Honda Announces Overview of Display for 41st Tokyo Motor Show 2009 with world premier of CR-Z Pre-Production Concept, Skydeck Concept and EV-N Concept

Honda CR-Z Concept

TOKYO : September 30, 2009 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced its lineup of production and concept-model automobiles, motorcycles, power products and other highlights for its display at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show 2009. Organised by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, the event will take place at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan, between 24th October and 4th November.


Covering the largest floor area of any single brand at the show, the Honda stand combines automobiles, motorcycles, power products and other highlights to present the distinctive world of Honda mobility. Driven by dreams and passion, and with the stand concept of "Creating the never before!" Honda strived to propose attractive products that please and amaze its customers.

Honda EV-N Concept

Honda's automobile exhibit will present a variety of environmentally responsible approaches to mobility, including hybrid vehicles, a fuel cell electric vehicle and a battery electric vehicle. The display will also highlight models with innovative packaging and enhanced driving performance that communicate the enjoyment an automobile can provide.

With the motorcycle display, Honda offers products which are filled with creativity and dreams and create new value to further broaden the potential of motorcycles. The motorcycles on display range from large-displacement sports bikes that offer new riding pleasure to compact commuter models powered by electricity.

Also on display are butane gas canister-powered power products, as well as a new personal mobility device which was developed based on the concept of "harmony with people."

The display zone named "HELLO!" (Honda Electric mobility Loop) will feature a comprehensive display of electricity-based products, including products that supply electricity, vehicles that run on electricity and products with innovative electronic technologies.

Outline of Honda stand exhibition

HELLO! Zone

The HELLO! (Honda Electric mobility Loop) Zone will provide a comprehensive display of Honda's electromotive technologies, including automobiles, motorcycles, power products, and more-everything from products that supply electricity to products that incorporate electronic technologies. By linking solar panels that supply electricity with battery electric vehicles that emit zero CO2 in use, Honda envisions the low-carbon society of the near future. In addition, each HELLO! vehicle features interactive communication technologies that showcase the fun ways in which mobility devices can interact with people and society. On display will be the FCX CLARITY, a fuel cell electric vehicle that runs on the electricity it produces from hydrogen; the EV-N battery electric vehicle; the EV-Cub electric motorcycle; the EV-MONPAL electric personal mobility device; the new U3-X, a one-wheel personal mobility device that uses balance control technology that was developed through the ASIMO bipedal humanoid robot; and LOOP, a portable communication tool that allows people and mobility devices to communicate with each other.

Honda EV-N Concept

Automobiles

The automobile display will focus on hybrid vehicles, which Honda believes offer one of the most practical means of addressing environmental concerns at the present time. Joining the Insight, which has been very well received since its release in Japan in February 2009, will be the CR-Z Concept 2009, a hybrid with a new sense and feel, making its world premiere, and the SKYDECK, an innovative six-passenger, multi-purpose hybrid vehicle. Other models on display are the all-new STEP WGN and STEP WGN SPADA (both scheduled for introduction in Japan in October 2009), which feature innovative packaging to expand the joy of using automobiles, and the all-new CIVIC TYPE R EURO (scheduled for introduction in Japan in November 2009), which captures the joy of driving, discovered and refined on European roads.

Motorcycles

The motorcycle display will feature products filled with creativity and dreams that create new value that challenges the unique potential of motorcycles. Making its world premiere, the CB1100 explores the potential of the air-cooled, 4-cylinder engine while building upon the aesthetic appeal and riding taste of the generations of CBs. The VFR1200F sport touring bike, which will make its Japan premiere, emphasizes advanced technology and styling while offering an enjoyable riding experience. A VFR1200F equipped with the world's first Dual Clutch Transmission for large-displacement sport bikes will also be on display. Advanced models that address environmental concerns include the PCX, an idle stop function-equipped global scooter that delivers outstanding fuel economy, and the EVE-neo, which achieves clean and tough performance that only an electric-powered scooter can provide.

Power Products and other highlights

Power products on display include two that are powered by small household-use butane gas canisters: the newly developed ENEPO generator and the PIANTA tiller, which has been well received since its introduction in Japan. Also on display will be the Stride Management Assist and Bodyweight Support Assist walking assist devices, which feature the cooperative control technologies developed through the robotics research of ASIMO, Honda's bipedal humanoid robot.

Images : Honda CR-Z Comcept

Images : Honda EV-N Concept

Images : Honda Skydeck Concept

[Source : HONDA]

Huge Mazda Roadster 20th Anniversary Commemorative Event Held in Japan

Mazda Roadster 20th Anniversary Commemorative Event

HIROSHIMA : September 30, 2009 - 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.

Mazda Roadster 20th Anniversary Commemorative Event

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.

Images : Mazda Roadster 20th Anniversary Commemorative Event

[Source : MAZDA]

Subaru to present "Hybrid Tourer Concept" with its lineup models at Tokyo Motor Show

SUBARU HYBRID TOURER CONCEPT

TOKYO : September 30, 2009 - Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced the major highlights that will be displayed at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show 2009. On the theme of ‘Take a Moment to Free Your Mind”, FHI will showcase Subaru’s efforts to integrate enjoyable and dependable driving with the global environment.


FHI will present the “SUBARU HYBRID TOURER CONCEPT”, a new proposal for the future of grand touring car that integrates environmental friendliness, driving performance, and safety at a high level. In addition, FHI will unveil the “Plug-in STELLA feat. BEAMS”. Designed in collaboration with the renowned specialty store BEAMS, the fully electric car is based on the Plug-in STELLA launched this summer in Japan. The company will also showcase a special version of Impreza WRX STI exclusively tuned for further enhancement of its sporty performance, as well as other production models such as the new Legacy. Besides showcasing these models, FHI will exhibit Subaru’s latest safety technologies, such as the “EyeSight”, an advanced driving assist system with pre-collision control using stereo camera technology.
A press conference by President Ikuo Mori is scheduled on Wednesday, October 21, at 12:10, at the Subaru booth (Center Hall).

SUBARU HYBRID TOURER CONCEPT (Concept car)

Concept

Subaru has condensed its DNA, developed over many years around the Subaru’s core technology of “Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)” and “Horizontally-Opposed Boxer Engine”, into the integration of a luxurious and high-quality cabin atmosphere and an eye-catching sculpted body. The concept car features Subaru’s latest evolutions in handling agility, riding comfort and superior safety performance. It proposes Subaru’s vision of a future grand touring car that excels in environmental friendliness thanks to Subaru’s unique hybrid system.

Design and packaging

Exterior
Subaru imagined wings with a feeling of freedom and confidence for driving far and wide in any environment. A luxurious and comfortable cabin, and advanced driving performance are contained within a sculpted aerodynamic form. The design features a combination of bright, open glass areas with a solid, reliable body.

Interior

• The original point of the ideal grand touring car is its interior design, featuring four independent and comfortably positioned seats. Passengers are enclosed within an atmosphere that provides a surpassing feeling of openness and stress-free reassurance, through the further pursuit of a human-centered philosophy, the essence of Subaru car design, and the incorporation of functions that are friendly to passengers.
  
• The top of the dashboard is movable up and down to provide an optimal driving environment for the driver according to driving conditions.
  
• A flat floor in the rear seat was achieved even with the implementation of AWD, for improved use and movement inside the cabin.
  
• Specialized shielding is incorporated in the windshield to reduce eyestrain on the driver.
  
• New leather covering developed with superior breathability and a ventilation function is used in the seats for improved comfort and texture.

Mechanisms

• In addition to refinements to Subaru’s core technology such as Symmetrical AWD and Horizontally-Opposed Boxer Engine, further enhancements were made for improved environmental friendliness, driving performance and high safety performance by offering a next-generation power unit system and advanced safety technologies.

Next-generation power unit system

• 2.0-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct fuel-injection turbo gasoline engine
  
• The Horizontally-Opposed turbo gasoline engine, with a reputation for powerful acceleration, is combined with a direct fuel-injection system for improvements in fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, and improved torque and response in practical range. This evolution in Subaru turbo technology excels in both environmental friendliness and engine performance.

Lineartronic (CVT)

• Lineartronic, Subaru’s new generation automatic transmission, achieves further improvements in both fuel efficiency and driving performance by reinforcing parts for use with the high-power output of a turbo engine.

Hybrid system

• To further enhance the appeal of the Symmetrical AWD system, this unique hybrid two-motor system features a power/drive motor in the front and a drive motor in the rear.
  
• At start-up and extremely low speeds when fuel efficiency is low, such as when driving the car into a garage, the rear motor is used primarily to allow driving without utilizing the power of the engine.
  
• During normal driving, the front engine is primarily used. The direct fuel-injection turbo gasoline mated with the Symmetrical AWD offers a whole new, Subaru driving experience.
  
• During acceleration, the rear motor assists the driving power of the engine to achieve advanced driving performance.
  
• Further, when accelerating uphill, the front motor, which is normally used as a power generator, assists to drive the front axle for improved performance.
  
• The implementation of a non-idling function that stops the engine when the car comes to a halt reduces unnecessary fuel consumption.
  
• The use of a high-performance lithium battery is based on experience and know-how achieved with the Subaru Plug-in STELLA electric vehicle, launched this summer. This includes the use of a precise energy management system and regenerative brake controls, for improvements in excellent fuel efficiency.

SUBARU HYBRID TOURER CONCEPT : Major specifications

• Length x Width x Height: 4,630 x 1,890 x 1,420mm
  
• Engine type: 2.0-liter Horizontally-Opposed direct fuel-injection turbo gasoline engine
  
• Max output of Motor: 10kW (Front) / 20kW (Rear)
  
• Transmission type: Lineartronic
  
• Drive train: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with 2 motors assist
  
• Battery type: Lithium-ion battery

EyeSight + (plus)

Subaru has integrated its unique driving assist system, EyeSight, with vehicle-to-vehicle and road-to-vehicle communication technology. EyeSight includes an assist collision prevention support system that uses its unique stereo camera technology to recognize a wide range of driving environments. This next-generation driver assistance system provides improved safety and peace-of-mind for passengers, and represents a major evolution in collision detection performance.

• The advanced environment recognition performance of EyeSight, using a stereo camera and a specialized 3D image processing engine, excels at pre-collision safety through the recognition of both pedestrians and cyclists as well.
  
• Wide-ranging driving conditions that cannot be covered by a stereo camera alone are acquired through vehicle-to-vehicle and road-to-vehicle communication technology, which is then synchronized with EyeSight for a further evolution in preventative safety. Specifically, this system continuously detects vehicles that move into and out of blind spots, and advises the driver on appropriate driving maneuvers.

EyeSight Functions

• Cruise control with all vehicle speed range tracking function
  
• Pre-collision braking control
  
• AT mis-starting prevention control
  
• Lane departure warning system
  
• Wander warning
  
• Leading vehicle motion notification function

Subaru Plug-in Stella

Plug-in STELLA feat. BEAMS (Display model)

The Subaru Plug-in STELLA featuring BEAMS, developed based on the Subaru Plug-in STELLA launched this summer, offers a playful design by BEAMS, renowned specialty store, that enhances the joy of using an electric vehicle.
The Subaru Plug-in STELLA electric vehicle (EV) combines the EV system with a compact and light body, for convenience in business use and advanced energy efficiency for daily commuting.

Subaru Impreza WRX STI Carbon

IMPREZA WRX STI CARBON (Display model)

Based on the Subaru Impreza WRX STI A-Line model with 5 speed automatic transmission that offers distinctive driving performance to a wider range of customers, the Subaru Impreza WRX CARBON features the use of carbon material in the roof to achieve both a significant weight reduction and a lower center of gravity. In addition, the suede fabric used in the interior enhances driving excitement and pride of ownership.

Subaru Exiga 2.0 GT STi

EXIGA 2.0GT tuned by STI (Scheduled for market launch in Japan)

SUBARU TECNICA INTERNATIONAL inc. (STI), which manages Subaru motor sports activities, offers its latest proposal for a new seven-seater sports concept based on the multi-passenger Subaru EXIGA 2.0GT turbo model. The finely-tuned body and chassis elements ensure responsive and sporty handling for all drivers. In addition, the basic black sporty interior has a luxurious texture.
This model integrates distinctive driving performance proposed by STI with the EXIGA’s touring seven-seater concept, and is a proposal for new value in the minivan market.

Lineartronic (CVT) cutaway model (Technology exhibit)

Lineartronic is a new generation transmission of Subaru first made available in the all-new Legacy and Outback. Lineartronic is the first longitudinally mounted chain-type CVT system for AWD production vehicles, combining the advanced transmission efficiency and infinite variability between the highest and lowest available ratios, helping to keep the engine operating in its most efficient range, with smooth acceleration, quick shift response, and superior fuel efficiency.
EyeSight featured in EXIGA 2.0GT EyeSight model (Technology exhibit)

Subaru’s advanced technology places the highest priority on safety in any environment. The EyeSight advanced safety device is a driver assistance system that excels at pre-collision safety through the use of a stereo camera and a 3D image processing engine that detect both pedestrians and cyclists as well. This system includes functions that rely solely upon the stereo camera, such as pre-collision braking and AT mis-starting prevention control, as well as functions that reduce driving load, such as cruise control with all vehicle speed range tracking function.

Images : Subaru at 2009 Tokyo Motor Show

[Source : SUBARU]