Honda crx 2011

Honda crx 2011

 Honda crx 2011

Honda's CR-Z hybrid coupe remains on track as a 2011 model, on sale in late 2010. Honda wants sports-car enthusiasts to buy it not because it's green, but because it's fun. The carmaker considered doing a non-hybrid version of the CR-Z, but it desperately wants to be seen as a hybrid supplier on par with Toyota and believes it needs a range of dedicated hybrid-only models to achieve that.

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So the CR-Z gets a lively 140-horse, 1.8-liter Civic-derived engine. The IMA system -- motor, battery, electronics -- will be like the Insight's, as will the platform, to save cost. A senior engineer says, "It must be fun to drive, must remind you of the original CRX." And a manual gearbox will be offered. "CVT is fine for the market, mostly. But we are Honda! We must have a manual!"

As a two-seater, the CR-Z's smaller body mass versus the Insight should make up for the weight of the bigger engine, brakes, and tires. So a 2800-pound total, with lots of electric-assist torque and a revvy gasoline engine, should make it the real deal as a pocket performance coupe.

 Honda crx 2011

 Honda crx 2011

 Honda crx 2011

 Honda crx 2011

 Honda crx 2011

 Honda crx 2011

 Honda crx 2011

2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

 2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

Revealed barely months after the launch of the new E-Class sedan, the 2010 Mercedes Benz E63 AMG marks a departure from the usual AMG formula. A big horsepower, big block V-8 -- in this case the AMG-designed 6.2L M156 V-8, which punches out 518 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque -- remains the heart of the car. But Mercedes-AMG boss Volker Mornhinweg promises a radical improvement in handling as well. Canyon carving agility, rather than brute horsepower, is the new mantra at AMG (at least for its smaller sedans). The new E63 therefore boasts an entirely new front suspension, with a track that's been widened 2.2 in. over the standard E-Class.

Other changes include steel front springs (more sensitive than air springs, which are retained at the rear for ride height control, says AMG), a tubular stabilizer bar, new control arms, new wheel bearings, new bushing geometry and kinematics, and new wheel location for more negative camber. The rack-and-pinion steering features a 14:1 ratio, 22 percent quicker than the regular E-Class. The new E63 also gets the latest version of the Speedshift wet clutch seven-speed transmission that debuted last year in the SL63. The transmission has four modes -- "C" (for "controlled efficiency," says Benz, not comfort), "S" (sport), "S+" (sport plus) and "M" (manual). In full-commando manual mode, the transmission switches ratios in 100 milliseconds. And it offers launch control.

Mornhinweg claims the E63 will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 sec. Top speed is limited to 155 mph, though if you order the optional AMG Performance Package, they'll re-flash the computer to allow you to reach 186 mph. The Performance Package (as if the regular E63 is soft-core) also buys you lightweight 19-in. forged alloy wheels (standard wheels are 18 in.), stiffer springs, and a trick locking rear diff. Oh, and a three spoke steering wheel. The E63 AMG makes its U.S. sales debut in November.

2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

 2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

2010 mercedes-benz e63 amg

Revealed barely months after the launch of the new E-Class sedan, the 2010 Mercedes Benz E63 AMG marks a departure from the usual AMG formula. A big horsepower, big block V-8 -- in this case the AMG-designed 6.2L M156 V-8, which punches out 518 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque -- remains the heart of the car. But Mercedes-AMG boss Volker Mornhinweg promises a radical improvement in handling as well. Canyon carving agility, rather than brute horsepower, is the new mantra at AMG (at least for its smaller sedans). The new E63 therefore boasts an entirely new front suspension, with a track that's been widened 2.2 in. over the standard E-Class.

Other changes include steel front springs (more sensitive than air springs, which are retained at the rear for ride height control, says AMG), a tubular stabilizer bar, new control arms, new wheel bearings, new bushing geometry and kinematics, and new wheel location for more negative camber. The rack-and-pinion steering features a 14:1 ratio, 22 percent quicker than the regular E-Class. The new E63 also gets the latest version of the Speedshift wet clutch seven-speed transmission that debuted last year in the SL63. The transmission has four modes -- "C" (for "controlled efficiency," says Benz, not comfort), "S" (sport), "S+" (sport plus) and "M" (manual). In full-commando manual mode, the transmission switches ratios in 100 milliseconds. And it offers launch control.

Mornhinweg claims the E63 will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 sec. Top speed is limited to 155 mph, though if you order the optional AMG Performance Package, they'll re-flash the computer to allow you to reach 186 mph. The Performance Package (as if the regular E63 is soft-core) also buys you lightweight 19-in. forged alloy wheels (standard wheels are 18 in.), stiffer springs, and a trick locking rear diff. Oh, and a three spoke steering wheel. The E63 AMG makes its U.S. sales debut in November.