Mazda Tribute Hybrid

Description:
Mazda will unveil the all-new 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid-Electric Vehicle (HEV) at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. With a hydrogen-powered version of the RX-8 and a hydrogen-powered hybrid version of the MAZDA 5 undergoing extensive testing in Japan, the Tribute HEV is the latest environmentally friendly vehicle to join the Mazda lineup.

2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid Electric Vehicle Features

A special 2.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine features Atkinson-cycle combustion for improved efficiency and produces 133 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. A 70-kWatt (equivalent to 94 horsepower) electric traction motor provides an added boost to the drive wheels when maximum acceleration is desired. A generator-motor recharges the batteries, starts the engine and helps regulate how the two propulsion channels blend together in the transaxle. A special electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission (eCVT) harnesses internal combustion and electric power sources to drive the vehicle. A 330-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery pack located and sealed at the rear load floor stores electrical energy. An electronic vehicle system controller manages charging, drive assist and engine-starting functions. This device shuts the engine down during coasting and at stoplights to save fuel. It also converts the traction motor into a generator during braking to help recharge the batteries.

Who exactly would pay £4.7 million for a Ferrari, even a really nice 330 Testa Rossa, asks Tim Pollard

So a Le Mans-winning 1962 Ferrari 330 TRI/LM Testa Rossa Spyder has just sold for a record £4.7 million. I can just imagine the oohs and ahhs echoing around the Leggenda e Passione sale in Italy, competing for attention above the champagne corks and congratulatory back-slapping.

I recognise this rare vehicle is incredibly special. Phil Hill's company car was the last front-engined Ferrari sports car. Arguably the most accomplished racer ever to wear the Pracing Horse badge even. And achingly beautiful to boot. But is it really worth £4.7 million?

This got me thinking. Being a mere journalist, I find it hard to comprehend such values. They're out of reach for us mere mortals, yet you've got to admire the balls of the collectors who stump up such wallet-wilting sums of money. On the face of it, no construct of metal, rubber and glass can ever be worth nearly five mill, can it? And yet this car is steeped with history of the very finest order and I applaud those who choose to save them for posterity. I just pray the buyers see the car as a spiritual, rather than merely financial, investment.

Still, it's not as crazy as Michael Schumacher's pants. A set of his racing underwear went for $742. I hope the buyer displays them prominently on his mantlepiece.

Honda Unveils "Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept" at The 2007 Geneva Motorshow

GENEVA, Switzerland, March 6, 2007–Honda has unveiled a concept model which represents its interpretation of how a future hybrid model might appear. Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept, a design study model, demonstrates a unique fusion of advanced environmental technology, exciting styling and fun-to-drive characteristics. This is its world premiere for the model, which has been penned by the design studio at Honda R&D Europe based in Offenbach, Germany. The Small Hybrid Sports Concept is conceived around a front-wheel drive, small car platform and is powered by a Honda IMA 4-cylinder petrol/electric hybrid system driving through a CVT transmission. It explores the idea that a car can have a low environmental impact yet still deliver all the driving enjoyment expected of a compact sports car.

The aerodynamic design is characterised by curvaceous and contoured surfaces contrasting with sharp “folded” edges. The short front and rear overhangs, together with wheelarches that wrap tightly around large wheels, further enhance the dramatic looks of this sports coupe. An accentuated, arrow-like nose features a full width air intake with Civic family overtones. This sweeps forward into a distinct protruding centre section complete with ‘H’ logo.

The Concept model’s fluid lines are created by a steeply raked windscreen which extends back above the occupants’ heads where it meets a one piece glass roof. This in turn flows rearwards to give the car its fastback styling, terminating in a distinctive and futuristic 3D floating glass design – a concave element which forms an additional vertical window. At its base, further distinction is provided by a ‘floating’ LED tail light unit that stretches across the full width of the car. At its centre, the glass panel extends downwards and contains an illuminated ‘Small Hybrid Sports’ name plate.

The Hybrid Sports Concept is equipped with 165/60 section tyres mounted on 20-inch distinctive rims. Their dimension supports low rolling resistance without compromising sporty driving.

Compact external dimensions lend themselves to nimble, agile performance on the road and help to ensure a good power to weight ratio. 4000 mm in length, 1270 mm tall and 1760 mm wide, and the 2350 mm wheelbase, in conjunction with a sports suspension, delivers stable and predictable handling characteristics.

The body is particularly aerodynamically efficient and compact. Rear-facing digital cameras take the place of conventional door mirrors.