This Car Knows Your Next Misstep before You Make It

Experimental New Dashboard Computer – Keep Track of Behaviour Behind Wheel

With the increase in road accidents that are often occurring on the roads due to the driver’s negligence or failure on control of the vehicle, a new development has come up. This is in the form of experimental new dashboard computer which can keep track of the behaviour behind the wheel as well as predict what one is about to do next. Volvo, GM together with the others is on their way of testing systems which would be monitoring head and the eye position in order to identify signs of distraction.

Study by researchers at Cornell University and Stanford portray a more advanced method which could be educated in recognizing body language as well as behaviour which precedes a certain movement. This could activate early alerts like a blind spot vigilant, in advance thereby helping in avoiding serious accidents as per the academics involved.

Saxena Ashutosh, director of a project known as Robo Brain, at Cornell University and Stanford who oversaw the driving project, comments saying that `one could imagine yourself driving on a highway and you look to the right for a second since you intend making a right turn and as you are starting to make a right turn, some other driver pulls into the space which you probably thought was empty’.

Cutting Edge Machine Learning Algorithms

A car could in this instance issue an alert or prevent the driver form pulling into the lane. This method has been trained utilising cutting edge machine learning algorithms which predicts with over 90% precision whenever a driver is about to change lanes in the next few seconds. This lane change is generally signalled with a glance over the shoulder together with indicative head movement and changes in the steering, braking as well as acceleration.

 Ashutosh states that the accuracy achieved is quite excellent to be utilised in a production system. The researchers are exploring various ways for a vehicle to monitor and expect the driver’s behaviour through the project – Brain4Cars. The process involves utilising a machine learning approach known as deep learning in order to distinguish the actions that led the effort of lane changing.

 The systems were trained using data gathered as 10 different individuals drove around 1,180 miles around various locations of California. The researchers propose to make the ensuing data set easily available in order that the other academics and auto researchers could utilise the same.

Luxury Cars Equipped with Sensors

In recent years deep learning is said to be particularly beneficial in recognizing complex or elusive patterns like video and audio. The same has already been used allowing vehicle computers to identify various kinds of obstacles on the road. The team in their recent work had combined data from a video camera with GPS data and information from a computer system of a car.

Several luxury cars are now equipped with sensors which enable safety warnings and automatic breaking and steering. A student of Saxena’s and project lead on Brain4Cars, Ashesh Jain has commented that monitoring activity within a car and outside tends to make such safety systems intelligent.

He says that if the driver is distracted for a moment, if there is nothing in front, the car could be smart enough and not alert the drive. It is about how one utilises the info from all these sensors.

Porsche Takes Aim at Tesla with a Stunning Electric Concept

Mission E Concept – Combination of Excellent Range/Performance

Mission E concept which was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show recently comes with a combination of excellent range together with performance in a package which could make Elon Musk apprehensive. The German car maker claims that the four door Mission E would be capable of driving roughly on a range of 310 miles and can blitz from 0 to 62 mph within 3.5 seconds and the Tesla Model S seems to be the only electric car with these numbers where its range topping P90D model is of almost 300 miles hitting 60 in 2.8 seconds.

Moreover, Porsche also states that the Mission E Battery could attain 80% charge of its capacity in about 15 minutes which competes with the Model S that need around 30 minutes to reach the same level of charge. However, the Tesla does seem to have a substantial advantage over the Porsche and it truly exists.

A Porsche spokesperson has informed Sources that the production of the car would be a possibility in the near future but noted that it would probably take around five years for the development of the battery technology. The Mission E is but an idea, a sensual body on a drive train which would or probably not be real or deliver the number quoted.

Mass Market Battery

Moreover, the Mission E also has a longer range than Tesla’s Model and should run for 250 miles after a charge of 15 minutes versus 170 miles from a 30 minutes charge.. The company however, offers an incentive, a mass market battery electric which must meet the fuel emission standards from US and European authorities.

Porsche had offered plug-in hybrid version of the Panamera and Cavenne already and it has seen some success racing a 911 hybrid and the gas electric 918 Spyder is quite amazing. The automaker had revealed nothing about the battery besides mentioning that it utilises the `fastest lithium-ion technology’ and extends from the front axle to the rear like the Model S.

The propulsion system is the consequent of the 919 and two motors tend to generate 600 horsepower, driving all the four wheels. The car has got all the wheel steering, which is a system used in the 918 Spyder, 911 GT3 and 911 Turbo in order to develop the stability at speed.

Low Sweeping Roofline

The Mission E is about 4 feet, 3 inches tall having a low sweeping roofline which cuts through the wind and a problem for any reasonably tall backseat passenger. It is not far from the Model S but completely beats Elon’s ride for sleek looks and is similar to the stillborn Fisker Atlantic. It looks like what the Panamera should be having all along.

The interior of the Mission E is theoretical silliness. Porsche had informed about a 3D display which tends to move as the driver changes position, eye tracking and gesture control and holograms. A camera in the rear view mirror tends to tell if the driver is in a good mood, displaying a matching emoticon in the dashboard since the Germans are of the belief that one need to be alerted to the fact that one is having fun. Porsche will now have to take up the challenge to Tesla in real life

Adaptive Headlights Could Help Drivers Avoid Hitting

Automotive Headlight – Improve Safety in low light/Poor Weather

The main purpose of an automotive headlight is to improve safety in low light as well as poor weather situations. However, inspite of innovation on light sources, several accidents tend to take place at night with even less traffic on the road.

Recent progress in adaptive lighting have addressed certain restrictions of standard headlights but they have limited flexibility like switching between high and low beams, turning off beams towards the opposing lane or rotating the beam as the vehicle turns.

 They are not designed for all driving environments.Present day cars are equipped with dozens of computers which monitor and adjust mechanical as well as electrical systems though the headlights need to be improved upon. Their light sources have evolved from acetylene and oil lamps to tungsten filaments to LEDs in the past century but an advanced headlight available on a luxury vehicle only tend to light whatever is in front of them.

These limitations could cause problems to the driver, as indiscriminate illumination tends to reflect light off, of the snow and rain during storms creating glare for oncoming drivers in dry weather which could also be dangerous.

Headlights to Adjust Instantly to Anti-Glare High Beams

Robotics researchers are developing a headlight which tends to adjust instantly to anti-glare high beams, improved driver visibility during changing conditions, enabling the driver to see through rain and snowstorm, increased contrast of lanes, follow GPS directions as well as early visual alerts of obstacles.

The ultra-low latency reactive visual system tends to sense, react as well as adapt quickly to any environment at the time of moving at highway speeds wherein the single hardware design can be programmed to accomplish various task.

These adaptive headlights coming to the market, features automatic dimmers, motors which reorient the headlight as the vehicle tend to turn or lighting arrays which change beam pattern in order to avoid shining in the oncoming driver’s eyes, for Audis, BMWs, Mercedes and some other costly vehicles.

Unfortunately even the smart headlight systems seem to have only one of these competences. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Institute are attempting to go beyond these issues by programming headlight which could improve the driver’s visibility by dynamically modifying to a wider variety of driving conditions.

Smart Headlight a Looped System

The team are working on developing a headlight system which would avoid illuminating raindrops or snowflakes in poor conditions, reducing glare when high beams are used, lights up the driving lane, much brighter than the adjacent lane and provide early visual alert of obstacles on the road.

The smart headlight is a looped system which tends to read continuously, assesses and reacts the driving conditions and the headlight camera senses and captures images in front of the vehicle which is analysed by the computer processor.

 It then utilises that information in controlling the headlight’s spatial light modulator, thereby dividing a single beam from the headlight into one million smaller beams each of which can be switched on or off when needed.

The researchers led by Professor Srinivasa Narasimhan, states that their system reduces the visibility of rain four meters away from the light source by 70% when the vehicle tends to move at 30 km per hour. The model equally reduces the visibility of snowflakes which fall more slowly and seem to be larger than raindrops by 60%.

Toyota's 'Aerocar' will have WINGS Hidden in the Roof

 

Toyota’s `Aerocar’ With Wings

Toyota is planning to bring the technology of flying cars which may seem like a science fiction, to the masses and the Kentucky based car manufacturer has been awarded a patent for a vehicle with wings that seems to be hidden in the roof and which can be arrayed at the touch of a button.

The patent had been filed in March 2014 and was awarded earlier this week. Illustrations indicate that the rotating wings stacked in a row of four, each of which can be organized separately so that the car looks like multi-planes of the early days of aviation.

Toyota mentioned in the patent that `flying has always been a dream central to the history of humanity. Aerocars or roadable aircraft are considered as vehicles which could be driven on roads and take off, fly as well as land as aircraft. Vehicles that tend to exhibit such capability provide operators with freedom, ability and the comfort to arrive speedily at a destination as mobility becomes three dimensional though remains private and personal.

Design Restricts the Side View

The biggest issue is in developing a craft which would fit on a road and in parking space and has the flight stability and control of the plane. It is mainly critical of flying car designs which have the foldable wings on the side of the vehicle and though effective, the more numerous the fold locations, greater would be the weight as well as complexity which would influence operability in individual mode.

Moreover, the designs would also restrict the side views of the people in the car. To overcome this issue, Toyota intends stacking wings in the roof of the car. When installed, one wing tends to rise from the roof and rotates in position while the second can then be organized followed by the third and fourth.

Toyota describes it as `the present disclosure pertains to a vehicle that can be flown as a fixed wing aircraft and driven as a land vehicle. The present disclosure is more specifically directed to stackable wing architectures. The other details are not too clear and Toyota does not elucidate how the car intends getting the propulsion essential for taking off.

Multi-Planes of Late 19th/20th Century

Illustrations however, indicating the fully arranged wings make the car appear like the multi-planes of the late 19th and the early 20th century, particularly the Maxim designed by Hiram Maxim in the 1890s and the range of Phillips Muliplanes from the early 1990s.

In the case of the Phillips Multiplane I, there were 20 stacked wings and a model built in1907 flew 500ft. However the design was not as successful as the conventional types of planes.Terrafugia, one of the firms leading the flying car movement unveiled in July, new designs for its revolutionary vehicle known as the TF-X.

 Its concept vehicle which tends to double as a plane as well as a land car has fold out wings with twin electric motors attached to each end. These motors enable the TF-X to move from a vertical to a horizontal position and will be powered by a 300hp engine.

As per the company, the thrust would be provided by a ducted fan and the vehicle would be having a voyaging speed of 200 mph together with a 500 mile flight range. The intended four people TF-X would be semi-autonomous, utilising computer controls in order that passengers could type in a destination before taking off.

Engineers Invent Way for Cars to Harvest Energy from Bumps in the Road

Solution in Harvesting Energy from Car’s Suspension

The 255 million cars on the road in the U.S. are accountable for 40% of the fuel consumption of the country, most of which tends to be wasted. An associate professor of mechanical engineering in Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering, Lei Zuo, could have a partial solution – in harvesting energy from the car’s suspension.

He explains that around 10 to 16% of the fuel consumed by the car is in reality used to drive, which is to overcome road resistance as well as air drag and the rest seems to be lost to heat together with other disorganizations. On manipulating smartly, this deficit could be lessened.

He states that for the recovery or generating energy at the time of driving, three major opportunities tend to prevail, namely the waste heat given off by the engine, the kinetic energy that is absorbed at the time of braking and the vibrational energy reduced by shock absorbers. Zuo evaluates that a car’s shock absorbers could be capable of providing between 100 and 400 watts of energy on standard roads and more on rougher roads. By contrast, a normal cell phone call utilises about 1 watt which corresponds to an increase in fuel efficiency between 1 and 5% that could add up to a yearly fuel savings of $13 billion to $19 billion.

Translating–Vertical Vibrations of Suspension/Rotational Motion/Generator-Electricity

His energy harvesting shock absorber operates by translating the vertical vibrations of suspension into rotational motion that tends to turn a generator which in turn delivers electricity to the car’s battery or electrical devices directly, decreasing the demand on the alternator. The method adopted had solved major challenges in harvesting vibrational energy in converting bidirectional, up-and-down motion in the unidirectional motion essential in driving a generator.

A distinctive mixture of gears enables the motion in both directions for the conversion into electricity, needed to double the amount of energy which could be recovered. Zuo associated with the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science, clarifies that this invention enables the generator to function at a stable speed thereby reducing the load on the gear teeth, thus making the method well organized, maximizing the quantity of energy recovered.

Zuo together with his students have tested the shock absorber on the roads of the campus. Their present model, that the students had developed utilising off-the shelf components, could harvest around 60% of the existing energy which is a considerable improvement over other designs. Zuo was confident that with accurate components as well as manufacturing the system, they could reach around 85% competence.

Device Retrofitable to Space/Functions

Besides, this, he also stated that the device would be completely retrofittable with regards to space and functions and `could be integrated in the car directly without the need of changing anything in the car’. He along with his team has designed other forms of energy harvesting shock absorbers which include linear electromagnetic as well as hydroelectric absorbers.

Zuo, who had recently received an award for his performance from the Governor’s Commonwealth of Virginia Research commercialization Fund, had stated that he intends to concentrate next on the commercial viability of the energy harvesting system.

He stated that he hopes to speak on the concerns of drivers as well as automakers, who tend to have differed priorities. He further added that `when the same is presented to the drivers, they are asked – how much can one improve the fuel efficiency?’

From the point of view of the car manufacturer’s side, they ask another question – Can one replace the commercial shock absorbers? Can a better suspension performance be given?’ Zuo has commented that he intends tackling both cost as well as performance in the next round of development. Presently the method would not be cost effective for car owners who tend to drive less than an hour or so, a day.

Energy Harvesting – Helpful in Global Energy Crisis

Hence Zuo would be focusing on applications for huge commercial vehicles while working on cost reduction. In order to enhance the performance, Zuo indicated that he wanted to adjust his design by utilising a strategy known as self-powered semi-active control.

A microprocessor tends to sense vehicle conditions and adjusts the suspension settings accordingly and delivers the smoothest ride while harvesting the greatest quantity of energy. Zuo has also been working on two other areas for the purpose of energy recovery in cars, namely waste heat and regenerative braking. Though regenerative braking has already been in use for hybrid vehicles, it only makes up for about 3 percent of the cars on the road.

Zuo desires to develop a method which will probably work for conventional vehicles. The focus of energy harvesting research is often on milliwatts and microwatts and Zuo aims on the methods which could yield hundreds or even thousands of watts. He has commented that `he is particularly excited about the opportunities in large scale energy harvesting which could be helpful in solving the global energy crisis’.

Honda New Jazz – Autoportal India brings you all the Details

Honda, the Japanese carmaker, has offered the Indian car lovers some of the finest cars in the world. Although the Indians warmly welcomed all Honda cars, the premium hatchback Jazz failed to excite the buyers. Eventually, Honda had to withdraw the car from the market. However, the company has decided to bring back the hatch now. According to the reports, it is expected to hit the Indian roads on 8 July 2015.

In its second innings, the Jazz is likely to be more competitively priced and positioned. According to web portals like Autoportal, Honda Jazz price is at INR 5.5 lakh and upwards. It is an indication that Honda is not leaving anything to chance as far as the second innings of this premium hatch is concerned. Another area of concern would positioning it in the market. As pricing and positioning were two major reasons for the failure of the first edition, Honda would now look to address them better. If what we have heard and seen until now, it looks like they have the things under control as far as the new Jazz is concerned. Even so, it would have to face a tough competition to claim its place in the market.

It is rumored that the price of the new Jazz would be between INR 5.5 lakh and 7.1 lakh. Honda is able to offer such competitive prices because of the localization that has happened in the new Jazz. It is said that the new car is carrying up to 90% localization, which has resulted in the company being able to offer the car at lower prices.

It is also said that the Jazz, like its sibling Honda City, will come in five variants - E, S, SV, V and VX. The tired and tested 1.2-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, which is currently on duty on the cars like Amaze and Brio, will also power the Jazz. This engine can generate a maximum power of 90 bhp along with a peak torque of 110 Nm. The diesel variants will have a 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel unit, which is capable of generating 100 PS of power and 200Nm torque.

The petrol variants will get either a 5-speed manual or a CVT with paddle shifters. They are expected to offer a mileage of 19 kmpl. The diesel variants will be equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission. The mileage expected is 21.3 kmpl.

The safety and comfort features would include a 15.7cm touch screen AVN system, adjustable rear headrests, automatic AC with touch controls, paddle shifts (CVT only) , steering wheel mounted hands-free telephone control, fabric upholstery ,electric folding OVRMs, multi-view rear parking camera, ABS with EBD and Driver and passenger airbags, to list a few.

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3D Printing Could Resurrect Custom Car Making

The world was introduced to Blade on Thursday, and this is a 3D-printed supercar which has been designed by the leading automobile company as the proof of designing concept based on 3D. It aims at establishing the new technology among the micro automakers as well as to reshape the automobile industry.

The company is hoping that the micro automakers get the same evolution as it has been seen in the world of microbreweries across the United States of America. The aim is to establish democracy in the auto industry and start the new goal for the dematerialized vehicles.

The 3D-printing technologies can easily turn out the auto manufacturing very affordable for the players to enter the industry and build vehicles according to their taste and drive the era forwards. Through this technology the micro automakers will be able to deliver cars ranging upto 10000 every year. It has designed the 3D printed blade for attracting the attention of the prospective players of the auto sector.

The cutting edge product "the Blade"

It is a bi-fuel vehicle which will be able to run on CNG as well as gasoline. It will be able to hit 60mph in less than 2 seconds since it comes with a 700-horsepower engine as well as 1,400-lb ultra light build. It has been based on the node technology of the company.

This is the technology will be allow the small auto players to develop cars on higher scale. The other benefit of the technology is the reduction in the environment impact from the auto making process. This technology will allow cars to be built out of literally any material and the emission will be about one third of the total emission released during the manufacturing of the electric vehicle.

They  kept on thinking about working and manufacturing cars in affordable range and in lower volume. It is about bringing out a world which allows small yet profitable custom car makers globally.

The Auto Industry democratized

Despite the wait it might take to get the new node technology to be understood by the auto makers, we can always see a bright future for the 3D printing especially in the auto industry. Already vehicles are being made by means of fabricated manufacturing. Companies have already started exploring the application of this technology and already show some of the good uses of this printing technology.

Now what needs to be check is the cost of components to that of the quality as well as the price of the printing. It might become cheaper in some materials and others might cost more. There are no special tools required for 3D printing.

Despite the amount of effort is being put in this cost cutting manufacturing technology, it is quite clear that the vehicles will be available to the customers who are on the top of the line and it might be a long wait for the customers (average) to get their hands on it.

5 Future Car Technologies

A spanking new vehicle is a dream buy and high on anyone’s aspirational list. The auto industry is all about constant change. The new generation consumer also wants new technologies to make their drive more comfortable. The automotive engineers at the R & D department of all the manufacturers are bringing us new technologies from time to time. There are innumerable new technologies in the department of safety, infotainment, and innovation. Here are 5 future car technologies that we may see in our cars in the near future. Also check Upcoming car in India.

1) A car that will make its own decisions is not going to be that far in future. Driver Override System is a new technology that may be ready in the next five years. Even now there are certain cars which kill the engine when there is a fault in the engine or when it over speeds. The driver override system will apply the brakes even if the driver has the gas pedal floored. The increase in using of sensors in the cars will force the cars to take decisions. This is a shift in priority.

2) Over are those days when you had to search for your car keys. The Biometric Vehicle Access is the new future of starting your car. Recently we had seen the switch to keyless entry and start. In the future get ready for a key-fob-less entry and start. One will be able to unlock and start your car with your fingertip or retina iris. This technology follows the same procedure used at high security areas where the user or, here, the owner/driver, is recognised by the pattern on the finger tip or the pattern on the iris.

3) Another technology one may find in the future cars is the Reconfigurable Body Panels. How would it seem to have a car which looks like an SUV, but has the powerful motor of a truck? Imagine an SUV with lightweight body panels and advanced motors that retract the roof and side glass into the lower body panels. Reconfigurable Body Panels may be the future of body of the cars.

4) We know of single, double and three-cylinder cars. How about a four-cylinder supercar? We already have a Ford GT supercar which has a twin-turbo V6. By 2020 we are expecting to see the first full-fledged, 200 mph supercar with a four-cylinder engine.

5) Now, the idea of a self-driving car is not a new idea. We have already seen James Bond and other super heroes owning self driven cars which can even park by themselves. But a truly self-driving car means exactly that, one that can drive itself, and they are probably closer to being a reality in the very near future.

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Setting a Proper Budget for a Vehicle Restoration

Not having enough in the budget to restore your classic muscle car can be quite disappointing. Muscle cars often bring back childhood or early adulthood memories. A proper budget to make sure that the muscle car restoration project goes as planned is vital. It takes more than just having a vision and a person that can complete the restoration. Always do your research so that you can construct the proper budget.

Create a Restoration Project List

A list is important. This is where you will write down every item that needs to be handled in the restoration. The list should include the body work that needs to be done, as well as the exterior design you want to achieve.

It will help you be more organized with the list if you break it down into sections. The more detailed your list is, the easier it will be to construct the proper budget.

Price Individual Pieces

There are several avenues available for finding parts for your muscle car. Some salvage yards may have usable parts, and of course, there are fabrication shops that can make parts to factory specifications. It is important that you price pieces yourself to ensure that you are getting the best price.

Now, when pricing parts and body pieces, search with a few different options. If the items are not local, include the shipping in your total price. Not including the shipping costs can severely impact your budget. 

Obtain Multiple Quotes

After you have the parts priced and your list ready to go, it's time to start sourcing restoration shops if you aren't completing the project yourself. Some shops will use the sources you've found to obtain parts, as this takes some time off of the project itself. The more you can provide, the easier it is for the shop to complete the project. Obtain a few quotes and select the one that suits your budget the best. This isn't always going to be the cheapest quote. Customer satisfaction, experience and understanding your vision are also important.

Base your budget upon your research and the quotes you receive. Always have a bit of a contingency budget available too. Just as with home improvement projects, automotive restoration projects are prone to the unforeseen. Once a vehicle is completely stripped, the restoration team can really see what you have to start with. More parts or fabrication may be required.

Why a Strong Dollar Means Fatter Margins for Jeep Renegade

Fiat Chrysler is all set to launch its new Jeep model called Renegade in March which is expected to boost the sales as more and more Americans are going after SUV’s due to the recent fall in oil and gas prices. Renegade would be made in Italy and it will be imported to U.S. for sale. This would translate huge profits for Fiat Chrysler as the Euro far weaker in value compared to Dollar at the moment. Renegade is deem to give huge competition with distinguish features and adequate pricing against other vehicles in the same category namely Kia Soul and Nissan Juke.

Low Gas Price Boosts The SUV Sales

There has been a huge decline in the value of euro which has fallen to $1.10 and it is the weakest against dollar in over a decade. Gas prices in U.S. have also registered a sharp decline by 33 percent in last three months due to decline in global crude oil price. Now the national average for the gas is revolving around just $2.04 a gallon which has spurted the increase in SUV sales.

Features Of Jeep Renegade

Jeep new offering Renegade is expected to revolutionize the fast growing sub-compact crossover segment which is highly appreciated by the customers. This segment already has some of the successful vehicles like Nissan Juke, Fiat 500x, Kia Soul and Honda HR-V. Renegade boasts a seven-slot grille along with a vertical windshield and rugged stance which lends a tougher, bolder and solid impression. Renegade also have modern features such as adaptive cruise control which allows the car to move at a prevailing speed.

Better Interiors, Affordable Price

The interiors of the new Jeep model has been furnished with effortless solid, smooth yet soft feel. There are also distinctive fun touches which include the use of paintball splash for marking the red zone on the tachometer. Customers would be given options to switch between different driving modes such as snow, sand and mud which essentially depend upon the terrain and conditions. It also possesses two roof panels which can be removed and placed in the truck to give a convertible like feel.

Renegade is also available in a Trailhawk version which offers great driving experience for off-road purposes and it’s priced at $ 24,795. The sports version is pitched at $17,995. Fuel efficiency has not been determined but it is expected to give atop mileage of 30 miles (48 kilometres) per gallon.

Jeep Renegade Brings In A New Evolved Segment

The iconic brand Jeep has gone through a tightrope in creating the Renegade which is an epitome of beautiful design and remarkable features. In order to boost its production capability Fiat is set open two new factories one is Brazil and another in China by the end of March and year’s end respectively. Initially these two plants would forge out the cars for the Latin America and Asia based customers. Jeep brand chief Mike Manley has asserted that Fiat is set expected to evenly split the Renegade sales among the three major markets namely U.S., Europe and Asia.

Local Motors' 3D-printed car meets the Detroit Auto Show

Recently, Local Motors have showcased their 3D-Printed Car at the Auto Show. This is world’s first 3D-printed car and known as Strati, it is two-seater car, which is made up of plastic components and can reach the speed of 25 miles/hour.

Printing Process: 

This made in Detroit, Strati is two-seater car and it takes only 44 hours to print it. Crowdsources, a Phoenix-based company designs its cars, which look like the oddball Rally Fighter. Local Motors is responsible to build the Strati and brings on the floor of the North American International Auto Show, which is going to held in Detroit with all printing and routing equipment, which is here just for the occasion. The printing of this car takes only 44 hours, which in about two full working days after which all components including rough ones routed and polished to complete the final finishing look. According to Local Motors CEO Jay Rogers, first of three vehicles of Local Motors are ready to hit the market, whereas; each Strati will have the price range of $18,000 and $30,000. This two Seater car is made up of plastic components and it can hit the road with the speed up to 25 miles per hour.

About Local Motors Strati: 

The whole manufacturing and assembling process can be done in "micro-factory," of Local Motors, which is 40,000-square-foot space, containing everything needed to print, design, build, or sell a car. The company is planning to inaugurate its two micro-factories in 2015, one in near Washington, DC in National Harbor and another in Knoxville, Tennessee. It is expected that the DC location will breaks ground in the third quarter of 2015 where first fleet of 3D-printed cars will be sold. Factories are still looking for the approval because they need a local zoning law changes as per the Washington Post. As per few reports, the Strati is not yet legal for highway, and it can take few months to one year.

According to company officials, “We have arrived with small platform, but after setting up the winding course at Detroit’s Cobo Center, we have produced the passenger seats for the two-seater electric roadster. The two-seater Strati is powered up-by a Renault Twizy–sourced EV power-train which is fitted in to the 3D-printed body of car. Soon the company will test the car on modern tracks where the speed will vary between 10 to 25 mph with the comfortable conversation with the driver, but the car driver stated that car could made-up to 50 mph per hour and the car represent perfect golf car status.

This car were first showcased in September 2014, which was mostly constructed through 3D printing, which sounds like future-minded and gutsy as the part of a young ambitious company. According to reports, no one has done such things publicly till date. To actualize the process of 3D printed car, Local Motors had made a partnership with National Laboratory in Tennessee, where it has take four months to unveil, the Strati.

Gogoro, the Electric Scooter Could Make Battery-Swapping Work

We all know that technology is growing day by day and now one more chapter in the world of advanced technology as after smartphones, smartscooters are ready to hit the market globally. Recently, Gogoro launched as smartscooter by occupying the stage at CES. Gogoro is electric scooter and work on the zero-emissions policy. This smartscooter is designed to get power from batteries and in present it is available in all over the world through the subscription from a wide range of network vending machines.

Technology on wheels: 

Gogoro is smartscooter, which is equipped with cloud connectivity, an integrated mobile app and in an addition 30 onboard sensors. It allows all the users to take an advantage of premium features like; customized regenerative braking, adaptive throttle control, to find the battery-vending GoStation and detailed scooter diagnostics. Apart from these extra features, riders can also track the driving details such as; top speed, time and they can also analyze the driving patterns in order to energy consumption to optimize power.
According to the Megan Zaroda, spokesperson of company, it is expected that Gogoro will ship its first product this year as they are targeting the megacities on worldwide level.


The more he added that other devices will integrate into this smartscooter and it is kind of portable power. Before four years, Gogoro raised US $150 million, when they was looking for funding to start its operations, but the price plan for Gogoro smartscooter is still surprise. In present, Gogoro's Smartscooter is targeting the teenagers and young people, who are in the age of 18 to 28 years. While coming to its component, it is consist of ultracompact G1 electric motor, which drive performance. This smartscooter is made up of Aeroframe monocoque chassis, which is light in weight with inbuilt programmable LEDs. You can drive it with maximum speed of 95 km/hour as it can reach to 50 km/hour in just 4.1 seconds.

This smartscooter is designed for customizability and it allows riders to choose any specific throttle acceleration, lock-and-unlock audio, lighting themes and the dashboard-screen color spectrum. According to officials of Gogoro, If user will take the monthly subscription plan, so he will be free to use unlimited battery swaps and this process will take only six seconds, apart from that use will get the free roadside maintenance for the time period of two years. Each full battery will provide a chance to run the scooter up-to to 100 km. Battery is consist of automotive-grade lithium-ion, which is cylindrical with a 18650-size of energy cells from Panasonic. It also provides near field communication connectivity, which is of 256-bit security encryption.

When it comes to looks, so no doubt it looks great with sleek lines as it is so common in most of the scooters and motorcycle in these days. As per the company officials, If user will handle the batteries carefully with regular diagnostics, so it can work till several years, as regular diagnostics is one of the key element.

Mercedes-Benz Shows Off Self-Driving Car of the Future

Mercedes had taken an innovative and influential step in developing a highly advanced car which might even look too much futuristic. Mercedes has revealed a concept car which boasts of self-driving capabilities at the Consumer Electronics Car in Las Vegas. This innovative and futuristic car has been dubbed as the F015 Luxury in Motion. It features a sleek four-door automobile which brings in a futuristic design and construction dynamics that would feel like a slice of future.

Mercedes Believes in Better and Advanced Future 

Mercedes is upbeat about its product which is turning heads at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Dieter Zetshe is the head of the Mercedes Benz cars and he stated that if you solely focus on the technology then you won’t be able to grasp the advantages of the autonomous driving which could change our society dramatically. He further affirms that this innovative car is beyond its role a mere transport product and it will become more like a mobile living space.

Features Of the Mercedes New Car

The low contour design of the new car is more oriented toward providing comfortable riding than just driving. This car is over 17ft long which is just similar to the length of a Cadillac Escalade SUV. This car provides lounge style char which can swivel 30 degree when the suicide-style door open and it allows the four people to sit facing one another. The two front chairs could easily swivel around to face the windshield if the manual driving is necessary in some case.

Its steering wheel can easily fold up into the dashboard when you are not using it. It also features six display screens in the instrument panel and side & rear panels which can relay information from the outside world or play movies and other entertainment content from online sources.

How Autonomous System Works In New Mercedes Car? 

This car’s autonomous systems are designed to be guided by the stereo camera, radar and ultrasonic sensors. You can differentiate whether the car is being run autonomously or not by looking the headlights colour beams. If the car is being driven autonomously the headlights and grille would light up in blue colour and white if driven manually.

F 015 is built from the industry based lightweight carbon fibre, high-strength steel and aluminium. This car possesses a rechargeable hydrogen fuel cell technically. This car uses an innovative method to charge up the battery by just parking the car on a charge pad.

This Car Is Just In Conceptual Stage

This car is no where likely to come on the streets before 2030. This car had however allowed the Mercedes to flex its technical and creative abilities and let it test to the utmost limit. Apart from the Mercedes many new cars are offering the self-driving basics which include the radar-based cruise control, autonomous braking system as well as lane keeping assist. It is being expected that by 2017 the brands like Cadillac, Audi, Tesla and Mercedes would allow the high end-models to travel autonomously.

CES 2015: Toyota Opens Patents on Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology

In a strong hope of a developed future of Hydrogen fuel cell technology being an alternative fuel source, the Japanese car maker Toyota has promised to offer around six thousand patents (related to the technology), which is owned by them, as royalty-free. Last Tuesday, the Japanese car maker Toyota made the much awaited announcement at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2015, which was held in Las Vegas.

Summary 

The pledge made by Toyota includes 5,680 Hydrogen fuel cell related patents, including the technologies that have been used in developing the company’s latest innovation Toyota Mirai. Approximately, 1,970 patents are related to fuel cell stacks, 290 patents are related to high-pressure hydrogen tanks, 3,350 patents are associated with the software used to control fuel cell system and rest of the 70 patents are related to hydrogen production.

Plan

The infrastructure required to support the electric cars has started to rise across many countries, even though the re-fuelling stations for hydrogen fuel cell powered cars are hard to find. Therefore the step taken by the Japanese car maker makes it all the more significant, by opening their patents for other companies to own and in the process boost up the places that the hydrogen fuel cell cars are starting to fill.

The announcement made by the company reflects their positive approach in supporting the development of infrastructure of the Hydrogen powered society.

Previously on many occasions, the Japanese Automaker has tried their hand with this initiative of developing hydrogen powered society. One such example is the developmental set up in California. Toyota made huge investments in improving the facilities of Hydrogen fuel cell technology in California and in the North Eastern states of America. Last year, the company extended their support towards First Element Fuels with a loan grant of $7.3 million covering around 19 different hydrogen fuelling stations of California.

The Japanese car making company welcomes the interested companies over negotiable individual contracts for the usage of related patents. However it must be notified that the pledge made by the company on Tuesday covers only the patents related to the fuel cell vehicles which will remain available until 2020 ends, whereas the patents that are related to the production of hydrogen and its supply are kept open over indefinite period of time.

There is a small catch in this pledge although, which is that the Japanese car making company expects the interested companies to share similar technology related information and make their patents related to fuel cell as open. But make no mistake thinking it to be a pre-requisite condition to be filled before approaching for patent negotiations.

Future of this technology: 

The company strongly believes that the first generation of Hydrogen powered vehicles, that are going to get unveiled in coming few years, requires good amount of collaboration between automakers/ car makers, state authorities, power generating firms and the family of researchers. The Consumer Electronics Show 2015 was probably the best platform to be had for such an effort to get initiated and for a whistle to be blown for the start of its on-field implementation.

Ford Auctions First 2015 Shelby GT350 Mustang, Proceeds Will Go to JDRF

1st model of Shelby GT 350 of Ford Mustang to be auctioned for charity 

The year 2014 has been an extraordinary year for the Ford, which is one of the most popular car manufacturing companies. The year has been accompanied by magnanimous car sales followed by accolades of glories for producing several prestigious premium class cars. The ultimate milestone of success has been laid by the company at the moment of 2014’s conclusion by stating to the media that the 1st model of Ford GT 350 Mustang of 2015 would be raised for an auction and the finances that will be collected in this process would be provided to a charity for their welfare.

Reason for selection of this particular model and the start of auction

Out of many prestigious models that have rolled out of the company so far, Ford Mustang has been chosen as a hot performance car by popular vote of the owner populace. However, a slight modification has been introduced in the previous model, and the new model is predicted to be a complete enthralling one. With an improved performance, Ford GT 350 Mustang has been anticipated to take over the market like wildfire. The car has been improvised with the latest suspension technology, and new engine has been introduced with improved brakes performance. Crafted with the skills of finest technicians, this model will raise the pride and prestige of the company to a complete new echelon of glory and innovation.

Unveiling of the model at the Los Angeles Auto Show have also revealed about the car’s special features. It has been incorporated with a 5.2 liter V8 tank that produces 500HP. The availability of such a high muscled car at an optimum price would ensure its domination over the automobile market in the recent future.

The first model would roll out from lot 3008 and would be raised for an auction on January 17th 2015 at Barrett Jackson Scottsdale Auction, and the money which would be raised in this process would be going for the welfare of Juvenile diabetes research.

Proceedings of the auction and the future collaboration

Over the few decades there exists mutual collaboration between Ford and Barrett Jackson Auction, which has significantly progressed over the time, owing to the huge profit both of these billionaire firms achieved from raising several priceless cars for auction.

There has been some expectancy that the bond will further strengthen with the rolling of the 1st model of Ford Mustang GT 350 for auction. The CEO of Barrett Jackson Auction, Craig Jackson has decided not to fix any initial price for the car, since it’s expected to raise an enviable sum of money owing to Ford’s stature. Ford has provided the flexibility of allowing their winner to choose color and package of GT 350 according to their free will.

Ford has been one promising company that has delivered excellent service for over decades, and it will continue to provide so. The first model of GT 350 rolled out of the company was in 1960, which made a significant milestone in steps of success of Ford. The latest model, all equipped with powerful brakes and suspension will surely make an impressive strike in the forthcoming automobile market.

Muscle Cars: Back with a Bang!

In today's world, speed is what people love the most. Technology is being developed to make this faster and at the same time maintain the efficiency. But there have been speed lovers in all ages. Even in the past, there were many people who were crazy about anything that worked at high speed. Thus the concept of racing came into the picture. Car racing is one very crucial field in racing.

What are muscle cars? 

People have always tried to enhance the technology to develop faster cars. One of the high-performance cars is called Muscle cars. As the name suggests, these cars are high speed cars with a very advanced engine fitted to it, the body of the car is not too big but the 2-door sports car generates very high speed. Its origin is in America. It is meant for use in street as well for occasional racing. It is not only being manufactured and developed in America but also in United Kingdom, Australia and South Africa. Its popularity and demand is growing across the globe.

Popularity of the car

The popularity of the muscle car had gone down but the great news is that it is back and with a bang. Tim Kunikis' creation is one worth watching and all those who believe in sensible driving should compulsorily experience a drive in his vehicle.

The car industry mainly utilises small cars and replaces their engines with a huge displacement engine. These cars have been designed to generate straight-line speed. It does not have the sophistication of high-performance European cars. Muscle cars have attracted youngsters to the showrooms. It has been seen that they tend to buy more of mid-size cars than the big ones.

Over the years there have been further improvements on the functioning of these muscle cars. The factors involving reduction of pollutions have also been incorporated to conserve the health of the environment.

These muscle cars are bringing up a lot of interest among the cars lovers and especially the ones who can concentrate on the rawness of the car instead of complaining about the sophistication. The thrill of these cars is very different. And only car lovers understand that the most. With the improvements on the rawness of the car, a good number of people are taking interest in the car.

Revival of the cars

The revival of these cars is owed to the blend of the old and new cars. The cars which are being manufactured now have the strong body lines and the powerful looking front portions of the predecessors.These muscle cars are bringing up a lot of interest among the cars lovers and especially the ones who can concentrate on the rawness of the car instead of complaining about the sophistication. The thrill of these cars is very different.

And only car lovers understand that the most. With the improvements on the rawness of the car, the number of people taking interest in the car is increasing. Thus there is a greater increase in the popularity of the cars after it has been recently revived.

Audi to Invest $29 Billion Through 2019 to Surpass BMW

From 2015 to the year of 2019, the well-known car manufacturer, Audi decides to expend 24 billion Euros, which is an increase of 2 billion Euros or 9 percent more than that of the former planning period. Its intention is to cross the rank of German challenger BMW. Seventy percent of the whole investment is intended for the expansion of latest models as well as equipments.

Audi tries to restrict the amount of stringent CO2 all over the world with a new generation of the special combustion engines and different efficiency technologies and new features in the parts of connectivity and also the driver’s assistance.

About the planned investment

Audi even plans to generate extra production capacities internationally in the next 5 years with a significant investment. And More than 50 % of the proposed investment will go on the German spots in Ingolstadt as well as in Neckarsulm.

Rupert Stadler who is the CEO of the Board of Management of this company, said that his industry is attempting to place the most priority on the issue of sustainable growth. For this reason, they are making large investments in the particular fields of electric car, lightweight construction etc to catch up the standard of BMW. The overall investment amount of 24 billion euro includes about 17 billion Euros of investment on the property and different tools and 7 billion Euros of costs of capitalized development.

In order to fulfill the considerable CO2 limits, the industry is giving effort not only on the new model of fuel-efficient gas and diesel engine, but even on some plug-in hybrids like the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron that became accessible in the first markets during the ending part of the year.

Different other programs for the future

The production works in Ingolstadt is now being organized for new models. A widespread rebuilding work will begin in Neckarsulm in the year 2015 with the intention of preparing the factory for the next model of the Audi A8 luxury car. The employees will also increase in regard to the investment in the major factories in Germany. During the earlier period of 12 months, this Audi has employed roughly three thousand new workers in Germany only.

Globally, the Audi Group’s workers have now increased to the record number of 80,000 workers. In Mexico as well as Brazil, this company is spending on new plants in order that it can wholly use the growth potential of the continent of America and even to become free of the exchange-rate changeability in the future.

The company started a training center to offer qualifications to fresh workers in San José Chiapa recently. In addition to this, 1,200 individuals who have already been hired, the company plans to deal with an additional 850 laborers in Mexico itself in next year. In the year 2016, the Audi Q5 will start the assembly lines.

Audi perhaps achieved the level of 1.7 million vehicles supplied in 2014. By the year 2020, the firm plans to be the most ideal brand on a sustainable basis.

BMW's Self-Parking Tech Relieves Drivers From Circling the Lot

BMW is expected to highlight their recently previewed automated parking technology at the International CES in Las Vegas next month. The company will be demonstrating the new technology at the trade show in their electric i3 model. The Remote Valet Parking Assistant technology features 36-degree collision avoidance apart from environmental recognition and secure position.

The technology makes use of four advanced laser scanners, which have the ability to identify impediments such as obstacles and columns and can chart a route to a parking spot that is completely reliable. The technology also calculates the time it will take to return the vehicle to the driver at a given time, based on the total time it took the system to navigate and locate a parking spot. The added benefit of this parking assistant is that it is operable through a smart-watch as well.

Technology for controlled environment: 

The company has clearly suggested that it might take until 2020 for the complete implementation of the technology but still it is not something, which can be used on a daily basis on parking streets or lots. This will be limited to automation-friendly and very specialized parking structures.

It is a concept of combining a controlled environment with the technology to make a car react. Literally, this feature will be bonus for people with luxury cars and can be easily used at casinos and golf courses. According to telemetric program manager with Frost & Sullivan, Praveen Chandraskar, even though this technology meant for the controlled environment is easily 7-8 years away, what can cause a challenge is making the technology usable in the uncontrolled environment

Effortless parking: 

Even though parking assist technology is already a feature in many vehicles but at the moment it still requires a person to be in the driver’s seat. According to Michelle Krebs, industry analyst for AutoTrader.com, Ford and Lexus already have the parking assist technology added in their vehicles from quite a while. She added that we are taking steps towards making the parking assist to be fully automated but it might take some time for a car to Self Park.

According to Kerbs there are many insurance and regulatory issues that have to be addressed first. Another main aspect to be remembered is about creating trust among the customers about this technology. According to their survey, nearly 65% of the customers deemed the technology way too dangerous but are looking out for features, which has already been included in the technology.

What’s waiting for customers in future? 

Even though most of the customers are still not convinced about the technology, luxury car makers like Audi and BMW have already started using their own automated parking solution. BMW is a step ahead with their smart -watch-enabled control for Remote Valet Parking Assistant.

Smart-watch is currently the style statement and the company has used the same for added attraction. This technology to be used in public platform will require artificial intelligence hence as if now, the company has restricted to the used in the controlled environment.

Frontal Car Crash Test gives Several Top Manufacturers poor rating, while Toyota Receives Good

The frontal crash test by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has become a serious benchmark for ensuring traveller’s safety since it made the first appearance. Nowadays car manufacturers from U.S. is checking the newly build car’s efficiency to reduce the damage when it faces frontal crash with another vehicle or tree or poll. Recently IIHS performed a frontal overlap car test with four majorly sold minivans in U.S., which are The Chrysler Group LLC Dodge Grand Caravan, Toyota Motor Corp Sienna, Nissan Motor Co Quest and The Chrysler Town & Country.

Minivans are hugely popular in U.S. villages and small town because of its capability to carry small to large carriages and also almost all delivery agencies use this type of minivan for transportation in U.S. towns. Crash test is being done to check how the car defence prohibits the hit to make severe damage. According to the test report, except Toyota Motor Corp Sienna, rest of the candidate minivans performed very poorly in the test. Toyota’s minivan joins Honda Motor Co Odyssey, which received ‘best safe pick-up’ rating from IIHS earlier.

How the test is being performed?

This test by IIHS only replicates the actual event of what happens during a road accident involving the frontal part of the car. In this test, around 25% of the front of a car hits an obstacle at an average speed of 40 miles per hour. The camera and sensors installed at different parts of the car, evaluates the car’s response to the hit.

Detailed report:

Minivans are popular mainly within parents and family-minded customers because of its road safety feature. According to the test report, three of four candidate models, namely The Chrysler Group LLC Dodge Grand Caravan, Nissan Motor Co Quest and The Chrysler Town & Country, when hit with an overlap obstacle, showed severe damage to the car and allowed high degree of intrusion involving the driver’s area.

A spokesperson from the institute stated that the Nissan minivan structure just collapsed like ‘a house of cards’. The Chrysler automobile minivans also showed severe damage as the steering wheel moved out of the coordinated place. This results in making the airbag less efficient and simultaneously driver’s head hits the dashboard. IIHS test report given The Chrysler Group LLC Dodge Grand Caravan,Nissan Motor Co Quest and The Chrysler Town & Country very poor rating, while Toyota Motor Corp Sienna received an acceptable rating prescribing the car safety to be ‘Okay’.

Toyota Sienna was also ranked in ‘Top Safety Pick up+’ car list, as it warns the driver prior to any possible front collision and also features an automatic brake system.

Response from the manufacturer:

After the release of test report, concerned manufacturers released mixed responses. Nissan released an official statement which says the company will continue the revision of the models and will improve the safety. While Chrysler automobile group stated that this single test cannot state their car to be damage prone.

BMW Decides To Manufacture the Takata Airbag Inflators in Germany

The Germany based BMW has announced its plans to help the Japanese counterpart company in delivering the replacement inflators quicker by assisting them in moving their production facilities from Mexico to Germany. BMW has explained that their decisions are in wake of the serious issues regarding the quality of the manufacturing at the Mexico plant raised by the U.S. safety regulators.

What Made BMW Take such Dramatic Steps? 

Automobile manufacturer who actively uses the Takata inflators also includes the Toyota Motor Corp. The Takata inflators seem to have the potential of blowing up with excessive force and spraying occupant with deadly sharp metals. It should also be noted that it isn’t feasible to switch to other suppliers in order to meet the demands for the replacement parts at this juncture.

Therefore the U.S. safety regulators are lending a helping hand by supporting BMW efforts in shifting the inflator production plant from Mexico to Takata plant in Freiberg, Germany. The Takata inflators are being currently investigated in at least five death cases in U.S.

German Facility Promises To Boost Production Capacity

Japanese company has the ability to produce 200 inflators per hour on its single production and at the moment it just has two of them in active use. This concludes that that it would be able only 1 million replacements in next five months at this snail pace. But the demand stands at 32 million for replacements parts. Therefore this shifting of production facility is taking place in order give a genuine boost to the production capacity of Takata.

Takata Runs into Serious Trouble

U.S. regulators have asked several questions relating to the Mexian plant production quality defects. The officials from Takata, Chrysler Group, Honda Motor Co and NHTSA would be testifying to a U.S. Senate panel in this regard on Thursday. Furthermore NHTSA has also ordered Takat and five other automobile manufactures to expand the U.S. recall of vehicles with the defective air bags.

Automobile Manufacturers Look For Alternatives

Companies like BMW, Toyota and Ford Motor Co are looking for quick solution to the problem of getting replacement parts. They are planning to buy replacement parts from the rival supplier but even such option is unviable as it would more than a year to get an alternate inflator production line in place.

Some of the automakers are looking to use completely new parts from other suppliers but they soon found that doing such a thing would require bringing in extensive changes in their cars. Companies like Honda, Toyota and Ford had considered this option. However problem would not cease to exist by implementing this as the suppliers would still fall short of keeping up with the demand. Even the companies go ahead with this proposition and build cars as per the exact specifications of the new inflators still it will take around a year to get it in the market.

Therefore the companies like Nissan, Mazda Motor and General Motors have dropped this idea and hope that Takata would be able to solve its supply problems in due time.