Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
2010 Honda CR-Z Hybrid R Concept - Rear Angle
When you first drive the CR-Z, there aren’t any obvious signs you’re stepping into a “hybrid.” It doesn’t look like a typical hybrid from the exterior—its sleek, aerodynamic shape is very appealing. The interior features stylish black and aluminum style trim accents. The instrument panel illuminates with 3-dimensional gauges giving a futuristic, multi-layered appearance.
The CR-Z is powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine with Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist. Honda wanted to provide a personal driving experience, that’s why we’ve included a 6-speed manual as the standard transmission. Even the available CVT version comes with paddle shifters for an added level of control.
To customize your driving experience, the CR-Z features an innovative 3- mode drive system (Sport/Normal/Econ). In “Sport” mode, the car’s systems are enhanced for performance, meaning the steering is more responsive, and the engine becomes more energetic. In “Econ” mode, the car’s systems are optimized for enhanced fuel efficiency. The electric motor assist gives priority to the air-conditioning system, helping reduce its overall load on the engine. “Normal” mode is a great compromise between the two, giving you a balanced level of performance and fuel economy.
The latest Honda’s North American bucketing along company made 2 concept auto of CR-Z example. Both is Honda CR-Z Hybrid R and Honda CR-Z Racer analyzes comprised arose to demo the potential by both street and hotfooting execution.
The deuce autos share as is execution enhancements letting in a turbocharger and elevated IMA hybrid organisation, which answer in an estimated coalesced output of 200 HP and 175 lb-ft.
The CR-Z is powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine with Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist. Honda wanted to provide a personal driving experience, that’s why we’ve included a 6-speed manual as the standard transmission. Even the available CVT version comes with paddle shifters for an added level of control.
To customize your driving experience, the CR-Z features an innovative 3- mode drive system (Sport/Normal/Econ). In “Sport” mode, the car’s systems are enhanced for performance, meaning the steering is more responsive, and the engine becomes more energetic. In “Econ” mode, the car’s systems are optimized for enhanced fuel efficiency. The electric motor assist gives priority to the air-conditioning system, helping reduce its overall load on the engine. “Normal” mode is a great compromise between the two, giving you a balanced level of performance and fuel economy.
The latest Honda’s North American bucketing along company made 2 concept auto of CR-Z example. Both is Honda CR-Z Hybrid R and Honda CR-Z Racer analyzes comprised arose to demo the potential by both street and hotfooting execution.
The deuce autos share as is execution enhancements letting in a turbocharger and elevated IMA hybrid organisation, which answer in an estimated coalesced output of 200 HP and 175 lb-ft.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Toyota Avensis Lexus HS250h 2010
The Lexus HS250h is an all-new model for Toyota’s luxury brand. Although Lexus is no stranger to hybrid technology, the HS (for Harmonious Sedan) is their first dedicated hybrid. According to Lexus, 60% of entry-level luxury car buyers said they would consider a hybrid in that class if one were available. There is a huge misconception out there that the HS250h is simply a tarted-up Prius, but there is no truth to that. The HS is actually based on the Euro-market Toyota Avensis.
When I do a review of a car, I frequently read reviews from other blogs and publications to get a feel for what people are talking about. I was alarmed at what I found, but to boil it down, the hot topics centered around the HS’s styling, drivetrain, and interior. Not minor stuff, but let’s break the HS250h down.
Styling is subjective of course. Few people will call the HS sexy, but I found our tester, finished in Black Sapphire, particularly classy and smart. This is a hi-tech car, and the looks suit the HS’s purpose without coming off as nerdy. If the top-line Prius V is Bill Gates in a tux and a $200 salon hair cut, the HS250h is Steve Jobs. Substance with swagger. Size-wise, the HS slots in the middle of Lexus’ entry-level offerings: larger than the sporty IS, but smaller than the more luxurious ES. Stripped of its badging, I doubt anyone would look at the HS and identify it as a Lexus, but the exterior styling is different from anything else out there, which is refreshing.
The HS250h relies on a 2.4L four and electric motor for a combined 187hp, coupled to a CVT transmission. If you have driven a Camry Hybrid, the drivetrain should be familiar to you. Lexus claims a 0-60mph time of 8.4 seconds, with a top speed of 112mph. Driving around town, the HS feels, and operates much like the new Prius. Merging onto a highway, or in a passing situation, the extra oomph of the HS is apparent. I’m still no fan of CVT’s, but I will credit Lexus for making the best one I’ve experienced yet. The ‘power boating’ effect that afflicts so many CVT-equipped cars is kept at a minimum in the HS. When more power is needed, you get more revs, but the Lexus is quick to settle in to a lower ratio. Other publications complained about the drivetrain, but I’m guessing they were constantly flooring it. Not how I anticipate HS buyers to drive their cars.
I did find the ride a touch more firm than I’d expected, which was a pleasant surprise. Still, the HS250h won’t be making the list of sport sedan shoppers. The car exhibited considerable roll going into corners, and with a lack of bolstering in the seats, I often found myself ‘leaning’ in while cornering at what I thought were tame speeds. The steering wheel seems one size too large for the HS, but I eventually got used to it. Although the steering was quick, it offers very little feel. The HS is easy to drive on curvy roads, and did not become unsettled, but if you crave a communicative chassis, keep looking.
Where the HS250h shined was on the Williams’ annual drive to the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts. The Lexus was at all times calm, cool, composed and very comfortable. I found the interior fitments befitting of Lexus-high quality, soft touch. Our tester was the Premium model. The standard HS is very well equipped, but the Premium adds 18″ alloys, heated/vented front seats, power tilt/telescope steering wheel, wood trim, and smooth as butter semi-aniline leather seats. We also had the optional Nav system, which uses a Remote Touch controller for nav/climate control/audio functions. It works just like a mouse on a PC. I feared my little pointer icon going all over the screen as I veered across three lanes of highway traffic trying to change the radio station, but thankfully this wasn’t the case. Moving the pointer icon across the screen, the controller actually has ‘detents’ when you hit a ‘button’ you want to use. If that still makes you uncomfortable, Lexus left enough buttons on the console to make adjustments. After a couple days I found the Remote Touch controller intuitive to use.
Our tester also included the Tech Package, which included Lane Keep Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Heads Up Display, Park Assist, and Pre-Collision System with Driver Attention Monitor. This is a $3,900 option. In my week with the Lexus, I needed none of these. Yes, the Park Assist did speak up if I was in a tight spot, but I relied on me, not the car to park. Safety has its place, and with the Tech Package, Lexus has your back, but unless you are on the road all the time, I don’t see the value here.
With an as-tested price of just under $45,000USD, the Lexus is hardly inexpensive, but it shouldn’t be. This is a very well-equipped luxury car that does a fine job of coddling its occupants, but it does so while delivering 35mpg. Lexus claims the HS gets 80% better fuel economy than the average entry-level luxury car, needing only 87 octane. While critics question a four cylinder Lexus, I counter that BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Acura and Infiniti have all at one point, or currently sell a four cylinder car themselves.
Until recently, the desire to own a hybrid car has meant the equivalent of having to fly economy class. Current offerings may upgrade you to coach, but with the Lexus HS250h, this is your very fist chance to go hybrid and fly first class.
When I do a review of a car, I frequently read reviews from other blogs and publications to get a feel for what people are talking about. I was alarmed at what I found, but to boil it down, the hot topics centered around the HS’s styling, drivetrain, and interior. Not minor stuff, but let’s break the HS250h down.
Styling is subjective of course. Few people will call the HS sexy, but I found our tester, finished in Black Sapphire, particularly classy and smart. This is a hi-tech car, and the looks suit the HS’s purpose without coming off as nerdy. If the top-line Prius V is Bill Gates in a tux and a $200 salon hair cut, the HS250h is Steve Jobs. Substance with swagger. Size-wise, the HS slots in the middle of Lexus’ entry-level offerings: larger than the sporty IS, but smaller than the more luxurious ES. Stripped of its badging, I doubt anyone would look at the HS and identify it as a Lexus, but the exterior styling is different from anything else out there, which is refreshing.
The HS250h relies on a 2.4L four and electric motor for a combined 187hp, coupled to a CVT transmission. If you have driven a Camry Hybrid, the drivetrain should be familiar to you. Lexus claims a 0-60mph time of 8.4 seconds, with a top speed of 112mph. Driving around town, the HS feels, and operates much like the new Prius. Merging onto a highway, or in a passing situation, the extra oomph of the HS is apparent. I’m still no fan of CVT’s, but I will credit Lexus for making the best one I’ve experienced yet. The ‘power boating’ effect that afflicts so many CVT-equipped cars is kept at a minimum in the HS. When more power is needed, you get more revs, but the Lexus is quick to settle in to a lower ratio. Other publications complained about the drivetrain, but I’m guessing they were constantly flooring it. Not how I anticipate HS buyers to drive their cars.
I did find the ride a touch more firm than I’d expected, which was a pleasant surprise. Still, the HS250h won’t be making the list of sport sedan shoppers. The car exhibited considerable roll going into corners, and with a lack of bolstering in the seats, I often found myself ‘leaning’ in while cornering at what I thought were tame speeds. The steering wheel seems one size too large for the HS, but I eventually got used to it. Although the steering was quick, it offers very little feel. The HS is easy to drive on curvy roads, and did not become unsettled, but if you crave a communicative chassis, keep looking.
Where the HS250h shined was on the Williams’ annual drive to the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts. The Lexus was at all times calm, cool, composed and very comfortable. I found the interior fitments befitting of Lexus-high quality, soft touch. Our tester was the Premium model. The standard HS is very well equipped, but the Premium adds 18″ alloys, heated/vented front seats, power tilt/telescope steering wheel, wood trim, and smooth as butter semi-aniline leather seats. We also had the optional Nav system, which uses a Remote Touch controller for nav/climate control/audio functions. It works just like a mouse on a PC. I feared my little pointer icon going all over the screen as I veered across three lanes of highway traffic trying to change the radio station, but thankfully this wasn’t the case. Moving the pointer icon across the screen, the controller actually has ‘detents’ when you hit a ‘button’ you want to use. If that still makes you uncomfortable, Lexus left enough buttons on the console to make adjustments. After a couple days I found the Remote Touch controller intuitive to use.
Our tester also included the Tech Package, which included Lane Keep Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Heads Up Display, Park Assist, and Pre-Collision System with Driver Attention Monitor. This is a $3,900 option. In my week with the Lexus, I needed none of these. Yes, the Park Assist did speak up if I was in a tight spot, but I relied on me, not the car to park. Safety has its place, and with the Tech Package, Lexus has your back, but unless you are on the road all the time, I don’t see the value here.
With an as-tested price of just under $45,000USD, the Lexus is hardly inexpensive, but it shouldn’t be. This is a very well-equipped luxury car that does a fine job of coddling its occupants, but it does so while delivering 35mpg. Lexus claims the HS gets 80% better fuel economy than the average entry-level luxury car, needing only 87 octane. While critics question a four cylinder Lexus, I counter that BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Acura and Infiniti have all at one point, or currently sell a four cylinder car themselves.
Until recently, the desire to own a hybrid car has meant the equivalent of having to fly economy class. Current offerings may upgrade you to coach, but with the Lexus HS250h, this is your very fist chance to go hybrid and fly first class.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Ferrari California launched at Paris Motor Show 2010
The Paris Motor Show 2010 saw one of best launches, of which one was Ferrari California, a car for the car enthus who also are concerned about the environment. The car which is fitted with HELE (High Emotion Low Emissions), reduces CO2 emissions by 23%. The HELE system has genius technical measures which include a start/stop function that can restart the car in 230 milliseconds. So now you can zoom in this beauty and also do your bit for the environment.
Monday, November 15, 2010
New Cars 2010 | Ford Stealth Police Interceptor
Ford Stealth Police Interceptor Concept
Ford Stealth Police Interceptor Concept side
Ford Stealth Police Interceptor Concept interior
This car offered the perfect canvas for me as a designer," Betancourt said. "The Police Interceptor sedan is already a unique vehicle. I just started looking at ways to give it that mysterious but high-tech look."
(Source: Ford)
Saturday, November 13, 2010
New Cars 2010 | 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302
2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302
2012 Mustang Boss 302 front
Ford Mustang Boss 302
2012 Mustang Boss 302 top
2012 Mustang Boss 302 dashboard
2012 Mustang Boss 302 front angle
Categories: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302
Tags: 2012 Mustang Boss 302 American Sports Muscle Ford
Description: The team of Ford engineers, designers and stylists – all Mustang enthusiasts to the core – that created the groundbreaking 2011 Mustang GT has distilled a new model to its purest form, strengthening, lightening and refining each system to create a race car with a license plate. Its name: the 2012 Mustang Boss 302. “The decision to build a modern Boss was not entered into lightly,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “The entire team at Ford felt the time was right and with the right ingredients, the world-class 2011 Mustang could support a successful, race-bred, worthy successor to the original Boss 302. For us that meant a production Mustang that could top one of the world’s best – the 2010 BMW M3 – in lap times at Laguna Seca. We met our expectations.”
(Source: Ford Press Release)
Sunday, October 17, 2010
New Mercedes Benz S550 Tuned 2010
MEC Design is one of Europe’s leading Mercedes Benz tuning companies. Their comprehensive range of Mercedes Benz tuning and styling products includes 3 piece alloy wheels, aerodynamic body kits, serious exhausts, extreme lowering systems, and other lavish accessories for the interior of your car, such as high-quality velour floor mats, luxury steering wheels, and other precious wood accessories. The high-end products are designed specifically with the more discerning Mercedes Benz customer in mind.
The S550 modifications inlcude:
# Our new mecxtremeIII three piece wheels with flat bed; satin Edition (Also available in black matt and other colours), 11×20 (4,5 outer lip) + 12,5×20 (5,5 outer lip!), Tires 295+325, spacers front 12mm
# This is with considerable modifications possible, however as always. nothing to see and with paint guarantee, no tears and no paint damage.
# ELS Lowering Module -65mm, for more comfort whilst driving on the freeway, we have the programmed the driving dynamics. So the vehicle lifts itself for comfortable trips on the freeway up 10mm from a speed of 100km/h. This option is freely selectable (for example from 120km/h um 20mm and so on).
# One extra for the AMG version/ AMG Bodykit developed complete exhaust system from the Cat with the usual extreme deep sounds (There is however quieter versions!)
# Further the vehicle has a new MEC Design Steering wheel and MEC Design floor mats with leather edging!
The S550 modifications inlcude:
# Our new mecxtremeIII three piece wheels with flat bed; satin Edition (Also available in black matt and other colours), 11×20 (4,5 outer lip) + 12,5×20 (5,5 outer lip!), Tires 295+325, spacers front 12mm
# This is with considerable modifications possible, however as always. nothing to see and with paint guarantee, no tears and no paint damage.
# ELS Lowering Module -65mm, for more comfort whilst driving on the freeway, we have the programmed the driving dynamics. So the vehicle lifts itself for comfortable trips on the freeway up 10mm from a speed of 100km/h. This option is freely selectable (for example from 120km/h um 20mm and so on).
# One extra for the AMG version/ AMG Bodykit developed complete exhaust system from the Cat with the usual extreme deep sounds (There is however quieter versions!)
# Further the vehicle has a new MEC Design Steering wheel and MEC Design floor mats with leather edging!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
NEW HONDA SPORTS CAR – FC SPORT DESIGN
HONDA designer Jason Wilbur and his team from Advanced Design Studio of Honda R&D Americas in Pasadena, California, have developed this futuristic FC Sport design study seen at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.
Powered by existing fuel cell technology, the FC Sport is a three-seater sports car with a low centre of gravity, zero emissions and a potent, clean electric motor. It’s FCX Clarity meets NSX. Clever design ensured low weight and high-performance, with FC Sport maintaining a balanced weight distribution between front and rear, ideal for any serious sports car.
Powered by existing fuel cell technology, the FC Sport is a three-seater sports car with a low centre of gravity, zero emissions and a potent, clean electric motor. It’s FCX Clarity meets NSX. Clever design ensured low weight and high-performance, with FC Sport maintaining a balanced weight distribution between front and rear, ideal for any serious sports car.
HONDA SPORTS CAR – FC Sport design – Honda hydrogen-powered
Configuration of the fuel cell stack is such that it is located between the two rear seats that flank driver’s position, while a battery pack sits low in the middle of the car. Electric motor is just ahead of the rear axle and the two fuel storage tanks just above it. The layout guarantees optimal weight distribution, a good passenger cabin (for a sports car) and an interior that focuses a lot on the center-placed driver.
“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. “People who love sports cars will still have a reason to love in a hydrogen-powered future.”
The Honda FC Sport Design Study is hydrogen-powered three seat sports car. It uses the V-Flow fuel cell stack and electric drivetrain from the recently introduced FCX Clarity. The fuel-cell stack is located between the rear seats and the electric motor is mounted just forward of the rear axle. Inside the driver sits in the middle of the car, while the two rear passengers sit directly behind the driver on the left and right side of the vehicle. The doors also open upward from the rear.
“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. “People who love sports cars will still have a reason to love in a hydrogen-powered future.”
The Honda FC Sport Design Study is hydrogen-powered three seat sports car. It uses the V-Flow fuel cell stack and electric drivetrain from the recently introduced FCX Clarity. The fuel-cell stack is located between the rear seats and the electric motor is mounted just forward of the rear axle. Inside the driver sits in the middle of the car, while the two rear passengers sit directly behind the driver on the left and right side of the vehicle. The doors also open upward from the rear.
While the drivetrain is mounted low in the vehicle, the vehicle’s hydrogen tanks are visible through the rear deck glass as a way to showcase the car’s fuel-cell pedigree.
The driver sits in a racecar-like center position with the passengers flanking the driver to the rear. The car’s sleek body sweeps rearward and tapers into a geometric hex form, which houses the fuel cell’s coolers. At the front, Formula 1-style barge boards enhance high speed stability and provide a visual link to Honda’s Grand Prix efforts.
The driver sits in a racecar-like center position with the passengers flanking the driver to the rear. The car’s sleek body sweeps rearward and tapers into a geometric hex form, which houses the fuel cell’s coolers. At the front, Formula 1-style barge boards enhance high speed stability and provide a visual link to Honda’s Grand Prix efforts.
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