Automobiles Review – Page 800 – Car News, Car Reviews, Auto Shows, Car Photos, Car Videos

Honda Unveils Micro Commuter Prototype EV

What I like very much about Honda is that the brand is constantly putting efforts in developing environmentally friendly technologies. The latest such innovation revealed is the Honda Micro Commuter Prototype, which is a micro-sized short distance EV commuter vehicle.

This prototype was engineered in consideration of the vehicle categories for micro-sized mobility products. In fact, this model will serve as a demonstration unit, which is aimed to verify the potential of the vehicle in different utilizations. Some of them might include for support of everyday short-distance transportation for families with small children and for senior citizens, home delivery services, commuting and car sharing.

In addition, the prototype was introduced initially as a concept model back in 2011 at the Tokyo Motor Show, where it had a cabin space to seat one driver and two children in the micro-sized body.

Here the Variable Design Platform is very convenient because it positions components such as the battery, motor and control unit under the floor and in the rear space to concentrate the vehicle driving functions into a compact space.

Other interesting features on this model include the tablet device for the application of functions such as meter display, navigation, audio and back-up camera display, and the ability to charge the battery of the tablet using solar cells mounted on the vehicle roof.

Furthermore, Honda is going on with the development processes in order to bring onboard solar cells, which are going to provide solar energy to assist the driving. Another technology featured is the Honda Smart Home System (HSHS).

Of course, an interesting aspect here is when this model hopefully goes to mass production, which will be the auto part supplier for ordinary customers and how much it will cost to maintain the EV. But if we are looking positively towards the future we will hope to see the prices of those new technologies getting more affordable.

The optimized energy management results in CO2 reduction, which can be applied to the everyday life. Therefore this vehicle can provide for customers when it is used not only as an EV but also as a household battery.

Key Specifications of Honda Micro Commuter Prototype

Vehicle size (length × width × height)	2,500 × 1,250 × 1,445 (mm)
Maximum speed	80 km/h
Maximum range	Approximately 60 km
Charging time	Less than 3 hours
Battery type	Lithium-ion battery
Maximum output	15 kW (20 hp)

Source: Honda

November 14, 2012

Rolls-Royce One Thousand and One Nights Bespoke Ghost

Rolls-Royce One Thousand and One Nights Bespoke Ghost Collection model is inspired by the famous tales of “The Arabian Nights Entertainment” and it targets the customers in the Midle East. This special edition is designed as part of the Bespoke collection of Ghost family cars.

The series were created in Goodwood, England, where the home of the brand lies. The two-tone paint vehicle draws on a warm colour palette that serves as the perfect backdrop for hand-painted coachlines.

Of course, Rolls-Royce is all about luxury and it isn’t a surprise when one finds intricately applied detail touches, expressing the Arabic words “One Thousand and One Night”. These eventually culminate in an elaborate design that elegantly frames the car’s door handles.

Furthermore, the limited edition vehicle will have an intriguing launch – it will happen in three chapters. The first one will be unveiled at the Sharjah International Automobile Show on 28 November. The next two chapters will follow in the first and third quarter of next year.

Source: Rolls-Royce

November 14, 2012

Wheelsandmore Lamborghini Aventador LP777-4

German tuner Wheelsandmore has introduced their latest project. It is based on the hyper car – Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4. The tuning company offers both styling and performance modifications.

The power package include a new carbon fiber airbox, an ECU re-map and complete stainless steel sport exhaust system with adjustable valves. The result is whopping 777HP (571 kW) and 750Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque. The mighty 6.5 liter V12 originally produces 700HP (515 kW).

The exterior is enhanced by adding a set of enormous 6-Sporz 2 forged alloy wheels fitted with proper high-performance tires. The dimensions of the rims are 20” at the front and 21”at the rear.

Other exterior upgrade is a black stripe running across car’s length.

Source: Wheelsandmore

November 13, 2012

2013 Suzuki Jimny – New Face and Better Equipment

Suzuki GB PLC has announced the 2013 Jimny. The small off-road vehicle receives a number of exterior and interior design updates to help modernise appearance whilst maintaining its long established tough and capable reputation.

The front of the vehicle gets a new front bumper and grille design, new design bonnet shape incorporating central air intake as well as repositioning of the front fog lamps.

The interior gets a new seat fabric trim has been adopted for the SZ3; both SZ3 and SZ4 models have new design front and rear headrests as well as ISOFIX child seat mountings fitted as standard to the rear seats.

The engine is a 1.3 liter 16V with VV-T delivering 85HP (63 kW) and 109Nm (81 lb-ft) of torque at 4100RPM. In terms of fuel efficiency, the 2013 Jimny achieves 39.8 mpg in combined cycle driving with manual gearbox and CO2 levels of just 162 g/km.

Source: Suzuki

November 13, 2012

2013 Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 [video]

2013 Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 Nissan has revealed the specially prepared GT-R Nismo GT3, which conforms to FIA GT3 regulations.

Entered by NDDP RACING (Nismo) as well as customer racing teams, the GT-3 has outperformed the competition at this year’s SUPER GT series (GT 300 class), Super Taikyu (GT3 class), British GT Championship and GT Cup. Nismo has developed the 2013 Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 using all the valuable data brought back from these races, in addition to the dyno, track tests, and customer feedback, to enhance its competitiveness and performance.

GT-R Nismo GT3 is powered by the same twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 with 543HP (405 kW) and 637Nm (470 lb-ft). The power is not signifactly boosted, but the weight reducing is impressive – the curb weight of this GT3 car is just 1300 kg (2866 lbs).

If you are a racing driver or a millionare liking high speeds and adrenaline, you can now buy the 2013 Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3. It is priced at £270,000.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pu1Bwmj76YA

Specifications of the 2013 Model, Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3

Length	4,780mm
Width	2,036mm
Weight	1,300kg?
Engine Model	VR38DETT
Displacement	3,799cc
Power	405kw (550HP) at 6,500rpm
Torque	637Nm (470 lb-ft)
Wheels (Fr/Rr)	13.0J X 18

Subject to Balance of Performance defined by the FIA

This Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 is a racing car. It can not be used on public roads or be registered for such a license.

Price

Customer’s Area	Price (without tax)?
Japan, Asia, North America, South America, and Oceania	¥ 35,000,000
Europe, including Russia and Middle East	£270,000

The sales price is EXW (ex works) and does not include shipping or delivery.

Source: Nissan

November 13, 2012

2013 Ford Transit Connect Wagon – 7.8 l / 100 km

Ford has unveiled the new 2013 Transit Connect Wagon offering 7-seats and impressive fuel economy of over 30 mpg US corresponding to 7.8 liters per 100 km.

“Transit Connect Wagon gives young families and people on the go the fun-to-drive and efficient vehicle they’ve been looking for,” commented Mark Fields, Ford’s President of The Americas.

“It’s an all-new, smaller seven-seater that has better mileage than larger vans and creates a segment of its own. Customers also will love the unique combination of style, adaptability and affordability this wagon brings.”, he added.

The MPV is powered by a four-cylinder 2.5 liter petrol engine or an 1.6 liter EcoBoost. Both power units are mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Transit Connect Wagon offers a choice of two fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines, two wheelbase lengths and three series models – XL, XLT and range-topping Titanium Transit Connect Wagon takes adaptability to a new level with the convenience of sliding side doors, fold-flat second- and third-row seating, a 1,200-pound-plus payload, and choice of a rear liftgate or symmetrical, side-hinged cargo doors.

Ford Transit Connect Wagon will hit the US market in the end of next year.

Source: Ford

November 13, 2012

McLaren P1 Hypercar Concept [RENDER]

What else can be expected from the new McLaren P1 Hypercar Concept than the best possible aerodynamic performance? In fact, the new concept was designed in the windtunnel and thus it is no surprise that it has this very organic, alien-like body, which pulls a mindblowing downforce of 600kg.

McLaren showed the P1 back in September at the Paris Auto Show and stunned the audience with its inspiring and breath-taking appearance. Although the exacts details around the engine and performance aren’t announced yet, it is rumored that the P1 will be powered by the same 3.8 liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine from MP4-12C, but with a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS).

This means that the combined power will be absolutely outstanding: 963 hp (718 kW) and will allow the McLaren P1 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds. Here the top speed is of 384 km/h (239 mph).

All of the above mentioned details will undoubtedly make the new P1 part of a new generation of iconic automotive superhero’s. The production version of the concept model will be made available within a year and the next release with figures and information will be at the anticipated Geneva Motor Show in March 2013.

Below you can find renders of McLaren P1 roaring through the city streets:

Source:wild-speed.com

November 13, 2012

2013 Jeep Patriot Freedom Edition Pays Tribute to U.S. Military members

2013 Jeep Patriot Freedom Edition will join Wrangler Freedom Edition and both will pay tribute to United States military members of past and present. The vehicle is offered in three colors – Deep Cherry Red crystal pearl coat, Bright White clear coat or True Blue pearl coat.

Of course this limited edition Jeep includes the segment-leading 4×4 system and has an impressive fuel economy up to 30 miles per gallon. Worth mentioning is also the unique inspiring appearance of the Patriot Freedom Edition.

The model has as a basis the 2013 Patriot Latitude and is available in two- or four-wheel drive configurations. The exterior of the car is military-inspired and features a star on the hood, as well as on the rear quarter panel.

The visual stance of the vehicle is additionally complemented by exclusive 17-inch high-gloss Mineral Gray painted aluminum wheels with bright lug nuts, a bright lower front fascia and an “Oscar Mike” badge on the lower front door.

Some of the standard features on this Patriot model include those of the 2013 Jeep Patriot Latitude model plus a sunroof, Security and Cargo Group, all-season floor mats and on 4×4 models the All-weather Capability Group. What is more here however is the Dark Gray “Cubic” cloth interior with vinyl bolsters and silver accent stitching, and a black fabric “star” logo patch on the front seats.

2013 Jeep Patriot Freedom Edition has a starting price of $21 445, where $250 will be donated from each one to charities that benefit U.S. Military members.

Source: Jeep

November 13, 2012

2013 Honda Civic Debuts at Los Angeles Auto Show

One of the hottest news recently is the new look of the much appraised Civic. Honda has just revealed the 2013 model which will make its debut at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The new Honda Sedan includes refined styling, host of safety features, comfort, chassis and interior styling enhancements. To be more precise the front end here features a new open-mouth lower bumper with a horizontal chrome accent and a sportier, black honeycomb mesh grille, anchored by new integrated fog lights on upper trims.

Furthermore, the more premium look of the Sedan is achieved via the grille which is flanked by new clear-lens corner lights. The front end therefore is more sculptured and as a natural continuation it flows into a more deeply faceted hood, complemented by a collection of sharp new wheel designs.

How about the rear end? There can be found a new rear bumper design and new rear trunk lid, which are capped by a clean, horizontal chrome trim piece. A highlight here is that the taillights include all-new design resembling a jewel. In addition they provide more finished and upscale look.

Next, the rear bumper includes integrated reflector treatments and a new lower diffuser panel finished with a honeycomb mesh vent. All of the mentioned exterior refinements contribute to a more youthful, premium Civic.

What is also important to mention is that Civic’s emblematic fun-to-drive nature and safety features, spaciousness and fuel efficiency remain intact.

Source: Honda

November 13, 2012

Seat Mii Miinx Adds More Colour to the Urban Life

Seat Mii Miinx in bright pink color is definitely a car that draws the attention. It seems like the designers have created something opposite to the Mii Vibora Negra, which was unveiled by the brand in July.

To create “something different” was the goal of the engineers. The working process began with choosing the Mii Sport in Deep Black metallic for a basis. Then the body of this Seat was covered in a pink gloss vinyl wrap, while the lights were tinted with a translucent film, resulting in a more pronounced, contrasting look.

But the wrap isn’t the whole car. Miinx is a standard three-door Mii Sport, which draws its power from a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine with 75 hp (55 kW). The vehicle is equipped with wide range of standard equipment, which features 15-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, leather steering wheel and gear knob, dark tinted rear windows, front fog lights, and sports suspension.

No doubt that it will catch the attention of the soft sex. Seat Mii Miinx is priced at £11 500 and is already available in dealerships.

Source: Seat

November 13, 2012

2013 MINI Paceman – Sports Activity Coupe

MINI has added another interesting vehicle to their line-up – the Paceman is the first Sports Activity Coupe in the premium small and compact segment. The small car is has nice presence with its powerful and dynamically stretched lines. th its two doors and large tailgate, plus two full-size individual rear seats, the seventh model in the MINI family complements the elegant sportiness of its proportions with a new rendering of the familiar MINI interior.

The car is designed squarely as a four-seater, which means sports seats for the driver and front passenger are included as standard, and the pair of individual seats in the rear offer impressive shoulder room and headroom, outstanding lateral support and exceptional comfort.

Still, the Paceman offers decent load capacity of 330 litres and 1080 with rear seats folded down.

The drivetrain of the new Paceman includes powerful BMW-sourced engines and optional ALL4 AWD system. The petrol range starts with MINI Cooper Paceman with 122HP (90 kW) and ends with MINI Cooper S Paceman with 184HP (135 kW), while the diesel options are MINI Cooper D Paceman with 112HP (82 kW) and MINI Cooper SD Paceman – 143HP (105 kW).

The Sports Activity Coupe is the second model – after the MINI Countryman –which customers can order with the ALL4 all-wheel-drive system as an option.

The standard equipment of 2013 MINI Paceman includes: air conditioning, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, the Centre Rail and the radio MINI CD with AUX-IN socket.

The options list can add: a sports leather steering wheel with optional multifunction buttons and cruise control, heated seats, an electrically operated glass roof, Comfort Access, xenon headlights, Adaptive Headlights and Park Distance Control.

Source: MINI

November 12, 2012

2013 Nissan Titan US – Price $28,820

Nissan US has announced the 2013 Titan Pick-up truck, which is already available on the market. The pricing start from $28,820. The powerful, rugged, highly functional Titan is offered in King Cab and Crew Cab body styles with a choice of 4×4 and 4×2 drive configurations, two wheelbases and three bed lengths.

The 2013 Titan comes with new restyled front and a new tailgate featuring an aerodynamic rear spoiler. The side steps, which are standard on SV and SL models are also different as well as the colour range including seven new options: Pearl White, Espresso Black, Glacier White, Gun Metallic, Graphite Blue, Java Metallic and Cayenne Red.

The interior is also revised. The pick-up has a new four-spoke steering wheel and a standard 120V outlet on PRO-4X and SL models. Leather seats and Sattelite Navigation are available as options.

2013 Nissan Titan is powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine with 317HP (236 kW) and 521Nm (385 lb-ft) of torque. It is connected to a 5-speed automatic transmission. The power is put on the road through the rear wheels or an optional four-wheel drive system including different driving modes.

For 2013, the Titan is offered in S, SV, PRO-4X and SL trim levels, along with a range of special equipment packages.

Source: Nissan

November 12, 2012

Blog