Hybrid drivers are safer from injury in a crash
Hybrid models have the advantage of fuel economy over their gas-only siblings, but it appears that batteries and electric motors make them safer as well. The Highway Loss Data Institute studied 25 2003 to 2011 vehicles that featured both conventional and hybrid powertrains (example: Honda Civic and Honda Civic Hybrid). The Toyota Prius and Honda Insight were not included in the study since neither vehicle has a conventionally-powered counterpart.
The data shows that occupants are 27 percent less likely to be injured if they’re in the hybrid version of the vehicle. There are several reasons why the hybrid is safer, but the biggest factor is weight. Heavier cars are safer than lighter vehicles, since the added mass means that the heavier vehicle will transfer force to the lighter vehicle. That’s good for occupants and insurance companies, as the hybrids need 25 percent less personal injury protection than their conventional counterparts.
But while hybrids have proven to be safer than their non-hybrid counterparts, the story isn’t as good for pedestrian crashes. HDLI finds that hybrid vehicles are 20 percent more likely to be involved in pedestrian crashes with injuries. The study claims that pedestrians might get involved in more accidents with hybrids because they can’t hear the cars when they’re in electric mode. We’d add that low rolling resistance tires often contribute to longer braking distances, and the heavier hybrids are also slower and less maneuverable than their non-hybrid counterparts. read more »
HID vs. Halogen Headlights: What’s the Verdict?
Car enthusiasts know that lights are important on a car, particularly because driving at night would be a near
impossibility without effective headlights and tail lights on your vehicle.
ut car lights aren’t only about functionality, as style and efficiency are other elements that play into deciding what to replace, what to upgrade, and what to keep the same.
When it comes to headlights specifically, it can be hard to weigh one headlight type against another, so we’ve broken down three areas where HIDs and halogens compete, so you can come up with a final verdict on your car’s headlight situation on your own. read more »
New Chrysler 300 Commercial featuring Jay Z
Luxury and Fuel-efficiency Define New ‘Imported from Detroit’ TV Spot for the 2012 Chrysler 300
- Chrysler Group LLC is the first domestic automaker to feature the state-of-the-art ZF eight-
speed automatic transmission in its vehicles - Best-in-class 31 highway miles per gallon (mpg) and best-in-class all-wheel-drive fuel economy with eight-speed automatic transmission and award-winning 292 horsepower, 3.6-liter aluminum Pentastar V-6 engine
- Campaign continues ‘Imported from Detroit’ message, filmed in and around Detroit and
features local citizens
The Chrysler brand is touting its new state-of-the-art eight-speed transmission and fuel-efficiency in its new television commercial for the 2012 Chrysler 300. The new commercial continues the “Imported from Detroit” message and is filmed throughout Detroit and its neighboring cities and is comprised of local residents. read more »
Fiat 500 by Gucci celebrates Italian style
Chic, stylish and Italian, a car like the Fiat 500 is a natural fit for the Gucci set. But in case that wasn’t obvious enough, the two Italian firms have teamed up on a special line.
Spearheaded by Lapo Elkann – the rakish playboy brother of Fiat chairman John Elkann and grandson of his late predecessor Gianni Agnelli – the Fiat 500 by Gucci is a joint effort between Gucci’s creative director Frida Giannini and Fiat’s Centro Stile in this, Italy’s 150th year of ndependence.
The car itself follows in the footsteps of the Diesel edition – not to mention the myriad of similar initiatives involving the Citroën DS3 and the Mini – and is available in either black or white.
Gucci’s signature red and green stripe runs down the flank, with the Double-G logo on the wheel hubs and in the pattern on the leather seats. read more »
Maserati GranCabrio Fendi edition is one rapid fashion accessory
A modern Maserati is as much a fashion statement as it is a performance machine, and the Modenese automaker aptly demonstrated that much with the latest edition of the GranCabrio.
Called the GranTurismo Convertible on this Western side of the Atlantic, the massive four-seat droptop is about as chic as it gets. But to make it even more so, Maserati has teamed up with fashion powerhouse Fendi to turn out what will undoubtedly prove an even greater must-have motorized fashion accessory than the Fiat 500 by Gucci.
We cozied up to the Fendi edition here at the Frankfurt Motor Show, where it make its debut alongside the Kubang SUV concept on Maserati’s show stand in the Italian pavilion of the Messe. Take a close look at all the fashionable details in our high-resolution gallery of live images. read more »
Hamann shows us the dark side of the BMW 6 Series convertible
Hamann has a knack for taking already impressive-performing vehicles and turning up the heat a few degrees.
The styling choices along the way are hit or miss, but the vehicles always turn heads. One of the tuning company’s latest vehicles is the Hamann 6 Series Cabriolet, which is quite clearly a BMW 6 Series with a host of upgrades.
The most notable change Hamann has made lies under the hood. Power output is up to 510 horses and the Hamann quad-tip stainless exhaust will make sure you hear every single one of them.
Hamann also added an aggressive body kit to go with the angered-up engine note, and bolted on a set of 21-inch matte black forged alloy wheels. Lowering the 6 Series by 30 millimeters also adds to the sporty air of this droptop. read more »
Rimac electrifies with Concept One battery-powered supercar
As you can see from our coverage, there’s been plenty to see and report from the halls of the Frankfurt Messe at the first major auto show of the post-summer season. But while most vehicles were displayed prominently under the bright lights in the big rooms, tucked away at the back of a supplier hall sat one of the most intriguing debuts of the show.
Its modest location isn’t all that’s unusual about the Rimac Concept One. And when we say “unusual,” we mean “all kinds of awesome.” From its headquarters in Croatia (of all places), the electric propulsion upstart has crafted quite the stunning show car. Rimac One InteriorIts drivetrain is localized at each corner, with four individual motors teamed up with their own inverter and gearbox for each wheel.
The package reminds us of elements from the Devon GTX, Jaguar C-X75 and Koenigsegg – good places to start, all – but without looking derivative as independently made supercars often do. And while many concept cars pay little attention to the interior, this is another area in which the Rimac doesn’t disappoint. read more »
Bentley Mulsanne Executive Interior Concept is how to roll like a real boss
If you have to to work while being shuttled in the back seat of a car, it’s hard to find a more comfortable mobile office than a Bentley Mulsanne. Still, all of that luxury won’t aid you in spell-checking TPS reports as you’re more likely to be lulled to sleep. Bentley has a new interior concept that will keep you alert, awake, connected and running the show like the boss you truly are.
It’s called the Mulsanne Executive Interior Concept, and it’s way nicer than your office. No, not the office of the person who can afford the car, specifically your office.
The British builder of luxuriously exotic automobiles has put together an interior fit for a constantly connected king, which comes complete with a list of items to make sure whatever task at hand is finished before leaving the coddling confines of the Mulsanne.
Rear passengers will enjoy the power-folding wood veneer picnic tables that drop from the backs of the front seats. The tables are home to separate iPad work stations, each of which includes a Bluetooth wireless keyboard. Keeping that iPad and keyboard combo in check is a Mac Mini mounted in the trunk.
The Apple product brigade is joined by an iPod that can play music but also serves as the remote control for the rear seat information and entertainment devices. A telephone is nestled into the armrest alongside a Tibaldi pen.
If you’re not familiar with the Tibaldi brand of writing instruments, just know that prices range from way-too-much-for-a-pen to worth-more-than-the-car-you-drive. Regardless, we’re sure it takes beautiful notes that pertain to the morning meeting, which you attended from the back of your super luxury sedan.
Once the work is done, you can kick back and relax while watching your company’s stock rise on the ticker rolling across the drop-down 15.6-inch high-definition LCD. It’s mounted on the ceiling and is the perfect tool to stop the driver from sneaking glances at you and your secretary.
