2009 New York Auto Show Highlights

Automakers used the recent 2009 New York International Auto Show to roll out new models loaded with the latest technology features and to introduce energy-efficient concept vehicles that your children will drive. This podcast highlights how these automakers are levering technology innovations to address energy savings, driving comfort, and safety.

The Origins Audi TT


The development of the Audi TT began in September 1994 at the Audi Design Center in California. The TT was first shown as a concept car at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show. The design is credited to J Mays and Freeman Thomas with Martin Smith and Romulus Rost contributing to the award winning interior design. A previously unused laser welding adaptation that enabled seamless design features on the first-generation TT also delayed its introduction.

Audi did not initially include an automatic transmission option for the TT. A DSG (S-Tronic) became available, the first for a production car, in 2003.

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee


Chrysler has revealed the refreshed 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Notable changes for the new year are a new 4.7L V8 engine, and styling changes inside and out.

Tiket Gratis Pameran Otomotif Di Jakarta


Sudah lebih dari sebulan setelah penyelenggara pameran otomotif Indonesia (Indonesia Motor Show) ada mengumumkan secara resmi bahwa pameran itu akan tetap berjalan tahun ini, dari pihak penyelenggara mengumumkan bahwa sosialisasi acara itu juga akan diadakan di sejumlah pusat perbelanjaan di Jakarta.

Release yang dikeluarkan penyelenggara awal pekan ini menyebutkan road show mall to mall akan digelar di Cilandak Town Square, Mal Taman Anggrek, dan Mal Pondok Indah 1.

Yang menarik disini adalah stand promosi itu tidak hanya akan memberi informasi awal tentang Indonesia Motor show tapi penyelenggara akan membagikan total 10.000 tiket masuk gratis selama promosi di tiga pusat perbelanjaan itu.

Saat pengumuman pertama Indonesia Motor Show ke 17 tahun ini, pihak penyelenggara memang mengatakan harga tiket akan diturunkan menjadi Rp 20.000 pada hari kerja dan Rp 30.000 pada akhir pekan, karena krisis ekonomi dan untuk menarik lebih banyak pengunjung ke lokasi pameran yang baru di Kemayoran jakarta.

Promo di Cilandak Town Square akan digelar pada 26 - 28 Juni 2009, kemudian di Mal Taman Anggrek tanggal 6 - 12 Juli 2009, dan Mal Pondok Indah tanggal 13 - 19 juli.
bagi anda yang suka otomotive segera kunjungi tempat� pameran ini. anda pasti tidakakan kecewa.

Lancer IX Ralliart

It has been a while since my last blog. I was really busy at work and couldn't find time to update my site. Anyway, these are 1:43 Evolution IX Ralliart by AUTOart (black and red version). I am missing this version in 1:18 I'm really glad to have them in 1:43rd. Vitesse also released the Evolution IX in red and I'm still on the fence about getting it. I really like the weight of this particular model. They are heavy! AUTOart used metal for the under chassis like some of their WRC version. Enjoy the pictures, guys! Cheers!










Honda 2010 Hybrids Only


Beyond that obvious surrender to a take-no-big-chances market, however,
the 2010 Honda Insight does manage to march to a slightly different
drummer. It�s smaller than the Prius, for instance, which isn�t
necessarily a plus, as interior room suffers. But it�s lighter, which
is a plus, as less weight contributes to it�s being a somewhat livelier
driver.

Beyond this, it generally stays the course, with the common array of
standard features plus an optional navigation system and Bluetooth
capability. It also can be ordered with gimmicky paddle shifters that
imposes an artificial construct of seven electronically created ratios
on the continuously variable automatic transmission.

When the new Honda Insight is measured against the outgoing-generation
2009 Toyota Prius, it definitely hums a different tune. Put simply, the
Insight�s EPA-rated City/Highway 40/43 miles per gallon trails
significantly the 48/45 mpg rating for the Prius. Honda appears to
believe its faithful will willingly trade a few miles per gallon for a
modestly quicker car.

Perhaps the most significant change Honda brings to the hybrid market
is price competition. With the Insight, shoppers now have two similar
cars from which to choose. The 2010 Honda Insight�s $19,800
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price just slightly undercuts the $21,000
MSRP of the all-new 2010 Toyota Prius. The first-generation 2009 Prius
retailed for $23,375.

The 2010 Insight comes in one configuration: a four-door,
five-passenger sedan. One powertrain is available: a combination of a
1.3-liter, 88-horsepower, inline four-cylinder gasoline engine and a
10-kilowatt, 13-hp, brushless, DC motor. Power goes only to the front
wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). In
the top two of the three models offered, steering wheel-mounted shift
paddles manage a computer-generated seven-speed, simulated-manual
gearbox. The base model uses a standard CVT that�s efficient and highly
competent.

Nissan Skyline 350GT Type SP


The sportier SP and P series feature a steering-column mounted shift paddles that allow the driver to operate in manual-shift mode. The paddles are made of solid, light-weight magnesium.

In striving for the perfect balance in vehicle dynamics, the Skyline responds to the driver�s command under various driving conditions � agility and comfort for city driving, stability and smoothness for open highways, and precision handling for sinuous mountain road conditions.

The new body is more rigid and transmits less NVH (noise, vibration and harshness), despite no incremental weight compared to its V35 predecessor. Nissan�s advanced technology allows precise control of the vibration characteristics of the suspensions, mounts and body, in order to minimize the effects of road vibrations.

Unique to the Skyline is the world�s first four-wheel active steering system, which adjusts the steering angles of the front and rear wheels in accordance with driving speeds and steering operation, allowing for greater control at low and medium speeds, and smooth effortless cruising at higher speeds. It is optional on SP and S series.

The new Skyline is equipped with larger 18-inch (sports models) and 17-inch (standard models) aluminum wheels. In the sport models, it is equipped with different sized front (225/50R) and rear (245/45R) tires for added performance.

High safety and environmental standards
The body has been designed to deliver a high level of compatibility; it protects the occupants with a reinforced cabin while minimizing crash impact to other cars. Pedestrian protection is designed to lessen the impact to the head and lower limb.

The new Skyline retails from 2,793,000 yen (MRSP) to 3,801,000 yen nationwide. Nissan�s forecast for the Skyline is 1,000 units per month.

�Dynamic rhythm� and sporty lines
The exterior design of the all-new Skyline expresses �dynamic rhythm� with its fluid lines, combined with a sleek aerodynamic and sporty-look.

The overall height is 20mm lower, overall width is 20mm wider than its V35 predecessor.

Its longer nose, sharply raked A-pillar, forward-leaning roofline, and fluidly curving character line which wrap around the rear wheel arches, express �dynamic motion� and enhance the rear wheel drive proportions.

The front hood features a sculptured new front-grille and headlamps. The integrated spoiler for the rear trunk blends with new L-shaped tail lamps, while the double exhaust tips adds to the purposeful high-performance image.

The Skyline�s sport models feature exclusive front bumper and body-side sill spoiler.

The new line-up comes in a choice of seven body colors including three all-new colors � Stratosphere Blue, Blade Silver and Crimson Red.

Interior comfort and craftsmanship
The all-new interior incorporates a cockpit feel with the front dashboard and center stack designed to be driver-centric.

The aluminum trim finish was inspired by the texture of traditional Japanese rice paper called �Washi�, whereas the optional wood trim is made of bubinga, a high-quality wood commonly used in high-end furniture pieces.

The leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear-shifter are hand-stitched for refined craftsmanship quality. All the switches and dials are ergonomically designed for smooth easy-to-reach operation and offer a refined tactile feel.

The seats are 27mm lower for a more sporty drive position. A greater margin for adjustment is offered on the seats as well as the steering wheel. The front seat offers firm support and comfort to ensure tireless driving in either day-to-day traffic or long-distance touring. Headroom and rear-seat space are best-in-class.

The Skyline range is available in a choice of five different interior color combinations to suit individual tastes.

Superior performance and driving pleasure
The next generation FR-L platform has been engineered to deliver a fun and exhilarating driving experience without having to compromise on a smooth and comfortable ride. In the development of the new Skyline, Nissan�s engineers focused on three key areas � accommodating increased engine power, superior balance of driving performance and comfort, as well as safety and environmental friendliness.

The Skyline is powered by the newly developed VQ35HR and VQ25HR V6 engines. The 3.5L version generates 315 horsepowers and 36.5kgm of torque and is capable of revving up to 7500rpm, while the 2.5L generates 225 horsepowers and 26.8 kgm of torque. The powerplant is matched to a five-speed automatic transmission with adaptive shift control, allowing the driver to be in full control of the power generated by the new engine. A new DS mode allows for more spirited driving by optimizing gear selection for various driving conditions. The gearbox is also equipped with the synchro-rev control system.

The Skyline is a certified SU-LEV (super low emission vehicle), with a significant 75% reduction in NOx (Nitrogen Oxide) and NMHC (Non-Methane Hydrocarbon) emissions compared to 2005 emission regulations of Japan.

Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 N1 : World Challenge Car For Sale


The car was originally raced in the Japanese Super Taikyu series, built by NISMO. Only about 12 were built, and who knows how many remain. However, the spec in the Super Taikyu series was rather low for World Challenge GT, so in 2005 we proceeded to upgrade the GT-R. All bodywork was changed to carbon/fiberglass to lose weight, the transmission changed to a Holinger 6-speed sequential, a triple plate carbon clutch was custom-made by Tilton to ensure successful standing-start launches. All windows were changed to Lexan. In all, we were able to trim the weight of the GT-R down to under 3050 lbs dry - over 200 lbs shaved off the Super Taikyu-spec. Note that this is a weight that an R35 GT-R could never be in an AWD trim.

To run the 305-width rubber on the car, Rays Engineering/Mackin Industries were kind enough to custom make light-weight 18x11J width Volk TE37s in Japan specifically for this project.

In 2005 testing, we quickly learned that the stresses applied to the car on 305/35/18 Toyo Proxes RA1 tires were severely more than the Super Taikyu-spec 250-width slicks, prompting us to find solutions to hub/bearing failures. Mr. Tetsuo Suzuki, the crew chief of the Nurburgring 24-hr Falken GT-R team was introduced to us by NISMO to help us find solutions. The Nur GT-R also had similar problems as it used 290-width slicks, so we followed their suit and upgraded the hubs to those used on the Nissan Cima luxury vehicle.

To comply with World Challgne GT safety regulations, we installed a custom NASCAR-style cage in addition to the FIA-certified cage that was in place from the car's time in Japan.

2010 Nissan Skyline


The new Skyline Crossover makes its foray into the crossover segment with a unique and distinctive design, that arrives from a fusion of a coupe with an SUV. The luxury crossover utilizes smooth, soft-to-the-touch and high-quality materials to provide an elegant and personalized interior space.

Powered by a VQ37VHR engine with VVEL technology, the powertrain delivers high response and high torque for an exhilirating driving experience. The powertain also offers cleaner emissions and good fuel-efficiency. Powerful, seamless and continuous acceleration is realized by mating the powertrain to a 7-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode. Stable handling and supple ride comfort are optimally balanced for a pleasurable drive.

The all-new Skyline Crossover will be showcased at Nissan Galleries nationwide starting April 18, 2009 and hit dealerships this summer.

The Battle cars


There�s a new show coming to the Discovery Chanel called Weaponizers. Brought to you by the same people who brought you Mythbusters, this show centers around weaponizing and remote controlling cars. They�ll be building them with several different types of competition in mind, including defense of an object and all out warfare. You�ll note in the press release that they keep mentioning their special effects backgrounds. Judging by the picture above, we should expect to see them shooting lots of fireworks, maybe some flame throwers thrown in. Generally, we think we�ll see lots of flashy stuff that really isn�t effective at destroying an unmanned car. They do mention live ammunition, so maybe they�ll actually try to make these things able to harm each other. Let�s hope they don�t let us down.