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LA Auto Show Design Challenge entrants reveal 1,000-pound car concepts

endrisusanto — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 18:54:26 +0000

The theme for this year’s Design Challenge forces designers to envision vehicles that are at once both kind to the environment yet stylish and exciting to drive at the same time. The catch? Each vehicle concept must weigh no more than 1,000 pounds, seat four adults, be efficient and safe and provide a rewarding driving experience. Sustainable materials, highly exotic designs and a vision of the future are expected from the entrants, and [adsense] they all certainly delivered.

Nine automakers in total have answered the competition’s call. General Motors, Honda, Mazda, Maybach, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Smart, Toyota and Volvo have all stepped up to the plate, and the results are visually stunning. At the same time, each is though provoking because the designers have each given insight into what technology they believe will possible in the future.

Cadillac Aera

1000lbs/1000mi
The Cadillac Aera (Aero + Era) launches Cadillac’s philosophy of “Art and Science” into new territory by taking an innovative and stylistic approach to ultra-light weight vehicle design. Aera is a 1000 lb, 2+2 touring coupe, with a range of 1000 miles before refueling; attributes achieved without compromising size, capacity and safety.

Optimum efficiency, minimum parts
Aera’s highly advanced body structure utilizes a 3D lattice, mono-formed frame. This polyhedral structure is similar to configurations found consistently in nature, e.g., inside the grouping of bubbles. The structure is formed from unique, alloy-utilizing, semi-solid freeform manufacturing, creating a naturally strong, extremely lightweight frame. All major body parts, including interior components, are essentially “grown” into a single part lattice structure.

Renowned Cadillac smoothness and quietness are accomplished using the harnessed power of compressed air via a highly efficient Pneumatic Drive System (PDS). Its 10,000 psi composite air storage tank has ample capacity for a 1000 mile range. Flexible, pressurized air cells in the exterior skin, similar to material developed for the NASA Mars Rover airbags, enhance passive safety and interior comfort. The flexible polymer skin optimizes aerodynamics and functions as an ultra-lightweight alternative to conventional body panels and glass.[adsense]

Additional technologies include an All-In-One (AIO) wheel system, combining rotary actuator propulsion, steering and suspension functions. A drive by wireless system decreases the mass of electrical components. Vehicle to vehicle communication (V2V) promotes active safety.

The Cadillac Aera embodies a stylistic, lightweight, minimalist approach to long distance luxury touring.
Design Team
Frank Saucedo – Director
Phil Tanioka – Project Manager
Jussi Timonen – Vehicle Designer
Brent Wickham – Concept Strategist
Shawn Moghadam – Layout Designer

Honda Air Concept

The Honda Air concept is a vision of the future of lightweight and alternative fuel performance vehicles; a coastal cruiser for the aggressive lifestyle. Inspired by the modern roller coaster as well as skydiving wing-suits, the Air is powered by a compressed air and pneumatic regulator system. It utilizes turbo vacuums and external air-flow to regenerate tank pressure for extended range and increased boost for an estimated 100 miles. The chassis doubles as the master tank and all components, including seating, are mounted to the central chassis/tank to eliminate redundant structure and reduce overall weight.

Vegetable based polymer panels and fairings protect occupants, maintaining the solid Honda method; safety for everyone. The Air’s cockpit and package maintain the aggressive human packaging of a modern roller coaster aimed at maximizing the open air experience. In order to reduce weight and increase dynamic performance, a hub-less wheel and drive system eliminates the use of heavy drive train components. Glass reinforced seating panels, urethane tire composition and skeletal sub-frame components combine for drastic weight savings. Using a Honda generator / air compressor at home or tire filler at your local filling station, the main tanks and reserves can be filled quickly and safely.

At just under 800 lbs., the powerful anthem of pneumatic propulsion and a character unlike any zero-emission vehicle exemplifies Honda’s concept of fun to drive. The pow[air] of dreams.

MAYBACH DRS – “Den-Riki-Sha” (electric powered rickshaw)

Gracing the Roads of Tomorrow
A radically new car culture will arise in the near future, which is aligned with modern architecture, infrastructure and nature. An astonishing variety of future automotive designs will grow, commensurate, with newly available energy sources, drive systems and alternative production methods. Light, transparent designs with sculptured elegance and an extensive range of comfort and safety options are finding their way into a new eco-conscious world.

The MAYBACH DRS “Den-Riki-Sha” (electric powered rickshaw) embodies these attributes and leverages the traditional values of the classic “Jin-Riki-Sha” (human powered rickshaw), which originated in Tokyo circa 1870.

Breathtaking beauty, ingenious luxury and technical brilliance characterize the sophisticated development of the “DRS.” This MAYBACH is the first worldwide NMV (Naturally Manufactured Vehicle). Its production process is unique: Per a highly perfected and complex metamorphosis, a readily developed car is born out of a coded DNA-cocoon. Organic intelligence, aligned with advanced bio-mechanical engineering skills, created this special process being designed for a limited number of exclusive vehicles. A futuristic composition of ultra-light construction with a unique luxurious Exterior & Interior expression.

Powered by a self balancing electric drive unit and controlled by an onboard computer that is plugged into a mega city’s transport infrastructure, the MAYBACH DRS delivers a smooth, luxurious journey cross town. To extend its range, this human-electric hybrid allows pedaling power to be supplemented by the driver. Meanwhile, the passengers enjoy the journey in their glamorous surroundings.

MAYBACH traditionally pointed the way to a modern era of luxurious mobility – the “Den-Riki-Sha” continues this heritage, gracing the roads of tomorrow.
Design Team
Holger Hutzenlaub
Hiroshi Yajimar
Hideki Takahashi
Yong Won Lee
Toru Nakano
Teck-Koun Kim
Masahide Yamada
Daniel Schlapp

Mazda MX-0

ze·ro
-adjective: having no measurable quantity or magnitude
-noun: the lowest point or degree

Zero weight:
Mazda’s long-time commitment to low weight is driven by the belief that effortless cornering and acceleration should be at the heart of every car we design. Our featherweight icon — the MX-5 Miata, tipped the scales at a little over 2,300 pounds in its first generation. Starting with the MX-5 as a benchmark, the design team has carried out a systematic process of reduction and consolidation. In this process, we have redesigned each component in the MX-0 to carry out the functions of several MX-5 components, effectively replacing a multitude of MX-5 parts with fewer, simplified ones. Innovative lightweight materials have been used extensively to obsessively lower weight.

Zero carbon:
Aimed at the global market of 2020, and with projected volume of 500,000 units annually, the MX-0 would have positive effects on the world’s environment and economy by way of less energy consumption and minimized use of raw materials. High-volume, automated manufacturing of sustainable, inexpensive composites coupled with clean-running drive trains are the key to both low weight and high-volume production.

Zero mass = maximum speed:
At the heart of the MX-0 is its purpose as a driving beast. Its ultra-light mass is pushed by high-torque electric motors. High power-to-weight is where a Mazda comes alive. Impossible acceleration and instant cornering is the result. It’s more like flying than driving. Zero hindrance. Driving bliss.
Design Team
Derek Jenkins
Tim Brown
Minyong Lee
Carlos Salaff
Jacques Flynn
Greg Lee
Paul Muzio
Dave Coleman
Julien Montousse

Mercedes-Benz Biome

Symbiosis: Light Technologies from Nature

The Biome:
The Mercedes-Benz Biome is an ultralight vehicle that utilizes technologies from nature to achieve unparalleled efficiency and seamless integration into the ecosystem.

Mercedes-Benz Symbiosis:
Mercedes-Benz Symbiosis is a system in which the vehicle becomes part of the ecosystem like the leaves of a tree. Symbiosis vehicles collect energy from the sun and store it in chemical bonds, in the form of a fluid called BioNectar4534. Mercedes has also developed technology to retrofit trees with receptors which can harvest their excess solar energy into BN4534. This creates an incentive to plant more trees and collect more energy, while also helping the ecosystem. The vehicle can be composted after its lifespan is complete or used as building material.

Partnership With Nature:
The Symbiosis vehicle forms a seamless part of the ecosystem through green technologies. Most of the energy used to power the vehicles comes from the sun. It is stored in a lightweight grown material called BioFibre. It is much lighter than metal or synthetic composites, but stronger than steel when mature. It is grown in the Mercedes-Benz Nursery through proprietary DNA. The customer’s specific desires are genetically engineered into the Star and the vehicle grows when this combines with the Seed capsule.

Mercedes-Benz Nursery:
All Mercedes-Benz Symbiosis vehicles are grown in an ecologically sustainable nursery, using primarily organic materials.

Growth from Two Seeds:
The interior of the Biome grows from Mercedes-Benz DNA in the front star, when it fuses with the seed. The exterior grows from the rear star, creating the shape. The wheels are grown separately from four unique seeds.

Technologies from Nature:
Mercedes Benz Symbiosis vehicles release pure oxygen into the environment, helping urban areas to meet air quality standards.
Design Team
Hubert Lee
Christopher Rhoades
Nicolas Garfias
Alan Barrington
Daniel Kim
Benjamin Messmer
Jack Luttig

Nissan iV

In 2010, the innovative Nissan LEAF is introduced as the first mass-market electric vehicle (EV), planting seeds for Nissan’s vision of a zero-emissions future. Fast-forward to 2035: EVs and the green energy infrastructures that power them have matured into a fully sustainable system, bringing this dream to life.

A NATURAL PERFORMER
Infused with Nissan’s heritage of sports and performance, Nissan iV is a high-performance EV inspired by nature’s intelligent beauty and crafted by human ingenuity. The iV is a super-lightweight sports tourer that showcases “organic synthetics,” a revolutionary manufacturing technique in which automotive parts are cultivated like agriculture in a 100% sustainable, carbon-neutral process.

ALL GROWN UP
Less is more. Every detail of the Nissan iV is engineered toward renewable, lightweight strength and maximum efficiency. Featuring an interwoven organic frame, iV’s chassis material is synthetically grown and formed into a stunning, aerodynamic shape. Derived from fast-growing ivy and re-enforced with spider silk composite, the biopolymer frame is flexible and ultra-light, yet extremely robust. The spacious, panoramic cabin comfortably seats four adults and is constructed from an innovative photovoltaic material that weighs 99% less than traditional glass. While the canopy collects solar energy, it also provides protective safety and unique, open-air views of the outdoors. Underneath it all, a slim bio-battery provides stability and a near limit-less range made possible by regenerative super-capacitor technology that recoups 60% of kinetic energy spent.

WHEEL ‘N’ DEAL
Nissan’s patented concentric hub-less in-wheel motors not only propel iV, they do triple-duty by functioning as the vehicle’s steering as well as its suspension system, via magnetic levitation and propulsion. Concentric magnetic rings amplify rotation with each outer ring to boost high-speed performance and provide independent wheel control for ultimate handling and maneuverability. Inspired by schools of fish and their fluid movement, Nissan’s pro-active Safety Shield™ renders collisions a thing of the past and reduces weight by eliminating the need for heavy structures (bumpers, beams, airbags, etc.).

ZERO-HERO
Through industry-leading technology, Nissan iV maximizes the driving experience by eliminating excess. Nissan fulfills a deep nostalgia for the joy of driving with a strikingly beautiful EV that can deliver electrifying, agile performance with zero-guilt.

Our mantra: Innovation For All.
Design Team
Alfonso Albaisa
Yoshihisa Akiyama
John Cupit
Robert Bauer
Randy Rodriguez
Ryan Campbell
Ken Lee
Hirohisa Ono
Hiren Patel
Steve Moneypenny
James Cronin
Matt Wilson
Ann Ngo

Smart 454 by Weight Watch Technologies
(454kg is about 1000lb)

West coast fun and innovation meets German technology, design and grannies’ hand knit socks.

Manufactured by incredibly high-tech robots that look as friendly and cuddly as our grandmothers, the Tridion-frame (chassis) is knit by our “Smart Granny Robots” (otherwise know as SGRs) out of carbon fibre. The knitting can create complex shapes and forms, enabling the geometry to be optimized in strength and weight.

We use different materials for each individual part to give every piece of the car its own specific properties and look. Each part is manufactured with the exact material necessary for an optimal balance between weight and function. Windows, fenders and bumpers are all made of recyclable plastics with ingrained colors. The roof is a thin, but highly durable recycled textile that comes with different prints and weavings.

Construction of the WWT carbon fibre wheels with integrated suspension are very lightweight and make it also impossible to run a flat tire. Our unique SGR technology allows for truly unique looking rims and the best lightweight technology in a rim.

The modular “clip-on” construction principal allows easy and endless customizing: a typical WWT of Sindelfingen and smart signature. The doors, roof, engine and drive-train are also very easy to remove or exchange, allowing for perfect functionality, looks, fun and the best tuning for any occasion.

Lightweight, fun and clever: Smart, the WWT from Germany.

Hand knit socks and grannies have never been so much fun…
Design Team
Mr. Emiel Burki
Mr. Sylvain Wehnert
Mr. Gabriel Nemeth

Toyota NORI Concept

Building on Toyota’s leadership role in creating eco-sensitive vehicles, the NORI concept challenges us to look ahead and create a clever vision that addresses fuel economy, emissions, green materials, new design and manufactured technology, and transforms it into an emotionally appealing design solution.

As the majority of current generation automobiles consist of a chassis covered by attached body panels, the NORI concept presents the idea that the body and chassis are one, as a PODULAR form, designed to be strong, light and beautiful. Bioplastics technology is created using “nori” (the Japanese word for seaweed) combined with a carbon fiber weave for strength. Woven into the PODULAR form are solar cells that capture and generate supplemental solar energy. As a holistic solution and new design aesthetic, NORI reduces weight and the number of parts while capturing and generating energy.
At the onset of the DESIGN process for each PODULAR form is a collaboration between designers and engineers, utilizing a “real time” design envelope to ensure the perfect balance of strength, light weight and design aesthetics. This process eliminates traditional design and engineering conflicts of form vs. function, and allows the design/engineering process to come to fruition at the same time.

MANUFACTURING:
The PODULAR forms are grown at factories located nearby the sea. Seaweed grows prolifically, and using it as a bioplastics source is an effort to minimalize the impact on the food chain (corn/soy etc) that has previously been used for bioplastics. The solar cells are embedded as part of the growing/manufacturing process.

PERSONALIZATION:
PSI’s (partial shape insets) are utilized to shield or expose passengers to the elements and address vehicle regulations (such as covered wheels), while serving as a new form of personalization. The color/graphics of NORI can be changed through an electronically generated data charge sent into the surface. There are no doors: ingress/egress is achieved by stepping over and into NORI’s PODULAR form.

DRIVETRAIN:
NORI utilizes four electric wheel motors and a removable battery pack.
Design Team
Craig Kember
Erwin Lui
Kevin Hunter

Volvo Air Motion Concept

Imagine…

A vehicle lighter than a Formula 1 racing car… Experiencing the adrenaline rush of carving through the canyons with up to three friends… Not using a drop of gasoline… Now just imagine if these dreams could be brought together in a single vehicle.

Tipping the scales at under 1,000 lbs. the Volvo Air Motion Concept makes these dreams a reality and delivers this in a beautiful Scandinavian body. Designed like a clam shell and sculptured from ultra light carbon fiber.

Minimizing weight and complexity, while maximizing driving enjoyment, is the philosophy behind this vehicle. Thousands of fewer components are employed than in a traditional car, thanks to the powerful, yet simple, compressed air motors that replace a heavy internal combustion engine. The motors cool down under load rather than heat up, thus removing the need for heavy cooling systems. An integrated approach to designing the chassis, interior and suspension also contribute significantly.

To compress the air needed for the centrally mounted air tank, Air Replenishment Sites are used. Powered by air turbines floating 1,000 ft. in the air, they harness the power of the wind and convert it to electricity to provide the compression.
Aimed at the driving enthusiast, by a company synonymous with safety and environmental care, the Volvo Air Motion demonstrates the beauty and purity of Scandinavian design and delivers a guilt-free, raw driving experience.

Introducing a new form of exhilaration. The Volvo Air Motion Canyon Carver.
Design Team
Chris Benjamin
Dean Bakker
Steve Goodrich
Bjorn Wessman
Doug Frasher
Dean Shaw

Panoz Abruzzi makes on-track appearance, gearing up for competition

endrisusanto — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 18:59:35 +0000

The Panoz Abruzzi is powered by a front-mounted V8 engine producing 640 horsepower and over 600 pound-feet of torque, while it’s styling is derived from pre-war classics such as the 1935 Delahaye.

It has been five years since Don Panoz and his racing team have experienced a win in the American Le Mans series. They plan to [adsense] change that next year when they enter the Panoz Abruzzi into the 12 hours of Sebring using the race-prepped version, which also got some track time at Road Atlanta. While the race version didn’t compete in the Petit Le Mans, it was shown off during the parade lap as well as in the Panoz Motorsports booth.

2011 Dodge Charger: First official images, details released

endrisusanto — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 19:02:30 +0000

Said to be more closely inspired by the second-generation Charger of 1968-1970, the rear/all-wheel-driver picks up the classic model’s full-width rear taillamps but goes without the original’s hidden front lighting. That massive ‘race track’ brake lamp assembly, incidentally, is illuminated via 164 LEDs. The nose appears to be more closely derivative of the outgoing model, albeit with a prominent grille assembly that sits a bit more proudly ahead of[adsense] the front fascia.

Under that big hood, Chrysler confirms that the 2011 Charger will receive both the 5.7-liter V8 Hemi and the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 as expected. All-wheel drive will be available in R/T trim, and the system includes a front-axle disconnect function to aid in [adsense] fuel economy, meaning that when it isn’t needed, the AWD Charger ought to behave like its rear-drive counterpart (albeit with some extra weight from the additional componentry).

Alfa Romeo artwork by Federico B. Alliney

endrisusanto — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 06:59:42 +0000

Heck, the blokes over at Top Gear even tried to sell a Brera to an art museum on exactly that basis. Actually turning an Alfa into a work of art – you know, one you can hang on your wall – takes another kind of talent altogether.

That’s where Federico B. Alliney comes in. Alliney is the artist to whom James Cameron turned to render his vision of how the Avatar world should look. And say what you will about overgrown Smurfs romping through [adsense] the Pocahontas storyline, the scenery and animation is really what made Avatar the blockbuster success it was. Now the artist has worked his magic on some of Alfa Romeo’s most beautiful creations for a series of factory-sanctioned paintings called “The Cross and the [adsense]Snake” collection.

The seven works of art depict 100 years’ worth of picturesque Alfas – including the original 8C 2300, the otherworldly Disco Volante, Giulia, BAT 9, and Carabo concept – against such backdrops as the Venice waterfront, a retro gas station, a race track, Batman’s lair, and of course a surrealistic tropical jungle. Each is available in a limited reproduction series of 30 editions each.

First Drive: 2011 BMW X3

endrisusanto — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 05:56:43 +0000

Luxury crossovers are a dime a dozen, and automakers are clamoring to be a part of the small CUV segment. In just the past few years, we’ve been introduced to the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLK, Volvo XC60 and Infiniti EX35, among others. But as the X3 aged, its unusually harsh suspension and not-so-great interior plagued sales. In 2004, BMW moved roughly 35,000 X3s off dealer lots, and just last year, that number dropped to less than 10,000. Things aren’t [adsense] looking good for 2010, either.

Instead of trying to reinvent the formula, BMW has improved on the X3′s original idea by offering more refinement, top-notch driving dynamics and heaps of technology focused on efficiency and connectivity. The end result is a compact crossover ready to regain its spot at the head of the class The new X3 hits dealerships later this year with the majority of sales expected to begin in the first quarter of 2011. The cost of entry is $37,625 for xDrive28i models and $41,925 for xDrive35i models, and in true BMW fashion, there will be an extensive options list encompassing things like sport, convenience and premium packages. What’s more, BMW will be offering custom interior and
exterior color packages, and consumers will be able to receive videos of their individual X3 as it moves through the different build phases within the automaker’s Spartanburg, South Carolina plant.

We don’t find many faults with the 2011 X3, but if we’re honest, there isn’t a lot to get excited about, either. What BMW has done is simply rework and refine its small crossover instead of jumping through hurdles to redefine its image. That’s fine, but the end result is a vehicle that reeks of anonymity. It’s the perfect vehicle for people… who have things… and like to drive to places. It’s an entertaining, involving steer out on the road, but it won’t turn heads like a Mercedes-Benz GLK, it doesn’t look as classy as an Audi Q5 and doesn’t speak of uniqueness like the Volvo XC60. Still, anonymity isn’t all that bad, particularly when you have 300 hp on tap.

First Drive: 2011 Chevrolet Volt

endrisusanto — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 06:24:06 +0000

The Volt is a four-passenger, compact hatchback. While there’s considerable controversy over whether or not to call it a plug-in hybrid, that’s how we’ll be referring to it, following the lead of the Federal government. GM prefers “extended-range electric vehicle,” which is somewhat misleading, since the Volt is only an electric vehicle for the first 25-50 miles. In EV mode, the Volt’s electric drive system draws power exclusively from a 16 kilowatt-hour battery pack, at all speeds up to its 100-mph maximum. Once the battery gets drawn down to 35 percent of its capacity, the Volt’s gasoline engine fires up, spinning a generator to produce more [adsense] electricity.

Of all the changes GM’s engineers have wrought since the first Volt concept, the most controversial has to be the design of the transmission, which GM kept a secret until last week. GM has been saying all along that the Volt was driven purely electrically, but as it turns out, this is not exactly the case. At highway speeds in extended range mode, the Volt’s gasoline engine is actually clutched together with the electric drive system inside the vehicle’s transaxle. There’s no point in belaboring the controversy beyond saying that the design is 10-15 percent more efficient, according to [adsense]GM. Since efficiency is pretty much the whole point of the vehicle, we’re satisfied, even if we’re not happy that we (along with the rest of the media) were misled. However, it’s time to move on and focus on evaluating the Volt as a vehicle, and to that end, it’s an amazing piece of machinery.

GM stylists have done an admirable job of making the Volt seem more sedan-like, so as not to appear as yet another Prius imitator, like the Insight. This is accomplished by accentuating the length of the car, both with the black lower window trim and a character line that runs across the lower half of both doors. Headlights and taillights that wrap into thin side-marker lights help too. On the street, however, the car still doesn’t stand out much from any number of nondescript compacts.

2011 Chevrolet Orlando offers frill-free utility

endrisusanto — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 17:00:32 +0000

Chevrolet has debuted its Orlando people mover here at the Paris Motor Show, and while we were originally a bit nonplussed at being promised the car in the U.S. only to have General Motors later recant, we’re no longer upset at its absence. Inexpensive and frumpy smallish MPVs still manage to find an audience in many European markets, but having fiddled with the Orlando today, we suspect that it probably wouldn’t have fared that [adsense]

well Stateside.

Our first impression is that the Orlando is rather Dodge Journey-esque, albeit a bit smaller (it’s Cruze-based, but bigger than it looks). Still, it shares the Dodge’s seven-seat configuration and value-oriented bent, though it makes use of a range of smaller, Euro-friendly powerplants, including a 141-horsepower 1.8-liter gasoline four-cylinder and a pair of diesel fours offering 131 hp or 163 hp.

The interior is basic yet functional, with a much better resolved dashboard and center stack than the aforementioned Dodge. That said, the Orlando is built to be an inexpensive offering and it very much feels that way, with a nondescript crossover-like exterior (disappointing after the much better looking concept) and a competent but character-free interior. The three-row stadium seating is a nice touch, but as with most vehicles of this size, the ‘way back’ will be reserved for short trips, particularly as there’s almost zero space for cargo when the rearmost seats are deployed.

Orlando production is slated to begin this month, with the first deliveries slated for early next month.

Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback Looks Good in Paris

endrisusanto — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 17:00:56 +0000

Unfortunately, the five-door Cruze is not slated for North American consumption – we’ll have to make do with the still-good but less-functional (and less-attractive) sedan. GM may think that Americans don’t buy hatchbacks, but according to recent sales data of hatches versus their sedan counterparts, The General would be very, very wrong. Regardless, Europeans will [adsense]

get to sample the Cruze Hatchback when it goes on sale in the old country in mid-2011.

Thus, we are left to sit and stare at the Cruze hatchback as it shines under the lights of the Paris Motor Show.

2010 Dodge Ram recalled over incorrectly printed labels

endrisusanto — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 13:57:58 +0000

Owners of 2010 Dodge Ram and Ram HD pickups are being asked to head to their nearest dealership. The trucks are part of a recall focusing on a label printed with incorrect information. For some vehicles, the tire-pressure label lists incorrect weight or seating capacity information. If the inaccurate information on the labels is followed, it could lead to safety issues as a result [adsense]

of improperly loaded trucks.

New labels will be installed free of charge at your nearest Dodge dealership. The recall is scheduled to begin this month (October 2010). For more information, take a look at the press release posted after the jump.

Holden Efijy Concept

endrisusanto — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 13:59:50 +0000

The Holden Efijy Concept is set to have a little extra (and very well deserved, we may add) time in the spot light. The slinky machine has been chosen to headline Australia’s first international concours d’elegance at the end of this month, where it will be joined by classic and exotic vehicles from around the world. Holden first debuted the Efijy back in 2005, and the car immediately garnered praise from hot rod fans and designers alike thanks to its ’50s-inspired lines and otherworldly powertrain. [adsense]

You see, under that retro skin sits a thoroughly modern driveline, including a chassis borrowed from a Chevrolet Corvette.

This thing isn’t just a looker, either. Under that lead-sled coupe hood sits a fire-breathing, supercharged, 6.0-liter LS2 V8. Should you decide to open up both taps, there’s a full 645 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque at your beck and call.