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Love looking at the what the automakers are dreaming up. While mostly concept cars, many design ideas flow down. Word is bells and whistles are what attracting the car buyers today. I would tend to agree with that. First it has to be style. I would avoid at all costs getting into a piece of crap design. In my mind, that is just one reason Toyota and Honda sales have fallen in the double digits. They have absolutely no style.
From the Autoshow this week...
I do not understand Dodge's decision to bring back the Dart. Despite it having nothing to do with the past, the name alone I think brings sour memories. With car names so very important, Dart does not sound like a sound business decision.
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I love the design of the BMW personally, but I can't see most consumers or long time lovers of the car liking it all that much. The Lexus is awesome.
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It's hard to tell just what the Dart looks like with the overhead red lights kind of masking the car itself.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2N7bqnAEPz8
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Something about that grill is just not right.
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Something about that grill is just not right.
Would you prefer something more along these lines......
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Something about that grill is just not right.
Not impressed by it.
Oh well... next!
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I meant to continue on and not just blame the lack of design as why some companies are failing miserably. The core would be the quality is failing and the consumers see it, if not worse, feel it. Toyota and Honda for example, have decided striving to be No. 1, directed their focus from quality and are paying for it big time.
For the longest time I felt the big 3 in Detroit, never listened to the customers and made what they thought we wanted. Let’s see if that will change.
But back to styling. Ran across this article which IMO, gets at what I was trying to say. I love design in a car. It’s always mattered to me. With my recent car shopping, design is key. In fact it made whittling out cars easy. I finally did come down to the Hyundai Sonata or Optima (for design and MPG), the Infiniti, and the Sports Altima. Finally picking the Altima for best for me, in design and finance. Since it was the first year for the Hyundai, I thought I’d step back to see what happens over the next few years. If they continue, Hyundai will remain at the top of me list to keep an eye on. But if money does not become an issue again, Audi has firmly rooted its soul into me.
Automakers again driven by good design
By Paul A. Eisenstein, msnbc.com contributor
Hyundai pulled off a coup earlier this week, besting such tough competitors as the 2012 Ford Focus and Volkswagen’s newly updated Passat to win the North American Car of the Year award.
While there were plenty of reasons behind the win by the new Hyundai Elantra, including a 40 mpg highway fuel economy rating, the car’s design “played a big part,” suggested John Krafcik, CEO of Hyundai Motor America. Krafcik’s sentiments were confirmed by various members of the 50-juror panel that judges the award (a panel that, in the interest of full disclosure, includes this reporter).
In today’s hotly competitive automotive market, fuel economy has leapt to the top of the charts when it comes to factors that influence buyer decisions. But good design is also high on the chart and, according to research groups like J.D. Power and Associates, it may actually be more significant than it has been in years.
Good design is being credited with helping carmakers as diverse as Ford, Audi and Hyundai gain ground in an industry that’s just recovering from one of its worst recessions in decades.
“It’s the difference between a short-order cook and a great chef,” said Freeman Thomas, the head of advanced design for Ford.
Ford learned the hard way the role that design can play. Founder Henry Ford stubbornly kept the original Model T unchanged until well into the 1920s, two decades after it was launched, famously declaring customers could get the Tin Lizzie “in any color they want, as long as it’s black.”
Alfred P. Sloan, the determined new chairman of fast-growing General Motors saw an opportunity and offered an array of colors. He also hired Harley Earl, a coachbuilder by trade, to become GM -- and the industry’s -- first director of design, heading up what was originally known as GM’s “Art and Color Section.”
Earl introduced the idea of using sculpted clay models to develop and refine automotive designs and, in 1939, his renamed “Styling Division” rolled out the first true concept car, the Buick Y-Job, which was intended to both tease the public with a variety of advanced ideas -- such as a motorized convertible roof -- but also test the reaction of potential buyers to the Y-Job’s advanced styling.
That strategy continues today. A variety of concept cars, trucks and crossovers are now on display at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, including a prototype of the reborn Acura NSX, which will return to production in 2014, as well as a thinly-disguised version of the next-generation Honda Accord Coupe that’s due to roll into showrooms later this year.
The Accord targets the huge midsize passenger car segment, which generated more than 2 million unit sales last year. In decades past, buyers in the segment were “happy with plain vanilla” designs, according to Joe Phillippi, director of AutoTrends Consulting. “Not any longer.”
Toyota, long the gold standard of the midsize segment, took sharp criticism this year for its redesign of the 2012 Camry. In fact, dealers who saw the sedan 18 months ahead of launch were so critical that the automaker struggled to tweak the styling before launch, though analysts and auto critics say it still lags behind cars from competitors such as Ford.
The U.S. carmaker recently introduced an all-new version of its Fusion sedan, which will go up against the Camry when it comes to market later this year. The Fusion has already won a significant endorsement of its own, honored as the Eyes on Design Production Design at the Detroit show by a panel of two dozen automotive stylists.
Design alone is a key reason why Rebecca Lindland, research chief for IHS Automotive, expects Camry sales to be flat in 2012 -- despite the carmaker only now ramping up production after last year’s quake-and-tsunami-related shortages. On the other hand, she is betting that design “could help the Fusion become the best-seller” in the midsize segment.
Coming up with a winning design isn’t always easy. Stylists have to work around the basic “architecture,” or platform of a vehicle, which may severely restrict where they can place a windshield, or “A pillar” -- the first pillar in the passenger compartment, which usually surrounds the windscreen.
Upscale sedans, electric vehicles and old-school muscle cars make their debuts at the 2012 North American International Auto show.
And aerodynamics have become an essential element in the development of new products, with even the slightest detail able to have a measurable impact on what is known as the co-efficient of drag -- which ultimately translates into fuel economy. Wind tunnel testing has become a critical test for every new car design.
So, today, any good designer “has aerodynamic solutions in mind” the moment he or she begins work on a new project, according to veteran GM designer John Cafaro. The good news is that, by using digital design tools, he, his colleagues and competitors can find a surprising number of ways to free up their designs while still delivering good aerodynamics.
The battle for design leadership may be most apparent on the flood of an auto show, but some of the nastiest skirmishes are taking place behind the scenes. Manufacturers are, with increasing regularity, raiding each other’s studios for talent.
Kia, which has been building a reputation for strikingly simple bends of sheet metal, kick-started its styling program several years ago by hiring away Audi’s Peter Schreyer, recently named Man of the Year by Automobile Magazine.
Then, just a few weeks ago, Kia’s sibling Hyundai brand nabbed BMW’s Chris Chapman, who will now have to take the Korean carmaker beyond the breakthrough look it introduced with the Elantra and earlier Sonata sedan.
As designers are all too well aware, you’re only as good as your latest design. And the leader today could be a laggard tomorrow.
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Acura NSX - Suf - f ucking - sweet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0PIBT7KmOk
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No sh*t!!! Damn!
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Frogman Tim Cotterill Rocket II Trike
Dayum
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeNLMN_RqSI
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Is it a Car? Is it a Motorcycle? Who knows? Looks awesome no matter what.
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2013 Porsche Boxster
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGSy6Zbc4xc
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Always nice. Kinda fugly color though.
What's with the reporters comments about a center console? What am I missing?
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Concept Cars From the 2012 New York Auto Show
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRgRM6l5eNI
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The Acura looks sweet. I'll pull a Chip.
MAKE IT ALREADY
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Something the car companies are balancing is the drive by people wanting bells and whistles like interactive screens and tools in the dash and within the car. Yet some watch groups putting pressure to remove Ll these things.
Lets see what happens.
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The Ferrari With the Dragon Tattoo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-914F7M-iDM
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Interesting, I wonder when we will see the luxury cars start to appeal to that Chinese market an be reflected here in the states.
1million millionaires.... That's a lot of money.
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F u c k millionaires. I'm in a way more exclusive club: Only kid on the block with 47 cents to my name. Suck on that rich people!!!
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Batmobiles (Past and Present - Comic Con 2012)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs-kFPkC1yk
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The Evolution of the Batmobile
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQPqrSrZHHs
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Horrible exchange there. The reporter, WTF.
How old is this interview? Last night I watched about 3 minutes of the 1/2 hour documentary. I believe it was a network station? I knew my wife would roll her eyes.
I've also seen a book on the vehicles in the book store over the weekend. Not sure how good it was.
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I think the documentary aired on CW. Not sure. I only heard about the doc after it had already aired. I want to see it for sure.
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The Batmobile Documentary Trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCAWje_-FmI
It says, 2012 holiday season.... Hmmmmm
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Ah, found this...
So with that in mind, the CW will be airing a short documentary tonight creatively called "The Batmobile" that covers the history of Batman's ride. Interviews with Nolan, Burton, Joel Schumacher, Adam West, Dennis O'Neil and Michael Uslan are included.
More.... (http://www.hitfix.com/in-contention/the-batmobile-documentary-to-air-on-the-cw-tonight)
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The TV Series' Batmoblie is STILL tops in my book.
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EO Smart Connecting Car & Driverless Cars
I loooooove this kind of stuff. It's science fiction coming true.
Future Technology (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43384144/vp/48303608#48303608)
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I dunno man. There's something about giving up my freewill of driving over to an A.I. who could decide right then and there to rebel against me (humanity) and drive straight into a wall to make a point.
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(http://freeemoticonsandsmileys.com/animated%20emoticons/Funny%20Animated%20Emoticons/danger%20driving.gif)
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A Look At the 2012 Bentley Mulsanne: Complete with iPads and Keyboards
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9VVcKTM7ZU
Bling Ka-ching!
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Good golly oh Molly.
Ch-Ching is right
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Acura's NSX
Beautiful
(http://msnbcmedia4.msn.com/j/streams/2013/January/130116/1B5548276-Acura-NSX-RT-Front-.streams_desktop_medium.jpg)
The once and future Acura NSX has taken a big leap closer to returning to production, the Honda luxury division revealing a second prototype version of the supercar during a preview at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The original Acura was a high-profile flagship for Acura in its first incarnation, but the maker spent years struggling to find a strategy for bringing it back into production before revealing a distinctive new concept car at last year’s Detroit Auto Show.
More... (http://www.nbcnews.com/business/acuras-nsx-supercar-step-closer-production-1B7987622)
(http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/streams/2013/January/130116/1B5548277-Acura-NSX-RT-3-4-Rear-.streams_desktop_medium.jpg)
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Got
Milk Money?
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2014 Corvette Stingray Convertible
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5rrnboyBr8
Look at the curves! The smooth shape! The beauty! Oh, and that car looks pretty good too.
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Beautious
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Volvo creates permanent high-beam that won't blind incoming drivers
(http://media.t3.com/img/resized/vo/xl_Volvo-High-Beam-1-624.jpg)
Volvo has created the permanent high beam system which won't blind incoming drivers thanks to some rather nifty tech which intelligently finds incoming cars and then shades them whilst still illuminating the rest of the surrounding area.
This impressive feat is accomplished by using the front camera which is already used for detection and auto brake, it then locates the car whether it's incoming or in front of you within a 1.5 degree margin.
The cars location is then sent to the headlamps where a tiny cylinder with metal pieces are then positioned in such a way that the area is then shaded whilst still sending the full high beam to the rest of the surrounding area.
(http://origin.media.t3.com/img/resized/vo/xl_Volvo-High-Beam-2-624.jpg)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=8s_JrP1W7NA
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I'm always amazed the the new inventions people come up with. You would think something like this would have already been implemented 20 years ago.
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I'm always amazed the the new inventions people come up with. You would think something like this would have already been implemented 20 years ago.
It takes time. If you look at innovations through history of the automobile, you'd be surprised with what they had at certain points in time. They just didn't make it for one reason or another
or
they innovation turned into something more and we use it today.
We are truly getting closer to self-driving cars.
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We are truly getting closer to self-driving cars.
Still waiting for moving sidewalks.......
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Still waiting for moving sidewalks.......
Duhhhhh
(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01444/travelator_1444173c.jpg)
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qVo9j2wM1Yc/TuldeLh2MkI/AAAAAAAAAGE/HncAPUPP10s/s1600/fat_woman_exercise.jpg)
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Since Elon's Musk Hperloop has been in the news a lot lately, I decided to check out his other project The Tesla Model S (http://www.nbcnews.com/business/whos-buying-those-expensive-teslas-young-rich-6C10949380)
This is very thorough review and quite impressive, especially since it's all electric and competing against other luxury cars.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kCG-WqpVnI
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Car Runs For 100 Years Without Refueling - The Thorium Car
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68A_HPYGdlk
Manufactures of other Hybrid cars and of course Oil Companies want this car to go away.....forever. That would be a huge hit in their financial pockets, which I'm 100% okay with.
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Fascinating stuff...
I love innovation. Great discussion here.... except him getting all fan-boy about Thor. :-\
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BMW i8
(http://www.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014-bmw-i8-wallpapers-41-750x500.jpg)
With this BMW TV series you can get a closer look at the BMW i8. This time you can get more information about the performance of the BMW i8 as an integral part of the vehicle.
With the i8 BMW also introduces into production their new B38 1.5 liter three-cylinder petrol engine. We have previously tested the “baby-six” in a 1 Series Hatchback and we were quite impressed with its abilities. The little but potent combustion engine is transversely mounted behind the cabin and delivers 228 horsepower and 236 lb ft-of torqueVideo: BMW i8 in detail. Performance. That’s 152 hp per liter, an impressive figure by any standards. BMW engineers confirmed that there is room for a bit more power, but the current level delivers the best efficiency.
(http://www.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014-bmw-i8-wallpapers-42-750x499.jpg)
Power is sent to the wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox and a conventional torque converter.
At the front, but closer to the wheels, BMW placed an electric motor developing 129 horsepower and 184 lb ft-of torque. This is the same electric motor as in the BMW i3 but with less power (170 hp in the BMW i3). The electric motor drives the front wheels via a GKN two-speed automatic gearbox which always run in first gear while in eDrive mode but switches directly to second gear in the mixed modes. The energy is drawn from a 5 kWh lithium-ion pack placed along the central tunnel right behind the electric motor.
An additional e-motor is placed in the rear adjacent to the combustion engine. It produces 13 hp and 81 lb-ft of torque and while it can provide additional power to the rear wheel, BMW says that it’s main functions are to recharge the battery, start the combustion engine and in hybrid mode to smooth out power delivery and match up the revs when switching driving modes. Therefore the typical lag mode found in hybrid or combustion setups is removed.
All these add up to a combined 357 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, 44 percent of it available from the moment you floor the throttle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6UssR2-NcI
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Sh*t, that looks SICK! What's the sticker price on that?
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Is Toyota's 3-Wheel iRoad the Future of Cars? - CES 2014
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGuN-ozC5cY
I love the design for this and how it tilts during turns. Ya know, going smaller like this isn't all that new. Car2Go (https://www.car2go.com/en/austin/) is starting to really make it's presence known around here. So, people are already adapting to the idea of smaller, i.e. cheaper cars both in sticker price as well as mileage.
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Toyota Crafts Tron-Like Concept Car - CES 2014
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJtS9MMDs-o
I love the design and I would definitely want one of my own, but the idea of a car without a steering wheel is a bit of a stretch for me. The idea of "leaning" to 'steer' the car is not very appealing to me. I get that people (manufacturers) will look at any cost cutting measures to save a buck, but getting rid of a steering wheel isn't the smartest idea for a lot of reasons.
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Yea, you have to look at things like the Segway that never took off. Why?
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Yea, you have to look at things like the Segway that never took off. Why?
Too many people driving off cliffs.
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Besides the CEO :-\
While trying to re-invent the wheel and it can be done, the human condition is primary. If something is awkward for most folks, it won't take off.
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So it’s nearing time for a new car. Actually my lease is not up until September, but the dealer has made me an offer (Nissan Loyal Customer) to turn it in early and get another Nissan.
I’ve been thinking about this for a while. My wife and I went to the auto show 2 weeks ago and got a good look at the 2014 cars. Not bad. In fact, there are quite a few that are really nice.
My priorities this time around have changed. I still am looking for quality, but at the top of my list is…
Low Monthly cost
Good MPG
Plenty of room for my drum kit
Bluetooth / USB,
oh, and heated seats
If I can meet these criteria, in my mind, I’ll be happy. So if I stick with Nissan, I have no problems of going from my Altima Coupe to the Altima Sedan. But this little flicker got my eye, it’s known as the Rogue. So it might be time real soon to go do some test driving.
Let’s see how this turns out. I’ve also got my eye on Kia Optima, Hyundai Elantra, *Cadillac CTS , **Chrysler 200 and *Volkswagon CC
*Probably beyond my price range’
**Not available yet
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Definitely let us know what you end up getting. Me, I think I want to do away with a car.....ya know, try a whole year without having to rely on one. That would last all of 3 days tops.
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Let us know how that works out for ya.
Man I love to drive.
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Ryno Microcycle
(http://uncrate.com/p/2014/01/ryno-microcycle.jpg)
No, that's not a typo, and you didn't read it wrong — it says microcycle. And that's because while it may share some characteristics with a traditional motorcycle, most notably the styling, the Ryno Microcycle has only one wheel. Though the handlebars might suggest otherwise, you actually control the Ryno's electric motors by leaning forward to accelerate and back to slow down, with only subtle leans required to turn. Since the redundant motors are contained in the wheel itself, the whole package takes up less space than a bike, and with a range of 10 miles — and a top speed of 10 mph — it's ready to get you around the urban landscape, whether it's on the road, on the sidewalk, or even in the office.
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It's a frickin' Unicycle! No if's, and or buts about it! ;)
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Can you imagine the extreme juggling that would go along with a cycle like that? Like parkour ball bouncing.
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Giant Russian Car
According to English Russia, a Russian guy designed this car using a 3D modeling software. Then he and his friends got a Nissan Maxima "as a source for some parts" and built it. Looks like an all-terrain batmobile to me.
Why can't Russian keep building insanely dumb stuff like this instead of trying to start World War III?
(http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/t_ku-xlarge/peyvlrje1czksi5fiua4.jpg)
(http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/t_ku-xlarge/ko0jvnogx5miaabmbtb8.jpg)
(http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/t_ku-xlarge/fbvcsqjfbewwo20l0mtp.jpg)
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I kinda dig that design of the 'C o c k r o a c h m o b i l e'. That's the only name I could think of as soon as I saw the pics.
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Brilliant
BMW Shows Off Solar Carport Concept
(http://www4.pcmag.com/media/images/426925-bmw-carport.jpg?thumb=y)
BMW is taking electric vehicles to a new level with this week's launch of a solar carport concept.
The car maker revealed the carport as part of the media launch of its BMW i8 plug-in hybrid in Los Angeles.
"With the solar carport concept we opted for a holistic approach: not only is the vehicle itself sustainable, but so is its energy supply," Tom Allemeier, carport designer at BMW Group DesignworksUSA, said in a statement.
The carport is constructed largely of bamboo, which BMW said is a "particularly sustainable raw material." To actually generate the electricity, there is high-grade glass-on-glass solar modules.
BMW Carport
Drivers would use the carport in conjunction with the i Wallbox Pro in-home charging boxes, and could opt to charge their cars with solar electricity from the carport. The Wallbox will display how much solar energy has been used to juice up the car and offer analysis of solar charging vs. using electricity. If you create more solar energy than your car can use, meanwhile, it can be used for the home, BMW said.
Solar panels collect and feed CO2-free energy through the Wallbox and into the vehicle's high-voltage battery. A fully charged high-voltage battery running the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car has a range of about 22 miles in all-electric mode, according to BMW.
"This is therefore an entirely new generation of carports that allows energy to be produced in a simple and transparent way," Allemeier said. "It renders the overarching theme of lightweight design both visible and palpable."
BMW's electric vehicle lineup launched in July with the debut of its i3 all-electric car, worth about $41,350, with a 22 kWh lithium-ion battery for a range of 80 to 100 miles. The luxury carmaker unveiled the plug-in hybrid i8 in the fall, which is quite a bit pricier at $135,925.
(http://www5.pcmag.com/media/images/426926-bmw-carport.jpg?thumb=y)
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Obviously the Carport is only going to succeed if they are planted all over the country (especially for long road trips). Can't have them just at home or it limits how far one can and will drive. So, should these start popping up all over the place, I suspect they will be high crime targets and people will no doubt try to strip them for parts. I hope they have some sort of security implemented to keep thieves away. The design as you said Mac is brilliant though.
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Buzzkill dude, buzzkill
No seriously, I expect major strides in the battery technology. The limited distance has and will be addressed. I believe the TESLA has a 250 mile range.
And yes, these would be targets for criminals like anything else the wealthy posses.
It's a changing world.
While I'm not a iPhone user, I still don't understand why there isn't charging stations for the phones. Just set it on a base and let it charge. Hell, my toothbrush does that. Why do I have plug my phone in all the time. Hate it.
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Not trying to be a buzzkill, it's a fascinating achievement. But when it comes to things like this, the first thing that ALWAYS pops into my head is "how do I protect the asset and keep people from ripping me off". Become a victim enough times (personal experience) and suddenly you shift into a different mode.
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I, fortunately, have become a victim only once years ago. Stole my stereo outta my car. It was a sickening feeling.
I guess when you it happens enough, your perspective changes.
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Real Hoverbike Goes On Sale in 2017
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ao21Besdb-o
I'm just gonna put this Hoverbike in this thread. Now......GIMME my Hoverbike!!!
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First Glimpse at Google's Self-Driving Car - IGN News
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mM4mNABi-d0&index=36&list=PLp2e7UfInEgmB-5r4rtQOEsq-H-mNmQhk
The tech is amazing in that they can even do stuff like this. But lets be honest here, this is never going to work with the majority of people still driving on the road themselves. This is a HUGE ACCIDENT waiting to happen. Now if we were in a time (see any Sci-Fi flick like Minority Report) and all the vehicles on the road were driverless, then yeah, it would have some success. But until that day happens.....not gonna happen. And for that day to happen, I think it would actually have it be a law that was passed, banning personal-driven vehicles off the road to make way for this new invention? Agree or disagree? And just in case you were confused, I'm talking about open, public roads and highways.....not private property or race tracks.
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It will happen in gradual phases.
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If I didn't live in a big city, I'd jump on this. I think something like this a great solution as the speaker says. Not a replacement, but an 'and' vehicle.
Elio - Three Wheel Cars coming our way
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ge1ZGi1bTQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8GYqRXO__U
But I would always be hesitant of car size and weight in relation to other cars on the road.
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Color me intrigued. I actually like the design. So, what's the sticker price?
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$6,800 is damn cheap. There's gotta be a catch. So, would this be allowed on the Freeway?
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Yep, it's considered a motor bike (3 wheels)
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Project LiveWire - Harley Davidson - Electric Bike
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6F8O5A__Ds
Harley-Davidson motorcycles have long been known for their large gasoline engines and loud, rumbling exhaust notes. Now, after more than 100 years since the company’s founding, Harley-Davidson will be producing their first-ever electric motorcycle in what they call “Project LiveWire”.
It is hard to imagine seeing a Harley on the street without hearing it too, but thanks to the all-electric motor in this new bike, there is not even a need for an exhaust pipe. Many people are inclined to assume that this bike would behave like other two-wheeled, electrically powered vehicles, which up until now have consisted of almost nothing but scooters, often barred from riding on freeways due to their low top speed. That is not the case with this motorcycle, however. The 0-60 acceleration time takes around 4 seconds, an impressive feat for a vehicle so eco-friendly.
“Some people may get on it thinking, ‘golf cart,’” lead engineer Jeff Richlen said to the Associated Press. “And they get off thinking, ‘rocket ship.’” This is largely due to the fact that electric drivetrains have no need for gear shifts, and power is smoothly delivered to the rear wheel.
Most electric vehicles suffer in range, however, and this electric bike is no different. Riders of this bike will need to recharge their battery every 130 miles or so. While this limited distance would prevent the bike from making a practical highway cruiser, it would be perfect for in-town commutes. When the time does come to charge the battery pack, it can be expected to take between 30 minutes and one hour.
Project LiveWire is a somewhat risky venture for Harley-Davidson, but they are optimistic of the electric bike’s future. “We think that the trends in both EV technology and customer openness to EV products, both automotive and motorcycles, is only going to increase, and when you think about sustainability and environmental trends, we just see that being an increasing part of the lifestyle and the requirements of riders,” Harley-Davidson President Matt Levatich said to the Associated Press. “So, nobody can predict right now how big that industry will be or how significant it will be.”
Harley fans are already divided on the new bike, but only time will tell how successful it is. The bike has no official release date so far, and it could be a few years before the new motorcycle hits sale floors. The official release date will likely be dropped at the bikes unveiling set for New York City on Monday, June 23.
For more information on Harley-Davidson’s Project LiveWire, check out the Harley-Davidson website.
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We rode Harley-Davidson's incredible electric motorcycle (http://www.theverge.com/2014/6/24/5837642/riding-project-livewire-harley-davidson-first-electric-motorcycle)
(http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4660191/livewire11_1020.jpg)
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This 21-foot Mercedes costs $1 million
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vkv5CfEv5k
Yikes!
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I've been looking at cars for awhile and I've lazer beamed on a Nissan Rogue. Gas Mileage and the ability to carry my gear.
While visiting the Nissan/USA site (http://www.nissanusa.com/crossovers/rogue/colors-photos#) to get a look all around the vehicle I came across this commercial that's embedded in their site.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_FokYV0IO4
Got my attention
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This 21-foot Mercedes costs $1 million
Yea, the car is nice.... but, but, but who was that gorgeous news anchor? She is stunning.
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Radical Hydrogen-Electric Car Hits the Road
(http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/201403/2014-quant-e-sportlimousi-15_600x0w.jpg)
So many companies claim to have developed the future of road car propulsion that those making genuine strides run the risk of being ignored. Luckily, German firm Quant is avoiding such a fate, as its innovative ‘flow-cell’-powered vehicle has just been approved for real-world testing by the German TÜV safety body.
The Quant e-Sportlimousine was first revealed at the Geneva Motor Show back in March, powered by what the company called ‘nanoFLOWCELL’ technology. In essence, flow-cells combine characteristics of a traditional battery, and fuel cells. Electrolyte fluid is circulated around two cells mounted side-by-side. Between these cells is a membrane that allows electrons to pass through. The electrical current generated from this flow of electrons can be used to power a vehicle—and that’s exactly how the e-Sportlimousine works.
Quant says the car has a torque output of “four times” 2,900 newton-meters (2,138 lb-ft), and the car’s acceleration figures certainly suggest there’s plenty of power. 62 mph is swept away in 2.8 seconds, and the car will press on to “over” 217 mph. The company claims several advantages of its flow-cell technology, but among them is energy density. A flow-cell of equivalent weight to a lithium-ion battery has five times greater performance.
With a 120 kilowatt-hour flow-cell, Quant claims a range of 372 miles or more. That seems par for the course when compared to the EPA-rated 265 miles of an 85 kWh Tesla Model S, but one assumes the e-Sportlimousine is a great deal lighter thanks to those flow cells, which are presumably smaller than the Tesla’s batteries. Back in Geneva, the firm also suggested that its flow cells contain no “harmful substances”—in other words, the issue of the electric car battery’s origins is also side-stepped. Quant doesn’t just want to transform road-going vehicles though—it says the flow cell could have further application in domestic energy supplies, maritime, rail and aviation technology too.
(http://images.gizmag.com/hero/nanoflowcellquantdebut-32.jpg)
(http://www.autoevolution.com/images/news/gallery/medium/2010-geneva-auto-show-nlv-quant-concept-medium_4.jpg)
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Sh*t man, I'll take two!!!
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Tesla And Panasonic Strike A Partnership For Gigafactory
(http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--Z6enpZcL--/lfemv2lihu2k45tlrwfv.png)
We still don't know where Tesla will build its Gigafactory, but Panasonic has officially signed onto the project, and is slated to invest up to $300 million in the plant – just for starters.
Elon Musk is a man who needs some batteries. A lot of batteries. So many batteries, in fact, that…Read more
Nikkei reports that the lithium-ion battery plant, which is due to begin construction this fiscal year and start supplying packs for Teslas by 2017, will get 20 to 30 billion yen (around $200-300 million) from Panasonic. That cash will help with the cost of machinery, while Tesla will handle the land and buildings.
By 2020, Tesla expects the plant to be producing enough batteries to handle up to 500,000 electric vehicles each year, but the factory will be begin small and build out as demand increases.
The latest round of rumors about the Gigafactory's location has it being built at the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center, about 20 miles from Reno, NV, although a former Naval weapons station northeast of San Francisco is apparently still in the running.
Is This The Site Of Tesla's Gigafactory Battery Plant?
Way back in April, the hype over which state would get Tesla Motors' Gigafactory battery plant …Read more
And while $300 million doesn't seem like much right now, Panasonic could put as much as $1 billion towards the Gigafactory's $5 billion projected cost.
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GWR Raptor
My Stomach Is In My Throat After Watching This Hill Climb Video
Yea, well not so much...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kufacVXlSc
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What "Hill"?
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Tron Light Bike (Lithium Powered)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1im1to-alnw
It's not 'new' nor is it an automobile. But it sure is damn good looking and something I wouldn't mind getting around on.
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Well that certainly LOOKS cool.
But looks incredibly uncomfortable riding position.
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More Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology
Toyota Fuel Cell Cars (http://www.toyota.com/fuelcell/)
(http://s1.ibtimes.com/sites/www.ibtimes.com/files/styles/v2_article_large/public/2013/11/20/rtx15lby.jpg)
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Watching that Tron Cycle the second time around, the awkward position the rider is put in does make one think how painful it could be on a lower back after an extended time. Still looks cool, but it's nothing something I could see riding for long stretches of time.
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Ron Berry Customs "coolish"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trevse_thKs&list=UU2ZQv44pYmKBURORxenftjQ
I really wish there was more to this video. Cool VW Bus for sure.
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I forgot to mention, I finally turned in my leased Altima and bought a Rogue. Very happy. It's a price point I wanted and better, the gas MPG is better than I expected.
(http://imganuncios.mitula.net/2014_nissan_rogue_reno_nv_101004110179398330.jpg)
I expect this to go 3 years or so before I get bored with it.
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This is jaw dropping, at least to me. It sounds like a freakin jet
Tesla
First Tesla P85D On A Dyno Put Down Way More Torque Than Advertised
The Tesla Model S has kicked out some wacky power readings, but it looks like somebody was able return 864 ft-lbs of torque with a P85D a few times in a row. Pretty impressive considering the factory claims about, oh, 177 lb-ft less. The shrieking jet wail the car makes in an enclosed garage is something else altogether.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqFWvAplIKc
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I thought we had a Tesla thread :-\
Tesla P85D Insane Mode Launch Reactions Compilation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpaLgF1uLB8
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Tesla Model S has a hidden James Bond mode
(http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--GkpPSpRT--/c_fit,fl_progressive,q_80,w_636/ybxrzqbuacvsylvgwise.jpg)
Tesla makes the best automotive easter eggs, from stereos that go to 11 to hidden little features in its massive 17-inch display. But this? This just wins.
(http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--0kTOHMzP--/c_fit,fl_progressive,q_80,w_636/ccmxsbxz7rzbh5kop3xj.jpg)
No, it's not Photoshop. It's a gem referencing everyone's (ok, my) favorite James Bond car, the Lotus Esprit submarine from The Spy Who Loved Me, the same car that Elon Musk purchased for $866,000 and plans to turn into a functional submersible. Because, y'know, Musk.
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Mercedes’ F 015 self-driving car
(http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/mercedes-benz-f-015-live-2015-sg-90-980x420.jpg)
(http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/mercedes-benz-f-015-live-2015-sg-11.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_J0KfREjCzM
More... (http://www.slashgear.com/i-hitched-a-ride-in-mercedes-f-015-self-driving-car-19374303/)
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Self-Driving Car Makes Progress on Cross-Country Expedition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tANLQAUQss8
Very interesting to see play out. But given the type of personality that I am, I always tend to look at the worst in a situation to better inform my decision and all I can think regarding this is what happens when a computer hacker gains access to the car's mainframe and starts running people off the road? This sh*t isn't fantasy, it's a very real problem. I just don't like the idea of my life or anyone else's being in the hands of a complete stranger behind a computer screen.
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that's funny... I sent my son this information too and he immediately replied with a frown and everything wrong with it. He sounded like an old man... like me. ;D
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Clear Trucks
What a cool innovative idea
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GNGfse9ZK8
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OHMYGAWD
Charger prototype finding its way to Model S
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMM0lRfX6YI
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FOX Car Report - Return of the Trans Am
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNWjaidV4go
When I was in Elementary School, there were only 2 cars that I lusted after, the Corvette and the Trans Am. Sadly, I still don't own either one. I like this new design. It's modern but still retaining that classic look.
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I
liked loved the Trans Am... for it's time.
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Is Tesla the Donald Trump of the automotive industry?
Very interesting article on the state of the auto sales, electric cars and the established industry of selling cars...
Tesla Model 3 depositors vs Chevy Bolt EV: sea change or double standard?
More than 325,000 potential buyers have put down $1,000 apiece for a Tesla Model 3 electric car that they won't get for two years, if not considerably longer than that.
Which must frustrate the electrification team at General Motors deeply.
The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV with more than 200 miles of range and a starting price of $37,500 is already in pre-production, and could go on sale late this year—fully a year before Tesla's announced delivery date for the Model 3.
Two recent articles from Detroit news outlets convey different reactions to this disparity.
"If you are an executive at a venerable automaker whose company is working on the same technology," writes reporter Richard Truett in industry trade journal Automotive News, "seeing crowds waiting in line to lay down a deposit for a Model 3 had to have been tough to watch."
The piece goes on to compare the crowd eagerness for Tesla not to anything else in the auto industry, but the enthusiasm for the latest consumer electronic devices from Apple.
Remember those lines for the first iPhone, or the first iPad?
Same thing, suggests Truett—who calls himself "an Apple devotee"—ending his piece this way: "If Tesla is the automotive equivalent of Apple, the industry will be forever changed."
But why aren't the crowds just as eager for the Bolt EV, you might ask?
One answer is that they could well be, but General Motors didn't choose to crowd-source its development funding and reap the associated marketing benefits of such high numbers.
But another is that GM itself can't take deposits for the car. It's not legally allowed to sell you a Chevy Bolt EV.
Instead, you must purchase the car from an independently-owned third party known as a car dealer, under state franchise laws, after haggling for the vehicle
Both GM and Tesla have many hurdles to cross before electric cars become a sustainable, profitable, and preferred choice for significant volumes of car buyers.
But if buyers are viewing an electric car more like a very expensive piece of consumer electronics, and willing to put down $1,000 for two or more years to get in line for one, the auto-industry standard practices that prevent GM from acting more like Tesla may be seen as confounding and inexplicable.
Savvy industry observer and commentator Daniel Howes explores this "double standard" in comparing the Bolt EV to the Model 3 in a Detroit News opinion piece this morning.
"The disruption of Detroit has a name," he opens, "and it’s Tesla Motors Inc."
Howes goes on to note that he asked a ranking GM executive about the two companies and disparity in their public receptions. (The executive chose to stay anonymous.)
"He sighed, mumbled something about Tesla being a tech company dabbling in autos instead of an auto company dabbling in tech," Howes writes, "and added that there’s 'no justifiable reason' for Tesla’s valuation.
Then comes the punchline:
Musk gets the benefit of the doubt from investors, customers, even a skeptical media.
GM? Not so much, which should be not at all surprising given its long history of mediocrity, of false promises, of playing a more conservative game than it talks.
In other words, Tesla gets the benefit of the doubt for the desirable cars it's launched and the remarkable things it's done (Supercharger networ, cough) in a very short time.
GM is still atoning for past sins of product design, sins of assembly quality, sins of financial mismanagement and lack of board oversight, and many more.
he auto-industry truism in the end is that it's all about the product.
Which should make the Bolt EV versus Tesla Model 3 battle a fascinating one indeed. (And then there's the next Nissan Leaf too.)
Lay in some popcorn, folks. This promises to be fun to watch.
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You guys might like this...
Nissan Rogue Limited Edition Star Wars
https://youtu.be/18BqKMkoLcU
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Finally going through my inspiration subscriptions for the first time in ages and oh my god look at this bike! (http://abduzeedo.com/industrial-design-motorbike-great-japan)
(https://mir-s3-cdn-cf.behance.net/project_modules/1400/7790f946742741.58659e7ece23b.jpg)
That's a dang sweet lookin' ride.
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That will turn everybody's head
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOxnJQP2_0E
I've always loved the London Cab, tons of warm memories from my early childhood of taking them about, I always had to sit in the fold-out seat even if it wasn't the safest thing for a kid to be in. The "current" ones were a bit of a disappointment, of course they'll feel cramped as an adult, but no suicide doors? Ick. But these new designs? Gorgeous, spacious, and way more environmentally friendly.
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Yeah, the design shape is slick.