Renault Espace F1 yellow and blackMonday, June 29, 2009
2,7 – 2000 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Konsep
Make Chevrolet
Model 2000 Camaro ZL1 Concept
Powertrain Layout Front Engine / RWD
Base Price prototype
Dimensions
WheelBase 2568 mm / 101.1 in
Length 1582 mm / 62.3 in
Height Not Available
Width 1600 mm / 63.0 in
Weight 1538 kg / 3390 lbs
Front / Rear Track Not Available
Engine
Configuration V8
Valvetrain Not Available
Displacement 9373 cc / 572 cu in
Power 574.2 kw / 770 bhp @ 6900 rpm
Torque 926.0 nm / 683 ft lbs @ 5200 rpm
Bore 114.3 mm / 4.5 in
Stroke 114.3 mm / 4.5 in
Compression Ratio 13.8:1
BHP / Liter 82.15 bhp
Redline Not Available
Transmission
Type 5-Speed Manual
Final Drive 3.54:1
1st Gear Ratio 2.86:1
2nd Gear Ratio 1.94:1
3rd Gear Ratio 1.55:1
4th Gear Ratio 1.30:1
5th Gear Ratio 1.00:1
6th Gear Ratio Not Available
Chassis & Body
Steering Not Available
Tire sizes F 335/30ZR-18
R 265/40ZR-18
Vented discs Brake Types
Brake Size F 292 mm / 11.5 in
R 292 mm / 11.5 in
Available ABS Not Available
Body Material Not Available
Performance
Top Speed 230.0 mph / 370.0 kph
0 - 30 mph Not Available
0 - 60 mph 2.7 seconds
0 - 100 mph Not Available
0 - ¼ mile 10.4 seconds
Lateral acceleration Not Available
EPA City / Hwy Not Available
How the Honda Insight hybrid works
All you need to know about Honda's newest car
The guiding design mantra behind the all-new Honda Insight is “Aero Athlete.”
And while that may sound more apt for an exotic Italian two-seater or muscular sport luxury whip rather than an uber-economy car, the sinewy exterior and sporty interior of the 2010 Insight do conjure up athletic images.
“This is an image we use through the design process to communicate our goals for Insight,” explained Yasunari Seki, Honda’s chief engineer of the new 2010 Insight. “It features a chiseled, aerodynamic shape that promises muscular driving.”
He added that the muscular yet elegant lines of the new vehicle form a sharp wedge meant to visually communicate an athlete’s speed, all the way back to the aerodynamic tail of the car.
“Of course, we’ve subjected the allnew Insight to intensive wind tunnel testing and can literally state that the wind helped us design it too.” That’s not to say it is totally removed from the original, which debuted 10 years ago as the first hybrid available in North America.
“We wanted to keep a linkage to the original and provide the new Insight with a design that was distinctive and would communicate its unique personality.”
Designers succeeded in maintaining that ‘linkage’ to the original Insight’s aerodynamic wedge appearance, but there are many all-new design cues, particularly on the outside. For example, the new version’s frontend borrows heavily from the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell car, while the rounded rear-end and wide lower body is reminiscent of Honda’s sports car designs.
Seki explained that the FCX look indicates that “Insight is a member of Honda’s environmental product lineup,” and the sports car cues are “a key part of Honda’s fun-to-drive product philosophy.” With “Athlete Aero” guiding the exterior design, Seki said the interior’s philosophy is something Honda calls “Emotional Hybrid Interior.” Upon stepping inside it is apparent that a linkage to the past Insight’s cabins was not a high priority.
“In contrast to the concave cockpit designs of the past, the Insight’s cockpit is convex, a refreshing change that lends an advanced, futuristic feel,” said Seki.
“We have also included lots of storage areas for everyday usability, since Insight is meant to be a very usable car for everyday driving. Overall, we have gone for a simple, efficient and clean look and feel.”
Eco Assist system leaves you green
As you’d expect from a vehicle that is full of the unexpected and unorthodox, the 2010 Insight’s dashboard is filled with unique readouts, buttons and systems.The Eco Assist system uses indicator lights and a numerical readout to guide drivers to accelerate and brake in ways that consume less fuel and also increase power regeneration.
Similarly, the Eco Guide readout keeps score of your driving habits, awarding green leaves and blooming flowers.
The speedometer even gets into the act, glowing green when you maximize fuel economy, and blue when you guzzle fuel inefficiently.
Simple as pushing a button. Really
Improving fuel economy in the 2010 Insight is as simple as pushing a button. Really. Just press the ECON button on the far left of the dash and the savings begin. When engaged, the system regulates a number of onboard systems, including air conditioning, climate control, engine operation and the idle stop feature. Estimated combined fuel economy of the 2010 Insight is 4.7 L/100km.
Injury mitigation design
You never want to get hit by a car, of course, but if you ever do, hope it’s a 2010 Insight. The Pedestrian injury mitigation design of the front end and hood helps absorb energy and, according to research, can dramatically reduce the level of pedestrian injury in a front-end collision.
Features include: impactenergy absorbing hood; deformable hood hinges; impact energy-absorbing front fenders; and deformable windshield wiper pivots In addition, space is provided over engine room components to allow the hood to bend and deform.
Body Structure box
Just as the new Insight’s engine has shed a few pounds from its previous incarnation, so too has the high-tensile steel body structure of the 2010 model. In addition, increased rigidity of the body has resulted in better occupant safety, less vibration and a smoother ride.
Sound absorption in the roof, carpet and dashboard keep the cabin quiet, as does the heat and sound insulation in the windshield glass.
H-shaped torsion
McPherson struts up front and an H-shaped torsion beam in the rear give the Insight a smooth and very responsive handling characteristics, but also create a very roomy cabin space, particularly in the rear.
The Insight’s low height and low centre of gravity — remember those batteries under the rear seats — also contribute to the lively driving attributes of the Insight.
This skin is in
As with all great designs, form follows function in the 2010 Insight’s exterior skin. The car’s low height and extremely flat underbody are hallmarks of improved fuel efficient vehicles, and the Insight’s aerodynamic sweep creates a slippery wedge that slices through the air. Sculpted LED lights enhance the four corners of the Insight, and blue-coloured low beams add to the Insight’s clean look.
Source;
http://www.canada.com/Cars/Honda+Insight+hybrid+works/1445059/story.html
The guiding design mantra behind the all-new Honda Insight is “Aero Athlete.”And while that may sound more apt for an exotic Italian two-seater or muscular sport luxury whip rather than an uber-economy car, the sinewy exterior and sporty interior of the 2010 Insight do conjure up athletic images.
“This is an image we use through the design process to communicate our goals for Insight,” explained Yasunari Seki, Honda’s chief engineer of the new 2010 Insight. “It features a chiseled, aerodynamic shape that promises muscular driving.”
He added that the muscular yet elegant lines of the new vehicle form a sharp wedge meant to visually communicate an athlete’s speed, all the way back to the aerodynamic tail of the car.
“Of course, we’ve subjected the allnew Insight to intensive wind tunnel testing and can literally state that the wind helped us design it too.” That’s not to say it is totally removed from the original, which debuted 10 years ago as the first hybrid available in North America.
“We wanted to keep a linkage to the original and provide the new Insight with a design that was distinctive and would communicate its unique personality.”
Designers succeeded in maintaining that ‘linkage’ to the original Insight’s aerodynamic wedge appearance, but there are many all-new design cues, particularly on the outside. For example, the new version’s frontend borrows heavily from the Honda FCX Clarity fuel cell car, while the rounded rear-end and wide lower body is reminiscent of Honda’s sports car designs.
Seki explained that the FCX look indicates that “Insight is a member of Honda’s environmental product lineup,” and the sports car cues are “a key part of Honda’s fun-to-drive product philosophy.” With “Athlete Aero” guiding the exterior design, Seki said the interior’s philosophy is something Honda calls “Emotional Hybrid Interior.” Upon stepping inside it is apparent that a linkage to the past Insight’s cabins was not a high priority.
“In contrast to the concave cockpit designs of the past, the Insight’s cockpit is convex, a refreshing change that lends an advanced, futuristic feel,” said Seki.
“We have also included lots of storage areas for everyday usability, since Insight is meant to be a very usable car for everyday driving. Overall, we have gone for a simple, efficient and clean look and feel.”
Eco Assist system leaves you green
As you’d expect from a vehicle that is full of the unexpected and unorthodox, the 2010 Insight’s dashboard is filled with unique readouts, buttons and systems.The Eco Assist system uses indicator lights and a numerical readout to guide drivers to accelerate and brake in ways that consume less fuel and also increase power regeneration.
Similarly, the Eco Guide readout keeps score of your driving habits, awarding green leaves and blooming flowers.
The speedometer even gets into the act, glowing green when you maximize fuel economy, and blue when you guzzle fuel inefficiently.
Simple as pushing a button. Really
Improving fuel economy in the 2010 Insight is as simple as pushing a button. Really. Just press the ECON button on the far left of the dash and the savings begin. When engaged, the system regulates a number of onboard systems, including air conditioning, climate control, engine operation and the idle stop feature. Estimated combined fuel economy of the 2010 Insight is 4.7 L/100km.
Injury mitigation design
You never want to get hit by a car, of course, but if you ever do, hope it’s a 2010 Insight. The Pedestrian injury mitigation design of the front end and hood helps absorb energy and, according to research, can dramatically reduce the level of pedestrian injury in a front-end collision.
Features include: impactenergy absorbing hood; deformable hood hinges; impact energy-absorbing front fenders; and deformable windshield wiper pivots In addition, space is provided over engine room components to allow the hood to bend and deform.
Body Structure box
Just as the new Insight’s engine has shed a few pounds from its previous incarnation, so too has the high-tensile steel body structure of the 2010 model. In addition, increased rigidity of the body has resulted in better occupant safety, less vibration and a smoother ride.
Sound absorption in the roof, carpet and dashboard keep the cabin quiet, as does the heat and sound insulation in the windshield glass.
H-shaped torsion
McPherson struts up front and an H-shaped torsion beam in the rear give the Insight a smooth and very responsive handling characteristics, but also create a very roomy cabin space, particularly in the rear.
The Insight’s low height and low centre of gravity — remember those batteries under the rear seats — also contribute to the lively driving attributes of the Insight.
This skin is in
As with all great designs, form follows function in the 2010 Insight’s exterior skin. The car’s low height and extremely flat underbody are hallmarks of improved fuel efficient vehicles, and the Insight’s aerodynamic sweep creates a slippery wedge that slices through the air. Sculpted LED lights enhance the four corners of the Insight, and blue-coloured low beams add to the Insight’s clean look.
Source;
http://www.canada.com/Cars/Honda+Insight+hybrid+works/1445059/story.html
2010 Honda Insight EX Hybrid goes 100 km on five bucks
"Is that one of those hybrids?" the guy next to me at the gas station asked as I topped off the Honda Insight's tank."Yes, it is" I replied. He inspected the cars awkwardly-shaped body for a moment, one lip half curled. After a moment's pause, he commented "I'd never buy one of those". "Why's that?" I asked. "They're all weird" was his response.
He was referring to the relative unfamiliarity hybrid cars pose for the majority of the car-buying public. Hybrids are popular in their own small circles-- but a relatively tough sell to the majority of shoppers who don't know what they do, how they work, or what they'll be like ten years down the road. Despite all the good intentions, hybrids haven't exactly been flying off dealer lots.
Somewhere beneath Insight's odd shape and promise of eco-minded driving is an attempt to change that. It seeks to do away with many of the stigmas surrounding hybrid cars, and is accordingly clever, un-compromised and relatively affordable. Priced from under $24,000, rumor has it that the Insight's pricetag made a few folks at Toyota scratch their heads. For its second iteration, Insight's mileage and performance are up, and the compromise factor is way down.
Get-up-and-go is on par with most small four-cylinder cars, thanks to the four-cylinder gas engine that's hooked up with a torque electric motor system for enhanced power delivery. All power is generated on board, and there's no need to plug Insight in.
The interior is accommodating and offers more than adequate space-- though it does tighten up quickly with 5 people on board. Like goodies? The loaded $27,500 Insight EX tester included navigation, automatic climate control, Bluetooth, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, voice-command and more. That's enough to satisfy the atmospherically-minded techie any day of the week.
There's no hit in the safety department either. Side and curtain airbags are standard across the Insight range, alongside advanced antilock brakes and active head restraints. The tester even included a stability control system.
Long story short, it seems that Honda's worked hard to create a hybrid that should even appeal to skeptical shoppers. It's barely different than any other small, upscale car-- except for the looks. It's function over form here: a giant victory for aerodynamics over style.
Insight's cabin is bright, airy and very energetic. Entry and exit are easy, controls are mainly simple to find and use, and there are gobs of storage in the form of compartments and cubby-holes.
Multiple power outlets and covered compartments complete the package, and the hatchback body style lends itself to easy handling of numerous jobs. Visibility is good, albeit out the rear hatchback where the split-window design blocks some of the view.
The instrument cluster is the cabin's most striking element. A slew of high-tech indicators are included, and the whole things lights up like the console of a shuttlecraft from Star Trek at night.
There's also a multi-function digital display to track, among other things, your digital alfalfa garden. This grows or dies off at the hands of your driving habits, which Insight tries to guide via a color-changing light ring around the HUD-style speedometer.
In gentle driving, it stays green. Push too hard, and it turns turquoise or blue. Not long thereafter, your digi-sprouts will start to die off as if you watered them with professional-grade Round-Up. Careful and patient manipulation of the throttle is vital to playing the Insight's green driving game.
I'm no hyper-miler, nor am I typically willing to frustrate other traffic by accelerating as slowly as possible. Even still, fuel consumption averaged 5.7L / 100km on my 1,200 km test drive. This figure came relatively effortlessly, though it left room for improvement compared to the 4.7L / 100km figure Honda advertises for the car.
Put simply, Insight drivers can expect to go 100 km on five bucks worth of gas--or less. Even if you've got a lead foot, you'll still wind up with mileage better than most conventional small cars. Of course, if you're considering a hybrid, chances are that you haven't got a lead foot.
Proud Insight owners will be taking to the internet to post their fuel consumption figures in the near future-- so consult with them if mileage maximization is your sole reason for owning an Insight. Of course, if you're just after a fuel-efficient and upscale small car, you'll probably like it too.
Source;
http://timestranscript.canadaeast.com/wheels/article/709324
RX-7 Concept May Appear at Tokyo Motor Show
This year’s Tokyo Motor Show is the perfect opportunity for Mazda to introduce a RX-7 concept so there’s a possibility we may see it appear in October. The RX-7 will likely showcase Mazda’s new design philosophy which goes once step beyond the previous ”Nagare” concepts.The new RX-7 is said to relieve the RX-8 of its rotary flag-bearing duties and become Mazda’s flagship rotary sports car featuring a new design philosophy which we’re told is “one step beyond Nagare”. It has also been previously reported that the new RX-7 (or RX-9 according to Holiday Auto) would go on sale in the first half of 2012, which would mean the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show (TMS) would be the obvious place for its debut. This year’s TMS is an opportunity for Mazda to cash in on RX-7 fever as rotary enthusiasts start to wonder what’s going to happen once the RX-8 ends its production cycle. Mazda is expected to show its commitment to the rotary in October and what better way to do it than with a new RX-7 concept. Although it would be great to see a RX-7 successor revealed, Best Car conclude that there’s a “55% chance” that we could see a new concept break cover in Tokyo… so in other words, don’t hold your breath!
Source;
Sanyo to crank up hybrid battery production capacity by 75%
Sanyo is one of the biggest suppliers of nickel metal hydride batteries for hybrid vehicles, along with Panasonic EV energy. Currently, Sanyo's primary customers are Honda and Ford, but the company also has deals with Volkswagen and Audi for future products from Germany. Ford's ability to sell hybrid vehicles has, in part, been constrained by limited supplies of major components like transmissions and batteries. That situation may soon change, since Sanyo has decided to increase its production of NiMH cells by 75 percent.Sanyo currently builds two million NiMH cells a month and had been planning to increase that to 2.5 million. Instead, Sanyo has decided to ramp that number up to 3.5 million cells per month. Some of those will undoubtedly go to Honda as it expands hybrid production with the new CR-Z coupe and the hybrid Fit. The deals with VW and Audi are believed to be for new lithium ion batteries. It's not known how many additional units Ford might get.
Source;
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/06/27/sanyo-to-crank-up-hybrid-battery-capacity-by-75/
2,6 – 1994 Dauer 962 LEMANS-Fastest car in the World
2,6 – 1994 Dauer 962 LEMANSlist of the fastest cars based on acceleration (in seconds) 0-60 MPH.
Aerodynamics In Car Racing
Aerodynamic efficiency is the goal of all race car designers. It is the most important element in developing a competitive race car.
MAFF Muron Porsche Cayenne [1280X853]..pics..
Made by Romanian tuning house MAFF, the Muron package adds all manner of fiberglass and carbon-fiber body panels to help accentuate the Cayenne's natural lines. 
But the Bucharest-based aftermarket garage doesn't stop there, giving the full treatment to the interior as well. .jpg)
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Buyers can choose from a variety of cabin trim options, with various leather and alcantara.
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choices are available along with carbon fiber accents and plenty of info-tainment choices to make your Cayenne stand out at the soccer field.
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There are engine upgrades available too, topping out at 700 horsepower.
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Sunday, June 28, 2009
2009-Cadillac Escalade Platinum Hybrid
2009-Cadillac Escalade Platinum Hybrid, Pictures, photo and images. The Cadillac already offers both hybrid and Platinum variants of the Escalade, but this latest offering combines the 'green' powertrain of the former with the amenities of the latter. Platinum models add a number of distinctive touches both inside and out, including a unique grille, LED headlamps, Aniline leather seating, magnetic ride control, and unique 22-inch aluminum wheels.The new model will utilize the 6.0-liter V8, just like the ‘lesser’ Escalade Hybrid, paired to General Motor’s 2-Mode hybrid system. Economy figures have not yet been released up to this time, but it is expected to be around 20 mpg city and 21 mpg highway which are the same figures that come with the two-wheel-drive Escalade Hybrid.
See More Pictures of 2009-Cadillac Escalade Platinum Hybrid Above
Specification of Cadillac Escalade 2007
The all-new 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT is the perfect combination of versatility luxuryand in the full-size truck segment. The Escalade EXT offers unmatched versatility mixing device pickup truck style and functionality into a thoroughly luxurious Escalade.
Based on GM's all-new full-size SUV platform, de'07 Escalade EXT features new powertrain, chassis, safety and interior systems. These integrated systems deliver the most powerful, efficient luxury full-size SUV in this segment, led by the new 6.2-liter all-aluminum V8 engine with VVT that generates 403hp and a robust 417lb.ft. of torque.The EXT model is a unique Sport Utility Truck (SUT) body style, making it a part SUV, part-pickup profile. The industry-exclusive Midgate panel, car owners easily convert the EXT five-passenger SUV into a two-passenger pickup with 9ft. protected and secure storage. The Midgate, located behind the rear bench can be folded into the cabin, the cargo area to extend from 5ft. to 8ft., for a total of 101cu.ft. Secure volume. A standard lockable Tonneau cover protects items in the cargo bed, or can be removed for extra vertical space. When closed, it is suitable for a 300lb.
Based on GM's all-new full-size SUV platform, de'07 Escalade EXT features new powertrain, chassis, safety and interior systems. These integrated systems deliver the most powerful, efficient luxury full-size SUV in this segment, led by the new 6.2-liter all-aluminum V8 engine with VVT that generates 403hp and a robust 417lb.ft. of torque.The EXT model is a unique Sport Utility Truck (SUT) body style, making it a part SUV, part-pickup profile. The industry-exclusive Midgate panel, car owners easily convert the EXT five-passenger SUV into a two-passenger pickup with 9ft. protected and secure storage. The Midgate, located behind the rear bench can be folded into the cabin, the cargo area to extend from 5ft. to 8ft., for a total of 101cu.ft. Secure volume. A standard lockable Tonneau cover protects items in the cargo bed, or can be removed for extra vertical space. When closed, it is suitable for a 300lb.
Specification :
Type: Large Truck
Where Built: Mexico
EPA Class: Sport Utility Vehicles
Dimensions
Exterior
Length: 222 in. Width: 79.1 in.
Height: 74.5 in. Wheel Base: 130 in.
Ground Clearance: 10.6 in. Curb Weight: 5838 lbs.
Gross Weight: 7200 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 41.1 in. Front Hip Room: 64.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 65.3 in. Rear Head Room: 40 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 65.3 in. Rear Hip Room: 62.3 in.
Front Leg Room: 41.3 in. Rear Leg Room: 39.1 in.
Maximum Cargo Capacity: 109 cu. ft. Maximum Seating: 5
Performance Data
Performance
Base Number of Cylinders: 8 Base Engine Size: 6.2 liters
Base Engine Type: V8 Horsepower: 403 hp
Max Horsepower: 5700 rpm Torque: 417 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4300 rpm Maximum Payload: 1362 lbs.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 7600 lbs. Drive Type: AWD
Turning Circle: 39 ft.
Fuel Data
Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity: 31 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Automatic: : 13 mpg / 19 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 403 mi. / 589 mi.
Type: Large Truck
Where Built: Mexico
EPA Class: Sport Utility Vehicles
Dimensions
Exterior
Length: 222 in. Width: 79.1 in.
Height: 74.5 in. Wheel Base: 130 in.
Ground Clearance: 10.6 in. Curb Weight: 5838 lbs.
Gross Weight: 7200 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 41.1 in. Front Hip Room: 64.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 65.3 in. Rear Head Room: 40 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 65.3 in. Rear Hip Room: 62.3 in.
Front Leg Room: 41.3 in. Rear Leg Room: 39.1 in.
Maximum Cargo Capacity: 109 cu. ft. Maximum Seating: 5
Performance Data
Performance
Base Number of Cylinders: 8 Base Engine Size: 6.2 liters
Base Engine Type: V8 Horsepower: 403 hp
Max Horsepower: 5700 rpm Torque: 417 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4300 rpm Maximum Payload: 1362 lbs.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 7600 lbs. Drive Type: AWD
Turning Circle: 39 ft.
Fuel Data
Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity: 31 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)
Automatic: : 13 mpg / 19 mpg
Range in Miles: (City/Highway)
Automatic: 403 mi. / 589 mi.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Special Motorcycle Sidecars: Laverada Supercar
Don't know what I'd file this one under....
Here's someone who has made from a Laverda motorcycle a sidecar. Not just any sidecar, but a supercar sidecar, including gulfwing doors. The sidecar part looks amazing, a true work of art. It's almost like it came straight out of the factory.
The builder, a Frenchman named Francois Knorreck built this in his spare time. The Laverda, named Snaefell, was built in a mere 10,000 hours... incredible. Since it was a part-time build, it took 10 years to finish.
Parts were used from other vehicles, like a Kawasaki 1000, VW Golf GTI, Audi 80 and a Citroen Xantia car. Further gear was found on BMW and Renault cars.
Just have a look at the detail that went into this motorcycle:
Click here to read more about it and see many more photos .
Source (via autoblog);
http://news.motorbiker.org/blogs.nsf/dx/special-motorcycle-sidecars-laverada-supercar.htm
Here's someone who has made from a Laverda motorcycle a sidecar. Not just any sidecar, but a supercar sidecar, including gulfwing doors. The sidecar part looks amazing, a true work of art. It's almost like it came straight out of the factory.The builder, a Frenchman named Francois Knorreck built this in his spare time. The Laverda, named Snaefell, was built in a mere 10,000 hours... incredible. Since it was a part-time build, it took 10 years to finish.
Parts were used from other vehicles, like a Kawasaki 1000, VW Golf GTI, Audi 80 and a Citroen Xantia car. Further gear was found on BMW and Renault cars.
Just have a look at the detail that went into this motorcycle:
Click here to read more about it and see many more photos .
Source (via autoblog);
http://news.motorbiker.org/blogs.nsf/dx/special-motorcycle-sidecars-laverada-supercar.htm
Thursday, June 25, 2009
2010 North American Car and Truck of the Year Contenders Announced
DETROIT — The so-called "long list" of candidates for the 2010 North American Car and Truck of the Year was revealed late Monday. It is noteworthy for its lack of Chrysler vehicles and its even division among automakers from Japan, Europe and the U.S. The list includes three Korean vehicles, including the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, the Kia Forte and the Kia Soul — and even includes an offering from Suzuki, the Kizashi.The 37 vehicles on the slate include 12 offerings from Japan, 11 offerings from Europe, 11 offerings from the U.S. and three offerings from Korea.
The 2010 North American Car of the Year candidates are: the Audi S4, BMW Z4, BMW 335d, BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon, Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Fusion/Fusion Hybrid, Ford Mustang/GT500, Ford Taurus/Taurus SHO, Honda Insight, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, Kia Forte, Kia Soul, Lexus HS 250h, Lotus Evora, Mazda 3/Mazdaspeed 3, Mercedes E-Class, Nissan Cube, Nissan 370Z, Porsche Panamera, Subaru Legacy, Suzuki Kizashi, Toyota Prius and Volkswagen Golf/Golf TDI.
The 2010 North American Truck of the year candidates are: the Acura ZDX, BMW X5 xDrive35d, Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Transit Connect, GMC Terrain, Honda Crosstour (name to be officially announced/confirmed later, the organizers of the event note), Land Rover LR4, Lincoln MKT, Subaru Outback, Toyota 4Runner and Volvo XC60.
Jurors drawn from the North American automotive media will continue to whittle down the list in advance of the announcement of the winners in January. To be eligible, a vehicle must be "all new" or "substantially changed" from the previous model. The 2009 Hyundai Genesis and the 2009 Ford F-150 were the most recent winners of the award.
Inside Line says: A fascinating slate that should provide some interesting cocktail-party chatter this summer. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
Check out the link for more info and photo's;
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Car and Driver: 2010 Honda Insight vs. 2010 Toyota Prius, 1998 Chevy Metro
1998 Chevy Metro?!? Why not a reeaaal car, 1982 Pontiac Acadian!
The two latest mileage maestros—and the, uh, old Chevy Metro—will knock you stiff via tranquility, especially if you drive there.BY JOHN PHILLIPS, PHOTOGRAPHY BY J.G. RUSSELL July 2009
What we have here is an official C/D comparison test in which the photo vehicle, a Honda Pilot, proved far quicker than any of our contestants. These cars make you feel guilty about eating red meat. Convicted road ragers should be forced to do time in any of these three.
Both hybrids here are brand-new, if not all-new. The Honda Insight, which made its debut in 1999, has undergone the most radical transformation, gaining one cylinder, 25 horsepower, a back seat, and a shape that no longer resembles a tadpole in a spandex body wrap. In fact, what the Insight looks like is the Prius but with a smiling-fish grille instead of the Toyota’s frowning-fish grille.
We drove these mileage maestros on a 600-mile odyssey—a mix of interstates, country two-lanes, urban loops, and hilly whirligigs. The route led us from Ann Arbor through Columbus and ultimately to the southern Ohio towns of Knockemstiff and Tranquility via a side trip to Serpent Mound, a six-foot-tall earthen replica of a huge snake that was either produced by Native Americans 1000 years ago or by a ’50s-era farmer with a strong John Deere and an even stronger sense of humor.
There were no driving rules. Eco mode was not mandated. Using the air conditioner was legal. So were jack-rabbit starts and dangerous cornering speeds, neither of which we were able to accomplish. In short, we drove as we always do, trying to eke out some fun, and our observed fuel-economy figures reflect that. Indeed, that was the whole point of this test—to drive these things the way we’d drive regular cars. The regular-car control group was represented here by a 1998 Chevrolet Metro, and it was exceedingly regular. Funny that both hybrids’ consumption computers were optimistic—the Prius’s by 4 mpg, the Insight’s by 3 mpg. Final note: Knockemstiff didn’t. Tranquility was.
click on the appropriate link to find out the results:
Third: 1998 Chevrolet Metro
Third: 1998 Chevrolet Metro
Hybrid version of Honda CR-ZX coming to the Tokyo Motor Show
Due to the success of the recently launched Toyota Prius and Honda Insight, it appears that Honda wants to be the first Japanese manufacturer who is launching a hybrid sports car. The new vehicle which will be based on the Insight, represents a second series of the CR-ZX, and according to Best Car Magazine will make its official debut at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show.Under the hood, the new vehicle will feature a 1.3-liter (possibly 1.5-liter) engine capable to deliver an incredible fuel consumption of just 3.6 l/100 km. More details to be revealed! Also check the news about the hybrid successor of the Toyota Supra!
Source;
http://www.4wheelsnews.com/hybrid-version-of-honda-cr-zx-coming-to-the-tokyo-motor-show/
Honda will focus on its engines, says its new president!
Although the Japanese carmaker Honda has a lot of green products under its belt due to its hybrid and alternative fuel programs, it was recently reported that their new president, Takanobu Ito, has made a statement saying that they will not totally abandon the internal combustion system.In contrast to previous presidents who were all, without exception, engine men, the next president is a chassis engineer. So, although Honda is chasing fuel cell and hybrid technologies, Ito said that they cannot improve the hybrid system without working on engines. He believes that engines still have a long way to go. There is a ring of truth to what Ito has said, since there is still a lot of work to be done in improving the switch between gasoline and electric power.
Although this is more of a transmission and driveline issue, still the engine plays a vital part in all of these. The current hybrid system requires a sensitive balance between the gasoline engine and the electric power unit, batteries, power splitter and the remainder of the car. This is the reason why you cannot just purchase a hybrid system and install it in the car, the engine must still be refined.
Late in coming to Honda are diesel engines which are popular in Europe where the Japanese carmaker utilized Isuzu diesels for its Civic and Accord ranges. Honda has developed its own diesel powerplant and scheduled it for release this year, but the program was shelved due to insurmountable costs. For their larger models, like the Accord, CR-V and MDX, Honda initially intended to use clean-diesel powerplants. The diesel engine will act as a substitute for single-motor hybrid systems, although it is reported that Honda is also working on a two-motor system that can power both hybrid and large models.
Source;
http://www.4wheelsnews.com/honda-will-focus-on-its-engines-says-its-new-president/
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
For Baffled Buyers, a Guide to Cars Made in North America
ABOUT 8.5 million cars and light trucks were assembled in the United States last year, but only about five million of those were made by the automakers traditionally known as the Big Three. More than three million of the vehicles assembled in American plants were built by autoworkers employed by foreign brands like BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota.
Add to those the familiar Detroit nameplates coming from plants in Canada and Mexico and it’s easy to see how confusing it can be for consumers leaning toward the purchase of an “American” car. Which is the more American product, a Honda Accord built by Ohioans for a company with its headquarters in Japan, or a Ford Fusion built in Mexico for a corporation that is based in Michigan?
Among the so-called transplants — foreign automakers who produce vehicles in the United States — Toyota leads in production. Last year it built more vehicles in the United States than Chrysler, although the margin was small — only about 11,000 vehicles. Honda was the first Japanese automaker to start building vehicles in the United States when its Accords began rolling off the assembly line in Marysville, Ohio, in 1982. In the ’80s and ’90s the Big Three began building more vehicles in Canada and Mexico.
Of course the window sticker of a new vehicle lists its domestic content, including the origin of its engine and transmission, but the intricacies of the North American Free Trade Act and the American Automobile Labeling Act can muddle details on parts from Canada and Mexico.
But “domestic content” is not domestic at all. For the purposes of the window sticker, the government has decided that domestic content will include parts made in Canada. Under the North American Free Trade Act, domestic is even less clear because it also includes Mexico.
Meanwhile, the labor of autoworkers assembling the vehicles is excluded from the calculation. Therefore, foreign carmakers with assembly plants in the United States are penalized because they cannot factor in the value of their American workers’ labor.
Reporting the origin of the engine and transmission is also tricky. Take Honda’s engine plant in Anna, Ohio. Although the engine of the Acura RDX is made there, Japan is listed as the country of origin. That is because one expensive part, the turbocharger, is imported from Japan (and installed by Ohio workers).
Readers can find a listing of all the vehicles built in North America, with the origins of their engines and transmissions and whether the factory is unionized, in an interactive graphic posted online. It includes production data supplied by the automakers. The information is current as of the publication date, but is likely to change in coming months.
Add to those the familiar Detroit nameplates coming from plants in Canada and Mexico and it’s easy to see how confusing it can be for consumers leaning toward the purchase of an “American” car. Which is the more American product, a Honda Accord built by Ohioans for a company with its headquarters in Japan, or a Ford Fusion built in Mexico for a corporation that is based in Michigan?
Among the so-called transplants — foreign automakers who produce vehicles in the United States — Toyota leads in production. Last year it built more vehicles in the United States than Chrysler, although the margin was small — only about 11,000 vehicles. Honda was the first Japanese automaker to start building vehicles in the United States when its Accords began rolling off the assembly line in Marysville, Ohio, in 1982. In the ’80s and ’90s the Big Three began building more vehicles in Canada and Mexico.
Of course the window sticker of a new vehicle lists its domestic content, including the origin of its engine and transmission, but the intricacies of the North American Free Trade Act and the American Automobile Labeling Act can muddle details on parts from Canada and Mexico.
But “domestic content” is not domestic at all. For the purposes of the window sticker, the government has decided that domestic content will include parts made in Canada. Under the North American Free Trade Act, domestic is even less clear because it also includes Mexico.
Meanwhile, the labor of autoworkers assembling the vehicles is excluded from the calculation. Therefore, foreign carmakers with assembly plants in the United States are penalized because they cannot factor in the value of their American workers’ labor.
Reporting the origin of the engine and transmission is also tricky. Take Honda’s engine plant in Anna, Ohio. Although the engine of the Acura RDX is made there, Japan is listed as the country of origin. That is because one expensive part, the turbocharger, is imported from Japan (and installed by Ohio workers).
Readers can find a listing of all the vehicles built in North America, with the origins of their engines and transmissions and whether the factory is unionized, in an interactive graphic posted online. It includes production data supplied by the automakers. The information is current as of the publication date, but is likely to change in coming months.
Monday, June 22, 2009
The Toughest Cars On The Road
Quick, guess which automakers produce the most affordable, long-lasting cars? If you said Honda and Toyota, you're right.Our list of the toughest cars on the road includes four winners from Honda and two from Toyota--a veritable coup for the Tokyo-based companies.
"They just keep reinforcing that perception," says James Clark, the general manager of Automotive Lease Guide, a residual value data provider based in Santa Barbara, Calif. "It's a purchase you're never going to be questioned on--'Why did you buy a Honda?' It's very safe."
In Pictures: The Toughest Cars On The Road
Rounding out the "toughest" list, Subaru and Ford Motor earned two slots each, thanks to strong results from Subaru's rough 'n tumble Forester and Impreza and Ford's trusty Escape and Fusion. Hyundai, down just 7.9% in U.S. sales for the year to date, also grabbed a spot with its Santa Fe crossover.
Behind the NumbersTo determine this year's toughest cars on the road, we evaluated all 2009 models based on reliability, safety and quality, along with maintenance requirements. We narrowed the list by considering only candidates that received a better than average reliability rating from Consumer Reports, a top safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a score of at least four out of five stars from J.D. Power and Associates' quality survey, and a five-year maintenance cost of under $3,200, as estimated by Vincentric, an auto data firm in Bingham Farms, Mich.
Toughness--a combination of quality, durability and all-around staying power--is increasingly important to consumers anxious about credit problems and potential job loss, says Raffi Festekjian, senior manager of product research and analysis at J.D. Power and Associates. The average length of car ownership has increased from 5.5 years in 2006 to six years in 2009, according to J.D. Power data.
"What matters now to consumers is which car can I focus on that's not going to give me a headache and which is going to cost quite a bit as far as repairs are concerned," Festekjian says.
Honda's $21,245 CR-V fits that requirement to a T. The plucky crossover received a perfect five out of five overall quality rating score from J.D. Power, with perfect scores in the individual mechanical, powertrain, body and interior, and features and accessories categories.
The CR-V sold 14,550 units last month, down 27.1% from May 2008. But it outsold all other Honda crossovers and SUVs. Toyota's RAV-4 was down just 14.7%, and Ford's Edge suffered a passable 22.5% decline, although they each sold more than 2,000 units less than the CR-V. The CR-V comes in two- and four-wheel drive LX, EX and EX-L versions that all get a combined 23 miles per gallon and offer standard features including remote entry, chrome trim, halogen headlights and MP3 compatibility.
Sturdy StandoutsWhile Honda makes a strong showing on our list, drivers should check out the durability merits of Subaru and Hyundai. Consumer Reports named Subaru the second-best automaker (behind Honda) of 2009; Subaru was the only automaker with 100% of its tested vehicles earning the "recommended" distinction. Hyundai showed the most improvement of any automaker in reliability ratings over last year; its Genesis sedan topped Consumer Reports' "upscale-sedan" ratings.
The $21,695 Santa Fe is one example of Hyundai's fortitude. It received a perfect five out of five overall quality rating from J.D. Power and has estimated five-year maintenance costs of around $3,000, much less than the $3,500 required to maintain a larger SUV like the Dodge Durango.
Subaru's $17,495 Impreza, a favorite among videogame aficionados and street-racers, stands out for its 45% above-average reliability rating from Consumer Reports. It received perfect reliability scores on most of its components, including the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes and even audio system.
Focusing on Function, not Fantasy
Noticeably absent from our list? Large trucks and over-sized SUVs that talk a big game about being tough but rarely deliver. Most were left off because of poor reliability ratings and high maintenance costs. It just goes to show that towing capacity and a large truck bed do not a tough vehicle make.
Luxury rides like the $79,000 Land Rover Range Rover and $49,000 Lexus GX470 SUVs also failed to meet our "toughness" criteria. Upper echelon prices don't necessarily translate into increased durability; no vehicle on our list costs more than $23,500.
Jake Fisher, the senior automotive engineer for Consumer Reports, says it's partly because luxury autos often have the latest and greatest technology, which can sometimes pose a problem: It breaks.
"There are so many things that could go wrong," he says. "Sometimes luxury brands are too fixated on being the first to market with something as opposed to honing in and getting it right."
Source;
http://www.forbes.com/2009/06/17/toughest-car-models-lifestyle-vehicles-toughest-models.html
Pioneer Dumps Honda And Launches New Auto Gear
Maybe I'm mistaken, but I was under the impression that Honda was coming to the aid of Pioneer....
Pioneer Electronics who last week launched new automotive entertainment and navigation gear has said that it has terminated the issuing of shares to the Honda Motor Company as their shares rise on the Tokyo stock exchange.
In Australia the struggling electronics Company is banking on premium Hi Fi, Digital Radio sales in partnership with Pure and automotive gear to drive sales.
Last week Pioneer unveiled four new in-dash navigation models that include iPhone capability and built-in Bluetooth on all models.
With the new Pioneer navigation devices users can now input a navigation destination by voice and conduct point-of-interest (POI) searches, such as "Find the nearest McDonalds." In iPod mode, users can browse through songs via voice command while continuing to listen to a song that is playing. Most of these improvements are software rather than hardware based, said Pioneer. Users also have "conversational" voice control over songs on an iPhone or iPod and over switching sources from an SD card, USB or iPod Users can also ask the unit to play, pause, shuffle and go to the next track and previous track.
For the rest of the article;
http://www.smarthouse.com.au/Automotive/Navigation/Q4N6F5X6
Pioneer Electronics who last week launched new automotive entertainment and navigation gear has said that it has terminated the issuing of shares to the Honda Motor Company as their shares rise on the Tokyo stock exchange.In Australia the struggling electronics Company is banking on premium Hi Fi, Digital Radio sales in partnership with Pure and automotive gear to drive sales.
Last week Pioneer unveiled four new in-dash navigation models that include iPhone capability and built-in Bluetooth on all models.
With the new Pioneer navigation devices users can now input a navigation destination by voice and conduct point-of-interest (POI) searches, such as "Find the nearest McDonalds." In iPod mode, users can browse through songs via voice command while continuing to listen to a song that is playing. Most of these improvements are software rather than hardware based, said Pioneer. Users also have "conversational" voice control over songs on an iPhone or iPod and over switching sources from an SD card, USB or iPod Users can also ask the unit to play, pause, shuffle and go to the next track and previous track.
For the rest of the article;
http://www.smarthouse.com.au/Automotive/Navigation/Q4N6F5X6
Saturday, June 20, 2009
New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe - 2010
New 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe is luxury car. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe will likely be offered with a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine on the entry level model, while the AMG version will benefit from a 6.2-litre V8 engine.There will also be a wide range of diesel engines for the new E-Class coupe.Merc’s E-Class Coupe is expected to be at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2009. Sales will start towards the end of the year, and during early 2010.
see more picture of 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe above :
Mugen Civic Type R hatchback restores former glory
HA! First dual exhaust Civic I've ever seen....
Honda's Euro-market Civic Type R hatchback has been called out for being a successor that hasn't exactly succeeded. Seems a bit of the thrill is gone from the new car compared to the old one. Enter tuning firm Mugen, whose modifications to the Type R hatch should make it even better than it once was.
Honda's Euro-market Civic Type R hatchback has been called out for being a successor that hasn't exactly succeeded. Seems a bit of the thrill is gone from the new car compared to the old one. Enter tuning firm Mugen, whose modifications to the Type R hatch should make it even better than it once was.Not much is known about the changes in store. However, based on changes made for Mugen's Japan-spec Civic Type RR 4-door sedan, these pictures, and the fact that this car might take on the Renault R26.R, you can expect much: upgraded suspension and 18-inch wheels, giant front splitter and rear wing, huge exhaust, and a powerplant putting out 237 bhp and 160 lb-ft.
If the pictures don't lie, however, it looks like the bigger Brembo brakes might not appear, and the back seats will remain in place. You can check out the details for yourself in the high-res gallery below.
Source;
2010 Honda Stream MPV Receives the Mugen Treatment
Here's some more Mugen news for all you Honda fans. Along with the release of the first photos of the European specification Civic Type-R 3-door hatchback, the Honda parts specialist revealed its updated tuning package for the discreetly facelifted Stream MPV. Mugen's aero body kit features all the usual pieces such as a front spoiler, a rear spoiler and a roof-mounted rear wing. Additional exterior modifications include a sport grille, side skirts and 17-inch alloy wheels.Owners of the 2010 Stream can also order a sports suspension, beefier brake system, a performance muffler with a single exhaust pipe and a sport air filter.
Source;
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2009/06/2010-honda-stream-mpv-receives-mugen.html
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