Archive for September, 2009
All electric EV-N Concept by Honda
Honda will also preview an all electric concept at the upcoming motor event in Tokyo. The new all electric concept is called the EV-N, and should be well-suited for city driving. In terms of its drivetrain, we only know that is has a lithium-ion battery pack, and that it should feature a short driving range. However, all important details regarding this area will be released soon.
The 3-door hatch, which is about the same size as the Smart Fortwo has another very interesting feature up its sleeve. If you look at the passenger door (from the inside), you can notice a U3-X unicycle that is neatly placed – how cool is that?! At the motor show, the concept will be placed within an exhibition area called “HELLO!” (Honda Electric mobility Loop) – that will showcase various mobility products.
Furthermore, each HELLO! vehicle features communication technologies that showcase fun ways in which mobility devices can interact with people and society. Continue reading to view more images of the Honda EV-N Concept. Read the rest of this entry.
Honda Skydeck MPV Concept to make appearance at the Tokyo Motor Show
Apart from releasing images and details of the CR-Z Concept 2009, Honda has also revealed that it will showcase an MPV concept, called the Honda Skydeck at the next month’s Tokyo Motor Show. Just like the CR-Z, this concept is also powered by a hybrid drivetrain. We don’t have details regarding the drive system, but we do know that the battery pack is placed somewhere within the centre console, instead of mounting it beneath the rear floor.
As you can see, the concept MPV features scissor doors upfront and has sliding rear doors. It has a third seating row, thus it can comfortably seat six. Another interesting feature it has, are second row seats that can slide forward, and under the front seats. Continue reading to view an image gallery. Read the rest of this entry.
Honda reveals the near-production CR-Z Hybrid Sports Coupe
Honda has released official images of the near-production version of the CR-Z Hybrid Sports Coupe, that will be showcased at the Tokyo Motor Show late next month. Called the CR-Z Concept 2009, it is based on the original concept that was shown back in 2007. Over the original concept, the 2009 version is treated to slightly revised front and rear ends, as well as a slightly reworked side profile.
The interior has been heavily modified, making it look more production friendly. Honda did not reveal drivetrain information, but many expect it to feature a slightly more powerful version of the hybrid system used in the Honda Insight. More information will be revealed, nearing the event. The actual production version, which is expected to be launched early next year, may end up looking a little different. Continue reading to view an image gallery. Read the rest of this entry.
Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept to be presented in Tokyo
Japanese-based Subaru will present the Hybrid Tourer Concept at the upcoming motor show in Tokyo, Japan. The concept, which features ‘gullwing’ doors is powered by a hybrid drive system, made up by a 2.0 liter turbo (horizontally-opposed with direct fuel-injection) petrol unit and two electric motors, one at each axle. Power is sent to all four wheels via the auto maker’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The concept also features a Lineatronic CVT gearbox (continuously variable transmission).
The motor at the rear axle that can output 27HP is used at start-up and at low speeds. It can also be used to provide extra boost during acceleration. The 13HP motor upfront will spend most of its time acting as a generator to help recharge the lithium-ion battery pack. Continue reading to view more images of the concept. More will be revealed once the concept hits the motor show. Read the rest of this entry.
Is this the production version of the Citroen C-Cactus?
What you see above is possibly the production version of Citroen’s C-Cactus Concept, that was first shown at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. The objective behind the concept was to create a low-cost ‘green’ vehicle. If the above is really the production version of the concept, expect it to be powered by diesel hybrid system, made up by a 3-cylunder diesel combustion engine and an electric motor. Rumor has it that the C-Cactus will be positioned under the ‘Essentiele’ sub-brand, for entry level Citroens, opposite to the DS premium sub-brand. Continue reading to view another image. There is an image gallery of the 2007 concept.
Source. Read the rest of this entry.
Hyundai not heading to the Tokyo Motor Show, Lotus and Alpina the only foreign brands to be present
It was revealed that Korean auto maker will not attend this year’s Tokyo Motor Show in Japan, that is happening between October 24th and November 4th. The auto maker, which has just revealed the long wheelbase version of the Equus luxury sedan in Korea, gave the news to the organizer of the motor show via telephone. In fact, Hyundai paid US$122,000, in nonrefundable fees for a 4,300-square-foot exhibition area at the show. From the foreign front, only Lotus and Alpina are expected to be seen.
The event, which is the 41st, has even been shortened to 13 days, from 17 days. Domestic brands like Subaru, Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Daihatsu, Nissan and Suzuki will showcase their cars, and the Lexus LF-A V10 supercar should steal the limelight. Subaru is also expected to reveal the new Justy.
RenaultSport Twingo 133 Cup: 133HP 3-door hatch revealed
Renault has unveiled the RenaultSport Twingo 133 Cup, which is a 3-door hatch that comes without air conditioning, automatic headlamp and wiper operation as well as extra tinted rear windows . The automaker has also replaced the usual independent sliding rear seats with a one-piece bench. Enough with the stuff it does not have and lets get on with the juicier details.
The Twingo 133 Cup comes standard with a Cup suspension system. The chassis rides 4mm lower than the standard Renaultsport setting. It also has tuned damper settings and higher spring rates (10% stiffer front and rear). The hot hatch sits on 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels, fitted with Continental Sport Contact3 195/40 tires. Power comes from a 1.6 liter 4-cylinder petrol unit that outputs 133HP and 160Nm of pulling power.
Buyers can also opt for a “black and white” styling package. It comes with Glacier White bodywork with gloss black finish to the door mirrors, rear spoiler and front bumper trims. The package costs £150. Add a further £175 and you can walk home with 17-inch alloys wheels treated to gloss black finish. The Twingo 133 Cup will set you back £11,795 in the UK and deliveries can be expected by November. Continue reading to view more images of the RenaultSport Twingo 133 Cup. Read the rest of this entry.
Hyundai launched the Equus limousine in Korea
Korean auto maker Hyundai, has officially revealed the long wheelbase version of the Equus luxury sedan in Korea. The Equus limousine, which is 30 centimeters longer the standard sedan (5,460 mm in total, compared to 5,610 mm), is motivated by a Lambda 3.8 liter 6-cylinder which outputs 290PS at 6,200 revs. Buyers can also opt for the range topping Tau 5.0 liter V8 which can produce 400PS at 6,400 revs.
With the former, fuel consumption is rated at 9 kilometers per liter, while with the latter, a liter of fuel can deliver 8 kilometers. The stretched version also features a new grille, that incorporates a special emblem. For the sake of comparing, the Mercedes S500L (which is 5,210 mm long) outputs 388PS while the BMW 750Li (which is 5,212 mm long) outputs 407PS.
The Lexus LS460L is the shortest of all, with a length that is rated at 5,150 mm. It outputs 380PS. The Equus limousine also has the longest wheelbase, figured at 3,345 mm compared to 3,210 mm with the BMW. Pricing for the long wheelbase Equus starts from 135 million Korean won. Read the rest of this entry.
