Awesome Andy Davis

Growing up is hard to do...
You remember the real questions
And your play friends you left behind
It is the girls and boys inside us all that allow us to love
Thank you Andy. Thank you Pixar.
All things end.
Even childhood.
But at least it stays with us to inspire our stories for the next generation.

I liked Andy so much that I named a major character after him in my second book, Oculus, and essentially, based his appearance off of what he might look like in college. I'm sure there's lots of amazing young men out there just like him. And now I have one in my book. :)

Excited for the return of HBO's A Game of Thrones

I think that I would be remiss in not admitting my outright excitement for the return of this Sunday's "Game of Thrones" on HBO. I know that I have, from time-to-time taken different looks at Mr. Martin's books. I was not impressed with A Dance With Dragons as an example...but that comes from me being frustrated that I feel Mr. Martin has turned into a capitalist who seeks to milk every penny from his franchise as opposed to giving us the story that so strongly permeates the first three books of his series.

Season two is all about the book A Clash of Kings. And this my friends, is a masterpiece. For those of you who haven't read the books and are concerned that there is no one to step in and fill the void left behind by the death of Ned Stark, I want to assure you that the tales of Westeros do not stop with him. I'm looking forward to seeing Tyrion, Cersei, Jaime, and Daenerys develop. I'm interested in new characters...Milisandre of Asshai, Stannis Baratheon, and Daenerys' dragons (which will become characters unto themselves).

If I had to say one thing about George's fantasy, it's that it got me interested in reading the genre again.  I had wandered into general fiction (which still makes up the bulk of my reading list).  I'd read most of Vonnegut's books, I'd explored non-fiction by reading Hawking, read some young adult (and didn't find it necessarily to my liking), but I hadn't read fantasy (the stuff that I read as a kid) in years.  George changed that with his books. And he seems to be the one that I kind of stick with because, as I've explored other fantasies, they all strike me as knockoffs of what George managed to do, and I wonder how long that trend is going to continue.

I'm really not a fan of knockoffs.  Just to illustrate what I mean by this term, I've heard that "Divergent" is a knockoff of "The Hunger Games"--I've read the Hunger Games...but not Divergent. Again, it's only what I've heard from reading what people write online. I honestly don't care because I'm not going to read Divergent anyway. But it may serve to illustrate my point.

George's story is first and foremost about power. It's an epic that really kind of reinvented fantasy by introducing a psychological component. Instead of a black and white struggle of good vs. evil, it is a complex examination of real world characters who pursue their own interests. I'm excited to dive back into this backstabbing, power-grubbing, drama-filled murderous tale of the most flawed human beings and their struggle to outdo one another by screwing each other over in the most hate-filled ways. Really...it's like looking at our own government.
I shall be participating in the A-to-Z challenge starting this Sunday. Have a great Friday and Saturday.

The most realistic rendering of 2013-2014 Toyota RAV4

Tip of the hat goes to www.woodyscarsite.com for giving me the idea for searching this pic out....
The Mag-x of Japan is agian post latest rendering of the next generation Toyota RAV4.The rendering is based on Mag-x spyshots photos of the car while testing in Japan.Altrough the new car cover with heavy camouflage,Autotintrends can see some lines and light’s shape.The same source also post the computer generate image and Autotintrends can see that this rendering is most realistic we have seen until now.

The car will fallow styling of the current 3rd generation that not look too sporty and too conservative.The headlight’s shape is look similar of what wee seen in Land cruiser and Fortuner.The front grille have aluminum place horizontal like we have seen in some trim level of new Toyota Vitz/Yaris.The shoulder line is more sharper than current car.The roof line look slope and rear side’s window look very similar to current Nissan Qashqai.

The fourth generation RAV 4 wheelbase will have 2660 mm long (Compare to current generation of 2560 mm in short wheelbase version and 2660 mm of LWB). Overall size expect at 4500 mm long and 1815 mm wide and 1660 mm hight .The SuzukiFan’s website have reported that next Toyota Rav 4 will be longer but reduce to single model.

The new car (Codename 410A) will powered by block 3ZR-FE),4cylinder 2.0 liter and block 2AR-FE),4cylinder 2.5 liter petrol engine.While european version will carry on the 2.2 L 2AD-FTV turbodiesel I4 and the 2.2 L 2AD-FHV D-CAT turbodiesel I4.The car will goes one sale in Japan at november 2012 and rest of the world in 2013

Source;
http://autointrends.com/2012/02/02/the-most-realistic-rendering-of-2013-2014-toyota-rav4/

Honda Introduces Solar Hydrogen Station on Saitama Prefectural Office Grounds

FCX Clarity Used in Electric Vehicle Testing Program to Serve as Mobile Electric Generator

TOKYO, Japan, March 27, 2012 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. unveiled a Solar Hydrogen Station on the grounds of the Saitama Prefectural Office. The initiative is part of the Electric Vehicle Testing Program for Honda’s next-generation personal mobility products with Saitama Prefecture, in which Honda, Iwatani and Saitama Prefecture collaborate to build. In a further initiative, Honda has equipped the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle with an outlet to function as a 9kW power source. Since the FCX Clarity uses a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to produce power with zero CO2 emissions, with its new outlet, the vehicle will be able to serve as a zero-emission mobile electric generator.


This is the first installation in Japan of a total system to produce, store and dispense hydrogen with ZERO CO2 emissions. A high pressure water electrolysis system, uniquely developed by Honda, produces hydrogen. With no mechanical compressor, the system is nearly silent and highly energy efficient. Using Solar and grid power, the system is capable of producing 1.5kg of hydrogen within 24 hours which enables an FCX Clarity to run approximately 150km or 90 miles. Honda aims to further develop the system to offer clean energy sources for the home in the future.


Source;

Car and Driver: A look at the 2013 Honda Accord

What It Is: The ninth generation of the longest-running 10Best winner. Unlike many of  its mid-size competitors, the Accord will continue to be offered as a coupe and a sedan. Slightly smaller and lighter than the current Accord, the new version also will have softer lines and more cohesive styling.

Why It Matters: This Accord will be as important to Honda as anything it’s done in the past decade. Will it be able to beat the growing range of exceptional mid-size competitors? Will it have the magic feel of previous Accords? Will Honda get its size right? Will it deliver Honda-style innovation and fuel economy? The new Accord needs to answer these questions in the affirmative.

Platform: The new Accord likely  will be based on an updated version of  the current car’s architecture.

Powertrain: While many mid-size competitors are dropping their six-cylinder options, the Accord will offer a revised and more powerful version of its familiar 3.5-liter V-6 with cylinder deactivation. But the bread-and-butter Accord will be the four-cylinder model. Direct injection helps the 2.4-liter four make at least 181 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, with improved fuel economy. A six-speed manual will be offered; the automatic will be a CVT. A plug-in-hybrid version will couple a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a 161-hp electric motor.  A 6-kWh lithium-ion battery  will offer 10 to 15 miles of city driving range and will recharge in less than four hours using a standard 120-volt outlet. Three selectable modes will allow the hybrid driver to choose among fully electric, hybrid, and “direct drive,” which decouples the electric motor for more efficient cruising.

Competition: Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Passat.

What Might Go Wrong: The conservatively styled and engineered Civic has us wondering if the Accord will suffer the same fate. After seeing the new Accord coupe in concept form at the Detroit auto show in January, the threat of dullness remains.

Estimated Arrival and Price: The two- and four-door Accords arrive this fall. Pricing is expected to remain in the $20,000-to-$30,000 range for the vast majority of the lineup. A well-equipped hybrid and a loaded V-6 model will crest $30,000.

Source;
http://www.caranddriver.com/features/2013-honda-accord-future-cars

Honda Named Automotive “Brand of the Year” in Harris EquiTrend Poll

Honda has had a rough go as of late, with reduced sales in 2011 due to production shortages as a result of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Prior to that, there were criticisms of the new 2012 Honda Civic.

None of that, however, has phased consumers it would appear, with Honda being named the full line Automotive Brand of the Year in the latest Harris EquiTrend Poll. Measuring brand leadership in a total of 127 different categories, Harris Interactive surveyed 38,529 U.S. consumers aged 15 and older.

Ranked second overall is Toyota, another Japanese automaker that’s had its share of bad press over the past few years. This would seem to indicate the long term reputation of each of those brands hasn’t been affected by these most recent events.

In third place is Ford Motor Company, which topped the list last year followed by Chevrolet, then Honda, Toyota and Nissan. For 2012, Chevrolet has dropped two spots to fourth, while Nissan remains in fifth place.

In terms of luxury automotive brands, Mercedes-Benz tops the list followed by BMW and then Lexus.

Source;
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/03/honda-named-automotive-brand-of-the-year-in-harris-equitrend-poll.html

Acura Will Debut New RLX Flagship Sedan in NYC [New York Auto Show]


by Justin Berkowitz of Car and Driver

Acura’s next flagship sedan will likely be called RLX, and is expected to debut next month at the New York auto show. The company hasn’t made an official announcement yet, but two signs point to RLX as the replacement badge for RL. First, Acura VP Jeff Conrad may have told Wards that RLX is the new name; when asked, Acura representatives declined to confirm whether the Wards quote was accurate. Second, the company has applied to trademark the name RLX with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Neither is dispositive, but taken together, we’re pretty convinced.

The RLX is set to replace the aged and out-classed RL, but will follow a similar formula. Like the outgoing RL, the RLX will feature all-wheel drive and a V-6 engine. This time, however, Acura’s range-topper will use a clever hybrid system to drive the rear wheels with electric motors. The setup should prove to be lighter and continue to offer rear-axle torque vectoring.

With the RLX replacing the RL, the TL will be the last car in the Acura lineup with a two-letter name. We’ve been told that Acura will offer just three sedans in the future—the new ILX and RLX will be two of those, meaning that either the TL or the TSX is likely to bite the dust. Given its two-letter name, the TL might be the more likely candidate, but Acura is currently in the process of trademarking TLX. We’ll just have to wait and see.

Source;
http://blog.caranddriver.com/acura-will-debut-new-rlx-flagship-sedan-in-nyc-new-york-auto-show/#more-79160

One man's journey down the path of atheism, part 2

Last week, Mr. James Salmonsen spoke of the first part of his journey down the path of atheism. You can find that post HERE.  Now he is ready to talk about part 2 of his journey.

*****

Greetings readers. In my previous article, I told of my first steps toward anti-theism. I left off as I went into college where I identified myself as “spiritual” instead of “religious”.

The next leg of my journey took me a few years of school and study. I had left the LDS church, although I still found myself defending it from some truly IGNORANT people. When I say ignorant, I don't just mean they “just didn't know”. I mean they had a few scoops of dipshit in them too. I had one guy ask me if it were true that when Mormons were married in the temple, doesn't the guy performing the ceremony get to have sex with the woman first?
During this time, I took my first astronomy class. (That's the one without the horoscopes). This was the first time I realized exactly how BIG the universe was.

Big is such an inadequate adjective. We do not have a word that can describe how large the universe is, because with our limited human minds, we cannot even CONCEIVE of how large it is. I could throw a number at you – 28 billion light years in diameter – 300 sextillion stars – a large factor of that number in planets and moons. All of this is irrelevant, because humans are not capable of visualizing such space. And this, my fellow insignificant specks – is just what we can see with our most advanced technology. It is possible there is more. There has been speculation (no proof) of layer upon layer of alternate dimensions. What if our universe is to the whole of reality as a single galaxy is to our known universe? No proof as of yet, but an interesting thought. Suffice to say, what we DO know of the universe is quite enough for my point.

Before you go catatonic thinking of that, I'm going to go into reverse. The same concept of infinite outward space going the other direction. The SMALLEST thing visible to the naked eye is just the start of what we have learned about the (lets call it) microverse. Things we can can only see with an optical microscope are huge compared to things we can see with an electron microscope. We can drill down further to protons and neutrons and make accurate hypothesis toward their nature. And, we have hypothesized things even smaller. But, you get the idea. The normal human brain cannot conceive of these things.

Next, we can talk about other forces. Gravity: force so strong that light can't escape. Temperature: 15 million (estimated) kelvin in the heart of our teeney weeney star we call Sol. (100 degrees Celsius = 373.15 kelvin) Mass: Stars so great they almost equal the diameter of our entire puny solar system. Time: Billions of years (estimated) from the birth of this universe until now. With the possibility that we are simply in a cycle of expansion and contraction of our universe that has been going on infinitely.

Please click HERE for a nifty animation demonstrating size. Don't play with this while under the influence of hallucinogens.

I remember explaining this idea to my LDS mother during a visit home from college. This was the same trip where she asked me if my girlfriend thought I was a virgin, and I burst out laughing. (Mother had some revelations that day.)

The sum of all human knowledge in reality is small. It is fragile. It is incomplete. Much of it may be wrong. We have expanded that knowledge and applied it in ways that would have been inconceivable to people even 200 years ago.
Faith had no part in the construction of this marvel, at which I sit to impart
this supreme knowledge to you, instantly, from hundreds of miles away.
Do not tell me that being an atheist means I do not believe in something bigger than myself, or that the world holds no joy or wonder.

At this point in my life, I could no longer believe in a higher power. I was no longer “spiritual” in the sense that I believed in some entity out there watching over us. It makes no sense that an entity so powerful - so impossibly unknowable – cared if any of the billions of human beings:

  • Went to church on Sunday.
  • Had sex before marriage.
  • Stole items from each other.
  • Mumbled wishes in the night.
  • Believed in one or another of the hundreds of religions on the planet.
  • (Insert any religious belief here)

At this point in my life, I was agnostic. But, I still had a way to go.

Thanks for reading.

Discussing the A to Z challenge with Ms. Tortured Artist


I am sitting in Cafe Pretentious and talking with Ms. Tortured Artist.

"How's it goin?" I ask.

"It iz going," Ms. Tortured Artist replies.

"Good. Good. Are you joining the A to Z challenge?" I ask. "I'm gonna have a Pixar theme with goofy dancing gifs!"

"Pleaze. I am a real writer. Real writerz...they do not do thiz thing...theezze childish blog memez and blog awardz. I only put thingz on my webzite that speak of my writingz...which no one in ze werld has zeen before. I bare my zoul, and people will someday know I am ze next Ztephanie Meyer. I am ze next Zuzanne Collinz."

"Oh. Well in the meantime, you don't have a job right now and have plenty of time. Since you're a nobody like me, maybe you could do these memes and participate so people don't view you as stuck up. You know...kinda like working at Wal-Mart is beneath you even though there's lots of people that work at Wal-Mart."

Ms. Tortured Artist glares at me.  "I'm not ztuck up! I'm just mizunderztood. My writing...it evokez pazzion. A young woman...she lozes her first love to the zea, but he comez back...only zhe iz in love with another. He comez back from the zea for her."

"Ah! Mermaids. I love great mermaid stories. There's a gazillion of those. I read one where--"

"--HOW DARE YOU? It iz notz mermaidz! How dare you dizzmizz it az if someone haz written thiz before!?"

I swallow. "Uhh...There's something like 900 mermaid stories alone on Goodreads..."

"When I get an agent. When I getz my book deal. You will all zee. You will all be jealouz of my zuccezz. I zhall be famouz! And it iz you who will ztill be doing theze memez while I am zigning bookz for my fanz. No one can write like me!"

*****

Don't forget to sign-up for the A to Z challenge ladies and gents. There's only a few days left. Unless...ahem...of course you are the Tortured Artist. Then I wish you well with your massive agent and book deal plans. But let's be honest, if you were the Tortured Artist, chances are you wouldn't even be visiting my website as that would be "beneath" you. :P If you don't know where the sign-up is, click the button on the right sidebar. It will take you to Alex J. Cavanaugh's website and from there, it's easy peasy.

Honda promotes American managers in push to revive U.S. market

By ALAN OHNSMAN / Bloomberg News

Honda Motor Co. was the first Asian carmaker to build autos in the U.S. and is the most dependent on the market. Now it's also putting more non-Japanese in key roles.

North American Chief Operating Officer Tetsuo Iwamura becomes executive vice president April 1 and No. 2 to President Takanobu Ito. His new seven-member board will manage activities from product planning to production to sales in North America. Three members will be U.S. natives, the first time Americans have held such responsibility, including Erik Berkman to lead regional product development and design.

"Honda quite literally has become a North American car company headquartered in Tokyo, and that's a horrible combination," Jim Hall, principal of 2953 Analytics Inc., an auto consultant in Birmingham, said in a phone interview. "When your headquarters isn't in your most important and biggest-volume market, you become disconnected. We can see that's what's been happening to them. This is to reconnect headquarters with their most important market."

While Honda's U.S. problems have been less dramatic than those of Toyota Motor Corp., which recalled millions of vehicles for unintended acceleration, they've been significant. Even before last year's earthquake and tsunami cut supplies, core Honda cars such as the Civic and Accord were losing ground to Hyundai Motor Co. and Ford Motor Co. models that won praise for stylish looks and fuel economy.

Growing competition spurred Honda to offer U.S. incentives that were 87 percent of the industry average in this year's first two months, according to Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey-based Autodata Corp. In 2008, Honda's discounts were less than half the average.

'Out of Necessity'
"For too long they've lived in this cocoon of 'What we're doing is good enough,' " said Maryann Keller, principal of a self-named consulting firm in Stamford, Conn. "There's a recognition that that's no longer the case, so I think they are making these moves out of necessity."

For the first time, Honda's No. 2 executive will be based at the company's U.S. headquarters in Torrance, Calif., instead of Tokyo.

"Knowing the current competitive and complicated marketplace, rapid changes in customer needs, we think it's better to put more emphasis on the American side," Iwamura said in a March 12 interview. "Production and R&D, development facilities, those can be done by investing money. Localization of the people is one of the key issues."

Toyota Moves
Honda's revenue from sales of autos, motorcycles and power products in North America was 986.2 billion yen ($12.7 billion) in the quarter that ended Dec. 31, or 51 percent of its global total. While U.S. sales of Honda and Acura autos fell to 1.15 million units last year, which was still 38 percent of the company's worldwide volume.

Toyota, too, is giving more authority to North American executives, to improve development of products for the market and avoid a repeat of the 2009-10 recall crisis.

This month, Toyota promoted Jim Lentz to chief executive officer of its U.S. sales unit, the first time that job has gone to an American.

Asia's largest automaker last week said Steve St. Angelo, executive vice president for North American engineering and manufacturing, will oversee regional production as part of his duties on Toyota's North American management committee. Ray Tanguay, chairman of Toyota's Canadian unit, is responsible for North American quality issues. Lentz will oversee regional sales, marketing and product planning.

Honda's Revamping
Toyota President Akio Toyoda has said shifting more responsibility to local managers in North America is central to his goal of restoring customer satisfaction hurt by the recalls.

Honda's U.S. car and light truck sales slid 6.8 percent last year after natural disasters in Japan and Thailand curbed output of parts and vehicles. The company's redesigned Civic also flopped in tests by Consumer Reports, which recommended previous versions, a sign that the carmaker's ills extended beyond 2011's one-time events.

For decades, products created for the U.S. came from a "synergy effect" between Japanese and American engineers, Iwamura said. Now, American engineers making product decisions for U.S. customers is the best way to increase competitiveness, Iwamura said.

"That is one of the reasons we appointed Erik as the top man of R&D," he said. Berkman, who begins his new job April 1, was traveling in Japan and unavailable for an interview.

Honda's Targets
John Mendel, executive vice president of U.S. sales, is also joining Berkman on Honda's North American management board, as is Tom Shoupe, president of the company's Alabama plant.

Honda wants to rebound this year with a 24 percent U.S. sales gain. It has made some progress, boosting sales 11 percent in 2012's first two months, led by a 45 percent jump in Civic deliveries. The company plans to release a modified Civic later this year to address concerns raised by Consumer Reports, as well as a redesigned Accord.

The company's U.S., Canadian and Mexican plants may also set a production volume record, building about 1.8 million vehicles this year.

The automaker is completing more than $690 million of upgrades at U.S. plants and is also building an $800 million factory in Mexico to produce subcompact models such as the Fit.

In January, Honda said it planned to build its Acura NSX "supercar" in Ohio within about two years. The racing-style coupe will sell for more than $100,000. The site and cost of that project hasn't been announced.

Restoring Reputation
Restoring its reputation as an industry innovator, a legacy of founder Soichiro Honda, is a bigger challenge than boosting sales and production.

"It's not just the Koreans; everyone has gotten better," Keller said. "In terms of quality and features, it's a game of equals. It's just a lot harder for Toyota and Honda to stand out."

It may be years before Honda's changes in local management are effective, said Hall of 2953 Analytics.

"It's safe to say that if they keep going the way they were going, they were heading for a decline with other guys passing them and just doing better than they are," he said. In the U.S., "the question is whether they've caught their problems soon enough to not get passed by Hyundai-Kia."

Source;
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120325/AUTO0104/203250305/1148/auto01/Honda-promotes-American-managers-push-revive-U-S-market

Wanted: Dead or Undead by Angela Scott

THIS BOOK IS FREE TODAY. PLEASE GO VISIT ANGELA'S BLOG (LINK AT BOTTOM) TO FIND OUT HOW TO GET ONE.

This weekend, I read Angela Scott's book Wanted: Dead or Undead, and I loved it.

I award it five stars out of five. It's a quick, smooth, entertaining read. The first thing that amazed me was the language. Angela creates a southern accent in everything, including the prose between all of the dialogue. It isn't annoying. Rather, for me it immerses me completely in the atmosphere of this apocalyptic world.

Several times, I found myself picturing some of the old west skits in the classic Star Trek series.  The zombies were so gross and so evil, that even when they weren't attacking, I could feel their presence in the world. I knew that this wasn't a traditional western...and that's why I kind of pictured the Star Trek westerns in my head as opposed to real westerns (like the kind Clint Eastwood makes). Things were just different. One stepped removed from what I was used to. And it had the effect of making everything fresh and exciting.

Angela approaches zombie lore in a brilliant way. Her heroine (Elisabeth a.k.a. Red) is like a composition of Michonne from the Walking Dead and Sara played by Shirley MacLaine in the movie Two Mules for Sister Sara.

Angela approaches her zombie apocalypse like most writers. She doesn't explain it. And the story is about survival. Where it gets clever, is how the characters survive and through the strange powers that Red manifests.

The tale doesn't get too scary. But there are definitely some shocking moments. And Angela does not hold back on the gore. But honestly...who reads a zombie story and doesn't want gore?

Buy Angela's Book HERE
Visit Angela's Blog HERE

Chubu Electric, Honda Motor, Tata Metaliks: Asia Stocks Preview

Hmmm, good idea....

Below is a excerpt pertaining to Honda only....

Honda Motor Co. (7267 JT): The carmaker may build a plant at a location high above sea level in Thailand as part of flooding countermeasures, the Yomiuri newspaper reported, citing the company. The stock fell 0.6 percent to 3,160 yen.

Source;
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-03-26/chubu-electric-honda-motor-tata-metaliks-asia-stocks-preview

Honda's automobile unit resumes operations in Thailand

Honda Automobile Thailand (HATC) has resumed production at its plant in Ayutthaya after severe floods halted operations in early October.

HATC, a subsidiary of Honda Motor, is the last of the Japanese automobile companies to resume production in Thailand after the floods.

Toyota Motor and Nissan Motor resumed production at the end of 2011.

The floods forced hundreds of Japanese companies to shut operations, adversely affecting their earnings expectations.

Earlier this year, Honda revised down its operating income forecast for the year ending on 31 March to 200bn yen ($2.4bn, £1.5bn) from a previous forecast of 270bn yen.

The Honda factory in Ayutthaya has the capacity to produce 240,000 units annually. Limited production

A Honda Motor spokeswoman said full production would resume at the HATC unit by the second week of April.

Currently production is at about 12% of capacity.

HATC was the only car maker whose factory was completely flooded.

Honda Motor said HATC is one of its most important production centres in the Asia and Oceania regions.

"Honda was totally committed to realising the earliest possible recovery. Honda will maintain the same positioning of HATC in the future and further promote business operations in Thailand," the company said.

Source;
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17508462

MotorTrend Looks at the 2015 Acura NSX

From the April, 2012 issue of Motor Trend
By Frank Markus
Photos Wesley Allison
Acura's 1991 NSX put an end to the era when sexy supercars could be unreliable, ill-handling, ergonomic disasters. The all-aluminum mid-engine marvel delivered laser-sharp handling and high-revving acceleration suffused with Japanese quality, while advancing the state of the production-car art with firsts like four-channel ABS, titanium con-rods, and electric power steering.

Since NSX production ended in 2005, the world has eagerly awaited its replacement. A front-engine V-10 layout was proposed and developed by Acura Design as the Advanced Sports Car Concept. Everyone involved agreed that it was cool, but it wasn't an NSX. The car you see here is.


Expected by 2015, the new NSX will employ a mid-mounted V-6, complete with titanium connecting rods coupled to a wet twin-clutch seven-speed transmission and hybridized with an electric motor driving the rear wheels. Two more electric motors will spin the front wheels, providing torque-vectoring under acceleration and braking to help the NSX turn into corners better under all conditions. This Sports Hybrid AWD system is purported to deliver big-V-8 performance with "better-than-four-cylinder" fuel economy (let's assume they're talking big turbo fours there).


We asked Honda's global CEO Takanabu Ito (who started his career as an engineer working on the NSX's aluminum monocoque structure) whether he felt it was important that the next NSX still be made of aluminum. He replied what was more important was that the engineering team face as great a challenge as his did as they work to offset the new car's hybrid drivetrain mass. When asked whether he'd established a weight-to-power target for the team, his coy answer was, "I hope it is better than the first car's."


But if we assume that here again he expects to challenge his engineers to an equal extent, and we know that the first NSX matched Ferrari's 348 with 11 lb/horsepower, we can expect the 2015 car to at least match the current 458 Italia (and Lamborghini Gallardo) with around 6 lb/hp.

The sexy, show-stopping shape features Acura's softening Keen Edge design. Dimensionally, it measures 3.7 inches shorter in length on a 1.8-inch longer wheelbase, so overhangs are cropped. It's also 3.3 inches wider and 0.4 inch lower than the 2005 NSX. The concept rides on 255/35-19 front and 275/30-20 rear rubber. The low-profile headlamps are LED-based, and while there is no interior in the concept, design chief Jon Ikedo presumes the battery will package in the center tunnel, luggage compartments will be fitted fore and aft, and the fuel tank will slot in just ahead of the engine as before to preserve weight distribution as the fuel level drops. With production slated for "within three years," the shape has yet to undergo extensive computer or physical testing. Ikedo says early scale-model clays are performing well in the wind tunnel, but cautions that crash development is likely to grow the car somewhat. That development work, by the way, is all happening in the USA, and the car will be built in Ohio.


Acura claims the next NSX will represent the "ultimate expression of man-machine synergy," with driver and car working in unison, rather than the driver being taken for a ride by a highly robotized car.


Indeed a three-motor, mid-engine supercar sounds like the ideal halo car for a brand attempting to distinguish itself as delivering luxury and performance without waste or excess. It may even shake up the supercar-world order again. We just hope Ito's engineers overcome their biggest challenge: programming those electronics to deliver realistic, not robotic, road feel.



New Tech

The NSX won't be first with a hybridized twin-clutch tranny, but, unlike the Jetta Hybrid's, its electric motor connects to (we're guessing the odd) gear shaft instead of the input shaft. By releasing both clutches, more energy can be regenerated with no engine braking effect, and by connecting the motor to the (odd or even) gear with the most advantageous ratio. Under acceleration, power is transmitted through a preselected odd gear even when an even gear is in use.


2015 ACURA NSX
BASE PRICE $130,000*
VEHICLE LAYOUT Mid-engine, AWD, 2-pass, 2-door coupe
ENGINE 3.7L DOHC 24-valve V-6 + 2 front and 1 rear electric motors; 480 hp comb*
TRANSMISSION 7-speed twin-cl auto
CURB WEIGHT 3100 lb*
WHEELBASE 101.4 in
LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT 170.5 x 74.6 x 45.7 in
0-60 MPH 3.0 sec*
EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON Not yet rated
ON SALE IN U.S. 2015

Source;

Acura to tease redesigned 2013 RL sedan at 2012 New York Auto Show

This just in – Acura will be showing a teaser of the redesigned RL flagship sedan at the 2012 New York Auto Show next week.

The 2013 Acura RL sedan will go on sale this fall.


Source;

INSANE ATTEMPT AT HUMAN FLIGHT: The MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS Countryman

Wow....

Acura shifts its focus to sensible Gen Y shoppers

With the ILX, brand aims to boost '12 U.S. sales 46%


Acura will return to the entry-luxury segment when the ILX small sedan reaches showrooms in May.


by Mark Rechtin



In addition to the new ILX small sedan and redesigned RDX compact crossover coming in spring, a tease of the redesigned RL flagship due this fall will be shown at the New York auto show in April.
Then, the volume leading TL sedan and MDX mid-sized crossover are slated for 2013 redesigns. The much-hyped NSX supercar should arrive by the end of 2014.
Six years ago, Honda Motor Co. executives decided to move Acura upscale and shelve the brand's entry-level luxury offer -- the compact RSX hatchback, which was the successor to the Integra. The timing couldn't have been worse.
In less than three years, many of Acura's competitors announced plans to offer products that fit the RSX and Integra's niches. Then the global economy collapsed and many luxury-vehicle buyers pared back their purchases.
In May, Acura will return to the entry-luxury segment with the ILX. The sedan won't remind anyone of the sportiness of the RSX or Integra, but Acura hopes it will appeal to sensible Gen Y customers.
The collapse of Lehman Brothers "changed the philosophy for luxury purchases. People are making more rational purchase decisions, taking pride in the deal they strike," said Jeff Conrad, Acura Division general manager. "Generation Y aspires to luxury, but they need a little help getting there."
The new lineup will feature four sedans, the TSX, TL, RL and ILX. There is some overlap, but Conrad said Acura has no plans to eliminate any of the four.
"We're remaking the entire lineup over the next few years," Conrad said. "Nothing goes away, and we're sticking with that. We've had a pretty strong reliance on sport-utilities and we want to bolster our sedans."
With 40,000 units of additional volume from the estimated $27,000 ILX, Acura expects its overall U.S. sales to jump 46 percent to 180,000 units this year -- up from 123,299 in 2011. If not for the Japanese earthquake and Thai flooding last year, Acura estimates its 2011 U.S. sales would have been about 150,000. So the volume jump is not as large as it would seem, Conrad said.
In the longer term, it's unclear whether Acura aims to fight head-to-head against Lexus, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
"We want to take one year at a time," Conrad said. "We're not going to go set volume targets for future years. Everyone wants to continue to grow, but for the foreseeable future this is a pretty good level to be at."
Acura doesn't want to increase its dealer count, Conrad said. But the brand needs to improve owner loyalty.
At 45 percent, Acura customer loyalty is slightly below the industry average of 49 percent, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Customer Retention Study.
According to the study, Acura doesn't really compete in the luxury segment. It mainly attracts customers from -- and loses them to -- Honda and Toyota.
"I know we're not satisfied with our loyalty numbers," Conrad said. He said retention efforts will include data mining to better understand when and how to contact existing customers.
Acura also will be more aggressive with presale marketing before redesigned products reach market. Already, 3,500 potential 2013 RDX buyers are in Acura's dealer system, waiting for the on-sale date to arrive.
On the plus side, Conrad said Acura's average customer age is two to four years younger than those of other premium brands.
Although Acura's core customers continue to be baby boomers, the brand is seeking to connect with younger buyers. In researching Gen Y -- consumers aged 19 to 31 -- Acura has discovered that "value for money" is the primary concern, replacing the baby boomers' focus on quality, reliability and fun-to-drive vehicles.
So what do the Gen Y customers covet? Connected cars, with features such as Bluetooth, Pandora and SMS text messaging. Cool engineering solutions for better performance aren't nearly so high on the wish list.
"The real key is not that we offer it, but that we offer it and put it on a vehicle and make it intuitive to use," Conrad said.
Acura will continue its appeal to Gen Y through its product placement arrangement with comic-book-movie franchise Marvel Enterprises. Already seen in Thor, Acura products will be highlighted in this summer's mutant-superhero flick The Avengers.
That should play into the cool factor that appeals to young buyers. When asked what makes a vehicle cool, Gen Y respondents said exterior styling, affordability and environmental consciousness.
"It's no secret the last few years have been pretty tough on Acura," Conrad said. "'Smart luxury' has become our internal mantra."
Source;


http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120326/RETAIL03/303269988/1144/acura-shifts-its-focus-to-sensible-gen-y-shoppers

Rumored: Honda, Acura Could Adopt ZF 9-Speed Automatic By 2014

Although most of Honda’s recent powertrain news has surrounded CVTs and dual-clutch transmissions, that shouldn’t be taken as a sign the automaker is abandoning conventional automatics altogether. In fact, the automaker will likely adopt a 9-speed automatic by 2014 at the earliest.

Automotive News first reported in late 2011 that Honda was planning on launching an eight- or nine-speed automatic in the near future, but a source close to the program now tells us the automaker will use the new nine-speed transverse automatic developed by German powertrain supplier ZF.

If that gearbox sounds vaguely familiar, it should: it’s set to make its initial debut in a string of Chrysler Group vehicles over the next two years. Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne first hinted at using/developing the transmission in late 2011. Chrysler itself has been relatively mum on the subject, but UAW officials at the company’s plant in Toledo, Ohio, have suggested the replacement for the Jeep Liberty will be one of the first applications of the transmission.

The transmission, which ZF calls the 9HP, is designed for transverse installations, making it suitable for front- and all-wheel-drive platforms. Although Honda has typically developed its own transmissions, the 9HP will be a significant departure from Honda’s existing automatics in that it utilizes planetary gearsets in order to save space (ZF says the gearbox measures 20.5 inches wide, 16.6 in tall, and 14.5 inches deep).

ZF proclaims the gearbox is capable of handling up to 354 lb-ft of torque, and can support both start/stop and hybrid drive systems. The total gearing spread is quite wide (9.84:1), and taller gear ratios in the upper range of the gearbox allegedly play a big part in improving fuel economy by 10-16 percent. The supplier claims an engine mated to the 9HP needs to run at a mere 1900 rpm in order to propel a vehicle at 75 mph.

Honda officials refrained from confirming or denying the gearbox or its future applications, noting it’s company policy not to comment on future product plans. Given every Honda and Acura model currently on the market places its engine in a transverse fashion, the possibilities are theoretically endless, but we wouldn’t be surprised if this transmission is relegated to heavier and more upscale midsize models. Models like the Odyssey and Pilot, along with the Acura MDX and TL, are all potential recepients. Presently, these models utilize Honda’s 3.5-liter and 3.7-liter V-6 engines, and produce between 253 and 270 lb-ft of torque, respectively – well within the capabilities of the 9HP.

What remains to be seen is how the 9HP will be rolled out. We know ZF should start building 9HPs within its South Carolina plant in 2013 for Chrysler, but rumor has it Honda won’t start using the transmission until 2014. If so, the next-generation Acura TL, which is expected to launch in late 2013, could be one of the first vehicles to utilize the transmission.

Source;
http://rumors.automobilemag.com/deep-dive-honda-acura-could-adopt-zf-9-speed-automatic-by-2014-118443.html

Showtime's Shameless. Writing so good, it soars.

Shameless is one of my favorite shows. It's created for Showtime and is the story of a very dysfunctional family that somehow, manages to find love and function despite extreme poverty. It's a story of survival and opportunism and is probably one of the most heart-breaking, yet uplifting shows I have ever seen. The scene below, in the pilot episode, made me tear up. This writing is incredible. Please watch the embedded clip and get ready for some seriously heavy romance. Grab a tissue. This is a conversation between Fiona and Steve (who loves Fiona so much). Fiona is a girl who has been denied her childhood because she has to care for her brothers and sisters. Mom left; dad's a drunk, and it's only her. And life hasn't been kind. Not one bit.
FIONA played by Emmy Rossum
STEVE played by Justin Chatwin
Steve: "Hello"
Fiona: "If that wasn't bullshit, what was I wearing?"
Steve: "Huh?"
Fiona: "First time you saw me...if that wasn't a lie."

Steve:  "Black top with gold trim, black shiny jeans, thin shoes...straps...sandals...with your hair pinned high. Dangly gold earrings that made me smile. A big watch...too big. So subtle arm movement looked great. And you were dancing next to a red-haired girl in a green dress."

Fiona: "Yeah yeah. Jenna. It was Jenna's birthday. So you were...were watching her...who's a lot better lookin' than me."

Steve: "You think so? Really?"
Fiona: "Yeah...so how come you're not stalking Jenna?"

Steve: "Because you-y-you think like that and Jenna doesn't. Jenna dances for an audience and you dance like there's no one else in the room. Your life's not simple, Fiona and you can't stop it from showing me 'cause you're no fake, you're not lost, you don't need finding. This whole city belongs to the Jennas, but I'm sick of them. I swear Fiona you're nothing like anyone I've ever met! You make me want to enjoy my life again! Are you there?...Fiona?"

It's writing that's so good, it soars. Please please watch the clip. You won't regret it. The embedded video is unwatcheable on Apple iPad and iPhone. I assume it has something to do with flash. Also the video comes from a Chinese server because YouTube had embedding blocked for the exact same video clip. So I went to a lot of trouble to show this to you guys!

Happy Monday.

Fake car makes room for a fake ASIMO to be your fake driving companion


by Paul Miller

You know, we're realists, and we know deep down that cars in the future are going to drive themselves just fine without a humanoid robot to grab the controls and peer out of specially crafted front compartments. Even if a humanoid was doing the steering, he'd probably just jack into the car's full complement of cameras and sensors, merely using his CPU to plot a course from his comfy charging bay in the trunk. But we want to believe. Designer Derek Chik Kin Ng has come up with this Honda concept (one which we're guessing has no official collaboration with Honda) that packs a nice little front seat for your 8th gene ASIMO. The bot can hop out of the car and help you on your errands, make casual conversation as you drive, warn you of upcoming hazards, or take over controls when you're in the mood for some SpaceChess2000. Only thing he can't do? Actually exist.

Source;
http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/06/fake-car-makes-room-for-a-fake-asimo-to-be-your-fake-driving-com/

Lego Honda RA272 Race Car Pays Tribute Through Art

When it comes to historic automobiles like the Honda RA272, which was the first Japanese car to win a Formula One Grand Prix, memorabilia is hard to come by.

So what’s a fan to do? Build it of course. This Lego Honda RA272 was built by “Biczzz” and is simply a work of art. In fact, at some angles, you really have to inspect to realize it’s made out of Legos. Clearly “Biczzz” wanted to pay homage to the race car Honda used for the 1965 Formula One season, which was powered by a 1.5-liter V12 engine that had 230 hp but revved up to a screaming 14,000 rpm.

When it became the first Japanese car to win a Formula One Grand Prix, it did it in impressive fashion. Richie Ginther drove it at the Mexican Grand Prix and led from start to finish.
Projects like this make the Lego projects most people did as kids look like, well, child’s play.

Source;
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2012/03/lego-honda-ra272-race-car-pays-tribute-through-art.html

Honda Titillating And Triumphant Returns

Honda brushes the dust off its Type R series—and not a moment too soon!
After the major earthquake in Eastern Japan, Honda has been strongly committed to resuming full operations. Unfortunately, the vehicle component plant has been hit hardest by the disaster, as has the Tochigi Research Centre—this has caused delays in the development of new cars. However, development is expected to speed up as Honda continues restoration.

Despite the inevitable delays, the schedule is not anticipated to change much—in fact, the new Freed, Freed Hybrid and CR-V’s release dates have been only slightly shifted to the end of the year. Also, Honda is likely to release several new cars from late this year until early 2012.

THE CASE FOR EUROPE
The combined effects of the recent disaster and the depressed global economy have forced automakers to re-evaluate their original plans. In Honda’s case, it is likely to continue producing mid-sized and large cars such as Accord Hybrid for the North American market. However, it might make some changes to its current compact car scheme.

A factor in Honda’s renewed sense of urgency is the state of the European automotive market. Despite Fit’s exceptional utility, appearance is not the only factor in retail success. Rather, Honda must think twice about improving its performance. Until today, Fit has been unable to beat the prolific Volkswagen Polo. Last year, the new Polo was launched with 1.2ℓ, turbocharged 1.2ℓ, 1.4ℓ and turbocharged 1.4ℓ GTI variants. On the other hand, the fuel-efficient Fit currently has 1.5ℓ and 2ℓ conventional variants and a 1.3ℓ hybrid. Honda’s smaller engines draw attention to the performance difference—not only that, Polo has a turbocharged engine and a Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), which also enhances its drivability.

In response, a Honda insider said that the automaker was hard at work on compact and fuel-efficient 1.3ℓ and 1.5ℓ engines. Like the 2~2.4ℓ K Series engines, Honda’s new projects will have excellent versatility—all that is left is for it to overcome the development hurdles.

The same source agreed that the proposed Fit will have many of the features that popularised the legendary Type R models. Not only will it have improved performance, but will also be more enjoyable to drive. Thus Honda’s goal is to penetrate the European market with sports variants of its compacts. Not only will these cars sport more powerful and fuel-efficient engines, but more importantly, they will proudly bear the Type R badge.

Fit’s next major revamp is scheduled for 2013, which may be concurrent with the Type R’s arrival. Also, depending on the reception, a 3-door GT Fit may also be included in the Type R line-up.

HONDA’S NEXT TYPE R
The Type R name can be traced back to 2002 with the lauded NSX, during a time when Honda only had Integra, Civic and the European Accord to boast of. The automaker had strictly limited the use of the moniker, only bestowing it onto cars that boasted exceptional driveability. Though the new Type R models are expected to uphold this tradition, their actual capabilities are still unclear.

The innovative Fit is expected to receive a Type R variant. Also, the North American and European Civics will be going for major revamps this year and next year, respectively—a coupe may also be in the pipeline. A new Accord may also hit the European market next year—however, this may not be a Type R since it will only be launched in Europe while the North American model is too large to bear the name.

CR-Z is also closely watched, especially since it is slated to transform into a hybrid with a supercharged engine. However, a Honda insider disclosed that Honda may still return to the beginning: regardless of whether CR-Z’s 1.5ℓ engine will indeed receive a supercharger, it may be the next Type R. Conversely, a turbocharged CR-Z would ascend to the top of the sports car class. So just as Volkswagen developed an R variant that is distinct from its Polo GTI, the next Type R may premiere as a separate grade.

Another alternative would arrive by 2014, when the NSX successor could receive a Type R variant and become a next generation sports model with a 2.5~3.5ℓ V6 engine. Like the original NSX Type R, its successor will surely be a hit—but it has to be properly manufactured. The insider even suggests that Honda scrap the V10 plan altogether and instead focus on its alleged Type R strategy.

As mentioned, the Type R badge has come to denote Honda’s most compulsively driveable vehicles. The time has finally come for the automaker to revisit this legendary series and to reclaim the affections of car aficionados the world over.

Source;
http://www.bestcar.sg/report-o/2011/09/titillating-triumphant-returns.html

The noble houses of A Game of Thrones

I'm getting very excited that HBO's Game of Thrones is returning with an action-packed, fantasy-filled, second season. I do like the world of Westeros, so I wanted to chime in on the different houses. HBO did videos for each one to get people interested in picking a side. But, I'm not going to show those even though I watched them. As a reader, I haven't picked a side as much as I've enjoyed all the story arcs. Here are the houses from my perspective.
House Lannister. The only one of the Lannisters that I like is Tyrion. He's clever and smart. Yet Jaime has shown remarkable growth after he had his sword arm cut off. I still don't much like him though. The Lannisters are smug and pretentious. They all have lily white skin, blue eyes, and blond hair. I would liken them to Hitler's "master race" with all the superiority that issues from such a statement. I think that this house would appeal to anyone that could identify with the need of feeling superior to someone else exclusively because of beauty or wealth and not ability. Lannisters are manipulative. They are the people that plot and plot if not against you...then each other. You can't trust a single one of them.
House Baratheon. I did like King Robert even though I thought he made a terrible monarch. I also like Renly (his younger brother) because he's gay and that (in my book) makes him more open-minded and understanding, because he has had to live in a world where people just assume that everyone is straight (and that this is natural). The Baratheons are a tough, honest house. This means that they won't lie to you. It also handicaps them because they assume everyone is like them and that's not true. They tell it like it is whether or not you care for their opinion. And they do know how to party. A Baratheon is the kind of person that would have your back in a fight. They have honor and I think that would be important to me in this world.
House Targaryen. Daenerys' brother died in season one and he was condescending, pompous, demanding, and evil. Daenerys herself has these same traits, but to a much lesser extent. Like about 5% of what her brother had. This I think seems to be at a tolerable level for someone that is a ruler of many people.  She's also cool-headed, intelligent about what she does, and seems to be quite calculating.  She's also fiercely loyal to anyone that serves her just so long as you do not cross her.  I also like that.  She's got your back even more so than a Baratheon.  I like Daenerys (not necessarily her house) and if I had to choose, I'd be in her camp and would predict that she would make the best ruler on the Iron Throne.
House Greyjoy. I hate this house. I wish George had not included it. Theon is a waste of skin (the irony is that he gets skinned). Asha sucks. They are a bunch of backstabbing, power-grubbing, rapists and murderers who live on the sea like pirates. I just really can't say anything I like about the Greyjoys. They are as likeable as a squid (shown prominently on their banner). I honestly can't say anything good about this house. There only existence, it seems, is to get involved with Daenerys at some point because as it is, her story has gotten boring.
House Stark. I loved this house. They are romantics. Loyal, honest, knightly, and hard-working. The decimation of the Starks leaves a sour taste in my mouth because they were legitimately good people.  And in A Dance with Dragons, Bran is doing some weird spiritual thing with trees that makes me wonder if George is smoking weed. I don't get how any of Bran's powers are even remotely tied to the story. Everytime he goes off on a Bran chapter, I think, "Okay another waste of fifty pages where some crippled boy flies around and teleports through trees but doesn't do anything and no one cares because...well...no one cares."

Anyway, Season 2 starts on April 1st. I'm really excited because it's sexy, romantic, cunning, dangerous, and all around riveting. And I'm most excited about the new character of Melissandre (sp?). She's just dang cool.

Which house are you?

New Hyundai Santa Fe brochure photos from Korea

The all-new Hyundai Santa Fe 2013 (Model Year) breaks cover!

Thanks to Hyundai fans and enthusiasts living in South Korea, the home land of Hyundai Motor Company, we are bringing you exclusive photos of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe brochure!

The leaked brochure, which hit the web today, provides us with the very first good look at the next-generation Hyundai Santa Fe CUV styling details and highlights some of the vehicle’s most notable features.

Salted to make its worldwide debut at the forthcoming New York Auto Show, the all-new Santa Fe CUV embodies a modern design called “Storm Edge” which gives the vehicle a strong and dynamic exterior appearance.

Completing the stylish exterior layout of the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe are advanced safety and luxury features, such as knee airbag, lane departure warning system, smart parking assist system, Blue Link infotainment system and many others.

Apparently, the Korean-market Santa Fe crossover also features a revised 2.0L diesel engine, which achieves 17 km/l (or approximately 5.88 L/100km).

Stay tuned for more 2013 Santa Fe news and information coming out soon as we are closing on its official worldwide debut!

Source;
http://www.hyundai-blog.com/hyundai-santa-fe-2013-brochure

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