2013 Ford Escape Uses Video Game Tech For Hands-Free Liftgate: Video

2013 Ford Escape Concept

Newsletter Stay up to date on car reviews, buying guides, articles and more

If you've ever found yourself carrying a load of groceries in the rain and cursed under your breath while fumbling for the key fob to open your car's liftgate, we have great news: the 2013 Ford Escape will let you open that gate with a simple gesture, meaning that your keys can stay in your pocket or bag.

Once upon a time, being able to open a car door from a distance felt like a truly amazing thing. But as fantastic as remote-control fobs are, they still require us to press a button, meaning that we have to have them in hand.

Then came vehicles like the Toyota Prius, which open automatically once the appropriate key fob gets within range. That, too, is very handy, but for people who do a lot of schlepping -- which is many of us -- gaining access to the rear of most vehicles has remained a problem. With the rollout of the 2013 Escape, Ford addresses that thorny issue with a solution pulled straight from the Xbox Kinect and other gestural gaming systems. 

The new Escape will debut in two weeks at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show. There, Ford will unveil the next Escape's completely hands-free liftgate. To open it, owners simply make a kicking gesture under the rear bumper while they have the key fob in their purse or pocket. Just as cool? The liftgate closes with the same motion.

The only potential problem we might see with Ford's new technology is that users have to get very close to the liftgate to activate it, then back up to avoid being smacked in the chin as the gate opens (or on top of the head when it closes). As this video demonstrates, though, there seems to be a built-in delay to account for the time users need to back up, and the gate opens and closes very slowly and smoothly:

The 2013 Ford escape goes on sale next spring. It's expected to come with three fuel-efficient engine options, including 1.6- and 2.0-liter versions of the Ford EcoBoost. The 2013 Escape will be built in Kentucky at Ford's Louisville Assembly Plant.

View the original article here

Just add tires: 2012 Boss Mustang 302 runs 11′s [Video]

Tuesday, Mar 29th, 2011 @ 5:14 p.m.

Ford’s 2012 Boss Mustang 302 is a unique approach to a performance Mustang, intended to give nod to the Boss Mustangs of yesteryear, while also smashing the performance specs of your father’s Mustang.

To do this, Ford made several changes to the internal workings of the new 5.0-liter V8 found under the hood of the latest Mustang GT, and in the process boosted horsepower from 412 to 444, while slightly lowering the peak torque. While some were quick to call that a poor compromise, M3-beating track times at Laguna Seca, and overall drivability that our own Jack Baruth raved about says otherwise.

But it turns out that even with the slight drop in torque, the Boss still does a decent job getting off the line at a drag strip. A new video shows a brand-new Boss 302, complete with window sticker in place, hitting a Maryland drag strip with nothing but a set of drag radial tires and churning out an impressive 11.72 second quarter mile with a trap speed of 117.2 miles per hour.

References
1.’Video: Stock 2012…’ view
2.’Video: Stock 2012…’ view

View the original article here

Video: Chevy Builds Field Of Dreams In California -- Your Community Could Be Next

Chevy's 'Diamonds and Dreams' makeover in Granite, CA

Enlarge Photo

About a year ago, Chevrolet launched an online contest for communities across the U.S. The five grand prize winners of the "Building Diamonds and Dreams" competition would receive makeovers for their youth baseball fields, courtesy of Chevrolet and Scotts Company.

The contest ended around July 30 of last year, and since then, Chevy and Scotts have been hard at work refurbishing diamonds and dugouts at sites throughout the country. Earlier this month, the two companies unveiled their latest completed project in Granite Bay, California. And now, there's video:

We admit, we had some initial concerns about the "Diamonds and Dreams" contest, which seemed weighted to favor folks in well-educated communities with plenty of web access and ample time to submit regular entries. (Participants could submit up to one entry per day throughout the run of the contest.)

That said, the results of the makeover are impressive, and the folks in Granite Bay look very appreciative. Add to that the long-standing tie-in between Chevy and baseball, and we'd say this project was a big win for all involved. (We would've said "home run", but even we know when to cut a metaphor short.)

Even better: Chevy is relaunching the contest in 2011, and this time around, the company will offer a total of 20 field makeovers, among other prizes. The competition hasn't officially begun yet, but if you visit the Diamonds and Dreams website, you can sign up to receive an email when things go live on March 31. Good luck!

For more details about the Granite Bay unveiling, feel free to check the press release below.

* * * * *

Chevrolet Hits Home Run with 'Dream' Baseball Diamond at Ronald Feist Park in Granite Bay

Local leaders to host community event, March 16 at 4:00 PM to dedicate renovated field

GRANITE BAY, Calif., March 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- What started as a simple online ZIP code nomination by area-residentMarie Kennedy became a boon for local baseball teams when a Lakeside Little League field was chosen as one of five winners of Chevrolet's Building Diamonds and Dreams program.  

Local winner Kennedy selected the Lakeside Little League to be the beneficiary of the field renovation.  Lakeside Little League uses Ronald Feist Park, a multi-field baseball/softball complex owned and maintained by Placer County.

"I was so thrilled because it was for the kids," said local resident Kennedy, who nominated Granite Bay for a field makeover.  "These Little Leagues, no matter what the town, depend on donations and help from the community. I'm very happy that I entered the Building Diamonds and Dreams program and ended up a finalist."

Now that spring is here and the baseball season is about to start, the entire community is invited to the field dedication ceremony on Wednesday, March 16 at 4:00 PM at the Coker-Ewing Field at Ronald Feist Park, 9177 Twin Schools Road,Granite Bay, CA 95746.

The 2010 Building Diamonds and Dreams program, sponsored by Chevrolet and The Scotts Company, was an online promotion where fans of local youth baseball teams nominated their community for a chance to win a field makeover.  Five winners were drawn from all entries and the winners chose the youth league of their choice to receive the professional field renovation.  

The refurbishments focused on the aesthetics and playability of the field by providing Major League quality materials for the renovation. For the Coker-Ewing field at Feist Park, the makeover included a reconstructed pitcher's mound, new infield skin, re-cut base paths, new home plate and bases, drainage installation, new coaches' boxes, and other upgrades.  Renovations were completed in November of 2010 by Ripken Design, the sports design and consulting firm owned by National Baseball Hall of Famer, Cal Ripken, Jr. and 12-year Major League Baseball veteran, Bill Ripken.

View the original article here

Disturbing video of careless motorist accidents in China [Video]

Tuesday, Mar 29th, 2011 @ 4:48 p.m.

Trying to describe this video is actually quite difficult. On one hand seeing some of the fatal accidents evokes sympathy and sorrow, but on the other the sheer level of insanity, carelessness, stupidity and sheer disbelief in what is happening is almost overwhelming.

The video was posted by Chinese authorities, apparently in some type of effort to warn motorists and bicyclists of the dangers of their driving habits, especially given the seemingly lawless intersections.

Beware that there is some graphic content in the video, but the majority of the video will just leave you asking, “Why,” “How?” and “What were they thinking?”

Tip: turn the audio off, or at least down – the overly dramatic music is enough to drive you to the edge of insanity in and of itself.

View the original article here

Chrysler unveils 300 S-Concept [Video]

Wednesday, Mar 30th, 2011 @ 6:02 p.m.

Continuing its push to launch a new ‘S’ sub-brand by year’s end, Chrysler unveiled a 300 S-Concept at the recent Spring Festival of LXs. The Spring Festival of LXs is an annual event that attracts custom LX cars – which include the Dodge Magnum, Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger and Chrysler 300 – from all over the country.

Based on the all-new 300 sedan, the S-Concept adds a few custom touches without going completely over the top. The Show car features larger and sportier wheels, a body-colored aero kit and a new front grille. Inside the 300 gets red leather with an ‘S’ embossed on each front seat.

“There are two paths: the traditional Chrysler path and the S path,” Tim Kuniskis, head of Chrysler brand product marketing, said at an event earlier this year. “There’s a huge customer base for chrome and wood. There are also people who want something a little edgy.”

Kuniskis added the S line would be available on any trim level, ensuring buyers can access the custom market at any price point. However, Chrysler has yet to announce any official production plans for its S sub-brand.

View the original article here

BMW reveals top secret “plant zero” [Video]

Monday, Mar 28th, 2011 @ 1:36 p.m.

BMW has released a new video that highlights things ranging from its plant naming scheme used worldwide, to the processes used to develop the very first prototypes and even the process the automaker uses to camouflage its testing vehicles.

The star of BMW’s video is centered around Munich plant zero, which is also known as the experimental vehicle shop, and is responsible for hand building each and every first prototype of new models.

Plant zero is used to test out several aspects of new models, ranging from developing the best possible manufacturing methods to later be used in full production, to verifying that all parts will fit exactly how they were intended to in the design phase.

BMW also brings in production facility workers from around the world and its other facilities so that they can experience the building process of upcoming models before mass assembly at their respective plants. This helps the workers to better appreciate the building process and troubleshoot problems should they arise.

(More after video)

The German automaker also explained both the “old” prototype camouflage process and its drawbacks, namely that “hard” camo would mask aerodynamic signatures, and also that it required screwing panels directly into the vehicle.

BMW says it developed the newest camouflaging process of using vinyl wraps with unique designs to confuse cameras without disrupting aerodynamic testing.

View the original article here

Pagani Huayra Roadster variant coming, new coupe footage revealed [Video]

Friday, Mar 25th, 2011 @ 4:28 a.m.

Italian exotic supercar builder Pagani made a name for itself with its now well-known Zonda and its many unique variants. But as with most things, time brings progression, and in this case time brought us a replacement car for the Zonda in the form of the new Huayra.

At launch, Pagani only discussed and showcased its production form coupe model, but already there is confirmation from Pagani’s CEO that a roadster variant is coming, thanks to Autoblog.com.ar.

The Huayra Roadster is expected to arrive in about three years, according to the brand’s chief, but no further details on the car were discussed. So while we may not have a Huayra Roadster for three years, we can at least enjoy footage of the coupe until then.

(More after video)

Interestingly, Horacio Pagani did also reveal that his personal choice for the Huayra’s name was actually “Da Vinci,” a name that obviously didn’t make it to the production model, but certainly would have made pronunciation much easier.

References
1.’Entrevista exclusiva…’ view
2.’Horacio Pagani says…’ view

View the original article here

Aston Martin’s all-new Virage takes to the mountain passes [Video]

Monday, Mar 21st, 2011 @ 6:46 p.m.

Aston Martin debuted its all-new Virage at the Geneva Motor Show at the start of the month, hoping to bridge the gap between the entry-level DB9 and the high-performance DBS.

To help demonstrate exactly what the Virage is capable of, the iconic automaker took to some mountain passes, complete with a soundtrack befitting of a James Bond film and let the cameras roll.

(More after video)

The Virage
The Virage nameplate recalls a modestly successful V8-powered coupe, convertible and shooting brake (four were made) offered during the 1990s. Aston Martin’s Virage utilizes the latest version of the automaker’s VH aluminum platform, along with power output and pricing that also fits perfectly between the DB9 and DBS.

Aston Martin’s hand-crafted 6.0-liter V12 rests under the car’s elongated hood, where it puts out 490 horsepower and 420 lb-ft. of torque. A six-speed Touchtronic II automatic transmission is mounted on the transaxle for 50:50 weight distribution.

To put the power to the ground, a new Adaptive Damping System offers ten settings split between normal and sport modes to offer drivers touring or performance-oriented driving. A dashboard-mounted Sport button further sharpens throttle response and speeds up gear changes in addition to holding gears closer to redline.

Carbon ceramic brakes are standard across the board for the Virage.

While its look is clearly derivative of Aston Martin’s post-DB7 offerings, the car does get an aluminum front grille and front fascia inspired by the One-77. New fender-mounted side strakes include six LEDs for the turn signal repeater. Aston Martin’s signature “swan wing” side doors rise to the occasion to allow entry to a typically Aston Martin interior wrapped in Bridge of Weir leather.

Aston Martin says that 70 man hours go into making each interior alone. Unlike the DB9 and DBS, the Virage gets a more intuitive navigation system with a 6.5-inch high resolution display. Previous models have relied on rather outdated software dating back to Aston Martin’s former Ford ownership. Heated seats, a 700-watt audio system and Bluetooth are all standard.

Ordering is already open at the automaker’s 132 global dealerships.

View the original article here

Ferrari 360 Modena totaled for Dr. Dre’s “I Need a Doctor” [Video]

Thursday, Mar 24th, 2011 @ 10:03 a.m.

Used Ferraris are nothing to scoff at for most car enthusiasts, since they offer would-be first time Ferrari owners the only way to buy into Ferrari ownership.

But to rapper Dr. Dre and his film crew, a used Ferrari 360 Modena was nothing more than a prop ready to be destroyed for the video to accompany his latest hit, “I Need a Doctor.”

The music video begins with a driving sequence that later sees Dre’s Ferrari corkscrewing through the air in a rather unbelievable fashion. Unlike many lower budget films, the wreck doesn’t use a mock-up of a Ferrari.

Dre’s reaction at the end of the video is perhaps what one would expect – as calm and collected as any hugely successful rapper might be after watching a Ferrari worth $75,000 be tossed down a canyon road.

And, if you want to watch the fully-edited version, here’s the music video in its entirety.

References
1.’Dr. Dre Tweets…’ view

View the original article here

Video: Rolls-Royce 102 EX Phantom Electric, Geneva Motor Show

Source: GreenCarReports.com

An all-electric Rolls-Royce Phantom.

Just think about it: If the engineers do their jobs properly, the occupants should sense absolutely no difference in the near-silent, creamy smooth surge of power that wafts them from estate to yacht, or factory to mansion.

And now we have video, courtesy of Rolls-Royce itself, whose CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös discusses the 102 EX Phantom Experimental Electric concept that was unveiled this week at the Geneva Motor Show.

The car will embark on a year-long world tour once the show closes, with the company showing the car to owners, prospects, enthusiasts, and members of the media globally.

The goal is simply to learn whether the electric Phantom provides all the qualities that are expected of a Rolls-Royce, without compromise.

The video is below, with other coverage including live photos of the 102 EX Experimental Electric on the show floor and more video as well.

[Rolls-Royce]

+++++++++++

Follow GreenCarReports on Facebook and Twitter.

View the original article here