Jalopnik

2010 BMW Z4 Shows Us Its Rear [New BMW Z4]

Wes Siler — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:30:00 EST

Yesterday, we saw the 2010 BMW Z4 from the front 3/4. Now, thanks to a leaked catalog rendering, we can see it from the rear. Visible for the first time are its folding hardtop and shapely haunches. The more we see of the new BMW Z4, the more we like it. [via BMWBlog]

Commenter Of The Day: Friday Night Lights Season Three Edition [Commenter Of The Day]

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST

Our love of Friday Night Lights the television show exceeds our love of the book and movie. We appreciate the way it presents both the way we see Texas (ungodly attractive people fueled by determination and courage) and the way Texas often is (full of desperate people clinging to Football to fulfill other unsatisfied desires). Even though almost everyone in the cast looks way too young to be in high school, and the whole murdering a guy thing, it's one of the best shows on television. The story Wes posted about the Texas man who rammed into a woman's car because God said she wan't diving like a Christian launched a dozen great one-liners, but we think abgwin captured the Texan-ness of the moment best.

ah, yes, Texas.

Where the mantra is "the higher the hair, the closer to god" and a bejeweled "JESUS" broach is not considered tacky; after all, they're real diamonds.

Too true, but in Texas' defense we should also mention the woman probably looked like Minka Kelly.

Japanese Two Story Transforming RV Takes Road Trip Across Japan [Custom Cars]

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:30:00 EST

Anybody with a set of XY chromosomes dreams of ditching everything after high school or college, and taking an RV with some buddies to travel around the country in a massive road trip adventure. Few follow through on this dream of dreams, but these guys from Japan decided to build a two story, fully outfitted, transforming masterpiece of travel to do just that. The whole story and a video of the transformation below.

The idea was this, take a Toyota commercial truck and convert it to a travel camper fit for three buddies and a year of frugal travel. Over the course of two years, the friends did just that, starting with the main living space, equipped with all the modern conveniences like a rice cooker, refrigerator, storage, a bath tub in the restroom, and a nice fold out deck opened on by double doors.

The really cool part happens upstairs. To get an upstairs on a compact truck box cube, they created an ingenious hinged mechanism which lifts a large section of the outer skin upwards then folds a second layer under it, creating a fully enclosed living space. Entry is by a door in the floor and narrow steps downstairs which double as storage.

Its construction reminds us of the izakayas we saw along Nonbei-yokochō street in the Shibuya district of Tokyo. These tiny bars and restaurants barely have enough space for three people inside and feature super steep stairs to their more spacious, though also insanely tiny, upstairs.

When the guys were done with it they traveled all around Tokyo for a year, visiting some of the most beautiful and amazing places in the country. The complete build blog and travel adventure documentation is on their website, and if you happen to live in Japan and are interested in a lightly used, very custom, super cool RV, they're selling it! Only $5,500! Call us sentimental, but we'd keep that thing forever and ever if it were ours. [Two Story Camping Car]

11 Easy Steps To Design A "Concept" Car [How To Sexy Your Car]

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:15:00 EST

Concept cars, once used by designers to hint at the distant future, are now used mostly by carmakers to preview cars already designed. In order to generate more news coverage most companies "disguise" the final model with a few predictable alterations to make the "concept" seem futuristic. As a PSA for automakers, here's eleven steps to follow to turn your new model into a "concept car."

11.) Feature Hand-Cut Tires On Giant Wheels

As evidenced by the production Honda Insight, production cars and concept cars roll in majorly different ways. Concept cars get gigantic, futuristic-looking wheels on slick hand-cut tires which, by comparison, make the production versions look like they're driving around on steel donuts.

10.) Give It Super-Tinted Glass

Whether it's because they want to obscure what's going on inside or because it just looks cool, you'll find few concept cars without darkly tinted windows. In some cases, as with the Soueast X1 Hybrid GT, it obscures the fact that the car has no interior.

9.) Place LED Lights Everywhere

LED lights are awesome but, in most cases, they end up being relegated to service at the rear of production versions of the car (except for everything from Audi). The Honda Insight Concept was nothing but LED lights, which were dropped for the 2010 Honda Insight production version because those things are seriously expensive.

8.) Add Futuristic Doors

No one in the future will ever open a door by using a handle. Either you press a tiny button (as with the Insight) and the door opens itself or you think about it and the door leans forward in some sort of Gullwing-scissor door combination. Or, as with the Land Rover LRX Concept, you just don't put any door handles on at all.

7.) Don't Forget The Obnoxiously Expensive Paint Job

When cars go into production you get mostly basic choices like red, black, blue, sliver, green or white. Rarely do these colors end up on a concept car. You've got your electric blues, magical greens and lacquered creams. Volvo, for some reason, always paints cars like a surf rescue vehicle because the Germans love Baywatch.

6.) Make Sure You Have Overly-involved Apple Product Integration

Apple products, like the iPhone and iPod, are the measure by which all modern design is measured. They're also considered "cool" by almost everyone. Therefore, every concept has to work in conjunction with an iPod. The LRX uses one as a smart key. The Hummer HX records your off-road videos and downloads them to an iPhone. In the case of the Volt, the entire command console looks like an iPod.

5.) Design Impossible Seating

No one in the future will have legs or working spines, at least if you're to believe concept cars. The seats are slung impossibly low and the back seats fit together in ways even Cirque Du Solei performers would find uncomfortable.

4.) Throw In A Whimsical Steering Wheel

Look at a concept car steering wheel and you'll wonder if the government hasn't repealed the airbag requirement on new cars. Though most follow the standard three-spoke design, these futuristic wheels are made of leather, metal and typically clean and smooth even though the production version will almost certainly be black and covered with buttons.

3.) Do Something Strange To The Roof

The high-angle, three-quarter perspective is the one typically used for news articles and press shots. Why not throw on a panaromic glass roof? It worked for the Ford Verve. In the case of the Maybach 62 design study they just removed the roof outright.

2.) Use Expensive Materials

Concept vehilces, especially for premium automakers, are designed to encourage buyers to see themselves in the brand's luxurious appointments. For the Lincoln MKT Concept, this means a dash inspired by Swarovski crystal. For the Nissan above, it means headlights that look like Jewels. For the ConceptFASCINATION from Mercedes, that means actual crystal glasses and a jewel-encrusted humidor. Fancy!

1.) Surround It With Models

Designers and marketers understand that sticking a pretty piece of flesh in front of a not-so-attractive piece of metal is an easy way to draw attention to your car. If it's an expensive luxury car put a woman in a gown in front of it. If it's an exotic sports car make sure she's wearing a cocktail dress. If the concept is hip and urban make sure the model looks like she'd give you the clap.

2009 Toyota Avensis Revealed [New Toyota Avensis]

Wes Siler — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST

The title of “Most Boring car in England” has historically been bestowed upon the Toyota Avensis. The 2009 Toyota Avensis, which goes on sale next year, looks no different and we'll tell you why.

In England, tax loopholes, the economies of scale and business culture combine to create a market for some of the most boring cars ever conceived: the repmobile. It’s a common practice there to supplement the salaries of mid-level management and business sales reps with free company cars. Those cars are purchased by fleet managers motivated by bulk discounts and low running costs; nothing else. This results in the large-scale production of incredibly yawn-inducing mid-size sedans, created to do little more than provide basic, uninspired transportation for the kind of people Ricky Gervais likes to make fun of.

The new Toyota Avensis goes on sale on 1 January in both saloon and estate (for sales reps with large product samples) body styles. The extent of our interest lasts only to the comic “Toyota Optimal Drive Powertrains” badge, which essentially means that the Avensis comes with a medium-sized choice of so-average-it-hurts engines and transmissions. If you’re still interested, or one of the unlucky people who will have one of these leased for them, read on for the full press release.

TOYOTA PRESENTS THE NEW AVENSIS: BUILT IN BRITAIN

KEY POINTS

* New generation of Toyota’s European flagship, built in Britain
* Saloon and tourer body styles, with sleek, athletic styling
* New Toyota Optimal Drive powertrains deliver lower emissions and more power
* All-new petrol engines and revised diesels
* Petrol units offered with new advanced continuously variable transmission
* Packed standard specification with four trim levels – T2, TR, T4 and T Spirit
* On-the-road prices from £15,760
* On sale from 1 January 2009
* Full media information, images and video footage now available via the Toyota GB press web site: www.toyotagb-press.co.uk.

INTRODUCTION
The all-new, third generation Toyota Avensis delivers more style, higher performance, improved fuel economy and lower emissions. Toyota’s flagship model in Europe, built exclusively at its Burnaston factory in the UK, benefits from athletic, contemporary styling, superb build quality and advanced engineering.

New engines and transmissions have been developed using Toyota Optimal Drive technology to return significantly better fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to the previous generation model. New Valvematic petrol engines and revised D-4D and D-CAT clean diesel units balance driving pleasure with strong environmental performance and reduced running costs. Together they offer the private and company car driver all the power and comfort they are used to as well as the low emissions and fuel consumption they now demand.

New Avensis is available in saloon and tourer body styles with four equipment grades: T2, TR, T4, and T Spirit. All offer a high level of features for safety, comfort and convenience, with advanced features such as a Pre-Crash Safety system (PCS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keep Assist/Lane Departure Warning (LKA/LDW) and premium satellite navigation system with built-in hard drive for storing music files available in the model for the first time.

UK sales of new Avensis start on 1 January with on-the-road prices from £15,760.

TOYOTA OPTIMAL DRIVE POWERTAINS
Toyota Optimal Drive is a new concept in powertrain engineering and design that is being applied to all new Toyota models. Toyota Optimal Drive means no compromise on performance, emissions or specification. On new Avensis, it brings new engine technologies and advanced transmissions, with low friction components, lightweight compact design and enhanced combustion efficiency.

New 1.8 and 2.0-litre Valvematic engines – more power for less fuel
Valvematic is an innovation based on Toyota’s proven dual Variable Valve timing – intelligent (dual VVT-i) technology. In addition to the variable timing of the inlet and outlet valves, Valvematic adds a lift control system that continuously varies the lift of the inlet valves to better control the volume and speed of the intake airflow. This provides a breakthrough in combustion efficiency that ultimately delivers more power for less fuel.

Across the range the new 1.8 and 2.0-litre Valvematic petrol engines achieve a reduction in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption of between 10 and 26 per cent, while at the same time increasing power by between three and 20 per cent, compared to the VVT-i engines used by the previous generation Avensis.

Revised D-4D and D-CAT diesel engines – up to 10% lower emissions
New Avensis offers customers one of the most comprehensive ranges of diesel engines in the D-segment, all of them benefiting from Toyota Optimal Drive technology. Entry point is the 2.0-litre D-4D 130, followed by the 2.2-litre D-4D and D-CAT 150 as mid-power options, and the 2.2 D-CAT 180 as the higher power unit (the D-CAT 150 engine with automatic transmission will join the range in spring 2009).

The challenge was to develop these engines to give excellent performance and low CO2 emissions and fuel consumption, while at the same time achieving a substantial reduction in the level of particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. Together the new diesel engine technology features deliver a reduction in CO2 and fuel consumption levels between one and 10 per cent compared to the previous generation Avensis; the 2.2-litre D-4D 150 and 2.2-litre 150/180 D-CAT engines all meet Euro V emissions standards.

Advanced new transmissions – diesel automatic for the first time
New Avensis uses a range of advanced transmissions that strike a balance between responsiveness, smoothness and fuel efficiency.

Multidrive S, Toyota’s new and advanced continuously variable transmission (CVT) is available with the 1.8 and 2.0-litre Valvematic petrol engines. And for the first time on a Toyota diesel passenger car, a six-speed automatic will be available, offered on the 2.2-litre D-CAT 150.

All petrol engines are fitted with a newly developed six-speed manual transmission, while the diesel engines are matched to the proven six-speed manual gearbox featured in the previous generation Avensis.

NEW PLATFORM WITH REVISED SUSPENSION
New Avensis has been engineered for smooth ride comfort, but with dynamic handling for rewarding driving characteristics.

A new platform provides an excellent balance of high-speed stability and low speed agility, and to enhance performance, both the MacPherson strut front suspension and the double wishbone rear suspension have been re-engineered with improvements in torsional stiffness and roll rigidity. Front shock absorber and rear lateral force steer specifications have also been upgraded.

New, large diameter wheels with wider tyres are fitted to further improve stability and dynamic handling. A flush underfloor design helps maintain stability at high speeds, reduces noise and contributes to fuel efficiency through improved aerodynamics.

New Avensis’s precise and flexible responsiveness is built on the strong foundations of a new, precision-welded platform of exceptional rigidity and a car body with excellent aerodynamics. This new platform is fundamental to the car’s handling and also contributes greatly to its safety and quiet running. High tensile steel accounts for much of the constituent steel body components, which helps reduce weight, increase rigidity and ensure superb collision safety performance.

HIGHEST SAFETY STANDARDS
Toyota has built on the exceptional safety standards of the second generation Avensis, using a robust new construction and providing an effective complement of active and passive safety systems.

Active safety for full control
New Avensis is equipped with latest-generation ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) as standard.

Steering Assist Vehicle Stability Control (VSC+) is a new feature on Avensis, also fitted to all models. VSC+ operates with the Traction Control (TRC) to improve traction and safety in low grip conditions, going beyond the protection provided by conventional VSC systems by adding steering torque assist to help the driver counter the effects of under or oversteer in an emergency situation.

Optional Pre-Crash Safety system
T Spirit versions of the D-CAT 150 automatic will be available (from spring 2009) with the option of a Pre-Crash Safety system, a package that also includes Adaptive Cruise Control, which maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, and Lane Keep Assist/Lane Departure Warning, which provides a warning and steering assistance when it detects that the car is drifting out of lane.

EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS
Entry point to the new Avensis range is T2 grade. Key features include air conditioning, six-speaker audio system with CD and MP3 file player (from disc), heated electrically adjustable door mirrors, electric front windows, seven airbags, body coloured door handles and bumpers, electronic parking brake, a multi-information display and chrome window surround. The active safety provisions include ABS, EBD, Brake Assist (BA), and Steering Assist Vehicle Stability Control (VSC+). Security is covered by a Thatcham Category 1 immobiliser and alarm plus remote central locking with double locking and lockable glove box. An anti-hijack system automatically locks all doors when vehicle speed goes above 12mph and all locks and latches are reinforced.

TR is the feature grade, accounting for a majority of new Avensis sales, and builds on the T2 specification with the addition of 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, automatic air conditioning, audio system with Bluetooth and Aux-in socket, cruise control with speed limiter (not 1.8 Valvematic with Multidrive S), automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, driver’s seat power lumbar support, leather steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth switches, leather gear knob trim, titanium centre console finish, electric rear windows and, on the tourer, boot rails.

Key elements of the T4 grade, above the TR specification, include special design 17-inch alloys, leather upholstery, auto-dimming rear view mirror, electric adjustable heated front seats and steering wheel with memory setting and Toyota’s Smart Entry and Start keyless system. The T4 tourer comes with rear privacy glass.

T Spirit is the pinnacle of the grade structure, adding 18-inch alloys in an exclusive design, rear parking sensors, a premium sound system with 11 speakers and CD changer, bi-xenon headlamps with the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) and headlamp washers. The T Spirit Tourer is fitted with a panoramic roof as standard.

A Different Kind Of Escape Hybrid [Caption This]

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:30:00 EST

Ford's Thai press people apparently took the concept of a launch entirely too literally. Nevertheless, a propane-gas hybrid Escape gondola edition seems to make the perfect "caption this" shot.

[Source: Ford]

Honda Rumored To Be Selling F1 Team [Honda F1]

Andrew Didorosi — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:30:00 EST

According to GrandPrix.com, Honda may be attempting to sell their F1 team before Christmas. If the sale does not take place before then the team could be dismantled. It's still 4:00 am in Japan so there's no official comment.

Reports are coming in stating a flurry of applications from Honda F1 employee-hopefuls have been going unanswered for some period of time. This is a bad sign; not responding to apps could mean management doesn't see a future for the team. We hope either this report is false or some big Daddy Warbucks steps in to buy himself a plaything. Thanks to Mark and everyone for the tips [GrandPrix]

Nissan NV2500 Concept Revealed Live [Nissan Nv2500]

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:55:00 EST

Since Nissan unceremoniously removed itself from the 2009 Detroit Auto Show last month, we've wondered just how they planned to unveil the Nissan NV2500 concept scheduled to debut there. Now we know. We're here at Nissan's Farmington Hills, MI design facility where the curtain was just publicly dropped on the heavy duty industrial-style truck van hybrid which features a fully mobile office and enclosed cargo area. This concept forecasts Nissan's intent to enter the commercial vehicle market in the 2011 model year, coinciding with Nissan's 75th anniversary in commercial vehicles world wide.

The NV2500 Concept is a peek at where Nissan will be going with industrial vehicle and if it's any indication they'll be doing a lot of innovation in the segment. The NV2500 starts off as what is essentially a Nissan Titan with a full sized van body grafted on the back, in plainer terms it's the return of the long-dead panel truck. The side door opens like a traditional forward opening door and combined with a swing up rear body panel makes the cabin open to the outside for easy collaboration with colleagues. The rear section of the vehicle is kept airy with a large skylight with integrated solar panels.

Inside the vehicle is divided up into three cabin segments, Driver and Passenger Zone, Work/Design Station Zone, and Conference Center/Cargo Bay Zone. Up front, the driver and passenger are greeted with a utilitarian setup, fabric seats, navigation system, cubbies, shelves, and lockable storage. The work area is focused on usage for a construction site, so this truck has a workstation with a snazzy looking but ergonomically awkward laser scanner keyboard. Turning around you're faced with the cargo/conference area. There are several neat-o feature here, prominently featured is the open side panel combined with a folding conference table, but perhaps more functional in this customized version are the power tool storage and charging racks in the doors, plentiful 12V outlets, and compressed air hookups for air tools.

Yes, this is a concept, but it's a look at the direction Nissan is heading in when looking at the industrial market. Considering that in the long term, they'll be bringing three commercial vehicles out to market beginning in 2010 you have to wonder what else they have up their sleeves. With the Titan heading to Mexican production by Chrysler, and the Canton, Mississippi plant is freed up for products like the NV2500, commercial suppliers all the way up to class three commercial status should be thinking long and hard about the products they'll have when Nissan hits the market.

At A Glance: Nissan NV2500 Concept

The Nissan NV2500 Concept presents a preview of Nissan North America, Inc.’s
upcoming entry into the growing Commercial Vehicle (CV) market, which launches in
2010 with a lineup that includes vehicles developed specifically for North America.

The NV2500 Concept is designed as a highly capable work vehicle that offers low-
impact solutions to high utility needs. It is configured as a “mobile, on-site
construction office,” equipped with a computer work station, wireless laser blueprint
printer, fold-down conference table, storage compartments, cargo/tool tie-down
racks, a near-six foot walk-through interior height and an awning-style side panel
that opens to create a standing outside work table.

Other features include a front passenger seat swing arm bracket that allows the seat
to be used for both the computer station and the workbench. Along with task-
focused lighting throughout the interior, an oversize fixed glass panel roof with
integrated solar panels provides light and power for auxiliary tools and accessories.

The NV2500 was developed by Nissan Design America, Inc. (NDA) and is built on a
modified Nissan Titan full-size pickup all-steel, fully boxed ladder frame.

Highlights of the Nissan NV2500 Concept include:

Exterior Features
• Aggressive styling with wide stance, flared fenders and Nissan signature grille
• LED headlights and taillights
• Retractable outside mirrors
• Fixed lower front door visibility windows
• Front tow hooks with integrated engine compartment access steps
• Multi-use doors, including 180-degree driver’s-side door, 60/40 split “barn door” style vertical rear cargo doors, workshop “awning style” flip-up side panel
• Built-in door storage compartments
• Oversized fixed glass roof with integrated solar panels
• Motorized access steps with lights (driver and passenger side doors, rear cargo doors)
• Wide 20-inch 6-spoke billet aluminum-alloy wheels with Michelin tires

Interior Features
• Three Zones: Driver and Passenger Zone, Work/Design Station Zone, Conference
Center/Cargo Bay Zone

Driver and Passenger Zone
– Wide, comfortable, durable fabric-covered seating
– Customizable navigation/audio system/HVAC display with three adjustable angles
– Wide instrument panel with integrated power outlet and extension cord
– Overhead storage console with visor shelves
– Ceiling-mounted interior cooling fan
– Integrated storage closet behind driver’s seat, with work boot storage and floor drainage system
– Large center console with lockable, invisible storage
– RearView Monitor system
– Integrated storage compartments

Work/Design Station Zone
– Oversized monitor with laser-projected easy-clean keyboard
– Front seat moves to a position in front of computer station (360-degree rotating seat)

Conference Center/Cargo Bay Zone
– Front seat swivels to a position in front of workshop table (inside position)
– Ceiling-mounted overhead laser blueprint printer
– 110/220V power outlets
– Integrated in-door tool storage with custom-fit holders for power drills, saws, etc.
– Built-in shop vacuum with air hoses
– Cargo wall above workshop table opens as an awning, table can pivot to outside standing work table
– Multi-position Utili-track™ cargo tie-down channel system
– Sustainable wood slats for tying down or securing cargo
– Functional task lighting throughout the interior and cargo area

Powertrain
• Powerful, efficient V8 with 5-speed automatic transmission
• Front engine/rear-wheel drive

Nissan NV2500 Concept Serves as a “Rolling Idea Lab” For Company’s Entry Into North American CV Market

– “On-site Construction Office” Configuration One of Many Possibilities for New Van –

The Nissan NV2500 Concept is, as its dimensions suggest, a multi-tasker of large
order. One of the largest concept vehicles Nissan has ever produced, the NV2500
Concept, offers fresh design and fresh thinking – including a 3-Zone interior and
flexible utility and storage solutions.

Not only does the NV2500 Concept provide an original take on Commercial Vehicle
(CV) design, it also provides a preview of Nissan’s entry into the CV market in North
America. With Nissan CVs already sold in 73 percent of the world’s markets,
including Japan, China, Mexico, Europe, South America, Australia and the Middle East
among others, Nissan will enter the CV business in North America in 2010.

The line will incorporate three all-new products in three years, as well as products
from the global stable. As a result, in the mid-term, Nissan will offer a multi-
segment CV lineup up to class 5 gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR).

The three new products are being developed by Nissan specifically for the North
American market and will be built at Nissan’s manufacturing facility in Canton, Miss.
Nissan is investing $118 million to expand Canton’s production to manufacture CVs.

“The Nissan NV2500 is a rolling idea lab – bringing a new perspective to the
Commercial Vehicle segment,” said Bruce Campbell, vice president, Design for
Nissan Design America, Inc., which developed the NV2500 Concept. “We see the
NV2500 Concept as an ongoing exploration of ways to make these vehicles more
than just a box on four wheels. Our goal is to enhance utility through creative
design solutions, providing a platform for a wide variety of specific professional
applications.”

In this configuration, the Nissan NV2500 Concept is designed for construction use. It
bears the logo of Habitat for Humanity® only to illustrate the partnership between
Nissan and Habitat. Over the past three years, Nissan has donated $3 million in
cash, vehicles and house sponsorships, along with thousands of hours of work
volunteered by Nissan employees.

The NV2500 Concept’s “wall-less” mobile office/workspace design includes a
computer workstation, fold-down conference table, numerous storage
compartments, cargo/tool tie-down racks, nearly six feet of interior height and an
awning-style side panel that opens to create a standing outside workshop table.

“Aside from construction site applications, the NV2500 Concept, with its unique
configuration and array of features, could be used in infinite ways by infinite users.
Whether a mobile Farmers’ Market booth, a hot-air balloon launch or chase vehicle or
to support a beachside surfing school, the usage possibilities of an LCV are endless,”
he said.

A Solid Workhorse Foundation
The NV2500 is conceived first and foremost as a powerful, multi-purpose utility
vehicle. Built on a modified Nissan Titan full-size pickup all-steel, fully boxed ladder
frame, engine choices would be selected for competitive power and fuel efficiency.
Other under-skin components include an automatic transmission and solid rear axle.
The wheels are a special 20-inch billet aluminum design, while the Michelin tires
include a special tread pattern designed for a good payload capacity and fuel
efficiency.

Dimensionally, the NV2500 Concept has a 147.6-inch (12.3-foot)) wheelbase and
measures a full 19.5 feet bumper-to-bumper. It stands 8 feet tall and is 6.6 feet
wide. Inside, from the front of the passenger compartment to rear door, there is
room to carry objects up to 10.5 feet long with the passenger seat moved out of the
way.

The NV2500’s exterior design is highlighted by a wide grille, pronounced wheel
arches, stepped roofline, well-defined fenders and unique window and roof
treatments. Along with wraparound-style windshield/front door windows, the
NV2500 Concept features lower door-glass cutouts and an oversized, fixed-glass roof
panel that stretches from behind the B-pillars to the rear doors – adding a visual
lightness to the design and illumination to the interior.

The NV2500 Concept’s roof panel includes integrated solar panel technology to
power interior equipment, lights and accessories. Additional exterior features include
large, retractable outside mirrors, motorized flip-down AMP Research side and rear
door steps, LED headlights and taillights, and dual-purpose tow hooks located in the
grille that also serve as steps for easier access to the engine compartment.

The most intriguing aspect of the exterior, however, is the multi-use doors. On the
driver’s side, the Titan King Cab-style Wide Open Door offers unfettered access to
the front of the vehicle, with integrated storage compartments for carrying items
such as tool/safety vests, ear protection and first aid kit. In the rear of the NV2500
Concept are vertical 60/40 split cargo access “barn” doors with additional storage
compartments and power rear step for walk-through capability and easy access.

The passenger side features a combination of a 90-degree opening vertical door
directly behind the front passenger door and an awning-style clamshell panel that
hinges upward and locks in place, creating a protected, standing workshop table on
the outside and an open “picture window” view from the fold-down interior work
desk. The passenger side door also has integrated workshop tool storage with fitted
compartments for power saws, drills, screwdrivers and drafting equipment.

“The entire rear wall of the NV2500 Concept opens up so, for example, the
construction supervisor can see and communicate with associates without leaving the
desk,” said Campbell. “It also serves as an additional, flat workspace that is
protected from the elements, providing unlimited flexibility for whatever task might
arise.”

An Innovative 3-Zone Interior
Inside the commanding NV2500 exterior is a 3-Zone interior that combines simple,
organic solutions with elements of advanced technology.

“The NV2500 Concept challenges the traditional thinking regarding show vehicles,
not only in size but in its approach to technology,” said Campbell. “Though it
features a number of high-tech features such as a RearView Monitor, navigation
system and wireless PC, wherever possible we also used ‘lower-tech’ solutions such
as the manually adjusting multi-position passenger/workstation seat and the double-
sided workbench that manually converts from an inside table to an outside work
surface.”

The NV2500 Concept’s front Driver/Passenger Zone is anchored by a wide instrument
panel with a customizable navigation/audio/climate display. The instrument panel
also has an accessory power outlet and a built-in retractable power cord. Overhead
is a full ceiling storage console with visor shelves, center shelves and a cooling fan
that can be powered by the roof-mounted solar cells. Located behind the driver’s
seat is a customizable, lighted storage closet designed to hold hardhats, flashlights
and work boots – complete with a mudroom-style grated floor for drainage.

Additional storage is provided in the center console’s locking compartment and the
instrument panel’s floating shelf. The wide, front-passenger seat can swing rearward
on a sliding arm, manually moving and locking into position in front of the
workstation console located behind the driver’s seat or pivoting toward the work
table. The workstation includes an oversized computer monitor and computer with
laser-projected “easy clean” keyboard.

“The passenger seat functions as both a traditional forward-facing seat and a
comfortable, swiveling desk chair,” said Campbell. “All elements of the interior are
designed to be multi-functional and highly durable, able to stand up to the rigors of
heavy use at a job site or other real world locations.”

As fitting of a true work truck, the centerpiece of the NV2500 Concept is the third
zone, the Conference Center/Cargo Bay Zone. Dressed in its construction office
configuration, this zone includes a fold-down inside/outside workshop table.

Nissan NV2500 Concept

Key Dimensions and Specifications

Engine V8 engine

Transmission 5-speed automatic

Platform Modified Nissan Titan ‘F-Alpha” all-steel, fully boxed ladder
frame

Drive Configuration Front engine/rear-wheel drive

Suspension Double wishbone front, leaf spring/solid axle rear

Wheels/Tires 20-inch 6-spoke billet aluminum-alloy wheels with Michelin tires

Wheelbase 147.6 inches/3750 mm

Length 196.4 inches/4987 mm

Width 79.6 inches/2023 mm

Height 96.1 inches/2442 mm

Door Configuration Titan King Cab-style Wide Open driver’s side door; 60/40-split
vertical rear cargo doors; passenger’s side front door, mid-
vehicle 90-degree door and flip-up rear side awning-style panel

Roof Panel Oversize center fixed glass panel roof with solar panel
technology

Seating Fixed, adjustable driver’s seat; two-position swing arm-
mounted passenger seat (forward-facing, computer station,
worktable)

Interior standing height 69.0 inches/152.4 mm

Interior cargo length 126.0 inches/3204 mm

PRESS RELEASE

Nissan NV2500 Concept Makes World Debut – Previews Nissan’s Entry Into U.S. Commercial Vehicle Market

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (Dec. 4, 2008) – Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today unveiled the Nissan NV2500 Concept at a media event at its Nissan Technical Center North America’s (NTCNA) Michigan headquarters. The NV2500 Concept provides an original take on Commercial Vehicle (CV) design, as well as providing a preview of Nissan’s entry into the CV market in North America.

The Nissan NV2500 Concept offers fresh design and fresh thinking – including a 3-Zone interior and flexible utility and storage solutions. Its “wall-less” mobile office/workspace design includes a computer workstation, fold-down conference table, numerous storage compartments, cargo/tool tie-down racks, nearly six feet of interior height and an awning-style side panel that opens to create a standing outside workshop table. All elements of the interior are designed to be multi-functional and highly durable, able to stand up to the rigours of heavy use at a construction site or other real world locations.

In addition, making its North American debut was the Nissan NV200 Concept, another conceptual depiction of a potential future Nissan commercial vehicle product. The NV200 Concept, which was originally shown at the Tokyo Motor Show, represents a fuel-efficient, delivery-type van and mobile office in one. The NV200 Concept is a cab-forward design with a unique sliding cargo “pod” that extends from the rear to reveal an IT workspace and living quarters.

Nissan will enter the CV business in the United States in 2010 with a product lineup that will incorporate three new products being developed by Nissan specifically for the North American market. These products will be built at Nissan’s manufacturing facility in Canton, Miss. Nissan is investing $118 million to expand Canton’s production to manufacture CVs.

The new vehicles will be joined by commercial vehicles from Nissan’s global CV lineup, creating a multi-segment CV lineup up to class 5 gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR).

Tesla Schooled By Tango In Electric Car Drag Race [Electric Car Drag Race]

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:30:00 EST

In what may be the first ever drag race between production electric cars, the geeky Tango electric cruiser edged out the trendy Tesla Roadster electric sports car. How fast were these electron-fueled warriors going when they crossed the finish line?

According to the person who posted the video, the Tango crossed the quarter mile in 14.48 seconds at a speed of 92.15 mph, besting the Tesla's 14.666 seconds at 101.23 miles. As a point of reference, the Tango has approximately the same quarter-mile time as a Mazda RX-8 while the Tesla is on par with an Infiniti G35 sedan. More interesting than this information is the novelty of watching a quiet drag race. Just listen to those motors quietly whir. Report from the videographer below.

On Nov 30th, the fastest production electric vehicles in the U.S. went head-to-head. While their first meeting had a number of issues, most notably the underfilled Tango battery pack, and the Tesla's non-upgraded drivetrain, the 1/4 mile time is quite close and indicative of races to come.

In this race, the Tango got 92.15mph in 14.480 seconds, beating its 14.7 "dial" handicap and thus losing the competition; the Tesla got 101.23mph in 14.666 seconds, slower than its 14.5 "dial" handicap and allowing it to proceed to the next round. (Two rounds later, the Tango's driver got behind the wheel of the Tesla and also beat its "dial" handicap... and thus lost!)

Thanks to Jerry for the tip

[Source: YouTube]

Backyard Lambo Of The Day: Hawaiian Diablo With Big-Block Chevy Power [Backyard Lambo Of The Day]

Murilee Martin — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:30:00 EST

The Turbo Buick-powered Fauxborghini Diablo we saw yesterday looked pretty quick, but only 400 horsepower? The real thing came with more like 500 horses, so we had to find a Fauxborghini that could beat that figure. Sure enough, here's this tube-frame brute that gets 600 fuel-injected horsepower (or maybe that's bullpower) out of a good ol' reliable big-block Chevy 427. It seems to have been built pretty well, and the price is under 42 grand. Yeah, the huge carbon fiber shift knob is horrid, but you'll be able to buy a new one with all the money you save on engine parts.

[eBay Motors]

Man Rams Woman's Car At 100 MPH, Claims "God" Told Him To Do it [End Of Days]

Wes Siler — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST

A speeding truck rammed a woman’s sedan at over 100 MPH on a Texas freeway last Friday. Why? According to the Archangel Gabriel/ Michael E. Schwab, a resident of Blooming Grove, Texas, the woman "was not driving like a Christian.”

Schwab failed to explain what the woman had done to prompt the Lord’s wrath and investigators have since determined that she violated no traffic laws. She was driving North on highway 281 when Schwab struck the rear of her sedan. The impact spun both vehicles across the median before being brought to a halt by the barrier on the far side of the south bound lanes. Neither party was seriously injured by the accident, although both vehicles appear to be totaled.

Describing the accident, Lt. Kyle Coleman of the Bexar County Sheriff’s Department said, “He just said God said she wasn't driving right, and she needed to be taken off the road.” According to a release issued by the department, Schwab told police “the other vehicle was not driving like a Christian and it was Jesus' will for him to punish the car.” It was Schwab who told the police that he was traveling over 100 MPH at the time of the impact.

Schwab has since been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, been placed under a $50,000 bond and will now face a psychological evaluation.

“God must have been with them, 'cause any other time, the severity of this crash, it would have been a fatal,” said Lt. Coleman. [via My San Antonio]

Caption This: Rick And Ron Edition [Jalopnik Caption Contest]

The Auto Insider — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:52:53 EST

Photo Credit: Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images News

What's Your Favorite Non-Italian Italian Car? [Question Of The Day]

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:30:00 EST

The reveal of the Volkswagen Scirocco Studie R, celebrating non-violent Italo-Germanic alliances, is a reminder Italian designers and companies have almost made more cars via alliance than through domestic design and production. So what's your favorite non-Italian Italian car?

There are a lot of choices. There's the Italian-American Chrysler TC by Maserati. What about the German-Italian Volkswagen Karman Ghia or Polish-Italian Polski Fiat? There are almost too many choices.

Maybe it's because we've been on a Volvo kick lately or because we felt bad about putting the Volvo 262C Bertone on the Turkey list, but the Volvo 780 Coupe is perhaps our favorite Sweedish-Italian meatball. There's something about combining Swedish safety and Italian sexy we find appealing. Safexy? Sexty? Either way, it's gold.

[Photo: Volvo Adventures]

RENNTech Wins Mercedes SEMA Tuner Build-Off With Rally-Inspired GLK [Sema]

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST

The Booth Professionals and 42" Chrome Rims may have rolled home weeks ago, but the voting for the Mercedes SEMA has just ended. What über tuner swayed the most SEMA fans to their tuned hybrid?

The winner is the Pikes Peak Rally-inspired RENNtech GLK350 SPEC.R Hybrid. This is yet another salvo in the Tuner Wars, pitting BRABUS against RENNtech and giving another notch in the Florida-based, Pizza-break wielding tuner's belt. We think voters locked onto the GLK's wing, which actually came off of a helicopter. Now that's a junkyard find. Press release below.

RENNtech Wins Mercedes SEMA Tuner Build-Off
After an intense, 45-day build and grueling 30 days of campaigning for votes from friends, family, and total strangers, Mercedes-Benz announced that RENNTECH has won the MBUSA GLK tuner build-off!

The competition wasn't easy, with BLVD Customs' strong GLK "Urban Whip" roadster and Brabus' slick "Widestar" each swapping positions with RENNTECH for the lead throughout. At the end of the day, however, Mercedes acknowledged that RENNTECH's sweeping program of upgrades - which included extensive engine mods, software development, aerodynamic bodywork, suspension and brake upgrades, as well as converting the GLK to hybrid drive - pushed RENNTECH's GLK 350 Spec.R Pike's Peak rally racer "over the edge".

RENNTECH would like to thank all our friends and sponsors (listed, below), this build would not have been possible without you.

[Source: RENNtech]

Blown Holden Ute Does Double Roll During Burnout, Crowd Goes Wild! [Hoon Of The Day]

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:30:00 EST

When you've got a supercharged, tubbed and roll-caged Holden Ute, burnouts, donuts and general hoonulence are inevitable, but this... this is hooning art. It seems you have to go to Australia for the real high-proof stuff, as this starts out simple and safely enough with a gross display of horsepower at a sanctioned local race track, but then the driver decides on a donut, and things go horribly, awesomely wrong as the car flips on it's side — twice — and then drives away to the roar of the crowd. Truly, we have much to learn from from this advanced civilization.

(Hat tip to Tim!)

[Youtube]

GM CEO Rick Wagoner Rolls Up To Capitol Hill In Cruze-Covered Chevy Volt Mule [Carpocalypse Now]

Ray Wert — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:15:00 EST

We didn't have the video of Wagoner pulling up in the Chevy Volt mule dressed up in the skin of a Chevy Cruze earlier. Now we do. We also have to say, we're pretty happy with how the Cruze looks in motion. Pretty snazzy if you ask us. We'll take ours with a turbo 1.4-liter four-banger rather than the Volt innards and definitely with the "dog-and-pony show" graphics-delete option. Also, we're now told Alan "Boeing! Boeing!" Mulally and Bob "The Builder" Nardelli are seated and Dodd's started flapping his gums. UPDATE: According to CNBC's Phil LeBeau, GM's modifying their request from the gubm'it — they need $4 billion this month and $4 billion in January (from $4 billion in December, $6 billion in March) to stave off the Carpocalypse!

VW Scirocco Studie R Celebrates Historic German/Italian Alliances [Axis Of Scirocco]

Wes Siler — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST

Realizing the Italian flag looks better on cars than the German flag, Volkswagen chose the Bologna Motor Show to launch the VW Scirocco Studie R. Essentially a hopped-up version of the standard car, it features a 270 HP version of the 2.0-liter TSI turbo-four sending its power through a 6-speed DSG gearbox. All the other additions are largely cosmetic, but are executed to an unusually classy standard. Aggressive air intakes and a carbon front splitter fill out the front of the Scirocco, while inside there’s a nice set of Recaro buckets finished up with Tricolore stitching. Expect a less Italiangasmic version of this car to arrive in showrooms next year as the 2010 VW Scirocco R, no, we won’t get that one either. The release follows the jump.

Scirocco Studie R

* Volkswagen’s latest design study, the Scirocco Studie R, premieres at Bologna and is inspired by the Scirocco GT24 which raced to success in its class at the Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race earlier this year. Finished in white, the Studie R has contrasting high-gloss black detailing and styling accents in red and green to the wing mirrors and on the ‘Bologna ‘08’ badging, paying homage to the Show’s host nation.

Three large air intakes at the front aid cooling to the uprated 2.0-litre 270 PS engine, while a front splitter is designed to minimise lift. The rear is dominated by a large rear wing and a distinctive revised rear bumper which incorporates a diffuser and twin oval exhausts. The Studie R is fitted with racing-derived sports suspension and four-piston brake callipers sit behind specially developed bespoke polished five arm, triple spoke 19-inch alloy wheels.

Inside the cabin, the Scirocco Studie R is upholstered with black and white nappa leather and complemented with low- and high-gloss carbonfibre trim. The Italian-inspired red and green design accents continue on the seams of the Recaro seats, steering wheel, armrest, gearknob and floor mats.

GM's Rick Wagoner Arrives At Capitol [Carpocalypse Now]

Ray Wert — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:45:00 EST

GM CEO Rick Wagoner just showed up to Capitol Hill driving the Chevy Volt mule. No clue where the other CEOs are.

We kind of hope the Chrysler Aspen hybrid carrying Bob "The Builder" Nardelli made it. Ford CEO Alan Mulally may have accidentally gone to the Senate Armed Services Committee, so someone should check up on him.

But, according to Wagoner, there's one overwhelming reason why America needs to save their automakers:

"It's very important for the U.S. to have a home team in the global auto industry..."

Photo Credit: Win McNamee / Getty Images News

Armless Chinese Man Arrested For Driving With Feet [Offbeat News]

Ben Wojdyla — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:30:00 EST

Zing Shen, 42, a citizen of the People's Republic of China, lost his arms in an industrial accident. But that didn't stop him from driving. It was the police who did that. Authorities arrested the man, who is missing both arms below the elbows, when they spotted him driving his automatic transmission equipped car with his feet. If Zing lived in a less authoritarian country, we'd encourage him to demand the police show him where the law against that is, but considering he'd probably get his feet chopped off for insolence, he's probably better off welcoming his fate with open arms. Err, legs. [AttuWorld]

1969 Mercury Cougar [Down On The Street]

Murilee Martin — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST

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've seen a few Alameda Cougars so far, including this '67 (which later turned up in the wrecking yard), this '68, this '73, and this '75. Now we're going to look at a first-gen Cougar that's lived in the same neighborhood since I was a kid.

It's got a very 1970s two-tone paint job, which has taken some punishment from the California sun, but it still looks pretty good and it gets its owner to work every day. This car may be a '68, but my DOTS Sense tells me it's a '69; I'm not enough of a Cougar expert to distinguish a '68 from a '69, so you experts can correct me if I've made a mistake.

Some 60s cars look best with the factory wheels and hubcaps, but I think this car has the exact right wheels right now. You think both flip-up headlights still work?

First 350 DOTS Vehicles • DOTS FAQ

Report: GM, Chrysler Consider Bankruptcy For Federal Bailout Loan [Carpocalypse Now]

Ray Wert — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 08:40:00 EST

The CEOs of the not-so-Big Three made it to DC for committee hearings beginning today at 10:00 AM. According to Bloomberg's sources, GM and Chrysler execs are considering a pre-arranged bankruptcy (which we've already said is a good thing) as a last-resort of getting a multibillion-dollar government loan.

This flies directly in the face of GM CEO Rick Wagoner's past comments that a bankruptcy would mean liquidation because customers would refuse to buy cars from a company that might not be able to back warranties or supply parts. Our sources, whether from inside the General or from the outside, have given us similar arguments in the past.

That hasn't stopped staff for three members of Congress, who've asked restructuring experts if a pre-arranged bankruptcy — negotiated with workers, creditors and lenders — could be used to reorganize the industry without liquidation.

But it's not just the congressional committees at work here. According to another source, a representative of Obama’s team contacted at least one bankruptcy-law firm to say Daniel Tarullo, a professor at Georgetown University’s law school who heads Obama’s economic policy working group, would call to discuss the workings of a so-called prepack, according to this person.

But don't expect anything on this to come out of this week's hearings as we're also told

"Negotiations are splintered among small groups, making it unlikely a proposed solution such as bankruptcy would emerge until next week at the earliest..."

We'll obviously continue to be all over this story like a fat kid on cake. Stay tuned throughout the day to our "Carpocalypse Now" tag today as we bring you the latest news from D.C.

[Bloomberg]

Mr. Wagoner Makes It To Washington, Driving Volt Mule To Morning Senate Hearing [Carpocalypse Now]

The Auto Insider — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 08:20:00 EST

There's General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner, stepping from a Chevrolet Malibu hybrid last night at his hotel in Washington to the flashing bulbs of the paparazzi after driving from Detroit to testify at Congressional hearings for an auto industry not-a-bailout. If the not-so-Big Three automakers have learned anything since their last trip to Washington, it's the old way of doing business just won't fly. So the decision by auto executives to travel in hybrid cars rather than corporate jets is just the start to overhauling their image as the industry pleads its case for more than $25 billion in federal loans.

The next step? Heading over to a 9:30 AM rally at the corner of Delaware Ave. and C street just outside the Russell Senate Building and the 10:00 AM Senate hearing. To get there from his hotel? He'll be driving a Volt mule. Seriously.

[via Breitbart, GM-Volt]

[Photo Credit: AP Photo/Gerald Herbert]

Nice Price Or Crack Pipe: The $12,000 Volkswagen Rabbit Diesel Pickup? [Nice Price Or Crack Pipe]

Murilee Martin — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

What's a really cool used vehicle worth? Yesterday, 60% of you opined that 300 grand was too much for a beautiful Citroën DS21 Chapron Palm Beach, so today we're going with another much-beloved, yet more affordable, machine: a 1982 VW Rabbit Diesel pickup.

It's had an engine upgrade and a ton of new parts, the interior is authentic Malaise Turquoise, and the whole package looks great. No doubt about it, this is the nicest example of a Rabbitamino we've seen in a long time. But… $12,000? What do you think?

[Craigslist San Francisco, thanks to Casadelshawn for the tip!]