Autotech

Kia brings “RAY” as a concept

2010-02-20T03:31:00.000-08:00

Kia introduced its new plug-in hybrid concept car at the Chicago Motor Show. Ray is aerodynamically designed thus giving the fuel efficiency beyond expectations of 202mpg. The electric power system is equipped with lithium ion battery packs while the solar cells on the roof top energize the air conditioning system of the car.

The windshield frame extends towards the roof and meets the tail lights with the sun screening technology. The front air deflectors which may be termed as air vents cool the engine under high temperature operating conditions.

The passenger seats are completely separated by the arm support while the interior seems simpler enough.

Has electric technology solved energy problems?

2010-02-16T01:19:00.000-08:00

The dependence on petroleum and other energy sources has exponentially increased during the last few decades. Resources claim that more coal has been used since 1945 onwards than ever before it was used. It is not just the auto market which is facing the energy crises but manufacturing plants and many other fuel dependent industries have become the victims of the energy crises.

The leading auto companies have been trying to sort this problem out, to reduce the fuel dependence as effectively as possible. The solution comes in the form of alternative fuel sources which include plug-in and Hybrid technologies and green technologies but the question that many people still ask is that is it going to be ultimate solution of the energy crises? The answer goes certainly in negative. Making electric cars does not mean we have cut off our demand for fuel. The cars you run using electric power needs electricity to be generated and increasing electric demand means you need more and more power plants and if these plants are to run on oil, coal or gas then you have done no good to cut off the fuel demand.

Another major problem regarding electric cars is that they need to be plugged in daily and with increasing demand for electric cars at global level, power grid stations need to be built. Google has been working on this project (as I discussed in one of my post) but many companies need to think on it sincerely as this recent technology attracts more and more customers each day.

Bosch introduces New Parallel Parking System

2010-02-01T08:12:00.000-08:00

Bosch is planning to develop advanced systems that it hopes will make parallel vehicle parking completely automatic, with the driver just playing a supervisory role. However, the driver would have ultimate control; if he or she touched the steering wheel, foot, or park brake, the action would be deemed an over-ride and the automatic system would disconnect.

Dr. Rainer Kallenbach, Executive Vice President of Bosch Automotive Electronics, said: “We expect a wide range of new parking technologies. These include expanded convenience functions such as parking at right angles as well as assistance for driving out of parking spaces.”

Any fully automated system on a vehicle could present safety concerns, but the ability of the driver to take immediate control of an automatic parking maneuver, if necessary, may overcome those potential issues, both practically and legally.

Bosch has been a pioneer in the development of parking-support systems using ultrasound sensors. Some 200 models use the company’s systems for parallel parking.

But semi-automatic systems that interface with electric power steering, leaving the driver to use the accelerator or brakes, are regarded as only a step toward far more comprehensive applications.

A current semi-automatic system can speed a parking maneuver (and reduce traffic congestion in a city environment) and lower the risk of vehicle damage; a fully automatic system would improve these advantages still further.

The Bosch route toward achieving its aim will firstly see an addition to semi-automatic systems that would provide assistance to a driver leaving a parking space, completing all necessary steering movement but still leaving the driver to accelerate or brake the vehicle.

Then, via the use of longer-range parking sensors, will come parking assistance into a right-angle bay—the sort of maneuver typical in a multistory car park.

Bosch has Side Distance Warning in its parking portfolio monitoring space at front, rear, and side of a vehicle, particularly useful for objects out of the driver’s line of sight, such as a low wall or stanchion.

Source: SAE International

Toyota manufactures hybrid cars at Miyagi plant

2010-01-03T04:08:00.000-08:00

Toyota motor corp. today announced that it is going to fabricate hybrid vehicle in its new assembly plant. Toyota decides to make subcompact hybrid Vitz in Miyagi and Ohira plants. Vitz is a successful car in subcompact vehicles lineup especially in Asia. Gasoline electric Vitz cars will certainly boost Toyota sales.

The hybrids will be on for sale for 1.5 million yen from 2011 with the fuel consumption 40 kilometers per litre.

Ford debuts inflatable seatbelts this year

2010-01-02T04:05:00.000-08:00

Ford engineers working since 2001 on inflatable seatbelts triumph in projecting this concept in their vehicles. Inflatable seat belts are for rear passenger compartment. Analysts found only 62 % rear passengers using seat belts when compared with 82 % seat belts usage in the front passenger compartment. The inflatable seatbelts are reported to be more comfortable than the conventional seatbelts.

The small inflatable nylon airbag is folded in the chest belt which takes less than 15 ms to deploy. The bag inflates using helium and argon mixture compressed at 4000 to 6000 psi. The cold compressed mixture of helium and argon keeps the bag at ambient temperature conditions.

The seatbelt spreads crash forces thorough the torso which reduces the pressure forces exerted on the chest. Ford is committed to manipulate this concept in global market to help saving the human lives.

Panasonic announces the development of multi purpose lithium ion battery cells

2009-12-26T03:53:00.000-08:00

Panasonic has announced the development of two new high capacity lithium ion battery cells yesterday. The two (3.4 Ah and 4.0 Ah) batteries have 20 and 30 percent more capacity as compared to the presently used 2.9 Ah batteries respectively. The increase in capacity is due to the improvement in nickel based positive electrodes while the 4.0 Ah battery replaces the negative carbon electrode with the silicon electrode.

The lithium ion battery cells are light, compact and efficient with multi operation uses. It will not only enhance the charging capacity of your laptop but also power the electric vehicles. Lithium ion battery cells are not only limited to vehicles and cordless devices but also find applications in household appliances. With increased emissions, lithium ion battery cell is the only most reliable and energy efficient source to power your EVs.

Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Vs Dodge Viper SRT-10 (2009 models)

2009-12-22T10:28:00.000-08:00

It is always good to compare the models especially when you decide to buy a new vehicle. Lamborghini and Dodge are two different brands with a remarkable difference in their financial setup. These two super car models have the same engine and transmission types. The safety features for both the sports cars are nearly same but Viper has more safer features than Murcielago like LATCH and Crumple zones.

Alcoholic drinks lead to fatal accidents on new years’s eve

2009-12-19T23:41:00.000-08:00

A report has been published two days ago regarding on-road fatalities caused by alcoholic drinks. According to the report, 59 fatalities occurred in the 12 hours span on 2008 New Years Eve which is more than three times when compared with the casualties recorded two weeks later. The statistics shows how poor the coordination and driving attention is when a drunken person drives a car.

Alcohol affects your brain quickly and these effects are long lasting. The body needs time to break down alcoholic effects. When a person drinks alcohol, it excites him initially. When he drinks more, it starts affecting your brain making you unable to decide and coordinate properly. It makes you drowsy and sometimes let you fall asleep.

Never underestimate the effects of alcohol when you celebrate New Year. Go to the country side but with proper plans. Do not drive the car when you are drunk. Reports claim that alcohol enters your blood via stomach continuously even when you are not drinking.

So the only quick remedy to alcoholic effects is to keep yourself away from it.

Lamborghini Ankonian: a level next to Reventon

2009-12-18T10:00:00.000-08:00

Lamborghini always brings its models with unique and sleek designs. Ankonian, a concept sports car (named after a black bull), is designed by Slavche Tanevsky. He claims this concept a Reventon’s next level car, but to me, it carries a whole new concept from design to manufacturing.

The midengined super car is downsized and aerodynamically engineered to give better performance statistics. OLED’s (Organic light emitting diodes) are used as the head lights. OLED’s contain organic layers which are embedded longitudinally and horizontally making a matrix of small pixels.

The rear of the car resembles to that of Reventon, analysts claim. The char black Ankonian has huge front air deflectors and the yellow attractive bull logo gives it a complete finished look.

Picture Gallery

What strategies American Automakers need to adopt to stabilize and expand their market?

2009-12-16T08:41:00.000-08:00

The way the American auto market is struck by the global recession is not an illusion. This is the first time American economy is affected so badly which ended in bankruptcy, unemployment and a lag in industrial growth.
Craig Cather, President and CEO of CSM says:"we've hit bottom and positive signs areat hand".

What even worse is that American policy is still vague and no solids steps are so far seen to regain the balanced economy.

CSM which provides trusted automotive market forecasting services came up with some solutions which are listed below.

Small vehicles CSM is opinionated of manufacturing small luxury vehicles which may be the source of attraction for the buyers belonging to all the classes due to low fuel consumption. American public needs to compromise to switch themselves from big cars like Ford Focus and Chevrolet Camaro to small sized vehicles. This downsizimg of vehicles may improve the sales and help in regaining the auto growth.
International competitiveness Auto makers need to think on expanding their market internationally. It is very important for auto makers not to diverge their thoughts in bringing new emerging technologies in the market at this stage because it may decrease their sales. CSM suggests going with the conventional gasoline powered vehicles with direct injection systems instead of manufacturing fuel cell cars and other similar technologies which demand high initial costs.

CO2 emissions is the major area of concern for industrialists at this point of time.25% CO2 emissions results through transportation which are believed to be decreased by 80% till 2050. So the auto makers need to shift their production lines to energy efficient technologies like electric, hybrid, plug in hybrid and green technologies once they get stabilized. 45% population volume is predicted to have electric vehicles by 2020. The current US vehicles are reported to produce 105 g/km which has decreased its sales overseas. This figure needs to be reduced.

What makes a 4WD different from AWD?

2009-12-15T12:46:00.000-08:00

I won’t ask this question from the auto geeks but many people think that 4WD and AWD are two different names of the same technology but the fact is not so. This article will make you clear that what makes a Four Wheel Drive vehicle(4WD) different from the All Wheel Drive vehicle. A common public perception is that all wheel drive autos have more than four wheels which are all engaged but this is not the case.

Let us know what the term”4WD” is about. A 4WD is simply a vehicle which has all the four wheels either permanently or temporarily powered.

Part time 4WD It is a vehicle in which all the four wheels can be powered for part times only. In short, you have the option to engage all the four wheels or simply the two wheels. This peculiar system is not designed for all the terrains due to the absence of the center differential system. So part time 4WD vehicles are not for dry and wet surfaces as all the four wheels attached to a common chain have the same speed which may cause problems in turning. It can only be used for higher loads and rough terrain conditions. Jeep wrangler is famous world wide for its part time 4WD system.

Permanent 4WD Thanks to center differential system that has made Permanent 4WD vehicles to drive in all the terrains. It has got a better stability and more traction than part time 4WD vehicles but the draw back is that it can not be converted into 2WD. All the four wheels are engaged all the time. It can be switched between 4WD Hi and 4WD Lo. Land Rover and Range Rover are the Permanent 4WD vehicles.

AWD vehicles engage all the four wheels all the time. The real purpose for manufacturing such vehicles is to provide the on road stability though it can be used in all the terrains. It lacks the slow speed torque enhancing low range feature which makes it different from permanent 4WD vehicles. Audi Quattro is usually preferred by many car buyers due to AWD system.

If you still have queries , ask via comment please.

2009 Los Angeles Motor Show: 2010 Special Edition Dodge Viper SRT10 inspired its viewers

2009-12-04T03:59:00.000-08:00

2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR 1:33 edition was deputed in the Los Angeles motor show on Wednesday this week.. Viper is available in both coupe and convertible models. Tan red viper with black on its sides bursts the auto enthusiasts in tears.

The two door supercar is designed in the same fashion as the previous models were but slight changes (as for certain) include redesigned rear wing and a 5th gear ratio. The top speed is raised by 4mph now reaching 184 mph. Chrysler reports only 33 units for this Special Edition Viper next year.
Lap record making Dodge comes in two different stylish colors, toxic orange and bright silver.

8.4 L V-10 engine makes the car alive with 600 hp and 560 lb-ft of torque. Viper SRT10 accelerates from 0-60 in less than 4 seconds.
The pricing details are not yet revealed.

2010 BMW reveals specs details of its new Active Hybrid X6 Coupe

2009-11-21T06:19:00.000-08:00

2010 BMW Active Hybrid X6 which made its debut in the Frankfurt motor show will now be available in North America in Los Angeles Motor Show. Active Hybrid Technology makes X6 Coupe a fun to drive. With its two motors, CO2 emissions are greatly reduced upto 20% with the same percentage of decrease in fuel consumption. That’s why we talk of improved driving dynamics and performance when we discuss BMW. The three power units (two motors and an engine) can deliver upto 480hp and 575 lb-ft of torque. This Coupe takes the electric drive upto 60 km/h.

The V-8 400 hp twin turbo charged engine has the volumetric capacity of 4.4 litres. Seven speed automatic transmission comprises planetary gears and four multi plate clutches which can be manually operated as desired. It is based on electric continuously variable transmission system (ECVT) which gives optimum performance at all speeds. The car accelerates upto 60 mph in 5.4 secs.

The single motor drives the car at low speeds while the other motor acts as a generator at high speeds. Any how, this coupe becomes an electric car at low speeds.

Sensotronic Brake Actuation (SBA) is a supreme feature that makes drive even more luxurious. This braking mechanism utilizes the regeneration energy to make the brake responses more effective from the conventional hydraulic braking systems. The pedal movements are electrically sensed which are controlled by the control unit. In case this system fails to work, the mechaical hydraulic system comes in play once again hence making the journey all safe and sound.

The new Active Hybrid X6 Coupe will be available in the American market for $89,725.

Los Angeles Motor Show 2009:Mazda2 will make its North American debut next month

2009-11-18T20:54:00.000-08:00

Jim O'Sullivan, President of Mazda North American Operations."Bringing MAZDA2 to North America completes the bookends in our lineup".

Mazda2 which was seen in the European markets for the last two years now touches the American shores next month. Mazda 2 has expanded its market triumphantly and has been acknowledged as the car of the year in more than 20 countries and winning nearly 50 awards globally. The strength, design, performance and built of Mazda2 lineup cars signify them in the global market. Sub compact Mazda2 is a five door small passenger car with significant driving features inside. The company didn’t reveal any performance details but rumors say 1.6 litres four cylinder engine is expected. Subcompact Mazda2 provides enough room for the passengers to make a soothe and comfortable journey.

Front End View

Mazda3, Mazda5, Mazda6, RX-8 and some other models will be on display in LA motor show. This show will continue from 4-13 December for public display while press conferences are scheduled from 2-3 December.

Mazda2 will be on for sale in early winters next year.

Cellphone telematics: a better option than Embedded Systems

2009-11-15T13:11:00.000-08:00

What is the use of throwing money in embedded systems that add cost to a car when cellphones serve the purpose? Even a child chats in his own cell phone in this world of technology. Ford has a better approach in this regard which provides connectivity to its consumers via cell phone. Just plug in your cell and bring the data in your car. But some critics support the GM stances who believe in embedded systems. Embedded system is not an innovative thinking I believe. When you have other alternative options available, why to throw money. The only benefit I see is that embedded system keeps you connected all the time. I believe that GM embedded cars may be a good option for an elite class but this technology does not attract a common person. GM should not go for such technologies when it is badly affected from recession.

Some auto makers think that it is better to have both the options available in your car, I say it is more than rubbish. What do you think?

New BMW Wind Tunnel marks out a remarkable difference

2009-11-14T14:03:00.000-08:00

The new BMW Wind Tunnel with the Aerodynamics Test Center has really amazed the difference in the aerodynamics of its open top cars used now and a decade ago. The difference is appreciated by the celebrity, Sylvie van der Vaart.

Van der Vaart dressed up like the lady of late eighties with properly combed hairs. She was a little confused before the test but theBMW team made her relaxed that nothing is going to hurt her inside the tunnel. She sits in the open top BMW 3 series convertible. The BMW team gears up for the test that would shortly stun the crowd. BMW wind rotor breathes out and the moments later, van der Vaart gets off the car as if she returned from desert. The wind badly entangled her hairs.

Van der Vaart now dresses up like a 2009 young lady with beige clothes and combed hairs. The new BMW 3 series open top convertible gets the prestige to have the celebrity in her lap. The engine turns the rotor on, a couple of seconds pass but the new BMW didn’t raise even a single hair. She astonishes whether the rotor spun or not. The test brings out the hell of difference in the two models and the improved aerodynamics , BMW is dedicated to work on.

MOST dominates the auto market in electronics

2009-11-12T12:55:00.000-08:00

Toyota is the first auto company who used MOST (Media Oriented System Transport) in Lexus RX and Prius models, thus dominating the auto market. MOST is currently used in more than 65 models thus leaving its rivals far behind in the race of network expansion. Fuel consumption is displayed using MOST with graphical analysis and tabulated data statistics but MOST lags behind in bandwidth especially when we talk of ETHERNET and 1394 spar. MOST has the bandwidth of 22 Mbits/s which is far less than 1 Gbits/s provided by Ethernet.

Auto Networks

High video quality displays for rear passengers demand high bandwidths to maintain the video streaming. Low frequency CAN (controller area network) buses now need to be replaced with alternative efficient networks.

1394 is a better competitor who is widely expanding its electronics market in the auto sector. 1394 is bringing up new innovations in the market like the famous FireWire.

MOST needs to boost up its bandwidth and should bring up new concepts and technologies so that MOST remains the most dominating electronics supplier.

How traction makes your car slip?

2009-11-10T09:19:00.000-08:00

Have you ever experienced to drive your car on wet roads (due to snow or rain) or on roads with low friction coefficient, you may have had a feel of wheel slip. This is where traction comes in play. Traction is actually the force imparted by the wheels on the road or vice versa. Traction is indeed very important in auto designing.

What happens is when you drive the car on a wet surface, traction reduces (the force applied by the wheels on road). In an engine design, traction is always kept higher than the engine torque at all speeds but when traction due to the poor surface contact lowers, torque may exceed and makes the car slip. In short, you may say that when the force provided by the engine to the wheels (longitudinal force) exceeds the force imparted by the wheels on the road, slip occurs. So the term “traction” has the real importance in automobile engineering.

Traction at cornering

You might have seen the racing cars slip at cornering even if the road is not wet. During cornering, lateral force comes in play. This is the force provided by the surface and the wheels to make the car turn. So if you speed up the car at cornering, you are increasing the longitudinal force and if these two forces (longitudinal and lateral) exceed the traction level, car slips.

Watch the video.

The car on the left is equipped with traction sway control system, the one in the middle is to see how the driver responds to slip without the sway system and the one on the right is the vehicle without the system and the result is the car slip.

2010 BMW Gran Turismo 550i review

2009-11-04T12:44:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of a car that provides you with stunning features like iDrive, 8-speed transmission, driver adjustable engine, night vision, active traction control, brake energy regeneration and many other breathtaking features. If and certainly not, then 2010 Gran Turismo 550i provides you extreme luxury.

BMW is known for its luxury brands especially in America which has got the largest BMW market. The rear wheel drive 550i comes with 400bhp twin turbo charged V-8 direct injection engine, volumetric capacity being 4.4 liters and 450lb-ft of torque. The car sprints off to 60mph in 5.4 secs.

Adaptive cruise control and collision warning system makes your journey extremely safe and comfortable. The comfort goes far beyond with the blind spot detection system. The system is equipped with cameras and radar that makes you alert all the time especially in overtaking. Further safety features include Automatic locking retractors, airbag supplement restraint system and automatic pretension safety belts.

What more attractive about 550i is the large sunroof panel. The side view of the car has not a very pleasing look but front view is a typical BMW style. The interior is a blend of creme and black. The dashboard signifies the interior with so many controls. The armrest separates the rear passenger seats which are auto adjustable. High picture quality visual display screens entertain you on long journeys.

The way BMW is expanding and bringing new technologies in the market is a clear indication to its rivals that it will soon occupy the world market.

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

2009-10-30T11:12:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-29T08:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-28T12:51:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-26T11:04:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-25T01:27:00.000-07:00

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.