BMW, Toyota Come Together for New EV/Hybrid Tech, Sports Cars

Not much is known about the latest partnership, but it aims to focus on lightweighting technology, powertrain electrification and a fuel cell system

The Scion FR-S is the result of a collaboration between
Toyota and Subaru 

BMW i8 Hybrid Sports Car Concept

BMW and Toyota are teaming up for an upcoming sports car as well as electric vehicle (EV) technology development.

Back in March, both automakers entered an agreement to develop next-generation lithium-ion batteries. They also agreed that BMW would supply 1.6 litre and 2.0 litre engines to Toyota Motor Europe in 2014. Now, the two have decided to join forces once again for other EV technology and a new sports vehicle.

"We aim to further strengthen our competitive position in sustainable future technologies," said Norbert Reithofer, chairman of the Board of Management for BMW. "We signed an MoU to this effect today. Toyota and the BMW Group share the same strategic vision of sustainable individual future mobility. Together we have a great opportunity to continue leading our industry through this transformation."

Not much is known about the latest partnership, but it aims to focus on lightweight technology, powertrain electrification, and a fuel cell system.

"BMW and Toyota both want to make ever-better cars," said Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation. "We respect each other. And I think this is shown by our taking the next step only six months since the signing of our initial agreement. Toyota is strong in environment-friendly hybrids and fuel cells. On the other hand, I believe BMW's strength is in developing sports cars. I am excited to think of the cars that will result from this relationship."


Source: Autoblog

Thursday, July 05, 2012 | 0 comments | Read More

Beauty is Skin Deep

When it comes to the VW CC four-door coupe, anyway - which marries practicality with beauty

THE original recipe was simple - take a very worthy car fraught with a frumpy image, give it major cosmetic surgery and see if punters would take to the equivalent of clothing a utilitarian sedan in a slinky black dress.

Four years later, the Passat CC is a success story that has surprised even Volkswagen itself. Now in its second generation and set for a local launch in April, it's pretty much the same story, although VW is claiming this is a new model (it's really more of a heavy facelift). It's changed cosmetically within and without, but mechanically, it's virtually identical to its predecessor. So basically, the CC is nearly identical to the regular Passat sedan - but without that frumpy "Passat" moniker.

However, that's not to say it doesn't pass muster. The CC will hustle more than convincingly, and for the most part, available tarmac and/or driver talent will run out long before it does. Likewise, with its 160bhp 1.8-litre turbocharged engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, it has more than enough grunt for either the daily commute or recreational cruising.

What's lacking is that crucial spark - it's hard to imagine the CC having as much of a blast as you.

But just to prove our earlier point, the CC feels a more special object right off the bat, despite lacking in ultimate liveliness. It's not all sleight of hand (or eye), however. Wider tyres and a marked decrease in overall height over the regular Passat give the CC far more poise when driven hard.

The CC's other tricks are a little more subtle - a low-slung driving position, semi-bucket seats and a lower roofline all contribute to a feeling of being snugly enclosed in its cabin, like all the best sports cars do. Crucially, it represents very little trade-off when it comes to practicality - there's 532 litres' worth of boot space, ample rear bench legroom and an additional heaping of sound-deadening material, so it's even quieter than before.

Drive it thinking it's a sports car and you'll be wildly disappointed, but think of it as a Passat given a charm school makeover and it makes a great deal of sense.

In the CC's case, beauty may only be skin deep, but given it's already got a (Passat) heart of gold underneath it, perhaps that's all the boost it really needs.



Volkswagen CC 1.8

Engine: 1,798cc, 16V turbocharged i4

Power: 160bhp at 4,500rpm

Torque: 250Nm at 1,500rpm

Gearbox: 7-speed dual-clutch

Performance: 223kmh, 0-100kmh in 8.5 seconds, 7.2L/100km

Saturday, January 28, 2012 | 0 comments | Read More

Mini issues huge worldwide recall of 235,000 cars

Mini has issued a worldwide recall of 235,000 cars, including 29,868 in the UK, due to a fault with electric water pumps that could be a fire risk in some cases.

Vehicles affected include certain Cooper S and John Cooper Works models built between 2006 and 2011. BMW, Mini's parent company, said in a statement that there have been four cases of fires as a result of the problem, including one that occurred in the UK.

Owners will receive a letter in the next few weeks inviting them to have the water pump replaced at their Mini dealership in a process that is expected to take around an hour and will be free of charge. The company said that the turbocharged engine of the models affected by the fault are equipped with an additional water pump which draws residual heat out of the turbocharger after the engine has been switched off.

"Under high operating temperatures an electro-migration can occur at the circuit board installed in the additional water pump," it added.

"This can lead to a failure of the additional water pump or smoldering and even a fire cannot be excluded."

More than 200,000 Minis are built each year at the company's Oxford plant, where production started in 2001.

BMW said last year that it would build a redesigned Mini at its Cowley factory in Oxford as part of a £500m investment in UK production over the next three years.

China was the Mini's fastest growing market last year, although the US remained the car's largest market.

by - Ben Quinn

Tuesday, January 17, 2012 | 0 comments | Read More

Dodge Dart will have a complex life

The return of the old Dodge Dart nameplate for the 2013 model year will be a big deal for the Chrysler-Fiat partnership.

It gives Dodge a serious compact-segment product beside big-volume contenders like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.

But it also represents a modern-era challenge for Chrysler, the manufacturer, and Dodge, the brand.

Dodge says that with the Dart's three engines, three transmissions, 12 exterior colors and 14 interior colors, there will be more than 113,000 different build configurations on the car.

That's a lot of potential complexity, and it is not the direction the industry has been moving of late.

By comparison, Volkswagen planners worked hard to limit their new Passat to just 15 possible equipment configurations. When paint variations are multiplied in, the Passat increases to around 150 configurations, give or take.

The Dodge Dart will be available with three engines, three transmissions, 12 exterior colors and 14 interior colors -- meaning more than 113,000 different build configurations on the car

People like choices, up to a point. But a telephone directory worth of choices can also confound production planners and confuse customers.

A wide array of packages can mean a wide array of prices -- which can also confuse customers.

And puzzled customers often show up in brand satisfaction surveys.

All this aside, Dodge has a stylish new car to sell. But the network will have to retail it with care.

by - Lindsay Chappell

Friday, January 13, 2012 | 0 comments | Read More

A Ford Mustang Convertible for Justin Bieber’s childhood friend

If you were Jusitn Bieber’s childhood friend, you would have got the coolest Christmas gift ever: an ivory two-door Ford Mustang Convertible. It’s what Ryan Butler got from Santa Bieber.

Ryan Butler is not famous. But he knows the right people. And being a childhood friend of pop sensation Justin Bieber paid off hugely. The two kids never thought one of them would become that famous and when Bieber got to see how it is to be a star, he remembered his great times spent together with pal Butler. In 2009, his best bud appeared in his video, “One Time”. Now, on the Christmas of 2011, Justin showed Ryan how much he treasures their friendship.

On Sunday, Butler wrote on his Twitter page “Justin got me a present. #swag!!!" and uploaded a photo of an ivory two-door Ford Mustang Convertible.

Justin Bieber spent Christmas day at home in Canada, surrounded by family and without girlfriend Selena Gomez. “Spending time with family -- feels really good. Going to get to see these smiles on Christmas”, he tweeted on Christmas’ Eve.

Friday, December 30, 2011 | 0 comments | Read More

Ford F-Series, best sold cars in 2011 in US

The Ford F- Series cars were the best sold cars in the United States in 2011. The combination of car versatility, fuel economy and unique trims made Ford be on top of the American’s preferences, and not only: the British love Ford, too.

Americans love Ford. The F-Series were especially favored this year. The Ford F-150 pickup truck, although far from elegant, combines the basic qualities of a vehicle: versatility, economy, uniqueness. The F-150 is available in several distinctive trims, including XL, STX, XLT, FX2/FX4, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, SVT Raptor and Harley Davidson. The buyers could choose from four engines, each mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Second place belongs to Chevrolet Silverado, also a truck, which sold 367,343 cars. On third place comes Toyota Camry, with 275,004 vehicles sold. Here is the complete top 10”

10. Chevrolet Cruze
9. Honda Accord
8. Dodge Ram
7. Toyota Corolla
6. Ford Fusion
5. Ford Escape
4. Nissan Altima
3. Toyota Camry
2. Chevrolet Silverado
1. Ford F-Series

In the UK, Ford cars were also on top of the buyers’ preferences.
Top 10 Best Sold cars in UK

10. Nissan Qashqai
9. BMW 3 Series
8. Mini Cooper
7. Vauxhall Insignia
6. VW Polo
5. Vauxhall Astra
4. VW Golf
3. Vauxhall Corsa
2. Ford Focus
1. Ford Fiesta

Monday, December 26, 2011 | 1 comments | Read More

Thai Artist Builds Functional Alien-Predator-Themed Motorcycle

What if an Alien and a Predator decided to put aside their differences and have a baby? It sounds crazy, I know, but I’m guessing that’s what Roongrojna Sangwongprisarn had in mind when he built this mad-looking motorcycle.
Roongrojna is a Bangkok-based artist who creates all kinds of awesome metal sculptures, based on popular monsters, using discarded parts from cars, motorcycles and bicycles. The 54-year-old owns four shops across Thailand, called Ko Art Shop, and exports his works of art all over the world.
You’ve probably seen more impressive Hollywood movie props, but unlike those, this impressive piece of metal work is actually rideable. I have no idea what bike this was initially, or how fast it is, but who needs speed when you’re riding a metal masterpiece like this, right? It’s hard to believe it was made exclusively from discarded metal parts…

Friday, July 29, 2011 | 0 comments | Read More

Bicycle Repair Station

Bike Fixtation allows cyclists to pump up the tires for free and make simple adjustments using supplied tools.

You can even purchase needed bicycle parts in a vending machine.

Thursday, July 07, 2011 | 0 comments | Read More

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Monday, July 04, 2011 | 0 comments | Read More

10 Fastest Trains In The World

The human civilization, since its inception, has evolved into a much better and complex shape by each passing day. Man has invented myriad things for its benefit and use. The process of inventions is an ongoing procedure, by virtue of which human beings are able to update their standard of living remarkably. The history of rail transport is very old and there was a time when the railway tracks used to be of wood or stone. Gradually, man put his shoulders to the wheel to develop new and faster engines which can be put on the railway track to revolutionize the whole railway transport.
Let us see some of the fastest moving trains in the world and you will witness that where the man is now is a far cry from where he used to be some 500 years ago.

10. HSL 1

 The top speed attained by this one is around 186 mph and it is operating in Belgium since December 1997. It is powered by 25 kV 50 Hz Ohle railway electrification systems.

9. ETR-500

 ETR stands for Elettero Treno Rapido and it operates in Italy since 1993. The max speed of this train is around 190 mph. it is powered by 3 kV DC, 25 kV 50 Hz AC and ETR-500 takes just 60 minutes to cover the distance from center of Bologna to Milan.

8. Eurostar

 It is a UK based train and carries about 900 passengers daily. It links UK and France and moves inside long channel tunnels. The max speed which can be attained by this train is around 199 mph. it is powered by 25 kV 50 Hz.

7. AVE Talgo-350

 Touching a speed as high as 205 mph, this train connects Madrid-Barcelona and Madrid-Valladolid. The origin of this train is in Spain and it uses 25 kV 50 Hz electrification systems.

6. THSR 700T

 It is a Taiwan based train and can move up to a speed as high as 208mph (335.50 km/h). It can house 989 passengers and is powered by 25 kV/60 Hz AC electrification system.





5. KTX 2

 The manufacturer of this train is Hyundai Rotem but is operated by KOrail since 2009. Although, it can attain a top speed of 218mph but it operates around 190mph for security reason. It is powered by 25 kV/60 Hz AC Catenaries. It is a South-Korea based train.

4. TGV Reseau

 It has a top speed of 236.12mph and is powered by 25 kV AC, 1500 V DC electrification system. It is French train which can carry up to 377 passengers.

3. Shinkasen

 It is Japan based train which can attain a max speed of 275.2mph. it is powered by 25,000 V AC electrification system. It is operating in Japan since 1964.

2. TR-09

 This German train uses magnetic levitation system. It can move at a speed of 279.5mph and is powered by 50-100kW electric current.

1. CRH380A

The speed of the world’s fastest train is 302.8mph and is powered by 25 kV AC overhead electrical system. This China based train is manufactured by CSR Qingdao Sifang Locomotive and Rolling Stock Company. It can carry up to 494 passengers and its route is from Shanghai to Nanjing and Shanghai to Hangzhou.

Monday, June 27, 2011 | 0 comments | Read More

Owner Has His Porsche 911 Executed by Firing Squad

Fed-up with his dream car’s reoccurring engine problems,  a Porsche 911 owner decided to donate it to a local gun club, to be shot with 10,000 bullets.
What do you do when having to repeatedly fix an expensive car gets too frustrating? Well,we’ve seen aLamborghini owner who had it destroyed with jackhammers,  a man who had his Range Rover pulled to the dealership by donkeys, and now a man who preferred to donate his beautiful Porsche 911 for target practice, rather than pay over $20,000 in repairs.
When the members of Comm2A, an organisation dedicated to protecting US gun rights, from Massachusetts, first heard they would get the chance of emptying their magazines in the expensive German sports car, they probably thought it was a joke, but after he took the first shot himself, they knew he was serious. 140 gun-wielding men, women and children shot more than 10,000 bullets at the poor Porsche putting its sturdy body to the ultimate test. Although it was ultimately reduced to a pierced pile of junk, members of Comm2A were surprised about how well it held up against the rain of led. There was little damage done to the passenger side of the Porsche, where bullets seemed unable to penetrate the gas tank. Only the larger, high-velocity rounds managed to pierce both sides of the car.

Comm2A has shot up cars before, but usually old, broken ones, so they were pretty grateful to the wealthy motorist who gave them the chance to destroy something so new and beautiful. Porsche 911 fans will want to skip the videos below, it’s not pretty.

Sunday, June 26, 2011 | 0 comments | Read More

Where Is The Roof ?

One careless move could turn a Mazda into a cabriolet. Turns out this really happened to this driver on the highway. The Mazda was literally stripped off its roof and giving it the much more sporty look of a cabriolet by a truck. Lucky enough no one was hurt during the accident.

 A side view of the damaged car. Its like it was carefully ripped off its roof. Still looks nice though.

 A section of the roof still attatched to the truck’s load.

 The truck driver seemed not to have noticed the damage done and drove a few meters along.

 The sporty roof and the monstrous truck.

A passer-by checks with the Mazda driver to make sure everything is alright. Possibly the driver will consider turning his car into a cabriolet since he has already been given the idea.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011 | 0 comments | Read More

Eyelashes for your Car

 Why not dress up your car’s headlights with cute and stylish eyelashes?

CarLashes are made from flexible material that bends around headlights and attaches easily with automotive trim tape. Will not damage paint.

Monday, June 20, 2011 | 0 comments | Read More

Hotelicopter

First Helicopter Hotel in the world, will be inaugurated in UAE. First trip was take off Dubai Airport on June 6, 2011.

Experience the adrenaline rush of taking off and flying high in the largest helicopter ever produced. The Hotelicopter features 18 luxuriously-appointed rooms for adrenaline junkies seeking a truly unique and memorable travel experience.

Each soundproofed room is equipped with a queen-sized bed, fine linens, a mini-bar, coffee machine, wireless internet access, and all the luxurious appointments you’d expect from a flying five star hotel. Room service is available one hour after liftoff and prior to landing. The Hotelicopter’s excellent crew and staff make your security and safety their number one priority. Our vehicle meets or exceeds all safety, operating, and maintenance requirements outlined by the FAA in the CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) relating to transport category rotorcraft.

Saturday, June 11, 2011 | 0 comments | Read More

Car Fail !!!

Monday, June 06, 2011 | 0 comments | Read More

Luxury Car Made From the Wood

Many cars are made of metal, plates, iron, or carbon fiber super. But there are some people that makes it different from the others. Functions like an ordinary car, but all bodies are made of wood…

Wooden car from Ukraine

Vasily Lazarenko wanted to make something other than when you first think of parts and car parts business seems to work.

In the town where he lived in Chernovtsny, Ukraine, Vasily takes one and a half years to bring together a unique vehicle, convertable, luxury sedans, and wrapped it all with oak wood (oak). He said he would sell the car if the buyer can bid for your next project cost of the other creative. How good?

Sunday, June 05, 2011 | 0 comments | Read More