Nissan Esflow concept rendering

Nissan has just announced it's bringing a new sports car concept called the Esflow to the Geneva Motor Show next month. The released images show a vehicle with classic sporty proportions, but we're advised its potential for shrieking rubber has been tempered by the environmental credentials that electric propulsion can bring.

The Esflow uses tech developed for the mass-market Leaf EV hatchback, but uses a separate motor to turn each rear wheel and should hit 60 miles per hour from a standstill in under five seconds. The laminated lithium batteries are mounted low to help out the center of gravity and are said to be good for 150 miles (240 km) per charge. Any weight penalty of the energy storage system is offset by an rollbar-integrated aluminum chassis swathed in a composite shell.

Smart Roof Strength

The Smart ForTwo is the only mini-car rated by IIHS that did well in their latest roof crush tests. Their roof test is intended to help consumers choose cars that will protect them in rollover crashes. Why do roof tests matter? About 10,000 people are killed each year in rollover crashes. Stronger roofs don't collapse, helping protect and keeping passengers inside vehicles as they roll.







Several months back the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety reported some not too positive findings concerning head-on crash tests with the Fortwo and midsize cars. This report concerning the smart fortwo brought on an irritated response from smart USA.
2009-smart-crash-testThe Smart Fortwo was matched against a C-class Mercedes-Benz-performed the poorest, going airborne and rotating 450 degrees during the crash.

Smart USA fired back at the IIHS calling them "extreme test." smart USA immediately set up a new website for owners to share their safety stories or even some unsafe stories at www.safeandsmart.com.

I'm sure smart USA and Penske feel different about these latest tests!



Smart Fortwo rates good for roof strength; test is designed to assess & compare occupant protection in rollover crashes



ARLINGTON, VA — The Smart Fortwo has the strongest roof and the Chevrolet Aveo has the weakest among 2009 micro and mini-cars recently tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Smart earns the highest rating of good compared with acceptable for the Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Mini Cooper, and Toyota Yaris. The Aveo is rated marginal.



The rating system is based on Institute research showing that occupants in rollover crashes benefit from stronger roofs. Vehicles rated good must have roofs that are more than twice as strong as the current minimum federal safety standard requires. The ratings, products of the Institute's new roof strength testing program, add to consumer information tests that rate vehicles for front, side, and rear crashworthiness. The roof test is designed to help consumers pick vehicles that will help protect them in rollover crashes.



"We anticipate that our roof strength test will drive improved rollover crash protection the same way our frontal offset and side tests have led to better occupant protection in these kinds of crashes," says Institute president Adrian Lund.



Roofs have gotten stronger during the past few years, Institute research shows. Part of the reason is that automakers have made structural improvements to earn better front and side ratings in Institute tests. Strong A and B pillars help prevent intrusion in these types of crashes. They also help hold up the roof.



"Small cars should have an easier time with the roof strength test," Lund explains. "Their light weight means their roofs don't have to work as hard to keep the structure around the occupants intact in a rollover."



About 10,000 people a year are killed in rollovers. When vehicles roll, their roofs hit the ground, deform, and crush. Stronger roofs crush less, reducing the risk of injury from contact with the roof itself. Stronger roofs also can prevent people, especially those who aren't using safety belts, from being ejected through windows, windshields, or doors that have broken or opened because the roof deformed. Roofs that don't collapse help keep people inside vehicles as they roll.



The best protection is to keep vehicles from rolling in the first place. Electronic stability control is significantly reducing rollovers, especially fatal single-vehicle ones. When vehicles do roll, side curtain airbags help protect people. Belt use is essential.



How roofs are evaluated: In the Institute's test, a metal plate is pushed against 1 side of a roof at a constant speed. To earn a good rating, a roof must withstand a force of 4 times the vehicle's weight before reaching 5 inches of crush. This is called a strength-to-weight ratio. For an acceptable rating, the minimum required ratio is 3.25. A marginal rating value is 2.5. Anything lower than that is poor.



"Compared with the current federal standard of 1.5, a strength-to-weight ratio of 4 reflects an estimated 50 percent reduction in the risk of serious or fatal injury in single-vehicle rollover crashes," Lund explains.



The Smart withstood a force of 5.4 times its weight. The Aveo withstood a force of just over 3 times its weight.



Cars have been built to meet the same roof crush standard, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 216, since 1973. The rule was extended in 1994 to include all passenger vehicles up to a gross weight rating of 6,000 pounds. Many SUVs and pickup trucks are heavier, so they're exempt.



New federal requirements: In April the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ended numerous delays by unveiling a new rule that doubles the current roof strength requirement (strength-to-weight ratio of 1.5) for vehicles with weight ratings up to 6,000 pounds. Roofs on vehicles with weight ratings 6,000 to 10,000 pounds will be required to withstand a force equal to 1.5 times their unloaded weight. Another requirement is that roofs maintain sufficient headroom during testing. For the first time, the government also will require the same performance on both sides of the roof when tested sequentially. Phase-in begins in September 2012, and all vehicles must comply by September 2016.



"The federal government's leisurely phase-in of the new standard means roofs won't have to get stronger right away," Lund says, "so we plan to continue rating vehicle roof strength for the foreseeable future. We want to reward manufacturers who are ahead of their competition when it comes to providing protection in rollover crashes. We want to help consumers identify the safest vehicle choices."



Roof ratings added to award criteria: A good roof strength rating will be a new requirement to earn the Institute's Top Safety Pick award for 2010. This is the second time criteria for this award have been tightened since the first winners were announced in 2005. Availability of electronic stability control became a requirement starting with 2007s.

"Adding roof strength to Top Safety Pick criteria means we're going to see fewer winners in 2010," Lund points out. A record 84 vehicles have qualified for the 2009 award so far.

Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce China Limited Edition

Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce China Limited Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

Okay, Lamborghini. We get it. It's got 670 horsepower. It has all-wheel drive. It's really fast. It's made for China. It's a limited edition model. Did you really need to put all of that information in the name? The exclusive features of the car over the standard model perhaps takes less time to describe: An orange stripe symbolizing the "strength of an erupting volcano" (poorly timed) over flat gray paint and... well, that's about it. Oh, and a numbered badge with the owner's name. After all, nothing makes you feel special like a numbered badge.

Introduced by the Italian supercar builder today at the Beijing Motor Show to solidify its commitment to building its brand in China, the Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce China Limited Edition should help Lamborghini continue to grow its presence in the country, where it expanded business last year by 11 percent and will be launching its eighth Chinese dealership this week. A cause for celebration, no? Hit the jump for the press release or check out the gallery below to see what a Murcielago LP670-4 SV looks like with a slightly different paint job.

Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce China Limited Edition

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Gallery: Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce China Limited Edition

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Credit 101 What is Credit? | How Do I Get Credit? | Credit Precautions | Glossary

What is Credit?
Credit is "extended" to you when someone lends you money or assets, and trusts you to pay it back. It gives you the ability to buy today and pay tomorrow.
There are two types of credit:

* Unsecured: There is no asset or collateral being used to secure the debt. An example of unsecured credit is a credit card.
* Secured: Some type of collateral is used to secure the debt. This can be a house, car or boat that the lender can take back if the loan isn't paid.

Benefits of Credit


* Easier to buy a house
* Easier to finance a car
* In some cases, necessary to get car insurance
* Convenience
* Emergencies
* Safer than carrying cash
* Easier to rent an apartment
* Ability to rent a car
* Allows you to make purchases over the internet
* Some jobs may have a credit check requirement
* Can use it to pay college expenses
* Necessary to build a credit history

Risks of Credit


* Easier to make impulse purchases
* Can accumulate more debt than you can afford
* Misunderstanding of complicated terms and conditions

Know What You Need

Before you implement a contract, know exactly what it is that you need. Shop around to compare the offers - and above all the interest - of building societies, banks, independent financial brokers and dealers own arrangements.

Always compare like with like - if you must add up to € 2000 and intends to repay the loan within three years, each lender to ask the details of the APR (annual) for a loan of this amount, the size of the monthly payment more than 36 months, and the total amount to be repaid.

Remember to check the interest rate is fixed or variable.

Note that some systems can not buy the car, but rent long term!

Determine how much you can afford to pay per Mo. repay a loan adds to your costs, so they try to as soon as possible - to pay less in total interest paid on short-term loans.

Borrow only what you can afford to repay, and always try to buy as much of your own money as possible, pushing the car.
Clued-up on credit

Insert the largest deposit you can afford

Calculate how much you should borrow

Check out terms from different lenders

Compare like with like loan amount and term

Always check the APR (annual percentage rate)

Secured loans are cheaper than unsecured loans

Apply for your credit record if a credit refused

Contact with the borrower, if you can not keep up repayments

Make a payment scheme

Get comprehensive insurance for the car

Nissan Taking Orders for All-Electric Leaf By August 2010

In spite of all the recalls being issued and negative press regarding certain other Japanese automakers, Nissan is charging ahead with their innovative 2011 Leaf and plans to start taking orders by August 2010. While electric cars are nothing new, the Leaf, according to Nissan, is the first all-electric vehicle designed for the mass market.

When you consider that all previous electric models have only been available for lease, the fact that Nissan plans to make the Leaf available for purchase shows the company’s faith in all-electric technology. More than 50,000 potential customers have already signed up for the latest updates on the Leaf on Nissan’s new website, so you can expect those slots on the waiting list to fill up fairly quick.

Nissan says the first Leaf models could be delivered as early as December 2010 in select North American markets, so seeing the Leaf (in production form) on the road isn’t too far away. Pricing for the Leaf will be announced in April and an official waiting list will be set up shortly after where you can put down a fully-refundable $100 reservation fee for your own all-electric, zero-emission 2011 Nissan Leaf. Sign up here to keep up with all the details on the Leaf’s upcoming release.

BUYING GUIDE to New Compact Cars

Overview

Compact cars are popular given the current economic climate. Spiking gas prices and marked improvements in features have more shoppers opting more than ever for these "econo-boxes". Today, compact cars not only deliver excellent fuel economy but add sophisticated styling and everyday practicality at prices that won't break the bank. With more features offered as standard equipment, cars in this class offer excellent value.

Because of their smaller dimensions, they are more fuel efficient than mid-size cars, averaging anywhere from 20 to 50+ miles per gallon.

Model Price Range: $9,500 - $22,500

The Minimalist Approach

The 2010 Chevy Aveo in a no-frills base trim can be had for around $10,000. That means no power windows, no CD player, and no cruise control. Hey, nobody said life was fair. The good news is that these cars are built to be efficient, reliable, and cheaper to operate.

The 2010 Honda Fit, 2010 Nissan Versa, and 2010 Toyota Yaris are carryovers from 2009 and have gone through minor updates for 2010. The Versa has drawn praise for its styling, the Fit for its interior space and the Yaris for its overall package. The 2010 Fit is only available in a hatchback whereas the Versa and Yaris are available in hatchback and sedan body styles. Historically, all three models will have higher-than-average reliability.

Edmunds.com says that "The Honda Fit is a triumph of creativity, proof that good ideas don't have to be expensive. It seats four comfortably (five in a pinch), offers great fuel economy (above 33 mpg), and is as easy to live with as your best friend."

Motor Trend goes on to say "Like all Hondas, it comes better equipped than Heidi Klum, with ABS, six airbags, a 160-watt CD audio system, A/C, five cupholders, and power windows, mirrors, and door locks."

A Little More Room

If you are looking for something with a few more technical gizmos in addition to a roomier interior, give the 2010 Nissan Sentra a look. The Sentra now sports technological appointments previously found only in higher-priced models. Features like intelligent keyless entry, keyless ignition, Bluetooth , in-dash 6-CD changer with MP3 capability and satellite radio. Prices for the Sentra range from $15,000 for the base model to $21,000 to the souped-up 200-horsepower SE-R Spec V.

Car and Driver says "The SE-R Spec V edges the Honda Civic Si on turn-in, power, ride comfort, and overall livability. "

The 2010 Ford Focus continues to makes strides in this category, with a PZEV-trimmed version that averages 37 MPG highway, as do stalwart models like the Toyota Corolla with 41 MPG, the refined and fun-to-drive (not to mention aftermarket-parts-friendly) 2010 Honda Civic. And if you demand passing lane performance, the torquey 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI (diesel) is your ticket to merge comfortably, all while still offering fuel-sipping economy.

For More Performance

If it's flat-out performance you are looking for, you have a plethora of options in the Compact Car class, including the quick and nimble Mitsubishi Lancer, Subaru WRX, and the fifth generation 2010 Volkswagen Jetta Mk V (pronounced Mark Five). Another contender, the redesigned 2010 Mazdaspeed3, brings 263 horsepower to the party in a utilitarian package that boasts a snowboard-friendly cabin featuring fold down seats, which boosts interior room. And then there's the creme-de-la creme: the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X.

A refreshingly new angle on sport compacts comes from Volvo in the form of the Volvo C30. Featuring a stout 2.5L turbocharged & intercooled inline-5 synonymous with the Swedish manufacturer, the C30 takes the Mazdaspeed3 a step further in terms of utility by offering a roomier cabin (notably for rear seat occupants).

Customizable Compacts

Though the iconic shape of the MINI cars remains the same, MINI will launch an eagerly awaited revamp of its current model lineup, consisting of a larger and more powerful MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S (in both hatchback and convertible trim). The turbocharged inline-4 engine of the 2010 MINI Cooper S delivers zippy acceleration, going 0-60 in just 6.7 seconds and reaching top speeds of 140 MPH. Impressive handling is a result of a rigid unibody. With a bevy of color schemes and interiors amenities to choose from, you can customize your MINI to fit your individual persona. The best part is that it's all dealer installed for the perfect OEM-fit & finish, in addition to having the advantage of having the costs financed together with the base price of the vehicle.

Scion also offers a range of dealer-installed options for each of their three cars. The popular 2010 Scion tC remains unchanged for 2010, while both the Scion xB and xA receive minor updates with new color options and refreshed fascias. The xA has been replaced by the new xD. The xB gets a bumper in horsepower, boasting new accessory options to its already substantial list.

The 2010 xD continues to illustrate why Scion replaced the xA with itoffering more power, more room, and a more-appealing appearance. All for a bargain-basement price of around $15k.

Luxury Compacts

One new development in the Compact Car space is the arrival of luxury brands. Audi compressed its popular 2010 A4 into the 2010 A3, while the aforementioned 2010 Volvo C30 has also been released for the car buyer who wants a more upscale look and feel. For the buyer who wants even more performance and luxury, the 2010 BMW 128i and top-of-the-line 135i are available with fascia and trim updates for 2010.

These models can also be found in CarsDirect's Luxury Class, but we mention them here in the event that you are willing to shell out for expensive things in small packages.

Hybrid Compacts

This segment of vehicles was the first to sport hybrid technology, in which gasoline engines are paired with battery-powered motors to conserve gas and reduce emissions. With the discontinuation of the Honda Insight, the Toyota Prius becomes the most fuel-efficient car available, with an EPA estimated 51 miles per gallon in the city. Highway economy dips to 51mpg due to the inability of the brakes to partake in battery regeneration technology.

Four years after its redesign, the wildly popular Prius remains synonymous with the "green" car. Honda hopes to take away market share with the new 2010 Honda Insight, which can now run on only the electric motor at low speeds -- not possible with the previous generation.

Not only are hybrids excellent, fuel efficient vehicles, they are spacious and comfortable as well. The all-new 2010 Toyota Prius ranks first in Autos.com of overall comfort amongst popular compact cars and the Insight ranks a close 2nd.

Crossover Compacts

If you're in the market for a compact car, you may also want to consider more car-based crossover utility vehicles, or CUVs, which often deliver more durability and functionality.

Manufacturers are developing more and more of these "cute utes". Carryovers from 2009 include the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Chevy Equinox.

Compact Car Safety Guide

Recent developments in automotive technology have made safety features as commonplace as the seatbelt. Such features include antilock brakes (ABS), side airbags, side curtain airbags and active head restraints. In some cases, advanced safety technology may only be available as costly options, if at all, so it's important to do your research if safety is important to you.