Toyota is showcasing a special Toyota Mark X sedan at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon featuring a full carbon fibre roof. It’s believed the car gives us a glimpse into the sort of technology we can expect in future Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Even though production of the epic Lexus […]
Technology
Nine-speed auto transmission is the limit, says ZF CEO
How many gears is too many? It seems nine is the limit according to renowned transmission manufacturer, ZF. The CEO recently spoke about the number of gears a transmission could have before it becomes excessive. Speaking in an interview with Automobilwoche, ZF CEO Stefan Sommer said nine is the “natural […]
Ford Focus previews carbon fibre technology to be used on future vehicles
In the ongoing fight to reduce vehicle weight and thus reduce its carbon footprint and average fuel consumption, Ford Europe is previewing carbon fibre technology that will be adapted on future Ford vehicles. The company recently demonstrated the material’s use on a normal Ford Focus by creating a carbon fibre […]
Ford and GM co-developing 9- and 10-speed transmissions
A seven-speed automatic is fairly common these days, while some companies like BMW and Lexus are even using eight-speed transmissions. It seems Ford and GM are now co-developing a range of nine- and 10-speed automatic transmissions for use in their future vehicles. Yes, we’re talking about cars here not mountain […]
Video: Fascinating Hyundai hyper-matrix 3D presentation
A very interesting presentation has been shown at EXPO 2012 in Hyundai Motor Group’s pavilion in Korea, with a stunning display of thousands of oscillating cubes that double as colour screens. In a huge room, the ‘hyper-matrix’ display uses three walls which are filled with cube-like screens that move horizontally. […]
Video: Michelin shows how low rolling resistance tyres work
Michelin has released an interesting new advertising campaign which involves giving us all a quick hands-on demonstration of why its tyres are supposedly better than the rest. Of course, being an advertisement there is going to be a certain amount of variables that still need to be accounted for. The […]
Dyno-Shaft pocket-size personal dyno reads engine power
Now this is a neat little gadget we’d love to get our hands on. It’s called the Dyno-Shaft and it is effectively a pocket-sized personal dynamometer that can be used at home, by anyone, without the need for larg heavy equipment. The system is capable of providing accurate engine power […]
BMW electric turbocharger patent application filed
Speculations surrounding BMW developing an electric turbocharger have now been confirmed. A BMW electric turbocharger patent application has been made in Germany. The system could be used to assist conventional turbochargers in spooling up. Some may remember our report a couple of month’s ago outlining a possible triple turbocharger setup […]