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Wednesday, April 4, 2012

2013 Honda Crosstour Details



Well, they kinda changed it. Kinda. Honda is relaunching the Crosstour as a car aimed at active consumers but all this is, is a Crosstour guised-up with fog lights, soft-roader front bumper and dark trim spreading all the way to the back. A new grille helps with the lines at the front while the rear gets some slight, but not noticeable revisions. Perhaps Honda has more planned inside than out.

Or not.

The new Crosstour features an 8-inch display and LaneWatch blind-spot detection camera with upgraded trim and keyless ignition. The 2.4L making 192hp remains while the 3.5L V6 making 271hp returns with a 6-speed transmission with paddle shifters. All the meanwhile, you get to drive in 18-inch wheels, 19-inchers are only for the Concept version, sorry. 

Has Honda finally gotten it right? Or did it miss the bullseye? Comment below!

Wait, they changed it? 2013 Honda Crosstour Concept Unveiled






Honda unveiled the 2013 Crosstour Concept today at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), providing the first official glimpse of a more capable looking exterior styling direction for the luxurious mid-size CUV. Set to go on sale this fall, the Crosstour's defined lines will resonate more clearly with the active consumers that form the largest portion of the premium crossover segment. The 2013 Crosstour V-6 will feature improved fuel economy thanks to its new 6-speed automatic transmission, while both four-cylinder and V-6 versions will benefit from a host of safety and visibility upgrades.

"Fueled by a combination of versatility, luxury, and efficiency, owners have demonstrated remarkable devotion to the Honda Crosstour," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "The 2013 Crosstour Concept shows how Honda will strengthen the styling and add even more content to one of the most efficient offerings in the class."

Concept Design
The Crosstour Concept features a more capable, SUV-like styling direction for Honda's mid-size crossover. A more aggressive and athletic front end, new contrasting moldings on the lower door garnish, and cleaner front and rear fascias anchored by the rugged look of finished sill plates provide more visual strength to the Crosstour Concept. Adding to the SUV-like stance, new rear-fender finish helps give the Concept a more solidly planted appearance.

Up front, the new integrated foglamp treatment is complemented by a slotted finish beneath the headlights, which helps integrate the new, bolder grille. The revised tailgate sports a more horizontal design to add visual width to the sculpted lines at the rear of the Crosstour.

The Crosstour Concept is coated in a fresh hue, similar to one of two new shades that will appear on the 2013 Crosstour. Anchoring the Crosstour Concept are unique 5-spoke 19-inch wheels, while the 2013 Honda Crosstour will feature new 18-inch alloy wheels.

Though not on display in the Crosstour Concept, the luxurious interior of the Honda Crosstour will see even further refinement for 2013, including heavily revised trim materials, the addition of an 8-inch, in-dash information display, keyless ignition, and steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters on V-6 models.

Advanced and Efficient Powertrains
The Crosstour will offer two powertrains for the 2013 model year: a re-engineered and more powerful 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC, i-VTEC V-6 engine, or a 2.4-liter i-VTEC inline four-cylinder engine. The 2013 Crosstour V-6 models will feature a 6-speed automatic transmission and utilize Honda Variable Cylinder Management™ (VCM®) technology to achieve class-leading V-6 fuel economy1 along with an overall improvement in fuel economy compared to the outgoing model. Also available on Crosstour EX-L V-6 models is Honda's Real Time 4WDTM system, which sends power to all four wheels when front-wheel slippage is detected.

The four-cylinder Crosstour models are powered by a 2.4-liter, 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC® engine producing 192 horsepower at 7,000 RPM and 162 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 RPM. To maximize efficiency, a 5-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control is standard equipment.

Safety and Technology Innovations
The 2013 Crosstour will introduce numerous new safety features, and is targeted to earn top scores in the federal government's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). The next Crosstour will be available with Honda's Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) technology. Both systems use a camera mounted behind the windshield to alert drivers if the car is moving out of its lane or to warn drivers of a potential collision in front of them.

The 2013 Crosstour will provide a host of visibility enhancements, and will be one of the first models to receive the Honda-exclusive LaneWatch™ blind-spot display, which uses a camera system mounted on the passenger mirror for an enhanced view of the passenger-side roadway. Standard equipment to further enhance visibility on the 2013 Crosstour will also include re-shaped rear headrests, a rearview camera and an Expanded View Driver's Mirror.

Standard Crosstour convenience features include an automatic dimming rearview mirror, auto-on/off headlights, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and USB audio interface. Other available features on the 2013 Crosstour will include a hard-drive based navigation system, Pandora internet radio interface, XM satellite radio and an SMS text-to-speech function.

2014 Acura RLX Details



Acura fans, get excited. Acura has unveiled its all-new luxury flagship, the 2013 RLX Concept. This is a reflection of the future of Acura design. It appears that Acura has blended a mix of Lexus GS and BMW 7-Series elements into the design of this new full-size vehicle. Although the RL continues to pack a V6, this one will be extensively re-engineered and packed with advanced technology including a 7-speed dual clutch transmission, Sport Hybrid SH-AWD with V8-like 370hp. Acura is promising that the hybrid model will feature at least 30 mpg in the highway and 30mpg in the city. The gasoline without the hybrid system RLX model will feature 310hp and will weigh in under 4000 pounds. 

The RLX will be available in early 2013. 

So what do you think? Has Acura finally hit the ballpark with this one?

Friday, March 16, 2012

Star Cars Going Under the Charterhouse Hammer


A brace of classic cars offer two very different options for owners looking to go classic car racing, rallying or just having fun in the sun when they go under the Charterhouse hammer in their auction of classic and vintage cars on Sunday 22nd April “It is almost a David and Goliath scenario.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “Ready to do battle there is a delightful Austin 7 Ulster TT Special which is closely followed by a Healey Silverstone, the likes of which raced in all the tops events such as the famous Mille Miglia.”





Charterhouse have been conducting specialist classic car auctions for over 10 years and the market today and have firmly established themselves as one of the top firms of auctioneers who sell classic and vintage cars. Despite the recent downturn in the market for a number of items, the classic car market is currently particularly strong with Charterhouse achieving very high prices. The 1934 Austin 7 Ulster TT replica with its tiny 747cc engine was re-bodied by Rod Yates in 1994 with a very pretty boat tail aluminium body featuring a particularly fetching Brooklands exhaust, and is being offered for sale from a West Country deceased estate.


The 1951 Healey Silverstone features a 2500cc twin cam engine. It was previously owned and raced by Chris Berens who was the Association of Healey Owners Club Race Secretary, and re-bodied in 1989, which is not unusual for cars that are fiercely campaigned around the race track.
To enter a classic car or vehicle into this great auction, or for more information regarding the sale, please contact Matthew Whitney, Head of Classic Cars at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne 01935 81227 or via email on www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk.

Captions:

1934 Austin 7 Ulster TT replica with its tiny 747 cc engine £8,000-10,000
1951 Healey Silverstone with its powerful twin cam engine £30,000-40,000Quick Links

Highlights of the Classic Car Sale


Forthcoming Sale Previous Sale Sale Preview Tel: (01935) 812277
For further information regarding this article, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner

Monday, February 20, 2012

Charterhouse Triumph


A 1973 Triumph TR6 is which was last on the road in 1993 has already been entered into the Charterhouse auction of classic cars on Sunday 22nd April.
“It has been entered into the auction from a deceased estate and is only a two owner car having been purchased when it was just two years old.” Commented Matthew Whitney. “It was fully restored in 1992 but has remained in the its garage since 1993 until we recently collected it from amongst the lawn and garden tools!”
This late model fuel injected TR6 with a work hardtop has already sparked interest from collectors and enthusiasts and should have no difficulty in passing its modest estimate of £3,000-5,000.
For more details of this auction or to consign a classic or vintage car, please contact Matthew Whitney, Head of Classic & Vintage Cars at Charterhouse, The Long Street Salerooms, Sherborne, Dorset on 01935 812277, or via email at mw@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk
Caption:
In amongst the garden tools, a Triumph TR6 having been garage stored for nearly 20 years, despite having been fully restored £3,000-5,000
Quick Links
Forthcoming Sale Previous Sale Sale Preview Tel: (01935) 812277
For further information regarding this article, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Triumph is Top Trump at Charterhouse Auction


A Triumph TR3a is just one of the star cars in the Charterhouse auction of classic cars on Sunday 12th February.
“Triumph Motor Cars always evoke memories for everyone, but possibly none more so than the famous TR sports car range, and we are pleased to receive instructions to sell this beautiful original UK 1960 Triumph TR3a .”  Commented Matthew Whitney. “Despite the doom and gloom there is around at the moment, and we have just had our best ever year for selling classic and vintage cars with an impressive total of over £700,000. Many of our clients prefer to have money in motors rather than sitting in the bank earning them little interest, with buyers often buying classic cars they enjoyed in their youth or possibly cars they aspired to when they were younger.”
The Triumph TR3a entered into the Charterhouse auction has been fully restored to a high standard by its owner. It is known as a matching numbers car whereby the car still retains the original engine and gearbox as it was supplied with new over 50 years ago.  Since it has been it its current owners hands it has undergone a total restoration and is now finished in Triumph powder blue, is trimmed in blue leather, sits on chrome wire wheels, and the engine has been converted to run on unleaded fuel. Estimates at £15,000-18,000, the owner is selling as he gets more enjoyment out of restoring his cars rather than driving them.
For more details of this auction or to consign a classic or vintage car, please contact Matthew Whitney, Head of Classic & Vintage Cars at Charterhouse, The Long Street Saleroom, Sherborne, Dorset on 01935 812277, or via email at mw@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk
Caption:
Top Triumph TR3a going under the Charterhouse hammer in February £15,000-18,000
Quick Links
Forthcoming SalePrevious SaleSale Preview Tel: (01935) 812277
For further information regarding this article, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner

Friday, January 6, 2012

Carefree Capri at Charterhouse




A Ford Capri, once a common sight on our roads and now rarely seen, is one of the many classic cars entered into the Charterhouse auction at The Royal Bath & West Showground on Sunday 12th February.
“This Ford Capri has bought by the vendor in Yeovil in 1979 when it was just two years old. For many years, it was his daily driver until he took it off the road after it nearly covering  an amazing 250,000 miles!” Commented Matthew Whitney. “He then undertook a full restoration of the car using genuine Ford parts, but has hardly used the car subsequently.”
The Ford Capri was first launched in 1969, and the Capri going under the Charterhouse hammer is a Mark II 1600 GL finished in white with a black vinyl roof which was first registered in 1977 The last Capri rolled off the production line in 1986.
For more details of this auction or to consign a classic or vintage car, please contact Matthew Whitney, Head of Classic & Vintage Cars at Charterhouse, The Long Street Saleroom, Sherborne, Dorset on 01935 812277, or via email at mw@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk
Caption:
1977 Ford Capri 1600 GL being sold by Charterhouse estimated at £2,800-3,200

Quick Links
Forthcoming Sale Previous Sale Sale Preview Tel: (01935) 812277
For further information regarding this article, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Clockwork Orange



A wonderful Compagnie Industrielle du Jouet (CIJ) Alfa Romeo P2 clockwork tin plate racing car has been consigned for the next Charterhouse Classic Car, Motorcycle and Automobilia auction at the Royal Bath and West Showground Shepton Mallet, on Sunday 12 February 2012.

'This rare clockwork model from the 1920s, which has been in the client's possession for 70 years, had pride of place on her bookcase. On one of our  free home visits, I valued it as having an estimate of between £1,200 and £1,500,' commented Matthew Whitney.  'This particular P2 is in the most appealing original condition.  It has beautifully patinated and faded Rosso coachwork, faux cracked leather seats, the correct cloverleaf decals and racing numbers.  Models as original as this rarely come on to the market, and as such are highly prized by collectors.'

Also entered in the auction is a fully rebuilt 1976 Ford Capri 1600 GL, having been with the current owner since 1977, and driven for nearly 250,000 miles during that that time.  In recent years, since the restoration, it has had a more pampered life, attending the odd classic car show and used for high days and holidays. Matthew continues 'Fords manufactured in the 1970s/80s are becoming increasingly popular with enthusiasts, with prices rising accordingly.  This Capri is ideally placed for selling, as the auction is being held in conjunction with the
Footman James Ford Show and Great Western Autojumble.'

For more details of this auction or to consign a vehicle or automobilia, please contact Matthew Whitney at the Charterhouse head office on 01935 812277, or via email at mw@charterhouse-auctions.co.uk


Quick Links
Forthcoming Sale Previous Sale Sale Preview Tel: (01935) 812277
For further information regarding this article, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner

Friday, November 4, 2011

High Rollers!


The Charterhouse sale includes a wide variety of cars including a 1926 Bullnose Morris, a 1927 Chrysler Imperial Tourer, a 1931 Austin 20/6 Limousine, a 1946 Humber Hawk painted in MOD staff car colours, two Morris Minor Tourers, both white, a BMW 2002 Tii sprint car and even a 1996 Mini Cooper!
Viewing for this sale is on Saturday 5th November 10am-4pm and on Sunday 6th from 10am. For full details and listings go to the Charterhouse website where the catalogue can be downloaded www.charterhouse-auctions.co.uk or contact Matthew Whitney 01935 812277




Captions:




Sprint car – a BMW 2002 Tii £4,000-5,000
Wedding car – a 1931 Austin 20/6 Limousine £13,000-15,000
Quick Links
Forthcoming Sale Previous Sale Sale Preview Tel: (01935) 812277
For further information regarding this article, please contact Richard Bromell, Partner

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Pictures


Here are some neat pictures my wife took of the Le Mans and the rattle trap '27. You need to click on each photo to get the full effect; I think they came out wonderfully! The '65 Le Mans is wearing its "new" wheels...and I love them! I think I am completely sold on Rally I's now. I pulled these wheels from a neat '64 GTO project car that I picked up last year and proceeded to have the wheels sandblasted, then painting them with Valspar DTM epoxy primer, followed by Valspar base/clear in an Argent Silver. The center caps showed these were '66 or later Rally I wheels because they had the inner circle unpolished and painted semi gloss black. After LOTS of stripping and hours of polishing with both the die grinder and the big buffer they turned out smooth and shiny. I then chose the thin whitewall radials ( I was too cheap to order bias ply, even though they would look even better) and had them mounted. The wheels look perfect on this car!



Here is the '27, with that gaping hole between the body and frame. It is part of this car's character...stop laughing! The wife's picture of this car really turned out nice; I like the lighting and the full profile.