VW research sketches by Akos Szaz

 

How many times we talked about quick quality sketches? Many times, we said also that quick sketching is very usefull for training, for your sketchbook, for your portfolio.

Sketching cars is a matter of talent, passion and skills.

Here a good example by Akos Szaz who I had the pleasure to meet some time ago and see his great works and portfolio.

In this VW research sketch we admire drawing skills, linework and line quality, look at the overall composition, the choice of black and white color is good because of a crowded composition, very good focal point on the upper right corner (a bit of grey markers of different tones to give depth), very smart to draw the side body sections to explane better the volumes of each sketch, and  last but not the least the different designs of front end on each sketch (good variety).

See more at: Akos Szaz blog

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Car drawings by Brook Banham

 Here some automotive design sketches by Brook Banham, I like the style. To check more click Brook Banham

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The Honda CR-Z: - Honda Hybrid Really the New CRX Reviews

The Honda CR-Z Reviews And Specs

Of all the hybrid systems out there, Honda's IMA system is the simplest, most compact design. Instead of having a separate alternator and starter motor like traditional internal-combustion engines, the IMA system combines the two functions in one with an electric motor that starts the engine, accelerates the car, recharges the battery and provides regenerative braking.

The CRX is one of the most desirable cars of the 1980's. Originally offered in regular, performance, and high gas mileage trims, it wasn't long before enthusiasts realized almost any Honda engine would fit under the hood with just a little work. Combined with its sophisticated double-wishbone suspension this hatchback version of the Civic has long been a favorite both on the race track and the drag strip.

With such a storied history expectations were extremely high when Honda debuted its successor, the CR-Z, at the the Tokyo Auto Show.

The last year for the CRX was 1991. It weighs between 1,700 and 2,100lbs. depending on the model. The high mileage HF is rated at 47 mpg highway and 41 city under the new EPA estimates. The top-of-the-line Si could go from 0-60 in 8.5 seconds while costing the equivalent of about $15,000 in today's money.

The CR-Z will be in the same dealerships later this year as a 2011 model. It weighs around 2,800lbs and is expected to get an EPA-estimated 35 mpg city and 39 highway when equipped with a CVT automatic. The car takes 10.5 seconds to reach sixty miles an hour. List price should start at around $20,000. While it does look like a modern interpretation of the CRX, early reports show the handling doesn't compare to its predecessor, either.

In other words, while its styling looks similar to the CRX, it can't match the performance, fuel economy, handling, or price of a car that was last seen in showrooms twenty years ago.

So, if the CRX was the small, fun version of the Civic, what does that make the CR-Z?

The small, fun version of the Insight.

Both the Insight and the CR-Z are hybrids based on the same platform as the Fit. They use the same Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system, but the CR-Z ditches the Insight's 1.3l engine for the 1.5l unit used in the Fit. Early reports show that the CR-Z fixes many of the complaints of the Insight, particularly ride quality. Most importantly early reviews have noted that steering and braking feel are the best of any hybrid to date, two things that have been a major issue with this type of car.

Maybe the comparison between the CRX and the CR-Z makes some sense: These days a "Hybrid" badge has the same caché as the "VTEC" badge had during the peak of the CRX's popularity. Like its predecessor, the CR-Z is mostly aimed at being cool but if you can forgo several other cars in this price range offer more practicality. Honda's own Fit offers nearly the same gas mileage at a much lower cost while the Civic Hybrid and Insight add back seats at the expense of driving involvement.

If you must have something that is clearly a hybrid but you don't want a Prius look-alike nor do you want to sacrifice drivability the Insight may be just the car you've been waiting for. The rest of us will still be waiting for a true successor to the CRX.

2011 Honda CR-Z: 21st-Century CRX
Honda's Upcoming Two-Seater is Designed to Prove Hybrids Can be Fun
From the April, 2009 issue of Motor Trend

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.
2011 Honda CRZ Side View
 Click to view Gallery

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 has trimmed back its sports cars. President Takeo Fukui said the company has canceled the Acura NSX replacement, though engineers say it may simply be deferred. And the rear-drive Acura range has been canceled. Honda is out of Formula 1. So the CR-Z must be to Honda in the 2010s what the CRX was to Honda in the 1980s.

The other leg of Honda's small-car hybrid tripod, the Fit hybrid, also is going ahead for a '10 release. To give the Insight a lower overall height than the Fit, for reduced aero drag at highway speeds, the fuel tank was moved from under the front seats in the Fit to under the rear seats in the Insight. Speeds in the EPA test aren't high enough to make aerodynamics a factor, so the Fit hybrid may match the Insight's fuel economy label, and offer more space and versatility, for less money. It will interesting to see how the marketing guys handle that one.

2011 Honda CR-Z Specifications and Features

June 18 2010

ENGINEERING	CR-Z	CR-Z EX
Engine Type	In-Line 4-Cylinder	In-Line 4-Cylinder
Engine Block/Cylinder Head	Aluminum-Alloy	Aluminum-Alloy
Displacement (L/cc)	1.5 /1497	1.5 /1497
Horsepower @ rpm (SAE net)	122 @ 6000	122 @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)	128 @ 1000 - 1750 (6MT) 123@ 1000 - 2000 (CVT)	128 @ 1000 - 1750 (6MT) 123@ 1000 - 2000 (CVT)
Redline (rpm)	6300	6300
Bore and Stroke (mm)	73 x 89	73 x 89
Compression Ratio	10.4 : 1	10.4 : 1
Valve Train	16-Valve SOHC i-VTEC®	16-Valve SOHC i-VTEC®
Multi-Point Fuel Injection	•	•
Drive-by-Wire™ Throttle System	•	•
Hill Start Assist	6MT	6MT
Front-Wheel Drive	•	•
3-Mode Drive System (Sport/Normal/ECON)	•	•
Eco Assist™ System	•	•
CARB Emissions Rating	AT-PZEV**	AT-PZEV**
Federal Emissions Rating	Tier 2 Bin 2	Tier 2 Bin 2
Direct Ignition System with Immobilizer	•	•
100K +/- Miles No Scheduled Tune-Ups*	•	•
* Does not apply to fluid and filter changes. Will vary with driving conditions. Please see your Honda dealer for details. ** AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle) models as certified by California Air Resources Board (CARB) are available in California and states that have adopted California Zero-Emission Vehicle regulations.
ELECTRIC MOTOR / GENERATOR	CR-Z	CR-Z EX
DC Brushless Motor (Permanent Magnet AC Synchronous)	•	•
Power (hp @ rpm)	13 @ 1500	13 @ 1500
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)	58 @ 1000	58 @ 1000
ELECTRIC POWER STORAGE	CR-Z	CR-Z EX
Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) Battery	•	•
Output (Volts)	100.8	100.8
Rated Capacity	5.75 Ah	5.75 Ah
TRANSMISSIONS	CR-Z	CR-Z EX
6-Speed Manual Transmission	•	•
Gear Ratios: 1st: 3.143, 2nd: 1.870, 3rd: 1.303, 4th: 1.054, 5th: 0.854, 6th: 0.689, Reverse: 3.307, Final Drive: 4.11
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)	with Paddle Shifter	with Paddle Shifter
Gear Ratios: 3.173~0.529, Reverse: 5.666~2.167, Final Drive: 4.20
BODY/SUSPENSION/CHASSIS	CR-Z	CR-Z EX
Unit-Body Construction	•	•
MacPherson Strut Front Suspension	•	•
Torsion-Beam Rear Suspension	•	•
Stabilizer Bar (mm, front/rear)	18.0 (solid) / 18.0	18.0 (solid) / 18.0
Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering (EPS)	•	•
Steering Wheel Turns, Lock-to-Lock	2.48	2.48
Steering Ratio	12.75	12.75
Turning Diameter, Curb-to-Curb (ft)	35.4	35.4
Power-Assisted Ventilated Front Disc/Solid Rear Disc Brakes (in, front/rear)	10.3 / 10.2	10.3 / 10.2
Alloy Wheels (inches)	16 x 6	16 x 6
All-Season Tires	P195/55R16 86V	P195/55R16 86V
Compact Spare Tire	•	•
EXTERIOR MEASUREMENTS	CR-Z	CR-Z EX
Wheelbase (in)	95.9	95.9
Length (in)	160.6	160.6
Height (in)*	54.9	54.9
Width (in)	68.5	68.5
Track (in, front/rear)	59.6 / 59.1	59.6 / 59.1
Curb Weight (lbs, MT/CVT)	2637 / 2690	2650 / 2703 2654 / 2707 (EX w/Navigation)
Weight Distribution (%, front/rear, MT)	58.8 / 41.2	58.8 / 41.2
Weight Distribution (%, front/rear, CVT)	59.8 / 40.2	59.8 / 40.2
*Height includes roof antenna
INTERIOR MEASUREMENTS	CR-Z	CR-Z EX
Headroom (in)	36.9	36.9
Legroom (in)	42.7	42.7
Shoulder Room (in)	53.8	53.8
Hiproom (in)	51.5	51.5
Cargo Volume (cu ft, behind seats)	TBD	TBD
Passenger Volume (cu ft)	49.1	49.1
Seating Capacity	2	2
EPA MILEAGE ESTIMATES*/CAPACITIES	CR-Z	CR-Z EX
CVT (City/Highway/Combined)	35/39/37	35/39/37
6-Speed Manual (City/Highway/Combined)	31/37/34	31/37/34
Crankcase (qt)	4.2	4.2
Coolant System (qt, CVT/MT)	4.84 / 4.92	4.84 / 4.92
Fuel (gal)	10.6	10.6
Required Fuel	Regular Unleaded	Regular Unleaded
* Based on 2011 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
SAFETY	CR-Z	CR-Z EX
3-Point Seat Belts with Front Seat Automatic Tensioning System	•	•
Driver's and Front Passenger's Seat Belt Reminder	•	•
Dual-Stage, Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags (SRS)	•	•
Front Side Airbags with Passenger-Side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS)	•	•
Side Curtain Airbags	•	•
Driver's and Front Passenger's Active Head Restraints	•	•
Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure	•	•
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)	•	•
Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)	•	•
Brake Assist	•	•
Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control	•	•
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)	•	•
Daytime Running Lights (DRL)	•	•
Side-Impact Door Beams	•	•
EXTERIOR FEATURES	CR-Z	CR-Z EX
Fin-Type Roof-Mounted Antenna	•	•
Security System with Remote Entry	•	•
Body-Colored Folding Power Side Mirrors with Integrated Turn Indicators	•	Heated
Body-Colored Door Handles	•	•
Projector-Beam Halogen Headlights with Auto-On/Off	•
High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlights with Auto-On/Off		•
Fog Lights		•
Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers	•	•
Rear Window Wiper/Washer	•	•
Tinted Glass	•	•
Push-to-Release Fuel Filler Door	•	•
LED Brakelights	•	•
COMFORT & CONVENIENCE	CR-Z	CR-Z EX
Automatic Climate Control	•	•
Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition		Available
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®		•
Power Windows with Auto-Up/Down Driver's Window	•	•
Illuminated Window Switches	Driver's window only	•
Power Door Locks	•	•
Cruise Control	•	•
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel		•
Aluminum Shift Knob with Leather		6MT
Textured Aluminum Pedals		•
Polished Interior Accents		•
Steering Wheel-Mounted Paddle Shifters	CVT	CVT
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column	•	•
Illuminated Steering Wheel-Mounted Controls	Cruise/MID/Audio	Cruise/MID/Audio/Phone
Illuminated Steering Wheel-Mounted Navigation Controls		Available
Beverage Holders (3)	•	•
Upper Instrument Panel Storage	•	•
Door-Pocket Storage Bins, Front	•	•
Driver's and Front Passenger's Vanity Mirrors	Driver's only	Illuminated
Ambient Console Lighting		•
Map Lights	•	•
12-Volt Power Outlet	•	•
Glove Compartment	•	•
Courtesy Lights	•	•
Rear Cargo Console (behind front seats)	•	•
Rear Window Defroster	•	•
Retractable Cargo Area Cover	•	•
Cargo Area Light	•	•
SEATING	CR-Z	CR-Z EX
Silver Mesh Sport Seats	•	•
Driver's Seat with Manual Height Adjustment	•	•
Reclining Front Seatbacks	•	•
AUDIO SYSTEMS	CR-Z	CR-Z EX
160-Watt AM/FM/CD Audio System with 6 Speakers	•
360-Watt AM/FM//CD Premium Audio System with 7 Speakers including Subwoofer		•
Radio Data System (RDS)	•	without Navigation
MP3/Windows Media® Audio (WMA) Playback Capability	•	•
MP3/Auxiliary Input Jack	•	•
USB Audio Interface	•	•
CD Text Display Capability	•	•
Digital Audio-Card Reader		with Navigation
Speed-Sensitive Volume Control (SVC)	•	•
INSTRUMENTATION	CR-Z	CR-Z EX
3-Mode Drive System Buttons (Normal / ECON / Sport)	•	•
12-Volt Battery Charging System Indicator	•	•
ABS Indicator	•	•
Airbag System Indicator	•	•
Blue Backlit Gauges	•	•
Brake System Indicator	•	•
Coolant Temperature Indicators	•	•
Cruise Control Indicators	•	•
Digital Speedometer	•	•
Door/Hatch-Open Indicator	•	•
DRL Indicator	•	•
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Indicator	•	•
Fog Light Indicator		•
Fuel Level Indicator	•	•
Headlight-On Indicator	•	•
High-Beam Indicator	•	•
Idle-Stop Indicator	•	•
IMA Battery State-of-Charge Indicator	•	•
IMA Charge and Assist Indicator	•	•
IMA System Indicator	•	•
Immobilizer System Indicator	•	•
Lights-On Indicator	•	•
Low Tire-Pressure Indicator	•	•
Low-Fuel Indicator	•	•
Low-Oil Pressure Indicator	•	•
Maintenance Minder Indicator	•	•
Malfunction Indicator	•	•
Passenger-Side Side Airbag-Off Indicator	•	•
Seat Belt Reminder Indicator	•	•
Security System Indicator	•	•
Shift Up/Down Indicator	6MT	6MT
Tachometer	•	•
TPMS Indicator	•	•
Turn Signal/Hazard Indicators	•	•
VSA System and Off Indicators		•
Multi-Information Display (MID)	CR-Z	CR-Z EX
Average Fuel Economy Indicators (2)	•	•
Average Speed Indicator	•	•
Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®		•
Digital Fuel-Mileage Indicators	•	•
Digital Odometer and Digital Trip Meters	•	•
Eco Guide/Eco Score	•	•
Elapsed Time Indicator	•	•
Exterior Temperature Indicator	•	•
IMA System Power Flow Indicator	•	•
Maintenance Minder™ System	•	•
Miles-to-Empty Indicator	•	•
Exterior Accessories	Interior Accessories
17x7-inch Alloy Wheel	XM Radio
P205/45R17 84V Performance Tires	Armrest with Storage
Front Lip Spoiler	Stainless Steel Door Sill Trim
Body Side Molding	Illuminated Door Sill Trim
Side Spoiler	Auto Day/Night Mirror with Compass
Rear Diffuser Spoiler	Ashtray, Cup Holder Type
Hatch Spoiler	All-Season Floor Mats
Splash Guards	Cargo Mat
Wheel Locks	Cargo Tray
Fog Lights (CR-Z base trim only)	Engine Block Heater
Full Nose Mask
Door Edge Film
Rear Bumper Applique
Car Cover
Specifications, features, illustrations and equipment shown in this press kit are based upon the latest available information at the time of printing. Although descriptions are believed to be correct, accuracy cannot be guaranteed.

The Fastest CO2 Cars Pictures And Review

The Fastest CO2 Cars

Class-Leading Fuel Economy and CO2 Emissions

For the full details of this Hybrid Fastest car,

Fastest Hybrid in the World: The Frazer-Nash Namir

Fastest CO2 Cars

The world's fastest electric car that can reach speeds of 208mph

Fastest CO2 Car in The World

The Fastest Car CO2 Bugatti Veyron

The high performance car with low CO2 emissions: 2011 Lotus Elise Facelift

The 2010 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR X “is the” Ultimate Special Edition Model 

The Fastest Ever Production Ferrari

The Fastest Hybrid CO2 Car

The Liv Inizio Prototype Car looks Superbly Gorgeous that will definitely

Mazda's latest Show Car Would Deliver Exciting Driving Dynamics,

The fastest CO2 cars and where you can find information about them. Learn what CO2 powered cars are and about some of the car competitions where you can find them.

What is the fastest CO2 dragster?

It's hard to say which of the CO2 powered cars is the fastest. Rules vary between sanctioning bodies and are often changed year to year. While Australia, New Zealand, and Britain have started their own events, the fastest time in the world have all been recorded at America's own Technology Student Association Dragster Design Challenge.

We will talk about the fastest high school entry, the fastest middle school entry and the transportation modeling competition that hold the record for the fastest speeds.

The original CO2 car competition, cars can take any shape as long as they meet the requirements for weight, wheel design, and axle distance. These cars most closely resemble designs used to break top speed records. Drag is measured in a wind tunnel at the event.

Fastest High School Entry: BP
0.952 seconds
Drag resistance: 11g
Tyler Marshal
Bloomsburg Area High School
Bloomsburg, PA
TSA 2006

This design used a cone-shaped nose and flat sides with a tapering rear end below the CO2 cartridge.

Fastest Middle School: Funnky Flames
0.834 seconds
Drag resistance: 8g
Mitchell F.

2004's middle school competition had some of the fastest time on record, including this orange and green dragster. It has a flat, sloped front and an upward-sloped back with flat sides. Although less curvy than the BP, this car tests show it generates much less drag.

Transportation Modeling: C38
1.158 seconds
Brian Ward
Arapahoe High School
Centennial, CO
2004

The transportation modeling competition uses a different vehicle theme each year. 2004's theme was school buses which allowed builders to make designs similar to the dragster class. The C38 is shaped much like Funnky Flames, except rules mandated that it have a square rear end. Wheels for this category were small, inboard units like one would see on a Hot Wheels car, helping reduce drag.

Take a look at our other article What are CO2 powered cars and find out more about the fastest CO2 cars.