kuruma

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    Audi’s global EV sales increased 66%, “Q4 e-tron” performed well. First quarter of 2022 .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Audi’s EV global sales up 66%, strong Q4 e-tron sales in Q1 20222022 Apr 16, 2022, 06:15 PM

    Audi e-tron SportbackAudi e-tron
    On April 14, Audi announced the global new EV sales results for the first quarter of 2022 (January-March). Total sales were 24,200 vehicles. This is a 66.2% increase over the same period last year.

    Audi is accelerating its electrification strategy, aiming to expand the number of electric models to approximately 30 by 2025, of which more than 20 will be EVs. 2021 alone will see the e-tron GT, RS e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron, Q4 Sportback e-tron, and Four new EV models are counted.

    Audi’s global new EV sales in the first quarter of 2022 were 24,200 units, up 66.2% year-on-year. The Q4 e-tron electric SUV and the Q4 Sportback e-tron electric SUV coupe sold a total of 30,300 units in the first quarter, contributing to the 66.2% YoY growth.

    The e-tron electric SUV and the e-tron Sportback electric SUV coupe also sold a total of 10,300 units. Audi plans to use only EVs for new models to be launched after 2026. The company will continue to accelerate its electrification strategy.

    Audi’s global new vehicle sales of EVs in 2021 will be 81,894 units. This is a 57.5% increase over the previous year.”

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    Honda HR-V new model, wider than Japanese Vezel? .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “New Honda HR-V, more spacious than Japan’s Vezel? …Interior of the North American specsWednesday, April 13, 2022 8:30 PM

    New Honda HR-V (North American spec.)
    On April 12, American Honda Motor, the U.S. division of Honda, released new photos of the all-new HR-V (equivalent to the Vezel in Japan). It is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. market this summer.

    The new HR-V for North America differs significantly in appearance from the Japanese version of the new Vezel. The front mask of the new HR-V has a honeycomb grille with a large opening in the center. The rear is not equipped with the garnish characteristic of the new Vezel, and the tail lamps are also exclusively designed.

    New photos of the new HR-V show the interior and cargo area. According to American Honda, the new model is sporty and versatile, perfect for young, active customers who want ample space and practicality for a fun driving experience and adventurous lifestyle.

    In addition, Honda’s new interior design language, “”Simplicity and Something,”” which was first used in the new 11th generation Civic, has been expanded to the new HR-V. The premium cabin is said to be feature-rich and flexible in use, with more comfortable rear seats and a larger cargo area.”

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    Nissan Leaf renews exterior … 2023 model announced in the United States .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Nissan LEAF gets a new look on the outside…2023 model unveiled in the U.S. on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at 3:30 p.m.
    Nissan LEAF 2023 (U.S. specifications)

    On April 12, Nissan’s U.S. division unveiled the 2023 Nissan Leaf in the United States.

    The 2023 model features a redesigned exterior. The front of the car features a newly designed grille and bumper molding, and the headlights have a black inner finisher. The Nissan emblem is now luminescent.

    In addition, the rear under-diffuser, rear spoiler, and tire deflectors have been reshaped to enhance aerodynamic performance. The higher grades are equipped with newly designed 5-spoke 17-inch aluminum wheels as standard equipment.

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    [Toyota bZ4X / Subaru Solterra] Equipped with various electric products of DENSO .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Toyota bZ4X/Subaru Solterra: Equipped with various electrification products from Denso2022/4/13 (Wed) 14:00
    Current Sensor

    Toyota bZ4X (left)/Subaru Soltera (right)ESU (Electricity Supply Unit)High-efficiency eco heat pump system radiation heater
    DENSO has developed products that contribute to improving the utility of electric vehicles (EVs) by extending cruising range, shortening charging time, and extending battery life. Each product will be used in the Toyota bZ4X, scheduled for release on May 12, and the Subaru Solterra, scheduled for release in mid-2022.

    The newly developed electrification products include a current sensor that detects electric current, an ESU (Electricity Supply Unit) that integrates charging, power conversion, and power distribution functions, a high-efficiency eco heat pump system that uses heat from the atmosphere as a heat source for air conditioning, and a radiant heater that warms occupants’ knees. Other features include sensors that detect battery temperature and voltage, a battery monitoring ECU that monitors battery status, and a BEV ECU that aggregates information and controls energy, as well as the company’s inverter in the new BluE Nexus eAxle.

    EVs without internal combustion engines have batteries as their only source of energy. Minimizing the energy required and efficiently recovering and using up the energy will lead to improved practicality. Aiming for efficient energy management throughout the entire vehicle, DENSO is developing technologies from the perspective of monitoring vehicle conditions and efficiently controlling and utilizing energy.

    In order to maximize energy utilization, it is important to have an accurate and detailed understanding of the vehicle’s condition. bZ4X and Solterra use a new current sensor that detects the battery charge and discharge current, and an ESU that performs charging, power conversion, and power distribution functions. Vehicle information obtained through these products will be used for efficient energy control.

    Current Sensor
    By renewing the IC used in the previous product and adopting a coreless type that detects current without using a magnetic core, which would increase the product volume, the new product can handle high currents in the ±1200A range required for electric vehicles, while also achieving a 40% reduction in product volume. In addition, the adoption of the magnetic equilibrium type, which is less susceptible to the effects of magnetization, a factor that can cause measurement errors, has improved the current detection accuracy.

    ESU (Electricity Supply Unit)
    A group of products indispensable for electric vehicles, such as the integrated charging ECU that controls battery charging and Toyota Industries Corporation’s AC chargers and DCDC converters, are integrated into a single unit. The smaller size and lighter weight of the vehicle increases the capacity of the battery that can be installed, contributing to an extended cruising range and increased living space. The ability to quickly recharge the battery also contributes to shorter recharging times.

    Efficient control and utilization of energy is the key to improving the practicality of EVs. bZ4X and Solterra adopt a new high-efficiency eco heat pump system that efficiently draws heat from the atmosphere and utilizes it for heating with less electricity. The bZ4X also features a radiant heater to warm occupants’ knees.

    High-efficiency Eco-Heat Pump System
    Realized the world’s first in-transit defrosting function. By defrosting using waste heat from driving and heating, it significantly improves electric cost performance under winter frost conditions. In addition, the precise cycle control and heat dissipation adjustment function utilizing a multi-function valve (MCV-e) have succeeded in making the refrigeration cycle a receiver cycle with a simplified configuration. Compared to the accumulator cycle used in general heat pump systems, this system improves cooling performance and significantly reduces the number of parts in the refrigeration cycle.

    A multi-function valve (MCV-e) that controls the cooling water enables thermal coordination of the “”high temperature water circuit,”” “”low temperature water circuit,”” and “”refrigeration cycle. Simplifying the system by integrating the functions of each water circuit ensures quality and improves scalability to meet diverse needs. High-performance compact chiller improves battery cooling performance and contributes to longer battery life. It also maintains energy output by suppressing sudden temperature rises of the batteries, and enables efficient energy use-up even in environments where battery temperature changes significantly, such as during high-speed driving.

    Radiant heater
    Radiant heat from the heater surface efficiently warms only the occupants, and when used in combination with a heat pump system, reduces the air conditioning energy for the entire vehicle, contributing to an extended cruising range when the heater is used. The heater surface uses a thin film structure that warms up to more than 100 degrees Celsius in about one minute, quickly warming the occupant’s knees for comfort, and the world’s first heater structure and control technology that instantly lowers the surface temperature to below 50 degrees Celsius when the human body comes in contact with the heater surface for safety. A sensor that detects human contact and stops heating is also built into the film to ensure safety even when occupants remain in contact with the heater surface for long periods of time.”

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    Subaru’s latest “Levorg” is ideal for Orbis surveys nationwide ! Surprised by the evolution of another dimension! I found out that I ran 900km with a 2.4L turbo equipped car .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “Subaru’s Latest “”Levorg”” Ideal for Nationwide Orbis Surveys! Amazing evolution of another dimension! What I found out after driving 900km in a 2.4L turbo-powered car

    What is the result of switching from the first generation to the latest model?
    　My (Katsumi Osuga) job is a very special job, which is to investigate Orbis (automatic speed violation control devices) located all over the country while traveling by car.

    2.4-liter turbo engine makes the car extremely fast! A look at the exterior and interior of the high-performance Levorg STI Sport R

    　A single survey may cover 3,000 to 5,000 kilometers. Since staying in a hotel is not efficient, we frequently stay overnight in the car.

    Then wouldn’t a camper or a one-box like the Toyota Hiace be more comfortable?”” Some may say, “”Well, I’m not sure,”” but the main focus is on transportation. Therefore, driving pleasure and safety are very important.

    Levorg STI Sport R EX (Photo by Orvis Guide)

    　Subaru vehicles have a reputation for being strong on snow-covered roads. For this reason, I had to drive in Hokkaido in the middle of winter, and until recently I was driving a first-generation Subaru “”Levorg””.

    　And when I was thinking that it was time to replace it, I caught information last year (2021) that a 2.4-liter turbo engine would be added to the “”B-type,”” the annual improvement version of the second-generation Levorg.

    　So, I decided on the perfect specifications of the desired grade even before it was released and went to the dealer. I completed my new car order first thing in the morning on the first day of sales (November 25, 2021), and finally took delivery of the “”Levorg STI Sport R EX”” at the end of March 2022.

    　The second generation Levorg has a much higher quality exterior and interior, but since I switched from the first generation, neither my company nor my neighbors have noticed that I have switched cars. Even my parents did not notice because the body color is the same.

    　However, when I drove it, I found that it was a different car from the one I had before, of course.

    　The 1.6-liter turbo of the first generation also ran quite powerfully when set to Sport mode, but the 2.4-liter turbo of the new model exceeds it lightly even in Normal mode.

    　When I was driving the 1.6-liter turbo, it was inefficient until the turbo kicked in, so I had to open the throttle a bit more when starting the car. But that was only on the first day, and now I am driving with a feeling of comfort.

    　This feeling of space is very important when traveling long distances. For example, when driving on the highway, a car that can drive at 100 km/h is not as fatiguing as a car that can drive at the same speed of 100 km/h if it has more power. When merging onto the main line, or when watching the distance between cars around you and avoiding obstacles, you can drive more safely if you have more power.

    　Of course, it is not only about power. In addition to the conventional horizontally opposed engine with a low center of gravity and AWD for safety in any environment, the frame, chassis, CVT, and power steering structure have also been improved, and you can see that the quality of driving has improved dramatically.

    Subaru’s latest “”Levorg”” is ideal for nationwide Orbis surveys! Amazing evolution of another dimension! What I found out after driving 900km in a 2.4L turbocharged car
    Saturday, April 9, 17:10

    New features make it about 20% easier! But on the other hand, there are some things that concern me…
    　An even more significant evolution is the “”EyeSight X”” driver-assist function.

    　The first-generation Levorg was equipped with “”EyeSight Ver. 2,”” which helped me a lot on long-distance drives. The second-generation Levorg is equipped with the latest EyeSight as well as EyeSight X, which provides even more advanced driving assistance on highways.

    　With EyeSight X, there were many situations where I felt that “”the car plays the leading role in driving and I play the supporting role”” rather than “”I get help””.

    　For example, when in traffic jams on highways (at speeds of approximately 50 km/h or less), the driver is freed from accelerating, braking, and steering wheel operation, and the car safely follows the car in front even when the driver’s hands are removed from the steering wheel.

    　Of course, I remain ready to drive at any time, and if I look away, the “”driver monitoring system,”” which constantly monitors the driver, will alert me (an audible alert and a warning in the meter).

    　When I activate the “”cruise control with all-speed follow-on function (ACC)”” on the highway except in traffic jams, all I have to do is keep my hands lightly on the steering wheel and the car does the rest.

    　The car will neatly trace the middle of the lane, decelerate appropriately at curves and ETC gates, and pass through them without difficulty. If the driver wants to pass a slower car, he or she simply operates the turn signal. The car will then check the safety of its surroundings and smoothly change lanes.

    　The feeling you get when riding in the car is that you are riding in a car of a good driver. Of course, EyeSight X is not automatic driving, and there are still many things it cannot do, but there is no doubt that long-distance driving has become about 20% easier in terms of experience.

    Levorg’s meter driver assistance screen. Highway driving is now even easier (Photo by Orbis Guide).

    　Other innovations and equipment to reduce accidents are also available throughout, such as the “”Smart Rear View Mirror,”” which allows the driver to easily see 360 degrees around the vehicle, including the A-pillar area, and to check the rear of the vehicle even in bad weather.

    　In addition, the “”Subaru STARLINK”” connected service automatically connects the driver to a call center in the event of a major accident, and there is also a button to connect to a call center in the event of sudden health problems or vehicle breakdowns.

    　Although we have not tried it yet, it seems that if the driver loses consciousness while driving, a severe alarm will sound in the car to wake the driver, followed by a horn to alert surrounding vehicles of the abnormality, and the car will automatically stop at a safe location.

    　The current Levorg won the “”2020-2021 Japan Car of the Year”” award and has many fans, but the addition of this 2.4-liter turbo also adds a great deal of room.

    　I have listed all the good things so far, but I will also note some areas of concern.

    　It seems that few people who drive Subaru cars are concerned about fuel economy, but personally, I am forced to be concerned about it due to the recent rise in gasoline prices.

    　The actual fuel economy is 10.5 km/L when using mainly down roads, and sometimes more than 13 km/L when using mainly highways, but the fuel economy is not as good as cars made by other manufacturers. The average fuel consumption over the 900 km since delivery was 11.2 km/L. Incidentally, the 2.4-liter turbo is a high-octane version, so it is hard on the pocketbook.

    　Other than that, my only concerns are minor things like the lack of a place to attach a phone holder or the small accessory compartment.

    　The Levorg is a great car that fully embodies Subaru’s “”go farther, faster, more comfortably, and more safely”” philosophy.

    　I will continue to enjoy driving the car without overconfidence in its features and with safety as my top priority.”

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    Mazda CX-60 vs Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: 7 Powerful Differences You Need to Know

    ByChathura Chanuka

    CX-60   Mazda CX-60 vs Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: Two New SUVs With Very Different Personalities Mazda CX-60 vs Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is one of the most interesting plug-in hybrid SUV comparisons in Japan’s automotive market. Although both models are PHEVs, they are built with very different engineering philosophies, layouts, and driving goals. The Mitsubishi Outlander…

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    Suzuki’s new SUV “Across” is on sale! From about 7.5 million yen, the Suzuki version RAV4 with an explosive face is now available in the UK with enhanced charging capacity .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “New Suzuki Across SUV on Sale! From approx. 7.5 million yen, the good-looking Suzuki version of the RAV4 is now available in the U.K. with enhanced recharging capabilities.

    　Suzuki’s UK subsidiary announced on April 4, 2022 that it has upgraded its Across plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV. The main improvement is in the convenience of the charging function.Bakugai SUV with twinkle lights! Suzuki “”Across”” with a fresh face is very cool!
    UK-spec Suzuki Across

    　The Across is a sister model based on the Toyota RAV4 PHV, which is also sold in Japan. It is the first model supplied by Toyota under the joint venture agreement between Toyota and Suzuki.The exterior design is bold and sporty. The grille opening and bezels on either side of the bumper are larger than those on the base RAV4 PHV, and the headlights are elongated.Inside, a 9-inch display audio system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is mounted in the center of the instrument panel.
    In this improvement, the on-board charger has been strengthened from 3kW-compatible to 6kW-compatible.

    　As a result, the charging time for the drive battery has been reduced from approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes to approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, half the time required through a 32A charging facility.

    　In the case of a 16A charging facility, the time is also reduced by 36 minutes to less than 5 hours.In the lighting area, the front fog lamps and luggage lights have been redesigned to LED type.The USB port has also been changed from Type A to Type C, and other minor changes have been implemented.

    　The price of the Across in the UK will be set at 46,629 pounds (approximately 7.5 million yen).”

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    Honda announces “Fit RS” !? The flashy “RS batch & orange” is good! Actually, a series of disappointed people with “April Fool’s Day” .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “No way! Honda announces the “”Fit RS””! The flashy “”RS badge and orange color”” is great! Many people were disappointed by the April Fool’s Day story.

    Honda “”Fit RS”” is back! What is the truth in that post…
    　April 1 is “”April Fool’s Day”” every year, and every year when this day arrives, various interesting posts involving lies are made on social networking sites.
    　
    　On this day in 2022, we found an interesting tweet on Twitter.
    So cool! See 31 images posted of the new Honda Fit RS with a flashy custom look .

    Mr. Kuruma built the “”Fit RS”” based on the Chinese-spec “”Fit Sport””

    　It read, “”Honda announces the Fit RS! It has the same 1.5 turbo as the Civic with 6MT. The price is 2.1 million yen”” was posted along with an image.

    　Replies to this post included, “”Oh, I expected this!””, “”Seriously? Many people have been successfully fooled by this post.

    　The contributor explains how he made this post as follows.

    I thought that if I posted on April Fool’s Day that the Fit RS would be on sale, there might be a lot of people who would fall for it, so I posted this.

    　The “”RS grade,”” the sporty grade of the Fit, was a specification that was available in the second and third generations, and disappeared from the lineup when the current, fourth-generation model was fully remodeled in 2020.

    　The Fit RS, with its refined ride and sporty exterior, is actually being mentioned here and there that it may be revived around the summer of 2022.

    　Many people are very eager to see such a revival of the Fit RS, which is why this post has caught the attention of so many people.

    　The aforementioned poster also said that after posting this tweet, he realized that the response was more than he had expected, and that he did not expect to receive such a response from so many people.

    　On the other hand, in the messages in the quoted retweets and replies, there were so many people who said, “”I was happy because I thought the Fit RS was really going to be released, and then I was disappointed when I realized it was April Fool’s Day.”” The poster said that while he was happy that people were happy, he was also sorry for the amount of response he had received. I felt so bad,”” he says.

    　The reason so many people were fooled by the post probably has a lot to do with the clever image the contributor created.

    　The image was created by compositing the RS emblem, a Japanese-spec cosmetic license plate, and the wheels used on the RS grade of the N-ONE, also by Honda, onto a Honda Fit Sport sold for the Chinese market.

    　The Fit Sport went on sale in China in August 2020, but this model is not available in Japan.

    　The fact that the Fit Sport is not well known in Japan is one of the reasons why many people have been fooled.

    * * *

    　The poster who posted this tweet said, “”Hopefully Honda will build on this response and come out with a Fit RS!”” said, once again, that many people are looking forward to the return of the Fit RS.”

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    Honda HR-V new model, different from Japanese Vezel .

    ByChathura Chanuka

    “New Honda HR-V is different from Japan’s Vezel…North American Specs [Detailed Photos] April 9, 2022, 1:00 PM

    On April 4, American Honda Motor, Honda’s U.S. division, unveiled photos of the new HR-V (equivalent to the Vezel in Japan). It is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. market this summer.

    The new HR-V for North America differs significantly in appearance from the Japanese version of the new Vezel. The front mask of the new HR-V has a honeycomb grille with a large opening in the center. The rear is not equipped with the new Vezel’s distinctive garnish, and the tail lamps are also exclusively designed.

    Wide LED headlights and taillights emphasize the new model’s athletic stance. The sculpted surface of the rear hatch and functional tailgate spoiler are said to accentuate the sporty proportions.

    The new HR-V is based on the new Civic, the 11th generation of the model. In this respect, too, it differs from the new Vesel for Japan. The new Vezel is based on the platform of the Fit.
    “