There is no denying America’s Big 3 auto producers have been caught asleep at the wheel. After decades of relying on high margin trucks and SUV’s to increase profitability, Ford, GM and Chrysler have been sent reeling by the economic slowdown and increased cost of petroleum. Rather than spending millions on new technologies, why not keep it simple?

Image courtesy of Ford Motor Company - click image to visit their website

The four door four cylinder sedan is a responsible choice for most folks, but trying to power a 3,200 pound car with four pistons has been a problem. In the last decade, we have seen displacements inch up from 2 liters to 2.5 liters in order to provide the additional torque necessary for adequate throttle response and safe passing.

Current technology exists to produce just as much power and torque from a direct injected gasoline powered 2 liter engine without the need for turbocharging or even variable valve timing.  Because direct injection allows for higher compression ratios, torque is increased throughout the power band which boosts horsepower.  Additional torque allows for more aggressive cam profiles which can boost power even further, while greater efficiencies improve fuel economy.

Ford (Mazdaspeed 3) and General Motors are already producing 2 and 2.3 liter direct injected engines, so re-tooling would be minimal.  Dropping such an engine into a low-drag chassis built with lightweight alloy steel to contain weight, a 4 door sedan should approach or even exceed 40 highway mph.  If placed into an existing chassis, pricing should range between $20k and $30k depending on trim levels and accessories. The time has come, so let’s fire up the foundries.

Note to Big 3: Don’t forget the 6 speed manual transmission option!

Formaldehyde free and infinitely sustainable, these amazing cabinets from Laguna Bamboo would add elegance to any kitchen or bathroom. Warm colors, attention to detail and meticulous design turn one of this earth’s simplest raw materials into art.

Image courtesy of Laguna Bamboo - click picture to visit their site

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It takes a decade to get oil from new reserves into your gas tank.  Similarly, nuclear power plants cannot be constructed in months or even just a few years.  Rather than fretting about those numbers, it’s time to act!  Please feel free to add your suggestions by viewing the complete post.

Image courtesy of MiniUSA

Here are ten things you can do now to help protect your future and the future of your children and grandchildren:

• Learn to dress correctly for your climate.  In winter, an extra layer of clothing can allow you to drop the thermostat 10 degrees without any loss of comfort.  Come summer, wear clothing that wicks perspiration away from your skin to keep you cool
• Replace your central AC or furnace with modern, more efficient models
• Avoid using space heaters
• Urge local politicians to change zoning laws to allow smaller home and lot sizes
• Urge local politicians to expand bike trails
• Replace incandescent bulbs with fluorescents
• If purchasing a new vehicle, ask yourself how much car or truck you really need
• If not, keep your vehicle properly maintained.  When changing oil, use one of the new 0w30 synthetics.  Replace air and fuel filters religiously, and keep your car clean and waxed to protect the finish and reduce drag.  Keep tires properly inflated
• Resist the urge to purchase large screen televisions
• Replace your tank water heater with a tankless unit

American style tank water heaters are rare in much of the world, and for good reason. Storing heated water in a large tank doesn’t make sense. As energy prices climb, paying a little extra up front for a tankless water heater will save money over the long term while reducing energy consumption.

Image courtesy of Rinnai.us

Central computer-controlled tankless heaters from Takagi, Rheem, Rinnai and Noritz heat water on demand, eliminating the need to store heated water. Since tankless heaters are smaller and safer than tank heaters, they may be placed in any room with access to an outside wall.

The most popular advantage of tankless water heaters is that you will never run out of hot water. This is because tankless water heaters heat water on demand, and that means no storage or shortage of hot water. Imagine the luxury of always having hot showers or filling up a Jacuzzi hot tub and still having endless supply of hot water for the rest of your household needs.