Monday, January 19, 2009

New Honda FCX Clarity in Detail

Called the FCX Clarity, this fuel efficient and green Honda model comes with zero-emissions, hydrogen-powered fuel cell powertrain based on the new Honda V Flow fuel cell platform. Honda also announced that limited models of the FCX Clarity will roll out in U.S. markets in the summer of next year.
“The FCX Clarity is a shining symbol of the progress we’ve made with fuel cell vehicles and of our belief in the promise of this technology. Step by step, with continuous effort, commitment and focus, we are working to overcome obstacles to the mass-market potential of zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell automobiles.” said Tetsuo Iwamura, American Honda president and CEO.
The hydrogen powertrain components of the new Honda FCX Clarity include a new V Flow platform package. This also includes an ultra-compact lightweight and powerful Honda V Flow fuel cell stack that is 65 percent smaller than the previous Honda FC stack. The new fuel stack is located at center tunnel of the vehicle between the two front seats. Equipped with hydrogen fuel, the V Flow fuel cell stack can produce a power output of 100 kW, much powerful than the previous FC stack. This new fuel cell stack is also 50 percent more output density by volume and 67 percent output density by mass.
The Honda FCX Clarity also combines this V Flow fuel cell stack with a new compact and efficient lithium ion battery pack. In addition, the powertrain components also include a single hydrogen storage tank. These three components are the main sources that provides power the car’s electric drive motor. The Honda FCX Clarity is also capable of regenerative braking, which allows the lithium ion battery pack to be recharged to supply additional power to the fuel cell. Overall, the fuel cell powertrain of the Honda FCX Clarity offers a bunch of enhancements compared to the previous FCX model. This include 20 percent increase in fuel economy, 30-percent increase in range, 25 percent improvement in power-to-weight ratio, and 45 percent reduction in the size of the fuel cell powertrain.
The Honda FCX Clarity also comes with a sleek exterior styling with 4-door configuration. Inside, the FCX Clarity is equipped with seat upholstery and door linings made from Honda Bio-Fabric. Other highlights of the Honda FCX Clarity include a navigation system with hydrogen station locations, backup camera, premium audio, climate controlled seats, Bluetooth connectivity, shift-by-wire, and electric power steering (EPS). Watch out for this model in 2008.

Friday, January 2, 2009

New Golf GTI 2009


New Golf GTI 2009
Volkswagen unveiled U.S.-spec variants of its sixth-generation Golf and its pavement-eating cousin, the GTI, earlier today at the New York International Auto Show
Following in the tradition of past GTI models, the performance version of the sixth-generation car will not look radically different from the standard car. That being said, larger wheels and tires, a lowered suspension and a few GTI-specific parts are part of the equation. A red grille surround returns, albeit in revised form.
The new GTI will be powered by a 210-horsepower, 258lb-ft of torque, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. VW’s six-speed DSG transmission will be available on the GTI, as will a six-speed manual.
The new GTI will hit 62 mph in 7.2 seconds, and will also boast a top speed of nearly 150 mph. However, the GTI will return more than 30 mpg on the European cycle.
In order to ensure the GTI is an all-around performer, expected the hot hatch to come equipped DCC adaptive damping and an XDS electronic differential.
The GTI will show up in dealerships later this summer in both two- and four-door versions.