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January 15, 2009
Fusion Hybrid Challenge
Atomicalex
I scored a couple of industry preview tix to the NAIAS, so I grabbed my older son and took him down to the show last night. It was almost empty, so we hopped into the Ford Ecodrive game chairs and faced off to see who could make the hybrid happiest. He pretty much owned me.
Insight Goes Where?
Atomicalex
After the drapes were pulled off the new Honda Insight, it had to be moved to its final position on the show floor for public days. I overheard two Cobo workers saying that apparently the giant “H” on the steering wheel wasn’t enough information for the driver, who decided it belonged in the Toyota booth. It doesn’t look that much like the Prius, dude.
Volvo S60 Concept
Atomicalex
Check out this wild articulating door hinge on the Volvo S60 Concept! Another pic after the jump.
Lamborghini: Closer to the Road
Atomicalex
Ad slogans come and go based on how clearly they convey the abstract qualities of the product in question. I was checking out the 15-foot-high video wall at the Lambo booth and their newish slogan popped up: “Closer to the Road.” It tells a lot of stories (search iTunes for “World of Lamborghini” to see the videos), and it’s exactly why I want to drive one of those slinky Bulls.
Source of the Stink
Atomicalex
People were complaining about the stink pervading the VW booth at the NAIAS, and rightly so. It was nasty. The source was the EcoDrive event in the basement where I drove the i-MiEV and the fuel cell Equinox. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) decided to plant a forest down there to drive home the whole “green” message. Next time, guys, lay off the mulch.
New Ranger? Yes. New Bronco? No.
By Rob Einaudi
Editor-in-Chief
In case you missed it in my blog about my conversation with J Mays, Ford has definite plans to revamp the Ranger. I confirmed this with another Ford designer at Camilo Pardo’s party. But it doesn’t sound like there are any plans for a new Bronco. I plan to follow this story closely, and am thinking something may be revealed at the Chicago show, so stay tuned. This Ranger Max concept shown at the Thailand International Motor Expo last month is said to hint at the future design.
Riding Low 101
By Ryan Porter
IN-N-OUT Editor
So last week I told you guys about stretching tires. We received some positive feedback and noticed some new rides with stretched tires. Even Rob sent the Satellite over to Discount Tire for some stretched shoes.
Well now that you have your tires stretched the next logical thing is to drop your ride to the ground and start riding low. All jokes aside, check out this V12 Benz to see what I’m talking about.
What Exactly is a "Professional"?
By Mike Musto
RideLust.com
eBay is a beautiful place—you can find just about anything you can imagine there. One white Nike sneaker, size 13 from 1978—done! A turn signal lens for a 58 Buick—no problem. Or how about a 1991 Honda Civic that has been converted into a 3-wheeler. Wait, what?
Ok, now, you may not have been looking for it, but that’s the beauty of eBay, it’s out there. I stumbled upon this gem while poking around in the “Replica/Kit Car” section, and if you read the add it states that this Civic trike was put together by “professionals.” The big question is, professional what?
Continue reading after the jump.
Tuned Plymouth Voyager
By Rob Einaudi
Editor-in-Chief
There isn’t a whole lot of aftermarket support for 80s Plymouth Voyagers. So Marc took matters into his own hands, with a custom front bumper, projector headlights from an Audi A4, and some truly amazing work on the tail lights. Nice work, Marc!
2009 Honda Fit Sport
By Ryan Douthit
Drivingsports.com
The 1970 Clean Air Act was, in its time, the most stringent emission standard in the world. Under the new law, the carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide levels in emissions of 1975- and 1976-model vehicles had to be at least 90% lower than for 1970 and 1971 models. That’s a massive leap forward in thinking.
What was considered a detriment by the U.S. auto industry, created a unique opening for a virtually unknown car maker out of Japan: Honda. In 1972 it debuted a car equipped with the first new motor designed for the stringent requirements. That motor was dubbed the CVCC, but since it’s impossible to pronounce words without any vowels, Honda eventually renamed the car the Civic.
Continue reading after the jump.
