» Site Navigation |
|
|
|
» Wallpaper |
|
|
» Stats |
Members: 16,913
Threads: 52,230
Posts: 944,172
Top Poster: wynode (8,922)
|
| Welcome to our newest member, guest |
|
» Sponsor Advertisement |
|
|
|
 |
|
» Sponsor Advertisement |
|
|
|
New Honda NSX Prototype Comes Out To Play |
|
Jun 18, 2008 - 8:33 AM - by ShAwNeX
|
http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080617....es-out-to-play
Honda were hardly likely to leave Nissan and Toyota to steal all the thunder in the supercar market as they look to provide some serious competition with its new NSX. Previously we had only seen prototypes of the new model sporting the body of the S2000, but now for the first time the model has come out showing its new body styling albeit with the annoying black and white camoflage.
Unlike the previous mid-engined NSX this prototype is running a front-mid engine, with its powerplant placed well behind the front wheels to ensure excellent weight distribution. This should also allow the new NSX to offer 2+2 cabin accommodation, broadening its appeal against the Nissan GT-R and Lexus LF-A - particularly in the USA.
What that engine is remains very much a mystery. There’s talk of a high-revving naturally aspirated V10, which would fit in very comfortably with Honda’s Type R philosophy. Honda’s not as obsessed as many by big horsepower outputs, but even so an output of 450 hp seems likely. Should such an engine be fitted to the sort of lightweight body as the previous NSX, the performance would be exceptional. Four-wheel-drive, with rearward bias, is also rumoured, the handling expected to be controlled by a version of Honda’s electronic Super Handling All-Wheel Drive.
The Honda NSX is not expected until 2009 and on top of its Japanese rivals it must also compete with the likes of the Porsche 911 Turbo, Ferrari F430 and the Lamborghini Gallardo.
|
108 Replies | 2,489 Views
|
|
Danica Patrick to Get Shot at F1 Seat With Honda F1 |
|
Jun 13, 2008 - 9:05 AM - by ShAwNeX
|
http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080612....hot-at-f1-seat
Danica Patrick wrote IndyCar Race League (IRL) history by taking home a victory as the first ever women. The race where she passed the checkered flag first was the Bridgestone Indy Japan 300 race in Montegi, Japan.
26 year old Danica, who pilots the #7 car for the Honda sponsored Andretti Green Racing team, has never been quiet about her dream of driving Formula One. Now her chance will finally come, at the end of the season Honda F1 will invite the IRL ace for a full blown testing session in Spain (either the Barcelona or Jerez track). This has been confirmed by Honda F1 CEO Nick Fry to Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung.
"We will put her into our car after the season at the latest and see how quick she is," Nick Fry said. Currently Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello make up the Honda drivers line-up.
Of course a testing session will not automatically mean she will get a seat in the 2009 F1 Honda line-up but it could very well be her first step towards a F1 career. As Autoblog rightfully points out, ex-IRL drivers have had mixed successes in Formula One, with Villeneuve performing well but Michael Andretti was not able to leave a lasting mark on the sport. Currently Sebastian Bourdais, yet another ex-IRL pilot, is driving for Toro Rosso F1 Team.
Danica Patrick will not be the first women, if she makes it that is, in Formula One. In 1992 Giovanna Amati made three attempts to qualify with Brabham before being replaced by Damon Hill.
|
|
0 Replies | 64 Views
|
|
Mugen Freed Hits the Web |
|
Jun 03, 2008 - 8:47 AM - by ShAwNeX
|
http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080602....d-hits-the-web
Just days after Honda revealed their new 8 passenger Freed model for the Japanese market, in-house tuning firm, Mugen, has already got a styling package and modest performance upgrades ready to go. Starting with the exterior, the typical add-ons include front and rear fascias, grille, side skirts, rear roof spoiler. Mechanically, suspension gets lowered and stiffened, choice of silver or black chrome wheels 16-inch wheels, sport muffler, high-flow air filter and upgraded brake rotors and pads with stock caliper.
|
|
0 Replies | 41 Views
|
|
Honda Begins Sales of New Compact Minivan: the Freed |
|
May 30, 2008 - 3:04 PM - by panda[cRx]
|
taken from http://world.honda.com/news/2008/408...Minivan-Freed/
Quote:
TOKYO, Japan, May 29, 2008– Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it will begin sales of a new compact minivan, named the Freed, in Japan on May 30, 2008. This new model fuses an easy-to-use and spacious cabin with stylish design. Special mobility assistive versions—Freed with side lift-up seat and Freed with passenger lift-up seat, also go on sale May 30, 2008—while a Freed wheelchair-accessible model will go on sale June 20, 2008.
 
Freed G (FF)
Freed Flex Aero (FF)
Developed under the concept of “Freedom to create the perfect lifestyle,” the Freed features Honda’s original low-floor and low-center-of-gravity technology, to achieve a compact body size that makes it easy to maneuver through city streets as well as a spacious cabin that enables adults to sit comfortably in all three rows. Honda developed this vehicle with the goal of creating a minivan that is comfortable and easy-to-use for every passenger and that offers new value by enabling customers to fully and freely utilize this vehicle in activities that meet individual lifestyles ranging from daily transportation to leisure time trips.
Three different versions are offered: the first seven-passenger vehicle in its class*1 featuring captain’s seats in the second row; the first eight-passenger vehicle in its class*1; and a five-passenger type which offers a large, best-in-class*1 cargo space. Moreover, for the first time in a registration-class Honda vehicle, wheelchair-accessible models are offered in addition to versions with a side lift-up seat and passenger lift-up seat. With the addition of these mobility assistive models, Honda positions Freed as a vehicle which fulfills the diverse needs of a wide range of customers. *1 Compact minivan class (engine displacement: 1.5 litter)
< Space creates freedom – Selecting the best space for each lifestyle > · A compact body with cabin space that allows adults to sit comfortably in all three rows · A flat-floor, newly designed from the frame up, maximizes usable space from end to end · The one-step low- and flat-floor and walk-through layout provideease of access for children and seniors
< Space creates freedom – Selecting the best space for each lifestyle > · Seven-, eight- and five-passenger seat configurations to respond to various lifestyle needs · Spacious and well-lighted interior achieves liberated feeling with two-layer instrument panel design · Large cargo space accommodate shopping and leisure activities · Three mobility assistive versions share the freedom and fun of mobility
< Style and performance create freedom - smart design and driving performance for everyday use > · Dynamic and stylish form creates eye-catching urban look · Compact, easy-to-maneuver body and excellent field of vision provide driver with confidence · Powerful and smooth performance together with economical high fuel efficiency
With the goal of making multi-passenger traveling more comfortable and to enhance the joy of driving, Honda has been adopting its low-floor and low-center-of-gravity technology as the foundation of its minivan technologies. With the addition of the Freed, Honda is further enhancing its low-floor, low-center-of-gravity minivan lineup. Note: The vehicle name “Freed” was coined from the word “freedom”. The name implies “a vehicle Honda pursued with completely unrestricted thinking unbound by conventional thinking or standard practices” as well as the combined meaning of “free” and “do” (to take action).
 Key Features of the Freed
 Packaging · A spacious interior and three rows of seats provide comfortable seating for up to eight adults.
· Compact dimensions: 4,215 mm L × 1,695 mm W × 1,715 mm H (FF vehicles) or 1,720 mm H for vehicles equipped with the Skyroof.
· Compact fuel tank and ingenious under-floor structure result in a low, flat floor.
· Unique hip-point layout that rises from front to back provides passengers a sense of spaciousness.
· Seven-passenger variation features captain’s seats in the second row and a walk-through layout that allows passengers to access any row from any door without having to operate a seat adjuster.
· One-step, low, flat floor layout with second-row floor height of 390 mm*2(standard on FF vehicles) provides easy access for children and seniors.
· Sliding rear doors on either side of the vehicle achieve a large (600 mm*2) door opening for easy ingress and egress even in cramped spaces. Also available with each variation are power sliding doors that open and close easily for added convenience.
· Owing to its 2,740 mm wheelbase and compact mechanical devices, the Freed has ample interior space while offering a minimum turning radius of only 5.2 meters. *2 Honda calculations
Utility · The Freed comes in seven-, eight- and five-passenger configurations.
Seven-passenger: Captain’s seats in the second row ensure that your passengers are treated to same comfort they’d have if they were in the front. The walk-through layout allows passengers to access any row from any door without having to operate a seat adjuster.
Eight-passenger: A 60:40-split tumble seat in the second row creates a bench seat that comfortably seats three adults and makes the Freed the only minivan in the 1.5-liter class to offer eight-passenger capacity.
Five-passenger: Seating for five passengers in two rows with ample cargo space, thanks to its low- and flat-floor layout.
· The third row features 50:50-split seats that can be easily flipped up to make room for extra cargo.
· The Freed has enough space to easily stow a 27-inch bicycle*3 without removing tires or handlebars.
· An easily wipeable plastic mat that won’t attract pet hair or other debris is also available. *3 Depending on bicycle model
Interior styling · Layered-design instrument panel highlights bright and spacious interior styling.
· Meter placement above the steering wheel enhances visibility and minimizes eye movement.
· The Freed features relaxing and comfortable seats not usually found in compact-class vehicles.
· Tilt and telescope steering wheel provides optimal driving position.
· With front pillars designed to maximize visibility, side window sills that descend as they move forward and oversized quarter windows, the Freed offers confidence-building, unobstructed field of vision.
Exterior styling · A wedge-shaped fascia melds into the rectangular cabin section to create the distinctive “triangle & square form” that embodies the concepts of thrilling dynamic performance and ample interior space.
· The front view is characterized by the rich curvature of the hood and the chrome finish of the oversized grille, giving the vehicle a strong sense of presence. Combined with the elongated and angular shape of the headlights, this conveys the impression of chiseled strength.
· Seen from the side, the character lines that sweep toward the rear and relaxed surfaces of the side windows convey movement, while the sculpted surfaces of the body panels give viewers the feeling that the car could break into a sprint at any time.
· From the rear, the protruding fenders fuse with the rich curvature of the body panels, emphasizing the vehicle’s low center of gravity and providing a feeling of stability.
· The finely sculpted three-lens rear combination lamps create a sense of depth.
· The addition of Premium Night Blue Pearl body color brings the number of available color schemes to seven.
Powertrain · The 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine provides full-range power and fuel efficiency of 16.4km per liter. (Results for front-wheel-drive vehicle in 10-15 mode during fuel efficiency testing by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport andTourism.)
· The torque converter and continuously variable transmission provide powerful, smooth acceleration and exhilarating yet comfortable performance under a wide variety of driving conditions.
Body structure · Optimal balance between forward and rear body rigidity as well as localized reinforcement of connecting members has resulted in greater dynamic rigidity. A light yet highly rigid body structure was achieved using lightweight but strong high-tension steel and larger cross-sectional areas in structural members, which reduced material thickness and provided the strength necessary to design large openings for the sliding doors and tailgate.
· Quiet operation during idling and acceleration has been achieved by enhancing structural rigidity throughout the body and chassis, which reduces noise-producing vibrations in the cabin’s interior. Also, noise-dampening/absorbing treatments are applied to key areas.
Chassis · A MacPherson strut suspension on the front end provides firm yet responsive contact with the road.
· In the rear, an H-shaped torsion beam suspension provides stability and comfort.
· Honda’s Electric Power Steering enables easy maneuverability when parking or cornering, while on the highway the steering feels solid.
Safety performance · Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering Body not only helps protect occupants, but also mitigates the damage incurred by other vehicles in the event of an accident.
· Pedestrian-injury mitigation technology helps protect pedestrians from injury in case of collision.
· To help protect against head injuries during side collisions, a side curtain air bag system is standard on some models and available on all.
· Honda’s Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system is a standard feature on 4WD, Gi Aero and Flex i Aero models and available on all others. In addition, engine torque control and DBW throttle control allow for precise control of the vehicle while driving.
· In addition to ISO FIX child seat bars, tether anchors are provided in both the left and right seats of the second row as standard equipment.
Environmental performance · The Freed has been certified by the Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport andTourism as having emission levels 75% lower than those required by 2005 standards.
· All front-wheel-drive Freed variations exceed Japanese fuel economy standards for 2010 by 25%. All 4-wheel-drive Freed variations exceed Japanese fuel economy standards for 2010 by 5%.
Special - needs vehicles · The Freed features a spacious interior with a low floor as well as oversized door and tailgate openings, which makes it particularly well suited for persons with special needs.
· Available in a wheelchair-accessible model as well as side lift-up seat and passenger lift-up seat models, the Freed provides caregivers and care-recipients outstanding utility. Special-needs Freed vehicles are produced on the same assembly line as the standard production vehicles, which ensures a steady supply.
< Wheelchair - accessible model > · The rear of the wheelchair-accessible variation is lower than the standard Freed. It’s equipped with an easy-to-pull-out aluminum wheelchair access ramp with a sure-grip surface and a slope of just 11°. Used in combination with the wheelchair safety belt, care-providers will find it a safe and convenient means of enabling smooth ingress and egress for people in wheelchairs.
· The design of the second-row captain’s seats helps provide wheelchair passengers with an unobstructed view and helps caregivers easily keep track of all their passengers. There is also a specially designed 3-point ELR seat belt with independent chest and waist belts for the exclusive use of wheelchair passengers.
< Passenger lift - up seat model > · Full operation of the passenger lift-up seat, including rotation and elevation, can be performed using a single passenger seat switch. The seat is of the same quality and offers the same level of comfort as the standard seat. It also comes with arm rests and a recliner.
< Side lift - up seat model > · Full operation of the side lift-up seat, including rotation and elevation, can be performed using a single switch at the left side of the second row of seats. As with the passenger lift-up seat, the seat is just as comfortable and of the same quality as the standard seat. It, too, comes with arm rests and recliner. Also, this model includes a left-side power sliding door as standard equipment.
|
|
|
14 Replies | 604 Views
|
|
Guangzhou Honda Reveals New Proprietary Brand |
|
May 22, 2008 - 8:33 AM - by panda[cRx]
|
as found at http://world.honda.com/news/2008/408...rietary-Brand/
Quote:
GUANGZHOU, China, April 21, 2008– Guangzhou Honda Automobile Co., Ltd., a Honda automobile production and sales joint venture in China, revealed the name of its new proprietary car brand,  (LI NIAN)*, that will begin selling products in 2010, and debuted the LI NIAN Concept, a concept car that indicates the direction of the brand. Both announcements came at the 2008 Beijing International Automobile Exhibition (Auto China 2008) which is held April 20, 2008 through April 28, 2008 (Press days: April 20 & 21, 2008).
LI NIAN Concept
Guangzhou Honda conceived the name for its proprietary brand, LI NIAN, based on a desire to create a brand that will continue pursuing lofty ideals with a challenging spirit. While receiving support from Honda Motorin Japan, Guangzhou Honda will take the initiative to develop LI NIAN brand products that embody more of the specific needs of Chinese customers. TheLI NIAN brand products will be sold through the Guangzhou Honda sales network. Honda became the first foreign automaker in China to develop products under an original brand of a local joint venture company.
The design of the LI NIAN Concept represents the automobile’s challenge to realize a dream-inspiring future, and reflects the image of a dynamic, stylish, and high-quality life for a new generation. Both the styling design and engineering design for the LI NIAN Concept were completed by Guangzhou Honda Automobile Research & Development Co., Ltd. (GHRD) which was established in 2007.
At the Auto China 2008, Guangzhou Honda also announced its plan to begin sales of the all-new Fit before the end of the year.
* LI NIAN is the pronunciation of the Chinese brand name LI NIAN ; therefore, it will not appear on any product and is included here for reference only.
|
interesting, but a smart move by honda as the chinese market is growing and growing. it'll be interesting to see what kind of price bracket the cars are made for
|
|
14 Replies | 443 Views
|
|
|
|
Ozhonda.com
