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XM radio, the country’s number one supplier of satellite radio has announced that XM radio and its hot-selling XM NavTraffic service will be offered as a factory- installed feature on all 2009 Porsche 911 models. Base on the auto maker’s timeline, this will be the first time that XM is accessible in a Porsche sports car. XM is the elite satellite radio provider to Porsche. XM radio has been on hand as a factory-installed feature for
In addition to XM radio, the 911 will offer XM NavTraffic. Powered by NAVTEQ, XM NavTraffic is the country's foremost concurrent traffic service, featuring complete information and coast-to-coast update tick of the clock. XM NavTraffic guarantees that motorists have the most up to date and most detailed traffic and incident information at their very fingertips with accessibility in 80 major North American markets, whether they're traveling or wandering.
"We are excited about offering XM Satellite Radio with the XM NavTraffic option to our 911 customers. This will be a great addition to our new for 2009 Porsche Communication System 3.0," says David Pryor, vice-president of marketing, Porsche Cars North America.
The Ferrari Enzo is certainly one of the most remarkable and legendary cars introduced in the automotive industry. The Enzo is known for its commanding speed and power, and most of all, this vehicle is well-respected because of its glorious history.
Today, the newest Ferrari Enzo will resurface with further enhancements. It is sure to be a head-turner (as always) with some improved details and stuff. Check out the new Ferrari Enzo by Edo Competiton!
Specifications
Engine V12 Power estimated 700 hp (514 kW) at 8200 rpm Max. torque est. 715 Nm (527 ft-lb) at 5800 rpm
Performance
Top speed > 370 km/h (230 mph) 0 – 100 km/h (0 – 62 mph) est. 3.5s 0 – 200 km/h (0 – 124 mph) est. 9.5s 0 – 300 km/h (0 – 186 mph) est. 22.0s
Features
* Power increased to about 700 hp courtesy of:
-new exhaust headers like on the Ferrari FXX,
-high-flow catalytic converter,
-performance muffler,
-modified intake with ram-air system,
-high-flow air filters and
-ECU recalibration
* Stainless steel muffler with adjustable remote-controlled butterfly-valve, new exhaust tips
* Exhaust sound level adjustable at the push of a button
* Wheels can be custom-painted on request
* Tire pressure monitoring system displaying air pressure and tire temperature for each wheel
* Sport suspension for the road with adjustable compression and rebound damping like on the FIA GT MC12. Nose lift functionality is retained.
* Special lightweight wheels with Michelin tires Front: 10 x 19 with 265/35 ZR 19 Rear: 13 x 20 with 335/30 ZR 20
* New high-performance clutch. Extremely lightweight. Two different friction compounds selectable (strada/pista)
* New transmission control unit. Same shift times as on the Ferrari FXX
GAYOT.com's "Top 10 Best Small Cars" Won’t be complete without the 2008 Kia Rio and Rio5! The two models have been included on the list for this year’s set of outstanding small cars. GAYOT.com was astonished with the vehicles' fuel efficiency, standard safety features, extensive warranty and low starting price.
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The Kia Rio and Rio5 are models considered as "quality built with high feature content and loads of character" which were chosen as top picks for the 2008 selection according to GAYOT.com. The site remarks
"This Korean-built sedan may be inexpensive, but it doesn't skimp on protecting its passengers. For a starter vehicle in urban settings, this vehicle is a bargain," according to the GAYOT.com review.
"Scion has the youngest demographic in the automotive industry, so to be involved in a festival geared toward Generations X and Y is a marketer's dream. Our brand is seen as hip and vibrant, and there won't be any more energetic city in
Scion will be put up a 20-foot-by-40-foot tent, near
"Our goal is not to inundate visitors with a sea of cars. Young people are entirely too savvy for such blatant product displays. They're at the festival to enjoy the music and the city. Our tent will be a place to hang out and relax, within earshot of terrific, live music," added Hoermle.
Movement '08 will begin on May 24-26. The three-day music festival will showcase over 70 artists on four stages. Movement draws approximately 45,000 fans of techno and electronic music annually in its ninth year along with a momentous percentage coming from other states and countries.
Moms knew how to celebrate their day in their own special way! Mother’s Day celebration was observed with high hopes to eliminate drunk driving with the help of several dedicated members of the community to encourage everyone to help eliminate or reduce drunk driving cases on the streets.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) leadership along with 500 local supporters united together last Saturday, May 10 at
"The main reason people continue to drive drunk today - despite 27 years of intense public education and law enforcement's best efforts - is because they can. My son might be here today if the offender that killed him had an interlock on his vehicle." Birch's 21-month-old-son Courtney was killed on May 3, 1988, more than 20 years ago, by a drunk driver with a blood alcohol level of .26 at the time of the crash and was driving with a revoked license and three prior DUI convictions," says Glynn Birch, national president of MADD.
According to my reliable source, an alcohol ignition interlock is a breath test gadget connected to a vehicle's ignition system used on the vehicles of suspected drunk drivers. Studies have revealed that these devices are over 90 percent efficient in reducing recidivism while installed on the vehicle. If all states required alcohol ignition interlocks for all convicted drunk drivers, we could save up to 4,000 lives a year.
Dr. Klaus Maier, Executive Vice President Mercedes-Benz Cars explained…
"With the launch of the SLK in 1996, Mercedes-Benz successfully established the premium segment for compact roadsters. Thanks to innovative technology such as the vario-roof and the neck-level heating system AIRSCARF, the SLK has long been recognized as a cult car of modern times. The new-generation SLK models, which we are delivering to customers since April 2008, are sportier than ever. I’m confident that the dynamic looks and performance of the new SLK will again set pulses racing among sports cars enthusiasts around the world.”
In addition to this, Western Europe has been the most significant sales market for the roadster as for where the SLK has likely to be the utmost response from costumers, with one-third of SLK owners coming from Germany and another one-third coming from Western Europe totally. Another important market for the SLK has also been in the U.S., with one in five SLK's sold which leads to a path where they will meet across the pool to a adoring American abode.
Today, numerous vehicles are joining the “green club” from various automakers who continuously develop environmental-friendly vehicles and roll it into production. Among this green-minded company is Hyundai with their own version of the green vehicle named Sonata.
Just recently, the 2008 Hyundai Sonata was recognized by The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) as one of the vehicles in the “2008 Greener Choices” list that showcases extensively offered gasoline-powered cars and light trucks with automatic transmissions. The Auto Channel reported that the Sonata has been listed in the ACEEE’s Green Book® Online, a yearly guide for consumers to environmentally-friendly cars and trucks.
“The award for our clean, fuel-efficient Sonata recognizes Hyundai’s commitment to the environment. Like industry leading quality and safety, environmental sensitivity is another element of the value equation that makes Hyundai such a smart choice for consumers,” says John Krafcik, the vice president of Strategic Planning and Product Development at Hyundai Motor America.
- Mood:
aggravated
Stopping drivers from driving drunk is the foremost goal of MADD or Mothers Against Drunk Driving. And recently, they have scored a good point against drunk driving after a resolution to install alcohol ignition locks on vehicles of persons who have been apprehended driving while under the influence of alcohol, has been approved by Virginia's state Senate.
Glynn Birch, national president of MADD had this to say according to The Auto Channel: "Our vision of eliminating drunk driving can become a reality. The first step is implementing proven solutions that currently exist to prevent deaths and injuries due to drunk driving. One solution is alcohol ignition interlocks, which could not only save thousands of lives, but also gives offenders the ability to drive without endangering the public."
Virginia Del. Sal Iaquinto added that: "The only way to ensure that convicted drunk drivers stop harming people is to make sure that they do not drink and drive again. This bill does that -- and will make the Commonwealth's roadways safer for all Virginia families."
This bill though will not completely eliminate the number of accidents caused by drunk driving. But at least this will cut down the number of drivers driving while drunk.
Chuck Harley, CEO of MADD said that they will now be putting these interlocks into action. "We know that the technology works. Now we need to implement these advances on our roads, every day in every state across the nation. Too many drunk driving offenders are back on the road, and it is our duty to ensure that they do not risk the lives of others and that they only drive while sober."
Additionally, more green cars are expected to be sold this year not only because of the environmental concerns but economy as well. As oil prices continue to peak, dependence on foreign oil has to be curtailed.
Times Online reported: Sales of new cars in the £300-a-year top road tax band fell last year by 15% to the lowest level on record, Sales of low-emission cars in bands A and B, which are either zero-rated for road tax or pay £35, increased by 17%.
The European Commission, meanwhile, has proposed a directive that would mandate manufacturers to slash harmful emissions from 160g/km in 2006 to 130g/km in 2012.
Paul Everitt, the chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, has this to say: “We would be setting ourselves to fail if the target was 2012. We believe 2015 is more realistic because it gives us a practical timescale to develop the right mix of cars.” He admitted that manufacturers could do more to inform buyers about cars’ relative emissions levels. Most dealers now display colour-coded labels, similar to those used to indicate the efficiency of fridges and washing machines.
Everitt said that the SMMT was considering introducing advertising guidelines that would make CO2 performance much clearer. But he noted that freedom of choice should be protected. “Manufacturers don’t want to be seen to be dictating to consumers. We can’t get away from the fact that a significant number of people see it as an emotional choice,” Everitt stressed.
“The SMMT figures show people are already changing their car-buying habits and that we should not believe the doom and gloom from car manufacturers about the impact of tough CO2 targets. The market will adapt,” said Stephen Joseph, the director of the Campaign for Better Transport.
Eco-Friendly Top 10
(Sales of low-emission cars, 2007)
1. Peugeot 107 15,333
2. Ford Fiesta 14,784
3. Toyota Aygo 14,172
4. Citroen C1 12,626
5. Peugeot 207 11,830
6. Toyota Prius 8,755
7. Renault Clio 5,230
8. Toyota Yaris 5,173
9. Volkswagen Polo 4,436
10. Mini 4,192
[credit: Times Online]
Hybrids, plug-in hybrids, FCVs, flex-fuel vehicles and more – they are all displayed at this year’s North American International Auto Show. Yes, NAIAS flaunts the blast of green cars!
"The demand for energy around the world is growing faster than supply," Said GM CEO Rick Wagoner. "We need to develop alternative sources of propulsion." Wagoner called for the US government to accelerate construction of the infrastructure necessary to support an entire new generation of environmentally-sensitive vehicles.
It can be noted that GM announced that it will introduce a plug-in hybrid as soon as 2010 -- the Saturn Vue SUV. The Detroit automaker also promised to unleash a fully electric car – the controversial Chevy Volt.
Chrysler, slow to get on the latest auto bandwagon, has showcased 3 prototype green cars in Detroit. And Ford announced 2 hybrids for the end of this year and the accelerated development of cars with better fuel economy by 2012, according to AFP.
But all of them face the formidable Toyota, currently the No. 2 automaker in America, after GM and ahead of Ford. Toyota has snatched a controlling lead in the green auto race with its hybrid Prius. The hybrid is on the market for a decade now. In Detroit, the Japanese automaker introduced its new rechargeable hybrid. Toyota also announced upcoming projects such as the development of other clean-auto technologies.
NAIAS made it evident that all automakers, particularly Asian, are working on clean diesel, hybrid and flex-fuel versions of their sport utilities and trucks.
Both the American and Japanese automakers said this year would be difficult with contracting demand. European automakers, meanwhile, remained relatively positive for 2008 in America. They are expected to set free catchy new models in the luxury and minicar segments. There is also an apparent increase in demand for European diesel cars.
Anyway, check out below for the highlights of the Mark Levinson Reference Surround:
- 19 Speakers
The LX 570 features seven one-inch tweeters, seven four-inch midranges, two 6x9 woofers, two 6.5-inch woofers, and one 10-inch cast basket subwoofer.
- 15 Channels, 450 Watts
The all-new ML3-16 Mark Levinson Digital Signal Processor/Amplifier in the LX 570 produces a total power output of 450 watts, all channels driven, 20-20kHz @ less than .1% Total Harmonic Distortion.
- 10-inch High Power Subwoofer
This subwoofer is housed in a 22-liter enclosure, which allows the cast basket subwoofer to utilize 100 watts of low distortion power.
- Discrete 5.1 Playback in a 7.1-Channel Surround Sound Speaker Architecture
- Mark Levinson Surround (MLS) Audio Software
-Media Compatibility: CD, CD-R, DTS 5.1 CD, DVD video, and DVD audio discs
- Format Compatibility
Two-channel stereo (analog and PCM), two-channel Surround Sound, Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, MP3, WMA, and an auxiliary input for mobile audio products
- All-Digital Signal Path
- The LX Voicing
Over 4,000 man-hours of laboratory and on-road voicing optimize Mark Levinson Reference Surround for
The new Opel Agila monocab comes with a 1.0 liter engine that is capable of pumping out 48 kW (65 hp). This power unit can achieve a driving range of 100 km with an average of five liters of gasoline. Customers can also get the 1.3 CDTI with
with 55 kW (75 hp) power output. Opel said This engine will answer the needs of fuel efficient consumers. The 1.3 CDTI comes with a diesel particulate filter and only consumers 4.5 liters of diesel per 100 km. In addition, both engine types offer low exhaust emissions of only 120 g CO2/km.
The new Opel Agila will roll out in dealerships starting in the spring of 2008 carrying a base manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of 9,990 Euros or about $14,539 USD. Other highlights of the Opel Agila include:
- Anti lock braking system (ABS)
- Front and side airbags for both front passengers
- ISOFIX child seat mountings
- Speed-dependant power steering
- Height-adjustable front seats
- Rear window wiper with interval control and power tailgate with touchpad
- Styling package from Opel as a bonus (for pre-order customers)
According to AAA Chicago, motorists should:
- Clear snow and ice from vehicle to improve visibility. Include hood, roof, trunk, turn signals, tail lights and headlights.
- Slow down when visibility and road conditions are impaired, and increase the following distance between vehicles.
- Anticipate dangers including ice on bridges, hidden lane markings, stalled cars and poor visibility.
- Use proper winter braking techniques. For cars without anti-lock brakes, use "squeeze" or "threshold" braking by applying the brakes just short of lock-up, then easing off the brake pedal slightly. For vehicles with anti-lock brakes, continuous, firm braking is necessary.
In addition, AAA Chicago also said that drivers should have these survival gears on their vehicles:
- Cell phone
- Ice scraper & brush
- Boots, gloves, hat, blanket
- Tools & flashlight
- Tire traction material such as sand or cat litter
- Shovel
- Jumper cables
- Flares or reflective triangle
- Food
- Coffee can furnace
- First aid kit
Remembering what James Press, Vice Chairman and President of Chrysler LLC said, “With styling that stays true to Challenger’s original heritage, an abundance of modern amenities and cutting-edge technology, the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will deliver the SRT credo of benchmark performance at a tremendous value.”
And finally the long wait is over as Dodge recently announced the pricing for their new Dodge Challenger SRT8 which starts at USD 37,995. Orders will be accepted starting December 3 for the limited edition run of the SRT8 and later will be followed by the regular Challenger. Initial deliveries are expected in spring.
Buyers are given the choice between Black, Silver or HEMI Orange car with a 6.1 liter HEMI V8 engine, numbered dash plague and carbon fiber hood stripes---all for the price of USD 37,995.
The House and the Senate are working to craft a 35 mpg energy bill that would be amendable to both houses of Congress, the White House and of course the US automakers which are to be affected of the said bill, reported AIADA newsletter.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is asking staff negotiators to reach a deal as soon as possible to make time for a legal review before the House and Senate members return from recess on Monday.
As expected there were a number of issues that arise but the main concern is with regards to the fuel economy credit that automakers get for producing flexible-fuel vehicles. The law provides automakers with a 1.2 miles-per-gallon credit for manufacturing vehicles that run on alternative fuel such as the E85 ethanol.
The Senate proposal has extended the credit but to the dismay of automakers the said proposal was phased out quickly. And since the E85 is offered at only 1,200 of nation’s 180,000fueling stations and surprisingly a great number of the 6 million-plus flex-fuel vehicles on the road don’t use the fuel but still automakers get to claim the credit.
Honda has again proven that it is one of the best automaker there is after it was chosen as the most reliable automaker in Britain at the recent survey conducted by What Car? and Warranty Direct. But that was in the automakers category since it was Toyota’s Corolla model (2000-2002) that has gotten the number one rank at the Top Ten Cars Reliability result.
If there is the reliable cars list there is also the least reliable car list of which include Alfa Romeo GTV produced from 1996-2003 with 97 faults per 100 models. The least reliable carmakers were Land Rover, Renault and Alfa Romeo.
Here are the results:
The top ten cars for reliability were:
1. Toyota Corolla 2000-2002 (3 faults per 100 cars)
2. Honda CR-V 1997-2002 (5 faults per 100 cars)
3. Honda HR-V 1999-2005 (6 faults per 100 cars)
4. Toyota Celica 2000-2006 (6 faults per 100 cars)
5. Honda S2000 1999-2007 (7 faults per 100 cars)
6. BMW 3-Series Compact 1994-2001 (9 faults per 100 cars)
7. Honda Civic 1996-2001 (9 faults per 100 cars)
8. Honda Accord 1999-2003 (9 faults per 100 cars)
9. Honda Civic 2001-2005 (10 faults per 100 cars)
10. Nissan Micra 1998-2002 (11 faults per 100 cars)
The bottom 10 cars were:
1. Alfa Romeo GTV 1996-2003 (97 faults per 100 cars)
2. Renault Espace 1997-2002 (77 faults per 100 cars)
3. Jaguar XK8 1996-2006 (62 faults per 100 cars)
4. Renault Laguna 2000-2007 (55 faults per 100 cars)
5. Fiat Multipla 1999-2007 (52 faults per 100 cars)
6. Volvo S80 1998-2006 (51 faults per 100 cars)
7. Land Rover Freelander 2000-2006 (48 faults per 100 cars)
8. Land Rover Range Rover 1995-2002 (48 faults per 100 cars)
9. Audi Allroad 2000-2005 (48 faults per 100 cars)
10. Seat Alhambra 2000-2007 (47 faults per 100 cars)
Manufacturers’ reliability league table:
1. Honda
2. Toyota
3. Subaru
4. Lexus
5. Mini
6. Nissan
7. Ford
8. Citroen
9. Rover
10. BMW
11. Peugeot
12. Mercedes
13. Fiat
14. Vauxhall
15. Volkswagen
16. MG
17. Jaguar
18. Volvo
19. Skoda
20. Audi
21. Saab
22. Chrysler
23. Seat
24. Alfa Romeo
25. Renault
26. Land Rover
Going on a trip alone is very common during the holidays and just in case you need legal and practical advice simply log on to the newly updated “Snow Safe” guide http://www.auto-europe.uk.
In connection with the Ski Club of Great Britain, the guide will now contain information on European destinations that require you carry snow chains, or use snow tires and with a special section on how to negotiate the dual-nationality of Geneva airport.
There are also other new information that includes cost saving section entitled “Keeping the Costs Down” that provide advice on how to choose the best rental vehicle for your trip, legal considerations that goes with driving in Europe and other clear-cut options for paying the tolls for motorway driving. In addition instructions outlining on how to properly fit snow chains are also featured with a couple of updated winter driving tips.
Auto Europe has broaden the coverage of its guide section as part of its continuous commitment to helping independent travelers to be aware of the responsibilities that goes in driving alone. For those who wish to research further on their trip should take advantage of the exclusive discount given to new members of the Ski Club of Great Britain. Members were also provided with in-depth travel and resort advice and reviews plus weather and snow reports, brilliant discounts across equipment and travel providers and up-to-date news and features.
Christmas is barely a month away and as expected there would be millions of motorists preparing to hit the road. And of course with lots of vehicles on the road accidents is not a farfetched possibility. The elite professional truck drivers are offering advices on how to have accident free trips this coming holiday.
America’s Road Team Captains agree that these tips will help to make holiday trips a fun and pleasurable experience:
• Use common sense: Thanksgiving is the most traveled holiday and most motorists don't travel the highways as often as trucks do - be sure to use extra caution.
• Perform a pre-trip: Safety begins in the driveway. Check your vehicle's tires, wipers and fluids. Have your radiator and cooling system serviced. You can prevent many of the problems that strand motorists on the side of the road before you leave your home.
• Plan your trip: Know your exit by name and number, allow plenty of driving time and factor in stops for food and rest.
• Check your emergency kit: Contents should include: battery powered radio, flashlight, blanket, jumper cables, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable foods, maps, tire repair kit and flares.
• Be aware of changes in weather: Weather conditions across the U.S. will be changing - especially during early mornings and evenings with the cold. Watch for ice, snow and other weather related obstacles. Also, remember weather can change dramatically from when you start your trip to when you end. Bring a sweater and watch for the signs.
• Leave early and avoid risks: Leave early so you won't be anxious about arriving late and to accommodate delays. Road conditions may change due to inclement weather or traffic congestion.
• Know your limitations: Don't drive when tired, upset, or physically ill. Remember, when traveling in a car, you are in control and can take a break if needed.
• Be aware of truck blind spots: When sharing the road with large trucks, be aware of their blind spots. If you can't see the truck driver in his or her mirrors, then the truck driver can't see you.
• Take care when changing lanes: Never try to gain a few seconds by attempting a risky maneuver and think twice about changing lanes just get around a vehicle that is traveling at a speed close to yours. Do not cut a truck short - they can take up to two football fields to fully stop.
• Slow Down: With the extra highway congestion due to Holiday travel, speeding becomes even more dangerous. Allow plenty of space cushion and reduce your speed.
• Buckle up: Safety belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45 percent and are a simple way to increase your safety on the road.
ATA’s America’s Road Team is sponsored by Volvo Trucks North America and for more information on the American Trucking Association kindly visit their web site at www.americasroadteam.com.
News of increasing fuel prices is not news anymore and yet every time it increases it still receives the same intensity of reactions. Just like recently the fuel prices have jumped above the $3 mark since mid-October in Illinois and Northern Indiana.
And according to AAA Chicago’s very recent Fuel Gauge Report projection that in Illinois, the regular unleaded gasoline has increased by 36 cents during the past month, and is expected to reach an average cost of $3.17 per gallon for the month of November which is compared to last year is 88 cents higher per gallon.
The Oil Price Information Service that tracks fuel prices for AAA has stated that Americans now spend almost 4 percent of their paycheck on gasoline alone which is quite alarming since its double the percentage of income set for fuel five years ago.
In Northern Indiana, the gas prices have an average of $3.12 with an increase of 43 cents from October and 91 cents from November 2006.
And here are the recently reported increases in fuel prices sourced from The Auto Channel:
• In Cook County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.24, which is up 29 cents compared to last month and 85 cents higher than last year's price-per-gallon.
• In DuPage County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.15 per gallon, which is a 32-cent increase from October and 87 cents higher than last year.
• In Kane County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.14 per gallon, which is 34 cents higher compared to last month and 88 cents higher than November 2006's price.
• In Lake County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.14 per gallon, which is 41 cents higher than last month and up by 89 cents compared to this time last year.
• In McHenry County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.16 per gallon, which is 32 cents higher than October's average and 91 cents higher than November 2006's price.
• In Will County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.17 per gallon, which is 32 cents higher compared to last month and 89 cents higher compared to last year.
• In Champaign County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.18 per gallon, an increase of 52 cents from October and an increase of 98 cents from last year.
• In McLean County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.16 per gallon, which is 39 cents higher than last month and 92 cents higher than last year.
• In Peoria County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.19 per gallon, which is a 44-cent increase compared to last month and a 88-cent increase from November 2006.
• In Sangamon County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.13 per gallon, which is 49 cents higher than last month and 89 cents higher than last year.
• In Winnebago County, Ill., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.24 per gallon, an increase of 49 cents from October and an increase of 99 cents from November 2006.
• In Allen County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.15 per gallon, which is an increase of 41 cents from last month and 89 cents higher than November 2006's price.
• In Lake County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.14 per gallon, a 45-cent increase from October's average and a 93-cent increase from a year ago.
• In Porter County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.10 per gallon, which is 38 cents higher than last month and 87 cents higher than last year.
• In St. Joseph County, Ind., self-serve regular unleaded gasoline averages $3.17 per gallon, which is 47 cents higher compared to last month and 96 cents higher compared to last year.
For more information on the other services offered by AAA simply visit their web site at www.aaa.com.
The auto industry is continuously evolving, technology wise. And the current innovation is in terms of car paint. The new paint technology works by running a current through a special polymer that was applied to the vehicle before painting. This polymer contains particles of paramagnetic iron oxide which reacts to electric current. What happens is that the spacing of the oxide’s crystals is adjusted which creates a level of light reflection that creates the illusion of color changing.
The said technology is perfect for cars since they are conductive metal objects and makes the perfect medium. But it is important to note that without current like for instance when the car is turned off, the paint would return to its default color of white.
The first commercial applications of the new paint technology are expected to be made available as early as 2010 especially with Nissan having developed what it claimed to be a “self-healing” paint.
