Moving Toward the Future with Volvo 3CC Concept and Volvo Performance PartsWritten by Jenny Mc Lane
PremAir is offered on Volvos today. The technology removes ozone from air sucked into radiator, making select Volvo models four-wheeled pollution vacuums. PZEV engines meet partial zero-emission vehicle standards in California and New England, and are among cleanest-burning vehicles of any kind regardless of their requirement for gasoline.Volvo 3CC concept won “Best Design” at seventh Annual Michelin Challenge Bibendum, where alternative-fuel concept vehicles compete as automakers are challenged to find better, greener ways of producing vehicles. We see Volvo 3CC as a functional demonstrator from which clean, safe and efficient vehicles can be derived in future," says Volvo Car Corporation spokesman Dan Werbin, Director Volvo Cars North America. The 3CC is powered by 3,000 lithium-ion cells like those in a laptop computer, can accelerate to 60 mph in 10 seconds while emitting zero emissions, according to Volvo. It will travel 180 miles on a single charge, and can cruise at speeds as high as 85 mph. Unique engine housing construction allows Volvo 3CC to conform to a wide variety of propulsion systems, giving it flexibility to meet ever-changing power source requirements whether they call for gasoline, diesel, hybrid, electric, or bio-fuel motors. The 3CC is a small, sleek and environmentally efficient car with a powerful, zero emission electric power train, great aerodynamics and a lightweight, high-strength steel space frame. Volvo could not compromise on safety for 3CC thus it developed unique 'Volvo safety ride down concept' to absorb collision forces in a frontal impact by controlling forward motion of occupants.
| | Parts Train's Dynamic Nissan Body Parts Complements 2005 Nissan Xterra's Off Road CapabilityWritten by Jenny Mc Lane
Building on its predecessor's rugged looks, 2005 Nissan Xterra has more roominess and more features, including enhanced off-road performance systems. Bulkier, silver colored materials and more angular structure to grill and bumper give Xterra a more aggressive stance. "The changes in new Xterra are evolutionary, though with a capital E," said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "For 2005, we've made key improvements in areas customers want most - power, drivability, smoother on-road dynamics, more interior space and cargo versatility and, of course, greater off-road performance."The most significant changes to new Xterra are use of a version of new "F-Alpha" platform, which was created for use on new Nissan Titan full-size pickup and Nissan Armada full-size SUV, and utilization of a new 4.0-liter version of Nissan's VQ-series V6 engine. Various improvements to powertrain include increased displacement as well as micro finished engine internals, Continuous Valve Timing Control (C-VTC), Nissan variable Induction Control System (NICS) and a high capacity muffler. Electronic Throttle Control makes better responsiveness. Available transmissions are a 5-speed automatic and, even more impressive, a 6-speed manual. A 4WD option is available to replace base 2WD configuration. Four wheel disc brakes assisted by anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist (BA) keep Xterra in check. The 2005 Xterra was designed utilizing a truck-based body-on-frame chassis. A double wishbone front suspension and rigid leaf suspension in rear gives these trucks durability and ride that one expects from a truck-based SUV. High performance shocks are available on Xterra Off-Road model.
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