Variance

I already have the latest firmware installed and it doesn't look like they plan on producing anymore. I tried fooling around with some of the settings, so we'll see how this turns out.

Honda Civic Type-R Concept - first pics Thursday 23 February 2006 20:08:42 by Luca Here it is, the eagerly awaited Honda Civic Type-R Concept that will be presented next week in Geneva. This Concept should be very similar to the production 3-door version. In the Type-R and in this yellow livery it resembles a bad-ass car out the Mugen shop more than a "factory" Honda. I guess this version will put to rest once and for all Top Gear's saying that only old people buy Hondas in Europa, nowadays. The concept has the 200 ps 2.0 liters i-VTEC engine of the previous Type-R. We still don't know it the production Type-R will have the same engine. Link: http://www.eurocarblog.com/post/246/honda-...cept-first-pics

Well, since my original post, I tried standing it vertically to allow it to cool better or whatever. It seems to have worked as it hasn't reset yet. I might not have to trash it after all. EDIT: Spoke too soon...it just reset twice after posting this.

I have to stop buying stuff mainly because it looks good. This damn thing has reset itself on me about 20 times today and I have no idea what the problem is. It's so damn irritating. I'd kick this thing to the curb if I had the money for a replacement lined up. Maybe it just needs to cool down but it's been grating on my nerves for the past 4 days. For future reference, is there a more dependable brand of router out there?

Limited edition Subaru Legacy is well worth the price By Paul & Anita Lienert It's not too often we drive a performance sedan that is so rare it comes with an individually numbered limited-edition plaque on the console. But that plaque is standard issue on the 2006 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT spec.B, which is being offered for the first time in the United States. The Japanese automaker said it is only making 500 of these spec.Bs (the B denotes the specially designed Bilstein suspension components). We test-drove a $34,620 Legacy spec.B with no options. A destination charge of $625 is included. SHE: Usually I would have built up a real head of steam over something like the spec.B, which costs $12,000 more than the base Legacy. Normally, I would have a lot of fun with items such as that silly plaque and the fancy "spec.B" floor mats. But I have to admit, I really took a shine to the spec.B. Now I know why it has attracted such a loyal following in Japan and Europe before coming to America. I've come around to thinking that it's well worth the money. By the way, I noticed that you don't even have a single dislike listed about this Subaru. Surely, that's a first. HE: Honest, I tried to think of something I didn't like, but I have no real gripes. I just ignored that plaque, by the way. But I can think of no better endorsement than to say I'd love to own one of these cars myself. For our countrified lifestyle and the constantly changing weather conditions here in Michigan, the all-wheel-drive Legacy makes an awful lot of sense, while the turbocharged engine and spec.B package add that intangible entertainment quotient that's missing from so many mid-size sedans. Yes, it's pricy at nearly $35,000, but remember that it's competing with such premium brands as BMW, Audi and Lexus. And, for the most part, the Legacy spec.B meets or exceeds the competition in nearly every significant department. SHE: You just like that "boxer" engine because it reminds you of us. HE: You mean "horizontally opposed?" SHE: I was thinking more along the lines of diametrically opposed. But I happen to agree with you in this case, at least on most points. You get a lot more than an exclusive titanium silver metallic paint job and other cosmetic stuff with the spec.B. You can talk about the performance, but I loved all the safety features, which are standard across the board on Legacy. They include front side air bags, side curtain air bags for both rows, active front head restraints and antilock brakes. Unfortunately, you don't get traction or stability control, which is standard on lower-priced competitors such as the Audi A4 Quattro. HE: The A4 costs less, but it's also a smaller sedan than the Legacy. And not nearly as quick or fun to drive. Subaru has really done a nice job with the turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer engine, which feels more like a six-cylinder than a four. The five-speed manual gearbox is slick as a whistle, and the handling is crisp and responsive. The Bilstein shocks and struts make a world of difference in both the ride quality and the control, even with the optional mud-and-snow tires on our test vehicle. The weather was mostly cooperative during the week that we tested the spec. B, but I suspect you could have a riot driving this car even in a blizzard. SHE: I'm confused. According to the spec sheet, that Subaru turbo engine makes 250 horsepower, which seems pretty potent. But the new Toyota Camry that I tested recently had a 3.5-liter V-6 that was rated at 268 horsepower. So why did the spec. B feel so much faster? HE: It's all in the torque curve and the tuning. The Subaru is a little bit lighter than the Toyota, but the acceleration is phenomenal. It takes nearly nine seconds for the Camry V-6 to get from zero to 60, while the spec.B does the same sprint in around six and a half seconds. 2006 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B Type: Front-engine, all-wheel drive, five-passenger sedan. Price: Base, $34,620, (inc. $625 destination charge); as tested, $34,620. Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged Boxer four-cylinder; 250-hp; 250 lb-ft torque. EPA fuel economy: 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway. Where built: Lafayette, Indiana. 12-month insurance cost, according to AAA Michigan*: $1,412. (Estimate. Rates may be higher or lower, depending on coverage, driving record.) Anita Likes: Security of all-wheel drive. Good safety features, including standard side curtain air bags. Over-the-top 10-spoke alloy wheels. Electro-luminescent gauges with red needles really pop at night. Decent price for an amply equipped limited-edition model. Decent fuel economy for a performance sedan. Dislikes: No traction or stability control. Anonymous face/grille. Individually numbered limited-edition plaque in cabin seems silly. Not enough rear head or leg room. Needs more rear-seat amenities, including vent, reading lights. Paul Likes: Extremely quick turbo engine. Striking brick-red leather seats, brushed-metal accents. Smooth 5-speed manual transmission. Easy-to-use standard navigation system. Simple climate and audio controls. Responsive and entertaining to drive. Dislikes: None. Link: http://info.detnews.com/autosconsumer/auto...ex.cfm?id=22176 ----- I just have to say I'm really not fond of the Lienerts' Vaudville-style of reviewing a car. As for the car, I like the Legacy GT but there's no way I'm having one for $35k. There are are plenty of other cars I'd rather have at that price.

IIRC, VW dealers get a "Fast" kit for the campaign. It includes that "Fast" figurine and some other stuff. I've seen one for sale on eBay but I don't believe they're supposed to sell them.

I think the "Fast" ads are pretty nonsenscial. The "Un-Pimp My Ride" ones are funny though.

Buick has a high reputation to uphold in China. They are a highly-regarded luxury brand there, are they not? Still doesn't mean we should get the short end of the stick, though.

Wow, China definitely drew the long straw here.

Geneva Preview: More on the Lotus Europa S Date posted: 02-23-2006 HETHEL, England — Lotus has revealed more information about its forthcoming Europa S, which will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next week. The new midengined two-seater, true to Lotus tradition, is the lightest-weight car in its class at only 995 kg (2,193 pounds), says the company. Production will start in July. The Europa S has an extruded and bonded aluminium chassis and composite body panels, along with a composite front energy-absorbing crash structure, Lotus says. But it's not all about slimness; the Europa S's 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbo engine produces 90 percent of maximum torque from low revs and boasts an estimated 0-to-60-mph time of 5.5 seconds. Lotus is calling the Europa S a "business class" car, saying it fills out the Lotus product line by offering a less extreme model for everyday driving to sit alongside the Elise and Exige. Still, only about 500 of the Europa S are intended to be built per year, the carmaker says. Prices have not yet been announced but are expected to be just north of $50,000. Unfortunately, the Europa S is not planned to be sold in the United States or Canada. What this means to you: A Lotus daily driver? Put it on your expense account…if you live outside North America, that is! Link: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=109392

Open-top Screamer Mercedes' new CLK DTM cabriolet will dry your hair in a hurry By GREG KABLE AutoWeek | Published 02/22/06, 12:33 pm et World’s fastest four seat open top! That’s the claim Mercedes-Benz has applied to its new CLK DTM cabriolet. Sister model to the CLK DTM coupe produced throughout 2005, the new car is planned to be built in a limited run of just 100 cars – although without North American compliance prospective owners in this part of the world will be looking to import the supercharged 5.4-liter V8 powered bahnstormer through private channels, according to Mercedes-Benz. First revealed at last September’s Frankfurt motor show, the CLK DTM cabriolet packs a mighty 582 hp and is claimed to storm from 0 to 62 mph in just four seconds flat. Concerns over the ability of the tires has seen Mercedes-Benz fit it with a electronic limiter to peg top speed at 186 mph, though insiders say the new open top is capable of at least 200 mph. Perhaps it should be labeled world’s fastest hairdryer! In the tradition of earlier AMG models, the CLK DTM cabriolet will be assembled by hand at Mercedes-Benz’s Affalterbach factory on the outskirts of Stuttgart in co-operation with HWA, a company created by AMG founder Hans-Werner Aufrecht to oversee the German automaker’s German Touring Car Masters race series activities. Link: http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...1024/LATESTNEWS

A thought just occured to me about the next GTO. If GM thinks the GTO didn't do well due to people whining about the "Grand Prix-like" styling of the current one, I'm slightly concerned they are going to go overboard with the next one and make it a horrid-looking overwrought thing. Oh, I hope my fears are unfounded. I'd rather have a retro-styled GTO than have that happen.

Aging tires spark new safety concern Michelin, Continental latest to set 10-year limit Scott Burgess / The Detroit News Major U.S. tire manufacturers have a new warning for consumers and dealers: Any tire made before 1996 should be swinging from a tree. Michelin USA and Continental Tire North America Inc. have become the latest manufacturers to issue technical bulletins to dealers calling for the replacement of all tires 10 years or older. Some automakers -- including Ford Motor Co. and DaimlerChrysler AG -- advise owners that tires be replaced after six years. Industry and safety experts agree that most tires are replaced long before any unofficial expiration date. But some tire and safety experts say there is no concrete evidence showing tires aren't safe after a certain age. Safety advocates, however, contend that tires degrade over time and can become dangerous even if they look new. "It's an invisible hazard," said Sean Kane, president of Safety Research and Strategies, which tracks auto safety issues. The latest warnings -- Bridgestone Firestone issued a service bulletin in October, while Michelin and Continental sent advisories this month -- suggest a turning point for the tire makers, Kane said. "The manufacturers signify that there is an issue and they have to address it," Kane said. "It's just the beginning. Consumers still don't know." But are they at risk? Seasonal and recreational vehicles, as well as their trailers, may hit the highways only a few weeks a year, allowing tires to age long past the time it could be safe, experts said. Spare tires, in particular, pose a problem because they may still appear new six years after they were manufactured. However, the latest service bulletins issued by the tire makers do not address tire degradation. All of the warnings echo Bridgestone Firestone's inspection guidelines: "Although (Bridgestone Firestone) is not aware of technical data that supports a specific tire service life, the replacement of tires 10 years after the date of production is an important consideration," the company told dealers in a bulletin last October. Bridgestone Firestone spokesman Dan MacDonald said the memo follows the Japan Automotive Tire Manufacturers Association's recommendation. "It's common sense," he said. "We can't say it's based on any in-depth research. There really isn't data that would give you a lifespan for a tire." Dan Zielinski, a spokesman for the Rubber Manufacturers Association, which represents the tire industry, said more research needs to be done. "We certainly think this is an issue that should be examined. To set a date (to discard the tire), you have to correlate its age to its safety performance. So many conditions impact tires." Zielinski and others in the tire industry contend there is still no evidence to merit giving tires an expiration date. Additionally, the Rubber Manufacturers Association and many tire companies are working with federal regulators to develop a test to monitor tire age and degradation. Ford, however, says its research into a tire's age degradation suggests it loses strength over time. The company began including warnings in owner manuals for new vehicles last year, said Dan Jarvis, a company spokesman. "They are a perishable item," Jarvis said. "We recommend to all of our customers to replace the spare tire after six years." DaimlerChrysler began advising owners last year through owner manuals to replace tires after six years, a Chrysler Group spokesman said Wednesday. In the early 1990s, Kane said Mercedes Benz became the first automaker to include a tire warning -- they should be replaced after 6 years -- for cars sold in Germany. There is no federal regulation stipulating when a tire is no longer serviceable due to age, said National Highway Traffic Safety Administration spokesman Rae Tyson, adding that the recent bulletins were welcome. "I'm glad to see that the tire manufacturers are stepping forward and giving consumers some guidance," Tyson said. "There's no question that a performance standard is needed." The agency is working on ways to test tires for age degradation and could begin testing in the next few years. Link: http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artic.../602230368/1148

Well, all I have to say is... :sign0200:

Gotcha.

I'm not sure if it went through but sent PM.

I totally agree with this article. Outstanding car, outstanding price/value and yet it failed. It hurts thinking about it. Whenever the day comes when I'm lucky to get a hold of one, I'm going make sure to enjoy every moment of it.

Honda announces new Zest minicar Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced the introduction of the new ZEST minicar, created to enhance the active lifestyles of today’s consumers and provide comfort and utility for the entire family. The ZEST delivers superior power and performance, while its efficient low-floor design and generous storage area with a convenient access bay help give it class leading spacious cabin. The new ZEST will be available for sale through Honda’s automobile dealer network in Japan starting March 1. Further, a ZEST equipped with a tilt-up sliding front passenger seat and wheelchair-accessible models will be available starting March 17. The ZEST was developed as a minicar that can satisfy both individual and family users in a variety of occasions including daily shopping and weekend leisure activities. The key to the design of the ZEST is Honda’s unique low-floor platform technology, which results in a high-capacity storage area with a maximum of 739 liters of space accessed via one of the lowest tailgates in its class1. In addition, ZEST achieves a spacious cabin with a height equivalent to StepWGN. The ZEST features Honda’s i-DSI engine or i-DSI turbocharged engine, combined with a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission to deliver strong and smooth performance in accelerating from low and medium speeds to higher speed ranges. The ZEST also offers a full range of advanced safety features. In addition to being the first minicar1 to be equipped with a front and rear side curtain airbag system, the ZEST also features Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body for significantly enhanced self-protection and damage mitigation in vehicle-to-vehicle collisions. Regarding environmental performance, all FWD models have earned Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport certification as Low-Emissions Vehicles, with emission levels 75% lower than those required by 2005 standards, while some models meet or exceed Japanese government fuel economy standards for 2010 by 5%. The ZEST also comes fully equipped with a range of advanced features for enhanced passenger comfort and peace of mind, including Honda’s HDD InterNavi system; newly-developed high-performance deodorizing air cleaning filters treated with anti-allergenic materials to control pollen and other allergens; and a security alarm and immobilizer for effective anti-theft protection The name ZEST denotes something spicy, stimulating, appealing, passionate, fun and full of flavor. This vehicle was named ZEST to represent the hope that owners will use it to enjoy stimulating fun and to enrich and broaden their lives. Key Features of the Honda ZEST Styling Dynamic volume styling emphasizes the ZEST’s drivability and spaciousness The ZEST’s trapezoidal form imparts a sense of volume and stability in a dynamic exterior form that is imbued with an intrepid, vigorous appearance. The ZEST Sport is equipped with specialty exterior parts that further enhance the vehicle’s low and wide look. Packaging Low-floor packaging enhanced by advanced drivability, spaciousness, and ease of use The ZEST’s low-floor platform and short nose create a spacious interior. While keeping the vehicle’s total height to just 1,635mm (FWD model), the cabin boasts a comfortable 1,340mm of vertical space, putting it on a par with Honda’s StepWGN. A long cockpit and storage area, together with a class leading 1,315mm-wide cabin, provides a relaxing, spacious cabin interior. The ZEST features a low-floor design with generous storage and convenient access bay. The tailgate opening is just 530mm off the ground, one of the lowest in its class. The front and rear doors are designed to allow for smooth entry and exit. The doors open in three stages at different angles for greater convenience, opening wide enough to facilitate easy installation and removal of a child safety seat. Interior Interior designed for all-round comfort, with consideration for specific comfort needs front and rear The interior design combines a liberated feel for the front seating area with a secure feel for the rear area and ease of use in the storage area. Different colors and materials are employed to emphasize the separate personalities of the front and rear seating areas. The ZEST Sport features a black color scheme front and rear to emphasize the vehicle’s sporty image. The instrument panel is permanently lit for improved visibility. The front bench seat provides relaxed seating with outstanding hold and comfort. Driving Performance High-quality driving performance combines driving pleasure with stability and comfort i-DSI and i-DSI turbocharged engines combine lively performance with low fuel consumption and outstandingly clean emissions. An electronically controlled, 4-speed automatic transmission contributes to smooth driving performance and higher fuel economy. The suspension delivers an outstandingly comfortable, highly stable ride. The Sport W model features a sporty, custom suspension. A lightweight, high-rigidity body ensures superior collision safety and handling stability. Safety Advanced safety performance achieves a solid sense of security in a small car For the first time in a minicar,10 ZEST models equipped with the Front Seat i-side Airbag System also feature a Side Curtain Airbag System11 for both the front and rear seats. The body is designed to enhance self-protection for vehicle occupants while at the same time improving compatibility with other vehicles to mitigate damage. The pedestrian injury reduction body is designed to help reduce injury in the event of a collision involving a pedestrian. The head shock protection interior is designed to protect vehicle occupants form shocks to the head in the event of a collision. All models are equipped with front seats designed to reduce the impact of a rear collision on a passenger’s neck area. All models are equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) and brake assist. Environmental Performance Advanced clean technologies achieve outstanding environmental performance All FWD vehicles have been certified by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport as having achieved a 75% reduction with respect to emissions regulations for 2005, while four-wheel-drive models have been certified as achieving a 50% reduction. The FWD models of N, G, W, Sport G,13 and Sport W (except turbo) have been brought into compliance with 2010 emission standards. In addition, the FWD models of N, G, and Sport G (except turbo)14 offer even greater fuel efficiency that exceeds 2010 standards by more than 5%. Interior VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) has been reduced in all models to below the standards for interior densities set by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Link: http://www.globalautoindex.com/news.plt?no=1391 --- Call me a cynic but this doesn't look particularly zesty.

*Another B9 (maybe the nice interior makes up for the horrid exterior?) *A new ML500 (I'm warming up to these...) *A riced-up 4th-gen Maxima complete with Altezzas, airplane wing and blue flame outline "graphics" *A couple Infiniti Ms *Two trailers of new VWs (mostly Passats) Just remembered one more: *A Subaru WRX wagon with "Gay Guy" written in dirt on the tailgate.

Honda to produce fuel cell car in three to four years By DPA Feb 22, 2006, 19:00 GMT Tokyo - The Japanese manufacturer Honda is close to winning the race in becoming the first mass car producer to offer a hydrogen- powered fuel cell car. The company recently announced at the Detroit Motor Show that the Honda FCX Concept vehicle resembled the car it would produce in three to four years time. Other major car makers have said that it will take between 10 and 15 years to mass produce the first fuel cell vehicle running on hydrogen. But the FCX Concept, first unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show and also presented in Detroit this month, indicates that Honda has taken a big step forward in the evolution of the technology. The FCX boasts a design with a low centre of gravity with a roomy interior and a unique low-floor fuel cell platform A major barrier to mass production of fuel cell vehicles has been the lightweight storage of compact hydrogren. Honda has however expanded the storage capacity with a newly developed hydrogen absorption material in the tank doubling capacity to five kilogrammes of hydrogen at 5000 PSI, extending the range to about 560 kilometres. Another problem confronting fuel cell cars has apparently been solved by the Honda engineers regarding the cold-weather starts. A V- Flow fuel cell stack takes advantage of gravity discharging water formed during electricity generation, achieving low-temperature starts comparable to petrol engines. The FCX Concept features three electric motors one 80 kW engine in the front and a 25 kW motor in each of the rear wheels, leaving plenty of space for a spacious cabin. Honda is however also working on infrastructure for the hydrogen society with its Home Energy Station (HES), a system designed to supply energy needs for the home and car. The system is equipped with fuel cells that produce electricity for the home and recovering heat produced during power generation for water heating. Link: http://science.monstersandcritics.com/news...e_to_four_years

Triumphant Horse Launched by China Brilliance Date posted: 02-21-2006 SHENYANG, China — China Brilliance has just released the first product of its new car plant in Zhonghua, which was set up with technical assistance from BMW. This is China Brilliance's second passenger car, and it is named the Jinjue (which can be translated either as "Triumphant Horse," or "Winning Gold"). Whatever you call it, it is a sporty sedan designed by Pininfarina in Italy. China Brilliance hopes that it will help raise sales levels from last year's 17,500 to 30,000 units this year. Sedans have higher profit margins than minibuses, which are still the key products of the company. The Jinjue is 183 inches long, built on a shortened version of its bigger brother's platform. That car, called the Grandeur, is already being distributed in Europe. The Jinjue has four powertrain options from 1.6 to 2.0 liters, most of which are supplied by Shenyang-Mitsubishi. What this means to you: The crowded compact-car segment in China has another competitor, and another Chinese utility-vehicle builder makes the leap to passenger-car production. Link: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=109384

Mood lightning. The Murciélago has hidden air vents in the buttresses for added cooling of the engine that pop up automatically. They are up in the first pic and retracted in the second.

Yes, they are.

Exclusive pics: new Lambo Murciélago Lamborghini has turned the dial up to 11 for its latest show-stopper, the Murciélago LP640. Unlike the Miura concept shown at Detroit in January, the LP640 is very much for real and creates the ultimate road-going version of the company's flagship model. The LP640 will be unveiled at the Geneva motor show next week, but here we have an exclusive preview of the fastest production Lambo ever built. A 6.5-litre V12 engine lies at the heart of the LP640, where LP stands for 'longitudinale posteriore', which refers to the V12 unit mounted lengthways behind the cockpit. With deeper and wider cylinder bores than the previous 6.2-litre V12, the new 6.5 ups power to an imperious 631bhp at 8,000 good-for-the-soul revs per minute. Coupled to a new six-speed gearbox, which can also be ordered with Lambo's e-gear sequential paddle shift, the LP640 howls from 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds - 0.4 seconds quicker than the 6.2-litre model. And it's helped on its way by an electronic launch-control device called, rather brilliantly, Thrust. Lambo has yet to announce a top speed, but word is that the LP640 will top 210mph, while low-speed driving is improved with variable valve timing and an aircraft-style drive-by-wire throttle. Helping it to achieve this colossal speed and remain stable are plenty of aerodynamic changes for the LP. Reshaped front and rear bumpers direct air more efficiently, while the exhaust is now incorporated into the rear diffuser to help cancel out aerodynamic lift at high speeds. Lamborghini has also created a larger air intake on the left side to feed the oil cooler. For those wishing to show off the LP's 6.5-litre V12 to full effect, a glass engine cover can be ordered. Under the steel and carbon fibre skin, revised suspension copes with the increased performance, while ceramic brakes are an option to help bring things to a halt more swiftly and efficiently. There's also a four-wheel-drive system that normally splits 70 per cent of the torque to the back, but can allocate up to 100 per cent to each end depending on where the grip is running out. There are also new 18-inch Hermera alloy wheels running huge 335/30 tyres at the rear, but one thing that hasn't changed with the LP640 is the Murciélago's signature scissor-opening doors. Inside, there are reshaped seats for improved comfort and greater headroom, while a revised instrument panel is flanked by a new stereo system. Lamborghini will announce prices in Geneva, but expect to pay a £15,000 premium over the 6.2-litre model's £170,000 price tag. See more pictures and read the full story on Lamborghini's Murciélago LP640 in the new issue of Top Gear magazine - on sale March 1. Link: http://www.topgear.com/content/news/stories/541/

Edmunds: Latest spy photos: 2009 BMW 7 Series