Category: Auto Industry

Report: NHTSA updating motorcycle helmet laws

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Motorcycle

novelty helmet

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has updated the motorcycle helmet law in an attempt to stop people from wearing improperly certified helmets and novelty helmets. The law doesn’t change the construction of helmets directly, but changes the way they’re labeled, to make it more difficult to mimic DOT compliance certifications.

Now, helmets that conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218 will carry a sticker with the manufacturer’s name, the helmet model and the words “DOT FMVSS No. 218 Certified.” The move to make helmets safer comes after the number of riders sporting unsafe and novelty brain buckets increased dramatically in 2010 over 2009.

According to NHTSA statistics, in 2010, only 54 percent of motorcyclists wore a DOT-approved lid. Around 14 percent wore a novelty helmet, and 32 percent went without a helmet altogether. In 2009, those numbers were 67 percent, 9 percent and 24 percent. In 2010, 75 percent of riders who did elect to wear a helmet wore a DOT-compliant one. In 2009, that number was 86 percent.

NHTSA updating motorcycle helmet laws originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 May 2011 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Perana Z-One finally enters production

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing

Perana Z-One

Perana Z-One – Click above for high-res image gallery

Zagato’s been keeping busy, what with the TZ3 Stradale, a new Aston Martin, and the rumored Fiat 500 coupe. Now, PistonHeads reports that another another sexy Zagato-bodied sports car can join the party. The Perana Z-One has finally reached production, with UK deliveries set to commence.

The Z-One, as you might recall, debuted in March 2009 at the Geneva Motor Show, where it stole the spotlight. The custom chassis was reportedly set up by Lee Noble – the same talent behind a variety of cottage-industry sportscars wearing names like Ultima, Ascari, Rossion, Fenix and, of course, Noble. Powered by a442-hp GM LS3 V8, it’s bound for these shores as well, with the order book now open – though precisely when we’ll begin receiving deliveries remains to be seen.

Perana Z-One finally enters production originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 May 2011 13:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Citroen to follow Fiat’s lead with DS3 Airflow convertible [w/poll]

Filed under: Convertible, Europe, Citroën

Citroen DS3

Citroën DS3 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Citroën has come a long way with its revived DS line of premium offerings. What started with the basic DS3 hatchback has since grown to include the DS3 Racing hot hatch, the DS3 R3 and DS3 WRC rally machines; the DS4 crossover, and the new DS5. Now it seems a convertible is on the way as well.

Tentatively dubbed as the DS3 Airflow, the rumored convertible will apparently follow a similar approach to that taken by Fiat with the 500C. Look for a retractable fabric roof panel that will retain the pillars and door frames, in effect bridging the gap between a full convertible and a large sunroof. The advantage is a more cost-effective development cycle and superior handling, retaining much of the body’s rigidity while offering open-air driving. For our part, we’re interested to see what Citroën’s designers do with the car’s slick B-pillar treatment once the top drops. (Ben Walsh, we’re looking at you.)

European reports say the DS3 Airflow will launch in the spring of 2013. Of course, unlike Fiat, which has finally made a splashy return to North America, Citroën seems content to stay on its side of the Atlantic. Think it’s time for the French automaker to come back so we can sample cars like the reborn DS range? Cast your vote in the poll after the jump.

Continue reading Citroen to follow Fiat’s lead with DS3 Airflow convertible [w/poll]

Citroen to follow Fiat’s lead with DS3 Airflow convertible [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 May 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gazoo Racing fields race-prepped Lexus CT hybrid at Nürburgring

Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Europe, Hatchback, Lexus, Racing

Lexus Gazoo Racing CT

Lexus Gazoo Racing CT – Click above for high-res image

When nearly 200 cars line up this weekend at the Nürburgring for the Adenauer ADAC Rudstrecken-Trophy, countless Porsches and BMWs will be among them. And a hybrid. Wait, what?

That’s right. This year Gazoo Racing – the ToMoCo-backed outfit that has campaigned the Lexus LFA at the same track – is fielding a competition-spec Lexus CT 200h.

Well, we shouldn’t call it a CT 200h, since while it’s almost identical to the roadgoing CT hybrid, the 200 nameplate would be a bit of a misnomer. Because while the electric component of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system was kept in place for this racing machine, the 1.8-liter four was replaced by a 2.4. Perhaps it’s a test platform for the upcoming more powerful CT?

Otherwise, beyond the required safety modifications, it’s pretty much bone stock, right down shutting the engine off at idle and under braking. Follow the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Gazoo Racing fields race-prepped Lexus CT hybrid at Nürburgring

Gazoo Racing fields race-prepped Lexus CT hybrid at Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 May 2011 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Time-lapse parking lot problem solving

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Videos, Humor

Parking lot polo

Parking lot problem solving – Click above to watch video after the jump

We aren’t sure what country this is, but parking-lot etiquette is clearly a foreign concept. Even without the the guy who thinks it’s just peachy-keen to block everyone else in, this lot is a circus.

When faced with adversity, however, those affected by their fellow motorist’s lack of consideration respond with aplomb. While we’d have just hopped the curb and driven across the grass to avoid the melee, the drivers in the video embedded after the jump above took it upon themselves to do a little rearranging.

With some careful pushing and shoving, a little guidance, and a healthy dose of skill, these guys manage to weasel their way out of what an infuriating situation. In the end, they even returned one of the cars they moved to its rightful spot. When life gives you lemons…

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Time-lapse parking lot problem solving originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 May 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Bijan’s custom Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport revealed

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Videos, Bugatti, Design/Style, Luxury

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport by Bijan

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport by Bijan – Click above to watch the videos after the jump

Persian fashion designer Bijan Pakzad was a genuine car nut, and he drove high-dollar exotics on a regular basis. He passed away last month while he was working on a series of special editions for Rolls-Royce, but before he left this world he worked up this one-of-a-kind Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport.

Bijan’s signature yellow dominates everything on this custom Veyron, from the broad stripe running up the center of the polished aluminum bodywork to the wheels and interior. As you can see, Bijan’s trademark bearded face motif is featured prominently on the nose, and Bijan logos are even featured on both sides of the rear wing. There’s even an iPad installed in between the seats that displays the same flower as those rotated daily in his Rodeo Drive boutique.

Created in close collaboration with Bugatti and its design director, Achim Anschdeidt, the car was completed six weeks ago. Low-key it is not, but then neither were Bijan and his other designs. And as you can see from the second video after the jump, it wasn’t the flamboyant designer’s first custom Veyron, either.

Continue reading Bijan’s custom Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport revealed

Bijan’s custom Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 May 2011 18:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Bullitt car chase being recreated in San Fran for commercial

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Marketing/Advertising

The car chase from Bullitt – Follow the jump to watch the video

Hot on the tail of the music video for Sharam’s “Fun” comes word that an advertising agency will attempt to recreate the chase scene from Bullitt in downtown San Francisco once again. According to SF Appeal, Duroo Productions, Inc. is set to film a spot for a Korean-based movie theater chain hoping to strut its new 4D movie experience. From the sound of things, the city’s financial district will see its fair share of car chases and gun play with actors firing blanks at each other. San Francisco’s film commission is warning individuals in the area not to be alarmed or call the police if they hear a commotion.

The action is taking place today on Montgomery, Bush, Sansome, Sutter, Pine, Washington and Clay streets between 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM, and while residents will have access to their domiciles, they may have to wait a few moments until the crew is finished shooting a particular scene. For fun, the original Bullitt chase sequence is embedded after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Schirmer!

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Bullitt car chase being recreated in San Fran for commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 May 2011 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet Volt assembly plant to get largest solar array in MI

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, GM

Solar installation at GM Detroit-Hamtramck plant
General Motors is adding a photovoltaic array to the roof of its Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant. The facility’s new solar panels will help offset the energy consumed when producing Chevy Volts. GM has partnered with DTE Energy on the planned 516-kilowatt installation, which will cover 264,000 square feet on six acres of land. In addition to the solar array, further energy-saving measures like automated equipment shutdown, more efficient lighting, and upgrades to more energy-efficient assembly tools will be implemented.

DTE Energy is putting $3 million of its own money into the GM partnership as part of its SolarCurrents program. This initiative aims to install 15 megawatts of solar power systems in Southeast Michigan, and the hope is that large-scale, highly-visible projects like the Detroit-Hamtramck plant will drive more demand for renewable energy in Michigan. Press release posted after the jump.

Continue reading Chevrolet Volt assembly plant to get largest solar array in MI

Chevrolet Volt assembly plant to get largest solar array in MI originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 May 2011 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Model T convoy to revisit Britain’s highest mountain

Filed under: Classics, Ford, UK

Ford Model T convoy

Having a Ford Model T ascend a mountain might sound like a crazy idea, but in 1911 it was a marketing coup. Ford had just arrived in Britain and to prove its worth, a corporate sales agent named Henry Alexander drove a Model T to the top of Ben Nevis in Scotland – Britain’s highest mountain. The 4,406-foot ascent took five days, and he Alexander was greeted at the peak by the motor press pool of the day. Then he drove back down in just three hours.

A hundred years later, Ford of Britain is celebrating its centenary and will commemorate the Ben Nevis ascent with a convoy of over 60 Model Ts driving back to the mountain. Among them the very last unit to roll off the revolutionary assembly line. Unfortunately, environmental conservation prohibits driving up the mountain these days, but a group of volunteers will disassemble a replica Model T, carry it up the mountain and put it back together at its peak in celebration of the original feat. Now that’s dedication. Follow the jump for the full press release.

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Ford Model T convoy to revisit Britain’s highest mountain originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 May 2011 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: Chevy Citation trike can’t decide which way to go

Filed under: Classics, Auctions, Etc., Chevrolet, Motorcycle, Celebrities, Specialty

Triation custom vehicle

The Triation – Click above for high-res image gallery

Some creations out there defy description, walking the thin line between absurdity and awesome toed by the likes of the Volkswagen Type II flatbed and the Tatra T87. This is one such machine. Branded “Triation” by its wayward creator, this ride seemingly mates all the hatefulness of the Chevrolet Celebrity with a propensity for rollovers typically enjoyed only by the Reliant Robin. You see, the Triation uses a Celebrity’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder to push itself down the road.

Why? You’d be better off spending your time pondering why there are no indigo skittles.

Along with three years of custom fabrication work, this project makes use of enough fiberglass to sustain the aftermarket body kit industry for posterity. The seller claims that the Triation has spent most of its life garaged since it needs a clutch. If the thought of fiberglass splinters and malaise-era reliability have you licking your chops, you’d better get on it. This machine is up to $4,700 with the reserve not met and a few hours left on the auction.

eBay Find of the Day: Chevy Citation trike can’t decide which way to go originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 May 2011 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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