Acura NSX Supercar is NOT Dead?

Autotelegraaf is reporting that Honda will be bringing the near-production NSX concept to Detroit in 2009. Apparently, their reporters did not do a great deal of fact checking.

On Honda's British web site, a summary of CEO Takeo Fukui's end of the year speech is available. Under the "R&D" section, the wrap-up clearly states, "The development of the NSX successor model equipped with V10 engine will be cancelled."

In his speech, Fukui indicated that the current state of the economy has forced the company to take a fresh look at their priorities. Since Honda will substantially allocate resources for energy efficiency and green technology, a 600 horsepower supercar may no longer fit into their plans.

Perhaps they will introduce the Honda / Acura NSX with a different engine. However, that could conflict with CEO Fukui's vision of a car that is better and faster than the Nissan GT-R.

The full press release from Honda is below. Mention of the NSX is at the top of page 2.

Autotelegraaf reporters believe the Japanese manufacturer may debut a Honda or Acura NSX production model at the end of 2009 during the Tokyo Motor Show. Sadly, this looks like wishful thinking.

We can't blame Autotelegraaf for dreaming. We hope Honda revives the NSX, too.

- The development of the NSX successor model equipped with V10 engine will be cancelled.

- The start of operations at the new R&D Center in Sakura, which was scheduled to become fully operational in 2010, will be delayed.

- Honda has decided to withdraw from all Formula One activities, making 2008 the last season of participation.

- While reassessing investment priorities, Honda will concentrate its investments on initiatives which enable Honda to survive in the rapidly changing world and achieve continuous future growth.


Further strengthening advanced environmental technologies while maintaining a long-term viewpoint
In order for Honda to sustain its business during the next 100 years of the automotive industry, it is critical for the company to further strengthen its ability to continue advancing environmental technologies and to apply them to creative and attractive products.

Since the establishment of the company, Honda has been consistently pursuing advanced environmental technologies in every business area. More than ever, Honda will concentrate its resources on the development of fuel-efficient products.

The keys to achieve this goal are advancements of electromotive technologies including hybrid models as well as motorcycles and small cars.

By concentrating the focus of its technology and product development efforts largely into these two areas, Honda will strive to achieve a breakthrough under the difficult business environment.

Hybrid models
Honda recognizes hybrid technologies as the most realistic path for CO2 reduction at this moment.

To effectively utilize fixed resources, Honda believes it is most important to focus all of our energy on hybrids and achieve mass market penetration as soon as possible.

All-new Insight
The all-new Insight, which will make its world debut in Detroit early next year and achieve both excellent fuel economy and an attractive price has been a pioneer model toward mass market penetration for hybrid vehicles.

It will offer convincing economic benefits for customers through its excellent fuel economy. At the same time, the all-new Insight will also enable drivers to feel the joy of driving through its zippy, yet light and comfortable driving performance.

Insight sales are scheduled to begin in spring 2009. As for the price, which is the key factor for mass market penetration, Honda is targeting to offer a starting price below 2 million yen in Japan.

The all-new sporty hybrid vehicle based on the CR-Z will go on sale by the end of 2010. This vehicle is being developed to become a model which offers new value of the 'joy of driving' which only a hybrid vehicle can offer.

Honda will enhance its hybrid lineup while considering the possibility of applying hybrid technology to medium to large-size vehicles.

Production
Honda will also strengthen its manufacturing system to support sales of hybrid models. As for the hybrid motor, which is one of the key components of a hybrid system, production on a new assembly line added to the Suzuka Factory just began last month (November 2008).

Combined with the 70,000-unit capacity of the first line, total motor production capacity will be increased to 250,000 units annually. Honda will establish a production system and the capabilities to be prepared for a further increase in demand for hybrid models.

Small car model
Along with hybrid models, Honda will focus on and accelerate product development of small cars for which an increase in global demand is expected.

To minimize the impact of raw material prices, which fluctuate based on various external factors, Honda will build products with a minimal reliance on expensive materials, which will enable Honda to offer its customers products with stable cost competitiveness.

In order to fulfill strong demand from customers, especially in newly emerging countries where motorization continues to advance, Honda is making progress in the development of a new small car which will be positioned in the class below Fit with a goal to introduce it to the market in two to three years.


To further enhance its product strengths in the small-size vehicle segment, Honda will make progress in the development of small-size diesel engines.

To concentrate its resources on hybrid models and small cars, the introduction of medium to large-size diesel models in the U.S. and Japan will be delayed.

Motorcycles will support Honda in the difficult business environment

Honda’s toughness in meeting changes in the business environment comes from the global business foundation built around the three axes of motorcycles, automobiles and power products.

History shows that motorcycles remain strong in a difficult market environment and have always supported Honda in difficult times. People showed renewed interest in the value of motorcycles which consume less fuel for commuting purposes as well as for their easy-to-own/easy-to-use efficiency.

In the newly emerging countries in regions such as Asia and South America where motorcycles are being used for everyday transportation, long-term and steady market growth is expected despite some external factors such as changes in economic conditions.

All-new Wave 100
Honda is planning to install PGM-FI to all motorcycle models sold in Thailand by the end of 2009. The most important model for this FI strategy, Wave 100, will undergo a full model change in January 2009.

Wave 100 series, which is based on the Cub and thus can be called the "Asian Cub," has been a key model for Honda with annual sales of approximately 2.6 million units in seven countries mostly in the ASEAN region. With the all-new Wave 100, fuel economy was further improved. Moreover, by unifying product specifications as a strategy to pursue smooth introduction to multiple production bases, it was possible to achieve improved efficiency during the development and startup of production as well as significant cost reduction. After the introduction in Thailand, the all-new Wave 100 will be introduced sequentially to other ASEAN nations.

Electric motorcycle
Honda is currently developing a battery-powered electric motorcycle which emits no CO2 during operation, because the characteristics of a battery can be better utilized in the area of motorcycles, which are often used for short distance travel. Honda is aiming to introduce this electric motorcycle to the market about two years from now.

Power Products
In its power products business, Honda will focus also on the development of energy creation products to support a mobility society which includes automobiles and motorcycles.


Solar cell business
In October 2007, Honda Soltec began production of thin-film solar cells for residential use. In October 2008, the company entered the solar cell market for public and industrial uses in order to accommodate demands from more customers.

Compact household cogeneration unit
Honda is currently developing a new model of Honda’s ECOWILL compact household cogeneration system, with a target to introduce it to the market in two to three years. The new model will be equipped with an even smaller and more efficient core unit, a unique Honda technology, pursuing a high level of environmental performance.

Mini-tiller
Targeting the rapidly growing demand in the home gardening market in Japan, Honda will introduce a new mini-tiller with a cassette gas-based engine in spring 2009, under the product name Pianta. Honda aims to cultivate new demand by introducing a new product which uses inexpensive and easy-to-handle cassette gas as fuel source.

Conclusion
As we face the next year, while hoping for the earliest recovery of the global economy and the market situation, Honda will develop business plans based on an assumption that the situation will worsen next year and will navigate the company through this challenge.

Especially because this is a difficult time, Honda will not be overwhelmed by immediate matters, but rather, effectively utilize company resources to ensure the steady implementation of long-term initiatives which must be undertaken such as the advancement of environmental technologies. The result of the company’s decisions this time will certainly be realized in the form of attractive new products and technologies in several years. Honda will continue making progress based on the belief that Honda’s new growth potential will become evident beyond that point.

Honda is a company driven to achieve continuous growth by the dreams and passions of each Honda associate. Especially when the company faces difficult times, each associate will maintain a high level of initiative and continue challenging.

Honda will continue earning even more smiles from its customers by creating attractive new products which only Honda can create.

Source: Autotelegraaf via egmcartech.com

Acura NSX Supercar is NOT Dead?

Autotelegraaf is reporting that Honda will be bringing the near-production NSX concept to Detroit in 2009. Apparently, their reporters did not do a great deal of fact checking.

On Honda's British web site, a summary of CEO Takeo Fukui's end of the year speech is available. Under the "R&D" section, the wrap-up clearly states, "The development of the NSX successor model equipped with V10 engine will be cancelled."

In his speech, Fukui indicated that the current state of the economy has forced the company to take a fresh look at their priorities. Since Honda will substantially allocate resources for energy efficiency and green technology, a 600 horsepower supercar may no longer fit into their plans.

Perhaps they will introduce the Honda / Acura NSX with a different engine. However, that could conflict with CEO Fukui's vision of a car that is better and faster than the Nissan GT-R.

The full press release from Honda is below. Mention of the NSX is at the top of page 2.

Autotelegraaf reporters believe the Japanese manufacturer may debut a Honda or Acura NSX production model at the end of 2009 during the Tokyo Motor Show. Sadly, this looks like wishful thinking.

We can't blame Autotelegraaf for dreaming. We hope Honda revives the NSX, too.

- The development of the NSX successor model equipped with V10 engine will be cancelled.

- The start of operations at the new R&D Center in Sakura, which was scheduled to become fully operational in 2010, will be delayed.

- Honda has decided to withdraw from all Formula One activities, making 2008 the last season of participation.

- While reassessing investment priorities, Honda will concentrate its investments on initiatives which enable Honda to survive in the rapidly changing world and achieve continuous future growth.


Further strengthening advanced environmental technologies while maintaining a long-term viewpoint
In order for Honda to sustain its business during the next 100 years of the automotive industry, it is critical for the company to further strengthen its ability to continue advancing environmental technologies and to apply them to creative and attractive products.

Since the establishment of the company, Honda has been consistently pursuing advanced environmental technologies in every business area. More than ever, Honda will concentrate its resources on the development of fuel-efficient products.

The keys to achieve this goal are advancements of electromotive technologies including hybrid models as well as motorcycles and small cars.

By concentrating the focus of its technology and product development efforts largely into these two areas, Honda will strive to achieve a breakthrough under the difficult business environment.

Hybrid models
Honda recognizes hybrid technologies as the most realistic path for CO2 reduction at this moment.

To effectively utilize fixed resources, Honda believes it is most important to focus all of our energy on hybrids and achieve mass market penetration as soon as possible.

All-new Insight
The all-new Insight, which will make its world debut in Detroit early next year and achieve both excellent fuel economy and an attractive price has been a pioneer model toward mass market penetration for hybrid vehicles.

It will offer convincing economic benefits for customers through its excellent fuel economy. At the same time, the all-new Insight will also enable drivers to feel the joy of driving through its zippy, yet light and comfortable driving performance.

Insight sales are scheduled to begin in spring 2009. As for the price, which is the key factor for mass market penetration, Honda is targeting to offer a starting price below 2 million yen in Japan.

The all-new sporty hybrid vehicle based on the CR-Z will go on sale by the end of 2010. This vehicle is being developed to become a model which offers new value of the 'joy of driving' which only a hybrid vehicle can offer.

Honda will enhance its hybrid lineup while considering the possibility of applying hybrid technology to medium to large-size vehicles.

Production
Honda will also strengthen its manufacturing system to support sales of hybrid models. As for the hybrid motor, which is one of the key components of a hybrid system, production on a new assembly line added to the Suzuka Factory just began last month (November 2008).

Combined with the 70,000-unit capacity of the first line, total motor production capacity will be increased to 250,000 units annually. Honda will establish a production system and the capabilities to be prepared for a further increase in demand for hybrid models.

Small car model
Along with hybrid models, Honda will focus on and accelerate product development of small cars for which an increase in global demand is expected.

To minimize the impact of raw material prices, which fluctuate based on various external factors, Honda will build products with a minimal reliance on expensive materials, which will enable Honda to offer its customers products with stable cost competitiveness.

In order to fulfill strong demand from customers, especially in newly emerging countries where motorization continues to advance, Honda is making progress in the development of a new small car which will be positioned in the class below Fit with a goal to introduce it to the market in two to three years.


To further enhance its product strengths in the small-size vehicle segment, Honda will make progress in the development of small-size diesel engines.

To concentrate its resources on hybrid models and small cars, the introduction of medium to large-size diesel models in the U.S. and Japan will be delayed.

Motorcycles will support Honda in the difficult business environment

Honda’s toughness in meeting changes in the business environment comes from the global business foundation built around the three axes of motorcycles, automobiles and power products.

History shows that motorcycles remain strong in a difficult market environment and have always supported Honda in difficult times. People showed renewed interest in the value of motorcycles which consume less fuel for commuting purposes as well as for their easy-to-own/easy-to-use efficiency.

In the newly emerging countries in regions such as Asia and South America where motorcycles are being used for everyday transportation, long-term and steady market growth is expected despite some external factors such as changes in economic conditions.

All-new Wave 100
Honda is planning to install PGM-FI to all motorcycle models sold in Thailand by the end of 2009. The most important model for this FI strategy, Wave 100, will undergo a full model change in January 2009.

Wave 100 series, which is based on the Cub and thus can be called the "Asian Cub," has been a key model for Honda with annual sales of approximately 2.6 million units in seven countries mostly in the ASEAN region. With the all-new Wave 100, fuel economy was further improved. Moreover, by unifying product specifications as a strategy to pursue smooth introduction to multiple production bases, it was possible to achieve improved efficiency during the development and startup of production as well as significant cost reduction. After the introduction in Thailand, the all-new Wave 100 will be introduced sequentially to other ASEAN nations.

Electric motorcycle
Honda is currently developing a battery-powered electric motorcycle which emits no CO2 during operation, because the characteristics of a battery can be better utilized in the area of motorcycles, which are often used for short distance travel. Honda is aiming to introduce this electric motorcycle to the market about two years from now.

Power Products
In its power products business, Honda will focus also on the development of energy creation products to support a mobility society which includes automobiles and motorcycles.


Solar cell business
In October 2007, Honda Soltec began production of thin-film solar cells for residential use. In October 2008, the company entered the solar cell market for public and industrial uses in order to accommodate demands from more customers.

Compact household cogeneration unit
Honda is currently developing a new model of Honda’s ECOWILL compact household cogeneration system, with a target to introduce it to the market in two to three years. The new model will be equipped with an even smaller and more efficient core unit, a unique Honda technology, pursuing a high level of environmental performance.

Mini-tiller
Targeting the rapidly growing demand in the home gardening market in Japan, Honda will introduce a new mini-tiller with a cassette gas-based engine in spring 2009, under the product name Pianta. Honda aims to cultivate new demand by introducing a new product which uses inexpensive and easy-to-handle cassette gas as fuel source.

Conclusion
As we face the next year, while hoping for the earliest recovery of the global economy and the market situation, Honda will develop business plans based on an assumption that the situation will worsen next year and will navigate the company through this challenge.

Especially because this is a difficult time, Honda will not be overwhelmed by immediate matters, but rather, effectively utilize company resources to ensure the steady implementation of long-term initiatives which must be undertaken such as the advancement of environmental technologies. The result of the company’s decisions this time will certainly be realized in the form of attractive new products and technologies in several years. Honda will continue making progress based on the belief that Honda’s new growth potential will become evident beyond that point.

Honda is a company driven to achieve continuous growth by the dreams and passions of each Honda associate. Especially when the company faces difficult times, each associate will maintain a high level of initiative and continue challenging.

Honda will continue earning even more smiles from its customers by creating attractive new products which only Honda can create.

Source: Autotelegraaf via egmcartech.com

VW's New Polo GTI unleashed

Hot hatch fans rejoice – the Golf GTI is getting a little brother!
VW has an all-new Polo on the way in 2009, and is readying the wildest, fastest and sportiest version ever to top the range.

Following in the footsteps of the MkV Golf GTI – which showed VW could still produce amazing performance cars when it launched in 2004 – the Polo GTI looks set to be a sales smash hit.

As you can see, the flagship won’t be short of visual aggression. All the classic GTI design cues are there, from the piano black grille highlighted in red to the GTI badging and deep air intakes.

Neat touches include muscular flared arches, filled by gorgeous alloys. The look is finished off by a subtle roof spoiler and bodykit – and the result is by far the most
distinctive Polo ever made.

Inside, the cabin will see some dramatic leaps in quality, with similar soft-touch plastics to those in the latest MkVI Golf (tested on Page 40). But what will really make the newcomer stand out will be its detailing – which includes figure-hugging sports seats, red piping and racy aluminium pedals.

The next Polo will be similar in size to the outgoing machine. But as it shares the PQ25 small car platform that underpins the latest SEAT Ibiza, more space has been freed up inside. Using this chassis as a base, company engineers will also add stiffer springs and thicker anti-roll bars, plus sophisticated traction and stability control systems.

When it was launched, the MkV Golf GTI set the standard for modern performance VWs, and the Polo GTI aims to have a similar impact. It will combine accurate steering and limited body roll with a compliant ride. Completing the package is a set of upgraded brakes.

However, the Polo’s hottest asset will be its engine: a 1.4-litre supercharged and
turbocharged four-cylinder TSI, which will grace the Ibiza Cupra early in 2009.
This produces 178bhp and 250Nm of torque in the GTI, and gives a 0-60mph time of around seven seconds and a 140mph top speed.

What will make the car fun to drive will be the way its power is delivered. The combination of turbo and supercharging means there will be a broad spread of torque at low revs, with muscular urge continuing all the way to the red line. The engine’s small capacity will also translate into strong economy and CO2 emissions. Figures of 40mpg and less than 150g/km are expected.
As with the Cupra, the GTI gets a six-speed manual box as standard, with a fast-shifting seven-ratio DSG box an option.

While the new Polo is set to make its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the GTI won’t be seen until early 2010. A price of around £15,500 is likely.

VW's New Polo GTI unleashed

Hot hatch fans rejoice – the Golf GTI is getting a little brother!
VW has an all-new Polo on the way in 2009, and is readying the wildest, fastest and sportiest version ever to top the range.

Following in the footsteps of the MkV Golf GTI – which showed VW could still produce amazing performance cars when it launched in 2004 – the Polo GTI looks set to be a sales smash hit.

As you can see, the flagship won’t be short of visual aggression. All the classic GTI design cues are there, from the piano black grille highlighted in red to the GTI badging and deep air intakes.

Neat touches include muscular flared arches, filled by gorgeous alloys. The look is finished off by a subtle roof spoiler and bodykit – and the result is by far the most
distinctive Polo ever made.

Inside, the cabin will see some dramatic leaps in quality, with similar soft-touch plastics to those in the latest MkVI Golf (tested on Page 40). But what will really make the newcomer stand out will be its detailing – which includes figure-hugging sports seats, red piping and racy aluminium pedals.

The next Polo will be similar in size to the outgoing machine. But as it shares the PQ25 small car platform that underpins the latest SEAT Ibiza, more space has been freed up inside. Using this chassis as a base, company engineers will also add stiffer springs and thicker anti-roll bars, plus sophisticated traction and stability control systems.

When it was launched, the MkV Golf GTI set the standard for modern performance VWs, and the Polo GTI aims to have a similar impact. It will combine accurate steering and limited body roll with a compliant ride. Completing the package is a set of upgraded brakes.

However, the Polo’s hottest asset will be its engine: a 1.4-litre supercharged and
turbocharged four-cylinder TSI, which will grace the Ibiza Cupra early in 2009.
This produces 178bhp and 250Nm of torque in the GTI, and gives a 0-60mph time of around seven seconds and a 140mph top speed.

What will make the car fun to drive will be the way its power is delivered. The combination of turbo and supercharging means there will be a broad spread of torque at low revs, with muscular urge continuing all the way to the red line. The engine’s small capacity will also translate into strong economy and CO2 emissions. Figures of 40mpg and less than 150g/km are expected.
As with the Cupra, the GTI gets a six-speed manual box as standard, with a fast-shifting seven-ratio DSG box an option.

While the new Polo is set to make its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the GTI won’t be seen until early 2010. A price of around £15,500 is likely.

BMW’s screaming S54B32 inline-6 laid to rest

The last application of the venerable S54B22 in a BMW car was the BMW Z4 M, which featured the motor in a slightly detuned form as compared to the one that made its debut in the E46 BMW M3. The M3’s S54B32 made 343hp at a screeching 7,900rpm and 365Nm of torque at 4,900rpm while in the Z4 M, this was reduced to 315hp at 7,900rpm and 340Nm at 4,900rpm.

When you look at the S54B32 engine code, it tells you that the engine is a Sport engine from the 54 engine family (S54), is fuelled by Benzine (B), and is 3.2 liters in displacement (32). It uses a cast iron block (to withstand the high pressures), graphite-coated cast aluminium pistons, high 11.5:1 compression, double VANOS, electric throttle operation and one throttle per cylinder.

It won the International Engine of the Year award for the year 2001, together with the Best New Engine award. The engine also took the 3.0 liter to 4.0 liter engine honour from 2001 to 2006.

The S54 will not be used in any BMW application anymore, and in its place is the new N54 twin-turbocharged engine, which makes 326hp in its latest application, the F01 BMW 740i. The two turbochargers are run in parallel, unlike BMW’s twin-turbodiesel which has a sequential arrangement with two turbochargers of different size.

The N54’s peak horsepower output is lower than the S54’s highest rated horsepower but the N54 offers so much more torque - between 400Nm to 450Nm depending on whether it’s in a 1/3-Series or the new F01 7-Series. The torque is also accessible across a much wider range, making it a much more practical engine for daily driving. Thus the “successor” in terms of engine at least to the Z4 M is the new Z4 sDrive35i, but we all know there’s going to be something more exciting when the new Z4 M comes out.

BMW’s screaming S54B32 inline-6 laid to rest

The last application of the venerable S54B22 in a BMW car was the BMW Z4 M, which featured the motor in a slightly detuned form as compared to the one that made its debut in the E46 BMW M3. The M3’s S54B32 made 343hp at a screeching 7,900rpm and 365Nm of torque at 4,900rpm while in the Z4 M, this was reduced to 315hp at 7,900rpm and 340Nm at 4,900rpm.

When you look at the S54B32 engine code, it tells you that the engine is a Sport engine from the 54 engine family (S54), is fuelled by Benzine (B), and is 3.2 liters in displacement (32). It uses a cast iron block (to withstand the high pressures), graphite-coated cast aluminium pistons, high 11.5:1 compression, double VANOS, electric throttle operation and one throttle per cylinder.

It won the International Engine of the Year award for the year 2001, together with the Best New Engine award. The engine also took the 3.0 liter to 4.0 liter engine honour from 2001 to 2006.

The S54 will not be used in any BMW application anymore, and in its place is the new N54 twin-turbocharged engine, which makes 326hp in its latest application, the F01 BMW 740i. The two turbochargers are run in parallel, unlike BMW’s twin-turbodiesel which has a sequential arrangement with two turbochargers of different size.

The N54’s peak horsepower output is lower than the S54’s highest rated horsepower but the N54 offers so much more torque - between 400Nm to 450Nm depending on whether it’s in a 1/3-Series or the new F01 7-Series. The torque is also accessible across a much wider range, making it a much more practical engine for daily driving. Thus the “successor” in terms of engine at least to the Z4 M is the new Z4 sDrive35i, but we all know there’s going to be something more exciting when the new Z4 M comes out.

Fisker to debut Karma S 'Sunset' Concept at Detroit

Fisker's Karma plug-in hybrid sedan may be one of the most attractive designs to take electricity to four wheels, and it's soon to get a stablemate. The company released information today that they will be debuting a new concept that bears the name Karma S at the Detroit Auto Show, with the S standing for Sunset.

Nothing else about the car is yet known, however. The photo reveals very little, showing only a front fender and door line that appears to resemble the Karma very closely. A lack of B-pillar and a generally bright look to the interior hints that this might be a convertible, which works well with the Sunset theme.

A flashy new door insert that looks as if it could also double as some sort of engine bay vent extends a swooping flare down the side of the car as well. The split-spoke alloy wheels are also of a different type than those of the Karma, though they do share a sort of familial look.

Via: Autoblog Green

Fisker to debut Karma S 'Sunset' Concept at Detroit

Fisker's Karma plug-in hybrid sedan may be one of the most attractive designs to take electricity to four wheels, and it's soon to get a stablemate. The company released information today that they will be debuting a new concept that bears the name Karma S at the Detroit Auto Show, with the S standing for Sunset.

Nothing else about the car is yet known, however. The photo reveals very little, showing only a front fender and door line that appears to resemble the Karma very closely. A lack of B-pillar and a generally bright look to the interior hints that this might be a convertible, which works well with the Sunset theme.

A flashy new door insert that looks as if it could also double as some sort of engine bay vent extends a swooping flare down the side of the car as well. The split-spoke alloy wheels are also of a different type than those of the Karma, though they do share a sort of familial look.

Via: Autoblog Green

Seatbelt fine of RM300 from 1st January 2009

From the new year onwards, all passengers in a car whether sitting in the front or back have to buckle up or face a RM300 fine. This only applies if the passenger is over 17 years old, but if you are younger, the driver of the car is the one who will be punished as according to Road Transport Director-General Datuk Solah Mat Hassan, it is the responsibility of the driver to ensure the safety of the minors that they are driving.

This new seatbelt ruling includes the rear seatbelts, but excludes the following:

    * Cars registered before 1st of January 1995
    * Cars registered after the 1st of January 1995 but not equipped with rear seatbelt anchorage points
    * Commercial vehicles such as taxis and rental cars
    * Vehicles with more than 9 seats including the driver’s
    * Transport vehicles with capacity above 3.5 tonnes

Wait, that’s not all. The RM300 fine will be in effect only within a “grace period” of between the 1st of January 2009 to the end of June 2009. From the 1st of July 2009 onwards, this fine will be upped to RM2,000 and you could even go to jail for up to 1 year. Yes, it may seem harsh… but if you buckle up, you won’t have to worry. It’s for your own safety anyway.

Seatbelt fine of RM300 from 1st January 2009

From the new year onwards, all passengers in a car whether sitting in the front or back have to buckle up or face a RM300 fine. This only applies if the passenger is over 17 years old, but if you are younger, the driver of the car is the one who will be punished as according to Road Transport Director-General Datuk Solah Mat Hassan, it is the responsibility of the driver to ensure the safety of the minors that they are driving.

This new seatbelt ruling includes the rear seatbelts, but excludes the following:

    * Cars registered before 1st of January 1995
    * Cars registered after the 1st of January 1995 but not equipped with rear seatbelt anchorage points
    * Commercial vehicles such as taxis and rental cars
    * Vehicles with more than 9 seats including the driver’s
    * Transport vehicles with capacity above 3.5 tonnes

Wait, that’s not all. The RM300 fine will be in effect only within a “grace period” of between the 1st of January 2009 to the end of June 2009. From the 1st of July 2009 onwards, this fine will be upped to RM2,000 and you could even go to jail for up to 1 year. Yes, it may seem harsh… but if you buckle up, you won’t have to worry. It’s for your own safety anyway.

Green Car Journal selects Mitsubishi i MiEV as Possible Green Car Vision Winner

Mitsubishi Motors' i MiEV electric car was selected by the Green Car Journal as one of five nominees for its 2009 Green Car Vision™ award, an honor that recognizes one vehicle that best envisions the future of transportation.

The winner will be announced February 3, 2009 at the Washington Auto Show in Washington D.C.

"We are pleased the i MiEV is getting this recognition," said Dan Kuhnert, executive vice president of Mitsubishi Motors North America. "Its design and execution are ideally suited to meet the urban transportation needs of a rapidly changing world."

The zero-emission i MiEV uses a state-of-the-art, 330-volt lithium-ion battery to power a 47 kW permanent-magnet motor. The compact, lightweight battery is situated under the floor, its small size helping to maximize the roomy four-passenger cabin while minimizing the car's overall footprint.

"Vehicles offering dramatically improved environmental performance are crucial to helping us move beyond today's challenges of oil dependence and growing environmental impacts," explained Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com.

Having completed extensive fleet-testing in Japan for the past two years, Mitsubishi's inventive i MiEV is currently undergoing fleet testing in a joint effort with two California utilities-Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas & Electric. It is scheduled to go on sale to the public in Japan this summer.

Press release via Mitsubishi

Green Car Journal selects Mitsubishi i MiEV as Possible Green Car Vision Winner

Mitsubishi Motors' i MiEV electric car was selected by the Green Car Journal as one of five nominees for its 2009 Green Car Vision™ award, an honor that recognizes one vehicle that best envisions the future of transportation.

The winner will be announced February 3, 2009 at the Washington Auto Show in Washington D.C.

"We are pleased the i MiEV is getting this recognition," said Dan Kuhnert, executive vice president of Mitsubishi Motors North America. "Its design and execution are ideally suited to meet the urban transportation needs of a rapidly changing world."

The zero-emission i MiEV uses a state-of-the-art, 330-volt lithium-ion battery to power a 47 kW permanent-magnet motor. The compact, lightweight battery is situated under the floor, its small size helping to maximize the roomy four-passenger cabin while minimizing the car's overall footprint.

"Vehicles offering dramatically improved environmental performance are crucial to helping us move beyond today's challenges of oil dependence and growing environmental impacts," explained Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com.

Having completed extensive fleet-testing in Japan for the past two years, Mitsubishi's inventive i MiEV is currently undergoing fleet testing in a joint effort with two California utilities-Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas & Electric. It is scheduled to go on sale to the public in Japan this summer.

Press release via Mitsubishi

230 mph, 8-Wheeled Electric Car May be On Sale Soon

If the Tesla Roadster just isn't enough for you...not fast enough, not weird enough, and not expensive enough, then you should probably start looking out for Eliica's. Just two of these Japanese peculio-mobiles currently exist, but the Eliica team is looking to get corporate sponsorship to produce 200 of them.

And, if they get that sponsorship, you'll be able to pick one up for the low, low price of $255,000.

Now, I know what you're thinking...why eight wheels? Well, very simply, so it can go faster. Traditionally, more rolling resistance would be a bad thing, but not if each of the wheels has its own 60 KW electric motor.

The goal of the team building the car at Keio University is to beat the world EV speed record, currently set at 400 mph.

Via EVWorld and AutoBlogGreen

230 mph, 8-Wheeled Electric Car May be On Sale Soon

If the Tesla Roadster just isn't enough for you...not fast enough, not weird enough, and not expensive enough, then you should probably start looking out for Eliica's. Just two of these Japanese peculio-mobiles currently exist, but the Eliica team is looking to get corporate sponsorship to produce 200 of them.

And, if they get that sponsorship, you'll be able to pick one up for the low, low price of $255,000.

Now, I know what you're thinking...why eight wheels? Well, very simply, so it can go faster. Traditionally, more rolling resistance would be a bad thing, but not if each of the wheels has its own 60 KW electric motor.

The goal of the team building the car at Keio University is to beat the world EV speed record, currently set at 400 mph.

Via EVWorld and AutoBlogGreen

Porsche’s Wiedeking Writes Letter From Hell

Wendelin Wiedeking, chief of a bank with attached sheet-metal fabrication named Porsche, used the quiet time between the holidays to sit down and pen a letter to all employees. He had to get it off his chest. Usually, this is the time for well wishes and brave forecasts. This time, it’s different. At least at Porsche. Even the most dopamine-saturated Porsche employee will be deeply depressed after reading Wiedekings new year letter. Sales of Valium and harder drugs, such as Schnapps, probably went through the roof in Zuffenhausen after the letter was opened. Automobilwoche (sub) obtained a copy of the inspirational message.

“Don’t let the high profitability of our company fool you. Dark clouds cover the skies. Due to the crisis in the financial markets, we are in a recession which we had not seen for many decades.” So far, so bad. Everybody who can read or watch TV knows that by now.

The missive continues with the usual yadda yadda of all auto makers being in a deep sales slump. Aber Achtung! Even Porsche, the company that could make more profits than sales, suddenly is not immune: “Despite being better prepared than most of the competition, we will not remain unscathed by the drops in demand.” Uh-oh.  “Reduction in demand” usually is a precursor for “reduction in jobs.” As Wiedeking is looking ahead, the wisdom of building a Cayenne becomes as clear as it possibly can get:


Every Porsche worker will need one, because “in front of us lies a rocky road, and we don’t know its distance.  Surviving the dry spell will demand our utmost dedication and attention.”  Get your Cayenne, top up, and hydrate up, boys!

In case people haven’t gotten it at this point, Wendy spells it out: “We will lower our production. We’d rather build one car less than one too many. ” Still don’t understand where he’s going? Ok, write that down: “There is need for serious belt tightening.”

Ah, wait, there is one optimistic sentence in Wendy’s letter: “With the launch of the Panamera we will surely succeed in stabilizing our sales in the coming year.”

According to the German newspaper Der Tagesspiegel, Wiedeking made (at today’s rate) $142m in 2008. Good reason for the German business daily Handelsblatt to pronounce Wiedeking the “best paid auto manager of the world.” Compared to Wendy, Mulally and Wagoner earn minimum wage. A little belt tightening should be good for the waistline.

But Wiedeking didn’t write the letter to himself. However, he wrote, well, at least he signed it all by himself. Automobilwoche found it worthy to note that the letter was signed by Wiedeking only, and not by the other members of the Porsche board.

Automobilwoche »

Porsche’s Wiedeking Writes Letter From Hell

Wendelin Wiedeking, chief of a bank with attached sheet-metal fabrication named Porsche, used the quiet time between the holidays to sit down and pen a letter to all employees. He had to get it off his chest. Usually, this is the time for well wishes and brave forecasts. This time, it’s different. At least at Porsche. Even the most dopamine-saturated Porsche employee will be deeply depressed after reading Wiedekings new year letter. Sales of Valium and harder drugs, such as Schnapps, probably went through the roof in Zuffenhausen after the letter was opened. Automobilwoche (sub) obtained a copy of the inspirational message.

“Don’t let the high profitability of our company fool you. Dark clouds cover the skies. Due to the crisis in the financial markets, we are in a recession which we had not seen for many decades.” So far, so bad. Everybody who can read or watch TV knows that by now.

The missive continues with the usual yadda yadda of all auto makers being in a deep sales slump. Aber Achtung! Even Porsche, the company that could make more profits than sales, suddenly is not immune: “Despite being better prepared than most of the competition, we will not remain unscathed by the drops in demand.” Uh-oh.  “Reduction in demand” usually is a precursor for “reduction in jobs.” As Wiedeking is looking ahead, the wisdom of building a Cayenne becomes as clear as it possibly can get:


Every Porsche worker will need one, because “in front of us lies a rocky road, and we don’t know its distance.  Surviving the dry spell will demand our utmost dedication and attention.”  Get your Cayenne, top up, and hydrate up, boys!

In case people haven’t gotten it at this point, Wendy spells it out: “We will lower our production. We’d rather build one car less than one too many. ” Still don’t understand where he’s going? Ok, write that down: “There is need for serious belt tightening.”

Ah, wait, there is one optimistic sentence in Wendy’s letter: “With the launch of the Panamera we will surely succeed in stabilizing our sales in the coming year.”

According to the German newspaper Der Tagesspiegel, Wiedeking made (at today’s rate) $142m in 2008. Good reason for the German business daily Handelsblatt to pronounce Wiedeking the “best paid auto manager of the world.” Compared to Wendy, Mulally and Wagoner earn minimum wage. A little belt tightening should be good for the waistline.

But Wiedeking didn’t write the letter to himself. However, he wrote, well, at least he signed it all by himself. Automobilwoche found it worthy to note that the letter was signed by Wiedeking only, and not by the other members of the Porsche board.

Automobilwoche »

Mullet County: Porsche 928 with Blown Chevy V8

Now here's a Mad Max enthusiast's wet dream... and a Porsche-file's nightmare. As its name clearly suggests, the CHEPORSCHE is a 1984 Porsche 928 that has been outfitted with a blown 454 Chevy V8 engine. In true Texan style, the owner of the car has also raised the 928 several inches from the ground. But if you thought the exterior is tacky, wait until you get a look of the GT's cabin... In the extremely rare case that someone finds this heavily abused Porsche attractive, it is up for sale on eBay for $5,999.

Source: eBay Motors , Via: Cardomain

Mullet County: Porsche 928 with Blown Chevy V8

Now here's a Mad Max enthusiast's wet dream... and a Porsche-file's nightmare. As its name clearly suggests, the CHEPORSCHE is a 1984 Porsche 928 that has been outfitted with a blown 454 Chevy V8 engine. In true Texan style, the owner of the car has also raised the 928 several inches from the ground. But if you thought the exterior is tacky, wait until you get a look of the GT's cabin... In the extremely rare case that someone finds this heavily abused Porsche attractive, it is up for sale on eBay for $5,999.

Source: eBay Motors , Via: Cardomain

Ford Fusion Smokes Camry Hybrid on Fuel Economy

If timing is everything, as the old saying goes, then Ford has all the talent of a hurricane the day of an outdoor wedding.

First, the headline. The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid scored a sizable improvement in fuel economy over the Toyota Camry hybrid. The Fusion, on sale in March, has been certified at 41 city/36 highway, compared with 33/34 for the Camry.

That is especially sweet for Ford. When Ford launched its Escape Hybrid SUV, it didn’t seem to get full credit for having the first hybrid SUV on the market because it used some of Toyota’s patented technology. Even though Ford developed the system, the false perception was created that the whole thing was copped from Toyota.

The fact was that Ford ended up using a few bits of Toyota technology that was patented. The truth is that it is hard to do a hybrid system today without running into some patents held by either GM or Toyota. Ford and Toyota have an agreement in place to cross-share, with Ford using a few pieces of Toyota’s hybrid technology, while Toyota is using a few bits of Ford’s direct-injection technology.

But it goes to show how much room there is for engineers at two different companies to take essentially the same technology and achieve different end results by creating their own unique systems. Not that Toyota, I’m thinking, couldn’t have achieved comparable numbers for the Camry. But after you take the battery and other hybrid controller bits and pieces and mate them to a unique engine, and then allow for differences in weight, tuning, features, wheel-base size, there is a lot of room for fuel economy variation.

Ford prioritized scoring the highest possible fuel economy number without compromising performance. Indeed, driving the Fusion Hybrid the last several days, I can attest that I did not miss any performance aspects as I got an average of 37 mpg in combined driving. A good deal of my driving was highway. In city, mileage was closer to 50 owing to the fact that you can go up to 47 mph without using any gas.

Ford introduced the Fusion Hybrid (along with the nearly identical Mercury Milan hybrid) at the LA Auto Show the same week that the Detroit-Three CEOs were testifying before Congress the first time asking for bailout loans. Ford CEO Alan Mulally mentioned the Fusion hybrid to lawmakers and media several times that week, but all the attention was on the private jet he flew to Washington, and his $22 million compensation last year.

Gas is between $1.50 and $1.70 in most of the country these days. That’s not ideal for selling hybrids, and Toyota has found out. That waiting list for Priuses has thinned out quite a bit since summer.
The EPA certification for the Fusion, which smokes the Camry on fuel economy, came out on December 23 when office parties were going on, end of year projects were being completed, pink-slips were going out and last minute shopping was being considered.

If the Fusion’s fuel economy bragging rights weren’t enough to sell the car come Spring, Ford has baked in a number of mid-cycle improvements to the Fusion including a better looking front end and an interior that is a light year better than the original Fusion. The car is seriously handsome now, with a sparkling interior. It is the interior with which Ford should have launched the car. But the original Fusion interior was not designed and approved under the design renaissance of global product chief Derrick Kuzak.

The only thing this car is missing to make a big green splash is a brand reputation for green fuel efficient cars, and, of course, timing.

If gas prices head North again in 2010, though, I’d say Ford is well situated to take advantage and generate some waiting lists of its own. Of course, by that time, GM will be closer to launching the Volt extended range electric, and will probably be sucking most of the oxygen out of the room at that time.

Coming soon….my driving review of the Fusion Hybrid.

Ford Fusion Smokes Camry Hybrid on Fuel Economy

If timing is everything, as the old saying goes, then Ford has all the talent of a hurricane the day of an outdoor wedding.

First, the headline. The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid scored a sizable improvement in fuel economy over the Toyota Camry hybrid. The Fusion, on sale in March, has been certified at 41 city/36 highway, compared with 33/34 for the Camry.

That is especially sweet for Ford. When Ford launched its Escape Hybrid SUV, it didn’t seem to get full credit for having the first hybrid SUV on the market because it used some of Toyota’s patented technology. Even though Ford developed the system, the false perception was created that the whole thing was copped from Toyota.

The fact was that Ford ended up using a few bits of Toyota technology that was patented. The truth is that it is hard to do a hybrid system today without running into some patents held by either GM or Toyota. Ford and Toyota have an agreement in place to cross-share, with Ford using a few pieces of Toyota’s hybrid technology, while Toyota is using a few bits of Ford’s direct-injection technology.

But it goes to show how much room there is for engineers at two different companies to take essentially the same technology and achieve different end results by creating their own unique systems. Not that Toyota, I’m thinking, couldn’t have achieved comparable numbers for the Camry. But after you take the battery and other hybrid controller bits and pieces and mate them to a unique engine, and then allow for differences in weight, tuning, features, wheel-base size, there is a lot of room for fuel economy variation.

Ford prioritized scoring the highest possible fuel economy number without compromising performance. Indeed, driving the Fusion Hybrid the last several days, I can attest that I did not miss any performance aspects as I got an average of 37 mpg in combined driving. A good deal of my driving was highway. In city, mileage was closer to 50 owing to the fact that you can go up to 47 mph without using any gas.

Ford introduced the Fusion Hybrid (along with the nearly identical Mercury Milan hybrid) at the LA Auto Show the same week that the Detroit-Three CEOs were testifying before Congress the first time asking for bailout loans. Ford CEO Alan Mulally mentioned the Fusion hybrid to lawmakers and media several times that week, but all the attention was on the private jet he flew to Washington, and his $22 million compensation last year.

Gas is between $1.50 and $1.70 in most of the country these days. That’s not ideal for selling hybrids, and Toyota has found out. That waiting list for Priuses has thinned out quite a bit since summer.
The EPA certification for the Fusion, which smokes the Camry on fuel economy, came out on December 23 when office parties were going on, end of year projects were being completed, pink-slips were going out and last minute shopping was being considered.

If the Fusion’s fuel economy bragging rights weren’t enough to sell the car come Spring, Ford has baked in a number of mid-cycle improvements to the Fusion including a better looking front end and an interior that is a light year better than the original Fusion. The car is seriously handsome now, with a sparkling interior. It is the interior with which Ford should have launched the car. But the original Fusion interior was not designed and approved under the design renaissance of global product chief Derrick Kuzak.

The only thing this car is missing to make a big green splash is a brand reputation for green fuel efficient cars, and, of course, timing.

If gas prices head North again in 2010, though, I’d say Ford is well situated to take advantage and generate some waiting lists of its own. Of course, by that time, GM will be closer to launching the Volt extended range electric, and will probably be sucking most of the oxygen out of the room at that time.

Coming soon….my driving review of the Fusion Hybrid.

The show ain’t over until Honda says it’s over: Honda NSX concept coming to Detroit?

It was recently reported by AutoExpress that Honda has shelved plans to build the Acura/Honda NSX supercar. Honda made no comment on the report that said Honda pulled the plug on the 600-hp supercar due to the economic slowdown.

Well, Autotelegraaf is now saying that Honda will bring the final NSX concept to the 2009 Detroit Auto Show next month. The report says that the concept will be very close to the final production version which will make its debut at the end of 2009 in Tokyo and 2010 in Europe.

The news comes a couple days after Toyota announced that it will still bring the Lexus LF-A to the market by 2011 despite the current economic situation.

Source: Autotelegraaf