2013 CHEVROLET CORVETTE: HERE ARE MORE DETAILS THAT HAS EMERGED

There are many fans who have been waiting for quite sometime now for the grand launch of the Corvette C7. It has nothing to do with being hardcore Corvette fans, nor will the next Corvette be drastically enhanced in terms of technology or aesthetics. But the key thing is that with our growing awareness about our environment and its effects on our financial condition – all that we are curious to know is whether Chevrolet will get the hint and stop using the trade mark V8 engine. Tadge Juechter, the chief engineer at Chevrolet had revealed in a video a few months back of the Corvette being the company’s most favored product. This had led many to speculate that the next generation Chevrolet will continue its reliance on the V8 engine that made them famous, albeit with some modification that is necessary to keep pace with the times.
The 2013 Chevrolet Corvette – and not the 2011 edition as was earlier planned will have a 5.5 liter small block V8 engine under its hood in its front engine, rear wheel drive setup. The engine though will be more powerful in spite of its smaller volume, capable of churning out 440 hp. This is about 5 hp more than the 6.2 liter and 7.0 liter engines that the previous Corvettes dished out. The Corvette will now also have a better economy in terms of fuel performance while the engine will also feature a revised combustion system and aluminum block and heads.
We can say for certain that the engine will not be the only change about the new Corvette. For there are also rumors that the Chevrolet will at last raise the quality of the materials that is used in the sports car, which means an end to the almost incessant complains about poor quality of materials used for generations might finally comes to an end. The new Chevrolet sports car will see higher end seats that resemble bucket seats. If Chevrolet wishes to keep up with the times then they should definitely consider putting in high-tech features in the new Chevrolet. After all, if the Ford Focus is able to get technologically updated then we may expect better things from the Corvette as well.
Latest details about the new edition Corvette suggests that the car will have a European styled, small block, turbocharged V8 engine. The new engine will be a little bigger than the 3 liter displacement and will be of an overhead-cam design instead of the conventional overhead-valve design. A dry sump oil system that is friendly to the high performance road courses and not straight line acceleration capabilities will be used. We can expect to see an output of 125 Hp per liter and an overall of 400 HP. Seems like the Porsche 911 and the Lamborghini Gallardo have got a competitor.

Source : http://www.speedlux.com/

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Posted in: Automotive,Car

First Test: 2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec

Twenty Benjamins. Two large. Two thousand dollars. Any way you put it, throwing that much cash on top of the Genesis 4.6's $44,500 base price gets you a Hyundai sedan unlike any other. The new 2012 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 R-Spec touts more power, promises stickier grip, and has the most inappropriate name in Hyundai's modern-day lineup.

Despite what its label may conjure in enthusiasts' minds, the R-Spec isn't a sedan designed to embarrass the curvy-road combatants from Mercedes AMG, Cadillac V, and BMW M. No, the Genesis 5.0 R-Spec is more a sport model than 'Ring racer. That's that.

But the R-Spec is a step in the right direction. It gives the standard Genesis much-needed injections of athleticism and emotion. Hyundai engineers provided an all-new direct-injected 5.0-liter Tau V-8 GDI based on the current sedan's 4.6-liter. Bore grows from 92 mm to 96 mm and compression bumps from 10.4:1 to 11.5:1, resulting in a healthy dose of 429 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque (as opposed to 385 hp and 333 lb-ft from the 4.6).

A new bed plate, camshaft carriers, and roller timing chain reduce mechanical chatter and ensure the eight-cylinder is as fuel-efficient as possible (it's rated at 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway). An eight-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode directs power to the optional Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position rubber ($1400). When needed, four-piston front and rear calipers bite hard on 13.6-inch rotors rather than the usual 13.0-inch variety.

While the powertrain adds much to the Genesis' repertoire, the suspension had staffers talking. Each corner perches on 25- to 30-percent-stiffer Sachs Amplitude Selective Damping shock absorbers. The rear end's multilink setup is tuned to tauter R-Spec requirements. One-millimeter-thicker anti-roll bars -- 26 mm front, 19 mm rear -- fight lateral loads under hard cornering.

The finished product surprised us on the real-world blacktop. The R-Spec was composed in and out of corners and wore its 4199 pounds well. Compared to the 4.6, excessive body lean is nearly cured in the 5.0, which pushes when spurred aggressively (thank its burliness and 54/46 front/rear weight distribution). Although weighty and more communicative, the steering still lacks the directness of some of its German rivals.

Its stiffer ride will have you thinking "sports car," not "luxury sedan." Off smooth paths, the suspension is confused and bouncy at times, yet capable of absorbing mountainous acne. A week's worth of passengers complained not once -- just don't expect the Genesis' usual Lay-Z-Boy ride anymore.

Like the transmission it's bolted to, the V-8 heart is as smooth and as quiet as they come. While welcome for those who appreciate the subdued nature of a Lexus LS V-8, the R-Spec's quiet demeanor is a quality that ultimately disappoints -- an "R" on the tail necessitates a voice that should be more enticing than a muffled burble.

Even so, here is a Korean sedan as quick to 60 mph as a BMW 550i (4.8 seconds) and faster over a quarter-mile than a Ford Mustang V-6 (13.3 seconds at 107.1 mph vs. 13.7 sec @ 102.0 mph). It demolishes the 4.6's figure-eight time by nearly 1 second (26.3 seconds at 0.68 g) and consistently stops three feet shorter from 60 mph (109 feet). It also pulls an average 0.87 g on the skidpad (up from 0.86 g).

Sure, the weakly bolstered front thrones are wide enough to seat a beluga, and are no different from those in lesser models. And the blacked-out headlamps, 19-inch wheels, and R-Spec-branded carpets do little to truly distinguish the R-Spec. But in terms of performance, the improvements are undoubtedly impressive.

One thing that MT testing director Kim Reynolds noted during his figure-eight runs: "Though a fun ride overall, turn-in is a very tricky and touchy thing to master, requiring a hefty dosage of quick on-off throttle inputs to induce smooth rotation." His final assessment? "In the figure-eight the car was fun to drive, but doesn't live up to its bold R-Spec naming."

If we were Hyundai, we would have called the R-Spec the Genesis Sport, SE, or something similiarly civilized, saving the R-Spec nomenclature for a sedan with bigger wheels, a lower stance, bespoke styling -- and at a minimum -- a meaner exhaust note.

Still, that doesn't mean the extra $2000 isn't money well spent...

2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec
BASE PRICE	$47,350
PRICE AS TESTED	$48,785
VEHICLE LAYOUT	Front engine, RWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan
ENGINE	5.0L/429-hp/376-lb-ft DOHC 32-valve V-8
TRANSMISSION	8-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST)	4199 lb (54/46%)
WHEELBASE	115.6 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	196.3 x 74.4 x 58.3 in
0-60 MPH	4.8 sec
QUARTER MILE	13.3 sec @ 107.1 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	109 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.87 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	26.3 sec @ 0.68 g (avg)
EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON	16/25 mpg
ENERGY CONSUMPTION, CITY/HWY	211/135 kW-hrs/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS	1.02 lb/mile

Source: http://motortrend.automotive.com

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Posted in: Automotive,Car

Cars that Will Perform at IIMS 2011

Joint Indonesian Automotive Industries (Gaikindo) said 32 agents brand holder (APM) is ready to support Indonesia International Motor Show 2011. These participants, 24 are registered private vehicles and commercial vehicle brands of the rest.

APM-APM include private car brand consists of Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler,Daihatsu, Dodge, Ford, Geely, Honda, Hyundai, Infinity, Jeep, Kia, Mazda,Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan, Peugeot, Smart, Subaru, Suzuki,Toyota, and VW.
While commercial car brands namely Astra Multi Trucks, Faw, Hino, Isuzu, Man Trucks,Truck Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Fuso, and Toyota Dyna.

Chairman of Gaikindo Sudirman MR said, in addition to the 32 holders of vehicle brand,IIMs would also enlivened 227 automotive support companies. IIMs to 19 will be held at the JI Expo Kemayoran, Jakarta, July 22 to 31. "Today all 32 APM has declared its readiness," Sudirman said in a press conference in Jakarta, Wednesday, June 22, 2011. "They are committed to presenting the latest car products and also the flagshipconcept car."

Executive Chairman IIMS 2011 Johnny Darmawan said, one of which will present a concept car is the Peugeot SXC. The French manufacturer is back and this will enliven the IIMs after a couple of times absent from the biggest automotive exhibition in this homeland. Peugeot addition, several other manufacturers are also certain to show theirflagship concept car.

This time the BMW Group will showcase the MINI, the car line that displayed in hisbooth. Not only that, BMW will also feature the Art Car, the BMW car that is in use atLeMans racing series. The car also has a touch of art by world renowned artists, in the 70's, Andy Warhol take a touch to the BMW Art Car.

Garuda Mataram Motor, Volkswagen APM in Indonesia, this year's hall occupies two areas. In hall B will display the newest products from the passenger car variants such as,New Polo, New Touran, and New Caravelle. In addition to the hall B, Volkswagen is also present in semipermanent A. In this hall presents VW commercial transporters of his carand ambulance.

Meanwhile, Hino, which occupies the outdoor area, carrying the "Green Concept" will be the theme of their booth with a decor featuring live trees. In the IIMs this time willshowcase five Hino commercial vehicles mainstay.

Source : http://otomotif.vivanews.com

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EV Innovations Wave and Inizio Electric Cars

EV Innovations has revealed two new electric vehicles at the New York Auto Show.

The first EV is the Inizio EVS. The Inizio is looking to contend with the massively hyped Tesla Roadster – the high performance all-electric sports car. Innovations claims that the Inizio has a top speed of 170mph and a solid range of 200 miles. Acceleration claims are even more impressive for the Inizio as it can go from 0-60 mph in a four seconds.

Expect to pay a little more than the Tesla Roadster (set at $109,000) as the Inizio’s base price starts at $139,000.

EV Innovations other electric vehicle introduction is a much more affordable plug in EV called the Wave. The Wave has a very respectable expected range of 170 miles and will a starting price of $34,000.

While orders for the Wave are already being accepted, both electric vehicles are only prototypes.

Sources: http://www.ecoautoninja.com

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Posted in: Automotive,Car,News

2011 YAMAHA FZ8 FIRST LOOK

Yamaha’s sporting line of motorcycles grows with the introduction of the new 2011 Yamaha FZ8 street bike; a streetfighter-style machine that offers European styling and a conventional riding position with a sporting engine and chassis character. At an MSRP of $8490, it slots in directly between the FZ1 and FZ6R, Yamaha’s two current streetfighters.
Beneath the 4.5-gallon fuel tank lies a liquid-cooled and fuel-injected 779cc Inline-Four. The engine uses the same cases as the pre-crossplane crankshaft-equipped Yamaha YZF-R1, but gets an entirely new crankshaft and top end. The engine operates with a conventional engine firing order, unlike the current R1, while the powerband has been specifically tuned for the rigors of urban riding with more low-to-mid rpm torque output.
Each piston slides within a cylinder that features a 68.0 x 53.6mm bore and stroke. Fuel is squeezed at a 12.0:1 ratio and the bike uses a 16-valve cylinder head, actuated by dual overhead camshafts. Power is transferred back to the rear tire through a manual cable-actuated clutch, 6-speed transmission and chain final drive.
The engine is suspended within a black cast aluminum frame mated to a swingarm of the same composition, with its handling emphasis put on moderate-speed agility. Front-to-rear weight bias is claimed to be 51/49; suspension includes a 43mm inverted fork and a spring preload-adjustable shock absorber.
The FZ8 rolls on 17-inch cast aluminum wheels that feature a 5-spoke design. The wheels are paired to Bridgestone Battlax BT-021 sport touring tire in sizes 120/70 front and 180/55 rear. Braking components consist of a pair of 310mm discs clamped by 4-piston calipers up front and 267mm rear disc with a double-piston caliper out back.

The cockpit of the FZ8 is similar to the FZ1 and is designed to be a balance between sport and comfort. It makes use of a standard, upright aluminum handlebar that is said to be positioned 4mm forward as compared to its elder sibling. The footpegs have also been positioned down 10mm and back 15mm. Seat height is measured at 32.1 inches off the ground and with a full load of fuel the bike is claimed to weigh 480 pounds.
Visually all of the bikes major components are painted black and the engine is hung out in the open without any fairings or plastic body panels covering it. The FZ8 is available in one color, Raven, and will be available in dealers December of this year.

Engine: 779cc liquid-cooled Inline-Four, 16-valve
Bore x Stroke: 68.0 x 53.6mm
Compression Ratio: 12.0:1
Fuel Delivery: Fuel-injection
Clutch: Wet multi-plate, cable actuation
Transmission: 6-Speed
Front Suspension: Soqi 43mm inverted fork, 5.1 in. travel
Rear Suspension: Soqi shock absorber with adjustable spring preload; 5.1 in. travel
Front Brake: 310mm disc, 4-piston caliper
Rear Brake: 267mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Front Tire: Bridgestone 120/70-17
Rear Tire: Bridgestone 180/55-17
Curb Weight: 470 lbs.
Wheelbase: 57.5 in. Length: 84.3 in. Width: 30.3 in.
Rake / Trail: 25 deg. / 4.5 in.
Seat Height: 32.1 in.
Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gal.
MSRP: $8490, Raven

Article Source: http://www.motorcycle-usa.com

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Posted in: Automotive,Motorcycle

New York Auto Show: 2012 VW Beetle

New York • Volkswagen’s third-generation Beetle, which made its world debut on Monday simultaneously in New York, Shanghai and Berlin, can once again be called the people’s car as the new bug is likely to appeal to everyone, not just young women.

“They de-womanized it,” quipped a colleague from Quebec, as the wraps were taken off the new Beetle. I would say it’s less girly, as the third-generation version does away with the dome roof and flower in a vase, which were the distinguishing features of the New Beetle unveiled in 1998. While the second-generation bug was cute as a button, I don’t know any women over the age of 20 who actually bought it, never mind any manly men. Now, I might consider it. With its less cartoonish features, the longer-roofed bug is still cute but more grown-up.

Volkswagen Group Design chief Walter de Silva and Volkswagen Brand Design chief Klaus Bischoff say they were aiming to create a “new original” — developing the car around the earliest Beetle profile, rather than the New Beetle, which came out more than 60 years after the first Beetle. Confused? Think of it this way: The new Beetle (lower-case n) is more like the old Beetle than the New Beetle. Call it the 21st Century Beetle, as Volkswagen has dubbed it.

The 21st Century Beetle is wider and has a lower profile, a longer hood and a larger wheelbase, making it look more powerful than ever. The new Beetle is also sportier, with both a turbocharged TDI Clean Diesel and a turbocharged gasoline engine available along with dual exhaust and performance-handling packages, 19-inch wheels and sport seats. There is also a panoramic roof, a range of audio options — including the Fender Premium Audio System — and a customization program, including a wide variety of colours and wraps along with an annual theme model.

Inside, the attractive cabin has a traditional look to it, more reminiscent of the original Beetle than the New Beetle, with colours that hearken back to an earlier time. The steering wheel is available with optional painted accents in the spokes depending on the equipment line. The 2012 Beetle has an extra glove box integrated into the dash, similar to the original. The lid folds upward, while the standard glove box opens downward. The optional auxiliary instruments above the selected audio/navigation system — oil temperature, clock with stopwatch function and boost pressure gauge — are also classic features.

Despite the sleeker, less dome-like roof, the new Beetle has plenty of front and rear passenger headroom — at least I didn’t have any trouble fitting in the back. Six-footers might disagree, although the longer roof means more space for longer legs. The trunk is much larger, featuring 10.9 cubic feet of space. A split-folding rear seat and a wide-opening trunk lid make for easier loading and unloading.

Three engines will be available in the new Beetle: the 2.5-litre gasoline five-cylinder, the 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel and the 2.0L TSI turbocharged gasoline engine. A five-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmission will be available on 2.5L models, while Volkswagen’s DSG six-speed dual-clutch transmission will be offered on the TDI Clean Diesel and 2.0L TSI models; a six-speed manual will come standard.

Volkswagen says the 2012 Beetle 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel is the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever. The four-cylinder engine, which produces 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, meets all U.S. emission limits and offers manufacturer estimates of 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres highway, 8.1 city and 7.1 L/100 km combined.

The Beetle 2.0L TSI is the sportiest model available, with 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. The four-cylinder turbo engine is estimated to provide 7.8 L/100 km highway fuel economy.

The new Beetle features a long list of safety items such as Volkswagen’s advanced Intelligent Crash Response System, which initiates automatic safety protection in some types of collisions — the electrical supply to the fuel pump is shut off, the doors unlock and the hazard lights switch on. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is standard, as are driver and front-passenger air bags and Side Curtain Protection air bags in front and rear.

Volkswagen Canada says the 2012 Beetle will be available in October. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Source : National Post

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NEW 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ M-CLASS

Stuttgart, Germany • Mercedes-Benz is celebrating its 125th birthday this year. And as with any person or company that reaches an advanced age, the question that is always asked is what is the secret to such a long life? Centurions often answer that it’s about eating right and exercising, or even taking a drink now and then. But in the case of a car company, there can be only one answer: Build products people want.
These were my thoughts as I sat through the technical presentations for the 2012 M-Class (also called the ML). This SUV is now going into its third generation, having entered the market in 1997 and to date selling more than one million models. Obviously, it’s a vehicle people want.As I listened to engineers describe its newest features and innovations, often in techy engineer-speak, I noted that they always referred back to the customers’ needs/wants. And that got me thinking how important it is for a company to have a rock solid agreement on what a new vehicle is meant to be. In fact, before a new vehicle design even makes it on to paper, there has to be a meeting between the engineers, executives, marketing people and, of course, the designers. The subject? Intent. What does this vehicle intend to be? Who are we building it for? And how do we reach that goal? Total consensus among all the players on these points is crucial. Fail and ghastly automotive mistakes can occur —history is full of them.

So, it’s heartening to see that, 14 years later, the M-Class intent has remained the same. It’s a practical vehicle with a luxury side. And, if anything, the luxury side is getting a boost in this newest M-Class with several all-new interiors and increased ride comfort. It also has improved off-road ability and power and fuel economy improvements in the double digits.Thomas Merker, chief engineer for the M-Class, put it this way: “We want nothing less than the best SUV in the market”. And that is the clear Mercedes intent for this truck.
The target competition is more than plain: Land Rover, Porsche and Audi are being challenged. For buyers, it’s better to focus more closely on the sub-categories that make up Merker’s overall goal. There are four:
1. Safety This time around, the M-Class has increased its focus on what Mercedes calls the “pre-crash phase” of an accident. Its sensors detect an impending crash and do things such as cinch seat belts tight, activate side or window air bags first (as in a rollover), close windows and adjust front-seat travel.
2. Fuel economy It has been improved, with a claim of the best-in-class fuel economy with the new ML250 BlueTEC 4Matic. This diesel-powered truck is said to get an average of six litres per 100 kilometres. Even the gas engines (V6 and V8) will be much improved. How? The M-Class now comes with an auto start/stop function, electric power steering, 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission, reduced A/C and alternator belt drag, lightweight aluminum and magnesium components and low-rolling resistance tires. These items, plus engine improvements, can net as much as a 36% improvement in fuel economy over the outgoing models.
3. Off-road performance Even with this frugal nature, the M-Class was always intended to handle off-roading and the new model does that and more with the addition of some new features. First, there’s a full air suspension system that can change vehicle height and adapt to changing terrain. Parts of this system react automatically, while a selection dial in the cabin also allows manual selection. Downhill speed regulation increases rough terrain control and onboard sensors display a wealth of off-roading data on the console-located navigation screen. This includes angles, ride height, speed, lean and yaw. Real-world testing took place in South Africa, Norway and the deserts of Namibia.
4. Luxury This element has been there from the beginning. However, this will be the most stylish, upscale truck yet.
An all-new dash and instrument cluster incorporate materials such as leather and wood (unvarnished) to create a sweeping, powerful, wide cockpit, and seating (four choices) have innovative styles, including a sports seat that looks like a muscle-bound six-pack. High-gloss silver switches are large and precise as is the refined yet rugged feel of every material inside. The latest in navigation, infotainment and command controls simply add to the feeling of confident elegance for which the M-Class strives. Four separate interior design schemes will be offered.
Production of this new M-Class is gearing up for a world launch. While it’s distinctly European in thinking and design, it’s being built only in Alabama. This one plant will supply the world.
An interesting side note is that, in Germany (and much of Europe and Asia), the size of the SUV market has doubled in just the past 10 years.
We’ll have a chance to drive this new Mercedes M-Class come summer, and trucks should start to arrive in the fall.

Source : http://www.nationalpost.com

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2011 HONDA CBR1000RR

When Honda set out to build the latest generation CBR1000RR, who knew that it would become one of best sportbikes ever made? Not only is Honda’s $13,399 liter-bike a two-time Superbike Smackdown Track and Street champ, it’s reputedly one of the primary benchmarks used when BMW engineered its own S1000RR. Although it’s been a few years since the bike received any major technical updates the 2011 Honda CBR1000RR continues to make an impression on us.
Physically the CBR appears to be one of the more compact motorcycles in this group, however, when you jump into the saddle the cockpit layout isn’t unusually tight. In fact, next to the RC8R, the CBR offers the most accommodating ergonomics package in this test, which is surprising considering it lacks any sort of control surface adjustability. Even though the seat is a little higher at 32.3 inches than the rest, with exception of the Ducati and Yamaha, it doesn’t feel that lofty. The seat also offers a reasonable degree of comfort, though it isn’t quite as good as the GSX-R’s seat. The rearview mirrors are shaped well and provide a clean view but the windshield could be a little taller. Lastly, we liked how slim the Honda is despite its Inline-Four engine configuration. On the scales the CBR1000RR weighs in at 443 pounds —four more than the class-lightweight Kawasaki ZX-10R. This combination of light weight and low center of gravity makes the Honda feel like one of the lightest bikes in this test too.The 2011 Honda CBR1000RR is an excellent street bike. It has an ultra-stable chassis that is well balanced and the engine has the mid-range punch that always seems ready for action. Some folks complain about the looks but we think it has a very Honda feel with its smooth lines, flat front cowling and wide, flat body panels. The exhaust is ugly though.“The Honda is one of the easiest bikes to ride,” comments Dawes. “Not only is it comfortable, it feels really small and compact. It’s really light too. In fact, there isn’t much I don’t like about the bike besides the styling.”

The Instrumentation/Electronics category is one area where the CBR came up a little short. For sure it’s mixed analog/digital display is easy to read, but it lacks some of the features including gear position indicator and electronic amenities like adjustable engine power maps or traction control. To be fair, however, the bike is so user-friendly and non-intimidating that it really doesn’t need them. But in this day and age technology helps lure buyers into the dealerships.

Getting underway from a stop on the CBR is easy due to a rather low first gear, responsive cable-actuated clutch and one-finger-easy lever pull. Final drive gearing is 16/42, more reasonable for street use than some of the other bikes’ final drive because it helps maximize engine power.Speaking of power, or a lack there of, the Honda didn’t really astound us with its mid-pack outright horsepower output. You can argue that 153.08 hp @ 10,800 rpm isn’t anything to scoff at, but it does leave the CBR1000RR three horsepower down on the GSX-R1000 and about a half pony up on the RC8R. That’s not real impressive on paper. What saves the CBR is its fat, and class-leading, mid-range engine performance that outshines the rest of the Inline-Fours. The dyno graph shows how the CBR stays above the rest of the Fours from five to ten-grand. This, combined with the shorter gearing, makes it a real torque-monster on the street. Its maximum torque rings in at 77.79 lb-ft at 9700 revs, which is just a single lb-ft shy of the S1000RR – roughly 10 down to the Twins. This helps the Honda accelerate harder than some of the other bikes during the majority of riding scenarios.With its strong mid-range engine performance always on tap, the Honda offers the best fuel economy figure observing an average of 36.7 mpg. The CBR also benefited from having the second-largest fuel capacity at 4.7 gallons which gives it a range of 158.9 miles between fill-ups.

In the acceleration tests the Honda achieved the third-fastest 0-to-60 mph time of 2.90 seconds, two tenths behind the class leading S1000RR and a mere hundredth off of the GSX-R. In the quarter mile the CBR ripped off a 10.07-second run at a speed of 143.4 mph. The excellent feel and smooth light action provided by the cable-activated clutch also played a significant part during launch, as did its more street-oriented final drive gearing. Without a doubt a 9-second run would have been possible, but we were only giving each bike three attempts at the strip to keep things fair. The six-speed transmission performed flawlessly and all of our testers were pleased with the calibration of the slipper-clutch during hard charging corner entry maneuvers.
While the Honda’s powerband impressed us, its overall character, including sound, was lacking. When the engine is loaded it doesn’t really deliver the same sensation of speed as the other superbikes. The roar of the engine seems muted which doesn’t make it quite as exciting. The results from the sound test show that the CBR equaled the BMW’s decibel rating of 82 dB at both idle and 100 dB at half maximum engine speed, which really came as a surprise considering how quiet it seems on the road. We also noticed that the engine vibrated more than some of the other Inlines, including the silky-smooth ZX-10R and Yamaha R1.
“For the street the Honda has the best engine,” explains Steeves. “It doesn’t have the top-end pull of the BMW or Kawi or Suzuki for that matter—but for the majority of situations you’re in on the street it doesn’t really matter. What does matter though is how hard it pulls between seven and 10,000 rpm.”

The 2011 Honda CBR1000RR seems to be destined to play bridesmaid to the BMW. We think that is an acceptable role considering how well it was represented in our shootout.

Once again Honda’s chassis has impressed us after we ride it back to back with the rest of the pack. Out on the road it delivers a level of agility comparable to the Ninja ZX-10R, making it one of the best –handling four-cylinders in the shootout. Corner entry requires minimal effort but it still doesn’t maneuver from side-to-side as quickly as the KTM—it is close though. Similar to the BMW and Kawasaki, the Honda delivers a smooth supple ride without compromising its sporting ability. The suspension is balanced and performs well on virtually any road surface and was rated at the top of our Handling & Suspension category.
“Of all the bikes in this test the Honda is probably the easiest for me to ride in the twisties,” comments Gauger. “You don’t need to put a lot of input into the bike to make it change directions it just kind of does it by itself… at least it feels that way. In my opinion there isn’t a better handling bike out there.”

The CBR continued to receive high marks in the Brake category where it was ranked second behind the technologically-superior BMW, but ahead of the fashionable Brembo-equipped Twins. Even though the radial-mount Tokico brakes look amateur compared to the sturdy monoblocs employed on the Ducati and KTM, the Honda’s set-up Waheed tests the wheelie ability of the 2011 Honda CBR1000RR. He says it passes...

is more than enough to get the job done. Initial bite from the front brakes wasn’t quite as sharp as we remember, but power and feel progressively ramps up as you tug harder on the lever. The rear brake worked flawlessly too and is comparable to the rest of the Inline bikes. In our braking test the Honda was able to stop in a distance of 134 feet from 60 mph, good enough for second best behind the ZX-10R and S1000RR which tied for top honors at 129 feet.

If you’re seeking the easiest and most affordable liter-class sportbike for 2011 than strongly consider the CBR1000RR. Its powertrain is perfectly suited for the street and its chassis is still one of the best on the market today. The bike is comfortable, easy to ride and gets excellent gas mileage, so what’s not to like about it? Even though it doesn’t feature all the electronic bells and whistles that are becoming more common on some of the other bikes, the 2011 Honda CBR1000RR works so well that you’ll probably not miss them. If it wasn’t for the high-tech rocket ship from Germany, the CBR would be a four-time Superbike Smackdown champion and that is very impressive.

Article Source: http://www.motorcycle-usa.com

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Yaris Third-generation Shown in Europe

Toyota Motor Corp. will complement the leading entertainment system, owned by Touch& Go for the Yaris products sold in Europe. This is the third-generation Yaris that will be launched next September.

Touch & Go system would eventually become standard equipment for the products ofToyota's output. This system has a 6.1 inch screen with touch screen technology andoffers a variety of navigation, including connecting services and mobile applications.

Yaris will be built at Toyota's Valenciennes plant in France, the factory has beenproducing cars for Toyota Europe. Yaris will be available in two engine options, 1.0-liter-powered 68 HP and 93 HP 1.3 liter.

From the side view, the Yaris this time completely changed compared to its predecessor. Starting from the front bumper, grille, hood, body side, to the rear bumperand rear lamp. Everything is re-designed.

Yaris contributed at least 55,030 units from 219,789 units of Toyota sales in Europe inthe first four months of this. While in the U.S., this car is not so sold. Yaris is only sold10,287 vehicles through May, down 50 percent from the same five months of 2010.

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