1,400 metric tons of diesel fuel is difficult to imagine from an average consumer perspective. That’s enough to power a diesel compact car for about 350,000 miles, much more than it would probably ever drive.

That’s also how much diesel Nissan will save every year thanks to a new transport ship which launched on its maiden voyage last Friday. The Nichioh Maru is the company’s newest freight liner and it’s making a splash in the green technology world thanks to it’s innovative design which offers an 18 percent fuel savings over similar ships without the technology.

The ship features 281 solar panels on the deck which power LED lighting throughout the ship. It also has a specially coated hull to reduce drag and is about the length of 1.5 football fields (557 feet).

The Nichioh Maru carries up to 1,380 cars and travels at a top speed of 24.4 mph or 22.1 knots to make two domestic round trips per week totaling just over 2,200 miles. Nissan released a video featuring the ship, you can watch it below.

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You might be familiar with the sound a Le Mans car makes while whipping around the track, but this year Toyota is going to change all that.

For the first time in more than a decade, the Japanese giant is entering in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, set to start this June. Yesterday we reported a story revealing some of the mechanical details behind the TS030 hybrid, Toyota’s strategic play to work back into the Le Mans good books.

The hybrid, they hope, will trump the diesel competition this year. Their car will feature a 3.4-liter naturally-aspirated V8 paired with Toyota’s hybrid drivetrain, which will take advantage of a capacitor system instead of the lithium ion batteries found in production cars.

Until today we had only seen still photos and ready specs, but thanks to a fresh post on YouTube, we get a chance to hear what the car sounds like on the road. You don’t see or hear anything interesting for the first 30 seconds of the video, but it ends with the TS030 Hybrid turning onto the track and launching. As you probably imagine, the difference between the electric motors and the V8 is striking. You can watch the video below.

GALLERY: Toyota TS030 Hybrid

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Mercedes-Benz is going guerilla with its marketing tactics for the new A-Class by placing camouflaged cars around Germany stamped with QR (Quick Response) codes to give those lucky enough to scan them a chance at some prizes.

While that’s good news for a bunch of lucky Germans, the rest of us will have to settle for a new video showing the body shape, headlights and bits of bumper. The video is just a small teaser for the full reveal which will happen in Geneva this March.

If you’re in Germany and see one of the “specially marked” vehicles, whip out your smart phone and scan the code. It could lead to a visit to witness the A-Class debut in person.

Last month our spy photographers spotted a camo-wrapped A-Class being tested but we weren’t sure about the mechanical details. Since then we’ve learned that it will likely feature a 1.8-liter turbocharged four cylinder mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Most models will feature front-wheel drive, though the AMG variant will get 4Matic treatment.

Expect to hear about the A-Class hitting the road in Europe by the end of the year, but not in the U.S. until mid 2013. There will, however, be a four-door coupe hitting the American market based on the same drivetrain later this year.

We’ll be covering the A-Class reveal as well as other breaking news from Geneva starting on March 6.

Watch the promo video after the jump.

[Source: Motor Authority]

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Ford is setting new records for fuel economy (and style) in the mid-size sedan segment with the debut of the new 2013 Fusion today at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Available with three gasoline engines, including a 37 mpg highway 1.6-liter EcoBoost, a Fusion Hybrid will deliver 47 mpg city and 44 mpg highway. Taking fuel economy a step further will be a plug-in hybrid with 100 mpge.

GALLERY: 2013 Ford Fusion

For more on the 2013 Fusion watch the video below:

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Unveiled on the eve of the Detroit Auto Show, we had our first chance to run our paws over Cadillac’s new luxury sports sedan, the ATS. The car is a bold move by Caddy, which claims the ATS was built not just to compete along segment hallmarks like the BMW 3 Series, but to beat them.

Notable highlights include a low 3,400 lb curb weight, an optional 270-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, real carbon fiber on the interior, Brembo brakes and magnetic shocks absorbers – a first for the segment.

GALLERY: 2013 Cadillac ATS

For more on the new ATS, watch the video below:

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Maybe the staff at Aptera watched the printer-smashing scene in Office Space too many times and felt like taking some frustration out on inanimate objects.

Whatever their reason the video footage of their antics is creating a stir. Last Sunday we reported that Aptera, the environmentally focused startup responsible for building funky-looking 3-wheeled EVs would cease to exist. They had no choice but to shut their doors after failing to find investors willing to match a $150 million Department of Energy loan offer.

Had they succeeded, Fox News reported that the company was aiming to market a family sedan similar in size to the Toyota Camry.

Aptera co-founder and former Chief Technical Officer Steve Fambro expressed his dismay on the Aptera forum yesterday, saying These were beautiful, fully functioning vehicles.” He went on to say that there was ”no viable or logical reason for this to have been done, only to prevent the founder from ever seeing their functioning [cars] work again.”

Fambro left the company in 2009 after a failed coup attempt aimed according to him at trying to save the company “from team B’s failed path of waiting for the DOE.”

The videos feature unnamed employees destroying what looks like body shells of the raindrop-like 2e. You can watch them below.

Anyone who has seen Japanese car commercials knows they can be a bit odd, to say the least. The 1990′s were chock full of weird celebrity endorsments (Jodie Foster and the Honda Civic, anyone?) but the next trend to hit was having directors treat their ads like art house films – and it’s here to stay.

If this were an American ad, we’d probably have lurid shots of the Subaru BRZ in full opposite-lock mode, with a garbled voiceover detailing the terms and conditions of a special lease offer. But this is Japan, and instead we get slow, tight glimpses of the BRZ while the best in adult alternative EZ-rock plays on screen. Whatever. Hit the mute button and enjoy.

Hit the jump to see the Subaru BRZ commercial.

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A rite of passage of sorts for new Ferrari models, reports have surfaced of a brand new $300,000 Ferrari FF spontaneously catching fire and burning to the ground. The driver of the FF reportedly heard a bang coming from the rear following a rise of flames during his test-drive in Frankfurt, Germany. Pulling to the side of the road and escaping from the car, the driver of the FF sustained no injuries.

Last year news emerged of several Ferrari 458 Italias catching fire. Then, the cause was discovered to be an issue regarding the engine heat shields around the Italia’s V8. As the FF’s V12 engine is up in the front, one could assume that heat reflectors surrounding the FF’s exhaust may be the cause this time around. No recalls or investigations have been announced.

Check out the video of the fire below.

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We’re not sure what it is about car crashes that fascinates us – so long as they don’t happen to us. We just love (and hate) watching videos of them occurring, and this one involves a remarkable Aston Martin Rapide on a public road.

The driver is Italian surf board designer Roberto Ricci, while the passenger, who captured the entire incident on video, is Mpora editor Dave White. It appears that Ricci turned off the Rapide’s stability control rather than hitting the “Sport” mode button and as a result, loses control of the car while on an exit ramp. The Rapide clearly slamms into a guardrail but none of the airbags deploy.

Fortunately after the accident both White and Ricci do not appear to have sustained any injuries, which is surprising considering how demolished the Rapide is.

Check out the video of the crash after the break – may be NSFW due to language.

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Cadillac has released a video of its 2012 ATS testing at the Nurburgring, along with some photos of the heavily disguised sports sedan being put through its paces.

The ATS in the video is obviously a long way off from production, with a rollcage, bucket seats and other competition-grade pieces, and we can’t quite make out whether the engine is a high-strung 4-banger or a GM V6.

GM’s U.S. boss Mark Reuss says, “The ATS is probably the most sporty car that Cadillac has ever done and I think you’ll find this car more entertaining than anything else int he segment. And I think it’s also one of the most beautiful cars.”

Take a look for yourself after the jump.

GALLERY: Cadillac ATS At The Nurburgring

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We’ve seen Jeremy Clarkson review some of the most beautiful and exotic cars ranging from the Bugatti Veyron to the classic Jaguar E-Type. We’ve also seen him review some of the most hideous cars like the Reliant Robin, but military vehicles? From a video game? This is a first.

Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson will be spicing up Forza Motorsport 4 with a featured role in the XBOX 360 game. With the game ready for release in October, this commercial has been released featuring the high tech M12 FAV Warthog from Halo, and the witty Jeremy Clarkson. Now gamers and auto enthusiasts are getting the best of both worlds. Interestingly, the Warthog won’t be the only vehicle that will receive Clarkson’s review. Apparently the game’s Autovista model will introduce players to a wide variety of unique vehicles.

In the short commercial, Jezza approaches the imaginary assault vehicle with his typical sarcasm and dry sense of humor, that we’ve come to know and love from his fantastic TV show. Check out the video after the jump to see the tank like all-terrain vehicle.

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Two National Guard Light Medium Tactical Vehicles were entirely submerged during the Hurricane Irene aftermath, and the action was captured on video.

The two trucks drove through the deep water in downtown Manville. They managed to drive about a block  before either water got into the engine or the drivers ran out of breath. At one point when the trucks stop, the men climb out of the trucks and appear to be unable to swim.

Check it out for yourself after the jump!

[Source: Jalopnik]

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MINI has recently released another short commercial featuring the adventurous 2012 coupe. This video is a tad bit creepy, involving a hitchhiker, a MINI driver and a wanted poster. The video leaves us on a cliffhanger, and we’re not exactly sure what happens. Maybe MINI Coupe owners attract negative attention? MINI also released two other videos, with one set in Hong Kong (and taking a much lighter tone) and another set in Rio, with a carnival/samba theme.

Three different trims will be offered with the Coupe including the standard Cooper, Cooper S and the high performance John Cooper works model.  The base model will start at $22,000 and have a 121-hp engine. The S model will start at $25,300 and gets a turbocharged 181-hp engine. The steroid infused JCW model will start at $31,900 and produce 208-hp, also through a turbocharged engine.

Check out the video after the jump!

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With the upcoming launch of the R8 GT Spyder at the Frankfurt auto show, Audi has recently released another video featuring its venerable sports car. The new promo video includes an extensive walk through of the high performance car, showcasing the exterior and interior. We also get to see the car in action on the track, and hear the amazing exhaust note.

Production is limited to only 333 units and the car sheds 187 lbs (compared to the standard Spyder) thanks to extensive use of carbon fibre, allowing it to achieve mind blistering acceleration. This Audi is capable of 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 317 km/h. The Spyder will be powered by a V12 5.2-liter FSI engine producing 560-hp. The transmission will be an automatic R-Tronic 6-speed. The car will cost a cool € 207 800 or $295 782.52 in USD. Apparently 90 units of the GT Coupe will arrive Stateside, so expect the same number for the Spyder version.

Check out the video after the jump!

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In this crazy video, a Los Angeles firefighter is only inches away from a burning car that explodes in his face. Perhaps more impressive is that he doesn’t even flinch – showing some serious cojones.

“As they were attacking the fire, it appears from the video, that an airbag went off, sending sparks,” LAFD Capt. Jaime Moore told NBC news. “They had their personal protective equipment on, so he was not injured.” ”As you can see in the video, he didn’t event flinch,” said Moore. “He took a step back and continued fighting the fire.”

Check out the video after the jump! It’s pretty spectacular.

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In case you missed last week’s coverage of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, we’ve created a video hub for all of our coverage from the week’s festivities. It’s not just historic models either, with plenty of other events being held simultaneously in Monterey, CA that week; not to mention several new car unveilings.

Along with the exotics at Concorso Italiano, new vehicles revealed include the 2013 Lexus GS350, the Infiniti JX Concept, the Lotus Evora GTE Road Car Concept, Cadillac Ciel Concept and the first North American showing of the Aston Martin V12 Zagato.

GALLERY: 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

Enjoy the videos after the jump and make sure to subscribe to AutoGuide YouTube channel here:

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NASCAR big boys, Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon attended a Chevrolet Volt Homecoming Parade in metro Detroit on August 18 as a part of the festivities surrounding the annual Woodward Dream Cruise.

Over 50 owners from 12 different states attended the even, with both Johnson and Gordon included in the pack as actual Volt owners. In pure racing fashion the duo waved flags to mark the start of the parade. Both NASCAR drivers spent plenty of time talking up the electric Chevy crowd at the parade.

“These cars are just another step in the right direction of going green. Hopefully the Volt will provoke more thought and change,”said Jimmie Johnson.

As for Jeff Gordon, he touched on how Chevrolet is always pushing the envelope in the right direction. “With Chevrolet celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, I can’t think of a better vehicle to show off the brand’s heritage and where it’s headed.”

Check out the video after the jump!

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Lexus has just released a promo clip for the all-new 2013 GS350, highlighting the car’s power and agility. With details provided on the new suspension setup as well as the 306-hp 3.5-liter V6, there are also plenty of stunning visuals.

Recently unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, get full details on the new GS here.

GALLERY: 2013 GS350

Check out the video after the jump!

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It looks as though the drivers are just as excited as we are for this showdown. In this teaser trailer three all-new BMW M5′s lap the famous race track accompanied by a helicopter filming in HD. The video is set to come out tomorrow and from the looks of it, will not disappoint.

The M5 has been entirely redesigned but the biggest change is the switch from a high-revving V10 to a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8. The new engine cranks out 552 horsepower and 502 lb-ft of torque mated to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. The car is capable of achieving a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds, not bad for a car that weighs around 4,000 lbs.

Check out the video after the jump!

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David Coulthard and his Red Bull F1 team traveled down to Austin, Texas to check out the soon to be completed Circuit of the Americas track.

Over the weekend, David Coulthard took his 750-hp Red Bull Formula One race car on a cruise in and around the Texas capital, engaged in some hooning and put on a show for the crowd.

In this clip, Coulthard takes the high performance F1 car on the dirt roads of the soon to be grand prix track, as well as along some highways. It’s not every day you get to see one of these cars go off-roading, or tear through city steets.

Check out the videos after the jump!

GALLERY: Red Bull F1

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Here is one of the latest clips of the BMW M5 booting it on the Laguna Seca track. Oh how sweet the sound is!

The M5 has been entirely redesigned but the biggest change is the switch from a high-revving V10 to a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8. The new engine cranks out 552 horsepower and 502 lb-ft of torque mated to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. The car is capable of achieving a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds, not bad for a car weighs around 4,000 lbs. Pricing has not been announced but the M5 will probably sell for around $85,000.

The minute and a half long commercial paints this car as nothing less than a monster as it knifes its way through the turns on a track.

Plus, we also managed to catch up with that very car, on display at Pebble Beach.

GALLERY: 2012 BMW M5 at Pebble Beach

Check out the video after the jump!

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Chrysler’s Ram truck brand will expand its advertising into Wal-Mart stores throughout the U.S. this fall. Dodge Ram advertisements will be in thousands of Wal-Mart stores and will integrate Mossy Oak camouflage, another of Ram’s partners into the promotion. ”We recognize the alignment between truck buyers, the hunting/fishing lifestyle and Wal-Mart,” said Marissa Hunter, head of Ram advertising. “We are working on promotion that brings all three together.”

Ram will also be launching two new commercials today, for its “Code of the West” advertising campaign. Marissa Hunter commented on the commercials saying, “The role of these spots is twofold. First, continue to create overall awareness about the capability of the full Ram lineup. Second, do so in a manner that inspires consumers to think differently about the Ram Truck brand.”

Fred Diaz, CEO of the Ram brand said that through the first seven months of 2011, Ram brand U.S sales were up twenty-five percent. He expects sales to continue to grow for the rest of the year. ”The fourth quarter always represents a key selling season opportunity for commercial business which historically increases commercial sales by up to 50 percent.”

Check out the commercial after the jump!

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Ken Block’s Gymkhana 4 has been filmed and is ready for release in a few days, on August 16. To hype up the release of the video, a teaser trailer has been released, getting us ready for some serious hoon action. In the video, we get a thirty second taste of the turbocharged rally monster. Nine GoPro cameras catch the half-metre long flame flowing out of the Ford’s titanium exhaust. We are very excited to see what Ken has up his sleeves for us.

Check out the video after the jump!

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Punk rocker, activist, and hipster-hating Henry Rollins is Infiniti‘s newest spokesman—but not for his punk cred.

Hardcore punk isn’t exactly Infiniti’s target demographic: rather, Rollins was picked for his deep, unmistakable voice. “Our first intention was to get the voice,” said Ben Poore, vice-president of Infiniti America. “To get the spirit with an interesting tonality. It had to be authoritative and at the same time stand out,” Poore said. “We listened to hundreds of voices, but they weren’t pushing the board enough.”

While Rollins won’t be in the videos explicitly—those sleeve tattoos might scare off the Tchaikovsky demographic—his voice has already been put to use in two Infiniti ads, both of which poke fun at Lexus. The former lead singer of Black Flag is like Infiniti in that they both shake up the status quo, said Poore. There may be some old-school Hermosa Beach guys that may take umbrage at that.

Click the jump to see the first of these ads.

[Source: Kicking Tires, Delaware Online]

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