Ohio Students Build All-Electric Van

In response to the nation's growing desire to be more "green" and less oil dependent, students enrolled in Ohio Technical College's Alternative Fuel program recently developed an all-electric powered vehicle dubbed the "Electro-Van."

The Van, a 1997 Ford E350, runs solely off the power of electricity, is fully functional and can reach speeds of up to 35 mph with a two-hour drive-time capacity. "What a great way to show off our students' abilities and to increase public awareness of alternative fuel vehicle options," said Tom King, director of Enrollment Management, Ohio Technical College.

"As the world continues to get greener, it's vital our students are trained and knowledgeable about the products, technologies and processes involved in creating, converting and maintaining alternative fuel vehicles."

A group of 13 Ohio Technical College students took six weeks to design and build the Electro-Van, which included converting it from diesel to electric with revisions to the body and drive train to accommodate the new power supply system. The vehicle now uses 21 batteries for power - solar panels have been added for recharging the batteries - and an electric motor that delivers up to 95 horsepower.

In addition to mechanical conversions, students enrolled in OTC's Collision Repair classes painted the Electro-Van green to represent a healthy and clean environment. A diamond plate interior was also installed for an ultra modern look. The final step was a full-body wrap, complete with lightning bolts, a globe and the Ohio Technical College logo, designed by the school's Custom Paint and Graphics Division students.

Sponsors who contributed to the Electro-Van project are: Pro-Class; Ralph H. Phillips Companies; T & K Welding Co. Inc.; A & B Grinding; Bills Transmissions; Ohio Materials Handling Inc.; Interstate Batteries; Goodyear; GC Supply Inc.; Kirk Battery; and Modern Tire Mart Inc.

Fisker Establishes Dealer Network

March 30 - Moving yet another step closer to delivery, Premium green automaker Fisker Automotive has appointed its first group of North American retailers to market and service its luxury plug-in hybrid vehicles, beginning with the $87,900, 100mpg Karma sedan later this year. Thirty-two award-winning retailers have confirmed their intent to carry the Fisker marque.

All Fisker retailers are well-established operations familiar with premium brands, new technology and discerning clientele. Many are family-owned, each is active in giving back to their communities, and all understand the need to offer premium customers a vehicle that reduces environmental impact.

By keeping startup costs low and not requiring floor-planning beyond demonstrator and display cars, Fisker is able to attract new franchises even in tough economic times. President Obama's recent pledge of $2.4B to support development of plug-in hybrid vehicles and battery technology is added incentive.

Fisker showrooms will reflect the company's concern for the environment and their vehicles' emission free capabilities. "They will be Eco-facilities, not Ego-facilities," Fisker Board member Vic Doolan said. Architecture calls for natural and sustainable materials like wood and textiles. An available solar-powered car port can keep demonstrators clean, dry, fully charged and ready to go.

Rolls Takes Pole Position at Goodwood

March 26 - Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has loaned the Goodwood Motor Circuit a Phantom Coupe for use as the official course car at this year's Festival of Speed. The car will additionally be used by the Track Stewards Team to lead parade laps and other circuit duties at Goodwood.

The Phantom Coupe is finished in Darkest Tungsten with 21 inch forged alloy wheels. The interior features Smoke Grey Mono leather and Rosewood veneer and is complemented by a Starlight Headliner. The car has been fitted with special LED warning lights to allow it to be used as a course car.

"The Phantom Coupe is the most driver orientated car in the Phantom range and was therefore the natural choice for the Goodwood Motor Circuit," said Tom Purves, Chief Executive Officer. "The loan is a natural extension of the association between Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and the Goodwood Estate."

Phantom Coupe is the fourth Phantom model since the launch of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in 2003, following Phantom, Phantom Extended Wheelbase and Phantom Drophead Coupé. Production began at Goodwood in July 2008. The model includes tuned suspension and modifications to gearbox, steering and brake settings.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed runs July 3-5 and the Goodwood Revival, September 18-20.

Indy Centennial Approaches

March 25 - Needing a test facility for Indianapolis' burgeoning automobile industry, Carl Fisher and three other investors purchased 325 acres of land in 1909. They built a 2.5-mile racetrack and dubbed it Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

"The Brickyard" -- a nickname coming about later that year when 3.2 million bricks were used to pave the track -- is the world's largest sports venue, with the ability to seat about 400,000 spectators.

One hundred years after the first of more than 300 races at the speedway, it remains home of the world-famous Indianapolis 500, as well as NASCAR's Brickyard 400, and some motorcycle and Formula One events.

The 93rd Indy 500 on May 24, 2009, is being billed as the first race in the track's "Centennial Era" of 2009-2011. Friday, March 20, 2009 was the 100th anniversary of the signing of the company's articles of incorporation by its four founding fathers.

As part of the celebrations, a Balloon Festival will take place May 1-3 at IMS with a full schedule of evening balloon glows and daytime ascensions. The event will commemorate the first competitive event ever at the Speedway, a gas-filled balloon race June 5, 1909.

For additional information, visit the IMS web site.

More Bad News for H2 Drivers

March 23 - As if increased gas prices weren't enough to make a lot of Hummer owners park their ride for the duration, Yahoo is reporting
that the leviathan off road vehicle also tops the list of most-ticketed vehicles.

Based on a survey conducted by ISO Quality Planning, H2 drivers emerged as the top ticket collectors in the country.

Other vehicles on the most naughty list included the Scion tC, Scion xB, Mercedes Benz CLK63 AMG, Toyota Solara Coupe, Mercedes Benz CLS63 AMG, Scion xA, Subaru Outback, Audi A4 and Toyota Matrix.

The "nice" side of the list was topped by the Jaguar XJ, followed in order by the Chevy Suburban, Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Silverado, Buick Park Avenue, Mazda 6, Buick Rainier, Olds Silhouette, Buick Lucerne and GMC Sierra 1500.

Making conclusions based solely on observed data is a practice filled with error. Are H2 drivers inherently more dangerous? Are they being profiled or targeted? Such conclusions are about equivalent to those from using a Ouija board.

Why? Here's an example of a conclusion based on this practice. "All electical appliances run on blue smoke. When you get a leak and all the blue smoke is lost, the device no longer works." Is that the kind of thinking that runs our insurance companies?

Drifting Heads Mainstream

March 13 - D1GP USA has announced that it has finalized a deal with GPI Content Corporation and The FOX Television Station Group to air
each of the D1GP USA Championship Points Series events in an estimated 45 million homes on FOX owned TV stations.

Each event, slated as a one hour special, is anticipated to be broadcast adjacent to high-profile sporting events during the fall 2009 season. The FOX owned and operated broadcast TV stations provide content to nearly 40 percent of the nation's households and nearly 44 percent of the nation's Hispanic households, assuring that D1GP USA viewers will be the largest U.S. audience ever to witness drifting.

Rich Goodwin, president of D1GP USA, commented "Not only will die-hard fans be able to catch all of the action, but millions of people who have never been exposed to drifting will have a chance to see the best drivers in the world going head to head - all in spectacular high-definition TV."

Weekly coverage of the D1GP USA Championship Points Series will commence this spring on the weekly syndicated motorsports show Steel Dreams TV, seen in more than 150 U.S. television markets and covering some 70 million households.

Transmission of The Future

March 11 - During the seventh International Car Training Institute (CTI) Symposium for Innovative Automotive Transmissions in Berlin, over 40% of participants responding to an on-site survey predicted dual-clutch technology will be the leading transmission by the year 2020.

Other transmission technologies, including conventional step-ratio automatic, continuously variable, manual/automated manual, and completely new systems only rated 10% - 15% each among participants. Approximately 1,000 transmission experts from around the world participated in the symposium.

Interest in dual-clutch transmissions is particularly strong among OEMs in Europe and major growth markets in Asia. Worldwide, BorgWarner projects production of dual-clutch transmissions to grow an average of 42% year-over-year, from approximately 600,000 transmissions in 2008 to five million in 2014. BorgWarner also expects to supply DualTronic controls technology, dual-clutch technology or both in over 80% of the dual-clutch transmissions produced worldwide in the next six years.

Organized by Germany's highly regarded Car Training Institute, the symposium gathered transmission experts from Europe, Asia and the United States to discuss how new vehicle and drive concepts, increasing energy costs and consumer purchasing power will influence transmission development.

American 'Crown Jewel' Up for Auction

March 9 - This 1965 Shelby Daytona Cobra was one of six cars built by Carroll Shelby to compete against Ferrari, who were dominating the F.I.A. (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile) World Manufacturers Championship GT race class.

An experimental coupe body designed by Pete Brock was built on an existing Cobra chassis, immediately increasing the top speed by 25 mph. That car won its first race, the 1964 Daytona Continental -- prompting Shelby to adopt the name -- and five more coupes were built, including CSX2601.

After competing at Daytona, Monza, Spa and Nurburgring, CSX2601 made history when it clinched the 1965 World Manufacturers Championship for the United States and Shelby American on July 4 in Reims, France.

Driving the car - and America - to victory on that fateful July afternoon was legendary driver Bob Bondurant.

"I won a lot of races with this Daytona Cobra Coupe, but when I crossed the finish line at the Reims race track I yelled 'Yes!' It was a fantastic feeling," Bondurant shared. "I always wanted to race in Europe against the world's best drivers. Winning that World Championship was the crowning achievement of my career. I think it's wonderful that the car is being showcased 40 years later."

Now fully restored and wearing its famous Reims livery, the Shelby Daytona Cobra CSX2601 headlines the 22nd Dana Mecum Original Spring Classic Auction taking place May 13-17, 2009, in Indianapolis, Ind.

Consignment, Bidder, event and accommodation information is available online at http://www.mecum.com/ or by calling 815.568.8888

Meet Natalia

March 9 - Progress is being made in the development of the world's first hand-built, $2 million, sixteen-cylinder production automobile - The Natalia.

Alfred DiMora, the founder of DiMora Motorcar, based in Palm Springs, California, is known for his expertise in designing high-end luxury cars such as the Clenet and Sceptre. He was also the founder of Starbridge Systems, Inc. where he developed the world's fastest FPGA supercomputer.

Recently announced, ProMetal RCT will provide an integrated product and process team will use the their digital 3D printing technology to produce castings for the 1200-horsepower Volcano V16 engine without the need for patterns or tooling. The ProMetal RCT equipment automatically builds sand molds and cores for casting metal directly from CAD data.

Dan Maas, Director of Business Development for ProMetal, says "This revolutionary process allows design freedoms, heretofore never available to the casting designer or the foundry. Removing the requirements for parting lines, draft angles and providing undercuts is just the tip of the iceberg."

Previously announced, the 2000-hp engine will utilise a proprietary coating for the cylinder walls to eliminate the need for seperate steel liners. The NiCom coating from U.S. Chrome is a nickel metal matrix with dispersed silicon carbide particles.

Insurance Myths & Legends

March 4 - If you believe that red sports cars are the most difficult to insure, you're way off base, according to the industry.

Roughly 25 percent of drivers surveyed by Progressive Insurance believe that the color of their car is a factor in determining their
insurance rate.

"The idea that the color of a car enters into what you’re going to pay for insurance is a myth that’s been around for a long time," said Jeff McCollum, spokesperson for State Farm Insurance. "I wouldn’t be surprised if it came from the fact that people with red sports cars have the image of being wild and reckless, but it certainly isn’t based on any type of reality."

Your own experience might support the idea that drivers of sports cars get more tickets and thus pay higher insurance premiums, but that's not generally the case.

According to a study by Quality Planning Corp., leading the pack with the most violations are drivers of the Hummer H2 and H3. Hummer drivers have almost five times the number of violations compared to the average. Drivers of three different Scion models (tC, XB Station, XA) also made the Top 10 'Bad Boy' list. Others on the list include drivers of two models of the Mercedes-Benz (CLK63 AMG, CLS63 AMG), two Toyotas (Solara, Matrix) and the Subaru Outback Station Wagon and Audi A4.

Miles to Go Before We Sleep

Feb. 20 - Recent testing at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety indicates that most new small cars and pickup trucks now earn good ratings in frontal crash tests but not when it comes to side and rear crashes.

"Automakers have made big improvements to small cars to better protect people in frontal crashes," says Institute senior vice president Joe Nolan. "They've also added stronger structures and standard head-protecting side airbags to help in side crashes, which are tougher on smaller, lighter cars."

Eleven of the 21 current small car models the Institute has rated earn good ratings for side protection. "This is a huge improvement from our last comprehensive round of small car crashworthiness evaluations in 2006," Nolan says. "Then only 3 of the 19 tested earned a good rating in the side evaluation. Most earned a poor rating."

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Dodge Ram 1500, and Nissan Titan are billed as workhorses, but the side crash protection these 2009 model large pickups provide is wimpy, at best. The trio earns either poor or marginal ratings in side tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Even with side airbags, occupant protection in these crew-cab pickups is no better than marginal.

"The size, weight, and height of these large pickups should help them ace the side tests just like the other large pickups we've tested. Not these three," says Institute senior vice president David Zuby. "They perform worse than many cars we've evaluated."

Side evaluations are based on performance in a crash test in which the side of a vehicle is struck by a barrier moving at 31 mph.

ROUSH Announces Propane Expansion

Feb. 20 - After selling several hundred propane conversion kits for the Ford F-150 light duty pickup truck, ROUSH Performance announced this week that their program is expanging to include medium duty F-250 pickup and E-250 Econoline van.

According to research by the Propnae Energy and Research Council, propane is the most widely used alternative fuel used today, with more than 10 million vehicles running worldwide. Both operating costs and vehicle emissions are reduced as a result of the conversion. Federal tax credits, up to $4500, coupled with an up to 50 cent per gallon additional tax credit are available to qualified operators.

The ROUSH F-250 Liquid Propane Injection truck is designed to operate solely on propane,, without any loss of horsepower, torque, driveability or towing capacity. Conversion kits will also be available for 2009+ F-250 vehicles already in service. Trucks with the conversion already completed can be ordered through local Ford dealers, for delivery in the third quarter.

The available tax credits and operating expense reductions allow the investment to be paid back in less than a year, according to Jack Roush, charman of ROUSH Enterprises, Inc. and CEO of Roush Fenway Racing. The company has invested three years of development to deliver the propane conversion, because "It is available 'right here, right now' with a national infrastructure already in place," Roush added.

As a motor fuel, propane burns cleaner, with up to 20% less NOx, up to 60% less CO and fewer particulate emissions. Due to a lower energy content in the propane, fuel mileage reductions of up to 17% may be seen. In addition to the federal tax credits mentioned, state, county and municipal credit or rebate programs may also apply.

(Return to UberDrive Magazine.)

Genesis Coupe Pricing Announced

Feb. 12 - Hyundai Motor America has announced pricing for the new Genesis Coupe, starting at $22,000 for a well-equipped 210-horsepower, 2.0-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine 2.0T model and $25,000 for the 306-horsepower, 3.8-liter, V6 engine model. Genesis Coupe will begin arriving at Hyundai dealerships later in the month.

"Genesis sedan set a new benchmark for the premium sedan segment and we think Genesis Coupe will do the same in the sport coupe arena," said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America president and chief executive officer. "From our 30-mpg 2.0T with its low-pressure, intercooled, four-cylinder turbo, to the 3.8-liter Track model with 306 horsepower and Brembo braking system, Genesis Coupe offers a wide range of powertrain and performance choices for driving enthusiasts of all stripes."

Later in the model year, a tuner-focused performance model, R-Spec, will arrive at Hyundai dealerships. Genesis Coupe R-Spec is positioned the ultimate upgradeable, affordable, performance platform. R-Spec equipment includes a 2.0-liter turbocharged intercooled four-cylinder engine delivering 210 hp, an estimated 30 mpg EPA highway rating and a top speed of 137 mph.

A 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission with Torsen-type limited-slip differential and 19-inch gunmetal-finish alloy wheels with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires and Brembo braking system further support the announced MSRP of $23,750.

All models carry an additional destination charge of $750.

Happy Zoom-Zoom, MX-5

Feb. 10 - On February 9, 1989, Mazda Motor Corporation revealed a sporty little roadster at the Chicago Auto Show. This month Mazda celebrates the 20th anniversary of the MX-5, the world’s best-selling lightweight two-seat roadster.

Today, the Mazda MX-5’s popularity is unchallenged – more than 850,000 MX-5s have been sold on all continents of the world, except Antarctica – and to this day it remains the only two-seat roadster to combine the traditional front-engine, rear-drive layout, an affordable price, and the joy of driving.

Mazda considers the MX-5 the purest exponent of Mazda’s Zoom-Zoom philosophy. The diminutive roadster holds a special place in the hearts of Mazda employees and car enthusiasts alike. None more so than Takao Kijima, Mazda MX-5's long-standing programme manager.

"I have been involved with the Mazda MX-5 since the project was first approved in 1986, and was lucky enough to be a chassis engineer on the first model that established the MX-5 roadster's reputation as an exciting and affordable lightweight sports car."

The MX-5’s 2.0-litre engine is capable of revving to 7,500rpm and makes 118kW of power. It can be teamed with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. And, where the original sported 14-inch alloy wheels, the 2009 model wears visually arresting 17-inch alloy wheels.

World Record Expected for Classic Ferrari

Feb. 9 - One of the most historically significant and valuable Ferrari racing cars ever offered at auction, the legendary 1957 Ferrari 250 TR (chassis no. 0714TR), will go under the hammer when the famed Ferrari Leggenda e Passione event returns to Ferrari's home, Maranello, on 17 May 2009.

This 1957 Ferrari 250 TR is expected to break the current world record for the most expensive vintage motor car ever to be sold at auction, for a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder (s/n 2377GT) which sold for $10,894,400 USD at last year’s Ferrari Leggenda e Passione.

Considered one of the most alluring, competitive and iconic of all Ferrari racing cars, the beautiful and immediately recognizable Scaglietti-designed, ‘pontoon-fender’ 250 TR was produced from 1957 to 1958 during which only 22 were constructed. The Ferrari 250 TRs entered 19 international championship races from 1958 through 1961 emerging with 10 victories and earning them legendary status among discerning collectors, as well as the honor of being one of the most desirable and competitive racing Ferraris ever built.

All cars presented at the Ferrari Leggenda e Passione event will be certified by Ferrari Classiche.

Tax Credits for BMW 335d, X5 xDrive35d

Feb. 5 - BMW of North America, LLC has confirmed that both of its BMW Advanced Diesel models with BluePerformance technology have qualified for an Internal Revenue Service Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle Tax Credit.

In choosing vehicles that will burn significantly less fuel and produce significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions, purchasers of the 335d Sedan will qualify for up to a $900 tax credit while purchasers of the X5 xDrive35d Sports Activity Vehicle will qualify for up to an $1,800 tax credit.

Both BMW models deliver class leading fuel efficiency. With 265 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque available from the 3.0-liter sequential twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel
engine, the 335d is capable of accelerating from 0 - 60 mph in six seconds flat while the X5 xDrive35d will do it in just 6.9 seconds.

In spite of this level of performance the 335d Sedan, the most fuel efficient BMW ever sold in the U.S., delivers 23 miles per gallon city and 36 miles per gallon on the highway according to the U.S. EPA. The X5 xDrive35d is rated at 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Both models are capable of traveling nearly 600 miles on a single tank of fuel.

The 335d Sedan and X5 xDrive35d Sports Activity Vehicle(R) are now available in BMW centers across all 50 states.

Auto Sales Tank, Congress Helps Out

Feb. 4 - Continued economic uncertainties have kept car and light truck buyers away from dealerships in droves. Based on January sales reports, the industry's sales have posted 15 straight months of decline, when compared to the same month of the previous year.

January's sales in the United States foretold a seasonally adjusted annual sales rate of 9.57 million, in an economy that used to generate over 16 million deliveries in 2007. Domestic automakers have posted significant incentives to spur sales, including employee-pricing, zero percent financing and thousands of dollars in additional discounts.

An apparently less recalcitrant Congress passed a measure yesterday to stimulate new car sales. The 71-to-26 vote provides a tax break that aides to Senator Barbara Mikulski (D. Maryland) say would save a couple an estimated $1,553 on a new $25,000 car.

Senate Republicans pushed through an amendment to remove a tax break for movie producers, while concerns rage over the growing price tag of the stimulus package - now estimated at $819 billion.

One of the few large automakers to post a sales increase was South Korea's Hyundai Motor Co., which posted a 14 percent gain. Hyundai credited its offer that covers a new vehicle's depreciation for customers who want to return a car because they lost their job.

Fastest Electric Car In The World

Feb. 3 - Shelby Supercars' Ultimate Aero EV will reach an extraordinary 208mph. The car, which is due to go on sale before the end of the year, will sprint to 60mph in just 2.5 seconds.

The firm has released details of its performance-driven electric vehicle, which will reach an extraordinary 208mph. The Ultimate Aero EV is powered by a 'revolutionary All-Electric Scalable Powertrain'. This twin motor system produces 1000 horse power and 800lb-ft of torque.

Once the Ultimate Aero EV's batteries are charged it will have a range of between 150 and 200 miles. According to Shelby, it will be possible to fully charge the batteries in just 10 minutes from the mains, thanks to an on-board system it is calling 'Charge on the Run'.

A Shelby Supercars spokesman said, "Being the world's fastest production car we decided the Ultimate Aero to be the perfect high visibility outlet to demonstrate our new green powertrain. "The Ultimate Aero EV will prove that electric-powered vehicles will not only match but also provide more overall performance than internal combustion cars."

The Shelby SuperCars company was founded by Jerod Shelby, who spent over seven years designing the Aero. The gasoline driven SSC Ultimate Aero TT is currently the fastest production car in the world, with a recorded top speed of 257 mph.

BMW Sauber F1.09 Rolled-Out in Valencia

Jan. 28 - The BMW Sauber F1 Team raised the curtain on its 2009 season in Formula One in Valencia, Spain with Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld unveiling the new BMW Sauber F1.09.

Development work on the new car began as long ago as February 2008 because of the major rule changes that were agreed with a completely new aerodynamic package, slick tires and the introduction of KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System).

BMW says it has worked hard to reduce weight in the car to allow the KERS system to be added without losing the ability to have ballast. despite fundamental changes to the rules of the Formula One game going into 2009, the BMW Sauber F1 Team is refusing to waver from its ambitious goal: to be up there fighting for the title in its fourth season on the F1 grid.

Since the BMW Sauber F1 Team came into being, it has claimed 15 podium places - two in its debut year of 2006, two in season 2007, and eleven in 2008. The best individual result was the one-two result at the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix (Robert Kubica ahead of Nick Heidfeld). In 2008, the BMW Sauber F1 Team also claimed a pole position (Kubica) and two fastest race laps (Heidfeld).

"The F1.09 contains the combined expertise of a highly motivated team, which will be pulling out all the stops to fulfil our ambitious aims once again in our fourth year on the F1 grid," summed up Managing Director, Walter Riedl.

Race Series to Use Eco-Friendly Tires

Jan. 27 - The 2009 Patron GT3 Challenge by Yokohama will be the first race series to use tires featuring environmentally friendly orange oil technology. The tires, which are produced using approximately 20 percent less synthetic rubber, will be used by all teams in the six-race series that features Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race cars.

Yokohama Tire, known for its ADVAN brand of ultra-high-performance street and racing tires, has developed a process that combines orange oil with natural rubber to form a new compound called "Super Nano-Power Rubber." This proprietary technology reduces the amount of petroleum used in tires.

"The use of orange oil is an incredible breakthrough for both race car and passenger car tire production” said Mark Chung, director corporate strategy and planning. “This innovative technology increases the use of natural rubber in lieu of petroleum-derived synthetic rubber, while achieving the same level of performance as conventional race tires."

Researched and tested on the race track, the orange oil technology will also be available to U.S. consumers in the all-new dB Super E-spec™ passenger car tire this summer. Yokohama’s Motorsports division began researching this technology in the late 1980s. Benefits from this technology are realized in the manufacturing process, continue throughout the useful life of the tire as a result of lower rolling resistance, and conclude with improved recyclability.

A1GP Season Continues in New Zealand

Jan. 19 - The A1GP World Cup of Motorsport series prepares to hit the track for the first race of 2009, as Round 4 of the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport takes place at Taupo, on the North Island of New Zealand this weekend.

If ever there was a patriotic set of fans, it's those from New Zealand. Thousands have come out in force to support Black Beauty and Jonny Reid in the last two seasons in one of the most beautiful settings for an A1GP race. A1GP Team New Zealand come to their home race in 3rd equal place in the championship, so expectations are high for another impressive performance.

They have selected 22-year-old Chris van der Drift to star for his nation on home ground. The team has faith that the 2008 International Formula Master champion can produce the goods in front of all the cheering fans this weekend.

For the third visit to the Taupo Motorsport Park, the series will break with tradition and the Sprint race will have a standing and not a rolling start. The decision was taken on safety grounds, as in the past there have been collisions due to the tight 's' bend close to the start.

The A1GP World Cup of Motorsport promotes countries and utilises their patriotism not only in attracting traditional motorsport fans, but exciting anyone who is passionate about their national heritage.

Toyota Starts Off 2009 F1 Season

Jan. 15 - Panasonic Toyota Racing officially began the 2009 Formula 1 season with the world premiere of the team's latest car, the TF109. The team's eighth season in Formula 1 sees major rule changes so the TF109 looks considerably different to its predecessor, featuring wider front
wings and narrower rear wings among other modifications.

Today's world premiere completed an exhaustive development process which began in October 2007, when the 2009 regulations were confirmed.

The new chassis regulations are motivated by three factors: to make overtaking easier; to limit the continual increase in average speeds and to make the cars' appearance cleaner. The visual differences are significant, particularly the front and rear wings. At 1800mm, front wings are wider and 75mm lower while rear wings are 75% narrower at 750mm. As well as reducing downforce and speeds, these changes aim to increase a driver's chance to overtake the car in front.

It was not only the chassis department that had to adapt to new regulations, with significant modifications in engine rules for 2009 as well. Engine life has been extended from two to at least three Grand Prix weekends, excluding Friday practice, incorporating a limit of eight engines per driver during the racing season.

VW's Concept BlueSport

Jan. 14 - One of the nicer concept cars at the Detroit Auto Show was the Concept BlueSport from Volkswagen - an affordable,uncommonly economical and highly agile mid-engine roadster.

The 2.0 liter turbo engine - a Clean Diesel (TDI) with common rail injection and downstream NOx storage catalytic converter - develops its maximum torque at a low 1,750 rpm, taking just 6.2 seconds to boost the sports car to a speed of 60 mph (0-100 km/h: 6,6 seconds) and yielding a top speed of 140 mph (226 km/h).

The company defined just two objectives in the car’s development: maximum driving fun and minimal fuel consumption. And so a midengine sports car was implemented that makes no compromises, that aims at low weight and maximum agility right from the start, accompanied by an estimated average fuel consumption of 55 mpg.

A 6-speed dual clutch transmission, the most economical and agile transmission system in the world, transfers this power tothe rear wheels. It is shifted either automatically or via shift paddles on the steering wheel. A McPherson strut front suspension and multi-arm independent rear suspension keep the 235/35 profile, 19-inch tires in contact with the road during spirited driving.

The Concept BlueSport is a concept car, with no production plans announced.

GMAC to Return to Leasing

Jan. 12 - Never mind the sleek, flashy models (nor the cars either) in Detroit, the big news out of the North American International Auto Show was announced on the sidelines this past weekend.

GM's sales chief for North America, Mark LaNeve, told Reuters, "We're looking to re-enter the leasing business on at least a limited basis at some point in 2009." GM's finance company General Motors Acceptance Company (GMAC) stopped accepting vehicles leases last year, as the North American economy ground to a halt. Chrysler's finance arm took similar measures as well.

Seperately from the White House-driven $13.4-billion automotive industry loan guarantees, GMAC received authorization to operate as a bank, in which the U.S. Treasury also took a $5-billion position. This will help GM sell more cars in 2009, according to GM's COO Fritz Henderson. "We were constrained on what we could do on APR, just in terms of regular retail financing."

Learning from its past, the company intends to be more careful as it re-enters the market. "You don't need to lease pick up trucks," LaNeve said. "You need it more in the Northeast than you do in Texas." Inexpensive leasing was a significant growth factor, bringing the market to the level of 17-million vehicles per year.

The approach cannot continue, however, when the company has forecast U.S. auto industry sales of between 10.5 million and 12 million vehicles in 2009.

CR: Consumers Out of Touch

Jan. 9 - The recently released Consumer Reports' 2008 Car Brand Perception Survey found that consumers perceived Toyota and Honda brands to be best by a wide margin, followed by Ford, Chevrolet, and GMC.

Toyota and Honda topped the rankings with scores of 189 and 146 points, respectively. Ford finished third with 112 points, followed by Chevrolet with 110 and GMC with 102. Chevrolet and Ford are the only U.S. brands that rank in the top five in more than one category; each makes the cut in three areas. Among brands that fared worst, Acura finished with eight points, followed by Audi (14 pts.). Mitsubishi (21 pts.), Mercury (22 pts.), and Buick (25 pts.).

Consumer Reports, however, points out "Dig deeper, though, and in many cases, consumers' views do not accurately reflect an automaker's recent track record. For example, Mercedes-Benz finished in the top five for quality. But the brand placed 33rd out of 36th in Consumer Reports' latest rankings for predicted reliability. Toyota earned a top spot in this category. And while its vehicles have typically rated well in areas associated with quality, the brand slipped from first place to fifth in the same predicted reliability ratings."

While some perceptions don't match reality, others do. BMW and Porsche led the Performance category with 28 and 25 percentage points, respectively. The vehicles from both brands have consistently earned high ratings in performance in testing at Consumer Reports' 327-acre Auto Test Center.

Domestic Preferences Increase

Jan. 8 - Announcing the latest Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research data, the company says that nearly three-quarters of car shoppers say they prefer to buy American-made products. More than half (51 percent) of the survey respondents say they try to buy American-made products if they are readily available and price-competitive, and 14 percent say they will go out of their way to buy American.

The penchant for buying American-made products also has made its mark in the automotive marketplace, even amidst the recent turmoil of the domestic manufacturers. One-third of new-vehicle shoppers say they would only consider cars from United States-based manufacturers, such as vehicles made by General Motors, Ford or Chrysler, and that they would not consider any vehicles from other countries.

At 33 percent, exclusive interest - shoppers saying they would only buy cars from a particular country - was far higher for vehicles from the United States than for any other country. Exclusive interest in Japanese vehicles, in comparison, was only 12 percent and five percent for vehicles manufactured in Germany. Furthermore, vehicles from the United States are on the vast majority of shoppers' consideration lists, with more than 90 percent saying they would consider buying a vehicle from a domestic manufacturer.

The latest Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research survey was conducted on Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com among 537 qualified respondents from December 8-14.

Carfax Expands Vehicle Database

Jan. 6 - Carfax has expanded the total loss information in its vehicle history database. Total loss information from CNA, a leading provider of property and casualty insurance, is available to Carfax-subscribing dealers and consumers through Carfax Vehicle History Reports. Using this information, people can better identify vehicles that were once severely damaged.

"Used car buyers and sellers have demanded access to this vital information for years," said Larry Gamache, communications director at Carfax. "We are working hard with the leaders of the insurance industry to make vehicle total loss records readily available to our customers through Carfax Vehicle History Reports. This is a major step toward improving consumer protection and we urge other insurers to join in these efforts."

CNA is the country's seventh largest commercial insurance writer and the 13th largest property and casualty company.

Liberty Mutual and Amica Mutual Insurance Co. recently made the decisive choice to report total loss data to Carfax.

Consumers demand this type of damage information to help them make more informed buying decisions. Carfax-subscribing dealers can provide one-click access to this and other important information through millions of free Carfax Vehicle History Reports available online.

Sign of the Times

Jan. 5 - Hyundai Motor America announced an agreement with WALKAWAY USA, LLC to offer consumers unique financial protection in this uncertain economic environment called the "Hyundai Assurance Program."

Beginning today, Hyundai will provide a private label version of WALKAWAY Protection for Automotive Financing as a complimentary 12-month vehicle return program provided on every new Hyundai that is financed or leased at participating dealers.

The WALKAWAY program allows you to return the car and cancel related debt when unforseen life circumstances emerge, such as loss of employment. The benefit is also available in cases of physical disability, medical-related loss of license, international employment transfer, self-employed personal bankruptcy and accidental death. The Hyundai Assurance Program is complimentary for one full year, covers all Hyundai models and is available to everyone.

"In this uncertain economy, we are looking for ways to reassure shoppers that Hyundai still represents the best value in the auto industry," said John Krafcik, acting president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. "Our agreement with WALKAWAY allows us to offer a unique form of financial protection in all 50 states for the first time by an automaker."

The program covers up to a maximum of $7500 negative equity and a correctly handled vehicle return has no credit history impact.

370Z Pricing Announced

Dec. 30 - The 2009 Nissan 370Z went on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide with an MSRP starting at $29,930 for the 2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission and $31,230 with the new 7-speed automatic transmission.

The new Z is also offered in a 370Z Coupe Touring model, which is priced at $34,460 with the 6-speed manual and $35,760 with the 7-speed automatic transmission.

Two option packages are offered: the Sport Package, priced at $3,000, with 19-inch RAYS forged wheels and Bridgestone Potenza tires, aerodynamic front and rear spoiler, larger Nissan Sport Brakes, SynchroRev Match (6-speed manual transmission only) and Viscous Limited Slip Differential; and the Navigation Package, priced at $1,850, with Hard Drive-based Nissan Navigation System, 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive and Interface System for iPod products.

As the most powerful Z ever produced, the new 370Z hits dead center in the sports car "sweet spot" of performance, design and value -- with less weight, more power and enhanced handling, quality and style. With a standard 332-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, choice of two advanced transmissions and a full array of driver-oriented interior features, the new 370Z is designed to be one of the top performance values in the world.