New in-car technology from Ford, known as MyFord Touch, will feature real-time feedback designed to help drivers obtain better fuel economy.
The 4.2-inch screen flanks the speedometer to provide drivers with an array of real-time data points, including average fuel economy over selected intervals. Ford says the feedback will assist drivers in developing better economy driving habits.
“We have learned that when we provide drivers the information and tools in an interactive and entertaining way, they want to drive more fuel efficiently,” explained Jim Buczkowski, director of global electrical and electronics systems engineering.
“MyFord Touch provides an unprecedented level of information and interaction so drivers can make the choice to be more fuel efficient.”
MyFord Touch will also incorporate EcoRoute navigation which finds the most economic route possible between destinations. Ford say the system can improve fuel economy by as much as 15 per cent.
The system calculates an alternate route to your destination based on historical averages, terrain and real-time data (such as traffic conditions) for the most fuel-efficient route. Ford says the system is able to plot a course that avoids congestion, calculating a route with an optimal constant speed. The more familiar ‘quickest’ or ’shortest distance’ options are still offered, allowing drivers to best select their own priority.
MyFord Touch will debut towards the middle of this year in the new Ford Edge SUV, building on the EcoRoute navigation system and SmartGauge technology first seen in the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid.
Fisker Automotive will begin a ten-week tour of the United States and Canada later this month.
The events will allow some of Fisker’s 1600-plus customers, who’ve already paid their USD$5000 (AUD$5350) deposit, a first-hand look at the car. Test drives are not part of the current tour experience with ride-and-drive events planned later in the year.
The tour will visit 42 cities in 26 states, and three Canadian provinces. The electric car manufacturer currently has 37 retailers across North America.
Marti Eulberg, Fisker’s vice president of global sales and marketing, said people who have made deposits won’t be able to see option and trim levels until the third or fourth quarter of this year. The first customer deliveries are expected to begin in early 2011.
Mr Eulberg said the tour was the retailers’ idea and that the even will also more prospect customers to see the Karma in person.
The Fisker Karma will being touring the US and Canada from April 27.
MINI Countryman, the brand’s long-awaited fourth model variant, has been officially unveiled in Milan, Italy.
Under the slogan “Urban meets Country”, MINI presented its new crossover model as a car to bridge the gap between the classic MINI and a contemporary Sports Activity Vehicle.
The MINI Countryman is larger and taller than its hatchback sibling and is available with optional all-wheel drive. It is also the first MINI model to feature four doors, a wide-opening tailgate and unique MINI Centre Rail, a multifunctional guide rail running through the interior.
Set to the backdrop of the Salone del Mobile in Milan, MINI celebrated the launch of its new model at an event called MINI Countryman Picnic. The party for 350 guests included an all-star lineup featuring Italian and international VIPS from the worlds of design, fashion and lifestyle.
The red carpet was grass-green while the interior of the studios displayed everything you might need on a foray to the countryside. The stage mimicked the “Urban meets Country” theme with the shape of meadows, trees and butterflies contrasting Milan’s built-up setting.
Four well-know celebrities were each presented with a new MINI Countryman to theme for their own personal weekend getaway, the stars included Margherita Maccapani Missoni, Delfina Delettrez Fendi, Maarten Baas and Dean & Dan Caten from Dsquared².
The highlight of the event was the world premiere of the new MINI Countryman song by Michelle Branch and Timbaland, performed live on stage for the first time by the country singer.
The MINI Countryman extended options for urban mobility and potential uses in environments outside the city. MINI hope the Countryman will attract a new group of buyers with a greater demand for space and flexibility to the brand.
The all-new MINI Countryman is due to hit the showrooms from September.
London-based film and digital agency, Gaucho production, has produced this 90 second launch film for the new Honda CR-Z Hybrid.
Commissioned by Honda Motor Europe, the film debuted at the international press launch of the Honda CR-Z and will be used as part of the car’s upcoming television marketing campaign in Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
Honda told producers that the film was to be brief, but emotive and was to capture the dynamic, aesthetic and environmental qualities of their first sporty hybrid. The production agency worked closely with Honda to develop the concept of a surreal drive.
“The unusual concept of a stylish, sporty hybrid offered us a great opportunity to push the boundaries,” explains Alistair Weaver, managing director of Gaucho Productions.
“Although this is a fantasy drive we wanted to make it look as real as possible, which meant creating our own laser light show on the Spanish coast.
“The Honda CR-Z is a fun, engaging car and we're confident we've captured its unique spirit in a film that challenges and entertains.”
The film’s unspoken narrative tells of an epic journey beginning at dawn and continuing in to the night. The film uses a combination of HD and red cameras, smoke, mirrors and laser light to alter the viewer’s perception of reality.
Additional light trails and three-dimensional graphics were overlaid in London, England, together with a specially commissioned musical score.
“Gaucho have now produced a series of launch films for us and we're always impressed by their creativity, dedication and attention to detail,” said Laura Price, social media manager, Honda Motor Europe.
“They're great to work with and it's always a delight to arrive on set and see our latest creation take shape.
“The CR-Z is a very important car for Honda and this film communicates our core messages in a stylish, innovative and successful way.”
Audi is set to formally unveil the 2011 Audi A8 LWB at next week's Beijing International Automotive Exhibition following the debut of the standard wheel base saloon at Detroit earlier this year.
Audi Australia's Anna Burgdorf this morning confirmed the long wheel base luxury limousine will "absolutely" arrive in Australia following strong local sales, but said no launch specifications or dates had been finalised so far.
She said the standard wheel base A8 was on track to arrive in Australia in August-September this year and expected a petrol V8 to be among the first models on sale, with a 3.0-litre TDI also in the works.
The standard and long wheel base saloons both share the new eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive, as well as the 277kW 4.2-litre FSI V8.
Both can be optioned with torque vectoring and sports differential, and come standard with adaptive air suspension and 19in alloys (20in and 21in available).
A 6.3-litre W12 will replace the current 6.0-litre unit and will punch out 368kW and an epic 625Nm. Audi says all that power takes the LWB from 0-100km/h in under 4.9 seconds, yet it is still predicting fuel efficiency gains of up to 12 percent, around 11.8 litres/100km on the EU test cycle.
Despite being around 13cm longer than the standard A8, visually very little distinguishes the two.
Rear passengers will notice the stretched version's longer rear doors and additional leg room if they can ever draw their attention away from the rear-seat entertainment system, four-zone automatic air conditioning, refrigerator, folding table and massaging and reclining seats with electronic footrests.
The fun continues with a touch screen navigation system in the front, twin-glass panoramic roof overhead, 1400watt Bang & Olufsen audio system with no less than 19 speakers and wood and leather everywhere else.
Safety tech includes night view with pedestrian detection, side and lane assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and Audi's pre-sense safety system.
European Audi A8 LWB deliveries are expected to begin in the second half of 2010 with pricing to remain competitive with similar offerings from its traditional German rivals.
Our spy photographers have today snapped these images of the 2011 Dodge Charger being road tested in Europe.
While we’re not sure why the US-built car is being tested in Europe, it may have some connection to the recent Chrysler-Fiat tie-up.
The new Charger is expected to share some styling details with the original 1968 models in a Camaro-esque retro throwback. But with such heavily camoflague, it’s hard to tell what these new styling cues might be.
What we have noticed is new LED tail lamps, and a slightly less boxy appearance. Our spy photographers also said the model pictured could be the new 2011 Dodge Charger SRT8, with a spoiler obvious on the boot lid. Though with exhaust outlets so small, we’re tipping the model shown is most likely the mid-spec Charger R/T.
The new Dodge Charger is expected to hit US markets late this year as a 2011 model. Many forums say the new car’s lines will more closely resemble those of the 1999 Dodge Charger Concept, as will a revamped interior with dramatic retro overtones.
The 2011 Dodge Charger will come standard with the new Chrysler Pentastar V6 engine and will also be available with an optional turbocharged unit to replace the existing 5.7-litre V8. The SRT8 model is likely to be powered by a 6.4-litre V8 developing no less than 336kW.
Pricing has not yet been announced though it is expected the car will retail close to the current model’s entry price of USD$25,000 (AUD$26,770).
In an attempt to dodge a parking infringement, a UK motorist told authorities he was forced to stop in to a bus lane to evade capture by a UFO.
The story tops a colourful catalogue of tall tales drivers have used to avoid traffic fines in the UK borough of Southwark.
Another driver said he couldn’t be held accountable for parking against double lines as he was asleep in the back of his car at the time. Many more said they didn’t even know what road markings were for.
One driver claimed he could park anywhere he liked, as long as it was raining, while countless others blamed parking against yellow double lines on their colour-blindness. UK line markings have the same meaning regardless of colour.
The news comes as the UK’s Southwark Council introduces a new online service to handle appeals against parking infringements. The new website allows drivers 72 hours to contest their fine. Appeals were previously managed by post.
“The imagination of some of these drivers is quite impressive,” said Gill Davies, Southwark Council's director of environment.
“But UFOs and colour blindness unfortunately do not count as legitimate reasons to overturn a ticket.
“Our new appeals website will give drivers a much improved service, being both quicker and easier to use.
“Hopefully it will make dreaming up excuses like this a thing of the past.”
The man being chased by the UFO was fined £120 (AUD$200) after council CCTV cameras failed to corroborate his story.
Last year, Southwark Council issued more than £6 million (AUD$9.96 million) in parking fines.
What’s the best story you’ve heard someone tell (or told yourself) to escape a traffic fine? Leave a comment now.
Renault has unveiled the final designs of its Fluence Z.E. and Kangoo Van Z.E. (zero emission) vehicles and has opened up a website for prospective buyers to pre-reserve theirs to be among the world's first owners.
Both cars are due for release next year, with production of the Fluence Z.E. to begin in the first half of the year in Bursa, Turkey, alongside the internal combustion model.
Standing at 4.75m (13cm longer than the standard version to accommodate the battery behind the rear seats), the Fluence Z.E. will become the C-segment's first production saloon EV.
Powered by a synchronous electric motor with rotor coil, peak power is 70kW at 11,000rpm while maximum torque is 226Nm.
The 250kg lithium-ion battery can be fully charged at home in six to eight hours, fast charged at a 32A 400V supply station in 30 minutes or swapped entirely at a QuickDrop battery switch station in approximately three minutes.
Range tops out at 160km while the top speed is electronically limited to 135km/h.
Inside, the transmission positions point to the future of EV mobility: "parking", "neutral", "reverse" and the passionless, robotic "forward". Other distinguishing features include the range and charge counter, which replaces the rev counter, and scatterings of blue, Renault's colour of choice to represent "green".
Outside, the taut, fluid lines of the Fluence Z.E. Concept from the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show have been preserved, and the lamps and badging continue the blue theme.
Renault has made dragging the filler hose over the bonnet a thing of the past with battery charge flaps on both front wings.
The Kangoo Van Z.E. has the same 160km range and will be released in the first half of 2011.
Renault has designed the Kangoo Z.E. for urban businesses, packing the same carrying capacity and payload as the internal combustion version but offering the practicality of lower running costs, no gear changes, silent ride and immediate delivery of torque from start up.
Powered by a 44kW electric motor, the Kangoo revs to 10,500rpm and delivers a constant 226Nm of torque. Energy efficiency of 90 percent (compared to internal combustion's 25 percent) means that for every 10kWh of energy it consumes, 9kWh is transmitted to the wheels, compared with 2.5kWh for internal combustion.
Anticipating that EVs will account for 10 percent of the world market by 2020, the Renault-Nissan Alliance is investing heavily in EV technology, significantly through a four billion euro ($AU5.8 billion) investment in its zero emissions programme and a 2000-strong team evenly split between Renault and Nissan.
Batteries for Z.E. badged vehicles will initially be purchased from Japan before internal production commences in five countries across Asia, America and Europe, capable of producing 475,000 batteries per year.
Renault is already committed to providing Israel and Denmark with 100,000 Fluence Z.E.s between now and 2016, with the rest of Europe to also take delivery over this period.
Australia is on Renault's radar as a future EV market after last year signing a partnership agreement with the State of Victoria aimed at preparing the market and establishing the necessary infrastructure for the mass marketing of EVs.
China overtook the United States as the world’s largest car market in 2009, selling close to 13.6 million vehicles against the US’s 10.4 million.
In fact, China and India were the only two countries in the world to see an overall increase in vehicle sales last year.
According to Autodata Corporation, China’s overall car sales increased by 48 per cent in 2009, and in February this year, were up 55 per cent compared to the same time last year. By comparison, the US saw a 13 per cent increase for the same period.
The Chinese car market wasn’t hit nearly as hard by the Global Financial Crisis compared to Europe or the US, and thanks in part to the Chinese government’s 4 trillion yuan ($AUD627.5 billion) stimulus package, the new car market continues to grow in 2010.
Chinese buyers also took a greater interest in luxury cars than other markets with high-end vehicle sales up 37 per cent in 2009. The figures defying the global trend of a 25-30 per cent decline in the overall number of luxury cars sold last year.
The BMW Group, which includes BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, saw an overall global sales fall of 10 per cent last year, but the group says Chinese sales bucked the trend, up by 37 per cent on the year prior.
This past February, BMW sales into China increased by 96.7 per cent over the same month in 2009. Mercedes-Benz and Audi reported a similar story. February 2010 figures for the pair up 160 per cent and 61.7 per cent respectively compared to the same month last year.
Figures have shown that the number of cars on UK roads has fallen for the first time since WWII.
Over the course of 2009, records indicated approximately 220,000 fewer vehicles were registered against the year prior. Industry experts say a combination of the Government’s vehicle scrappage scheme, the Global Financial Crisis and a ministerial crackdown on unlicensed vehicles were the main reasons behind the decline.
The decline represents a 0.7 per cent fall on 2008 figures when 31,252,476 were registered on UK roads. Last year, the figure was 31,035,791 vehicles.
It’s the first time the number of registered vehicles on UK roads has decreased since 1946. Back then most UK roads had no speed limits, except in built-up areas where a 30mph (48km/h) limit was enforced, the same as today.
The road toll was also much higher with 4800 fatalities recorded annually. By comparison, the 2008 figure was 2538. Seatbelts were not yet heard of and most drivers did not hold a licence, tests having been suspended during the war.
And while all things are relative when it comes to cost, the price of the average car in 1946 was around £155 (AUD$257). Petrol was also cheaper, the equivilant of 2p (AUD$0.03) per litre.
“The recession is the most obvious factor impacting on the number of cars on the road. The scrappage incentive scheme has also removed a large number of older and more polluting vehicles,” explained Paul Everitt, of the Society of Motoring Manufacturers.
“Alongside these economic factors, tough enforcement has helped remove unlicensed vehicles from UK roads.
“Significant advances in technology, higher fuel costs and innovative design are affecting the types of models on the road, raising the appeal of more fuel-efficient vehicles and making them more accessible to buyers.”
The Government’s scrappage scheme, which ended last month, gave motorists a £2,000 (AUD$3320) discount off the price of a new car when trading a registered vehicle more than ten years of age. These vehicle were then crushed to avoid the on-selling of older cars. A total of £300 million (AUD$498 million) was invested in the scheme which was designed boost the country’s ailing motor industry.
But industry experts say the decline in vehicle numbers is temporary, and that numbers will again continue to increase as the economy returns to normal.
“This is likely to be a blip rather than the start of a trend,” said Stephen Glaister, director of the RAC Foundation.
“The population is forecast to rocket by 10 million in the next couple of decades and these people will need to get about.”
Even before the new 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI has reached customer hands, a pure white example has been spotted lapping the Nürburgring – although it may not be quite what it seems.
This particular model bares a few distinct differences from the recently revealed STI, incorporating many trademark features of previous models such as foglight covers and a front lip spoiler.
This has led to speculation that it is in fact a prototype version of a new STI variant, tipped to be the sedan version of the STI spec C.
This idea is supported by the fact that the wheels appear to be the same as the current STI spec C hatch.
Either way, it is almost certainly a development prototype of some sort with what appears to be a wire emerging from behind the grill and taped down behind the license plate and onto the front bumper.
To check out the rest of the photos and a video, visit BridgeToGantry.
The Chevrolet Corvette has been an American icon for decades now and its race spec brethren have been competing in international racing series around the globe – and winning.
To highlight this commitment and the transfer of technology and expertise from race track to production car, Chevrolet has commissioned a series of videos comparing the road-going Corvette to the racing versions.
Lucky for you, this series hasn’t come to our attention until now, meaning you have three episodes to catch up on.
Disappointingly though, this close relationship between road and track reflects poorly on Australia’s much-loved V8 Supercar series, emphasising how the road-going cars receive little to no benefit from their respective brand’s involvement in the sport.
The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV has become the latest model in line to benefit from the extensive 2010 value-enhancement programme.
The 'First Choice' equipment enhancements which are slowly being rolled out across the entire Mercedes-Benz range will add additional standard equipment to the GL-Class SUV range at a fraction of the cost.
Since its local launch in 2006, Mercedes-Benz has sold 1500 examples of the GL-Class in Australia, aimed at off-road enthusiasts who want true off-road ability with the prestige of a luxury brand.
The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class boasts the “Off-road Pro Engineering package” which comprises several off-road-specific features to make it more capable over rough terrain.
This includes adjustable air suspension with level control, two-stage low-range transfer case, fully-locking front, centre and rear diffs, and a protective under-shield.
The Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz cars, Mr Horst von Sanden said "Even though the GL-Class is import duty-exempt we have still included it in our ongoing value strategy for our customers.
"These important revisions are part of Mercedes-Benz' ongoing value strategy – a long-term programme specifically designed to offer Australian customers the best possible value.”
The equipment enhancements chosen to augment the existing line-up as standard features are typically the most popular optional extras selected by current owners.
The specific product revisions are detailed below.
GL 350 CDI
New rear bumper with partially integrated tailpipes
LED tail lights
Direct-steering (replaces the speed-sensitive power steering system)
Multi-function steering wheel in Nappa leather
Aluminium-finish running boards with rubber studs
COMAND APS HDD navigation with single-disc CD/DVD player
Reversing camera
Chrome-look finish roof rails
19-inch 5 spoke alloy wheels
Price increases by $3,190, added equipment equals $8,575
GL 350 CDI Luxury
Additional standard equipment for GL 350 CDI Luxury: (Over GL 350 CDI)
Bi-Xenon head lights with Intelligent Light System featuring Active Light System, dynamic range adjustment, cornering light function and head light cleaning system
LED daytime running lights
COMAND APS HDD navigation with 6-disc in-dash CD/DVD player
Reversing camera
Convenience telephony (cradle to be sourced separately)
Ambient lighting underneath the dashboard trim strips and the four door-centre panels
New anthracite poplar wood trim with chrome highlights
Dark tinted glass in rear side windows and rear windscreen
20-inch 5 twin-spoke alloy wheels
Price increases by $3,300, added equipment equals $14,350
GL 500
Additional standard equipment for GL 500 Luxury: (Over GL 350 CDI Luxury)
Bi-Xenon head lights with Intelligent Light System featuring Active Light System, dynamic range adjustment, cornering light function and head light cleaning system
LED daytime running lights
KEYLESS-GO automatic lock/unlock and drive authorisation system
DISTRONIC autonomous intelligent cruise control
TV tuner with analogue/digital reception
NECK-PRO luxury head restraints
21-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with flared wheel arches
All prices exclude dealer delivery and all on road costs.
Lithium Energy Japan (LEJ) has today announced that it will build a new plant in Ritto City, Japan where it will commence full mass production of lithium-ion batteries for use in electric vehicles.
The 37.5 billion yen (AUD$430.6 million) plant, which will be fully operational by 2012, will initially manufacture 4.4 million cells each year – or enough to supply 50,000 Mitsubishi i MiEVs with completed battery pack modules.
LEJ first began mass production of lithium-ion battery packs for electric vehicles in June last year, and has since that time been running at full capacity to meet growing demand for the new technology. At the present rate, LEJ manufactures 200,000 cells a year, or enough for 2300 electric vehicles.
A second line will be introduced to the existing Kusatsu Plant this year that will double that capacity, while another plant at Kyoto will produce an additional 1 million cells per annum (enough for 11,000 EVs) from December this year.
While the numbers may seem plentiful, the ongoing demand for EV battery packs for electric cars such as the Mitsubishi i MiEV, Nissan LEAF — and hybrid vehicles such as the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius — means future production will only continue to expand.
LEJ says that in successfully developing technologies to produce the large capacity lithium-ion cells (similar to the one pictured above) in a specially designed mass production line, it will by the second half of 2012 be capable of stepping up production to 6 million cells annually (enough for 67,800 EVs). The manufacturer aims to further expand its Japanese operations to accommodate 100,000 EVs per year by the middle of the decade.
For its construction of the Ritto plant, LEJ will receive the maximum subsidy of 5 billion yen (AUD$57.4 million) under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s “Regional Development Subsidy Program for Green Companies Towards Employment Creation” for the fiscal year 2009.
If it’s the sound of a beautiful engine which turns you on, then may we suggest you have a look at this video. It captures the explosive V8 soundtrack perfectly. The best thing, though? This Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG spends 90 per cent of the video going sideways.
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