Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Bugatti Veyron Wallpaper

bugatti veyron wallpaper
bugatti veyron wallpaper

2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept

2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept
Twelve modified 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupes are featured prominently in the Honda booth at the 2010 SEMA Show, LAS VEGAS, which opens today. The 2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept is the sporty evolution of the Honda CR-Z, prepared by the Japanese Mugen Motorsports, officially associated with Honda. Honda has teamed up with Mugen again for a new hotrod special - but this one's a hybrid. The new 2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept is a slightly more ecologically sound proposition than the banzai 2009 Civic Type R Mugen, and brings the race car treatment to Honda's hybrid coupe.
2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept
As the first available sport hybrid, the 2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept demonstrates new opportunities for vehicle personalization among the import tuner community. Several significant vehicles are being unveiled at the show, including a 2011 CR-Z equipped with MUGEN* accessories, the Honda Performance Development, Inc. (HPD) CR-Z Hybrid R Concept, the HPD CR-Z Racer and several vehicles equipped with Honda Genuine Accessories.
2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept
Also unveiled today were two concept vehicles from HPD: the CR-Z Hybrid R Concept and the HPD CR-Z Racer. Though neither vehicle is intended for sale, HPD, Honda’s North American racing company, was determined to demonstrate the potential of the CR-Z for both street and racing performance. Both vehicles share many performance enhancements, with the CR-Z Hybrid R Concept highlighting Honda-designed street styling and the HPD CR-Z Racer opting for serious racing capability. To demonstrate that capability, HPD will campaign two HPD CR-Z Racers at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill endurance race in December. HPD enhancements to both cars include: a turbocharger and upgraded IMA™ hybrid system, resulting in an estimated combined 200 horsepower and 175 lb-ft. of torque; performance clutch; limited-slip differential; ‘circuit-tuned’ suspension; upgraded brakes and aerodynamic components.
2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept
Two vehicles were on display to demonstrate currently available Honda Genuine Accessories. For the 2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept, Honda displayed a vehicle equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels; side, front lip and tailgate spoilers; a rear diffuser; an illuminated door-sill trim and an interior armrest. Additionally, a 2010 Accord Coupe equipped with dealer-installed Honda Factory Performance™ (HFP™) components melded a distinctive, custom appearance with an enhanced level of handling performance. All Honda Genuine Accessories offer the same 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty as the rest of the vehicle, when installed at the time of new vehicle purchase, and are engineered to be fully compatible with each Honda vehicle.
2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept
Mugen Euro has developed a highly-tuned version of the Honda CR-Z that aims to deliver up to 200PS and 215Nm of torque by boosting the hybrid's petrol-electric powertrain. The goal of the project was to prove hybrid cars can be exciting to drive, by producing "Civic Type R-like" performance from the hybrid coupe while remaining sympathetic to the original Honda direction for the CR-Z. Torque Mugen Honda crz provide 50 percent greater power and use electric as the fuel. Obviously this is a good concept for a Honda hybrid sport cars. 2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept uses a 5-speed adjustable front and mounted on the back, which would increase the width base and weight of the settlement.
2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept
Colin Whittamore from Mugen Euro explains the philosophy behind the creation of the CR-Z Mugen: “We wanted a car that has genuine performance available at the touch of a button, but can perform just like a standard CR-Z and offer good fuel economy when the driver wishes. For that reason, we’ve kept the three driving modes, so the driver can select “eco” or “normal” to switch to economy and low emissions for daily driving, but press the Mugen button for the full-blown weekend-warrior settings”.
2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept
In addition, Mugen’s engineers also widened the 2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept’s front and rear tracks and fitted stiffer 5-step adjustable dampers and a limited slip differential to maximize traction. The Honda CR-Z Mugen stops courtesy of larger brake discs and 4-pot calipers. 2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept comes with sporty interior, there are Recaro sports seats, a different gear knob and a carbon rear view mirror cover, but your attention will be instantly drawn by the addition of three gauges that display water and oil temperature and pressure.
2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept
Among factors that features the sportiveness stands out the lowered bumper, a large roof spoiler and the carbon-fiber bonnet which, according to Honda, is an important technical detail. The weight of the 2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept then was reduced by more than 50 kg, through the use of lightweight materials as, again, the carbon-fiber, and first tests seem very positive.
2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept
The 2011 Honda Sport Cars Hybrid CR-Z Mugen Concept is purely a concept car at this stage, designed to demonstrate the potential and versatility of the Honda IMA system, with no confirmed plans for further production. Mugen and Honda (UK) will consider media and customer feedback before deciding on any next steps.

Honda Insight Hybrid racer banned - it's too fast

Modified, previous-generation Honda Insight has blown away a field of conventional rally cars.
Technically, the car you see here is a hybrid capable of some pretty impressive consumption, yet it's been banned from rallying for being too fast.

Yes, the world's greenest rally car has been kicked out of its championship because it's too quick.

The petrol-electric (previous shape) Honda Insight hybrid, which competes in the Formula 1000 rally championship in the UK, has been asked to withdraw following concerns from rival competitors that it has an unfair advantage, after dominating the 2011 series with two wins and a second place from the first three rounds.

The car, which uses a tuned petrol-electric hybrid system to give it more power and better fuel efficiency, has been developed by the Oaktec team from Lancaster over a six-year period using the low emission Honda car as a base.

The developments of the green technology have been so successful that the eco car, which can return an amazing 2.4 litres per 100km when driven slowly, has blown away a field of conventional rally cars to gain a 19 point championship lead after just three rallies.

The championship organisers phoned the Oaktec team to request that they stand down from the series and compete the car in a higher class to appease rival competitors. The team has agreed to the demand and will now look to race in other classes.

Oaktec boss Paul Andrews commented: “It was a bit of a shock when I got the call as after six years of hard work we finally had our chance for a bit of glory. But I fully understand the perspective of the organisers and their wish not to spoil the sport for the other drivers.”

Source;
http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/motorsport/hybrid-racer-banned-it-s-too-fast-1.1090243

Honda: Operating profit forecast not conservative

TOKYO: Honda Motor Co's annual operating profit forecast is not conservative given yen strength and rising raw materials prices, the automaker's chief financial officer said on Tuesday.

"I don't think assuming 80 yen to the dollar is conservative at all," Fumihiko Ike told a small group of reporters. "The same goes for raw material prices," he said.

Japan's No.3 automaker this month forecast a worse-than-expected 65 per cent fall in annual operating profit to 200 billion yen ($2.49 billion) for the year to March 2012 and projected a 6 per cent drop in global car sales to 3.3 million vehicles.

Many analysts consider its guidance overly conservative.

Source;
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international-business/honda-operating-profit-forecast-not-conservative/articleshow/9021763.cms

Veyron Wallpapers

Veyron Wallpapers
Veyron Wallpapers

Monday, June 27, 2011

Car and Driver Mag: 2012 Honda Pilot Spy Photos - Future Cars

The cyborg grille is gone, but the rest of the Pilot remains mostly unchanged.
BY JUSTIN BERKOWITZ, PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRENDA PRIDDY & CO. AND THE MANUFACTURER June 2011

The Honda Pilot isn’t as weird as a Citroën, nor is it as thrilling as a BMW M3. In spite of this—or perhaps because of it—Honda’s eight-passenger crossover SUV sells in substantial numbers, impressive work for a car that debuted in its second generation for 2008. (It joined our long-term test fleet soon after.) To keep shoppers interested, though, Honda’s making some tweaks for 2012, and our spy shooters have caught one of the face-lifted Pilots running around.


The most notable difference is the change in the grille. The current car’s cyborg-like front fascia was a bit of a styling risk from such a conservative company, and while it probably didn’t hurt sales, it didn’t win loads of fans either. It’s immediately apparent from these images that the flat grille will disappear, to be replaced with a three-slat insert. Tape on the rear bumper suggests some resurfacing there as well. Otherwise, the Pilot’s exterior remains mostly the same as it has been; it’s an inoffensive design and still looks fresh enough to satisfy families in the showroom.


Mechanically, the alterations to the Pilot will most likely be evolutionary. Honda has been upgrading most of its models’ five-speed automatic transmissions with six-ratio units; you can expect the Pilot to join the six-speed in-crowd. Between the new gearbox and—perhaps—some finessing of the engine’s greasy bits, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the Pilot gain an extra mile per gallon or two. For the folks who put cartoonish drawings of themselves and their pets on the rear window, this will be pleasant news.


We expect Honda to unveil the face-lifted Pilot sometime this fall, either at November’s Los Angeles auto show or at a less-full-of-fanfare venue. It’ll be a busy fall for the company’s crossover division, as we’re also expecting an all-new CR-V. We’ll bring you full info on both cars when it arrives.


Source;

Report: The two 'most American' cars are Japanese

The two most American cars aren't, well, American, according to a new ranking by our friends at Cars.com. For the third straight year, Toyota Camry, a product of Japan's largest automaker, is the "most American car," as determined by Cars.com formula. Honda Accord, the flagship of Japan's second largest automaker, is second.

The highest car on Cars.com annual ranking from a Detroit Big 3 maker is General Motors' Chevrolet Malibu.

Cars.com's annual American-Made Index ranks the most-American vehicles based on percentage of their parts that are made domestically, where they are assembled and how many are sold to U.S. buyers.

Both Camry and Accord are made with 80% of their parts coming from the USA. And most are assembled in the U.S. Camrys are made in Georgetown, Ky., and Lafayette, Ind.

The Ford Explorer comes to the list, reborn as a crossover, with a higher percentage of domestic parts, 85%, than a Camry or Accord and is made in a Chicago factory. But it doesn't sell in as great a numbers as they, meaning also that it probably results in fewer American factory jobs.

"In today's global economy, there's not an easy way to determine just how American a car is," said Patrick Olsen, Cars.com editor in chief. "Most cars built in the U.S., for example, are assembled using at least some parts that come from somewhere else. Additionally, many U.S. automakers assemble vehicles in Canada and Mexico, while foreign automakers have opened plants on U.S. soil. Our index is another resource that car buyers can use to help guide their purchase decision."

Besides Camry, Toyota also has the Tundra (No. 9) and the Sienna (No. 6) on the list. GM also has three vehicles on the list -- the first time since 2009. In addition to Malibu, they are Chevy Traverse (No. 8) and the GMC Acadia (No. 10). Honda held two spots in the top 10, while Ford and Chrysler each held one.

"Despite the disaster in Japan, and General Motors usurping Toyota as the world's largest automaker, we're not surprised to see the Camry in the No. 1 position again," said Olsen. "The Camry remains an incredibly popular vehicle, and higher total sales require a higher number of U.S. factory workers and a larger number of U.S. suppliers – all of which contribute to Toyota's ranking."

Here's the list of the top 2011 model-year vehicles on Cars.com's list, and their percentage of domestic parts:

Toyota Camry: 80%.
Honda Accord: 80%.
Chevrolet Malibu: 75%.
Ford Explorer: 85%.
Honda Odyssey: 75%.
Toyota Sienna: 75%.
Jeep Wrangler: 78% for 2-door, 79% for 4-door.
Chevrolet Traverse: 75%.
Toyota Tundra: 80%.
GMC Acadia: 75%.

Source;
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/06/ranking-the-two-most-american-cars-are-from-japanese-makers/1

2012 Honda CRV website up and running

Shrawan Raja of the sites below was kind enough to send a 'heads up' to the new 2012 Honda CRV teaser site up and running here http://automobiles.honda.com/2012-cr-v/

http://indianautosblog.com
http://indianmotosblog.com
http://steeringnews.com
This is straight from Shrawan's site;

Here’s what the website says -

With a new design—both inside and out, new features and new possibilities, the 2012 CR-V will set a new standard for the class. As a top-selling crossover for over five years, expectations for the 2012 CR-V are high and we’re confident they will not only be met, but exceeded. Much more will be revealed over the next several months so be sure to sign up on this page to receive updates.

The new CR-V is a crucial model for Honda in India as the 20-30 lakh rupee crossover/SUV space is prone to a lot of tussling. The Chevrolet Captiva, BMW X1, Toyota Fortuner and the Renault Koleos are very desirable cars and feature-packed and stylish enough to take away limelight away from the Honda. The lack of a diesel engine is hurting its sales in India. In America however this won’t matter as the market share of diesel cars is not considerable.
It is said that the new CR-V (codename 2WS) will arrive with a 4-cylinder gasoline engine producing 180 – 220 horsepower. A hybrid variant is reportedly another development exclusive to the Japanese and American markets

The incoming model according to reports online will be marginally shorter (4,535mm x 1,820mm x 1,685mm as opposed to the current model’s 4,575mm x 1,820mm x 1,680mm (L*W*H respectively) ) and slightly more fuel economical.

Source:
http://indianautosblog.com/2011/06/2012-honda-cr-v-microsite-live#ixzz1QTwURi00

Auto insurance quotes

Customized Car Insurance Quotes - Fast, Free and Easy!

When you are searching online for a car insurance quote, there are a few items that should be important to yourself and you're family. You want to find a reliable auto insurance company, the right amount of liability or comprehensive coverage, and of course, the cheapest car insurance rate available from the best company. Our free service is committed to helping United States consumers like you find cheap auto insurance at a price you can afford. We match you with quotes from the top auto insurers nationwide that compete to provide you the very best quotes for your automobile. Utilizing our free, online service, you can rest assured that you are getting access to the best companies that offer low cost coverage at a price you can afford.

How We Help You Find the Cheapest Car Insurance Quote

We help you find a cheap car insurance quote in several ways. First, we provide a quick and easy way of getting a cheap car insurance quote comparisons. Simply enter your five digit zip code and you will be on your way to a getting low cost car insurance for your motor vehicle. You will be contacted by local agents from companies offering you the most complete auto insurance coverage with affordable, low cost premiums at a price that will make you happy. All you have to do is choose the policy that's right for you!

In addition to providing you the easiest way to find a cheap auto insurance quotes, we also provide a learning center, tips and articles to help you save money on your coverages. With so much information covering a broad range topics, we're sure to have answers to tough questions.

Our comprehensive automotive guides examine the different state laws, coverage requirements and other important auto insurance requirements based on your state of residents. From Alabama to Wyoming, you can learn about average car insurance premium rates, how auto insurance coverage rates are determined and what you can do in your state to lower your auto insurance coverage.

What to Look for When You Compare Car Insurance Companies

When you compare auto insurance companies after obtaining free quotes, be sure to take note of several items that will help you obtain a better auto insurance rate quote. When requesting a quote, remember that the largest, most well known auto insurance companies won’t necessarily give you with the cheapest automobile insurance quote or the best customer care if you are ever in an automobile accident or need to make an auto insurance claim. While you review and compare, please remember that there might be less well known companies that can offer top notch service and cheaper rates on your vehicle.

When you compare low cost quotes for your automobile, there are several factors you should look at while reviewing you quote. If you are deciding to buy between a couple different quotes offering different coverage options or premiums, researching the company may help you make your decision on which policy may be best for your circumstances. Here are a few tips to help you compare quotes and make buying an auto insurance policy from specific companies a little easier.
1. Research the auto insurance company after getting a rate quote. We work with many trusted companies, but you may consider checking with the state to determine if there might be any notable compaints against the company that might make you choose not to do business with them. You can do this by contacting your state’s insurance department by phone or online.
2. Consider the company reputation and history while you compare each quote from the providers you talk to. Find out how long the company has been providing auto insurance rates in your state. Do they provide high quality customer care? Are their policies different than your existing coverage? Do they have any complaints with the Better Business Bureau?
3. Look at their process for filing auto insurance claims when you compare companies. Ask about the company process for filing a claim for an automobile accident and how long the process usually takes. If you are ever involved in a car accident, you'll want to make sure the company handles the claim in a timely manner.
4. Ask friends, family and co-workers when shopping for a cheaper policy. Sometimes, the best way to find a reputable car insurance company is to ask the people you trust. Explain that you are looking for auto insurance quotes and you need recommendations on different companies. See how long they have been with their company, if they have gotten cheap quotes from other companies and if they have ever had to file a claim and how long it took. You could also talk to a mechanic at a trusted auto repair shop about policy suggestions as they may have ideas on which of their clients have had good and bad experiences.
5. Go with your gut feeling. When you compare and get rate quotes, go with the company that makes you feel most comfortable. Follow your instincts while getting a quote comparison. Was the agent or company representative able to answer all your coverage and policy questions? Did the agent treat you with courteous and respect? Were they honest about what coverage you needed and did not need or did they just try to sell you additional coverages you felt that you could do without?

Finding the Right Car Insurance Quote

When you are shopping to buy car insurance online, be sure to remember that the cheapest quote doesn’t necessarily mean you will get the best value on your automotible coverage. The Insurance Information Institute recommends getting at least three car insurance quotes from three separate auto insurers. When you have the rate quotes, look beyond the dollar amount to what the vehicle coverage actually covers. Be aware of the several other factors that could affect you if you are ever in an automobile accident or need to make a claim such as the type of coverage, the coverage amounts, deductibles, what is covered – and more importantly, what is not covered in the 'policy exclusions' document.

When you compare quotes from multiple providers, consider what is covered in a policy and that you're getting an apples to apples comparison. You might be surprised to find out the coverages quoted may be different depending on how many drivers are on the policy, whether you have home or renters insurance and even your zip code. When it comes down to reviewing and deciding to buy the most affordabe coverage from the best company, be sure to compare multiple providers so that you can find out which company actually offers the cheapest car insurance with coverage that meets your expectations.

Start Saving on Your Car Insurance Premiums Today!

You can quickly and easily find a cheap auto insurance quote by entering your zip code. Simply fill out the quick and easy form so our agents can create a personalized plan that fits your needs. There is no commitment and no cost for a car insurance quote. Whether you decide to switch your automobile insurance coverage or purchase a new policy, our service is completely free. Getting a free quote is always, fast, easy and free!

BMW M3 GTR



BMW M3 GTR

Beneath the beefy silhouette of the M3 GTR beats a powerful heart: a four-litre V8 engine delivering more than 400 bhp. This short-stroke, high-speed unit epitomizes the tradition of M power and is compact enough to fit into the M3. This engine is very different from the V8 found in the M5 and has yet to been seen in any E46 road car.

In accordance with the regulations of the Automobil Club de l'Ouest (A.C.O.), which also organizes the Le Mans 24 Hours, BMW Motorsport was planning on building a limited production run of road-ready M3 GTRs. The motivation behind this would be to satisfy homologation regulations which stated at least one road going version needed to be sold.

In accordance with the regulations of the Automobil Club de l'Ouest (A.C.O.), which also organizes the Le Mans 24 Hours, BMW Motorsport was planning on building a limited production run of road-ready M3 GTRs. The motivation behind this would be to satisfy homologation regulations which stated at least one road going version needed to be sold.

After decimating the competition in the GT class, Porsche complained the BMW car was streching the rules too far. The ACO coincided with Porsche and changed the rules such that the BMW would need an additional 100 lbs of weight and 20% larger air restrictors or make 1000 road going examples. Sadly, by attempting to make the GT class comptetative, the ACO have driven BMW away from GT motorsport in 2002.
  • BMW M3 GTR 2001 Models


2001 BMW M3 GTR 2001 BMW M3 GTR 2001 BMW M3 GTR 2001 BMW M3 GTR 2001 BMW M3 GTR 2001 BMW M3 GTR
2001 BMW M3 GTR 2001 BMW M3 GTR 2001 BMW M3 GTR 2001 BMW M3 GTR 2001 BMW M3 GTR 2001 BMW M3 GTR
2001 BMW M3 GTR 2001 BMW M3 GTR 2001 BMW M3 GTR

2012 BMW M3

2012 BMW M3

2012 BMW M3


bmw m3 car

The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, developed by BMW's in-house motorsport division, BMW M. M3 models have been derived from the E30, E36, E46 and E90/E92/E93 3-series, and sold with coupé, sedan and convertible body styles. Upgrades over the "standard" 3-Series automobiles include more powerful and responsive (yet at times smaller) engines, improved handling/suspension/braking systems, aerodynamic body enhancements, and interior/exterior accents with the tri-color "M" (Motorsport) emblem.

bmw m3