This news comes as something of a game changer for the Nano. Before the car offered bare bones transportation at a cheap price. Certainly a strong selling point, but with skyrocketing fuel prices, the gas has become as much a barrier to market entry as the price of the car. With the incredibly cheap fueling cost on compressed air the car becomes even more accessible to an even wider audience.

Forget all that for a moment though. This kind of makes us wonder what the point is of billions of dollars being invested in lithium-ion batteries, hybridization, low rolling resistance tires, aerodynamics, hydrogen fuel cells and all that other malarkey. The issue with all of the highly touted alternative fuels is capacity or distribution. Hydrogen fuel is expensive to make, has no distribution network and it would be expensive to implement one. Electricity generally comes from coal-fired power plants at the moment (in the US), charging stations don't exactly litter the landscape, and even it they did, it takes forever to charge the batteries.

However, the air compressor engine can rely on almost any power source. All it has to do is be converted by way of air compressor. You could use a gasoline compressor, windmill, a water wheel, electric compressor, hell, you could pedal your way to a full tank if you rigged up a proper system. And cheap. Air compressors have been around for a couple hundred years now. We kind of have them figured out. And they work fast, a fill up would probably take as long as it does now. Huh, remind us again why we're supposed to be excited about alternative fuels? [NYTimes]

10. International Paddy Wagon (Baltimore)
Though America may be the the country that nurtures the individual, we sure like to get arrested in groups. That's where the paddy wagon comes in handy. Part truck, part temporary jail, there have been a lot of them throughout the history of American law enforcement. This 1947 International wagon is a particularly beautiful example and a reminder of International's long commercial history in America. That cop is totally riding the wagon.
[Baltimore Police Vehicle History]

9. Chevy Bel Air Police Car (Texas)
Nothing says U.S. of A. like a Chevy Bel Air. This Chevy had the size and power to meet the duties of a civil servant and the look to scare criminals into pulling over. Topped with a big red cherry, you'd know what to do when you saw one of these bad boys. This particular Texas-badged 1955 Chevy Bel-Air is a prime example of the timeless design [BillWindsor.com]

8. Border Patrol Dune Buggy (Arizona)
Specifically, a Desert Patrol Vehicle (DPV), these are some of the most extreme police vehicles used for active patrolling duty. Typically, a DPV is fitted with a VW engine capable of nearly 200 HP. These vehicles can travel up to 80 mph and generally encounter some of the roughest terrain in the country while enduring severe temperature conditions. These go fast in places that Border Patrol SUV's can't even reach.

7. Ford Fairlane
The forerunner to the Crown Victoria, the Fairlane may look even better than the Chevy Bel, and its low cost meant that it would provide police services for a large part of the country. The Fairlane is particularly noted for its powerful big-block V8, popular with the authorities around the country. In black-and-white it is one of the more iconic police cars ever built. This Wilmington, DE "Bureau of Police" squad car is an exceptional example.
[Flickr: Triborough]

6. Chevy Camaro Z28 B4C
The Chevy Camaro BC4 was one of the fastest police cars ever used in the United States thanks to a simple formula: Take a stock Camaro and add a mix of the strongest parts from the Z28 and other racing packages, as well as the Chevy 350 V8. They were a particular favorite of the California Highway Patrol, which knows a thing or two about pursuits. As great as they are at high-speed chases, they're great for deterrence as well. Who would want to get put in the backseat of that thing? [Photo: Sattler.org]

5. Dodge Coronet 440 (California)
There were many great Mopar police cars throughout the years, but we've got a soft spot for the 1970 Dodge Coronets. Not only do they have the 440 Magnum V8, good for in excess of 400 horsepower, they also feature that killer squinting headlight design that looks mean head-on. Oh, and the one above was featured in the original Gone in 60 Seconds giving it almost as much movie cred as the Dodge Monaco.
[IMCDB]

4. Ford Mustang LX Highway Patrol Edition (Texas)
The original Mustang LX highway patrol car, a favorite of the Texas DPS, haunted our dreams with its sharp facade, red interior and 5.0-liter V8 power. Though the hatchback Mustang would, theoretically, have been useful, the DPS stuck with the notchback 'Stangs. Mustangs were used in the DPS fleet between 1983 and 1993, with the 1986 model, pictured, our personal favorite.
[Photo: Police Mustangs]

3. Dodge Charger Police Edition (Michigan)
As you can probably tell from Mark's glowing review of the Dodge Charger Police Edition, we're big fans. Just look at it. Probably more the successor to the Coronet than anything, especially with the recurrence of the angry headlights, the Hemi-powered Charger is gorgeous, features a stalk-based Autostick, and has great road manners. Numerous police officers lusted after the ride, which is the best kind of accolade. In Michigan State Police blue with a cherry on top, it's even better looking.

2. Dodge Diplomat/Fury Police Car(NYC)
The M-bodied Dodge Diplomat and its twin, the Plymouth Gran Fury, aren't here purely out of nostalgia. Look at them. It's hard to believe they were anything but cop cars. What they lacked in power relative to some of the Dodge fleet vehicles of the 1960's and early 1970's, they more than made up for in durability. You couldn't kill them if you tried. Most models featured the 318 V8, though a few pursuit models included a 360 four-barrel. Imagine any upset renegade cop from an 80's police movie kicking the quarter panel of one of these bad boys.
[LSE]

1. Ford Crown Victoria P71 Interceptor (Everywhere)
P71 Crown Victorias never die, they just become taxis. Due to the disappearance of American-made RWD V8 sedans for nearly a decade, the Ford Crown Victoria became more ubiquitous than any other police car we can think of in any era since the Model T, despite the occasional deadly fire. Powered by a modified version of the Ford 4.6-Liter SOHC V8, they'll practically run forever, thanks in part to the oil-to-coolant heat exchanger. Even with the introduction of the Charger Police Package and the occasional Impala police car, Ford still plans to carry about 80% of the police market. Is there anything that reminds anyone more of the long arm of the law than a P71 Interceptor sitting on the side of the road? We didn't think so.

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Of course, if you don't like any of those choices, you can always write-in your favorite in the comments.

Imagine my excitement, driving to Lee Johnson Chevrolet's 75th Anniversary Car Show, coming around the bend and laying eyes upon a confusing yet rousing and mystical sight. They lined the cars up on the front row by the street?? That's more then I expected! 30's to late 60's Chevys braving the elements (rain in Seattle? NEVER!) and showing off their wax jobs. Not by the usual standard of bling and shine, but here it's a measure of your water beads! There were about 32 cars in all, members of the three North Western chapters of the VCCA (Vintage Chevrolet Club of America).

Most were unhappy about the rain but as a conversation went:
Me: "I'm amazed and excited that the cars are still out! In SoCal, it clouds up and everyone scatters like cockroaches!!"
VCCA member: "Well if we did that, there wouldn't be any cars shows!"

Thanks for the bravery!

Car notes:
Nova 400 Conv. sadly no 400 in it... BOO!! flat 6 with 180HP I believe
75 Caprice had a real 400 with a Malaise 150HP.... HOW was that all the power it had? Sad, but the car looked so cruisable!
53 Vette is number 125 of only 300 made

Today's COTD comes from graverobber, who when we asked to choose between a pair of vids culminating in tree collisions for this post, offered the following:

Okay, the second one is a winner for the following factors:

Most air
Least likelihood that he was even aware of the tree until shortly after hitting it.

Dog chasing the car, and then not knowing what to do with it once it has "caught" it.

Most importantly; the driver exiting the car through the window while successfully holding onto his bottle of Bud in classic Lewboski fashion.

Yeah, if you were a happy hoonin' leaping canine, what would you do if you caught that thing?

All of this was carried out at the Hollomon Air Force Base High Speed Test Track in New Mexico, where the 846th Test Squadron does their thing. Apparently, the test track can go up to mach 12, though they haven't thought of a reason to go that fast... yet. [The Register]
(Photo Courtesy Of Air Force, Previous Rocket Test)

The TPMS-201 includes four tire valve caps that communicate wirelessly with a central unit located inside the vehicle. You can check your tire pressure whenever you want and, if you're low, dispatch Jeeves to the icy wastes of a gas station parking lot to re-inflate your treads. [CG]

So far, Karimov has been able to start the car and even drive it a few hundred meters, admittedly at a very low speed. His work has been sent to researchers in Germany, where Karimov may conduct future research into improving his design.

Karimov's work differs from other compressed air cars in that the air powers a traditional internal combustion engine. [Via Pravda Ru]

Photo credit: Vanessa Pike-Russell

The car — which we'll keep calling it as it currently lacks a name — is capable of traveling upwards of 125 miles on three dollars worth of compressed air thanks to mostly air- and fuel-driven motor and brake power recovery system. Prices are very reasonable as well with the first fleet being estimated at only $7,000 each. The very conceptual-looking design pictured here is nothing to drop your trousers about, though. [a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/01/air_car_is_here.php">Treehugger]

In Waits' song "Romeo Is Bleeding" (see above), we get the lines:

Well it was just another night,
but now they're huddled in the brake lights of a 58 Bel Air
and listenin' to how Romeo killed a sheriff with his knife.

The condition of the 1958 Chevrolet in question isn't stated in the song, but it very well could have looked just like this '58 Bel Air 2-door, available for just $1,500 (and a trip to Alaska). It needs "some metal work" (iron + oxygen = fun), but it's reasonably complete and even comes with a 283/Powerglide combo sitting nearby.



But maybe you're looking for a somewhat more sporty project. Perhaps a car that gets a shout-out in Waits' excellent "Gun Street Girl" (see above) is a better fit for your lifestyle:

He took a hundred dollars off a slaughterhouse joe
Brought a brand new michigan twenty-gauge
He got all liquored up on that road house corn
Blew a hole in the hood of a yellow Corvette
A hole in the hood of a yellow Corvette

There's no birdshot damage on the hood of this yellow '87 Corvette, and in fact it doesn't look bad at all... in the four not-very-illustrative photos we get in the listing. The seller claims this $3,700 Vette "runs and drives great," but the smog-check problems aren't so encouraging. But come on- a running Corvette for under four grand?

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Where do they come from?

Our modern car emissions regulations come courtesy of the 1990 Clean Air Act and all of its happy amendments. Like most laws affecting cars, the federal government sets up some requirements and the individual states are supposed to enforce them. These guidelines are called State Implementation Plans (SIPs) and cover everything from your neighbor's Hyundai to how your local dry cleaner gets rid of their cleaning solvents.

Unlike some of the other laws we've talked about, there's a provision for federal control if state's plans for implementing restrictions don't meet the approval of the EPA (which also depends on who is controlling the EPA, which depends on the administration which is partially related to why some states are not happy).

It's not important to understand the history and full impact of the Clean Air Act, but it is helpful to note that because vehicles sometimes travel from one state to another (especially pollution causing large trucks) there are sometimes regional commissions on air quality. Even within states the are sometimes serious variations from one county to the next in terms of what is and is not required.

How do emissions laws vary?

It would break our server to list every variation in every emissions law for every state and county and zip code, but there are some basic provisions that should be understood and are generally applicable to most states (With 50+ SIPs out there not all of this will apply to everyone). We'll draw heavily from California, which has the strictest air quality standards of any state.

Do you need to get your car checked?

If you've purchased a new car it should already come cleared for a period of 2-6 years depending on where you live and what year you purchased it. When you register your car with the state one of the fees you usually pay on a new car is an emissions testing "abatement fee" where you pay to have your car not tested.

Beyond that point you'll almost always be informed either by a color-coded sticker on your license plate or windshield (as in Texas). If you're in a state like Illinois, you'll receive a letter informing you of where you can get your car inspected and by what date this inspection has to be completed. Always double check when you move and have your car reregistered.

When buying a used car, check to see when the latest emissions test was and assure that all proper paper work has been filled out. In California, for instance, you have to pay a small fee and transfer the smog certificate. If you transfer the car within your family you're exempt from this. If you sell your car to your family, you shouldn't overcharge them.

The test

There are two predominant forms of testing, though there are even variations within the two major types. Both tests involve sniffing your exhaust to see the presence of certain chemicals (specifically hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide). The hope is that this test will show how efficiently your engine is burning fuel (or not burning fuel).

The basic test involves idling your car and smelling the gas with a device hooked up to a computer. The more complicated test involves a chassis dynometer. This test is referred to as an IM240 because they run your car for approximately 240 seconds to simulate a short drive with an average speed of 29.4 mph and a top speed of 56.7 mph (see the simulation graph here).

Even if your car isn't brand new, as long as you take care of it and there are no known major issues with the engine then you shouldn't have major problems. If your car has had problems or is throwing up a check engine light you might want to figure that out before you take it to the testing facility. One faulty spark plug could be the difference between PASS and FAIL. If you bought a Project Car Hell car you may want to skip down to the exemptions section.

What if I fail?

Most states give you around a month to figure out what's wrong with your car and try again. It's best to take your test results to a friend or trusted mechanic that knows the score if you're not mechanically inclined. If you are mechanically inclined, we recommend checking out this article by PopMechanics.

If you decide not to go back and get your car reinspected you could be up for many levels of trouble. Until recently, you could go to jail in Illinois for not having an up-to-date emissions test. This was because the law required a suspension of drivers license immediately upon getting caught, meaning that if you drove the car you were driving without a license which is an infraction that requires arrest.

Am I exempt?

If your car is of a certain age and meets certain requirements for being a "classic" you might be exempt. For instance, Arizona adjusted their SIP a year ago to exempt cars that were 15 years or older and could be considered a classic. If you've got a malfunctioning Sephia, you're probably out of luck because that car would never qualify as a classic in any part of the country. In California the car has to be from 1975 or earlier to be exempt.

"Testing old cars adds a layer of complexity and often cost for the state agency charged with conducting the tests and the actual benefit to air quality isn't there to justify it," said an individual involved in the process. "Cars older than 25 years are such a minute proportion of total vehicles on the road that you really can't make a difference in air quality no matter what you do with them."

Other exemptions, depending on state, include hybrid vehicles, diesel powered vehicles, electric vehicles, natural gas vehicles of a certain size, trailers (because they don't have engines), cars with junk titles and motorcycles.

Where to get more info?

The best resource is your local Department of Motor Vehicles and you can find a list of your local DMVs here. It's a much easier way of getting the information than trying to parse the many amendments to SIPs (just trust us). The website DMV.org also has simple-to-understand instructions based on the latest laws.

What experiences have you had with getting your car or truck tested?

We're pretty sure the quantum smell field (QSF) emitted by these things was actually so powerful that it was audible. You'll find eighteen in every car, kid. You'll see.

It's also a good way for someone you care about to waste like $50-$70 on something that you'd never, ever put anywhere near your engine. But hey, they quote John 3:16 on their website so they must be legit! Thank DamnElantra! for helping to prevent this POS from ending up under your tree.

Press Release

The H&R 2007 Ford "Edge of the World" Project, by H&R Springs, USA

One look at the new 2007 Ford Edge and you'll have the urge to hit the open road. The Edge must be driven, and the H&R Edge, with it's bold style and brash stance is your ticket to the world ... and beyond.

The energy of the new Edge makes getting to where you're going so much fun the long way is the
short way. Combining sport utility capability with the driving dynamics of a sports car, H&R Sport Springs lower the Edge 2" for improved handling and superb ride. H&R Trak+ Wheel Spacers provide a precision fit H&R stance and dynamic side profile while H&R Triple C Camber Adjustment Bolts keep everything in spec. Big 22 X 10 OZ Giotti 3 - 3 piece wheels and Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico 295/30R22 tires give the H&R Edge a powerful, muscular stance and athletic maneuverability that is perfect for both the hairpin turns of the Pacific Coast Highway or the busy streets of New York City.

The Gemballa bright orange exterior is eye-catching whether bathed in sunshine or silhouetted in moonlight and the subtle Pearl-Ghost world graphics add a hint of mysterious elegance. The exclusive panoramic Vista Roof lets the sun shine in with an expansive view that spans nearly 40% of the total roof area. The H&R Edge also features a blacked-out race-like hood, a The H&R 2007 Ford "Edge of the World"
Project, by H&R Springs, USA Camtec custom composite front bumper light pod with an integrated wind-splitter and Hella Celis LED lamps that give a high-tech night effect for cool city cruising.

When you're on an extended road trip, great sounding music keeps you on track and entertained. The H&R Edge showcases the Ford factory premium stereo system which features an AM/FM stereo, 6-disc CD changer, 4 speakers, MP3, Sirius Satellite Radio and a touch-screen DVD-Based Navigation System.
To look good you must feel good, and the Waimea Cliffstone leather interior coddles you in relaxing splendor. Combined with Mauna Loa Ash Mica accents that enrich your comfort therapy, you'll want to drive forever. Freedom of mobility with ease spotlights the Edge as a capable, more practical SUV. The H&R Edge is the ultimate road cruiser that can take you where you want to go... from high-altitude to
high society. The Edge is the car to do things and be seen doing. Drive to the edge of your world!

Electric scooter manufacturer Vertrix is working up a fuel-cell powered machine that'll run 155 miles on a tank of Zeppelin juice. The 500-watt cell gives the two-wheeler a top speed of 62 mph and features regenerative braking to dump juice back into the NiMH battery pack. It'll also run on reformed methanol, or can be plugged into either a 110 or 220v wall socket. We'll take ours in silver with ribs. Swastika-delete option, please. [Vectrix PDF via Hydrogen Cars and Vehicles Blog]

Through the glorious bounty of YouTube, we've dug up this episode of Clarkson's old Extreme Machines series, wherein a more-frotastic, younger Jezza flies around in a P-51, bombs across Lake Mead in a hydroplane and then checks out luxo-pimp options in jet travel. Parts 2 &3 after the jump. – Davey G. Johnson

Related:
Bleed for the Dancer: Clarkson on the 2CV [Internal]

Of all the air-cooled machines VW sold, the Brazilian Type 3-powered Variant is one of the more obscure. Given how poorly the other VW air-cooled wagons sold in the US, this car probably would have fared just as poorly here, yet there's something appealing about it. This ad (sorry about the gargly sound/image quality) features Brazilian funnyman Rogério Cardoso getting some yuks by trying and failing to find that pesky hidden engine. – Murilee Martin

Related:
We're Watchin' The Selecta: VW Type 3 [internal]

The perpetual-motion machine may be eons away, but the the first commercially viable car to run on compressed air may be at hand. The brainchild of French inventor Guy N gre, the MDI, which we first reported on in 2005, employs a novel system of compressed air tanks and an internal-combustion support engine that can either power the minicar or compress the air used in its tanks. The urban runabouts, which come in a number of configurations, are built from fiberglass over a tubular chassis. MDI plans to offer them with a host of information systems that interface with the car's inner workings and provide connectivity to the internet and other systems as well as digi entertainment. A new partnership with India's Tata motors — the country's largest carmaker — may mean MDIs could show up en masse soon. Maybe even this very decade. – Mike Spinelli

The Air Car - zero pollution and very low running costs [Gizmag]

Related:
More on the MDI Air-Powered Car [internal]

Ladies and gentlemen, I bring to you two related topics bundled together via the horrors of YouTube. First, in this Beyond Tomorrow segment is MDI's compressed-air car we wrote about back in the dark ages of blogging (2004). Still the same couple of years off as it was then, it remains a fascinating concept with quite a bit of the development work done. Still, it probably needs a bit more cashola to get production going. If the first part of the vid is neat-o, the second part is gee-wiz. It features a funny Italian engineer who is developing an engine that appears to be powered by air and possibly magic. It makes Mazda's Renesis engine look both overly complicated and gigantic. The power to weight ratio is reportedly outstanding. Of course, if the complete engine only weighs a handful of kilos, that's not real tough. Now if you check out the MDI site you'll see they have their own nifty engine hoo-hahs, but I say if you combine these two ideas, you get some actual air-powered magicalness.– Ben Wojdyla

Related:
More on the MDI Air-Powered Car [internal]

Along with the air comes all the dirt, grime, bugs, and associated debris floating around in it. Over time this collective crud can clog the up the air filter. Rough running, poor mileage, and lousy performance can be the unfortunate end result. The good news is replacing an air filter is a snap, and can even save a few bucks over the long haul. Knowing when to change the air filter is as easy as opening the owner's manual, or taking a look at the air filter itself.

Severe Duty

Most air filter service intervals run in the 9-12,000 mile range. If your manual is missing then inspect your air filter every time you change your oil, and replace it as needed. Keep in mind that air filters clog quicker serving severe duty. Air filter service intervals could be much shorter if the vehicle is operated where there is a great deal of dust, stop and go traffic, or other atmospheric crud.

Snorkel Box

To change the air filter open up the hood and find what looks like a box with a tube or snorkel connected to it. The air filter is inside this airbox. Carbureted vehicles have a circular canister on top of the engine that houses the air filter. If neither of these assemblies can be found then consult the owner's or service manual for air filter location and replacement procedures. Otherwise, simply replace the old air filter with the new one.

Stuff You'll Need:

· Replacement Air Filter
· Screwdriver
· Vacuum (optional)

First locate the airbox or canister that houses the air filter. Follow the tube or snorkel away from the engine until it ends at the airbox.

Release any clips or fasteners holding the airbox together. Don't lose them!

Loosening intake hose clamps can help in separating the airbox.
Take care not to damage MAF/MAP sensor or associated wiring. Separate electrical connectors for additional slack.

Separate airbox and remove the old air filter. While wrestling with the clips and tubes be careful not to tear the intake hose or damage sensors.

This air filter had served well as a bug and dirt catcher.

A shop vacuum works well to remove any remaining debris from the airbox.

Install the new filter, making sure it seats in the airbox housing. Reinstall any clips or fasteners. Reconnect and retighten anything loosened during disassembly. Check to see if airbox parts form a tight seal before starting engine. – Mike Bumbeck

Related:
And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Parts [Internal]

What happens when you combine two California icons — the tony SoCal neighborhood of Bel Air and El Camino Real (aka The King's Highway)? The Bel Camino, of course. If Chevy had introduced the ElCo in '57 instead of two years later, this is probably how it would've looked. Excepting, of course that doltish Bowtie rear window. They should've just put Center Line Convo Pros on there, tubbed it and airbrushed "The Heartbeat of America" on the tailgate. We mean, if you're gonna do it, do it. You've already thrown subtlety out the window. [Thanks to Jason for the tip.]

1957 El Camino - Bel Air [Cookie's Corvettes & Classics]

Related:
More El Caminos [Internal]

"...you can always tell the difference between the 1955, 1956 and 1957. The 1957's fins go much higher, but the 1955's...well...they look like a part of a woman's anatomy."

Make a guess which piece of the female anatomy he meant. Farago, no fair cheating.

Related:
All of our 2006 Woodward Dream Cruise coverage [internal]

As Slayer's Tom Araya so eloquently put it on the band's 1990 album Seasons in the Abyss, "WAAAAA- AAAAAAA- AAAAAAR!" What could be more heavy metal than a military-issue Hummer limo? Boeing Integrated Defense Systems has rounded up a bunch of six-door civilian stretch Hummers and outfitted them with extra goodies to be used as pseudo-next-gen vehicles in military exercises. Seven are headed up to Nellis AFB in Nevada next month for use in Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment 2006. As far as we know, Kerry King, Jeff Hanneman and Dave Lombardo have not been invited. [Thanks to Noah for the tip.]

Hummer Limos Enter War Games [Defense Tech]

Related:
CXTs and Hummers: The Dumb Vehicles of SEMA [Internal]

Blame tougher emissions laws for censuring those putt-putt-putting air-cooled engines — the ones that charmed a generation of stoners into not worrying about their well being. The engines will continue an inevitable slide into oblivion when Volkswagen of Brazil ceases production of the 58hp 1.6-liter mill that powers its Kombi T2c (known to Americans as the 1970s-era Volkswagen van). A new, flexfuel (alcohol or gas) 1.4-liter liquid-cooled box, likely with more horsepower than a riding mower, will power future models, which still sell briskly in that country, despite being completely freaking insane.

Volkswagen unit building final air-cooled models in the world [Just Auto]

Related:
GM to Sell Tri-Fuel Car in Brazil [internal]

Wherever it stops during its promotional show tours around the US, the Air Force Reserve's 26-foot-long race car usually competes with an aircraft. Of course, the car, simply a chrome-moly chassis with an aluminum skin, and a Westinghouse J-34 jet engine strapped on, has an unfair advantage in the acceleration department. The Reserve's Above & Beyond Jet Car creates mini sonic booms as it approaches 400mph, literally guzzling 40 gallons of diesel fuel in its 1800-foot showcase runs. The engine, borrowed from a T-2A Buckeye jet, provides 10,000 horsepower and about 6,000 pounds of thrust. During accleration, pilot Scott Hammack is treated to 4.5 positive Gs, then another 11 negative Gs during braking. Jeez. [Thanks to RF for the tip.]

Jet Car Show [Air Force Reserve]

Related:
North American Eagle Poised to Break Land Speed Record; Jet-Powered Toyota MR2 for Sale on eBay; The Glory Days of the Turbine [internal]

Using Peltier chips, three Utah teens came up with an air conditioning unit that dispenses with the need for both refrigerant and an engine-driven compressor, increasing fuel-efficiency and doing away with environmentally unfriendly refrigerant chemicals. Run entirely via the vehicle's electrical system, Tyler Lyon, Daniel Winegar and Chad Thornley began work on it as a high-school science project. With Thornley off on a Mormon mission, Lyon and Winegar carried on and walked away with Ricoh's first-ever Sustainable Development award. GM studied the technology in the 1960s and concluded it wouldn't work, but these young Utahns managed to pull it off, scoring a trip to Japan and a $50,000 scholarship in the process.

Really cool invention brings teens awards [Salt Lake Tribune]

Related:
Lane Change Nanny: Iteris's Award-Winning Lane Departure System [Internal]