Production model of the Invader TC-3 to be unveiled soon

The production model of the Invader TC-3 will be unveiled at this years 2011 SEMA Show. The Invader is a reverse trike with two steering front wheels and one rear drive wheel and comfortably seats two - an exciting fusion of bike and super car.

As compared to the prototype, the improved version has a longer and wider wheelbase for a better ride and handling, and we increased its width and height to make it more comfortable and easier to get in and out of.

The Invader features an enclosed cockpit complete with a roof and a tempered safety glass windshield. Its frame is constructed from one-and-a-half-inch tubular steel with a front crash zone, triangulated side protection bars and a complete roll-cage around the cockpit.

Inside there are two side-by-side fully adjustable race style bucket seats that will comfortably accommodate six foot plus occupants.

The Invader is powered by a 1,300 cc Hayabusa engine capable of delivering 197 horsepower to the 18-inch wide rear tire.According to their press release the can go from 0 to 60 mph in just under four seconds with a top speed of 150 mph. Stopping power is provided by front and rear discs equipped with four and six piston calipers respectively.

Last year's Invader prototype is pictured below:

Sebastian Vettel's journey to the top

Red Bull has created an exclusive webpage dedicated to grand prix champion Sebastian Vettel. Check out the video clip charting his journey to the top of the podium.

Car Magnets - an effective advertising medium

A great way to advertise your business or organisation is to use the vehicles. They represent a really great medium for advertising and promotion as they are visible, mobile and cost effective.

You have several options: First of all, there is the more permanent method of painting on the vehicles or you can also have the really popular method - using customized vinyl decals which can partially or fully wrap the vehicle. Another method which is fast gaining in popularity is the use of magnetic signs. These offer several advantages over the previous two methods namely, in terms of flexibility and relatively inexpensive as well. They can be removed easily and transferred to other positions or vehicles.

Sometimes if you are using your car for both commercial and private purposes, you may not want the sign on all the time. In this case, magnetic signs are the obvious choice. On the other hand, these signs have certain limitations in the sense that it may not be possible to have full coverage or have them go round the curves or the vehicle.

Anyway, I was going through the CarMagnets.com - a company which specialises in car magnets.

According to the company, their signs use high quality material, with non-fading ink which is UV and scratch resistant. However, I guess there is a small mistake on the home page at the top as it says that you can choose from 3 sizes when in fact, they offer five standard sizes of magnetic car signs.

They take away the difficult job of designing your own signs by offering over 100 templates to choose from. To make it easier, the templates are also grouped under different categories ranging from "Just Married" to "Autism Awareness" - all you have to do is add your own slogan or company name. On other other hand, if you are the artistic type or know someone good with graphics - you also have the option of uploading you own graphics and then use their online editing tool to add additional text.

I feel that a little bit more information about the advantages of magnetic car signs and also some more information about the company would help. It also appears that their pricing page is still under construction - not a great way to instil confidence in prospective customers. They could also do with a more professional looking logo. Apart from that, I think the site is really innovative and their online editing tool is really user friendly as well. It took me less than 5 minutes to choose a template and create my own sign.

Check out the site in case you are thinking of getting a magnetic sign for your car.

Quality used cars from Hertz

Most of us know of Hertz as a reputed car rental company. However, not many are aware that Hertz also sells exceptional used cars as well.

If you are looking for a great deal on a car in the US, check out the Hertz Rent2Buy® programme for high-quality, used rental cars at really competitive prices. Their website allows you to have a unique shopping experience, by being able to compare a variety of models. Check out Hertzcarsales.com to take advantage of this new way to "car-shop." Hertz has a large selection of used cars for sale by owner, so your ideal car is never out of reach.

Also don't forget to take advantage of a 3-Day Test Rental, which gives you time to see how the car really feels on the road. You can try out the car for 3 days at a special low rate which will be waived if you decide to buy the car.

Call 1-888-674-3309 for additional information and questions!

Hyundai Genesis best upscale sedan

According to new test results from Consumer Reports, out of a test group of 10 upscale sedans including the the Chrysler 300C, Hyundai Genesis, Toyota Avalon, and Acura TL, the Hyundai Genesis came out at top of the CR’s ratings with an Excellent road test score of 92. The car has been on top of the list of upscale sedans since 2009. The 2012 model has a softer, more comfortable ride; a stronger direct injected V6; and a more fuel-efficient eight-speed automatic transmission improving the overall mileage.

A surprise was the Revamped 2011 Chrysler 300C which scored an “Excellent” overall road test score of 80, up from 64 for the previous model. According to David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center in East Haddam, CT “The 300C’s quick, muscular 5.7-liter V8 engine is now complemented by responsive handling and a more comfortable ride.” He further added: “And, thanks to a major upgrade, its roomy interior is now quieter, more luxurious, and has improved visibility.”

A disappointment was the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, a fuel-efficient family sedan, which scored only 69, a full 20 points below the previously-tested and more popular conventional Sonata GLS.

On the other hand, the all-electric Nissan Leaf scored a respectable 78 points. The Leaf is quick, very quiet, rides comfortably and is easy to get in and out of. However, the limited driving range of only about 75 miles per charge, and the long time it takes to recharge (about 6 hours on 240V) are the main drawbacks.

The full report is available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org and in the November issue of Consumer Reports.

GE Joins Hands with Nissan

GE and Nissan has announced a joint, two-year R&D collaboration to speed up the creation of a reliable charging infrastructure for electric vehicles like the Nissan LEAF.



They plan to focus their resources on two key research areas:

1. integrating electric vehicles with homes and buildings and
2. investigating EV charging dynamics and the future impact on the electricity grid once millions of EVs are on the road.

I found it really interesting to learn that 25 percent of the world’s electricity is generated or distributed by equipment designed and made by GE,;

For more information read the complete GE Report.