New Styling Honda Civic 2010

The 2010 Honda Civic styling is unchanged, though if you pop the hood on an Si model you’ll see the color of its plastic engine shroud is now black instead of silver. This eighth-generation Civic was introduced for model-year 2006, bringing to the small-car field an artsy sense of design inside and out. No rival has quite matched it for sophisticated good taste, and Honda kept the look contemporary with some “mid-cycle” updates for model-year 2009. These are evident on the 2010 Honda Civic and include slightly sharper definition to the grille and lower front bumper. Headlights and taillights transitioned to trendy clear turn signal lenses with amber bulbs, and several models got new alloy wheel designs. Although it doesn’t have the longest body in the class, no compact competitor has a longer wheelbase than the Honda Civic four-door sedan. This 106.3-inch span between front and rear axles defines the space available for the passenger compartment. In wheelbase and overall body length, Civic’s two-door coupe is about two inches shorter than the sedan. That’s in keeping with a jauntier demeanor that sacrifices rear-seat room to swoopy styling; the difference is driven home by a roofline a significant three inches lower than the sedan’s. Don’t expect the Civic to change much in size when the all-new model debuts for model-year 2011. What that ninth generation Civic will look like, however, is Honda’s closely guarded secret.

My new home

I rode out this morning to look at this rig. I dearly love my Escaper but it's feeling really cramped and it's aging...
After much deliberation and after consultation with HP and an unbiased mechanic, I bought this.
It's a 92 Holiday Rambler, one of my favorite brands. Basement. Straight line kitchen. Twin beds. Coach is amazing. Mechanically, it needs work. So it goes to the shop in the morning and when I see it again it will start, run, steer and stop like it should. Then there will be some modifications in all my spare time so my desk can be aboard. So no, i'm not moving in right away. I want to do everything that needs done before my Stuff starts getting in the way.

Audi R8

Spy photographers just spotted Audis club sport racer the Audi R8 CS. With its big fixed rear wing, big round exhaust pipes, bigger diffuser and re-designed rear bumper (air outlets on the sides) it really sticks out compared to a “normal” R8 V10. Front bumper is also different with its small wings on both sides. Except for a power boost, we expect it to have lost some weight as well to make the CS package complete.

Ferrari NOVITEC ROSSO

Named after the departure of a very large power rating of 747 horsepower, not behind a Boeing 747, Edizione Novitec Rosso 747 series marks the end of the Ferrari 430 model production cycle. Maranello super lightweight sports car is repaired by one of the world’s leading tuners Ferrari – Novitec Rosso, and clear. Under the hood of the new special Rosso Novitec Bi-747 engine compressor that...

Audi AS5

The new Audi A5 combines a sporty and an unobtrusive design to a powerful, elegant and individual appearance. "A uniquely beautiful car and thus a real challenge for us," says Hans-Jürgen Abt. The managing director of Abt Sportsline raved about the new Coupe from Ingolstadt, but he emphasizes that "our designers and engineers were able to improve the outstanding base model even more". The character of the noble sportscar still maintains but after getting a special treatment in the Allgaeu it appears more dynamical. The body kit, especially tailor-made for the Abt AS5, is a spectacular package: a front skirt with a grid element which emphasizes the singel-frame grill and the fog lights, the slightly curved, laterally mounted body parts and the sleek gill-shaped air-inlets, as well as the well-proportioned rear. With the unobtrusive but striking rear spoiler and the rear skirt inset in diffuser optics, the design of the Abt AS5 is gracefully rounded off. The 4-pipe rear muffler is perfectly fitting and additionally recontoures the rear view. Needless to say that the car sounds as a real Abt car should.

Even when standing still, the Abt AS5 is a sensual car, which eagerly wants to be driven. And when it is allowed to go on the road, it shows how much sports spirit it has. First of all, the 3.0 TDI engine gets a significant "power treatment". The extremely powerful, self-igniting engine perfectly fits to the A5 and, in addition, offers moderate consumption values. By means of improved motor management, Abt turns the serial 240 hp (176 kW) into powerful 272 hp (200 kW). With an extra Abt turbo charger, the power even increases to 300 well feeded horses. Diesel and sportiness belong together since long. Certainly, Abt Sportsline will successively modify later developed A5 engines.

To ensure a perfect handling of the noble power package, Abt also makes use of its adjustable sports suspension, besides the serial Quattro engine. All the more, the Abt AS5 will be brought to a standstill by means of the Abt brake system with a disc diameter of 380 millimeters.

To perfectly round off the successful optics package, Abt Sportsline recommends the AR wheel, which is available for the A5 in the sizes from 18 to 20 inch, of course together with appropriate sport tyres. Wheels, body components and technical modifications build a whole unit: a wonderful Coupe at its best. Not more and not less.

Kia Ray Concept Sketch Cars

was unveiled during a press conference at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, advancing momentum of KIA Motors’ global alternative fuel and powertrain research program, and its sub-brand coined “EcoDynamics,” to develop innovative fuel-stretching and emissions-cutting technologies. The most efficient Kia vehicles with significant fuel consumption and emission reductions developed under the EcoDynamics sub-brand will be identified with the EcoDynamics badge. Recently, the EcoDynamics sub-brand took a major step forward with the introduction of the Kia Borrego Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) followed by the Forte LPI Hybrid, the gasoline Kia cee’d Hybrid and the twin-turbo DIESEL Kia Sorento Hybrid. Kia Ray features aerodynamic design, innovative technology and plug-in hybrid capabilities. Kia Ray utilizes roof top “cool-glazing” solar glass and a has a range of up to 746 miles.

Mercedes Benz CL63 AMG

The CL63 AMG, the lesser of two powerful large AMG-tuned Mercedes-Benz coupes, sits somewhere between excessive and grandiose on the scale of high-end cars. With 518 horsepower on tap at 6800 rpm, the nearly 4,500 pound two-door Mercedes-Benz is hardly sluggish, despite tipping the scales at about double what a subcompact weights. 465 pound-feet of torque from the 6.2 liter V8 and a 7-speed automatic transmission help ensure that the CL63 has ample power in any situation.

New for 2008, the CL63 upgrades the basic CL-Class, introduced for 2007, with the standard range of AMG tuned sporting cues, including a lowered sport suspension with active body control, a unique look inside and out, 20' wheels (versus 18' wheels otherwise), performance tires and a few additional standard features, like ventilated and massaging front seats.

Mercedes Benz CL63 AMG


Mercedes Benz CL63 AMG


Mercedes Benz CL63 AMG


Mercedes Benz CL63 AMG


Mercedes Benz CL63 AMG

Expletive deleted - the rest of the story.

But there are many worse places for this to happen and few better.

What happened is a quick storm - one of those "isolated thunderstorms" - went by. It mostly missed the pig picking but the wind did this to my awning.

What is really cool is that if it had to happen, it happened when and where it did. Not the previous week when I was alone and getting ready for a long drive to work. Not as part of the rain/thunderstorm that hit later that night. There were guys around who could get it off the roof and rolled up and screw the broken bracket to the rig so I could drive. And yes - no one was hurt.

That was the Attention Getting Event for me this weekend, but most of it I spent having a blast at a pig picking hosted by friends in Emporia. I met lots of neat people and ate lots of good food, swam, rode scooter, rode in their side-by-side... Lots of fun. Actually, I was too busy having fun to take pictures - the awning picture happened because I was taking them for insurance.

Saab 9-5 Show

With GM selling Saab to Koenigsegg, the future is quite uncertain. But the company confirms that a 2010 Saab 9-5 will show up in Frankfurt with a four-door body style or a wagon as your choices.

Mazda reduced the net loss in the last fiscal year

Japanese Mazda Motor said it had in the last fiscal year, thanks to lower costs, managed to reduce net loss of 6.5 billion yen (69 million), with 71.5 billion in the previous fiscal year.

The fourth-largest Japanese manufacturer expects that in the new fiscal year, which ends in late March 2011, achieved net profits of five billion yen, reported The Associated Press.

Sales Mazdinih vehicles per year has dropped by 15 percent because of weaker demand in all major markets, except China, where he recorded sales growth of 46 percent.

New Honda Hybrids 2010

The electronics in the control system let Honda offer what it calls the Eco Assist system, which tells the driver how economically she’s driving by changing the background color of the speedometer. Green means good, blue means you’re a lead-foot. There’s an ECON mode that enhances fuel economy further by resetting the control logic, so the car accelerates more slowly and backs off the gas engine quicker.

The dashboard EcoGuide accumulates data on driving patterns, so hypermiling drivers can analyze their history to improve driving strategies. Honda even shows up to five green leaves in the display—similar to graphics in the Ford Fusion Hybrid—to reward drivers who display the most economical behavior over time.

Squeezing more out of less, the Insight’s electric motor not only moves the car away from rest after the engine has shut down, it can also power the car by itself "when driving on a flat surface at steady speed in the low 30 mph range," according to Honda.

Honda has worked hard to keep weight down, so the Insight—at 14 feet, 4 inches long—weighs just 2,720 pounds despite the usual complement of airbags, consumer electronics, other “comfort and convenience features”—and that heavy battery pack. Overall, Honda claims the Insight’s IMA system is 19 percent smaller and 28 percent lighter than the previous generation used in the current Honda Civic Hybrid.

And minimalism can produce maximal results. The Honda Insight is rated at 40 miles per gallon on the city cycle, and 43 mpg on the highway, for a combined mileage of 41 miles per gallon.

New Honda Hybrids

Porsche Panamera owners call a service center for belts

Owners of 11,300 Porscheovih Panamera received or will receive calls for additional service visit to remove the lack of which could lead to failure of seat belts.

U Porscheovom saopštenju se navodi da do otkazivanja spojnih tačaka sigurnosnih pojaseva na prednjim sedištima u sudaru može doći ukoliko su ta sedišta u krajnjem prednjem položaju. In Porscheovom statement says that a failure connecting point seat belts in front seats in the collision may occur if the seat in the front end position. U Porscheu kažu da taj nedostatak nije doveo do nesreća sa povredama. The Porsche said that the shortage has not led to accidents with injuries.

Servisni zahvat traje 15-ak minuta i sastoji se od dodavanja još jednog spojnog mesta na prednjim pojasevima. Service procedure lasts 15 minutes and consists of adding one more spojnog seats in the front belts.

Hurst Ford Racing Mustang Challenge Pace Car

Hurst Performance Vehicles je ovaj specijalni Mustang predstavio tokom Ford Racing Mustang Challenge trke na Virginia International Raceway-u, a na kraju će završiti na aukciji čiji je prihod namenjen za dobrotvorne svrhe. Hurst Performance Vehicles this special Mustang introduced in the Ford Racing Mustang Challenge race at Virginia International Raceway in, and finally will end the auction whose income is used for charitable purposes.

Kako bilo, Hurst Ford Racing Mustang Challenge Pace Car, zahvaljujući Ford Racing kompresoru, Ford Racing izduvnom sistemu od nerđajućeg čelika i K&N filteru, sada razvija 550KS i 734 Nm obrtnog momenta. However, Hurst Ford Racing Mustang Challenge Pace Car, thanks to Ford Racing supercharger, Ford Racing exhaust system of stainless steel and K & N filter, is now developing 550KS and 734 Nm of torque.

U paketu su takođe i Ford Racing ogibljenje, jači kočioni sistem, Hurst petokraki aluminijumski točkovi od 20 inča sa gumama BF Goodrich, crno-zlatna kombinacija boja za karoseriju, Hurst AIR-SPEED zadnji spojler, Hurst kožni enterijer, Hurst patosnice, posebne oznake... The package is also a Ford Racing Suspension, more powerful braking system, five-pointed Hurst alloy wheels with 20 inch BF Goodrich tires, black and gold color combination for the body, Hurst AIR-SPEED rear spoilers, Hurst leather interior, Hurst floor mats, special markings. ..

2010 Chevrolet Volt Production

The first of a new generation of cars, the Chevy Volt will be an electric car with a gasoline engine onboard to help recharge its batteries. GM claims it offers the environmental benefits of an electric car without the limited range -- but the media hasn’t been able to test most of the company’s claims. The Chevy Volt could be revolutionary -- if it works. Chevrolet calls the Volt an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle, or “an electric car that can create its own electricity.” It isn’t a hybrid, nor is it a purely electric car. Instead, the Chevy Volt is an electric car with a gasoline-powered generator that can kick in to recharge its batteries when they are low. Owners will be able to charge their Volt from a wall outlet at home, and Chevy claims that the Volt should be able to travel up to 40 miles on electric power alone. That’s more than most Americans drive in a single day, meaning that many Volt owners would not use any gasoline in a typical day. But, since the Volt can recharge itself while driving, it shouldn’t have the limited range of an electric car.

Chevrolet Volt Production

Chevrolet Volt Production

Chevrolet Volt Production

Chevrolet Volt Production

2011 Chevrolet Volt Production

Porsche

Nissan leaf Perform cars

The Nissan Leaf, set to be released in select US markets by the end of this year, will be priced at around $25,000 after a $7,500 federal tax credit. This will be about $7,500 less than the Chevy Volt after tax credits, which will be released about a month beforehand. In the upcoming weeks, people will be able to make refundable $100 dollar deposits on the Leaf. So far there has been an overwhelming interest in this compact four door hatchback with a 100 mile electric range. Nationwide availability will begin in 2011. Nissan sounds pretty serious about an electric future, and we think they are right.

Nissan has unveiled their first affordable, zero-emission car. Titled the Nissan LEAF, it is a “medium-size hatchback” that comfortably seats five adults and has a range of more than 160 km to satisfy real-world consumer requirements. And the most interesting part is it is almost ready for production, and slated for consumer release in late 2010.

nissan leaf

nissan leaf

nissan leaf inerior

nissan leaf interior

nissan leaf

Pricing details will be announced closer to start of sales, but Nissan expects the LEAF to be competitively priced in the range of a well-equipped compact vehicle. As an added benefit, because the vehicle has less mechanical complexity than a traditional petrol-powered car, Nissan says the car will require less maintenance.

The Nissan LEAF is powered by “laminated” compact lithium-ion batteries, which generate power output of over 90 kW, while its electric motor delivers 80kW, equivalent to 280 Nm.

Unlike regular vehicles, the Nissan LEAF’s powertrain has no tail pipe, and thus has no emissions of CO2 or other greenhouse gases. A combination of the LEAF’s regenerative braking system and innovative lithium-ion battery packs enables the car to deliver a driving range of more than 160 km on one full charge, enough for a few days of driving. However, top speed is a bit over 140 kph.

The Nissan LEAF can be charged up to 80% of its full capacity in just under 30 minutes with a quick charger. Charging at home through a 200V outlet is estimated to take approximately eight hours, convenient only as an overnight option.

The LED headlights provide yet one more benefit in that they consume just 10% of the electricity of conventional lamps.

Nissan LEAF employs an exclusive advanced IT system. Connected to a global data centre, the system can provide support, information, and entertainment for drivers 24 hours a day.

The dash-mounted monitor displays Nissan LEAF’s remaining power, or “reachable area,” in addition to showing a selection of nearby charging stations.

Another state-of-the-art feature is the ability to use mobile phones to turn on air-conditioning and set charging functions – even when Nissan LEAF is powered down. An on-board remote-controlled timer can also be pre-programmed to recharge batteries.

The first of Nissan’s EVs will be manufactured in Japan, with additional capacity planned for U.S. plants. Meanwhile, lithium-ion batteries are being produced in Japan, with additional capacity planned for the USA, the UK and Portugal, and other sites for investment are under study around the world. Plans include sales only in Japan, Europe and the United States, where it should easily undercut the hyped Chevrolet Volt and Tesla Sedan that will debut at around the same time. Nissan’s only problem would be convincing people to buy a car called LEAF.