2010 Honda Cars Civic Hybrid 1.3-liter 4-cylinder Engine with IMA

Looks like a Civic, drives like a Civic, but achieves better gas mileage than a regular Civic. In a nutshell, that's the Civic hybrid, one of the best cars for highway commuters according to Forbes Magazine. Honda's second generation hybrid Civic offers improved city fuel economy, and an incredibly better body design with softer, sleeker design cues. And within 2 - 3 years, the Civic hybrid will make another upgrade, when it switches from NiMH battery technology to lithium-ion technology, which could provide Civic hybrid-like performance, but at a cheaper cost. And, despite some complaints over mileage, particularly in city traffic, most Civic hybrid owners are very happy with the gas mileage of their hybrid Civics.

2010 Honda Cars Civic Hybrid

The 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid does just what it's designed to do: carry you and yours all over town with superb fuel efficiency. The four-door 2010 Civic Hybrid uses a blend of gasoline and electric power to achieve a real-world 45 mpg, but hardly anyone will know you're driving a hybrid. It's the hybrid for people who don't need to show off their green credentials. At a base price of $23,800, the Civic Hybrid competes with the Volkswagen Jetta TDI clean diesel sedan, the Honda Civic GX natural-gas vehicle, and the all-new 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid hatchback.

It takes a trained eye to tell the 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid apart from other Civics. Along with the other Civic four-door sedans, it got a new grille and lights last year; otherwise, it's unchanged for 2010. The Hybrid's minor exterior tweaks include different wheels, clear turn-signal lenses, turn indicators built into the side-view mirror housings, and a small trunk-lid spoiler. Inside, it sports blue lighting and a wonderfully rich blue cloth interior and blue vinyl dash cap.

The 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid with advanced Integrated Motor Assist IMA® hybrid technology achieves an EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy of 40/45 miles per gallon and includes Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and an available leather-trimmed interior with heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and heated side mirrors. 

The Civic Hybrid is certified by the California Air Resource Board (CARB) as an Advanced-Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV). A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard equipment.

The Civic Hybrid can deactivate all four of its cylinders and operate using only the electric motor in certain low-speed cruising situations. Power for the Civic Hybrid is provided by a 1.3-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine and a 15 kilowatt electric motor, producing a combined 110-horsepower @ 6000 rpm and combined 123 lb-ft. of torque @ 1000-2500 rpm.

Speaking of technology, the second generation hybrid Civic also increased its horsepower, which when combined with a continuous variable transmission, provides a smooth, yet powerful ride. Ultimately, the Civic hybrid significantly reduces fuel consumption without losing any performance.

The 2010 Honda Civic lineup has its bases covered with technologically advanced Civic Sedan and Coupe models, a Civic Hybrid, a high-performance Civic Si and a dedicated natural gas-powered Civic GX. All Civics were recently enhanced inside and out for the 2009 model year with new exterior styling, colors and increased availability of tech-friendly features. For 2010, the entire range of Civics remains largely unchanged.

The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System, available on Civic EX, EX-L, Si and Hybrid models, has a 6.5-inch motorized display that opens and closes for access to the internal single-disc CD player, and a digital audio-card reader that can play MP3 and Windows Media® Audio (WMA) files from CompactFlash® cards (via a PC card adapter).

The navigation system features more than 7 million points of interest and the voice activation can control the navigation menus and the audio system, along with entering city and street names. 

The system includes Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, a wireless telephone interface that works with compatible Bluetooth-enabled mobile telephones for hands-free operation via steering wheel-mounted controls.

2010 Ferrari Sports Cars 458 Italia Tuning by Oakley Design

PRESS RELEASE Following international acclaim for their finely honed Porsche GT2, GT3 and Panamera conversions, Oakley Design is now proud to announce their tuning programme for the Ferrari 458 Italia. Production will be limited to just 5 cars, each bearing a unique build number plaque. Outside of this Limited Edition model, individual parts will also be made available for clients who do not require the complete package. With Jon Oakley’s motorsport background central to the company’s philosophy, any change, whether aerodynamic or mechanical, is only done for sound technical reasons.

2010 Ferrari Sports Cars 458 Italia

2010 Ferrari Sports Cars 458 Italia Tuning by Oakley Design production will be limited to just 5 cars, each bearing a unique build number plaque. Outside of this Limited Edition mode, individual parts will also be made available for clients who do not require the complete package. 

With Jon Oakley motorsport background central to the company philosophy, any change whether aerodynamics or mechanical is only done for sound technical reasons.

Known for its customization programme for the Porsche 997 GT2, Oakley Design revealed today its tuning kit for the latest Ferrari 458 Italia. Because the car is quite perfect the tuning company decided to install a carbon-fiber front spoiler which adds 45kg of downforce over the front axle at 150mph (240km/h) but also a racecar style centrally positioned radiator vent designed to channel air out over the bonnet instead of under the car. And this is not all, as the tuning company installed new air exit ducts beside the headlamps.

Finally, a new rear spoiler with Gurney flap adds 25 kg of downforce over the rear axle at 150mph. This works together with the underbody diffuser to reduce the Italia overall drag by smoothing out the separating airflow. The only exterior alterations made for cosmetic reasons are the signature Oakley Design carbon fibre roof panel, mirror covers and engine cover insert below the rear window glass. These are matched in the engine bay by carbon-fibre panels covering the inner wings and rear bulkhead.

In order to optimize the sound of the engine, the car features a complete titanium exhaust system with triple outlet pipes and no bypass valve shaves a huge 30kg from the Italia’s aft section.

The design is completed by the 20-inch Oakley Design lightweight composite wheels which save a significant 8.0kg of unsprung weight per corner. For those who don’t know the standard 458 Italia comes with 570bhp and 540 Nm of torque but with some ECU tweaking the car delivers now 627bhp and 567 Nm of torque. With these numbers, the car ca sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.0 seconds (standard version can sprin in 3.4 seconds) and has a top speed of over 330 km/h. We have bad news though: the production of this customization programme will be limited to just 5 cars, each bearing a unique build number plaque.

2010 Chrysler Delta Concept Cars at the Detroit Auto Show ready for production

As you know, Fiat-Chrysler alliance will produce a series of models developed by a manufacturer that will be marketed with the logo of other brands belonging to the consortium. To illustrate some of the changes that took place in the Fiat-Chrysler alliance, the Americans from Chrysler unveiled a Lancia Delta with a Chrysler logo. The compact Delta was present at the Detroit Auto Show with a changed front grille, along with Chrysler logo located inside and outside.

2010 Chrysler Delta Concept Cars at the Detroit Auto Show

As a strange by product of the Chrysler/Fiat tie-in, a Lancia Delta wearing Chrysler badges appeared at the Detroit Auto Show’s Chrysler exhibit. There was no press release about the car. What’s more, Chrysler spokesmen seemed as surprised as we were. Let’s assume this was merely an exercise to see how the public would react.

Lancia debuted the new Delta, and this Chrysler concept cars apparently exists to demonstrate to the public that Chrysler now has foreign fingers in its pie. Powertrain? No details available, although twin exhaust tips in the rear suggest it has an engine. In Europe, the Delta is available with a choice of five powerplants; gasoline units are 1.4- and 1.8-liter turbo fours and there are also 1.6-, 1.9-, and 2.0-liter diesel inline-fours. Brembo brakes do this car’s stopping, and it wears 225/45-17 Goodyear Excellence rubber.

The only difference between this and the Delta sold in Russia, Turkey and the U.K. is the grille and Chrysler's name on the back end. Surprisingly, the exterior design fits well within the current state of Chrysler products and easily outshines most of what's on dealer lots right now. The interior looks a little disjointed for American tastes, however.

While there are a number of engines for the Delta overseas, it would likely get one of the new four- or six-cylinder engines Chrysler unveiled last week.

Although Chrysler Delta will not be sold too soon on the market in the United States of America, it exemplifies the changes that take place in the ranges of the two manufacturers in the alliance. We can expect the Dodge models to receive the logo of Alfa Romeo when Dodge will be sold in the US, and Dodge models receive similar treatment in Europe.

2010 Chrysler Delta Concept Cars apparently exist to demonstrate to the public that Chrysler now has foreign fingers in its pie. Although twin exhaust tips in the rear suggest it has an engine. In Europe, the Delta is available with a choice of five powerplants. Chrysler could learn from the Delta’s sumptuous interior. Tan leather seats are trimmed with fat black piping and the black leather covered dash is stitched with contrasting tan thread to match the seats.

Chrysler could learn from the Delta’s sumptuous interior. Tan leather seats are trimmed with fat black piping, and the black leather-covered dash is stitched with contrasting tan thread to match the seats. A panoramic full-length glass roof, navigation system, and automatic climate control attest to the luxurious trappings available on the car in Europe. 

Although the interior looks like a lovely place to pass the miles, we think the car just looks awkward, with more of a goofy French style than the sensuous shapes we expect from Italians.

2011 New Opel Astra GSI Concept Cars Third Millennium

The new Opel Astra GSi will be unveiled in October at the Paris Auto Show and will go on sale later this year or early in 2011. The 2011 Opel Astra GSi will feature various new design elements, including a re-styled front bumper, new wheel arches, a small rear diffuser and double exhaust pipes.

2011 New Opel Astra GSI Concept Cars Third Millennium

Opel fans al already asking when will the new Astra GSI will make its debut. Today we have the answer for them: the new 2011 Opel Astra GSI will make its debut this autumn at the Paris Motor Show, according to the latest reports from Auto Motor und Sport.

The new Opel Astra GSi 5-door layout back to talk about himself, with eloquent spy photos. The famous symbol will return to sport compact Russelsheim later this year. In fact, the Astra GSi will officially introduce yourself to October at the Paris Motor Show and will be sharing the catwalk in Paris with the new Sports Cars Tourer estate.

The new vehicle will carry, as expected, a 2.0-liter Turbo engine which will deliver around 190 hp… we do hope that this will get at least 200 hp in order to take on the Vw Golf GTI. Regarding the OPC version this will carry over 240 hp. The new Astra GSI will also come with a new body kit which will include wider wheel arches, a new front and rear bumper, new side sills, dual exhaust pipes and a dual-tone interior with Recaro sport buckets. Most sources say the 2011 Opel Astra GSi will only be available in the 5 door body style. The 3 door will be sold only as a OPC / GTC.

The new Opel Astra GSi be the top version of the variant 5-door, while the symbol OPC will be given only to the three-door GTC. The 2011 New Opel Astra GSi third millennium will be equipped with the 2.0 Turbo petrol engine, whose maximum should be around 190-200 horses. The Astra OPC boasts a 2.0-litre turbocharged motor with 177kW. The GSI should feature about 140kW or so.

The sports chassis will be recognizable to the wider wheel arches and front bumper changed. At the rear, as well as the letters GSi, Opel Astra in this version will be distinguished for the double exhaust. Even in the cockpit there are specific characterizations, such as two-tone sport seats.

The Astra GSi price will be announced at a later date.

2011 New Chrysler Nassau Concept Cars will be launched later this year

According to U.S. sources the 2011 Chrysler Nassau will replace the Sebring as the next generation model (Chrysler Nassau concept cars pictured). The 2011 Chrysler Nassau will be the company's new mid-size sedan and will come on the market later this year. However, the 2011 Chrysler Nassau was not officially confirmed, nor denied for that matter. Although this name was used by the company for a 2007 concept cars , we should not expect the new 2011 Chrysler Nassau to look much like that concept.

2011 New Chrysler Nassau Concept Cars

The Chrysler designers have been working on completely new interior for the 2011 Chrysler Nassau and Dodge Avenger. The exterior will look substantially different. The 2011 Chrysler Nassau will offer the choice of two engines - 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a V6 Pentastar unit produced at Chrysler Trenton South engine plant.

Chrysler’s Sebring was never really anywhere near its competitors as far as its performance were concerned, which is why Chrysler has decided to make a fresh start with the car. And they have begun by giving the car a new name – Nassau – which is slated to hit the market in the last quarter of 2010 when it will replace the current Sebring.

The Nassau name plate was first seen on a concept car Chrysler had revealed in 2007. Chrysler also has a range of motorhomes available that are undergoing some modifications since earlier editions. Unlike the Sebring, motorhomes made by Chrysler are much larger and can accommodate more people in comfort. This type of vehicle is probably more suited to long distance travel and touring trips where motorhome hire is also an option for the vehicle.

The Chrysler’s Sebring is not being seen in good light of late, something that can be attributed to the sedan relying heavily on fleet and rental fleet sales with the majority of the grouse coming from the car’s interior quality which many claim is way behind what its competitors have on offer. Chrysler is of the opinion that the name ‘Sebring’ does not carry enough brand equity nor has any positive history associated with it that would make retaining the name for their all-new sedan really worthwhile.

“Chrysler bought the Nassau name when they came out with the concept, so it makes sense they would use it,” said Jim Hall, a consultant at a firm that is into advising automakers on future vehicles.

Another Chrysler Group model scheduled for replacement in the next 12 months is the Dodge Avenger. While little has been revealed on the new model (or whether it too will get a new name), previous reports suggested it would debut on a rear-wheel-drive platform as a sportier alternative to the Sebring.

That’s not all for there will also be an all-new Dodge Avenger to join the Nassau and is slated for a 2011 release with both the cars donning new interiors that Chrysler claims will match up to the best. The exteriors of the vehicles too will be a lot different so as to make them stand out as fresh new vehicles.

The 2011 Chrysler Nassau will be launched later this year. And The 2011 Chrysler Nassau price will be announced at a later date.

2010 Ferrari Sports Cars 599 Fiorano HY-KERS Hybrid Concept

Geneva, 2 March 2010. Ferrari presents a vettura laboratorio (experimental vehicle) at the 80th edition of the Geneva Motor Show based on the 599 GTB Fiorano equipped with an advanced new hybrid transmission.

2010 Ferrari Sports Cars 599 Fiorano HY-KERS Hybrid Concept

Ferrari made it official today and unveiled the hybrid Hy-Kers we gave you a sneak peek of, and for those of you who think the guys in Maranello are going soft by going green(er), this car is a real Ferrari that could be in showrooms soon.

Maranello promises the Hy-Kers hybrid concept will offer stellar performance along with improved fuel economy and emissions. It makes that point clear in calling Hy-Kers “an example of how Ferrari is approaching the development of hybrid technology without losing sight of the performance traits and driving involvement that have always exemplified its cars.”

The HY-KERS displayed at the Geneva Motor Show is an example of how Ferrari is studying the application of hybrid technology to high-performance sports cars. Central to Ferrari's objectives is maintaining the balance, handling and performance characteristics typical of its cars despite the inevitable disadvantages in terms of weight represented by applying hybrid solutions to existing models.

To this end Ferrari has employed its racing experience to adapt a lightweight hybrid drivetrain to the 599 GTB Fiorano with the aim of ensuring that vehicle dynamics are unaffected. This was achieved by the careful integration of all system components, positioning them below the centre of gravity and ensuring that interior and luggage space are entirely unaffected. Similarly the flat lithium-ion batteries are positioned below the floorpan of the car inside the aerodynamic underbody. The result is a centre of gravity that is even lower than in the standard car. In addition, a part of the weight gained by fitting the electric motor, generator and the batteries is offset by being able to do away with the traditional starter motor and battery.

Ferrari stepped into the limelight once again this year at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show where they debuted their vettura laboratorio, the Ferrari 599 HY-KERS hybrid concept sports car. Known for their screaming V-12 exotic sports cars, Ferrari is for the first time experimenting with the inevitable future of electrification. The HY-KERS is based on the 599 GTB Fiorano, which is one of the best torque producing vehicles Ferrari has to offer, now amplified with the hybrid-electric motor rated at an astonishing 107 hp and 111 lb-ft of torque.

When it comes to center of gravity (CoG), lower is better. It is a concern in any car, but this concept is essential in a sporting car. By using clever packaging, the CoG of the HY-KERS is actually lower than a traditional 599. This clever packaging also keeps the hybrid equipment from infringing on any interior space.

As with most hybrids, the HY-KERS can run in full electric mode based on engine load and other factors. Unlike lesser hybrids, the HY-KERS does not feature a Continuously Variable Transmission. The electric motor mounts to the rear of a seven-speed dual clutch F1 transmission. Weighing about 88 pounds, the electric motor produces about 100hp to aid the not-anemic V-12. Hybrid battery charging is provided by using a Kinetic Energy Recovery System built on the experiences from last years Formula1 program.

The new hybrid system incorporates pioneering engineering principles into every detail of the vehicle. The flat lithium-ion batteries are located on the floor pan of the car resulting in a lower center of gravity. The compact electric motor of the HY-KERS is coupled with a dual-clutch 7-speed transmission. Ferrari’s goal was to offset every kilogram increase in weight by a gain of at least one hp from the electric motor.

The vehicle incorporates a similarly designed system to that of Ferrari's Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) from last year's Formula One program. Under braking the electric drive unit acts as a generator, using the kinetic energy from the negative torque generated to recharge the batteries. This phase is controlled by a dedicated electronics module which was developed applying experience gained in F1 and, as well as managing the power supply and recharging the batteries, the module also powers the engine's ancillaries (power steering, power-assisted brakes, air conditioning, on-board systems) via a generator mounted on the V12 engine when running 100 per cent under electric drive. It also incorporates the hybrid system's cooling pump. Ferrari has also applied this F1 technology to help optimize the dynamics of the car, enhance traction and improve overall braking balance of the HY-KERS.

Ferrari hasn’t gone too far out of its league. The 599 HY-KERS will still integrate with the original V-12 hyper-revving engine allowing the driver to snap the throttle open and be tossed back against the seat faster than the original model. Ferrari claims the hybrid stallion can achieve 124 mph in 7.5 seconds, 0.4 seconds faster than the current 599. The seeds have been sown in Ferrari’s debut of green technology.

Ferrari hopes to have Hy-Kers technology in showrooms within three to five years. The system can be adapted to front- or mid-engine vehicles, according to Automobile, and the first production car to use it will be available only as a hybrid. According to the Daily Mail, Ferrari says the technology could double the cost of the 599, but Maranello hopes to bring those costs under control as it ramps up production.