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Acura's new welding technology to join steel and aluminium
FaezClutchless posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
The usage of aluminium on cars has been rather rife lately. Benefits of using the lightweight material are downright obvious. It does not only reduce the vehicle's weight which offers better fuel economy, but it also improves the vehicle's dynamics. Engineers at Acura (Honda's luxury vehicle division) have come up with a new way of joining steel and aluminium. This new method is said to be a much simpler process compared to traditional methods. The essential part of this new method is the "3D Lock Seam" structure. The steel and aluminium parts are layered and hemmed together twice and this prevents them from detaching. The new method also uses a special adhesive that completely fills any gaps which will prevent from any corrosion. Acura has started using this new method on its 2014 RLX model (pictured above) which features aluminium panels welded to steel parts. This has helped to reduce around 17 percent of weight per door, compared to traditional welding methods. Weight reduction on the outer part of the vehicle brings the point of gravity closer towards the centre of the vehicle which improves stability. The new method also reduces the need for spot welding processes. This new joining process will eventually be used onto other models, including those in Honda's line-up. Image credit: Honda/Acura -
[extract] Most of us would know that continental automakers are well known for their safety technologies which are featured on most of their models. Lately, Asian automakers are introducing similar features to their cars and one of them is Subaru. Subaru recently introduced its EyeSight technology in a couple of its models and the firm intends to introduce it to every one of its models. Let
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[extract] The 2013 Mazda6 was previously reported to arrive before Christmas of 2012 but it did not happen. However, the wait is over. I happened to take a bus along Eunos Link and saw a batch of spanking new Mazda6 saloons in Trans Eurokars showroom at Ubi Close. A visit to Mazda Singapore
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Opel has made an announcement to introduce the Zafira Tourer 1.6 CDTI at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. It will be the first Opel model to feature GM Europe's latest diesel engine which will eventually replace the current range of 1.7-litre diesel and certain lower-powered 2.0-litre diesels. The 1.6-litre CDTi engine has an output of 134bhp with a peak torque of 320Nm, enabling the MPV to complete a century sprint in 10.4 seconds before achieving a top speed of 193km/h. In terms of efficiency, the Zafira sips fuel at an average rate of 4.1L/100 km with CO2 emissions of 109 g/km. This means that the oil burner should qualify for CEVS rebates of up to S$15,000 should the car come to Singapore. Measuring 4.66m (L) by 1.82m (W) by 1.69m (H), the Zafira is in the compact MPV market against the likes of the Volkswagen Touran and Toyota Wish.
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With 295bhp and 380Nm of torque under its taps, the all-new five-door Audi S3 Sportback features a longer wheelbase than both its predecessor and the three-door S3 variant on top of a decent fuel economy of 17km/L. Powered by a new 2.0-litre engine linked to the S tronic twin-clutch transmission, the Audi S3 Sportback will make its formal debut in Geneva next month When petrol is applied, the S3 Sportback delivers a 5.0-second century sprint before hitting a limited top speed of 249km/h. The exhaust system also includes a sound flap that opens at certain engine speed ranges for a intimidating soundtrack. The versatile modular transverse platform (MQB) underpins the new S3 Sportback. and is almost 70kg lighter thanks to weight savings in areas like the powertrain and use of ultra-high-strength steel passenger cell and light aluminium wings and bonnet. Like other -
Renault Scenic and Grand Scenic MPVs receive facelift in 2013
SYF77 posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
Like someone who goes for frequent Botox treatments, the Renault Scenic and Grand Scenic MPVs have undergone yet another facelift since the last time in January 2012. These revised models will make their world premiere in March's Geneva Motor Show together with the tough-looking Scenic XMOD. The facelifted Scenic and Grand Scenic sport the French carmaker's new corporate grille that is seen on the Clio and Captur crossover. On the interior, the MPVs get Renault's latest R-Link infotainment system featuring joystick control and a touchscreen display. The higher end Scenic model gets a Bose sound system. Underneath the hood, the revised Scenic family (including XMOD model) will be sold with three new Energy engines including the 1.4-litre TCe 130 which produces 130bhp as its name suggests. The new TCe 130 has a low-inertia turbocharger that is responsive even at low engine speeds. -
I have something against the Start-stop or Stop-start System in cars these days. As most of us are aware, this system automatically shuts down and restarts a vehicle's engine when it idles longer than a specific period of time. This allows the car to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions. According to car manufacturers this sort of system is advantageous for vehicles that spend significant amounts of time waiting at traffic lights or frequently come to a stop in traffic jams. While this is a supposedly a good thing for the environment and to one's fuel bill I actually despise it. I am quite familiar in cars with this function and I do not hate it because it may eat up battery life or the starter motor of the car. I hate it for something else. I recently test drove a Honda Insight, a Honda CRZ and a BlueEfficiency Mercedes Benz C-class. I find them equally irritating when you drive with the system operating in rush hour traffic. Less irritating in the Mercedes but then again, the Mercedes is a whole lot more refined than the other cars mentioned. In traffic jams that are long, tiresome and located in tropical countries like where we live we love air-conditioning in our cars. This is because the weather is hot and extremely humid most of the time and I personally use air-conditioning 99% of the time. The only time I do not run air-conditioning is when I am in Fraser's Hill. I keep the air-conditioning on even if I am in Genting or Cameron Highlands as it isn't that cold these days. And if any of you have driven cars with Stop-start systems, you'd notice that most of the time the system shuts down the air-conditioning compressor and only the blowers are running. Not very nice in our climate. Even for a few seconds. I am sorry, but I am one of those truly spoiled people who enjoy the comforts of an air-condition compressor running when it needs to and not when the car feels that it needs to save some fuel. I also do not like the fact that when a car restarts and then stops after a short period of time. It is actually quite irritating. When a car restarts itself things vibrate a whole lot more than when it is idling with its engine running. In a Honda Insight, which probably has some normal rubber mounted engine mounts it is felt quite a bit. In a Mercedes C-class, which most probably has fluid filled engine mounts it is less irritating but still takes away some refinement. Imagine if the engine mounts are worn out is a car which is more than a few years old. It would be extremely irritating. This is why every time I end up in a BlueEfficiency Mercedes I end up switching off the Stop-start system in the car everytime I start driving it. I suppose the only reason most car manufacturers have such a feature in their car is that the car in question may emit slightly less carbon emissions on paper. This is so that they can sell the car in a lower tax bracket in countries that base their road taxes on carbon emissions. Call it a necessity and not something truly environmentally friendly. Of course, like the electrically assisted power steering which has basically taken over from hydraulic systems in order to gain that extra 3% fuel savings, Stop-start Systems are here to stay. But that doesn't mean that I like it. I don't.
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Toyota reported to be changing focus to downsized, turbocharged engines
SYF77 posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
Toyota partnered with motorsports specialist GRMN and come up with a turbocharged version of the Vitz (Yaris) at the recent Tokyo Auto Salon. Although the display is a one-off event, Toyota is said to be shifting its focus to downsized, turbocharged gasoline direct-injected (T-GDI) engines. Although Toyota is the leading producer of hybrid engines, the market is small compared to the number of T-GDI motors out there. Take a look at Saturday's edition of The Straits Times and I'm sure you will find acronyms such as "TFSI", "TSI", "EcoBoost" and "TwinPower Turbo". Although Toyota has used direct-injection and turbocharging technologies in certain models, other carmakers like Volkswagen have implemented them in their entire engine lineup. A small Japanese business daily paper reported that T-GDI engines could appear in domestic models such as the Crown as soon as 2013, and they could be marketed to China and Europe as well. Automotive analyst of Deutsche Bank Kurt Sanger told The Detroit Bureau, "We expect it (America) to be a potential market for such technology to further increase the competitiveness of (Toyota) products." Other sources believe that the next-generation Toyota Corolla is likely the first all-new model to receive a T-GDI engine. -
KlearKarbon aims to utilise hydrogen cleaning technology for powertrains
PetrolHead posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
[extract] KlearKarbon is a new start up and it -
Peugeot plans to introduce Hybrid Air system in cars by 2016
SYF77 posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
PSA Peugeot Citroen plans to put Hybrid Air powered vehicles on the road by 2016. The system combines an internal combustion engine with compressed air energy storage. It is similar to electric hybrid system but uses compressed air for energy storage rather than batteries. A hydraulic pump/motor unit recovers energy generated from the combustion engine and from braking/deceleration and stores it in the air energy storage unit. The system claims to improve fuel efficiency by 45% and increase a vehicle's range by 90% as compared to conventional engines of similar power ratings. The system can operate solely on gasoline power, air power or a combination of both when high power acceleration is required. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjqFihLltSY In small vehicles such as the Citroen C3 and Peugeot 208, the system is said to achieve a combined cycle fuel efficiency of 2.9-litres/100 km with an estimated CO2 emissions of 69 g/km. PSA plans to introduce the system in their B segment models from 2016 in the first phase. C segment and light commercial vehicles will follow after that. -
PSA Peugeot Citroen revealed the group's new EMP2 platform (Efficient Modular Platform 2) during their Innovation Day celebration. It will underpin the next generation Peugeot 308 and Citroen C4, as well as other models in the C and D segments. The French group has produced a video depicting the various advantages of the new platform. It even comes with a sound track befitting an action-packed movie. The EMP2 platform is very flexible and is suited for a wide range of body styles including SUVs, light commercial vehicles, hatchbacks, sedans and estates. Making use of high-strength steel, aluminum and composites, the EMP2 saves some 70kg over the current platform. The new platform promises to deliver increased safety, driving pleasure and comfort in addition to improved fuel efficiency. Having a highly adaptable single platform across its products is a clever cost-saving strategy for the loss-making Peugeot Citroen, which has been struggling to return to profitability amid weak demand in Europe.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M14raMbpGg8 Mercedes has recently released the details of the 2013 E 63 AMG which include a series of high resolution photos. However, stationary photos do not do justice to the storming machine. Rejoice as Mercedes has now uploaded promotional videos of the top-of-the range E-Class in saloon and estate body styles. The videos mainly show the cars tearing down a race track and drifting along the way. Styling details of the exterior and interior are highlighted as well. The 2013 E 63 AMG is powered by a 5.5-litre V8 twin-turbocharged engine with output boosted to 550bhp and 720Nm of torque. A more powerful S-model with the same capacity is rated at 557bhp and 800Nm and it goes from 0 to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds. Both versions are fitted with the AMG Speedshift seven-speed automatic transmission. To keep the E 63 AMG rooted to the ground, it comes with 4MATIC all-wheel drive system as standard. Sit tight and enjoy the videos!
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Lexus unveils its integrated safety vehicle at CES 2013
FaezClutchless posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
Late last year, rumours of Lexus testing an autonomous car circulated on the internet and many thought that the Japanese luxury automaker will come up with a self-driving car just like what Google did. But, that is not actually true. Lexus actually unveiled an integrated safety research vehicle at the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The unveiling is Toyota's ongoing development on new safety technologies. According to Toyota North America's corporate manager of business strategy, Jim Pisz, "The company will never have a truly autonomous car." He also mentioned that much of the technology in the research car is already in the 2013 Lexus LS. Jim Pisz further explained on one of the features in the integrated safety research vehicle which is the active cruise control which can slow a car down to a stop and then accelerate back to the speed set on the cruise control. The company also pointed out that a similar feature in a rival German automaker's car isn't as 'smart' when compared to their unit. Lexus affirms that the company would not fully devote its resources in a self driving vehicle. A driver-less car is just a part of the research. What they are focusing on is a vehicle fitted with advanced automated technologies and paired with an intelligent, always attentive driver whose skills would contribute to safer driving. The research vehicle (which is a Lexus LS) shown at the show is fitted with a 360 degree LIDAR (light detection and ranging) on top of the car's roof. It detects objects up to 70 metres away and it reads stop lights and also detects pedestrians. The research car's computers manage three core functions; recognition of images through its cameras and sensors, judgment based in real time, and operations that send the decision to the car. Each of these core functions help to make the driver safer and more skilled during driving. -
Pizza's here usually gets delivered with Class 2b motorcycles though I have heard a well to-do individual uses his Mercedes. Order a hot pizza from Domino's in the town of Swindon, U.K. and you will be greeted by a delivery man in a Renault Twizy. Besides the standard Domino
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Look out BMW 3 Series. Details on the 2014 C-Class is starting to emerge. Mercedes-Benz insiders claim that little or nothing will be carried over from the existing C-class and it will be completely re-engineered with the aim of attracting younger buyers. The new C-class will be the first model to use Mercedes-Benz's new MRA (modular rear-wheel drive architecture) platform. Due to the light weight chassis, the new car is said to weigh less despite growing to a size of 4.7m long. The existing MacPherson strut suspension will be replaced by a double wishbone layout at the front while the back will get a significantly updated multi-link setup. Engine-wise, there will be a range of 4-cylinder and V6 petrol engines with an entry-level 2.0-litre turbo with 184bhp right up to a 330bhp 3.0-litre twin-turbo. The current 2.1-litre diesel will be offered in four states of tune, spanning 120bhp to 220bhp. The new C-class will be equipped with a six-speed manual or an updated version of the current seven-speed automatic gearbox, depending on the engine. A new nine-speed automatic transmission is undergoing development and could make it for the face lift in 2017. Four body styles are planned for the new C-class. They include the saloon and estate, which will be launched at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, and a more individually styled coupe as well as a cabriolet version for 2015 launch. All body styles will be 'AMG-ed' and receive a new turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine from the Mercedes tuning specialist. Photo Credit: automotoring.blogspot.sg
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The 2014 Mercedes S-Class will be offered in three body styles which will underpin five models. The three body styles will have varying wheelbase length. The new line-up will include a new coupe model intended to go head to head with the Bentley Continental GT while the cabriolet version is being targeted at Continental GTC. According to a source from Autocar, "the front is a lot more aggressive and there's added structure to the flanks with a prominent drop line, a more rounded turret line and the rear overhang is significantly shorter". The standard and long-wheelbase versions of the new S-class will be revealed to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September this year. The Pullman, which stretches over 5.7m, is expected to make its debut at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show. The Pullman is likely to replace the Maybach 57 uber-luxury saloon, which will compete against the likes of the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Bentley Continental Flying Spur. The all-new S-Class will be equipped with a host of safety features such as rear seatbelt airbags, Active Parking Assist, Attention Assist and Distronic Plus. Photo Credit: worldcarfans.com
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Tan Chong Motor will be bringing in the Note mini MPV to join Nissan's current lineup in Singapore. In its second generation, the Note was unveiled on 16 July 2012 and is the production version of the Invitation concept that was presented at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Measuring 4100mm (L) x 1,695mm (B) x 1,525mm (H), the car is larger than the Nissan March but slightly smaller than the Freed, a parallel-imported mini MPV from Honda. Perhaps, the interesting part about the note lies underneath the bonnet. It is powered by Nissan's new supercharged 1.2-litre DR12DDR engine. The forced-fed lump features technologies such as direct injection and Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS). Power is transmitted to the front wheel via a CVT transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 25.2km/L based on the JC08 cycle, a Japanese fuel consumption test. If you are looking for a mini MPV or hatchback, do take note of the latest offering from Nissan.
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[extract] Following the footsteps of Ford, Citroen has recently introduced its new PureTech family of three-cylinder petrol engine with capacity of 1.0-litres and 1.2-litres. Unlike Ford's EcoBoost, Citroen's power plants are naturally-aspirated and hence they produce a more modest output ranging from 68bhp to 82bhp. These new range of engines will be fitted on the C3, DS3 and C-Elys
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Most of Mercedes-Benz's cars come with their 4Matic all wheel drive system except for their compact models, the A-Class and the B-Class, which are front wheel driven. But in the near future, one of their upcoming compact models, the CLA Class sedan will feature a new version of the 4Matic system which is specially designed for cars with transversely mounted engines. The upcoming CLA Class is based on the same platform that the A-Class and B-Class is on but it will be featured with an all wheel drive system which Mercedes-Benz has never done before on their compact models. Therefore, a new system has to be developed for it. This new system integrates the rear axle driveshaft with the transmission and in this case, a seven speed dual clutch gearbox. Another feature of the system is an electro-hydraulic controlled multi disc clutch at the rear which allows full variable distribution of the drive torque between the front and rear axles. Normally, when the multi disc clutch is open, the car is driven by the front axle. When it is closed, the rear axle comes into action. The drive torque can be distributed between the front and rear axles according to the situation. The company's 4Matic system based on rear wheel drive is different. There is a 45:55 torque split between the front and rear axles during normal driving conditions and seventy percent of that torque can be directed to either axle when required. The torque variability of the new system allows for different driving modes which can be operated through a button on the dashboard. There are three modes; Eco, Sports and Manual. In Eco mode, less torque is directed to the rear which results in better handling and lower revs. In Sport and Manual, more torque is distributed to the rear axle. On the AMG versions, more torque is distributed to the rear axle to give the car a more rear-biased feel. The system is also linked to AMG's three stage electronically stability control system. The CLA Class is said to debut in early 2013 and will go on sale in the middle of next year as a 2014 model.
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Lamborghini's Sesto Elemento gets wheeled in to a London showroom
PetrolHead posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
Remember the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento? The shark like looking track-only car that weighs 999kg and utilises acres of carbon fibre. Unlike other Lambo's which were named after famous fighting bulls, the Sesto Elemento is named after the Carbon atomic number six. With just 20 units to be produced, the Sesto Elemento will be produced early next year and will cost 'only' $2.2 million. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 capable of 562bhpand 540Nm of torque linked to a 6-speed semi-automatic transmission powering all four wheels. Recently one was being wheeled into a showroom in London and the extremely low car had difficulties getting unloaded from the delivery truck, it might have shaved a little of the carbon body just before being pushed into the showroom. -
BMW and Boeing have signed a deal to conduct research on new ways of carbon fibre recycling and manufacturing. Carbon fibre is highly regarded as a material for the future of the aerospace and automobile industry due to its low density and high mass. Both companies have plans on the usage of carbon fibre in their upcoming products. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is made up of 50% carbon fibre while BMW's i3 and i8 electric models will feature a cabin furnished with similar materials when they are launched. Larry Schneider, Boeing Commercial Airplanes' vice-president of product development, said that the collaboration was an important step in developing the use and end use of carbon fibre materials. "It is especially important that we plan for the end of life for products made from carbon fibre. We want to look at ways to reclaim and reuse those materials to make new products," he said. The BMW logo is portrayed as the movement of an aircraft propeller with the white blades cutting through a blue sky. Hence, it is befitting to find an aircraft material being used on the German marque.
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[extract] Just like a miscarriage, the production version of the Jaguar C-X75 will not live to see the day light on the common street. According to global brand director Adrian Hallmark, the decision was made due to the ongoing global economic crisis. "We feel we could make the car work, but looking at the global austerity measures in place now, it seems the wrong time to launch an
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Transmission specialist develops hybrid gearbox for premium luxury cars
FaezClutchless posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
A British engineering company, Xtrac, specialists of high performance and race car grade transmissions, have designed a hybridised automated manual transmission (H-AMT; designated code 1010). This particular transmission design allows future luxury and performance cars to meet the 95g/km CO2 emission requirements that will be introduced by European legislators in 2020. The crucial technical part of the transmission system is the integrated electric motor. The electric motor enables the vehicle to travel at speeds of up to 152km/h on electric power alone after which; engine power kicks in. The transmission is said to be able to handle torque figures from 800Nm to 1000Nm, depending on vehicle gross weight and application. The above mentioned speed range allows torque infill up to the fourth gear during heavy acceleration and in all gears, up to the threshold speed, during low speed driving; when it is considered desirable to keep the engine revs low which will improve vehicle efficiency. The term 'torque infill' - refers to the application of additional torque from the transmission to the road wheels during the period of a gear change. In a conventional transmission system, torque is interrupted to allow the shift to complete. The ability to provide torque to the road wheels, independent of the engine, reduces the energy absorbed by the main drive clutch during the vehicle launch pull-away condition which can lead to clutch downsizing and also reduction in drive plate and flywheel inertia. This is seen as an additional benefit in hybridising an automated manual transmission. The Xtrac 1010 H-AMT is designed as an alternative to heavier and more complex dual clutch transmissions. It has lesser parts and lighter in overall weight and also offer increased functionality over single electric motor hybrid systems. Although dual clutch gearboxes do not suffer from power interruptions either, the company stresses that its products are less complex, lighter and are more efficient than DCTs. The seven speed transmission offers multiple modes of internal combustion engine and electric motor operation and with an overall ratio spread of 6:1, which is higher than most other transmissions in the market today. Image credit: Xtrac.com -
Acura's new 'Jewel Eye' LED headlamps debut on the RLX Concept
SYF77 posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
The 2014 Acura RLX concept (aka Honda Legend) made its world premiere recently at the 2012 Los Angeles Motor Show. Although the styling of the flagship model might not catch your attention, its multi-faced LED headlamps are not hard to go unnoticed. The new signature 'Jewel Eye' headlamps use a total of ten separate high-intensity LED lamp stacked in two rows with ultra-reflective optical lenses and high-gloss trim to provide a powerful illumination. There are a total of 20 beams of light emitting from the headlamps. They give the RLX a distinctive and bright-eyed look in both day and night. The RLX Concept is powered by an all-new 3.5-litre V6 direct-injected VTEC engine mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT). The motor generates more than 370bhp and promises to deliver V8 acceleration with four cylinder fuel economy. The concept also features the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD -
General Motors to work with tyre researchers to develop fuel efficient tyres
FaezClutchless posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
Many would know that the type of tyres used on a car plays a significant role in fuel economy. And in an effort to create more efficient tyres, General Motors has partnered with engineers and scientists at the National Tyre Research Centre. This partnership will accelerate the development of new tyre technologies which will improve vehicle fuel economy. The facility which is located in Halfiax County, Virginia, USA; uses state of the art machinery to allow engineers and researchers to replicate real life events and also improve vehicle highway safety. With certain estimations, tyre design can improve fuel efficiency by seven percent. A tyre
