Cars Getting a Mind of Their Own

Most science-fiction movies inevitably feature a futuristic car where a character settles into the cockpit, punches in a few buttons, and then relaxes as the car drives itself to a chosen destination.  Although this is still a little removed from our current reality, new developments are bringing this kind of future within reach.  Whether it’s through collision sensors, real-time traffic monitoring or self-parking, automobiles are starting to get minds of their own.

Volvo Introduces Collision Detection

The 2007 Volvo S80 offers several unique safety features that are generating a lot of buzz.  The first is a sensor that constantly monitors the distance between yourself and the traffic in front of you.  Should that distance start closing rapidly enough to signify a possible impact, it activates Volvo’s Collision Warning.  The system alerts the driver by illuminating the dash with a flashing red light and sounding an alert buzzer.  It doesn’t stop there, though: the sensor also triggers an application in the brakes to prepare them for emergency stopping, which reduces the stopping distance of the vehicle.  The end result is avoiding or reducing the severity of a rear-end collision.

The S80 also monitors the vehicles around it, not just in front of it.  If another automobile comes into the driver’s blind spot, a light will illuminate next to the sedan’s side-view mirrors.  It keeps an eye out for complex traffic situations as well.  Through the Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS), the S80 will turn off its integrated phone and other distractions when a driver is performing maneuvers that require additional concentration.

Volvo first introduced these features – and some others that have yet to see production – in 2001, with their innovative Safety Concept Car (SCC).  They have been constantly tweaking their systems and components in the years since.  The end result is a vehicle actually assisting driver awareness and safety, which makes it very smart indeed.

Staying Ahead of the Logjam

GPS navigation has been around for a few years now, long enough for its price to drop out of the stratosphere and into affordability for us common folk.  Now that GPS is in its second generation, automakers are looking to take it a step further than a digital map and disembodied voice.  That next step is real-time traffic monitoring.

All those satellites circling the globe can now compile a constant stream of traffic data from local radio and ClearChannel services and feed it into your vehicle.  The result is an up-to-the-minute snapshot of the logjam in front of you.  In some of the latest systems from Garmin and TomTom, the congestion ahead will turn the route yellow on your digital map and signal an audible alert.  Models built into the latest Audis, BMWs, and a few other luxury imports even suggest an alternate route.

The Lexus LS: Valet Included

You’ve probably seen an ad or two for Lexus’s flagship LS showing off its newest innovation, Park Assist.  In one ad, a driver pulls ahead of a parallel parking space, punches a few buttons, and then rejoices in exultation as he takes two hands off the wheel and the LS maneuvers itself neatly between two stacks of champagne flutes. 

Sensors that circle the vehicle make this work.  Once the driver pulls ahead of a potential parking spot, they put the car in reverse, a foot on the brake and punch the Park Assist button.  The sensors then hone in on the spot and judge its spaciousness, signaling red if it is deemed too small (the LS needs about four extra feet of room, only slightly more than a skilled driver).  If given the green for go, the driver then lines up an arrow or two on the screen and drags a finger indicating precisely where they want the vehicle.  A quick confirmation and the Lexus will do the rest. 

This is the first iteration of Park Assist and Lexus is looking to improve and speed up the process in coming models.  Look for a revised version in ‘08 or ‘09 that will take the ‘wow’ factor even further.

The Future: Inter-Vehicle Communication

What might be the end result of all these recent innovations is a comprehensive network of vehicles constantly interacting with each other on the road.  Potentially, automobiles could be equipped with microchips broadcasting global positioning and telemetries to their road-neighbors.  This constant sharing of data would comprise a seamless network that prevents collisions, improves traffic patterns, and ensures safety in bad weather when driver visibility is compromised.  Perhaps someday our cars will drive by themselves, and it’ll take us just a few button presses to get wherever we wish to go.

At AutoExtra.com, we strive to bring you the latest and greatest happenings in the automotive universe.  Stay tuned for more on the cutting edge of the automotive industry and remember:  We’re all you need.

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AutoExtra.com(R) Selects AutoCheck(R) as Exclusive Source of Vehicle History Reports

New partnership boosts online resources for dealers and consumers buying and selling used vehicles with leading vehicle history information

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., June 11 /PRNewswire/ — Experian Automotive, a division of global information solutions company Experian(R) Inc., today announced that AutoExtra.com has selected its AutoCheck solution as the exclusive source of vehicle history reports for consumers and dealers buying and selling vehicles online.AutoExtra.com, a leading online source for buying, selling and researching used vehicles, has now integrated AutoCheck vehicle history reports into its offerings. AutoExtra.com visitors can now easily access the history of any used vehicle to reveal possible undisclosed or unknown problems that can affect its safety and resale value.“Contextual details are always important in the decision making process, especially when purchasing something as important as a car. We’re excited about this new partnership because AutoCheck provides vital background information and empowers our customers to make informed decisions with confidence,” said Joe George, vice president of AutoExtra.com.

Consumers visiting AutoExtra.com can access AutoCheck’s full vehicle history reports which leverage Experian’s National Vehicle Database of more than half a billion vehicles to disclose important events in a vehicle’s history such as major flood damage, frame damage, or odometer rollback issues, along with other key information. Having access to this information helps AutoExtra.com dealers bring added value and peace of mind to potential customers while giving consumers the means to make the most educated vehicle purchasing decision possible.

“The online marketplace for used vehicles continues to grow rapidly, and as it does, so does the need to have the best information to help in choosing which vehicle is right for you,” said Scott Waldron, president of Experian Automotive. “Combining AutoExtra’s research tools, safety information and vehicle reviews with AutoCheck vehicle history reports provides consumers and dealers with the best resources possible to help them buy or sell a used vehicle.”

Please visit http://www.autoextra.com/ for more on the full breadth of AutoExtra’s services. For more information on AutoCheck, visit http://www.autocheck.com/.

About AutoExtra.com

AutoExtra.com, launched in February 2005 and headquartered in Norfolk, Va., has been the fastest-growing Internet automotive marketplace for the last two years. Featuring an extensive research and resource center, AutoExtra.com is the second-largest used vehicle database on the Web. AutoExtra.com is part of Cox Auto Trader, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Cox Enterprises.

About Experian Automotive

Experian Automotive, a business unit of Experian(R) Group Ltd. (LSE: EXPN) , delivers information solutions to manufacturers, dealers, finance and insurance companies, and consumers. Experian helps automotive clients increase customer loyalty, target and win new business, and make better lending and vehicle purchase decisions. Its National Vehicle Database, housing more than 500 million vehicles, along with Experian’s credit, consumer and business information assets, meets the industry’s growing demand for an integrated information source. Experian’s advanced decision support services help clients turn this information into improved business results. Experian technology supports several top automotive Web sites including eBay Motors, Yahoo! Autos, CarsDirect.com, CarMax.com and NADAguides.com. For more information on Experian Automotive and its suite of solutions, visit our web site at http://www.experianautomotive.com/.

Website: http://www.autoextra.com/
Website: http://www.autocheck.com/
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Tips To Reduce Gas Costs

The current national average gas price was $3.16 per gallon on June 04, 2007 according to the U.S. Department of Energy website eia.doe.gov. With the summer travel season at hand, fuel costs are expected to remain high and most of us could benefit by getting the best gas mileage possible from our vehicle. Fortunately conserving fuel is easier than you might think and by following a few simple guidelines you can get the most out of every cent.

Maintenance

According to FuelEconomy.gov, properly inflated tires can increase your gas mileage up to 3.3 percent. Always make sure they’re inflated to the correct pressure and have them rotated, balanced, and aligned. Many manufactures recommend tire rotation every 5,000 to 10,000 miles but you should always adhere to your specific vehicle’s manufacturer recommendations.

It’s also important to keep your car tuned. A tune-up will help the engine operate at its peak efficiency which is crucial to getting the most mileage out of every gallon.

Keeping your car’s air filter clean may be the easiest way to improve your gas mileage. A clean air filter allows your car to ‘breathe’ easier which in turn makes your car’s engine operate more efficiently. Additional tuning items include the engine’s fuel filter, spark plugs / wires, distributor cap, belts, and so on. Refer to the manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule and consult a professional mechanic to keep your car operating at its finest.

FuelEconomy.gov states that you should use the recommended grade of oil for your car’s engine to help improve your its gas mileage. Using the correct grade of oil could increase your vehicle’s gas mileage by 1 to 2 percent.

Driving Habits

The EPA states that you can attain up to 15% better gas mileage by avoiding excessive speeds. Of course you should always obey the posted speed limit to maintain the highest degree of safety. When accelerating from a standstill gently press the accelerator to minimize a “jack-rabbit start” in order to reduce excessive gasoline consumption.

According to FuelEconomy.gov you should avoid excessive idling whenever possible because your vehicle achieves 0 MPG while idling. So if you see a long line at a fast food drive-thru window, park your car and go inside to avoid unnecessarily wasting gas. Who knows you might be served quicker by ordering your meal inside the restaurant.

Take advantage of your vehicle’s cruise control feature as it may help conserve gas by allowing your engine to operate at a consistent speed and RPM range. Using the car’s overdrive gearing allows your engine to operate at a lower RPM which could save fuel and reduce strain on your engine.

Each additional 100 lbs of weight in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by 2% according to FuelEconomy.gov. Therefore remove any needless items from your vehicle as they will only add to your overall weight and therefore diminish your fuel efficiency. Additionally a loaded roof rack can lower your fuel economy by 5% so only use a rack when it’s absolutely necessary.

At The Pump

Most cars today are designed to operate at their maximum efficiency using 87 octane fuel and do not require premium grade fuels. So to save money use the lowest manufacturer recommended octane rating for your vehicle.

When you’re filling the tank use the automatic shut-off feature as an indicator that your tank has had enough. Topping off your tank can lead to spills and you’ll end up paying for gas that was never used. Make sure you tighten the gas cap until you hear several clicks. This will decrease the possibility of your gasoline evaporating.

At AutoExtra.com, we strive to bring you the latest and greatest happenings in the automotive universe. Stay tuned for more on the cutting edge of the automotive industry and remember: We’re all you need.

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Gas Prices Shifting the Automotive Landscape

As summer approaches, so does the inevitable spike in fuel costs.  Now that gasoline is $3 a gallon and not expected to dip below this threshold anytime soon (it could even hit $3.50 before 2007 is in the books), the automotive industry is bracing for a shift in how people buy vehicles.  According to a recent survey, there is definitely change in the air, though maybe not what some automakers were expecting.

Burst! Media recently polled about 600 individuals planning to purchase a vehicle in the next twelve months.  Although slightly more than ten percent of those polled said they were postponing their buying decision because of rising fuel costs, 21 percent said they actually sped up their purchase date for a new vehicle. 

For automakers with a more fuel-efficient lineup, this is good news.  Some car buyers are delaying their decision to purchase, but twice as many are accelerating that same decision.  Also, of those polled, two-thirds say fuel efficiency will have an impact on the next vehicle they buy.  While some of this is due to a rising environmental awareness, experts say it’s the refueling costs of gas guzzlers that really curtails their moving off the lot.

Manufacturers have taken notice – lately, the overwhelming majority of car commercials are stressing fuel efficiency.  Many ads lately even stress fuel economy as their number one selling point.  Chevrolet and Honda are good examples of this, running Super Bowl spots that solely highlight the fuel-sipping facet of their lineups.

The advertising strategy is working.  Compact models such as the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, and Chevy Aveo are flying out of dealerships.  Hybrid versions of popular cars like the Ford Escape and Toyota Camry, though they cost thousands more than their gas-engine counterparts, are quickly becoming a better investment.  Many of these hybrids are now on waiting lists and automakers are trying to match supply with demand. 

 

As for those gas guzzlers?  There will always be a niche market for oversized trucks and SUVs, but their mainstream popularity is waning.  Many models are being replaced by smaller, trendier ‘Crossover’ vehicles.  Ford considers their new Edge crossover the ‘flagship’ symbol of their Moving Forward campaign according to Mark Fields, Executive Vice President. 

In our corner of the marketplace, AutoExtra.com has noticed a shift as well.  In the last twelve months, the fuel-sipping Honda Civic has become our site’s most sought after vehicle (and now has the highest resale value of any vehicle in the market).  Searches for other high-gas-mileage vehicles continue to break records as well.  At AutoExtra.com, we strive to bring you the latest and greatest happenings in the automotive universe.  Stay tuned for more on the cutting edge of fuel technologies and remember:  We’re all you need

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AutoExtra.com’s Towing Guide

The hot summer months are fast approaching, and with them comes the freedom and bliss known as the Big Vacation. For some of us, the Big Vacation requires more than just a loaded vehicle and roof-rack – something extra is needed. If you’re incorporating a trailer into that much-needed getaway, here’s a primer on the basics of towing.
 

First Things First Before you do anything, learn your weights. Here are some common terms:

GVWR – Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (vehicle weight + passengers + cargo) GTW – Gross Trailer Weight (trailer weight + trailer cargo) GCWR – Gross Combined Weight Rating (vehicle weight + trailer weight + all passengers and cargo) TW – Tongue Weight (trailer weight directly on top of the hitch, usually about 10% of the GTW)

Your owner’s manual will include your vehicle’s weight and tow weight ratings. Err on the side of caution and add several hundred pounds to what you think your trailer weighs – too much weight is dangerous and damaging to the tow vehicle.
 

Getting Hitched If you bought your vehicle without a tow package or factory-installed hitch, you’re going to need one to connect your trailer. Hitches vary depending on the weight of the trailer and are generally classified in five categories. For extra-heavy duty towing, you can also consider a ‘fifth-wheel’ hitch to mount in your pick-up bed, but this is for heavy duty pick-ups only.

Class I – 2,000 lbs GTW, 200 lbs TW Class II – 3,500 lbs GTW, 350 lbs TW Class III – 5,000 lbs GTW, 500 lbs TW Classes IV-V – 15,000 lbs GTW, 1,500 lbs TW

Hitches that are Classes I, II, and III are generally regarded as ‘weight-carrying’ hitches – they mount to the rear frame and/or bumper and simply pull the weight. Classes IV and V are ‘weight-distributing’ hitches, where hitch receivers distribute the load among the wheels of both the tow vehicle and trailer.
 

Loading Tips Proper weight distribution is vital for the safe operation of your trailer. As a general rule, try to keep as much cargo weight as you can directly over the trailer’s wheels and as low to the ground as possible. This will reduce your trailer from fishtailing. Also, keep a relative balance in the front-to-back weight distribution of your cargo – too much weight on either end can lift an axle and affect your steering. Many experts recommend a slight pitch forward (at about a 60-40 ratio) for optimal handling.
 

Vehicle Modifications There’s more to towing than just getting the right hitch – you’ll have to make a few more adjustments to your vehicle. First of all, you’ll need higher air pressure in your tires to handle the extra weight. The correct pressure for towing should also be in your owner’s manual, or sometimes is stamped onto the tires themselves.
 

Secondly, turn off your overdrive (if you have it) if you’ll be driving a heavy load over hilly terrain. In overdrive, your vehicle shifts gears more often and this can strain your transmission when towing a large load. Locking out overdrive – or switching to “Tow/Haul Mode” in late-model trucks – will also help your braking capacity on downward grades. If you’re towing lighter cargo on relatively even terrain, overdrive is acceptable.

Hooking it Up There’s more to connecting your trailer properly than just fastening the hitch. Most trailers use a ball mount to connect. For lighter loads (the Class I and Class II categories) you’ll need a 1-7/8” size ball, and heavier trailers (Classes III-V) require 2-2-5/16” in size. Again, this should be in your owner’s manual. When mounting the ball, make sure the trailer is in a level position and not pitching too far forward or back.
 

As a backup connection – and to fulfill a legal requirement – loop safety chains around the frames of the tow vehicle and trailer. For newer hitches, special chain receptacles are often built in. In case of a hitch malfunction, these chains can prevent disaster. You can purchase safety chains and chain clips at a hardware or outdoors store.
 

Trailers are required by law to have their own running lights, brake lights and turn signals. Typically, trailers will come with their own wiring kits and guides, but you can also purchase these separately if necessary. Unfortunately, all wiring kits are a little bit different but for the most part are easy to install. Make sure your connections are still in working order before leaving on any trip, and stow them when not in use to protect them from corrosion.
 

Driving while Towing Basically, driving with a trailer pinned to your bumper is a more cumbersome enterprise and takes a little extra skill and alertness. Adjust accordingly by allowing plenty of extra room between yourself and the vehicles around you. Your accelerating and braking distances will be greatly increased, as will your turning radius. For larger trailers that really impede your vision, consider buying additional side-view mirrors.
 

Now that you are hitched up, loaded up, and ready to go, that Big Vacation has never looked so enticing. From all of us at AutoExtra.com, enjoy the open road and remember: We’re all you need.
 

Please remember that although AutoExtra.com has attempted to provide comprehensive and correct information to the best of our knowledge, we make no guarantee regarding the accuracy of the information provided. Consult owner’s manuals from your tow vehicle, hitch and trailer in addition to this guide.

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AutoExtra.com Unveils New Comprehensive Search

NORFOLK, Va.–AutoExtra.com makes finding that new or used vehicle easier than ever before. Now, AutoExtra.com shoppers can search vehicles based on their body style, engine features, listed options, and much more.

“Many people searching for a used car, or any car, aren’t always sure of the model they’re looking for. We want to make sure our shoppers can find that perfect match without limiting their search to brand names,” says Joe George, vice president of AutoExtra.com. “Our new search tool makes everything much easier for the consumer.”

AutoExtra.com visitors can include up to three vehicle makes and models in every search. In addition to existing search classifications such as year, location and more, new searchable features include transmission, mileage and multiple exterior colors.

AutoExtra.com’s advanced search also includes an extensive list of vehicle options. Classified under Safety, Luxury, and Utility, shoppers can simply click each individual option to include it in their search criteria. Providing additional convenience for consumers, search results can also be limited to vehicles recently posted on the site so visitors can quickly and easily see what’s new.

“We’re looking to bring buyers and sellers together in the most efficient way possible,” says George. “No one wants to scroll through a hundred listings without finding the exact blend of options they’re looking for in a vehicle, and our comprehensive search tools help to eliminate that issue. We know that every car shopper is unique, and our search offers each AutoExtra.com visitor a personalized experience based on their interests and needs.”

About AutoExtra.com

AutoExtra.com, launched in February 2005 and headquartered in Norfolk, Va., has been the fastest-growing Internet automotive marketplace for the last two years. Featuring an extensive research and resource center, AutoExtra.com is the second-largest used vehicle database on the Web.

AutoExtra.com is owned and operated by Auto Trader Publishing Company, a division of Cox Auto Trader.

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The Crossover Craze

For years the oversized Sport Utility Vehicle has been the undisputed heavyweight champion of the American automotive marketplace. As a symbol of prestige, and with spacious interiors and plenty of power, the SUV is a logical choice for a wide variety of consumers, but current events have created something of a backlash for these highway behemoths. With rising gas prices looming in everyone’s minds and the demand for eco-friendly transportation a new class of vehicle has emerged. Enter the Crossover.

The basic idea behind the Crossover is to incorporate the size and appearance of an SUV with the fuel efficiency and nimble handling of a sedan. The Crossover segment is growing at such a rapid pace that it’s hard to keep up with the new model offerings from each manufacturer. To help, AutoExtra.com introduces you to several Crossovers creating significant buzz around the industry.

Ford Edge

The Edge has been hyped as the flagship vehicle in turning around the struggling Ford Motor company. For years the popular Escape was the company’s only small-SUV offering but the Edge looks to reshape the consumer’s image of what a Crossover can be.

The Edge comes equipped with a potent 3.5L dual overhead cam Duratec V6 engine, delivering 265 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. The Edge offers a front-wheel drive model or you can opt for the 4-wheel drivetrain. The Edge is available in three trim levels: the SE, SEL, and SEL Plus. As you might expect, the Plus model combines premium options with the flexibility of additional seating configurations.

Mazda CX-7

The latest incarnation of Zoom in the Mazda family is the sleek new CX-7 crossover. The CX-7 comes equipped with a 2.3L engine which provides 244 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Power is delivered via a 6-speed sport automatic transmission.

Front-wheel drive is standard on the CX-7, but buyers can opt for an Active Torque Split all-wheel drive system as an alternative. Traction control and a Dynamic Stability Control system come standard in all versions.

Saturn Outlook

The Saturn division of General Motors – currently in the middle of a design renaissance – introduced their all-new crossover, The Outlook, earlier this year. The Outlook features a 3.6 liter, DOHC 24-Valve engine with variable-valve timing. This engine is available in two trim levels – the XE and XR – which produce 270 hp and 275 hp respectively. The Outlook is available in front or all-wheel drive.

Seating in the Outlook is plentiful – with an additional third row it can fit up to eight passengers. Saturn also introduces a new “SmartSlide” system, allowing all the seats in the cabin to be manipulated along tracks to provide ample room for both cargo and passenger.

Lincoln MKX

The Lincoln MKX shares the same platform as the Edge, but with the luxury appointments expectant of Ford’s upscale division. The standard power plant in the MKX is the same dual overhead cam V6 featured in the Edge, delivered via a 6-speed automatic transmission. Standard safety features include Ford’s Advance Trac with Roll Stability Control (RSC), seat-mounted side air bags, a Safety Canopy curtain airbag system and Ford’s Personal Safety System. The MKX also features projector beam headlights that pivot with the vehicle’s steering to illuminate more of the road.

Aside from the typical luxury treatments, the MKX features heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and 14-speaker THX certified entertainment system with DVD navigation. Add to that an ultra-quiet interior with sound-deadening materials and the MKX becomes a crossover that is truly luxurious.

Pontiac Torrent

GM’s Pontiac division introduced the Torrent early in 2005 and pushed it into showrooms later that summer. The Torrent has a standard 3.4L V6 that delivers 185 horses. The new GXP trim is more suited to Pontiac’s history of performance and comes equipped with a 3.6L DOHC engine that generates 263 hp. The GXP also has 18-inch wheels and GM’s FE3 Handling Package, delivering a firmer, more responsive driving experience. A convenient feature of the Torrent entertainment package is the standard iPod / MP3 player jack, allowing audiophiles to plug their components directly into the vehicle’s stereo system.

In addition to performance and handling the Torrent received an NHTSA Five-Star frontal and Side-Impact Crash Safety Rating.

At AutoExtra.com we’re passionate and excited about the automobile – after all, it’s what we do every day. We are eager to share this excitement with our readers so stay tuned in the coming months for stories detailing the latest and greatest happenings in the automotive universe.

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Can Chinese Cars Succeed In The U.S.?

The global automotive marketplace is not global yet, as the world’s most populous nation is still only a bit player. That’s about to change, however, and it will take less time and have more of an impact than some realize. The question might not be if can duplicate Japan’s automotive successes, but can they top them?

Population has its benefits – there are more engineering students in than there are engineers in the United States – but quality is now the auto industry’s number one priority. This is where
China is playing catch-up, but so far is playing it well.

In the past, China attempted to lure American, European and Japanese design experts to assist in their domestic creations, with mixed results. China has complicated labor laws and restrictions on outside workers, which adds a high premium to flying in foreign assistance.
Today, though, more and more top designers are home-grown, and are proving to be just as innovative as anyone else. In fact, not only are they improving on domestic designs, but also putting a fresh spin on stagnant American vehicles.

Take Buick as an example. General Motors is China’s most popular automaker and has production and design facilities in Shanghai, with primarily Chinese employees and engineers.

Lately, Buick sales have flourished in China and much of it has to do with a new approach to design. The Chinese Buick Lacrosse is fitted with modern amenities intended to appeal to the country’s young, upper-middle class professionals. Internal ambient lighting provides a night-club effect, and there’s a greater focus on appealing to the senses (massaging seats being one example).

The Lacrosse’s success in China is so substantial it has caused GM to pull a design-180. Instead of outsourcing American schematics to be produced in foreign plants, the Chinese designs are coming stateside. That’s right; the next version of Buick’s Lacrosse will be largely Chinese in origin.

General Motors is not alone. Chrysler Corp. struck a deal with Chinese manufacturer Chery Automobiles late last year, and is looking to bring some of their subcompact vehicles stateside soon, starting with the appropriately-named A1. The smaller cars are designed, manufactured, and assembled all in China as Chery vehicles, but will sell under the Chrysler or Dodge moniker in the U.S. If successful, look for this partnership to broaden. The A1 should arrive sometime next year.

But China’s entry into the auto market is not limited to partnerships and outsourcing. At this year’s Detroit Auto Show, the presence of Chinese automaker Changfeng Motors provided a lot of buzz and drew a wide spectrum of reactions. In past decades, visits from new import countries such as Korea and Japan were met with speculation and anxiety, but this year’s show offered a warmer reception. That’s partly because China has been handed a bit of humble pie from those two nations, and partly because China is, well, huge.

Changfeng, China’s largest producer of trucks and SUVs, certainly had some unorthodox designs, and some attendees suggested that these vehicles would not cut it in U.S. markets. The same thing was said, though, about Datsun (now Nissan) and Toyota in the early 1980’s and Kia and Hyundai a few years later. Once those automakers got a firmer grip on what American drivers looked for and valued, they found (lots of) room in the marketplace. Changfeng – and others like Geely Auto, at the Detroit show the year before – hope to duplicate their successes.

With lower labor costs due to a bottomless pit of human resources, the Chinese auto industry could do more than that. It will take some time, but regardless we’re about to see Made in China tags on a whole new product.

At AutoExtra.com, we strive to bring you the latest and greatest happenings in the automotive universe. Stay tuned for more on the cutting edge of the automotive industry and remember: We’re all you need.
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Alternative Fuel Glossary

Glossary of Terms

AFV (Alternative Fuel Vehicle): A vehicle powered by a fuel other than gasoline, such as biodiesel, ethanol, or hydrogen.

AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicles): This is a rating that signifies a vehicle has the lowest level of emissions among hybrids that still contain an internal-combustion engine.

Auto Stop: In some vehicles, this indicates the speed at which a car will switch from a conventional engine to hybrid power when braking.

BAS (Belt Alternator Starter): In a hybrid, the BAS is a modified starter that will replenish the hybrid battery and alternate the vehicle between hybrid and engine power.

BEV (Electric Vehicle): An electric vehicle powered by energy from a battery or multiple batteries.

Biodiesel: An alternative fuel that is derived from algae, expended oil and other sources, biodiesel could become an excellent energy source when produced on a wider scale. Biodiesel burns 78% cleaner than gasoline and can run in conventional diesel engines.

CNG (Compressed Natural Gas): Natural gas, mostly methane, can be compressed and liquefied to serve as a viable vehicle fuel and is already partly in use in and other regions. Fuel costs for natural gas could become far cheaper than gasoline in the near future.

E10: A blended gasoline that contains 10% ethanol, E10 is currently available at approximately one-third of gas stations in the and runs safely in all gas-powered automobiles E85: A blended gasoline that contains 85% ethanol, E85 is currently available in approximately 700 gas stations in the and runs only in designated “flex-fuel” vehicles.

ECU (Engine Control Unit): This system optimizes engine performance and output based on sensor readouts throughout the vehicle.

Ethanol: An alternative to petroleum as an energy source, ethanol is derived mostly from corn but can also be created from soy, wheat and many other substances. Ethanol is a fuel that contains more oxygen than gasoline, burning more completely and having fewer emissions than conventional gas.

EV (Electric Vehicle): An EV can also be considered a hybrid vehicle if it is currently running only on electric power (called EV mode).

FAS (Forced Auto Stop): Similar to Auto Stop, an FAS signifies a hybrid switching from conventional engine power to a hybrid source while the vehicle is in motion.

FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle): Any vehicle that combines a fuel cell with an existing conventional engine or operates only on fuel cell power.

FFV (Flexible Fuel Vehicle): Any vehicle that can run on a multitude of fuels, this designation typically refers to vehicles built to run on E85 and gasoline.

Fuel Cell: A fuel cell converts chemical energy to electricity in order to power a vehicle.

Full Hybrid: A designation of hybrid that contains the following parameters – it must contain an electric motor which is used exclusively in city traffic, operates above 60 volts, and uses regenerative braking.

ICE (Internal-Combustion Engine): A “conventional” engine that uses pistons inside a cylinder to take in, expand, and combust a fuel to generate power.

LEV (Low Emissions Vehicle): An LEV has fewer emissions than the average conventional-engine vehicle. In 2004, the state of
California passed a law requiring all vehicles in the state conform to LEV standards, and all measurements regarding averages refer to 2003 levels (see ULEV and SULEV).

Mild Hybrid: A designation of hybrid that contains an electric motor but does not meet all parameters of a Full Hybrid.

PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane): A PEM is a type of fuel cell that requires a low degree of temperature and pressure to function.

Pulse & Glide: A technique used in hybrid vehicles to accelerate to a high speed and then coasting to a lower cruise-control speed in hybrid power.

PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicles): Next to AT-PZEVs, this is the second-highest rating a hybrid that contains an internal-combustion engine can achieve in emissions levels.
Recal: A hybrid battery’s recalibration, a recal occurs intermittently to ensure the battery’s capacity readout is accurate.

Regenerative Braking: A hybrid battery absorbs or recaptures heat energy given off when the vehicle is braking.

SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle): A SULEV has 90% less emissions than an average conventional-engine vehicle.

ULEV (Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle): A ULEV has 50% less emissions than an average conventional-engine vehicle.

ZEV (Zero Emissions Vehicle): A ZEV runs completely on an energy source that does not emit pollutant gases. Hydrogen and electric battery powered vehicles are considered ZEVs and a vehicle must run at least 98% cleaner than an average conventional-engine to qualify.

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Knocking on the Door to a Better Engine

For all that’s changed in the world of automobiles in the last century, there’s been one constant:  the internal combustion engine.  With a new fleet of hybrids running on everything from vegetable oil to electricity, vehicles with combustion engines seem destined for obsolescence.  But what if that was no longer the case?  What if there was a radical new way to bring combustion engines back to the technology forefront?

Combustion engines of today (and yesterday) have always been burdened with a limitation to their efficiency and output called knock.  Pistons pressurize a mixture of air and fuel to ignite the combustion that provides power, with more powerful engine using more fuel, more air, and more space for compression.  Problem is, too much air, fuel, and space results in early ignition and lots of problems, including a noisy clanging sound.  This is knock, and it’s been a riddle to engineers since the internal combustion was first conceived.

Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) may have solved this riddle, and the solution is simpler than you might think.  Their biggest breakthrough is introducing a third element to the fuel and air compressing in the cylinder.  They’ve found that when ethanol is introduced into the mix, it acts as a cooling element.  By continually coating the cylinder with a fine mist of ethanol, the ignition timing can be regulated and knock avoided.

Such a discovery has led to other innovations.  Turbo-chargers have been around for a long time, and boost an engine’s performance by compressing air before it goes into the cylinder.  Combining this with direct fuel injection (rather than port injection used in most cars today) was a recipe for knock that engineers avoided.  With a little bit of ethanol, though, it has led to a more efficient engine. 

Not just by a little bit, either.  After running dozens of tests and building several prototypes, their engine – about half the size of current models – can produce the same output with up to 30% more fuel efficiency.  Doing some quick calculations, that would put a nice dent of 120 million in the 400 million gallons of gasoline burned every day on American roads.

All of this is impressive but ultimately fruitless if the engine can’t be built on a mass scale and offered at a competitive price.  But these guys work at MIT, remember, and have it all figured out.  They estimate their engines would be priced at about $1,000 more than current models (compare that to the cost premium of a hybrid today – $3,000 to $8,000).  Another plus is its sparing use of ethanol – the corn-based fuel’s downsides are its lack of efficiency when burned on its own and its production limitations, both of which are avoided here.

They’ve also taken the first steps towards production, incorporating their technology – Ethanol Boosting Systems – and looking for partnerships.  Ford has already begun collaborations and hopes to help improve the technology by using it in future concept vehicles.  If all goes well, these knock-proof engines could be on the road in the next five years. 

The combustion engine has been one of the great discoveries in human history, but its limitations have frustrated the scientific population for years.  Now it looks like these engines could take the next step and join other technologies in the race toward a cleaner atmosphere.

At AutoExtra.com, we strive to bring you the latest and greatest happenings in the automotive universe.  Stay tuned for more on the cutting edge of fuel technologies and remember:  We’re all you need.

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