Automotive Technology

Apparently Honda have figured out a way to keep us out of traffic jams. Actually, they want to prevent jams from happening in the first place. The plan is to introduce an already developed system, first of it's kind according to Honda, which can “determine whether the driving pattern of the vehicle is likely to create traffic jams”. Well that's easy – if the car is moving, you're okay. If not, you're stuck. After figuring out that the acceleration and deceleration of a single vehicle may influence the whole traffic stream, Honda and the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Tokyo started conducting tests. The initial results showed that with the system the voyaging vehicle's average speed was increas...

Audi has finally announced that the new Audi A8 Hybrid will hit the showrooms this spring. The luxury vehicle is the only European car in this segment. Furthermore, it is the world’s most efficient luxury-class hybrid sedan. 2012 A8 Hybrid is powered by a 2.0 liter TFSI and an electric motor with combined power of 245PS (180 kW) and 480Nm (354 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 235 km/h (146 mph). It returns whopping 37.3 mpg (US), which is 6.3 liters per 100 km on combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 144 g/km. The 2.0 liter TFSI engine features two balancer ...

Mean Green is the fastest hybrid truck in the world. However, it will attempt a new speed record in excess of 260 km/h (165 mph). The event will be held on April 27th at Wendover Airfield in Utah, USA. The truck will try to beat its own world speed records set only last year by ‘Mean Green’s driver, Boije Ovebrink. The Volvo-built hybrid currently holds speed records in the standing 500 metre, standing kilometre and flying kilometre – international speed standards*. “Technology and innovation are at the core of our business,” commented Ron Huibers, president, Volvo Trucks North...

27 February 2012 Mazda has announced their latest technology named Smart City Brake Support (SCBS). It practically helps a driver to avoid frontal collisions during city driving at low speeds. The all-new 2012 Mazda CX-5 compact crossover will be equipped with SCBS. The safety system uses a laser sensor to detect a vehicle or obstacle in front of the Mazda CX-5. If the driver fails to slow the vehicle appropriatel...Keep Reading...

23 February 2012 Mercedes-Benz will fully integrate Apple iPhone into their vehicles. This means that Mercedes-Benz is now able to offer the Facebook generation its natural home on four wheels, in the form of the new A-Class. Along with Facebook, Twitter and so on, the "Digital DriveStyle App" developed by Daimler offers further services and content to suit the digital lifestyle and will be available to download f...Keep Reading...

4 February 2012 The DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) is BMW’s electronic stability control system. It controls the suspension with the help of three other single programs – ABS (Anti-lock Brake System), ASC + T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) and CBC (Cornering Break Control). The system was firstly introduced back in 1997 offered on BMW 740i/L and 750i/L. Nowadays, all BMWs come with DSC III as st...Keep Reading...

30 January 2012 Renault has announced the new price tag for 2012 Fluence ZE, which is now offered for £17 495 OTR after the Plug-In Car Grant, plus battery hire from just under £70 per month. The 2012 Fluence ZE is powered by a synchronous electric motor with rotor coil – 95PS ( 70kW) at 3 000RPM and 226Nm (167 lb-ft) of torque. Its range is more than 115 miles (178 km). The car features electronic driv...Keep Reading...

29 January 2012 BMW has released full specs of the new F10 ActiveHybrid 5. The highly efficient executive saloon has which a combustion engine and electric motor providing perfect dynamics at decent price. The powertrain includes a BMW TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line engine, an electric drive system and an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The latest generation of BMW ActiveHybrid technology also adds precisely ...Keep Reading...

20 January 2012 BMW’s CDC (ConnectedDrive Connect) is semi-autonomous driving system, which has started testing in August, last year. However, the manufacturer has released a new video, where more details have been revealed. Actually, the BMW F10 ConnectedDrive can go on its own, but it only works on pre-mapped highways by pinpointing the car's position and the location of surrounding objects. The CDC can co...Keep Reading...

17 January 2012 Skoda has begun testing ten electrically powered Octavia Green E Line. The aim of the test is to gain practical experience with electric propulsion. The Octavia Green E Line is powered by an electric motor with 116PS (85 kW) and 270Nm (199 kW). The performance is not very good, but it is excellent for everyday driving in the city – from 0 to 100 km/h in 12 seconds and a top speed of 135 km/h (8...Keep Reading...

17 January 2012 Citroen will fit the Berlingo model with e-HDi micro-hybrid Stop & Start technology. It will enable drivers to automatically comply with Transport for London’s (TfL’s) latest advice to improve air quality in the Capital. The drivetrain includes a turbo-diesel engine with 90PS (66 kW) and 215Nm (159 lb-ft). The fuel consumption is just at 4.7 liters per 100 km (50 mpg) on combined cycle ...Keep Reading...

9 January 2012 2012 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid is exhibited at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The new highly efficient Jetta is powered by astonishing powertrain including a 1.4-litre TSI 150 PS petrol engine and a 27PS (20 kW) electric motor. This result in great improvement of the range – 45 mpg US (54 mpg Imp.) and nice performance – 0 to 60 mph in just below 9 seconds. Fur...Keep Reading...