Friday, January 7, 2011

New Study states Driving a Convertible could Damage your Hearing

Driving a convertible car with the top down exemplifies the high life but feeling the wind in your hair could mean going deaf, experts have warned. The study examined noise levels in a handful of drop tops, like the Porsche 911, Nissan 350Z and Saab Aero and found that sound levels regularly exceeded the recommended work safety level of 85 decibels. Occasional spikes in noise levels due to increased speed or passing trucks pushed the sound to 90 db and above.
Drivers were warned to keep their hood up for long journeys or advised to don earplugs if they insisted on leaving the top down. The study, published in the Journal of Laryngology and Otology, also found that convertible drivers risked their hearing by turning up their radios while driving with the top down. It also advises that motorists keep the top up if the journey will be long and speeds will exceed 52 miles per hour.

Cadillac considering mid-engine sports car?

General Motors' Cadillac brand was said to be working on a new flagship, rear-wheel drive sedan to take on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7-Series, but a new report suggest GM could be taking the project in an entirely new direction.
While an S-Class rivaling sedan is still on the table, Cadillac is considering a few other options, including a Maybach-like highway cruiser, a four-door coupe not unlike the Mercedes CLS, a large coupe that would take on the Mercedes CL and, perhaps most interesting, a mid-engine sports car.
According to Car and Driver, GM execs are still high on the idea of a mid-engine sports car for Cadillac. The division first toyed with the idea with the Cien concept.
A production version of the CIen would give Cadillac an answer for the Mercedes SLS and Audi R8, but would require the development of a unique – and expensive – mid-engine platform. However, rumors of a mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette have been floating around for years, which could help spread out some of the development costs.
But even with some platform sharing, the Cadillac model would still command a price of at least $150,000. No decision on the project has been made, but one is expected by mid year.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Hyundai to bring Curb concept to Detroit Auto Show


Hyundai has announced the it will bring it's new crossover concept, the Curb, to the Detroit Auto Show. There hasn't been much news about the new CUV, and while the new concept has curves, swoopy lines, and huge wheels, it could be a future replacement for the Tucson. The interior of the car looks to be futuristic to a point where I could guarantee you it will look nothing like the production version of the interior.

The new Curb Concept will be revealed Monday, at the Detroit Auto Show, inside Cobo Hall. I can only hope Hyundai hits with this car like their other recent ones, but given so little information about the car, I don't know what to expect.

TomTom unveils latest navigation system

 
TomTom’s Go 2505 M Live navigation system debuted on Wednesday at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas will be it's first system to offer TomTom's HD traffic service, which provides drivers with accurate information for all major roads in real time and which updates every few minutes. The new system will also have hands-free Bluetooth calling and voice recognition included. The Go 2505 M Live will go on the market in mid-2011 for a suggested retail price of $349. Each system will come with a free-trial subscription.




Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Kia KV7 Crossover Concept

Kia has provided a first look at their new concept vehicle, the KV7. They have stated, "at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Kia will make another dramatic design statement with the world debut of an all-new, convention-challenging concept vehicle named KV7." As you can see from the rendering, the KV7 Concept is a crossover whose lines resemble an extended Kia Soul. The passenger door is roof-hinged "gull wing" door that opens up like the Mercedes SLS AMG.
Also, the front door is a conventional front-hinged design. Inside the second row there are bucket seats that can swivel so they can face each other or the back of the car. Also from the looks of the picture there also might be a mini-table in the second row. Traditional Kia rims are implemented into the design and the front of the KV7 looks like it will recieve the traditional grill and front of recent Kia vehicles.The press preview day for the Detroit show is scheduled for January 10 where the KV7 will be featured.

OnStar Coming to Best Buy

Starting in spring Best Buy will begin carrying an OnStar standalone rear-view mirror and non-GM customers will be able to equip it in their in their car also. The mirror bundles with the communications package that comes with Onstar devices. The mirror will be priced at $375, not including service plans, which is at least $18.95 a month.
GM has stated that "OnStar is certified to work on 99 percent of the top 20 selling non-GM vehicles over the last 10 years or approximately 55 million cars and trucks." The list of compatible cars will be posted on Onstar's official website. I am presuming that the cars in the list will include Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, and other cars of that category. Onstar has stated that the mirror will include feature like its automatic crash response, which detects a sudden impact and automatically calls an OnStar advisor. Other features include link to emergency services by pressing a button, as well as stolen-vehicle location assistance, turn-by-turn navigation, roadside assistance and hands-free calling. GM has also stated that the mirror will work even if a phone is not in your car. Your old mirror can be replaced with an Onstar mirror with the help of a technician or one of Best Buy's Geek Squad Auto Techs.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Hyundai Teases Veloster Another Time

The new 2012 Hyundai Veloster will now officially have three conventional forward-hinged door. The new car is a 4-door (it will have 3 doors and a hatch). It has also been confirmed that the Veloster will come with a direct-injected engine, probably a 1.6-liter. Other features include Bluetooth connectivity, an optional dual-clutch gearbox, and an estimated 40 miles per gallon.

The shape of the car closely resembles the Toyota Prius, Honda CR-Z, and the other cars of that class. It has the same split rear glass on the open rear hatchback as its competitors. The concept version of the Veloster was first revealed at the 2007 Seoul Motor Show. Hyundai has it's full unveiling of the Veloster January 10 at the Detroit Auto Show.