New Car2Go to launching electric

New Car2Go to launching electric Daimler's car2go car sharing service kicked off in Ulm, Germany in October 2008 before expanding to Austin, Texas in 2010. Earlier this month, Hamburg, Germany, became the first city with more than a million inhabitants to see the introduction of the car2go service, but the second won't be far behind with a launch set for Amsterdam before the end of the year.

Unlike Zipcar, Car2Go’s model is looking to be much simpler. Whereas Zipcar requires members to pick up and return cars from the same location, make reservations and pay by the hour, Car2Go members can rent vehicles by the minute without reservations and drop off the vehicles at designated points throughout the city.

The launch of an all electric vehicle fleet marks a new era in carsharing in North America,” said Nicholas Cole, President and CEO of car2go N. A. LLC. “San Diego is a forward-thinking city determined to meet future transportation demands of its residents. Our goal is to complement the existing transportation infrastructure by providing an emission-free carsharing service for short and spontaneous one-way trips.

ECOtality is currently installing approximately 1,000 publicly available Blink charging stations throughout the San Diego region as part of The EV Project. Data collected by the charging stations will be analyzed to better understand how EV drivers charge their car, and help to guide future rollouts of commercial charging stations.

2012 Mazda3 SKYACTIV Technologies

Redesigned for the 2010 model year, the refreshed 2012 Mazda3 is Mazda’s first application of SKYACTIV technologies in North America, receiving an all-new SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine as well as the all-new SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission and all-new SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission. It also features improved sporty driving dynamics, responsive handling and a comfortable cabin space.

Mazda has announced that the first recipient of its new SKYACTIV four-cylinder engine will be the face-lifted 2012 Mazda 3, set to debut at the New York auto show in April. The exterior styling has been tweaked, but the real story is, of course, the engine.

Although the company hasn’t yet released specs on the SKYACTIV engine as it will appear in the 3, we know quite a bit about it from our drive of several prototypes equipped with the mill last August. You can read all the details here, but here’s the recap: The iteration we’re likely to see in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which was good for 163 hp and 155 lb-ft during development. When it’s burning regular 87-octane gasoline, though, torque decreases by about five percent. For reference, the current 2.0-liter in the 3 makes 148 hp and 135 lb-ft, while the optional 2.5-liter four produces 167 hp and 168 lb-ft.

The 2012 Mazda3 achieves a high compression ratio of 12.0:1 and delivers 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 148 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm. (The PZEV version of this engine sold in California and other states produces 154 hp at 6,000 rpm and 148 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm).

Compared to the current Mazda3 MZR 2.0-liter engine, the maximum power of the SKYACTIV-equipped 2012 Mazda3 is increased by approximately five percent (from 148 horsepower at 6,500 rpm) and torque is increased by approximately 10 percent (from 135 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm). With improved torque, coupled with a drive control system that utilizes coordinated controls of the engine and transmission, Mazda3s with SKYACTIV technology excel in dynamic response, further maintaining the Zoom-Zoom idea of oneness between the car and driver.

Fuel economy also gets a boost from the combination of a SKYACTIV engine and transmissions. When equipped with the SKYACTIV-G gasoline engine and optional SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission, the 2012 Mazda3 sedan will achieve an EPA rating of 40 mpg on the highway, an approximately 21-percent improvement over the current MZR 2.0-liter engine equipped with the optional five-speed automatic transmission. With a fuel tank capacity of 14.5 gallons, the 2012 Mazda3 sedan with SKYACTIV has the potential of a 540-mile range, with still a gallon of fuel remaining.

Previously only available with the MZR 2.5-liter engine, the Mazda3 five-door hatchback model will now be offered in the U.S. with the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine. This Mazda3 hatchback is estimated to deliver 27 city/38 highway (SKYACTIV-MT) and 28 city/38 highway (SKYACTIV-Drive AT). The slightly lower highway estimates can be attributed to different aerodynamics and the higher weight ratio between the sedan and hatchback.

The higher fuel economy of the 2012 Mazda3 equipped with SKYACTIV is a direct result of combining all the best features of the technology in today’s transmissions. For SKYACTIV-Drive, the key advantages of a conventional automatic transmission, Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) were integrated.

Also available on the 2012 Mazda3 is the highly-acclaimed Mazda MZR 2.5-liter engine. Alongside the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter, the MZR 2.5 is a technology powerhouse as well. It offers an aluminum block with cylinder-bore liners made of a steel-molybdenum alloy offering strength and stiffness generally not seen in large-displacement four-cylinder engines. A forged-steel crankshaft provides strength at high revs, but rigidity to ensure low NVH characteristics.

Mazda3 sedan and hatchback models equipped with SKYACTIV-G gasoline engines will be further distinguished with exclusive elements, such as an all-new engine cover featuring a deep blue metallic paint finish with black sections along either side; headlamp units outfitted with a transparent blue ring around the center lens to emphasize the vehicle’s distinctive character; and a badge featuring a “SKYACTIV” logo against a clear-blue background.

The engine will pair with Mazda’s new SKYACTIV six-speed automatic transmission, which features an aggressive lock-up clutch for the torque converter. This, combined with the efficient engine, has Mazda hoping for an EPA rating of 30 mpg city/40 highway for the 2012 3—that’s up from bests of 25/33 and 22/29, respectively, for the current 2.0 and 2.5. Stick lovers can rest easy, as the engine will also be available with the company’s slick six-speed manual—although the company isn’t yet revealing the fuel economy for that combo.

The SKYACTIV engine and transmission will eventually be installed in the next-gen Mazda 6, it makes sense for the company to install it first in a small car, where it can reap the PR benefits of the magical 40-mpg figure. We’ll have more updated specs on the 2012 Mazda 3 as we approach its official unveil in April.

2011 New Karimun Estillo " Car Sporty"

It is undeniable that the Karimun Estillo 2011, is one of the latest cars from Suzuki is quite popular Indonesian automotive market today, this we can see from the promo Suzuki Karimun Estillo 2010, which do through this website for the period of August 2010. Here we tries to give a little review about the Suzuki Karimun 2011. I first saw this car, we found few changes from previous versions, especially on the body, especially the front body is totally revamped. This we can see from Bonet who seemed more advanced, also head light, over fenders, grille, so according to our conclusion that on the front of this 2011 Suzuki Karimun have been replaced with a design that is very, very different from previous models.

2011 Suzuki Karimun Estillo did look more sporty, it can be proven by looking at the design of "A Pillar" that can be said to be designed more up his nose, and almost the same design on the front that existed at the Suzuki SX-4 (similar). While on the back, is still exactly the same as previous versions Estillo Karimun design. Because the design of the front of a fairly significant change, then the dimension is also changed. 2011 Suzuki Karimun Estillo longer 105 mm and 15 mm lower., While for the width and wheelbase remain the same as the previous version.

If it had been our review of the Body and design, then this is the engine / Engine. Suzuki Karimun 2011 using machine type "K Engine", and this machine has been designed by Maruti Suzuki India for use in various types of Suzuki cars, like the Estilo, A-Star, Splash and others. If the Karimun Estillo previous years, they used the machine F10D engine (4 cylinder, SOHC, 1061 cc), whereas in 2011 they put Karimun Estilo one K10B K-coded engine. From the data we saw, for the amount of capacity and number of engine cylinders, as well as kitchen runway on K engines are smaller, at only 998 cc and only 3 cylinders, but the DOHC engines already support this as well as the material used is aluminum. It is intended that the machine lighter and provide output and greater torque than the old machine. On the old machines, the number of outputs ranging from 64 rpm 68 PS/6.200 PS/6.200 rpm, while the engine torque range from 84 nautical outpur Nm/3.500 Nm/3.500 rpm to 90 rpm, and acceleration is softer and not felt the power lost in each teeth.

In the interior of the Suzuki Karimun Estillo 2011, you will find a lot of changes. When you first enter the cabin, you will see colors that are served are beidge or two tone brown and shades of a very shown compared to previous versions. Terbuah seat of a material that is quite luxurious, and using a quality fabric combined with two colors so it looks a little exclusive. Not only there, on the steering wheel is also designed so as to give the feel of chrome.

Specification Karimun Estillo

Renault Launching New Dacia Duster 2011

Renault launching new Renault Dacia Duster. Renault Duster include maximum engine power of 105 bhp @ 5750 rpm and maximum torque of 148 Nm @ 3750 rpm and it is fitted with Renault Duster Petrol engine and has 1600 CC, 12 valves. The car is equipped with DOHC 16 valves (4 valves per cylinder) 1.6 L diesel engine with 1600 cc of displacement which will produce more and more power and torque.

Renault Duster is blessed with ESP, ABS, EBD, Traction control, Parking sensors.The stunning look and more advanced features of the SUV are the specialties of this car. Renault Duster is well furnished with Folding Rear Seats, Rear AC Vent, Tinted glass, Door mirrors, Leather seats, Music system, Driver seat adjustment, Steering adjustment, Rear armset, Rear defogger, Rear Wiper, Remote Fuel Filler, Remote boot, Central locking, Power windows, AC.

Renault Dacia Duster Specification
Engine Location Front
Drive Type Front Wheel (standard), 4WD
Weight2557 lbs | 1159.836 kg
Engine Configuration: I
Cylinders: 4
Aspiration/Induction: Normal
Displacement: 1600 cc | 97.6 cu in. | 1.6 L.
Valves: 16 valves.
4 valves per cylinder.
Valvetrain: DOHC
Horsepower: 85 BHP (62.56 KW)
HP to Weight Ratio: 30.1 LB / HP
HP / Liter: 53.1 BHP / Liter
Fuel Type: Diesel
Fuel Feed: Fuel Injected
Gears: 5
Transmission: Manual
Gears: 6
Transmission: Manual
Seating Capacity: 5
Doors: 4
Length: 169.9 in | 4315 mm.
Width: 71.7 in | 1821 mm.
Height: 64.2 in | 1631 mm.
Wheelbase: 105.2 in | 2672 mm.
Front Track: 61.4 in | 1560 mm.
Rear Track: 61.7 in | 1567 mm.
Front Overhang: 32.4 in | 822 mm.
Rear Overhang: 8.1 in | 205 mm.
Rear Legroom: 7.2 in | 183 mm.
Front Shoulder Room: 0.0 in | 0 mm.
Rear Shoulder Room: 55.1 in | 1400 mm.

2011 Lotus Exige S260 Impressive Cars

2011 Lotus Exige revive the hard-core models S260 Sport, while Roger Becker special edition also debuts. After an absence of nine months, our spy photographers once again stuck with a mysterious prototype Lotus Exige '. This is a cunning camouflage to hide the next Exige - but none was able to conceal evidence of the V6 3.5-liter automotive spy.

In the case of 2011 Lotus Exige, we gave up quite a lot. It was loud, cramped, loud, cumbersome and unforgiving. But the true driving enthusiasts - people who intend to use this car at its full potential on the racetrack - to find victims is only a small inconvenience compared with an unparalleled driving experience of this little sports car delivers.

Starting with a very lightweight aluminum chassis that is chemically bonded (instead of welded or bolted) for rigidity, the Exige follows the core Lotus principle of founder Colin Chapman: "Simplify, then add lightness." Everything about the Exige is built for lightness, from the fiberglass and carbon-fiber bodywork to the deletion of unessential convenience features. Reduced weight allows a small-displacement engine to deliver supercar performance. In this case, it's a supercharged 1.8-liter Toyota inline-4.

The resulting weight-to-power ratio comes in at an impressive 8.33 pounds per horsepower, a ratio even more favorable than the likes of the Audi R8 or Porsche 911. Opting for the even more powerful Lotus Exige S260 Sport will give a driver even more to smile about. And let's not overlook the Exige's handling, which has the immediate response of a manic hummingbird. Once you factor in the feel through the steering and even the seat of your pants, it's as if you have nerve endings that extend to the contact patches of the tires.

This combination of driving dynamics and visceral feedback leaves the Exige with little in the way of competition at its price point. Porsche's Boxster Spyder represents the closest rival for a track-tuned weapon, but while the Spyder is much easier to live with on a daily basis, it isn't nearly as communicative. For ultimate driver engagement and thrills, it's hard to beat the 2011 Lotus Exige.

The 2011 Lotus Exige is a midengine, two-passenger rear-wheel-drive coupe that is offered in two trims: the S240 and the S260 Sport.

Standard features for the Exige S240 include forged-aluminum wheels (16-inch front, 17-inch rear), Yokohama Advan A048 high-performance tires, Lotus/AP Racing and Brembo ventilated and cross-drilled brakes, Bilstein dampers with Eibach springs, air-conditioning, power windows and locks, sport seats with Probax anatomical padding, black cloth upholstery, a leather-trimmed Momo steering wheel, a four-speaker Alpine stereo with a CD player, and adjustable traction control and launch control.

An optional Touring Pack adds additional acoustic insulation, a cupholder, an interior stowage net, a full carpet set, iPod connectivity, center console divider and leather upholstery for the seats, door panels, handbrake and center console. The Track Pack adds manually adjustable Ohlins dampers and height-adjustable springs. A paint-protection film, limited-slip differential and special-order exterior colors are also optional (although some of these colors are more expensive than all the other options combined).

Powering the 2011 Lotus Exige S240 is a Yamaha-engineered and Toyota-built four-cylinder engine. This supercharged and intercooled unit produces 240 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. The version in the Exige S260 Sport gets a slight increase in output to 257 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is the only transmission offered.

Lotus claims a 0-60-mph acceleration time of 4.5 seconds for the S240, while the S260 Sport is estimated at 4.0 seconds. Despite the Exige's high sporting potential, fuel economy does not suffer, as both models return 20 mpg city and 26 mpg on the highway.

Among any car currently being produced, the Lotus Exige has the most sparsely appointed cabin you're likely to encounter. The few controls available are not very user-friendly (especially the tiny radio buttons), and the trim amounts to bare metal and hard plastics. The sport seats offer excellent lateral support and are surprisingly comfortable, but accessing them requires a high level of flexibility in order to limbo past the low roof line while clambering over the high door sills. If you're tall, you'll probably find the cabin as enjoyable as a straitjacket, as your right leg can get painfully wedged between the steering wheel and shift lever.

Storage space is also hard to come by, since there is neither a glovebox nor interior pockets. The comically small trunk can only accommodate 4 cubic feet of cargo, and that cargo would have to fit past a very narrow opening. Furthermore, anything placed back there will be slow roasted by heat from the engine and exhaust. Fortunately, the Exige is fast enough to get home from the supermarket before your ice cream becomes a milkshake.

Since the lightweight Exige strives for all-out performance, safety equipment is as bare-bones as federally mandated rules allow. Front airbags, antilock brakes and traction control are included, but side airbags and stability control are not available.

Braking tester of a similar Lotus Elise yielded a very short 110-foot stop from 60 mph. We expect the Exige to meet or better this figure.

BASIC SPECS

Base From TBA

Unveiling Unknown

Availability Unknown

Status Speculative

Engine 3.5L 276 hp V6

Body Style Coupe

Segment High-Performance Exotic Sport

Size Compact

For Earth Day, What Is More Surprising Green?

22 April stopped to recognize that nature provides us with one of our saja.Jika and house you live in the United States, because you know that all Americans. Just to be different, the United Nations recognizes the contribution Equinox in March.

Because the cars and the fuel consumption and heavy weight in the ongoing scientific analysis of our environment, and most eco-conscious ... ... Buyers sports car that can be searched quickly and economy in fuel consumption and multiple choice.

Easy option is to buy a Lotus Exige 260 - karting car that runs around most sports cars, "using a small Lotus only four of the cracker can do 26 mpg on the highway.

But stripping racer Colin Chapman is not for everyone - especially for those who want the security of the American V8 rumble from the rear German Hain V12, V10 or a date with a hot-headed Italian.

Then consider the following options are many alien species - the estimated strength and the combination of an average (city / highway) miles per gallon:

Despite winning Porsche accurately the main points of consumption on average, Americans will be more effective than the Germans! Viper and Corvette, 120 horsepower and 158 more, respectively, from 480 horsepower and 911 Turbo around the performance of the economic engine behind the Porsche.

Who says American cars are gas pigs without remorse?

Bosnia and Herzegovina Benz, Aston 2 disappointing; V12 is fine behind the muscle Frugal 'Merican.

Lamborghini good score in energy consumption - and even better than his cousin Germany - Audi R8 is less strong. Here, Ingolstadt: environmentally friendly bubble!

In conclusion, we have? Is a strange green?

If the decrease in the amount of consumption - to win the Porsche. If the HP balance mpg /, and won the ZR1's arm, then down to near the Dodge Viper.