about the latest new cars & car news
Winter in USA: ‘Winter needs a hero’ by Nissan
The 2014 Nissan Rogue comes standard with a four-cylinder engine that some reviewers say offers adequate power and decent acceleration. However, others write that the 2014 Rogue could use a bit more power. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard, and receives criticism from reviewers, who say that while it performs better at faster speeds, it can be excessively noisy, and it transmits vibrations into the cabin. While critics aren’t fond of the CVT, many note that it helps the Rouge earn excellent fuel economy for the class.
Nissan says it expects the Rogue to get up to 26/33 mpg city/highway. When it comes to the Rogue’s handling, some reviewers say that you can get better driving dynamics with a competitor like the Ford Escape. However, they say the Rogue offers a more comfortable ride than rivals like the Chevrolet Equinox and Toyota RAV4. Test drivers like the Rouge’s strong brakes and say its steering is well-weighted, but numb.
The 2014 Nissan Rogue is the one of the few compact SUVs that seats up to seven when equipped with an available third-row seat.
The Nissan Rogue’s front seats get high marks from reviewers who say its zero-gravity technology reduces fatigue and maintains comfort. Still, critics say the optional third row is too small for most adults and children, and some write that buyers in need of a third row should consider a midsize SUV like the Nissan Pathfinder. (view more)
Watch the 2014 Nissan Rogue take on winter, including some menacing snowmen. Winter needs a hero. Learn more about the new Nissan Rogue at Nissan.ca
Lego Car Project – A full sized Lego car, with an engine made from Lego that runs on air
Super Awesome Micro Project is: A car made of Lego, that drives, has an engine made from Lego which runs on air. (wheels and some load bearing elements are non-Lego)
Super Awesome Micro Project Factoids
• More than 500,000 LEGO pieces were used.
• The car engine is made from standard Lego pieces and runs on air!
• The engine has four orbital engines and a total of 256 pistons.
• Top speed is not very fast, around 20-30km (We were scared of a lego explosion so we drove it slowly)
• It was built in Romania and shipped to a secret location in suburban Melbourne.
• It’s a Hot Rod design, mainly because hot rods are cool.
It is the brainchild of Melbourne entrepreneur and marketing guy Steve Sammartino and Raul Oaida, a self-taught teenage technology genius from Romania who Steve met on the internet. I’m proud to be Romanian.
Subaru Reveals All-New 2013 “WRX”
Subaru automobiles, announced that the all-new Subaru WRX (US specifications) has made its world premiere at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show being held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
The product concept for the all-new WRX is “Pure Power in Your Control”. Reigning in the intense power and superior environmental friendliness of the 2.0-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct injection turbo “DIT” engine with a body and chassis thoroughly stiffened, the new WRX has drivers rejoicing at the free reign they have over this high-powered machine. Also,along with the standard six-speed manual transmission, Sport Lineartronic has newly been adopted to the transmission. In addition to smooth shifting mode, the Sport Lineartronic comes with an eight-speed manual shift mode with sharp shifting response, allowing more drivers to enjoy a spirited drive.
Equipped with a Symmetrical AWD (All-Wheel drive) system built around Subaru’s Boxer engine, the WRX is the symbol of Subaru AWD sport performance. Ever since the first model hit the streets back in 1992, the WRX has gained worldwide support from sports car enthusiasts as a distinctive sports sedan combining impressive sport performance with the practicality of a four-door sedan.
Working to stiffen both body and suspension while optimizing suspension geometry has both quickened vehicle response to driver steering input and raised the limit performance for cornering. In addition, Multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) and Active Torque Vectoring have been added for even more predictable, more enjoyable driving.
The WRX is equipped with a new high performance 2.0-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct injection turbo “DIT” engine for high power with environmental friendliness. The DIT engine has vastly improved performance over the existing 2.5-liter model. It produces a maximum 268 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 258 lb.-ft. of torque from 2,000 to 5,200 rpm while maintaining high environmental performance.
The new WRX employs more high tensile steel plating with strengthened joints with various structures. While helping to reduce weight, these changes also make for a stronger body with world-class safety performance in collisions from the front, rear or sides.
In addition to assertively using collision-absorbing structure for the hood and bulkhead,collision-absorbing material has been added in the engine compartment side for increased pedestrian protection.
Source Subaru, please read more.
BMW i3: Start of production
The production of the BMW i3 started in Leipzig, Germany recently.
Have a closer look at the new way of production. The video describe the technology used in i3 development.
