Honda Stream coming to the U.S

Do you want a stylish minivan that won't break the bank when it comes to purchasing and re-fuelling it, thats compact on the outside but spacious on the inside? Then listen up!

Insiders at Honda, report that they will import the Stream minivan in 2009. It will go head to head with the KIA Rondo and Mazda5. Engines are unknown but reports suggest that the Japanese Stream engines could be used; 1.8 & 2.0 litre petrol engines. An AWD Stream is under review. No 3rd row seats are set to be available for the U.S model but why is it coming 9 years later? Apparently, Honda sees a niché for a smaller vehicle.

Underneath, it shares the same platform as the CR-V and Civic. The Stream launched back in Japan in 2000, where it sold in its thousands, however, when it arrived in Europe, it failed completely.

Nissan/Infiniti recalls '09 Murano & '08 EX35

Nissan USA has announced that it is going to recall around 16,365 MY 2008 Infiniti EX35 and MY 2009 Nissan Murano crossovers due to incorrect software programming of the airbag control unit (ACU).

The faulty software, could result in the passenger airbag not inflating in a crash. Nissan and Infiniti dealers will re-program the ACU in affected vehicles at no extra cost.

Related link:

Nissan Murano pricing announced (U.S)

Carrera GT

Introduced at the Frankfurt International Motor Show two years ago, the Carrera GT was the undisputed highlight of the event. Today, Carrera GT owners have the opportunity to make this expensive and rare Porsche even more sporting and exclusive than it already is.

This unbelievable excess of power and individuality is made by edo competition Motorsport.

670, 715 and Even 770 bhp

edo competition achieves this level of power thanks to the use of a modified intake system, re-calibrated engine controls, high flow air filters and new header catalytic converters. To round off this power package, edo competition delivers a full stainless steel performance exhaust system featuring electronic programmable butterfly-valve control.

Acoustics are anything but neglected; the sport exhaust system, which is available in two different sound levels, produces a wonderful deep and sonorous tone, clearly announcing the approach of an edo competition Carrera GT.

The cat-back exhaust system was developed on the dynamometer from start to finish. The result is a power increase of 25 bhp and a 22 ft-lb increase in torque. An additional benefit: the system is 40 lbs lighter.

Aerodynamics

The aerodynamic rear wing is fabricated entirely from carbon fiber. The center portion of the Gurney Flap raises along with the retractable rear wing to produce additional downforce on the rear axle, along with the fixed flaps on either side of the wing.

Suspension

The 3-way adjustable edo/KW Competition shock absorbers and sports suspension system are designed for motorsports. For our 3-way adjustable shock absorbers, we employ gas mono-tube shocks that are adjustable for compression and rebound (separate adjustments for low/high speed compression damping) and feature a remote oil reservoir. The damping forces can be adjusted individually.

edo competition also offers an electro-hydraulic nose lift system as optional equipment.

Wheels

Optimum grip is provided by edo competition’s wheel and tire combinations. Employing a new wheel design, the edo competition Carrera GT is equipped with a set of 18 in. forged wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires. Front: 265/35 R18, Rear: 345/30 R18. Polished stainless steel outer rims and high-strength aluminum inner rims make these wheels a visual highlight.

All modifications are carried out exclusively at edo competition Motorsport GmbH in Ahlen.

Specifications
Brakes & Tires
Brakes F/R : ABS, vented disc/vented disc
Driveline : Rear Wheel Drive
Tires F-R : 265/35 R18 - 345/30 R18
Engine
Displacement cu in (cc) : 350 (5733)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM : 770(574) / n.a.
Redline at RPM : n.a.
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM : n.a.
Type : V10

New Car: 2008 Dacia Sandero

Some brands like to look back on their heritages and try to recover some of the glamour of old times by readopting their first badges. Fiat has been a recent example. Anyway, this is not something that works for all of them. Take Dacia for instance, now the Romanian automaker has to prove it is able to produce modern, affordable and reliable vehicles. And there is nothing better to print a new image than a new badge. The car chosen to showcase the new brand’s identity is the Sandero.


This medium-sized hatchback has been the first vehicle Renault has introduced in any place other than Europe. The chosen country for the “avant première” has been Brazil, where the car has received the Renault badge. Dacia is not a known automaker in the South American country and Renault itself was struggling to be recognised as a local automaker and make huge volumes there.

The European version of the hatch keeps most of its characteristics, apart from the engines, the brand’s badges (obviously) and the front fascia. As for the engines, Dacia Sandero will also offer three options, just like the Renault Sandero, but they will be very different. Fist of all, the entry level European Sandero will have a 1.4-engine delivering 75 cv, while the Brazilian version counts on a 1-litre 16V engine that pumps out 76 cv with petrol and 77 cv with ethanol (all Brazilian engines for Sandero are flexible). Both the European and the Brazilian Sandero count on a 1.6-litre engine, but the South American version is also more powerful: 92 cv (petrol)/95 cv (ethanol), against 90 cv from Dacia’s sibling. Anyway, there is something most Brazilians would eager to drive, but that is still not allowed in the country: a diesel version. The Dacia version will get two, both powered by a 1.5-litre engine, but with two different outputs: 70 cv and 85 cv. The flagship in Brazil is the Sandero Privilège 1.6 16V, with a 107 cv/112 cv (petrol/ethanol) 1.6-litre engine. Dimensions of both cars are also the same: 4.02 m in length, 2.59 m in wheelbase, 2 m in width (including mirrors) and, surprisingly, the same height: 1,53 m. Brazilian roads and streets demand European projects to be a little higher than they are in the Old World. The boot holds 320 l.

Sandero sales in Europe, Turkey and Maghreb will start in June 2008 and, in 2009, it will also be offered in South Africa. Though prices have not been released so far, they will be close to Logan’s. In Brazil, the entry level Sandero costs R$ 29,900, something like € 11,700 although, a £6,500 price tag is likely in the UK, it could steal sales away from the Clio Campus.

If sensibly priced, well equipped and has low emissions, I wouldn't mind purchasing this. After all, it is built for people who don't have lots of money to spend on a car.

Related links:

Dacia Sandero testing in Southern Italy

Renault Sandero video

Renault Sandero launches in Brazil

New Car: 2008 Renault Sandero

Michelin tyres to cut 20m tonnes of CO2

Overlook hybrids and stop-start systems, new designed tyres could save up to 20 million tonnes of CO2 in the next five years, claims the world’s largest tyre maker.

Michelin reckons it will sell 100 million of its new Energy Saver tyre by 2012. A set four tyres cuts a car’s CO2 output by 4g/km. The figure could be even higher if buyers of replacement tyres choose low-rolling resistance rubber.

Tyres account for up to 20 per cent of the energy consumption of a vehicle, through heat losses as the tyre deforms under load, commonly called rolling resistance.

The Energy Saver, which was developed with Peugeot for the new 308, uses a new material that combines low rolling resistance qualities with what Michelin claims are grip and wear qualities comparable to regular tyres.

The design is also lighter than the tyre it replaces, cutting mass and consequently reducing heat build up. Michelin claims that it will be able to cut rolling resistance of its tyres by 50 per cent by 2030.

Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé sold out!

Although the Phantom Coupé hasn't gone on sale yet, it received 200 orders and will be delivered to their respectful owners in spring 2009. RR Chairman and CEO, former BMW South Africa CEO Ian Robertson, says two out of three sales of the Phantom Coupe are by people who don’t currently own a Rolls-Royce.

“It means we’re beginning to appeal to a broader audience,” he said.

Rolls Royce has been on a serious comeback trail since the Phantom came into power. Last year they saw over 1,000 units shipped for the first time, signaling the proper return of the RR brand to the fore for the first time since the Germans took over. How unfortunate for the Mercedes Maybach....

Humming under the bonnet is the traditional 6.75-litre RR V12 that produces 453 hp/ 337kW and 720Nm of torque. Phantom Coupe is able to move from 0 – 100km/h in 5.6 seconds, topping off at 250km/h.

Vauxhall unveils new badge (UK)

This is Vauxhall's new badge. Due to be unveiled later this year, the sharp yet simple new logo will set a more upmarket feel for the company as it aims to pitch its forthcoming models against prestige rivals.

It now features a more subtle satin silver finish, although the trademark red background is retained. It’s much more dynamic and modern and updates a design that has been left largely untouched since 1903. The new badge will debut at July’s British Motor Show on the grille of the new Insignia, which replaces the current Vectra. The logo will then be rolled out across the rest of the firm’s range.

New badge on top and current badge below