Chevrolet Volt garage fire

The cars were a brand-new 2011 Chevrolet Volt with just 2,000 miles on the odometer and a converted all-electric Suzuki Samurai that the homeowner, Storm Connors, converted himself years ago. At this early stage, it is impossible to tell if one or the other vehicles was the cause of the blaze – or if it was one of the charging systems or the garage's electrical system – but firemen who responded to the 911 call said that this is one angle that the investigators will look in to. Local news channel WTNH reports that Connors, "likes his cars too much to think having them charging in the garage started the fire." Another news channel, WFSB, says that, "fire officials suspect an electric hybrid car may have sparked" the blaze.You can watch a video news report of the aftermath after the jump. Interestingly, Connors himself has commented on AutoblogGreen stories in the past, so our thoughts go out to a reader who is dealing with a terrible loss. Hat tip to Pete!

Chevrolet Camaro

Chevrolet Camaro Imagine our disappointment when we sampled the Camaro, in both V6 and V8 guise, and found that it just didn’t work. With a driving position that has you sitting on top of, rather than inside the seat, the visibility of a WWII machine gun nest, nest and a steering system that used Cream Of Wheat as hydraulic fluid, the Camaro Coupe is unpleasant to drive, even with a sweet V8 soundtrack and the ability to make bystanders gawk in wonderment.

On the upside, the chassis isn’t that bad, and the LS3 V8 delivered all of the magic that we expect from a Chevrolet Camaro small-block. But as a closed top sports car, we found ourselves longing for the lighter, less powerful, but more rewarding Ford Mustang GT every single time.
V6 OR V8: IT’S YOUR CHOICE BUT IT WILL COST YOU

On paper, the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible isn’t too far off from the coupe. A 3.6L V6 making 312-horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque appears as the base engine and can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox, while the LS3 V8 is available exclusively with the 6-speed manual, and pumps out a brawny 426-horsepower V8 and 420 lb-ft of torque. Automatic V8s get an L99 V8 with 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of twist.

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.

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