The US is gearing up for Super Bowl XLVI this Sunday. For gearheads, as the yanks call us, that means a piston of new car-related television commercials (nice collective noun that, a piston). One of the first to be released features Matthew Broderick and his Honda CR-V. The concept isn’t exactly original, but if you’re a Gen-Xer, you’re going to love this ad.
Here we have a selection of images from the floor of the Detroit Motor Show, or more correctly, the North American International Auto Show.
Unlike Tokyo late last year there’s a noticeable lack of weird and wonderful concept creations, but we certainly applaud the appearance of the Honda NSX Concept. It’s easily the clear star of the show in our eyes.
Not so fortunate is the Chevrolet Code 130R concept; a BMW 1 Series Coupé that somehow turned out all wrong. So, too, the Chrysler 700C. Seriously, does anyone actually look at these things before they are put on the stand. And if they do, then we’ll have some of whatever it is they’re smoking please.
Equally, we can’t quite understand the fascination the North American audience has had with the Ford Fusion. Its poor mans Aston Martin-like grille is an embarrassment.
Anyway, there’s 50-odd pictures for you after the break. Why don’t you be the judge and tell us what you like and don’t like.
This video released by Honda shows its new NSX Concept in simulated driving scenes from the Sony Playstation game Gran Turismo. Extra graphics also illustrate how the NSX Concept’s very clever Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system works.
In addition to the mid-mounted 3.5 litre VTEC V6 petrol engine there’s three electric motors in all; one at the back and two up front. Each can be powered individually to help provide maximum grip and drive.
Already there’s a number of videos on YouTube featuring the stunning new Honda NSX Concept. Here’s three of the best we’ve found so far.
“Like the first NSX, we will again express high performance through engineering efficiency.â€
Speaking at the Detroit motor show, Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co, ushered in a new era for the iconic NSX nameplate.
Wearing Acura badging for the North American audience the concept on display looks quite handy. We’re sure the newly developed V6 engine, mid-mounted of course, 7-speed dual clutch transmission and funky sounding Sport Hybrid Super Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system will follow suit.
To further explain the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system Honda says the unique twin electric motor drive mechanism uses a bilateral torque adjustable control system. Huh?
That means the new hybrid AWD system can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering. Honda reckons this will provide a handling experience unmatched by other AWD systems.
It’s said the new 3.5 litre V6 will offer 230kW of VTEC goodness, with 20kW of electric power available to each of the front wheels and an additional 30kW for the rear axle.
We will probably have to wait until 2015 before this concept becomes a production reality. We may also have to close our eyes and hope for the best when we learn the car will be developed and built in the US; can the Yanks really deliver an NSX worthy of the badge that will appeal to motoring enthusiasts across the globe?
Let’s hope so.
UPDATE 12 January: New pics added below.
Like us you couldn’t make it to the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show either? Fear not as we’ve assembled a variety of images from the show featuring the usual suspects, such as the Toyota 86 and it’s close relative the Subaru BRZ. There’s also the weird and wonderful, too, in the form of the Daihatsu FC Case, the Nissan TOWNPOD, the Suzuki Q-Concept (pictured) and more.
It is with deep regret that we bring you more sad news from the motorsport world with word that young MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli lost his life at yesterday’s Malaysian GP. The 24-year-old Italian rider crashed out on lap two of the race and fell into the path of Colin Edwards and Valentino Rossi. The race was stopped immediately and was subsequently cancelled.
Simoncelli was well loved by fans around the world and he had a bright future in MotoGP ahead of him. Fans can leave tributes to Simoncelli at the MotoGP website.
Rest in peace.
[Source: MotoGP]
A rare step into the world of two wheels for AUSmotive to bring you this highly detailed super slow-mo of Australia’s own Casey Stoner. After the break you’ll see the 2007 MotoGP champ slowed down to 1000 frames per second while he talks us through the adrenalin rush a knee down at wide open throttle in fifth gear gives.
[Source: Asphalt & Rubber]
Here is the AUSmotive photo gallery from the Australian International Motor Show industry day. There are 128 photos in all and you can simply click on each thumbnail to access a 2000px super image.
Highlights include a couple of track specials in the form of the awesome Porsche 911 GT3 Cup and the rear-engined V6 Renault Megane Trophy. Others to look out for are the Toyota FT-86G concept, the Ford Focus RS, a trio of Lamborghini Gallardos and the highly desirable Audi R8 V10 Spyder, which looks great in all white.
Dedicated articles on the following cars can be access by clicking on the links below:
A big thank you to Daniel McKenna who joined the AUSmotive crew at AIMS and brought you many of the pictures you see here.
Format67 bring us this remarkable short film. It features a Honda NSX moving through the streets of Frankfurt en route to its ultimate destination—the ultimate destination—the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
The credits at the end of the film say it was inspired by Ayrton Senna. Throughout the clip the following quotes from Senna are featured:
“The main thing is to be yourself. Many times its through a mistake that you learn. And the main thing is to make sure you learn through your mistakes and get better.
You should know, that, by being a racing driver you are at the risk all the time. And if you no longer go for a gap that exists, you’re no longer a racing driver. Because we are competing, we are competing to win. And the main motivation, to all of us, is to compete for victory. It’s not to come third, fourth, fifth or sixth. I race to win, as long as I feel it’s possible.
Designed to win. And as long as I can live by it. Some people agree, some don’t. I can only do what speaks for my mind.”
It is brilliant. Check it out after the break. For more Ayrton Senna guidance click here.
[Source: Format67]
Here’s an interesting video comparison from Autocar. On hand is the awesome Audi R8 V10 being pestered by a (UK market only) buzzing Honda Type R Mugen. Now, at £40K the Mugen is no shortcut to cheap thrills by any means. But asking it to keep up with the £100K R8 is a pointless exercise, isn’t it?
Well watch the video to find out. I guess the real point here is, if you had access to both of these cars and a twisty road, you’d most likely want a piece of the action too. A cracking car is a cracking car, doesn’t matter what company it keeps.
[via The German Car Blog]
Apologies for what has to be one of the cheesiest and least successful puns ever on AUSmotive, but, well, those white socks don’t leave a lot to work with. Stand back, though, and you see those white feet belong to the late, great Ayrton Senna. He is at the wheel of the Honda NS-X and is flogging the bejeezus out of it around the Suzuka race track. Got your attention now?
You can see the clip after the jump and learn the art of sportiv driving from the master. Speaking of which, note the Yoda-like inspection of the car prior to Senna’s drive, and the amount of cameras capturing his svelte moves prior to heading out on the track.
Actually, Senna’s mid-corner throttle modulation is very interesting to watch.
[via Steve Pizzati]