Danica PatrickIRL Honda-powered Andretti-Green race driver, Danica Patrick, is planning on making a move to Formula 1 later this year, according to Honda F1 CEO Nick Fry. Patrick will be put into Honda F1 car in November, probably at the Barcelona or Jerez tracks in Spain, for a full-scale test. If all goes well, she will join the other current and veteran, Sebastian Bourdais of Toro Rosso fame.
Tata, Mahindra interested in HUMMER
Two Indian automakers, Tata and Mahindra, have approached General Motors to purchase the HUMMER brand. HUMMER sales last month fell 60.2 per cent last month compared to May 2007. Tata is apparently still hungry for some more American-owned metal. Neither India-based company is commenting on their interest in HUMMER and GM's all like. Both companies bid for Jaguar/Land Rover and both are competing for the right to own motorcycle manufacturer, MV Agusta.
Toyota makes new hybrid vehicle
Toyota has made some major developments with their Advanced Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle (FCHV-adv). The new design results in 830km (515 miles) on a single fuelling - performance that more than doubles that of the TOYOTA predecessor, with 330km (205 miles).
Fuel efficiency gains were made by improving fuel cell unit performance, enhancing the regenerative brake system and reducing energy consumed by the auxiliary system. Further changes include incorporating degradation control for the electrode catalyst and improving fuel cell durability.
Toyota has recently developed a high pressure hydrogen storage tank, and cruising range has more than doubled.
1743hp Toyota TRD
Toyota revealed the TRD Aurion Pro-Factory Xtreme (Pro-FX), a drag car with 1743 hp. The car was built for Australian drag racing: the 2008 winter nationals. It can go 0-60mph in one second and can do 217mph. The TRD will be powered by a turbocharged six-cylinder Toyota engine which produces 1743hp. The car also will be raising money for the winner's chosen charity. Dean 'The Matador' Shaw better watch out for this one.
2009 Chevrolet Aveo
General Motors has announced the pricing of the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo, and it will be one of the 'most affordable' cars on US roads. The hatchback Aveo LS and five-door Aveo5 LS start at just US$12,120, while the sedan models, Aveo LT and Aveo5 LT, are priced at US$14,255 and up, depending on the trim package.
The 2009 Chevrolet Aveo range is powered by the 1.6-litre Ecotec engine capable of 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, a major selling point in the market today. Both these models are also offered in Jamaica through dealer, GM Challenger.
Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback and Ralliart debut in Paris
The hatchback version of the Lancer will make its official show debut at the upcoming Paris Motor Show this October. Power in the Sportback comes from either a 1.5-litre 109 hp or 1.8-litre 143 hp gasolene engine or a 2.0-litre 140 hp diesel power plant, coupled to the Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission).
Mitsubishi's new diesel engine will join the range in the spring of 2009. Mitsubishi will also display their new Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Sportback Ralliart models, which are positioned between the base Lancer and the top-end Lancer Evolution.
The Ralliart models are driven by a new turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC engine producing 240 hp. The more powerful engine is also mated to Mitsubishi's Twin Clutch SST transmission but with an added Active Centre Differential for more responsive steering.
Camry Hybrid for Down Under and Asia
The Toyota Prius was the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle to hit the market in 1997 in Japan. It was launched worldwide in 2001, and the Prius has reached over one million cumulative global sales. Toyota has announced it will begin producing the Camry Hybrid at Toyota's Gateway Plant in Thailand, starting in 2009 with an annual production target of 9,000 vehicles.
In Australia's Altona factory near Melbourne, the new Camry Hybrid will also be going into production in 2010 with an annual target of 10,000 units. Thailand is the first Asian country to build hybrid vehicles.
