Honda hybrids set to go global - TOP. 10

The new hybrid will debut the second generation of the firm’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology. It mates a small petrol engine to an electric motor, which are both attached to either a standard manual or CVT auto. The electric motor is powered by nickel-metal hydride batteries, which are charged on the move via regenerative braking. Meanwhile, the first FCX Clarity fuel cell production car has rolled off the line in Japan.

[ source : autoexpress ]  Posted Jun 19th 2008 7:56PM

Honda Looks To Follow GM By Fueling Hydrogen Hopes With Hollywood Hype - TOP. 9

Honda's hoping to snag some love from the Hollywood hype machine for their new green machine, the hydrogen fuel-cell-powered FCX Clarity. Honda's producing 200 of the fuel cell vehicles for distribution to celebrities and other Hollywood luminaries to build buzz for the 73 MPG technological wonder. True, these drivers may not need the fuel efficiency as they drive around with their poodles to pick up their grande skim latte, but whatever, they're influential. Wait a second — why does this sound so similar?

[ source : jalopnik ] Posted Jun 19th 2008 7:28PM

Lexus IS-F gets tuned by Wald - TOP. 8

The extrovert of the entire Lexus lineup, the IS-F isn't light on visual or actual horsepower. Japan's Wald Tuning hasn't let that fact get in their way of releasing the Sports Line Black Bison bodykit. Wald's setup adds some visual aggression through an increase in the number of strakes and vents, as well as a trunklid spoiler. Doubtless, this get-up will add weight, possibly offering contradictory real-world performance from a vehicle that certainly looks like it should be fast. The amped-up visuals also help distract from the controversial fender gills, and the Black Bison package for the IS-F manages tack-on without being overly tacky. Well, maybe just a little tacky.

[ source : edmunds.com ] Posted Jun 19th 2008 7:01PM

Escape Hybrid to Department of Energy - TOP. 7

The Blue Oval has gifted the U.S. Department of Energy a one-of-a-kind vehicle: a plug-in Escape Hybrid that can run on E85, has a 30-mile range on pure electric power at up to 40 mph, and gets 88 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway. Yes, you read that correctly. But you might want to read it again.

[ source : gminsidenews.com ] Posted Jun 19th 2008 6:32PM

Robotic Navi-Bear as Annoying as It Is Cute - TOP. 6

In-car navigation systems with nagging voices  have officially gone too far. IXs Research has developed a talking robotic teddy bear that not only gives you directions, it'll tell you when you've had too much to drink.

[ source : wired.com ] Posted Jun 19th 2008 6:02PM

GM puts brakes on SUV, truck redesigns - TOP. 5

NEW YORK (Reuters) - General Motors Corp (GM.N) is postponing redesigning its SUVs and full-sized trucks as it shifts its product portfolio toward more fuel-efficient vehicles, the Wall Street Journal reported in its online edition on Thursday.

[ source : yahoo ] Posted Jun 19th 2008 5:31PM

General Motors recharges on future of electric car - TOP. 4

When the Detroit automaker pulled the plug on its unprofitable electric-vehicle program in 2000, it became known, in the words of a popular documentary, as the company that killed the electric car. Its love affair with the Hummer didn't help either.

[ source : seattletimes ] Posted Jun 19th 2008 4:59PM

Is a New Ford F-150 SVT Lightning Coming This Fall? - TOP. 3

Based on the wheel shots below, the SVT F-150 (not to be confused with the SVT Raptor) will be wholly distinct from the 2009 Harley-Davidson F-150. The Harley F-150 has benefited in the past from SVT's engineering prowess (for example, the 2002 Harley F-150 had the same supercharger as the SVT Lightning but with smaller pulleys that produced less horsepower) but has never been (and we're not expecting it to be in the future) an SVT product.

[ source : pickuptrucks ] Posted Jun 19th 2008 4:29PM

Hamilton blows $400,000 on number plate - TOP. 2

The British formula one driver is now the flamboyant owner of the plate 'LEW 1S', which he will attach to his black 4x4 Mercedes-Benz for use in Switzerland, his adopted tax-haven home.

[ source : onestopstrategy.com ] Posted Jun 19th 2008 3:55PM

New Camaro named official vehicle of SEMA show - TOP. 1

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is already garnering show honors before it hits the market. The Specialty Equipment Market Association on Tuesday said the reborn sports car would be the official vehicle of this year's SEMA aftermarket show in November.

[ source : autoweek ] Posted Jun 19th 2008 3:25PM