Mercedes to Bring Bluetec to Euruope Ahead of Time   30 Jul 2007 15:16 GMT
DaimlerChrysler's Mercedes unit said today it will launch a Bluetec diesel version of its Mercedes-Benz E300 ahead of schedule in Europe, as early as this December. The firm also said it will debut in October a micro hybrid drive, version...
Source: wired.com

Touring Courses Come to the U.S.   30 Jul 2007 15:16 GMT
Even as private race tracks proliferate for the well heeled, touring courses are now jumping the Atlantic. These are wide, specially paved road courses that leave plenty of room for driver error. They provide a safe--and legal--way for owners of...
Source: wired.com

Orange County Choppers Builds Computerized Bike   30 Jul 2007 15:16 GMT
There’s no ignition key. The chopper’s LCD screen recognizes a fingerprint to de-activate security features, which allows access to the ignition button. The same screen (fully viewable in daylight) becomes a dashboard—complete with speedometer and tachometer, voltage meter and turn-signal...
Source: wired.com

Given Up for Dead (Again), Satellite Radio Shows Strong Growth   30 Jul 2007 15:16 GMT
One out of four new cars sold in America and Canada will be wired for satellite radio this year—surprising analysts who remain skeptical about the technology’s staying power. Most of those vehicles will be given free trial-period subscriptions. It is...
Source: wired.com

Carbon Gas Tax Comes from Unlikely Source   30 Jul 2007 15:16 GMT
It's hard to say whether this is just a political stunt, or whether John D. Dingell, Democratic chairman of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee, is making a last-ditch effort to abandon the Senate's newly adopted CAFE standard. Either...
Source: wired.com

Brammo Enertia Delivers Practicality in an Electric Bike   30 Jul 2007 15:16 GMT
If the price on the EvDaytona ($77,000; see yesterday's post) is a little steep for your budget, Ashland, Oregon-based Brammo Motorsports will soon offer a $14,995 plug-in that provides an affordable alternative. It can't match the speed or range of...
Source: wired.com

Truck Makers Push Light-Duty Diesels As Fast Solution to Better Mileage   30 Jul 2007 15:16 GMT
Truck makers walk a careful line. Americans still want trucks with plenty of hauling capability. But high gas prices are no longer a passing pain. Because of long development times for vehicles, manufacturers resist bringing radical new designs to the...
Source: wired.com

EvDaytona Shows Potential of Electric Motorcycles   30 Jul 2007 15:16 GMT
It travels 0 to 60 in 2.9 seconds and reaches speeds of 93 mph. It gets 103 miles on a charge if you’re driving conservatively on the highway—or about 50 miles if you’re ripping around town. It’s utterly silent. And...
Source: wired.com

Legislation to Let U.S. Sue OPEC May Become Reality   30 Jul 2007 15:16 GMT
One of the most popular measures in the Senate energy bill could ironically send gas prices through the roof. The amendment, championed by Senator Herbert Kohl, would let the U.S. government sue OPEC under antitrust laws. With gas prices hitting...
Source: wired.com

While Dixon and Franchitti Coast, IRL Brawls Continue Apace   30 Jul 2007 15:16 GMT
Scott Dixon played a fuel strategy that handed him the lead in the final 10 laps of the Camping World Watkins Glen Grand Prix. It was his third victory in a row. He now trails Dario Franchitti by only 47...
Source: wired.com