Prepping for 2012 Summer Olympics, fuel cell-powered London taxi prototype unveiled
Filed under: Hydrogen, UK
The city of London hopes to have a fleet of zero emission fuel cell-powered taxicabs in service in time for the 2012 summer Olympic games. The first prototype, built by Lotus Engineering with a consortium of other companies, was unveiled yesterday at the city hall.
The classic black TX4 cab is outfitted with a fuel cell electric powertrain that has a range of 250 miles and top speed of 50 miles per hour. The hydrogen tank can be refilled in just five minutes but a network of hydrogen filling stations will have to be put in place to make a fleet useful in 2012. So far, the project has been funded with £5.5 million from the Technology Strategy Board but more cash will be needed to complete the original goal of an emission-free taxi fleet.
[Source: Autocar]
Prepping for 2012 Summer Olympics, fuel cell-powered London taxi prototype unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Victor Muller and Saab’s Future
Victor Muller is chairman of Saab Automobile and chief executive officer of Spyker Cars NV. I state this for the record because the Dutchman is quickly becoming Mr. Saab, the advocate and enthusiast for the tiny Swedish automaker. At some point, I’ll need to double-check his titles.
He’s made much of the fact that Saab is far larger than the automaker Muller used to buy the brand from General Motors in late February. Spyker builds about 50 cars for the global market in a good year. Saab builds about 125,000 for the world in a good year, though lately, such years have been scarce.
Muller maintains that because of cost cutting and its separation from GM after 23 years, Saab will quickly return to profitability. I’ve met with Victor Muller several times now — briefly at the Geneva Motor Show, held just after Spyker saved Saab, at the New York International Auto Show, where Muller let me see renderings for a new-age Saab 92 that he carries on his Blackberry, on John McElroy’s “Autoline Detroit” TV show, and most recently, on the new Saab 9-5 launch.
Second generation Chevy Volt could get rotary engine
Chevrolet hasn’t even begun selling the 2011 Volt yet, but already GM is thinking about more efficient ways of making the next-generation model. Sources spoke to GM’s new vice president of global vehicle engineering, Karl Stracke, who shared some insights into the new GM thought process.
According to Stracke, the Volt’s current propulsion system is too expensive and has to be cut down if the car is to compete effectively with the Toyota Prius. Its battery pack costs $10,000 and GM is keen to halve that figure for the next-generation.
One answer is to use a rotary engine. Rotaries are known for producing more power per cubic centimetre than their cylindrical equivalents. A downside is their tendency to use relatively more fuel, but Stracke reckons that one rotor could be enough for his car’s purposes.
A second option is the use of a 2 cylinder petrol engine. This engine could produce between 20PS – 24PS.
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Ken Block soliciting ideas for Gymkhana Three, winner gets a free ride!
Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Etc., Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Racing
Ken Block wants your gymkhana ideas – Click above to watch video after the jump
Ken Block may not be having the best run in the history of the World Rally Championship, but the guy is still one helluva driver. Naysayers need look no farther than his recent head to head bout with former F1 champ Kimi Raikkonen for proof. Oh, and his series of mind-bending gymkhana videos. From the sound of things, Block and DC Shoes are currently in the process of coming up with the next round of insane car stunts, and since the internet is filled with those who know better, the duo has turned to the web for suggestions.
Think Block should set up his next gymkhana course through a Monster Truck Jam rally while the big boys run it at the same time? Tell him. There’s a chance the guy will send you some swag. Everything from autographed posters to other gear are up for grabs, and one lucky soul will be invited out to a day of filming, complete with a ride along from the man himself. Sound like fun? Of course it does. Head over to the DC site to get your ideas into the mix, and check out Block’s personal invitation after the jump, complete with glowing Fiesta rotors.
[Source: DC Shoes]
Continue reading Ken Block soliciting ideas for Gymkhana Three, winner gets a free ride!
Apple demos Nissan Leaf ad on iPhone 4 with exclusive contest
Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Nissan, Electric
Nissan Leaf iAd on 4th generation iPhone – Click above for high-res image gallery
One or two of you may have noticed that Apple CEO Steve Jobs “officially” revealed the new fourth-generation iPhone today at the Apple World Wide Developers Conference. What you may not know is that the Nissan Leaf played a small part in his demonstration of Apple’s new iAd mobile advertising platform. Nissan will apparently be using the iAd system to promote its upcoming electric car with some cool interactive features.
The ad begins with a small banner that shows up at the bottom of the iPhone screen. iPhone users can tap the banner to expand the ad to full screen where they will find the Leaf on a pedestal. A swipe across the screen will spin the pedestal to reveal different features of the car. One of the pages allows users to register for the Leaf reservation list and even enter an iAd-exclusive contest to win a Leaf.
Users will be able to check out the ad on iPhones, iPod touches and iPads after it goes live on July 1.
Chevrolet Beat Diesel launch by early 2011
General Motors will launch diesel variant of Chevrolet Beat hatchback by early next year. The company has announced the manufacturing of 1 litre diesel engines from its Talegaon plant which will power the Beat. Beat has been received well by the customers and a diesel option will be a feather in the GMs crown.
Video: Pagani Zondas assemble in Italy for 6th annual “Vanishing Point” reunion
Filed under: Performance, Europe, Videos, MISC
6th Annual “Vanishing Point” gathering of Pagani Zondas – Click above to watch the video after the jump
How much is too much? When it comes to Paganis, we doubt such a point exists – at least not in the company’s limited production run so far – but in any event, we’ve yet to find it.
Every year the company’s president, founder and namesake Horacio Pagani invites owners and friends to an annual gathering called “The Vanishing Point”, in apparent homage to the cult classic 1971 car flick. This year’s brought out an impressive array, including examples of the Zonda S, Zonda F and the ultra-exclusive Cinque edition, along with a handful of other supercars like a Ferrari Enzo and 599 GTB Fiorano, the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and a Gulf-liveried Ford GT… plus a of Bentley, a Rolls-Royce and, picking up the rear, a Volkswagen van with a Zonda exhaust decal slapped on the back.
Unfortunately, the day was mired by rainy weather, but that didn’t stop the convoy from rumbling through the sleepy medieval town of Cividale del Friuli, where a handy-cam from Italansupercar.net was on hand to take in the sights. Follow the jump to check it out.
[Source: Italiansupercar.net via GTSpirit.com] Read more…
