1974 Chevy Monte Carlo 24" Donk on 2040-cars

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NHTSA, IIHS, and 20 automakers to make auto braking standard by 2022

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and virtually every automaker in the US domestic market have announced a pact to make automatic emergency braking standard by 2022. Here's the full rundown of companies involved: BMW, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo (not to mention the brands that fall under each automaker's respective umbrella). Like we reported yesterday, AEB will be as ubiquitous in the future as traction and stability control are today. But the thing to note here is that this is not a governmental mandate. It's truly an agreement between automakers and the government, a fact that NHTSA claims will lead to widespread adoption three years sooner than a formal rule. That fact in itself should prevent up to 28,000 crashes and 12,000 injuries. The agreement will come into effect in two waves. For the majority of vehicles on the road – those with gross vehicle weights below 8,500 pounds – AEB will need to be standard equipment by September 1, 2022. Vehicles between 8,501 and 10,000 pounds will have an extra three years to offer AEB. "It's an exciting time for vehicle safety. By proactively making emergency braking systems standard equipment on their vehicles, these 20 automakers will help prevent thousands of crashes and save lives," said Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx said in an official statement. "It's a win for safety and a win for consumers." Read on for the official press release from NHTSA. Related Video: U.S. DOT and IIHS announce historic commitment of 20 automakers to make automatic emergency braking standard on new vehicles McLEAN, Va. – The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety announced today a historic commitment by 20 automakers representing more than 99 percent of the U.S. auto market to make automatic emergency braking a standard feature on virtually all new cars no later than NHTSA's 2022 reporting year, which begins Sept 1, 2022. Automakers making the commitment are Audi, BMW, FCA US LLC, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, Tesla Motors Inc., Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo Car USA.

Recharge Wrap-up: Long Beach ePrix, London's new electric buses

London will put 51 new electric buses into service. With the addition of these buses, two more routes (in addition to one already in operation) will be all-electric. Transport for London plans to have all of central London's 300 single-decker buses running on electricity or hydrogen by 2020. "The expansion of London's electric bus fleet demonstrates our commitment to reducing emissions from public transport in London," says Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy, Matthew Pencharz. "The Ultra Low Emission Zone that will be introduced in 2020 is the most ambitious measure of its kind taken to tackle air pollution anywhere in the world, and it will transform our bus fleet into a cleaner, greener and more pleasant way of travelling for Londoners." Read more from Transport for London, and from Green Car Congress. The Chevrolet Volt is subject to a tie-rod recall. Along with 10 Cruze vehicles, one 2015 Volt has been recalled because of a tie rod that might not have been tightened to the steering gear correctly, which could lead to a loss of steering control. Chevrolet will replace the steering gear assembly, supplied by Robert Bosch Automotive Steering, for free. There have been no reported injuries from this issue. Read more at Detroit News. The Formula E Long Beach ePrix will take place on April 2, 2016. For the second season of the electric racing series, Long Beach is the only confirmed US host, as the spot on the calendar previously held by Miami still remains to be determined. More than 20,000 fans attended the inaugural Long Beach ePrix earlier this year, where Nelson Piquet, Jr. took first place before going on to win the Drivers' Championship. "It's extremely exciting to welcome the ePrix back to Long Beach for a second year," says Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia, "and we are hopeful that this demonstration of innovation, sustainability, and cutting edge technology will return to our city year after year." Read more in the press release below. Related Video: LONG BEACH ePRIX TO RETURN APRIL 2, 2016 (July 14, 2015) – The Long Beach ePrix will return to the city streets on Saturday, April 2, 2016. The FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile) World Motor Sport Council recently approved the calendar for the second season of the FIA Formula E Championship, with Long Beach scheduled as the sixth of 11 rounds in the series. Overall, 10 venues will host Formula E events, with the 2015-16 season beginning once again in Beijing on Oct. 17.

2014 Chevrolet Cruze TD fires up its new diesel motor

Ever since General Motors confirmed plans to produce a diesel-powered Cruze back in 2011, we've been eagerly awaiting its arrival. And as part of the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, Chevrolet has pulled back the cover on its oil-burning compact sedan, set to go on sale in the near future with a starting price of $25,695, not including $810 for destination.
The heart and soul of the Cruze TD (that's its official name) is a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel inline four-cylinder engine rated at 148 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, mated solely to a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine also has an overboost function that will increase torque to 280 lb-ft for up to ten seconds. The full brace of official specs haven't been released, but GM tells us that highway fuel economy will come in at 42 miles per gallon. If that number sounds familiar, it's because the Volkswagen Jetta TDI has the exact same rating. Unlike the Jetta, however, the Cruze TD can run on B20 biodiesel, where as the Volkswagen can only accept B5.
Model-specific changes to this 2014 Cruze TD include an aero kit and unique 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside, there's a full leather interior, and Chevrolet will provide two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, not to mention a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.