Car Reviews: 05/29/07

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Honda NSX: Europe’s Largest NSX Gathering At Castle Combe, UK

Saying largest, don’t go thinking any outrageous numbers; in all, 43 NSX’s were brought together at last weekend’s JapFest show at Castle Combe in the

. James Taylor, from the online-based NSX Club Britain, said: "This was our first ever stand at a large event and everyone was blown away by the sheer number of cars that turned up. Some people had traveled all the way down from Scotland and Northern Ireland to be there."

Honda’s UK arm contributed to the pack of NSXs with its own, rare version of the car; a G-plate NSX, registered in 1990, which is thought to be the second NSX ever brought to the UK. However, the specific car’s most important claim is that it was once driven by the one and only, Ayrton Senna on a visit to Honda UK. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below

FAQs

The NSX made its debut in 1990 as a genuine mid-engine sports car with an all-aluminium monocoque body – a world’s first for a production vehicle at the time. The NSX continued to evolve, with performance improvements including increased displacement, a 6-speed manual transmission, enhanced aerodynamic performance, and different tyre sizes, along with the addition of the NSX-T open-top model and the NSX-R sports model with further enhanced driving performance. One of the first true sports cars to adopt clean emissions measures, the NSX succeeded in combining exhilarating driving performance with superior environmental performance. As a result, the NSX achieved total worldwide sales of over 18,000 units during the 15 years it was in production.

The History of the NSX

Feb. 1989 NS-X mid-engine sports car prototype introduced at the Chicago Auto Show
Oct. 1989 NS-X exhibited at the Tokyo Motor Show
Aug. 1990 Acura NSX went on sale in the US
Sept. 1990 NSX went on sale in Japan
1991 “Owners’ Meetings”, designed to enhance driving skills, inaugurated
Jan. 1992 Custom order interior and body colour plan introduced; its range later expanded.
Nov. 1992 Pure sports model Type-R added to the line-up
Feb. 1993 Minor model change (addition of passenger-side SRS airbags, other enhanced equipment)
1993 “Refresh Plan” introduced as premium service for maturing vehicles
Feb. 1994 Minor model change (16/17-inch aluminium wheels, reinforced brake pads)
Mar. 1995 Minor model change (Drive-By-Wire electronic control, F-Matic manual-feel automatic transmission, open-top Type-T added to line-up)
Feb. 1997 Minor model change (3.2-litre manual transmission model, 6-speed manual transmission, introduction of Type-S)
Sept. 1999 Minor model change (reduced exhaust emissions, enhanced equipment)
Dec. 2001 Minor model change (exterior design changes, 17-inch tyres front and back)
May 2002 New NSX Type-R model introduced
Oct. 2003 Minor model change (Immobiliser, new body colours)
Sept. 2005 Production of European model ends

Technorati: Honda, Honda+NS-X, cars, Carscoop, blogs, automotive, vehicles

Tweaked Toyota Prius gets 125 mpg - 1.9 litres/100km !

Lithium Technology Corporation (LTC), a global provider of large format rechargeable power solutions unveiled a retrofitted Toyota Prius, with plug-in capabilities that promises to deliver a whopping 125+ miles per gallon fuel efficiency, or to make that in liters, less than 1.9 l/100 km –vs 55 mpg or 4.3 l/100 km of the standard Prius (combined).

But how did LTC manage to achieve such an impressive figure? Concisely, LTC switched the Prius’ NiMH (Nickel metal hydride) batteries with a new type of lithium based batteries -lithium iron phosphate cells or LiFePO4 to be exact. Additionally, while the standard Prius’ relies on the petrol engine or the brakes to charge the batteries, LTC has added a charging system allowing charging by plugging into a standard outlet. And at what price? Well, your guess is as good as ours is since LTC avoided any money-talk. Via: AutoblogGreen -Full Press Release after the jump

Press Release: Breakthrough Technology Drives the World Forward

Lithium Technology Corporation Demonstrates Power Solutions Leadership

PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa. (BUSINESS WIRE) Lithium Technology Corporation ("LTC") (OTC: LTHU) hosted yesterday an exposition of the Companys breadth of power solutions and unveiled a retrofitted Toyota Prius, with plug-in capabilities allowing for 125+ miles per gallon fuel efficiency, which is powered by the Company’s unique battery technology. The battery for the Prius utilizes LTC’s new product line of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) cells, the largest cells of their kind in the world, which are considered to be the technology of choice for the American car manufacturers.

“We are delighted to demonstrate and deliver the technology that the automotive industry has been searching for today," commented Dr. Klaus Brandt, chief executive officer of LTC. “While others have estimated up to a year to deliver the technology, we are proud to show the world that we have the technology and are committed to making hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles a reality for all consumers in the safest way.”

The 7 kWh battery comprised of 63 of LTC’s iron phosphate cells has achieved 125+ MPG. LTC’s large format technology allows for more reliable battery systems with a significantly lower number of cells. The battery management system (BMS) is more precise monitoring fewer cells, keeping them in balance for best performance and preventing damage to the battery due to over voltage, under voltage, over temperature and short circuit.

From our highways, to the depths of the ocean and up into space, LTC is powering the world in extraordinary ways. Key partners and customers joined in the event to demonstrate a range of vehicles from the automotive and military markets. Phoenix International representatives were on hand with one of the xBot Remote Operated Vehicles used on to explore the RMS TITANIC. The batteries powering the vehicles are amongst the safest lithium-ion batteries in the world for their energy density

“We are proud of our strategic partnerships which continue to afford us the opportunity to explore and develop new technologies and to break new ground,” remarks Brandt. “Through partners including Phoenix International, Penn State, Phostech and University of Delph, we have made great strides in the military and automotive markets.’

Covering the event were representatives from the Associated Press and the BBC, which later broadcasted parts of the event on their American and global networks. LTC will present at the Wall Street Analyst Forum this morning at 9am.

LTC, a global provider of large lithium-ion rechargeable power solutions has focused solely on the development and production of large format lithium-ion batteries for more than twenty years. The Company manufactures a range of cells with two different types of chemistries. Both chemistries coupled with the company’s innovative end-to-end manufacturing processes and proprietary design and assembly techniques, allow LTC to provide large high performance cells unmatched by any other product.

About Lithium Technology Corporation:

Lithium Technology Corporation (LTC) is a global provider of large format rechargeable power solutions for diverse applications, and offers the largest lithium-ion cells with the highest power of any standard commercial lithium ion cell produced in the western hemisphere. With more than 20 years of experience, LTC leverages its extensive expertise in high power and large battery assemblies to commercialize advanced lithium batteries as a new power source in the military and national security systems, transportation and stationary power markets.

LTC manufactures the GAIA product line of large, high power hermetically sealed rechargeable lithium-ion cells and batteries. The Company's product portfolio includes large cells and batteries from 10 times the capacity of a standard laptop computer battery to 100,000 times greater. LTC manufactures a variety of standard cells that are assembled into custom large batteries complete with electronics (battery management systems) and electronics to communicate with other components of the system for performance monitoring.

LTC headquarters are located in Plymouth Meeting, PA and R&D in Nordhausen, Germany. LTC sales for the U.S. and European markets are managed out of each of the offices. For more information about LTC,its technology and products, please visit http://www.lithiumtech.com

Technorati: Toyota+Prius, cars, Carscoop, blogs, automotive, vehicles

Lindsey Lohan Calling Paris Hilton: Caught DUI After Crash

Seems like its all about the DUI’s these days as now Lindsey Lohan, or favorite blond/brunette/red-head of Hollywood was caught red handed by paparazzi crashing her Mercedes and fleeing the scene, on foot! Sources say she might be off to the “big-house” to join her pal Paris for the same offense. Unfortunately their big contracts can’t get them out of this pickle. Can NBC please place a camera in these jail-cells. I have no doubt that these girls will find some way to get some cash out of this situation. -One more video after the jump

Via: Motorpasion , Source: spynbuy

2007 Hyundai H1-Van / Starex

A couple of months after its Seoul Show debut, Hyundai introduced its all-new full size van to the members of the press on May 25th in Kyungju, South Korea. Available in commercial (cargo) and passenger versions (8seater) and offered either with a 100Hp 2.5-liter Common Rail Diesel or a 175Hp 2.4-liter Theta petrol engine, the H1-Van, also know as the Starex in the domestic market, will primarily target vans like the VW Transporter, Ford Transit and Mercedes Vito. Production of the diesel edition starts this August while the petrol version will be available after November 2007. -Press release and high-res image gallery after the jump

Technorati: Hyundai+H1, Starex, cars, Carscoop, blogs, automotive,

All-New Hyundai H-1 Van (pictures below)

With its sophisticated lines, the all-new H-1 (project codename TQ) improves on its predecessor in every measurable respect. More spacious, more comfortable and more convenient, the new H-1 reinvigorates Hyundai competitiveness in this hotly contested segment. The new H-1 comes in passenger van and commercial van versions. The people mover is available in a variety of seating layouts: eight, nine, 11 or 12 passenger while the commercial van comes in two, three, five and six seater versions for a a high degree of versatility.

Engines: For all markets outside of Korea and the EU, power for the new H-1 is provided by a 2.5-liter turbocharged intercooled engine (4D56). Euro-III emissions-compliant, the 4D56 delivers 100ps of horsepower and 23kg m of torque whilst delivering 9.4km per litre of fuel. It's mated to a five-speed manual gearbox or the optional four-speed automatic. For the EU and Korean markets, the new H-1 gets the A 2.5 CRDi, a Euro-IV compliant engine which with the assistance of a Variable Geometry Turbocharger delivers 170ps and 40kg m of torque.

The base gearbox is a five-speed manual but an automatic is available as an option, in either four- or five-speed versions, depending on local market requirements. For markets requiring gasoline propulsion, the 2.4-liter Theta engine is a new offering to the range. Delivering 170ps and 22.8kg m of torque, the Theta can propel the new H-1 to a maximum speed of 185km/h and has a fuel economy rating of 7.1km per litre. Key new exterior features include the addition of dual sliding side doors, twin swing rear doors (commercial van only), enlarged wheels and tires (205/70R15 -> 215/70R16), back-up warning system (passenger van only) and a sliding side window (wagon only).

New touches to the interior include the mounting of the transmission gear shift lever to the center fascia for obstructionless movement between the driver seat and front passenger seat and the addition of an overhead storage console. The new H-1 is also fitted with an electro-chromic rear view mirror and new roof-mounted air vents for improved cooling and heating throughout the cabin. The new H-1 gets 16-inch front disc brakes providing better braking power than the H-1's 15-inch discs. And for improved handling, it's fitted with a MacPherson strut front suspension. Production of the new H-1 diesel edition starts in August 2007 while the petrol version won't be available until after November 2007.

World's First Production Air-Powered Car, Fill It Up With 2$ Of Air!

With gas hitting record prices all over the world any wacko idea is welcome, but a car running on air? Yes and despite what you may think, the folks at MDI aren’t full of hot air. Developed by ex-F1 engineer, Guy Nègre for MDI a small, family-controlled company located at Carros, near Nice (Southern France), the Air Car uses compressed air to push its engine’s pistons emitting… 0 to sub-zero Celsius (30 F and under) air!

All it takes is €1.5 -$2.0 and around 2 to 3 minutes at a gas station to fill the car’s carbon-fibre tanks with 90 cubic meters of air compressed to 300 bars. Alternatively, you can plug the car into an electrical grid and use the built-in compressor to refill the tanks which takes approximately 4 hours. Of course, electricity=emissions, but hey, no one’s perfect. According to MDI, the Air Car can go up to 110km/h - 68 mph and has a range of 200-300km or 125-190 miles. MDI has developed four versions of the Air Car: Family, Van, Taxi & Pick-Up.

While there are no plans to import the Air Car to the US, India’s largest automaker, Tata Motors, signed an agreement with MDI in February to build the Air Car. Tata expects some 6.000 units to hit Indian streets in August of 2008. Apart from India, MDI has also signed deals to bring the Air Car to a dozen or so countries, including Germany, Israel and South Africa. We’re not endorsing the Air Car as a true alternative to petrol cars –who knows how many faults it may have, but in our opinion, the only viable way to drastically improve consumption and emissions, will be an array of solutions: diesels, hybrids (petrol/electric & diesel/electric), bio-fuels, air cars etc. All together, they may very well do the trick until some wacko scientist finds a way to power our vehicles with a super clean and efficient energy that’ll last for ever and ever. Sweet dreams… -Click “Read More…” below for a high-res image gallery and a Video

Via: Le blog auto , Source: MDI

Parking Lesson 101: Don’t Reverse In First Gear

…especially when you have illegally parked on the sidewalk, right in front of glass wall and you’re in such a hurry to avoid being ticketed. According to our tipster, this video was taken from a security camera in Athens, Greece on the day of the UEFA Champions League Final between Milan and Liverpool, May 23. -thanks for sending the video CC!

2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible

Following up on our weekend post concerning the Lexus IS Coupe-Cabrio, here’s another interesting proposition for a mid-sized, 2+2 convertible, this time based on the Infiniti G37 / Nissan Skyline Coupe. As with the IS Coupe-Cabrio CGI (Computer Generated Image), the G37 Convertible rendering was scanned from, an unknown this time, Japanese car magazine. Again, we have no confirmation –official or unofficial, that Nissan/Infiniti is actually preparing an open top version of its G35/Skyline Coupe, but we definitely find it interesting and we can’t think of a reason why Nissan shouldn’t go ahead and produce a model like this. Then again, our name doesn’t start with a C nor do the call us “le cost killer” behind our back. Pic via: skylinesaustralia

Technorati: Nissan+Skyline, Infiniti+G37, Convertible, cars, Carscoop, cars, autos, vehicles

Mazda MX-5 Icon: Special Edition Version Announced

With summer well on its way in the northern hemisphere it was bound that we would see the 100th or so special/limited –call it what you want, version of the MX-5. For the moment, Mazda has announced that it’ll introduce a "mere" 875 MX-5 1.8i Icon’s and 375 MX-5 2.0i Icon’s in the

. Special features include: climate control air-conditioning, Icon-branded black Medici leather seats, unique Icon-branded luxury interior mats, Icon badging and chrome style bar trims. The Icon will be available solely three exterior colours – Copper Red Mica, unique Marble White (solid) and Stormy Blue Mica. Full press release along with U.K. pricing and high-res pics after the jump

SPECIAL EDITION "MAZDA MX-5 ICON" ZOOMS INTO SUMMER

Just 875 MX-5 1.8i Icon and 375 MX-5 2.0i Icon will be available in the UK
Mazda MX-5 Icon, based on the MX-5 1.8i and 2.0i Option Pack models, offers up to £1,500 worth of additional features

Celebrating its status as ‘Britain’s favourite sports car brand’ – delivering one in every four sports cars sold in the UK this year – Mazda is introducing a new ‘Special Edition’ MX-5 soft-top model to its product line-up this summer, finished in a patriotic choice of red, white or blue paint.

The appropriately named ‘Mazda MX-5 Icon’ is the latest edition of the world’s best-selling roadster and is specially designed to appeal to British drivers looking to purchase their very first soft-top roadster this summer. A true sports car, the rear-wheel drive MX-5 delivers unrivalled handling, driving dynamics and wind-in-the-hair motoring.

Representing extremely competitive value for money, the Mazda MX-5 Icon is available in two versions – the ‘entry-level’ 1.8i Icon features a 126ps engine and a five-speed transmission and is priced at £16,825 on-the-road. Customers in search of higher performance can choose the 2.0i Icon powered by a 160ps engine mated to a six-speed transmission and costing £17,825.

Both Icon models offer fantastic value with up to £1,500 worth of additional extras. Special features of the Icon include climate control air-conditioning, Icon-branded black Medici leather seats and unique Icon-branded luxury interior mats.

Exterior features include Icon badging and chrome style bar trims and the cars can be ordered in one of three exterior colours – Copper Red Mica, unique Marble White (solid) and Stormy Blue Mica.

“Since the demise of the MG TF and Toyota MR2, there is no longer a defined ‘roadster’ segment within the non-premium sports car market,” commented Mazda UK's Managing Director Rob Lindley.

“ Today, a section of the public perceives competitors to the Mazda MX-5 to include other open-top cars like the Mini Convertible, Vauxhall Tigra and Peugeot 207CC – all non-sports car segment vehicles.

Now, the Mazda MX-5 Icon aims to attract those customers by offering an irresistible combination of a uniquely sporty rear‑wheel drive, wind-in-the-hair experience, high specification and excellent value. We are sure that this new model is an Icon by name and the MX-5 is certainly iconic by nature!” concluded Lindley.

As well as adding the special Icon features, generous standard equipment of the MX-5 ensures that buyers can enjoy: leather wrapped steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake, six-speaker audio system, electric windows, premium black cloth soft-top, 16-inch alloy wheels, twin chrome exhaust tail pipes and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser.

Icon owners will also enjoy a degree of exclusivity as production of this latest Mazda MX-5 model will be restricted. Just 875 examples of the MX-5 1.8i Icon and 375 units of the
MX-5 2.0i Icon will be available in the UK.

Despite all of the additional specification, both Mazda MX-5 Icon special editions remain in the same insurance groups as their standard counterparts – 11E (1.8i) and 13E (2.0i).

Technorati: Mazda, Mazda+MX-5, Miata, cars, Carscoop, cars, autos, vehicles

Mazda’s Rotary Engine 40th Anniversary: Wallpapers & Rotary Widget Included

On May 30th 1967, Mazda sold its first rotar-engine powered car and simultaneously, the world’s first dual-rotar, rotary engine vehicle, the Cosmo Sport. 40 years latter and while most manufactures have long abandoned the idea of developing the innovative but also problematic, rotar-engine, Mazda continues to believe in Felix Wankel's dream. Tomorrow, May 30, 2007, Mazda will celebrate the rotary engine 40th birthday by opening a dedicated website -we’ll have more details on that later on. For the time being, Mazda has released an exclusive blog widget that allows comments. Simply copy the code below (replace XXX with <), and paste it to your blog –be sure though that your service provider permits JavaScript. Here’s the piece of the code:

XXXscript src="http://www.mazda.com/mazdaspirit/rotary/blogparts/rotary.js" type="text/javascript"> XXX/script>

Don’t really care about widgets? Well, we thought about that, so in compensation we added 50 (yes it took as a while) high-res images of all the rotar-engine powered cars that Mazda has produced the past 40 years; from the luscious Cosmo Sport to the weird, Holden Kingswood based, Roadpacer and from the Parkway bus to the dual-fueled (gasoline & hydrogen) RX-8 Hydrogen RE. -Follow the jump for the high-res image-gallery