Electric Cars a Mixed Bag in Very first Front-Corner Crash Tests

Final results were so-so for 2 tiny electric auto models that underwent their first-ever front-corner crash tests, according to a recent Insurance Institute for Highway Security (IIHS) report.

The plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt got an “acceptable” rating, and the EV Nissan Leaf got a “poor” rating in the “small overlap test,” which was made to be tougher than other crash tests carried out by the IIHS. The tiny overlap assesses frontal collisions in between a vehicle’s corner and objects like light poles.

The Volt and Leaf are the initial electric models tested by the modest overlap crash. Considering that its introduction in 2012, the test has stumped a handful of automobile models and types, especially smaller sized-sized vehicles.

Related Story: Most Minicars Flunk Frontal Crash Test

“Electric vehicles have a exclusive challenge in the little overlap test simply because of their heavy batteries,” Joe Nolan, senior vice president for vehicle research at IIHS, mentioned in a statement. “The Volt performed reasonably effectively, earning an acceptable rating, while the Leaf struggled.”

The Volt showed low danger of substantial injuries simply because the driver compartment “maintained reasonably effectively” in the crash test, according to the Institute.

The Leaf, nonetheless, was a diverse story. In the crash test, the Institute said, many places of the automobile have been “pushed back” into the driver compartment that could outcome in injuries to the driver’s left leg.

The Volt model, which has the choice of a forward-collision warning technique, was the only 1 of the group to get a 2014 Top Safety Choose+ award.

The 2 electric cars had been part of a crop of 12 small vehicle models recently tested by the Institute.

The Mini Cooper Countryman was the only vehicle model to get the Institute’s highest general rating of “good.” It was also a Best Safety Choose. Here is the listing of the automobile models that have been awarded Best Safety Picks:

• Mini Cooper Countryman


• Ford C-Max Hybrid


• Mitsubishi Lancer


• Scion FR-S


• Subaru BRZ

Photo courtesy of Kārlis Dambrāns

Electric Cars a Mixed Bag in Very first Front-Corner Crash Tests

Found: Pigeon Perfect Atego

Following months and months of trying to track it down and a couple of sightings final year, my old Atego has ultimately been noticed and confirmed. I got the message final night from George Ward, who had spotted it back in April on the M6 at Sandbach, Cheshire. Hunting at the truck it hasn’t changed much, it’s got a mouldy spot light, the alloy wheels have gone and the drivers side at least has a new rear mud wing. It is definitely carrying birds and George mentioned that there have been a quantity of other pigeon trucks passing at the same time. The other truks had been from Hambleton Blackpool and Croston Lancashire. Does anyone know these businesses? Do they run the Atego??

Email me ben@truckblog.co.uk
Thanks George, keep up the spotting.

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Found: Pigeon Perfect Atego

Subaru BRZ earns IIHS Top Safety Pick Award

Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the 2014 Subaru BRZ a 2014 Top Safety Pick award. The Subaru BRZ achieved a ‘good’; rating in the Institute’;s crashworthiness evaluations of front moderate overlap, side impact, roof crush and rear impact.

The vehicle also received an ‘acceptable’; rating in the institute’;s front small overlap test. This is the first time the IIHS has rated the BRZ in the small overlap test since it was launched in 2012.

With the addition of the 2014 BRZ, Subaru now has 6 models that have earned 2014 safety awards from IIHS – 4 with Top Safety Pick and 3 with Top Safety Pick+ ratings, including the Forester, Outback and WRX models. Subaru continues to hold more 2014 IIHS Top Safety Pick awards than any other brand.

Powered by Subaru’;s new-generation, naturally aspirated Boxer® petrol engine and featuring rear-wheel drive, the BRZ is a sports car which does not sacrifice everyday comfort and practicality, combining ultimate driving fun with the Subaru brand’;s renowned safety and quality.

“This latest IIHS safety accolade is another medal the Subaru brand can wear proudly,” comments Subaru Southern Africa Marketing Manager, Ashley Lazarus. “It also goes to show that not only is the Subaru BRZ bundles of fun, but it maintains the highest no-compromise Subaru safety standards as well.”

Subaru BRZ earns IIHS Top Safety Pick Award

Eye-Nine: BMW Reportedly Preparing Higher-Overall performance i8 Variant

With only weeks of real-planet expertise below its belt (the very first buyer automobiles have been delivered on June 5 in Munich U.S. deliveries are slated for August 16 at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance), it looks as if BMW’s i8 hybrid could be acquiring a far more athletic sibling. According to Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport—through Autoblog, exactly where we picked up on the news—word is circulating that BMW is preparing an even higher-efficiency version of the revolutionary hybrid to celebrate the carmaker’s 100th anniversary in 2016.

Speculatively referred to as the i9 (we’ve also heard rumblings of the M1 moniker getting revived), the uprated hybrid is rumored to employ a 6-cylinder gasoline engine and more-potent electric motors. The combo is reportedly stout sufficient to get the car from rest to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds. That is not saying a lot, as our current test of the i8 with its 3-cylinder gasoline engine and electric motors creating 357 combined horsepower, returned a zero-to-60 time of 3.8 seconds.

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With its futuristic styling, revolutionary powertrain, and unmistakable gullwing/scissor-door configuration, the i8 is a polarizing vehicle. Despite the fact that its $ 136,000 price puts it out of attain for most men and women, you can bet that BMW will apply almost everything it learns from the i8 and rumored i9 to the rest of its lineup.

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Eye-Nine: BMW Reportedly Preparing Higher-Overall performance i8 Variant

Public back curbs on new drivers

2/7/2014

By Peter Woodman

2-thirds of the public would like to see restrictions placed on recently certified young drivers, according to an RAC Foundation survey. 

Even 2 in 5 young drivers would back a kind of graduated licensing, the poll identified.

These surveyed had been asked regardless of whether restrictions, possibly lasting 12 months right after a driving test has been passed, must be placed on drivers aged 24 or beneath.

In the poll, of 2,101 adults, 66% showed help for limits on the quantity of passengers newly-certified young drivers could carry and 61% backed a ban on them driving between midnight and 5am.

Whilst 32% of young drivers oppose graduated licensing, 41% assistance some kind of it.

Almost one particular in 8 road casualties brought on by drivers aged 17 to 19

The poll also identified:

• 83% of those surveyed regard young drivers being involved in road accidents as a issue. This compares with 52% who regard older drivers in accidents as a issue


• 71% agreed that politicians should give far more interest to road safety


• 64% of parents say they would make sure their youngsters complied with a graduated licensing system.

Figures have shown that practically 1 in 8 of all road casualties is hurt or killed in collisions involving a auto driver aged 17 to 19. That is in spite of this age group producing up significantly less than one in 60 of all licensed drivers.

Based on the knowledge of other countries exactly where graduated licensing is in operation, a preceding report for the RAC Foundation by the Transport Investigation Laboratory concluded that if such a program was introduced in Britain about 4,500 fewer folks would be hurt in an average year.

This involves about 430 folks who would otherwise have been killed or seriously injured.

“Issue of young driver safety need to be addressed”

RAC Foundation director Professor Stephen Glaister stated: “Just a handful of days ago we saw that deaths on Britain’;s roads had fallen again.

“But the rate of decline more than current years has slowed and the problem of young driver safety is one particular of these matters that need to be addressed.”

He went on: “We now know there is a excellent deal of support for it amongst the British public. What we never know is why ministers have not acted. The present Government has repeatedly promised a green paper on young driver safety and repeatedly failed to generate it.

“If there had been any other location of public overall health policy exactly where this level of harm was taking spot there would be an outcry, however as a nation we seem to accept what is taking place to many of our young men and women when they get behind the wheel.”

Public back curbs on new drivers

Truckstar Festival 2014 by Jack Rigby

Truckstar Festival 2014, What an remarkable show. It was mine and dads first time for going to the show. What an atmosphere the show was, all of the individuals where there to have a great time, not just to show off their trucks, they have been there to show off their speaker systems and to see who had the biggest swimming pool!!

In the primary arena there was truck racing and motorbike stunts which produced you cringe, but remarkable how they did it. The trucks have been outstanding, the incredible paint jobs and the inviting interiors had been so thoughts blowing that you didn’t know how they came up with the ideas!!

The truck for me at the show was this Scania R520 highline, it just stood out, there was nothing shiny on the truck there was just a brilliant paint job and a new thought that know body else had thought of so it just stood out from the other folks (Agreed – TB).

Then the show ended

Truckstar Festival 2014 by Jack Rigby

Driving licence costs set to fall this autumn

Driving licence fees will fall by up to a third (32%) as part of government plans to assist cut the price of motoring and save drivers about £18 million a year.

Excellent news for young drivers

The plans are contained in a public consultation on driver licensing costs that will see the expense of a initial time postal application for a licence drop from £50 to £43, whilst on the internet applications will be reduce even additional to just £34 – which will come as a welcome respite for young drivers who feel they are acquiring priced out of motoring.

Cost of renewals to be reduce

It’s not just young drivers who’ll feel the benefit if the proposals are provided the go ahead as the expense of licence renewals are set to fall from £20 to £14 for online applications, or to £17 if you apply by post.

For an additional £4.50 the Post Office will take a digital photo and signature from you at the counter and then approach your application. Far more information on that service can be discovered right here.

And it is worth remembering you need to have to renew your driving licence each 10 years – and if adjust your name or address. If you are caught with an out-of-date licence or the particulars on it are incorrect, you could locate oneself on the getting end of a £1,000 fine.

DVLA’s digital drive

The consultation is due to close on August 25, 2014. If the proposals are authorized, the government hopes to have the new fees introduced by the end of October this year.

The truth on the internet applications will see a higher reduction than postal applications is further proof of DVLA moving towards a completely digital service, following the announcement that car excise duty (VED or ‘road tax’ to most) is to go digital from October 1, 2014.

Kevin Pratt, insurance professional at MoneySuperMarket stated: “The price of owning a vehicle can be important, specifically for young drivers, but if these proposals are provided the green light then it will go some way to easing the economic burden on motorists.”

Driving licence costs set to fall this autumn

Truckstar Festival 2014 by Jack Rigby

Truckstar Festival 2014, What an incredible show. It was mine and dads very first time for going to the show. What an atmosphere the show was, all of the folks exactly where there to have a great time, not just to show off their trucks, they were there to show off their speaker systems and to see who had the largest swimming pool!!

In the principal arena there was truck racing and motorbike stunts which produced you cringe, but wonderful how they did it. The trucks had been outstanding, the incredible paint jobs and the inviting interiors were so mind blowing that you didn’t know how they came up with the tips!!

The truck for me at the show was this Scania R520 highline, it just stood out, there was absolutely nothing shiny on the truck there was just a brilliant paint job and a new concept that know physique else had thought of so it just stood out from the others (Agreed – TB).

Then the show ended

Truckstar Festival 2014 by Jack Rigby

Mich. Crash Case Raises Inquiries about Insurance coverage on Scooters

What You Require to Know:

• A man is looking for advantages from insurers in Michigan for injuries sustained when a auto hit him in his motorized scooter.


• The insurers are refusing payment and say that the man’s motorized scooter was a motor automobile, and should have been insured like a individual car.


• Lawyers told On the internet Auto Insurance News (OAIN) that, if insurers win on their argument, users of motorized scooters and wheelchair could be necessary to buy car insurance coverage.

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Men and women in Michigan who use scooters and motorized wheelchairs could be necessary to get auto insurance coverage if courts rule in favor of the insurer in an ongoing case.

The court case could have implications for thousands of customers of scooters and motorized wheelchairs in the state, lawyer Harold Perakis told the Macomb Everyday this month. Perakis represents George Veness, a 63-year-old man who was riding his scooter when struck by an at-fault automobile in 2012.

The Legal Argument

At the center of this court case is a basic query about vehicle insurance coverage: what constitutes a automobile? Other circumstances around the U.S. have raised concerns of regardless of whether or not other modes of transport—like motorized scooters and wheelchairs and modified golf carts—require standard automobile insurance and if positive aspects of that typical coverage apply when they crash.

Related Hyperlink: Fla. Court: Insurer Should Cover Injuries in Modified Golf-Cart Crash

In the Michigan case, Veness is searching for compensation for about $ 2 million in health-related bills, like therapy for neck and back injuries and in-house care.

According to the Day-to-day, State Farm and Farm Bureau of Michigan cut off injury advantages for Veness, arguing in court that his scooter is a vehicle and, below that classification, must be covered as such with Michigan auto insurance.

According to the Daily, State Farm lawyer Timothy Groustra stated in a legal brief that Veness’ “failure to receive PIP (private insurance protection) on his scooter signifies that (state law) bars him from recovering PIP rewards from State Farm.”

On the other hand, Veness’ attorney responded with a legal filing citing state law that “does not and has never recognized that an electrically-operated wheelchair is a ‘motor vehicle.’” According to the Everyday, Perakis also said that Michigan law’s definition of a motor car “does not consist of an electric private assistive mobility device.”

Attorney: Case Has Wide Implications

Steve Gursten, a lawyer at Michigan Auto Law, spoke with OAIN following blogging about the case.

A court ruling in favor of State Farm and Farm Bureau would mean that “motorized wheelchairs are the equivalent of cars and trucks for auto insurance purposes,” Gursten stated to OAIN. That categorization would mean customers of motorized wheelchairs are technically “uninsured drivers” who are denied each the positive aspects of coverage and particular rights in court when they are injured in crashes.

In effect, according to Gursten, these men and women “will be forced to go out and buy Michigan No-Fault auto insurance coverage for their motorized wheelchairs.”

“For these folks, a lot of of whom are currently on quite tight budgets, this will be a substantial, financial burden,” Gursten told OAIN.

Gursten also updated OAIN with the newest on the case in Macomb County Circuit Court. Each State Farm and Farm Bureau of Michigan submitted motions in which they contended that the case should be dismissed since Veness was owed no rewards. State Farm has because withdrawn the motion.

The case is subsequent set for a “status conference” in September, according to Gurs8.

In yet another blog post, Gursten mentioned his research identified no existing products or coverage choices for motorized wheelchairs at State Farm or Farm Bureau.

Mich. Crash Case Raises Inquiries about Insurance coverage on Scooters

2014 Infiniti Q50S Hybrid AWD Lengthy-Term Test Intro: Drive-by-Wire Comes Beneath Fire

Lengthy-Term Road Test Intro

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Drive-by-wire sports sedan joins our extended-term fleet.

Months in Fleet: 5 months
Present Mileage: 8268 miles
Typical Fuel Economy: 25 mpg
Variety: 440 miles
Service: $ 85
Regular Put on: $
Repair: $
Harm and Destruction: $

The initial new model to debut below Infiniti’s reshuffled alphanumeric nomenclature scheme, the 2014 Q50 requires the spot formerly held by the G37 sedan. As Infiniti’s torchbearer in the competitive entry-luxury sport sedan segment, the Q50 was tasked with covering a lot of solution bandwidth for the brand. As a result, when the revamped Q50 hit the ground at the 2013 Detroit auto show, it brought with it the announcement that a hybrid version would be available for 2014. Our interest was piqued–eco-posturing aside, what driver rewards would a hybrid Q50 offer that weren’t currently present in the nonhybrid version? To draw our personal conclusions, we ordered a 2014 Infiniti Q50S Hybrid AWD in a deep shade of Venetian Ruby for a proper 40,000-mile evaluation.

The Q50s Hybrid AWD arrived at our Ann Arbor offices wearing the exact same fresh sheetmetal, interior attributes, and pair of sinister-seeking front headlamp binnacles that adorn all Q50 trim levels. The variations begin with the powertrain: In addition to selecting up a 67-hp electric motor and its attendant 1.4-kWh battery pack, the hybrid version employs a 302-horse 3.5-liter V-6 in location of the nonhybrid’s 328-hp 3.7-liter V-6. Combined, the hybrid program is rated at 360 horsepower, a 32-pony enhance more than the normal automobile. Shared outright are the 6-speed automatic transmission and Infiniti’s controversial Direct Adaptive Steering technique (much more on that later).

All the Toys

Taking the important fob to a Q50S Hybrid AWD grants one particular access to a quite complete assortment of standard attributes, which includes Infiniti’s slick InTuition method, which permits the storing of preferred climate, audio, and driving settings on stated crucial fob, eliminating the require to reset them manually every single time a single enters the car—ideal for 2-driver households. Further standard niceties fitted to our Q50’s graphite-colored interior include a energy moonroof, 8-way power heated leather front seats with manually adjustable thigh supports, dual-zone automatic climate handle, and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel on a power-adjustable tilt and telescopic column. At the corners reside 19-inch aluminum wheels with 245/40 Dunlop 5000 SP Sport DSST CTT run-flat tires.

The optional equipment on our test automobile was limited to the Navigation package ($ 1400), which brings voice recognition, SiruisXM Traffic, and 12 months of the proprietary Infiniti Connection telematics method, as well as the All Climate Package ($ 230), which adds 4 floor mats and a trunk protector. Including location, the Q50S Hybrid’s MSRP crept to an as-tested price of $ 51,035, close to the stickers of luxury-branded competitors such as the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 and the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD.

Strapping our test gear to the auto revealed some encouraging numbers: The zero-to-60-mph sprint clocked in at 5. seconds and the quarter-mile at 13.7, bettering the numbers of the rear-wheel-drive 2014 Q50S Hybrid we tested previously by .1 second in both measures. Interestingly, it was just mere tenths behind the 4.9- and 13.5-second marks set by a nonhybrid rear-wheel-drive 2014 Q50 also tested. Digging a tiny deeper, we found that the acceleration numbers matched these of the 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 in the zero-to-60 run and gave up only .2 seconds in the quarter-mile. Hauling the 4161-pound Q50 to a cease from 70 mph needed 174 feet, a shorter span than necessary by either of the aforementioned hybrids. The Q50 Hybrid did, even so, suffer from heavy fade.

Touchy, Feely

However, those respectable overall performance numbers don’t translate to a tactile feel at the helm, specially in the places of braking and steering. In spite of an update early in the model run to address drive-quality deficiencies, the Q50 Hybrid’s logbook is littered with criticisms directed at the car’s fully electric, drive-by-wire Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS), one particular editor going as far as saying that “playing Gran Turismo on a dual-shock controller delivers much more feedback and feels a lot more organic.” Particularly, the majority of the complaints focus on the steering’s “freaky” fast nature, coupled with zero feedback and the require to make virtually continual corrections. The brakes also inspired some colorful commentary, centering on a grabby initial pedal response followed by a basic lack of linearity. One editor summed it up nicely by stating, “they are not possible to modulate smoothly.”

Nonetheless, the Q50 managed to roll up considerable miles in its 1st handful of months right here. Early in its stay, we swapped the all-season Dunlops for Bridgestone winter rubber, which combined with the Q50’s AWD drivetrain to make the vehicle double as a snow machine for the duration of the long harsh winter. To this point, Virginia is the farthest from residence that the Infiniti has traveled. So far, it has yielded an all round fuel efficiency of 25 mpg, a disappointing 2 mpg under the EPA city rating. 1 especially relaxed-pace excursion into the flat expanses of Ohio generated a ideal-but quantity of 30 mpg, proving that the Q50 Hybrid is capable of attaining its EPA highway rating of 31 mpg when driven in accordance with state targeted traffic laws.

Just after the snow receded right here in Michigan, we sent the Q50 Hybrid westward for a stint with our Montana bureau editor John Phillips. We’re confident he’ll have no shortage of words and insights when it comes time for the Q50’s initial extended-term test update.

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2014 Infiniti Q50S Hybrid AWD Lengthy-Term Test Intro: Drive-by-Wire Comes Beneath Fire

Subaru BRZ earns IIHS Top Safety Pick Award

Subaru of America, Inc. today announced that the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the 2014 Subaru BRZ a 2014 Top Safety Pick award. The Subaru BRZ achieved a ‘good’; rating in the Institute’;s crashworthiness evaluations of front moderate overlap, side impact, roof crush and rear impact.

The vehicle also received an ‘acceptable’; rating in the institute’;s front small overlap test. This is the first time the IIHS has rated the BRZ in the small overlap test since it was launched in 2012.

With the addition of the 2014 BRZ, Subaru now has 6 models that have earned 2014 safety awards from IIHS – 4 with Top Safety Pick and 3 with Top Safety Pick+ ratings, including the Forester, Outback and WRX models. Subaru continues to hold more 2014 IIHS Top Safety Pick awards than any other brand.

Powered by Subaru’;s new-generation, naturally aspirated Boxer® petrol engine and featuring rear-wheel drive, the BRZ is a sports car which does not sacrifice everyday comfort and practicality, combining ultimate driving fun with the Subaru brand’;s renowned safety and quality.

“This latest IIHS safety accolade is another medal the Subaru brand can wear proudly,” comments Subaru Southern Africa Marketing Manager, Ashley Lazarus. “It also goes to show that not only is the Subaru BRZ bundles of fun, but it maintains the highest no-compromise Subaru safety standards as well.”

Subaru BRZ earns IIHS Top Safety Pick Award

Cost Verify: Mercedes Rates All-New 2015 C-class Sedan, GLA-class Crossover

Mercedes-Benz is smack in the middle of a item offensive, and we now know how considerably 2 of its upcoming weapons—the all-new 2015 C-class sedan and GLA-class modest crossover—will expense.

With the CLA-class now occupying the bottom rung of the Benz ladder, the C-class no longer has to serve as the brand’s cost leader. Obtaining a littler brother also freed it up to turn out to be bigger and far more luxurious, and MSRPs are commensurately higher than before. For its component, Mercedes claims that far larger levels of common equipment imply that the cost hasn’t enhanced a lot at all. The C300 and C400 4MATIC models each go on sale at the end of August, although the rear-drive C300—the C400 won’t be available right here with RWD—will arrive in the 1st quarter of subsequent year. Here’s the breakdown:

2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 Sedan: $ 39,325, contains turbocharged 2.-liter 4-cylinder engine (241 hp, 273 lb-ft), 6-speed automatic, dual-zone automatic climate handle, Bluetooth telephone integration and audio streaming, push-button ignition, automatic headlamps, 6-inch show with central knob and touch-pad controls, energy tilt and telescope steering column, rain-sensing wipers, energy-folding side mirrors, MB-Tex faux-leather upholstery, aluminum interior trim, and far more.

2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 4MATIC Sedan: $ 41,325, contains all of the above plus all-wheel drive.

2015 Mercedes-Benz C400 4MATIC Sedan: $ 49,515, includes all of the above plus twin-turbo 3.-liter V-6 (329 hp, 354 lb-ft), 6-speed automatic, 4-piston fixed front brake calipers, Premium package (heated front seats, SiriusXM satellite radio, Burmester premium audio, LED headlamps, and proximity entry), and Sport package (open-pore matte-black ash wood interior trim, 18-inch AMG wheels, sport suspension, AMG physique kit, black headliner, sport seats, flat-bottom steering wheel, cross-drilled front brake rotors, aluminum pedal caps, AMG floor mats, and stitched MB-Tex dashboard cover).

2015 Mercedes-Benz C250 (Euro-spec)

C300 buyers will want to invest $ 2700 for the Premium pack and $ 2500 for the Sport bundle, even though they also have the choice of the Luxury package, which expenses $ 650 and brings distinctive 17-inch wheels, a comfort suspension, a 3-pointed-star hood ornament, wood interior trim, and the MB-Tex–lined dash.

Extracost choices for all C-classes consist of any paint colour other than basic white or black ($ 720), a Lighting package ($ 800 adaptive higher beams and dynamic headlamps), the Multimedia package ($ 2690 navigation, 10-gigabyte hard-drive storage, 74-inch higher-res screen, CD/DVD player, SD slot, SiriusXM Site visitors and Climate, and backup camera), and the fragrance diffuser as seen on the S-class ($ 350). Also on supply: Airmatic air springs ($ 1190), an Interior package ($ 2300 leather upholstery, ventilated seats, ambient lighting, illuminated doorsills, and power and memory passenger’s seat), the Driver Assistance pack ($ 2800 Distronic Plus automatic cruise manage with auto braking, active blind-spot and lane-maintaining assists, as well as Pre-Secure Plus rear-end collision protection, steering help, and Brake Assist Plus with cross-targeted traffic detection), and a package that bundles hands-free trunk access with a energy-closing trunklid ($ 250).

The 2014 C-class began with the rear-drive $ 36,725 C250 Sport and its 201-hp 1.8-liter turbo 4. The $ 40,325 C300 4MATIC utilized a 3.5-liter V-6 very good for 248 horsepower, while the $ 43,025 rear-wheel-drive C350 Sport topped the lineup with a 302-horse V-6. For competitive comparison, the 2015 BMW 3-series lineup starts at $ 33,700 for the 180-hp 320i. The far more directly comparable 3-series models—the 240-hp 328i and the 300-hp 335i—start at $ 38,350 and $ 44,450, respectively, with rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive fees an further $ 2000.

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Mercedes also released pricing on the GLA250 and GLA45 AMG sans in-depth options data. Each the 208-hp GLA250 4MATIC and the 355-hp GLA45 AMG 4MATIC scoot onto our shores in September, and they’ll cost $ 34,225 and $ 49,225. The front-drive GLA250 will run $ 32,225 when it arrives early subsequent year. All use a turbocharged 2.-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic. The CLA-class sedan—with which the GLA shares its platform and powertrain lineup—costs $ 1400 much less in simple guise and with 4MATIC it is just $ 850 less with the AMG treatment.

Cost Verify: Mercedes Rates All-New 2015 C-class Sedan, GLA-class Crossover

Value Verify: Mercedes Costs All-New 2015 C-class Sedan, GLA-class Crossover

Value Verify: Mercedes Costs All-New 2015 C-class Sedan, GLA-class Crossover

Coming Out in Gaydon: Aston to Channel its Inner Lagonda for 2015

For the longest time, the era of “folded-paper” design and style was regarded type of an embarrassment. Soon after the sensual lines of the 1950s, the opulence of the 1960s, and the powerfully muscular cues of the early 1970s, the late ’70s and early ’80s brought Bauhaus-inspired automotive themes. The ultra-angular trend faded away with the advent of more organic treatment options in the 1990s, as automakers became eager to when once more develop cars with a lot more sensual and voluptuous lines.

The most intense exponent of late-1970s/early-1980s design and style was the Aston Martin Lagonda, created by William Towns. It was described by Vehicle and Driver as “part spaceship and part Rolls-Royce, with a powerful dose of autobahn express thrown in for very good measure.” In the early 1980s, it was as costly as a Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit and a Ferrari 308 Quattrovalvole. “Got to maintain the riffraff out,” we explained back then.

Now the Lagonda is back: It will be presented from early 2015 onward, primarily based on Aston Martin’s seasoned VH platform and fitted with carbon-fiber body panels (the Towns Lagonda was dressed in aluminum). No word on the powertrain, but we suppose it will include the brand’s Cologne-constructed 6.-liter V-12.

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Hand-built “by the fine craftsmen and women” at Aston’s Gaydon, England, headquarters, the vehicle will be sold in the Middle East only—”by invitation.” Pricing hasn’t been disclosed, but Aston Martin boastfully claims “the asking cost will be commensurate with the car’s exclusivity, good quality, and luxurious nature.”

Aston Martin Lagonda

In its description of the new sedan, Aston Martin alludes to the Towns Lagonda repeatedly, and in reality, the ultralow, extended, and clean design and style is really clearly inspired by the 1970s masterpiece. Has the era of angular, aggressive design returned? Probably so, at least for the glimmering esplanades of Dubai and other petrodollar-infused Middle East locales.

Coming Out in Gaydon: Aston to Channel its Inner Lagonda for 2015

Independents of Speed, European: Christian Von Koenigsegg

Age: 42

Hometown: Stockholm, Sweden

Firm: Koenigsegg Automotive AB 62 staff at its 43,000-square-foot Swedish headquarters, situated on the Ängelholm airfield.

Previous projects: The very first CC8S was delivered to a buyer in 2002, and its successor, the 806-hp CCR, briefly held the record for the world’s fastest production car (until the Veyron came along). Since then we’ve had the CCX and the Agera.

Present project: The Agera-primarily based 1:1 is named soon after both its metric energy output of 1 megawatt (1341 horses) and its energy-to-weight ratio of 1 hp/kg.

C/D: Does leading speed still matter?

CvK: Yes and no. I consider that each aspect of speed matters when it comes to our car category—cornering speed, speed of reaction, speed of engine response, speed of braking response. When the best speed is very high, it’s the hardest efficiency to use every day.

Koenigsegg One:1

C/D: Have you been tempted to go for the top-speed record for production automobiles?

CvK: Our automobiles are extremely quickly, and they do compete with the Veyron on achievable best speed. We are extremely fortunate to have 24/7 access to a long runway, which offers us the possibility to drive our vehicles at very high speeds every day. But we prefer to speak about the comprehensive efficiency envelope.

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C/D: Your next auto, the One:1, will boast a 1 hp/kg [.45 hp/lb] energy-to-weight ratio. Are you nonetheless chasing the numbers?

CvK: Like all our other cars, the 1:1 needs to be balanced. It is straightforward to understand the power of the engine, but we have to make certain that each and every other portion of the automobile performs at the identical level. We could have even much more power out of our engines without jeopardizing their longevity, but they wouldn’t be as drivable. Energy levels must be reputable, controllable, and appropriate.

C/D: What would you do if a consumer wanted to try for the production record in the One:1?

CvK: Fascinating query. It is not our main focus, but if somebody had the venue and the interest, we would help them. And I anticipate it to be the fastest offered its specifications and how it feels at the speeds allowed by our testing facility.

Independents of Speed, European: Christian Von Koenigsegg

Driverless automobiles – coming soon to a road near you!

Nowadays is an historic day for motoring in the UK.

The government has announced a modify in the law to permit firms to start off running trials of driverless automobiles – which means the 1st laptop-controlled autos will hit Britain’s highways in January subsequent year.

£10 million ignition fund

A £10 million fund has been set aside to cover the costs of trials across 3 UK cities from the commence of subsequent year that will run for among 18 and 36 months.

Vince Cable PM, Enterprise Secretary, unveiled the scheme: “Today’s announcement will see driverless automobiles take to our streets in much less than 6 months, placing us at the forefront of this transformational technologies and opening up new possibilities for our economy and society.”

Effect on insurance coverage

The move could at some point lead to a huge alter in your insurance coverage premiums.

If driverless cars can be shown to be safer, and if they are involved in fewer accidents than traditional cars, the expense of insuring them will inevitably fall.

This could be a single of the major reasons why individuals get over their reflex mistrust of driverless automobiles and commence using them.

For far more on the potential influence on the insurance coverage market, study my post Could driverless cars trigger a car insurance crash?

Keeping pace?

But is the UK really ‘at the forefront’ of this technologies although, or is it just attempting to preserve pace with other nations, notably the US, house of Google, the main driver behind computerised automobile?

Truckstar Festival 2014 by Jack Rigby

Truckstar Festival 2014, What an incredible show. It was mine and dads initial time for going to the show. What an atmosphere the show was, all of the folks where there to have a great time, not just to show off their trucks, they were there to show off their speaker systems and to see who had the largest swimming pool!!

In the primary arena there was truck racing and motorbike stunts which created you cringe, but incredible how they did it. The trucks have been outstanding, the remarkable paint jobs and the inviting interiors have been so mind blowing that you didn’t know how they came up with the suggestions!!

The truck for me at the show was this Scania R520 highline, it just stood out, there was nothing shiny on the truck there was just a brilliant paint job and a new concept that know body else had thought of so it just stood out from the other individuals (Agreed – TB).

Then the show ended

Truckstar Festival 2014 by Jack Rigby

Child auto seats – all you require to know

If you are driving with young children, you need to make confident they’re protected in the automobile.

You also need to make sure you are acting inside the law – and the law is very clear about the proper use of child seats.

Fundamentally, any youngster below the age of 12 or shorter than 135cms (about 4ft 5in) need to use an acceptable ‘child restraint’ – legalese for a vehicle seat.

Legal penalties

The driver is deemed accountable for the correct use of restraints for young children under the age of 14, and there is a £30 fixed penalty if anyone is caught flouting the law.

You could also be fined up to a £500 if the case goes to court.

Weigh up

Most folks assume the sort of seat depends on the age of the kid, but in fact it depends on the child’s w7 So it is a excellent idea to weigh the youngster just before you go purchasing for a auto seat – and adjust as and when needed as the youngster grows.

Types of seats

There are a variety of tends to make and models of car seats, and the exact specifications depend on the manufacturer. But as a rough guide…

• new parents should opt for a rear-facing infant seat, which is generally suitable for infants up to 13kg


• when the infant gets a bit larger, you will probably want to upgrade to a forward or rear-facing infant seat for a youngster among 9kg and 18kg

Attempt not to move your infant into a forward-facing seat also early as you could danger greater neck and head injuries if you are involved in a crash.

• forward-facing youngster seats are developed for kids in between 15kg and 25kg


• lastly, the booster cushion is suitable for youngsters over 22kg.

Isofix or not?

Car seats are typically described as ‘universal’ but they do not necessarily fit each and every vehicle.

It’s therefore important to verify just before you buy – and verify each car you are most likely to travel in.

You also want to believe about no matter whether your car can accommodate an Isofix seat. The Isofix system enables you to firmly fit a seat to the frame of the automobile using 2 or 3 anchor points, typically as an alternative of the seat belt.

Isofix is regular in most new automobiles, but it’s worth checking to make sure.

Comfort and protection

Most retailers will offer suggestions on car seats. Specialists also suggest you take the child or youngster with you when you get. You can then really feel confident the seat affords the correct level of protection and the infant is comfy.

Safety standards

Whichever vehicle seat you choose, it must conform to the suitable United Nations security standard, ECE Regulation 44/03 or ECE 44/04, which need to be clearly marked on a label on the seat.

Don’;t forget that a car seat is normally only suitable for a diagonal strap seat belt. You cannot match a automobile seat with a lap seat belt, unless it has been particularly developed.

Incorrect fitting

The automobile seat must come with fitting directions. Numerous retailers also offer a cost-free fitting service, although the outcomes of a current Which? survey make worrying reading for anxious parents.

How to match a Child auto seat

The consumer group visited 42 stores belonging to 6 retailers and located that only 4 fitted the seats correctly.

Worse still, numerous shops fitted the seats so badly that a youngster could be in “serious danger” in a crash, according to Which?

Don’t acquire second hand

Prices certainly differ and it can perform out high-priced to purchase car seats, specifically if you have a lot more than a single child. But in no way ever get a second hand car seat. You don’t necessarily know the history of the seat and it could have been weakened or compromised in a crash.

Also, it may not comply with modern safety standards.

Exceptions to the automobile seat rule

Do not be tempted to get into a automobile with a youngster that does not have the suitable restraint. It may possibly be convenient, but it is not protected – and it is most likely against the law.

Kids aged 3 and under have to often use a auto seat, with only one exception: if they are travelling in a licensed mini cab or taxi that does not provide appropriate restraints, they can sit on the back seat.

There’s a bit a lot more flexibility for children of 3 and older. They must put on the adult seat belt in the back seat of a mini cab or taxi that does not have kid seats.

They can also travel in the back seat with an adult belt if 2 occupied kid seats prevent the fitting of a third, or if the journey is unexpected, required and quick – in other words, not the school run.

Youngster safety

In 2010, 14 young children beneath the age of 11 had been killed in cars and 206 have been seriously injured.

You do not want your kid to be a single of the statistics, so buy, fit and use a automobile seat properly at all times and make kid security your priority.

Child auto seats – all you require to know

What is PIP insurance?

PIP Insurance coverage (Individual Injury Protection) is an extension of auto insurance that covers health-related expenses, lost wages and other damages. This coverage is know also as “no-fault” coverage since it kicks in even when you are involved in a not-at fault car accident.

If you are involved in automobile accident and you are hurt, you can receive healthcare benefits or loss of income weather it was your fault or not. PIP will also spend for the healthcare transportation and funeral expenditures too.

PIP Insurance is mandatory in 13 states

In some states this coverage is optional, but in some it is mandatory (No-Fault states). The PIP insurance is mandatory in: Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, The District of Columbia and Utah.

The limit listed on your policy for PIP Insurance is per particular person, and each and every individual in the automobile involved in the accident is covered up to that limit.

In some states like New York, if you are hurt as a passenger in somebody else’s vehicle and you are currently insured, the principal protection comes from the insurance on the vehicle involved in the accident, not from your personal policy.

The PIP insurance coverage coverage protects all household members of the policyholder. This coverage protects them even when they are not listed on the policy and they are passengers in other autos involved in an accident. It will also cover household members even if they are not in a car (for example, pedestrians or bicycle riders) if they were involved in auto accident.

In some states, PIP insurance is subrogable. Which means you insurance organization will pay for the damages and then they will subrogate (will collect the cash) from the other celebration that caused the accident.

The minimum limit that the insurance coverage firm gives is between $ 15,000 to $ 250,000. This limit with some insurance organizations can be very easily increased up to $ 1 million, but you have to talk with the company for underwriting approval.

What is PIP insurance?

2015 Ford F-150 Order Guide Now Obtainable

There’s now a mountain of detail offered on the 2015 Ford F-150, as the entire order guide has surfaced on the Web. CLICK Right here to download the entire 34-web page, very detailed document.

In our zeal to bring this data to you as swiftly as achievable, we’re not going to do an in-depth evaluation of the entire lineup—but there are a couple of major alterations to highlight. The F-150 comes in 5 trim levels: the XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum. The STX, FX2, Limited, and SVT Raptor models are not provided for 2015. Nevertheless, there is an FX4 Off-Road package (55A) presented on 4×4 models in all 5 series. The King Ranch and Platinum series will come in base and luxury versions.

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As with any new car, there are production constraints. The restyled bed appears to be a headache as the plastic bed liner, stowable ramps, tough and soft tonneau covers, and even the 8-foot bed itself are all marked “Late Availability.” There’s a heap of info to digest, so grab a chair.

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2015 Ford F-150 Order Guide Now Obtainable