L.A. Auto Show: BMW to Show Alternative Fuel Cars

While many of you will be leaving the comforts of your leather home theater seating to visit the show I thought I would post some highlights from a recent interview of Ian Robertson, New Chairman and CEO of Rolls-Royce Motorcars and member of the BMW AG board of management in charge of sales and marketing. In which he discusses a bit about what is in store for the LA Auto Show in regards to BMW.

AIADA: Last year BMW introduced its hydrogen vehicle. What are other fuel options are being explored?

IR: If you look at all the fuel alternatives that are available, there are many under development that have not actually seen the light of day yet. I hear people say ‘Is it going to be a hybrid, is it going to be an all electric car, is it going to be one that runs on some other fuel?’ The answer is, this industry has been around for over 100 years and we are extremely good at developing technologies due to circumstances. Over the next two years we will see lots of technologies starting to appear.

AIADA: How is BMW proceeding with the various options?

IR: As a technological leader, BMW has a number of ideas but we are not putting all our focus on one technology. We have multiple ideas that are coming through. Some of them will be more successful than others, I am sure.

AIADA: When will this new technology be shown? At the Paris Auto Show?

IR: You will have to wait to see what we show in Paris, but one thing is for certain: you will see in LA some alternative fuel vehicles that will come to market.

AIADA: Thanks Ian, see you in LA. Full interview

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Review

Now here's a car that we can all enjoy. The 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. The makers of this one have gone for a look, sound, and feel of excitement. According to the review on AC the makers are sating that everyone who sees, rides, and drives the Chevy ZR1 will feel "shock and awe". Not sure using a term like that during wartime is the best way to market it, but I digress :P.

The reviewers sure felt the experience as one they won't forget. They will dote on this car like you haven't seen in recent reviews and i can't blame them. With a car like this you should be contacting moving companies and heading to a "cooler" neighborhood to show off to the "cool" kids.

Just read about the engine:

the new ZR1 is powered by a breakthrough engine. The noise generator living beneath the picture-frame hood pumps out a hearty 638 hp and 604 lb-ft of torque thanks, in part, to the Eaton supercharger that spins up to 15,000 rpm, singing just the right amount of blower whine as it works. This 6.2-liter small-block pulls like a Peterbilt at low rpm, provides sufficient oomph to visit the dark side of the 200-mph barrier (205 mph, actually), and is smart enough to give the blower a break while cruising to save fuel. Throttling back to 60 mph in sixth gear, we registered 30 mpg on the dash's instantaneous-mileage display. Loafing along in conservation mode, the new mighty mouse makes no more ruckus than the standard Corvette's 430-hp V-8.

Auto Suppliers Urge Congress to Support Move to Greater Fuel Efficiency

The biggest manufacturing sector in the United States, motor vehicle parts supliers, is urging Congress to pass legislation that would assist the industry's transition to more fuel efficient technologies. The stress giving the population acne over gas prices is starting to finally get suppliers to urge for more help. They know the profirts are there. Just do it already.

The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), a trade association representing motor vehicle parts suppliers, is asking congress to provide funding that would help automakers and parts suppliers retool their facilities, purchase new equipment, and expand or build new facilities to meet the demand for more fuel efficient vehicles. They are also seeking for funding for advanced battery technology to help speed the development of plug-in hybrids and pure plug-in vehicles.

"The entire industry is transitioning to more efficient vehicles and more fuel-saving technologies," said MEMA President and CEO Bob McKenna. "We hope that when Congress returns next month, they will encourage this transition by providing the necessary funding to assist the hundreds of companies, big and small, that are working to get this job done."

2008 British Motor Show: Lotus Evora

Lotus has always produced high performance, and highly pleasing to the eye vehicles. Built to race, they are some of the coolest cars around The first all-new Lotus since Elise made its debut in 1995, the Evora enters the sports car market as currently the world's only mid-engined 2+2.

At the British Motor Show this year they have revealed the Lotus Evora for the first time. A vehicle that would be fit for a race track, and subsequently employment screening to the driver so he doesn't kill himself behind the wheel.

Quite a video about the Lotus Evora has been released. It is over 20 minutes long so this isn't a quick look, but in fact very in depth. Take a look: