2011 European Car of the Year is Nissan Leaf

For the first time in the history of Europe's most prestigious automotive award, a zero-emission electric car, the Nissan Leaf has been chosen as the Car of the Year for 2011. This is the second time Nissan is getting this coveted title after the Micra won the award in 1993. Mr. Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan accepted the honor by saying, "This award recognizes the pioneering zero-emission Nissan Leaf as competitive to conventional cars in terms of safety, performance, spaciousness and handling. It also reflects Nissan's standing as an innovative and exciting brand with a clear vision of the future of transportation, which we call sustainable mobility."

A total of 41 models launched in 2010 were eligible for the title initially which were then trimmed down to seven final contenders. The Nissan Leaf ultimately took the title after the jurors proclaimed that it is a breakthrough for electric cars and that it is the first electric vehicle that can match conventional cars in many respects. It was a close contest though, with the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Opel/Vauxhall Meriva giving the Leaf tough competition.

 

2011 ECOTY Results :

1. Nissan Leaf (257)


2. Alfa Romeo Giulietta (248)


3. Opel/Vauxhall Meriva (244)


4. Ford C-Max/Grand C-Max (224)


5. Citroen C3/DS3 (175)


6. Volvo S60/V60 (145)


7. Dacia Duster (132)

Previous ECOTY Winners :

• 2010 Volkswagen Polo


• 2009 Opel/Vauxhall Insignia


• 2008 Fiat 500


• 2007 Ford S-Max


• 2006 Renault Clio

The jury for "European Car of the Year 2011" consisted of automotive journalists representing 23 European countries. The seven organizers of this annual title are prominent automotive publications such as Auto (Italy), Autocar (UK), Autopista (Spain), Autovisie (Holland), L'Automobile Magazine (France), Stern (Germany) and Vi Bilagare (Sweden).

Radar multa carros que n�o est�o licenciados

Para quem mora em S�o Paulo, agora deve ter uma aten��o maior com o licenciamento do seu carro.

Alguns radares ir�o ler as placas dos ve�culos para ver se o licenciamento esta em dia, caso tenha algum problema, os ve�culos receber�o uma multa grav�ssima no valor de R$ 191,54 e sete pontos na Carteira Nacional de Habilita��o.

Ser�o colocados 42 aparelhos que far�o a verifica��o das placas, espalhados em 24 rodovias do estado de S�o Paulo .

Os radares j� funcionam desde setembro, porem estava funcionando apenas para ajudar a policia na identifica��o de ve�culos furtados. Porem agora passar�o a fiscalizar tamb�m ve�culos com problemas na documenta��o.

littel Car

littel Car

littel Car

littel Car

Continua��o do v�deo Drift na Serra do Rio do Rastro � SC

Esta uma continua��o do Drift na Serra do Rio do Rastro em Santa Catarina, s� confirmando que o homem � louco mesmo.

Update: Com mais um v�deo

Novo Fiat Bravo

A Fiat lan�ou nesta quinta (25/11) o novo Bravo. Ele vem par atirar de cena o Stilo. E um carro moderno, com muita tecnologia, conforto, seguran�a e performance. Fabricado no Brasil, o novo Fiat Bravo tem atributos de sobra para ser um forte concorrente no prestigioso segmento de hatchbacks m�dios. E chega para consolidar a reputa��o de inova��o da Fiat, provando que a evolu��o n�o conhece limites.

E a evolu��o � mesmo a marca dele. O Fiat Bravo chega para agradar o mais exigente consumidor: design diferenciado; tecnologia de �ltima gera��o, com equipamentos que o tornam realmente completo; generoso espa�o interno com muita sofistica��o; al�m de esportividade, com sua mec�nica apurada e de alto desempenho.

Um autom�vel propriamente belo. Sem d�vida, o design � um dos pontos fortes do Fiat Bravo. Suas linhas agressivas e din�micas - inspiradas em parte no design dos ve�culos de Gran Turismo - levam a esportividade juntamente com o consagrado desenho italiano, mas mantendo o novo family feeling dos modelos da Fiat.

O Fiat Bravo chega com duas potentes motoriza��es � a nacional 1.8 16V E.torQ com c�mbio mec�nico ou Dualogic, e a importada 1.4 T-Jet com c�mbio de 6 marchas � e tr�s vers�es de acabamento � Essence, Absolute e T-Jet � muito bem equipadas.




TECNOLOGIA

Dentro da melhor tradi��o Fiat, o novo Fiat Bravo traz muita tecnologia. S�o diversos equipamentos que facilitam a vida do motorista ou que ampliam a seguran�a dos ocupantes, alguns dos quais fazem sua estreia na gama Fiat, em modelos do segmento ou at� mesmo no Brasil. Eles contribuem para tornar o Fiat Bravo um carro completo, dotado de todos os recursos para oferecer a melhor e mais segura vida a bordo. Conhe�a-os.

Para ampliar o conforto, o cliente Fiat conta com:

R�dio NAV, sensor de estacionamento dianteiro, retrovisores externos rebat�veis, logo Push, skydome, far�is de xenon, night design, Blue&Me�, ar condicionado autom�tico Dual Temp�, dire��o el�trica Dual Drive�, borboleta no volante, piloto autom�tico

Para ampliar a seguran�a, o cliente Fiat conta com:

Kneebag, cornering, hill Holder, sensor de press�o dos pneus, ESP (Electronic Stability Program, Programa Eletr�nico de Estabilidade), MSR (Motor Schleppmoment Regelung), ASR (Anti Slip Regulation), Safe Lock.

O motor E.torQ 1.8 16V concilia alto desempenho e economia, com �timo torque em baixas rota��es. Rodando somente com gasolina, sua pot�ncia � de 130 cv a 5.250 rpm; com etanol, 132 cv na mesma rota��o. E o torque m�ximo, de 18,4 kgfm com gasolina e 18,9 kgfm com etanol, � atingido a 4.500 rota��es. Mas aos 2.500 rpm, o motor j� produz 93% de seu torque.

Texto adaptado Fiat

herend truck Car

herend truck Car

herend truck Car

herend truck Car

herend truck Car

herend truck Car

Recall da Kombi

A Volkswagen est� convocando propriet�rios de Kombi modelos 2009, 2010 ou 2011 para manuten��o de seguran�a em seus ve�culos.

Segundo o fabricante, trincas no sistema de escapamento podem aumentar o ruido de funcionamento e, em casos extremos, causar inc�ndio no compartimento do motor.

A campanha atinge 49.000 unidades e prev� a coloca��o de um novo suporte para o sistema.

Maiores informa��es podem ser obtidas no site da VW ou pelo telefone 0800 019 8866.

Cadillac Sports Cars Aera lightweight Concept Car

Cadillac Sports Cars Aera lightweight Concept Car

This is the Cadillac Aera (Aero + Era) launches Cadillac's philosophy of "Art and Science" into new territory by taking an innovative and stylistic approach to ultra-light weight vehicle design. LOS ANGELES � The Cadillac Aera concept vehicle won the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show Design Challenge, tying with Smart and besting entries from seven other automakers including Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Nissan, Toyota and Maybach. GM Advanced Design has now won the honor more times than any other design team.

General Motors advanced design California has come up with a concept cars zero-emission vehicle as part of this year�s LA Auto Show Design Challenge. Cadillac Sports Cars Aera lightweight Concept Car is a 1000 lb, 2+2 touring coupe, with a range of 1000 miles before refueling; attributes achieved without compromising size, capacity and safety. With an ability to seat four, the vehicle uses a body structure made from mono-formed 3D lattice that is extremely sturdy.

Cadillac Sports Cars Aera lightweight Concept Car

This marks the third time that the group from General Motors has won this challenge, giving them the most wins out of all automakers that enter. The Cadillac Aera Concept hit on all areas that the judges were looking for and, despite the futuristic styling, still carries some recognizable lines from Cadillacs of today.

Jussi Timonen, lead designer for the project shared: �The Cadillac Sports Cars Aera concept was designed to continue the forward-thinking imagination of Cadillac�s �art and science� philosophy. It�s designed as a small city urban vehicle, but we approached this 2+2 touring coupe very much from the brand�s luxury perspective. Every detail of the Aera was conceived to minimize the vehicle�s environmental impact without sacrificing the style, comfort and attention to detail that are hallmarks of the Cadillac cars brand.�

Cadillac Sports Cars Aera lightweight Concept Car

The Aera is powered by compressed air via a highly efficient Pneumatic Drive System that has a 10,000-psi composite air storage tank with capacity for a 1,000-mile range. Flexible, pressurized air cells in the exterior skin, similar to material developed for the NASA Mars Rover airbags, enhance passive safety and interior comfort. The flexible polymer skin optimizes aerodynamics and functions as an ultra-lightweight alternative to conventional body panels and glass.

Additional technologies include an All-In-One (AIO) wheel system, combining rotary actuator propulsion, steering and suspension functions. A drive by wireless system decreases the mass of electrical components. Vehicle to vehicle communication (V2V) promotes active safety. The Cadillac Aera embodies a stylistic, lightweight, minimalist approach to long distance luxury touring.

Cadillac Sports Cars Aera lightweight Concept Car

The Design Challenge is part of the Design Los Angeles automobile designers� conference and has evolved into an integral element of the Los Angeles Auto Show. Design Los Angeles connects those working in the design industry with well-known automotive design industry leaders. Los Angeles is home to the world�s largest concentration of manufacturer design studios, representing automakers from North America, Europe and Asia. It is also the home of Art Center College of Design, one of the world�s foremost transportation design institutions where many of today�s leading automotive designers began their careers.

Cadillac Sports Cars Aera lightweight Concept Car

Cadillac Sports Cars Aera lightweight Concept Car

This is the Cadillac Aera (Aero + Era) launches Cadillac's philosophy of "Art and Science" into new territory by taking an innovative and stylistic approach to ultra-light weight vehicle design. LOS ANGELES � The Cadillac Aera concept vehicle won the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show Design Challenge, tying with Smart and besting entries from seven other automakers including Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Nissan, Toyota and Maybach. GM Advanced Design has now won the honor more times than any other design team.

General Motors advanced design California has come up with a concept cars zero-emission vehicle as part of this year�s LA Auto Show Design Challenge. Cadillac Sports Cars Aera lightweight Concept Car is a 1000 lb, 2+2 touring coupe, with a range of 1000 miles before refueling; attributes achieved without compromising size, capacity and safety. With an ability to seat four, the vehicle uses a body structure made from mono-formed 3D lattice that is extremely sturdy.

Cadillac Sports Cars Aera lightweight Concept Car

This marks the third time that the group from General Motors has won this challenge, giving them the most wins out of all automakers that enter. The Cadillac Aera Concept hit on all areas that the judges were looking for and, despite the futuristic styling, still carries some recognizable lines from Cadillacs of today.

Jussi Timonen, lead designer for the project shared: �The Cadillac Sports Cars Aera concept was designed to continue the forward-thinking imagination of Cadillac�s �art and science� philosophy. It�s designed as a small city urban vehicle, but we approached this 2+2 touring coupe very much from the brand�s luxury perspective. Every detail of the Aera was conceived to minimize the vehicle�s environmental impact without sacrificing the style, comfort and attention to detail that are hallmarks of the Cadillac cars brand.�

Cadillac Sports Cars Aera lightweight Concept Car

The Aera is powered by compressed air via a highly efficient Pneumatic Drive System that has a 10,000-psi composite air storage tank with capacity for a 1,000-mile range. Flexible, pressurized air cells in the exterior skin, similar to material developed for the NASA Mars Rover airbags, enhance passive safety and interior comfort. The flexible polymer skin optimizes aerodynamics and functions as an ultra-lightweight alternative to conventional body panels and glass.

Additional technologies include an All-In-One (AIO) wheel system, combining rotary actuator propulsion, steering and suspension functions. A drive by wireless system decreases the mass of electrical components. Vehicle to vehicle communication (V2V) promotes active safety. The Cadillac Aera embodies a stylistic, lightweight, minimalist approach to long distance luxury touring.

Cadillac Sports Cars Aera lightweight Concept Car

The Design Challenge is part of the Design Los Angeles automobile designers� conference and has evolved into an integral element of the Los Angeles Auto Show. Design Los Angeles connects those working in the design industry with well-known automotive design industry leaders. Los Angeles is home to the world�s largest concentration of manufacturer design studios, representing automakers from North America, Europe and Asia. It is also the home of Art Center College of Design, one of the world�s foremost transportation design institutions where many of today�s leading automotive designers began their careers.

Dark side of the S2000

Dark side of the S2000, originally uploaded by Alexis Goure.

www.facebook.com/pages/Alexis-Goure-Photographe/105663366...

www.alexis-goure.com

Beware these animals may bite

Beware these animals may bite, originally uploaded by des.butterfield.

Drift na Serra do Rio do Rastro � SC

Para quem n�o conhece a Serra do Rio do Rastro j� acha complicado e perigoso andar em alta velocidade ali.

Mas para quem, como eu, j� passou por ali acha extremamente perigoso. J� passei algumas vezes por esta serra, inclusive este ano. E ela � muito estreita apesar, de ser feita em concreto, existe muito limo na pista alguma partes com gelo e muito movimento.

Mas para o Rhys Millen parece que a serra n�o � t�o assustadora assim. Veja o v�deo com um trecho das filmagens feitas com Rhys Millen fazendo drift na Rio do Rastro em Santa Catarina (Vamos aguardar as outras filmagens).



E eu que cheguei a 60 km/h l� e estava me sentindo um motorista ousado.

OBS: Continua��o do V�deo

2010 Volvo Sport Cars Air Motion Concept

2010 Volvo Sport Cars Air Motion Concept

At the Los Angeles Design Challenge Competition, Volvo took the open-air experience at a whole new level with its �lighter than a Formula 1 racing car� study project � the Volvo Air Motion. Besides its strong yet ultra-light body structure, the Air Motion concept cars vehicle further adds to its superlatives eco-friendliness, as it is not using a single drop of gasoline while driving wild.

Volvo Air Motion is a sports cars that runs on powerful, yet simple compressed air motors that, unlike an internal combustion engine, cools down under load rather than heat up. The air tank is centrally mounted and receives compressed air through wind-powered air replenishment sites that float 1000ft in the air. Its beautiful Scandinavian body is designed like a clam shell and sculptured from ultra light carbon fiber.

2010 Volvo Sport Cars Air Motion Concept

Tipping the scales at under 1,000 pounds (453 kg), the Volvo Air Motion Concept is lighter than a Formula One car and employs a similar open-wheel configuration.

2010 Volvo Sport Cars Air Motion Concept

The 2010 Volvo Sport Cars Air Motion Concept was developed around the idea that minimizing the weight and complexity means maximizing driving enjoyment. Volvo built the cars with fewer components and replaced the heavy internal combustion engine with powerful, yet simple, compressed air motors.
To compress the air needed for the centrally mounted air tank, Air Replenishment Sites are used. Powered by air turbines floating 1,000ft in the air they harness the power of the wind and convert it to electricity to provide the compression. The motors cool down with increased load, instead of heating up, which eliminates the need for cooling systems. The chassis, interior and suspension employ an integrated design which brings a notable contribution to the lowered weight.

Aimed at the driving enthusiast, by a company synonymous with safety and environmental care, the Volvo Air Motion Concept demonstrates the beauty and purity of Scandinavian design and delivers a guilt free, raw driving experience.

2010 Volvo Sport Cars Air Motion Concept

2010 Volvo Sport Cars Air Motion Concept

2010 Volvo Sport Cars Air Motion Concept

At the Los Angeles Design Challenge Competition, Volvo took the open-air experience at a whole new level with its �lighter than a Formula 1 racing car� study project � the Volvo Air Motion. Besides its strong yet ultra-light body structure, the Air Motion concept cars vehicle further adds to its superlatives eco-friendliness, as it is not using a single drop of gasoline while driving wild.

Volvo Air Motion is a sports cars that runs on powerful, yet simple compressed air motors that, unlike an internal combustion engine, cools down under load rather than heat up. The air tank is centrally mounted and receives compressed air through wind-powered air replenishment sites that float 1000ft in the air. Its beautiful Scandinavian body is designed like a clam shell and sculptured from ultra light carbon fiber.

2010 Volvo Sport Cars Air Motion Concept

Tipping the scales at under 1,000 pounds (453 kg), the Volvo Air Motion Concept is lighter than a Formula One car and employs a similar open-wheel configuration.

2010 Volvo Sport Cars Air Motion Concept

The 2010 Volvo Sport Cars Air Motion Concept was developed around the idea that minimizing the weight and complexity means maximizing driving enjoyment. Volvo built the cars with fewer components and replaced the heavy internal combustion engine with powerful, yet simple, compressed air motors.
To compress the air needed for the centrally mounted air tank, Air Replenishment Sites are used. Powered by air turbines floating 1,000ft in the air they harness the power of the wind and convert it to electricity to provide the compression. The motors cool down with increased load, instead of heating up, which eliminates the need for cooling systems. The chassis, interior and suspension employ an integrated design which brings a notable contribution to the lowered weight.

Aimed at the driving enthusiast, by a company synonymous with safety and environmental care, the Volvo Air Motion Concept demonstrates the beauty and purity of Scandinavian design and delivers a guilt free, raw driving experience.

2010 Volvo Sport Cars Air Motion Concept

Clipe do Camaro

AL Intercentury Luxura spotted testing in Chennai again

One space in the crowded automotive spectrum which still does not have too many players jostling for space is the luxury inter-city bus segment. Volvo, by virtue of being the first and until very recently the only entrant into that lucrative segment has monopolized it completely. Strangely, Tata and Ashok Leyland, the two Indian majors have not been able to launch a fitting model to compete with the mighty Volvos.

The Intercentury Luxura from Ashok Leyland, with its body built by Irizar-TVS, which was expected to take the fight to the Volvos long back has still not seen the light of the day for some reasons. Here it is again, spotted in the roads of Chennai, presumably undergoing final rounds of testing. Owing to its age, the exterior design is nothing to write home about, especially when its vying for passengers from Volvo and Mercedes-Benz. It would be better if Ashok Leyland can slightly spruce up the design before launch. Sadly, like last time when it was spotted, the dark tinted glasses made sure that the interiors remain hidden.

 

With Ashok Leyland still choosing to be tight-lipped about its launch date, the Volvos can continue unabated for some more time with absolutely no competition to speak of, even on paper.

Travelogue #2 - Chennai to Vellore Sripuram

The hectic mechanical life that we all live and are pretty much used to for 5, or in some cases 6 days a week, makes that odd day or two at the end of each week extra special. While its true that most people would like to stay in the cozy comfort of their drawing room sofas, the explorers amongst us would love to take a short spin to a nearby popular destination to make the weekend refreshing.



If that place is close enough so that we can be back on the same day, its good. If it happens to be calm, serene and beautiful so that its pleasing to both our heart and our mind, its an added pleasure. If it also happens to be a place of worship, it just makes it all the more easier for us to convince people and plan a visit. All the above and something more is what the Sri Narayani Peedam, more popularly known as Golden Temple at Thirumalaikodi near Vellore signifies.



Its close enough from both Chennai and Bangalore, the two hot spots of activity in South India, its beautiful, its incredibly well maintained and peaceful and above all it oozes with spirituality. Mobile phones and cameras are strictly not allowed and so you are allowed to capture the beauty only in your eyes. The star shaped pathway with inscriptions on both sides depicting the virtues of life acts as a perfect backdrop.



But the real thing is just about to come. The sanctum-sanctorum, both the exterior and interior of which are completely made out of gold foils glows and shines in the sunlight in all its resplendent glory. People say that its actually much more beautiful in the evenings with all the lights focusing on it. Visit the place to experience it and I swear that its images will stay in your eyes and mind not only on the day of the visit but forever.

ROUTEMAP:

 

FACTFILE:

• Total No of Days - 1 (14.11.2010)


• Vehicle Make & Model: Hyundai Santro Xing

• Odometer Start Reading - 55128 km


• Odometer End Reading - 55417 km


• Total Distance Traveled - 289 km


• Total Quantity of Fuel filled - 20 l


• Average Fuel Consumption - 14.45 km/l


• Net Worth of Fuel filled - 1204.40 Rs

• Destinations Covered - Thirumalaikodi (Golden Temple)


• Route Followed: Chennai-Sriperumbudur-Kanchipuram-Vellore-Thirumalaikodi

THE LANDSCAPE:

THE AUTOMOBILE: