Georgia Clean Air Force Marks 20 Years

Since its inception in 1996, Georgia’s Clean Air Force, in partnership with the Environmental Protection Division, has removed more than 1.6 million tons of harmful pollutants from the air that we breathe, thanks to the Enhanced Vehicle Emission Inspection and Maintenance Program throughout Atlanta's 13 metro counties.

This has had a significant impact on the quality of life for Georgia’s residents. Air pollution is a very serious health issue, and studies have shown that air pollution can worsen allergies and asthma symptoms. This is particular concern for vulnerable populations, including seniors and young children.

The removal of the 1.6 million tons of harmful pollutants from Georgia’s air is the equivalent of removing 13,400 vehicles from the road, or planting more than 400 million trees. It is also estimated that Georgia residents have saved $311 million in utility bills since 1996 due to cleaner air.

“In 20 years, the Enhanced Vehicle Emission Inspection and Maintenance Program has proven very effective in removing harmful pollutants from the air in the Atlanta metro area,” said Pamela Earl, Mobile & Area Source Program Manager, Environmental Protection Division. “It is a trend that we look forward to continuing for the next 20 years and beyond.”

In total, Georgia’s Clean Air Force and the Enhanced Vehicle Emission Inspection and Maintenance Program has helped to remove 1.4 million tons of carbon monoxide, 138,800 tons of nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide (NO_x) and 97,800 tons of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air that Georgians breathe.

For additional information on Georgia’s Clean Air Force, visit www.cleanairforce.com.

2017 Hyundai Elantra: Engineering and Appearance Improvements

The Hyundai Elantra received a significant makeover for the 2017 model year, with the result being a restyled interior and exterior that includes structural upgrades, new safety features, many new technology features and new powertrains. The Elantra is available in three trim levels: the SE, Eco and Limited.
The Elantra's new design is highlighted by the large hexagonal grille that other modern Hyundai cars wear, like the Sonata sedan and Tucson SUV. Flanking the big grille are optional high-intensity discharge headlights with available adaptive headlights that turn in the direction of the steering wheel.
Aerodynamics are a key part of the redesign and include functional front air curtains like the ones used in the Sonata Hybrid to manage airflow around the front of the vehicle, minimizing resistance. Underneath are underbody covers and out back there's a bottom spoiler and rear deck lid designed to be aero-friendly and contribute to a lower coefficient of drag.
To give it a more athletic stance, the Elantra is 1 inch wider and just less than an inch longer. It also features LED turn signal indicators, LED taillights and LED puddle lights. Five new colors are available for 2017.
The interior is a complete redesign with a wide instrument panel design aimed to create a more spacious feeling. Like the outgoing Elantra, the new one is big enough on the inside to be classified as a midsize car by the EPA, a size classification also shared by the 2016 Honda Civic and 2016 Toyota Corolla.
Soft-touch materials have been added in key areas, and the main multimedia screen is tilted 7 degrees toward the driver for easier viewing and interaction. There are two optional touch-screen multimedia systems available over the base system: a 7-inch with a backup camera and an 8-inch with navigation. All models come with standard inputs for iPhone/USB as well as satellite radio and Android Auto, plus a second USB input for charging.
New available features for 2017 include a memory function for the power driver's seat and side mirrors, a feature Hyundai says is a segment first, as well as an optional premium Infinity sound system. In an effort to reduce unwanted outside noises, Hyundai says the 2017 Elantra uses more sound insulation material and its front glass is thicker.
The Elantra is equipped with 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 147 horsepower with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Its estimated fuel economy is 28 mpg city 37 highway. 
The Elantra Eco has a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 128 horsepower with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Eco gets a 35 mpg combined rating. All Elantras feature new selectable driving modes that adjust engine, transmission and steering effort in Eco, Normal or Sports modes.
The chassis itself has been given a healthy dose of strengthening with a 29.5 percent improvement in torsional rigidity with the goal of decreasing noise, vibrations and harshness while increasing vehicle dynamics, which are also being helped by a redesigned rear suspension.Hyundai says structural reinforcements to the front chassis will improve performance in a collision, plus seven airbags are standard and include a driver's knee airbag. An available collision warning system alerts the driver of an upcoming collision and autonomously brakes when needed. The Elantra also has available adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. 

First Look: 2017 Nissan Rogue

The Nissan Rogue, introduced in 2007, competes in what is now one of the most contested segments of the automotive market - the compact crossover field. It was last redesigned in 2013, but now gets a refresh for the 2017 model year as part of Nissan's "Year of the Truck," lineup overhaul. Although it would certainly be a stretch to consider the Rogue a truck. 
The Rogue stands out among compact crossovers because it has a three-row seating configuration that is available, though not chosen by many buyers. It's kind of understandable, because it is challenging to squeeze three rows into a vehicle this small. 
But the two-row configuration does a good job of providing comfortable seating and ample interior space for passengers. 
The Rogue is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower and 175 pounds-feet of torque. It is linked to the Xtronic continuously variable transmission that Nissan commonly employs. Fuel economy on the Rogue is estimated at 26 mpg city, 33 highway with front-wheel drive and 25 and 32 on the all-wheel drive models. 
Nissan also is offering the Rogue as a hybrid model, for those who are particularly fuel-economy conscious. 
On the outside, the changes to the Rogue are pretty minor. The front and rear bumpers were restyled, as was the front fascia and the lighting, which was turned upside down to give a stylish touch. There are also new wheel designs.
Other changes on the interior and for convenience include a heated steering wheel (optional) and a motion-activated rear gate, which lets you wave your foot underneath to open it slowly. 
The cloth seats have received new upholstery and have a memory feature, as do the mirrors. The center console was redesigned to enhance the interior style. 
Safety features include intelligent cruise control, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert. 
Driving dynamics are solid, but not necessarily sporty. Which is fine, because most buyers in this segment are not seeking behind-the-wheel thrills, but rather solid acceleration and handling, and firm braking. On those fronts, the Rogue delivers more than adequately. 
Overall, the Rogue presents a compelling package of convenience, utility and fuel economy for those in the market for a good compact crossover SUV.