The First Generation (1993-1997)

The 1993 début car that kicked off the Altima series was designed by the Nissan Design Center in California to replace the Nissan Stanza.

Interestingly, the new car wore the “Stanza” emblem of its predecessor on its trunk because Nissan was unable to come up with a model name to submit to US governmental agencies by the Nissan release deadline.

The Altima featured a 2.4 liter, 150 hp 4-cylinder engine, driver’s airbag, and 21/29 mpg, 5-speed Manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, and rear disk brakes, and was presented as an affordable and peppy luxury sedan. The goal was to improve Nisaan’s report with American consumers, and it resulted in an overall rating of 48 within its class during this debut year.

In 1994 a passenger airbag was added along with 3-point manual seatbelts.

The major changes made to the 1995 Altima were that they changed the grille pattern to horizontal bars (instead of the previous honeycomb design), along with redesigning the taillights and hubcaps.

Nissan decided to keep the same basic design in 1996 and made no significant changes to this year’s model.

The 1997 was about the same except that side-impact door beams were added to a 1997 ½ model after a federal mandate required them.

The Second Generation (1998-2001)

Altima got a whole new makeover in 1998. It shared some of the same basic features, but became available in four trim levels that were powered by 16-valve, 2.4 liter, 150 horsepower engine with 4-cylinders.  Each one, except for the GLE, had a 5-speed manual and optional automatic transmission. Automatic transmission, buckets seats, keyless entry, power accessories, and anti-lock brakes are some of the features that were standard on the GLE.

Only a few changes were made on the Nissan Altima’s line in 1999; the main ones being redesigned windshield wipers, power antennas, and added alloy wheels.

A major makeover took place in 2000 bringing the Altima lineup added features that included available side airbags, cross braces in the engine bay, redesigned front and back fascias, tweaked steering and suspension, rear cup holders, and standard 16-inch tires in the SE and GLE.

There were no significant modifications to the 2001 Altima line.

The Third Generation (2002-2006)

Another overhaul in design happened in 2002 with the Altima growing as a result, with the wheelbase becoming 7 inches taller, and the length increasing 5.7 inches. All models had power windows, standard manual, or automatic, transmission, foldable rear seats, standard anti-lock brakes, side-impact airbags, power door locks, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel.

The 2003 lineup didn’t change much. The SE got a sunroof, rear spoiler, xenon headlights, and premium audio. The SL became exclusively an automatic transmission car and got wood trim, and heated seats and mirrors.

Altima remained unchanged in 2004.

The SE-R was added to the 2005 Nissan Altima model lineup, bringing with it manual and optional 5-speed automatic transmission, and a 260-horsepower V6 engine. A redesigned interior trim and an optional navigation system were added to all models.

In 2006 no significant changes were made to any model.

The Forth Generation (2007-2010)

Redesigned in 2007, the new models were given a whole new style in appearance as-well-as additional standard safety features. All Altima models received 4-wheel disc brakes (anti-lock with V6 engine models), and standard side and curtain airbags.  The Altima Hybrid was introduced as well, sold only in specific areas of the US, sporting a 4-cylinder engine with a 198-horsepower engine, and no required electrical plug-in.

Splash guards, a Diversity Antenna, and anti-lock brakes became standard in all 2008 models. Satellite radio became an option.

The 2009 Nissan Altima lineup was mostly untouched, with the only change being that they made the Hybrid a little more widely available in the US.

Only a few features were added to the 2010 series including, Standard VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Stability), and a redesigned optional audio system.

Safety and Some Trouble Spots

Over the years these changes have made the overall rating increase from 48 to 63, putting it above many of its counterparts in the same clase. This makes it easy to see why it has grown to be one of the best selling cars in America.

How the Honda FCX Fuel Cell Works

This alternative fuel vehicle uses compressed hydrogen as its onboard fuel, instead of gasoline. It does this using an electric motor to run on electricity that is generated by a fuel cell stack that uses hydrogen as an energy source.

Fuel cells have generally been considered impractical two reasons. First off, they were expensive to produce, making them less than cost effective. Secondly, because most fuel cells tend to have an internal vapor environment, if temperatures were to reach below freezing, the fuel cell tended to freeze up – making it where the fuel cell (and you car) couldn’t start up.

According to Honda their FCX fuel cell stack has been designed to withstand sub-freezing temperatures and is proven to have dependable cold-start performance.

Highlights of the FCX

The Clarity has a 267 mile driving range, which is more than a 50 mile improvement over past models. This makes it the perfect car to drive in, and around, the city for work and other commuter type tasks.

There is also a motor-controlled traction control system (TCS) for traction on slippery, or snowy, roads – assuring peace of mind while driving in less than perfect conditions.

Its 134 horsepower electric engine has 3,056 rpm torque and reaches an estimated top speed of 93 miles an hour, slightly less than a normal gasoline car, but good for an electric automobile.

The safety features include 3-point seat belts in all seats, dual-stage and dual-threshold front airbags (SRS), side curtain airbags, Anti-lock brakes (ABS), tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), child-proof rear door locks, emergency trunk release, driver and front passenger seat belt reminder, and daytime running lights.

Some of the exterior features that come standard are a security system and remote entry system with trunk release.

For comfort and convenience, the Clarity offers dual-zone automatic climate control, a satellite linked navigation system, Bluetooth hands-free link, rear and front beverage holders, remote start key, power door locks, and a 12-volt power outlet.

Unlike other fuel cell stacks, the Honda Claity FCX has no CO2 or other harmful emissions.

Clarity Get’s Accolades

For many of the above reasons the Honda FCX was named the “World Green car” in 2009, showing just how far it has passed the rest of the cars in its class, and making it stand out as one of the best hydrogen vehicle option available right now.

Home Hydrogen Station

Additionally, Honda has prepared a hydrogen refueling station that makes refueling a convenient. This station is small enough to put in the garage and not only produces energy for use in Clarity’s fuel cells, but also supplies electricity and hot water to the house as it does so.

Ford announced recently that they will be investing approximately $135 million toward designing, engineering, and producing key components for five new hybrid vehicles they plan on making statewide. These next generation Ford hybrid-electric vehicles, and their components, will go into production in 2012 here in the United States and will create much needed economic stimulus for a Michigan populous that has been hard-hit by the recession.

The Long-Term Plan

One way that they are doing this is by bringing home green technology jobs that were being out-sourced to other countries.

The advanced lithium-ion battery packs that were previously been produced by a supplier in Mexico will now be done in the Rawsonville plant. These are specifically designed for the new 2012 line, which will include the new global CD-car platform hybrid, and the new global C-car hybrid.

The Van Dyke Transmission Plant will produce the electric drive transaxle (a combined front axle and transmission) that is currently done by a supplier in Japan. The new electric, front wheel drive, transaxle will be internally designed and engineered to be used in the five models of Ford Hybrids.

According to one spokesman, these five models will make up a large part of Ford’s full lineup of green vehicles and are likely to put them on the frontline of green vehicle development. And that is a place they want to be. The larger goal is to make an entire family of hybrids, and full electric vehicles, available to Ford customers throughout the world. Ford is well on the way to achieving this goal.

Current Progress

The 2001 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is a good example of how Ford is scaling up to reach that target. By using technology from the best selling U.S. Hybrid, the Ford Fusion, they are avoiding redesigning an award winning and already highly functional system. They are, however, refining the Fusion system in order to improve its 41 miles to the gallon gas mileage, and fine-tuning the way the power shifts from the motor and engine.

This Lincoln MKZ will have a revamped body style and interior this year as well. The exterior will boast stretched tail lights, new trim, updated dashboard and gauges, including a SmartGauge that has an EcoGuide.  The interior will have eco-friendly veneers, and leather seats that use a chromium-free tanning process.

When everything in said and done, this will be the premier luxury hybrid sedan, both in features that are offered and overall good gas mileage. Aimed at an eco-conscience market, this is likely to appeal to those who have the money to spend on a useful ecologically friendly luxury car.

The Re-Cap

For green car fans that are looking for a purer breed of hybrid, they may want to wait for the new generation line, which will have more to offer electric aficionados with a lineup that will include the Transit Connect Electric, Focus Electric, the next-generation C-car platform, and the C-max Hybrid Electric.

In the meantime, Ford is continuing its efforts in forwarding hybrid technology to a wider range of its vehicles and products, improving existing product efficiency, and is consistently moving toward the goal of having as-much-as 25 percent of its vehicles powered by electric motors and batteries in the coming decade.

A larger turbo charger, high lift cams and a free flow exhaust system coupled with revised fuel injection were responsible for the power increase of 37 percent to a remarkable 141 bhp/liter. It certainly goes like a supercar and can hold most Ferraris and Porsche to 100 mph; it will outdrag just about everything up to 30 mph, reached in just1.6 seconds, thanks to its four wheel drive grip, first gear has been strengthened too!.

Porsche work goes a little further than the power train; the suspension is lowered and stiffened, the alloy wheels carry lower profile tyres and Porsche 4-pot brake calipers are fitted. So it has all that it needs to be fast and safe. Don’t expect too much comfort, though. It is very well trimmed, it has all the interior fitments that you would ever expect and it is quiet car at speed, but the ride is somewhat bouncy.

The suspension has to be stiff to keep a relatively tall body under control at the very high cornering speeds it can generate. It is very much a sports car and performance is what it is all about. In fact few of the establishments’ sports cars have six speed gearbox, but this can be used very effectively to produce the electrifying acceleration figures, and you have a gear for every occasion, necessary to ensure that you aren’t caught out by turbo-lag below 3000 rpm.

Adding all that power to the top end has left a relative hole at the lower end of the rev scale – the S2 is quicker form 30-50 mph in 4th gear than RS2. Audi are no strangers to the sporting word; with the 1980 Quattro they rewrote the rally car design rules and achieved considerable competition success.

Then, as now, they used a turbocharged 5 cylinder engine mounted in line ahead of the driven front wheel, the normal Audi layout with rear drive for the Quattro versions coming form the rear of the gearbox. Fastest of the production rally Audis was the 1984 Sport Quattro SI with 300 bhp form the special 4 valve engine; it would reach 155 mph and do the 0-60 mph dash in 5 seconds; the competition evolution could develop over 400 bhp.

Ten years on, we have the S2 and RS2, evolved for the road. While the RS2 is not quite the most expensive Audi, at over $45,000, it is almost three times the UK price of the outwardly similar 1.6 liter 80 Estate. It fits more naturally into the Porsche range. Priced between the 968 and 911, it is the understated supercar for the family man and his dog…
]]> http://blog.norcalcars.com/awesome-audi-rs2/feed/ 3 http://blog.norcalcars.com/the-power-of-dream-honda-civic-2009/ http://blog.norcalcars.com/the-power-of-dream-honda-civic-2009/#comments Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:12:53 +0000 Fahad Majidi http://blog.norcalcars.com/the-power-of-dream-honda-civic-2009/ When it comes to capturing the market of cars we can plainly see a lot of hot competition going on in the market. When the word capture is used companies have to take care of factors such as stock units, safety of the car, performance, family integration and last but not least a reasonable price tag. One can not even think of getting near the market if the price tag of their product is not reasonable and that the company does not have the ability to provide many units to the market. Some times manufacturers might face the problem that they make a car too expensive and when they fail to impress the customers they might waste all the research and development money in one go.

When the word market is taken we have to consider it as a market consisting of middle class people because in comparison we would find out that they happen to be at least be 90% of the market. The line of super cars and luxury vehicles are not enough to get people in your hand because many might not be able to buy them and preferably would get their hands on something more an average car.

When speaking of the current market one of the great manufacturers that has taken its rise from Japan and now is getting ready to dominate the world of cars is Honda. Now it is also very interesting that along with the traditional family cars Honda is also releasing sports cars as well too. Speaking of family cars one of the greatest presentations which has rooted from Honda and has also gotten into other areas of the planet one of the name that stands out prominently is the Honda Civic. Getting its first production in 1973 the Honda civic has been improved quite a lot too.

Now recently we witnessed the birth of another civic in the Honda family. The new civic has revived the true pride of the civic trademark. The front fender has been changed from a round fender which was used in the civic 2005 to a new one featuring air intakes along with a sporty appearance. The lights have been changed and now the civic features lamp lights along with LEDs too. The tail lights have been changed and now the civic has more of some retro lights at the back. The indicators have been reallocated and attached to the side mirrors which in accordance with the look make the civic look more deadly.

If a new hybrid car is in your future you will no doubt be interested in checking out what Government Incentives are available for new Hybrid cars purchases. There are many 2009 hybrid cars that qualify for a government tax credit as well as a list for 2010.

IRS tax credits can go as high as $3,400 for a 2010 Ford Fusion or a 2010 Mercury Milan hybrid. Credits go down to $1,550 for vehicles like the 2009 Saturn Vue, 2009 Saturn Aura and 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. It’s also important to check the phase out period. These credits start phasing out after the manufacturer has sold over 60,000 eligible cars dropping to 50%, 25% and finally no credit.

You can find vehicles that qualify for IRS tax credits from a number of manufacturers including Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, and Toyota.

While not related directly to hybrid cars, the Senate passed a new bill today (H.R. 2346) to give incentives to get rid of your old car in favor of a more fuel efficient car even if the new car is not a hybrid. The “cash for clunkers” program will reward car buyers for choosing a new car that gets at least 4 miles per gallon better than their old car. For trucks, sport utility vehicles, and minivans a 2 mpg increase will get an incentive of $3500, if you get something that gets 5 or more mpg higher the incentive increases to $4,500. This program is outlined as part of the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act

Now, if your standard hybrid car is a little too tame for you, perhaps you would like to go with a pure electric sports car like the Tesla Model S from Tesla Motors. The Model S has a $49,000 MSRP and qualifies for a $7,500 US Federal tax credit. This car provides quite a kick with a 0-60 mph in 5.6 second track time. With all that power it can still go up to 300 miles on a 45 minute QuickCharge. And yes they do have a Northern California Dealer; it’s located in Menlo Park, California.

If you have a little more green in your pocket that you would like to spend on a green environment and 0-60 in 5.6 seconds is a little boring, you can also look into Telsa’s Roadster or Roadster Sport which are able to deliver that 0-60 in 3.9 and 3.7 seconds both at a bit higher price tag, around $101,500 after the government tax incentive.

In addition to the Tax credits for hybrid and full electric cars the Government also has incentive programs for Diesels providing energy tax credits. The selection is not as good as the hybrid tax credit and nether is the amount of the credit. Energy Tax Credits for Diesel run from $1,800 for the Mercedes-Benz GL 320 BlueTec and the 2009 BMW X5 xDrive35d Activity Vehicle down to $900 for the 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML 320 BlueTec and the 2009 BMW 335d sedan. Other manufacturers qualifying for Diesel Energy Tax Credits include Volkswagen and Audi.

One other tax credit thet may be of interest is for alternative fuel vehicles. At this time only the 2009 Honda Civic GX qualifies with a tax credit amount of $4,000. Alternative fuel vehicle use fuels like compressed natural gas.

Whatever your choice, if your looking to purchase a new “green” car, you might want to check www.fueleconomy.gov to see if there is a Energy tax credit that might take some of the strain off your wallet.

* Roadster image from Tesla