The Insanity of Zero part 1

During the month of May (and as part of my book tour/promotion), I'm going to serialize some sections of my short story, The Insanity of Zero, for you. I wrote this after I wrote my book that just got published. I hope you like it. It has a lot to do with the same world that SLIPSTREAM takes place in.


Here's part one.
 
The Insanity of Zero

The world died on July 16th, 1945 in a flash of light at a location about 35-miles southeast of Socorro, New Mexico known as the White Sands Proving Ground.  The device responsible for this destruction was called Trinity,and it was an assessment of an implosion-design plutonium weapon. Ground zero was consumed in an atomic fireball and in a mirror universe a deadly burst of electromagnetic radiation erupted into the White Tower. 

The humans of Avalon had lived in a world ruled by technology. However, the White Tower was a thing that defied scientific understanding.  It was a piece of the old mysteries, an artifact that some say was left behind by the ancient ones who had taught the Egyptians how to build the pyramids. Others believed it was the house of god himself. But whatever the White Tower might be, one thing about it remained irrefutable. It rose from the sunbaked deserts of New Mexico higher than Mount Everest. Human memory could not recall a time without it. No one knew what lay inside it; only that any who attempted to enter had never been heard from again. 

Ten miles wide at the base, the structure sundered a land where nothing grew. Rain never fell there, and birds did not circle in the sky. The bitter clay that comprised the desert floor remained shattered and cracked for as far as the eye could see.

It was a place of death.


Part Two can be found by clicking HERE.



I'll post the next paragraph Thursday, so that I don't miss the Insecure Writer's Support Group. :)


Have a great day.

Burlapp Find: Next Generation Toyota Rav4 Rendering

Hmmm, almost looks like a tall versioin of the Matrix.  Looks good though.

Source (with more commentary);
http://www.burlappcars.com/2012/04/2013-toyota-rav4.html

Lamborghini Aventador J Sold for $2.76 Million


Yes, the stunning Lamborghini Aventador J is already sold to an unnamed collector for the lofty sum of $2.74 million at current conversion rates.

There is only one Lamborghini Aventador J and whoever the lucky individual is who ultimately purchased the Aventador J, he or she bought an incredibly beautiful and well-engineered machine and no doubt left those they outbid with the lingering taste of jealousy.

Brand representatives naturally would not divulge the name of the buyer, but acknowledged that whoever bought it would experience what the company called an “extreme driving experience.”

Aventador J was essentially a show-pony concept car, revealed at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show, that demonstrated just what the flagship Lambo could be capable of. About that there is no doubt: The J is an open-cockpit two-seater, capable of speeds in excess of 180 miles an hour.

It packs 691 hp from the same 6.5-liter engine as its fixed-roof, serially produced sibling and is clad in a shade called Rosso Red. It makes extensive use of carbon fiber, including a patented material called “carbon skin” for the interior.

Source;
http://www.inautonews.com/lamborghini-aventador-j-sold-for-276-million

Z.E.R.O.

In the book SLIPSTREAM, the story takes place in two universes separated by a membrane that one crosses by either going through a portal or taking a trip through a mirror. The power to create these doorways comes from one of two sources. The first is Jordan, and I explain where his powers come from in the last chapter of the book. The second is this entity I call Z.E.R.O. The acronym stands for Zion Electronic Ruling Operator...a machine that emerged from a tower that exploded on a mirror planet to Earth.

Z.E.R.O. is an omnipotent machine. His only purpose is to act as a failsafe in the event that for some unforeseeable reason, there was a failure in the containment system of the boxes I spoke of in THIS POST.  Z.E.R.O. saves humanity from extinction. But before he can complete his programming, Z.E.R.O. goes insane.

One of the pitches I used for SLIPSTREAM to get my idea across was a question: What would happen if god had a nightmare? The answer to this is at the core of what Slipstream is about.

During my blog tour coming up in May, I will be posting snippets of a short story that I wrote that describe the Insanity of Z.E.R.O. (probably a paragraph a day).

Thanks to Arlee Bird, Alex, Matthew, Damyanti, and any other organizers I missed for running the A to Z Challenge. It was fun.

Woodyscarsite Find: Are you the Next Generation Honda FIT

This would make sense, the Honda FIT/Jazz is due for a Major Model Change for either 2013 or 2014....
Source;
http://www.woodyscarsite.com/2012/04/all-new-2014-honda-fit.html

Honda Concept S and Concept C show Chinese style

I have to say that this closer look at the Concept S makes me appreciate it much more, and the Concept C is just gorgeous, I really hope that this is the direction of the next Honda Accord for North America!







Honda, in an effort to match Toyota’s triple concept outing in Beijing, premiered two concept vehicles developed for the Chinese market, called the Concept C and Concept S.

The names sound rather sedate upon first glance, but the C in this case stands for China and also Challenge and Cool, while the S translates into Stylish, Smart and Surprise, the company says.

Nothing too boring about the looks though, with the Concept C looking very much like a stretched and sleeked-out Accord on steroids – that dramatic front end won’t probably see the light of day in the production model, but much of the concept looks workable. Honda is set to develop the Concept C into a production model sometime next year.

Meanwhile, no mistaking the intent of the Concept S, a people mover in the mould of the Stream, but with more swoops and curves. Designed from the start as a hybrid offering, the Concept S will arrive in Chinese showrooms in 2013, produced and sold by Dongfeng Honda.

It won’t stop there – while the Concept S may have been developed with China as its primary market in mind, the vehicle is set to expand its presence by becoming a global offering in 2014.

Source;
http://paultan.org/2012/04/27/honda-concept-s-and-concept-c-show-chinese-style/
For those of us that need English Subtitles, press the 'CC' button on the lower right tray.

A new Japanese commercial from Honda's corporate division attempts to show the passionate and innovative side of the company by displaying several products from its past, mainly focusing on cars but also including motorcycles and even agricultural machinery. 

Source;

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/04/honda-dreams-its-future-through-its.html

2014 Acura MDX spied for the first time


Our spies have snapped the first pictures of the 2014 Acura MDX.

Caught heavily disguised, the model appears to have an evolutionary front fascia with a prominent grille and larger air intakes. There's also a dual exhaust system and five-spoke alloy wheels.

Engine options remain a mystery, but speculation suggests the crossover could be equipped with a 3.5-liter V6. It will likely be connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and an optional hybrid SH-AWD system.

Source;

Yellow

I think the deepest themes in Wall-E revolve around the color yellow.  Yellow is the sun and it brings the earth life. Wall-E's boxy body is yellow. And one of the promotional pictures that Pixar did for the film was done in Yellow above.

When I think about the them in the film, I think about abandonment. There are lots of examples in real life of families abandoning their children. Oftentimes this happens when a child's sexual orientation is discovered. Here in Utah, gay children are often left to fend for themselves--kicked out onto the street by their parents who are embarrassed, ashamed, and fear that they will be ostracized by their christian community. So in a way...yellow here is cowardice.

In Wall-E, perhaps the color yellow is a symbol of how the human race failed to deal with its pollution problem. They cowardly hid from it within a spaceship, and left a child (robot) behind to process the garbage and to report signs of life that would someday return to the earth.

Yellow is a powerful color. It can be a powerful symbol. However you choose to interpret Wall-E, I think that it sends multiple messages of warning (warning signs are painted in yellow). If anything, we can learn a thing or two from Pixar. These cartoons are not just made for kids.

Honda Researching In-Car System that Fights Traffic Congestion

by Jake Holmes of Motortrend

Honda is developing a system that it claims could drastically cut down on traffic congestion. The proposed in-car system would monitor a driver’s habits and warn if he or she were driving in a way that might cause traffic backups. The system is being tested later this year and could go into production soon.

The Honda system essentially works by monitoring how frequently the driver accelerates and decelerates. Doing so too much might force following vehicles to brake or accelerate more often, which can create a “ripple effect” that causes more traffic congestion. To help reduce jams, Honda’s system will show the driver a color-coded indication of driving performance.

Unlike other systems that monitor overall traffic patterns or cars ahead, Honda’s technology determines whether the car will cause problems for following drivers. By encouraging people to drive more smoothly, Honda says its system has been proven to increase the average speed of traffic by 23 percent and reduce fuel consumption by eight percent. Moreover, it could prevent rear-end crashes caused by vehicles frequently stopping and starting on crowded roads.

Honda plans to test the technology on public roads in Italy in May, and in Indonesia in July, and plans to commercialize the system if it’s successful. The company proudly asserts that this helps it work toward, “the establishment of a congestion-free mobility society all around the world.”

The next step for this technology is linking each car to the cloud. Honda says that by allowing cars to “talk” to each other on congested roads, the cars could automatically adjust the adaptive cruise control to promote better traffic flow. This upgrade reportedly improves average speeds by a further 16 percent and reduces fuel consumptions another five percent, because the cars can maintain more constant distances between one another without bunching.

Source;
http://wot.motortrend.com/honda-researching-in-car-system-that-fights-traffic-congestion-198889.html

2012 Honda CR-V review from Consumer Reports (Beats out Mazda CX5)


 FAMILY-FRIENDLY HONDA CR-V NARROWLY OUTPOINTS MAZDA CX-5 IN CONSUMER REPORTS' SMALL SUV TESTS

 Pricey Mercedes-Benz ML 350 and BMW X5 midsize SUVs improve, but fall short of class leaders

YONKERS, NY- With its large back seat, easy access and ample cargo space, the family-friendly Honda CR-V narrowly topped the Mazda CX-5 in Consumer Reports' latest head-to-head small SUVs tests.

On paper, the redesigned CR-V and new CX-5 appear very similar. Both can accommodate five passengers, have comparable dimensions, are available with front- or all-wheel drive, and are priced about the same. They also finished very close in CR's overall road-test scores-with a 77 and a 75, respectively-just under the segment-leading Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester.
"While their overall scores were close, these two small SUVs have very distinct characteristics that will probably appeal to different types of drivers" said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut. Consumer Reports found that the CR-V EX (tested price $26,455) is a more family-friendly SUV, with a large backseat, easy access, lots of cargo space, and a comfortable ride. It is also notably quicker and more responsive than the CX-5, with a refined drivetrain. On the downside, the CR-V suffers from pronounced road noise, sizable rear blind spots, and subpar at-the-limit handling. Overall, CR's testers found the CR-V is functional and easy to live with, if not particularly exciting to drive. The CX-5 Touring (tested price $27,125) is more athletic and engaging to drive, thanks to its agile handling, taut cornering, and responsive steering. It's more at home on a twisty road and is more likely to satisfy enthusiast drivers. The CX-5 also delivers the best fuel economy in its class-25 mpg overall-thanks to Mazda's new Skyactiv technology. The mid-level Touring version came well equipped with a full-power seat, keyless ignition and a blind-spot monitoring system. But the CX-5's trade-offs include a smaller, noisier cabin; a choppy ride on the highway; and slower acceleration. The full report on Consumer Reports' latest small SUV tests will be available on www.ConsumerReports.org April 26 and in the June issue of Consumer Reports on newsstands May 8th. Updated daily, ConsumerReports.org is the go-to Website for the latest auto reviews, product news, blogs on breaking news and car buying information. Check out CR's ongoing Twitter feed at @CRCars The Mercedes-Benz ML350and BMW X5 luxury SUVs were also tested against each other, as well as two small hatchbacks, the Subaru Impreza and Kia Rio. Only the CR-V is Recommended by Consumer Reports. Although the CX-5 scored well enough, it's still too new for CR to have reliability information. To be Recommended, a vehicle must perform well in CR's battery of tests, have average or better reliability in CR's Annual Auto Survey and perform well in government and industry crash tests. Helped by an impressively quiet and luxurious cabin, the redesigned Mercedes-Benz ML350 beat the sportier, updated BMW X5 in a match between the two German luxury SUVs. The new ML jumped seven points in Consumer Reports' Ratings over the previous generation, with a Very Good overall road-test score. It's more fuel efficient, quicker, and quieter than the previous model. The transmission and controls are also improved. With a turbocharged six-cylinder base engine that's quicker and more fuel-efficient than the previous one, the X5 also achieved a Very Good score. But its choppy ride and overly heavy steering did not improve. The X5's tested price of $62,675 is almost $6,000 more than the comparably equipped $56,960 ML. In everyday driving, both the ML and X5 exhibited good handling, with little body lean. The ML's steering is responsive but a touch vague. The more agile X5 holds the edge in handling and steering, but its steering feels heavy in low-speed situations such as when parking. At its handling limits, the X5 was capable and controlled; the ML350 was considerably less capable, with lower limits. Both vehicles rank mid-pack in this category, below the less expensive Acura MDX ($46,715) and Lexus RX 350 ($47,381). Although the SUVs scored well enough in CR's tests, neither model is Recommended because the ML350 is too new for Consumer Reports to have reliability data and the turbo X5 has had below-average reliability. Consumer Reports also recently tested the Subaru Impreza Hatchback and Kia Soul. The all-wheel-drive Impreza ($22,345), which was redesigned for 2012, has a smooth, comfortable ride, while the Soul ($19,270) can be unpleasantly stiff. Although the Soul is notably quicker thanks to recent engine tweaks and a new six-speed automatic transmission, performance is marred by much longer braking distances. In some ways, the two cars are very alike, providing easy access, simple controls, similar cargo room and turning circles, and the same commendable fuel economy of 26 mpg overall. Each also suffers from a noisy cabin. The Impreza's overall road-test score places it second in Consumer Reports' small-hatchback Ratings, behind the Volkswagen Golf. The less-refined Soul scored lower, but Consumer Reports found it to be a good value. Consumer Reports is the world's largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website and other publications. Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, food and product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.

Xenomorph

Because Prometheus is just around the corner (days are counting down) and I need to talk about something that begins with an "X", I'm choosing to write about the Alien xenomorph.
Most people who have seen the movie Alien find the xenomorph itself pretty disturbing. There is also something totally and undeniably horrifying about the derelict spacecraft in which the eggs are found. The details shown in the sketches of the book "Giger's Alien" imply that the spacecraft (that we see in the Prometheus trailer) has a design and function related to something unimaginably malignant by any human standard of the definition of "malignancy". Perhaps "malignancy" is not even the right word here. The derelict goes beyond that. It encompasses an entire system of systematic obliteration of life which goes beyond any human definition of evil. 

I think it's a good thing that this object (and creature) exists only in our fantasies. I think it would be disturbing to share the universe with a species as terrible and horrific as the one envisioned by H.R. Giger (the creator of the Xenomorph creature).

Generally speaking, that's sort of a characteristic trait of Giger's biomechanical style: I don't think there are many (intelligent) people who would like to see Giger's worlds being realized, because if such was the case, they would be in a heck of a lot of trouble.

I wonder how this man (H.R. Giger) even sleeps at night, with the thoughts that must occupy his head.

2012 Beijing Auto Show: Honda Concept C Pictures



Check out this link with a ton of pix from the Beijing Auto Show!

Source;
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/04/2012-beijing-motor-show-super-gallery.html

Subaru BRZ development documentary (pts 1 + 2)

C'mon Honda.... next gen Prelude!!!!


When It's Time

Tuesday morning I drove up to my childhood home in Idaho Falls to put my mother in a care facility. Now that it's Wednesday night, and I'm writing this completely exhausted from two days of filling out paperwork, moving furniture, and setting up her room, I can tell you that this was the most difficult thing I've had to do in my life.

My mother has been battling mental illness for years. My father had grown incapable of managing her meds and was at the end of his rope, ready to flee with a packed suitcase to lord knows where. He just couldn't take it anymore. And the process was physically exhausting. I hit the road for an eight-hour round trip and had my first care facility appointment at noon. Then another at 1:00. Then a break for lunch and mom's doctor at 3:00 where we asked her, "Do you believe it's time?" And she responded, "Yes."

So we picked out a place, and I got 100-pages of paperwork to fill out (I'm serious). Living will, resuscitation, medicare, insurance, supplemental, social...all kinds of questions. Then came the part where we had to set up the room. This included picking out furniture, moving a 300-pound solid wood dresser, dolls, things that would give my mother some peace in her new home. All the while she was yelling at us, cussing us out, wondering what the hell is going on.  Then she fell twice, once outside. My dad just sat on the couch in a "fugue" state and said "Your mother fell down." And then just left her there so that I could go and scoop her up. He refused to answer simple questions. "Which pillow do you think she would like?" His response, "I'm not going to answer questions about that. Your decision."

He washed his hands of even the simplest questions.

Long-term care insurance had been lost. They were buried in one of three shoeboxes filled with hundreds of paper receipts from voided checks that should have been thrown away to receipts for stuff he's bought in the last ten years. Pure chaos. He couldn't find the keys to his truck, couldn't find my mother's dentures, was pretty helpless really.

So my brother and I did it all. We got my mother's clothes labeled with sharpies, we bought  cleaning supplies and spit-shined all the furniture going over, we selected all the photographs for her door display so that the residents could see who she was and be curious, we put away her clothes, hung the pictures in her room, connected the television, got her set up for her meds to be delivered already in bubble packs directly from the pharmacy with speed pay, signed all the papers, and then took her there.

I got emotional driving her there. She thought we were going to iHop which is one of her favorite restaurants. When we ended up at the nursing home, she knew what this place was, despite all of her mental issues. So I cried...I tried to stop it, but I couldn't.

If you ever have to commit your mother to a facility, I know your pain. My mother loves me so much. Though most of her is gone, this is one of those milestones where you know that a loved one's life left on this earth has grown short. And despite this love, I couldn't take her home. She wanted to go home to the dog she loves, to the place where she was comfortable, and she isn't going to go home ever again. This facility is now her home. I had to move out of state to find a job. I can only visit twice a year because of vacation. And you simply cannot live in this country if you don't have a job. So there's a mandatory 40-hours of my week that is gone. And honestly, there's no way I could care for her even if I lived locally.

So yeah, this week has been hell. I'll remember it for the rest of my life. I think she'll make new friends and lead a healthier more social lifestyle so perhaps this will be a good fit. The home I put her in seemed like a really good one.

Anyway, if I haven't had time to visit your blogs this week, this is why. This is what I've been doing. I've got one more day to wrap up and finalize some things, take my mom to a doctor's appointment, and replace a phone that I dropped accidentally in the hot tub at the hotel I'm staying at. Sigh. When this week is over, it shall be a big relief.

VY Canis Majoris

Our sun in comparison to just a small section of this enormous
star. If you were to carry it out past the edge of the screen, you'd
see how ridiculously huge this star happens to be.
VY Canis Majoris is the largest star ever discovered. I was watching this show called "How the Universe Works" narrated by Mike Rowe, and I really enjoyed the explanation they had of VY Canis Majoris. Basically, it's a dying star. What keeps it burning at its center is a fusion reactor. Think of hydrogen bombs going off and you essentially understand the reaction taking place in the heart of stars.

So the thing that keeps a star from just flying apart is gravity. In the case of VY Canis Majoris, there is so much mass that when the fusion stops going, gravity is just going to kind of take over and crush the core of the star into a black hole.  Black holes are things that our brightest physicists don't really understand.  Places where infinite gravity takes over and time stops and light can't even escape.
So in the center of VY Canis Majoris, a black hole will eventually form. When that happens, it will consume the star from the inside. But it will do so incredibly fast, like a glutton, too fast that all of the colliding matter will explode in this thing called a hypernova. A hypernova produces more energy in a second than our sun will produce in its entire lifetime. That's just mind-boggling.

2013 Nissan Sentra/Sylphy Concept

Well, here we have the new Nissan Sentra, basically a smaller version of what the new Altima is going to look like, and that's not a bad thing...

Source;

Honda Announces Leviton as Preferred Electric Vehicle Charging Solution

04/23/2012 - TORRANCE, Calif.

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today announced that Leviton Manufacturing Company, the global leader in connectivity solutions, has been selected as Honda's preferred Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment provider for customer and dealer EV charging.

"As leaders in the fields of advanced technology for mobility and energy solutions, Leviton and Honda both have unique missions to create a more sustainable future," said Steven Center, vice president of the Environmental Business Development Office at American Honda. "Pairing Leviton's EV charging solutions with Honda's advanced Fit EV and Accord Plug-In Hybrid Sedan electric vehicles will enable a more convenient and seamless ownership experience for our customers."

Honda will be introducing two battery-electric vehicles beginning with the 2013 Honda Fit EV this summer, and the Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid Sedan next winter. The 2013 Honda Fit EV battery-electric commuter car, based on the popular Fit, targets an estimated 123 city-mile range per charge (76 mile range combined adjusted city/highway)1 and can fully recharge its battery in as little as three hours when connected to a 240-volt circuit. The Honda Plug-In Hybrid Sedan uses an all-new, two-motor hybrid system which continuously moves through three different modes - all-electric, with up to a 15 mile per charge range; gasoline-electric; and direct-drive - to maximize driving and fuel efficiency, especially during city driving.

"Leviton is excited to work with American Honda as they launch their electric vehicle program here in America. At a high level we share a very similar overall mission; to supply products of the highest quality at a reasonable price for complete customer satisfaction," said Michael Mattei, Vice President and General Manager for Leviton's Commercial and Industrial Business Unit. "In addition, we hope to continue to enable the electric and hybrid electric industry through simple, easy to purchase, easy to install and easy to use products, while providing the highest level of consumer safety."

About Honda
Honda offers a diverse range of cars and trucks that include the mid-sized Accord, the compact Civic line-up with seven individual trim-levels, CR-V crossover SUV and Odyssey minivan. Honda also includes a wide range of fuel-efficient and low-emission vehicles such as the Insight hybrid, Civic Natural Gas (compressed natural gas-powered vehicle), Civic Hybrid, CR-Z (sport hybrid coupe), FCX Clarity (fuel cell-electric vehicle) and the soon-to-be-released Fit EV (electric vehicle). Honda's 2013 Fit EV battery-electric commuter car, based on the popular Fit, targets an estimated 123 city mile range per charge (76 mile range combined adjusted city/highway)1 and can fully recharge its battery in as little as three hours when connected to a 240-volt circuit. For more information about the Honda Fit EV battery-electric vehicle and to sign up to become a potential Honda lessee, please visit Honda's Fit EV consumer page at http://automobiles.honda.com/fit-ev/.

About Leviton
Leviton Manufacturing Company is the largest privately held global provider of electrical wiring devices, data center connectivity solutions and lighting energy management systems. Founded at the turn of the 20th century in America, Leviton has grown to become one of the preeminent leaders in the electrical industry. Today Leviton's product portfolio consists of more than 25,000 devices and systems used in homes, businesses and industry. Proven to be a smart choice, nine out of 10 homes throughout North America have Leviton products installed in them. Builders, electrical contractors and other industry professionals rank Leviton products No. 1 in brand preference. To request more information about Leviton, please visit http://www.leviton.com/.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/honda-announces-leviton-as-preferred-electric-vehicle-charging-solution

Up by Pixar

If only all stories, and all lives were this perfect. UP was a great film because of the age of its characters. Not only that though, it touched on issues of Ellie not being able to have a child, loneliness, and how two people can be so perfect for each other right from the very start. Whatever writers at Pixar came up with this story are absolutely brilliant. It's really the first movie I ever went to with my father where he said afterward, "I really liked this movie."

This is the octogenarian story that stole my heart.

Honda Breaks Ranks to Secure China's Huge Potential Ecocar Market--Will Transfer Proprietary HV Technology

A key theme—and contention–of “Whither Japan” is that Japan’s future is inevitably and also beneficially one of increasing economic, political, and even social integration within an Asian region dominated by China. Nothing illustrates this theme more tellingly than Japanese corporations’ growing investments in manufacturing plants in neighboring Asian countries, particularly China, and, above all, transfers of strategically vital, leading-edge proprietary technologies to these operations.

For news of one such transfer we need only open today’s Nihon Keizai Shimbun and read an article about Honda Motor Corporation (NYSE: HMC). The article, datelined Beijing, reports that Honda has decided to transfer its basic hybrid vehicle (HV) technology, not just to its joint-venture partner Dong Feng Motors, but also to other China auto manufacturers.

Honda is seeking to stake out a dominant position—ahead of U.S. and European competitors–in what it forecasts to be a huge future market, perhaps the world’s largest market, for environmentally-friendly “ecocars.”

This is a bold, probably unprecedented, move, certain to excite high anxiety and criticism within Japan. Hesitation and restraint by Japanese corporations toward investing in China, of promoting Chinese to senior management positions in Chinese subsidiaries—and even of hiring or training Chinese staff in Japan– has been due to fears of theft and copying of the corporation’s key proprietary technologies. What Honda’s move demonstrates is that what has become accepted as inevitable in other industries is no longer avoidable in the automobile industry, i.e., that a strictly defensive strategy in technology transfers is unlikely to succeed, and even if successful offers limited upside return potential.

In this judgment, and in its “must-win” assessment of the China market, Honda is not alone among Japanese auto majors. Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM) has plans to assemble hybrid vehicles and to make batteries and other critical HV components in China that will indigenize production.
Here we see two of the world’s leading makers of ecocars making major, strategic commitments to the China market involving unprecedented leading edge technology transfer. Not to be missed is the assessment that China, rather than the U.S., Japan, or Europe is likely to become the largest and most dynamic ecocar market in the world, and to achieve this distinction faster than anywhere else.

All three Japanese auto makers are already major players in China as the cart to the left (from the April 22 Nikkei article) shows. In the top panel we see Nissan having pulled ahead of Toyota, selling almost one million units last year, while Honda’s sales were flat YOY at about 600,000 units. The bottom panel show total world unit auto sales and the growing share of China. Domestic sales in China last year: 18,510,000 units, up 2.5 percent YOY.

Honda’s proprietary HV technology, called IMA, packages an electric motor and battery that boost start up and acceleration of a gasoline engine. The motor and battery are easily retrofitted onto a gasoline engine car, and are being so installed in Civic and Accord sedans, as well as the Fit minicar. These HV models have sold an aggregate 800,000 units in the U.S. and Europe.

They were all manufactured in Japan. This year there will be a new Honda HV model emerging from China. And not just a new model of cars, but a new model of integrating business between Japan and China, this year and for the future.

Source;
http://www.forbes.com/sites/stephenharner/2012/04/22/honda-breaks-ranks-to-secure-chinas-huge-potential-ecocar-market-will-transfer-proprietary-hv-technology/

Autospies.com: Details for Lamborghini's SUV Emerges

In recent years -- more specifically, the past 12 months -- there's been an explosion of high-performance sport-utility vehicles and wagons.


One of the most heralded of the lot has been the Porsche Cayenne. Well, it looks like Lamborghini has learned a thing or two and is ready to reset the high-performance SUV benchmark.


Here's the thing though: While -- undoubtedly -- some will predict this will dilute the brand and ruin a good thing, there are two things that will prevent that.


1) Lamborghini's already made an SUV. Approximately 300 units were produced of the LM002 but when it ended production in 1992, it was a force to be reckoned with. Remember, Lamborghini's primary business before supercars was building tractors.


2) SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne have only ENRICHED brands.As you'd expect, Lamborghini isn't looking to botch this job either. It has set the bar incredibly high, claiming it is aiming to produce an SUV with around 600 horsepower BUT emit the lowest C02 figure amongst its competition.All-wheel drive will be the drivetrain of choice for this product though we can't say that comes as much of a surprise.


Given its 24-inch wheels, we're going to wager that the Urus will NOT be doing any offroading though the press release does mention that it will feature a "variable bodyshell height." We think that Lamborghini decided to pursue an SUV over a sedan as it proudly proclaims that the Urus will be the "Lamborghini for everyday use."


Lamborghini's press release follows:

Lamborghini Urus –The SUV super athlete

• Lamborghini presents SUV concept vehicle with extreme performance

• Unique, powerfully dynamic design, interior with carbon fiber innovations such as Forged Composite

• Breathtaking dynamics thanks to 440 kW / 600 hp and lightweight design technology; best in class CO2 figure among the competition


At the 2012 Beijing Motor Show, Automobili Lamborghini presents the ultimate super athlete in the SUV segment. With the Urus concept car, Lamborghini is completely redefining dynamics and design in this category. The Urus combines unique design, a fascinating interior and outstanding performance with versatility and everyday usability.


Output of around 440 kW / 600 hp and Lamborghini's excellent know-how in the field of lightweight design technologies guarantee breathtaking dynamics. At the same time, the Urus will offer the lowest CO2 figure of all comparable vehicles. As an SUV concept with four generous seats, a versatile luggage compartment, variable ground clearance and, of course, permanent all-wheel drive, the Urus delivers unique driving fun with virtually no limitations. The interior, too, matches the standards of this super athlete with innovative materials featuring carbon fiber technology like the patented Forged Composite.


The luxury SUV segment is successful worldwide and promises continued strong growth – a luxurious and powerful SUV is the most emotional way to drive a four-door vehicle equipped to meet all the demands of everyday mobility and yet enjoy refined driving fun. The Urus means that a Lamborghini can now be used by a household as its primary car. This expands the brand's customer base enormously - appealing to families and to the drivers of Lamborghini super sports cars who have thus far driven SUV models from other brands. Target markets are primarily the USA, the United Kingdom, Germany, Russia, the Middle East and China. The annual production volume could conceivably be around 3,000 vehicles.


"The Urus is a very concrete idea for the future of Lamborghini – as a third model line and as the perfect complement to our super sports cars," says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. "SUVs stand for freedom and emotion. SUVs make up one of the most successful market segments worldwide. The Urus is the most extreme interpretation of the SUV idea; it is the Lamborghini of the SUVs."


Heritage and Name

Permanent all-wheel drive is part of the Lamborghini DNA; but the brand from Sant'Agata Bolognese is also no stranger to the SUV segment - Lamborghini founded the super-luxury SUV segment with the legendary LM002. When it was unveiled in 1985, the LM002 was an absolutely revolutionary vehicle. An automobile suitable for off-road driving with a twelve-cylinder engine and 450 hp, a top speed of more than 210 km/h, a luxurious interior and, above all, an absolutely stunning appearance – it was utterly unthinkable at the time. The Lamborghini LM002 remained in production until 1992. And, although barely more than 300 units were ever built, the LM002 has secured its place in automotive history.


With the Urus, Lamborghini designers and engineers have created a new icon in automotive history – that much is certain. As has long been the tradition at Lamborghini, its name is derived once more from the world of bulls – the Urus, also known as Aurochs, is one of the large, wild ancestors of domestic cattle. Urus bulls could measure up to 1.8 meters at the shoulder. The Spanish fighting bull, as bred for the past 500 years, is still very close to the Urus in its appearance.


Concept and Technology

The Urus is the Lamborghini among SUVs. Its concept places design, performance and driving fun firmly and uncompromisingly front and center and redefines the benchmark for the competition. Yet it offers plenty of space for four people and a generous amount of luggage or shopping. The Urus is the Lamborghini for everyday use, for the family, for leisure pursuits with friends.


Most importantly, however, it is a true Lamborghini. The Urus has a unique, utterly unmistakable appearance. It looks powerful, but not bulky. It is muscular and highly athletic, but also elegant. At a length of 4.99 meters, it fits perfectly into the sporty SUV class. At a height of just 1.66 meters, however, it is considerably lower than all its competitors. Together with its width of 1.99 meters, the Lamborghini Urus boasts the perfect proportions for the super athlete in the segment.


The key to its performance is primarily the drive – the heart of every Lamborghini. The target has been set – expect around 440 kW / 600 hp. Permanent all-wheel drive with traction control is, of course, a given.One target is clearly defined – the Lamborghini Urus will beat all comparable competitors when it comes to CO2 emissions. One important prerequisite for this is low weight. The Urus will be considerably lighter than its competitors, sticking firmly to the Lamborghini lightweight design philosophy. The steps to achieve this include an intelligent material mix for the structure and bodyshell and, for the first time, systematic lightweight design in the interior, too. The consistent application of innovative carbon fiber technologies is a given - Automobili Lamborghini possesses unique know-how in this particular field.


Lightweight design is the decisive prerequisite not only for moderate fuel consumption, but also for dynamics and handling. The Urus will set new benchmarks here, too. A low center of gravity and a highly variable bodyshell height are among the solutions. The Lamborghini SUV is also notable for its innovative, adaptive aerodynamics. In combination with the variable bodyshell height, the height-adjustable front spoiler facilitates a good approach angle and excellent obstacle clearance. At its lowest setting, however, it aids stability at high speeds. The form is, of course, aerodynamically refined. At the upper edge of the rear windshield is a deflector that diverts the airflow along the rear windshield and onto the adjustable spoiler. In combination with the likewise adaptive rear spoiler, the aerodynamic balance of the Lamborghini Urus can even be adjusted to suit the prevailing driving conditions.


Design

Lamborghini design is unique. Every Lamborghini is an artwork of avant-garde design, a technical sculpture in rapid movement. Every Lamborghini is pure and minimalist - exhibiting a clear focus on what matters. The Lamborghini Urus concept car adheres to this logic just as firmly as the Aventador sports car. Extremely tight, razor-sharp lines define a precision that is at the very forefront of automotive design. And the clean, taut, finely executed surfaces show the exceptional degree of competence and experience possessed by Lamborghini in design, construction and bodyshell manufacturing. The result is a tremendously precise design language with a strong technical appeal that is amazingly spirited and light in its expression.


It starts at the front, which already displays the clear family resemblance. The strong three-dimensionality with sharp lines, a clear arrow form, large air intakes left and right, the Y shape in the headlamps, the aerodynamically refined function of the elements and the lines that run from the hood over the roof to the rear of the vehicle – these characteristics of the Lamborghini design language are all evident in the Urus.


And yet every single detail has been reinterpreted – for example, the headlamps now take on a horizontal, heptagonal form and feature full LED technology consisting of two arrays each with three high-performance LEDs. LED light guides lend the daytime running lights their characteristic Y-shape, while the LED fog lamps are positioned beneath the huge air intakes. Between them is the adaptive front spoiler. Characteristic for the side view of the Urus is the narrow window surface that tapers sharply toward the rear. Together with the highly dynamic roofline and the extremely muscular rear wheel arch, they create a taut and powerfully sporty look. The marked indent formed behind the front wheel arch by the air intake breaks the side view to give it a surprising degree of lightness.


Substantial wheels are part of any Lamborghini, especially if it redefines dynamics in the SUV segment – the all-new 24-inch wheels sport a double-spoke design and are forged from matte-finish aluminum. Five carbon fiber winglets optimize ventilation. The Urus is painted in a rich, lightly shimmering red that offers the ideal contrast for the many bodyshell parts made from carbon fiber reinforced polymer. A large proportion of the front spoiler, the complete side sills and the mighty rear diffuser all clearly display their carbon fiber origins. There are no conventional exterior mirrors, instead small and aerodynamically optimized cameras monitor traffic conditions behind the vehicle. These images are displayed via two TFT screens placed in ergonomically perfect positions on the left and right of the cockpit.


The rear end of the Urus is astonishingly round for a Lamborghini; it looks powerful, but in no way bulky. The narrow rear lights featuring the Y signature are connected by a black strip that adds emphasis to the car's breadth. The attention paid by Lamborghini designers to detail is evident everywhere, even on the exhaust system. The four hexagonal end pipes are carefully fitted into chrome surrounds.


Interior

The Lamborghini Urus completely redefines the term sporty within the SUV segment, yet without restricting its everyday usability. This is particularly evident in its interior – the driver and up to three passengers feel like they are wearing a perfectly made-to-measure suit – carefully fitted, but comfortable. Yet there can be no doubt that what we are dealing with here is the ultimate sports car among SUVs. Virtually the complete interior is – in keeping with the Lamborghini lightweight design strategy – finished in carbon fiber reinforced polymer.


Automobili Lamborghini possesses a unique competence in the use of carbon materials, and exhibits this innovative technology in the Urus concept car. The center tunnel is particularly notable – an open, skeletal carbon fiber structure made from Forged Composite®. It carries through the entire interior and is only partially clad in leather-upholstered cushioning. Single cushions also clad the four bucket seats. The seating position is lower and flatter than in any other vehicle in the segment. Also all four bucket seats are made from Forged Composite®.The Lamborghini Urus concept car also features an extremely minimized operating philosophy.


Behind the steering wheel are only the shift paddles for the dual-clutch transmission. All other functions such as indicators, lights and windshield wipers are incorporated into either the multifunction steering wheel or the center console. The driver is delivered information via a freely programmable TFT screen behind the steering wheel. Secondary functions like navigation, entertainment and climate control are operated via a touchscreen on the center tunnel. A further touchscreen is available for rear seat passengers.


Source;

2012 Beijing Auto Showcases the Honda Concept S for China

Concept S
Concept S is a global concept model of a new-value passenger mover that was developed primarily for the Chinese market and will go on sale first in China. The "S" stands for "Stylish," "Smart" and "Surprise." Adopting a hybrid powertrain, this concept model realizes both the "fun of driving" and excellent environmental performance at the same time. A spacious cabin was realized by Honda's packaging technologies, which is one of the distinctive strengths of Honda. A mass-production model based on this Concept S is scheduled for introduction to the Chinese market through Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co., Ltd. next year, followed by a global release.

Source;
http://world.honda.com/news/2012/4120423Beijing-Motor-Show/index.html

Beijing Auto Show Honda Concept C Mid-Size Sedan in line for the Chinese Market

Hmmm....is this the direction that the North American Honda Accord is going to take?
BEIJING, China, April 23, 2012 - Honda Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd. today exhibited at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show the world premiere of the Concept C and the Concept S, two concept models that show the direction of mass-production models Honda will introduce to the market next year. (The 2012 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, press days: April 23 -24, public days: April 27 - May 2, 2012)

Concept C
Concept C is a concept model for a middle-class sedan Honda is developing specially for the Chinese market. The "C" represents "Cool," "Challenge," and "China." The Concept C features a stately, distinctive and sporty design that was inspired by the image of a dragon. The product planning for this model was led by Honda's Chinese associates and the development was done through cooperation between development teams in China and Japan. Honda is planning to introduce a mass-production model based on this Concept C next year through Guangqi Honda Automobile Co., Ltd.

Source;
http://world.honda.com/news/2012/4120423Beijing-Motor-Show/index.html
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