Built on a purpose-built chassis and using a 300 HP, 420 Lb-Ft of torque forced-induction diesel, the 4,000 Lb E7 will run 0-60 in 6.5 seconds, top out at 155 MPH and return 28-30 MPG in normal use. More importantly, it’s designed to a 250,000-mile durability spec. Faster, more economical and longer lasting than current cop cars, but it’s what inside that really counts; the E7 has been designed around the police officers specific needs.

Current cruisers, modified versions of civilian cars, are far from ideal for police use. The necessary additions — radios, computers, donut holders — often get added with little to no thought or testing to how they’ll perform in a crash, often becoming lethal projectiles in an impact. Seats aren’t built for 8-hour-long shift, controls aren’t created with control in mind, communications and computer equipment gets spec’d for cost, not capability.

The E7 integrates all its features neatly into a cohesive package. Check out the faired-in lights all over the bodywork — better for aerodynamics. The seats are made to support large and in-charge cops and accommodate utility belts full of cuffs, batons and handguns. Heated and cooled cup holders complement the A/C fans incorporated in the headrests for year-round comfort. All computing and communications take place through the huge dash-mounted touch screen while gadgets like radar speed detectors, 360° surveillance cams and automatic license plate recognition cameras abound. It even has biohazard and weapons of mass destruction detectors integrated in neat trunk-mounted NACA ducts.

Source: Jalopnik

Ladies & Gentlemen, boys & girls, CHILDREN of all ages. Automopedia proudly brings to you the 2010 Paris…Motor…Show…PREVIEW! You may not be in The City of Lights for this auto event, happening October 2nd thru 17th, but you can check out what we think will be exciting unveils right here:

Citroen DS4

French automaker Citroen will unveil a new hatchback designed to continue the brand’s assault on the premium vehicle market. However, while most automakers associate luxury with sedan bodystyles, Citroen is attempting to carve out its own niche as seen with vehicles like the previous DS3 and this new DS4.

The DS4 is the second model in Citroen’s distinctively-styled DS line and combines a practical hatchback body with coupe-like styling. Sharing much of its mechanicals with the C4, the DS4 is further differentiated from its lesser counterparts thanks to a more upmarket interior and unique styling. Customers will be able to choose from five different engine options: two turbodiesels and three gasoline units.

Mazda Shinari Concept

Shinari four-door coupe concept car at an exclusive event in Milan, Italy. The latest concept is the result of a collaboration between Mazda’s design studios in Germany, the U.S. and Japan and previews the automaker’s future design language.

The new design language has been labeled “Kodo,” the Japanese word for soul of motion. Key design elements include the aluminum signature wing and the sculpted body. Speaking at the Shinari’s unveiling, Mazda design boss Ikuo Maeda said: “this design will lead to the next generation of Mazda design and will lead to other elements.” Few other details have been revealed, including whether or not Mazda plans to put the Shinari into production.

2011 Lotus Evora S

Designed to be a more focused, better communicating take on the Evora GT-light experience, the Evora S offers a boost to 345 horsepower from the same 3.5-liter V-6 engine–which may or may not be fitted with a compact supercharger as expected, as Lotus completely left it out of the press release. It’s almost certainly there, as gaining 69 horsepower over the stock Evora’s 276-horsepower rating isn’t indicative of tuning and exhaust work alone.

The Evora S also features a stiffer suspension, cross-drilled brakes to improve fade resistance, a sport button that adjusts throttle response, raises the rev limit and activates an exhuast bypass valve for freer breathing and more sound. A more aggressive aerodynamics package, as spied earlier this month, including a large rear diffuser also mark the Evora S out from the normal Evora. The IPS is a six-speed automatic transmission with manual paddle-shift mode.

2011 Chevrolet Orlando

The Orlando is based on the same front-wheel drive Delta platform that underpins cars like the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze and Volt range-extended electric vehicle, and despite its compact proportions the new MPV will be able to seat seven thanks to three row seating.

Under the hood there will be a choice of three of Chevrolet’s latest fuel efficient engines: one gasoline engine will be available, a 1.8-liter unit with a power output of 141 horsepower and two diesel units, both displacing 2.0-liters and developing 131 horsepower and 163 horsepower respectively. First sales will start in Europe early next year, with customers able to choose from three trim levels with standard equipment on all cars including electronic stability control, six air-bags, air conditioning and power mirrors.

Peugeot SR1 Concept

the model codenamed H1 will be a follow-up to the critically-acclaimed SR1 concept. It will reportedly measure 14.1 feet long and use a diesel hybrid powertrain. More importantly, the concept will preview the front-end styling of the 2012 Peugeot 208.

As we have previously reported, the SR1 featured a Hybrid4 all-wheel drive system which had a 215 hp 1.6-liter THP gas engine powering the front wheels and a 94 hp electric motor motivating the rear. This unique setup gave the sports car a combined 309 hp and allowed it to consume 48 mpg.

SMART Scooter

Smart will unveil a new two-wheel plug-in scooter at the Paris Motor Show in October. Citing sources close to the automaker, the scooter will be part of a long term plan to diversify the underperforming brand.

The electric scooter will join the recently facelifted Smart ForTwo, and the upcoming new 2013 ForFour. With a rear-mounted engine sending power to the rear wheels, the new ForFour will be the second step in gaining customers uninterested in the ForTwo. “Smart was originally established to tackle the need for improved mobility, especially in congested city environments,” a Daimler manager told Autocar. “Up to now we have concentrated our efforts on four-wheel solutions. The next stage is to looking at how to expand beyond this with other environmentally friendly vehicles.”

Specs, Pictures: Motor Authority | World Car Fans ]]> http://www.automopedia.org/2010/08/30/your-2010-paris-motor-show-preview/feed/ 0 http://www.automopedia.org/2010/08/27/reason-1798-to-dislike-philadelphia-city-confiscates-cupcake-truck/ http://www.automopedia.org/2010/08/27/reason-1798-to-dislike-philadelphia-city-confiscates-cupcake-truck/#comments Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:24:20 +0000 automopedia http://www.automopedia.org/?p=4611 There are many reasons that Philadelphia, Automopedia’s adopted home, makes us swoon with happiness but also cringe with horror. Sure, every major city has its problems, but when you have choking sports teams, crumbling roads, pathetic public transit and a Parking Authority that should be lined up for executed – its hard to find reasons to stay happy. But one of those positive thoughts was knowing The Buttercream Cupcake Lady way coming around. She’d park her van in various locations throughout Center City (the “Midtown” of Philly) and and dispense her creamy goodness.

Oh wait, the City of Philadelphia wanted to stop that too. Bastards. Kate Carrara runs the “Buttercream Cupcake Lady” service out of a truck every day, announcing her location via Twitter. That’s how police knew where she’d be when they surrounded her converted postal van with a blockade.

“Three enforcement guys came out with badges blazing,” Carrara told the Philadelphia Daily News. “Scared the crap out of me. The three cops with them were looking at me like, ‘We can’t believe we’re doing this.’ – “And I’m like, there’s crack deals a block away and three cops are surrounding the Cupcake Lady? I mean, really?”

The officers impounded the van and drove away with dozens of uneaten desserts, “indifferent to the city’s never-ceasing demand for cream cheese.”

“I’m licensed as a roamer, like an ice-cream truck that plays a song, sells some stuff and moves on. I have a permit to park at LOVE Park on Wednesdays but most of Center City and University City are off-limits,” Carrara said.

The former lawyer said the officers were business-compliance officials from the city’s Department of Licenses & Inspections. But L&I Commissioner Fran Burns claimed, “It wasn’t us. We don’t confiscate trucks.” The mayor’s office agreed, directing questions to the Philadelphia Parking Authority.

Luckily, Carrara was not held for long. She wrote a $200 check and then returned to the mean, red streets of Philly, where she vowed to fight for amending the vending law. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness through red-velvet cupcakes demand no less.

Via Jalopnik

Well, this poor Koala had no such reaction to the vehicle slamming down on him. Luckily, instead of becoming a stain on the wrong side of the road (they do that whole UK driving on the other side bit) this fella landed safely, if not a little painfully, inside the grille.

Local veterinarian Lisia Sturm was astounded to find the animal had survived.

“It looked quite surprised — if koalas can look surprised,” Dr Sturm said. “It had its bum wedged right in there meaning it couldn’t get out. But he was a big boy and looked really healthy. He didn’t have any injuries at all — not even a graze.”

The koala was cut from the grill with bolt cutters and kept under observations for the rest of that day before getting released to its original habitat.

Source: NineMSN

Heir Mayor Bloomberg stated that the hybrid vehicles use less fuel and emit fewer pollutants into the air we breathe. The long term plan is to ensure that all the patrol cars are environment friendly vehicles in order to reduce the city’s carbon footprint 30% by the year 2017.

According to EPA estimates, the Ford Fusion 41 miles per gallon – which is more than double the gas mileage of the Impala patrol car.

Source: Green Packs

Many of the hotel rooms include a bed built from the chassis of classic cars. These include “Americana” images like the Indian Motorcycles and Rebel Without A Cause prints. Others impersonate a drive-in movie theater or the childhood bedroom of a car fanatic.

Not all of the rooms are strictly car themed. Other accommodations include a V8 Camper room, complete with “love swing hammock” – we recommend cleaning that off before you sit on it. Single visitors will be stuck with a less-than-exciting “classic Bauhaus” design.

Other rooms, including the Zeppelin Suite, are three stories tall, complete with balcony, and contain tens of thousands of dollars worth of Chachkies.

Source: WCF

The Classic Pony – Ford Mustang

When Ford introduced Mustang back in 1964, a new era of muscle & pony car fandom began. Ford slapped the classic galloping horse logo onto each and every Mustang model. As much as the Blue Oval itself has morphed over the decades – Mustang has barely changed. The horse has gone from black to chrome, and is sometime in front of a red, white & blue banner. But hey, if it’s ain’t broke why fix it?

Hyundai’s Genesis Logo Looks Like Bentley’s

Hyundai’s new luxury sedan and coupe, Genesis, can cost well over $40,000. 40K for a Hyundai? The experts agree this vehicle is up there with Mercedes and Audi. More than a few former BMW drivers have been taken for a test drive in the all new Korean auto, and switched over. Why not have all that class at a lower price – hell you don’t save it by spending it. But the vehicle-specific Genesis logo looks oddly familiar. Hmm…can’t quite put my finger on it. However, will anyone out there honestly confuse a Hyundai with a Bentley?

Prius Makes Its Own Make

Toyota’s hybrid car, Prius, just celebrated its 10th anniversary on the road. The Japanese auto maker also announced a plug-in variant coming next year. There have also been rumors of Toyota starting up an entire hybrid-only segment, and might use “Prius” as their make, instead of the model name.

RAM Goes From Model To Brand

Another auto maker going from single entity to full-out brand is RAM. The Dodge truck segment will soon be part of  Fiat-owned CDJ (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep) line-up. Much like how GM has it’s own truck line with GMC. Expect two or three separate RAM trucks, of medium, large and super-sized stature. Welcome to the CDJR.

The car comes from a Jalopnik reader named Jim, who lives near the French Quarter of New Orleans. According to Jim; “This ’64 Impala is driven regularly by an elderly lady who lives right on Bourbon Street, but in the relatively quiet, residential end of the French Quarter. It has been a fixture of the French Quarter in New Orleans for decades. It has even shown up in a coffee table book of N.O. and been snapped innumerable times by tourists. One day a few years ago I saw her out on the street crying (it was heartbreaking!) as the Chevy was being towed off and I thought that was the end of it. But it showed back up a week or two later and has been out and about ever since. I doubt the rear driver side window has ever been cleaned – it’s nearly opaque.”

The Rutger’s Grad took part in his school racing squad. Yes, Rutgers not only rules for being located in The Garden State, but also for having a small automotive engineering team. “It’s the single best thing I’ve ever decided to do at this point in my life,” Mingay said. “Every senior had not one but multiple job offers.” The group, open to all students, competes against other colleges from around the world by engineering, building, and ultimately racing an open cockpit formula style race car.

“It’s the best hands-on experience any student could ever get, no matter what their major is, because it’s real world,” says club adviser Mark Sproul, manager of engineering computing services at the Rutgers School of Engineering. “You’ve got to build the thing, you’ve got a deadline, and failure is not an option. It’s not about getting a grade. It’s about getting it done.”

The only club I was a part of at another NJ University revolved around lots of empty bottles of something called Capt. Morgan, and glass pipes. Hmm… maybe that wasn’t an official University sanctioned activity. Interested in a future working with high performance engines? Check out your local colleges – it’s never too late to go back to school. If Rodney Dangerfield can do it, so can you.

Source: Rutgers Focus

It’s quite simple, really, as long as you have a grasp of advanced physics. In basic terms – “A sonic boom is the shock wave that is produced when an object breaks the sound barrier.”

Now sound, in air, can only move 700 miles per hour…but an object can be pushed much faster than this. The sound of a sonic boom you hear is the actual barrier of sound breaking. Jet fighters achieve this with mass amounts of propulsion. How can you in your studio apartment? “When someone uses a whip, they bring their arm up and then down quickly. This creates a wave, and that wave travels down the length of the whip. It takes a lot of force to make the solid handle and heavy base of the lash move fast. The end of the whip is tapered and small. Since only a little energy is lost as the wave travels down the whip, a massive amount of momentum is channeled into a very small amount of leather. The makes the whip move faster and faster the more slender the whip becomes – the tip of whip moves incredibly fast – fast enough to break the sound barrier.”

No bull whip lying about? Sure you don’t have one, you kinky freak you. How about a towel, or some bed linens? Yes, you too can break the sound barrier by whipping around a towel like LeBron was coming to town or a bed sheet to get that one-night-stand up in the morning. Get enough momentum and you will break the barrier with your Spongebob sheets.