William Maley

Honda is known for many things; one of those things happens to be engine technology. The Civic CVCC and VTEC are some of technologies to done by Honda. However, during the past few years, Honda's engine technologies haven't changed much or fall flat on it's face (IMA Hybrid tech comes to mind). But now, Honda is coming out swinging with new powertrains and transmissions. At a event before the Tokyo Motor Show, Honda introduced a new range of four-cylinders ranging from 1.5L to 2.4L and a new 3.5L V6. All of the new engines will come equipped with direct injection and stop-start technology. The four-cylinders come with a new VTEC arrangement with an Atkinson cycle lower load cam plus extensive friction reduction technologies. The 3.5L V6 will replace the current 3.7L and 3.5L V6 and come with cylinder deactivation. Also new for Honda powertrains is a two-mode hybrid system. Replacing the disappointing IMA system, the new system will use a brand new 2.0L four-cylinder paired with electric motor and batteries. Honda claims the system will be the most efficient and deliver “enhanced driving performance.” First car to use the new system will be a plug-in hybrid model due next year while a non plug-in system will be out the year after. And, along with these new engines come new transmissions. Honda showed off a new range of CVT transmissions (alright stop moaning, they can hear you in Japan). The CVTs come with Honda's new “G-Design Shift”, which was created to help deliver more immediate throttle response. The transmissions are expected in the Civic, Accord and CR-V soon. Source: Auto Guide, 2 View full article

Nissan rolled out another Juke concept in time for the Tokyo Motor Show. Though not as crazy as the Juke GT-R, the Juke Nismo does come with some goodies. Nissan's performance division has added a stiffer suspension, new 19-inch alloy wheels, tuned the 1.6L DI turbocharged four-cylinder, new body parts, new seats, and a pearl white exterior paint job with red highlights. But the Juke Nismo concept also signals a change at Nismo. Nissan announced today that it will expand its lineup of Nismo models, parts and accessories and move to a new global headquarters in Yokohama, Japan in 2013. "We aim to bring Nismo's passion and focus on driving excitement to mainstream models and the Juke Nismo Concept shows what we can do," said Nissan president and CEO, Carlos Ghosn. Currently, Nismo activities have "been restricted to halo performance cars like the Z series in a small number of markets," the automaker said in a statement. "That is about to change." Press Releases are on Page 2 NISSAN REVEALS JUKE NISMO CONCEPT IN TOKYO Lower, faster and visually even more dramatic, Nismo know-how redefines the Nissan Juke TOKYO, Japan - Nissan Juke Nismo Concept gives first glimpse of Nismo's future Purpose-designed body kit enhances looks and aerodynamic efficiency More power from tuned engine Stiffer chassis and larger tyres for even better handling Distinctive sporting interior treatment Finished in Nismo signature colours Nissan Motor Co., Ltd will reveal a bold new future for its Nismo performance arm. One of the undoubted stars of the Tokyo Motor Show will be the Nissan Juke Nismo, an idea of how a premium sports version of the hugely successful compact crossover could look. With its distinctive styling Nissan Juke has redefined the highly competitive B-segment, but the Juke Nismo Concept is even more dramatic. It's lower, wider and has a tougher stance. Even standing still, it's clearly a performance car. Aimed at a car-loving audience looking for a car that reflects an edgy personality, Juke Nismo Concept magnifies the standard car's unique mix of compact car agility, coupé-like responses and SUV strength. "The global sales success of Nissan Juke has proved beyond doubt that customers are looking for something different," said Andy Palmer, Executive Vice President, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. "The Juke Nismo Concept takes that idea to the next level. It's energetic, distinctive and highly desirable." Finished in signature Nismo colours of pearl white with red highlights, the Juke Nismo Concept wears a body kit created by Nismo's aerodynamic specialists whose skill has been honed perfecting racecar bodywork. And as on a racecar, the Juke Nismo Concept body kit is designed not just to look good, but also to be dynamically highly efficient. New parts include revised lower bumpers front and rear, wider fenders and sill side skirts. The grille pattern has been changed while the tailgate spoiler has been modified by the addition of side elements to control airflow more efficiently. Even the shape of the door mirrors has been altered to enhance the car's aerodynamic performance and reduce front and rear lift without increasing drag. This reduction in lift means the contact patch of the tyres has been increased to improve grip, which is further enhanced by the arrival of stylish new 19-inch alloy wheels. Naturally the Nismo treatment extends to the chassis which has been lowered and stiffened using proprietary parts of the sort that will be available from the expanded Nismo's parts catalogue, while the 1.6-litre direct injection turbo gasoline engine has been uprated to deliver more power and performance. And Nismo touches can also be found in the interior of the Concept, where parts that interact with the driver's sense of sight, sound, look and feel -­ such as the steering wheel, pedals, gauges, shifter knob and door trims - have been redesigned to provide greater involvement when driving. Further underlining the performance aspects of the car, special leather-trimmed bucket seats have been added while the importance of the tachometer means the dial and needle are illuminated in red. A feeling of enhanced sporting quality in the cockpit can be attributed to a matt effect applied to previously reflective surfaces, while the dramatic centre console - shaped to resemble a motorcycle fuel tank - has been given a metallic coating to enhance the purposeful feeling of the Concept. "As the Concept shows, Nismo brings new levels of individuality to mainstream Nissan cars like Juke. The future for Nismo is to develop premium sports designs for an ever-widening range of customers," said Nismo President, Shoichi Miyatani. "Our forthcoming range of cars will be just as accessible and innovative as every Nissan product, but with added Nismo energy they will be even more fun to own and drive," he added. NISMO PERFORMANCE ROAD CAR STRATEGY REVEALED Legendary international motorsport division Nismo to apply its performance expertise to Nissan product range TOKYO, Japan - Major growth planned for Nissan's performance arm Nismo-tuned examples of mainstream models promised Nissan Juke Nismo Concept shows what the future might bring Wider range of after sales performance parts to be developed New global HQ due to open in 2013 Highly successful motorsport campaign in 2011 Nissan Motor Co., Ltd has announced a major expansion programme that will see Nismo, the company's legendary performance arm, applying tuning and performance expertise learned on the racetrack to Nissan road cars. This ambitious expansion programme will see the Nismo name become synonymous with performance and premium sports variants of mainstream Nissan models. "Nismo adds even more excitement and innovation to Nissan products. We now plan to inject that style and excitement into other models in the Nissan range," says Shoichi Miyatani, President of Nismo. As an indication of what the future might hold, one of the highlights of the Nissan stand at the show is the Juke Nismo Concept, a high performance version of Nissan's genre-creating compact crossover. Finished in Nismo's signature colour scheme of pearl white with subtle red highlights, the Concept boasts performance tuning for the suspension, more power from the 1.6-litre direct injection turbo engine and a stylish yet functional aerodynamic body kit. Nismo - the name is derived from Nissan Motorsports International Co., Ltd - has long been a highly respected performer on the race tracks of the world. In 2011, Nismo-developed Nissan GT-R racecars won the Drivers' and Team titles in Japan's SUPER GT championship and also took the Drivers' title in the FIA GT1 World Championship. Nismo-developed engines won their class in the Le Mans 24 Hours and the company has also developed the remarkable trail-blazing LEAF Nismo RC, the world's first all-electric racing car. Its arrival heralds a new era of eco-friendly motor sport. But the company's road car activities have, until now, been restricted to halo performance cars like the Z series in a small number of markets. That is about to change. "Nismo has carved out an enviable reputation in motor racing," said Carlos Ghosn, Nissan President and CEO. In fact, in 2011, Nismo cars and engines won in every category they competed in... the first time we have achieved this milestone. "The time is now right to let ordinary drivers experience what our racing drivers enjoy every time they head out onto the track. We aim to bring Nismo's passion and focus on driving excitement to mainstream models, and the Juke Nismo Concept shows what we can do," said Mr Ghosn. As well as producing complete performance versions of Nissan models, the company plans to expand its range of performance parts and accessories while another element of the expansion programme will see Nismo relocate to an all-new purpose designed global headquarters in Tsurumi, Yokohama at the start of 2013. By bringing all Nismo's activities under one roof, the move will create a global centre of excellence for race and performance road car development. As well as a race shop, the centre will have a large maintenance area for service work, a heritage area where famous Nismo race and road cars will be displayed and a specialist store - the Omori Factory, named after Nismo's current base - where customers can buy performance parts and items from the Nismo Collection. The larger site will also have ample space to hold more of the popular Nismo events for fans. The annual Nismo Festival, for example, attracts more than 30,000 fans ready to celebrate the company's racing heritage and achievements. About Nismo Nissan Motorsports International Co., Ltd (Nismo) was established in 1984 primarily to look after Nissan's motor sport activities. Nismo currently operates at the highest levels of GT and sports car racing, including Japan's domestic SUPER GT series as well as global campaigns in the FIA GT1 World Championship, the Le Mans 24 Hours, the Le Mans series and the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC). In 2011, Nismo-developed Nissan GT-R racecars won the driver's and team titles in SUPER GT and the drivers' title in the FIA GT1 World Championship, while Nismo-developed engines won LMP2 class at the Le Mans 24 Hours, and took LMP2 class titles in the ILMC and Le Mans Series. Nismo also won the driver and the team titles in the National class of the All-Japan Formula 3 championship. Nismo connects with its supporters through the hugely-popular Nismo Festival, drawing upwards of 30,000 fans to its annual year-end extravaganza. The festival represents "Nissan Racing DNA" and features the cars and stars from Nissan's sporting past, as well as examples of its current racecars. View full article

If there is one thing that has bemoaned enthusiasts for the past few years, it's the lack of the NSX from the Acura/Honda lineup. Orginally, Honda had originally planned out the NSX replacement, but was canned due to the global economic crisis. But within the past year, Honda has hinted at a return of the NSX, with their CEO Takanobu Ito adding fuel to it. If a report from Autocar is to believed, Honda will be showing a concept version of what could be the successor to the NSX at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The car, known as the Super Sports Concept will follow the Small Sports EV Concept that will be shown at the Tokyo Motor Show. Not much is known about the Super Sports Concept, but expect either a hybrid or electric powertrain. Source: Autocar View full article

With automakers building/bringing over subcompact cars to the US, one automaker is missing in the action. That automaker is Volkswagen which built it’s empire on small vehicles (Beetle and Golf). When asked if the company would bring over any subcompact vehicles, like the Polo or new UP!, Volkswagen said no. Volkswagen cites the traditional argument of small cars having a small profit margin, especially when they have to be imported like the Polo and UP! Futhermore, Volkswagen recently re-established a production facility in the US and plans to expand capacity in an effort to become a true volume player over here. Because of their plans, Volkswagen will be expanding their dealer network and supply chains, which means the timing to introduce a subcompact doesn’t make sense. But that doesn’t mean Volkswagen will never introduce a subcompact model. Volkswagen product planner Rainer Michel said to Car & Driver that, if needed, VW “could bring the Polo here tomorrow.” Source: Car & Driver View full article

Today, General Motors announced that it will provide a loaner to any Chevrolet Volt owner concerned about the safety of their vehicle. The announcement comes a few days after NHTSA announced an investigation into the Chevrolet Volt's batteries after tests done by NHTSA have cause the batteries to catch on fire. GM says they will try to contact every Volt owner to attempt to clear up the confusion. GM has sold 5,329 Volts and each owner should receive a letter within the next few days. “We are contacting all Volt owners to assure them and reassure them the car is safe to drive. The Volt is our pride and joy and we will do all we can to make Volt owners as happy with it as we can,” said Mark Reuss, head of General Motors North America, in a conference call with reporters. Press Release is on Page 2 GM Builds on Battery Safety to Ensure Confidence in Chevrolet Volt Customer safety, satisfaction remain highest priority Volt owners offered alternative GM vehicle loans for peace of mind Senior GM engineering team to work with NHTSA on possible changes 2011-11-28 - DETROIT - General Motors announced Monday initiatives for customer satisfaction and battery safety research to ensure ongoing confidence in the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle. The initiatives follow six months of research and testing in the United States with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration designed to induce electric vehicle battery failure after severe crash situations. The agency advised GM on Friday that it would open a preliminary evaluation of Volt battery assemblies after NHTSA test results caused electrical fires up to three weeks after an initial vehicle New Car Assessment Program side pole crash test. Mark Reuss, president, GM North America, said the company would take every precaution to assure the driving public of GM’s commitment to the safety of the Volt being handled after a severe incident and the total satisfaction of everyone who owned one. “The Volt is a five-star safety car. Even though no customer has experienced in the real world what was identified in this latest testing of post-crash situations, we're taking critical steps to ensure customer satisfaction and safety,” Reuss said. “Our customers' peace of mind is too important to us for there to be any concern or any worry. This technology should inspire confidence and pride, not raise any concern or doubt. “The question is about how to deal with the battery days and weeks after a severe crash, making it a matter of interest not just for the Volt, but for our industry as we continue to advance the pursuit of electric vehicles.” Senior GM engineering investigation team Mary Barra, senior vice president, Global Product Development, said GM had established a senior engineering team to develop changes to eliminate concern of potential post-crash electrical fires and work with industry to ensure appropriate electric vehicle protocols were in place. Barra said such electrical fires had not occurred on public roads and NHTSA was not investigating any such potential imminent failure on the roads. “GM and the agency's focus and research continue to be on the performance, handling, storage and disposal of batteries after a crash or other significant event,” she said. “We’re working with NHTSA so we all have an understanding about these risks and how they can be avoided in the future. This isn’t just a Volt issue. We’re already leading a joint electric vehicle activity with Society of Automotive Engineers and other automotive companies to address new issues, such as this protocol of depowering batteries after a severe crash.” Barra said the team would continue to work closely with NHTSA, suppliers, dealers and manufacturing teams to initiate any necessary changes as soon as possible. Volt owner loan program Reuss said GM would establish a Volt owner satisfaction program. Any Volt owner concerned about safety can contact his or her Volt advisor to arrange for a free GM vehicle loan until resolution of the issue. “A vehicle loan program of this nature is well beyond the norm for a preliminary investigation, and it underlines our commitment to the vehicle and its owners,” he said. “These steps are the right ones to take regardless of any immediate impact on our operations.” Launched in late 2010, the Chevrolet Volt has won more than 30 awards in the United States and other markets. The Volt achieved a five-star NCAP overall vehicle score for safety by the NHTSA and is a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. GM carried out more than 1 million test miles in vehicle development. View full article

For the past year, rumors have been flying around Coventry about Jaguar building a XF wagon to compete with Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Now spy shots of Jaguar XF wagon have come out. Seen testing around Jaguar HQ’s in Coventry, the wagon is a little bit longer than the XF sedan. The wagon or Sportbrake as it said on the camoflage will have a more unique rear end thanks to a new c-pillar and new taillight setup. Engines will mirror the XF sedan with a 2.2L four-cylinder diesel, along with V6 and V8 engines. The XF Sportbrake will go on sale in late 2012. Source: Auto Express View full article

Last year, Daimler (parent company of Mercedes-Benz) agreed to an alliance with Renault/Nissan which would allow the two companies to share components (engines, platforms, etc) and technologies. We've learned about what the first fruits of this alliance will bring forth and now there are new details of a another product. Back in March at the Geneva Motor Show, Infiniti showed off a compact car concept called the Etherea. The car showed that Infiniti was working on a compact car to compete with Audi A3, BMW 1-Series, and Lexus CT200h to name a few. Now, we've learned that the Infiniti compact car will use the platform from the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class. But why? Nissan and Renault have the knowledge on building small compact FWD vehicles while Mercedes is known to build large, expensive, rear-wheel-drive luxury vehicles. “There are very few mass brands that make that walk into luxury. And there’s a reason for that, which is embedded somewhere within the way the products are executed and in the engineering. A luxury brand will need much better torsional rigidity, much better NVH than you would put into a mass brand. If you have a product that handles like an A-class or a B-class, with that level of NVH, with that level of torsional rigidity, but you can do it at a cost which is closer to where a mass brand would be, then you’re in a very good place from a competitive point of view. And that’s where we’re trying to be,” said Nissan’s Executive Vice President Andy Palmer. Basic powertrains will include gas, diesel, and either a hybrid or fully electric version. Source: Car & Driver View full article

Chevrolet is adding new models of the Cruze left and right. Earlier this year, CEO Dan Akerson announced a clean-diesel version of Cruze was on it's way next year. Now, we've learned about another high-mileage Cruze. Jim Federico, GM's Executive Director, Group Vehicle Line Executive/Vehicle Chief Engineer for Global Compact, Small, Mini and Electric Vehicles told Australia's GoAuto, “The plug-in Cruze has a place and it will be a hybrid.” Federico went on to say, “Plug-in Cruze doesn’t make Volt redundant at all. Plug-in Cruze would have a different powertrain. Plug-in hybrids use both the engine and motor all the time.” GreenCarReports says the Cruze Plug-In Hybrid will use a front-wheel drive version of GM's Two-Mode Hybrid system, which is currently offered on GM's full-size trucks and SUVs. A source tells GreenCarReports the Cruze Plug-In Hybrid is due out in 2014. Source: GoAuto.com.au, GreenCarReports View full article