BMW 5 Series New Energy Vehicle for China

Having experienced a great deal of success in the past few years on the Chinese market and this time the Chinese will get their very own ActiveHybrid BMW in next month at Shanghai Motor Show when BMW access the 2011 5 Series New Energy Vehicle.

At automaker’s Annual Accounts Press Conference held in Munich, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer added that the new addition will “benefit from the strength and the excellent reputation of the BMW brand”. The timing and features with the BMW 5-Series ActiveHybrid, the powertrain on the new NEV should not vary much from a turbocharged in-line six-cylinder 3.0 L gasoline churning out 300 hp and a 50 hp electric motor. Reithofer also talked about releasing the production version of the MINI Coupe, which was launched at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and a second-generation BMW 1-Series.

After having experienced a great deal of success in the past few years on the Chinese market, German auto maker BMW is planning to further support its position there and announced this week a very exciting premiere for next month's Shanghai Motor Show.

Pet Friendly Futuristic Honda W.O.W. Concept Car

Honda Motor Co. Japan concept cater dog friendly car, termed as the WOW. The W.O.W. Concept, which stands for "wonderful openhearted wagon”. Honda designer Katsuhito Nakamura said “This vehicle created from the view point of a dog, but it turned out to be a gentler vehicle for the elderly, children and other family members,”.

The W.O.W. has three rows of thin designer seats mounted on a wooden floor. Six people can ride in style or the two second-row seats can transform into a flexible dog cover. Honda has also built another (small) dog storage bin into the left side of the dashboard. The W.O.W comes with removable, washable, rollout flooring and has wide sliding doors to keep dogs happy.

An innovative canine brain receiver (CBR) allows dogs to pilot the W.O.W. by looking in the direction they want to drive. A brain-wave transponder reads the image the dog sees and transposes it over satellite imagery to plot a course using GPS signals. Honda provided no engine details, but should the W.O.W. make it into production, it would likely have a 1.5-liter four. Slightly smaller than a Civic, the 157-inch W.O.W. has front and rear sliding doors on either side and a pair of big commercial-style doors at the back.

Japanese Retro Style Miluira EV Car

The Takayanagi Miluira Retro EV is a throwback to the 1920s. The 770-pound Japanese one-seater, with a top speed of 37 miles per hour, is meant to be a city car. The lead acid batteries will give it a range of about 22 miles. With a price tag of $75,000 and 'retro' batteries, the Miluira will most likely appeal most to collectors.

World's Most Advanced Electric Bike

MotoCzysz E1pc - The world's most advance electronic motorcycle. The technology behind it is not just the future for motorcycles, it's the future of electric vehicles as well.

Michael Czysz, the man behind the machine, has made the MotoCzysz E1pc so advanced that all the major parts of the E1pc, from its motor to its battery packs to even its aerodynamics are all new and class leading. The battery, obviously key in any electric vehicle, is connected without wires and thus can be easily swapped out in seconds. The batteries are hand assembled by a company that develops for NASA and its electric motor runs at nearly 500 volts which is powerful enough to turn a wrench into a pile of molten metal. The motor, called "Digital Drive," offers a nearly direct connection between the throttle and rear wheel, which allows it to be nastily fast.

This electric bike reached a top speed of 140 MPH-besting its closest electric competitor's 102 MPH. The E1pc also clocked a 94.6 MPH lap, tantalizingly close to the 100 MPH goal. But that's not the amazing thing. The E1pc ran that time while using, on average, less than 40% of its throttle and crossed the finish line with, according to Czysz, with "plenty in reserve."

The MotoCzysz E1pc is set to race this week in the 37.7 mile of twists and turns that is the Isle of Man TT, a race that is designed to break motorcycles and its riders and if completed gives a motorcycle instant credibility.

2010 Nissan LEAF Electric Car Really Affordable

Nissan introduces the LEAF the world’s first electric car with affordable zero emission. The medium-sized LEAF has a sitting capacity of five adults and offers a range of over 160km. The Nissan LEAF is powered by laminated compact lithium-ion batteries. which generate power output of over 90kW while its electric motor delivers 80kW power and 280Nm torque.

It will be launched in later 2010.

Zero Ds Electro Dirt Bike

Most of us love motorcycles and we love things that's environment friendlly so it is no secret that we loved the Zero S electric supermoto when we got to take it for a spin through the urban wasteland.

That bike has now been set free from the world of asphalt given some knobbies, beefier wheels and brawnier suspension to make it just as good when the pavement ends. It also has a much brighter light which may put something of an additional drain on the battery (range is still rated at 50 miles) but will make it easier to find puddles to avoid -- or to aim for. This bike fills the void between the company's street and dirt offerings and while it might not be quite as good over the offroad-only Zero MX it has the distinct advantage of not requiring a truck or trailer to get there in the first place.

The DS costs $9,950, the same as the Zero S, and is available for order now.

Ferrari Italia Sportscar 485

Ferrari going to launch its new 458 Italia sportscar replacing the F430. The 458 Italia is powered by a direct-injected 4.5-liter V8 engine producing 562 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. It has a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox. The sportscar can reach 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 3.4 seconds and offers a maximum speed over 325 km/h. The Ferrari 458 Italia is lightweight at 1380 kg, thanks to the aluminum structure.

Ferrari 458 Italia will be shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Here's the video:

Venturi Mini in-car sound system

Venturi Mini in-car sound system is for music lovers. Befitting the car cigarette lighter slot, it requires no installation. Just plug it and it’s ready to operate. Sporting OLED display coupled with mic, availing it is as easy as a pie. Storing and retrieving contact details through phonebook on display. It captures music through FM radio transmitter or from mobile phone or laptop via Bluetooth A2DP. With this music gadget, you can connect any audio device to the audio-in and audio-out slots. Self sufficing, it comes with a built-in charger. Charging other gadgets like your phone battery is done with USB charger that lies within Venturi Mini.

Considering the looks, with an ergonomic design that suits any car design. Onboard are buttons for calls, music control and roller for FM transmission. All in all, a perfect piece for all you music lovers on the go.

Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster Comes in $1.8 Million

The $1.8-million Pagani Zonda Cinque comes with sporting a Mercedes AMG V12 engine that produces 678hp, 780Nm torque, a carbon-titanium monocoque, 6-speed Cima sequential gearbox, and "an adjustable suspension setup that feels at home as well at the racetrack as on bumpy roads." To be produced in a strictly limited edition of 40 completely made-to-measure cars, the Zonda Roadster reflects PAGANI's philosophy: marrying the most innovative technology to the loving care of the “artigiano” handwork. The new Zonda Roadster has been designed around truly innovative technology ideas with special care to safety giving uniqueness to the finished exemplar. The personalization of the product, a PAGANI’s exclusivity, is realized according to the car owner’s choice of materials and details such as precious leathers, hand tailored by PAGANI's own team of craftsmen, or bespoke components in aluminum and carbon-fiber.

The result is a symphony of sights, aesthetic elements, scents and sounds that matches the taste and personality of the lucky driver. Every Zonda Roadster will be an extraordinary and very personal object of desire with his own history: “a Car with a Soul”.

Lexus LS600 Series Launched

The Lexus LS 600 is powered by an Gas V8 4.6L/281 engine which produces 380 horsepower and 367 Torque. It is a rear wheel drive vehicle with a 8-speed automatic transmission with gated shifter.

The Lexus LS Series is available in Starfire Pearl, Mercury Metallic, Smoky Granite Mica, Opaline Pearl, Obsidian, Nobel Spinel Mica, Golden Almond Metallic, Truffle Mica, Verdigris Mica and Black Sapphire Pearl finishes at a starting price of $57,678.

Lift Car Concept- Hangable

Unlike other vehicles, the "LIFT car concept can adjust itself in the aerial parking without demanding any extra space." Prices are still not mentioned.

The main benefit is: Once you are done with your work, you can just drop it down and simply drive home. There is only one street smart solution to the soaring traffic problems and that is LIFT car concept.

Flying Ferrari hands on with video

Moller International has announced that it will be producing a flying Ferrari of sorts, based on the Ferrari 599 GTB. The vehicle "will use eight thrusters to take off vertically, hover, and fly forward at 150mph." Expecting to shell out around $787,000 on it's first released.

This car features a specially designed hybrid fuel & electric power system for the thrusters, and will be able to fly up to altitudes of 5,000 feet and go about 75 miles in the air before running empty.

Mac Clones Supposedly Shipping Right Now + New Facility Up Close

Some days before when we last checked in on super shady Mac cloner Psystar's gridskipping ways, they'd supposedly somehow managed to land a $6 million pad—a little fishy, given their brief history. A ZDNet reader on the ground got up close, reporting that there's definite activity at the location, though no hard confirmation it's Psystar that's the busy bee.

More importantly, Psystar claims they're "up and running" and have started shipping orders placed the week of April 7, with orders from last week going out on April 21 from their new shop.

Source-http://gizmodo.com/381819/latest-in-psystar-saga-mac-clones-supposedly-shipping-right-now-%252B-new-facility-up-close

BMW M3 Coupe vs Audi S5 Coupe 2008

Inside Line pits the 2008 BMW M3 coupe against the 2008 Audi S5 coupe in this comparison test. Which vehicle comes out on top? Find out in the below video...

In terms of aural pleasure, we give the Audi a few points for its sexier exhaust note. But for sheer power, honors go to the BMW at both low and high rpm. Unlike the M5's V10 on which the M3's engine is based, this V8 shows no such want of torque and feels full-bodied and tractable at any rpm.

Source- http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/2008-bmw-m3-coupe-vs-2008-audi-s5-coupe-video-

Loremo- The diesel powered promises to hit 150 miles per gallon

It's not the first time we've seen diesel touted as a solution for more efficient vehicles, but Loremo AG's new eponymously-titled vehicle may just have all of 'em beat. According to the vehicle's designers, in addition to diesel, they relied on engine efficiency, low weight, and minimal drag to boost the fuel-efficiency, which they say could top out at lofty 150 miles per gallon.

With numbers like those, it should come as no surprise that Loremo's also entered the car in the Automotive X-Prize competition but, unlike most of the other entrants, this one will apparently actually be available to the general public relatively soon. That'll supposedly come sometime next year, with Europeans the first in line to get their hands on the vehicle for the relative bargain price of €15,000 (or $22,000) -- a redesigned North American version is then set to follow a year later. As if that wasn't enough Loremo's also promising a spiffier 3-cylinder GT version that'll run you $30,000, and both hybrid and fully electric versions, although those are only described as "in the works."

Source- http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/21/diesel-powered-loremo-promises-to-hit-150-miles-per-gallon/

BMW M3 v/s Mercedes C63 AMG in Fifth Gear

In this Fifth Gear segment, Jason Plato and Tiff Needell pit the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 AMG against each other at Silverstone.

The latest round of the battle between BMW and Mercedes has resulted in the release of the new M3 and C63 AMG cars. Both are very fast and represent great value for true German performance. The Merc may have more power under the hood but BMW's track expertise and lighter weight puts them on even ground.

Source- http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/fifth-gear-bmw-m3-vs-mercedes-c63-amg

Virgin Galactic Unveils Spaceships That'll Take Passengers Up in 2009

Virgin Galactic is on track to start launching commercial space flights in 2009, and they just announced their new spaceship designs.

SpaceShipTwo is the spaceship that'll actually go into space, while White Knight Two is the plane that'll bring it up high enough to launch itself away. SpaceShipTwo will be able to tote eight people at a time into sub-orbit, two pilots and six passengers, each of whom will pay $200,000 for the right to be one of the few humans to see the earth from above.

The White Knight Two is already almost complete, with testing scheduled for later this year, while SpaceShipTwo is about 60% complete. The flights will take off from the Spaceport that Virgin Galactic is building in the New Mexico desert.

Source- http://gizmodo.com/348092/virgin-galactic-unveils-spaceships-thatll-take-passengers-up-in-2009

BMW M3 Convertible in 2009

BMW's all-new 2009 M3 convertible is powered by a "V-8 displacing 4.0 litres and developing maximum output of 309 kW/420 hp; maximum torque is 400 Nm/295 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm and maximum engine speed 8,400 rpm." Check out the video also-

BMW's new M3 Convertible was supposed to be unveiled in March, but several leaked photos led to a flood of official photos and information straight from BMW.

Source- http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/tech-gadget/video-2009-bmw-m3-convertible

Renault to develop electric cars for Israel

The Renault-Nissan alliance on Monday signed a deal to begin mass producing electric cars as part of an Israeli-led project to develop alternative energy sources and slash oil dependency.

Renault-Nissan Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn said the cars, with a range of about 100 km in city driving and up to 160 km on the highway, will accelerate from zero to 100 kph in 13 seconds and have a top speed of 110 kph -- similar to many gasoline-powered cars.

Ghosn said a key reason why the company chose Israel to launch the project is because 90% of Israelis drive less than 70 km a day and all major urban centers are within 150 km of each other. For Israel the cars would mean less dependency on oil imports, mostly coming from Russia.

The cars, to be made in Europe, will run on a battery developed by Nissan and Japan's and will be available in 2011. A prototype is already on the road in Israel and various models will be sold by Renault and Nissan.

"It will be the most environmentally friendly mass-produced car on the market," Ghosn said at a Fuel Free Transportation ceremony at the office of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, adding the main appeal of the cars is that they were as "normal as possible" while operating quietly.

He said the car would cost the same or less than comparable gasoline engine autos and would have a lifetime warranty.

Ghosn said Renault-Nissan will also market the cars in yet to be determined European countries and Asia and later to the United States.

"We expect this car to be successful," Ghosn told reporters. "We want to make sure we mass market 10,000 to 20,000 cars a year in Israel ... We are determined to make it a success."

ENERGY SUBSCRIPTIONS
Israel's government will offer tax incentives on the cars and Project Better Place, a venture-backed company, will set up a recharging grid using electricity from renewable sources.

"The state of Israel has set itself the goal of making our lives here better and cleaner, with less dependence on gasoline and petroleum," Olmert said. "By the end of the next decade, we will be completely free of petroleum and its by-products as the fuel which powers transportation in Israel."

Project Better Place is headed by former SAP executive Shai Agassi, who said Israel's grid would be powered by 200 megawatts generated by wind and solar power sources.

"For the first time in history, all the conditions necessary for electric vehicles to be successfully mass-marketed will be brought together in a partnership between the Renault-Nissan Alliance and Project Better Place in Israel," the two sides said in a statement.

Consumers will buy their car and subscribe to an energy supply, including the use of the battery, on the basis of kilometers driven, similar to the way mobile phones are sold.

Israeli President Shimon Peres said he wanted Israel to push forward with the electric car plan because oil has become the "greatest polluter of our age and the greatest financier of terrorism."

California-based Project Better Place said it will set up a network of 500,000 charging points in Israel. The car's computer will indicate when recharging is needed and the nearest charging point.

The initial $200 million investment in Project Better Place is led by holding company Israel Corp and includes investment bank Morgan Stanley, venture capital firm Vantage Point and a group of private investors.

Israel Corp, which will invest $100 million, said it had signed agreements with the other investors. The Ofer family, which controls Israel Corp, will invest $30 million through a private firm while the other investors will put in $70 million.

Source- http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/renault_israel_dc;_ylt=Ap6SgBV8iSFUaPhyZXHYpaIjtBAF