New Chevrolet 3S dealership on Penang island

Chevrolet owners in the northern region have another full-fledged dealership to look after their vehicles. The new Chevrolet dealership, situated at Jalan Pinang, on Penang island, is the seventh new one to be opened since HICOM-Chevrolet took over distributorship. It is operated by Cergazam Sdn Bhd which also has dealerships in Petaling Jaya, Prai and Johor Bahru.

“We are extremely delighted to be awarded a fourth Chevrolet dealership. It is a strong reflection on the confidence that HICOM-Chevrolet has placed in our capability to help boost the Chevrolet brand in Malaysia,” said Eddie Chai, Managing Director of Cergazam.

“Our commitment to deliver on the Chevrolet brand promise of quality and value is well noted by this award. It is certainly a significant milestone for Cergazam following our decision to venture into the automotive industry. Indeed, Chevrolet cars are renowned throughout the world for its world-class quality and value and we are proud to be associated with this global brand,” he added.

Cergazam's flagship 3S dealership in Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Speaking on behalf of HICOM-Chevrolet, its CEO, Yukontorn Wisadkosin said: “Today’s launch marks the seventh Chevrolet 3S centre in Malaysia, which reflects on Chevrolet’s commitment and keeping our promise to bring convenience of service and the Chevrolet quality and value to our customers across Malaysia.”

“Our new mantra, ‘Chevrolution’ – a philosophy that is focused on the buyer – is emphasized and carried through in all that we do. At any one of our 3S dealerships, Chevrolet customers can expect quality service and a one-stop convenience from sales to service and spare parts – this is what we mean by a 3S centre. Chevrolet customers can be fully assured that all our service centres will be 3S-only”, said Ms Wisadkosin.

Commending Cergazam efforts, she added, “Our hitherto experience with Cergazam assures us with absolute confidence their capabilities in meeting our mission to strengthen the Chevrolet brand in Malaysia. Cergazam has clearly proven this with the three other Chevrolet 3S centers they operate that they are truly committed to help us take Chevrolet to the next level”, continued Ms Wisadkosin.

The opening event, which also coincided with the first anniversary of the launch of the Captiva in Malaysia, saw many Chevrolet owners coming from as far as Kuala Lumpur to join in the celebration.

The Captiva also celebrates its first anniversary in Malaysia this weekend. Over 500 units have been sold since its launch.

Cergazam is also celebrating its first anniversary in the auto dealership business. In conjunction with this milestone, Cergazam is offering up to RM5,000 services voucher and 5 years extended warranty for Chevrolet vehicles, as part of its Anniversary Sales Package. During the month of November, Cergazam also offered an Anniversary Service Package to customers who came to a Cergazam service centre for service after receiving a SMS from the company.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV

During the past decade, development of alternative ways to move cars accelerated and this decade is seeing production models either going on sale or in the final phase of testing. Different manufacturers have focused on different approaches although some have also chosen a range of options since no one is sure which will actually be the right one.

For Mitsubishi Motor Corporation (MMC), electric vehicles or EVs have been a strong focus since the 1970s (although it has also explored other solutions), initially in response to air pollution. In fact, in 1971, the company already made its first EVs - around 150 electrically-powered variants of its Minicab and Minicar that were supplied to government agencies and power companies.

The early Mitsubishi EVs used lead-acid batteries (the same as what you have in your car’s engine bay) which were the only high-capacity storage batteries available then. However, lead and acid are poisonous so the future of such batteries for EVs was not there and when lithium-ion battery technology became available in the 1990s, this became the choice of most EV manufacturers.

MMC has positioned EVs as the pinnacle of its environmental technology and the culmination of its almost 40 years of development is the i-MiEV (or ‘i-meef’, as it is referred to), an electric variant of the innovative Mitsubishi i car. The i-car, which was displayed at the last KL International Motorshow, has a radical design and compact size that lead many to think it was an EV but it actually has a petrol engine.

The unique construction of the i-car, which has its engine mounted towards the back of the cabin and the fuel tank under the middle, was ideal for switching to an electric powertrain. In place of the 35-litre fuel tank, a flat lithium-ion 330V battery pack with a capacity of 16 kWh is under the floor and the hardware for the permanent magnet synchronous electric motor goes under and behind the rear seat. The battery pack is a heavy item and positioning it low and in the middle also benefits vehicle dynamics.

The electric motor may be small and light and produce only 47 kW but when it comes to torque, it sure packs a punch! As the chart show, 180 Nm is available from start to what would be the equivalent of a third of the rpm range of the 660 cc turbocharged engine of the i-car. In comparison, the petrol engine’s torque curve starts much lower down and never gets anywhere near 180 Nm. But that’s a normal characteristic for a petrol engine and a small one can only deliver so much torque.

Driving range on a full charge is the big issue for EVs and one which has been of concern to consumers. If you have to keep recharging to drive long distances, then it’s not going to be much fun and furthermore, will there be recharging stations available? Extending the range has been a major challenge but as battery technology has advanced, this has slowly improved and the i-MiEV has a claimed 160 kms using the Japanese 10-15 mode (an industry standard for fuel consumption measurement) at an average speed of 22.7 km/h. That suggests the car is pretty much an urban commuter rather than for intercity travel. A top speed of 130 km/h is possible but that also means the battery ‘juice’ will drain faster and range will be reduced. There is regenerative charging which captures ‘wasted' energy during braking and coasting to recharge the battery but this is not significant.

Until recent years, EVs have required special charging stations, a fact that was very discouraging since consumer acceptance of such vehicles would be dependent on the assurance of an extensive network of stations – an infrastructure which would be costly and take a long time to establish. The i-MiEV eliminates this issue by having a plug-in recharging system where the car can be hooked up to a household power socket (like the one you have powering your computer) and fully charged within 7 to 14 hours, depending on whether it’s a 200V or 100V supply. There’s also the option of a quick-charging system (which requires a 3-phase 50 kW/200V supply) that will have the battery pack 80% charged within 30 minutes.

BRIEF DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
As Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) had brought in an i-MiEV to display at the International Petroleum Technology Conference in Kuala Lumpur, the company gave the motoring media a chance to also try the car. Given that the range was limited on one charge, the route was short and confined to the area around the Saujana Golf and Country Club near the old Subang Airport in Selangor.

Driving EVs is not new to me as I have been in a few over the past ten years. I recall the very first experience in a Toyota RAV4 EV (yes, Toyota did make such a variant) in 1997 where I turned the starter switch a few times because all my driving life, I had been conditioned that turning the key was accompanied by some sound and a bit of vibration as the engine fired up. The engineer had to stop me and said, ‘No need – already on’. Then it dawned on me that with an electric motor, nothing happens till you start using it and turning the switch only allows it to start operating.

Plug-in capability allows i-MiEV to recharge using household electrical outlets

Inside the lithium-ion battery pack which is positioned under the middle of the car

I always remembered that whenever I drove an EV and it was the same with the i-MiEV except the MMC engineers must have found that virtually all drivers do need some sort of confirmation that all systems as ‘GO’ so when the switch is turned, a ‘READY’ light comes on in the instrument panel along with a soft chime!

As expected, the car surged forward like a Tamiya R/C model with so much torque coming right at the start and the weight only 1,080 kgs. There was no wheelspin, however, because the electric motor is at the back and the drive wheels are also at the back but as mentioned earlier, the battery pack in the middle helps to balance the weight distribution. Having driven the i-car last year, I felt the i-MiEV had a better ride although both cars still didn’t take bumps too well, probably because the wheels are small.

The interior is spacious for a minicar and the dashboard is laid out sensibly. It's amazing that MMC chose to give the i-MiEV quite a number of exclusive parts which only makes production cost higher when this is a low volume model (2,000 units annually at the start). But then again, it may be that the designers felt it's necessary to give the car a more high-tech image to emphasise its uniqueness.

There was no chance to check out the performance but it certainly zipped around briskly. However, hard driving will certainly drain the battery faster so an owner would have to be conscious of the fact all the time and refrain from enjoying the exhilaration of acceleration too often.

An EV makes almost no sound as it moves, which is great for the environment and great for the occupants but I wonder if it might become dangerous for pedestrians. Today, we can hear a car coming up behind and move out of the way but you might not hear an EV (especially older folks whose hearing might be poorer). So it might be pertinent for carmakers to look into this matter and perhaps have some sort of scanner like a parking sensor which will be able to identify humans and sound the horn automatically if the driver does not do so.

The i-MiEV is now going through real-world testing as MMC has supplied it to various Japanese companies to use daily. It will then be offered for sale to the public sometime in 2009 only in Japan. From next year, roadtests will also commence in selected markets with a view towards introducing the car there as well.

The projected price in Japan is around 3 million yen (about RM114,000 at today’s rates) - double that of the i-car - and that price is with a government subsidy (already confirmed). The cost of R&D has been high to make the i-MiEV a reality for the public to buy but if MMC is to include the R&D cost, the even higher price would be totally unacceptable.

It is for this reason that carmakers keep emphasizing that while they are prepared to undertake the huge investments – and risks – of developing advanced new technologies for more environment-friendly vehicles, when the vehicles are ready to be sold, governments must also share in the cost by providing subsidies to keep prices down to acceptable levels. This is crucial because the carmakers need to get up to volumes that give real economies of scale and can start to push costs down. Many governments don’t seem to see that the carmakers have done their share of ‘corporate social responsibility’ for the betterment of the country’s environment and they need the subsidy to help them make it worthwhile.

All-New Nissan 370Z

In the nearly 40 years since the first-generation S30 model debuted in 1969 as the Fairlady in Japan and 240Z overseas, it has as earned a reputation as one of the most desirable sportscars in the world, with approximately 1.7 million units sold to date. The iconic sportscar evolved over time and became more powerful but market trends changed too and by 1996, Nissan found sales too low in its major market, the USA, to justify keeping the model alive and made no plans for a successor. However, when Carlos Ghosn moved into Nissan, he supported calls to bring back the sportscar and approved development of an all-new model which went on sale in 2003. This weekend, the all-new second generation gets its first sales launch in Japan.

Carlos Ghosn supported the revival of the Z and approved development of a new model for the 21st century

The latest Z – now designated 370Z - embodies the first generation's signature “Z-ness” in terms of high performance, design and high value, incorporates dramatic advances in dynamic performance and perceived quality. The new 370Z’s unmistakable front-engine, rear-drive body proportions only hint at the overwhelming performance inherent under its beautifully sculpted skin. Further suggestion of the exhilarating driving experience that awaits is given by its iconic “Z-ness” – from the dynamic character line that runs from the headlights to the rear, delineating the waistline and cabin arch to the flared rear fenders that strongly accentuate the drive wheels.

The headlights and the rear combination lamps function as the "stop, flick and pullout" motions that end brush strokes in calligraphy. Their treatment produces a “boomerang motion” that has the intended effect of drawing all the styling elements together.

The wheelbase of the new 370Z has been shortened by 100 mm from that of the previous model, a move that is claimed to make handling more crisp and enhance dynamic performance as well as give a more aggressive sport stance.

The new model weighs approximately the same as the previous model, despite its enhanced equipment features and the body rigidity measures that have been adopted to improve safety performance. Significant weight savings were achieved by using aluminium for the bonnet, door panels and hatchback and by optimizing various body structures.

The new Z’s cockpit design pursues a sense of solid security and a feeling of unity with the driver. For example, a wire frame was added to the shoulder portions of the driver's seat for better support. The cushion and main section of the seatback are covered with a slide-resistant suede material. A low driver’s seat hip point keeps the body from shifting laterally, providing support for withstanding powerful cornering forces. These features, along with a lumbar support, enable the driver to maintain a proper driving posture at all times.

The interior features a new suede cloth which can be attached to 3-dimensional panel surfaces (something that was not possible with the types of trim cloth used previously). This high-quality, dense suede cloth has a pleasing tactile feel and imparts a soft, embracing sensation to the cockpit area. The lid of the centre stack storage bin is covered with a new soft-touch synthetic leather that is embellished with double stitching. Meticulous attention was also paid to the material, firmness and finish of the driver's kneepad, providing comfortable support for the inside knee. The centre armrest is thoughtfully rounded to avoid interfering with the driver's shifting action.

In addition, the layout of the pedals and steering wheel was revised for easier operation, enabling the driver to execute driving actions quickly. The front pillars are positioned so as to allow the driver to see ahead easily on curves, while maintaining wide visibility to the right and left sides.

The three large-diameter, independent meters feature a sporty design, excellent legibility and superior functionality. The diameter of both the tachometer and speedometer was increased and the shape of the steering wheel rim was extended outward on both sides to expand the visible area of the meters. The traditional trio of ancillary gauges, a signature Z design from the first-generation, now has an oil temperature gauge as befitting a true sports car (instead of an oil pressure gauge).

This new model is the first in the Z series to adopt Nissan's Intelligent Key system and a push-button engine starter. When the “Engine Start” button is pushed, the needles of the tachometer, speedometer and the trio of three gauges swing in unison as the engine comes to life.

New 3.7-litre VQ engine has world's first 6-speed manual transmission with synchronized rev control
The new 370Z is powered by the VQ37VHR engine with Nissan's Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) system. It generates a maximum output 247 kW/(336 ps) at 7000 rpm and maximum torque of 365 Nm at 5200 rpm.

A world's first is claimed for the 6-speed manual transmission with synchronized rev control that regulates the engine speed to the optimum level, matching the driver's shifting action when changing gears. Also available is a 7-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode that lets drivers enjoy the direct shifting sensation of a manual gearbox along with world-class shift response.

The chassis combines a double-wishbone front suspension with a multi-link rear suspension. In addition to adopting a dual-flow-path construction and internal rebound springs, the shock absorbers incorporate high-responsive ripple control to provide both excellent handling response and supple ride comfort.

Aluminium-caliper opposed-piston Akebono brakes are fitted at all four wheels for driving ease in urban areas and in congested traffic, together with stable braking performance on winding roads and in high-speed cruising.

In the Japanese market, Nissan expects to sell 500 new 370Zs a month at prices ranging from 3,622,500 yen (RM138,017) to 4,462,500 yen (RM170,021). Exports should begin in the new year with the US market obviously being among the first to get the car since that is where the Z has been so loved by enthusiasts.

Toyota Hilux for Rain Forest Challenge

For this year’s Malaysian Rainforest Challenge (RFC) - internationally known as one of the world’s toughest 4x4 off-road adventure events – the Toyota Hilux will serve as support vehicle. Four units have been specially prepared by UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) for the event which will be held in Terengganu from December 5 - 14 2008.

UMWT was unhesitant about providing the Hilux since its toughness has long been proven and the RFC would showcase the vehicle’s capabilities in extreme conditions which are likely to include floods and muddy tracks if current weather conditions are an indication.

“The history of the Hilux has been a story of continuous development based on customer’s needs all over the world. It has become a legendary and trusted 4x4 vehicle in the global market,” said UMWT’s MD, Kuah Kock Heng.


Mr Kuah added: “Given such a reputation, we truly believe that our tough and reliable Toyota is up to the mark and can withstand extreme conditions that it will encounter during the Rainforest Challenge. Being the support vehicles mean that the Hilux will be used extensively on the rough terrain to support the participating teams and must be reliable enough to do the job.”

The reputation for toughness and reliability has made the Hilux a highly respected product for those whose businesses require a tough ‘business partner’. As of September 2008, UMWT has sold more than 60,000 units of the Hilux, capturing 45% market share of its segment and a clear leader in the pick-up segment.


The four units of Hilux UMWT is providing are the 2.5D STD 4x4 Manual version. No modifications have been done to the D-4D 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine with Common Rail Direct Injection system which produces 75 kW/102 ps of power at 3600 rpm and 260 Nm of torque at 1600 rpm. However, additional parts and equipment necessary for the role that the vehicles will play have been installed, along with items that are mandatory for off-road driving.

Third Generation Lexus RX350/Toyota Harrier

During the 1990s, while sales of sedans slowed in the US market, demand for SUVs soared. The compact Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V were partly responsible for the trend, having shown that SUVs can be comfortable and drive like passenger cars. Prior to these two models arriving on the scene, SUVs had been derivatives of pick-ups trucks, riding on chassis frames which made them less comfortable and handling was not all that great.

Toyota watched the SUV trend taking off and saw that car-buyers tastes were changing. The image of the SUV was appealing, conveying a rugged and adventurous image – even if the owners never ventured further off-road than the beach. At Lexus USA, there was evidence that 15% of owners were buying a SUV as their next car but Lexus didn’t have a SUV then.

First generation RX300


Second generation RX350

This led to the development of the Lexus RX300 (Toyota Harrier in Japan) which, like the RAV4, was a ‘parts-bin special’ meaning it used many parts and systems from existing models, thereby lowering cost and reducing development time. For example, the front suspension was the same as that in the 1997 Camry and the 4WD system was from the Celica GT4, all proven mechanicals. This made it possible for the development time to be just 18 months and Program Manager T. Uchimoto recalled that the short program time was a considerable competitive advantage because the final design and specs could be set at the last possible moment.

Surveys showed that people liked the idea of the SUV but they also wanted comfort and good handling dynamics and of course, decent performance on the road. 4WD was not the most important thing though it was a selling feature.

Around the time the RX300 was being developed, Mercedes-Benz had introduced a new SUV, the M-Class, which brought refinement and luxury to the SUV class (up till then, only the Range Rover could claim that). Lexus, already acknowledged as the luxury segment leader in the US market, aimed to take on the M-Class but its engineers adopted a different approach; instead of using to the truck-based chassis-frame construction that the Germans believed was necessary to maintain off-road durability, the RX300 had monocoque construction, like a passenger car’s where the bodyshell and floorpan are welded as a single unit.

The result was a new benchmark in SUV design with the RX300 offering refinement, and comfort plus the things which people liked about a SUV such as high ground clearance and moderate ‘go-anywhere’ capability. Lexus didn’t boast about how the RX300 could take a family across the desert or search for ruins in the Brazil but it said that the model had full-time 4WD for poor weather and road conditions. The refinement was impressive (the engineers liked to say ‘NVH’ did not mean ‘Noise, Vibration and Harshness’ but ‘No Vibration and Harshness’!) as it was claimed that road noise in the RX300 was as low as that in the GS400 sedan.

The RX300 went on sale in March 1998 and in the years that followed, it became the top-selling luxury SUV in the USA. Demand was so great that Toyota decided to have it produced in Canada for the North American market, the first time a Lexus model was allowed to be made outside Japan (a move which some of the manufacturing people didn’t agree with as they felt that ‘Made-in-Japan’ was a significant feature for Lexus).

The RX has gone through two generations now and in Los Angeles yesterday, the third generation was shown to the world for the first time. Completely redesigned, it is said to set new benchmarks in areas that have made it such a success: innovation, styling, performance, utility and comfort.

Third generation (left) and second generation (right)
The exterior of the all-new RX has a strong stance and powerful new body design with the goal of enhancing comfort and maneuverability. The inverted-trapezoid design in the front and the horizontally integrated rear are incorporated together via a pronounced shoulder along the RX's profile. Overall dimensions are slightly increased but aerodynamic efficiency is still a segment-topping 0.32 Cd, thanks in part to a specially-designed undertray.

RX450h has unique styling features

The RX 450h hybrid will have its own unique styling features, including an exclusive grille, hybrid badging including blue-trimmed Lexus logos, unique front bumper, a special 19-inch optional wheel design, blue-tinted headlamps and taillamps, and optional LED headlamps.

The new RX350 (there might be a 3-litre engine for some markets) and RX450h hybrid have improved powertrains. The RX 450h gets an enhanced Hybrid Drive system with a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine which delivers a total system output of 295 bhp, 27 bhp more than the powerplant in the RX hybrid before.

The RX 450h can be ordered with front-wheel or electronically-driven, part-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) which supplies the rear wheels with the optimal amount of torque as conditions demand. Unlike mechanical AWD systems that reduce fuel efficiency due to added weight and friction, the RX 450h's rear-mounted electric motor-generator allows all four wheels to perform regenerative braking, charging the hybrid battery more effectively.

The new RX 350 has an improved 275-bhp 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine mated to an electrically controlled, sequential-shift 6-speed transaxle. The AWD version has an Active Torque Control AWD system that optimizes torque depending on driving conditions, resulting in improved efficiency and performance.

The suspension has a new, uniquely designed double-wishbone rear suspension said to provide exceptional agility and control. To complement this new rear suspension and provide excellent dexterity and ride comfort, the front MacPherson strut geometry has been optimized.



RX350 instrument panel


RX450h instrument panel
The new RX offers a number of Lexus-first technologies that are intended to enhance the ownership experience. Customers can order a Hard Disk Drive-based navigation system with a "Remote Touch" controller that is both intuitive and ergonomic. Positioned on the centre console, it is as natural to the driver's hand as a computer mouse. While the RX will feature voice recognition as standard, the new navigation system will also include a new casual language voice-recognition system that acknowledges conversational commands.

The spacious 5-passenger interior includes a new "dual-zone cockpit" design. This intuitive layout helps the driver navigate the advanced interior of the new RX, which features two distinct yet integrated zones: a "display zone" and an "operation zone." The "display zone" assists the driver via an 8-inch, navigation display that is set back in the dash for improved visibility. A white Organic LED multi-informational display ensures exceptional readability from a wide angle. An optional Heads-up Display is also available and its high-intensity LEDs make the display bright enough to be read in direct sunlight. The "operation zone" provides access and control to a large range of information through the available "Remote Touch" navigation controller and the steering-wheel-mounted multi-information switch.

The third generation RX will go on sale in North America in early 2009 and other markets like Malaysia should see it being launched later in the year.

L.A. Auto Show 2008, a New Automotive Era

Posted by Dave Terebessy

On November 19th the doors of the Los Angeles Convention Center will open for “press days” at the 102nd annual Los Angeles Auto Show. The public gets their turn starting Friday November 21st.

Our Honda booth at the Paris Motor Show. was impressive, but L.A. will be privy to some new, exciting stuff. I can’t give away any specifics, but I can tell you that the Insight Concept will be featured front and center, and there may be some surprises along the way.

This is my first auto show as a Honda employee so I’m really looking forward to it. The L.A. Auto Show is known for its emphasis on showcasing design and green technology, so I expect quite a few unveilings on the efficiency front this year. Los Angeles is big on hybrids and it’s a very prominent automotive market. And the entire industry is focused on efficiency these days.

I have a lot of work to do to get ready—our Honda press conference is tomorrow morning. Be sure to come back soon for all the latest news from the show.

A Silver Bullet for Green?

Posted by William Walton III on November 25, 2008 5:38 PM

Walking around the Honda display at the L.A. Auto Show, I am reminded that there is no real silver bullet for green—at least in the near term. Sure the spotlight is on our exciting new concept vehicles like the hydrogen-powered FC Sport design study, the CR-Z hybrid concept and the Insight Concept. But we also proudly feature vehicles you can buy today, like the Civic Hybrid, the Fit, and a shiny Civic GX natural-gas vehicle as well as the available Phill®[1] Station.

So, gasoline, hybrid, electric, natural gas, fuel cell—which one is best?

At Honda, we believe strongly in the potential of hydrogen fuel cell technology. Hydrogen is a clean energy source. We’re excited by the possibilities for our compact and efficient V Flow Fuel Cell powertrain. It has allowed us to design the FCX Clarity as a comfortable sedan in the hands of real drivers today, and to envision the FC Sport design study, which illustrates what the future of high-performance sports cars could be.

However, there are many hurdles yet to cross before hydrogen fueling can be made available to a large market. The infrastructure is not yet in place to support widespread adoption of this promising technology. We are working on solutions to that issue—such as the Home Energy Station, which generates hydrogen from natural gas and is designed to provide heat and electricity for the home through fuel cell cogeneration and to supply fuel for a hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle.

Until hydrogen refueling is more convenient and widely deployed, we believe the best approach is to explore and bring to market a range of technologies that people can start to use right now. For example, the AT-PZEV[2] Civic GX NGV runs on compressed natural gas—a source of energy that’s cleaner than gasoline and readily available today.

And since the most widely available fuel source right now is still gasoline, we are happy to be able to offer more fuel-efficient vehicles like the 35-mpg Honda Fit[3] and our hybrid vehicles: the Civic Hybrid, the soon-to-be-released Insight and the CR-Z concept .

Although widespread fuel cell use is still a ways away, there are viable alternatives available today that can serve as stepping stones on the way to a gasoline-free future. So the answer to which technology is best right now? Whatever works with your lifestyle.

--Will

Acura Achieves Historic First in Crash Test Ratings Entire Acura Line-up Receives IIHS Top Safety Rating

For the first and only time in the history of Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) testing, an automobile nameplate has earned the prestigious TOP SAFETY PICK rating for every vehicle in its entire line-up. To accomplish this safety milestone, all 2009 Acura luxury sedans and SUVs received the highest possible rating in each IIHS crash test and feature the Acura Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) electronic stability control system as standard equipment.

"TOP SAFETY PICK winners are the top performers in tough front, side, and rear crash tests, and they have electronic stability control, a crucial technology that can help drivers avoid many crashes altogether," says Institute president Adrian Lund. "Acura's achievement means that no matter which Acura model buyers choose, they're getting state-of-the-art protection for the most common kinds of real-world crashes."

To complete the Acura feat, earlier today the IIHS announced that the all-new 2009 Acura TL performance luxury sedan garnered its top safety rating of "GOOD" for each category, including Frontal Offset Crash Test, Side Impact Collision Evaluation (SICE) and Rear Crash Protection. The completely redesigned 2009 TL went on sale in September and is Acura's top selling performance luxury sedan.

"With every Acura vehicle we build, safety is at the forefront throughout the entire design process," said John Mendel, executive vice president of automobile operations. "We are extremely proud that Acura is the first and only nameplate to ever earn this safety distinction."

In addition, all 2009 Acura vehicles have earned top governmental crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA*) for NCAP Frontal Crash tests-the most common form of vehicle accident.

The top crash safety ratings are a direct result of Acura's "Safety Through Innovation" initiative that is based on the brand's commitment to leadership in safety. The initiative's goal is for all Acura models to provide a high level of occupant protection along with injury mitigation to pedestrians, as well as increased crash compatibility with other vehicles, regardless of size or price.

For 2009, all Acura models include as standard equipment the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure along with a host of other standard safety equipment including Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), anti-lock braking system (ABS), dual-stage/dual-threshold front airbags, side airbags with front passenger Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS), active head restraints for front seats, front seatbelts with automatic tensioning system and load limiters, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Daytime Running Lights (DRL).

Acura's ACE™ body structure is designed to help absorb the energy of a frontal crash, while also helping to minimize the potential for an "under-ride" or "over-ride" phenomenon that can occur during frontal impact with a significantly larger, smaller, higher or lower vehicle. ACE™ channels frontal crash energy to both upper and lower structural elements, including the floor frame rails, side sills and A-pillars. These specially engineered load pathways help distribute frontal impact forces through a greater percentage of the vehicle's total structure and away from the passenger compartment.

Acura engineers have the advantage of being able to utilize two ultra-sophisticated crash test facilities, including the world's first indoor multi-directional car-to-car crash testing facility, located in Tochigi, Japan. This facility has played a crucial role in the development of enhanced designs for occupant and pedestrian safety as well as vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility.

Along with the Japan facility, Acura also conducts extensive safety testing on all U.S. developed models at the company's Automotive Safety Research Facility which is located in Raymond, Ohio. The facility features the world's first pitching test sled, which aids efficiency by enabling economical, repeatable and quick crash test simulations with certain interior safety components (such as seats and seatbelts) prior to conducting a crash test with an actual vehicle. It also features one of the world's highest resolution impact barriers, which enables precise measurement of the distribution of impact load forces on a vehicle allowing for even more advanced vehicle designs.

Acura has been the first to market on many safety technologies including: the first production vehicle in the U.S. to offer a 4-channel braking system; the first production vehicle with a passenger-side airbag with height and position sensors; the first car to have dual-stage driver- and passenger-side airbags; the first luxury SUV to receive a 5-Star crash safety rating from NHTSA; and the first production vehicle to offer Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) that varies the deployment of the passenger side airbag depending on the occupant's body location.

As part of its commitment to improving safety for all road users, Acura has also led the U.S. industry in the application of features designed to reduce injuries to pedestrians in a collision- such as collapsible hood hinges and breakaway windshield wiper pivots, with a focus on reducing severe head injuries, which account for 60 percent of pedestrian fatalities. In addition, the company sought to better understand the dynamics of pedestrian collisions, thus it developed the POLAR II safety test dummy which is widely recognized as the world's most advanced pedestrian safety test dummy.

About IIHS
The IIHS is a not-for-profit organization that conducts independent testing to help reduce losses - deaths, injuries, and property damage - from crashes on the nation's highways, and provides its findings to automotive insurers. IIHS has been conducting vehicle testing since 1969, and while it conducts impact crash tests similar to those conducted by NHTSA, IIHS tests make use of offset barriers rather than full-vehicle-width barriers.

Based on post crash test analysis, IIHS rates crash safety using four ratings: Good, Acceptable, Marginal and Poor. IIHS also conducts other vehicle safety tests including low-speed bumper impact tests and seat headrest evaluations based on rear impact tests. IIHS information and vehicle ratings can be obtained by visiting www.iihs.org.

About Acura
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 271 dealers within the United States. The 2009 Acura lineup features five distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX crossover SUV and the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle.
For media information and high-resolution photos of all Acura vehicles, please visit www.acuranews.com. For consumer information, please visit www.acura.com.

*Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). All models tested with standard side-impact air bags (SABs).

All About Hybrid Cars

By Mat Yie

Hybrid cars work in a variety of ways. The most basic hybrid car is powered by a gas engine, but also keeps a charge in a bank of batteries.

Hybrid cars and the power grid

Hybrids AREN'T "plugable" cars. There aren't any "plugable" hybrids in the market. A few people may add some extra batteries that may require a plug, but that is not a standard vehicle. Hybrid cars are not all fuel-sippers. Some have high performance and high prices.

Hybrid cars aren't a fad. Nearly every major automobile manufacturer has announced either the launch of a hybrid car or plans for a launch. Hybrid cars don't use gasoline when they idle. The motor on a hybrid car acts as a starter that turns the engine on when it's needed and off when it's not needed (for example, when stopped at a red light). Hybrid car prices for the 2005 Honda Accord sedan start at $16,295 up to $32,140. The Accord is a perennial favorite around the world.

Hybrid cars operate differently depending on your current driving modes. We can divide your typical driving into 5 different modes. They are just as fuel efficient. It depends on how the hybrid/petrol relationship is constructed within the car but something like a Toyota Prius is very fuel efficient around town. Hybrid car batteries are constructed with hundreds of cells.

Hybrid car may not be fuel efficient if you don't use bettery, that's being said we are using two sources of fuel. Try to call it fuel efficient. Hybrid cars, which combine the power of an electric motor with a gasoline engine, are often presented as a transitional technology that will eventually be supplanted by fuel cell cars. This argument rests on an assumption which may or may not be valid - that on-board hydrogen, used to create electricity using fuel cells - is a better electricity storage medium than batteries. Hybrid cars aren't just for tree huggers anymore! There's a growing number of options, and you don't have to sacrifice performance or practicality to save money on gas.

Hybrid cars use two or more sources of power. The Lexus LS 600h's makers say the car is the world's first luxury hybrid saloon, combining a five-litre V8 petrol engine with large high-output electric motors. Hybrid car prices vary based on the model and extras, and may also vary among dealers. Hybrid cars are as safe as any other vehicle in their class. They are given the same crash tests and scored the same. [http://www.hybrid-car-technology.nayie.com/]Hybrid Car Engine - First of all, the hybrid engine is something that everyone should marvel about. Many hybrid vehicles actually use two engines and this is important hybrid information for anybody in the market for a hybrid vehicle. Hybrid cars do get great mileage, but they cost a lot more to purchase than more conventional vehicles that are also fuel saving and green. Added to the cost of the high sticker price is the fact that hybrids have battery banks that need replacing in about 6 years at a cost which would be similar to having a major transmission overhaul done on your conventional vehicle's automatic transmission. Hybrid cars, which use evolving technology, are still more expensive to purchase than traditional taxis like Ford Crown Victorias. They also offer less power, and have less space for passengers and luggage.

Hybrid car emissions also vary depending on the type of car. Some manufacturers add hybrid technology to existing car models while other manufacturers completely redesign cars with low emission and efficiency at the core. Hybrid cars are so called because they run on a combination of two different power sources. The first is a normal but usually highly fuel efficient gas engine designed to get the maximum amount of power and mileage from the minimum amount of fuel.

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How Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars Can Give You the Gas Mileage Improvements You Have Been Looking For

By Mike Legg

Gas prices may have dropped by a couple of cents over the last few days but with the current trends you can bet that it won't be long before they go up yet again. The days of cheap oil and gasoline are sadly a thing of the past. So if you have any sense you should still be looking for ways to make gas mileage improvements on your vehicles by any means that you can. Along with the latest and most promising ways to improve gas mileage and get more mpg are the hydrogen fuel cell cars.

Hydrogen fuel cell cars are just standard cars that have been converted to use water as a supplement to ordinary gasoline. This is achieved with the use of a DIY hydrogen fuel cell or (homemade hydrogen generator), a small device that provides HHO gas. This HHO gas is then mixed with the ordinary gasoline + air mixture in your cars engine. As this mixture of gases burns with a lot more efficiency and power it gives you fantastic gas mileage improvements. (Notice that I said "supplement" as there are some claims out there that suggest you can run your cars on water alone, which is ridiculous)

One of the best things about hydrogen fuel cell cars (apart from the great gas mileage improvements you get) is that you can convert your existing vehicle easily and cheaply. You do not need to take it to a garage or have a mechanic working on it for days on end. With just a few inexpensive parts that you can buy at any hardware store, and a simple to follow guide to show you how to build a hydrogen fuel cell you can convert your cars in a matter of hours.

Once you have converted your cars into hydrogen fuel cell cars you can expect to get gas mileage improvements of between 35% and 50%. You will also notice that you have a smoother ride and a lot more power, this is due to the cleaner burn that you get, and you will also expect to get less wear on your engine and a lot less harmful exhaust emissions being pumped into the atmosphere.

Another plus with the DIY hydrogen fuel cell is that it is completely reversible, so if you ever wanted to take it out again you can do so without causing any damage to your engine. But with the great gas mileage improvements that you will get the only reason I can see you wanting to remove it for are if you sell your car and want to keep your homemade hydrogen generator to use in your next vehicle.

To learn more about hydrogen fuel cell cars or to find a first class guide to show you how to build a hydrogen fuel cell you should be able to find more than enough information on the internet. With everyone trying to find ways to make gas mileage improvements to their vehicles the DIY hydrogen fuel cell has really caught on and there are dozens of good guides to show you exactly how to go about it.

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Fast and Easy Ways to Make Money - Selling Used Cars

By Perry Webbing

If you are a person who loves cars and knows a lot about them, and you need money to make ends meet; you might want to consider purchasing and reselling used cars. You will need $2000 dollars to use as start up money. That gives you enough to purchase a good used car and have some tune up money. Keep your eyes open, people do not always advertise their used cars, sometimes they just put them out in front of their homes with a for sale sign. You are looking for a vehicle that will not need very much work to get it ready to resale.

Set up a website so that you can list the car you want to sell, but so that you can take advantage of the knowledge you have and offer it to others. Put some information that people will find interesting on your pages, add tips and photos of some of the cars you have had or resold. Be sure and add advertisements to your site so that you can make money when visitors clink on those links. You will not only make money from the clicks, you will also soon become an authority and people will feel safe purchasing cars from you.

When the car you are offering for sale is sold, bank your initial investment and reinvest your profit in the purchase of another car. If you keep reinvesting, it will not take long for you to realize that you have found fast and easy ways to make money. If you put enough energy and effort into reselling cars, you will be a success.

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Why You Should Invest in Honda Hybrid Cars

By Tom Manhart

When the fuel price rises, it is practical to own a hybrid car. Hybrid cars are considered to be the vehicle of the future that can achieve fuel economy. You can increase your mileage with a hybrid car more than your conventional automobile. Furthermore, it is environmentally friendly, emitting less pollutants to the air we breathe.

Due to the fact that these automobiles give off fewer pollutants and are gas efficient, the US government enforced the tax exemption for hybrid car owners which is one of the benefits that they actually benefit from. Owning and using a hybrid automobile can give you the enjoyment of not having to pay any parking space fees. It is important for everyone to realize that fuel supply is drying up and they must conserve as much as possible. Because of this, the hybrid automobile is the best answer for conserving gas and making the gas reserves all over the world last. Despite the fact that gas costs are increasing frequently, owner of a hybrid car would not feel the difference.

Many auto companies have been promoting hybrid cars in their marketing campaigns as the fuel saving vehicles. One of them is Honda. It has introduced a number of new models of hybrid vehicles. Almost every car owner has heard of Honda. The name is reputable in the auto industry especially in the area of manufacturing high gas efficient engines. Now it progresses further into making hybrid engines for their latest models.

Honda in their Honda Civic Hybrid has integrated the hybrid technology. Though Civic is not a very new model, but their newer editions of the automobile have the hybrid technology built-in. The Honda Civic is already recognized to be fuel efficient but now, with the hybrid engineering installed, it can allow you to benefit from far greater gas mileage. The Honda Civic Hybrid is known to have the rating of an advanced technology Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle. To simply put, this car can be thought a green or environmentally green car since almost everyone can profit from it. You can in reality enjoy the Civic Hybrid especially for tomorrow since it has a warranty of 8 year/80,000 miles as well as an exclusively designed integrated battery pack that can take you farther anywhere you want.

Honda has another hybrid model which is known as Honda Accord Hybrid. This four-door sedan is a high end luxury vehicle that comes with fuel saving features. It boasts a 253 horsepower V6 engine if you want performance and speed. If you want to save money on fuel, its advanced electric motor and battery can reduce the consumption of gas. It is not surprising that Honda is one of the forerunner auto manufacturers of hybrid cars. In the future, when you plan to buy a fuel economy car then you should consider Honda as your first preference.

As you can see hybrid cars can increase your mileage. Owning a Honda hybrid car is a beginning. You should invest in a GPS to help you plot the shortest route to the destination. This will increase fuel saving of your hybrid car. One of the GPS that is established in the market is Garmin Nuvi 760. Read about Garmin Nuvi 760 Portable GPS review and discover how this navigational device can help you to save more money on gas. Visit http://www.merchantbuster.com/gps/garmin-nuvi-760

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Manhart http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-You-Should-Invest-in-Honda-Hybrid-Cars&id=1709111

Electric Powered Cars

By Sandra Maria Stammberger

Gas prices are on the rise and the Jones's don't know where to turn. Unfortunately employers don't pay more to compensate for the escalating cost of fuel. This leaves families struggling to figure out the means to deal with the extra cost of travel. Less families are going on vacations, visiting relatives and taking unnecessary trips away from home.

More and more people are turning to electric powered cars, but trading in your car to incur the added expense of a new vehicle just isn't viable for many families. In fact, it might not even be the wisest choice. The practical choice would be to simply convert your existing automobile into an electric one. This would give you all of the benefits of owning an electric car, without the hassle of car shopping, giving up a vehicle you love and are used to, and eliminate getting yourself into high payments.

Converting your vehicle into an electric powered vehicle is actually quite affordable, much more so than today's gas prices, and it is certainly more affordable than purchasing a new vehicle. Plus, you are saving yourself the added problems and worries that come with purchasing a new vehicle. Keep the car you already committed to and turn it into a vehicle that fits your needs.

What is entailed in the electric car conversion is the removing of the gas engine of your vehicle, replacing it with electric car counterparts such as electric motors, water pump, batteries, and several other parts needed for an electric vehicle to run. Generally, you can just follow instructions given in the electric car kits for the entire procedure.

While one doesn't have to necessarily be a professional mechanic to convert their current vehicle to an electric one, you should have basic skills and knowledge of how the engine works to install the conversion kit yourself. If you have no knowledge, that's okay, there are many good mechanics out there that would install your electric conversion kit for a reasonable price. Remember, in the long run the one time fee of a mechanics services would be well worth it. In the future, while everyone else is still sighing over the rising price of gas, you can be relishing in the fact that you still have the car you originally bought, picked out because it suited your wants and needs, all while beating those ridiculous prices at the pump.

So before going down and trading in Bessy for a new and more expensive, electric car, consider instead turning Bessy into that inexpensive to run car that she used to be, and you hoped that she would one day be again.

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How to Research Used Cars Online

By Daniel Legal

The internet is a useful resource when you are researching vehicles. You want to make sure you get a used car that is of a high quality, and therefore, you need to do some research. There are many sites out there that allow you to research different vehicles so you can get all the information you need.

NadaGuides is a site you should use if looking for a used car. This site offers a great deal of information in regards to used cars. You can get information regarding price, and you will be able to compare different cars. When you visit the site, you will also get to see what kinds of cars are available, which can aid you in your search.

CarSoup is another popular website for researching used cars. When you go to CarSoup, you will have access to all the information you could possibly want. If you want a vehicle history report, you can get it on the website. You can also get an insurance quote and learn more about vehicle financing. This is a good resource for someone who wants to learn more about the used car market before they make a purchase.

AutoTrader is another great used car resource. This site has insurance and financing information, and also allows you to research and compare different vehicles. You will be able to see how your car stacks up against the competition, and also find out what car would be a good buy.

This is a great resource for someone who does not know much about cars, just as it is a good resource for someone who actually does know a lot. It has such a wealth of information that people of all experience levels can benefit. You will be able to find out everything you want to know about your car prior to making a purchase. You will be able to get more information than you would ever be able to get from a dealership.

Another great resource you can find online is Edmunds. When you visit this website, you will have a plethora of information at your fingertips. You will be able to research your car, and also read informative articles about used cars. This can be very helpful. The information that Edmunds has can guide you when making a purchase.

With the internet, you no longer have to leave the house to find the used car you are looking for. You can get all the information you need while sitting at home. It is easier than ever to find the perfect vehicle. You are able to test drive cars from the comfort of your home, which makes the process much easier than it was in the past.

Do not be afraid to use the tools that are available online. Not only will the internet make it easier, but you will also be able to get information you would not have access to otherwise. Log onto the computer and find out about different used cars, or research the car you think you might want.

Daniel Legal is on the web marketing team that runs the automobile search engine LemonFree When he's not talking about cars in various automotive forums you can find him in his garage working on his classic
[http://www.lemonfree.com/map.php?make=CHEVROLET&model=CAMARO]Chevy Camaro or his wifes [http://www.lemonfree.com/map.php?make=HONDA&model=CIVIC]Honda Civic.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Legal http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Research-Used-Cars-Online&id=1686233