Saturday, February 28, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Honda FC Sport Design 2008
Hydrogen fuel cell-powered Honda FC Sport design study model shown at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show (November 19, 2008).The FC Sport emphasizes the design flexibility and potential of Honda’s V Flow fuel cell technology – already deployed in the Honda FCX Clarity sedan – and reconfigures it into a lightweight sports car design with an ultra-low center of gravity, powerful electric motor performance and zero-emissions. The design study concept is inspired by supercar levels of performance through low weight and a high-performance, electrically driven fuel cell powertrain.
"The Honda FC Sport explores how to satisfy automotive performance enthusiasts in a world beyond petroleum," said Dan Bonawitz, vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "People who love sports cars will still have a reason to love in a hydrogen-powered future."
The high-output Honda fuel cell powertrain and a sleek, aerodynamic body contribute to the vehicle’s performance potential. A modular approach to fuel cell component packaging and the electric drivetrain contribute to the FC Sport’s low center of gravity with the majority of vehicle mass distributed between the axles, creating the balanced weight distribution sought after in sports cars.
The ideal placement of the Honda V-Flow fuel cell stack and related components demonstrates the benefits of a platform-specific, hydrogen-powered fuel cell powertrain. The FC Sport is configured to accommodate a custom-formed high-power fuel cell stack, located between the rear seats, and a battery pack placed low in the middle of the vehicle. The electric motor resides just forward of the rear axle. Two fuel storage tanks, visible from above, are located above the rear axle.
The optimal placement of fuel cell components for performance also allows for a relatively large passenger cabin by conventional supercar standards with enough space for three seating positions. The interior layout focuses primarily on the driver with a racecar-like center driving position. The enclosed canopy opens upward from the rear to allow for entry and exit. Two rear passenger seats flank the driver’s left and right side.
The sleek, low-profile body is designed to convey a high-technology appearance with sculpting that combines angular shapes in the front of the vehicle that taper into geometric, hex forms in the rear. The rear hex forms house cooling radiators for the fuel cell. Formula 1-style barge boards behind the front wheels enhance high speed aerodynamics and convey the vehicle’s racing pedigree. The hydrogen storage tanks, visible from the rear deck, showcase the FC Sports fuel cell technology in much the same way that a "naked bike" motorcycle showcases its engineering technology.
The glacier white body color conveys the FC Sport’s clean environmental aspirations while the dark wheels and deeply tinted glass provide a symbolic contrast befitting of the vehicle’s unique combination of clean power and high performance. Green construction techniques further contribute to a reduced carbon footprint. An organic, bio-structure theme is carried through to the body construction where exterior panels are intended to use plant-derived bio-plastics.
The Advanced Design Studio of Honda R&D Americas, in Pasadena, California, developed the FC Sport design study with the primary objective of using existing fuel cell technology as the basis for an ultimate Honda sports car. Designer Jason Wilbur led the design efforts.
Honda R&D Americas, Inc. began its operations in California in 1975 with local market research activities and has steadily grown its capabilities over the past 33 years to include all aspects of new vehicle design and development. Recent development efforts include trend-setting products such as the Honda Pilot, Ridgeline, Element, Civic Coupe and Civic Si.
In 2008, the company opened two new design centers in Southern California: the Acura Design Studio (Torrance), for the research and design of new Acura products; and the Advanced Design Studio (Pasadena), for the exploration and development of advanced design themes for both Honda and Acura.
The company operates 11 major R&D facilities in North America, including a full vehicle development center in Raymond, Ohio, and three design studios in Southern California. Honda R&D designers, engineers and support personnel are engaged in the development of Honda and Acura automobiles, powersports products, and power equipment for North America and global markets. The company’s main centers of operation include the Los Angeles Center (Torrance, California), responsible for market research, concept development and styling design; the Ohio Center (Raymond, Ohio), responsible for complete product development, testing, and support of North American supplier and manufacturing operations; and a dynamic test facility in Cantil, California. Read more in www.indiacon.com
Los Angeles Auto Show : Honda FC Sport 2008
Honda today revealed the Honda FC Sport design study model, a hydrogen-powered, three-seat sports car concept, at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.
Honda City 2009, Driving Experience
The all roads quite well, absorbing road irregularities to a level that is expected from a car like this, and striking a good balance between comfort and handling which is what a Honda buyer would expect. The steering and pedals are light and easy to use for a beginner driver. The City can take corners with confidence and even when you start sliding out of control it is very easy to correct. The combination of the electric power steering accuracy, weight and the lack of any excessive bodyroll except in the extremes makes the City a car that’ll keep the driver happy, that is until he is joined by passengers.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
2009 Honda City Interior Design Picture
With the new City, you no longer get that airy feeling that was present in the old City. This is the result of the seating position being much more car-like rather than mini-MPV-like, thanks to Honda distancing the City from its boot-less Jazz sibling. While the Ultra Seats are gone, things like using the bottom of the rear seats to store an umbrella is a great idea. Never again do you have to place it in some random area on the floor of your car and get your whole carpet/mats soaked more than necessary.
Being someone about 181cm tall, I was quite happy in the driver’s seat of the City. Everything was quite ergonomic, from steering position to seat height and position. The storage compartments are also easy to use and the little storage area under the driver side air cond vent is quite usable for your Touch N Go card as its slant prevents the card from sliding out of the compartment. The fuel tank is located under the front seats so there’s not much room for you to install your aftermarket ICE amplifiers there.The raised floor caused by the fuel tank also juts out a little when you push the front seats nearly all the way back as I needed to do because of my height, so you are quite limited in where you can rest your leg if you want to fold it inwards towards you instead of placing it on the footrest.
Honda City 2009 Design, First Image
While the design of the City is not perfect, it’s way better looking than the odd hatchback with a boot slapped previous generation City. It’s also got a more classic sedan look to it with none of that A-pillar triangular window stuff. A sports sedan to be exact. I still like the shape as much as I did when I first saw it on the spyshots on the internet, especially the white one transported in China. It’s just too bad Honda isn’t offering the car in white here, in fact there are no white Hondas on sale except for the Type R, but I was told white is being added to the CKD paint process soon.The top of the line model gets foglamps but I kind of prefer the bumper without the foglamps as somehow it helps make the car look wider and shorter. Chrome for the door handles are a nice touch, while the fuel lid opens up with just a touch much like more pricey European cars.
The New Car 2009, Honda City
The Indian market version of the highly respected automotive publication from UK, AutoCar, has released the first exclusive images of the new Honda City. This is probably the most important car launch of the year for ASEAN region markets, in terms of volume. Credits to autoincar for the scans below.Sources cited by AutoCar indicates that global launch will be on November 2008, so expect launch in other countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand to follow suit within the next few months after that.The current generation City. Image courtesy of Honda Malaysia
Unlike previous generation City which is built mainly with input from Thailand, the next City is developed with a lot of emphasis on the growing Indian small passenger car segment (on top of Thailand's market requirements) that is currently dominated by Maruti-Suzuki. Earlier, there have been spyshots of pre-production development units being driven around cities of India but I hesitated to post it up as I wasn't too convinced that it was the real deal. But if AutoCar publishes it, rest assured that it is the real deal.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
The New Car : Buick LaCrosse 209 And Cadillac CTS Delayed
General Motors announced on Friday that as a cost-cutting measure, it would delay the unveiling of a new Buick LaCrosse model that it had planned to show at the Los Angeles auto show next month. This is In addition to a similar halting of plans to display the coupe version of its Cadillac CTS. Speculation as to whether GM will eliminate or sell the Buick brand altogether to cut costs has dogged the company since at least last spring. That decision, at least for the moment, seems to be off the table. Have a fun...read more in ridelust.com
2010 Buick LaCrosse, Preview Show
In the wake of their amicable split with former spokesman, Tiger Woods, the burden of remaining a trendy and relevant brand has doubled for Buick, but with the 2010 Buick LaCrosse, they appear to be handling the pressure with the utmost grace. Scheduled to officially unveil this weekend at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, the 2010 LaCrosse is a bold new step for Buick and immediately sets itself apart as a new generation of luxury from The General. Read more in ridelust.com
The New Cars, 2009 Buick LaCrosse
One of the most important GM brands in China, Buick, is largely an also ran here in America with the exception of the gray haired citizens among us. This is especially true for those that previously would have, or could have, bought a Cadillac in better economic times or before Cadillac started making high-powered sport sedans. There does seem to be an infusion of life on the horizon with the Invicta Concept (see below), but in the interim the most exciting car for Buick is the LaCrosse.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
The New 2009 Acura RL
The all new 2009 Acura RL - which was also unveiled today at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show - will be offering XM NavWeather as a part of its AcuraLink service.Acura is XM's first automotive partner to debut the XM NavWeather service.
The real-time, personalized weather tracking service is delivered directly through the Acura RL's in-dash nav system, and uses XM's "Threat Matrix" technology which provides alerts on weather threats (like hail, floods, tornado and storm warnings).
XM NavWeather also provides multi-day forecasts based on weather monitoring stations across the U.S
Friday, February 13, 2009
How to buy Used Car
How to Buy Used Car?Important Note:This part is designed to give you some basic knowledge about how to inspect a used car and can possibly help you to avoid used cars with potential problems.Information published here can’t substitute for detailed mechanical inspection performed by a professional mechanic.That’s why we always recommend you to visit a professional mechanic.
Mostly it’s not recommended to buy a car whis is involved in an accident.The main reason for that, you can’t be sure about job done.Strong frontal collision can damage the integrity of the vehicle body making it less stronger.The vehicle may develop some mechanical problems later such as wheel alignment problems, mulfunctioning problems, noisy wheel bearings, etc. Also paint job not always looks and holds as good as original, the color may not match and later the paint may start peeling off at the edges.
It doesn’t mean that all repainted cars are junk. Make sure that some cars has minor frontial damage can be fixed very good by professional mechanics and body men.So always get help from a professional.
Read few tips below how to inspect a car body for signs of previous accidents.
How to inspect a car body when buying a used car
STARTING WITH CAR HISTORY CHECK
The best way to start before even looking at the car,check the car history report which can already tell you if there is something wrong. So you will not waste your time with inspecting a previously wrecked car.Get the VIN (Vehicle identification Number- mostly located on the left corner of your windshield or inside of your driver door) and use this number to check car history.CARFAX is the most common internet based tool nowadays.
BEFORE START
Ask the owner (salesperson) if the car has had any accidents?You can ask salesperson for a free CARFAX report in most car dealers.
In general, it is not a big deal if the car has been involved in minor “fender-bender” or only one body panel (a fender or door) had been repaired, because of a scratch or some other minor damage. But avoid cars that have been seriously damaged in a collision or have been flooded.
Also avoid cars that had been badly corroded and then repaired. A rust tends to reappear again.
LOOK DOWN THE LENGHT OF CAR
Before start make sure at you’re checking a clean car, because a dirty car can hide lots details!The lines of the car body should be straight.Look at the reflection;keep the car between you and light source to see waves on the body. Try to check the entire car this way.You can suspect the car has been damaged,sometimes it’s not a big a problem if only one body panel has been damaged. But it gives you the option to ask for a lower price.
CHECK ALL GAPS BETWEEN BODY PARTS
Every gap should be even along its entire length. Look at this image. The gap is narrow on the left and later becomes wide, which means this car has been hit at its right front corner. Try to inspect all the gaps the same way.
If one of the gaps looks too narrow (too wide) - compare it to the same gap on another side of the car, they have to be of exactly the same width. If they are notable different, it’s very possible the car has been in an accident.
FIND THE BORDER BETWEEN OLD AND NEW PAINT
CHECK THE PLACES BEHIND DOORS,HOOD AND TRUNK
Try to check all places like connection points,behind doors, hood, trunk and panels.Though a skilled painter may make such a border almost invisible, you’ll find it somewhere if you check the entire car carefully, so take your time.
There is one more sign you may find - scaled off clear coat. It usually happens because the area wasn’t sanded properly before painting, as in case of cheap repair.
CHECK THE HOOD AND DOOR HOLDING BOLTS
If hood has been realigned from its original position, It might be a sign that this car has been involved in an accident. Try to pull up the driver’s door when it’s open - does it have a free play in the hinges? Excessive free play - excessive use. Even it’s not a sign for previous accident, you will need a good aligment.so another chance to ask for lower price.
PAINT AND RUST CHECK
Some parts like fenders, doors and hood are hard to repaint and match the original paint.So start from these parts to figure it out.Take a look at the car from different angles and different distances.Different angle can show and hide the color difference.Feel the paint with your hand,if it’s not so smooth,if there are some little things, unevenless on paint,it is a sign that it has been painted and it’s not professionally.
If you find some spot of corrosion, continue your search more carefully. Check the floor under the carpet, door’s bottom, trunk and wheel arches. Take a little magnet and try to make it cling to the bottom of the doors, fenders and other places where you suspect some defect.
If there is too much filler under the paint, the magnet won’t cling. However one or two small spots of corrosion isn’t a big.
CHECK ORIGINAL STICKERS ON FENDERS, DOORS AND HOOD
Most of cars has some factory stickers and information panels.If a door,fender or hood has been replaced or painted,it’s going to be very hard to put this stickers back.And some new cars has VIN plates on their fenders,doors,hood even on door glass. Always make sure that it has its original stickers.
CHECK THE FRAME
Some cars have unibody (unibody is a construction technique that uses the external skin of an object to support some or most of the load on the structure) Some cars have a frame (many of SUV’s, trucks, some full-size vans and large passenger cars). The car’s frame (marked with a yellow arrows on the image below) is very essential to support the vehicle. Try to check the entire length of the frame. It shouldn’t have any visible damage or be corroded through.If you find the frame rusted through, it’s a sign for a previously repaired damage. Some people they fix cars by welding two different car frames and making one car like using a glue! That kind of car with a weak frame can cause lethal effects in an accident.AVOID such a car!
LOOK FOR SIGN OF FLOOD DAMAGE
If a car has been flooded in the past, even if it looks and runs good now, it will develop many expensive-to-fix problems later. This is because water gets inside many components where it shouldn’t be and eventually, the corrosion will cause a component to fail later.
Look for mildew smell, water stains on the seats, roof liner and door covers. Inspect door covers and trunk covers for possible signs of water level. If it’s possible, look for moisture under the carpet. Check lower edges of the door covers for water damage, look for corrosion and water debris in the spare tire well. look for badly corroded metal parts under seats. Check all door speakers - water could damage the speaker diaphragm. Coffee-with-milk color of the engine oil or transmission fluid may indicate presence of water. History report can also reveal flood. Be suspicious if the history report indicates that the car came from another state.
Article by :John in http://www.carautonews.com/howto-buy-used-car/
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Hot Car : Nissan Mixim Concept 2007
Nissan Mixim Concept 2007 :
Nissan’s new Mixim concept shows what a future electric-powered city car might look and act like, the Japanese automaker said as it previewed its concept prior to a Frankfurt auto show introduction.
The Mixim is powered by a “Super Motor” electric powertrain, which Nissan promises will give the concept “unusually rapid performance” and a “usefully extended range.” Since one motor powers the front wheels and one, the rears, the Mixim is all-wheel driven.
The use of lithium-ion batteries will likely be the hot topic at the Nissan press conference in Frankfurt. Both GM and Toyota are experimenting with the high-capacity batteries, but neither has approved them for production - and reports have indicated Toyota would not delay its next-generation Prius hybrid in expectation of using lithium-ion batteries in it.
In terms of its packaging and shape, Nissan says the coupe shape applied to the Mixim will make it appealing to a young driver and two passengers, each sitting on either side of the driver seat. A fourth seat is tucked in beneath the hatchback.
From the outside, the Mixim is said to resemble the visor of a crash helmet, with its staggered roofline and choppy rear end. Diamond shapes are found all around the exterior, from the air intakes to the rear door shape to the LED driving lights. Inside, the steering wheel and controls are patterned after video games.
The Mixim rides on a 99.6-inch wheelbase, is 145.7 inches long and 70.9 inches wide, and 55.1 inches high. More compact than Nissan’s Micra, it weighs about 2100 pounds.
Article Source : http://www.carautonews.com
The New 2009 Jaguar XF Sedan
The New 2009 Jaguar XF SedanConcept and Specification :
The navigation screen looks as though it was pulled straight from the current XK coupe while the climate and radio controls have a straightforward looking layout. Also note the start button just under the arm of the driver. You can expect to see the full production version of this S-Type replacement in showrooms next spring.
Specification Jaguar XF 2009 :
Base Price $ 55,200
Price As Tested $ 58,850
Engine Type dual overhead cam aluminum alloy V8 with
continuously-variable cam phasing
Engine Size 4.2 liters / 256 cu. in.
Horsepower 300 @ 6000 rpm
Torque (lb-ft) 310 @ 4100 rpm
Transmission 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase / Length 114.5 in. / 195.3 in.
Curb Weight 4017 lbs.
Pounds Per Horsepower 13.4
Fuel Capacity 18.4 gal.
Fuel Requirement 91 octane unleaded premium gasoline
Tires P245/40 R19 94H
Continental Conti Pro Contact
Brakes, front/rear vented disc all around,
ABS and yaw control standard
Suspension, front/rear independent double wishbone
Drivetrain longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive
PERFORMANCE
EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon
city / highway / observed 16 / 25 / 19
0 to 60 mph 6.2 sec
OPTIONS AND CHARGES
B&W sound system $ 1,875
Advanced Vision Pack $ 1,000
Transportation and handling $ 775
New Acura NSX 2009
New Acura NSX 2009 :
After an arduous day of preparation, Honda engineers have finally hit the race track in their mule for the next NSX. Seeing this prototype in the light of day reveals proportions consistent with Acura’s Advanced Sports Car Concept, which debuted at the ‘07 North American International Auto show.The S2000-based body panels used on this mule don’t exactly correspond to the show car, but it may tell us of the direction Acura is traveling with the next NSX.
First of all, the stacked exhaust set-up on this mule looks similar to the placement on the concept. The mule’s large central air-intake at the front suggests that the production NSX may veer away from the styling of the concept, which had a smoother nose with air-intakes mounted wide on the front bumper. Given the lukewarm reception given to the most recent NSX concept, the design transition from concept to production was expected to involve marked styling changes.
The expansive hood on this mule definitely looks large enough to handle a V-8 or V-10 engine.
Read more details ; www.leftlanenews.com
New Concept Toyota Prius 2009
New Concept Toyota Prius 2009Although our spy photo shows an evolutionary shape, it doesn’t represent the final design. It was one of three designs Toyota was considering, but we’ve heard the final decision went to a more conservatively styled Prius more along the lines of the Hybrid X shown in Geneva this year.
Toyota officials have said recently that they hope to bring down the cost premium of hybrids while continuing to improve their efficiency. With new less-hybrid-friendly EPA testing procedures, the 2009 Prius may not show huge gains in its stated fuel economy figures, but its real-world numbers should improve beyond the current 40-45mpg range.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
