Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Honda Fc Sport Concept.

2008 LA Auto Show Honda FC Sport Concept
Honda FC Sport Concept

Designed to show that high performance and green concerns can go hand-in-hand, the Honda FC Sport Concept is a look at what a future fuel cell-powered 3-seat sports car would look like.


The FC Sport incorporates the same V Flow fuel-cell technology that Honda has developed for the limited-production FCX Clarity sedan. This new concept has a lightweight cab-forward body housing the fuel-cell propulsion system located between the rear two seats. The battery pack and electric motor � mounted low in the chassis ahead of the rear axle � give the car a low center of gravity and help ensure an ideal fore/aft weight distribution.


While the drivetrain is mounted low in the vehicle, the vehicle's hydrogen tanks are visible through the rear deck glass as a way to showcase the car's fuel-cell pedigree.


The driver sits in a racecar-like center position with the passengers flanking the driver to the rear. The car's sleek body sweeps rearward and tapers into a geometric hex form, which houses the fuel cell's coolers. At the front, Formula 1-style barge boards enhance high speed stability and provide a visual link to Honda's Grand Prix efforts.


Cabin ingress and egress is afforded through the rear-hinged canopy, which swings upward. In addition to maximizing the potential of the fuel-cell drivetrain, the FC Sport Concept is designed to employ green construction techniques that reduce its overall carbon footprint. For instance, the car's composite exterior panels are intended to use plant-derived bio-plastics.


Honda has no performance data for this concept, which is purely a design exercise at this point.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Toyota Solar Powered Car.

Solar Car

Toyota is apparently working on an electric vehicle that uses solar panels installed on the vehicle to recharge itself, according to Japanese business daily The Nikkei. It is of course just one way other than brake energy regeneration to recharge the car�s batteries. The car will also support plug-in charging, which could also be solar-sourced via solar panels installed on a home�s roof.

This piece of news seems to coincide with the fact that it�s battery partner Panasonic will be acquiring Sanyo, which is supposed to be a leader in solar energy technology. However, The Nikkei did not cite any sources when producing the report.

First talk of a Toyota powered by solar panels surfaced in July last year, also from The Nikkei. That report was followed by another one by Reuters which claimed the solar panels would be sourced from Kyocera, and would only produce enough power to run a car�s air conditioning, which kinda makes sense - a car�s air conditioning unit is probably run at full blast during a hot day, with plenty of sunlight!

The Reuters report also carried a quote which said it would be very difficult for solar energy to power anything more than that in real time, so it is more of a symbolic gesture, one that will be eating into the cost of the car, so it will truly be only for the rich and green-conscious for the time being,

There are actually solar cars around, heard of the World Solar Challenge? Participants race across the Australian continent in solar cars that weigh only about less than 200kg, have good aerodynamics, are quite large because of the many solar panels that need to be installed on the car, and can typically go up to a top speed of between 130km/h to 140km/h. Also, a company called Solar Electric Vehicles based in the US provides a service that retrofits the Toyota Prius and other Toyota hybrids with solar panels that can provide up to 1200 watt hours a day of energy.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Air-Type Pokémon?


Air-Type Pokémon?, originally uploaded by whoa cool.

Adrian wanted to sort the figures by type, I'm not convinced that he's got them right, though. ;) This is a mix of different kinds of toys from Pokeball candy containers and a battle arena figure.

Grass-type Pokémon figures?


Grass-type Pokémon figures?, originally uploaded by whoa cool.

Adrian wanted to sort the figures by type, I'm not convinced that he's got them right, though. ;) This is a mix of different kinds of toys: pen tops, gachapon, Pokeball candy containers and softer, hollow figures.

Water-type Pokémon?


Water-type Pokémon?, originally uploaded by whoa cool.

Adrian wanted to sort the figures by type, I'm not convinced that he's got them right, though. ;) This is a mix of different kinds of toys: pen tops, gachapon, Pokeball candy containers and softer, hollow figures.

Lexus Hybrid.

Lexus RX-400h Hybrid 4X4

Lexus remains the first � and only � premium automotive manufacturer to offer a comprehensive hybrid model range, comprising the RX 400h, the world�s first hybrid SUV; the GS 450h performance hybrid saloon; and the ultra-luxurious LS 600h flagship limousine.

The Lexus LF-Xh hybrid concept car highlighted the potential for Lexus�s L-finesse design philosophy to be applied to different artistic and creative spheres far beyond the language of car design when it made its European debut at the Museo della Permanente art gallery during Milan Design Week earlier this year.

Now appearing in the more conventional surroundings of an international motor show, the LF-Xh features powerful, highly sculptural bodywork, an elegant, user-intuitive interior and an all-wheel drive Lexus Hybrid Drive system, which combines a powerful V6 petrol engine with high output electric motors. Finished all in black, the LF-Xh has a dynamic presence. Its combination of advanced environmental technology, outstanding driving performance, near-silent operation, excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions perfectly reflects Lexus�s forward-thinking mindset for a future generation of vehicles.

pokemon


pokemon, originally uploaded by sirwen11.

flygon &kabootops pokemon

Angry-looking pokemon


Angry-looking pokemon, originally uploaded by darthgeorges.

COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fire-type Pokémon?


Fire-type Pokémon?, originally uploaded by whoa cool.

Adrian wanted to sort the figures by type, I'm not convinced that he's got them right, though. ;) This is a mix of different kinds of toys from gachapon, Pokeball candy containers, battle arena figures and softer, hollow figures.

84/365 Pokemon Mini Gacha Gacha


84/365 Pokemon Mini Gacha Gacha, originally uploaded by kaoko.

Admittedly, I've no idea who that Pokemon on top is anymore. I just got it cause my Pinkies wanted a Gashapon machine.

Pokemon at dusk


Pokemon at dusk, originally uploaded by akiko@flickr.

PENTAX *ist DS2 / SIGMA COMPACT HYPERZOOM 28-200mm F3.5-5.6 ASPHERICAL MACRO

Pokemon


Pokemon, originally uploaded by animedolls.

These little figures by Bandai are called Pokemon Kids. I collect them when ever i can but i only buy the ones i like. So it's not really an ongoing collection.

I don't really watch Pokemon but i find some of the characters to cute to resist. My favorites includes Mew (Myu in Japanese) Chikorita (Chicorita) & Torchic (Achamo).

Audi R16.

Audi R8 GT3

This is the Audi R8 GT3 codenamed R16 which was unveiled at the Essen Motor Show this week. The R8 conforms to GT3 regulations, which means its V10�s 500+ horsepower is sent to the rear wheels instead of the road-going car�s all-wheel drive. Power is transmitted via a new 6-speed sequential gearbox not from the road car, but most of the suspension is from the production line. The front end and rear end has been appropriately modified (note the huge GT wing) for greater race-worthy downforce. The price tag? 262,000 Euros including VAT.

As for the Le Mans race, Audi has something new in store. The R10 TDI will be replaced in June 2009 with a new race car called the Audi R15 TDI which will use a smaller, lighter and more efficient TDI engine. Audi promises the step from the R10 to the R15 will be significantly larger than from the R8 to the R10.

Mazda Biante Limited Edition.

Mazda Biante 20S Limited
Mazda Biante 20S Limited

Japan must be rather big on year-end specials, or is it because of the need to clear stocks? Another Mazda vehicle that gets a limited/special/etc edition treatment is the Mazda Biante, which has two special editions - a Mazda Biante Limited Edition and a Mazda Biante NAVI Special.

The Mazda Biante 20S Limited Edition is based on the 20S but gets extra equipment such as leather on the steering wheel, dual power sliding doors and a keyless entry and start system. The Mazda Biante 20CS Limited Edition is based on the 20CS grade and gets HID headlamps, cleanable seats and leather on the steering wheel.

The Mazda Biante 20 NAVI Special is limited to 800 units and as you can probably guess from its name, adds a navigation system. This takes the previously mentioned Biante 20S Limited Edition with the power doors and etc and adds a Mazda G-BOOK Alpha-compatible HDD navigation system, that also has features such as parking assist with front, side and rear guide monitors, a DVD and CD player, an analog TV tuner with printed antenna, Bluetooth hands-free, and steering-wheel audio controls.

Has anyone seen the Biante in grey import showrooms in Malaysia yet? Given the popularity of the Toyota Alphard, it would seem Malaysians like tall roof MPVs as well.

Click here to read the rest of Mazda Biante special editions launched in Japan

Honda Nsx Project.

Honda NSX

Shortly after announcing Honda�s withdrawal from Formula One, Honda�s Takeo Fukui has announced that the new Honda NSX project has been scrapped, though some are speculating that it�s actually just frozen for the time being. Apparently the move is part of efforts to cut costs in the increasingly challenging automaker environment.

The Honda NSX would have been a supercar with a screaming V10 mounted up front, a departure from the original NSX�s V6-powered mid-mounted layout. In fact, there have already been prototypes sighted on test in places like the Nurburgring, but I guess it�s just not meant to be, for now at least. Instead, expect any dedicated sports car offerings coming out of Honda to be small, light and come with a fuel cell or hybrid engine, pretty much like the Honda CR-Z Concept, in line with the green image that Honda is working hard to project now.

Subaru 5th Gen Legacy Concept.

Subaru Legacy Concept
Click for larger image

We�ve seen four installments of the Subaru Legacy so far since its inception in 1989, and next year will be the Legacy�s 20th birthday or sorts, so Subaru is going to celebrate it by unveiling a concept version of the next generation Subaru Legacy!

The Subaru Legacy Concept will preview the fifth generation Subaru Legacy set to hit the world in 2010. It will be displayed at the 2009 Detroit Motor Show, and of course to appeal to the American consumer a very large engine is required. The Legacy Concept has a 600cc upper hand over the 4th gen�s largest engine thanks to it being fitted with the 3.6 liter normally aspirated boxer engine from the Subaru Tribeca, producing 258 horsepower and 350Nm of torque. And of course, it�ll have AWD.

Somehow in this frontal teaser shot it kind of gives me the impression that it�s a larger sedan version of the Prodrive P2. All the latest �trends� are there, like LED daytime running lights. More will be revealed as Detroit 2009 approaches!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Close-up of Treeko & Chickarita Hollow figures from Japan (photo)




My friend in pokemon form dumping treeko.

Chikarita Hollow Figures together (photo)




My friend and I took of ourselves in pokemon form. Chickarita/Chikarita.



Uxie & Azelf arguing and Azelf got pushed off. Uxie dork machine.

pokemon fights in the lightbox


pokemon fights in the lightbox, originally uploaded by ravnos76.

my nephew's first reaction to the lightbox was "that's it!?!?" then he saw the results.. then I noticed a long line of toys forming...

83/365 Prepare for Trouble, and make it Double!

I have no qusition.

Bandai (2008) Pokemon Kids D&P Special Figures: #152 Chikorita

I have this!

Pokémon gashopon figures


Pokémon gashopon figures, originally uploaded by One Life Left.

POKÉMON CAKE with fondant figures (photo)


POKÉMON CAKE, originally uploaded by fati dream cakes.

POKÉMON FIGURES on cakes (photo)


POKÉMON FIGURES, originally uploaded by fati dream cakes.

these were made with fondant for a cake! pretty impressive.

Pikachu, blazeakin, ponyta, squirtle, turtwig

Pokemon figures


Pokemon figures, originally uploaded by eseamus.

dialga, turtwig, heatran, deoxex

Pokemon Figure - Umbreon


Pokemon Figure - Umbreon, originally uploaded by Muku6.

i love that figure!



note---

Ahhh. The joys of being in Japan. There's too much good stuff when going to stores, such as action figures, anime stuff, and well... all things Pokemon. Umbreon is one of my favorite Pokemon, especially of the Dark type. Finally being able to get a figure of one is just too awesome. I picked this up while in Yokohama.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Volvo S60 Concept .

Volvo S60 Concept unveiled before Detroit show

Volvo S60 Concept

Despite it�s BMW X6-like looks, this isn�t a crossover coupe kinda thing, it�s actually a C-segment executive sedan, set to be Volvo�s new weapon against the likes of the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. We�ll see it on the roads in 2010, but for now let�s have a look at the concept version.

Under the hood is a new 1.6 liter GTDi engine. GTDi stands for Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection and it can produce 180 horsepower from such a small displacement engine. The GTDi engine also has start-stop function, and is mated to a Powershift twin clutch transmission. CO2 emissions are rated at 119g/km and fuel consumption is pegged at 5.0 liters consumed per 100km travelled. Some technical features that help achieve this fuel consumption and also contribute to better aerodynamics are flat underbody panels, the use of lightweight materials, and a grille shutter which closes to reduce air drag whenever there is less need for air cooling.

Volvo S60 Concept

The exterior is clearly derived from the aggressive styling of the Volvo XC60, but there are little touches here and there which make you feel they really paid attention to detail with the car. For example, the headlamps have Scandinavian influences in it. Apparently they create the image of two miniature Viking longboats sailing side by side, one for the main beam and one for the dipped beam. This will probably be dropped in the production version for a conventional projector and reflector combination.

Volvo says the lines on the car do not end abruptly but instead flows continuously from the front to the end of the car, inspired by fast sweeps of a race track. The X6-like stance is probably due to the large 7-spoke wheels which are 20 inches in size and wrapped with low profile tyres. Hiding behind the wheel spokes are brake calipers which are painted bronze to match the exterior �Warm Liquid Copper� colour.

Volvo S60 Concept

The interior is much more experimental, and according to Volvo Cars design director Steve Mattin, it indicates Volvo�s future interior design direction. The floating center stack has been revealed previously and is made of solid Orrefors crystal, but we probably won�t see such luxury in the production version. This center stack flows from the instrument panel all the way to the rear seat�s backrest.

Anyway, enough of the design details, as sometimes a designer�s justification of the themes that inspired his design does not make sense. Let�s have a look at the safety features that Volvo has built into the new Volvo S60 Concept. which hopefully will cross over to the production model, or another production Volvo at least if they are too expensive to include with a C-segment car.

Volvo S60 Concept

Volvo has allowed the car to automatically brake to avoid collisions with the car in front of you if the difference of speed between the two vehicles is less than 25km/h. This is because apparently studies show that half of all drivers who hit another vehicle from behind do not brake prior to the collision.

In an emergency, the driver gets an audible warning with a white flashing light in the windscreen�s HUD. It looks like a flashing brake light coming on in front. This is an enhancement over the current system found in cars such as the S80 where a light on top of the dash flashes, but now its changed to a flashing in the heads-up display. If the driver does not respond to this warning and collision is imminent, the car brakes with full braking power. However the main idea is still to warn the driver of the impending collision and let him take evasive action on his own, with the auto brake to be used only at the very last minute as a last resort.

Have a look at a whole collection of hi-res photos after the jump.

Latest New Car Pictures

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Autoshow.

2008 Los Angeles Auto Show Coverage & Photos 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show Photos & Coverage
Los Angeles is once again kicking off the domestic auto show season



2008 SEMA Auto Show Coverage & Photos 2008 SEMA Show Photos & Coverage
Sin City's Annual Showcase of Outrageous Automotive Creations Is Upon Us -- Check Out What's In Store



2008 Paris Auto Show Coverage & Photos 2008 Paris Motor Show Photos & Coverage
The 2008/2009 auto show season kicks off this year on the river Seine



2008 New York Auto Show Coverage & Photos 2008 New York Auto Show Photos & Coverage
The 2008 New York Auto Show comes a month earlier this year and just two weeks after the previous stop in Geneva, thanks to the early coming of Easter.



2008 Geneva Auto Show Coverage & Photos 2008 Geneva Motor Show Photos & Coverage - Part 2
The annual cavalcade of cars that is the Geneva Motor Show is ready to kick off and 2008 is shaping up to be no different from any other year.



2008 Chicago Auto Show Coverage & Photos 2008 Chicago Auto Show Photos & Coverage
The centennial edition of the Chicago Auto Show, the second stop on the annual auto show world tour, retains its place as the biggest show in North America in terms of sheer square footage.



2008 Detroit Auto Show Coverage & Photos 2008 Detroit Auto Show Photos & Coverage - Part 1
It's January and that means that its time for the annual three day extravaganza of world premieres that is the Detroit Auto Show.



2007 Tokyo Auto Show Coverage & Photos 2007 Tokyo Motor Show Photos & Coverage Part 2
The 40th edition of the biennial 2007 Tokyo motor show is shaping up to one of the biggest ever staged. Japan's automakers will be making full use of their home-turf advantage to launch a number of the most highly anticipated production models of the year.



2007 Frankfurt Auto Show Coverage & Photos 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show Photos & Coverage - Part 2
The 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show is the first major international auto extravaganza of the 2007-08 season and the bi-annual foray onto the home turf of Germany's automakers

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