America's leading automotive lifestyle publication, AUTOMOBILE Magazine, has announced the winners of its 2008 AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE All-Stars Awards which delivers an special range of vehicles at the top of their category. Let's check it out!

"This year's list includes a number of stalwart All-Stars winners, namely the iconic BMW 3-series, as well as new entries, such as Chevy's impressive new Malibu and the sexy Volvo C30. These ten cars are the year's most exciting cars, our picks for the vehicles we'd most like to personally own in our dream garage," said Jean Jennings, the editor-in-chief of AUTOMOBILE Magazine.

Each year, the editors and bureau chiefs of AUTOMOBILE Magazine convene to test, evaluate, and debate the performance, significance, and pure enthusiast appeal of the cars that have made the biggest impact. The prestigious list of the deserving award winners is featured in the January 2008 issue, available on newsstands December 4, 2007.

AUTOMOBILE Magazine's list of 2008 All-Stars, with editorial assessments, includes:

• Chevrolet Malibu
  
• Infiniti G37/G35
  
• Volvo C30
  
• Chevrolet Corvette
  
• Mazda CX-9
  
• Volkswagen GTI
  
• BMW 3-series
  
• Mercedes-Benz S-class
  
• Lotus Elise
  
• Porsche Boxster/Cayman

Criteria and Evaluation

The AUTOMOBILE magazine All-Stars were selected by the AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE staff, its worldwide department chiefs, and its contributors right after a thorough test driving of the year's most ground-breaking and significant new cars. Cars considered for the All-Stars awards have the following qualities:

• Redefines an existing category or generates a new market segment
  
• Provides exceptional value and performance for the money
  
• Showcases an exceptional design
  
• Provides pure driving enjoyment
  

We all know about the stricter fuel emission standards in the US today and car makers have exerted efforts on making quality hybrid cars for the US car market. Just like Tesla Motors which is extending its horizons on making quality electric cars for the drivers in the US. Now, they are employing 250 employees in their Silicon Valley plant to make its greener Tesla Roadster as the AIADA newsletter reported.

Celebrities like George Clooney and Matt Damon have already deposited $98,000 for the Tesla Roadster and aside from that there are also several celebrities doing the same, the rumors said. Or perhaps you know that Silicon Valley A-listers like the Google guys are Tesla investors.

"Everybody will tell you that starting a car company is really hard. And they're right," says Tesla's cofounder Martin Eberhard. "They have a real shot at success. Their Roadster, if and when fully reliable, is an extremely attractive proposition," says Bob Lutz GM car czar. The Tesla Motors also hopes that their followers would be patient enough to wait for the right time they reveal the car.

The new car is given 950-pound bundle of 6,831 lithium-ion cells, which they say is the same size as an AA battery. And they say they will be doing efforts on making quality cars so they would not only be known as battery maker. They are going to make the AA batteries available on the new vehicle. And they will do this to bring out a new sport car for the Hollywood set.

Aside from manufacturing the electric car, they are still planning to do more cars on their line up. They still plan to do the five-passenger luxury sports sedan names White Star which will be going out in 2010.

"This is only interesting if we go mass market. The world isn't lacking for interesting sports cars," Musk said.

Something powerful and venomous will be delivered by Dodge soon…

Chrysler LLC announced today the manufacturing launch of the new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10, which is being built at the company's Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit.

At the said plant workers called "Craftspersons" hand-build the new Dodge Viper SRT10 and all-new 600hp 8.4-liter SRT V-10 engine. Using 26 work stations on a 705-foot-long assembly line, 48 hand-picked UAW workers assemble each vehicle.

"Our assembly process is just as exceptional as the car," said Melissa Holobach, Plant Manager - Conner Avenue Assembly Plant, Sterling Heights Vehicle Test Center (SHVTC) and Pilot Operations. "The process of building these vehicles by hand has allowed us the freedom to produce race-inspired performance without the constraints of mass production," Holobach said. "Our workforce is committed to producing the best vehicles possible and it shows in their commitment to detail."

The new Dodge Viper continues to set the definition of extreme yet refined output. The new 2008 SRT10 version boasts more of what performance aficionados crave: more horsepower, benchmark braking, a race-inspired interior, world-class ride and handling, and bold exterior styling.

According to the automaker, each Dodge Viper is primarily made of 7 component modules consist of instrument panel, fuel tank, suspension corner modules, cooling module, wheels and tires, lift gate assembly and full dressed engine. With the exception of the engine, all modules are shipped to the Conner facility from other locations. Stamping, casting and welding all take place off-site with body panels arriving already painted.

"The 2008 Dodge Viper continues to be an icon for not only the Dodge brand but the Company," said Frank Ewasyshyn, Executive Vice President - Manufacturing. "Compared to our other manufacturing facilities, this is a very labor-intensive plant, but to build the Dodge Viper any other way wouldn't be right. This small craft shop allows us to produce a true American legend."

Since its introduction as a concept car at the 1989 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Dodge Viper has captured the hearts and imagination of aficionados around the globe. The 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 is offered in both Roadster and Coupe versions. With its dramatic styling and 600hp and 560 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 is dubbed the ultimate American sports car.

Chrysler said the new 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 will arrive in Dodge showrooms in North America this fall with a new level of customization options, including 5 new exterior colors, 4 new interior color combinations and a new wheel design.

Street and Racing Technology
SRT produces the automaker’s boldest, most distinctive products by single- mindedly following its core vision. That is to deliver benchmark performance at an affordable price without compromising absolute integrity and credibility.

Every SRT vehicle showcases five key aspects: exterior styling that resonates with the brand image; race-inspired interiors; world-class ride and handling characteristics across a dynamic range; benchmark braking; and standout powertrain.

credits: The Auto Channel

Having been praised by one of the world's renowned magazine institutions, Popular Mechanics, Ford earned another achievement to be added up in their shelf of successes! Ford SYNC was credited along with a Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award at a ceremony at the Hearst Tower in New York City last Wednesday. Now on their third consecutive year, the Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Awards were established to be familiar with products that set new standards in creativity, design and engineering as well as personalities and groups that are making efforts to develop lives and enlarge possibilities in the areas of science, exploration and technology.

"Popular Mechanics is, at its core, devoted to recognizing innovations that re-imagine the role that technology and science plays in our lives. All of this year's group of Breakthrough Product Award winners do just that - and demonstrate the wide range of industries that can be transformed through smart, creative engineering," says James Meigs, the Editor-in-Chief of Popular Mechanics.

The editors of Popular Mechanics investigated a great variety of experts and scholars to provide the list of commendable nominees in choosing the candidates and winners of the 2007 Breakthrough Awards program. PM's Board of Advisors then reviewed the nominations to help the editors of Popular Mechanics choose the ultimate winners. 

"It's a game-changing technology that will make in-car connectivity more affordable and more widely available than ever before," says Jim Buczkowski, the director of Electrical Systems Engineering at Ford who accepted the award on behalf of the SYNC team and thanked the editorial staff of Popular Mechanics for recognizing SYNC.

According to www.ford.com, the Ford SYNC was developed on the Microsoft Auto software platform which is scheduled to launched this fall in 12 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles.  It is an advanced software platform that provides consumers the convenience and flexibility to bring digital media players - Apple iPods, Microsoft Zunes, and other MP3 players - and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones into their vehicles and operate the devices via voice commands or with the steering wheel's redundant radio controls.  Simply put, with SYNC, consumers are able to use their voice to command their digital media players and Bluetooth mobile phones.

"The system is as flexible as a Romanian gymnast," noted senior editor Chuck Tannert, writing about the new system in the October 2007 issue of Popular Mechanics. "Since its functionality is software based, adding capability simply entails downloading a file.  Voice command is another sweet spot... the best we've tried."

The Ford Fusion is one handsome car and it's not surprising that the Dearborn automaker is counting on this car to help them get back to profitability.  Personally, I instantly liked the Fusion for its grille design. As for performance, I still have to test drive one to judge if it really fits me.

But reviews for the Fusion have been positive. Take for example, automedia.com's review of the Fusion which reads:  "We like it, and Ford hopes you do, too, because it's the newest face of the Ford passenger. The profile is sleek and wedgy, with a high rear deck (for aero efficiency and trunk room) and triangular tail lamps with bright borders and large backup lenses."

For the 2008 model year, the Ford Fusion will be given a new package to further enhance its sportiness.  Ford's newsletter announced that the 2008 Ford Fusion SE and SEL variants will be offered with a Sport Appearance Package.  Don't be fooled though that the package only enhances the appearance of the car.  Although the package includes components designed to make a Fusion look sportier than ever, the package also improves the performance of the car.

On the outside, the automaker said that what will be added are the following: "18-inch machined aluminum wheels - a first for Fusion - plus body-color fog-lamp surrounds and a unique rear lip spoiler. The Fusion's signature three-bar over two-bar grille also gets a sophisticated, smoky 'black chrome' look."

On the inside, the package adds: "a charcoal black interior trim with contrasting red stitching that is included on the leather-wrapped steering wheel and the center console... satiny, brushed aluminum face also envelops the radio and radio controls."

Performance wise, the package gives the Fusion sport-tuned suspension system which gives the Fusion a better handling. The suspension system that comes with the package includes bigger rear stabilizer bars, stiffer springs and dampened struts.

Jonathan Richards, the Ford Fusion marketing manager, said: "We did this to give our Fusion customers the chance to really dress up the exterior and interior of their cars. Fusion customers are into appearance, and they want a sporty-looking package to go with Fusion's already great handling. This Sport Appearance Package helps deliver that both inside and out."

Other features of the Ford Fusion are:

• Ford SYNC, a Bluetooth-enabled, voice-activated system that allows hands-free phone calling and digital media playing. 
• a voice-activated, DVD-based Navigation System and Sirius satellite radio. 
• the Ambient Lighting Package which adds the glow of seven selectable hues to the front and rear footwells and the front cupholders. 
• a Moon and Tune package that puts a power moonroof overhead and a premium eight-speaker Audiophile Sound System all around.
  

Fall is nearly approaching and motorists should be aware of the possibilities of meeting deer while traveling along the Michigan highway. October and November are declared as the two most dangerous months in Michigan for deer-car crashes. 

The Chair of the Michigan Deer Crash Coalition (MDCC) Jack Peet said in a statement, "Car-deer crashes in Michigan cause at least $130 million in damage annually, with an average cost of $2,135 per vehicle." Governor Jennifer M. Granholm is also aware of the fact so she proclaimed October as "Michigan Car-Deer Crash Safety Awareness Month."

Last year, Michigan received a huge 4% increase on all the total numbers of deer-car crashes. In 2006, there was a huge number of 60,875 deer-vehicle crashes in Michigan as reported by the Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center. In 2005, there were 58,741 crashes noted in the City and according to the officials, there are even few more crashes which have not been reported. And each year, the numbers go higher and higher. Last year, 12 people died in crashes and more than 1,477 people were injured because of it. 

Terri Lynn Land, the Michigan Secretary of State, said, "To reduce the number of car-deer deaths and injuries, motorists are encouraged to stay aware, awake, alert and sober. Motorists should remember to always fasten their safety belts. Safety belts often make the difference in surviving a serious crash."

The following is the list of places in Michigan where there are much deer-car crash encounters:

• Kent County (2,208)
  
• Jackson (2,017)
  
• Oakland (1,866)
  
• Calhoun (1,817)
  
• Montcalm (1,576)
  
• Ingham (1,530)
  
• Eaton (1,420)
  
• Lapeer (1,373)
  
• Kalamazoo (1,354)
  
• Clinton (1,265)

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said, "Car-deer crashes can occur at anytime or anywhere. However, motorists need to be extra alert in the fall. Crashes can happen suddenly and instantly. Being aware and prepared is one way to stay safe and minimize harm."

These deer-car crashes happen during dusk and dawn and usually occur on a two lane road. This survey had an 80% accuracy and motorists have agreed on the fact that it happens. According to the Department of Natural Resources Field Coordinator Penney Melchoir, deer usually comes in piles and when you see one or two crossing the road, chances are there are more that wait on the sides.

Another concerned organization dedicated to reduce deer-car crashes incidents known as the Michigan Deer Crash Coalition also expressed its concern to avoid hitting more deer. The report coming from the police also shows that most crashes happen when a driver tries not to hit the deer and eventually hits another object like trees and blocks. So, there is no other choice but to strike the animal.

They also released these tips from their website. If a crash with a deer is unavoidable, the MDCC recommends these to drivers:

• DON'T SWERVE!
  
• Brake firmly.
  
• Hold onto the steering wheel with both hands.
  
• Come to a controlled stop.
  
• Steer your vehicle well off the roadway.

These are the Michigan Deer Crash Coalition (MDCC) members:

• AAA Michigan
  
• Federal Highway Administration
  
• Insurance Institute of Michigan
  
• Kent County Road Commission
  
• Michigan United Conservation Clubs
  
• Michigan Department of Natural Resources
  
• Michigan Department of State
  
• Michigan Department of Transportation
  
• Michigan Sheriffs' Association
  
• Office of Highway Safety Planning
  
• SEMCOG (Southeast Michigan Council of Governments)
  
• State Farm Insurance
  
• United Parcel Service
  

If you live in Canada and are looking for a new car to buy, why don't you consider purchasing a new hybrid car? I mean, it uses up less fuel than an ordinary car. And contrary to what others think, they have the performance to top their class-mates. The 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid is one of these hybrid cars I'm talking about.  And this hybrid car is now available in Canada with a starting price of $32,000.

Let us talk about what you would be getting once you plop down your savings for a 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid.  First, the powertrain.  The 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid uses a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with dual overhead cams, 16 valves, variable valve timing and an electronic throttle control system. All the said systems work together to get the best out of every drop of fuel. This makes the internal combustion engine cleaner and wallet-friendly.  This ICE is complemented by an electric motor which produces as much as 138 lb-ft of torque.  This is delivered instantaneously to the wheels thus giving it better acceleration than ordinary vehicles.

As you already know, the electric motor takes on the responsibility of powering the vehicle during light load and low speed operations. This means that less fuel will be burned by the gasoline engine.  In city driving where frequent acceleration and deceleration is common, a hybrid powertrain with the electric motor handling the load during deceleration is the most logical vehicle of choice.

Plus, you will join other Canadians who have discovered that it is time to switch to a Camry Hybrid.  Mr. Tony Wearing of Toyota Canada said that there has been an increase in the sale of Camry Hybrids in the country.  "We are thrilled that Canadians have embraced the Camry Hybrid. The Camry Hybrid has accounted for almost 20 percent of all Canadian Camry line sales in the first 7 months of this year," said Mr. Wearing.  "Canadian drivers are discovering, the Camry Hybrid delivers more than just great fuel efficiency and a fraction of the tailpipe emissions of a conventional automobile. It's also big on performance thanks to smooth and powerful hybrid acceleration and Toyota's top of the line vehicle dynamics and control technologies."

As for technological features that you might be looking for on a new car, the Camry Hybrid offers a top of the line JBL Synthesis Audio System, featuring an AM/FM stereo/in-dash 6-disc CD changer/MP3/WMA player plus audio auxiliary input jack, Bluetooth capability, eight speakers and steering wheel-mounted audio system controls. Cool, eh?

The trend is this: Cars are getting smaller and smaller while occupants are getting fatter and fatter. How ironic.

As automakers endeavor to produce small fuel-efficient cars, occupants actually become bigger and bigger. The obesity epidemic has affected a significant percentage of the market especially in the western world. Ask yourself: Am I too fat for my car? Would the answer make your car's Mitsubishi Eclipse radiator overheat?

American government guidelines on the maximum weight that a car can carry can easily be exceeded before any luggage is even added, USA Today reported.

The guidelines came in 2006, partly as a result of the 2000 Firestone tyre recall, Auto Car divulged. Some of the blame for the failure of the tires, which caused in many roll-over crashes, was laid with overloading. Consequently, car manufacturers added a maximum weight limit for their cars. In the US, these limits have generally been calculated using an average passenger weight of 150lb - which is 68kg, or almost 11 stone. Even in the EU, the average driver weight is taken as 75kg.

USA Today said that it means that two-seat sports car such as the Corvette C6 and Mazda MX-5 (max capacity 340lb, 155kg) aren't certified to carry two 200lb (90kg, 14 stone) adults.

Based on the report, it's not just sports cars that are a problem, either. It appears that most five-seaters, like the Honda Accord, are rated at 850lb (385kg), so five 170lb (77kg) adults would fill the car to their limit, before any luggage.

How bad is the epidemic? Americans are not just getting fatter, they are ballooning to extremely obese proportions at an alarming rate. The number of extremely obese American adults - those who are at least 100 pounds overweight - has quadrupled since the 1980s to about 4 million. That works out to about 1 in every 50 adults, Fox News reported.

The findings by a RAND Corp. researcher reflect that the number of extremely obese adults has surged twice as fast as the number of less severely obese adults. On the scale of obesity, "as the whole population shifts to the right, the extreme categories grow the fastest," said RAND economist Roland Sturm. "These people have the highest health care costs," he added.

Sturm said that health problems associated with obesity, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and arthritis, probably affect the extremely obese disproportionately and at young ages. Sturm analyzed annual telephone surveys conducted nationwide by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. His report covers surveys from 1986 through 2000.

Dr. Mary Vernon, a trustee of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians, said that the study reflects what doctors who specialize in treating obesity are seeing in their offices. Vernon said that the number of her patients weighing 300 to 350 pounds or so has doubled in the past several years.

She noted that the biggest challenge in treating severely obese people, who typically have tried mightily to lose weight, "is giving them enough hope that it's worth trying again."