Automotive

July 18, 2007 A new era dawned on the weekend when Toyota won the Tokashi 24-Hour Race with its Supra HV-R hybrid race car. It is the first time a hybrid race car has won a competition of any form though the Supra is quite different to roadgoing hybrids as it incorporates a quick-charging capacitor system and the four-wheel energy regeneration is tuned to work efficiently in recovering a large amount of the car’s energy during rapid deceleration. The system uses 10kw in-wheel motors in the front wheels plus a 150 kW rear-axle mounted electric motor. In total, the 1,080 kg Supra has a whopping 700 horsepower (473 bhp from the 4.5 litre petrol motor and 227 bhp from the electric motors). More importantly, the low down grunt afforded by the electric motors along with the ability to measure and modify the additional torque thousands of times per wheel per second make the car far more controllable than a simple petrol engined vehicle … not to mention kinder on tyres, more economical and brutally quick on the exit to corners. Read More

KUKA and EXATEC present: the robotic glazer

By Kyle Sherer

July 18, 2007 A sign we are living in the future: cars these days are so complex and advanced that even making the windows now requires the use of sophisticated robots. Granted, we aren’t flying around like the Jetsons yet, but this is a good first step. EXATEC, a provider of window glazing systems, has partnered up with KUKA, a leading manufacturer of industrial robots, to engineer a hi-tech method for applying a defroster to polycarbonate windows. Read More

Porsche to unveil 530 bhp twin-turbo 911 GT2 at Frankfurt

July 17, 2007 Porsche will reveal its most powerful production 911 ever on September 11, 2007 at the Frankfurt Motor Show - with 530 horsepower, the US$191,000 GT2 911 is based on the current 911 Turbo but with more herbs (50 bhp to be exact) than ever before – it will accelerate to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 204 mph. The power increase in the .6-litre boxer engine is provided by two turbochargers with a larger compressor wheel and a flow-optimized turbine housing raising turbocharger pressure to an even higher level. Read More

Espionage and sabotage in the high-stakes world of Formula One

July 17, 2007 An intriguing tale of industrial espionage and general skulduggery at the highest level is breaking out in the world of Formula One. Amidst an investigation of one of Ferrari's chief mechanics, who is under suspicion of sabotaging the two Ferrari F1 cars before the Monaco race this year, it has emerged that the McLaren-Mercedes team's chief designer was in possession of a large amount of highly classified documents detailing the design of the 2007 Ferrari F1 cars. While it may be some time until the truth emerges, this scandal in the top ranks of racing's richest competition is threatening to overshadow the jaw-dropping debut season of McLaren's Lewis Hamilton as the defining moment of the 2007 Formula One GP season. Read More

Wireless fleet monitoring: spot the company car leadfoot

Accutag's wireless fleet management system

June 17, 2007 Got a sneaking suspicion your employees might be driving your company's fleet cars like they stole them? Fleet cars are a significant expense for a company, and ensuring they're treated well, both by drivers and mechanics, can reap rewards in maintenance costs, insurance and resale value. That's why many companies are starting to use automated, wireless fleet diagnostics systems. These clever devices plug into the CPUs of fleet vehicles and silently relay information back to the fleet manager on a range of maintenance, running information and fault issues. They can also tell you who's been a leadfoot in the company car - including how much time they've spent over the speed limit, how much fuel they're using, and a range of other information that can help instil a sense of accountability in fleet car users. Read More

World's first hydrogen-powered racecar to debut this weekend

The University of Hertfordshire's hydrogen-powered race car

July 15, 2007 Alternative engine technologies face several challenges in the battle to be viewed as a serious alternative to the internal combustion engine - and a key hurdle is the perception that they can't deliver enough power and performance to compete with their fossil-fuel burning counterparts. How better to dispel such fears than to race a hydrogen-powered car against petrol-powered competitors? The first hydrogen-powered race car will take to the track this weekend in the worldwide Formula Student category, and if the notion of green car racing catches on, we can look forward to watching the ingenuity of the racing community making some significant contributions to the development of emission-free consumer cars in the near future. Read More

The Auto Rucksack - a backpack for small cars

July 11, 1007 More and more people are interested in the convenience and economy of small car ownership - but many are put off by the small carrying capacity that goes with it. This handy German gadget operates as an aerodynamically efficient and better-looking alternative to the roof rack - the Auto Rucksack is exactly that - a backpack for your small car that clips on to give you extra storage, and clips off to become a suitcase or sports bag on wheels. Read More

smart set to roll out a full complement of Alternative Drive Systems

July 10, 2007 Mercedes-owned smart is set to become the first mainstream production vehicle with a full complement of alternative drive systems. It has begun touting four new versions of the smart fortwo, all of which can be expected in production form before the year is out. We’re not sure which is the most exciting as they all offer different solutions depending on your needs. The cleanest of the new smarts is the 30 kW plug-in electric version with a range of 115 kilometres (EUDC), but there’s also a 100 mpg 53 kW diesel hybrid drive, a slightly less economical petrol hybrid for those who don’t want diesel, a 52 kW micro hybrid petrol variant and a diesel-engined fortwo which will become the world’s most economical combustion-engined production car with 85 mpg (3.3 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres - NEDC) and the ability to travel 1000 kilometres without refuelling. The smart fortwo diesel is the world champion in low CO2 emissions at just 88 grams of CO2 per kilometre. This is huge news. Read More

Pulse plugs boost horsepower, torque and fuel economy

June 10, 2007 Significantly increased torque and horsepower for almost any petrol vehicle, exceptional fuel economy benefits, a five minute screw-in installation process, no decrease in longevity or reliability and a miserly US$25 per unit price. These may sound like outrageous claims, but Pulstar are confident their "pulse plugs" are the next step in the evolution of the spark plug. Pulse plugs use a pulse cycle to draw the same amount of power as a normal spark plug, store it and release it at about 20,000 times the wattage. The fuel in your cylinders burns much more quickly and completely, creating extra cylinder pressure and resulting in more horsepower and torque for each revolution, not to mention wasting much less fuel in the process. They screw right in where your old plugs came out, and require no further modification. As a performance mod, they deliver more horsepower for your buck than just about any alternative - and their increased economy should see them paying for themselves within 12 months. Fantastic stuff! Read More

92mpg, high-performance 3-wheeler from FuelVapor Technologies

July 6, 2007 Achieving 0-60mph in under five seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 140mph at 92 miles per gallon plus impressive handling and extremely low emissions, this striking 3-wheeler from FuelVapor Technologies looks to have all the answers. The “alé” (pronounced alay) concept car is described as running on "fuel vapors" rather than liquid fuel meaning it has a greater than 25% better fuel to air ratio than standard gasoline engines and this, coupled with the use of aerodynamic design and lightweight materials is the key to its outstanding performance. Read More

In-car message board puts your feelings on display

July 6, 2007 Displays that can be changed to reflect a given mood or express individuality have recently made their way into our clothes and our cars, with this variation on the latter - Drivemocion - using emocions (a.k.a. smileys) and messages to enable drivers communicate on the road by providing up to five ways in which to express yourself. Read More

New contender for world’s fastest police car?

July 6, 2007 We’ve previously examined an array of high-powered police cars from all around the globe and now a new contender may have emerged - the 612 Scaglietti, Ferrari’s flagship Grand Tourer will appear in special Police livery at Salon Privé’s Private and Luxury Super Car Show which opens on Wednesday 11th July in London. Though not in actual use, the car was recently driven over 1,500 miles by Police forces across the UK to lead the UK Leg of Ferrari’s 60th Anniversary Tour and to promote road safety messages. Read More

Mercedes-Benz unveils new C-Class flagship

July 5, 2007 Mercedes-Benz has released details of the new C 63 AMG. Due to hit the market in early 2008, the high-performance C-Class derivative promises stunning looks to coincide with its impressive performance specs. Powered by a 6.3-litre V8 engine with a peak output of 336 kW/457 hp and maximum torque of 600 newton metres that’s capable of achieving zero to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, the V8 flagship model also boasts exemplary handling via a wider track, an all-new front axle, speed-sensitive AMG sports steering and suspension plus a new 3-stage Electronic Stability Program. Read More

Toyota develops active head restraint to reduce whiplash injuries

July 4, 2007 Toyota has developed an Active Headrest that reduces the stress on the neck during low-speed, rear impacts. The new head restraint is an extension of the WIL concept seat, in which both the seatback and head restraint simultaneously cushion the head and lower back to reduce stress on the neck. Specifically, when the occupant’s back presses against the seatback during a rear-end collision, a built-in lower unit triggers the head restraint to move diagonally upward. This action swiftly catches the back of the head, thereby reducing the risk of whiplash injury sustained by the neck upon collision. In-house testing shows it reduces the severity of whiplash injury by 10-20%. The headrest will begin incorporation in new Toyota models in the near future. Read More

WRC's ban on run-flat tyre foam forces a search for new solutions

June 3, 2007 The success of tyre mousse, a special compound that expands to replace the air in a punctured tyre, has meant that over the last 20 years flat tyres have ceased to be a factor in World Rally Championship races. The high-tech foam inserts have been so effective that many drivers don't even notice they're running on punctured tyres, and it's not uncommon for race wins and best times to be set after the system is deployed. With new cost-saving FIM regulations being introduced to ban tyre mousse from the 2008 WRC season onwards, teams are searching for ways to minimize the risk and repercussions of the dreaded tyre puncture, which not only knocks cars out of race contention, but can cost upwards of $10,000 in recovery and associated damage costs. One such mitigation strategy is to closely monitor tyre pressure and temperature through a race by using sophisticated sensor systems to detect small leaks and enable the drivers to compensate for them. Read More

Bosch's 10 billionth spark plug rolls off the production line

Bosch is celebrating the production of its 10 billionth spark plug.

July 3, 2007 The humble spark plug is an engineering solution that has now stood the test of over 100 years production. One of the earliest patents for the spark plug was taken out by Robert Bosch in 1898, and the Bosch company was the first to produce the commercially viable high-voltage spark plug that made internal combustion engines possible. A century later, as an extraordinary 10 billionth spark plug rolls off the Bosch production line, the company has become a global powerhouse with interests in automotive parts and systems, power tools, building, packaging and safety, not to mention the invention of ABS braking and traction control systems. And with Bosch fuel injection feeding both the Audi and Peugeot diesel racecars that finished first and second at Le Mans, the company seems set to play a key role in the high-powered, fuel-efficient second coming of the diesel engine - and it's all built on the success of the modest spark plug. Read More

World’s most powerful production six-cylinder diesel introduced to BMW 6 Series

July 2, 2007 BMW has for the first time combined its twin-turbocharged, six-cylinder diesel with the marque’s flagship Grand Tourer in the form of the new 635d. Coinciding with the revamp of 6 Series model line-up to include Active Headrests, Brake Energy Regeneration and other fuel saving and emissions-cutting technology, the 635d Coupé and Convertible will hit showrooms in the UK in October with world’s most powerful production diesel under the bonnet. Read More

EU to debate 101mph speed limit for all new cars

European MP Chris Davies wants to limit top speeds to cut vehicle emissions.

July 2, 2007 Could the age of the fire-breathing sports car be coming to an end? With cars like the Bugatti Veyron and Koenigsegg CCX starting to break the 400km/h mark straight out of the crate and governments around the world continually lowering speed limits in an effort to decrease road trauma, high-speed motoring passion is on a clear collision course with road safety and emission control sensibility. This battle is now set to take center stage at the European Union where parliamentarians are gearing up to debate the merits of a plan that would see new cars limited to 162km/h (101mph) top speeds if they want Euro approval. Read More

New smart fortwo BRABUS - 30% more power

June 29, 2007 German automotive performance company Brabus regularly graces our pages, most notably by continually breaking its own record for the world’s fastest sedan. The name is synonymous with Mercedes and Smart performance tuning and the company’s latest effort involves the next generation Smart fortwo. With a reengineered 72 kW/98 bhp three cylinder turbo engine the smart fortwo BRABUS and the smart fortwo BRABUS Xclusive have 30 percent more power than before and still boast low fuel consumption. The sporty two-seater accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 9.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 155 km/h. Ex factory prices for the pocket rockets range from EUR16,490 (US$22,160) to EUR 22,430 (US$30,150) depending on the equipment line and body type. Read More

Volkswagen unveils new Tiguan Compact 4x4

June 29, 2007 Volkswagen has taken the wraps off its new Tiguan compact 4x4 which will go on sale in February 2008, following its world public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Based on the Concept Tiguan that made its debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show last year, the Tiguan is slightly larger than the Volkswagen Touran compact MPV and an appearance which reinforces its strong links to its ‘big brother’, the Touareg. In the UK, the Tiguan will initially be available with two engines – a 2.0-litre 140 PS TDI diesel which is likely to be the most popular model, and a 1.4-litre 150 PS TSI petrol unit. Later in 2008 a 170 PS TDI and two further petrol engines will become available to order. Read More

Classic car lovers rejoice: the MG and Austin Healey are back

The new MG TF 2-seater sportscar, unveiled at Silverstone in the UK.

June 28, 2007 Great news for lovers of classic sports cars as two iconic brands rise from the ashes. The well-loved and historic MG marque made a welcome return to the spotlight last weekend as the first car produced by its new Chinese owners was unveiled at Silverstone's 2007 MG Car Club gathering. Nanjing also announced an agreement with Healey Automobile Consultants to take over and revive the Austin Healey, another famous sportster that has been out of production for over 35 years. With MG production starting later this year, Nanjing is receiving strong interest in global dealer partnerships from a number of major brands, so it won't be long until these famous names are back on a street near you. Read More

QinetiQ and NexxtDrive to co-operate on hybrid electric drives

Existing Civil and military hybrid six wheelers from QinetiQ

June 28, 2007 It’ll be interesting to see what comes out of the newly announced collaboration between QinetiQ and NexxtDrive on hybrid drive technologies. Hybrid drive products and underlying technologies are relevant to QinetiQ’s work on improving the energy efficiency of military vehicles where the growing power demands of the sophisticated electronic systems used are in conflict with the military requirement for extended range and maximising operational capability, while operating away from logistical support. NexxtDrive’s transmission systems combine the functionality of continuously variable drives with powerful motor/generators and a look through the company’s patent portfolio means there’s a lot more synergy to be found once they start working together. Read More

Lancia Ypsilon Sport Momodesign Super Mini

June 27, 2007 Fiat-owned Italian luxury auto manufacturer Lancia has partnered with MomoDesign to create a designer version of the company’s Ypsilon mini to be known as the Ypsilon Sport MomoDesign which hit the Italian market last week. The most stunning aspect of the car is its 105 bhp 1.3 multijet, 16V engine diesel engine which gives it a top speed of 177 km/h. So what? Well, that makes it faster than you’re legally allowed to drive anywhere, and the low carbon footprint of the vehicle makes you feel like a responsible citizen the while the 4.7 l/100 km fuel consumption will make you feel intelligent. Yes, we know that still means diddly to most people, so how does 60mpg (UK) and 50 mpg (US) sound? Read More

Mitsubishi launches flex-fuel vehicle (FFV) Pajero TR4 in Brazil