What’s Wrong With This Picture: The Quest For The Minivan Awesomeness Edition

Let's see if Nissan can get the van 'right' this time, I'd almost think of changing the name to disassociate it from the 'Quest' stigma....

Nissan has released more teasers for its forthcoming 2011 Quest, and we’re starting to get the feeling that it could just be the first mold-breaking minivan in some time. It’s not necessarily the most exciting looking thing, but under that blunt-nosed skin, this Quest likely boasts the RWD/AWD chassis of the newest Japanese Elgrand van and an optional 3.5 liter VQ V6. We’ll wait for official details before we start getting too crazy, but the possibility of a 300 hp, RWD minivan is a little to perversely thrilling to ignore. With all the talk of “Swagger Wagons” and “Man Vans” lately, Nissan may just have the most exciting minivan since the first-gen Mazda MPV (to date, the only minivan to be appear in a rap video) hiding up its sleeve…

Source;

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/whats-wrong-with-this-picture-the-quest-for-the-minivan-awesomeness-edition/

Honda Begins Sales of All-New Compact Multi-Wagon Freed Spike

Not for us in North America, however, I look at this and can't help but see the new inovative utility space and think about what they could 'port' over for the next generation Honda Element (if there indeed is one)....


TOKYO, Japan, July 8, 2010 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced it will begin sales of the all-new Freed Spike compact multi-wagon in Japan on July 9, 2010. The Freed Spike features a compact body size for nimble maneuvering, a spacious and high-utility cabin and a cargo area ideal for an extensive range of uses.




Under the key phrase “a compact vehicle loaded with possibilities,” the Freed Spike leverages the packaging technology of the acclaimed Freed to secure a spacious cabin and cargo area, with a special emphasis on making it fun-to-use by providing utility not only during travel, but also after reaching the destination.




High utility for active lifestyles
Reversible, dual-height floor panels—a new concept from Honda—enables the user to make the rear of the cargo area slope down deeper or flat as needed for stowing sports and camping equipment or even for sleeping in the vehicle.


The rear seats can be arranged in several different configurations to add to the flexibility of the large cargo area.


A foldaway table and a wide variety of storage compartments are conveniently designed into the cargo area.





Individualistic styling for personal expression

With styling that conveys tough and versatile individuality, the Freed Spike helps users express their playful spirit and individual characteristics.




Practicality for everyday use
The compact body size helps make driving easy while the spacious interior offers exceptional utility and convenience.


The Freed Spike combines ample power with outstanding fuel economy and a smooth, stable and comfortable ride.


Note: The name “Freed Spike” combines “free” and “do” (“Freed”) with “spike” to characterize the vehicle’s toughness, functionality and playful athletic spirit.


♦ Key Features of the Freed Spike Packaging
·While maintaining a spacious interior, the compact body has a length of 4,210 mm, width of 1,695 mm and height of 1,715 mm*1 for easy parking in tight spaces and smooth driving on narrow streets.
·The long 2,740 mm wheelbase supports generous interior space. At the same time, the compact design of the engine and other parts allows for an ample steering angle, resulting in a minimum turning radius of 5.2 m and highly nimble maneuvering.
·Honda’s proprietary low-floor, low-center-of-gravity technology allows the slender fuel tank to be positioned beneath the rear seats. Combined with the advanced sub-floor structure, this fuel tank position makes possible an extremely low and flat floor.
·Thanks to the low floor, passengers in the rear seats sit only 390 mm*2 above the ground, making access easy for children and seniors. The one-step floor design results in a flat floor between the seats and the doors and substantially enhances legroom.
·Sliding rear doors on either side of the vehicle achieve a large 600 mm*2 door opening for easy ingress and egress even in cramped spaces. Power sliding rear doors offer convenient access when hands are full (available on certain models).
·The easy to see and operate instrument panel controls are sorted by function, while also facilitating easy walk-through between the driver and front passenger seats.

*1 FWD models without sky roof
*2 Honda calculations


High-Utility Cargo Area
·Two reversible dual-height floor panels, a new concept from Honda, flip over lengthwise to alter the height of the cargo floor. Thanks to the 60:40 split floor panel, cargo of all shapes and sizes can be accommodated. To operate, simply lift a panel by its inset handle for easy removal and placement.
·With the combination of plastic and aluminum materials, the dual-height floor panels are lightweight, but strong.
·The rear seats combine exceptional comfort with a convenient dive-down mechanism. Slender in design to lie flat in dive-down mode, these seats feature cushions with S-shaped springs for exceptional comfort.
·A foldaway table that can be used for numerous fun activities and a spotlight with an adjustable angle provides convenient illumination in the cargo area (available on certain models*3).
·The rear side pockets and wheel-well-integrated side lining trays are ideal for storing small items. Tie-down hooks offer a convenient way to secure luggage and other cargo.

*3 Standard on the G Just Selection, G Aero and Gi Aero



Exterior Design
·The dynamic exterior design reflects the Freed Spike’s functionality and ability to support an active lifestyle.
·The rear quarter panels, identical in color to the body, emphasize the ample size of the cargo area. Details such as the blacked-out pillar garnishes and stylish rear combination lights convey the Freed Spike’s tough but functional individuality.
·The gun metal-colored front grille and headlights make a bold impression, and the lower bumper accentuates the vehicle’s wide stance.



Interior Design
·The black interior color scheme conveys the image of tough and useful tools.
·Interior panels call to mind burnished titanium*4 while the door linings offer a soft feel.
·Garnishes on the steering wheel spokes add a stylish touch.
·The blue illumination of the meters and illuminated rings in the drink holders*4 for the driver and front passenger add functionality and elegance to the interior.

*4 Standard on the G Just Selection, G Aero and Gi Aero



Driver Support
·With front pillars designed to maximize visibility, side window sills that descend forward and oversized quarter windows, the Freed Spike offers the driver an excellent field of vision that enhances driving enjoyment and safety.
·The meters feature active and elegant blue illumination, while meter placement above the steering wheel enhances visibility and minimizes eye movement.
·Available on certain models, the backup support mirror*5 helps reveal blind spots behind the vehicle for enhanced peace of mind. Yellow guidance lines on the mirror’s projected upright image help the driver confirm the position of the vehicle and its distance from other objects.

*5 Standard on C, G, G Just Selection, and G Aero; when the optional Honda HDD InterNavi System is selected on the G, G Just Selection, or G Aero, a backup camera replaces the backup support mirror



Powertrain
·The 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine offers outstanding fuel economy of 16.4 km/l,*6 as well as ample torque and smooth performance even when the vehicle is loaded with luggage or equipment.
·The continuously variable transmission (CVT)*7 with torque converter offers smooth, exhilarating performance under a wide variety of driving conditions. The torque converter supports smooth, powerful off-the-line starts, while the CVT offers smooth and seamless acceleration without shift shock.

*6 Fuel economy of FWD models measured in 10•15 mode by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
*7 FWD models



Safety and Environmental Performance
·The Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure enhances self-protection as well as mitigating damage to other vehicles in the event of a collision.
·Pedestrian-injury mitigation technology helps protect pedestrians from head, leg and other injuries in the event of a collision.
·Along with the front seat i-side airbag system, the side curtain airbag system helps reduce the risk of head or neck injury in a side impact (standard on Gi Aero).
·Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) is available on certain models.*8
·All models are certified by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as complying with the 2005 – 75% emissions standard.
·FWD models are certified by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as complying with the 2010 + 25% fuel economy standard.
·AWD models are certified by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as complying with the 2010 + 5% fuel economy standard.

*8 Standard on Gi Aero; optionally available on G Just Selection and G Aero




Source;

http://world.honda.com/news/2010/4100708All-New-Freed-Spike/index.html?r=r&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Ex-Audi Worker: Nazi executioner strolls in Park

I know, not car news, but interesting none the less....
A NAZI executioner wanted for mass murder and concentration camp atrocities strolls through the park in a picture which shames Germany.

Evil Klaas Faber, 88, looked like an ordinary OAP when The Sun went to confront him about his war crimes.

But his white hair and glasses hide a shocking past as a bloodthirsty killer who volunteered for Adolf Hitler's notorious SS and a roving Gestapo death squad.

Faber was sentenced to death after being convicted of war crimes in 1947. But his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment, and in 1952 he escaped from prison in Breda, Holland, and fled to sanctuary in Germany.

Demands by Britain and other nations to hand over Faber - listed as the fifth most-wanted Nazi fugitive - have since been rejected by Germany.

Incredibly, officials still protect the Dutch-born killer and insist he is immune from extradition after Hitler granted him German citizenship as an SS volunteer.

Local privacy laws mean that Germans cannot be told Faber is a war criminal, or see photos of him enjoying his freedom.

But The Sun found Faber in the medieval town of Ingolstadt, where he lives with frail wife Jacoba. The name K. Faber marks the doorbell on his modern flat.

After years as an anonymous office worker at Audi, Faber now enjoys a cosy retirement relaxing in local parks and going on shopping trips in his VW Golf.

Neighbours say the dad of three is quiet, but friendly and polite.

The Sun confronted him and asked if he felt any remorse for his crimes or compassion for his victims and their relatives.

Faber's smile immediately vanished, replaced by an icy stare and grim silence.

His trial heard he was an enthusiastic Nazi who volunteered to join the SS in 1940, then travelled around northern Holland ruthlessly slaughtering Jews and Dutch resistance fighters.

He rose to become an officer with the notorious SD secret police and worked for the Gestapo as an executioner at Westerbork concentration camp, where teenage diarist Anne Frank was held.

He was convicted of murdering at least 22 victims, but the court heard he personally carried out mass shootings and experts believe the real toll was much higher.

Faber was then one of seven Nazi officers who escaped from Breda prison on Boxing Day 1952.
They fled to Germany, where they were welcomed at the border and given coffee and cakes by sympathetic customs officials.

The gang were given token fines for illegally crossing the border, then set free. German authorities still honour the special privileges granted by Hitler himself to his most hardcore followers.

Faber became a German in 1943 under the "Fuhrer's Law" - a personal decree granting German citizenship to foreign Nazi volunteers.

It is the only one of Hitler's laws never to have been revoked, and Germany still uses it to deny repeated attempts to return Faber to prison in the Netherlands.

Outraged Holocaust campaigners last night urged Germany to stop protecting Faber and hand him over to serve his sentence.

Simon Wiesenthal Centre director Dr Efraim Zuroff said: "He is one of the most evil men alive. For Germany to continue shielding him is a shocking stain on the nation's reputation.

"We are talking about someone who volunteered for the SS so he could help Hitler's regime turn his vile beliefs into reality. He didn't just support the Holocaust, he actively helped those behind it.

"The families of those he killed deserve justice, and it's time for Germany to stop hiding behind a law that Hitler brought in."

Sickened Arnold Karstens, of the charity War Crimes Investigations, said: "It is beyond belief that this man is free. Germany should hang its head in shame.

"Faber's crimes are so extreme he should die in prison. What makes it even worse is he has never shown remorse. It is sickening to see him enjoying freedom."

German authorities last night confirmed that Faber was immune from prosecution and extradition, despite repeated requests by the Netherlands to hand him over. State prosecutors decided in 2006 to classify Faber's crimes as manslaughter. So a time limit on trying him in Germany - which does not apply to murder - has now expired. A spokesman added: "Klaas Faber is a German citizen and cannot be extradited for this."

Source (via autoblog);

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3040698/Nazi-executioner-strolls-in-park.html

New ultra-battery is the most powerful non-nuclear energy storage ever

Interesting....
What do you get when you combine some xenon, some fluoride, and pressures similar to those found at the center of the Earth? You get an ultra-battery, capable of storing more condensed energy than any other battery ever built.

The material used to make the "battery" is xenon difluoride (XeF2), a white crystal primarily used to etch silicon conductors. The crystal was placed in a diamond anvil cell, a tiny device that measures only two inches by three inches. The cell uses two tiny diamond anvils (as you might expect, considering its name) to produce incredibly high pressures in tiny, contained spaces.
Normally, the molecules in xenon difluoride stay relatively far apart. The squeezing process the crystals underwent in the diamond anvil cell forced the molecules closer and closer together. At first, the squeezing caused the crystal to become a two-dimensional semiconductor, but then something even more remarkable happened. When the pressure reached a million atmospheres, similar to the pressure found halfway to the center of the Earth, the molecules formed 3D metallic "network structures", which forced all the mechanical energy of the compression process to be stored as chemical energy within the molecular bonds. At a million atmospheres, that's a whole lot of stored energy.

Heading up this research is Washington State chemistry professor Choong-Shik Yoo, who says this "is the most condensed form of energy storage outside of nuclear energy." The possible applications of the material pretty much all include the word "super": superconductors, super-oxidizing materials that can destroy chemical and biological agents, not to mention new fuels and, most obviously, an energy storage device.

Source;
http://io9.com/5579571/new-ultra+battery-is-the-most-powerful-non+nuclear-energy-storage-ever

Measuring Honda CR-Z Performance

For those who ponder how aftermarket parts and performance upgrades are available as soon as an automobile hits the market, this Honda CR-Z measuring session is the answer. The Specialty Equipment Marketing Association, or SEMA, brings the big car makers together with aftermarket gurus far enough ahead so that the good stuff is ready for action as soon as the automobile is. The three 2011 Honda CR-Z hybrids shown here are being measured for everything from seat covers to supercharger systems. Constructing a 2700 or so pound production automobile that has an electric motor, an internal combustion engine, multiple batteries – and survives the NHTSA giant mechanized robot gorilla and evil steam shovel gnashing of cars test is a feat in itself. The new Honda sporting hybrid is a departure from the usual drab green automobile formula. This joint Honda-SEMA measuring session means the titans of the automotive aftermarket are already at work, and that Honda CR-Z owners will have a choice of suspension, brake, wheel, and engine modifications ready straight away. Now if Ford would finally build the Nucleon, we could hop up the on board atomic reactor with some hot control rods and exotic fissile isotopes.

Source (via autoblog);
http://clunkbucket.com/measuring-honda-cr-z-performance/

UK Study: Japanese Cars Win The Reliability Race

Far East companies have dominated a poll of the top 10 most reliable car manufacturers - with seven of them from Japan alone.

The survey by What Car? magazine and insurance company Warranty Direct put Honda at the top of the rankings for the fifth year running.

Subaru came second with Mitsubishi and Lexus taking third and fourth place, respectively.

The only manufacturers not from the Far East were Skoda coming eighth, and Mini in tenth.

The study looked at used cars from 32 different companies and the type of faults drivers have complained about.

Land Rover came in last place with 53% of its cars suffering a fault, and Alfa Romeo and Renault came 31st and 30th, respectively.

However, the Japanese cars were not completely flawless.

Hondas were found to suffer the highest percentage of air conditioning issues with more than 10% of vehicles affected.

Top 10 Most Reliable Carmakers
1. Honda
2. Subaru
3. Mitsubishi
4. Lexus
5. Toyota
6. Mazda
7. Nissan
8. Skoda
9. Kia
10. Mini

Subarus suffer the highest failure rate for axle and suspension issues (50%) and generate more brake problems than any other make, with just under 17% of cars reporting a problem.

Editor in chief of What Car?, Steve Fowler told Sky News Online why Western companies found themselves lower in the list: "There's no coincidence that cars built in older factories don't fare so well as opposed to those built in Japan's new factories."

However, four of the top 10 car manufacturers have plants in the UK, including Toyota and Honda, and Mr Fowler said it is "strong proof that we know how to make good cars here".

The most expensive make to repair is Porsche, at an average cost of £717.36, while the car with the lowest average repair costs is Renault, at £226.54.

On Thursday Toyota revealed it may have to recall 3,700 cars in the UK after the discovery of an engine fault.

In another blow for the manufacturer, bosses said the vehicles were among 270,000 cars worldwide which could potentially stall while moving.

Source;
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Business/Japanese-Cars-Prove-To-Be-The-Most-Reliable-Car-Manufacturers-In-A-Survey-By-What-Car-Magazine/Article/201007115658316?lpos=Business_First_Buisness_Article_Teaser_Region_1&lid=ARTICLE_15658316_Japanese_Cars_Prove_To_Be_The_Most_Reliable_Car_Manufacturers_In_A_Survey_By_What_Car_Magazine

Oil’s well, don’t fret long service interval

Modern engines, developed to meet strict emission standards, burn much cleaner than in the past

QUESTION: My Honda CVR has a rather unusual way of identifying when it needs servicing. The “life” of the oil is progressively shown on one of the odometer settings and when it indicates 10 per cent or less it is time for a service – which is identified as an A or B type. My vehicle had 10,000 km on it and I was concerned because most cars require a change of oil at 8,000 km. The service adviser said that I had to wait and to not worry as some Hondas went as long as 17,000 km before requiring service. My vehicle went 13,000 km before it showed 10 per cent life, at which point I had a service done. It presently reads 60 per cent and I have 20,000 km on it so I expect it will be another 6,000 km before an oil change is recommended. What is so special about Honda’s vehicle that the oil does not lose any of its qualities for such an extended period? My driving consists mainly of short trips of about 8 km and I am quite concerned.
- Harold

There is nothing “special” about your Honda in this respect. Modern engines, developed to meet strict emission standards, burn much cleaner than in the past. The latest generation of motor oils is similarly vastly superior to lubricants of days gone by. Another big contributor to extended oil life are fuels that are so much cleaner. Oil refineries are being forced to produce and deliver a much higher grade of gasoline and diesel, not in terms of octane ratings, but with respect to the sulphur and other harmful chemicals. However, you get some credit for the oil-change intervals mentioned. Your average driving cycle is long enough to permit the engine to get up to full operating temperature which “boils off” many of the harmful products captured by the oil as it circulates throughout the engine.

Source;

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/car-tips/maintenance-and-repairs/oils-well-dont-fret-long-service-interval/article1625171/

Honda Civic barely maintains No. 1 spot

I find it funny how everybody is riding Honda for delaying the redesign (to continue to leapfrog the market by 4 years) and how the newly redesigned (and nice I might add too) Mazda 3 has been gaining ground. If anything, this is a testament as to how good Honda engineering actually is, this 2010 (and soon to be 2011) is relatively unchanged since 2006, yet it is still extremely competitive, how many other manufacturers can you say have a 5yrs old car that still leads the market in sales. Having said that, I cannot wait to see what Honda has in store for the next gen Civic!
The Mazda3 is quickly gaining ground as the popular Honda compact awaits a redesign

Sales of the Honda Civic have crashed in Canada, though this stalwart compact has reclaimed the No. 1 sales spot among passenger cars. Barely.

The Civic has out-sold the Mazda3 by a mere 218 units through May of this year (21,690 to 21,472). However, Civic sales were down an astounding 40.6 per cent in May and are down 13.2 per cent on the year. The No. 2 Mazda3 is up 8.3 per cent on the year.

Honda does not plan to restyle and reengineer the Civic until next year, even as new versions of the Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra come to market early next year. The Civic faces a tough road ahead until a reinvented version arrives.

Still, to be fair, small cars overall are having a tough year. As DesRosiers points out, subcompacts are down 21.2 per cent year to date and compacts are down 0.1 per cent on the year.

“These are the two most energy efficient segments in Canada and have for more than a decade significantly out-performed the market,” Dennis DesRosiers of DesRosiers Automotive Consultants writes in a note to clients.

“I wonder,” he adds, “if all this talk about fuel efficient regulations is backfiring on our regulators, with consumers heading to the showroom to load up on the larger vehicles before the government forces compromises in their power train to achieve higher fuel efficiency standards.”
It could also be that less wealthy buyers, who tend to buy entry-level cars, are “still in trouble in our economy” and not buying at all, he notes. Or it may be that consumers are fully aware that a raft of new compact and subcompact models are coming in the next 12 months and are waiting for the latest in styling and engineering.

Source;

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/driving-it-home/honda-civic-barely-maintains-no-1-spot/article1623053/