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Honda Jazz gets Hybrid Tech
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
A hybrid version of Honda’s much-loved Jazz will make its world debut at the Paris Motor Show in September, bringing lower emissions and improved fuel economy to the practical supermini.
- Improved emissions and fuel economy for popular supermini
- World’s first B-class hybrid car
The introduction of Honda’s petrol-electric IMA system to the Jazz, makes the car the world’s first B-segment hybrid.
Featuring the practicality and flexibility of the current Jazz, but with reduced CO2 emissions and improvements to fuel economy, the hybrid version will go on sale in the UK in early 2011.
The car will feature the same engine as the Insight hybrid; a 1.3-litre i-VTEC engine combined with a CVT gearbox, with an electric motor sandwiched between the two to create a parallel hybrid system. The hybrid Jazz – like the Insight and Civic Hybrid models – will be capable of running on the electric motor alone under some medium and low speed conditions.
Much of the Jazz’s practicality is derived from its height, but despite being taller than the current Honda Insight, the hybrid version of Jazz manages to maintain fuel consumption and CO2 emissions on comparable levels.
Visually, this new, cleaner Jazz is distinguished from the current range by revised headlights with a blue surround, clear rear lights, new front grille, restyled bumpers and a chrome tailgate garnish. The new hybrid will also be available in a range of existing colours plus a bespoke Lime Green metallic.
Inside, the cabin is also given a fresh look, with darker single colour dashboard, which contrasts strongly with the blue lighting of the dials and dashboard instruments. The new hybrid is also available with leather trim, the first time this has been available on a Jazz model in Europe.
MPG and emissions data will be released at the Paris Motor Show in September.
Along with the new hybrid Jazz, Honda will display the 2011 model year Insight, CR-Z, Jazz, CR-V, Accord and Accord Tourer, as well as the sports touring motorcycle VFR1200F equipped with the V4 engine, and a stylish PCX scooter with low emission idle-stop 125cc engine.
Press data & images: Honda
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Fisker Karma ‘Get Hot’ Commercial
by Aman ChaudhryNo CommentsFisker has recently brought out this new commercial show casing the all-new ‘very hot’ Karma – the plug-in sports hybrid. The same Karma was first advertised differently but that obviously didn’t work for Fisker.
This is the new ‘Get Hot’ commercial and we are a tad bit curious to find out if this leaves an impression or not. After all the Karma comes with 2.0-litre turbocharged direct petrol engine and an electric motor that produces 403 horsepower.
Even though there’s a pretty woman, a soft alluring sound track, ice cubes melting, fast car, donuts, basically the works, it somehow doesn’t touch the cord. But that’s just what we think.
Check it out right here:
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New Images of the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
We have already seen the pictures of the Bugatti Super Sport (remember the black and orange monster), which made its debut at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Now, we bring you the latest images released by the manufacture showing the Super Sport in a blue carbon fiber version. As a reminder, this is the same car that manages to touch 431 kmh (268 mph) on the Ehra-Lessian Volkswagen test track.
As we already know the Bugatti Super Sport is powered by an engine that has been tweaked to develop 1200 hp and a maximum torque of 1,106 pound feet. This unit in return uses the seven-speed twin clutch transmission and sends power to all four wheels. This mammoth also comes with enhanced aerodynamics, a re-engineered chassis and a body structure that uses carbon fiber.
“The Super Sport’s flat, elongated silhouette distinguishes itself from the standard car. Rather than scoops above the engine, the 16-cylinder engine is now fed air from two NACA ducts integrated into the roof. The front air intakes have been expanded and reshaped, with the lower one extending elegantly around the sides to the wheel arch. The revised rear end looks sportier due to the double diffuser and a centrally arranged exhaust system,” a company statement reads.
Bugatti Veyron Super Sport covers the 0 to 100-km/h distance in mere 2.5 seconds, the 0 to 200 stretch in 7.3 seconds and the 0 to 300 distance in around 15 seconds. Whoa!
On the other hand, the production version of the car, which will be available, will have an electronic limitation on top speed at 415 km/h due to tire (and life?) safety reasons.
This Bugatti Veyron Super Sport will be priced at EUR 1,464,000 and will be sold in a limited run of just 5 units in the beginning.
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12 SECOND “RACE THE ROOF” STRIPPING CONTEST
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
Muggy summer weather getting too much for you? If the air con has packed up in your office, or you just can’t face another sweaty journey crammed inside the bus or train, weighed down by your suit, shirt and tie, Renault might have the answer, and a water-tight excuse – strip off.As part of its latest innovative marketing campaign, to build awareness of its new two-seat Wind Roadster, the French marque is hoping to be a breath of fresh air in the clammy weeks ahead withwww.12secondstrip.co.uk. The contest, which has just begun, sees Renault inviting internet users to post video clips of themselves or anyone they know, trying to strip down to just a single layer of clothing in less than 12 seconds, the exact time it takes for the innovative roof to open and close on its latest model.
Of course, a responsible international company like Renault wouldn’t expect entrants to dress up in their birthday suits. So, as far as the competition is concerned, to be eligible to win, entrants need to abide by the rule of ‘stripping down from winter clothing to summer attire’. Contestants are free to interpret this however they wish, whether their initial outfit consists of full British-weather-busting trenchcoat, scarf, gloves and wellies, or simply a woollen hat teamed with a sun-kissed bikini.
Whether contestants film themselves from the comfort of their own homes, hide away in the photocopying room, or take a walk on the wild side by undressing in a public place, within reason, all entries will be accepted. Anyone looking to strip down to the bare essentials in an open-plan office, or in front of the in-laws, might wish to consider the possible ramifications first though. However, roping others in to take part, possibly in a group ‘Flip Video Camcorder’™ party, could increase the likelihood of winning.
To be in with a chance of driving away in the Wind Roadster, Renault’s compact and stylish two-seater coupé-cabriolet, it’s worth bearing in mind a few pointers. Firstly, the more successful entries will stand out from the crowd. They can be outlandish, feature unusual clothes (or a lack of them), interesting people or even an iconic landmark.
Secondly, choice of backdrop could be crucial. The more indecisive, could opt for filming themselves in front of one of the interactive screens which Renault will be using in London and Manchester, to countdown the seconds it takes to open or close Wind Roadster’s innovative electric roof. The screens will show a short clip of the car and its roof opening, followed by the words, “Now it’s your turn”. Entrants might also wish to consider racing the roof in real-life, by going to their nearest dealer and filming in front of one of their display cars.
Clips, unsurprisingly, lasting no longer than 12 seconds, can be uploaded directly into the site,www.12secondstrip.co.uk or through YouTube with the tag “12secondstrip”. The Renault microsite will allow visitors to see rival entries or simply browse for fun. For simple and effective navigation, it will also be split into several sections: clumsy, funny, sexy and the almost now obligatory, outtakes.
Speaking about the imminent launch, Renault UK’s Marketing Director, Phil York, said, “With its clever roof system, Wind Roadster is unique in its class, so we wanted an ad campaign which broke away from the norm, yet mirrored its attention-grabbing style. We hope our latest initiative will capture the imagination of the British public, come rain or shine, and that like driving the car itself, they will have a lot of fun at the same time. We don’t care if you’re wearing granny knickers, a tatty old pair of Calvins, or even if your underwear isn’t whiter than white, so as long as the video is fun and tasteful.”
To drive away in Renault’s latest creation, worth £17,350, wannabe-Wind Roadster owners have until 30 September 2010 to enter. Entries can be recorded on all forms of suitable recording device in any viewable format. The winning entry will be chosen by a UK judging panel, entrants must be UK residents and aged over 18. Only one entry is permitted per email address. Full terms and conditions are available atwww.12secondstrip.co.uk.
Press data & images: Renault
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2011 Nissan Juke priced at $18,960*
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
Nissan North America has recently released pricing for the 2011 Nissan Juke sport cross. The all-new Juke is the company’s CUV that goes on sales in October starting at MSRP of $18,960 USD.
“We believe JUKE’s unique combination of motorsports-inspired exterior and interior design and unexpected levels of technology – along with a starting MSRP under $19,000 is going to propel JUKE into the heart of the fast-growing compact hatchback/crossover market,” said Al Castignetti, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc.
The Nisaan Juke will be offered in eight different variants powered by a standard 1.6-liter Direct Injection Petrol Turbo engine, which results in producing 188 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. This engine comes in two transmissions – an advanced Xtronic CVT with S-mode or a 6-speed manual transmission (SV FWD and SL FWD models only), which will start at $20,260. Nissan has claimed fuel efficiency figures of 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
This baby CUV is a nice blend of sporty and sleek looks. The car looks powerful, bold and is ready to attract the young drivers. Interiors look almost comic like with a center console inspired by a motorcycle fuel tank in high-gloss plaint.
With low pricing, many on-board equipments, youth-oriented styling, Nissan is making sure that we see enough of Jukes on the road post October.
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The New 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 400R
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
Kawasaki is all ready to launch their new 400cc Ninja. This all-new 2011 Ninja 400R will easily be slotted in between the 250cc and the 600cc category. Kawasaki fans around the globe have been waiting for this bike for a long time and we aren’t sure when their wait will end as Kawasaki has not yet announced the marketing and sales plans outside Japan.
Going by the looks, the bike is a full-blooded Ninja sporting the classic paint scheme and full fairing looking, which is a Kawasaki Sportsbike trademark.
On the inside this Ninja 400 R has a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, parallel twin-cylinder DOHC four-valve engine. The beauty about this engine is that it is powerful at low- and mid-range speeds and that responds agilely at high speeds.
Along with a fuel-injection system, the bike also has sub-throttle valves to optimize the air intake. Kawasaki states that this results in excellent throttle response and smoother engine performance even at normal speeds and improves riding and handling incredibly.
Similar to the 2011 ER-4n, the Ninja 400R also sports a short silencer located under the engine’s belly and is also equipped with a built-in three-way catalyzer.
The full fairing of the Ninja 400R makes the rider feel protected at high speeds, while the position of the aluminum grab bars help in better riding position to ease fatigue.The 2011 Ninja 400R come with a futuristic multi-function LCD display with a digital speedometer, digital bar-style tachometer, fuel gauge, clock and odometer.
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PORSCHE 918 SPYDER GETS GREEN LIGHT
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
In its session today, the Supervisory Board of Porsche AG, Stuttgart, gave the green light for series development of the Porsche 918 Spyder. Reflecting the overwhelming response from the public and customers to the Concept Study, the Supervisory Board gave the Porsche Board of Management the mission to develop a production model based on the car already presented. This concept version of an ultra-high-performance mid-engined sports car with plug-in hybrid technology made its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show and at Auto China in Bejing, hitting the headlines worldwide.
Michael Macht, President and Chairman of the Board of Management of Porsche AG, said; “Production of the 918 Spyder in a limited series proves that we are taking the right approach with Porsche Intelligent Performance featuring the combination of supreme performance and efficient drivetrain concepts. We will develop the 918 Spyder in Weissach and assemble it in Zuffenhausen. This is also a very important commitment to Germany as a manufacturing base.”
The Concept Study of the 918 Spyder allows CO2 emissions of just 70 g/km, corresponding to fuel consumption of 94.1 mpg (3.0 litres/100 km) on the NEDC, combined with the performance of a super-sports car. This extremely efficient drivetrain technology has a natural home in the 918 Spyder given the truly outstanding design and high-tech motorsport achievements for which Porsche is renowned.
Further product details of the 918 Spyder will be disclosed in the months to come.
Press data & images: Porsche
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2011 Ford Explorer. When will we see it?
by Aman ChaudhryNo Comments
We have already shown you the teasers released by Ford earlier giving us very subtle hints on what the 2011 Ford Explorer might look like. Though it is exciting that what claims to be the “SUV of the 21stCentury” is being exposed image by image or shall we say part by part, we would like to see the entire car in one frame please.
Still, this mysterious campaign by Ford has worked brilliantly and Facebook has the results for us. The number of Ford Explorer fans on Facebook crossed 30,000 (just by glimpsing at teasers) and as a reward they get to see the front grille now.
Ford has now announced that it will be revealing the entire Explorer at live events across the U.S. on Monday, July 26. Some of these places are New York, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and Dearborn, MI. Ford is keeping in mind that those who cannot make to the live unveiling would not miss out on the excitement as there will be a parallel online unveiling as well on Facebook.
“Congratulations Explorer fans! We hit 30,000 fans and Ford is excited to give away an all-new 2011 Ford Explorer. Stay tuned for the launch of our sweepstakes tab, so that you can enter for your chance to win. We promise you’ll be the first to hear about it,” the manufacturer says on its Facebook page.Ford firmly believes that social media will help in accelerating sale figures of the 2011 Ford Explorer as it did for the Ford Fiesta.
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Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Unveils Its Attractions
by Aman ChaudhryNo CommentsFerrari World Abu Dhabi unveils today its exciting attractions, designed to tell the Ferrari story, passion, excellence, performance and technical innovation to families and fans of all ages. More than 20 rides will offer thrills and amusement for a complete Ferrari experience.
For the speed freaks there are exhilarating rides like Formula Rossa – The world’s fastest roller coaster, reaching speeds of 240 km/h, Speed of Magic – A fantasy 4-D journey following the adventures of a young boy as he travels through a kaleidoscopic dreamscape of natural and phenomenal environments, where no Ferrari has gone before and Fiorano GT Challenge – A unique duelling rollercoaster with Ferrari F430 Spiders twisting and turning through tight corners on a sprint to the finish line.
For the young drivers there is Junior GT – A driving school for children with expert instruction where they will drive reduced scale F430 GT Spiders on an equipped driving course, Junior Grand Prix – After the Junior GT driving experience, budding F1™ drivers can enjoy the race track in scaled down Ferrari F1™ racers and Junior Training Camp – An interactive play area for children where they can engage with a waterless car wash, become custom ‘constructors’, climb up the grandstand, pilot remote cars, paddle their own miniature Ferrari and play with an F1™ car made of soft, guest-friendly foam.
For those who love history, there’s plenty as well.
- Bell’Italia – A miniature recreation of Italy’s most famous locations, from the picturesque Portofino and the Amalfi Coast to Monza racetrack, the Colosseum in Roma, Venezia and Maranello, the heartland and home of Ferrari.
- Paddock – A re-creation of the Ferrari motor home including garages, transporters & hospitality suites with interactive shows offering fans a taste of the true action behind the scenes on a Grand Prix race day.
- The Pit Wall – An interactive theatre that allows guests to test their judgment in realistic racing scenarios.
- Galleria Ferrari – The world’s largest Ferrari gallery outside Maranello, showcasing the most exclusive range of classic and contemporary Ferrari’s from all over the world.
Press data & images: Ferrari -
2010 Jaguar Goodwood Special XKR
by Aman Chaudhry5 Comments
The Jaguar XKR Goodwood concept is not just making news these days, it’s making BIG news. According to jaguar, this XKR Goodwood Special (Yes, the green car in the pictures) has managed to lap the Nurburgring in 7 minutes 58 seconds.
“This is definitely not a level of performance anyone would have associated with the XKR before now,” Jaguar boss Mike O’Driscoll told the aforementioned source, describing the car’s Nurburgring achievement. Jaguar goes on to confirm that a more ferocious version of the XKR will go into production later this year.
No further details about the car have been revealed yet, but we can tell you that that its top speed will be in the 186 mph range making this monster straight in the 300 km/h car bracket.
As we know that the car is based on the concept, the supercharged 5.0-litre V8 along with a little bit of tweaking delivered 530 horsepower and 515 pound-feet of torque.
We are guessing that an increase of about 13 hp and 55 lb-ft could be offered on the standard XKR. The 0 to 62 mph distance was covered in 4.6 seconds and this Goodwood Special comes with 21-inch alloy rims, a lowered suspension and a modified exhaust system.
