2007 Honda Civic Si Sedan concept

The Civic Si Sedan Concept provides strong hints of the styling and performance for a production Civic Si Sedan scheduled to go on sale this fall, marking the first time that "Si" performance has become available in the Civic Sedan. Similar to the recently introduced Civic Si Coupe, the production Civic Si Sedan will serve as another performance leader for the Civic line-up with a 197-horsepower, 16-valve, DOHC i-VTEC engine with an 8,000 rpm redline, mated to a close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission. Helping to put all that power to the ground is a helical-type, limited slip differential for improved traction and cornering performance.
The Civic Si Sedan Concept features custom 18-inch cast aluminum alloy wheels, 225/40ZR18 high-performance tires, and 4-wheel disc brakes with large cross-drilled brake rotors and 4-piston Brembo calipers.
"The Civic Si Sedan Concept demonstrates how the high-performance attributes of the Civic Si Coupe can be directly applied to the functionality of a sedan," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda.
A production vehicle based on the Civic Si Sedan Concept will go on sale this fall. The 2007 Civic Si Sedan will mark a further evolution of Civic Si's sixth generation alongside the Civic Si Coupe - and will be the first time a Civic Si is available in two body styles. The Civic Si first appeared in 1986 with subsequent Civic Si models appearing in 1989, 1992, 1999 and 2002.
The Civic Si Concept (coupe version) made its debut at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show, preceding the introduction of the all-new 2006 Civic Si, Civic Hybrid, Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe. The Civic Si Coupe and Civic Si Sedan will both complement the Civic lineup with features designed to appeal to true enthusiasts seeking a high level of performance and value.

2007 Honda Civic Type S 3-door hatchback

To give the Type S sharper steering response, improved ride and excellent cornering stability, the suspension has been specially-tuned, with revised spring and damper settings and a 20mm wider rear track. This broader stance, coupled with the deep front air intake and standard 17-inch alloy wheels, gives the Type S a particularly muscular, planted look.

Under the bonnet of the 3-door Civic sits either a rev-happy 1.8-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, or Honda's highly-rated 2.2-litre diesel unit. Both engines produce a significant 140 hp and can be combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The 1.8-litre i-VTEC is also available with Honda's automated-manual i-SHIFT transmission.

Inside, silver-stitched black alcantara seats and a leather trimmed steering wheel join aluminium pedals to set a very sporting tone.

The cabin itself is focused around Honda's unique Dual Link dashboard design — first featured on the 5-door Civic — which places key information in the upper part of the instrument panel. This means that important data can be viewed without compromising the driver's concentration on the road.

Although the coupe-like styling of the Type S might suggest compromised cabin space, the interior instead succeeds in providing a high degree of flexibility and passenger accommodation. The distance between the hip point of front and rear passengers (803mm) equates to that of higher segment cars.

The rear seats also incorporate Honda's familiar one-motion, dive-down feature that instantaneously creates a flat loading space. This helps create a massive 485 litres of loading space — the same as the Civic 5-door. A centrally-positioned fuel tank located beneath the front seats, rather than impinging on the luggage area, also plays a key role in achieving this packaging efficiency.

Two model grades will be offered. As well as 17-inch wheels and Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) as standard, Type S gets air conditioning, cool box, remote audio controls and curtain airbags. The Type S GT model adds a panoramic glass roof, dual zone air conditioning, cruise control, front foglights, retractable mirrors, and automatic wipers and headlamps.

The comprehensive passive safety features include double seatbelt pre-tensioners on both front seats as well as active headrests for protection against dangerous whiplash injury. Front and side SRS airbags for front seat passengers and ful-length curtain airbags are standard on all models. The instrument display also features an innovative seatbelt reminder for both front and rear seat passengers.

Honda anticipates a Euro NCAP result of 5 stars for front and side impact safety, 3 stars for pedestrian safety and 4 stars for child protection safety, making it one of the safest cars in its class.

The 3-door Type S will form the basis of the Civic Type R, which goes on sale in the UK in March 2007. The highly-anticipated Type R will offer greater sophistication without compromising the Type R philosophy of exhilarating performance through advanced engineering.

Aggressive styling, responsive steering, intuitive handling and greater in-cabin refinement will all be key characteristics. And although maximum engine power remains the same as the out-going Civic Type R, Honda's engineers have further developed the 200 hp 2.0-litre engine.

The Type R will also have a GT grade, which will offer extra equipment such as dual zone air conditioning and automatic rain and light sensors.

2007 Honda CR-V

Following some leaks, Honda has released official images of the 2007 CR-V crossover. The revamped model has a lower center of gravity (reduced by 35mm), wider stance (increased by 30mm) and a number of changes to steering and suspension geometry for improved handling. The all-wheel-drive ststem has also been improved with a revised "Real Time 4WD" that detects front wheel slip and promptly sends torque rearwards. As revealed in past spy shots and leaked photos, the CR-V gets a new windowline, which Honda hopes will give it a more car-like appearance. The spare wheel has been removed from the tailgate and is now found under the load compartment floor. The vehicle will be offered with radar-based Adaptive Cruise Control and a "Collision Mitigation Braking System" that will automatically brake if a collision is imminent. Active headlights are another high-tech feature added to the CR-V. Power comes from a 166 horsepower inline-four engine with 161 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission will be the only option in America. Base price is expected to be around $21,000. Contrary to rumors, the U.S. and European versions are identical.

Honda REMIX concept

The Honda REMIX small sport concept has its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show recently. The REMIX explores the shape and design of a two-seat sports car focused on performance and daily usability.

"Pure Honda to the core, the REMIX concept vehicle focuses on a simple, lightweight and fun-to-drive philosophy," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda. "The concept balances sports car virtues with real-world practicality."

The REMIX Small Sport Concept is a product of the Honda R&D Americas, Inc., Advanced Design Studio in Southern California. Purely a design concept, the vehicle is fashioned around a front-wheel drive small car platform with a 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. A sport suspension, along with aggressive tires and brakes, further supplement its performance side.

Scion Fuse Concept

Totyota unveiled the Scion Fuse sports coupe concept at the New York Auto Show. "The idea of the all-new Fuse Sports Coupe is a reflection of the boundless limits and creative envelope that embodies all the vital personalization components of a Scion product," said Mark Templin, Scion vice president. "Since the launch of Scion three years ago, designers have learned a great deal about what inspires and motivates Scion buyers through its unique vehicle lineup and instilled them into the Fuse."

The exterior of the Fuse was the conception of Calty designers Alex
Shen and Bob Mochizuki, who were determined to create a strong performance
statement. Inspiration came from the "HAKO" super GT racing cars of Japan,
commonly known as the JGTC series. From the side, the Fuse has a low,
aggressive stance with a race helmet-inspired wraparound window that
provides a panoramic view. The visor-like wraparound windshield is balanced
by a strong C-pillar, adding a sense of security and protection.

Calty interior designers Alan Schneider and Ichirou Mukai used the long
wheelbase and high beltline of the Fuse to help create the interior theme,
which revolves around providing the driver with an intense driving
environment and occupants an intimate atmosphere. The activation of a small
key-shaped sensor unhinges butterfly doors that open to reveal an interior
that merges technology, function and racing inspired elements in an
asymmetrical pentagon where the driver is positioned at the apex of the
surround.

The influence of the "racing tub" in the overall design is obvious. It
provides a unique contrast that highlights the floating technical elements
of the interior. A drive-by-wire steering interface combines influences
from race cars and video game controllers in one innovative driver module.
A media station that runs the length of the dash is the focal point of the
cabin. Passengers can watch movies, play video games, or do both, with dual
display 10.5-inch monitors.

The Fuse interior concept is referred to as "one plus stuff." The
design focuses on the driver by offering surprising versatility in the form
of three interior arrangements: video, driving and cargo configurations. In
its video mode, the front passenger seat folds flat and serves as a table,
or footrest. Occupants can utilize video screens or take advantage of
wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) connectivity and instant message their friends.
In driving mode, the video screens turn off and a multi-informational
display is used for driver information.

Utility is maximized in a cargo mode where the front passenger seat and
rear seats fold down to form a flat surface. And, multi-functioning rear
cargo access allows stowage of larger items. The Fuse cabin seats four
comfortably, however when the car is parked, additional room is available
with a tailgate that converts to provide outdoor seating. A sweep of the
foot over an infrared sensor located on the lip of the rear bumper opens
the rear tailgate and sliding hatch, allowing the tailgate to drop down
into a curb-high bench. This surprising seating arrangement is paired with
rear foldout speakers for an unexpected social environment. Enhancing the
social scene is a detachable drink cooler with a retractable handle, which
is integrated into the rear center console.

Additional features include subtle accent lighting on the seats, doors
and overhead lining. Deeply contoured seats are upholstered with
soft-to-the-touch "Mythos" fabric that wraps around passengers for maximum
comfort. Finally, audio, video and HVAC systems are easily controlled by a
"vehicle system/communication interface" touch control board that is
similar in appearance to a telephone keypad.

2009 Toyota Matrix at SEMA

Toyota unveiled the all-new second-generation Matrix at a press conference today at the SEMA auto show. Toyota says the 2009 model will hit Toyota dealerships in February 2008. We've got a complete photo gallery of the production car, plus images of the special-edition SEMA model.

Matrix will be available in three grades – Standard, S and the XRS. And Matrix will offer the option of all-wheel drive (AWD) with the S grade. The 2009 Matrix offers the choice of two different engines, a five-speed manual transmission, and either four- or five-speed automatic transmissions.

A 16-valve, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine will produce 132 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. The engine will feature Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) on both the intake and exhaust camshafts that helps it achieve outstanding performance and economy. Estimated EPA fuel economy ratings are 26/32 city/highway mpg for manual transmission models and 25/31 for the automatic transmission model powered by a 1.8-liter engine.

For those who want a bit more horsepower and torque, the Matrix offers a 16-valve DOHC 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with VVT-i that will produce 158 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. Matrix models powered by the 2.4-liter engine with five-speed automatic transmission will have an estimated EPA fuel economy of 21/29 city/highway mpg.

The Matrix’s base wheel is a 16-inch steel unit with a six-spoke full wheel cover. A distinctive 17-inch five-spoke aluminum wheel will be available for the S grade, and an 18-inch aluminum alloy wheel with a twin five-spoke design will come standard on the XRS grade.

Dual-stage SRS airbags will be standard for the driver and front passenger. Front seat-mounted side airbags, two-row side curtain airbags and front active headrests are also standard.

Brake performance will be improved with standard front and rear disc brakes on all Matrix grades. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) are also standard. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with TRAC and off switch will be standard on XRS and available as an option on all other models.

More standard features

Base equipment on all Matrix models include power color-keyed outside rearview mirrors, power steering, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, daytime running lights, heavy duty rear window defogger, intermittent windshield wipers, 12-volt power outlet, four cupholders, auxiliary audio input jack, front center console box and an engine immobilizer.

The S grade adds standard power door locks and windows with one-touch down driver-side, 115-volt power outlet, cruise control, intermittent rear window wiper, fold-flat front passenger seat, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD with MP3 capability and six speakers, front and rear underbody spoilers and fog lamps.

In addition to these features, the XRS grade features standard P215/45 R18 tires on 18-inch alloy wheels, sport strut tower brace, VSC with TRAC and off switch, and a three-spoke leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio steering wheel controls.

XRS models come standard with a leather-trimmed steering wheel that also includes spoke-mounted audio controls and hands-free Bluetooth capability when equipped.

Options

In addition to the standard equipment, a list of optional comfort and utility features are available. Options will include an AM/FM/CD with six-speaker system with DVD navigation with XM NavTraffic capability, alloy wheels, power heated outside rearview mirror, intermittent rear window wiper, cruise control, power door locks, power windows, and remote keyless entry.

Mazda CX-7 Adrenaline

Mazda at the Specialty Equipment Market Association's (SEMA) annual show in Las Vegas unveiled CX-7 Adrenaline — a fully running prototype designed to showcase Mazda's "commitment to performance."

The SUV has been upgraded to give it sports car-like handling and performance. Mazda engineers converted the CX-7’s stock six-speed automatic transmission to a six-speed manual from the Mazda 6. Adrenaline pushes out more than 300 horsepower, thanks to a re-tuned engine with a modified intake system, header with a free-flow exhaust and more boost from the re-plumped turbo.

A wider, lower stance and a bolder face give the all-wheel-drive Adrenaline an aggressive stance. Unique design cues include new front and rear exterior styling, a clam shell front clip, wrap around rear spoiler and an innovative rear glass design. New fenders and doors give Adrenaline a three-inch wider overall stance. Wheel wells are filled out through the fitment of 22-inch EXE wheels with matching Yokohama tires.