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Monday, January 31, 2011
The Honda P-NUT Concept (Personal-Neo Urban Transport) demonstrates a futuristic concept for an ultra-compact and sophisticated city coupe, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show.
Conceived around a small "footprint" for maximum convenience in tight urban settings, the packaging concept integrates a center driving position configuration and a rear powertrain layout. The exterior styling leverages crisp angles with dynamic flowing lines that originate from the front of the vehicle and span outward toward the rear. The end result is a sleek and aggressive exterior that also allows for a spacious and open interior with excellent visibility.
The exterior styling is intended to capture a future direction for premium sophistication while balancing the need for maximum interior space and an aerodynamic appearance. The interior layout, in conjunction with the rear powertrain design, contributes prominently to the exterior's overall shape.
The layout of the interior space, with its center driving position flanked by two rear seats, provides generous legroom for all occupants, roughly the equivalent of a mid-sized sedan in a vehicle that has an exterior footprint similar to a micro car. Interior functionality is increased by rear seating areas that fold up and out of the way to increase storage capacity. The windshield serves as a heads-up display for the navigation system and the back-up camera.
The modular rear engine bay, depicted on the exterior by blue composite material, is designed to accommodate a wide variety of potential propulsion technologies including a conventional small displacement internal combustion engine, a hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain, or a battery-electric powertrain.
The Advanced Design Studio of Honda R&D Americas, Inc. in Los Angeles developed the Honda P-NUT Concept. Honda R&D Americas 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 research, design and development. Recent Honda-brand efforts include trend-setting products such as the Pilot, Ridgeline, Element, Civic Coupe and Civic Si Coupe.
Specifications
* Size class: Ultra-compact
* Layout: Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive
* Passengers: 3
* Length: 3,400 mm
* Width: 1,750 mm
* Height: 1,439 mm
* Powertrain: Internal-combustion engine, hybrid-electric or battery-electric
The prototype conveys the design features of the more boldly-styled 2009 Pilot, which emphasizes authentic SUV styling, clever and more accommodating interior packaging and advanced technologies for safety, fuel efficiency and convenience.
The functional eight-passenger seating, a hallmark of the Pilot, becomes even easier to access in the third row as key dimensions for legroom, cargo and occupant space increase in all seating positions. A redesigned platform allows even more refined handling and ride comfort to exist seamlessly with all-weather and medium-duty off-road capabilities.
The Pilot will feature the Honda-exclusive Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE) body structure and the most extensive use of high-strength steel in any Honda product to date.
The ACE body structure enhances frontal collision compatibility with vehicles of different sizes and bumper heights. A pedestrian injury mitigation design in the front of the vehicle is designed to help absorb energy in the event of a collision.
A crossover SUV platform underpins the Pilot to provide the best of the car and truck worlds by integrating the refined traits and packaging advantages of a unit body car design with the utility and capability of an SUV design. A V-6 engine introduces the latest generation of Honda fuel-saving Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) technology that operates in 6-cylinder mode for power and 4- and 3-cylinder modes for efficiency, an improvement compared to the existing Pilot's available VCM system that works exclusively in 6- and 3-cylinder modes.
The three rows of seats provide a high degree of adaptability for people and large cargo loads. The first row provides a commanding view of the road from two captains' chairs. A wide center stack and center console form the styling anchor for the interior with a design that emphasizes spaciousness and power, while allowing for convenient access to navigation, entertainment and climate-control systems.
The 60/40 split second row, more spacious, slides further forward for increased ease of access to the third row. The 60/40 split third row, now supplies enough knee room for an above-average-sized adult male to fit comfortably, making the Pilot's third row among the most practical in the industry. Each side of the second and third row independently folds down for cargo. A flat floor is created when the second and third rows are folded down.
The 2009 Honda CR-Z Concept, displayed at the Tokyo Motor Show, is the most recent prototype of a compact, agile coupe using Honda's IMA technology. When the production version goes on sale in the UK in the summer of 2010, it will be the world's first sports hybrid car, and the first ever petrol-electric vehicle to employ a 6-speed manual transmission.
The Honda 3R-C Concept has a clear canopy that covers the driver's seat while it is parked and not in use. When 3R-C vehicle is in motion, the canopy becomes an enveloping wind-shield that provides the pilot, who sits low in the vehicle, with significant protection from the bodywork and doors.
The high sides of the safety shell seat give greater safety to the occupant, reducing the threat from side impacts and improving weather protection. In front of the driver is a lockable boot area, which gives significant secure storage for luggage or other items. The Honda 3R-C Concept's designers created a flexible cover that surrounds the upper torso to reduce exposure to bad weather and improving comfort.
The Honda 3R-C Concept study was created by European designers working at Honda's Research and Design facility in Milan.
The all-new 2008 Honda Accord moves the world of mainstream transportation in a refined, dynamic and sophisticated direction with an expanded range of innovative technologies designed for more power, greater efficiency and enhanced safety across the entire lineup of sedans and coupes.
Completely redesigned for 2008 with increased dimensions for a more spacious interior, the sedan styling theme expresses a powerful presence with sharp and strong character lines. The coupe is further individualized with an aggressive stance and unique proportions that create a muscular, sporty demeanor.
"The all-new Honda Accord has become more advanced and refined with a new level of engineering sophistication," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "As the Honda brand's flagship automobile, the Accord is designed to exceed expectations with premium technology, a more spacious interior and increased power, while retaining the fun-to-drive character and innovative feel that has always distinguished the Accord."
The Accord is available in sedan and coupe body styles with 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and 3.5-liter V-6 engine choices. Available transmissions include a 5-speed manual (standard with all 4-cylinder engines), a 5-speed automatic (standard on sedan V-6 models, available with all 4-cylinder engines and V-6-powered Accord Coupes,) and a 6-speed manual transmission (exclusive to the Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 6MT).
Sedan trim levels range from the well-equipped Accord Sedan LX and plus-featured LX-P (177-horsepower 4-cylinder engine), to the nicely-equipped Accord Sedan EX (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or 268-horsepower V-6 engine), to the premium and upscale Accord Sedan EX-L (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or 268-horsepower V-6 engine). Coupe trim levels range from the well-equipped Accord Coupe LX-S (190 horsepower 4-cylinder engine), to the nicely-equipped Accord Coupe EX (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine) to the premium and upscale Accord Coupe EX-L (190-horsepower 4-cylinder engine or 268-horsepower V-6 engine).
Interior
Premium quality with a simple, modern and spacious design describes the philosophy behind the Accord's interior. The larger Accord Sedan total interior volume of 120.0 cubic feet (+3.3 cubic feet compared to 2007) moves the EPA classification from the midsize sedan class to the large sedan class. The additional space is intended to provide "equal" seating comfort for front and rear passengers. Rear legroom of 37.2 inches (+0.4 inches) approaches the impressive second row legroom of the Honda Pilot SUV (37.4 inches). The wider interior (+1.5 inches) allows the front seats to be positioned farther apart to allow for a wide center console more commonly associated with the finest luxury vehicles.
The Accord interior is designed for a dynamic, intuitive and upscale presence, starting with an easy-to-read information display on every vehicle. A zone styling approach separates operation-related instruments (top) and information-related instruments (lower). At night, the controls are further separated by color to distinguish between climate controls (aqua green) and audio controls (white). Classically-styled gauges for the speedometer and tachometer are perfectly round (instead of being truncated at the bottom). Steering wheel audio controls are standard on every Accord. Careful attention was paid to the symmetry of the exterior and interior of the vehicle - including sight lines related to the dashboard height and the visual presence of the hood to the driver.
Redesigned front bucket seats are larger, and feature substantial lateral support to complement the Accord's sporting side. The fold-down lockable rear seatback increases cargo-carrying versatility; the sedan includes a lockable pass-through.
Exterior
Intended to convey a prestigious presence, the Accord Sedan embraces a traditional three-box shape that emphasizes both a dynamic and athletic feel with the sophistication of a timeless sedan form. Dimensionally, the Accord Sedan's overall length of 194.1 inches (4-cylinder models, V-6 models add 0.2 inches for front spoiler lip) is 3.0 inches longer than the 2007 model. The width of 72.7 inches is 1.1 inches wider, and the height of 58.1 inches is 0.9 inches taller. Even though the size is larger in every dimension, the vehicle's torsional rigidity has increased by 20 percent as a result of advanced body construction that uses 48 percent high-tensile steel - the most high-tensile steel by volume of any Accord to date. A significant benefit to the advanced body construction is that total vehicle weight increased only by approximately 5 percent despite the larger size, greater rigidity and added features.
The Accord Coupe styling radically breaks from the sedan with a uniquely aggressive image. Its long hood, sleek roofline and muscular lines suggest power and a heightened agility compared to the sedan. Dimensionally, the Accord Coupe's overall length of 190.9 inches is 3.2 inches longer than 2007 model, its width of 72.8 inches is 1.2 inches wider, and its height of 56.4 inches is 0.6 (LX-S) to 0.7 (EX, EX-L) inches higher. Compared to the 2008 Accord Sedan, the Accord Coupe is 3.2 inches shorter in length, 1.7 inches shorter in height and 0.1-inch wider.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Khan Design's Freelander 2 also uses the new Land Rover Freelander 2
0 comments Posted by Frees at 10:58 PMThe project Khan Freelander 2 adds 20" RS-C alloy (or chrome) rims and a few changes on the exterior as well as the interior features. The interior is provided with leather seats, word steering wheels, revised trim (with some optional high gloss grand Black Lacquer Finish) and of course it will not be complete without its in-car video entertainment system.
Khan Design's Freelander 2 also uses the new Land Rover Freelander 2 factory performance body kit which is not yet officially introduced yet by Land Rover but most UK dealers have them already in their showrooms and are being offered with the rest of high quality Rover Freelander parts.
With the vast range of models and specs on offer it may be a little daunting to the first time buyer. However don't be overwhelmed by the choices, because visiting a good specialist used Land Rover dealership means that you will be able to talk through your requirements with experienced sales staff who can advise on the model that best suits your needs. This applies to any used vehicle, and a specialist dealership should be your first port of call to avoid disappointedly kicking the tyres of a rust bucket that looks nothing like the "good as new, one careful lady owner" car that you were expecting.
As I was only borrowing this particular used Land Rover Defender for a few hours, I thought it prudent to avoid any off-road adventures. However travelling the back roads made it clear that the advances in technology have only served to enhance the performance of the Defender. I barely felt a jolt as I mounted the grass at the side of a single-lane country road in order to let another driver pass. And whilst I may love the classic models, one can't exactly pretend that they provide the most comfortable of rides over rougher terrain. The improved suspension of the updated Defender meant that even a vicious-looking pothole evoked merely a shrug from the vehicle.
Introduced for the 2011 model year, the Fit is Honda's smallest and most affordable product. In terms of size, the Fit hatchback is about 20 inches shorter than a Civic sedan -- yet if measured by interior volume, the Fit nearly matches the passenger space of the much larger, midsize Accord. Honda has managed this by using an innovative, highly versatile "Magic Seat" seating arrangement, a compact suspension design and the placement of the fuel tank underneath the passenger seat.
The 2011 Honda Fit comes only a five-door hatchback and is Honda's lowest-priced car for the U.S. market. Although the Fit is also the smallest model in the Honda lineup, it's about the same length and width as the Honda Civic when it was last offered in the United States as a three-door hatchback (back in 2000). However, the five-door Fit is significantly roomier inside due to its tall, upright body style.
The 2011 Honda Fit comes
The Honda Fit is a subcompact four-door hatchback perfect for getting you through times of increasingly expensive fuel with a cheerful, economical, less-is-more attitude. Built to Honda's usual exacting, world-class standards, the Fit proves that a hip, desirable car can be affordable for most anyone.
Already an established and popular Honda vehicle in Japan and Europe, we expect that success will also follow it here in the U.S. The Honda Fit is a smart, nearly perfect choice for consumers living in congested urban areas. The vehicle's strengths include snappy handling, interior adaptability and high quality, at a relatively low price.
The Honda Fit is popular Honda vehicle in Japan and Europe
The 2011 Honda Civic released before a complete design overhaul
0 comments Posted by Frees at 8:38 PMEventually, Honda is expected to mold the Civic to look more like its futuristic-looking counterparts sold in foreign markets. For the 2011 Civic, however, styling changes are unlikely. Honda will probably offer a few new body colors to distinguish the 2011 from the previous model, but other than that, the car will remain unchanged. The 2011 Honda Civic is expected to be the last model released before a complete design overhaul. See our gallery of photos to check out how the new Civic will look.
Specifications
Here are the known specs for the 2011 Honda Civic:
Pricing
No specific pricing information has been released, but the 2011 Civic should start at just over $16,000 and range up to $28,000 for the hybrid version. No invoice information is available at this time.
Fuel economy
The 2011 Civic with a manual transmission should have city/highway fuel economy car ratings of 26/34 mpg and 25/36 with an automatic transmission
Engine
1.8-liter four cylinder with 140 horsepower; SI Civic has 2.0-liter four cylinder with 197 horsepower
Drivetrain
Five-speed manual or five-speed automatic available on all but the SI; SI comes with six-speed manual
Acceleration
0-60 mph in about 9.6 seconds with automatic transmission; SI 0-60 time is 7.1 seconds
Model lineup
Honda may add a special performance edition to the Civic lineup for 2011, called the Type R
Car safety features
All current safety features will carry over to the 2011 Honda Civic, but Honda may opt to make electronic stability control available on all trims rather than on just the hybrid, EX-L, and SI trims
Suspension
The Si Civic has a sport-tuned suspension
Warranty
Three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and five years of corrosion protection
Goto Honda Dealer Search and Give your Address or the Zip Code of the location where you reside. With Toyota marred with the recalls that spot seems to have gone to Honda Civic. In a fashion similar to th 2011 Honda Civic,the 2011 Honda Civic, likely to be launched in August or September 2011 will body styles that will be similar to the 2010 Honda Civic.
The 2011 Honda Civic should return essentially unchanged from 2010 as Honda prepares to launch an all-new 2012 Honda Civic. This tabs the 2011 Civic as a lame duck navigating the compact-car waters with a design that dates to model-year 2006. The 2011 Civic will repeat sedan and coupe body styles and again be available as a gas-electric hybrid sedan. Slightly larger than the coupe, the Civic sedan is roomier and rides softer. Should you wait for the 2011 Honda Civic or buy a 2010 Honda Civic?
Styling: The 2011 Honda Civic styling should carry over from 2010 with only a few new exterior colors to distinguish the two model years. The Civic four-door is notably roomy, with particularly generous rear-seat room for a compact car. Mechanical: The 2011 Civic powertrain lineup should segue into 2011 intact. Several have six-speed manual and automatic transmissions versus Civic’s less-efficient five-speed units. Optimists hope Honda will mark the end of this Civic design cycle by adding a high-performance model. The 2011 Honda Civic Hybrid will return as a sedan only and combine a 1.3-liter gas engine with an electric motor for a total of 110 horsepower. The Civic Hybrid employs a continuously variable transmission, or CVT. This Civic GX sedan has a 113-horspower 1.8-liter powered exclusively by natural gas.
But keep the pot boiling and you will find a rather nice power train here. I have heard that the Ford racing folks have already toyed around with a Fiesta or two, so let's see what happens power-wise in the future. Of course, it runs on regular unleaded and Ford projects gas mileage on the tested vehicle of 29 city and 38 on the highway. I got 31 mpg.
The gearbox is easy to get acquainted with and the light clutch pedal helps as well. The shift from fourth to fifth might be a stretch for some with short arms. Reverse gear is to the right and down, at a time when most makers put it to the left and up, so that might take some getting used to.
Keep the revs up and you will find this to be kind of a fun car out on curvy back roads, thanks to a well-thought suspension. There are independent MacPherson struts with a stabilizer bar up front, and a twist beam with coil springs to the rear. Ford promised to make as few changes as possible to the European Spec Fiesta and overall they did it. Handling is secure and while the feedback through the wheel isn't the greatest, there was little body lean and the SE model standard P185/60R15 tires hung on rather well. Look for a standing start to 60 time of about 9 seconds or so. On the interstate, the little four virtually dozes in fifth gear and is seldom heard from except on downshifts, and then not to any extreme. Ford promised this would be one of the quietest cars in the subcompact field and they delivered on that one also. So watch your speed on the interstates, because it is so quiet it is very easy to find yourself over the limit.
2011 Ford Fiesta ReviewsI drove a fiesta when I worked in Europe and it was a great little car. My son was interested in buying one here, but when we went and looked at it, it wasn't the same car, much more cheaply made. It would be great if Ford was actually bringing the same car here with the same fit and finish. Yes, it's a cheap car and you get what you pay for, not sure that a Honda or Toyota wouldn't be a better buy. But it's the right move for Ford.
Second off the bat, let me say Ford has a heck of a car here, one that consumers worrying about the price of gasoline, or seeking a back-to-college car for the offspring, should put at the top of their list.
For U.S. consumers this is the second go around for the Fiesta subcompact, but for those in Europe this is the sixth generation Fiesta and it certainly has improved with age.
Let's get some basics out of the way first and then jump behind the wheel. Assembled in Cuautitlan Izcalli, Mexico, the tested Fiesta hatchback has a unitized steel body, is 160 inches long, rides on a 98-inch wheelbase, and is 67.8 inches wide and 58 inches tall. That makes it 14 inches longer than a Mini Cooper and three inches longer than the Mazda MX5 Miata. Or about the same overall size as the Honda Fit.
Only one engine is offered, a 1.6-liter inline four manufactured in Brazil (these things seem to matter to some readers). It has an aluminum block and head with DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder and is rated at 120 hp at 6,350 rpm with a rather meager 112 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. Ford offers a slick shifting 5-speed manual or a dual-clutch automatic that I did not get a chance to try.
The engine is smooth and refined until you get near the 6,000-plus red line when things get a little raspy. It is both a joy and setback in this subcompact -- a joy if you keep the revs up above 3,500 rpm to extract all of the power that engine has. Get lazy about shifting on a back road and start up a long hill and you are looking at a two-gear reduction, and wondering if the torque should not be measured in pounds-feet but
A review of the 2011 Ford Fiesta
New Chevrolet Cruze: Chevrolet brought its architecture teams about the apple to actualize the Chevrolet Cruze, a car that changes the rules. Hop on the new Chevrolet Cruze and you will ascertain an affected cabin, able with an arrangement of allowances that far beat your expectations.
2011 New Chevrolet Cruze coming soon
Peugeot introduced a web-based amateur style competition at the 2002 Paris Motor Show, inviting aspiring designers to create a completely unhinged retro-futurist design that incorporated distinct styling features of a historic Peugeot model. A total of 2800 proposals from 90 countries were registered, and Stephen Schulze, a 32-year-old German graphic artist, was selected as the winner. At the 2003 Geneva Motor Show, Schulze was awarded a trophy and €5000, and it was announced that Peugeot would create a full-scale version of the design.
The winner was the talented Stephen Schulze of Germany and his stunning 4002 design. One of the most creative car design concepts in decades, the organically-shaped 4002 is both futuristic as well as replete with styling cues from Peugeots of the past, such as the headlights behind the radiator grille that was seen in the Peugeot 402 of the 1930s.
