| 15 Dec 2009 | Mazda Releases Special Edition Premacy in Japan
Mazda Motor Corporation today released a special edition of the Premacy (known as the Mazda5 overseas) compact minivan for the Japanese market. Sales commence today at all Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships nationwide.
Based on the 20CS model grade, the 20CS Smart Edition comes with exclusive premium features — chrome inner door handles and silver front power window switch panels — and is 87,000 yen (including taxes) cheaper than the standard version.
The front-wheel drive (FWD) grade also qualifies for Japan’s eco-car incentive program as well as tax breaks of 50 percent under the government’s eco-car tax reduction program.
Main features of the 20CS Smart Edition Premacy
Base model
Premacy 20CS (2.0L DISI engine FWD model with five-speed electronically-controlled automatic (Activematic) transmission or 2.0L engine 4WD model with four-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission).
Special features
Chrome inner door handles, silver front power window switch panels.
Body colors
Five exterior body colors are available: Stormy Blue Mica, Brilliant Black, Aluminum Metallic, Radiant Ebony Mica and Crystal White Pearl Mica.
Manufacturer’s suggested retail prices for the Mazda Premacy 20CS Smart Edition
| Model name | Engine | Drive | Transmission | Price (yen) | | With tax | Without tax | 20CS
Smart Edition | 2.0L DISI | FWD | 5-speed EC-AT
(Activematic) | 1,799,000* | 1,713,334 | | 2.0L | 4WD | 4-speed EC-AT | 2,035,000 | 1,938,096 |
- A separate recycling fee of 13,740 yen is necessary in addition to the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices listed above.
- If the special body color Crystal White Pearl Mica is selected, the price increases by 31,500 yen (including tax). |
|
| 5 Nov 2009 | Honda Releases the Civic Type R Euro in JapanHonda Motor co., Ltd. announced that it will begin sales of a limited number of the Civic Type R Euro, a premium sports model with a distinctive, stylish form and performance that was forged on European roads. Only 2,010 units will be available for sale in Japan.
The Civic Type R Euro is a premium sports model built for mature customers who enjoy exciting driving performance together with a refined ride. It delivers supple handling and exhilarating, prodigious output over a wide range.
The Civic Type R Euro is equipped with a specially designed, 2.0l naturally aspirated engine (max. output: 148kW (201PS)/ 7,800rpm) paired with a responsive, 6-speed manual transmission. A lighter, more rigid body shell, specially tuned suspension and 18-inch wheels contribute to the Civic Type R’s ability to push the performance envelope. Custom aerodynamic components enhance the body’s already outstanding aerodynamic form, while interior features including a custom 3-spoke, small-diameter, leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum ball-type shift knob, and Honda R spec seats enhance the driver’s sense of oneness with the vehicle.
The ultimate driving performer in the European Civic series, the Civic Type R Euro is manufactured in the United Kingdom by Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd. This is the second time since 2001 that this model has been exported to Japan. Type R models are sporty models which are specially tuned to highlight the base model’s driving performance to pursue the joy of driving and provide a racing-like feel. With two models of Civic Type R now available in Japan—the 4-door Civic Type R introduced in 2007 as a ‘best of circuit’ performer and now the European-evolved Civic Type R Euro—Honda continues to deliver the joy of driving and the satisfaction of superior performance.
Key Features of the Civic Type R Euro
< Exterior >
· The exterior form of the Civic Type R Euro expresses a distinctively honed, stylish refinement reminiscent of the body of a highly trained athlete.
· Custom aerodynamic components are designed to achieve the ideal balance between aerodynamic performance and styling (including mesh grill, aerodynamic garnishes, and a colored tailgate spoiler).
· A large engine under-cover, floor under-cover, suspension beam cover and other components are employed to smooth out overall airflow beneath the vehicle for enhanced aerodynamic efficiency.
· The distinctive Type R red “H” emblem is complemented with a special Civic Type R Euro insignia.
< Interior >
· The interior is designed to enhance the feeling of oneness between car and driver, while refined materials and exhilarating styling resonate with a mature sensibility. (Includes 3-spoke, small-diameter, leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum ball-type shift knob, Honda R spec seats, and metal sports-type pedals and footrest.)
· The custom Honda R spec front bucket seats are designed to provide full-surface contact that wraps around the driver’s body, ensuring both the firm hold required for sporty driving and the comfort that is indispensable on longer trips.
· The custom instrument panel features a multiplex i-VTEC engine rev indicator with self-illumination, red lighting, and illumination control that is strategically located for minimum eye movement during high-speed driving. Engine rpm is indicated by a series of lights that illuminate incrementally as the engine revs higher, allowing the driver to concentrate more completely on driving.
· An aluminum emblem displays the car’s serial number.
< Comfort Features >
· The Civic Type R Euro comes equipped with full auto air conditioning with independent right and left temperature controls and a rear heater duct.
· The sound system includes a CD player with AM/FM tuner, vehicle speed-sensitive volume control, six speakers, illuminated audio remote control switch, and USB/AUX jack.
· Other luxury features include EPS (Electric Power Steering), a parking sensor system, and keyless entry system.
< Engine >
· The naturally-aspirated, K20A 2.0l DOHC i-VTEC engine features a higher compression ratio, head ports finished using an NSX-style process to attain a smoother surface for lower intake and exhaust resistance, and optimized intake and exhaust systems and valve timing, to deliver high revs and high output.
Maximum output: 148kW (201PS) / 7,800rpm (net value)
Maximum torque: 193N·m (19.7kg·m) / 5,600rpm (net value)
· Drive-By-Wire (DBW) provides for finer tuning of throttle response and power output.
· The custom intake manifold ensures high output at high rpms while also improving torque characteristics over a broad engine speed range.
· The engine is equipped with a secondary balancer to reduce engine noise and secondary vibration, while the intake system is tuned to produce a refined roar under acceleration as the engine climbs toward the redline.
< Transmission >
· The Civic Type R Euro comes equipped with a close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission.
· Optimized gear ratios ensure both high top speeds and nimble acceleration.
· The short-stroke shifter with aluminum ball-type shift knob delivers a sporty shift feel.
< Lightweight, high-rigidity body and chassis >
· The lightweight, high-rigidity body capitalizes on the outstanding layout of the base vehicle (European Civic 5-door), with expanded use of high-strength steel in strategic locations.
· In addition to a spacious interior, the center-tank layout provides a low center of gravity to ensure superior driving stability.
· Outstanding handling stability is achieved with a specially tuned suspension, high performance 18-inch wheels, and a torque-sensitive helical limited slip differential.
· Equipped with VSA (ABS + TCS + sideslip control).
· Equipped with ABS with custom tuned EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution system) and Brake Assist.
· Custom front brake calipers feature the Type R logo.
· Equipped with custom 18-inch tires (225/40R18 88Y) on custom 18-inch lightweight aluminum wheels.
< Safety Performance >
· The Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body is designed to help protect vehicle occupants and to mitigate damage to other vehicles in the event of a front-end collision.
· The vehicle is also designed to help mitigate pedestrian injury in the event of a collision due to the use of impact-absorbing structures.
· Driver and front-passenger SRS airbags are standard equipment.
· The front seats are equipped with 3-point, load-limiting ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor) seatbelts with pretensioners. Rear seats are equipped with 3-point, ELR/ALR (child seat securing mechanism) seatbelts.
· Equipped with HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlights (low beam, with auto-leveling).
· Equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system.
< Environmental Performance >
· The Civic Type R Euro complies with the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport emissions regulations for 2005.
· PVC use has been eliminated from interior components and the body undercoat, and significantly reduced elsewhere throughout the vehicle. Use of lead has also been eliminated wherever possible.
· Adoption of recyclable materials has resulted in overall vehicle recyclability of more than 90%*. |
|
| 21 Oct 2009 | Nissan Releases New-Spec Nissan GT-R
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the release of the latest version of the Nissan GT-R, which goes on sale on December 7th at Nissan dealers nationwide in Japan. The updated GT-R receives a number of enhancements, including a revised navigation system, recalibrated suspension settings and an improved-flow catalyst system. It is scheduled to go on sale in other global markets beginning next spring.
Since its introduction in the Japanese market in December 2007, the Nissan GT-R has gone through continuous evolution, remaining on the cutting-edge of multi-dimensional performance. The GT-R has also been acclaimed globally, winning more than 50 top awards in various categories since launch. Nissan also supports GT-R owners with exceptional after-sales service.
The latest revisions to GT-R include a new HDD-based CARWINGS navigation system with enhanced entertainment functions. A USB port with iPod®*1 connectivity allows the driver and passengers to enjoy their favorite music in the car, creating an even more pleasant interior environment. *2
In addition, the GT-R’s suspension has been retuned to offer enhanced, premium quality ride comfort, while still providing the driver with a feeling of direct contact with the road surface. The accuracy of the front shock absorbers and springs has been increased and the stiffness of rear suspension radius rod bushings has been strengthened. Rear diffusers with cooling ducts, previously available only on the GT-R SpecV, have been expanded to non-SpecV models, improving cooling performance around the rear floor area.
The exclusive Nissan GT-R SpecV models receive revised rear shock absorber settings, enhancing the characteristic combination of supple ride comfort and flat, predictable handling. In conjunction with this change, SpecV now comes standard with Dunlop tires. The previously standard Bridgestone tires are available as a factory-installed option.
Finally, both the Nissan GT-R and GT-R SpecV achieve improved low- and mid-range engine response, thanks to newly adopted hexagonal meshed catalyst cells that reduce ventilation/airflow resistance.
SpecV goes on sale at seven specially selected Nissan dealers throughout Japan.
*1 iPod is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
*2 May not be applicable in selected countries. |
|
| 1 Oct 2009 | Honda Nano Technology Has Promise for New Class of Electronics
Breakthrough Research to Appear in October 2 Edition of Science Magazine
Microscopic carbon nanotubes a 100,000 times thinner than a human hair may have the potential to transport electricity faster and over greater distances with minimal loss of energy, according to new research that will be published Friday, in the October 2nd edition of Science magazine. The research was led by Honda Research Institute USA, Inc., in conjunction with researchers at Purdue University and the University of Louisville.
The findings open new possibilities for miniaturization and energy efficiency, including much more powerful and compact computers, electrodes for supercapacitors, electrical cables, batteries, solar cells, fuel cells, artificial muscles, composite material for automobiles and planes, energy storage materials and electronics for hybrid vehicles.
Microscopic carbon nanotubes are grown on the surface of metal nanoparticles, taking the cylindrical form of rolled honeycomb sheets with carbon atoms in their tips. When these tiny carbon nanotubes exhibit metallic conductivity they possess extraordinary strength compared to steel, higher electrical properties than copper, are as efficient in conducting heat as a diamond and are as light as cotton.
"Our goal is not only the creation of new and better technologies and products, but to fulfill Honda's commitment to environment sustainability," said Dr. Hideaki Tsuru, project director from Honda Research Institute USA.
Past research efforts to control the structural formation of carbon nanotubes with metallic conductivity through conventional methodology resulted in a success rate of approximately 25 - 50%. Honda, which has worked in the field of carbon nanotube synthesis for almost a decade, has achieved a success rate of 91% metallic conductivity for grown carbon nanotubes.
"This is the first report that shows we can control fairly systematically whether carbon nanotubes achieve a metallic state. Further research is in progress with the ultimate goal to take complete control over grown nanotube configurations to support their real world application," said Dr. Avetik Harutyunyan, principal scientist from Honda Research Institute USA, and the leader of the project.
"Our finding shows that the nanotube configuration which defines its conductivity depends not only on the size of the metal nanocatalyst used to nucleate the tube as was previously believed, but importantly also is based on its shape and crystallographic structure, and we learned to control it," said Dr. Harutyunyan, whose team of Honda scientists included Dr. Gugang Chen and Dr. Elena Pigos.
"We are excited about our teamwork and collaborations with researchers at Purdue and Louisville, who helped achieve this advance," he said. Researchers at Purdue, led by Professor Eric Stach, used a transmission electron microscope to observe nanotube formation, revealing that changes in the gaseous environment can vary the shape of the metal catalyst nanoparticles from very sharp faceted to completely round. Researchers at Louisville, led by Professor Gamini Sumanasekera, produced the nanotubes in larger volumes and made careful measurements to determine whether the nanotubes achieve a metallic state.
Honda's innovative research and development efforts during the past decade have yielded such diverse outcomes as humanoid robotics, walking assist devices, HondaJet, fuel cell technology, increased rice crop yields, and thin film solar cells, in addition to the design and development of automobiles, motorcycles and power equipment products. Honda has conducted consumer product related R&D in the United States since 1975 at Honda R&D Americas, Inc. For the purpose of researching future technologies, in January 2003, Honda Research Institute USA, Inc. (HRI-US) was founded along with HRI-EU (Europe) and HRI-JP (Japan). U.S. offices are located in California, Ohio and Massachusetts and include a computer science research division focused on human intelligence technologies and a materials science research division focused on functional nano-materials.
|
|
| 30 Sep 2009 | Huge Mazda Roadster 20th Anniversary Commemorative Event Held in Japan
HIROSHIMA, Japan—To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Mazda Roadster (known overseas as the Mazda MX-5), Mazda Motor Corporation hosted a special commemorative event on September 20, 2009, at its Miyoshi Proving Ground in western Japan.
First launched in 1989, Mazda’s two-seat lightweight open-top sports car is celebrating its 20th birthday this year. To commemorate the milestone, over 1,600 Roadsters and their owners made their way to the car’s birthplace at the Miyoshi Proving Ground.
When the proving ground gates opened at 6:30 a.m., the arriving Roadsters were welcomed home by attending staff. Approximately 2,600 owners and fans had journeyed from all over Japan and overseas to join in the celebration. The event was officially launched with a toast from a 20-year old Roadster owner, who had been born the same year as the iconic vehicle was launched.
During the event, members of the development team and MX-5 owners from abroad delivered congratulatory speeches; Roadster owners’ clubs from every region of Japan were introduced; and guests were invited to take part in a Roadster quiz. To bring the celebration to a close, Mazda’s director and senior managing executive officer in charge of vehicle development, Seita Kanai, stood up to address the crowd. His cry of, “The Roadster is forever!” was greeted by thunderous applause from the spectators.
To end with a Zoom-Zoom flourish, all 1,600 Roadsters formed up to parade around the track before leaving the Miyoshi Proving Ground with a fond farewell from the Mazda staff.
Main events at the Roadster 20th Anniversary Meet
Date held: Sunday, September 20, 2009 from 10:00 a.m.
Venue: Mazda Miyoshi Proving Ground in Miyoshi, Hiroshima prefecture. (Mazda’s main proving ground in Japan.)
Organizer: Roadster 20th Anniversary Meet Committee. (This committee is mainly comprised of staff from Mazda’s Domestic Business Division and members of Roadster owners’ clubs.)Hosted by: Mazda Motor Corporation
Hosted by: Mazda Motor Corporation
Supported by: Volunteers from the “National Roadster Meeting Official Summit for (the) 20th/World Roadster Friendship Clubs”
Participating Mazda Roadsters: Approximately 1,600 units |
|
