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| Cloud computing just became cloud nine. |
SEVERAL manufacturers introduced new concepts at the 2013 Tokyo
show, but it was in the after-market salon where Japan’s mechanically inclined
weirdos let it all hang out.
Speedhunters.com blogged on the best, with the super-boosted Kei
truck being the readers’ favourite. It also shows the way all the local small
Chinese bakkies could go — although the jury is still out on the treatment given
to several station wagons, like an eighties’ Corolla.
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| As fine a demonstration of pretensioning used in belts as a man can hope to find. |
Everyone loved the American muscle, especially the lifted Comaro,
which is ideal for South Africa’s potholes. In fact, reader “Black Jacket” wrote
in response to the blog: “The Camaro makes me warm and fuzzy”.
Honda launched its S660 Concept, a small, mid-engined sports car
with an open roof. While it reminds one of the S2000, it is aimed to replicate
the Honda S600 and S800 variants of the 1960s. While Honda hasn’t released any
official specs on the car, the S660 designation clearly shows that the car will
be powered by a 660 cc motor to meet Japan’s kei class regulation, much like the
original Beat.
The BladeGlider concept took the show from Honda’s cute to Nissan’s
cutting edge.
Inautonews reports that the three-seater electric vehicle is “yet
another concept car” from Nissan; the group has been putting their concepts on
the tar of late and the BladeGlider is no exception.
The delta wing concept previews an upcoming production model and
houses a McLaren F1-style cabin with a three-person seating arrangement, an
aircraft-inspired steering wheel and the latest in instruments.
It is driven by rear in-wheel electric motors, which are actually
powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. The weight distribution of the car stands
at 30/70, front to rear, and the chassis is wrapped in carbon fibre-reinforced
plastic.
