This car will never run out of batteries. Why? It runs on light. You don't have to worry about plastics in this toy. Why? It's wood. Yes, it's a solar-powered wooden car. All the right combinations in a toy car you have been waiting for.

This could be a great gift for a child or grown up that's a child at heart. The clean, modern design has several, basic colors and shapes. Some assembly is required but it does not look too complicated to me.

[Source: Nigel's Eco Store]

There are times when we are doing our research on suitable stories to bring you, dear readers, when the words of the source article are infinitely better than what we ourselves might possibly come up with. This, friends, is just such an example.

The story is about the company Terreform, which is "a nonprofit organization (501c3) and philanthropic design collaborative that integrates ecological principles in the urban environment. The group views ecology in design as not only a philosophy that inspires visions of sustainability and social justice but also a focused scientific endeavor. The mission is to ascertain the consequences of fitting a project within our natural world setting. Solutions range from; green master planning, urban self-sufficiency infrastructures, community development activities, climatic tall buildings, performative material technologies, and smart mobility vehicles for cities. These design iterations seek an activated ecology both as a progressive symbol and an evolved artifact." Got that?

The subject of said story is the so called "soft car". Why? 'Cause it's soft. Like a running shoe. Not made of metal. Don't get it? I didn't either, but I kinda get it now... which is why I suggest reading this story now, then returning back afterward.

Okay, did you read it? Then you saw the car that looked like an overgrown rollerblade. That's how I am thinking of this concept; and it makes a little bit of sense - if all cars were made this way, safety would be less of an issue. Parking lot scrapes would be just fine, thanks; and cars would certainly weigh much less than they do now. But, I really don't see anybody buying into this concept. I think it's just a bit too far "out there" to be taken seriously. Some of the concepts have merit, but driving around in an overgrown Nike with wheels just ain't gonna happen.

[Source: Inhabitat]

About a month ago, Autoblog reported on the possibility of BMW attacking the small SUV market with a new model that would could proudly bear the X1 moniker. Today, Car Magazine released details on the soon-to-be, eco-minded baby Bimmer.

The X1 is expected to weigh in at 3377 lbs, about 440 lbs lighter than the X3, and measure about 10 fewer inches in length. No word on fuel mileage or performance yet, but the Werks will be offering a wide range of power plants which includes three diesels...

• 1.8i - 145bhp 1.8-liter gas-powered 4-cylinder
• 2.0i - 175bhp 2.0-liter gas-powered 4-cylinder
• 2.5si - 220bhp 2.5-liter gas-powered 6-cylinder
• 1.8d - 135bhp 1.8-liter diesel-powered 4-cylinder
• 2.0d - 180bhp 2.0-liter diesel-powered 4-cylinder
• 3.0d - 231bhp 3.0-liter diesel-powered 6-cylinder
  

As you may have guess, we should see a plethora of BMW features such as stability control, HDC hill descent control, DBC dynamic brake force distribution, CBC cornering brake control, TSC trailer stability control and DTC dynamic traction control. What you may not have expected is that BMW plans to offer three different roof modules. The customer will be able to choose from full-length tinted glass, two sunroofs or a targa-style roof with a removable mid-section.

In Europe, the X1 is targeted to sell in 2010 for less than 30,000 Euros which is about 3,500 Euros less than an entry-level X3.

Car doesn't mention whether or not the X1 will be sold in America, but given success of the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V, I'd be surprised if we didn't see it. The larger question is which engine choices we'll get. And just maybe, the little X will bring along the rest of its 1-series friends to American shores.

[Source: Car Magazine]

While in many parts of the country, the pervasiveness of the Toyota Prius points to our increased concern with fuel economy, in Western North Carolina 20-plus-year-old diesel Mercedes-Benz sedans or wagons are the local transportation of choice for conservationists. The demand for the old diesel cars has increased substantially, and many of them are powered by biodiesel. Some owners prefer the old Mercedes-Benz cars due to their practicality, but the majority of owners mention the ability to use biodiesel as an alternative to petroleum diesel as the main reason for buying the car. The people that are trying to sell their old Benz were often not running biodiesel, while the buyers often plan to use biodiesel, reflecting the national trend showing increases in biodiesel consumption. If any old Benz owners are reading this, you can get a pretty good price for your used diesel over in North Caroline. While the cars used to be worth around $1,500, they can now fetch $3,000 to $5,000. 

[Source: Asheville Citizen Times]