2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid Spyshots

By Alex Nunez

Toyota was busy introducing all flavors of the 2012 Toyota Camry to the media earlier this week, but since all that stuff's embargoed, there's not much to tell. Yet. But what isn't under embargo is this collection of spy photos showing the 2012 Camry Hybrid in its birthday suit while shooting a television commercial.

The new Camry's familiar roofline communicates practicality overall, but the updated sheetmetal has more crisp lines, with new fascias fore and aft. The hybrid's grille treatment apes that of the facelifted Highlander Hybrid, and yes, those headlights are indeed the ones Akio Toyoda teased a few weeks ago.

In a nutshell, it's still a conservative look, but decidedly less frumpy than before. Now, let's see what changes Toyota's made below the surface to bring the Camry in line with the current midsize family-sedan competition.

Image Credit: KGP Photography

Source (with alot of pic's!);
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/30/this-is-the-2012-toyota-camry-hybrid/

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European Market 2012 Civic and CR-V to be built at Honda’s UK Plant

Honda announced today that it will manufacture the new Civic hatchback and the next generation of the CR-V SUV at its Swindon plant in the UK.

The five-door hatchback version of the new Honda Civic, which we previewed earlier today (see here), is designed exclusively for Europe and will only be built in Swindon. The Civic was first introduced in 1972, and is now in its ninth generation. It will be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Production of Honda’s European compact-sized hatchback will commence in late 2011, and sales will begin in early 2012. Like the current generation, it bears no resemblance to the US model. However, Honda has also patented the sedan version of the Civic in Europe so it could be offered alongside the hatch.

As for the European market version of the new CR-V, which was unveiled a few days ago as a concept model, it will go on sale in the fall of 2012. The production version will probably have little -if any- differences from both the concept and the US model that will reach showrooms by the end of the year.

In addition to the announcements concerning the manufacturing of the new Civic and CR-V at Swindon, Honda also revealed that production at its UK plant that had been disrupted due to shortage of parts after the March 11 earthquake and Tsunami in Japan will return to normal levels in September.

Source;
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/07/european-market-2012-civic-and-cr-v-to.html

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Euro 2012 Honda Civic Ride and Drive

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Renault Fluence 2010-2011 India

2011-Renault-Fluence

Renault Fluence 2010-2011 India

2011-Renault-Fluence

Renault Fluence Luxury Sedan is now available in India with powerful petrol engine (2.0 L) and fuel efficient diesel engine (1.5L) @ premium price.

Renault Fluence Price in India: Ex- Showroom Prices

• Ahmedabad: Petrol: Rs.1,324,149 & Diesel: Rs.1,468,282
• Bangalore: Petrol: Rs.1,296,564 & Diesel: Rs.1,438,817
• Chennai: Diesel: Rs.1,299,000 & Petrol: Rs.1,440,000
• Chandigarh: Petrol: Rs.1,300,767 & Diesel: Rs.1,441,766
• Delhi: Diesel: Rs.1,299,000 & Petrol: Rs.1,440,000
• Kolkata: Petrol: Rs.1,309,709 & Diesel: Rs.1,451,962
• Mumbai: Diesel: Rs.1,347,452 & Petrol: Rs.1,494,586

2011-Renault-Fluence

Renault Fluence Sedan Main Features:

• Available in four colors – Blue Ecume, Ash Beige, Pearl Black, Glacier White
• Safety: ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability programme (ESP), SRS Airbags (Driver + Passenger)
• Anti-rust Warranty up to 5 years/100000 Kms
• 16” inch Alloy Wheels (10 Spoke)
• Music System with Bluetooth and Steering Mounted Audio Controls
• Cruise Control & Speed Limiter (only in Petrol)
• Tilt + Telescopic Steering, Engine Start/Stop Button with Smart Access Card Entry
• Soft Touch Dashboard, Driver seat with Lumber Support

2011-Renault-Fluence

Renault Fluence Car Technical Specifications:

• Petrol Engine : 1997cc Advanced CVT II with 6 speed Manual Mode
• Max Power: 137 PS @ 6000 rpm
• Max Torque: 190 Nm @ 3700 rom
• Diesel Engine: 1461cc with Manual Transmission
• Max Power: 106 PS @ 4000 rpm
• Max Torque: 240 Nm @ 2000 rpm
• Brake Front: Ventilated Disc and Rear Disc
• Rear Suspension: Trailing arm type with coil spring and double acting shock absorber
• Front Suspension: Mac Pherson type with coil spring, stabiliser bar and double acting shock absorber
• Tyres : 205/60 R16 Tubeless Radials
• Width : 1813 mm
• Length : 4618 mm
• Height : 1488 mm
• Wheel Base : 2703 mm
• Ground Clearance : 170 mm

2011-Renault-Fluence

2011-Renault-Fluence

source :google images

http://www.priceindia.in/car/renault-fluence-price/

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Renault India

short info about Renault India as given on its official website 

Renault Logo

On March 17, Renault-Nissan Alliance Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn inaugurated Chennai plant with the presence of representatives of state government of Tamil Nadu. The first dedicated Alliance global plant will have a production capacity of up to 400,000 units per year. It will operate in full compliance with Alliance global manufacturing processes and quality standards. Its production management system, launched for the first time at any plant of Renault and Nissan, is based on mutual knowledge sharing and the best practices from both companies

At the AutoExpo 2010 (in New Delhi), Renault announced its will to introduce a full range in India in a 4 years timeframe. Most of these vehicles will be produced in Chennai. Fluence et Koleos models will be launched in 2011. An extensive distribution network through the country will be completed before August 2012. A minimum of 35 cities will be covered (14 were opened as of May 2011). In addition, a Sales & Marketing team was organized within Renault India.

These elements demonstrate Renault's ambitious strategy for the indian car market. For the record, Renault entered the Indian market in 2005 when it signed a partnership with Mahindra & Mahindra. In April 2010, this partenership was restructured so M&M is now responsible for the management of the Logan in the Indian market. Renault will continue to support M&M and the product through a License Agreement and supply of key components, including the engine and transmission.

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Force Motors ... first SUV FORCE ONE

Here are a few before launch pictures of the first SUV by Force motors : FORCE ONE 

i'll be updating another post as soon as i get more pictures or any other suff on the car.

wish to know more on  the company Force Motors ?

visit this : Force Motors

Force-One-Force-motors

Force-One-Force-motors-logo

Force-One-Force-motors

Force-One-Force-motors

source : google images.
none of the pictures above are taken by me.

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Force Motors ...

Being a fully vertically integrated automobile company - FORCE Motors Ltd. has expertise in design, development and manufacture with the full spectrum of automotive components, aggregates and vehicles. 


Force Motors are pioneers of the Indian Light Commercial Vehicle Industry having introduced iconic brands like - the Tempo, Matador and Traveller. It continues in its mission of providing affordable commercial transport for the masses by harnessing the best available technology and offering economical, reliable and efficient products. 


Over the last five decades it has put on the Indian roads over 7 lakh vehicles through a countrywide network of over 250 dealers fully equipped with company trained manpower, special tools, facilities and providing prompt and efficient after sales support for its vehicles. 


Today Force Motors has a formidable product range in all segments, be it small commercial vehicles, multi utility vehicles, light commercial vehicles, agricultural tractors and heavy commercial vehicles. Each of these vehicles have been developed in house using its own Research and Development capabilities.


The state of the art manufacturing facilities at Pithampur, near Indore and at Akurdi, near Pune employ a 7000 strong work force. Force Motors is poised to make a significant leap in the coming years with a slew of new models catering to the ever changing needs and aspirations of the Indian customers. 




check out the first SUV by Force motors FORCE ONE ... click here http://ubercoolcars.blogspot.com/2011/07/force-motors-first-suv-force-one.html

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The-all-new-2011-maruti-suzuki-swift

The-all-new-2011-maruti-suzuki-swift

The-all-new-2011-maruti-suzuki-swift

The-all-new-2011-maruti-suzuki-swift

The-all-new-2011-maruti-suzuki-swift

The-all-new-2011-maruti-suzuki-swift

The-all-new-2011-maruti-suzuki-swift

The-all-new-2011-maruti-suzuki-swift-interior

The-all-new-2011-maruti-suzuki-swift

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Statement Regarding Forthcoming White House Fuel Economy Announcement by John Mendel, Executive Vice President of Sales for American Honda

07/27/2011 - TORRANCE, Calif.

Honda is proud to have actively worked with the Administration as they developed their proposed national fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions standards. Honda embraces this challenge, which will be good for our customers and for the environment, and we welcome the competition we will have with other automakers that will result from these new standards.

- John Mendel, Executive Vice President of Sales, American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Source;
http://www.hondanews.com/channels/corporate-headlines/releases/statement-regarding-forthcoming-white-house-fuel-economy-announcement-by-john-mendel-executive-vice-president-of-sales-for-american-honda

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More details emerge about the 2012 Honda CR-V

The 2012 Honda CR-V Crossover Concept’s solitary image has been leaked by Honda to build buzz around Honda’s most popular Crossover. Along with that, Honda has also slipped in a few details about the Crossover that prospective 2012 CR-V buyers would be very eager to know. For the Indian car market of course, Honda will launch the 2012 CR-V sometime later next year, even as the international launch of this car is scheduled for later this year.

The 2012 Honda CR-V will be lighter and feature a more fuel efficient. Lighter also could mean faster. So, expect the 2012 Honda CR-V to be quicker off the block than the current version. This apart, the 2012 Honda CR-V will also continue to feature a diesel engine for the European market, which is something Honda India will be seriously contemplating for India, considering the plastering the petrol version is now getting from the likes of the Toyota Fortuner and the Chevrolet Captiva.

The 2012 CR-V is also touted to arrive with new interiors that will be more versatile and spacious. Honda also has added a “more accommodating” tag to the Honda CR-V’s interiors and whether this means an addition of two more seats at the rear to take the seating capacity of the Crossover to seven adults, is something we still need to wait and watch. Other than this, the 2012 CR-V will also feature a lower cargo area at the rear for easier access.

Meanwhile, here's what Honda America’s Executive Vice-president for Sales, John Mendel has had to say about the upcoming 2012 Honda CR-V.

The 2012 CR-V Concept introduces the exterior styling for the more sophisticated and dynamic design of the upcoming production model. Long considered the benchmark for packaging and user-friendly design in the small SUV segment, the all-new CR-V will offer an added dimension of style, amazing interior versatility and Honda’s latest technologies for convenience and refinement.

Source;
http://www.indiancarsbikes.in/cars/honda-crv-46040/#more-46040

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2012 Honda CRV Sketch

Well here's a sketch with the direction that Honda was going with the 2012 Honda CRV, even though we have an official concept image already released it's nice to see the raw idea.

Source;
http://visions-autos.sport24.com/645027/Honda-CR-V-2012/

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2012 Acura CSX Rendering

Considering everything that a 2012 Honda Civic EX-L has now (Navi, Leather, Power Seat....) I'm not sure what they're going to do in the price point that this car needs to be....
The Acura CSX is not only an entry level compact luxuary car but also a smallest car from Acura offering.First generation arrive in 2005 as a rebadge version of 8th gen Civic.This car is not much popular but at least got resemble among Honda/ Acura fan.

The all new CSX is in developing and will arrive around march 2012.As they say.The car will be get more excitement in order to gain more interest from the customer that not a hard core Honda/ Acura’s fan .

The CSX replacement will build from the 9th gen Civic that arrive in late 2011 but According to Mag-x the new car will have more different from Civic more than the car it replace.Expect a newly build front and rear bumper,new design and more sharp headlight and Acura brand’s grille.

The new car (codename 2TA) will get similar size to the new Civic.Expect 4540 mm long X 1750 mm width X 1445 mm height.The prefered engine will be newly introduce petrol 4 cylinder 2.0 liter and expect a Hybrid IMA petrol 1.5 liter engine will be offered at later date.Also in pipe line is current petrol 2.4 liter that will improve power and fuel economy.

Source;
http://autoten.com/2011/07/19/rendering-of-2012-acura-csx-a-compact-luxuary-sedan-based-from-civic/

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Edmunds.com Announces True Cost to Own(R) Award Winners: Honda and Ford Vehicles Shine

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Jul 25, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Honda Motor Co. won five categories in the 2011 Lowest True Cost to Own(R) Awards, given by Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive information. The awards name the 2011 model year cars and trucks in 23 categories that offer the lowest True Cost to Own(R) (TCO(R)), which is the projected ownership cost over a five-year period.

The 2011 Honda Accord earned victories in two categories: Coupes $25-$35K and Sedans $20K-$30K. Honda's other award winners are the Honda Civic Hybrid (Hybrids), the Honda Ridgeline (Large Light Duty Truck) and the Honda Pilot (SUV $35K-$45K).

Ford Motor Co. also had a strong showing in this year's awards, with Edmunds.com recognizing the Ford Ranger (Compact Truck), the Ford Flex (Wagon Over $35K), the Ford Fiesta (Sedan Under $20K) and the Ford Transit Connect (Van/Minivan).

The other automotive brands receiving at least two awards were Chevrolet and Cadillac.
"One of the key factors that pushed many of this year's award winners over the top was their free maintenance plans, which can save car owners hundreds or even thousands of dollars over a five-year period," said Danny Zhou, senior director of data products and operations at Edmunds.com. "The 2011 Volkswagen CC, for example, edged past its closest competitors in the Sedan $30K-$40K category in large part because it offers free maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles."

To calculate the Lowest True Cost to Own(R) winners, Edmunds.com uses an algorithm that takes into account depreciation, interest on financing, taxes and fees, insurance premiums, fuel, maintenance, repairs and any federal tax credit that may be available. In order to estimate certain mileage-dependent costs, Edmunds.com assumes that vehicles will be driven 15,000 miles per year. Only vehicles launched during the period from July 29, 2010 to April 14, 2011 were considered for the 2011 awards.

To see the full list of all 23 winners this year, please visit the award page at http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/2011-lowest-cost-to-own.html .

Consumers can learn more about Edmunds.com's True Cost to Own(R) (TCO(R)) before they buy their next car at http://www.edmunds.com/tco.html .

About Edmunds.com, Inc. ( http://www.edmunds.com/help/about/index.html )
Edmunds.com Inc. publishes Web sites that empower, engage and educate automotive consumers, enthusiasts and insiders. Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive information, launched in 1995 as the first automotive information Web site. Its mobile site, accessible from any smartphone at www.edmunds.com , makes car pricing and other research tools available for car shoppers at dealerships and otherwise on the go. InsideLine.com is the most-read automotive enthusiast Web site. Its mobile site, accessible from any smartphone at www.insideline.com , features the wireless Web's highest quality car photos and videos. AutoObserver.com provides insightful automotive industry commentary and analysis. Edmunds.com Inc. is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and maintains a satellite office in suburban Detroit. Follow Edmunds.com on Twitter@edmunds and fan Edmunds.com on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/edmunds .

Source;
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/edmundscom-announces-true-cost-to-ownr-award-winners-honda-and-ford-vehicles-shine-2011-07-25?reflink=MW_news_stmp

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Honda's new Home Power Generation

The New Honda: Cars, Bikes and …. Home Power Generation

Posted by Stephen On Friday, July 15th, 2011

The idea of what they are calling “co-generation” doe not get as much publicity as the latest Honda bike or car launch, but on July 14th Honda’s Yamada made it clear that company leaders want to see electricity co-generation technology products become a third pillar for Honda’s business, on par with their car and bike retail divisions.

So the first thing you are probably wondering is, well, what on earth is this “co-generation” thing they are talking about anyway? Well, to put it in a nutshell, it refers to domestic electricity generation using a combination of a gas engine and solar panels. Interest has focused on this type of technology in the wake of the earthquake that left so many homes without power, as well as the on-going crisis at the Fukushima nuclear reactor and Prime Minister Kan’s recent call for a nuclear-free Japan. Analysts are expecting this market to boom.

Now, while it is true that Toyota also has other seemingly-unrelated businesses, such as home builder Toyota Home, within its corporate group, Toyota’s primary focus is quite clearly on producing automobiles. So for Honda to be considering such a radical change of corporate strategy as putting this new business on par with their automobile and bike businesses is a very bold move.

So why do it? From Honda’s point of view, this technology also neatly dovetails with their future plans for alternatively powered vehicles. After all, if fuel cells and batteries in EVs or plug-in hybrids require a power source. What better than if you could generate your own power at home for both your household appliances and your vehicles? And once a system is in place to sell power back to the grid, it will give businesses and private individuals a way of participating in the energy generation business and thus paying down the cost of their investment and their own power usage quicker.

Source;

http://integrityexports.com/2011/07/15/new-honda-cars-bikes-and-home-power-generation/

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2012 Honda CRV Test Mule involved in Accident

Don't hear of this very often, but it's funny how the Honda get's hit by a Toyota....
Follow this link for the full story and more pic's (orig. source via www.autoblog.com);

http://www.notcot.com/archives/2011/07/the-car-accident.php

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2012 Honda Ridgeline Sport Package Revealed

The 2012 model year brings a new trim level and some visual revisions for Honda's Ridgeline truck. The new trim is optimistically called Sport -- it doesn't entail any sporty performance upgrades, but does bring aesthetic modifications to make the Ridgeline look a little cooler.

The key word for the Ridgeline Sport is black, as the color is applied to the head-, fog-, and taillight bezels; the mirrors; door handles; unique honeycomb grille; and 18-inch wheels. It's a cool look, but we wonder whether the Sport label is truly justified by what's essentially just a collection of blacked-out body parts. From what we can tell, the Sport will sport much of the same equipment as a typical Ridgeline RT model.

New duds aren't limited to this black-on-black model, as Honda will graft a new grille design onto every 2012 Ridgeline. There are no pictures of the non-Sport model, but our money says the Ridgeline will score the same chrome-slat grille design as the 2012 Pilot.

The 2012 Ridgeline is said to boast improved fuel economy; the 250-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine will probably remain unchanged while the five-speed automatic transmission could be swapped for a six-speed unit, like that used on the Acura MDX, which rides upon a similar platform. The truck is currently EPA-rated at 15/20 mpg (city/highway). The new Ridgeline (and the Sport variant) goes on sale this November.

Source;

http://www.trucktrend.com/features/news/2011/163_news110725_2012_honda_ridgeline/index.html

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2012 Honda Pilot Revealed

Honda’s big three-row SUV, the Pilot, is slated to receive a slew of updates for the 2012 model year. The Japanese automaker has released a single photo of the 2012 Pilot, showing the mild changes for the new year.

Visual tweaks for the 2012 Pilot mainly consist of a smoother, more aerodynamic front fascia. Honda says the interior and dashboard have been restyled, and that the Pilot scores upgraded entertainment and navigation systems. For now, we haven’t been granted a look inside the car, so we’ll likely have to wait some time to check out the interior upgrades.

Honda promises that the new Pilot will be more fuel-efficient than the current model, which scores just 17/23 mpg (city/highway) with front-wheel drive or 16/22 mpg with all-wheel drive. It’s unknown whether the economy increase will be attributed to the more aerodynamic styling or revisions to the Pilot’s drivetrain. The 2011 model features a 250-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine and a five-speed automatic transmission. Our guess is a six-speed gearbox has been added, seeing as the Acura MDX — a mechanically similar vehicle which rides upon the same architecture — gained such a transmission for the 2010 model year.

With the boxy Element essentially put out to pasture, the Pilot is now Honda’s slowest-selling SUV. Slow is a somewhat relative term: 102,323 buyers took home a Pilot in 2010. Look for the revamped 2012 Honda Pilot will go on sale this September.

Source;
http://rumors.automobilemag.com/honda-shows-redesigned-2012-pilot-promises-improved-interior-63103.html

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