James Raia

Articles by James Raia

Seven electric cars soon plugged into U.S. automotive industry

The Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt are the two most well-known and extensively promoted electric vehicles, but the list also includes five additional cars — economical-based options to high-end sports machines. Here’s an alphabetical synopsis of the seven electric vehicles: Chevrolet Volt — Expected on the market nationwide in November, the Volt has two motors, a 149 horsepower electric motor and a 74 horsepower, 4-cylinder gas engine. The electric motor has a 40-mile range with the gas engine then engaging, creating electricity extending the Volt’s range to more than 300 miles. AUTOMOTIVE RESOURCES AND INFORMATION Auto Shipping Quote–Car Financing–Car Insurance Quotes–Car Loans–Online Car Insurance–Rental Cars–Used Cars The Volt is a five-door hatchback that seats four. A full charge for the

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Eric Clapton’s rare Ferrari 250GT for sale via Hot Wheels replica

Hot Wheels Elite, a division of Mattel, will issue a limited edition 1:18 scale diecast model of Eric Clapton’s Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso later this year as part of its “Ferrari in Music” line of replica cars. In an interview with ferrari.com earlier this year, Eric said that even as a small boy he was crazy about motor racing, and that the car he’s always most fancied is Ferrari. The replica of Clapton’s silver 250GT Berlinetta Lusso will be a “faithful” reproduction. Limited to 5,000 individually numbered pieces, it will come in a dedicated package featuring pictures, EC’s facsimile signature and Ferrari‘s logo. It’s definitely not a child’s toy, but aimed at adult collectors as the Hot Wheels Elite

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Honda Crosstour in crossfire, facing airbag recall, reinforced roof

“The front passenger airbag may not have been assembled according to correct specifications,” said NHTSA of the recall that will begin September 22. “In the event of a crash, the front passenger airbag may not deploy as intended and could place an unbelted child seated in the front passenger seat at greater risk of injury should the airbag deploy.” In other documentation filed with the federal government, Honda said the problem lies with the airbag packing cloth cover. “Deployment of the low-risk deployment flag will be delayed, resulting in improper performance,” said a Honda spokesperson. “Should the flap deploy improperly when an unbelted child is out of position in the front seat, the child may incur neck injuries.” The Crossover’s

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Automotive X PRIZE ($10 million) awarded to two U.S., one Swiss team

The winning vehicles were showcased to an audience of auto industry, business and government leaders. Each of the winning teams was also presented with a Harry Winston, Inc.-designed bronze trophy. The Automotive X PRIZE, sponsored by the country’s fourth-larges insurance company, was launched in 2008 to inspire a new generation of viable, safe and super fuel-efficient vehicles capable of achieving 100 miles per gallon or the energy equivalent (MPGe). After nearly 30 months of vehicle and business plan development, on-track testing at Michigan International Speedway which included dynamic safety testing by partner Consumer Reports, and laboratory verification at the Department of Energy’s Argonne National Lab, three vehicles emerge as winners: $5 Million Mainstream Class Winner: * Edison2 “Very Light Car

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Toyota's big, new plans: Six hybrids, two electric cars will debut in 2012

Takeshi Uchiyamada announced the automaker’s plans during a speech Sept. 13 in Detroit. Toyota’s Prius gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle has dominated the segment. The world’s largest automaker has been less certain about the market for fully electric vehicles like Nissan’s Leaf due out this year. Tesla and Toyota announced a partnership in May to develop electric vehicles under the strategy of the start-up company for its $109,000 Roadster, powered by more than 6,800 laptop batteries. Toyota had previously announced plans for its first electric vehicle. James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a

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Toyota Prius tops Kelley Blue Book 'Green Car' list for 2010

“To be considered for the green Top 10, each vehicle was required to offer fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions superior to the bulk of vehicles in its class and at the same time provide all the safety, creature comforts and driving enjoyment that would make it pleasant to own,” explain Kelley Blue Book. “So while the top 10 green vehicles are listed in order from most fuel-efficient to least fuel-efficient, fuel ratings weren’t the sole reason for inclusion on the list. The 2010 Chevrolet Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, No. 10, is the least fuel-efficient vehicle chosen with No. 9 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. But it has a combined fuel economy of 22 mpg, but the 5,900-pound vehicle has good room for

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Dodge Caravan, 2010: Roman Mica's Rambling Review (Video)

The 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan is one of the most useful and roomy minivans available, but is it also fun to drive? Let’s face it: fun and utility are usually on the opposite ends of the spectrum. Roman Mica, contributing editor at The Weekly Driver.com, spent a week assessing the 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan. Here’s his first-impression video review: James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business,

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Hyundai Sonata on pace to outsell Honda Accord for the first time

But Hyundai has been closing the gap, with Sonata sales increasing to 17,836 units in July, just 5,100 less than the Accord. Part of the reason the Accord is losing its edge as it ages. The current model was introduced three years ago, while the latest Sonata debuted in the U.S. early this year. Sales of the Accord have slid from 39,726 units in August last year to 23,032 in July and 22,506 in August this year. The increase in Sonata sales has resulted in a delivery backlog. Hyundai is boosting output at its plant in Alabama where the Sonata is produced alongside the Santa Fe crossover SUV. Production of the Santa Fe is being moved to Kia Motors’ plant

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Rare Mercedes Benz, purchased new by Elvis Presley, set for Bonham's auction

The article details that Presley kept the car for two years before giving it to a friend, James Leroy Robertson. The car also had another owner but was auctioned at the Important Motor Cars and Fine Automobilia sale at Mercedes-Benz World in Surrey, England, last December. The restored Mercedes has an estimated value of $230-$300,000, and is among only a handful of vehicles Presley registered in his name. James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif.,

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Nissan Leaf update: Who needs Lance Armstrong when a polar bear will do?

And, sure, this is a well-trained polar bear, groomed and majestic. But a “green” polar? Sure, why not? The commercial works. Even Armstrong thinks so — I think. He recently Tweeted: “Is this what I have to look forward to when I get my new Leaf?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNeEVkhTutY James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida. An author and contributor to many

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Tim Allen: Santa Claus, car buff and new voice of Chevrolet Cruze

In addition his status a Detroit-area native, Allen is owner of a 1996 LT5 Impala SS among several other cars. “Tim Allen brings the right combination of a recognizable voice with the credibility, likeability and humor that will connect with viewers,” said Joel Ewanick, GM’s CMO. “His passion for all things cars makes him the perfect match for the Chevrolet brand.” Allen’s voice is first heard in the new Chevy Cruze campaign. The carmaker plans to utilize Allen in additional but undetermined advertising campaigns. Chevrolet will have an advertising presence during the Super Bowl television broadcast for the first time in three years in 2011. James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written

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Ferrari 458 recalled after Italian sports car redefines too hot to handle

A Ferrari spokesman said the source of the problem is a wheel-arch heat shield that comes too close to an exhaust pipe. The adhesive that secures the shield can smoke or catch fire due to excessive heat. Dealers have contacted Ferrari 458 owners, the spokesman said, and have asked them to bring their cars in as soon as possible for modification. The Daily Mail newspaper in England reported five Ferrari 458 Italias have caught fire as a result of the flaw. The Ferrari spokesman confirmed that “four or five” fires had been reported in 458 models but added that only one had occurred in the United States. He said that the destroyed vehicles would be replaced at no charge to

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Nissan keeps Lance Armstrong as Leaf spokesman despite doping claims

Armstrong is featured in the first television commercial for the Leaf, and Nissan is sticking with the seven-time Tour de France titlist as its official spokesperson depsite the current controversy. In a recent interview with Ad Age, Jon Brancheau, Nissan‘s new marketing chief, said the manufacturer will support the cyclist while continuing to monitor the situation. Ad Age asked Brancheau: “Nissan has made a pretty big bet on Lance Armstrong . . he was featured in the first Leaf commercial, is displayed prominently on your website and you even sponsor one of his cycling teams. Now, there’s a ton of scrutiny around him with regards to doping claims. Does that worry you? Brancheau responded: “This is something we’ll continue to

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Letter grade system proposed for fuel efficiency, emissions for 2012 cars

The new rules, released jointly by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Transportation Department, would be the most substantial changes in 30 years to the familiar price and mileage labels affixed to new cars on sale at dealerships. It’s proposed as part of a broader effort by the government to promote electric cars and other advanced-technology vehicles. Current labels many miles per gallon averages and a vehicle’s estimated annual fuel costs. Under the new proposal, new labels would carry a letter grade assigned by regulators. Electric vehicles and gas-electric hybrids would get the highest grades. More powerful sport utility vehicles and muscle cars would get lower grades because they burn more petroleum and release more carbon dioxide. The proposed changes,

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Bloom Energy (Redeux): Could it replace current electric and other alternative fuel cars?

“The idea is to one day replace the big power plants and transmission line grid, the way the laptop moved in on the desktop and cell phones supplanted landlines.” Since its debut broadcast, more than 100 additional companies have signed up as customers for Bloom’s energy, including PG&E. Based in Sunnyvale, Calif., Bloom Energy has operated for the past eight years. According to the 60 Minutes report, it has raised about $400 million from venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins, and its early clients include Google, eBay and Walmart. Additional investors in Bloom Energy are diverse and its business relationships are posted on the company’s web site. But what was conspicuously absent from the 60 Minutes report was if the fuel

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Mercedes-Benz plans debut of electric sedan at Paris auto show

Blog author Jim Motavalli said the electric Mercedes will be available early in 2011. According to a manufacturer spokesman, the E-Cell will have a range of 124 miles and produce 214 pound-feet of torque. To read the complete article, visit: New York Times/Mercedes James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida. An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online

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