Novo Renault Fluence

A Renault lança oficialmente o novo Renault Fluence, ele foi mostrado anteriormente no Salão do Automóvel de São Paulo.

Ele vem para o Brasil com o motor de quatro cilindros em linha, 2.0 litros, 16 válvulas o M4R Hi-Flex. O câmbio pode ser o manual de seis velocidades ou automático CVT X-Tronic, que também possibilita a troca manual de marchas. o Renault Fluence desenvolve a potência de 143 cv (álcool) / 140 cv (gasolina) a 6.000 rpm.

Câmbio CVT X-Tronic: aceleração progressiva e sem trancos
A transmissão continuamente variável (CVT), desenvolvida pela equipe de engenharia da Aliança Renault-Nissan, proporciona uma troca suave de marchas, sem trancos, mantendo sempre o propulsor na rotação ideal, levando-se em conta a carga do motor e as condições de rodagem, além de se adaptar ao tipo de condução do motorista.

A parte traseira do Novo Renault Fluence, por sua vez, é realçada pelo imponente porta-malas, cuja capacidade de carga é de 530 litros, superior a de seus concorrentes diretos. Tudo isso sem perder a harmonia no design. O Honda Civic, por exemplo, leva 340 litros.

Com 10 centímetros a mais de distância entre-eixos que o Toyota Corolla, o Novo Renault Fluence acomoda com conforto e comodidade os dois passageiros da frente e mais três pessoas no assento traseiro. Quem fica no meio ainda se beneficia de um detalhe: nessa parte, o banco é ligeiramente recortado para acomodar melhor as pernas do ocupante

Duas inovações tecnológicas no segmento se destacam no Renault Fluence: a chave-cartão “hands free” e o sistema de navegação Carminat TomTom. Do tamanho de um cartão de crédito, a chave-cartão “hands free” permite liberdade ao condutor no travamento e abertura das portas, assim como, na partida do motor. O sistema de navegação Carminat TomTom possui uma tela colorida de 5” integrada ao painel e é acessível por controle remoto via Bluetooth.

Uma nova gama de áudio é apresentada com o Renault Fluence, trazendo uma qualidade de som premium, conexões USB/iPod e Auxiliar, além de um sistema de telefonia Bluetooth e comando satélite para comandar todo o sistema de som.

Modelos e preços Sugeridos para o Renault Fluence:

Renault Fluence Dynamique 2.0 16V Hi-Flex câmbio manual: R$ 59.990,00
Renault Fluence Dynamique 2.0 16V Hi-Flex câmbio CVT X-Tronic: R$ 64.990,00
Renault Fluence Privilège 2.0 16V Hi-Flex câmbio CVT X-Tronic: R$ 75.990,00
Renault Fluence Dynamique 2.0 16V Hi-Flex câmbio manual: R$ 59.990,00
Pintura Metálica: R$ 850,00
Bancos em couro: R$ 1.800,00
Teto solar: R$ 2.500,00
Renault Fluence Dynamique 2.0 16V Hi-Flex câmbio CVT X-Tronic: R$ 64.990,00
Pintura Metálica: R$ 850,00
Bancos em couro: R$ 1.800,00
Teto solar: R$ 2.500,00
Renault Fluence Privilège 2.0 16V Hi-Flex câmbio CVT X-Tronic: R$ 75.990,00
Pintura Metálica: R$ 850,00

Clique nas fotos para ampliar

Seasonal Coverage? Nah... That'd be Reasonable!

Seasonal Coverage? Nah... That'd be Reasonable! Seasonal riding is a fact of life for many motorcyclists. Come fall - and cold weather - many riders hang up their leathers and park their bikes for the duration. It might be three or even four months before it's time to throw a leg over again. But we're required to carry year-round insurance, regardless - which is not unlike being made to pay for a meal you never eat, or a service never received. Does it make sense? Is it reasonable?

The law requiring year-round coverage is based, like so many modern American laws, not one what we as individuals have done but on what some other (often theoretical) individual - less responsible, less honest than we - might do.

Just like gun control laws that deny firearms to people who have never misused one because some other idiot somewhere may have - responsible riders who park their bikes for the season are forced to pay for insurance coverage they don't need because it's possible that some other person would abuse the "loophole" (if it existed).

It doesn't occur to the people of this mindset that it would be fairer to punish the people who actually do abuse a trust or privilege rather than treat us all as if we're offenders before we ever actually offend.

It also doesn't occur to them that, as with gun control laws, mandatory insurance laws are mostly obeyed by the people you don't need to worry about anyhow. The ones you do need to worry about are precisely the ones least likely to concern themselves with any law that's posted - whether it forbids them to carry firearms or demands that they purchase insurance. It's a farce, though of course the joke's on us.

We're forced to pay for things we don't need, like off-season insurance. But the goon who has no respect for laws - mandatory insurance and otherwise - still gets to do as he pleases, with minimal repercussions.

Sure, there are punishments for running around without insurance. But they are only a worry to people with something to lose; you know - responsible people who already obey the laws and who are thus by definition not the problem. The prospect of having one's driving privileges taken away, for example, is a daunting thing to a solid citizen. But the welfare-living meth-head riding around on his (probably stolen) bike isn't worried. Why should he be? What's the worst that can happen? He has no money - other than his EBT card. He's got no assets. He doesn't care about his "record" - and if he goes to jai for a few days, hey, it's free room and board. He'll just keep on keepin' on.

What it really comes down to, of course, is money. Oh, it's always dressed up in high-sounding language; in this case, it's all about "safety." Mandatory all-year coverage laws prevent all sorts of mayhem - even though they don't and no one ever provides actual proof to the contrary. It's just taken for granted that passing a law necessarily achieves the stated purpose, even when it doesn't.

Gun control advocates in DC never waver in their support for existing laws prohibiting firearms to the law-abiding even as the bloody evidence mounts all around them that criminal thugs don't care much about laws that say No Guns. And people who demand that every motorcycle rider carry insurance coverage all year long, even though many riders don't take their bikes out for months on end during the winter, don't seem to care that they're making those folks pay for coverage they don't need on the basis of what some other ne'er-do-well might do if the leash was loosened a bit.

So the world turns. If there weren't any money in it, my guess is the situation might be different.

Fiat 500 bicolor apresentado em Bolonha

O Salão Automóvel de Bolonha inicia no sábado, a Fiat prepara para Bolonha o 500 Bicolore.

A edição especial do 500 traz alem das duas cores rodas de liga com desenho diferenciado, detalhes cromados, direção elétrica, cinco airbags, vidros e travas com acionamento elétrico como itens de série.

O Bicolore é equipado com o motor 1.2 a gasolina com 69 cavalos de potência. A transmissão manual de cinco velocidades ou automática Dualogic com comandos no volante.

Um dia no futuro do Fiat Mio

Uma visão de como será o futuro para o pessoal da Fiat, torço para que eles estejam certos.

Porsche 911 GT3 vs Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera nas ruas de de Paris

Honda BRIO – Vídeo

A Honda divulgou o novo Honda BRIO nesta terça-feira dia 30 de novembro.

Ele será mostrado no Salão de Automóveis da Tailândia.

O BRIO é um carro compacto que irá para as ruas da Índia já no ano que vem. Já para o Brasil a previsão de chegada fica somente para 2012.

Reviewing the 2011 Buick Regal

Reviewing the 2011 Buick Regal Buick is now the best-selling American car... in China. But in America, Buick is struggling to regain its footing. The traditional (read: older) Buick buyer can't support the brand's future. And buyers under 50 generally don't even think about Buick when they go car shopping. Certainly not the entry-luxury (and sport-oriented) under-50 crowd that Buick needs to win over in order to survive. That is a tough position to be in. Does the new-for-2011 Regal have the stuff necessary to make some headway? Or will it quickly become another Rental Car Special?

WHAT IT IS

The 2011 Regal is Buick's entry-level sedan. It's about the same size as a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord but (according to Buick) is aimed more at slightly smaller, more athletic near-luxury sedans like the Lexus IS250 and Acura TSX. Base price is $26,245 for the CXL with 2.4 liter engine. A performance-themed CXL turbo with 2.0 liter engine (late availability) starts at $28,745. All versions are front-wheel-drive.

WHAT'S NEW

The '11 Regal is a new model for Buick, though not for GM. The same basic car is sold in Europe under the Opel banner as the Insignia.

WHAT'S GOOD

Though not a fire-breather like the '80s-era Regal T-Types and Grand Nationals were, the latest Regal is a lot more alive-feeling (and youthful looking) than the AARP Staff Car Regals that immediately preceded it. Turbo power available late fall/spring 2011. Really sharp interior. Excellent gas mileage (30-plus on the highway). Comes with (or can be ordered with) up-to-date features and equipment such as hard-drive based navigation and music storage - you know, stuff that earlier Buicks were famous for not having.

Big (for the class) trunk. A bargain compared to the Lexus IS250 ($32,145) and Acura TSX ($29,310). A sportier alternative to a Camry for about the same money.

WHAT'S NOT GOOD

The name. Regal is a venerable Buick trademark going back several decades, but many current-day buyers who remember it probably associate it with wire-wheeled starter caskets that squat in the fast lane doing precisely 3 MPH below the posted speed limit - not exactly the image Buick is hoping to cultivate. Turbocharged 220 hp engine isn't available yet; Buick says soon.... Pricey - for what it is: $26k (to start) for a four-cylinder Buick may be a hard sell.

UNDER THE HOOD

The Regal's standard powerplant is a 2.4 liter, 182 hp four with direct fuel injection. It drives the front wheels through a six-speed automatic. For at least the first few months of production, this will be the only available powertrain. Expect a zero to 60 time of around 8.3 seconds. Fuel efficiency is very good: 20 city, 30 highway.

By spring 2011, Buick will offer a 2.0 liter, turbocharged/direct injected four good for an expected 220 hp, along with a six-speed manual transmission (and optional six-speed automatic). Acceleration with this engine promises to be appropriate to the class/price - in the mid-low seven second range. That would be competitive with cars like the Lexus IS250/Acura TSX - and quicker than a four-cylinder Camry or Honda Accord.

Gas mileage with the 2.0 engine ought to be about the same; at most a few MPGs less than the base engine delivers. At this point, it does not appear likely Buick will offer an AWD set-up in the Regal.

ON THE ROAD

Overall, this is (by far) the most engaging-to-drive Regal since the '80s-era rear-wheel-drive muscle coupes that also bore the Regal name. It comes standard with 18 inch rims and performance tires, not 15s with whitewalls. The steering actually seems connected to the road - and the suspension will hold the line if you lean on it hard in a corner. The Opel DNA (and European tuning) shows.

The only disappointment comes from under the hood. The 2.4 liter engine doesn't have the gumption to get close to 4,000 pounds (3,600 lbs. of car plus a driver and passenger) moving with suitable swiftness. A zero to 60 time in the mid eight second range isn't terrible - it's just not in the right ballpark for the competition Buick is scoping out. Both the IS250 and the Acura TSX have about 20 hp more (and in the case of the Lexus IS, two more cylinders), standard - with more on tap if you need it in the form of optional engines that get within spitting distance of 300 hp.

Granted, both the Lexus IS and the Acura TSX cost much, much more than the Buick (especially with their optional engines) so a direct comparison isn't really fair. The problem, though, is that it's not car reviewers who are making the comparison - it's Buick that's doing it. If the Regal's target competition was, say, the four-cylinder version of the Toyota Camry (or the four-cylinder Accord), ok. The Regal looks pretty good, then. But if the stack-up is against cars like the IS250 and TSX, Buick should not have released the Regal before getting the eventually-will-get-here 2.0 liter, turbo engine and six-speed stick into the lineup. Because with just the 2.4 liter engine, the Buick can't hang.

AT THE CURB

Outside, the new Regal has a pretty generic modern shape - the basic "jellybean" distinguished as a Buick by the large, one-piece grille with vertical slats and triple shield Buick badge in the middle. There are some interesting detail touches, such as the reverse "L" dimple pressed into the doors that traces its line back to the rear fender arches - and a BMW-cum Acura-ish rear section with integrated spoiler lip. Though not a head-turner, the Regal is subtly handsome - and that's in keeping with the division's history as a brand that caters to people with money and taste, but who prefer to keep a lower profile.

Inside, the layout is Euro-modern (once again, credit the Opel background) with a blue-backlit primary gauge cluster (speedo and tach, temp and gas) and LCD driver info display nestled between them. Nice seats that are a midway between aggressive sport buckets - and zero-support bench seats. There are thigh and shoulder bolsters, but they're not hug-you-too-tight and it's easy to slide in and out of the car. The touchscreen display for the nav/audio system is large and legible; the secondary buttons below it for other functions are simple to understand and generally easy to use.

A big Regal plus is significantly more backseat legroom (37.3 inches) than its two chief target competitors - the Acura TSX (34.3 inches) and Lexus IS250 (30.6 inches). It also has a noticeably larger trunk (14.2 cubic feet) vs. 13 cubic feet for the Lexus and 12.6 cubic feet for the Acura.

The Regal offers almost as much back seat and trunk space as the Toyota Camry, too (38.3 inches, 15 cubic feet) and actually beats the Honda Accord (37.2 inches, 14 cubic feet) on those points.

THE REST

This is a nicely put-together and solid-feeling car. The Regal's 2.4 liter engine has been found reliable in other cars - and GM's track record for durability and quality has been top notch for the past several years.

The only issue as I see it is that the market (the U.S. market, anyhow) doesn't currently perceive Buick as the equivalent, status-wise, of Lexus or Acura. Buick, the division, dates from an era when there were no Japanese-brand luxury cars, period - and when Buick was a stepping stone on the road to a Cadillac within GM's brand hierarchy. That is all in the past, though - and it's an open question whether Buick (or, similarly, Ford's Mercury division) can survive in a completely changed-over marketplace that just may not have room for what amounts to an almost-Lexus brand. The underpowered, take-it-or-leave-it 2.4 liter engine really hurts the car, too.

GM would have been well-advised to hold off introducing the Regal until it could at least put the not-yet-here turbocharged 2.0 liter engine on the list of available options - because $26k is a lot to ask for a four-cylinder-only car with a zero to 60 time in the mid 8 second range. This may hurt the car's image, which will hurt sales - which will eventually hurt resale values.

Safety-wise, there's OnStar - GM's voice-activated, GPS-based concierge and emergency assistance service - as well as traction and stability control, front seat side-impact and curtain air bags. All standard.

Richard Branson will be engaged in hotel business

The British businessman Richard Branson, whose Virgin airline carries tourists on all globe (and will soon work and behind its limits), expands sphere of action in the travel market. Now the billionaire intends to be engaged in hotel business.

Luxury Hotels by Virgin

Branson & Partners intends to open a network of expensive Virgin Hotels in the main US cities, such as: New York, Miami, San Francisco and Los Angeles. For this enterprise within three years it will be enclosed half-billion dollars.

As experts believe, Sir Branson has correctly timed intrusion on the luxury hotels market. In comparison with last year the revenue of hotels in the USA has increased, and in process of economic revival, demand for comfortable and luxury rest will grow only.

Richard Branson at Bellagio (Las Vegas)

In New York is on sale the mansion on «Gold Coast»

In New York on the coast Gold Coast (district Muttontown) is exposed on sale the majestic brick house in the Georgian style, constructed in 1923. The project of this elite real estate has been developed by architect James W. O Connor for the former mayor John F. Bermingham.

Magnificent Restoration

In 2004 this luxury house has been completely restore. Besides, has added the new part, which is constructed by analogy to an opposite part of the house to give more luxury appearance.

In the house there are 6 bedrooms, new kitchen, a magnificent hall, a wine cellar and sports hall. The total floor space of territory adjoining to the house constitutes 7,17 acres. Here there is a pool and a billiard room, a tennis court, two cottages and two garages: one of them contains 9 luxury cars, and another — four.

The magnificent house is on sale for $15,500,000US.

Gold Coast Mansions

Radar multa carros que não estão licenciados

Para quem mora em São Paulo, agora deve ter uma atenção maior com o licenciamento do seu carro.

Alguns radares irão ler as placas dos veículos para ver se o licenciamento esta em dia, caso tenha algum problema, os veículos receberão uma multa gravíssima no valor de R$ 191,54 e sete pontos na Carteira Nacional de Habilitação.

Serão colocados 42 aparelhos que farão a verificação das placas, espalhados em 24 rodovias do estado de São Paulo .

Os radares já funcionam desde setembro, porem estava funcionando apenas para ajudar a policia na identificação de veículos furtados. Porem agora passarão a fiscalizar também veículos com problemas na documentação.

2011 Hyundai Elantra Tops Best Used Car List

2011 Hyundai Elantra Tops Best Used Car List

Trim packages available include the Blue, GLS and SE. Blue models are the absolute basic packages offering very limited accessories. Included are 15 inch steel wheels, remote keyless lock, 60/40 rear seats that fold, tilting steering wheels, and most power accessories. For a basic sedan at a more than reasonable price, consumers who are on a budget should really consider a 2010 Hyundai Elantra Blue trim package. Buyers who are looking for a little more substance can consider a GLS model. The GLS represents the middle of the road package for Hyundai. Consumers who purchase one of these models will find most of the options on the Blue packages with fog lights, optional navigation systems, and a better selection of interior fabrics. SE model is the best package as far as features are concerned. These come with CD players that have audio jacks, leather steering wheels with mounted accessory controls, heated front seats, sunroof, and leather upholstery. As a high-end model the SE offers enough to entice consumers, yet slightly less than most if it's competitors.

2011 Detail Review The Hyundai Genesis

he Hyundai Genesis is a full size luxury sedan which has been produced and sold by the Hyundai Motor Company since 2008. Since its introduction, the Hyundai Genesis has won various and has been well praised and reviewed. The Genesis which can be purchased for well under $40,000 is often compared to luxury sedans which cost over $50,000.

The progression of the company and the product has been remarkable and fairly quick. The progressive nature of the cars and the company shows little signs of slowing. They have not only taken the lead in the American market but they have taken the lead in the global market as well. What was once a car that you bought because you couldn't afford anything else is no a car that you buy because you want to. Today's Hyundai is one that is reliable, affordable, and stylish.

2011 Hyundai Azera Base MSRP: $25,495

2011 Hyundai Azera

Nothing says love like legroom and this one has some to spare. 44 inches of it in the front seat and 38 inches in the back mean you won't have to stop as often to stretch your legs on those long trips. An improved 3.3L V6 engine will pump out 260 horsepower and, for those of you who desire that little extra bit, there's also an available 3.8L V6 that will push 283 ponies. Both engines are matched with a new 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. Gas mileage numbers are in the area of 20/28mpg (city/highway) with the 3.3L V6.

New 2011 The Genesis Coupe

Currently the company is a world leader amongst auto manufacturers. They have a myriad of models on the market that are designed to fit a range of budgets and tastes. You can still find affordable models that are not much more reliable. However you can also try your hand at more luxury quality vehicles. That's right luxury and they have done such a good job at it that they have been rated along side other top luxury brands like Porsche.

Hyundai will air its first two television advertisements for the new 2010 Genesis Coupe during the Super Bowl XLIII on Sunday, February 1, 2009. The two distinct 30-second spots will see race driver Rhys Millen getting behind the wheel of the 306HP Genesis Coupe 3.8L V6. Millen will navigate the rear-wheel drive sports car around the 2.54-mile, 12-turn race track at Road Atlanta in Northeast Georgia to show off the Genesis Coupe's capabilities.

2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Paris Show

that is receiving extra attention from the media is being compared to Mercedes. Hyundai Genesis performance in safety and handling is being claimed by many sources to be the best luxury sedan in its class. It is a rear wheel drive, plush and fully loaded competitor for Lexus, Porsche, and Mercedes. All of this is hardly conceivable if you know the history of the company but study after study in consumer magazine after another is saying the same thing. This car is a leader in its class.

We can’t wait to get our hands on the production version of Hyundai’s first-ever rear-wheel-drive coupe which will be available in the U.S. from spring 2009. We’re not jumping into any premature conclusions –for all we know it might not be worth all the fuss, but we’re definitely curious to see what Hyundai’s engineers can come up with. In this post we’ve added a new gallery with images from the building of the Genesis Coupe prototype. Check them out after the jump

Spied- 2010 Hyundai Sonata

 

The Hyundai i40 / Sonata has been caught during its recent tests. This car, expected to be badged the i40, will replace the current Sonata which isn’t exactly a hot seller. The spy shots give everything away about its shape.

The car has moved over from being an everyday commuter to something of a style statement. the coupe like roof-line and the usage of rear quarter glass like those on Audi A4’s and A6’s are great.

The whole shape will surely give the others a run for their money and it needs to be as the Sonata has never deserved what it always needed-Good Looks. The first gen took cues from Jaguar and Merc, the second gen shifted towards A4 and the Accord. Lets hope this one is more original.

The 2010 Hyundai Sonata YF will make its debut in May next year and will also be available with gasoline electric hybrid system, which should be the highlight of the range. Expect the normal set of petrol and diesels although AWD is a distant possibility. Click through for more images.

Read more: http://indianautosblog.com/2008/12/spied-2010-hyundai-sonata#ixzz15jvSE9eb

Next-gen Hyundai Sonata and Tucson duo caught again

 

Even before our earlier article had completed one day on air, we have got more confirmation about the next-gen Tucson and the Sonata/i40 which we speculate will be sharing engines and some vital components but sharing a platform might be too far fetched.

Lets see why, the earlier Tucson was actually based on the Hyundai Elantra platform rather than the Sonata and this time, we expect the same as the Tucson is a size down.

The next gen Sonata, codenamed the ‘YF’ does show an attractive overall design compared to the outgoing model, which lets face it is not exactly pretty. As is the norm now, Hyundai’s cars too share some similarities. At the front, the YF features attractively shaped head-lights and a three bar grille, while its overall shape looks very sleek and sporty.
Read more: http://indianautosblog.com/2008/12/next-gen-hyundai-sonata-and-tucson-duo-caught-again#ixzz15jvB84qc

Next generation Hyundai Sonata caught testing yet again

The much awaited next generation Hyundai Sonata also called as the Concept YF has been caught undergoing highway testing yet again, this time somewhere in South Korea.

From the concept and the spy pictures, we can safely expect a design that is very close in character to the Mercedes CLS. The roofline is a major indication of this. Hyundai is moving away from pure functionality to providing something full of character. You can notice that with the design of the i10, i20 in India.

Based on a completely new platform, expect it to be available in an array of diesel and gasoline engines starting 2010. Also expected is a gasoline-electric hybrid system which will be Hyundai’s first. The Sonata’s hybrid architecture has been officially presented to the public at the 2008 L.A. auto show where Hyundai put on display its latest range of eco-friendly cars and technologies.

Next generation Sonata sedan, and its rumored station wagon variant, are expected to go on sale in South Korean market by the end of this year, while its International debut is scheduled for the spring of 2010. With the Hyundai Sonata Transform just launched in India, expect this to come here by mid 2010.

Read more: http://indianautosblog.com/2009/02/hyundai-sonata-yf-testing#ixzz15juefjVr

Hyundai sells 5 million Sonatas worlwide

 

Hyundai, the world’s 8th largest automaker has been very successful worldwide in the recent past. The latest 6th generation Sonata, which was launched recently has manged very strong sales worldwide. The latest Sonata YF has been designed based Hyundai’s new ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language and looks fantastic.

Hyundai recently sold its 5 millionth Sonata. Hyundai launched the first generation Sonata way back in 1985 in the Korean market and the Sonata was launched in the international market only in its second generation in 1988. The largest market for the Sonata is Korea, where it is the country’s bestselling car. The next biggest market for the Hyundai Sonata is the USA.

When Hyundai launched the Sonata in India last decade, the car managed decent sales and the Indian car buyer developed a liking for it. But competition in the form of the Accord and the Camry, later joined by the Superb dampened Hyundai India’s hopes on the Sonata. The next gen Sonata Transform was an excellent car it also managed only average numbers.

We hope the latest generation Hyundai Sonata YF is hopefully given a favorable ecosystem in India. It has the potential to take over its plush looking Japanese rivals with looks and technology. Hyundai would be bringing the Sonata YF to India not anytime soon but in the distant future.
 

How About More Than One Type of Driver's License?

How About More Than One Type of Driver's License? What if we tried a tiered licensing system? It's self-evident that there's a wide range of driving ability - from the barely competent to the highly skilled. Yet we have a one-size-fits-all licensing policy. And worse, traffic laws based on the least common denominator. This is a pretty clumsy and counterproductive approach, if you stop to think about it.

For openers, it breeds cynicism and lack of respect for the traffic code on the part of better-than-average drivers - who not only resent being ticketed for violating rules designed for the inept (such as no turn on red) but know full well that driving faster than an artificially low speed limit is by no means "unsafe" - despite the DMV and insurance company agit-prop. Rather, it's just a means for extracting money to fund this or that municipal project - albeit without resort to an open, overt tax.

Widespread contempt for these little rules - and those who enforce them - is another side effect. Traffic control devices (signs, lights, etc.) quickly lose their informational value. When speed limits are routinely under-posted, we become habituated to ignoring them. Curves posted 45 mph are taken at 60 without the slightest drama. We learn that such signs are worthless as far as their "warning" value is concerned. It's all contrived - whereas a properly posted speed limit would actually provide useful information about the fastest safe speed for a given stretch of road.

And: The not-so-competent have very little incentive to get better. Their marginal driving ability is reinforced and even rewarded. This tends to create more (and worse) bad drivers - in a road-bound manifestation of Gresham's Law. Instead of doing something about drivers too addled or inept to gauge the flow of cross traffic, we pass No Turn on Red laws. Rather than ticket (or send off for remedial instruction) drivers who come to a stop on freeway on-ramps, we put up traffic lights to institutionalize incompetence - treating everyone as if they were as helpless and inept as the worst drivers out there.

While all this is going on the automakers work overtime developing ingenious (but complex and expensive) technology to, essentially, idiot-proof cars. Anti-lock brakes make skidding out harder. But we now have drivers who have no idea how to handle a skid when one does happen - as on ice, where ABS is ineffective.

Stability and traction control systems keep the vehicle tracking straight even under inclement conditions and very high speeds. But this arguably creates a false sense of security - making the Average Joe feel like Michael Schumacher. So he drives much faster, under more tenuous conditions. When loss of control does happen (computers can only do so much) the results are often much more catastrophic due to the higher speeds involved. Maybe a tiered licensing system would reverse the trend, at least a little bit.

What does a "tiered" licensing system mean? In brief, it would be a system with more than one level of driver's license. Demonstrated higher skill would qualify an applicant for a higher tier license. And with it would come certain privileges, such as the right to drive faster on certain roads (such as highways) which would have a lane reserved for high-speed traffic.

There's no reason why a driver capable of holding an SCCA license shouldn't be able to drive at 80 or 90 mph on a modern Interstate - other than the dumbed-down leveling of our currently set up traffic laws, which assume everyone on the road is as marginally skilled as the most marginally skilled driver out there. Which is like putting the bright kid in with the Specials. He's frustrated - and the Specials get no benefit from dragging him to their level - other than perhaps indulging their envy. Which if vicious anyhow and ought not to be the basis for policy of any kind.

To those who say a tiered system would be an administrative nightmare and impossible to enforce - one has only to look across to the pond to England, where a tiered licensing system for motorcycles has existed for years. The basic principle is identical: New/inexperienced riders must acquire proficiency (and ride smaller cc, less powerful machines) until they've shown they can handle more - at which point they may graduate to a full license and ride whatever machine they wish to ride. It works for the Brits; it could work for us, too.

We could have a basic license - which entitles the bearer to operate a motor vehicle on public roads, but which prohibits him from (for example) making rights on red - or using the high-speed lanes on the Interstate.

The "top" license would confer special privileges - including the right to make a right (or even a left) on red and to use high-speed lanes set aside for high-speed traffic. To qualify, the applicant would need to take and pass a course of high-speed/high-performance/accident avoidance driving techniques such as those currently given to law enforcement personal - or (in the private sector) by schools such as those run by Skip Barber and Bob Bondurant. The applicant would need to demonstrate proficiency not merely at driving fast - but at driving fast safely.

But that would only be half of it. A high-skilled driver (just like a high-skilled martial artist) may use his higher skills irresponsibly. To counter that, the tiered system would contain provisions calling for immediate revocation of privileges for confirmed abuse (such as reckless driving) as well as a major review (with possible revocation) anytime the bearer is involved in an at-fault accident.

Penalties for operating a vehicle on the restricted high-speed lanes (or exercising "top" license privileges such as making a right on red) when not properly licensed would also have to be severe enough to make anyone think twice about abusing the system. Arrest on the spot. Vehicle impounded and (upon conviction of the owner) sold at auction. End of story. Violations would likely be few and far between. And we'd enjoy freer-flowing roads, less henpecky and counterproductive laws - and misuse of police manpower, too. Everything would run a lot more smoothly.

But it will never happen - for despite all the talk about America being a merit-based society, the reality is that on the roads, it's socialism - from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs. No one's allowed to rise above the level of the least common denominator. At least, not without risking a piece of payin' paper!

Hyundai wants hydrogen infrastructure to be built

Hyundai Motor Co. has announced it has joined Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Honda Motor Co,, Ltd,, Renault, Toyota and Nissan to urge world's governments and especially energy companies to speed up development of easily accessible and affordable hydrogen infrastructure to ensure the successful introduction of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) into the marketplace.

World's leading automakers announced that they addressed a Letter of Understanding to all major oil and energy companies and government organizations to call on these organizations to propel the development of hydrogen refuelling stations around the world.

"A hydrogen infrastructure network with sufficient density is required by 2015 and the network should be built-up from metropolitan areas via corridors into area-wide coverage." The companies "strongly support the idea of building-up a hydrogen infrastructure in Europe, with Germany as starting point and at the same time developing similar concepts for the market penetration of hydrogen infrastructure in other regions of the world.

Fuel cell electric vehicles are part of Hyundai's "Blue Drive" strategy, which will bring to market a wide range of eco-friendly products and technologies designed to reduce CO2 emissions and improve fuel efficiency.

Hyundai's FCEV program has been gaining momentum with plans in place to start limited series production by 2012. Hyundai plans to expand its demo fleet of FCEV's to 200 units by 2010, including SUVs and city buses, then slowly ramp up production starting in 2012.

As a part of that ("Blue Drive") initiative, Hyundai will unveil four Blue Drive models at the forthcoming Frankfurt Auto Show, which starts tomorrow. [Source: Hyundai-Blog]