Luxury Cars

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Honda CR-Z Car Concept ,Review,Price & Sales

1:45 PM R.Jansen No comments

The Honda CR-Z is a compact hybrid electric automobile manufactured by Honda and marketed as a "sport hybrid coupe."The CR-Z combines a hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain with traditional sports carelements. The CR-Z is regarded as the spiritual successor to the second generation Honda CR-X in both name and exterior design.
In the U.S., it is one of the less polluting vehicles available and is rated as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) as defined by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). CR-Z is the only gasoline-electric hybrid model offered by any automaker that can be equipped with a manual transmission.
CR-Z represents the sixth unique version of Honda's IMA technology since the technology was first launched in the first generation Insight 3 door hatchback.Sales of the CR-Z began in Japan in February 2010. Sales in the U.S. began in August 2010.

History

The design and production of the CR-Z followed two other Honda hybrid concept cars: the Honda Remix, introduced at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show, and the Honda Small Hybrid Sports, introduced at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show.
The Honda CR-Z was first introduced as a concept vehicle on October 23, 2007 at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. Honda explained the name "‘CR-Z’ stands for ‘Compact Renaissance Zero’— an expression intended to capture the idea of a renaissance in the design of compact cars that begins anew from fundamentals."^[11] At the show, CEO Fukui stated that a production model is "in the works" and that the car was intended to be "sporty, incredibly efficient and inexpensive".
The CR-Z was first shown in America at the 2008 Detroit North American International Auto Show.In the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, Honda displayed a revised "CR-Z Concept 2009". In January 2010, Honda introduced the production CR-Z at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Automotive News reported in June 2010 that since its debut at the Detroit Auto Show, the CR-Z Web site has had 1 million hits.Honda has been promoting the 2011 model from the Facebook game Car Town

Powertrain

Rear view of the Honda CR-Z.

The CR-Z is powered by a 1.5 L (92 cu in) i-VTEC SOHC inline-4 engine, designated as LEA, with Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid-electric system. A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is available. The system delivers a combined peak output of 122 bhp (91 kW; 124 PS) at 6000 rpm and 128 lb·ft (174 N·m) at 1000 to 1500 rpm (123 lb·ft (167 N·m) on CVT-equipped models). The gasoline motor itself contributes only 111 bhp (83 kW; 113 PS) at 6000 rpm and 106 lb·ft (144 N·m) at 4800 rpm. An early road test of a Japanese-market CR-Z resulted in 0-60 mph in 10.5 seconds and the quarter mile in 17.6 seconds.Inside Line performed the same 0-60 mph test in 8.8 seconds, and Motor Trend, in 8.3 seconds.

Fuel economy

Honda CR-Z Interior

Japanese fuel economy ratings are 4.0 litres per 100 kilometres (59 mpg_-US) for CVT and 4.4 litres per 100 kilometres (53 mpg_-US) for MT in 10•15 mode; and 4.4 litres per 100 kilometres (53 mpg_-US) for CVT and 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres (48 mpg_-US) for MT in JC08 mode.
The 2011 CR-Z U.S. EPA ratings are 31 miles per US gallon (7.6 L/100 km; 37 mpg_-imp) for city and 37 miles per US gallon (6.4 L/100 km; 44 mpg_-imp) for highway with manual transmission. The model with CVT transmission has a rating of 35 miles per US gallon (6.7 L/100 km; 42 mpg_-imp) for city driving cycle and 39 miles per US gallon (6.0 L/100 km; 47 mpg_-imp) for highway.
When comparing fuel economy to the CR-Z's older cousin, according to fueleconomy.gov, the 1988 gasoline-powered Honda CR-X HF had an EPA rating of 50 miles per US gallon (4.7 L/100 km; 60 mpg_-imp) for city driving and 56 miles per US gallon (4.2 L/100 km; 67 mpg_-imp) for highway. However, according to EPA's 2008 revised procedures, the CR-X rating is 41 miles per US gallon (5.7 L/100 km; 49 mpg_-imp) city driving, and 49 miles per US gallon (4.8 L/100 km; 59 mpg_-imp) highway driving.
It is ranked number four on 2011 EPA top ten list of fuel efficient vehicles for CVT equipped model and number ten for manual transmission equipped model.

Price and sales by region

Europe

The CR-Z is scheduled to be launched in the European market by mid 2010. The European version of CR-Z was revealed at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Price in the United Kingdom starts from GB£16,999.

Japan

Sales of the CR-Z began in Japan on February 26, 2010 at a starting price of ¥2.27 million (~US$25,340) before any government subsidies. Honda announced that in less than one month it has received orders for more than 10,000 vehicles, far exceeding its sales forecast.
As of the end of August 2010, more than 19,000 CR-Z were delivered and sales orders received are three times higher than expected, which led to Japanese media comparing its success with the NSX in the 1990s, another sports car from Honda.In an interview in early February 2011, a Honda executive disclosed that Honda produces around 200,000 hybrids a year in Japan.

North America

Profile view of CR-Z

Sales in North America started on August 24, 2010.The 2011 CR-Z is offered in three trim levels: base, EX, and EX with navigation. The base CR-Z starts at US$19,950, the CR-Z EX starts at US$21,510 and the EX with navigation trim is priced at US$23,310.The CR-Z pricing is similar to the Honda Insight and has a lower price than the market leader Toyota Prius.
After its launch in late August 2010, there were 3,349 Honda CR-Z sold as of end of October, 2010. It has been consistently ranked as the fourth most sold hybrid for September and October.
In addition to commercials airing during sporting events, Honda held a marketing competition available to universities throughout the United States. This competition allowed students to create public relations and social media campaigns for the vehicle. A team from Syracuse University won first place in the competition, followed by runners-up New England School of Communications and University of LaVerne.

South Africa

Sales in South Africa are scheduled to begin on the 30th of August 2010 at a price of R299,999 (~US$38,960) making it slightly cheaper than the entry level Prius for the South African market.

Australia

It is reported that Honda will release the CR-Z hybrid coupe in the Australian market in the middle of 2011

Racing

Two Honda Performance Development CR-Z Racers entered the 25-hour of Thunderhill endurance race held on December 4–5, 2010 at Willows, California. The car, first shown to the public at 2010 SEMA Show, is fully stripped down with lowered suspension. A turbo charger is bolted to the engine raising output to 175 hp (130 kW) and 155 lb·ft (210 N·m) of torque, furthermore, the Integrated Motor Assist setup is modified and a push-to-pass function is added, making a total of 200 hp (149 kW) and 175 lb·ft (237 N·m) of torque when the button is pressed. One of the two entrants battled from a near 10-lap deficit to finish second in the Endurance 3 class, after suffering early in the race from two five-minute "stop-and-hold" penalties caused by refueling problems. The other entrant scored pole position of the class but failed to finish the race.The Honda CR-Z was one of the most showcased cars during the SEMA show earlier in the year and one of the cars produced 533 hp (397 kW). This is what the hybrid engine could withstand in terms of power.

Awards and recognition

Japan Car of The Year 2010-11
2010 Good Design Award from the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization
2010 Green Car of the Year awarded by Top Gear
Most Economical & Environment Friendly Sports hybrid in the 2010 RAC Brighton to London Future Car Challenge

Honda CR-Z Car Steering Wheel

2011 BMW Active Hybrid 7 Car Review and Pictures

1:15 PM R.Jansen No comments

2011 BMW Active Hybrid 7 Picture

The 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is available is standard wheelbase at an MSRP of $103,175 or long wheelbase, has a wheelbase increased by 5.5″, for $107,075. Both prices include $875 destination and handling.

2011 BMW Active Hybrid 7 Engine View

The 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 blends an upgraded version of BMW’s 4.4-liter twin-turbo, High Precision Direct Injection, V8 engine with a 3-phase synchronous elec¬tric motor gives the 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 a combined output of 455 hp and maximum torque of 515 lb-ft. Power is transmitted via an 8-speed automatic transmission with the electric motor positioned between the engine and the torque converter. This electric motor receives its supply of energy from a lithium-ion battery developed specifically for BMW ActiveHybrid 7.

2011 BMW Active Hybrid 7 Interiors

The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 accelerates to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds making it the quickest hybrid in the world. At the same time, it delivers fuel economy of 17 mpg (city) and 24 mpg (highway), nearly 18 percent better than the non-hybrid 750i/Li.

2011 BMW Active Hybrid 7 System

The 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is the first BMW with automatic transmission to feature Auto Start Stop to maximize efficiency by avoiding engine idling when stopped. Another advantage is that the air conditioning and ventilation system remains fully operational when the vehicle is stopped and the engine is shut down. In this case, power is supplied directly through the 120-volt on-board network powered by the lithium-ion battery.

2011 BMW Active Hybrid 7 Wheel Display

Special displays in the instrument cluster and the Central Display inform the passengers of the degree of efficiency and the current operating status of the hybrid components. The 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is distinguished from the 750i by aerodynamically-tuned ten-spoke 19-inch light-alloy Aero wheels, and model designations on the trunk lid, C-pillars, and on the door cutouts. The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is also available in special Bluewater Metallic exterior paintwork.

2011 BMW Active Hybrid 7

BMW Z4 by Kelleners Motorsport

9:02 AM R.Jansen No comments

German tuner dials up output about the 3.0 liter twin-turbo to 405 PS (298 kW / 400 bhp) and 539 Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque. German tuner Kelleners Activity has turned the BMW Z4 sDrive35is right into a genuine rager

The energy upgrade entails a tuning from the three.0 liter twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder unit up to an output of 405 PS (298 kW / 400 bhp) and 539 Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque. That's rather a acquire over the currently impressive series output of 340 PS (250kW/ 335 bhp) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque - 500Nm (369 lb-ft) with overboost.Wheels are offered in 19-inch and 20-inch dimensions in either Hamburg or Berlin rims.

Particular lowering springs decrease the trip height in the Z4 by twenty mm in the front axle and 10 mm in the rear. About the inside, the tuner adds a three-spoke activity steering wheel, aluminium pedals and foot rests together with velour floor mats. Bespoke inside finishes in leather with wood trims may also be on supply by person customer ask for.

The Top Muscle Cars of the 60s and 70s

5:14 AM R.Jansen No comments

The early 60s all the way up to the 70s was a golden age for the American automotive industry if only for the simple fact that muscle cars were growing not just in number, but in overall stature. The muscle car arms race of the that time yielded plenty of options for customers looking for more power and metal-twisting torque from these vehicles. And the models only grew in popularity as more and more people began clamoring for the biggest, baddest, and most powerful machines.

The general appeal these muscle cars offered to the growing American car culture of the time was the opportunity to own powerful cars that could be used for drag racing while also keeping costs at bay. At that time, a number of brands began developing their own models, including legendary names like the Ford Mustang, the Chevrolet Camaro, the Plymouth Barracuda, the Pontiac Trans-Am, and the Dodge Charger, to name a few.

While the golden age of American muscle was limited to parts of these two decades, the industry has enjoyed a renaissance of sorts in recent years. It’s not going to compare to the 60s or the 70s, but as proven by customer clamoring, the culture of American muscle cars is far from bearing its last legs.

To pay tribute to the time where muscle was king of the road - and the drag strip - we have compiled a list of the 10 most memorable muscle cars of the golden age.

The Top Muscle Cars of the 60s and 70s Pictures

1964 Pontiac GTO