マイブログ リスト

2010年10月26日

New, lighter Honda Fit coming in 2013

The new Honda Fit (Jazz) is expected to be introduced in 2013 and the overall weight of the car will be reduced by 8-10%, compared to the current generation. This translates to around 100 kg, since the weight of today's Fit is around 1000 kg. Honda seems to follow Mazda's philosophy, which makes sense in order to improve fuel efficiency and reduce the CO2 emissions, but at the same time, it is a challenging target since lightweight materials are expensive to use.

Nissan releases new Fuga Hybrid in Japan

Nissan announced today the launch of the new Nissan Fuga Hybrid (known as Infiniti M35h outside Japan), which goes on sale November 2nd at Nissan dealers nationwide in Japan.

The new Fuga Hybrid adopts Nissan's original one-motor two-clutch parallel hybrid system named 'Intelligent Dual Clutch Control', connecting the high-response electric motor and the 3.5-liter VQ35HR V6 engine directly to the transmission, without the use of a traditional torque converter. One of the two clutches completely disconnects the motor from the engine, realizing a quiet and highly efficient EV mode. Compared to traditional hybrid systems, the electric motor driving range is expanded for high-speed driving (up to over 100km/h on a level highway) and the EV mode is frequently applied.

The Fuga Hybrid's sport performance feel is enhanced by the use of double-piston shock absorbers, and the first-ever application of both the advanced Electro-hydraulic Power Steering system and Electric Driven Intelligent Brake system.

Pirces range from 5,775,000 ¥ to 6,300,000 ¥.

Main Features of Nissan Fuga Hybrid
● Exterior
  • 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with chrome color coating
  • Available in a choice of seven body colors, including a new Eternal Snow White (a special Titanium Metallic color with Scratch Shield)
● Mechanism and equipment
  • Nissan original one-motor two-clutch parallel hybrid system, 'Intelligent Dual Clutch Control'
  • High-output lithium-ion battery with a quick charge/discharge function
  • Advanced 'HM34' electric motor with maximum power output of 50kW(68PS) and maximum torque of 270N・m(27.5kgf・m)
  • Special engine for hybrid 'VQ35HR' with maximum power of 225kW(306PS)/6800rpm and maximum torque of 350N・m(35.7kgf・m)/5000rpm)
  • Electronic 7-speed hybrid transmission with manual shift mode

2010年10月25日

Subaru Forester tS STI... for Japan only

Subaru will produce an STI version of the Forester tS. Fancy one? Well, only 300 cars will be built and before you run to your local Subaru dealer, bare in mind that you have to live in Japan in order to get one...

Production is scheduled to run from now until the end of March 2011 and all cars will be fitted with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The 2.5L engine will produce 263 ps and 347 Nm of torque. STI tuned dampers, springs, body bracing will be fitted.

The STi version costs 3,600,000 ¥.