TSW Alloy Wheels unveil a new set of wheels which were seen at the SEMA 2009, led by this Belgian multi-spoke creation Zolder. The Zolder Wheel offers a clean and bold-looking multi-spoke aluminum mags which are available in various sizes (17×7, 17×8, 18×8, 18×9.5, 19×8, 19×9.5, 20×8.5, and 20×10). They are ideal for cars to SUVs and can come in various colors such as Gloss White, Gloss Gold and Gloss Black. The wheel is made for four, and five lug passenger cars and small SUV’s. Both high and low offsets are available from 20 to 45mm and is hub-centric.

(Source) Press

Tags: 45mm, aluminum, Gold, hub, mags, offsets, passenger cars, set of wheels, tsw alloy wheels, wheel

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I know, it sounds kind of like a non-sequitur, something like that insane bit in The Graduate in which the poor kid’s asked what the future is and gets the one word answer: plastics.

But it’s true–based on some advance word from the Center For Automotive Research, the word of the day is aluminum.

By replacing steel, which costs more, weighs more and is harder to come by, with lighter, cheaper, more plentiful aluminum, there’s every chance that, in a stroke of master irony, the beer cans of today will become the drunk driving vehicle of tomorrow.

Quoth the Center:

“Plug-in and hybrid electric cars contain precious little, and quite expensive, ‘fuel’ in the form of batteries,” added Bull. “Therefore, every effort must be made to utilize this stored energy to the highest possible efficiency. The solution lies in lowering the vehicle’s weight with aluminum as part of a holistic approach to also include advanced powertrains and batteries, enhanced thermal management, improved aerodynamics, and reduced rolling resistance.”

It makes sense, when you think about it.  Of course, the only problem is that these new lightweight cars are also prone to danger from high winds, rollovers, other cars and large trucks.  Think about how easy it’d be for a semi truck to roll right over a beer can…now think about how easy it’d be for a semi to roll right over the beer can car of tomorrow.

Kinda gives you pause, deoesn’t it?

Tags: aluminum, car construction, Center For Automotive Research, Detroit, steel, superstructure

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Tata Motors has announced today in their annual report that their recently aquired Jaguar and Land Rover brands have made the progressive move to go all-aluminum.

“JLR is planning to have all its future cars constructed with light weight aluminum bodies resulting in considerable savings in weight, and reduction in CO2 emissions,” Tata said in the company’s annual report.

There are many benefits to aluminum bodies besides environmental-friendliness; improved vehicle performance and better fuel economy are all included in the package.

We don’t know when we’ll be seeing some aluminum Land Rovers, but we can guess it won’t be too far from now.

Tags: aluminum, tata motors

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The idea is great but the concept may be far from being practical. That is if you consider the current crop of cars in the market, muscle cars and much of which are made of aluminum and steel. But just the same, this Plywoodie and Resin Vehicle does adhere to eco-friendly principles but may be lacking in the area of usability for the rough roads out there.

It addresses the issue of vehicle weight since it makes use of light plywood and lesser metal materials. Though only a concept, it can be a great vehicle of the future. But mind you, “future” is far off and until we see something concrete as far as the trend of the automotive industry is concerned, this concept vehicle will just be a figment of our imagination…for now.

(Source) Yanko

Tags: aluminum, automotive industry, figment, imagination, market muscle, metal materials, muscle cars, plywood, resin, rough roads, something concrete, usability

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Nissan North America officially unveiled the prices of its latest vehicle which comes in two available models, the 2010 370Z Roadster. Coming out this September, the suggested price are as follows:

• 370Z Roadster 6MT – $36,970
• 370Z Roadster 7AT – $38,720

There are likewise two touring models coming out. The only difference is that these two other models carry a 6CD Bose audio system, XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, aluminum-trimmed pedals and power leather-appointed heated and cooled ventilated net seats. With these features, the models are priced accordingly:

• 370Z Roadster 6MT – $40,520
• 370Z Roadster 7AT – $41,820

(Source) Press

Tags: aluminum, hands free phone, models, Nissan, nissan north america, roadster, satellite radio

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Most car audio receivers these days come with an option to plug in your iPod or portable media player. The next problem you may want to address is what would you do once your batteries run out. Well, SiK is a step ahead as it announces the Pimp iPod car charger so you will never miss a beat.

SiK has launched the Pimp, a new iPod car charger that enables audio output through car speakers. A 3.5mm jack is present on the dock connector, while the power supply is compatible with most 12V sockets and based on a replaceable fuse. Housing is rendered in anodized aluminum and stainless steel, and the charger comes equipped with three feet of cable.

Although compatible with most iPods from the fourth generation or later, SiK notes that it does not support the iPod shuffle.

(Source) Ipodnn

Tags: aluminum, audio receivers, batteries, car chargers, car speakers, fuse, ipod car charger, ipod shuffle, ipods, new ipod, pimp, sik, sockets

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The funny thing is that this Italian car will not be available in the U.S. but it would never hurt to give car onlookers at the Geneva Auto Show a tempting glimpse of what they are missing.

The MiTo GTA Concept takes the swoopy little MiTo and cranks up the speed and style. Weight reduction was a priority with a carbon fiber rear hatch, roof, and mirrors with aluminum used throughout.

Should this little puppy ever make production we’ll have yet another car to put on the list of necessary gray market imports.

Tags: Alfa Romeo, aluminum, brakes, carbon fiber, geneva auto, gray market, high performance tires, italian car, liter, speed and style, weight reduction

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