Feds researching fire risks from EV batteries, regulator says

Federal safety regulators have begun an $8.75 million study of whether lithium ion batteries in electric vehicles pose a potential fire hazard, officials said Thursday.

Kevin Vincent, chief counsel of the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said researchers are looking at whether the high-voltage batteries can cause fires when they are being charged and when the vehicles are in an accident.

"We don't want anyone to burn down their house when they're charging the car," Vincent told a Washington conference co-sponsored by Volvo. "And no one has a good handle on the safety of the vehicle after a crash."

Vincent, explaining the reason for the research, noted the risk posed by 400-volt lithium ion batteries compared with standard 12-volt lead-acid batteries used in gasoline-powered vehicles.

One incident that caught the attention of regulators was computer-maker Dell Inc.'s recall in 2006 of 4.1 million lithium ion batteries in laptop computers. The Sony Corp.-made batteries posed a fire risk "under rare conditions," due to a manufacturing defect, Dell said at the time.

A NHTSA spokeswoman said there were no electric-vehicle fires that triggered the research, which is due to continue through 2014.

Most gasoline-electric hybrids today use nickel metal hydride batteries, but within 10 years, 70 percent of hybrids, and all plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles are expected to run on lithium ion batteries, some analysts forecast.

Charles Gassenheimer, CEO of Ener1, which makes lithium ion batteries for Volvo and Norwegian EV maker Think, said the biggest fire risk comes when a consumer over-charges an EV battery.

"That's when you might see a battery catch fire, not typically when a vehicle is on the road," he said.

Gassenheimer praised NHTSA's research effort.

"If we understand the fire risk, it can be mitigated down to a low probability," he said.

Vincent said EV and battery makers have been employing "safe strategies" thus far to contain any potential fire risks.

"It's essential that companies not have any incident of electric vehicles on fire," he said. "It could kill public acceptance of electric vehicles for all manufacturers."

NHTSA is working on the research with other federal agencies, including the Energy Department, Vincent said.

General Motors, which makes the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid, is assisting NHTSA researchers and has given them a tour of the company's new battery lab, GM spokesman Greg Martin said.

The Obama administration has set a goal of having 1 million electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids on the road by 2015.

500 by Gucci

The Project

In the year that sees the celebrations of 150 years of Italian unification and on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the establishment of the Gucci brand, Fiat and the Florence-based label present the "500 by Gucci", an important partnership between two brands that have always expressed Italian genius and creativity across the world.
The Style

The car is the result of intensive creative collaboration between Stile Fiat and Gucci, a co-design project where the work by the Italian designer label is devised to enhance the distinguishing traits of the iconic 500. Consequently, "500 by Gucci" represents the perfect blend of two stylistic approaches which, each in its respective field, have made Italian style so famous and influential all over the world, focusing as ever on attention to detail, the ongoing pursuit of quality materials, in the spirit of a simple yet refined elegance.
The exteriors

The new car features exteriors in two colours, Black or White, both enhanced by the exclusive paint with glass beads which make it shine like a gem. The same colour combination can be found on the key cover, which gives customers their first distinguishing sign of the "500 by Gucci".
Two colours, two distinct yet complementary souls: the black version, with shiny chrome details teamed with interiors that play on the sharp black and white contrast with its more aggressive and contemporary look, and the white version with the satin chrome details with ivory/black interiors for a softer, sophisticated look.
The exterior is further customised with rims mounted on 195/45 R16 tyres, with the unmistakable retro spoked design, to match the colour of the interiors, and embellished by the "diamanté" on the spokes, an absolute novelty on cars in this category.
The Gucci identity is even more evident with some of the refined details such as the hubcaps marked "GG" in the same colour as the bodywork and "Gucci" written in italics on the tailgate and on the door pillars. In addition, in line with the Gucci colours, the version equipped with the 100 HP 1.4 engine comes with brake callipers painted green.
In order to make the silhouette of the Fiat "500 by Gucci" distinctive, the car could not come without the red and green "web", the label's genuine signature recognised across the globe. It runs along the entire perimeter and becomes the connecting link between exterior and interior, since it is also featured on many interior details, such as the seats, the gearbox and the mats, but most of all, with an unusual and highly innovative treatment, on the seatbelts.
The interiors
Inside, the Fiat "500 by Gucci" offers an elegant and functional space, where attention has been lavished on the tiniest details, brimming with fashion references and embellished by exclusive materials, such as the glossy or satin chrome elements, the dashboard painted with a sophisticated velvet-effect treatment, the two-tone seats covered in Frau leather featuring the unmistakable "Guccissima" graphics, a bona fide status symbol which - across generations and cultures - is now a byword for glamour and contemporary appeal.

Audi R8 GT Spyder gets early unveiling at 2011 24 Hours of LeMans

The new Audi R8 GT Spyder got an early unveiling outside the Audi Racing Pavillion at the 2011 24 Hours of LeMans yesterday evening. The 552 hp V10 drop-top rocket uses carbon fiber panels and a lightened interior to lower weight compared to the standard R8 5.2 FSI quattro Spyder. Audi claims 62 mph arrives in just 3.8 seconds, and the car tops out at 197 mph.


All that horsepower travels through a six-speed sequential-manual gearbox with paddle shifters, along with an all-wheel drive system that uses a viscous coupling and rear-wheel-drive bias. Rounding out the package, Audi says updated aerodynamics versus the R8 Spyder help increase high-speed downforce: The package includes a dual-lip front splitter and different rear diffuser.


How about that roof? Audi says it opens in a mere 20 seconds, and can be dropped at speeds of up to 30 mph, after which it tucks itself beneath a carbon-fiber rear boot.


At the heart of the new Audi is a powered-up version of the standard R8 Spyder's 5.2-liter V10 engine kicking out 552 hp. Drive is sent through a standard six-speed sequential-manual gearbox with paddle-shift capability and a viscous-coupling all-wheel-drive system set up to provide a nominal rear-wheel-drive bias.


As with the R8 GT coupe, the R8 GT Spyder will be assembled in a run of just 333 cars at Audi's Neckarsulm manufacturing plant in Germany.

BMW to sell 19 Frozen Black Edition M3s in the U.S.

 

BMW has lined up a run of 20 M3 Coupes for the U.S. market with a special Frozen Black Edition package to promote its BMW Individual custom-ordering program.

The automaker will open an order line on June 16 for buyers to reserve 19 of the cars. The sticker price is $80,950, including the $875 shipping charge and a $1,300 federal gas-guzzler tax.

The cars will be delivered from late June through late July. BMW of North America says it will keep the 20th car and may sell it later.

The Frozen Black Edition M3 is painted in a metallic black with a matte-finish clear coat. The paint is accented with a gloss-black grille, side-gill elements and exhaust-pipe tips.

Red-painted brake calipers stand out behind black M3 GTS wheels, which are part of the Competition Package included in the model.

The black theme continues inside with black leather with red stitching on the seats, door inserts, armrests, middle console and door pulls.

The Frozen Black Edition M3 is powered by a 414-hp, 4.0-liter V8. Power is transferred through BMW's M dual-clutch transmission. BMW says the package propels the car from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.

BMW offered 30 copies of a limited-edition M3 coupe in summer 2010, wearing Frozen Gray paint.

Interested in a Frozen Black M3? Here's the number to call--(800) 245-4269--starting at 11:30 a.m. Eastern on June 16.

Read the full press release below:


PRESS RELEASE: The 2011 BMW Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupe


Woodcliff Lake, NJ - June 10th, 2011… BMW of North America today announced a production run of twenty identically-equipped 2011 Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupes for the United States. The 2011 Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupe features BMW Individual Frozen Black exterior paint with a deep metallic luster to accentuate the athletic lines of the legendary M3. Extended Novillo Leather with unique red-contrast stitching is also specified, as are M3 GTS black wheels, red brake calipers, and gloss black exterior trim elements. With the Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupe, BMW is celebrating the availability of its exotic Frozen paint colors under the custom-tailored BMW Individual program. MSRP will be $79,650 [1] , and a complete equipment list is provided at the end of this press release.


BMW M enthusiasts may call to reserve the first nineteen 2011 Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupes by dialing 1-800-245-4269 no earlier than 11:30AM Eastern Time (8:30AM Pacific) on Thursday, June 16, 2011. Nineteen of the twenty Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupes will become available for delivery in late June 2011 through Authorized BMW Centers, and the production run will be completed by the end of July 2011. The twentieth car will be held by BMW of North America and may be sold at a later date.


Each 2011 Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupe will be powered by the award-winning 4.0-liter, 414-horsepower M V8 engine, equipped with BMW's M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) which lowers the 0-60mph acceleration time of the M3 to 4.5 seconds from 4.7. Redline is a breathtaking 8,400 rpm.


The 2011 Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupe continues the tradition of innovation and passion for driving by incorporating key changes to the M3's dynamic qualities. The included Competition Package reduces vehicle ride height by 10mm and includes M3 GTS 19" wheels (in black for this Edition) with wider offset for enhanced stability, standard Electronic Damping Control with enhanced programming, and higher-threshold programming for the M Dynamic Mode.


About BMW Individual Frozen Paint Colors.

The special BMW Individual matte paintwork on the Frozen Black Edition M3 adds a rare metallic luster to the vehicle. Compared to conventional exterior colors with gloss finish, the sculpture-like character of Frozen Black paint highlights the athletic contours of the M3. To achieve this luster, a special BMW-developed silk matte clear coat is applied over the Black Metallic base coat. BMW Individual's Frozen paints meet or exceed all BMW standards for durability and longevity, and feature a full factory warranty. Special care guidelines are provided to customers and authorized BMW centers to prevent the finish from becoming glossy.


Four Generations of BMW M3.

Racing provided the reason for the original M3's 1986 creation. BMW produced the M3 as a road-going homologation version of its 3 Series to gain eligibility to compete in the German Touring Car Championship. Popularity and strong consumer demand substantiated the case to continue developing the M3, making it both a better performer and more inviting road car as it evolved along with the underlying 3 Series, the company's most popular vehicle. In 1988, North Americans met the BMW M3 for the first time, and its high-revving 2.3-liter inline-4 with 192-hp became a legend on this side of the Atlantic.


The next generation M3 arrived in the 1995 model year with a 3.0-liter (and later, 3.2-liter) 240-hp inline-6 powerplant. That car began the next chapter of M3 Racing history which lasted a decade on both sides of the Atlantic. In 1997, the first M3 Sedan joined the family and the M3 Convertible followed shortly thereafter.


The third-generation M3, available from 2001-2006 as a coupe and convertible, again was offered with six-cylinder power, this time providing a remarkable 333 hp from 3.2 liters. From the 2002 model year, this M3 marked BMW's first offering of the Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) for the United States.


The fourth and current generation M3 was introduced for the 2008 model year as a Coupe, Sedan, and Convertible, featuring an all-new 4.0-liter, 414-horsepower V8 engine with eight individual throttle bodies and an 8,400-rpm redline. Showcasing its remarkable performance envelope, the newest M3 Coupe serves as the basis for the M3 GT2 race car, which successfully competes in endurance races against the most exotic cars from around the world in the American Le Mans Series. A pair of BMW M3 GT2s are preparing to take on the 24 Hours of Le Mans this weekend. American BMW team driver Joey Hand is looking to add to his wins at both the Daytona 24 Hours and the Twelve Hours of Sebring earlier this year.


Equipment List, Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupe:

" BMW Individual Frozen Black Exterior Paint

" Black Extended Novillo leather with Red Contrast Stitching on seats, headrests, door inserts, armrests, middle console, and door pulls.

" Black M3 GTS wheels, 19" diameter with high-performance summer tires

" Red brake calipers

" Gloss black kidney grills

" Gloss black side-gill elements

" Gloss black exhaust pipe tips

Additional specified equipment from M3 catalog:

" M-DCT Transmission with Drivelogic

" Competition Package

1. Lowered suspension

2. Sport mapping for EDC/DSC

" Premium Package 2

1. Power folding auto-dimming mirrors

2. Universal garage-door opener

3. Power front seats

4. Carbon Leather interior trim

5. Interior mirror with compass

6. BMW Assist with Bluetooth


" Convenience Package

1. Anti-theft alarm system

2. Comfort Access keyless entry system

3. Park Distance Control (rear)

4. Navigation System

5. Voice-command

6. iPod and USB adapter

7. Real-time Traffic Information

" Heated Front Seats

" Satellite Radio with 1-year subscription

" BMW Individual Enhanced Premium Sound System

[1] Excluding $875 Destination & Handling and excluding $1,300 federal gas guzzler tax.
 

Five tips to keep your tires in top shape

 

Tire safety isn't exactly the sexiest topic in the car universe, but it's National Tire Safety Week. This is a good reminder to those of us who are generally more concerned with fun stuff like horsepower to spend a moment thinking about where the rubber meets the road.

“Ten years ago, NHTSA and AAA helped Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) launch National Tire Safety Week,” said Charles Cannon, RMA president and CEO. “Our partnership and efforts continue today because our job is not finished. Too many drivers fail to do one simple task every month that will reduce their safety risk and help our nation conserve valuable natural resources. Checking tire pressure takes just five minutes, and it's worth every second.”

There is a lot to be learned about tire safety. An RMA survey shows that 85 percent of motorists don't know how to properly inflate their tires, and only 20 percent of drivers check their tire pressure each month.

AAA anticipates that it will assist 1.2 million stranded motorists with tire-related issues this summer, many of which could be avoided. Follow our tire-safety checklist to make sure AAA doesn't have to come to your rescue.


1. Check tire pressure. Do this at least once a month and before and after any long trips. Automakers often suggest a tire pressure in the neighborhood of 30 psi, but you should check your owner's manual to see what your car needs. Be sure to use the automaker's recommended pressure and not the maximum pressure indicated on the tires. That number represents the absolute max psi a given tire can hold, not what it should be rolling on day in and day out.

According to Goodyear, a tire that is underinflated doesn't roll as easily and the increased rolling resistance requires more energy, robbing the vehicle of fuel efficiency. Optimal inflation can improve fuel economy by 3.3 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Keep a gauge in your glovebox, and visit your neighborhood gas station to get air if your pressure is too low.

2. Rotate your tires. Michelin says this should be done every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. Every tire will wear differently. On front-wheel-drive cars, the front wheels wear at almost twice the rate of the rear wheels. In left-hand-drive countries, the left tire will wear faster than the right. Rotating where the tires sit on the wheel helps achieve more uniform wear, which means consistent performance and longer tire life. Have your tires rotated at a shop for about $15 or buy a hydraulic floor jack and do it yourself.

3. Examine your treads. The old wisdom was that tires should have at least 2/32 inch of tread depth, and laws agree. But new information from Tirerack.com shows that greater depth is preferred. In their tests, a new tire with 10/32 inch of depth took 195.2 feet to stop in the rain, while tires with 4/32 inch took 290 feet and tires with 2/32 inch depth took 378.8 feet to stop.

To make sure your tires have a tread depth of at least 4/32 inch, stick a quarter, Washington's head facing down, into one of the tire-tread grooves. If any part of Washington's head is obscured, you have at least that amount of tread. Prefer to stick with the legal 2/32-inch tread depth? Perform the same check, but use a penny and, of course, Lincoln's head.

4. Align your wheels. Improperly aligned wheels can create rapid and uneven wear, says the Rubber Manufacturers Association. Misaligned wheels can also create steering and tracking problems. Take you car to a service station for alignment and the technicians will adjust the steering and suspension components to manufacturer specifications, making sure that the wheels are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. According to Midas, a basic four-wheel alignment on an average sedan will cost about $80.

5. Keep the deepest treads in the rear. Though this may seem counterintuitive, since the front tires do the braking and steering, if you have two newer tires and two older tires, keep the newer rubber on the rear wheels. Deeper treads grip the road and channel water better, making the rear of the car less likely to hydroplane and fishtail. The result is that, while your shabby front tires may result in understeer, it's easier for a driver to correct from such a condition than from oversteer resulting from worn rear tires.