Wednesday, October 31, 2007
New Nissan GTR GT car
Nissan had released the new GTR as their GT car. What happen to the current Nissan Fairlady 350z? Is time to retired?
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Next-Generation 660cc Engine Showcases Daihatsu Technology
Employing the world's first input-reduction type 3-shaft gear train configuration, this CVT attains high power transmission efficiency with reduced belt rotational speed. In addition to delivering about 10% better acceleration performance and about 15% better fuel economy, this CVT is among the world's lightest in its class at a mere 58kg. Every aspect of this next-generation CVT is optimized for mini vehicle applications.
Daihatsu OPCS (Omni-directional Pre-Crash Safety Support System)
This system is a further evolution of risk-minimizing active safety technology that activates a pre-crash safety system to automatically warn the driver and control the seat belts and brake system in case of an emergency by determining the distance to the preceding vehicle. Installed in the front and rear are two wide-angle laser radar units with front, rear and side sensing capability to detect obstacles including pedestrians in all directions of the vehicle's 360-degree circumference.
This technology has the potential to detect, for example, approaching vehicles at a frontal offset, previously a difficult task, thereby making it possible to help avoid accidents at intersections, through linkage with the pre-crash brake assist system. Also, through various linkages with the pre-crash safety system, this system can support steering maneuvers to avoid obstacles in the vehicle path, emit a warning in case a vehicle approaches from the rear when changing lanes, and so on. Therefore, it offers the potential for accident avoidance support in a wide variety of accident scenarios besides frontal collisions. This represents the most advanced fruits of Daihatsu's on going efforts to develop accident avoidance support technology for small vehicle application.
When the system detects a car, motorbike, etc, on course toward a collision with the vehicle. LED lamps flash in the direction of the approaching vehicle. This helps alert the operator of the approaching vehicle ot take action to avoid an accident.
A 3D display presents vehicle information and other safety information as easy-to-understand 3D images to facilitate driver awareness and recognition. Fascinating 3D display capabilities are leveraged to enhance navigation and traffic information presentation.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Toyota Hi-CT Concept (Tokyo Autoshow 2007)
* Offers a new kind of automotive "cool" and sense of enjoyment.
* Has a new look unconstrained by conventional vehicle size (length 3,330mm x width 1,695mm x height 1,780mm).
* Adopts plug-in hybrid technology, which allows it to charge from an external power source and gives it a greater driving range when running on its battery-powered motor; by placing the battery under the floor, achieves a highly efficient cabin with a higher driver position.
* Comes with an AC100V accessory socket that enables stored electricity-made possible by plug-in hybrid technology-to be used for a variety of applications.
* Features a removable rear trunk and a deck where surfboards, bicycles and other equipment can be loaded.
Nissan Round Box (Tokyo Autoshow 2007)
The Nissan Round Box has offers a steering wheel which looks like a gaming controller. A built-in screen serves as the dashboard with changing data. Both the driver and passengers can have access to the car's data and entertainment system with a program that virtually passes control of the data from person to person.
Nissan Pivo2 (Tokyo Autoshow 2007)
Mazda Taiki (Tokyo Autoshow 2007)
Audi Metroproject Quattro (Tokyo Autoshow 2007)
Volkswagon Space Up! concept (Tokyo Autoshow 2007)
Now the second one- space up! is a four-seater van concept with four doors, although VW says, "in actuality there are even six" because it has a two-part rear door instead of a tailgate. The rear bench seat has two integrated child safety seats and can be removed, as can the front passenger seat.
The space up! is 60.6 inches in length and rides on a 100.8-inch wheelbase. It's 9 inches longer than the up! concept shown at Frankfurt. It is the bigger than the Volkswagen Beetle.
BMW 1 Series tii concept (Tokyo Autoshow 2007)
The showcar is fitted with a number of aerodynamic add-ons, including front and rear airdams, side sills, rear diffuser and special Gurney flaps that exert extra downforce on the rear axle. The engine compartment lid, mirror caps and front air-intake inlays are made of carbon-fiber, in part to reduce weight. The body is painted Alpine White and trimmed in blue, with decal strips on the roof and deck lid, plus carbon-fiber accents, providing stark contrast.
Inside, the tii features sport bucket seats with integral headrests and side airbags, as well as a three-spoke sport steering wheel and shift knob covered in Alcantara. The seats, door panels and instrument panel also are trimmed in Alcantara, and the entire cockpit has a triple-tone white/blue/black color scheme — the traditional BMW colors.
The car has a 18 inches low profile tires mounted on well design five-spoke alloy rims.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
NISSAN ANNOUNCES NEW NISSAN GT-R
The Nissan GT-R was developed with a new understanding and appreciation of the Earth's natural forces - gravity, inertial force and aerodynamics - and translates those forces into a completely new design, maximizing tire grip and airflow.
Basic vehicle dynamics and integration with the driver have also been examined, resulting in new componentry and creating a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) never seen before in the marketplace. All of these theories have been integrated to balance "speed and efficiency," "high-output with environmental consideration" and "high performance and safety."
Taking these factors into account, Nissan created the all-new Nissan GT-R, which offers advanced high performance for secure and enjoyable driving by minimizing the effects of climatic, road condition or driving technique limitations. The Nissan GT-R offers ultimate performance for virtually every driving situation - whether it be the Nurburgring circuit, to snow, rain or urban areas - all manageable by the GT-R driver through advanced technology and driving dynamics.
The Nissan GT-R's unique characteristics are instilled not just in the vehicle's design, but also through a specialized production process. Carbon fiber, aluminum and steel components are assembled with a special high-precision process, which includes a series of vibration tests. Engines and transmissions are assembled by a single craftsman in a "clean room" environment and upon completion, every GT-R undergoes a battery of comprehensive tests to ensure the proper operation of all vehicle components.
To properly support the all-new GT-R, Nissan has established special Nissan High Performance Centers, where all certified advisors and technicians have received extensive training. Total support for the GT-R owner is offered for the first three years of ownership, including measurement and adjustment of the engine, transmission and wheel alignment after the first 1000 km, and again every 12 months, free of charge.
Packaging and Driveline Suited for a Supercar
The all-new Nissan GT-R uses a Premium Midship package, an all-new, more advanced version Front Midship (FM) package utilized on other Nissan vehicles. This new package enables the use of the world's first application of an independent transaxle 4WD system. The transaxle's layout places the dual-clutch transmission, transfer case and final drive at the rear of the vehicle (instead of the usual front location), which enables vehicle weight to be evenly distributed throughout the car. This gives the Nissan GT-R a superb front-to-rear weight balance, while enhancing leg and foot space and allowing for an optimal pedal layout.
Under the hood, the Nissan GT-R features an all-new 3.8-litre twin turbo V6 "VR38" engine, featuring plasma-sprayed bores and a special twin-turbo exhaust manifold system. A secondary air management system enables the newly designed powerplant to provide approximately 40kg/m of torque during ordinary low-rev driving, which gives an optimum air-fuel ratio for around-town efficiency and helps the Nissan GT-R meet ultra-low emission vehicle (U-LEV) standards in Japan.
The Nissan GT-R's new engine produces 480PS (353kW) at 6400rpm and maximum torque of 60kgm (588Nm) from 3200 to 5200rpm. Putting the power to the ground is an all-new GR6-type dual clutch transmission, with paddle shifting and a Borg Warner six-plate dual clutch for direct control.
Suspension duties are handled through a special Bilstein DampTronic*1 system, which utilizes all pertinent vehicle information to provide appropriate damping forces for all situations and helps maintain a high level of control for straight-line driving, cornering, and braking.
Braking is essential for a daily-driven supercar and the GT-R features large Brembo full-floating drilled rotors, low steel high stiffness brake pads and Brembo mono block six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, which in combination minimize fade and provide stable braking. Run-flat tires, exclusively designed for use on the Nissan GT-R, balance high grip and all-weather capabilities and a comfortable ride in all driving situations. The tires are designed to maintain structure for 80km of travel at 80 km/h, while still providing an acceptable level of performance.
High-Performance Safety and Environmental Technologies
The Nissan GT-R offers a long list of safety and environmental features, including, for enhanced visibility inside and out of the vehicle, high-mounted LED stoplamps, bright LED rear combination taillights, "super wide beam" headlights, heated door mirrors and flat-blade wipers.
Standard safety equipment includes a pop-up engine hood system for enhanced pedestrian safety, driver and front passenger SRS Air Bag System, ELR front seat belts with tension reducer, front seat belts with load limiter, and three-point ELR rear seat belts. Driver and front passenger SRS Side Air Bag System and SRS Curtain Air Bag System are offered as options.
Environmental technologies include extensive work to create an U-LEV certification in Japan for the 3.8-liter twin turbo engine and reduced levels of volatile organic compound for materials used in the car.
Functional Design - High Performance Aerodynamics and Style
The Nissan GT-R's styling follows the function over form theory. Every styling aspect, from the overall design to the smallest details, is created to maximize the vehicle's driving experience - as well as suggesting GT-R's "supercar" level of performance. Utilizing advanced aerodynamics, the Nissan GT-R's aggressive styling evokes the lines of a well-trained athlete, combining strong character lines with smooth and solid areas.
The all-new GT-R's body is created with a combination of steel, carbon fiber and aluminum, providing a unique combination of stiffness and lightness. The Nissan GT-R features a low coefficient of drag of 0.27, with high front and rear downforce, which provides the GT-R with enhanced grip in all weather situations, while also enhancing fuel efficiency.
The front fenders express power and stability, while the "aero-blades" on the fenders' leading edges provide optimum airflow around the tires and along the body. The scoop in the fenders' trailing edges assists in providing front downforce and optimization of side airflow. The aggressive front end, with a large hood budge and single air intake, provides a sophisticated style as well as undisturbed airflow for power and cooling. New "super wide beam" headlights feature three additional sub-reflectors (compared to conventional lights) to give a wider spread to the illumination area.
The Nissan GT-R's large, four-passenger cabin features a sloping "aero blade canopy" roofline and curved C-pillar "sword edge," which expresses the distinctive GT-R identity, as well as facilitating air flow around the rear of the vehicle. The GT-R's hallmark four-ring taillights, efficient rear spoiler and large, integrated φ120 exhaust tips, provides the signature rear view of the GT-R, as well as optimizing airflow along the top and under the vehicle.
The high level of advanced technology is evident even in the Nissan GT-R's paint - which utilizes a "double clear coat" and "anti-chipping" process. The Nissan GT-R features Ultimate Silver as a special new color, which is painstakingly hand-polished by craftsman.
An Interior Suitable for Daily Driving or Supercar Duties
Key to the Nissan GT-R's usability as a both daily driver and a high-performance supercar is its interior, which is designed to balance functionality, a sense of ease, and comfort.
Sculpted performance bucket seats give the driver and passenger a comfortable driving experience, and soft pads are utilized on the dash in front of the passenger and doors to give an extra level of comfort and safety.
The instrument panel surrounds the driver, with all meters and multi-function meter at a uniform height to minimize the driver's head movement when traveling at high speeds. A large center-mounted tachometer, with gear display on its upper right, as well as the easy-to-read graphics of the display, gives the driver instant detailed information, essential for the performance nature of the GT-R.
Functional style is also evident in the Nissan GT-R - each meter features a dial plate design that evokes the idea of engaged gears, as well as a three-dimensional metal-like ring, suggesting the multi-dimensional performance of the GT-R. A large, metallic-framed center console features the ergonomically designed shift lever and a red "engine start" button.
Adjustability is central to the daily-driver nature of the Nissan GT-R, with a special "set-up switch" located in the center of the instrument panel. This switch enables the driver to adjust transmission shifts, shock absorbers and the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC-R) in three settings - Normal, Comfort or R, the high-performance setting designed for the Nissan GT-R "supercar" application.
A high-speed, high-capacity CARWINGS (Japan market) navigation system, with a powerful 30GB hard disk drive, features an easy-to-use touch pad, as well as traditional navigation switches. The screen interface features not only the navigation system, but also an enriched entertainment system with a Music Box hard drive, DVD and CD player, and Bluetooth® *2 audio function.
For special use in the GT-R application, the multi-function meter also includes mechanical and driving information for safe high performance driving, including acceleration opening, brake pedal pressure, and steering angle. It also includes an "optimal gearshift map," to emphasize economical vehicle operation.
A specially designed BOSE sound system includes two forward-facing woofers in the rear center armrest area combined with traditional door speakers. All speakers are mounted in rigid aluminum die cast panels, which combined with the design of the system itself, provide sound quality suitable for a supercar.
Toyota human touch (Nice advertisement)
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Kimi is 2007 F1 World Champion
So
Kimi is Champ with 110 points followed by
Lewis Hamilton with 109 point, then
Fernando Alonso with 109 points.What a great year in F1. Now we have to wait to March next year for the beginning of the 2008 Championship.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
New Honda Fit
The packaging of the new Fit is based on Honda’s innovative center tank layout, with a longer wheelbase and wider track for enhanced interior space and practicality, combined with the small-car maneuverability of a 4.7-meter minimum turning radius. The front pillar has been moved forward to create a spacious interior, while the exterior boasts exhilarating styling. An ingenious interior layout helped create a comfortable cabin with space equivalent to a mid-sized sedan. The new Fit’s practicality has also been enhanced with four-mode “Ultra Seat” and three-mode “Ultra Luggage*2” storage spaces.
The new Fit’s dynamic performance is made possible by a newly developed 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine that delivers maximum output of 73kW (100PS). Combined with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and newly developed torque converter, the engine provides enjoyable driving and class-leading*3 24 km/l fuel economy*4. The body rigidity and crash safety performance were also enhanced while maintaining weight equivalent to the previous model. Moreover, the newly designed chassis also helps achieve superior comfort and steady handling.
Newly added to the Fit lineup is a Road Sailing (RS) version which highlights a sportier and sophisticated character with a newly developed 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine and a specially designed suspension with enhanced styling and a richer feel.
Honda Fit was first introduced in Japan in June 2001. It is now being produced in six factories in five countries and sold in approximately 115 countries around the world, with cumulative sales of more than two million units*5.
*1 | Honda’s man maximum, machine minimum concept is a basic approach to car design that calls for maximizing the space available for humans and minimizing the space occupied by mechanical components. |
*2 | Standard equipment on Types L and RS, factory option on Type G. |
*3 | 1.3-liter class |
*4 | Figures for Type G (FF) Fit, based on results of 10-15 mode fuel-efficiency testing by Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. |
*5 | Honda calculations |
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Body construction and design have been ingeniously modified to improve body rigidity and crash safety performance even while maintaining the same weight as the previous model. Noise and vibration during idling as well as booming noise while cruising are quieter than ever thanks to highly efficient connections of structural members and enhanced body stiffness. The implementation of sound-absorbing acoustic materials in the roof, carpet, and dashboard insulation contribute both to greater quietness and to lower weight. The RS Type is equipped with special damping and acoustic materials to achieve quietness expected of more expensive vehicles. | |||||||||||||||||||||
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The newly designed chassis realizes both superior ride comfort and steady handling. The rigid body and supple suspension provide an exceptional dynamic performance. The new Fit features a McPherson strut front suspension. The H-shaped torsion beam rear suspension achieves the maximum possible space for the rear seats and cargo area as well as supple ride comfort and steady handling. The new electric power steering has more capacity than the previous model, and improvements to steering gear box rigidity and attachment points provide a more direct steering feel. | |||||||||||||||||||||
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A rotating passenger seat is available to take full advantage of Fit’s ease of access. Incorporating the same styling, ride comfort, and bolstering as the base model, this exclusive seat has been designed with a specially contoured seat cushion for enhanced ease of access. Oversized bearings help ensure smooth rotation. 295 mm of foot space during rotation—a full 65 mm more than the previous model—has been achieved together with a seat height of 585 mm for enhanced ease of access. The tip up configuration of the ULTR SEAT Tall mode enables easy loading and unloading of a wheelchair through the rear seats. |