English Archives

Acura pull covers of its latest prototype racer

Acura, Honda’s performance arm in the US, has taken the covers of its latest Daytona Prototype International (DPi) racer that will do battle in the 2018 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Named the Acura ARX-05 (Acura Racing eXperimental, generation 5), the car comes from a long line of prototype vehicles that the automaker has fielded since 1991.

Unlike Formula One, this racing series requires teams to use one of four approved prototype chassis, fitted with IMSA-homologated, manufacturer-designed and branded bodywork and engines. Acura uses the ORECA 07 chassis but with its own specifically designed bodywork and signature Jewel Eye headlights.

This particular Acura looks menacing and though much of the design is dictated by the formula governing the sport, The automaker has managed to make it unique thanks to design traits taken from its current production vehicles.

“We created a variety of initial sketches, then pared those down a handful of potential designs. Next came aero and wind tunnel model testing, and time for the engineers to have their say,” Marek recounted. “The design continued to be refined throughout the testing and evaluation process, until we came up with a final treatment that met our performance goals.”

The car is powered by a race-proven AR35TT twin-turbocharged engine, that is based on the production 3.5-liter V-6 that powers the Acura MDX, RDX, TLX and RLX models. This same powerplant has been instrumental in powering the automaker’s cars to victory at a number of championship series.

Examples of these include the 12 Hours of Sebring (2011-13), the 24 Hours of Le Mans and LMP2 World Endurance Championship (2012), American Le Mans Series LMP2 titles in 2012-13, overall winners at the Rolex 24, 12 Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans in 2016.

“At Acura, Precision Crafted Performance is at the heart of everything we do.” said Jon Ikeda, Acura vice-president and general manager. “Whether it is our production cars or a prototype race car, if you want to be a performance brand you need to perform.”

For the upcoming season, Acura Motorsports will be partnering with Team Penske organization to field a pair of Acura ARX-05 prototype race cars. One of those cars will be driven by former F1 driver, Juan Pablo Montoya and teammate Dane Cameron.

The season opener will take place at the Rolex 24 in January of next year. Expect some high level action as the American series goes into full swing for the 2018 calendar year.

Honda’s new diesel engine should be to the liking of EU regulatory bodies

Amid the controversy surrounding the diesel engine, Honda has revised its 1.6-litre i-DTEC oil burner to produce a new one that will perform well within the regulatory specifications. This engine will join the Civic range in Europe beginning from March 2018.

It also happens to be one of the first engines to be tested under the new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) fuel consumption and emissions cycle, which should replaced the NEDC cycle as the standard fuel consumption test platform.

Unlike the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) test, which uses a theoretical driving profile to determine a vehicle’s fuel consumption, the WLTP utilizes actual driving data. As such, it should be able to provide more realistic figures that are closer to that of real world driving conditions.

Besides this, it will also be one of the first inline to be tested with the Real Driving Emission (RDE) procedure, to validate NOx and particulate emission levels. There’s a new NOx Storage Converter (NSC) system with larger catalysts and a higher content of noble metals (silver, platinum and neodymium) that store nitrogen oxide gas until the regeneration cycle.

There’s also a soot sensor that is said to accurately detect when the regeneration cycle is required, which should help to extend exhaust components’ durability. Honda is hoping that with the new tech, it’s brand new powerplant will be as reliable and efficient as possible.

Despite inheriting quite a bit from its predecessor, Honda claims that the new engine is the product of heavy revision of the original powerplant. As such, it features a number of improvements that allow it to outperform the engine that it is based on.

They include reduction in cylinder friction, due to the fact that the pistons made from highly durable chromium-molybdebnum steel alloy, as well as ‘super plateau honing’ of the bores to enable smoother piston movement.

Honda has fitted additional cast ribs to the engine’s cylinder block to increase structural rigidity. This in turn will aid the improvement of the management of noise, vibration and harshness.

As it stands, the 1.6 i-DTEC engine produces close to 120bhp and 300Nm of torque, which allows the Civic to sprint from 0-100km/h in about 10.4 seconds. There will be an option to have this engine mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, which should help strengthen the model’s appeal.

Honda will be manufacturing the engine in its Swindon, UK plant and will make it available with the four-door and five-door versions of the 10th generation Civic.

You can now control a Genesis through the Google Assistant

Genesis has teamed up with Google to provide better flexibility to its customers. Through the Genesis Connected services that have now been integrated with the voice automated Google Assistant, owners can now access vehicle functions through their smartphone.

The functions include Remote Start with Climate Control, Destination Search powered by Google, Remote Door Lock/Unlock and Stolen Vehicle Recovery, send a destination to the car’s navigation system and remotely activate the horn and lights.

Through the use of the Genesis app, the system works with the Google Assistant to allow control of various functions with simple voice commands or smartphone keyboard inputs. This would make it a lot more convenient for those who are always in a hurry.

Owners are able to send commands to their Genesis vehicles with the following methods:

Voice commands via the Assistant on Google Home
Voice commands via the Google Assistant on eligible Android phones or iPhones
Text commands via the Google Assistant on a smartphone

There’s nothing revolutionary about this tech, because the Genesis connected services has been around for a while. It’s only recently that the system has been integrated with Google’s ever useful voice assistant. And its method of operation is rather simple.

A link was developed by Genesis engineers to allow for the cross communication between its services and that belonging to Google. Once a customer has successfully linked his or her account, Remote Service commands can be sent to Genesis vehicles after the Google Assistant prompts owners for their Personal Identification Number (PIN).

Once connected, interaction is as simple as saying, “Ok, Google” via your smartphone or Google Home, and asking the assistant to start your car, as depicted in the following image:

The image below demonstrates using the Assistant on phones by locating and sending destinations directly to the Genesis navigation system:

If you are unable to use voice commands, especially in crowded places, the Genesis app allows you to type the commands via the Google Assistant interface on your smartphone. The following image shows how easy it is for to lock your vehicle:

Genesis is showcasing these new features along with the recently launched Genesis Virtual Guide during a demo at the second annual WIRED Store in Santa Monica from August 23 through September 4, 2017.

Beach party in Europe organised to celebrate the Beetle

The Beetle, the most iconic and longest surviving nameplate in automotive history, will be celebrated by its fan base on the beach of Travemünde (German Baltic Sea). This year, marks the the 13th time that the Beetle Sunshine Tour has been held to date. And according to the organizers, the number of participants keeps growing each year.

Now, there are about 721 Beetles and original Beetles that are currently registered to take part, which the organizer and creator of the tour, Gabriele Kraft touts as being a new record. This year’s event is themed “Welcome to America” in celebration of how well received the various iteration of the nameplate were, including the original Beetle in the USA.

One of the highlights of this year’s celebrations, include a ‘converging rally’ where participants will drive their cars from different points to the meeting point at the Brügmanngarten festival meadow in Travemünde. A 560 PS Beetle GRC from the American GRC Rallycross series is also taking part in the rally.

Like many car events, the Beetle Sunshine Tour will be a fun-packed activity for the whole family with food, drinks and music on hand for added entertainment. Tourists, locals and fans alike are welcome to participate in the festivities and mingle with various celebrities including Karoline Schuch, Devid Striesow, Luna Schweiger and Sidney Hoffmann.

The original Beetle is beloved by many because it was a car for the people. Invisioned by Adolf Hitler as a cheap mode of transportation for the German masses, Ferdinand Porsche was tasked with building the iconic car. Several iterations and prototypes later, and the original Volkswagen was born.

Mind you, back then, the Beetle name was non-existent and the cars were referred to as the Volkswagen Type 1. In its home country of Germany, it was known as the Käfer, which is the German word for Beetle. Eventually VW, adopted this name for the car’s future marketing strategies.

However, in other parts of the world, it was known only as the Volkswagen with the exception of France, where it was referred to as the Coccinelle, which is French for ladybug. Marketing aside, the Beetle came from humble beginnings and a rather minuscule 25bhp engine.

Sporting gender neutral looks and the practicality to seat four full-sized adults, the Beetle was a hit around the world. That coupled with the fact that the air-cooled flat four engine was simple, easy to work on and quite reliable, made it the of choice for many.

In later years, the car developed a cult following and came to symbolize the care-free attitude of the 1960s. It was eventually phased out around the world due to the introduction of more stringent safety and emissions requirements as well as evolving trends. However, in countries like Mexico and Brazil, the car continued to roll off the production lines till the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Its descendants, the New Beetle and Beetle cars had very little in common with the original car apart from the design. Unlike its ancestor, the new cars are built on the Golf platform with the engine mounted in front. Despite that, many still consider them homages to the original.

McLaren build purple 720S for special customer

Ever wondered what a purple McLaren 720S would like? Neither did we, but apparently someone had the British supercar maker do exactly that. Micheal Fux, a well known collector of rare and exotic cars, commissioned McLaren Special Operations (MSO) to have his 720S, defaced.

MSO, as the name implies, is a special division within McLaren that is responsible for churning out bespoke supercars for those wanting something out of the ordinary. Fux, had the team paint the car in a colour called ‘Fux Fuchsia’, which was created by Rolls-Royce just for him.

In fact, he owns this striking hue, and will retain exclusive rights to its use on any other McLaren vehicle. It isn’t to everyone’s taste, but the Woking based automaker did a fine at making the paint scheme look just right.

McLaren not only recreated this colour, but built a theme around it. As such, not only is the body colour ‘Fux Fuchsia’, but so are parts of the lightweight wheels, door appliqués, pinstripe on the steering wheel and even the rear-view mirror. It contrasts the largely white leather interior including white stitching and White Alcantara® floor mats, pretty well.

The car’s exhaust and windows are finished in stealth grey while the carbon fibre components taken from the MSO catalogue, add to the level of sportiness. Like the body colour, these features can be ordered by anyone through MSO and they can be fitted to just about any McLaren.

Jolyon Nash, McLaren Automotive Executive Director, Global Sales and Marketing, said, “MSO provides McLaren owners with virtually limitless possibilities to tailor a car exactly to their needs and tastes.

He added, ” unique paint colours and finishes, custom leather and stitching and exotic materials are all available within a bespoke commission, while beyond this there are opportunities all the way up to complete vehicles designed to individual specification.”

Mike Flewitt, McLaren Chief Executive Officer, will personally be presenting the car to Flux in Monterey, USA, during the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Later, it will be placed on display for the ‘Concept Lawn’ on Concours Sunday.

Fux, is an entrepreneur and philanthropist who is known for his collection of rare McLarens. He currently has an Orange McLaren 12C, a purple 12C Spider and a green McLaren P1. A fan of cars that scream for attention, Fux can add the Fux Fuchsia 720S to his garage, though we doubt he will be content with just four oddly coloured cars.

Honda’s highly advanced jet is in high demand

Honda doesn’t just produce vehicles for road use, it is involved with designing and manufacturing light aircraft as well. And its latest project, the HondaJet, is said to be the ‘fastest, highest-flying, quietest, most fuel-efficient, and most comfortable business jet in its class’.

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association has announced that the HondaJet ranks as the most delivered jet in its category for the first half of 2017. Apparently, its a sought after aircraft in western markets with 24 of them already delivered to customers in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and certain countries in Europe.

“Our customers are extremely pleased with the performance, comfort and superior fit and finish of the HondaJet. The HondaJet is a very high tech, sporty aircraft and it is like a flying, high precision sports car,” said Honda Aircraft President and CEO Michimasa Fujino.

He added, “We want to create new value in business aviation and I hope to see many more HondaJets flying all over the world.”

According to Honda, this new jet is the most advanced light aircraft thanks to a slew of technical innovations including the unique Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration.

Compared to the conventional one, OTWEM offers improved performance and fuel efficiency by reducing aerodynamic drag. It also aids in the reduction in cabin sound, minimizes ground-detected noise, and allows for for maximization of space.

As such the HondaJet offers the roomiest cabin in its class, the largest baggage capacity, and a fully serviceable private lavatory. The aircraft can even be ordered with a sophisticated glass flight deck and a customized Garmin® G3000 navigation system.

Due to the surge in demand, Honda is steadily ramping up production to meet customer needs. Currently, the HondaJet is being manufactured at a rate of about four per month at its world headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Chery to launch new brand and vehicles for European market

Chery Automobiles Co., Ltd is planning on revealing a new compact SUV concept at the up coming Frankfurt Motor Show in September and under a new nameplate. It will mirror, in some form, the actual production vehicle that is aimed at the younger car buyer.

This nameplate, and the vehicles that bear its namesake will spearhead the Chinese automaker’s charge into the European passenger car market within the next few years. The adoption of a new brand name for the new line of vehicles may be a marketing ploy by Chery to ensure that it starts off with a clean slate instead of inheriting unwanted baggage.

“In just a few years we intend to start selling a family of vehicles in European markets across multiple segments, with power supplied by a range of electrified powertrains,” explains Chery CEO Dr. Anning Chen at Chery Automobile Co., Ltd.

Chery is also evaluating sales opportunities in key markets before it initializes the setting up European sales operations with its various import and distribution partners. This is probably toe ensure that it makes all the right moves in a market that is relatively unknown to the Chinese.

Chery has also stated that it hopes that the new design and R&D facilities in Europe accelerate its plans and efforts for global expansion. This news isn’t surprising considering that like Chery, Geely and its subsidiary, Volvo cars, recently agreed to technology sharing between the brands.

This in turn will allow Geely access to technology that should make its vehicles compelling alternatives to models offered by established European automakers. Chery, though lacking a such a treasure trove of sophisticated tech, may have the same goal in mind.

The Chinese automaker has also revealed its intentions of selling a range of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). This should make it a formidable force in the EV segment in the next few years.

Clarkson’s Pneumonia was more serious then initially thought

In a previous article we reported that Jeremy Clarkson had to be admitted in hospital while on a vacation due to a bout of Pneumonia. What we, and many others were unaware of however, was the severity of his illness.

According to a recent news piece by Car Throttle, Clarkson stated that he was in pretty bad shape before being admitted in hospital. Three days prior to his admission, the former Top Gear host was experiencing spasms in bed.

After a series of tests were conducted, his doctor informed him that things were far worse and that if he didn’t do exactly as instructed, there was a very real chance that Clarkson would succumb to his illness.

His right lung was more than half full of mucus and to make matters worse, he was running a very high fever too. This made it difficult for him to breath and function normally. Fortunately, he sought treatment just in time but will require 2 months of rest.

Still in recovery, Clarkson joins his Grand Tour co-host Richard Hammond, who has a fractured leg, on the sidelines leaving James May as the only member of the team, to soldier on. The Grand Tour is currently filming the second season this year, however, these recent setbacks should push the release date of this second season even further.

Clarkson covered his health scare extensively in his column of the Sunday Times. He goes on to talk about the irony of what this illness did to him considering that, prior to this, despite his militant attitude to life and utter disregard for healthy living, has never fallen ill or needed to take a sick day.

That said, we wish Clarkson a speedy recovery and hope that the trio get back to work as soon as medically possible.

Source: Car Throttle, Sunday Times

Aston Martin Zagato family of four introduced

Aston Martin has revealed the final two cars of its Zagato family. As the name emplys, all four have been designed by the world renowned design house, Zagato. They are based on the Vanquish S and feature unique styling that differ from that of the regular Aston Martin cars.

The Vanquish Zagato Coupe and Volante were introduced last year with a limited production run of 99 cars each. According to the automaker, the order books have already been filled and customers can expect to get their cars by 2018.

What many will find most intriging about this news however, is the introduction of the Zagato Speedster and Shooting Brake. The latter is rather unusual because it breaks convention and may have purists up in arms. Though it and the Speedster retain the same basic design of the Volante and Coupe models, their rear quarter sections are where things get interesting.

The Shooting Brake is still considered a two seater GT and is said to offer an airy experience thanks to the large rear hatch. The Roof’s lines flow smoothly from front to rear without distortion or disruption to the suave silhouette.

Since all four are based on the same car, the Speedster shares a similar design to the Volante and Coupe safe for the double bubble rear roof. Though this many not be to everyone’s taste but the subtlety of the design allows for a more uniformed finish.

Aston Martin has limited the production of the Speedster to 28 cars in total, which is significantly less than the 99 car limit for the other three. This makes it a rare Aston and one that will probably become a collector’s item.

Though each car has its own individual styling that make it unique when compared to the other three, all share certain similarities which include the Vulcan inspired ‘blade’ tail lights, 3D Cagato ‘Z’ motifs in the front grille and rear vent meshes.

Andrea Zagato, CEO of Zagato said of the enduring creative partnership: “Zagato’s relationship with Aston Martin began with my grandfather and the DB4 GT Zagato, almost sixty years ago. To have a creative ‘marriage‘ thrive for three generations is something as unique as the cars themselves.”

All four get the Vanquish S’ near 600bhp V12 engine, which is mated to a Touchtronic III transmission. Thanks to adaptive damping, rigid body structure and a balanced suspension setup, the cars will be able to offer a good amount of driving pleasure.

Check out the relatively large picture gallery below and let us know your thoughts on the newly introduced Zagato family of four.

Volkswagen to introduce new compact SUV this month

Volkswagen is gearing up to unveil a new compact SUV that it calls the T-Roc. Meant to be a smaller vehicle that retains the agility and off-road character of an SUV, the T-Roc is being positioned as a crossover that can offer the best of both world.

Despite being a completely new vehicle, the lines and overall design language of the T-Roc is unmistakably Volkswagen. The front fascia and especially the honey comb grille, look similar to that of the current Tiguan, and to a lesser extent, the Atlas.

It’s integrated dual headlights is a dead giveaway and can be considered an essential trait of all current Volkswagen models including the Passat. This means, that the German automaker has chosen to take an evolutionary approach as opposed to a revolutionary one when it came time to create a a brand compact SUV.

The rear is reminiscent of a Mk7 Golf, which is a welcomed attribute. The simplistic yet elegant lines make for surprisingly neat overall look. This should make it an appealing vehicle to those wanting a crossover that is able to offer car-like looks but with added style.

Judging from the design, the overall footprint of this particular VW shouldn’t be that far off of that used for the Golf platform, which if so, should place the T-Roc beneath the Tiguan and Toureg models. This should help it fill the the void in Volkswagen’s current product portfolio and help boost sales somewhat.

Regarding tech, nothing concrete has been announced yet, but VW has stated that it will bless the vehicle with a wealth of innovations, which should include its slew of safety and advanced driver aids.

Volkswagen will officially launch the T-Roc on August 23rd 2017 and is quite confident that this new addition and its ‘crisp proportions and progressive design’ will invigorate the compact class. That said, we can’t help but wonder how much of these suave looks would actually make it onto the production ready vehicle.