With a name like the Land Glider, you might well be expecting just about anything, up to and including a hovercraft.  I was personally hoping for a hovercraft myself, but I’ll console myself with what the Land Glider actually is, a two-seater electric car concept debuting from Nissan.

I have to admit, though, it’s a bit claustrophobic–that ride measures in at about ten feet long and three feet wide.  Plus, it’s designed to lean into turns, like a motorcycle would, up to a maximum pitch of about seventeen degrees.

Considering that I personally am about six and a half feet long and about two feet wide, I don’t think I’ll ever fit into a little beauty like the Nissan Land Glider.  But it can’t stop me of dreaming of my personal hovercraft.

I really want a hovercraft.…

Tags: Car, concept car, hovercraft, Land Glider, Nissan

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You know, I’ve taken a look at my car more than once and, despite the fact that it gets a decent twenty eight miles per gallon highway, I’ve said that most of the time, I don’t need the whole car to do things.  I live maybe five miles from the nearest post office.  Almost ten from the nearest video store and about twelve from the movie theater.  Don’t get me started how far I have to go for a decent plate of Olive Garden.  I can’t just walk or bicycle everywhere, but I don’t need the cargo space my car affords half the time.

But the boys at BMW have apparently heard my lament, because they’ve come up with the half-car, half-motor scooter C1-E.  This all electric vehicle doesn’t require a helmet to drive (at least in Europe) because of its roll cage and reinforced front nose.

I doubt you’ll be able to get this in the US any time soon, but it’s still pretty awesome, either way.

Tags: BMW, BMW C1-E, Car, Electric, electric car, electric scooter, scooter

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Welcome to October Second, ladies and gentlemen, and we are oh-ficially in the worst possible time for car-deer accidents.

This is when they’re at their worst, with deer hunting season pretty imminent in some places (at least bow hunting, depending on the laws in your state), and the rutting season just getting started, deer are everywhere, and they’re entirely too damn stupid to pay attention to things like you in your car.

I can personally vouch for this–one, I was out hunting walnuts last night and I saw four deer actually run by me not thirty feet from where I stood.  They are moving, and there are an ungodly lot of them, mostly owing to hunting seasons that are entirely too short and too restrictive.

So keep your eyes front when you drive, folks, and be doubly careful when you drive at night.  The deer are out and they are out in force.

Tags: Car, car-deer collisions, deer, deer collisions, deer hunting, deer season

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No, according to a United States government loan program.  The three-wheeled electric Aptera, which we talked about some time earlier right here, does not technically qualify as a car, and thus didn’t qualify for loans offered by the program.

Here’s the part that’ll really blow your mind open.  See, the government’s loan program defined “car” as a four-wheeled vehicle.  Thus, the Aptera is out of the game as it only has three wheels.  But, the three-wheeled non-car Aptera is also an electric vehicle, and is pretty much the epitome of everything the Obama administration claims to be looking for in green car tech.

Me personally?  I wouldn’t buy one myself.  Yes, it looks awesome and running on electric guarantees the fuel is cheap, but the biggest problem is that this thing would be eaten alive by wintertime roadways in the northern United States, where I’m from.  Road salt would do horrendous things to that ultralight body, and those three wheels likely would get terrible traction on icy, slushy, or just plain snow-covered roads, doubly worse considering that body is so low-slung it’d likely get caught in any snowdrift over six inches.  It’s a great idea, but it’s got a long way to go before it replaces a solid gas car.

Tags: aptera, Car, four wheels, government loan, loan program, three wheels

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This 1956 Aerocar is one of the only five in the world and this real transformer is still fully operational as both a car and airplane. The very first Aerocar was produced by Moulton B. Taylor in 1949, and it’s thought to be the most successful flying car design up to now. This rare flying car is now owned by Ed Sweeney of Colorado.

Sweeney purchased the flying car 21 years ago for $150,000. Sweeney thinks his “bird” can fetch around $1 million if sold, but he plans to hand it down to his two sons to keep it as a family treasure. The Aerocar resides at Auburn Airplane Works, a service and repair shop at Auburn airport co-owned by Sweeney’s sons. The Aerocar is capable of reaching 60 mph on the highway and up to 150 mph in the air.

Tags: 1956, Aerocar, airplane, Car, Ed Sweeney, Moulton B. Taylor

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The Pioneer DEH-P7100BT has lots of features to enhance your music needs in the car. Audio system connectivity with a single iPod is so last year, but this one lets you connect two iPods allowing you access to even more songs, or it would allow the passenger plug in his/her iPod too.

It also has HD Radio, Bluetooth for hands-free mobile phone usage, USB ports and sleek looks. This unit also supports iTunes tagging for FM radio, so if you like a song, just tag it and it will be ready for you to download once you’ve connected to the iTunes store. Retails for around $340.00

Tags: Audio, Car, DEH-P7100BT, pioneer

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“Summer means cruisin’ street rods and muscle cars,” stated “America’s Auctioneer”, Larry Makowski. “Ocean City is the place to buy your next dream car at auction. Meet up with all your friends in Ocean City for the Street Rod and Muscle Car Auction May 15 @ 2pm. These awesome street rods and muscle cars are polished up, tuned up and ready to ride in the summer. Given the current economic climate, street rods and muscle cars are still the best investment that you can drive!” “The Street Rod and Muscle Car Auction in Ocean City is truly the east coast event of the season. It has become a free ride event where car clubs from across the east coast cruise into Ocean City. It’s a great time of year where ocean side hotel rooms start at about $100.00″ states Larry.

Event information
Street Rod and Muscle Car Auction
May 15, 2009 – 2PM
http://www.StreetRodandMuscleCar.com
Sale will be held at the Ocean City Convention Center, Coastal Highway & 40th Street, Ocean City, MD
Expect to see: Street Rod – Classic – Muscle – Sports Exotic – Special Interest

Tags: auction, Car, Maryland, Ocean City

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The renderings from ZEEP Design reveal a concept car, the CCC, that can transform into a helicopter. The blades on the rotor remain folded and concealed when not in use but, once needed, they span out to convert it to a full-fledged copter. At the same time, the tail rotor that’s usually tucked at the car’s rear comes out to complete the transformation.

The car moves on the huge front wheels, and the small black wheel (which also functions as the tail rotor) is used for steering. For controlling the CCC, the cockpit has a control area at the right arm and three color-coded buttons on the left arm. It’s certainly an interesting idea.

Tags: Car, CCC, Concept, helicopter, ZEEP Design

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Haima Auto has brought out its all-new electric concept vehicle, Me EV, at the 2009 Shanghai auto show, as a follow-up to its Fstar EV which was released at last year’s Beijing auto show. According to Haima Fushida, a joint venture between FAW and Mazda, its Me EV comes with a set of high-performance brushless motors and a choice of two lithium-ion battery packs that can power the tangerine EV between 100 and 120 miles with top-speeds of either 50 or 75 mph, respectively.

The 220-volt power supply can reportedly recharge the Me in about four hours, and if it reaches production, this urban two-seater could be credible option for navigating Shanghai’s ever increasing congested roads.

Tags: Auto, Car, china, Concept, electric vehicle, Haima, Me EV, two-seater

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Usually young automobile designers choose to show off their talent by creating models for existing car brands. That was not the case with Jin Young Jo when she chose to participate at South Korea’s Hongik University Degree Show late last year. Instead, she proposed a Chanel-branded luxury sports car resulting in the Fiole.

The car seats three, two abreast and one staggered in between. The coupe seems to take inspiration from the French fashion brand’s trademark of contrasting black and white. Jin Young Jo claims that she was also inspired from Art Deco design and futuristic architecture.

Tags: Car, Chanel, Concept

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We all know that using our mobile phones while driving is strictly prohibited by law these days and apparently the need for cell phone accessories like a hands-free kit can be a big help. Just in case you don’t have one yet, check out this new one from Jabra, the SP200 Speakerphone.

Requiring no installation, the Jabra SP200 easily attaches to a car visor and connects to mobile phones via Bluetooth wireless technology. The speakerphone features one large and easily accessible control button, a volume wheel, and a dedicated on/off switch, allowing users to control calls effortlessly. Sound quality is delivered through a powerful speaker, combining microphone performance and DSP technology to reduce background noise.

The Jabra SP200 is a versatile device that can also be used at home for conference calls and hands-free talking while preparing dinner or making calls with the whole family. The Jabra SP200 is available today and has a suggested retail price of $59.99.

(Source) Press

Tags: Bluetooth, Car, device, Driving, installation, Jabra, Law, speaker, Speakerphone, technology, wheel

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For half a century, the Ford Mustang has been America’s favorite muscle car and will likely hold on to that niche for more years to come. The secret to Mustang’s longevity may be the devoted team of people who have worked passionately over the years to bring each generation of the pony car to market – never losing sight of the customer and always staying true to the basic tenets born with the brand in 1964: fast, fun and affordable.

During much of the Mustang’s “Fox Body” years from 1983 to 1993, the emphasis was on “fast.” The gas crisis was long over, and Team Mustang focused on the resurgence of the performance aspects of the Mustang.

On April 17, 2009, Ford and the Mustang Club of America will celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Ford Mustang with a four-day event expected to draw more than 100,000 enthusiasts and spectators to the Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala.

(Source) Press

Tags: America, Birmingham, Car, Ford, Motorsports Park, Mustang

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Consumers may be shying away or are trying to avoid purchasing a new car and most likely, they are exhausting all means to try and improve their current vehicle in tow. April is National Car Care Month, the time of year to focus on taking better care of your second largest investment. Most motorists would like to add years of reliable life to their vehicle and, during these uncertain economic times, they are looking for the best value when it comes to auto repair, according to the Car Care Council.

“The economy is on everyone’s mind these days and National Car Care month is the perfect time to remind car owners that putting off vehicle maintenance now can lead to more extensive repairs down the road,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

R.L. Polk & Co. recently reported that the median age of passenger cars in operation has increased to a record high of 9.4 years in 2008. “This trend, coupled with the current economic environment, has led motorists to seek affordable vehicle maintenance to keep their vehicles in safe working order,” said White. “Because value is on the minds of most Americans, many are turning to their local repair shop for maintenance and service.”

According to a study by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, vehicle repairs cost an average 34 percent more at new car dealerships than at independent repair shops, resulting in $11.7 billion in excess costs annually to consumers.

(Source) Press

Tags: Auto, Car, environment, investment, maintenance, R.L. Polk, repair, vehicle

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With this new vehicle, crooks are bound to worry more since the authorities can easily sneak up to you and capture you red handed. Dade City is making use of new electric police vehicles to roam school grounds and heavily populated areas, a move that is similar to other nearby cities of the Tampa Bay area.

The battery-operated car resembles an ergonomic golf cart with a few law enforcement musts: blue lights and a Dade City Police Department emblem attached to the front. The four-wheeled GEM is one of two eco-friendly vehicles — the other is a three-wheeler called a T3 — that the department purchased in the past year using police impact fee funds.

(Source) TampaBay.com

Tags: Car, Dade City, Electric, enforcement, Police, Quiet, tampa bay, TampaBay

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The iconic car from Fiat has revealed the prices for its eagerly awaited convertible version 500 city car, some 15 months after the widely acclaimed supermini’s UK launch. Starting at just £11,300 OTR, the new Fiat 500 C, which goes on sale here in the summer, represents notable value for lovers of soft-top motoring, and positions the new car comfortably below its benchmark rivals.

Topping the top-down range, a highly specified Lounge version with a larger engine costs £14,100 – an OTR price that includes automatic climate control, rear parking sensors and alloy wheels as standard equipment.

Pop and Lounge versions of the new Fiat 500 C will be available at launch. An electrically operated hood, air conditioning, remote central locking, radio/CD/MP3 player, seven airbags and electric door mirrors are standard on all cars, while climate control, ESP stability control, foglights and rear parking sensors are among the principal features incorporated in Lounge models.

Available in 11 colors – including the newly-created Tech House Grey and RaggaMuffin Red – the Fiat 500 C comes with red, ivory or black roof colors. Pop interiors can be specified in either ivory or black finish with red or grey cloth seat colors. Lounge specification offers an ivory or black interior with black or brown cloth seats. Frau Leather is also available as an option.

The new Fiat 500 C is powered by the same frugal, ultra-low emissions and Euro 5 range of engines as are already available in the Fiat 500, including 69 bhp 1.2-litre and 100 bhp 1.4-litre petrol units, and the 75 bhp 1.3-litre MultiJet turbodiesel.

Full price list for the Fiat 500 C range is as follows:

• 1.2 Pop £11,300
• 1.4 Pop £12,500
• 1.3 Mjet Pop £12,700
• 1.2 Lounge £12,700
• 1.4 Lounge £13,900
• 1.3 Mjet Lounge £14,100

(Source) Carpages

Tags: Car, Fiat, Frau, leather, Mjet, RaggaMuffin, supermini

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