2009 Honda City

The Honda City is a subcompact car manufactured by the Japanese manufacturer Honda since 1981 for the Asian market.

Since 2002, the City is also known as the Honda Fit Aria. It is a subcompact sedan that uses Honda's Global Small Car platform, which is also used by the Fit/Jazz (a five-door hatchback), the Airwave (a wagon version of the Fit Aria/City), the Mobilio, and the Mobilio Spike. One of the characteristics shared by the Fit/Jazz, City/Fit Aria, and Airwave, is the location of the fuel tank. Rather than placing it under the rear seats, it is located under the front seats, thereby freeing up valuable room in the back.

Source:Japanese Sport Car

New Daihatsu 2009 Concept Car

Introducing a concept model that shows the future shape of an open sports car, conceived by Daihatsu as a car for adults who want to feel the wind as they drive.

The OFC-1 expresses the feel of a liberating, transparent canopy cockpit, and the familiarity of a flowing, smooth teardrop silhouette. Moreover, a glass top with liquid crystal sunshade used for the electromotive canopy-top open roof offers a free and liberating open-air feeling, regardless of the weather.

The 3-piece electromotive open roof completes operation in less than ten seconds and preserves independent trunk space even when the roof is open to improve the convenience of compact convertibles and allow enough trunk storage space for two adults to take an overnight trip.

In addition, a rear spoiler melded into the body, plus the 17-inch alloy wheels, express powerful running performance.

The interior is an expression of the sports mind compressed into a compact space. In addition to the expression of a mechanical image function in the meter center cluster, the high-contrast interior color arrangement serves to orchestrate a progressive, high-quality and sporty interior space.

For running performance, the powertrain technology combines a high-performance turbo engine together with CVT with 7-speed paddle shift to achieve the highest level of both fuel consumption performance and environmental performance for vehicles in its class.

To commensurate with the underside of a sports car, the vehicle is equipped with 4 wheel disc brakes, electronic modulated suspension and stabilizers which improves roll stiffness thus producing a high performing spinning system together with the adoption of the 165/50R17 sport tires.

Dimensions and weight:

• Overall length: 3395mm
• Overall width: 1475mm
• Overall height: 1290mm
• Wheel base: 2230mm
• Track front: 1300mm
• Track rear: 1290mm
• Minimum road clearance: 130mm
• Kerb weight: 820kg
• Seating capacity: 2 persons

Engine

• Type: petrol, 3 cylinder DCHC, 12-valve, intercooler turbo transverse
• Displacement: 658cc
• Bore x Stroke: 63 x 70.4mm
• Max output: 47 kW at 6000 rpm
• Max torque: 103 Nm at 3000 rpm
• Fuel supply system: Electric fuel injection
• Compression ratio: 9.0

Suspension:

• Front: MacPherson Strut, coil spring
• Rear: Torsion beam, coil spring

Steering: Rack and pinion

Brakes front and rear: ventilated disc brake

Tire size front and rear: 165/50R17

Fuel consumption (EU combined mode): 4.6 liter / 100 km

CO2 Emissions (EU combined mode): 100.9 g/km

Source: Daihatsu

New Yamaha 150cc Naked Bike

The FZ16 is the first 150 cc bike in India to feature tubeles tyres both in the front and the rear. It also has a full digital (even the tachometer is now digital) speedometer console. The 140 mm wide Rear Tyre is an impossibly FAT one and is the largest rear tyre on not just for its segment but for any production motorcycle in India. The Rear Tyres are also Tubeless Radials which helps in reducing the weight

Even the inner tubes of the front fork are of 41 mm dia and are possibly the largest on any current production motorcycle again in India. The bulky looking fuel tank of the FZ16 is actually a three piece unit with plastic resin covers as its outer covering.

The FZ16 is the second bike in India to feature a monoshock suspension at its rear. The silencer of the FZ16 is a short and stubby looking unit which according to YAMAHA helps in centralization of the bike's mass and therefore aids in handling.

The rated power of the FZ16 is 14 Ps max power which puts it in the same league as the Pulsar 150 DTSi and the Hero Honda Hunk/CBZ Xtreme. But it is the Torque of the FZ16 (14 Nm @ 6000 RPM) which is a bit higher compared to its current 150 cc competition. Looking at the Power/Torque figures the FZ16 seems to be an ideal City Bike.

The FZ currently is available in three colors.

• Black


• Red


• Orange

Engine

• Engine type: Air-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 2-valve


• Displacement: 153.0 cm3


• Bore & Stroke: 58.0 × 57.9mm


• Compression ratio: 9.5:1


• Maximum output: 14PS / 7500 rpm


• Maximum torque: 14 N.m / 6000 rpm


• Starting: Electric starter


• Lubrication type: Wet sump


• Carburetor type: BS26


• Clutch type: Constant mesh wet multiplate


• Ignition type: CDI


• Primary/secondary reduction ratio: 3.409 / 2.857


• Transmission type: Return type 5-speed

Source:2wheelsindia

New Daihatsu Tanto

Daihatsu Launches Fully Redesigned Mini Vehicle TANTO

DAIHATSU MOTOR CO., LTD. (Daihatsu) announced the nationwide launch in Japan of the fully redesigned mini vehicle TANTO1 on December 17.

The TANTO was created in November 2003 as a vehicle with surprising roominess for its size and one that is fun for the entire family. The TANTO gained support among drivers with children for its spaciousness and convenience and pioneered a new mini vehicle genre. Sales have been extremely good, averaging about 8,000 vehicles per month.

The current redesign seeks to transform the surprisingly expansive interior into a highly inspiring space. In addition to enhancing core performance attributes such as high safety performance and excellent fuel efficiency, Daihatsu achieved three significant advances in the unreserved pursuit of the TANTO DNA—expansiveness and convenience:

1) The surprising expansive interior was evolved even further to achieve an exceptionally large space, the largest of any mini vehicle.2
2) The center pillar was removed and a powered sliding door installed (world's first on a mini vehicle)
3) to create a amazing feeling of openness and provide for extreme ease of boarding and exiting.
4) Extraordinary utility was created through outstanding convenience in a wide variety of situations in response to calls from mothers with young children.

Two models with unique characteristics are available: the TANTO, which maximizes functional value for families with children that enjoy spending time together, and the TANTO CUSTOM, which seeksaesthetic value that is sure to the captivate the sensibilities of both men and women who place an emphasis on individuality.



The new models also offer the following features:

- The interior and exterior designs of both the TANTO and TANTO CUSTOM have been uniquely coordinated.
- The TANTO has been completely updated, including the platform and the engine, and safety, driving and environmental performance have been further enhanced.

1. TANTO: Italian word meaning "plenty"
2. As of December, 2007, measured by Daihatsu. (Interior length x interior width x interior height.)
3. As of December, 2007, measured by Daihatsu.

Plans call for sales of 8,000 units per month in Japan. The manufacturer's suggested retail prices range from 1,030,000 yen to 1,655,000 yen (excluding consumption tax).

Source:Daihatsu Press Release

Naza Carnival 2008

The Naza Group of Companies will again be holding its Naza Carnival 2008 this weekend (November 15 & 16) and it’s a great opportunity to get that car or motorcycle you’ve been thinking off – at special prices which will be valid during the event.

The Naza Auto Mall in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, is perhaps the only place in Malaysia where there is the widest variety of makes and models of cars and motorcycles under one roof. Furthermore, Naza also offers customers the freedom to personalise their vehicle with a range of options, many of which are from reputable after-market companies.

On top of that, all cars sold by Naza come with nationwide warranty for both brand new and pre-owned units. Naza’s extended warranty program provides peace of mind to the customers as it is said to be a program no other competitors (especially pre-owned dealers) offers.

During the Naza Carnival 2008, which is on from 10 am to 10 pm daily, there will be a lot of activities for visitors of all ages. The activities include colouring contests, premium giveaways by Naza GT Queens, Bike Beauty competitions, live band performances , Harley-Davidson parade, CICAKMAN appearance and a performance by Adam (AF2).

And just by visiting the event, you could win one of three Naza Blitz motorcycles too. All you have to do is fill out the “Visit & Win” contest form and who knows, you may be the lucky one.

According to Dato’ SM Zulkifli SM Amin, Executive Vice-President (Operations), other companies within the Naza Group involved in properties, hotels and financing will also be participating in the Naza Carnival 2008 and will have special offers over the weekend.

Program Schedule
Saturday - November 15 2008
All day program activities:
- Photo booth with Aston Martin DB9 & Ducati 1098
- Walking Table Games
- Henna Tattoo
- Sand Art
- Clowns
- “Visit & Win” NAZA Blitz contest
10.00am – Event start, Colouring contest registration
11.30am – Colouring contest for kids
12.00pm – Premium giveaway by Naza GT Queens.
12.30pm – Magic Show on stage
1.00pm – Colouring contest results
1.30pm – GTR Beauty Bike Competition
2.00pm – Live Band on stage
2.30pm – Game Show on stage
3.00pm – Harley-Davidson Parade
3.30pm – CICAKMAN appearance
4.00pm – Performance by Adam (AF)
5.00pm – Live Band on stage

Sunday - November 16 2008
All day program:
- Photo booth with Aston Martin DB9 & Ducati 1098
- Walking Table Games
- Henna Tattoo
- Sand Art
- Clowns
- “Visit & Win” NAZA Blitz contest
10.00am – Event start, Colouring contest registration
10.30am – Open Bike Beauty Competition
11.30am – Colouring contest for kids
12.00pm – Premium giveaway by Naza GT Queens
12.30pm – Magic Show on stage
1.00pm – Colouring contest results
1.30pm – Live Band on stage
2.00pm – Blade Beauty Bike Competition
2.30pm – Game Show on stage
3.00pm – Ferrari 599 Product Presentation
3.30pm – CICAKMAN appearance
4.30pm – Ferrari F430 Product Presentation
5.00pm – Live Band on stage

Source:Motor Trader

Proton to provide 225,930 rear seatbelts free

Proton will fit rear centre lap seatbelts for 225,930 units of cars which it manufactured between 2004 and 2008. The seatbelts will be supplied to owners free of charge and installed at designated service centres nationwide.

"As a responsible car manufacturer, Proton supports the government's move [to make rear seatbelt usage compulsory from January 1 2009] and believes that it should not burden the car buyers to pay for the extra seat belt," said Proton’s MD, Dato' Syed Zainal Abidin bin Syed Mohamed Tahir. He added that the exercise would cost the company about RM7.3 million and it was being done as part of the company's corporate social responsibility initiatives.

The affected models, which did not come with the centre seat belt are the previous generation of the Proton Saga/Iswara manufactured between 2004 and 2008 (144,000 units), and the Gen2 manufactured between 2004 and June 2008 (81,930 units).

The retrofit exercise will commence on December 1 2008 for Peninsular Malaysia and on January 1 2009 for Sabah and Sarawak. Assuming every one of the 225,930 owners claims his or her seatbelt, the exercise is expected to take about 13 months to complete. All Proton Edar and Edaran Otomobil Nasional Berhad (EON) service centres as well as all authorised Proton service dealers nationwide will be able to undertake the retrofitting. Retrofitting work will take approximately 20 minutes per car.

Dato' Syed Zainal Abidin advised car owners not to rush to the service centres as the installation will only be done upon prior appointment. To make an appointment, customers are required to call the nearest service centre. For information on service centre locations and contact details, customers may call the Proton i.care at 1300-880-888 (toll-free) for assistance. Alternatively, customers may also register for an appointment via Proton Edar's official website at www.proton-edar.com.my. Upon online registration, personnel from the nearest service centre will contact the customer to confirm an appointment date and time at the nearest service branch. Customers are also advised to write down their car chassis number and the preferred colour, before making an appointment either by phone or online registration.

Source:Motor trader

Hummer With 2++ inch Wooden Rim

We've seen it supercharged and even converted to remote control, but we've never seen a HUMMER H3 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hummer_H3 like this. Officially it's called art, but the phrases 'automotive travesty' and 'left-field promotional opportunity' also spring to mind in regard to British artist Matthew Harrison's latest project - a H3 with the standard 16-inch alloys dropped in favor of ‘Wild West’ wooden wagon wheels. The head-turning installation will be parked opposite the Royal Academy of Arts http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_art_schools in London as part of the Zoo Art Fair http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts_festival 2008 which runs from 17-20 October. The strange thing is - it kind of suits.

Source:Gizmag

Electric Car For 2

October 7, 2008 The Chinese were largely noticeable by their absence at the Paris Show this year but there may well have been a Chinese vehicle of significance – it’s a very cute electric city http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_City%2C_Washington car named the “Chika”.

Chika is the work of well known Chinese car http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automobile_industry_in_China stylist http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hairdresser Li Shi Guang Ming, who is working on a range of original designs for China http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China Automobile . The designer believes the Chika represents the first steps toward an original Chinese automotive design language – and this could help China Automobile quickly shake off the “bootleg” image.

Source:Gizmag