equal earnings for union members. Under the agreement, the so-called non-core employees like janitors and maintenance workers would get receive about $28 an hour in pay and benefits, compared with $51 for present employees. -Continued after the jump

While current “non-core” workers wouldn’t be affected by the accord, GM will try to by them out with the new pay structure applying to their replacements. But will this truly help GM? We can’t say for sure since it isn’t clear yet how many of GM's 73,000 current UAW- represented positions will be considered as non-core jobs. Analysts believe however that in order for this to have an substantial impact on GM, it would have to concern more than 5,000 workers.

Commenting on the report, Richard Block, a labor professor at Michigan State University in East Lansing told Bloomberg, “The company likes it because it cuts compensation costs and the union can swallow it because the people affected aren't going to vote because they don't exist yet,''. How true Mr. Block; what the eye doesn't see the heart doesn't grieve...

Via: bloomberg

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