The most prominent technologies in 2013 Cars

The best new feature on 2013 models life to reduce crash risk, increase safety and comfort make the trunk open with your foot.

Rear collision warning: Infiniti camera upgrades later on life forms JX35 2013. First, a look around the car monitor with alert features the moving image display area 360 degrees outside the car. Then converted into audio signals and flash if the system "sees" the infringing material on the front or back of the car when parking or car from the stables. The system has an impact on the ability to brake to help avoid collisions with vehicles or objects cut across the road when the car is back, although the driver can not see or did not react.

Air bag between the front seat: the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia 2013 have this safety feature. Air bags reduce injury among front seat and is designed to protect the driver injured in collision with a passenger sitting.

Open the door by foot: the remote control with the help of Ford Escape 2013 owners can still use the hands concrete furniture is still open door. Simple operation is the kick up the bottom three-degree-shock after open or closed. Mercedes also has a similar system on the SL-Class 2013.

Wireless Charging: To create more connectivity with mobile phones and other compatible services, at least one rechargeable electric car without the socket. 2013 Dodge Dart has this capability.

Select the speed of buttons: a variety of automatic transmission is controlled automatically, should the analog map quickly became redundant. 2013 Lincoln MKX brought back to the selected button number. This change creates a new area in the center panel with buttons and options to park, reverse, or run .

Safety seat vibration alert: Cadillac XTS sedan with collision warning function by creating impulses to the left or right of the car seat if the wrong lane or come too close to other vehicles or obstacles when parking. The vibration in both the seat cushion can alert the head or tail, in such cases proceed too quickly towards the car traffic.


Support message: when the neglect is the primary cause of the accident, some states or cities in the U.S. has issued prohibiting the use of handheld devices while driving. But the carmaker seeks to help drivers remain off the connection, but as safely as possible. Nissan introduced the message in the support system connected smartphone NissanConnect on 2013 Altima models. The system will read the message for the driver to hear and receive the voice command again or a button on the steering wheel to send the message to be made ​​available as "driving, not private" or "are on the road "...

Zero gravity seat: anyone who had a long drive can attest, sitting on a comfortable seat and comfortable can make the difference between an enjoyable trip or endure. To reduce fatigue on the road, Nissan introduce a zero gravity chair called on the 2013 Altima. With research-based design of NASA's posture, the chair has a special hinge design with continuous support from the position for the pelvis to the chest and is said to reduce muscle activity as well as the burden of spine, while increasing blood circulation, thereby reducing fatigue.

Posted on Saturday, May 05, 2012 / 1 Comment / Read More

General Motors apply Technology robotic glove for vehicle assembly

Robots have been a part of every automaker's manufacturing arsenal for three decades now, but that doesn't make this latest effort at improving plant automation any less cool. While most factory robots are neither humanoid nor particularly interesting, the only thing more exciting than this pseudo-cyborg hand for rivetheads is ordering up the entire run of The Six Million Dollar Man from Netflix.

While General Motors clearly doesn't have the cash or inclination to turn each of its roughly 50,000 United Auto Workers employees into Colonel Steve Austin, the new Robo-Glove would allow its wearer to have super hand strength. GM says the force required to grasp tools could be reduced by a third to a half for those wearing the special gloves, which are operated by a standard lithium-ion battery like the ones used to power cordless hand tools. The gloves would allow workers to hold their tools comfortably for longer periods of time and possibly reduce the risk of repetitive stress injury.

The gloves were an outgrowth of GM's partnership with NASA in developing the Robonaut 2, the first humanoid robot to be launched into space when it went up to the International Space Station last year. GM developed the first prototype gloves in March 2011, while the second generation was completed three months later. They weigh about a pound each and contain all the electronics, actuators and a small display. 


VIDEO

Posted on Friday, March 16, 2012 / 0 Comment / Read More

Audi A4 DSS (Dynamic Steering System) Video

The dynamic steering system which debuts in the latest Audi A4 is a new departure for the Audi brand, and is available for all versions of the new A4 from 190PS upwards. A superimposed zero-play transmission, of a type already used successfully on astronauts’ vehicles, it varies the effective steering ratio according to road speed. Together with the ESP electronic stabilisation program, the dynamic steering system keeps the new Audi A4 stable by means of slight, extremely rapid steering movements.

The superimposed transmission is located in the steering column and combined with an electric motor. It is of the ‘Harmonic Drive’ type that has already proved highly successful in robotics and space travel. In 1971, a transmission of this type voyaged into space for the first time on board Apollo 15: it was part of the individual wheel drive for the ‘Lunar Rover’ car used on the surface of the moon. In 1997, Mars was its next destination, on the ‘Sojourner’ expedition vehicle used during the spectacular ‘Pathfinder’ mission. This type of transmission is also operating on the Hubble space telescope launched in 1990.

The harmonic drive transmission has only three main operating components. An electric motor turns an elliptical inner rotor which, by way of a ball bearing, alters the shape of a thin sunwheel connected to the steering input shaft. At the vertical axes of the ellipse, the sunwheel meshes with the teeth on the inside of an annulus or ring gear, which acts on the steering output shaft. When the inner rotor is turned, the main axis of the ellipse changes, and with it the extent of gear tooth meshing. Since the sunwheel has fewer teeth than the annulus, there is relative movement between them – the superimposed movement used to alter the effective steering ratio.

 

The dynamic steering ratio can vary by almost 100 per cent, depending on the car’s road speed and the chosen Audi drive select mode. Changes in the ratio take place continuously and imperceptibly.
When parking, the dynamic steering system is extremely direct, with only two turns of the steering wheel from lock to lock, and very little effort needed thanks to a high degree of power assistance. At typical country-road speeds, the direct response and level of power assistance are reduced slightly, but even then the driver will not have to move his or her hands to another point on the steering wheel when negotiating a sharp corner. At high speeds on motorways or similar roads, a more indirect steering ratio and less power assistance ensure that the car has a high degree of straight-line stability; in theory, four turns of the wheel from one steering lock to the other would be necessary.

The dynamic steering system cooperates closely with ESP in the vehicle dynamics and safety areas. It relieves the burden on the electronic stabilisation program because a steering correction can be performed about three times faster than the time needed to build up pressure for a brake application. This ability to intervene so rapidly reduces the number of brake applications required, making overall progress smoother. Although the steering corrections are highly effective, the driver remains unaware of them in most cases, especially since no noise is generated.
In the event of oversteer following a sudden load reversal, the dynamic steering system can rectify the situation alone by turning the steering in the opposite direction. A brake application will not be made unless the angle of float becomes too great, and in most cases is only needed to suppress residual movement.
If understeer begins to set in, the steering ratio is made more indirect for a short time, so that the driver is unlikely to turn the wheel beyond the limit of good tyre grip. The steering angle remains small and easily controlled, and understeer is almost completely suppressed. This function is exclusive to the new Audi A4.



With its harmonic drive gearing—a compact, three-piece gearset previously used in lunar rovers—the 2009 Audi A4 modifies the steering ratio in response to the car’s speed. When you’re parking, one turn of the wheel covers the full range of motion. At highway speeds, the same range takes four turns. The system can also detect any potentially dangerous motion and help you correct it; if electronic sensors determine that you’re going too wide into a sharp turn, they will tighten up the steering ratio so you can get back on course with a smaller movement of the wheel. The system works three times as fast as other electronic stabilization systems 
 

Posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 / 0 Comment / Read More

Ssangyong Korando 2012

Introducing a number of significant firsts for SsangYong, the Korando is ready to take a bold step into one of the most buoyant sectors of the European car market. Merging the low running costs and dynamic abilities of a conventional family hatchback with the visual appeal, adventurous spirit and rough-road capability of an SUV, the Korando is aimed at the heart of the crossover market. With the focus on quality and desirability, the Korando has been designed and jointly developed in Europe by renowned stylist Giorgetto Giugiaro. With one of the most famous names in automotive design behind it, the new Korando takes on a modern, stylish SUV shape reflecting the rugged appeal that lies at the heart of today’s SsangYong Motor Company.

gasoline engine 2.0 L

173 horsepower 2 WD

Emissions  CO2 175g/km 

Looking outside of Europe, the Korando brand is already one of the strongest in the SUV market. Indeed, Korando is listed in the Korean Guinness Book of World Records as the country’s longest surviving automotive brand. With its roots stretching as far back as 1974, the Korando started a new chapter in Korean car making as the first-ever self-developed four-wheel-drive model to come from the country in 1983. The next significant evolution in 1996 was the adoption of Mercedes-Benz diesel technology when the third generation model was introduced.

Posted on Saturday, March 10, 2012 / 0 Comment / Read More

LG's Optimus LTE gets NFC variant, wants to be known as Optimus LTE Tag

The original Optimus LTE caught our eye with its 4.5-inch AH-IPS display, but now LG is throwing something different into the mix: a lower-specced version that does away with that lovely 326ppi display and then attempts to make up for it with the addition of NFC. This lets the handset communicate with "special stickers" that automatically switch its settings to suit a particular location. Put a sticker on your dash and you can set it to switch on the handset's Bluetooth and GPS, for example, as well as boost the volume. It's hardly a new concept, but LG's marketing mavens reckon it merits a full relaunch in Korea under the name "Optimus LTE Tag," and who are we to tell them otherwise? Read on the full specs in the PR.

Posted on Monday, February 20, 2012 / 0 Comment / Read More

New Engine Recognized on Ward’s “2012 10 Best Engines List”

As if being awarded for outstanding design wasn’t enough, Kia Motors’ new 1.6-liter Gasoline Direct-Injection engine has been named to Ward’s “2012 10 Best Engines” list for its combination of performance and fuel efficiency, further solidifying Kia’s position as a fuel economy leader in the U.S.

The four-cylinder Gamma engine, a brainchild of Kia’s latest technology, delivers class-leading 138 horsepower while maintaining fuel economy of 30/40 mpg (city/highway) in the Rio 5-door and sedan. In addition, it comes with Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology, which turns off the engine when the vehicle is not in motion further increasing fuel economy.

To be selected on Ward’s “10 Best Engines” list, the powertrain must have the latest technology and be affordable and available to most consumers. Ward’s editors also consider engines that increase horsepower and torque numbers, sound appealing and integrate well with their vehicles.

The new engine will be offered in the all-new 2012 Rio subcompacts and the refreshed 2012 Soul. (The engine availability may vary by countries)

The 2012 Soul has been enhanced not only with an engine, but has gone through several technological, powertrain and style changes as well. The Soul will also offer ISG technology. The 2012 Rio also delivers a great combination of power and fuel efficiency.

Posted on Monday, February 06, 2012 / 0 Comment / Read More

Design Code: The Rio Design Story (Interior & Color)

If “modern” and “youthful” were two keywords in decoding Rio’s exterior design, “firm” and “edgy” should be used to interpret its interior. Kia designers wanted to accommodate drivers’ needs to look good and feel good during weekdays when they are going out to work, as well as during sporty weekends. The result is a driver-centered spacious interior that is strong, sporty and comfortable – all in one. The center air vent layout is simple and horizontal, which was inspired by classical looking cars, but the center fascia is solid-looking with three accentuated cylinders emphasizing state-of-the-art technology. Even the arrow inside the speedometer was refined to be more forward-looking. A huge door pocket and a bottle holder are in place to increase storage space and a multi-tray is adopted to the cup holder for maximum storage capability. Designed to handle your desires and needs any day of the week, Rio is a beauty inside and out.

What’s the Meaning of Color? EVERYTHING

It is said that 60 to 80% of our perception relies solely on eyesight while the other 20% is made up of other senses. Kia designers wanted undivided attention from drivers. How? They created new colors from scratch, mixing and matching the colors with countless textile, fabric and materials to capture drivers’ tactile satisfaction as well as giving pleasure to the eyes. The search for the right colors was not an easy fit. Not only did Kia designers consider the environmental factors and surroundings of the would-be drivers of Rio, but they also considered cultural color codes. They wanted the color to scream out luxury, but at the same time give a feather-soft sensation.

The final three exterior colors for Rio, Wendy Brown, Signal Red and Electronic Blue, were Kia’s answers to their quest. Brown was targeted toward fashion-forward drivers who were stylish and chic. Other colors accentuated Rio’s individualism and dynamic sportiness.

Interior colors were also a result of a very long search for the ‘it’ colors. A black that has a hint of deep blue that glistens in a soft light dubbed “Armani Black,” and a grayish beige that conveys urban luxury were developed for Rio’s interior design.

The parts in the Rio where drivers would rest their hands were carefully thought out. The upper part of the crush pad was placed using IMG or In-mold Graining to give a more luxurious feel to the touch and NPC or Nano PU Cell was used to prevent damages from daily wear.

As I mentioned, design should reflect a company’s passion. The passion of the company should not be lost in translation in the final product. So it shouldn’t be a surprise for readers to understand that Kia’s passion is innovation. A continuous innovation to make a car that wows drivers. The Rio is a fine example of exactly that.

Posted on Friday, January 06, 2012 / 0 Comment / Read More

Chevy Volt: Heated seats come standard?

When the Chevrolet Volt goes on sale at the end of 2010, expect heated seats to be on the list of standard equipment. That may not sound like big news for a car priced around $40,000 (before $7500 federal tax credit) but tush-warming thrones could be key to extending electric driving range when every mile counts.

Engineers say that, in cold weather, it takes the same amount of energy to warm the cabin as it does to move a Volt down the road. While a gas-engine vehicle produces incredible amounts of waste heat that can be used to warm the passenger compartment, a Volt running in electric mode will need to create heat using electricity from the battery—electricity that would otherwise be adding to the vehicle’s electric range.

Heating air and blowing it into the cabin is a relatively inefficient way to warm occupants, and the Volt team claims that a heated seat leads passengers to rely less on the blower and reduce the total energy consumption used to control the cabin climate. Chevrolet hasn’t confirmed that heated seats will be standard equipment, but in an effort to approach the 40-mile electric range in cold weather, such a feature appears to be inevitable.

Conventional seats feature heating coils which warm up the seat. In some cars, the thickness and weight of the coils can feel bulky and problems can arise if the coils are damaged. These problems, though, are solved by the car seat with heat-emitting material.

Optima’s heated seats employ a new technology that imprints an electricity-conducting material in a nanometer layer in the fabric and then uses the resistance difference between the materials to create heat.

Compared to conventional heated seats, the new seats are 50% thinner and take half the time to heat (the length of time it takes for the seat to reach up to 25℃). Additionally, it boasts 99.9% anti-bacterial properties and radiates far infrared rays, which helps reduce fatigue levels for the driver, in addition to providing warmth.

For the summer months, driving for extended periods of time in warm weather can produce unpleasant moisture at contact points between the body and the seat. Optima is equipped with ventilation seats that send cool indoor air to the driver and passenger in the front row. (Editor’s note: Options might differ by regions)

The ventilation seat works to reduce moisture and heat from the body by sending air flow towards the hips and back area through a ventilation fan and interior ducts.

Compared to intake-type seats usually offered by other automakers, the ventilation seat system in the Optima blows air to cool away any sweat much faster.

When the ventilation seat is in operation for 20 minutes, humidity levels can be reduced by approximately 30%. The temperature of body parts in contact with the seat can be lowered by 3℃ in just 3 minutes. The application of a multilevel ventilation mechanism provides added comfort and convenience as the driver can adjust the ventilation level to either high or low.

Posted on Friday, January 06, 2012 / 0 Comment / Read More

The technology of anti-glare mirror in Car

Electrochromic technology to help curb the light reflected from the mirror back reference to the driver, preventing the blinding headlights of the car because the rear.

Mirrors help the driver see the car behind. Unfortunately, this is creating some trouble for drivers at night, at which all cars are light.

The light from the headlights of cars behind the reflex mirror, the driver shown in the eye. Glare is one of the major causes distracting at night. The light intensity causes the loss of visibility, even this phenomenon continues to drag on for several seconds after the light disappeared. The time period is enough to snap the worst thing to happen.

Electrochromic layer structure between two layers of glass.  



Today, some car manufacturers like Mercedes, BMW or Ford has created the model is likely to fade as the light intensity was released on.

How to recognize the dark car? The intensity of light from the rear? The mirror is blurring like?

Identification as dark as the light intensity outside is resolved through a simple light sensor. However, the problem is a bit dim mirror complex.

Electrochromic technology is used on the inside rearview mirror and the two vehicles, helping reduce problems caused by car headlights shone on the

The company uses technology called Electrochromic, this is a special material capable of changing color under the effect of voltage. Voltage changes between class 2 genes in the glass, it works to prevent light reflecting surface. The light intensity is reduced means that the reflected rays will be weaker and not blinding drivers. Electrochromic technology had been used in construction, on the type of smart window.

In fact, the blurring is much less effective mirror to observe the space behind the night, driving still understand what is happening behind them

Posted on Friday, January 06, 2012 / 0 Comment / Read More