Auto Car Sport News: January 2011

Monday, January 31, 2011

2012 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG R-LINE WITH PHOTO

Volkswagen today unveiled the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg R-Line, which will be sold initially in the German market. The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg R-Line includes interior and exterior updates, however, no performance modifications have been announced. To the outside of the truck, the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg R-Line program offers new rear bumper with integrated diffuser and matte oval tailpipes of new side skirts and a front spoiler new R-Design.

Unveiled 2011 Mercedes F1 Petronas

Unveiled 2011 Mercedes F1 Photo

It's great to see Lotus to live and live! They have a lot of impressive works spotscars, and not against one, but two teams in F1, and in some way. This is a major car company Lotus Norfolk called T128 and his rival for the 2011 Formula 1 season in a unique livery. Not many details are in hand, but only to be powered by a Renault engine and a rear part of Red Bull.

First Aston Martin One-77 New Picture

The official, ladies and gentlemen: Aston Martin has found a million dollars League ultra-hyper-super with the new One-77.

Now we know what you think of the One-77 has been released some time ago. But it is only now that the first example it left the factory, and gave his first lucky (and apparently very wealthy) customers. The delivery was less prominent place in Monaco, opposite the iconic Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo.

2012 Ford Focus First Riding

And should not be surprised by the notion of a compact car with Grand Touring features and amazing fuel economy. The new creations like the Hyundai Elantra and the Chevrolet Cruze made in the compact car segment of the most hotly contested in the market, putting pressure on the strings of combatants as long as the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla in the process. But while the Cruze and Elantra proved that great content can come in small packages with lower price tags, there is a growing sense of fun to launch small car may be at risk for travelers who have inherited genes smooth-riding of his brothers.

Successful Test For Audi R18 at Sebring

Audi has officially put its new R18 Le Mans race and all nine of its pilot plant to test. The pair closed cockpit Bruisers Audi R15 and the latest generation of TDI spent some time lapping Sebring as part of preparations for the 24 Hours of Le Mans this year. Each frame of pilots managed to get some seat time in three vehicles. Oddly enough, Audi has made it clear that R15 "Plus Plus" campaign in 12 Hours of Sebring this year. Audi generally use the place as a trial run for new hardware, before coming to France.

Here's a good shot of what the Next Gen Honda Civic's interior will look like....

Honda CBR250R is first entry-level motorcycle with ABS

If you’re looking forward to celebrating warmer weather by getting into motorcycle riding, Honda may have the bike for you. The company just introduced a new entry-level sport bike, the CBR250R, to compete with Kawasaki’s popular Ninja 250, which we tested (and liked a lot) in 2008.

Previously, Honda’s only entry-level bike this small and affordable was the Rebel 250, a cruiser which we also tested then. All our riders preferred the Ninja for its precise handling; smooth, free-revving engine; and slick-shifting six-speed transmission. Some riders also found the Rebel 250 too small and cramped.

Now the CBR250R offers a sport-bike seating position in an affordable, entry-level package starting at $4,500. Better yet for new riders, the CBR250R is available with antilock brakes, which the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has shown reduces motorcycle crashes by as much as 37 percent.

Consumer Reports would like to see ABS offered on more motorcycles, especially affordable models aimed at newer riders. We welcome Honda’s introduction of the CBR250R as a first step in that direction and consider the $500 premium for the optional antilock brake system to be money well spent.

Source;
http://blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2011/01/honda-cbr250r-is-first-entry-level-motorcycle-with-abs.html

Canadian Driver: Used Vehicle Review: Honda Civic, 2006-2011

By Chris Chase
The eighth-generation Honda Civic hit the market in 2006, and made a bit of a splash when it did, with its wedgy exterior and modern interior, including a controversial split-level dashboard. Nevertheless, the Civic remained one of the most popular cars on the market and largely retained its reputation for being a dependable form of transportation.

If you bought a Civic in 2006, you got a compact sedan or coupe powered by a 1.8-litre, four-cylinder engine making 140 horsepower in all trims save the Si coupe and Hybrid. The Si got a 2.0-litre, 197-hp motor, while the Hybrid used 1.3-litre engine paired with an electric motor for a net horsepower power rating of 110. Regular-grade Civics came standard with a five-speed manual transmission that could be optioned to a five-speed automatic. The Si used a six-speed manual exclusively and also got a limited-slip differential; the Hybrid came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) as the only one available.

In 2008, an Si sedan was added to the line-up. Some upper trim models got stability/traction control in 2009.

Natural Resources Canada’s fuel consumption ratings for the 2006 Civic were 7.8/5.7 L/100 km (city/highway) for the 1.8-litre model with manual transmission, or 8.2/5.7 with the automatic. The Hybrid was rated at 4.7/4.3, and the Si at 10.2/6.8. These figures would remain the same through the eighth-gen Civic’s run, to 2011.

Reliability on the whole has been good, earning the Civic inclusion on Consumer Reports’ list of used car “good bets.” It’s not without fault, however, particularly the hybrid model.
Consumer Reports’ data on the Civic shows electrical system problems with the Hybrid powertrain. These include the IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) warning light turning on, indicating a problem with the battery or the software that manages the IMA system. Here’s a thread talking about how high ambient temperatures and hot weather can negatively affect the Civic Hybrid’s battery pack. The battery packs themselves appear to be pricey; I’ve seen figures upwards of $3,000 for replacement (including labour) mentioned in more than one forum.
There’s also an IMA software update mentioned frequently that apparently causes driveability issues after it’s installed in the car’s CPU. Apparently, this is due to the system needing to recalibrate itself, but kills the electric assist function in the process, making the car slow, and dangerously so, say some owners.

If the check engine, IMA and battery light come on and the car loses electric assist (runs on the gas engine only), a common, and simple, cause is a weak 12-volt battery (just like the one every car has). If this battery is bad, it frequently causes the car’s sensitive electronics to go haywire.
Here’s a Civic Hybrid FAQ from CleanMPG.com.

I’ll go out on a limb and say that the Honda Civic Hybrid is one to approach with caution, especially used, and even more so if the hybrid system warranty is close to expiry. A couple of posters in this GreenHybrid.com thread call their 2007 Civic Hybrids the worst cars they’ve ever owned.

With that out of the way, non-hybrid Civics have fared much better, suffering only from relatively minor problems.

There’s a common problem with the Civic Si’s transmission that causes grinding and hard shifting into third gear, and a shifter that pops out of third. This prompted the folks at 8thCivic.com to draft a (poorly written) petition in an effort to get Honda to acknowledge the problem. The company eventually did, by issuing a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) advising dealers on how to fix the bad transmissions.

A popping sound from the front suspension, a problem that appears to affect mostly 2006, 2007 and a few 2008 Civics, is caused by an incorrectly manufactured bump stop. Honda addressed this in 2007, with the TSB that can be found here.

Read this thread for a few details about a rear suspension problem – bad upper control arms – that seems to affect only the Hybrid.

This thread indicates that some Civic owners have experienced head gasket failures. There’s no evidence of this in Consumer Reports’ data, though.

The two-door Civic earned a “good” rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) frontal offset crash test, and an “acceptable” score in side impact testing, with the IIHS citing a possibility of rib and pelvis fractures for front seat occupants. The four-door model scored “good” in both tests, but the IIHS noted that there was still a small possibility of rib fractures for front-seat riders.

From the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave Civic two- and four-door models five stars for driver and front passenger protection in its frontal crash test, and four and five stars for front and rear seat protection in side impacts, respectively.

Used Civic pricing, from Canadian Black Book (CBB), shows these cars have held their value well, as is the Honda way. At the low end is a 2006 DX coupe, at $8,150, or $8,625 for a DX sedan; for bigger budgets, a 2010 sedan in top EX-L trim is worth $20,200. The Si’s values range from $15,525 for a 2006 coupe, to $21,300 for a 2010 sedan (the coupe is a bit cheaper), and the Hybrid starts at $10,750 for a 2006 and ranges up to $17,075 for a 2009. (CBB doesn’t have pricing info for the 2010 Hybrid.) For middle-ground shoppers, a 2008 LX is worth $14,450.

As stated above, the Civic Hybrid is a car to avoid, or at least, consider very carefully when shopping for a fuel-thrifty vehicle. The rest of the Civic line has held up well, earning consistent above-average used vehicle reliability ratings from Consumer Reports, with few, if any, serious trouble spots. Regardless, look for a car with detailed service records and have it checked out by a trustworthy mechanic before buying.

Source;
http://www.canadiandriver.com/2011/01/27/used-vehicle-review-honda-civic-2006-2011.htm

Honda R and D: Mind Contol a Car

This is a neat idea, but I think all we'd have to do is take the tech that Honda has developed for ASIMO and incorporate it into a R2 unit like below.... no?

Posted on: January 31st, 2011 by Hannah Westfield

Everyone has had a time when they wished things could be achieved through thought alone. As children, many try to move objects and imagine what it would be like to have the power to do things through thought alone.

Well, incredibly this idea may not be far away. Honda, the Japanese car manufacturer, has been having talks this weekend with some top fashion designers. The idea is to design and produce a stylish and attractive ‘driving hat’, which should be able to allow the wearer to be able to undertake tasks while driving via just thinking about what needs to be done.

It sound like something from a futuristic science fiction film, where a UFO or weapons system is controlled purely by thought. However, this is a real prototype that will actually read its wearers brainwaves to do simple tasks for the driving. It will be able to undertake commands to turn on window wipers or headlights, open things like the boot, or other simple tasks.

The scanner and controller are so small that it can actually fit into the lining of a hat, just an ordinary hat, not even a specially designed one. Some have said that Honda are now looking to get high-end fashion designers and Hollywood stars involved in the project.

Up until recently, reading brain pattern has required probes and often hair removal. However, Honda’s design has managed to read brain waves through hair and via soft pads (no proing required). The idea of the hat is to be a fashionable driving aid, making life easier, while making the driver look good.

Source;
http://news.carrentals.co.uk/do-you-wish-you-could-think-something-to-be-done-34235900.html

Honda launches TV ad to interact with iPhone app

Honda is launching what it claims to be the first campaign that allows viewers to use an app to interact with a TV ad in real time.

The 'This Unpredictable Life' campaign, for its Jazz model, breaks tomorrow (1 February). It gives the app's users the ability to "catch" animated characters with an iPhone as they appear on screen in Honda's new TV ad.

The app, named Honda Jazz – This Unpredictable Life, is free to download.

The Pixar-style clip shows a character floating through life, collecting experiences and possessions.

Using audio-recognition technology, app users can pull up to seven characters, including Space Monkey, Baby Balloon Head and Playful Puppy, to their app.

The campaign showcases the car's ability to "handle all that life has to throw at the modern family".

Martin Moll, head of marketing for Honda, said: "This new ad campaign reflects the experiences of our Jazz customers, showing how its Tardis-like interior has the versatility and space to cope with almost anything."

Source;
http://www.marketingmagazine.co.uk/news/1052149/Honda-launches-TV-ad-interact-iPhone-app/

Sunday, January 30, 2011

2012 Fiat 500 at 38MPG , 30 mpg city

2012 Fiat 500 at 38MPG , 30 mpg city

The EPA has released estimated fuel economy rating of 2012 Fiat 500 sedan and it looks like a compact car near the top of the list as a small hybrid cars, but 40 mpg.

When combined with a 5-speed manual transmission, 2012 Fiat 500 averages 30/38 mpg (city / highway), or 33 total. Replace the 6-speed automatic transmission and a Fiat 500 may be 27/34 and 30 mpg combined.

2012 Noble M600 eye-watering 650-hp

Worldwide a car that is currently full of new hybrids, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles, is very satisfying to see some supercars still ongoing. Meet the new 2,012 Noble 600 (this is not the first), the fact that the Porsche 911 Turbo Noble M400 hunting.

Besides being amazing, bearing the 2012 Noble M600 engine big ass and weighs only 2.750 pounds. You should expect the punishment to come in this paper to blow your tie is exactly what they will do.

Noble M600 power comes from a mid-mounted 4.4L V8 Yamaha twin turbo to a vacancy of 650 hp at 6800 rpm and 604 lb-ft of torque at 3800 rpm. What do we mean by accessible? Noble M600 has three APC (Adaptive Performance Control) parameters, includinag road, track and race. Mode makes Noble M600 Road 450-hp; Track mode is 550-hp, and in race mode, sends Noble M600 also that the wheels do all the 650-hp. Mated to a 6-speed manual Graziano, the 2012 Noble M600 is 0 to 120 km / h in 8.9 seconds with a top speed of 225 mph (estimated).

2011 Limited Edition Fiat Abarth 500 Gulf

2011 Limited Edition Fiat Abarth 500 Gulf

Originally built as a one-off to celebrate the anniversary of the Gulf of 10 years in Luxembourg, Fiat has decided to conduct a limited production of this 500th Custom More than 500, this is Abarth 500 esseesse a model that makes 160-hp, more than 101 HP of the standard car.

Because Luxembourg is a small country, limited edition is very low, with only 10 cars being built. With orange and blue livery, the interior of the car is Sabelt racing with files in the infamous regime painted orange / blue. The price is about $ 35,000.This here is real, genuine Fiat Abarth 500 Limited Edition of the Persian Gulf, Beef Special, described Autopolis Fiat dealership in Luxembourg. We say this because just yesterday I said that specific unit and Fiat photoshoped photos of those who made the rounds of the Internet. Although friends and Auto55 Autofans carefully the history of the official press release, we were wondering what a mini with a classic Italian racing symbol appear in real life.

Today, our meditation ended as Director of Marketing and Communication Autopolis Luxembourg dropped the first shots of the real life of the car in our mailbox. We believe that Fiat would have published these pictures instead of "grabbing from the start, but we'll give them props for keeping a watchful eye on the web-o-sphere and respond quickly to our messages.

2011 BMW 2.0-liter Turbo

2011 BMW 2.0-liter Turbo

As confirmed yesterday by the CEO of BMW of North America, Jim O'Donnell, 4-cylinder turbo BMW will come to the U.S. later this year. Currently, BMW has officially confirmed that the 4-cylinder engines will return to the U.S. lineup for the first time since 1999.

2012 VW Beetle Spied

Source w/writeup and more pics;
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/27/spy-shots-2012-volkswagen-new-new-beetle-caught-undisguised/

2011 Honda Odyssey Earns Best-Possible 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score in More-Stringent Federal Government Crash Test Safety Rating Program

01/27/2011 - TORRANCE, Calif.
The all-new 2011 Honda Odyssey has earned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) best-possible Overall Vehicle Score1 of five stars and is one of the first two vehicles ever to earn five stars in each seating position for all three crash tests, each crash test category and the overall rating, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. The Odyssey joins the 2011 Accord Sedan as one of the few vehicles to date that achieves the federal government's best-possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score and five stars in the combined frontal and side crash safety ratings.

The Odyssey achieved its top Overall Vehicle Score with five-star ratings for the frontal crash safety test and both side crash safety tests2 in all evaluated front and rear seating positions and scenarios. Additionally, the Odyssey received four stars for the rollover rating3, the highest achievable in the light-truck vehicle class using the program's measurement methodology.

The newly introduced Overall Vehicle Score is part of the federal government's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) that is first being applied to 2011 models. As a convenience to new car shoppers, the Overall Vehicle Score represents the combined results of the overall ratings from the frontal crash tests, the side crash tests and the rollover-resistance into a single, summary score between one and five stars. Additional information is available at www.safercar.gov.

Complete NCAP safety rating results for the 2011 Odyssey are:

All 2011 Odyssey vehicles utilize the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. ACE is an exclusive body design that enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal crashes. The ACE design utilizes a network of connected structural elements to distribute crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. This enhanced frontal crash energy management helps to reduce the forces transferred to the passenger compartment. Standard safety equipment includes Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control; an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); three-row side curtain airbags with rollover sensor; dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; a driver's front side airbag; and a front passenger's side airbag with an occupant position detection system.

Overall, the Odyssey improves for the 2011 model year with greater interior functionality, a more distinctive style and higher fuel economy. Significant enhancements to the interior include a new "3-mode" second-row seat design that is more comfortable for center passengers (Odyssey EX and above). A more powerful and efficient 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine features Variable Cylinder Management (standard on all models for 2011) and produces 248 hp while delivering an EPA-estimated4 city/highway/combined fuel economy of 19/28/22 mpg on Odyssey Touring models.

New technology available on certain models includes a rear entertainment system with a 16.2-inch ultrawide split-screen display and an auxiliary High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) video input, an "intelligent" Multi-Information Display (i-MID) with customizable wallpaper, integration of FM traffic data on navigation models and much more.

The 2011 Odyssey is truly an American-made vehicle – designed, engineered and assembled in the United States. The Odyssey is produced exclusively at Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (HMA) using domestic and globally sourced parts.

For more information and downloadable high-resolution images of Honda vehicles, please visit www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at www.honda.com.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/2011-honda-odyssey-earns-best-possible-5-star-overall-vehicle-score-in-more-stringent-federal-government-crash-test-safety-rating-program

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Honda takes $180M quarterly earnings hit due to... fishy seafood dealings?

Huh, who knew....

Honda just slapped itself on the wrist due to some inappropriate activity in a relatively unknown area of its business dealings. The Japanese automaker is involved in the seafood business and, although we're fairly certain it's not working with Matsumura Fishworks, it's active in the shrimp and shellfish trade. The "slap on the wrist" is of the monetary kind, and Honda owes $180 million due to misguided activity.

Employees involved in the seafod trading business are tasked with securing wholesale seafood then reselling it to supermarkets, restaurants and other interested parties. However, Honda had been paying well above market price for some of the transactions then failed to find a buyer for the overly-expensive seafood. To make the books look clear, the traders listed that they returned the purchased items yet then managed to find an interested third party to buy the overflowing inventory.

The resulting $180 million charges are necessary to adjust for a reduced inventory value and to clean up accounts receivable.

Source;
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/27/honda-takes-180m-quarterly-earnings-hit-due-to-fishy-seafood/

U3-X Personal Mobility Prototype Video

Incredible....

WoodysCarSite: 2012 Honda Civic First Look

Nice looking find....
Source;
http://www.woodyscarsite.com/2011/01/2011-honda-civic-hybrid-first-look.html

Toyota FT-86 Teaser for Geneva Auto Show

Toyota allows us a glimpse of new FT-86 II - an evolution of its rear-drive coupe concept

Toyota is set to unveil a second evolution of the FT-86 rear-drive coupe concept at the Geneva show in March.

The FT-86 was first unveiled as a concept back in 2009 and, although rumours last summer suggested that the eagerly anticipated coupe could make production by the end of 2011, the new concept will be the first 'official' step closer to revealing the final design for the new Toyota coupe.

Unfortunately we'll all have to wait a bit longer to see properly what the 'FT-86 II' is, as Toyota is following the distinctly irritating fashion of enigmatic teaser photos.

So, aside from the frustrating photo, all Toyota will say for now is that the FT-86 II "builds on the original concept and will give the clearest indication yet of the final design for Toyota's next sports car".

Oh, and that "this new concept embodies the company's reborn passion for sports car driving".
Very nice, but can we see the car now please, Toyota?

Source;
http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=23083

VW Toureg Sport Concept

This is one awesome concept, I love the roof scoop....

Do you enjoy watching the Dakar Rally? If so, then you probably have day dreamed about driving those awesome off-road racers to the mall or to work. Only problem is, while these racers have minor details like the shape of the headlights and names in common with models you’d find in showrooms, technically, they’re completely different.

Take the Volkswagen Touareg for example. The one that races in the Dakar Rally has little in common with the one you’ll find in the showrooms. That, however, could change if they decide to put the Race Touareg 3 concept into production.

Unveiled at the Qatar Motor Show, this concept marries the madness of the rally machine with some civility from the road going version. Thankfully it is more like the rally car than the normal showroom model.

Not only does it look like the racer that just won the 2011 Dakar rally, but it has the same powertrain also. So you get the same 2.5-liter turbo-diesel engine that produces 296-hp and a whopping 442 lb ft of torque. Power is sent to all wheels via a 5-speed sequential gearbox that has a three-plate ceramic clutch and three limited slip differentials. In other words, this vehicle doesn’t even know the meaning of getting stuck.

It’s quick too, 0-60 mph takes just 6.1 seconds and tops out at 117 mph (due to those large dune bashing tires, otherwise it would have been even faster).

While the cockpit of the race versions have no interior trimming whatsoever, the Race Touareg 3 concept has a fully finished, well appointed interior.

And now the bad news, this awesome concept is just a concept. There are no production plans yet, but if everyone bugs VW enough, they could put it into limited production. Hey, these things have happened before. So if you would like to park one of these on your driveway, tell those Germans at VW to make one for you and your friends.

Watch out Ford Raptor.

Source;
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/01/volkswagen-race-touareg-3-concept-brings-dakar-to-the-street.html

The New Honda Accord/Acura TSX Debuts at Geneva

The revised Honda Accord sedan and Tourer models will make their debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Both cars receive a host of changes with the styling, emissions, ride and handling all enhanced for 2011.

Summary of Changes:
• Revised exterior styling
• Detail changes to interior finishes
• Improvements to emissions and economy on all engines
• 138 g/km 2.2 i-DTEC introduced
• Ride and handling improvements for all models
• Auto High-Beam Support System and Active Cornering Lights debut on Accord
• 180 PS Type S model now available across Europe with bespoke interior and exterior styling

Exterior Design
Both the sedan and Tourer have benefitted from small but noticeable changes to the head lights and bumpers to complement the changes under the skin. The head lights have been given a cleaner, crisper appearance with the previously amber indicators now in a clear finish. On top grade cars the lights are now bi-xenon and feature Active Cornering Lights to improve night time visibility. The grille has been subtly remodelled with the two central spars finished in the same chrome material as the outer grille, for a sportier look. The cooling duct and fog light recesses on all models have been re-profiled with the taper of these areas given a more aggressive line, giving the car a more planted appearance.

The rear of the sedan model has been subtly enhanced with the rear lights having a light red finish for the reversing light and indicators to match that of the fog light, giving a balance to the rear styling. The exclusive styling of the sedan is rounded off with a light chrome garnish above the rear licence plate on most models and a dark chrome finish on Type S grade cars. The new exterior design cues are finished off with three new colours consisting of Alabaster Silver, Graphite Lustre and Celestial Blue Pearl added to the line up.

Interior Design
The exterior styling changes have been complemented by a number of subtle changes to the interior with most grades having new seat materials and door linings, changing the ambience of the cabin. Type S models have exclusive half leather, seats in a dark grey finish and a black head lining to further distinguish the top grade. The metal-look finish interior trim that covers the hand brake, gear lever surround, steering wheel garnish, door inlays, with a red background and sweeps up across the centre of the dash is now in a darker hue, to complement the new interior fabrics. The footwells of the majority of models are now illuminated blue if the headlights are on and red on Type S models.

Fuel Economy and Emission Improvements
The refined 2.2 litre 150 PS i-DTEC diesel engine has had internal frictional losses reduced to improve fuel economy and emissions. The result of these changes is an 9 g/km drop in CO2 emissions for the sedan with the 6-speed manual transmission and an 11 g/km reduction for the automatic variant. These internal changes have been combined with a host of underbody aerodynamic aids, including a larger front air dam, underfloor and a rear subframe cover Honda's engineers have also put effort into reducing the frictional losses in the wheels and tyres with low friction wheel bearings and reduced rolling resistance tyres. Accords equipped with Automatic transmission have also benefitted from minimised frictional losses in the gearbox and optimised ratios to improve economy and emissions.

Quieter Cabin
The already impressive NVH performance of the current Accord has been further improved with the adoption of higher density foam in the under bonnet and dashboard areas. The underfloor noise insulation has also been revised and teamed with additional sound deadening shields on the DPF and exhaust manifold cover of the diesel engine. The suite of noise reductions techniques is completed with a small 0.9 mm increase in the thickness of the rear window glass, improving the rear passenger experience.

Chassis
Engineers from Japan worked with their counterparts in Germany and the UK to further refine the dampers of the Accord Tourer and sedan for the vast range of road conditions found in Europe. Detailed refinement of the dual mode dampers has given improvement in both high speed stability for highway driving and a significant improvement in ride quality, even over poor road surfaces.

Active Cornering Lights
One of the most visible changes to the top of the range Accords is the addition of Active Cornering Lights, which provide enhanced illumination when the vehicle is turning. Additional lights units have been subtly integrated into the existing lights units, casting all of their light to the side of the vehicle to help the driver in low visibility conditions. The light unit on the relevant side will be illuminated when the driver activates the indicators in that direction or turns the steering wheel more than 90 degrees. When the vehicle is in reverse, both lights will be activated to give a good view to either side of the driver.

High-Beam Support System
Another new lighting technology for Honda is the High Beam Support system, which is fitted on vehicles with the bi-xenon headlights. This system is controlled by a CMOS camera fitted to the windscreen in the area of the driver rear view mirror. The camera detects oncoming headlights or the taillights of a vehicle in front and automatically dips the headlights onto their normal setting if they are on high-beam. This allows the driver to fully concentrate on the road conditions, without having to manually control the high-beam setting.

The new Accord goes on sale across Europe from April this year.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.eu/en/news/index.pmode/modul,detail,0,1690-DEFAULT,21,text,1/index.pmode

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Infiniti M35h Hybrid Sedan European-Spec

Infiniti M35h Hybrid Sedan European-Spec

This is new preliminary specs and performance figures from Infiniti for the European market version of its M35h hybrid sedan,expected to arrive in dealerships this spring. Boasting an impressive drag coefficient of just 0.26, the first Japanese manufacturer of hybrid model weighs less than her brothers and sisters M30d diesel and returns lt/100 6.9 km (33.6 mpg U.S.) on the combined cycle. However, customers will be satisfied with a small bunch, measuring just 350 liters.

This Infiniti sedan's powertrain comprises a 306HP 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine mated to a dual-clutch transmission and a 68HP (50kW) electric motor. The combined output is 364HP, good enough to accelerate the 1.830 kg (4.035 lbs) luxury sedan from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

the M35h is capable of reaching speeds up to 80 km/h (50 mph In electric-only mode, with Infiniti stating that in real-world testing, the car can be driven in this mode for as much as 50% of the time on mixed routes. To further improve the powertrain’s efficiency, the M35h also comes with regenerative brakes.

New Images Of Ferrari FF 660HP All-wheel Drive Four-seater Supercar

Ferrari FF 660HP All-wheel Drive Four-seater Supercar

This is first look at the new Ferrari FF, an intervener or as Carscoop said ... Hunchback of Notre Maranello, but the Italian firm has released a photograph of his flagship GT model today. Basically, we have a studio photo of a FF developer gray finish and three images of a prototype development mule dressed in camouflage, while testing the system with four-wheel drive on snowy roads Sweden and Finland.

New FF replaces the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti more seats and practical luggage space for four. At the heart of a super car is a 6.3-liter V12 power plant to drive out the 660 ponies with F1-style dual-clutch gearbox. In addition to practical and effective, the FF is also the first production Ferrari with four-wheel motor system. According to the Italians, the FF can hit 100 km / sec h (62 mph) and 3.7 and is filled with 335 km / h or 208 mph. For more information, and the first video in the car,

Old Honda Truck Rendering

I was submitted this picture of an old rendering of what a Honda Truck could look like, looks like a 3 door style, with a first gen Acura MDX front. Cool find, thanks goes out to Greg Morgan....

Japanese Stocks Advance, Led by Honda, on Earnings Confidence

By Anna Kitanaka
Jan. 24 (Bloomberg) -- Japanese stocks rose for the first time in three days, led by automakers, after Nomura Holdings Inc. raised its rating on Honda Motor Co. to “buy,” and after General Electric Co. of the U.S. beat earnings estimates.

Honda climbed 3.8 percent. Elpida Memory Inc., the world’s third-largest maker of computer-memory chips, jumped 5.1 percent after Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its investment rating. Yaskawa Electric Corp., a maker of electronic controls, leapt 4.5 percent after the company swung to profit. Tokyo Tomin Bank Ltd., a regional lender based in Japan’s capital, tumbled 6.1 percent, leading a decline by banks.

“There are strong expectations that earnings will improve,” said Koichi Kurose, chief strategist in Tokyo at Resona Bank Ltd., which manages about $57 billion in assets. “As we’re seeing increasing earnings abroad, Japanese exporter shares are rising.”

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 0.7 percent to 10,345.11 at the close in Tokyo. The broader Topix index also gained 0.7 percent to 917.18, after earlier falling as much as 0.1 percent. About three shares rose for each that fell on the Topix.

The Topix has gained 2 percent this year, driving the average price of shares in the index to 15.8 times estimated earnings on average, close to the highest level since August.

General Electric
The gauge sank 1 percent in 2010 as the yen rose to its strongest annual average level against the dollar since currencies became freely traded in 1971, dimming the outlook for export earnings. Confidence in a global recovery was also damped by Europe’s debt crisis, China’s steps to curb inflation and concern U.S. growth will weaken.

In the U.S., the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index increased 0.2 percent in New York on Jan. 21 after General Electric, the world’s biggest maker of jet engines, medical-imaging equipment and power turbines, reported fourth-quarter earnings from continuing operations of 36 cents a share, exceeding the average estimate from analysts of 32 cents. General Electric Co. is considered a proxy for world growth.

Automakers as a group were the biggest boost to the Topix among the index’s 33 industry groups.

Honda Leads Gains
Honda, Japan’s second-largest automaker, gained 3.8 percent to 3,400 yen, the biggest contributor to the Nikkei 225’s advance. The company was raised to “buy” from “neutral” by Nomura analyst Masataka Kunugimoto, who estimated the shares may reach 4,300 yen within the next 12 months. Honda’s U.S. sales are looking favorable, and earnings may increase, Kunugimoto wrote in a Jan. 21 report.

Toyota Motor Corp., the world’s largest carmaker, gained 1.3 percent to 3,415 yen. Nissan Motor Co., the third-biggest automaker in Japan, climbed 0.7 percent to 830 yen.

“Earnings in the U.S. are improving,” said Kazuhiro Takahashi, a general manager at Tokyo-based Daiwa Securities Capital Markets Co. In Japan, “there are expectations that domestic companies will also post good results.”

Elpida rose 5.1 percent to 1,134 yen. Goldman Sachs increased its investment rating to “buy” from “neutral” and boosted its share-price estimate to 1,350 yen from 950 yen.

Yaskawa Electric Corp., a Japanese machinery maker, jumped 4.5 percent to 867 yen. The company turned to a nine-month net income of 4.32 billion yen from a year-earlier loss on a 41 percent surge in sales.

Banks Decline
Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., the maker of Subaru-brand cars, advanced 1.3 percent to 690 yen. The company’s operating profit for the fiscal year to March 31 will likely triple to about 80 billion yen, the Nikkei newspaper reported. That compares with the company’s earlier forecast of 70 billion yen, Nikkei said.

The Topix Banks Index fell 0.4 percent today, the biggest decline among the Topix’s industry groups.

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc., Japan’s biggest bank, dropped 0.5 percent to 441 yen. Mizuho Financial Group Inc., the No. 3, declined 1.2 percent to 164 yen.

Tokyo Tomin Bank tumbled 6.1 percent to 1,168 yen. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut its investment rating on the stock to “underweight” from “neutral.”

The Topix bank index rose 2.7 percent this year through Jan. 21, double the broader Topix index’s 1.3 percent gain in the same period. The bank sub-group’s relative-strength index, a measure of price momentum, was at 71.27 on Jan. 19, above the 70 threshold that some traders use as an indicator to sell.

“Bank shares have been on a steady climb, so now people are cautious about the price and want to capture their earnings,” said Hideyuki Ishiguro, assistant manager at the investment strategy department at Okasan Securities Co. in Tokyo.

-- With assistance from Kotaro Tsunetomi. Editors: Sam Waite, John McCluskey.

Source;
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-01-24/japanese-stocks-advance-led-by-honda-on-earnings-confidence.html

Newly Refined 2012 Acura TL To Debut At Chicago Auto Show

01/24/2011 - TORRANCE, Calif.
Acura today announced it will debut the newly refined 2012 TL at the Chicago Auto Show. The TL, which recently received the 2011 ALG Residual Value Award for Best Near Luxury Car, further enhances its position in the segment with aggressive, yet refined styling and performance.

Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales, will introduce the production vehicle at the press conference, to be held on February 9, 2011 in the Acura booth. The press conference will be webcast live on www.acuranews.com.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/newly-refined-2012-acura-tl-to-debut-at-chicago-auto-show

Monday, January 24, 2011

2012 Nismo Nissan GT-R RC Unveiled

2012 Nismo Nissan GT-R RC Unveiled

Nissan has unveiled a racing version of the GT-R Nismo its internal tuner at the Tokyo Auto Salon called the GT-R RC (Racing competition).

Nismo GT-R has refined established to monitor the performance improved with air suspension compliance, the use of lightweight parts and equipment GT-R with racing safety law. These include the FIA rollbar-qualifying welded, air inlets and 120 liters of fuel tank safety ATL.The Nissan GT-R,

2011 BMW X1 xDrive28i Preview

Its powerful design, sporty and elegant, agility, luxury features and innovative hardware features, the BMW X1 is a pioneer in the premium compact class in terms of driving pleasure. Once again, the premium carmaker BMW has managed to drive a BMW X model concept of a new vehicle segment to create a unique product. Now, the BMW X1 is innovative, this time based on the BMW EfficientDynamics program. BMW X1 xDrive28i Branda € ™ s first four-cylinder model BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, which includes High Precision Injection direct fuel injection, the payment is based on a twin-scroll with the principle of double-VANOS variable valve timing camshaft and Valvetronic variable valve control.

BMW has scheduled the introduction of this technology package in the new BMW X1 xDrive28i, coinciding with the launch of a new generation of petrol engines of 2.0 liters of BMW. 180 kW/245 hp The new engine combines a power upgrade and torque than the previous engine with significantly reduced fuel consumption and emissions. This translates into improved double in some impressive performance specs. 0 to 100 km / h sprint h (62 mph) is 6.1 seconds (automatic: 6.5 seconds), an improvement of 0.7 seconds (automatic: 0.3 seconds) in the previous model, which only available in automatic. At the same time, average fuel consumption in the test cycle, the EU has fallen from 16 percent to 7.9 l/100 km (35.7 mpg imp), with CO2 emissions of 183 grams per kilometer.BMW has timed the introduction of this technology package in the new BMW X1 xDrive28i to coincide with the launch of a new generation of BMW 2.0-liter petrol engines. The new 245 hp powerplant combines a power and torque upgrade over the previous engine with substantially reduced fuel consumption and emissions. This twofold improvement is reflected in some impressive performance specifications. The 0 to 60 mph sprint time is 5.9 seconds (automatic: 6.3 seconds), an improvement of 0.7 seconds (automatic:

The new BMW X1 xDrive28i comes with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. The standard equipment includes BMW EfficientDynamics technology â € "among other features â €" Brake Energy Regeneration, Optimum shift indicator, Auto Start-Stop and the enforcement of ancillary units. An optional version eight-speed automatic is also available. Thanks are woven

its exceptionally high internal efficiency of this transmission models offer similar fuel consumption and emissions for those with the manual version.

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Configurator

Bugatti Veyron 16.4

With its 16-cylinder four-wheel drive, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4*) may well be the most sophisticated production vehicle of all times.

Most of the components tucked beneath its hood are ingenious innovations that were formerly only deemed possible by visionaries like Ferdinand Piëch.

Boasting a maximum speed of more than 400 km per hour, the Veyron is unmatched in the super sports category. It offers a total of 736 kW (1,001 HP), and its ample power reserves even at high speeds are the fabric of dreams for luxury-class limousines: for a constant speed of 250 km/h, the Veyron only needs 270-280 HP. This means that the seven-gear clutch transmission works with a torque of up to 1,250 Newton meters. The Electronic Stability Program ensures the necessary flexibility

2010 Local Motors Rally Fighter

Off-Road Racing designed for car enthusiasts by car enthusiasts, makes its debut on the biggest industry event of the year at SEMA in the Making Green Cool Zone "

This is one of the most exciting cars ever hit the road. The aggressive, stylish and inspired the Old War Birds, Local Motors Rally Fighter is a remnant of the old new appeal.

---- Specifications ----

Price	--	Production	--
Engine	3 liter BMW	Weight	3200 lbs
Aspiration	twin turbochargers	Torque	425 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm
HP	265 hp	HP/Weight	--
HP/Liter	88.3 hp per liter	1/4 mile	12.1 lbs per hp
0-62 mph	--	Top Speed	--

The history of this vehicle is in its process of revolutionary change and simple - it was designed and developed by a community of car enthusiasts. New American automaker local Motors invites everyone with a passion for cars to work in an open design that can help you choose the shape and appearance of each vehicle local Motors. Now home to more than 4000 cars designers, engineers and enthusiasts, the local community Motors is the largest of its kind - and the only one wearing a new car on the market.

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