Rear Carrier Rack 2006 Kawasaki Klf 250 Bayou, Atv on 2040-parts.com

Nissan showcases crashproof cars and an eco pedal

By Tim Pollard Motor Industry 06 August 2008 09:17 Nissan has unveiled a brace of new technologies to make driving in the 21st century cleaner and greener – but they also signal a further erosion of driver independence, ceding more control from man to microchip. How so? Well, the new systems announced today mark a step towards the driverless car: one is part of a project that hopes to eliminate accidents altogether while the other pushes against the accelerator to encourage a lighter right foot.

Acura ILX concept

The luxury compact sedan is set to launch later this year, representing a move by Acura into the compact premium class for the first time in order to attract younger buyers into Honda's upmarket range. The car features a slimmer version of the Acura shield grille and lamps that are cut into by the bumper surface. In profile, the ILX's silhouette, DLO, and rear door shut line are reminiscent of the Lexus IS, but Acura's rising feature line, which forms a visual muscle over the rear wheel (despite front-wheel drive architecture) adds a level of distinction.

Lexus takes Gen XY on a 'Dark Ride'

Lexus' small CT 200h hybrid won't go on sale until February, but a short online movie called Dark Ride is already promoting the vehicle and reaching out to younger buyers. Lexus and its ad agency, Skinny, aim to generate excitement among consumers 16 to 44 -- known as Gen XY. That demographic is a far cry from the median age of Lexus' owners -- 57.