Automotive

No more foggy windscreens

By Mike Hanlon

December 20, 2006 On cold winter mornings, car drivers often encounter moisture precipitating on the inside of the windscreen. This happens when warm, humid air comes into contact with a cold surface. At a particular temperature, known as the dew point, the moisture in the air condenses and forms a layer on the colder surface; irrespective of whether this is a glass containing a cold drink, the bathroom mirror after a shower, or the windshield of a cold car. Cold air is not able to contain as much moisture as warm air and this fact is much more noticeable in small spaces. Condensation can be prevented by increasing the volume of air (opening the windows), by heating the whole of the vehicle’s interior, or by heating at least the windshield to a temperature above the dew point. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Technology Development Group TEG in Stuttgart favour a third option. His new process warms up the windscreen – though not with costly copper heating elements, but instead with a transparent coat of carbon

nano tubes (CNT). Read More

EFIJY Concept to make North American Show Debut

By Mike Hanlon

December 20, 2006 Australia’s General Motors subsidiary Holden had a worldwide hit with its one-off 21st Century hot rod, EFIJY, at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney in October 2005, making news everywhere cars were the topic and a lot of places they weren’t. Remarkably, the acclaimed concept car will be shown at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month – the first time it has been seen outside Australia. EFIJY is a contemporary reincarnation of an iconic Australian-made 1953 Holden FJ sedan, restyled as a low-slung hot rod with a supercharged six-litre V8 engine. The car has been featured in magazines, websites and television programs around the world. Its most critical acclaim came from the United States when it was named Hot Rod of the Year by the influential Hot Rod magazine. Read More

Spray-on ceramic coating dramatically reduces external temperatures

By Mike Hanlon

December 19, 2006 A high-technology ceramic coating originally developed for the nuclear industry and already used by five Formula One teams is now available for automotive applications. Applied to the exhaust manifold using a high-temperature plasma spray, the Zircotec coating greatly reduces the release of heat, helping to protect the finish of the manifold, the engine and other components in the engine bay. The coating can also be applied to turbo housings, cam covers, heat shields and other metal components. Testing by race teams has shown a reduction in under-bonnet temperature of up to 25ºC and power improvements, from the lower air induction temperatures, of up to six percent. One motorcycle racing team that employed the system used a laser-guided thermometer and found that while the exhaust can have an internal temperature of around 150 degrees Centigrade, the outside temperate can be low enough for the exhaust pipe to be removed WITHOUT using gloves. Read More

Original Dodge Firearrow concepts to be auctioned

By Mike Hanlon

December 19, 2006 The only two Dodge Firearrow convertible s in the world will be going under the hammer in mid-January, giving someone a unique opportunity to own a piece of history. In an effort to create consumer excitement during 1953 and 1954, Chrysler produced four cars under the Dodge nameplate, naming them Firearrows. Each penned by Virgil Exner, the dream cars were built in a series from Firearrow I to Firearrow IV. Barrett-Jackson will feature the Firearrow II and IV models, representing the instrumental progression of the classic concept vehicle. This reprint from Special Interest Autos has the full story on the Firearrows and how they eventually went into very limited production as America's first four passenger sports car, the Dual Ghia. In their day, they were very sought after, with owners including Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Debbie Reynolds and big band leader Hoagy Carmichael. One of the original four Firearrows was used by stuntperson and model Betty Skelton to set a Women’s Closed-Course World Speed Record of 143.44 mph in 1954, so you can rest assured that the Firearrows won't get left behind at the traffic lights. Read More

Rinspeed’s Transparent eXasis Concept

By Mike Hanlon

December 19, 2006 We just luuuuv Rinspeed – every year the Swiss engineering futurists produce one or more remarkable automotive ideas which we feature and they never fail to produce something stimulating and thought-provoking about the future of transportation. The 2007 installment is the fully transparent creation eXasis. The insect-like body and even the floor pan of the seemingly “glass” concept car actually consist of a transparent high-tech plastic with a tinge of pale yellow. The eXasis has open wheels, a cigar-shaped body with fore and aft tandem seating, and has elements of the legendary Auto Union race cars from the first half of the last century combined with a modern Baja-1000 off-road vehicle. The car will be shown for the first time at the Geneva Auto Show next March. Read More

Mitsubishi Prototype-X concept

By Mike Hanlon

December 18, 2006 Mitsubishi will unveil the Prototype X concept for a next-generation high-performance 4WD sport sedan at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (Detroit Motor Show) on January 7. The Prototype-X concept is an advance development model for the new Lancer Evolution due to be launched in 2007. Prototype-X features styling based on the current Lancer but was developed to project a visibly higher performance image. The concept model is fitted with Mitsubishi's S-AWC*1 (Super All-Wheel Control) vehicle dynamics system and handling control together with a new turbocharged MIVEC2 engine with an aluminium cylinder block and a 6-speed manual transmission. Read More

VOLVO FH16 – the most powerful truck available for commercial transport

By Mike Hanlon

December 17, 2006 Last February, Volvo Trucks launched the FH16 - the market’s most powerful truck for commercial transport - with a new 16-litre engine and power levels of 660 hp and 580 hp and torque of 3100 Nm and 2800 Nm respectively. Now the range has been further extended with an engine variant of 540 hp and torque of 2600 Nm. The 540 hp 16-litre engine has been developed primarily for hauliers in the 40-tonne segment who often drive on hilly roads. It provides the necessary prerequisites for high average speeds and in combination with the Volvo Engine Brake (VEB+) and the I-Shift intelligent gear-shifting system it offers excellent driveability. Read More

The Volvo XC60 Concept - a glimpse of the next XC

By Mike Hanlon

December 15, 2006 Volvo’s XC60 Concept is very much a car for the future. It not only offers the world a sneak preview of the next XC model to come from the Volvo Cars, it is also full of design innovation and reveals several design elements that will be part of future Volvos. Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin and his team have designed the XC60 Concept while keeping their eyes firmly focused on one clear goal. “With more expressive, emotive shapes, it will be a magnet for the viewer’s eyes. If you say that you recognise a Volvo from 50 metres today, I want to get to the point where you will instantly spot it from twice that distance in the future.” Read More

Golden Helmet for Italian Dindo Capello

By Mike Hanlon

December 14, 2006 Audi factory driver Dindo Capello has received the "Golden Helmet” from Italian motorsport magazine Autosprint, acknowledging the 2006 American Le Mans Series title won by the Italian with the Audi R10 TDI. "In Italy, the ‘Casco d’oro’ is the ‘Oscar of motorsport’, that’s why this award means a lot to me,” explained the two-time Le Mans winner who was handed the trophy in Bologna last Saturday. Read More

Kia reveals sketch of Kue driver's vehicle concept

By Mike Hanlon

December 15, 2006 Like many of the world’s manufacturers do when a major motor show is imminent, Kia has released a preview sketch of one of its stars of the show. The all-new Kue crossover concept car will make its world premiere at the upcoming North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit in early January. The Kia Kue concept employs a different approach to the crossover utility vehicle segment by taking the CUV to a new level with performance. While possessing SUV characteristics and capabilities, the Kia Kue focuses more on giving the driver an exhilarating driving experience on the way to the home improvement centre, than on how much it can haul. Read More

The Limited Edition 75th Anniversary Dearborn Deuce Roadster

By Mike Hanlon

December 15, 2006 This is the Limited Edition 75th Anniversary Dearborn Deuce roadster – only 100 will be made. The 1932 Ford Deuce had the first ever mass produced V8 engine and even more groundbreaking styling which single-handedly started the hot rod culture. It was truly a milestone vehicle, echoing the engineering genius of Henry Ford and the design prowess of his son Edsel. The commemorative edition roadster Dearborn Deuce was built by Hot Rods & Horsepower and directed by Ford to honor the 75th anniversary of the legendary Ford Deuce and contains a 4.6 liter, 348hp fuel-injected V8 with an automatic transmission. Additional custom components include custom wheels by bonspeed (20 inch rear and 18 inch front), custom valve covers, electric side windows, custom leather interior, air conditioning, stereo and unique badging with embroidered 75th Anniversary logo on the seats and in the trunk. Appropriately, Edsel B. Ford II, great grandson of Henry Ford, will help auction the first of 100 Limited Edition 75th Anniversary Dearborn Deuce roadsters at No Reserve during the 36th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in January. Proceeds from the sale of the stunning custom roadster (Lot 1302) will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Read More

The Parc Ferme Experience

By Mike Hanlon

December 14, 2006 Parc Ferme Experience is another variation on the partial ownership, car sharing club -

Most car sharing clubs are focussed on reducing the group environmental impact, but a more recent variant has seen luxury car sharing clubs appear such as Club Ascari, Exotic Carshare, Classic Car Club, Luxshare, Club Sportiva, and link list here. Join Parc Ferme Experience and you get year-long access to iconic cars and historic motorcycles. Membership provides ready access to 12strong fleet of motorcars plus 11 classic motorcycles. For less than it costs to run just one collectors’ vehicle of your own for a year, you get the lot, switching between four and two wheels at will! The current car fleet comprises a Ferrari Testarossa, 328GTS and 246 GT Dino, a Porsche 993 Cabriolet and 356B Coupe, an Austin-Healey 3000 and Frogeye Sprite, a Mercedes CLK Cabriolet and Pagoda-roofed 280SL, an MG B Roadster), a Jag E-Type V12 Roadster and an Alfa Romeo Spyder. The motorcycles on offer comprise: two Triumph Bonnevilles, a Tiger 110, a Norton Commando, Dominator, and 500cc ES2 single, a Ducati 900S, a 750Triton, a Sunbeam Model 9, a Velocette Venom and a BSA Super Rocket. On top of the joining fee of UKP600, there’s an annual fee of between UKP2450 and UKP3450 depending on how many points you wish to use, plus you pay for the fuel you use – the garaging, servicing, tax, insurance etc is handled by the club. Depending on how many points you buy, and which cars you want to drive, you’ll get between 35 and 80 days of driving per year – this is a very cost-efficient way to get your bum on some fine seats. One satisfied customer describes his membership as ‘Viagra for the soul’ – and, as a doctor, he should know! Read More

The DScar - The Most Affordable Dream Car

By Mike Hanlon

December 14, 2006 Students from Cranfield University, one of Western Europe’s largest academic centres for strategic and applied research development and design, have been awarded the innovation prize at The Société des Ingénieurs de l'Automobile’s (SIA), Styling and Technical competition for designing ‘The Most Affordable Dream Car’. The Dscar has four wheels positioned in a diamond shape around the car’s chassis and apparently it handles like a go-kart. Designed primarily for extreme sports lovers and for weekend or track day use only, the car provides a very different ride – it’s very light, just 500kg, and powered by a Toyota 3 cylinder 68bhp engine. The DScar is made from mass produced car parts, so can be manufactured very easily and economically. A panel of international experts recognised DScar for its radically different diamond shaped design, unique style and unusual driving experience. Read More

World’s first affordable diesel hybrid powertrain

By Mike Hanlon

December 14, 2006 Zytek has already proven its knowledge of powertrains and electric vehicle many times over, on and off the racetrack. Now, in collaboration with a UK Government initiative, the British engineering consultancy has developed a novel diesel hybrid powertrain that will be affordable in the most popular market segments. The new technology will allow vehicle owners to drive across London’s extended congestion charge zone for just four pence. The low-cost, high-efficiency hybrid-electric drivetrain offers a realistic alternative to expensive proprietary systems and can be quickly implemented within the packaging constraints of compact European passenger cars. A demonstration vehicle, built within the UK Government’s Ultra Low Carbon Car Challenge (ULCCC), has exceeded all targets set for the programme, delivering an exceptional 85g of CO2 per km compared with 121g/km for the already exceptionally efficient standard vehicle. Read More

A new type of parking assistant - parking space measurement from Bosch

By Mike Hanlon

December 14, 2006 Touch parking, the method of parking employed inevitably across the world’s crowded urban canyons by millions of people a day, could become a thing of the past. Judging the size of a parking space – whether a car can actually fit in the available space - is one of the keys to successful parking and a new invention from Bosch will offer just that facility. The Citroen C4 Picasso has become the world's first car to feature integrated parking space measurement. The Bosch driver assistance system tells the vehicle's driver whether the prospective parking space is long enough for the car. The parking space measurement in the C4 Picasso is based on the Bosch parking assistant, which helps drivers avoid shunting other cars and obstacles while parking. Besides the standard four ultrasound sensors on the vehicle front and rear, two extra sensors have been added for parking space measurement, one on either side of the front bumper. Read More

Goodwood 2007 Festival of Speed - ‘SPARK OF GENIUS' - BREAKING RECORDS, PUSHING BOUNDARIES

By Mike Hanlon

December 14, 2006 The theme of the fifteenth Goodwood Festival of Speed, due to be held over the weekend of 22 – 24 June 2007, will be ‘Spark of Genius – Breaking Records, Pushing Boundaries.’ Through this theme, Goodwood will celebrate the glory of the individual competitors and engineering visionaries who took risks in their quest for victory. From the brave drivers and riders who campaigned in the first Brooklands and Isle of Man TT races 100 years ago, through to the land speed record breakers and the cream of the current F1 and World Rally Championship (WRC) competitors, all have made their mark and will be honoured at the 2007 Festival. Ticketing for the festival is now open. Read More

50 mpg from a medium sized SUV

By Mike Hanlon

December 12, 2006 Danish-born eco adventurer Hans Tholstrup has a way of creating publicity. It’s how he first came to public prominence when he circumnavigated Australia in a 16 foot open boat but his motorsport exploits, his creation of the World Solar Challenge and more recently his ability to coax extraordinary fuel consumption from an automobile just keep the eco warrior in the spotlight. This week he did it again when attempting the 1400km trip from Adelaide to Sydney without refuelling the car’s standard 75 litre tank. Tholstrup arrived in Sydney still with a quarter of a tank of gas so he pressed on north, eventually finishing in Port Macquarie, 1776.6 kilometres from the start. The Hyundai Santa Fe CRDi Turbo-Diesel he was driving averaged 4.67 litres/100km (50.4 mpg), an astoundingly frugal figure for a 1.9 tonne, medium-sized AWD SUV which can seat seven. Read More

Mazda to debut Ryuga Design Concept and New Tribute HEV at 2007 NAIAS

By Mike Hanlon

December 12, 2006 Mazda will unveil an all-new concept car, Mazda Ryuga, and its all-new Mazda Tribute Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) on January 8, 2007. The Ryuga builds on Mazda’s concept of flow. The remarkable Nagare – Japanese for “flow” - concept vehicle debuted at the recent Los Angeles Auto Show and introduced the company’s new design future. Ryuga – Japanese for “gracious flow,” and the next generation of this exciting concept – will reflect a higher level of sophistication achieved through the use of rich fabrics, engineered fits and hidden details. Mazda Ryuga is elegant and refined, but with spirit and edge, portraying unique Japanese beauty. Read More

The real effect of mixing school and commercial traffic in peak hour

By Mike Hanlon

December 12, 2006 Anyone who has ever endured the daily commute knows that school holidays are a Godsend because morning peak hour commute times drop dramatically - without parents driving children, school holiday traffic is reduced by roughly 10 per cent. Now UK-based Trafficmaster is beginning to use its wireless automotive networks to measure the real effects in travelling time with and without school traffic and the results are remarkable. Increased congestion in the mornings causes average journey times on some roads to triple in length, with the worst impact measured on the southbound A629 near Bradford, West Yorkshire. The average morning rush-hour journey (08.30-09.15) on this busy route during the school holidays takes just 11 minutes, but in term time this figure rises to almost half an hour – for a stretch of road only two miles long. Is this grounds to consider staggering either school or business hours to reduce the peak traffic periods? Read More

The 6kg RS-X wheel - a carbon fibre rim with a magnesium centre

By Mike Hanlon

December 8, 2006 The latest development from the Kahn laboratories is this Carbon fibre RS-X wheel made up from a carbon fibre rim with a magnesium centre. Kahn Design is now manufacturing these wheels for super high performance vehicles – necessary because unless you own a supercar, you probably won’t be prepared to pay the asking price for a wheel that weighs just 6 kilograms. The understandably huge reduction in radial inertia and unsprung weight offered by the wheels offers substantial improvements in performance and handling. Each set of wheels is custom made to order for each vehicle. Read More

Ricardo’s new Cross-axle Torque Vectoring Audi A6 4.2l V8 Quattro Avant demonstrator

By Mike Hanlon

December 8, 2006 Delegates at Berlin’s prestigious 5th International CTI-Symposium, “Innovative Automotive Transmissions”, were this week given the opportunity to be the first to experience Ricardo’s new Cross-axle Torque Vectoring demonstrator. Based on an Audi A6 4.2l V8 Quattro Avant, the vehicle is fitted with the very latest generation of Ricardo’s Torque Vectoring technology that enables moment-by-moment redistribution of drive-torque in response to driver demand, vehicle speed and road conditions. In doing so it enables the vehicle to follow more faithfully the driver's intended path, ultimately leading to a potentially safer, more enjoyable and rewarding driving experience. Read More

Volvo safety system for avoiding collisions at low speeds

By Mike Hanlon

December 7, 2006 Volvo has announced more innovative safety technology – a unique ‘City Safety’ system that could help drivers avoid 50 per cent of all rear-end, low speed accidents that often happen in urban environments or slow moving traffic. Statistics reveal that 75 per cent of all reported collisions occur at low speeds of up to 30 km/h (18.7 mph). The Volvo system, called ‘City Safety’, is active up to 30 km/h and keeps a watchful eye on traffic up to six metres in front of the car with the help of an optical radar system integrated into the upper part of the windscreen. If a car in front suddenly brakes or is stationary, the system will automatically pre-charge the brakes to help the driver avoid an accident by slowing down in time, or steering away from a potential collision. However, if a collision is imminent, the system will activate the car’s brakes automatically. Read More

Geiger's Christmas Hummer H2 (with chimney inside)

By Mike Hanlon

December 7, 2006 We regularly write up the wares of Munich-based GeigerCars.de which specialises in building outrageous American automobiles, so we couldn’t really miss the chance to write up the firm’s Christmas HUMMER creation for the German Television show Galileo. Everything was extensively modified, and St. Nick’s new company vehicle sports everything he could possibly need including, would-you-believe a chimney! Read More

1,054 bhp Porsche 997 to attempt World Speed Record for Street-Legal Cars

By Mike Hanlon

December 6, 2006 MISSION 400 PLUS is attempting to to win the Blue Ribbon for the world’s fastest street-legal sports car next year, with a top speed of more than 400 km/h. Developed through collaboration with H&R, Jürgen Alzen Motorsport and engine tuner RS Tuning and the sports car is based on the Porsche 997. With a boost pressure of 1.5 bar the engine develops 1,054 hp / 775.7 kW at 7,700 rpm and a peak torque of 1,030 Nm at 5,800 rpm, yet, the record hunter meets stringent EURO IV emission limits. Read More

Honda Accord Coupe Concept for NAIS

By Mike Hanlon

December 6, 2006 Honda will be debuting a bold new look for the next-generation Honda Accord Coupe at the January 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The Accord Coupe Concept will convey exterior styling cues and design features that provide a first look at the direction the next-generation Accord will take and the company promises to set a new benchmark for Accord and for the segment. Read More