Car Sport News: News

Showing posts with label News. Show all posts

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Concept car Porsche 911 Turbo TechArt GTstreet Model 997

Design Interior Cockpit Porsche 911 Turbo TechArt

The cockpit of the TechArt GTstreet also differs distinctly from the stock 911 Turbo. Among the differences is an exclusive leather interior with color-contrasted stitching and sporty CarboBlack highlights. The coupe is further equipped with an ergonomically shaped TechArt sport steering wheel, aluminum foot pedals, foot rest and shifter, as well as with illuminated door sills sporting the TechArt logo.

Cool Porsche 911 Turbo TechArt in the Front

German TechArt studio will present in Geneva its latest tire-burner based on the current Porsche 911 Turbo 997 series super-coupe. While most tuners focus their efforts on eye-popping exterior enhancements, TechArt’s engineers have centered their attention

Porsche 911 Turbo TechArt with based on Design

With its 2001 TechArt GTstreet, based on the Porsche 911 Turbo of the 996 model series, TechArt created one of the fastest and most powerful street-legal sports cars of its time. The next evolutionary stage of this fascinating concept celebrates its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2007. The new TechArt GTstreet, based on the 911 Turbo of the latest 997 series, starts at $320,000. Like the predecessor the new GTstreet edition centers on a powerful engine. The 3.6-liter twin-turbo flat engine is modified by the TechArt engine specialists and now develops 630 bhp at 6,800 rpm, up from standard 480 bhp. Peak torque increases to 605 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm.

Porsche 911 Turbo TechArt on Back Body

The TechArt GTstreet rear fascia with integrated carbon-fiber diffuser contributes to the strong downforce generated on the rear axle. It also provides the perfect backdrop for the quad exhaust of the TechArt high-performance exhaust system. TechArt Automobildesign offers a number of versions of its popular Formula wheel in sizes 8.5Jx20 in front and 12Jx20 on the rear axle. GTstreet buyers can choose from several color combinations and between the one-piece Formula and the multi-piece Formula II designs. The Formula II wheel features an exchangeable wheel lip. For optimal tires TechArt chose ContiSportContact 3 high-performance tires in sizes 245/30 ZR20 and 325/25 ZR20. The large 20-inch wheels also provide the necessary space for the especially powerful and durable TechArt high-performance brake system. It features six-piston aluminum fixed calipers and 390-millimeter discs on the front axle. The rear axle is fitted with 365-millimeter discs and four-piston fixed calipers. The TechArt GTstreet comes with a TechArt VarioPlus coil-over suspension that is based on the electronically adjustable PASM damping system of the 911 Turbo. This chassis allows individual ride-height lowering by up to 25 millimeters and push-button selection of two different damper settings, “Normal” or “Sport.” However, the dampers are not limited to these presets. Sporty driving automatically results in firmer damper settings in both modes, thus combining excellent ride comfort during normal driving with agile and responsive handling during fast cornering.

Porsche 911 Turbo TechArt in Beside

The body kit for the TechArt GTstreet was created in the wind tunnel, and offers an optimal symbiosis of aerodynamic down force, minimized drag and striking design. The front fascia of the GTstreet with retractable carbon-fiber splitter produces down force on the front axle and provides radiator, oil coolers and brakes with more cooling air, thanks to its large, striking air inlets. The auxiliary headlamp units with daytime running lights and fog lamps improve active safety. They also give the car even more passing clout. The TechArt GTstreet fender flares on the front axle add 10 mm to the two-door’s width and give it an even more dynamic appearance. But that’s not all: The air outlets behind the front wheel houses optimize brake venting. The larger air ducts in the rear sidewalls provide engine and inter coolers with a larger supply of cooling air. For an optimal transition between front and rear fenders the TechArt designers have developed rocker panels that complement the new contours. TechArt mirror and headlamp moldings provide the finishing touches. The TechArt roof spoiler extends the roof line and optimizes airflow to the adjustable rear airfoil of the GTstreet.

Concept car Porsche 911 Turbo TechArt GTstreet Model 997

Design Interior Cockpit Porsche 911 Turbo TechArt

Cool Porsche 911 Turbo TechArt in the Front

Porsche 911 Turbo TechArt with based on Design

Porsche 911 Turbo TechArt on Back Body

Porsche 911 Turbo TechArt in Beside

Friday, June 12, 2009

Obama taskforce faces Congress over car industry rescue

Christine Seib in New York

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Pasar otomatif dunia akan “serempak ambruk”

[/caption] Jakarta - Pasar otomatif dunia akan “serempak ambruk” pada 2009 karena didera krisis likuiditas dan tekanan krisis ekonomi secara umum, demikian riset dari sebuah lembaga pemberi referensi paling berpengaruh di dunia, JD Power and Associates seperti dikutip Reuters, Jumat. Lembaga yang berpusat di Detroit, AS ini memperkirakan, penjualan kendaraan ringan akan jatuh hingga 13,2 juta

Pasar otomatif dunia akan “serempak ambruk”

(C) http://www.abc.net.au/reslib/200711/r198975_759480.jpg

[/caption]

Jakarta - Pasar otomatif dunia akan “serempak ambruk” pada 2009 karena didera krisis likuiditas dan tekanan krisis ekonomi secara umum, demikian riset dari sebuah lembaga pemberi referensi paling berpengaruh di dunia, JD Power and Associates seperti dikutip Reuters, Jumat.

Lembaga yang berpusat di Detroit, AS ini memperkirakan, penjualan kendaraan ringan akan jatuh hingga 13,2 juta unit pada 2009 setelah selama tahun ini hanya bisa menjual 13,6 juta unit.

JD Power menilai pemulihan pasar yang sesungguhnya akan memakan waktu lebih dari 18 bulan atau 1,5 tahun.

“Setelah kekuatan penjualan industri otomotif global menurun di sepanjang 2008, maka pada 2009 nanti industri ini akan mengalami kejatuhan secara serempak,” kata Jeff Schuster, direktur eksekutif bidang penakaran industri otomotif dari JD Power.

Sepanjang dampak krisis keuangan terhadap pasar negara maju lebih keras ketimbang terhadap pasar ekonomi berkembang, maka tak ada satu negara atau kawasan pun yang benar-benar kebal dari malapetaka (ekonomi) ini, tambah Schuster.

Pasar otomatif dunia akan “serempak ambruk”

[/caption]

Lembaga yang berpusat di Detroit, AS ini memperkirakan, penjualan kendaraan ringan akan jatuh hingga 13,2 juta unit pada 2009 setelah selama tahun ini hanya bisa menjual 13,6 juta unit.

JD Power menilai pemulihan pasar yang sesungguhnya akan memakan waktu lebih dari 18 bulan atau 1,5 tahun.

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Avions Voisin new supercar concept

Just as Volkswagen Group’s veyro supercar revived the longstanding Bugatti label, Portuguese-based designer Ernesto Freitas from Luso Motors envisages his new Voisin concept injecting some life into France’s forgotten carmaker, Avions Voisin. At the moment his new Voisin Concept remains just a 3D simulated model but Freitas has plans to create a full scale model and hopes to display it at several international car shows.

Avions Voisin was a carmaker based in Paris, which built a number of luxury cars from 1919 up until 1939. During its prime Voisin was competing with the likes of Bugatti and Bentley but the label eventually experienced some financial strife and a number of its key engineers were lost to fellow French carmaker Renault.

Freitas’ latest design draws obvious inspiration from the Bugatti Veyron and has been designed to accommodate a V12 powerplant in its engine bay. The designer’s choice would be a V12 Audi diesel but for now it remains just a dream.

Via: Autoblog.nl

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Chana Benni leads passenger car intro to SA

Chana, which has been in the South African market since June 2006, has revealed it will start importing passenger cars into the country from mid-March. Only commercial vehicles have been sold under the auspices of Chana. The first of these people carriers will be the 1.3-litre Benni with its front-wheel driven 63kW and 110Nm of torque.

Sold with two trim levels of Exclusive and Lux, the Benni is only available with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Lux will list as one of the South Africa’s cheapest new cars at R74,900/ €6,070. It comes with comfort creatures such as air conditioning, colour coded bumpers and side mirrors and integrated fog lamps among other things. Exclusive trim includes exciting additions like electric windows all around, a CD player, ABS and power steering, all of which are features aimed at pampering all the lucky Benni buyers.

Chana SA even has a rally car based on one of their commercial vehicles। Last year the company took some brave/ slow-headed media, depending on who you ask, on a 21,000km journey to Chongqing in China using among other vehicles, a Benni. Therefore durability is hardly in question.

Press Release

The new Chana Benni is the first passenger car to be introduced by Chana South Africa, distributor of the now, well known Chana Star range of commercial vehicles.
Benni was first introduced to the media when the tough little car trekked across often inhospitable terrain as part of Chana Trax, a 21 000 km road journey from Chongqing, China to South Africa. During this epic journey, Benni proved to be durable and reliable facing daunting rock strewn ‘roads’ and tarred highways alike, emerging without any mechanical failure and not even as much as a rattle. Temperature extremes of minus 8 degrees Celsius to plus 53 degrees Celsius and beyond did not phase the tough little Benni. For many journalists who joined the Chana Trax experience, Benni was the hero, having been expected to endure punishment more suited to hardy 4x4 vehicles.

Both the ‘Lux’ and ‘Exclusive’ variants of the Benni offer high levels of equipment as standard. The ‘Lux’ offers aircon, colour coded bumpers and side mirrors, integrated fog lamps, remote central locking and radio/MP3 interface, whilst the ‘Exclusive’ offers electric front and rear windows, integrated fog lamps, colour coded bumpers and side mirrors, driver airbag, ABS braking with EBD, power steering, radio/CD, alloy wheels, aircon, remote central locking and rear window wash/wiper with demister. The ‘Lux’ and ‘Exclusive’ Benni will retail at R74 900 and R84 900 respectively and are both powered by a 63 kW front-wheel-drive 1300cc fuel injected engine. The 1.3 liter engine produces 110Nm of torque at 3500 – 4500 rpm with maximum speed rated at 158 km/h. Initially, the Benni will only be available with a 5 speed manual transmission.

Styled in Italy, the Benni 5 door hatch back has a fresh, modern design that will appeal to a wide audience. The interior space is surprisingly generous for a car measuring in at a total of 3 525 mm in length and offers the driver and passengers enough room to feel comfortable. The high roof line (at 1550 mm) allows ample front and rear head room. Controls are user-friendly and are well within reach of the driver. The elliptical, silver-finished dash centre console is modern and houses the radio and aircon controls. The silver finish is echoed on the interior door closing handles, which integrates the electric window controls.
Benni will also sport the all-new Chana logo for passenger cars. Whilst the commercial vehicle logo remains unchanged, the new passenger logo featuring a spear-head design on a shield background will differentiate the passenger and commercial ranges. Both ranges will however be available from all Chana dealers.
Benni will be available through the countywide Chana network from mid-March 2008.

Source: Chana SA

More News:

Tag Heuer Provides Night Vision Glasses

If these Tag Heuer sunglasses are good enough for 24 hour Le Mans races, Sebastien Bourdais and Indy 500 driver Sarah Fisher, they are pretty much good for anyone else. As you may very well be aware, 24 Hour Le Mans is all about endurance and consistency. It’s like the Comrades Marathon of motor racing.

Available to the general populace, these Night Vision eye glasses as they are appropriately named, offer a high-tech solution to the problem of light and changing colour perception. They offer “constant clear, sharp vision with a very high light transmission rate in order to contrast dark blue and green surroundings without changing color perception”. Nothing here says they’ll make you faster, so don’t buy them with those unrealistic expectations.

Made from titanium, Night Vision is sold with both Wide and Panorama options, and their special ophthalmic lenses are anti-reflective, offering 100% protection against UV-A and UV-B. Titanium is of course known to have the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any metal currently known to man. Therefore breakage and corrosion are virtually unknown terms to Night Vision.

Press Release

A revolution that can be appreciated on the track as well as on the road – TAG Heuer “Avant-Garde” Eyewear has developed innovative glasses exclusively for drivers. Aptly named “Night Vision,” these glasses correct the low-light short-sightedness that everyone endures from twilight to sunrise. “Night Vision” eyeglasses optimize precision and enhance perception of contrasts for more comfort while driving at night. Featuring “TAG Heuer Reflex-type” flexible temples, they are adjustable and fit comfortably under motorcycle and racing helmets.

Originally inspired by and developed for the internationally renowned 24 Hours of LeMans sports car endurance race, TAG Heuer Eyewear plans to market their purpose-made “Night Vision” eyeglasses via real racecar drivers. You’ll see them on Formula One racer Sebastien Bourdais and Indianapolis 500 driver Sarah Fisher. These innovative glasses will be available to the public in early 2008.

The titanium Night Vision frames are available in both Wide and Panorama, with anti-slip elastomere arms. Their pale yellow lenses offer constant clear, sharp vision with a very high light transmission rate in order to contrast dark blue and green surroundings without changing color perception. The special ophthalmic lenses offer an anti-reflective treatment, which reduces glare and offers more accurate sight. A driver’s essential: these glasses are designed to maximize performance from dusk to dawn.

TAG Heuer – maker of high-end sports watches and chronographs since 1860 – has been applying the same standards for design and quality found in their timepieces to the creation of exceptional eyewear since 2002. All TAG Heuer Eyewear lenses are shatter-resistant, ultra-light and provide 100% UV-A and UV-B protection.
Source: Tag Heuer

Friday, March 7, 2008

Final Roush P-51A to Be Auctioned for Charity

The extremely limited run of 151 Roush P-51A Mustangs sold out within 24 hours of its introduction, but you've got one last chance to pick up the most powerful ponycar that Roush has ever produced. Roush Performance plans to auction car number 151, the last of the 2008 production run, at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in West Palm Beach, Florida on Saturday, March 29. The auction will take place live on the SPEED Channel, and proceeds will go to the Salute to Education Scholarship charity.

In case you missed it the first time, the P-51A is a monster modified Mustang that takes its inspiration in part from the World War II P-51 fighter plane. Major modifications to the completely rebuilt 4.6 liter V8 include a forged eight-bolt crank, forged aluminum pistons that lower compression from 9:8 to 8:6, a custom upper and lower intake manifold, custom Roush fuel rail with high-flow fuel injectors, a dual electronic throttle body, and the latest ROUSHcharger supercharger with intercooler. It's all good for 510 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, and all of that even comes with a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty, something many tuner cars don't boast.

The P-51A's paint scheme is inspired by the WWII fighter, with steel gray panels accented with the yellow and red colors used by the 357th Fighters Group, Eighth Air Force ETO (European Theater Operations), one of the most successful American aerial combat groups.

Press Release

ROUSH® Performance, in partnership with the Ford Motor Company, is going to put the very last production 2008 ROUSH P-51A™ Mustang under the gavel and spotlights of the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event at West Palm Beach, Fla. This car, number 151 in a limited production run of 151, will be sold on Saturday, March 29 with proceeds going to the Salute to Education Scholarship charity.
“Number 151 is a pretty significant car for ROUSH considering the total inventory of ROUSH P-51A Mustangs basically sold out within 24 hours when the dealer order banks were opened up,” said Joe Thompson, general manager of ROUSH Performance. “Whoever ends up with this car will truly acquire a part of ROUSH history.”
Jack Roush, the motorsports legend, NASCAR team owner, and aviation enthusiast who owns and flies his own World War II P-51 fighter planes, will be in attendance personally overseeing the bidding on the highest horsepower Mustang that ROUSH Performance has every built. He is flying in from the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Matinsville (Va.) Speedway specifically for the auction.
Shown in the Barrett-Jackson catalog as lot number 667, the ROUSH P-51A is expected to be seen going under the gavel live during the SPEED Channel television broadcast that evening.
“It is for a very worthwhile cause that we are putting up this ROUSH P-51A Mustang,” said Jack Roush. “I am proud of the work that the ROUSH engineers put into the development, I am proud of the finished vehicle, and I am proud that we can help to support the Salute to Education with the proceeds from the auction.”
The ROUSH P-51A is easily the highest horsepower Mustang that the company has ever produced, and represents the first time that internal engine components have been upgraded by ROUSH technicians in their Livonia, Mich., facility. The stock Ford 4.6L, 3V engine sees a rebuild of several of the functional internal components, including a forged steel eight-bolt crankshaft, forged aluminum pistons with increased dish to lower the compression from 9:8 to 8:6, and forged steel H-Beam connecting rods. These upgraded parts were necessary for the stock Ford engine (which comes with 300 horsepower from the factory) to be able to withstand the additional power generated from the newest iteration of the legendary ROUSHcharger™ supercharger system.
Additional alterations include a custom aluminum upper and lower intake manifold for the high capacity air-to-water intercooler and ROUSHcharger. ROUSH installs a custom fuel rail and high-flow fuel injectors, a high-flow capacity fuel system, as well as a dual electronic throttle body. The new ROUSH P-51A engine has a rating of 510 horsepower and 510 lb.-ft. torque. As with all ROUSH vehicles, the P-51A has an industry-leading 3 year/36,000 mile warranty.
As an interesting side note, the yellow and red accent colors on the vehicle come from those used by the 357th Fighters Group, Eighth Air Force ETO (European Theater Operations) who were unofficially known as “The Yoxford Boys” after a village near their base. Its victory totals in air-to-air combat are the most of any P-51 group in the Eighth Air Force and third among all groups fighting in Europe. The 357th flew 313 combat missions between February 11, 1944 and April 25, 1945 and is officially credited by the US Air Force with having destroyed 595.5 German airplanes in the air and 106.5 on the ground. Pilots in this group included Captain Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson who flew a P-51 named “Old Crow.” One of Roush’s personal P-51 fighters is painted as a replica of this airplane.
The Salute to Education Scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who demonstrate community service, academic achievement, leadership and strong educational and career goals. Ford Motor Company, participating Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers, and Ford Motor Credit fund the program
which has helped thousands of students realize their dream for a college or university education.
Participating Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers and Ford Motor Company have distributed more than $11 million in scholarships and educational grants in communities in Texas, California and Florida.
“Ford and the South Florida Ford Dealers are excited to partner with ROUSH Performance on this auction to benefit the Ford Salute to Education Scholarship Program. The P-51A Mustang is a real show stopper and will generate huge excitement at Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach bringing substantial money to the scholarship fund,” explained Kevin Giacomini, regional sales manager of Ford, Lincoln Mercury Sales Operations Orlando Region.

Source: Roush

Suzuki Kizashi 3 Concept Headed for New York

Suzuki plans to debut the latest in its Kizashi series of design concepts at the New York Auto Show in March. The Concept Kizashi 3 is an upscale sports sedan, and based on early sketches released by Suzuki, could be close to production. The Concept Kizashi 3 will be joined on the New York stand by the Concept Kizashi and Concept Kizashi 2. It will be the first North American appearance for the Kizashi concept series.

Inspired by the theme of a "dynamic athlete in motion," the Kizashi concepts hint at a new design language for Suzuki's automotive lineup. With the recent introduction of the Equator pickup truck, Suzuki has hinted strongly at plans to expand the lineup further with a flagship luxury sedan. Could the Concept Kizashi 3 be it? We'll find out in a couple of weeks.
Press Release

Brea, Calif., (March 6, 2008) – The New York International Auto Show welcomes American Suzuki Motor Corp. on Thursday, March 20, as the company debuts its sleek and athletic Concept Kizashi 3, the final addition to its acclaimed Kizashi concept series. The Concept Kizashi 3, which suggests both Suzuki’s future design direction and stated intent to offer a larger, more upscale sport sedan, will be joined in New York by the North American debuts of the Concept Kizashi and Concept Kizashi 2.

The Kizashi concept series was developed by Suzuki’s Advanced Design Group to reflect a dynamic athlete in motion, taking its design cues from a strong, honed physique while displaying the performance, strength and style befitting a flagship vehicle. The design theme began with the Concept Kizashi, which made its debut at the 2007 International Motor Show in Frankfurt, and the Concept Kizashi 2, unveiled at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show last October, which further pushed Suzuki’s new design language. The Concept Kizashi 3 will represent the completion of the Kizashi concept series as well as providing a closer-to-production vision of a future Suzuki sport sedan offering. The complete Kizashi concept series will be revealed at the Suzuki press conference on Thursday, March 20, at 12:10 p.m. in booth 1215 at the Javits center.

Source: Suzuki

Thursday, March 6, 2008

GM Announces Plans For Next Generation Hybrids

While most of the attention at the General Motors exhibit in Geneva focused on the Saab 9-X’s design, the company also used the concept to showcase their next generation of hybrid technology.

Using more powerful lithium-ion batteries supplied by Hitachi, the next generation of GM hybrids will have up to a 20% increase in fuel economy compared to their gasoline powered counterparts. By building upon success of their current mild and two-mode hybrid lineup, the company will be able to make the new hybrids more affordable and expand their application globally. To optimize fuel economy the future hybrids will feature stop/start technology, temporary electric only propulsion, more powerful electric motors, extended fuel cutoff during deceleration, an improved regenerative braking system, and intelligent battery charging.

The company plans to begin rolling out their next generation hybrids in 2010 starting with the North American market, sales are expected to eventually surpass 100,000 units annually.
Press Release

Next-Generation GM Hybrid System Announced in Geneva

High-volume system will debut in North America in 2010, and then expand globally
Hitachi to supply new lithium-ion battery
Cost-effective technology to improve fuel economy by up to 20 percent

GENEVA - As another key element in its overall global strategy to improve fuel economy and reduce oil consumption and CO2 emissions, General Motors Chairman Rick Wagoner announced today that GM will introduce a second-generation version of the GM Hybrid System with a new, more powerful lithium-ion battery.

Hitachi Vehicle Energy Ltd., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Hitachi Ltd., will supply an advanced lithium-ion battery, which will help make the next-generation GM Hybrid System nearly three times more powerful than the system it replaces. Overall fuel economy improvements for cars and trucks using the system are expected to be up to 20 percent, depending on engine and vehicle application.

"This new system is another important step in our broad-based strategy to reduce vehicle fuel consumption and emissions," Wagoner said at the 78th International Geneva Motor Show.

The next-generation GM Hybrid System will build upon the successful belt-alternator-starter hybrid technology currently available in the Saturn Vue, Saturn Aura and Chevrolet Malibu. By building on this proven technology, Wagoner said, GM will be able to make the GM Hybrid System more cost-effective and expand its application in GM's global vehicle portfolio.

"In order to have a real impact in reducing oil consumption, oil imports, and CO2 emissions, advanced technologies must be affordable enough to drive high-volume applications," he said. "We plan to roll out this next-generation hybrid technology globally, across our brands and regions, starting in 2010 in North America, and we expect that volumes will eventually exceed 100,000 units annually."

The next-generation GM Hybrid System will complement GM's widely acclaimed Two-Mode Hybrid system as part of the company's advanced powertrain portfolio. The Two-Mode Hybrid system debuted in 2007 in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, and will be offered this year in the Cadillac Escalade full-size SUV and the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickups. The first front-wheel-drive application of the Two-Mode Hybrid system will debut in the 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line.

The increased power from the lithium-ion battery will allow the next-generation GM Hybrid System to be used in a wide range of global powertrains, including naturally aspirated engines, new high-efficiency turbocharged engines, bio-fuel engines and diesels.

This technology is showcased in the Saab 9-X BioPower Hybrid concept car, which debuted today at the Geneva Motor Show. The Saab concept is capable of 117 g CO2/km, or projected fuel consumption of just 4.9 l/100 km (48 mpg) when running on gasoline over the combined cycle.

The next-generation GM Hybrid System helps optimize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions by:

Turning the engine off at idle
Offering brief electric-only propulsion
Using a more powerful electric motor to enhance engine efficiency
Extending fuel cutoff during deceleration
Extending regenerative braking to recapture more energy
Performing intelligent hybrid battery charging
For additional energy savings, an advanced six-speed automatic transmission also may be used, depending on the vehicle application.

The current GM Hybrid System was introduced in 2006 on the Saturn Vue Green Line SUV, which remains the lowest-priced hybrid SUV in the U.S., starting at a $25,995 MSRP. Shanghai GM announced in January that the Buick LaCrosse Eco-Hybrid sedan will be the first application for the current GM Hybrid System in Asia-Pacific.

By the end of 2008, GM will offer eight hybrid models in North America and nine worldwide. GM will introduce 16 new hybrid vehicles over the next four years.

Source: GM

Related entries:

Saab 9-X BioHybrid Concept Unveiled

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Mazda ASV-4 Advanced Safety Vehicle On Public Road Trials

We won't have flying cars any time soon, but Mazda is working to take us closer to the science-fiction "roads of tomorrow" nonetheless as on-road trials of its unassuming ASV-4 safety car begin in and around Hiroshima. It may not look like much, but the ASV-4 is a highly advanced bundle of technology. The Advanced Safety Vehicle (ASV) project is developing vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology that will allow a car to be aware of other cars in low-visibility situations. With a car that's able to warn the driver of other vehicles he or she might not see, the ASV-4 can help eliminate two-vehicle collisions.

Mazda plans to start testing the ASV-4 on public roads in Hiroshima this year. Sensors along the road can "talk" to the ASV-4 and inform the car of potential danger ahead. Mazda's trial is intended to explore the real-world feasibility of road-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-vehicle communications.

Mazda has not announced any plans beyond the public-road testing, but it's not a long step from a radar-based pre-collision system similar to those found in many luxury cars to a vehicle that can take over in an emergency and swerve away from an unexpected vehicle। The day when our cars can take action to avoid one another even when the driver isn't paying attention may be closer than you think.

Press Release

Mazda to Begin Public Road Trials of the Mazda ASV-4 Advanced Safety Vehicle
HIROSHIMA, Japan—Mazda Motor Corporation will commence public road trials of its advanced safety vehicle, Mazda ASV-4, in the Hiroshima area on March 11, 2008. The trials are based on the Advanced Safety Vehicle (ASV) Promotion Plan that was introduced by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transportation (MLIT) to promote the development, practical application and wider use of ASV technologies aimed at reducing the number of traffic accidents. During the ASV Project’s Phase Four trials, Mazda will forge ahead with development of a safe driving support system that employs vehicle-to-vehicle communications.

In collaboration with other ASV project members in the Hiroshima area*1, Mazda will collect and analyze data to promote development of a safe driving support system. The system deploys safety technologies which utilize vehicle-to-vehicle communications to alert drivers of oncoming vehicles at blind intersections or on twisting roads with limited visibility. By reducing driver oversight or error, the system aims to mitigate two vehicle collisions at blind intersections, rear-end collisions and accidents when a vehicle performs right turns. Mazda plans to begin testing the two vehicle blind collision avoidance system in fiscal year 2007. Road trials of the right-turn and rear-end collision avoidance systems are set to commence in fiscal 2008.

The ASV project has been promoting the spread of safe driving to reduce traffic accidents through advanced technologies for over fifteen years since its inception by the MLIT in 1991. Mazda’s test results from Phase One to Phase Three have already resulted in the successful development of various advanced safety technologies. These include: a rear vehicle monitoring system that detects vehicles approaching from behind at highway speeds; and Mazda’s Precrash Safety System, which uses milliwave radar to monitor for oncoming obstacles, then alerts the driver and automatically applies the brakes if necessary. The Mazda ASV-4, part of the project’s fourth phase (2006 to 2010), will participate in the effort to promote the spread of ASV technologies and develop and implement a telecommunications-based safe driving support system to help reduce traffic accidents.

In January 2008, Mazda began trials to validate a new Intelligent Transport System (ITS)*2 as part of a consortium of local government, academia and industry in the Hiroshima area. The ITS consists of safe driving support technologies that link sensors installed along roadways to vehicles (road-to-vehicle communications) in order to detect potentially dangerous situations that the driver cannot see. By conducting the ASV public road trials in the same area as the ITS experiments, Mazda intends to evaluate the compatibility of the road-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems.

Mazda is dedicated to leveraging these road trial results, and its own research and development initiatives, to establish ITS and ASV technologies that can assist in reducing the number of traffic accidents and decrease the environmental burden caused by road traffic. Going forward, Mazda will continue to develop and evolve safety technologies that are helping to promote a sustainable transport environment for the future.

*1 Mitsubishi Motors Japan and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.
*2 A new traffic system that uses advanced telecommunications technology to create an information network between people, vehicles and the road infrastructure in order to solve transportation problems such as road accidents, traffic jams and damage to the environment.

Source: Mazda

Friday, February 22, 2008

Honda's Swindon factory celebrates 2 millionth car

The British motor industry was once the envy of the developed world. The first three quarters of the 20th century was a hugely exciting period in the industry. British manufacturers such as Austin and Morris produced bread and butter transport for the masses, while marques such as Rolls Royce, Bentley and Jaguar were building motor cars for the worlds rich and famous.

That era has long passed, the Germans own Rolls Royce and Bentley and Jaguar is being sold off to the Indians. Much of the development and engineering is still conducted in the UK but the Brit’s just don’t own any off it anymore. But alas, there is still something to be very proud of if you are a patriotic British car enthusiast. Britain has a burgeoning car manufacturing industry. Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Jaguar and Landrover all build cars in the UK, to name but a few. In fact some of the most efficient manufacturing facilities in Europe are on British terra firma.

So it should come as no surprise to learn that Honda will build its two millionth car at its Swindon based UK manufacturing facility on the 21st of February। The plant, which has been building cars since 1992 is in for a substantial upgrade as Honda have committed around £80 million for improvements. This will ensure that the Brit’s will be making Japanese cars for many years to come. Read on for more details.

Press Release

HONDA CELEBRATES ONE IN TWO MILLION

£80m investment tops day of achievement

This week marks Honda's celebration of the 2 millionth car from its Swindon car production facility. The silver CR-V is scheduled for production tomorrow evening (21st February, 2008) nearly 16 years after car manufacturing began in October 1992. Today the company announced substantial new investment, showing further commitment to its UK manufacturing operations.

Building on its 22 year history, Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd. (HUM) is investing a further £80 million to upgrade and improve manufacturing processes. This includes:

• £20 million into Plastic Operations which started mass production in January 2008
- capable of moulding and painting 1300 sets of bumpers for Civic and CR-V each day
• £16 million into a new casting facility employing the Honda patented process of ASCT (advanced semi-solid casting technology). This unique new process will enable HUM to independently cast diesel blocks, a process which, until now, has only been carried out at Honda in Japan
• A further £50 million being invested in welding and paint production technology, increasing efficiency and production flexibility.

Honda's Swindon plant has shown a 25% increase in production volume over the last 18 months, with the company's UK sales operation breaking through the 100,000 sales barrier for the first time in 2007. Currently just under 30% of Swindon production goes to the UK market. In 2007, HUM produced 237,783 cars.

David Hodgetts, Director at HUM, stated that "We are extremely proud of our workforce here in Swindon. This major milestone demonstrates the scale of our achievement since our operations began nearly 22 years ago. This fresh investment will enable Honda to improve overall competitiveness and increase the level of localised manufacture in Swindon. "

Ken Keir, Senior Vice President of Honda Motor Europe, said "The fact that there are over two million happy customers driving Swindon built Honda cars is testament to our Associates' commitment and is a great accomplishment."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd. (HUM) : Key Facts

1) HUM Vehicle Production History

• Accord 4 Door (1992~2002 ) 280,432
• Accord 5 Door (1999~2002) 46,418
• Civic Aerodeck (1998~2000) 48,064
• Civic 3 Door (2001~Present) 213,810
• Civic 5 Door (1994~Present) 777,850
• CR-V (2000~Present) 633,426

Total 2,000,000

2) HUM Profile

• Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd (HUM) is a fully integrated car manufacturing facility, producing the total car (Casting, Engine, Pressing, Painting and Assembly) on one site in Swindon, Wiltshire.
• 370 acre site (1.5million m2)
• Honda has invested £1.38 billion in its manufacturing operation in Swindon
• Total 5,000 Associates
• HUM built CR-V and Civic models exported to 60 Countries Worldwide

3) HUM Production Milestones

1985 HUM established
1986 Pre-Delivery Inspection begins
1989 Engine Plant production begins
1992 Car manufacturing begins in Car Plant 1 - Accord Model
Second Engine Line installed
1994 Civic production begins
1995 Press Facility established
1996 10th Anniversary of Operation
1998 1 Million Engines
¼ Million Civics
1999 ½ Million cars
10th anniversary of Engine production
¼ Million Accords
2000 CR-V production begins
2001 Car Plant 2 begins production
Civic 3-Door production begins
Civic Type-R exported to Japan
2002 10th anniversary of Car production
Press Facility expansion
End of Accord production
CR-V exported to North America
2003 1 Million Cars
1½ Million Engines
2004 ¼ Million CR-Vs
15th Anniversary of Engine Production
Plastic Operations established
2005 2 Million Engines produced
¾ Million Civics
Diesel engine assembly begins
1.5 millionth car produced
2006 20th Anniversary of Operation
½ Million CR-Vs
2007 ‘07 Civic Type-R Production begins
Plant-2 Two Shift Operation begins
Civic Type-R export to Australia
1 Million Civics
CR-V export to South Africa
2008 Plastic Operations expansion
2 Million Cars
Source: Honda

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Honda present Accord Tourer Concept
Honda Civic Type S
Honda Civic Type-R Modulo Concept
New 2008 Honda Accord Revealed In Depth
Honda Accord Coupe HF-S Concept

Thursday, February 21, 2008

JJAD Project 001: Affordable, Light and Powerful Sports Car

Jim Dowle, a British designer and developer of vehicles such as the Caparo T1 or the legendary McLaren F1, has decided he needs to build a car of his own and, with the help of the Mexican designer Alejandro Loya Iturralde, who has created the images you see it this article, he came up with the so far called Project 001।

Although the name of the car seems not to have been defined yet, Project would be a nice way to call it, since its goals are very impressive: 200 hp, 870 kg and a tag list of £ 35,000, or about € 46,400। You may say that is not exactly cheap, but the car’s sport capabilities will probably make it very good value for money, and one of the cheapest high performance cars of the world.

If the engineers manage to reach the desired figures, the JJAD Project will become one of the most interesting cars to drive on the road, probably challenging the Elise and other Lotus vehicles।

The JJAD will be a two-seater with centrally mounted engine, an aluminium chassis and carbon fibre body। You can expect for more information of the car as soon as we manage to talk to Mr. Dowle and to Mr. Iturralde in order to obtain more images and news about this good-looking vehicle.

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Monday, February 18, 2008

First Official Image Released:Bolwell Nagari

Many may have not ever heard of the Bolwell Car Company, but now they will. The company will present the new Nagari (nothing to do with Mazda’s concept car) at the Melbourne Motor Show in February 29 and, though the company has not stated officially which engine will power the car, Campbell Bolwell, the founder of the company, writes at the homepage of Bolwell’s website that he has built his first V8 sports car at 16. Since it was his dream to construct a V8 sports car, this is very likely to be his beauty’s powerplant. We will just have to find out which V8.

Meanwhile, Bolwell has release this first image and given hints on the rest of the car in its official website. The press release claims the “four headlight front end echoes the legendary McLaren F1”, but the overall appearance of the sporty vehicle resembles much more another myth on wheels, the Ferrari F40. In an indirect way, Bolwell recognises the influence and makes reference to the “best Italian mid-engined exotics”.

No technical details have been released so far, but the press release also states that the Nagari’s design “also pays homage to the original Nagari of the 1970’s”. The elements that make the connection between the two cars are the rising hip line and the tunnel-back rear window (not disclosed so far). We’ll bring you the pictures and the technical specs as soon as they are disclosed.

Press Release

Bolwell's New Nagari Revealed

Bolwell Car Company has revealed the fully finished beauty of its new Nagari sports car.

A single frontal image reveals sleek, low-slung lines with generous glass areas and classic mid-engined sports car styling.

The faired-in, four-headlight front end echoes the legendary McLaren F1, while other elements capture the spirit of the best Italian mid-engined exotics.

As intended by its creator Campbell Bolwell, the styling also pays homage to the original Nagari of the 1970s, particularly in the rising, curvaceous hip line and the tunnel-back rear window.

Bolwell will give the public its first look at the complete car when the Motor Show opens its doors next week at 5pm on Friday 29 February.

Melbourne International Motor Show is organised and promoted by the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce through its dealer division the Australian Automobile Dealers Association (Vic).

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Bolwell Nagari Revival First Photos Released
Bolwell Returns to Australian Muscle Car Scene

Friday, February 15, 2008

Webasto's Innovative Car Roofs Hit Geneva

If you can’t stand the heat, as the saying goes, leave the kitchen. In this case, better call Webasto. Possibly what some might label a very boring company – let’s face it, car roofs and air conditioning systems aren’t exactly fire under our bellies – yet Webasto is the leader in roof mechanisms for some of the world’s most stylish convertibles. They are behind MINI’s innovative convertible roof, as well as VW’s quiet 5-piece Eos hard-top, with all those complex hydraulic systems.

Come Geneva Motor Show 2008, Webasto will be under the spotlight, so to speak, as the unveil their newest products, the Webasto LigHT Concept, which is an innovative roof concept featuring a hybrid top with a new material mix. This will be shown on a roadster design study for demo purposes. Then there is the Liquid Heat Generator, a new heat-generating auxiliary system. Remember that Webasto developed the solar sunroof that runs a blower located inside the car to cool it when the engine is off while it’s blazing hot outside. Clever this, using the sun to cool things down in the car’s interior. No more sunburn at the parking lot outside the mall on Saturday.

Something Webasto calls “The roof of the future” will also make its appearance at Geneva. Touted as a fantasy concept, designers were given the brief to go wild and go beyond the classic convertible roof we are used to.

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Tuesday, January 29, 2008

F1 License Plate sold for GBP 440,625

New record

Everybody thought that GBP 331,000 would be the ultimate record for the M1 UK license plate, topping Russian gazillionaire and Chelsea owner Abramovich's GBP 281,000 bid for the VIP1 plate. But today we can officially report a new record, set by Afzal Kahn from Project Kahn who paid an astounding GBP 375,000 for the 'F1' UK number plate (that's GBP 440,625 including taxes, almost 600,000 Euro or USD 875,000).

The F1 number plate was sold by the Essex County Council who has been in possession of the plate ever since 1904. Lord Hanningfield, the current leader of the authority, said: "It will be with some sadness that we will be losing this little piece of Essex history.”

Afzal Kahn, President of Project Kahn, said “I am privileged to have acquired such a prestigious marque. I am extremely happy the money raised from the sale will help improve road safety and through the training of young drivers.”

For now the F1 license plates is used for a Mercedes SLR McLaren, but in a few weeks time it will move to Kahn latest, a Range Rover Cosworth. Stay tuned for that!

Press Release

“F1” Sold!

The UK’s most expensive ever number plate has been sold for £440,625 Inc. The F1 plate, previously owned by Essex County Council has been sold to automotive designer and entrepreneur Afzal Kahn from Project Kahn LTD.

Essex County Council Leader Lord Hanningfield and an Essex advanced trained young driver will hand over the most prized ID in Britain to its new owner on January 21st 2008 at North Weald Airfield, Near Epping, Essex.

The “F1” number plate was sold for £109,625 more than the previous record holder, the “M1” plate, sold at Bonhams recently for £331,000. The record sale also eclipses the sale of VIP 1, reputedly sold to Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich for £285,000.

The money raised from the sale will go to the education and training of young drivers. Hundreds of young and recently passed drivers will be given help to take the Pass Plus test, which gives advanced training in driving techniques. The test, designed by the Driver Standards Agency, gives youngsters knowledge of how to drive on motorways and in poor weather conditions. The test is recognised by many car insurance companies, lowering insurance premiums and also by many employers.

F1 was first registered in the Essex County Register of Motors in 1904 as belonging to the County Surveyor of Essex. It was the official car of the first Chairman of Essex County Council, Andrew Johnston, and has remained in the county council’s possession ever since, having had pride of place on the Chairman’s car until recently when it was replaced with the plate, “ECC1”.

Council Leader - Lord Hanningfield said “It will be with a little sadness that we will be losing this little piece of Essex history but I am pleased to say the money raised will help improve the safety of our roads through the training of young drivers. I believe we have got an excellent for Essex in selling this asset. I congratulate Mr Kahn on his purchase”

Afzal Kahn, President of Project Kahn, said “I am privileged to have acquired such a prestigious marque. I am extremely happy the money raised from the sale will help improve road safety and through the training of young drivers such as James. The training of young drivers is a very important issue and I am privileged to have contributed to such a worthy cause.

“I look forward to The F1 number plate being placed on the groundbreaking Range Rover Cosworth that we will be launching in the coming weeks.”

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Tesla Roadster Receives U.S. FMVSS Certification

The green-minded enthusiasts who have put down deposits on Teslas have one less concern weighing on their minds today. In the wake of recent organizational upheaval, Tesla Motors released some good news for those eagerly awaiting the electric sports car's pending introduction. After a final round of crash tests, the Tesla now meets U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). With that hurdle cleared, the car officially meets DOT and EPA requirements to be sold in the United States. Production is scheduled to begin March 17 of this year.

According to Malcolm Powell, Vice President of Vehicle Integration with Tesla, crash testing was only part of the gauntlet of tests the Tesla had to pass: windshield defrosting, mirror coverage and EPA Clean Air Act requirements were also necessary. Specific details of how well the carbon-fiber-bodied Tesla crashed haven't been released, but the company announced that it did pass and that the car has been approved for U.S. sale, thereby keeping the company on track to begin delivering cars as scheduled. Currently, the only mechanical change to the Tesla is a one-speed transmission that will be used on early production models. Acceleration is limited, from the blistering 4.0 second 0-60mph time promised to a more sedate 5.7 seconds, but the single-speed gearbox is reportedly more durable than the two-speed transmission that was originally planned. Tesla is in the process of developing the faster transmission for production but plans to begin limited production on schedule with the interim transmission.

Press Release

First production 2008 Tesla Roadster Imported – Series Production Begins in March

0. Tesla Motors has received all regulatory approvals to import the first production Tesla Roadster (“P1”) for sale. This includes all necessary EPA and DOT approvals, including completion of all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS.)
0. P1 will arrive at Tesla Motors headquarters next week for delivery to customer Elon Musk, Chairman of Tesla Motors.
0. Series production of the Tesla Roadster is scheduled to begin March 17th, 2008.
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND
0. As communicated previously, early production units will be equipped with an interim transmission that meets durability requirements but limits acceleration to 5.7 seconds from 0 to 60 mph.
0. Separately, Tesla Motors engineers have designed a permanent solution for mass production that supports the original specification of 0 to 60 mph in 4 seconds.
0. The planned solution has some very positive benefits for our customers. Instead of a complex 2-speed transmission design, Tesla will achieve the original performance goals with a simpler one-speed unit mated to a higher rated Power Electronics Module (PEM.) The existing motor will be modified to have advanced cooling capabilities to handle the additional power. The permanent transmission unit will be engineered to handle the higher torque of the powertrain.
0. The planned solution reduces program risk, provides better efficiency, lower weight, equal or better range, better thermal performance and quicker quarter mile acceleration due to the elimination of the need to shift gears.
0. The planned solution incorporates the latest developments of our powertrain team which has been continually improving on Tesla’s core technology.
0. Early production will proceed at a limited rate and then ramp up to full production when the permanent powertrain solution is production ready later this year.
The upgrade from the interim solution to the higher power, permanent solution will be provided to our customers free of charge when available later this year.

Related entries:

Tesla Roadster: In Detail

Car Sport News

Blog Archive

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Concept car Porsche 911 Turbo TechArt GTstreet Model 997

Concept car Porsche 911 Turbo TechArt GTstreet Model 997

Friday, June 12, 2009

Obama taskforce faces Congress over car industry rescue

Obama taskforce faces Congress over car industry rescue

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Pasar otomatif dunia akan “serempak ambruk”

Pasar otomatif dunia akan “serempak ambruk”

Pasar otomatif dunia akan “serempak ambruk”

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Avions Voisin new supercar concept

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Chana Benni leads passenger car intro to SA

Tag Heuer Provides Night Vision Glasses

Friday, March 7, 2008

Final Roush P-51A to Be Auctioned for Charity

Suzuki Kizashi 3 Concept Headed for New York

Thursday, March 6, 2008

GM Announces Plans For Next Generation Hybrids

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Mazda ASV-4 Advanced Safety Vehicle On Public Road Trials

Friday, February 22, 2008

Honda's Swindon factory celebrates 2 millionth car

Thursday, February 21, 2008

JJAD Project 001: Affordable, Light and Powerful Sports Car

Monday, February 18, 2008

First Official Image Released:Bolwell Nagari

Friday, February 15, 2008

Webasto's Innovative Car Roofs Hit Geneva

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

F1 License Plate sold for GBP 440,625

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Tesla Roadster Receives U.S. FMVSS Certification

Press Release

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