Honda Takes on the Hybrid Motorcycle

For a few years now, hybrids have been all the rage in the consumer car market. The Prius has been elevated to the status of an icon and Honda is now trying to catch up with its revived Honda Insight. But what about motorcycles, where Honda has been the unquestioned world leader for years?

The added weight and complexity has previously kept the word “hybrid” from squeezing in front of the word “motorcycle,” but now Honda thinks they’ve found a way to build and market hybrid motorcycles. According to the Mainichi Shinbun, Honda will begin releasing the hybrid motorcycles in the 2010s, which will be followed up by electric motorcycles in 2011.

Honda will be adapting the hybrid system it uses on its current cars to work with motorcycles of engine displacement between 200 and 1000cc. It would probably be too cumbersome to use on smaller bikes, but Honda hopes to increase fuel efficiency by about 50% with the hybrid bikes.

Now, the real question for all you bikers out there is this: would you ride one?

Audi RS5 will debut in Detroit

I have a good news and a bad new for our American readers. Lets start with the bad one. According to Audi RS6 Project Manager Jens Koch, the twin-turbocharged V10 sedan won’t be hitting the U.S. market in its current iteration. The guys from Audi thought that the four-door body style would be more appealing to Stateside consumers rather than the Avant, but as far as seems, there’s too much energy and expense involved in making the V10 power plant pass the more stringent sniffer standards in the U.S.

Maybe you are starting to wonder what is the good news. Am i right? Well, Audi will take the wraps off the RS5 this January in Detroit, with the next RS4 debuting shortly thereafter. They even plan to further their goal of taking on BMW’s M division and Mercedes’ AMG lineup with more Quattro-branded vehicles.

Peugeot Prologue - Mono-volume SUV

The car you see in the pictures will be named Peugeot Prologue, in fact a concept that is the future model of the forthcoming Peugeot 3008.

This concept is Prologue, a car which Peugeot says it has emerged as a merger between two worlds.The SUV`s and the mono-volume`s worlds most likely.

The prototype`s interior is extremely modular and equipped with the latest technology,the hybrid drive-train at the same level, with a heat engine connected to the wheels together with electrc motors, with a total powe of up to 200 HP.

What is interesting is that the vehicle can operate not only one of the two engines, but can operate both of them simultaneously.

Alfa Romeo 149/Giulia : the succesor of 147

Afla Romeo 147 is not a reliable car anymore, an you know it. Nobody was execting so see a succesor for this car, but the guys from Alfa Romeo decided to build a new five-door hatchback, tipped to receive a new nameplate ouside the three-digit number designation, positioned slightly above the three-door MiTo hatch.

As for the new the new MiTo, the styling is expected to borrow the themes laid out by the 8C Competizione, which should translate better to the increased dimensions of the 149/Giulia over the more cartoonish looks of its smaller sibling.

We expect to see a wide range of gasoline and diesel engines, which could be topped by a 265-horsepower GTA version. According to our trustable sources, the 149 will be unveiled in a bit over a year fron now at the Frankfurt Show for market roll-out anticipated in late summer 2009.

Dodge Challenger Concept designer leaves Chrysler

Big name designers often skip from one job to another in the automotive world. Chrysler seems to be losing more than its fair share of artistic types, as the Auburn Hills-based automaker has lost two top designers in recent weeks. First, long time design chief Trevor Creed retired. Now Dodge Challenger Concept designer Micheal Castiglione has left for a smaller, more diversified design house. Castiglione has joined Ken Okuyama Design as their chief designer where he will work on everything from eye glasses and furniture to trains and planes. Okuyama also has some automotive interests, including the K.O 7 open wheel and the interesting-looking K.O 8 coupe (above). During his 15-year tenure with the Pentastar, Castiglione's best work came in the form of the Dodge Challenger Concept, but he also worked on the Jeep Compass concept and the Chrysler 300 production car.

Four-door Audi A1 headed to Paris

Click above for high-res shots of the Metroproject concept

The small car market is heating up fast, even for upmarket brands like Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW, the latter of which has the majority of the market cornered with its MINI sub-brand. The Bimmer competitor from Ingolstadt plans on attacking that market with its A1 subcompact, but unlike the Metroproject concept from Tokyo, the new A1 due to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show will sport four doors. Europeans are likely to get a production model spawned from the concept, which will likely be built in Brussels, Belgium and be introduced as a 2009 model. An electric model could follow shortly thereafter. Will the U.S. be blessed with another Germanic mini car? Audi's elusive Magic 8-Ball currently says "Not Likely," but with sales of the MINI going strong it's entirely too early to count it out completely.

Top Gear reviews ZR1, hard to get past Corvette looks

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Corvette ZR1

Let's not beat around any shrubbery with this: Top Gear magazine has reviewed the Corvette ZR1, and the quotes you need to know are, "The dynamics are better than an Aston DBS...," and "...[M]ake no mistake. What we have here is one of the truly great supercars."

Of course, there are caveats: it looks like a Corvette, the interior doesn't match those of its supercar rivals and the steering could use more feel. The latter quip is why you get other critiques like "...you don't get the precision of a 599." To have a UK magazine critique a Corvette against a 599 is probably the opposite of the insult it might appear to be on the surface. But don't take our word for it, follow the link and read for yourself how the ZR1 has "the performance and the chassis to match an SLR 722." It's not a bad way to start the week...

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Corvette ZR1

Seat Ibiza CUPRA- First photos - Small Class “Auto Emocion”

The guys from Seat presented today the first details about the Seat Ibiza Cupra. However, they have a lot a work to do if they want to cope with competition.

As we said some time ago, the main source of inspiration for the new Spanish hot-hatch is the Bocanegra concept, from which several design details were borrowed, that are intended to widen the pleasant aggressiveness of the new model.

The front spoiler is marked by the Cupra inscription, and the big and small air intakes are situated immediately below the front grille. The look is completed by the 17 inch rims and rear spoiler with a central mounted exaust Exaust from which the few and clean gasses are leaving the car.

And that is because the engine is provided with a 1.4 litre engine, super-charged by a compressor and a turbine, modified to develop 180 HP. That`s not to powerful compared to the competition. But Seat hopes to recover the difference from it`s transmission, where the 7 gear DSG gearbox will ensure smaller changing times.

We will find out more details as we get closer to the Paris Auto Show, where the new Seat Ibiza Cupra is more likely to be launched.

High-End Hybrid: Prius-based Lexus set to be brand's first dedicated hybrid model

With parent company Toyota scrambling to get its third-generation Prius ready by next year and racing against General Motors and its Volt project to be the first to market with a plug-in hybrid, its Lexus luxury arm also is reportedly hard at work on its own variant of the new Prius, which it will most likely unveil in a concept form similar to the illustration pictured here at the 2009 Detroit auto show.

CLICK TO VIEW GALLERY

Although Lexus has yet to have a dedicated hybrid in its lineup (it has hybrid versions of its RX 'ute and GS and LS sedans), the next-generation Prius, which is expected to be bigger and packed with more power, should be far more suitable for an upmarket offering.

The difference between the Lexus variant and the Prius itself -- as is generally the case for Lexus models with Toyota underpinnings -- is not expected to be much more than skin deep. The as-yet-unnamed Lexus will have its own body panels and may get a convertible variant, but both vehicles will be fitted with roof-mounted solar panels and nickel-metal hydride batteries upon launch.

While the Prius is expected next year as a 2010-model-year vehicle, it is not known yet how soon after the Lexus will follow. As for the much-talked-about lithium-ion batteries, those will arrive later with the launch of the plug-in model.

Additionally, the Lexus might not be built at the new Blue Springs, Mississippi, plant that Toyota has confirmed will build the Prius starting in 2010. The luxury brand is averse to building its vehicles outside of Japan, with the RX crossover being its only non-Japanese-made model.

Porsche Cayman, Boxster to get direct injection

CLICK TO VIEW GALLERY

Porsche is advancing in its conversion to direct gas injection. Following the Cayennes last year and 911s recently, the Boxster S and Cayman S also get the system late this autumn. The Cayman S goes from 295 horsepower to 320 horsepower, even though engine size remains 3.4 liters. Torque rises from 251 pound-feet to about 275 pound-feet.

All Boxsters and Caymans, not just the S models, also get the option of seven-speed PDK double-clutch transmission, replacing the Tiptronic S. As with the 911s, this trans will mean the two-pedal Cayman will be quicker to 60 and about as economical as the manual. In fact the PDK Cayman S will crack 5 seconds to 60 mph, we hear, and will be available for the first time with a limited-slip diff, bringing its performance even closer to the 911's. The 997-generation 911 Carrera started life four years ago with just 5 horsepower more.

CLICK TO VIEW GALLERY

The Boxster S goes the same way: 3.4 liters and direct injection for the S, but with 310 horsepower. The manual S models see a 10 percent fuel economy gain over their predecessors, while the PDK models are 15 percent better at the gas pump than the old port injection Tiptronic S cars.

Base Boxster and Cayman stick with port injection, but do have a capacity increase, from 2.7 to 2.9 liters. Power is up from 245 to 265 horsepower (Cayman) and 255 (Boxster). Again, PDK will be available. There will be a slight economy gain with the bigger engine, even with the manual transmission.

There are cosmetic tweaks to go with the tech upgrades. The front lights are more deeply scooped into the bumper, and some models get LED running lights. At the tail, there's also a new lamp cluster that cuts a little more into the bumper. Inside, expect revised screen and ergonomics for the infotainment system.

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport - It`s official

At the public`s demand, Bugatti launches the roadster model of the Veyron hyper-car, a model also capable of gaining a speed of 407 km/h.

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport is not just a model highly expected by collectors, but also a challenge for Bugatti.To keep the characteristics of a super-car, known for extraordinary speed and accelerations, means a very bold goal.

Firstly, if we talk about a targa model, body rigidity and aerodynamics need to be revised so that it can maintain the parameters that the 1000 wild horses need.

And it seems that Bugatti has found the correct prescription for creating channels to direct air flow over the head of occupants without significantly affect the natural flow. Also, for the Grand Sport, several innovative structural solutions were implemented, to preserve the safety and the behavior of the hyper-car. The technical data and more images have been kept secret until the first`s copy unveil ceremony.

The model was first presented on August 16 at Pebble Beach, and that first copy will be put up for auction, giving a lucky guy the possibility to drive it home. The maximum speed of the Bugatti Veyron with polycarbonate roof is 407 km/h, despite the fact that the cabrio is limited to “only” 360 km/h. Obviously, the rigid roof must be left at home if it is removed, so that if rains starts, a soft-top roof is available, but it limits the maximum speed to only 130 km/h. And this is just like standing still.

The price for “standing still” is about 1.4 million euros, and only 150 models will be sold, of which 50 are reserved for loyal customers of the mark.
When you sell only a few hundred cars, I wonder how you select the most loyal customers.

Chevy enters Cruze mode

Chevy wants to be a global brand and in its attempt the American comapny developed a 4 door sedan that looks like a coupe.That’s brilliant!But don’t forget that the European market is already flooded with this kind of cars.Let’s hope that the American design will appeal to more and more people that are tired with the „old brands”.

The engines are „standard” : a 1.8 litre and a 2 litre turbodiesel that developes 150 HP and 320 NM of torque.The 1.8 puts aut 140 HP(not enough if you ask me).There will also be a 1.6 , 122 HP.You can choose from a 5 speed manual transmission or a 6 speed automatic.

The Cruze will be unveiled at the Paris Auto Show this fall and you can get yours starting next year.

Audi A7 four-door hard-top cabrio

The blokes at Car say they've got the scoop on the upcoming Audi A7, including a convertible version depicted in the rendering on the right. Power is rumored to start with six cylinders across the range, with a V10-powered S7 and a twin-turbo V10-motivated RS7. Expect a variety of transmissions to be on offer as well, including manuals, automatics and dual-clutch gearboxes with six or seven speeds, along with the availability of quattro all-wheel-drive.

Sources have suggested that, while Audi will be behind the game in bringing a four-door coupe in the Mercedes CLS mold to market in the first half of 2010, it's got another segment-busting trick up it's sleeve: a full four-door convertible. And according to Car's illustrators, the A7 cabrio will feature a full retractable hard-top. Many have toyed with the idea of a four-door convertible – most recently arch-rival Mercedes with the Ocean Drive concept from Detroit '07 – but Audi may be the ones to actually revive the long-lost segment. Parade detail, here we come.

Slumping N.A. derails Toyota's 10-million-unit plan

TOKYO -- Slumping sales in North America have taken a big bite out of Toyota's 2009 sales target, quashing plans for it to be the first automaker to sell 10 million vehicles a year.

President Katsuaki Watanabe slashed his ambitious 2009 forecast to 9.7 million vehicles from an earlier goal of 10.4 million. Stagnating U.S. sales were largely to blame.

Toyota Motor Corp. sees North American sales coming in at 2.70 million units in 2008 and languishing at the same level in 2009. The figures include Hino and Daihatsu vehicles.

By contrast, the Toyota group sold 2.83 million units in North America last year.

"The economic environment, crude oil prices as well as the material cost trend was not accurately forecasted by us, and we initially thought there would be a greater number of vehicles sold," Watanabe said here today while announcing the downward revision.

The more modest ambitions highlight how even the world's biggest and most profitable automaker has been stung by the U.S. meltdown. The automaker's strong operating profits in North America nearly vanished in the April-June quarter, plunging 98.9 percent.

Watanabe initially floated the 10.4 million sales target last year, before the subprime loan problem torpedoed demand in his company's biggest market. Hitting the goal would have made Toyota the first automaker to pass 10 million units.

Toyota also said it will slow production at plants in Great Britain and Poland in response to a downturn in Europe. The move echoes a similar one in the United States, where Toyota has idled production of Tundra pickups and Sequoia SUVs at two plants for three months.

In Europe, Toyota is dropping one of the two shifts at its Burnaston, England, assembly plant for five months, starting in the second half of September. The company also will suspend one of the two shifts at an engine plant in Poland from Sept. 15 through Nov. 7.

European sales are expected to fall 3.8 percent this year to 1.25 million units.

Volkswagen overtakes Ford in car sales

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Volkswagen overtook Ford in the first half of the year as the world's third-largest carmaker by vehicle sales, VW said in a statement on Thursday, in yet another sign of Detroit's waning influence.

"We are delighted that the Volkswagen Group has made it to the global automobile industry's top three for the first time," Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn said in a statement.

"This shows that we are on the right track with our ever-stronger international presence and, above all, our product program. We will systematically push ahead with our growth course even in the present difficult market environment."

Volkswagen wholesales that include those to dealers rose 7.2 percent in the first half to 3.31 million vehicles, while Ford's wholesales were almost 3.22 million.

Ford's figure includes 125,000 units contributed by Jaguar and Land Rover until its sale to India's Tata Motors in early June.

Wholesale figures can often be more flattering, since carmakers have been known to push dealers to accept more vehicles than they can sell to customers.

Volkswagen usually bases its main monthly retail data on actual deliveries to customers, which in the first half rose by 5.8 percent to 3.27 million, suggesting dealer stocks rose on an absolute basis.

Ford does not publish deliveries figures, using only wholesales since they are the basis for their ultimate revenues that are booked under their quarterly income statement.

Although the figures underline the difficulties Ford is having in particular in the United States, the data is not entirely new, since both published results for the first half late in July.

2008 Ducati 848

2008 Ducati 848 it not only shares the lovely shape of the wildly successful 1098, it also shames the legendary 916 in terms of hp output.
In general terms, this new Italian scalpel is little more than an all-new engine in the impressive 1098’s structure.

2008 Ducati 848

The noteworthy addition to this platform is a bespoke powerplant that uses a new vacuum die-casting method called Vacural which results in an engine that weighs about 7 lbs less than the old 749. The “Testastretta Evoluzione” motor uses a 94.0 x 61.2 mm bore and stroke to yield 849cc. No, that’s not a typo - this continues Ducati’s disregard for its nomenclature matching the engine’s displacement: the old 749 displaced 748cc; the standard 999 was 998cc; and the 1098 has a 1099cc engine.
Suspension is provided by fully adjustable Showa components at each end. The beefy 43 mm fork does without any fancy titanium-nitride or DLC coating, but its responsiveness is quite good, as is its adjustability.
The 848 has the sporting prowess to back up its mouth-watering good looks.

BMW X6

Why do people like some cars and dislike others? There are all sorts of reasons for sure, but there aren't so many cars that one both likes and also dislikes. The BMW X6 takes this a stage further in being a design that is likable and unlikable for the same reason.

Ssangyong Actyon

Discounting the Ssangyong Actyon, the X6 is the world's first SUV-coupe crossover (the Munich-based manufacturer calls it a Sports Activity Coupe). And in marrying of these two leisure lifestyle-signifying car types we have the crux of the X6 identity, and the reason we both loved and hated it.

Jump in, just like an X5 - the broad and chunky yet svelte driving environment is a familiar sight - albeit with your head slightly closer to the header and the roof lining. Clock the head up display and the elephantine door mirrors, engage the digital gear selector that doesn't move into different positions for different gear selections - it works more like a joystick, with an illuminated display on the handle - and power off with surprising élan. The model we tested was the European market only X6 xDrive35d diesel with 286bhp and a prodigious 580Nm of torque. Dynamically it impresses, and with its sharper than SUV responses yet SUV stature, the X6 makes for an even more confidence inspiring on-board feel than any SUV.

In the back, the two rear seats are set slightly inboard of the front ones as the body tapers rearwards, providing nearly as much space as in a 3 series; very comfortable for a six-footer - just. Being a strict four-seater means the rear seats are separated by a cheap looking and hard feeling plastic tray, and they sit facing cheap looking pockets on the back of the front seats.

Strutting around in an X6 is to make clear that you value highly the spacious front seat accommodation and commanding driving position of an SUV over, say, the 6 Series coupe. It says that you enjoy SUV qualities but don't need the space or want the practical image - that you don't want the ‘utility' in ‘sports utility'. It also says that you have the money to exercise these subtle preferences of yours and spend roughly $20k more than a 3 Series that does the same job (presuming you drive on the road, not off it).

But we loved the X6's subtle combination of SUV and coupe genes, it gelled somehow, and clearly it will appeal to the well heeled empty nesters out there. Yet we also hated it, just as we imagine a growing majority of people will.

BMW makes much of their environmental credentials with their efficient smaller engine cars, their development of hydrogen powered cars for the future and of their high level of recyclability. But with the X6 they are combining the profligate qualities of a fast coupe - powerful engine and reduced scope to carry stuff - with the profligate qualities of an SUV - high drag body and heavy mechanicals. And the result is a car that shouts very loudly about how profligate it is, about just how un-Prius it is.

For sure the X6 will be a success, at least short term, and particularly in the US. It has a strong and unique conceptual appeal, it's a svelte and attractive design, and it sits in the heart of the BMW brand. But there is also something ugly about what this handsome new design says.

Dimensions: height 4877mm; width 2195mm (including door mirrors); height 1690mm; wheelbase 2933mm

Japanese make mistakes too - Goodbye Lexus SC 430 and Toyota Avalon

Looks like Asian car makers are people too, and they can make mistakes. The future models Lexus SC 430 and Toyota Avalon have been canceled due to the poor sales recorded by the present generation.

According to sources inside Toyota, the Japanese manufacturer has cancelled the development of future generation Lexus SC 430, and maybe the future Toyota Avalon sedan will share the same fate. The reason for this move is quite simple, weak sales for the first six months of this year, only 1230 Lexus cars being sold, decreasing by 40% over last year.

Interestingly, however, is that Lexus will launch a much more expensive super-car , at the earliest next year, the brand new Lexus LF-A. Regarding Avalon, Toyota wants to replace it in 2011 with the new generation Camry available in a version with increased wheelbase.