Επειδή από μηχανολογία και χαρακτηριστικά μηχανών δεν έχω ιδέα, απολαύστε τις φωτογραφίες και για περισσότερες πληροφορίες παραθέτω το δελτίο τύπου που εξέδωσε η Honda (στα αγγλικά) για τις νέες CBR1000RR Fireblade και CBR600RR.

CBR600RR

CBR1000RR Fireblade

Το δελτίο τύπου της Honda:
"Honda today announces the first of its exciting motorcycle model line-up for the 2009 model year.

New and updated models include the class-winning and still breathtaking CBR1000RR Fireblade and CBR600RR Supersport machines, both of which will be available with Honda's all-new electronically-controlled Combined ABS as an option.

Meanwhile, in the Off-Road category, the new 2009 CRF450R raises the bar further with an all-new lightweight fuel-injection and ignition system, while the 250cc version, the CRF250R, offers even greater technical refinements and style.

CBR1000RR Fireblade
The 2008 CBR1000RR Fireblade has astonished the media and public alike since its unveiling and launch last year. During 2008 it has won national and international races and magazine awards for its unique mix of power, performance, poise and controllability - qualities the Fireblade has been famous for since it was first launched back in 1992.

For 2009, Honda's engineers were charged with extending the Fireblade's capabilities even further by adding increased safety to an already impressive level of dynamic ability and control - but without losing the Fireblade's razor-sharp edge. Honda has achieved this goal thanks to the addition of its all-new electronically-controlled 'Combined ABS' on the CBR1000R Fireblade C-ABS version. Developing a Combined ABS system capable of matching the performance demands of a bike such as the Fireblade was always going to pose a challenge, but it has been met and exceeded with no loss to the Fireblade's ultimate sporting philosophy and, with a minimal weight penalty.

This marks the first time a Supersport machine has been capable of delivering the highest levels of speed and performance, while also benefiting from the confidence and peace of mind provided by Combined ABS. Tadao Baba - the designer of the original Fireblade used to strive for 'Total Control' for the CBR-RR. This now comes with the enhanced safety feature of Combined ABS, adding up to a new era in sportsbiking.

The compact engine now sports an intense matt black colour, enhanced with a new shape-hugging black engine cover, and features new black brake callipers (standard version only). The Combined ABS version's engine is also black, with new Sherry Topaz Brown Metallic brake callipers.

The C-ABS model also integrates additional bodywork features to neatly cover the ABS system components. The independent front power unit near the engine is housed by a sleek continuation of the front fairing. Similarly at the rear, an attractive, black underseat cowl covers the ECU unit.

The CBR1000RR Fireblade for 2009 comes in the stunning Pearl Sunbeam White HRC Tri-colour, Repsol Race Replica livery, Achilles Black Metallic and Pearl Siren Blue.

CBR600RR
Now in its fourth generation, the 2009 machine builds on the heritage of blistering pace and supreme control set in 2003 by the first CBR600RR. When the all-new CBR600RR was launched in 2007, Honda once again was at the forefront of the 600cc Supersport class - the most intensely fought in motorcycling - with a machine which was the most advanced in the category.

For 2009, the goal for Honda's development team has once again been to enhance a machine capable of fast, intense track riding while also delivering a controllable, easy-going road-riding experience. Adding to this experience is the inclusion of Honda's Combined ABS on the CBR600RR C-ABS version. The highlights of the technical enhancements to the 2009 CBR600RR include:

* Changes to piston, cylinder head and exhaust which lead to improved torque from 8,000-12,000rpm for increased engine flexibility and driveability
* Fairing improvements to enhance stability and reduce wind noise
* Electronically controlled Combined ABS for better braking performance along with increased safety and all-round rider confidence (optional)
* 184kg kerb weight to keep the machine the lightest in its class

To enhance the new performance and mild aesthetic update, a new colour range has been introduced to make the most of these changes, to include a limited-edition Pearl Sunbeam White design with electric blue fairing and front and rear cowling graphics, a Pearl Sunbeam White design with white/red/blue Tricolour, as well as Graphite Black with Bright Lime Green Metallic and Graphite Black with Italian Red.

CRF450R
The amazing CRF450R has impressed in Supercross, Motocross, desert racing, enduro, flat-track and Supermoto - now the updated 2009 model is ready to raise the bar further still. The new-for-2009 CRF450R is slimmer, lighter and more powerful than its predecessor and includes an all-new and lightweight fuel-injection and ignition system, which features a revolutionary fuel-injection indicator with engine stop switch to show the pre-race condition of the fuel-injection system - a first for Honda.

The fuel-injection system also delivers the same engine characteristics at all altitudes thanks to new settings, as well as improved fuel consumption, which allows the fuel tank size to decrease by 1.5 litres. Chassis changes include a fifth generation cast aluminium, rather than two-part forged frame, which gives less weight and increased stiffness, a longer swingarm and wider rear tyre, HRC settings for the suspension, along with a new steering damper - which has been re-valved for more linear damping - and changes to the overall dimensions of the CRF, which allow for better traction out of the corners, improved acceleration and increased ground clearance.

In addition to the performance, there are new plastic body parts, which feature new Honda Racing inspired colours and graphics and thanks to their slim, aggressive styling, this allow the rider to move easily around the bike. Overall the new machine is around 1.8kg lighter than the 2008 machine and has proved its impressive speed and agility in recent track tests. The colour sports Honda's Extreme Red with white number-boards.

CRF250R
Honda's CRF250R is further refined for 2009, with improvements coming directly from its bigger brother - the 450R. To allow its commanding presence to continue in both the Motocross and Supercross arenas, the CRF250R welcomes an even smoother power delivery from its updated and advanced 249cc Unicam engine. The whole engine itself is lighter and more compact and has a newly designed cylinder head for improved power delivery - especially in the low to mid power range.

Gearbox modifications will provide smoother changes with less clutch action needed, while suspension and steering damper settings have been altered as well. Updates to the brake disc covers and the design of the front and rear discs reduce weight further, all contributing to the '09 model being 100g lighter than its predecessor.

The styling is edgy with more compact lines to reduce weight wherever possible along with 'works' style handlebars with longer grips for slip-free operation. To complement the increased performance and styling, in comes a new limited-edition black version with black seat, rims, engine cover and front mudguard. The black shroud also features a unique flame graphic.

Prices and UK availability dates are yet to be finalised for each of the 2009 models, but these four new models will be on display on the Honda stand (1D20 - Hall 1) at the International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at the NEC in Birmingham, from 28 November - 7 December.

For further information about Honda's great range of scooters and motorcycles call 0845 200 800, visit www.honda.co.uk, or visit your local dealer. Honda motorcycle dealers can be located using the 'Dealer Search' facility within the motorcycles area of www.honda.co.uk, where you can also find all the latest news and information, offers, genuine parts and accessories and forthcoming events."

[via autoblog]

Here's the car: The Honda Civic GX

If you don't want to click on the link, then we'll just tell you that it is a compressed natural gas car (CNG).  What is the main benefit to this alternative fuel?  It can have, for now at least, a much lower price than what you are currently paying at the pump.  Aside from that, it burns cleaner than gasoline and when you buy you are buying a fuel that was probably made in the U.S.

The car's $25K price tag is even softer on the wallet when you take into account the tax credits, and at $1.50 per gallon for the fuel, there are even more savings to be had.  The one issue linked to that $1.50 number is that it relies on a home refueling unit, so there'll be some extra cost there.  There are supposed to be tax credits for the home install though, but make sure to do some research in your state to find out what is available.

The advantages never come without disadvantages, and the biggest for this type of vehicle seems to be the issue of scarcity.  The car is hard to find and fueling stations are not ubiquitous.  Even if these are big barriers, we still encourage you to crunch some numbers and see if it might work out for you.

Don't like Honda or don't want to plunk down the $25K?  You can convert your existing vehicle to CNG.  This link is a good place to start if you want to go that route.  Oh, and you'll probably need to know where to get fuel.  Try this service station finder.

Note: We know this post runs opposite of saving money on natural gas in the home, but if a subject will save money in a different area and help the environment at the same time, we are obligated to report.

Honda says the Insight will go on sale on Earth Day 2009 (that's April 22, for those of you with last names other than Gore). More importantly, they say it will be priced significantly cheaper than other hybrid cars on the market today, thanks in part due to revised (i.e. cheaper) hybrid technology.

However, don't expect the car to do everything for you; among the snazzy features Honda lists (like folding rear seats!) is "a function to assist customers in achieving more fuel efficient driving habits." (Don't be surprised if it's just a small light on the dashboard that blinks nervously if you use more than 50 percent of the throttle.)

This isn't Honda's first foray into the hybrid market; it already sells the Civic Hybrid here, and the last generation Accord featured a hybrid model that nonsensically strapped a tiny electric motor to the larger V-6 engine. From 1999 to 2006, however, the company also sold the first-generation Insight, a tiny two-seater that could get 70 miles per gallon, far better than the first generation of Toyota Prius it was competing with; however, the Insight never sold as well as the Prius - partly because the Prius had twice as many seats, and party because the Insight looked like the top half of a Viagra capsule.

Judging by the looks of the car, it's pretty obvious Honda's hoping to steal some Prius buyers by making it so hard for them to tell the cars apart they'll climb into an Insight by accident and find themselves impressed with the fit and finish. I'm sort of disappointed by the looks of it, to be honest; Honda had a chance to make a car that was cheaper and better looking than its competitor, but chose to go the conservative route. It's especially sad considering Honda claims the Insight's styling was inspired by the hydrogen-powered FCX Clarity sedan (a car harder to get into than Jessica Biel's pants), which happens to look much, much better. 

(Also pictured in the publicity shot with the new Insight and FCX Clarity is the CR-Z concept, a lightweight sports cars with a hybrid drive-train that might sell for around $20,000 if it ever goes on sale in the states. See it better at the bottom.)

Car and Driver estimates the Insight will go on sale for around $19,000, undercutting the Prius by three grand or so; it wouldn't surprise me if they manage to bring the price down a little lower than that, even. Honda modestly hopes to sell 200,000 of them a year, half of that in North America, but don't be surprised if they manage to sell quite a few more - especially if the production version looks a little more streamlined, and if it keeps some of the driving fun that makes Honda the poor man's BMW.

Welcome back to the serious hybrid game, Honda. Now how about that CR-Z?

o outro brasileiro, Rubens Barrichello, da Honda, ficou em 16º. Pelo menos, ele conseguiu ficar na frente do seu companheiro, Jenson Button.

A vitória nesta corrida ajudará todos os simpatizantes ao título.

Amanhã será o dia. Não há favoritos. Qualquer carro pode ganhar.

Depois desta corrida serão só cinco. A última é no Brasil. Anote a data: 02/11/2008.

Quanto tempo não víamos um campeonato tão disputado assim? Um ano, ué. Nem dá saudade do Schumi.

Agüenta coração!

Um abraço.

Following a thrilling qualifying session that saw a fantastic lap from McLaren's Lewis Hamilton, and both STRs in the top 10, Formula One Blog has issued a new poll.

Click on the link in the top right corner of the page to vote on who you think will win tomorrow's Belgian Grand Prix!

The 2009 Hyundai Accent arrives with lower rebates and more optional equipment.  The fun-friendly, fuel efficient three door hatchback and four door sedan are enjoying great success amid consumers desire to save money and be environmentally aware of their carbon footprint. Over fifty-percent of the car is made using recycled or recyclable materials. Interior fabrics and trim blend sensitivity for urban design with a techno-feel.  Many of the exterior and internal components recognize a desire for lightweight yet sturdy materials that crash and compost well. All in all, everyone has their own reasons for owning a Hyundai. The best place to learn what owners are saying is to visit forums like Edmunds.com, KBB and Yahoo.autos. This is where the owners weigh in and save you from having to decipher car reviewer’s track talk. I prefer the opinion of folks who are spending their own money, and using the car for the “life” support stuff that effects my day. From the “kewl” colors to the “executive” styling, here are a few of the comments posted online by actual Hyundai Accent owners.

E. Stanfill and Eugene, both Hyundai Accent owners, mention money-savings on insurance and gas; “I'm saving $400 per month and the car payment w/ insurance are much less than that. It's money in the bank to buy this car and keep the diesel parked.” Eugene had this to say, “Good first impression, 1st fill up was pleasant surprise, 33.6MPG. Have about 400 miles logged. Tried a 100 mile trip to see how it rides. All seems good, but the radio has a shorter range than my other vehicles. Have to try all the seat adjustments to see which I like better. Good all around vision,” in their Edmunds review.

Coro- a recent 2008 Hyundai Accent GLS 4dr Sedan w/XM buyer compared all the usual suspects before selecting his second Hyundai Accent, “I just bought my new Hyundai Accent last weekend. I replaced a 1999 Accent and this one is light years over the old one! As soon as I sat on the driver's seat, I fell in love with the car. It's my first new car and I couldn't be any happier. My dad owns a Nissan Versa and the Accent has a much more comfortable driver seat…” and… “Overall, I find the Accent to be a great value and an excellent car for a college student like me. I already took it to a 250 mile trip and was awesome!” Favorite Features: Love the stereo with XM, automatic, TPMS and the large screen on the stereo, and of course all the AIRBAGS!!! LOVE THE ARMREST!!! My dad's Versa is a little more expensive and does not have one. The warranty is great!”

CORO, raises an interesting debacle many first-time buyers, recently licensed drivers and parents face; Do we buy a pre-owned Toyota or Honda with 50,000 miles, broken in by “who-knows-who”? or “Get a BRAND NEW, 10 yr-100K mile Warranty, Hyundai Accent for the SAME PRICE?  While many car consumers will do considerable research and comparisons while test-driving, those who ask actual owners what they think, may glean more useful ownership details.

Why would consumers continue to buy a car that didn’t perform in the Value, Performance, Style, Safety and Utility criteria many of us use to make a large purchase decision?  Beterraba mentioned her 6’4” husband and a 40” television fitting easily in their 2008 Hyundai Accent GS 2dr Hatchback, on their post; “We love this car, and are so happy with the purchase! Favorite Features: MPG!!! easy to use features, fits anywhere, nice radio, 6 standard air bags:

When considering the BUYING pre-owned versus BRAND NEW argument, long-term Brand and Customer Loyalty is often recognized in blogs and forums. Glenn wrote, “I did a ton of searching for the best but cheapest gas saver on the market today. I considered the Fit, Matrix, Aveo, Rio, and several others. By far Hyundai makes the best little gas saver out there. The warranty cannot be beat. This is my 4th Hyundai! I have never been disappointed yet by a Hyundai product or service.”  Favorite Features: Sporty appearance of the 2-door, all the added features that are standard, WARRANTY, just the feel of the car. Efficient and FUN!”

Fun, fuel efficient and proud to be a smart consumer, all factors weighing heavily among the reasons recent Hyundai Accent buyers have flooded dealer lots to grab the best deals in the year-end model close-out season. Don’t wait, all the 2008’s will be gone soon.

SLM for MYCARLADY.com  For a no-hassle, fleet discount pricing contact mycarlady.com

So how did we do?

We got the front row correct, albeit in the wrong order as Lewis Hamilton beat Felipe Massa for pole.

Our prediction of the second row was spot on, with Heikki Kovalainen outqualifying Kimi Raikkonen.

The third row saw Nick Heidfeld qualify 5th (we thought it would be Jarno Trulli), but we were correct in Fernando Alonso qualifying 6th.

We also got the fourth row correct, unfortunately in the wrong order, as Mark Webber took 7th, and Robert Kubica grabbed 8th.

The fifth row was a surprise STR-Ferrari lockout, as Sebastian Bourdais (9th) outqualified his teammate Sebastian Vettel (10th). We thought it would be Nick Heidfeld in 9th and Timo Glock in 10th.

We thought that Jenson Button (Honda), Nelson Piquet Jnr. (Renault), David Coulthard (Red Bull-Renault), Sebastian Vettel (STR-Ferrari), and Nico Rosberg (Williams-Toyota) would drop out in second qualifying period, however we were only correct with Piquet, Coulthard, and Rosberg. Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock, also, did not make the top-ten shootout.

Finally, we thought the first to go would be Adrian Sutil (Force India), Giancarlo Fisichella (Force India), Kazuki Nakajima (Williams-Toyota), Sebastian Bourdais (STR-Ferrari), Rubens Barrichello (Honda). Swap the surprising Bourdais for Jenson Button, and we would have been spot-on.

Neal's View: All in all, we predicted the grid quite accurately. Qualifying was not what you could call wet, so surprises should have been few and far between. Did anyone predict Sebastian Bourdais getting into the final session?