All-electric Nissan LEAF in Canada, available in Canadian car markets now

Car Sales | All-electric Nissan LEAF in Canada, available in Canadian car markets now | Nissan Canada today made history when it delivered the first all-electric Nissan LEAF in Canada, signaling the arrival of sustainable mobility to the Canadian mass market.

PowerStream, the second largest municipally-owned electricity distribution company in Ontario, received keys to its two white Nissan LEAFs MY11 at an event at its head office in Vaughan, Ontario.

“Electricity is the new fuel for cars and drivers have the freedom to choose a future with no tailpipe emissions or dependence on fossil fuels,” said Allen Childs, president of Nissan Canada, in a statement.” This Nissan LEAF delivery is just the beginning of the sustainable mobility movement in Canada.”

Through Model Year 12, Nissan expects to release around 600 Nissan Leaf on the Canadian market. In addition to these MY12 models, Nissan Canada has secured 100 MY11 Nissan LEAFs with 40 allocated to consumers, ahead of the arrival of MY12 cars that will start to arrive later this year.

To be eligible to reserve a Nissan LEAF, consumers must be registered on www.nissan.ca/leaf and live within the vicinity of a Nissan LEAF certified dealer. Those meeting these criteria will receive an email in the coming weeks with all the details on how and when to order a Nissan LEAF.

Reservations for MY11 will be made on a first-come-first-served basis. A second wave of reservations will be available in the coming months for the 2012 Nissan LEAF and as production ramps up and more cars become available, reservations will open to the broader public.

The first Canadian markets to receive the Nissan LEAF are those in which Nissan has formed partnerships with local or provincial governments along with utilities to foster the development of electric vehicle-friendly policies and an EV-charging infrastructure. - Car Sales

All-electric Nissan LEAF in Canada, available in Canadian car markets now

Canadian F1 Grand Prix 2011: Race Preview Feature - Brakes in Canada

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Stuttgart/Brackley, Germany/United Kingdom, Jun 07, 2011

It may sound counter-intuitive but being quick in Formula One isn’t just about going fast - stopping well is also a major part of the equation. Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve features seven braking events in all, of which six are considered to be ‘heavy’ and four involve braking from over 295 kph. It amounts to one of the toughest circuits of the year for the brakes. Getting the braking system right for Montreal involves fitting revised air ducts to optimise the cooling, and using different materials to ensure consistent performance for each one of the race’s 70 laps. It’s no small challenge…


How severe a test is Montreal for the brakes?
The energy input to the brakes is roughly double that measured in Spa. At both circuits, the drivers spend around 15 seconds of the total lap time braking; in Montreal this accounts for 20% of the lap spent on the brakes, while in Spa it only represents 14%.

Where is the heaviest braking event on the circuit?
The biggest single braking event comes at Turn 10, where the cars must slow from 295 kph to just 60 kph for the corner apex. The cars shed 235 kph in a distance of just 140m. When deceleration is at its greatest, the drivers are subjected to peak forces of some 5.5G.

How hard are the drivers working in the cockpit under braking?
The force the drivers exert on the pedal is approximately 2000 newtons – that’s equivalent to lifting 200 kg. The theoretical stopping distance of a Formula One car from 300 kph to zero is approximately 135 metres in a straight line, but varies according to drag levels and tyre grip.

What temperatures do the brakes reach?
Peak temperatures during a braking event don’t occur when maximum force is applied, but later during the braking phase owing to heat transfer rates. The discs can reach up to 1000°C while caliper temperatures stabilise at around 200°C.

What parts of the braking system are altered for a heavy braking circuit like Montreal?
The thickness and diameter of the brake discs is limited by the regulations to 28mm and 278mm respectively. The brake material – the type of carbon disc and pad – is changed between high and low severity circuits to provide the necessary durability. Large brake ducts are used in order to achieve adequate cooling; these large ducts cost around 0.2s compared to the smallest versions run during the year.

What is a typical brake balance at Montreal?
A typical figure is a front to rear brake force distribution of approximately 55% front/45% rear. However, this changes with KERS, which provides significant torque to the rear axle under braking. This means the drivers must run the brake balance even further forward to prevent the rear tyres from locking.

How will the DRS zones, and the resultant higher straightline speeds, affect the braking demands?
Braking energy inputs will be slightly increased when the DRS is activated. However, this will be highly dependent on how often it is activated during the race, and with what fuel load. Its impact will be greater on higher fuel loads.

* Official photo and report courtesy of MERCEDES GP PETRONAS *

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

limited distribution and guaranteed fun! - 2011 coupé HFP, canada honda accord

limited distribution and guaranteed fun! - 2011 coupé HFP, canada honda accord: I must admit I'm not really fond of the Honda Accord of this generation. Indeed, although its engines and transmissions are remarkable, this version leaves me on my appetite. It was swollen, and elongate the spark that made it fun to drive Accord has virtually disappeared. Moreover, if the silhouette of the coupe is correct, that of the sedan is flawed. At least that's my opinion. But as you know, tastes and colors can not be discussed.

honda, honda accord, canada - By cons, although many have criticized the quality of the materials of the most economical versions, the Accord continues to offer a good assembly quality and reliability is above average.

honda, honda accord, canada - Last week I had the opportunity to conduct a special version of the coupe, the HFP. This is the first time that Honda sells a version of Honda Factory Performance HFP. Having resisted the tendency of manufacturers to modify one or more models with accessories bearing a particular label, Honda has followed suit. At Toyota, we know the TRD accessories for Toyota Racing Department and of course there are models Mazdaspeed Mazda to name them. Thus, using accessories provided by the manufacturer and therefore approved by it, the car can be modified and customized, while its performance and handling are improved.

200 editions only!

honda, honda accord, canada - In our case, this is a limited edition version with only 200 copies will be available in Canada. Anyway, among the most important changes, it must be stressed that the suspension has been lowered, which the dampers are more efficient while the wheels of 19 inch alloy are furnished with exclusive Michelin MXM4.

honda, honda accord, canada - Of course, it must produce its difference to the world! For this purpose, special front and rear spoilers identify this Agreement a little strange. When we see this model for the first time, it is the gray titanium alloy wheels which we are obvious. Not only is the 10-spoke design is successful, but the original color brings a unique twist. Thanks to the lower suspension, the front baffle which almost touching the tarmac and the mini spoiler on the trunk, the car has the poise on the road.

honda, honda accord, canada - Inside, there is not much more than the normal version, however, I think we could have done better. Our model was equipped with leather seats and a shifter knob also lined with leather. For the rest, it's almost the same as the less-exclusive. It has even resisted the temptation to use an aluminum pedals. In passing the foot of very large dimension that adds to driving pleasure.

Driving pleasure

honda, honda accord, canada - Often, modified cars disappoint us: it was so focused on presenting the benefits, though improved, we leave on our appetite. This is not the case with this car and I really enjoyed the ride. First and foremost, and this is not a discovery, the 3.5-liter V6 engine is really excellent. He loves high speeds, it is soft, quiet and the power curve is well distributed. In addition, when not in charge, an electronic system shuts down half the cylinders to save fuel. Our test version was equipped with a manual six-speed. As in most cases at Honda, the guidance of the shifter is precise and consistent with a clutch pedal which the race is virtually flawless.

honda, honda accord, canada - Of course, not everything is perfect. We must first mention that the ergonomics of the Agreement is still frowning. The button controls are generally fairly well distributed, but difficult to identify. We need eyes off the road for several seconds if you want to tune the radio or air conditioning. For cons, the car navigation system is efficient and easy to use. As for the rear seats, as on every cut, and it means they are reserved for small people.

A sports Agreement

honda, honda accord, canada - Probably due to a lowering of the suspension and the center of gravity, the car is more neutral cornering. Another factor explaining this behavior is probably the front wheel camber changes due to the use of different tires. The car is also more stable cornering and steering is more precise. Fun to link turns and play shifter. I doubt that the life of these tires sport will be short and that their replacement would be expensive, but if you're among people who enjoy driving pleasure, is the price you pay.

honda, honda accord, canada - Curiously, the more agreement is progressing in its development, the more it is aimed at relatively small niche market. Some will talk about a change of vocation, but I think it wiser to talk about complementary products from diversifying the supply base is still targeting the general public. And it is normal that over the years, more specialized versions are added.

honda, honda accord, canada - Whatever the reasons, the Accord Coupe HFP is very interesting and its great fault is that its availability will be limited to 200 copies.

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