The Euro NCAP is an independent European organisation that carries out crash tests with new car models and assesses their safety. Known for its stringent testing procedure, the safety programme has just awarded a 5-star safety rating to Skoda for their new Superb.
The Superb managed to score the maximum 5-star rating in all safety parameters devised by Euro NCAP. These parameters include occupant protection for adults and children, pedestrian protection and safety assistance systems.
The Euro-spec Superb offers up to nine airbags, a very rigid body shell and specially optimised crumple zones. The car also features several electronic safety aids like Front Assist emergency braking function, Electronic Stability Control, tyre pressure monitor, Blind Spot Detect, Rear Traffic Alert, Traffic Jam Assist and Emergency Assist.
Skoda’s entire European range, in fact, has done really well in these crash tests, with all of their models getting the maximum 5-star rating by Euro NCAP. Kudos to the Czech manufacturer.
BMW has officially taken the wraps off the second-generation Mini Clubman. A set of studio images of the new Clubman had been leaked online earlier this month, which seems to have forced BMW to officially unveil the car ahead of their planned schedule.
The Mini Clubman is based on the same UKL-1 front-wheel-drive platform from the hatchback, though BMW has taken a completely different approach in designing the new Clubman. While it continues to use the conventional four-door layout for access to the passenger seats, the rear of the new Clubman features a two-piece side-hinged layout for the tailgate. The front end of the car gets the unmistakable retro design, thanks to the oval chrome-rimmed headlamps and classic grille.
The Clubman will be available with a host of three-cylinder and four-cylinder powertrains, borrowed from the hatchback. Though the company hasn’t revealed any plans about a four-wheel drive version, we can expect it to be offered at a later date. The Mini Clubman will make its first public appearance in September, at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany.
SAN FRANCISCO -- Ford Motor Co. is getting into the car-sharing and electric bike businesses as part of CEO Mark Fields’ effort to transform the automaker into a more holistic provider of transportation options.
The company late Tuesday announced a pilot car-sharing program that invites 26,000 Ford Motor Credit Co. customers in six U.S. cities and London to offer their vehicles for short-term rentals.
It also unveiled a new battery-powered bike aimed at urban commuters. The bike folds and can be recharged while being stored inside any Ford vehicle.
“My great-grandfather helped put the world on wheels so everyone could enjoy the benefits of mobility,” Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford said in a statement. “Our vision today is to expand that same thinking using advanced technology and new business models, and addressing the mobility challenges people face around the world.”
The Peer-2-Peer Car Sharing program and MoDe:Flex bike represent the next phase of the Ford Smart Mobility plan Fields introduced in January. Ford has been conducting 25 experiments on topics related to helping consumers get around in the future.
The MoDe:Flex bike folds up and can be recharged while being stored inside any Ford vehicle.
After gathering data for six months, Ford said it is focusing on two general areas: flexible use and ownership of vehicles, and urban commuting using multiple methods of transportation.
“We now are moving from experimentation to implementation,” Fields said in a statement. “We have learned a lot in the past six months, and now are ready to put insights into action. Our goal is to make people’s lives better by helping them more easily navigate through their day, address societal issues and, over time, change the way the world moves -- just as Henry Ford did more than 100 years ago.”
The car-sharing program will run through November and involve 14,000 U.S. customers of Ford Credit and 12,000 in London. They can sign up to offset their monthly ownership costs by renting their vehicle to drivers who have been screened. The U.S. program will operate in Berkeley, Oakland and San Francisco, Calif.; Portland, Ore.; Chicago; and Washington, D.C.
The MoDe:Flex bike connects with a smartphone app that can plan the most efficient mode of transportation
Ford cited a study by research company Penn Schoen Berland showing that a third of millennials in the U.S. are interested in supplementing their income by renting out their belongings and that more than half are open to sharing rides with other people.
“Consumers tell us they are interested in sharing the costs of vehicle ownership, and this program will help us understand how much that extends to customers who are financing a Ford vehicle,” David McClelland, Ford Credit’s vice president of marketing, said in a statement. “As most vehicles are parked and out of use much of the time, this can help us gauge our customers’ desires to pick up extra cash and keep their vehicles in use.”
Fields said the car-sharing program is still in the experimental stage but that it could eventually become profitable.
“What we’re trying to gauge here is, first, the interest, and then, the usage. We’ll see what kind of interest we’ll get,” Fields told reporters after speaking at the company’s annual “Further with Ford” conference in San Francisco. “We think this is a really unique way to help our customers – give them more, help."
The MoDe:Flex bike connects with a smartphone app that can plan the most efficient mode of transportation for a journey and can help riders get to their destination without breaking a sweat by increasing electric pedal assist based on their heart rate.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia’s most sporty version will offer more power than rival models from BMW and Mercedes-Benz because it will use Maserati's Ferrari-derived 510-hp V-6 engine.
Dubbed the Giulia Quadrifoglio, the car was unveiled today at the Alfa Romeo museum in Arese, outside Milan. It will be the first Giulia variant to go on sale as Alfa emphasizes performance in a bid to gain an edge over its German premium rivals.
The Giulia Quadrifoglio will go on sale in Europe early next year and in the U.S. a few months later. Other Giulia versions will follow later, including all-wheel-drive models and diesels for Europe.
The car “embodies the core elements which have made Alfa Romeo one of the world's best-loved automotive brands -- distinctive Italian design; innovative powertrains, perfect weight distribution, unique technical solutions and the best weight-to-power ratio," Alfa Romeo said in a statement.
The Giulia Quadrifoglio (cloverleaf in Italian) is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter engine used in the Maserati Quattroporte and Ghibli sedans.
The car delivers 85 hp more power than the BMW M3 (425 hp), which is also is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter engine.
The hottest variant of the Mercedes-Benz C class, called AMG C63 S, has the same power as its Alfa rival, but uses a much larger engine: a twin-turbocharged 4.0 liter V-8.
The C class with an engine comparable in size to the Giulia Quadrifoglio's is the C-450 AMG, which has a 3.0-liter V-6 turbocharged engine that delivers 367 hp.
Audi does not offer a direct competitor to the Giulia Quadrifoglio at the moment.
The Giulia Quadrifoglio has the fastest acceleration in its class. The car goes 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in 3.9 seconds, compared with the BMW M3’s 4.1 seconds and 4 seconds for the Mercedes AMG C63 S.The Alfa will be offered only with rear-wheel drive and a manual transmission. A carbon fiber hood and roof help reduce weight to about 3,300 pounds.
The sedan is the first model in Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ 5 billion euro relaunch plan for Alfa that aims to increase the money-losing brand's annual global sales to 400,000 by 2018 from 70,000 last year.
In the past we've seen several hyper cars, super cars and sports cars bragging about their lap timings around the Nürburgring circuit, located around the village of Nürburg, Germany. However, as an after-effect of a tragic accident, the management group has banned timed lap records due to speed limit restrictions on this track.
Earlier this year, a Nissan GTR went airborne and crashed, killing 1 spectator and injuring 4 others. The driver was lucky enough to escape without injuries. After this incident, the German Motorsport Association (DMSB) has imposed speed limits for races at the Nürburgring. These limits will be extended to other activities at the 12.9 mile long track too, which means manufacturers will no longer be able to push their machines to their fullest capabilities and thus records will not be set any more.
The fastest production car lap record is currently held by the Porsche 918 Spyder which completed the 12.9 mile circuit in 6 minutes and 57 seconds. Koenigsegg was all set to beat this record with their One:1 hypercar, but unfortunately, the restrictions had been implemented at the end moment.
Several manufacturers used the Nürburgring to benchmark and fine tune the performance and handling characteristics of their vehicle. However, they might have to find a different proving ground to push their performance-oriented cars beyond a certain extent.
Basically its justMarc Marquez's moto GP bike with number plates. Developed by Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) and Honda Motor, the RC213V-S is a road going prototype of the awesome Championship winning MotoGP RC213V machine. Inspired by, and developed with input from many legendary GP riders, the RC213V-S Prototype is set to be the ultimate road going motorcycle.
Honda quotes “The new RC213V-S is not merely the result of a feedback of technologies created by Honda through its competition in races into a commercially available model, but rather represents a wholly new endeavour to make it possible for a machine developed for competition in MotoGP races to run on public roads."
“The RC213V-S has been developed according to this Honda principle, making it possible for the RC213V, which has won MotoGP championships for two seasons in a row in 2013 and 2014, to run on public roads. The RC213V-S has inherited the specifications of the RC213V to thoroughly ensure mass concentration and reduced friction, as well as all key aspects in manufacturing that set the RC213V apart as a MotoGP machine from ordinary mass production models, with overwhelming differences which involve light weight and precise machining of the components, plus superior expert skills required in manufacturing."
Make Model Honda RC213V-S / RC213V-S (with kit)
Year 2015
Engine V-4, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve
Capacity 999 cc / 60.96 cu in
Max Power
Standard: 159 hp @ 11 000 rpm
With kit: 215 hp @ 13 000 rpm
Max Torque
Standard: 102 Nm @ 10 500 rpm
With kit: 118 Nm @ 10 500 rpm
Front Tyre 120/70 ZR17M/C
Rear Tyre 190/55 ZR17M/C
Height: 1120 mm / 44.1 "
Wheelbase 1465 mm / 57.7"
Ground Clearance 120 mm / 4.7"
Seat Height 830 mm / 32.7 in
Minimum Turning Radius
Standard: 3.7 m
With kit: 6.4 m
Dry Weight
Standard: 170 kg
With kit: 160 kg
Fuel Capacity 16.3 L
In addition, the RC213V-S is equipped with control technologies used on the RC213V. The RC213V consists only of the necessary parts for winning races, based on the idea of changing specifications as necessary according to the rider and course. To achieve the specifications that make the RC213V-S eligible to run on public roads, the minimal amount of necessary changes and additions has been made compared to the RC213V.
“For the RC213V-S, a machine for public roads, the regions with sales planned are Europe, the U.S., Australia and Japan.
The manufacturer's recommended prices (tax-inclusive) are set at €188,000 in Europe (Germany *1), ¥21,900,000 in Japan, A$244,000 in Australia, and US$184,000 in the U.S, 1,17,08,002 INR exclusilve of taxes in India.To purchase an RC213V-S, applications for order entry will be accepted around the world starting 0:00 (CET) on July 13, through the order entry form on the exclusive website (www.rc213v-s.com).
The RC213V-S is built in an exclusive workshop in the Kumamoto factory, and it’s powered by a compact 90-degree 999cc V-4 with titanium connecting rods. Mass is highly centralized, and race-derived features include an under-seat fuel tank and carbon-fiber-reinforced-plastic fairing. Honda says these parts come directly from the MotoGP bike: the swingarm, the slipper clutch, the magnesium Marchesini wheels (17 inch for the RC213V-S), the Öhlins fork, the adjustable footrests and foot controls, plus most of the Brembo brake components. The RC213V-S also has throttle-by-wire, selectable power modes, engine-brake control and traction control, with position-detection technology.
what have we here under the seat? It’s one of the two control motors for the exhaust pipe valves, so useful in controlling engine-braking effects. Exhausts emerge from the front head at 90 degrees to the cylinder centerline, and from the rear head at a radial updraft angle to make the header pipes clear what must be cleared. Love that press-formed, welded aluminum gas tank, which makes the onlooker think of an exotic species of mushroom. Most of the fuel is under the seat, with a forward/upward excrescence that bears the filler cap. Every available space is filled with fascinating electronics, connectors, junction boxes. Everything is eye candy that rewards prolonged staring. Contemplate!
street stuff? Mirrors integrate into right and left lever guards and emerge from the handlebar ends. The license plate bracket and rear directionals suspend from a prong emerging from under the well-ventilated seat (hot exhaust plumbing inside). Headlights are hidden in what looks like the front fairing intake, and front directionals mount to the fairing sides. Race bikes are dense—all space is taken, so fitting in any kind of extra exhaust muffling volume was hard. The front pair of pipes runs under the engine, right next to the deep “dagger” oil sump on the right. Q pressed stainless exhaust is fitted between sump and rear tire.
If you have the money to buy this machine go ahead and buy it. Its the closest thing to an actual Moto GP experience.
All modern cars and bikes are well equipped to withstand the abuse from rains and its elements. Controlling the weather is not under our will, though we can do our part to be safe and keep our rides protected. Today we will discuss some important tips on how we can manage our rides.
1.Clean it while she is still wet ;)
Cleaning your car or bike while she is still wet has many advantages. The effort required clean will very minimal compared to when she's dry. The muck ,dirt and all the water residues will easily come of with just a water wash. Since you're drying of the vehicle afterwards the chances of rust are also reduced to a huge extend. This also helps protect the paint and body from the harm full effects of the chemicals present in the rain water.
2.Protect the rubber-Tyre Care!
Make sure you have enough tread depth before the season starts. Keep the tyre pressure in check but also makes sure that the pressure is not too much. Too much pressure means less contact patch.Rubber has a tendency to soften when coming in contact with water so one should check the tyre pressure regularly and inflate it to the pressure as recommended by the manufacturer. This regular check will not only ensure better driving comfort but good tyre life as well.
3.With great power comes great responsibilities- Brakes!
Brake callipers are the most crucial part of a car and you should regularly clean and replace,if needed, the callipers to keep them dirt free. Brakes should not be too tight or too loose and you should keep using them as water will most likely wet the brake drums, therefore reducing braking efficiency. Pressure washer can be used to clean the dirty of. If dirt is left behind in the disk brakes squealing sounds may be produced. This can be eliminated by simple cleaning.
4.Keep em clean and smelling good-Interiors!
At times water flows into the cabin area and damages carpets and flooring. And it is better to use fabric mats than rubber mats as they can absorb moisture but do make sure you dry them afterwards. Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the car regularly so that there is no bad odour left and in case your seats get wet, keep the windows open so that no fungus develops over there.
5.Hard workers -Wipers and Washers
Wipers are extremely important in rainy season and they are good when they are new. Within a year the rubber strip becomes useless and it is recommended to change it every year before the monsoons begin. One should ensure that the rubber is not hard and does not have cracks as they will bring scratches on the windscreen. Do check that the wipers are working properly at all the three speeds. The washer bottle should be filled up and if you want you can add a mild detergent which will help keep the wind shield glass clean and oil free.
6.Shine bright like a diamond- Body!
Protect your rides body from rain and apply a good wax polish. The wax will not only protect the paint but will also allow water to roll off easily. Greasing all the door hinges is also necessary. To prevent rusting on exposed metal parts you can spray anti-moisture spray. If the rubber lining on the doors is falling loose, replace them before the rains start.
7.The veins- Electrical's
If you see any loose or weak electrical connections, patch them up. Make sure external wires are insulated. Also ensure that all the fuses are working fine and do carry some extra fuses. Check all the lights, it is advisable to keep your parking light and brake light on while driving.
