One dimension about fuel-efficient cars is their overall weight. We all know that the materials used in producing cars have a bearing to which some companies have started checking out the steel that they are using.

One company is focusing on making stronger steel for lighter vehicles but as far as Lon Ballard is concerned, foam may be able to do it if the formula is right. The concept car in focus is this Spira4U car that is made from foam and weighs only 300 pounds. It is made of 6-inch foam and can go as far as 70 miles per hour. Not bad! You can practically carry the car at that weight!

The Spira4u is currently competing in the Progressive Automotive X Prize, and creator Lon Ballard is planning on producing the vehicles in a factory he owns in Taiwan. No word on exact pricing or availability yet, though.

(Source) Crunchgear

Tags: ballard, concept car, fuel efficient cars, taiwan

Continue reading...

When you get into a minor accident, you may notice that the degree of repairs will depend on what part of your car is damaged. Normally actual car parts such as you bumper, headlights or lens will be easy to replace. However they are a lot more expensive.

Depending on the model, one thing you may note when you are looking for a replacement part is that you have choices. You can either get the original brand or turn to replacement parts. Replacement parts normally come from Taiwan and are categorized as imitations.

These replacement parts from Taiwan are preferred by some, especially if the cost is almost ½ of the price of a new one. As far as quality is concerned, it can do for the first couple of months. However for some parts, car lamps or lens in particular, you may notice fading colors in the long run. That is the drawback if you use replacement parts.

Dents are easy to fix. The only problem with that is the time element. Unlike for damaged parts, curing time is the factor to repair car dents from car collisions.

Tags: Accidents, broken car, car dents, car lamps, car parts, drawback, fading colors, headlights, imitations, minor accident, replacement parts, taiwan, time element

Continue reading...