Apr 29, 2013

Volvo has developed a particular kinetic energy recovery, which is able to reduce the fuel consumption by 25%, and the solution is lighter than an equivalent hybrid system. Volvo has worked more than two years at a KERS system for series cars. Besides the fact that it can reduce the fuel consumption by up to 25%, it succeeds in giving a turbocharged four-cylinder engine an extra performance by providing assistance at acceleration, which leads to a sure behavior expected from a superior V6 engine. The new KERS system from Volvo, whose debut has not yet confirmed for any series model, presents an innovative flywheel mounted at the rear axle level. This flywheel can reach a speed of up to 60,000 rpm and is coupled to a CVT transmission and a special clutch. The system starts to operate when the driver presses the brake, action which makes the coupling of the flywheel to the rear axle and its acceleration by taking the kinetic energy that was normally wasted through braking and stopping...

Apr 24, 2013

NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) issued a series of recommendations for car manufacturers. They aim to eliminate SMS and internet functions from the multimedia system while the vehicle is in motion. NHTSA, one of the major U.S. organizations as part of the Department of Transportation, wants to stop drivers for good for issues related to writing SMS or using the Internet while driving. NHTSA project – No internet or SMS functions while driving Initially, the NHTSA project acts as a voluntary recommendation to car manufacturers. Therefore, NHTSA suggests that the functions of sending and reading SMS messages to be blocked from the multimedia system menu that equip vehicles sold in the U.S., to block all the systems related to entertainment and video communication, and to block all the social media or internet related content when the vehicle is not stopped and the parking gear is not engaged. “I have no doubt that drivers appreciate these technologies,...

Apr 22, 2013

Every country has its rules when it comes to violation of the traffic code. As fines increase from year to year it is good to know what we can expect on the road when we are abroad. Each European country has its rules when it comes to fines. Some countries are more lenient, while others are very strict. If Eastern Europe fines are generally relatively small compared to what happens in the West, Nordic countries already beat records when it comes to those who violated the traffic rules to pay for their mistakes. The police are not playing especially when it comes to speeding or driving under the influence of alcohol. To inform drivers, the German Automobile Club (ADAC) has gathered in a table some information on the most common traffic fines from all European Union countries. Alcohol consumption Studying the table published by ADAC, we find that our country remains in a select league where the alcohol level while driving is 0.0. Along with Romania in this league we can also find...

Apr 18, 2013

Toyota has sold over 5 million hybrid vehicles globally. According to the Japanese company, on the last day of March, Toyota counts 5.125 million hybrid car sold globally. Toyota Motor Corporation currently sells 19 hybrid models and a plug-in hybrid in 80 countries and regions. By the end of 2015, Toyota wants to launch 18 new hybrid models, one of which is powered by fuel cells. The success of the Toyota is strengthened by the success of hybrid models in Europe in the first quarter of the year as these recorded a growth of 82%. Toyota helped Earth survive Internal estimates from Toyota say the hybrid cars have helped avoid the issuance of 34 million tonnes of CO2 globally in the atmosphere. Moreover, these vehicles have avoided consumption of 1.2 billion liters of gasoline globally compared to similar vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines and ignition. Toyota sold its first hybrid back in 1997 on the Japanese market and the variant was called “Coaster Hybrid...

Apr 18, 2013

Pessimistic news continue regarding the number of new cars sold across Europe: the first quarter of 2013 counted a downfall of almost 10% over the same period in 2012. And March is a new month of distress for car dealers. This article compares all the numbers, March 2012 vs March 2013! New car sales in Europe in March 2013 reached 1.3 million units, 10.2% lower than in March 2012. Only UK has increased with 5.9%, while the major Western European auto markets remain in the red zone: Germany -17.1%, France -16.2%, Spain -13.9% and Italy with -4.9%. New cars sold in Europe in March 2013 Regarding car brands sales in Europe, the situation is as follows (in brackets variation compared to March 2012): Volkswagen: 151,601 units (-14.6%) Ford: 107,954 units (-15.8%) Opel / Vauxhall: 97,861 units (9.8%) Renault: 76,795 units (-15.9%) Peugeot: 75,400 units (-13.5%) Audi: 73,968 units (-8.8%) BMW: 68 329 units (4.4%) Mercedes-Benz: 64,179 units (+0.6%) Fiat: 62,270 units (+8.0%) Citroen: 60,433...

Apr 17, 2013

Indian Bodybuilder and designer DC Design is working on a new concept based on the Dacia Duster is seeking to impart a futuristic look, with LED lights and a new front grille. 2013 Dacia Duster Concept Dacia Duster has gained the reputation of an affordable SUV, but is about to serve as inspiration for an Indian design studio named DC Design. Indian company released today a teaser announcing the next creation of its design crew. The concept is based on the current Dacia Duster sold under the Renault logo in India. Body builder in Mumbai aims is to provide a futuristic reinterpretation of this affordable SUV. First picture betrays a front aspect dominated by masculine lines, chrome and highly discrete LED lights. The overall design seems to be inspired by the Renault DCross concept exposed last year by the French manufacturer at the Auto Show in Sao Paulo, South America. 2013 Dacia Duster Facelift Although the name is still a mystery, Duster Concept promises to be more than a proposal...