Onstar Stops Thiefs in Their Tracks

GM's Onstar program has already improved the automobile by leaps and bounds, but GM is stepping it up even more.

Onstar sensors in GM's vehicles that tell a database if they have been in a crash, and operators get emergency vehicles on the way. It also has a button where you can call these operators in case of any other type of emergency.

This great technology can now stop a car theft.

When a car is reported stolen, the Onstar system will slowly decrease the car's horsepower slowing the car down. The Onstar system tells the thief that the police are watching them. The brakes and steering will still work as the car sows, but the car will eventually stop. The GPS system shows the police where the vehicle is located.

This kind of technology is amazing. They plan to sell it to other car manufacturers, so who knows, we may all have the privilege to own a great piece of technology like this.


Here is the full story

http://www.autonews24h.com/Auto-Industry/GM-News/2209.html

My New Baby

Early last week my Dad called to tell me that he had just bought a 1953 Willys Army Jeep for $200. He said that he was going to try to find a new home for it.

That home is soon to be Rock Hill, SC. I am having it trailored here in a couple weeks.

My Dad has a body shop and over fall break I am going to work for him. Instead of pay, I get the Jeep. Usually I only have to paint a bumper or two here and there, but this time I think I will be doing some hardcore paint work, which is fine as long as I can call the Jeep mine.

She doesn't run but a little transmission fluid and hopefully she will come out of her slumber. She has been sitting still for a number of years and just needs to be broken loose again.

I am so excited. With a four cylinder she will still be ok to ride around town in and not worry about gas. Up top is a picture of what she will look like, I will get better ones when I see her.

Click on the top Jeep for some history.

Future cars and Favorites

OK, I always thought that we would have flying cars by the year 2000. We would be cruising around like the Jetsons, boy was I wrong.

The cars of the future are looking pretty cool, but tires are still a necessity.

What are some of your favorite cars? Why?

Take a look at this and see if you come up with any new ones.

Look extra hard at the new Subaru WRX Sti, It's my dream car. 300 all-wheel drive horsepower sounds awesome, and 300 lb-ft torque too. I get caught in daydreams about this thing all the time. Hey, maybe, just maybe, I can move up in the Journalism world and get one, guess I better start thinking about another career . . . I kid, I kid.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=12&article_id=5714

Recycled Seats

The word hybrid has now become a part of everyone's vocabulary. Everyone knows hybrids as those funny looking cars that use some sort of electricity.

The car companies are now taking it one step farther.

Companies are now incorporating recycled materials into their cars. For example, the new Ford Escape has "Green Seats." These seats are made completely of recycled cloth and plastic. Ford claims that they don't sacrifice style or comfort either.

Other companies are using soy based carpeting.

Honda has also gotten into the mix by using recycled fiberglass in their new Acuras. They say that 90% of their cars since 2006 are made of 90% recycled materials.

Does this really help though?

Some say that the car makers are putting their money into all the wrong things. They should be focusing on things such as emissions and pollution.

I say yes, but why not recycle too?

Cutting back on brand new interiors and parts is a great idea. Sure it doesn't save as much carbon dioxide and supplies as a reduce in emissions would, but it's doing something. These are the kinds of steps that need to be taken in order to make this world a little cleaner.

It is the little things that count. They can add up to make a huge difference. Who knows maybe one day there will be a car made of completely recycled parts. Recycled metals in the engine, recycled steel and fiberglass for the body would be a great way to start a revolution in the car industry.

This may be a little extreme but something needs to be done, and it looks like some manufacturers are a little ahead of the curve.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116968231813286868.html

No Sight = More Fun

Sometimes you just find those things that make you say, "Wow."

This story is one is one of those things.

Sight has always been something that I have taken for granted, driving is too.

The Eye Rock 500 is such a great idea. Buy a cheap car and put a visually impared person behind the wheel, it sounds like great fun . . . In a controlled environment.

The blind drivers are paired with a partner who rides passenger and gives directions. Drivers and their passenger are placed on the dirt track with it's high banked curves and told to hammer it. Some zig-zag all over the track while others pull out in front.

Winners receive a huge trophy and maybe a couple of beers, but the most important thing is the fun had by all.

West Lebanon, New York is the host for this race. $1 of the $12 tickets is donated to a camp for blind children.

Here is the whole story . . .

http://autos.aol.com/article/general/v2/_a/blind-driving-eye-rock-500/20070830102009990001