More Details on Spoon Signature NSX-R GT

The Spoon Signature NSX-R GT is set to be formally announced at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon in January. Spoon will be racing a specially prepared version of the NSX-R at the Macau Grand Prix this coming weekend. According to GTChannel.com, Spoon's race-prepped NSX-R features a 450hp naturally-aspirated 3.5L V6 capable of turning 9800rpm, all in a 950kg package.

Pricing of the roadgoing version is expected to come in at around $150,000. Spoon plans to manufacturer five of these in 2009. Total potential quantities are unknown but are thought to be limited to around 20 to 25. Opak Racing (based in Northern California) will also offer kits to convert existing NSXs to Type-R specs. "The kit contains all the Type-R parts for conversion, including Spoon-prepped engine and transmission, with Spoon aero kit. TypeR parts: interior, door panel, dash, gauge cluster, steering, seats, carpets, accessories,etc. Wheels, (brake and suspension system by Spoon)."

Spoon Signature NSX Type-R GT

Engine	NA 3.2 L , Approx. 300HP Turbo 3.0L Approx. 450HP Spoon Balanced and Blue printed Spoon Yellow valve Cover All internals are Spoon balanced
Transmission	6-speed manual Option: Automatic
Color	White, Black, Yellow, Blue Available Type R colors
Seats	Type-R Red or Black
Wheels	F: TypeR 17”x 7 ½” R: TypeR 17”x 8 ½”
Tires	F: 215 40 17 R: 255 40 17 Bridgestone or BF Goodrich
Air/Heat	Type-R Standard
LSD	Type-R Standard
Exhaust	Spoon Dual Exhaust for NA Spoon Single Exhaust for Turbo
Brake system	Spoon Monoblock Calipers Spoon Large Rotors Spoon Brake pads Spoon Brake lines
Suspension	Spoon Custom Dampers
Air duct	Spoon Unicorn and sides air duct
Front Bumper	Spoon aero
Rear Bumper	Spoon aero
Carpet	Type-R Red or black
Instruments	Type-R
Door interior panels	Type-R
Lighting and lens	Type-R

Options:
* Turbo Charge
* Dry carbon Fiber trunk
* Dry Carbon Door panels
* Driver’s side airbag

Not included in the price:
* Shipment from Japan to US by Container ship.
* Tax – Homeland Security
* DMV Registration

The Spoon NSX will be tuned prior to shipment. Spoon warranty applies to engine and transmission.

For more info: Email: info@spoonsports.us or call Edmun Laurea at (650) 204 9483

Source: Spoon Sports/Opak Racing via Vtec.net

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Honda Unveils New Experimental Walking Assist Device

Honda has unveiled a new walking assist device that supports bodyweight and could reduce muscle and joint fatigue for people who stand for long periods of time or perform repetitive tasks that put strain on the lower body.*

The new device reduces the load on leg muscles and joints in the hips, knees, and ankles by supporting a portion of the user’s bodyweight when bending and stretching the knees during actions like walking, going up and down stairs and crouching.

It comprises of a seat, frame, and shoes which can be fitted easily without being fastened to the user. Using one of the motors, the seat lifts to take the user’s weight as the frame between the shoe and seat bends and extends like real knees. As a result, the load on leg muscles and joints is reduced.

Two unique Honda innovations enable the device to provide natural and effective assistance – a mechanism that allows the seat and frame to follow the movement of the body and legs, and the ability to support the user’s centre of gravity in tandem with leg movement.

Natural walking is achieved by changing the amount of assistance applied to the right and left legs. This is accomplished by controlling the two motors based on information obtained though sensors embedded in the shoes.

The latest device features technology used in Honda’s advanced humanoid robot, ASIMO and benefits from the extensive study of human walking patterns carried out by Honda engineers in the development of ASIMO.

Honda began research into walking assist devices in 1999, with an aim to provide mobility to more people. This research has been conducted by the Fundamental Technology Research Center of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. in Wako, Saitama.

Honda will now begin testing the device in real-world conditions.

Key specifications

Weight: 6.5kg (including shoes and batteries)
Drive system: Motor x 2
Battery pack: Lithium ion battery
Operating time per charge: 2 hours (including walking and in a semi-crouching posture, etc.)
Suitable height of the user: Within plus or minus 5cm of the set height
(Example: set height for medium size is 170cm)

* This device is designed to support people who are still capable of walking on their own.

Source: Honda UK

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Japanese Green Cars blog

Following the “Honda Hybrid Cars" blog which is up and running since September 2008, I thought that it would be a good idea to create a blog covering a wider range of Japanese "green" cars. The current blog will continue to cover Honda related news only and it will provide up to date information as always.

The question though is on what basis can a car be characterised as “green”? Two of them can been found below:

A characteristic of Japanese cars is that they have led the world in producing mature technology for the shift to alternative energies. The three different approaches are electricity, hydrogen-powered fuel cell, and hybrid systems that use either gasoline or electricity according to requirements.

The most straightforward way to reduce the impact of cars on the environment is to make smaller cars. Simplicity is the starting point for Japanese aesthetics, and Japan has a distinct category of mini-vehicles - also known as light cars, kei cars, or micro-cars. Tiny cars can be found around the world, but those in Japan are distinctive for being tightly packed with sophistication and advanced performance.

On both blogs there is a “My blog list” in order for you to be able to check if the other blog has been updated.

Some sneak previews of sports cars will also be available (...of Japanese origin of course), as a true car enthusiast can always keep dreaming!

If you would like to visit my new blog, click here: Japanese Green Cars blog

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