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Next Year Budweiser Shootout

Anheuser-Busch official Tony Ponturo made the announcement of the contract extension and the format changes Tuesday. He was joined by Daytona International Speedway president Robin Braig and NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter.

AP - The 31st annual season-opening event at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 7 will have a field of 24 cars representing the top six teams from Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford and Toyota. It will be based on the final 2008 car owner points.

“This could not be better timing,” Hunter said. “It’s no secret that the manufacturers need all the exposure they can get right now. This is a good strategic move in that direction.”

But two-time Cup champion Tony Stewart and reigning Daytona 500 champion Ryan Newman won’t be in the Shootout lineup in February because of a change of teams.

Stewart is switching from Toyota to Chevrolet, while Newman is moving from Dodge to Chevrolet. That means neither will be there since their cars will not be among the top six in car owner points.

The Shootout, a non-points event, was originally known as the Busch Clash and first held in 1979. Over the years, it has been a showcase for the previous year’s pole winners and previous winners.

Under the new format announced Tuesday, the race distance will be increased from 70 laps to 75 (187 miles) on the 2.5-mile Daytona trioval. The race will consist of segments of 25 and 50 laps, with both green- and yellow-flag laps counting toward the total.

There will be a 10-minute intermission between segments. Teams can pit or go to the garage and may elect to change tires, add fuel and make normal chassis adjustments. Changing of springs, shock absorbers or rear-ends will not be permitted.

Starting positions will be determined by a blind draw, held Feb. 5 at the speedway.

2009 Mazda Roadshow

Autonews24h - Compared to the original MAZDA6, the new edition rides on a 4.5-inch longer wheelbase (109.8-in) with wider front and rear track. Overall length is greater by 6.1 inches and width rises by 2.3 inches. Trunk volume has been increased by nearly 10 percent. This larger package not only facilitates increases in every significant interior measurement, it moves the MAZDA6 from the bottom to the top of the mid-size class as defined by SAE and EPA volume measures.

The new powertrains rise to the task of moving the new MAZDA6 with authority. The MAZDA6 i’s new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine has 170-horsepower while the new MAZDA6 s’s 3.7-liter V6 produces a rousing 272 horsepower. Along with output gains ranging from nine to 28 percent, fuel economy also rises.

Highlights of the 2009 MAZDA6:

* Exterior and interior design that is bold and exquisite
* New 6-speed manual gear box is standard in the MAZDA6 i
* Touring and Grand Touring models feature advanced keyless entry that automatically unlocks the doors upon approach and enables push-button starting
* Available Blind Spot Monitoring System, rain sensing wipers and Bluetooth® audio & phone

CX-9

Mazda’s CX-9 is one of the most award-winning vehicles in the automotive industry. The three-row, seven-passenger crossover SUV is the reigning North American Truck of the Year and the Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year.

In addition to a long list of awards, CX-9 has also received the top rating of 5-stars in frontal and side impact crashes from the US government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) vehicle safety tests and a top rating of Good from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for front and side crash protection.

CX-9 deftly blends sporty driving spirit with seven-passenger sport-utility vehicle (SUV) practicality. CX-9 is powered by a 273-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine and features standard Roll Stability Control and an available advanced Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system, which helps see and prevent the unexpected. Also new to the CX-9 is the Mazda accessory Dockable DVD Rear Seat Entertainment System (DES) for Moonroof equipped vehicles, which provides endless enjoyment, truly enhancing the driving experience of the passengers and driver alike.

Highlights of the 2009 CX-9 include:

* Standard six-speed Sport A/T automatic transmission, which provides optimum acceleration and passing performance coupled with excellent highway fuel efficiency
* Available front-wheel drive or Mazda’s Active Torque Split all-wheel drive system
* Stiff unibody chassis provides a sound foundation for a poised ride and agile handling
* Sophisticated appearance with rising belt line, bold wheel and tire emphasis and steeply angled windshield and backlight
* Elegantly configured interior constructed with top-quality materials
* Available BOSE® premium sound system with 10 speakers in a CENTERPOINT® surround system; Available ceiling-mounted rear seat entertainment DVD system; Available DVD-based navigation system with 7-inch touch-sensitive display screen and backup camera and Power Lift Gate
* Standard Roll Stability Control (RSC), which uses both body-roll rate and wheel speed sensors to determine when corrective action is necessary
* Standard side-curtain air bags which protect outboard passengers in all three seating rows

New or enhanced for 2009:

* Trip computer standard on all models
* Bluetooth phone capability added to Sport model
* Sirius satellite radio added to Moonroof, BOSE® Audio Package and Rear Seat Entertainment System Package
* Auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink® added to Grand Touring model
* Heated seats and heated outside mirrors added to Sport Power Seat Package
* Trailer tow preparation standard on AWD

CX-7

CX-7 is a highly styled crossover SUV with a decided soul of a sportscar. Produced entirely on Mazda-derived platform architecture, the five-passenger CX-7 embodies an astute blend of sports car verve and SUV practicality, resulting in a fun-to-drive SUV that represents everything a Mazda should be.

Prominent front fenders, A-pillars rooted at the body’s leading edge, a sharply raked windshield and Mazda’s signature five-pointed grille clearly register this new model as a Mazda. CX-7 is fitted with a turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-liter four-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine similar to that fitted to the MAZDASPEED3, but produces up to 244 horsepower in this application. Mazda CX-7 delivers an estimated 23 mpg in combined driving on Regular Unleaded fuel (for maximum performance, premium fuel recommended).

Inside, the CX-7 is sporty with a high degree of craftsmanship. To draw drivers inside, there’s a three-dial instrument cluster, a console supporting the shifter within close reach, three-spoke steering wheel and firmly contoured front bucket seats, all provided with a high quality feel.

Highlights of the 2009 CX-7 include:

* Turbocharged and intercooled 2.3-liter four-cylinder direct-injection spark-ignition (DISI) engine producing 244 horsepower and 258 lb-ft torque
* Six-speed Sport A/T automatic transmission with manual mode
* Independent rear multi-link suspension with stabilizer bar
* 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/60R18 all-season tires
* Efficient aerodynamics with best-in-class performance for coefficient of drag
* Power windows with one-touch open/close on front windows, power locks and keyless entry with retractable key
* Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS)
* Standard front side-impact air bags and side air curtains (front and rear) with roll-over protection

New or enhanced for 2009:

* Auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink® and finishing improvements on Grand Touring model
* Side turn signals integrated into the exterior mirror housings on the Grand Touring Model
* Bluetooth hands free and SIRIUS satellite radio added to the 1MC and 1TE packages
* Dual heated front seats with power driver seat now available on Sport Model
* MP3 capability
* Auxiliary audio input jack
* Leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob on Sport model
* Dual illuminated vanity mirrors

MAZDA5

The MAZDA5 is a three-row, six-passenger multi-activity vehicle infused with sports car inspiration that efficiently transports people and equipment like a large SUV.

5 demonstrates Mazda’s infusion of stylish, insightful and spirited vehicles. Last year MAZDA5 was revamped with a freshened exterior design, five-speed automatic transmission, rear cool air vents, improved gas mileage, arm rests, standard auxiliary audio input jack, and new interior and exterior colors. The 2009 MAZDA5 continues to offer customers excellent value and fuel economy and an abundance of standard features in Sport, Touring and Grand Touring versions.

The MAZDA5 is powered by an all-aluminum 2.3-liter, four-cylinder MZR series engine, producing 153 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, shared with the popular MAZDA3. A flowing wedge-shaped body with solid proportions defines the exterior of the MAZDA5 as unmistakably Mazda, while inside the cabin, the MAZDA5 offers a flexible seating arrangement. The MAZDA5’s large sliding doors and low floor allow for fluid ingress and egress, and a one-touch walk-in mechanism offers easy access to the third-row seats.

Highlights of the 2009 MAZDA5 include:

* Standard 17-inch alloy wheels
* Great fuel mileage – 22/28 (5-speed manual) and 21/27 (5-speed automatic) city/highway
* Standard auxiliary audio input jack
* LED taillights (Touring and Grand Touring)
* Sirius satellite radio-compatible audio system
* Electroluminescent gauges
* Dual-sliding rear doors for easy ingress and egress to the 2nd and 3rd rows
* Advanced dual front air bags, front seat side air bags and three-row side curtain air bags

New or enhanced for 2009:

* New Liquid Silver exterior color to replace Sunlight Silver (late availability)
* Sand interior color now available with Stormy Blue and Brilliant Black exterior colors

MAZDA3 4-Door and 5-Door and MAZDASPEED3

The perfect sedan for an active lifestyle, the 2009 MAZDA3 delivers a total driving experience far greater than its price tag would have buyers believe. Offering European sophistication, high-performance and advanced technology, the MAZDA3 is a leader in the compact sedan segment and Mazda’s best selling vehicle.

MAZDA3 5-Door is a sporty hatchback with design flair targeted to appeal to a youthful mindset. Fitted with a 2.3-liter, 156-horsepower MZR engine – the same as found in MAZDA3 4-Door s and MAZDA5 – MAZDA3 5-Door comes standard with a sport package that includes stylish front and rear bumpers, side-skirts, 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps and unique taillights.

Highlights carried over from 2008 mid-year models include:

* Standard ABS/SAB/SAC (i Touring Value model)
* 17-inch alloy wheels (standard on i Touring Value model)
* Fog lights (standard on i Touring Value model)
* Standard power driver seat (s Grand Touring 4- and 5-door models)
* Four new exterior colors – Metropolitan Gray, Stormy Blue, Copper Red and Golden Sand
* Aurora Blue, Shimmering Sand, Phantom Purple, Rally White, Phantom Blue and Cosmic Blue have been deleted

New or enhanced for 2009:

* MAZDA3 i Sport model receives standard SAC/SAB/ABS
* Remote trunk release function added to key fob of 4-Door models equipped with keyless entry (i Touring Value and all 4-Door models)
* Icy Blue exterior color has been deleted

RX-8

Launched in 2003, the Mazda RX-8 hit the global market with a serious bang. The RX-8 has won 52 global awards since its release including 2003 Japanese Car of the Year, Australia’s Wheels magazine’s Car of the Year for 2003, 2003 International Engine of the Year, 2004 Singapore Car of the Year, the 2004 U.S. Best Sports Car and UK Car of the Year 2004. It was also named on Car and Driver magazine’s Ten Best list for 2004, 2005, and 2006. All together, Mazda has sold nearly 158,000 RX-8s around the world.

For 2009, Mazda will further the evolution of the four-door, four-seater sports coupe, giving RX-8 a refreshed exterior and interior design, enhanced performance and a new R3 sport model for the ultimate driving enthusiast.

Unchanged is the core of the RX-8 – a high-powered, lightweight and perfectly balanced machine powered by the world-renowned twin-rotor RENESIS rotary engine.

New or enhanced for 2009:

* Exterior refinements include restyled front and rear bumpers and front fascia, sporty, high-quality finish front and rear headlights and larger exhaust pipes (90 mm)
* New five-spoke wheel design featuring a symbolic and sporty design in the motif of a rotary engine with different arrangements for each wheel size
* Improved body rigidity with structural reinforcements, the rear suspension geometry has been reconfigured for better handling performance and driveshaft rigidity is improved
* Final gear ratio changes on the manual transmission from 4.444 to 4.777 for improved performance
* New RX-8 R3 model adds a sport-tuned suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers and front suspension crossmembers filled with urethane foam for better ride comfort, rear spoiler, side sills, fog lights, xenon HID headlights and sporty front bumper are added to give a sporty appearance along with 19-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels with high performance tires
* Inside, the R3 model features a 300-watt Bose® audio system with Centerpoint surround sound and AudioPilot® noise compensation technology, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, front Recaro sport seats with leather side bolsters, leather-wrapped parking brake and Mazda advanced keyless entry and start system

MX-5 Miata and Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT)

Information for the 2009 MX-5 Miata will be available at a later date.

Tribute

Completely redesigned both inside and out for 2008, the Mazda Tribute makes a powerful statement with a bold, tough exterior and an upscale, comfortable interior. Offering more traditional sport-utility vehicle (SUV) styling than Mazda’s other SUVs, CX-7 and CX-9, the 2009 Tribute rounds out the Mazda family of unibody-based crossover SUVs, making it the perfect choice for buyers in search of traditional, go-anywhere rugged styling.

New or enhanced for 2009:

* New 2.5L iVTC 4 cylinder engine with 171 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque
* Improved 3.0L V6 engine with 240 horsepower and 223 lb-ft of torque
* New 6 speed automatic transmission
* Three new exterior colors – White Suede, Brilliant Silver, and Sport Blue
* Satellite radio on Grand Touring
* Steering wheel audio controls on Touring and Grand Touring
* Redesigned front and rear seats
* Electrochromatic rearview mirror (Grand Touring)
* One-touch open/close moonroof (Grand Touring)
* Easy Fuel capless fueling system
* Automatic on/off headlamps

Tribute HEV

The Tribute Hybrid Electric Vehicle is a “full” hybrid, capable of running on 100 percent electric power up to approximately 25 mph – maximizing in-city fuel economy and making it one of the least-polluting vehicles sold.

Equipped with standard front-wheel-drive or optional electronic four-wheel-drive, Tribute HEV is available in two trim levels, Touring or Grand Touring. Mirroring design cues shared by its gasoline-powered sibling, Tribute HEV offers a bold, rugged exterior set off by 16-inch alloy wheels and new front and rear fascias, hood, liftgate, body-side molding, power side view mirrors, headlamps, taillamps and standard fog lights.

Highlights of the 2009 Tribute HEV include:

* A new 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine features Atkinson-cycle combustion for improved efficiency and produces 153 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. At speeds over 25 mph, when maximum acceleration is desired, the 70-kWatt (equivalent to 94 horsepower) electric traction motor also provides an added boost to the drive wheels.
* A generator-motor recharges the batteries, starts the engine and helps regulate how the two propulsion channels blend together in the transaxle.
* A special electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission (eCVT) harnesses internal combustion and electric power sources to drive the vehicle.
* A 330-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery pack located and sealed at the rear load floor stores electrical energy.
* An electronic vehicle system controller manages charging, drive assist and engine-starting functions. This device shuts the engine down during coasting and at stoplights to save fuel. It also converts the traction motor into a generator during braking to help recharge the batteries.
* Two available trim levels – Touring and Grand Touring
* Four exterior color choices – Monterey Gray, Kiwi Green, Brilliant Silver and Blue Spark

New or enhanced for 2009:

* New 2.5L 4 cylinder Atkinson cycle engine
* Power-assisted ventilated front disc/rear drum brakes
* Automatic on/off headlights
* Standard satellite radio
* Steering wheel audio controls
* Dynamic Stability Control, Roll Stability Control and Traction Control System

B-Series

The B-Series remains Mazda’s rough and rugged compact pickup truck. For 2009, the B-Series truck is available in two models – a regular cab equipped with a 2.3-liter I-4(B2300) engine and a 4×4 Cab Plus equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 (B4000) engine. Both versions are available with either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. The 2009 B-Series Truck remains largely unchanged. To better meet customer demands, the high-end B4000 Cab Plus SE model will be discontinued in the U.S. market.

Audi Q5 Review

The styling of the Q5 fits perfectly into the Audi lineup, with its trademark grille and use of LED running lights, introduced with the R8 and now found on the latest Audis. In the case of the Q5, the LEDs are above the headlights rather than below.
The Q5 has a sporty appearance, with a wide stance, pronounced fender flares and available 20-inch wheels. The models on display in Beijing were fitted with both stylish standard alloys as well as bright chromed wheels.

The clamshell cargo hatch is similar to that on the larger Q7, providing both a wide opening for easy loading while needing little space behind the vehicle to raise the hatch. Split taillights, like those on the Q7, leave lights visible even with the hatch open. Inside, the cargo area can be expanded by either sliding the rear seats forward or folding them flat. Tracks in the floor allow for adjustable tie-downs, and a ski pass-through in the rear seat provides for longer objects.

The rear seats are quite roomy for two adults — three would be a tight fit. Both the front and rear seats felt comfortable if firm. Up front, the instrument panel and controls are similar to those found in the new A4, including a large information screen and the latest generation of the Multi-Media Interface (MMI). An optional flat wood trim complements the leather for a luxurious touch, aided by optional heated and cooled cupholders.

International Market
While a number of different engine options are available for the European and Asian markets, the Q5 will be available exclusively with a 270-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 when it goes on sale in North America early in 2009. The Q5 will offer an adjustable suspension, and Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system will be standard.

This car is not just for America, and it was no coincidence that the Q5 was shown for the first time in Beijing. In the last year sales in China have surpassed U.S. sales, making China the second biggest market for Audi next to Germany. It is interesting to note that with sales exceeding 100,000 units in China last year, more than 90,000 of those vehicles were built in China.

We saw plenty of evidence of Audi’s popularity during our time in Beijing. It seemed as though the German automaker had planted cars on every street in the country’s capital — typically the A6, which is Audi’s biggest seller in China — and the Audi stand at the show was constantly overflowing with media and other show attendees.

Closer to Volvo C30

Start with one of Volvo’s popular S40 compact sedans. Eliminate the rear doors, lop off several inches in the car’s length, slim the car down by a couple of hundred pounds, add a hatchback at the rear and you have the C30. It’s a three-door hatchback runabout that’s similar — kinda, sorta — to an Audi A3, Mini Cooper or Volkswagen GTI.
The C30’s styling is both distinctive and attractive. The front end is pure S40 sedan. But the C30’s roofline flows nicely into a steeply reverse-sloped rear end that’s unlike that of any current Volvo. Muscular rear shoulders give the car a hunkered-down look. And when viewed from above, the car has a teardrop shape that’s probably good for aerodynamic efficiency.

The C30’s styling is also a little bit retro. The rear lids of hatchbacks typically consist of a metal frame with a glass window. But the unusual all-glass hatchback lid of the C30 is reminiscent of Volvo’s P1800ES sport wagon from the 1970s — still a favorite design of Volvo aficionados.
Inside, the C30’s styling is very Volvo — which is to say, simple and clean in good Scandinavian fashion. Volvo’s trademark interior feature, a slim waterfall-like center stack with controls for the audio and climate systems, highlights the cabin. The Volvo’s controls and switchgear are logically arranged and easy to find. Plenty of glass area means that the visibility from the driver’s seat is generally unobstructed and the interior feels especially open and airy for a coupe.

Volvo ( www.volvocars.com) offers the C30 in two trim levels: Versions 1.0 and 2.0. My test car was the former. It’s the least expensive C30 edition — and in fact, the least expensive model of any Volvo — with a base price of $23,695, including destination charges. The 2.0 costs about $3,000 more and adds several body, suspension and interior enhancements, including upgraded wheels and sound system.
Volvo also offers something called “Custom Build” if you wish to trick out your C30 with unusual paint schemes or such accessories as keyless start or bi-xenon headlights. One problem, however: Going Custom Build will tack on a one-time $300 fee to the car’s price, even if you just want to add cruise control or a trip computer. That seems chintzy to me.

So did the battleship gray interior of my test car. Though the car’s fit and overall finish was well done, large expanses of boring gray plastic looked low rent. But I liked the comfortable and supportive seats, covered in Volvo’s good-looking T-Tek fabric upholstery.

Both Versions 1.0 and 2.0 come with plenty of standard equipment, including air conditioning, tilt-and-telescoping steering column, keyless remote entry and — as expected of any Volvo — a complete set of safety features. Both versions also share the same drive train, a 227-horsepower turbocharged five-cylinder engine connected to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.

According to www.fueleconomy.gov, fuel economy is 23 mpg combined city/highway driving for the manual gearbox (22 mpg combined for the automatic transmission). That’s not an impressive rating for a compact car. And Volvo recommends premium grade gasoline, though the owner’s manual says regular grade gas won’t damage the engine.

The five-cylinder Volvo engine was smooth, quiet and pulled strong. The six-speed manual transmission, as fitted to my test car, was slick shifting and pleasant to operate. The steering too, was nicely weighted and gave good feedback. And the brakes were powerful.

But despite the C30’s sporty looks, the car doesn’t deliver the sporty driving dynamics of a Mini Cooper or VW GTI. For hard driving on a twisty road, I’d pick the latter two cars over the Volvo any day. Instead, the Volvo is the more comfy highway cruiser, with a quieter interior and a less jittery ride.

To be sure, styling sells cars. But there’s a practical price to pay for the C30’s handsome lines. The rear seat is best described as “for occasional use,” as both reaching it and sitting in it for long periods are challenging undertakings. The rear seatbacks fold down to increase the cargo area, but a fairly narrow hatch opening makes loading and unloading cargo something of a chore.

Which brings me to this right-brain/left-brain question: If the C30 drives much like the S40 sedan from which it is derived, why not just buy the sedan with its useful rear doors and extra passenger room? The S40 costs only a little more than the C30 but is far more practical.

Ah, but that’s left-brain thinking. Beauty has its own rewards and so does the C30.

Hydrogen Cars 2008

“Air Products is honored to be a stop on this United States cross country tour that will demonstrate that hydrogen, the fuel of the future, is here today,” said John McGlade, chairman, president and chief executive officer, to the assembled crowd of invited guests, media, and Air Products’ employees. “Air Products has been involved with hydrogen fueling projects for 15 years. We have been a leader in developing new hydrogen fueling capabilities, and have worked cooperatively with car manufacturers and others on these exciting advancements. We commend all those who organized and are involved with this national tour, and are pleased to have them as visitors to Air Products.”

Air Products has been involved with hydrogen fueling since 1993. Since that time, it has safely conducted over 66,000 fuelings of hydrogen powered vehicles at over 85 fueling stations located in 15 countries around the world.

“Today, while we were fueling cars in Allentown, we have also been fueling hydrogen powered buses to shuttle athletes and visitors at the Beijing Olympic Games where our fueling equipment is in operation. We were also fueling forklifts working 24/7 to move consumer products in and out of production lines and warehouses in the U.S. Additionally, somewhere around the world, deep under the sea, there may be a hydrogen powered submarine fueled with Air Products’ hydrogen. Every day we are fueling cars, buses, vans, and other hydrogen powered items as part of important demonstration programs around the U.S. and the world,” said McGlade. Air Products is now averaging approximately 2,000 hydrogen fuelings per month.

Air Products was joined at the event by U.S. Department of Transportation officials, U.S. Congressman Charlie Dent, and California Fuel Cell Partnership officials who made brief comments about hydrogen technology and the nationwide tour. Vehicles from Daimler, Honda, Hyundai-Kia, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen and BMW attended the Pennsylvania event, which included ride and drive opportunities for media and other attendees.

The overall tour participants include nine auto manufacturers, the U.S. Department of Energy, California Fuel Cell Partnership, National Hydrogen Association, and U.S. Department of Transportation, as well as hydrogen gas providers.

Air Products, the leading supplier of merchant hydrogen to the refinery industry to assist in the making of cleaner burning transportation fuels, has placed a majority of its hydrogen fueling station technology in 17 states within the United States. On a global basis, Air Products’ has hydrogen fueling technology in Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.

Air Products has provided both liquid and gaseous hydrogen fueling at varied pressures including 700 bar (10,000 psi) at numerous locations. At most fueling stations, the hydrogen is delivered to the site via truck. At stations using both Air Products’ permanent hydrogen fueling technology and its mobile hydrogen fueler, the hydrogen has been generated by on-site natural gas reformation, as well as through electrolysis, wind and solar means.

Air Products has more than 50 years of hydrogen experience and is on the forefront of hydrogen energy technology development. Air Products is a leader in the development of the hydrogen infrastructure necessary to fuel hydrogen fuel cell, hydrogen internal combustion engine, and HCNG (hydrogen/compressed natural gas) vehicles. Air Products has an extensive patent portfolio with over 50 patents in hydrogen dispensing technology.

Steps How to Save your Gas Bill

Green Car.com - After dismissing the thought of boycotting your local gas stations – a pleasant thought, but a move that won’t get the kids to school or you to work – you’re faced with thinking over some real options. We think of these, too … and here are some that come to mind. None of these involve dumping your car and getting a new one. We know that’s not always possible, especially if you’re in the middle of a lease with nowhere to go. Plus, if your vehicle is a larger model like an SUV that gets marginal fuel economy, its present sale or trade-in value probably leaves a lot to be desired. So, if you need to keep driving your everyday ride but just have to do something about the high gas costs that are wrecking your budget, then give these tips a shot.

• Start here: Don’t drive as much. Really, this isn’t as painful as it sounds. We’ve grown accustomed to our cars providing mobility on demand, which is a good thing when it isn’t hurting our wallets or contributing to growing oil dependency. It’s not so good when the reverse is true, which is the situation today. So plan ahead. Consolidating your day’s errands into sequential trips one after another is a great strategy that will save gas. It will also cut tailpipe emissions by eliminating unnecessary cold-starts when your car’s emissions control system is least effective.
• Ease off on the pedal, Speed Racer. Okay, maybe you’re not really hot rodding your way down the street, but chances are pretty good you’re not thinking about taking it easy from one traffic light to the next. Light accelerator pressure and a conscious effort to avoid quick starts and stops do make a difference in fuel economy, sometimes a pretty big one. Give it a try. While you’re at it, smooth out your pedal pressure at highway speeds as well by using your cruise control whenever appropriate.
• Feeling the need for speed? Let it go. It’s easy to creep past posted speed limits without thinking about it, especially on urban highways where traffic often tends to move well beyond 65 mph. Some freeways in Southern California regularly flow at 80 mph and sometimes more. The problem is that fuel efficiency diminishes rapidly above 60 mph. In fact, the EPA says that each 5 mph driven above that speed has the net effect of costing you about 20 cents more per gallon of gas.
• If you’re filling up on mid-grade or premium fuel, check to see if you really need to do this. Some high-compression engines do require higher octane fuel to run properly, and in fact serious engine damage could result from using a lower grade fuel than is specified in your owner’s manual. But if you don’t need premium fuel you shouldn’t be filling up with it. Premium fuel costs about 20 to 40 cents more per gallon but doesn’t provide better performance in engines designed to run on regular … so you’re essentially pumping cash out your tailpipe. Not a pleasant thought, is it?
• Check your tire pressure weekly and keep your tires aired up to the recommended psi. This is so simple you’d assume everyone does this regularly. Not so. And that’s too bad since tires with low pressure create greater rolling resistance that can cost you up to 3 percent in fuel efficiency. Tires heat up while you drive and checking them while hot will give an artificially high reading. Make a habit of checking tire pressure before driving when your tires are cold. You might also consider buying low rolling resistance tires the next time your car is ready for new treads.

Porsche Boxster New Design 2009

The Boxster S Porsche Design Edition 2 and the Cayman S Sport have clearly distinct characteristics: The Boxster shows up in glamorous attire, while the Cayman rides on Porsche’s screaming, oily racing heritage.

Both models benefit from a freer-flowing exhaust, which raises power from 295 hp at 6250 rpm to 303 hp at an identical 6250 rpm. But torque remains unchanged at 251 lb-ft between 4400 and 6000 rpm. Performance is unchanged, Porsche says. Both cars will reach 60 mph from a standstill in 5.1 seconds (5.8 with the automatic) and can travel at up to 170 mph (165 with the automatic)—just like the 295-hp base models.

The Cayman S Sport comes in screaming GT3 RS colors: Bright Orange or Shining Green. Or you go for other classic Porsche color schemes: Carrera White, Speed Yellow, or Guards Red, as well as Black and Arctic Silver. The Cayman S has striping on the sides, black 19-inch wheels, as well as an alcantara steering wheel directly from the 911 GT3 RS. The instrumentation loses its hood.

The track is even wider than in the regular Cayman S, the body is lowered by 0.4 inches, and the performance exhaust system is louder. In look and feel, Porsche would have you believe that this variation of the Cayman is the essence of Porsche with its rich racing history.

By contrast, the Boxster S Design Edition 2, a follow-up to the all-black design Edition 1, plays to the fashion crowd. White cars are the current rage in Europe, and this Boxster plays the theme well with painted interior surfaces and gauges, white 19-inch wheels, and light gray stripes on the front fascia, hood, and bodyside. Taillights are executed in monochrome red. The body is available in any color you want—as long as it’s white. “Porsche Design” refers to the noted design house, independently created by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche in the early 1970s and purchased by Porsche AG in 2003. It is famous for its watches, and fittingly, buyers get a limited-edition, white Porsche Design watch with this special Boxster.

Both models come with a dashboard plaque detailing its production number. The plan is to make 500 Boxsters—50 for North America—and 700 limited Caymans, of which 100 are for the U.S. and Canada.

Despite the steep price premium over the regular Boxster and Cayman S models—at $66,900 and $69,900, respectively, they are roughly 10 grand more than the standard S models—we expect Porsche will have little trouble selling these limited-edition cars. And, depending on your style, there should be little difficulty choosing between these dissimilar twins

2010 Volkswagen Rabbit Review

Caranddriver.com - The current, fifth-generation Rabbit—sold as the Golf in Europe—is the shortest-lived generation of the car ever, introduced in Europe in 2003. While the charismatic Golf IV is still manufactured and sold in several countries, the Golf V will be extinguished forthwith, says a VW source. It is expensive to manufacture and never achieved quite the following of previous generations.

The Golf VI will come to the U.S. early next year, meaning you’d better run out quickly if you want a current-gen Rabbit or GTI. A GTI based on the sixth-gen car is a done deal, although VW has not yet decided how many less-powerful versions of the Rabbit it will sell in the U.S., or whether it will even keep the freshly resurrected Rabbit moniker or return to calling the car Golf worldwide.

The sixth-generation Golf was developed in a rush and the roof is carried over from the Golf V, but the styling language has evolved nicely. The car looks a bit less rounded, seems lower and wider, and the taillights evoke the premium Touareg SUV. The interior is far nicer—the minivan-like Golf/Rabbit V dash makes way for a cockpit-style cabin with pronounced gauges and metallic accents.

European sales start in October, with four gasoline four-cylinders—from a 79-hp 1.4-liter to a 158-hp, turbo- and supercharged 1.6-liter—and two diesel four-cylinders. Transmission choices for the gas motors include five- and six-speed manuals and a seven-speed automated-manual DSG gearbox.

The available diesels are 2.0-liter common-rail turbocharged units rated at 108 and 138 hp with a six-speed, dual-clutch gearbox engineered for higher torque. An 89-hp 1.6-liter and a 168-hp version of the 2.0-liter turbo-diesel are on the way.

More interesting for enthusiasts is the next-generation GTI and R32. The GTI is set for introduction in early 2009, with the R model to bow some time after. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine of the current GTI will be upgraded to 207 hp, and the six-speed, dual-clutch DSG gearbox will remain optional. A VW source says the next GTI will be every bit as differentiated from the standard Golf as the current GTI. We are also told that the R’s narrow-angle V-6 will disappear—as will the “R32″ designation—in favor of a high-output version of the 2.0-liter turbo making perhaps even more than the 265 horsepower it makes in the Audi TTS.

Available options in Europe prove that small can be premium. An electronic suspension will be available, and laser-based adaptive cruise control is a first in the segment, as is a parking-aid system similar to the Lexus LS that does the parking by itself—as if you need it in such a compact car.

Look for a similarly upgraded Jetta later in 2009 or 2010.

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