Introducing, Kawasaki’s latest weapon of mass destruction—the Z750 bike. A very important feature in a motorcycle is its ability to smoothly stop at any given moment. Kawasaki’s latest road monster can do just that—equipped with a keen brake system, its rear will easily halt with the “softly set” suspension and its front will “dive urgently” on the brakes. Kawasaki has installed a triple petal disc brakes like those on the Ninja Supersport bikes. What’s more to this sexy but raging beast other than its superb braking system?

Well, for starters, it’s hooked up with a six-speed gearbox and a “re-worked” 748cc engine that was specified to produce a flatter, mid-range torque curve. Other detail-oriented features include reliable handlebars that are closer to the rider, and footpegs that were moved “inwards to streamline the rider’s stance”. The seat is also noticeably slimmer. It all the more emphasizes that shiny, 18.5-liter tank. This bike is definitely ideal for those curves along the road, or even some sharp turns. Comparable to the Yamaha FZ6, Honda Hornet 600, and Triumph’s Street Triple, Kawasaki has proven to be in a category of its own. It is not only powerful in its bike capabilities, but it is also impressively agile and its suspension is very comfortable. This bike is definitely the best for all those dare devils on the road. That, is if you are willing to shell out some 5,445 -5,795 Pounds.

Source: The Sun

Unveiling the 2008 Honda Civic comes with the showcase of its upgraded car brake system. Among others, the car brake system of any car must be the first things that you consider when buying. The horsepower, the engine transmission and the aesthetic features are just secondary. For after all, the car brake system is your only safety net; your only assurance in case your hands fumble on the steering wheel. This is why there has been a constant evolution in the braking technology. Honda, living up to its reputation as an industry giant, sets its flagship Honda Civic sailing.

The 2008 Honda Civic is now complete with an improved Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Distribution. It even comes equipped with active front seat head restraints, so that you will not be injured heavily in case someone bumps the Civic’s rear. Airbags are all implemented on the sides of the driver and the passengers. It even works with the Occupant Position Detection System or OPDS. The 2008 Honda Civic has a very impressive brake system indeed. It commits to what Honda has been known for: worthy to entrust your life to.

Other jaw-dropping features of the 2008 Honda Civic comes in two forms: the Si Sedan, and the Civic Mugen Si. Given the MUGEN badge of course, you will know just how powerful this babies are. This is sure to be another successful version of the immortal name “Civic”.

source: Honda Press Release

Check out the latest in car technology today, which car has which feature, and how they can greatly contribute to its total safety features.

What Lexus Offers…

Lexus introduces the Collision Warning and Preparation technology. Its 2008 Lexus LS will showcase the “Pre-Collision System” or PCS, meaning that the car will be able to detect future impacts. The Lexus car has a radar sensor that is mounted on its front, making it quicker to detect if there is any frontal collision about to happen. The PCS then will tighten the front seat belts, as if on reflex action. It will also give the car’s Brake Assist System a heads-up, so that the car’s anti-lock brakes are well-engaged.

What Audi Prepared…

Audi prepped up its 2008 Audi A8 with the “lane change and blind spot warning systems”. This technology utilizes sensors and an impressive video technology. The Audi Lane Assist works when a driver is outside of traffic lenses, and he or she decides to make a move. The system detects this, warning the driver for “unseen” road objects by vibrating the steering wheel. The Audi Side Assist greatly helps in detecting other vehicles that are coming from the driver’s blind spot. This works by flashing lights on the exterior mirror.

What Volvo Decked Out…

The 2008 Volvo C70 will now be sporting a Park Assist Rear and Park Assist Front technology, which makes it different from the other parking assistance technology that is being offered today. The C70 has a sensor that is mounted onto the front and back bumper which alerts the driver whenever an object is blocking the way. This will be triggered by a “special audio signal”.

What Acura Created…

With its Voice Recognition(TM) Acura Navigation System, the 2008 Acura TL is now able to “give voice” to navigation system as they communicate with the driver. No need for the driver to press the system’s buttons, for he or she can now access it through voice commands, while keeping the focus on the road. By simply pushing the “talk” button, the stated “pre-set phrases” can be activated verbally. For instance, commands like, “find the nearest hospital” or “find the nearest Italian restaurant” will be keyed in on the navigation system. Specific addresses are also advised to be entered, as the Acura Navigation System is sure to find it with its over 1.7 million city and street names.

Kia boasts its 2007 Kia Amanti or Opirus as it received a“Good” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) of the U.S. in a side impact crash test for large luxury cars. A “Good” is the highest possible rating given by IIHS and the results show a range of performance in how well large cars are designed to protect people in serious side impact crashes, according to the institute.

The Amanti can thank its active safety equipments like the standard four-wheel disc antilock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD), which apportions braking force front and rear according to the vehicle’s load distribution. Other features are the electronic stability control, traction control and brake assist. These help control the vehicle in the event of a severe stop by applying the brakes to individual wheels while reducing engine power to help bring the vehicle safely back on its intended course.

Meanwhile the Amanti also lead the pack when it comes to standard safety features such as more standard airbags than any other vehicle in its segment, including dual front advanced airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Other standard safety features for the 2007 Amanti include tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), four anti-pinch windows - which sense obstructions and automatically roll down - height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters, three-point seatbelts for all five seating positions, lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH), side impact door beams and front and rear crumple zones.

“It comes as no surprise to learn how well Amanti did when compared to higher priced vehicles in this test,” said Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of Kia Motors America. “We are pleased that the IIHS test of the 2007 Amanti validates Kia’s philosophy of providing high-value and safe vehicles for our customers.”

According to IIHS, a vehicle’s side impact crash evaluation is based on performance in a crash test in which the side of the vehicle is struck by a barrier representing the front end of a pickup or SUV. Injury measures obtained from the test are used to determine the likelihood that a driver and/or rear passenger in a real-world crash would sustain serious injury to various body regions.

Among the lowest priced vehicle in the group IIHS recently tested, the Kia Amanti, was one of the best performers. “The Amanti shows that you don’t have to buy an expensive car to get good protection in crashes with SUVs and pickup trucks,” said IIHS president Adrian Lund. “The standard head curtain airbags for front- and back-seat occupants kept the dummies’ heads from hitting any hard structures including the intruding crash test barrier.”

A new SSP function will really boost the Peugeot 207 Gti. The system applies more braking power to the wheels with good grip and anticipates any vehicle instability. It also applies torque to the steering to help the driver achieve optimal directional control. Unlike an ABS system which limits braking of the wheels with good grip to give priority to vehicle control, this system reduces braking distances by between 4% and 10% while still guaranteeing vehicle stability in a straight line.

The efficient braking system would be useless without a powerful engine. The 207 Gti assures motorists the right performance that will compliment the new braking system with the 1.6 liter THP (Turbo High Pressure) engine. It can produce a maximum power of 128kW and a torque of 240 Nm from only 1600 rpm. The torque output of the engine remains unchanged all the way up to 4500 rpm but can be increased to 260 Nm temporarily, thanks to the “over-boost” function. It is also fitted with a 5-speed manual gearbox with specific gear ratios.

The 207 Gti is said to be the modern evolution of the eighties “hot hatchback”, that offers an interior space to carry both passengers and luggage. The vehicle has great seats that are ergonomically designed.

Other safety feature includes the 207’s strong and protective structure to protect the occupants in the event of a collision. Combined with six airbags as standard and two Isofix child safety seat mountings at the rear, the 207 was awarded five stars in the Euro NCAP test for adult occupant protection.

The vehicle also comes with a rear parking aid, elliptical headlamps incorporating static directional lighting, a speed limiter coupled with a cruise control, automatic headlamps and wipers, dual zone climate control air conditioning, tire under-inflation sensors, folding electric door mirrors and an electro-chrome interior rear-view mirror

The new 2007 Mini Cooper S will give great performance along with improved braking system. With its lighter steering and powerful engine, the new Cooper did not neglect its brakes. Now, the brakes of the Cooper S feature ventilated discs all around, equipped with ABS, brakeforce distribution and BMW’s DTC traction control. All of these added features make the vehicle safer in all weather condition.

Not much change was done on its exterior, but when one drives it, they will feel the change. One of the biggest changes for this year’s Mini Cooper and Cooper S were the engines and the manner of forced aspiration in the S. It can generate up to 172 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 177 lb-ft of maximum torque. If this is still not enough, the Cooper S can increase its turbocharger’s pressure via something called “overboost” to generate 192 lb-ft of torque.

But besides adding power, the new Cooper S engine is more efficient than the one it replaces. Without a supercharger to add engine drag, and with the addition of variable valve timing and direct injection, the Cooper S offers some truly thrifty thrills. Its remarkable fuel consumption rating of 29 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway is up from last year’s already good 25 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

The capabilities of the engine will surely compliment the car’s excellent braking system, not to mention all that power it can generate. Power is one of the emphasis in the new 2007 Mini Cooper S.

In two years, Volvo will introduce their City Safety system that promises benefits to both drivers and passengers when faced with sticky driving situations.

According to Ingrid Skogsmo, director of the Volvo Cars Safety Center, “The system offers benefits to all involved. For the occupants of the car in front, the risk of whiplash injuries is avoided or reduced. What is more, the system can help reduce or sometimes even eliminate the cost of repairs to both vehicles.”

If the vehicle in front suddenly brakes and the City Safety senses that a collision is likely to happen it will pre-charge the brakes to help the driver to avoid an accident by braking or let the driver steer away from a potential collision. However, when the system senses that a collision is imminent, the car will brake automatically through hydraulic pump activation.

The system keeps a watchful eye on traffic in front of the car with the help of an optical radar system integrated into the upper part of the windscreen at the height of the interior rear-view mirror. It can monitor vehicles that are up to 6 metres in front of the car. City Safety operates at speeds of up to 30 km/h and the system is programmed to respond if the vehicle in front is either at a standstill or is moving in the same direction as the car itself.

Based on the distance to the object in front and the car’s own speed, the system runs a calculation 50 times per second to determine what braking speed is needed to avoid a collision. If the calculated braking force exceeds a given level without the driver responding, the danger of a collision is considered imminent. In such a case, City Safety helps avoid or reduce the consequences of a collision by automatically activating the car’s brakes or by auto braking and switching off the throttle.

“It is important to emphasise that the system does not absolve the driver from driving with adequate safety margins in order to avoid collisions. The automatic braking function is only activated when the system assesses that a collision is imminent. The system then steps in to limit the consequences of – or in some cases totally avoid – the imminent collision,” explains Skogsmo.

Volvo Cars has previously presented active safety systems that help the driver avoid and reduce damage and injuries from collisions. One example is the current Volvo S80’s Collision Warning and Brake Support that alerts the driver via audible and visual signals if the gap to the car in front is being reduced so quickly that an impact is likely. At the same time, the braking system is prepared so that braking is as effective as possible in this emergency situation.

Yes, much as a number of us would wish to resort to such tactics in order to ward off the gray afternoons and windy weather that comes along with the rainy season, nothing would come of it. One cannot deny the inevitability of the inevitable after all. Thus, what we can do, in the least, is to make it a whole lot easier on us.

As each and every one who owns a car or knows how to drive one is aware of, the rain results into a bevy of constant problems and one of them are slick roads. When it rains, the roads get wet and they take their sweet time in drying up. This makes driving a wee bit difficult than it has to be.

There is always the possibility that one may end up skittering on the road, skidding and brakes certainly won’t be of any help at that point.

Of course, there are ways to circumvent this. Employing safe driving measures when the rains are at full force or when snow starts to fall, can keep one from ending up in an unfortunate road accident.

The National Safety Council thus puts forward a few suggestions on the matter. First, one has to drive in a slow and careful manner, particularly when there are curves up ahead. One must also remember to leave ample space between cars so as to provide space for movement and driving adjustments. Third, when one has to stop or slow down a bit, one has to do it slowly. Gently, now. Gently. Stepping down hard on the brakes may result into a skid and that’s always something that any driver will wish to wholeheartedly avoid. Skids often happen when in wet roads.

However, if you do happen to find the car skidding, slowly, bit by bit, take your foot of the pedal before turning in the direction you wish the front of the car to head to. And of course, don’t forget to keep away from puddles.

A number of these features will, of course, only be effective if one has a great brake system and brake system components to back it up. Thus, one has to ensure that the brake system is working well and good before one attempts to face out the roads during fierce rains.

It is for this reason why auto parts the likes of EBC brakes are made available in the market. With the onset of the rainy season, having an engine braking control system or EBC system that works exceptionally well and can withstand the rigors and wear of driving in bad to awful weather is important. Now, more than ever.

One cannot simply take chances when it comes to safety. Thus, instead of inviting trouble along by driving a car that has a brake system that’s already a bit on the unreliable side, you can be sure of your safety by going for brake system components that do the job well. Work with what works. Work with EBC brakes

There are degrees in maintenance sessions, of course. There’s the routinary or regular kind that requires having your vehicle’s braking system looked over by professionals at least once a year. A complete inspection should cover a good looking over of the brake lining of the system, of the extent of the wear, the brake fluid level to see if it is still sufficient or if you already need a new batch, the rotor thickness because if it’s too thin, replacements have to be put in place right away along with the condition of the hoses, of the brake lines, of the brake as well as dash warning lights—these have to be checked and monitored at a regular basis. Since wear and tear affects these areas more than they do any other.

In addition, subjecting the car to a test drive is not a bad idea since it is one way through which other glitches in the system may be detected. Brake problems often have a way of revealing themselves when one is in the middle of the road, going at it 170 miles or more, per hour. There is also the matter of replacing the brake fluid every two years since the fluid constantly acquires dirt and other particulates that corrode and contaminate the fluid over time.

Another good idea to follow on is to be on guard against any and all possible sources of brake problems all the time. Problems spring when one least expects them to. It always pays to be prepared than to be taken in by surprise. A great many of the brake problems that car owners bemoan can be staved off if one had had the sense to see to them in the first place before they grew and evolved into full blown drastic engine problems. Illuminated brake warning lights, brake grabbing low pedal or a soft pedal feel along with vibrations, hard pedal feel and squealing are merely some of the more obvious signs of trouble.

Thus, one way to head off a few brake aggravations is to listen with a keen ear to your brakes. Grinding noises in particular are a dead give away that something in the system needs to be checked. If your brakes is immoderately prone to throwing off brake dust on your wheels, see if there is a sudden increase or decrease in the amount of dust.

And last but never in the least, one effective way to your brake system in exemplary fashion is to go for replacements. Not replacements that sport with-the-pack standards but those replacements that can guarantee a longer run for your car and better road performance for your vehicle.

In this area, none can top the talents of EBC brake components. There are EBC brake rotors, EBC brake pads along with EBC rotors and pads that all work wonders in any brake system. Choose any to outfit your car and boost the braking technology of your machine. Brake with confidence with EBC brakes.

There is no escaping the fact that the brake system is one of the most important assemblies in a car. The greatest and widely renowned NASCAR drivers can certainly prove the truth of this statement. These drivers have relied on the talents of a good brake system to see them through numerous situations, whether off the road or on it. Tracks like the Martinsville as well as Bristol along with the road courses the likes of Watkins Glen—all these locations require the performance of a well built, if not exactly meticulously engineered brake system, if the car is expected to survive the cruise.

This is exactly the reason why a number of NASCAR drivers give careful attention to the brake components that their machines are outfitted with. Indeed, any and all who has ever had the misfortune to rely on an inferior brake part will know and understand exactly what this means. Those who have seen how an under car brake cam covers the race car’s brakes as they function in the field is immediately provided with a chance to observe, if not exactly judge the mettle of the said brake system.

Thus, a brake system inspection should not be too surprising or confounding a notion. The brake system, after all, is one of the assemblies in the automotive system that guarantees driving safety. Proper maintenance must then be a given at all times.

One good advice to follow is to go for inspections. Before you set off to fix the problems, find out what they are in the first place. No sense going off half cocked, haphazardly going about the matter of searching for brake solutions.