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2011 KTM 1190 RC8 R gets cheaper, more desirable

Filed under: Performance, Motorcycle

2011 KTM RC8 R

2011 KTM 1190 RC8 R – Click above for high-res image gallery

KTM has announced pricing for the company’s absurdly sinister 2011 1190 RC8 R, and there’s plenty to get excited about. The bike will now go for a full $3,500 cheaper than last year’s model, which means that KTM has saddled the machine with an MSRP of $16,499. That number puts the 1190 RC8 R at the same price point as the more mortal 1190 RC8 (non-R), which KTM killed off for this year.

We’re guessing that if you laid down cash for either a 2010 1190 RC8 or an 1190 RC8 R, you’re kicking yourself as hard as your leg can swing at the moment.

The 2011 1190 RC8 R packs 172 horsepower, thanks in part to its dual-spark ignition system that simultaneously increases power and fuel economy (up to 12 percent compared to the old design), and KTM says that the company’s engineers threw in a heavier crank and flywheel to provide smoother acceleration. A minty-fresh ECU, new 52-mm throttle body and idle speed control cam are all part of the mix, too.

Suspension wise, the 2011 1190 RC8 R wears a larger air chamber in the front forks and the rear spring rate has been adjusted for a more comfortable ride. There’s even a new set of shifter controls to completely seal the deal. How’s that for more bang for your buck?

KTM is also offering a full-race version called the 1190 RC8 R Race Spec that foregoes a headlight, tail light and turn signals in favor of hardcore hardware like a full-titanium exhaust and a dizzying 180 horsepower from the same V-Twin. Expect to shell out $19,999 for the pleasure of twisting the throttle on that titan.

Gallery: 2011 KTM 1190 RC8 R

Gallery: 2011 KTM 1190 RC8 R Race Spec

[Source: Asphalt & Rubber]

2011 KTM 1190 RC8 R gets cheaper, more desirable originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Tesla says Model S will be profitable thanks to cheaper batteries

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Earnings/Financials, Tesla, Electric

Tesla Model S

Tesla Model S – Click above for high-res image gallery

It’s not exactly a surprise that battery costs for electric vehicles will go down over time, but the big question is by how much and how fast. Tesla Motors, which uses small lithium-ion cells similar to the kind found in laptop computers, believes that lithium-ion pack costs will be low enough to make the $57,000 Model S profitable even though it’ll likely sell in smaller numbers than all-electric competitors like the Nissan Leaf.

That’s what Tesla’s chief technology officer J.B. Straubel told Bloomberg, adding that Nissan has “a cost challenge that will be more difficult to solve. It will require a lot higher volume before they really get to a cost point that is internally sustainable.” Nissan, of course, paints a different picture because it has been developing li-ion technology for almost two decades, but there you have it.

Nissan’s annual sales target for the Leaf, once full production gets going, is in the hundred-thousands, while Tesla hopes to sell around 20,000 units of the Model S a year. The big difference is in the price per kilowatt hour (kWh). Tesla co-founder Martin Eberhard told Bloomberg recently that he thinks Tesla’s battery packs might cost just $200 per kWH, while the large-format cells in the Leaf (and most other plug-in vehicles) could cost around $700 to $800 per kWh. Nissan has previously said the Leaf pack costs just under $750 per kWh.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Report: Tesla says Model S will be profitable thanks to cheaper batteries originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Jan 2011 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Xtrac develops cheaper gearbox that behaves like dual-clutch

Filed under: Technology

Xtrac IGS

Dual-clutch transmissions are the current Holy Grail when it comes to transferring underhood power to the wheels of the car. Nearly every automaker that does serious business around the world offers DCTs, and the ones that don’t very likely soon will.

It’s easy to understand the draw of the DCT: better performance and greater efficiency. But there are also problems. For instance, two clutch mechanisms mean (theoretically, of course) twice the potential repair costs, and DCTs are generally more expensive than either standard manual transmissions or conventional automatics with torque converters.

Xtrac, a company firmly entrenched in transmissions for racing applications, has developed a new technology called the Instantaneous Gearchange System, which uses a ratcheting mechanism to couple the gear hubs with the main shaft. The system has been under development for two years and has reportedly been put into race duty by multiple motorsports teams.

Apparently, the IGS technology will be less costly than other dual-clutch transmissions and could potentially be adopted by various global automakers. Hat tip to David!

[Source: Gizmag]

Report: Xtrac develops cheaper gearbox that behaves like dual-clutch originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Dec 2010 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda Insight gets much cheaper base model, new features for 2011

Filed under: Hybrid, Hatchback, Honda

2011 Honda Insight

2011 Honda Insight – Click above for high-res image gallery

The slow-selling Honda Insight hasn’t exactly stolen any of the Toyota Prius’ thunder since its introduction last year, and with new green cars like the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf ready to join the battle, the future of Honda’s hybrid hatch doesn’t look too bright. Still, the Japanese automaker has given the Insight a host of improvements for the 2011 model year, including a new base model that retails for $18,950 (including the $750 destination charge).

So, what do you ~~lose~~ gain with the base Insight? For starters, a downgraded stereo system is on hand, with a single CD player and two – yes, two – speakers. Audiophiles need not apply. Remote entry is standard on the base Insight, but if you want amenities like cruise control, a USB audio interface, center armrest and floor mats, you’ll need to opt for the mid-grade LX trim. In other words, the new price leader is something of a municipal and fleet special. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the pricier EX now comes standard with steering wheel-mounted audio controls and can be optioned with navigation.

The Insight’s 1.3-liter inline-four with Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist carries over largely unchanged, with fuel economy rated at 40/43 miles per gallon, city/highway. 2011 Insight models are arriving at Honda dealers as you read this, and for the full details on what’s new, follow the jump for Honda’s press release.

Gallery: 2011 Honda Insight

2011 Honda Insight

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Honda Insight gets much cheaper base model, new features for 2011

Honda Insight gets much cheaper base model, new features for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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