New Concept from Honda Odyssey

Honda hopes its fourth-generation Odyssey, previewed by this concept unveiled at the 2010 Chicago auto show, appeals to those buyers. Although it isn't a complete departure from the traditional minivan, the concept -- and the production vehicle, we're told -- will inject some additional style into the segment.


Styled completely by Honda's R&D Americas design center in California, the Odyssey concept bears some resemblance to its predecessor. Perhaps the most dramatic changes lie with the roofline (it's lower, and the A-pillars are moved forward for a steeper rake) and the side windows (designers say the "lightning bolt" character line will carry over into production models).

As this is merely a styling buck, we weren't able to see a fully developed interior. Sketches released by Honda suggest a two-tone cabin with some sporty touches, including a dashboard patterned after that on the Civic. We'd expect a fold-flat third-row seat to again be standard, and Honda says the second-row bench will now be able to accommodate three child safety seats.

Honda will continue to use V-6 power in the Odyssey -- exact specifics weren't released, but we were told the next van is expected to return 19/28 mpg (city/highway) -- an improvement over the 2010 model's 17/25 mpg EPA rating.

Like other recent Honda concepts (we're looking at you, CR-Z), this is essentially a concept in name only. Although we doubt the production Odyssey will sport LED headlamps or such slender door handles, the final vehicle should largely resemble what you see here. Look for the actual 2011 Odyssey to be unveiled this fall, likely at the 2010 Los Angeles auto show.
Read More......

2010 Ferrari Introduces ‘Approved’ Pre-owned Car

Ferrari has introduced programs aimed at helping its customers. Last July, Ferrari announced it would offer roadside assistance for every vehicle to ever roll out of the factory and yesterday the Italian sports car-maker introduced an approved pre-owned program to give its used car buyers peace of mind.

Although Ferrari owners likely take extremely good care of their cars, the Ferrari approved pre-owned program will give used Ferrari buyers an even greater sense of confidence in their new-to-them vehicle. To qualify for the program, the vehicle must pass a 190-point inspection at an official Ferrari dealer or approved service center. The inspection includes a service history check to make sure the car has had its annual inspection and has been properly maintained.

Once the car in question passes the inspection, it qualifies for a minimum 24-month warranty starting from the date of purchase, Ferrari’s “With You” roadside assistance for the duration of the warranty, and a subscription to Ferrari Magazine for the duration of the warranty. Ferrari’s approved pre-owned factory-backed warranties can be purchased for time periods ranging from two years all the way up to 10 years.

Even though Ferrari made its With You roadside assistance program available for every vehicle to ever leave the factory, including cars built in 1947, the approved pre-owned program is available only on select models. The cars must also be less than eight years old in order to qualify. Every V-8 engined Ferrari produced in the last eight years is eligible for the program and every V-12 engined Ferrari qualifies except for the Enzo.
Read More......

New Model FORD FOCUS 2011

Ford gives us the European Focus we're been coveting for years. The 2011 Ford Focus is actually a global car that will be about 80% identical in every market. Even the front fascia is the same around the world.

As a 2011 model, the third-generation Focus, whether in four-door sedan or five-door hatchback form, will be nearly identical in all markets. Ford's European small and medium vehicle center in Germany led development. Powertrain engineering occurred in Ford's technical center in England. Ford put its European driving dynamics specialists in charge of ride and handling. This is as European as it gets.

Read More......

Audi E-Tron is New Product From AUDI

Although it shares elements of its aluminum architecture with the R8, the E-tron is smaller, almost as short as an A3. Despite the generous wheelbase (102 inches), the cabin isn't particularly spacious.

The towering battery stack behind the rear firewall takes up even more space than the R8's V-10 engine, transaxle, and fuel tank combined. Wrapped in liquid-cooled safety foil, the lithium-ion cells provide an energy capacity of 53 kWh, an exact match to the Tesla. To extend battery life, only 80 percent of that capacity is used. The batteries power four electric motors, rated at a total of 313 hp. The whopping maximum torque of 3319 lb-ft needs to be scaled back drastically so that full acceleration doesn't peel the tread off the tires. "The biggest challenge is of course to synchronize the four motors," says Thomas Kräuter, technical project leader for concept cars. "Since each wheel can be accelerated and decelerated individually, this is no mean feat."
Read More......

NEW 2011 Ford Mustang V-6

Today, fuel economy plays an equally important part. Chevrolet fired an opening salvo by installing a potent yet thrifty V-6 into its 2010 Camaro, but Ford's firing back with its tweaked 2011 Mustang.
Ford's entry-level Mustang no longer makes do with the antiquated 4.0-liter V-6 used since the 2005 model. Instead, it gleans a new variant of Ford's Duratec V-6, which also appears in the likes of the Fusion, Edge, and Taurus. For the Mustang, it's been bored out to displace 3.7 liters, but retains its aluminum construction and twin-independent variable cam timing with the 3.5-liter unit used in the Fusion Sport.

Read More......

ActiveHybrid 7 from New BMW 2010

Technology used by BMW as "impossible" to measure current car technology. BMW technology is now so quiet, comfortable and faster.

Technologies developed in concert with Mercedes-Benz allow BMW to add features formerly unavailable, like the transparent stop-and-start system. When you come to a stop, the V-8 shuts off, leaving the cabin absolutely silent, and releasing the brake pedal has the engine running in microseconds, the car already moving under the impulsion of the 51-pound three-phase synchronous 20 hp 120 Volt electric motor interposed between the crankshaft of the twin-turbocharged V-8 and the all-new eight-speed automatic transmission when there is the slightest touch on the throttle.






Read More......