Japan Tech Motors

Following on from our story late last week, reports today say Ford US will replace its aging Crown Victoria with a new front-wheel drive sedan that shares its platform with the current model Taurus.

The new purpose-built vehicle will be engineered to exceed the Crown Victoria’s safety, durability and performance record and will also be offered in an all-wheel drive variant.

“Police nationwide asked for a new kind of weapon in the battle for public safety, and Ford is answering the call with a purpose-built vehicle — engineered and built in America — that’s as dynamic as it is durable,” said Mr Mark Fields, Ford president of the Americas.

The Ford Police Interceptor will be available with two 3.5-litre V6 engines: a naturally aspirated 196kW unit on front-wheel drive models, and a 272kW twin-turbocharged direct injection variant equipped with all-wheel drive.

Ford also announced today that a second pursuit model, an as yet unnamed utility vehicle, will be offered to police agencies. More details will follow in Q3 this year.

The Police Interceptor will be built at Ford’s Chicago assembly plant from late 2011.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews – http://www.caradvice.com.au – All Rights Reserved.

.

Source: Matt Brogan

Honda says the future of its hydrogen-powered vehicles may lie with solar-powered home refueling stations.

The Japanese manufacturer hopes its latest idea will make hydrogen the fuel of choice for zero-emission cars, believing hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles offer the best long-term alternative to fossil fuels.

While many manufacturers, such as GM and Toyota, continue to invest heavily in battery technology, Honda is widely seen as the hydrogen leader, strongly tempted by the idea of a car that uses no oil and emits only water vapour.

The biggest barrier in hydrogen-powered cars so far is the lack of refueling infrastructure, which has lead Honda to decide the best alternative is public refueling networks combined with a modest home option.

Honda’s home option will comprise a solar-powered hydrogen refueling station using solar panels.

“Customers can choose how they interact with both of them based on their annual miles and their habits,” said Mr Stephen Ellis, fuel cell manager at Honda North America.

“The key thing to remember is that with five-minute refueling you are good for another 240 miles (387km).”

That number come from public “fast-fill” stations, of which only a handful currently exist in Southern California where Honda currently leases 15 of its FCX Clarity models (as pictured above).

It is estimated that the home fueling station would provide enough hydrogen for a trip of 50 kilometres during an eight hour ‘charge’ – or roughly that of the average daily commute.

At Honda’s Los Angeles Research and Development Centre, the FCX Clarity is refueled using a single-unit station connected to a series of solar panels that replaces a two-unit system, cutting costs and improving efficiency by as much as 25 per cent.

“This is wonderful progress, the biggest progress,” said Mr Ikuya Yamashita, the chief engineer of the station.

That station uses a 6kW solar array, composed of 48 panels and thin film solar cells developed by a Honda subsidiary. The station breaks down water into hydrogen in what Honda calls a “virtually carbon-free energy cycle.”

The FCX Clarity’s hydrogen stack (or electricity generator) is around the size of a brief case and is installed between the front seats for maximum impact protection.

It is anticipated that the Honda FCX Clarity will be commercially viable by 2018, while the solar hydrogen refueling system could move beyond the research stage and into the market as early as 2015.

“A lot of this work is not necessarily for today’s economic situation,” said Mr Ellis.

“This is for tomorrow, when most people feel energy prices will be higher.”

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews – http://www.caradvice.com.au – All Rights Reserved.

.

Source: Matt Brogan

Last friday at the unveiling of the Mitsubishi Electric Car, Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited president and CEO, Robert McEniry told reporters that as part of the strategy for the future Mitsubishi will offer models with plug-in hybrid technology.

Mr McEniry confirmed that the Mitsubishi Challenger and Mitsubishi Pajero will be offered with plug-in hybrid technology for the next generation models.

“The next generation will be plug-in hybrid and will do more and have more capabilities than current models.” Mr McEniry said

At last year’s Tokyo motorshow Mitsubishi displayed a great number of new environmentally friendly vehicles including the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV which uses a plug-in hybrid system.

Speaking to CarAdvice, Mitsubishi Head of Corporate Communications Lenore Fletcher said “Mitsubishi is pursuing an environmentally friendly vehicle strategy on many of its products on an international basis”

From the hints and concept cars we’ve seen over the last few months it would seem that along with the Mitsubishi Pajero & Challenger Hybrid the company might also bring out Lancer Hybrid, Colt Hybrid and Outlander Hybrid variants in the not so distant future.

It will be an interesting move strategy for the Japanese company, given its current focus on the Mitsubishi i-MiEV full-electric car. In due time we are certain to see a full-electric Mitsubishi Lancer / Colt as well.

Mitsubishi’s plug-in hybrid system as displayed in the PX-MiEV concept is driven through all four wheels by two permanent magnet synchronous motors in combination with a 1.6L DOHC MIVEC petrol engine which powers the front-wheels and acts as a generator.

Making use of a lot of complicated computer systems, the plug-in hybrid drivetrain can work out which mode to use to best save fuel. Interestingly it can even be used as an electricity generator when needed. So when put into power-supply mode it will allow the use of battery power to enable domestic appliances (great idea in case 2012 ends up being like the movie).

The different driving modes of the PX-MiEV are listed below:

EV mode

• At low to middle vehicle speeds the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV’s drive battery powers the front motor using front-wheel drive. When driving on snow, in the rain or in other low surface friction situations where maximum vehicle stability is required, the system automatically switches to four-wheel drive mode by feeding power to the rear wheel motor as well when sensors detect any front wheel slip.

Series hybrid mode

• When the remaining energy in the drive battery falls to a predetermined level the system starts the gasoline engine to generate electricity and automatically switches to the series hybrid mode using the electricity generated to power the motors. In this mode as well, the system switches to four-wheel drive by driving the rear motor depending on driving conditions.

Parallel hybrid mode

• At higher vehicle speeds the car is supported by the gasoline engine which operates more efficiently than the electric motors at high revolutions. In this mode, the gasoline engine also helps drive the wheels. When the driver makes sudden lane changes or other maneuvers requiring greater vehicle stability the system switches to four-wheel drive by bringing in the rear motor to drive the rear wheels, improving stability. In addition when overtaking at higher speeds or in other situations requiring faster acceleration the system switches in both front and rear motors to provide additional power and assist the gasoline engine, providing high acceleration.

Regenerative mode

Charging mode

Power supply mode

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews – http://www.caradvice.com.au – All Rights Reserved.

.

Source: Alborz Fallah

Honda has already recorded 7000 orders for its all-new CR-Z sport hybrid in Japan, only 5000 shy of its projected annual target.

The Honda CR-Z, which went on sale in Japan on February 25, 2010, is a sport-oriented petrol-electric hybrid three-door hatch powered by the combination of a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine and an electric motor. Total output figures are 91kw/174Nm while combined fuel economy is 6.2L/100km.

Honda was recently criticised for the CR-Z’s poor fuel consumption figure in the press but responded by saying the car is trying to be both “sporty and fuel efficient” at the same time – two things no green car has yet managed to combine.

Further flak ensued with media quick to point out other vehicles in the CR-Z’s market sector delivered comparable fuel consumption and performance figures without using hybrid technology, and often at a better price point.

The discussions very nearly resulted in Honda’s US executives calling a halt to the model’s sale in North America.

“We had serious doubts about whether this would bring value, ” said Mr Norio Tomobe, Chief Engineer of the Honda CR-Z, while speaking to Automotive News.

Mr Tomobe also said the CR-Z hybrid may feel a little underpowered in its current form, suggesting a Honda CR-Z Type R could be in the pipeline.

Back in Japan the CR-Z is still selling like hot cakes, a catch-22 for other hybrid models in the Honda line up. Honda Insight and Honda Civic Hybrid model sales are already beginning to slow.

At this stage Honda have not confirmed a release date for the CR-Z in Australia, though we expect mid to late 2011.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews – http://www.caradvice.com.au – All Rights Reserved.

.

Source: Matt Brogan

With a view to expanding its appeal in Europe, luxury Japanese car manufacturer Lexus is reportedly considering a wagon version of its popular IS model.

Currently offered purely in sedan format, a wagon variant of the IS would expand Lexus’ competition base against such rivals as the BMW 3 Series Touring and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate, both popular sellers across Europe.

Lexus offered its first-generation IS with a little-known wagon variant called the SportCross, but ditched the model after US buyers, then the manufacturer’s main focus, failed to show interest.

It’s believed Lexus aims to re-introduce a wagon variant of the IS when the next-generation model appears early in 2011.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews – http://www.caradvice.com.au – All Rights Reserved.

.

Source: Matt Brogan

The Queensland Government has released a discussion paper outlining plans to reduce the state’s blood alcohol limit for drivers from 0.05 to 0.02 per cent.

The new limit would bring Queensland in line with Sweden and Norway, which record the lowest road toll figures in the world.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh says she believes the reduced limit should be adopted nationaly, but will first ask Queenslanders to comment on the proposal.

Spokespeople for state governments in New South Wales and Victoria both said there were currently no plans to change the limit in those states.

Queensland is also considering other options that include the immediate license suspension of drink drivers with a BAC level of 0.1  (down from 0.15) and the compulsory blood testing of drivers who attend hospital as a result of a traffic accident.

Alcohol related accidents formed 21 per cent of Queensland’s road toll figure for 2009.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews – http://www.caradvice.com.au – All Rights Reserved.

.

Source: Matt Brogan

It’s not hard to see why the Range Rover Sport is still considered off-road royalty

Model Tested:

• 2010 Range Rover Sport 3.0 TDV6; 3.0-litre, six-cylinder, twin-turbo diesel; six-speed automatic; five-door wagon: $99,900*

Options (As Fitted):

• Metallic Paint $1800; Sunroof $3170; Powerfold Mirrors $900

Seamless power delivery; flawless fit & finish; polished driving dynamics; excellent fuel economy
Brake pedal modulation; transmission step between 1st & 2nd gear; optional Bluetooth

CarAdvice Rating:

Words by Matt Brogan | Pics by Brendan Nish & Land Rover Australia

At first glance the new Range Rover Sport might look suspiciously the same as the old one, but to dismiss the value of the technological improvements and increase in overall refinement found in this year’s model on appearance alone would be nothing short of injudicious.

Boasting a raft of changes from the superseded model, which has been with us since 2005, the amelioration of the Range Rover Sport sees a fresh engine line-up, new six-speed transmission, revised steering and ‘Terrain Response’ systems, an updated interior and, believe it or not, some modified exterior styling cues that make this year’s model unarguably the best one yet.

Testing the entry-level Range Rover Sport TDV6 this week, we find a leather-clad interior worth a million in prizes. It’s seamless blend of wood, aluminium and flawless hide is impeccably well put together, loaded with all the mod cons you’d expect at this end of the price spectrum, and as comfortable – and indeed as British – as a deep buttoned Chesterfield by the hearth of an open fire.

The captain’s chair-style front seats are the ultimate in off-road opulence offering a supportive and cogent driving position that is entirely electrically adjustable in all the usual directions. Console mounted controls for the smooth-shifting six-speed CommandShift automatic transmission, sophisticated Terrain Response suspension and all-wheel drive settings, and Electronic Park Brake all fall easily to hand from the comfort of a 110-degree adjustable arm rest.

All the technology in the world isn’t worth a cent if it isn’t a joy to use, fortunately Range Rover have made all the controls and functionality of its latest Sport model as straightforward as using the household fridge. The pellucid Harman Kardon stereo, concise seven-inch touch screen satellite navigation system and even the rudimentary layout of the dual-dial instrument panel enjoys simplicity of function even the most technologically challenged dolt could master in a heartbeat.

The large leather-wrapped steering wheel is adjustable for tilt and reach and offers thumb-operated controls for the Sport’s instrument panel-mounted multi-function display (which includes vehicle settings and trip computer controls), audio system, cruise control and (optional) Bluetooth operation.

With a standard feature list that reads like War and Peace, the Range Rover Sport includes such highlights as dual-zone climate control air conditioning, eight airbags, cruise control, single-CD tuner with iPod integration, auto headlamps and wipers, and keyless pushbutton start.

Beneath that vast clamshell bonnet lays perhaps the most impressive upgrade to lower-spec Range Rovers in years, an infallible twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre LR-TDV6 engine. Capable of delivering 180kW of power and a brawny 600Nm of torque, this is the engine low-end Rangey’s always deserved, and is an impressive 40kW/160Nm improvement on the out going model.

Power delivery is seamless, with absolutely no turbo lag whatsoever, and although it still feels like the runt of the litter compared to such offerings as the mighty 375kW supercharged V8, the 3.0 TDV6 tackles highway hills and the off-road obstacle course without raising a sweat. Best of all the LR-TDV6 uses a miniscule amount of fuel at 9.3L/100km (combined, as tested), a triumph considering the Range Rover Sport’s 2535kg tare weight.

In detracting from what’s otherwise a highly polished performance, the Range Rover Sport did stumble, if only very slightly, in a couple of areas.

The first was the obvious step between first and second gear when upshifting at low speeds. This small but distinguishable ’shunt’ came as an unwelcome recurring visitor to what otherwise proved to be a smooth and decisive transmission – so good we barely bothered with the manual (+/-) override (steering wheel mounted paddle shifts are also available as an option at $430).

Secondly the Sport’s brake pedal modulation is a little on the irregular side at very low speeds, meaning that achieving a comfortable soft stop of the meaty 360mm front / 350mm rear discs when approaching the lights is almost impossible.

While the low-profile hoops on the Sport’s stylish 15-spoke, 19-inch alloy wheels are not ideally suited to serious off-road use, they do offer an almost sporty feel on-road, bolstering the sharp steering and first-class chassis for a level of handling that is, on-road at least, the top of its class. Range Rover’s intelligent fully independent, air suspension makes the ride quality akin to that of off-road royalty and is adjustable through three self-explanatory height settings (Access/Normal/Off-Road).

The horizontally split, two-piece tailgate allows easy access to the 958L cargo area which can be extended to 2013L thanks to the practicality of split fold rear seats, and for those wanting to tow where no man has towed before, the Range Rover Sport offers a 3500kg braked towing capacity. A full-size matching alloy wheel is also included as standard equipment, slung beneath the exterior of the cargo floor.

Five-star ANCAP safety comes courtesy of front, side and full-length curtain airbags (for a total of eight), while electronic aids include ABS braking with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Emergency Brake Assist, Roll Stability Control, Hill Descent Control, Dynamic Stability Control (which automatically compensates when towing) and Traction Control. All five seating positions offer adjustable head restraints and three-point inertia reel seatbelts with front seat passengers adding pyrotechnic pretensioners to their belts.

Optional equipment includes high-beam assist, surround camera system, reversing camera, front parking sensors (rear parking sensors are standard) and Adaptive Cruise Control with Advanced Emergency Brake Assist (a full option price list is included below).

The Range Rover Sport is a competent, comfortable and classy machine offering a true best of both worlds approach to the luxury SUV segment. Coupling excellent fuel economy with confident performance the Sport is very nearly a bargain at $99,900*, and would easily trounce any market-sector rival in an off-road arm wrestle.

Ratings:

CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive:
How does it Look:
How does it Go:

Road Test the Rivals:

• Audi Q7 ($81,233 to $254,900)
• BMW X5 ($86,635 to $172,900)
• Lexus LX570 ($145,000 to $161,500)
• Porsche Cayenne ($100,500 to $281,400)
• Range Rover ($99,900 to $229,500)

Specifications:

• Engine: 2993cc DOHC V6 (24 valve)
• Power: 180kW @ 4000rpm
• Torque: 600Nm @ 2000rpm
• Induction: Common Rail & Twin Turbocharged
• Transmission: Six-speed automatic
• Driven Wheels: All (Dual-Range)
• Brakes: Disc 360mm (F) / Disc 350mm (R)
• Top Speed: 193km/h (Claimed)
• 0-100km/h: 9.3 seconds (Claimed)
• CO2 Emissions: 243g/km
• Fuel Consumption: 9.2L/100km(ADR)
• Fuel Consumption: 9.3L/100km (As Tested)
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 84.1L
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• ANCAP Rating: Five-star
• Airbags: Front, Side & Curtain
• Safety: ABS, EBA, EBD & ESC with Traction Control
• Service Intervals: 12 months / 15,000km
• Spare Wheel: Full-size matching Alloy
• Suspension: Fully Independent
• Cargo Capacity: 958/2013L
• Ground Clearance: 172/227mm (Normal/Off-Road)
• Approach/Ramp/Departure Angle: 34.6/25.0/29.0 (Degrees, in Off-Road mode)
• Tow Capacity: 3500kg (Braked)
• Turning Circle: 11.9m
• Warranty: 36 months / 100,000km
• Weight: 2535kg (Tare)
• Wheels: Alloy 19 x 9.0-inch

• To download a PDF copy of the new Range Rover Sport technical specifications, click on this link.

• To download a PDF copy of the new Range Rover Sport options & feature list, click on this link.

*Pricing is a guide as recommended to us by the manufacturer and does not include dealer delivery, on-road or statutory charges.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews – http://www.caradvice.com.au – All Rights Reserved.

.

Source: Matt Brogan

Various organisations in Western Australia have committed to an electric vehicle (EV) trial, spearheaded by the University of Western Australia, CO2Smart and the WA Government.

Perth was chosen for the trial due to its area being almost double that of Sydney, putting greater strain on electricity and other infrastructure. CO2Smart, the official trial manager for the project, says that if the vehicles prove to be usable and economical in Perth, they will be usable and economical anywhere in the country.

Launching on Friday, a prototype for the fleet was announced as a converted Ford Focus sedan which will recharge via a network of specially implemented work, home and public recharging stations which are being set up for the trial. The first car has been converted by the W.A. Renewable Energy Vehicle Team at University of Western Australia, after which a local electric vehicle firm will be chosen to complete the remaining nine vehicles to the agreed blueprint.

The West Australian newspaper, RAC, Telstra, Landcorp, Main Roads WA, City of Perth, City of Swan, Water Corporation, Department of Environment and Conservation, and Department of Transport will all participate in the trial.

RAC spokesperson Adrian Firth told CarAdvice that the motoring body was looking to use its EV in a real world work situation.

“The RAC is likely to utilise the EV as a ‘lite’ Patrol vehicle in the CBD”, said Mr Firth.

He also explained how the vehicles would be charged.

“The charging station provider is still to be finalised but will be a level 2 charging station for fast charging, approximately the size of a bollard,” Mr Firth said. “This is similar to Better Place’s recharging stations not their battery swapping. There will be a recharging station at RAC’s Head office in Wellington Street and at its motoring operations centre in Balcatta.”

According to CO2Smart, the following objectives will be covered in the trial:

• Test realistic fleet usability, given distance, behavioural and range factors
• Full comparative economic study electric vehicles versus fuel vehicles
• Testing of the first integrated recharging network (smart grid/V2G elements) – generate alternative infrastructure scenarios based on usability and economic analysis
• Testing to what extent distributed high capacity recharging required and the potential grid impacts thereof
• Provide data points for initial findings on energy policy, transport regulation and vehicle taxation

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews – http://www.caradvice.com.au – All Rights Reserved.

.

Source: Karl Peskett

Western Australia’s motoring body, the Royal Automobile Club (RAC), this week demonstrated the danger of a poorly maintained vehicle in tests at its Perth-based driver training centre.

The tests, which were conducted at 60km/h, simulated both wet and dry conditions, as well as the ability to swerve around objects. The results were worrying, to say the least.

A standard passenger car with worn shock absorbers, balding tyres and worn brake pads was used, and once data had been obtained was towed to a service centre where all faults were rectified.

The un-serviced car had a braking distance of 13.1m in the dry and 23.5m in the wet. With brakes, tyres and shock absorbers having been replaced, it registered a braking distance of 8.4m in the dry and 15.4m in the wet – a saving of 4.7m and 8.1m respectively.

RAC Head of Member Advocacy Matt Brown noted the obvious.

“Eight metres is a big distance and in a crash situation could be the difference between life and death,” Mr Brown said.

“The RAC tested a vehicle at 60km/hr but the reality is that many people will be driving at up to 110km/hr with heavily loaded vehicles when they go away for Easter, which means their stopping distance will be even greater.”

“Vehicle maintenance and servicing are not something that you can ignore and put off. It’s something that needs to be factored into the family budget and carried out when it’s due,” Mr Brown said.

Probably the more worrying thing is we and our families have to travel on roads with these sorts of cars running around. It’s another reminder that when we get behind the wheel we not only put our own lives at risk, but those of others

Reducing such a risk by maintaining our vehicles is a must.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews – http://www.caradvice.com.au – All Rights Reserved.

.

Source: Karl Peskett

The Germans are on the move once again with today’s announcement of the new BMW 5 Series Touring. Although no pricing or specifications have been officially released, we do have the first images and information regarding the all new BMW 5 Series Touring.

Last year BMW sold 1.29 million cars worldwide so whenever it releases a new car we tend to pay a lot of attention. This time around the 5 series touring is the 4th generation of the model and will land in Australia towards the end of 2010 (October to be precise).

Based on the brand new BMW 5 Series, the Touring variant is a logical extension of what is without doubt one of the most recognised models in the world.

From the outside the new look can be admired as it now sports a longer bonnet, shorter overhangs than the previous model and its stretched silhouette and aerodynamic roofline emphasis its modern nature. The new BMW 5 Series Touring will also sit on top of the longest wheelbase in its segment.

Being aimed more towards families and those needing more space, the luggage compartment has a capacity of 560 litres standard, if the 40:20:40 split folding rear seats are engaged the capacity can increase to a maximum of 1,670 litres.

Additionally the backrest angle is variable by 11 degrees and it can also be folded using control levers placed inside the luggage compartment.

As with all BMWs the 5 Series Touring is a sports car at heart. BMW will offer Adaptive Drive and Integral Active Steering and Optional Dynamic Driving Control to allow drivers to set the suspension individually to their choosing. Pneumatic suspension on the rear axle, including automatic self-levelling is standard on all variants.

Engine wise the BMW 5 Series Touring will initially be offered in only two engine choices, both of which we are familiar with.

Firstly the straight-six with BMW TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC in the BMW 535i delivers maximum output of 225 kW and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds. It does so by putting its Japanese rivals to shame, coming standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic.

Secondly the BMW 520d Touring is powered by a 135 kW four-cylinder diesel power engine featuring an aluminium crankcase and Common Rail direct injection, it makes use of the same eight-speed auto gearbox. The 520d Touring proves hybrids are not needed to deliver fantastic fuel economy figures, managing to use just 5.3 litres/100km and putting out 139g of CO2 emissions per kilometre. Those figures make it the most fuel efficient wagon in its class.

BMW will extend its EfficientDynamics range further with both variants of the new BMW 5 Series qualifying. To save weight some of the part are made from lightweight aluminium, such as the doors, bonnet, front side panels, drivetrain and suspension components. Additionally the new eight-speed auto, Brake Energy Regeneration, demand-dependant ancillary components and active air flap control means the new B-em-vehs are as efficient as they come.

Features available on the new BMW 5 Series and 5 Series Touring are enormous, some highlights include Parking Assistant, Surround View, collision warning with brake activation in conjunction with Active Cruise Control, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, High-beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition as well as Head-up Display.

BMW says the 5 Series Touring, the BMW 5 Series Sedan, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo and the BMW 7 Series are made at BMW’s Dingolfing Plant.

However before the 5 Series Touring arrives, the BMW X1 will be officially launched towards the end of the year.

• BMW 5 Series Review
• BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo Review
• BMW 7 Series Review & Road Test

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews – http://www.caradvice.com.au – All Rights Reserved.

.

Source: Alborz Fallah