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March, 2005 Archives | Homepage
Car Show Highlights Car Modding Trend
Hot Import Nights is an increasingly popular traveling car show where
people show off modified cars, paint jobs, electronics and
whatever else they can think of that is new and cool and
can be added to a car. Tom's Hardware Guide calls it a "mix of
car show, LAN party, and model fest." The show captures
the ongoing trend of modding -- where people modify computers
and electronics. Modding is also popular with
gamers who like to enhance their PCs with added components
and artwork. Hot Import Nights even has a gaming show inside of it run by GameRiot. You can find out when the show is coming to your city and register
your car on the Hot Import Nights website.
Mike Munar, manager of Vision Entertainment, told Tom's Hardware Guide
how Hot Import Nights all began in a recent interview:
We started Hot Import Nights in 1998, with a single show. It soon
grew to two shows a year, then four. Now we have a twenty city tour
each year. Our show is a bit different from the usual auto show.
Those shows are spread out over several days, but Hot Import Nights
crams all that into six hours. At our latest show in Los Angeles,
there were about 24,000 to 30,000 attendees. You can only fit so
many people in the convention hall, and there is a limit to how
many people you can stream through the door. Some people were
lining up at noon to get at five.
Posted on March 29, 2005
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Gas Prices Blast to $2.13 Nationwide
Gas prices have risen to $2.13 on average nationwide according to
the AAA's Daily Fuel Gage Report. The report is based on a survey of over 60,000 self-serve stations. According to GasPriceWatch.com
the highest price in the nation is South Lake Tahoe, CA at
$2.76. A new Wall Street Journal article (via the Sun-Sentinel)
says that gas prices have already started to undercut SUV sales.
Posted on March 28, 2005
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Wired: Diesel Hybrids on the Fast Track
Wired reports that diesel hybrids are on the way from
General Motors, DaimlerChrysler and Ford that could out-perform
hybrids vehicles like the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid
and Ford Escape Hybrid. The non-diesel hybrids use an electric
motor to give the cars an extra 15 to 50 percent more miles than
regular vehicles. By comparison Wired cites GM Powertrain's
Charlie Freese who said "vehicles with diesel engines typically
get 25 to 30 percent more miles to the gallon than their gasoline
counterparts." Diesel Hybrids should be on the market in 2007 and
2008. The Wired article also mentions several diesel hybrid test vehicles including GM's Opel Astra Diesel Hybrid:
Earlier this year, GM unveiled the Opel Astra Diesel Hybrid, a sedan
concept vehicle the company claims would increase fuel economy by 25
percent over a comparable diesel car, or approximately 59 miles per
gallon. The vehicle uses a hybrid system with two electric motors
being co-developed with DaimlerChrysler, according to GM.
Posted on March 26, 2005
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Edmunds Offers Free Women's Car Guide
Edmunds.com has launched a free Women's Car Guide, which offers car advice and car buying information for women drivers. Written primarily by Edmunds.com's female editors, the new section offers buying advice as well as articles specifically focused on automotive topics that women have indicated are of primary concern and interest, including safety and hybrid vehicles. The buying guide arranges content in categories that include, "A Smart Shopper,"
"A Bargain Hunter," "A Strong Negotiator," "A Family Manager," "A Safety
Expert," "A Green Consumer," and "A Self-Starter," the latter of which
teaches do-it-yourself tips for changing a flat tire, buying car insurance
and other important tasks.
Posted on March 25, 2005
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2005 New York Auto Show
Ferrari introduced the F430 Spider (pictured on the right) at the 2005 New York International
Auto Show. Other debuts include the
Lexus GS 460 Hybrid (Lexus), the Shelby Cobra GT500 (Ford),
Sport Trac Adrenalin SUT (Ford), 2006 Jeep Commander (Chrysler Group),
R500 Grand Sports Tourer and R320 (Mercedes-Benz), 2006 Hyundai Azera
(Hyundai), BMW 2006 325i (BMW) and 2006 Cadillac XLR-V (General Motors)
More on the Auto Show can be on Auto Week, Car and Driver, Detroit Free Press,
Detroit News, Auto Blog and Motor Trend which started an auto blog about the show.
Posted on March 24, 2005
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BMW Cuts Deal With Sirius Radio
BMW has struck a deal with Sirius Satellite Radio to promote its new 3-series car. The partnership is the first such deal for Sirius. BusinessWeek reports that, "The effort launches March 26 and features a 44-day
cross-country travelogue style show, '3 Across America.' It winds up on
May 6 with an 18-hour broadcast on a new Sirius outlet for the carmaker: BMW
Channel, and a live concert starring top performers yet to be named."
Posted on March 24, 2005
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Walk This Way
iPod meet the i-foot. Somehow the iPod seems more useful, but
this is certainly an interesting creation from Toyota. Toyota plans
to display the i-foot as well as robots that play instruments
at the Expo 2005 in Aichi, Japan, which begins March 25, 2005. This 2-legged, mountable, egg-shaped robot was developed for three-dimensional mobility, with the ability to navigate staircases. The passenger climbs on and drives with a joystick. Discovery.com
reported that Toyota hopes the i-foot will eventually replace wheelchairs
since users can control it with a joystick even on staircases. Discovery.com
has more on the i-foot including a couple photographs -- just scroll past the frozen Mammoth news.
Posted on March 23, 2005
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AAA and Parents Name 2005 Best Cars for Families
Parents magazine and AAA have named their fourth annual list of Best Cars
for Families, featured in the April issue of Parents, (on newsstands March 15 -
April 12). AAA's auto reviewers and Parents editors culled through more
than 200 new car choices to find the 15 vehicles that best handle the driving
demands of busy moms and dads. They then put them through perhaps the most
grueling test: Real-life test-drives by Parents staffers and readers.
AAA and Parents said they considered everything from air bags and fuel economy to cup holders
and cargo space. The reviewers also installed a variety of child safety seats
and booster seats into every car, making sure it could be done easily and
securely. Of those vehicles tested, the AAA/Parents picks rated among the top
performers in crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The AAA/Parents Best Cars for Families for 2005:
Minivans
Chrysler Town & Country: New "Stow 'n Go" second- and third-row seats easily fold
flat into the floor for hauling extra cargo. Extra storage space and side-curtain air
bags protect passengers in case of rollover.
Honda Odyssey: The "gold standard" of minivans raises the bar with standard features
that include stability control, a rollover sensor, and side-curtain air bags for all
three rows.
Toyota Sienna: Features include roll-down windows on sliding doors (a plus for kids
who get carsick), second-row bucket seats that slide apart (great for separating
squabbling siblings), and an overhead mirror that lets you spy on kids without
turning around.
Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs)
Nissan Murano: High "command" seating makes even shorter drivers feel confident at
the wheel. The rear seat and cargo area can easily handle a week's worth of groceries.
Volvo XC90: Standard safety features include side-impact and side-curtain air bags,
stability control, and a rollover prevention system. Luxury features include 12-cup
holders, bottle warmers, grocery-bag hooks and three power outlets for charging your
cell phone or plugging in a portable DVD player.
Dodge Durango: Has plenty of cup holders, trays and storage bins, plus antilock
brakes and true four-wheel drive to handle off-road trips. Second-row seats recline,
perfect for older kids who need a nap.
Sedans
Honda Accord: Safety features include antilock brakes and side-curtain air bags. Maintains Honda's hallmarks of low maintenance and a smooth ride. Available as a hybrid for the first time in 2005.
Chrysler 300: Dubbed the "Baby Bentley" for its distinctive look, the 300's biggest selling points are its roominess and distinctive style. The backseat easily fits three children while the trunk has room for two strollers plus a day's purchases at the mall.
Toyota Camry: Antilock brakes and side-impact air bags are standard. The backseat fits two car seats comfortably, and the ride is super-smooth. Among the most reliable - and popular - vehicles on the road for years.
Station Wagons
Subaru Legacy/Outback: Every parent will appreciate its superb storage space, standard side-curtain air bags, and the reinforced frame, which makes for better collision protection.
Mazda 6: Room in back for two car seats, generous trunk space, and a safety cargo net that shields you and your kids from loose objects. Side and side-curtain air bags are both standard.
Ford Freestyle: Second-row bucket seats recline for naps and include a cool tray-and-cup holder console. The back-row bench seat folds flat for storage.
Economy Cars
Mazda 3: Has the handling and performance of a sports car, along with practical features such as upholstery that makes cleaning up toddler spills simple. And the five-door hatchback's cargo area can fit all your baby essentials.
Honda Civic: This model has a superb track record for safety and reliability, fits four comfortably and has ample trunk space for a stroller plus small suitcases. Also available as a gas-thrifty hybrid.
Scion xB: Offers lavish legroom and headroom to rival many large SUVs. Standard safety features include antilock brakes and stability control. Huge windows offer terrific visibility, which makes trips more fun for little passengers.
Posted on March 22, 2005
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Forbes Plans Luxury Auto Website
Forbes.com has announced plans to launch
ForbesAutos.com in May, 2005.
ForbesAutos.com will be a new site geared to the luxury
automotive market. Mary S. Butler was appointed editor of the new site.
Butler joins ForbesAutos.com from cars.com,
where she was most recently
managing editor, and where she was also senior editor and one of the producers
that helped launch the site in 1998.
ForbesAutos.com is designed to serve as an online personal shopper for
luxury automotive buyers with information and tools available that will help
guide them through the luxury automotive purchase-making process, including:
choosing, locating, pricing, financing, buying and insuring a luxury vehicle.
Posted on March 21, 2005
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Audi A6 Named Most Anticipated New Car
Automotive.com has named the
Audi A6 as the "Most Anticipated New Car" of 2005. After analyzing 200,000 votes submitted by consumers in the Automotive.com 2nd annual Consumer Choice Awards, the Audi A6 came out on top. The Ford Mustang,
Mercedes SLK, Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum were also being considered
for the award. About the Audi A6 Automotive.com says:
Voted as the most anticipated car of 2005, the new Audi A6 is a showcase
of design breakthroughs. Starting with the visible, the A6 is the first to
wear the striking new face destined to be worn by all Audis from this day
forward. Underneath the hood beats an all-new V6 engine with direct injection
technology for more efficient operation. Pumping 255 horsepower from only 3.1
liters, it's as powerful as it is efficient. Top it all off with Audi's
secure, performance-enhancing Quattro all-wheel-drive system and the new A6
becomes the most noteworthy automobile to receive this award.
Posted on March 18, 2005
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Ford to Retire Thunderbird
The 2005 model will be the last for Ford's Thunderbird.
"We promised all along that this Thunderbird would have a limited
production run, and we're being true to our word," Ford Division
President Steve Lyons said. "Thunderbird was a terrific image
builder for the Ford brand showroom at a time when we needed it."
The AP reported that sales of the 2002 redesigned Ford Thunderbird got off to a quick start but then dropped off significantly in 2003 and 2004. The AP also reported that the peak year for the Ford
Thunderbird was 1977 when 322,517 redesigned Thunderbirds were sold.
Posted on March 17, 2005
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Gas Breaks $2.00 Mark and Keeps Going
Gas prices keep climbing steadily as we head back into the
busy summer driving months. The AAA motor club said gas climbed to
$2.003 last Thursday, about 7 cents higher than the
previous week. Today, the national average is $2.048 -- already
almost 5 cents higher than last Thursday.
Data about AAA's national average gas prices
can be found here. AAA's highest ever recorded price of $2.054 was posted on May 26, 2004. MSNBC.com reports that the U.S. government is projecting gas to climb to $2.15 nationwide
when it picks this summer. MSNBC also notes that this is still
lower than the 1981 adjusted for inflation prices which
were over $3 a gallon.
Posted on March 15, 2005
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Forbes Lists Best Pump Busters
Forbes has a compiled a list of cars that get great
cas mileage. The lists includes several diesel cars including
the Mercedes-Benz E-Class luxury sedan and the Volkswagen Jetta Diesel.
Hybrids like the Ford Escabe Hybrid (pictured on right) and Toyota Prius Hybrid also
made Forbes' list.
Forbes says that there are three ways to get good mileage:
"You can get that good fuel economy with a hybrid or a diesel, or
you can do it the old-fashioned way: with small car with a small
engine, such as the Volkswagen Golf. The diesel Golf gets 38/46
city/highway mpg and is the most fuel-efficient hatchback sold in
the U.S., but the gas-powered Golf still gets an impressive 24/31
city/highway mpg."
Coupes: Honda's Insight gas/electric hybrid, city/highway mileage 66/61
Family Sedans: Toyota's Prius hybrid, city/highway mileage 60/51
Upscale Sedans -- Tie --: Audi's A4, city/highway mileage 24/32
Upscale Sedans -- Tie --: Mercedes-Benz C230, city/highway mileage 24/32
Luxury Sedans: Mercedes-Benz E320 Diesel, city/highway mileage 27/37
Hatchbacks: Volkswagen Golf Diesel, city/highway mileage 38/46
Convertibles: Mini Cooper, city/highway mileage 27/35
Wagons: Volkswagen Jetta Diesel, city/highway mileage 36/47
Pickups: Ford's Ranger and Mazda's B-Series, city/highway mileage 24/29
SUV: Ford Escape Hybrid, city/highway mileage 36/31
Minivans: Honda Odyssey, city/highway mileage 20/28
Posted on March 10, 2005
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New Way to Tax Drivers
If you live in California you may dislike the current 18 cent a gallon gas tax. But would you still dislike it if the California government opted to tax you for each mile you drive instead? The revenues from gas taxes in California could fall if people continue to purchase hybrids and better mileage vehicles, so the government is looking into options to
collect more revenues. KESQ News Channel 3 reports that, "Under the plan, the state's current 18 cent a gallon gas tax would be replaced with a tax on every mile you drive. Global positioning satellites and sensors on your car would keep tabs on exactly where and how far you travel. Privacy advocates say tracking drivers would be like big brother sitting in the back seat of your car, keeping tabs on everywhere you go. Others say
it's a disincentive for people to buy hybrids and other more fuel efficient vehicles because any current tax savings would be eliminated." People who drive all day because of their work and people with long commutes (common in California) could also be negatively impacted by a change from a gallon gas tax to a mileage tax.
Posted on March 7, 2005
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Consumer Reports Names Best Cars
All the vehicles, except one, featured in the Consumer Reports
Top Picks for 2005 were Japanese. Ford scored the only
exception with the Ford Focus small sedan. The best car feature appears
the Consumer Reports April, 2005 issue. That is the Toyota Prius
(Top Green Car) featured on the right. Here is a list of
the top picks:
Small Sedan: Ford Focus
Family Sedan: Honda Accord Hybrid
Upscale Sedan: Acura TL
Luxury Car: Lexus LS430
Fun to Drive: Subaru Impreza WRX/STi
Small SUV: Subaru Forester
Midsized SUV: Lexus RX330
3-row SUV: Honda Pilot
Minivan: Honda Odyssey
Green Car: Toyota Prius
Posted on March 6, 2005
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Gas Price Surge Feared
With oil already trading as high as $53 a barrel and climbing, gas prices are expected to soar. CNN reports that by the end of this month gas prices could climb as much as 24 cents a gallon. That would put gas at $2.16 a gallon nationwide on average
-- much higher than the record $2.06 hit in May, 2004. Peter Beutel, president of energy tracking firm Cameron Hanover, told CNN, "Right away, nationwide, we're going to
see an increase of gas prices of 12 cents. We'll see it almost everywhere by Tuesday. In addition, sometime between St. Patrick's Day and the end of the month, I expect to see an additional 12 cents. This is extraordinarily bad news for the consumer."
Posted on March 4, 2005
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Oil Could Hit $80 Barrel
The price of oil continues to soar thanks to cold temperatures, the Iraq War and rising demand worldwide thanks to booming economies in India and China. A problem at a refinery in Houston, Texas hasn't helped either. MSNBC.com reports that OPEC's Secretary-General Adnan Shihab-Eldin has suggested that oil could rise to
$80 barrel with a "shortage of supplies from a producer nation by one or two million barrels per day." Even without such an incident oil prices could easily hold in the low $50s or climb to $60. That means, unfortunately, that gas prices will really climb as we head towards the heavy driving season which begins in May.
Posted on March 3, 2005
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Is 16 Too Young to Drive?
The National Institute of Health has released findings from brain researchers that explain why 16 year-old drivers have such higher car crash rates than teens who are just a few years older. Scientists have proven that the dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex of the human brain -- the part that make decisions about risks and controls your impulses -— does not fully mature until age 25. The findings could have broad implications from everything from the age at which we license drivers to the age at which we allow the purchase of alcohol. A recent USA Today/CNN/Gallup Poll found 61% of Americans think a 16 year-old is too young to have a driver's license.
Posted on March 2, 2005
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Small SUVs Hot in Northern California
Small SUVs are a hit in Northern California. The Monterey Herald
reports that the Ford Escape and the Toyota Highlander are two of the most popular vehicles in the region. California is also a hot market for alternative vehicles. Stephen Smith, executive director of the Silicon Valley Automobile Dealers Association,told the Herald, ''The hot trend is that
people who are going for SUVs are looking at the new hybrids.''
Posted on March 1, 2005
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