FREE WHEELY

Sometimes, we, people take for granted the value of time. I just realized that when I’ve heard an old man telling his grandson (Okay, okay, I admit, I’m not so sure about their blood relations, I just overheard them talking while I was sitting on a bench, remember Forrest Gump?) something about redeeming the time. “Boy, you ought to train your self to redeem the time,” the old man told the kid that was about 10 to 12 years old, I guess. He added,“Take time as bars of gold. Not just because of the cliché’ that time is gold but because in reality, time is really gold. Time past can never be reclaimed again. What I’m telling you here is that spend your time in useful activities—in those things that could build your future and allow you to become the man you were born to be.”Whack! His words hit me like double-edged sword. Made me think of how many hours I waste vegetating on movies at HBO and Star Movies. Hours I spent in front of my laptop or over my bed. Oh, why have I not heard about such thing as “redeeming the time” before?

But then I realized one thing more. Thanks to that high school note which says such profound thoughts as

Take time to think…

it is the source of power

Take time to play…

it is the secret of perpetual youth.

Take time to pray..

it is the greatest power on earth

Take time to love and be loved…

It is a God-given privilege.

Take time to be friendly…

it is the road to happiness.

Take time to laugh…

it is the music of the soul.

Take time to give…

It is too short a day to be selfish.

Take time to work…

It is the price of success.

Take time to do charity…

It is the key to heaven.

Before I succumb to self-condemnation, I must not fail to acknowledge the fact that I‘ve been a good steward of time in many excellent ways (other than those I’ve mentioned a while ago). It made me realize that somehow, redeeming the time does not mean a calendar filled with hectic schedules, but rather of significant ones. I believe Italdesign is going through the same struggle lately as it launches the Bavarian Motor Works (BMW) M1 Homage.

A future classic. History repeating itself. That best describes the BMW M1 Homage displayed recently at the Concorso d’ Eleganza at Villa d’ Este, in Cernobbio, Italy. The launching was also in line with the celebration of M1’s 30^th anniversary. If you will remember, the M1, BMW’s first and lastmid-engined street car hit the auto markets from 1978 until 1981. The original M1 was designed by no one else but the well-famed Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, owner of Italdesign, a popular design and engineering company. Ever heard about the Volkswagen Golf? How about the Alfa Romeo Brera? Or maybe the Fiat Grande Punto? All those vehicles plus the currently launched Giugiaro Quaranta, were designed by the same company that’s been existent in the auto industry for 40 years now.

BMW has retained the original design of the M1 such as its grille, hood vents as well as its rear window louvers. It also kept the M1’s unique hidden headlights only that instead of pop-up units used in the original M1, the M1 Homage’s headlights are concealed under its hood overhang. These headlights become visible only when lighted up.

If you wonder about where this vehicle will source its power. Here’s a li’l info. Based from the concept, the BMW M1 Homage will run via a 3.5-liter six-cylinder, which was polished for use in the vehicle’s M5 and M6 versions.

However, BMW didn’t give specific details about the M1 Homage’s interior as well as its possible possibilities. This leaves many car enthusiasts (like me) imagining how this car (already tagged by Kicking Tires ugliest concept car ever) looks like inside, how it will run, and most importantly how it differs from other concept vehicles that crowd many auto shows worldwide.

But then again, let’s give Italdesign some time to think about this. Who knows? Something big awaits the auto industry with the BMW M1 Homage. Just because we allowed them to “redeem the time” due to a top-of-the-class innovation.

This is quite funny, I guess, I just hope this could make you laugh. Would you believe that the first time I saw this vehicle, I envisioned a mouse. Yeah! A computer mouse with wheels. My mind even had this thought that if all computer mouse actually have wheels, browsing the internet or encoding could be a lot easier for those who cannot afford to buy laptops. Ya know, sometimes mouse can develop your patience, too especially if they don’t “follow your command.” And having wheeled computer mouse can be a great relief. But of course, that was just another silly by-product of my wild (Actually, extremely wild) imagination. Of course, this is not a wheeled computer mouse! This is a car, conceived by some of the brightest people in this country—yeah, you got it right. Nah, not the New Yorkers (I don’t adhere to nepotism!). How about a second guess? Got it! The folks from Massachusets, Massachusets Institute of Technology, to be specific.

This car, which they call the City Car (Oh, too common name though) appears like as what I’ve said, a computer mouse, but for my source, it looks more like an electric pod. For sure you’re familiar with the cliché’ that “Necessity breeds innovation” (Too bad! I’m the one who’s not familiar with it!) ‘coz this car is exactly a product of that principle.

Since parking is the number one problem in the city that’s too much congested with cars coming and going in all shapes, sizes, and forms, these guys from Massachusets came up with a bright concept? Why not build a car which could make parking easier for most vehicle drivers? And alas! The City Car was born! (Oh, I guess, I used the wrong verb)

This car has the ability to park by itself in just a press of a button (Oh, I can’t believe it could be that easy!) But you’ll be amazed at how this can be done. The car you see in the picture will fold itself up. Yup, fold itself into an eighth of its original size. Then heap itself up making it appear more like a shopping trolley. And that’s it!

However, this car is especially built for the Massachusets people’s use. So if you really want to enjoy hassle-free parking, the choice is always yours. So gotta go now. This time, it’s for real.

Sometimes, we’re made to believe that some things can’t just go together. Logic and emotions. Mathematics and language. Popcorn and ketchup (Love that combination, though!). Drinking and driving (Of course!) but automotive and photography? Lemme think. Sorry to disappoint you but that will make a weak argument now. Before you raise your eyebrows, here’s why. Based from reports forwarded to me by some of my reliable sources, a photographer or better yet a photo artist, from Germany, named Mael Oberkamph, has developed a new concept called the BMW M-Zero. This vehicle is said to be inspired by the BMW M-Series and a combination of the BMW M-Series as well as the Aston Martin DB9.

Let’s see how this will work. If Oberkamph based his concept from the 2008 BMW M-Series, most probably the BMW M-Zero concept will come with double spoke alloy wheels that measure 19 X 8 infront and 19 X 9.5 at the rear. In addition, it might also feature a body-colored hardtop complete with state-of-the-art components including retractable coat hooks, window defroster, as well as front and rear reading lights.

Meanwhile, since the BMW M-Zero concept was also based from the Aston Martin DB9, there’s a possibility that it will bear the qualities of a high-tech sportscar, that was made from the finest quality materials—a symbol of luxury and optimum performance.

It’s quite unbelievable that Oberkamph developed this project out of mere fancy. In other words, trial and error—an experiment! Despite negative criticisms about this vehicle, I still believe that this will be one of the significant cars of the future. Simply ‘coz it’s something that’s inspired by imagination and powered by passion. Gotta leave now.

Are you someone who loves challenges? Someone who enjoys making things happen? A person who has passion for technological innovations but has an undivided heart for the environment? If you answered yes to all these questions, then you must be one of the individuals Shell is looking for! Find a team, build an eco-friendly vehicle that’s capable of running for about 3,000 kilometers per liter and join this year’s Shell Eco-marathon at Nogaro Motor Circuit in France, this coming May 22-24.

Development of energy-efficient vehicles. That is the primary goal of well-known energy company, Shell, when it started its Shell Eco-marathon in 1939. It began as a friendly competition between scientists—sort of test whether who among them can develop the vehicle that can generate the highest miles per gallon. It was already in 1985, in France to be specific, when the Shell Eco-marathon adopted its modern form. In fact, now, it has evolved into an organized competition participated in by young scientists and engineers from 20 European countries. Meanwhile, the Shell Eco-Marathon in North America began last year, and was held at the California Speedway. Just like the mechanics of the Shell Eco-Marathon in Europe, the participants of the Shell Eco-Marathon are divided into teams aimed at developing vehicles which can travel at the farthest distance using the smallest amount of fuel. The categories for the said competition include futuristic prototypes as well as urban vehicles. These vehicles may use either conventional fuels like liquid petroleum gas, gasoline, petrol, and diesel or alternative fuels such as biofuel, hydrogen, solar power, ethanol, and GTL. This goes to show that the Shell Eco-marathon contestants are free to let their imagination run wild in terms of vehicle designs and concept. Winning depends on something that’s housed just between their ears.

However, if you’re really serious about this competition, you gotta be aware of one of the competition’s strongest contenders—the French Microjoule. Yeah, it’s French-made! If all your life, you believed that the only things French people operate on are art and fashion, well, it’s time for you to change that mindset. These guys are excellent auto designers too! Not just excellent but brilliant! According to Inhabitat, this car which resembles an amoeba on wheels, is capable of running over 8,923 miles per gallon or 3,794 kilometers per liter. However, there is just some inconsistency about the figures (In my case, that’s tolerable ‘coz I know deeply the struggle of poets acting like mathematicians), ‘coz another source said it only gets 7,148 mpg. Nevertheless, would you believe that designing this project began about 22 years ago? And what more? Since 1992, the Microjoule has been joining (and mind you, it always wins) the Shell Eco-Marathon, with a world-record of six-time victories. You may be thinking that the French Microjoule has some extraordinary components but actually, aside from its odd shape, this vehicle runs just like any other standard-type vehicles. In fact, it also uses gasoline. However, it can only accommodate one person and does not feature any whistle or bell.

With the Microjoule’s superior features and capabilities, it is really impressive to know that it was designed by students from the French Technical School, St. Joseph La Joliverie. Those kids must really have something! Imagine, the vehicle they built in school is now labeled as the world’s most fuel efficient automobile.

If you can beat the Microjoule’s records, then nothing must stop you! Go, find a team and start building the vehicle of the future! Whether or not you win the prize at Shell Eco-Marathon, it doesn’t matter! What counts here is your commitment to use your God-given knowledge, skill, and passion towards fulfilling your role in the community.

You have less than one month to prepare, by the way.

Lately, there’s this one question which is really disturbing me. No, it’s not about my career or marriage or any other personal issues most people love to feast on. It’s just a simple question that any beauty titlist could easily answer (Oh, such things make me sick!) I actually have just read it from a magazine. Ya know, reading such stuff keeps me in touch with the world—a world bigger and greater than my own. Going back to the million dollar question, it goes something like this. What makes you grateful for being an American?

Honestly, I quite found it as a stupid question at first. Ya know, it was never my habit to follow every word that comes out of Oprah Winfrey’s mouth. What I mean here is that, I’m not used to keeping what she calls a thankful journal—a notebook (You may even use a scratch paper if you want) where you write simple stuffs which makes you feel thankful at the end of the day. Sorry but I don’t want to enumerate the same examples she enumerated. They were too mushy for me.

But I must say, finding things to be grateful about is really a tough task these days. In fact, it’s ironical ‘coz we almost have it ALL in our hands—money, technology, comfort—all the luxuries and pleasures this life can offer. Yet, when all the lights are down, why is it that too many of us feel empty like we’re robbed of everything that we own. Do you get what I mean? There’s just too much dissatisfaction or should I call it discontent. The bottom line here is, look around so you could see that there’s a lot to be grateful for in this life. Regarding the “I’m grateful, I’m an American” thing, well, here’s my million dollar answer: Being an American saved me from taking a difficult class at Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) in Turin, Italy. I just have this strong feeling that had I not been an American, I could have been an Italian taking the same course at the same school. And I’m telling you: With the kind of exams they have, I fear that I’ll have to spend half of my lifetime finishing my college degree.

I just had that trauma upon learning that the students of IED Transport Design were required to design the famous McLaren super car of tomorrow in completion of their final year in college. Whoa! McLaren is a popular Formula One team based in United Kingdom having won more or less 150 races including 8 Constructors’ Championships, and 11 Drivers’ Championships. IED’s Transport Design students were given the following specs of a mid-engined dream super sports car project for McLaren. It must have a top speed of 320 kilometers per hour or 200 miles per hour. Plus, it has to carry a Formula One’s technological excellence off-road including superior dynamics and aerodynamics.

IED Transport Design students were divided into 14 groups with four members. Three designs emerged as the winners. On third rank was the aggressive-looking MP11 followed by the striking Manta. Finally, the grand prize was won by the McLaren M Eleven B. Made out of carbon fibre, this animal world and racing motorcycle-inspired car features underfloor aerodynamics and transferable body panels. Inside, the McLaren M Eleven B incorporates a relatively light, airy, and visible cockpit.

Moreover, McLaren also gave out more special prizes to three other models. The Best Grand Interpretation award went to the “Can-Am” while the “Vortex” bagged the Best Aerodynamic Interpretation award. Meanwhile, the Best Styling Development award went to the M1-06 Black Tiger.

Yeah, I’m thankful I’m an American for not having to take that tough course at IED but most importantly for giving me all the opportunity to keep striving for excellence even if it’s not enforced.

So you love sports cars and motorcycles, don’t you? I should know, we, guys, always want to look tough, masculine, cool, hip, independent, and other adjectives synonymous to that. Oh, blame it to the stereotypes! To the ones who believe that only us are supposed to do the hard work; that we aren’t allowed to cry in the battlefield; that we gotta be brave, strong and mighty like a warrior ready to fight for his territory or a knight willing to rescue his ladylove from a monster (How absurd!). Oh, I hate discussing stuffs like these. I remember the last argument I and my wife had, all started with this gender issue. And after some hours of justifying my cause, I ended up saying, “Oh dear, I don’t wanna fight. You win!” Of course, I won’t make it too detailed, my wife could kill me for that, I swear! But I must thank God, we’re not who we’re supposed to be since then. Oh well, so much for that! Going back to my question, if you answered yes, you’ll surely love this news I got for you!

You can enjoy the performance of a sports car and a motorcycle with just one vehicle! Yes! So you’re asking me how? I’m telling you, “What?” must be the more appropriate question! Yup! You read it right! Venture Vehicles is just about to turn your fantasy into reality through the Venture One, a three-wheel plug-in hybrid vehicle. If you’re not the loner-type, don’t worry, unlike the Myers NmG, the Venture One can accommodate another passenger aside from the driver. Uh-huh. It is a 2-seater vehicle that measures like a MINI Cooper—with a width of about 48 inches, length measuring 11 feet, eight inches, and a wheelbase reaching up to 106 inches. Based from its prototype form, the Venture One weighs more or less than 1400 pounds. Thus, it has 0-60 acceleration in 7 seconds and a top speed of 100 miles per hour. In addition, it is capable of achieving 100 miles per gallon.

To give you a picture of how challenging a Venture One ride could be, here’s a comment from Ian Bruce, EVP Design and Engineering founder and Venture Vehicles’ founding partner. In Tree Hugger, Bruce said:

“The Venture One will have both the performance of a sports car and the agility of a motorcycle…creating an incredibly exhilarating driving experience. The only way I can describe the sensation is comparing it to flying a jet fighter at two feet off the ground. Plus, this extraordinary performance combines the significant environmental benefits of a flex-fuel, plug-in Hybrid with a high-level of affordability.”

According to Electric and Hybrid Cars, the Venture One’s propulsion system utilizes the series hybrid design. This is formed by a small internal combustion engine that is attached to a 50 kilowatt drive motor, a 15 to 20 kilowatt generator, a four-gallon fuel tank, and a reliable battery pack. Also, safety is a priority in a Venture One. It comes equipped with rear bumper, engine shield, side impact beams, as well as driver airbag housed in a steel “safety cell.”

You can expect this vehicle to hit the roads next year with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of around $20,000 to $25,000. It will come in two packages including the all-electric Venture electric vehicle (EV) model and the hybrid E50 and Q100.

Similar to the Myers NmG, the Venture One is a motorcycle, if you’ll follow legal terms. Still, I love to call it a vehicle. Yup, one that flies on the road, giving its drivers all the independence and freedom they want without compromising their safety.

The Venture One is a technology patented from Carver, a vehicle developed by Dutch firm Carver Engineering.

You might find me a little schizophrenic (Well, don’t worry, I’m not. Just a little bit autistic, sometimes) if I told you that I watched Cars. Yeah, Cars, as in the animated film starring a red racecar called Lightning McQueen who destroyed the road of Radiator Springs and was sentenced to do community service by repairing the road he had damaged. Ya know what? After watching the movie, I even bought Cars stickers ‘coz of my overwhelming fondness to that movie! But why? You may ask? What makes it different from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Lion King or Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron? Well, it’s just that this film taught me the value of contentment. I don’t want to elaborate ‘coz I want you to watch the film and learn the lesson by yourself. I was just reminded of Lightning McQueen when I saw the latest electric vehicle made by Tallmade, Ohio-based Myers Motors. Yup! I’m referring to the Myers NmG. You might be asking what NmG means. Well, it stands for No More Gas. Why? Logicaly, simply ‘coz it is battery-powered!

Funky. That’s how the Myers NmG is commonly described. But I guess they’re right. But did you know that this isn’t the first time a car like this is sold in the auto market? ‘Coz actually, the Myers got its design from the Corbin Sparrow, made available in the market sometime between 1999 and 2002. However, upon manufacturing more or less 300 units the company suffered from bankruptcy and had to stop its operation. But just four years ago, it resumed business and pursued its mission of producing alternative form of transportation that is responsible yet innovative and fun. After years of conducting extensive development and research, Myers Motors technicians finally refined the Corbin Sparrow into an electric vehicle with state-of-the-art design and quality.

If you’re a family man, the Myers NmG is not the car for you. High Tech Science said that this three-wheeled electric vehicle (Two wheels infront and one at the back) can only accommodate a single occupant, that would be of course, the driver himself. It utilizes rechargeable 12-volt lead-acid batteries. Powered by a 110-volt outlet, the Myers NmG can run for about 30 miles after six to eight hours of charging. You may also use a 220-volt charger if you want to cut the time into three hours. This makes the Myers NmG a cost-effective means of transportation although at first it seems such a huge investment. Myers NmG costs about $36,000, ten grand more expensive than the popular eco-friendly car Toyota Prius.

On the sidelight, the Myers NmG has a maximum speed of 75 miles per hour and a range of 35 up to 45 miles. By the way, I’ve been using the term vehicle, but legally speaking the NmG is registered as a motorcycle in terms of insurance as well as parking.

Meanwhile, just like any other standard vehicles, the Myers NmG incorporates entertainment systems including an AM/FM/CD stereo. Also, it features electrically operated windows, voltage meters along with amps meter. The Myers NmG comes with a fully automatic transmission.

If you want an eye-catching vehicle, then Myers NmG fits just right for you. It is available in playful day-glow shades like lilac, aqua, magenta, and teal. Plus, although it also fits as a motorcycle, it won’t require you to wear a helmet since it has a covered passenger compartment. The Myers NmG has a curb weight of 1350 pounds, a wheel base of 72 inches, and a height measuring 57 inches. If you think that Myers NmG is all about fun, take note of its safety features including three-point shoulder safety harness, emergency parking brake, inertia switch, interior lock door, hazard warning lights, and many more.

When I’m 60 and I feel like being cool, most probably, I’ll buy myself a Myers NmG, the aqua one and I’ll drive my way to the nearest cinema to watch any animated or sci-fi film. For sure, that would be fantastic!

Geely. To those who aren’t that much familiar with other Asian car brands aside from Toyota, Nissan, Kia and Honda, you might assume that I’m referring to a yummy dessert (Love that too, especially the one prepared by my wife). However, sorry to disappoint you, but Geely is actually a Chinese automaker, considered as the People’s Republic of China’s first independent auto maker. Would you believe that this company started as a manufacturer of refrigerators back in 1986. It shifted to decoration materials then into motorcycle parts. It was only in 1998 that it began its production of automobiles and in 2003 that it started to export its vehicles. It’s growth in the auto business can be attributed to Li Shufu, its chairman and founder who said in forum held in Beijing three years ago that they must produce cars just the way residents from Wenzhou craft about a quarter of the lighters sold in the whole world.

“But developing a car industry is like growing one tree slowly to cover a whole forest,” he said.

Call it strategy. Well, the Chinese are undoubtedly excellent on that particularly in terms of business. In fact, would you believe that during the Beijing auto Show, Geely surprised the whole spectators when it launched the famous LondonChina. Yup! Awesome strategy! Geely got the rights to manufacture London taxis in its native land, China. The vehicle, called the Geely TX4 is tagged as a “hot rod’ version of the London taxi. Coming in electric blue exterior, the Geely TX4 incorporates a VM Motori-made 2.5-liter diesel engine. In addition, it features six-spoke, extra wide tyres as well as sidesteps. Meanwhile, it has a white interior coupled with a stereo upgrade. taxi in

Oh well, isn’t it great to experience a European ride in China?

If you have a good memory like mine, you won’t have a hard time trying to recall Think Ox. Yup, that concept car from Norway. The one that gave me hope that despite my busy lifestyle, I could still pursue my lifelong dream to go to Norway. But I’ve got sad news for myself (Quite odd though, this sad news makes me laugh in disappointment!) It seems like it would really take me some more years before I step on the Norwegian land. I’m not being pessimistic, and you might also be wondering why I’m speaking this way. Well, simply because I’ve just lost one of my greatest reasons to go there. Uh-huh. Yes, you got it right. The Think Ox. Not just that, it will arrive in US together with the Think City.

According to one of my reliable sources, Think Global, the company which manufactures Think Ox and other popular electric cars, such as the Think City, in Norway, is set to bring its cars in United States next year. My source said ‘twas confirmed by Think Global along with co-investors Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and Boston’s Rockport Capital Partners during Fortune’s Brainstorm Green conference conducted in Pasadena, California. Think North America is a 50-50 joint business enterprise between Think and Kleiner and Rockport.

It can be recalled that the Think Ox was first launched during the Geneva Auto Show held last March 4-16 in Geneva Palexpo Switzerland together with other famous concept cars such as the Renault Megane, the Rinspeed Scuba, Morgan LIFE Car, as well as the Kia Soul concepts. It is a five seater, all-electric car ran by a 60 kW motor. It is powered by rechargeable sodium or lithium-ion batteries which have a range of 124 miles. On the other hand, the Think City is a two-seater, modified version of a battery-powered car. Developed originally by Ford, this all-electric car has a top speed of 65 miles per hour and can go 110 mile son with just a single charge.

Think Global’s partners are now in the process of developing batteries which can boost Think electric cars’ range and top speed. I guess this is to be able to survive the tough competition in the US auto Market. The Think City and Think Ox are expected to contend against standard economy cars and three-wheeled town cars coming to the US market in the coming years.

Wilber James of Rockport said that Think Global’s electric cars are fun cars to drive. That’s why as venture capitalists, they want to take active roles in using their top-of-the-line battery technology to improve these car’s already superior performance.

“This is not just a one-off kind of deal,” he said.

Think Global’s electric cars will be sold a little less than the $25,000-worth Toyota Prius in North America. With this price, Jan Olaf-Willums, Think chief executive officer is optimistic that they can sell a few thousand cars and produce 30,000 more. Through that, Willums hopes to put up additional assembly plants like its $10 million modular factories.

Before its said arrival in US, Think Global has been shipping its electric cars in Norway last year while this year, its goal was to export these cars in Scandinavian countries including France, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

Ray Lane of Kleiner, Think Global’s business partner, will act as the Think North America’s chairman. Convinced of Think electric cars’ potential in the US auto market, he said, “We thought this would be a wonderful vehicle to bring to the US…we’ll invest what it takes.”

So I guess nothing could stop these guys from bringing the taste of Norwegian ride here in US. Well, that’s fine with me! Anyhow, I still believe that one day, I’ll be enjoying a Think ride there in the land of the midnight sun and nowhere else.

*Alt for Norge!

*Norway’s motto which means All for Norway