Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Nissan Land Glider: A four-wheeled motorcycle!

Though it rides on four wheels, the Nissan Land Glider leans into corners like a motorcycle. If cars are going to drive (ride?) like bikes in the future, we like the future already!


Nissan claim that the battery-powered Land Glider concept is a car designed for urban mobility. And yet, the Land Glider seats two people one behind the other (rather than one next to the other...) and leans into corners like a motorcycle. It also has handlebars rather than a steering wheel and is barely wider than a Gold Wing (well, almost...), so we think it might qualify as a motorcycle rather than a car.


According to Nissan, the the Land Glider’s electric motors will provide strong, linear acceleration, and its unique suspension/chassis – which lets the vehicle lean into corners like a sportsbike – will provide a whole new driving (riding?) experience. Hmmm.... cool! This is one 'car' we wouldn't mind driving... :-)








Ford to reveal 2011 Mustang powertrain updates at L.A. Auto Show


Los Angeles will be a busy show for the Blue Oval boys. In addition to the official introduction of the U.S. Ford Fiesta, the rumormill regarding what's powering the 2011 Ford Mustang range figures to stop spinning once and for all.


We, along with green cars maven John Voelcker, were guests with Ford's global product development chief, Derrick Kuzak, on FoxNews.com's Fox Car Report yesterday. Kuzak didn't divulge any specifics regarding the Mustang during the broadcast, but as we all headed out following the appearance, he did let us know that our Mustang questions would be answered in Los Angeles this December. Earlier published reports have indicated that a new, more powerful, 300+ horsepower base V6 is in the offing, along with the widely-expected 400-horsepower 5.0-liter V8.


The other juicy rumor floating around that we want to see come true is that of an aluminum-block version of the 5.4-liter supercharged V8 for the 2011 Shelby GT500. To that end, we simply asked Kuzak, "How about an aluminum-block GT500?" He just smiled and replied, "That's a good thought." We'll cross our fingers while we wait and see.