Recent Comments:
Detroit Preview: Production Fisker Karma will debut in Motown {Autoblog}
Dec 2nd 2008 12:53PM It's called pragmatism. Our automobiles will be fueled by whatever fuel is most cost effective. For the great majority of the 20th century (and even now in the 21st), petroleum-derived fuels gave the best bang for the buck (pun intended).
Detroit Preview: Production Fisker Karma will debut in Motown {Autoblog}
Dec 2nd 2008 12:23PM Fisker is a major supplier to GM, Ford, and the US military. They are partially owned by Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies, Worldwide, which has stakes in major solar panel plants in the US, Germany, and Japan. If you really like the company, and think that it's poised for success, they are publicly traded under the ticker "QTWW".
Detroit Preview: Production Fisker Karma will debut in Motown {Autoblog}
Dec 2nd 2008 12:18PM Henrik Fisker also runs a small carrosserie, Fisker Coachbuild, which sells the Tramonto and the Latigo sports cars (which are rebodied Mercedes and BMWs). He is credited with finalizing Ian Callum's DB9 and Vantage V8. Fisker was responsible for designing the exterior of the BMW Z8.
Sanyo's eneloop hybrid bike has basket, will travel {Engadget}
Dec 1st 2008 12:57PM I think it's safe to assume that the bike's target market is people who'd rather not have to mess with an internal-combustion engine. There are plenty of good reasons to avoid IC engines, specifically the matter of storing them. You could keep this bicycle inside of a small apartment and not have to worry about it leaking petrol onto the floors.
Sanyo's eneloop hybrid bike has basket, will travel {Engadget}
Dec 1st 2008 11:52AM I can imagine there's a good market for these among the older members of the Japanese population. Bicycles are the most efficient sefl-powered mode of transportation to begin with, and then the battery assist just enhances a person's range.
Upgraded Bunny: Suzuki unveils updated Alto Lapin {Autoblog}
Nov 30th 2008 10:23PM @ Boneheadotto
I'm not sure what you're trying to say. The article clearly states the mileage of the Lapin being almost 58mpg. That trounces the Cube (22.7mpg) and the Scion xB (24mpg). I'd like to point out that the Cube gets only 1mpg less, while being heavier and much less powerful.
"...actually it is a misconception that less horsepower always gets you better mileage." Nobody here is saying that. I'm saying a light-weight car doesn't need a high hp engine. The Lapin weighs only 1874lbs, so it can be efficient with a low hp engine.
This is not a car for drag races or trans-continental trips. This is a city car that would be great for those of us that live in crowded metro areas where parking and maneouverabliity are important. And almost three times the mpg (compared to the other Japanese boxes) strikes me as a very important consideration.
Upgraded Bunny: Suzuki unveils updated Alto Lapin {Autoblog}
Nov 30th 2008 7:49PM You say you get it, then you bring out the old chesnut about needing to be able to pass people on the interstate. I usually cruise at 100-105% of the speed limit on the Interstate (bad speeder, bad!); maintaining momentum is more important than outright power.
I'm telling you that there's alot more to driving than going faster than everybody else. As far as being scared of oversized trucks (like the Ford F250's), I suppose my habit of riding a bicycle on public streets has pretty much erased that fear. If I can avoid being crushed on a 3-speed, I'm pretty sure I can survive in a kei car.
To reiterate: Some people need small efficient cars. Some people want big powerful cars. Stop confusing needs and wants.
Upgraded Bunny: Suzuki unveils updated Alto Lapin {Autoblog}
Nov 30th 2008 7:06PM I'm a little disappointed in the commenters who are asking for a bigger engine in this tiny little car. I think you're missing the point - fuel economy!
Don't get me wrong, I love big motored cars. I've driven 455 HD Pontiacs, and big burly Chevy Pick-ups. But the Lapin is not intended for that kind of performance. Anyway, isn't asking the automakers for bigger engines what's created the problem the auto industry is looking at now?
My old Beetle maybe had around 50hp (in good tune). I had a Grand Am with maybe 100hp. Both cars were safe and reliable, and could be driven quite quickly when needed. The 0-60 times were abysmal, but in town they were just great!
I like the Lapin's style. If Suzuki were to bring it over, I'd seriously consider buying one. Not every car on the market needs a giant engine.
Black Friday Giveaways (part 10): the LG Prada phone {Engadget}
Nov 29th 2008 12:33AM I want this phone.
Black Friday Giveaways (part 5): Universal Remote's URC Digital R50 {Engadget HD}
Nov 28th 2008 10:07PM gimmie
