If you thought only car makers were finding new ways to power vehicles, the Indian Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has developed an electric/human-powered hybrid Rickshaw to help drivers get to their destinations faster. On top of that, they are also promoting zero-emissions transport by ditching the regular fuel supplies such as petrol or diesel.

The Soleckshaws are battery powered and can reach speeds up to 9 mph with a distance of about 25 miles per charge. The good thing about this is that drivers won’t have to plug their vehicles into a wall socket and wait for it to recharge. Instead they can head to assigned stations, exchange the drained battery for a new and fully charged cell for a small fee, thus saving them on lost trips. Also, the Council was in favor of electric power to help drivers reduce their pedalling time. According to them, an average drivers gets only 1600 calories a day due to the constant pedaling, which is well below the 4,000 calories needed. This puts them at risk of getting TB due to malnutrition. With battery power, they can more easily retain those needed calories.

They have commissioned 1,000 units to hit the roads of Delhi in time for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in October.

[Via: Autopia | Image]

The Chicago Athenauem Museum of Architecuture and Design has selected the Aston Martin One-77 as one of its winners in the 2009 GOOD DESIGN TM awards.

Competing against other entries like the 2030 NASA Mars Landing Rover, water purification systems and other innovative structures, the One-77 was selected because of the number of highly innovative features, body invention and design. The One-77 features a number of totally new aero design concepts which have helped increased its speed, plus look good.

With only 77 being built and already pre-sold, it’s quite an exotic vehicle.

[Via: Aston Martin]

An unnamed driver of a Ferrari Testarossa was fined $290,000 for speeding in Switzerland. The driver was going 35 mph over the speed limit of 50, and because of his wealth, he was given a record breaking speeding fine. Even with his $20+ million however, $290k seems a bit steep, it’s over double the last record breaking fine of $107k.

The court clerk stated that the driver can appeal this decision, so we’ll see later on what happens with that.

[Via: Askmen.com]

The basic idea is for users to personalize their devices with their own voices.  Typically it would be used for commands like “turn right in 200 feet’, or “take exit 9″.  I don’t imagine there is a way for the software to determine if you’re really saying what you should be saying during the recording, it seems as though users are free to, *ahem*, express themselves in whatever ways they should so desire.  You can even trade custom voice commands with other drivers.  I can think of a few friends I’d rather not do that with…  Needless to say, if you’ve got one of these make sure none of your prankster friends manage to get access to your recording software.  You could be in for a confusing (or possibly offensive) surprise!

[Source: AutoBlog]

We definitely have accepted that economic times have been rough for the past year. As a result, the Job Market has taken quite a beating resulting in many people unemployed, while others are doing jobs which they would not even consider in favorable circumstances.

Now, it’s not 100% confirmed whether the driver used it as an actual delivery vehicle, but according to the photographer, the car has been parked at the same spot quite regularly in the Santa Monica area. The regularity possibly means the guy might be an actual pizza delivery driver. At least your pizza is delivered in style.

[Via: Jalopnik]

Renault has published the first official teaser image of their new Megane CC (Coupe/Cabriolet) and has confirmed that it will make its debut at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show.

It will go on show in Switzerland on March 2, as well as at L’Atelier Renault on the Champs Elysées in Paris, France, on March 5. Click on the image above to see the higher res teaser photo.

[Via: Renault]

A leaked photo of the new Renault Megane CC has hit the Internet, giving us a fairly good idea of the new shape.

It seems to be in keeping with the style of the current model, but if compared to spy shots, the headlights definitely will be different, among a few other minor body details. The launch period has not yet been confirmed, but since it’s already basically finished, the Geneva Auto Show seems to be the most likely place for its debut.

[Via: WorldCarFans]

Mercedes R&D execs have stated that customers should except a hybrid S-Class when the new model is introduced.

The model which is powered by both a battery and petrol engine, is expected to do about 80 mpg and is expected to chug out less then 100 g/km, which works well for the EU emissions policies implemented. They have increased the aerodynamics and reduced some of the weight making it much more efficient. However, there is not going to be a fully electric model, simply because today’s batteries are still not able to keep up with what they need to power.

There will be other 6 and 8 cylinder petrol models that will be made available.

[Via: AutoCar | Image]

Ladies! Are you tired of dealing with those useless sun visors in your car? I mean, who the heck cares to block the sun out of your eyes when you have those huge bubble glasses. All jokes aside, here is a product aimed at the female driver. It’s got pockets for everything, the CDs, shades, pen and lipstick. It also has a mirror for assistance when putting on make up and lipstick while driving (oh no).

Funny thing is, don’t sun visors come with most of these things already (mirror, CD holder)? A guess some pink makes it new!

[Pukka Pressies]

In an earlier post, we mentioned that Caddy had a few gifts for us at the Detroit Auto Show. One of their new releases was the Cadillac CTS-V Coupe. However much details were not given back then. We now have full information about the vehicle, as well as high res screenshots of the new model.

The notable things about this new car include the 6.2L supercharged V8 engine, taken from the CTS sedan. It pumps out 556bhp or 415kW and can do 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds. It comes in either a manual or automatic transmission, both of which are 6-speed. There have been a number of structural and visual improvements including the addition of LED lined headlights, a more sloped windscreen, touch-pad door control and much more. Ride height is controlled by their innovating Magnetic Ride Control technology and the brakes are fitted with the very popular Brembo brand.

Anyway, check out the full press release below for more details, and view the gallery just below it.

DETROIT – Cadillac today announced the 2011 CTS-V Coupe, which debuts at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It combines the new CTS Coupe’s dramatic design with the 556-horsepower (415-kW) supercharged V-8 engine from the CTS-V sedan. The result is a luxury sports coupe aimed at driving enthusiasts.

“The CTS-V Coupe marries our most potent and sophisticated technology with our most dramatic production design,” said Bryan Nesbitt, Cadillac general manager. “This combination of visual and technical attributes is designed to create a very compelling choice for luxury sports car consumers.”

The CTS-V Coupe begins production this summer. Its suite of technical and performance elements includes Magnetic Ride Control, racing-bred Brembo brakes and an available automatic transmission with paddle-shift control.

The V-Series Coupe includes a unique grille that doubles the car’s air intake volume, an important enabler for its high-performance capabilities. It is also visually identified by a raised center section of the hood that provides clearance for the supercharger, as well as specific front and rear fascias. Like the CTS Coupe, its exhaust is centered inside the rear fascia, but with unique twin outlets. The car rolls on 19-inch cast aluminum wheels, available in either painted or polished finishes, and Michelin Pilot Sport 2 performance tires.

The CTS-V Coupe’s rear track is nearly an inch wider than the CTS-V Sport Sedan, adding to the car’s aggressive stance and enabling an extra measure of handling capability. The current CTS-V Sport Sedan has quickly established itself among the world’s highest performing luxury sedans, becoming the first production four-door on street tires to break the legendary 8-minute barrier at Germany’s famed Nürburgring. The new V-Series Coupe’s sleeker shape and slightly lower mass ensure a similarly high level of performance.

Inside, the 2+2 cabin combines performance and luxury. A new Saffron interior trim color is offered, with contrasting microfiber seat inserts and stitching on the upper trim areas.

Form follows function

The CTS-V Coupe’s design is a clear visual statement of the technical precision and performance intent of the car.

The Coupe has the same wheelbase as the CTS-V Sport Sedan, but its overall height is about two inches (51 mm) lower and its overall length is two inches (51 mm) shorter. The two models share only the instrument panel, console, headlamps, front fenders and grille.

Key design features include:

• Classic hardtop styling, with no conventional B-pillar
• Touch-pad operation for the doors removes the need for conventional door handles
• Faster windshield angle (62.3 degrees) and a nearly horizontal backglass enable an aerodynamic profile
• Signature vertical lighting, highlighted with LED light pipes
• Signature center high-mounted stop lamp functions as a rear spoiler
• Aerodynamic roof-mounted antenna for OnStar and XM Satellite Radio

Supercharged powertrain

The CTS-V Coupe employs the LSA 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine also found on the CTS-V Sport Sedan. Rated at 556 horsepower (415 kW) and 551 lb.-ft. of torque (747 Nm), it is the most powerful engine offered in Cadillac’s history and propels the CTS-V Coupe from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds.

The LSA engine features an intercooled Eaton supercharger system, premium aluminum-alloy cylinder heads and numerous details designed to ensure it makes its power as quietly and smoothly as possible. The supercharger, for example, has a unique, four-lobe rotor design that enhances quietness while also optimizing the performance parameters of the engine.

A pair of six-speed transmissions is offered in the CTS-V Coupe: a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual with a dual-disc clutch and a Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic with paddle-shift control. Performance Algorithm Shifting is part of the 6L90’s programming and provides a performance-oriented shift pattern during sustained high-performance driving. As with many Cadillac models, the driver needs only to slide the shifter into the manual “gate” to put the transmission into that more aggressive mode.

The paddle shift control requires no shift lever movement. Steering wheel thumb controls allow immediate and quick tap up/tap down gear selection.

Magnetic Ride Control

The V-Series reaches elite levels of road-holding performance, but also maintains the poise of a luxury car in “regular” driving conditions. The technical enabler of that dual-mode driving character is Cadillac’s landmark Magnetic Ride Control. It is standard on the CTS-V Coupe and is the world’s fastest-reacting suspension technology. It uses shocks controlled by advanced magneto-rheological technology, rather than mechanical valves, to greatly accelerate response time and precision.

Electronic sensors at all four wheels literally “read the road” every millisecond, making constant adjustments to damping to create virtually instantaneous and extremely precise control of body motions. This is of particular benefit for a high-performance car because it helps keep the car very composed during hard cornering, acceleration, braking and other dynamic maneuvers.

The Magnetic Ride shocks also enable a broader range of damping control to optimize the ride and handling for all driving conditions. In the CTS-V Coupe, an extra measure of control is offered, with two selectable modes (Tour and Sport), enabling the driver to tailor the suspension for grand touring or more spirited performance driving.

Braking and tire systems

CTS-V includes sophisticated braking and tire systems, in partnership with two companies renowned for high-performance technology: Brembo and Michelin. Brembo brakes are at all four corners and include powerful, six-piston calipers in the front and four-piston calipers in the rear.

Slotted and vented rotors enable strong initial braking force while optimizing heat resistance and eliminating fade. The brake rotors from Brembo employ a “dual-cast” technology that combines cast iron and aluminum, resulting in excellent performance and weight reduction. CTS-V also includes an electric parking brake, enabling more legroom for the driver, key for high-performance driving.

Michelin partnered with Cadillac engineers to develop its acclaimed Pilot Sport PS2 summer tire for CTS-V and its exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels. The tires support high levels of grip in track conditions, while also affording good performance on the road.

Interior amenities

Recaro performance driving seats are optional in the CTS-V Coupe and provide excellent support for spirited driving. These 14-way adjustable performance seats include pneumatic bolster controls in the seat cushions and backrests.

The CTS-V Coupe also includes an exclusive new Saffron color option for the interior, providing a contrasting color accent carried on the seat inserts, as well as the stitching, which highlights the craftsmanship of the instrument panel, center console, door trim and seats.

The steering wheel, seat inserts and shifter are covered in microfiber, providing the luxurious character of suede without suede’s inherent drawbacks of difficult care and moisture sensitivity. These accents are standard, elegant to the touch and help support high-performance driving.

The car’s integrated center stack is trimmed in Obsidian black material that is also applied to the center console and door trim. Just like every CTS, the V-Series includes a hand-stitched instrument panel, door trim and center console. Leading-edge infotainment features extend to the V-Series. They include a 40-gigabyte hard drive, advanced navigation system with a deployable screen and Bose digital surround audio, as well as factory-installed Bluetooth phone integration, all standard features on the V-Series.

About Cadillac

Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent years, Cadillac has engineered a historic renaissance led by artful engineering and global expansion. More information on Cadillac can be found at media.cadillac.com.

[Via: GM]

If you didn’t catch the latest episode of Top Gear, then you probably haven’t herd that their reasonably priced car (Chevy Lacetti) is most likely going to be replaced next season. So, as the Chevy is parked next to the Suzuki Liana (Top Gear’s oldest reasonably priced car), we have the job of guessing what the next one will be. We will find out for sure in a few months when Top Gear returns with it’s 15th season!

For now however, let’s remind out selves how all the stars got on in the reasonably priced car:

In a more loyal effort to save the Saab company, a group of enthusiasts running the Saab History website are pushing hard to save their favorite car company. Unlike other brand names which got swept under the rug, these guys seem to actually care about their cars and its future.

Like their European car club counterparts, this group is planning a big meet up at the GM Renaissance center in Detroit mere hours before the meeting of GM heads. At this meeting, the fate of Saab is said to be determined. They hope that enough loyalists come out to show their support, it may hint to the GM bigwigs how seriously Saab owners want to keep the company in existence.

For full details about the meeting, check out the release below.

Media Invite To Saab Enthusiast Gathering Near GM Renn Center To Save Saab

On Thursday, January 7th, a deadline will expire and GM will ultimately need to decide the fate of Saab Automobile.

“Sell Opposed To Shutdown”. There are two known interested parties that have submitted bids to buy Saab, Spyker Cars & Merbanco.

As time is of the essence, Saab Enthusiasts have therefore decided to take an initiative by gathering near GM’s world headquarters in Detroit, in order to send a message to GM to “SELL SAAB”.

Saab owners and enthusiasts from the U.S. & Canada will gather near the GM Renaissance Center at approximately 1pm by showing their unwavering Saab spirit in lining up their Saabs, holding Signs, taking group photographs and speaking to the press about how important it is to sell Saab.

Since GM emerged from bankruptcy court this summer, they are now 60% owned by the U.S. Government. Saab owners, Saab dealers and U.S. taxpayers alike, all want to see Saab sold in order to preserve thousands of jobs and and nearly $500 million dollars from the 218 Saab dealerships, small business assets in the United States.

“If there are enough Saab owners and enthusiasts parked outside of the GM Renaissance center in Detroit, perhaps we could really show them how serious we are in wanting Saab Automobile to have a bright future and be sold.” says Ryan Emge, editor of SaabHistory.com, an independent promotional news site.

This timely event marks a final effort in the Saab Community to save a company that has historically seen the value in saving the lives of its customers.

What: Saab Enthusiast Gathering Near GM Renn Center To Save Saab

When: Meet On Tuesday, January 5th at noon. / Saab Car Gathering is at 1pm nearby. (Press To Attend)

Where: Lunch At GM Renn Cenn Food Court followed by Saab car gathering at the public lot at the corner of Atwater and St. Antoine alongside the bay behind GM Renn Center.

For more details, please visit: http://www.saabhistory.com/2009/12/30/saab-history-suggests-a-saab-enthusiast-convoy-to-detroit/

[Via: Saab History | Image: Saab]

GM has announced that their overall sales in China (from both GM and joint venture firms) were up by 66.9% for 2009, putting them at an all time high with a market share of 13.4%. They were able to sell 1,826,424 units, with their Buick, Chevy and Wuling line contributing to most of the sales.

For full details, check out the press release below.

Shanghai – GM and its joint ventures in China announced today that their domestic sales jumped 66.9 percent in 2009 to a record 1,826,424 units. Based on bullish sales of Buick, Chevrolet and Wuling vehicles, the GM China family achieved an estimated market share of 13.4 percent, another year-end record and an improvement of 1.3 percentage points from the end of 2008.

The strong year-end results were possible in part because of record December sales by GM’s Shanghai GM and SAIC-GM-Wuling joint ventures and the addition of sales from its new FAW-GM joint venture.

Modern products

“We are proud of our performance in 2009,” said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group. “Chinese consumers responded enthusiastically to our lineup of modern, fuel-efficient and stylish products, validating our strategy of rolling out a steady cadence of great vehicles that are leaders in their respective segments. This is part of GM’s global strategy of focusing on designing, building and selling the world’s best products.”

In 2009, as part of GM’s aggressive product launch strategy, GM and its joint ventures in China introduced several new and upgraded models to keep up with strong industry demand, including the new Buick LaCROSSE and New Regal turbo series; the Chevrolet Cruze; and the new Cadillac SLS and SRX. In addition, GM continued to bring to China its latest technology such as the new 1.2-liter engine in the Chevrolet Spark and ECOTEC 1.6-liter DVVT engine in the Chevrolet Cruze. Both powertrains made the list of the 10 best engines in China for 2009.

Growing investment

GM and its joint ventures continued increasing their investment in China to help position themselves for long-term success. To provide better service to local customers, Shanghai OnStar initiated in-vehicle safety, security and communication services. It welcomed its first subscriber in China on December 20. In addition, the GM China Science Lab was launched and PATAC opened its new vehicle safety lab. Shanghai GM broke ground on China’s largest proving ground in Anhui province, SAIC-GM-Wuling opened a new engine plant in Qingdao, and GM China moved to new offices in Shanghai, sharing space with the GM International Operations headquarters and the Center for Advanced Research and Science.

To maintain its growth, the GM China family continued to expand. In the middle of the year, GM launched an important new partnership with FAW, FAW-GM, which has given GM a presence in the light commercial vehicle segment. In December, GM and SAIC Motor announced the establishment of a new 50-50 joint venture investment company, General Motors SAIC Investment Ltd., to capture business opportunities in Asia’s emerging markets.

The joint global automobile partners of World Expo 2010 Shanghai, GM and SAIC, built their corporate pavilion. GM and SAIC will be jointly showcasing their vision for the future of urban transportation called “Drive to 2030.” GM will highlight its advances and leadership in vehicle electrification and connectivity technology.

Record Buick, Chevrolet and Wuling sales

Domestic sales by Shanghai GM rose 63.3 percent to 727,620 units in 2009. The passenger car joint venture was once again led by its original brand, Buick, which experienced sales growth of 59.6 percent year on year to 447,011 units. The Excelle, which sold 241,109 units, remained the brand’s bestseller for the sixth consecutive year. Further contributing to the resurgence of Buick in China were the New Regal, which generated sales of 79,930 units, and the new LaCROSSE, which generated sales of 43,429 units in just six months on the market.

Chevrolet sales in China likewise experienced strong growth, with 332,774 units sold – an increase of 67.1 percent from 2008. The Cruze, GM’s new global compact car, enjoyed great success in China, with sales of 92,190 units despite being on the market only nine months. In addition, the Lova had sales of 118,935 units.

In 2009, SAIC-GM-Wuling became the first automaker in China to sell more than 1 million vehicles in a year, increasing its domestic sales by 63.9 percent to 1,061,213 units. With sales of 596,630 units, the Wuling Sunshine set a Chinese industry record for annual sales by a single model.

FAW-GM sold 34,510 light commercial vehicles in the four months after its establishment in August 2009 and began construction of a new assembly plant in Ha’erbin.

According to Wale, “As China asserts itself as the world’s largest vehicle market, our domestic operations will be counted on to deliver solid results. We will continue to introduce cutting-edge products that are leaders in their segments in fuel economy, quality and styling.”

Wale expressed optimism about the 2010 outlook. “Despite the sales records in 2009, it looks as if 2010 will be even stronger. The industry outlook is strong and we expect more growth, albeit on a somewhat slower pace. It is our intent to keep up with that growth and make sure we defend our leadership position. GM has all the tools in place to have another great year in China.”

General Motors, one of the world’s largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 209,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in some 140 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 34 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM is the joint global automobile partner of World Expo 2010 Shanghai along with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation Group (SAIC). More information on the new General Motors can be found at www.gm.com.

[Via: GM | Image]

A spokesman at Porsche has confirmed that they may most likely include a lower-end Porsche Boxster model that would be more in keeping with EU’s CO2 emission laws.

As a result, customers may expect either a regular 4-cylinder or a 3-cylinder turbocharged engine. They expect it to pump out just 180 g/km of CO2 with power ranging between 180-200bhp. The company has decided to start on the project from now because of pending complications with regards to VW’s ownership of the company.

The EU Emissions laws state that auto manufacturers need to produce vehicles that average about 120 g/km of CO2 by 2012, and need to go lower in future years. Companies that produce less that 300,000 vehicles per year (small manufacturers) are exempt from this general rule but still need to reduce their fleet’s overall emissions rating by 25% of the 2006 figures.

The problem arises with regards to how Porsche as a company should be treated. Since a majority of the company is owned by VW, they may be treated as a big firm because it would be considered as part of VW’s line. If they are lucky to be treated as a small firm, they would be under less stringent measures.

Hans-Jurgen Wohler said that customers may have to start accepting the lower models because of the EU’s policies. It does put the company in a bit of jeopardy because of its ownership situation.

[Via: AutoCar | Image: Porsche]

Every year, auto makers come up with fancy ads and promo campaigns to show off their latest models. However 95% are all pretty boring and follow the same line of showing the vehicle driving fast through some curves or accelerating past the competition. A bit overused I think? Here are some of the more outstanding and innovative auto ads and promotional campaigns of 2009 (no particular order).

Toyota Tazz – Bouncing Boobs

A couple are driving through off-road territory and when the Toyota Tazz rolls over some pipes, something quite noticeable happens.

Car Magazine – It’s an F1 Season

To promote Car Magazine’s F1 issue, they went out on the streets with those pit stop signs used in the real F1 pit lanes. Instead of the words STOP and GO, the signs had information about the upcoming issue.

Toyota Corolla – Superbowl Commercial

To emphasize the quietness inside the new Corolla, they place a guy inside a car with ferocious badgers and then fire off cannons just outside the vehicle. Luckily for him, the sound does not penetrate, but he still wasn’t lucky enough. See the conclusion

BMW vs Audi – Your Move, BMW…. Checkmate

Audi’s ad team created an ad displaying the Audi A4 with the tag line “Your move, BMW”. From a simpleton point of view, they would simply be sticking it to BMW, saying they have the superior car in its class. However BMW came back with a stunning move to end the game.

Honda Accord – The Cog

The point of this commercial is to demonstrate a vehicle where things work all the time. I guess what makes it interesting is how we are always intrigued by videos showing a chain of happenings that lead to an eventual outcome. Check it out below.

Volkswagen Golf – Biker Gang

Here’s an ad demonstrating the quietness inside the new VW Golf. Obviously the mime versions of the bikers signify no noise coming from their “bikes”.

BMW Z4 – Expression of Joy

The days are gone when you look at a magazine and pick out your engine color, paint scheme and interior fabric. Now auto makers are creating programs and web apps to allow you to virtually test drive a car or look around the inside. BMW created a program where you could drive it around on a virtual desktop and create art with it. Even though it doesn’t directly help with customizing your car, it still gives a good sense about the general looks of the exterior. This in turn would possibly spark interest to do more research into the Z4.

Fiat 500 – Tree Planters

During the August and September month, Fiat placed 20 1:1 replica fiberglass 500 models on the famous Montenapoleone Street. They were not just regular models either, they took the form of tree planters. The idea was the bring more attention to the new 500 model, as well as show that Fiat is also taking steps to go green in order to protect the environment.

Honda – Grrr

Honda’s strong vision for greener cars has led them to create this ad and song. I don’t think I want to explain more about it though.

Akatu – More is Less

Akatu, an environmental agency, demonstrates with a variety of ads how our current lifestyles are having an negative effect on the environment. They focused on buildings, cars and manufacturing plants. With regards to autos, it’s clear that our obsession with cars is having an effect on the environment. Combining the purchasing of too many vehicles and the emissions being dumped by these machines, it’s simply going to backfire eventually. They hope these ads are a stepping stone to encourage people to be more environmentally aware.

Now those were our 10 best ads and promotional campaigns. How about one bad one for laughing sakes.

Ok, it’s not a real ad, but it’s funny.