Girl on Cars

The average person has probably never heard of Miles electric cars. The fledgling Miles Automotive Group, originally based in Malibu and now located in a renovated building at the Santa Monica airport in Southern California, currently makes small, low-speed electric vehicles used primarily by universities, government and the military.

Miles ZX40 low-speed car

(Credit: Miles Automotive Group)

But as it gears up to launch its first freeway-speed consumer car, Miles is hoping to raise its profile by urging college students to create and upload their own videos about how electric cars can help clean up the environment. Miles will post the videos on YouTube and will award each of the five students with the most traffic a $1,000 scholarship and a Miles electric car for their school. (Click here to see more photos of Miles' electric cars.)

The contest Web site, No Gas Required, attempts to educate students about global warming and includes links to green blogs, a glossary of terms, and information on how to contact government representatives.

Miles claims that "based on typical fleet driving," a university can eliminate about 12,000 pounds of carbon emissions a year for each gas-powered vehicle it replaces with an all-electric car or truck. Of course, the true environmental impact of driving an electric car shouldn't be measured solely by the absence of a tailpipe. How the electricity is generated also helps to determine just how eco-friendly we're being. How and where the cars are made, along with the battery material and life, are other considerations.

Miles plans on launching its midsize sedan, the Miles XS500, sometime in 2008.

Breaking up is hard to do. Especially when it costs some $34 billion. The German-based parent company of Mercedes-Benz has cut its losses and is moving on with a new name: Daimler AG.

The new nomenclature isn't at all that surprising. It follows suit with its German competitors, BMW AG and Audi AG. Daimler's car division, previously the Mercedes Car Group, will be renamed Mercedes-Benz Cars. It will include the Mercedes, Maybach, and Smart brands.

The origins of the German car company date back to 1885, when Carl Friedrich Benz received a patent for his car, the Benz Patent Motorwagen. Five years later, Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach founded Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft. In 1926, that company merged with rival Benz & Cie, forming Daimler-Benz AG. Fast-forward to 1998, when Daimler bought Chrysler Corp. for approximately $40 billion, and later sold 80.1 percent of the failing division off to a private equity firm, Cerberus Capital Management, for a mere $6 billion.

Critics of the new name say, given all that history, "Benz" should be included in the name of the parent company. According to a Reuters report, descendants of Benz lobbied at a meeting of more than 6,000 shareholders to keep the founder's name alive. The Benz name in the car division was included, in part, to appease outspoken shareholders and family members.

A poster for Russian car company Autovaz

(Credit: Autovaz )

A new report by Research and Markets says Russians are snapping up cars at a proportionately faster rate than much of the rest of the world.

The report predicts that sales of new passenger cars will increase more than 20 percent a year in the coming years. The sale of spare parts is expected to grow nearly 15 percent annually.

According to a separate 2006 report by political commentator Alexander Yurov, more than 1.5 million cars are sold in Russia every year. Yurov estimates the figure will be closer to 2 million cars by 2008.

The Research and Markets report says "most of the growth is expected in the segment of foreign brands." So although Russian-made cars still dominate that country's market, it looks like those days might be numbered. There is already evidence to that effect: In 2005, the number of foreign cars brought into Russia increased almost by 50 percent over the previous year.

So who can rattle off the names of any major Russian car manufacturers anyway? Not I. Yurov says the biggest is AvtoVAZ, which sells more than 700,000 cars in Russia every year.

A recent AAA survey names some of the most common -- and potentially dangerous -- auto ailments. Fortunately, all of these maladies can be prevented with a little care and attention. Here are the top culprits:

5. Worn-out windshield wiper blades. Old, torn, or cracked wiper blades can greatly reduce visibility when driving in bad weather. Experts recommend changing blades at least once a year, or when streaking begins.

4. Low or dirty oil. Low oil levels can cause overheating and severe engine damage, since there is not enough fluid to lubricate all of the engine's moving parts. Dirty oil contains debris and deposits, which increases engine wear. Check oil levels at least once a month and perform regular oil changes according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Many newer cars come equipped with sensors that alert drivers when the oil needs topping off or changing, but it's not a bad idea to check manually, too, when possible.

3. Worn tires. Road tires should have a minimum of 3/32" tread depth. A good way to check: Insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln's head turned upside down. If all of Lincoln's head is visible, it's time to get new tires. If only one or two tires need replacing, make sure the replacement tires match the size, model, and tread pattern of the existing tires on the car.

2. Clogged air filter. Decreased airflow through the filter will rob a car of horsepower and decrease gas mileage. Check the car's owner's manual to find the appropriate replacement interval. On many cars, changing the air filter is a pretty simple, do-it-yourself job.

1. Incorrect tire pressure Proper tire pressure ensures road safety, preserves tire tread life, and helps to maximize fuel economy. Tires lose air naturally over time, but they can also lose large quantities of air suddenly when hitting a pothole or a curb. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends checking the air pressure on each tire at least once a month. To ensure accuracy, measure when the tires are cold.

Other problems mentioned in the survey include low transmission fluid and engine coolant levels, worn or corroded battery cables, clamps, and terminals, and low windshield washer fluid levels. Survey results are based on inspections conducted on 6,082 vehicles by 25 different AAA clubs nationwide.

Bob Lutz

(Credit: Ray Wert)

Love him or hate him, Bob Lutz is somewhat of a celebrity in the automotive world. From GM to BMW to Ford and back again, Lutz has seen firsthand the growth, as well as the trials and tribulations, of the automotive industry over a span of more than four decades. Oh, and in his early days, he flew fighter planes in the Marine Corps.

When I told some of my colleagues I was invited along with a small group of bloggers to have dinner with "Maximum" Bob, some beamed in envy, others snarled in skepticism. After all, GM has had its share of bad publicity over the years. But Bob and company claim those days are over. General Motors is hoping to please the entire customer spectrum, from eco-minded conservationists to speed-loving gearheads.

On the "green" side of the scale, GM seems to realize what alternative-fuel experts have been saying for a long time: No single fuel can fully replace our dependency on petroleum-based oil. Fuel diversification--using different ways to power the various cars on the road--eases both ecological and economic strain on our resources. During the first half of our meeting, GM carted us over to Universal Studios and outlined some of the technologies they're either testing or currently employing:

Hybrid systems. GM is introducing two types of hybrid powertrains: a two-mode hybrid system that will soon be available on the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon (as discussed in a previous post) and a "mild" hybrid system that will be incorporated into smaller cars like the Chevy Malibu. And yes, it looks like that two-mode hybrid Escalade will make its way onto the market in the next year or so.

Flex fuel. Several vehicles, including trucks and SUVs, have been modified to run on up to 85 percent ethanol (E85). Although not yet widely available to the public, GM uses lots of these cars internally; they're often transport vehicles during promotions and press events. Of course, vehicle availability is only part of the equation, as E85 fueling stations are hard to come by in many areas. California, for example, only has four E85 pump locations in the entire state.

Hydrogen fuel cells. Real-world testing will soon begin on fuel cell-powered Chevrolet Equinoxes in Los Angeles and New York. It will be the largest market test ever of electric vehicles powered by hydrogen. Cars will be driven by consumers, although no specific details are available yet.

Electric cars. The all-electric Chevy Volt concept was unveiled at the Detroit auto show in January of this year. The Volt uses lithium-ion batteries, which are less toxic than nickel-metal hydride. GM folks say they're getting closer to a production car, but, they say, the battery technology still needs to get better before these cars hit dealerships.

On the other end of the spectrum, Lutz admits there's a horsepower race going on between car manufacturers. He says, for example, that a new version of the Corvette will most likely be faster and more powerful than the C6 and Z06 models on the market today. And although such muscle cars might seem the antithesis to gas-saving Saturns, Bob said not to rule out the possibility of any fuel-saving technologies on those vehicles in the future, either, should regulations so require. Electric-powered 500 hp sports car, anyone?

(Credit: USDA)

When a new biodiesel plant opens early next year in Odessa, WA, it will employ a novel strategy: take locally grown seeds, crush them on site, and refine the resulting oil for fuel. It might sound obvious, but, according to plant manufacturers, the Odessa facility will be the first of its kind in the Western U.S. to fully integrate these steps necessary for biodiesel production.

The result? The facility, according to equipment suppliers, will be less vulnerable to fluctuating agricultural oil prices, which could help stabilize fuel prices further down the supply chain. For the community, it will give Washington wheat farmers an alternative rotation crop, which is beneficial both economically and environmentally.

Turning oilseed into biodiesel is a three-stage process. First, the seeds are crushed. In the case of canola seed, the crushing produces two substances: crude oil and canola meal. The oil is refined and filtered, while the meal can be used as livestock feed. In the third stage, the filtered oil goes into a reactor and mixed with methanol or ethanol and processed. About 90 percent of oil is turned into biodiesel; the leftover byproduct is glycerin.

A Washington state law mandates that all petroleum diesel contain 2 percent biodiesel by 2008. To meet the requirement for that state alone, at least 20 million gallons of biodiesel must be produced by next year. The Odessa plant will initially produce about eight million gallons annually, with an estimated future production of about 16 million gallons a year.

The automotive industry still seems divided on the benefits of using biodiesel in cars. According to Wikipedia, car owners in the UK may void their engine warranties if they use fuel that contains more than five percent biodiesel. But many automakers say the alternative fuel reduces engine wear, since biodiesel is a better solvent than petroleum diesel and helps keeps fuel lines clean. The downside is, deposits cleaned from the lines may cause blockages in fuel injectors. But that can be solved by changing the fuel filter every few months -- something many of us do at regular oil services anyway.

2008 smart fortwo

(Credit: smart USA)

Pricing is out for the new, admittedly odd-looking smart fortwo. The compact vehicle, manufactured by Mercedes, features a 1-liter, 3-cylinder engine that puts out a maximum of 71 horsepower. Cars are expected to ship the first quarter of 2008.

The base model starts at $11,590 and includes a 5-speed transmission that switches from automatic to manual mode with the touch of a button. The "passion coupe," which includes features found in more expensive luxury cars like a panorama roof, alloy wheels, paddle shifters and heated side mirrors, starts at $13,590. The convertible will be $16,590 and up, with an optional premium sound system that includes an in-dash MP3 compatible 6-CD changer. Smart claims its cabriolet will be the lowest priced convertible offered in the U.S.

Smart is hinging much of its sales on fuel efficiency numbers. The fortwos can achieve more than 40 miles per gallon under normal driving conditions.

Smart executives earlier this year hinted at plans to open several smart car dealerships across the country; many will be attached to Mercedes-Benz dealerships, much the way Mini Coopers are sold at dealerships alongside BMWs. The smart dealer network will be officially announced this fall. Smart cars are currently sold in 36 countries, and more than 800,000 smart fortwos have been sold since 1998.

2008 Honda Accord sedan

(Credit: Honda)

During a time when many car manufacturers are scaling down to offer smaller cars with improved fuel economy, the new 2008 Honda Accord is hitting the market with a "bigger is better" philosophy.

Besides having an obviously new look, the new Accord is larger in all interior and exterior dimensions. It's longer, wider, and taller on the outside, and roomier on the inside. In fact, the 3.3 cubic feet of additional interior space was enough to bump it into the EPAs "large car" category, although Honda says the car will still compete in the midsize segment.

Aside from the change in the physical appearance, other additions include a larger, 18.5-gallon fuel tank, the first use of Honda's active noise cancellation technology in a non-hybrid car, and variable gear ratio steering. In addition, several features will come standard on all Accord trim levels for the first time, including Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), audio control buttons on the steering wheel, and 100 percent use of four-wheel disc brakes.

2008 Honda Accord coupe

(Credit: Honda)

The 2008 Accord is available with four engine options. The base sedan includes a 2.4-liter, i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine, which puts out 177 horsepower at 6500 rpm and delivers 161 lb-ft of torque at 4300 rpm, and is available with a 5-speed automatic or manual transmission. A more powerful 4-cylinder engine, along with a high-flow exhaust system, puts out 190 horsepower at 7000 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque at 4400 rpm.

The Accord's i-VTEC V-6 engine puts out 268 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 248 lb-ft. or torque at 5000 rpm. The 5-speed automatic transmission features Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology, which allows the car to operate on either three, four, or all six cylinders, depending on driving conditions, to conserve fuel when possible (but still provide plenty of power when needed). The top-of-the-line Accord coupe is also available with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission.

Interior with navigation

(Credit: Honda)

The interior is filled with plenty of bells and whistles. All models include a power driver's seat, cruise control, and a MP3/WMA auxiliary jack. Some options, depending on the trim level, include a 6-disc in-dash CD changer, heated front seats, a premium 270-watt sound system with XM satellite radio, and dual-zone climate control. Navigation and Bluetooth hands-free system is also available on the higher-end sedans and coupes.

Despite the increase in size and performance, the 2008 Accord's fuel economy numbers remain reasonable. The 4-cylinder models with the 5-speed manual transmission yield 22 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon highway. The automatic transmission gets 21 miles per gallon in the city, with the same highway performance. The V-6 sedans get 19 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway. The EX-L trim level on the Accord coupe with the automatic transmission gets 19 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway. The manual 6-speed is the worst performer, with 17 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway. All mileage estimates are based on new 2008 EPA ratings standards.

The 2008 Honda Accord sedan is expected to go on sale in mid-September, with the coupe following a few days behind. Pricing has not been announced, but Honda reps say the cars will fall between $20,000 and $30,000, depending on the trim level.

2008 Cadillac CTS

(Credit: General Motors)

The word "performance" seems to be thrown around a lot in the automotive world these days. With increasing expansion and competition within the luxury sport sedan category, manufacturers are eager to drop statistics about horsepower, torque, zero-to-60 speeds, and other numbers to woo (and maybe even slightly intimidate) potential buyers. But specifications alone can't convey the true spirit of a car; as Aristotle said, the whole is more than the sum of its parts. So it makes sense that the ideal road test subjects the car to a wide range of variables: twisty turns of varying camber, long straightaways, elevation changes, stop-and-go traffic, and many other factors.

But finding the opportunity for such a test can be tough, even for automotive journalists. While we always look for the chance to go fast, brake hard, and put a car through the ringer as much as we can, there is only so much testing we can safely and legally do on public roads. And that's why, during a recent press event for the all-new 2008 Cadillac CTS, I was pleased to find that not only did Cadillac provide the opportunity to drive a variety of terrain at length, but offered the chance to test a performance car the way it should truly be tested: on the race track. And not just any track, but Laguna Seca, arguably one of the best tracks in the country.

The drive begins

Our two-day road trip began in San Jose, Calif. The group, which consisted of several journalists and a handful of Cadillac execs and communications folks, paired off into a line of waiting Cadillac CTSs for the drive down to Carmel Valley. My car, which I shared with another freelance writer, had a 3.6 liter direct injection V6 engine, all-wheel drive, and the middle version of the CTS' three suspension options (known as FE2, although when asked, Cadillac reps couldn't remember what the FE stood for). Our route was carefully planned out for us ahead of time, but since I was the "local," I only half paid attention to the directions. The navigation system proved helpful; it loaded directions quickly, had a user-friendly interface, and was easy to read. And although we took a different path, we soon arrived at Laguna Seca with the rest of the group.

Interior and navigation

After a detailed discussion about various powertrain, suspension, and tire options, they turned us loose on the track. Two instructors from Laguna's Skip Barber racing school were on hand to conduct the session, one of whom graciously sat in the passenger seat to help me with my technique as I took my laps in the "track ready" CTS with rear-wheel drive, a six-speed automatic transmission, and the performance-oriented FE3 suspension. Although I was skeptical about an automatic transmission holding up on the track, I found that the gears changed surprisingly quickly, shifted at higher revs to provide ample power, and held on through the turns. The brakes also bit nicely before turn-in, and the tires were plenty sticky for a passenger car. Granted, this version of the car wasn't going to win any World Challenge races, but for a stock production car, it was full of pleasant surprises.

Later that night, we dined al fresco and traded stories about our experience at Laguna. Jim Taylor, general manager of Cadillac, explained that when his team was planning the CTS media drive, it wasn't easy to convince the powers that be to take the cars to Laguna Seca. But he got their attention when he spoke in terms they could understand: He told them that driving Laguna Seca was to a car enthusiast what playing Pebble Beach was to an avid golfer. Apparently that did the trick.

Lots of windy road

The next day, we spent nearly six hours and 180 miles on some of the most narrow, windy and deserted roads in central California. I had the pleasure of driving the first leg with Eric Clough, Cadillac interior designer. We discussed the interior design process in general, as well as some finer points, like why the sunroof cover was thin and translucent instead of rigid and opaque (answer: head room). We took blind corners and off-camber turns with ease, and were able brake quickly for chickens and families of quail who were crossing the road. (One of those chickens wasn't so lucky a few cars later, however.)

Later on, my driving partner was Kevin Smith, manager of Cadillac communications. We talked at length about Cadillac's presence in the Speed World Challenge series. Kevin explained that Cadillac deliberately chose to race production cars, as opposed to sponsoring, say, an open-wheel team, in order to translate what they do on the track as closely as possible into their customer cars.

Not only is the CTS deeply rooted in motorsport, but it's the first Cadillac model tested on the famed Nurburgring, considered by many to be the most technically demanding track in the world. European car manufacturers have long tested their vehicles on "the Ring," and now a new generation of American automakers is realizing the prestige and importance associated with this benchmark. John Zinser, vehicle line director for the rear-wheel platform at General Motors, says the extensive testing at the Nurburgring wasn't designed just to impress U.S. customers, it was to help convince potential buyers around the world that Cadillac is on par with other performance brands. In his words, the company's goal is to get the CTS on people's lists.

Testing at the Nurburgring

(Credit: General Motors)

As our tour ended back in Silicon Valley, I'd developed a newfound respect for the latest version of the CTS. Cadillac seems to have hit the mark on a car that's luxurious to drive, yet can still stick the corkscrew up there with its European peers.

For more on the 2008 Cadillac CTS, see CNET's First Look.