The most realistic rendering of 2013-2014 Toyota RAV4

Tip of the hat goes to www.woodyscarsite.com for giving me the idea for searching this pic out....
The Mag-x of Japan is agian post latest rendering of the next generation Toyota RAV4.The rendering is based on Mag-x spyshots photos of the car while testing in Japan.Altrough the new car cover with heavy camouflage,Autotintrends can see some lines and light’s shape.The same source also post the computer generate image and Autotintrends can see that this rendering is most realistic we have seen until now.

The car will fallow styling of the current 3rd generation that not look too sporty and too conservative.The headlight’s shape is look similar of what wee seen in Land cruiser and Fortuner.The front grille have aluminum place horizontal like we have seen in some trim level of new Toyota Vitz/Yaris.The shoulder line is more sharper than current car.The roof line look slope and rear side’s window look very similar to current Nissan Qashqai.

The fourth generation RAV 4 wheelbase will have 2660 mm long (Compare to current generation of 2560 mm in short wheelbase version and 2660 mm of LWB). Overall size expect at 4500 mm long and 1815 mm wide and 1660 mm hight .The SuzukiFan’s website have reported that next Toyota Rav 4 will be longer but reduce to single model.

The new car (Codename 410A) will powered by block 3ZR-FE),4cylinder 2.0 liter and block 2AR-FE),4cylinder 2.5 liter petrol engine.While european version will carry on the 2.2 L 2AD-FTV turbodiesel I4 and the 2.2 L 2AD-FHV D-CAT turbodiesel I4.The car will goes one sale in Japan at november 2012 and rest of the world in 2013

Source;
http://autointrends.com/2012/02/02/the-most-realistic-rendering-of-2013-2014-toyota-rav4/

Honda Introduces Solar Hydrogen Station on Saitama Prefectural Office Grounds

FCX Clarity Used in Electric Vehicle Testing Program to Serve as Mobile Electric Generator

TOKYO, Japan, March 27, 2012 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. unveiled a Solar Hydrogen Station on the grounds of the Saitama Prefectural Office. The initiative is part of the Electric Vehicle Testing Program for Honda’s next-generation personal mobility products with Saitama Prefecture, in which Honda, Iwatani and Saitama Prefecture collaborate to build. In a further initiative, Honda has equipped the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle with an outlet to function as a 9kW power source. Since the FCX Clarity uses a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to produce power with zero CO2 emissions, with its new outlet, the vehicle will be able to serve as a zero-emission mobile electric generator.

This is the first installation in Japan of a total system to produce, store and dispense hydrogen with ZERO CO2 emissions. A high pressure water electrolysis system, uniquely developed by Honda, produces hydrogen. With no mechanical compressor, the system is nearly silent and highly energy efficient. Using Solar and grid power, the system is capable of producing 1.5kg of hydrogen within 24 hours which enables an FCX Clarity to run approximately 150km or 90 miles. Honda aims to further develop the system to offer clean energy sources for the home in the future.

Source;

http://world.honda.com/news/2012/4120327Solar-Hydrogen-Station/index.html

Car and Driver: A look at the 2013 Honda Accord

What It Is: The ninth generation of the longest-running 10Best winner. Unlike many of  its mid-size competitors, the Accord will continue to be offered as a coupe and a sedan. Slightly smaller and lighter than the current Accord, the new version also will have softer lines and more cohesive styling.

Why It Matters: This Accord will be as important to Honda as anything it’s done in the past decade. Will it be able to beat the growing range of exceptional mid-size competitors? Will it have the magic feel of previous Accords? Will Honda get its size right? Will it deliver Honda-style innovation and fuel economy? The new Accord needs to answer these questions in the affirmative.

Platform: The new Accord likely  will be based on an updated version of  the current car’s architecture.

Powertrain: While many mid-size competitors are dropping their six-cylinder options, the Accord will offer a revised and more powerful version of its familiar 3.5-liter V-6 with cylinder deactivation. But the bread-and-butter Accord will be the four-cylinder model. Direct injection helps the 2.4-liter four make at least 181 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, with improved fuel economy. A six-speed manual will be offered; the automatic will be a CVT. A plug-in-hybrid version will couple a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a 161-hp electric motor.  A 6-kWh lithium-ion battery  will offer 10 to 15 miles of city driving range and will recharge in less than four hours using a standard 120-volt outlet. Three selectable modes will allow the hybrid driver to choose among fully electric, hybrid, and “direct drive,” which decouples the electric motor for more efficient cruising.

Competition: Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Passat.

What Might Go Wrong: The conservatively styled and engineered Civic has us wondering if the Accord will suffer the same fate. After seeing the new Accord coupe in concept form at the Detroit auto show in January, the threat of dullness remains.

Estimated Arrival and Price: The two- and four-door Accords arrive this fall. Pricing is expected to remain in the $20,000-to-$30,000 range for the vast majority of the lineup. A well-equipped hybrid and a loaded V-6 model will crest $30,000.

Source;
http://www.caranddriver.com/features/2013-honda-accord-future-cars

Honda Named Automotive “Brand of the Year” in Harris EquiTrend Poll

Honda has had a rough go as of late, with reduced sales in 2011 due to production shortages as a result of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Prior to that, there were criticisms of the new 2012 Honda Civic.

None of that, however, has phased consumers it would appear, with Honda being named the full line Automotive Brand of the Year in the latest Harris EquiTrend Poll. Measuring brand leadership in a total of 127 different categories, Harris Interactive surveyed 38,529 U.S. consumers aged 15 and older.

Ranked second overall is Toyota, another Japanese automaker that’s had its share of bad press over the past few years. This would seem to indicate the long term reputation of each of those brands hasn’t been affected by these most recent events.

In third place is Ford Motor Company, which topped the list last year followed by Chevrolet, then Honda, Toyota and Nissan. For 2012, Chevrolet has dropped two spots to fourth, while Nissan remains in fifth place.

In terms of luxury automotive brands, Mercedes-Benz tops the list followed by BMW and then Lexus.

Source;
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/03/honda-named-automotive-brand-of-the-year-in-harris-equitrend-poll.html

Acura Will Debut New RLX Flagship Sedan in NYC [New York Auto Show]

by Justin Berkowitz of Car and Driver

Acura’s next flagship sedan will likely be called RLX, and is expected to debut next month at the New York auto show. The company hasn’t made an official announcement yet, but two signs point to RLX as the replacement badge for RL. First, Acura VP Jeff Conrad may have told Wards that RLX is the new name; when asked, Acura representatives declined to confirm whether the Wards quote was accurate. Second, the company has applied to trademark the name RLX with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Neither is dispositive, but taken together, we’re pretty convinced.

The RLX is set to replace the aged and out-classed RL, but will follow a similar formula. Like the outgoing RL, the RLX will feature all-wheel drive and a V-6 engine. This time, however, Acura’s range-topper will use a clever hybrid system to drive the rear wheels with electric motors. The setup should prove to be lighter and continue to offer rear-axle torque vectoring.

With the RLX replacing the RL, the TL will be the last car in the Acura lineup with a two-letter name. We’ve been told that Acura will offer just three sedans in the future—the new ILX and RLX will be two of those, meaning that either the TL or the TSX is likely to bite the dust. Given its two-letter name, the TL might be the more likely candidate, but Acura is currently in the process of trademarking TLX. We’ll just have to wait and see.

Source;
http://blog.caranddriver.com/acura-will-debut-new-rlx-flagship-sedan-in-nyc-new-york-auto-show/#more-79160

Opel Ampera wins Monte Carlo Rally

The Opel Ampera releases highlight! Only the price for the Car of the Year in 2012 and now also winning the International Rally of 13 discs alternative to Monte Carlo. The duet with French driver Darniche Bernard and Joseph Lambert was able to reach after three days on the Riviera in the first place. Third place was for Charlotte and Olivier Berton Sussot. Reached seventh place Jean-Claude and Patrick Andruet Lienne and eighth place secured Hanns Werner Wirth and Daniel giants.


Considering the number of participants from a total of 130 vessels, with his shot, the Opel Ampera entirely on the shoulder. The competitors were still more than 30 other manufacturers such as Renault Fluence with the Palestinian Authority, the Tesla Roadster, the Fisker Karma, with the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and Peugeot with the ion.

For alternative fuel vehicles is the "Monte Carlo Energies Nouvelles" now the oldest event of its kind in the field of motor racing. It is made since 1995 by the Automobile Club de Monaco. Senior managers of Adam Opel AG is pleased to be rightly successes. The director of the Electric Mobility Enno Fox said in turn that the Ampera would have because of this "diversity audit" well armed and well as its relevance in everyday life, even in extreme conditions found proved.

The wheels are always driven the Opel Ampera electric, with a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery powers the motor of 150 hp with juice. The Ampera is the first electric car that has no restrictions related to battery life. Solely on battery power can be delivered, depending on conditions 40-80 km.


Picture: Opel

Honda promotes American managers in push to revive U.S. market

By ALAN OHNSMAN / Bloomberg News

Honda Motor Co. was the first Asian carmaker to build autos in the U.S. and is the most dependent on the market. Now it's also putting more non-Japanese in key roles.

North American Chief Operating Officer Tetsuo Iwamura becomes executive vice president April 1 and No. 2 to President Takanobu Ito. His new seven-member board will manage activities from product planning to production to sales in North America. Three members will be U.S. natives, the first time Americans have held such responsibility, including Erik Berkman to lead regional product development and design.

"Honda quite literally has become a North American car company headquartered in Tokyo, and that's a horrible combination," Jim Hall, principal of 2953 Analytics Inc., an auto consultant in Birmingham, said in a phone interview. "When your headquarters isn't in your most important and biggest-volume market, you become disconnected. We can see that's what's been happening to them. This is to reconnect headquarters with their most important market."

While Honda's U.S. problems have been less dramatic than those of Toyota Motor Corp., which recalled millions of vehicles for unintended acceleration, they've been significant. Even before last year's earthquake and tsunami cut supplies, core Honda cars such as the Civic and Accord were losing ground to Hyundai Motor Co. and Ford Motor Co. models that won praise for stylish looks and fuel economy.

Growing competition spurred Honda to offer U.S. incentives that were 87 percent of the industry average in this year's first two months, according to Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey-based Autodata Corp. In 2008, Honda's discounts were less than half the average.

'Out of Necessity'
"For too long they've lived in this cocoon of 'What we're doing is good enough,' " said Maryann Keller, principal of a self-named consulting firm in Stamford, Conn. "There's a recognition that that's no longer the case, so I think they are making these moves out of necessity."

For the first time, Honda's No. 2 executive will be based at the company's U.S. headquarters in Torrance, Calif., instead of Tokyo.

"Knowing the current competitive and complicated marketplace, rapid changes in customer needs, we think it's better to put more emphasis on the American side," Iwamura said in a March 12 interview. "Production and R&D, development facilities, those can be done by investing money. Localization of the people is one of the key issues."

Toyota Moves
Honda's revenue from sales of autos, motorcycles and power products in North America was 986.2 billion yen ($12.7 billion) in the quarter that ended Dec. 31, or 51 percent of its global total. While U.S. sales of Honda and Acura autos fell to 1.15 million units last year, which was still 38 percent of the company's worldwide volume.

Toyota, too, is giving more authority to North American executives, to improve development of products for the market and avoid a repeat of the 2009-10 recall crisis.

This month, Toyota promoted Jim Lentz to chief executive officer of its U.S. sales unit, the first time that job has gone to an American.

Asia's largest automaker last week said Steve St. Angelo, executive vice president for North American engineering and manufacturing, will oversee regional production as part of his duties on Toyota's North American management committee. Ray Tanguay, chairman of Toyota's Canadian unit, is responsible for North American quality issues. Lentz will oversee regional sales, marketing and product planning.

Honda's Revamping
Toyota President Akio Toyoda has said shifting more responsibility to local managers in North America is central to his goal of restoring customer satisfaction hurt by the recalls.

Honda's U.S. car and light truck sales slid 6.8 percent last year after natural disasters in Japan and Thailand curbed output of parts and vehicles. The company's redesigned Civic also flopped in tests by Consumer Reports, which recommended previous versions, a sign that the carmaker's ills extended beyond 2011's one-time events.

For decades, products created for the U.S. came from a "synergy effect" between Japanese and American engineers, Iwamura said. Now, American engineers making product decisions for U.S. customers is the best way to increase competitiveness, Iwamura said.

"That is one of the reasons we appointed Erik as the top man of R&D," he said. Berkman, who begins his new job April 1, was traveling in Japan and unavailable for an interview.

Honda's Targets
John Mendel, executive vice president of U.S. sales, is also joining Berkman on Honda's North American management board, as is Tom Shoupe, president of the company's Alabama plant.

Honda wants to rebound this year with a 24 percent U.S. sales gain. It has made some progress, boosting sales 11 percent in 2012's first two months, led by a 45 percent jump in Civic deliveries. The company plans to release a modified Civic later this year to address concerns raised by Consumer Reports, as well as a redesigned Accord.

The company's U.S., Canadian and Mexican plants may also set a production volume record, building about 1.8 million vehicles this year.

The automaker is completing more than $690 million of upgrades at U.S. plants and is also building an $800 million factory in Mexico to produce subcompact models such as the Fit.

In January, Honda said it planned to build its Acura NSX "supercar" in Ohio within about two years. The racing-style coupe will sell for more than $100,000. The site and cost of that project hasn't been announced.

Restoring Reputation
Restoring its reputation as an industry innovator, a legacy of founder Soichiro Honda, is a bigger challenge than boosting sales and production.

"It's not just the Koreans; everyone has gotten better," Keller said. "In terms of quality and features, it's a game of equals. It's just a lot harder for Toyota and Honda to stand out."

It may be years before Honda's changes in local management are effective, said Hall of 2953 Analytics.

"It's safe to say that if they keep going the way they were going, they were heading for a decline with other guys passing them and just doing better than they are," he said. In the U.S., "the question is whether they've caught their problems soon enough to not get passed by Hyundai-Kia."

Source;
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120325/AUTO0104/203250305/1148/auto01/Honda-promotes-American-managers-push-revive-U-S-market

Rumors about i5 BMW Mini-Van

In order to complete the i-i5 family BMW fiddle at a mini-van, so at least it is clear from various rumors. The Bavarians, who does not even have sent models already announced i3 and i8 on the roads should already sitting on i5. In 2015, at least one year for the market launch is called.


According to reports, the minivan will not provide enough i5 only space but also provide the necessary comfort that one is accustomed to from BMW. It is believed that in the choice of the drive to the, first of all falls back to the i3 electric motor provided. Sprints with the 170 hp driving the i3 in less than eight seconds from a standstill to 100 km / h mark. The current storage of the electric motor is derived from liquid-cooled lithium-ion batteries. What is the i5 hires so but of course not yet known.

Meaning he would have in the model range of BMW i Thus, the i3 ultimately responsible for the cover of the compact car segment and with the i8 to ensure a sustainable hybrid that comes with 354 horsepower of a sports car. Auto Bild is believed that the i5 will be not less than 50,000 € are. For more remains to be seen, are ultimately also a i4, i6, i7, and from.

Test phase of the VW Golf Blue-e-motion starts

Volkswagen of America, in addition to Austria, Belgium, and France is testing in three places in America 20 vehicles of the Golf Blue-e-motion relay. Five of the test car with electric drive in the States in Auburn Hills (Michigan), seven in Herndon (Virginia) and eight in Belmont (California) were tested.

You have chosen the region due to its favorable climatic conditions and traffic situations. One expects more concrete impressions of the tests on the mobility and commuting patterns of the subjects. Furthermore, the focus is on the expectations of customers in America. At the end of the year is still being tested hard.

Images: Volkswagen

Chubu Electric, Honda Motor, Tata Metaliks: Asia Stocks Preview

Hmmm, good idea....

Below is a excerpt pertaining to Honda only....

Honda Motor Co. (7267 JT): The carmaker may build a plant at a location high above sea level in Thailand as part of flooding countermeasures, the Yomiuri newspaper reported, citing the company. The stock fell 0.6 percent to 3,160 yen.

Source;
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-03-26/chubu-electric-honda-motor-tata-metaliks-asia-stocks-preview

Honda's automobile unit resumes operations in Thailand

Honda Automobile Thailand (HATC) has resumed production at its plant in Ayutthaya after severe floods halted operations in early October.

HATC, a subsidiary of Honda Motor, is the last of the Japanese automobile companies to resume production in Thailand after the floods.

Toyota Motor and Nissan Motor resumed production at the end of 2011.

The floods forced hundreds of Japanese companies to shut operations, adversely affecting their earnings expectations.

Earlier this year, Honda revised down its operating income forecast for the year ending on 31 March to 200bn yen ($2.4bn, £1.5bn) from a previous forecast of 270bn yen.

The Honda factory in Ayutthaya has the capacity to produce 240,000 units annually. Limited production

A Honda Motor spokeswoman said full production would resume at the HATC unit by the second week of April.

Currently production is at about 12% of capacity.

HATC was the only car maker whose factory was completely flooded.

Honda Motor said HATC is one of its most important production centres in the Asia and Oceania regions.

"Honda was totally committed to realising the earliest possible recovery. Honda will maintain the same positioning of HATC in the future and further promote business operations in Thailand," the company said.

Source;
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17508462

MotorTrend Looks at the 2015 Acura NSX

From the April, 2012 issue of Motor Trend
By Frank Markus
Photos Wesley Allison
Acura's 1991 NSX put an end to the era when sexy supercars could be unreliable, ill-handling, ergonomic disasters. The all-aluminum mid-engine marvel delivered laser-sharp handling and high-revving acceleration suffused with Japanese quality, while advancing the state of the production-car art with firsts like four-channel ABS, titanium con-rods, and electric power steering.

Since NSX production ended in 2005, the world has eagerly awaited its replacement. A front-engine V-10 layout was proposed and developed by Acura Design as the Advanced Sports Car Concept. Everyone involved agreed that it was cool, but it wasn't an NSX. The car you see here is.

Expected by 2015, the new NSX will employ a mid-mounted V-6, complete with titanium connecting rods coupled to a wet twin-clutch seven-speed transmission and hybridized with an electric motor driving the rear wheels. Two more electric motors will spin the front wheels, providing torque-vectoring under acceleration and braking to help the NSX turn into corners better under all conditions. This Sports Hybrid AWD system is purported to deliver big-V-8 performance with "better-than-four-cylinder" fuel economy (let's assume they're talking big turbo fours there).

We asked Honda's global CEO Takanabu Ito (who started his career as an engineer working on the NSX's aluminum monocoque structure) whether he felt it was important that the next NSX still be made of aluminum. He replied what was more important was that the engineering team face as great a challenge as his did as they work to offset the new car's hybrid drivetrain mass. When asked whether he'd established a weight-to-power target for the team, his coy answer was, "I hope it is better than the first car's."

But if we assume that here again he expects to challenge his engineers to an equal extent, and we know that the first NSX matched Ferrari's 348 with 11 lb/horsepower, we can expect the 2015 car to at least match the current 458 Italia (and Lamborghini Gallardo) with around 6 lb/hp.

The sexy, show-stopping shape features Acura's softening Keen Edge design. Dimensionally, it measures 3.7 inches shorter in length on a 1.8-inch longer wheelbase, so overhangs are cropped. It's also 3.3 inches wider and 0.4 inch lower than the 2005 NSX. The concept rides on 255/35-19 front and 275/30-20 rear rubber. The low-profile headlamps are LED-based, and while there is no interior in the concept, design chief Jon Ikedo presumes the battery will package in the center tunnel, luggage compartments will be fitted fore and aft, and the fuel tank will slot in just ahead of the engine as before to preserve weight distribution as the fuel level drops. With production slated for "within three years," the shape has yet to undergo extensive computer or physical testing. Ikedo says early scale-model clays are performing well in the wind tunnel, but cautions that crash development is likely to grow the car somewhat. That development work, by the way, is all happening in the USA, and the car will be built in Ohio.

Acura claims the next NSX will represent the "ultimate expression of man-machine synergy," with driver and car working in unison, rather than the driver being taken for a ride by a highly robotized car.

Indeed a three-motor, mid-engine supercar sounds like the ideal halo car for a brand attempting to distinguish itself as delivering luxury and performance without waste or excess. It may even shake up the supercar-world order again. We just hope Ito's engineers overcome their biggest challenge: programming those electronics to deliver realistic, not robotic, road feel.

New Tech

The NSX won't be first with a hybridized twin-clutch tranny, but, unlike the Jetta Hybrid's, its electric motor connects to (we're guessing the odd) gear shaft instead of the input shaft. By releasing both clutches, more energy can be regenerated with no engine braking effect, and by connecting the motor to the (odd or even) gear with the most advantageous ratio. Under acceleration, power is transmitted through a preselected odd gear even when an even gear is in use.

2015 ACURA NSX
BASE PRICE $130,000*
VEHICLE LAYOUT Mid-engine, AWD, 2-pass, 2-door coupe
ENGINE 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V-6 + 2 front and 1 rear electric motors; 480 hp comb*
TRANSMISSION 7-speed twin-cl auto
CURB WEIGHT 3100 lb*
WHEELBASE 101.4 in
LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT 170.5 x 74.6 x 45.7 in
0-60 MPH 3.0 sec*
EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON Not yet rated
ON SALE IN U.S. 2015

Source;

http://www.motortrend.com/future/future_vehicles/1204_2015_acura_nsx/

Acura to tease redesigned 2013 RL sedan at 2012 New York Auto Show

This just in – Acura will be showing a teaser of the redesigned RL flagship sedan at the 2012 New York Auto Show next week.

The 2013 Acura RL sedan will go on sale this fall.

Source;

http://www.egmcartech.com/2012/03/26/acura-to-tease-redesigned-2013-rl-sedan-at-new-york/

INSANE ATTEMPT AT HUMAN FLIGHT: The MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS Countryman

Wow....

Acura shifts its focus to sensible Gen Y shoppers

With the ILX, brand aims to boost '12 U.S. sales 46%

Acura will return to the entry-luxury segment when the ILX small sedan reaches showrooms in May.

by Mark Rechtin

In addition to the new ILX small sedan and redesigned RDX compact crossover coming in spring, a tease of the redesigned RL flagship due this fall will be shown at the New York auto show in April.
Then, the volume leading TL sedan and MDX mid-sized crossover are slated for 2013 redesigns. The much-hyped NSX supercar should arrive by the end of 2014.
Six years ago, Honda Motor Co. executives decided to move Acura upscale and shelve the brand's entry-level luxury offer -- the compact RSX hatchback, which was the successor to the Integra. The timing couldn't have been worse.
In less than three years, many of Acura's competitors announced plans to offer products that fit the RSX and Integra's niches. Then the global economy collapsed and many luxury-vehicle buyers pared back their purchases.
In May, Acura will return to the entry-luxury segment with the ILX. The sedan won't remind anyone of the sportiness of the RSX or Integra, but Acura hopes it will appeal to sensible Gen Y customers.
The collapse of Lehman Brothers "changed the philosophy for luxury purchases. People are making more rational purchase decisions, taking pride in the deal they strike," said Jeff Conrad, Acura Division general manager. "Generation Y aspires to luxury, but they need a little help getting there."
The new lineup will feature four sedans, the TSX, TL, RL and ILX. There is some overlap, but Conrad said Acura has no plans to eliminate any of the four.
"We're remaking the entire lineup over the next few years," Conrad said. "Nothing goes away, and we're sticking with that. We've had a pretty strong reliance on sport-utilities and we want to bolster our sedans."
With 40,000 units of additional volume from the estimated $27,000 ILX, Acura expects its overall U.S. sales to jump 46 percent to 180,000 units this year -- up from 123,299 in 2011. If not for the Japanese earthquake and Thai flooding last year, Acura estimates its 2011 U.S. sales would have been about 150,000. So the volume jump is not as large as it would seem, Conrad said.
In the longer term, it's unclear whether Acura aims to fight head-to-head against Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
"We want to take one year at a time," Conrad said. "We're not going to go set volume targets for future years. Everyone wants to continue to grow, but for the foreseeable future this is a pretty good level to be at."
Acura doesn't want to increase its dealer count, Conrad said. But the brand needs to improve owner loyalty.
At 45 percent, Acura customer loyalty is slightly below the industry average of 49 percent, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Customer Retention Study.
According to the study, Acura doesn't really compete in the luxury segment. It mainly attracts customers from -- and loses them to -- Honda and Toyota.
"I know we're not satisfied with our loyalty numbers," Conrad said. He said retention efforts will include data mining to better understand when and how to contact existing customers.
Acura also will be more aggressive with presale marketing before redesigned products reach market. Already, 3,500 potential 2013 RDX buyers are in Acura's dealer system, waiting for the on-sale date to arrive.
On the plus side, Conrad said Acura's average customer age is two to four years younger than those of other premium brands.
Although Acura's core customers continue to be baby boomers, the brand is seeking to connect with younger buyers. In researching Gen Y -- consumers aged 19 to 31 -- Acura has discovered that "value for money" is the primary concern, replacing the baby boomers' focus on quality, reliability and fun-to-drive vehicles.
So what do the Gen Y customers covet? Connected cars, with features such as Bluetooth, Pandora and SMS text messaging. Cool engineering solutions for better performance aren't nearly so high on the wish list.
"The real key is not that we offer it, but that we offer it and put it on a vehicle and make it intuitive to use," Conrad said.
Acura will continue its appeal to Gen Y through its product placement arrangement with comic-book-movie franchise Marvel Enterprises. Already seen in Thor, Acura products will be highlighted in this summer's mutant-superhero flick The Avengers.
That should play into the cool factor that appeals to young buyers. When asked what makes a vehicle cool, Gen Y respondents said exterior styling, affordability and environmental consciousness.
"It's no secret the last few years have been pretty tough on Acura," Conrad said. "'Smart luxury' has become our internal mantra."
Source;

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120326/RETAIL03/303269988/1144/acura-shifts-its-focus-to-sensible-gen-y-shoppers

Rumored: Honda, Acura Could Adopt ZF 9-Speed Automatic By 2014

Although most of Honda’s recent powertrain news has surrounded CVTs and dual-clutch transmissions, that shouldn’t be taken as a sign the automaker is abandoning conventional automatics altogether. In fact, the automaker will likely adopt a 9-speed automatic by 2014 at the earliest.

Automotive News first reported in late 2011 that Honda was planning on launching an eight- or nine-speed automatic in the near future, but a source close to the program now tells us the automaker will use the new nine-speed transverse automatic developed by German powertrain supplier ZF.

If that gearbox sounds vaguely familiar, it should: it’s set to make its initial debut in a string of Chrysler Group vehicles over the next two years. Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne first hinted at using/developing the transmission in late 2011. Chrysler itself has been relatively mum on the subject, but UAW officials at the company’s plant in Toledo, Ohio, have suggested the replacement for the Jeep Liberty will be one of the first applications of the transmission.

The transmission, which ZF calls the 9HP, is designed for transverse installations, making it suitable for front- and all-wheel-drive platforms. Although Honda has typically developed its own transmissions, the 9HP will be a significant departure from Honda’s existing automatics in that it utilizes planetary gearsets in order to save space (ZF says the gearbox measures 20.5 inches wide, 16.6 in tall, and 14.5 inches deep).

ZF proclaims the gearbox is capable of handling up to 354 lb-ft of torque, and can support both start/stop and hybrid drive systems. The total gearing spread is quite wide (9.84:1), and taller gear ratios in the upper range of the gearbox allegedly play a big part in improving fuel economy by 10-16 percent. The supplier claims an engine mated to the 9HP needs to run at a mere 1900 rpm in order to propel a vehicle at 75 mph.

Honda officials refrained from confirming or denying the gearbox or its future applications, noting it’s company policy not to comment on future product plans. Given every Honda and Acura model currently on the market places its engine in a transverse fashion, the possibilities are theoretically endless, but we wouldn’t be surprised if this transmission is relegated to heavier and more upscale midsize models. Models like the Odyssey and Pilot, along with the Acura MDX and TL, are all potential recepients. Presently, these models utilize Honda’s 3.5-liter and 3.7-liter V-6 engines, and produce between 253 and 270 lb-ft of torque, respectively – well within the capabilities of the 9HP.

What remains to be seen is how the 9HP will be rolled out. We know ZF should start building 9HPs within its South Carolina plant in 2013 for Chrysler, but rumor has it Honda won’t start using the transmission until 2014. If so, the next-generation Acura TL, which is expected to launch in late 2013, could be one of the first vehicles to utilize the transmission.

Source;
http://rumors.automobilemag.com/deep-dive-honda-acura-could-adopt-zf-9-speed-automatic-by-2014-118443.html

Fake car makes room for a fake ASIMO to be your fake driving companion

by Paul Miller

You know, we're realists, and we know deep down that cars in the future are going to drive themselves just fine without a humanoid robot to grab the controls and peer out of specially crafted front compartments. Even if a humanoid was doing the steering, he'd probably just jack into the car's full complement of cameras and sensors, merely using his CPU to plot a course from his comfy charging bay in the trunk. But we want to believe. Designer Derek Chik Kin Ng has come up with this Honda concept (one which we're guessing has no official collaboration with Honda) that packs a nice little front seat for your 8th gene ASIMO. The bot can hop out of the car and help you on your errands, make casual conversation as you drive, warn you of upcoming hazards, or take over controls when you're in the mood for some SpaceChess2000. Only thing he can't do? Actually exist.

Source;
http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/06/fake-car-makes-room-for-a-fake-asimo-to-be-your-fake-driving-com/

Lego Honda RA272 Race Car Pays Tribute Through Art

When it comes to historic automobiles like the Honda RA272, which was the first Japanese car to win a Formula One Grand Prix, memorabilia is hard to come by.

So what’s a fan to do? Build it of course. This Lego Honda RA272 was built by “Biczzz” and is simply a work of art. In fact, at some angles, you really have to inspect to realize it’s made out of Legos. Clearly “Biczzz” wanted to pay homage to the race car Honda used for the 1965 Formula One season, which was powered by a 1.5-liter V12 engine that had 230 hp but revved up to a screaming 14,000 rpm.

When it became the first Japanese car to win a Formula One Grand Prix, it did it in impressive fashion. Richie Ginther drove it at the Mexican Grand Prix and led from start to finish.
Projects like this make the Lego projects most people did as kids look like, well, child’s play.

Source;
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/03/lego-honda-ra272-race-car-pays-tribute-through-art.html

Pagani Zonda R

As always with Pagani, inside and out, in terms of the front splitter to other parts of its range of new, partially within the shell cracks, and even he can not see fine detail is perfect and complete. Zonda R looks pretty good for its realization, and Horacio Pagani says some employers have placed in their areas, in the end. It is, however, the manufacturer and used to generate, unfortunately, but these days. These extraordinary people filled the area in celebration of last night, the speed of Goodwood, before going home from Tuscany created some ideas Dunsfold minimum area of ​​recreation, home of the best analytical tools for monitoring.

 Pagani Zonda R

This is an opportunity to complete the routine that was just discovered two seats available is the quick and even a few days ago somewhere coordinator Eileen Mercedes Stigmacher and FXX. Not that we're here to beat the time of 1 min 10.7sec set of track only FXX. Only Stig (and Schuey apparently) possible. But we had in our team now vbox would also be appropriate for people of your vehicle can get an idea of ​​the Pagani Zonda R perspective, due to their progression to the end of the program.

 Pagani Zonda R

I move to initiate the entry of passengers and seems to be more common bulky sheets vehicles gasoline products. Inside the cage a bit "more complex ensures greater resistance to the bathroom, which is made of carbon fiber Pagani own, with a length of titanium woven in. It's probably within Zonda, with the armature system to play media slots and snorkeling , but again, compared to the majority.

 Pagani Zonda R

With his new job as an excluded group Zonda R is even more surprising. Wire of precious metals, dry sumped 6-liter V12 AMG BMW basa on the case and you are low in fat, shiny hydraulic fatigue developed by each side. They view and edit, combine and put the repeal of the group re-branded packages Pagani four tailpipes again and not be seen. Instead, depending on the rate 739bhp CLK GTR is large, which is returned to the tire by a six-speed transaxle Xtrace gearbox constantly created.

 Pagani Zonda R

There is the possibility of evaluating the information at this time, we are only a short time monitoring cadged time to prepare your environment preferred over black. There is a lack of productive capacity here. We analyze the home owner car Pagani, Texts of David, who should be in rivalry with Max Venturi Lamborghini for the title of "the best name for the analysis of the driver. Texts not done before, however. This is Andrea Montermini, former owner F1 car and, more recently, 2008, available at GT World Champion, which provides a useful meeting with the company GT.

 Pagani Zonda R

Zonda R is an appropriate pace. You can have box lugs easy and only two pedals, but still need a good gas formation to get in the way. And we're here, start with the best tools for monitoring the fire Hammerhead end. "Montermini Zonda" gives less vibration and after photos forward with comfort, which increases the escalation of light vehicles for the transport of high-capacity applications high efficiency. Including the nuisance,aeronautical information mounted on the ceiling is arched slightly below the neck to get the shock of the air V12 sound is noisy, even on a helmet. As a "follow-through" Push up, even though the law in one hand and hit me that would be better if pootled car take the highway towards routine first. I feel Montermini done little preparation, though, because the entire area to find the last place to start.

 Pagani Zonda R

 

 Pagani Zonda R

2013 Mazda CX-5

With the launch of the CX-5 Mazda is said, part of an organization, such as, for example, exclusive - a little over $ 20,000. Of course, that produces 500 horsepower, use another round of strong and innovative AWD. However, cross-over is designed for people.On display at Laguna Seca, Mazda track itself, the efficiency of the light of experience.

 

 2013 Mazda CX-5

There is no race car, and when to climb, there are six pages can be converted to shout to be started, but hardly the rotation increases the inclination and the fact that the site was trying to move only 2.0 liters, albeit in small form, better on the search for a corkscrew is better liked, but the feeling of weightlessness, as increases crest of the hill.

 

 2013 Mazda CX-5

This area may be all that popular, but is transferred to the next nine, which offers plenty of excitement. The trip took the top you feel as you move back and forth across the road as passengers reluctant to increase. Stay on it, but the car will react safely.

Mazda says that most of the monitor is bumper to bumper run with the Mazda3, due to the global interest not only management, but the head, making it the confidence to push people, the notion of an easy crossover further.The-critical Mazda says the car industry professional conduct of Mrs. Coleman sufficient number of wheels, even more than the RX-8, since it takes an incredible experience. "Everyone says that your leadership and management of the car business information on the release of their vehicles. We'll tell you how," he says.

The founding of the vehicle is responsible for its functions, with new growth factors deletion clearly developed a completely new structure. CX-5 is over, the first element of the Mazda Skyactiv implement a series of technological innovations.

 

 2013 Mazda CX-5

New concept of technological innovation, mainly because of its relatively low weight and create viable and chuck. Weight.In with the containment of the body weight of 3200 pounds, 300 pounds in less than 7 CX, or at least very difficult and crowded around £ 600 for her brilliant Skyactiv the inclusion of new elements, Mazda CX-5 with the same form 2.0 -liter 4-cylinder engine in 2012 Mazda3 shows. Although shock-weighted three, here is the place where it is designed to search for some wild new tracks that will leave the work site at 13:01 the pressure ratio - the best of each place of manufacture to disposal.The overall performance is rated as the 155 horses and cheering for two to 150 lb-ft, but the release of the twist boundary that is needed. In particular, torsion be 2500-4000 rpm.As impressive as that is all, unfortunately for Mazda, we expect no less. This is a problem that the organization. 

 2013 Mazda CX-5

 

 2013 Mazda CX-5

 

 2013 Mazda CX-5

Honda Titillating And Triumphant Returns

Honda brushes the dust off its Type R series—and not a moment too soon!
After the major earthquake in Eastern Japan, Honda has been strongly committed to resuming full operations. Unfortunately, the vehicle component plant has been hit hardest by the disaster, as has the Tochigi Research Centre—this has caused delays in the development of new cars. However, development is expected to speed up as Honda continues restoration.

Despite the inevitable delays, the schedule is not anticipated to change much—in fact, the new Freed, Freed Hybrid and CR-V’s release dates have been only slightly shifted to the end of the year. Also, Honda is likely to release several new cars from late this year until early 2012.

THE CASE FOR EUROPE
The combined effects of the recent disaster and the depressed global economy have forced automakers to re-evaluate their original plans. In Honda’s case, it is likely to continue producing mid-sized and large cars such as Accord Hybrid for the North American market. However, it might make some changes to its current compact car scheme.

A factor in Honda’s renewed sense of urgency is the state of the European automotive market. Despite Fit’s exceptional utility, appearance is not the only factor in retail success. Rather, Honda must think twice about improving its performance. Until today, Fit has been unable to beat the prolific Volkswagen Polo. Last year, the new Polo was launched with 1.2ℓ, turbocharged 1.2ℓ, 1.4ℓ and turbocharged 1.4ℓ GTI variants. On the other hand, the fuel-efficient Fit currently has 1.5ℓ and 2ℓ conventional variants and a 1.3ℓ hybrid. Honda’s smaller engines draw attention to the performance difference—not only that, Polo has a turbocharged engine and a Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), which also enhances its drivability.

In response, a Honda insider said that the automaker was hard at work on compact and fuel-efficient 1.3ℓ and 1.5ℓ engines. Like the 2~2.4ℓ K Series engines, Honda’s new projects will have excellent versatility—all that is left is for it to overcome the development hurdles.

The same source agreed that the proposed Fit will have many of the features that popularised the legendary Type R models. Not only will it have improved performance, but will also be more enjoyable to drive. Thus Honda’s goal is to penetrate the European market with sports variants of its compacts. Not only will these cars sport more powerful and fuel-efficient engines, but more importantly, they will proudly bear the Type R badge.

Fit’s next major revamp is scheduled for 2013, which may be concurrent with the Type R’s arrival. Also, depending on the reception, a 3-door GT Fit may also be included in the Type R line-up.

HONDA’S NEXT TYPE R
The Type R name can be traced back to 2002 with the lauded NSX, during a time when Honda only had Integra, Civic and the European Accord to boast of. The automaker had strictly limited the use of the moniker, only bestowing it onto cars that boasted exceptional driveability. Though the new Type R models are expected to uphold this tradition, their actual capabilities are still unclear.

The innovative Fit is expected to receive a Type R variant. Also, the North American and European Civics will be going for major revamps this year and next year, respectively—a coupe may also be in the pipeline. A new Accord may also hit the European market next year—however, this may not be a Type R since it will only be launched in Europe while the North American model is too large to bear the name.

CR-Z is also closely watched, especially since it is slated to transform into a hybrid with a supercharged engine. However, a Honda insider disclosed that Honda may still return to the beginning: regardless of whether CR-Z’s 1.5ℓ engine will indeed receive a supercharger, it may be the next Type R. Conversely, a turbocharged CR-Z would ascend to the top of the sports car class. So just as Volkswagen developed an R variant that is distinct from its Polo GTI, the next Type R may premiere as a separate grade.

Another alternative would arrive by 2014, when the NSX successor could receive a Type R variant and become a next generation sports model with a 2.5~3.5ℓ V6 engine. Like the original NSX Type R, its successor will surely be a hit—but it has to be properly manufactured. The insider even suggests that Honda scrap the V10 plan altogether and instead focus on its alleged Type R strategy.

As mentioned, the Type R badge has come to denote Honda’s most compulsively driveable vehicles. The time has finally come for the automaker to revisit this legendary series and to reclaim the affections of car aficionados the world over.

Source;
http://www.bestcar.sg/report-o/2011/09/titillating-triumphant-returns.html

Pininfarina Cambiano: is that the electrical luxury coupe in series?

The Pininfarina-Cambiano study revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in the form of a sleek coupe with sedan with a simple but interesting lines. The real highlight, however, represent the four electric motors, which are each equipped with 81 HP and were combined with a range extender. There are rumors now that the Cambiano will come in small batches on the market.

In the short term, the aggregates reach even a peak power of 204 hp, from which the entire yield up to 816 hp. If you use only the emission-free electric driving, one should come with the Cambiano far as 205 kilometers. 800 km to be achieved by supporting a range extender as well as the Opel Ampera and the Fisker Karma is used. In just 4.2 seconds, it will sprint from 0 to 100 and leave only at 275 km / h to rest, the speedometer needle. The CO2 emissions are given by the Italians with 45 g / km.

In Geneva, Pininfarina CEO Pietro Angori also spoke about the fact that you would just assess the potential for companies and private buyers to test how far the interest in a low-emission luxury car like the Cambiano enough. If you were to produce a small series of ten pieces, the Cambiano would cost about one million euros. With a circulation of 70 or 75 copies, one could expect about 400,000 euros, Angori. He expects a lead time of 24 to 30 months.


If the Italians with the Pininfarina Cambiano go into production, however, one would revert to a conventional diesel engine as the range extender.




Source : Youtube

SUV Concept, Bentley EXP 9F

Bentley offers with its concept car 'EXP 9 F "on an SUV high performance level, which is in addition to pioneering craftsmanship and luxury of a spacious interior and wide. The target audience seems not to be very clear, we could make it after all chauffeured to upscale occasions, make an off-road tour and at the same exploit the fast lane on the highways full. Only one thing is of course clear that Bentley is not built for the budget conscious.

And the EXP 9 F has undoubtedly indicates the manufacturers. However, Bentley has as yet not something fabricated to date. From the concept car is shown evidence for a possible third series of the British. The SUV is a wheel vehicle with a perfect blend of performance and comfort. Particularly that relevant to the design team was able to skip it because of the EXP 9 F does not spring, already existing class. Although the optical impression of Bentley will receive, however, was in the lines and a distinctive exterior pressed clearly a separate stamp. Bentley expected elements like the round headlights and grille are given a matrix, but are subject to a re-interpretation. The air intakes for the intercoolers are also the openings of the Daylights. This offer is in an interesting but getting used to design, reminiscent of aircraft engines.

At the rear is distinguished from sports and sloping lines. The tailgate is split in two, providing an appropriate expediency. The sporting spirit is evident in the dual tailpipes. The rear lights also show in the turbine design, but rather in an oval shape and a rounded rectangular border. For them, the light illuminated from the inside out and spread outward. The SUV rolls on 23-inch alloy wheels that show off visually in the foreground.

The engine: The EXP 9 F is a 6.0 liter angeschupst of W12 twin turbo engine and an eight-speed gearbox. 610 hp are available, but there is still no information on the Bentley acceleration or top speed.

Inside, both convenience and comfort is evident. There appear materials such as wood, leather and shiny metals, which are given by aluminum, bronze and gunmetal. If you raise your head, one sees a huge panoramic glass roof. By day's interior thus provide adequate lighting.

Images:  Bentley

New Hyundai Santa Fe brochure photos from Korea

The all-new Hyundai Santa Fe 2013 (Model Year) breaks cover!

Thanks to Hyundai fans and enthusiasts living in South Korea, the home land of Hyundai Motor Company, we are bringing you exclusive photos of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe brochure!

The leaked brochure, which hit the web today, provides us with the very first good look at the next-generation Hyundai Santa Fe CUV styling details and highlights some of the vehicle’s most notable features.

Salted to make its worldwide debut at the forthcoming New York Auto Show, the all-new Santa Fe CUV embodies a modern design called “Storm Edge” which gives the vehicle a strong and dynamic exterior appearance.

Completing the stylish exterior layout of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe are advanced safety and luxury features, such as knee airbag, lane departure warning system, smart parking assist system, Blue Link infotainment system and many others.

Apparently, the Korean-market Santa Fe crossover also features a revised 2.0L diesel engine, which achieves 17 km/l (or approximately 5.88 L/100km).

Stay tuned for more 2013 Santa Fe news and information coming out soon as we are closing on its official worldwide debut!

Source;
http://www.hyundai-blog.com/hyundai-santa-fe-2013-brochure