Showing posts with label dohc. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dohc. Show all posts

1 Dec 2013

USA - Nissan announces 2014 cube pricing unchanged from 2013

Nissan today announced U.S. pricing for the 2014 Nissan cube®, which is on sale now at Nissan dealers nationwide. Prices remain unchanged from 2013, with a starting M.S.R.P.* of $16,760 USD. One new exterior color is offered for 2014 - Caspian Sea, which replaces the previous Bitter Chocolate. A bold palette of eight colors is offered, along with Black or Light Gray interiors.


The cube continues to stand out in a crowd with unique design elements such as the wraparound rear window, 58.1 cubic feet of cargo space and six standard air bags. The front-wheel drive cube is built on Nissan's proven B-platform and features a standard 122-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine and a choice of Nissan's advanced, smooth shifting Xtronic CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission) or 6-speed manual transmission.  The 2014 cube provides excellent fuel efficiency of 27 mpg city and 31 mpg highway with the CVT transmission.**


The Nissan cube® is available in three trim levels: S 6MT, S CVT and SL CVT. The SL CVT offers an optional SL Preferred Package which includes fog lights, Nissan Navigation System with 5.0-inch touch screen, NavTraffic®, RearView Monitor, Rockford Fosgate 8-inch subwoofer and amplifier, six upgraded speakers, SiriusXM Satellite Radio (SiriusXM subscription required, sold separately), and USB connection port for iPod® interface and other compatible devices.


Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices* (MSRP) for the 2014 Nissan cube are:

cube 1.8 S 6MT $16,760 USD
cube 1.8 S CVT $17,760 USD
cube 1.8 SL CVT $18,860 USD
Destination and Handling $810 USD

22 Sept 2013

All features are standard on the 2014 Toyota Land Cruiser

  • All Features Standard in This Premium-Luxury Vehicle.
  • Seating For Up to Eight.
  • 381-hp V8 and 8,500-lb. towing capacity.
  • Advanced Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System
A constant in Toyota’s U.S. model lineup for more than 50 years, the Land Cruiser has evolved from a simple off-road utility vehicle into a premium-luxury, full-capability SUV with seating for up to eight and advanced chassis systems. A rare combination of power, room, towing capacity and Toyota reliability explain the Land Cruiser’s extremely loyal following.
         
The Land Cruiser received exterior and interior design enhancements for 2013 and made all previously optional features standard. The customer has only to select exterior and interior colors.
 
Performance
Land Cruiser’s 5.7-liter V8 DOHC engine produces 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 401 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. With 90-percent of peak torque available at just 2,200 rpm, the engine makes the Land Cruiser an outstanding tow vehicle. Towing capacity is 8,500 pounds. The Land Cruiser uses regular-grade (87 AKI) gasoline and is ULEV-II certified.

The engine’s advanced dual independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system controls valve timing and overlap on both the intake and exhaust valves. An Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) switches the length of the intake tract in two stages, based on RPM and throttle angle, to optimize torque across the engine speed range. A water-cooled oil cooler helps control oil temperature while towing.


The six-speed automatic transmission is designed to handle high torque while performing with luxurious smoothness. The transmission’s control unit estimates road conditions to select the appropriate gear ratio for the vehicle’s speed and driving conditions. A sequential shift mode allows the driver to select gears manually.

Capability, Handling and Ride
         
The Land Cruiser’s body-on-frame construction provides rugged durability in extreme driving conditions, plus impressive ride isolation characteristics. The front of the frame features a three-stage crush structure, so in the case of frontal impact, frame damage to other areas of the vehicle is minimized. Underbody panels are designed to protect the engine and transmission and to help the vehicle traverse rocky terrain smoothly. These underbody panels also smooth the airflow under the vehicle to help minimize drag and turbulence.
         
The high-mount double-wishbone front-suspension provides a high level of off-road driving capability and suspension articulation while maintaining outstanding on-road driving comfort. Approach and departure angles are 30 degrees and 20 degrees, respectively. At the rear, the reliable and proven four-link, coil-spring with lateral-rod format provides a long suspension stroke.
         
A key to Land Cruiser’s uncanny combination of off-road capability and on-road ride comfort is found in the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which hydraulically adjusts the lean resistance provided by the front and rear stabilizer bars.
         
Using hydraulic cylinders acting on each stabilizer bar, linked by a pressure-sensing valve, KDSS reduces the degree of sway stiffness provided by the stabilizer bars in response to changing road conditions and driver inputs. In off-road driving situations, KDSS allows the wheels on each axle to move with a larger degree of side-to-side independence, helping to minimize any tendency for wheel lift. During on-pavement cornering, when both front and rear cylinders are compressed, no fluid is flowing in the system, and the stabilizer bars work conventionally to help reduce body lean by as much as 50 percent.

High-Capability 4WD and More Control in the Driver’s Hands
The Land Cruiser is equipped as standard with a highly capable full-time four-wheel drive system, supported by an array of advanced chassis control technologies, to enable travel over rugged trails.
         
The lightweight, compact transfer case provides full-time four-wheel drive with a low-range 2.618:1 ratio for traversing challenging driving surfaces, such as steep inclines. A TORSEN® limited-slip locking center differential distributes power 40:60 front-to-rear, directing more power to the wheels with the best grip should slippage occur. Traction control (TRAC) employs both brake and throttle intervention to help control wheel spin. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), with a cut-off switch, helps maintain directional control during cornering.
         
With the Land Cruiser’s Multi-terrain Select system, the driver can select the terrain and the system will control wheel slip to match the terrain. In loose terrain such as mud and sand, more-than-normal wheel slip is permitted, allowing wheel-spin to work in the vehicle’s favor. On bumpy moguls, or solid rock, wheel slip is minimized and the system acts more like a limited slip differential. The Mogul setting is for any extremely uneven terrain, such as V-ditches, slopes, and ridges, uphill or down.
         
A five-setting CRAWL Control with an Off-Road Turn Assist feature helps make traversing difficult terrain easier. With the transfer case shifted into low range, CRAWL Control regulates engine speed and output, along with braking force, to propel the vehicle forward or reverse at one of five driver-selectable low-speed settings. With CRAWL operating, the driver can then maintain focus on steering over extremely rough level ground or steep grades, without having to modulate the throttle or brake pedals.
         
The Off-Road Turn Assist feature applies slight brake pressure to the inside rear wheel, creating a pivot point and helping the vehicle make tighter turns when maneuvering through tight quarters on rugged terrain.
         
Downhill Assist Control (DAC) is designed to augment the low-speed descending ability of low-range by helping to hold the vehicle to a target speed with practically no driver intervention. Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) provides additional control for off-road driving by helping to keep the vehicle stationary while starting on a steep incline or slippery surface.
         
Land Cruiser rides on P285/60 R18 mud-and-snow tires mounted on 18 x 8.0-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a high-gloss finish (including a full-size spare). The brake system employs 13.4-inch ventilated discs with four-piston calipers up front and 13.6-inch ventilated discs at the rear. Variable gear ratio power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering requires just 3.1 turns lock-to-lock. The Gear ratio is set larger around the steering center and smaller around the end position.
         
The Land Cruiser is equipped with a towing connector and sub-wiring harness to connect a commercial trailer-brake controller. Standard Trailer Sway Control uses the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) to help counteract handling forces applied to the truck in an effort to minimize the impact of trailer sway.

Versatility and Impeccable Luxury – All Standard
Land Cruiser seats up to eight, with three-across seating in the second and third rows. Interior luxury remains impeccable in the Land Cruiser, with perforated leather trim, heated/ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel with power tilt and telescoping with memory.
         
Beneath the bright Optitron instrument gauges, a multi-informational display shows gear selection, odometer, tripmeter, fuel consumption, individual tire pressures and cruising range. The center console features a cooler box, USB port and cup holders.
         
Middle-row seating is luxurious and versatile, with perforated leather trim and multi-stage heating. The 40/20/20 split is combined with a reclining feature and a one-touch tumble mechanism for easier third-row ingress and egress. The second-row seats slide forward and aft 4.1 inches for more passenger comfort and cargo storage versatility. Maximum cargo capacity is 81.7 cubic feet with the middle and rear seats folded.

With 28 total air vents, the four-zone automatic climate control system is designed to bathe occupants in comfortable air -- even during extreme heat -- rather than simply projecting streams of cool air. For extreme cold situations, the Land Cruiser’s auxiliary Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater warms air instantly by passing it over an electrically heated ceramic element. The system also includes a micro-dust and pollen filter, and seven-level blower control.

         
Other standard features include rear privacy glass, Smart Key keyless entry with push-button start that allows the driver to unlock or start the vehicle without inserting a conventional key; anti-theft security system; engine immobilizer; cruise control; power moonroof; auto-dimming rearview and side mirrors; HomeLink® universal garage-door/gate opening system and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.
 
Safety
The Land Cruiser body structure makes extensive use of high-strength sheet steel, especially in the A-, B-, C- and D-pillars, and in the rocker area. Like all Toyotas, the Land Cruiser comes standard with the STAR Safety System™. A four-wheel multi-terrain anti-lock braking system (ABS) automatically selects the optimal ABS profile to provide the most suitable brake force for on- and off-road driving surfaces. Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) balances braking forces between the front and rear brakes, while Brake Assist (BA) provides auxiliary force to assist the driver during emergency braking.
         
Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) helps maintain traction during acceleration by controlling engine output and braking forces to the wheels. Vehicle Stability Control (with a cut-off switch) helps maintain directional control during cornering by manipulating engine torque and individual wheel-braking influence if it detects tire slippage.
         
Land Cruiser features 10 standard airbags: driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System; driver and front passenger knee airbags; driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, second-row outboard seat-mounted side airbags and three-row Roll-sensing Side Curtain Airbags (RSCA) with a roll-sensing cutoff switch. All eight seating positions feature three-point seatbelts.

Active headrests on the driver and front passenger seats move up and forward almost instantly in the event of certain rear-end collisions to help reduce the distance between the occupant's head and the headrest. The advanced seatbelt system is designed to retract the front seatbelts when the brakes are suddenly applied or when tire slippage is detected by the VSC system.
         
A direct tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) helps to alert the driver to severe pressure drops in any of the tires, including the full-size spare. The standard parking sonar system uses ultrasonic sensors on the front and rear bumpers to sense obstacles.

         
The standard Pre-Collision System is designed to detect other vehicles and obstacles in its path and help optimize the restraining performance of the front passenger seatbelts if a collision is imminent.
         
The Land Cruiser comes standard with the Safety Connect™ telematics system. Available by subscription (first year of service is included in the new vehicle purchase price), Safety Connect offers four safety and security features: Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), and enhanced Roadside Assistance, which adds GPS data to the already-included warranty-based Toyota roadside service.
         
In case of either airbag deployment or severe rear-end collision; Automatic Collision Notification is designed to automatically call the response center. If the response agent cannot communicate with the occupants, the agent can contact the nearest emergency-services provider to dispatch assistance.
         
Pushing the “SOS” button can summon help in an emergency and for a wide range of roadside assistance needs. If a Land Cruiser equipped with Safety Connect is stolen, the system can help local authorities locate and recover the vehicle once a stolen vehicle report is filed.

Premium Audio with Entune®
Land Cruiser comes standard with Toyota’s Premium HDD Navigation system with Entune®and JBL®. The system includes an eight-inch touch/split-screen with an integrated backup camera display, AM/FM CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, 14 JBL speakers including subwoofer, SiriusXM®Satellite Radio capability (includes three-month trial subscription to XM Select Package); HD Radio™ with iTunes® Tagging, USB port with iPod® connectivity and control, vehicle information, hands-free phone capability, phone book access, advanced voice recognition, and music streaming via Bluetooth® wireless technology.
         
Toyota’s Entune multimedia system leverages the user’s mobile smartphone to provide a richer in-vehicle experience with fully integrated access to navigation, entertainment and information services. Entune provides support for engaging mobile apps, such as Bing™, OpenTable®, and MovieTickets.com, along with accessing useful travel-related services, such as live weather, traffic, fuel information (location and price), stocks, and sports. Entune brings an immense selection of music options into the vehicle, including iHeartRadio’s 750+ stations, and Pandora’s®personalized music service (access to Entune services is complimentary for three years).

30 Jul 2013

2014 Honda Model Changes and Updates - Future Models

Honda Division is entering a somewhat fallow period for new products, since its four big-volume vehicles -- the Civic, Accord, CR-V and Odyssey -- have recently been redesigned.
smaller cr-v, urban, earth dreams, cvt, awd, hybrid

But there will be plenty of changes to other models, especially light trucks, as well as variants to those four nameplates. And the Fit subcompact platform will become much more prominent in Honda's North American growth plans.

As vehicle redesigns occur, Honda will install its new-generation Earth Dreams engines, which have direct injection and double-overhead cams. Compared to Honda's current four-cylinder engines, the new design will bring at least a 10 percent fuel economy advantage.

Also, Honda is going big with continuously variable transmissions. Performance models and off-road vehicles will retain geared transmissions, but mainstream street-going cars will feature CVTs. A plant opening in Mexico will add up to 700,000 units of CVT capacity by 2017.

Here is a look at Honda's future product plans:

Fit: The redesigned subcompact coming in the summer of 2014 will be built at Honda's new plant in Celaya, Mexico. Honda will install the Earth Dreams 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 127 hp and 111 pounds-feet of torque, as well as a CVT. Although built locally, expect the new Fit to stick to the global platform.

Fit EV: The next Fit will have a different suspension module for hybrid and EV versions. It likely won't arrive until spring 2016.

Fit crossover: A concept crossover based on the Fit platform, called the Urban SUV, was unveiled at the 2013 Detroit auto show. It is 169.3 inches long, about 9 inches shorter than the Honda CR-V compact crossover. The production version, coming in the summer of 2014, will have the same Earth Dreams engine as the Fit, but could get an added turbocharger for upmarket models. Limited cargo capacity will be counteracted with Fit's fold-flat "Magic Seats" and by stashing the fuel tank under the front seats rather than behind the rear suspension.

Insight: Honda Motor CEO Takanobu Ito is noncommittal about whether Honda will produce a next-generation Insight to go head-to-head with the Toyota Prius. But Honda recently unveiled its next-generation single-motor IMA hybrid system with a lithium ion battery. It is connected to an Atkinson-cycle engine and combined with a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. More may be revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show in November.

Civic: Contrary to press reports, the Civic will not receive an Earth Dreams engine until its redesign in spring 2016.

Civic Hybrid: When the Civic is redesigned, the hybrid version will move from its one-motor IMA system to a two-motor system that allows extensive electric-only driving. One motor powers the wheels; the other recharges the batteries. It will be a cheaper version of the same system that is in the Accord Hybrid.

CR-Z: The possibility of a gasoline-powered version of the hybrid coupe is being studied for the next generation arriving in summer 2015.

Accord: After being redesigned last fall, a two-motor hybrid version arrives this summer. The hybrid will team a 124-kilowatt electric motor with a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine for a projected 49 mpg. Expect the next redesign in the second half of 2017.

Crosstour: Balky styling has hindered customer acceptance. Designers are looking at something more akin to an Audi Allroad for the next generation, arriving in spring 2015.

FCX Clarity: Honda's hydrogen fuel cell vehicle will be redesigned in mid-2015. The vehicle likely will be shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in November. Honda recently signed a technology-sharing deal with General Motors to develop the next-generation fuel cell for 2020, but insisted that there will be no badge engineering.

CR-V: Redesigned for the 2013 model year; the next one is expected in the first half of 2017.

Element: There will be no new Element. The CR-V and Fit-based crossover will fill that space.

Pilot: The wheelbase for the recently redesigned Acura MDX, which was increased by 3 inches, will be carried over to the redesigned Pilot when it arrives this fall. But because the MDX has an expensive suspension system, expect some minor cost-shaving changes to suspension components to hit the Pilot's price point. Sheet metal should move away from the "angry robot" look. It likely will get a 3.5-liter Earth Dreams V-6 that generates around 310 hp and 265 pounds-feet of torque.

Odyssey: A freshened version, with an optional built-in vacuum cleaner, goes on sale this summer.

The next generation arrives in fall 2016 on the Acura MDX platform, although expect a lower-cost suspension -- possibly an air-spring setup -- to hit a lower price point. When redesigned, the Odyssey will receive the 3.5-liter Earth Dreams V-6.

Ridgeline: Honda sources insist the company needs to keep a unibody pickup offering, but its styling, fuel economy and sticker price are arguments against it. The current platform runs until fall 2014, but there are no signs of a replacement.

You can reach Mark Rechtin at mrechtin@crain.com. | Read more: at Autonews