Small SUV by Mazda

Many are longing to have a smaller version of the SUV and it is such a relief that Mazda plans to build one. The SUV Mazda plans to build is close to their rear-wheel-drive MX-5. One can say that it is a small version of that. And since plans are not all there is in coming up with a new vehicle, Mazda has already decided to introduce their RWD SUV at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

James Muir, the big boss in Mazda Europe, shares his vision. “I do see SUVs getting smaller and being more car-like in their behavior. Maybe we can look at rear-wheel-drive platform sharing and we have a rear-wheel-drive platform with the MX-5.”

Did you know that Diesels are aiming to be the new hybrid?

Automakers are already looking into this possibility. The problem lies in that the diesel is most often used for dirty engines. Hence, it has a hard time making progress in the United States market. However this is the case, new emissions technology already does something to solve this dilemma. As a result, these “oil burners” already attained a clean bill of health in all 50 states. This means that we can expect progress in the coming years. Diesels may really turn out to be the next hybrid.

Customized Tony Chi Audi R8

According to Audi America, the R8’s are available everywhere except for The Audi R8 that is designed by the architect and interior designer that is behind the Park Hyatt Shanghai’s interiors as well as the Skylofts of Las Vegas. It is said that this version of the R8 is included in the Bergdorf Goodman’s 2007 holiday catalog. It will be auctioned until December 14 and the proceedings will be donated to the charity the winner chooses. This version of the Audi R8 has 420 horsepower, 4.2 liter FSI V8 engine.

2010 Welcomes the Chevy Volt Electric Vehicle

General Motors officially declared the date for its Chevy Volt rollout to be November 2010. There is also talk of a new Walt Disney theme park in Epcot which will feature the advanced Volt electric car.

Chevy Volt was first introduced in Detroit last January with hopes it will leapfrog the advantage Toyota hybrids have given on the road. However, the new production model the drivetrain will look different from the famous model GM publicly revealed in Detroit.

The Volt will not need gasoline if one will only use it to drive for 40 miles or less. Its small engine gets its energy from the car battery and it also makes use of fuel if travel will go beyond 40 miles.

Little Scion

Also at the SEMA 2007, Ridemakerz and Scion teamed up to come up with a program that allows for auto enthusiasts to create their own Scion “Ride” without having to shell out a lot of money. The program features seven customization steps that make way for 649 million distinct tuning possibilities for the toy car. The best part of it is that once one gets finished with all the customizing, one will get a 12 inch long Scion xB that comes in fiberglass-over foam. Apart from this, it a custom plate also comes with it and a Certificate of Title that includes a Ride Identification Number (RIN).

Wheels go ‘round Bigger

In the past, having 20-inch rims already seems to be a little too much. Well, times have really changed and rims are getting bigger and bigger. Having 22-inch rims, 24s, 26s and even any diameter lower than 30 inches is becoming a norm nowadays. In fact, rims up to 32 inches, 34s, and even 42 inches are already available. These extremely huge rims were featured at the recently concluded SEMA show.

Here are some of the wheels that were featured at the SEMA show:

This is perfect for anyone who would love to go around with President George Washington. These awesome rims measure 30 inches in its diameter. Some are thinking that maybe a 25 diameter rim would best fit this design since 25 means a quarter and this rim is kindda like a quarter. For me though, 30 inches is just fine. It’s the artist’s prerogative.

Here’s another one:

Now that is what I call a gambler’s rim. Perfect for anyone who has a love for cars and loves to have the roulette spin. Ain’t it wonderful? With every step on the gas, the wheels a la roulette also turns.