Honda Unveils New Safety Technologies

If I ask you what your utmost concern is when it comes to driving what would be your first answer? Could it be how fast the car accelerates or how safe you’d be on the road? Though I don’t have a car yet it has always been on my mind that if ever I buy one the feature that I would consider foremost is road safety. Accidents happen anytime and anywhere so, it is good to have devices to protect you. It will still some time before I can buy a car, but I think that a good thing also because by that time he cars on the market will have better safety features. I’m sure Honda’s newly developed airbag and multi-view camera will be installed in every vehicle already.

 

New i-SRS Airbag System

 

This Japanese maker recently announced that it has developed an air bag that inflates quicker than normal airbags found in today’s vehicles. The company calls it i-SRS airbag system. How fast does it inflate? Well, it blows up in just 0.015 seconds which is about half the time that normal airbags take and that is 0.030 seconds. That’s a big leap if you ask me. That fifteen dots improvement in speed can already make a lot of difference in saving a life during car accidents. Enabling this new airbag to inflate quickly is the spiral seam structure and gas release control valve. This also allows the bag to inflate horizontally instead of vertically. This new way is much more beneficial because there is a larger surface area so there is less chance that the driver’s head will hit the steering wheel or the dash. There are three things to keep in mind about Honda’s new i-SRS airbag system and these are:

• Faster Deployment
• Longer Period of Inflation and Protection
• Reduced Impact

 

Multi-View Camera System

 

In addition to the airbags, Honda also developed a new multi-view camera system that allows different views of the road and the surroundings. As a part of the vehicle’s navigation system the views captured by the camera are displayed on the navigation screen. There are several benefits provided by this multi-view camera system. Take a look below.

• Lessens blind spots
• Support smooth parallel or garage parking
• Support safe driving in a 3-way intersection

 

The cameras are located in four parts of the vehicle:

      Front

      Sides (driver and passenger side door mirror)

      Rear

      Hood

 

I really believe that both of these new technologies are great features that will make driving safer than before. The i-SRS airbag system will be introduced in the Honda Life that will be unveiled in Japan this November. The multi-view camera system on the other hand already being installed in the Honda models that are currently on sale.

Saab Announces New 9-X Air BioHybrid Concept

With the Paris Motor Show already coming up next month, car makers are already polishing up and making final touches on their creations that will be shown in the show. Some are already doing test drives on the cars that will be put on display. Saab is one of the makers that gave a little peek of its latest concept car, the 9-X Air BioHybrid. This model is the epitome of what people can expect from Saab’s next generation of convertibles. However, this new model shouldn’t be mistaken for the 9-X BioHybrid Concept hatchback that the company unveiled last March at the Geneva Motor Show. Though they have similarities, the Saab 9-X Air is more advanced than the BioHybrid hatchback. They share the same 1.4L turbo engine that uses E85 fuel or 85 percent bioethanol and 15 percent petrol.

 

The big difference lies on the vehicles’ exteriors. Instead of a hard roof, the Saab 9-X Air features a folding roof that is made up of canvas rather than steel. This canopy top is a symbol of the company’s evolution in the production of convertibles. Just below this folding roof is a pair of prominent rear pillars that arc upwards to the flat folding roof. The owner has a choice whether to keep the top up or down. When it’s down the car cannot be mistaken for anything else than a convertible but with it down, it looks like a conventional coupe only. The top folds in three small sections under a tonneau cover.  The rear screen also automatically retracts under the tonneau. Once the roof is down a complete glass surround goes up to protect the cabin. The interior looks so plush and luxurious; anyone will enjoy driving in this beauty once it goes to market.

 

I’m sure the new Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid will cause quite a stir in the coming Paris Motor Show next month. Wish I could be there to see all the goodies that are going to be displayed as well by other renowned auto makers.

 

Travel Down the Highways with Chevy Cruze

The Chevrolet brand is one of the most sought-after vehicles in the market. As a matter of fact this brand has 20 vehicles available ranging from subcompact cars to commercial trucks. And now, Chevy is ready to add to its line of vehicles with the announcement of the new 2010 Chevy Cruze. Chevrolet will officially unveil this new model at the Paris Motor Show which will transpire in early October. But even before the official showing, some photos of the said model were already leaked on the internet. These photos are like teasers for customers who are looking for a new replacement for their car.

 

The Chevy Cruze is a sleek-looking vehicle that has been designed as a coupe. It has four doors to make entrance and exit convenient. When you see this box cruising down the road, for sure you can’t help but be amazed by its exciting lines and right proportion. When you take a front view of this car you can’t help but notice the angled windshield going down the sloping rear. It also boasts large squinting headlights that give the car an aggressive look. Concave shoulder line, two-tier grille are some of the other eye-catching features of the Cruze.

 

Quality production is not only evident in the Chevy Cruze’s exterior, but most especially in the interior. High-quality development is seen in the soft-touch materials, and low gloss trim panels used in the interior. Aside from the interior, Chevy is also proud of the engines available for the Chevy Cruze. It will come in 16-valve 1.6-liter (1112hp/82 KW) and 1.8-liter (140 hp/103 kW) gasoline engines. More power, low emissions, and fuel economy are assured by these engines because they also have variable valve timing on the inlet and exhaust sides. The user will have a choice in the transmission because the Cruze comes with a five-speed manual and an automatic transmission.

 

Chevrolet is the fastest-growing mainstream brand in Europe. And the Cruze is expected to make the Chevy name even more popular.  Here’s a statement made by Wayne Brannon, Executive Director, Chevrolet Europe, “Chevrolet has always stood for expressive value and Cruze delivers on that promise like never before. It further redefines Chevrolet with its design, quality, materials and great style inside and out. The fit and finish for gaps and interfaces sets a new standard for this segment in Europe and around the world.” This statement just shows the company’s expectation from this new model as it goes on the market on March 2009. 

Toyota Tests Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle in the UK

Toyota is once again spearheading a technology that could be the pattern of the next generation of cars the PHV or Plug-In-Hybrid-Vehicle.  Toyota is one of the most active car makers to venture into the development of hybrid vehicles. I guess all car makers are finding new avenues of offering better and more economical cars to the market, especially in this day and age when oil prices have a way of skyrocketing with little notice. Environmental concern is also one of the driving forces why car makers are developing new alternatives to make a vehicle run. In pushing forward with this new vehicle technology Toyota has teamed up with French-owned power company EDF in testing the TMC-produced hybrid vehicles. The testing has started already on September 10. The testing is only being done in the United Kingdom. The test vehicle used is a customized Prius, which is a Toyota hybrid car.

 

Britain is the fifth country to take part in testing this new technology. Apparently, testing is expected to last for one whole year, maybe more to see the full potential of this plug-in technology. If you ask what can be expected during this period, Toyota has an answer to that. New infrastructure that will be used for the evaluation of the PHV will be set up according to the company. Things that will be evaluated are the vehicle performance and ease of use. Toyota will also get user feedback to complete this testing and evaluation.   The batteries used in the cars for testing have nickel-metal hydride batteries. But, Toyota is also planning to develop cars with lithium-ion batteries next year. 

 

The plug-in vehicles really have great potential. In fact, some auto experts believe that this plug-in technology is more advantageous than the technologies being used today. Engines made for plug-ins have larger batteries, which mean that the vehicle can operate at a greater mileage. In addition, this battery type can just be plugged into household sockets. Just think about that, by just plugging in your car in one of the sockets in your house it can be charged and ready to run once again. I’m not sure if this thought has occurred to these developers. If these plug-in cars can just be recharged at home, for sure power usage would escalate as well. Maybe just like oil, electricity price would suddenly skyrocket as well.

 

But this new plug-in technology is still a good thing. At least we’ll all have new vehicle alternatives. We just have to keep posted on how this Plug-In-Hybrid-Vehicle fares during the whole test period.

Citroen C3 is the latest Picasso

Those who love art pieces like sculptures and paintings have heard of the great Picasso. This artist’s name is actually very long that it’s so hard to remember. However, when you say Picasso everyone knows that he’s a very talented painter, draughtsman, and sculptor. He made his own mark in the world of art through his various works that are characterized mostly by the different elements of shapes and colors. He favored using cubes in creating his images and that was what his works became known for. Perhaps, this was also what inspired European car maker Citroen in making the third Picasso vehicle. We are already given a first glimpse of this vehicle even before it makes its official debut at the Paris Motor Show next month and its UK launch in 2009.

 

The new Citroen C3 Picasso is a very eye-catching vehicle indeed. Just by looking at its picture, I personally liked its overall exterior, especially as glass dominates the whole design. The driver will have an unobstructed view of the road because of the large, panoramic windscreen. A glass roof is likewise installed, which allows more light to penetrate to the interior. The front view of this little cube car is also very appealing especially the design of the headlights, grille, and the bumper. Everything on the outside of this car has smooth flowing lines; you can hardly see harp corners when you view it outside.

 

Even with its seemingly small cube-like shape, the C3 Picasso is really spacious on the inside. The seats are innovatively designed. They are not only to be used for sitting but also for accommodating cargo. Both the front and rear seats can be easily adjusted or folded to provide more legroom or flat cargo space. The interior was really given so much attention as ca be seen in the ultra-soft dashboard surface, high-grade interior trim, and sophisticated cruise controls and satellite navigation system. With insulation provided for this C3 Picasso, passenger comfort is ensured since outside noise cannot penetrate inside the vehicle.

 

Potential buyers have four choices when it comes to the C3 Picasso’s engine. There will be two new petrol engines – Vti 95 and the VTi 120; and two HDi units – HDi 90 and the HDi 110DPFS. These engines are fuel efficient, are low in CO2 emissions, and are capable of alert performance. Driving in the new C3 Picasso is safe because it has not only the standard safety features but modern safety systems as well. So, secure travel is assured in the Citroen C3 Picasso.

 

Rolls-Royce Opens New Showroom in Greater China

Without a doubt, Rolls-Royce is one of the leading European automakers. Looking back on its history, it is a wonder that this vehicle is able to succeed and be one of the top-selling brands all over the world. This company is always on the move to widen its sphere of influence especially outside Europe. Just the other day, September 10, Rolls-Royce officially opened a new showroom in Greater China, in Hangzhou particularly. The one who officially proclaimed the showroom open was Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ Chief Executive Officer Tom Purves. Some of the well-known personalities in the automobile industry who attended the opening were Colin Kelly, Asia Pacific Regional Director for Rolls-Royce Cars, Jenny Zheng, General Manager for Greater China, and Peter Goh, Dealer and Principal of Sime Darby Hong Kong Limited.

 

This latest showroom in Hangzhou is actually the sixth Rolls-Royce showroom to be opened in China. They chose a good place for this new display site. They have it in the commercial area of the city, just on the other side of the West Lake which is a famous tourist spot in that place. The space of the new showroom is over 400 square meters so, it can display up to four Rolls-Royce models.

 

Little do the visitors know that there is a surprise waiting to be unveiled. Well, a showroom really wouldn’t be living to every sense of the word if it doesn’t have anything to show, right? So, Mr. Purves undraped the new Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe. This is the first Rolls-Royce to be displayed in Hangzhou. Among the Phantom family this model is the most driver-oriented because of its advanced engineering and design. Aside from this model, Rolls-Royce has three more models for 2008, the Phantom, the Phantom Extended Wheelbase, and the Phantom Drophead Coupe. 

 

Well, I think Hangzhou residents are happy to have a Rolls-Royce showroom nearby. Some of them might even think of buying one to show off to their elite friends.

Volkswagen Offers 0% Financing on its 2008 Fleet

Various automobile makers have been suffering setback in sales in the past months. Maybe that’s because not many people are attracted to buying cars at this point in time due to the unpredictable oil prices. A number of carmakers are already doing what they can to make it through this tough time. Though some are lucky enough to have great sales figures despite all these setbacks, there’s Volkswagen to name one. VW has had great sales back in August so, it comes as a surprise to us all that this company is offering 0% financing for a certain period of time. Did that surprise you too? I’m sure it did. Rarely do these carmakers make such as offer to their clients, yet here’s VW giving an offer that seems hard to refuse.

 

Volkswagen is offering 0% financing not only on one but all of its 2008 models. This offer is open until Sept 30. The Beetle convertible, GTI, Touareg, and Passat are some of the models that are being offered at 0% interest over 60 months. There are also other models offered with the same rate in 36 or 48 months. So, if you have any plans to get a car any time soon, maybe you should think about getting a Volkswagen. Well, you have to be in the United States because this offer is only open there.

 

If you are an American resident who is interested in availing of this promo, well you must read the qualification conditions stated in the official VW site. The company has stated some general conditions like the following:

 

·                     Lessees responsible for $.0.20/mile over 36,000 miles and for damage and excessive wear.

·                     Dealer sets the actual prices.

·                     Lessee responsible for insurance.

·                     Closed-end lease offered to highest qualified customers by Volkswagen Credit through participating dealers.

 

This 0% interest from Volkswagen is really surprising. It seems that they are so anxious to get rid of the old stock before the new models arrive.  But you know what? This looks like a once in a lifetime offer by VW so, if you have plans to get a new car, better get a move on now before the stocks run out!

MINI Crossover Concept Revealed!

Wow, just look at the new MINI Crossover Concept. This brand is truly making a comeback with the unveiling of its latest concept. Truly, innovation and design are depicted in the MINI Crossover Concept. Truly, this looks so different from the MINI Convertible and the MINI Clubman. This new car is unlike any five-door vehicle you’ve seen before. Well, except for that specific design, the MINI Crossover Concept is already very different. The difference in the door design is seen once you open the rear hatch has a single panel that swivels to one side when opened. This door design is very convenient indeed when you need to load in lots of cargo and equipment.

 

In terms of size, the MINI Crossover Concept is the first to be made with four meters length and a bigger wheelbase to make the car look even more commanding on the road. This is made as an all wheel drive vehicle. So far, specifications regarding its engine and horsepower have not yet been revealed.

 

But despite that, the highlights revealed about this MINI Crossover Concept seem enough to make you want to snatch one out for yourself. Take a look at some of the goodies offered by this all wheel drive.

 

• Four single seats that are of the same design and size. The rear seats are also made to be adjustable to have more legroom or if more storage in the rear compartment is needed.
• MINI Center Globe – the central display and control unit has been made in a three-dimensional layout for easier presentation of information and entertainment options. To ensure that data is clearly given at all times, this MINI Center Globe is imbedded with ultra-modern laser projection technology. The Globe can be separated into two hemispheres so the driver and the front passenger can do different things in it at the same time.
• MINI Centre Rail – this is a fastening rail that extends from the dashboard to the car’s tailgate. If you have gadgets or holders, you can convenient attach them to this rail and easily pass them forward or backward.
• Adding to the car’s interior aesthetics are the fine porcelain highlights that you can see around the instrument panel, armrests on doors, and inlays.

Well, you just have to see the picture to know what I’m talking about. One thing’s for sure, BMW has outdone itself once again in this new MINI Crossover Concept.

Next-Generation Toyota Prius, Spied!

Are you a Toyota car lover? Then maybe you are so looking forward to the next generation of one of its popular line, the Toyota Prius. The second genartion Toyota Prius is not yet ready to be unveiled until the 2009 Detroit Motor Show, however, some photos of this car has been leaked on the worldwideweb already. Could this whet the appetite of those who are watching out for this car? But what if instead of whetting their appetite these photos just ruined it?

 

For those who might not know what the Prius looks like or what its features are, well this car is a hybrid that runs both on gas and electricity. This is one of the most celebrated creations of Toyota in the hybrid lineup since 2003.

 

Anyway, back to the leaked photos of the next generation Toyota Prius. Even though the car is wrapped in plastic, we can see that it does not look all that different from its predecessor. The lines and shape of the whole car looks the same. It is only when you see the interior that you’ll notice some subtle differences. The spy photographers are lucky enough to get a close look at even of the interior of the vehicle. According to these spies the interior has a more modern look. Well, are you curious to know what the changes are?

 

• Center console that now has a continuous design from the dashboard down to the center storage bin.   
• Open storage compartment beneath the floating center console.
• New location of  the gearshifter from the dash to the center console
• Gearshifter has a new look in a blue finish and carbonfiber-look. 

Well these are only some of the changes made to the next generation Toyota Prius interior. More work is being done to its engine because Toyota is aiming for extra power and lesser fuel consumption.

 

With some of these facts about the next-generation Toyota Prius already laid out, do you think it will still create a great wave of anticipation among prospective buyers? Anyway, Toyota still has a little over a year to do what more needs to be done for this celebrated Toyota hybrid.

Road Test for the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V

The Cadillac CTS-V, is a model of Cadillac (a brand of luxury vehicles owned by General Motors) V-Series line of high performance vehicles. It was first introduced in 2004.

Its first generation competes directly with BMW’s Motorsport division, Mercedes-Benz’s AMG division, and Audi’s S- and RS-Series performance-luxury cars. For 2009, the new Cadillac CTS-V is set to be released. Cadillac finally started creating cars that could compete directly with the best from Europe and Japan, and the first generation CTS was one of them.

Visually, the CTS-V stands out in a crowd. This one is much more attractive and much higher quality than its previous generation. The big mesh grille now has twice the open area of the previous V. It looks more sophisticated and more detailed.

According to the reviews of Autopartswarehouse drivers, Cadillac CTS-V offers a new level of capability for performance sedans on the track, but especially on the road. It offers “a supercharged 6.2 liter LSA V-8, based on the LS9 V-8 from the recently released Corvette ZR-1, is the powerplant in the 2009 CTS-V. It’s 376 CID (6162 cc) produce 556 hp (415 kW) and 551 lb·ft (747 N·m) of torque.” Apparently, it had a bigger, more powerful engine; beefier brakes and tires; a suspension to match and an upgraded interior. There are still several mechanical tidbits that deserve special mention.

I’m glad that Cadillac can finally compete with the German companies in terms of performance. It was clear that GM had come up with quite a solid package.