Ford Fiesta Econetic

Ford’s fuel efficiency leaps ahead with the debut of the new Fiesta EcoNetic at this week’s London Motor Show. The small hatch has an optimized diesel engine that places it at the very top of the UK’s list of five-seaters.

Rated at a combined efficiency of 76.3mpg (63.6 mpg U.S.gallons, 3.7L/100km). The primary modifications that achieve such economy include aerodynamic rear air deflectors, lower suspension, lower rolling resistance tyres, low friction oil, shift indicator light, modified engine calibration, and a transmission final drive changed from 3.37 to 3.05.

The 89hp (66kW) 1.6L TCDi diesel is also rated at a mere 98g/km CO2, and with a starting price of just £11,845, available in three-door or five-door variations, both rated at identical efficiency values, the Fiesta EcoNetic is a serious bargain in addition to being a hybrid-killer.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/

Cars to run on fresh air?

Cars are being developed to run on compressed air instead of petrol/gasoline.
In February 2007 Tata Motors signed an agreement with MDI (Moteur Developpment International). Early in June 2008 Tata announced that they were developing a car for 2008 production that will run on compressed air. It doesn’t sound like it could work, does it?

MDI has developed two types of piston engine powered by the expansion of compressed air: one runs on compressed air alone, the other uses liquid fuel to supplement the compressed air. Under 50kph (31mph) it uses air only. Over that speed the on-board compressor refills the compressed air tanks.
The existing MiniCat vehicle has a horizontally-opposed 800cc four cylinder engine.
The above details were extracted from various on-line sources, mainly Green Car congress.
To find out more, put tata air car into Google and you will find many reports and articles on this interesting subject.

Night Vision

The latest generation of 'cats eyes' SolarLite "smart stud" from pioneering British company Astucia uses stored solar power to run built-in Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), providing an effective guide for drivers at up to 900 metres, extending reaction times from 3.2 seconds to over half a minute when driving at 60mph.
http://www.astucia.co.uk. 071206