CCI Wheel Cover - 15 in., ABS plastic, 7 spoke
BMW (holding a 49% stake) and SGL (holding 51%) have joined forces to create SGL Automotive Carbon Fiber LLC, which will be located in Moses Lake, Washington. The joint venture will build a $100 million "state-of-the-art carbon fiber manufacturing plant" and help create 80 local jobs.
According to SGL ACF LLC, the end result will be carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) "used for BMW Group's upcoming Megacity Vehicle." They're referring to what will be the end result of BMW's Project i, a mode of transport "designed for fully electric, zero-emission driving."
Why build in Moses Lake? Mainly, energy costs in Washington state are highly competitive and there's access to renewable hydropower [re: it's green as grass]. Other factors included "favorable infrastructure conditions, existing utilities, a skilled labor force and ease of working with the local government."
Robert Koehler, SGL Group's CEO, talked about the project: "It will be the world's most cost efficient carbon fiber plant using state-of-the-art technologies. This significant investment further underlines our commitment to the U.S., where we already operate carbon fiber and composite materials plants...We will ensure that carbon fibers play a revolutionary role in lightweight automotive construction."
Friedrich Eichiner of BMW added, "With using CFRP components in our Megacity Vehicle, we take sustainable mobility a step further. By combining the know-how of SGL Group and our expertise in manufacturing CFRP components, we will be able to produce carbon fiber enhanced components in large volumes at competitive costs for the first time. This is particularly relevant for electric-powered vehicles such as the Megacity Vehicle."
With recent BMW trademarks including everything from an i1 and i2 to E8s and E9s, there's no time like the present to start speculating on what the first majority-CFRP BMW product will be. Being old-school, here's hoping the Isetta makes a comeback.
That's why our vehicle class buying guides will give you a concentrated dose of car shopping advice specific to whatever vehicle class you're shopping for.
Each guide tackles a different vehicle class, explains the pros and cons of owning a vehicle in this particular class, points out features to look for, and suggests things to avoid. The "Consumer Guide to" guides make it easy for the shopper who knows what type of car they want and needs help selecting two or three they want to test drive.
In addition, the "Consumer Guide to" series helps a buyer focus on the type of vehicle that's right for their needs. Many consumers cross-shop between classes, and our class buying guides help consumers remain focused on the right vehicles.
| The Consumer Guide to 2010 Alternative-Fuel Vehicles | |
 We take a look at the traffic-ready electric vehicles you can buy right now or in the near future. The vehicles covered here aren't exotically priced and go faster than 25 mph. | |
In the market for better fuel economy? The Consumer Guide to 2010 Hybrid Vehicles breaks down all of your gas-electric hybrid vehicle choices on sale this year. | |
New-car buyers can select from among 36 2010 models that can run on E85, a blend of up to 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Choices include cars, minivans, SUVs, and pickup trucks. | |
 Dirty diesel is a thing of the past. Check out which automakers offer clean diesel models for 2010. |
| The Consumer Guide to 2010 Cars | |
Subcompact cars have enjoyed a popularity surge over the past two years, thanks in part to steep fuel prices and heightening environmental concerns. These vehicles are some of the most fuel-efficient and affordable cars on the market. | |
Compact cars make sense for many people because they offer so much for so little. Our buying guide will help you navigate through this crowded class. | |
The premium-compact-car segment is one of the hottest, most competitive classes. Use our buying guide to research your options. | |
For a blend of passenger and cargo space, affordability, fuel economy, and variety, no other single vehicle comes close to matching the midsize car. | |
These upscale machines come replete with posh, leather-appointed interiors, heated seats, superb stereo systems, and lots of technological gadgetry. | |
As a class, this seemingly traditional gathering of sedans appears misleadingly dull. With available all-wheel drive and V8 engines with over 400 horsepower, this segment is as compelling as ever. | |
If you're lucky enough to afford one of these cars, you'll be treated to a powerful, luxurious, and comfortable vehicle. Here's an overview of the 2010 premium-large-car lineup. | |
Consumer Guide's sporty/performance-car class probably contains the most diverse variety of vehicles: Performance hatchbacks, drop tops, and muscular coupes. | |
The cars that Consumer Guide classifies as premium-sporty/performance are at the top of the mountain when it comes to acceleration, handling response, and of course, price. |
| The Consumer Guide to 2010 SUVs | |
Looking for a vehicle that's small on fuel consumption but large on utility? Check out a compact SUV. Our buying guide breaks down what's offered in this class. | |
This class may be small in numbers now, but it is poised to explode during the next few years. Interested in luxury and utility in a tidy package? Check out this buying guide. | |
Consumer Guide classifies 29 vehicles as midsize SUVs. Our buying guide will help you find the right one. | |
Consumer Guide classifies 18 different models as premium-midsize SUVs. Use our buying guide to compare them all. | |
Consumer Guide's large-SUV class is made up of six vehicles. Whichever model you choose, all large SUVs are designed for maximum cargo and passenger versatility. | |
Consumer Guide puts eight vehicles in this class. All players in this category appeal to well-heeled shoppers who want and need more than what any coupe, sedan, or smaller SUV has to offer. |
| The Consumer Guide to 2010 Pickups | |
In the market for a small pickup? Consumer Guide classifies 9 vehicles as compact-pickup trucks. Use our buying guide to check them all out. | |
The two top-selling vehicles in the nation are both full-size pickups. Are you in the market? Check out all your options with our buying guide. |
| The Consumer Guide to 2010 Minivans | |
Though the minivan might seem like an endangered species, there are still a handful of model-year 2010 vans that haven't yet succumbed to extinction. |
Compared to static-laden traditional AM/FM radio, HD Radio offers CD-quality sound on FM channels, and FM-stereo quality sound on AM channels. According to iBiquity Digital Corporation, the company holding the trademark for HD Radio, there are more than 2,000 HD Radio stations and more than 1,100 HD2/HD3 channels (FM multicast) currently on the air. As of today, HD radio is available to 85 percent of Americans. It's interesting to note that when HD Radio debuted, "HD" was the abbreviation for "Hybrid Digital," but that was later dropped. Today, "HD" is simply part of the brand name - contrary to popular belief, it doesn't stand for "high-definition." Audi's press release is pasted after the jump."We are dedicated to providing our customers with the best entertainment options to enhance their Audi driving experience," said Filip Brabec, General Manager, Product Planning at Audi of America. "These upcoming 2011 models will be fully equipped with the best in digital broadcast engineering, making it a clear choice to offer HD Radio Technology to our customers."
Filed under: Technology, Audi
Here's a supercar that's rising up against the competition - it's the Fenix! The work of Leicestershire-based sports car maker, Lee Noble, it's the first model to come from his new company, Fenix Automotive.
The as-yet-unnamed supercar features a basic design that is reminiscent of the Noble M600 and M12. However, the Fenix gets aggressive and angular lines, similar to those of the fighter jet-inspired Lamborghini Reventón.
“The M12 was hugely successful, but we needed to move the game on in terms of design,” said Noble. “The new car’s styling owes nothing to what I’ve done before and has quite literally been a ‘clean sheet’ exercise from the start. It’s edgy, with powerful lines, and aerodynamically will be in another league to any of my previous cars.”
Under the bonnet is a choice of two Corvette engines, giving 480bhp and 638bhp. The latter is lifted from the supercharged ZR1, and with a kerbweight of 1,200kg, is said to propel the Fenix from 0-100mph in just under seven seconds on its way to a 200mph top speed.
“Our first prototype is now in build and development will start in around one month’s time,” said Noble. “We’ll be hot-weather testing the first prototype on the mountain roads around Port Elizabeth, South Africa, where the car will be manufactured. But I’m itching to get the car back to the UK where I can set it up on roads I know well.”
Prices will be confirmed when sales start in 2011.
Honda’s new GT race car, the HSV-010 is the center of attention these days because it is the successor of the legendary NSX. Powered by a 3.4-liter V8 developing 500hp, the HSV will be competing in this season of Japanese SuperGT. Recently the car’s been scooped at Suzuka race track flexing its muscles a bit, showing off an awesome look. Check out that single central exhaust pipe! If Honda make a road going version of this car, it’ll be a Lexus LF-A killer!
Watch the videos below to see the car in action:
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When General Motors was on the verge of bankruptcy, cuts were made to salaried workers' pay and benefits. The move was important to help preserve as much cash as possible while also showing the federal government and the United Auto Workers that everybody in the company was making a sacrifice. Some might even say that salaried employees sacrificed more than others, as thousands were given pink slips and all lost health care benefits after age 65.
