Honda CR-Z Concept Unveiled

I’ve been waiting for this one for a while now. There’s been a severe market shortage of small, fuel-efficient, genuinely fun-t0-drive two-seat coupes, pretty much since Honda dropped the CR-X and replaced it with the useless del Sol. It’s of no surprise, then, that it would be Honda to pick up the mantle of the tiny two-seat pocket rocket with a modern interpretation of the beloved CR-X.

And you can’t say the time isn’t right for such a car. These days, everyone’s concerned with efficiency, but that doesn’t mean people don’t still care about fun. This strategy is the whole reason that Honda sold every CR-X they could import in the ’80’s, even with the ridiculous Honda dealer price gouging that was routine back when there was an import quota on foreign-assembled automobiles. This could be just the ticket for Honda, who’s been uncharacteristically weak in the US lately.

As for the car itself, well, it’s not that interesting mechanically. What it really is, is a two-door version of the dedicated-hybrid Insight econo-car. But remember, the original CRX was just a slightly shorter Civic, and it was still revolutionary. The CR-Z gets power from the combination of a 1.5L clean-burning gas four cylinder as well as Honda’s IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system. In addition to the Insight’s dreadful rubber-band CVT, the CR-Z will be offered with a short-throw six speed manual transmission, for people that actually enjoy driving.

So it won’t exactly be overwhelmed with horsepower, but with a lighter curb weight than the Insight as well as a lower center of gravity, it should be an entertaining car to fling around the bends. Furthermore, expect fuel mileage and emissions numbers to be pretty stellar, just to add icing to the cake.

The styling is hard to criticize – I’d go so far as to say it’s sort of attractive. Then again, I see a lot of CR-X in the design, and I (clearly) have a soft spot in my heart for the CRX. Still, the proportions are excellent, and it looks compact yet solid and full of energy. The greenhouse is 100% modern CRX to me, but the front end is something else – huge gaping front grilles aren’t something I expect from Honda. But you know how it works – if Audi’s doing, everyone’s doing it!

About the only questionable thing I see, at least stylistically, are those bangle-esque taillights. I think perhaps the intersection of curves and hard lines just looks odd in pictures, but the back is lacking the harmony and cleanliness of the original. Still, at least it’s got that vertical glass pane in the back for reversing! If it worked in 1985, it’ll work today…

The interior looks like a mixture of Acura RSX and Honda Insight, but for a compact economy two-seater, it looks extremely nice. I especially like the large, high-definition LCD screen in the center dash, as well as the “pods” orbiting the main gauge cluster. You can see what I’m talking about better from a straight-on angle.

Although this isn’t the “full production” version of the CR-Z, expect it to appear nearly the same as this “pre-production concept.” Perhaps the huge blingey wheels will hit the garbage bin (where they belong), but otherwise what you see is what you’ll get. There should be more pictures and details on the CR-Z forthcoming next week at the Tokyo Auto Show, so stay tuned!

All Aluminum Audi A5 Prototype is 220-Pounds Lighter

Aluminum is a great material. Light, easy to work, strong if you can design with it right and relatively plentiful (if you’ve got access to lots of electricity to refine it). Audi recently gave a textbook demonstration about just what aluminum can offer by making an A5 prototype that makes extensive use of the alloy.

The A5 in question has allowed Audi to shave nearly 220-pounds from its handsome Coupe. The engineers from Audi swapped out the normal steel bits for advanced aluminum as well as carbon fiber here and there in the interest of fuel economy, emissions reduction and handling agility.

Audi did this as a way to go against the tide of rising car weights. Airbags, door beams and the like have all contributed to cars getting fatter and fatter. Audi took an existing steel-bodied A5 and clearly demonstrated the benefits of the aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF) concept. The use of ASF reduces the weight of a car body by at least 40% compared with conventional steel construction. That means dropping the overall weight from 3,130 pounds down to 2,888 pounds.

Dropping the weight meant that Audi could do away with the standard V6 and use a four cylinder engine, and still have the same performance. Not only is the performance the same, but naturally, there are gains in economy and emissions and also to other ancillaries such as the brakes and transmission, which can also be reduced in size and weight. The handling is also markedly improved.

So why hasn’t aluminum seen widespread use in the auto industry? There’s a few reasons. First, in comparison to steel, aluminum is a little harder (and therefore expensive) to refine. Aluminum is also more costly to mine in some respects and the tooling needed to work it is also more expensive than the tooling used for steel forming.

There is also the mitigating factor that since gas prices and environmental concerns have only recently come onto the radar of car manufacturers, there has not been the motivation to really make cars all that light. They’ve been used to working with, buying and sourcing steel for the bodies of their cars, so why not go with what you know.

Well, times change, and Audi has pointed out what Colin Chapman and any sportscar guy will be able to tell you: “To go fast, add lightness”.

2010 BMW Z4 Picture

2010 BMW Z4 Night Blue

2010 BMW Z4 Wallpaper

2010 BMW Z4 Wallpapers

2010 BMW Z4 Picture

Alfa Romeo Milano Prototype Spied During Police Stop

Essentially a replacement for the aging 147, the Milano features modern MiTo-inspired

styling underneath all that camouflage. Since the car was already unmasked by

several cell phone pictures, taken at an Alfa Romeo factory, the new images

don't provide a lot of additional details.

As we have previously reported, the Milano will feature a wide variety of petrol

and diesel engines. While nothing is official, engine options are expected to

include a 1.4-liter four-cylinder petrol (with 120-160 hp) and a range-topping

1.75-liter four-cylinder petrol with around 200 hp.

Judging by the pace of development, look for a possible unveiling at Geneva

Motor Show in March 2010. According to documents released as part of Chrysler's

bankruptcy, the Milano also seems destined for North America.

more detail. ...

Frankfurt: 2010 Renault Megane Renaultsport 250

Scheduled to go on sale in November, the 2010 Renault Megane Renaultsport 250 is manufactured at the Palencia plant in Spain. The new Renaultsport Megane 250 features a performance-enhancing design, an option of two chassis, and a raft of technological equipment already available for the New Mégane range to meet driver enjoyment.

The Megane Renaultsport 250 gets a revised 2.0-litre turbocharged engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, producing peak power of 247bhp and 251lb ft of torque from 3000rpm. Thanks to its twin-scroll turbo, the Renaultsport 2.0-litre turbocharged engine is exceptionally responsive and particularly flexible at low revs, with 80 per cent of maximum torque available from 1900rpm.

At launch, two chassis settings will be available, a sport chassis for everyday driving enjoyment and a Cup chassis for more exhilarating performance, especially on track.

Based on the three-door Megane hatchback, the Megane Renaultsport 250 is fitted with a heft of standard equipment available on the standard Mégane, such as automatic dual-zone climate control, a hands-free card with automatic door locking as the card-holder walks away from the vehicle, the high-end 3D Sound by Arkamys and a choice of two navigation systems. Additionally, the Renaultsport 250 boasts two specific features aimed at heightening the driver’s enjoyment delivered by the vehicle’s performance.

One is the Renaultsport Dynamic Management system allows the ESC to be enabled in one of three modes: ‘On’ (the default mode), ‘Sport’ (for less intrusive ESC action) and ‘Off’ (total disengagement). The other is the Renaultsport Monitor, taking its inspiration from motor sport, provides information about real-time engine performance, gearchange warning, throttle pedal mapping, lateral acceleration, 0-60 acceleration and lap times.

In terms of styling, the the Megane Renaultsport 250 is inspired by the new Mégane Coupe. Its front bumper incorporates a blade echoing the low-slung noses of a Formula 1 car, along with extended wheel arches, side sill, rear diffuser, extended tailgate spoiler and centrally-positioned exhaust tailpipe. LED daytime running lights are a key part of the car's styling signature.

Inside, the new Mégane Renaultsport 250 is looks pretty much impressive and comfortable. There are height adjustable front seats with additional lateral support or optional Recaros, height and reach adjustable sports steering wheel, aluminium pedal covers and a new fascia design.

Hyundai Launches Stretch Edition of Its Luxury Flagship, EQUUS

Hyundai Motor Co. today began receiving orders for the long wheelbase edition of its most luxurious car, the EQUUS.

The stretch edition offers several upgraded features from the normal sedan version, including differentiated exterior designs and longer overall length. The engine and other functions have been reinforced to attain first-class performance, safety, comfort and convenience.

With the comfort of passengers at the forefront of its design principle, the Hyundai EQUUS Limousine, as it is named in Korea, offers passengers unparalleled levels of interior volume. The vehicle's length is longer than major competitors by as much as 310 mm, with backseat legroom as much as 376 mm longer, as well.

To differentiate it from the EQUUS sedan, the stretch version is equipped with an exclusive horizontal cross-bar radiator grille with an emblem in the center. Thus, the exterior image exudes an impression of strength and confidence, in line with the vehicle's elegant image.

Hyundai EQUUS Limousine comes with a choice of two sophisticated engines: The Lambda 3.8L engine and the Tau 5.0L engine. The Tau 5.0 engine, applied to the stretch version for the first time, is a reinforced version of the Tau 4.6L engine that won the 2009 Ward's 10 Best Engines award.

With a maximum output of 400ps and a peak torque rating of 51.0kg, the Hyundai EQUUS Limousine outperforms its competitors, such as the Lexus LS460L and Mercedes S500L by 20ps and 12ps, respectively.

The power-driven footrest, the world's first, along with Rear Seat Leg Support, Relax Posture Control and Massage System function, allows passengers the most comfortable driving experience found today.

The price for the long wheelbase edition EQUUS ranges from 135 million won to 146 million won (approximately US$113,000 to US$122,180, based on today's currency exchange rates).

Additionally, Hyundai has successfully developed a bulletproof version of the long wheelbase EQUUS and has donated three units to the Blue House (the Korean Presidential Residence). Hyundai is the first Korean company ? and one of a handful worldwide - to develop a bulletproof car with its own technology.

Tokyo Motor Show: Mazda Shows Off Updated Kiyora Concept

Hyundai is the latest carmaker to bail on the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, but it's far from the first, raising concerns over the show's future. Mazda is undeterred, however, today revealing a range of new engines and an updated version of the 2008 Kiyora concept that it will have on display.

The Kiyora Concept is a compact, eco-friendly hatch-type car that Mazda imagines as a fun-to-drive yet responsible runabout powered by the new SKY-G 1.3-liter gasoline engine revealed earlier today. Power is sent to the wheels by the six-speed SKY-Drive automatic transmission.

Fuel economy is estimated at 75 mpg in Japan's combined 10-15 mode test cycle. It gets there thanks in part to Mazda's i-stop system, which shuts the engine off at stops. The Kiyora also uses regenerative braking, presumably to operate the car's electronics, and weight savings and aerodynamics also play a role in the car's efficiency.

Even with a reduced set of manufacturers, the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show may still prove to be an interesting display of technology, as carmakers continue to push forward with increasingly "greener" powertrains and designs.

The 41st Tokyo Motor Show runs October 23-November 4, 2009, with press days starting October 21.

via:motorauthority

SUBARU HYBRID TOURER CONCEPT

1. Concept
Subaru has condensed its DNA, developed over many years around the Subaru's core technology of "Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)" and "Horizontally-Opposed Boxer Engine", into the integration of a luxurious and high-quality cabin atmosphere and an eye-catching sculpted body. The concept car features Subaru's latest evolutions in handling agility, riding comfort and superior safety performance. It proposes Subaru's vision of a future grand touring car that excels in environmental friendliness thanks to Subaru's unique hybrid system.

2. Design and packaging

(1) Exterior
Subaru imagined wings with a feeling of freedom and confidence for driving far and wide in any environment. A luxurious and comfortable cabin, and advanced driving performance are contained within a sculpted aerodynamic form. The design features a combination of bright, open glass areas with a solid, reliable body.

(2) Interior
The original point of the ideal grand touring car is its interior design, featuring four independent and comfortably positioned seats. Passengers are enclosed within an atmosphere that provides a surpassing feeling of openness and stress-free reassurance, through the further pursuit of a human-centered philosophy, the essence of Subaru car design, and the incorporation of functions that are friendly to passengers.
The top of the dashboard is movable up and down to provide an optimal driving environment for the driver according to driving conditions.
A flat floor in the rear seat was achieved even with the implementation of AWD, for improved use and movement inside the cabin.
Specialized shielding is incorporated in the windshield to reduce eyestrain on the driver.
New leather covering developed with superior breathability and a ventilation function is used in the seats for improved comfort and texture.

3. Mechanisms
In addition to refinements to Subaru's core technology such as Symmetrical AWD and Horizontally-Opposed Boxer Engine, further enhancements were made for improved environmental friendliness, driving performance and high safety performance by offering a next-generation power unit system and advanced safety technologies.
(1) Next-generation power unit system
2.0-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct fuel-injection turbo gasoline engine
The Horizontally-Opposed turbo gasoline engine, with a reputation for powerful acceleration, is combined with a direct fuel-injection system for improvements in fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, and improved torque and response in practical range. This evolution in Subaru turbo technology excels in both environmental friendliness and engine performance.

Lineartronic (CVT)
Lineartronic, Subaru's new generation automatic transmission, achieves further improvements in both fuel efficiency and driving performance by reinforcing parts for use with the high-power output of a turbo engine.

Hybrid system
To further enhance the appeal of the Symmetrical AWD system, this unique hybrid two-motor system features a power/drive motor in the front and a drive motor in the rear.

* At start-up and extremely low speeds when fuel efficiency is low, such as when driving the car into a garage, the rear motor is used primarily to allow driving without utilizing the power of the engine.
* During normal driving, the front engine is primarily used. The direct fuel-injection turbo gasoline mated with the Symmetrical AWD offers a whole new, Subaru driving experience.
* During acceleration, the rear motor assists the driving power of the engine to achieve advanced driving performance.
* Further, when accelerating uphill, the front motor, which is normally used as a power generator, assists to drive the front axle for improved performance.
* The implementation of a non-idling function that stops the engine when the car comes to a halt reduces unnecessary fuel consumption.
* The use of a high-performance lithium battery is based on experience and know-how achieved with the Subaru Plug-in STELLA electric vehicle, launched this summer. This includes the use of a precise energy management system and regenerative brake controls, for improvements in excellent fuel efficiency.


<Major specifications>
Length x Width x Height: 4,630 x 1,890 x 1,420mm
Engine type: 2.0-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct fuel-injection turbo
gasoline engine
Max output of Motor: 10kW (Front) / 20kW (Rear)
Transmission type: Lineartronic
Drive train: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with 2 motors assist
Battery type: Lithium-ion battery

More Photos

STARTECH Expands Its Customization Program to Jaguar, Land Rover and Range Rover Automobiles

World Debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show IAA 2009

Until now the STARTECH brand stood globally as a synonym for exclusive tuning for the automobiles from Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep. With the world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show IAA 2009 STARTECH expands its portfolio with a sophisticated customization program for Jaguar, Land Rover and Range Rover automobiles.

All STARTECH products are designed and manufactured in accordance with the strict quality guidelines of the ISO 9001 norm, and all are tested and approved by the German Technical Inspection Agency (TÜV).

The STARTECH product lineup for all makes of vehicles comprises the entire palette of professional tuning: Elegant and efficient aerodynamic-enhancement components as well as custom-tailored one-piece or multi-piece STARTECH Monostar light-alloy wheels characterize the outfit of a Jaguar, Land Rover, Range Rover, Jeep, Dodge or Chrysler refined by STARTECH.

To further improve active safety the STARTECH engineers have developed markedly comfortable sport suspensions and lowering kits. They offer more agile handling and easier controllability of the vehicle in extreme situations.

Special emphasis of the STARTECH activities lies on customizing and upgrading the interior. Exclusive accessories such as ergonomically shaped sport steering wheels, polished stainless-steel scuff plates with illuminated STARTECH logo or classy interior completion sets are part of the product lineup as are custom fully leather interiors crafted from especially soft, breathable and yet highly durable leather and Alcantara. Another specialty are exclusive wood inlays that can be manufactured in any desired color using special bleaching and staining techniques. Genuine carbon-fiber trim sets are also available in numerous variations for all models.

STARTECH also offers custom-tailored multimedia systems for all models.

STARTECH Makes the Range Rover Even More Exclusive

Owners of Range Rover vehicles are highly discriminating automotive connoisseurs. They can now find the perfect solutions for customizing their vehicles at STARTECH.

With stylishly integrated LED daytime running lights STARTECH lends the Range Rover an even more striking appearance and further improved active safety. The light inserts come in the same color as the door handles and the front grille, eliminating the need for costly painting.

The new STARTECH Monostar IV light-alloy wheels are another eye catcher. The five-spoke wheels feature a beautiful combination of grey and polished surfaces with a matte lacquer finish. The size 10Jx22 wheels are mounted with high-performance tires in size 295/35 R 22 front and back.

Immediately noticeable in the rear are the dual trapezoidal stainless-steel exhaust tips, which were developed to add some more visual pizzazz to the stock exhaust system.

The STARTECH designers demonstrated their ingenuity in the interior as well. Leather door panels on all four doors in the same color as the production leather complete the leather interior. Special contrast-colored cords create a particularly customized look.

The company upholstery shop fulfills requests for even more customization with entire interiors crafted in any color, upholstery design and from any material imaginable, including exclusive precious wood. Innovative bleaching and staining techniques allow the creation of perfectly matched or stunningly contrasted wood colors with various surface finishes.

The choices are virtually unlimited: The product lineup ranges from an upgrade for the stock wood trim in the form of a precious-wood molding for the center console to complete trim sets made from any desired wood grain or from genuine carbon fiber.

Upon customer request STARTECH transforms the Range Rover into an exclusive office on wheels or into a mobile multimedia lounge with state-of-the-art communication technology.

The development of the STARTECH program for the updated Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles of model year 2010 is already running at full steam. It will include a sporty yet elegant aerodynamic-enhancement kit, custom-tailored 22-inch wheels, suspension modifications and exclusive interiors with fully leather and Alcantara upholsteries and precious-wood inlays in any color and grain, all made exactly to customer's specifications.

STARTECH Refines the Land Rover Freelander 2

Following the development and implementation of a globally successful customization program for Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep automobiles STARTECH now also refines British Land Rover and Jaguar vehicles. At the Frankfurt Motor Show IAA 2009 the Land Rover Freelander 2 with STARTECH design celebrates its world debut.

The face of the English SUV receives more character with the sporty yet elegant STARTECH front element with integrated LED daytime running lights. The new front element was designed to attach to the lower part of the production bumper.

The STARTECH attachment for the liftgate continues the contour of the rear bumper across its entire width. The result is an even more balanced rear appearance of the Freelander 2 compared with the production car.

The fully stainless-steel STARTECH sport exhaust system with chrome-plated tailpipes left and right adds yet another visual and acoustic highlight. Custom-tailored versions of the exhaust system are available for all Freelander 2 models.

STARTECH Monostar IV light-alloy wheels give the Freelander 2 an even more refined appearance and increase both driving fun and safety reserves. The one-piece five-spoke wheels in size 9Jx20 are mounted with size 265/45 R 20 tires front and back and make full use of the available space under the wheel arches.

The STARTECH program also offers a multitude of customization options for the interior of the smallest Land Rover model: The company upholstery shop can answer the exclusive requests of any Freelander 2 owner, perfect down to the last detail. The upholsterers masterfully handcraft interiors in any color and upholstery design imaginable. The materials of choice for the exclusive STARTECH interiors are especially soft and breathable leathers and Alcantara.

More Photos

2010 Coda EV

2011 BMW X1

2010 Coda EV

2011 BMW X1

2009 Chrysler GEM Peapod

2009 Chrysler GEM Peapod

2009 Chrysler GEM Peapod

2009 Chrysler GEM Peapod

Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler

Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler

New SKY engines from mazda at Tokyo Motorshow next month

Mazda  the SKY-G and the SKY-D is new engine from Mazda .Mazda will be show the next generation petrol and diesel engines at the Tokyo Motorshow next month. The engines are called  respectively for the petrol and diesel versions.
right click to save as the image.

The SKY-G engine is a 2.0 liter unit with direct injection and an improved variable valve timing system which gives it a 15% fuel economy and torque advantage over the current MZR engine in the Mazda 3 2.0 Sport. Direct injection was previously found only on the turbocharged 2.3 liter engine but is now available in the ‘regular’ engines.

The Mazda SKY-D engine is a 2.2 liter unit that offers fuel economy of approximately 20% better than the current 2.2 liter diesel engine. It features a newly designed engine block that reduces mechanical friction to the level of a gasoline engine. Other features include piezo injectors and a two-stage turbocharger. It doesn’t sound like its a twin-turbo setup, but instead is probably a variable geometry turbocharger.

New SKY engines from mazda at Tokyo Motorshow next month

Mazda  the SKY-G and the SKY-D is new engine from Mazda .Mazda will be show the next generation petrol and diesel engines at the Tokyo Motorshow next month. The engines are called  respectively for the petrol and diesel versions.
right click to save as the image.

The SKY-G engine is a 2.0 liter unit with direct injection and an improved variable valve timing system which gives it a 15% fuel economy and torque advantage over the current MZR engine in the Mazda 3 2.0 Sport. Direct injection was previously found only on the turbocharged 2.3 liter engine but is now available in the ‘regular’ engines.

The Mazda SKY-D engine is a 2.2 liter unit that offers fuel economy of approximately 20% better than the current 2.2 liter diesel engine. It features a newly designed engine block that reduces mechanical friction to the level of a gasoline engine. Other features include piezo injectors and a two-stage turbocharger. It doesn’t sound like its a twin-turbo setup, but instead is probably a variable geometry turbocharger.

Small Car with cute look

I am sure some time you want to have a small car with two seater. In such small car you just want to go ahead with your love. But that small car should have look and speed as well.

Demand of small car is increasing a lot because of their high mobility and easy to use. Since this new small car have two seating capacity only hence this can be adjust in even small place and need only small portion of place in traffic.