tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35587987047735613132024-03-14T01:23:47.866-07:00Road SectorJalan-jalanAzim Arishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08746502808608849845noreply@blogger.comBlogger173125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3558798704773561313.post-36709159495731120252012-09-09T07:34:00.000-07:002012-09-09T07:34:03.502-07:00Mercedes Benz SLS AMG GT coupeWill available on October 2012..<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="vwtb" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; color: black; empty-cells: show; font-family: Tahoma, 'Microsoft Yahei', Simsun; font-size: 14px; height: 300px; line-height: 25px; table-layout: fixed; width: 618px; word-wrap: break-word;"><tbody style="word-wrap: break-word;">
<tr style="word-wrap: break-word;"><td id="article_content" style="vertical-align: top; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: verdana; word-wrap: break-word;">Damn...<br style="word-wrap: break-word;" /></span><div align="center" style="word-wrap: break-word;">
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Azim Arishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08746502808608849845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3558798704773561313.post-40691609892513018432012-09-06T02:11:00.002-07:002012-09-06T02:11:58.505-07:00Ducati 1199 Panigale 2012<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2rVUsDnzXpIW5mzWvVLS23AUJ97jLlwrtL0RL1-ROu6OSSelcdlcDXiGcqVwNwHtIXGONig2Lkwfnv-RalI2RhREff_c6xYh_HQs_AYmhvPm64AmIlswM39Qu89Ymt9Tam-n7kj3P6w/s1600/2012-Ducati-Panigale-1199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2rVUsDnzXpIW5mzWvVLS23AUJ97jLlwrtL0RL1-ROu6OSSelcdlcDXiGcqVwNwHtIXGONig2Lkwfnv-RalI2RhREff_c6xYh_HQs_AYmhvPm64AmIlswM39Qu89Ymt9Tam-n7kj3P6w/s400/2012-Ducati-Panigale-1199.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;">Ducati 1199 Panigale. First seen at the 2011 EICMA show, the Panigale is the Italian brand’s flagship supersports bike. Powered by the latest Superquadro L-twin engine, this little red beast has 195 hp (at 10,750 rpm) and 132 Nm of torque made at 9,000 rpm. Designed on a “blank canvas”, the Panigale is 10 kg lighter and 25 hp more powerful than the model it replaces. Weighing just 164 kg, the 1199′s power to weight ratio is 1.19 hp per kg.</span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_9M63UP4kbaHblB4kU-wvhXIrnaf9Gh6c7tOzlx6Tm1dpShSPTlIbuLksgpkVBr8MDDL47f-YVz_Rx1WRb6BG3AK0kS-p1_MK0f-nzXPcEEa427gKR2mR6TyZPXmqCpQLmaerj7oIn4/s1600/2012-Ducati-Panigale-1199-meter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_9M63UP4kbaHblB4kU-wvhXIrnaf9Gh6c7tOzlx6Tm1dpShSPTlIbuLksgpkVBr8MDDL47f-YVz_Rx1WRb6BG3AK0kS-p1_MK0f-nzXPcEEa427gKR2mR6TyZPXmqCpQLmaerj7oIn4/s400/2012-Ducati-Panigale-1199-meter.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br style="line-height: 18px;" /><span style="line-height: 18px;">The Panigale 1199 loaded with electronic technology, including the latest generation of Sport ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES), Ducati Quick Shift (DQS), new race derived Ducati Engine Brake Control (EBC) and Ride-by-Wire (LBR), which are “programmed in a transparent, electronic rider.</span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
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Azim Arishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08746502808608849845noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3558798704773561313.post-31067070487151182942012-09-06T02:01:00.000-07:002012-09-06T02:01:45.956-07:00Tushek Renovatio T500 2012 <br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Slovenian luxury vehicle maker Tushek has confirmed <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD6" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; background-repeat: repeat repeat !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 153, 0) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;">plans</span> to show off its Renovatio T500 <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD7" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; background-repeat: repeat repeat !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 153, 0) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;">supercar</span> in the UK for the first time at the Salon Privé show next month.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Never before seen in the UK, the Renovatio T500 super sports car is a road- and track-ready design based around an Audi-sourced 4.2-litre 444bhp V8 engine and a hand-built body. The result, Tushek claims, is a vehicle capable of hitting 62mph from a standing <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD11" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; background-repeat: repeat repeat !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 153, 0) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;">start</span> in just 3.7 seconds and with a <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD9" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; background-repeat: repeat repeat !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 153, 0) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;">top speed</span> of an impressive 193mph.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The mid-engine design, built from claimed race-specification components, is the first vehicle to come out of the Slovenian company's factory, and represents the brainchild of company founder and racing driver Aljosa Tushek - a man who, it is claimed, founded the company on a philosophy of a desire for a pure and direct <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD1" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; background-repeat: repeat repeat !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 153, 0) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;">driving experience</span> with user-friendly performance and handling.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"We are honoured to be chosen as the platform to launch the Renovatio T500 in the UK", claimed Salon Privé's David Bagley at the <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD10" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; background-repeat: repeat repeat !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 153, 0) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;">announcement</span>. "Its groundbreaking aerodynamics, blistering performance to a near 200mph and back to zero again and race-specification materials construction is a sight to behold. This car has to be seen to be believed – and there’s only one place in the world to do that this summer: Salon Privé 2012."</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD12" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; background-repeat: repeat repeat !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 153, 0) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;">Visitors</span> to the show, which opens on the 5th of September with the Tour d’Elégance departing from the Royal Automobile Club at Woodcote Park, will be given the chance to see the vehicle - but only a select few will likely be able to consider placing a deposit: each Renovatio T500 is made to order at a cost of €300,000 (around £236,000).</span></span></div>
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Azim Arishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08746502808608849845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3558798704773561313.post-5082901981718944332012-09-06T02:00:00.000-07:002012-09-06T02:00:13.256-07:00Mazda 6 2013 -Skyactive G<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5S6kaGfxR158EyFKg9J6RtR7eFUm3KuUtxrNNtd2zOOB7CT5D9rdQVV3Hc6JbCoSU9D8l5IsJG82CYrW7Fqp1gsm4Mdw8SWHxPZD9D6KGw9phKMDWGAJgl7rJPfLyZXbaZ-e_zapTA_s/s400/Mazda6_Sedan_2012.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="400" /> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Mazda 6, certainly of the most attractive cars in its segment, and supposedly among the best handling as well, is getting a complete redesign for next year. And the company has been busy releasing “teasers” for a while now, the best of which we’ve put up here. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJOuGb3S30Saxa5Dmg0P7_4iW-SjJGLbVBTfM7IUeTH3ZoEsgr8zPQfNSlBwCvY1rmKkKYR4GvijVVqKyRwrpFD7OOopsqbO2CH7Yly4GlJY-1FgXUkome_SvrlRlvSgjFUvNpeyD6rI/s1600/2013-Mazda-6-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJOuGb3S30Saxa5Dmg0P7_4iW-SjJGLbVBTfM7IUeTH3ZoEsgr8zPQfNSlBwCvY1rmKkKYR4GvijVVqKyRwrpFD7OOopsqbO2CH7Yly4GlJY-1FgXUkome_SvrlRlvSgjFUvNpeyD6rI/s400/2013-Mazda-6-4.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mazda plans to debut its new midsize sedan with a 2.0-litre “Skyactiv-G” 4-cylinder, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, and also feature their new i-ELOOP capacitor-based regenerative braking system that will apparently improve economy by up to 10%. It remains to be seen how much of this tech appears in GCC-spec models.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKO6JD1jMujuWuvkIqFXTt0uJhHpwRVNOtt6z3UtZ_vmz-6EMu7LsBLR80BQZ-5UEklZE45iQJLG8PIp8VTsex18Hk2hfrgBZ_w_ET_u_fZnmOFx_0RFdpXGf4iA_MnjLYcP57ivEX1Og/s1600/Mazda-6-2013-Rear-Left-Angle-Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKO6JD1jMujuWuvkIqFXTt0uJhHpwRVNOtt6z3UtZ_vmz-6EMu7LsBLR80BQZ-5UEklZE45iQJLG8PIp8VTsex18Hk2hfrgBZ_w_ET_u_fZnmOFx_0RFdpXGf4iA_MnjLYcP57ivEX1Og/s400/Mazda-6-2013-Rear-Left-Angle-Image.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: transparent; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-color: transparent; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: transparent; border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: transparent; border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-top-right-radius: 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.199219) 0px 0px 0px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The reworked Mazda 6 is debuting in August at the 2012 Moscow Motor Show. The new model is being touted as a 2014 model, which means it will only reach showrooms by early 2013 at the latest.</span></span></div>
Azim Arishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08746502808608849845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3558798704773561313.post-12092324591110413772012-08-18T01:10:00.000-07:002012-08-18T01:10:49.471-07:00Lamborghini Sesto Elemento The Futuristic Machine<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The world expected Lamborghini to unveil its Murciélago replacement at this year’s Paris auto show—production of the wildest bull has already ended—but the supercar maker chose instead to tease us with this concept, saving its new flagship for next March’s Geneva auto show. Ah, you must now be thinking, so this smaller car previews a Gallardo replacement! Nope, it’s not that either.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><img alt="2." src="http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/201009/lamborghini-sesto-el-1_600x0w.jpg" /> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What, then, is the Sesto Elemento? Let's have a look at the exterior first. Despite the mid-engine layout, this concept seems compact, with a very short rear overhang. Wedgy shapes are typical for Lamborghini, but this car is even more extreme than the super-angular Reventón, the ultra-low-volume Murciélago spinoff from a few years ago. A plethora of spoilers, air vents, and triangular elements protrude from or perforate its body. There is a racing-type quick-refueling system. The rear end is open, to give spectators a clear view of the transmission and the exhaust system, the latter of which, remarkably, exits through the engine cover above the taillights.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The front end and roof are marked by sharp, seemingly folded creases, and the rear part of the roof is graced by two intake ducts and two parallel lines of five holes arranged above the cylinder banks. Below the ten openings sits, obviously, a V-10. The hexagonal shape of these elements is a nod to an obsession of former Bertone designer Marcello Gandini, who penned the Miura and Countach.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Seems Familiar and Futuristic<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Despite an overt familiarity to its shape, the Sesto Elemento is nevertheless detached from the brand's current styling language. The wild details turn it into something you’d expect only in a video game, or in some crazy tuner's showroom, but not quite from Lamborghini, not after the brand has been working hard to overcome the styling clichés of its past. In fact, we hear there was a considerable amount of discussion within Lamborghini and at parent Audi about showing such an extreme concept car. In the end, the view prevailed that it wouldn't hurt to deviate a bit from the production models' somewhat aloof and architectonic proportions and design—traits that will apply to that Murciélago replacement, by the way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the most striking features of the Sesto Elemento is that its entire body is constructed from visible, matte-finish carbon fiber (the so-called "sixth element” indicated by translating the concept’s name from Italian), as expensive a material as it is light. In fact, the curb weight of the entire car is claimed to be a mere 2200 pounds. That's 1100 fewer than our estimated curb weight for the supposedly “superlight” Gallardo Superleggera.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wicked Quick<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Combine the low weight with the V-10’s 570 hp at 8000 rpm—torque stands at 398 lb-ft at 6500 rpm—and performance should be explosive; Lamborghini says the car is capable of reaching 62 mph in 2.5 seconds. Top speed—only mentioned, says Lambo, "in the interests of completeness,” as top speed has been downgraded to the fourth-highest priority for its products—is said to be “well over 185 mph.” We suspect this modesty belies a terminal velocity north of 200 mph.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The use of carbon fiber extends beyond exterior panels: The passenger-holding monocoque, front subframe, crumple zones, and wheels are made of the material as well. The rear subframe, by contrast, is made of aluminum. Most anything else has simply been omitted. There is no dashtop—the underlying structure itself is laid bare—and the seat cushions are glued to the monocoque. One element we wish had been included is a clutch pedal. The Sesto Elemento is equipped with the e-gear six-speed automated manual transmission; power runs through it to Lambo’s all-wheel-drive system.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><img alt="3." src="http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/201009/lamborghini-sesto-el-4_600x0w.jpg" /> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Foreshadows Future Lambos<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If the sinister design won’t redefine Lamborghini styling, the Sesto Elemento is nevertheless significant as a rolling testament to the brand’s commitment to carbon fiber; all future Lambos will make extensive use of the stuff. AWD systems and heavy, ten- and twelve-cylinder engines take their toll on curb weights, and eliminating hundreds of pounds through the use of carbon fiber will give Lamborghini a potent weapon in the fight to create the most extreme supercars.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's good politically for the brand within the VW Group, too. With its sales numbers taking a dive, Lamborghini needs another leg to stand on, and carbon-fiber expertise will for the first time make the raging bull a technology leader among VW’s brands. Lamborghini is working with the University of Washington in Seattle to develop its carbon-fiber tech, and aircraft maker Boeing is a partner in the university's Lamborghini Advanced Composite Structures Laboratory, too.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Azim Arishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08746502808608849845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3558798704773561313.post-60592026555986166832012-08-18T01:01:00.000-07:002012-08-18T01:01:54.573-07:00Lamborghini Sesto Elemento Full Information<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="lamborghini sesto elemento picture" src="http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/201105/2012-lamborghini-sesto-el-1_600x0w.jpg" /> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento will be offered at a princely sum and rumors suggest that payment will be taken Reventon-style, which means three equal payments of $300,000 or higher with the remainder being paid at the end of the deal. That kind of price tag will bring its owner a 570 HP V10 engine and a power-to-weight ratio of only 1.75 kilograms per HP. This allows the Sesto Elemento to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a sensational 2.5 seconds, while top speed will be higher than 186 mph.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyone willing and able to pay that incredible price tag better have their phone in hand and their bank account numbers handy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="3." src="http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/201009/lamborghini-sesto-el-4_600x0w.jpg" /> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Exterior<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The main component of the new Sesto Elemento is carbon fiber and more specifically carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP). Lamborghini has been able to successfully develop a process that takes the material from 3D design through simulation, validation, testing, and finally into production. Its collaboration with the Boeing company is perhaps one of the most important to the development of this vehicle. The two companies have been able to develop the CFRP design much further than ever before thanks to their ACRC (Advanced Composite Research Center). Two of the most unique parts designed for the exterior are the wheels made entirely out of carbon fiber and the exhaust system which is made out of a material called Pyrosic. This is a glass ceramic composite that can withstand high heat.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento shows how the future of the super sports car can look – extreme lightweight engineering, combined with extreme performance results in extreme driving fun. We put all of our technological competence into one stunning form to create the Sesto Elemento,” comments Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/201103/2011-lamborghini-sesto-el-1_600x0w.jpg" /> </span></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nearly every panel of the vehicle is graced with this carbon fiber material including the monocoque passenger cell, front frame, exterior panels, and crash boxes. One of the coolest aspects of the car is that it remains unpainted in the traditional sense. The panels shine through in a matte finish, but Lamborghini has added one last piece of magic to their carbon-fiber. Towards the end of the development process fine crystals are added to the mixture and in the end a red glow is added to the entire exterior. The surface is not only stunning, but actually much stronger than a normal paint job.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cool air is able to flow through two red triangular openings in the hood beneath the front windscreen and through large outlets in the side panels behind the front wheels. Sharply cut headlamp units complete the front end. Alongside the bi-xenon lamps, there are four LEDs in each unit. The low front end looks incredibly dominant, with the partially double-lipped front spoiler pushed way out front and distinctively formed air intakes. A powerful sideline starts at the front wheel arch, rises along the door towards the rear and ends at the broad shoulders above the rear wheel. The triangle shape is used extensively – and can be seen everywhere from the door handles to the points of the air outlet triangles in the hood that are carried through into lines along the roof. The aerodynamic elements of the Sesto Elemento are unmatched in today’s world and the design is absolutely stunning.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Interior<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lamborghini has been able to take a standard car interior and completely turn it on its head. The design of the Sesto Elemento circles around function rather than form and the first defines the latter. The interior is exclusively shaped by the carbon fiber monocoque tub which provides a minimalist yet purely Lamborghini feeling. The most unique feature is the fact that the Sesto Elemento does not have seats. Quite literally the cushioning is fixed to the carbon fiber tub giving the driver an unparalled sense of road feel. In order to adapt drivers of differing stature the steering wheel is completely adjustable for height and reach. Furthermore, the pedals can be adjusted longitudinally.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/201009/lamborghini-sesto-el-2_600x0w.jpg" /> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As for the use of leather, wood grain, or any other typical luxury material, they are non-existent. This car gives the feel of a race car once inside. The CFRP material is exposed everywhere and even major components of the engine management system are visible. Controls are just as simple and include a starter button, reverse gear button, and a final switch for the lights. The weight reduction inside and out has led to a major savings when compared to other lightweight Lamborghini models. The Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera has a dry weight of only 1,340 kilograms. Compared with the already extremely lean Gallardo LP 560-4 Coupé, this represents a further reduction of 70 kilograms, or 154 lbs, which would easily make it the lightest of any sports car.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Performance<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With the Elemento having an overall curb weight of just 2,202 lbs and a massive V10 power unit feeding a permanent all-wheel drive system, this car is sure to impress on the track. Output is 570hp giving the lightweight bull a power to weight ratio of 1.75 kilograms per horsepower. What that statistic really comes down to is the car being able to accelerate from a standstill through 60mph in 2.5 seconds.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The V10 offers 5,204 cm3 of displacement, delivering a specific output of 80.5 kW (109.6 hp) per liter of displacement. The engine utilizes an aluminum crankcase including dry sump lubrication and a cylinder angle of 90 degrees. Both solutions are an integral part of the lightweight engineering approach, as well as serving to lower the center of gravity and thus tighten the handling characteristics. Ideal combustion chamber fill comes courtesy of a switch-over induction system and continually variable, chain-driven camshafts.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lamborghini has taken its carbon fiber knowledge and expanded it to the suspension as well. Carbon-fiber control arms help reduce weight while the rear subframe with the engine mount and rear axle suspension points are made from aluminum which is another lightweight material that is used extensively in high performance vehicle design. The glass composite material used for the tailpipes on the exhaust system, which is composed of ceramic powder and synthetic resin, makes this carbon material extremely heat resistant.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/201103/2011-lamborghini-sesto-el-2_600x0w.jpg" /> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Sesto will use an e-gear transmission controlled by paddle shifters on the steering column. It uses a six gear setup and is automated to complete shifts faster than a human is able to. The final piece of the equation for the Sesto Elemento was the use of its partner company Audi and their knowledge of all-wheel drive systems.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pricing<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The production Sesto Elemento is priced at 1.9 million euro, or about $2.8 million at the current exchange rates, with units arriving in October 2011. Apparently, only 20 units of this supercar will be built, with three headed over to stateside.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img src="http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/201103/2011-lamborghini-sesto-el-7_600x0w.jpg" /> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Competition<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the $2-3 million dollar category, there is quite literally no competition for this car. Nothing on today’s market exhibits the use of carbon fiber to the same extent that the Sesto Elemento has and in the near future don’t look for any rivals. The Koenigsegg Agera R is close in some respects, but goes about things completely differently. It and the Bugatti Veyron are more concerned with using brute force to reach high speeds, where the Lamborghini was initially a testbed for CFRP technology. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="2." src="http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/201009/lamborghini-sesto-el-1_600x0w.jpg" /> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Koenigsegg is a company that has a lot of experience with carbon fiber as well, but has nowhere near the resources that Lamborghini can pull from thanks to the help from Boeing. Overall, this car will go down in the history books as one of the most radical design concepts to ever come from Sant’Agata Bolognese – and that is not something said every day.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; line-height: 18px;">lamborghini sesto elemento, sesto elemento price, sesto elemento specs, sesto elemento price, sesto elemento pictures, full speed, maybach exelero wallpaper, information , lamborghini, sesto elemento youtube, sesto elemento price, sesto elemento cost, sesto elemento top gear, how much does a lamborghini sesto elemento cost, what does sesto elemento mean, lamborghini sesto elemento for sale, lamborghini sesto elemento specs</span></div><br />
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Azim Arishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08746502808608849845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3558798704773561313.post-89038612747701672012012-08-17T08:13:00.002-07:002012-08-17T08:13:24.935-07:00Mitsubishi ASX Euro: limited to 200 units, RM145k<br />
<div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><a href="http://paultan.org/2012/08/15/mitsubishi-asx-euro-limited-to-200-units-rm145k/mitsubishi-asx-euro-1/" rel="attachment wp-att-125444"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; height: auto;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-125444" height="420" src="http://s3.paultan.org/image/mitsubishi-asx-euro-1-630x420.jpeg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 630px; vertical-align: middle;" title="mitsubishi-asx-euro-1" width="630" /></span></span></a></div><div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A quick visit to the Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia website has revealed a new version of the ASX crossover. The ASX Euro, as it’s called, is a limited-edition run of 200 units, with a panoramic glass roof leading the host of additional kit.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you remember, the ASX was given an <a href="http://paultan.org/2012/01/31/mitsubishi-asx-upgraded-for-2012-now-with-17-inch-alloys-and-smart-key-push-start-ignition-rm138k/">update earlier in the year</a>, and for 2012 received new 17-inch alloy wheels, a smart key/push-start ignition system, auto-retractable side mirrors and premium leather seats featuring enhanced comfort and increased lumbar support.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, the ASX Euro adds on steering wheel audio controls, auto rain and light sensors, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat and scuff plates. The 2-DIN head unit now features GPS, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, and there’s also a large rear spoiler as well as a new rear diffuser, which is tagged as a “Euro rear styling element.”</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Again, no changes to the mechanicals, with the 150 PS 2.0 litre MIVEC mill and six-step CVT ‘box continuing on. The ASX Euro is available in two colours, White Pearl and Titanium Gray, and goes for RM145,452, on-the-road excluding insurance, which is a RM7k premium over the standard ASX.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"></div><div class="gallery" style="clear: both; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: auto; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<dl class="gallery-item" style="display: inline-block; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; margin-top: 8px; vertical-align: top; zoom: 1;"><dt class="gallery-icon"><a href="http://paultan.org/2012/08/15/mitsubishi-asx-euro-limited-to-200-units-rm145k/screen-shot-2012-08-15-at-5-13-28-pm/" title="asx euro 3"><img alt="asx euro 3" class="attachment-thumbnail" height="108" src="http://s2.paultan.org/image/Screen-Shot-2012-08-15-at-5.13.28-PM-108x108.png" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(114, 114, 114); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(114, 114, 114); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(114, 114, 114); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(114, 114, 114); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; height: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 630px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" title="asx euro 3" width="108" /></a></dt>
</dl><dl class="gallery-item" style="display: inline-block; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; margin-top: 8px; vertical-align: top; zoom: 1;"><dt class="gallery-icon"><a href="http://paultan.org/2012/08/15/mitsubishi-asx-euro-limited-to-200-units-rm145k/screen-shot-2012-08-15-at-5-13-31-pm/" title="asx euro 5"><img alt="asx euro 5" class="attachment-thumbnail" height="108" src="http://s3.paultan.org/image/Screen-Shot-2012-08-15-at-5.13.31-PM-108x108.png" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(114, 114, 114); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(114, 114, 114); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(114, 114, 114); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(114, 114, 114); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; height: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 630px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" title="asx euro 5" width="108" /></a></dt>
</dl><dl class="gallery-item" style="display: inline-block; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; margin-top: 8px; vertical-align: top; zoom: 1;"><dt class="gallery-icon"><a href="http://paultan.org/2012/08/15/mitsubishi-asx-euro-limited-to-200-units-rm145k/screen-shot-2012-08-15-at-5-13-17-pm/" title="asx 2"><img alt="asx 2" class="attachment-thumbnail" height="108" src="http://s2.paultan.org/image/Screen-Shot-2012-08-15-at-5.13.17-PM-108x108.png" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(114, 114, 114); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(114, 114, 114); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(114, 114, 114); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(114, 114, 114); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; height: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 630px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" title="asx 2" width="108" /></a></dt>
</dl><dl class="gallery-item" style="display: inline-block; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; margin-right: 8px; margin-top: 8px; vertical-align: top; zoom: 1;"><dt class="gallery-icon"><a href="http://paultan.org/2012/08/15/mitsubishi-asx-euro-limited-to-200-units-rm145k/mitsubishi-asx-euro-1/" title="mitsubishi-asx-euro-1"><img alt="mitsubishi-asx-euro-1" class="attachment-thumbnail" height="108" src="http://s3.paultan.org/image/mitsubishi-asx-euro-1-108x108.jpeg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(114, 114, 114); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(114, 114, 114); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(114, 114, 114); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(114, 114, 114); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; height: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 630px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle;" title="mitsubishi-asx-euro-1" width="108" /></a></dt>
</dl> </span></span></div>Azim Arishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08746502808608849845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3558798704773561313.post-70366453631443488702012-08-17T08:10:00.002-07:002012-08-17T08:10:54.012-07:00Balik kampung vehicle checklist and guide<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #404040; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><a href="http://paultan.org/2012/08/17/balik-kampung-vehicle-checklist-and-guide/20101029m_0462b-950x633/" rel="attachment wp-att-125825" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0) !important;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; height: auto;"><img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-125825" height="419" src="http://s3.paultan.org/image/20101029m_0462b-950x6331-630x419.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; height: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; max-width: 630px; vertical-align: middle;" title="20101029m_0462b-950x633" width="630" /></span></span></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #404040; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here’s what we <a href="http://paultan.org/2012/08/13/calling-all-readers-to-share-tips-stories-and-advice-on-balik-kampung-motoring-this-raya/20101029m_0462b/" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0) !important;">promised you</a>: a checklist and guide for a safe and fuss-free balik kampung journey this Raya weekend. We’d firstly like to thank all of you who wrote in – there were some very insightful pieces of advice that we never even thought of ourselves! So, just for you, we’ve compiled it all into a neat little bundle that we hope will serve as a good reference this Hari Raya and for the many more to come.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #404040; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Emphasis is naturally placed on the vehicle, driving and the road journey itself.</span></div><blockquote style="background-color: #fafafa; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 5px; clear: both; color: #404040; float: none; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 1px; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 15px; padding-top: 10px; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;"><strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">BEFORE THE JOURNEY</span></strong></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1) Check your vehicle’s:</span></div><ul style="list-style-position: inside; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: square; margin-left: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">General running condition</span></li>
<li style="list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: square; margin-left: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fluids - brake, battery, coolant, power steering, motor oil, gearbox and windscreen washer</span></li>
<li style="list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: square; margin-left: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lights – including signal lamps and the third brake light</span></li>
<li style="list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: square; margin-left: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Gauges and instruments</span></li>
<li style="list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: square; margin-left: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wipers – blades not split or worn</span></li>
<li style="list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: square; margin-left: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Handbrake</span></li>
<li style="list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: square; margin-left: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tyre tread, correct tyre pressure</span></li>
<li style="list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: square; margin-left: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fuel level (good idea to fill up before you set off)</span></li>
</ul><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2) Check that you have in your vehicle:</span></div><ul style="list-style-position: inside; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: square; margin-left: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Spare wheel (inflated to correct pressure), jack, tyre repair kit and any other related equipment</span></li>
<li style="list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: square; margin-left: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Warning triangle</span></li>
<li style="list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: square; margin-left: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jumper cable</span></li>
<li style="list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: square; margin-left: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">First-aid kit</span></li>
</ul><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3) Pack any cabin supplies you might need – umbrella, tissues or napkins, pillows and blankets, food, water, GPS, mobile handsfree kit and charger ,and so on. Items in the boot should be safely secured so that they don’t move around as you drive.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4) Plan your journey (refer to <a href="http://paultan.org/2012/08/16/plus-offering-30-raya-and-merdeka-toll-rebates-releases-travel-time-advisory-to-help-traffic-flow/" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0) !important;">PLUS Travel Time Advisory</a>) – departure and estimated arrival times, alternative routes to avoid delays.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5) Ensure you have funds in your SmartTAG or Touch ‘n Go, and that your SmartTAG has a healthy battery.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">6) Rest well beforehand.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;"><strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">DURING THE JOURNEY</span></strong></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1) Drive patiently and responsibly – remember, you have your family with you. Maintain a safe distance from the car in front – remember, your car will be loaded, so you’ll need a greater stopping distance – and indicate before changing lane.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Keep left if not overtaking and stay within the national speed limit. Turn your headlamps on in rain or fog to improve yours as well as others’ visibility. Be courteous to pedestrians as well as other motorists.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2) Take breaks every two hours or so to recharge. It’s a good idea to share the driving if you aren’t the only one in the group who can drive.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3) To stay alert and awake on the move, chew on snacks, listen to music or chat with your fellow passengers.</span></div></blockquote><div style="background-color: white; color: #404040; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Again, we wish you all a safe drive and happy holidays!</span></div>Azim Arishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08746502808608849845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3558798704773561313.post-85998342324785696362012-08-15T00:04:00.002-07:002012-08-15T00:04:16.513-07:00Why are cars way cheaper in the US? <br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The recent car prices issue made me curious. Having been totally unaware of such huge discrepancies between Malaysian and world prices, I went on the Internet to see what real world car prices were. I was shocked.<br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" />These are US car prices with US duty and import tax paid, which are just like Malaysian car prices with duty and tax also paid, but here, you will see, they are much lower and less exorbitant than in Malaysia.<br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" />Bear in mind all cars are CBU (complete built up) Japan, CBU South Korea or CBU Germany.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The following cars we get here are CKD (complete knocked down) cars with more than 50 percent Malaysian content and "supposedly" are cheaper due to their being CKD and supporting Malaysian manufacturers.<br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" />I cannot understand, we support our own Malaysian manufacturers and <em>beli barang buatan </em>(buy local<em>) </em>Malaysia too, and yet the prices can be higher than <em>barang buatan </em>(made in<em>) </em>Japan or German, which is usually higher in quality.<br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" />And yet, to make matters worse, US people's GDP per capita is higher than Malaysia and the average American earns five times more than the average Malaysian.<br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" /><strong><u>Mainstream car prices</u></strong><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" />Honda Accord US$21,480 (RM64,440) RM150,000</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Honda CRV US$22,495 (RM67,485) RM150,000</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Honda Civic US$15,955 (RM47,865) RM115,000<br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" />Toyota Altis US$16,130 (RM48,390) RM112,000</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Toyota Camry US$22,055 (RM66,165) RM180,000</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kia Sorento US$23,150 (RM69,450) RM160,000</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hyundai Tucson US$19,245 (RM57,735) RM140,000</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hyundai Sonata US$20,895 (RM62,685) RM150,000</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hyundai Elantra US$16,695 (RM50,085) RM98,000<br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" /><strong><u><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" />Luxury car prices</u></strong><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" />BMW 328i US$36,500 (RM109,500) RM300,000</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">BMW 528i US$46,900 (RM149,000) RM400,000</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">BMW 535i US$52,500 (RM157,000) RM600,000</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">BMW X5 US$47,500 (RM142,500) RM580,000</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mercedes E350 US$51,000 (RM153,000) RM400,000 (In M'sia for only CKD E250)</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jaguar XF US$53,000 (RM159,000) RM500,000</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jaguar XJ US$73,700 (RM221,000) RM1,000,000<br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" />Porsche Cayenne US$48,850 (RM146,000) RM570,000<br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" />Please forward this to every Malaysian you know so that they may realise how we are being cheated in car prices and have been cheated for the past 30 years.<br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" />Most Malaysians pay close to 50 percent of their salary for their monthly payments for their cars.<br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" />Not only do the banks get an easy ride (cause everybody is "forced" to take loans), we have to live in debt for over seven years, depriving our family of better food and clothes.</span></span><br />
Azim Arishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08746502808608849845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3558798704773561313.post-59443898324169983842012-08-15T00:01:00.002-07:002012-08-15T00:01:49.201-07:00Road safety and 'balik kampong' rush <br />
<div class="contentBody" id="Content0Left_Content0Left1_contentBody" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; padding-right: 13px;">Every year during each festive holiday, ministers, directors of relevant agencies, PDRM, JPJ, and even Plus, will formulate methods to reduce accidents on the road.<br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" />I am not sure most of those who talk to the press pretending like experts are really drivers; I assume most of them will be driven with outriders or will use air transportation instead of road.<br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" />With almost 25 years experience driving safe imported cars and MPVs using my hard-earned money (most of them paid as import taxes and duties to government, plus free money to the AP holders), let me critic the policies implemented during festive holidays and share my view about what should be done instead.<br />
<br />
<span class="subtitle" style="color: brown; font-weight: bold;">Implement minimum speed </span><br />
<span class="subtitle" style="color: brown; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span> Imagine a two-lane highway being bogged down by two slow trucks or buses trying to overtake another. The number of vehicles that can pass through per min is set by how slow the trucks or buses are crawling.<br />
Regardless of highway speed limit being 110 km/h or reduced to 100 km/h, all vehicles will be crawling at 60-80 km/h.<br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" />During festive holidays, I normally travel against the crawling traffic since I live outside KL, so I notice how long the bumper-to-bumper crawl can be when there is a slow moving traffic in front of them.<br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" />Those who drive too slowly should be penalised, especially when they drive too slowly on the right lane.<br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" />Don't just send tickets to those who go above speed limit by 11 km/h (happened to me twice), but send tickets to those who overload their vehicles causing them to crawl on the road.<br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" />Set the minimum speed limit to 90 km/h, and please don't reduce the speed limit; 110 km/h is fine. That means all vehicles should maintain speed of 100 ± 10 km/h.<br />
When the relative speeds between vehicles are small, it becomes safer. But if a car travels 100 km/h but suddenly there's an inexperienced driver or an underpowered and overloaded truck doing 50 km/h, the speed difference of 50 km/h matters.<br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" />The most dangerous scenario is when there is a stalled vehicle on the emergency lane. This should not be allowed and the stalled drivers should be fined if they caused accident.<br />
<br />
<span class="subtitle" style="color: brown; font-weight: bold;">Enforcement should 24/7</span><strong><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" /></strong><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" />This is the problem when election is just around the corner and politicians try to be popular. In this country, every festive holiday, there will be "Ops" something.<br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" />What are the enforcement agencies doing outside of the "Ops" period? <em>Lepak</em> (relaxing)?<br />
What happened to JPJ's promise to penalise those who modified their vehicles headlights to non-factory fitted HID and crazy LEDs?<br />
I am seeing more and more vehicles with glaring lights during day and night and it is really getting out of control.<br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" />Driving at night can be very dangerous and more tiring nowadays, thanks to no enforcement and "semuanya okay" lighting modifications.<br />
On the other opposite, I also see vehicles without lights on the road. Motorcycles without rear light and cars and heavy vehicles with faulty lights on one side or both sides are dangerous as well at night.<br />
Also, please don't tolerate those who jump queues using emergency lanes and driving dangerously like tailgating. It's not just speed limit which need enforcement.<br />
There are many bad drivers' behaviors that need to be penalised as well.<br />
<br />
<span class="subtitle" style="color: brown; font-weight: bold;">Plus must maintain fences on highway</span><br />
<span class="subtitle" style="color: brown; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span> If you pay attention while driving on Plus highway, it is very easy to notice breach of fences by those who live nearby and created their own access ‘road' to the highway.<br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" />I always see motorcycles going against traffic flow on the emergency lane as they entered the highway through self-made entrance. I also notice express buses stop along the highway (not at rest area) dropping or taking passengers.<br />
I don't think Plus is not aware of this, but they choose the <em>tidak apa</em>apathetic) attitude. Otherwise why is it that cows can enter the highway causing fatal accidents? Cows can only enter the highway if the fence is breached.<br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="letter-spacing: 0px;" />What Plus did was putting signs with cow's picture, warning drivers that cows may be on the road in front. Is that the best Plus can do?<br />
Don't wait until more fatalities have occurred before the issue is fixed.<br />
Also, arrest those breached the fence, those who go against traffic flow and also those who stop indiscriminately to drop or pick passengers.<br />
<br />
<span class="subtitle" style="color: brown; font-weight: bold;">Make Touch & Go compulsory</span><br />
<span class="subtitle" style="color: brown; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span> People spend 40k and above buying cars. Don't they have money to buy Touch & Go card?<br />
Please make it compulsory for all drivers to use Touch & Go card as it will help remove the bottlenecks at highway entrances and exits.<br />
This is a very simple thing to do, yet in Malaysia, this is something impossible to do.<br />
<br />
<span class="subtitle" style="color: brown; font-weight: bold;">Roadblocks should be at entrance and exit</span><br />
<span class="subtitle" style="color: brown; font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span> We are driving 110 km/h and suddenly there is a few kilometres crawl due to roadblock in front.<br />
If the enforcement agencies want to catch speeding vehicles, why not send the summons straight to the driver's address?<br />
Why is a roadblock needed? Collect pocket money? Drivers are already stressed due to the crawl from the beginning of their journey.<br />
Now the enforcement agencies are making it worse by stopping every vehicle.<br />
If a roadblock is inevitable due to any reason, please do it at highway entrance and exit.<br />
The road is a lot wider there, so there are places to pull over the bad guys. But don't make it into a single lane roadblock.<br />
Have multiple lanes with enough manpower in order not to slow down the vehicle movement.</div><div id="contentComment" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; padding-top: 10px;"><a href="" name="commentpanel"></a><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div>Azim Arishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08746502808608849845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3558798704773561313.post-34071113955287998642012-08-11T00:14:00.001-07:002012-08-11T00:16:31.843-07:00BMW HP4 exists to warp time, space, faces<div style="text-align: center;"><img height="265" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/bmwhp4revl.jpg" width="400" /> </div><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit;">BMW<span style="line-height: 16px;"> has had a line of HP – for High Performance – motorcycles for seven years, but they have all used the company's signature boxer engine layout. The new HP4, on the other hand, is a 1000-cc class bike using an evolution of the four-cylinder engine from the </span>BMW S 1000 RR<span style="line-height: 16px;"> sport bike.</span><br style="line-height: 10px;" /><br style="line-height: 10px;" /><span style="line-height: 16px;">A homologation special, the configuration isn't the only first in the HP4's arsenal: it comes standard with an active, electrically-actuated Dynamic Damping Control, a torque-adjusting Launch Control system, and BMW claims its the lightest four-cylinder supersports bike in its class, with a dry weight of 169 kg (371.8 pounds) and 199kg (437.8 pounds) with a 90-percent full tank. Bits like the lightweight, forged wheels, titanium exhaust and lighter sprocket carrier and battery have helped shed the pounds.</span><br style="line-height: 10px;" /><br style="line-height: 10px;" /><span style="line-height: 16px;">The engine cranks out 193 horsepower and 82 foot-pounds, the same numbers as on the S 1000 RR. However, every bit of horsepower is available in all the traction control modes, torque response has been boosted from 6,000 rpm, and the torque delivery curve is smoother when the traction control is in Rain mode. Helping a rider keep it all under control are that Launch Control, a shift assistant for seamless gearchanges, an updated, four-mode Race ABS system, traction control that can be adjusted on the fly, and Brembo monoblock brake calipers.</span></span>Azim Arishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08746502808608849845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3558798704773561313.post-31029911724811022052012-08-10T05:34:00.001-07:002012-08-10T21:49:38.703-07:00Toyota FT-86 the New AE86<div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7xUoZ3yGq2XK0G25uApTVsbB-8vCldoawNj3CWYAhxZlTwX2sAwx-yPIHaR6jt9U26UhHu4VM2iDOgwYmY12IyHR_f3X_ojGgOjMwiLpnWNrQJNpspRrVM28T7BEwKna9WDZIEC4Uir2/s1600/2012-toyota-ft-86-angle-view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7xUoZ3yGq2XK0G25uApTVsbB-8vCldoawNj3CWYAhxZlTwX2sAwx-yPIHaR6jt9U26UhHu4VM2iDOgwYmY12IyHR_f3X_ojGgOjMwiLpnWNrQJNpspRrVM28T7BEwKna9WDZIEC4Uir2/s400/2012-toyota-ft-86-angle-view.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Toyota and Subaru are collaborating on a shared four-<span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD3" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; background-repeat: repeat repeat !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 153, 0) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;">cylinder</span> sports <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD10" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; background-repeat: repeat repeat !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 153, 0) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;">car</span> that will be sold in two versions, beginning near the end of 2011. Largely engineered by Subaru, the cars will get a rear-drive <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD4" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; background-repeat: repeat repeat !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 153, 0) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;">platform</span> consisting of a steel structure with aluminum body <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD5" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; background-repeat: repeat repeat !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 153, 0) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;">panels</span>. A small, 2.0-liter flat-four engine made by Subaru will sit low behind the front-axle line. Toyota previewed its FT86 concept at last year’s Tokyo auto <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD9" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; background-repeat: repeat repeat !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 153, 0) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;">show</span>; Subaru has yet to show its cards.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Neither automaker has released <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD7" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; background-repeat: repeat repeat !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 153, 0) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;">official</span> names, but it is rumored that Toyota may revive “Celica,” which has been on hiatus since 2003. “FT” means “future Toyota,” and the “86” serves as a reminder of the rear-drive AE86 Corolla of the 1980s that has achieved cult status among drifters. Designed at Toyota’s European studio in the<span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD2" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; background-repeat: repeat repeat !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 153, 0) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;">south of France</span>, the FT86 concept’s shape is expected to enter production unchanged.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Toyota’s boss, part-time racer Akio Toyoda, recognizes that <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD6" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; background-repeat: repeat repeat !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 153, 0) !important; border-bottom-style: solid !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 1px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; text-decoration: underline !important;">the brand</span> lacks emotional appeal and doesn’t offer gobs of driving pleasure, so the company hopes the new carwill inject some fun into the lineup. For Subaru, the new vehicle brings a dedicated rear-drive sports car to the company’s stable of all-wheel-drive hatchbacks, wagons, and sedans. But Subaru has built its reputation and much of its sales success on extolling the virtues of all-wheel drive, so how the sports car will change Subaru’s heading remains to be seen.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5Y5tp0TiokNaGQ630p84jsN_PXk45sBfPG42azm3PH1XBmmBWsCrN6lJcZP4yirFIch9yQd1A_nbmrt6Dk8920wTTY0RJv9TxRKNjACmuKJOMBCjzbmSjEfrfJPCMBmMjrzPeLGNKAgq/s1600/2012-toyota-ft-86-front-view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5Y5tp0TiokNaGQ630p84jsN_PXk45sBfPG42azm3PH1XBmmBWsCrN6lJcZP4yirFIch9yQd1A_nbmrt6Dk8920wTTY0RJv9TxRKNjACmuKJOMBCjzbmSjEfrfJPCMBmMjrzPeLGNKAgq/s400/2012-toyota-ft-86-front-view.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1WElfGI-iLOmk5eKPdDnfxmGQyS8QNUosQgqgXKbkE78eFaRFn9mJwU71mNKEQ7qCFsaSVjUcTpJU77-Dq-zFKa2XUiwm6esfXDltZETrHxHqZrsa0mQw5X3lJRFXi4h2QdSLu-7UDlc/s1600/2012-toyota-ft-86-interior-view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf1WElfGI-iLOmk5eKPdDnfxmGQyS8QNUosQgqgXKbkE78eFaRFn9mJwU71mNKEQ7qCFsaSVjUcTpJU77-Dq-zFKa2XUiwm6esfXDltZETrHxHqZrsa0mQw5X3lJRFXi4h2QdSLu-7UDlc/s400/2012-toyota-ft-86-interior-view.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSHT9GlRtJQix5XKXd3BWjY-9zM98xXVBV93a6KH-ZP37LZYzqpBLimplV11iiANTTnNxSa-m-d8BuqkkcI5v8-dME_KMyvR7N4KT3YMA1kaVQAHn_uWk71LAqhXfAvEayP_DHQX-62RG/s1600/2012-toyota-ft-86-rear-view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSHT9GlRtJQix5XKXd3BWjY-9zM98xXVBV93a6KH-ZP37LZYzqpBLimplV11iiANTTnNxSa-m-d8BuqkkcI5v8-dME_KMyvR7N4KT3YMA1kaVQAHn_uWk71LAqhXfAvEayP_DHQX-62RG/s400/2012-toyota-ft-86-rear-view.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx333uUOESmJtgRf4y9J3QIA3-DETtPYc2oU8iCF0eTAalWVoVzynUdIuRJZTGPFSKLkjB59KqS4oBa0Q-V8W7AYXPYn4vf1uN0zb_2dWyhe1i6DASvyefp-ZlSWSf0znS3k3aKjfaehdo/s1600/2012-toyota-ft-86-rims-view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx333uUOESmJtgRf4y9J3QIA3-DETtPYc2oU8iCF0eTAalWVoVzynUdIuRJZTGPFSKLkjB59KqS4oBa0Q-V8W7AYXPYn4vf1uN0zb_2dWyhe1i6DASvyefp-ZlSWSf0znS3k3aKjfaehdo/s400/2012-toyota-ft-86-rims-view.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="400" /></span></a></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /> <div style="text-align: center;">Toyota FT-86 the New AE86, Toyota FT-86 the New AE86 features, Toyota FT-86 the New AE86 specs, Toyota FT-86 the New AE86 pictures, Toyota FT-86 the New AE86 performance</div>Azim Arishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08746502808608849845noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3558798704773561313.post-47014262089983789782012-08-10T05:27:00.003-07:002012-08-10T22:03:01.192-07:00Nissan Almera 2012 Updated<div style="line-height: 15px; text-align: -webkit-left;"><h2 style="left: auto; line-height: 1.1em; margin-bottom: 0.4em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Unconventional Appearance </span></h2><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">The Nissan Sunny, like the Toyota Corolla, has been a 'bread and butter' family sedan since the mid-60s - at least two generations of Singaporeans have grown up with memories of having one of these vehicles around, if not learning how to drive in one, or at least having an uncle or aunt that had one.<br />
<br />
Unless you've been living under a rock, or have been in deep hibernation for the last decade or so, you'll know that things just can't remain the same - things are more complicated now, and a basic family sedan just does not exist anymore, at least one from Japan. And would you really want to be driving a model that your father or uncle was driving? If your answer is 'no', then Nissan have played their cards right with the new Almera.<br />
<br />
This accounts for Nissan brushing off the Almera badge for their latest 1.5-litre family car, and also helps us to understand the car's unusual lines and proportions.<br />
<br />
The first Almera was in the 90s, a 5-door hatchback model that Nissan produced in the United Kingdom. It looked like a tidied-up Fiat Tipo, but its mechanicals were largely borrowed from the Sunny 1.6. It was only sold in limited numbers in Singapore, as back then most Singaporeans preferred sedans such as the Sunny.<br />
<br />
As for the new Almera's styling, it is definitely a case of 'form follows function'. This means that you will only appreciate the Almera's funky, unconventional lines only after you take a look at the amount of legroom the rear passengers get, and into the huge, almost 500 litre boot. To put things into perspective, the Almera has probably more rear legroom and a larger boot than a full-sized executive saloon such as a Mercedes-Benz E-class!<br />
<br />
In order to achieve this remarkable feat of space-efficiency, the designers have had to alter the proportions of the Almera from that of a conventional mid-sized family sedan. Firstly, the Almera shares its platform with the new Nissan March, albeit with its wheelbase stretched by 110mm. While this is not the first time Nissan has done this - the Latio and previous March also shared a platform - but this time it is more obvious. Park the Almera next to another sedan, for example, you will notice that the entire passenger cabin assumes a tall, hatchback-like profile, which draws attention to steeply raked bonnet and windscreen.<br />
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At the rear, aft of the sloping roofline, the Almera stretches its boot further back than other cars in its class - allowing it to have such a commodious almost 500 litre boot. Stylistically, the cues are taken from the Nissan Teana, but this does little to disguise the Almera's unusual proportions.<br />
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</span></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="line-height: 15px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" valign="top"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://www.onemotoring.com.sg/publish/onemotoring/en/motoring_buzz/road_tests/sedan0/Nissan_Almera_1_5_Premium_Sunroof-A_2012_Review.MainPar.53663.Image.gif" width="500" /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="line-height: 15px; text-align: -webkit-left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<h2 style="left: auto; line-height: 1.1em; margin-bottom: 0.4em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">If it Ain't Broke </span></h2><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Mechanically, the Almera gets carries over the DOHC 16-valve 1.5-litre unit from the Latio, again matched to a four-speed automatic transmission. And there's absolutely nothing wrong with this set-up ? the engine is smooth and free-revving, and the transmission is efficiently inoffensive. The problem is there seem to more interesting and high-tech alternatives nowadays, whether it's a single, or double, clutch semi-automatic (as favoured by the Europeans), or a 5-, or 6-speed gearbox (as found in other Japanese, or even Korean, family sedans), not to mention the Continuous Variable Transmission (as found in petrol/electric hybrids).<br />
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Nonetheless, true to its Japanese heritage and mechanical efficiency, the Almera will probably be very economical to run, and be especially low in fuel consumption. This is because despite being larger and more spacious than its Thai-built rivals rival like the Toyota Vios and Honda City, the Almera weighs between 15 to 55kg lighter than its rivals! Sometimes it is the simple solutions like reducing weight and improving efficiency that work best as they are tried and tested.<br />
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The similarities between the Almera and the new March are even more obvious from behind the steering wheel. The basic architecture and shape of the dashboard are readily recognizable as being based on the March.<br />
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<h2 style="left: auto; line-height: 1.1em; margin-bottom: 0.4em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Benefitting from Economies of Scale</span></h2><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="right" style="float: right; line-height: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 300px;"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://www.onemotoring.com.sg/publish/onemotoring/en/motoring_buzz/road_tests/sedan0/Nissan_Almera_1_5_Premium_Sunroof-A_2012_Review.MainPar.47493.Image.gif" /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="line-height: 15px; text-align: -webkit-left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">The most obvious giveaway is the March's eye-catching and unique doughnut shaped climate-control interface. Once again, it works really well, and since it's a sophisticated digital unit, there's nothing wrong with carrying it over from the March.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="right" style="float: right; line-height: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 300px;"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://www.onemotoring.com.sg/publish/onemotoring/en/motoring_buzz/road_tests/sedan0/Nissan_Almera_1_5_Premium_Sunroof-A_2012_Review.MainPar.5737.Image.gif" /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="line-height: 15px; text-align: -webkit-left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In addition to the digital climate control, other luxury car features</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">found in the Almera include key-less entry, push-button ignition, and steering-wheel mounted controls for the locally installed 2-DIN in-car entertainment system. The execution of the steering switches are particularly large and easy-to-use. So this means the Almera is actually quite well-equipped, even though the fascia has too many similarities with the March.</span></div><div style="line-height: 15px; text-align: -webkit-left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="right" style="float: right; line-height: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 1em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 500px;"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://www.onemotoring.com.sg/publish/onemotoring/en/motoring_buzz/road_tests/sedan0/Nissan_Almera_1_5_Premium_Sunroof-A_2012_Review.MainPar.87539.Image.gif" /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="line-height: 15px; text-align: -webkit-left;"></div><div style="line-height: 15px; text-align: -webkit-left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br />
<br />
The person that judges the Almera by its look, does so at his/her own peril ? behind those unusual and unique proportions, the car is probably the most spacious cabin amongst its rival 1.5-litre sedans, and even rivaling much larger cars. The Almera's straight-forward mechanical set-up, while seemingly unimpressive, is probably very economical and efficient. And if you're turned off by the outwardly simple dashboard, a close inspection will reveal the fact that the Almera is really well-equipped and luxurious.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="line-height: 15px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="left" valign="top"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://www.onemotoring.com.sg/publish/onemotoring/en/motoring_buzz/road_tests/sedan0/Nissan_Almera_1_5_Premium_Sunroof-A_2012_Review.MainPar.80338.Image.gif" width="500" /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="line-height: 15px; text-align: -webkit-left;"><br />
</div>Azim Arishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08746502808608849845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3558798704773561313.post-54440020286623382512012-08-04T10:17:00.002-07:002012-08-04T10:17:56.617-07:00Electric cars cheaper to run and less polluting<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">DETROIT: Electric vehicles in the United States save money on fuel and are less polluting than most petrol-powered vehicles, even in places where electricity is made by burning coal, the Union of Concerned Scientists said in a report released on Monday.<br />
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"Drivers should feel confident that owning an electric vehicle is a good choice for reducing global warming pollution, cutting fuel costs, and slashing oil consumption," said Don Anair, a senior engineer on UCS's clean vehicles programme. </span></span><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="6" style="height: 196px; width: 180px;"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="charging2.jpg" original="/getattachment/dca8e388-7213-46fe-9be0-ab7d4da5ed53/charging2.jpg.aspx?width=166&height=187" src="http://star-motoring.com/getattachment/dca8e388-7213-46fe-9be0-ab7d4da5ed53/charging2.jpg.aspx?width=166&height=187" style="height: 187px; width: 166px;" /></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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UCS said the study is the first to analyse emissions from vehicles charged on a power grid of electricity made from fuels such as coal and natural gas.<br />
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According to the report, written by Anair, owners of electric vehicles can save US$750 to US$1,200 (RM2,300 to RM3,700) a year based on 17,700km of driving, compared to drivers of a petrol-powered vehicle that gets 27 mpg (8.7 l/100km) at US$3.50 (RM10) per gallon.<br />
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For every 50 cent (RM1.50) rise in the price of a gallon of petrol, an EV driver can save an extra US$200 (RM613) annually, the report said.<br />
-Reuters</span></span>Azim Arishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08746502808608849845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3558798704773561313.post-10876175688690971732012-08-04T10:12:00.000-07:002012-08-04T10:12:05.512-07:00Aiming to make EVs feasible<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Who should build the charging stations for electric vehicles?<br />
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That's a question with no clear answers as Malaysia gropes its way towards the day when electric cars will gradually become a serious alternative to conventional petrol-fuelled cars.<br />
</span></span><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="6" width="300"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="charger2.jpg" original="/getattachment/Features/HybridsEVs/2012/Aiming-to-make-EVs-feasible/charger2.jpg.aspx" src="http://star-motoring.com/getattachment/Features/HybridsEVs/2012/Aiming-to-make-EVs-feasible/charger2.jpg.aspx" style="height: 400px; width: 300px;" /></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A GE DuraStation charger on display. Chargers automatically switch off the power after the battery is fully charged.</span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="charger11.jpg" original="/getattachment/Features/HybridsEVs/2012/Aiming-to-make-EVs-feasible/charger11.jpg.aspx?width=298&height=224" src="http://star-motoring.com/getattachment/Features/HybridsEVs/2012/Aiming-to-make-EVs-feasible/charger11.jpg.aspx?width=298&height=224" style="display: inline; height: 224px; width: 298px;" /></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It could fall on the Government to do it at least in the beginning to get the ball rolling or the private sector. Or it might even be a joint venture between the Government and private enterprises. The options are open.<br />
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What charging standards to adopt to ensure charging points can be used on as many EVs as possible irrespective of brands is also another pressing question that must be answered before the first EV is deployed on the road.<br />
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These were among the issues and challenges raised at the GE-Naza Electric Vehicle Experience on May 29.<br />
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Two left-hand drives Chevrolet Volt were shipped in for the event to highlight not so much the car as the charging stations General Electric (GE) supplies.<br />
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Guests and customers were given the chance to test-drive the Chevrolet Volt, a plug-in hybrid that General Motors is marketing as an electric vehicle.<br />
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Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Sri Peter Chin said the EV Masterplan, a standalone plan separate from the revised National Automotive Policy, to be announced by 2013 will serve as a blueprint towards achieving 10% EVs in the market by 2020 and the reduction of carbon emissions by 40% by that year.<br />
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EVs symbolised a new product where three industries converge - the transportation industry, power industry and ICT industry, he said, adding that it opens up a whole new range of opportunities for creating wealth for Malaysians especially in downstream activities.<br />
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Chin also said the Government could only do so much by introducing new policies and incentives, and it was up to automakers, battery technology developers, component suppliers, utility companies, property managers, retailers and consumers to make the EV ecosystem work.<br />
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GE Asean CEO Stuart Dean said clean energy was profitable with revenue from it exceeding US$21bil (RM65bil). <br />
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"This growth is twice as fast as the company average."<br />
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Dean also said Thailand showed the most promise in the region for EV deployment followed closely by Malaysia based on population size and how serious the governments are in reducing carbon footprint.<br />
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Dr Horizon Gitano-Briggs, a mechanical engineering professor of Universiti Sains Malaysia, highlighted the benefits of adopting an Asean-wide standard in laying the EV infrastructure, saying that this would allow service providers to tap into a regional market of 650 million people, the third biggest market in the world.<br />
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He also said it was important for the authorities to proactively develop standards in anticipation of commercial needs.<br />
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The professor was among a group of experts who spoke about the EV industry. Among them were Naza Quest COO Datuk Maruan Mohd Said and Malaysia Green Technology Corporation CEO Dr Nazily Mohd Noor.</span></span><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="6" width="300"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="charge5-(1).jpg" original="/getattachment/Features/HybridsEVs/2012/Aiming-to-make-EVs-feasible/charge5-(1).jpg.aspx" src="http://star-motoring.com/getattachment/Features/HybridsEVs/2012/Aiming-to-make-EVs-feasible/charge5-(1).jpg.aspx" style="display: inline; height: 358px; width: 400px;" /></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dr Gitano-Briggs summarising the guidelines to set standards in the EV industry.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
GE and Naza signed a Memorandum of Understanding last year, in which both parties agreed to work together in joint-lobbying and education to raise public and government awareness, exploit GE technologies in Naza’s electric vehicle manufacturing line, and running electric vehicle pilot tests in several cities across Malaysia. <br />
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GE offers a wide band of products and services that cater to the EV infrastructure – ranging from charging stations and software solutions, as well as circuit protection equipment and transformers.<br />
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GE had also secure the help of Malaysia Green Technology Corporation, a government agency under the ministry, to raise public awareness on green technology.<br />
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The GE-Naza Electric Vehicle Experience was also held as part of the 2012 GE Innovation Day to showcase GE’s innovative solutions co-created with local industry partners.<br />
</span></span><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="6" width="300"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="charger4.jpg" original="/getattachment/Features/HybridsEVs/2012/Aiming-to-make-EVs-feasible/charger4.jpg.aspx" src="http://star-motoring.com/getattachment/Features/HybridsEVs/2012/Aiming-to-make-EVs-feasible/charger4.jpg.aspx" style="display: inline; height: 310px; width: 500px;" /></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">These are the EV chargers that GE makes for outdoors and home use.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Azim Arishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08746502808608849845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3558798704773561313.post-5482024033830841152012-08-04T10:10:00.002-07:002012-08-04T10:10:14.533-07:00Electric vehicles to drive China's green effort<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The choice of vehicles among citizens of Beijing, the second largest city in China with a population of 20 million is being closely watched by the international community.<br />
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It has more than five million passenger cars and one of the highest carbon emission levels in the world.<br />
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While the ordinary resident may not be ready to opt for an electric car, the city government is investing in electric buses and public infrastructure that encourage green transportation.<br />
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This will determine where the destiny of global efforts for climate change will head, and how the global community can cope with severe pollution in the next 10 to 20 years. </span></span><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="6" width="300"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="chinaGreen2.jpg" original="/getattachment/Features/HybridsEVs/2012/EVs-to-drive-China-s-green-effort/chinaGreen2.jpg.aspx" src="http://star-motoring.com/getattachment/Features/HybridsEVs/2012/EVs-to-drive-China-s-green-effort/chinaGreen2.jpg.aspx" style="display: inline; height: 266px; width: 400px;" /></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The exterior of the Gaoantun Car Battery e-charging and changing Station in the suburb of Beijing. Just opposite the station is a waste incinerator plant which supplies electricity to the station.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission new energy and technology department head Xu Xinchao said the Chinese capital was among six cities in the country carrying out a pilot project between 2009 and 2012 to commercialise the sale and use of new energy vehicles.<br />
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“Under the plan, the city will have 5,000 new energy vehicles put into use by the end of this year,” he said.<br />
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“These include the 1,500 electric public buses plying areas such as Chang’an Avenue and the 2,060 sanitation trucks that are already in use.<br />
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“Besides, there will be 750 taxis powered by electricity in seven districts and counties such as Yanqing, Changping, Huairou and Fangshan, as well as 850 electric vehicles used by the public sector and state-owned companies.”<br />
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Xu said the city government and Beijing Electric Power Company had built more than 50 electric vehicle battery recharging and changing facilities around the city, with the largest station being the Gaoantun Car Battery Recharging and Changing Station about 30 minutes’ drive from the city centre.<br />
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Located at the Gaoantun Circular Economic Development Industrial Park, the station is touted as the largest such facility in the world covering an area of 8,189sq m, and with a total recharging capacity of 10,080kW.<br />
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Opened in January, the station has four battery changing lines that can serve eight electric vehicles at the same time. It is capable of serving 400 vehicles daily. Each changing process takes between four and 10 minutes.<br />
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According to station supervisor Chen Qiang, the station uses a robotic operating system. A sensor will detect the location of the batteries in the car and a robotic arm will remove the old battery and replace it with a new one.<br />
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“The robotic operating system is smart and efficient. It takes only four minutes to change a battery,” Chen said.<br />
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“As long as the vehicles use the required standardised batteries, they will be able to have their batteries changed at our station.”<br />
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He said, currently, the station caters for sanitation trucks, public vehicles and corporate passenger cars, adding that the station will also have battery changing lines for public buses when these are put into use in the third quarter of the year.<br />
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Beijing Electric Power Company marketing department deputy manager Liu Xiaomin said what was unique about the station was that the electricity used for recharging the batteries was generated by photovoltaic solar panels and a waste incinerator plant just opposite the station.<br />
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“The waste incinerator plant has already been connected to the overall power distribution grid in Gaoantun. We are making full use of the waste power generation,” he said.<br />
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Xu said the government was formulating policies and measures on the purchase of electric vehicles and the policies would be introduced in the fourth quarter of the year.<br />
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“The stations we are building are only to serve public vehicles and not private cars. Beijing Electric Power Company does not seek profits from this collaboration,” he said.<br />
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“This project is to make public travel more convenient, and to improve the environment.”<br />
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Xu added that after the pilot project, the government would fine-tune its overall execution plan and decide whether to open up the market to other companies which are keen to offer similar battery recharging and changing services.</span></span>Azim Arishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08746502808608849845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3558798704773561313.post-1442574870209215142012-08-04T10:08:00.002-07:002012-08-04T10:08:25.840-07:00Toyota electric car heading to Pikes Peak<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">COLOGNE: Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) will demonstrate its high-performance electric powertrain technology on one of North America’s most demanding motorsport events; the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado on July 8.<br />
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Last year, TMG set a new electric lap record at the Nurburgring Nordschleife with the road-legal TMG EV P001 car, a record which still stands today.<br />
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TMG’s advanced electric and electronic department has spent the past months developing an updated electric powertrain, which is more powerful and more durable than its predecessor. </span></span><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="6" width="300"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="2012_TMG_EV2_ext_0023.jpg" original="/getattachment/Features/HybridsEVs/2012/Toyota-electric-car-heading-to-Pikes-Peak/2012_TMG_EV2_ext_0023.jpg.aspx" src="http://star-motoring.com/getattachment/Features/HybridsEVs/2012/Toyota-electric-car-heading-to-Pikes-Peak/2012_TMG_EV2_ext_0023.jpg.aspx" style="display: inline; height: 144px; width: 400px;" /></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="image_3.jpg" original="/getattachment/Features/HybridsEVs/2012/Toyota-electric-car-heading-to-Pikes-Peak/image_3.jpg.aspx" src="http://star-motoring.com/getattachment/Features/HybridsEVs/2012/Toyota-electric-car-heading-to-Pikes-Peak/image_3.jpg.aspx" style="display: inline; height: 196px; width: 400px;" /></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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That high-performance electric powertrain is the heart of the new TMG EV P002 car, which will compete at Pikes Peak as part of a project from Japanese company RK1 Inc.<br />
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Multiple Japanese rally champion Fumio Nutahara will drive the car which features prominent branding from Yokohama.<br />
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Based on a Radical chassis, the TMG EV P002 has a predicted top speed of 240kph in Pikes Peak configuration, with combined maximum power of 350kW from its two axial flux motors.<br />
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The hillclimb, which begins at an altitude of 2,800m and reaches the summit of 4,300m, is an ideal environment to showcase the strengths of an electric powertrain.<br />
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TMG’s high-performance electric powertrain maintains full power despite the thin atmosphere at high altitude while delivering an impressive 900Nm of torque through its single-speed gearing.<br />
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The TMG EV P002 underwent a successful three-day testing session at the Paul Ricard circuit in southern France in May to verify car and powertrain performance.<br />
</span></span><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="6" style="height: 158px; width: 106px;"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="fumio.jpg" original="/getattachment/Features/HybridsEVs/2012/Toyota-electric-car-heading-to-Pikes-Peak/fumio.jpg.aspx" src="http://star-motoring.com/getattachment/Features/HybridsEVs/2012/Toyota-electric-car-heading-to-Pikes-Peak/fumio.jpg.aspx" style="display: inline; height: 122px; width: 100px;" /></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nutahara</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ludwig Zeller, General Manager Electric & Electronics: “Pikes Peak is a great showcase for TMG’s electric powertrain technology. We already proved at the Nurburgring that TMG is leading the way in developing such powertrains for motorsport and this is another sign of our commitment to this technology.<br />
<br />
"TMG wants to be increasingly involved in electric motorsport and we believe our powertrain technology is an industry-leading combination of performance, durability and packaging.<br />
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"Electric powertrain technology in motorsport is still in its development phase but through projects like this one, TMG is laying the foundations for the future of high-performance and motorsport cars.”<br />
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<tr><td><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="specs.jpg" original="/getattachment/Features/HybridsEVs/2012/Toyota-electric-car-heading-to-Pikes-Peak/specs.jpg.aspx" src="http://star-motoring.com/getattachment/Features/HybridsEVs/2012/Toyota-electric-car-heading-to-Pikes-Peak/specs.jpg.aspx" style="height: 410px; width: 403px;" /></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Azim Arishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08746502808608849845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3558798704773561313.post-26948731209842095622012-08-04T10:06:00.002-07:002012-08-04T10:06:35.120-07:00Renault backs electric cars with free chargers<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">PARIS: Renault, frustrated by the speed at which electric car chargers are being installed across France, is to fund some of the missing infrastructure itself.<br />
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A century after French tyremaker Michelin issued road signs to help early motorists find their way, Renault and Japanese affiliate Nissan are preparing to hand out charging stations for installation in public spaces.<br />
<br />
"It is not our job to install chargers, but somebody has to kickstart the market," Thierry Koskas, head of Renault's electric vehicle programme, told Reuters. "This cannot be a long-term policy." </span></span><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="6" style="height: 207px; width: 249px;"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="charge.jpg" original="/getattachment/Features/HybridsEVs/2012/Renault-backs-electric-cars-with-free-chargers/charge.jpg.aspx" src="http://star-motoring.com/getattachment/Features/HybridsEVs/2012/Renault-backs-electric-cars-with-free-chargers/charge.jpg.aspx" style="height: 187px; width: 235px;" /></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<br />
The allied carmakers, both headed by chief executive Carlos Ghosn, will give away close to 1,000 fast chargers costing around 5,000 euros (RM19,850) each, mostly in France.<br />
<br />
The freebies will go to car parks, supermarkets and other high-visibility public spaces under private ownership.<br />
<br />
Among major European countries, the infrastructure delays are worst in Renault's domestic market France has spent only 5 percent of a 50 million euro (RM200mil) fund earmarked for public charging networks, the company recently disclosed.<br />
<br />
"France is not really on track to meet the objectives," Renault product planning chief Philippe Klein said.<br />
<br />
"So obviously it is up to us to stimulate the rollout."<br />
<br />
Among major auto companies and groupings, Renault-Nissan has staked the most on electric cars, investing 4 billion euros (RM16bil) in their development and production.<br />
<br />
France, a vocal supporter of the technology and Renault's biggest shareholder with a 15 percent stake, aims to build 75,000 charging spots by 2015.<br />
</span></span><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="6" width="300"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="zoe5.jpg" original="/getattachment/Features/HybridsEVs/2012/Renault-backs-electric-cars-with-free-chargers/zoe5.jpg.aspx" src="http://star-motoring.com/getattachment/Features/HybridsEVs/2012/Renault-backs-electric-cars-with-free-chargers/zoe5.jpg.aspx" style="display: inline; height: 187px; width: 300px;" /></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yet many of Europe's 15,000 public chargers are concentrated in Germany and the Netherlands, with fewer than 2,000 installed in France.<br />
<br />
Concerns are mounting over the country's readiness for the launch of flagship Renault Zoe launch later this year, a key test of Ghosn's belief that electric car sales will rise steadily to claim 10 percent of the global auto market by 2020.<br />
<br />
Unlike Renault's existing Fluence and Kangoo battery cars, adapted from conventional models with government and company fleets in mind, the new subcompact is designed from scratch as an electric car and pitched squarely at individual consumers.<br />
<br />
"Initial uptake of electric cars has been slow," said Tim Urquhart, a London-based IHS Automotive analyst who believes their shaky debut partly reflects the limited choice available.<br />
<br />
"The relatively small numbers are explainable but still not comfortable viewing for Nissan and Renault," Urquhart said. "High prices and low levels of infrastructure pose a big stumbling block."<br />
<br />
Electric models, which carry a 5,000 euro subsidy, accounted for 0.24 percent of French registrations in the first quarter. Western Europe recorded 11,000 deliveries last year, less than 0.1 percent of the region's auto market.<br />
<br />
Nissan, 43.4 percent-owned by Renault, has seen its battery-powered LEAF wilt after less than a year of sales, with volumes dropping sharply after filling advance orders from early adopters.<br />
<br />
Renault-Nissan's infrastructure push echoes past efforts by Michelin and other companies forced to venture beyond their core competencies to stimulate demand for innovative products.<br />
<br />
"Drivers were always getting lost in the early 1900s because maps were not exactly accurate," said Francois Roudier of France's CCFA car industry association. "So Michelin ran this whole campaign for better road signage and directions."<br />
<br />
In 1910, the company issued 30,000 road signs to local authorities. Earlier in that decade, it introduced maps and guides that spawned the globally venerated restaurant reviews and points system of Michelin stars.<br />
<br />
"Now the automakers are having to step in because the public sector is moving too slowly," Roudier said. "As people begin to use the chargers they provide, town halls will come under pressure to buy more and provide a proper network."<br />
<br />
As part of its initiative, Renault has signed a deal with family-owned retailer E. Leclerc to equip 500 of its French hypermarkets with chargers by 2015.<br />
<br />
Other automakers, such as General Motors, PSA Peugeot Citroen and Toyota, are more bullish about plugin hybrids that combine a combustion engine with an electric powertrain and battery.<br />
<br />
They too stand to benefit from a broader charging network.<br />
<br />
Cars 21, a high-level group of European public officials and industry executives, last week called for action to accelerate the availability of public charging, far more critical for battery cars than for hybrids which can fill up at the pump when the battery runs out.<br />
<br />
"Most customers will recharge at home or at work almost all the time," Koskas said.<br />
<br />
"But they still want the reassurance that they are covered when they break with that routine."<br />
<br />
-Reuters</span></span>Azim Arishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08746502808608849845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3558798704773561313.post-83014327870419121492012-08-04T10:00:00.002-07:002012-08-04T10:00:36.361-07:00US electric car market full of spark<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The US market for all-electric cars is charging up, with plug-in vehicles rolling off US dealer lots despite much higher costs, battery fire scares and falling gasoline prices.<br />
<br />
Plug-in cars racked up strong sales in the first six months of the year, automakers said, even with their tall sticker prices and lifetime operating costs up to US$6,000 more than conventional gasoline-run vehicles.<br />
<br />
General Motors reported it sold more of its US$39,000 Chevrolet Volts in the first six months than it did in all of last year, with 1,760 of the cars delivered to buyers in June. </span></span><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="6" width="300"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="file63v4lxvawuo1anmq9dbr.jpg" original="/getattachment/Features/HybridsEVs/2012/US-electric-car-market-full-of-spark/file63v4lxvawuo1anmq9dbr.jpg.aspx?width=336&height=252" src="http://star-motoring.com/getattachment/Features/HybridsEVs/2012/US-electric-car-market-full-of-spark/file63v4lxvawuo1anmq9dbr.jpg.aspx?width=336&height=252" style="display: inline; height: 252px; width: 336px;" /></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<br />
Toyota said it has sold over 4,300 of its all-electric version of the popular Prius hybrid since it launched the model in March - even though the plug-in Prius costs, at the US$32,000 base price, a third more than the cheapest hybrid Prius.<br />
<br />
Sales of Nissan's US$35,000 LEAF, one of the first to plumb American drivers' desire for plug-ins, eased slightly amid higher competition and a change in distribution strategy, but still hit 3,148 units.<br />
<br />
The drop owed mainly to the LEAF not having completed the move from its original web-driven, built-to-order system to more of a traditional dealer-based model, said Nissan spokesman Brian Brockman.<br />
<br />
At the high end of the auto market, sales of electrics are full of spark as well.<br />
<br />
Fisker Automotive said it has sold more than 1,000 of its US$105,000 luxury plug-in sports car, the Karma, since the start of the year.<br />
<br />
And the waiting list for the Tesla Model S, billed as "the world's first premium electric sedan," numbered some 10,000 when it released the first cars on June 22. Reserving one of the cars - base price US$50,000 - required a US$5,000 deposit.<br />
<br />
Buyers appear to be rejecting any hints that the vehicles might have a downside. Reports of battery fires have hampered the launches of the Volt, Karma and models from BYD, the Chinese company aiming at an exclusively electric vehicle business.<br />
</span></span><table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="6" width="300"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="file64h96nemi2114ocxedmz.jpg" original="/getattachment/Features/HybridsEVs/2012/US-electric-car-market-full-of-spark/file64h96nemi2114ocxedmz.jpg.aspx" src="http://star-motoring.com/getattachment/Features/HybridsEVs/2012/US-electric-car-market-full-of-spark/file64h96nemi2114ocxedmz.jpg.aspx" style="display: inline; height: 263px; width: 350px;" /></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Those worries are being addressed, builders say, and battery specialists are improving their fuel cell technology. A123 Systems of Massachusetts recently disclosed it had come up with a technology to eliminate the threat of fire in high-tech lithium batteries.<br />
<br />
Still, there is also the cost. The cars themselves are pricey compared to their internal-combustion engine cousins, and gas prices have fallen, lessening the incentive to switch to an all-electric vehicle.<br />
<br />
All told, electric passenger cars currently cost US$5,000 to US$6,000 more to their owners than an equivalent fossil fuel car over the vehicle's lifetime, according to a new study by the Paris-based International Transport Forum.<br />
<br />
"The current generation of electric cars represents a significant improvement over previous ones. Nonetheless, electric vehicles remain more expensive than their fossil-fueled equivalents and may need government assistance to trigger wide-spread uptake," the study said.<br />
<br />
But the demand for electrics keeps rising, buyers are getting more choice and the technology is improving.<br />
<br />
Ford has begun selling an electric model of its Focus.<br />
<br />
Honda is rolling out an electric version of the Fit later this month, but only expects to sell 1,100 over the next two years.<br />
<br />
Spokesman Sage Marie said the company will go slow initially to make sure customers are satisfied with their new electric vehicles.<br />
<br />
"The customer experience is very important to us," said Marie, noting the Fit EV has a range of only 82 miles (132km).<br />
<br />
And Nissan is committed to opening a new assembly plant for its all-electric vehicles in Smyrna, Tennessee later this year.<br />
<br />
The project is being financed with US$2 billion of loan guarantees from the US Department of Energy. - Relaxnews</span></span>Azim Arishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08746502808608849845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3558798704773561313.post-57663462051081224882012-08-04T09:48:00.002-07:002012-08-04T09:48:45.862-07:00Puspakom offers free check-up<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">KUALA LUMPUR: Puspakom Sdn Bhd (Puspakom) is offering free car inspections to private vehicle owners at all Puspakom branches nationwide, from Aug 6 to Aug 24 in conjunction with Aidilfitri celebrations.<br />
<br />
Puspakom, in a statement here on Friday, said a full inspection will be conducted by authorised Puspakom Vehicle Examiners which consist of vehicle indentity verification, smoke emission test, side-slip test, above and undercarriage check, window transparency and more.<br />
<br />
"Customers need to contact their branch and will be given a specific time for the inspection to be carried out.<br />
<br />
"They can also visit www.puspakom.com.my for a list of Puspakom branches nationwide, or contact Puspakom's toll-free line at 1-800-88-6927," the statement said.<br />
<br />
According to the statement, the free vehicle inspection was part of Puspakom's commitment and social responsibility to ensure vehicles are in safe condition for road use this festive season.<br />
-Bernama</span></span>Azim Arishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08746502808608849845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3558798704773561313.post-5010477910648328562012-08-04T09:47:00.000-07:002012-08-04T09:47:15.086-07:00Tunnel Driving Safety Tips<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Accidents in tunnels, no matter how short the tunnel is, present unique problems and knowing what to do is very important.<br />
<br />
Here's good advice on driving in tunnels presented by Institute of Advanced Motorists, Britain's leading road safety charity.<br />
<br />
Before entering a tunnel: </span></span><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="6" width="300"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="tunnel1.jpg" original="/getattachment/TipGuides/Get-a-grip-on-tunnel-accidents/tunnel1.jpg.aspx" src="http://star-motoring.com/getattachment/TipGuides/Get-a-grip-on-tunnel-accidents/tunnel1.jpg.aspx" style="height: 198px; width: 350px;" /></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<br />
> Check your fuel gauge, don't risk running out of fuel.<br />
> Turn on the traffic information channel (if available). Some larger European road tunnels have their own radio as well as electronic signs.<br />
> Take off your sunglasses.<br />
<br />
<br />
In the tunnel:<br />
<br />
> Turn on dipped headlights.<br />
> Don't exceed the speed limit and leave extra room between yourself and the car in front.<br />
> Keep an eye out for the location of emergency pedestrian exits just in case you may need one.<br />
> In two-way tunnels, keep well to the nearside kerb.<br />
> Do not change lanes unless instructed to.<br />
<br />
If you break down:<br />
<br />
> Switch on your hazard lights immediately.<br />
> Try to coast to a breakdown lay-by.<br />
> If none are available, stop as close to the nearside kerb as possible.<br />
> Turn off the engine but leave the key in the ignition so the vehicle can be moved.<br />
> Evacuate the vehicle making sure everyone is in a safe place - on the pedestrian walkway if there is one.<br />
> Put on a reflective jacket, if you have one, and walk carefully to the nearest emergency phone and inform the operator.<br />
<br />
In the event of a fire:<br />
<br />
> Only try and extinguish the fire if someone is in danger.<br />
> In all other cases leave as quickly as you can, don’t wait to be told what to do.</span></span>Azim Arishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08746502808608849845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3558798704773561313.post-79751710068458881252012-08-04T09:45:00.002-07:002012-08-04T09:45:39.612-07:00Learn to Share the Road<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If every motorist adopt a sharing and caring attitude on the road, there would be fewer accidents and mishaps.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, reality is quite different from the ideals when there continue to be reckless drivers and motorcyclists who pay little heed to their own safety or the safety of other road users.<br />
<br />
It's frustrating sometimes but there's hope as the authorities are doing all they can to inculcate road safety principles among the public as well as the young in schools. It's a process that takes time to bear fruit.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, it is up to each concerned individual to adopt best practices on the road and this requires a shift in attitude.<br />
<br />
This means learning to share the road and showing empathy for other road users who are not just other drivers and motorcylists but also include cyclists and pedestrains.<br />
<br />
Here are some ways to go about it:<br />
<br />
> Keep an eye out for motorcyclists and give them space.<br />
<br />
> Use your mirrors so you see bikes approaching from behind. In particular check your mirrors before changing direction, especially in traffic queues.<br />
<br />
> If a motorcyclist is trying to get past in heavy traffic, let them. Don’t try and impede their progress because you are stuck.<br />
<br />
> Give clear and early signals to allow other road users time to react.<br />
<br />
> Don’t cut up a cyclist when turning. Never overtake then turn left across their front wheel.<br />
<br />
> Overtake gently. Passing a cyclist quickly might feel safe to you, but it doesn’t to the cyclist and the closer you are the more this is the case.<br />
<br />
> Leave cyclists enough room when you pass them they’ll often have to move out to negotiate drains and potholes.<br />
<br />
> Check for bikes before opening the driver’s door when you’ve parked.</span></span>Azim Arishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08746502808608849845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3558798704773561313.post-31145316083029829852012-08-04T09:44:00.000-07:002012-08-04T09:44:01.681-07:00How to Avoid Whiplash<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Whiplash injuries are generally not life-threatening. Unfortunately, they run up hefty medical bills and have long-term consequences.<br />
<br />
They occur in seven out of 10 accidents that result in personal injury and make up 50% of traffic-related injury costs.<br />
<br />
Motorists involved in rear-end collisions at low speeds – beware city traffic! – face the greatest risk of such injury.<br />
<br />
When a car is hit from behind by another, the violent motion of the upper body puts an enormous strain on the relatively weak neck (cervical spine).<br />
<br />
This can result in whiplash-associated disorders (eg, severe neck pain and head ache). These are often difficult to detect and determine, so victims end up suffering physically, and mentally, often for years.<br />
<br />
Women are more vulnerable to whiplash because their necks are generally more slender, and their bodies lighter.<br />
<br />
Listed below are some ways to avoid whiplash.<br />
<br />
> Keep a good distance in front of you so that you can slow down gently when you need to.<br />
<br />
> Except in an emergency, always look in the mirror before braking. Knowing what the car behind is doing is the best way to avoid getting hit from behind.<br />
<br />
> Make sure you have a properly adjusted head restraint. The top of the head restraint should be level with the top of your head for maximum safety.<br />
<br />
> Anticipate the traffic ahead and drive to avoid stopping as often – slowing down earlier gives the driver behind more time to react.<br />
<br />
> Try and signal early for junctions to give time for the traffic behind you to react.<br />
<br />
> Keep your foot lightly on the footbrake as traffic approaches from behind to show brake lights as a warning, until you are sure it is stopping.<br />
<br />
Source: IAM Drive & Survive</span></span>Azim Arishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08746502808608849845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3558798704773561313.post-28818291487397578192012-08-04T09:41:00.000-07:002012-08-04T09:41:50.547-07:00Off With Old Road Tax Sticker<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's amusing to see some car windscreens with a series of road tax stickers plastered on one side, presumably because the owner is either a sticker collector or find it too bothersome to remove the old ones.<br />
<br />
But it need not be hard to remove them if you know how.<br />
<br />
However, you have to be a bit more careful if the windscreen is tinted.<br />
<br />
The following steps to remove the sticker neatly applies for a tinted screen </span></span><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="6" width="300"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="rdtax2.jpg" original="/getattachment/TipGuides/How-to-remove-road-tax-stickers/rdtax2.jpg.aspx" src="http://star-motoring.com/getattachment/TipGuides/How-to-remove-road-tax-stickers/rdtax2.jpg.aspx" style="height: 245px; width: 350px;" /></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<br />
1. Materials needed are cotton-towels/microfibres, a solvent, for example alcohol-swabs (from the pharmacy) or lighter fluid (i.e Zippo) and a detergent. A basic pen-knife and a plastic card would suffice as tools.<br />
<br />
2. Place soft cotton towels or microfibres on the dashboard area below the windshield.<br />
<br />
3. Paste a few layers of quality cellophane tape on the back of the road-tax sticker overlapping each layer by about one centimetre so that the entire sticker is held together in one piece. It’s a simple trick but will make your job removing the road tax sticker so much easier.<br />
<br />
4. Using the pen-knife, carefully prise open a small gap under the edge of the road-tax. Leveraging carefully, begin to peel away the sticker slowly.<br />
<br />
Spread even pressure widthwise so that you can retain as much of the road tax in one-piece to make for easier cleaning later on.<br />
<br />
5. Once the sticker is removed, wipe the alcohol swab or using an older disposable towel, apply some of the lighter fluid onto the leftover adhesive residue. Gently rub in a circular motion and the residue should come off easily.<br />
<br />
6. Next use a piece of newsprint and wipe away any of the solvents left over during the removal process. Immediately spray some detergent onto a cotton towel/microfibre and clean the affected area. Wipe with a clean damp microfibre to remove any unsightly marks.<br />
<br />
7. Before sticking the new road tax onto the screen, use a clear thick film for the adhesive part to stick onto first. This would make it easier to replace the next time. They are usually provided by service centres, tint-installers or detailing facilities. Can't find one? Buy from hypermarkets and stationary or accessory shops.<br />
<br />
<br />
Don't do these:<br />
<br />
> Don’t use a hair dryer to heat up the expired road tax sticker as the windshield might crack if there is excessive heat in a localised spot. Tint installers use heat guns/hair dryers but understand how to control their usage better.<br />
<br />
> Don't use heavier duty solvents as they might deform or cause the tint film to degrade.<br />
<br />
> Don't use polishes/compounds to remove residue on tint as they might abrade the material. They are suitable for windshield’s that aren’t tinted as you’ll be working directly on glass.<br />
<br />
- <em>Adapted from the Darren Chang detailing series </em></span></span>Azim Arishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08746502808608849845noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3558798704773561313.post-68775227522195671512012-08-04T09:38:00.002-07:002012-08-04T09:38:53.700-07:00Tips to Avoid Being a Crime Victim<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cases of women being attacked in car parks of shopping malls have grabbed attention in recent months.<br />
<br />
This has led police and interest groups to call for and step up security in such commercial areas.<br />
<br />
On a personal level, individuals can take steps to avoid becoming a crime victim.<br />
<br />
Here are some dos and dont's in tackling this issue.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Do these</strong><br />
<br />
> Scream for attention<br />
<br />
> Accept the situation<br />
<br />
> Run away<br />
<br />
> Use anything in hand to defend yourself<br />
<br />
> Hit weak areas<br />
<br />
> Look at the assailant carefully<br />
<br />
> Reverse park<br />
<br />
> Ask the guard for help<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Don't do these</strong><br />
<br />
> Stop for anyone approaching you in an isolated area<br />
<br />
> Walk with the traffic flow<br />
<br />
> Fumble with your handbag<br />
<br />
> Fight your assailant<br />
<br />
> Take the stairs instead of the lift<br />
<br />
Click on this <a href="http://star-motoring.com/getmedia/d85366bf-8b95-450b-9a84-f647df3ef2b6/tips.aspx">link</a> for a higher-resolution image of the graphic below, which sums up in more detail the advice above.</span></span>Azim Arishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08746502808608849845noreply@blogger.com0