Vw Bug, 1967 Deck Lid. on 2040-parts.com

European Parliament: electric cars must make noise

The European Parliament has voted in favour of a European Commission proposal to decrease the maximum allowed noise for new cars, vans, trucks, buses and coaches, in an effort to reduce “vehicle noise nuisance” by 25%. At the same time, the EU has voted in favour of a proposal to force carmakers to fit electric and hybrid electric vehicles with a sound generating device, to improve low speed safety for pedestrians and the visually impaired. On Bing: see pictures of electric cars Find out how much a used electric car costs on Auto Trader The proposed changes, which are expected to become law, would see new car noise levels reduced by four decibels, commercial vehicle noise levels reduced by three decibels.

Art Center Car-B-Que

Art Center's Transportation Design department is in the midst of celebrating its 60th anniversary. To commemorate the special occasion the department decided, instead of the large scale production "Car Classic" from years past, to hold an informal gathering of students, alumni, staff, faculty, and their cars. The event, sponsored by the Office of Student Life, Art Center Student Government and by Pasadena based RTT USA Inc took place on Sunday July 20, 2008.

Driven: Lexus GS450h

Lexus' identity is still unclear, even 20 years after it launched. Toyota's premium brand has perpetually failed to establish a clear identity of its own due mainly to a lack of consistency and detail refinement across its products. Can the new GS change these perceptions?