The UK range at launch comprises two new turbocharged engines: a 2.0-litre 148bhp diesel (badged 218d) and a three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol (218i). Both are available with a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic. A four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol engine and four-wheel drive will follow in the autumn, and eventually there will be a plug-in hybrid model.
Monday, October 20, 2014
2014 BMW 2-series Active Tourer first drive
The UK range at launch comprises two new turbocharged engines: a 2.0-litre 148bhp diesel (badged 218d) and a three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol (218i). Both are available with a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic. A four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol engine and four-wheel drive will follow in the autumn, and eventually there will be a plug-in hybrid model.
Rain stops play for the BMW M4 Convertible
Trying to get to the bottom of the BMW M4 Convertible's talents on a wet day in Germany is mission impossible, says Chris Knapman
Things improve once you’re inside, where the leather-lined four-seater cabin wraps itself around you with a sense of quality and purpose. And if the sports seats and chunky steering wheel didn’t give away that you were in something built to do light-speed, then the number of buttons should. These control not just the folding roof and neck-warming heaters, but a multitude of different modes for the steering, suspension, engine, gearbox and traction control, leading one to believe that the M4 Convertible has every situation covered.BMW 1Q profit beats estimates
BMW 1Q profit beats estimates
BMW, the world's largest luxury car manufacturer, reports a first-quarter sales boost
View the original article here
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Hip to be hybrid: BMW i8 supercar sells out
The most successful dealer so far has been BMW’s i showroom on Park Lane in London’s Mayfair with 170 orders. The sales manager there, Peter Adams, told The Telegraph he was staggered at the car’s success. “We’ve had numerous people asking to buy the display car. Many have said to me: name your price,” he said.
2014 BMW M3 review
So now we’ve got the Mark V M3 built in a world quite different from the hedonism of the mid-noughties. And it’s quite a refreshing return to the traditional launch format of the Munich engine company, where the first item is the engine. So take a special casting of BMW’s silky straight-six, very stiff with closed-deck construction, equalised bore spacing and a forged crank to keep it safe at 7,500rpm, where it’s producing a spirited 425bhp, about 10bhp more than the old V8.
BMW to spend billions buying Samsung SDI Batteries
BMW is planning to increase its purchases of SDI battery cells for the electric i3 city car and the plug-in hybrid i8 sports car as well as for “additional hybrid models” in the coming years, the Munich-based carmaker said today in a statement. BMW assembles the cells into batteries at a facility in Dingolfing, Germany.
BMW i8 price shock
Anyone who had the foresight (and finances) to put their name down a couple of years ago would have paid £99,845. But there are now examples on used car websites with between one and 250 miles going for £139,995.
“It’s a sellers’ market,” said Tim Marlow from Magnitude Finance. “Some dealers are now pricing them in the region of £150,000.”
Saturday, October 18, 2014
BMW says Happy Birthday with £100,000 M5
The M5 30 Jahre (30 year) Edition produces a mighty 596bhp from its twin-turbo V8, 40bhp more than the standard M5. That drops the 0-62mph sprint time to 3.9 seconds and pushes the car to a top speed of 199mph, making it the fastest BMW production car currently on sale.
The M5 has become a sporting icon for the sheer sledgehammer power extracted from the otherwise quite tame 5-series family saloon. The story began in 1984 with the M535i, which produced a now very modest sounding 218bhp from its 3.5-litre six-cylinder engine. Acceleration to 62mph took 7.2 seconds, almost double the time of the 30 Jahre model.
BMW unveils 2-series Convertible
The new model will replace the 1-series Convertible in BMW’s range, and will be the only car in its class to offer rear-wheel drive.
Four engines will be offered – three petrol and one diesel version. Prices will start at £29,180 for the 220i, which will offer 182bhp and hit 62mph in 7.5 seconds. Meanwhile, the 220d, which will have 188bhp and sprint to 62mph in the same time, will start at £29,965, while the 228i will cost at least £31,550, produce 242bhp, and hit 62mph in 6.1 seconds.
2014 BMW X4 first drive
By its very nature, the coupe-like BMW X4 is not as practical as a traditional 4x4, with a smaller boot and less space for passengers in the rear.
The combination of slightly narrow door openings and the sloping roof also makes getting in and out of the rear a bit awkward, and headroom once there is tight for those six-foot and over. Also, while this is a five-seater, the sculpted design of the outer rear seats makes the middle perch raised, narrow and uncomfortable.
It’s better news for those up front, with plenty of headroom and lots of places to store drinks, mobile phones and wallets.
The boot has a reasonably high lip to lift luggage over, but is nice and square, with useful underfloor storage. And the three rear seats can be individually folded to create an almost flat load space.
Friday, October 17, 2014
HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA DEALERS SELL MORE THAN ONE MILLION TIRES
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 16, 2014
Hyundai Motor America and its dealers announced today that the Hyundai Authorized Tire Center Program has resulted in more than one million tires sold. Using an average of three tires per transaction, means Hyundai and its dealers put 333,000 safer vehicles on the road with those one million tires. The re-launched Hyundai Authorized Tire Center Program in partnership with Dealer Tire became available to dealers on Apr. 1, 2011 in the United States. The Hyundai Authorized Tire Center allows customers to purchase replacement tires directly through Hyundai dealers and offers additional benefits.
HYUNDAI GENESIS AND SONATA MAKE 2015 NORTH AMERICAN CAR OF THE YEAR SHORT LIST
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 24, 2014 – The North American Car of the Year, one of the most prestigious automotive awards in the industry, named its short list and Hyundai Motor America was the only brand with two vehicles among the 10 selected – the all-new Hyundai Genesis and all-new Hyundai Sonata.
“In a world bursting with terrific new cars, it’s easy to become a little myopic, and lose sight of extraordinary achievement. Hyundai makes an excellent example,” said Tony Swan, North American Car of the Year juror. “In 2009, Hyundai challenged the luxury sedan establishment with its new Genesis, and collected the North American Car of the Year award. In 2011, the Hyundai Sonata was a finalist for the award. In 2012, the Hyundai Elantra took top honors again. And this year two Hyundais—Genesis and Sonata, both completely redesigned for 2015—are on the list of 10 North American Car of the Year semifinalists, selected from an original list of 29 cars. Not bad for a company that didn’t even exist until 1967.”
HYUNDAI PARTNERS WITH BISIMOTO FOR A THIRD YEAR TO CREATE 708 HORSEPOWER FLEX-FUEL 2015 SONATA
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 22, 2014 – For the third year in a row, Hyundai is partnering with the powertrain gurus at Bisimoto Engineering, this time to create a 708 horsepower Sonata for the 2014 SEMA show in Las Vegas. Bisimoto’s team specializes in extracting huge output from Hyundai’s engines, like the 1000 horsepower Bisimoto Genesis Coupe that was built for last year’s SEMA show.
For this year’s show, the team is using Hyundai’s 2.4-liter “Theta-II” 4-cylinder engine as the starting point for their build. Through a combination of strengthened internal components – forged pistons, connecting rods, a high-revving valve train and camshafts – a high-boost turbocharger, and a fast-burning, flex-fuel diet, Bisimoto will extract 708 horsepower from the engine. Power will be sent to the road through a 6-speed manual transmission. As a total package, the 2015 Bisimoto Engineering Sonata boasts supercar-beating power, with room for three friends to come along for the ride of a lifetime. The vehicle will be revealed at Hyundai’s SEMA press conference on November 4 at 9 a.m. PT.
Thursday, October 16, 2014
PAUL RUDD DEBUTS AS NEW VOICE OF HYUNDAI
“We were looking for a voice that could be recognizable and relatable to a new generation of car buyers,” said Steve Shannon, vice president of Marketing, Hyundai Motor America. “Rudd can be serious, humorous, informative and entertaining all at the same time. It’s his modern sensibility that we knew would be a perfect match for today’s customers.”
HYUNDAI TUCSON FUEL CELL ACKNOWLEDGED AT CLIMATE RESOLVE’S ANNUAL GALA
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 19, 2014 – Climate Resolve, a nonprofit dedicated to meeting the challenges of climate change, recognized Hyundai and its Tucson Fuel Cell electric vehicle at their annual L.A.’s Great Future gala. The Tucson Fuel Cell was acknowledged for being the first mass-produced fuel cell in the U.S. market, bringing a zero-emission and sustainable energy transportation solution to California residents.
“Zero-emission vehicles play a major role in meeting America’s sustainable energy goals,” said Jonathan Parfrey, founder and executive director, Climate Resolve. “By making the Tucson Fuel Cell available to everyday consumers, Hyundai is taking the first steps in finding a long-term solution to energy independence, clean air, and the availability of zero-emission vehicles.”
Climate Resolve is L.A.’s leading climate change organization. They inspire Los Angeles to meet the challenge of climate change by downscaling the global issue and placing it at the heart of people’s lives. Climate Resolve makes climate change personal and relevant by championing the latest science and winning solutions at the neighborhood level, bringing real and lasting changes to the city of Los Angeles.
HYUNDAI ASSURANCE CAR CARE IN-VEHICLE APP NOW AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD ON ALL-NEW 2015 SONATA
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Sept. 4, 2014 – The Hyundai Assurance Car Care in-vehicle app is now available for download into the multimedia system of 2015 Sonatas equipped with navigation. Sonata owners can use the in-vehicle app as another convenient option for accessing car care services and vehicle information. The Hyundai Assurance Car Care in-vehicle app has similar features to the Hyundai Assurance Car Care mobile app but takes advantage of Sonata’s vivid eight-inch multimedia touchscreen to create an experience users will instantly like. Customers can use the in-vehicle Care app as a convenient option for scheduling an oil change at their favorite dealership, access Hyundai’s first on-screen interactive owner’s manual, providing a convenient and simpler way for owners to become familiar with the full capabilities of their vehicle. The Hyundai Assurance Car Care in-vehicle app also has quick reference guides and maintenance and recall reminders. The new app will be available on additional Hyundai vehicles later this year.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
RHYS MILLEN CLAIMS THE VICTORY FOR TEAM HYUNDAI AT RED BULL GLOBAL RALLYCROSS LOS ANGELES DAY TWO
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 21, 2014 – Rhys Millen masterfully piloted his Hyundai Veloster rallycross racer to victory in the Red Bull Global Rallycross Championship race in Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon.
Millen had an extremely successful event overall, earning pole position in the final and holding his position for the entire race, refusing to be passed despite fierce competition. Millen had great momentum for the Sunday race, having topped many competitors in earlier practice runs and previous heats.
HYUNDAI FUEL CELL BRIEFING MEDIA ADVISORY
WASHINGTON, DC, Sept. 15, 2014 – An advanced technology specialist from Hyundai Motor America will speak at a Congressional Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus briefing at 2:00 p.m. on September 16 at 1300 Longworth House Office Building, to highlight the introduction of mass-produced fuel cell vehicles into the U.S. retail market. Immediately following the briefing, attendees will be invited to participate in a Ride & Drive opportunity with the Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell Vehicle.
HYUNDAI COLLABORATES WITH CONGRESSIONAL HYDROGEN AND FUEL CELL CAUCUS TO HIGHLIGHT INTRODUCTION OF MASS-PRODUCED FUEL CELL VEHICLES IN THE RETAIL MARKET
WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 16, 2014
– Today, Hyundai collaborated with the House Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus and the Department of Energy to highlight the introduction of the first mass-produced fuel cell vehicles in the U.S. retail market. In a briefing organized by the House Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus, Hyundai executives, Members of Congress, and an official from the Department of Energy discussed the innovative and clean technology that powers hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and the need for additional hydrogen infrastructure in the United States.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA REPORTS AUGUST SALES
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Sept 3, 2014
– Hyundai Motor America today announced an all-time August sales record of 70,003 units, up six percent versus the same record-setting period in 2013 and only the second time ever the company has topped the 70,000 mark.
“Sales continued to gain momentum as the month progressed and we finished the Labor Day holiday weekend strong,” said Bob Pradzinski, vice president of national sales, Hyundai Motor America. “The all-new Sonata, Genesis and our CUVs played a big role in helping us score a record August.”
Hyundai’s Santa Fe and Tucson CUVs recorded sales increases of 15 and 35 percent, respectively, while the Sonata (up 25 percent) and Genesis sedans (up 15 percent) continued their impressive roll-outs.
Testing Starter Motor Durability Using LabVIEW and CompactDAQ
- Mark Ridgley, Radius Teknologies, LLC
The Challenge:
Performing durability testing on up to four automotive starter motors in parallel.
The Solution:
Using LabVIEW system design software and CompactDAQ hardware to develop the user interface, data acquisition, data analysis, and data presentation software needed to deliver a versatile, scalable, and modular control application that met all requirements of the starter durability test system.
Author(s):
Mark Ridgley - Radius Teknologies, LLC
Developing an Operational Test System for Automotive Radios at High Temperatures
- Ricardo Macías Gómez, Continental Automotive
The Challenge:
Ensuring that automotive radios correctly function when subjected to high temperature profiles.
The Solution:
Developing an operational test system for automotive radios based on NI PXI hardware and LabWindows™/CVI software. With this system, we verified the operation of 15 devices in parallel in a 65º C environment.
Author(s):
Ricardo Macías Gómez - Continental Automotive
Monday, October 13, 2014
Virtual Automotive Technology Days: A Cost Efficient Scalable Platform for Hardware-in-the-loop Test Applications
View the original article here
Using Vehicle CAN Data for Noise, Vibration, and Harshness Data Logging
Learn how to apply CAN data from the vehicle bus in new ways to add capability to noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) analysis and processing. Using the power of the CompactRIO platform, the sword in-vehicle data logging can acquire and process CAN data and other mixed-signal types alongside traditional NVH data. This gives you the ability to collect event-based data, align NVH metrics with macrolevel vehicle behavior, and support multiple engineering groups with one data collection.
View the original article here
Automate and Control Engine Test Cells
Listen as Wineman discusses technologies and techniques used to automate and implement control in engine test cells. Wineman highlights real-world integration examples such as a variable valve timing test system, an engine hot tester, and a model-based dynamometer to walk you through implementing an engine test cell.
View the original article here
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Visteon Simplifies Automotive Powertrain Control Using the NI LabVIEW Control Design and Simulation Module
- Arek Dutka, Industrial Systems and Control Limited
Automotive Glass Verification System
- Mohammed Hassan Miah , TBG Solutions
The Challenge:
Designing and developing a reliable, repeatable system to scan automotive glass and highlight any deformed areas detected through comparison with original equipment manufacturer automotive glass.
The Solution:
Using NI LabVIEW software and the NI PCI-6519 digital I/O board to make detailed comparisons of automotive glass; building an integrated mounting system to ensure repeatable positions of the glass and scanning it with a high-precision laser; and developing an algorithm to highlight any areas of deformation.
Ensuring Optimal Infotainment Performance and Quality With PXI Solutions
As manufacturers add features to automotive infotainment systems, a new approach to testing is required to verify the smooth interoperability of the various components and systems. For both lab validation and manufacturing environments, such a test system must ensure thorough use-case coverage of diverse capabilities that include analog, digital, audio/video, WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS. Addressing this industry need, Averna demonstrates its focus on a cost-effective strategy based on modular, high-bandwidth NI PXI(e) instruments, RF record and playback, and real-world signals and impairments. This strategy makes realistic and robust interoperability testing possible, which provides the in-depth coverage needed to ensure optimal performance and product quality.
View the original article here
Virtual Automotive Technology Days: Using a Modular Approach in Automotive Production Line Connectivity Configuration
View the original article here
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Virtual Automotive Technology Days: Quickly create Test Automation and Rapid Control Prototyping focused on Automotive Applications
View the original article here
The AC 428 Frua Sports Car
The AC 428 Frua sports car, also known as the AC Frua, was introduced in 1965, and was based on the chassis from the AC Cobra 427 Mark 3 that had been increased by six inches.
It was available as both a fixed head coupe and a convertible.
The body consisted of steel panels, and was attached to a chassis which incorporated four inch tubing, and four wheel independent coil spring suspension.
The AC Aceca Sports Car
The AC Aceca sports car, launched in 1954, was a two seater, fixed head coupe, and based on the AC Ace.
It was designed as a hand made Grand Tourer in the old British tradition, with aluminium body panels over a steel chassis, and featured parts of the interior, such as the dashboard, door frames, and tailgate, decked in ash wood.
A distinctive characteristic was the hatchback at the rear and, at that time, the Aceca was the only car to incorporate this feature, apart from the 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4.
Friday, October 10, 2014
The Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Sports Car
from Classic to Modern
Development work on the E-Type commenced in December 1956, in order to produce a road going Jaguar sports car that would replace the XK150.
Consequently, the first prototype was completed in May 1957, and was designated the E-Type 1 Aluminium, or EA1.
Here Are Different Ways To Market Your Growing Local Windshield Repair Dealer
Don't neglect your supplier relationships, because they are vital to the success of your local windshield repair dealer. You don't need to burn a bridge with a reliable supplier. Good relations are a necessity to have access to promotions and trends. This can also lead to inside information on promotions and trends.
Buy Gently Used Car Parts for a New Car Feel
You can shop online and hope for the best, but there's nothing like browsing in an organized wrecking yard and seeing for yourself well-preserved inventory good enough to put in your classic (or not-so-classic) ride. You'll be amazed at how much you can save when you bypass the dealership and go to a car parts yard.
Thursday, October 9, 2014
The AC Greyhound Sports Car
In 1958, the dated two and four seater AC 2-Litre saloon was finally discontinued, at which point it was realised that what was now needed was a sporty family four seater.
This resulted in the launch of the AC Greyhound in 1959 which, at first sight, somewhat resembled an enlarged Aceca, even though it was a totally redesigned model.
It had a new, square tubular chassis, and was both lighter and slightly small er than the 2-Litre saloon, and was not short of internal luxury. Interestingly, the front/rear weight distribution was 50/50.
The prototype Greyhound was premiered at the 1959 London Motor Show, where its body styling was not well received.
The TVR Sagaris Sports Car
from Classic to Modern
The prototype of the TVR Sagaris was premiered at the 2003 Earl's Court Motor Show, whilst a year later, the pre-production model was introduced at the Birmingham Motor Show.
Finally, in 2005, it was officially launched and was, in essence, designed as an endurance race car.
It could be described as a racing version of the T350, and certainly looked like a road going race car.
Based on the T350, it followed the company tradition of being built with no ABS, traction control, or even air bags.
The AC Sports Car History
From Classic to Modern
The AC marque represented the oldest British car manufacturer, with continuous production stretching as far back as 1901.
That year, John Weller established a small engineering business near London with the purpose of producing motor cars.
In 1903, he had designed and built his first car, powered by either a 2-cylinder or 4-cylinder engine developing 10 hp and 20 hp respectively.
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
The Jaguar E-Type Series 3 Sports Car
from Classic to Modern
By 1971, the E-Type Jaguar sports car had been around for 10 years, and was beginning to show signs of ageing.
Furthermore, there was increased pressure on all car manufacturers to reduce engine emissions.
Although such reductions could have been applied to the original 6-cylinder XK engine, the end result would have been much reduced performance.
The answer lay in designing a new engine that would satisfy the US emission regulations, and yet still produce the performance the market expected.
The Jaguar XJ13 Sports Car
In 1960, the company considered the idea of a mid-engined Jaguar sports car racer powered by a double overhead cam, V12 engine to challenge the supremacy of Ford and Ferrari.
However, the design of a mid-engined car was breaking new ground for the company.
The engine was based around a 5 litre, V12 unit in which two double overhead cam, 6-cylinder XK units were joined to a common crankshaft and an aluminium block. This was to be known as project XJ6.
The Jaguar E-Type Series 2 Sports Car
from Classic to Modern
Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5
At the tail end of the production of the Series 1 Jaguar sports Car, around March 1968, between ten and twenty units had their headlights modified by removing the glass cover, and altering the concave area below which they were positioned.
The result of this was to produce a stronger light on these cars that were destined for the UK market.
Since this variant was quite unique in terms of the limited numbers of units involved, it was therefore ranked as the rarest of all E-Types.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
The AC Ace Sports Car
from Classic to Modern
In 1947, AC Cars launched the AC 2-Litre as both two and four door saloons although, two years later, a drophead coupe and Buckland tourer were added to the range.
All were fitted with AC's own 1991 cc, 6-cylinder, overhead cam engine, developing 74 bhp, and using three SU carburettors.
Since this was a rather ageing model, the company accepted a design for a new two seater convertible sports car which incorporated a lightweight, ladder style tubular frame, with all round independent leaf spring suspension, and an alloy body.
The Jaguar Lightweight E-Type Sports Car
from Classic to Modern
The Low Drag Racer
In 1962, Jaguar cars considered the idea of building a low drag sports car racer, based on the D-Type, which had been discontinued five years before.
The concept was tested by designing a fixed head coupe, with a monocoque structure, which would be rigid enough to withstand the stresses of racing.
Lightweight aluminium body panels would be used, whilst the front sub-frame supporting the engine and front suspension would be made of steel.