Eco-Friendly Transportation of the Future

With so many advancements in technology, it's no wonder that methods of eco-friendly transportation are improving year after year. From fuel cells to magnet power to hybrids and on and on, here's a look at eco-friendly transportation of now and in the future:

Vehicles

While hybrid vehicles have become more popular thanks to rapidly increasing gas prices over the last few years, there are other eco-friendly vehicle options being researched and tested. Some options you may hear about in the next few years include compressed natural gas or CNG, also called "BioGas", ethanol, other biofuels and liquid petroleum gas. Electric vehicles are also making a comeback, with Chevrolet recently announcing their new "Volt". In Europe, so-called "Smart Cars" are becoming popular. With their small, yet functional size and superior fuel efficiency, "Smart Cars" are a good choice for smaller European roads.

Trains

Many of today's newest trains are powered by magnet technology. Today's "green train" uses a permanent magnet motor, which is a modern engine technology that enables increased propulsion chain efficiency. This type of motor results in lesser operating costs as well as far reduced environmental impact. In addition, the "green trains" have an assistance system in place that reduces traction energy.

Buses

New buses are being tested in areas of the US that use biofuels instead of diesel fuel. Even in New Delhi, India, they are trying to replace old pollution hog buses with more eco-friendly buses that use compressed natural gas. New Delhi hopes to have 6000 of these buses in use in the next few years in order to combat the cities ever increasing pollution problems.

Air

Airplanes are also getting a makeover, not just because it's an environmentally friendly thing to do, but because it will save costs over time. In 2007, Boeing unveiled an eco-friendly plane model called the "787 Dreamliner", which Boeing claims uses 20 percent less fuel, produces 20 percent lower emissions and also decreases maintenance costs by 30 percent from typical aircraft such as the 747.

Whether it's by airplane, bus, train or car, earth friendly transportation looks like it's here to stay.

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Trans-Supply is your source for traffic safety products, airport and runway, rail and railroad, construction supplies and transportation supplies. Visit us at: http://www.trans-supply.com/

First Drive: 2009 Mazda 6

Mazda cars are well-known already all over the world from its hometown Hiroshima, Japan up to north America and the rest of the world. Every year, Mazda Company produced more than 1 million cars from Japan and in other Mazda plants all over the world. Year after year, they introduce new model of their Cars. About the sales, its excellent. About the marketing concept of Mazda, they used the phrase "Zoom-zoom" since year 2000. This phrase means emotion to emotion. This tag-line of Mazda was spread all around the world from initial use in North America. This "Zoom-zoom" phrase brought Mazda to be well known and one of the top producer in automobile industry. Mazda aimed higher now as they are introduce the new re-model Mazda Atenza or Mazda 6. A new Mazda 6 are ready to compete with some new models of other automobile competitor like Camry of Toyota, accord by Honda, and many more models of other Car brand.

If we talk on the comparisons of old and new Mazda 6, there are lot features which really improve on the new 6. The Mazda 6 has long been an underrated car, despite having a range of admirable qualities. It has a first class driving experience because Mazda 6 have a wide range of capable engine options and the sleek. The new 2009 Mazda 6 has a special features on its accessories like curtain airbags, traction control, anti-lock brakes, stability control, and anti-pressure monitoring gadget. About the engine of old Mazda 6, is a four-cylinder, Courtesy of more displacement (2.5 liters, from 2.3 liters), The new car is bigger and more curvaceous than the current model. More about the new feature of new Mazda6, it was became bigger, smarter, and better for all car lovers. Because it has different type of models which a car buyer will enjoy in the breath taking adrenalin when you test drive this following type of 2009 Mazda6: 2009 Mazda MAZDA6 i Sports Sedan SV with an engine of 2.5L I4 170HP, range on the fuel economy of 20/29 mpg. Next is 2009 Mazda MAZDA6 i Sports Sedan Sport with 2.5L I4 170HP and 20/29 mpg. Make wave to 2009 Mazda MAZDA6 i Sports Sedan Touring having an engine of 2.5L I4 170HP fueled with 20/29 mpg. Another one is 2009 Mazda MAZDA6 s Sports Sedan Sport 3.7L V6 272HP fueled with17/25 mpg. An eye catching 2009 Mazda MAZDA6 i Sports Sedan Grand Touring 2.5L I4 170HP engines with fuel economy of 20/29 mpg. Next is an sporty adrenalin 2009 Mazda MAZDA6 s Sports Sedan Touring with engine 3.7L V6 272HP and 17/25 mpg fuel range. And a wide opening to 2009 Mazda MAZDA6 s Sports Sedan Grand Touring which having an engine of 3.7L V6 272HP, and it has a fuel range economy of 17/25 mpg.

About the cost and production of 2009 Mazda 6, the cost of this cars are range to $18,550-$28,260. And this car is available to every country which the development of the Mazda6 model is occur. The models of Mazda6 are varies in some countries. But usually, the variety of Mazda6 models are found in Japan, North America, and in Europe.

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Know more about cars by visiting Oz Free Online-place for great car deals for the best value for your money, which offers services for sell used car, used car dealer, and more.

Amazing Prototype Future Cars

Jules Verne, the famous science fiction writer of more than 100 years ago, once said, "...I believe that water will one day be employed as a fuel." He was right, and there are prototype future cars to prove it. In fact, there are ordinary cars too using water as a main constituent of the fuel being burned in the car.

In the past 10 years, over 100 prototype future cars have been launched to the public by many of the major car companies worldwide. Hardly anyone knows about them, however, and hardly anyone cares, it seems.

These cars are not being made by unknown car companies, but by names such as, Honda, DaimlerChrysler, BMW, Toyota, Ford, Nissan, and GM. All of these household car names currently have prototype future cars on show.

These cars usually have a unique power source, or a more efficient version of an existing one. Hydrogen powered cars feature a lot in prototype future cars, as do electric cars. In fact, the Kaz Limousine Eliica from Japan is very unusual among prototype future cars. It is powered by lithium-ion batteries and can zip up to a highly impressive 240 miles per hour!

Jules Verne's belief that water would be employed as a fuel is being proven correct with the popular adaption of standard internal combustion engines to run on a mixture of gasoline and HHO. The HHO, a stable gas of two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen, is produced by electrolysis using the car battery and some water.

This is not the same as prototype future cars is the strictest sense, but using water as a fuel source has long been a dream, and now the dream has come true. It is reasonable to assume that someone will take up the idea and produce prototype future cars that don't use kits, but that have all they need to burn water built into their production.

In today's atmosphere of keeping the environment pollution-free, the idea of powering a car on air is an attractive one. It may therefore interest you to learn that there are prototype future cars that can do just that! The MDI City-CAT (compressed air technology) uses air as its motive force and rightly claims to be the cleanest car around.

A cryogenic heat engine is used by the CooLN2Car. This latest offering of the prototype future cars runs on liquid nitrogen. It has been developed through research by scientists at the University of North Texas. The car is highly efficient and is causing a lot of interest.

Many of today's prototype future cars are powered by electricity. The technology has come a long way since even a few decades ago. Now electric cars have power equivalent to big engines with the capabilities of long distance travel between re-charging.

It is probably the hybrid prototype future cars that are causing the most interest, however. They tend to offer the best of all possible worlds. The hybrid motive power can be traditional gasoline, electricity, or even hydrogen. The best of the prototype future cars allows the driver to switch between power sources, depending on conditions or simply preference.

About the Author

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Flying Cars: Up, Up, And Away

It's a bird. It's a plane. It's -- a flying car? Not since the red-lettered, blue bomber buzzed over Metropolis has such a fantasy captured the imagination of so many. In spite of our fascination with the concept, making a vehicle that can be certified by the FAA as airworthy, and can be legally driven on highways, is a complicated task. So complicated in fact, that as much as the idea of a flying car has been around for over half a century, no one has yet to crack through the many blocks in the way of it's advancement. Of course this does not stop many engineers and companies from trying. There are some dedicated and highly resourceful people beginning and in some cases nearing completion on the first consumer available flying car.

How can they possibly work?
A number of companies are developing flying cars, or roadable aircraft, as aficionados call it, that have integrated pieces carried in the vehicle, or modular pieces left at the airport when the car is being driven. Others are looking at Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL).

One very controversial aspect is how the take off and landing will be accomplished. If you don't want to drive to your local airport, you'll need to utilize VTOL, a flight technique used in military aircraft like the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey and the British Hawker Harrier Jump Jet. Moller International has a 4-seater SkyCar in the development process, with a FFA airworthy certified model planned in four plus years. Before you'll see one in your driveway, there are still questions to be answered about noise levels, special surface materials for takeoff and landing, and a spate of regulatory issues. These issues are possibly preventing Moller's Sky Car from becoming reality, yet there is mild sense that the world so hung up on cost effective and green transportation just doesn't have the energy or desire to become taken by the vision of the flying car. Perhaps one of the biggest draw backs is the price tag. Moller's precursor to the Sky Car named the Volantor will be close to 100,000 dollars.

Using more traditional flight techniques, some developers are working on folded or retractable wing technology, like Milner Motors and Terrafugia, Ltd., and several manufacturers are looking at producing kit planes as well. Although this does not have the appeal of a Moeller Sky car, it might be a good transitional phase in order to begin to lay the ground work both governmentally and in the wider consumer market for the possibility and reality of flying cars. Despite all the advancement in flying car technology there remains many issues preventing the flying car from "taking off."

Infrastructure.
In addition to crowded airports and vehicle storage issues, there are also legitimate questions like whether a pilot's license is required, difficulties with shared air space, traffic control, and costs. Most important of all, a focus on innovation rather than green technology may not be acceptable to today's eco-friendly conscious consumer.

About the Author
Andrew Beckers writes about topics that are important to humanity, Learn more about Flying Cars.

Green Concept Cars You Might Be Driving in the Next Five Years

With the price of gas steadily climbing around the country, more and more drivers are looking forward to the next wave of cars that will look great, serve their needs, and save them money at the pump (or take them away from the pump). At auto shows around the country this past year, more and more auto makers were showing concept cars that were green, ones that used little to no gas. Here are a few of those cars that you may be driving in the next five years.

Mazda Nagare
Offering a sleek style and futuristic look, the Mazda Nagare features gull-wing doors that open up to reveal space inside for four passengers, with the driver sitting front and center, and three passengers sitting in the rear lounge style seat. While Mazda hasn't confirmed exactly what type of drive-train will be used on the Nagare, they have said that it could use a hydrogen-powered rotary engine. No time table or production numbers have yet been given for the Nagare, as Mazda is currently using it mostly as a design experiment.

Daihatsu UFE-III
A third generation concept from the Tokyo auto show, the UFE-III features three seats (a 1 + 2 configuration), and an aerodynamic body that is part of the root of its fuel economy. Powered by a diminutive 660cc Atkinson 3 cylinder engine and two electric motors, the UFE-III has a fuel economy of 203 miles per gallon. It's unclear if this car will ever be seen in the United States, but the design and fuel economy are exactly that US drivers are currently looking for.

GM Saab Aero X
Taking a cue from their aviation roots, Saab has created a concept car without traditional doors, instead opting for a canopy opening similar to what one would find on a fighter jet. This two seater is made from lighter materials to help with fuel economy, and uses ethanol instead of standard gasoline to fuel its 400-hp twin turbo V6 engine. No word on when or if this car will ever see production, but more than one car enthusiast is already drooling over the possibility.

Volvo 3CC
Featuring an electric powertrain that can quietly propel the car to a top speed of 85mph, the Volvo 3CC is what many drivers are starting to look forward to - a car that doesn't rely on gasoline. Initially designed with 3 seats (2 in the front, one in the back), the current design is offering a more traditional four seat layout, while maintaining the futuristic look of many concept cars, including upswing doors for easy entrance. Included in this concept car, are added safety features such as steering wheel, instrument panel, and foot pedals that all shift forward during a collision to reduce impact.

Ford Airstream
Taking a page from the classic airstream trailers, the Ford Airstream pays homage with its classic colors and body design, all the while offering a family car for the next century. Powered by an electric fuel cell that gets the equivalent of 41 miles per gallon, the Ford Airstream can travel 25 miles before the fuel cells kick in to recharge the lithium ion batteries that give power to operate the car. With a screen for entertaining and setting the mood inside the car, this is a family vehicle that looks great and is great for the environment. Ford hasn't said whether you'll be able to find this at your local dealership yet (be that a Kansas Ford dealership or someplace in California), but with the demand for family vehicles that are environmentally friendly, be on the lookout for it in the near future.

Toyota FT-HS
A sports car for the next century, the Toyota FT-HS features seating for between two and four passengers (depending on whether or not the roof is retracted), and 400-hp or engine output from its Hybrid Synergy Drive. With a dedicated drivers cockpit that has all of the instruments and readings necessary centered on the driver, this sports car features sleek lines to help reduce drag and increase fuel efficiency. Toyota hasn't said when or if the FT-HS will see production, but do keep an eye out for some of its features to start appearing in Scions.

Honda FCX
One of the closer vehicles to seeing production, the Honda FCX features a fuel cell system, but that's only the start of what makes this concept so impressive. Speed sensitive adjusting instrument panels move according to speed to be more effective, biometric systems adjust the mirrors, wheel, and pedals to your settings as you approach the vehicle, and line of sight operated switches allow you to control things like audio and air conditioning without removing your hands from the wheel. All of this, coupled with a spacious interior made from new-age light-weight materials and you have a vehicle that provides 21st century technology and green efficiency into a vehicle that suits the needs of most drivers.

Chevrolet Volt
Looking to see production in 2010, the Chevy Volt drew rave reviews at the most recent car shows due to its design and E-Flex propulsion system that utilizes a combination of plug-in electricity and gasoline to provide a car that can attain an estimated 640 miles on a single tank of gas. All of this on a car that is rumored to range in price from $20,000 to $35,000.
With most people commuting less than 40 miles, Chevy designed the Volt to travel up to 40 miles without using a single drop of gas, and then using gas only to recharge the batteries that actually move the wheels. With space for five and a futuristic design that is both appealing and aerodynamic, the Volt is well on its way to being the first of many vehicles that are environmentally friendly and stylish at the same time.

More to Come
Every year more and more manufacturers are offering concept cars that are stylish, spacious, and fuel efficient to a more and more demanding public. While this is certainly not a comprehensive list of green concept cars, there will certainly be more shown in the years to come.

About the Author
Scott Conklin is the owner of Conklin Cars, a leading provider of Kansas Ford vehicles and Missouri Used Cars with locations Newton, Kansas and Kansas City, MO. They can be found online at: http://www.conklincars.com/ .

related post: FutureCars

5 Cool Cars Around The World

Car design is always different, in different parts of the globe. Some embrace the classics and build upon that, while some just totally move on to a different, futuristic direction.

Now I'll have to stress this -- most of these cars are concept cars -- meaning, I've probably come across them at different car shows that I'm lucky enough to attend, yet I always wonder how I can take one home with me. Also, I don't know enough about cars to talk about 'em -- I'm talking design here, and a man knows what he likes.

Italy: Pagani Zonda Cinque - Pagani Zonda, a mid-engine sports car built by Pagani has come out with the designs for the 2008-2009 manufacturing dates -- the Cinque. (pronounced cheen-kway) Being built upon the special request of a Hong Kong-based Pagani dealer, only 5 (five) of these beauties will be made at the cost of £1million each, with the delivery date of June 2009.

Japan: Lexus LF-A - Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of Toyota (as any car-enthusiast will know) was first introduced in the United States. (which I just recently found out) They've come up with a line of concept cars, named the LF series, whose earlier models have never seen the light of day. Though recently, by bits and pieces, ideas found in the concept cars have made their way to reality, and hopefully, the LF-A reaches that. Bordering on the exotic, it features the new Lexus design combined with a racing-feel, this word for this car is "dynamic." Add a couple of fins and paint it in black and you've got a Batmobile!

France: Peugeot e-motion - Being the second-biggest carmaker in France, Peugeot showcased its brand of an electric-powered sports car in the form of the e-motion. The combination of concave and convex surfaces really highlight the cars ... futurism. This is enhanced by a subtle line that follows the headlights, into the doors, leading up to the rear lights.

Hungary: Audi TTRS - This is more of a collab than anything. Designed in the states and produced in Hungary, the TT is Audi's two-seat roadster line. This new concept design features a fully-cowled body, unlike any that has come before it. Unfortunately, I might add, I wonder how this will fare in roads that feature humps? Do they not have humps where they're made?

USA: Custom Cadillacs - In the US, generations have grown to know that the Cadillac is synonymous with "high quality." Originally the luxury-car division of General Motors, Cadillacs are a statement that says, "things just get better with age." With thousands of Americans still enamoured with the classical style and shape; forget sleekness: we own the best monster cars ever. In California, car customization is a big business, with new life being brought upon the oldest of vehicles. Customized Cadillacs are a staple for this, and the generations that have gone before. With kids proudly driving around in them, lowered suspension, hydraulics and all.

About the Author
Neil Simon enjoys traveling a lot either all by himself or with his wife and his (now) grown-up kids. You can read more of Neil Simon's travel tips at Travel Nooks.

2009 Camaro - A Ghost - Or a Real Contender

There are a number of things that I like about the 2009 camaro, But will it pick up where the first generation camaro left off, or will it build a legacy all it's own, I think it's going to be somewhere in between, I don't see it raising eyebrows like the first generation camaro did.
It has it's good points, and it's bad points, I'm going to start with the good points about it, first of all Chevrolet has done a great job in the engine area of the car, using the best of new technology to build horsepower, and keeping it low in the emissions area, the 2009 camaro is a contender in this area.

The LS6 engine putting out a respectable 400 HP is a good place to start with the camaro, and the idea of optioning a six speed standard transmission doesn't hurt either, for a real muscle car freak like me a standard transmission is a must, if for nothing else, the added fun factor of driving the car.

The rear end of the car is reminiscent of the 1969 camaro, a good place to get ideas for the new camaro, but they could have used a few more ideas for the 1969 model, the 2009 camaro has a true muscle car look, with it's low slung stance, and body lines that seem to make the car look wider then it is.

The front end of the 2009 camaro could use a bit of work, it look to much like a foreign car, and not enough like an American muscle car, all you need to do is look at the new Dodge challenger to see what a true melting of modern, and classic should be, they have done it better then anybody.
The front of the camaro needs to be taller in the grille area of the car, and it should look more muscular, and less sports car in the front, it should retain the idea of a 1969 camaro in the front also, and it can be done, just think a little more like a camaro person, and less like a modern art person.

The interior of the 2009 camaro could not be more perfect, they have combined just enough of the modern, with just the right amount of the first generation camaro look, the center console and dash gauges of the car are nothing short of awesome, the work on the interior is beautiful as it can be.

The interior is very sexy, a long with being totally functional, it has the feel of an air craft cockpit a long look and idea of a muscle car of the 1960's, as I have said above, it could not be more perfect of a design then it is.

It could go either way, we'll see what the progression of the camaro brings over the years, with just a few small changes it could be a top contender for one of the best new muscle cars on the market, all Chevrolet need to do is pay a bit more attention to the people buying the car, and they will have the full idea.

It has just enough of the old to get my vote to be a real contender for the gold, it could use a few more engine options, the rear quarter panels are perfect also, but a little work on the tail lights wouldn't hurt the 2009 camaro, make them a little less import looking, and a little more muscle car.

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I've been in the automotive business for about 20 or 25 years, I have worked in all facets of the industry, from parts to restoration, all different makes and models, I just want to keep people interested in the old cars because it's where my heart is.

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2009 Camaro - An Automotive Revolution

As far as I can see the new 2009 Camaro concept car is being very well received in the automotive community, at the first a lot of people hemmed and hawed about one thing or another, just the same as I did, But after spending some time doing a little research on it, I discovered that the 2009 Camaro is a very well put together car for a concept car.

A the first I thought that it could use a few upgrades, but after thinking about it, there were a lot of Camaro fans putting in their two cents when Chevrolet took the Camaro out of production, in 2002, and I thought that Chevrolet had made a horrible mistake at the time.

The result of a lot of people telling Chevrolet what they thought the new Camaro should be, has made it a real work of art, and I for one will give Chevrolet their kudos, they have put a lot of effort in to making the Camaro a car that most people could like, and if they didn't at the first, then they'd get used to it.

At SEMA the CEO of Chevrolet drove out in the new Camaro concept car, and their wasn't a dry eye in the house, but the return of an icon will bring out the joy and happiness to a lot of people, when the big man spoke about the car he said: a few things would be changed at the time of release, but nothing major, he'd mentioned that, right now it has 22" wheels on the rear end, and that will be changed to 20" when the car is released.

The front wheels are destined for a change also, for from 21" to 20", nothing that will be to noticeable, but it will help them save some money on the production of the car, he also said that there were going to be some changes in the interior also, they would change the center console from stainless steel to plastic, in an effort to save money on the production.

All this is supposed to keep the base price on the car down to the $20,000 range, and that says a lot for their efforts to sell their new cars, in this range almost anybody can afford to own one of them.

The Camaro concept with it's low slung stance, it has the look of a sports car, while still retaining it's identity as a muscle car, Chevrolet has done brilliant work on this car, and will get one big "YAY" form this muscle car maniac.

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I've been in the automotive business for about 20 or 25 years, I have worked in all facets of the industry, from parts to restoration, all different makes and models, I just want to keep people interested in the old cars because it's where my heart is.
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Green Concept Cars You Might Be Driving in the Next Five Years

With the price of gas steadily climbing around the country, more and more drivers are looking forward to the next wave of cars that will look great, serve their needs, and save them money at the pump (or take them away from the pump). At auto shows around the country this past year, more and more auto makers were showing concept cars that were green, ones that used little to no gas. Here are a few of those cars that you may be driving in the next five years.

Mazda Nagare
Offering a sleek style and futuristic look, the Mazda Nagare features gull-wing doors that open up to reveal space inside for four passengers, with the driver sitting front and center, and three passengers sitting in the rear lounge style seat. While Mazda hasn't confirmed exactly what type of drive-train will be used on the Nagare, they have said that it could use a hydrogen-powered rotary engine. No time table or production numbers have yet been given for the Nagare, as Mazda is currently using it mostly as a design experiment.

Daihatsu UFE-III
A third generation concept from the Tokyo auto show, the UFE-III features three seats (a 1 + 2 configuration), and an aerodynamic body that is part of the root of its fuel economy. Powered by a diminutive 660cc Atkinson 3 cylinder engine and two electric motors, the UFE-III has a fuel economy of 203 miles per gallon. It's unclear if this car will ever be seen in the United States, but the design and fuel economy are exactly that US drivers are currently looking for.

GM Saab Aero X
Taking a cue from their aviation roots, Saab has created a concept car without traditional doors, instead opting for a canopy opening similar to what one would find on a fighter jet. This two seater is made from lighter materials to help with fuel economy, and uses ethanol instead of standard gasoline to fuel its 400-hp twin turbo V6 engine. No word on when or if this car will ever see production, but more than one car enthusiast is already drooling over the possibility.

Volvo 3CC
Featuring an electric powertrain that can quietly propel the car to a top speed of 85mph, the Volvo 3CC is what many drivers are starting to look forward to - a car that doesn't rely on gasoline. Initially designed with 3 seats (2 in the front, one in the back), the current design is offering a more traditional four seat layout, while maintaining the futuristic look of many concept cars, including upswing doors for easy entrance. Included in this concept car, are added safety features such as steering wheel, instrument panel, and foot pedals that all shift forward during a collision to reduce impact.

Ford Airstream
Taking a page from the classic airstream trailers, the Ford Airstream pays homage with its classic colors and body design, all the while offering a family car for the next century. Powered by an electric fuel cell that gets the equivalent of 41 miles per gallon, the Ford Airstream can travel 25 miles before the fuel cells kick in to recharge the lithium ion batteries that give power to operate the car. With a screen for entertaining and setting the mood inside the car, this is a family vehicle that looks great and is great for the environment. Ford hasn't said whether you'll be able to find this at your local dealership yet (be that a Kansas Ford dealership or someplace in California), but with the demand for family vehicles that are environmentally friendly, be on the lookout for it in the near future.

Toyota FT-HS
A sports car for the next century, the Toyota FT-HS features seating for between two and four passengers (depending on whether or not the roof is retracted), and 400-hp or engine output from its Hybrid Synergy Drive. With a dedicated drivers cockpit that has all of the instruments and readings necessary centered on the driver, this sports car features sleek lines to help reduce drag and increase fuel efficiency. Toyota hasn't said when or if the FT-HS will see production, but do keep an eye out for some of its features to start appearing in Scions.

Honda FCX
One of the closer vehicles to seeing production, the Honda FCX features a fuel cell system, but that's only the start of what makes this concept so impressive. Speed sensitive adjusting instrument panels move according to speed to be more effective, biometric systems adjust the mirrors, wheel, and pedals to your settings as you approach the vehicle, and line of sight operated switches allow you to control things like audio and air conditioning without removing your hands from the wheel. All of this, coupled with a spacious interior made from new-age light-weight materials and you have a vehicle that provides 21st century technology and green efficiency into a vehicle that suits the needs of most drivers.

Chevrolet Volt
Looking to see production in 2010, the Chevy Volt drew rave reviews at the most recent car shows due to its design and E-Flex propulsion system that utilizes a combination of plug-in electricity and gasoline to provide a car that can attain an estimated 640 miles on a single tank of gas. All of this on a car that is rumored to range in price from $20,000 to $35,000.

With most people commuting less than 40 miles, Chevy designed the Volt to travel up to 40 miles without using a single drop of gas, and then using gas only to recharge the batteries that actually move the wheels. With space for five and a futuristic design that is both appealing and aerodynamic, the Volt is well on its way to being the first of many vehicles that are environmentally friendly and stylish at the same time.

More to Come
Every year more and more manufacturers are offering concept cars that are stylish, spacious, and fuel efficient to a more and more demanding public. While this is certainly not a comprehensive list of green concept cars, there will certainly be more shown in the years to come.

About the Author
Scott Conklin is the owner of Conklin Cars, a leading provider of Kansas Ford vehicles and Missouri Used Cars with locations Newton, Kansas and Kansas City, MO. They can be found online at: http://www.conklincars.com .

Dodge Avenger Finds its Way Back

When we talk about Dodge Avenger, it identifies three cars. First is The Dodge Avenger which is a 2-door coupe produced from 1995 to 2000 and was discontinued for production after the 2000 model. Second is the Dodge Avenger Concept which was unveiled during the 2003 North American International Auto Show. Third is the newly released 2008 Dodge Avenger which is an athletically designed 4 door sedan that became the successor to the Dodge Stratus.

"The 2008 Avenger is a 4-door, 5 passenger family sedan, available in 4 trims, ranging from the SE to the R/T AWD. The SE is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 173-horsepower engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 30-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The R/T AWD is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 235-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 24-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard."

The Avenger looks quite good in real view than in photos. It is stronger and more muscular as it is also clean from top to bottom. The overall exterior car parts are the nose, with its cross-hair grille, large headlamps and vertical lines stamped into the hood, makes the Avanger look very sporty and muscular. It has a distinctive design that's far more unique than other boring styled sedans of the same class.

In its interior it offers a Chill Zone which is a storage box that keeps items stay cool by an extra air conditioning vents. It can cool as many as 12 cans of beverages. "Standard features on the SE include air conditioning, power door locks and windows, power trunk lid release, cloth low-back bucket seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an MP3-capable CD player with four speakers, keyless entry, cruise control, a height-adjustable driver's seat, illuminated entry and a split-folding rear seat." The Avenger has the potential to be "one of the most entertaining cars in the category. It has a MyGIG(TM) Multimedia Infotainment, an audio, navigation and entertainment system that allows the user to download music and photos to a 20-gigabyte hard drive.

According to usnews.rankingsandreviews.com, "In government crash tests, the 2008 Avenger earned five out of a possible five stars in driver and front passenger protection in frontal impact crashes."

Its safety features include four-wheel ABS, stability control, six airbags, tire pressure monitoring and a security system.

About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.

The Jaguar XKE: A Classic Car or a Piece of Art?

Considered to be one of the most beautiful classic cars in the world, the Jaguar XKE has the best of a multitude of worlds. Its performance matches that of a sports car. It has a great aerodynamic design that could perhaps match that of F1s. It has an elegant and professional luster and look. Its sleek and curvy body makes it look like a piece of art. And of course, it is a true collectable classic car.

The Jaguar XKE is also known as the E-Type. It was released in 1961 in a two-seater coupe form. The concept behind it was simple: create a sports car with a great engine and aerodynamic design, and make it look sweet at the same time.

The XKE became the trendsetter for sports cars, and has a look that was way ahead of its era. In fact, the XKE was so elegantly designed that even rival Enzo Ferrari made the comment that it is "the most beautiful car ever made."

From the D to the E
Back in the 1950s, the Jaguar D-Type was the king of all race cars. It was winning LeMans races almost every year, and with its sexy aerodynamic make, was drooled over by car enthusiasts and ordinary people alike. Sensing the market needed a D-Type that was tamed for the road yet retained that luxurious look and superb performance, Jaguar made the XK-SS.

The XK-SS was not received with a popular cheer, yet it wasn't designed to be widely received. Some has speculated that the XK-SS was a mere ploy, a diversionary tactic Jaguar has used for the real deal. The D-Type was ready to retire from the race tracks, since faster cars were springing up like mushrooms. Still, Jaguar was not ready to give this beauty up into the museum stands--the D-Type was still popular.

And so, by tuning down the D-Type's for-the-race-track design into a sleeker and friendlier look, the E-Type was born.

But of course, it wasn't as simple as that. The XKE went into two test stages: the E1A--which was a top secret, 286hp car reminiscent of the first generation XKEs; and the E2A--a basic remodeling of the D-Type, which was in fact used in a LeMans race.

A Classy Road Monster
The XKE is both the beauty and the beast. The third series is equipped with Jaguar's trademark V12 engine. The V12 is a 5.3L, 12-cylinder engine--which means that it could make its competitors eat dust.

And to top it all off, the XKE has new suspensions that Jaguar was experimenting with earlier on. The E-Type has independent rear suspensions, employing U-jointed halfshafts to take power from the chassis onto the wheels AND as upper control links.

The Jaguar XKE is no doubt an outstanding classic car. With design that encompasses functionality and aesthetics, this classic car is really worthy of being considered as the cream of the crop. And did we forget to tell you that it was the number one car in the top 100 most beautiful cars in the world?

About the Author
Visit http://www.classicvehicleauction.com and find the best deals on Jaguar XKEs. Classic Vehicle Auction houses more than a hundred listings of classic cars for sale, you'll surely find what you're looking for. Peter Grizzly is an age-old classic car enthusiast, and lives by being a classic car trader.

BMW Brings Two New Vehicles At NYIAS

The New York International Auto Show is already ongoing and since the minute that the doors opened to the public, the venue has been filled with auto journalists, experts, car fans, and just anybody who was interested in looking at what the auto world has to offer this time. Auto makers had also made sure that everything which they would be setting on display would be in top form so much so that they could earn the trust and the attention of consumers who are in the market looking for a vehicle to purchase.

BMW is one of the car makers who have constantly been joining the New York International Auto Show. This brand has been bringing with it some of its topnotch vehicles and has been setting on display the best and the coolest that they have ever created. Two of the vehicles that BMW has brought with it to the NYIAS are the 2008 M3 convertible and the Concept CS unit. Both vehicles are described to be elegant by the auto maker. BMW also said that the two vehicles also come with the best type of driving performance one would ever experience in a vehicle.

Tom Purves is the chairperson and the CEO for the North American arm of BMW and on the BMW M3 he mentioned, It's a balance between something that's really, really sporty, but also something you can take your kids to school in. While on all BMW products that the company has created, he described, I hope you'll agree that you can expect a lot from BMW, except a boring product. Now that is something that most people can agree with for even BMW wheels do have their own distinct character.

The BMW M3 convertible would be available in the United States auto market sometime this spring and it would be entering the market with a coupe version and a sedan version beside it. For the convertible, one can expect to see a V8 engine that can produce 414 horsepower. This engine is mated to a seven speed double clutch transmission system. As a whole, a unit of the BMW M3 convertible can be bought for $65,725.

As per the BMW Concept CS, this vehicle comes with four doors and is described to be one vehicle that comes with utmost luxury. Experts who have witnessed the concept vehicle have mentioned that this vehicle has the power and the performance that the Gran Turismo has.

About the Author
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.

The Facts About Concept Cars

Concept cars, or cars designed according to a certain theme or older model, are by and large prototypes introduced at car and motor shows to estimate consumer response and appeal.
Combining the best of modern technology with the sleek lines of tried and time-tested cars from the past, concept cars are often tentative feelers put out by automobile companies to test the waters before ‘diving’ into serious production.

The automobile industry being a multi billion dollar industry, car manufactures alike see the benefit of these widely attended car shows. The manufactures have an opportunity to gleam a great deal of valuable information from these shows at a relatively low cost.

Concept cars were first introduced by designer Harley Earl of General Motors in the 1950s. It was for the concept of a car that offered buyers state-of-the-art motor car engineering in a new design which was really a version of a senior theme. This gained almost instant popularity with the universal public.

Recognizing a winning horse when they saw one, General Motors further publicized the concept and their car, through its traveling Motorama shows of that period. Beautiful to behold, concept cars show off radical, futuristic designs, powerful engines and sometimes even controversial technology.

However, alluring as these concept cars may appear under the spotlight, many of them often obtain changes before being put on the production line by their manufacturers, and all of them are subjected to alterations that make them more suitable, and affordable, to their target markets.

An from the eyes of the public these changes to the car are often very drastic changes. This of course, is after the study of the data from these shows. Which again as become a valuable asset to the car manufacturers. These car shows alone save the manufacturer several million dollars. Just knowing that a car is not deemed acceptable or needs a few modifications before going to production.

The majority of concept cars seen at auto exhibitions such as the Geneva Motor Show are the dream rides of automobile fans and racing enthusiasts, but are more often than not only show models made of wax, clay, metal, fibreglass and plastic. In fact many concept cars never even reach this phase due to impractical design glitches and price factors.

An interesting example of an old, functional concept car being brought back into service would be the 1954 Ford Lincoln Futura, which after having been stored in the North Hollywood car shop of George Barris came out of storage to stand up to stardom as the Batmobile of the 1966 Batman series on the ABC TV Network.

On the same note, current examples for concept cars would be the Mercedes-Benz bionic car (this is said to mix the best of nature, engineering and the ever popular DaimlerCrysler engine), the 2006 BMW Mille Miglia concept coupe (based on the earlier BMW 328 Traveling coupe and the BMW Z4 M coupe), the Camaro Concept sports coupe (which follows the lines of the first Camaros) and the Chrysler Imperial Concept 2006 (a direct descendent of classic Imperial and Chrysler designs).

Sadly, the bulk of concept cars are destroyed once their use has been served. However, some do escape the crusher and continue to live their lives in storage or on exhibit in automobile museums.

The information that is gathered by manufacturers from these car shows is proven to be a method of great value.

Bowe Packer provides free online information to the public. He has written many articles on Cool Cars - such as concept cars, exotic cars and tricked out cars. Visit his Cool Cars site and learn about exotic and hot cars for free.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bowe_Packer

Newest Nissan GT Racing Car

Nissan GT-R GT500 Race car to debut at Tokyo Auto Salon 2008 AutoCorse.it - Italy Tiida S-Tune PROTO: this concept car delivers enhanced speed, ride and handling for an exhilarating drive. Details will be announced later this month. ...

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