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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