Chevrolet Volt - we miss the point?

I am fascinated by the importance of passing on the Chevrolet Volt. What fascinates me even more is the detail of the gearbox.

The instinctive reaction of many fans, was disappointed that GM's revolutionary electric car is not so revolutionary after all. Sure, GM could have to be clear about the technical implementation earlier in the product cycle.



The "cleanup" and a media campaign that we now live is about the failure. The Volt has a mechanical bond (in terms of gears, shafts and couplings) between the gasoline engine and the tires hit the road. Yes, we were all impressed, it is not.

However, there is a danger that we would be overwhelmed by our own "It's not really electric" I almost cynical, but after wading through tons of GM press materials -.. Full sun and good intentions - to show me a couple of technical notes and pictures, which works exactly like the car and found it a very impressive piece of technology ..

I think the fact that there is a direct power transmission allows the engine to the wheels in certain situations (most engines), which generate losses and generally make the system more efficient, is something that should be welcomed. I do not understand the objections. The purpose of the exercise is ultimately to drive more economical.

Now we want to push GM to crack down on, to do with them. Preferably in the form Ampera, the United Kingdom.

Rolls-Royce Ghost Diva edition by Fenice Milano

Between the gallons of chrome and the Spirit of Ecstasy protruding from its prominent grille, the contemporary offerings from Rolls-Royce have become a favorite among the bling crowd. But there are always those looking for something more outlandish. We thought Mansory had them covered with their take on the Ghost, but even that's looking subdued in comparison to Fenice Milano's Diva.
Decked out in more gold than an aging Mediterranean playboy's neck, the Diva edition takes the borderline tasteful way over the top. The hood, grille, side sills and mirrors have all been coated in 24-karat gold, as has the interior, along with custom teak, leather and Alcantara trim. It's enough to make Liberace spin in his grave, and if you're wearing your gold D&G sunglasses, you can check it out for yourself in the gallery below and the press release after the jump.

Magnaflow Exhaust System Pro Performance 4 in. Tubing O.D. Size, Rear Side Exit, Single System

Magnaflow Exhaust System Pro Performance - Side, Satin, Stainless steel
Part Number: M6617974
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Magnaflow Exhaust System Magnaflow Exhaust System
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MAGNAFLOW PRO PERFORMANCE SERIES DIESEL TURBO-BACK EXHAUST SYSTEM -- 50-state legal; Designed specifically to meet California Air Resources Board standards; Legal for sale or use in California; 4 in. Tubing O.D. Size, Rear Side Exit, Single System, Made Of 100% Tough And Durable Stainless Steel, Features A Fully Welded Satin Finish 100% Stainless Steel Muffler And Stainless Steel Band Clamps With Mandrel-Bent Stainless Steel Tubing, Dyno Tested And Proven To Provide Performance Gains In Horsepower And Torque, Offers Great Sound With A Smooth And Deep Tone, Built To Last, All Welded, Easy To Install, Optional 5 in. Diesel Tips Are Sold Separately, With Magnaflow's Limited Lifetime Warranty

Rahal poised to make series return as sub for injured Conway

Graham Rahal looks set to return to the Izod IndyCar Series for the upcoming race at Iowa Speedway on June 20.

The 21-year-old son of 1986 Indianapolis 500 winner Bobby Rahal is negotiating with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing to become the latest--and perhaps last--replacement for Mike Conway.

Conway was injured on the next to last lap of the Indianapolis 500 when his car flew into the catch fence in turn three after running over the left-side wheels of Ryan Hunter-Reay, whose car had slowed dramatically as it ran out of fuel.

Conway is expected to miss the rest of the season as his fractured back heals without surgery. He has had one surgery and a procedure on his lower left leg that was fractured in the crash. He was released from an Indianapolis hospital June 4 and is expected to return to his U.K. home later this week.

Rahal drove for his father’s team, Rahal Letterman Racing, at Indy, finishing 12th after starting seventh. He spent three pre-Indy races with Sarah Fisher Racing, finishing ninth in the race in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Tomas Scheckter drove Conway’s No. 24 car last weekend at Texas Motor Speedway, where he finished 13th.

Porsche Tequipment

Porsche Tequipment – Click above for high-res image gallery

For those Porsche fans who were unable to acquire a 911 Sport Classic, of which only 250 were built, Stuttgart is now offering some of the bits that make up the Sport Classic car on an à la carte basis. Among the most popular items are likely to be the Fuchs wheels that feature the classic five-spoke design used from 1966 until the early-1980s. The wheels come in 8.5x19 front and 11.5x19 rear sizes.



Those who bought a Porsche (except the 911 Turbo) in the last couple of years with the dual clutch PDK gearbox can now also get the turbo steering wheel retrofitted to their car. The non-turbo steering wheels all had spoke-mounted toggle switch shifters. The Turbo wheel features racing-style metal paddles mounted on the back of the wheel.

While the paddle shift wheel is only visible to the driver, owners of a 997 series 911 can share in Porsche's racing heritage on the outside as well. A new aerokit front fascia and replacement rear wing makes new 911s look like the racers from the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. All of these parts are available in Europe now and should be offered Stateside soon.

Gallery: Porsche Tequipment

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After a Rocky Start, Honda's CR-Z Joins U.S. Hybrid Derby

Honda Motor Co.'s new CR-Z sporty hybrid is the car that nearly wasn't. According to Automotive News, the hatchback was almost killed twice because engineers weren't convinced it was a unique concept and because U.S. bosses originally didn't want it.

When Norio Tomobe was appointed chief engineer of the project in the summer of 2004, the car was still a blank sheet. And in the early years, the working model had a traditional gasoline engine. "I really struggled for a new idea, and we decided to start over from scratch. The hybrid finally gave us the wow factor," he said.

Today, critics assail the CR-Z as neither especially fuel-efficient nor sporty. And Tomobe is quick to admit at least one thing he wishes the CR-Z had: "more horsepower." He said he would like a Type R sporty version of the CR-Z someday with a spunkier power-to-weight ratio that lives up to its sporty styling.

But in the meantime, the CR-Z is an exercise in compromise. It was conceived as a 1.3-liter car for Europe but was given a 1.5-liter engine to appeal to U.S. drivers. It aims to be sporty with a six-speed

stick-shift option but also comes in a version with continuously variable transmission to squeeze out extra fuel economy. Click here for more from Automotive News on how the Honda CR-Z hybrid almost failed to make it to U.S. showrooms.

Tokyo Auto Salon man Phil Alex

Our Tokyo Auto Salon man Phil Alex with the help of friends Mike and Aaron put their photo cameras to exceptional use today capturing the booth sirens on film for your enjoyment. And as you will soon find out, the Japanese tuning show is only interesting in terms of car presentations but also in terms of female presences... Feast your eyes out in our high-resolution mega gallery after the break.

Photos by Phil Alex , Mike and Aaron