zelectricmotors - Bringing the bug up to date

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zelectricmotors - Bringing the bug up to date
 
zelectricmotors based in San Diego, California is modernising the classic bug. The Volkswagen Beetle was the peoples car however in the modern world it does face a real world problem. Cars are becoming more efficient on fuel due to more economical engines, electric motors and hybrids. As a result of this the VW bug is getting left far behind.
 
Similar cars to the Beetle in present day are now achieving fuel economies of  40 - 70 mpg. Whereas the classic Volkswagen is staying in the past achieving only 20 - 30 mpg, supercar mpg. Therefore the classic is not a viable everyday run about.
Wouldn't it be ideal to have a fuel efficient beetle, maybe an electric Beetle?
 
Zelectric are now making this possible. Bringing the VW beetle into the 21st century. The electric motor has a range of 90 to 110 miles depending on your driving. Making this a brilliant and cheap way to go to the shop or take the kids to school. Even get to that VW show for a minimal cost. The electric motor is able to achieve 80+MPG in 3rd gear, who needs anything faster. 
One of the biggest concerns with a electric car is the batteries. Often they can be expensive to replace and often don't have a brilliant range. Zelectic beetles pack a 24 kWh battery, this is the same as a Nissan Leaf. You won't have to worry about changing the battery any time soon. The battery will last from 10-15 years and can travel 160,000+ miles.
 
Not only dose the Zelectic beetle have an electic engine it also has many other awesome features. including, White wall radial tires, Front Disc Brakes, Sound Deadening throughout, Stock transmission, Heavy duty shocks, Digital eFuel Gauge, Electric Ceramic Heater, Electric Wiper Washer pump & spray nozzle, RetroSounds Radio w/ iPod port & Speakers, LED Head/Tail lights + 3rd brake light. This means that you can have the retro look with all the modern car benefits. 
 
If this sounds good to you drop them a line at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. if you would like more information then check out their website. http://www.zelectricmotors.com/.
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Car shows 2013

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What a glorious July, perfect weather for Car Shows, whether your into German, US Muscle Jap or old skool Euro cars, and it's only going to get better.

planet auto are on the Volkswagen and Audi show circuit this weekend Cumbria VAG, watch out this week for a report from VAG show hosted at the Westmorland Show ground, Cumbria.

We've already had Goodwood FOS, GTI international and Bug Jam is this weekend, to mention a few, and their are many to come including MITP, Ultimate Streetcar and Coventry fesival of speed.

Which ever Car shows you wish to visit in 2013, please drive carefully and enjoy.

for more info on the latest car events visit our Car show guide 2013 - 2014

have a great summer

Ben, Michael and Annabelle 

 

 

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Self driving wagons hitting UK roads & Tesla Truck 300m range

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Autonomous UK driving
As you've probably heard, the British Government has announced today platoons of self driving trucks (well that's an over statement), rather than small convoys of partially driverless lorries will be taking to the British highways.  Couple that with Tesla announcing their truck cabs will be able to achieve 300 mile per charge, 
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New Alpine At The Nurburgring

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All new Alpine 
 
The all new Alpine sports car, an all new rear wheel drive two-seater which should be on the market by 2016. Alpine are working alongside Caterham to make an original design from the ground up, although the earlier model being based on a Lotus.
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Dacia Pop Up Shop Westfield Stratford

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Dacia are certainly going all out this year with getting their no nonsense car brand out to the public, they are following some of the big brands like Supreme and Kanye West and are opening their first ever pop-up store at Westfield, Stratford.

Starting November 23rd and running till the 3rd Dec, that's right its already started, why not have a look?

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Cars the Star Show KLMC 2013

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RR at the KLMC Cars the Star Show 2013

The Sun was shining, the car planet auto Golf was gleaming it was time to head to the Heaves Hotel for the KLMC Cars the Star Show, as we pulled off the A590 there were two VW Campers pulling out onto the carriageway, concourse in looks.

The entry was £5 per person or £10 per car, very reasonable, we made our way to the car park a grassy field filled with a range of fine motor cars Ferrari, classic Mini's, Alfa Spider, Corvette Stingray, AMG Mercedes, M3 BMW even a US Made Mercury, bear in mind this was just the car park.

The show was organised into different clubs as well different categories from pre 1960 to Military and utility, there was well 70 cars ranging from the the classic the Rolls Royce to the Robin Hood 2B kit car, it was strange to see what was considered a classic in todays eyes Citroen ZX, Honda s2000 even a Saab Viggen 9000 Convertible.

Their was wide array of Rally cars on display including, the Mk2 Escort Mexico and RS2000, Mk1 Escort Mexico, Lotus Sunbeam and a Mini 1275 GT, one of the highlights had to be the Ford racing Puma, a wide bodied version of the popular Puma hot hatch. 

The Cumbria and Lancashire Porsche clubs were representing with the 911 & 944, a few of each. 

Watch out for our short videos on the Planet Auto YouTube channel.

 

 

 
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Jethro Bovingdon Interview: MotorTrend onDemand

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Earlier this month we spoke to Jethro Bovingdon about his new show coming to Motor Trend. This petrol head is starring in Head to Head and Ignition. Jethro started back in May 2001 as a road tester at EVO magazine, he then went on to work for Drive Tribe, and CAR Magazine amongst others. He has now moved on to Motor Trend! 

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Fast and Furious star Paul Walker RIP

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At first it was a hoax, then within hours the truth came to light, Paul Walker star of the Fast and Furious films had been in a car crash with his friend and his new Porsche Carrera GT. This story isn't here to detail the crash, rather it's a celebration of his great car career and his love of cars in general. RIP Paul Walker, the Fast and Furious films will never be the same without you, fond farewell Brian Spilner (Brian O Connell).

If one day the speed kills me, do not cry because I was smiling

'attributed to Paul Walker' 

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Members of The Northern Group Of Motoring Writers