Honda Insight Gas-Electric Hybrid Car

TOKYO, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Honda Motor Co. announced Thursday that it will launch new gas-electric hybrid car "Insight" Friday.

The Insight is priced between 1.89 million yen (21,000 U.S. dollars) and 2.21 million yen (24,500 U.S. dollars), cheaper than its bigger rival Toyota's Prius, which is sold at the minimum price of 2.33 million yen (25,800 U.S. dollars).

The new hybrid, however, covers 30 km per liter of gasoline, against 35.5 kilometers for Toyota's Prius.

The second largest automaker in Japan aims to sell 5,000 Insight cars per month. [Read more!]

Aston Martin V12 Vantage for Geneva

Aston Martin will premiere the V12 Vantage coupe at the Geneva motor show next month. Based on the hugely successful V8 Vantage, the car follows on the V12 Vantage concept unveiled at the opening of the Aston Martin Design Studio in Dec 2007.

It will be powered by a normally-aspirated 6.0l V12, which features a number of enhancements over the standard 6.0l V12 found in the DB9. These include a ‘by-pass’ engine air intake port that opens up at 5,500rpm, a revised induction system and re-profiled air inlet ports that further improve airflow into the combustion chamber to improve performance.

The block offers 510bhp and 570Nm of torque, and performance figures include a 305kmh top speed and 0-100kmh time of 4.2secs. The car will be available with a six-speed manual transmission, with the gearbox utilising a transaxle configuration to aid weight distribution, which is 51:49, in case you'd like to know.
Externally, the care features body revisions to enhance the vehicle’s dynamics, with knowledge gleaned from the N24 race car programme. Among these, a revised front splitter, bonnet louvres and new side sills derived from the N24 race car; this channels air towards the rear of the car rather than under it, reducing rear-end lift.

Elsewhere, there's a more pronounced boot ‘flip’ and a new rear carbon fibre diffuser works in tandem with a redesigned rear underfloor tochannel air through the new high-capacity oil cooler and also maintain an area of low pressure under the rear of the car, helping to increase down force and aiding grip.

Inside, the instrument cluster has been revised, with clearer dials, and there's plenty of lightweight material on call - the door pulls are made from carbon fibre, and there's heavy use of Alcantara throughout the cabin to help save valuable weight.

If you want to whop off a massive 17kg, then the specially-made - and optional, of course - carbon fibre and Kevlar composite seats are it.

Kit-wise, the rear suspension has been modified, with a more compact dual-rate spring design, in order to accommodate a wider wheel and tyre combination, improving grip and traction. The ride height is lowered by 15mm, while the spring rates have been stiffened by 45% and the anti-roll bars are 15% (front) and 75% (rear) stiffer than the standard car.

Among the parts inventory are diamond-turned forged 19-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels, with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres specifically designed for the car, as well as Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes, featuring 398mm front and 360mm discs and six-piston front and four-piston rear callipers, as standard fitment.

The car also features a revised Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system offering three modes of operation - switched on, a ‘track mode’ which raises the manner and threshold at which the system intervenes, and switched off completely.

The V12 Vantage will be built at AM’s global headquarters in Gaydon in the UK alongside the DBS, DB9 and V8 Vantage model lines. Production will be limited to between just 300-500 examples per year, and deliveries of the car are expected to commence during the third quarter this year, with prices to be confirmed in Geneva. [Read more!]

Nissan announces new GT-R SpecV in Japan

Nissan GT-R Spec V

Nissan has announced a new limited-production GT-R SpecV model, which goes on sale at seven specially selected Nissan dealers throughout Japan on Feb 2. The GT-R SpecV is targeted specifically at enthusiast drivers who desire race car-level performance in a street-legal vehicle - the new SpecV model includes unique body, interior and performance equipment and modifications.

These include new exterior features include a carbon fibre rear spoiler, a carbon fibre grille, and carbon fibre brake ducts. The SpecV is available exclusively in an Ultimate Black Opal (RP) body colour.

Inside, the SpecV's unique two-seat interior (non-SpecV GT-R models also include a two-place rear seat) offers special Recaro carbon fibre bucket seats, while carbon fibre insets embellish the rear center storage box, instrument panel and other trim areas.

Performance is enhanced with a new high gear boost control device, which momentarily increases boost of the engine's twin turbochargers for greater torque in the intermediate-to-high speed ranges. Other modifications include a titanium-coated exhaust system and carbon-ceramic brakes.

The GT-R SpecV is also equipped with lightweight, racing-style forged aluminium wheels that were developed for this model and have been sold by Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO) since Sept last year.

Nissan GT-R Spec V

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Proton Gen.2 To Be Assembled In Iran

TEHRAN, Dec 23 (Bernama) -- Proton Holdings Bhd's Gen.2 model will be assembled in Iran from April 2009 in a deal with a local partner.

Proton and Zagross Khodro inked an agreement here Tuesday for the supply of automotive parts that allows the latter to assemble the Gen.2 through a completely-knocked-down (CKD) arrangement at its assembly plant in Borujerd city, southwest of Iran.

The signing was witnessed by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi who is on a four-day official visit to Iran.

Currently, Proton is exporting completely-built-up (CBU) Gen.2 to this country of over 70 million people.

This is the third of a series of agreements aimed at enabling Zagross, Proton's sole distributor in Iran, to assemble the Gen.2.

Signing the dotted line for Proton was its managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir while Zagross was represented by its managing director, Siroos Gholami.

Also present were Proton chairman Datuk Mohammed Azlan Hashim and Zagross chairman Dariush Gholami.

The previous two agreements were on licensing and technical assistance and purchase of equipment.

"This agreement signifies Proton's continued commitment to the vast Iranian market and is part of its overall export market strategy," said Mohammed Azlan.

He also disclosed that Proton, Malaysia's first car manufacturer, would open an office in Iran in March 2009.

With the CKD operation in Iran, Proton will be able to price its cars more competitively in the local market and more importantly improve on its after-sales service in the country, the company said in a statement.

The collaboration between Proton and Zagross began in 2001 when the latter became the sole assembler and distributor of the Proton Wira in this Islamic republic.

Zagross had previously imported CBU units of Proton cars into Iran, a market viewed as a potential for Proton in view of its large population.

Established in 1996, Zagross is the largest private automotive company in Iran with the capability of selling 50,000 cars a year.

Source : BERNAMA [Read more!]

2009 Mazda RX-8 Overview

2009 Mazda RX-8
The 2009 Mazda RX-8 is weird. Its body style? Weird. Its engine? Weirder. Its styling? Yep, that's pretty strange too. Since its introduction five years ago, the RX-8 has served as an automotive asterisk.

The 2009 Mazda RX-8 is a four-seat coupe with a pair of rear-hinged "suicide" doors that ease access to the backseats. There are four trim levels: Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and R3. The base Sport features 18-inch wheels and performance tires, a rear lip spoiler (manual transmission models only), air-conditioning, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, full power accessories and a six-speaker stereo with CD player and auxiliary audio jack. The Touring trim adds a limited-slip rear differential, xenon headlights, foglights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and an in-dash six-CD changer.

The rear-wheel-drive Mazda RX-8 is powered by a 1.3-liter rotary engine. The engine's output depends on the transmission selected. Models with the six-speed automatic (with paddle shifters) receive 212 hp and a redline of 7,500 rpm. The six-speed manual version has 232 hp and an atmospheric redline of 9,000 rpm. All RX-8 engines produce a rather meager 152 pound-feet of torque.

Although generally quick by most measures, acceleration is hardly impressive for a sports car. In our tests, a manual-equipped RX-8 went from zero to 60 mph in 7 seconds. Fuel economy is unimpressive at 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined.

Although the 2009 Mazda RX-8 has the look of a race-tuned sports car, its demeanor on the road is considerably more docile. There's plenty of grip in the corners and solid feedback through the steering wheel, but a compliant ride means that it won't beat you up on the daily commute. The rotary engine requires high engine speeds to make serious power, but the delivery is virtually vibration-free and noise levels are subdued. If you like a smooth engine (in feel, sound and delivery), there's none smoother. Overall, the RX-8 is one of the best examples of a car that's both fun to drive and very livable on a day-to-day basis -- just be prepared to pay at the pump.
2009 Mazda RX-8 [Read more!]

Mazda Biante special editions launched in Japan

Japan must be rather big on year-end specials, or is it because of the need to clear stocks? Another Mazda vehicle that gets a limited/special/etc edition treatment is the Mazda Biante, which has two special editions - a Mazda Biante Limited Edition and a Mazda Biante NAVI Special.

The Mazda Biante 20S Limited Edition is based on the 20S but gets extra equipment such as leather on the steering wheel, dual power sliding doors and a keyless entry and start system. The Mazda Biante 20CS Limited Edition is based on the 20CS grade and gets HID headlamps, cleanable seats and leather on the steering wheel.

The Mazda Biante 20 NAVI Special is limited to 800 units and as you can probably guess from its name, adds a navigation system. This takes the previously mentioned Biante 20S Limited Edition with the power doors and etc and adds a Mazda G-BOOK Alpha-compatible HDD navigation system, that also has features such as parking assist with front, side and rear guide monitors, a DVD and CD player, an analog TV tuner with printed antenna, Bluetooth hands-free, and steering-wheel audio controls.

Has anyone seen the Biante in grey import showrooms in Malaysia yet? Given the popularity of the Toyota Alphard, it would seem Malaysians like tall roof MPVs as well.

Source : Paultan.org [Read more!]

Honda To Quit Formula One, Citing Global Financial Crisis

TOKYO, Dec 5 (Bernama) -- Honda will withdraw from Formula One by the end of this year, citing deteriorating business conditions due to the global financial turmoil and the worldwide economic downturn.

"Near-term uncertainty surrounding the global economy continues to grow and we expect recovery to take some time," President Takeo Fukui of Honda Motor Co., Japan's second-largest automaker, was quoted by Kyodo News Agency as saying Friday.

"It was a very difficult decision," Fukui said.

Source : Bernama [Read more!]

2009 Lancer Ralliart and Ralliart Sportback Now On Sale in Australia

2009 Lancer Ralliart

Mitsubishi Australia has formally announced that the turbocharged, AWD "Baby Evo" is now available from dealerships nationwide. We already told you about the Ralliart's mechanical specs before, so we won't repeat ourselves here. What we will say, however, is that for just $42,490 for either sedan or Sportback the Lancer Ralliart makes a solid case for itself as a mid-range sportscar with loads of potential.

Sure, it might be a couple of G's pricier than its nemesis the Subaru WRX, but it comes with Mitsubishi's excellent TC-SST double-clutch gearbox as standard and is but a turbo swap and a re-tune away from churning out Evolution X levels of power.

It's also reasonably opulent for a Lancer too, with Aussie-spec Ralliarts receiving aluminium pedals, leather trimmed steering wheel and gearshifter, power windows, Smart Key central locking, climate control and automatic headlights and wipers. A 9-speaker Rockford Fosgate stereo system is optional, as is a sunroof. Make mine a white Sportback, please.

Source : Japancarblog.com
Image : Mitsubishi

2009 Lancer Ralliart [Read more!]

New NSX Gets Nekkid?

Honda NSX

British mag Auto Express has come to the fore with what appears to be the first peek beneath the upcoming successor to the legendary NA2 NSX. AE's cutaway appears to be very similar to an allegedly genuine rendering that they published months ago, so this may very well be the real deal.

There's not much to see other than a very Corvette-like intake plumbing arrangement for the NSX's 600hp naturally-aspirated V10 and an interior that appears to be just as cramped as that of an S2000. Like all good supercars, the front suspension is a bona-fide double-wishbone type and we don't see any driveshafts leading into those front hubs, so it's probably safe to say that those rumours of an AWD NSX are just that: rumours.

Source : Autoexpress.co.uk

Honda NSX

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Honda FC Sport - Fuel-cell goes funky with Honda's latest green sports car

Honda FC Sport

This concept car was one of the nice surprises at this year’s Los Angeles Show; the Honda FC Sport is a hydrogen-powered three-seat sports car concept that took everyone by surprise on press day.

Using the fuel-cell technology first seen in the Honda FCX Clarity, the Honda FC moves the fuel cell stack, battery pack and electric motor to the mid-engine position for ultimate dynamic behaviour. Peer through the rear window and you can see the two fuel storage tanks that sit on top of all the mechanicals, just like you do on a Ferrari F430. The car boasts a central driving position, with a passenger seat positioned on either side to make it a three seater.

The Honda FC Sport was designed at Honda’s Advanced Design Studio in Pasadena, California, with the original idea being to create the basis for an ultimate Honda sports car that would use existing fuel cell technology. Looks like they succeeded in spectacular fashion in our eyes, lets just hope we see it produced one day.

Honda is fast-establishing itself as a key player in future technologies, with cars that appeal to us as much as those wanting to save the planet - just look at the OSM and CR-Z from recent motor shows.

Source : evo.co.uk

Honda FC Sport

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Third Generation Lexus RX350/Toyota Harrier

Lexus RX350/Toyota Harrier

The new RX350 (there might be a 3-litre engine for some markets) and RX450h hybrid have improved powertrains. The RX 450h gets an enhanced Hybrid Drive system with a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine which delivers a total system output of 295 bhp, 27 bhp more than the powerplant in the RX hybrid before.

The RX 450h can be ordered with front-wheel or electronically-driven, part-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) which supplies the rear wheels with the optimal amount of torque as conditions demand. Unlike mechanical AWD systems that reduce fuel efficiency due to added weight and friction, the RX 450h's rear-mounted electric motor-generator allows all four wheels to perform regenerative braking, charging the hybrid battery more effectively.

The new RX 350 has an improved 275-bhp 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine mated to an electrically controlled, sequential-shift 6-speed transaxle. The AWD version has an Active Torque Control AWD system that optimizes torque depending on driving conditions, resulting in improved efficiency and performance.

The suspension has a new, uniquely designed double-wishbone rear suspension said to provide exceptional agility and control. To complement this new rear suspension and provide excellent dexterity and ride comfort, the front MacPherson strut geometry has been optimized.
The new RX offers a number of Lexus-first technologies that are intended to enhance the ownership experience. Customers can order a Hard Disk Drive-based navigation system with a "Remote Touch" controller that is both intuitive and ergonomic. Positioned on the centre console, it is as natural to the driver's hand as a computer mouse. While the RX will feature voice recognition as standard, the new navigation system will also include a new casual language voice-recognition system that acknowledges conversational commands.

The spacious 5-passenger interior includes a new "dual-zone cockpit" design. This intuitive layout helps the driver navigate the advanced interior of the new RX, which features two distinct yet integrated zones: a "display zone" and an "operation zone." The "display zone" assists the driver via an 8-inch, navigation display that is set back in the dash for improved visibility. A white Organic LED multi-informational display ensures exceptional readability from a wide angle. An optional Heads-up Display is also available and its high-intensity LEDs make the display bright enough to be read in direct sunlight. The "operation zone" provides access and control to a large range of information through the available "Remote Touch" navigation controller and the steering-wheel-mounted multi-information switch.

Source : Motor Trader

Lexus RX350/Toyota Harrier

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Toyota RAV4 - Review and Specifications

2009 Toyota RAV4

Like the Tin Man in "The Wizard of Oz," a body of metal is nothing without a heart. Thankfully, the 2009 Toyota RAV4 -- when fitted with the optional V6 -- has plenty of heart, thanks to 269 horsepower, potent acceleration and a modest appetite for fuel. In fact, this V6 gets about the same fuel economy as some four-cylinder-equipped competitors.

Standard features for the base RAV4 include 16-inch steel wheels (17-inch alloys are optional), full power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker stereo with a CD/MP3 player and an auxiliary audio jack. The Sport adds 18-inch alloy wheels, rear tinted windows, a sport-tuned suspension, foglights, heated side mirrors and several exterior details. The range-topping Limited trim includes 17-inch wheels for a smoother ride, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an in-dash six-CD changer with satellite radio (optional on the two lower trims).

The 2009 RAV4 comes standard with a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder that delivers a healthy 179 hp and 172 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard. Optional on all trim levels and coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission is a 3.5-liter V6 that produces an impressive 269 hp and 246 lb-ft of torque. In performance testing, the RAV4 V6 4WD delivered a very quick 0-60 time of 7.2 seconds.

All RAV4s can be equipped with either front-wheel or four-wheel drive. Front-drive models have a limited-slip differential. In 4WD models, the electronic 4WD system sends most of the power to the front wheels until slippage is detected, at which point power is also sent to the rear wheels. Unlike many competing vehicles, the RAV4 offers a true 4WD lock feature that fixes the front/rear power split 50/50, which is useful for driving in snow and light off-roading.
The EPA estimates a four-cylinder, front-drive RAV4 gets 22 mpg in the city/28 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg combined. The 4WD model has a 21/27/24 mpg rating. The V6 gets virtually the same fuel economy as four-cylinder crossovers, with 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined ratings for the front-drive version. Four-wheel drive results in a loss of only 1 mpg on the highway.

2009 Toyota RAV4

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2008 Honda ELEMENT SUV Combines Rugged to Sporty

2008 Honda ELEMENT

The ultra-versatile 2008 Honda Element SUV offers a spacious interior that quickly adapts to people or cargo, while three unique exterior styles range from rugged on the Element LX, to refined on the Element EX, to sporty on the "street custom-styled" Element SC. For 2008, available Element SC exterior color options expand to include Royal Blue Pearl (exclusive to the SC).

"The Element provides extraordinary levels of utility with its completely flat cargo floor, removable flip-up rear seats and convenient side cargo doors with integrated `B-pillars,'" said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The Element also excels at both tailgating and side-gating - if you have a preference."

Standard safety equipment includes side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor; front side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags; Vehicle Stability AssistTM (VSA) and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Additionally, the Element has earned the federal government's top five-star crash safety rating for both frontal and side impacts.
The 166-horsepower, 2.4-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine connects to either a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an available 5-speed automatic transmission. Real Time 4WDTM, available on the Element LX and EX, enhances all-weather traction.
Composite body panels on the fenders (black on LX, body-colored on EX and SC) provide increased dent resistance compared to steel panels.

Inside, spacious seating exists for four people along with a cargo area that quickly adapts to large items with removable, flip-up rear seats that fold flat, fold up and to the side, or can be removed altogether (64+ seating arrangements). The Element LX and EX have a black urethane-coated utility floor thatquickly wipes down and seat fabric that resists moisture; the Element SC has a carpeted passenger area. Air conditioning with micron air filtration is standard on all models. A tilt-able and removable 20x30-inch rear skylight is standard on Element LX and EX models equipped with available Real Time 4WD.

2008 Honda ELEMENT

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New Toyota Prius Shots Leaked

New Toyota PRIUS

Is this what the new Toyota Prius will look like? Accoridng to a Toyota forum, where this and other photos of this familiar-looking hatch appeared, the car here before you is the production version of the next generation Prius, scheduled for an official debut in January 2009.

If true indeed, then, at least stylistically, the upcoming iteration of Toyota's foremost hybrid falls short of greatness. Despite a sharper roofline and a more aggressive front end, the car looks somewhat dull and generic. That is to say that if Toyota wanted to churn out a Matrix look-alike, it succeeded admirably. However, if the goal was to effectively compete against the looming rival Honda Insight, then this new design is way off mark. Of course, this is just one car guy's opinion and you are more than welcome to voice yours in the comments section below.

New Toyota PRIUS

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