Archive for December, 2011

How to Find an Audi Concept Car

December 28th, 2011

People who love cars they always dream of buying a concept car. Concept cars are stylish and radical looking cars that are showcased at motor shows by the car manufacturing companies such as Audi to understand what the reaction of the people who view it. Audi concept can be seen at various motor shows that take place across the globe.

Concept automobile never go into production. However, after the automobile manufacturing company goes through the customer reaction, necessary changes such as design modification, cost, etc are done and then the car is finally released in the market. The reason why people love concept cars is because it not only looks radical but also have powerful engine. There are plenty of Audi concept automobiles such as Audi S5 Concept, Audi Q5 Audi Locus Concept, Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro Concept, Audi RSQ Concept, and Audi Q5 Cross Cabriolet Quattro Concept.

Here are some tips that will help you understand where you can find concept car from Audi:

  1. Start your web browser and open your search engine and search for concepts  from Audi. You can type ‘Audi concept car’ in the search engine. The search result will show you a complete list of website that sell or review concept automobiles from Audi. You will also come across websites through which you will come to know the schedules of the forthcoming auto shows. If you are mainly interested in concept cars from Audi, you can visit websites that exclusively sell and review concept cars of Audi.
  2. If you open the dedicated website for concepts from Audi, you will be able to view the specifications of all the concept automobiles Audi has produced. Moreover, you will also be able to download amazing wallpapers and screensavers on to your desktop. Once you have found a good website that reviews all the major and famous automobile from Audi, you can start reading the reviews to understand the pros and cons of each concept car.
  3. If you want to see the concept cars physically, you can visit an auto show to check out concept automobiles from all the major car brands
  4. You can even checkout the local newspaper to learn about the forthcoming auto shows.
  5. You can visit the official website of Audi and there you will able to find new and updates of the upcoming car shows.

Why should you visit a concept automobile review site?

The answer is pretty simple. Through the reviews you will be able to understand the features of the car. So when you visit a car show in person and if you happen to come across a car of which you have read review, you will able to decide which car present at the auto show is the best. Keep in mind that the concept automobile that is designed for auto show is not assessed for safety and road specifications. Hence, many people do not buy the Audi concept automobile right way the moment they say but wait for the car to release in the market.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles Are the Future of the Auto Industry

December 27th, 2011

With the rise in the price of gasoline, more and more people are taking interest in electric vehicles as means of transport. Another major advantage of electrically operated vehicles is that these vehicles offer pollution free means of transportation. Therefore even if 70% of people start using an electrically powered vehicle, we will be free of global warming caused by emission of gases like CO and CO2. There will be almost no instances of cancer caused by pollution.

Electric vehicles are more energy efficient than the contemporary vehicles wherein the electric vehicles operates at approximately 47 percent of effectiveness, while a contemporary vehicle operates at about 19 percent only.

But the electric car which can truly replace a traditional car is still in the conceptual stage as the electric vehicle would need continuous electric power from the batteries. The major disadvantages of present day electric cars are the time period required for recharging the batteries and their limited range

Now, it has almost been a century since the electric car has been popularly discussed, but recent developments in the hybrid electric vehicles technology and the growing concerns for the environment has revived the drive for an hybrid electric vehicles and this has become a realization today

Due to this problem of recharging batteries, a new type of design conceptualized in the minds of researchers and they came out with a solution. The researchers have put forward a new electrical vehicle fitted with on board electric power storage system and means of generating power. The generated power would be stored in the storage system and would be used to drive the vehicle. This new type of vehicle is called hybrid electric vehicle or HEV.

The present day storage system in hybrid electric vehicle comprises of stack of lead acid batteries as these can be charged in parallel with the load. The generating system consists of electric generator powered by internal combustion engine.

Researchers are optimistic about the performance of the hybrid vehicles. They are sure that the hybrid electric vehicle or HEV will be far more fuel efficient than the traditional vehicle powered by internal combustion engine.

Here Comes The Mercedes-Benz F 125! Concept Car

December 27th, 2011

The future of automotive technology can’t be represented any better than by the Mercedes Benz F 125! Concept. This amazing car is not only commendable because of the innovative technology it utilizes but also because of the promise that it holds for the future of car manufacturing. A true example of visionary engineering, it is powered by an F-Cell plug-in hybrid that makes use of hydrogen as a power source. This emission-free car speaks loudly about the public’s desire to harness such alternative energy sources to power their cars.

The F 125! Concept introduces the power of a fuel cell drive system in combination with plug-in technology. The F-Cell plug-in hybrid provides a driving range of 1000 km, topping other concept cars in terms of mileage. And to house these amazing engine systems is a revolutionary tank technology in the form of a hydrogen composite storage unit. The lithium-sulphur battery in use is also light and powerful.

This Mercedes Concept is a four-seat luxury sedan with an electric drive system. Drivers can enjoy the control and display concept based on touch, speech, and hand gestures; making it a very interactive driving navigation system that one can maneuver flexibly and with the least effort. Even the gull-wing doors, which are very lightweight, can be closed with the use of hand gestures. The F 125! Concept also has a very attractive display with the use of 3D and projector beam technology, another visual milestone.

Aesthetically, this model has the look and attitude of the often-visualized “car of the future”, with a sleek and strong finish from the head to the rear. The wonderfully crafted wheel and wheel arc combination adds enormously to the impression of cutting edge technology that the car projects even from the outside.

Concept cars are an effective way for auto manufacturers to display their engineering and design innovations. Even though most people will never have the opportunity to drive these limited edition vehicles, enthusiasts enjoy seeing real, state-of-the-art examples of their “dream cars”. They do give a sneak peek of what is possible, and some of the technology and design will eventually filter down to the mass-produced models offered to the general public.

The F 125! Concept is an amazing sight to see on the road with its very intelligent anatomy that speaks much of its luxury. Truly, the Mercedes- Benz F 125! Concept is the car of the future.

Electrifying Facts on Electric Vehicle Conversion – All You Need to Know

December 27th, 2011

Right now, with the gas at prices that we have never seen before, many people are looking for ways to cut down on gas consumption and there are some people who are looking at ways to avoid using gas at all. They are researching electric vehicle conversion which is converting a car or small truck to run on electricity instead of gas. There are many benefits to having vehicle that runs on just electric but an electric vehicle conversion is no simple task. The benefits for the vehicle are, smooth running, low maintenance, low vibration, economical, and totally convenient. An electric vehicle conversion is complicated. As well as no longer using gas the vehicle will no longer use oil, an exhaust, belts, hoses, water pump, coolant, radiator, spark plugs, plug wires, and injectors. So this is not a job that should be undertaken by an amateur.

If you are a mechanic who knows what they are doing, the electric vehicle conversion can be done in your own garage, with few specialist tools. The materials needed for the electric vehicle conversion is of course the electric motor, the motor mount, motor controller, speed controller, system control box, high current shunt, high current fuse, high current circuit breaker, current meter, voltmeter, clutch plate hub adapter, main battery bank, 12V battery charger, 6V golf cart batteries (common choice), battery rack, cable terminal lugs, along with a vacuum pump and switch kit for the brakes.

Other materials for the electric vehicle conversion will include any kind of framework that you would want to use to house the batteries that are needed to run the vehicle. Cars that are most commonly used used in electric vehicle conversion are the Chevy S10, Dodge Colt, Daytona Ford Escort, Porsche 914, Honda Civic, Mazda B2000 pickup, Datsun pickup, Plymouth Sundance, Pontiac Fiero, Suzuki Samurai, Toyota pickup, and Volkswagen Beetles.

The cost of the electric vehicle conversion will vary and depend greatly on the vehicle that is going to be converted. This can range from $6500 and $9500 dollars and that estimate does not include the cost of the vehicle itself.

Depending on the size of the vehicle and the number of batteries that are used in the conversion, the distance the vehicle can drive on one charge will vary accordingly. The general Chevy S10 which has 16 six-volt batteries and weighs a total of 3700 pounds, will go about 35 miles on a full charge. If you have more batteries on a lighter car, then you will be able to go much further on a single charge.

The weight of the vehicle will also factor on how fast the vehicle will be able to go. The lighter the car and more batteries, the faster it can go. Historically electrically converted cars were slow but now they can achieve speeds of 60 to 80 mph.

New Porsche Concept Car

December 27th, 2011

Who would have thought that you could have a mean looking, fast racing, good looking sports car that also has impressive green credentials? Well, that’s exactly what Porsche are proposing with their latest concept car: the Porsche 918 Spyder. Let’s take a closer look.

Unveiled on the eve of the famous Geneva Auto Show, the Stuttgart based company, Porsche, lifted the lid on their new concept car which happens to be a mid engine, two seater sports cars with hybrid and electric drive technology. It certainly looks mean, but what are the stats like? Remarkably impressive when looked at. Nought to Sixty in less than 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 198mph and it happens to be faster than the Carrera GT, as proven by successfully finishing the Nurburgring lap in less than 7 minutes 30 seconds.

So, how can a car have all this power and claim to be green? The 918 Spyder has electric motors at the front and rear axles. The drive to the front wheels is purely electric via a fixed ratio. The liquid cooled lithium ion battery pack sits behind the cockpit and can be ideally charged at home or by brake regeneration.

This sports car is a high revving V-8 related, 3.4 litre racing car. It produces more than 500 brake horse power with engine revs of up to 9200 rpm. Yet, it does an incredible 78mpg, driven the right way, plus the emissions level sit at just 70 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

The chassis is made from CFP (Carbon fiber reinforced plastic), along with the use of a lot of magnesium and aluminium to keep the frame as light as possible. The stylish interior is designed to be driver orientated with touch screens and intuitive controls.

The Porsche 918 Spyder whilst still a concept car at this stage is a sports car that looks exactly how a sports car should look and drives exactly how a sports car should drive along with boosting very impressive green credentials. It promises to be a car of the future holding real production possibilities which could set a new standard for the next generation of sports cars.

Volvo YCC Concept Car Receives 2006 Swedish Design Award

December 27th, 2011

The Volvo YCC Concept Car has been one of those concept cars ever created that has certainly grabbed the attention not only of automobile enthusiasts and fans but also of organizations that try to look at exemplary and exceptional designs. That is most certainly why the Volvo YCC Concept Car received the 2006 Swedish Design Award.

The 2006 Swedish Design Award’s jury wanted to actually honor and give recognition to practical design as well as to excellent problem-solving creations that use such practical design as a method. All nominated designs would be actually put on display this coming autumn in the House of Sweden which is the new Swedish embassy complex located in Washington, D.C.

So what is the Volvo YCC Concept Car? Well, actually, YCC stands for Your Concept Car. It is Volvo Car Corporation’s attention-grabbing concept car. One very unique thing about this car is that it has been designed, planned, and created by a team comprised of women. There were no men in the team. This Volvo YCC has certainly taken the attention of the whole world ever since its unveiling during the Geneva car show held last March 2004.

The Volvo YCC has also been one of the most awarded concept cars around. Aside from the 2006 Swedish Design Award given by the Swedish Advertisign Association and SVID, this vehicle has also received other awards like the Golden Spark Plug given by the Swedish Automobile Association last April 2003, the Best Concept Car given by design master Ross Lovegrove last March 2004, the best Design in Show given by the New York Daily News last April 2004, the Women of the Year award given by the Swedish magazine Damernas Varld last December 2004, the Woman of the Year award given by the motoring magazine Automotive News Europe last May 2005, the Andre Award given by the Swedish Patent and Registration Office last April 2005, the Golden Globe award given by the World Media Festival for the film made about the YCC last June 2005, and the Torsten and Wania Soderberg design award last December 2005.

Electric Vehicles: The Dream of the Young

December 26th, 2011

While many people seem to have varying options about electric vehicles, the younger generation seems to be excited about the prospect of cars running on electricity. No matter what kind of car it is they approve of having all electric cars. Electric vehicles do have many benefits such as great fuel mileage and great efficiency, and this seems to be a great point to many young people.

Why the Fascination?

Since electric vehicles seem to run silently and be an innovative vehicle, it seems to have beaten out the older days of engines that shook the ground with their rumblings. Today it seems that silence is more important and leaves quiet time for thinking. Today’s young people seem to have a fascination with a style that allows quietness and uniqueness instead of conformity.

Just Thinking…

If young people enjoy these electric vehicles so much then perhaps it is time to start catering to them. Today many companies are creating electric cars for kids. These types of vehicles are very popular and even parents seem to enjoy what they have to offer. Electric vehicles for kids are far beyond the light foot powered kid cars of yester years!

The Issue of Weight and Safety

Among adults one concern that many people have with electric vehicles surrounds the issues of safety and weight. Various countries have electric vehicles of various models that are being used but most of them fail when it comes to passing safety tests in America. While the batteries in electric vehicles do add some weight to the vehicles, the electric cars are still quite light, which of course does make them more efficient.

One electric vehicle that was made by Chrysler a few years ago was actually not much more than a golfing car that had been re-worked. There was a lot of marketing done for the vehicle but many seemed disinterested in this product. Although the product really did not sell, the company did meet certain goals that it found important.

Driving around town usually results in traveling slower, and many times electric vehicles are great for these lower speeds. In the future, there may be electric vehicles that weight more, and then perhaps they will be able to meet the safety standards of the United States. Although it has not happened yet, one can still hope. In spite of the disadvantages, many young people are still interested in electric vehicles and perhaps in the future there will be greater success with these vehicles in America.

Eliminate Chronic Car Problems With Electric Vehicle Conversions

December 26th, 2011

Regardless of where you travel to in Australia, you will always be putting miles on your car. Unfortunately, the parts used in high performance engines found in modern cars wear out much faster than the ones used years ago. For example, the fuel pump in modern cars often dies out after 60,000 to 90,000 Km of travel. If you check your warranty information, you will most likely find that the fuel pump is not covered after 60,000 Km, even on an extended warranty plan. If your odometer reading is approaching this number, electric vehicle conversions may represent a cost effective way to get out of chronic expenses associated with a high mileage vehicle.

Critical Car Parts and High Compression Engine Wear

Not so long ago, fuel pumps were one of the easiest things on a car to replace. All you really needed to do was search around near the carburetor, take the old pump out, and then put the new one in. Typically, it was a job you could accomplish in under an hour, right in your own back yard. At the same time, fuel pumps tended to cost well under 100.00.

By contrast, today’s vehicles use fuel injectors that require a very high compression ratio from the fuel pump. This type of pump is almost always housed in the fuel tank. They also cost several hundred dollars per unit. In order to replace the pump, you will need to take out the fuel tank, and then hope the mechanic will not damage the neck of the tank while removing the old pump. Because it tends to be a difficult job, you may wind up paying well over $1500.00 to have a new pump installed. On top of that, if they do damage the gas tank, you may wind up spending an additional $1000.00 to solve that problem.

Once the fuel pump is replaced, it can significantly alter the electrical system of the vehicle. For example, a number of cars and trucks develop computer problems, as well as a tendency to die out randomly once the new fuel pump is installed. Electric cars are virtually maintenance free. Electric vehicle conversions are worth exploring, and much safer in this type of situation. At the very least, you won’t have to worry about the motor dieing at an inconvenient time.

While you may not be aware of it, compression gaskets, valves, fuel injectors, and engine heads wear out faster when exposed to higher combustion temperatures and compression ratios. No matter how well you maintain and service your vehicle, it will not change this aspect of modern engine performance. Once your car passes the 100,000 Km mark, the best of the engine and transmission lifespan will be used up. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why very few manufacturers will guarantee a vehicle engine and transmission past 100,000 Km. Under these conditions, electric vehicle conversions offer a viable, safer, and cheaper alternative to help you maintain reliable transportation.

Deep Engine Computer Problems and Internal Combustion Engines

Even though the computer modules in your car are often housed in easy to reach places, they obtain data from sensors deep within the engine. For example, oxygen sensors may be positioned within the cylinder head. There are also some sensors that may be housed deep in the engine block. In some cases, these sensors monitor the flow of oil and coolants through the block. Once these sensors malfunction, they can cause piston heads to seize up, as well as ruin other critical parts of the main engine. At the same time, replacing these sensors may cost several thousand dollars if the engine has to be taken out, or the warranty on the electrical system is up.

Therefore, when the fuel pump causes changes in the electrical system, it can have hidden consequences. As with other electrical devices, when a new component is added, it can disrupt the pattern, and lead to serious consequences. When you make use of electric vehicle conversions, you will not need to worry about disrupting the electrical harness or the engine sensors. In fact, you will no longer need to worry about an engine block at all. Instead, your vehicle will run on a nice, quiet electrical motor that requires very little in the way of maintenance.

The Best Cars for Electric Fuel Conversions

If you buy a used car, you will always worry about repairs if you do not take steps to change the engine, transmission, and fuel pump. That said, if another used car is in better shape than the one you have now, you can always see about getting an electric car conversion in the near future. At the very least, you can have peace of mind knowing that you will get many years of trouble free driving out of it.

People that own cars today do not realize they could have a financial time bomb sitting on their hands. Regardless of whether the fuel pump dies in the middle of traffic, or the engine gaskets blows, it will cost you to have the vehicle repaired. When you are under pressure to get your car back as quickly as possible, you will most likely go on paying bigger repair bills, rather than evaluate the expanded benefits associated with electric vehicle conversions. Take the time now to evaluate your financial commitment to owning a petrol car. Switching to all electric is easier than you realize.

Today, electric vehicle conversions are available right here in Australia. You can easily extend the life of your current vehicle, and help do your part in providing for a cleaner more sustainable future, especially in your part of the world. When it comes right down to it, if you own a car or two, the best thing you can do is look into electric vehicle conversions today.

Audi A2: Concept Car of the Future

December 26th, 2011

With an elegant, sporty, and sophisticated look, the Audi A2 Concept says a great deal about automotive innovation even with just a single glance. It has a detailed exterior that speaks much of its functionality and high level of quality that modern car users look for in conventional cars. Even in its stationary status, one can easily tell that this is no ordinary car. Its overall look creates an impression of high- level automotive efficiency that topples down most conventional cars in every aspect of the unit.

Engine and Power

Another innovative feature is the electric-only powertrain. The development of electric mobility in the current automotive industry is seen to influence much the future of the whole car mobility technology. Electric mobility, in itself, presents its own set of advantages and disadvantages; especially when compared to conventional car engines. However, the overall performance is noiseless, smoother, and carries enough power for a satisfying drive. Moreover, this electric- only power source make the car environmental- friendly.

Exterior

The power and elegance of this concept car can easily be spotted at first glance. With a high- level of elegance, this concept car manages to combine simplicity and grandeur. It has a clean appearance and a neat finish intensified by its dark glass roof. The most noticeable feature in this concept car is its matrix beam, using the next step in LED technology. This produces a high- resolution but non- glaring high beam light. The exterior lightings of the A2 concept are amazing, as it adapts to the visibility conditions of the environment. The intelligent tail light become more visible as visibility drops, while the rear fog light powered by laser diodes does not only serve as a fog light but also projects a red triangle that serves as road warning.

Aside from the superb beam lighting feature, this vehicle sports a chic appearance. It only measures 3.80 meters long, 1.69 meters wide and 1.49 meters high.

Interior

The inside of the vehicle compliments its exterior nicely. It has a flat interior floorboard, and a center console connected to the driver’s seat. The front part has enough space to allow sufficient mobility while inside the car with extra spaces under the cushion seats. The four seats add lightness, instead of crowding up inside the car. Even the colors and materials used in the car’s interior showcase functionality and lightness, making long drives a lot more comfortable.

How to Find an Audi Concept Car

December 26th, 2011

People who love cars they always dream of buying a concept car. Concept cars are stylish and radical looking cars that are showcased at motor shows by the car manufacturing companies such as Audi to understand what the reaction of the people who view it. Audi concept can be seen at various motor shows that take place across the globe.

Concept automobile never go into production. However, after the automobile manufacturing company goes through the customer reaction, necessary changes such as design modification, cost, etc are done and then the car is finally released in the market. The reason why people love concept cars is because it not only looks radical but also have powerful engine. There are plenty of Audi concept automobiles such as Audi S5 Concept, Audi Q5 Audi Locus Concept, Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro Concept, Audi RSQ Concept, and Audi Q5 Cross Cabriolet Quattro Concept.

Here are some tips that will help you understand where you can find concept car from Audi:

  1. Start your web browser and open your search engine and search for concepts  from Audi. You can type ‘Audi concept car’ in the search engine. The search result will show you a complete list of website that sell or review concept automobiles from Audi. You will also come across websites through which you will come to know the schedules of the forthcoming auto shows. If you are mainly interested in concept cars from Audi, you can visit websites that exclusively sell and review concept cars of Audi.
  2. If you open the dedicated website for concepts from Audi, you will be able to view the specifications of all the concept automobiles Audi has produced. Moreover, you will also be able to download amazing wallpapers and screensavers on to your desktop. Once you have found a good website that reviews all the major and famous automobile from Audi, you can start reading the reviews to understand the pros and cons of each concept car.
  3. If you want to see the concept cars physically, you can visit an auto show to check out concept automobiles from all the major car brands
  4. You can even checkout the local newspaper to learn about the forthcoming auto shows.
  5. You can visit the official website of Audi and there you will able to find new and updates of the upcoming car shows.

Why should you visit a concept automobile review site?

The answer is pretty simple. Through the reviews you will be able to understand the features of the car. So when you visit a car show in person and if you happen to come across a car of which you have read review, you will able to decide which car present at the auto show is the best. Keep in mind that the concept automobile that is designed for auto show is not assessed for safety and road specifications. Hence, many people do not buy the Audi concept automobile right way the moment they say but wait for the car to release in the market.