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It is the 15th of June 2030, and for Sam and Sue of Ann Arbor, Michigan, it is going to be a busy day. Their daughter Sophia has a 9:00am karate match. At noon, her older sister Sally's high school graduation will begin. And, by 3:00pm, the house must be ready for Sally's graduation party. At 8:40am, Sam uses a smartphone app to order a ride from Maghicle, Ann Arbor's mobility service, which uses self-driving robotic vehicles. Within minutes, Sam, Sue, and Sophia are headed for the karate club. En route, Sophia studies videos of her opponent's past matches, while Sue catches up on e-mail and Sam orders appetisers and flowers for the party. They arrive at the club on time, and the robot proceeds to pick up someone else nearby. Sally, who must arrive at school by 10:30am, has already ordered a Maghicle ride. When she boards at 10:15am, she receives a text message from her best friend Amanda, who wants to ride with her. Sally enters Amanda's address in the Maghicle app, and the robot chooses the best route. At 11:30am, as a victorious Sophia trades her karate uniform for something better suited for her sister's graduation, Sam receives a text message confirming that a small temperature-controlled pod has delivered the appetisers for Sally's party in the secure, refrigerated drop-box at the house. When Sophia is ready, the family orders another Maghicle ride, this time to Sally's school. They take their seats and, as Sam waves to Sally sitting with her classmates, he is struck by how quickly 17 years have passed. In 2013, Sam's day would have been far more difficult, stressful, and expensive. He would have wasted far too much time in his petrol guzzling Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), stuck in traffic jams or searching for parking. Now, because he does not need to own a car, he spends far less on transportation and has more time to do as he pleases. With services like Maghicle enabling people to get around safely, affordably, conveniently and sustainably, Sam does not have to worry about his family getting into car accidents, as his parents worried about him. By contrast, today's road transportation system is inconvenient, unsustainable and dangerous. Of the nearly one billion motor vehicles worldwide - enough to circle the planet 100 times if parked end to end - some 95 percent depend on oil for energy, making car travel subject to resource geopolitics and price volatility. Furthermore, combustion engines account for more than one-fifth of the world's carbon emissions, contributing significantly to climate change. And, with more than 1.2 million people dying on the road each year, car travel remains a proven killer. Sam's world of 2030 is not mere fantasy. But achieving it will require a thorough overhaul of the existing road transportation system - and that means overcoming the complex combination of public and private elements, vested interests, ingrained business models and massive inertia that has so far impeded its development. Indeed, with certain institutions and industries benefiting when all of the system's components - vehicles, roads, fuel stations, traffic laws, regulations, vehicle standards and licensed drivers - work together, no transformational development has occurred in road transportation since Karl Benz invented the car and Henry Ford popularised it. A narrow focus on, say, developing better batteries, improving fuel efficiency or making car production more sustainable is inadequate to catalyse the needed transformation. A genuinely transformational solution is needed - one that meets the needs of consumers, businesses, and governments. An integrated network of driverless, electric vehicles that are connected, coordinated and shared should form the core of that solution. Such vehicles would be programmed to avoid crashes, leading to fewer deaths and injuries and less property damage. In order to minimise the excessive resource consumption associated with driving, the vehicles would be tailored to trip characteristics, such as the number of passengers. For example, lightweight, two passenger vehicles can be up to 10 times more energy efficient than a typical car. In the United States, where 90 percent of cars carry one or two people, reliance on such vehicles would result in a dramatic decline in carbon emissions, which would fall even further as a result of less road congestion and smoother traffic flows. Moreover, the land and infrastructure needed for parking would be significantly reduced. Under such a system, personal mobility could cost up to 80 percent less than owning and operating a car, with time efficiencies augmenting those savings further. For Americans earning a minimum wage of $7.25 an hour (S$9.25), time spent driving at a speed of 30 miles (48km) an hour costs $0.24 cents a mile (S$0.31 per 1.61km). At the U.S. median hourly wage of US$25 (S$31.89), each mile costs $0.83 (S$1.06). Given that Americans drive roughly three trillion miles annually, saving just one US cent a mile implies $30 billion (S$38 billion) in annual savings. The technology needed to advance such a scheme exists. The task now is to introduce prototype systems in representative communities, in order to prove what is possible, discover consumers' preferences, determine the most attractive business models and identify and avert unexpected consequences. Once the prototypes have proved effective and practical, they should scale quickly without public incentives. As with other innovations - such as mobile phones, e-books, digital photography and music, and flat-screen televisions - large-scale deployment will occur when the new technologies reach the market tipping point, when their value to consumers exceeds the costs to businesses of supplying them. Policy makers would be responsible only for guaranteeing the expanding system's safety. A cleaner, safer, more convenient road transportation system is possible - and closer to being realised than many believe. It needs only the chance to prove itself. Picture credit: Agence France-Presse
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I have a driving licence, but I'd rather take a cab than drive
Akram_saheed posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
[extract] Before I start griping about the problems that I have with driving in this country, I'll like to clarify certain facts first. I have been driving only for more than half a decade, and am only in my mid-twenties. So I guess on the experience scale I will probably rank myself in-between amateur and intermediate. But having been travelled in a family car since I was four, and as a frequent cab user, I may actually have an idea or two on what I am blabbering about -
"What is the best car you've driven so far?" I always get asked this question whenever I am engaged in a conversation with my relatives or friends. Well, as a rookie in the industry, I haven't had the chance to try as many as other seniors have. My age notwithstanding. But what I can say for sure is that I don't have an absolute answer to the question but if you're interested, here is my two cents' worth. Firstly, every single car out there has its pros and cons, and in my dictionary, there is only near perfect. Same goes for us humans. And then it boils down to the personal preference about a car. You may love a Toyota 86 to bits, however, your other half may not like it because of the frequent 'get out to let others in' courtesy. Last but not least, on this hot and sunny island of ours, every single thing is helluva expensive. No, hold a second. Buying a car here is helluva expensive - if it ain't for the price, I may have gotten a wee bit nearer to having answered the question. Cars aside, one vehicle that I actually enjoy driving is a Suzuki Every. It is such an honest vehicle; it is just what it is - a van. Yes, the driveability may be like crap and powering it is only a mere 659cc engine but, seriously, who cares about the performance when all you need is a vehicle that allows you to get from point A to point B in a fuss-free manner? Heading to IKEA? No problem too, this 'kei' car can haul your furniture as easy as 1, 2, 3. Best of all, its compact size allows you to access cramped places easily, which is really common on this tiny red dot we call home. So what's the best car I've driven thus far again?
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Did Audi take two steps backwards just to go forward with the A8's design?
Akram_saheed posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
Here is the 2014 Audi A8 facelift which, despite possessing some impressive technology, looks like an offering from the early 90s. It's sharp, boxy and bland. Compared to the all new S-Class or the 7 Series, the A8 looks really boring, although the MatrixBeam LED headlights are pretty impressive. The facelifted A8 comes from the same automaker that brought us sexy machines like the Quattro concept, the RSQ, R8, RS5 and so on. It actually looks like a rejected design piece from Bentley, to be honest. Or perhaps Audi had to tone down its design just so the Bentleys could look more 'exclusive'. Built around the lightweight aluminium Audi Space Frame, the A8 has been finessed by subtle resculpting of the bonnet, the single frame grille, the front bumper and the lower edge of the headlight units. At the rear, the design of the LED taillights have been revised and the bumpers in all models - except the S8 - incorporate two rhomboid tail pipes. New chrome elements, new high gloss black window surrounds and five new colours also mark out the updated car. Measuring 5,140mm in length, sitting 1,950mm wide and standing 1,460mm tall with a 2,990mm wheelbase - the A8 remains unchanged, while the 'stretched' model provides better rear leg room thanks to a 130mm extended wheelbase. The A8 can be powered by one of seven petrol and TDI engines, the majority of which have been revised to improve performance and efficiency. The supercharged 3.0-litre TFSI is boosted to 305bhp, while the twin-turbo 4.0-litre TFSI V8 has 429bhp. The 3.0-litre and 4.2-litre TDI oil burners, have 254bhp and 379bhp respectively. Paired with the renowned quattro all-wheel drive system, the 4.0-litre TFSI now throws the A8 from nought to 100km/h in a brisk 4.5 seconds. The power units in the facelifted A8 is not all about the Frank Martin pleasing performance though. When applicable, the Audi Cylinder-On-Demand (COD) system deactivates four of its eight cylinders to give priority to fuel economy. The most efficient diesel engine is the 3.0-litre TDI, which returns up to 20.36km/L, corresponding to 155g/km of CO2. The luxuriously equipped Audi A8 L W12 quattro is the range topper among the A8 lineup. The lightweight 6.3-litre power unit produces 493bhp. It boasts the best in-class combined fuel consumption of 10.2km/L, corresponding to 270g/km of CO2 emissions. The respectable efficiency rating is due in part to a newly adopted version of the COD system, which can deactivate the fuel injection and ignition for six cylinders. Meanwhile, the 512bhp capable S8 is powered by a 4.0-litre TFSI engine that propels the sports saloon from nought to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds. Equipped with the same COD technology, the S8 is capable of returning up to 11.9km/L and 235g/km of CO2 emissions. All A8 models are equipped with an eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission which transmits power to all four wheels via the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system in all six, eight and twelve-cylinder versions. The new Audi A8 is expected to reach customers here next year. Audi A8 Audi A8 L Audi S8 -
Fans of the 86 listen up. Rumour has it that Toyota is preparing a power boost for its popular 86 sports coupe. The Japanese brand has teased numerous concepts of its two-door cult car with upgraded engines, including a supercharged TRD version (above) built in the U.S.A and a twin-charged version (below) created by its in-house skunkworks Gazoo Racing. But those were designed to showcase the ability for aftermarket tuners and were not really suitable for mainstream production. Now, the Chief Engineer of the 86, Tetsuya Tada, has finally admitted that his team is developing a number of ways to increase performance of the showroom version - one of which will definitely make it to production when the 86 receives its mid-life upgrade in 2015. "I hope to make an engine upgrade at least one time with this car. We have already tried all possibilities and there are several types of 86 prototypes at the Toyota proving ground now; one is a turbocharger, one is bigger displacement and the other is a special hybrid system," said Tada. Tada did not divulge any further details, but inside sources claimed that the most likely option is an increase in displacement, bumping the 2.0-litre horizontally opposed engine up to a 2.5-litre and increasing power from 200bhp to around 260bhp. It is understood that this option would be the most cost-effective solution, which not only maintains the integrity of the lightweight concept but prevents placing additional stress on the drivetrain that a turbo charger would, or the complexity and weight penalty of a hybrid system. However, both alternatives are not being tested in vain, as they are likely to be introduced on the next generation 86. Either way, it is almost certain that the hybrid system Toyota is currently working on will make its way into the next generation 86. However, it is unlikely to be a conventional and heavy battery pack but rather a road-going development of the super capacitor system employed in its Le Mans sportscar racers, which are not only smaller and lighter but can store and deliver energy quicker for rapid bursts of acceleration. Come on Toyota! We certainly hope to see a more powerful 86.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1xsfFT3K_Q An illuminating new project from MINI has been unleashed onto the streets of London: MINI Art Beat. Driven by your Style. Always the innovator, MINI showcases interactive and digital design with a truly one-of-a-kind MINI Countryman custom-fitted in a stunning 48,000 LEDs. The result is the most vibrant and customisable 'NOT NORMAL' ride you'll ever lay eyes on. But MINI Art Beat isn't just brightly coloured eye candy. It's your vehicle to bright fame. Stream your own live animation directly onto its glowing LED surface as the compact crossover takes nightly cruises through London. City passers-by and the entire World Wide Web will see your personalised style light up the mobile canvas. Stream your own short video direct to the MINI Art Beat car using the Facebook app, or by tweeting your Vine videos with #MINIartbeat. Then add a customised design and beat to get your face in lights. Not sure how to go about doing it? Follow the instructions in the video below. Now, if MINI picks your submission, you'll get a custom clip as a takeaway - a real piece of MINI, just for you. So grab your shades as the lights are on. If you want your style and beat on the streets of London, get on MINI Art Beat here. See the video below for a sample. As much as this funky idea looks uber cool, we reckon it wouldn't really work locally as the car would probably be stuck in the traffic jam.
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BMW Asia together with the local distributors of the German marque - Performance Motors Limited (PML) - locally launched the all new 3 Series Gran Turismo (GT) last week. The car is a looker, it has typical BMW dimensions and trademark design characteristics that does not fall from the existing 3 Series family. BMW claims, the 3 Series GT combines the Sedan's dynamic, sporting genes with the practicality and versatility of the Touring body style. Personally, I think the car suffers from severe personality disorder(s). I have nothing against the car or the potential buyers or even the brand. With a guy who possesses mild traits of OCD, I am just confused with is the sole purpose of the 3 Series GT and not to mention I do understand the whole trend of 'hybrid' multitasking products. Let me put it this way, you belong to one of the affluent classes (or getting there), you have a successful job, a small family and a decent pay that allows you to buy the above mentioned car despite the stringent loan restrictions and rules. On a simple night out with friends or extended family members you display your new metallic and leather possession
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Mercedes-Benz claims that the 2014 S-Class is the best car in the world. AutoExpress took the brand new German flagship sedan for a spin in Canada to see if the claim is justified. Since the S-Class is supposed to pamper its occupants, the review begins with the reviewer taking a back seat and enjoying the executive seat package. Well, I was pretty amazed by the hot stone massage function, pull-up table from the centre arm rest and air conditioning system which included five different fragrances. The reviewer proceeds to take over the helm and he was impressed by the way the magic body control scans the road conditions and sets up the suspension accordingly. Speed bumps are soaked up very well and the occupants would barely feel them. Taking into account the price and level of engineering and technology, the reviewer concludes by saying that the new S-Class could just be the best car in world. However, everyone has a different set of judging criteria. Perhaps, it would be more appropriate to say that the S-Class could be the best "towkay" car in the world.
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A friend of mine visited the Nissan showroom recently and was informed that a hatchback from Thailand would be launched in Singapore sometime in August this year. A visit to Nissan Thailand website revealed that this model could likely be the Nissan Pulsar. The Pulsar hatchback is known as the Tiida (Latio Sport) in other parts of the world. Hence, the Pulsar is the spiritual successor to the Latio Sport, which was a popular hatchback in Singapore. The Pulsar shares the same engine and transmission options as the Sylphy. This means a DOHC Twin C-VTC 1.6-litre that pushes out 116bhp and 154Nm of torque as well as a 1.8-litre version that churns out 129bhp and 174Nm of torque. Both engines are mated exclusively to an Xtronic CVT gearbox. The Nissan Pulsar measures 4,295mm by 1,760mm by 1,520mm (L x W x H) with a wheelbase of 2,700mm. This is similar to the Sylphy and is 100mm longer than the first generation Latio Sport. Should the Pulsar arrive at the Lion City, it will face stiff competition from the likes of the VW Golf, Opel Astra, and not forgetting the forth coming Mazda3 and Forte K3 hatch.
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Auto Express pits the Mercedes A 45 AMG against the CLA 45 AMG
SYF77 posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
Both cars are built on the same platform. Both are powered by the most powerful series-production four-cylinder turbo engine in the world. Not only that, both are equipped with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT seven-speed sports transmission and performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive. These two cars could not be more similar. We are taking about the Mercedes A 45 AMG and CLA 45 AMG. Auto Express has put up a comparison test involving the two AMG vehicles. These cars are the first four-cylinder models from the tuning company. So, which model will emerge victorious ? The CLA 45 AMG The A 45 AMG -
Mazda launches limited edition MX-5 Sport Graphite for U.K. market
SYF77 posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
Mazda has launched the limited edition MX-5 Sport Graphite for the U.K. market. Only 500 examples of the roadster will be produced. The Sport Graphite comes in three exclusive colors, namely Zeal Red Mica, Aquatic Blue Mica and Aluminum Silver Metallic. It also comes with a contrasting Meteor Grey retractable hardtop roof. 17-inch dark gunmetal alloy wheels complete the exterior updates. On the inside, the occupants get pampered by black leather heated seats with grey stitching. There -
Toyota and Nickelodeon collaborate on a eccentric Spongebob themed vehicle
PetrolHead posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
Nickelodeon and Toyota have collaborated together for the first SpongeBob SquarePants-inspired vehicle. The SpongeBob 2014 Toyota Highlander will feature a custom SpongeBob-themed exterior and an interior design that captures the character's high-octane energy and his eye-blinding yellow colour. While I used to be a fan of the show in my younger days, I would not go to the extent of wrapping my vehicle with his square jawed face. Especially the headrests. They look freaky and I have no idea what kind of a kid would enjoy a ride in a yellow car with a face on the headrest. The one-of-a-kind (thankfully) concept is based on the new highlander and was unveiled on July 13th, during Nickelodeon's SpongeBob Day at the Padres vs. Giants game in California. The car will embark on a tour for a "Happy Driving!" promotional tour throughout the U.S.A, bringing SpongeBob's special brand of fun to seven locations across the country. As part of the "Happy Driving!" campaign, the SpongeBob Toyota Highlander will visit seven locations, from July 19th to December 9th. These events will feature character meet-and-greets and photo opportunities and a prize wheel where kids and families can win exclusive prizes. Fans can go to the Nickelodeon, SpongeBob and Patrick Facebook pages to see photos of the SpongeBob Highlander's road trip and the intricate design details of the vehicle. The redesigned 2014 Highlander made its global debut on late March at the New York Auto Show this year. Toyota claims the 2014 Highlander has plenty of cargo room, enhanced safety features and a sophisticated interior -
The last time I had sealant treatment done on the paintwork was in June 2010, which was the System 6 paint protection system by Tuff Clad at Sin Ming Drive. I learnt about Amazing Shine from a leaflet on my windscreen and decide to give it a try on a Sunday afternoon. For $38, it includes vacuuming, polish, clay bar treatment, tyre shine and rim polish. The process began with a car wash. The company is using Sonax products. The 2 staff that attended to my car are attentive in their work. The co-partner of the workshop, Ben, was there to ensure that the car is free from debris before the polishing work starts. Half way through the works, I was asked if I would like to top up another $28 for sealant treatment. Sensing that these guys were serious about their work, I decided to top up the difference. The gentleman in the above photo also helped me to peel off the
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[extract] Although the 20th Anniversary of the Goodwood Festival of Speed is over, Ferrari fans had many memories on which to reflect until next year's event. The Italian marque was represented by a diverse array of classic and modern road and race cars from the Prancing Horse
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Opel has released a video that provides a glimpse of the Monza concept. The presenter in the video is none other than Opel's new CEO, Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. The Monza concept shall dictate the brand's new design language and represent a vision for the company’s future. In the video, Dr. Neumann takes us for a short tour at the Opel heritage workshop. He drives an old Monza coupe out of the workshop and towards the GM Design centre. At the centre, Dr Neumann unveils the Monza concept as though the old Monza was given an extreme makeover. The original Opel Monza was produced between 1983 to 1987 with a 2.5-litre six-cylinder power plant. It was also sold as a Chevrolet. The Monza concept will make its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
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New Range Rover Sport races the mighty Spitfire aircraft at Goodwood
PetrolHead posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
[extract] Two examples of British engineering, the new Range Rover Sport and the legendary Supermarine Spitfire, have engaged in a unique duel to measure their off-road mastery. The Range Rover Sport, the fastest production Land Rover to date, representing the latest advances in all-terrain performance has been pitted against Britain -
[extract] The Queen
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[extract] Tens of thousands of motor racing fans flocked to the Aston Martin Centenary Festival at Brands Hatch last weekend to celebrate the auto maker's centenary. Thanks to the good display of weather, the spectators enjoyed parades, static displays and 12 thrilling races - including the fourth and fifth rounds of the GT4 Challenge of Great Britain and the 100-minute GT Centenary Race
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Caterham unveils the next generation Seven - the Seven 620R
PetrolHead posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
[extract] As Caterham celebrates 40 years of developing and building the Seven, Caterham is re-inventing the 'Seven' nameplate with the Seven 620R. A newly-engineered, two-litre supercharged Ford Duratec engine pumps out 310bhp, propelling the Seven 620R from naught to 100km/h in under 2.8 seconds. Priced at -
Want to be cool? Well, then you should be seen driving the coolest machine, Ferrari. According to a survey conducted by an U.K. company called Clear, over 20,000 participants and 678 brands, Ferrari came out on top in the automotive category and third overall, behind Apple and iPhone. This is the third year the poll is carried out. Ferrari improved its rating by a whopping 34 percent as compared to a year ago. In Singapore, the 'cheapest' way to be cool is to purchase a Ferrari California 360 which will set you back by $976,000 without COE. It's clearly hard to be cool on our tropical island.
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Back in the late 50s and early 60's, a Bluebird K7, essentially a turbo jet engined hydroplane was used by Britain's Donald Campbell, to set seven world water speed records. The hull was built by Samlesbury Engineering - now merged into BAE systems with the engine built by Metropolitan-Vickers. Now, they are back and will officially launch a Sports Car dubbed DC50 and the Bluebird GTL Formula E race car at the upcoming Sustainable MotoExpo on Saturday 28th September at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, U.K. At the Expo, Don Wales, nephew of Donald Campbell will launch the Bluebird DC50 electric sports car. They are limited to just 50 units to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Donald Campbell's land and water speed records in 2014. With peak power of up to 360bhp and acceleration to match a Porsche, the Bluebird DC50 is a two-door coupe with electrically operated 'scissor' doors. It has a range of up to 321km, depending on specification, and will be available in only one body colour
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The Motor Sports Association (MSA) was delighted to welcome more than 2,500 visitors to the inaugural Go Motorsport Live! at Silverstone, and can confirm the event will return in 2014. Staged at Silverstone last Sunday, Go Motorsport Live! was created to demonstrate just how easy it can be for people to get involved in motor sport. Visitors from all over the country attended the free six-hour show featuring a wide range of over 50 displays from motor clubs, teams, championships, manufacturers and other organisations. Most areas of the sport were represented from circuit racing and karting to drag racing and rallying, among others. Exhibitors reported excellent interest and engagement from the attendees. For example, one Oxford Motor Club staged an AutoSolo to showcase this entry-level discipline's huge appeal and more than 500 free passenger rides were provided during the day in a selection of unmodified road cars. Marshalling clubs were busy showcasing their expertise, performing extrications from a damaged saloon car, advising newcomers how to volunteer and highlighting the MSA
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[extract] If you
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From the originator of daylight running LED brings you the new Matrix LED headlights. The new technology, which projects the high beam more precisely, will debut on the 2014 facelifted Audi A8. Audi's latest innovation consists of LED high beam headlights that are split into numerous individual, small diodes working in conjunction with lenses or reflectors connected in series. They are activated or dimmed separately. The new headlights work in tandem with a camera to block out light aimed at oncoming and preceding vehicles while continuing to light up other zones. The optional 'marker lights' flashes at pedestrians in the critical range in front of the car three times in succession. Lastly, the lights also have a cornering function that targets the emphasis of the beam towards the direction of the bend. When the auto headlights function is on, the system is activated from 30km/h on highways and from 60km/h on city streets. According to Audi, the light that the driver sees is always bright, homogeneous and much more effective than that produced by competitors' mechanical dipping systems.
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[extract] SEAT will lead its presence at this year