I don't mind the styling of the Lincoln MKX and its corporate cousin, the Ford Edge, but the MKX doesn't really look like I expect a Lincoln to look. Instead, I see it simply as an Edge in fancy eveningwear. I think part of the problem is that, when the MXK was created, Lincoln's renaissance was just in its infancy. And even though there have been lots of new products, the brand has lacked a coherent design language until, arguably, this year. Styling cues are now shared across the MKS sedan, the MKZ sedan, the upcoming MKT seven-seat crossover, and even the C concept from this year's Detroit auto show, but the MKX is the odd man out.The MXK does share some of its interior design themes with another Lincoln, though, and that would be the big Navigator SUV. Both vehicles sport symmetrical, dual-cockpit-style instrument panels with squared gauges that are an homage to the legendary Continentals. The dashboard is another retro throwback, because it feels nearly as hard as the stamped-steel panels used in the 1960s. Ford used a slightly softer plastic on the upper region of the center stack, which is nice, but then chose a harder, sharply edged plastic right where you rest your kneecap.The MKX certainly is comfortable to drive, however. Although the 3.5-liter V-6 is a bit coarse at higher revs, it moves the MKX along fairly well, and the six-speed automatic shifts quite smoothly. The three inches of snow I trekked through one morning never posed a problem, although it's not terribly difficult to break loose the rear axle. Stability control, of course, is standard.All in all, the MXK is a competent luxury crossover, but I can't say the Lincoln does anything or offers anything that a fully loaded Edge doesn't. Put me in an Edge Sport with Ford's Sync connectivity system, and I'd be just as happy.
[Via: Automobilemag ]
[Tag: ]
2009 Lincoln MKX AWD
Mission One electric motorcycle boasts 150 MPH top speed, extreme price tag
The Mission One EV electric sports bike got a proper unveiling at this week's Technology, Entertainment, Design (TED) conference, and boy does this baby exude power. Mission Motors says the motorcycle's got an 150 MPH top speed and 100 foot-pounds of torque at any point between 0 and 6,500 RPM. That's a good deal faster than the Electric Motorsport GPR-S, which tops out at a now-paltry 100 MPH. The lithium-ion battery keeps it running for 150 miles, and charge time is targeted for under 2 Hours at 240V (8 Hours at 120V). Its stylish form factor comes from famed industrial designer Yves Behar. Yeah, we're excited, too, but here's the part where you flinch: the deathly silent super-scooter will first show up in 2010 with a 50-unit limited edition run costing $68,995 apiece. A more affordable model will be announced sometime this summer. If you've got a need for this much muted speed, be prepared to mortgage a house or two.
[Via: Autoblog Green ]
[Tag: electric motorcycle, electric vehicle, ElectricMotorcycle, ElectricVehicle, ev, mission, mission motors, mission one, mission one ev, MissionMotors, MissionOne, MissionOneEv, motorcycle, one ev, OneEv, technology entertainment design, TechnologyEntertainmentDesign, ted, ted 2009, Ted2009 ]
Tesla can't get funding, postpones plans to build new factory
Looks like Tesla's decision to jack up options pricing on the Roadster to make the company's financials more enticing to investors didn't necessarily pay off: the company failed to score the required $100m in private funding needed to start building that new factory and HQ in San Jose. The new plan is to request some $400m from the government's Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing Program and spend it on both the planned facility and an advanced battery and powertrain lab -- which might mean Tesla would have to move elsewhere, since the ATVM requires the money to be spent rehabilitating an older factory. We'll see how this one plays out -- although we're still in love with the Roadster, Tesla itself always seems to be one stroke away from catastrophe.
[Via: Gearlog ]
[Tag: tesla, tesla motors, tesla roadster, TeslaMotors, TeslaRoadster ]
2009 Porsche Boxster S
Symptoms of a split personality usually call for a visit to the shrink. But at Porsche, vacillating between mid-engine and rear-engine convictions has proven healthy for the soul.Sixty years ago, when Dr. Ferdinand Porsche and his son Ferry collaborated on their first production model, the goal was to exploit lessons they had learned racing mid-engine Auto Unions. When that didn't pan out, the Porsche 356 arrived with a rear-engine layout that was subsequently passed on to the immortal 911. Then in 1953, Ferry was finally able to scratch his mid-engine itch in the 550 Spyder, Porsche's first racing car. That branch of the family tree still thrives in the RS Spyder that won last year's American Le Mans LMP2 championship.For its roadgoing models, Porsche uses trickle-down technology to feed its schizo habit. The new engine and PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe) dual-clutch transmission recently introduced for the 911 arrive wrapped in modestly face-lifted Boxsters and Caymans this March. As a preview of coming attractions, Porsche offered us a few hot laps in one Boxster S around Willow Springs Raceway's tight Streets of Willow course.Consider this the second coming of the 987-series platform that Porsche introduced in 2005. While the body and the chassis are largely carryover, new lamps and fascias provide a fresh appearance and improved night visibility for the Boxster/Cayman quartet. Inside, the 911 dash and console upgrades play here nicely, albeit in a cost-conscious form.There are power and tech upgrades galore. Larger front brake rotors and a six-speed manual transmission are now standard. The seven-speed PDK automatic, which costs an extra $3420, gives two-pedal owners better control, improved acceleration, higher cruising mileage, and a launch mode for smoking the rear tires.The base Boxster and Cayman receive power and displacement bumps, while S-model engines clear the 300-hp hurdle for the first time thanks to direct fuel injection, a higher compression ratio, lighter moving parts, and reduced friction. The 3.4-liter flat six's redline has been raised to 7400 rpm.Willow provided an excellent refresher about why we love Boxsters old and new. They're light on their feet, impeccably balanced, and easy to drive to and through the limits of adhesion. Compared with their big brothers (911s), the steering is more communicative and the tail is less likely to pass you by when control is relinquished to Sir Isaac Newton. A new limited-slip differential working in conjunction with revised suspension calibrations enables heavier corner-exit throttle tromping without wobble or wheel spin.
[Via: Automobilemag ]
[Tag: ]
Stock Car Racer: Scott Speed - Speed Freak
[Via: Automobilemag ]
[Tag: ]
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR- Four Seasons Update - January 2009
Our 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has logged 16,289 miles during its six months in the Automobile Magazine test fleet. Predictably, staffers spent some time lamenting the Evo's SST transmission and keep wishing for a six-speed manual (as we usually do when we have a test vehicle with a DSG-style transmission). But when the snow started falling, Marc Noordeloos found a few kind words; "I've finally found a driving environment where I like the EVO's dual-clutch gearbox; 'rallying' through the snow." The rapid shifts allow the engine to stay in the sweet spot of its powerband and allow a driver to concentrate on the road.Evos are supposed to be good for work and play, but Jason Cammisa found the Evo to be a less than desirable travel companion on a recent trek to Pittsburg; "highway cruising range (200 miles) is unacceptable, and it's made possible by horrendous, disgusting, and inexcusable fuel consumption." Jason recorded about 16.3 mpg and he was mostly cruising on the highway for 715 miles. We don't mind the ridiculous fuel consumption during extended bouts of drifting and playing on gravel roads, but it's almost laughable to think of taking the Evo on an extended trip with such a short range.Though the Evo has largely been trouble-free, we managed to damage a wheel and discovered a replacement for the stock wheel cost $950. Hey, Mitsubishi dealers have to make their money somewhere. There have also been reports of the radio/navigation unit not displaying anything for up to 15 minutes on extremely cold days. No other vehicles in our fleet had this problem with touch-screen displays.Nobody argues about the ride quality, handling, or wonderful Recaro seats, but the radio, fuel consumption, and small trunk make the Evo far from perfect. If you're in the mood for a spirited drive this is your car. Those looking to mix work with pleasure find the car to be too hardcore for everyday life and, ironically, a bit too soft when compared with the previous Evos if you really want to hammer on it. Check back at automobilemag.com next month to see what we do with the Evo and if our opinion of the car changes.
[Via: Automobilemag ]
[Tag: ]
Johnson Controls rolls out re3 plug-in concept vehicle
You may not be seeing the car itself roll off an assembly line anytime soon, but Johnson Controls is hoping that some of parts in its new plug-in concept vehicle will eventually find their way into a few production vehicles. The car, dubbed the re3, made its debut at the Detroit Auto Show this week, and packs a whole slew of gadgetry, including an "extended cluster" with a 7-inch touchscreen, a seat-wing armrest and controller that moves some of the controls away from the dash, and a lithium-ion battery pack that makes use of "active cooling" and is able to be tucked in between the two front seats. Johnson Controls also says that the car makes use of renewable materials throughout and, supposedly, it can seat five people relatively comfortably. No word on any interest from automakers just yet, but you can get a closer look at it courtesy of autoblog at the link below.
[Via: Engadget ]
[Tag: concept, concept car, concept vehicle, ConceptCar, ConceptVehicle, johnson controls, JohnsonControls, plug-in, re3 ]
MAM debuts ZR1 wheels for earlier Corvettes
Mid-America has put C4, C5, and C6 Corvette owners twenty spokes closer to owning a ZR1. Anyone with a '97-'09 Vette can order the wheels in paired sizes in Chrome, Hyper Silver, Painted Black, and Black Chrome. They're $500 per pair and will ship in the New Year. Could be worth the wait for the Vette owner who (thinks he or she) has everything. You can read all about them in the press release after the jump and start your order with "Dear Santa..."
PRESS RELEASE
Reproduction C6 ZR1 Corvette Wheels
EFFINGHAM, IL (December, 2008) - Want the ZR1 look without the ZR1 price? Now you can get the most anticipated reproduction wheel in history for your C4, C5, or C6 Corvette! Mid America Motorworks is offering exact ZR1 Reproduction Wheels for all 1988-2009 Corvettes. These twenty-spoke wheels are available in Chrome, Hyper Silver, Painted Black, and Black Chrome. The ZR1 Reproduction Wheels will come with a limited lifetime warranty and will be available to ship in January/February 2009. Make sure to reserve your set early because the initial shipment will contain limited quantities. Make your C4, C5, or C6 stand out from the crowd and order your Reproduction ZR1 Wheels today at www.mamotorworks.com/corvette?frame=1.8914.
Sold as a pair.
17" x 8.5" +49 Offset: 1988-1996 Front & Rear,
1997-2004 Front
18" x 8.5" +56 Offset: 1997-2004 Rear,
2005-2009 Rear
18" x 9.5" +40 Offset: 2006-2009 C6 Z06 Front
18" x 9.5" +57 Offset: 1997-2004 Rear,
2005-2009 Rear
19" x 10" +56 Offset: 1997-2004 Rear
19" x 10" +79 Offset: 2005-2009 Rear
[Via: Mid America Motorworks ]
[Tag: aftermarket, c4, c5, c6, corvette, corvette zr1, corvette zr1 wheels, CorvetteZr1, CorvetteZr1Wheels, mid america motorworks, MidAmericaMotorworks, wheels, zr1 wheels, Zr1Wheels ]
2008 November Auto Sales
The frozen consumer credit markets all but shut down auto sales in October, and despite Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson's dumping of hundreds of billions of dollars into banks' coffers, lending did not ease significantly in November, so auto sales remained on ice. A second factor that might have dampened consumers' enthusiasm for new-car shopping is the fact that more than half a million Americans lost their jobs last month.It's no surprise, then, that auto sales continued to flat-line. Adding considerably to the automotive gloom was the omnipresent background noise caused by the Detroit Three auto chiefs begging Congress for emergency loans. That makes it seem like Detroit alone is in the ditch, but as far as November goes, the American automakers have got plenty of company:(all figures compare November 2008 sales with November 2007)
Chrysler -47%
GM -41%
Ford -31%
Toyota -34%
Nissan -42%
Honda -32%
Mazda -31%
Hyundai/Kia -39%
Volkswagen Group -22%
BMW Group (including Mini) -27%
Mercedes-Benz (including Smart) -30%One thing that was clear in all the chatter about Detroit's dire straits is that America's automakers would not be in their current predicament if they were only willing to make the small, fuel-efficient cars Americans want. The problem with that analysis is that, in November at least, with gas prices drifting below $2 a gallon, Americans didn't really want small, fuel-efficient cars anymore.A look at the 10 best-selling models in November reveals a far more traditional lineup than the topsy-turvy world of last May, when Americans all but left their SUVs idling by the side of the road as they ran to dealerships demanding something - anything - that would rescue them from the pain of $100 fill-ups:May 2008
- Honda Civic
- Toyota Corolla/Matrix
- Toyota Camry
- Honda Accord
- Ford F-series
- Chevrolet Silverado
- Nissan Altima
- Ford Focus
- Chevrolet Cobalt
- Chevrolet Impala
- Ford F-series
- Chevrolet Silverado
- Toyota Camry
- Toyota Corolla/Matrix
- Honda Civic
- Honda Accord
- Dodge Ram
- Chevrolet Impala
- Honda CR-V
- Nissan Altima
Toyota Corolla/Matrix -13%
Toyota Yaris -17%
Scion (all) -45%
Honda Civic -30%
Honda Fit -8%
VW Rabbit -44%
Nissan Versa -18%
Nissan Sentra -39%
Ford Focus -38%
Chevrolet Aveo -36%
Chevrolet Cobalt -54%
Pontiac Vibe -14%
Kia Spectra -33%
Hyundai Accent -11%Where's the bright spot? There is one - one pinpoint of sunshine in an otherwise leaden gray sky. The single, smiley-faced bright spot was Mini. Mini (+43%) was the lone nameplate whose November sales were ahead of last year's. Although Mini was aided by the addition of the Clubman, posting any kind of sales increase in this environment has got to be considered an accomplishment.[Source: Automotive News]
[Via: Automobilemag ] [Tag: ]
Lotus powersliding into the hybrid car market
If you want to make a car handle -- and handle well -- you call Lotus. Just ask Tesla; without the help of the gearheads in Hethel, the US's hottest electric vehicle would probably still be just a concept. Perhaps dissatisfied with the relatively minimal PR love it's been receiving from the Tesla relationship, lotus has announced plans to develop its own battery-powered car. However, unlike the all-electric Roadster, this new offering will include a Volt-like supplementary fuel-burning engine to add a bit more range and, one would figure, rather a lot more mass. That's not exactly good news for those who worship the Lotus mantra of "to add speed, add lightness," but at this point we don't have any idea about what the thing will weigh, cost, or indeed look like. If all goes according to plan we should get some answers when those international automotive powerhouses who are still alive bum a ride to the Geneva Auto Show in March.
[Via: Autoblog ]
[Tag: electric car, ElectricCar, ev, hybrid, hybrid car, HybridCar, lotus ]