Car makers nowadays make sure that each of their creations are not only equipped with superior engines but also designed aerodynamically. These two factors, when achieved can make a vehicle perform excellently and economically as well. Lotus Engineering knows this for a fact that is why it came up with a study that reducing a vehicle’s weight can help boost its fuel efficiency. Lotus Engineering worked with Council on Clean Transportation for the said study. According to their estimates, a vehicle can have as much as 23% fuel by simply shaving off 33% from its entire mass.

The vehicle used as the basis for these findings by Lotus and CCT is the Toyota Venza. The Venza was really taken apart, weighed, and examined part by part to comprehend components masses and to come up with a bill of materials. The specific parts examined were the body, fenders/closures, thermal, bumpers, electrical, interior, lighting, suspension/chassis, and glazing. The interior and exterior dimension was not altered.

Here are some excerpts from the study released by Lotus and CCT.

Closures/Fenders
The closures include all hinged exterior elements, for example, the front and rear doors and the rear liftgate. One alternative approach included fixing the primary boot section to improve the structure, reduce masses and limit exposure to high voltage systems. A lightweight access door was provided for checking and replacing fluids.

The closures on the baseline Toyota Venza were made up of 100% steel. The low mass Venza closures/fenders would be made up of 33% magnesium, 21% plastic, 18% steel, 6% aluminium with the other 22% consisting of multiple materials. The mass savings are 41%, a reduction from 143 kg to 84 kg.

Chassis/Suspension
The chassis and suspension system was composed of suspension support cradles, control links, springs, shock absorbers, bushings, stabilizer bars and links, steering knuckles, brakes, steering gearbox, bearings, hydraulic systems, wheels, tires, jack and steering column.

The chassis and suspension components were downsized based on the revised vehicle curb weight, maintaining the baseline carrying capacity and incorporating the mass of the hybrid drive system.

The total vehicle curb weight reduction for the 2020 vehicle was 38%, excluding the powertrain. Based on the gross vehicle weight, which includes retaining the baseline cargo capacity of 549 kg and utilising a hybrid powertrain, the chassis and the suspension components were reduced in mass by 43%, with projected cost savings of 5%.

Front and Rear Bumpers
The materials used on the front and rear bumpers were very similar to the existing model to maintain the current level of performance. One change was to replace the front steel beam with an aluminium beam which reduced mass by 11%. The use of a magnesium beam was analysed but at the current time exceeded the allowable price factor.

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
The air conditioning system was integrated into a passenger compartment system and an engine compartment system. This section addressed the under hood components which included the compressor, condenser and related plumbing. The under hood components were investigated for technologies and mass.

The study showed a relatively small mass difference for the underhood air conditioning components based on both vehicle mass and interior volume. Because of the highly evolved nature of these components, the requirements for equivalent air conditioning performance and the lack of a clear consensus for a future automotive refrigerant, the mass and cost of
the Toyota Venza compressor, condenser and associated plumbing were left unchanged for both the 2017 and 2020 models.

Electrical/Lighting
The estimated mass savings for using thinwall cladding and copper clad aluminum wiring, as used on the 2017 model was 36% versus the baseline model. The lighting technologies section reviewed included diodes, xenon and halogen. The study also reviewed a variety of wireless technologies under development for non-transportation applications that could be used in this time period pending successful development for mobile applications.

Source: Autoblog

Mercedes has revealed a concept car that is definitely worth waiting for! The Shooting Break concept made the rounds on Monday and until now it is still one of the hot topics in the auto world. The full details of this model won’t be out until the Beijing auto show. However, that won’t stop us from getting to know it even just a bit better now.

Maybe you’re wondering about its Shooting Break name. Well, hadnews.com has the explanation for that. It says, “While the moniker is more often spelled ’shooting brake,’ MB is keen to point out that the correct spelling is ‘break,’ as in breaking a horse that draws a carriage.”

The Shooting Streak concept has an amazing design. The contours show uniformity starting from the front end, going to the side and up to the rear. It features a bisected grille, huge and aggressively-shaped headlights.  Aside from the astounding exterior, Mercedes also made sure that the interior is designed to impress. This four seater vehicle has large panoramic roof that makes the interior look bright and airy. The upholstery is mostly made up of brown and cream leather.

As for its engine, Mercedes-Benz equipped it with its first direct-injection, 60-degree V-engine, specifically a 3.5-liter V6 that can produce up to 306 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. But aside from this, Mercedes has also provided another engine option in the form of the turbocharged 4.6-liter V8 that produces about 435 horsepower and 400-lb-ft of torque. 

This wagon concept looks awesome! Can’t wait to know more about it.

Photo Credit: Car and Driver

Have you caught sight of the 2011 BMW 5-Series Touring? It looks wonderful! And based on initial reviews, it runs beautifully too!

But first of all, the major thing that can be noticed in this vehicle is its uber elegant and refined appearance. This classy Touring has longer hood and shorter overhangs, and an extended roofline. There’s a massive difference if you compare it with the previous model.

Superb performance is promised by the 2011 BMW 5-Series Touring even though it is equipped with an entry-level diesel engine. But according to Autoblog, it will be available in a “selection of gas and diesel four- and six cylinder engines.”

BMW also makes superb safety technologies parts of this new Touring model. So, don’t be surprised if you find great features like Park Assist, Surround View, Active Steering, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change warning, BMW Night Vision, Speed Limit Info and Active Cruise Control.

It is still one month before the New York Auto Show yet Kia has already given a preview of its 2011 Kia Optima. But, even though some pictures of the said model have been unveiled, Kia is remaining mysterious regarding the specifications and features of the said automobile. However, this model is based on the same platform as the Hyundai Sonata which happens to be Kia’s sister company. So, does this mean it will also have a 2.4-lietr, 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed transmission? At this point we can only guess.

Anyway here are some teaser photos for you to enjoy!

Volkswagen has released the first images of the 2010 Polo GTI, which is scheduled to be introduced at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show in March. There’s actually three of it but you could only see one here (hehe. sorry for that). Anyway, it would be powered by a 1.4 liter TSI engine with 178 bhp and a seven-speed DSG transmission. Compared with the regular Polo, the GTI version is 0.6 inches lower and uses a stiffer suspension. The 2010 Polo will also use Volkswagen’s XDS electronic cross-axle traction control system for improved handling. And for its interior features - tartan cloth seats and flat-bottomed steering wheel. So if you’re planning to go in Geneva this March to attend a UN convention or something and you’re not contented with this picture, why not drop by at the auto show to see this latest Polo GTI.

Source: Auto Guide

Ford has unveiled its 2011 Ford Edge at the Chicago Auto Show. This car looks great and even better than the previous models. Ford also makes this available in several engine choices, all of which are capable of superior road performance.

As for its design, the 2011 Ford Edge abandons straight lines in favor of a more flowing, harmonious design to make an immediate and lasting statement about what this unique vehicle stands for and offers: style and technology in a compelling package,” Ford informed.

The flowing, wrapping lines emphasize both the front end and the new wheel lineup, which includes 18- and 20-inch wheels.

So, how would you like to have the 2011 Ford Edge as your new family car?

Photo Credit: Autoblog

Toyota has more problems on its hands now because aside from the pedal problems, it is also facing numerous lawsuits from customers who complained about their car’s unintentional acceleration. 10 lawsuits have been filed against the car maker since November. The suits were specifically filed in the U.S. courts and in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Canada. Legal experts say that car owners really have to prove that their cars really showed unintentional acceleration. The basis must not simply be the fear that it could happen.

This recall is wreaking Toyota’s reputation as one of the most reliable producers of safe cars. And as of now, the company is also facing losses due to this recall. The fact that its production has been suspended only adds to that. The company, however, has not revealed exactly how much it will lose because of this safety issue. Experts who have been keeping up with the issue, like Kurt Sanger said that this problem could cost Toyota as much as 100 billion yes or $1.1 billion.

Eight models—Camry, Corolla, Avalon, Highlander, Matrix, RAV4, Sequoia, and Tundra—are the models specifically affected by this pedal problem.

Photo Credit: Me.Stanford

Hey Mom and Dad! Would you be willing to give your 16-year-old a Maybach for his birthday? I can see you shaking your head at the end of the question mark.

So, P. Diddy, the rapper, must be one-of-a-kind because he gave his son, Justin, a silver Maybach costing $360,000 for his 16th birthday! 

Giving such an expensive gift can be a big issue in today’s families. Imagine, this car is worth more than some of the homes you’re living in right now; and to think that Justin is just learning how to drive. For the meantime, P. Diddy hired a chauffeur to drive him around town in his new Maybach.

Sure, P. Diddy can afford to buy anything he wants but, a $360, 000 car for a 16-year-old? Come on!

Photo Credit: Bet

Just when you think there’s nothing more you can add to your iPhone. Some pretty clever company comes up with a new one, or two, or a lot.

Directed Electronics developed a new iPhone application called the Viper SmartStart. This application has many other capabilities other than remote starting your car. With this, users can lock and unlock the doors, arm the security system, find their car in a crowded parking lot, pop the trunk, and for people living in cold places, warm up their cabin before stepping inside. Compared with other systems, this doesn’t need to be attached to a key fob. It can work for you anywhere, provided that your iPhone receives a signal. A bit useful would be the understatement of the century in describing this. With that said, experts have recognized this innovation and would award it as Best of Innovations Honors at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show.

So now, people aren’t the only ones we can connect with through an iPhone.

Source: Car Junky, India Automotive

If your family owns a recreational vehicle or RV, there’s a fat chance that it could be a lemon. And we’re not referring to the fruit young kids use to concoct a drink.

A “lemon” is basically the term used for motor vehicles that don’t perform to the expectations of the purchaser. This can be caused by defective parts or poor design. Luckily, in the United States, we have federal and state “lemon laws” that protects consumers. These laws provide the purchaser significant rights when dealing with manufacturers of these so-called “lemon RVs.”

So if the trip to the mechanic is the only family trip your RV has gone to, better know your rights. Lemon laws got your “lame-on” (Get it? Lemon?) RVs covered.

Source: Car Junky