William Maley

Yeah, I think darker colors work on the SRT-8. The red doesn't make it that appealing to me.. Otherwise I love it

No, The RC In Nissan Leaf RC Doesn't Mean Radio Control Nissan Leaf RC Gallery Purpose-Built Prototype Wraps Production Nissan LEAF Components and Technology in a Dramatic Ready-To-Go-Racing Carbon Fiber Body FRANKLIN, Tenn. - The name on the back panel, just under the massive adjustable rear wing, says Nissan LEAF™. The powertrain is an 100% zero emission advanced Lithium-ion battery design, just like that found on the world’s first affordable mass market electric vehicle. And despite its lack of rear doors, rear seat, trunk, audio system, navigation, carpeting and other amenities, there is a discernable family resemblance. But that is where the similarities between the production Nissan LEAF and the Nissan LEAF NISMO RC end. As indicted by the “RC” – for Racing Competition – this new electric vehicle, which makes its world debut at the 2011 New York International Auto Show on April 20th, is purpose-built to bring new meaning to the term “Racing Green.” Already a world leader in zero emission production vehicles with the late 2010 launch of the Nissan LEAF passenger vehicle in the United States, Europe and Japan, Nissan is now looking at the racing world as a way to draw attention to the seemingly untapped potential of electric vehicles. “Combining the talents of NISMO, Nissan’s world renowned motorsports group, and engineers behind some of the company’s Super GT and FIA GT1 race teams, the Nissan LEAF NISMO RC will serve as a rolling laboratory for the accelerated development of EV and aerodynamic systems, as well as a platform for the development of new green motorsports series,” said Carlos Tavares, chairman, Nissan Americas. The new electric race vehicle will likely make a series of special demonstration appearances at various motorsports venues in 2011, with the company exploring pioneer zero emission competition spec series in future years. A Serious Racing Machine The Nissan LEAF NISMO RC is designed and constructed as a real racing machine, starting with its full carbon fiber monocoque bodywork. The three-piece bodywork includes removable front and rear sections, fixed windows, LED headlights and taillights and adjustable rear wing. Building on the unique exterior styling of the production Nissan LEAF, the 2-door race version was created by Nissan Global Design Center in Japan. Special 4-coat Pearl White paint with blue NISMO/Zero Emission graphics completes the exterior. Dimensionally, the race car features a 3.9-inch shorter wheelbase, is 0.8 inches longer and 6.7 inches wider. The most dramatic difference is height, with the NISMO RC sitting more than a foot (13.8 inches) lower than the production Nissan LEAF. Ground clearance is limited to 2.4 inches, compared to 6.3 inches for the road going car. And, at 2,068 pounds, the race car weighs in at about 40 percent less than the production vehicle. The layout of the NISMO RC is also markedly different from the production sedan, offering a mid-ship location for the battery pack, electric motor and inverter – with drive to the rear wheels versus the production Nissan LEAF’s front-wheel drive. The NISMO RC also utilizes a double-wishbone suspension design front and rear and driver-adjustable brake balance. It rides on 18-inch 6-spoke wheels and P225/40R18 Bridgestone racing tires. Like the production Nissan LEAF, the NISMO RC is powered by a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules and a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 107 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. It can be charged up to 80 percent of its full capacity in 30 minutes using the quick charging port located inside the rear cowl. And unlike other competition vehicles, the NISMO RC has no tailpipe, no emission of CO2 or other greenhouse gases while being driven, and no exhaust sound. In preliminary testing the NISMO RC produces 0 to 62 mph acceleration in 6.85 seconds and a top speed of 93 miles per hour. It is projected to have a running time of around 20 minutes under racing conditions. “There’s a perception among some people that electric vehicles fall on the dull side of the automotive enthusiasm scale – which is certainly not the case with either the production Nissan LEAF or this electrifying Nissan LEAF NISMO RC,” added Tavares. “Nissan LEAF owners are fully embracing this new world of zero emission technology. We believe the same potential exists in the motorsports world as well, with Nissan proud to be first on the starting grid.”

Mercedes-Benz Sends The A-Class To America William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com April 20, 2011 Mercedes-Benz Concept A-Class Gallery While Mercedes-Benz is showing off the Concept A-Class at the Shanghai and New York Auto Show, work has begun on the next generation A-Class. Now, Execs at Mercedes-Benz have said the next generation A-Class will be coming to America. The design will be taking cues from the Concept A-Class and the F800 Style Concept shown at the Geneva Auto show last year. Expect a hatchback/tiny crossover to come first, followed by a 5-door hatchback and CLS-styled sedan. No word yet on when the A-Class will be arriving. Source: Car & Driver Press Release is Below NEW YORK - In 1993 Mercedes-Benz ventured into a completely new vehicle class with the revolutionary Vision A93 concept. The Concept A-Class signals the beginning of a new generation of smaller vehicles with expressive design. Celebrating its premiere at the New York and Shanghai Auto Shows, technical highlights of the Concept A-Class include front-wheel drive, a new turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine developing 210 hp, a dual clutch transmission and a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist. The Concept A-Class features a long hood, low silhouette, slim side windows and a sophisticated interplay between lines and surfaces. "The Concept A-Class introduces the new Mercedes-Benz design idiom into the premium small car segment in a sculptured, light and expressive interpretation," says Professor Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz. "We use the term 'captured energy' to express the sheer dynamism exuded by the Concept A-Class. Our formal sources of inspiration were the wind and waves, as well as aviation engineering, resulting in this "cool" look." New turbocharged gasoline engine, seven-speed dual clutch transmission The front-wheel drive Concept A-Class ushers in a new premium small car era at Mercedes-Benz and includes a four-cylinder gasoline engine from the new M270 series. The engine was designed for transverse installation and thanks to direct injection and turbocharging offers high performance together with minimal emissions and fuel consumption. Other highlights of the all-aluminum engine include injection pressures of up to 2,900 psi and fast-acting piezo injectors. The Concept A-Class is equipped with the two-liter variant of the new engine, developing 210 hp. This BlueEFFICIENCY engine is combined with the new Mercedes-Benz dual clutch transmission which has a three-shaft setup with seven forward gears. The transmission shifts automatically with no interruption in tractive power and therefore is more economical, sporty and comfortable. Exterior design with defined edges and a free interplay of surfaces One major characteristic of the new design idiom at Mercedes-Benz is the expressive interplay between lines and surfaces – which the designers refer to as a "clean" concept. Thanks to concave and convex surfaces with the resulting light modulation, this creates a unique sculpture-like presence. The Concept A-Class reinforces this theme of defined edges and interacting surfaces, which Mercedes-Benz first showed in the F800 Style. The side view is highlighted by three prominent lines: the front structural edge forms a dropping line towards the rear, while the pronounced shoulder muscle over the rear axle emphasizes the car's coupe-like character. A further line extends upwards in front of the rear wheel arch in a sweeping curve. These lines lend more depth and character to the side profile. The door handles are recessed into the doors and emerge electrically at the touch of a button. The unusual wing-like structure of the exterior mirrors is suggestive of flow and lightness. Another prominent feature is the open side skirt, which creates a unique light and shadow effect. Reminiscent of a turbine rotor, the large 20-inch wheels reinforce the impression that the Concept A-Class has been shaped by the wind. The front end of the Concept A-Class catches the eye with the Mercedes-Benz emblem surrounded by a star-filled sky. Where there are usually openings or louvers, the radiator grille consists of numerous metallic silver "dots" on black stems. This theme is reflected in the design of the wheels. The wide rear end exudes power and athleticism, and is enlivened by an interplay between convex/concave surfaces and pronounced edges. The tail lights continue the lines of the muscular shoulders towards the rear, emphasizing the car's width with their horizontal orientation. The aerodynamic spoiler lip in the tail lights improves efficiency while the diffuser creates a downforce to aid handling. Interior dominated by designs from aviation engineering The interior of the Concept A-Class, which is flooded with light from the large panorama roof, appears to be from another planet. Many of the unusual features were inspired by aircraft engineering and reflect ideas from the "Mercedes-Benz Aesthetics No. 2" interior sculpture. Various component groups have been reduced to a minimum, for example the dashboard and center console are merely brushed aluminum structures. The result is a transparent, open, bionic design. The eye-catching dashboard of the Concept A-Class takes the form of an aircraft wing and has a translucent, stretchable cloth covering. Thanks to this sophisticated fabric, which is vapor-coated with chrome particles, the bionic cellular structure of the dashboard remains visible – its design is reminiscent of a canvas-covered aircraft wing with underlying struts. Dramatic backlighting highlights the futuristic instrument cluster which appears to float in space thanks to the translucent dashboard and lack of a conventional support structure. Its lines continue into the door paneling like vapor trails from the wings of a jet. The air vents in the dashboard are inspired by the engines of a jet aircraft and the translucent backlit vents change color depending on the temperature the passengers have selected for the climate control system - they are blue if cool and red when the heat is on. The prominent gauges in the instrument cluster were inspired by the afterburner of a jet engine and are lit in red. The center console is designed as a high-tech flight control panel with a gear selector in the shape of a "thrust control" lever. With their molded-over head restraints and pronounced lateral support the seats are reminiscent of a pilot seat in a jet fighter. Titanium and silver tones are combined with a light, elegant beige in the interior. Magenta is used to produce highlights that contrast with the car's alubeam silver paint finish, which follows the dramatic contours of the exterior like liquid silver. The Concept A-Class makes use of modern materials such as the high-tech covering on the dashboard, high-grade nubuk leather and metallic-finished leather, which is created by dying semi-aniline with metallic pigments followed by embossing. This links the 125-year tradition of the Mercedes-Benz brand and its future innovation. COMAND Online with revolutionary graphic design offers ease of use for smartphone applications A smartphone is fully integrated into the infotainment systems of the Concept A-Class. When the phone is inserted into the recess provided in the center console, it is automatically synchronized with the COMAND multimedia system and all the functions of the smartphone, including internet radio, email and social networks such as Twitter or Facebook, are shown as applications on the 7-inch display and operated by the rotary/push control. The visual presentation of the screen elements is unique with a deep, three-dimensional look created by laser-like magenta-colored lines. This near-production display was created by designers and engineers at the Mercedes-Benz development laboratory in Palo Alto, California. The menus in the Concept A-Class are in both English and Mandarin. Headlamps with optical fibers produce a unique effect A very special lighting effect is created by the headlamps of the Concept A-Class, as the innovative full-LED high-performance lights incorporate the starry sky motif of the radiator grille with numerous light points. The daytime running lamps are made of 90 optical fibers with aluminum sleeves and are arranged in a wing-shape within the headlamp. The tentacle-like fibers form individual, diffused light sources to create a dramatic contrast between soft and bright. The LED indicators appear to float freely within the headlamps like an enclosed air bubble in a perfume bottle and create a unique effect from any angle. The indicators are mounted in six chambers at the top of the headlamp and their vapor-coated reflectors remain invisible. Familiar from the 2012MY CLS-Class, the LED high-performance headlamps of the Concept A-Class combine active lighting functions with LED technology. The projection module of these LED headlamps is no longer round but flatter and more aggressive. This distinct design is reinforced by the matte carbon-fiber housing, which contrasts with the aluminum surround of the projection module. Optical fibers with aluminum sleeves are also used in the tail lights, using 120 fibers in the C-shaped tail light clusters to create a unique visual effect with their subtle glow. When braking, the continuous light band between the two tail lights also illuminates to make the Concept A-Class appear even wider. The turn signals are self-contained elements within the center of the tail lights. The housing of the tail light is made of carbon-fiber with the numerous red elements providing visual depth. New assistance and braking system reduces the risk of rear-end collisions Safety pioneer Mercedes-Benz is showing yet another milestone in automotive safety technology in the Concept A-Class - a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist – a world first in the premium small car segment. This system gives a visual and acoustic warning to an inattentive driver and primes Brake Assist for a precise braking response as soon as the driver presses the brake pedal. In contrast to other systems available in this class, the new Brake Assist Collision Prevention Assist is not merely an urban driving system designed to minimize the effects of minor collisions. Instead this innovative solution provides protection against typical rear-end collisions in all driving situations and Mercedes-Benz expects the new safety system to greatly improve accident statistics. Following detailed analyses of accident data, Mercedes-Benz safety specialists estimate that this radar based technology can help to prevent around 20 percent of all rear end collisions, and mitigate the severity of a further 25 percent.

Would that three letter word be cat?

Chevrolet Goes ECO Over The 2013 Malubu Delivers the fuel economy of a compact car in a midsize sedan 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco Gallery 2011-04-20 First Chevrolet with new fuel-saving eAssist™ technology Estimated fuel economy of 26 city / 38 highway Uses own energy to recharge the battery and doesn’t use gas when stopped New exterior shape and features such as active grille shutters to enhance fuel economy As many as 550 miles of driving range between fill-ups NEW YORK – Chevrolet celebrated Earth Day at the New York Auto Show by introducing the all-new 2013 Malibu ECO, the most fuel-efficient midsize sedan in its 100-year history. It features eAssist™ “light electrification” technology, which is engineered to deliver an estimated 26 mpg in city driving and 38 mpg on the highway without compromising performance. ECO is based on the all-new, 2013 Malibu sedan, which will be sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents. Sales of the new Malibu begin with the ECO model in the United States in early 2012. The Malibu LS, LT and LTZ trim level offerings join the ECO in summer 2012. Pricing will be announced later. “The Malibu ECO is a smart choice for customers who want excellent fuel economy without the price premium of popular hybrid sedans,” said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. “The Malibu ECO’s 38-mpg highway estimate is comparable with those hybrids.” Malibu’s eAssist system uses a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery and an electric motor-generator to enable regenerative braking electric assist and start-stop functionality. It is efficiently sized, weighing only 65 pounds (29 kg). Malibu ECO also features an aerodynamic exterior – including underbody aero enhancements – and electronically controlled shutters in the lower grille that close at higher speeds to push more air over and around the vehicle. These enhancements increase aerodynamic efficiency to boost fuel economy. An ECO gauge in the cluster continuously responds to driving behavior, encouraging fuel-efficient driving, while an Auto Stop Indicator on the tachometer informs the driver when the engine is in start-stop mode. “Malibu ECO exemplifies Chevrolet’s drive to use technology that delivers high-value, gas-friendly performance,” said Scheidt. “In fact, the Malibu ECO delivers the fuel economy of a compact car in a midsize sedan.” eAssist details Malibu ECO’s eAssist system is mated to a 2.4L Ecotec direct-injection four-cylinder engine and next-generation six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.4L engine is efficient and lightweight, featuring dual-overhead cams, direct injection, continuously variable intake and exhaust timing and electronic throttle control, as well as a lightweight aluminum cylinder block and cylinder head. It is rated at an estimated 180 horsepower (134 kW) and is a variant of the same engine that was recognized as one of Ward's Ten Best Engines in 2010. Along with the Ecotec 2.4L and six-speed transmission, the eAssist system uses power stored in the air-cooled, lithium-ion battery to provide needed electrical boost in various driving scenarios, optimizing engine and transmission operation. An advanced 115V lithium-ion battery and latest-generation 15-kW motor-generator unit help increase fuel economy through: Regenerative braking, which provides up to 15 kW of electricity to charge the battery Providing up to 15 hp (11 kW) of electric power assistance during heavier acceleration Using electricity instead of gasoline when stopped, with automatic and smooth engine start-stop functionality Aggressive fuel cut-off during deceleration down to zero mph for added fuel savings Intelligent charge/discharge of the high-voltage battery. The eAssist system captures up to 15kW of energy that would be normally lost during braking and uses it to recharge the lithium-ion battery. The system also shuts down fuel delivery in certain deceleration conditions, further improving fuel economy. While in fuel shut-off mode, the motor-generator unit continues spinning along with the engine to provide immediate and smooth take-off power when the driver presses on the accelerator. As the vehicle comes to a stop, the engine’s start-stop function is active when the motor-generator unit brings the engine to a smooth stop to position it properly for a smooth restart when the brake is released. A hill-assist system captures brake pressure to help keep the vehicle stationary when eAssist’s start-stop function is activated on a moderate or steep grade, allowing the driver to accelerate more smoothly from a stop. Malibu ECO’s eAssist power pack brings together the lithium-ion battery, the integrated power inverter and 12V power supply. It is located in the trunk, behind the rear seat. The electric motor-generator is mounted to the engine in place of the alternator to provide both motor assist and electric-generating functions through an engine belt-drive system. The motor-generator is a high-performance, compact induction motor that is liquid-cooled for increased performance and efficiency. An electric fan cools the power pack, drawing air from a vent located behind the rear seat. Thanks to eAssist technology, which also enables a numerically lower final drive ratio, the Malibu ECO can travel as much as 550 miles between fill-ups, despite having only a 15.8-gallon gas tank. Aero efficiency Malibu ECO – and the entire 2013 Malibu lineup – was designed to be aerodynamically efficient, with a coefficient of drag near the standout performance of the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle. Aerodynamic design engineers removed about 60 counts of wind drag from the new Malibu, compared to its predecessor. Malibu spent hundreds of hours in GM’s wind tunnel, fine-tuning the form to maximize fuel efficiency. For example, engineers shaped Malibu’s front corners so that air runs close and uninterrupted along the body sides to the rear of the vehicle. Malibu ECO is among the first in the midsize segment with a fuel-saving, active shutter system in the lower grille. The Malibu ECO’s active shutter system automatically closes airflow through the lower intake opening when air intake is least needed. When closed, the shutter system enhances aero performance by redirecting airflow around the front of the vehicle and down the sides, rather than through it. The shutter is open or closed based on engine coolant temperature and speed. For example, the shutters open when the car is traveling up a hill, pulling a trailer, or in hot city driving; the shutters close at highway speeds when engine cooling is less required. Other aerodynamic features on the Malibu ECO include: Outside rearview mirrors designed to maximize aerodynamic efficiency Taillamps are shaped for aero performance without design penalty Four underbody panels – more commonly found on premium-priced cars – cover approximately 50 percent of the lower portion of the vehicle and provide an aerodynamically clean flow path under the vehicle Standard 17-inch wheels and low-rolling-resistance tires engineered to improve fuel economy. About the all-new 2013 Malibu The Malibu ECO is part of the all-new, 2013 Malibu lineup – Chevrolet’s first global midsize sedan – which gives customers more style, fuel efficiency, content and features, craftsmanship, and dynamic capabilities rivaling high-end sedans. Product highlights for North American models include: Expressive exterior design with a wide, athletic stance Segment-best aerodynamics – close to those of the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric car – that enhance fuel efficiency and reduce wind noise, including active electronic shutters on select models All-new, Chevrolet-signature dual-cockpit interior that is more spacious, features premium materials and is engineered to be the quietest in the midsize segment New Chevrolet MyLink connectivity seamlessly integrates online services like Pandora® Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio® European-influenced ride and handling traits New safety features and technologies including up to 10 air bags, ultra-high-strength steel, lane departure warning/forward collision warning and rearview camera system. The exterior design of the all-new Malibu carries DNA from its sister vehicles, the Camaro and Corvette. A wider stance, broad shoulders and an integrated rear spoiler bring a new athleticism to Malibu and give it a more aggressive, track-tested appearance. It has a 4.5-inch (114mm) shorter wheelbase and 62-inch (1,574mm) front and rear tracks that are more than 2 inches (51mm) wider than the model it replaces. The Malibu’s interior was designed to bring an element of sophistication to everyday driving, featuring an all-new dual cockpit design with more room, thanks to its increased width. Compared to the previous model, Malibu has nearly four cubic feet (113 L) of additional interior volume, along with more front and rear shoulder and hip room and more than one cubic foot (28 L) of extra trunk space. Available soft, ice-blue ambient lighting reflects off of and complements chrome accents and ensures even, consistent illumination along the instrument panel and in storage pockets. The Malibu also has a number of storage areas, including a radio face that articulates up and down to reveal a six-inch deep, illuminated storage area behind its seven-inch touch-screen radio display – a U.S. first in a midsize car. Malibu will also offer a full range of the latest infotainment options, including new color radio systems and an available navigation system. Malibu will include Chevrolet’s new MyLink infotainment package at launch. It builds on the safety and security of OnStar and seamlessly integrates online services like Pandora® Internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio®. MyLink integrates wireless connectivity through Bluetooth to enable hands-free use of selected smart phone apps while the device remains safely stowed. It features a high-resolution, full-color touch screen display designed to manage the number of steps required to complete a task. A global lineup of fuel-efficient and powerful four-cylinder engines complements the Malibu’s European-inspired driving characteristics. In addition to the ECO’s Ecotec 2.4L engine, the Malibu’s North American lineup also features an all-new Ecotec 2.5L dual overhead cam, four-cylinder engine with direct injection. It has new features, including enhanced authority continuously variable valve timing, variable-displacement oil pump and electronic thermostat that save fuel while delivering V-6-like performance. It is estimated the engine will be SAE certified at more than 190 horsepower (141 kW) and 180 lb.-ft. of torque (245 Nm). Both engines are mated to a Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic with features designed to enhance powertrain efficiency. When it comes to the driving experience, the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu has been engineered to deliver ride and handling capabilities that are best-in-class and on par with more expensive sports sedans. These include: A solid body structure as stiff as any in the global midsize sedan market, allowing for precise tuning and dynamic vehicle control A premium steering gear that ensures smooth, precise responsiveness and on-center feel Proven and continuously refined MacPherson strut front and mutli-link rear suspensions Large, ventilated front disc and solid rear disc brakes, clamped on by dual-piston front and single-piston rear aluminum calipers, which are expected to deliver best-in-class stopping distance An isolated engine cradle for tuned, refined feedback, without noise or vibration Fuel-saving electric power rack-and-pinion variable-effort power steering, resulting in effortless low-speed maneuvers and a higher degree of steering feel at higher speeds Chassis control technologies include four-channel anti-lock brakes, full-function traction control, four-corner electronic stability control, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist system, corner brake control, hydraulic brake fade assist and drag torque control. The new Malibu will be built in multiple locations around the globe, including the Fairfax, Kan. and Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plants in the United States.