Carbon fibre used to be the lightweight supermaterial reserved for F1 or supercars. but carbon fibre could be about to take another step even more into the mainstream.
Ford has developed a carbon fibre bonnet for the current focus which weighs less that 50 per cent of the current steel equivalent.
Advertisement – short article continues below
And while we’ve seen carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) body panels before, the real progress has been made in the production process for the material, which is now fast enough to be used on Ford’s regular production line.
“It’s no secret that decreasing a vehicle’s weight can deliver major benefits for fuel consumption, but a process for fast and affordable production of carbon fibre automotive parts in large numbers has never been available,” said Inga Wehmeyer, advanced materials and processes research engineer, Ford European research Centre.
Although Ford didn’t release how much the bonnet weighs, or what fuel efficiency benefits could be had from switching to CFRP, there are some major benefits of the material over conventional steel. Namely, CFRP is up to five times as strong as steel, twice as stiff, and one-third the weight. Ford plans to use the material to decrease the weight of its automobiles by up to 340kg by the end of the decade.
Ford’s lightweight body panel project began in 2010 and sought to develop carbon fibre composite panels that were cheap, finished to a high standard, weighed less than 50 per cent of their steel equivalent and could be incorporated on a current production line.
The prototype Ford focus bonnet also meets Ford’s standards for crash performance. Ford claims that the bonnet has also carried out well in pedestrian protection head-impact tests, thanks to a special foam core sandwiched between two layers of CFRP.
“Customers of Ford’s passenger automobiles ought to not expect to see carbon fibre-bodied examples on sale in the near future,” said Inga Wehmeyer. “But the techniques we have refined and developed for the prototype focus bonnet could be transferred to higher volume applications at a later date.”
The Volkswagen group has been with the mill over the past two years, however as it reported at its annual press seminar last week, record sales of 10.3 million vehicles in 2016 suggest that it is bouncing back after Dieselgate.
I was in the audience as the VW board congratulated itself on the firm’s spectacular healing – although the truth that the expense for the detraction has now reached practically 20 million euros (and counting) should still sting a little.
Advertisement – short article continues below
When the guy in fits opened the floor to questions, I asked VW group manager Matthias Müller if he felt the company’s brands ought to be complying with PSA Peugeot Citroen’s lead in publishing real-world fuel economic climate figures for their cars.
• VW emissions detraction latest
VW’s French rival issued much more sensible data on around 1,000 vehicles a couple of weeks back, with figures created utilizing a test called the genuine Driving Emissions standard.
The new RDE test isn’t rather as exact as the lab work that figures out the official fuel economic climate as well as CO2 emissions. however it’s a helpful guide to exactly how much NOx vehicles are emitting on genuine roads, as well as exactly how numerous miles they’re truly doing to the gallon.
• VW thinking about publishing real-world economic climate figures
Surprisingly, Müller replied in the affirmative. Well, almost: “What PSA did, we are currently likewise believing about,” he revealed. That’s encouraging, however we’re not completely sure what bit of the process needs deep consideration.
As VW’s own administration admitted last week, the business has “a great method to go in regaining the count on of clients as well as the public”. providing us fuel economic climate figures that we have a faint possibility of believing would be a great location to start, surely.
Would you like to see VW publish real-world fuel economic climate figures? let us understand below…
police plans to use communities as motoring crime spotters could expand in the future, as safety experts believe the schemes are an answer to the falling number of traffic officers.
The national police Chief’s Council launched a week long programme to crackdown on mobile phone use behind the wheel with the trial including the use of community spotters to report offenders to the police.
Advertisement – short article continues below
Meanwhile the Essex police revealed a new programme called Neighbourhood view on Wheels, that recruits local driving instructors to act as their “eyes and ears” on the roads.
• First cars: learning to drive special
The Tendring area of Essex is to host a new trial by the Essex police where driving instructors who sign up given maps of the areas with the worst crime rates and even descriptions of suspects.
The police also hope to use the relevant footage from instructors’ dash-cams as evidence in court cases. District commander, Russ Cole, who is behind the driving instructor scheme said: “Driving instructors seemed like an apparent choice – here is a group of professionals who are prepared to help.
“While they are doing their three-point turns and manoeuvres, they’ll be keeping an eye out for suspects. We will be working with as numerous of the instructors as possible, sharing information with them, such as maps of where burglaries are taking place and descriptions of suspects.
The BMW idea active Tourer (CAT) was the centrepiece of BMW’s Paris motor show stand. While it’s a idea in name, the feline previews the very first front-wheel-drive BMW production cars, which will show up in late 2014.
The idea active Tourer is aimed directly at the Mercedes B-Class – it’s a five-seater as well as nearly the exact same size as the Mercedes, at 4,353mm long, 1,834mm large as well as 1,560mm tall.
Advertisement – post continues below
Importantly, the feline is created so that, in spite of utilizing the exact same platform as well as engines, it won’t take sales from the all-new MINI, which debuts at the end of 2013.
The new engine design indicates there’s no requirement for a long bonnet, as well as it’s likewise brought about some cautious rethinking of the standard BMW style language for the idea active Tourer.
To provide the cars and truck a stylish stance, the BMW kidney grille is tilted forward, while the headlights are swept back as well as flow out to the flared wheelarches, which cover 20-inch wheels.
The glasshouse has been moved forward, to provide a lot more interior space, however the standard upswept windowline as well as kink are present. Tail-lights similar to those on the 6 series as well as a short overhang total the look.
Inside, the dash is still angled towards the driver, however the area ahead of the front-seat traveler is rounded as much as the windscreen, enabling a lot more light in. The front seats are mounted high for great all-round visibility, while the rears split 40:20:40 for maximum practicality.
British automobile manufacturing has hit a 17-year high as it stays on track to reach an all-time record by the end of the decade, despite dangers from Brexit trade negotiations.
Driven by exports to a lot more than 160 countries worldwide, UK plants produced 1,722,698 automobiles in 2016 – the most considering that 1999 and up 8.5 per cent on 2015 – according to figures from the SMMT.
Advertisement – post continues below
• best selling cars in the UK
With Jaguar Land Rover bolstering its line-up built in the UK combined with the continued success of the Ellesmore Port-made Vauxhall Astra and Nissan’s Sunderland factory, the UK is predicted to beat the 1972 record and breach two million automobiles produced in 2020.
That’s despite the continued danger of tariffs on trade which has seen investment in the automotive market drop by nearly £1 billion in 2016. The year before, £2.5 billion was committed but that was down to £1.6 billion last year.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes admitted this was down to uncertainty caused by the Brexit vote but said commitments on product cycles already made would help the UK automotive market continue to grow in the short term.
But he added: “It’s slightly worrying investment is down, we’re keeping an eye on it. We do see companies at least delaying investment decisions until there is greater certainty.”
80% of UK-built cars are for export
The UK exports 80 per cent of automobiles produced in the country with the EU accounting for a lot more than half. The us makes up 14.5 per cent of exports and grew by nearly half last year bit this market in the us could also be under danger given the election of president Donald Trump.
Hawes said: “We want to know what happens across the pond, the us is a vital market and we need a global outlook. We will grow and trade internationally.”
One potential opportunity from Brexit, according to Hawes, is that if producers do stay, the homegrown supply chain may increase to meet policies of origin requirements.
• Can you depend on UK new automobile sales figures?
Currently 60 per cent of automobile parts are imported and parts made in the EU count towards the tally on a UK-made car. If the UK has to go it alone, a lot more part factories would be needed to meet targets.
And it’s estimated around £4 billion-worth of parts – such as alloy wheels – currently made outside the UK could be manufactured here without any requirement for extra skills or expertise.
Hawes said: “There’s a danger to the industry if we do not reach the policies of origins threshold. The local supply chain could be boosted but you need the producers here in the first place.”
What do you think the future holds for UK automobile manufacturing? let us know in the comments section below…
Audi has confirmed details for a new plug-in hybrid variant of the A3 Sportback. Orders for the new model open this week, with prices starting from £33,060.
The new Audi A3 40 TFSI e shares its powertrain with plug-in hybrid versions of the new Volkswagen Golf and Skoda Superb; the 1.4-litre petrol engine works alongside an electric motor to produce a total output of 201bhp which, S3 aside, makes it the most powerful powertrain option in the current A3 line-up.
Best plug-in hybrids 2022
The petrol and electric units produce maximum torque figures of 250Nm and 330Nm respectively, though both produce their peaks at different points, resulting in a total combined output of 350Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels by means of a six-speed dual hold automatic gearbox.
Advertisement – post continues below
The A3 40 TFSI e accelerates from 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds – 0.8 seconds quicker than the 148bhp A3 35 TFSI petrol auto.
10
A 13kWh battery pack promises a range of around 41 miles between charges. CO2 emissions are rated at 31g/km, while it achieves 282.5mpg on the WLTP testing cycle – though this will vary based on the type of journeys undertaken.
The automobile starts in electric mode by default, and the motorist can choose to run in an electric-only mode, at which point the 107bhp motor can take the A3 up to a zero emission 87mph top speed. A regular hybrid mode allows the automobile to figure out what it deems to be the most efficient use of petrol and electric energy, while a hold function keeps a certain level of charge in the battery – optimal for saving some battery life for a low emission zone later in the journey.
Dacia has announced that it has received more than 1,000 pre-orders for its new Duster, three months before it officially goes on sale in the UK.
A sixth of pre-orders have been for the entry-level Duster access model, which starts from just £8,995 and comes with 16-inch steel wheels, power steering, electric front windows and central locking.
Advertisement – article continues below
However, more than two-thirds of buyers have ticked at least one item on the options list, and more than half of Dacia’s total pre-orders have been for the top-spec Duster Laureate, which starts from £12,995 for the two-wheel-drive model.
The high number of pre-orders – which involves paying a £100 refundable deposit – is particularly impressive considering there are currently no right-hand-drive models in the UK available to test drive.
The Duster’s success is likely to be bolstered by the arrival of the Sandero supermini, which will become the UK’s cheapest new car when it arrives in the UK in January, starting from just £5,995.
Rolls-Royce has revealed some of the cars set to feature in a nine car run of bespoke Wrath coupes, collaborating with legendary British musicians to commission nine Wraith ‘Inspired by British Music’ one-off collectors models.
Each car is based on the Wraith ‘Inspired by Music’ revealed in 2015 and features bespoke design touches celebrating the musical careers of the artists involved in the project, who have worked alongside Rolls-Royce’s bespoke design experts to create the vehicles. The cars will be sold later in 2017, with a sum of the sales figure of each car going to a charity of the artist’s choice.
22
Two of the cars have been commissioned by The who lead singer and frontman Roger Daltrey – one being a tribute to the band boasting plenty of The who iconography, and the other inspired by their 1969 album ‘Tommy’.
Advertisement – short article continues below
The ‘Tommy’ car features a bonnet hand painted to imitate the 1969 album’s vinyl sleeve cover, while other elements of the album artwork are found throughout the car – such as the blue trainer line and birds. much more design motifs are found on the headrests, and the song ‘Pinball Wizard’ has inspired the embroidery work on the leather divider separating the two rear seats.
• best luxury cars
Alongside Roger Daltrey’s two cars, Sir Ray Davies – former frontman of The Kinks – has contributed to the collection. lyrics from ‘Drivin’’ and ‘Shangri-la’ feature on the door-flights, while the umbrellas in the doors themselves are engraved with altered lyrics from ‘Sunny Afternoon’.
22
Songwriter and producer Giles Martin’s Wraith is a tribute to his dad Sir George Martin, dubbed ‘the fifth Beatle’ by some for his involvement on numerous of the Beatles’ early hits. The names of 30 top singles are stitched into the rear seat leather waterfall, while Sir George’s signature features on the headrests.
A handful of forthcoming collaborations have been previewed too. Dame Shirley Bassey’s Wraith ‘Inspired by British Music’ includes nods to the three ‘007’ title songs recorded by the Welsh artist – diamonds are Forever, Moonraker and Goldfinger.
Two lead guitarists – Francis Rossi of status Quo and Ronnie wood of The Rolling stones – will also add to the collection with their bespoke Wraiths.
How would you design your bespoke Roller? Leave us a comment below…
Mercedes has introduced new versions of the trio of Mercedes me buddy apps for owners, with new features as well as a easier login.
The three updated apps: Mercedes me, Mercedes me store as well as Mercedes me Service, are offered for Mercedes owners to download now. Mercedes declares improved individual performance as well as a a lot more intuitive interface as well as menu system, with a new look throughout the apps.
Best sat-nav apps 2022
All three apps are now programmed utilizing the exact same software application platform, called SDK. The utilize of the exact same platform indicates owners requirement just one account as well as password to login across all three apps, utilizing their Mercedes me ID.
The Mercedes me app links the smartphone with the owner’s vehicle. This enables the owner to look at crucial info remotely, such as mileage or battery charge, while remote commands allow automobile pre-heating, unlocking as well as a new function indicates the headlights can be flashed with the phone, to find the vehicle in a dark vehicle park.
Advertisement – post continues below
The Mercedes me store app is where owners can purchase as well as sign up for on-demand automobile functions, while the service app supplies a tip of service intervals, screens alerting lights, as well as enables owners to book servicing or repair services at a dealership.
What are the very best driving apps available? We listing our favourites here…
Renault’s head of electric automobiles believes EVs like the ZOE will expense about exact same as likewise sized, conventionally-powered cars and trucks by the year 2020.
Gilles Normand, senior vice-president for electric automobiles at Renault, stated that sales of the firm’s little EV, the ZOE, have jumped 90 per cent between 2016 as well as 2017, thanks to the introduction of a larger battery capacity. as well as he believes that as a lot more makers as well as vendors invest in battery advancement as well as manufacturing, the costs of EVs will take only a couple of years to reach the exact same level as petrol-engined cars.
Speaking at the monetary Times cars and truck of the Future summit in London, Normand said, “We are moving quicker than we expected. When we introduced the very first ZOE back in 2012, we didn’t believe the new battery capability would are available in 2016; we expected it by 2018.
Advertisement – post continues below
• Best electric cars and trucks on sale ideal now
“There’s now a significant amount of money being invested by OEMs as well as by suppliers, tier one suppliers. This will bring additionally innovation breakthroughs in battery tech. as well as then it’ll additionally assist sales, since it’ll be a lot more affordable.
“So we mustn’t fail to remember that the costs of combustion-engine cars and trucks will go up, as well as EV costs will come down. If you choose B-segment [cars like the Ford Fiesta], by early next decade we think about the costs of EVs will be on par with combustion-engined cars. With the C-segment [cars like the VW Golf], it’ll be the middle of the next decade. as well as in market terms, the year 2020 is like tomorrow morning at 8am, right? as well as this will be one more activate point for a lot more as well as a lot more adoption.”
Would you get an electric cars and truck if it expense the exact same as its petrol equivalent? let us understand below…