Honda CR-Z to get turbocharged engine

According to British Autocar, Honda is going to provide the CR-Z, as well as a number of other models, with an all-new turbocharged R4 engine. The new engine, under development at Honda’s Tochigi R&D centre, is also planned  for the Jazz, Civic and Accord, forming an integral part of Honda's downsizing program. 

The engine, which will feature Honda’s VTEC-i fully variable camshaft timing system, is likely to come with two power outputs. A standard 160 hp and a highly tuned 200 hp version, with the latter one replacing the 2.0L VTEC engine in the Civic Type R.  A CR-Z Type R is also likely to hit the markets late next year.

[Source: Autocar]

Nissan Leaf: Video showing production stages

How does Nissan's Leaf drive...?

I have read many articles about the Nissan Leaf and its launch in Japan, and one thing is certain. The Japanese are very serious about EVs and Nissan wants to be a market leader. It is planned that 5,000 quick chargers will be installed across Japan by 2020! But the big question in my mind is how it actually drives...

According to Reuters, so far, the feedback has been good. On recent test drives, drivers were impressed with the instant engine torque and acceleration of a car with a maximum speed of 145 km/h.

In Saitama, a city just north of Tokyo, residents who had won an online lottery to test-drive the Leaf also gave it a thumbs-up.

"I knew it was going to be quiet because I'd been in other EVs before," said Kazuhiro Futamura, a 36-year-old businessman. "But the acceleration, steering and response, it was linear, if you know what I mean. I thought that was quite impressive," added Futamura, who had also ridden in BMW's experimental Mini E and Mitsubishi's i-MiEV.

Racing driver Seiji Ara said it was obvious the engineers had paid close attention to the ease and precision of how the car handles. "The car does exactly what you tell it to do," said Ara, who races on a Nissan-backed team. "It's a difficult area to master, but also very important," he added.



[Source: Automotive News]

Nissan Leaf: Demo of smartphone access

New Nissan Sunny (Tiida / Versa?) to come with XTronic CVT

The new Nissan Sunny for the Chinese market has been caught several times and even photos of the production vehicle have been leaked (earlier post). Now, whether the new Tiida / Versa for USDM, JDM and EUDM will be the same car remains unclear in my opinion (earlier post).

Anyway, the Chinese Sunny will be powered by a 1.8L engine and Nissan's XTronic CVT gearbox will be available as well, as Nissan presented in China, the new generation of intelligent XTronic CVT and production will start in April 2011. According to the plan, the Chinese factory will be capable of producing 24 million units/year. The new Sunny will come also with a a Stop & Start system.

[Source: auto.163.com]

Next Subaru Impreza WRX STi tS to get carbon fibre roof

FHI is working with Toray (東レ) for developing a roof made out of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), which will be used in the Subaru Impreza WRX STi tS. The CFRP roof will be 20% lighter than the steel one, and it will also improve the structural performance of the car. A lighter roof will enable also lowering the centre of gravity. The cost of using CFRP is high, but a special moulding method by Toray will enable to reduce the investment cost.

[Source: Tech-On!]

Nissan introduces Leaf in Japan

Nissan announced today the launch of Leaf, which goes on sale December 20th in Japan. It will be followed by the United States, also in December, and in select European markets in early 2011. Release in other global markets is set for 2012.
 

The Leaf, on JC08 mode, achieves a driving range of 200 km. Prices start from 3,764,250 ¥, including the consumption tax. Since customers in Japan are eligible to receive up to 780,000 ¥ through government EV incentives for fiscal year 2010, the consumer's net price starts from 2,984,250 ¥. 

To help ensure comfortable, convenient and safe use of the new EV, Nissan offers a "Nissan zero-emission Support Program" for individual customers. The program which includes EV-IT communication charge, maintenance support such as regular inspections and the first car safety inspection, charging at Nissan dealers, discount service for Nissan Rentacar and emergency support in case of trouble - at the monthly rate of 1,500 ¥. For corporate customers, Nissan provides "Nissan EV Fleet Maintenance Service."

Nissan dealers nationwide also provide "one-stop service" - from vehicle purchase to arranging for the preparation of a charging environment for detached houses. In addition, 200-volt normal charging is available at about 2,200 Nissan dealers nationwide. About 200 of these dealers are equipped with quick chargers that can charge the battery up to 80% of its full capacity in about 30 minutes. At least one quick-charge unit is available within a 40-kilometer radius throughout the country for the convenience of Leaf drivers.

Be aware Germans, mighty Lexus GS-F on its way!

An "F" version of Lexus' GS model is on the works and according to R&T, the GS-F will come with a 5.0L V8 engine (a V10 engine has been speculated in the past) producing 465 hp! It is estimated that it will hit 100 km/h in less than 4.5 sec. The mighty Lexus should therefore be able to challenge the Germans, BMW's M5 and MB E63 AMG.

But performance doesn't come only from a powerful engine, low weight is also crucial. Thus, Lexus aims to achieve a weight of around 1700 kg by incorporating aluminium and carbon fibre parts. The GS-F won't hit the markets any time soon, but it could make its appearance as early as 2012.

[Source: Road&Track]