Tag Archives: auto informed

Ford Shelby GT500 to Offer 650 Horsepower Production V8

Posted on 15 November 2011 by Ken Zino

Ford is boasting that the ultimate Ford Mustang – Shelby GT500 – will offer the highest horsepower production V8 when the new 2013 model goes on sale next year. The 5.8-liter V8 aluminum-block supercharged engine is claimed to be rated at 650 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the most powerful production V8 in the world. The 3,850-pound car also will be exempt from the gas-guzzler tax, a claim that awaits EPA certification. Continue reading →

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California Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Illegally Storing Toxic and Explosive Hazardous Wastes in His Backyard

Posted on 15 November 2011 by Ken Zino

Wyman was charged in June 2009, after firefighters responded to a report of a fire and explosions at Wyman’s residence. Because of the ammunition that was being “cooked off” in the fire, firefighters had to wear bullet proof vests. Continue reading →

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America Recycles Day – Commemorated By EPA

Posted on 15 November 2011 by Ken Zino

The U.S. disposes enough waste each day to fill 50,000 garbage trucks with 18,000 pounds of trash in each. The auto industry with its market based predisposition to cutting costs is well on its way to achieving 100% recycling in the U.S. Continue reading →

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Renault Dedicates Enlarged Electric Vehicle Test Center

Posted on 15 November 2011 by Ken Zino

Since missing the hybrid segment completely that Toyota went on to dominate globally, reaping billions upon billions of dollars worth of “Green” image benefits in the process, Carlos Ghosn, CEO of both Renault and Nissan, has “bet the farm” by investing almost $5 billion in electric vehicles. Thus far, the Nissan Leaf, with roughly 8,000 sales year-to-date, has not met expectations in the U.S. Nissan, optimistically, wants 20% of its sales to be EVs by 2020. Continue reading →

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50 MPG Predicted for Toyota Prius c Hybrid

Posted on 15 November 2011 by Ken Zino

While not priced yet, expect the Prius c to sell for around $22,000, which is likely how Toyota will define entry level or an affordable price. In spite of fuel economy benefits, hybrids remain a tiny portion of the U.S. auto market – a little over 2% of sales YTD – because mainstream buyers refuse to pay a premium amounting to several thousand dollars over a comparable gasoline-fueled car. Continue reading →

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Camaro ZL1 Coupe Priced at $54,995 for 2012 Model

Posted on 15 November 2011 by Ken Zino

The Camaro pony car is capable of speeds up to 184 mph and can traverse the pavement from a rolling start to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds, according to Chevrolet. As such, the Camaro ZL1 coupe presents strong competition not only for the performance versions of the Shelby Mustang, GT 500, but also the Cadillac CTS-V coupe (rated at 556 horsepower or 415 kW), which makes the coupe just as fast, arguably roomier and starts at $64,090. For the record, Camaro has consistently outsold the Mustang since its introduction Continue reading →

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GM Elects Former Wal-Mart Executive to Board of Directors

Posted on 15 November 2011 by Ken Zino

The addition of Schoewe brings GM’s board of directors to 12 members, 10 of whom are non-employee directors. The majority of directors were approved by the U.S. Treasury Department. Schoewe owns no shares of GM stock, according to an SEC filing. Continue reading →

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American Fined $900,000 for Tarmac Delays at O’Hare Airport

Posted on 14 November 2011 by Ken Zino

Between May 2010 and April 2011, the first 12 months after the three-hour limit was in effect, the larger U.S. airlines required to file tarmac delays reported 20 tarmac delays of more than three hours, none of which was more than four hours long. In contrast, during the 12 months before the rule took effect, these carriers had 693 tarmac delays of more than three hours, and 105 of the delays were longer than four hours, according to DOT. Anti-government regulation fanatics should note that this is a clear case of effective regulation. Continue reading →

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Chevrolet Volt Fire After Crash Prompts NHTSA Investigation

Posted on 11 November 2011 by Ken Zino

Lithium battery safety in a plug-in hybrid, such as the Chevrolet Volt, or pure electric automobile, such as the Nissan Leaf, is based on a complex series of factors involving not only the battery design, but where it is placed in the vehicle; its discharge and recharge rates; cooling; as well as the software that governs the whole system, including failure modes that when detected disable the battery. Continue reading →

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President Obama Kicks Keystone Pipeline Decision down the Road – after 2012 Election. Corruption Charged at State Dept.

Posted on 10 November 2011 by Ken Zino

True to form, Obama caught between his political desire to appear to be encouraging energy independence and his need to bolster waning support among environmentalists in what could be a tough bid to keep his job, today ordered the State Department to look at alternative routes that would avoid the Sand Hills in Nebraska. This effectively kicks the political problem down the road until after the 2012 Presidential election. Nevertheless, it does not address larger policy and environmental issues surrounding the tar sands derived oil pipeline. Continue reading →

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Sumitomo to Make 30 Minute Quick Charger for Nissan Leaf

Posted on 10 November 2011 by Ken Zino

Nissan previously announced a joint promotion of a DC Quick charger with Sumitomo. The newly developed DC quick charging unit retains the high performance of current quick chargers but is nearly half the size – making for an easier installation. Continue reading →

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Honda to Show AC-X Plug in Hybrid at Tokyo Motor Show

Posted on 10 November 2011 by Ken Zino

The Number Three Japanese automaker – and perennial second place hybrid sales leader behind the clear leader Toyota – says the next-generation plug-in hybrid vehicle offers a more comfortable time in the vehicle during all driving situations, from urban to long-distance driving. Continue reading →

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Chevrolet’s All-New 2013 TrailBlazer Debuts in Dubai

Posted on 10 November 2011 by Ken Zino

The next generation TrailBlazer combines the hauling and towing capability of a body-on-frame SUV with what’s claimed to be the ride comfort and efficiency of a crossover. In other words, it’s a traditional American truck although it was developed along with the all-new Chevrolet Colorado pickup by GM do Brasil. While GM has announced the return of the Colorado to the U.S., but has not confirmed the TrailBlazer will join it, which seems an easy, though potentially cannibalizing, addition to the showrooms. Continue reading →

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GM Q3 Earnings of $1.7 Billion, Most from North America

Posted on 9 November 2011 by Ken Zino

Virtually all of the Q3 earnings came from North America – $2.2 billion, where Japanese competitors were largely out of the market during the period because of the Japan earthquake, which allowed GM to increase prices. GM Europe lost money; GM South America broke even; and International Operations – home of the booming China market – made $400 million. Continue reading →

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Toyota Recall Active on 420,000 Lexus and Toyota V6 Models

Posted on 9 November 2011 by Ken Zino

Toyota Motor Sales today announced that it will conduct a safety recall involving approximately 283,200 Toyota and 137,000 Lexus vehicles to replace the crankshaft pulley on the V6 engine. No other Toyota or Lexus vehicles or these Toyota models with 4 cylinder engines are involved. Continue reading →

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