BMW revealed BMW ActiveHybrid 5 at Tokyo Motor show

BMW has revealed BMW ActiveHybrid 5 at Tokyo Motor show which is manufactured with intelligent hybrid drive technology to next level with further ActiveHybrid production model.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 car is powered with BMW Twin Power Turbo technology 3.0 litre six-in-line engine which produces 306hp and an electric motor powered by lithium ion high voltage battery produces 55hp. The power from both drive units are transferred to rear wheels through eight speed automatic transmission. The car produces combined power of 340 hp, allows all electric operation speed of 60 km/h. The car is accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. The fuel consumption of the car is between 6.4 and 7.0 litres per 100 km and CO2 emissions of between 149 and 163 g/km.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 features sporty and elegant body design with various additional touches to its special drive technology. The car features ActiveHybrid 5 inscription on C-pillars, BMW kidney grille with galvanised slats, matt chrome tailpipes and optionally, 18-inch Streamline design alloy wheels which offer excellent aerodynamic efficiency.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is the only model offered with Blue water metallic exterior paintwork, doorsill finishers with Active Hybrid 5 insignia, aluminium badge with same ID on centre console, model specific engine cover and ActiveHybrid Power Unit inscription on battery housing.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 comes with same choice of interior colors, seat upholstery and interior trim like BMW 5 Series Sedan versions. The additional standard-fitted luxury features include the Professional navigation system, 4-zone automatic climate control and stationary air conditioning.

Futuristic concept vehicle by David Guirmand

Check out more ships and other work by David Guirmand. Check conceptships.


Keywords: digital 2d science fiction sci-fi rover explorer vehicle concept art by french concept artist kherns and illustrator freelancer for edition and industry advanced creation imagine FX digital artist entertainment design

Pimp your ride with augmented reality — Part II

Last week, I introduced you to some cool examples of augmented reality, or AR, and stated that AR can help drivers deal with the burgeoning amount of information in the car.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at some use-cases for both drivers and passengers. Remember, though, that these examples are just a taste — the possibilities for integrating AR into the car are virtually endless.


AR for the driver
When it comes to drivers, AR will focus on providing information while reducing distraction. Already, some vehicles use AR to overlay the vehicle trajectory onto a backup camera display, allowing the driver to gauge where the car is headed. Some luxury cars go one step further and overlay lane markings or hazards in the vehicle display.

Expect even more functionality in the future. In the case of a backup camera, the display might take advantage of 3D technology, allowing you to see, for example, that a skateboard is closer than the post you are backing towards. And then there is GM's prototype heads-up system, which, in dark or foggy conditions, can project lane edges onto the windshield or highlight people crossing the road up ahead:



AR can be extremely powerful while keeping distraction to a minimum. Take destination search, for example. You could issue the verbal command, “Take me to a Starbucks on my route. I want to see their cool AR cups”. The nav system could then overlay a subtle route guidance over the road with a small Starbucks logo that gets bigger as you approach your destination. The logo could then hover over the building when you arrive.

You'll no longer have to wonder if your destination is on the right or left, or if your nav system is correct when it says, “You have arrived at your destination.” The answer will be right in front of you.

AR for the passenger
So what about the passenger? Well, you could easily apply AR to side windows and allow passengers to learn more about the world around them, a la Wikitude. Take, for example, this recent video from Toyota, which represents one of the best examples of how AR could make long road trips less tedious and more enjoyable:


 

What Exactly is an Ignition Coil?

Most of us think of cars as basic and straight forward, this is due to the fact that the cars we have owned have all been older models. As technology gets more integrated into our cars the simplicity has pretty much vanished. The suspension is a great example of this it used to be shocks and springs. Now suspension can be air suspension with a suspension pump or suspension compressor with 10 different sensors controlling it. Till recently the ignition system in most cars was very simplistic, distributor with a cap and rotor with spark plug wires that lead to the cylinders. This is not so with the new models which are coming onto the market in recent years.

The biggest and most noticeable change to the ignition system for modern vehicles is the introduction of the ignition coil. The ignition coil is more efficient than a plus wire since there is no loss, through the wire. The ignition coil pack is an induction coil that increases the voltage going to the spark plug to the 20-30 thousand volts that is needed to create a solid spark.  Some coil packs use internal resistor to create voltage and others rely on external to get the job done.

Replacing a coil pack is just as easy as replacing a spark plug wire but it will cost a bit more. It may seem like a waste of money for something that does the same thing but in truth it makes for better gas mileage which means that they will pay for themselves. 

Most reliable bus service to enjoy your journey

Everyone likes to go vacation to enjoy the natural beauties and to know about the importance of place. Many of us prefer to take flight to reach fast to their destination but that’s not fair in going by flight or train. Actually these type of people will miss the enjoyment of a trip to a place lies in the travelling. People prefer to travel in bus will enjoy the adventures and various places beauties that get to see on the way throughout their journey. Suppose if people trying to travel in a NYC TO DC BUS, they can see a lot of scenic beauties on the way.

There are numerous bus services available for each destination. Now a days the technology as improved more facilities in bus service. They provide more spacious bus, clean restrooms, wi-fi , power outlets and on time arrival. If traveler wants to go unplanned trip, the only choice for them is to go by bus. So, don’t miss the adventures and various places during your travelling. Try to go by bus during your trip to enjoy your trip travelling.

QNX-based nav system helps Ford SUVs stay on course down under

Paul Leroux

This just in: SWSA, a leading electronics supplier to the Australian automotive industry, and NNG, the developer of the award-winning iGO navigation software, have created a QNX-based navigation system for Ford Australia. The new system has been deployed in Ford Territory SUVs since June of this year.

To reduce driver distraction, the system offers a simplified user interface and feature set. And, to provide accurate route guidance, the system uses data from an internal gyroscope and an external traffic message channel, as well as standard GPS signals. Taking the conditions of local roads into account, the software provides a variety of alerts and speed-camera warnings; it also offers route guidance in Australian English.

The navigation system is based on the iGO My way Engine, which runs in millions of navigation devices worldwide. To read NNG's press release, click here.


SWSA's new nav system for the Ford Territory is based on the Freescale
i.MX31L processor, QNX Neutrino RTOS, and iGO My way Engine.
 

Clean Fuel Injectors Mean Better Gas Mileage

After time you may notice your car isn’t getting the same gas mileage it once did. A cause of this may be one of your diesel injectors, which can experience wear over time. Diesel or regular fuel injectors will need a bit of work to sustain the power and performance they had from stock. In some cases a simple cleaning of the injectors can restore the vehicle’s performance. In other cases, the diesel injectors may need to be replaced with a new diesel injector kit.  A recent consumer reports study shows that 46% of people think fuel economy is the most important factor when purchasing a car. (Have you seen any Hummers around lately?) The only factor that seems to have more of an impact on new car sales is price.

A main factor that can hurt the performance of a fuel injector is dirt. A fuel injector is basically a valve controlled by the car’s ECU. This valve opens and closes very quickly to allow fuel to be squirted into the intake valves. Ideally, the fuel is delivered as a mist and it is vaporized immediately. If there is any dirt on the nozzle or within the injector itself, the fuel will not be sprayed as consistently and the combustion system will suffer. This process takes place in small fractions of a second and is therefore extremely sensitive.

How do you clean your fuel injectors? Give them a bath! Ultrasonic cleaning is one of the more intensive (but effective) solutions.  This process involves actually removing the injectors and giving them a “bath” in a special cleaning solution. Simpler cleaning tips include doing a few full throttle accelerations on the highway. After having the injectors cleaned, most car drivers notice an immediate improvement in performance.

If there has been too much dirt buildup or there are other problems facing the fuel system, the fuel injectors may ultimately need to be replaced. If it comes to this, you should probably consider changing out all of the fuel injectors at the same time. So save yourself some money at the pump this holiday season and make sure your getting the gas mileage you’re suppose to!

Audi revealed Audi A1 Samurai Blue car at Tokyo Motor Show

Audi has revealed unique Audi A1 Samurai Blue at the Tokyo Motor Show which has the look of Japanese national soccer team.

The Audi A1 Samurai Blue car is powered with powerful 1.4 TFSI engine which produces output of 122 hp. The car has strong acceleration and high speed, while sports suspension with 225 mm wide. The car is painted with blue and white colors, accentuated by red of Japanese flag. The car has 18-inch wheels with exclusive polygonal design painted red. The interior equipment of car is black with contrasting stitching in blue and corresponding colorful accents for air vent nozzles, inlays, center console and floor mats.

The Audi A1 Samurai Blue car is shining in the colors of the Japanese national soccer team to respect the Japanese national soccer team. Blue Samurai is the nickname for Japans national soccer team. Blue and white are colors of soccer jerseys for both men and women. Audi plans to sell the Audi A1 Samurai Blue as one-off model and donate a part of profit for a charity.

Audi is planned to sell an Audi A1 Limited Edition in 2012 with its design based on Audi A1 Samurai Blue car.

Nissan revealed new Nissan Juke Nismo concept car

Nissan has revealed Nissan Juke Nismo concept car which is going to make its first debut at the Tokyo Motor Show.

The Nissan Juke Nismo concept car is powered with 1.6 litre direct injection turbo gasoline engine delivers more power and performance. The car is finished in signature Nismo colors of pearl white with red highlights, body kit by Nismo aerodynamic specialists designed to look good and dynamically highly efficient. The new parts include revised lower bumpers front and rear, wider fenders and sill side skirts. The grille pattern and tailgate spoiler has been modified by addition of side elements to control airflow more efficiently.

The Nissan Juke Nismo car has Nismo touches in interior where parts interact with drivers sense of sight, sound, look and feel such as steering wheel, pedals, gauges, shifter knob and door trims which was redesigned to provide greater involvement when driving. The performance aspects of car, special leather trimmed bucket seats have been added while importance of tachometer means dial and needle are illuminated in red.

The Nissan Juke Nismo car chassis has been lowered and stiffened using proprietary parts from expanded Nismos parts catalogue. The shape of door mirrors has been altered to enhance car aerodynamic performance and reduce front and rear lift without increasing drag. This reduction in lift means the contact patch of tyres has been increased to improve grip, which is further enhanced by arrival of stylish new 19-inch alloy wheels.

QNX-powered OnStar FMV drives home with CES Innovation award

Paul Leroux

This just in: The OnStar FMV aftermarket mirror, which brings the safety and security features of OnStar to non-GM vehicles, has won a coveted CES Innovations Design and Engineering Award.

To clinch this award, a product must impress an independent panel of industrial designers, engineers, and trade journalists. Speaking of impressions, it seems that OnStar FMV also made a hit with the folks at CNET, because they've chosen it as one of their Top Holiday Shopping Picks for 2011.

As you may have guessed, OnStar FMV uses QNX Neutrino as its OS platform. It also uses the QNX acoustic processing suite, which filters out noise and echo to make hands-free conversations clear and easy to follow. The suite includes cool features like bandwidth extension, which extends the narrow-band hands-free signal frequency range to deliver speech that is warm and natural, as well as intelligible.

Have time for a video? If so, here's a fun look at FMV's features, including stolen vehicle recovery, automatic crash response, turn-by-turn navigation, hands-free calling, and one-touch emergency calling:


 

Subaru announced Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206 special performance edition

Subaru Tecnica International Inc. (STI) has announced launch of Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206 special performance edition car. The model will go on sale today through Subaru dealerships in Japan.

The Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206 car is powered with ball bearing turbocharger, Engine Control Unit with STI tuning, and sports muffler with lowered back pressure exhaust . The car engine produces 235kW and 431N.m of maximum torque. The engine has weight balance between piston, connecting rod and crankshaft is optimized to improve rev feel.

The Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206 car is released with NBR challenge package to commemorate class win at 24 Hours Nurburgring endurance race held in June with addition of carbon roof, carbon rear spoiler and BBS designed 19-inch aluminum wheels

The Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206 car exterior features lower front spoiler, front fender outlet grille, and trunk lip spoiler. The car interior has genuine leather wrapped steering wheel, RECARO racing bucket seats, silver side sill plate and dark red colored seatbelts.

The Subaru Impreza WRX STI S206 car production will be limited to 300 cars and the car will be available for sale with Subaru dealerships in Japan.

Brabus revealed Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

Brabus the Mercedes-Benz car tuner has revealed tuned Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster at Essen Motor Show.

The Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Roadster car is powered with 6.3 liter V8 engine produces 563 hp which is upgraded with titanium sport exhaust system with quad pipes measuring 84 mm in diameter. The car has complete carbon fiber aerodynamic kit in high gloss or matte finish which includes front spoiler, newly designed air vents for front fenders, side skirts, rear spoiler, side air vents for rear fascia and diffuser with integrated quad exhaust.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster car interior offers fully individualized finishes using finest leather and alcantara materials with carbon fiber or exotic wood trims. The car is equipped with Monoblock F Platinum Edition forged wheels, offered in several finishes, with 20-inch rims for the front and 21-inch rims at the rear axle.

The Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Roadster car has Brabus Ride Control suspension system lowers car upto 40 mm at touch of a button where driver also gets to choose between different damper settings. The tuner also offers Front Lift System which raise front axle of car by 50 mm to navigate speed bumps or other obstacles.

Concept vehicle illustration by Saiful Haque

A cool blog by Art Center student Saiful Haque. Check Ships.


Keywords: concept futuristic formula 1 race car vehicle illustration art design by saiful haque 2nd year term student at art center college school of design pasadena california

Identifying What Killed a Turbocharger

There are many causes that can lead to a turbo failing but what are the main causes that can be seen after the failure happens. Turbochargers themselves are very simplistic pieces of equipment. All they really do is move air, it is not magic and there are not really that many moving parts. The process of designing a turbo is difficult with years of research into every element of the creation. Once they are built it is just a matter of maintaining them with proper services.

When it comes down to the turbo failure on a motor there are only 4 main reasons that caused failure. The first and most common reason for failure is metal fatigue over time. This will happen to all turbos eventually due to the expansion and contraction of the metal in the unit over time. Eventually over time the metal will become brittle and being to crack or crumble, usually starting with the impeller. Proper maintenance on a turbo will slow this process but in the end it cannot be avoided.

The second major type of failure is oil starvation, this occurs when the oil flow to the turbo stops. With no oil flowing to the turbo the bearings will become under-lubricated and will either seize up or just fall apart. Oil starvation can be seen when taking the turbo apart and inspecting the shaft of the turbo. When the shaft shows discoloration or scaring oil starvation is what killed this turbo. This can be cause due to low oil pressure, a blocked oil line or oil sludging. Oil sludging is caused by the turbo burning the oil that is in the unit and then it is pumped back into the oil pan. Usually the sludge is due to the car being shut off when the turbo is excessively hot and the oil sits in the turbo and burns. Then once the car is started it is pumped back into the system, this can be an issue for the engine as well as the turbo.

The third major reason for failure in a turbocharger is over-heating. While this may sound like a strange thing to worry about in a unit that gets hot enough to glow red, it is an issue. Many modern turbos use engine coolant pumped through them to keep the turbo within operating range. When the flow of coolant stops or is hindered it is just a matter of time before the turbo gets too hot and cooks the bearings inside. Again this can be seen by discoloration on the internal pieces of the turbo unit.

The last and final common cause of failure in turbochargers is foreign objects. The internal parts of a turbo spin around 30-50,000 RPM and if something like a rock or other debris were to enter the system it will cause serious damage. Basically a turbo is very intense fan just imagine if you threw a brick into a house fan. Think of the damage, well that is exactly what will happen to the impeller of the turbocharger. This can be detected if there are dents in the impeller blades and sometimes all of the blades get chewed off completely.

Making sure to check and determine the reason for failure is the best way to make sure that the replacement won’t fail for the same reason. An automotive turbo can cost upwards of $2,000 and a truck turbo can fetch prices in the $10K range so failure can be a costly repair. All of the failures listed here besides normal wear will void the seller warranty. In other words if the cause of the failure is not determined you could be stuck with a huge repair bill that could have been easily avoided. 

BMW announced price details of new 2012 BMW 3 series sedans

BMW North America has announced the price details of the new 2012 BMW 3 series sedans. The 2012 BMW 3 series sedans are 2012 BMW 328i and 2012 BMW 335i Sedans. 

The 2012 BMW 328i is powered with 2.0 liter TwinPower Turbo 4 cylinder engine which produces 240-hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The car is accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds and top speed of the car is 130 mph. The 2012 BMW 335i is powered with 3.0 liter inline 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine which produces 3 00-hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. The car is accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and top speed of the car is 130 mph.

The 2012 BMW 3 series sedans feature 6.5-inch central display with iDrive controller, Bluetooth connectivity, USB/iPod interface, 8-Speed Automatic Transmission, Automatic Start/Stop, Dynamic Driving Control with ECO PRO Mode and Brake Energy Regeneration. The cars also feature larger wheels and tires as standard equipment.

The 2012 BMW 3 Series Sedans will be going to make its first debut at the North American International Auto Show in January and will be available for sale with US dealers in February 2012 as 2012 model.

Porsche revealed 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet and Carrera S Cabriolet car

Porsche has revealed the new 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet and Carrera S Cabriolet car with the new 911 design.

The 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet car is powered with 3.4litre flat engine on rear which produces 350hp to drive rear wheels and is connected to seven gear manual transmission. The Carrera S car is powered with 3.8 litre 6 cylinder engine which produces 400 hp and is connected seven gear manual transmission as standard. The cars consume less than 10 litre of fuel per 100kms. The Cabriolets have Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe available as optional which delivers even lower fuel consumption and shorter acceleration times.

The 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet car has all new unique magnesium hood, typical 911 roof line, intelligent lightweight design which ensures less weight and more sportiness, lower fuel consumption and greater comfort. The car has longer wheelbase, wider front track and new electro mechanical power steering. The new Cabriolets offer even sportier driving characteristics, greater precision and agility. The car has other standard or optional active control systems which increase the driving dynamics.

The 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet car will be launched in Germany on March 2012. The price of 911 Carrera Cabriolet car is €100,532 and 911 Carrera S Cabriolet is €114,931 including VAT.

What the Heck is a Control Arm?

I had never been interested in learning about fuel pumps or control arms.   Don’t get me wrong, I know what fuel pumps and control arms do, but that’s about as much as I wanted to know.  I was recently forced to learn more about control arms when I had to replace one of mine. Isn’t it amazing how you can go for so long not caring about something until it hits your wallet?  Here is a bit of information I found out after I had to put in a few hours replacing my own lower control arm.

Control arms are an important part of the suspension system.  There are several types of control arms, including upper, and lower control arms, which are located in both the front and the rear of the vehicle.  Control arms by nature must be able to handle a great deal of weight, therefore the shape and size of these units can vary greatly between models. The wide end of a control arm attaches to the frame of the car and pivots on a bushing, while the skinny end of the control arm attaches to the knuckle which pivots on a ball joint.  A two control arm set-up per wheel makes up a double wishbone suspension that is found on most modern vehicles.  On a side note, I thought it was fitting that I had to replace a part referred to as a “wishbone,” so close to Thanksgiving.  Alright, I am getting hungry again; let’s get back to these control arms.  When there is only one control arm per wheel, than that control arm is most commonly the lower part of a MacPherson strut suspension system.

Like most suspension components, control arms allow for a smooth ride even over a rough surface. This explains why it felt like I was driving over invisible speed bumps. The control arm assemblies were designed to attach the suspension to the vehicles while using bushings to cushion the impacts taken by the wheels.  The reason there are usually two control arms per wheel is to add stability, and secure the wheel as the car travels over uneven surfaces. Think of it like a wheel barrel, which is a lot easier to keep going smoothly when you have two handles to grasp onto.  Imagine how much more difficult it would be with only one handle.  Though, not all cars have two control arms per wheel.  Front wheel drive vehicles that have strut assemblies instead of shocks usually have the lower control arms, but not the upper.

Control arms need to be inspected on a regular basis and serviced if damage or cracking has occurred.  Make sure to have them inspected regularly so you don’t have to blow another Sunday in the garage instead of on the golf course. If you don’t properly service them, the control arms can prematurely fail which will cause the handling of the car to become erratic and unsteady. Just like driving on the golf course, this can raise your handicap by about two to three strokes.  A sure sign that a control arm bushing is worn out is a knocking sound when driving over bumps, or when turning the steering wheel back and forth.