Consumers won't pay more for cars that would meet new, stricter emissions standards.
That was the message sent last week by Susan Docherty, Western Region general manager of General Motors, as a handful of automotive journalists (including yours truly) sat scattered at a very large table in a private room in the back of one of Santa Monica's poshest hotel restaurants during a GM-sponsored holiday dinner.
The proclamation erupted out of a somewhat heated debate with one of the print journalists at the table, sparked in part by news that a U.S. District Judge had dismissed a lawsuit filed by automakers over a California law that would require car manufacturers to reduce new car emissions over the next several years.
The statement was especially curious coming from someone who had worked for one of the most expensive automotive brands in the U.S. Prior to her previous position, Docherty worked as head of marketing and sales for Hummer. According to her biography, her launch of the H3 increased Hummer's sales by more than 70 percent. If there are obviously plenty of people who will pay more than $30,000 for SUVs that get 13 miles per gallon in the city, why wouldn't there be a market for a $30,000 midsize car that gets 40 miles per gallon (or better)?
Some of us aren't so quick to underestimate the increasing savvy of the American consumer. While there are still people who will buy the biggest vehicles they can afford without regard to long-term consequences, the average car buyer is getting smarter. Even putting questions of social responsibility aside, basic economics tell us that the financial implication of buying a car goes far beyond the sticker price; it's about the overall cost of ownership. And we think you get that.
What do you think?
Winter temperatures can be tough on cars. Here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your car performs its best in the cold:
Keep battery backup. It takes more electrical power to start a car in cold weather, yet those chilly temperatures also drastically reduce the battery's cranking power. To compensate for the increased need and reduced output, keep a good set of jumper cables or a portable power pack in the trunk.
Check climate controls. Make sure the heater and front and rear defrosters are working properly. If it takes more than a few minutes to feel or see a change, take the car in for service. In addition, take the extra time in the mornings to wait for the windows to defrost completely.
Replace wiper blades. Windshield wiper blades should be replaced every six months to a year, depending on the climate (although most drivers only replace them once every few years). Well-made, effective blades are essential for maximum visibility in bad weather.
Change the oil. Consider switching to a different grade of oil to help protect your engine in the cold. Base your decision on the lowest temperature you expect to encounter; for example, use 0W-30 in climates where the temperature drops below zero. While there are many differing opinions about which grades of oil to use, a good rule of thumb is to choose a multi-grade with the narrowest range of viscosity possible (meaning, the smallest difference between the low number and the high number on the label). Make sure to check the owner's manual for specific guidelines for your car.
Check filters, hoses, fluids. Inspect hoses to make sure they're properly connected and free of damage or leaks. Also check the oil, gas, and air filters. Coolant should be changed every two years (five years for extended-life coolant). Also check the radiator or coolant tank pressure cap.
Keep a full tank. A sudden storm or unexpected car problem could leave a driver stranded for hours. Get in the habit of filling the tank when it reaches the half-full mark to ensure there will be enough fuel to run the heater for a long period of time in case of emergency.
The Ford Focus C-MAX will soon get the voice-activated system.
(Credit: Ford U.K.)More good news for those of us who have been forced to divide our attention between the road and what seems like an ever-increasing number of gadgets and other in-car distractions: automotive voice-activation technology is becoming more widespread.
On Thursday, U.S.-based company Nuance announced that it will be putting its text-to-speech technology in select new Ford models in Europe. The system powers Ford's "Human Machine Interface" (HMI), which allows drivers to make calls, enter destinations into the navigation system, control the audio system, and change the inside temperature using simple voice commands.
For example, a driver can change the radio station simply by saying the frequency number, or in some cases, saying the call letters. And the climate control system can be adjusted by simply saying "warmer" or "cooler." The HMI system can read and understand English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Ford already uses its voice-activated Sync system, powered by Microsoft, on select models here in the U.S.
The European HMI system will be implemented on the Ford Focus and the Focus C-MAX multipurpose vehicles beginning next month. Other European Ford models, including the Galaxy and S-MAX multipurpose vehicles, along with the Mondeo full-size sedan, will get the technology shortly thereafter.
Now and then: Boxster RS 60 Spyder with original type 718 RS 60 Spyder
(Credit: Business Wire)Porsche is putting a bit more oomph into its somewhat ho-hum Boxster with a limited edition 2008 RS 60 Spyder.
The car is a nod to Porsche's racing victories of the 1960s, including its first overall win in the 1960 Twelve Hours of Sebring with its Porsche Type 718 RS 60 Spyder, driven by Hans Herrmann and Olivier Gendebien. In this vein, the RS 60 features a Porsche SportDesign aero kit on the front end, 19 inch SportDesign wheels, and special GT silver metallic paint.
Interior of the new 2008 Boxster RS 60 Spyder
(Credit: Business Wire)While styling cues on the Boxster RS 60 Spyder evoke images of race cars past, don't expect the powertrain to blow anyone away at the track. A modified, dual-tailpipe exhaust brings the engine output up to 303 horsepower, but that's only slightly more than the 2007 Boxster S, which puts out 295 horsepower at 6250 rpm. And also unlike the sports cars of the 1960s, the RS 60 Spyder comes standard with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM).
Inside, the souped-up poor-man's Porsche has sport seats, a race-inspired gearshift lever, and wider-set gauges.
The 2008 Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder will make its North American debut in March of next year at the New York auto show, and will go on sale shortly thereafter with an MSRP of $64,900. Production will be limited to only 1,960 (get it?) cars; fewer than 800 of those are expected to be sold in North America.
With all the talk of new, fuel-efficient vehicles, those of us who are still driving our regular old cars might feel left out. But there are still ways we can help save gas -- and money -- by making relatively simple adjustments to our cars and driving habits.
Change the air filter. The air filter is a crucial component to minimizing fuel use and maximizing horsepower. Bryan Gregory, director of consumer education for Advance Auto Parts, says it takes an engine about 10,000 gallons of air to combust one gallon of gas. So it makes sense, then, that the easier it is for the air to get through, the more efficiently the engine will run. Air filters should be replaced every 7,500 miles, or according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Check tire pressure. We've talked about proper tire pressure before, but it's still worth mentioning. Gregory says that every pound per-square-inch that a tire is under-inflated results in a six-percent loss in fuel efficiency. Make sure your tires fall within the recommended psi, printed on the sidewall.
Reduce idling. Plan trips to avoid peak traffic times. Going to the drive-thru? Go a little early (or late) to avoid sitting in line. And skip the long warm-up period in the morning. With the exception of extreme cold, most cars and trucks need only 30 to 45 seconds to warm up.
Lighten up. Fuel mileage is reduced by one mile per gallon for every 200 pounds of extra weight. Get rid of extra tires (except for the spare), bike or ski racks that aren't being used, toys, and other equipment that could weigh your car down.
Don't tailgate. Stop-and-go driving wreaks havoc on gas mileage. Accelerate slowly in crawling traffic and keep some distance. Then coast up to a stop instead of punching on the brakes.
Squeeze, don't punch. Practice slow, steady starts by imagining an egg underneath the accelerator pedal. Gregory says racing legend Jackie Stewart used this technique on the track.
Use the right gas. Check the owner's manual for the proper octane rating for your car. Using a lower grade than recommended can gum up fuel lines, reducing efficiency and increasing engine wear.
Lexus IS-F at SEMA 2007
(Credit: Laura Burstein)Back at SEMA last week, Lexus brought along a handful of 2008 IS-Fs for driving at a proving ground course set up in the back parking lot of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Scott Pruett takes us for a lap
Lexus' latest performance sedan, which was unveiled at the beginning of the year in Detroit, is souped up with a 5.0-liter V8 that puts out 416 horsepower and 371 pound-feet of torque. Standard features include Brembo brakes, 19-inch wheels, and an 8-speed direct shift transmission. Lexus claims it has a zero-to-60 time of 4.6 seconds.
Our course involved a long straight with a braking zone at the end, followed by a right turn (insert joke here about right turns and NASCAR). In the middle was a donut course, where Scott first spun us around with traction control off, then turned it on to illustrate how the car fights against the spin.
The IS-F's quad exhaust
We liked the way the car felt, despite the fact that our ride didn't last long. We must admit, we weren't particularly awed by the IS-F's performance over the IS 350. The general consensus among those of us who got a chance to take the car out was that the brakes really stole the IS-F's thunder. The car might be worth the extra cash if you dig the beauty kit (including the quad exhaust, which drew mixed reviews amongst onlookers) and, of course, want to stop fast.
G-oil biodegradable motor oil
(Credit: Green Earth Technologies)Certain biofuels, though eco-friendly, have a reputation for gumming up engine parts, which affect vehicle performance and ultimately reduce engine life. So the idea of a bio-based motor oil makes some of us a little nervous. But one Bay Area-based company is hawking a green, biodegradable motor oil that it says will protect engines as well as name-brand, petroleum-based oil.
G-Oil, made by Green Earth Technologies, is made by converting tallow -- that's saturated cow fat to you and me -- into a high-value unsaturated oil, which is less likely to clog up engine parts. (Tallow was used historically to make products such as candles and soap, and was sometimes used in cooking.) The resulting motor oil, according to the label, can be used in naturally-aspirated engines, as well as turbocharged and super-charged diesel and gasoline engines. In addition, the packaging is 100 percent recyclable, and the labels are printed on biodegradable paper with soy ink.
The company says the used oil is non-toxic and can be disposed of at home, but it must first be mixed with another of the company's products, called G-disposoil. The second compound breaks the oil into smaller molecules, which can be eaten by microorganisms found in the soil. However, there is no mention of whether other hazardous chemicals might be picked up by the oil during its lifespan inside the engine.
There isn't much information yet on how to buy G-oil, although the company recently showed off its products at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas.
We love the idea of the product, if all claims turn out to be true. But those of us with newer, high-performance cars might just want to wait around a bit for someone else to be the guinea pig.Related link: Green Earth Technology
Oasis electric-cooled truck
(Credit: Global Refrigeration Systems)Refrigerator trucks may not be sexy, but they play a vital role in our day-to-day lives by carrying food and supplies from one part of the country to another. However, they also contribute a significant amount of pollution on our roads.
Aura Systems, a company based in El Segundo, Calif., on Wednesday introduced a mobile-power system that keeps produce cold by using electricity instead of diesel fuel.
Traditional refrigeration trucks use a separate diesel engine to drive the compressor that keeps the inside of the truck cold. The extra engine not only emits more pollutants, but is also extremely expensive to operate.
The first vehicle with the new system, the Oasis, is a midsize Isuzu refrigeration truck. The truck's cooling compressor is jump-started by a large power surge (the system can handle between 5 kilowatts and 8.5 kilowatts of power), and it is kept running by the truck's main engine. And although the system still relies on diesel to keep it going, Aura reps say the elimination of the second motor saves, on average, about $250 in fuel costs per month, per truck.
The Oasis is set be on display at the Worldwide Food Expo October 24 through 27 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
For more information, visit the sites of Global Refrigeration Systems and Aura Systems.
Chevy Equinox fuel cell vehicle
(Credit: Donovan R. Unks)Chevrolet is in the midst of launching "Project Driveway," an ambitious program where more than 100 fuel cell electric vehicles will be put in the hands of select consumers for the largest market test ever of its kind.
Fuel cell power train
(Credit: Donovan R. Unks)Testing will take place over the next several months in the Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C., metro areas. Drivers range from average consumers to business owners to policy makers. Chevy reps also promise that some cars will go into the hands of "celebrities," but no names have been dropped yet.
The cars are modified Chevy Equinox crossover SUVs that draw hydrogen from three on-board, carbon fiber tanks to power an electric motor. In addition, a nickel-metal hydride battery pack captures and stores energy from a regenerative braking system to provide extra power when needed. The fuel cell Equinoxes get a range of about 150 miles on a single fill-up with 700-bar hydrogen.
The Equinox fuel cell cars run solely on hydrogen, which, at this point in time, is a drawback for the average consumer. Although we produce 40 billion kilograms of hydrogen globally every year--enough to power 130 million fuel cell-powered cars--hydrogen fueling stations are still scarce.
Interior display
(Credit: Donovan R. Unks)The three test metro areas were chosen, in part, because drivers have access to hydrogen filling stations within a reasonable radius of their homes and/or places of business. General Motors reps say building a hydrogen fueling station infrastructure wouldn't be as difficult as some might think; they say the initial investment of about $10 billion to $15 billion required to put 12,000 stations within two miles of the top 100 urban areas is close to the amount of money being currently spent on maintaining existing oil pipelines and gasoline manufacturing equipment.
The specs for the vehicle aren't overwhelming--it goes zero to 60 in 12 seconds and has a top speed of about 100 miles per hour. But that's still impressive considering the only thing that comes out of the quad exhaust is water vapor.
Carbon fiber quad exhaust
(Credit: Donovan R. Unks)Features include antilock brakes (ABS), driver and passenger front air bags, roof rail side-impact air bags, and StabiliTrak stability system. The cars are also equipped with the OnStar navigation system, which testers are encouraged to use to ask questions and provide feedback as they drive.
But don't get in line at the local Chevy dealership just yet; the test fleet won't be available for sale to the public. However, the information gleaned from this market test will help shape the next generation of fuel cell vehicles, which GM is working on now.
For a further look at the Equinox vehicles, see "Photos: GM's Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell."
Robosaurus crushes a car.
(Credit: Universal Studios)The annual Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Ariz., is usually a place where car collectors and enthusiasts gather to admire scores of vintage Jaguars, Mercedes, Cadillacs and other fine specimens of automobiles made in years past.
Those types of cars will still be there when the event rolls around again in January, but there will be one rather disturbing lot that's bound to steal the show: a 40-foot-high, 31-ton mechanical dinosaur that throws 20-foot flames from its nostrils.
The Robosaurus, created 17 years ago by Monster Robots in Southern California, will be sold with no minimum price during the auction, which takes place January 12 to 20. The machine, which is controlled by a pilot who sits in a cockpit inside the dinosaur's head, comes complete with stainless steel teeth that can rip into and twist metal with 20,000 pounds of crushing force.
Not to be a party pooper, but does the idea of auctioning this thing off to the public trouble anyone? Little old ladies are getting their value-size bottles of perfume confiscated at the airport, while any schmuck with a bunch of money can buy a deadly machine that could take out an entire city block. How does that make sense?
