Automatic or manual stand-by telephone function on the new Renault Modus
Modus offers hands-free telephone operation, with a function - completely new in this segment - which allows the driver to place the telephone on automatic or manual stand-by.
The driver can choose the most suitable time to make or to receive a call thanks to a voice message which informs callers that the person they are trying to reach is in a driving situation.
Saab unveils Alcohol Lock-Out Concept to discourage drinking and driving
Last year 29 percent of all drivers killed in car accidents on Swedish roads and 25 percent of all drivers killed in car accidents in Europe* can be attributed to drunk driving. To help alleviate this problem, Saab is now developing a unique, miniature alcohol-sensing device which will assist drivers in observing drunk-driving laws.
The Saab 'Alcokey' concept includes a small mouthpiece in the car's key fob. A transponder communicates with the car's electronic control unit, keeping the engine immobilised if a breath sample from the driver is found to contain alcohol above the permitted level.Such a device could be made available as an accessory through Saab dealers and is currently under evaluation and development. In commercial production the 'Alcokey' concept would cost about 250 Euros, or a tenth of the cost of a fixed system installed inside the car. Saab intends to demonstrate the concept in conjunction with a safety seminar in Tylösand, Sweden, in August.
The 'Alcokey' concept is an elegant adaptation of existing anti-theft technology. When the driver presses the 'doors open' button on the car's remote control fob, the alcohol sensor is also switched on. The driver then blows into a small mouthpiece at the end of the fob to provide a breath sample which passes down a small internal tube containing a semi-conductor sensor the size of a pin-head. The sample is then analysed and a small green or red light on the fob is illuminated.
If the green light is shown, the key will transmit an 'all clear' signal to the car's electronic control unit. This is in addition to the usual signal the key always transmits to switch off the engine immobiliser. However, if a red light is shown, the 'all clear' signal will not be sent and the engine will, therefore, continue to be immobilised. The software instructing the engine immobiliser can be adjusted according to the alcohol limits in operation where the car is registered.
The current prototype 'Alcokey' is a separate unit, about 10 cm long and 4 cm wide, additional to a conventional Saab 9-5 combined key and remote control. In production, further miniaturization would allow both to be contained in a single, pocket-sized unit.
The interior of a modern car contains many different materials, such as plastics. These, in turn, contain chemical substances. While most of these substances remain 'locked' in the material, small quantities can evaporate and give off the smell typical of a new car. Volvo Cars monitors these substances and the smells they may cause in the cabin.
"Materials such as wood and leather have their own natural odours. Then there are additives, such as softening and colouring agents, which add their own distinctive smells," says Anders Högström, environmental coordinator for interior and climate system technology. "Plastics may contain malodorous ingredients which should normally be consumed in the manufacturing process and should be gone by the time the material is used in the car, but which somehow manage to 'hang around'".
Volvo Cars interior designers use a sunshine simulator at the Swedish Testing and Research Institute in Borås, an hour's drive from Göteborg. There, a car equipped with a new interior trim material can be tested by placing it in the simulator for perhaps a couple of hours until the cabin temperature has reached about 65ºC.
"Different people have different perceptions of smells," says Patrik Libander, a Volvo Cars test engineer involved in the simulation programme. "These are due to differences between generations and cultures, and to the different associations made by different people depending on their own experience".
NAVTEQ, a leading global provider of digital map data for in-vehicle navigation, Internet/wireless, business and government solutions, has enhanced NAVTEQ™ maps of North America and Europe with elevation contours: graphics that appear on navigation systems' map displays indicating variations in geography along a driver's route.
Elevation contours highlight changes in the elevation and landscape relevant to a driver's individual route. Being able to note changes in geographic formations and land configuration helps drivers orient themselves, particularly when they are traveling along unfamiliar roadways. For example, drivers traveling to the Courchevel ski area in the French Alps could track elevation changes and geographic landmarks, bringing another facet of reality to their navigation experience.
This product enhancement also captures the elevation of landscapes above mean sea level, in meters or feet, at multiple altitude points. Elevation contours are available in Geographic Data (GDF) 3.0 and Standard Interchange Format (SIF+) free of charge to NAVTEQ customers licensing NAVTEQ maps of Europe and North America.
The Tigra TwinTop comes with an electro-hydraulic retractable steel roof that opens and closes at the touch of a button.
The trunk has 250 liters of cargo space when the top is down, still offering plenty of room. When closed, the trunk's loading capacity increases to 440 liters. Together with the 70 liter interior compartment this adds up to more than 500 liters of loading space. The key to the Tigra's large loading capacity and dynamic and sleek design is the car's electro-hydraulically powered folding roof mechanism with space-saving folding kinematics.
The rear part of the retractable roof (the c-pillar and rear window) disappears nearly vertically into the trunk, while the front part folds itself horizontally on top of the rear element - a specialty of the Tigra TwinTop's folding kinematics. Retractable roof tops in this vehicle class usually place both roof parts horizontally on top of each other and thus take away a substantial amount of overall height in the trunk. The TwinTop's ingenious solution enables a well-proportioned trunk lid as well as a large loading area offering full luggage compartment height - even when the top is down.
The Opel Tigra TwinTop, which will go on sale in late summer, is built by the renowned coachbuilder Groupe Henri Heuliez S.A in Cerizay (France).
Contact with nickel and hexavalent chromium is primary reason for the current increase in contact allergies among people. As such, it is of importance to a responsible carmaker. "We have observed that the incidence of contact allergies is growing and that women are more affected by them than men," says Andreas Andersson, environmental engineer at Volvo Cars.
Nickel : this is true, for example, of nickel allergies which, according to a European study, affect at least 10% of the female population and 1% of men. Nickel leakage has been shown to be the commonest form of skin contact allergy. "For this reason, Volvo Cars has, on it own initiative, decided to implement a 2001 EU directive concerning nickel leakage from items in long-term contact with the skin," adds Andreas Andersson. "Volvo's requirements also extend to items such as keys, door handles and safety belt buckles, even though skin contact with these is only short-term."
Fabrics : Volvo Cars has implemented the ÖkoTex 100 textile standard since 1998. This is an assurance that the upholstery fabrics have been tested for allergenic and carcinogenic dyes, formaldehyde, pesticides, heavy metals and chlorinated phenols. "This is a comprehensive code which has already had a significant impact in the textile industry."
Hexavalent chromium : allergy to hexavalent chromium occurs in about 2-3% of the population and is caused mainly by leather tanned by a process using chromium. Shoe, glove and watch strap leathers are common examples of chromium-tanned leathers. Although tanning makes a leather durable, hexavalent chromium from the tanning process can be released and cause an allergy.
With very few exceptions, all leathers used in Volvo cars are now tanned using natural vegetable-based substances.
Delphi's active rear wheel steering system enhances passenger vehicles handling
Delphi Corporation today featured a Jaguar S-Type equipped with Active Rear Steering at its annual ride and drive in Paris.
"Active Rear Steering separates the yaw and lateral dynamics of the vehicle," explains Dr. Jean Botti, chief technologist, Innovation Center, Delphi Dynamics & Propulsion Center. "This gives chassis design and tuning experts a new degree of freedom to control vehicle motion. When combined with the latest in advanced algorithms, Active Rear Steering allows our customers to achieve superior handling performance while also increasing dynamic safety through active rear steering."
Delphi Active Rear Steering helps minimize over steer and under steer at all speeds, and on virtually all surfaces, even during normal driving, without slowing the vehicle. Emergency lane changes, or elk test maneuvers, become more predictable, more manageable and less stressful when rear steering is added to the equation.
Active Rear Steering can be integrated with controlled braking to provide a more effective vehicle system solution to stability control than brakes alone. Together these systems help deliver instantaneous rear steering control to bring a vehicle back on its intended course and blended braking as needed. This approach minimizes any slowing of the vehicle making the correction less intrusive to the driver. In addition, by allowing steering to maintain directional control and braking to slow the vehicle, this integration can help reduce vehicle-stopping distances on split and mixed coefficient surfaces, such as snow and ice, in a stable, controlled manner.
"Active Rear Steering complements and expands the impact of brake-based stability control systems on vehicle dynamics by improving handling and yaw stability," states Botti. "Bringing steering into the equation allows our customers to deliver the ultimate in active safety combined with a comfortable ride and superior handling."
Traditional four-wheel steering benefits seen on today's full size trucks and SUVs in the U.S. are also maintained on passenger car applications. Active Rear Steering will reduce the vehicle's turn circle for added maneuverability during city driving or parking. The system can also be configured with unique algorithms for improved handling and safety while towing a caravan or utility trailer.
We can add that Delphi has marketed the Quadrasteer™ Four Wheel Steering from nearly two years in the U.S.
The Acura RL sedan made its world debut today at the New York International Auto Show, and, for the first time in a North American vehicle, features a standard real time traffic information integrated into a new in-car satellite-based navigation system.
Utilizing the XM NavTraffic service beamed from XM's satellites, the RL's 8-inch navigation screen can display a variety of up-to-the-minute traffic information where available including flow (traffic speed), accidents, and construction on freeways in 20 major metro areas including Los Angeles, New York and Chicago.
In addition to enabling the real time traffic feature, the AcuraLink Satellite-Based Communication System allows for communication between Acura and the vehicle, providing customers with the latest diagnostic information specific to their vehicle as well as vehicle-related messages. Because it is linked to the car's HandsFreeLink(TM) wireless telephone interface, drivers can respond to messages or one-touch-dial Acura dealers and Acura Roadside Assistance (TLC) using their Bluetooth phone.
Front suspension with independent steering axis on the new Mégane Renault Sport
Just after the launch of the Peugeot 407 fitted with double wishbone drop link design at the front axle, Renault announces its similar system bas on MacPherson type.
The front suspension with independent steering axis overcomes the drawbacks often encountered in powerful front-driven cars subjected to high forces: self-steeering inputs during tight cornering, and poor straight-line stability (torque-steer). The steering axis of the Mégane Renault Sport front suspension is completely separate from the damper unit, unlike the MacPherson type arrangement in which the steering axis is defined by the lower swivel joint and the upper attachment of the damper.
The axis around which the wheel rotates forms part of a pivoting link between the hub carrier and an aluminium pivot-carrier. The hub-level offset (the distance between the wheel centre and the intersection of its rotation and steering axes) is thus reduced to 32mm compared with 60mm for the MacPherson type suspension in Mégane II. The geometry of the front suspension becomes far less sensitive to loads and torques applied to the driven wheels around their steering axes during hard acceleration or braking. The pivot carrier is attached to the lower suspension arm. It is prevented from rotating by means of a link between the two components.
This front axle will be detailed in a further document.
The neck-level heating system AIRSCARF is a special climate system feature, newly available on the Mercedes SLK witch flows a warm airflow to the neck. Thank to a duck located in the headrest, driver and passenger can open the roof even during cold temperature.
Kinetic® Technology (Tenneco Automotive) wins Paris-Dakar and World Rally Championship
The Mitsubishi Pajero and Citroën have won respectively the Paris-Dakar and the World Rally Championship thanks to the Kinetic® Technology developed byTenneco Automotive
"This new anti-roll bar system is similar to the one used so successfully by Citroen in the FIA World Rally Championship," said Thierry Viardot, Technical Director at Mitsubishi Motors Motor Sports GmbH. "It improves stability during cornering and ensures that the Evolution handles more like a WRC car. It is particularly useful on twisty special stages, narrow tracks and the traditional Prologue stage. Another of the system's strengths is its adaptability on bumpy tracks and in sand holes."
The Kinetic Reverse Function Stabiliser System or RFS can retain conventional bounce and damping methods and works by splitting the roll stabiliser bars using a simple cradle device incorporating a double acting hydraulic cylinders. These cylinders are connected using kinetics unique proprietary RFS arrangement . This arrangement passively frees the bars to allow articulation and single wheel type movements but will not permit vehicle body roll. This roll stiffness and "articulation looseness" are achieved simultaneously with neither mode effecting the other. This system requires no computers, pumps or motors.
It was announced by Toyota on September 1st that the Kinetic RFS suspension technology will be offered as an option on their US only GX470. Dubbed the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) the system helps ensure optimal handling response and ride comfort in any driving situation.
Plug and Go TomTom Navigator navigation system on PDA Tungsten T3
Tungsten T3Ô users can now get from A to B, stress-free with TomTom Navigator for palmOneÔ handhelds. TomTom's new version of its Navigator software provides a Plug and Go solution for Tungsten T3 owners, transforming the handheld into a flexible, user-friendly car navigation system.
TomTom's Navigator for palmOne handhelds couldn't be any easier to use: insert the pre-loaded SD card and users can instantly access all the software, maps, colour 3D navigation views, as well as voice-guided instructions in a language of their choice.
It includes the latest, most accurate maps available from TeleAtlas, to guide users from door to door via the best possible route. Useful information such as the location of petrol stations, shops, airports and hotels are also included making travelling in your car easier than ever. TomTom Navigator for palmOne handhelds is available with a choice of wired or wireless Bluetooth GPS Receivers.
The package also includes a CD-ROM featuring a Major Roads of Europe map, which allows users to plan cross-border trips across Western Europe making this navigation solution the ultimate travel accessory.
The product is available from mid February at major retailers including Dixons and PC World as well as the TomTom mail order store at www.tomtom.com. The recommended retail price for TomTom Navigator for palmOne handhelds with Wireless GPS is Euros 499, including VAT. The standard GPS version is available for Euros 399, including VAT.
DENSO Corporation has developed a technique to prevent unpleasant odors such as cigarette smoke, sweat, and exhaust fumes from remaining in and recycling through car air conditioners. The new technology, called the Eva-Clean-Coat, is a surface treatment coat applied to the heat exchanger or evaporator in the car's air conditioner.
After years of use, a car air conditioner accumulates odor elements on the surface of the heat exchanger. As air passes through the heat exchanger, it carries those odor elements into the car. DENSO's Eva-Clean-Coat solves this problem by using a new resin material with a surface structure that does not easily collect odors. The resin coating is applied on the heat exchanger. An additional air filter keeps dust away from the heat exchanger, further improving the odor inhibiting effect.
Car air conditioners with the Eva-Clean-Coat are only installed in the latest Toyota Motor Corporation Crown models, but that market is expected to grow. "DENSO plans to gradually install car air conditioners with the Eva-Clean-Coat in all other vehicle models" said Satoshi Watanabe, DENSO managing director in charge of Thermal Systems.
Last year 29 percent of all drivers killed in car accidents on Swedish roads and 25 percent of all drivers killed in car accidents in Europe* can be attributed to drunk driving. To help alleviate this problem, Saab is now developing a unique, miniature alcohol-sensing device which will assist drivers in observing drunk-driving laws.
Delphi Corporation today featured a Jaguar S-Type equipped with Active Rear Steering at its annual ride and drive in Paris.
Just after the launch of the Peugeot 407 fitted with double wishbone drop link design at the front axle, Renault announces its similar system bas on MacPherson type.
The Mitsubishi Pajero and Citroën have won respectively the Paris-Dakar and the World Rally Championship thanks to the Kinetic® Technology developed byTenneco Automotive
Tungsten T3Ô users can now get from A to B, stress-free with TomTom Navigator for palmOneÔ handhelds. TomTom's new version of its Navigator software provides a Plug and Go solution for Tungsten T3 owners, transforming the handheld into a flexible, user-friendly car navigation system.