Hybrid War Heats Up in Japan

Honda's new Insight went on sale in hits homeland about a week ago, and already it's under attack. Before it hit the market, there were rumors that it would be much cheaper than the Toyota Prius. Toyota, however, has other ideas. The Insight is 1.89 million yen ($18,853 USD) in Japan, which is the same price as the current Prius. Toyota then priced the coming third generation Prius at 2.05 million yen ($20,437 USD) to keep it close to the Insight. Then Toyota said it would keep the second-generation Prius on sale in Japan, and there have been rumors that Toyota is also working on a cheaper Prius costing around 30% less than the current one. That would pit three Prius models against one Insight, all similarly priced.

In response, Honda CEO Takeo Fukui said Honda will not lower the price of the Insight. Said Fukui, "I think that is something we can't do right now. We have to carefully examine the new Prius to know whether it is necessary for us to take certain measures. We have to think about the balance between cost and effectiveness." If Toyota does come out with three Japan-market Priuses, Honda will be thinking long and hard about those issues.

Unlike Toyota, though, Honda does have the CR-Z hybrid coming, which could give Honda some sporting hybrid credentials that Toyota doesn't yet have. Honda also said it is expanding its research and hybrid push into large sedans instead of counting on clean diesels for its bigger cars. Fukui feels that clean diesels are too expensive to develop be practical.

Source;
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/03/honda-ceo-says-insight-price-wont-be-reduced-further/

Honda changes course and switches from diesel back to hybrid

A few years back after getting the hybrid ball rolling with the original Insight and then Civic, Honda added a hybrid version of the Accord. Like the Insight, it was not a strong seller and, after a few years, it was discontinued and Honda decided to switch its focus for larger vehicles to clean diesel. The plan was to keep hybrids in smaller cars and while using oil burners in larger cars, SUVs and vans. Honda had planned to start its U.S. diesel push with a 2.2-liter four in the TSX this year. However, after diesel prices spiked last year and the overall market collapsed in the fall, that program was canceled.

Honda CEO Takeo Fukui has now revealed that plans for larger diesel engines have also been canceled as a result of the cost of trying to meet new U.S. and Japanese emissions regulations. Honda had hoped that its in-house developed NOx catalytic convertor would allow it to avoid using urea injection. Instead, Fukui said the company will develop a hybrid system suitable for larger vehicles. No timetable has been revealed for introduction. Fukui also said that Honda would not drop the price of the Insight in response to Toyota's price cuts on the Prius in Japan.

Source;
http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/04/03/honda-changes-course-and-switches-from-diesel-back-to-hybrid/

KOENIGSEGG QUANT CONCEPT [1280X853]..

BUGATTI VEYRON bleu centenaire

Mobil Arina-micro mobil from semarang

Jakarta - Cars attract Arina Minister of Industry Fahmi Idris. Fahmi also menjajal akan test drive a car or mini Semarang from this.

According to the plan the Minister of Industry Fahmi Idris akan visit to Semarang on Friday 3 March 2009 to see the micro car Arina.

"Menperin also try akan Arina 150 cc car," said the Head of Laboratory Design Appropriate Use of Technology Mechanical Engineering Department of the State University of Semarang, car creator Arina, Widya Aryadi to detikOto, Thursday (2/4/2009) the night.

Fahmi Idris visit to Semarang in the socialization Exhibition Production Indonesia (PPI), which will be held at the Jakarta International Expo on 13-17 May 2009.

According to Widya, lawatan Menperin to precisely in Semarang Hotel Patra Jasa Semarang Jalan Sisingamangaraja simultaneously to encourage local automotive industry in Semarang participate showcase the results of its production on the micro car Arina PPI later.

"Hopefully, with the arrival Menperin, the local automotive industry in Semarang at this time can help to absorb labor from the local automotive component industry and the body of a car industry in the country," said Widya.

Arina car designed for 4 passengers, while the engine is available in Arina this engine is quite economical in its use, ie, 1 liter to 40 km and get power to 10.5 hp with a speed of 70 km per hour to 150 c engine

More Lamborgini Reventon Pictures

The Luxuries Lamborgini Reventon Pictures

2007 Lamborgini Reventon Specification and Pictures

Lamborgini Reventon Specification :
Chasis :
Brakes F/R: ABS, vented disc/vented disc
Tires F-R: 245/35 ZR18 - 335/30 ZR18
Driveline: All Wheel Drive

Engine :
Type: V12

Displacement cu in (cc): 396 (6496)

Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 650(478) / 8000
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 487(660) / 6000
Redline at RPM: n.a.

Exterior:
Length × Width × Height in: 185 × 81 × 44.7

Weight lb (kg): 3671 (1665)

Performance :
Acceleration 0-60 mph s: 3.3
Top Speed mph (km/h): 211 (340)
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km): n.a. (21.3)

The Lamborghini Reventón (Spanish pronunciation: [ɾeβenˈton]) is a mid-engined sports car that debuted at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show. It ranks as the most powerful and expensive Lamborghini road car to date, costing one million euros.[1] The official press release stated that only 20 vehicles would be released to the public,[2] with a single car (0/20) produced for the Lamborghini Museum.[3] Although early rumours indicated the total number would actually be 100,[2][4][5][6] each Reventón is clearly stamped with its number in the sequence of 20 between the drivers and passengers seats.

Although the exterior is all new,[2] almost all the mechanical elements (including the engine) are taken directly from the Murciélago LP640.[7] According to the official press release, the exterior styling was inspired by "the fastest airplanes".[8] To emphasize this, Lamborghini staged a race between a Reventón and a Panavia Tornado fighter plane.