Mazda Announces Value Grade for CX-7

Refreshed 2010 model rolls out late summer

2010 Mazda CX-7

Mazda refreshes its five-passenger crossover vehicle for 2010, including a new value grade. The base model gets the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine as the new Mazda3 and Mazda6, with a five-speed automatic transmission.

The new engine produces 161-horsepower and 161 lbs-ft. of torque. Engineers incorporated balance shafts to eliminate vibration: a common problem with large four-cylinder blocks. Chain driven camshafts have the advantage of being service-free: they save customers the cost of timing belt replacement.

Fuel economy is 21/28 mpg city/highway. The powertrain is available only on iSV and iSport models, and only with front-wheel drive. Mazda has not announced pricing for the new models.

Upscale grades continue to feature Mazda’s turbocharged 2.3-liter engine, that produces 244 horsepower and 258 lbs.-ft. of torque. The more powerful engine comes with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual gear selection.

Buyers can choose between front and all-wheel drive: the latter system can deliver up to half the engine’s torque to the rear wheels for better traction.

All grades benefit from improved torsional rigidity, reduced noise, vibration and harshness. Coil springs and anti-roll bars keep the car flat in the corners. The CX-7 features speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering, a MacPherson front and multi-link rear suspension. Four-wheel disc brakes come with antilock braking, traction and dynamic stability control. Read the rest of this entry »

Honda Debuts Walking Assist Device

Two new devices help mobilize people with weakened leg muscles

Stride Management Assist

As the daughter of a polio victim, I’m always excited to see new technology that enhances personal mobility. Two new devices from Honda do just that, by helping individuals with weakened leg muscles walk and do other weight-bearing activities.

Honda has been researching personal mobility since 1999, using a humanoid robot called ASIMO. The company will debut its prototypes in the US at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress, which takes place in Detroit next week.

The first device, called Stride Management Assist is designed for people with weakened leg muscles who can still walk on their own. It obtains information about the user’s gait from hip angle sensors. The device can increase stride length and maintain a normal cadence, making it easier to walk.

The Bodyweight Support Assist reduces the load on leg muscles and joints while going up and down stairs and standing in a semi-crouched position. The device consists of a seat, frame and shoes. The user puts it on by wearing the shoes and lifting the seat into position.

Honda is currently testing its mobility devices in real-world conditions, for use by the elderly and other individuals with weakened leg muscles. The company has applied for over 130 patents for the devices.