Honda Motor Corp will take the covers off from its third-generation fuel-cell system in a new version of its FCX concept vehicle. The new fuel cell system will debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show to be held in early December. The FCX concept is a five-passenger luxury sedan unveiled by Honda at the Tokyo Motor Show last year. The FCX will be fitted with the third-generation fuel cell system. The exhibition in LA heralds that Honda is getting closer to a production-ready system. In fact, the automaker has announced that a production version of the FCX concept sedan may be realized within three to four years time.
Meanwhile, Honda already has a fuel-cell vehicle available although much smaller. Also called the FCX, this Civic-size hatchback is manufactured in very limited numbers only. More than a dozen of these FCVs were distributed to families and local governments in a number of states on short term-lease to provide the automaker with real-world experience with fuel cell technology. The hydrogen-powered 2006 Honda FCX has an fuel efficiency of 62 mpg in city driving and 51 mpg on the highway.
The eagerly anticipated Mazda CX-7 was unveiled at the Chicago and LA Auto Shows earlier this year to largely positive reviews and reactions. Now, expect pulses to race as the Mazda CX-7 is set to go on sale this spring. Offering a potent combination of style, excitement and sophistication, the Mazda CX-7 packs a mean punch in its sleek and sculpted skin.
The crossover CX-7 is described as an SUV with the soul of a sports car. To us, it doesn’t really look like one of those big, brawny SUVs. The Mazda CX-7’s sports car styling casts a more nimble and dynamic image with its aerodynamically optimized figure, prominent front fenders, A-pillars wheel arches and a curved roof. The CX-7 windshield has a 66-degreee rake angle making it far sleeker than most SUVs and more akin to sports cars.
To match the CX-7’s sleek, sporty looks is a powerful and dynamic performance produced by a turbocharged and intercooled, direct injection 2.3 liter, four cylinder engine with an output of 244 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm. The crossover SUV also has a good fuel mileage of 23 mpg in combined driving. Also, the Mazda CX-7 engine delivers 258 lb-ft. of torque (349 Nm).
The CX-7 will come in either front-wheel drive or Mazda’s Active Torque All-Wheel Drive, where a computer controlled coupling is integrated into the rear differential to provide up to 50% of the engine torque that the rear wheels might require. Other features include Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and the standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system.
Inside, the Mazda’s sports car inspired interiors include such features as a three-dial instrument cluster, high mounted shifter, form fitting bucket seats and sporty dashboard panel featuring a double-roof design. The two-tone look is classy and sophisticated, with leather used to provide a high quality look and feel. Total cargo capacity is 58.6 cubic ft with a39 inch long rear compartment offering more stowage space.
The Mazda CX-7 will be available in three trim or equipment levels. Standard features include manual air conditioning, power windows, ABS, DSC, Traction Control System (TCS), cruise control, six airbags and others. The touring edition offers leather trim on seats, steering wheel and gear shift knob as well as power seats, heated front seats and retractable cargo cover. The Grand Touring offers leather trim with a black sport seat stripe, high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, front fog lamps, body-color door mirrors, chrome door handles and automatic interior climate control.
The Mazda CX-7 will be available by spring of 2006 as a 2007 model with a base price of $24,310. The Touring and Grand Touring editions will retail at $25,500 and $28,000 respectively.
The new 2007 Yaris makes its US debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week with new sedan and hatchback variants. The Yaris will replace the Echo subcompact in Toyota’s compact car segment. Although this will be the Yaris’ debut in the American market, the 2007 model is actually the second generation. The Yaris is Toyota’s best selling model in Europe and has won various awards including European Car of the Year in 2000.
Although the Yaris replaces the unsuccessful Echo, Toyota made sure its newest entry level passenger car is a step above its predecessor. The Yaris is designed as a true world car aimed at appealing to the American taste. Both the Yaris sedan and liftback feature crisp, contemporary styling. Sharp character lines and a modern mono-form shape give the Yaris Liftback a youthful stance while the integrated bumpers and headlamps, as well as the low center of gravity gives the Yaris sedan a modern, sophisticated look.
Compact on the outside, the Yaris surprises passengers with the unexpected spaciousness and comfort of its interiors. The cabin is decidedly upscale with features such as two-tone color treatment, Optitron illuminated gauges and a center-mounted instrument cluster. The Yaris interior also speaks of simplicity and practicality with easy-to-reach controls, storage spaces and other standard convenience features.
The Yaris sedan and liftback are powered by a 1.5L, 16-valve engine with variable valve timing that also equips the Scion xA and xB models. The 106 hp at 6,000 rpm and 103 pound-feet of torque at 4,200 rpm gave the Yaris a sporty and lively performance on the road. Fuel efficiency is also one of the Yaris’ strong points. An electrical power steering setup that takes the place of the engine-driven hydraulic pump in traditional power steering systems help optimize fuel efficiency.
Overall, the Toyota Yaris is a strong competitor in highly-contested compact car segment. With its youthful appeal and fuel-efficiency, the Yaris has the potential to become another runaway success for Toyota.