2012 Toyota Prius PHV Start Selling

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announced, began to receive orders for the Prius Plug-in or (PHV) which will be launched in Japan on January 30, 2012. The advantages of this Toyota Prius PHV, the battery can be recharged at the outlet (wall socket) electricity at home. In addition, fuel consumption is more efficient than the hybrid version (HV)

According to Toyota, Prius PHV fuel consumption is 61.0 km / liter. While the electric mode (EV) and the battery is fully charged, can for a distance of 26.4 km. Hence, Toyota estimates that, for those who travel short distances, can rely on EV mode or energy of lithium-ion batteries are used.

Price
Because, the Toyota Prius PHV is a combination of electric cars (EV) and hybrid cars (HV), and uses lithium-ion batteries with large capacity, the price is becoming more expensive. The standard version, released 3.2 million yen. The most expensive version sold 4.2 million yen. The price includes tax but not including the cost of recycling.

Added, the price is already suppressed as low as possible. Because, with the price too low as possible, Toyota hopes to promote electric cars. It is expected the public interested in using it.

More Weight
Lithium-ion batteries used Prius is 4.4 kWh and a capacity of greater size than the Prius HV battery. According to Toyota car battery causes weight was 50 kg. To suppress the accretion due to the weight of these batteries, body alleviated. Subsequently used tires with low rolling resistance.

Fuel consumption of 61.9 km / liter calculated based on driving conditions a combination of EV and HV. If you only rely on HV, instead of fuel consumption 31.6 km / Lier, electricity consumption seedangkan 8.74 km / kWh

PHV Drive Support
New features added to this car is a service called PHV Drive Support. With this, the car and the owner can be connected via the internet. Owners also can check the condition of the vehicle via a smartphone, especially the condition of the battery and battery charging station location. PHV Prius owners are also free to use the charging station (G-station) which is installed at the dealer of Toyota and other places.

Source of Power
For gasoline engines still used the previous Prius capacity of 1.8 liters. With the new battery, larger capacity - in addition to EV mileage increases far in EV mode - the car more responsive acceleration and top speed is also higher.

Further, the longer the use of electric mode, economical fuel consumption increases. In the car was supplied charger can fully charge in just 90 minutes baetrai when using electric 200Volt or 180 minutes for 100 Volt.

Toyota targets to sell the Prius PHV is 35000-40000 units per year.

Honda to start selling All-New CR-V in Los Angeles

Honda announced that they start selling the newest SUV, the All-New CR-V or fourth-generation CR-V. This SUV also recently launched in the United States two weeks ago at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

For Japan and Asia, utilizing Honda Tokyo Motor Show 2011 event that was opened tomorrow. In its release, Honda said sales of the All-New CR-V in Japan just made on December 2.

Since it was first introduced in 1995, Honda claims the CR-V sales has reached 5 million units worldwide (based on data in September).

4 x 2 & AWD
According to Honda, the All-New CR-V now appear more sleek and aerodynamic. Hence also, this SUV is more economical, more comfortable, and the greater power and unloading. This can be achieved due to a redesign that made Honda including lowering the height of the roof, but with a lower floor.

CR-V Dashboard totally redesigned and now uses better quality materials. Further, Honda managed to indulge in the weight of this car. Furthermore, to ease the workload of the machine, now used electric power steering (EPS).

Exterior dimensions of this new CR-V is more compact than the previous CR-V. Section, the deduction is so long and also lowers the height of the roof. However, the length of the interior actually increased due to the position of the glass front moved forward again.

Two machines
For the machine offered two options, 2.4 liters for four-wheel motion or AWD and 2.0-liter for front wheels (4 x 2). For version 2.0 liters, the engine is equipped i-VTEC technology. Engine power is transferred to the wheels through a CVT with a torque converter. Claimed fuel consumption of 14.4 km per liter.

The All-New CR-V 2.4-liter engine equipped with 5-speed automatic transmission. Engine power in this model increased by 10 kW compared to the current version. This is attained because the compression ratio is made higher, plus the friction in the lower engine components.

Intelligent AWD is equipped Varian Control System. Its function is to produce a more responsive acceleration on slippery road surfaces. Rear seats can be folded with the composition 60/40, also equipped automatic button to fold.

Other features are Bluetooth, rear parking camera, USB connection, and the system allows the driver to write the information from the BlackBerry.

New Ferrari 599XX Evo appears in Maranello

A few weeks ago news came that Ferrari is working on special projects 599 Fernando Alonso. But, when the Prancing Horse in Maranello headquarters held a special "Ferrari Track Event" invited to a very limited community of enthusiasts of speed (Ferrari Corse Clienti), which appears Ferrari 599XX Evo with a very exotic look.

From the observation photographers, there is some use of such water aerokit mounted scoop, side fins, front spoiler, rear diffuser and a large wing. Another component that looks new is the exhaust system and the use of large-diameter front disc brakes that barely stick to the sides of the rim as well as control electronics refurbished.

Although there is no accurate information regarding the engine power, is thought that the variant Evo is still using the same engine as the Ferrari 599XX, the 3.6-liter V12, with power of 700 PS.

Officially products Ferrari 599XX Evo will be present at the public audience in March 2012 in the event the Geneva Motor Show.

Honda CR-V cars into China's Favorites

Honda CR-V also count as a flagship product for the China market. In fact, the sport utility vehicle (SUV), medium was successfully signed up as a bestseller in its class at the Bamboo Curtain country with sales of 102,013 units or 13.9 percent of the total market, 730,000 units.

The new Honda CR-V facelift launched on March 7, 2010 in two engine variants, 2.0 L and 2.4 L. Deputy Division Manager of Dongfeng Honda's sales Liu Hong,

China's SUV market surges exceed the forecast number of market participants. Surge in sales to double over the same period in 2009, recorded as many as 365,000 units.

Dongfeng Honda, Honda's sole agent in China, targeting a production capacity of 120,000 units in 2013. This year alone, production capacity has reached 100,000 units per year. The Dongfeng Honda has been in operation since 2003 with a production capacity of 60,000 units per year.

2012 Honda Introduces All-New Honda CR-V

Although new to be launched later this year, American Honda Motor Co. (AHM) has introduced the first photo of the All-New CR-V. In fact, AHM still refer to it as the CR-V Concept. Further, this latest model is the fourth generation of the CR-V.

"All-New Honda CR-V Concept 2012 comes with exterior design for more sophisticated and dynamic appearance," said John Mendel, Executive Vice President of Sales of American Honda. "All-New CR-V comes with dimensions larger, more spacious interior, and with Honda's latest technology to provide more comfort okay again."

In the United States, between 2007 and 2010, Honda became the SUV with the most sales. Further, the All-New style is more aggressive than the current model. "The lines of a firmer body that looks more manly. Line front bumper is also more strongly with three rows of horizontal grille and headlights multireflektor," Mendel said in a release sent by Honda.

Honda CR-V 2012 Specs

In July last official Honda released the first official pictures of the Concept Honda CR-V. The detail shows how the model of generation crossover is a Japanese manufacturer. Honda CR-V is a variant of crossover is quite phenomenal, having scored hits in the global automotive market. Naturally, the presence of the CR-V bia Tuesday awaited enough consumers around the world. Base engine specification CR-V is offered in the United States namely 2.4-liter gasoline engine. Only the engine power has decreased from 180 horsepower to 175 hp figure. There are allegations related to the efficiency of fuel consumption and lower exhaust emissions. In addition there is a change far greater significance for the European version of the CR-V is a new machine called the New-K25. This is clearly different from other versions. New-K25 engine capacity 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is capable of spraying 201 kuda.Seperti labor rights that many criticized the new Civic, CR-V also will only offer a five-speed automatic transmission instead of a six-speed is now the choice of the variant Newer-variant.

Chrysler SRT trolls the Lexus LF-A and Corvette ZR1 on the Nurburgring

You may have recently heard of something called the Lexus LF-A "Nurburgring Edition" which can get around the famed 'ring in 7 minutes and 14 seconds. While Toyota's engineers bested the Corvette ZR1's time of 7:19.6, the LF-A does cost about 4 times more than the ZR1. It seems Chrysler's SRT team got wind of all this and decided they ought to show Toyota and Chevrolet what a real Nurburgring lap time is. Chrysler is reporting that the Dodge Viper ACR got around in the ring in a blazing fast 7 minutes and 12 seconds, 2 seconds faster than the improved LF-A. But the SRT team wasn't done yet. They also brought along the Viper ACR-X which managed an insane time of 7 minutes and 3 seconds. It seems as if they are taunting the competition to try again.

Source: Jalopnik - Go there to see more pictures!

2012 Brigdestone Raise Tire Prices 10 Percent

For those of you who else has a plan to replace tires, it's worth doing immediately before the turn of the year. The reason, PT Bridgestone Tire Indonesia will raise tire prices about 10 percent across the country starting January 1, 2012.

"This price increase to compensate for rising costs of raw materials, energy and other costs. We tried to suppress the rising costs, "explained Bridgestone Indonesia President Director Hirotaka Migita in a release.

Tire price increase is likely to affect the price of the car. Because the agency brand holders utilize this for the price mengatrol beginning of each year!

Bridgestone Indonesia is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation of Japan with a market network spread across 150 countries of the world. For domestic Indonesia alone, network marketing distributors recorded 42, 190 Model Shop (Authorized Outlet), 4 Bridgestone Truck Tire Center (BTTC), 8 Bandag FCZ (Retread) and 1,500 retail stores.

BMW Unveils i3 and i8 Concept Cars

Today BMW took the wraps off of two concept cars- the BMWi i3 and i8. These are the first two entries in a new BMW sub-brand called BMWi. BMWi will focus on efficient cars powered by fully electric motors, hybrid gasoline-electric systems, or other alternatives to conventional gasoline engines. The i3 is a fully electric city car, with small proportions and lots of interior space to facilitate urban lifestyles. The i3 is powered by a 170hp electric motor and has a range of 93 miles (150km). Its carbon fiber construction gives it a weight of only 1250kg, or about 2750 pounds, slightly less than an E30 3-series. Power goes to the rear wheels in typical BMW fashion, and it gets from 0-62 mph (100kph) in about 8 seconds. The BMW i8, on the other hand, is a full on sportscar with a hybrid drivetrain. Combined, its electric and gasoline motors can propel it to 62mph in under 5 seconds, rivaling cars such as the BMW 335i or M3. The rear wheels are powered by the gasoline engine, while the front gets electric power only. You might recognize the BMW i8- we've seen it before as the BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics concept. However, the i8's drivetrain runs on gasoline-electric hybrid system, where the Vision ED concept was diesel powered and only used the combustion engine as a generator to recharge the battery for its electric motors. Check out the gallery of images below, as well as BMWi's videos on YouTube that highlight the two new cars (link below).

Source: BMWUSANews.com

BMWi on YouTube
BMWi on Twitter

BMW i3:




BMW i8:

New Dodge Journey 2012, SUV Car

2012 New Dodge Journey CUV positioned itself as a premium, is offered as a multipurpose vehicle with the right proportions for the family car,

Dodge Journey is able to accommodate seven adult passengers, but also its configuration can be changed only for five people. The total volume of the car cabin is 784 liters (in a state seats upright) and 1461 liter (second and third row folded). According to their claims, this measure is above the average crossover class.

Toyota Signs $100 Million Contract With Tesla Motors

Toyota Motor Co and Tesla Motors are teaming up to build an electrically motivated RAV4 SUV. The RAV4 EV will be powered by a Tesla electric powertrain, presumably similar to the powertrain found in the Tesla Roadster and upcoming Model S. According to a press release by Tesla Motors, the first prototype has already been built and they expect to have a fleet of RAV4 EV's ready for testing by the end of the year.

Source: Tesla Motors

Pictured: 2012 Toyota RAV4 V6

Washington to Open EV Charging Stations

The State of Washington has begun a $1 million project to install Electric Vehicle Quick Charging stations along the I-5 highway. The project will be undertaken by AeroVironment EV. The stations are planned to be 30-50 miles apart, and will be able to charge a Nissan Leaf in 30 minutes. The stations will also have slower chargers to top off cars such as the Chevy Volt and Toyota Prius plug-in hybrids. It is also assumed to be compatible with BMW's 1-series ActiveE as well as the Mini E electric car and the Tesla Roadster. This project is part of a larger initiative to build a "West Coast Green Highway" which will serve 1,350 miles of road between Washington, Oregon, and California.

Via The Seattle Times
Photo Credit: The Wall Street Journal

2012 Porsche 911 Hot Weather Testing in South Africa

Check out this video from Porsche featuring the new 911 undergoing hot weather testing in South Africa.

New Mazda RX8 Coupe Sport

Japanese manufacturer, Mazda's new engine featuring the RX8 model
Sport Coupe. A typical revolutionary rotary engine Mazda RX8, but this time the fuel can be filled with liquid hydrogen, called the Mazda with a Mazda RX8 Hydrogen
RE.

Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE is activated by a highly efficient rotary engine with zero-emission hydrogen combustion. Combustion system has now been embraced dual-fuell, so in addition to hydrogen fuel, RX8 is also still able to drink gasoline as fuel.

Previously, with the same model petrol rotary RX8, Mazda won the 24-hour endurance race at Le Mans this year 1991, driven by Yojiro Terada. Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE will also be offered to the general public, such as the RX8 which is currently available for rent in Japan and Norway.

LEI Electric Car Can Be Going Up to 333 km

One of the crucial problems facing electric cars is the resistance of the battery. But in Japan, there are new electric car that can reach 333 km. This figure is quite impressive because it can go twice the capability LEAF Nissan electric car is 'only' reached 160 km. Cars with odd but very lightweight body has a capacity of 4 passengers with an electric motor at each wheel.

The car is still a prototype was a joint project of 34 companies, including Mitsubishi, Isuzu and engineering firm IHI. This car will be sold to automobile manufacturers to mass produced in 2013. While the battery itself uses 24.5 kWh battery Toshiba is actually the same battery found on the Nissan LEAF. Battery power consumption to 77 Wh / km

New Nissan Juke 2012

Nissan apparently not too many carry a variant of the Nissan Juke. This car is only available in 1 type of engine and transmission type that is automatic only. There is no manual transmission. Machines used Nissan Juke has a capacity of 1.5 liter 4 cylinder that can generate power to 107 hp.

For the ride there are 3 kinds of features namely Normal, Sport and Eco. This cool feature that can be arranged through the Integrated Control System (I-CON) on the dashboard. Normal for normal driving, sports if you want more acceleration and Eco for a more economical fuel consumption, but do not expect to have maximum power with this feature because it is used to save fuel.

Cheap Car Hyundai HA 800, was launched in 2012

Hyundai's new car set the Hyundai HA 800 for the fight with Suzuki Maruti Alto, Tata Nano and other small engine capacity cars in India. The emergence of new small cars are rumored to be in mid-2012. Previous cars with engine capacity of 814 cc which can generate power by 48 bhp was frequently tested. With the advent of the car, the Hyundai believes could boost sales of Hyundai cars in India, particularly the small car segment which is quite dominated by Maruti Suzuki.

Research and Development (R & D) H800 Hyundai made ​​in South Korea, while small car production was done at the Hyundai plant in Chenai, India. As rumored, 800 cc engine is embedded in the Hyundai HA is a result downgrade 1,000 cc petrol engine had three cylinders Hyundai.

SLS AMG Roadster Goes On Sale This Fall

Mercedes has announced the SLS AMG Roadster- the topless version of the SLS AMG Gullwing supercar will go on sale this fall to the public, or at least those that can afford its price tag. It features the same drivetrain as the hard top gullwing coupe, but has an automatic soft top that can be retracted or extended in 11 seconds, at speeds of up to 31 mph. It's also equipped with the AIRSCARF system which Mercedes say allows the car to be drive top down in any sort of weather.

Source: carscoop

New Corolla Altis "Facelift" from India

The new Corolla Altis is equipped CVT 7-speed in combination with 1.6-liter engine that is claimed to be very helpful in fuel efficiency. The presence of this sedan to compete with Honda City and Volkswagen Vento. Changes to the exterior (outside view), appears on bumper design with wind channel model upside down. Likewise, upper grille (for radiator) and the bottom as well as house new fog lamps. Who's on the back, change comprehensive look at the license plates are on top there is a kind of license plate garnish, reflector lamps with different combinations, and more sporty bumper model.

Besides the exterior, interior, too, improved the quality of the display. As contrived wheel flat model, the feature indicator meters from the yellow color became white. Then, the instrument panel and door handles painted silver. Likewise, the center console and door opener lever.

New Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Cheapest Electric Car

Mitsubishi i-MiEV standard in the selling price of U.S. $ 28,190 or $ 4,000 cheaper than the Nissan Leaf in the United States. Price does not include government incentives, namely tax cuts $ 7,500. Nevertheless, Nissan Leaf larger dimension.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV offers the highest variance, with the price of 30,190 dollars. This version comes with 8-audio speakers, steering wheel leather, two-color interior, 15 inch sport rims and fog lamps.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV open orders from Friday (22 / 4) at New York Auto Show which took place at the Jacob Javits Convention Centre, from April 22 until May 1, 2011. This four-seater small car, can travel a distance of 130 km for a single battery charge. While top speed of 130 km / hour.

New Subaru Boxer Manufactured 2012

New Subaru Boxer with a model of transparent, so the engine and the legs clearly visible. In this project, Subaru BOXER supplies the normal engine capacity 2,000 cc horizontally mounted near the front. Subaru Boxer uses aluminum to reduce weight. Compared with the Subaru AWD (All Wheel Drive), according to the Subaru, "The position of the machine is now located lower and result in better balance, good handling and a lower center of gravity." In terms of dimensions, they are different. If a Toyota has a long 4235 mm, width 1795 mm, height 1270 mm with a wheelbase of 2570 mm. Medium Subaru, a lower height of 200 mm and 350 mm shorter in length.

New Mitsubishi Pajero Sport with the VGT Engine

New Mitsubishi Pajero Sport new engine has a torque of 350 Nm at 1800-3500 rpm spin, higher than the previous torque impulse is just 320 Nm. However, this new machine will not replace the old machine. "Only an option for consumers who want big power," he said.

How to work VGT? At low and medium engine speed, the fins in the VGT engine automatically moves to close so that the exhaust gas passage narrows, causing the exhaust gas turbine to rotate faster. Meanwhile, the non-VGT turbo engine, exhaust gas volumes are very few moving into a wide hallway, so that the air velocity decreased and make the turbines spin more slowly. These conditions make the turbo work less than optimal. At high engine speed, exhaust gas volume will be solid, so that the VGT moving fins enlarged. This will reduce the exhaust back pressure and keep the turbine speed. VGT will optimize the performance of the turbine to achieve high torque at low speeds, and issue a maximum strength at high speeds, so it can produce great power, 178 PS at 4,000 RPM.