Speco Thomas Gauges
Not merely a 'pretty face', Specometer gauges are said to be designed to perform at the highest level in vehicles powered by rotary, four, six and eight cylinder engines. Neat no-frills packaging is just one facet in a program designed to offer buyers high quality products at an affordable price. The range includes no less than six tachometers priced from around $80 up to $195 for the programmable 8000-rpm Shift-Light model - which is at least $100 under the price of comparable high quality brands. A quality fuel pressure gauge is less than $26 retail! Likewise, Specometer water temperature gauge pricing kicks off at around $37 and stops at around $64; the least expensive oil pressure gauge is just $34 with the range-topper selling at an incredibly affordable $60.
Specometer caters for most needs, whether it's a digital or analog clock, mechanical fuel level, oil temperature, amps or vacuum/boost gauges. In fact, new models are planned for introduction on a regular basis. The gauges are available in three size ranges: 2-inch with black bezel and black face, 2-5/8-inch with black bezel topped with a removable silver bezel and with either black or white face, and silver bodied 3-3/4-inch tachometers with white-faced dials.
Contact Speco Thomas on (03) 9555 7244, speco@hyperlink.net.au or look for Specometer gauges at all good Australian auto accessory outlets.
Honda Integra Preview
American Honda's luxury car division, Acura, debuted its RS-X sports coupe prototype at the North American International Auto Show. Acura Executive Vice President Dick Colliver says the RS-X prototype hints at the technology and styling direction of the new sports coupe that will replace the Integra. "With the introduction of a production version later this year, Acura's stable of class-leading luxury performance vehicles will be even stronger," he said. The RS-X prototype uses new and advanced engine technology in combination with rigid unit body construction, a highly aerodynamic body and sports-tuned chassis to apparently deliver exhilarating style and performance in a luxury-class sports coupe. The RS-X also boasts class-leading occupant safety and low emissions, providing state-of-the-art safety features, while meeting Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) standards.
Beneath the bonnet is a newly developed 2.0-litre, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC - or intelligent VTEC - engine with a cutting-edge valve-control system that produces 149kW and delivers superior fuel efficiency. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a close ratio six-speed manual transmission. Honda's new i-VTEC system combines the company's patented VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) system with new VTC (Variable Timing Control) that continuously adjust the camshaft phase according to the engine load.
The RS-X prototype's exterior styling is powerful and precise with short front and rear overhangs, sweeping curves and sharply chiselled accent lines. Aggressive 18-inch BBS light alloy wheels and 225/45R18 Michelin tyres enhance the RS-X's strong and solid appearance. The distinctive front fascia is highlighted by large, bright multi-reflector headlights, deeply bevelled chin spoiler and the signature Acura grille. The rear hatch features a sporty brow that extends above the four-lamp taillights and is complemented by a large-mouth chrome exhaust finisher. The RS-X has a cockpit-style interior with driver-oriented instruments and control surfaces. Interior highlights include perforated black leather trim, deeply-contoured Recaro sports seats, small diameter steering wheel, short throw gearshift lever and a silver-coloured reverse inset gauge cluster. A large greenhouse, low profile cowl and slim A- and B-pillars improve all round visibility.
The RS-X is equipped with a full list of luxury interior features, including power windows, mirrors and door locks, steering wheel-mounted cruise control, power sunroof and stereo with six in-dash CD player and boot-mounted subwoofer. The RS-X's sport-style handling and braking are provided by track-tuned fully independent front and rear suspension with large stabiliser bars and large-diameter 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS).
The production version of the Acura RS-X will debut at the New York Auto Show in April 2001.
Nissan Z Returns!
Nissan has revealed a new, near-production-ready Z sports car at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, just two years after the first Z Concept vehicle was rushed onto the North American auto show circuit as an initial styling and feasibility study. The new Nissan Z, which is scheduled to go on sale in the United States and Canada in mid-2002 as a 2003 model, is designed to be as revolutionary as the original Datsun 240Z was when it was introduced more than 30 years earlier. "The new Z promises to deliver the performance and high design qualities of today's cutting-edge sports cars at a truly affordable price," said Carlos Ghosn, president, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (NML). "Our overriding goal has been to build a memorable, no-compromise sports car while keeping the target price under $US30,000. This new Z meets all of our expectations. It is, quite simply, a stunning achievement."
Public, media and Nissan dealer reaction to the 1999 Z Concept styling exercise was overwhelming - helping accelerate the return of an affordable Nissan 2-seater to the North American market. But, unlike the previous Z Concept which had strong visual links to the original 1970 240Z, the new Z Concept is the company's latest expression of a contemporary sports car. "The design represents the Z brought into the 21st century," said Shiro Nakamura, design director, NML. "Our desire was to honour its 'Z-ness,' which is something no other company has, yet not be retro."
"To be successful in the marketplace, we know that the Z must inspire both appeal and appreciation," said Nakamura. "First, the design must offer strong visual and driving appeal. But, the Z must also be appreciated for the more practical side that comes with everyday ownership - durability, utility, comfort, reliability and low maintenance." Other "must haves" for the new Z were also taken from the first generation 240Z - a front engine/rear-wheel drive drivetrain configuration, two-seat interior, a powerful 6-cylinder engine and, of course, a simple and honest design. The new Z, like the original, features a true hatchback body.
"The Z is a car that everyone in the entire Nissan organisation wanted to work on and contribute to because of what the Z has meant to Nissan over the years," said Mr. Ghosn. "By staying true to the Z's rich heritage while looking strictly forward, I believe we've created a car that is emblematic of the new face of Nissan."
The design of the new Z was truly an international effort, with contributions from Nissan design studios in Japan and the U.S. from a concept developed at Nissan Design America (NDA), La Jolla, California. As fitting of its sports performance essence, the Z design is anchored by very aggressive wheel forms pushed all the way out to the corners. "A long wheelbase and wide stance provided a great starting place," said Diane Allen, chief designer, Red Studio, NDA. "Our first thought was to recreate the sensation of an open-wheeled Formula 1 car - all wheels and an intimate centre structure."
"We wanted the design to be an expression of agility - very three-dimensional and moving," said Mamoru Aoki, Product Chief Designer, Nissan Technical Centre (NTC). "The Z is very fluid and relaxed, from the curve of the door cut to the freeness and movement of the glass. It looks fast, but not just in a straight line. It's a simple yet exacting design, which gives the Z a polished feeling like you get from classic cars."
While retaining elements of both the first 240Z, such as the headlamp treatment, and the last generation 300ZX, the new Z also reflects a very modern, 'high design quality' appearance. "We had to find our own statement, which required a different way of putting the Z together - with a high tech, mechanical crispness balancing the more fluid shapes and sections," continued Allen. "We've played up the contrasts with the 'negative' centre section running through the positive wheel sections. The Z is not all positive and fat - it has a play between elements so you should never get bored with it." The Z's hood, roofline and rear deck are relatively flat, giving the sense that the centre is all one piece. The raised rear deck enhances the car's aerodynamics, eliminating the need for an external or articulated spoiler.
The Z's cockpit clearly establishes the car as an intimate two-seater with a small greenhouse and a squared-off rear window treatment reminiscent of the 240Z. "The cabin is purposely selfish so there is no mistaking the new Z for a sports coupe or a sports touring car," said Aoki. "We even avoided the use of a longer door because we didn't want to suggest that there's access to a rear seat." In addition to the hatchback coupe, a convertible version of the new Nissan Z is planned.
The instrument panel features three gauge pods, similar in design to the 240Z, as well as modern touches such as a navigation system with video display. The door vents and centre console have a solid, chiselled-from-a-block-of-aluminium look. The hatchback design is accentuated by functional storage space and an integrated aluminium rear suspension strut tower brace. The brace is finished to match the rest of the rear compartment and carries a Z logo, which is visible from outside the vehicle. "We want to emphasise the practical, performance nature of the strut brace by making it visible from the exterior - like looking at jewellery through a display case. The essence of the Z is performance and we want the design, inside and out, to reinforce that impression," said Allen.
Target performance for the new Z is extremely aggressive. "Though we are saving the details for later, our target for the new Z is to be the best handling, best performing volume sports car on the market," said Mr. Ghosn. "Its performance will match the high expectations that the design presents." The new Z will be powered by a 3.5-litre V6 producing in excess of 260 horsepower and target 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration of less than 6.0 seconds. Suspension for the rear-wheel drive vehicle will be a 4-wheel independent design. Both 6-speed manual and 5-speed automatic transmissions are planned.
Emissions Killer
A device said to be the most important breakthrough worldwide since catalytic converter will enable governments to set lower automotive and industrial emission levels. Industrial researchers in Melbourne have invented a novel microwave system for the treatment of exhaust gases from automotive engines. Reductions up to 90 per cent have been achieved for carbon dioxide (C02) and carbon monoxide (CO).
The "microwave emissions converter" is believed to be the most important breakthrough anywhere in the world for reducing automotive exhaust gases, since the development of the catalytic converter. Pioneering research work on this development, for which an Australian patent has been granted, was carried out by Professor Elias Siores and Dr. Carlos Destefani at the Industrial Research Institute Swinbume (IRIS), which is part of Swinbume University of Technology.
Suited to use in petrol and diesel internal combustion engines, the process uses microwave energy to break down exhaust gases to their basic constituents, and therefore reduce the emission of harmful gases. Reduction levels are the same in vehicles with or without catalytic converters, so that the already reduced harmful emissions from a catalytic converter will be further reduced substantially. It also reduces nitrogen oxides by recirculating the gas after ionisation through the same system. In addition, it reduces hydrocarbons substantially, while increasing the output of oxygen significantly.
Hot gases after ionisation can be channelled at high velocity into a turbo changer in order to substantially decrease turbo lag associated with low revolutions.
Built as an inexpensive device that can be attached to normal exhaust systems, the microwave emissions converter is silent in operation, needs minimum power, does not present any health hazards and can be maintained as part of the normal routine service of an automobile. Constructed of aluminium and weighing only a few kilograms, it will not affect noticeably the overall weight of a vehicle. It could be installed in all normal vehicles whether they are old or new. The concept can be applied also to gas effluents from industrial plant emissions.
Quickies
- Proton's new GX has aroused an overwhelming response following its display at the recent Sydney International Motor Show, with thousands of people requesting information on the Malaysian developed car. The Proton GX will be released onto the Australian market around September 2001and more than 500 potential customers expressed a firm desire to purchase one of the new Protons during its time on display at the Sydney Motor Show.
- In a bold move reminiscent of Holden's HSV and Ford's Tickford range, Honda motorcycles has opened the first of a number of HRC specialist stores in Australia. HRC, otherwise known as Honda Racing Corporation, produce high-performance parts and accessories for many Honda models for both road and off-road models.
- Jim Murcott, Australia's foremost pioneer of advanced and defensive driver training, has died in Melbourne, four months after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. He was 57.
- General Motors and Toyota has announced a jointly developed vehicle. The Vibe is a result of the two companies leveraging technology, engineering, design, manufacturing and people resources. General Motors North America proposed the overall vehicle concept and provided its design. Toyota engineered and developed the vehicle based on GM's and Toyota's requirements. The Vibe will be produced at the New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI) facility in Fremont, California. Pontiac will market the Vibe in the United States and Canada and a right-hand drive version will be exported to Japan and marketed by Toyota.
- Jaguar Racing today has unveiled its new Formula One car for the 2001 FIA Formula One World Championship. The Jaguar R2 was launched at Jaguar's design and engineering centre at Whitley, Coventry, in the UK.
- Toyota has sold more vehicles in a year than ever before to become the Number One automotive make in Australia. Figures released today by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries reveal Toyota as outright winner, 3,771 ahead of Holden for 2000.
