2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S Coupe Vs 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera S Coupe

We do not see broad changes in Porsche models since long ago. So it would be a difficult task to compare the same Porsche models over the two successive years. Apparently, these two models are very much similar but their features as well as performance stats differ.
The 2009 model Porsche 911 Carrera S Coupe is around $ 30,00 more expensive than the previous year model. Carrera S has continuously been evolved over the years in technology. 2009 model has got the refined features like direct fuel injection (DFI) and two piece crankcases which 2008 models did lack. 2009 model engines are also light in weight and deliver more power and torque as compared to the previous year model. Anyhow, the revised intake and exhaust manifolds are used in the new 2009 Porsche 911.
2009 model has 6 % better fuel economy than 2008 model within the city while 2008 model has 18 % better fuel economy than 2009 model on highway.

Honda presents Hydrogen concept car in Tokyo motor show

Though Honda is not the first auto company to present such a green concept but it is appreciable to bring such concepts in the market. The concept uses hydrogen as a fuel and produces water vapors in exhaust thus resulting in emission free environment.Hydrogen combines with oxygen thus generating electric energy which is used to drive the car. You may drive your hydrogen car to far off places without refueling it which is just a matter of minutes.
Fuel cells are used in this car which makes the initial cost very high, so we may not expect this technology to come in the market very soon especially the European markets which are badly affected by the economic recession. Honda is held in high esteem by the US public where some hydrogen cars were sold last year. Suzuki motors has also displayed their hydrogen powered car and a scooter in the Tokyo motor show.

The real advantage of fuel cell cars is that it can take you for long journeys and can be refueled earlier than plug in hybrids. Owing to the benefits of the fuel cell cars, Toyota, the leading automakers, have also decided to bring this technology enabled cars in the market by 2015. The world’s largest automakers have built a consensus last month to establish a network of hydrogen fuel stations worldwide by 2015 to promote the production of hydrogen cars.

George Hansen, GM's head of fuel-cell commercialization in the Asia-Pacific says:

“A fuel-cell car gives you power, distance... It gives you short refueling time.”

It is still a questionable fact that how the cost of the hydrogen cars can be optimized which does not limit it to the celebrities plus how this technology competes with the electric cars and plug in hybrids? Keeping these limitations on one side, fuel cell is one of the sound green technologies.

About the car

Lets discuss a little about the Honda hydrogen car displayed in this Tokyo motor show. The car seems like a robot with a typical sports car look. The rear view of the new Honda gives it a disgusting look which ends at hexagon. The hexagon contains the radiator housing to keep the fuel cells cool. The car has the center driving position and has the capacity of two passengers. The peculiarity about this car is that its canopy opens upwards from the rear. The fuel cell stack is located between the rear seats. The car is configured with the low center of gravity, a new innovative front view design and most importantly zero emissions.

European Auto Industry is keen to reduce CO2 emissions

Though a lot of improvement is seen in Green Technologies in the last few years but still the European Auto Industry is concerned to reduce CO2 emissions which is a good sign.
ACEA agreements between the European automobile manufacturers have limited the CO2 emissions upto 140 g/km in 2008 and are dedicated to further reduce it upto 120 g/km by 2010.

Global warming is increasing each day and auto industry is a major sector which alarms the coming generations. The fact that Porsche inhales more toxic air than emitting it out in polluted cities like Agra (India) leaves a threat that every molecule of air that a person inhales in polluted cities is even more toxic than a Porsche exhales.

Electric vehicles, hybrid technology, plug-in hybrids and use of carbon fibers and plastics (of good strength to weight ratio) have contributed to reduce the CO2 emissions but still this is not the end. The proposal for reduction in CO2 emissions is nearly going to improve but it needs a strong strategy buildup because a large number of auto companies are still victimized by the economic crises and the policy makers need to balance out the economic and environmental priorities. Statistics show that demand for light commercial vehicles has declined by 34.4% this year due to long production time phase of these vehicles as compared to the urban passenger cars.
Hodac, Secretary General of ACEA says “The European manufacturers will further deliver significant CO2-efficiency improvements to market despite the austere economic and financial conditions”.
In short, ACEA must make such a policy that would raise employment and does not affect the economy on large scale.

41st Tokyo Motor Show:7 wonderful and weird vehicles

Where many auto companies walked away from the 41st Tokyo Motor Show owing to the economic crises, many Japanese automakers emerged with new concepts. Here are the seven wonderful and weird vehicles which became a part of this Motor Show.
1. How to put a wheel chair on the roof of Prius Hybrid
An amazing concept is used by Toyota Motor Corporation of how to mount a wheel chair on the roof of Prius Hybrid. So you need not to worry about carrying special people with you in this adapted version of Toyota Prius Hybrid. A special carriage is designed which fits on the roof of the car.

2. P70t CONCH
Keeping in view the importance of the electric energy, Phiaro group brings a three seater futuristic electric car, P70t CONCH. What is worst about this car is the high center of gravity which makes it unstable at cornering. The side doors open backward giving enough room to the passengers to easily get in the car.

3. Cta electric vehicle
Cta zero emission vehicle is demonstrated in this Tokyo Motor Show. Three wheels are used instead of four to lower the rolling resistance. The car is cylindrical in shape with three passenger seats.

4. EC-f experimental electric vehicle

Yamaha Motor Corp. displays the EC-f electric vehicle which seems to be a mini motorcycle. The details are not yet revealed about this unimpressive vehicle.

5. Lexus LFA

Lexus LFA attracts the viewers in the Show by its cool sporty look. This model comes with the V10 engine with 202 mph top speed. What attracts me the most is the front view of the car but it has a unique design all over. Get the more details here.

6. i-REAL personal mobility devices

Toyota Motor Corporation brings i-REAL mobility devices. These devices are single passenger vehicles for short distances and come in different innovative designs.

7. CR-Z Concept

Honda Motor Corp. shows CR-Z (Compact Renaissance Zero) Concept car which has a sleek aerodynamic design. This car has lightweight sports car features with improved dynamics. Click here to get the details about this concept.

41st Tokyo Motor Show: 2009 Mitsubishi i MiEV wins “MOST ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY” AWARD

2009 Mitsubishi i MiEV has the prestige to win the “MOST ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY” award yesterday in the 41st Tokyo Motor Show. i MiEV is a 4-seater electric car that was seen on Japanese roads in July this year with around 1400 units already sold in Japan. 900 more units have been ordered in Japan for 2010 i MiEV production. Mitsubishi deserves this award which has been working on electric cars a long ago since 1970’s and properly employing the high performance lithium ion batteries in all i MiEV models.

2009 Mitsubishi i MiEV

The i MiEV production for the European countries will begin form October 2010 except UK where i MiEV will be on roads in December this year. This is because UK auto market is occupied with right hand drive vehicles.

600 brake complaints received against Honda Odyssey minivans

Honda Odyssey minivans, being very famous in America, have the potential brake problems that resulted in 10 crashes with 7 people injured and no causalities as reported by Honda and safety regulators.NHTSA reported the investigation details on Oct 19 which covers 343,000 Honda Odysseys.
600 complaints have been received regarding delayed response due to soft brakes. Investigators think that this poor brake response may be due to the air entering the braking system but according to Honda, air may not cause a delay in brake response.
Honda is not the first company which is victimized by the public complaints. Few years back, NHTSA investigated severe frame corrosion on complaint against 2000-01 Tundra pickups.

A Concept GYM electric car

Man has never been so concerned about fitness as he today is. Da Feng, a graduate from British faculty, has designed a concept GYM car. It may be characterized as an electric car that generates its energy from the lithium ion batteries. The batteries run the electric motor which drives the car.
The basic idea behind this project is to convert the mechanical energy produced by the body movements of the driver into the electrical energy to charge the battery. So the driver is bound to make enough exercises inside the car which keeps the battery charged.

A Concept GYM Car

This GYM car uses steering wheel, pedals and seat as the gym tools. It is still ambiguous whether you may do the exercises before turning the car alive or you can do it during the journey. The front view of the car resembles Formula One racing cars.

2009 Volvo: Let the cars drive on their own

Auto industry is revolutionized in the last few decades owing to the new technologies. The result is the better performance, comfort, luxury and reduction in the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. A new project, SARTRE, is under consideration which would result in the autonomous car drive. In short, the car will accelerate itself at an optimum speed with the fully functional auto brake system. This technology will save the journey time and stimulate the car’s performance and traffic flow.

SARTRE Project

Just think of the comfort this technology will provide you. You can talk on your cell phones, play games on notebooks and enjoy movies while the journey is being covered safely by the auto driver. This technology will be seen on roads within a decade while the cars will be on for test in 2011. The great thing about this concept is that the road network needs not to be extended as this technology is fully integrated within a car.
Tom Robinson, SARTRE project coordinator, of Ricardo UK Ltd says:
"The SARTRE project brings together a unique mix of technologies, skills and expertise from European industry and academia, with the aim of encouraging the development of safe and environmentally effective road trains. By developing and implementing the technology at a vehicle level, SARTRE aims to realize the potentially very significant safety and environmental benefits of road trains without the need to invest in changes to road infrastructure."

Enjoy the video!!

2009 Nissan shows off 370Z super car

After a success of Skyline GTR, Nissan looks forward to compete with the market by showing off its new 370Z sports car. Nissan Z series is a sports car production series. The first Z car arrived in America in 1970 as 240Z which then evolved to 260Z, 280Z, 300Z, 350Z and now 370Z. The evolution of 240Z to this new model brings the hell of difference in shape as well as in performance and luxury. 370Z is a real sports Coupe with excellent handling. 370Z has a six speed manual transmission, a powerful V-6 engine of 332 hp with the volumetric capacity of 3.7 litres.

Front End View

The chassis is light and firm with improved driving dynamics. In my viewpoint, the front and back lights are designed by keeping a mouse cursor (arrow shaped) aside. Aluminum is mostly used in the skeleton of 370Z to keep the car as light as 3250 pounds. Being a sports car, 370Z has a relatively better fuel economy that ranges between 18 mpg – 26mpg. The car is less than $30,000 for sale.

Nissan 370Z is equipped with some modern features which are rarely seen in previous models. The car has 8-way power seating driver System, Cruise Control, Speed Sensitive Power Locks, Electronic Start System, Audio Steering Controls positioned at wheel, Xenon headlights and Rear Window Defrost Timer System.

Nissan 370Z has advanced safety systems which include Advanced Air Bag System, Electronic Brake Distribution, Traction Control System and Vehicle Dynamic Control System.

Interior

This phenominal car has a heart touching interior. You will see a number of round meters inside. Those lying below the steering are the speed dials while two on dashboard are gauges with one showing the time. 370Z has a good luggage capacity.

Does 370Z meet the demands of your dream sports car? If not now, see the video below and you will love it.

KIA KND-5 Concept Sedan Car is unveiled as “Cadenza”

Kia officially reveals the first picture of its all new Sedan which will be named as Cadenza outside Korea. Cadenza will be the production Urban Car which was merely a concept Sedan car.

 This car provides sheer luxury drive apart from its soothe appearance. Cadenza will be on for display in the coming motor shows like Kuwait, Dubai and Saudi Arabia International Motor Show.

Front End View

 The new Sedan is aerodynamic giving it a sporty look with the big monster tyres. The prominent front grills and head lamps reflect the broadness of the car.

Side View

The new KIA is featured for luxury drive in extreme weather conditions. The heated steering system keeps the driver warm in winter while ventilated front seats ease the driving in hot summer days. Moreover, Cadenza has automatic defogging windshield system and powered extendible seat cushions for thigh support.

The new Cadenza seems to excel in the market in the luxury lineup cars.

Watch the video for a brief overview of the car.

Ford Fiesta storms in with first new Titanium individual Special Edition

Ford (Britain) successfully launches its new Fiesta first Special Edition yesterday. The new Fiesta has six series in its lineup with five optional engines.

This new line up series comprise Studio, Edge, ECOnetic, Zetec S and worth mentioning Titanium Individual and the engines ranging from 1.2 to 1.6 litres in both gasoline and diesel. Though not having the hatchback, the new series provides luxury and an innovative outlook.

Interior

Titanium Individual Special Edition

The new Titanium individual is unique in its design. You can enjoy the drive in Titanium with its luxurious features like Bluetooth connectivity and red interior. The leather seats are red and silver and the same color combination extends upto gear lever, steering and dashboard. Ford Fiesta says that individual saves £100 over similarly equipped Titanium model.

Ford Fiesta

You can buy the new Titanium in any of its six exterior colours you like.

JB car design brings 2009 Lamborghini Murcielago LP 640 JB-R

Lamborghini models have always been inspiring for the sports car lovers especially when you talk of Reventon and Murcielago. JB car design brings LP-640 with certain modifications three days ago.

LP-640 comes with various changes beside the doors not altered. The more attractive roof panel, cool front and rear bumpers, well designed spoilers and hoods and the road touching side skirts are some of the eye catching features of LP-640. The titanium made exhaust system is aligned at the center of the rear of the car. Most of the exterior is composed of carbon fiber to make it light while the big rear spoiler exerts enough downforce.

Front End view

See the images below

Would you like to upgrade your car with more than 700 bhp engine? Of course, when you talk of the super cars, you go for even high powers. The upgraded Murcielago can reach upto 370 km/h with 750 bhp engine. LP-640 has the same red and black color combination as we see in the exterior of the car. The red and black leather interior with advanced luxurious features make it a comfortable drive. The conversion price is 500.000,00 Euro.

2009 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird Concept

This road runner concept is sketched by Michael Leonhard who tries to give it resemblance with Nascar Racing Cars of late 60’s. He has designed an American styled pure Muscle Sports Car with a HEMI engine (an engine with hemispherical combustion chamber).Aluminum made two panel rear spoiler provides a sufficient down force at high speeds.

The two front grills merge with the front lights. Leonhard says: "[It has] a sleek nose cone that slips into air like a knife through butter; incorporating a spoiler below the centered grille opening". The car has a low center of gravity and offers less drag and is supposed to give a better acceleration.

 

Mazda announces the production of Mazda2 at Auto Alliance Thailand (AAT)

2 days ago, Mazda announced the production of Mazda2 at a new passenger auto plant at Auto Alliance Thailand (AAT). AAT is committed to enhance the future growth of Mazda2 vehicles with ASEAN sales approximated to be around 20,000 units per year.

The ceremony was held to celebrate the Mazda2 production at AAT which was attended by many high ranked Mazda officials on Thursday.
Mazda2 has been one of the most triumphant vehicles in the Mazda leading vehicles line up. 1n 2008, Mazda2 was claimed as the World Car of the Year and has the prestige of winning 50 Global Awards. The innovative design, high performance and eco-friendly nature are some of the key factors that make this car a success.

Mazda2

Masazumi Wakayama, a senior managing executive officer says: “I firmly believe that the Mazda2 being built at our state-of-the-art facility in Thailand will make an immense contribution toward establishing the Mazda brand in ASEAN markets and will be our main driving force in the region as we go forward.”

Tokyo Motor Show: Suzuki brings Swift Plug-in Hybrid and SX4 Fuel Cell Vehicle

Tokyo Motor Show brings some exciting eco-friendly technologies this year. Suzuki is going to show its new concepts like Swift Plug-in Hybrid and SX4 Fuel Cell Vehicle. These new technologies seek their importance in the consumer market who is becoming a victim of energy crises day by day.

Plug-in Hybrid Swift
Swift plug-in hybrid is featured with the plug-in hybrid system. The car gets the initial 20 miles drive solely on an electric motor. The new plug-in Hybrid Swift employs 0.66 litres (660cc) engine and a generator that is used to charge the lithium ion battery. The car can be charged in your homes via plug-in socket. The compactness of the car makes it light in weight. More details will be revealed in the show.

Swift Plug-in Hybrid

SX4 Fuel Cell Vehicle
SX4 Fuel Cell Vehicle is also a part of the coming Tokyo Motor Show. The fuel cell produced by general motors is used with the Suzuki designed high pressure (10,000 psi) hydrogen tank and a capacitor. The functioning of this car resembles with plug-in Swift with the exception of the battery charged by the fuel cell instead of an engine.

SX4-FCV

Tokyo Motor Show will help in promoting Green technologies world wide.

Toyota introduces its new sports car (FT-86) in the Tokyo Motor Show

Toyota is going to unveil its new FT-86 concept supercar in the Tokyo Motor Show. The new five seater comes with a breathtaking design like a real sports car. This concept car is a rear wheel drive powered by 2.0 litres engine. The car has a broader front view with sleek design.FT-86 has a low center of gravity and is light in weight.

Side End View

The interior provides luxury apart from its sports features. The navigation display is allocated just beneath the steering with the two sides surrounded by a digital speedometer and the transsmission statistics. The panel is shaped oval with the two ends containing other featured statistics display. What unique in the interior is its dashboard covered with a zipped leather jacket. The leather jacket contains the stereo system featured with buttons. The car is estimated to have the power between 160 to 200 hp.

Interior

The exterior design has really impressed me especially the front and rear tail lights and the broad extended front bumper with the centrally designed grill. After the demostration as a concept car in the coming Tokyo Motor Show, the company will start its production in 2011.

Google working on Smart Plug-in Hybrid Charging

Google, a well renowned company especially known for its search engine, is presently working on an efficient way of plug in Hybrid charging for plug in vehicles. The idea is to integrate the the plugin vehicles to the power grid and to manage the plugin charging load when millions of people in future after going back to homes from their offices will plugin their vehicles at the same time.

This project is being taken owing to the increasing public interest in the electric vehicles.
Google has so far worked on software for managing such a large number of vehicles integrated on a power grid. After having done this, google will be heading forward to set up an infrastructure. Dan Reicher, google director of climate change and Energy Initiatives, says:"We have begun some work on smart charging of electric vehicles and how you would integrate large number of electric vehicles into the grid successfully.We have done a little bit of work on the software side looking at how you would write a computer code to manage this sort of charging infrastructure".
Google has been taking interest in the auto sector previously as well.In 2007, google announced to test the Toyota Prius and Ford Escape plugin hybrid vehicles. If the google successfully sets up a software that could manage such a large number of plugin vehicles, then this charging technology is going to be quite efficient.
Reicher says: "We got to be careful how we manage these things. On a hot day in July when 5 million Californians come home, you don't want them all plugging in at the same moment."
Google is dedicated to bring such technologies in the market which are ecofriendly and make this earth a place to live for the next generations to come.

Porsche sales decrease by 32 percent in year 2009

Porsche sales graph goes down for the first nine months in year 2009 by 32 percent as compared to the year 2008. The report is announced today by the Porsche Cars North America (PCNA) lnc. This decreasing trend is due to the competition in the auto market and may be due to the lack of interest by the consumers.However Porsche sales have flourished for month September this year by 8.4 percent as compared to the year 2008. US September sales go upto 1,581 as compared to 1,458 in 2008.
Boxster and Cayman sales are sharply increased by 326 in contrast to 195 for last year. Porsche 911 sales have also flourished with the net increase of 40 percent reaching 720 for September as compared to 516 last year.
 

So the September sales graph for nearly all the Porsche models is exceptionally outstanding and hopefully it will balance the overall sales graph of year 2009.