Archive for the ‘Car News’ Category

Cash for Clunkers Money Will Run Out In August.
Wednesday, July 29th, 2009

"Cash for Clunkers"

About a month ago I wrote about the upcoming President Obama backed/Government-Funded Cash for Clunkers program. The program was recently launched and the response has been mind-blowing. Car and truck owners looking to get rid of their gas guzzlers are flocking to dealerships to take advantage of the “cash for clunkers” program and get themselves a more fuel efficient vehicle.

Dave Kelleher, owner of two Chrysler dealerships outside Philadelphia said the number of shoppers has more than doubled at one of his dealerships and is climbing at the other.

“The last two days have been ripping,” said Kelleher.

The only problem is, that there is a limited amount of money that has been set aside for the “Cash for Clunkers” program. And according to insiders, at the current rate the money will run out by the end of August. So you’d better act fast if you want to take advantange of this offer.

Here is a recap of the “Cash for Clunkers” program:

Under the program, trade-in vehicles must be 1984 models or newer and have average fuel economy of no more than 18 miles per gallon. The new car or truck must get better gas mileage than the one that was scrapped. The payoff amount increases depending on the difference in the fuel efficiencies of the old and new cars. For instance, a new car getting at least 4 more miles per gallon than the old car will be eligible for a $3,500 voucher. Whereas a new car getting at least 10 more miles per gallon would get a $4,500 voucher.

To guarantee vehicles are actually roadworthy — and not just sitting on cinder blocks — trade-ins must be registered and insured to the same owner for at least a year.

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Did Artie Lange Go Overboard On The Joe Buck Show?
Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

In case you didn’t hear about what happened when comedian Artie Lange appeared on the debut of Joe Buck’s new HBO show, “Joe Buck Live”…I’ve posted the video below. Take a look and you be the judge of whether what Artie did was appropriate. I know this is not a car-related subject. But the public has been weighing in on whether HBO should “Show It or Tow It” when it comes to acceptance of Artie’s antics. Chime in.

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Senate Passes Cash For Clunkers Bill.
Friday, June 19th, 2009

Senate Passes Cash For Clunkers Bill.

Senate Passes Cash For Clunkers Bill.

The Senate has approved a $1 billion program to give vouchers to consumers who trade in their gas-guzzling clunkers for more fuel-efficient models — a move that dealers hope will revive slumping auto sales. Congressional leaders attached the legislation to a $106 billion spending bill to fund troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The spending bill passed by a 91 to 5 vote but not before some Republican lawmakers unsuccessfully sought to strip the measure from the bill.

“Let’s not add a billion dollars of unnecessary debt,” said Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) during the Senate floor debate.

Dealers, unions, trade groups and automakers have been lobbying for months for the legislation in hopes that it would stop the streak of dismal U.S. auto sales. “The simple fact is that we need to get Americans into car showrooms, and this is the bill that will do it,” Rep. Candice S. Miller (R-Mich.), a co-sponsor of the legislation, said in a statement. The program offers vouchers of up to $4,500. The bill now moves to the White House for the president’s signature. President Obama has repeatedly encouraged Congress to pass a cash-for-clunkers bill.

Consumers would be able to start using the vouchers as soon as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration finalizes the rules — a process that must conclude within 30 days of the president’s approval.

Here’s how the program works:

Under the program, trade-in vehicles must be 1984 models or newer and have average fuel economy of no more than 18 miles per gallon. The new car or truck must get better gas mileage than the one that was scrapped. The payoff amount increases depending on the difference in the fuel efficiencies of the old and new cars. For instance, a new car getting at least 4 more miles per gallon than the old car will be eligible for a $3,500 voucher. Whereas a new car getting at least 10 more miles per gallon would get a $4,500 voucher.

To guarantee vehicles are actually roadworthy — and not just sitting on cinder blocks — trade-ins must be registered and insured to the same owner for at least a year.

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Rinspeed’s sQuba Underwater Car.
Monday, June 15th, 2009

sQuba Underwater Car By Rinspeed.

sQuba Underwater Car By Rinspeed.

The sQuba, developed by Swiss company Rinspeed, is the world’s first car that can be driven both on land and under water. The original idea by Rinspeed founder and CEO Frank M. Rinderknecht was inspired by the 1977 James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me. The Lotus Elise is the basis of this car.

The sQuba is a zero-emission, all electric vehicle which uses three electric motors, one for land travel and two for water. It drives on land powered by its electric rear-wheel drive powertrain, utilizing rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Upon entering water, it floats on the surface until the operator floods the interior to submerge it. It can be submerged to a depth of 33 ft, powered by twin electric-powered propellers supplemented by two Seabob water jets. It “flies” when underwater, like a submarine, as it is not designed to drive along the surface at the bottom of the water. The car’s top land speed is 75 mph. On the surface of water, the top speed is 3.2 knots or 3.7 mph and underwater it is 1.6 knots or 1.9 mph.

The vehicle can transport a driver and passenger in its open cockpit. The open cockpit design is intended to allow the occupants to escape easily in case of emergency. When underwater, the occupants breathe air carried in the vehicle through scuba-style diving regulators. Without occupants, the sQuba will surface automatically. The twin water jets mounted on rotating louvers at the front of the vehicle provide steering and lift while it is underwater and the propellers at the rear provide forward movement.

The vehicle’s interior is water and salt resistant so that it can be driven in the ocean.

See the sQuba in action:

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