Automotive
October 29, 2004 Mitsubishi showed a radical concept truck at the recent Tokyo Motor Show, exhibited as a concept known simply as FUSO, which is a bit confusing given that the company's entire truck brand, which began all the way back in 1932, is also named FUSO. The Fuso was one of a number of exhibits designed to promote and focus upon the future of the company and is described by Mitsubishi as "a concept truck that proposes an entirely new style of commercial transport." Given the company's well publicised quality problems, we suspect the focus has been moved to future new products, replenishment of the entire range as quickly as possible, and things have shifted quickly in recent months, even in the land of the shortest concept-to-showroom times in the industry. Read More
October 29, 2004 BMW has released details of its all-new BMW 3 Series. To be shown for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show next March, the E90 3 Series is will go on sale in mid-2005. The E90 3 Series adds an armoury of impressive, innovative improvements for engine, chassis, safety technology as well as driving comfort. Three new engines. The new BMW 3 Series comes with three engine options: two all-new six-cylinder engines and an optimised iteration of the famous 2.0-litre four-cylinder slots into the 320i entry model Read More
October 29, 2004 General Motors has adapted a HUMMER H2 SUT to run on hydrogen, and will share it with the office of the Governor of California (aka Arnold Schwarzenegger). The HUMMER H2H will assist efforts to learn more about hydrogen storage and refueling infrastructure development. "The H2H is a bold experiment that along with the Hydrogen Highway Network will help California demonstrate the economic and technical viability of hydrogen," said California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. "Californians invent the future and the H2H shows that a vehicle of today can run on the fuel of tomorrow." Read More
October 29, 2004 Since 1988 The Race of Champions has invited the best in all the world motorsport series to compete in a unique event where the competitors all drive a range of identical cars in different conditions. The event has been dominated by rally drivers, with their all-round abilities on different surfaces and ability to quickly adapt to new cars - this year though, the event has attracted reigning Formula One Champion Michael Schumacher. Read More
October 29, 2004 The Ohio State University's electric vehicle, the Buckeye Bullet, has broken the electric vehicle land speed record, raising the bar to more than 300 miles per hour on the Bonneville Salt flat last week. Over several days the car set an official world record of 271.7mph, an official US record of 314.95mph (different rules), and became the fastest electric vehicle ever at 321.8mph. Read More
October 29, 2004 A range of miniature classic sports cars has hit the market that combines elegance and detail with environmentally friendly emissions. Zoospeed has released a line of hand-made, exclusive reproductions of classic English sports cars and BMW has unveiled the pedal-powered MINI Cabrio ahead of the full-size versions due on sale very early in 2005. Both are aimed at serious collectors to cherish replicas of the larger counterparts as well as enjoy the working models as classic toys. Zoospeed make exclusive, miniaturized classic sports cars hand-made with unsurpassed quality in Europe by the finest craftsmen and engineers. The company's limited-edition replicas of Porsches and Jaguars are faithful reproductions of their larger counterparts and are built with precision and a meticulous attention to detail. Read More
October 29, 2004 Mobile homes have come a long way since the days of the humble caravan. With the SkyDeck motorhome from Airstream you really can take it all with you - and sleep under the stars with the SkyDeck's unique, full-sized roof patio. Much like the slide-out revolutionized the motorhome industry throughout the 1990s by providing customers with more available living area, the SkyDeck almost doubles the square footage of a motor coach with it's rooftop patio. Accessed via an inside hardwood staircase and safely enclosed within a perimeter railing, the SkyDeck lets you enjoy entertaining and other outdoor activities with an unobstructed, panoramic view. Surprisingly, the SkyDeck patio adds just 10 inches of height to a standard coach, allowing the Airstream motorhome to retain a low profile. Read More
October 23, 2004 Italian automobile manufacturer Pininfarina has been investing in car research and development programs for over thirty years, tackling environmental issues, alternative energy sources, fuel consumption and more efficient vehicle construction. Now Pininfarina have gone back to the drawing board to rethink the car design process and revolutionise safety in small automobiles. The result has been the innovative Nido, (Italian for 'nest') which provides an ergonomic protective inner sled shell and creature comforts in a striking two seater prototype. Read More
October 16, 2004 Toyota has announced a striking and futuristic set of vehicles for specialty niches which it will display at the upcoming 38th Tokyo Motor show in Japan. Under the theme "Ecology & Emotion", Toyota will display over a dozen concept vehicles that offer superior environmental performance and respond to social needs. The pick of the crop involve three purpose-built solutions for outdoor Djs, go-kart racers and a design that facilitates mobility for the elderly and disabled without the need for a carer. Read More
October 14, 2004 On September 19 this year, Minnesota (USA) motorcyclist Samuel Armstrong Tilley set what is believed to be a world record for speeding on public roads. No doubt people have gone faster on public roads, but Tilley had the misfortune to do so without noticing the police plane above him, and was officially clocked at 205.11mph by a handheld stopwatch. The ticket has made news around the world, with many people proclaiming the speeding ticket must have been a mistake as motorcycles simply don't go that fast. Read More
