Video: Toyota Reveals Next-Gen Safety Systems

Toyota has revealed a host of both active and passive safety systems that it is developing for use in its future models. The Japanese company said that it concentrates on protecting both older drivers as well as pedestrians.

If you're wondering why, this is because of the statistics which show that in Japan, more than half of road traffic fatalities are of people aged 65 and above, while pedestrian now account for more fatalities than vehicle occupants.
Toyota said that it is trying to collect data from all over the world. The company recently set up the Collaborative Safety Research in the US to cooperate with North American universities, hospitals and research organizations in gathering data from real-world accidents to improve its testing and products.
The four key safety technologies that Toyota is currently developing are the following:
Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) with collision avoidance assist
This system uses a millimeter-wave radar and camera to monitor the road ahead and if it detects and obstacle and the driver does not apply the brakes, it activates them automatically. PCS monitors a range of factors, such as roadside obstacles and other vehicles and constantly estimates the collision chances. It can also change the course of the vehicle if the driver fails to act, in order to avoid an accident.
Pop-up BonnetToyota is designing the body structures of its vehicles to reduce injury in a collision with a pedestrian utilizing data from crash test dummies and its Total Human Model for Safety virtual models. It has developed a new, pop-up bonnet that automatically increases the space between the pedestrian and the engine, thus limiting injuries. This technology can also be used in cars with a low bonnet line, further untying the hands of bodywork designers.
Emergency Response Technology
Some accidents are caused by drivers having a heart attack or a blackout. Toyota’s new system monitors cardio-vascular functions of the driver through his grip on the steering wheel and detect possible problems. The company has presented the concept to the Japan Medical Congress and will develop it further before bringing it into production.
Adaptive Driving BeamSome of Toyota’s models already have a function when the car switches the front lights automatically from high beam to low beam once a camera detects a vehicle in front or in the opposite side of the road, then turns the high beam back on once the road is clear.
Toyota said it is further developing this system with an adaptive driving beam that shields the high beam so it doesn’t blind other drivers, yet the lights operate at near high-beam level for better illumination of the road ahead.

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New 2012 Civic Hits Rock Bottom in Consumer Reports Test

Usually new or redesigned models fare better in car reviews than their predecessors. Technology moves on during the lifespan of a model, automakers learn from their mistakes and improve their production methods, while the competition gets better forcing everyone else to improve etc.

However, that’s not the case with the redesigned 2012 Honda Civic LX, or at least that's what Consumer Reports states in its latest test of the Japanese model.
According to Consumer Reports (CR), the highest ranking small sedan for many years and a Top Pick in five of the last 10 years has in its latest iteration dropped too low to even earn a “Recommended” tag!
“While other models like the Hyundai Elantra have gotten better after being redesigned, the Civic has dropped so much that now it ranks near the bottom of its category,” wrote senior director of Consumer Reports Auto Test Center, David Champion.
The Civic LX’s score dropped from the previous model 78 to an abysmal 61, placing it in the second-to-last place just above the (also recently redesigned) VW Jetta, which finished last.
Consumer Reports’ testers found the new Honda Civic to feature a lower quality interior, high road noise, less agile handling, inferior brakes and a choppy ride compared to the car it replaced.
Decent space for rear passengers and second-best fuel economy in the category just weren’t enough to make up for its other shortcomings.
Here's a snippet from CR's test:

"The Civic has slid backward with its redesign. It feels insubstantial against recently-redesigned competition.. Vague steering weakens its agility and robs it of its fun-to-drive feel. Stopping distances are long, the ride is choppy, and road noise is pronounced.

The Honda Civic LX ($19,405 MSRP as tested), is powered by a 140-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that provides adequate acceleration and gets an impressive 30 mpg overall in CR’s own fuel economy tests. The five-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. The interior feels cheap, a letdown from previous Civics. CR is currently testing a Civic hybrid and will report on it next month. Cargo space is Good."

Honda's reaction was almost immediate as the Japanese company's U.S. arm issued a statement saying it "disagrees" with CR's findings. Honda's reply follows below:

"In a broad sense, we disagree with Consumer Reports' findings. Without question, the small sedan segment is more competitive than ever. In virtually every way, the completely redesigned 2012 Civic is a step forward.
The new Civic excels in areas that matter to small-car customers, including fuel efficiency, safety, and reliability. Among the Civic's greatest competitive strengths, is a smooth and efficient powertrain that, in Consumer Reports testing returned, "... an impressive 30 mpg overall on regular fuel and 47 mpg on the highway."
Also noted in Consumer Reports findings, the Civic excels in the area of safety, with a long list of important features standard on all trim levels, and a class-leading 'Top Safety Pick' rating from IIHS.
Lastly, the Civic has a stellar reliability history with Consumer Reports, and we are confident that the new Civic will be a reliability leader as well."

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Tuned Dodge Viper ACR vs Koenigsegg CCXR

The Dodge Viper ACR is one of the fastest production cars around packing an 8.4-liter V10 with 600HP and 560 lb/ft (760 Nm) of torque that allows it to accelerate from 0-60 mph (96km/h) in less than 4.0 seconds. It has also proved its mettle by breaking lap records in famous and difficult tracks such as Laguna Seca and the Nürburgring.
But it's one thing going against a Corvette and totally different story when you're challenged by the likes of Koenigsegg and its CCXR that boasts a twin-supercharged V8 delivering close to 1,100-horsepower.
The Dodge Viper ACR you're about to see, however, has one more trick under its sleeve as this snake had been enhanced with a Paxton supercharger that gives it another 150 horses.
But is that enough to even out the battle with the CCXR in a quarter-mile drag race? Watch the video past the jump to find out.

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Video: BMW Shows Off i3 EV and i8 Hybrid Concepts

The headline story on the automotive front today (that would be Friday, July 29) is no doubt the presentation of the first concept models of BMW's new division for alternative fuel vehicles that we will come to know as the "i" series.
We've already given you a first look at the i3 pure-electric hatchback as well as the sporty i8 gasoline-electric hybrid coupe concepts, but BMW has also released a series of films on both vehicles.
For the time being, the films show computer generated version of the i3 and i8 but we reckon it won't be long before BMW releases real-life videos of the two concept cars that will receive their world premiere at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show this September.

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Video: Two Girls, a Red Ferrari F430, a Parking Job

It's become something of spectator sport over in Europe and chiefly in London: people equipped with a handy cam waiting for a hot car to pass by to record it and upload the video on Youtube.

As with anything else in life, sometimes it pays off, sometimes it does not and our amateur producers are left with a bitter taste in the mouth.
This particular video sent in by one of our readers caught our attention mainly due to the fact that there were two young females in the red Ferrari F430 and to a lesser extent, the rather mediocre parking job. If you have a few minutes to spare, watch it after the jump.

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2012 Honda Civic European Hatchback

The ninth generation Civic hatchback for the European market will soon make its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September but Honda has provided us with a sneak peak of the five-door model with photos of a camouflaged prototype and a video explaining the changes under the body.

The Civic hatchback has been designed exclusively for Europe and will continue to be a separate model from the North American four-door sedan and two-door coupe variants with which it shares the same name.
The photos of the test car suggest that Honda will keep the edgy styling of the current model including the hidden door handles tucked away at the corners of the rear windows. However, the new Civic will be a tad longer improving passenger space.
Underneath the sheetmetal, Honda makes it a point to state that the European Civic will sport a heavily revised suspension that will significantly improve the car's ride quality, comfort as well as handling and body control.
Honda says it has achieved this even though the Civic, unlike many of its competitors in the C-segment like the Golf that feature fully independent, sophisticated multi-link suspension systems at the rear, retains a rear torsion beam.
A key change to the rear suspension system is the adoption of what Honda engineers describe as "clever fluid-filled compliance bushes".
The Japanese automaker is still keeping mum on the powertrain details, but according to our sources, one of the new introductions to the range will be a smaller displacement turbo diesel engine that will slot right under the current 2.2-liter i-DTEC unit.

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Mercedes-Benz CLK AMG DTM Gulf Oil Edition

While surely not a mainstream choice, there's no shortage of private sports cars dressed in the historic, characteristic orange and blue colors of Gulf Oil. Needless to say, the two-tone paintjo blooks awesome on some cars and not so much on others.

In the video after the jump, you'll see a very rare Mercedes-Benz CLK AMG DTM sporting the iconic hues. Check it out and tell us what you think in the comments.
We'll remind you that Mercedes built only around 100 examples of the special edition CLK coupe, which was themed after the racing model that participated in the DTM and featured a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 pushing out 582 ponies for a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of just 3.8 seconds.

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All-New 2012 Porsche 911

One could try to explain why such a hotly anticipated new model like the 2012 Porsche 911was caught out in the open alone (?) and almost completely undisguised, but why bother; it is what it is and you can enjoy the clip and get your first unobstructed view of the 991 in the video after the break.
We’ll just remind you that the next generation of the 911 is due to be unveiled in a world premiere at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in mid-September.
The most famous Porsche model series of all, will mostly likely be offered in two basic flavors at launch, the Carrera with a 350HP 3.4-liter flat-six and the Carrera S powered by a 3.8-liter boxer delivering around 400 ponies.
A key highlight of the new model is a new seven-speed manual gearbox that joins Porsche’s 7-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission.

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Video: Mercedes-Benz Bodied Acura Integra Convertible

If you’re still with us and haven’t gone out looking for a bug swatter, there’s more of this lime-green creation to be seen in the video after the jump.
Judging from the cuts on the front fenders and the shape of the bonnet, we reckon it’s a mid-1990s Acura Integra Coupe.
The proud owner of the vehicle chopped off the roof to turn the Japanese coupe into a convertible model and then proceeded with the styling transformation that includes a custom body kit imitating the looks of many Mercedes-Benz roadsters and the customary trick doors.

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VIDEO: AMS Performance’s 1,309WHP Nissan GT-R Completes ¼ Mile in 9.05 Sec!

We’ve seen some insanely modified Nissan GT-R R35s, but Chicago-based tuning house AMS Performance, has really lifted the bar with its newest creation, the ALPHA 12.
The heavily tuned Nissan GT-R ALPHA 12, which is still in the development and testing phase, was placed on a dyno where it produced an incredible 1,309-horsepower and 994 lb-ft (1,384Nm) of peak torque at all four wheels!
The team over at AMS Performance took the real Godzilla over to a local drag strip, and despite the unfavorable conditions (90 degrees track temperature), the ALPHA 12 managed to return a record quarter mile time of 9.052 seconds with a top speed of 166.7mph (268 km/h). The V-box also recorded a 60-130mph time of 3.46 seconds.
The tuning company said that it plans to return to the drag strip under “better track and weather conditions” to further improve the GT-R ALPHA 12’s time.
AMS Performance hasn’t released details and pricing on the ALPHA 12 package, but for comparison, the ALPHA 10 kit that pushes the GT-R’s output to 1,000 horsepower on 93 octane and over 1,100 ponies on race fuel, is priced at $63,995.

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2012 Porsche 911 Teased in Official Video

The wait for the next evolution of the Porsche 911 is almost over. In fact, we’re so close to the launch date that the German firm has just entered the teasing phase releasing the first official video of the sports car shot during hot weather testing in South Africa.
The public will have its first chance to see the new 911, codenamed 991, at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. What we know up until now is that, the 911 will look like, well, a 911 – don’t forget, it’s all about evolution when it comes to Porsche's most famous model.
However, the next 911 is slightly bigger and roomier yet lighter than today’s version, and will be available with more fuel efficient and greener engines including a smaller displacement 3.4-liter flat-six with 350HP for the Carrera /4, and a 3.8-liter flat-six producing 400-horses for the Carrera S/4S,
The two launch models will be offered with a new 7-speed manual gearbox and a 7-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission.
The new 911’s lineup will eventually grow to include several body styles such as the Convertible, Targa and most likely a Speedster, as well numerous models and special editions like the Turbo, Turbo S, the GT series and more.

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VIDEO: Shelby Supercars Shows off its Latest Creation

There’s a new beast in town and it’s called the Shelby Supercars Tuatara (pronounced twu‐tar‐ah). The company that was founded by Jarod Shelby in 1999 says the Tuatara was inspired by a modern day New Zealand reptile that bears the same name.

"The design specifications for the Next Generation SSC were so extreme; we knew early on that a proper name would be a key piece of the puzzle for this project," Shelby said in a statement.

Designed by Jason Castriota, the Tuatara is powered by a twin-turbocharged 7.0-liter V8 engine making around 1,350-horsepower, which are channeled to the rear wheels through a 7-Speed manual gearbox or optionally, a 7-Speed SMG Paddle Shift sequential automatic transmission.

While Shelby Supercars has not yet released any performance numbers, the company says it is ready to reclaim the title of the maker of the fastest production car in the world with the carbon-fiber-bodied Tuatara.

The American company took the crown from the standard Veyron with its 1,183HP SCC Ultimate Aero TT that recorded a top speed of 257 mph (413 km/h) but lost it to Bugatti and its 1,200HP Veyron Super Sport that recorded a top speed of 258 mph (415 km/h).

"Most manufacturers essentially use the same basic model and body shape for up to 10 years, while only making small refinements to it each year,” Jarod Shelby explained.

“After only three years in production with the Ultimate Aero, SSC's Tuatara is about to monumentally evolve in the areas of sophistication, design, aerodynamics and shear all‐around performance. We felt that the fastest evolving DNA was a perfect definition of SSC's latest project."

Watch the video as Shelby explains the reasoning behind his newest supercar and shows as a couple of tantalizing shots as well as a blueprint.

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The Best Car Ad You’ll See Today

We’ve seen more car-related ads trying to capture our attention than we can remember, but very few actually manage to pull it off like the way the Brazilian division of the BBDO advertising agency did with its “Volkswagen Tiguan: Translator” commercial.

The TV ad was created to show off the SUV’shands free park assist system. Being that the whole point of this commercial is the element of surprise, we won’t spoil the ending by telling you what happens. Enjoy the clip after the break,

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Ferrari 458 Starts Drag Race In REVERSE!!

Before you watch the following video, take a minute to ponder this: You are sitting behind the steering wheel of an exotic, brand new Italian supercar, getting ready to drag race a V10-powered Dodge Viper on the quarter mile strip in front of a crowd of 100, or perhaps even more people. But when the race begins you start rolling backwards…

Oh yes, that’s right; the owner of the Ferrari 458 Italia that you’re about to see in the clip and who was pitted against a Dodge Viper at the ICAR motorsports complex situated just outside of Montreal in Canada, paddle shifted his car’s dual clutch auto transmission into reverse!

True, anyone can make a mistake, but can you really think of a more embarrassing moment on the track?

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VIDEO: Bugatti Veyron Super Sport at Goodwood

There’s nothing faster, short of a Formula 1 car, than a Bugatti Veyron, right? In particular, a Bugatti Veyron Super Sport boasting a 1,200HP quad-turbocharged 16-cylinder engine, four-wheel drive tech and a 258 mph (415 km/h) top speed. Whoever is behind its wheel must feel invincible, right?

Well, actually, no. A few days ago, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, a Veyron Super Sport that was ready to begin its climb up the hill pulled over and let another car start first. What car was that?

A bright yellow Hennessey Venom GT with 1,200HP and a 0-200 mph (0-320 km/h) time of just 15.9 seconds. Watch the in-car video past the jump as the Venom GT tackles the hill climb.

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Aston Martin V12 Zagato Priced from £330,000 / $528,000

It’s official; Aston Martin has not only confirmed plans to build a strictly limited number of the new V12 Zagato show car, but it is also accepting orders with first deliveries expected from the second half of 2012.

Production of the British firm’s new supercar model, which is the collaborative work of Aston Martin and Italian design house Zagato, will be limited to 150 examples that will be hand assembled at Aston Martin’s global headquarters at Gaydon.

Prices, not including local taxes, start at £330,000 GBP, which comes to around US$528,000 or €369,000 at the current exchange rates.

The V12-powered supercar was created by Italian coachbuilder Zagato to celebrate its partnership with Aston Martin in the 50th anniversary year of the DB4GT Zagato.

It made its first public outing at the Concorso D’Eleganza at Villa D’Este in May, winning the Design award for Concepts and Prototypes, and then went on to successfully complete the grueling 39th Nürburgring 24 Hour race.

Based on the existing Aston Martin V12 Vantage, the Zagato model features a bespoke, handcrafted aluminium and carbon fibre body with power provided by the British firm’s 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 517-horses and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque.

“The V12 Zagato is an elegant yet brutal design which reflects the great balance between race performance and pure Aston Martin style,” said Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s Director of Design.

“The original DB4GT Zagato was a true icon, powerful and graceful; the new design is a true representation of the spirit of DB4GT Zagato. The muscular organic forms define the thoroughbred nature of the car’s racing credentials," he added.

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Ford Asks: What Should the Focus EV Looks Like?

So the all-electric Ford Focus EV is landing stateside in late 2011 to snub its nose at the likes of the Nissan LEAF and Mitsubishi i MiEV with its utterly conventional name that’s not even an acronym.

Now Ford is asking its most important shareholders (the general public) what the Focus EV should sound like, as there are members of the world community that think silent cars are a danger to the blind and the deaf.

Of course, those same persons probably think video games lead to criminal activity, alcohol to spousal abuse and atheism to the downfall of western civilisation, but that’s neither here nor there.

There are four choices which Ford has unimaginatively labeled A, B, C and D. I will label them Laser Eye Surgery, Vacuuming, Meet George Jetson and Thunderbirds Are Go.

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Audi RS3 Sportback Vs BMW 1 M Coupe

The Audi RS3 Sportback and the BMW 1 M Coupe represent two very different approaches on the compact sport model segment.

Ingolstadt’s proposal is a five-door model that looks more like a hotted-up small station wagon than a hatchback. It features a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five producing 340-horsepower and 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft) linked to Audi’s all-wheel drive quattro system and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

Munich’s proposition on the other hand is a more traditional take on the category boasting a coupe body style and a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six pushing out an identical 340-horses (in EU-specification) and 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft) to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

UK car magazine Autoexpress brought the two Germans sport models to the track to see which one is the king of straight-line performance. Even though their mechanical layouts should give you a hint about the winner, we won’t spoil the surprise. Scroll down to watch the duel for yourself.

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VIDEO: See the Birth of a Lamborghini Aventador

We’ve already shown you our fair share of Aventador videos including films of Lamborghini’s top dog being assembled in a museum, tearing up the Vallelunga race track and even a virtual promo clip. But truth is, we never get tired of checking out Lamborghini’s newest supercar, if not in the flesh, then at least on video. And we imagine neither do you.
The newest film to come out from Sant’ Agata shows the entire process of the Aventador’s conception - from a sketch on paper through CAD models and the stitching of leather by hand, to the assembly of the fabulous V12 and the honing of the carbonfibre parts… But let’s not say anymore – just follow the jump and watch it for yourself.

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