New 200 MPH E5 bullet train goes into service in Japan

The new 200 MPH E5 bullet train goes into service in Japan today.

Test runs of the E5 Shinkansen bullet train begin in July 2009 ahead of its debut. The 10-car train will be initially operated at a top speed of 300 kph, and will be raised to 320 kph by the end of March 2013. The company plans to produce 59 of the E5 trains by the end of fiscal 2015.

The E5 runs the same distributed electric motor layout as used in all Bullet trains to date, where each carriage has between three and four 300kw traction motors giving the train up to 10 Megawatts of total traction power. This allows a Bullet train to accelerate from standstill to 300km in less than two minutes.

The video above is of the first "in service" run of an E5 set seen running through Oyama on Sendai to Tokyo service "Hayabusa 2"

Trophee Andros Electrique Prost champion

Nicolas Prost becomes the new champion of the Trophee Andros Electrique at final round of season in Lans en Vercors.

Stephane Ortelli won the 4th race of the meeting, in front of Franck Lagorce and Prost. This was enough to seal his second crown in the category.

Toyota to equip Prius V Wagon with lithium-ion battery

The Prius minivan hybrid due later this year will be the first standard hybrid from Toyota Motor Corp. equipped with a lithium-ion battery.

But the advanced, lightweight power pack will appear only in the Japanese version of the car, a person familiar with the plan said Friday. The U.S. version will stick with the heavier nickel-metal hydride batteries used in the current Prius hatchback and Toyota's other gasoline-electric vehicles.

Toyota is using lithium in the Japan-spec Prius minivan to open up more interior room and allow for three rows of seats, as preferred by Japanese customers, the source said. The Prius V minivan shown at this year's Detroit auto show had only two rows of seats, while the Prius + variant shown this week in Geneva has three rows.

Using a bulkier nickel-metal battery requires the battery to consume space in a console between the driver's and passenger's seat.

"We are doing it only for cabin configuration considerations," the source said.

Toyota spokesman Paul Nolasco said the company couldn't comment on future product plans.

Japan's Nikkei business daily reported separately that the minivan version of the Prius would go on sale in Japan next month and start at 3 million yen ($36,590), when equipped with a lithium ion battery. A lower-grade version with a nickel-metal hydride battery will also be offered, starting at 2.35 million yen ($28,660).

New Sloting Plus wheel/gear kits

The Merkuro set.

Each kit contain : 1 axle SLPL 2255, 1 AW gear SLPL 8030, 2 bearings SLPL 1003, 1 stopper SLPL 2400 and 2 wheels specifical to the kit !
So, references are :
- SLPL 48016908 Kit GT AW 30Z Merkuro 16,9 mm
- SLPL 48117208 Kit GT AW 30Z Merkuro 17,2 mm
- SLPL 48216908 Kit GT AW 30Z Atlantis 16,9 mm
- SLPL 48317509 Kit GT AW 30Z Atlantis 17,5 mm
The Atlantis set.

Inside Google's Self-Driving Toyota Prius

The self-driving car that Google revealed to the world last October made an appearance at TED on Thursday, with Sebastian Thrun, one of the developers of the project, speaking to the audience and then taking attendees for a test drive.

The folks at Mashable got the opportunity to ride along as the car whipped around a test track set up outside the conference. Riding at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, the vehicle maneuvered its way between dozens of test cones that had been set up, making a combination of hard stops, tight turns and quick accelerations.

Not a single cone was hit, and I can verify that the driver did not touch the wheel until the very end to drop myself and two other passengers off (this was planned).

The car itself traveled from San Francisco to Long Beach, California, for the conference as part of Google’s ongoing tests. While Thrun tells me he thinks we’ll see self-driving cars in the hands of consumers within our lifetimes, he notes that at this time, “It’s really just a science project … pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. It’s clearly not something that’s going to make us money any time soon.”

Limitations of the vehicle currently include dealing with weather, as well as capturing the imagery and data necessary to allow the car to do things such as stop at red lights and observe speed limits (most of this work has been limited to the Bay Area for now).

Nonetheless, one can’t help be impressed by what Google has accomplished thus far, with its test drive clearly set up to show off just how far along the technology is.

ALMS is coming....

Toyota unveil Yaris Hybrid Concept @ Geneva Auto Show

The Yaris HSD concept was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show and represents the first down-sizing of Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology.

The concept car inherits all the clever DNA of the Yaris as well as the smooth, sophisticated driving experience of Toyota’s full hybrid powertrain. Its new, more advanced and sophisticated style points to the forward-looking design direction for the next Yaris model range.

It offers customers an ingenious combination of small, compact packaging and a spacious, practical interior. Flanked by highly contoured headlamps, the upper grille opening is shallow, helping the air flow smoothly over the upper half of the body.

The Toyota logo is fully integrated within the front lip of the bonnet, adding stylish articulation to its leading edge.

In profile, the Yaris HSD concept’s sleek, monoform shape is emphasised by the long, sweeping roofline and a single, crisp character line which runs smoothly through the length of the vehicle.

Short front and rear overhangs and a long wheelbase maximise passenger accommodation and load space. Several hybrid-specific styling cues indentify the Yaris HSD concept as a Toyota full hybrid model derivative.

Air turbulence has been minimised by flat, vertical ‘aero’ corners housing front foglamps and matching rear reflectors, a large integral rear spoiler, comprehensive underbody covers and 18″ aero wheels featuring enlarged air gaps for improved cooling air flow.

Even the door handles and rear side-view cameras have been carefully designed to the most aero-efficient shape.

The show car’s striking, white pearl paintwork is unique to the Yaris HSD concept. It showcases a further development of this remarkable finish, with highlighting provided by sparkling blue metallic accents.

Requiring specialised, multi-layering application techniques, this hybrid-specific application brings an extraordinary depth and quality feel to the finished paintwork.

The presence of Hybrid Synergy Drive® is further emphasised through hybrid Blue Toyota badges, LED daytime running lights and ‘synergy’ blue illuminated highlight surrounds to both the outer mirrors and door handles.

Toyota’s proven Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology targets demanding urban customers who expect a new driving and ownership experience from their car.

Combining low fuel consumption, emissions and cost of ownership with uniquely relaxed and quiet driving, HSD proves that driving pleasure need not be compromised by environmental responsibility and low running costs.

Introducing full hybrid technology into a car of this size has presented Toyota with several unique engineering challenges.

The new powertrain design must be optimised for installation within the vehicle’s compact, extremely efficient packaging design without detriment to either system quality and performance, or passenger or cargo space.

This comprehensive repackaging of HSD technology is essential for meeting the growing market demand for urban-based family vehicles, without compromising either interior space or hybrid performance.

The production model, following on from the Yaris HSD concept, will be launched throughout Europe in the second half of 2012.

Better Place and Renault release EV subscription plan pricing

Better Place opened, together with its partner Renault, Europe’s first Better Place center. Visitors can place an order for a Renault Fluence Z.E. with the Renault staff and sign up with the Better Place team for a subscription of mobility services.

On the Fluence Z.E. “Prime Time” launched in Denmark from 205,000 DKK (€27,496, US$38,300), including VAT, Better Place will offer consumers a choice of five, fixed-price, packages based on kilometers driven. For drivers who drive more than 40,000 kilometers (24,855 miles) per year, Better Place offers a fixed-price package of ‘all you can drive’ kilometers for 2,995 DKK (€399, US$560) per month.

For drivers who drive less than 20,000 kilometers (12,427 miles) per year, the fixed monthly price offer ranges from 1,495 DKK (€199, US$279) to 1,895 DKK (€249, US$354).

That price range equates to approx $1.00 - $1.50 per kWh. That is 10-15x the average US utility rate of $0.10 per kWh and 20-30x the $0.05 kWh cost of off-peak PG&E EV plans.

Each subscription includes a one-time fee of 9,995 DKK (€1,341, US$1,868) for the installation of a private charge spot so that drivers can safely plug in at home. Initial delivery of the Renault Fluence Z.E. with Better Place mobility services will occur in the fourth quarter of this year.

The Renault Fluence Z.E. “Prime Time” will include, as standard features, climate control, navigation and energy management services via the in-car software system, radio-CD, alloy wheels, electric mirrors, 4 electric windows, central locking, and lithium-ion switchable battery pack.

The car will offer Danish drivers a range of up to 185 kilometers (115 miles), measured on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) with a fully charged battery. Switching batteries takes less than five minutes.

Every subscription includes unlimited access to the Better Place network of public charge spots and battery switch stations, electricity usage, personalized energy management and navigation services via in-car and network software, an inventory of batteries with a guaranteed service level agreement, 24-hour access to customer service and support, and a private charge spot.

Source: Businesswire

Slot MiniAuto 77-March

COMUNICADO DE PRENSA

SLOT MINIAUTO 77 – MARZO


La Feria del Juguete de Nuremberg convierte esta edición de marzo de Slot MiniAuto en un monográfico sobre todas las novedades de todos los fabricantes para esta temporada 2011. Un extenso reportaje de todo lo visto en Alemania, con sorpresas exclusivas.

La presentación del MG Metro 6R4 de MSC y del Ferrari 250 GT Scaglietti Competizione de Slot Classic completan la revista. Imprescindible la sección Construye tu Circuito, un gran paso a paso de cómo decorar y ambientar tus pistas.


(A la venta el 28-02-2011)

Slot MiniAuto en Facebook

(Más información en www.revistasprofesionales.com)

PRESS RELEASE

SLOT MINIAUTO 77 – MARCH

The Nuremberg Toy Fair makes the March issue of Slot MiniAuto in a monograph on the latest news from all manufacturers for the 2011 season. An extensive report from the novelties seen in Germany , with unique exclusives.

Presentation of the MSC MG Metro 6R4 and the Slot Classic Ferrari 250 GT Scaglietti Competizione complete the magazine. Imperative to read the Build your Circuit section, a great step by step how to decorate and acclimate your tracks.


(On-Sale 28/02/2011)



Now Slot MiniAuto in Facebook

(More information on www.revistasprofesionales.com)

VW unveils New Passat

Volkswagen has unveiled the new Passat BlueMotion at the Geneva Motor Show. The car is said to be the most fuel-efficient production Passat to date and has a combined consumption of 67.3 mpg for the saloon, while CO2 emissions are expected to be just 109 g/km (114 g/km for Passat Estate).

The car is powered by a 1.6-litre 105 PS common rail TDI engine with manual six-speed gearbox and with the 70-litre fuel tank capacity, the Passat BlueMotion has a theoretical range of 1,035 miles.

The car comes standard with Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems.

High tech features available as options include the fatigue detection system, city emergency braking function, Park Assist II, High Beam Assist and Easy Open boot.

The new Passat is due to go on sale in the UK in June and the first models are expected to arrive in August. Prices will be announced later.

Toyota iQ EV Concept debut @ Geneva Auto Show

Toyota has brought the iQ EV concept to Geneva.

The electric version of the mini iQ model is not yet ready for production but Toyota will be testing this prototype here with an intention of bringing it to market.

The iQ EV comes with a 47kW (64 PS / 63 bhp) permanent magnet synchronous electric motor and 11kWh/270V lithium-ion battery which lies flat in the bed of the car. A new battery layout for Toyota which does not eat up valuable cabin space, especially on a minicar like the iQ.

0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes a long 14 seconds, though, and top speed is a modest 125.5 km/h (78 mph). Range on a full charge is 105 km (65 miles).

The iQ EV features dual 100/200V AC and DC charging sockets - a DC quick charge station delivering an 80 percent charge in about 15 minutes.

Toyota will begin testing the iQ EV in Europe, Japan and the U.S. later this year.

Source: Toyota

New SCX Corvette C6.R

Rolls-Royce 102EX debuts @ Geneva Auto Show [video]

Rolls-Royce has officially unveiled the 102EX prototype.

Described as "one of the most significant initiatives taken by the company in recent years," the 102EX is a Phantom-based electric vehicle which kick starts Rolls-Royce's exploration of alternative powetrains. As part of this mission, the company will send the prototype on an international tour to give owners, VIPs and media the opportunity to test drive the car. Through this process, Rolls-Royce hopes to answer fundamental questions regarding consumer acceptance and confidence in EV technology.

At its heart, the 102EX is motivated by a 71 kWh lithium-ion battery which sends power to two electric motors that develop a combined 389 hp (290 kW / 394 PS) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. It enables the prototype to accelerate from 0-60 mph in "under 8 seconds" and hit a limited top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph). More importantly, Rolls-Royce estimates the car will have a range of approximately 200km (124 miles) on a single charge.

When the battery is depleted, it can be recharged in 20 hours with a single-phase charger or 8 hours with a three-phase charger. Additionally, the car is equipped with an induction charging system which allows for wireless recharging. To use this system, the car is parked on top of an induction pad and "power frequencies are magnetically" transferred to the battery.

On the styling front, the model is virtually indistinguishable from a standard Phantom. Despite this, the 102EX has an Atlantic Chrome exterior with an illuminated Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament and a C-pillar charging port.

Inside, the cabin takes an eco-friendly path as the wood trim is replaced by aluminized foil weave accents. Furthermore, the unique Seton Corinova leather upholstery - which is tanned using vegetable oils - covers the seats, floor and arm rests. Lastly, the 102EX is outfitted with a revised instrument cluster and a center console-mounted charging indicator.

While it is worth noting that Rolls-Royce has invested significant thought into the development of 102EX, the company has no plans for a production model.

Source: Rolls-Royce

Peugeot plans to test hybrid 908

Peugeot is planning to test a diesel-hybrid version of its 908 sportscar ahead of the Le Mans 24 Hours this year.

Although the French car maker opted for a diesel power unit for its latest challenger, it has announced that it is planning to run the hybrid version at the official pre-Le Mans 24 Hours test day at the French circuit on April 24.

"Achieving this ambitious objective will depend on how well the team's preparations for Le Mans go with the new 908, and also on how the 908 HYbrid4 performs during its maiden track test at the end of March," Peugeot said in a statement.

The system used by the 908 HYbrid4 recovers and stores the kinetic energy generated under braking and it provides a power boost of 60kW (80hp) during the seconds that follow its redelivery.

The hybrid car will be on display at the Geneva Motor Show this week.

NINCO March/April releases

New SCX Citroen C4 WRC

CPP Global Holdings to buy Spyker

A few days ago I carried news about the Spyker C8 Aileron moving to Coventry from Holland. According to recent news reports, Spyker has already signed a provisional deal to sell it's sportscar arm to CPP Global Holdings for around 32m euros (approx. £27mil).

The Coventry based firm is owned Russian businessman Vladimir Antonov and employs 250 people.

As part of the deal Spyker Cars would have to change its name. This would enable the company to focus on the Saab brand.

Drayson Racing enters EVCup Race Series

DRAYSON RACING, the green technology race team run by former British Government Minister of Science Lord Paul Drayson, which raced to success in the international Le Mans Series in the USA, Europe and Asia last year is to race in the new zero-emission EVCUP, the first electric vehicle race series that launches this summer, it was announced today (Wednesday, February 23rd)

Drayson Racing will enter a race-bred Westfield iRACER in the Sports EV (electric vehicle) series within the EVCUP. With a peak power of 260bhp and 660Nm of maximum torque per wheel, the Westfield iRACER is sure to keep even the most accomplished race drivers focused at every straight and corner.

Lord Drayson’s experience as a science entrepreneur, Government Minister, FIA panel member on future energy technologies, MIA Honorary President and successful race driver and team owner makes him perfectly placed to work closely with EVCUP in not only demonstrating the performance of electric vehicles, but progressing the development and growth of zero emission racing.

Lord Drayson said: “Drayson Racing have paved the way in green racing over the past four years with second generation biofuels and we have been looking at electric vehicle technologies for a while, waiting for the technology to mature and for the right time to enter this exciting new field. The team at EVCUP have taken a bold step forward to create the world’s first electric racing series. As one of the world’s leading green motorsport teams, we want to be a part of it and we want to win it!”

EVCUP Race Director Grahame Butterworth says: “Lord Drayson has the foresight, experience and ability to help drive these cars forward in a realistic but also very exciting way. He will be a great competitor and also a strong voice in developing the next era of high performance electric race cars. We look forward to working closely with his team.”

The EVCUP series gets underway in August with four events in the UK before going to Spain, Portugal and the USA. MSVR will be the UK organising club for the events which will feature races for THINK city cars, Westfield iRACER sports cars and a prototype class for any electric car based on a timed laps format.

Opel touts the 'silent' advantages of having an all-electric police cruiser

Opel touts the electric Ampera police cruiser as a good car for silent, undercover work.

The German automaker, keen to begin selling the Ampera to police forces in Germany, has dressed the Ampera in police blue and proclaimed its advantages as a patrol car.

The Opel Ampera will have a range of between 40 and 80 km (25 to 50 miles) running solely on electric power, reliable for patrolling city neighborhoods. A 1.4 liter gasoline engine then kicks in and can extend its range to around 500 km (310 miles), which means a police chase doesn't have to end embarrassingly for the good guys. It's healthy 370 Nm of torque helps it do the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in an okay 9.0 seconds and the Ampera can reach a top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph).

The Ampera is powered by a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery feeding current to an electric motor that produces 111 kW (150 hp / 152 PS) and 370 Nm (273 lb-ft) of torque. The battery can be recharged using a 230 V outlet in around 4 hours.

The Opel Ampera is priced at €42,900 in Germany with a net cost of €36,050 to buyers when including government tax-credits.

It is available for order now with deliveries set to start at the end of the year (2011).

Source: Opel

Rolls Royce Electric Vehicle Concept [video]

With the Geneva Motor Show just around the corner, Rolls-Royce has released the first teaser images of the 102EX concept.

Essentially a Phantom EV, the 102EX is a "test bed" which will be used to gather feedback about consumer acceptance of alternative powertrains. As part of this process, VIPs (owners, enthusiasts, and members of the press) will get the opportunity to test drive the car at a number of locations in Europe, Asia, North America, and the Middle East.

According to Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös, "With this vehicle, we begin an exploration into alternative drive-trains, seeking clarity on which alternative technologies may be suitable to drive Rolls-Royce motor cars of the future." He added, "It must be a technology that is right for our customers, our brand and which sets us on a sound footing for a sustainable future."

No word on specifications, but more information will be released when the 102EX is officially unveiled on March 1st.

Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Williams not ruling out flywheel KERS

(click for larger image)

Williams technical director Sam Michael says his team is not ruling out using its flywheel KERS this year, although he conceded it was very unlikely.

The team will start the season with its battery-based KERS, after having ruled out the flywheel version because of packing reasons.

Williams has been the only F1 team known to be developing a flywheel system.

Michael admitted it was unlikely that the system is used this year, but claimed it is on the cards for next season.

"We have a battery system in the car. All about KERS is contained underneath the chassis and we did mainly for aerodynamic reasons," said Michael during the launch of Williams's livery on Thursday.

"We did consider a flywheel for this car. It was very close but unfortunately the packaging sort of us stopped us from doing that to start with.

"But we also haven't discounted introducing it in the car at some point. It'd be very unlikely during 2011, but it's definitely on the cards for 2012."

New SCX Renault 5 Turbo

Euro NCAP starts testing electric vehicles

Euro NCAP has published the results of tests on seven new vehicles, including its first test of a fully electric car- the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. The car received a credible four star rating.

The cars were tested in the same test conditions as the other cars in the programme. They paid special attention to post-crash battery integrity and the proper functioning of the battery cut-off switch that isolates the high-voltage battery in the event of a crash. The news release mentioned that no electrical or fire hazards were detected during the testing of the i-MiEV.



Regarding the test results of the other cars, the small off-road 4x4 Dacia Duster didn't do well with an overall rating of only 3 stars. In contrast, the Mitsubishi ASX and the Nissan Juke achieved the coveted 5 star overall rating. Furthermore, the small MPV Hyundai ix20, also received a 5 stars Euro NCAP rating.

New SCX Cuda

Production of the Spyker C8 Aileron moves from Holland to Coventry

Found out that there is more good news for Coventry. It looks like the home of the car industry in the UK is seeing a resurgence.

The production of the car has moved from Zeewolde in the Netherlands to Coventry, creating 40 new jobs in the city. Coventry Prototype Panels (CPP) will start producing the car on the Seven Stars Industrial Estate in Whitley. The car is expected to cost about £200,000.

The car will be powered by the GM V8 engine, the same engine in the CTS-V and the Corvette ZR1.

Check out the Smoking Tire review:

The MINI Rocketman Concept

The MINI Rocketman concept can be seen at the International Geneva Motor Show from March 1st to the 13th.

Autoworld Batman cars

From REH:
Autoworld is running a small batch of #185 Batmobiles in April since the first batch sold out so quickly. This is a very small batch, and it will not include iWheels.

Porsche Panamera S Hybrid 2012 TEST DRIVE [video]

Porsche have released a video of the hybrid version of its Panamera four-door sedan due to be unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show next month.

Tata Indica Vista EVX manufactured in Coventry

The Tata Indica Vista EVX was developed at the Tata Motors European Technical Centre (TMETC) based at Warwick University by a 230-strong team of engineers who worked on the project for four years.



The Tata Motors European Technical Centre (TMETC) was set up at the University of Warwick, Coventry in 2005.

Anyway, the car won two awards at the inaugural Royal Automobile Club (RAC) Brighton to London Future Car Challenge in September last year, namely the the Most Economic Small Passenger Electric Vehicle (EV) and the Most Economical and Environment Friendly Small Passenger EV.



The Indica Vista EVX completed the journey from Brighton to London at a cost of only £1.35. The same journey would cost around £6.17 for a comparable sized petrol engine car.

The new Indica Vista EVX is now being manufactured at Tata's secret location in the Walsgrave area of Coventry.

Toyota iQ EV to launch @ Geneva Auto Show

Toyota will launch this iQ-based electric prototype at next month’s Geneva motor show.
The car “represents Toyota’s long-term vision for short-range sustainable mobility”, according to the Japanese firm, and demonstrates how the new technology could find its way across the model range.

The prototype uses the firm’s new flat lithium-ion battery from the plug-in Prius and is hidden beneath the floor to not impede on the interior space of the four-seat iQ. The dimensions are identical to the IQ upon which the EV prototype is based.

Toyota has yet to confirm final specifications of the car, but says its battery pack will be good for a range of 65 miles and it could be introduced for sale in 2012 after undergoing fleet trials this year.

It will be on display at Geneva alongside the firm’s FT-86 Concept I, the seven-seat Prius+ and the Yaris HSD.

BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Concept [video]

At the Geneva Auto Show this year, German manufacturer BMW will be bringing a new interpretation of the Vision concept shown in 2009 in Frankfurt. This time, however, the concept has been created not as an extension of a power train, but as an extension of the drivers themselves.

To be used as a show-and-tell platform for BMW's finest technologies in terms of “current and future methods of mobile networking,” packed with eye-catching, mind-blowing infotainment systems, the car will also benefit from a very special unveiling during the Geneva event.

Among the technologies developed by BMW for the concept, one of the most important is the new interpretation of the Head-Up Display (HUD). Build to render the information in 3D, it is capable of projecting information about the route precisely onto the location of a possible turn-off - in relation to the actual field of view.

Working in conjunction with the display is the freely programmable instrument cluster, which is used to complement the projections generated by the HUD. Also built to render the information in 3D, the cluster is said to be able to enhance the impact of the data relayed to the driver by means of graphics.

In the Vision ConnectedDrive concept, the passenger too can feel he is part of the car. The Passenger Information Display can be used by the wannabe co-pilot to evaluate information or address details for the navigation system. The funny side of the ride is insured by means of an Emotional Browser, which can gather data about the surroundings, including people, mood or location.

On the outside of the car, an array of sensors embedded into the headlights and the rear lights is used to monitor the traffic situation and the environment. The outside mirrors have been replaced by antennas, which are used as transmission-reception hubs for the data transmitted from or to the vehicle.

Elvin

Elvin the Electric Vehicle

ELVIN stands for Electric Vehicle with Interactive Noise and it is a utility vehicle which is used around the University of Warwick campus of patrol the car parks.

Electric vehicles are really quiet and the lack of sound has been identified as a safety issue. Tests are now being carried out at the University of Warwick by fitting the vehicles with the NoViSim's sound system to find out of drivers' and other road users reactions.

'Gas-guzzling' F1 needs a new image, urges Whitmarsh

F1 must change its perception from that of ‘a gas-guzzling, money-guzzling sport’ to one that is far more society-relevant in the modern day-and-age and ‘leading the way’ in terms of environmentally-friendly technology, CEO of McLaren Racing Martin Whitmarsh has stressed.

The arrival of KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems) in 2009 – and its return to the grand prix grid this year – is one of F1’s recent concessions to modifying its traditional ways, and the fervent cost-cutting drive and anticipated switch to ‘greener’ 1.6-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder engines from 2013 are further evidence that the most glamorous sport in the world is increasingly committed to cleaning up its act. Not before time, Whitmarsh contends.

“I think F1 has to recognise that we are on the world stage, and as such we’ve got to remain relevant to society if we are going to be such a great global sport,” underlined the McLaren-Mercedes team principal and Formula One Teams’ Association chairman, going on to point out his pride at the Woking-based outfit’s recent receipt of a Carbon Trust Award – the only team in the sport to have been bestowed such an accolade – as well as FOTA’s earnest vow to reduce its carbon footprint.

“We can always get romantic about what we have, but we must also be seen to be socially-relevant, otherwise it becomes very difficult. F1 has not historically done a good job of shaping its image of being a gas-guzzling, money-guzzling sport. Perhaps in the seventies and eighties that was acceptable and a part of the allure of F1, but increasingly, efficiency has become more important. We’ve got to change our perception, and we’ve got to be doing things that are passionate with regard to resources and money.

“The Resource Restriction Agreement (RRA) has been difficult for all the teams, but it’s important that we have reached some agreements there. I think we’ve got to [paint the picture] that people who win in F1 are the most passionate organisations in terms of how we use resources and technology relevant to what you’ll see in road cars in the future. If F1 can be a development hotbed and create public interest in such technologies and we make it our quest to reduce carbon issues, I think it can only be a good thing.

“KERS technology is back this year, which creates public interest. It’s a further step in terms of hybrid technology, which all helps to make the sport relevant – and looking to the future, in 2013 we’ll have downsized engines. F1 has to be seen to be doing its bit and leading the way. We’re all excited about the technology challenge, and we should be proud as a sport that we are really grasping these issues rather than just carrying the stickers – we’re actually doing something concrete, something tangible about it all.”

Another area close to Whitmarsh’s heart – and one in which he feels F1 continues to fall short – is that of taking the sport closer to the fans, with McLaren’s recent unveiling of its new MP4-26 contender in front of hundreds of Vodafone customers in Berlin one small way of approaching that goal.

“We wanted to do something different rather than just pull a silver cloth off the car,” the Englishman explained, expressing his appreciation for the ongoing support of the team’s sponsors in such tough economic times. “To have our fans and Vodafone customers and employees involved in such an event is fun, and stimulating for all of us. We’re trying to take it more to the people, which is something in F1 that we’ve got to do more of – we need to embrace the fans and the people who love our sport.”

Toyota Prius gets extra seats for Europe

Toyota will launch its Prius + in the European market with seven seats, two more than the five-seat Pruis v variant that will be sold in the US.

It has been revealed that this is down to the batteries both variants use as well as greater demand for the hybrid vehicle in the US.

According to Guillaume Gerondeau, Toyota Europe’s Vice President of product planning and marketing: “The US Prius uses nickel batteries which are located in the boot of the car, whereas the European version will have lithium-ion batteries stored in the front.

“The nickel batteries are bigger and have to be located in the boot, leaving no room for the extra row of seats. The European version, however, has more space for this to be made possible."

Gerondeau added: “The demand for the Prius in the US is such, that they want it now,” but said a seven-seat variant wasn’t necessarily what Prius customers wanted. "Demand for it isn’t strong enough in the US. Cars with such accommodation are much bigger in the US market so the Prius will be too small."

Both the Prius + and the hybrid Yaris are being lined up for European debuts at next month’s Geneva motor show.

Porsche launches field tests with electric Boxster

Porsche has introduced an electric version of its Boxster roadster as part of an e-mobility pilot programme in the southwestern German city of Stuttgart.

The three fully electric prototypes of the small sports car are intended to be “rolling laboratories” that will help engineers gauge the practicality of electric vehicles’ everyday use.

“Electric mobility will be one of Porsche's central challenges in the coming years, and our engineers are ready to meet the challenge with their usual high standards,” said Porsche boss Matthias Müller in a statement released on Thursday.

The e-Boxsters are part of a larger scheme to maximize electric cars in Stuttgart and the surrounding state of Baden-Württemberg.

Scientists will also use the cars to learn about the infrastructure needed to support electric mobility on a mass scale, Müller said.

Stefan Mappus, the premier of Baden-Württemberg, added that the Porsche pilot project is an important one in a state known for automotive prowess.

“Together with the auto industry, we want to further develop methods of sustainable mobility in Stuttgart and surrounding regions,” he said. “Porsche is an important partner in this endeavour.”

Stuttgart is one of eight “model regions” of electric mobility in Germany, where projects for electric vehicles and infrastructure are being tested through mid-2011.

The Federal Ministry of Transportation has committed about €130 million total for the eight regions to research electric mobility.

Transportation Minister Peter Ramsauer praised the progress Porsche has made.

“We need marketable products that excite the consumer and win him over with their functionality,” he said. “That is why we support research into electric vehicles’ everyday use.”

The Porsche Boxster roadsters each have two electric motors with a combined 240 horsepower, and are intended to perform at a level similar to Porsche’s traditional internal-combustion engines. The electronic components used in the cars were manufactured by Volkswagen, which recent took over the sports carmaker.

While BMW, Mercedes, VW and Audi already offer several electric hybrid models, Porsche currently has only one consumer vehicle, the sports-utility Cayenne, available in hybrid form.

New Sloting Plus BBS wheels!

New Sloting Plus BBS-style wheels.

Fullycharged Volvo C30 EV Crash Test [video]

Robert Llewellyn was invited on a PR trip to visit Volvo in Sweden and have a look at how they crash testing the electric version of the Volvo C30.

Proton Satria Neo Rally Car in Japan

Malaysian car maker PROTON and Japanese Manufacturer Carrosser Co. Ltd. (CUSCO) has formed a partnership to sell the Proton Satria Neo Group N rally car in the Japanese domestic market.

The pictures here are from a Shakedown event last month at the Maruwa Autoland Nasu in Togichi.

Five Japanese professional drivers, from various racing backgrounds, were invited to test drive the cars (Group N Rally car, Neo Standard and the Neo Concept car) and share their experience with the media present.

The cars were put through the paces and covered over 250km on gravel roads in 2 days without any mechanical issues. Overall the Neo was rated as having very good handling and balance when driven at high speed, by the experts.

At the same event, the Neo raced a Mazda 2 rally car and the Proton car beat the Mazda, clocking in a time of 1 min and 19 seconds, ahead of the Mazda by 6 seconds over a 1km stage.

PROTON and CUSCO will be participating in the Asia Pacific Rally Championship 2011 under the Junior Trophy category. The category will be introduced for the first time this year in the APRC, to increase opportunities for young talented drivers within the Asia Pacific region.

Sorry about the low resolution pics. Will try to get some higher resolution pics later.

"Facebook" Porsche

Is your name on this car?;)

Porsche Will Debut New Hybrid Next Month @ Geneva Auto Show

Porsche will likely unveil a hybrid version of its Panamera four-door sedan at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show next month, with possible plans to start selling the car in the U.S. later this year.

The Panamera already has a brake energy recuperation system as standard.

Porsche started making a hybrid version of its Cayenne SUV available in the U.S. late last year. That car, with pairs a V-6 with an electric motor, can drive solely on electric power at speeds up to 37 miles per hour and gets an EPA-rated 21 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving, compared with an 18 MPG rating for the convention Cayenne S.

Bigger steps towards Porsche's electrification are likely to follow the two hybrid models, as the European Union has given Porsche five years to cut its CO2 emissions by about 15%. Porsche will produce its first electrically-powered sports car, the 918 Spyder, in three to four years.

Last October, new Porsche Chairman Matthias Mueller told reporters at the 2010 Paris Auto Show that the German automaker is testing a plug-in electric concept version of the Panamera sedan, though it has no plans to show the car publicly. The company will also field-test three electric-powered Boxsters starting next year, Porsche said in July.

Ford Explained: Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrids and EVs [video]

What's the difference between a BEV and a PHEV? Or why is an HEV considered an electrified vehicle?

As electrification options are increasing for consumers, many are looking for information to understand how the new technologies work and if it's right for them.

Ford offers some easy to understand explanations about electric vehicle technology with this new online video.

Formula One Teams consider running F1 cars in EV mode down pit lane

In a recent interview with Wired.co.uk, Jonathan Neale, managing director of McLaren mentioned Formula One Teams are considering running F1 cars as EVs in the pit lane.

"There’s a debate going on about running F1 cars as EVs in the pit lane. Some people say, “Isn’t that just a milk float in the pit lane?” But when you look at the technology required to make that happen and restart the engine at the end of the pit lane it’s exciting."

This year most Formula One cars on the grid will be equipped with a 60 Kw liquid cooled brushless direct current (BLDC) motor / generator unit. That's almost as much power as the 80 Kw motor found in the Nissan Leaf, yet an F1 car is approx 1/3rd the weight. Combined with the 400kj (111 watt hour) KERS battery storage that's more than enough power to traverse a pit lane at the usual 100 km/h speed limit.

Sounds like a great idea. It might be seen as a bit of a gimmick at first, but as the pit stops play a prominent role in the TV broadcasts, running silently in EV mode would be a very audible reminder to the hundreds of millions watching that F1 cars do in fact carry hybrid electric propulsion systems, something that can only be seen via a 'battery' TV graphic while the cars are on-track.

Carbon Nation Trailer

Something that might be of interest - the official theatrical trailer for Carbon Nation.

A movie for those who DON'T believe in climate change. There have always been a long list of issues behind the move towards EVs and one of those happened to be climate change. Unfortunately, most marketing efforts post-Gore have focussed almost exclusively on the climate angle and it has proved hard to move opinion in certain, usually older, generations.

So here's a docu-movie attempting to shift the focus and list all the 'other' reasons to go green.

Opens in theaters this month! www.carbonnationmovie.com

The Nissan Land Glider

One of my friends who works with Proton, the Malaysian auto maker mentioned that the Peugeot BB1 concept looks like the Nissan Land Glider.

Nissan Landglider at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show

The Nissan Land Glider concept was unveiled at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. Similar to the BB1, the Land Glider also has a motorcycle-inspired Tandem architecture. The rear view mirrors have been replaced by cameras and monitor. Another innovation was the non-contact charging system that enables it to be recharged at any wireless charging station.

Continental Enhances Electric Vehicle Safety

Continental, the international automotive supplier, has developed a sensor (satellite) for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles which will immediately shut off the high-voltage battery in the event of a collision. This means that emergency service personnel can come to the aid of accident victims without the risk of suffering an electric shock.

"The evSAT acceleration sensor is active in charge mode. It detects an accident and passes this information on to the battery management system which then shuts off the high-voltage battery," said Dr. Axel Gesell, Senior Manager Platform Development Sensors & Satellites, in the Passive Safety and ADAS business unit of Continental's Chassis & Safety Division. "The major benefit of our product is that it prevents fire and rescue service personnel sustaining high-voltage injuries when coming into contact with vehicle metal parts or if they have to cut through the vehicle to recover accident victims," Gesell added.

Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids are powered by high-voltage batteries of up to 400 volts. evSAT will go into series production with a major German vehicle manufacturer in 2012.

'evSAT' stands for 'Satellite for Electric Vehicles' and essentially consists of an independent, triaxial sensor with a CAN (controller area network) interface. During the charge phase, the other vehicle electronics, including the airbag system are not operational. So as to avoid the considerable expense of adapting the airbag system to meet new requirements, Continental has developed evSAT for the vehicle's charge mode. The accelerator sensor employs an algorithm to detect a frontal, rear or side collision with another vehicle and immediately transmits a signal via the CAN interface to the battery management system which then switches off the battery within half a second. evSAT reacts in the same way if it detects a rollover in driving mode. In this case, the battery is deactivated within four seconds at most. In the event of other types of driving accident, evSAT remains inactive. In such cases, the airbag system assumes the task of cutting off the battery. If the electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle has been switched off and is not being charged, the evSAT moves to a standby mode to prevent the battery discharging. As such, evSAT represents an additional passive safety system function for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Safety is important for ensuring a future for electromobility

Most high-voltage batteries in electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles generate a voltage of 400 volts, twice as great as the standard domestic plug socket and potentially fatal. Already, in the United States, there is a legal requirement for the vehicle power supply voltage to fall to below 60 volts within five seconds of an accident occurring.

"As electromobility continues to develop, the safety of electric vehicles will assume an increasingly important role. The need for technologies to meet future challenges is already demonstrated by the additional demand for evSAT from numerous other vehicle manufacturers," said Telmo Glaser, Continental's evSAT project manager.

evSAT sensors – possible applications and advantages

Essentially, evSAT can be installed in a number of different places in the vehicle; it should, however, be placed sufficiently well inside the vehicle (beneath the front passenger seat, for example) to avoid being damaged in an accident. The advantages of using evSAT are that there is no need for the conventionally powered vehicle variants within a model series to be modified. evSAT can be integrated into the existing systems of electrically powered vehicle variants without redesign work. This benefit also increases flexibility as regards installation space, customer-specific requirements and development time. Savings can be made due to lower system development costs and by avoiding placing greater demands on the airbag system. The sensors will be produced, starting this year, in Continental's Regensburg, Germany plant.

Renault 'spy' row over electric car costs

Alleged spying at French car maker Renault may have targeted the costs involved in making electric cars, its chief executive said in an interview published Friday.

Renault and its Japanese partner Nissan have staked their future on electric vehicles and plan to launch several models by 2014 to meet rapidly rising demand for more environmentally friendly methods of transport.

Renault has sacked three top managers in the past month over alleged industrial espionage and has launched legal action. The three executives have denied the allegations and struck back with lawsuits for defamation.

It has so far not given details on what the men allegedly disclosed, saying only that the case concerned the economic model, rather than the technology, for electric cars.

"The most interesting information I can have about a competitor is the cost," Renault chief executive Carlos Ghosn said in the interview with the Wall Street Journal.

He was answering a question on why information about the economic model was so sensitive.

"For example for a battery, the most important element is the cost per kilowatt. From the cost per kilowatt I may guess what kind of technology you're developing," he was quoted as saying by the US business daily.

"All that action that has been taken by the company is designed to protect the company," Ghosn said.

He added that it was now up to prosecutors to figure out exactly who was responsible for what.

"Who did what and how exactly, it's not up to us to decide," the Renault chief said. "Today, all the elements are in the hands of the justice department and it's for the prosecutor to determine the different responsibilities."

Renault and Nissan, of which Ghosn is also chief executive officer, are aiming for annual capacity of 500,000 electric cars by 2015 at the latest, the Wall Street Journal said.

But much uncertainty remains over how fast the cars will take off, as the batteries that power them are still prohibitively expensive for most consumers, the paper said.

It added that though Nissan's Leaf electric vehicle went on sale last year, Renault is still waiting to release its first models later this year.

Electric Andros Trophy Prost gets title 2010

Nicolas Prost gets the first Electric Andros Trophy title at St-Dié des Vosges.

BMW ActiveE 2011 Electric Car TEST DRIVE [video]

The 2011 Geneva Motor Show will see the world premier of the BMW ActiveE. Based on the current BMW 1 Series Coupé, the BMW ActiveE is the second electric test vehicle to be created by the BMW Group.

Read more

Visit to Slot Connection-Nuremburg club

While I was in Germany for Toyfair I had the great fortune to be able to visit a slot club. I had no idea what was waiting for me at this club. The video start with me eating dinner at the cafe in the club. What the heck? A cafe in a slot club, this completely blew my mind! What a wonderful idea... and the food was amazing. Anyplace you can get a cool Weiss Bier and race slots is the place for me!

The club was huge. The have a small store there for members to buy new parts/cars which was full of their preferred scale of cars, 1/24. They race tons of 1/24 Plafit chassis cars. Of course they also race Carrera too, being a club in German you'd expect that. Though what was unexpected was that the club races Carrera cars with the stock tires, something that is quite unusual especially for non-magnetic racing. They use oil they call, "cheater oil" to soften the tires and make them stick, and BOY do they stick! The track was VERY rubbered in and the cars stuck like crazy. I mention this in the video, maybe a bit too much but I was completely stunned. The running gear of the cars was stock with the magnets removed, weight added (which increased the weight of the cars to about 100 grams) and a light weight interior tray was added. The cars were hand-out cars owned by the club and the drivers all used Parma controllers to keep the field a bit more equal.

That night was a DTM series race. They had a tremendous field of 30 racers. The field was, as you might imagine mostly adult males, but there was also something different as I looked around the room... kids... women! They were racing all together. Now I know that sounds really odd for me to say but in all the visits I've done to clubs in the US I can could on one hand the number of times I've seen kids (I mean children under the age of about 14 or so) racing on the track during what is considered a "serious" race. Further, again counting on one hand, I don't ever remember seeing a woman race aside from "Mopar Jenny" who was a part of the team I raced with during the Chicago 24. When I asked if this was normal to have such a diverse field of drivers, I got a smile and "of course"... yeah, of course. Why not. Slots have been around in Germany as a mainstream hobby, really a main stream toy I should say, forever. Carrera have been around since the 60's and are a leading toy company in Germany/Austria. Now I know that those previous statements might be interpreted as maybe a bit odd to note, but I was really excited to see that the club was full of activity and full of future racers and families enjoying the evening together. This is what we need in the US... this is the future and the way forward for slots here!

I got to take some laps with a borrowed 1/24 car, Plafit chassis with BRM body on the wood track they have which is about 100' or so lap length. Using a borrowed Slot It SCP1 controller I did a little more than 100 laps and was within about 4/10's of what they consider fast... obviously a very easy car to drive! HA!

One thing that is always exciting to feel is the similarity between how people enjoy slot racing. I've had the good fortune to work for 2 slot companies now and I've been tremendously lucky to be able to visit not only Germany but Spain as well. What I've enjoyed most is not seeing the tracks and seeing some "unobtanium" that we cannot get here in the US, but talking with the slotbrothers (and sisters) and finding out that we all have a common language. It's amazing to see that smile of recognition on someone's face while you're talking about tires or chassis set up (in broken English or in my case very broken German) when they realize that you both love the hobby and you really understand the hobby in the same way. You feel at home and welcome, this is how I felt at Slot Connection.

They're having a 24-hour race in March.... hmmmmm.... how much are tickets to Nuremburg again?

Thanks to Christian who was my host for the evening, without whom the visit would not have been possible.

Dave Kennedy
Publisher, Slot Car News

New Sloting Plus Reynards

Sloting Plus are three mono-coloured Reynard cars ( blue, orange and yellow ) with ultra light body, sport guide, lexan cockpit, racing tyres and 11/28 ratio.