One of the major complaints about electric cars is that they are so ugly looking and slow. The G-Wiz is often the butt of so many jokes, Jeremy Clarkson in particular like to make fun of the car.
Anyway, the new breed of electric cars are changing people's perception of electric cars. They look sexy and are fast.
I blogged about the Jaguar CX - 75 concept some time back. Here are some pictures of this sexy car from Jaguar.
According to a news report, a family in Nashville, Tennessee, US, has become the first family to receive keys to the much talked about full electric car - the Nissan Leaf. This car won the Car of the year 2011 - the World's first electric car to win this award. 
Actually the report might be wrong because the first person to get the Leaf in the US is Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong, the official spokesperson of Nissan Leaf.
Alfa Romeo has come up with a naughty interactive video.
So, do you want to interact with this passionate yet seductive Italian woman?
BMW has just announced the launch of three new BMW 1 Series models. This includes the much anticipated BMW 1 Series M Coupé which will be arriving in the UK in May 2011. It will cost £39,990 on the road including delivery, number plates, first registration fee and BMW Emergency Service.
Latest press release from Lotus.
Group Lotus plc and Genii Capital are joining hands and we will soon see the Renault F1 Team renamed as ‘Lotus Renault GP’ from the start of the 2011 racing season onwards.
Group Lotus plc will acquire a major equity stake in the team from Genii Capital. Genii, an investment holding company with a portfolio of automotive technologies, bring non-F1™ technologies such as lightweight braking systems, variable compression engine technology and on board software systems to the partnership. In addition to this, Genii is also offering Proton the ability to leverage on its existing business relationships in Russia and other parts of the world, as a means to expand Proton's global reach. Through Genii, Proton can also potentially access advanced automotive technologies by virtue of Genii’s association with Mangrove, a venture capital group.
However, I wonder where that leaves Team Lotus (also powered by Renault) led by AirAsia CEO Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes.
Some quotes:
Group Lotus CEO Dany Bahar:
"I can think of no better platform for automotive brand communications than motorsport and F1™. We’re well aware that there has been a lot of controversy around the usage of our brand in F1™ and I’m delighted to be able to formally clarify our position: We are Lotus, and we are back.”
"We know that Group Lotus has much to offer Formula 1™ and vice versa. After careful consideration, we believe this arrangement will be fruitful, both from a commercial and marketing point of view."
"This is an exciting development which delivers strategic benefits to both Group Lotus and Proton. I fully support the partnership."
“This multi-partner alliance will bring a new dynamic to the team and enable it to compete with the sport’s best from next season.”
“For Group Lotus, access to Formula 1™ opens up new marketing opportunities and a major platform for business exchanges and development. In this regard, Genii Capital possesses shareholdings in, and direct access to, cutting edge companies in the automotive industry. Our tie-up with Group Lotus and Proton, which will enable its future road car ranges to take advantage of significant new technologies, is a natural step.”Leia mais...
The inaugural IDTechEx electric vehicle event in San Jose, California was a great success and it will now be repeated annually in three continents. The range of different electric vehicles on display was fascinating such as a Hawkes Ocean Technologies submarine, a 200 mph silent Formula One Racing car from Kleenspeed, etc.
BMW, Nissan and Fiat provided fascinating views and announcements as well. Detailed market statistics for all types of electric vehicle were shared at the event.
Professor Pietro Perlo of Fiat Central Research insisted that, for maximum benefits, vehicles must be "born electric". He is developing small pure electric cars because they have the clearest business case, being lower cost, not just non-polluting at point of use. However, he is cautious about the first generation in-wheel motors. Others are using them confidently.
On-road vehicle makers shun third generation traction batteries such as lithium sulfur, fearing for safety, but they are already used in electric aircraft and military off road vehicles. 1kWh/kg is achieved with lithium air and lithium water, where carbonate based electrolytes have proved a dead end. Presenter PolyPlus Battery Company claimed to have cracked this problem, having moved on from lithium sulfur focus. Indeed, with its compliant seal, its batteries are pressure tolerant for EVs at great depths under the ocean and rival the energy density of gasoline. 1 kWh/liter and 600 wh/kg are being targeted under a recent ARPA-E grant. This work and that of Sion Energy on lithium sulfur target 300 miles affordable range for pure electric land and air vehicles. Toyota and IBM recognise that here is the future. Meanwhile, 1.3 kWh/kg and 700 Wh/liter has been achieved with a damage tolerant lithium water battery for marine use that has no self-discharge. A pilot line is planned next.
Future of Electric Vehicles Europe will take place in June 2011 in Munich, Germany. Visit www.idtechex.com/evEurope for more info
Talking about my driving experience in Malaysia to some friends. I was relating how much fun it is to drive in Malaysia even though I could only afford a Proton, the national car as imported cars had a tax of up to 300%. At that time petrol cost me less than RM1per litre (approx 20p), though I heard that it has now increased to around RM2 (approx 40p). Compare that with £1.20/ litre in the UK now.
Furthermore, the car insurance was pretty cheap and if you didn't have any accidents, it becomes cheaper every year. Here in the UK, I have no idea why, but the insurance we pay seems to increase very year. It has gone up from around £300 to £700 now. We have had no accidents in the past 4 years and there is no logic but everyone I talked to told me the same thing and the amazing thing is that people grumble but just pay up in the end as they have no choice..
I recall that the insurance companies once increased the car insurance of everyone here in the UK across the board due to the fact that there had been floods the past year and a large number of cars had been damaged. In other words, they just transfer the costs to the customers.
I used to think that privatisation and lack of governmental control would lead to better customer services and a customer friendly industry but apparently this has not happened and probably the Government needs to come in with some customer friendly legislation and regulations.
Anyway, there are still some great insurance deals out there on the net. You just have to look for it. However, this is easier said than done. Click here for the cheapest auto insurance tips . These might help you lower your premium a bit. For example, it might be a good idea to look at the cars targeted the most by the thieves.
The new BMW 6 Series Convertible will be arriving in the UK on 26 March 2011.
Noticed these cars at the 10K Mo run at Greenwich, London last weekend.
Can you identify them?
A recent press release by the online price comparison site, Confused.com, totally changed my perception of the motorist profiles I have had all my life. Apparently those in the medical profession appeared most frequently in the top ten (50%) car insurance claims in the past 12 months (18th October 2009 and 18th October 2010).
This is surprising because they are supposed to be most aware of all professions when it comes to accidents and injuries.
The results of the research showed that GPs are the most hazardous drivers in the UK with 33% of claims made by them. They were followed by psychologists (30%), district nurses (30%), hospital doctors (29%) and dentists (27%)making a claim.
In what seems to be bizarre findings, 20-20 vision doesn't help as well with opticians making up 27% of those claiming for an incident in the last 12 months. They were closely followed by law abiding policeman who made up 26% of the claimants.
It was not surprising that high earners such as solicitors and accountants are also the most likely to make a claim, contributing to 65% of the top 20.
The safest drivers were actually the low income earners with car valeters being the least likely to make a claim with only 8% putting in the paperwork in the last 12 months.
Here is the full list of the Top 20 occupations that have claimed in an accident:
1. Doctor GP
2. Psychologist
3. District Nurse
4. Hospital Doctor
5. Solicitor
6. Chartered Accountant
7. Head Teacher
8. Dentist
9. Personnel Officer
10. Chartered Surveyor
11. Quantity Surveyor
12. Optician
13. Systems Manager
14. Police Officer
15. Financial Advisor
16. Computer Services Manager
17. Accountant Chartered
18. Pharmacist
19. Probation Officer
20. Local Government Officer
Top 20 occupations least likely to be involved in an accident
1. Car Valeter
2. Labourer
3. Van / Lorry / Fork Lift Truck Driver
4. Farm Worker
5. Scaffolder / Roofer
6. Construction Worker
7. Decorator / Painter / Plasterer
8. Road Worker
9. Coach Driver
10. Security Guard
11. Builder
12. Groundsmen
13. Mechanic
14. Carpet Fitter
15. Warehouse Employee
16. Bar Staff
17. Cleaner
18. Bakery Worker
19. Double Glazing Fitter
20. Factory Worker
French carmaker Peugeot has chosen the Malaysian Naza group to spearhead its expansion in the region following the success of the marque in the country. The Naza Group was appointed official distributor for the Peugeot brand in January 2008. 3,766 units of Peugeot vehicles were sold in 2009 which accounted for 86% of Peugeot sales in the Asean region.
Former Malaysian PM Tun Dr Mahathir launched the Peugeot 207 yesterday. Codenamed as the T33 Project, the car is different from the 207 sold here in the UK and is actually a modified version of the 206. The only difference from the 206 is that it has a slightly elongated boot at the back making it a sedan. The car will be assembled at the Naza plant in Gurun, Kedah.
The car is powered by a 1.6L engine and price on the road with insurance starts from RM72,888 (approx. £14647).
Are you looking for car rental France?
Electric cars do not have an internal combustion engine - which is great for the environment. However, this means that they are amazingly silent. This brings up some unique safety issues. People can't hear the cars coming up behind them.
To find a solution to this problem, a research project in the University of Warwick is using a green van called ELVIN (Electric Vehicle with Interactive Noise) which emits different sounds to see how people perceive the sounds.
As for payment options, the website is integrated with the iPay88, a Malaysian company that offers safe bank online payments. It works just like Paypal. The iPay88 payment system allows different payment systems.Americans have always had an obsession with cars – their speed, loud engines and raw power. We’ve dug out the top 5 classic American Muscle cars that embodied these qualities and have become legends among the automotive industry around the world.
Number 5: 1967 Pontiac GTO
The Pontiac GTO was considered the start of the classic muscle car, and in 1967 it had a engine makeover to see it take on a 400 cubic inch enlargement. If you were lucky enough to get your hands on the 81,722 built in ’67, consider yourself lucky to have a classic that pumps 360 hp @ 5100 rpm. For its overall style and “bad ass” appeal we’ve ranked it at number 5.
Random Fact: This car was used in the hit movie XXX starring Vin Diesel (2002)
Euro NCAP presented the first Euro NCAP Advanced rewards at a press conference held on October 1st 2010 at the Paris Motor Show. The technologies developed by car manufacturers were rewarded for offering scientifically proven safety benefits:
I cringe when I see this video. Was supposed to showcase Volvo's automatic stopping feature. However, as you can see, things didn't go as planned.
Lotus is set to unveil the brand new "Elite" at the Paris Motor Show. Reviving the old name, the company says that the car will redefine “modern classic”.
The car is powered by a front-mid positioned 5.0 litre V8 petrol engine with the optional use of hybrid technology with KERS. According to their press release, the car can go from 0-100 km/h in approximately 3.5 to 3.7 seconds.
There are plans for a retractable hard top version as well.
The car is set for release in spring 2014 and will be priced around £115,000.
The MINI which is not a mini the Mini Countryman is here.
What makes it different from the previous Minis?
At 4.1m it is the largest mini ever and has 4x drive.It has a 1.6-litre supercharged engine which delivers 181bhp. It is also roomier and comes with four doors.
According to an article in the Financial Times, Li Shufu, the new chairman of Volvo and co-chair of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, wants to build a car to compete with the likes of the "to compete with the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes S-class".
The Chinese company recently finalised it's purchase of Volvo from the Ford Motor for US$1.5bn.
BTW, just check out the new S60 from Volvo.
Former F1 driver, David Coulthard takes the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG for a spin around the Isle of Man. Check out the drifts and handbrake-turns. Lucky fan, Carl Borthwick got the chance to ride along. I heard Coulthard took the car up to 160mph.
Check out the video:
As I was sat in my office working, a trio of exotic cars drove past my window. My colleague and myself started to talk about our dream cars and we came up with a list of cars we would like to own if we could and why. I thought that you might be interested in my selection. The five listed are cars which unfortunately, unless I win a lottery, will never be able to own. Still… one can dream…
1. Lamborghini Reventon
Driving in the Lamborghini Reventon is what I can only imagine to be the perfect driving experience. The two-seater open top is the dream vehicle of choice for many a thrill seeker. It has a luxury sleek style and with a 6.5l twelve-cylinder engine it can zoom from 0 to 62mph in only 3.4 seconds.
2. Lotus Exige S 240
This masterpiece of English manufacturing is one of the most sought after cars available today. With a fixed-roof, this sleek sports car is totally suitable for everyday street driving, but can reach top speeds of 150mph and from a standstill 100mph comes up within 4.1 seconds. Sadly, this 1.8 litre is out of reach for many, with a price tag of around £45,000, though it is still one of the most affordable dream cars around.
3. Ferrari Enzo
Ferrari is perhaps the most famous super car producer in the world and the Enzo certainly lives up to expectations. The high performance sports car has an extremely beautiful body and comes in Ferrari red. As well as a carbon fibre body, this dream machine features a V12 engine with four valves per cylinder.
4. Aston Martin DB9
No wonder Aston Martins are a favourite with 007. The DB9 is a high-class automobile with a beautifully sleek design. The Grand Tourer is a favourite among racing fanatics and those who wish to drive around feeling the ‘bees knees.’ Achieving 0-60 in 4.6 seconds, no wonder its one of the most desirable cars out there.
5. Bugatti Veryon
No surprises here that the fastest driving car in the world enters my top five. Many a man’s dream is to own the Bugatti, but with a price tag of £1,150,000 unfortunately it's not remotely affordable by many of us mere mortals. The car can reach a top speed of 253.2mph, which reflects in the price. Despite the price tag, the Bugatti has been voted one of the most desirable cars on the market, as well as being arguably, the fastest in the world.
These are my top five cars and unfortunately it is very unlikely I will ever be able to own any of them. Of course, this doesn’t mean you’ll never be able to experience the thrill of driving one. Try searching for Red Letter Days Discount Vouchers or Red Letter Days Discount Codes on the net and see what deals you can find.
Many ‘Red Letter Day’ trips include driving some of the world’s most supreme super cars. They also make good presents, just imagine how you would feel if you opened a birthday card, only to find you have been given the opportunity to drive one or more of the most inspirational and breathtaking cars ever to have been manufactured.
So what are your dream cars?
Here's Nikki's in the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. She said she was holding on for dear life but she did get some amazing footage. You can almost get a feel of how fast the car is doing.
Thanks for the link Nikki.
Check out the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG blog for more info about this amazing car.
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