One Third of European Road Tunnels Fail to Pass Safety Test

An independent survey conducted across Europe by the European Tunnel Assessment Program (EuroTAP) has produced the worst safety result for five years. After performing safety tests on 31 tunnels in eleven European countries, EuroTAP inspectors discovered that nine tunnels failed to make the grade.

EuroTAP’s methodology consists of more than 200 criteria classed in eight categories that examine the preventative, mitigating and remedial features of a tunnel as well as its risk and safety potentials. Additionally, a so called knockout criteria leads to any tunnel with a single serious defect automatically having its score downgraded.

Leading the poor results in 2008 are Norway and Italy. In particular, Norway recorded terrible marks with all of the three tunnels tested receiving a rating of “Very Poor”: the Eikefet, Jernfjell and Matreberg tunnels. In Italy’s case, three out of the five tunnels tested are on the losing end: the Breva, Cernobbio and surprise, surprise, the newly built Marinasco tunnel. The biggest loser placed at the bottom of the list is the 2.4 km long Cernobbio tunnel built in 1983 in the city of the same name at Lake Como. –Continued

At the bottom of the list we also find the Belgian Waasland tunnel in Antwerp, the Spanish Pando tunnel (AP 66 near Pola de Lena) and the German Universität Düsseldorf tunnel (in Düsseldorf).

On the bright side, all nine tunnels tested in Austria and Switzerland received positive ratings. Italy also reached positive grades for the Serrone Tondo tunnel (A 3 near Contursi Terme) and the Valsassina tunnel (SS 36 near Lecco). At the top of the list is the 1.3 km long Pont Pla tunnel, opened in 2006, in Andorra la Vella, the capital city of the tiny state of Andorra in the eastern Pyrenees between Spain and France.

“The Tunnel Safety Directive was adopted in 2004 and remarkably public authorities and operators still fail to fulfil our recommendations towards the improvement of tunnel safety disparities across Europe”, said Professor Reinhard Rack, MEP commenting on this year’s results.

“We will continue to test tunnels and to exert public pressure via the media. The people in charge will respond with investment and tunnel refurbishment. The consequences are safe tunnels and ultimately this will benefit everybody" said Robert Sauter, EuroTAP Chairman from the German Automobile club ADAC.

Posted by Chris

Lamborghini’s Bull Loving Ferrari’s Prancing Horse

We’re not sure whether the picture above is the result of photoshop or an actual decal decorating the Lamborghini of an overly proud and passionate owner, but either way, we found it extremely funny - in a sort of, adolescent car aficionado way of course.

Via: Autoblog.it , Source: Happyblog

BMW M-Zero: “Aston-Martinized” Bimmer Coupe Concept

The M-Zero Concept you see in the CGI (computer generated image) above is the work of designer Mael Oberkampf and it depicts an alternative look for a future BMW sport coupe. The concept combines the overall silhouette of an Aston Martin DB9 with details from several BMW production (front-end) and concept models (rear-end). With the exception of the huge tires and the so-and-so execution of Bimmer’s characteristic Hofmeister kink, not a bad proposition at all. –More images after the jump









Via: Autoblog.nl

European Gas Prices: And You Thought $3.50 Was A Lot…

Earlier today, the AAA and Oil Price Information Service reported that average U.S. gasoline prices hit a new record at $3.50 per gallon. A lot of people are freaking out here in the U.S. with the cost of gas but how about if you paid more than double that like they do in Germany; how does that sound?

Ok, so we knew that Europeans pay an arm and a leg for gasoline – mostly due to heavy taxation, but we wanted to see exactly how much more so we “flew” over to Eurostat, the official European statistic office to find out. As you can see in the list, there are huge variations in Europe with gasoline prices ranging from “as low” as €3.82 / $6.12 a gallon in Bulgaria to as deep-space high as €5.87 / $9.39 in The Netherlands. Suddenly $3.50 doesn’t sound that bad, does it... And no, we’re not implying that we should pay more for gas.

*Gas prices were taken on April 18, 2008 by Eurostat and they concern the average cost of one liter of Euro-Super 95 -taxes and duties included. For comparison reasons, we converted Euros/liter prices into Euros/gallon and Dollars/gallon. Note that the exchange rate between the Dollar and the Euro also hit a new record high today (€1 = $1.60 on April 22, 2008).

Honda Racer: Honda USA Designs Commemorative Hot Wheels Scale Model

To celebrate Hot Wheel’s 40th anniversary, Mattel invited six major automakers to send their design propositions for a commemorative line of 1/64 scale toy cars. Honda on its part created the “Honda Racer” you see in the picture above. Designed by the Japanese carmaker’s US studio in Torrance California, the Racer is inspired in color and shape, from Honda’s early participation in Formula 1 and in particular, the 1967 RA 273 racecar.

The key element to the design of the two-seater race car however, is that the body is in the shape of the Honda "H" emblem. Even though this is 1/64 die-cast scale model, the Honda Racer has been designed to be equipped with a 2.0-liter displacement V10 VTEC engine that sits between the piloting team. -Continued

"The Honda Racer combines the excitement of Honda's racing heritage with Hot Wheels' reputation for speed, power, performance and attitude," says Guillermo Gonzalez, senior designer of Honda R&D Americas, and designer of the Honda Racer. "The core concept is built around our idea for an 'ultimate racecar' and leverages the design freedom made possible by a scale model car."

"Sure, it is awesome to play with the cars on the orange track again, but I discovered that designing a Hot Wheels car is very different and in some ways more liberating than designing a production car," says Gonzalez. "For example, the primary design constraint is that the car had to fit on the orange track and perform a loop. Aside from that, the possibilities are without limit."

The Honda Racer Hot Wheels die-casr model will be arrive on store shelves in May 2008. See Mitsubishi's Hot Wheels 40th Anniversary die-cast model here, and Lotus', here.

10 Affordable 1970’s Sport Cars

The editor of Kelley Blue Book's "Early Model Values Guide”, Phil Skinner drew up a list of ten 1970s muscle cars for the LA Times that a) are still financially viable, and b) have the potential of increasing in value in the near future.

However, since we have our objections in concern of the fact that some cars in the list like the Datsun 240Z and especially the Chevrolet Vega Cosworth do not fall in the muscle car category, we’ll simply call the list “10 Attainable 1970’s Sports Cars”. Check them out along with their Kelley Blue Books estimated price after the jump. -Continued

Model - Current Kelley Blue Book Value (in good to excellent condition)

• 1973-76 Chevrolet Nova SS -$9,200 to $16,000.
• 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Fastback - $21,300 to $41,800
• 1977-78 Pontiac Trans Am Coupe - $12,200 to $21,900
• 1970-71 Plymouth Duster 340 Coupe - $12,200 to $21,900
• 1971-73 De Tomaso Pantera Coupe - $38,000 to $63,000
• 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442/W30 - $8,300 to $16,500
• 1975-76 Chevrolet Vega Cosworth - $4,625 to $13,900
• 1973 Mercury Cougar XR7 Cabrio- $13,200 to $26,300
• 1971-73 Datsun 240Z Coupe - $9,950 to $17,900
• 1977-79 Chevrolet Corvette T-Top - $11,900 to $18,100

Via: Cardomain , Source: LA Times

Carscoop 3.0: What Do You Think About Our New Look?

We weren’t planning on fully redesigning our site but as we were searching for ways to optimize our template, one thing lead to another and two weekends latter, voila; the all-new Carscoop 3.0. Designed in-house (literally….) this is a brand new template that’s based on an XML and not HTML platform as the two previous facelifts.

Upon designing the new Carscoop, we set two basic goals: function and aesthetics. If we were to pick out the most prominent changes from each category we’d choose the new header with the Carscoop logo that was inspired from car badges (hence the glossy, chrome look) and the “previous” and “next” page function. The latter allowed us to reduce the number of posts on the first page since all you have to do to see our previous articles is to simply press the “next page” button.

We’re still working on some minor cosmetic details along with adding more goodies on the side bars, but for time being, we would really like to hear what you have to say about our redesign and most importantly, let us know any suggestions you may have to better improve Carscoop. Have your say in the comment section below.

Infiniti G35 + Dog With Stomach Pains Equals Dirty Disaster

There are more reasons than we can think of why one shouldn’t leave a dog in a car even with the windows open. For one the dog might be sick as the owner of this Infiniti G35 Coupe found out after leaving his beloved female boxer in the car for about 10 minutes… We’ll leave the owner of the coupe that goes by the nickname “98intrigue” on the G35driver forum explain all the details in his own words:

"So story goes.... I drove home to Tampa to see this girl that I met on my cruise a few weeks back. I go inside to let the girl know I was there, not thinking she wouldn't be off yet. So I'm waiting for her to get off work and I left my dog in the car for 10 minutes. I go check on her and everything is fine. Then 5 minutes later, I go to put something in my car anddddd this is what I see…"

-Continued after the jump but be warned; the images are quite nasty

"The day after...before starting to clean. I had already wiped down everything with a paper towel to try to get as much as I could off the night before.

I spent 8 hours cleaning the interior. Unfortunately, it got in all the little holes in the seats. I did everything I could...from using a terry towel, a brush, and even a tooth brush. Nothing would take it out of the holes. I sprayed probably 10x as much leather cleaner/condtioner as I should have to attempt to relieve the smell. FAIL! My car still smells like crap. I sprayed it down with Lexol leather conditioner a few days ago, which helped a little...but the crap smell is just as bad after sitting in the sun for more than 10 minutes.

Then I took her to the beach Sunday for some fun. I love my dog...Since I now know this is all over the internet now, I want to point out a few things. I know this was my fault. In regards to the G37 comment...I'm not a spoiled rich kid. I get it from everyone because I'm young, but every dollar in this car is mine and I've worked my *** off for it.

My dog was in the car at night, with temps in the low 70s. The windows were half way down and the sunroof was open. I did my best to accommodate her. The car was in my sight the entire time...I could see her moving around in my car, unfortunately I didn't see her pooping. My dog was sick for 3 days following this incident...I've never once fed her table scraps or any food other than dog food. And the smell is pretty much gone. Lexol FTW!"

Via: G35driver

eBay Motors Celebrates 3-Millionth Sold Vehicle

Six years after eBay inaugurated the Motors section in 2000, the online auction site announced the sale of the 3 millionth vehicle. The milestone car is a 2002 Ford F-250 pickup truck purchased by Patricia Weidler of Otego, N.Y., to help her husband, Dan, start his own construction business. To celebrate the occasion, eBay Motors not only reimbursed the Weidlers but it also provided $3,000 in parts and accessories to help the couple get their construction company started.

Thanks for the tip Stu!

Volvo Combines Test Driving with Speed Dating in Australia

Now here’s something we haven’t heard of before; Volvo Australia joined forces with dating specialist Fast Impressions to offer the opportunity to twenty single Aussies from Sydney to participate in Australia's first 'test drive dating' event.

The participants were chauffeured driven in Volvos to a dealership and given eight minutes in the front seats of Volvo's range of models to meet their perfect match. After the speed dating event, the guests were taken to a bar in Sydney to party at an exclusive Fast Impressions event with hundreds of other singles.

"To the best of our knowledge this is a world-first. It gives us an opportunity to create a buzz around the brand by promoting our cars in an unconventional way," said Matt Braid, marketing director, Volvo Car Australia.

VW Golf V Styled Mirrors for Golf IV

Despite being out of production for many years now, aftermarket specialists continue producing new parts and accessories for the VW Golf IV. One of the latest parts to enter the market is the new exterior mirrors from “in.pro”. Apart from being larger and wider than the stock mirrors, “in.pro’s” new mirrors mimic the style of the ones found in the newer Golf V with LED indicators available in white or black. Additionally, in.pro also offers optional carbon mirror covers or, if you really want to stand out – and that’s not always a good thing - the glazed chrome-plated exchange casing. –Continued

Smart Tire Valve Cap with LED Warns on Low Pressure

The idea behind this new valve cap by Dutch company T-Comm Tracking & Tracing is so simple that it makes you wonder why you didn’t think of it yourself. What the “P-Eye” valve cap does basically is warn you through a blinking red LED lamp that the tire pressure has dropped more than 5 per cent below the ideal pressure. So simple, yet so useful and easy to use on any type of vehicle!

Via: Straightline

New SEAT Ibiza Hits the Road Aboard a Truck

Hot on the (w)heels of its official debut in Barcelona last month, the all-new Ibiza hatch has begun a promotional tour in the UK in a Perspex case aboard a specially-created, SEAT-branded transporter truck.

The tour, which kicked off last Thursday (April 10) from York, includes stops at SEAT dealerships and other key venues along the way. The idea behind SEAT UK’s promotional tour is simply to give Brits a closer view of its new supermini ahead of its market debut that’s set for late July. –One more pic after the jump

Lamborghini Goes Podcasting

Even if you don’t actually own a Lamborghini, there’s no reason to as why you shouldn’t subscribe to the Italian supercarmaker’s “The World of Lamborghini” podcast through the iTunes Store. Currently there are five available podcasts consisting of the 1 million Euro Reventon, the new personalization program titled, “Making a Lamborghini your Lamborghini” and a three-part series titled, “Closer to the Road.” And don't worry; unlike Lamborghini's cars, the podcasts won't cost you a cent as they are available as a free download.

Pontiac G8 Sport Truck Name – Last Call

In a few hours, Pontiac's "Name the G8 Sport Truck"online competition will end so if any of you have any interesting ideas, you'd better hurry up and submit your proposition ASAP. Here at Carscoop we conducted our own "name the G8 pick-up truck" competition and we received many answers. However, there was one particular naming proposition submitted by an anonymous reader of ours that made us laugh hysterically: "How about Ute-r-us, to attract the female buyer?" Witty to say the least...

Link: Pontiac

Alfa Romeo Swapping Blog Exposure for a Chance to Drive the Mi.To

We just received an e-mail from Alfa Romeo informing us that they are giving us bloggers a chance to test drive the all-new Mi.To hatch. Sounds nice but it gets even better. See, in order to get the opportunity to sit behind the wheel of Alfa’s new premium mini we have to write a post either on our blog or in the comment section of the official Mi.To blog, explaining why we think that Alfa Romeo should pick us among other people.

Well, thanks but no thanks. First of all, this goes to show you the way that some companies perceive bloggers; an inexpensive way to advertise and promote their goods to millions and millions of viewers. On their behalf, it’s a smart move as a blog like ours will theoretically write up a nice post about the Mi.To and if by chance we’re sorted out, they’ll get extra exposure. And mind you, don’t underestimate the power of blogs - we don’t like to brag about it but the cold hard fact is that Carscoop gets more monthly visits than many well known car-magazine sites.

We’re not against bloggers being invited by companies to test or learn about their newest products – in our case, cars. We’re against practices of the sort that drive bloggers to blindly promote goods and not judge them with whatever experience one has under his or her belt.

Link: Alfamitoblog

Six Affordable Used Cars Deemed as Future Classics

Are you one of those guys that wish you had bought a classic Detroit muscle car back at the time when they were selling for tens instead of hundreds of thousands of dollars? Well, David Kinney, a journalist who follows the auction markets of older cars as publisher of Cars That Matter Price Guide, has created a list of six cars no older than 30 years, that can be bought for cheap now but yield a serious profit in the years to come.

Kinney is so sure for his choices that he stated "I will guarantee that every one of these cars have done better than the stock market has since the beginning of the year". The six cars that Kinney chose are:

• Cadillac Allanté (1987-1993) - Price: $3,500 to $14,000
• Ford Thunderbird (2002-2005) - Price: $13,500 to $29,700
• Mercedes-Benz 300D Wagon (1979-1985) - Price: $1,350 to $6,200
• Toyota Supra (1986-1992) - Price: $1,625 to $7,200
• Triumph TR8 (1980-1981) - Price: $5,490 to $26,200
• Volkswagen GTI (1985-1989) - Price: $2,000 to $6,400

What’s your opinion on these cars, think they’ll all be future classics? Have your say in the comment section below

Via: Straightline , Source: Santafenewmexican

Chevrolet’s Drive-In Fitting Room

Are you one of those folks that like to match everything with what they’re wearing – even their car? If you live in London look no further because Chevrolet UK has launched the world’s first ever -or so they say, drive-in fitting room.

The curtained-off fitting room, which is being trialled in a South London forecourt, allows buyers to “try on” a Chevy by driving it onto a central revolve placed in front of three giant mirrors. A remote-control handset allows drivers to rotate the revolve to get a 360 degree view of what they actually look like in their motor. A unique approach from Chevy UK, in a kinky sort of way… -More pics after the jump