Fog Lights For

MOUNT WASHINGTON, N.H. — I wanted to walk to the top of the tallest mountain in the Northeast.

It would have been four miles and a head-pounding elevation gain of more than 4,000 feet, but that didn’t scare me. Neither did the common claim that Mount Washington’s peak is home to “the world’s worst weather.”

What scared me off on that early autumn daywere the elements at the bottom, which would have trailed me at every step: steadily drumming rain, thick fog, and a forecast for “small hail, sudden gusts of wind, and frequent lightning.”

Sounded like why God invented not only cars but also the one road that goes to the top of Mount Washington.

Sure, the sign at the bottom of that road lent pause — “If you have a fear of heights, you may not appreciate this driving experience.” But I was ready to brave it.

Then I met a second round of rejection. At the guard station, I was told the weather was too foul even to drive up in a private vehicle. That left one route: a guided tour with someone whose job is traveling up and down Mount Washington five or six times a day. So, just past a twisting, tree-studded valley cut by a fast-moving stream, I stopped at the Mount Washington Auto Road visitor center and handed over $30.

I was given a postcard to commemorate the event, a simple black-and-white cartoon image of a car chugging up the famed Auto Road with blank space for me to write in the summit’s temperature (an unseasonably warm 47 degrees) and wind speed (45 m.p.h.), both readings constantly monitored by staff down below. When you claim the world’s worst weather, it becomes a point of pride. Mount Washington weather is a challenge every month of the year. The Auto Road’s website says, “Operating hours are ALWAYS subject to weather,” before it tells you its May-to-October hours of operation — 8 a.m. to about 5 p.m., most days.

That weather also fuels Mount Washington’s strange allure and ensures that no two trips are the same. At 6,288 feet, its peak isn’t terribly high (look no farther than North Carolina or Tennessee for higher summits east of the Rocky Mountains), but it rises in a corner of northern New Hampshire that puts it in the path of three major storm tracks. Many of the storms crossing North America, whether they start in the West, the Atlantic, or the Gulf, converge on that point.

Hence the world’s worst weather, which is supported by the statistics. The lowest temperature ever recorded at Mount Washington’s summit: 47 degrees below zero. Highest wind speed: 231 m.p.h. (it’s one of the highest wind speeds ever recorded, besting the strongest hurricanes). Highest temperature: 72 degrees. Yes, the highest temperature ever recorded atop Mount Washington is an ideal, and not unreasonable, day most anywhere else. Snow, which averages 200 inches a year, falls in every month of the year.

Soon, a guide was hollering out names and motioning eight of us into a van that has spent its 24,000-mile life doing exactly one thing: driving up and down Mount Washington’s 7.6-mile road. The van couldn’t do much else: It has been refitted with gearing that allows the engine to climb and descend most efficiently.

Rick Ruppel, 61, gray-haired and boyishly fit, was at the wheel. He leads tours to the top of the mountain while waiting for the next ski season and has developed a certain savvy for dealing with visitors.

How long had he been leading tours to the top of Mount Washington?

“This is my first time driving up!” he said.

Ruppel told us that the week before had seen 90-m.p.h. winds and a wind chill of 25 below. Then, he added, “I wouldn’t drive up in that even when I’ve had enough vodka!”

Everyone chuckled at our seasoned guide, who then reminded us he works for tips.

The Mount Washington Auto Road, built by a group of entrepreneurs in the 1850s and still privately owned, is among the most fascinating stretches anyone can pass.

The ride begins at an elevation of about 1,565 feet, which in fall means yellow and orange foliage in all directions.

We got a bonus almost immediately when a woman from Pennsylvania, sitting in the van’s back row, spotted a moose munching its way down a steep, grassy slope to our left. The antlerless female was black, long-faced, and unconcerned as the flashes from our cameras lit up the van’s interior.

“I said that if we saw a moose, this trip would be successful,” the woman’s husband announced to everyone in the van. He put his hand on his wife’s leg and said, “Good job, honey.”

On we went, rain pelting the van’s roof, and saw things even more riveting than a moose, namely, the mountain.

Because of the dramatic weather, every mile up the road is equivalent to traveling 150 miles toward the North Pole, which means we passed in just under eight miles an astonishing number of climate zones — from northern hardwood forest to arctic.

The legendary weather prevented much of a view beyond a few hundred feet as we ascended farther in that grumbling van, but I hardly felt robbed; the show wasn’t in the distance, it was in the changing landscape, which seemed even more dramatic amid the gray mist. In a remarkably short time — probably about 4,500 feet — the trees disappeared altogether, giving way to scrubby bushes.

At close to 6,000 feet, a mere 20 minutes in the van, we crossed into an arctic landscape of moss-covered boulders. It happened at about half the elevation where such a change happens in mountains of the West. That’s what Mount Washington winds do.

Finally, we reached the wind-whipped visitor center, which is open only during the most temperate months of the year (when the weather is slightly less awful), a low fortress of concrete and glass that would be fit for a James Bond nemesis plotting world domination. It looks that way to withstand the wind.

An unfathomably brave, raw-faced hiker was thawing out in there — he told me he was a recovering drug addict whose new addiction was climbing Mount Washington. We ate chili from the small cafeteria, browsed the gift shop where everything was 40 percent off because the tourist season was ending, and visited the lower-level museum that included images of the view on a clear day.

Then we piled back into the van and left the arctic behind. Thirty minutes later, we were back among tall trees, a light breeze, and our cars.

I dropped my postcard in the mail and made a vow: Next time I’m walking.

To comment, e-mail TravelTalk@phillynews.com.

Article source: http://www.philly.com/philly/travel/152174925.html

Tags : fog, fog lights for, light

By JOHN KRALEVICH

Published on Saturday 19 May 2012 09:00

The US meets Italy as Chrysler hits the small time in the shape of the supermini Ypsilon.

The brand, better known for its large 300C and Grand Voyager MPV, as well as Jeep models, has dipped its toe in the small car market after the recent launch of the small family hatch Delta. Chrysler hopes to reinvent itself in the UK with no fewer than seven new models over the next five years.

Badged a Chrysler, the Ypsilson – pronounced Epsilon as in the Greek letter E – is built on an extended Fiat 500 platform – Fiat being the parent company – and powered by a range of proven and economical engines from the 500.

Styling is distinctly Italianate, eye-catching enough to help it replicate the success of the same car badged Lancia on the other side of the channel.

It’s a cohesive mix of curves and swirls, fronted by a prominent shield grille.

A compact, sub-4m long five-door hatch, the hidden rear door handles giving it a sleeker and more sporting look, it’s not a car you’re going to “lose” in the supermarket car park.

Inside, the tall build architecture ensures plenty of room all round for passengers even for six-footers. Headroom and rear passenger space is generous, and there is even class average boot space of 245 litres.

Inside, there is a quality feel to the cabin – the top-end Limited version bedecked in leather upholstery. The seats are comfortable, materials are high grade, instruments are centrally placed atop the dash, above the air con and audio controls. Chrysler has also paid attention to sound insulation to enhance the perceived quality feel.

Powering this wee car is the iconic Fiat 900cc Twin Air engine – International Engine of the Year – which is nippy enough to sprint to 62mph in 11.5 seconds, which is two seconds and more quicker than the cheaper 1.2-litre petrol.

The Ypsilon rides quite well though a tad firm, especially around town. It is an agile performer, feels well planted and copes more than satisfactorily on poor road surfaces – not something you could say about all small cars.

The enthusiastic driver will be accompanied by an unusual, quasi-Ferrari engine note, but could also hit the rev limiter in next to no time and, as a result, lose the economy benefits.

Of course, you could engage the Eco button, which restricts torque output, and hence your propensity to treat the Ypsilon as a would-be sports car. Stay Eco, stay conservative and you may just approach the claimed heights of 60-something mpg on the combined cycle.

It’s a car that feels quite solid, its well-weighted steering creating confidence in inspired handling.

Like Fiats, there is a City button to make steering lighter when driving around town and when parking.

There’s plenty of kit, the top grade has automatic air con, leather, front fog lights, steering wheel audio/phone controls, auto headlights and wipers.

The Ypsilon represents something different from the mainstream, catchy styling, space and worthy powerplants. It’s a likeable supermini, priced from £10,695.

Fact file

Model: Chrysler Ypsilon TwinAir Limited.

Price on the road: £14,495.

Drivetrain: 875cc two-cylinder petrol engine developing 85bhp at 5,500rpm and torque of 107lb ft at 1,900rpm.

Performance: 0-62mph in 11.5 seconds, and maximum speed 109mph.

Economy: Combined 67.3mpg. CO2 99g/km.

Size: Length 3,842mm, width 1,676mm, height 1,520mm.

Insurance: TBC.

Warranty: Three years/60,000 miles.

Local dealer: Westaway Chrysler Jeep, Boughton Green Road, Moulton Park, Northampton. Tel: 0844 66 27909.

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Article source: http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/lifestyle/lifestyle-leisure/motoring/road-test-chrysler-ypsilon-twinair-limited-e-numbers-stack-up-1-3861260

Tags : fog, fog lights for, light

Posted: Friday, May 18, 2012 5:11 pm

Police Fire Report 5/20/12

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Harley-davidson stolen

At 3:55 p.m. on Sunday, May 6, Holly police responded to a business in the 900 block of North Saginaw Street to investigate a report of a stolen motorcycle. The owner reported that someone had stolen his motorcycle while he was inside the business. The man had the keys to the bike. The toggle switch was not locked, which could allow someone to start the bike. The motorcycle was described as a 2005 Harley-Davidson Road King, with a black on white gas tank, black fenders, black hard-shell saddlebags, a stock seat and a clear windshield. The saddlebags contained the man’s cell phone, a tool bag, tools, a leather jacket, gloves and a helmet. The motorcycle was valued at $12,000. The bike was listed as stolen in Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN).

Pot found at traffic stop

At 2:15 a.m. on Sunday, May 6, a Holly police officer observed a blue Ford Explorer traveling eastbound on Grange Hall Road and having on one fog light. A traffic stop was initiated. Contact was made with the occupants, a 27-year-old man from Flint and his passenger, a 28-year-old woman from Burton. The officer detected a strong odor of marijuana. The driver told the officer his driver’s license had been suspended. The officer recovered marijuana from the driver’s pocket and from the vehicle. The officer located more marijuana underneath the passenger. The driver was arrested for driving with no license and for possession of marijuana. The passenger was issued a citation for possession of marijuana. Their vehicle was impounded. Warrants on the driver are pending.

Disorderly holly man

At 5:15 p.m. on Sunday, May 6, Holly police officers were sent to the area of North Saginaw and Airport streets to investigate a disorderly person, yelling on a cell phone while carrying a beer. Police checked at a grocery store on North Saginaw and the clerk said the man had just been inside causing problems and most likely intoxicated. The man, identified as a 36-year-old Holly resident, was eventually located in the 300 block of North Saginaw. He was arrested and transported to the police station, at which time he became uncooperative.

Linden man arrested

Just after midnight on May 11, Holly police arrested a 39-year-old Linden man for operating while intoxicated and driving with a suspended license. The man was stopped on Grange Hall Road after the officer saw him drive his silver 2000 Buick LeSabre through a red light. During the traffic stop, the officer detected intoxicants. The man admitted to drinking four or five beers, but refused to take a preliminary breath test. A computer check revealed that the driver had three OWI convictions. A search warrant was obtained to do a blood draw. He was later released pending warrants for OWI and DWLS.

Intoxicated driver

A 47-year-old Fenton Township man was arrested and lodged at the county jail for operating a vehicle while intoxicated in Linden. Linden Police Chief Scott Sutter said police responded to an auto crash in the 100 block of East Broad at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15. The driver’s 2012 Ford Explorer left the roadway and struck a tree, causing heavy front-end damage to the vehicle. The driver was not injured.

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Article source: http://www.tctimes.com/news/local_news/police-fire-report/article_057dfbe2-a12e-11e1-bc01-001a4bcf887a.html

Tags : fog, fog lights for, light

The Design
On the outside, the 2012 Mazda 3i Grand Touring offers the distinct modern Mazda styling but unlike Hyundai engineers who take an ultra aggressive approach at their exterior design, the Mazda 3 offers a sporty look with a slightly subdued design. The sharp, angular headlights offer tons of light with a projection design that sport a blue trim ring for a little extra style up front. The massive grille opening and the outer ports in the lower fascia are all flat black and unlike the Mazda 3s Grand Touring – the 3i doesn’t get fog lights. There is a set of fog lights available as an upgrade for $350 for the 3i that offer a different design than the standard fog lights on the 3s Touring and Grand Touring models. Fog lights are really the only thing that I could ask for in terms of the exterior of the Mazda 3i Grand Touring – not because the headlights aren’t adequate – but because I prefer the look of the models equipped with fog lights and I like having that extra lighting.

Other than the grille and outer front fascia openings, there is very little on the 2012 Mazda 3i Grand Touring that isn’t body colored. The side mirror caps and door handles are finished in the same Indigo Lights MC blue paint code as the rest of the car with some sporty 16” standard aluminum wheels tucked neatly into the wheel openings. Out back, the Mazda 3i Grand Touring wears taillights that feature a similar angular style that we see in the headlights with a clear lens design covering the individual colored portions on the outside and the reverse indicators on the inside. The powerful 2.0L Skyactiv engine announces itself through a very minimal single exhaust tip tucked under the rear fascia.

Inside, the 2012 Mazda 3i Grand Touring really shines with the help of the Dune leather package that is standard with the Indigo Lights MC exterior paint. This adds the light brown leather on the front and rear seating surfaces as well as on the padded door panels. When combined with the black that dominates the rest of the interior of the Mazda 3, the leather provides for a very impressive, luxurious look and feel. Like most other vehicles on the market, the Mazda 3i Grand Touring comes with a factory navigation program but unlike most companies that put a huge screen in the center stack with the radio, the Mazda 3i uses a smaller screen set in the upper dash area. This screen includes access to vehicle information and is set alongside a basic readout screen that lists stereo information. The face of the center stack houses all of the buttons and knobs for the stereo and navigation system but if you don’t want to reach for the center stack while driving – the steering wheel also packs a ton of buttons to control the phone, the navigation, the stereo system, the vehicle information display and the cruise control. Below the radio and nav controls in the dash are the simplistic HVAC controls with three large knobs for the basic temperature control joined by buttons for the defrosting system. Below that, just above the shifter is a set of knobs to control the heated seats – which work very nicely on a chilly morning with more control than other heating systems.

The Mazda 3i Grand Touring has quite a bit of headroom and legroom for the driver and front passenger, even if they are both very tall. Two taller passengers might find the inner elbow room a little tight but that is one of the biggest criticisms that I have with the interior. The back seat includes a pull-down center armrest with built in cup holders with just as much headroom as the front seats. With the front seats adjusted for two 6’ tall people to sit comfortably, the back seating area is a little tight in terms of legroom for an adult but there is plenty of room for even an older child.

For a car carrying a price under $25k, the interior of the 2012 Mazda 3i Grand Touring sedan is very impressive with a classy look and all of the major goodies that a higher trimline compact sedan buyer has come to expect. The interior is roomy and comfortable while the front seats provide some side to side grip for the driver and passenger during stints or spirited driving.

The Drive
The 2012 Mazda 3i Grand Touring is powered by Mazda’s 2.0L engine featuring Skyactiv technology, which sends 155 horsepower and 148lb-ft of torque. These figures make the Mazda 3i Grand Touring one of the more powerful cars in the class, trailing only the new Dodge Dart and the Ford Focus, and while I wish that the 6-speed manual transmission was available in the Grand Touring models – this fuel friendly engine provides plenty of fun to drive factor. The standard 6-speed automatic transmission features a manual shift mode that offers some control to the shifts but I found that the 3i made the best use of the Skyactiv engine when left to shift on its own. That being said, I bet that the manual transmission with that amount of power in this compact sedan would make for some real gear-banging fun and a little better acceleration but the automatic transmission still makes for a smooth ride around town with positive, stiff shifts under hard throttle.

Throttle response with the Skyactiv engine is quick, allowing the Mazda 3i Grand Touring to scoot away from a stoplight in a hurry with the automatic transmission sliding smoothly through the gears and while you won’t beat many muscle cars in the Mazda 3i; it packs impressive enough acceleration to allow the heavy footed driver to get his or her jollies – or to quickly merge into high speed highway traffic. Once up to speed, the engine is nice and quiet with the RPMs kept low by the 6-speed transmission but when you put the hammer down, the transmission quickly shifts and the Mazda 3i will climb up to the century mark in impression fashion for such an efficient compact sedan.

The Mazda 3i Grand Touring has a nice low, sporty stance that caters to smooth handling on long sweeping turns and in shorter, tight turns. The steering response is very quick, giving the driver a great feel for the road with the majority of the “road noise” filtered out before it gets to the steering wheel. This sporty suspension package adds to the fun to drive factor but also allows for a comfortable ride when cruising on the highway.

I found that when cruising on the Detroit area highways (which are fairly flat) at speeds in the range of 70-80 miles per hour, the 3i Grand Touring was able to stay slightly above that prescribed 40mpg mark. Fuel economy around town varied based on driving conditions but during my time driving the 2012 Mazda 3i Grand Touring, I averaged around 34.6 miles per gallon. This is slightly higher than the 33mpg average quoted by the EPA even though I wasn’t shy to use every one of the 155hp offered by the Skyactiv engine. Based on my experiences, I suspect that a driver who has less of a need for speed could average some very impressive fuel economy. In short, the 2.0L Skyactiv drivetrain with the 6-speed automatic transmission provides solid performance compared to the class while also hitting a very realistic 40 mile per gallon EPA estimate on the highway. While I would love to row my own gears in this sporty little sedan, the super efficient drivetrain of the Mazda 3i Grand Touring makes the car enjoyable to drive and the suspension system combines a smooth ride with sporty handling characteristics. The segment is packed full of similarly sized sedans chock full of high end goodies but the Mazda 3i Grand Touring does it with class – and without sacrificing performance or fuel economy.

Our 2012 Mazda 3i Grand Touring sedan was priced at $24,970 which adds $1,400 for the Tech Package (blind spot monitoring, Sirius radio, rain sensing wipers, pivoting bi-xenon headlights, etc), $795 destination fee, $275 for the auto dimming mirror and $200 for the interior lighting package to the standard price of $22,300 for the Mazda 3i Grand Touring.

Article source: http://www.torquenews.com/106/review-40mpg-2012-mazda-3i-grand-touring

Tags : fog, fog lights for, light

You look fat in that. Of course I’ll be late. Your baby reminds me of Gollum’s uncle.

This is what the 2013 Subaru BRZ might say if it could talk. The all-new, rear-wheel-drive sports car starts at $26,265, and boy is it honest — perhaps more so than any other car on the market today, save for its mechanical twin, the Scion FR-S. The two were jointly developed by Subaru and Scion’s parent company, Toyota, with both assembled by Subaru in Japan.

The question about the BRZ is, can you handle the honesty? The answer may surprise you.

For starters, only an honest car would dare to tell you that you don’t need 8,756 horsepower to have a good time. This Subaru has a modest 200. Torque? A tidy 151 pound-feet. This, from a naturally aspirated (no turbos or superchargers) 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine featuring direct injection. Zero to 60 mph happens in 6.4 seconds, according to Motor Trend.

Such figures may seem quaint when minivans are creeping toward 300 horsepower and the latest Shelby version of Ford’s Mustang will have more than double that. (RIP, Carroll.) But remember that the best sports cars of yesterday raised your pulse not with acceleration that compressed expletives out of your lungs but with balance and handling borne out of the car being lightweight and thoughtfully engineered.

This Subaru continues that trend, a difficult feat in an era of ever-expanding safety equipment and crash regulations that have consistently raised curb weights over the years.

A BRZ with the standard six-speed manual transmission weighs about the same as a Toyota Corolla — a bit under 2,800 pounds. Add 50 more pounds for the optional six-speed automatic. The extensive use of high-strength steel and an aluminum hood helped keep the weight down.

Also keeping things light is the fact that this is not a particularly big car. It has the wheelbase of the small Hyundai Accent hatchback, and it’s a mere 4 inches longer. On the road, the BRZ looks larger than it really is.

Subaru and Scion wisely avoided the temptation to turn this car into an over-styled nightmare begging for attention. Instead, the cars have a clean, sporty look throughout. Short overhangs at the front and rear are paired well with softly sculpted fenders. The rear of the BRZ is its most aggressive angle, with a low-slung dark plastic diffuser surrounding the dual exhaust tips and center-mounted backup light.

It’s inside this Subaru that its diminution is most noticeable. Although it has a pair of rear seats, consider them extensions of the trunk and not fit for anything bipedal. The front passengers sit in the driving equivalent of the attack position; hips low, legs stretched out, seat reclined.

Keeping the weight of occupants as close to the ground as possible and designing the engine to be compact and low give the BRZ a center of gravity equal to that of your average coffee table. Subaru brags that at 18 inches, it’s one of the lowest centers of gravity of any production car in the world.

Thus, when you throw the BRZ onto curving, sweeping roads, don’t expect the thumb-sucking pushover predicted by the naysayers who derisively scoff at its horsepower or torque output.

Instead, get ready for some good, clean thrills from a vehicle not unlike a bigger, more refined go-cart. You only need moments behind the wheel to know this is a purpose-built sports car; everything happens quickly and with reason.

The engine loves to rev high and loud, which is good because you need it to wring out all its power.

Your full bowl of torque comes at 6,400 rpm and horsepower at 7,000 rpm. But the BRZ isn’t underpowered if you know how and when to use the power you’ve got.

The steering is excellent; the compact wheel moves in your hands with a confidence-inspiring resistance and turn-in is immediate. A touch more granularity to maximize control would be nice, but this steering would be at home on a sports car costing three times the BRZ’s asking price. Why yes, Porsche 911, I am talking about you.

The BRZ’s standard six-speed manual transmission’s performance is on par with the rest of the car. The shifter itself has short throws through a gearbox that’s precise yet has a dash of that smooth, rubbery feel that makes you want to row all day. This transmission is rated at 22 miles per gallon in the city and 30 on the highway.

If you’re one of the few misguided souls who buys this car with the $1,100 six-speed automatic transmission, you too have a good gearbox to enjoy. It happily takes the car near its redline before executing a surprisingly quick shift. This transmission also has Sport and Snow settings. Plus, throttle-blipping downshifts are included, and the automatic transmission’s fuel economy bests that of the manual, at 25 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway.

All BRZs come with stability control and traction control and each can be turned off completely. You’re going to want to do so for truly enthused driving; the systems have Normal and Sport modes that intervene with the subtlety of Metta World Peace’s elbow. But with those systems off, beware that this Subaru is engineered to perform and if you’re careless, it’s just as possible to put it into the bushes as something more powerful.

Hence a significant source of this car’s honesty; it isn’t one you can pound on with the grace of a drugged elephant and expect it to iron out your mistakes. Instead, the BRZ compounds talent and skillful inputs with one of the highest dollar-per-fun ratios in the automotive landscape.

This honesty is also important to remember in daily driving. While the suspension setup is remarkably balanced and devoid of body roll during any kind of cornering, it’s a very firm ride around town. It’s also noisy. Your Aunt Gert’s 1989 Cadillac Brougham this isn’t.

Subaru has wisely kept options for the loud cabin to a minimum. A base BRZ starts at $26,265 and comes with items such as the manual transmission, a limited-slip differential and six air bags. It also has a slow, 6-inch touch-screen navigation system with iPod control, 196-watt amplifier, Bluetooth and XM satellite radio and traffic alerts.

The BRZ I tested added the Limited package (the only one available). For the additional $2,000 you get wonderfully bolstered Alcantara and leather seats, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, fog lights and an ugly rear spoiler.

Whether that’s a good value depends on how you prioritize the fun you expect to wring out of your purchase. This car is undeniably down on power to other performance cars of its ilk. But to dwell on this deficit misses the point of the BRZ. It has a balance of old-school thrills and connectivity to the road that additional power would probably upset.

Fortunately, it’s honest about its purpose. And your waistline.

———

2013 SUBARU BRZ AT A GLANCE

Base price: $26,265 (including destination charge)

Price, model tested: $28,265; BRZ Limited

Powertrain: 2.0-liter, DOHC four-cylinder boxer engine with direct injection; six-speed manual transmission

Horsepower: 200 at 7,000 rpm

Torque: 151 pound-feet at 6,400 rpm

0-60: 6.4 seconds, according to Motor Trend magazine

Curb weight: 2,762 pounds

Wheelbase: 101.2 inches

Overall length: 166.7 inches

EPA fuel economy: 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway

Final thoughts: Honesty is always the best policy.

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Article source: http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/AUTO-SUBARUBRZ-REVIEW_8034574/AUTO-SUBARUBRZ-REVIEW_8034574/

Tags : fog, fog lights for, light

• Bold new exterior styling for the highly regarded Renault crossover
• Smart technology delivers unrivalled levels of safety and convenience
• Simplified range now consists of single Dynamique trim level and one engine (2.5-litre petrol)
• Three drivetrain configurations: 4×2 Manual, 4×4 Manual and 4×4 CVT
• Genuine versatility retained through impressive on-road and off-road ability
• Aggressive price positioning and excellent competitiveness

Since its international launch in 2008, the Renault Koleos has posted sales in excess of

130  000 units globally, and continues to expand its share of this constantly growing, highly competitive segment.

“In South Africa, the model is highly regarded, as its sophisticated platform allows the vehicle to cope perfectly with all on-road and off-road situations” says Fabien Payzan, marketing vice-president of Renault SA.

The new 2012 Koleos boasts a redesigned front end that reasserts the model’s bold character and robustness. The dynamic presence of the new Koleos has been reinforced by new, slimmer headlights and a more muscular front bumper with sculpted recesses for the front fog lights. More streamlined door mirrors are also featured, and now incorporate LED indicators.

Careful attention has been paid to the quality and finish of the cabin for the updated model. A selection of new upholstery and trim materials, including high-grade leather as standard, enhances the overall refinement, while the dashboard has also undergone improvements with the introduction of a modern, more stylish instrument panel.

MPV-like modularity remains a highlight, with a total of 70 litres of stowage incorporated into the dashboard and the centre console, together with under-seat and floor compartments, as well as a useful 28-litre underfloor storage compartment

The clamshell-type split-opening tailgate facilitates convenient access to the boot, which features the innovative ‘easy estate’ system. This enables the split rear seats to be folded down in a single operation.

“With the Koleos Phase Two, we wanted to provide our clients with even more clarity by offering only one trim level, designated Dynamique, with the best of Renault technology as standard” says Payzan.

The list of standard features is, indeed, impressive with ESP, six airbags, on-board navigation, the Renault hands-free card, automatic parking brake, front and rear parking sensors, electric adjustable driver seat, and cruise control only some of the highlights of the comprehensive equipment package.

“We retained a comprehensive level of specification as we want Koleos owners to enjoy a completely safe and hassle-free driving experience, by fully experiencing Renault’s advanced technology”.

Simplicity is still the key word when it comes to the engine offering. Again, Renault SA has opted for only one choice: the excellent 2,5-litre, 16-valve petrol engine, credited with a maximum power output of126 kW of at 6 000 r/min and 226 Nm of torque at 4 400 r/min.

“The 2,5-litre 16-valve unit is highly regarded for its smooth and yet lively response, regardless of the terrain or the situation” adds Payzan. To perfectly match customer needs and aspirations, the engine is matched to a choice of three drivetrain configurations: 4×2 manual, 4×4 manual and 4×4 CVT.

The new Koleos retains the excellent off-road capability of its predecessor. A high ground clearance of 206 mm and excellent approach and departure angles are complemented, on 4X4 versions, by an all-wheel drive system with three driver-selected modes:  Auto, 4×4 LOCK or 2WD. All 4X4 derivatives also come standard with Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC).

“Regarding the price, we wanted to take into account the current situation of the segment” Payzan explains. “Several aggressively priced models have been launched over the past two years, which triggered inflated discounts for most of the D-SUV contenders.

“In this context, we opted for attractive pricing that reflects the competitive positioning of the Koleos, while allowing us to lower rebates in order to protect resale value”.

PRICING

Pricing includes the industry-defining Renault Confiance package of after-sales back-up and service. A five-year/100 000 km service plan is standard, along with a five-year/150 000 km warranty with 24-hour roadside assistance.

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Article source: http://3d-car-shows.com/2012/renault-koleos-south-africa-suv-sophistication-and-simplicity-unrivalled/

Tags : fog, fog lights for, light

LONDON – May 18, 2012: Mazda’s breakthrough SKYACTIV
technology, which is debuting in the all-new Mazda CX-5 compact crossover
SUV, has won its second UK motor industry award.

Delivering major fuel savings and emission reductions for fleet and
retail customers, SKYACTIV technology won a top award from industry
publication Fleet World in the week that the Mazda CX-5 goes on UK
sale.

The Editor’s Award in the 2012 Fleet World Honours was presented
at a special ceremony held at the Royal Automobile Club in London yesterday
(Wednesday, May 16).

The benefits of SKYACTIV technology are seen in a range of new
fuel-sipping, emission-busting engines powering the Mazda CX-5, but extend
to also include improved aerodynamics, vehicle weight reduction, chassis
developments and new manual and automatic transmissions.

SKYACTIV technology, which has as its three key attributes economy,
safety and performance, promises to redraw the automotive landscape as it
is gradually rolled out across the Mazda line-up with the launch of new
models.

Steve Moody, Editor of Fleet World and Chairman of the awards’
judging panel, which also included members of the publication’s
editorial team, said: “Mazda’s brilliantly innovative SKYACTIV
drivetrain has been in development for a few years, and now it is here,
proving itself on the road to be every bit as good as we thought. With low
CO2, Euro6 emissions (on diesel models) and good power outputs, SKYACTIV
will give Mazda a renewed vigor in the fleet market.”

Crucially SKYACTIV technology, which is designed to achieve the
seemingly conflicting goals of driving pleasure plus environmental and
safety performance without compromise, sees Mazda staying loyal to petrol
and diesel engine technology.

Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director for Mazda UK collected the award and
said: “The arrival of the CX-5 marks the dawning of a new era for
Mazda with the arrival of SKYACTIV technology. We are naturally delighted
that its industry-leading credentials have been recognised by Fleet
World.

“The range of SKYACTIV technologies allows Mazda to build petrol
and diesel cars that deliver class-leading fuel consumption and CO2
emissions without compromising performance or handling. This significantly
reduces the cost of motoring for fleets and company car drivers and
responds to the environmental needs that are now a key factor in corporate
decision-making.

“By introducing SKYACTIV technology to all sixth generation Mazda
vehicles, starting with Mazda CX-5, everyone can drive an environmentally
friendly car, not just those who are prepared to pay the price premium
charged by other brands.”

On-the-road prices for the 18-strong Mazda CX-5 range start from 21,395
for the 2.0-litre SE-L SKYACTIV-G 165ps petrol and rise to 28,795 for the
flagship 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D 175ps diesel Sport Nav Auto all-wheel drive
(AWD).

The 2-wheel drive (2WD) petrol engine range gives drivers a choice of
SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport and Sport Nav trim levels. Emitting 139g/km of CO2
and returning 47.1mpg on the combined cycle, no competitor models can match
such figures given the available power.

Diesel engine performance – 2.2-litre powerplants with a choice of
SKYACTIV-D 150ps or 175ps engines with 2WD or all-wheel drive (AWD), manual
and automatic transmissions and four equipment levels (SE-L, SE-L Nav,
Sport and Sport Nav) – is similarly unmatched in terms of both CO2
emissions (from 119g/km) and fuel economy (from 61.4mpg on the combined
cycle).

Generously specified, the Mazda CX-5 SE-L models come with 17-inch alloy
wheels, front fog lights, dual zone climate control air-conditioning, Smart
City Brake Support and privacy glass, plus front and rear parking sensors.
Moving up the CX-5 range, Sport grade models feature 19-inch alloy wheels,
Bi-Xenon headlights with Active Front Lighting System, full leather trim,
heated front seats, powered driver’s seat and a reversing camera.

Article source: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2012/05/18/036653-brilliant-mazda-skyactiv-technology-wins-second-uk-award.html

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With the debut of its all-new 2013 ILX sedan, Acura delivers the automotive equivalent of the “The Three Faces of Eve.” — The sensational 1957 movie was based on the true story of a woman who suffered from multiple personality disorder. A psychiatrist discovered three distinct personas in the title character: timid Eve White, outgoing Eve Black, and the relatively stable Jane.

Now Acura has given us the motorized analogy for Eve’s faces, though perhaps unwittingly.

The ILX designers delivered a new entry-level premium sedan that comes with three distinct personalities: the timid Eve White hybrid, the exciting Eve Black 2.4 and the steady Jane 2.0.

The ILX is based on the Civic from Honda, Acura’s parent company. It is a compact sedan and, as such, returns Acura to that market territory. When the brand started in the 1980s, it offered the entry-level Integra, a small hatchback that complemented the flagship Legend.

Later, the RSX became the entry model, followed by the TSX. But the TSX became more grown up, following on the tailpipes of the midsize TL sedan. The Acura leadership decided they needed another model below the TSX. So now we have the ILX, which the company classifies as near premium and calls “the gateway to Acura.”

All three versions share fundamentals: full safety equipment, a new lightweight and rigid aerodynamic body, quality interior with modern technology and conveniences, independent suspension, adaptive electric power steering, and enough insulation and noise-canceling technology to give the ILX a refined interior ambiance.

The divergence comes in the power trains. At the timid Eve White end is the hybrid — Acura’s first ever — with 111 horsepower from a 1.5-liter gasoline engine combined with a permanent magnet electric motor.

Though its power plant is nearly identical to the one in the Honda Civic hybrid, the ILX doesn’t deliver as much fuel economy, owing partly to the fact that it is 116 pounds heavier and is tuned to deliver slightly better performance. Its city/highway EPA fuel consumption rating is 39/38 mpg, compared to 44/44 for the Civic.

Nevertheless, despite the ILX’s premium trimmings and underpinnings, it’s hard to get over the feeling that you’re driving a hybrid Civic. Moreover, the hybrid battery pack wipes out some of the trunk space. Equipped with premium and technology packages, however, it is the most expensive ILX at $35,295.

The thriller of the trio — the Eve Black, if you will — is the ILX 2.4, which also borrows its guts from another car. In this case, it’s the TSX’s 201-horsepower four-cylinder engine mated to a slick-shifting six-speed manual gearbox.

This one can rip off a zero to 60 mph acceleration time of 6.9 seconds, according to Acura’s tests, while still delivering city/highway fuel economy of 22/31 mpg.

Obviously, the ILX 2.4 aims squarely at the enthusiasts among Acura’s entry-level customers. But like the hybrid, it comes up short in a couple of areas. For one thing, there’s no automatic transmission available. Also, the optional technology package is not offered on the 2.4. That means you cannot get a navigation system with voice recognition, upgraded ELS premium audio system, solar-sensing climate control and Acura’s real-time traffic and weather notification.

The tech package, however, is available on the hybrid and on the Jane of the trio: the $26,795 ILX 2.0, which is expected to be the biggest seller. It features a 150-horsepower four-cylinder engine linked to a five-speed automatic transmission with a manual-shift mode controlled by the shift lever or paddles mounted on the steering wheel.

This is the overall compromise model of the lineup. Acura says it accelerates to 60 mph in 9.6 seconds and delivers city/highway fuel economy of 24/35 mpg.

However, the 2.0 is strong and versatile enough that you don’t notice there are some economy cars that can smoke you at a traffic light. The orientation is more toward luxury, in the vein of one of the ILX’s competitors, the Buick Verano. Acura also considers the sportier Audi A3 to be a competitor.

The premium option package is offered with both the 2.0 and 2.4. It costs $3,300 and includes leather upholstery, heated front seats with a power driver’s seat, 17-inch aluminum wheels, a rear-view camera with multiple views, premium audio with XM satellite radio, fog lights and an auto-dimming inside rear-view mirror.

SPECIFICATIONS

Model: 2013 Acura ILX 2.4 premium four-door sedan.

Engine: 2.4-liter four-cylinder, 201 horsepower.

Transmission: Six-speed manual.

Overall length: 14 feet 11 inches.

EPA passenger/trunk volume: 89/12 cubic feet.

Weight: 2,978 pounds.

EPA city/highway fuel consumption: 22/31 mpg.

Base price, including destination charge: $30,095.

Price as tested: $30,095.

(Comments or suggestions? Contact Frank Aukofer at driveways6(at)gmail.com. Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service. For more columns, go to scrippsnews.com.)

nbsp

Article source: http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/drive-acura/drive-acura/

Tags : fog, fog lights for, light

• SKYACTIV technology to give Mazda renewed vigour in fleet market
• Breakthrough SKYACTIV technology debuts in all-new Mazda CX-5
• Fuel-sipping, low emission technology to feature across Mazda range
• For more information on the all-new Mazda CX-5 please visit: mazdacx-5press.co.uk

Mazda’s breakthrough SKYACTIV technology, which is debuting in the all-new Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV, has won its second UK motor industry award.

Delivering major fuel savings and emission reductions for fleet and retail customers, SKYACTIV technology won a top award from industry publication Fleet World in the week that the Mazda CX-5 goes on UK sale.

The Editor’s Award in the 2012 Fleet World Honours was presented at a special ceremony held at the Royal Automobile Club in London yesterday (Wednesday, May 16).

The benefits of SKYACTIV technology are seen in a range of new fuel-sipping, emission-busting engines powering the Mazda CX-5, but extend to also include improved aerodynamics, vehicle weight reduction, chassis developments and new manual and automatic transmissions.

SKYACTIV technology, which has as its three key attributes economy, safety and performance, promises to redraw the automotive landscape as it is gradually rolled out across the Mazda line-up with the launch of new models.

Steve Moody, Editor of Fleet World and Chairman of the awards’ judging panel, which also included members of the publication’s editorial team, said: “Mazda’s brilliantly innovative SKYACTIV drivetrain has been in development for a few years, and now it is here, proving itself on the road to be every bit as good as we thought. With low CO₂, Euro6 emissions (on diesel models) and good power outputs, SKYACTIV will give Mazda a renewed vigor in the fleet market.”

Crucially SKYACTIV technology, which is designed to achieve the seemingly conflicting goals of driving pleasure plus environmental and safety performance without compromise, sees Mazda staying loyal to petrol and diesel engine technology.

Jeremy Thomson, Managing Director for Mazda UK collected the award and said: “The arrival of the CX-5 marks the dawning of a new era for Mazda with the arrival of SKYACTIV technology. We are naturally delighted that its industry-leading credentials have been recognised by Fleet World.

“The range of SKYACTIV technologies allows Mazda to build petrol and diesel cars that deliver class-leading fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions without compromising performance or handling. This significantly reduces the cost of motoring for fleets and company car drivers and responds to the environmental needs that are now a key factor in corporate decision-making.

“By introducing SKYACTIV technology to all sixth generation Mazda vehicles, starting with Mazda CX-5, everyone can drive an environmentally friendly car, not just those who are prepared to pay the price premium charged by other brands.”

On-the-road prices for the 18-strong Mazda CX-5 range start from £21,395 for the 2.0-litre SE-L SKYACTIV-G 165ps petrol and rise to £28,795 for the flagship 2.2-litre SKYACTIV-D 175ps diesel Sport Nav Auto all-wheel drive (AWD).

The 2-wheel drive (2WD) petrol engine range gives drivers a choice of SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport and Sport Nav trim levels. Emitting 139g/km of CO₂ and returning 47.1mpg on the combined cycle, no competitor models can match such figures given the available power.

Diesel engine performance – 2.2-litre powerplants with a choice of SKYACTIV-D 150ps or 175ps engines with 2WD or all-wheel drive (AWD), manual and automatic transmissions and four equipment levels (SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport and Sport Nav) – is similarly unmatched in terms of both CO₂ emissions (from 119g/km) and fuel economy (from 61.4mpg on the combined cycle).

Generously specified, the Mazda CX-5 SE-L models come with 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, dual?zone climate control air-conditioning, Smart City Brake Support and privacy glass, plus front and rear parking sensors. Moving up the CX-5 range, Sport grade models feature 19-inch alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights with Active Front Lighting System, full leather trim, heated front seats, powered driver’s seat and a reversing camera.

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Article source: http://3d-car-shows.com/2012/brilliant-mazda-skyactiv-technology-wins-second-uk-award/

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You look fat in that. Of course I’ll be late. Your baby reminds me of Gollum’s uncle.

This is what the 2013 Subaru BRZ might say if it could talk. The all-new, rear-wheel-drive sports car starts at $26,265, and boy is it honest— perhaps more so than any other car on the market today, save for its mechanical twin, the Scion FR-S. The two were jointly developed by Subaru and Scion’s parent company, Toyota, with both assembled by Subaru in Japan.

The question about the BRZ is, can you handle the honesty? The answer may surprise you.

For starters, only an honest car would dare to tell you that you don’t need 8,756 horsepower to have a good time. This Subaru has a modest 200. Torque? A tidy 151 pound-feet. This, from a naturally aspirated (no turbos or superchargers) 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine featuring direct injection. Zero to 60 mph happens in 6.4 seconds, according to Motor Trend.

Such figures may seem quaint when minivans are creeping toward 300 horsepower and the latest Shelby version of Ford’s Mustang will have more than double that. (RIP, Carroll.) But remember that the best sports cars of yesterday raised your pulse not with acceleration that compressed expletives out of your lungs but with balance and handling borne out of the car being lightweight and thoughtfully engineered.

This Subaru continues that trend, a difficult feat in an era of ever-expanding safety equipment and crash regulations that have consistently raised curb weights over the years.

A BRZ with the standard six-speed manual transmission weighs about the same as a Toyota Corolla — a bit under 2,800 pounds. Add 50 more pounds for the optional six-speed automatic. The extensive use of high-strength steel and an aluminum hood helped keep the weight down.

Also keeping things light is the fact that this is not a particularly big car. It has the wheelbase of the small Hyundai Accent hatchback, and it’s a mere 4 inches longer. On the road, the BRZ looks larger than it really is.

Subaru and Scion wisely avoided the temptation to turn this car into an over-styled nightmare begging for attention. Instead, the cars have a clean, sporty look throughout. Short overhangs at the front and rear are paired well with softly sculpted fenders. The rear of the BRZ is its most aggressive angle, with a low-slung dark plastic diffuser surrounding the dual exhaust tips and center-mounted backup light.

It’s inside this Subaru that its diminution is most noticeable. Although it has a pair of rear seats, consider them extensions of the trunk and not fit for anything bipedal. The front passengers sit in the driving equivalent of the attack position; hips low, legs stretched out, seat reclined.

Keeping the weight of occupants as close to the ground as possible and designing the engine to be compact and low gives the BRZ a center of gravity equal to that of your average coffee table. Subaru brags that at 18 inches, it’s one of the lowest centers of gravity of any production car in the world.

Thus, when you throw the BRZ onto curving, sweeping roads, don’t expect the thumb-sucking pushover predicted by the naysayers who derisively scoff at its horsepower or torque output.

Instead, get ready for some good, clean thrills from a vehicle not unlike a bigger, more refined go-cart. You only need moments behind the wheel to know this is a purpose-built sports car; everything happens quickly and with reason.

The engine loves to rev high and loud, which is good because you need it to wring out all its power. Your full bowl of torque comes at 6,400 rpm and horsepower at 7,000 rpm. But the BRZ isn’t underpowered if you know how and when to use the power you’ve got.

The steering is excellent; the compact wheel moves in your hands with a confidence-inspiring resistance and turn-in is immediate. A touch more granularity to maximize control would be nice, but this steering would be at home on a sports car costing three times the BRZ’s asking price. Why yes, Porsche 911, I am talking about you.

The BRZ’s standard six-speed manual transmission’s performance is on par with the rest of the car. The shifter itself has short throws through a gearbox that’s precise yet has a dash of that smooth, rubbery feel that makes you want to row all day. This transmission is rated at 22 miles per gallon in the city and 30 on the highway.

If you’re one of the few misguided souls who buys this car with the $1,100 six-speed automatic transmission, you too have a good gearbox to enjoy. It happily takes the car near its redline before executing a surprisingly quick shift. This transmission also has Sport and Snow settings. Plus, throttle-blipping downshifts are included, and the automatic transmission’s fuel economy bests that of the manual, at 25 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway.

All BRZs come with stability control and traction control and each can be turned off completely. You’re going to want to do so for truly enthused driving; the systems have Normal and Sport modes that intervene with the subtlety of Metta World Peace’s elbow. But with those systems off, beware that this Subaru is engineered to perform and if you’re careless, it’s just as possible to put it into the bushes as something more powerful.

Hence a significant source of this car’s honesty; it isn’t one you can pound on with the grace of a drugged elephant and expect it to iron out your mistakes. Instead, the BRZ compounds talent and skillful inputs with one of the highest dollar-per-fun ratios in the automotive landscape.

This honesty is also important to remember in daily driving. While the suspension setup is remarkably balanced and devoid of body roll during any kind of cornering, it’s a very firm ride around town. It’s also noisy. Your Aunt Gert’s 1989 Cadillac Brougham this isn’t.

Subaru has wisely kept options for the loud cabin to a minimum. A base BRZ starts at $26,265 and comes with items such as the manual transmission, a limited-slip differential and six air bags. It also has a slow, 6-inch touch-screen navigation system with iPod control, 196-watt amplifier, Bluetooth and XM satellite radio and traffic alerts.

The BRZ I tested added the Limited package (the only one available). For the additional $2,000 you get wonderfully bolstered Alcantara and leather seats, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, fog lights and an ugly rear spoiler.

Whether that’s a good value depends on how you prioritize the fun you expect to wring out of your purchase. This car is undeniably down on power to other performance cars of its ilk. But to dwell on this deficit misses the point of the BRZ. It has a balance of old-school thrills and connectivity to the road that additional power would probably upset.

Fortunately, it’s honest about its purpose. And your waistline.

david.undercoffler@latimes.com

Article source: http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-autos-subaru-brz-review-20120517,0,1474122.story

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