As Expected, No Toyota Solar-Powered Car [Over The Back Fence]

It's been a couple days since The Nikkei reported the possibility of a Toyota solar-powered car. We knew it was bunk then, and now today, Toyota's denying it.

Despite the best efforts of scientists, engineers, and the sun, there just isn't enough energy to exclusively run a car on solar power reliably. The concept floated by the AP's writer, crediting an unnamed source from an old article in The Nikkei, called for a combination of solar cells on the car supplementing the main power source of traditional home-mounted solar cells. But according to All Cars Electric, that's not gonna happen, quoting Toyota spokesperson Jana Hartline who stated “we’re not aware of any such vehicle, planned or otherwise.”

Seems that would be the end the story, but this being the internet, there are no dead dogs, and even if there were, they wouldn't be left to lie. Wired wonders loudly if there isn't even a car concept involved here, but that solar cells are the project themselves. Considering the relatively minuscule amount of power available from car-mounted photovoltaic cells, the general push towards automobile electrification, and the huge investment rival Honda has made in a sprawling solar panel plant in the form of Honda Soltec, we're wondering if this is the real story.

We know Toyota is working on electric vehicles and will be bringing a legitimate EV concept to the Detroit Auto Show in the form of the Toyota EV. Does it make sense to then take one more step and deliver the entire transportation package? It's not inconceivable to offer house-mounted solar panels designed to charge up an EV as an option to buyers who want to completely get the carbon monkey off their backs. Of course all of this is speculation, but it sure makes for interesting net-banter.

[via All Cars Electric, Wired]

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Slammed M3 From the Bay

This E36 M3 is owned by Stanceworks member Sean Williams of San Jose, California. Despite the ridiculously low stance, Sean uses the M3 as his daily driver. To get the slammed look (”pretty much the lowest E36 on the planet” Mike Burroughs writes), Sean uses a set of H&R Coilovers modified for maximum lowness. Continue reading at Speedhunters

By Mike Garrett

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F-150 Saves Gas Station From Out-Of-Control Jeep [Accidents]

An F-150 saved an Atlanta area gas station and convenience store from an almost certain fiery death at the hands of a diabetes-afflicted Jeep driver on New Year's Day. Yowza. Video below.

[wsbtv via CNN]

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Infiniti Offers Topless Performance For 2009

To their credit, Infiniti can not be accused of resting on their laurels.  After a successive string of critical accolades and praise for the G35, nearly all aspects of the newly designated “G37″ have been upgraded for 2009.  Both wider and lower than the previous generation of G cars, the “37″ indicates the addition of a new V6 engine that displaces 3.7 liters.  Perhaps most highly anticipated, and certainly most highly noticable of all of the G models is the 2009 G37 hard-top convertible (pictured below), which will be on display next month at the LA Auto Show and available for purchase in the middle of next year.

2009 G37 Convertible

In addition to the all-new Infiniti G37 Convertible, the G lineup includes a Sedan and an all-new all-wheel-drive G37x Coupe (G37x).  In all forms, potential G37 owners have either a new 7-speed automatic (with magnesium paddle shifters to boot) or 6-speed manual as transmission choice to mate with an impressive 3.7 liter V6 engine that generates 330 horsepower and peak torque of 269 lbs-ft.  Given the bump up in power, overall gas mileage is slightly higher at a tidy 26 mpg. The convertible version features a three-part automatic retracting hardtop that successfully maintains a svelte coupe roofline. 

2009 Infiniti G37 Interior

Not suprisingly, given the glowing reviews Infiniti generally receives from critics and fans, in all forms the G displays an extremely high level of quality materials and construction that is on par with any of the traditionally dominant German automakers in which it is compared.  For the performance-minded buyer, the most powerful of the lineup, the G37 Sport, features 19″ wheels, Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD), a sport-tuned suspension, sport brakes with four piston front/two piston rear calibers and 14-inch front and 13.8-inch rear rotors, special front fascia and side sills, sport-styled seats and steering wheel trim and what Infiniti calls a “self healing” clearcoat finish. 

Also on the horizon, if all of that falls short of your expectations, is an even more aggressive G37 that will supposedly be an all-wheel drive, twin-turbocharged version capable of 500 horsepower.  Estimates are that this not-so-top-secret vehicle will be capable of 185 mph and achieve a 0 to 60 mph time of less than 4 seconds.  Pricing for the G37 starts at $35,900 for the base model and moves up to $37,000 for the Sport.

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2010 Mazda3 Starts at $15,045

Mazda has announced the pricing for the all-new 2010 Mazda3.

The new Mazda3 starts at $15,045, which is only $355 more than the 09' model. The 2.0L 4-door Mazda3 i Touring starts at $18,350 and includes Bluetooth, Dynamic Stability Control, and Traction Control. The 4-door Mazda3 s Sport starts at $19,540 and the 5-door starts at $20,030. The Mazda3 s Sport features a 167 hp 2.5L engine, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a Multi-Information Display (MID) with 4.1-inch monochromatic screen.

The fully-loaded Mazda3 s Grand Touring 4-door starts $240 less than the 09' model.

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Snitches Get Scorchings: NY Teen Attempts To Set 14-Year-Old Ablaze

In Nassau, New York, 18-year old Matthew Taylor was arrested on Wednesday after attempting to set fire to a 14-year-old who had accused him of “snitching”. According to Newsday, Taylor cornered the 14-year-old [whose name has not been released] in an apartment building and proceeded to douse him with gasoline he had been carrying in a 20 oz plastic bottle. Taylor then attempted to set the boy on fire using both a cigarette lighter and a road flare, but was unable to produce a spark.

Soaked with accelerant, the 14-year-old fled the apartment building and sought safety at his grandmother’s house down the street, but Taylor gave chase. When the boy reached his grandmother’s house he immediately told her what had happened, and as his grandmother quickly guided him to the shower, Taylor threw gasoline on her door.

Although the finer details of the events that led up to the incident were not divulged, authorities did reveal that both boys had been suspended from school the day prior after becoming involved in a physical altercation. School authorities would not comment on the matter, but the root cause of the skirmish seems to be an allegation made by the 14-year-old that Taylor had “snitched” on his cousin.

Currently, Taylor is being held on $25,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday to face the charges levied against him which include first-degree reckless endangerment, fourth-degree possession of a dangerous weapon, and endangering the welfare of a child. The 14-year-old was treated for chemical burns at Winthrop University Hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.

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Cadillac Considering Four-Door Converj

Last month GM unveiled the Cadillac Converj Concept that combined the Volt's powertrain with a much sexier shell.

Although the Converj Concept is a coupe, GM is reportedly considering a four-door version for production. A four-door Converj would keep its coupe-like roofline, meaning it would be dubbed as a four-door coupe. Four-door vehicles simply sell better than two-doors so it would make for a stronger business case. According to Bob Lutz a production version of the Converj will not differ much from the concept, much in the same way that the production Camaro is very similar to its concept.

Even if the Converj is eventually given the green light, don't expect it to be released before 2013. Also who knows how much it would actually cost. The Volt is expected to start around $40,000, so a Cadillac version would definitely cost much more.

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Plug-In Toyota Prius Will Average 65 MPG in 2010

Toyota unveiled the all-new 2010 Toyota Prius at the Detroit Auto Show last month. Initially the new Prius will only be offered with the current nickel-metal hydride batteries, but sometime in 2010 a plug-in Prius will be introduced.

According to Bill Reinert, Toyota Motor Sales USA’s national alternative-fuel vehicle manager, the Prius plug-in hybrid has been averaging 65 mpg in combined gas and electic mode testing.

“That is real-world driving,” Reinert told Automotive News. “I ask my guys to drive them as you drive your normal Prius.”

The non plug-in hybrid 2010 Prius gets an estimated combined 50 mpg.

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Detroit 2009: Lincoln MKS latest to get EcoBoost V6

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Lincoln

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost

Following the release of the flagship MKT and Flex CUV, the Lincoln MKS is now the third vehicle to receive the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 for the 2010 model year. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the twin-turbo engine is rated at 355 bhp and 350 lb-ft torque, all while providing 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. Those who opt for the EcoBoost will also get a host of other options including 19-inch wheels, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, all-wheel-drive, push-button start, ambient lighting, HID headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and a rear window power sunshade. More info on the EcoBoost can be found in the press release after the jump and there are plenty of high-res images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost

Gallery: 2010 Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost

Continue reading Detroit 2009: Lincoln MKS latest to get EcoBoost V6

Detroit 2009: Lincoln MKS latest to get EcoBoost V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Matt Dillon Demonstrates A Non-SS Impala Can Hit 106 MPH [Car Crime]

Matt Dillon didn't Crash his rented 2009 Chevy Impala while traveling 106 MPH through Vermont, but the actor did receive a ticket for the Wild Things he did on the road.

The 44-year-old actor was taken into custody last night after exercising poor judgment while driving more than 40 MPH over the posted speed limit. Had he been going slower he could have gotten by with a ticket but, at those speeds, it's considered reckless driving and excessive speeding. Bummer. On the other hand, we're assuming the rental car he used was a non-SS 2009 Chevrolet Impala, proving the vehicle can actually beat 100 MPH.

Maybe he was just prepping for the sequel to Herbie: Fully Loaded?

[E! Online]

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1919 Ford Model T Touring [Down On The Street]

Welcome to Down On The Street, where we admire old vehicles found parked on the streets of the Island That Rust Forgot: Alameda, California. We're going to end 2008 with the oldest DOTS car yet.

How about 89 years old and parked on the street? Granted, this West End car doesn't live full-time on the street, but every so often it spends a few days doing so, along with its 1924 garagemate. At that point it's used to run errands, go grocery shopping, and so on, though it seldom leaves the island and its 25 MPH speed limits. The owner is a regular Jalopnik reader, and he agreed to let me know the next time his old Fords would be getting some street time.


Got to love the uncomplicated controls. Ignition switch and ammeter. Period. The Model T was 11 years old by 1919, and old Henry- in between foamy-mouthed fulminations on the Elders Of Zion- was working double-time to get costs down. You could get the '19 Touring for just $525, or about $6,500 in today's bucks (the '08 model went for $850). And hey, this was the first year of the electric starter, so broken wrists became optional!

First 400 DOTS Vehicles • DOTS FAQ

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