Formula E Teams Get their First Car

The premier class of zero emissions, Formula E, this 2014 debut ; still occur ads and taking steps to consolidate this new category. The latest is the delivery of the first car to each of the teams, a total of 10 units of Spark-Renault SRT_01E are already in the hands of the teams that will actually ‘Formula 1 Electric’.

Formula E Teams Get their First Car

After several official test, the car is now ready, Spark and Renault have reached the milestone of having the first ‘fleet’ of fully electric cars , although on a small scale. Experts from both companies have worked hard to reach this point, offering a reliable car and taken to another level electric propulsion.

No doubt it will be an event that captures the attention of all and sundry, see run electric cars over 220 km / h for urban circuits around the world. Renault has capitalized on this opportunity to become the technical partner, which also serves as a platform to promote their electric models worldwide.

Another great news that brings the Formula E is the announcement of official driver Jaime Arguersuari the Virgin team, Catalan joins Sam Bird to drive the Spark-Renault SRT_01E Richard Branson, one that knows how to use sports events to marketing of his empire. Thus the ex-F1 back onto a car after several years without finding ‘place’.

And we must not forget the role of Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E Holdings, and who has done much to crystallize this ambitious project, traveling to places where the Formula E 2014 run, convincing teams, investors, sponsors and technological and logistical partners. So the Formula E has Spanish twist.

Equipment Program

United States will have two representatives, Andretti Auto sport and Dragon Racing; the same goes for UK, Drayson Racing and Virgin Racing will be their representatives. Then highlight the presence of India with Mahindra Racing, Racing and Super Aguri China Formula E of China and Japan, respectively, completed the Asian representation in the Formula E.

The timing of the Formula E will comprise 10 races , of which there are 9 confirmed, the championship will begin in Beijing on September 13, 2014 , and visit interesting places such as Malaysia, Punta del Este in Uruguay, Buenos Aires, Miami and Los Angeles in the United States, will also run on the street circuit of Monaco, Berlin and London.

Formula E Teams Get their First Car

Fiat Barchetta: history and background

After several years without a representative among small convertibles in 1994 Fiat began marketing the Fiat Barchetta as heir to the simplicity and economy of use of the Fiat 850 Spider but with fun and practicality offered by the Fiat X 1/9. Like its predecessors, this new roadster had a design inspired by Ferrari: in this case the 166 MM.

Fiat Barchetta: history and background

But the purposes of the Fiat Barchetta was not only to offer a sporty convertible price economical and fun to drive but, together with the Fiat Coupé, are supposed to have formed a new range of emotional vehicles within manufacturer Fiat. In fact these two vehicles were born called “pizza projects”: the Fiat Barchetta is a result of the project Marinara and Fiat Coupe project Diavolo.

The aesthetics of the Fiat Barchetta was dominated by organic lines emulating some marine animals. The front and rear were characterized by fine lines while highlighting the strong lateral line voltage wave form of sea naturally linking the front to the back and in a way that repeats the waistline.

The base of the Fiat Barchetta was the same as the Fiat Punto but with the wheelbase cut and was the only engine 1.747cc known tetra cylindrical 16v modular family of the Fiat 130 hp at 6,300 rpm (the power figure may vary slightly depending on market). This engine is characterized by the variable opening of intake valves for better relationship between consumption, emissions and performance and promoting the delivery of low-end torque and power at high engine speeds. This engine offered more than 90% of torque available from 2,000 rpm and the Fiat Barchetta allowed reaching 100km / h from standstill in just 9 seconds.

The passive safety of the Fiat Barchetta was committed to progressive deformation zones at the ends of an enhanced platform that had burglar bars on the doors and a ring of high strength tubular reinforcement under the windscreen. All this gave him a torsional rigidity of 50,000 kgm / rad, which means it, was the most robust in its class car.

All these technical innovations employed in the construction of the frame and body of the Fiat Barchetta complemented with airbag driver, seat belts with pretensioners, and switch inertia in the ignition system or the front seats with the sliding resistance accidents. The passenger airbag was optional equipment.

The braking system had four albums and a double cross-linked with checker to ensure control of the vehicle and had an option of ABS with four channels (in limited series was standard equipment). For its part, the suspension employed a MacPherson layout with stiffer spring’s front and rear suspension trailing arms and stabilizer bar.

The interior was chaired by a dashboard large black fully coated waterproof plastic material, but in the bottom of the door and could see inserts painted in the same color of the body. The interior design was so simple and practical and all the elements were at hand. As the digital clock at the bottom of the console could require the driver to move the seat to see clearly their indications.

As a point (very) important update of this aesthetic is that it began manufacturing the car plate 0.9 mm thick (before 0.7 mm) to give more strength to the assembly and to prevent elements such as front hood with praise continuous opening and closing. Another addition was sympathetic and original incorporation of the third brake light in the form of shark dorsal.

No changes other than those named, the production of the Fiat Barchetta definitely ended in June 2005. Luckily, spirit “spider” may be back in 2015 with a product related to the Mazda MX-5. Only time will tell…

Fiat Barchetta: history and background

Change Driven Dual Clutch

For many years the use of the automatic transmission was reserved for models equipped with powerful engines. The problem was to incorporate this type of transmission in smaller lay in the mechanical torque. The blocks were then more powerful engine in its most gasoline of at least a minimum six-cylinder 2.5-liter engine offering good dose of torque, and it was solved one of the endemic problems of automatic updates; strength loss caused by the operation of the automatic transmission itself and, more specifically, the existence of the torque converter.

Change Driven Dual Clutch

To alleviate these problems, various options were tried, since the incorporation of a greater number of gears to try to get more power at each speed to the creation of other types of transmission allowed without the clutch, as was the case of CVT or driven change. The latter, the piloted switch, also called robotic hand, is based on the existence of a conventional manual transmission to which is coupled a series of elements that are automatically clutch functions. With this simple theory seeks to offer the comfort of an automatic with the efficiency of a manual gearbox. In practice most of these systems suffer from two basic problems: lack of comfort in the transitions from one gear to another and slow responses to requests from the driver.

One brand that has investigated to reach efficient and offer a real alternative to traditional automatic transmission torque converter at lower power vehicles has been Renault. In early nineties diamond Brand wanted to offer better ride comfort more utilitarian in your car, the Renault Twingo, and did so with a curious proposal to offer a seemingly traditional change but in which there was no pedal clutch. That version, called Easy, allowing the driver to change gears using the shifter in a traditional way but without pressing the clutch, for performing this action the pump pressure considering various parameters and movement of the shift lever. Despite the lateness of the proposal that technological innovation was premature and did not succeed, but also incorporated into the Renault Express.

But the most significant in terms of robot changes progress was achieved with the advent of automatic piloted dual clutch, a technology that is present in the change EDC Renault and getting, based on manual changes a capable performance racing traditional automatic transmissions.

In exchange EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch or Efficient Double Clutch) Renault has two clutches instead of just one as usual. A clutch is intended for the odd gears while another, which rotates concentrically with the former, goes to the even gears. To engage first gear the driver should press the lever or steering wheel selector shifter and managed the electronics will make first gear engagement is by engaging the clutch for odd gears system.

The particularity resides in that at the moment there is already a precoupling the second clutch, of the even gears, so that the second gear is coupled to its axis but does not transmit force to the wheels that the clutch in use is the odd gears. But when the driver decides to change to second gear the system engages the clutch for odd gears allowing the transition from one gear to the next is almost imperceptible.

Now the car is traveling with the second gear engaged with the corresponding shaft and the clutch allocated to the even gears while at the same time, the odd gears are pre-selected by the presence of the second clutch. Thus, when the driver decides to increase (3rd connection) or decreased (ratio 1st) gear, the exchange process is again almost immediately. The speed of reactions piloted dual clutch transmission not only play in comfort with traditional automatic transmissions, but also enables many times about getting even tighter consumption in manual changes thanks to its efficient operation.

Change Driven Dual Clutch

myOpel App

Opel has released new application for customers of the German brand offering a range of services that we more than once may pull through. It was released a little less than a year in Germany, but so far he had not come to our country and to places like Italy, France, Hungary and Poland, adapting to each language version.

The functions that integrate myOpel application are:

Interactive Owner’s Manual. The usual discomfort of an instruction manual becomes fast access and instant searches.

Lights and indicators. And detailed visual symbols and led in the control panel explanation.

Offers customized for each vehicle. A measure of the Opel model of each client. Services and accessories you need, when you need them and exclusive discounts.

Appointment reminders. Automatically displays upcoming inspections and reviews.

The application also provides information on campaigns and vehicle upgrades.

Make an appointment online. Select the type of maintenance mileage and preferred Opel Authorized Repairer.

Request online driving test. To request the testing of new Opel models the day and time most convenient to the customer.

Opel Service Locator. Both nearest to the location of the client and looking for him by name or zip code.

Reminder parking. myOpel App lets you save the parking spot using GPS to help you get back to it. Even lets you take photos and notes, if necessary, and set alerts to warn when your parking ticket expires.

Accident Report. This feature helps to record the most important data of an accident as vehicles, GPS coordinates, photos, witnesses…

Emergency procedures. Important for emergency starting, changing fuses, towing, change a tire, etc. directions.

myOpel App

Adam Opel, analysis rear seats

As a vehicle intended for urban use from Opel have thought it was enough to offer a version of its three-door Opel Adam. To be able to access the rear seats have to press a lever located on the top of the front seats, which move the seat forward to allow sufficient space for access.

Tips:

• Fiat Panda Young 2014


• Renault Trafic 2014 Review

Adam Opel, analysis rear seats

Once seated in the rear seats what we find is a longitudinal gap much lower than expected so that, if the occupants are adults, they will have serious problems of little comfort to the driver and / or passengers exceed five feet in height. A rear occupant will more than seventy feet with knees in the front seat and therefore will be forced to take the knees outward occupying large space wide, a situation that will become a problem if two occupants of the rear.

Even if the occupants are children does not improve the situation, since the existence of SRI forces children often take the stretched legs, again leaving a very poor defense for a minimum of comfort. However the feeling of finishing is satisfactory and found good comfort details like a glove with side holders, bags for objects behind the front seats and an fix anchors perfectly made facilitating proper placement of child seats.

As for weather comfort there is no channeling air conditioning to the rear seats, having rear occupants settle for acclimatization that “on” the front seats though, in truth, a cabin reduced this problem is somewhat minimized mode. The rear windows do not help in this regard, because it is fixed windows that do not have any possibility of opening.

Opening the luggage compartment is concealed in the Opel logo itself, giving access to a small space (170 liters extendable to 665 when fully folded down the rear seats) The trunk floor must be removed to reach the puncture kit we have under the same, and for this we have to follow a procedure if you do not want to spoil. So, we must elevate the back for pulling the floor, allowing it disengages from the front, thus being able to remove it without problems.

The tray is removed smoothly and folding the seats we equally can thereby obtain a flat surface. As a special feature of the Adam Opel has the great advantage of coupling the system Flex Fix the subject to wear a bike perfectly.

Adam Opel, analysis rear seats

Renault Captur Helly Hansen 2014

When it appears that there is now no way to innovate and run out of ideas, companies in the automobile sector seek partnerships and collaborations with other companies negotiated for achieve a distinctive touch in your car.

Read: Best Car Deals for March 2014

One of the most recurrent outputs in this sense is to go to the fashion world, in order to give a glamorous touch to models sharing the experience with one brand of ‘against a porter’. This way, you teach as Hermes, The North Face, Napapijri Victorio and Lucchino or have their names associated to some cars and have customized some characteristic elements.

Following this line of action, Renault has just signed a contract with the Norwegian fashion sportswear brand Helly Hansen for the launch of version Helly Hansen Captur model. This model, which is manufactured in world exclusive manufacturing plant for Renault in Valladolid, now has a new limited edition to be the name Helly Hansen, so having a more adventurous exterior aesthetics because it uses the body color Red Desire and becomes the only version of crossover that can have this key.

Among the design features of the car include the elements in platinum gray rims aluminum 17-inch diamond gray. In addition to red, this vehicle may also be sought with the exterior color Ivory Delhi.

As individual elements Helly Hansen Captur include leather seats, first in the range Captur and the red accents on the dashboard, fiber inserts carbon steering wheel, chrome door trim or mats in the front seats. Although all aesthetic elements contributing to the vehicle a more adventurous personality, the main novelty of the model is the inclusion as standard of Extended Grip, which prevents slippage of the vehicle in low-traction surfaces.

This device is activated manually via the knob on the center console and with it you can choose the desired mode of attendance (road soft soil expert or hard floors). Among the items of additional equipment that mounts the new Renault Captur Helly Hansen the automatic lights are lights and wipers and front and rear power windows with auto function trip computer, floor trunk reversible and washable, regulator and speed limiter or displacement sensors with rear camera rear.

This new limited edition signature diamond can be selected with all engines in the range Captur (Energy Tce 90 horses, 120 horses Tce transmission automatic EDC, Energy dCi 90 hp with manual or automatic transmission). This car will go on sale in June in most European countries and in September in France, Holland, Belgium and Spain.

Renault Captur Helly Hansen 2014

Is Toyota Verso Better than a Kia Carens?

For work reasons we need a second car and we doubt that we will drive better.

It will be used daily to give 150 kms on the highway, other than commuting to city, school, shopping, etc … so that consumption is important. We have three small children, so we need space. In addition, on special occasions we need to use six or seven seats.

Read: Best Car Deals for March 2014

 

The car will handle my wife who does not dare with big cars (we have a Kia Carnival I’ve only). For aesthetic reasons, size, energy consumption, service, price (less than 20,000 €) and reliability we liked the Toyota Verso but do not rule out other options such as the Kia Carens with our needs … What do you think would be best option?

This is obviously a rather compromising situation, seek a vehicle for seven seats but small and at the same time, large enough inside to accommodate enough comfort and safety to five occupants, at certain times, could be six or seven. From my point of view, the real problem is in this last point, since there are many other alternatives that can always reconcile and when seven seats are not required.

Nevertheless, since it seems a “sine qua non” I will focus on the two models comments. From Toyota Verso I can speak little have not had chance to try it, while I briefly Carens lead in reporting but I have not done a test in depth.

On a theoretical level we can first see is that the only seven-seat Carens diesel available (I recommend above versions of gasoline and therefore profitability by type of use) is the version equipped and more powerful, the Kia Carens 1.6 CRDi finish Emotion, whereas for the Toyota Verso 2.0D can opt for Comfort. The Kia and offers 120 hp of power versus 136 Carens, although the maximum torque, which is really important in these cases, is situated close affair, with 310 Nm for Toyota and 330 for the Kia.

Noting further details see the Toyota is somewhat shorter compared to 4.46 meters of 4.53 Karen, and also has a slightly lower average consumption. If to this we add that Toyota can boast excellent reliability and in this case also with a lower price, the comparison between both models opts for the Japanese model (Kia is Korean, which is no demerit record)

Yes, I cannot help but notice that the higher price of Kia Carens is justified in part by an equipment superior series which highlights, for example, the presence of sensor lights, climate control instead of air conditioning Toyota or even the browser. By the way, I have assumed that you found these models options for the price you indicate that, according to the PVP, both are above the budget you address.

Is Toyota Verso Better than a Kia Carens?

Honda CR-V: History and Background - 2 of 2: the success of European design

Contrary to the assertions of the above, there is much written about tastes. When I talk about the designs of the cars I can make three distinct groups: the European, American and Japanese.

Objectively I cannot say that one is better than the other because in all cases tend to adjust to the demands of their markets as with the big American sedans or Kei-cars Japanese friendly, but if something is objective is that the vast majority of automotive groups are always looking to have a design center in Europe. Honda did the same design and the third-generation CR-V by European standards.

The first point that Honda tried when it launched in 2006 the third-generation CR-V was the aesthetic: the Honda CR-V III presented a more rounded and very smooth dashed continuously throughout the length of the car silhouette.

In fact, much of the main lines of the car started in the front of the vehicle such as the shape of the front grille that drew the belt line or line voltage united headlights taillights with lightening cosmetic vehicle. Another important step was the aesthetic replacement door boot for vertical gate opening and removal of the spare tire on the tailgate.

The interior also enjoyed a dashboard completely new rounded lines much more attractive, with moldings or wood effect aluminum much more elaborate and better integration of key control elements such as climate control or browser.

A very important detail of this car is that the floor of the cabin was completely flat and allowed center rear passenger travel with more comfort not found with the annoying tunnel transmission.

In any case, the materials used therein denoting a good level of quality both in construction and in adjustment of the individual parts. It was also observed practical details such as double tray trunk that could put at different levels and thus divide the boot up into three parts.

Looking testing information of the time I found two “defects” digital information display located in the center console reflects excess sunlight and tailgate design made with wet car to open the gate the water fell on the outer corner instead of the gate frame itself.

Vehicle dynamics also improved thanks to a wider and located less ground clearance chassis and because jerks stiffer suspension limiting the rolling of the body, what they did to the Honda CR-V a very comfortable car and poised to travel by road without losing any of the (few) skills jackets vehicle: the vehicle had front-wheel drive with automatic connection of the rear axle without the driver had no control over it (in the American and Asian markets had other models front-drive only).

The mechanical available for the Honda CR-V were always four-cylinders. In most of Europe mechanics were available gasoline V-TEC 2.0 with 150 hp and 2.2 i-CTDi diesel of 140hp available both with manual and automatic five-speed, but in markets like the Spanish, the 2.2 i-CTDi It is not available from the start. V-TEC 2.4 166cv model was available in other markets like the U.S..

Various levels of very complete and competitive equipment were presented and items that could have the Honda CR-V include the panoramic roof, adaptive cruise control, the stability control function with trailer or addressable xenon headlights.

On security the Honda CR-V scored good marks in both frontal crash and occupant protection. Only in American IIHS testing was criticized low roof strength (that do not know how this test is performed).

The new Honda CR-V can be equipped, depending on version, with all the security features available in the market, such as active cruise control (which, however, fails to stop the vehicle), control lane with mechanical assistance direction or control of earrings (AWD only).

In terms of comfort the whole way Honda can equip infinity of elements to make its use more pleasant as the power tailgate, parking cameras and automatic climate control.

Inside you can see that the dashboard also shows a design evolved regarding the third-generation Honda CR-V with a clear aesthetic importance to the big screen in the upper part of the center console. However the center console between the seats appear with (before moving) Fixed integrated armrests and loss of longitudinal adjustment practical elements as the back seat or trunk division levels.

Honda CR-V: History and Background - 2 of 2: the success of European design

BMW Motorsport: ready to succeed in the DTM 2014

After a dream return in 2012 DTM season, BMW prepares all their weapons to try to regain the top of the German Touring Car Championship in 2014. Nuevo car, M4 Coupe DTM, four teams and eight drivers first line, add to a comprehensive development process and set-up for this year.

Last week, as is tradition, BMW Motorsport employees and delighted fans with a superb display of the cars competing in the DTM 2014 was the official launch just a week before the start of the season, the first appointment, as is also tradition is at Hockenheim today ‘roll-out’.

Despite having won the constructors’ title also in 2013, BMW Motorsport wants to return to the top in the other classifications, for it has prepared thoroughly to a balanced team pilots, very experienced, others who come to make things new, all with one goal, to win.

BMW has been surrounded by the best this year, ZF is one of them, trust is mutual and extend a deal that is almost historic, renowned manufacturer of transmissions and other solutions designed for M4 clutch DTM 2014 and the logo will look on doors car driven by Maxime Martin.

Another partner that has contributed to the development of sports in the plans of BMW DTM 2014 was Akrapovič; Slovenian exhaust manufacturer has brought all his experience to get maximum performance from M4 DTM. MAHLE, in turn, contributes to specific components for motor M4 DTM.

This is another landmark deal, and logo will look at the eight MAHLE BMW cars for this campaign. The company, with a presence in over 140 international markets, has experience in the development of components for the best categories, Formula 1, FIA WEC, WRC, DTM and NASCAR, among others.

On 3^rd May 8, 2014 officially starts the 2014 DTM season, which comes with changes consist of three qualifying rounds, not four like last season, this year the format is like the F1. Q3 will last for 13 minutes which fall five pilots, Q2 and Q1 will last 11 minutes each.

This year, only mandatory pit stop, unlike in 2013 there were 2 pits forced by step. Ballasts are also new, 5 kilos will be added to the winning car and the rest of that mark to finish among the 10 first, pilots second best maintain weight, lose third mark of 2.5 if they qualify in the top 10 or 5 if you finish 11th or worse.

Tires ‘option’ Hankook may be used up within 50% of the race, so that strategies will be simpler, facilitating the adoption of only 1 pit stop during the race and making it understandable strategy followers.

As to Hockenheim, known to many, is 4754 meters, 42 laps will be given and must be mentioned that since the return of BMW, the Bavarian brand has been very successful with wins and podiums, the ultimate triumph of the last year repeated in 2014?

BMW Motorsport: ready to succeed in the DTM 2014

Fiat Panda Young 2014

One of the most active brands as far as makeup is concerned is its range Fiat Panda Young 2014, no doubt.

The Italian firm maintains a constant rate of renewal of its product, either new model with upgraded engines or special editions.

In this case, the Fiat Panda Young 2014 will be the vehicle that will see improved commercial position with the addition of the version Young, which gives customers the opportunity to enjoy a higher level of equipment, as well as new aesthetic elements and updated colors.

All with an advantageous cost to users. The Fiat Panda Young 2014 draws attention to the naked eye, and riding wheels of steel 14-inch matt gray with a central bezel in yellow, while the matte gray exterior mirrors. Another exclusive feature of this edition is the stickers on the doors and tailgate with the inscription ‘Young’.

This car can be chosen in with a color palette consisting of five tones, three solid (Getalo White, Red and Black Cinema Passion) and two metallic (Light Green and Gray Argento). Exterior styling is completed with the color you package, with roof and door mirrors with black paint and tinted glass.

Inside the cabin, customers of Fiat Panda Young 2014 will have access to items of standard equipment such as air conditioning, specific upholstery gray / black with yellow double stitching on the front and rear seats and the logo on the back of the driver seat.

These details are added to the finished Pop A prominent element is the radio equipment Clarion FZ502E including Bluetooth. Variant Young The new Panda is sold in the market with a single engine, the propeller of petrol and 1.2-liter 69 hp maximum power. This Fiat Panda Young 2014 is available for a price of 6,590 Euros, with PIVE 5 Plan and funding FGA Capital.

Fiat Panda Young 2014

Hunted the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid Plug

It was a matter of time. After launching the Porsche Panamera S Hybrid E-, the German mark was eventually to move its hybrid technology ‘plug-in’ to the rest of the range. The next model will be the event Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid-E, which has been caught in its last tests and will replace the current hybrid Cayenne.

Hunted the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid Plug

English: Geneva Motor Show 2011 Français : Salon international de l’automobile de Genève Deutsch: Genfer Auto-Salon 2011 Porsche (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It seems that the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid-E , which has been hunted ( images ), share the same parallel technology Porsche Panamera S Hybrid E- . There are several reasons: it is an already developed technology, it works perfectly on the big German sedan and thus saving costs to implement a new system.

Thus, following the pattern of the Porsche Panamera, it is likely that the future Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid E count inside with a 3.0 V6 petrol engine of about 316 hp which will be joined by another 95 hp rectifier supported by a lithium-ion battery that can be fully charged in less than 200 minutes via Plug Porsche, or 240 minutes if a traditional outlet.