Honda FCX Clarity, Civic GX still get HOV lane access in California
Filed under: Hydrogen, Honda, Natural Gas
Honda next-generation solar hydrogen station – Click above for high-res image gallery
Recently California passed a rule that extended access to the state’s carpool lanes for zero and ultra low emission vehicles until 2015. Part of that regulation update included the phase-out of access for hybrids like the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight. Despite hybrids being relegated back to the crowded lanes, Honda still has two vehicles that do qualify, the FCX Clarity and Civic GX.
Unfortunately, at this point, the number of fuel cell powered-Claritys in private hands remains in the single digits. Even the natural gas-fueled Civic GX is comparatively scarce. Perhaps now that the Civic will have HOV-lane access until 2015, more buyers will migrate away from hybrids. One advantage of the Civic is getting a Phill fueling rig that hooks to your home natural gas supply so that you can fill the Civic in your garage.
Gallery: Honda solar hydrogen station
2011 Nissan Murano pricing announced (UK)
If you cast your mind back to March this year, Nissan had announced plans to introduce a much needed diesel engine for the European Murano, which comes out in September. The redesigned front end is needed for additional cooling airflow to the radiators for the diesel engine. The reworked fascia sports a new grille and a reshaped bumper with larger air intakes and altered front fog lamps.
The Murano diesel utilises a modified version of Nissan’s 2.5 litre 4 cylinder engine, kicking out 190bhp and 450Nm (332lb-ft) of torque. This is linked to a 6 speed automatic transmission. The revised Murano 2.5dCi has a combined fuel economy of 35.3mpg (8.0lt/100km) and 210g/km CO2 emissions.
Prices start at a hefty £37,795 and the Murano is available to order now with first deliveries in September. Standard equipment comes in form of 20” alloy wheels, electric tailgate, colour rear and side cameras w/ 7″ satellite navigation system, HDD 9.3GB music server w/ iPod, Bluetooth and AUX connectivity, and 11 speaker BOSE sound system.
Nissan predicts that the diesel model will account for over 90% of Murano sales in Europe.
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Next-gen PT Cruiser imagined despite car’s demise
Filed under: Hatchback, Chrysler
Rendering of a next generation Chrysler PT Cruiser – Click above for high-res image gallery
The end of production of the Chrysler PT Cruiser prompted a reader at the Cheers and Gears forum to try his hand at rendering what could have been a next-generation edition of the retro hatchback. It’s often been said that following up a retro design is particularly difficult, though admittedly, BMW has managed to do so with the Mini.
The artist, Andrew Currie, has taken his cue from Mini by retaining the original PT’s basic shape, with the biggest changes applied to the nose. A larger grille with four round, exposed headlamps still retains the flavor of the outgoing model. If the design were applied to a more modern platform with an up-to-date powertrain and better handling, it’s certainly possible it could have been successful. The problem is that such designs tend to be fashion statements, and you know what they say about “One day you’re in …” In part, Mini’s success has come by expanding the concept to different body styles including the Clubman, Countryman and the upcoming coupe and roadster. It’s not clear that a single PT variant could do the job.
What do you think, could a new PT Cruiser with modern running gear still succeed? Let us know in our poll after the jump.
[Source: Sector 329 Graphics/Andrew Currie via Cheers and Gears]
Read more…
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2011 Subaru Outback adds in-car Wi-Fi
Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Technology, Subaru
2010 Subaru Outback – Click above for high-res image gallery
Ford’s SYNC does 3G WiFi, and with the help of Autonet so do GM, Chrysler, Avis, some school buses and now Subaru. The Japanese automaker has put WiFi on the options list of the 2011 Subaru Outback for the pretty standard price of $499 as a dealer-installed option. That’ll get you an encrypted connection good within 150 feet of the car, and it can be used while the car is in motion. The subscription is $29 per month after that, and Subaru is gracious enough to pick up the first three months for you. Follow the jump for the full press release.
Gallery: Review: 2010 Subaru Outback
Concept cars highlight Ford-only day of RM’s Monterey auction
Filed under: Concept Cars, Auctions, Ford
2004 Ford Mustang GT-R Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery
The RM auction is always one of our favorite events during the Monterey classic car week, and this year’s looks to be one of the best yet. In fact, there are so many vehicles up for grabs that RM has scheduled an additional auction day featuring just Fords. Some historically-important vehicles will cross the block, including a 1903 Ford Model A and a 1962 Lincoln Continental used by John F. Kennedy.
Ford Motor Company itself will auction off some vehicles itself, including eighteen concept cars built from 2000 to 2004. Among the notable vehicles on the list are the 2001 Lightning Rod Concept, the 2001 Forty Nine Concept, the 2003 Supercharged Thunderbird Concept and the 2004 Lincoln Mark X Concept. Our favorite? The Mustang GT-R Concept that made its debut at the 2004 New York Auto Show. Ford will donate the proceeds of the sale to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and The Children’s Center.
You can read more about the Ford-only auction day in the press release after the jump, or head over to RM’s website to see a full list of vehicles up for sale.
Bajaj launches Avenger 220 cruise bike
Bajaj Auto has launched Avenger 220 cruise bike in the Indian two wheeler market. The Avenger 220 cruise bike is powered by a 220 cc engine which also powers Pulsar 220cc motorcycle. The bookings for the bike is open and deliveries will be made in next 2 weeks.
Avenger 220cc has a maximum power of 21 PS @ 8500 rpm and maximum torque of 19.12 Nm @ 7000 rpm. It is priced at Rs 76,876/- on road Pune. Colours to choose from are Black, Red, Blue and Silver.
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Intended acceleration: Toyota hybrids were always safe?
A real danger or just a distraction?
Did the government assume too much?
“The Department of Transportation has analyzed a sampling of dozens of black boxes in Toyota vehicles involved in accidents blamed on unintended acceleration, finding the throttles were open and the brakes were not engaged,” the Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday.
