Spycam: 2010 Nissan 370Z

he world debut of Nissan's 2010 Nissan 370Z is little more than a month away at the L.A. auto show, and Nissan engineers appear to be doing some last-minute shakedown runs in Germany near the Nurburgring. While this 370Z prototype hasn't been seen on the 'Ring yet, it will probably be headed there soon.

The Nissan 370Z mule seen here, as has been previously reported, appears to be shorter in wheelbase over the outgoing Z. The car's decrease in size should help make the new 370Z lighter than the car it's replacing, which should mean performance and fuel efficiency of the new Z will be improved.

Nissan's latest VQ37VHR engine used by the current Infiniti G37 will power the new Z, with the engine massaged to make somewhere in the neighborhood of 330 hp. Expected transmissions include a close-ratio six-speed manual and all-new seven-speed automatic.
2010 Nissan 370Z Spied Front Three Quarter View
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On the exterior, the 370Z retains the same general shape as the present car, with differences including a boomerang-style headlight treatment both front and rear similar to what's found on the new Nissan Maxima, reworked front and rear fascias, more aggressive fender flares, and a pronounced kink where the windscreen meets the roof.

Nissan officials recently cited the Porsche Cayman and Audi TT as the upcoming car's chief rivals, a tall order for the Nissan coupe. The 370Z reportedly will hit Japanese dealerships this December, with U.S. deliveries coming most likely by spring 2009.

Of course, we'll have the full story for you on the new 370Z during the Los Angeles show press days, which begin Nov. 19.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/future/spied_vehicles/112_0810_2010_nissan_370z_spied/index.html#ixzz0rBp7G9BZ

Spycam: 2011 Chevrolet Beat

Pictured here is a test mule of the Chevrolet Beat city car, which is expected to arrive in Asia and Europe -- but not North America -- sometime in 2011. The beat will replace the Daewoo-sourced Matiz in GM's lineup.

Unlike the Beat concept show at the 2007 New York Auto Show, this vehicle is a five-door instead of a three-door, with the front doors being shortened. Wheelbase is said to be 93.5 in, and overall length 141.5 in

The Beat will be offered with the choice of a 1.0- or 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine mated to either a five speed manual or four speed automatic transmission.

The Beat has not been certified for the U.S. because the automaker doesn't think that U.S. customers will be willing to buy a car smaller than the subcompact Chevrolet Aveo. An all new Aveo, with sedan and hatchback bodystyles, and claimed 44mpg, is currently under development.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/future/spied_vehicles/112_0808_2011_chevrolet_beat_spied/index.html#ixzz0rBohz0cy

2011 Chrysler Future Cars

Chrysler barely survived 2009, only staying alive thanks to an arranged marriage to Italy's Fiat. Aside from the fast-tracked Fiat 500, most fruits of this union won't reach dealer showrooms for some time, but the new ownership has already breathed signs of life into the Pentastar's once-dormant product pipeline.

In Detroit, Chrysler showed a rebadged version of the Lancia Delta. Such rebadges would be one way to quickly give Chrysler some more fresh product, especially with the U.S. return of Alfa Romeo in doubt once again.

2011 Chrysler 300
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Here's what the future holds in store for Chrysler beyond the aforementioned 500 and upcoming 2011 300:

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/future/future_vehicles/112_1003_2011_chrysler_future_cars/index.html#ixzz0rBo7mmSo

2011 Asian Future Cars

The past year turned out to be a mixed bag for the Asian automakers doing business in the U.S. market. Hyundai, Kia, and Subaru were the big winners, with all three posting not just market share gains, but absolute sales gains in a year in which the entire new car market shrank by about 25%. On the the other side of the ledger, Toyota posted its first loss ever, thought it managed to hold off surging Volkswagen to retain its crown as the world's biggest automaker only to be forced to stop sales and production of most of its lineup in late January due to faulty accelerator pedals. Rival Honda saw its Prius-fighting Insight hybrid flounder while Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn continues to be under pressure (the Ghosn that could do no wrong is now just a distant memory).

2010 Suzuki Kizashi Front Three Quarters View
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So what does the future hold for the Asian giants? And what of the likes of Suzuki and long-struggling Mitsubishi? The future of the former (and the fate of the Swift subcompact) rests on the success of the Kizashi sedan, while the latter has some plans in the works as well. Here's a quick look at a few of the top vehicles coming from Asia's automotive giants in the near future.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/future/future_vehicles/112_1003_2011_asian_future_cars/index.html#ixzz0rBndCxa3

2011 German Future Cars

Lately, the three German luxury brands have been carving niches out of niches, but that hasn't stopped them from paying attention to their core products. BMW just redesinged the 5 and 7 Series with a new 3 Series on the way. Mercedes-Benz has a brand new E-Class sedan and coupe on its hands, with wagon and convertible variants en route. And Audi is in the midst of revising its entire lineup. Read on to find out more about what's in store from Ingolstadt, Munich, and Stuttgart.

2012 Bmw 3 Series Front Three Quarter 2
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WHAT: 2012 BMW 3 SERIES
WHEN: EARLY 2011
When the next-generation BMW 3 Series arrives sometime in 2011, one of the big changes besides the updated sheetmetal (don't expect a radical change like there was from the E46 to the current E90) will be the new single-turbo inline-six that replaces the current model's twin-turbo unit. First seen in the 5 Series Gran Turismo, this mill makes the same 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, but over a wider RPM range while meeting the upcoming Euro6 and U.S. SULEV emissions standards. A naturally-aspirated I-6 should also be available and there are even rumors of an I-4. The arrival of the new 3 Series will also bring about the end of the V-8-powered M3, as the next one is expected to go back to an I-6 powerplant.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/future/future_vehicles/112_1003_2011_german_future_cars/index.html#ixzz0rBnGLHPc

2012 Lexus GS-F

2012 Lexus GS-F: Toyota to build a V-10-powered M5-fighter
From the October, 2007 issue of Motor Trend
/ By Todd Lassa

Take the 500-plus-horsepower, Formula 1-inspired sub-5.0-liter V-10 slated for the 2010 Lexus LF-A supercar, drop it in the body of the all-new 2011 GS sedan, and what've you got? The 2012 Lexus GS-F. Watch out, BMW M5, Audi RS6, Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, and 2009 Cadillac CTS-v!
2012 Lexus GS F Rendering
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Details are sketchy, but engineers are said to be protecting the next-generation GS to be able to package the supercar's V-10. The GS-F apparently hasn't been approved for production. It would be a good idea, though, and not just for enthusiasts. It would cut engine costs through higher volume than by building it just for the exclusive supercar.

This also is official (kind of) notice that a V-10 has emerged as the engine Lexus will use in its supercar. Lexus hasn't announced the engine, or even made the supercar official, but Toyota was said to be considering either the V-10 or a twin-turbo version of the LS sedan's V-8. The new V-10 was to be Toyota Formula 1-based, but that series now uses a V-8, and the street engine has been developed with diminished connection to the racing engine.

The GS-F, if approved, would hit the streets about a year after an all-new GS scheduled for the 2011 model year. Expect visual mods similar to those of the forthcoming V-8-powered IS-F. Transmission is likely to be the eight-speed automatic from the LS 460, modified to allow full manual mode via paddles and ultrafast shifts.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/auto_news/112_0710_2012_lexus_gs_f/index.html#ixzz0rBmrXNiF

2012 Chevrolet Corvette:

2012 Chevrolet Corvette: What GM's planning for the C7... And what it must do to make America's Sports Car a world-beater
From the November, 2007 issue of Motor Trend
/ By Angus MacKenzie, Todd Lassa

If you were a car-crazed kid in America any time between Eisenhower and LBJ, chances are you learned about one sports car before any other: Corvette. It might've been a two-tone C1 roadster, a split-window coupe parked among svelte Corvairs and boxy Impalas on your neighborhood dealership's showroom floor, or Tod and Buzz's dull gray convertible on television; but the long hood, the short deck, the two buckets, and the brawny, yet sophisticated American swagger caught your eye. It was the stuff dreams were made of.
2012 Chevrolet Corvette Rear View
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Now one of America's longest-lasting nameplates, the Corvette has had its toe-curling Elvis-in-Vegas years (the awful, asthmatic C3s of 1975-1977 were the absolute nadir). But the opening decade of the 21st century finds America's own sports car in the best shape it's ever been. The 2008 C6 is the sharpest, fastest, and best-finished Corvette yet, while the 197-mph Z06 is, quite simply, the best-value supercar you can buy anywhere in the world.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/future/112_0711_2012_chevrolet_corvette/index.html#ixzz0rBmVgvu0

2011 General Motors Future Cars

What's Right Around the Corner for Buick, Cadillac, GMC and Chevy
From the January, 2010 issue of Motor Trend

Cadillac Xts Platinum Concept Side
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A year ago, General Motors filed for bankruptcy and installed a revolving door on the office of the CEO. Pontiac and Saturn are gone. Hummer is on its way to Chinese ownership. Saab remains in limbo and is likely to be liquidated soon.

A year ago, Nissan and Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn said, "In tough times, you have to look at and adjust your product-development programs, but you can't just stop. Because then, when things return to normal, you have nothing to come to market with. The one thing certain about the future is that people will continue to be driving cars." People are in fact still driving, and GM is preparing to roll out some quite interesting, relevant, and well-developed products.

2011 Chevrolet Volt Side View Static Passenger
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Among other things, it is working hard to fill in the blanks in Buick's lineup as it also prepares to launch the much-ballyhooed and all-important Chevrolet Volt. Here's the skinny on the significant new products from The General that are just around the turn of a calendar's page.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/future/future_vehicles/112_1003_2011_general_motors_future_cars/index.html#ixzz0rBlnDkMC

2011 Ford Future Cars

A Look at What's Coming for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury in the Near Future
From the January, 2010 issue of Motor Trend
/ By Todd Lassa

2011 Ford Fiesta Sedan Side Static
Click to view Gallery
When Ford CEO Alan Mulally took out massive loans in 2007 with the entire company serving as collateral, it looked like a desperation move by an automaker on the ropes. Come 2009, Mulally started looking like a genius.

Thanks to those loans, Ford didn't have to ask the government for loans or file bankruptcy, and thus didn't earn the public scorn that its cross-town rivals did. On top of that PR victory, Ford was a big beneficiary of the "Cash for Clunkers" program (Ford vehicles, particularly 90s Explorers, were some of the most common C4C trade-ins as well). And, thanks to some well-timed products like the 2009 F-150 and 2010 Fusion, its sales dropped slower than the market as a whole and the Blue Oval finished 2009 with a bigger share of the market.

Looking forward (and past the looming release of the Fiesta), Ford has enough product in the pipeline to build on its victories in 2009. Click through to the following pages for all the highlights of what Dearborn is cooking up for 2011.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/future/future_vehicles/112_1003_2011_ford_future_cars/index.html#ixzz0rBlLBPQC

Fast And Furious Saleen Mustangs And Ford GT

If you watch the film you'll notice a lot of Saleen vehicles running around. Not only are these "extra cars" from the Saleen family of products, they're actually the Saleen family's personal vehicles. The white GT is Steve's personal vehicle. The orange Saleen S302 PJ, designed to pay homage to Parnelli Jones, is actually Parnelli Jones' personal S302.

Wallpaper Images
Fast And Furious Saleen Family Vehilces Fast And Furious Saleen Family Vehilces Fast And Furious Saleen Family Vehilces Fast And Furious Saleen Family Vehilces Fast And Furious Saleen Family Vehilces

If you look in the background you'll see a bright pink Mustang, which belongs to Steve's daughter and is custom-painted Molly Pop Pink. We had a long conversation with Molly about her cars and we were not only impressed with her knowledge, but also with her ability to chat through much of the long filming process. You don't want to know how much that thing costs to repaint.

Dynasty Electric Vehicles - IT Tropic

Dynasty Electric Vehicles - IT Tropic
dynasty-electric-vehicles-it-tropic .jpg

Dynasty Electric Vehicles like this 2008 IT Tropic are environmental friendly electric cars that require NO Gas and have a maximum speed of 25. Great for for urban, recreational and light commercial markets such as planned and gated communities, destination resorts, industrial complexes and universities, Dynasty Electric Vehicles bring fun to the electric vehicle. We like the IT Tropic because it's a car you can really feel the breeze in. The four seater rag-top is ideal for warmer climes but still equipped with many of the It's standard features like self canceling turn signals, seat belts and automotive safety glass. Dynasty Electric Vehicles are available in five different models,including the Sedan, Utility, Sport, Tropic or Van.

Mechanical & Manual Extraction(2)

All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

Sit-in extraction equipment

(Argocat and Glencoe types of machine).

* Primarily constructed or used for work off the public highway;
* Good for increased stability and carrying capacity.
* Employers who provide their employees with sit-in vehicles are required to minimise the risk of injury to operatives from the rolling over of such vehicles under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 19981. Do so by either of the following:
1. Fit vehicles with a roll-over protections structure (ROPS): either a cab, rollover frame, or roll-bar to protect the occupants. Such a structure could either be provided as part of the original machine or, if added afterwards, should be purchased with a CE2 mark and approved by a recognised test body. Occupants should wear seat belts.
2. Risk assessment may indicate the use of designated routes and designated trained drivers as an alternative to having to fitting a ROPS system.
* Follow HSE guidance AIS 33 ‘Safe use of all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s) in agriculture and forestry’.3

All Terrain Cycles (ATCs)

Sit-astride extraction equipment (mainly quad motorcycles).
(Potentially the most dangerous items of extraction equipment).

* Good for use where manoeuvrability is important and where small numbers of carcasses are likely to be recovered each trip.
* Small carcasses can be carried on the machine, or larger carcasses in a trailer attached to the back of the ATC, or pulled behind on a drag bag.
* Never drag down steep slopes, unless in a rigid sled, as the load may overtake the ATC, causing an accident.
* Fit hill trailers with a ball hitch that rotates through 360 degrees, as this will allow the trailer to run smoothly at a different angle to the ATC.
* Fit a sheet or cover over carcasses when using the wire basket type of hill trailer to reduce dirt thrown up by the ATC wheels landing on the carcass.
* If dismounting an ATC whilst crossing a burn, Always dismount upstream to avoid the danger of pinning.

Winches & Snatch Blocks

Good for extracting animals from very steep gullies or slopes, winching deer out of forestry clear-fell areas, and lifting heavy carcasses into vehicles or larder.

These can either be hand-held, vehicle-mounted or fixed in a larder, and can help with carcass handling and extraction.

The capstan winch is a useful type and can either be mounted on a vehicle or be portable and petrol-driven.

When extracting deer with a long rope, especially in forestry areas, a snatch block and strop can be especially useful if operating along a roadside. The strop is looped high around a tree, and the snatch block, or pulley wheel, is attached by a Bow shackle. The rope is passed through this, and one end attached to the carcass, the other end to a vehicle or a capstan winch.
A winch fitted to ATVs may also help in self-recovery if you get stuck.

* When laying out a rope for the extraction of a carcass, especially in forests and woods, take as short and as direct a route as possible, avoiding bends and major obstacles.
* Use a polypropylene rope with an appropriate breaking strain approximately 200m long, wound onto a drum that can be easily transported.
* Winches should be used for lifting heavy carcasses into recovery vehicles, where the cargo deck is more than 75cm above the ground and assistance is not available.
* Do not wear loose fitting clothing as this could become trapped in a winch.
* Wear ear defenders when using a motor-driven winch.
* Use gloves when operating winches particularly for wire ropes.
* Check that all drums are correctly lubricated.
* Do not use excessive pressure if a load becomes stuck.
* Do not attempt to fix or work on a winch under load pressure.
* Be aware of the danger of electrocution when using electric winches in wet conditions or in proximity to overhead power lines particularly in ravines etc where there is a risk of the winch cable springing into the air and making contact.

Manual extraction

This is often the only available method of extraction from areas too steep and boggy for vehicle access. When extracting carcasses manually the safety of the operator is paramount.

Health & Safety

* Minimise the risk of injury and physical effort — plan and modify the route, e.g. brash routes through trees, mark pony paths.

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 (as amended)1 establish clear steps for dealing with risks from manual handling. These are:

* Avoid hazardous manual handling operations so far as reasonably practicable;
* Assess any hazardous manual handling operations that cannot be avoided;
* Reduce the risk of injury so far as reasonably practicable.

Techniques

* Light deer may be recovered from the culling area to vehicle or larder by carrying. Several specifically designed “Roe Sacks” are available from a range of manufacturers, which allow small deer to be comfortably carried on the back.
* Take care when carrying unspecified loads, especially on uneven ground, so as to reduce the risk of injury to the user.
* Care must always be taken to avoid unnecessary contamination when dragging.
* When dragging ensure an appropriate length of rope. A toggle handle or wrapping the rope around a length of stick, may prevent rope burns.
* Attach the drag-rope by looping around the antlers, or neck for females, and put a half hitch around the nose. This will prevent the nose digging into the ground, and will raise the shoulders off the ground.
* If dragging from the front, keep the rope very short, and stand in front of the deer and pull slowly, do not allow the carcass to build up momentum.
* On steep ground do not wrap the rope around any part of the body.
* When dragging, maintain constant pressure, don’t jerk and snatch at a load.
* For very steep ground lower the carcass by the back legs first (the deer hair going ‘against the grain’ and therefore acting as a friction brake) with the rope around the head. Wherever possible use two people. One person in front to pull and one at the back to keep the carcass from rolling onto the front man and keep the carcass stretched out.

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Instrumented Test Vehicle Fleet

UMTRI has nine 2003 Nissan Altima 3.5SE vehicles with extensive instrumentation onboard to support research on a wide array of topics. These vehicles were fabricated for the Road Departure Crash Warning FOT and remain as property of the UMTRI, available for researchers as part of a fleet pool. The vehicles are very flexible in use, and associated instrumentation and capabilities include:

* Long-range 77 GHz radars (front or back)
* Mid-range 24 GHz radars (any direction)
* Cameras (any direction, internal or external)
* In-cabin audio
* GPS and map-matching capabilities to provide information about the position, motion, and roadway environment
* Lane-tracking systems from AssistWare to provide lane position in real time
* Vehicle motion sensors (speed, brake, turn signal, headlamp status, cruise control, ABS/TC, accelerometers, yaw rate, steering wheel, etc.)
* Data collection system already built for the dataset described, with reliable and robust turn-key performance in all temperatures and environments, as demonstrated in five FOTs. The data system is very flexible and adapts to new sensors and data needs, as shown over dozens of projects at UMTRI.
* Ability to collect thousands of hours of data, house the data within Microsoft SQL databases, and readily retrieve merged data/video within seconds. The FOT analysis tasks have led to the most advanced computer tools and applications of databases for vehicle-driver interaction in the world.

Mitsubishi Motors Provides i MiEV Electric Vehicles for Use at G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit

Tokyo, June 6 2008 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today announced that it would provide 10 i MiEV*1 electric vehicles for official use at the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit. The electric vehicles will be used as transport for visiting world leaders and members of the media. Additionally, the vehicles will comprise one part of an on-site display*2 and test drive.

Mitsubishi i MiEV

MMC hopes that through its small contribution, attendees of the G8 Summit will find a new appreciation for the superior practicality and environmental viability of electric vehicles.

NDY mini vehicle

NDY mini vehicle

Engine Model HH474QE
Type Gasoline, 4 cylinders in line, 4 strokes, water cooled, electrical fuel direct injection
Max. Output(kw/r/min) 60.5/6000
Max. Torque(N.m/r/min) 102/3000
Dimension(mm) 3795x1560x1925 (LxWxH)
Wheel base(mm) 2515
Displacement(ml) 1310
Passenger seats 7
Fuel Tank Capacity (L) 130
Transmission 5 forward speed gear, one reverse gear