2012 Honda Civic

That's right, this is the 2012 Honda Civic in all its glory. Though it might be difficult to tell with just a casual glance, this Civic is brand-new, sharing practically nothing but its moniker with the previous generation. As much as we may have liked some additional visual flair, it seems Honda is being conservative and aiming right for the heart of the market with five separate and distinct flavors of its compact offering, each of which offers a notable improvement in fuel efficiency.

We'll start with the all-new HF model, which, as you may have guessed, is the most fuel efficient of the non-hybridized Civics that will be available in the United States. Honda expects the HF, with its 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine, to earn EPA-estimated fuel economy of 41 miles per gallon on the highway. The HF will share its aerodynamics package with the returing Civic Hybrid, which manages a combined rating of 45 mpg (a four-mpg improvement over the outgoing Civic Hybrid) thanks to its lithium-ion battery – a Honda-first – and 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine and CVT transmission. There's also a natural gas-powered Civic GX.

While those two models aim for the ultimate in fuel efficiency, we imagine that the standard Sedan and Coupe models will make up the bulk of sales. Buyers will find a 1.8-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine underhood with 140 horsepower that scores an EPA-estimated 39 mpg on the highway (a three-mpg improvement over the last Civic). The Civic soldiers on with a five-speed automatic at a time when most of its competitors are packing six ratios.

And then, of course, there's the sporty Si model. As the Civic that's meant to steal the hearts of performance lovers, it's nice to see a new 2.4-liter powerplant with 200 horsepower mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. Perhaps more importantly, the larger mill pumps out 170 pound-feet of torque, a 22-percent increase over the outgoing twist-starved Si. All that and an additional two mpg on the highway (31 mpg estimated) ought to make for a reasonably fun everyday commuter.

And now to the styling. We'll start off on a positive note: the 2012 Honda Civic is not ugly. Problem is, it's also not hugely attractive. In fact, *yawn* it's not really anything. Both inside and out, this latest Civic is barely distinguishable from the previous generation, and as competitors continue pushing their design envelope forward, well... we really expect more these days. Let's hope the driving dynamics live up to our lofty expectations, and let's also hope that Honda accidentally left the shipping blocks in the cars it used for photography – particularly the Si models – or the new model looks a bit high-riding.

In any case, you don't have to take our word for it. See the 2012 Civic for yourself in our high-res image gallery below and feel free to peruse the full press release after the break.

Source: Honda

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Microsoft will help connect Toyota cars to Internet

SEATTLE — Microsoft Corp and Toyota Motor Corp unveiled a plan on Wednesday to work together on bringing internet-connected services to Toyota's cars.

The world's biggest software company and the biggest automaker said they were investing 1 billion yen or about $12 million in Toyota Media Service Co, a Toyota unit that handles its digital offerings for customers.

The unit will focus on combining telecommunications and data for drivers in the form of GPS, multimedia, and managing power on electric and hybrid vehicles.

Toyota is planning to set up a network based on Microsoft's Azure "cloud computing" platform by 2015, which would allow customers across the world access to Toyota's digital services.

One of the services Toyota is planning will monitor and integrate a person's power usage across the home and car to maximize efficiency.

The partnership with Toyota is a departure for Microsoft, which so far has focused most of its auto industry technology efforts on Ford Motor Co.

Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com

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Honda Civic Mugen RR - Review The Performance

Honda Civic Mugen RR

The Honda Civic Mugen RR is another great performance model with a limited build of only three hundred cars. All three hundred cars sold out in minutes of being released. It is said to be the ultimate Civic, relying on its speed and stylish nature for a front wheel drive car. Because of the lighter and faster design, the Mugen RR may well become the best front wheel drive performance car on the market.

Mugen, the Japanese company used their knowledge of racing mechanics while designing this car. Car Enthusiast called it the “best factory tuned Honda that money can buy.” The Honda Civic Mugen RR is said to be much like the street legal version of the Super Taikyu Championship Civics.

The added speed is tribute to the extra power the Mugen RR was endowed with. In comparison to the Civic R, the horsepower is increased, the chassis is sharper and the weight reduced. The engine can easily get up to 160km per hour. The RR not only has a powerful engine, but also has a dual exhaust system that lets you know when it’s coming.

The RR is ten kilograms lighter than the R because of the expensive, unique carbon fiber body parts, including the front bumper and spoiler. The suspension alterations also lowered the ride height. From the exterior, the RR does not differ much from the basic R model. The Mugen RR has a wider body, hood air ducts, a new front grill and spoiler and eighteen inch black rims, with specially designed Potenza RE070 tires, which contribute to the great look of the exterior of the RR model.

When one looks at the numbers on paper, the RR doesn't seem too impressive. Since this car is front wheel drive, the front wheels both steer and drive the car. The Mugen RR was made more aerodynamic than RR model, giving the car a much faster response at the wheel.

The interior is more personalized, and looks more like the interior of an real race car. The Alcantara carbon covered sports seats replace the bucket seats in the R model, and they require you to be smaller and in good physical stature to sit comfortably. The radio has been replaced with oil and water temperature and pressure gages. The pedals are modified for the driver, and a personalized plaque with the car number is added to the shifter column.

The best thing about the RR model is the fine tuned steering. Every move is precise, and with each corner taken, the RR provides the driver with precision and confidence. If you’re looking for a sporty, fast car for the right price, sporty look, great performance, exclusivity and exceptional handling, then the Honda Civic Mugen RR is right up your alley. Although it lacks security equipment and can be uncomfortable inside, the attention to racing detail by Mugen makes the Honda Civic Mugen RR tops many people’s wish lists.

Honda Civic Mugen RR

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Honda CR-Z launched in 3-D

NEW YORK: The Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupe was launched to great fanfare in New York's Times Square yesterday. It was also the first time a car launch used 3-D technology.

Honda will be screening 3-D CR-Z commercial footage on the Times Square HD Spectacolor screen, located on Broadway between 46th and 47th Street.

Members of the public will receive special glasses to view the TV footage, which will run from 10am (10pm in Malaysia) to 6pm (6am today in Malaysia). They will also be able to interact with the car.

"To bring attention to the duality of sport and hybrid that the CR-Z offers, the advertising campaign relies on a bevy of nontraditional elements—like 3-D technology—to get the attention of young, potential CR-Z buyers," said American Honda Motor Co, Inc senior manager of national advertising Tom Peyton.

"This 3-D experience in Times Square uniquely integrates advertising, gaming and music into a single, memorable event."

To liven up the event even more, Sony will provide 3-D Gran Turismo 5 racing simulators that will feature the CR-Z. Honda is sponsoring a performance by hip-hop trio, N.E.R.D and Maxim Magazine models will distribute copies of their 3-D October issue.

Source: http://www.star-monitoring.com/

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Nissan Announced New 1.2-Litre Super-Charged Engine

Nissan 1.2-Litre Supercharged Engine

Nissan is introducing a new 1.2-litre 3-cylinder supercharged engine named the HR12DDR which aims at being the lowest fuel consuming gasoline engine in the world.

The new 1.2-litre 3-cylinder supercharged engine has the same output as a 1.5-litre unit, while CO2 emission level is 95 grams per Km.

Some info regarding the technology behind the new Nissan 1.2-litre 3-cylinder supercharged engine says that the Miller cycle was adopted meaning the power stroke is enhanced by the compression stroke and the thermal energy of the fuel is converted into kinetic energy more efficiently than in a regular 4-stroke cycle engine.

The supercharger is equipped with an automatic on/off clutch, which means that both high fuel efficiency and high engine performance can be achieved by automatically switching off supercharging while driving at low speeds, such as on city roads.

Adoption of a hydrogen-free diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating for the piston rings and a variable displacement oil pump helps to reduce friction by up to 30%, compared with conventional 4-cylinder engines with similar performance levels.

These technologies are the culmination of the company's R&D efforts based on Nissan’s mid-term environmental action plan (Nissan Green Program 2010) that includes initiatives to reduce CO2 emissions and introduce truly effective technologies, products and services into the market.
The first model which will get the new engine in the first half of 2011 will be the latest March (initially only in the European market).

Nissan 1.2-Litre Supercharged Engine

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2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid Review

2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid

The Honda CR-Z, a two-passenger, gasoline-electric hybrid car with a sporty bent, goes on sale this fall (third quarter 2010) in U.S.

The CR-Z is not a sports car and will not replace the Honda S2000 that was discontinued in 2009. Rather, it's the descendant-apparent to Honda's CRX of 20 years ago.

CR-Z (Compact Renaissance Zero, among the more believable interpretations) is based loosely on an existing Honda small-car platform. Relative to the subcompact Honda Fit, the CR-Z is shorter and five inches lower but wider, lending a hint of low and wide that characterizes sports cars.

A four-cylinder gasoline engine, probably an advanced 1.5-liter tuned to 115-120 hp, and a small electric motor (approximately 13 hp/55 lb-ft) will use the integrated motor assist (IMA) architecture of other Honda hybrids, sandwiching the electric motor between the gas engine and the transmission. The CR-Z is the first hybrid to use a six-speed manual gearbox, though Honda has experience with manual hybrids in the previous Civic and knows how to build a good shifter.

CR-Z's mission is to make a fun-to-drive, economical, clean car with modern conveniences and safety equipment requirements. That's a tall order, but Honda's Insight hybrid will rotate in a corner if you push it. The original Honda CRX, the Mazda Miata and VW GTI have shown one doesn't need huge power and speed to make a car that's thoroughly enjoyable to drive.

An inverted gull wing lower front spoiler and angular light housings fit right into Honda family styling cues, giving a clean leading edge to a stocky wedge, and triangular rear side windows and wraparound taillights make the rear pillar the shape of a boat's radar arch. As on the Honda Insight the rear window is split between the fastback on top and a vertical panel above the rear bumper.

Expect an instrument panel with central tachometer and inset digital speedometer framed by graphics for engine info, warning lights and economy data. Most controls will be on stubby pods on the sides of that panel or the multifunction steering wheel, for an uncluttered dash. Despite the diminutive fastback styling, Honda's clever packaging should allow enough cargo space to hold some overnight bags, if not the ubiquitous two sets of golf clubs.

2011 Honda CR-Z Hybrid

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2010 Hyundai Tucson : Sporty and Aggressive

2010 Hyundai Tucson

Out on the road, the Hyundai Tucson has an aggressive, stable stance that sets it apart from many other small CUVs. And when not on the road, the bold and unique style make it that much easier to find in the parking lot. You can’t miss the sculpted hood, wrap-around headlights and rear roof spoiler that make it look both refined and ready. The 2010 Hyundai Tucson’s panoramic sunroof with celestial views that extend from the driver seat to the rear passengers’. It’s a first of many Hyundai firsts.

The Hyundai Tucson is the smallest CUV in the Hyundai lineup, but you wouldn’t think so given its airy cabin, comfortable seating and the long list of standard and available equipment. In fact, you might just begin to think that smaller is, in fact, better.

When it came time to design the Tucson’s all-wheel drive system, we turned to JTEKT. This AWD system is made up of an ITCC (Intelligent Torque Controlled Coupling) that measures variables such as wheel speed, throttle position and brake signal to determine how much torque to distribute between the front and rear wheels. This is based on driving and road conditions, and constantly adjusts the distribution of torque. It is also electronically controlled to help improve fuel efficiency.

An all-wheel drive system demands tires that offer proper traction, so the Tucson’s standard 18 inch tires on Limited have a tread pattern that gives you increased mud- and snow-capability.

Powerful yet fuel efficient, the Tucson’s thrifty 2.4L 4 cylinder engine goes the extra mile for you. On less fuel. Using features that maximize fuel economy, your Tucson works smarter, not harder. The automatic equipped Tucson has an overdrive lock-up torque for better fuel economy at highway speeds and an Eco Indicator providing driver feedback for lower fuel consumption. And the manual transmission Tucson has the Eco gear shift indicator that senses the optimum time for gear change.

Source: http://www.hyundaiusa.com/

2010 Hyundai Tucson

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Infiniti M35 Hybrid set for production

Infiniti's first production hybrid, the M35 HYBRID, is set to go on sale in spring 2011, and is based on the all-new Infiniti M sedan, which itself picks up styling cues from Essence, the show-stopper that made its debut at the Geneva Auto Show early in 2009.

Infiniti’s hybrid system, developed solely within Infiniti’s parent group, is a one electric motor/twin clutch arrangement - the first clutch is installed between the naturally-aspirated 3.5l V6 and the electric motor. The result of this elegant engineering configuration, with all components acting on a single propshaft to the rear differential, is a consistent driving feel and linear response under all conditions.

The electric motor acts as both propulsion unit, boosting the V6 in “power assist” mode when maximum acceleration is required, and also as a generator. As well as charging the battery in the normal way, the motor recovers energy otherwise lost during deceleration and braking. The M35 HYBRID will also be able to run solely on its electric motor in certain driving conditions.

Several new technologies will also be introduced on this one, such as a new laminated lithium-ion battery pack that is the same size as conventional batteries but offers twice the power and runs cooler.

Source: star-motoring.com

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The 2009/2010 Toyota Wish with Valvematic Unveiled

Toyota launched the new design of the 2010 Toyota for the Japanese market. Comes with a 7-speed sports sequential Shiftmatic transmission as standard, 2010 Toyota Wish has two operating modes CVT Sport and Sport Mode Dynamic Mode. Toyota Wish is a 2010 front-wheel-drive and it comes with a 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter engine, both with Valvematic (continuously variable valve-lift mechanism).

Toyota Wish 2010 price for the Japanese market has a range of 1.84 million yen to 2.48 million yen. The Wish is a compact seven-seat minivan, which has acquired a solid reputation for its sporting style, wide-ranging utility and comfortable driving performance with a turnover of over half a million units since its launch in January 2003. The new second generation model has improved the comfort and sportiness, and has significant improvements in behavior, environment and safety. The result is a vehicle to respond to a user of all the “wish”.

All vehicles in the series have a new-generation engine with “Valvematic”, which is continuously variable valve lift and valve timing mechanism that achieves both excellent driving performance and superior environmental performance. The new engine, in combination with Super Continuously Variable Transmission Smart (Super CVT-i) transmission, sets the tone for a maximum of 15% more fuel than its predecessor and more exhilarating driving performance. Director assisted stability control of the vehicle (S-VSC) and the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) and side curtain shield airbags standard on all vehicles in the series, to give the new first-class desires, levels1 security.

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Toyota Prius Becomes First Hybrid Best Selling Car In Japan

TOKYO, July 6 (Bernama)-- Toyota Motor Corp.'s Prius is the best-selling automobile among all models including minivehicles in Japan in the month of June, the Jiji Press reported Monday, citing the industry data as saying.

The Toyota Prius became the first hybrid vehicle to witn the title.

With its sales totalling 22,292 units, the Prius was also the first non-minivehicle model to top the monthly best-seller list since December 2007, when Honda Motor Co.'s Fit subcompact car took the position, according to the Japan Automobile Dealers Association.

The Prius drew brisk demand thanks to a subsidy program introduced by the government recently to promote new auto purchases and tax breaks for eco-friendly vehicles.

In May, the Prius was the best-selling model among automobiles with engine displacements of over 660 c.c. and ranked third among all models including minivehicles equipped with 600-c.c. or smaller engines.

The third-generation model of the Prius, launched on May 18, has proved very popular partly because it is priced at a relatively reasonable level of 2.05 million yen. Orders for the remodeled Prius have already topped 200,000.

Quoting the JADA data, Jiji Press reported that Suzuki Motor Corp.'s Wagon R and Daihatsu Motor Co.'s Move, both minivehicles, came second and third, respectively, in June. Sales totaled 16,185 units for the Wagon R and 14,935 units for the Move.

Daihatsu's Tanto, also a minivehicle, came fourth, with sales reaching 13,243 units.

Honda's Insight hybrid ranked seventh with sales of 8,782 units. In January-June, the Wagon R was the best-selling model with sales of 111,599 units, followed by the Move with sales of 102,032 units and the Tanto with sales of 80,425 units.

The Prius was fifth with sales of 51,410 units in the first half of 2009.

Source: BERNAMA

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Production Mitsubishi i-MIEV unveiled

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has unveiled the production version of the i-MiEV electric vehicle (EV) in Japan, and for starters the company expects to distribute, on a maintenance lease basis, some 1,400 i-MiEV models in 2009 principally to corporations and to local authorities, with sales to individuals beginning in Apr 2010, though it will start taking orders in late July.

Essentially, the production version of the i-MiEV doesn't veer too far away from the test bed vehicles of the type. The vehicle will be powered by a high energy-density lithium-ion battery - manufactured by Lithium Energy Japan - comprised of 88 lithium-ion cells connected in series and installed under the floor in the centre of the vehicle.

The powertrain is a high-efficiency compact and lightweight permanent magnet synchronous electric motor specially developed for the vehicle, while a lightweight and compact single-speed reduction gear transmission makes up the drivetrain.

The car will come with a compact, lightweight on-board charger that allows the drive battery to be charged using a domestic 100V/200V AC line, at rates of 14hrs and 7hrs respectively for a full charge, though it can also be "quick charged" at stations which are currently being established throughout Japan, 30 mins giving an 80% charge.

It will have a single-charge range of 160km, giving it a range that will be ample for most daily commutes.

Elsewhere, it will be the first minicar and the first Mitsubishi Motors model to use LED headlamps; the rear combination lamps also use fast-illuminating LED emitters for the tail and stop lamps.

To keep on the green theme, the car features the use of PBS (polybutylene succinate)-bamboo fibre Green Plastic for the tailgate interior trim. The use of PBS-bamboo fibre cuts life-cycle emissions (from extraction of raw materials to final disposal of product) of CO2 by some 10% compared with polypropylene.

Eight body colours will be available, these being three monotones (White Solid, Cool Silver Metallic and Raspberry Red Pearl, as well as the two 2-tone colour schemes that have been used to date to highlight the i-MiEV - Red Solid/White Solid and Cool Silver Metallic/White Solid.

Additionally, new two-tone schemes - White Pearl/Ocean Blue Metallic and White Pearl/Mint Green - will be offered, along with a premium colour, Cool Silver Metallic/Black Mica.

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All New Nissan Teana for 2009

The 2008 Nissan Teana is about as big a change as you can have without completely disregarding the previous model. The images speak for themselves, and although the styling of the Teana will probably not please everyone, fans of the original car should have few complaints. Personally, I like it.

Inside, the design is very nice indeed. Not quite as minimalist as the outgoing model, but I think Nissan has succeeded in keeping things clutter free and it looks like they haven't followed Honda who put over 80 buttons all over the Accord console. Actually it looks more like Nissan were taking cues from Volvo when they penned this interior. Either way, the result is a good one.

Nissan is likely to retain the 2.0 litre 4-pot engine to allow it to compete at the lower end. But we can expect the 2.3 litre VQ23DE to be replaced by the larger and more powerful 2.5 litre VQ25DE for the mid-range models. Nissan could also offer the VQ35DE for the range topper.

Nissan VQ engines are renowned for their smooth power delivery and refinement, and things should get even better with the new Teana. The V6 2.5 litre engine will be the most popular.

In Japan the engines are matched to CVT transmissions.

Well, the new Teana was first shown at the 2008 Beijing Motor Show, and has since been released in Japan, China and Singapore. Here in Thailand, Nissan have been offering very attractive financing packages on the current Teana, and it is highly likely that the new Teana will arrive within the next 6 months.

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Toyota's new Prius rolls out into price war

Toyota rolled out the revamped Prius on Mon, and said it already had 80,000 advance orders in Japan for the remodeled hybrid amid intensifying competition with Honda's rival offering, the Insight. In Japan, Toyota is hoping to sell 10,000 of the new Prius a month, and an additional 2,000 of the cheaper old-style Prius.

Toyota had already given the US prices for the 2010 Prius - starting at US$22,000, unchanged from the base price for the 2009 model. It is also promising a more basic US model as well for later this year starting at US$21,000. The Insight, which is smaller than the Prius, carries a lower manufacturer's suggested retail price of $19,800 for the base model in the US. Honda has sold 19,492 Insights in Japan since it went on sale in Feb, and 2,665 in the US since Mar.

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Volkwagen Golf GTI Special Edition

Volkswagen Group Malaysia has brought in a batch of VW Golf GTIs with some additional equipment and the vintage tartan fabric (Interlagos) upholstery which has the same pattern as that in the very first Golf GTI.

This special edition of the Golf GTI also has larger 18-inch 'Detroit’ alloy wheels (with appropriately larger tyres) , an electric sliding/tilting sunroof; cruise control, electrically-foldable wing mirrors and the multi-function indicator 'Plus’ which gives drivers more options to customize a number of useful functions such as the coming and/or leaving home lights, remote door unlocking and auto lock and/or unlock functions.

The price is similar to that of the current Golf GTI on sale (which has leather upholstery), ie RM198,888 (nett selling price). It will be sold alongside the standard version and available at authorised VW dealers nationwide only while stocks last.

The first Golf GTI was unveiled at the 1975 Frankfurt Motorshow and was intended as a low-volume variant for those who wanted extra performance from the small hatchback. But response was far greater than expected and during the next three decades, the Golf GTI turned into an automotive icon. To date, 1.7 million units have been sold worldwide.

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