Chevy Brings ‘Transformers’’ Bumblebee to Life

The 2007 action thriller “Transformers” was a box office hit, maybe because of the leading lady Megan Fox or maybe because of the unlikely hero, a yellow Chevrolet Camaro named Bumblebee. GM likes to think it was the latter.

Indeed, the 2012 Camaro will be offered in a special “Transformers” edition. General Motors Company reports that the 2LT and 2SS Camaro Coupes can be purchased with the $3,000 Bumblebee package. This special edition Camaro can be ordered in July and will be seen to U.S. and Canadian dealers in September.

So what exactly does the 2012 Bumblebee Chevy Camaro entail? You can guess that it will be painted a striking bright yellow. In order to achieve the quintessential bumblebee look, black rally stripes extend from the hood to the roof and rear deck lid. The interior is characterized by black leather with whimsical yellow stitching. And this Transformers edition Camaro would not be complete without Autobot Shield logos on the front quarter panels, center caps, and front headrests.

The debut of the 2012 Bumblebee edition Camaro aligns with the release of the third “Transformers” movie, but GM has long been thankful for the awareness “Transformers” has produced for the Camaro brand. In 2009, the Camaro was the most searched for car on the internet and Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing says that “The Transformers franchise has helped introduce Camaro – and Chevrolet – to a whole new generation of fans.”

The 2012 special edition Chevrolet Camaro may not make you Shia LaBeouf or allow you to save the world, but it will give you a taste of the “Transformers” appeal. So you can get rid of that Autobot bumper sticker. Replace it with your very own Bumblebee Camaro.

Self Driving Cars May Be Closer Than You Think

For some time now, human beings have wished to control everyday devices via autonomous robotic technology. Whether it’s a Roomba® vacuum cleaner that automatically keeps your house neat or simply a DVR which, when programmed, will record your favorite shows, people seemingly clamor for technology that takes the work out of activities. Although dreamed about for years, until recently automated driving was a thing for science-fiction novels. It seems now, more than ever, the chances of owning a fully functional self-driving car have skyrocketed thanks to the nearly constant innovation from companies like Google and Volkswagen.

Über-company Google has been working on self-driving cars as side project for quite awhile and have now begun to use these cars in everyday situations. Though Google has been developing the technology in California, they have moved operations to nearby Nevada due to fact that the state has become the first to allow drivers to operate autonomous vehicles. After significant lobbying from Google, the bill passed with only a small portion of opposing votes.

In Mountain View, California, Google had taken the self-driving cars on 140,000 miles of robot-controlled test drives but decided to make the switch to Nevada based on the states physical geography and penchant for innovative business growth. Some like lobbyist David Goldwater, think that Google’s strategic move will be highly successful.

“Nevada offers very good geographic opportunities, and the pro-business environment both from a tax and regulatory standpoint offered an opportunity to show what autonomous vehicles can do,” stated Goldwater, who lobbied Google’s cause but says he is not a spokesman for the company.

While the search engine giant has been forging ahead of the game in self-driving vehicles, Google is certainly not the only company making strides to make our cars drive themselves. On June 21st, Volkswagen presented its Temporary Auto Pilot or TAP system at the European Union’s research project HAVEit (Highly Automated Vehicles for Intelligent Transport). Like the name states, TAP still requires vehicle operators to drive and is quite different than Google’s fully automated driving function. In an attempt to assist drivers when facing dangerous situations, Volkswagen has bundled lane-change-assist, adaptive cruise control, and other semi-automatic utilities into TAP to make driving safer.

For those paranoid about having a computer assist with driving operation, the system may be disabled at any time. Volkswagen claims that the purpose of the auto-pilot is to “prevent accidents due to driving errors by an inattentive, distracted driver. The German auto manufacturer says that the TAP system will be active when driving at speeds of up 130 kilometers per hour (80 mph).

Based on the progress of both projects, it is not absurd to think that you may be sitting in an automated auto sooner rather than later. With safety and efficiency as top priorities innovators hope to change the driving experience for better.

The 2012 Camaro Flaunts Black and Yellow, For Bumblebee That Is

The 2007 action thriller “Transformers” was a box office hit, maybe because of the leading lady Megan Fox or maybe because of the unlikely hero, a yellow Chevrolet Camaro named Bumblebee. GM likes to think it was the latter.

Indeed, the 2012 Camaro will be offered in a special “Transformers” edition. General Motors Company reports that the 2LT and 2SS Camaro Coupes can be purchased with the $3,000 Bumblebee package. This special edition Camaro can be ordered in July and will be seen to U.S. and Canadian dealers in September.

So what exactly does the 2012 Bumblebee Chevy Camaro entail? You can guess that it will be painted a striking bright yellow. In order to achieve the quintessential bumblebee look, black rally stripes extend from the hood to the roof and rear deck lid. The interior is characterized by black leather with whimsical yellow stitching. And this Transformers edition Camaro would not be complete without Autobot Shield logos on the front quarter panels, center caps, and front headrests.

The debut of the 2012 Bumblebee edition Camaro aligns with the release of the third “Transformers” movie, but GM has long been thankful for the awareness “Transformers” has produced for the Camaro brand. In 2009, the Camaro was the most searched for car on the internet and Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing says that “The Transformers franchise has helped introduce Camaro – and Chevrolet – to a whole new generation of fans.”

The 2012 special edition Chevrolet Camaro may not make you Shia LaBeouf or allow you to save the world, but it will give you a taste of the “Transformers” appeal. So you can get rid of that Autobot bumper sticker. Replace it with your very own Bumblebee Camaro.

Honeywell Recognized For “Green” Car Tech

It’s 2011 and the buzzword “green” has never been more in the spotlight across many different industries. One of the largest fields to focus on becoming more eco-friendly is the automotive manufacturers. At the recent Automotive News Green Car Conference in Novi, Michigan, Honeywell has been awarded for their advancements in the area of environmental car technology with the creation of their VNT DualBoost Turbo. As one of four recipients honored for “contributions to the automotive industry which also have a positive effect on the health of the environment”, Honeywell’s turbo-charging technology hopes to make cars more “green”.

Ford’s Power Stroke engine, which can be found in the Super Duty truck series, Excursion, and Econoline vans, will rely heavily of the VNT DualBoost Turbo for improvements in fuel efficiency and performance. Honeywell also has included additional improvements like pedestal mounting and low friction ball bearings to reduce noise from vibrations.

“By providing innovative and environmentally responsible solutions like the DualBoost turbocharger, Honeywell helps our customers deliver high performing vehicles that reduce harmful emissions and drive better fuel economy. In the end, it’s further proof that our industry leading turbo technology is providing real value to both automakers and drivers alike,” remarked president and CEO of Honeywell Transportation Systems, Alex Ismail.

Business for Honeywell has been booming with the announcement of the new turbocharger. With more than 3 billion dollars of new business in 2010 alone and expectations that the number will only rise in the future, it’s clear that manufacturers are optimistic about green auto-technology. This year 100 new turbo applications are expected to join the 500 plus applications already in the works.

For more information on the Fortune 500 company Honeywell Internation (NYSE: HON) visit their website at www.honeywellnow.com

Honeywell Recognized For “Green” Car Tech

It’s 2011 and the buzzword “green” has never been more in the spotlight across many different industries. One of the largest fields to focus on becoming more eco-friendly is the automotive manufacturers. At the recent Automotive News Green Car Conference in Novi, Michigan, Honeywell has been awarded for their advancements in the area of environmental car technology with the creation of their VNT DualBoost Turbo. As one of four recipients honored for “contributions to the automotive industry which also have a positive effect on the health of the environment”, Honeywell’s turbo-charging technology hopes to make cars more “green”.

Ford’s Power Stroke engine, which can be found in the Super Duty truck series, Excursion, and Econoline vans, will rely heavily of the VNT DualBoost Turbo for improvements in fuel efficiency and performance. Honeywell also has included additional improvements like pedestal mounting and low friction ball bearings to reduce noise from vibrations.

“By providing innovative and environmentally responsible solutions like the DualBoost turbocharger, Honeywell helps our customers deliver high performing vehicles that reduce harmful emissions and drive better fuel economy. In the end, it’s further proof that our industry leading turbo technology is providing real value to both automakers and drivers alike,” remarked president and CEO of Honeywell Transportation Systems, Alex Ismail.

Business for Honeywell has been booming with the announcement of the new turbocharger. With more than 3 billion dollars of new business in 2010 alone and expectations that the number will only rise in the future, it’s clear that manufacturers are optimistic about green auto-technology. This year 100 new turbo applications are expected to join the 500 plus applications already in the works.

For more information on the Fortune 500 company Honeywell Internation (NYSE: HON) visit their website at www.honeywellnow.com

Ford Motor Company Heads East

As the economic climate of the U.S. remains unpredictable, especially in the automotive industry, Ford Motor Company has decided to take its talents east.

Ford’s joint venture with China, known as Changan Ford Mazda Automobile (CFMA), has upped the ante, investing $500 million in a new engine plant in Chongqing, China. Set to begin production in 2013, the new plant will pump out an estimated 750,000 engines a year, more than double the current amount produced by CFMA.

But the $500 million plant is only one of many steps in Ford’s plan to strengthen its presence in China. In fact, Jiangling Motor Corporation, Ford’s commercial vehicle partner, began building a new $300 million vehicle assembly plant in Nanchang last July. And just two months ago Ford pledged to introduce 15 new cars to China by 2015, increasing its presence and popularity even further.

In addition to the new engine plant, Ford has also signed on to build its first and only transmission plant in China, which is projected to produce 400,000 units annually. With this combination of business deals, Ford expects to have twice as many employees and dealerships than before.

The ground-breaking ceremony for the engine plant was held last week with both Joe Hinrichs, president of Ford Asia Pacific and Africa, and Huang Qifan, Mayor of Chongqing, in attendance. It seems that the east and west are working together just fine.

Ford Declares It’s Do or Die for Lincoln Dealers

Everyone has heard the saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” However, Ford Motor Company seems to be doing just that.

At a meeting held in Detroit last week, Ford CEO Alan Mulally told the Lincoln dealers present that they had two years to complete $1 million worth of renovations on their showrooms. If dealers have joint Ford and Lincoln dealerships, then it’s worth it to dish out $1.9 million on restorations.

And although some Lincoln dealers might welcome this ultimatum, those in disagreement really have no other choice. Ford plans on reclaiming franchises that refuse to invest in refurbishments, taking over the dealerships and providing compensation for the out of work dealers. It really is a “take it or leave it” arrangement.

The reason for all this hubbub is Ford’s wish to revamp its only remaining luxury brand, Lincoln. Ford projects its U.S. Lincoln sales will balloon from the 86,000 units sold in 2010 to 162,000 by 2015. The showroom overhaul is the first step in making Lincoln a more appealing luxury brand.

But Ford is interested in more than just improving its dealerships; it wants to make them exclusive as well. Indeed, the ultimatum only applies to urban dealers at this time. Dealerships who can’t afford the pricey makeover are simply given the boot.

Ford is using this tactic to decrease the number of Lincoln dealers specifically in the top 130 U.S. markets, where 55 percent of its business is derived from. At the close of February, 434 Lincoln dealers were in the top 130 markets. By the end of this year, Ford wants that number to dwindle to 325.

Thus that Lincoln dealer you see when you drive to work or pass on your way home may soon be victim to a grim fate. Or maybe it will be one of the lucky ones, given a new coat of paint and freshly laid carpet. In the eyes of Ford, it seems that either way is fine.

Future of Electric Vehicles: Refillable Liquid Batteries

One argument that continues to resurface amongst electric car bashers is the six to eight hour charging period that most electric batteries have. All those arguments may be coming to close in the near future thanks to an ingenious solution brought to us by the folks at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

In an effort to minimize the discrepancy in refueling time between conventional and electric vehicles, MIT has developed refillable liquid batteries with which all-electric cars could be charged in a matter of minutes. Although the project is in its infancy, much speculation has been made as to whether the batteries would be refilled at a pump the same way we get our gasoline now.

Source: onlinelibrary.wiley.com

The battery essentially works by pumping a solution with solid particles, which are either cathodes or anodes, through the battery’s circuit. It is interesting to note that MIT’s new battery be highly compartmentalized and will house the two functions of the battery (storing and releasing energy) in separate, physically-partitioned areas. This solution, which has been lovingly nicknamed “Cambridge crude” by professor W. Craig Carter, appears in the form of black, viscous goo.

Due to the new design, MIT speculates that the battery will be both smaller and less expensive than the EV batteries being produced today. Thought this product may not hit markets soon, a company known as 24M Technologies has staked its claim by fueling the project with a 16 million dollar investment. MIT hope that by pairing with 24M Technologies the commercialization of the battery will enjoy huge success.

MIT Says Refillable Liquid Batteries Are the Way of the Future

One argument that continues to resurface amongst electric car bashers is the six to eight hour charging period that most electric batteries have. All those arguments may be coming to close in the near future thanks to an ingenious solution brought to us by the folks at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

In an effort to minimize the discrepancy in refueling time between conventional and electric vehicles, MIT has developed refillable liquid batteries with which all-electric cars could be charged in a matter of minutes. Although the project is in its infancy, much speculation has been made as to whether the batteries would be refilled at a pump the same way we get our gasoline now.

The battery essentially works by pumping a solution with solid particles, which are either cathodes or anodes, through the battery’s circuit. It is interesting to note that MIT’s new battery be highly compartmentalized and will house the two functions of the battery (storing and releasing energy) in separate, physically-partitioned areas. This solution, which has been lovingly nicknamed “Cambridge crude” by professor W. Craig Carter, appears in the form of black, viscous goo.

Due to the new design, MIT speculates that the battery will be both smaller and less expensive than the EV batteries being produced today. Thought this product may not hit markets soon, a company known as 24M Technologies has staked its claim by fueling the project with a 16 million dollar investment. MIT hope that by pairing with 24M Technologies the commercialization of the battery will enjoy huge success.

Aston Martin Goes To the City

With the vast majority of automakers expending energy on green technology and environmentally friendly vehicles, it is no surprise that even luxury car companies want to be a part of this growing trend. Following in the footsteps of Volkswagen’s Audi which introduced the A1 subcompact last year, Aston Martin is launching their version of a compact city car this month.

Known as the Cygnet, this city car is meant to be a solution for urban drivers who face the problem of tight parking spaces as well as the answer to demands for more eco-friendly vehicles. Emitting only 120 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer, the Cygnet is a much greener option than other Aston Martin models such as the One-77 which emits 572 grams per kilometer. As Peter Schmidt, editor of Automotive Industry Data asserts, “The attitude of the super-rich has changed…They really do want to be seen to be green.”

In order to reduce cost and production time, Aston Martin enacted a supply deal with Toyota Motor Corporation. Under the deal, Toyota produced the engine, transmission, and frame of the Cygnet, using the Toyota iQ, a similar subcompact car, as their template. Aston Martin needed the partnership to expand the appeal of the Cygnet and ensure a speedy turnaround to increase demand.

While the Cygnet shares several components of the iQ, it remains a characteristically ultra-luxury car. Boasting a hand-stitched leather interior with 3 million possible combinations of trim and color choices, six types of alloy wheels, a navigation system, a six-speaker stereo, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, the Cygnet is worthy of its Aston Martin badge.

However, the green, subcompact car does sacrifice some of the speed characteristic of Aston Martin. The acceleration rate from 0 to 62 mph is only 11.6 seconds, a slug compared to the One-77 which races to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. The price tag on the Cygnet could also be a cause for concern. Buyers will be paying $50,500 for the Cygnet as opposed to the iQ which only costs about half of that price.

But Aston Martin believes the increase in urban populations as well as the pressure for green technologies will persuade luxury car buyers to opt for the Cygnet. Indeed, Aston Martin hopes it will be its second-best selling car, planning to sell 1,500 models a year. While the Cygnet might not live up to typical sports car standards, it certainly will be a car to talk about.

Ford Hopes Three Cylinders Are Better than Four

With expensive gas prices tightening their grip around American wallets, the innovators over at Ford have been losing sleep coming up with ways to combat this fuel-driven oppression. So far, they have arrived at a very un-American solution to the problem: smaller is better. Ford’s engineers have been laboring on a new three-cylinder EcoBoost 1.0-liter engine which they hope will revolutionize the small car market stateside.

This diminutive dynamo hopes to pack as much punch as a four-cylinder while still delivering superior miles per gallon. Ford claims that the EcoBoost will supply an output better than or equal to the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine already equipped in the Fiesta. Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s VP of global product development shared that “Consumers are telling us they want to buy affordable vehicles that get many more mile per gallon. Our new 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine will give consumers looking for hybrid-like fuel economy a new, more affordable choice.”

While some critics are still skeptical of three-cylinder sales due to American’s past inclination toward bigger, more powerful engines, the statistics don’t lie. Ford and GM recorded that more than a third of its customers are buying cars with smaller four-cylinder engines which is nearly twice as much as was documented in 2008. With no indication that fuel prices will ever return to the glorious days of yore, consumers are finally waking up to the reality of better mpg or bust.

Ford Hopes Three Cylinders Are Better than Four

With expensive gas prices tightening their grip around American wallets, the innovators over at Ford have been losing sleep coming up with ways to combat this fuel-driven oppression. So far, they have arrived at a very un-American solution to the problem: smaller is better. Ford’s engineers have been laboring on a new three-cylinder EcoBoost 1.0-liter engine which they hope will revolutionize the small car market stateside.

This diminutive dynamo hopes to pack as much punch as a four-cylinder while still delivering superior miles per gallon. Ford claims that the EcoBoost will supply an output better than or equal to the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine already equipped in the Fiesta. Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s VP of global product development shared that “Consumers are telling us they want to buy affordable vehicles that get many more mile per gallon. Our new 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine will give consumers looking for hybrid-like fuel economy a new, more affordable choice.”

While some critics are still skeptical of three-cylinder sales due to American’s past inclination toward bigger, more powerful engines, the statistics don’t lie. Ford and GM recorded that more than a third of its customers are buying cars with smaller four-cylinder engines which is nearly twice as much as was documented in 2008. With no indication that fuel prices will ever return to the glorious days of yore, consumers are finally waking up to the reality of better mpg or bust.

"Toyota Friend" Reminds You to Take Care of Your Car

Your cell phone vibrates. Is that a text message, a phone call? No, it’s just a message from your Toyota Prius plug-in, reminding you it needs a charge.

That’s right, Toyota Motor Corporation is developing a social networking service exclusively for Toyota drivers called Toyota Friend. Toyota’s President, Akio Toyoda, hopes that Toyota Friend will offer a way to create a friendship between car and driver. Just as people use Facebook and Twitter to connect with friends, Toyota Friend is meant to link Toyota drivers to their cars, dealerships, and fellow Toyota owners. Indeed, users can message each other, browse for charging stations, find vehicle tips, and even post their findings to other popular social networking sites.

While Toyota Friend has not been launched yet, it is set to premiere in 2012 in Japan. Toyota is working on the project with both Microsoft and San Francisco-based Salesforce.com, making it likely that Toyota Friend will be introduced in the U.S. and worldwide later in the year.

More than just a networking service, Toyota Friend has the potential to take the guess work out of car maintenance. It has the capability to notify users when their car needs an inspection and will automatically make an appointment with a Toyota dealership. And it doesn’t matter where you are when your car is in need: Toyota Friend’s alerts can be viewed via cell phone, computer, and even the car’s interior display.

The next time you are driving in your Toyota Prius, talking to it about its low battery or asking if something is wrong with the engine, consider that in the future your car just might talk back.