Honda launches a modular SUV in Japan

Having launched the CR-V, which is possibly Honda's best selling SUV in the world, the company has started sales of a new smaller model, the CrossRoad which has a third row of seat. This is something unique (or even puzzling) since the new CR-V only manages 2 rows of seats. The CrossRoad is particularly aimed at young adults, as even its exterior styling is heavily differentiated from its model range, with octagonal shaped windows. At first glance the CrossRoad seems like a replacement for the HR-V which was long axed, but it might actually be a new successor to the Honda Element. This is especially evident in the black plastic moldings on the wheel arches, though higher specced vehicles come with body-coloured plastics.



In order to appeal to the young, the car has been made as a front wheel drive vehicle, instead of a full time 4WD. In addition, luggage space is severely limited in the interior should the 3rd row seats be made to accommodate humans. The CrossRoad will be powered by 2 kinds of VTEC engines, the 1.8 and 2.0-litre and 4 wheel drive will be made an option in addition to a variety of accessories and kits for the car.

Takeaway: Honda targets the young adults who are active and with a range of kits available, the car might just be a success following the Element in the US.

The Gallardo Superleggera - a rival for the Stradale?

Lamborghini gave the world a preview of the latest Gallardo variant in the Geneva Auto Show 2007. Designed as more of a race-track road car (note the self-contradictory statement), the Superleggera has shed around 154 lbs (or around 70kg) by undergoing numerous structural changes to the base Gallardo's body. Key changes includes the use of carbon fibre panels for the rear diffuser, undertray, the rearview-mirror housings, the interior door panels, the central tunnel, and the engine cover.


In addition to making it lighter, the engine ECU has been remapped to release an extra 10hp for a total of 523hp, making it all the more powerful. Naturally this leads to a reduction in acceleration timing, allowing for a 0-60 time of 3.8 seconds. Lamrborghini is also throwing in the 6-speed e-gear transmission to further entice buyers. In addition, a sports package including shock absorbers; and special suede-covered steering wheel will be made available. Only four colors will be made available for this special edition and yellow is definitely one of them. A new special Scorpius forged rims adds on to the visual effect.

Takeaway: A very suitable mid-life boost for the Gallardo but makeover for a lightweight car seems to be restrained.

Another sleek coupe from Audi

Audi showed the world the TT and followed up with a Nuvolari mid-size coupe based on the A6 in 2003. Now the car is ready in production form as the A5 and the performance-oriented S5, to be powered by Audi's V8 FSI Engine. With the traditional luxurious cabin from Audi, the A5 is targeted as a grand touring vehicle with an avantgarde styling.


From the unmistakable chrome-lined front grile to a side line dominated by the mighty trapezoidal C pillar, the car is connected by a graceful flowing line. According to Audi, this is to emphasize the sporty nature as well as to create a look reminiscent of the legendary Audi Ur-quattro. Unlike BMW with its famed 'angel-eyes' the A5's daytime running lights comprise a strip of eight LEDs on each side, giving the new Xenon plus headlights a distinctive look.


By using a slightly modified version of the A6, the A5's interior can be customized in 2-tone colour schemes. Meanwhile, the Audi S line exterior package provides more distinctive front and rear bumpers. The S line sports package interior includes items such as sports seats, steering wheel and gear lever in perforated leather, black headlining, and special inlays.

Takeaway: Sleek, smart coupe (albeit a bit conservative) that bridges the 2-door range of Audi from the TT to the R8.

BMW M3 Concept at Geneva

Above pictures are official from BMW M GmbH acting as a teaser for the forthcoming M3. The car dimensions and base body design are based on the 3 Series Coupé (codenamed E92). The front end of the car is meant to convey a high performance sports car, with redesigned features like the larger air intakes and the engine compartment lid now has a robust Powerdome to express the larger V8 engine tuned to the high revs of M series cars.

By the side, the car shows a more pronounced wheel arches, gill-shaped openings in the front side walls with an elaborate 3-D design typical of M cars, and chrome brackets with integrated direction indicators. The concept M3, though, uses the same 19" rims that was in the last generation M3 CSL production cars. Maybe the concept was rushed, or maybe they noticed that the CSL rims was popular. Another striking design differentiation was the side mirrors that seems affixed with 2 joints, and doesn't seem to be fold-able.


At the end of the car, quad pipes was an expected feature alongside a more fussy rear apron. The design is clear to differentiate the M3 from its lesser brethren. Inside the car, the 3 series interior is little changed except for the addition of alcantra-trimmed sports steering wheel and a larger gear shifter knob. The car, being focused to be a high performance sports uses an intelligent lightweight construction that is a norm for BMW now since it came out with the CSL. With side walls made of synthetic material and a carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) roof, the new M3 looks set to provide BMW with another ultimate driving machine.

Takeaway: Seems like a rushed concept that most BMW fans would expect of for the new M3.