New technology may reduce fuel consumption

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Posted in Chevrolet

One of the big appeals of electric vehicles is the complete elimination of harmful emissions. Yet new technology may mean that emissions will be hanging around for awhile.

IndustryWeek reports that General Motors and Purdue are working on new technology that would allow vehicles to convert emissions into electricity, allowing for increased fuel economy. The device uses a special metal that absorbs heat from the emissions on one side while remaining cool on the other. The massive difference in temperature creates an electric current that can then be used by the engine.

The new material is called skutterudite, and is made up of common metals like nickel and cobalt along with rarer elements like lanthanum, caesium and neodymium.

Researches say that as it stands now, the technology could reduce fuel consumption by five percent. With enough advances in technology, that figure could possibly rise to 10 percent.

Cars aren't the only application for the new technology. The innovation could potentially be used in any application in which heat is wasted, such as home heating and manufacturing facilities.

The research was made possible thanks to a $1.4 million dollar grant from the National Science Foundation and Department of Energy. 

Audi may offer retail race car

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Posted in Audi

Nearly all manufacturers have race-ready versions of their vehicles for use on tracks all around the world. More often than not, these are unique vehicles that aren't available for purchase by the general public.

According to recent reports, Audi may be looking to change that trend. The company recently unveiled the TT GT4, a concept car that will reportedly be available to racing teams in the near future. Automobile Magazine, however, reports that "all the info we've seen points to a green light for production," with a rumored release date of 2012 and price tag of $160,000. There's no word on if the concept will be available in North America, but it would immediately become the highest-performing Audi available.

The GT4 is loosely based off of Audi's TT RS, which was recently greenlighted for the U.S. after fans of Audi's Facebook page requested it. However, the vehicle will be heavily modified for serious racing under track conditions, with a full cage, plastic windows and a carbon-fiber body. It will produce approximately 340 horsepower.

If released, the GT4 will be a highly-specialized vehicle for racers who want a track-ready model direct from the factory. For those who want performance without the high price tag, a used Audi might be a more affordable option.

Kelley Blue Book reveals cars with the best resale value

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Posted in BMW, How To

When buying a new or used vehicle, owners must factor the model's resale value into consideration. Most drivers don't aim to run their car into the ground until it can't function anymore, instead opting to trade in their vehicle when it's time for a new purchase.

That's why resale value is so important. According to Kelley Blue Book (KBB), a pricing guide for used cars, a $25,000 car with great resale value will actually save a driver money over a $20,000 model with poor resale value, given a 3-year ownership period.

KBB recently named its 2011 Best Resale Value Awards, a yearly distinction given to the models and brands that are expected to hold their value for the longest amount of time. The company named the top 10 vehicles as well as some winners within their segment.

Despite the appearance of perennial best-sellers like Toyota and Honda on KBB's list, the consumer guide went in a different direction in naming the brand of the year. With a massive improvement over years past, Subaru took home the title as the brand with the best resale value. The guide noted that buyers are beginning to take notice of the company's recent efforts to improve its vehicles.

The luxury brand of the year was BMW, with both the BMW X5 and X6 luxury crossovers singled out on the top 10 list as being especially valuable. BMW vehicles tend to have the latest technology and timeless styling, and always command a high price tag simply due to the prestige associated with the name.

Yet BMW was unable to take home the title for luxury car with the best resale value. That went to the Audi A5, which KBB described as having "perfect form." The A5 was the only entry for Audi, although Volkswagen, which owns the German luxury brand, was honored as the best alternative energy car for its Golf TDI Hybrid.

Overcoming its safety-related issues from earlier this year, Toyota was able to post two vehicles in the top 10 in addition to two more from the Lexus nameplate. The FJ Cruiser off-road SUV and Tacoma pickup were honored for the main brand, while the RX and GX SUVs were named for Lexus. The Toyota Sienna, while not named one of the top 10 vehicles, was named the best minivan.

Ford didn't have a vehicle on the overall list, but was able to come out on top in two segments. The best-selling F-Series pickup truck was singled out in the full-size pickup class, while the Mustang was picked as the high-performance car with the best resale value.

Finally, it wouldn't be a discussion of resale value without a mention of Honda. The Japanese automaker just had one car on the best overall list in the form of the new CR-V, but the Accord and Fit won the mid-size and subcompact segments, respectively.
 

Infiniti M35h to get warning system

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Nissan

The new Infiniti M35h hybrid will receive a new warning system that will alert pedestrians to its approach, as some safety officials have expressed concern over their virtually silent electric motors.

Although not mandated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Nissan has elected to put a noisemaking system on the new M35h in order to keep pedestrians safe in city settings. The automaker originally developed the Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP) system for use in the all-electric Nissan Leaf.

The VSP system will work between 0 and 20 miles per hour and automatically detect when a pedestrian enters the car's path, emitting a distinctive noise. The sound cuts out once the driver brakes to under 15 miles per hour.

The Detroit Free Press notes that the new feature is as much a marketing opportunity for Infiniti and Nissan as it is a safeguard against pedestrian accidents. The new model was recently unveiled at the LA Auto Show, and the automaker is already advertising the quiet engine on both the M35h and Leaf as a selling point for the vehicles.

Drivers who are interested in purchasing a hybrid or electric vehicle might want to wait until they hit the used car market, where they'll likely be relatively more affordable than when bought new.
 

Judge allows Toyota lawsuits to move forward

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Posted in Toyota

A federal judge has ruled that lawsuits filed against Toyota for the manufacturer's unintended acceleration issues can move forward based on the fact that the drivers' vehicles may have lost value due to the flaws.

Toyota's once-sterling reputation has taken a plunge after it was forced to recall more than 10 million vehicles in the past year for a variety of safety issues, the most visible of which was a sudden acceleration defect that affected numerous used Toyotas. Multiple families of car accident victims and other drivers seeking compensation have filed numerous lawsuits against the automaker, which were combined into one case heard by U.S. District Judge James Selna in California.

The Associated Press reports that lawyers for Toyota asked the judge to throw out many of the suits for a variety of reasons. Some drivers were not actually involved in accidents and simply claimed that their vehicle lost value thanks to the issue. Others cited the vehicles' electronic control feature, which Toyota says cannot be conclusively linked to the defect.

Yet Selna has ruled that the suits may continue, which could have far-reaching consequences for the automaker. Lawyer Cari Dawson told the news source that Selna's decision could "open the floodgates" to further litigation against Toyota, since theoretically every person who owns a Toyota could file a suit.

Hyundai’s new Elantra impresses at LA Auto Show

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Hyundai

Hyundai has been on a tear as of late, enjoying increased sales on the back of its new flagship Sonata, which has become a top-seller for the company. If the recent L.A. Auto Show is any indication, it doesn't look like Hyundai's hot streak will be stopping anytime soon.

The South Korean automaker unveiled a revamped version of its Elantra compact at the auto show, a compact car meant to compliment the Sonata and compete with cars like the Chevy Cruze and Ford Focus. The initial reception for the new car has been enthusiastic, with respected sources like Consumer Reports, Motor Trend and Automobile Magazine all giving early positive reviews.

One of the things that nearly all are mentioning is the car's size for its price. Though priced as a compact car at around $15,000, Hyundai says that the car actually qualifies a midsize vehicle with the EPA due to its roominess. Yet it still enjoys the benefits of small cars, with Hyundai claiming 40 miles per gallon the highway for the car.

Drivers interested in the brand may want to shop for a used Hyundai, as they'll likely be a bit more affordable once the new models roll in.

Nissan Leaf: 99 MPG, 73 miles per charge

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Nissan

The EPA ratings for the highly-anticipated Nissan Leaf have been released, with the government rating the car at 99 miles per gallon overall and 73 miles per charge.

The high ratings in both city (106 mpg) and highway (92 mpg) are big wins for Nissan, who will obviously tout the car's fuel economy when marketing it. The EPA has actually come up with a formula to convert electricity to gas ratings in determining the Leaf's efficiency, as the purely-electric vehicle has no gas tank. What the rating essentially means is that the car uses fuel at the same rate that a gas-powered vehicle rated that highly would.

Yet it's not all celebration for Nissan, as the 73 miles per charge average may be a bit disappointing, considering Nissan originally claimed that the Leaf would be able to travel 100 miles on a charge.

Nissan's North American product planning director Mark Perry defended the claim in an interview with ABC News, saying that the company has been straightforward about the numerous variables that go into mileage.

"As we've said all along, your range varies on driving conditions, temperature, terrain and we've talked about, very openly, this idea of a range of ranges," he said.

Drivers interested in an electric vehicle may wish to wait until they begin to hit the used car market, where they might be found for a discount.

Shopping for value in the SUV market

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Posted in Ford, How To

There's no question that buying an SUV can be pricey, and even when shopping the used car market for discounted vehicles, buyers will likely be spending more than they would on a sedan or hatchback. That's why it's important to get all the features and performance possible out of an SUV at a reasonable price.

MSN Autos recently took a look at some of the top SUVs available on the market that can deliver great value without breaking the bank.

The Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V are two entry-level SUVs that have sold well for their respective companies over their lifespan. While the news source claims that both offer buyers good value, the RAV4 is a bit more flexible, allowing drivers the option to upgrade from a four-cylinder engine to a six-cylinder while the CR-V is four-cylinder only.

Ford had two entries on the list, but both models are aimed at very different segments of SUV buyers. The Ford Flex offers exactly what it's name implies: flexibility. This model is big enough for families to be seated comfortably, but also offers a more practical fuel economy rating and aggressive styling than more traditional SUVs. Meanwhile, the Ford Expedition is what many consider to be "traditional." Offering a ton of roominess, cargo and storage capacity, plus the ability to be outfitted for off-roading, the Expedition is a classic SUV that helped kick off the big car trend several years ago.

Chevrolet was also well-represented on the list, with the Equinox, Traverse and Tahoe all making the cut. The news source cited the Equinox's roominess and size as a major factor in the recommendation, noting that it offers near-midsize level space at a compact price. The Chevy Traverse is aimed at larger families, with seating for eight and a range of optional electronics upgrades that can make long hauls a bit easier. The Traverse is closely related to the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia, which the news source also recommends. Yet the Tahoe may be the ultimate vacation vehicle, with class-leading fuel economy and enough towing capacity to haul a boat or trailer. Available upgrades can also bring the Tahoe close
to many luxury SUVs.

There's no shortage of options for buyers seeking value in the SUV market. Those who shop the used car lots can likely find a few of these highly-praised models for even further reduced prices.
 

Best cars for older drivers

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Posted in How To, Hyundai

The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that the number of drivers 65 years and older will more than double in the next 40 years. That means that U.S. roads may be facing a safety crisis in the future, as older drivers tend to cause higher accident rates than others.

As a driver matures, their vehicle needs become different as well. It's unlikely that older drivers will be opting for a sports car, for example. According to Consumer Reports, there are a number of vehicle features that may be beneficial to older drivers looking to purchase a vehicle that may help them be safe on the road.

One of the considerations cited by the news source is ease of access. A vehicle for older drivers needs to have a number of seat configurations and ways to enter the vehicle that will make comfort a priority. A full-size SUV or pickup truck simply isn't practical for drivers with back problems, for example. Power seats are also preferable to those with a manual system, as they can be adjusted at the touch of a button.

Safety is another top priority that older drivers should consider, especially if they'll be traveling with grandkids or other family members. The vehicles chosen by the news source all have average or better reliability and perform well in government and insurance company crash tests.

Vehicles with full airbags, including side curtain, can greatly increase the protection afforded in case of a crash. The news source also notes that electronic stability control (ESC) is a must for any driver, but thankfully all vehicles made after 2012 will have this feature. Those buying a used car should be sure that their model is equipped with ESC.

Finally, one of the most important yet overlooked aspects of cars for elderly drivers is vision. Some vehicles contain numerous blind spots or even issues with the visor angle that can increase glare. In addition, the news source specified looking for a vehicle with a larger instrument panel that is easy to read.

In terms of cars that fit these requirements, the news source recommended the Hyundai Azera, Kia Rondo, Subaru Forester, and Honda's Accord sedan and Odyssey minivan.

Drivers interested in purchasing one of these vehicles may want to shop the used car market, where they can likely find them for less than new car dealerships.
 

Mercedes unveils CLS 63 AMG, announces partnership with Ducati

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Mercedes-Benz

It was a big day for Mercedes-Benz as the German luxury automaker showed off the 2012 CLS 63 AMG while simultaneously announcing a partnership with Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati.

Described as a "four-door coupe," the CLS 63 AMG is Mercedes' entry in a growing market of four-door high-performance luxury vehicles that includes the Maserati Quattroporte, Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche Panamera. The new version of the vehicle produces 518 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque in the standard edition.

Mercedes is also touting an AMG-developed package that boosts the performance even further, using turbochargers to squeeze out 550 horsepower, 590 lb-ft or torque and a 0-60 time of 4.3 seconds.

The automaker also announced a new partnership with Ducati. The two companies will co-sponsor events and marketing campaigns that will take advantage of both brands' emphasis on speed and performance. Ducati was on hand at the event to reveal its new Diavel, a sport bike aimed at racing enthusiasts.

"Both companies share the same values: racing as the driving passion, and high performance plus exclusivity as the central brand messages of both AMG and Ducati," Mercedes CEO Ola Kallenius told USA Today.

Those interested in a luxury vehicle may want to shop for used Mercedes at their local dealer, as the models are typically expensive when bought ne