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Thanks for the patience.
Thanks for the patience.
Autombolies 2014 and On...
Who has made some drastic improvements? Which cars you need to consider re-thinking? And what cars you need to avoid?
You will be finding all the answer in this forum.
Today's cars are just so... familiar. Day in and day out, on every highway and in every parking lot, we're bombarded by all the same cars we've seen a thousand times before. Yes we do have.
Tomorrow's cars, on the other hand, hold the allure of what's next. Whether it's a brand new name or just a new design, there's something magical about a car between the moment it's unveiled and the day it begins arriving on dealers' lots, showing up in television ads, and beginning the quick transformation from future to familiar. Many things to be thought here.
You will be finding all the answer in this forum.
Today's cars are just so... familiar. Day in and day out, on every highway and in every parking lot, we're bombarded by all the same cars we've seen a thousand times before. Yes we do have.
Tomorrow's cars, on the other hand, hold the allure of what's next. Whether it's a brand new name or just a new design, there's something magical about a car between the moment it's unveiled and the day it begins arriving on dealers' lots, showing up in television ads, and beginning the quick transformation from future to familiar. Many things to be thought here.
WHAT IS AUTOMOBILE?
General Introduction
An automobile, motor car or car is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transporting passengers, which also carries its own engine or motor. Most definitions of the term specify that automobiles are designed to run primarily on roads, to have seating for one to eight people, to typically have four wheels, and to be constructed principally for the transport of people rather than goods. However, the term automobile is far from precise, because there are many types of vehicles that do similar tasks.
Very simple, ain't it?
Very simple, ain't it?
LITTLE MORE:
Automobile is a generic term to describe a wheeled vehicle that carries its own engine. Often the term is used specifically to refer to a car, though it is broad enough to cover cars, trucks, vans, station wagons, SUVs and crossovers. Significant numbers of automobiles first began appearing in the late 1800s.
Related terms: car, tire, automotive, waste oil, grease, oil, petroleum, petroleum hydrocarbons, TPH, total petroleum hydrocarbons, diesel, unleaded, gasoline, fuel, solvents, VOCs, volatile organic compounds, carbon dichloride, PERC, Perchloroethylene, tetrachloroethene, Tetrachloroethylene, TCE trichloroethene, Trichloroethylene, BTEX, Benzene, Ethylbenzene, Ethyl Benzene, Toluene, Xylene, MTBE, methyl t-butyl ether
15 Classic Science Fiction Cars
1. Blade Runner
Let’s face it – Philip K. Dick’s Blade Runner (from his 1968 book entitled Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep?) is one science fiction story referenced time and time again. The film’s design by artist Syd Mead has been mimicked since their introduction to celluloid in 1982. Rick Deckard (BR’s main character played by Harrison Ford) is chauffeured around by Gaff (Edwards James Olmos) in a police “Spinner” – part ground car, part flying-police interceptor. The Spinner, well, spins as it ascends past the rooftops of 2019 Los Angeles. According to a recent behind the scenes documentary, underneath the futuristic Spinner bodies were the chaises of Volkswagens.
2. Batman
3. Star Wars
4. Minority Report
In the year 2054, some cars will be self-cleaning, some will drive in an accident free system, and some will change colors on command…In the film’s design…a mass transportation system uses electrical/magnetic energy – much like that which sends a bullet train speeding along – with horizontal and vertical surfaces covered with “roadways” made of magnetic discs that support and propel various vehicles.
5. Mad Max
6. The Road Warrior
Between the Mad Max films and Convoy you have a wide variety of armored Mack Trucks – including a fuel hauler with gun torrents and arrow launchers.
7. Back to the Future
8. The Fifth Element
9. Dune
10. Akira
11. Death Race 2000
12. Death Race (2008 Remake)
13. Escape from New York
14. Ghost in the Shell
15. Aliens
New Automobile Safety Features
Below is an overview of common safety features found in most new cars.
Anti-Lock Braking Systems
Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS) made their debut in the U.S. market in the late 60's as optional equipment on the Lincoln Continental Mark III. The system was unreliable and was discontinued, but it was a glimpse into what was to come in automobile braking systems. Though not new technology, ABS is one of the most important safety features available on a new car. Anti-Lock Brakes are available on just about every vehicle sold in the U.S. Most vehicles have them as standard equipment, but many less-expensive base models can be purchased without ABS. The theory behind ABS is that a sliding tire has less stopping power than a tire in solid contact with the road. Before ABS, drivers were taught to "pump" their brakes during an emergency stop. This technique prevented skidding by releasing pressure on the brakes momentarily, which allows the tires to regain traction if they have started to skid. ABS takes this idea a step further, since a computer can react and modulate the power brakes of an automobile quicker than the driver. When the ABS system in a car senses that a tire has lost traction and is skidding, it reduces the braking power for a fraction of a second, allowing the tire to regain traction, and then the system reapplies the braking power. This system allows ABS equipped vehicles to stop quicker than similar vehicles without ABS. If you are considering purchasing a vehicle without ABS, find out how much the same model with ABS is. It may only be a little bit more money, but it's well worth the investment.Traction Control
Traction control works in a similar manner to Anti-Lock braking systems, and in a way, it is almost like ABS in reverse. Traction control systems are designed to keep your tires from skidding, but as ABS helps you decrease speed, traction control helps you maintain control when increasing speed. When driving on slippery roads, especially on snow or ice, it is easy to spin the drive wheels of a vehicle. When the drive wheels skid, not only does the vehicle lose traction and waste energy, but losing traction could cause a vehicle to skid sideways and lose control. Traction control systems monitor the speed of all 4 tires, and if it senses one tire moving faster than the others, the computer slows that wheel down so that it may regain traction. This is done by electronically reducing power to the drive wheels by adjusting the throttle or by adjusting the engines combustion to reduce power. Some systems use the ABS system to pulse the brakes and slow down the skidding tire. Those people living in warmer climates where winter traveling rarely involves snow and ice will probably not see the benefits of traction control, but those of us who live in the northern United States can really benefit from this new technology.Electronic Stability Control
This September the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a report that provided solid facts about the effectiveness of Electronic Stability Control, a relatively new feature found on many automobiles sold here in the Unites States. Electronic Stability Control (or ESC) is an electronic system that monitors the stability of a vehicle, and electronically intervenes with the drivers controls in the event that the vehicle becomes unstable. This can be very helpful in preventing an accident by helping the driver maintain control of their vehicle during emergency maneuvers. The report stated that "ESC reduced single vehicle crashes in passenger cars by 35 percent when compared to the same models sold in prior years without the technology. The preliminary results were even more dramatic for the much smaller sample of SUVs in the study: Single vehicle crashes were reduced by 67 percent in models with ESC".Airbags
Airbag Technology has improved greatly over the past few years. When introduced in the late 80's, most cars only had a driver's side airbag. Now, it is common to find as many as 6 airbags in one vehicle. These new airbags are sometimes called "Dual-Stage Airbags" meaning that they deploy at different speeds or different pressures, depending on the force of the accident. However, in order for airbags to function properly, passengers must wear their seat belts to prevent then from moving into a position where an expanding airbag may hurt them.Safety Belts
Safety belts have also evolved dramatically over the past few years. Consumers can now buy cars with intelligent seat belts that modulate the tension of the belt during a crash. Integrated Safety belt systems mount the shoulder belt not to the inside wall of the car, but to the seat back itself. This allows the safety belt to move with the passenger, no matter where the seat is positioned. This results in a more comfortable fit and it is more effective at holding a passenger in their seat than the traditional method.Preventative Safety Technology
Other new safety features are designed to prevent accidents. A few luxury manufacturers are offering night-vision display systems that enhance a driver's vision, making it easier to see problems in low-light situations. Also available on many vehicles are rear facing cameras that allow drivers to get a better look at what is behind them when backing up. Certain models also have a radar system installed that alerts the driver if they are getting too close to another solid object while in reverse.Final Thoughts
All of these systems are designed to help the passengers of an automobile escape injury during an accident. However, the most important safety feature is an alert and defensive driver. Many accidents can be avoided simply by being aware of ones surroundings and reacting quickly to changing conditions. Hopefully you will never have to use all of those safety features in your new car, but it is much better to have them there when you really need them than not to have them at all.Top 10 High-Tech Car Safety Technologies
It's just a fact of life — we are living longer. And it's not just because of tofu, sunscreen and medical breakthroughs. Automakers are to thank (or curse) for this as much as doctors, since they are competitively blending performance and creature comforts with cutting-edge safety technology that tries to stay one step ahead of you — and everyone else on the road.
While pedestrian-friendly bumpers and cars that can drive themselves may seem like the faraway future of automotive safety, so did many of the features that are now industry standards for this year's models. It makes us wonder if the Jeep Grand Cherokee Concierge concept from 2002 — with an integrated heart defibrillator — might catch on as part of the next wave of safety.
Below are our top 10 choices for safety technologies.
Modern cruise control goes beyond just maintaining a constant speed. Thanks to sensors and the use of radar, cruise control can now adjust the throttle and brakes to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you if there are changes in traffic speed or if a slowpoke cuts in. If the system senses a potential collision, it typically will brake hard and tighten the seatbelts. Once it knows the lane is clear or traffic has sped up, it will return your car to its original cruising speed, all without your input. Of course, you may override the system by touching the brakes. The Mercedes-Benz and Maybach systems go by a less obvious name: Distronic.
This technology is designed to alert you to cars or objects in your blind spot during driving or parking, or both. Usually it will respond when you put on your turn signal; if it detects something in the way, it may flash a light in your mirror, cause the seat or steering wheel to vibrate, or sound an alarm. This is more of a short-range detection system.
While pedestrian-friendly bumpers and cars that can drive themselves may seem like the faraway future of automotive safety, so did many of the features that are now industry standards for this year's models. It makes us wonder if the Jeep Grand Cherokee Concierge concept from 2002 — with an integrated heart defibrillator — might catch on as part of the next wave of safety.
Below are our top 10 choices for safety technologies.
1. Tire-pressure monitoring
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has required that all U.S. passenger vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or less be equipped with a tire-pressure monitoring system by the 2008 model year. But it's already a safety feature in most new autos. (For example, BMW offers this as standard equipment on all of its models.) Sensors at the wheels are able to alert you if the air pressure is too low by an audible warning, a light on the instrument panel, or both. You may also see more cars with run-flat tires (the Corvette, among the current offerings), which allow a vehicle to continue to run at a relatively high rate of speed for 50-plus miles.
2. Adaptive cruise control/collision mitigation
3. Blind-spot detection/side assist/collision warning
- 4. Lane-departure warning/wake-you-up safetyThis is similar to blind-spot/side-assist technology but with more range. It judges an approaching vehicle's speed and distance to warn you of potential danger if you change lanes. It can also warn if it determines your car is wandering out of the lane, which could be useful if you become distracted. This could come in the form of a vibration through the seat or steering wheel, or an alarm. Down the road expect lane-departure warning to even be able to monitor body posture, head position and eye activity to decide if the driver is falling asleep and the vehicle is behaving erratically. At that point, the system may even be capable of slowing the car down and engaging stability control. Just in case.
5. Rollover prevention/mitigationMost automakers offer an electronic stability control system, and some offer a preparation system (seatbelts tighten, rollbars extend). However, what we're talking about is more intelligent than that. If the system senses a potential rollover (such as if you whip around a corner too fast or swerve sharply), it will apply the brakes and modulate throttle as needed to help you maintain control. DaimlerChrysler calls it Electronic Roll Mitigation, Ford named it Roll Stability Control, and GM's is Proactive Roll Avoidance. Range Rover's is Active Roll Mitigation, while Volvo's is called Roll-Over Protection System. But they all have the same goal.
6. Occupant-sensitive/dual-stage airbagsAll humans are not created equal, and airbags are evolving to compensate in the form of low-risk, multistage and occupant-sensitive deployment. Technology can now sense the different sizes and weights of occupants as well as seatbelt usage, abnormal seating position (such as reaching for the radio or bending to pick something off the floor), rear-facing child seats and even vehicle speed. While driver, passenger and side curtain airbags are nothing new, sensing airbags are popping up (so to speak) everywhere.
- 7. Emergency brake assist/collision mitigationThis brake technology is different from an antilock braking system or electronic brakeforce distribution, in that it recognizes when the driver makes a panic stop (a quick shift from gas to brake pedal) and will apply additional brake pressure to help shorten the stopping distance. It may also work in conjunction with the smart cruise control or stability control system in some vehicles if it senses a potential collision. It is often called brake assist, although BMW, for example, refers to it as Dynamic Brake Control.
8. Adaptive headlights and/or night-vision assistNight vision can be executed in different forms, such as infrared headlamps or thermal-imaging cameras. But no matter the science, the goal is the same: to help you see farther down the road and to spot animals, people or trees in the path — even at nearly 1,000 feet away. An image is generated through a cockpit display, brightening the objects that are hard to see with the naked eye. Adaptive headlights follow the direction of the vehicle (bending the light as you go around corners). They may also be speed-sensitive (changing beam length or height), or compensate for ambient light.
- 9. Rearview cameraRearview cameras not only protect your car, but also protect children and animals from accidental back-overs. Backing up your car has graduated from side mirrors tilting down or causing chirps and beeps to real-time viewing. New-school tech involves a camera that works with the navigation system to provide a wide-open shot of what's happening behind you to help with parking or hooking up a trailer.
- 10. Emergency responseThere are a variety of ways vehicles now and in the future will handle an emergency situation. For example, DaimlerChrysler's Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS) turns on interior lighting, unlocks doors and shuts off fuel when airbags deploy, while Volkswagen's also switches on the hazards and disconnects the battery terminal from the alternator. In addition, GM's OnStar and BMW Assist both alert their respective response centers of the accident and make crash details available to emergency personnel.
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2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class First Look
Mercedes doesn't do revolution when it comes to the M-class. Instead, the third generation of Mercedes' midsize SUV is noticeably tame evolution, one that emphasizes more efficient engines, a more luxurious cabin and enhanced safety.
On sale this September and still built in Alabama, the new 2012 M-class seeks to blend off-road versatility with the kind of on-road manners expected of a Mercedes sedan. To find out more, we spoke to the development team in Stuttgart, Germany. Here's what they had to say.
Sensible Styling
Anyone expecting a wholesale shift in Mercedes' design language will be disappointed. This is a familiar-looking M-Class, blending hints of the full-size GL and compact GLK SUVs. The three-pointed star continues to dominate the grille and the prominent shoulder lines lead the way to a rear that emphasizes its width with taillights that echo the E-class.
Jan Kaul, the manager of the interior design, admits the overall concept was deliberately conservative and reflects the car's global appeal. "The biggest markets are Germany and the U.S., but China and Russia are growing fast."
Arguably the most challenging feature is to be found to the rear of the C-pillar, where the angular surfaces give place to an eccentrically curved rear window. "We tried different solutions," says Kaul, "but we wanted to keep some of the influence of the original M-Class." No less of an influence was a desire to optimize the aerodynamics, which Mercedes claims are class-leading. Careful attention was paid to the rear spoiler, the area around the windscreen and the front fenders, which integrate subtle spoilers.
Sedan-Worthy Cabin
The cabin looks more like an S-Class interior than ever, but seeks to assert a distinctly SUV design language that's more upright and imposing. There's the familiar mix of rotary knobs and switches, topped by a multifunction display screen — all of it a step above the previous switchgear. Hartmut Sinkwitz, Mercedes' curiously titled Director Competence Center Interior Design admits that customers now see the M-Class as an alternative to a traditional sedan and expect a similar level of quality. While the vibe of generations one and two was more utilitarian, the emphasis here is on luxury and ornamentation.
The cabin looks more like an S-Class interior than ever, but seeks to assert a distinctly SUV design language that's more upright and imposing. There's the familiar mix of rotary knobs and switches, topped by a multifunction display screen — all of it a step above the previous switchgear. Hartmut Sinkwitz, Mercedes' curiously titled Director Competence Center Interior Design admits that customers now see the M-Class as an alternative to a traditional sedan and expect a similar level of quality. While the vibe of generations one and two was more utilitarian, the emphasis here is on luxury and ornamentation.
The contrast with the poor quality of the original, 2007 M-Class could not be greater. "The first-generation car was really a stand-alone project," says Sinkwitz. "It was developed by a U.S. team and was influenced by the quality of rival U.S.-based vehicles. This M-Class was designed here in Stuttgart. The perceived quality is just as important as the reliability. This is central to the Mercedes brand."
Mercedes is never short with its options list and owners will be able to choose from a vast array of gizmos and color combinations including napa leather for the panels and some particularly appealing Ash-wood trim. Sinkwitz admits he has some concern over the sheer wealth of choice. While customers will be free to indulge their eccentricities, dealers will be trained to suggest color combinations that remain on the right side of tasteful.
Regardless of its trim, every M-Class will be tailored for four. Mercedes' customer research suggests that while M-Class owners occasionally carry five, they'd rather optimize the comfort of a lucky quartet. "If you need more space, we offer the R- and GL-Class," says Sinkwitz.
Every M-Class will also feature every last safety feature in the Mercedes' tool kit. Highlights of the acronym fest include up to nine airbags and an Attention Assist system that tries to keep you awake if you start to nod off. "In the U.S., 47 percent of M-Class customers are female," says Dr Joachim Schmidt, Executive VP for Sales and Marketing. "For them, safety is a key priority."
Efficiency Is the Key Under the Hood
The M-class might be seen as a gas-guzzling SUV, but Mercedes is talking up its newfound fuel efficiency thanks to a new range of BlueTEC diesel and BlueDIRECT gasoline engines that will be offered in the U.S.
The M-class might be seen as a gas-guzzling SUV, but Mercedes is talking up its newfound fuel efficiency thanks to a new range of BlueTEC diesel and BlueDIRECT gasoline engines that will be offered in the U.S.
The ML350 CDI gets a new version of Mercedes' 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel. Peak output rises from 231 to 258 horsepower and from 398 to 457 pound-feet of torque. No EPA estimates are available yet, but Mercedes says the engine delivers roughly 32 mpg on the European cycle. Given that around 15-20 percent of M-Class vehicles sold in the U.S. are now diesel-powered, this model could become a much bigger part of the lineup in the coming years.
On the gasoline side, the ML350 4MATIC BlueEfficiency will be powered by a 3.5-liter V6 direct-injection engine rated at 306 hp and 273 lb-ft. Acceleration from 0-60 takes 7.6 seconds, and top speed is 146 mph. It will be joined later by what Mercedes is calling its "international engine," a 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8 offering up 408 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.
Across the range, Mercedes is claiming a 10 percent improvement in fuel efficiency, achieved through a range of measures. Electro-hydraulic steering is standard, together with auto-stop/start technology connected to a seven-speed automatic transmission, which taken together equate to almost a quarter of the efficiency savings. In Europe, this efficiency drive will manifest itself in an eco-focused model powered by a 2.1-liter turbodiesel offering a range of up to 750 miles with a 23.8 gallon tank. This model won't be crossing the Atlantic, although the engine may feature in a U.S.-bound C-Class.
Farther down the line, there'll be a V8-engined AMG version and a hybrid.
On- and Off-Road Versatility
The project leader for the ML, Dr. Uwe Ernstberger says that "Mercedes customers expect a high level of off-road ability." That's news to us, but Mercedes took the idea seriously enough that it will offer an off-road package beginning next year. It adds an underbody skidplate, two-speed transfer case, center differential lock and an enhanced air suspension that allows a maximum ground clearance of 11.2 inches and a fording depth of 23.6 inches. There is also a Land Rover-style electronic system that provides six transmission modes: one automatic, two off-road and three on-road modes covering winter, sport and trailer-pulling.
The project leader for the ML, Dr. Uwe Ernstberger says that "Mercedes customers expect a high level of off-road ability." That's news to us, but Mercedes took the idea seriously enough that it will offer an off-road package beginning next year. It adds an underbody skidplate, two-speed transfer case, center differential lock and an enhanced air suspension that allows a maximum ground clearance of 11.2 inches and a fording depth of 23.6 inches. There is also a Land Rover-style electronic system that provides six transmission modes: one automatic, two off-road and three on-road modes covering winter, sport and trailer-pulling.
Even if you don't opt for the extra hardware, every M-Class will still feature Mercedes' 4MATIC four-wheel drive system along with traction control, and an ABS system that has been tuned for off-road work. Back on terra firma, the ML is promising greater agility. Air suspension is standard but you can upgrade the system to include adaptive damping and an Active Curve system that acts to minimize body roll through corners. Couple this with wheels that go up to 21 inches, and you have an SUV that should deliver plenty of on-road performance.
Final Thoughts
Mercedes officials claim the key attributes of the new M-Class are defined as "efficiency, capability and safety." This might not be a slogan to excite enthusiasts, but it will no doubt play well to the SUV's core constituency. Mercedes has sold over 1.2 million M-Classes since 1997, so it was never likely to take a big risk. This new SUV is predictably predictable, but that's unlikely to stop it from being a huge success.
Mercedes officials claim the key attributes of the new M-Class are defined as "efficiency, capability and safety." This might not be a slogan to excite enthusiasts, but it will no doubt play well to the SUV's core constituency. Mercedes has sold over 1.2 million M-Classes since 1997, so it was never likely to take a big risk. This new SUV is predictably predictable, but that's unlikely to stop it from being a huge success.
Watch London Olympics Live Free
Here are the quick links for watching london 2012 Olympics London live for free.
Hopefully you will enjoy it. Send us feedback if you have any for the improvement. Thank you!
1. Euro Sport (Russian Sports Channel)
2. BBC One
3. ESPN UK
For the Medals Table Click Here
Good Luck to your country :)
2012 London Olympics to use Mini Cooper R/C cars for javelin throw
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| Mini Cooper R/C-London Olympics 2012 |
Dubbed "Mini MINI," these three electric R/C Cooper hatchbacks are rendered in about 1/4-scale – necessary to ensure adequate payload capacity for up to eight kilos (nearly 18 pounds). That's enough carrying capacity to lug around a hammer, a discus, a shot or a pair of javelins. The cars' large scale also helps them pack the larger battery arrays that Mini says are necessary to run them for 35 minutes (before being down for 80 minutes of charge time). The models are painted blue with orange Olympic livery and white roofs, and they even have working headlights.
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| Mini Cooper R/C |
The Mini MINI R/C cars will be used at both the Olympic and Paralympic games, and they join a fleet of 160 full-size BMW 1 Series Active E models and 40 Mini E hatchbacks as part of BMW's own all-electric Olympic team. While we're a little surprised Mini didn't choose to go with a Clubman or the load-lugging Countryman like we did in our recent giveaway, we think the marketing stunt fits in well with the brand's fun and funky spirit, and we're hoping that Mini publishes some video footage of their little helpers in action soon.
FYI- London Olympics 2012 is the first Olympics to initiate women boxing.
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