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JDM Honda Inspire facelifted, our Accord to follow?

September 8, 2010 at 3:47 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Honda, International News

The Accord is still a global name, but it has stopped being a true global car since the sixth-generation model. Since then, Honda created an Accord for each major type of market: Japan, Europe and North America. Japan and Europe started sharing a more compact version of the Accord since the seventh generation, while the US Accord joined the size race. And since bigger is better in our part of the world, ASEAN got the North American body.

In Japan, the Accord as we know it is called the Inspire, and it has just received a mid life facelift. Our Accord was launched back in April 2008, so it will be three years old next year. Could be time for a facelift, so let’s look at the refreshed Inspire to see what we can expect.

It’s a mild rework similar to the facelifted US Accord, and the changes are most obvious up front. The latest Inspire gets a new grille with a rounder bottom half compared to the current car, and the look is consistent with Honda’s recent products like the RB3 Odyssey. The bumper is also new, and there’s more sculpture work on it. The new grille combines with the strong chin to create a narrower and more prominent “U” shape. At the back, the bumper is reprofiled and there are chrome strips flanking the number plate.

The cabin looks pretty much the same, but this 3.5 V6 Inspire has a full colour sat nav system that uses the main central display, so the climate and audio info are shown on a separate strip just above the air con vents. I’ve always thought that the vast screen is rather “wasted” in our Accord, as it shows very basic information. The centre console is still a button fest on the Inspire, but the layout is slightly different. All these should not make it here as it’s unlikely that our Accord will include built in sat nav as standard.

Images taken from Honda’s Japanese website are after the jump.
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Opel GTC Paris Concept previews three-door Astra hatch

September 8, 2010 at 1:17 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Opel, Vauxhall

This is the Opel GTC Paris Concept that will be unwrapped at the Paris Motor Show next month. Much more than just a show car, it previews the three-door hatchback version and the VXR performance flagship of the current Opel/Vauxhall Astra, which made its debut last year as a five-door hatch. A wagon version called Sport Tourer surfaced in June.

This rakish three-door measures 4.46 metres long (slightly longer than the five-door) and the lines on its body is “similar to tendons in a sprinter”. We can see the “Opel signature blade”, a fine crease along the rocker panel, in the same direction as on the Insignia, where this cue first appeared. The five-door hatch and Sport Tourer have theirs in a different direction – back to front.

There’s also another prominent line that shoots from the door handles to the rear of the car; this gives the GTC broad shoulders and wider impression. Opel says that the brushed aluminium upper outline of the glasshouse guides eyes to the integrated spoiler. Of course they had to include LED running lights, and those on the GTC have “wing” motifs.

The concept is realistically powered by a four-cylinder, 2.0-litre turbo engine with direct injection. As with most new cars in Europe, there’s start/stop tech and a six-speed manual gearbox. Autocar UK says that the production car will debut late next year alongside a VXR range topper, which could have up to 300 bhp and an electronic limited-slip differential – the latter already on the GTC concept.

The GTC and the three-door Renault Megane are examples of carmakers putting in a lot of effort on differentiating their three-door “Sport” models from the regular five-door hatch, instead of just chopping off two doors. More pics after the jump.
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Chip Foose’s latest design: Oakley Three Palms shoes!

September 8, 2010 at 11:56 am By Danny Tan Filed Under International News

Do you watch Overhaulin’ on TV? My favourite part of the show is when Chip Foose comes up with the main concept of the episode’s car. While all of us can have a great picture in our minds, transferring that image onto paper is a different thing altogether. Foose’s renderings are nothing short of amazing, and the speed and ease he takes is equally impressive.

While there’s little chance for us to get Overhauled by the man himself, his latest creation is more accessible. Foose has teamed with Oakley to pen a shoe called Oakley Three Palms. The O brand released their latest footwear at the NHRA’s U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, where Foose is the grand marshal.

Oakley says that Three Palms is “a design that crystallizes the So Cal attitude of car culture, action sports and the greed for speed”. The exterior combines full-grain leather and polyurethane coated leather while the “suspension” is made up of performance Ortholite dual-density insole with leather lining, Comfortzorb cushioning beneath insole and polyurethane heel component with Red Code technology.

The $100 shoe has double stripes on the sole that pays homage to the open highway. And like Foose’s custom cars, Three Palms has a horizontal two-tone scheme that gives the effect of hovering. Contrast stitch lines and the Three Palms logo on the footbed make it stand out further. We’re tempted!

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Lotus wants Renault engines, Cosworth contract in the way

September 8, 2010 at 11:12 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Formula 1, Lotus, Motorsports

The word linking Lotus Racing and Renault engines for next season isn’t new, but Autosport now reports that a deal has been agreed in principle between the two parties, which could see the Malaysian owned team use the same Renault customer engines as Red Bull. Lotus and Renault last worked together in 1986.

While Lotus is close to finalising the deal on this end, a major hurdle remains. It all hinges on whether Lotus can end its contract with Cosworth two years earlier than stated. When it entered F1, Lotus signed a fixed three-year contract with Cosworth that is believed to have no break clause, unless the Northampton-based engine maker was willing to exit the marriage. Nothing a handsome financial settlement can’t do, right?

How did this come about? It is said that Lotus originally sought out a new supplier of gearboxes and transmissions for next year (one of the major reliability issues so far) and Renault, who are willing to supply Lotus with that, upsold their engine to the rookie team. It’s a bit like when you order your fast food lunch, and they somehow convince you to take a large set plus dessert, when all you wanted was a regular meal.

However, both Lotus and Cosworth have denied any change in relationship. “As with the other new teams, Lotus has a fixed term three-year contract with Cosworth and we are very pleased it is happy with our engines and the job we have done for it during its first season in Formula 1,” Cosworth GM of F1 operations Mark Gallagher said.

When pressed, Lotus tech chief Mike Gascoyne said: “We’ve got a contract with Cosworth and there is no further comment to make.”

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Petronas Merdeka 2010 Short Film – Kereta Buruk

September 7, 2010 at 11:56 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Videos

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Kamui Kobayashi retained by Sauber for 2011

September 7, 2010 at 4:58 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Formula 1, Motorsports

Talented young Japanese driver Kamui Kobayashi has been retained by Sauber for the 2011 season. The news was released today, when team owner Peter Sauber spoke of how impressed they were with the 24-year old.

“We enjoy having our rookie as part of the team – both as a driver and a person. We never had any doubts about working with him again in 2011,” the team principal said.

“Kamui has definitely fulfilled our expectations in terms of his speed and fighting spirit. Plus, his work with the engineers and his technical understanding has also developed very well. The experience he has built up over his first full season in Formula One will certainly stand him in good stead for 2011. And our aim is to give him a fast and reliable car from the outset next season,” Sauber added.

“We had a very difficult start to the season (DNF in first four races), but we’ve worked together to pull ourselves out of that situation. I feel very much at home in Peter Sauber’s team and am very pleased we’ll be working together again in 2011,” Kobayashi said.

Kobayashi made his F1 debut with Toyota in last year’s Brazilian GP and went on to finish sixth in his second race, the Abu Dhabi GP, impressing both the paddock and F1 fans with his gutsy driving. He has scored 21 points so far this season, 15 points more than more experienced teammate Pedro de la Rosa. And to think that he nearly went home to roll sushi in dad’s restaurant because he didn’t have a race seat!

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Kia Motors boss steps down due to mass recalls

September 7, 2010 at 11:48 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Kia, Koreans

Chung Sung-Eun, the co-CEO of South Korea’s Kia Motors has resigned to take responsibility for the mass vehicle recalls the carmaker is facing. Chung, also a vice chairman of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, will see his duties be assumed by co-CEO and president Seo Yeoung-jong and co-president Lee Hyeong-geun.

Kia had to issue a global recall of 85,900 vehicles over the past week. The cause of the recall is defective electrical wiring that can potentially cause fires, and the four models involved are the Soul, Sorento and Borrego SUVs, and the Cadenza sedan.

In China, Dongfeng Yueda Kia Motor Co, a Kia JV company, separately recalled 18,147 Sorento, Borrego and Soul models, while in the USA, 35,000 vehicles are involved. All of the US market cars involved rolled out from South Korea except for the Sorento R. In its domestic market, 18,000 vehicles will have to be brought in for rectification.

No accidents or injuries related to the defective wiring have been reported so far.

Source

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Turbo and ground effect cars making return to Formula 1?

September 7, 2010 at 11:02 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Formula 1, Motorsports

Is Formula 1 making a return back to 80s with ground effect cars and turbo engines? Seems likely as the teams are close to finalising all-new regulations for 2013. Autosport also reports that several Working Groups have been set up to get consensus on moves to both improve the spectacle of F1 and ensure the sport becomes more eco friendly.

For engines, draft regulations were circulated a few weeks ago and the latest suggestion is for a standard 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo engine, aided by various energy recovery systems. They should produce around 650 bhp. Plans to limit engines to five per driver per season are being considered.

On the green front, teams are also keen for there to be a fuel flow rate limit – which will ensure the engines are economical. Williams technical director Sam Michael explains: “Rather than dump as much fuel in as we can at the moment, there will be a fuel flow metre – so you won’t be able to blow more than a certain amount of fuel. It is a good chunk less than we had at the moment.”

To boost excitement, or in other words improve overtaking, ground effect is being considered. Williams boss Patrick Head and ex Ferrari designer Rory Byrne are working with FIA to draw the guidelines. “They are talking about putting a greater proportion of downforce to the diffuser, a ground effect car – like the early 1980′s. They have been looking at that, as well as increasing crash protection at the front of the car by moving the sidepods further forwards,” Michael said.

Sounds interesting, doesn’t it? For a look at how they used to look like, click here for our classic F1 cars gallery.

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Luxury spec Nissan GT-R ‘Egoist’ to be launched soon

September 7, 2010 at 10:24 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Nissan

There will be a more luxury oriented Nissan GT-R that’s set to be launched next month in Japan, when Nissan rolls out the facelifted version of its performance flagship. First rumoured to be called Spec M, the luxury GT-R will now be called ‘Egoist’, according to prominent Japan based auto journo Peter Lyon.

The Autocar report says that the unusual name is inspired by both the Chanel perfume and the Tokyo based apparel maker of the same name. Of course, it also says a lot about the car’s owner. “Yes, there’s a bit of tongue in cheek in the name, and yes, the word does mean self-conceited, but we just wanted to have some fun with the name,” a Nissan spokesman was quoted as saying.

Looks wise, the Egoist will get a newly designed grille and bumper combination, along with a revised front intake duct. There will be LED daylights on the front and rear bumpers. For the latter, the outer edges will have new vents to dissipate heat from the transmission and exhaust system. The Egoist is based on today’s special versions, the Black Edition and the Premium Edition, so it gets larger 390 mm brake discs (from 360 mm) and lighter 10-spoke wheels.

Mid life updates for the entire range include 30 kg reduced weight plus 506 bhp and 607 Nm thanks to modified turbos, oil cooler and exhaust system. Also tweaked are the gear ratios, spring rates and rear suspension geometry – the latter two aims for a more compliant ride with sharper handling.

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Renault interested in buying back Formula 1 team?

September 6, 2010 at 11:03 pm By Jacob Alexander Filed Under Formula 1, International News, Motorsports

The same thought that crossed my mind after watching the last F1 race must have crossed Renault’s mind. Which is the one where Renault collecting more and more podium finishes, not to mention a capable driver they have in Kubica.

Word is that Renault SA are interested in buying back into the Formula 1 team that they pulled out amid the car sales crisis and the “crashgate scandal”. 85% of the company was supposedly sold to Luxembourg-based investment firm Genii Capital last year.

Under new management, Renault F1 have been doing well, collecting 123 points and fifth placing in the Constructors championship, while Robert Kubica is currently seventh in the Driver’s Championship.

Finnish publication has claimed that Renault SA’s financial situation has improved to a point where the carmaker is interested in returning to F1.

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