NASA Launches into Auto Industry

Automakers are always looking for new, innovative ways to improve the quality and performance of the vehicles that they make. Now they may receive that technology from an agency that is out of this world.

NASA will be pitching nearly 40 different space-age technologies to automakers and their suppliers on October 27^th at an event at NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. The event will show off newer technologies that could be implemented into automobiles to improve quality, performance, and cost.

Over 100 companies have already signed up to attend the event including Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler. Toyota and Honda will also be attending the event along with several suppliers from around the country.

Some of the technology that will be on display will include sensors and controls that could help hybrid or electric cars become more efficient; solid oxide fuel cells to power vehicles; new materials that can be used to contain pressurized natural gas; and green polymers that put out only water instead of noxious gases when they are used.

This event should prove to be beneficial for both the auto industry as well as NASA. Automakers can use the latest and greatest technology and materials to improve their cars and NASA brings in more business to help itself.

Not only are automakers excited for the event, but manufacturers are also interested in the event. The event is being co-sponsored by the Center for Automotive Research at Ohio State University and the manufacturing advocacy and consulting group Magnet, which is based in Cleveland.

The auto industry is quite excited to see what type of NASA technologies can be implemented into their vehicles. This event could prove to be the start of a new partnership that revolutionizes how automobiles are manufactured around the world.

With July Brings NADA’s Pick for “Car of the Month”

Now that July Fourth has passed, it is time to focus on something other than fireworks and hamburgers. How about the top rated car for the month of July? That’s right, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) has issued its pick for July’s “Car of the Month”: the Chrysler 300.

The all-new 2011 Chrysler 300 boasts a spacious interior, improved handling, an impressive list of standard features, and a new polished design, all of which were taken into consideration by NADAguides. Presenting a truly luxury full-size sedan, the Chrysler 300 “goes above and beyond your typical feature set,” according to Troy Snyder, the Director of Product Development for NADAguides. He asserts that the 300 offers “the perfect combination” of both “luxury features and sharp design elements.”

In order to make their decision, NADAguides considered safety, fuel efficiency, pricing, engineering quality, test drives performed by the NADAguides team, and consumer interest. NADAguides first began to consider the Chrysler 300 when it entered the top 20 most researched vehicles on NADAguides.com in the first quarter of 2011.

And a “top Safety Pick” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety certainly helped.

Hailed for its world-class craftsmanship, ride, and handling, the 2011 Chrysler 300 is available in three trims, including the 300 Limited and 300C. Among the many innovative standard features, the 300 presents best-in-class seating comfort, best-in-class horsepower coming in at 292, LED accent and ambient lighting, and real wood insets.

The Chrysler 300C trim remains the best luxury sedan in its class, which is no surprise considering its incredible list of standard features. From its 363 horsepower, 5.7L HEMI® V8 engine with Fuel Saver Technology to its Uconnect Touch™ 8.4N Garmin navigation radio, the 300C continues to be the best of the best.

With its combination of eye-catching style and sleek design features, the Chrysler 300 fits right in with the excitement and pizzazz of July. While it may not sparkle in the sky like a firework, the 2011 Chrysler 300 remains a star on the road as the NADAguides “Car of the Month.”

Chrysler Reveals All New 200 Convertible

Several weeks ago at the Chicago Auto Show, Chrysler revealed the all-new 2011 200 Convertible. The model will replace the current Sebring Convertible, and has been redesigned, re-engineered, re-priced, and re-packaged for 2011. The updated convertible will offer a fun and refined driving experience.

Some of the impressive features of the 200 include an upgraded suspension, a new and more efficient power-train, improved safety features, and an all-new interior. The 200 Convertible also offers comfortable seating for up to four adults and ample storage room in the trunk, even when the top is down. Upgraded features on the 200’s exterior include new front and rear fascias, a new hood, projector headlamps and fog lamps, LED tail lamps, and the new Chrysler brand winged badge on the grille. The redesigned interior has a new instrument panel, upgraded seats designed for comfort, and a new heating and cooling system. Innovative upgrades have been made as well and include hands-free phone system and satellite radio.

The new 200 Convertible is currently available at local Chrysler dealers.

Top Super Bowl Car Ads of 2011

The Super Bowl is watched as much for its commercials as it is the football game, making it one of the largest and most expensive advertising platforms. Through the years, automakers have launched some of the biggest and most anticipated campaigns during the big game, and 2011 did not disappoint. In fact, the number one commercial on our list topped almost every other list of top ads from Sunday, whether they were voted on by companies, consumers, or other advertisers. And, unlike ours, their lists weren’t even car-specific.

1. Volkswagen “Darth Vader”
Everyone seemed to immediately fall in love with this commercial for the VW Passat, thanks to its perfect mix of a cute kid, good looking car, and a cool feature of the vehicle that not only ties the ad together, but makes the viewer want to know even more about the Passat.

2. Chevy Camaro “Miss Evelyn”
This Chevy Camaro ad gave a comical look at what most guys would consider the perfect car commercial. In fact, there is a good chance that before it even premiered; somewhere out there a group of guys watching the game described this ad exactly.

3. Volkswagen “Black Beetle”
This commercial caught people’s attention, because although it gave no indication of exactly what was being advertised until the end, it had viewers questioning if this could be the first peek at the much-anticipated, all new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.

4. Audi “Release the Hounds”
Audi was very creative in their attempt to show how their vehicles defy the confines of traditional luxury and are more progressive than their competition, and it paid off.

5. Chrysler “Imported from Detroit”
This ad for the Chrysler 200 effectively uses Eminem, a popular rapper and proud Detroit native, to show off the city where most “American Made” vehicles are built and to kick off Chrysler’s creative new tagline, “Imported from Detroit.”