Posts Tagged drive
An Environmentally Friendly Concept Car
Posted on August 19, 2011 | Auto News, Auto Reviews.
The BMW i18 concept car is designed for optimum performance and a look that won’t soon be forgotten. The sporty exterior is complemented by a powerful engine that provides longer driving range and better mileage. With this vehicle, BMW has truly brought the future to today with forward-thinking and a fresh perspective on engineering. It combines convenience, comfort, and power with a more environmentally-friendly system that is so much in demand.
A plug-in hybrid combines the enhanced electric drive system armed with a high-performing three-cylinder combustion engine that produces 164 kW and 221 lb-ft of torque at the rear. The electric motor uses is a full-capability unit which alone can provide enough power for driving the whole car. The combination of these engines delivers top performance which is preferred in sports car, but with the fuel consumption of a small car; increasing fuel efficiency every single time.
The BMW i8 is not merely a sports car. With its four-seat capacity and high fuel efficiency, it is very practical to use in a daily basis. In a glance, the car creates an impression of power with its dynamic proportions. It has a surging forward appearance that makes it look always ready to go even when the wheels have not turned yet. It puts another contemporary sports car impression in its upward- swiveling doors fixed to the A- pillars. With its style, the principle of aerodynamics is harnessed, allowing the surrounding air to flow through and around the car.
The LifeDrive Concept of the i8 makes it lighter, as stronger and lightweight materials are used for most of its parts. CFRP (carbon fibre-reinforced plastic) is especially suited to automotive design due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, good rigidity, rustproof quality and high tolerance to potential damage. LifeDrive refers to “two horizontally separated, independent modules” of the car, the “drive module” and the passenger “life module”. The whole design concept makes the car light, safe, and easy to maneuver in varying conditions.
This innovative design combines a unique structure with high-performance materials for a forward-looking automobile that maximizes safety and efficiency. Concentrating on both driveability and fuel conservation, the BMW i8 concept is ideal for all types of driving. Whether you’re navigating busy city streets or cruising along open stretches of highway, you’ll be sure to enjoy the ride. Inside, the same spacious and convenient atmosphere is maintained. Neither safety nor comfort is compromised.
Audi A7 Sportback
Posted on July 2, 2011 | Auto News, Auto Reviews.
Audi’s new high end luxury car combines the sporty feel that a coupe can offer along with the comfort and space of a large sedan. That’s the new 2012 Audi A7 Sportback in a nut shell. Priced at about $60,000 the goal of the A7 is to combine the elegance and comfort of the Audi A6 and Audi A8 and the sport feel Audi has been know for over the past few decades.
In reality, the Audi A7 Sportback is a hatchback and is slightly taller than an Audi A6. The rear hatch features a slightly trimmed the rear overhang with a steep fall at the back of the car. The Audi A7 Sportback offers room for three adult passengers in the back easy.
The short rear overhang leads us to believe that the trunk is not as spacious as the aforementioned Audi A6. The large liftback tailgate provides access to loads of cargo space and allows you to fit larger objects into the car that you could not do with the A6 or A8.
The 2012 Audi A7 Sportback features 20-inch rims which look spectacular. Standard options include bi-xenon headlights, daytime running lights and Audi’s signature LED headlights and tail lights. Optionally you can include full HID headlights.
Suspension and steering
The suspension has been designed to maintain an optimal level of comfort. You can choose an optionally 10 mm lowered sports suspension and shock absorbers that are electronically controlled. This system allows for three basic configurations that can be selected manually in order to reduce the height at high speed on freeways or to improve stability and better aerodynamics which adds to the fuel economy.
Technology
The Audi A7 Sportback incorporates all the technology that Audi has to offer. This is a must have for any high-end vehicle. The classic computer navigation system features a multimedia MMI hard drive loaded with Google software. There is a touch screen and everything can connect via the data connection from mobile phones via Bluetooth or using a plug-in UMTS card mobile telephony. This system can access any Wi-Fi hotspot which then will let other devices like laptops and iPads connect to the internet.
Engine Choices
The range of engines for the Audi A7 Sportback is composed of a direct-injected V-6 engines. Of course Audi’s legendary Quattro all wheel drive system is standard. And in the near future a fire breathing 470 HP twin-turbo engine will be available.