Archive for July 9th, 2010

Roads laced with titanium dioxide could help us breathe easier

Filed under: Etc.

3492394997f08942234b Roads laced with titanium dioxide could help us breathe easier

Researchers at the Eindhoven University of Technology (EUT) may be on the brink of discovering a breakthrough that will lead to reduced pollution and cleaner air for all. According to the EUT, a roadway made of concrete blended with titanium dioxide can effectively remove up to 45 percent of the nitrogen oxides that it comes in contact with. The titanium dioxide, a photocatalytic material, captures airborne nitrogen oxides and, with the aid of the sun, converts it to nitrates that are harmlessly washed away by the rain.

The EUT conducted real-world studies on a 1,000-square-meter section of repaved road in the Netherlands. Such testing showed that the laced pavement could reduce nitrogen oxides by 25 to 45 percent more than traditional concrete. As Jos Brouwers, professor of building materials at the EUT remarked, “The air-purifying properties of the new paving stones had already been shown in the laboratory, but these results now show that they also work outdoors.”

Additional testing is still underway and although the pavement laced with titanium dioxide does cost some 50 percent more than regular cement, overall road-building costs only increase by a marginal ten percent. Costs aside, the advantages of the titanium dioxide are readily apparent, but the implementation of such a product requires repaving our roadways, a time consuming endeavor for sure.

[Source: Eindhoven University of Technology]

Roads laced with titanium dioxide could help us breathe easier originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Driving the Ford Focus RS, the Feistiest Ford

image Driving the Ford Focus RS, the Feistiest Ford

There are plenty of things in Europe that we Americans unfortunately don’t get to enjoy here on home soil: Monstrous medieval castles. No speed limits. Beer stronger than Coke Zero. Of course, some pretty damn cool rides, too.

Like many of my cohorts, I have drooled over Ford’s Focus RS (and RS500) from afar. And now, thanks to Continental Tire, I’m happy to report that I’ve driven the snot out of a Performance Blue example during a recent stay at the brand’s Contridrom test facilities near Hanover, Germany.

To experience one of the world’s hottest hatches first hand — on a track, no less — was a completely unexpected treat. I travelled to Deutschland for a test of the latest German tires, not cars. But when the Focus rolled up to the tightly twisted wet handling course (Imagine a regular circuit with small sprinklers constantly dousing the pavement, and you’ll get an idea of the Slip ‘n Slide-like environment), I had to see if it was worth all the international hype. Strapped into the snug Recaro bucket, I was giddier than a thirteen year old during The Twilight Saga: Eclipse premiere.

image Driving the Ford Focus RS, the Feistiest Ford

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Kia launches special edition Picanto, Rio & Soul (UK)

2011+KIA+Rio+Domino Kia launches special edition Picanto, Rio & Soul (UK)

Kia has introduced special editions of the Picanto city-car, Rio supermini and Soul crossover.

The Kia Soul Echo is united by the Picanto Domino and Rio Domino, all of which can be ordered in white or black metallic paint.

The Domino special editions offer additional equipment for less money, including front fog lamps, air conditioning and electronic stability control (ESC). The Picanto Domino is priced at £7,995 for the manual, £8,895 for the automatic, while the Rio Domino starts at £9,295 for the 1.4 litre manual. The Rio Domino automatic and 1.5 CRDi manual both start at £10,395.

2011+KIA+Picanto Rio+Domino Kia launches special edition Picanto, Rio & Soul (UK)

The Soul Echo adds equipment as 18” alloy wheels, contrasting painted door mirrors and body stripe, leather cockpit and an upgraded sound system. The Soul Echo starts at £14,600 for the 1.6 litre petrol while the diesel starts at £15,609.
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2011 Nissan Quest Minivan photo release

2011 Nissan Quest 2011 Nissan Quest Minivan photo release

More and more global automakers are using the Internet for releases or announcements of their new models before the car will be face to face before the public.

At this time, Nissan showed the network externality of the new Quest minivan, 2011, which should go on sale early next year. Based on the concept car Nissan Forum, presented as early as 2008.

In earlier communications Nissan said that Quest offers new levels of quality, reliability and versatility. And judging by the proposed images, minivan received an innovative exterior and family-oriented internal space.

Debut of 2011 Nissan Quest is scheduled for October this year, under the car dealership in Los Angeles.

interior 2011 Nissan Quest 2011 Nissan Quest Minivan photo release

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Gov. – 100 million hybrids and EVs by 2030

nissan leaf black beyond early adopters Gov. – 100 million hybrids and EVs by 2030

Can the Government make it happen?

Can we do it?

Under Energy Secretary Dr Kristina Johnson recently told the Institute for International and European Affairs in Dublin that the US could have up to 100 million hybrid and electric cars on the road by 2030 thanks to policies being driven by the Obama administration.

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Hyundai i20 Receives Interior Upgrades and Cleaner Engines

hyundai i20 new 1 Hyundai i20 Receives Interior Upgrades and Cleaner EnginesThe Hyundai i20 is getting blue on the inside and greener under the bonnet. Minor changes to the aerodynamics and engine have resulted in a boost in fuel efficiency for all engines, while the interior is now more stylish and better equipped.

The best-selling 1.2-litre petrol engine, already one of the most efficient in the class, drops its emissions by 5g/km to 119g/km. This results in a tax disc costing just £30 and company car tax benefit-in-kind rates of just 10%. Buyers wanting the extra power of the 1.4-litre version will see even greater savings, with the Style models dropping by 13g/km to just 129g/km. This results in a drop of two Vehicle Excise Duty bands and a 4.3mpg improvement.

The two diesel engines also see significant savings, with the 75PS model dropping by 6g/km to just 110g/km. The 90PS version gains a six-speed gearbox which helps it achieve a 7.2% improvement in fuel economy.

These improvements have been made possible by adding a small spoiler to the underneath of the car to improve airflow around the wheels, fitting an Eco Drive indicator in the instrument panel to suggest the best point to change gear, using low friction engine oil and an alternator management system.

hyundai i20 new 2 Hyundai i20 Receives Interior Upgrades and Cleaner EnginesInside, there are two blue additions. Firstly, the dashboard and instrument illumination is now blue rather than red, bringing the i20 into line with larger Hyundai models. Secondly, Bluetooth phone connectivity with voice recognition is now added as standard on all models except the entry-level Classic.

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