Nyheter fra andre

Nissan execs have apparently told the reporters over at Edmunds Straightline that the 2009 Nissan GT-R will be the first and last GT-R with the "launch control" system as the company is tired of dealing with the warranty nightmares that have convinced people they can't do GT-R donuts. Said one high-ranking exec:

It's gone," he said when asked if launch control would return in 2010. "We just don't want to deal with the warranty nightmare anymore

Hey, but there's a silver lining.

Said the same source, "It'll make the 2009 GT-R really special. It'll be the only R35 with launch control." So remember that GT-R owners when your engine falls out of your brand new exotic car and Nissan won't replace anything because your teenage son used launch control once in his high school's parking lot in a misguided attempt to impress a girl in the marching band. [Edmunds: Straightline]

We just received an e-mail from MINI USA informing us that the company has opened the application phase for the all-electric MINI E field trial. Unfortunately none of us could apply as we don't live in the designated New York City, New Jersey or LA Metro areas. But even if we did, you'd have to be extremely lucky to be among the 500 people that...

Seems like EA Deutschland is getting their slice of this SEMA-style customizing madness by cramming a Scirocco with every bit of video game paraphernalia they could draw together (ed - no Master System though). This little hatch is packed full of 30" screens, a XBOX 360, Playstation 3 and enough heart-stopping audio gear to give Frankie Rio wood. After running the German-flavored article through a little free online translator action, we gather that this is simply a new 'Rocco that's been vinyl wrapped, black rimmed and irreparably wronged.

galleryPost('nfsuvw', 3, 'Achtung, Baby!'); [VauMax]

This dune monster is the VW Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck and it will run the 41st Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 desert race in the SCORE Trophy Truck class. As you may have already guessed, the race buggy doesn't share anything in common with the VW's luxury SUV other than its name and a small resemblance in appearance. The Race Touareg TDI...

Details on the instrument panel and driver assist systems on the new 2010 Honda Insight have been released and it seems Honda is intent on training the new hybrid's drivers in much the same way other auto manufacturers have announced. The "Ecological Drive Assist System" uses a combination of color cues in the speedometer and "leaves which grow" to encourages economical driving behaviors. When you push the "Eco" mode button, the speedo turns green when you're being frugal or blue when you're hooning it, also a panel grows "leaves" to reward short term driving and displays the long term performance as well. This of course comes on the heels of the announcement from Ford about their "Smartgauge with EcoGuide" system in the Fusion Hybrid and Milan Hybrid which also rewards judicious use of the go-pedal with growing leaves. We expect everyone who complained about that system to bellyache about this too.

galleryPost('insightdashpreview', 6, '2010 Honda Insight With Eco Drive Gadgets');

But that's not all these new images tell us. If we take a closer look at the rest of the dash, it looks like the Insight will share design cues with its Euro Civic cousin and offer such features as a USB aux audio input, a CD/MP3/WMA disc drive and an overall simple control scheme. What we don't know is what the heck an "S" means in the PRNDL cadence. What the heck does "PRNDSL" mean? Park, reverse, neutral, drive, second and low? Probably, but we're holding out for a "Superamazing" gear.

NEW INSIGHT TECHNOLOGY HELPS DRIVERS MAXIMISE FUEL ECONOMY
Dashboard display encourages and rewards greener driving styles

Honda has announced a new Ecological Drive Assist System to help drivers achieve better fuel economy. The technology will feature on the new Insight family hybrid car, which goes on sale in spring 2009.

It will be the world’s first system to combine three different functions to enhance fuel economy: an ECON Mode which controls engine, transmission and other powertrain components to support more fuel-efficient driving; a guidance function that helps drivers become more fuel efficient behind the wheel using the colour of the speedometer display; and a scoring function that provides instant and long term feedback on driving techniques, after each journey.

Honda developed the Ecological Drive Assist System to help its customers improve their fuel economy in real world conditions. The scoring function provides cumulative, long-term feedback through graphic ‘leaves’, which ‘grow’ over time as drivers learn and then implement a smooth driving style that boosts fuel economy. The visual nature of the scoring function display makes it easy and enjoyable for drivers to improve the efficiency of their driving skills over time.

“Hybrid technology delivers great fuel economy and low emissions, but these can both be affected by driving style,” says John Kingston, Government Affairs and Environment Manager at Honda (UK). “This new package encourages greener, more efficient driving, in a fun and engaging way.”

The technology will further boost the appeal of the Insight, which is due to hit UK showrooms in the spring next year. Honda has already announced that the 5-door family car will be significantly lower in price to any other hybrid on the market, making petrol-electric technology accessible to more people.

A production version of Insight will be unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show, in January 2009.

To learn more about Honda’s Ecological Drive Assist System and the new Honda Insight, please visit: http://www.insightecon.co.uk

Key features of the Ecological Drive Assist System

1. ECON Mode
By pushing an ECON button on the dashboard, drivers can engage ECON mode to support more fuel efficient driving.

As well as controlling the engine, CVT and other powertrain components, ECON Mode also adjusts the air conditioning unit, extends idle stop time and increases regenerative recharging during deceleration to enhance the fuel efficiency of the Insight.

2. Guidance function
The main part of the guidance function is an ambient meter in the form of a background colour behind the speedometer display that changes to indicate real time fuel consumption.

The ambient meter displays a green colour when fuel-efficient driving is being achieved: a blue-green colour when relatively fuel-efficient driving is being achieved with smooth acceleration and deceleration; and a blue colour during heavy fuel consumption.

The ambient meter makes the driver aware of real-time fuel consumption patterns, and encourages the driver to be more fuel efficient, while trying to maintain the green colour display.

The Ambient Meter is the world’s first technology of its kind that encourages environmentally-responsible driving by responding to braking practices as well as acceleration.

3. Scoring function
The aim of the scoring function is to engage drivers in more fuel efficient driving, and encourage them to develop a more environmentally-responsible driving style.

The scoring function is located within the Multi-Information-Display, in the centre of the instrument panel. This part of the Ecological Drive Assist System uses graphics of tree leaves to ‘score’ the fuel-efficiency of the driver’s performance.

While the ignition switch is turned on, the display shows a score reflecting the real time driving performance.

When the ignition switch is turned off, the ‘leaves’ in the top row display a score for the journey just completed, while a horizontal bar in the bottom row of the display gives a ‘lifetime score’ that represents cumulative lifetime performance.

The Multi-Information Display also allows drivers to view fuel economy figures for the past three trips, as well as instantaneous and average fuel economy statistics.

When the technology debuts in the Insight in the spring, it will be the world’s first function of its kind to provide real-time and post-trip assessments of the impact of driving habits on fuel economy.

First unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, the Hyundai HED-5 i-Mode Concept has been approved for production. The automaker made the announcement at the Los Angeles auto show this week. Moreover, the hatchback will be offered in the United States, the company said. Power comes from a 2.2-liter R [...]

Welcome to Down On The Street, where we admire old vehicles found parked on the streets of the Island That Rust Forgot: Alameda, California. Hooray for old Detroit station wagons! You don't see many small Detroit wagons these days, since the Vista Cruisers and Country Squires sold in such greater numbers back in the pre-SUV era, so I was very happy to spot this bright yellow, Moon disc-equipped Chevy II (or maybe it's a Nova- hard to say with the emblems removed) parked downtown.

You could get your little Chevy wagon with a 153-cubic-inch four-cylinder- whoa, a four-cylinder in a 60s Detroit wagon? Call the HUAC! You could also get a 194-cube six-cylinder; sorry, V8 fans, you had to wait until '64 for an optional 283 in your Chevy II.


Even though this wagon's owner is clearly a salt-flat-crazed hot rod hoodlum, the single exhaust suggests that he or she has kept the four or six under the hood. Parts runnner? Daily driver?

galleryPost('DOTS63NovaWagon', 17, '1963 Chevrolet Chevy II Wagon Down On The Street');

First 350 DOTS Vehicles • DOTS FAQ

Straight out of left field comes news of an offer from German solar energy company SolarWorld to acquire Opel from General Motors. The company has apparently made a formal offer to GM to the tune of $1.3 billon. “It’s a serious offer,” CEO Frank Asbeck told Reuters. “It’s not a gag.” SolarWorld is one of the [...]

When Honda begins deliveries of its 2010 Insight hybrid this spring, it will come with a technology designed to help owners improve their driving habits to maximize fuel efficiency. Called Eco Assist, the system consist of a driver-activated ECON mode that automatically optimizes fuel use, plus a set of gauges to encourage “environmentally responsible driving.” [...]

The all-new Mazda3 Sedan revealed its 'smiley' face to the public for the first time today at the opening of the 2008 LA Auto Show. The current '3' is Mazda's best-selling vehicle worldwide with around 1.8 million global sales since its launch in 2003 and the Japanese firm hopes that the second generation model will do even better. Aside from the...

When Lamborghini unleashed its Gallardo LP560—4 coupe earlier this year, we knew it was only a matter of time until the convertible Spyder variant would arrive. That moment finally came today with the unveiling of the LP560—4 Spyder at the Los Angeles auto show. It’s not coincidence Lamborghini chose the LA show [...]

Usually, it takes a while before we decide whether or not we like a product, but not this time. One glimpse was more than enough to make us drool over these awesome office chairs that are made from authentic sportscars seats. The company that builds them, RaceChairs, uses refurbished seats from various automakers including Ferrari, Maserati,...

Dutch automaker Spyker revealed its latest limited edition sports car at the Los Angeles auto show on Wednesday. The road-going C8 Laviolette LM85 is a mid-engine two-seater based on the C8 Laviolette GT2R race car. Production will be limited to just 24 units. Built around a 4.2-liter Audi V8 powerplant, the LM85 [...]

With the help of California governator Arnold Schwarzenegger, Volkswagen unveiled its all-new Touareg TDI - powered by a 221-horsepower V6 engine. Unlike the last diesel-powered Touareg to visit North America, the new V6 is intended to be a diesel-sipping, mass-market model. Once Arnie stepped out of the Touareg V6 TDI, we learned [...]

Even though the top dogs at Detroit’s Big Three battled it out today over federal funding in Washington, D.C., nowhere was the domestic automakers’ collective plight more obvious than the Los Angeles Convention Center, site of the 2008 LA Auto Show. Though the three CEOs might have taken individual private jets from Detroit to D.C., [...]

The 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show saw the unveiling of the facelifted 2009 Porsche Boxster and Cayman models (click here for photos and details). In true Porsche fashion, both cars feature significant mechanical upgrades as well as near invisible cosmetic changes. Highlights include the more powerful yet also more fuel efficient direct-injection...

In case you weren't sure, this is in fact the brand-new, third-generation Lexus RX that was revealed to the world for the first time at the 2008 LA Auto Show. Like its predecessor, the new RX will be offered in two flavors, the gasoline only RX350 and the gasoline-hybrid RX450h. The exterior of the all-new RX features a sort-of...

Hetero Life Mates Wert and Wes battled through the dregs of the press world at the LA Auto Show today to bring you the kind of prime autojourno content you've come to love and expect from Jalopnik, including a large helping of hybrids, diesels, exotics and convertibles. While the boys are out trying to do their best imitation of Don Draper AWOL in swinging 60s Los Angeles, throw back a few old fashioneds and hit rewind as we take you back through a first day filled with discoveries both overwhelmingly radical and radically underwhelming. Check back tomorrow or click the LA Auto Show tag for a steaming fresh pile of the hottest knowledge live from the city of angels and booth professionals.

2009 Nissan 370ZgalleryPost('2009370ztopla08', 12, '');

2010 Ford Mustang GTgalleryPost('2010toppermustangla08', 12, '');

2010 Ford Fusion Revealed LivegalleryPost('2010fusiontopla08', 12, '');

2009 Porsche BoxstergalleryPost('2009porschetopla08', 12, '');

2010 Mazda3 SedangalleryPost('2010mazdatopla08', 12, '');

Honda FC Sport: Hydrogen Sports Car Concept Of The FuturegalleryPost('hondafctopla08', 12, '');

All-Electric Mini E Hits LA Auto Show Floor with Hottest. Deputy Mayor. Ever.galleryPost('miniehottopla08', 12, '');

Volkswagen Touareg V12 TDI Baja RacergalleryPost('vwbajaregtopla08', 12, '');

2010 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h Push Bland to New HeightsgalleryPost('2010blandrxtopla08', 12, '');

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder Live UnveilgalleryPost('lambo5604topla08', 12, '');

The 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible will add the style of a hard top convertible to the venerable G-Series line. The new drop-top Infiniti is essentially an Infiniti G37 coupe with a folding lid, meaning that it'll get the same powerful 3.7-liter V6, good for 325 HP. In S trim the G37 will also get the same sport tuned steering and larger brakes. Both models have the choice of either a six-speed manual transmission or a paddle-controlled 7-speed gearbox. We like the looks of the regular G37 and the convertible is just as sharp. If the regular G37 convertible isn't special enough for you, 200 "premier editions" will be sold through the Bloomingdale's Holiday Catalog and features a few minor visual tweaks. Either way, we like it at least 3,000 times more than the Lexus SC430. Full details in the press release below.

galleryPost('2009Gconveritble', 6, '2009 Infiniti G Convertible');

galleryPost('2009gconvertibleint', 4, '2009 Infiniti G Convertible Interior');

Check out more on the Infiniti G37 Convertible from CarandDriver.com

ALL-NEW 2009 INFINITI G CONVERTIBLE MAKES ITS
WORLD DEBUT AT THE LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW
First-ever Infiniti G Convertible Set For Spring 2009 Launch in North America
LOS ANGELES (Nov. 19, 2008) – Infiniti today unveiled the latest expression of its “Inspired Performance,” the all-new 2009 Infiniti G Convertible, at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. The first-ever Infiniti G Convertible builds upon the performance legacy of the Infiniti G line, with the liberation only a convertible with the top down can provide. It is scheduled to go on sale at Infiniti dealers in North America in the spring of 2009, followed later in other Infiniti markets around the world.

“Designed to rejuvenate the spirit, the G Convertible adds an open-air soundtrack to the G’s legendary driving exhilaration,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, speaking before automotive media at the vehicle’s world debut. “This new G has dual beauty – it looks as good with the top up or down – along with a beautiful, leather-appointed interior that is meant to be experienced wide-open.”

The new G Convertible offers a three-piece folding steel top and a special convertible-focused interior, which features a unique Bose® Open Air Sound System that dynamically changes equalization based on outside noise, vehicle speed, and top position, and an adaptive climate control system that adjusts fan speed in accordance to top position and vehicle speed.

Every 2009 G Convertible comes equipped with an advanced 3.7-liter V6 rated at 325 horsepower. The engine is backed by a choice of an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with available magnesium paddle shifters or a responsive close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission.

Technology features include standard RearView Monitor and an available touch-screen Infiniti Navigation system with XM NavTraffic® Real-Time Traffic information with 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive, Pre-Crash Seat Belts, Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with Preview Braking and Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS).

The G Convertible is offered in two models: the G37 Convertible and the G37S Convertible Sport 6MT, which adds sport-tuned steering and larger sport brakes, along with 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and W-rated performance tires.

Also available is a special, limited production G Convertible Premier Edition, offered exclusively through the Bloomingdale’s Holiday Catalog. With only 200 being built, the Premier Edition features a custom Monaco Red Leather leather-appointed interior, handcrafted red-tone Maple Wood trim, Midnight Black front grille and 9-spoke 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and tires. Pre-orders for the Premier Edition are being taken now for delivery in 2009.

The Infiniti display at the Los Angeles Auto Show also showcases the complete line of 2009 Infiniti vehicles, including the all-new Infiniti G37x Coupe with intelligent all-wheel drive, the new G37 Sedan with a 328-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 and a new, more powerful M35 rear-wheel drive sedan.

[Source: Infiniti]

When people think of Impressionist painting they tend to think of French dudes like Monet and Cezanne whose portraits and landscapes cover the walls of the Art Institute of Chicago. Though the French deserve credit for Impressionism, the rest of the world followed the style set forth by the near-sighted Frenchmen. The style spread from San Francisco to Istanbul, from Cairo to San Juan, and even to Warsaw, Poland, where painter Władysław Podkowiński embraced the form. His most famous work is, arguably, Szał Uniesień (or A Frenzy of Exulting), which was fairly well received by the Polish audience. His most notorious painting is probably Ecstasy, which was shown in Warsaw for about a month before Podkowiński decided he didn't like it anymore and ripped it to shreds with a knife, though we've never understood quite why he decided to attack his own work. He died soon after of TB, at the age of only 29, so it is possible he was just going nuts. Or, you know, maybe he was inebriated. Today's reveal of the 2009 Nissan Cube, which has yet to be shredded by its designer, had Boosted Lego Wagon thinking about the impression the Cubist vehicle left on him.

Cubism: when you don't have the Monet for something with a little more Gogh.

I wonder how much for the all-Cezanne tires and rubber floor Matisse.

All we can say is ZUT ALOR!