New York Auto Show: Honda Element Concept Transforms SUV into Dog-friendly Hauler

New dog-friendly transportation concepts designed for the Honda Element add canine-specific enhancements to one of the most dog-friendly vehicles available, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today at the New York International Auto Show.

Developed specifically for the Element, the Dog Friendly™ components demonstrate the potential for a dedicated pet restraint system designed to meet the needs of dog owners. A finalized version of the Dog Friendly Element is scheduled to debut this fall. Major components will likely include:

* a cushioned pet bed in the cargo area with an elevated platform;
* second row and cargo area pet restraint systems;
* an extendable cargo area load-in ramp;
* a 12V DC rear ventilation fan;
* second-row seat covers with a dog pattern design (matches the bed fabric);
* all-season rubber floor mats with a toy bone pattern;
* a spill-resistant water bowl; and
* Dog Friendly exterior emblems.

“In an interesting turn of events, cars are now chasing dogs,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. “Factory integration of a cushioned pet bed, restraint systems and other components are intended to transform the Element into the ultimate dog car.”
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2008 Chanel Fiore Design Concept in Video

Luxury brand buyers are chosen not for their practicality and functionality, and above all, for style, beauty and prestige. Jin Young Jo offers nebezyzvestnomu brand Chanel get their own car, the name he received Fiole.


Execution of the project is quite decent - good sketches, good design, interesting video presentation, and shape of the body is easy to read. Company logo of Chanel guessed and front lines, and at the rear of the sidewall Fiole.


The student created the Chanel Fiole concept as part of a class project. Using the words "Fashion Art of Vehicle," and being assigned the brand label famous for everything from perfume & makeup to watches & jewelry, Jin developed what he felt was a matching concept. "Fiole is inspired by the peculiarity of Chanel," he said. To elaborate this "peculiarity" he used only deep blacks and reflective whites. In his video animation of the vehicle, it is hard to tell if the car is black, or white reflecting its dark surroundings. An aerodynamic form was also important to Jin for the purpose of this project. Hence, he designed the Fiole in such a way that it


Such a vehicle could stand at the head of all the products offered by Chanel, and buyers would be found. Why not.



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High-speed Detroit-Lansing rail line envisioned

LANSING -- Are we ready for a high-speed, hydrogen-powered, magnetically-driven rail line from Detroit to Lansing?


A new proposal to help alleviate the problem of heavy traffic in the state of Michigan is under way. A company called Worldwide Hydrogen Super Highways says it has designed a magnetic-levitation (maglev) rail line to run near existing highways between Detroit, Lansing and Ann Arbor. Interstate Traveler Co. LLC, the company that is pitching this project is made up of 200 international investors.


The magnetic rail cars would carry passengers, vehicles (like a ferry) and freight. Sutton said the rail line could be used by many private operators that own the cars, similar to railroads that are shared by railroad companies.
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Spyker's owner shot in apparent assassination attempt

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Video: Terrafugia "Flying Car" Makes First Flight

What do we know about the Transition? Well, it's an unleaded-fueled front-wheel drive vehicle on the ground, It gets a fuel economy of around 30 MPG and has a top speed of 65 MPH. The design features an automotive-style entry and exit and it'll retail at a street price of $194,000 when it eventually goes on sale. But, you can reserve one now for just $10,000 at Terrafugia's website.






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More Lambo shoes: Reventon sneakers!

Tim Cooper came up with a hideous set of pumps inspired by the Lamborghini Gallardo. Now, a French designer at Subaru in Japan has come up with sneakers that pull their inspiration from the Lamborghini Reventon.

They're a little blunt at the front, but otherwise -- and as one might expect -- they're sleek, angular, olive drab, and boast a healthy dose of carbon fiber trim. Check out that trick suspended heel, too. We're not likely to ever see a production version, but if Lamborghini did decide to offer them, we'd take these kicks over the Lamborghini cologne any day.
via:autoblog



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Mazda Releases Redesigned AZ-Wagon i in Japan

Mazda releases redesigned Alkmaar station wagon I was in Japan
- The special needs of the new improved model provides a user-friendly and more peace of mind --

Hiroshima, Japan, Mazda Motor Corporation today announced the launch of its redesigned Mazda wagon alkmaar me, the special needs of the vehicle is equipped with a wheelchair ramp slope. New model is based on completely re-designed micro-mini-station wagon alkmaar This is released in Japan in September 2008. Sales today at all Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealers throughout Japan.

Alkmaar make the new station wagon in the rear of the wide open and spacious cabin high roof. Other improvements designed for wheelchair users, including a new three-point seat belts and handrails on both sides of the rear cabin, as standard equipment. In addition, user-friendly as well as improving care for the slope entry / exit ramp is a moderate than the previous model.

The main features of the new station wagon alkmaar letter i
- A new three-point seat belts for the wheelchair users (the previous model, equipped with two seat belts)
- Handrails on both sides of the rear cabin to provide additional support and standard equipment
- Wheelchair access easier because of the warmth of low-floor ramp slope
- Anti-theft immobilizer devices as standard equipment.
Source: Mazda



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BMW and MotorSport Vision Join to Offer Driving Experiences (UK)

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