Plug-In Hybrids: Electric Cars

2011 Chevrolet Volt Production Show CarEnlarge PhotoElectric cars like the 2011 Chevrolet Volt are only two years away, and you're wondering: Is electricity REALLY better for the environment than gasoline? No tailpipe emissions, sure, but what about those belching smokestacks? The Sheryl Crow-loving, TP-reducing, earth-friendly editors over at GreenCarReports dug up a study that says, it depends on where you live. Find out more over at High Gear Media's place for everything environmentally and automotive.

Ferrari Reveals 599X Concept !!

Based on the 599 GTB Fiorano, Ferrari's 599X concept draws on new technology to become an extreme track star. Just like Aston Martin's One-77, this Ferrari went on a diet to reduce engine weight as well as the weight of other components.The engine uses carbon fiber pieces in the intake system and pieces like a lighter crankshaft to reduce the volume of material used for engine.

"High Performance Dynamic Concept" is a newly-designed electronics suite meant to wring max performance from the 599X concept's chassis by "managing the combination of the car's mechanical limits with the potential of its electronic controls." It comes into effect on the track to achieve best possible lap times. Increasing mechanical limits is a new suspension dubbed SCM and custom tires. And F1-style "doughnuts" provide extra brake cooling as well as improving aerodynamics.Extra downforce, engine bay heat vents moved to the front of the car, and underbody fairings covering the front underside fully improve aerodynamics across the board. An "Actiflow" system increases downforce as well as cutting drag by using a novel porous surface for spoilers and the diffuser.

HEMI V-8 A No-Cost Option For Dodge Ram

Even cash-strapped buyers of the new Dodge Ram won't be heard muttering, "I coulda hada V-8." The Dodge boys are slammin' hoods and makin' deals; March is "Dodge truck month" and you can order a variable-valve timed, happily burbling HEMI for no extra cost in the Dodge Ram 1500.The free HEMI is a cherry on top of the awkwardly named Employee Pricing Plus Plus program. Which itself is in addition to cash discounts up to $3,500 on 2009s. In addition to cash discounts of up to $6,000 on 2008s. Still not enough for you? If you qualify, Chrysler will give you zero-percent financing for up to 36 months through its financial arm. If you ever wanted to sport (or support) the Pentastar, this would be the time to do it.Chrysler report that they "ranked second in [February] retail among the Detroit Three," not exactly cause for a party. Their February sales represent a decrease of 44 percent from that month in 2008. Still, Chrysler claims it has the lowest level of inventory of the domestics. Seems kind of like ringside fighter boasting that he's only got one black eye to his competitor's two. Tough times, these.

Nissan Qazana Concept

Nissan confirms that it will build a produce a car based on this, the Qazana concept, at its Sunderland plant in the UK starting 2010. The Qazana is a tall four-door coupe with rear-opening rear doors in the vein of Toyota's FJ Cruiser, but without that vehicle's gargantuan blind spots or heavy full-frame truck chassis. Nissan says the Qazana "has been conceived to challenge conventional wisdom about what buyers of small five-door cars should expect."
Whoa, is this the return of the AMC Eagle? 2009 is shaping up to be the year of wacky American Motors-style design; that now-defunct company penned some of the ugliest - or most interesting, depending upon your perspective - designs back in the 1970s. From yesterday's Chevrolet Spark with its chopped Gremlin-esque hatch to this concept, a tall off-road coupe that looks both as awkward, angry, and capable as the old AMC Eagle coupe, I'm celebrating automotive design that bans bland and isn't afraid of bizarre.
Of course, concepts always tend to push the envelope and often get severely watered down by the time they make it to production. But Nissan has proven it's not afraid to take styling risks, as evidenced by the way funky Cube with its asymmetrical door arrangement and wackier-than-Scion styling both inside and out.
Hopefully this vehicle will claw its way to the U.S. market, but initial plans are only for Europe.

2009 Chevrolet Traverse Review

The Chevrolet brand may be the basic, bread-and-butter brand on the GM totem pole, but don't tell that to the designers of the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse, who packed the crossover with high-end features. If the standard features just aren't cutting it for you, Chevrolet also offers some impressive options for the Traverse Chevrolet.
Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse doesn't pull any punches when it comes to standard features. Cars.com reviewers say the standard "On Star system provides such features as turn-by-turn navigation and directions to restaurants, hotels or other points of interest." ConsumerGuide also notes the Chevrolet Traverse comes standard with a "tilt/telescopic steering wheel, cruise control," full power accessories, an "AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, satellite radio," and "automatic headlights." Moving up to the Chevrolet Traverse LT, ConsumerGuide says to expect a "leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls" to join the standard features list, while Motor Trend describes the top-of-the-line Chevrolet Traverse LTZ as "Chevy's modern Kingswood Estate, with...standard leather," among other unique features. Some of the standard amenities exclusively on the Traverse Chevrolet in LTZ trim are "tri-zone automatic climate controls (including rear controls), navigation system w/voice recognition and traffic information, [and] rearview camera," according to ConsumerGuide. Regardless of which trim you opt for on the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse, Edmunds is pleased to report "Bluetooth connectivity is standard."
The features list doesn't end with the basics available on the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse trims, as GM has included a lengthy catalog of options for those with a bit more disposable income. Cars.com says some of the "cool features of the new Traverse" include "a panoramic sunroof" and "in-dash navigation system," along with an available "rear-seat DVD entertainment system" and "leather upholstery." For those living in the Golden State, ConsumerGuide says an available "California Edition" adds an upgraded "Bose sound system, chrome exhaust tip," and "bright alloy wheels," while a "remote engine start" option is available as a stand-alone feature on the Chevrolet Traverse LS and LT.

Conclusion:
Standard Bluetooth and a year of free OnStar service head up a long list of conveniences found on the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse.