Lexus launches the IS-C for the Singaporean market

lexus-is-c-250-2Toyota-owned luxury auto brand Lexus, has officially launched the IS-C, which is a 2-door convertible version of the IS sedan. The IS-C features a 4GR-FSE 2.5 liter V6 that is also found in the sedan model. Also called the IS250C, the powerplant in the top-less car is able to pump out 205HP at 6,400 revs and 252Nm of torque at 4,800 revs. The engine, coupled with a 6 speed automatic, features an aluminum construction and comes with dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). It allows the IS-C to hit 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds.

Just like the current BMW 3-Series Cabriolet, the IS-C is offered with a lightweight aluminum alloy foldable hard top, which takes about 20 seconds to be folded down. Apparently, you can even store a golf bag in the boot, while having the top down.

Featuring a gross weight of 2075 kilograms, the IS-C features a double wishbone suspension up front, while the rear comes with a multi link setup. Offered in two trim levels, the IS-C and the IS-C Luxury, it comes standard with, among others, cruise control, Smart Entry & Start System, Part Assist, Lexus’ Premium Sound System with an in-dash 6-disc CD auto-changer and 8 speakers with MP3 and WMA playability (iPod auxiliary port), heated and 8-way front power seats and more.

The Luxury variant has a couple of extras, including front seats with memory (3 settings), front seat air conditioning, low beam discharge headlamps with Intelligent AFS (Adaptive Front-Lighting System) and auto-leveling function as well as a sports accelerator pedal, brake pedal and foot rest.

The safety system of the IS-C is made up by the VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) system, traction control, vehicle stability control, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist system, Hill-start Assist Control, auto wiper system, front, knee, head and torso airbags for front passengers, Whiplash Injury Lessening for front seats, ISOFIX mounting points and more. The base Lexus IS-C can be yours for S$ 188,000, while the Luxury variant carries a S$ 208,000 price tag (both inclusive of COE).

Honda launches its latest global car Jazz in India

honda-jazz-2008-5-bigHonda Siel Cars India Ltd., leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, today launched its latest global car – the Honda Jazz. Boasting an optimum balance between a futuristic aerodynamic exterior and spacious interiors, the Jazz is a segment-defining car that has won accolades and adoration all over the world.

Widely acclaimed for its dynamic styling, spacious interiors, versatile utility and remarkable performance, the Honda Jazz brings added fun and excitement to the driving experience.

The Jazz’s dynamic performance is achieved by a newly developed four-cylinder 1.2-liter i-VTEC engine, featuring Programmed Fuel Injection that delivers maximum output of 90 PS (66 kW) @ 6,200 rpm and Torque of 110 Nm (11.2 kg-m) @ 4800 rpm while giving impressive fuel economy of 16.1 km/l, as per ARAI test data. Jazz is available in 5-speed manual transmission with gear ratios optimized for a sporty driving experience, while ensuring good fuel economy. The Drive by Wire throttle control system enables precise control of the vehicle while driving.

In line with Honda’s mission to reduce its environmental footprint, the new engine is E10 compatible and has Euro IV emission levels. This engine has been specially developed for the Indian Market and reflects the company’s commitment towards India and its continued focus on bringing in the latest global technology into the country.

Honda’s design principle “Man Maximum – Machine Minimum” has defined the underlying approach in the design concept of the Honda Jazz that calls for maximizing the space available for passengers and minimizing the space occupied by mechanical components. Jazz offers futuristic, sporty, and aerodynamic exteriors, combined with new-age interiors, along with the best in class safety technology.

The Jazz chassis realizes both superior ride comfort and agile handling. The high rigidity body and supple suspension provide an exceptional dynamic performance. The car features a McPherson strut suspension in the front. The H-shaped torsion beam rear suspension achieves the maximum possible space for the rear seats and cargo area as well as steady ride comfort and agile handling. The Electric Power Steering aids the driver to steer the car with less effort and gives better handling.

Safety of passengers and pedestrians is a top priority for Honda and all safety equipment is standard across all variants. The Honda Jazz comes fully loaded with various active and passive safety features including ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution System), Dual SRS airbags and pre-tensioner seat belts. Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering Body (ACE) and G-CON (G-Force Control Technology) provide a high integrity survival zone that enhances self-protection and better compatibility in collisions with other vehicles. Honda’s Pedestrian-injury reduction body design helps protect pedestrians from injury in the event of a collision.

The exterior styling concept of Jazz is an Advanced Super Forward Cabin and Dynamic Forward Leaning Form which is intended to express both spaciousness and dynamic motion. The big front quarter windows, slim front pillar and integrated rear head rest provide clear visibility in all directions for more comfortable and safe driving.

Honda Jazz comes with a new-age interior design, which is sophisticated and exciting with advanced functionality including a Tilt steering column for ensuring comfortable driving position for all drivers, Keyless Entry with answer back, Integrated audio equipment with MP3/ CD and Aux-in, Steering Mounted Audio Controls, Auto Volume by Speed, Magic Seats and Driver’s footrest. The large three-meter cluster provides superior visibility with permanent illumination. The speedometer, located in the center of the cluster, features a large LED display providing of a broad range of information, including instant fuel economy and range indications, which are easy to read and operate without distracting driver’s mind from driving.

The packaging of Honda Jazz is based on Honda’s innovative center tank layout which allows enhancement of cabin space and practicality. This layout helps maintaining excellent maneuverability of a 4.9 meter minimum turning radius. At 3900 mm long, 1695 mm wide, 1535 mm tall and wheelbase of 2500 mm, efficient use of space has been made to create a spacious cabin interior.

The 3 stage opening of doors and rear doors opening to a wide 80° angle, provide easier access for passengers and facilitating loading and unloading of luggage. The car boasts of a class leading spacious boot and the tailgate opening is located 615 mm from the ground, making it easy to load and unload luggage. The Honda Jazz features 10 cup holders, double glove box and a secret box for hidden storage under the rear seat.

Mitsubishi Motors to bring new-generation EV i-MiEV to market

iMiEV_060409Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today, on World Environment Day, unveiled the production version of the i-MiEV*1 *2 new-generation electric vehicle (EV), describing it as “the pioneer that will open the door to the next 100 years of our automobile society.” The i-MiEV will go on sale on the Japanese market in late July of this year.

The i-MiEV represents the crystallization of some 40 years of electric vehicle development at Mitsubishi Motors. The company is presenting the production i-MiEV as the ultimate eco-car, a solution to the various challenges the automobile faces today including environmental pollution, global warming and the depletion of petroleum-based energy supplies. The company will continue its extensive collaboration with both private and public sectors in Japan and overseas in developing infrastructure to promote ownership of EVs.

Mitsubishi Motors expects to distribute, on a maintenance lease*3 basis, some 1,400 i-MiEV models in fiscal 2009 principally to corporations and to local authorities. The company plans to start sales of i-MiEV to individuals in April 2010 and will start taking orders on the Mitsubishi Motors web site in late July of this year.

2010 Lamborghini Reventon Spyder

lamborghini_reventon_spyder

lamborghini_reventon_spyder

Italian automakers Lamborghini launches production of Reventon Spyder supercar. Planning to produce only 9 copies of the super open car. Reventon Spyder, in contrast to the coupe, based on the platform Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce, which inherited the full drive, reinforced frame and Safety 670-strong 6,5-liter V12. And the maximum speed in an open version of a few worse aerodynamics will be less than the coupe, accelerated up to 355 km / h.

Lamborghini Reventon Spyder will be one of the most expensive in the world of mass-produced car.

BMW 7 Series in the 2010 Model Year

BMW7

BMW7

Following its successful introduction into the market, the new BMW 7 Series is further expanding its position in 2010 as the most innovative model series in the luxury segment. New drivetrain and equipment variants emphasise both the driving pleasure and the outstanding efficiency of BMW’s top-class luxury saloon.

The BMW 740d to be introduced in autumn, for example, will for the first time feature a new straight-six diesel engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and maximum output of 225 kW/306 hp. The second diesel model in the range, the BMW 730d, underlines its status as the world’s most economical and lowest emission model in the luxury class by a further reduction in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions as well as optionally available BMW BluePerformance Technology. Hence, BMW now offers yet another production model already fulfilling the EU6 emission standard today.

These innovations in the BMW 7 Series model range ensure truly thrilling diversity in the prestigious luxury segment. Including the new top-of-the-range BMW 760i and BMW 760Li with their twelve-cylinder power units, the BMW 7 Series is now available in three gasoline and two diesel variants.

BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive will also be introduced in the BMW 7 Series for the first time in the 2010 model year, yet another new feature entering the market in autumn 2009 being the M Sports Package available on all models in the BMW 7 Series.

The new diesel model in the BMW 7 Series is characterised by spontaneous and supreme traction and pulling power combined with outstanding efficiency. The BMW 740d features a newly developed six-cylinder power unit, an all-aluminium engine boasting BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and common-rail direct fuel injection with piezo-injectors operating at an injection pressure of up to 2,000 bar.

The charge system follows the Variable Twin Turbo principle and is made up of two turbochargers of various size perfectly matched to one another and therefore operating either individually or together as a team, depending on the driver’s power and performance requirements. High-pressure fuel injection ensures particularly precise dosage of fuel optimising both the car’s efficiency and the emissions coming from the engine.

The new power unit delivers maximum output of 225 kW/306 hp and peak torque of 600 Newton-metres/442 lb-ft maintained consistently between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm. This gives the BMW 740d a level of performance so far only provided by far larger power units, now combined with the superior economy typical of a BMW straight-six diesel.

The BMW 740d accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and is limited electronically in its top speed to 250 km/h or 155 mph.

Average fuel consumption of 6.9 litres/100 kilometres in the EU test cycle (equal to 40.9 mpg imp) and a CO2 emission rating of 181 grams per kilometre, finally, mark new records for efficiency in this performance class.

BMW BluePerformance making ongoing: BMW 730d fulfils the EU6 emission standard.

The cutting-edge diesel engines in the current range allow BMW to introduce further models already fulfilling the future EU6 emission standard today. BMW is therefore consistently increasing its leadership in the introduction of exhaust emission management technology able to fulfil this strictest European standard planned for the future.

The introduction of BMW BluePerformance Technology has no influence on the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of the BMW 730d, which are in-deed being further reduced once again in the 2010 model year. Modifications on the engine and the drivetrain reduce the average fuel consumption of the BMW 730d determined in the EU test cycle to 6.8 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 41.5 mpg imp), with the CO2 emission rating moving down to 178 grams per kilometre. As a result the BMW 730d is further expanding its leading position as the most efficient saloon in the luxury segment.

Like all other model variants, the BMW 730d owes its outstanding efficiency to superior engine technology as well as the powerful impact of BMW EfficientDynamics naturally featured as standard. Just how fuel-efficient a vehicle may be in the use of energy the driver of a BMW 7 Series will see in future not only on the fuel gauge, since the instrument cluster will be supplemented as of the 2010 model year by a recuperation indicator.

A graphic display next to the current fuel consumption indicator in the lower half of the rev counter presents the generation of electric power in overrun and while applying the brakes, the blue arrow being activated as soon as Brake Energy Regeneration feeds energy into the on-board network without any fuel being consumed in the process.