FIRST Robotics Team Creates New Knee Brace Prototype

FIRST Robotics Team Creates New Knee Brace Prototype

One FIRST team from Austin, Texas, isn’t just building robots. It’s also testing and developing a new concept for a knee brace that could help millions.

It started with Larry Kravitz, a family practitioner and doctor for the NBA D-League team, the Austin Toros. Kravitz sees many patients with ailing knees. At the 2011 National Instruments Conference, he explained to a crowd of thousands that current knee-brace designs force the entire pressure on the body to the outside of the knee, an area where knee joint damage is most prevalent. "He noticed that there needs to be a more efficient knee brace, so he looked for a remedy," his son Isaac says.

When Isaac enrolled in the robotics class at Austin Anderson High School, he sa ys his father knew the way to create a working knee-brace prototype was through students. Enter the ausTIN CANS, Austin Anderson’s FIRST Robotics group, which competed as team 2158 in the FIRST robotics national competition in St. Louis this weekend. "The FIRST robotics team was sought out to bring the idea to life," team member Moritz Freid says.

Team 2158's basketball-playing bot. Credit: David Cawthon

With the help of biomedical engineers from the University of Texas, the ausTIN CANS chipped away at the knee-brace problem. At first, the team implemented springs to gently separate the knee and distribute body weight evenly on the joint. A later version implemented flexible plastic rods that pushed the knee apart.

David Yankoshak, the team’s founding mentor, says that the partnership with those working on the brace and those constructin g the robot has benefited the group. "We have a diverse mix of creativity and knowledge on the team," he says. And Yankoshak says he’s not the only one doing the teaching. "I learn just as much from them as they do from me," he says. "It’s inspiring to get kids to pursue something like this."

The group is immersed in the long and tedious patent process and seeking funds for their venture. But though it’s a long process, team members are plenty excited by what they’ve done so far. "I’m proud to put a lot of time and effort into a project that is going to change people’s lives for the better," Freid says.

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Video: Harley-Davidson lost in Japan's tsunami washes up in Canada

Video: Harley-Davidson lost in Japan's tsunami washes up in Canada

With the longest coastline in the world, Canada is bound to get all sorts of weird things washing up on its shores from every which direction. But a Harley-Davidson motorcycle? That's what one Peter Mark found while riding his ATV on a secluded island off the Pacific coast of British Columbia. It's origin? Japan.

The bike â€" enclosed along with other random items in what appears to be the compartment off a moving truck â€" appears to have traveled some 3,000 miles across the North Pacific from Japan's Miyagi Prefecture to the Canadian province of British Columbia. That's where Mark foun d it, rusted but recognizable inside the white cube that was apparently washed out to sea by the tsunami that struck the island nation one year ago.

The finder of the piece of iron driftwood left it where he found it and contacted the Japanese consulate in Vancouver which is trying to track down the original owner whose fate remains unknown. Scroll down to watch the fascinating video report.

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Optical Clocks—Already Ridiculously Accurate—Get Synchronized

Optical Clocks—Already Ridiculously Accurate—Get Synchronized

A grandfather clock’s swinging pendulum marks time in seconds. A quartz watch’s oscillating crystal can segment time better: into thousandths of a second. Then there are super-powerful optical clocks, which can slice time into quadrillionths (one million times smaller than a billionth) of a second.

But there’s a problem with the precision of these new optical clocks: They are actually more precise than the technology that exists to take advantage of them. But a new advancement, detailed recently in the journal Science, presents a solution and opens up wide new possibilities for what ultra-accurate clocks can do.

The Problem

The clocks familiar to most people use oscillations like those from a pendulum or crystal as a reference point for telling time. Atomic clocks monitor atoms jumping between energy states, and for the last decade or so, scientists have been working on developing atomic clocks that use frequencies in the optical rangeâ€"the kind of radiation we see as visible lightâ€"to make extremely stable clocks. "These are the best clocks we know how to make," says Bruce Warrington of the National Measurement Institute in Australia.

The problem is that these clocks are so accurate that you can’t compare one to another. If you try to send a signal from one optical clock to another optical clock in a different lab, you encounter noise from the radio or satellite transmission you’re using to send the signal. This noise distorts the signal. A regular clock isn’t precise enough in the first place to be impaired as a result of this, but an optical clock is. "We hit a limit," says Wa rrington. "We can’t compare the clocks at the level of their own performance."

The Solution

A team from Germany connected two optical clocks in different cities using an optical fiberâ€"a hair-thin glass wire that transmits signals with light. Optical fibers allow you to send signals long distances with little distortion. The German team was able to send a clear signal from an optical clock at one lab in Garching, Germany, to another in Braunschweig, Germany, across a distance of 572 miles.

"This is really spectacular work," says Scott Diddams, a scientist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Boulder, Colo. There are still obstacles to overcomeâ€"how to transmit these signals overseas, for example, which could require advances in satellite technology or running an optical cable under the ocean, a huge undertaking. But the achievement opens the door for future technologies to take advantage of optical clocks’ extraordinary precision.

"An optical clock is so sensitive, it’s like having a super-powerful microscope," Diddams says. "You just have to find some physical aspect that the frequency of the clock depends on." To put it another way, you need to find a physical phenomenon for which the optical clocks’ incredible accuracy provides a useful measurement. Once you find that, you need to be able to compare two clocks in order to measure the phenomenon: one to take readings, and a reference clock to compare those measurements with.

What to Do With Optical Clocks

Optical clocks are now one instance of a technology going ahead of any particular use for it. That is, now that scientists can synch up these extremely accurate clocks, they need to figure out what they can do with them.

One possible use is in measuring Earth’s gravitational field, which is tricky to do in full detail because it requires adjusting for the theory of relativity, since gravity can affect time. "If you take a clock and shift it from the bottom of a mountain to the top, it ticks a little faster at the top, because time is passing differently," Warrington says. Scientists already do this with GPS satellites, which adjust for relativity to match corresponding clocks on the ground. Super-accurate synced clocks could allow researchers to create more precise maps of the planet’s gravitational field, which could clue us in to the locations of underground features s uch as mineral deposits and the water table.

Other possible applications could emerge in radio astronomy and financial markets. In radio astronomy, readings from many earthbound radio telescopes separated by vast distances could be combined using synchronized optical clocks to make more accurate observations of the universe. "It will allow us to look much more sensitively and deeper into space than anything so far," Warrington says.

In the current financial market, computers do a lot of the trading. So, as the speed of computing continues to increase, so does the speed of the trading. "What that does is set tighter and tighter requirements on the clocks that are time-stamping the transactions," Warrington says. "It might start to matter what happens from microsecond to microsecond, or even finer." Optical clocks that c an be accurately synced will be able to handle these rapid-fire transactions.

Scientists say the most exciting uses for optical clocks probably are things we haven’t come up with yet. When less sensitive atomic clocks were first built in the 1950s, there were not yet any real-world applications for them. "Then, GPS was created," Warrington says. "The history of clocks is one where the applications always follow the invention."

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Video: This is how to teach teens the perils of distracted driving

Video: This is how to teach teens the perils of distracted driving

A European group called Responsible Young Drivers wanted to showcase the dangers of texting while driving, and got ad agency Publicis to help them out. The result: a two-minute spot that put trainee drivers in Belgium with an instructor who said part of their driving test would be to avoid an obstacle while texting a random sentence that he'd dictate.

Since nothing beyond a cone or two was hurt in the making of this video, we'll admit we laughe d. That said, the message is clear.

Scroll down to see it for yourself. And FYI, a driver training instructor in Belgium doesn't need to wear a seat belt on a closed course... though maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea.

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FIRST Team Builds an Oil-Skimming Robot

FIRST Team Builds an Oil-Skimming Robot

Kell Robotics came to the FIRST championship to put its basketball-playing robot to the test. But the team members brought along another of their clever creations: a model of their robot that could one day clean up streams.

In response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill that began April 20, 2010, the team from Marietta, Ga., designed a remote-control, oil-skimming robot it calls ORCA, or Oil Recovery and Capture. The ORCA model on display at the FIRST championship in St. Louis, which is one-third the size of the real deal, looks a little like a tank with a long, wide conveyer belt projecting from the front, and a black-and-white design reminiscent of a killer whale.

Carlie Schulter, a Kell High School senior and the team’s executive director, says the robot skims oil from shallow water with a rotating polyurethane belt that repels water but attracts oil. It then deposits the oil into the empty receptacle that makes up the body of the robot. The robot’s water-friendly internal tread allows it to maneuver over obstacles such as driftwood, and movable flotation devices help it make depth adjustments. A solar panel on top recharges the robot at half the rate it expends energy.

Lemelson-MIT, a program that supports inventors, gave Kell Robotics an initial grant of $ 10,000 to work on the ORCA design. It named Kell Robotics one of its InvenTeamsâ€"research teams made up of high school students. In February, Schulter and teammate Matthew Tompkins were among about 100 students invited to the White House Science Fair to present their ideas.

The next step for the team is to build a training simulator for potential ORCA pilots, Schulter says. At the moment, ORCA pilots could potentially steer it from a half-mile away; the team would like to stretch that to 2 miles. ORCA won first place for student models and simulations at last year’s Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference in Orlando, Fla.

Although the government hasn’t implemented ORCA’s design, Schulter says Kell Robotics has stayed in contact with the EPA. For now, she says, "we plan on using it as a teaching tool." The team also created Corky, a robot that removes debris from standing water. Schulter says Kell Robotics has a standing invitation to use Corky at Lake Clara Meer in Atlanta’s Piedmont Park.

This weekend’s national FIRST competition was fun and games for Kell, but their other projects show they’re serious about tackling some tough problems. Now that FIRST 2012 is over, Kell’s team hopes to focus on finishing assembling the ORCA and to start testing it i n an estuary by this summer.

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Official: Dodge Dart will hit 41 MPG with available Aero Package

Official: Dodge Dart will hit 41 MPG with available Aero Package


Dodge Hits the Bull's Eye with an All-new Compact Car â€" The Dodge Dart

The All-new 2013 Dodge Dart Blends Alfa Romeo DNA with Dodge's Passion for Performance and Style, Resulting in a Groundbreaking Compact Sedan

All-new 2013 Dodge Dart is the first Chrysler Group vehicle built on Fiat Group architecture
2013 Dodge Dart breaks new ground with a savvy, modern, unmistakable Dodge design that evokes emotion, efficiency and fluidity of movement and delivers world-class aerodynamics
Dodge Dart offers five well-equipped trim levels with class-leading safety features and breakthrough technology typically found in more expensive vehicle segments
Three state-of-the art, fuel-efficient powertrains with available MultiAir® technology power the fun-to-drive 2013 Dodge Dar
Dodge Dart "Aero" model to achieve at least 41 miles per gallon on the highway (available 3rd quarter 2012)

April 28, 2012 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - The 2013 Dodge Dart redefines performance with Alfa Romeo DNA, fuel-efficient powertrains and Dodge's passion for performance. The all-new Dodge Dart is a thoroughly modern vehicle that's fuel-efficient, beautifully designed and crafted, agile and fun-to-drive.

Loaded with innovative technology, class-leading safety features and clever functionality, the 2013 Dodge Dart sets a new standard in the compact car segment by offering unmatched personalization, roominess, style, functionality and fun-to-drive dynamics.

"The all-new Dodge Dart is a groundbreaking car that will surprise and delight customers who want a no-compromise, fun-to-drive car that's a great value," said Reid Bigland, President and Chief Executive Officer - Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "With 12 exterior colors, 14 interior color and trim options, three powerful, fuel-efficient engines, three transmission choices, unsurpas sed safety features and world-class aerodynamics, the new Dodge Dart sets a new standard for the compact car class."

The 2013 Dodge Dart will be available in five trim levels: SE, SXT, Rallye, Limited and R/T (available 3rd quarter 2012) with a starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $ 15,995. It will be built in the United States at Chrysler Group's Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Ill. Production of the 2013 Dodge Dart will begin in the second quarter of 2012.

Performance-inspired design

Exterior
The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart boasts a timeless, stylish and distinctive exterior design. The car sports an athletic, sculpted, fluid and aesthetically agile appearance. The exterior design of the Dart conveys a level of visual drama and timeless surfaces that add excitement to the competitive compact sedan segment in the United States.

"The Dodge Dart was a dream to design," said Joe Dehner, Head of Dodge Design - C hrysler Group LLC. "The Alfa Romeo-based architecture allowed us to design an exterior with great proportions that say 'fun-to-drive' when you look at it. Add in the Charger-inspired 'racetrack' taillamps, a new, sleek crosshair grille and piano black accents, and it all adds up to a performance-inspired design with just the right amount of attitude."

The Fiat Group-based Compact U.S. Wide (CUS-wide) architecture's low, wide and long dimensions ensured a stable "body-in, wheels-out" stance and coupe-like silhouette. The CUS-wide platform allowed for accentuating the fender formations and pushing the wheels as far out to the corners as possible, creating a very stable look, which gave Dodge designers incredible opportunities for some very dramatic sculpturing. Designers visually stretched the skin of the car over the vehicle framework as if stretching nylon over a surface.

"When designing the all-new Dodge Dart, we were inspired by classic, beautifully designed ve hicles throughout time," Dehner added. "Each car was beautiful, based on its surface work and presence alone; they didn't need unnecessary cladding, jewelry or lines that confuse the eye."

Once the basic design was in place, with dynamic lines and curves from every angle, designers inserted a little Dodge attitude into the mix. The face of the Dart was styled with the unmistakable Dodge split crosshair grille, but with a modern, sleek look that "floats" in the front fascia, giving the Dart a full-width mask that marks it as a Dodge.

The rear view of the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart features an available Charger-inspired "racetrack" full-width taillamp with 152 indirect glow LEDs, and class-exclusive available dual exhausts mounted in the rear fascia.

The front of the 2013 Dodge Dart has been designed for smooth airflow around, above and below the car without compromising styling or engine cooling requirements. In addition, a lower radiator close-out panel is pos itioned below the front fascia. This not only contributes to the Dart's lower front-end appearance, but also reduces drag while still allowing for an 8-inch curb clearance.

Dodge designers made attention to detail and precision craftsmanship a priority, and it is noticeable from every angle. Standard laser-braised roof welds, high-quality metal Daylight Opening (DLO) moldings painted piano black and standard projector headlamps are just a few examples of well-crafted features typically found on much more expensive classes of vehicles.

Tasteful, detailed accents add to the design of the Dodge Dart. Style lines on the hood lead the eye to the floating crosshair grille, while chrome accent spears below the projector headlamps and inboard of available projector fog lamps highlight the attention to detail.

The result is a compact sedan that blends exceptional proportions, "aero-dramatic" surfacing, world-class craftsmanship, modern technology, an exceptionally q uiet cabin and an upscale feel in a package that is undeniably a Dodge.

Interior
Dodge designers focused on creating a modern blend of precision craftsmanship, state-of-the-art technology, exciting bursts of color and hand-sculpted shapes when designing the Dart's interior, which is crafted with materials and technology typically found in more expensive vehicle segments. Starting with modern Dodge DNA and through the use of innovative ambient interior lighting, high-quality soft-touch materials and high-tech features, the 2013 Dodge Dart is loaded with cool amenities and unexpected delights for both drivers and passengers.

The Dart's "driver-centric" layout is designed to put all controls within easy reach of the driver. Customizable displays and comfort-tuned seats are packaged in an exceptionally spacious, pleasing interior. Packaged in the footprint of a compact car, the 2013 Dodge Dart features the interior spaciousness of a mid-size seda n, and it boasts best-in-class hip and shoulder room.

"The all-new Dodge Dart is the showpiece for Dodge's next generation philosophy of interior design," said Klaus Busse, Head of Interior Design - Chrysler Group LLC. "The Dart interior takes the beautiful, precision-crafted interiors we rolled out last year and adds a little bit of fun with surprises of color, eye-catching ambient lighting and some really cool technology."

Customization was key in the all-new Dodge Dart's development, and with 12 exterior colors, 14 interior color and trim combinations, six wheel options, three engine options and three transmissions, each Dodge Dart can be personalized by every buyer to fit their individual style. And the combinations are multiplied exponentially, as Mopar® also will offer more than 150 customization options and themed packages specifically developed for the Dart.

The high-tech centerpiece of the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart is the class-exclusive floating is land bezel, which houses the segment-exclusive available 7-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) LED customizable gauge cluster display with light pipe surround that also houses the available class-exclusive Uconnect® Touch 8.4-inch touchscreen Media Center â€" the largest touchscreen in its class.

Thoughtful storage options throughout fit today's technology. The glove box easily conceals a stowed iPad; the center console features auxiliary jacks to plug in a wide variety of electronic devices, and thoughtful, inventive storage solutions, such as center console side pockets, are perfect for storing mobile phones, receipts, or pens and paper.

Lighting in all the right places provides drivers and passengers a warm, comfortable cockpit. Available "racetrack" lighting surrounds the floating island bezel. Ambient lighting for the door handles, map pockets, foot wells, glove box, storage bin and illuminated cup holders is both useful and provides a warm atmosphere inside th e vehicle.

Three sophisticated, fuel-efficient and powerful engines
The 2013 Dodge Dart will be powered by three fuel-efficient, powerful, state-of-the-art four-cylinder engines that add to Dart's fun-to-drive quotient.

Drivers can select from a new 160 horsepower Tigershark 16-valve 2.0-liter engine, a 160 horsepower 16-valve 1.4-liter MultiAir® Intercooled Turbo engine and a new 184 horsepower Tigershark 16-valve 2.4-liter MultiAir 2 four-cylinder engine (available 3rd quarter 2012). These three engines, combined with three transmission choices - six-speed manual, six-speed automatic or six-speed dual dry clutch (DDCT) transmission (available 3rd quarter 2012) - redefine performance by providing the most diverse powertrain lineup in its class.

The 2.0-liter Tigershark engine mated to the six-speed manual transmission has an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 miles per gallon (mpg) City/36 mpg Highway/29 mpg Combined. The 1.4-liter MulitAir Turbo engine ma ted to the six-speed manual transmission has an EPA fuel economy rating of 27 mpg City/39 mpg Highway/29 mpg Combined. Dodge will also introduce a Dodge Dart "Aero" model (available 3rd quarter 2012) that will achieve at least 41 mpg on the highway.

MultiAir technology delivers optimum combustion at any speed under all driving conditions by allowing direct and dynamic control of air intake and combustion. The result is up to a 15 percent increase in low engine rpm torque and a 7.5 percent improvement in fuel efficiency.

Engineered with passion
The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart was developed and engineered to exceed expectations for satisfaction, quality and reliability. From the world-class aerodynamic performance, to the agile, responsive driving experience, to items seemingly mundane like segment-leading heating and cooling performance that gives drivers and passengers the right temperatures in the right locations, and a whisper-quiet interior, Dodge engineers ke pt the customer top of mind while developing every detail of the Dart.

"The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart has been engineered with a passion that demonstrates Dodge is back in the compact car segment in a big way," said Matt Liddane, Vehicle Line Executive - Chrysler Group LLC. "The Dart is well-crafted, agile, powered by world-class, fuel-efficient powertrains, loaded with high-tech features that are both clever and useful, and it's fun to drive."

Alfa Romeo DNA
The Dodge brand's re-entry into the U.S. compact sedan segment is based off of the award-winning Alfa Romeo Giulietta. The Giulietta is renowned for satisfying the most demanding customers in terms of road-holding agility and safety, with exceptional driving dynamics. The Giulietta platform was lengthened and widened, creating a spacious compact sedan that meets the wants and needs of North American consumers.

The proven modular architecture allows multiple models to be built using t he same basic underpinnings, resulting in improvements in quality and reliability, as well as reducing cost, development timing and tooling. The body structure of the Dart is comprised of 68 percent high-strength steel â€" hot stamped, high-strength and ultra-high-strength â€" resulting in an architecture that is lightweight, modern and solid.

The 2013 Dodge Dart features the proven, lightweight MacPherson strut front suspension, specifically tuned to minimize camber loss, resulting in more responsive steering and handling characteristics, improved ride quality and a reduction in road noise â€" all qualities drivers will appreciate.

A bi-link independent rear suspension enables European handling capability for those drivers who love to lean into corners and the smooth ride North American drivers covet.

World-class aerodynamics
The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart compact sedan was designed and engineered for world-class aerodynamic performance. With more than 600 hours in the wind tunnel during the Dart's development and using technology typically found on more expensive vehicles, Dodge engineers and designers looked at every aspect from the ground up to optimize the aerodynamic performance of the Dart.

The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart is the first Dodge vehicle to use an active grille shutter system. The system automatically stops airflow through the lower intake at highway speeds when less engine cooling is required and aerodynamic drag is most significant. When closed, the shutter system enhances aerodynamic performance by redirecting airflow around the front of the vehicle and down the sides, rather than through it. The active grille shutter system will open or close automatically based upon engine coolant temperature and vehicle speed.

Underbody panels run stem to stern on the Dodge Dart, covering the majority of the lower vehicle from the front fascia to the rear fascia. Constructed of mold-in-color (M IC) black composite, the panels both enhance the aerodynamic performance and also block road noise.

Tire spats located forward of the front and rear tires were engineered to function as mini air dams and were optimized for shape and ground clearance, adding to the underbody efficiency in conjunction with the underbody panels.

In the design and engineering of the 2013 Dodge Dart, no aerodynamic detail was too small. Mirror design, the notch angle at the top of the header of the backlight to the trailing edge of the decklid and even the tail lamp applique shape and rear corners were all designed and engineered for optimal aero performance. An integrated decklid spoiler incorporates a trailing edge shape for cleaner airflow separation in the rear portion of the vehicle, which optimizes the air wake.

Class-leading Safety Features
The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart was engineered with more than 60 safety and security features to ensure driver's and passengers' peace of mind when traveling. The Dodge Dart starts with a strong foundation, a body that has a high-strength steel content of 68 percent, one of the highest in the industry, and then adds both active and passive safety features.

Driver and passenger safety features include 10 standard airbags, which is unsurpassed in the segment and include: dual-stage adaptive venting front driver and passenger air bags, front-seat-mounted driver and passenger pelvic and thorax air bags, two rear-seat-mounted pelvic air bags, front driver and passenger knee air bags and all-row side-curtain air bags.

The Dart also features a reactive head-restraint system; available Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection, three-point safety belts in all five seating positions; front driver and passenger dual seat belt pretensioners at the anchor and retractor positions and active load limiters. These features and more all work to protect passengers in the event of a cr ash. All three rear seat positions feature Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH).

Additional standard safety features on the 2013 Dodge Dart include:

Four-wheel, four-channel anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake force distribution and traction control system on all models
Brake Assist
Brake-lock differential
Ready Alert Braking
Rainy Brake Support
Hydraulic boost compensation
Electronic stability control (four-channel active handling system ESC)
Electronic Roll Mitigation
Hill-start Assist
Trailer-sway Control
ParkView® rear back-up camera
ParkSense® rear park assist

State-of-the-art, segment-exclusive technology
The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart sports segment-leading technology and not-seen-in-the-segment features, enchanting and delighting drivers and passengers alike. Examples include the segment-exclusive floating island bezel, 8.4-inch Uconnect Touch Media Ce nter, 7-inch TFT customizable instrument cluster display and upscale ambient lighting.

The 2013 Dodge Dart is loaded with technology that improves driver and passenger comfort, as well as the performance of the car.

Customizable for the driver's own style
The 2013 Dodge Dart will be available in five trim levels: SE, SXT, Rallye, Limited and R/T. Each trim level has a style and value that will appeal to the diverse customer base interested in a compact sedan.

The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart will feature 12 exterior colors: Redline Red Pearl Coat, Header Orange Pearl Coat, Blue Streak Pearl Coat, True Blue Pearl Coat, Winter Chill Pearl Coat, Laguna Blue Clear Coat, Maximum Steel Metallic Clear Coat, Tungsten Metallic Clear Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Citrus Peel Pearl Coat, Pitch Black Clear Coat and Bright White Clear Coat.

The Dart offers customers the choice of 14 interior color and trim combinations with seven interior color environme nts in cloth or leather fabric: Black denim, Black/Light Diesel Grey, Black/Light Frost Beige, Black/Ruby Red, Diesel Grey/Citrus Peel, Diesel Grey/Light Diesel Grey and Ceramic White/Light Diesel Grey.

In addition to the exterior color and interior trim options, the 2013 Dodge Dart offers six wheel options, three engine options and three six-speed transmissions, as well as a slew of available exceptional or segment-leading features, including:

World-class aerodynamics
Class-exclusive integrated dual exhaust
Class-exclusive "racetrack" LED taillamps
Class-exclusive choice of either Hyper Black or polished wheels
Class-exclusive 8.4-inch touchscreen Uconnect Touch Media Center with built-in radio, navigation, iPod control, climate controls, voice-activated Bluetooth®, SiriusXM Travel Link, weather updates and points of interest
Class-exclusive 7-inch reconfigurable gauge cluster display that is easily customizable to the driver's taste. Choice s include: digital and analog gauges, navigation turn-by-turn display, eco-meter, fuel economy, audio, phone, compass and temperature read outs
Class-exclusive floating island bezel
Class-exclusive heated steering wheel
Class-exclusive in-seat front passenger seat storage
Available 506-watt sound system
Keyless Enter 'n Go with push-button start
High-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps
Dual-zone automatic temperature control with humidity sensor
Unsurpassed 10 standard airbags
ParkView® rear back-up camera
Blind-spot Monitoring
Class-exclusive Rear Cross Path Detection
Best-in-class hip room and shoulder room
The most diverse lineup of gasoline powertrains in the segment â€" three new engines and three six-speed transmissions:
New Tigershark 16-valve 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates an estimated 160 horsepower with the choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission
The technologically advanced Fiat 1.4-liter MultiAir Intercooled Turbo producing an estimated 160 horsepower and an impressive 184 lb.-ft. of torque mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed DDCT transmission
New powerful 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir 2 four-cylinder engine that produces an estimated 184 horsepower with the choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission

Dodge also is giving drivers the opportunity to customize their vehicles, as Mopar will offer more than 150 customization options and themed packages specifically developed for the Dart.

2013 Dodge Dart
The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart will compete in the compact sedan segment, one of the largest segments in the automotive industry. The Dart is well crafted and built with the features, technology and style today's compact car customers desire, positioning the Dart as a groundbreaking new car.

Dodge expects the Dart to appeal to a wide-ranging group of new car buyers, from millenials to empty nesters. The millennial customer is a young professional most likely purchasing their first new car. They desire a car that is truly an expression of self, a car they can personalize and call their own. The millennial customer is connected with their friends, enjoys having a great time and is never without their phone. They grew up with technology and they indulge in the latest high-tech features.

The empty nester customer is in the process of redefining their lifestyle, and they have more time for themselves than in their recent past. This customer typically knows what they like and purchases things and participates in activities that make them happy. The empty nester appreciates what they have, leads an active lifestyle and is always up for a challenge. This customer is interested in not only the way things work, but why. The empty nester appreciates a good value, but doesn't want to sacrifice the level of quality and amenities they have wor ked hard to attain.

The all-new Dodge Dart has been engineered with great levels of refinement, craftsmanship and engaging driving dynamics. Consumers can get more information at www.Dodge.com/Dart.

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Report: Bentley aims to sell 3K SUVs annually... including plug-in hybrid version

Report: Bentley aims to sell 3K SUVs annually... including plug-in hybrid version

BENTLEY REVEALS POWERTRAIN DETAILS FOR EXP 9 F LUXURY SUV CONCEPT AT 2012 BEIJING INTERNATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE EXHIBITION

- EXP 9 F all-wheel drive luxury Sport Utility Vehicle concept makes debut in China as potential third Bentley model-line
- Bold reinterpretation of Bentley design cues in a spacious, versatile and high performance SUV
- A range of advanced powertrains under consideration include 500bhp, 4.0 litre V8 Twin turbo, a V6 plug-in hybrid, in addition to the flagship 6.0 litre W12 engine.
- An innovative fusion of contemporary, crafted luxury, advanced in-car technology, commanding driving position and all-terrain capability.

Bentley is offering a vision of the future with a dramatic new Sport Utility Vehicle concept, EXP 9 F, at the 2012 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. The Company's designers and engineers have created a compelling new take on the Grand Touring Bentley â€" a vehicle that feels equally at home at an opera gala performance, on the sand dunes and the overtaking lane of the autobahn.

Unmistakably a Bentley â€" yet a Bentley like none before it â€" the EXP 9 F could herald a third Bentley model-line alongside the bespoke Mulsanne and the high performance Continental GT, GTC and Flying Spur.

Today a global luxury brand with a network of 160 dealers from Shanghai to Beverly Hills, Bentley has an increasingly diverse customer base spanning every continent. For many customers, a dramatically styled, Bentley all-wheel drive SUV which combines a spacious, versatile cabin and commanding driving position, with Bentley's hallmark power, performance, advanced technology and hand crafted luxury, would be a natural choice both on and off-road.

The new pinnacle-luxury Bentley would offer exhilarating performance, setting new benchmarks for the SUV sector. The EXP 9 F concept on display in Beijing is based around the Bentley 6.0 litre, twin-turbocharged W12 petrol engine, developing 600bhp and 800 Nm of torque coupled with an 8-speed close-ratio transmission.

A range of other powertrain options are also under consideration. This includes Bentley's recently launched 500bhp, 4.0 litre petrol V8 as well as a groundbreaking powertrain for the luxury SUV segment â€" a V6 plug-in hybrid. With a potential 30km range in full electric mode and CO2 emissions of 130g/km, the V6 hybrid would still be capable of a 0 to 100km/h sprint time of less than 5 seconds.

"We are very excited by the potential of a high performance, ultra-luxury Bentley SUV. Since we first showed EXP 9 F at Geneva, the response has been overwhelming. Everyone seems to agree that an SUV is a natural fit for Bentley. An exciting range of drivetrain options including a hybrid V6 are under active consideration but one thing is for sure, any Bentley SUV would offer th e thunderous performance for which the marque is renowned." Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors.

BOLD, DYNAMIC, SPORTY DESIGN

- Key Bentley styling cues re-interpreted for EXP 9 F with innovative detailing
- Sculptured flowing surfaces emphasise power, muscularity and robustness

From a designer's perspective, EXP 9 F was a dream project, the chance to create a completely new type of Bentley. From the very beginning, the design team had a clear vision for the new Bentley SUV, as Dirk van Braeckel, Director of Design, explains:

"EXP 9 F had to represent the absolute pinnacle of the sport utility sector, setting a new benchmark for this type of vehicle. The style had to reflect Bentley's sporting character despite its radically different package and purpose together with sculptured, flowing surfaces in keeping with the Bentley tradition."

A new class of Bentley allowed the styling team to adopt a m ore progressive design approach. The exterior is a bold, dynamic statement, combining clean, muscular surfaces with signature character lines, while retaining the qualities of luxury and power â€" a pure Bentley.

Key Bentley cues such as the matrix grille, round lamps and the strong power-line and haunch along each flank are reinterpreted for EXP 9 F. The 'hewn from solid' design language and innovative detailing, emphasise the robust character of this high-luxury SUV.

The designers were inspired not only by the more functional nature of EXP 9 F but by the 'visible engineering' of the famous Blower Bentleys. For example, the day-time running lamp apertures also act as the charge cooler air intakes for the twin-turbo W12 engine, each with a dramatic, mesh-covered turbine fan design and 'rifled' inner surface finish.

The turbine theme continues with the stunning 23-inch alloy wheels, the design of which complements the sculptured coachwork. The multiple spoke s are reminiscent of the shape of turbine fan blades while the centrally mounted wheel nut is a visual reference both to Bentley's Le Mans racers of the 1920s with centre-lock spinner and to the single nut found on the modern-day Speed 8's high-tech racing alloys.

At the rear, the swooping lines of the tailgate avoid utilitarian overtones in favour of a distinctly sporting profile, while the ultra-wide, two-part split tailgate offers a high level of versatility when grand touring. The bold design language of EXP 9 F is complemented by twin exhaust tailpipes with 'rifled' inner surfaces, their elliptical shapes echoing those of the rear light clusters.

The rear lights are inspired by the forms and details of fighter jet engines, uniquely designed so that they glow from within, spreading their light outwards.

INTERIOR â€" A FUSION OF INNOVATION, LUXURY AND UTILITY

- Light, airy, contemporary cabin design with exquisite British 'sporting ' luxury craft detailing
- Contemporary use of touchscreen and tailored interface technologies
- Fresh interpretation of traditional handcrafted materials with highly durable surfaces
- High degree of practicality including versatile rear cabin layout and full-width, two-piece tailgate

Bentley is renowned for its fusion of extremes â€" technology and craftsmanship, luxury and performance â€" and the interior of EXP 9 F expresses the resolution of apparent opposites in its use of materials, techniques and technology, as Dirk van Braeckel explains:

"The challenge for the interior design team was to create a cabin which provides a blend of luxury and utility. The result is a light and airy environment with a commanding view of the road and a versatile layout which showcases Bentley's craft and design language in an innovative and contemporary way."

Traditional handcrafted elements such as wood, leather and polished metals such as aluminium, bronze and gunmetal are used to create a sense of British luxury, yet the way they are used sets a fresh and contemporary interior ambience. Soft-touch leather contrasts with highly durable surfaces with the concept car design experimenting with the use of saddle leather for the seat backs, top roll and loadspace â€" while analogue bezels and dials are paired with TFT 'virtual' instrumentation.

Even the luxurious silk wool floormats are reversible â€" with one side finished in durable, ribbed saddle leather for use when the driver and passengers are dressed for the great outdoors.

The upright dashboard design features a full-width, one-piece wood veneer with a subtly negative surface and instruments with a configurable display. The fluid waist rail design shows pinnacle craftsmanship with chequered, lacquered and oiled finishes. Veneers are sculpted to reveal their solid wood construction. The highly distinctive, carved checkering design on the steering wheel rim, inspi red by a shot-gun's stock, also offers additional grip.

Traditional Bentley 'bulls eye' vents have a 'rifled' gunmetal inner surface for a more contemporary and functional appearance. The centre console is a blend of functionality and supreme ergonomics with dynamic, architectural layers which help to create a central spine to the cabin. The frame of the console is also a structural component with integrated, sculpted grab handles. The high-gloss black touch-screen surround seamlessly blends into a lacquered veneered surface, emulating the decorative surfaces of a Stratocaster guitar.

The flowing roof design with a panoramic glass panel is inspired by the roll cages of rally cars, expressing both strength and lightness. The innovative, four-zone electro-chromatic 'sunroof' allows individual passengers to select their preferred level of light screening

Rear seat passengers can chose between business mode, with generous legroom complete with fold-down keyboar d and full internet connectivity via an iPad or tablet or a more reclined position with powered footrest, drinks table and an infotainment screen for movies. A removable Touch Pad located on the centre console manages the rear cabin climate control system and entertainment functions. When the rear seats are not in use, they can be powered forward to create a larger loadspace for sports equipment or luggage.

The EXP 9 F seating is 4+1, with a rear armrest sitting between the two electrically operated 'Captain's chairs'. Seats feature a diamond-quilted 'shoulder line' in soft-touch leather, echoing the traditional appearance of a British field sport jacket. A sliding drawer between the seats reveals a cooled compartment for champagne and glasses.

Micro leather piping accentuates the lines of the dashboard, centre console and seats and is colour-matched to the coachwork.

At the rear, the lower section of the two-piece tailgate may be used as a viewing bench or picnic table with the upper section providing a canopy to provide protection against the elements. Bespoke picnic hampers are stowed neatly to either side of the load space when not in use, but are located on rails for easy access. An awning extends over the tailgate to protect those seated there; two umbrellas fit into stowage compartments in the rear luggage area for when the rain clouds sweep in. These compartments are heated for rapid drying of wet umbrellas.

COMMANDING DRIVING POSITION AND CONTROL ARCHITECTURE

- Inspired blend of traditional analogue and TFT touchscreen technology
- Bespoke interface engineering â€" tailored to the individual with driver-selectable instrumentation modes

As befits a Bentley, the EXP 9 F design concept features a near-infinite choice of driver information and entertainment options. However the design and electrical engineering teams sought to avoid creating a cluttered or confusing driver and passen ger environment, presenting only the information that each user needs, when they need it.

As a result, EXP 9 F places key driver information such as 3D navigation in a central TFT panel directly in the driver's line of sight, where it is flanked by two analogue reverse-read dials. Meanwhile, controls that are shared between driver and front seat passenger, such as cabin temperature, air vents and entertainment, are presented in the central touchscreen and console. The TFT screen deploys from the full-width metal trim to provide a fully integrated extension to the glass surface of the centre console.

Three different driving modes â€" Comfort, Sport and Off-Road â€" are selectable according to the road environment and type of journey. Thus the driver information TFT panel would be able to switch between satellite navigation on the motorway to a 'sump cam' when negotiating a bumpy track. For sand-dune driving, the speedometer is automatically replaced by a compass w hile, for high altitude driving, the rev counter is replaced by an altimeter.

EVALUATION, REFINEMENT AND FUTURE PLANNING

When the first generation Continental GT was unveiled in 2003 it represented the renaissance of Bentley as a global luxury icon, subsequent launches such as Mulsanne, Continental Flying Spur saloon and the new Continental GT have seen the Bentley brand growing from strength to strength.

EXP 9 F represents the chance to take Bentley values of design, craftsmanship and engineering excellence into what would be â€" literally â€" new terrain for the brand. Bentley's experience with the all-wheel drive Continental range makes the concept of a Bentley SUV a natural progression for the company.

Customer and public reaction will be analysed following the unveiling of EXP 9 F at Geneva 2012, with the aim of refining the concept further. Above all, Bentley will be listening carefully to the reaction of customers and potential customers throughout the world, prior to making any definitive commitment to production.

"A Bentley Grand Tourer doesn't necessarily have to be a coupé, a convertible or a saloon â€" it could equally well be an SUV. What's important is that it should be true to Bentley's brand values and in line with the desires and needs of our customers." â€" Alasdair Stewart, Member of the Board, Sales and Marketing.

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7 Tips to Help You Move Anything

7 Tips to Help You Move Anything

When it comes to moving anything in a car, truck, or van, you'll want to know what the payload isâ€" how much cargo and passenger weight your vehicle can carry. Blindly loading any vehicle without knowing how much weight it can take can result in a vehicle that doesn't handle well and could be downright unsafe to operate.

To find that payload number you'll need to know the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). It's usually printed on a sticker in the driver's door jam or in the owner's manual. That's the weight of the vehicle plus the maximum amount of people and cargo the car or truck can handle. The payload of the vehicle is the GVWR minus the weight of the vehicle. So, if the GVWR of a Ford F-150 is listed as 6700 pounds and the truck weighs 5200 pounds, the truck can haul 1500 pounds of payload.

It's important to have an idea of what that payload number is so you don't overload your vehicle. Vehicl es are designed with suspensions, brakes, and tires to operate within the GVWR. Just because you can fit something that weighs 450 pounds in the cargo hold of your Corvette doesn't mean you should.

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Some Pirelli World Challenge fans are pretty hardcore

Some Pirelli World Challenge fans are pretty hardcore

This is the #33 Volkswagen GLI driven by Tristan Herbert in the Pirelli World Challenge Touring Car class. This weekend, the series is in Utah, racing at Miller Motorsports Park, and Herbert just took the win in his race this afternoon.

While noteworthy, Herbert's victory itself is not the news item here. It's the circumstances behind the win that appear to be pretty awesome. Scroll past the break to see the tweet from the Pirelli World Challenge folks that adds some immensely cool context.

Like we said in the headline, that's pretty hardcore. Congratulations to all parties involved.

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Report: UK judge finds mom culpable for child's injuries because of incorrect child seat

Report: UK judge finds mom culpable for child's injuries because of incorrect child seat

Any time a parent's poor judgment results in harm or injury to a child, it's a sad case. This story, however, seems particularly tragic. According to The Telegraph, a British woman whose daughter was seriously injured in a car crash was found negligent and partially responsible for her daughter's injuries because the girl was riding in an inappropriate child safety seat.

While the accident was judged to be entirely the fault of the other driver, according to the report, his insurance company insisted that part of the responsibility for the girl's injuries fell on her mother. Despite having an appropriate car seat with a five-point harness in the vehicle, the three-year-old gi rl was riding in a booster seat designed for older children. The judge agreed with the insurer and ruled that the mother was 25 percent liable for her child's head, spinal and internal injuries, which the report said will affect her for the rest of her life. The decision means the woman will receive less financial compensation from the insurance company.

While we're sure that the woman â€" who was described by the judge as "an excellent and caring mother," according to the report â€" feels no small measure of guilt, her case reinforces the necessity of proper seatbelt and child safety seat use. For more information about keeping kids safe in and around cars, please visit Parents Central, provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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eBay Find of the Day: 1967 Pontiac GTO Monkeemobile

eBay Find of the Day: 1967 Pontiac GTO Monkeemobile

Say what you will about The Monkees, but the guys in the band had great taste in automobiles. Take the Monkeemobile, for example. Built off a 1967 Pontiac GTO Convertible, the custom featured genuinely interesting bodywork and some wild engine bolt-ons. If you're a fan of 1960s pop and yearn to relive the genre's glory days, eBay Motors may have what you need. A recreation of the 1967 Monkeemobile has showed up for auction. This particular replica was built by Dakota County Customs using an four-speed GTO, just like the original.

Built for the band's 45th anniversary and the final Monkees tour last year, this Monkeemobile is faithful down to every last detail. Unfortunately, the trumpet exhaust poking out of the front fender wells and the massive gold-flake blower are for show only. Seems fitting.

If you like what you see, this machine is up for bid in Richfield, Minnesota with two days left on the auctions. So far, bidding as whipped up to $ 60,000 with the reserve not met. Head over to eBay Motors to have a look.

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Video: Japanese TV show pits MX-5 against BRZ and FR-S at Twin Ring Motegi

Video: Japanese TV show pits MX-5 against BRZ and FR-S at Twin Ring Motegi

A Japanese motoring show, complete with titles in comic fonts, put three racing pilots behind the wheels of the Mazda MX-5 Miata, Subaru BRZ and Scion FR-S (Toyota 86, in this case) for three laps of the 2.1-mile East Road Course at Twin Ring Motegi. Of course the segment producers know that putting the 167-horsepower roadster against the 200-hp coupes isn't exactly fair, so they gave the Mazda a small head start of about three grid positions.

Ex-sports car racer Takayuki Kinoshita handles the Mazda, former open-wheel pilot Naoki Hattori drives the BRZ, and former Le Mans-class winner Keiichi Tsuchiya gets fast and loose in the FR-S. The drivers offer copious on-track commentary, but it's in Japanese. That said, watching the MX-5 try to stay in front and watching Tsuchiya start drifting are universal gearhead languages. You'll find the action after the jump.

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High School Students Turn Inventors

High School Students Turn Inventors

There is the kind of problem kids solve in math class. And then there is the kind of problem they solve after math class. For the nearly 300,000 students involved in FIRST programs, founded by master inventor Dean Kamen, the latter isn't homeworkâ€"it's a way of life. Each year the students spend countless hours building a path to robotic glory that culminates in a world championship in April. But given enough hardware, mentoring, and ambitious challenges, it was only a matter of time before these engineers in training began patenting inventions of their own.

PDBot

The high school students on the Pink Team made bots only for the FIRST Robotics Competitionâ€"until the Rockledge, Fla., police department asked if they had one to spare. In response, the students built a robot to spec. It can climb rugged terrain, deliver a negotiation phone, launch smoke grenades, and conduct surveillance. "We were searching other police robots and were shocked by how much they cost for what they could do," says Jason Schuler, a contract engineer for NASA, a team mentor, and a FIRST alum. So the team filed a provisional patent for its PDBot and optimized the design for a kit that other teams can use to fundraise. "Instead of washing cars to raise money, they'll be building robots," Schuler says.

Folding Forklift

Last year, the Purple Gears had to build a robot that could lift batons from the top of a 22-inch-tall dispenser for the FIRST Tech Challenge. The problem: Their robot couldn't be more than 18 inches high. "We couldn't use hydraulicsâ€"that was another restriction," says senior Ariana Keeling. So the Raleigh, N.C., high school students decided to construct a forklift that unfolds, then learned one had never been invented. On the utility patent application, they listed each team member's contributions to the design. That taught them something else valuable, says mentor John Toebes, director of patents at Cisco: "Invention is not a solo act." This spring, the Purple Gears are filing for a second utility patent for a brand-new kind of wheel.

SMARTwheel

The Londonderry, N.H., Inventioneers had already filed three provisional patent applications by the time they created the SMARTwheel in response to a FIRST Lego League Challenge. "We found out car crashes were the No. 1 cause of death for teens, and texting was the main distraction," says 11-year-old Bryeton Evarts. "We wanted to do something to stop that." Their solution is a steering wheel cover that detects when a driver removes a hand for more than 3 seconds and emits visual and audio alerts. A data logger communicates unsafe driving behavior in real time. Writing the utility patent application was 16-year-old Tristan Evarts's favorite part: "You can conceptualize your idea, but until you have to list all its features on paper, you don't fully understand what it is."

To volunteer or to find a team or a competition near you, visit usfirst.org.

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Video: Lamborghini gives us one last glimpse at the one-of-a-kind Aventador J

Video: Lamborghini gives us one last glimpse at the one-of-a-kind Aventador J

Jaws dropped last month in Geneva when Lamborghini took the wraps off the Aventador J. Looking like the bastard love-child of an Aventador coupe and a KTM X-Bow, the Aventador J packed the same 700-horsepower V12 into a visceral roadster body.

The fleeting beauty and startling reality of it, however, is that Lamborghini only made one. It reportedly s old for $ 2.74 million and went home from the Palexpo with an unnamed collector. So if you missed your opportunity to see it in Switzerland, the closest you may ever get is with the video after the jump.

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2012 Kia Forte 5-Door Hatchback Review

2012 Kia Forte 5-Door Hatchback Review

The Forte was Kia’s first shot at redemption. Replacing the simple Spectra with something more dramatic wouldn’t be difficult, especially since it would be then-new head designer Peter Schreyer’s first kick at establishing the company’s new styling direction. Although it borrowed many cues from its Honda Civic rival, the Forte sedan and two-door Koup were distinctive enough to quiet most of the complainers. Looking to add some utility to the model range, a five-door Forte was quickly added, making it one of the few hatchbacks in the segment.

FAST FACTS

1. Cargo room behind the rear seat is rated at 19.4 cu-ft. 2. Just two trims are offered, an EX with a 156 hp 2.0L 4-cylinder and the SX with a 173 hp 2.4L. 3. EX models start at $ 18,100 with the SX at $ 19,600.

Besides the obvious addition behind the C-pillar, the Forte5 gets some unique detailing to differentiate itself from the more sedate sedan. It’s slightly more aggressive and sits lower on its wheels thanks to more athletically oriented suspension tuning on every model. There’s more than a hint of Mazda3 Sport in the side-view, while the rear end isn’t terribly unique; features like the ubiquitous faux air diffuser, sharp taillights and a five-sided rear window are seen on plenty of its rivals. Overall, it’s a pleasant package and those cues blend well with the aggressive ‘dip’ in the front window line.

NO SUCH THING AS A BASE MODEL

Since the five-door isn’t available in entry-level LX trim, our no-option EX tester is as ‘base’ as they come... And it certainly doesn’t feel like a penalty box thanks to a six-speaker audio system with USB input, Bluetooth hands-free, air conditioning, plus power locks, windows and mirrors. Although a few years old now, the design still looks clean and inviting.

The Forte 5-door offers nearly 20 cu-ft of cargo space with the seats up; not a huge amount more than the sedan. But of course, dropping the rear 60/40-split bench expands that amount dramatically. And the utility of a hatch is being able to stuff tall and awkwardly shaped items in without too much stress. It also has the increased benefit of making child-seats easier to install too since the top-strap can loop over the folding seat-back rather than being jammed up on a rear-parcel shelf in the sedan.

TWO ENGINE OPTIONS

Our tester was easy to get around town thanks to the 156-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which worked quite well with the standard six-speed automatic transmission since there are only 2,840 lbs to move around. Kia estimates the Forte 5-door consumes 26 mpg in town and 36 mpg on the highway, which seems a tad optimistic, but we didn’t notice anything outrageous in our week with one.

Upgrading to the top-end SX model brings a 173-horse 2.4-litre four, but neither engine inspires any sense of passion. Don’t forget that these are the ‘old’ Kia engines, not the direct-injection units found in the Soul and Rio that produce more grunt and consume less gas in the process.

As mentioned earlier, Kia’s five-doors are aimed at a more enthusiastic driver, although the 16-inch wheels and 205/55R16 all-season tires are shared with the sedan. The Forte hatch does have a slightly firmer ride, a hint of more responsive steering, and more roll control in the corners.

KIA PRICING, BUT WITH SOME TRICKS

At $ 18,100, the EX isn’t a bad deal at all... only two real options are available: a technology package with navigation, a rear-view camera, push-button start, automatic climate control and some chromed niceties outside for $ 1,800 plus there’s a power sunroof for $ 750. For comparison sake, the SX is $ 19,600 with 17-inch wheels, the bigger 2.4-litre engine and not much else. Its option packages mimic the EX, although you can also order leather-covered seats for an extra grand.

Here Kia should be raked over the coals a little: If you order the SX Tech package, you are required to order the leather seats and sunroof for a total hit of $ 2,500. Not nice. You can, however, order the leather or sunroof alone without triggering the trap...

THE VERDICT

The Kia’s biggest rival, the Mazda3 i Touring, runs about $ 20K with its new Skyactiv engine and automatic transmission, while the Ford Focus SE is $ 19,500, but still comes with plastic wheel-covers and costs over $ 20,000 to get close to the Forte 5-door. Ditto the Volkswagen Golf.

We won’t even bring up the Toyota Matrix (too slow) or Scion xB (too soft) or current Elantra Touring, which is already set to be replaced by the new Elantra GT.

Until then, the Forte 5-door certainly warrants a test drive. Even in its most basic form, it’s a fun, good-looking hauler that should be popular with younger buyers. Perhaps a little less engaging that its rivals, this hatchback is strong on value.

Related Reading
2012 Mazda3 Review
2012 Ford Focus Hatchback Review
2012 Subaru Impreza Hatchback Review
2011 VW Golf Review
2012 Toyota Prius V Review
2011 Scion xB Review

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Rock Climbing the Iron Way: Via Ferrata Comes to the USA

Rock Climbing the Iron Way: Via Ferrata Comes to the USA

CLICK, CLACK. CLICK, CLACK. The clatter of aluminum carabiners clipping and unclipping fills the air on this late summer afternoon. Pendulous clouds drape the upper slopes of Spruce Knob, the highest peak in West Virginia, and threaten rain. At the moment, though, only a fine mist penetrates a canopy of oak and locust at the base of Nelson Rocks, where guide Josh Armstrong and I watch nine climbers, led by guide Jason Cain, scale a 100-foot-high quartzite cliff on ladder-like rungs anchored in the rock. Each climber wears a harness with a pair of carabiners on lanyards clipped to a steel safety cable that runs alongside the rungs. At 6-foot intervals, when a climber reaches one of the eyebolts that anchor the cable to the cliff, he or she detaches one carabiner from the cable, clips it back on the cable above the bolt, and then does likewise wit h the trailing carabiner. Click. Clack.

"You're up," Armstrong says. He isn't a rock-climbing guide in the traditional sense. No rope runs ­reassuringly through his expert hands to my climbing harness. He can't catch me if I fallâ€"and falls are heavily discouraged. Slipping off the metal rungs might cause more ­injury than a fall while roped and on ­belay in conventional rock climbing. "We don't have a dynamic rope to catch us, or someone on the ground to absorb the shock of our fall," Cain said before the climb. "We are falling on stainless-steel cable. Doesn't stretch much. These lanyards? Not going to stretch much. We can generate a lot of force with a fall. It's ­going to hurt. So no falls."

No falls. Okay. A familiar nervous anticipation overtakes me. I have a fair amount of experience on rock, though it's been a while since I've ascended anything higher than a 30-foot climbing wall. But with all this metal support, I'm confident enough to clip bot h carabiners to the steel safety cable, grab a rung, and start to climb. I won't unclip for 5 hours.

The Tools of Via Ferrata Rock Climbing

A fixed anchoring system like the one at Nelson Rocks is known as a via ferrataâ€"Italian for "iron road." It stays put while the climbers move on: no ropes to lug, no specialized gear to buy, no esoteric techniques to learn. These networks of ladders, cables, and bridges were developed in the ­Dolomites during World War I, when they were used to move supplies and infantry through ­otherwise impassable terrain. After the war, mountaineers took over the routes, and today, hundreds of via ferratas enable even raw beginners to access dramatic ridges and peaks in the Alps and Pyrenees.

On this side of the Atlantic, however, via ferratas are practically ­unknown. The route at ­Nelson Rocks is one of only a handful in the U.S. and Canada, although Whistler Blackcomb in British ­Columbia and other ski areas have discovered that the iron roads can complement summertime ziplines and waterfall canyoneering.

At the Nelson Rocks Outdoor Center, the 1750 feet of ¾-inch aircraft-grade stainless-steel cable (tensile strength: 11,800 pounds), the 115 stainless-steel rungs, and the 145 iron bolt hangers that went into building the via ferrata open one of the most unusual geologic formations in the East to exploration. Parallel fins of exposed ­Tuscarora quartzite rise high above the North Fork Valley like the bony plates on the back of a stegosaurus. Just 220 feet separate those fins, and in an inspired feat of amateur engineering, the via ferrata's builders link them with the route's most spectacular featureâ€"a suspension bridge spanning the distance.

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Video: Another slew of Fiat 500 Abarth ads with Catrinel Menghia released

Video: Another slew of Fiat 500 Abarth ads with Catrinel Menghia released

Ah, Catrinel Menghia. Fiat knows a good thing when it finds one, and so it's no surprise to see a trio of new advertisements staring the Romanian-born and Italian-speaking model alongside the 2012 500 Abarth.

First up is a minute-long montage showing the Scorpion-addled Abarth flung around the desert while Catrinel... well, stands around looking beautiful. Next, the turbocharged 500 drives down the Las Vegas Strip while Ms. Menghia walks around looking beautiful. Notice a trend?

In the third video of this new series, Catrinel finally gets to drive the Abarth in a race against a lucky cameraman. Well, sort of. The two cars are actually piloted by "professional drivers on a closed course" â€" as you can see, they are wearing helmets. Catrinel and the cameraman, on the other hand, emerge from their black and white 500s with hair blowing in the wind.

No matter. Clearly these videos are meant to build upon the first extremely successful tie-up between the model and the Italian hatchback. We've gone ahead and included that initial commercial, along with the three new ones, below. Enjoy!

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2013 Ford Flex Review

2013 Ford Flex Review

Back in 2008, Ford launched a new crossover that was very different from any other crossover on sale. Some called it a mega-sized Mini, while some called it a modern day interpretation of the old woody wagon. Its maker called it the Flex.

FAST FACTS

1. A new base 3.5L V6 engine delivers 25 hp more plus improved fuel economy. 2. The Flex boasts 20 cu-ft of trunk space, 43 cu-ft behind the 2nd row and 83 cu-ft total. 3. Safety options include the world’s first rear inflatable seat belts. 4. Other available features include adaptive cruise control, collision warning, a blind spot warning system and cross-traffic alert.

It was based on the Ford Fairlane concept from 2005, and after seeing the positive reaction the concept created, Ford decided to put it in production.

The name change might have lead to a change of heart for the buying public, because the Flex is the slowest selling mass-produced Ford product in the company’s 109-year history.

Despite the low sales, Ford seems committed to the Flex, and hence is offering a revised version for 2013. Will the changes convince more customers to buy a Flex? That only time will tell, but what we can tell you now is if the changes make it a better vehicle than the Flex used to be.

NEW GRILLE, SAME BOXY LOOK

We’ll begin with the styling. Look at it from the back or the side and you’ll be very hard pressed to notice any differences. The one big clue to look out for from the back is to spot the placement of the Ford badge; it used to be in the middle of the tailgate and now it’s towards the bottom right-hand corner of the lift-gate.

From the front, the differences are much easier to spot. The 2013 Ford Flex gets a completely new nose job, with new grilles and headlights. Gone is the Ford blue oval logo from the grille. Instead, the letters F-L-E-X are displayed proudly above the grille â€" a style Ford introduced in 2011 on the high-grade Titanium model.

Changes to the interior make a notable difference. Gone is the ugly four-spoke steering wheel, replaced by a much nicer three-spoke design. Look through the steering wheel and you’ll find completely new gauges (which are similar to the ones found in the Ford Fusion Hybrid, minus the Hybrid drive-train readout). With the speedometer right smack in the middle it is now much easier to keep an eye on your speed - not that that’s of much concern with the Flex.

MYFORD TOUCH EASIER TO USE

The center dashboard is completely different also. You now get a larger, clearer screen with the updated MyFord Touch and navigation software, plus all the raised buttons are replaced by soft touch buttons. The look is certainly clean, but it does take a lot of getting used to. Gone is the satisfaction of pressing a button with a reassuring ‘click’ signaling it has engaged the function you’ve requested.

These new flat-panel buttons might be easy for someone who is in their teens and spend all day playing on the iPad, but when was the last time you saw a teen go out and buy a Flex? The age demographic for the Ford Flex is understandably high, and we think some of its more mature customers might be turned off by the new layouts complexity.

What buyer’s won’t be turned off by is the interior space. This is a seven-passenger vehicle that can quite reasonably carry seven adults. So if you want the practicality of a minivan but want something that looks cooler, the Flex is it.

MORE POWERFUL AND EFFICIENT BASE V6

To move you down the road, Ford is offering two engines in the Flex. The base motor is a 3.5-liter V6 producing 287 hp at 6500 rpm and 254 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. From this motor, power can be fed to either just the front wheels or all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. According to Ford, with this engine, a front-wheel drive Flex can achieve 18-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. With all-wheel drive, that number drops to 17-mpg in the city and 23-mpg on the highway.

If you want more power under your right foot, there’s the 3.5-liter, EcoBoost V6 engine. This direct-injected, twin-turbo charged motor produces 365 hp at 5500 rpm and 350 lb-ft of torque between 1500 and 5250 rpm. The EcoBoost engine does have a wide torque band, which certainly helps to move this 201.8-inch (16.8-ft) long vehicle. The effect of the extra performance is minimal on your fuel consumption, however, as Ford says the Flex EcoBoost can achieve 16-mpg in the city and 23-mpg on the highway. That’s quite impressive when you consider it comes standard with all-wheel drive.

EcoBoost models also get Ford’s SelectShift automatic paddle-shift transmission. Does this transmission help turn this crossover into a fun family vehicle? We’re not entirely convinced, but since it’s not an extra cost option, we’ll take it.

SAFETY THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

To stop the new Flex, Ford has fitted it with improved four-wheel disc brakes. Plus, to further improve safety Ford is now offering inflatable second-row safety belts on all Flex models.

The best way to survive an accident is by avoiding it in the first place. For that, the new Flex has as standard its AdvanceTrac and Roll Stability Control (RSC) system. When the vehicle detects it is going too fast around a corner, these systems cut engine power while also working each brake independently to keep the vehicle under control. So be in no doubt, the Ford Flex is now safer than ever.

Ford has also spent a lot of time making the Flex quieter than before. We found this out first hand at the 2013 Flex launch on Portland, OR, where the cabin remained silent even along the 200 miles of rain-soaked roads on our drive route.

We also were pleasantly surprised by how well behaved this crossover is through the twisty stuff. Sure it might not be as nimble as a sports car, and the electronic power steering system does lack some feel, but we were often surprised at its composure on the twisty mountain roads between Portland and Cannon Beach.

Helping to deliver that feel is what Ford calls Torque Vectoring Control and Curve Control with the former using the car’s brake system to act like a limited slip differential, slowing the inside drive wheel in a corner and thereby reducing understeer. As for Curve Control, this system can apply braking at all four wheels to slow the car by up to 10 mph in a corner if it detects the vehicle is going too fast for the amount of steering the driver is inputting.

THE VERDICT

Pricing for the 2013 Flex starts at $ 30,885 for the SE model, which only comes in front-wheel drive form. The better-equipped SEL model starts at $ 33,225, but if you want all-wheel drive in this trim package, you’ll have to spend an extra $ 1950.

The Limited model, the only model that has the blind spot monitoring system (BLIS) as standard, starts at $ 39,230. Add all-wheel drive to this package and you’ll again be adding $ 1,950. The top of the line EcoBoost model starts at $ 44,330, which certainly is a lot for a vehicle that does not have a premium badge.

A stylish, comfortable and capable vehicle since its launch, the 2013 model delivers more in every category.

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Shuttle Enterprise Flies Over NYC

Shuttle Enterprise Flies Over NYC

Credit: NASA

The first space shuttle just became the first space shuttle to be in New York City. Mated on top of NASA’s modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), the 75-ton Enterprise prototype space shuttle came north from Washington, D.C., this morning. It flew up and down the Hudson River this morning, not far from PopMech’s office in the Hearst Tower. After a series of flyovers above the Statue of Liberty, Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, the George Washington Bridge, and other NYC locales, the 747 landed at JFK airport where it was greeted with a star-packed ceremony that included NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver, New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, and others.

Spectators lined the Hudson to get a look at the Enterprise and snap some photos as it took to the skies one last time. The flight was delayed five days due to bad weather, but otherwise went as planned. Enterprise began its grand tour of New York at about 10:30. At 11:26 Eastern NASA tweeted the 747’s touchdown at JFK, where the shuttle will stay for the next month-plus.

In June, crews will take the Enterprise off the 747 by crane and put the prototype shuttle onto a barge for transportation to its new home at the Intrepid museum, which is docked on the Hudson. A tugboat will pull the barge through Jamaica Bay, under the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, through New York Harbor, and up the Hudson to Pier 86. A crane with a 190-foot boom will hoist Enterprise onto the Intrepid’s flight deck, where it will be stationed under a temporary climate-controlled pavilion. The exhibit will be open to the public in July as the Intrepid continues to work on a permanent display facility for the Enterprise.

Enterprise, named so after an epic write-in campaign by Star Trek fans, was a space shuttle prototype built in 1976 for ground and flight tests on the 747. It never went into orbit. Once the full shuttle program launched, NASA retired the Enterprise and gave it to the Smithsonian Institute in 1985. The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center was designed to showcase the Enterprise, and the shuttle had been parked there since the center opened at Dulles airport in 2003.

Last year, when the 30-year-long space shuttle program ended, NASA had to choose which museums would get to keep which shuttle, if any. The decision process was controversial, but ultimately, the Intrepid museum was awarded the Enterprise and the Smithsonian gave up the prototype in exchange for space shuttle Discovery, which actually flew into space from 1984 to 2011. Discovery was flown on th e same 747 SCA from its temporary home in Florida to Virginia earlier this month. After unloading Discovery from the back of the SCA, two giant cranes loaded the Enterprise in its place.

To prepare for the shuttle’s arrival, the Intrepid had to make space and removed three Korean War-era jets from its flight deck. A Supermarine Scimitar F.1 British Royal Navy fighter bomber, a Douglas F3D-2 (F-10) Skyknight, and a Mikoyan Gurevich MIG-15 aircraft moved to the Empire State Aerosciences Museum in Glenville, N.Y.

The Intrepid museum also had to reinforce the carrier’s deck to support the shuttle’s weight, and built a 56-foot-tall all-weather tent to temporarily protect it from the elements. (The museum paid for the shuttle’s transportation costsâ€"$ 9.6 millionâ€"up front.)

Space shuttle Atlantis, the last one to make it into space, is moving down the road from its current location in Florida to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center’s visi tor center. The SCA is not needed for that move, but will move the final space shuttle, Endeavour, which will go from Kennedy Space Center to the California Science Center in Los Angeles later this year. The plane and shuttle are expected to be viewable across the country.

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Report: UK gov't backs GPS system designed for elderly

Report: UK gov't backs GPS system designed for elderly

Q: What do you call a navigation system designed specifically for the elderly?
A: A map.

In all seriousness, GPS navigation technology designed to help the aged drive more safely could significantly reduce the number of accidents involving geriatric drivers. Old people already attempt to compensate for reduced faculties by changing driving patterns, not driving at night and taking the simplest routes rather than the fastest. It only makes sense to deploy technology to help them determine "easier" ways to a destination.

At least that's the idea behind a $ 20 million project being develope d at Newcastle University in the U.K. According to The Sun, the research is being funded by the British government, with the end result being a system that would give easy-to-understand directions without suggesting turns across traffic or travel on freeways.

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2012 Toyota Yaris Review

2012 Toyota Yaris Review

If you dig down through all the marketing bumph, past the sharper styling, beyond the claims that Toyota is getting back to its reliable small-car basics, the biggest shift happens on the dashboard. Rarely has a car been so underwhelming that its replacement can improve matters simply by moving the speedometer by 10-inches. But that’s the biggest news for potential Yaris buyers interested in the latest version.

FAST FACTS

1. The Yaris continues to use a 106 hp 1.5L 4-cylinder with a 30/38 mpg rating for the 5-speed manual or 30/35 mpg for the 4-speed automatic. 2. Yaris 3-door models start from $ 14,115 for the L and $ 15,480 for the LE. 5-door versions start at $ 15,140 for the L, $ 15,960 for the LE and $ 16,300 for the SE. 3. With a 5.7-inch longer and 2.1-inch wider cargo area, luggage space is up over 60 percent to 15.3 cu-ft on the 3-door and 15.6 cu-ft on the 5-door.

Previously, the Yaris was generally bought by people who had no love for driving and wanted to spend as little money doing it as possible. With an underpowered engine, cheap materials and admitted Toyota reliability, the sub-compact did have some of the lowest running costs around but delivered no thrills or joy in the process.

UNDERWHELMING FUEL ECONONMY AND POWER

The latest one doesn’t improve matters much. It still uses the old 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 106 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque, and although it does have variable valve timing, it lacks the modern direct-injection systems of its competitors. The class-leading Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio put out another 30 horses and 20 lb-ft without any loss of fuel efficiency, and best the Toyota’s estimated 30 mpg in the city and 38. And that’s with the 5-speed manual. Opt for the 4-speed automatic and the numbers drop to 30/35 mpg. With either of the carry-over transmissions, the Yaris is just as outmatched in the acceleration department, being one of the slowest-accelerating vehicles around.

DRIVING DYNAMICS? NEVER HEARD OF THEM

At just over 2,300 lbs, our five-door Yaris LE tester did little to impress us on the road. Whether because of its more upright styling, its over-sharp steering response, the choice of winter tires fitted or any other reason, the Yaris was a difficult car to drive. It was so willing to follow ruts and grooves in the road that you’d think it was some low-slung sports coupe and not a city-focused hatchback. Not a promising start. But it also leans and wobbles and wiggles too.

Being so far off the mark dynamically makes us wonder if there was an issue with the vehicle Toyota provided...

INTERIOR A HIGH-POINT

Setting aside those questions for now, the new Yaris does improve substantially inside. Gone is the center-mounted instrument pod that blighted the first two generations, replaced by a dash that’s perfectly ordinary by comparison. That change alone makes the car instantly more usable. The dash uses the same highly-textured hard black plastic found in other recent Toyotas, but there are softer bits in contrasting shades sprinkled on throughout.

The seats aren’t bad and reasonably comfortable, and there’s enough room for tall drivers not to scrape their hair on the roof-liner. But the steering wheel only tilts â€" no telescoping â€" and even then only what feels like a half-inch leaving long-legged owners in a lurch.

Rear-seat space is adequate, although the three-person bench isn’t overly luxurious and the only cup-holders are molded into the rear of the center console. Cargo space is reasonable at 13 cu-ft and in LE models, can be expanded with 60/40 split-folding seats.

The best part of the car is its new set of clothes. It’s taughter and more chiseled, and gives the impression that it’s more expensive than it really is. The narrow and tall 175/65-series tires wrap around 15-inch steelies with plastic wheel covers.

ATTRACTIVELY PRICED

The $ 16,100 LE really is the top-dog in the range. There is a sportier SE with alloy wheels and more aggressive styling, but there's only one option to be had and that's cruise control. Otherwise, our Yaris tester came with standard air conditioning, a decent six-speaker stereo with Bluetooth hands-free and iPod interface, power windows, locks and mirrors and remote keyless entry.

Not only does the Yaris find itself under threat by the vastly improved and ever-growing batch of rivals from Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Kia and Mazda, but it also is having its lunch eaten by another Toyota product, the Prius c. While the c starts at almost $ 4,000 more than our Yaris tester, it’s infinitely more comfortable, better equipped and gets nearly double the gas mileage in town.

THE VERDICT

The Yaris won’t be a complete disaster, despite our general indifference to the car. It will sell to current Yaris owners who will appreciate the improvement in style and cabin refinement compared with their old ones.

Despite all the trouble Toyota has had in recent years regarding its quality issues, it was never the small cars that were called into question. Thus, the Yaris will appeal to those who have been burned by American and Korean car makers before and who simply want a vehicle that will be near-guaranteed to start every morning.

To some, reliability is sexy.

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