Since its introduction back in 2001, Toyota has equipped the Prius with a synthetic fuel tank bladder that collapsed as gasoline was slowly pumped out of the tank and into the engine.
Due to complaints that the last-gen car wasn't able to take its full 11.9 gallon fuel allotment whenever the temperature was below 70-degrees, the third-generation Prius comes equipped with a more conventional rigid fuel tank made from lightweight resin. In order to retain its coveted low-emissions rating in California, the latest Prius also reportedly features an improved vapor-recovery system that will help reduce hydrocarbon emissions.
Ever notice that you your bladder seems to shrink when its cold outside? Apparently, the Toyota Prius feels your pain, and while we don't have any good solutions to report for your own personal problems, Toyota has found an easy fix for its hybrid. Unlike previous generations of Toyota's fuel saver, the new 2010 model won't have an underperforming bladder when it's cold outside. More Photos
The ESF is based on the S 400 Hybrid. One of the ideas installed in the car is something called a Braking Bag. It is an air bag that sits within the ESF's floor and deploys when the car "decides" that a crash is imminent. By increasing friction with the road surface it helps to slow the vehicle down and also stabilises it.
Press Release
Perspectives: inflatable metal structures and braking airbags in the vehicle floor
2009 is a year in which Mercedes-Benz celebrates several anniversaries in the safety field: in August 1939 the safety pioneer Béla Barényi started his work in Sindelfingen. He invented for example the principle of the crumple zone, a trailblazing innovation which entered series production at Mercedes-Benz in 1959. With the help of its in-house accident research function, which was founded in 1969, Mercedes engineers in the following years have developed several groundbreaking innovations in passenger car safety. Now it is time for a look behind the scenes, and in this anniversary year, Mercedes-Benz is using the ESF 2009 research vehicle to reveal what its safety specialists are currently working on - with a time horizon that often extends well into the future.
The ESF 2009 is the first Experimental Safety Vehicle to be built by Mercedes-Benz since 1974. Like its historic predecessors, it illustrates trailblazing innovations in the field of safety and makes the progress achieved clearly visible. These amazing but by no means crazy ideas include inflatable metallic sections which give more stability to structural components within fractions of a second, as well as the so-called "Braking Bag". This airbag housed within the vehicle floor is deployed when a crash is deemed to be unavoidable, and uses a friction coating to support the vehicle against the road surface. The ESF 2009 will be premiered on 15 June 2009, at the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV) Conference in Stuttgart.
"Safety is a central element of the Mercedes-Benz brand. In this respect we have been setting the pace in the market for almost 70 years. For the benefit of our customers and for road users in general. The ESF 2009 shows that we still have plenty of ideas and the absolute will, to lead the automobile industry in this field even in future", says Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars.
The ESF 2009 was developed and built completely in the test vehicle workshops in Sindelfingen. This safety research vehicle based on the Mercedes S 400 HYBRID features more than a dozen safety innovations, most of which are fully functioning in demonstration mode. "With the ESF 2009, we have chosen this particular time to clearly demonstrate the innovative strength of Daimler. Anybody examining the ESF 2009 in detail will recognise that more safety and improved energy efficiency are not necessarily a contradiction in terms. We want to make progress in both fields with new, trailblazing ideas ", says Dr. Thomas Weber, the member of the Daimler Executive Board responsible for corporate research and development at Mercedes-Benz Cars.
The following five innovations on the basis of the S 400 Hybrid are among the highlights of the ESF 2009:
* PRE-SAFE Structure:The inflatable metal structures save weight or increase the stability of structural components. When at rest, the metal section is in a folded state to save space. If its protective effect is required, a gas generator builds up an internal pressure of 10 to 20 bar within fractions of a second, causing the section to unfold for significantly more stability.
* Braking Bag:This auxiliary brake accommodated in the vehicle floor is a new type of PRE-SAFE® component. If the sensor system concludes that an impact is unavoidable, the Braking Bag is deployed shortly before the crash and stabilises the car on the road surface by means of a friction coating. The vehicle's vertical acceleration increases the friction, and helps to decelerate the vehicle before the impact occurs.
* Interactive Vehicle Communication: The ESF 2009 is able to communicate directly with other vehicles, or via relay stations. Using "ad hoc" networks and WLAN radio technology, it is e.g. able to receive and transmit warnings of bad weather or obstacles in the road.
* PRE-SAFE Pulse: This further development of PRE-SAFE® is able to reduce the forces acting on the torsos of the occupants during a lateral collision by around one third. It does this by moving them towards the centre of the vehicle by up to 50 millimetres as a precautionary measure. As an active restraint system, it uses the air chambers in the side bolsters of the seat backrests.
* Spotlight lighting function: This partial LED main beam specifically illuminates potential hazards. If the infrared camera of Night View Assist PLUSe.g. detects deer at the roadside or pedestrians on the road, these can be briefly illuminated beyond the normal area covered by the main beams, as if by a spotlight.
Mercedes-Benz is also presenting an innovative PRE-SAFE Demonstrator at the 21st ESVConference. For the first time this simulator uses a linear motor for this purpose, in order to accelerate the vehicle cabin to up to 16 km/h within a distance of four metres before the impact occurs. The linear drive system, which is similar to that used by the Transrapid train, is freely programmable and also works in the opposite direction. This enables various acceleration profiles and also a rear-end collision to be demonstrated. The special feature of this system is that the 'vehicle occupants' experience the effect of the PRE-SAFE® functions live, e.g. belt pretensioning, NECK-PRO and the inflatable side bolsters of the seats.
Mercedes-Benz is continuing a longstanding tradition with the ESF 2009: for the ESV Safety Conferences held in 1971 to 1975, the safety experts in Stuttgartbuilt more than 30 experimental vehicles and subjected them to crash tests to satisfy the visionary safety requirements of that time. Four of these ESFs (Experimental Safety Vehicles) were presented to the public, and many of the revolutionary ideas such as ABS or the airbag first entered series production at Mercedes-Benz. via:WorldCarFans
Mercedes announced today they have built the first Experimental Safety Vehicle since 1974 - the Mercedes ESF 2009 S400 Hybrid. The Mercedes S400 Hybrid ESF 2009 will be presented between 23 June 2009 and 16th of August in an exhibition in the company's Museum's Fascination of Technology section.
Existing features such as side impact bars could be inflated by pressures of between 10 and 20 bar, saving weight when they are deflated and allowing for other safety measures to be fitted in the saved space.
One of the most interesting systems is an auxiliary brake fitted into the floor of the car. The braking bag inflates when the car senses an imminent crash, creating friction and increasing deceleration. It also lifts the font of the car by up to 80mm, compensating for dive.
The interior, along with standard air bag and restraint systems is fitted with seat bolsters that shift the passengers about 50mm into the centre of the cabin should the car sense that a side impact is about to take place. The other safety features of interest arereflective tyres and air bags installed inside a seatbelts.
Next up is the stealth-black Air Force ‘Vapor’ based on the Dodge Challenger. On the outside, Vapor features one-off carbon fiber wheels, shaker hood, radar-absorbing paint, proximity sensors and a 360- degree camera with a ¼ mile range. Open the vertical doors to the Vapor and you’ll see an interior complete with aircraft style controls, a passenger side steering wheel, GPS tracking, night and thermal vision on the front windshield.
Galpin Auto Sports (or GAS) is an automobile repair shop in Van Nuys, California. GAS is better known for its TV show on USA otherwise known as Pimp My Ride on MTV. The group responsible for KITT in the 2008 Knight Rider series (and for embedding in 7-inch TV screens into bumpers on MTV’s Pimp My Ride), has now teamed up with the United States Air Force to create two customized cars for the 2009 Super Car Tour. We have to say; both vehicles have blown us away - literally. more detail. ...
Raser Technologies is working in conjunction with powertrain company FEV and its new E-REV is being designed for application in any number of large vehicles, including SUVs and light trucks.
A prototype for the 100mpg SUV is being prepared for its debut at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress in Detroit later this month, and while the exact specs about the electric drivetrain are still being kept secret we do know that it will run in a similar fashion to the Chevrolet Volt's plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Hummer may have been one of the most demonized vehicle brands of the decade, with both poor sales figures and a terrible environmental reputation - but now Utah’s Raser Technologies is using the iconic Hummer H2 as a base for its new electric technology, which it claims can give the Hummer a fuel-economy of around 100mpg.
According to Raser Technologies, the SUV will make use of their E-REV (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle) powertrain and will be able to drive up to 40 miles per day on pure electricity alone. Once this barrier has been reached, petrol in a small four-cylinder combustion engine connected to the electric motor will generate electricity, much the same way that the Volt does.
Whether or not the technology will be sold in consumer applications is unclear as many manufacturers are already developing their own electric vehicles, however, Raser Technologies has already inked a contract with Pacific Gas & Electric to supply that company with two E-REV trucks, with a view to purchasing more. Other commercial contracts may follow, especially considering the need for many businesses to run large vehicles in their fleets as well as the need to cut costs and be seen doing environmentally positive things. via:motorauthority
Ferrari is launching its redesigned website this Sunday on March 29. A host of new features will ensure visitors to the site never forget the experience. One of the latest features will be the Maranello Experience section. When going into this visitors are able to take a virtual tour of the company complex in Maranello. The images and video clips will give visitors a 360° view and much better understanding of how Ferrari cars are assembled. Visitors can click on the GT & Sport cars section if they are keen on choosing and personalising a Ferrari of their choice, from exterior colours and interiors to taking their pick from the list of optional extras. They can even take a virtual test drive at the Mugello Circuit and have Michael Schumacher advise them on the best racing lines to take.
During F1 GP race weekends users can keep up with the two cars live on the track, including getting information on telemetry. Test driver Marc Genè will give the users advice on each situation as well. An exclusive area is being reserved for existing Ferrari customers in order to facilitate better communication between themselves and the company.
Ferrari promises a never-ending adventure on their new website thanks to these and other features, plus the 500 articles, 2173 images and 600 video clips that are posted. via:teamspeed
LANSING -- Are we ready for a high-speed, hydrogen-powered, magnetically-driven rail line from Detroit to Lansing?
A new proposal to help alleviate the problem of heavy traffic in the state of Michigan is under way. A company called Worldwide Hydrogen Super Highways says it has designed a magnetic-levitation (maglev) rail line to run near existing highways between Detroit, Lansing and Ann Arbor. Interstate Traveler Co. LLC, the company that is pitching this project is made up of 200 international investors. The magnetic rail cars would carry passengers, vehicles (like a ferry) and freight. Sutton said the rail line could be used by many private operators that own the cars, similar to railroads that are shared by railroad companies. more detail. ...
What do we know about the Transition? Well, it's an unleaded-fueled front-wheel drive vehicle on the ground, It gets a fuel economy of around 30 MPG and has a top speed of 65 MPH. The design features an automotive-style entry and exit and it'll retail at a street price of $194,000 when it eventually goes on sale. But, you can reserve one now for just $10,000 at Terrafugia's website.
With more stringent emission standards on the horizon, consumers are demanding more fuel-efficient models, Fiat introduced their new engine MultiAir. The company believes that the new power system is the most great advances in the design of gasoline engines, in recent years in the MultiAir to provide more power, reducing fuel consumption, reduced exhaust emissions compared to traditional gasoline engines. In view of the company's history on the use of technological breakthroughs in order to improve performance and efficiency of diesel engines, the Fiat car company takes a similar approach in developing the new engine MultiAir. At about 10% of the traditional engines are a waste of energy input process, is responsible for pumping air from the intake of low atmospheric pressure discharge pressure. Fiat first started looking for the possibility of reducing the waste of energy early in the 20th century, 80's, but have only recently been able to develop a new system, the air is responsible for direct measurement of water in the cylinder, while maintaining constant pressure on the natural upstream .
The new system is extremely technical, but in essence it by a series of solenoid valve is opened or closed camshaft rotation. When the solenoid valve is activated, there are several different situations happen in order to optimize the use of electricity and fuel. (A comprehensive overview of how the system can work at Press Release)
Among the many benefits of the new engine MultiAir are up to 10% growth in power-oriented appreciation of mechanical performance camshaft profile, the revised intake valve to shut down the system, improve low-rpm torque as high as 15%, lower by 10% at fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, because the elimination of pumping losses. More importantly, the fact that MultiAir new engine can achieve up to 25% of the overall increase in fuel economy compared to conventional naturally aspirated engine the same level of performance.
In the future, can see the introduction of technology MultiAir Fiat's diesel engines, because it is committed to providing up to 60% of the nitrogen oxide emissions decreased by 40%, reduce carbon dioxide emissions at cold start and engine warm-up. Source:World Car Fans
It's been announced that the electric race car we were telling you about from Bee Automobiles Ltd will now contend for the British Speed Hill Climb Championship in 2010 as the BRM Bee Four ERV. This revives the BRM (British Racing Motors) brand that was born 60 years ago and has a rich and proud history. This also delays the original plan by a year, but should give them the necessary time to introduce a car that is fully tested and ready to win. There is hope that we'll see it before then as it is rumored that it may make some cameos at events this year. more detail. ...
During Ford's preview of the updated SYNC system at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the company released a new video that features an upcoming Lincoln concept that will most likely appear at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. more detail. ...
Ford Motor Co. still hasn't launched the first V-6 version of its promised EcoBoost engine, but sources say the automaker already is putting the finishing touches on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder version of the economical motor, which they say is likely to debut on the Ford Fusion. Ford spokesman Said Deep confirmed that Ford is developing a four-cylinder version, but said it was "too early to discuss displacements" or what vehicles might get the new engine.
EcoBoost combines two technologies -- turbo-charging and direct fuel injection -- to produce more horsepower from a smaller engine. Ford plans to roll out the first EcoBoost engine, a 3.5-liter V-6 that delivers the power of V-8, on the 2010 Lincoln MKS next summer.
Ford is not the only company combining these technologies, but most of its competitors are using them to boost performance, not fuel economy. The Dearborn automaker is using them to replace larger motors with smaller ones.
Product analyst Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics LLP in Birmingham said the four-cylinder version should deliver the power of a six-cylinder engine with significantly better mileage. He said Ford also is developing a 1.4-liter EcoBoost based on the naturally aspirated 1.4-liter it already uses in Europe.
"It's all about delivering the fuel economy customers want without sacrificing performance," Deep said. "The four-cylinder will deliver a good blend of both for customers."
"When they started work on what became EcoBoost, gas prices were still relatively low," he said. "It's a better way to meet emissions standards and CAFE standards and still give customers the performance they want." Source: Detroit News
Sometimes when two or more people disagree, it's best to split them up. Mercedes-Benz is thinking along the same lines with its new SPLITVIEW technology which will premier where else but in the S-Class in summer 2009. The technology's premise is to basically allow two different programmes to be viewed from the same 8-inch screen. more detail. ...
Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Yvo de Boer, greets journalists as he arrives in a solar taxi to the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Poznan, Poland, Thursday, Dec 4, 2008. The solar vehicle, built by Louis Palmer from Switzerland with the help of Swiss scientists and driven by Palmer has traveled around the world setting a world record of 52,000 km, or 32,300 miles through 38 countries using only solar energy. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)
Swiss adventurer Louis Palmer arrives with his solartaxi in Hamburg November 21, 2008. Palmer arrived in Hamburg for a stopover from his journey around the world which he started in Lucerne, Switzerland, in July 2007. The solartaxi, which can travel at a maximum speed of 90 km/h (55 mph) on its three wheels, is powered 100 percent by solar energy obtained through the vehicle, which includes a trailer on the back with solar cells. REUTERS/Christian Charisius (GERMANY) more detail. ...
A prototype has been developed by Bmw Group Research and Technology for a multifunctional car key which allows cashless payment and customized access to the vehicle. “As part of our research project we first integrated a security chip into the key casing, which communicates across short distances by radio with a card reader,” says Hans-Jörg Vögel, project manager at Bmw Group Forschung und Technik. more detail. ...
The entire body is carbon fiber that was done with a wet layup over a cnc’d foam core. The seat is not only extremely lightweight strong, but suits the needs of all three stages a child goes through when using a carseat. The first is a rear facing infant seat, the second and upright forward facing toddler seat, and third a youth booster seat. This carseat achieves this by having a central pivot that is not only adjustable but also removable to allow for these three different configurations. By combining all these stages it allows the buyer to not have to purchase three different carseats throughout the childs carseat years. Note that this design is purely conceptual and does not fully function.
The project was done for a fourth term product design class where the assignment was to design a softgood product (Rory based this on the interior). Here’s some info from Rory regarding the development and cost:
All straps are All straps are Sparco race harnesses and all plastic insert and parts were made using rapid prototyping machines. Interior is fully padded and snaps out of carbon shell for washing. The many holes down the back of the seat allow for harness adjustment as the child grows. more detail. ...
