Honda Freed Gallery

Honda Begins Sales of New Compact Minivan: the Freed

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it will begin sales of a new compact minivan, named the Freed, in Japan on May 30, 2008. This new model fuses an easy-to-use and spacious cabin with stylish design. Special mobility assistive versions—Freed with side lift-up seat and Freed with passenger lift-up seat, also go on sale May 30, 2008—while a Freed wheelchair-accessible model will go on sale June 20, 2008.



Freed G (FF)

Freed Flex Aero (FF)Developed under the concept of “Freedom to create the perfect lifestyle,” the Freed features Honda’s original low-floor and low-center-of-gravity technology, to achieve a compact body size that makes it easy to maneuver through city streets as well as a spacious cabin that enables adults to sit comfortably in all three rows. Honda developed this vehicle with the goal of creating a minivan that is comfortable and easy-to-use for every passenger and that offers new value by enabling customers to fully and freely utilize this vehicle in activities that meet individual lifestyles ranging from daily transportation to leisure time trips.Three different versions are offered: the first seven-passenger vehicle in its class*1 featuring captain’s seats in the second row; the first eight-passenger vehicle in its class*1; and a five-passenger type which offers a large, best-in-class*1 cargo space. Moreover, for the first time in a registration-class Honda vehicle, wheelchair-accessible models are offered in addition to versions with a side lift-up seat and passenger lift-up seat. With the addition of these mobility assistive models, Honda positions Freed as a vehicle which fulfills the diverse needs of a wide range of customers.
*1
Compact minivan class (engine displacement: 1.5 litter)<>
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A compact body with cabin space that allows adults to sit comfortably in all three rows
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A flat-floor, newly designed from the frame up, maximizes usable space from end to end
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The one-step low- and flat-floor and walk-through layout provideease of access for children and seniors <>
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Seven-, eight- and five-passenger seat configurations to respond to various lifestyle needs
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Spacious and well-lighted interior achieves liberated feeling with two-layer instrument panel design
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Large cargo space accommodate shopping and leisure activities
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Three mobility assistive versions share the freedom and fun of mobility <>
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Dynamic and stylish form creates eye-catching urban look
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Compact, easy-to-maneuver body and excellent field of vision provide driver with confidence
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Powerful and smooth performance together with economical high fuel efficiencyWith the goal of making multi-passenger traveling more comfortable and to enhance the joy of driving, Honda has been adopting its low-floor and low-center-of-gravity technology as the foundation of its minivan technologies. With the addition of the Freed, Honda is further enhancing its low-floor, low-center-of-gravity minivan lineup.
Note:
The vehicle name “Freed” was coined from the word “freedom”. The name implies “a vehicle Honda pursued with completely unrestricted thinking unbound by conventional thinking or standard practices” as well as the combined meaning of “free” and “do” (to take action).
Key Features of the Freed
Packaging

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A spacious interior and three rows of seats provide comfortable seating for up to eight adults.
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Compact dimensions: 4,215 mm L × 1,695 mm W × 1,715 mm H (FF vehicles) or 1,720 mm H for vehicles equipped with the Skyroof.
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Compact fuel tank and ingenious under-floor structure result in a low, flat floor.
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Unique hip-point layout that rises from front to back provides passengers a sense of spaciousness.
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Seven-passenger variation features captain’s seats in the second row and a walk-through layout that allows passengers to access any row from any door without having to operate a seat adjuster.
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One-step, low, flat floor layout with second-row floor height of 390 mm*2(standard on FF vehicles) provides easy access for children and seniors.
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Sliding rear doors on either side of the vehicle achieve a large (600 mm*2) door opening for easy ingress and egress even in cramped spaces. Also available with each variation are power sliding doors that open and close easily for added convenience.
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Owing to its 2,740 mm wheelbase and compact mechanical devices, the Freed has ample interior space while offering a minimum turning radius of only 5.2 meters.

*2
Honda calculations
Utility

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The Freed comes in seven-, eight- and five-passenger configurations.
Seven-passenger:
Captain’s seats in the second row ensure that your passengers are treated to same comfort they’d have if they were in the front. The walk-through layout allows passengers to access any row from any door without having to operate a seat adjuster.
Eight-passenger:
A 60:40-split tumble seat in the second row creates a bench seat that comfortably seats three adults and makes the Freed the only minivan in the 1.5-liter class to offer eight-passenger capacity.
Five-passenger:
Seating for five passengers in two rows with ample cargo space, thanks to its low- and flat-floor layout.
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The third row features 50:50-split seats that can be easily flipped up to make room for extra cargo.
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The Freed has enough space to easily stow a 27-inch bicycle*3 without removing tires or handlebars.
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An easily wipeable plastic mat that won’t attract pet hair or other debris is also available.

*3
Depending on bicycle model
Interior styling

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Layered-design instrument panel highlights bright and spacious interior styling.
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Meter placement above the steering wheel enhances visibility and minimizes eye movement.
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The Freed features relaxing and comfortable seats not usually found in compact-class vehicles.
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Tilt and telescope steering wheel provides optimal driving position.
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With front pillars designed to maximize visibility, side window sills that descend as they move forward and oversized quarter windows, the Freed offers confidence-building, unobstructed field of vision.
Exterior styling

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A wedge-shaped fascia melds into the rectangular cabin section to create the distinctive “triangle & square form” that embodies the concepts of thrilling dynamic performance and ample interior space.
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The front view is characterized by the rich curvature of the hood and the chrome finish of the oversized grille, giving the vehicle a strong sense of presence. Combined with the elongated and angular shape of the headlights, this conveys the impression of chiseled strength.
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Seen from the side, the character lines that sweep toward the rear and relaxed surfaces of the side windows convey movement, while the sculpted surfaces of the body panels give viewers the feeling that the car could break into a sprint at any time.
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From the rear, the protruding fenders fuse with the rich curvature of the body panels, emphasizing the vehicle’s low center of gravity and providing a feeling of stability.
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The finely sculpted three-lens rear combination lamps create a sense of depth.
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The addition of Premium Night Blue Pearl body color brings the number of available color schemes to seven.
Powertrain

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The 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine provides full-range power and fuel efficiency of 16.4km per liter. (Results for front-wheel-drive vehicle in 10-15 mode during fuel efficiency testing by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport andTourism.)
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The torque converter and continuously variable transmission provide powerful, smooth acceleration and exhilarating yet comfortable performance under a wide variety of driving conditions.
Body structure

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Optimal balance between forward and rear body rigidity as well as localized reinforcement of connecting members has resulted in greater dynamic rigidity. A light yet highly rigid body structure was achieved using lightweight but strong high-tension steel and larger cross-sectional areas in structural members, which reduced material thickness and provided the strength necessary to design large openings for the sliding doors and tailgate.
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Quiet operation during idling and acceleration has been achieved by enhancing structural rigidity throughout the body and chassis, which reduces noise-producing vibrations in the cabin’s interior. Also, noise-dampening/absorbing treatments are applied to key areas.
Chassis

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A MacPherson strut suspension on the front end provides firm yet responsive contact with the road.
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In the rear, an H-shaped torsion beam suspension provides stability and comfort.
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Honda’s Electric Power Steering enables easy maneuverability when parking or cornering, while on the highway the steering feels solid.
Safety performance

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Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering Body not only helps protect occupants, but also mitigates the damage incurred by other vehicles in the event of an accident.
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Pedestrian-injury mitigation technology helps protect pedestrians from injury in case of collision.
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To help protect against head injuries during side collisions, a side curtain air bag system is standard on some models and available on all.
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Honda’s Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system is a standard feature on 4WD, Gi Aero and Flex i Aero models and available on all others. In addition, engine torque control and DBW throttle control allow for precise control of the vehicle while driving.
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In addition to ISO FIX child seat bars, tether anchors are provided in both the left and right seats of the second row as standard equipment.
Environmental performance

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The Freed has been certified by the Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport andTourism as having emission levels 75% lower than those required by 2005 standards.
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All front-wheel-drive Freed variations exceed Japanese fuel economy standards for 2010 by 25%. All 4-wheel-drive Freed variations exceed Japanese fuel economy standards for 2010 by 5%.
Special - needs vehicles

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The Freed features a spacious interior with a low floor as well as oversized door and tailgate openings, which makes it particularly well suited for persons with special needs.
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Available in a wheelchair-accessible model as well as side lift-up seat and passenger lift-up seat models, the Freed provides caregivers and care-recipients outstanding utility. Special-needs Freed vehicles are produced on the same assembly line as the standard production vehicles, which ensures a steady supply.
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The rear of the wheelchair-accessible variation is lower than the standard Freed. It’s equipped with an easy-to-pull-out aluminum wheelchair access ramp with a sure-grip surface and a slope of just 11°. Used in combination with the wheelchair safety belt, care-providers will find it a safe and convenient means of enabling smooth ingress and egress for people in wheelchairs.
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The design of the second-row captain’s seats helps provide wheelchair passengers with an unobstructed view and helps caregivers easily keep track of all their passengers. There is also a specially designed 3-point ELR seat belt with independent chest and waist belts for the exclusive use of wheelchair passengers.
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Full operation of the passenger lift-up seat, including rotation and elevation, can be performed using a single passenger seat switch. The seat is of the same quality and offers the same level of comfort as the standard seat. It also comes with arm rests and a recliner.
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Full operation of the side lift-up seat, including rotation and elevation, can be performed using a single switch at the left side of the second row of seats. As with the passenger lift-up seat, the seat is just as comfortable and of the same quality as the standard seat. It, too, comes with arm rests and recliner. Also, this model includes a left-side power sliding door as standard equipment.

Autoliv to make Nano's air bag for $10

Tata Motors has asked the automotive safety component maker Autoliv IFB India to develop a $10 air bag for its small car Nano. This will be the world’s cheapest air bag, as those fitted in other small cars like the Zen Estilo start from $150. Nano is likely to have two frontal air bags for the two high-end deluxe variants. The deluxe version will also have air-conditioning, music system and alloy wheels while the base variant will be a no-frill car. While companies like Bosch has developed a special low-priced CRDi fuel system for Nano’s diesel variant and Honeywell Turbo India has also made a similar miniature turbo-charger system for the small engine, Autoliv, a worldwide leader in automotive safety components, is understood to be working on the ultra-cheap air bags. Nano’s closet rival Maruti 800 does not have an air bag. According to market sources, each of the twin air bags in the Zen Estilo is priced around $150.

( The Economic Time )

Toyota eyes diesel options

In the face of runaway fuel prices and huge imported oil bills, Toyota Motor Corporation and two of its local units will collaborate with PTT Plc, the national energy group, to develop a hydrogenation process to produce diesel fuel from vegetable oil.
The process hydrogenates a vegetable or mineral oil mix to produce high-quality biodiesel suitable for blending with diesel fuel to create a greener alternative fuel for vehicles.
The new project will start after Toyota Motor, Toyota Motor Thailand Co (TMT), Bangkok-based Toyota Motor Asia Pacific Engineering and Manufacturing Co and PTT sign a memorandum of understanding on Friday, when the budget for the project would be announced.
In a similar biodiesel project launched in 2006, Toyota and PTT, in collaboration with Kasetsart University, have been conducting experiments to develop biodiesel from the fruit of jatropha, a crop that can be grown even on barren land.
The ongoing experiments required a total investment of 33 million baht in three years, of which 15 million baht was borne by Toyota and the balance by PTT.
The project is experimenting with jatropha varieties suitable for the Thai climate, production methods, and oil extraction methods.
It is also testing biodiesel production techniques, compatibility with engines and fuel supply systems, durability, emissions and cost effectiveness.
If the experiments prove successful, Toyota would produce vehicles with engines suitable for biodiesel.
Jatropha would become an economic crop that cuts oil imports and increases the use of locally made fuel.

(Source : BangkokPost written by SANTAN SANTIVIMOLNAT)

E85 push could sink eco-cars

The government's new push for E85 fuel could cause the much-promoted eco-car programme to collapse, local automakers have warned.
Cabinet ministers yesterday approved a broad plan aimed at helping the country reduce energy consumption even as oil and pump prices continue to set records each week.
The highlight is a push to introduce E85 fuel, a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% premium petrol, into the local market over the next few months, or three years ahead of earlier targets.
Energy Minister Poonpirom Liptapanlop said excise tax rates for E85- compatible cars would be cut to promote the plan. Corporate taxes for ethanol producers would also be reduced.
Ministers also agreed to require state vehicles to convert to NGV (natural gas for vehicles), strictly enforce speed limits of 90 kilometres per hour to conserve fuel, and reduce air-conditioner use in public buildings.
Lt Gen Poonpirom said that PTT Plc would also increase NGV stations nationwide to 355 from 245 by year-end, and tax breaks would be extended for NGV cars until 2012. All 6,000 buses of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority also would have NGV kits installed.
Authorities estimate that Thailand could save up to 96 billion baht a year on imported oil if E85 use rose to 60% of total consumption by 2011. Oil costs the country 700 billion baht a year.
But Suparat Sirisuwannakura, an executive vice-president of Toyota Motor Thailand, cautioned that carmakers would need huge sums of money to upgrade their production lines for E85.
Tax incentives would also affect business plans for the six manufacturers already committed to the eco-car programme, which include Toyota, Honda and Nissan.
The eco-cars, launched by the Surayud Chulanont government, will carry an excise tax of just 17% compared with standard rates of 30% to 50%. Eco-cars must have a maximum engine size of 1.4 litres and meet strict fuel efficiency and emission standards.
While tax rates for E85 cars have not been finalised, Mr Suparat said a rate of 20% would almost certainly lead manufacturers to abandon eco-cars in favour of E85 models.
If restrictions on fuel consumption, local content and annual production for E85 incentives are less than for eco-cars, that would push producers away from the small-car programme.
Only Volvo currently offers E85- compatible cars locally. E20 fuel was just launched in February and is still in limited supply, although E10 gasohol is now widely used. Only an estimated 50 stations, all by state-controlled PTT and Bangchak, now offer E20.
One Industry Ministry official acknowledged that the push to E85 would require huge capital investment, both by carmakers and energy companies.
With E85 used in only a few countries, promoting it locally could have huge ramifications for Thailand's position as an auto manufacturing hub, as export opportunities could be restricted compared with other engine technologies.
Another auto executive expressed frustration over the changes in policy.
"I just wish that the government would focus on one thing," he said. "Take compressed natural gas - already seven car manufacturers have committed to producing CNG cars this year. Now, the government wants E85. What will come next?"
Suwit Khunkitti, the deputy prime minister and industry minister, said he would discuss the policies with eco-car producers.
He also expressed confidence that ethanol production could meet demand. Authorities have licensed 47 producers with a targeted daily output of 4.2 million litres. Eleven producers now make 900,000 litres a day, mainly from cassava and molasses.
One PTT executive said privately that ethanol-based fuel was not necessarily cheaper than petrol. "With E10, fuel consumption is about 2-3% higher than petrol due to the lower heat value for ethanol," the executive said.

Proton MPV sketch first leaked

The TVnews had something exciting: a sketch of the Proton MPV! The illustration shows three quarter front and rear views of the Proton MPV.The front three quarter view reminds us of a Toyota Wish at first glance, but with sharper angles, although this might just be the way the sketch was drawn.
The front bumper design is very similiar to the Proton Saga towards the edges, but the center lower air intake is much larger. The side profile features a swage line to give the MPV a sleeker profile as it hides the actual height of the doors.
Of course, these sketches might not represent how the actual production model would look like at all. But it’s still very exciting to see something like this straight from Proton. Thanks to readers Hawarey and Nahar for the pointers.

Additional : That is first public for Proton MPV Sketch leaked.

Toyota to launch new models in Germany in 2009 to stem loss of market share

Toyota Motor Corp. plans a 'massive' launch of new products in Germany in 2009 to counter an ongoing drop in market share, the head of the car maker's German business Alain Uyttenhoven said recently.
Toyota's share of the German car market dropped to 3.6 percent in the first quarter of this year, down from 4.2 percent in 2007.
The expected market share at the end of 2008 will be closer to 3.6 percent than to 4.2 percent due to a lack of new products he added.
In 2009, the Japanese company will bring six new models and nine upgrades of existing models to the German market, including a diesel engine combined with an automatic transmission, Uyttenhoven said.

(Forbes.com)

Additional : The new six model, i.e. ...next gen Corolla verso(MPV), Urban Cruiser (Small SUV) and Toyota IQ that toyota plan to produce end of 2008 and launch in year 2009

Four cylinders pull ahead of hybrid choices

Everybody talks about hybrid gas-electric powered cars, but when it comes to buying the technology, they are not walking the talk.
Current Canadian numbers aren't available, but in the U.S., hybrids still only account for three per cent of new-car sales -- SUVs are around 14 per cent.
Hybrid sales are growing slowly here and there, but four-cylinder cars are accelerating away from the green choices.


The four-bangers account for 37 per cent of the U.S. market, up from 30 per cent just three years ago
The fact is that hybrids are still quite expensive -- $30,000-plus -- and no matter what the opinion surveys say about how green we have all become in our purchase choices, the bottom line is still the bottom line.
"For now, the easiest, cheapest way for new-car shoppers to get better mileage is to choose a model with a conventional four-cylinder engine. And they are," said Jason Rothkop, a J.D. Power and Associates analyst recently.
And he pointed out that when you are counting pennies the premium pricing of hybrids -- sometimes $5,000 -- is hard to justify.
Interestingly, some of the biggest competition for the Toyota Prius - the green icon - is coming from its Yaris sibling.
That little cutie enjoyed an 83- per-cent sales surge in March.
Good news is that manufacturers are reporting North America-wide drops of between 18 per cent and 28 per cent in vehicles powered by gas guzzling V8s.
There is a great selection of four-cylinder cars available, particularly in Canada where we have warmed to smaller cars in great numbers than have Americans.
( canada.com )

Additional : The insider confirm that Toyota will launch the all new prius in May 2009 in Japan market.

2009 Mercedes Benz SLK

Having sold almost a half-million SLKs to date, Mercedes-Benz is revamping the second-generation car to keep it current. In all there are 650 new parts, the bulk of which, new look aside, key on the comfort and dynamic sides of the car’s split personality.As the first of the current crop of hardtop convertibles (the SLK launched in 1996), the SLK continues to offer the best of both worlds. With the tin-top up you have the comfort, hushed ride and security of a coupe. Hold a button for 22 seconds and the lot folds down into the trunk in an intricate mechanical ballet – at times the different pieces come within a whisker of disaster, of course, they never do.

When the rear-drive SLK arrives this spring, it will be offered in three flavours: SLK 300 (formerly the 280), SLK 350 and the uber-powerful SLK 55 AMG. The mortal versions are offered with either six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmissions, the AMG comes with automatic only.The appearance changes are subtle but meaningful – the front bumper has a more chiseled appearance (especially in AMG guise) and the rear apron now has a quasi-defuser built in to it. Add darkened tail lights and larger exhausts tips and you have a more purposeful look. Those enlarged tailpipes also sound the part whenever the gas pedal is flexed – the 55’s throaty V8 positively barks through its quad-pipes.

Adding the AMG Sport package to the SLK 350 does a number of good things. First, it adds the 55’s more aggressive look and better tires – P225/40/R18 front and P245/35R18 rear verses the stock P225/45R17/P245/40R17 combination. It also includes steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for the seven-speed automatic. These things work very nicely. In the sport setting (there are also comfort and manual modes) the box holds each gear a little longer, which helps performance. The paddles then allow the driver to drop a cog (or two) to set the car up for the corner without having to take a hand off the wheel. I prefer stirring my own gears, but this thing is good enough it represents the best of both the drive and driven worlds.In terms of the pure driving excitement, the AMG version is the most enjoyable if it’s a first class adrenaline rush you seek. With 355 horsepower and a tire-shredding 376 pound-feet of torque on tap, this thing moves whenever the driver guns the gas – 100 km/h appears on the clock in a scant 4.9 seconds. It is also noticeably firmer, has even better road manners and much better brakes than the 350. It is as good as any serious performance car that can be purchased for under $100,000.

There is something truly rewarding about driving a car that’s able to out-bass one of those really annoying vroom and boom wrecks. In any form, the SLK has the mechanical hardware to dust these fruitless ventures away from a light – and without so much as breaking a sweat. How sweet it is!

(Auto Reviews Online)

Aston Martin V8 Vantage

From The Sunday Times

It dazzled me with its straight-line speed, thrilled me with its cornering powers and deafened me with the howl of its new 4.7 litre, 420bhp engine. And it occurred to me that even if it had proved a disappointment, this new Aston Martin V8 Vantage would be impossible to dislike.
Its enduring qualities are its appearance and its name, and apart from new 19in wheels, the former is unchanged in this, the first round of modifications to the three-year-old Vantage design. Aston Martin is too clever to tinker with lines that have made the Vantage so popular. As for the name, I believe no other in motoring (with the possible exception of Maserati) combines such class with so much promise of adventure. For that we should thank film-maker Cubby Broccoli for replacing 007’s original Bentley with an Aston.
There was a time, 15 to 20 years ago, when Aston Martins were terrible, yet still sold to those romanced by the concept. These free-spirited individuals wanted not to be weighed down by the facts but instead to look out on a sunny Sunday and ask: “Shall we take the Aston?”
Then Ford bought Aston Martin, and while continuing to produce handsome cars, it also made them reliable – at last. It’s a doctrine the company has lived by ever since, and it’s perpetuated by this, the first postFord model.
The only substantive complaints fielded about the original Vantage were that it was not quite quick enough – particularly in the midrange – its handling could be better, and the fascia, while looking good, was impossible to use. And here, now, is a Vantage with more power – particularly in the midrange – substantially more control in the corners, and a fresh set of knobs and buttons to twiddle on the inside. Best of all, the price, at £85,000, is only £2,000 more than that of the car it replaces, despite the 19in wheels now featuring as standard equipment.
The car hasn’t been “transformed”, for in truth, it didn’t need it. What was required was for the Vantage to be sharpened up, and that is precisely what has been achieved.

Pre-Orders Start for All-New Mazda Biante Minivan

Mazda Motor Corporation began taking orders today for the newly developed Mazda Biante minivan at Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealers throughout Japan. The sales launch is set for July 8, 2008. The Mazda Biante is only available for purchase in Japan.

The Biante is a mid-size ‘tall (high roof) minivan’ with seating for eight passengers. It will be offered with a choice of Mazda’s 2.0-liter direct injection (DISI) or 2.3-liter engine. It features distinctive, athletic styling and superior dynamic performance that provides a sense of security. The Biante also offers a clean and comfortable cabin with best-in-class interior space*1. The passenger cabin’s “clean interior” includes a ‘nanoe ion’ air purification system*2, an Alleru [Allergy] Buster*3 unit (a particulate filter to aid allergy sufferers), a deodorizer in the cabin ceiling and non-absorbent seat fabric in case of spillages.

Peugeot Citröen, Mitsubishi link up to build cars in Russia

PSA Peugeot Citröen, Europe's second-largest automaker, and Japan's Mitsubishi Motors Corp. have agreed to build sport-utility vehicles and mid-sized cars in Russia, Europe's fastest-growing major auto market.
Peugeot will invest as much as 350 million euros, or $538 million (Canadian), in a plant near Kaluga, 180 kilometres southwest of Moscow, CEO Christian Streiff, left, said at a Paris news conference yesterday. The factory will make 160,000 vehicles a year, of which 50,000 will be SUVs, and eventually boost production to 300,000, Streiff said.
"The Russian market is a strong market that will soon hit three million and then progress toward four million," he said. "It's important to be there with high volumes."
Renault SA, Paris-based Peugeot's smaller French rival, Germany's Volkswagen AG and Ford Motor Co. all produce vehicles in Russia, as does General Motors Corp., the world's largest automaker, which owns a plant with Russia's OAO Avtovaz.

Honda's future plans include hybrid version of Fit

The move is being seen as Honda's attempt to strengthen its position against Toyota in the low-emission car race. If launched, the hybrid Fit will be the fourth hybrid car from Honda by 2015.
The car maker's original plans for its hybrid fleet reportedly include the introduction of a dedicated hybrid vehicle in 2009, to challenge the Toyota Prius. Honda is likely to follow this by a sporty hybrid and a redesigned Civic hybrid.
"The Fit has great fuel efficiency to begin with, and if you put in a hybrid, it's going to get even better. So with crude oil prices going up this much, I think a Fit hybrid is now starting to make sense," Takeo Fukui, president of Honda Motor, was quoted as saying.

However, in order for the planned hybrid to attract consumer attention, the price difference between the hybrid Fit and regular Fit will have to be less than JPY200,000.

Nissan calls claim of end for Micra production at Sunderland 'speculation'

A spokesman at Nissan's Sunderland plant has told AutomotiveWorld.com that the company does not wish to comment on a newspaper report which claims there will be no UK build of the next generation Micra. According to the Sunday Times, which quotes Nissan's chief executive, even with the assistance of a recently weaker pound, the company loses money building the small car at Sunderland. Apart from the UK, most of the model's markets are in the euro zone."There will be changes at Sunderland. The plant is efficient and, with the pound declining, becoming more cost-competitive," Ghosn is quoted by the newspaper as saying. "The Micra is competing against cars made in low-cost countries. It is not profitable in Europe, but the Qashqai is."
David Swerdlow from Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK called the Sunday Times report "speculative", adding that the company is "not in a position to comment on our future model allocation strategy at this time".In January, Nissan announced plans to expand Qashqai production at Sunderland, while last month came news of a new long wheelbase derivative to be launched at July's London motor show.Nissan says its facility in England's northeast achieved record annual production volume of 353,000 units of Qashqai, Note, Micra and Micra C+C in 2007, surpassing its previous high of 332,000 set in 2003, but does not state if the plant is profitable overall.The replacement for the Nissan March (X02A) is due in Japan in April 2009, giving the current car a long model life, the third generation series having premiered at the Tokyo motor show in October 2001. Build is again expected to be at the Oppama plant. As yet there is no news on whether Micra-badged cars will be sourced from this Japanese facility or whether models for Europe will be built elsewhere.

source:automotive news