Archive for May, 2007
Electronic Wedge Brakes Outperform Hydraulics
24 May 2007Electronic wedge brakes being developed by Siemens VDO were tested against similar cars equipped with hydraulic brakes and the electronic brakes consistently stopped in a shorter distance. We covered electronic wedge brakes in November of last year and discussed their development as part of the Siemens eCorner concept which combines the drivetrain, steering, shock absorbers [...]
When Is Old Car Restoration Really Reproduction?
24 May 2007After our story about the 1967 Mustang Fastback body shells that are available now, there was a little controversy in the comments about how those shells could be used to fake an original Mustang. I added my own comment to the discussion:
These body shells simply respond to the demand for clean cars that are almost [...]
smart USA Launches Cross-Country Road Show
10 May 2007Although the rest of the world has been driving the smart car for years, the US has not been an official market, even though a small number are on the roads here. Starting in 2008, all of that changes as the Mercedes manufactured smart will go on sale in the States and to introduce the [...]
ZF Develops New 8 Speed Automatic Transmission
2 May 2007How many speeds does an automatic transmission need? According to ZF, the answer is 8. Their aim was to minimize fuel consumption while maximizing performance and according to ZF, this new 8 speed delivers a 6 percent fuel saving over their 6 speed and 14 percent over a 5 speed. It requires no more installation [...]
Chrysler Planning Hemi Hybrids
1 May 2007Chrysler is about to make its first foray into hybrid vehicles with the introduction next year of the 2008 Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen SUVs. Unlike some hybrid vehicles, however, these will not have a little 4 cylinder engine or even a V6, instead, these will be equipped with the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8.
Overall fuel efficiency [...]