Hyundai-Kia “confident we can beat” Toyota’s $50,000 price on fuel cell cars
Filed under: Hydrogen, Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, Green Daily
Kia Borrego FCEV – Click above for high-res image gallery
Hyundai-Kia has been hard at work on its fuel cell technology. A couple weeks ago, the company announced that significant progress has been made and the target date for release of its fuel cell vehicles to the general public is now set for 2012. The company plans to have at least 10,000 fuel cell vehicle in consumers’ hands by 2015. Of course, nobody can forget the announcement from Toyota last month stating that its $50,000, production-ready hydrogen sedan would debut in 2015.
Well, apparently Hyundai-Kia wasn’t too thrilled by Toyota’s announcement and doesn’t think much of the price either, and so the Korean automakers countered with some fuel claims of its own. As Byung Ki Ahn, general manager of Hyundai-Kia’s fuel cell group, told Autocar:
Our fuel cell stack can run at ambient atmospheric pressure, so we don’t need an air compressor and it contains less platinum, making it cheaper. Since 2004 we’ve eliminated 90 per cent of its typical material cost. Toyota has a target to produce 50,000 fuel cell cars a year and expects to be able to price them at $50,000. We’re confident we can beat it.
Thrustmaster’s latest gaming rig is the next best thing to a Ferrari 430 Scuderia [w/video]
Filed under: Technology, Ferrari, Toys/Games
![web630 thrust lifestylecokpit Thrustmasters latest gaming rig is the next best thing to a Ferrari 430 Scuderia [w/video]](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/web630-thrust-lifestylecokpit.jpg "Thrustmasters latest gaming rig is the next best thing to a Ferrari 430 Scuderia [w/video]")
Thurstmaster Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430 Scuderia Edition – Click above for high-res image gallery
Looking for that ultimate gaming setup for playing Gran Turismo? Short of a full cockpit installed in your living room, this could very well be it.
The Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430 Scuderia Edition from Thurstmaster incorporates an 11-inch steering wheel (a 70% scale replica of the 430 Scuderia’s) mounted on an adjustable metal column affixed to a base with twin metal pedals. The wireless system is compatible with the PlayStation 3 and PC (Xbox fans are left stranded by the side of the road), but if you thought the actual Scuderia was expensive, the 23-pound Thrustmaster setup will set you back $250. Follow the jump to watch a demo video and to check out the official press release.
Chrysler recalls 285k 2008-2009 minivans over fire risk
Filed under: Minivan/Van, Recalls, Safety, Chrysler, Dodge
Dodge Grand Caravan – Click above for high-res image gallery
For the second time in 2010, Chrysler minivans have landed on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website for a major recall. Back in February, over 312,000 2005 and 2006 model-year Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country minivans were recalled for an airbag issue. The latest recall involves 284,831 2008 and 2009 model year vehicles that “may contain an improperly routed wire harness may have a condition where the sliding door hinge bracket can make contact and wear through the wire insulation.” If the wiring insulation wears down enough, a short circuit could occur inside the door, overheating the latch and possibly causing a fire.
Owners of affected vans manufactured between February and September 2007 can take them to the nearest Chrysler dealer for a free repair. Hit the jump to read over NHTSA’s press release.
Nissan’s next plan for India – Micra sedan
It looks Nissan and Renault has come to India with some serious plans. After launching the Micra small car, Nissan is contemplating to launch a sedan based on the Micra. Booking for Micra has already been started and the response so far has been very good.
Though the sedan will be based on Micra platform, technically speaking – ‘V Platform’ which is created by Nissan and Renault JV for low cost vehicles, the exterior styling will be different as compared to Micra. As seen from the picture the sedan boast a very aggressive look with some sharp edges in front and rear.
Micra Sedan might be a late entry to the crowed Indian mid sized car market, but if priced competitively as done for the Logan, who knows it might snatch a good share of its pie from the market leaders. Read more…
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Chinese students assemble Bugatti Veyron from used cigarette packs
Filed under: Coupe, Performance, China, Etc., Bugatti, Humor, Electric
Bugatti Veyron replica made from recycled cigarette packs – Click above for image gallery
Is there anything more environmentally friendly than recycling? Well, perhaps not using so much raw material in the first place, but at least recycling is a major step in the right direction. In any case, students from Xi’an University in China decided it was high time to do something constructive with all those used cigarette packs that clog the world’s trash heaps… and construct something they did.
Using a total of 10,280 empty cigarette packs, the students assembled something that kinda-sorta looks like a Bugatti Veyron. It reportedly weighs over 660 pounds and is powered by an electric motor. Though the machine doesn’t really appear to have much purpose in life, it was used to raise awareness for World No Smoking Day, which apparently came and went on May 31st. Check it out in the image gallery below… we’d say the project was – *ahem* – a smoking success!
Mahindra buys 55% stake in Reva, renames it as Mahindra Reva
Mahindra & Mahindra have bought 55.2% controlling stake in Bangalore based Reva Electric Car Company and has renamed it as Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicle Company.
Mahindra Reva will continue the production of Reva electric cars and hopefully sell it through the Mahindra’s existing dealership network. The EV technology will slowly be incorporated in the entire range of Mahindra vehicle in the coming years.
Reva had collaborated with GM to provide EV technology for its small cars. GM had showed its electric small car concept eSpark at this year Auto Expo which was slated for December launch. However with the Mahindra buyout, GM is expected to back out from the venture.
Press release:
Mahindra enters high growth electric car segment; acquires majority stake in REVA
• Mahindra to have 55.2% equity in REVA Electric Car Company (REVA).
• Company to be renamed Mahindra REVA Electric Vehicle Company (Mahindra REVA)
• Mahindra REVA to leverage Mahindra’s vehicle development expertise
• Mahindra REVA electric technology to be deployed in Mahindra vehicles
• Dr Pawan Goenka elected Chairman of the newly constituted board
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