Daimler, Toray partner to manufacture carbon fiber automotive parts

German-based Daimler AG and Japan's Toray Industries have joined forces to manufacture carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) for the automotive industry. Though the name of the joint venture has yet to be determined, Toray's stake will stand at 50.1 percent, Daimler's at 44.9, and other unnamed partners will hold a five-percent share.
Under terms of the joint venture agreement, Toray will handle the development of carbon fiber materials for use in CFRP and Daimler will be tasked with designing the automotive parts and manufacturing the finished product. The duo aims to launch their mass-produced CFRP line in 2012, debuting the lightweight materials on an upcoming Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicle.
The use of CFRP will assist Mercedes-Benz in reaching its goal of reducing vehicle mass by up to 10 percent compared to preceding models and should, via this cut in poundage, lead to improvements in fuel efficiency and a reduction in CO2 emissions for M-B's upcoming CFRP-equipped autos.

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Use the free car valuation tool below to find the value of your car. Get an idea of what it’s worth for a private sale or for trade-in-values. Also use our SMS used car valuation service to quickly return used car prices.
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Ferrari FXXs in the Miller Motorsports Park Garages

Ferrari 599XXs in the garages at Miller Motorsports Park - Click above for high-res image gallery

Oh, to be wealthy. We're not talking about slightly rich, either. We're talking about having your own Ferrari racecar with factory support wealthy. Such a program actually exists, known as Corse Clienti (translated from Italian as "Racing Clients"). Imagine showing up to the racetrack with your car already there, which was flown in from the Ferrari factory earlier that week. There's no need to to get the car prepared, as Ferrari's very own mechanics are already on the job. Just sit back and relax until it's your time to get on the track, then hop in and take off.

The Ferrari 599XX, the latest member of the Corse Clienti stable, is brand new for this year and only made its debut at Homestead-Miami Speedway last month. We were eager to see them up close, and the first thing we did upon arriving at Miller Motorsports Park on Saturday morning was to go looking for the Corse Clienti cars. It didn't take long to find them, as they were all safely stored in the garages along pit row. There were no less than seven 599XXs, plus an additional three FXXs as a bonus.

In person, the 599XX is a sight to behold. It's not nearly as dramatic looking as the FXX, but that's a good thing in our opinion. In fact, it's one of the most beautiful modern racecars we've ever seen. Unlike the FXX, which seems to be a little rough around the edges, the 599XX has beautifully crafted details both inside and out. For instance, the inside of the door has "599XX" worked into the design of the carbon fiber, and the interior actually seems like a fairly hospitable place to be. The engine bay, like all other Ferraris, is a work of art, and even the functional aspects of the car like the splitters, winglets and diffuser all have an aesthetic appeal.

You can see all of the details of the 599XX, like the largest paddle shifters we've ever seen, the F1-like wheel donuts and more in the gallery below along with an additional gallery of the FXX.

Ferrari 599XXs in the Miller Motorsports Park Garages

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Ferrari FXXs in the Miller Motorsports Park Garages

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Honda New CR-V

Honda New CR-V

Quick Take * Fuel Economy 13.1 km/l (city/highway), 2.0L I-4 Petrol 11.1 km/l (city/highway), 2.4L I-4 Petrol Available Engines 2.0L Inline-4 i-VTEC, 143 bhp Petrol 2.4L Inline-4 i-VTEC, 161 bhp Petrol Available Transmissions 6-speed Manual Transmission (MT) 5-speed Automatic Transmission (AT)

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Highlights

Pros

Cons

• New era city styling.
• Smooth and sporty.
• Cutting-edge technology.
• Inviting interiors.

• Gorgeous looks.
• Invincible in swamp and mountains.
• Brawny and well-built.
• Great ground clearance.

• No diesel engine.

Overview

Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. (HSCI) was formed in December 1995 as a joint venture between Honda Motor Co. Ltd., Japan and Siel Limited, a Siddharth Shriram Group company. In India, HSCI takes the honour to introduce Honda's latest eye-catchy passenger car models and technologies to the customers. HSCI set up its manufacturing unit in the year 1997 at Greater Noida, U.P. The company presented to the nation its first car -- the Honda City -- which diversified the Indian passenger car market and earned the name for its engineering genius in the Indian automobile industry. Subsequently, HSCI launched its high-end models, the Accord and the CR-V.

Honda Siel has categorized the CR-V in the first-class sedan section, in addition to the SUV segment, and sold more than 1,200 CR-Vs in the first year of the car?s launch. Sold in more than 160 countries, CR-V is among remarkably bestselling vehicles from Honda globally, with an unbelievably increasing growth rate capturing the market. The new CR-V comes in three variants ? 2WD, 4WD MT and 4WD AT. The CR-V, which was introduced in India within a few months of its global launch, embodies its importance in the Indian market.

The new Honda CR-V will provide its customers with fascinating comforts of a sedan and strength of an SUV. The car will also add a garnished touch to one?s lifestyle. Destined to attract customers and defined to envy others, it has a dynamic assembling of technology and never-dreamt-about design.

Powertrain & Performance

The new Honda CRV is a mid-sized SUV that has a choice of two engines. The 2WD is powered by a 2.0L i-VTEC engine that generates 143 bhp of power and 190 Nm of torque and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The 2WD gives a cool mileage of 13.1km/l. The 4WD is mated with a 2.4L i-VTEC engine that shoots out 218 Nm of torque and a power of 161 bhp. This engine comes with two types of gearbox in two different variant and delivers a decent fuel economy of 11.1 km/l.

A highly rigid body and fully independent suspension result in a quiet cabin and smooth, agile handling performance. For that sporty drive and handling, a 6-speed manual transmission is present, wherein the additional gear lowers the rpm speed and brings down the engine noise. The 5-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control System further gives a smooth and graceful performance.

Honda?s advanced technology has proved its ability in providing its customers with quality and classy vehicles. The CR-V is an SUV with car-like handling features. Honda's creative and undaunted real-time All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system supplies Front Wheel Drive (FWD) operation in normal circumstances, levering (change) to 4WD whenever required, depending on driving conditions. A distended clutch and firmer transmission parts team up to distribute extra torque to the rear wheels. It is interesting to know that only a fragile touch on the pedal is needed to feel the power of the CR-V. Honda's i-VTEC technology and Drive-by Wire Throttle System inspires one to drive a far. A dream is not a dream anymore for Honda car lovers.

Build & Styling

A dynamic and expressive forward cabin blesses the CR-V identity, giving it a sculpted and rugged lower body appearance. A new two-step front grille and a side profile with an arched window shape accent the CR-V's distinctive and upscale presence. The new Honda CR-V flaunts a re-sculpted hood and a new front bumper and rear bumper design as well as oval shape fog lamps. The new CR-V comes with painted bumpers that emphasise its outstanding presence. The CR-V has been presented with standard body-coloured units, which look classier and ostentatious. A large chrome grille and headlamps with dual circular essentials give it a pedestal to stand ahead. Besides, the new CR-V is 45 mm longer than its predecessor and measures 4575 mm in length while maintaining the same width, height, ground clearance and head clearance. A new sleek 10-spoke alloy wheel design replaces the previous 7-spoke alloy wheel design and gives the SUV a more sporty look as well as aggressive stance.

The all-new CR-V's refined cockpit is very impressive because of its dynamic dashboard and plush leather upholstery. The overall interior colour scheme of the new Honda CR-V has been brightened and imparts a more premium look with chrome finish in audio controls and gear knob and coordinated colour changes in the dashboard and centre console. The centrally located LCD meter display is now blue in colour with design changes in the indicators for improved decipherability. The vanity mirror is equipped with a light to assist visibility during darkness. The music system of the CR-V now features a new USB port in the upper glove compartment. Dual Climate Control, adjustable tilt-telescopic steering, multi-info display and an ultra-silent cabin; all assure one of a great driving pleasure. Superior, far-stretched visibility promises one a headstrong feel of being the king of the road. The CR-V comes with an electrically operated sunroof as a standard feature and the 4WD models come with a steering-mounted Cruise Control system with illuminated controls to ensure comfort and convenience for the customer with one-touch operation.

Environment-friendly, the all-new CR-V comes equipped with an exhaust system (electronic EGR valve and precise air-fuel control) that produces significantly lower nitrogen oxide, thereby leading to lesser amount of smog. Recycle-friendly materials like acrylic, TPO, urethane, lesser use of PVC and usage of environment-friendly insulator material has made the CR-V more popular.

Furthermore, the safety features in the revamped CR-V have been upgraded with six airbags, Dual SRS Airbags, Side-Curtain airbags and Side Airbags with Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) and strong vehicle bodies that very effectively master over crash during a collision. Honda addresses this as G-Force Control Technology or G-CON (the strategy is to control the G-forces that passengers can experience during a collision). G-FORCE Control Technology verifies the body framework and allows the collision energy to manage efficiently. The CR-V is 'Crash Compatible' when it stands with other vehicles.

Other safety measures comprise alert engine, sophisticated suspension, active brake and steering and a clear arena of vision for the driver. To minimise distraction, knobs and switches are also displayed prominently for their easy operation. Precise steering, firm handling and excellent braking are some features that make Honda vehicles fun to drive. The CR-V comes with Anti-lock Brake System, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, and driver- and passenger-side airbags. The new monocoque is safer and stronger overall.

New cars from Toyota

Let us find you the best new car prices for new Toyota models including:

Toyota Rav4

The Toyota Rav4 is a five-door SUV (sports utility vehicle) with the choice of one petrol engine or two diesel engines.

Toyota Yaris

The Toyota Yaris is available as a three-door or five-door hatchback with the choice of two petrol engines or one diesel engine.

Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla comes in a range of bodystyles including a three and five-door hatchback, four-door saloon and five-door estate. There is the choice of three petrol engines or two diesel engines.

Toyota Celica

The Toyota Celica is a three-door sports coupé equipped with the choice of two 1.8 litre petrol engines.

Toyota MR2

The Toyota MR2 is a two-door convertible roadster equipped with a 1.8 litre VVT-i engine.

Toyota Avensis

The new Toyota Avensis is available in a range of bodystyles including a five-door hatchback, four-door saloon and five-door Touring. There is the choice of two petrol engines or two diesel engines with this model.

Toyota AYGO

The new Toyota AYGO is available as a three-door or five-door hatchback with the choice of two small petrol engines (1.0VVT-i and 1.4L).

Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius is marketed as ‘mean but green’ and is available in one bodystyle only – as a five-door hatchback with a 1.5 VVT-i engine.

Toyota Previa

The Toyota Previa is a five-door MPV (multi person vehicle) with the choice of one petrol or one diesel engine.

Toyota Land Cruiser

The Toyota Land Cruiser is available as a three or five-door SUV (sports utility vehicle) with a choice or two engine sizes –4.0 VVT-i V6 or 3.0L.