22nd
February
2008
If you’re a member of the TV rat pack or a crowd control officer with the Los Angeles police, we suggest you gear-up and head over to Conserv Fuel on San Vicente Blvd in Brentwood on February 26. For just two hours, from noon to 2pm, GM is subsidizing E85 to the tune of 85 cents per gallon (geddit?). GM’s press release says they want to “help raise awareness about the first station in Los Angeles to offer E85 ethanol, and to encourage drivers of FlexFuel vehicles to use this cleaner, renewable fuel instead of gasoline.” Of course it has nothing to do with the fact they just sank a bunch of bucks into an ethanol producer. Even with the decreased power and poorer mileage of E85, 85 cents per gallon makes it an attractive alternative (hence the incipient flared tempers). But how many of the bargain hunters will be back when it’s back to to the station’s normal $3 per gallon? That’s when you’ll seeā well, could see if the media was botheredā what the average driver really thinks about E85.
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posted in Car News Articles |
22nd
February
2008
What I noticed were the assembled XJs. Now I’ve always quite liked the XJ - it’s a great-handling car that disguises its mass and it looks subtly grown-up. But the problem is always the messy, untidy old humans who drive them.
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22nd
February
2008
This won’t be easy to get across in mere words. Superlatives simply won’t do. But listen up, because I’m talking to you from the hottest, tightest driving seat in the history of Brit road cars. There has never been - and there will never be - anything like it.
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posted in Car News Articles |
22nd
February
2008
I interviewed Paul Williams, the new COO at Kia Europe earlier today (did it down the phone). The new ‘Soul’ concepts that will emerge in Geneva are clearly at the centre of a strategy to redefine Kia as something more than a value brand, something ‘fun’ for the ‘young at heart’.
Soul could well be to Kia what Scion is to Toyota in the US. And unlike Scion, Soul will definitely be coming to Europe. Look for the full write-up of the interview on just-auto early next week.
Incidentally, Paul is right with me on preferring rail if possible over flying - see below - and has recently made the journey from London to Frankfurt (where Kia Europe is headquartered) by choo-choo.
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posted in Car News Articles |
22nd
February
2008
Via
India Times
NEW DELHI: Water availability for agriculture is estimated to go down by up to 12 per cent from the current level by 2025 if remedial measures are not taken, a top scientist of the country on Thursday warned.
“The water availability for agriculture is projected to be 10-12 per cent of what is now available,” Director General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research Mangala Rai said while inaugurating the Krishi Vigyan Mela here.
He said the farmers would in fact require 25 per cent more water in 2025 than what they are consuming currently to produce food grains for feeding the domestic population.
Complete Article
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posted in Car News Articles |
22nd
February
2008
When the first in the line of legendary Corvette sports cars appeared in 1953, there was little to suggest future glory. Cleanly if delicately styled, with only an equally delicate six-cylinder engine to motivate it, the 1953 Corvette was more a cruiser than a bruiser; a car in which to relax, not race.
But, thanks to a restyling and the magic of the small-block Chevrolet V-8, the Corvette hit its stride with its second generation in 1956 and 1957. In fact, I think the 1956-1957 Corvettes were the prettiest ones made during the Corvette’s first decade of life. They were more artistic and aggressive than their bathtub-sided ancestor, and more pure of line than the similar but chunkier 1958-1962 models, which were laden down with quad headlights, chrome bars, and other filigree.
With its classic lines from the age of true styling individualism, and V-8 power–including optional fuel injection, a feature well ahead of its time–the 1956-1957 Corvette and its racing derivations quickly began to establish Corvettes as real challengers to European sports cars.
Some of the credit for the Corvette’s new-found respectability went to Dr. Dick Thompson, who became known as “The Flying Dentist” because of his high-speed successes during the 1950s and 1960s. Thompson started off as an amateur racing a 1956 Corvette and quickly rose to prominence with SCCA class triumphs, a factory Corvette Grand Sport ride, and a class win in the 24 Hours of Daytona. Amusingly–and typically, for the time–he never gave up his dentistry practice.
Unlike most Car Lusts, these cars are actually worth something nowadays. In fact, ‘57 Corvettes, especially the fuelies, can break six figures if they are in good shape. True show cars can of course go for more than that.
The red Corvette up top is on display at Kerbeck Corvette; and for those who share my peculiar tastes, there’s also a particularly nice 1975 Caprice Convertible on that page. The blue ‘Vette image came from Serious Wheels.
–Chris H.
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posted in Car News Articles |
22nd
February
2008
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The new 2008 Subaru WRX STI and all of the 2009 model year Subaruās use a new type of coolant dubbed by Subaru as āSubaru Super Coolantā. This coolant is blue in color and every bottle has a big āSā in the middle and a red cape on it.
According to Subaru the new Coolant must NOT be mixed with any other type of coolant. This means that when the cooling system is serviced for any reason or the overflow bottle is topped off during aĀ routine oil change the new coolant must be used.
Subaru is stating that the mixing of the new coolant with any other type of coolant will alter the protection capabilities of the new coolant, which Subaru claims will last 10 years before service is needed.
The good and bad explained.
By increasing the service life of engine coolant we should be able to cut down on some of the hazardous waste generated when performing routine maintenance. This should also save some money with regards to the cost of service, and has the added benefit of being better for the environment.
The new Super coolant is much more expensive than just regular coolant or even the Factory Subaru coolant used to date. Also is the real possibility that not every shop, (especially quick lube centers) will follow the recommendation of the manufacturer.Ā Ā
This can and will create a situation where the owner of a newer Subaru will wait the 10 years for service, but because the coolant is mixed may be faced with expensive repairs prior to that service being done.Ā This is where a good Independent Subaru Repair shop like All-Wheel Drive Auto can serve you better.
Staying informed is the only real way to get the most out of your vehicle.
All Wheel Drive Auto is committed to keeping our customers informed about the cars they drive. And providing tips for Subaru owners who find our website regardless of where they live.
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22nd
February
2008
PARIS ā CitroĆ«n has released information on the C2-R2 Max, a rally car available to customers as a kit car. This car validates CitroĆ«n’s plan to race in the FIA Junior World Rally Championship in 2008.
This hot hatch sits between CitroĆ«n’s C2 Super 1600 and the C2-R2 but is still loaded with all the rally goodies at a slightly more affordable price. Designed under the new FIA ‘Group R’ regulations, the Max has a quick 1.6-liter engine making 190 horsepower, along with an adjustable rear suspension, larger brakes and a hydraulic steering rack.
“From the outside, the car looks largely the same [compared with the standard C2-R2],” said Alexis Avril, CitroĆ«n Sport’s customer competition technical manager. The car was launched at Satory’s Val d’Or circuit by 2007 European Rally champion Simon Jean-Joseph and FIA Junior WRC rookie SĆ©bastien Ogier. The C2-R2 will be available through CitroĆ«n Sport and is scheduled to be homologated on March 1 by the FIA.
What this means to you: The C2-R2 Max’s 190-hp engine allows it to rival cars from the rally class above it. ā Mike Lysaght, Correspondent
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posted in Car News Articles |
22nd
February
2008
Base Price: 2009 BMW M3 Convertible - n.a. (last update: 1/21/2008)
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posted in Car News Articles |
22nd
February
2008
Grand
Prize: New 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid
A Cleaner Car for a
Cleaner America.
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posted in Car News Articles |
If you’re a member of the TV rat pack or a crowd control officer with the Los Angeles police, we suggest you gear-up and head over to Conserv Fuel on San Vicente Blvd in Brentwood on February 26. For just two hours, from noon to 2pm, GM is subsidizing E85 to the tune of 85 cents per gallon (geddit?). GM’s press release says they want to “help raise awareness about the first station in Los Angeles to offer E85 ethanol, and to encourage drivers of FlexFuel vehicles to use this cleaner, renewable fuel instead of gasoline.” Of course it has nothing to do with the fact they just sank a bunch of bucks into an ethanol producer. Even with the decreased power and poorer mileage of E85, 85 cents per gallon makes it an attractive alternative (hence the incipient flared tempers). But how many of the bargain hunters will be back when it’s back to to the station’s normal $3 per gallon? That’s when you’ll seeā well, could see if the media was botheredā what the average driver really thinks about E85. 
(2 votes, average: 5 out of 5)