2010 Ford Mustang Ad Campaign Kicks Off Tonight During Premiere of Knight Rider

Looking to cut back on costs while still launching an aggressive campaign for the new 2010 Mustang, Ford will begin airing 60-second ad spots featuring the winners of the “Mustang Stories” short movie contest. The first commercial will run tonight during the season premiere of Knight Rider on NBC and will kick off Ford’s largely web-based ad campaign for the 2010 Mustang. The contest, which was sponsored jointly by Ford, Filmaka online video, and WPP Group PWPP Group Plc’s JWT Team Detroit ad agency, challenged Filmaka members to submit stories about significant personal experiences with the Ford Mustang. Of the 400 entries that were submitted, 22 semi-finalists were given $5,000 to produce their films, with the finished product to be used by Ford. To kicking off the campaign’s debut during the Knight Rider intermission will be one of the finalists from the Mustang Stories competition, a short film entitled “Numskull.”

To watch “Numskull”, click here.

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Build Your Own Hybrid Car For Under $25k

The XR3 Plug-In Hybrid

Designed by Robert Riley, the XR3 is a DIY Hybrid car engineered to average 125 mpg on biodiesel fuel and 225 mpg in hybrid mode. Maxing out at a top speed of 83 mph and weighing in at a mere 1,480 lbs, the XR3 is an uber fuel efficient speed demon, priced at a surprisingly reasonable $25,000. So what’s the catch? The car doesn’t come fully assembled. Riley’s website insists that people with even the most rudimentary knowledge of construction can build the car with ease, and at first glance, the How-To literature appears to be easier to understand than most TV remote programming guides.

[Photo Source: Inhabitat.com]

From the XR3’s official website, rqriley.com:

Plug-In Hybrid Architecture

The XR3 is a “plug-in hybrid.” This makes it possible to drive on battery power alone on trips of about 40 miles. And when both the diesel and the battery-electric systems are used together, and the car is driven conservatively, fuel economy increases to over 200-mpg. Fuel economy is about 125-mpg on diesel power alone.
Today’s hybrids are called “mild hybrids” or “charge-maintaining hybrids”. They use the electric system to help with acceleration. You can drive on battery power alone, but only for a short distance – around the block, for example. The battery pack is typically used to provide bursts of power for brief periods of acceleration. The combustion engine then recharges the battery between periods of acceleration. But fuel economy suffers while the battery is being recharged. That’s why today’s hybrids do not provide much advantage in fuel economy over a well-designed conventional car.
In order to get the full benefits of a hybrid power system, you have to switch to the plug-in hybrid architecture. Plug-ins will be the next generation of hybrid vehicles. A plug-in hybrid simply means that part or all of the vehicle’s energy is taken from the grid system where it is cleaner and less costly to produce. Most of the world’s automakers are now working on plug-in hybrids.

Virtually Unlimited Options for the Builder

The plug-in power system architecture also allows much greater flexibility in power system choices. With a mild hybrid, like the Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius (also called “charge-maintaining hybrids”), proper control of the power system depends on the fact that the subsystems - the internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric systems - are selected in advance and controlled by a computer. The computer, however, has to be programmed for the specific output characteristics of the two systems. Any modification in either of the power systems (electric or ICE) can cause a mismatch with the control system. So whenever a change is made, the computer has to be reprogrammed.
With the XR3, the two front wheels are powered by the combustion engine, and the single rear wheel is electric powered. The two power systems are not integrated within the vehicle. The connection between the conventional power system and the electric power system is provided by the ground. Proper phase-in between the two power systems is handled by a simple throttle mechanism and a dash-mounted switch to select between ICE power, electric power, and dual power modes. In the dual power mode, the XR3 will have lots of burst power for quick acceleration. If you were to use this acceleration potential to its fullest, fuel economy would be reduced to something on the order of 150 mpg over a 70 mile trip. Fuel economy will also vary according the particular components chosen for the power system, and how heavy you are on the throttle pedal. Performance figures quoted here are conservatively-driven vehicle having a system configured just like the prototype. Plans provide the information necessary for you to select different components if you want to.

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Mitsubishi iMiEV Micro-Electric Car To Charge Into U.S. By 2009

Mitsubishi iMiEV Micro-Electric Concept

Nearly identical to the Mitsubishi iMiEV Concept introduced in 2007 at the Tokyo Auto Show, the production iMiEV has been spotted road testing in Japan and is rumored to be prepping for a U.S. introduction in 2009. Ambitiously, Mitsubishi publicly expects the iMiEV Micro-Electric car to average 124 miles off a single charge, and feature a top speed of 112 mph. Although that seems almost impossibly ambitious [especially in light of the slightly disappointing production Chevy Volt reveal], thanks to their partnership with battery manufacturer GS Yuasa Corporation, Mitsubishi is confident their technology is ready for mass production.

Mitsubishi iMiEV Micro-Electric Production Car

So what does the iMiEV have that the Volt doesn’t? Primarily: little to no press time. With no pressure and subject to only minimal public scrutiny, Mitsubishi has been slowly and steadily developing it’s technology over the course of several years. With the benefit of time on their side, they haven’t been forced to rush ahead of schedule and, despite what skeptics might say, could very well be responsible for engineering the stronger, faster, lithium ion battery every one has been waiting for.

According to the technical specifications outlined by Mitsubishi engineers, the iMiEV is powered by three permanent magnetic synchronous motors; two of which are placed in each front wheel, with the third motor delivering power to the rear wheels. The lithium-ion battery is placed at the lowest area underneath the floor, which provides for better stability and a more spacious interior. A photovoltaic generator is housed on the roof, and the air conditioning system is aided dually by a power-generating fan inside the front grill and heat-absorbing windows. Additionally, the iMiEV’s interior is constructed mostly of Mitsubishi’s plant-base resin material, Green Plastic. No word yet on official pricing, though hopefully the Mitsubishi iMiEV doesn’t run into the same cost-of-production/retail price problems the Chevy Volt has.

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New, Cleaner Catalytic Converters Using Gold Nanoclusters - And Size Does Matter

Catalytic converters are pretty expensive, owing to the platinum, palladium, or rhodium they use as catalysts. Those catalysts turn the harmful fumes into not-so-harmful gas. But researchers think they may have a better, less expensive way, and ironically, it involves gold.

The new method uses gold in nanocrystal (gold atoms bound together in crystals smaller than a strand of DNA) form.

Using a pair of scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) instruments, researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), observed the active gold nanocrystals absorb onto iron oxide surfaces.

The research team discovered that size matters a lot - apparently the larger ones had little or no catalytic activity, while the smallest ones had nearly 100 percent efficiency.
Their results showed that the most active gold nanoclusters are 40 times smaller than the common cold virus and contains about 10 gold atoms.

This research, along with an inexpensive method for producing the nanocrystals, could pave the way for vastly less expensive catalytic converters.

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Modern Speed Machines Creates The MSM Mustang GT, And Lo, A Darkness Hath Descendeth Upon The Track

From Drew Phillips at Muscle Car News; the guys of Modern Speed Machines have created a supercharged Ford Mustang GT that sufficiently kicks the 2009 Hennessey Dodge Challenger’s ass in the exterior design department. So intimidating is the black on black design, no corny play on AC/DC lyrics or clichéd Stealth Bomber references seem to do it justice [though several were tried].

Co-owned by cousins Gilly Rojany and Eric Rojany, Modern Speed Machines is an aftermarket performance part manufacturer that is devoted solely to outfitting 5th generation Ford Mustangs. The MSM Mustang is the Rojany’s flagship creation and the ultimate testament to the sweet, sweet love they can make to a Mustang [sounds more illegal than I intended for it to]. A 2005 S197 Ford Mustang at its core, MSM’s studly ’stang [sorry] is outfitted with a handmade with MSM’s 3D Carbon Boy Race Body Kit and the most intimidating leather job I’ve ever seen, Harley riders’ gear notwithstanding. Under the hood, the MSM Mustang is 500 horses strong thanks to a Paxton High-Output supercharger, 39 lb. Ford Racing fuel injectors, K&N air filter, and JBA Performance Exhaust System.

Definitely meant for tearing up the asphalt on the track, even though I’m a diehard Volvo fan [who knew?], I’m not ashamed to admit that I’d love to get behind the wheel of MSM’s creation and really see what she can do. And, because I’m fairly certain only 4 people within the continental US will ever read this any given time, I’m also not ashamed to admit that the same indecent proposal I offered to GM in exchange for track time with the Chevy Volt, I’d also like to extend to MSM et al…call me, guys.

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News to be Released: China Topples the USA as Worlds #1 Polluter!

The ugly face of progress hides well behind the soot and smog that roosts over China’s cities, big and small, like a Carbon chicken smothering her masked hatch-lings who are choking on their breathes. A recent study by the University of California has granted China the title of being the Number 1 Polluter in the world, a title the United States has carried for quite some time with a particular level of quiet distinction.

At China’s rate of growth any in-roads made by other developed nations to curb their Greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade will have no impact on the global gains of pollution streaming from China’s industrial expansion. Both China and the United Nations are declaring that aid and new technologies should be shared from the other developed nations on how to reduce their noxious emissions. However, to make any progress in the realm of pollution it begins with education.

In the 1970’s the US began to educate its masses, starting with the children, on the ills of littering and pollution. As the 1980’s were dominated by Trickle-Down Economics, so too was the domination of Trickle-Up Education as the young corrected their parents on the dangers and risks of littering and pollution to their future. Ofcourse that is a tough step in a nation like China who’s education comes straight from the top government officials for whom the recognition of negative facts are rarely admitted and never shared. (more…)

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Chicago Auto Show: Ford Works Solutions Aims to Improve Productivity for F-Series Owners

The Ford and Microsoft pairing is proving to be quite productive. First they released the Sync system that, among other things, added voice recognition capability to your phone and stereo system in equipped Ford models, but now they are adding in-dash computers with their Ford Works Solutions package for their F-Series and E-Series and soon with the Transit Connect work van.

Included in the Ford Works Solutions in-dash features that are Powered by Microsoft Auto are internet access provided by Sprint Mobil Broadband and Navigation by Garmin. The Works Solutions system takes up the same area that the typical in-dash navigation system would be housed and includes a 6.5 inch, high resolution touch screen, wireless keyboard and mouse, SD card slot, USB port, a 2GB of memory and a stylus pen for the touch screen that is housed next to the CD in the dash.
To further aid F-Series owners on the job the on-board computer is business equipped to assist the worker on-site in accessing files in the main office PC or home, printing invoices on location with the built in printer, and it also has word processing and spreadsheet software within. Like the Sync system the Ford Works Solutions have voice recognition, hands free calling and access to user phonebooks and text messaging.

For further details on the Ford Works Solutions in-dash features check out the video below.

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Does the Green Car of the Year only get 20mpg?

With the Chevy Tahoe and the other large SUV’s under the umbrella of GM and those infused with the Mode 2 Hybrid drive system there are now tanks achieving the fuel mileage of jeeps on the automotive battlefield. At an average of 20mpg in city driving the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid achieves a fuel mileage rating that is as good or better than some cars. For the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid that is a 40% savings in fuel consumption from their non-hybrid model. So while a 20-mpg fuel rating may not sound all that Green to the judges at the LA Auto Show it seems the 40% improvement in fuel consumption won them over.

Some of the big names that served on this years judging panel that chose the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid are Carrol Shelby, Jay Leno, Carol Pope and Jean Michel Cousteau. Rounding out the field of judges were industry leaders and several motor journalists. So did the lacking of a new 40mpg model leave the judges with no other clear alternative except the Tahoe Hybrid? (more…)

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SCC Ultimate Aero TT Claims Top Speed Honors with 255 mph Average Time

Back in Augustwe had told you about the Shelby Supercar (SCC) Ultimate Aero TT and its goal of usurping the Bugatti Veyron’s unofficial claim as fastest production car in the world. On September 14th The Ultimate Aero TT under the astute eyes of the Guinness Book of World Records finally made its speed run on a closed section of Washington State Highway. The recorded time as averaged from the two passes turned out to be 255.83 mph. Thus beating the Bugatti Veyron’s recorded time by just under 3 mph.

In the end the ultimate challenge for the SCC crew was in finding a suitable location to make their run at the record. Being a small research and production company means that they do not have the large test tracks in their possession that many of the large auto makers have at their disposal. (more…)

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Fuel Vapor ale gets 92mpg car with a 5 second zero-to-sixty

After 15 years of research and labor George Parker, the President of Fuel Vapor Technologies is closer now than ever to seeing his dream come to fruition. With patents pending on his engine technology, Parker is sharing a first glimpse of the Fuel Vapor ale to the public. More astonishing than the design of the 3-wheeled vehicle is the output of the ultra-light auto.

With a high mileage, turbo charged 1500cc Honda engine the Fuel Vapor ale puts out 180-hp and achieves a zero-to-sixty time of 5 seconds and a quarter mile time of 12.9 seconds. Oh, did I mention that those results are acquired while still getting 92 miles-per-gallon? The secret to the ale’s output? …it is in the air. (more…)

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Staged Rally held in Chicago against CAFE increases involving UAW workers

A rally was staged in Chicago today in opposition of the fuel bill that has passed the Senate. To form the protest UAW members from Chrysler and Ford assembly plants around the Chicago area were bused in to make their voices heard. Their theme for the rally was to urge Congress to “Save Their Jobs.” The fear among the American auto industry is that the Big 3 will not be able to meet the CAFE increases in time and will be forced to… what?

What would be the true likelihood that the Big 3 would merely close up shop in the face of the increased fuel mileage standards? These same protests were performed in 1991 as the first fuel mileage bill was in the works. Amazing how they managed to reach that goal while a new goal seems so daunting or impossible. I wonder what the protests were like when the Federal Governments made seat belts mandatory in automobiles.
(more…)

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Firefly Challenges the Lithium Ion as the Battery of Tomorrow

The electronics industry and the hybrid auto makers have been working franticly on improving the Lithium batteries to improve their charge and to keep them cool. The hybrid markets future seems to be hinging on the Lithium Ion batteries success and potential affordability. But there is still hope for the Lead Acid battery yet.

Firefly Energy is working on a new recipe for the Lead Acid Battery that may bring new life to those heavy batteries of today. Their idea is to replace the Lead in the battery with a Carbon Graphite Foam. The result is a lighter and smaller battery with a longer lifespan. While the Carbon Graphite battery may still cost more than its Lead Acid cousin it should still cost considerably less than the Lithium Ion and the Nickel battery.

There are certain technologies whose use, although wasteful and polluting (ie. the cumbustion engine), will still be in use decades from now. Despite the yearning for electric cars the gasoline engines in the cars of today and yesterday are still going to be around and will need to be fed. Alternatives like ethanol and bio-diesel and the conversion kits to make them usable in older machines may help extend the lives of our beloved combustion engine. So may be the future of the Acid battery. As 90% of all Lead Acid batteries in the U.S. are recycled those batteries returning to the market can be fitted with their Carbon Graphite replacements for a lengthy reincarnation.

The future is now and the next evolution of the Automotive Revolution is just getting charged up (a pun filled day indeed).

Source[FireflyEnergy]
Source[BusinessWeek]

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