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World first imaging system to shed light on engine lubrication

By Noel McKeegan

23:01 November 12, 2008 PST

Image of oil flow inside an engine crankcase at high speed

Yesterday we looked at the promising future of liquid crystal based lubricants in dramatically improving engine efficiency, now the other side of the equation - how to improve engine design. A neutron imaging system developed by Nissan and the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) that can see through lightweight metals may help uncover some of the answers by providing researchers with unprecedented visualization of oil flow in an engine operating at high speed. Read More

Liquid crystal lubricants promise close-to-zero frictional losses

By Mike Hanlon

20:08 November 11, 2008 PST


 One of the testing machines in which the researchers examine liquid crystals as lubrican...

November 12, 2008 Lubrication enables all of the world’s machinery to function, but even then, at least a quarter of all the energy is lost to friction. Despite some ingenious lubrication methods, at least 15% of the power made in a car engine is lost to friction. In most machinery, frictional losses are much higher than 15% and the heat resultant from friction generates trillions of dollars of repair and maintenance every year. Now a breakthrough in lubricant design employing liquid crystals promises a vast reduction in friction and some quite remarkable lubricants are about five years from market – oils that could reduce friction to almost zero. Read More

Caterham’s new Superlight R300 delivers 339bhp-per-tonne

By Darren Quick

22:34 November 9, 2008 PST

The Caterham R300.

British lightweight sportscar manufacturer Caterham has released details of a new addition to its ‘Superlight’ family. The new Superlight R300 is an update the previous R300, which was originally launched in 2002 and fitted with a Rover engine. The new model offers chassis developments and increased engine performance that see the R300 go from 0-to-60mph in 4.5 seconds courtesy of a new 2.0-litre Ford Duratec engine, tuned by Caterham Powertrain (CPT) to deliver 175bhp. The latest 515kg interpretation of Colin Chapman’s ‘lightweight minimalist’ philosophy balances power and chassis to deliver an impressive 339bhp-per-tonne. Read More

London takes delivery of hybrid-drive double-decker

By Noel McKeegan

17:57 November 7, 2008 PST

London takes delivery of hybrid-drive double-decker

London's iconic double-decker buses may soon add a green heart to their familiar red exterior. Having already made an impact in North America, buses equipped with BAE Systems’ diesel-electric HybriDrive propulsion system are soon to be trailed on the other side of the Atlantic. The first of 17 evaluation units built by Britain’s Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) and BAE Systems was delivered this week to bus operator Transport for London and Metrobus. Read More

Fiat Bugster Concept Car

By Noel McKeegan

17:25 November 6, 2008 PST

Fiat Bugster Concept Car

November 7, 2008 Looking something like an off-road version of the KTM X-Bow, this little green bug has attracted plenty of attention since rendered images first appeared a couple of weeks back. Aptly called the Bugster, Fiat's cute two-seater is more than green in color, featuring body panels made of renewable natural fibers and an all-electric power-train. Read More

Seatbelt add-on enhances driver control

By Noel McKeegan

01:42 November 5, 2008 PST

The CG-Lock

What the CG-Lock does is simple, but the benefits it lays claim to - with credentials boosted by its use on Top Gear and the set of the latest Bond film - are worth noting. The three ounce device clips onto your seatbelt and is used to tighten and hold the lapbelt while leaving the shoulder strap loose. In day-to-day use this prevents sliding towards the pedals and improves driver posture, while on track days or during serious off-roading it boosts control and safety. Read More

Roush demonstrates hydrogen conversion system for petrol vehicles

By Darren Quick

18:50 November 3, 2008 PST

The Roush modified Transit Van.

November 4, 2008 One of the hurdles of cleaning up vehicle emissions is the need for drivers to buy a completely new environmentally friendly vehicle - not exactly a feasible option for most people. Systems like the latest bi-fuel Internal Combustion Engine conversion from Roush Technologies could provide that vital stepping stone between petrol and hydrogen fueled vehicles. To demonstrate the technology, the company has modified the engine of a Ford Transit-based vehicle to operate using compressed hydrogen gas fuel – but it can also operate from its existing petrol fueled system without any adverse effects. Read More

New Nissan Z set for Los Angeles debut

By Noel McKeegan

17:11 October 30, 2008 PDT

New Nissan Z set for Los Angeles debut

Nissan has released images of the new 370Z Coupe ahead of its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show on 19 November. The 2009 incarnation of the legendary Z represents its first full redesign since its reintroduction in 2003. Read More

Design Los Angeles asks how motor-racing will look in 2025

By Noel McKeegan

00:03 October 29, 2008 PDT

Design Los Angeles asks how motor-racing will look in 2025

After last year being asked to provide a glimpse of what automobiles will look like 50 years into the future, design studios vying for recognition in this year's LA Auto Show Design Challenge are leaving city streets behind and heading for the racetrack under the theme "Motorsports 2025". Throwing away preconceptions of what motor racing should be and incorporating the possibility of cars that never crash or need re-fueling, nine of Southern California’s big-name automotive design houses have submitted entries, and again the results are both outrageous and thought provoking - from vehicles that race over land, sea and air to 8 x 4 wheel-drive ATVs and solar sailing energy-miser's that compete on see-through tracks. Read More

Historic MG TC road racer sells for $313,500

By Noel McKeegan

21:41 October 27, 2008 PDT

1949 MG TC - Carroll Shelby's first racecar

The sub-prime crisis didn't rate a mention at this month's inaugural Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Las Vegas with the auction company reporting sales in excess of USD$29 million. Topping the block at $313,500 was the 1949 MG TC Roadster Race Car driven by the legendary Carroll Shelby in his first road race in 1952. Read More

Ford Kuga gets clever rear-view camera

By Darren Quick

00:22 October 27, 2008 PDT

Ford Kuga gets clever rear-view camera

Tailgate mounted cameras are nothing new, but Ford’s new miniature rear-view camera system is enhanced by a very simple idea. Two yellow lines indicating the total width of the vehicle including mirrors are superimposed onto the camera image while a third line marks the vehicle’s center line. The lines move to show the path of the vehicle based on the current steering angle and, while the two lines indicating the width of the vehicle help drivers reverse safely and accurately, the third center line assists in lining up a tow hook with a caravan or trailer. Read More

Paris round-up: Nissan's compact future

By Darren Quick

23:44 October 26, 2008 PDT

The Nissan Nuvu concept car

In addition to the futuristic Nuvu concept car premiered in Paris, Nissan also provided a taste of what's in store for the more immediate future with the new Pixo - a five-door, four-seater that boasts very low fuel consumption and emissions - a revised version of the Note compact car and the introduction of an all-new combined satellite nav and infotainment system known as Nissan Connect. Read More

BMW working on multi-functional Smart Key

By Emily Clark

23:16 October 23, 2008 PDT

BMW working on multi-functional Smart Key

BMW Group Research and NXP Semiconductors have developed a prototype multifunctional car key that can incorporate contactless payment, personalized access control and even functions like public transport e-ticketing. Creating new usage scenarios for future consumers, the prototype is powered by NXP’s SmartMX security chip and allows drivers to perform quick, secure and convenient electronic payments using their car key. Read More

Faster than a speeding bullet: UK team sets sights on new world land speed record

By Noel McKeegan

18:54 October 23, 2008 PDT

1000mph land speed bid
 Image: curventa

Current and former record holders Andy Green OBE and Richard Noble OBE are joining forces in an effort to set a new world land speed mark. The current record of 763 mph (slightly under 1228 km/h) was achieved by Green in the twin turbofan jet-powered ThrustSSC twelve years ago, but the new project, dubbed BLOODHOUND, is aiming to obliterate that figure with a 1000mph (Mach 1.4) bid planned for 2011 - an astounding goal which would also exceed the low altitude speed record for aircraft and be faster than a bullet fired from a handgun. Read More

2008 Peugeot Design Contest: tommorrow's urban commuters

By Noel McKeegan

02:47 October 23, 2008 PDT

2008 Peugeot Design Contest: tommorrow's urban commuters

Peugeot has announced the winners of its 2008 Design Competition with RD, a morphing three-wheeler from 25 year old Columbian designer Carlos Arturo Torres Tovar claiming the top prize in what has once again proved to be an invigorating platform for futuristic automotive design. Now in its fifth year, the theme set down for this year's contest was to "imagine the Peugeot in the worldwide megopolis of tomorrow", a challenge the winning entry meets with a small footprint that gives it the scope to navigate narrow roads combined with the ability to shorten itself by folding upwards at a central hinge point in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Along with the €10,000 prize, the designer will see his vision produced in full-scale model form for the 2009 Shanghai Motor Show. Read More

A Model-T for the modern era

By Darren Quick

20:48 October 21, 2008 PDT

The winning entry - the Model T for the year 2015

A century after the Model T put the world on wheels, Ford Motor Company has announced the winners of a global competition that challenged five universities to create a similarly revolutionary vehicle concept. The winner of the competition was Germany’s Aachen University's Institute of Automotive Engineering (ika), which took home the USD$25,000 in scholarship funds by developing a concept that met the requirements set by Ford: the vehicle had to be simple, lightweight, practical, and durable, offer a range of at least 125 miles, accommodate at least two passengers and be priced no more than $7,000. Read More

New Mégane Coupé to get video game introduction

By Darren Quick

00:05 October 21, 2008 PDT

The new Mégane Coupé - aiming to make a splash in Need for Speed Undercover.

Move over motor shows, it seems that video games are becoming the platform of choice for manufacturers wanting to throw a spotlight on their shiny new wares. Citroen is using this tactic to showcase its latest concept car and now Renault has announced that video game fans will be the very first to get behind the wheel of its new Mégane Coupé in the latest installment of Electronic Arts’ popular Need for Speed series: Need for Speed Undercover. Read More

All-electric MINI E plugs-in to L.A. Auto Show

By Noel McKeegan

19:54 October 20, 2008 PDT

All-electric MINI E plugs-in to L.A. Auto Show

In a further sign that full-electric drive vehicles are headed for the mainstream, BMW Group will showcase a lithium-ion battery powered version of the MINI at next month's Los Angeles Auto Show ahead of a pilot project that will see 500 of the cars evaluated on US roads in 2009. Based on the current MINI Hatch, the MINI E will initially appear in two-seater form with rear seats dropped to make way for the battery pack. Rather than an in-hub motor arrangement, an electric motor mounted under the bonnet drives the front wheels through a single-stage helical gearbox derived from the Cooper S, and being all-electric, the full power kicks-in from a standing start delivering quite adequate acceleration of 0-62 mph in 8.5 seconds with a top speed electronically-limited to 95 mph. Read More

The Climax bioethanol-powered supercar

By Darren Quick

23:36 October 19, 2008 PDT

The bio-ethanol powered Climax

Greener motoring doesn't usually mean high-performance, but bio-ethanol powered sports cars like the Lotus Exige 265E and Aston Martin's Vantage GT2 have shown that the two terms aren't always mutually exclusive. Now another British company is joining the ranks with the Climax mid-engine open-top two seater. Read More

Mercedez-Benz adaptive high-beam assistant

By Darren Quick

22:42 October 19, 2008 PDT

Click to enlarge

We’ve all nearly been blinded and had to flash our high beams at oncoming drivers who have failed to dip their lights, but Mercedes-Benz' latest adaptive lighting innovation could help end of such dangerous incidents by taking driver error out of the equation. The newly developed high-beam assistant system uses a dash-mounted camera to automatically adapt headlamp range to the distance of other vehicles, meaning drivers will at all times benefit from optimum headlamp range by becoming aware of danger spots, pedestrians and other road users more easily and more quickly. Read More

2008 Paris Motor Show round-up

By Noel McKeegan

19:37 October 19, 2008 PDT

2008 Paris Motor Show round-up

As the curtain falls on the Paris Motor Show for 2008 we take a look back at some of the biggest surprises and brightest innovations to emerge from this massive global automotive extravaganza. As a starting point it's hard to go past Lamborghini, which emulated its 2007 most-talked-about crown by showing its Estoque concept. As a mid-engined four-door coupé with a V10 motor and permanent four-wheel drive, it's not really eco-inspired but a weapon to behold for the family man. Mazda definitely made our short-list for the most striking design with the aerodynamic Kiyora Urban compact and Citroen also floated some compelling concepts including the colorful Hypnos luxury hybrid crossover and the virtual-meets-real-world GTbyCITROEN which will appear on-screen in the next installment of Gran Turismo. Read More

Honda's smarter dummy

By Emily Clark

23:59 October 16, 2008 PDT

Honda POLAR III

Looking like a fresh version of “Buster” from the hit TV show Mythbusters, Honda’s third generation pedestrian crash-test dummy, POLAR III, is the latest tool in the company's quest to enhance safety testing procedures on its vehicles in order to reduce upper leg and lower back injuries which are common in collisions between pedestrians and four wheel drive vehicles and mini-vans. Read More

If Jesse James drove a Hummer...

By Noel McKeegan

23:42 October 16, 2008 PDT

If Jesse James drove a Hummer...

We've seen it supercharged and even converted to remote control, but we've never seen a HUMMER H3 like this. Officially it's called art, but the phrases 'automotive travesty' and 'left-field promotional opportunity' also spring to mind in regard to British artist Matthew Harrison's latest project - a H3 with the standard 16-inch alloys dropped in favor of ‘Wild West’ wooden wagon wheels. The head-turning installation will be parked opposite the Royal Academy of Arts in London as part of the Zoo Art Fair 2008 which runs from 17-20 October. The strange thing is - it kind of suits. Read More

Norway to trial Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE

By Noel McKeegan

18:25 October 15, 2008 PDT

Mazda RX-8 Hydrogen RE, 2008

Mazda has announced that its RX-8 Hydrogen RE (Rotary Engine) vehicle will undergo assessment in Norway, the first time the car has graced public roads outside Japan. The joint project between Mazda and the Hydrogen Road of Norway (HyNor) project will use a single vehicle to assess the RE’s driving performance as well as promoting the technology through appearances at public events. Read More

Navistar unveils new hybrid truck

By Darren Quick

02:45 October 15, 2008 PDT

The International DuraStar at the Hybrid Truck Users Forum in South Bend, Ind.

With the spiraling cost of fuel and the average cost of diesel in 2008 climbing around 39 percent versus last year, it’s no surprise that truck manufacturers are looking to lighten the burden on trucking operators. To this end Navistar, makers of the LoneStar, has expanded its line of diesel electric hybrid trucks with the unveiling of their International DuraStar Hybrid tractor at this week’s Hybrid Truck Users Forum in South Bend, Indiana. Navistar claims that the new diesel electric hybrid Class 7 tractor has the proven capability to provide fuel savings of 20-25 percent on standard in-city pickup and delivery applications. Read More

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