Wheelsandmore Lamborghini Gallardo LP 620

Wheelsandmore from Germany, individual luxury tuner for sports- and supersportscars, exclusively presents their latest relaese, primarily based on a Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 known as „YarroW“.

To increase serial performance they used a special chrome steel, valve controlled exhaustsystem, combined with an ecu upgrade and a special carbon airbox getting monumental620 hp / 580 lb-ft at 6400 rpm.

Controlling that power needs a high performance brake system. so it was necessary to develop a 8-piston caliper with 14.96 inch brake discs in front and a 6-piston caliper with 14.17 inch discs in rear with special high-end brake pads.

Even more agility through 3-piece cast light-weight wheels, unlimited color and surface mix potential. For excellent visual look and handling they customized their „6Sporz“ model sizing 8,5x20“ with Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres 235/30/20 in front and a 11,5x20“ with 305/25/20 in rear.

So that sportier performances and still more aggressive prevalence are lent to the italian sportscar, the tuner custom-made a race established special coilover with adjustable rebound and compression, hydraulically liftable around 1.77 inch.

Finally the YarroW got plenty of carbon parts out- and within as a covered frontflap, the mirrors, the rear diffusor and a number of components inside for the proper sportsfeeling.

2010 STARTECH Jaguar XJ

Startech has released the first two pictures of their Startech Jaguar XJ program for the new edition of the model. The tuner has not released any technical details regarding the Startech Jaguar XJ, however since it's a Brabus brand, you'll be able to expect an influence increase. at first look, the Startech Jaguar XJ comes with a new aerodynamics package as well a new front bumper with LED daytime running lights and bigger air intakes and new aspect skirts. The rear of the Startech Jaguar XJ program includes a new rear bumper and new exhaust tips. The car sits on new light alloy wheels.

Earth Dreams, Honda's Next-Gen Engines

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the outline for a revolutionary next-generation technology called “Earth Dreams Technology.” 

“Earth Dreams Technology” is a next generation set of technological advancements which greatly enhance both driving performance and fuel efficiency at a high level, using as its base advanced environmental technologies to pursue the joy of driving unique to Honda. It is a series of measures in which efficiency of internal combustion components including engine, and transmission, as well as electric-powered motor technology, is further improved. 

Through its implementation first in the mini-vehicle N BOX and gradually onto other vehicle models, Honda aims to achieve top-of-industry fuel efficiency for every category within three years, while simultaneously setting a timeline of 2020 to reduce by 30% CO2 emissions for all products sold worldwide, relative to emission figures for 2000. 

Inspiration of the “Earth Dreams Technology” name: 
”Earth Dreams Technology” is an expression for a set of technologies which takes into account both our need to protect the environment and our desire to provide a joy of driving. 

■Key features of “Earth Dreams Technology” 
1. A gasoline engine which realizes top level driving performance and fuel efficiency. 
2. A compact diesel engine which realizes the world’s lightest body, top-of-class acceleration performance and fuel efficiency. 
3. CVT which combines at a high level the fun of driving and fuel efficiency. 
4. A two-motor hybrid system which realizes top-of-industry efficiency. 5. A high-efficiency, high output electric SH-AWD hybrid system which combines superior driving and environmental performance. 
6. A compact, high efficiency electric powertrain for EVs. 

■Summary of key features 
1. Gasoline engine which achieves top-of-industry driving performance and fuel efficiency 
-By enhancing Honda’s original VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control System 
-By gradually renewing the engine starting with the mini-vehicle N BOX, Honda aims to utilize this technology to achieve top-of-industry output and fuel efficiency in every vehicle class within three years. 
-A wide range of engine classes including the 660cc, 1.3L, 1.5L, 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.4L, and 3.5L classes will feature the technology. 

【660cc class engine】 
・Employs DOHC and VTC (Variable Timing Control) to improve intake efficiency. 
Further, the compact combustion chamber realizes high thermal efficiency. 
・By shortening the bore pitch compared to the present engine models and reducing the thickness of the cylinder block and camshaft, engine weight is reduced by 15% and 
fuel efficiency is improved by 10%. 

【1.3 to 1.5L class engine】 
・Employs VTC, direct injection technology and the Atkinson cycle using the DOHC, VTEC technologies as the base. 
・Extensive friction reduction measures are implemented. 

【1.8 to 2.0L class engine】 ・Employs direct injection technology and the Atkinson cycle using the DOHC, VTEC technologies as the base. Further, implementation of VTC and high-capacity EGR to both the intake and exhaust ports realizes significantly reduced friction. ・For the 2.0L class hybrid vehicle engines, use of an electric water pump eliminates the need for a belt in the auxiliary device and contributes to a reduction in friction. The electric VTC system realizes optimal control during engine operation.
・Based on the DOHC and VTEC technologies, it employs VTC and direct injection technology and implements extensive friction reduction measures. 
・Standalone engine features 5% improvements in fuel efficiency and output as well as a 10% improvement in maximum torque. 

【3.5L class engine】 
・Employs new valve train mechanisms and direct injection technology in the SOHC, VTEC, VCM systems to improve by over 10% of fuel efficiency and 5% of output, relative to the present standalone engine model. 

2. A world’s lightest diesel engine which realizes top-of-class acceleration performance and fuel efficiency. 
・Through optimizing engine rigidity and combustion pressure, an aluminum open deck for the cylinder block was enabled in this top-of-industry lightweight 1.6L class diesel engine. 
・By downsizing from the present 2.2L engine and extensively reducing mechanical friction in each section, a friction level equivalent to present gasoline engine models was achieved. 
・Optimized thermal management system thanks to improvements in the cooling system reduces CO2 output by over 15%. 
・Employment of a compact, high-efficiency turbocharger and weight reduction in the reciprocating sliding section realizes a sporty and nimble ride.

3. CVT which combines at a high level the fun of driving and fuel efficiency. 
・Three CVT structures for mini, compact, and mid-size vehicle classes are newly developed to be adopted for a variety of engine models. ・Reinforced belt is used to realize a structure for which a wide ratio range can be set. 
・Implementation of analysis technology over the contact behavior between the belt and pulley, and a high-precision hydraulic control system allows for continual optimization of hydraulic pressure to the pulley under a variety of driving conditions, contributing to improved fuel efficiency. 
・Use of an electronic oil pump to realize an idle stop system with high response contributes significantly to improved usability and fuel efficiency. 
・”G-Design Shift”, a new coordinated control system for shift transmission, throttle, and hydraulic control responds quickly to driver demands and realizes an exhilarating, sporty drive with superior acceleration. ・In the mini-vehicle class a control mechanism and innovations in axle placement to reduce the engine size lengthwise, while a reduction in parts by simplifying the transmission casing structure helps realize a lightweight and compact body. 
・For the compact and mid-size classes, in addition to the reductions in size and weight, transmission efficiency was greatly improved by expanding the ratio range to achieve fuel efficiency improvements of 5% and 10% compared to the conventional CVT and comparable 5ATs, respectively. 

4. A two-motor hybrid system which realizes top-of-industry efficiency. 
・A two-motor hybrid system featuring top-of-industry efficiency enhancing driving performance and reduced CO2 emissions has been newly developed. 
・Special lithium-ion battery and charger is employed to enable mounting on plug-in hybrid vehicles. ・Mid-sized vehicles equipped with this system are scheduled to begin production, starting with the plug-in hybrid model in 2012 and the hybrid model in 2013. 
・Three driving modes allowing for optimal efficiency for various driving environments were developed; an “EV driving mode” for urban environments, a “hybrid driving mode” using electricity generated by the motor, and a “engine-connected driving mode” where the engine and tires are mechanically connected during high-speed cruising. 
・Combination with a high-output 120kW motor allows for superior environmental performance and driving enjoyment. 

5. A high-efficiency, high output electric SH-AWD hybrid system which combines superior driving and environmental performance. 
・A new hybrid system, electric SH-AWD, was developed for large-sized vehicles. By combining a 3.5L, V6 engine with this hybrid system, acceleration equivalent to V8 engines, as well as fuel efficiency equal or superior to in-line 4-cylinder engines were realized. 
・An electric 4WD system with independent 20kW+ motors on both sides for the rear wheels combines a 7-speed dual clutch transmission system with a built-in 30kW+ high-efficiency motor with the engine. 
・By mounting a high-performance lithium-ion battery and optimally controlling the front and rear motors, a new hybrid system with high fuel efficiency and output was realized. 
・By mounting two independent motors in the rear and employing a newly developed bilateral torque adjustable control system, incredibly tight “on-the-rail” cornering is realized, providing a stable ride for all daily driving environments. 

6. A compact, high efficiency electric powertrain for EVs. 
・Thanks to the high efficiency coaxial motor, low-friction gearbox and electric servo brake system, the system realizes the highest electrical consumption capabilities in the world, meeting the required AC consumption rate of 29kWh/100mile(116MPGe) as set forth by the United States. 
・A traveling distance of 123 miles(LA-4mode: unadjusted) or 210km(JC08 mode) was achieved thanks to the mounting of a high capacity lithium-ion battery. 
・When using the 240V U.S. electric source, a full charge takes less than 3 hours. (From the time a low-charge signal is lit till full charge) 
・By offering three driving modes (SPORT, NORMAL, ECON), the driver can freely select from a number of options to meet the needs of various driving styles such as power-saving or sporty drive 

American Acura/Honda Sales for November 2011

Honda Division posted November sales of 74,016, a decrease of 9.9 percent versus November 2010. The Pilot continued its momentum with sales of 10,487, up 32.6 percent. The Civic was the top-selling Honda model for November with sales of 17,133, a decrease of 0.7 percent compared to last year. The CR-V posted sales of 16,426, a decrease of 13.7. The Accord posted sales of 14,355 a decrease of 17.9 percent.

"The impact of the Thailand flooding on our North American production levels continued to be felt in November," said John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president of sales. "We're looking forward to closing the year on a strong note as production recovers and the all-new CR-V goes on sale this month."

Acura Division recorded November sales of 9,909, a decrease of 11.2 percent versus November 2010, and year-to-date sales of 110,170, down 7.1 percent. The MDX was the top-selling Acura model for the month with November sales of 3,308 down 24.2 percent. The TSX posted record November sales of 2,691.

Canadian Acura/Honda Sales in November 2011

Combined November sales of 12,655 units by the Honda and Acura divisions represented a 16 per cent increase over last year's sales.  The Honda Automobile Division reported November sales of 11,112 units, up 18 per cent from last year, led by record November sales of both Honda Civic and CR-V. The Acura Division reported November sales of 1,543 units, up 7 percent over last year.

"November marks the first month since March that Honda Canada has seen a year-over-year sales increase.  Now that we are returning to normal production levels this month at our North American plants, we are looking forward to business as usual," said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president of Honda Canada Inc.

"We are extremely pleased that Civic, the number one-selling passenger car in Canada, is now in full production at our plant in Alliston, Ontario and ready for delivery across the country.  We would like to thank all of our Canadian customers for being so patient with us over the past eight months and our Honda associates who have worked tirelessly throughout the supply disruption."

North American Production Normalizes

Honda says that 6 US and Canadian plants will return to normal production levels today after having to adjust output again earlier this month due to floods in Thailand. However, flooding in Thailand will continue to have impact on parts supply and suppliers will be affected. A few electrical parts from Honda vehicles made in the US were sourced from Thailand hence the slight impact in production.

2011 EDS Motorsport Opel Astra

EDS Motorsport has unveiled a new tuning package for the redesigned Opel Astra (J). Designed to beat the competition, the 1.6-liter turbo has been fitted with a needle valve high performance (€ 980), higher quality rods (€ 550) plus fuel injectors (500 €), and a turbo HG Motorsport multiple (€ 1,200). In addition, the company installed a Garret GT28 turbocharger (1,000 €), a custom intercooler (600 €), a 100mm air flow meters (300 €), a 7 mm downpipe (800 €), and a steel sport Stainless exhaust (€ 800).

With these adjustments, the engine produces 360 hp (265 kW / hp 355) and 480 Nm (354 lb-ft) of torque - an increase of 180 hp (132 kW / hp 178) and 250 Nm (184 lb -ft). To help keep things under control, the car is also equipped with a clutch of sport (€ 1. 100), a Quaife differential lock (900 €) and a system of high-performance brakes with 356mm discs clamped by eight-piston calipers (2,000 €). Last but not least, the Astra rides on 20-inch wheels with Pirelli P. Schmidt Revolution Zero tires (€ 3,200).