Dirty, Dirty Rental Cars Might Make You Sick
If you regularly rent cars for business or family vacations, you've likely had at least one or two rentals that grossed you out in some way.
Now you have a reason to be concerned, not just squeamish.
NBC's Today Show tested vehicles in Miami, which is one of the largest rental-car hotspots in the country, renting cars from six of the top rental companies—a wide range of vehicle types (showing a Pontiac G6, Chrysler Town & Country, and Saturn Vue)—and found them to be absolutely disgusting.
Visually, of course, they found the food crumbs and sticky residues we're accustomed to seeing, if not in the cupholders, under the seat if we dare look. But they also found dried vomit.
The show also had a team of microbiologists swab the interior, including the steering wheel, switchgear, knobs, and handles, and they found the vehicles to be ridden with illness-causing bacteria—as much as a public restroom, they said, including strains of bacteria that are markers for stomach bugs and flu virus. There was even bacteria present, on a rented child seat, that could cause strep throat.
And that's in addition to all the other toxins in new cars that we've already reported—such as lead, mercury, arsenic, bromine, and antimony, as tested by HealthyStuff.org.
According to the report, rental companies have been downsizing their cleaning staff and rushing the cars out for other rentals. A former franchise owner told NBC that only about 30 percent of the cars that come in get deep-cleaned, so 7 out of 10 are getting a very cursory tidying-up, or none at all.
Watch the video below for the full report. But trust us, it's probably not one that you should watch while eating
[Today Show, via Autoblog and MSNBC]
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
| Permalink:Dirty, Dirty Rental Cars Might Make You Sick |  |
2011 Hyundai Sonata Bottom Line
Likes
Zoomy new styling
Fuel-conscious
Well-damped ride
Entertainment features
Dislikes
Stylish cabin isn't everyone's style
Inconsistent steering feel
If you have to have a V-6, you're out of luck
It's true in cars as it's true in politics—to rise above the clutter, you need to make a dramatic statement. While Hyundai won't be telling anyone it can "see Russia from its house!" anytime soon, it is giving its mainstream, mid-size Sonata a refreshing new look and a new mission. The goal: dislodge some Nissan Altima and Ford Fusion buyers (along with shoppers considering the Camry, Malibu and Accord) and bring them into the Hyundai fold.
In four previous generations of sedans (five, if you count one version not sold in the U.S.), the Sonata's been a conservatively styled piece. For the 2011 edition, Hyundai's chucked caution out the driver's window and endowed the Sonata with an intriguing blend of crests and curves. They call it "fluidic sculpture" design language. We think it's a daring look for a family sedan, with lots of curves and arcs accentuated by a deep sculptural strake in its side. There's lots of movement implied in the side view, and the grille has some of the "wave" look of the latest Infinitis. In all, it's exciting and engaging, particularly parked next to the more utilitarian 2010 Sonata—and with the Altima and Fusion, it's among our favorite sedans to see. There are some imperfect details, though. You might notice the gathering of cutlines where the mirror meets the front fenders, and the unusual arrow of chrome that rolls down the front fenders. Overall, though, the Sonata's handsome, jazzy, and a visual standout in its class.
The cabin takes its own chances, winning most of its bets, but it's a little out there, on the edge of cutting edge for traditional family-sedan shoppers. The interior shares some themes with the big Hyundai Genesis sedan, including the vents that flank a big LCD screen atop the dash. The new Sonata has even more dramatic sculpturing in its steering wheel and dash cap than the Genesis, and gets cut-tube-style instruments as well as an iconographic climate control shaped like a human. It's adventurous and functional, and maybe a little more dramatic than some families will want—especially in contrast with the 2010 Sonata's sedately good-looking dash. The Sonata can be had with a variety of dash trim: the SE gets metallic, grained plastic trim that will wear well, but painted plastic trim on the steering wheel, which won't. The Sonata Limited has piano-black trim, save for beige-interior cars, which get woodgrain.
Styling's a noticeable departure from the norm, and the 2011 Sonata will take its chances with powertrains, too. For 2011, the Sonata will be offered with only a four-cylinder engine, leaving buyers to move up to a Hyundai Azera if they want a V-6. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder will make 198 horsepower, thanks to direct injection and other advanced engine technology; PZEV versions with cleaner emissions are rated at 190 hp, while the Sonata SE's nearly identical engine gets a boost to 200 hp. Because this Sonata weighs a bit less than the competition, it's a bit swifter than, say, the Camry or Malibu four-cylinders; between highway passes and switchback curves, we rarely felt the Sonata straining for power, even with three adults in tow. A six-speed manual will actually be offered, but almost all Sonatas will be outfitted with a new six-speed automatic that gets a sport-shift mode on Limited cars and slightly flimsy-feeling paddles on SE versions. It's Hyundai's own transmission and it's a smooth-shifting unit, mated well with the quiet, balanced hum from the engine.
The manual, the lack of a V-6--it's all in the name of fuel economy. The Sonata GLS manual scores the best-in-class overall fuel economy with a 24 mpg city/35 mpg highway fuel economy rating, with all other Sonata models achieving 22 mpg city/35 mpg highway--not bad considering power output tops the base Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Fusion.
Will the Sonata please enthusiasts along with the EPA? Probably. Its well-sorted ride quality is its best feature, while steering feel is inconsistent. For a family sedan, the engine-speed-sensitive electric power steering actually feels better the faster you go. On switchbacks during our test drive, the Sonata's steering felt hefty on center and meaty through a string of medium-speed curves. In town it got more nervous, at the transition point where the steering effort had been programmed to lighten up. The result makes the Sonata a little wandery on the highway as well. The Sonata rides very well, though, with a light touch to its damping, lower road noise, and on SE versions, monotube shocks that seem to snuff out body roll without costing the Sonata too much compliance. Braking felt fine—we encountered an emergency stop and the Sonata responded ably—and the base 16-inch wheels grow to 19-inch wheels on some trims.
You'll find plenty of room even for large adults in the Sonata, as we did during a driving route that curled through the hills east of San Diego. Already a big car, the 2011 Sonata is officially a "large" car by EPA rules, with 120 cubic feet of interior and trunk space. In the class, only the Honda Accord passes that hurdle. The driver and front passenger have plenty of knee and head room; we liked the Sonata's cloth seats for their bolstering better than the optional leather buckets, and the textured fabric's almost Nike-sportswear feel probably will be durable. The leather seats in front feel a bit flatter up front. The back seat sits at a good angle of recline, and only the tallest passengers will touch heads against the fabric headliner and the hard-plastic front seatbacks. The 16.4-cubic-foot trunk is about as large as that in the Ford Fusion, and the trunk gets larger when the rear seats are flipped forward. In the cabin, a deep center console and glovebox hide valuable goods; there's a niche near the audio controls for cellphones, a flat open bin in front of it for clutter, and a bin hidden behind a flip-down lid to conceal other goods—perhaps a radar detector? The Sonata also has dual power points, eight cupholders for those frequent cross-Sahara side trips, and coat hangers to keep your blazer looking sharp.
The 2011 Sonata arrives in showrooms wearing one big safety badge—a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). No NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) tests are available yet but Hyundai is hoping for five-star scores across the board (we'll update you when results are released). Standard safety equipment includes dual front, side, curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control; and active headrests. Visibility from inside the Sonata is good, even to the rear quarters where minuscule triangular windows seem to be in place just to keep the side view flowing—even rear-seat passengers won't see much through them. A rearview camera is available only on the top trims, though.
The Sonata nearly matches the Ford Fusion's array of entertainment features. Standard equipment on all models includes Bluetooth connectivity and steering-wheel audio controls; an MP3-CD player with iPod and USB connectivity; daytime running lights; a tilt/telescoping steering wheel; cruise control; and power windows, locks and mirrors. The Sonata SE adds paddle shifters, a sport-tuned suspension, and some slight trim differences. Both the Sonata SE and Sonata Limited have parking sensors and push-button start. The Limited also gets standard heated front and rear seats; a sunroof; a backup camera; automatic climate control; and an automatic dimming rearview mirror.
Options are kept simple, bundled in packages. The base GLS can be upgraded to include a power driver seat and alloy wheels; the SE's options include a nicely executed navigation system packaged with a sunroof. There's also a new "Dimension" speaker package for some audio systems. The Sonata Limited adds on a CD changer and HD Radio, and can be equipped with an Infinity 400-watt audio system, bundled with the touchscreen-driven navigation system and the rearview camera. The nav system includes XM NavTraffic and Bluetooth streaming audio, as well as 8GB of flash memory for music storage.
Pricing for the Alabama-built 2011 Hyundai Sonata will start at just $19,195 for the base GLS model equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission. Adding an automatic, the price rises to $20,915. Moving up to the SE model will run up a bill of $22,595, while the range-topping Limited model is available from $25,295.
The Bottom Line:The 2011 Hyundai Sonata takes some smart styling and performance risks to raise its profile.
Other Choices:
If you like the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, also consider:
- 2010 Ford Fusion
- 2010 Nissan Altima
- 2010 Honda Accord
- 2010 Toyota Camry
- 2010 Chevrolet Malibu
Reason Why:
The new Sonata banks on swoopy lines and fuel economy to draw shoppers away from the class leaders. Of all its competitiors, it seems geared the most at the highly-rated Ford Fusion, which was refurbished for 2010 with a new interior, a bolder grille and neater dynamics. The Nissan Altima's also close kin, with big interior room and probably the best handling of all these four-doors, though its interior lacks the panache of the Sonata. The large Honda Accord still has an elusive quality feel that few cars can match, though its styling has not aged as well as Honda may have hoped. Finally, the Camry and Malibu are the conservative choices here, with an emphasis on quieter, more luxurious transportation.
Buying Tip:
Want more distinction? The Sonata gets a new pair of powerplants later this year. A turbocharged 2.0-liter version of the same four-cylinder will be added to the Sonata lineup next year, with a hybrid version outfitted with lithium-polymer batteries arrives late in the year.
This 2011 Hyundai Sonata Review originally appeared at TheCarConnection.com where you can see more photos and news on the Hyundai Sonata
| Permalink:2011 Hyundai Sonata Bottom Line | |
Hummer-Hating Artist Hacks H2 Into Horse Cart, Cites Hoover
Ah, conceptual art. Clearly our country would be less colorful were it not for the efforts of, say, New York artist Jeremy Dean, who got inspired reading about horse-drawn "Hoover carts" made during the Depression from old car bodies.
From there, it was just a short leap to buying a used Hummer H2--the biggest, baddest, heaviest, meanest symbol of SUV dominance ever built for sale in the U.S.--cutting it in half with a torch, and turning it into...a horse cart.
Yep. He cut up a perfectly good H2, which he bought used for $15,000. That's a good price, apparently, since H2s have now been out of production for many months and it's not clear that GM's sale of Hummer to a Chinese company will go through.
The project is called "Back to the Futurama," alluding to the Futurama displays mounted at both the 1939-1940 and 1964-1965 New York Worlds' Fairs by General Motors, with a nod to the famous 1985 movie "Back to the Future."
Dean has quite a lot to say on the genesis of the project on his website. A few excerpts ...
"At this time of record financial gains, the auto industry began producing ever extravagant cars and SUVs. These huge American gas guzzlers became a status symbol in society leading to increased demand for oil and fuel prices soared.
"So with our very American idea of Manifest Destiny, we meddle in any country that has oil and send our men and women into harms way so that we can continue consuming almost 80% of the worlds resources. But how long can that last?
"My own satirical prediction of the future: Unless we come up with alternative fuel sources and rethink our reliance on a hyperinflated consumer based economy, we may be left with no other options than to hook our cars up to a horse.
"As a symbol of this I [will] take either a Cadillac Escalade or HUMMER H2, which have become monuments to America's consumption, greed and arrogance, and convert it to a horse cart.
"The cart will maintain all its former glitz and glamour: chrome rims, GPS, working sound system, DVD player, and TV screens. But [it] will be pulled by a horse. "
Now being built at Slick's Garage in Palmetto, Florida, the finished Hummer carraige will premiere during New York City's Armory Week, starting March 3.
Dean would like to sell the piece, to recoup his costs (he's sunk his life savings into the project), and fund a series of horse-cart Hummers and Escalades. They include one whose entire body has been chromed, a pumpkin carriage suited for Cinderella, and more.
Our final thought: Given the Hummer's military roots, it's doubly ironic to display the artwork in a functioning armory, which houses actual military Humvees that are parked on Manhattan side streets when the building is used for events.
| Permalink:Hummer-Hating Artist Hacks H2 Into Horse Cart, Cites Hoover | |
2009 Auto Sales: Have We Hit Bottom Dead Center, Yet?
As the auto industry prepares for another year of auto shows, new-car introductions and crossed fingers, sales numbers for 2009 will be announced today, by most major automakers.
The question rolling around in CEO offices from Tokyo to Stuttgart to Detroit: have we hit bottom dead center yet?
It's been a rollercoaster ride in the auto industry since the hale and hearty days of 2005. In that year, the industry clocked 16.9 million sales in the U.S. It's been a downward spiral ever since, with a low spot in 2008 of 13.2 million sales guaranteed to be beaten by this year's estimated 11.4 million sales of light trucks and passenger cars.
Some analysts see a slight uptick in December sales as good news--but many, like Edmunds.com CEO Jeremy Anwyl, see the slight bounce as a mixed signal. The automotive-pricing Web site predicts sales in December will reach an annualized rate of 11.7 million units, but Anwyl says that could be due to bargain hunters poaching deals on low-priced vehicles from brands going out of business--like GM's Saab, Saturn and HUMMER units--and from vehicles left over from the disastrous 2009 model year of sales.
Still, the sales rate would mean consumers have some confidence, no matter how slight, in the economy. If the numbers hold as automakers release sales figures, it could result in the best sales month since December of 2008, the Wall Street Journal reports.
The slight rise could be a passing blip, however, warns Barclays Capital analysts, who told the Journal that more sales across the board could mean automakers are ramping up sales of fleet cars--typically, less well-equipped, less-expensive models sold to rental car companies, government agencies and other bulk buyers.
Analysts are watching carefully to measure how many sales will be recorded, the Journal reports--but more importantly, which buyers are actually signing on the bottom line.
2009 sales: clunkers help Subaru, while Chrysler, Scion and Suzuki bleed
With final figures due today from most automakers, only a trio of brands can claim good news in the 2009 sales figures. All other car companies and brands reported losses--most of them, double-digit losses.
Through November 2009, the list of companies with lower year-to-year sales includes GM, off 32 percent; Toyota, down 24 percent; Chrysler, down 38 percent; Ford, down 20 percent; Honda, down 20 percent; Nissan, down 22 percent; VW, down 7; Daimler, down 19 percent; and BMW, down 23 percent.At the brand level, GM's HUMMER brand watched sales roll off a cliff and fall 66 percent; fellow orphan brand Saab will end the year off 61 percent or more; and Suzuki, Scion and Chrysler will report sales falling in the 50-percent range for all of 2009 when they file sales numbers today.
The bright spots are few: Hyundai sales were up 6 percent through November, and sister company Kia's sales grew even more in 2009, up 8 percent.
Subaru's stellar performance in 2009 ended with record December sales and a year-to-year rise of 15 percent. According to spokesman Mike McHale, it's for a perfect storm of good reasons-- the right product, the right price, and the right time, he notes. Subaru also benefited hugely from the government's Cash for Clunkers trade-in program; almost all its "conquest" sales, from buyers new to the brand, came from former owners of big trucks.
2009 sales: surprising stability
With almost universal sales declines, some individual models fell, predictably--while others posted unexpected gains. A cross-section of sales through November holds some surprises:
Ford F-Series : Ford expected to sell a million F-Series trucks at some point in the past decade. This year, with 365,416 sold through November of 2009, they may pass 400,000 sales.
Kia Borrego: Kia launched the full-size Borrego SUV in late 2008 and expected to sell 20,000 a year; they sold 9510 copies through November of 2009, with only 825 moved in November. As a result, the Borrego's not in the 2010 lineup, and may not return.
Buick Enclave: The big, handsome crossover from Buick has been well-received, and sales held up reasonably well. GM sold 37,701 through November of 2009, versus 41,416 Enclaves in the first 11 months of 2008.
Toyota Camry: The best-selling sedan in America last year, the Camry and Camry Hybrid clocked more than 400,000 sales in 2008. Toyota should barely pass 350,000 sales of the combined models in 2009.
Dodge Journey: New for 2009, the Journey hasn't been well-reviewed--but sales rose in the first 11 months of 2009 to 46,954 units, from 42,822 units in the first 11 months of 2008. The Journey, however, was not on sale in January of 2008.
Volkswagen Jetta: VW's compact sedan is due to be replaced in 2011--and yet sales were up to 98,194 units through November 2009, up from 89,398 units through November of 2008.
Toyota Prius: The world's best-selling hybrid is hitting a soft patch like other conventional cars. This past year, through November, Toyota sold 127,907 Prius hatchbacks, down from 151,025 sales in the first 11 months of 2008.
Whatever the root, it seems car sales have hit a firm patch. Edmunds.com analysts expect that 11.5 million cars and light trucks will be sold in 2010.
[Automotive News; Edmunds; Wall Street Journal]
| Permalink:2009 Auto Sales: Have We Hit Bottom Dead Center, Yet? |  |
Rollin’ In A 5.0, Once Again: 2011 Ford Mustang GT Gets 412 HP
Capping what just might just be one of the worst-kept auto-industry secret of the decade--but a very exciting one nonetheless--today we're officially bringing you more details on the 2010 Ford Mustang GT.
And yes, the recent leaks and rumors have been right: The 2010 Mustang GT packs a new 5.0-liter V-8 good for 412 horsepower. Almost as significant to budget-minded buyers today is that the new Mustang GT will achieve a projected 25 mpg on the highway.
That '5.0' badge alone is likely to bring back waves of nostalgia for anyone aged 30 to 60, as it represents a time when the Mustang was slowly crawling out of an emissions-regulation-induced coma that lasted through the '70s and into the '80s. By the mid-to-late '80s, the Mustang GT, with its stout 225-horse 5.0, was arguably the king of the pony cars and faster than many sports cars costing much more.
Now, 20 years later, the new 5.0 is poised to make nearly double that. With 412 hp and 390 pound-feet, the new engine is a radical evolution of the 4.6-liter overhead-cam V-8 that's been a Mustang GT staple since 1996. Not quite a clean-slate engine but a thorough rethink and redesign in nearly every way, the engine is, as Ford product development chief put it in a release, "the next chapter in the development of the world-class Mustang powertrain portfolio."
The engine, which carried the nickname Coyote through development, was inspired by the 1960s-era Coyote Indy racing engine, also a double overhead cam V-8. Ford engineers brought the new engine to production in record time thanks to computer-aided modeling and advanced machine work.
With variable valve timing, the new V-8 gets Ford's new Ti-VCT system, using cam torque and engine oil pressure to properly actuate the valves, while the oil system has been improved in several ways--with a greater (and baffled) sump capacity, piston-cooling jets, and design changes for reduced frothing at high revs. Redline has been pushed to 7,000 rpm, and the all-aluminum cylinder heads get four valves per cylinder, and the new aluminum block was developed with track-day crankcase pressures in mind.
On the exhaust side, the new engine gets tubular headers that, according to marketing chief Jim Farley, mean that aftermarket headers won't be the first stop after the dealership for Mustang GT buyers.
The new Mustang GT is only slightly heavier than the previous 4.6-liter Mustang, and the new 5.0-liter engine weighs just 430 pounds--20 percent less than the previous 5.0.
Fuel economy with the new engine, as we mentioned above, should be slightly improved overall, Ford promises, versus the outgoing 4.6-liter V-8, despite the increase in displacement and power. With the six-speed automatic transmission, the new Mustang will be rated at 17 mpg city, 25 highway (2 mpg higher on the highway that the 2010 GT automatic), and with the six-speed manual EPA ratings will stand at 16/24 (technically the same as 2010).
To match the higher output of the engine, the new Mustang GT will get larger brakes, plus stiffer rear suspension settings. A Brembo brake package will be optional, incorporating the larger rotors (14-inch discs in front) and calipers used in the Shelby GT500 Mustang, plus 19-inch alloys and summer performance tires. The 2011 Mustang GT also gets the Electric Power Steering System (EPAS), which Ford is in the process of phasing in through its entire lineup.
In addition to those prominent fender badges declaring it's a '5.0,' the new GT will get a higher 160-mph speedometer and three new colors: Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat, Race Red, and Ingot Silver.
Ford also promises various improvements both to overall noise and vibration control, and the convertible will get a stiffer body structure thanks to improved bracing.
Although Ford hasn't yet detailed feature changes, the 2010 Ford Mustang GT will offer a wide range of features, including integrated blind spot mirrors, a universal garage-door opener, and Ford's MyKey programmable vehicle key system.
---------------------
High Gear Media has partnered with Tesla Motors on a new writing contest where YOU can win a tour and road test of the 2010 Tesla Roadster Sport. You can submit as many articles as you like and enter multiple times. Enter now!
| Permalink:Rollin' In A 5.0, Once Again: 2011 Ford Mustang GT Gets 412 HP | |
Concept Cars Get The Comic Book Treatment
Concept cars don't always get the respect they deserve. Though some -- like the Cadillac Converj -- demonstrate production-ready designs, others seem like kooky high-fashion getups from the runways: so conceptual, so out there, they're more fit for sci-fi flicks than car conventions. And thus, it seems entirely appropriate that star illustrator Paul Pope has given three real concept vehicles (and one flying car of his own design) the comic book treatment for GQ. [via BoingBoing]
| Permalink:Concept Cars Get The Comic Book Treatment | |
Carfax Introduces Free Clunker Check
Vehicle history provider Carfax has partnered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to introduce a new Clunker Check service.
The simple Carfax query page allows you, merely by entering the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the suspect vehicle to check whether it was written off for salvage as part of the federal government's Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), better known as the Cash for Clunkers program, earlier this year.
The Clunker Check service is free, and independent of the company's Vehicle History Reports. And it includes the VINs of all vehicles traded-in as part of the program.
In less than 30 days this past summer, nearly 700,000 vehicles were accepted as trade-ins under the Cash for Clunkers program; as part of the agreement, which awarded new-car buyers a rebate of $3,500 or $4,500 to buy a new-car with better fuel economy (Toyota Prius sales soared), dealerships were required to see that the engines were disabled and that the bodies were sent out for dismantling. The dealer was also required to give you an estimate of the scrap value of your trade-in, applied in addition to the rebate.
Last month TheCarConnection.com reported that vehicles accepted as part of the clunkers program were stacking up at recycling yards, creating a backlog, while many other vehicles were being sent straight to the crusher rather than having used parts reclaimed. Recyclers have until early next year to crush all the vehicles. Furthermore, the CARS program has helped push used-car prices to all-time highs this fall as there's a relative shortage of older inexpensive vehicles. So we wouldn't rule out the possibility that a few clunkers have been snuck out.
[Carfax]
| Permalink:Carfax Introduces Free Clunker Check | |
BMW Pushing For Smart Traffic Lights To Aid Fuel Efficiency
Creeping along from red light to red light on your way from a major sports event or concert, or stopped by every red light on the way home late at night, on empty roads, you've probably wondered why traffic lights in the U.S. aren't a little more adaptable.
The short answer: they're not at all smart, and at least here in the U.S. they're horribly outdated. The typical U.S. traffic signaling system is (sorry, fellow GenXers) 30 to 40 years old. And the result of these inflexible geezers signaling traffic is a lot of needless idling and the lack of easy adaptability in most cases to either sudden events like traffic accidents or even daily events like traffic congestion in a certain direction at a particular time.
Vehicle miles traveled have grown in recent years 15 percent faster than our country's roadway network itself. And congestion keeps getting worse, leading to increased fuel consumption and increased emissions--plus growing economic consequences.
Developments like start-stop systems, which shut off the engine when sitting still in traffic, along with full hybrid systems that help increase fuel efficiency especially in low-speed stop-and-go traffic can help, but they're only part of the solution. That's why BMW is pushing for upgraded, smart traffic signals that would have the capability to adapt to traffic congestion, whether it's expected or not.
"Today the traffic lights have very limited detection abilities," says Dirk Kessler, the department manager for the BMW's Traffic Technology and Traffic Management group. Even the smarter signals today, Kessler says, have one or two sets of loop detectors capable of measuring queue lengths, average speeds, and number of cars. In the U.S. there's almost nothing in signals that's traffic-dependent," he says. "We think there's a lot of work to do."
Traffic signals have been one of the initial research subjects for the group. In its initial research, the group studied so-called Green Waves--a minimum of four signals in sequence that can eb synchronized for better traffic flow. Simply by changing the timing of traffic lights on a test stretch of roadway in Munich, the engineers were able to nearly double the fuel efficiency of a BMW 530d test vehicle--from 22 mpg to 42 mpg. That being an idealized situation, the company expects an overall 10 to 15 percent decrease in urban fuel consumption due to smart traffic signaling. Considering that motor vehicles use about 175 million gallons of fuel annually, and urban areas make up a significant chunk of miles traveled, that's a tremendous potential improvement.
It's in automakers' interest to advocate for improvements like this, Kessler said, because the investment is small compared to the investment required for incremental improvements in fuel economy for new vehicles. "Think about the money that's being spent to save one, two percent...and with a relatively small investment you could save much more," he says. "There is no witchcraft, there is only a bit of engineering,"
BMW has been meeting with U.S. DOT officials on the importance of upgraded traffic signals--hoping for a new focus on improving them--and will share results of their Green Wave studies with interested groups in the U.S. Although BMW hasn't yet examined how smarter signals would affect safety, it's likely that it would bring a significant improvement.
And this is all without talking about any communication between the cars themselves and traffic signaling. Broader-scope traffic management and car-to-network-to-car communication is the long range hope, which we'll bring you more on in an upcoming post.
| Permalink:BMW Pushing For Smart Traffic Lights To Aid Fuel Efficiency | |
2010 Volkswagen Golf – Golf TDI
The editors at TheCarConnection.com have driven the 2010 Volkswagen Golf to bring you this hands-on review of its styling, performance, features, safety and comfort. Along with the road test, editors researched opinions from other respected Web sites to bring you a comprehensive full review of the new Golf for 2010.
Likes
Built solidly
Cabin feels rich and upscale
Well-damped ride in most conditions
Newly available diesel option
Great visibility
Dislikes
Frumpy styling
Gas engine's fuel economy isn't great
Less passenger and cargo room than expected
The 2010 Volkswagen Golf returns with some styling changes and a name change. For the last few years, Volkswagen experimented with the old Rabbit nameplate in the United States, but it's abandoned that badge with the new model, reverting to Golf for both the three-door and five-door hatchbacks. The compact Golf comes in either body style, and with a choice of four-cylinder gas and diesel engines. Manual and automatic gearboxes are offered, along with a dual-clutch transmission in the TDI diesel. The new Golf starts from $17,490 for the two-door, with the four-door starting at $19,190, and the TDI diesel beginning at $21,990. Its primary competition? The Honda Civic, Kia Forte and Kia Soul, Mazda3, and Ford Focus.Performance enthusiasts will instead want to check out the 2010 Volkswagen GTI, which pairs the Golf's hatchback body style with more satisfying hardware and extroverted cues. TheCarConnection.com reviews the 2010 VW GTI separately.
It's a bit difficult to tell the difference between this sixth-generation Golf and the car it replaces. There are plenty of small design variations, but the overall mechanical package and the general shape of the car remain unchanged. It is conservative and boxy-but not unappealing in its own German way. There's the traditional shape, a legacy of 30 years, but it's now crisper with some interesting creases on the hood, a new front end with a wider grille and halogen headlamps, and a small spoiler at the hatchback hinge. Diesel TDI Golf hatchbacks also get oval fog lamps and optional xenon headlamps. The overall look is a little wider, a little more balanced, and mostly evolutionary. The Golf's cabin bears more of a modern imprint, thanks to a new dash with even better textures and looks than the outgoing car.
The 2010 Volkswagen Golf can be had with either a four-cylinder gas or diesel engine-and it's the diesel that gets TheCarConnection.com's nod. The five-cylinder gas engine is powerful enough for moderate use; it delivers 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, but its response is flat and unexciting. The gas-powered two-door offers a vague-feeling five-speed manual or a fine six-speed automatic; the four-door gas-powered Golf is only available with the automatic. It will accelerate to 60 mph in about 8 seconds and hit a top speed of 120 mph, plenty fast for average drivers, and fuel economy improves to mid-pack at 23/30 mpg with an automatic transmission. The clear winner here is the 2010 Golf TDI and its clean-burning diesel engine. It offers less on paper, at 140 hp, but with its 236 lb-ft of torque, it performs only a touch slower than the gas-powered Golf, with quicker in-city feel. The TDI's very muted diesel clatter sounds a bit more engaging, even, and it delivers 30/42 mpg and a 0-60 mph time of 8.6 seconds. The TDI is offered with either a manual or dual-clutch gearbox, and the winner is the latter transmission. The paddle-shifted DSG box is a delight, with quick changes up or down the diesel's admittedly shorter powerband. Handling is a strong point of any Golf; electric power steering has a well-sorted feel, and the Golf's ride is taut, not jarring. The front strut and independent rear suspension absorb big bumps with nary a crash or bang, and braking on the cars tested feels strong and controllable.
Comfortable seats and quality feel in the cabin make up for a little less interior room than the boxy shape implies. The Golf's front seats give great support, and the driver's seat helps you get comfortable with plenty of adjustability, but the controls are in three different locations: fore/aft at the right-front corner of the seat, a lever on the left side that raises and lowers the bottom cushion, and a big knob to change the backrest angle at the left rear of the seat. The rear seats have adjustable headrests and an armrest, and they fold down almost flat to give access to the cargo area. Rear-seat legroom can be an issue when tall drivers sit up front, and there's noticeably less knee room than in the Civic or the Kia Forte. Headroom is quite good, though. Throughout the cabin, the quality of the materials is high. The view out is good, but the base of the windshield is rather high, a result of European pedestrian collision standards.
Safety equipment is extensive in the 2010 Volkswagen Golf, but the new vehicle hasn't been officially crash-tested yet. However, it's very similar to the outgoing model, which earned four-star ratings for frontal impact and five-star ratings for side impact from NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Unusually, the previous Rabbit model earned the Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety), with all "good" scores. Standard features include six airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, and brake assist. Rear side airbags are an option in the four-door Golf.
With the latest edition, the 2010 Volkswagen Golf's features list has grown more competitive with the tech-happy entries from American and Korean automakers. Standard features include power windows, locks, and mirrors; air conditioning; cruise control; power locks; and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with an auxiliary jack. The Golf TDI diesel adds on an LCD-screen music interface, a six-disc CD changer, and Sirius Satellite Radio, along with a multifunction steering wheel. A sunroof is optional across the board, as are Bluetooth connectivity and heated seats. The TDI model can be equipped with a 300-watt Dynaudio Lite audio system that sounds crisp and clear, and worth the added premium over the base system. Lastly, Volkswagen offers a navigation system on the new Golf; it has a 30GB hard drive for music and maps, DVD playback, an SD card slot, and USB connectivity.
The Bottom Line: The 2010 Volkswagen Golf/TDI feels more upscale than its competitors, and the diesel's exceptional fuel economy is an unexpected bonus in the class.
Other Choices:
If you're interested in the 2010 Volkswagen Golf, also consider:
- Mazda3
- Honda Civic
- Kia Forte/Soul
Reason Why:
On fuel economy alone, the 2010 Volkswagen Golf/TDI makes a strong case to compact-car buyers. There are many engaging competitors, though. The Honda Civic is a perennial favorite here, though its latest design isn't a favorite. The Hybrid version has TDI-trumping fuel economy. The latest Ford Focus matches the Golf with two body styles, and buyers tend to be attracted to its powerful SYNC entertainment system, but it's styled poorly. The Mazda3 is the perennial favorite for handling, but it can't match the VW's solid feel, even after a full redesign this year that thoroughly upgrades the interior.
Buying Tip
The Golf TDI and its paddle-shifted gearbox comprise the most entertaining green car yet driven by TheCarConnection.com's editors. It's well worth a test drive against gas-powered competitors-but for real performance, check out the 2010 VW GTI.
| Permalink:2010 Volkswagen Golf - Golf TDI | |
2010 Toyota Corolla
TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven the 2010 Toyota Corolla to give you plenty of details and firsthand observations, and to compare it with other cars in its class. The car experts at TheCarConnection.com have also studied the latest road tests of the new 2010 Toyota Corolla to compile this conclusive review.
Likes
Quiet ride and handling
Sporty XRS model
Good build quality
Toyota's enviable reliability
Dislikes
Downmarket interior on base models
Tight cabin space when fully loaded
Archaic four-speed automatic
The 2010 Toyota Corolla is a car with two different personalities: There's the base model for budget-conscious buyers and the sporty Corolla XRS for those after a little flair. Comparing both models with their prime rival, the Honda Civic, the base Corolla falls a little short in the performance and styling departments. The XRS does a better job, especially when it comes to power and handling, but loses out to the competition on price.
While the current Corolla is much more attractive than previous generations, one of the car's biggest drawbacks remains its inability to excite the visual senses. The Corolla lacks the sporty and modern panache of many of its rivals, but this may be ideal for those who don't want to stand out from the crowd.
Inside, base Corollas can feel a little cheap, but moving up to the LE adds features such as power windows, while the XLE gets wood grain trim. The XRS range-topper adds some leather trim and comfy sports bucket seats.
The base 2010 Toyota Corolla and the better-equipped LE and XLE editions continue in 2010 with a standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder mill developing 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. Compared to the Honda Civic and Chevrolet Cobalt, the Toyota is slightly down on power; however, fuel economy for either the standard five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic is impressive, with an EPA rating of 27 mpg city, 35 highway. The Honda Civic, by comparison, gets 26 mpg city, 34 highway.
Upgrade to the premium XRS model and you get a 2.4-liter four-banger with 158 horsepower on tap. This engine is happy to rev, and a sweet shifting six-speed automatic is available as an option. When matched with the standard five-speed manual, the Corolla XRS will sprint from 0-60 mph in around eight seconds--not exactly scintillating performance but enough to raise the heart rate. Fuel economy is hardly impressive, at 22/30 mpg.
The 2010 Toyota Corolla features a fully independent suspension system, but with the lackluster power output from the base 1.8-liter engine, performance remains dull. Moving up to the Corolla XRS adds rear disc brakes and a tighter feel, but the electric power steering still lacks adequate feedback.
Safety is the Corolla's strong suit, with anti-lock brakes, tire-pressure monitors, active headrests, and front, side, and curtain airbags all standard. Stability and traction control are now standard across the range as well.
The 2010 Toyota Corolla comes well equipped, with standard air conditioning, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and CD player. Optional features include a navigation system and XM Satellite Radio--rare features in this segment. However, it still misses out on power windows or power locks in the base model.
There has been no price increase for the 2010 model year Corolla, despite the addition of electronic stability and traction control as standard across the range. Pricing kicks off at $15,350 for the standard sedan with a five-speed transmission and goes up to $20,050 for the sporty XRS with a five-speed automatic transmission.
The Bottom Line: The 2010 Toyota Corolla has two different personalities: a bare-basic entry-level model and the sporty--but pricey--Corolla XRS.
Other Choices
If you like the 2010 Toyota Corolla, also consider:
- Honda Civic
- Hyundai Elantra
- Mazda Mazda3
- Nissan Sentra
Reason Why:
The 2010 Toyota Corolla is competent in most areas, but strong rivals like the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, and Mazda3 are similar in price and perform better overall. The Hyundai Elantra is an especially good value compared to the Toyota, as is Hyundai's larger Sonata when compared with the $22,000 Corolla XRS. The Nissan Sentra has better style and a better backseat, while the Mazda3 is the zippiest of all, especially as the MazdaSpeed3. Other vehicles worth a look include the Mitsubishi Lancer and the Honda Fit.
Buying Tip
The Toyota Corolla remains one of the most popular models in the mid-size sedan, but with tough competition from the likes of Honda, Chevrolet, and Mazda, there are some bargains to be had. Look for deals on the base models, but manual-equipped XRS models are also a favorite for value-minded buyers. TheCarConnection.com's editors strongly recommend the XRS model if you are after a Corolla, but be prepared to pay the price premium.
| Permalink:2010 Toyota Corolla | |
