Nissan's new concept car PIVO3 unveiled.

It all started in 2005. Since featuring PIVO 1 at the Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan has introduced six other EV concepts, all demonstrating Nissan's dedication to creating exciting and innovative zero emission mobility solutions. And at the upcoming 42nd Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan will be revealing the PIVO 3, its eighth EV concept. Yet this is not just a show car - PIVO 3 is what Nissan envisions to be a more "realistic" EV of the near future. 

PIVO 3 takes Nissan's EV portfolio another step forward. Building on the pioneering PIVO 1 and PIVO 2, the new PIVO 3 concept moves from the realm of imagination into a fully-evolved vehicle that envisions life in tomorrow's cities. Where PIVO 2 was a highly innovative vehicle that stood alone as a concept car, PIVO 3 evolves in the direction of "smart community" with greater feasibility, credibility and an extended scope of mobile performance. Nissan believes PIVO 3 is very close to what the next step in urban mobility will be. 

      With Automated Valet Parking (AVP), PIVO 3 will revolutionize the parking experience by connecting to and responding to infrastructure. No longer does a driver need to find a parking space, physically park the car, or remember which space the car is parked.

      PIVO 3 can park automatically in specially-equipped parking lots. While the driver shops or takes care of business, PIVO 3 recharges itself or sells excess power to the grid. Later, the driver can call PIVO 3 and summon it to the driver's location using a smartphone.

 

 This AVP function not only creates more freedom in private life, but it can also contribute to society and benefit the environment by supplying electric power on the regional grid. PIVO 3 points the way to mobility as a service - always on, available and reliable.

PIVO 3 is a remarkably compact package, measuring just under 3m in length and seating three in a 1+2 layout. The compact body and narrow-tread wheels with IWM (in-wheel motors) enable an extremely small turning radius with zero turn gap.

PIVO 3 is very agile and can effortlessly park in tight spaces. Such maneuverability also aids the driver who has taken a wrong turn onto a narrow street. Instead of having to back out in reverse gear, PIVO 3 can make a legal U-turn in a road only 4m wide.

Like the previous PIVO 1 and PIVO 2, PIVO 3 uses electric power and by-wire control technology to permit freedom of layout and the downsizing or elimination of many mechanical parts. Again, similar to PIVO 2, PIVO 3 uses in-wheel motors (IWM) to give wheels great freedom of movement, and more space in the vehicle chassis.

Moreover, PIVO 3 balances the advantages of IWM with user friendliness by keeping wheel rotation within a range that will maintain a natural steering feel for the typical driver.

Guided by the philosophy of "friendly innovation", Nissan seeks to ensure that the customer perceives cutting-edge technology as being truly easy to use and understand. In this context, one of the engaging features of PIVO 3 that it inherits from the previous PIVO 2 is the Robotic Agent interface.

The car acts as a partner or personal assistant to the driver, with companionship conveyed by the Robotic Agent. Based on this approach, PIVO 3 supports a life of seamless mobility, using cloud computing and infrastructure (e.g. AVP and charging facilities) to connect with the city. A "smart" personal filter selects information relevant to the current driver, location and vehicle.

Externally, PIVO 3 shows mature styling with bold surfaces and a new stance. Front fenders extending out of a crouching chassis with a sculptural front exude a look of agility. Long body lines and angular planes combine in a dynamically active form. Rear styling cues emphasize strong presence within compact dimensions. Trim and stylish mobility is promised by the new stance, which attractively reveals narrow rear track width.

Francois Bancon, Deputy Division General Manager of Product Strategy and Product Planning Division, explains "PIVO is one of the answers for active urbanists living in mature markets. Through the three PIVO proposals, we have gained a deep understanding of their needs in such large, metropolitan areas. Each of the eight concepts that we have created address different needs, different communities, different lifestyles for different markets. That makes zero emission mobility an ambitious statement for the company... At Nissan, we believe that the world is changing and mobility has a role to play to make it better". 

 

 

 

 

 

Audi Reveals Urban Concept Car

 

Audi has released more detailed images of the Audi Urban Concept it plans to reveal to the public for the first time at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

The Audi urban concept has a sleek body. The wheels are free-standing, their surrounding protective plates feature blinking strips of LED lights.

Cervo: Maruti’s Answer to Tata Nano?

India experienced a watershed moment when Ratan Tata fulfilled his promise with the launch of Nano, the most economic vehicle in the Indian market, and arguably, in the world. Ever since the launch of Tata Nano, the whole globe is behind the idea of cheaper wheels. Now, it’s the turn of Maruti, who is seriously planning a car priced closer to Nano, and it could apparently be the Cervo, a compact five door mini that might put the other kids on the block in the shade.

The Cervo looks like a smaller Chevrolet Beat with cues from Honda Jazz’s design. The phenomenal fuel efficiency is one of the USPs of this car.

Powered by Suzuki’s 660cc engine – as against Nano’s 623cc – the Cervo could be priced between 1.5 to 2 lakhs, a little higher than Nano. But Cervo looks too stylish and futuristic to be priced under 2 lakhs. So it’s obvious that Maruti needs to delete some of the features available in the car, or use a cheaper material to make a potent contender to Nano.

Inside, the dashboard of the Cervo looks almost like the Swift, with the rectangular air vents in the centre and the circular ones on the sides. Power windows and airbags are available in the international markets but chances are that Indians will have to compromise on that.

Although not all can repeat the Nano story, Maruti has resources and expertise to come up with such a model at a cheap price without compromising on quality. But can they pull it off? Let’s all hope so.

Six tips to spot a clocked car

Clocking is one of the biggest threats to used car buyers. If you've never heard the term before, it's when a crafty seller tinkers with the odometer to make it look as though a car has covered fewer miles, which increases its value.

What's worse is that it's almost impossible to spot, so you could be paying well over the odds for a car that's a lot more tired than it looks.

A BBC 'Watchdog' investigation recently uncovered serial car clocker, Ashley Singh, who sold such cars from home via used car sales websites. Singh used fake identities and doctored service histories to keep buyers in the dark, and it was only when he bought a car from the 'Watchdog' team that he was discovered.

Journalists from the programme sold Singh a car with 128,000 miles on the clock for £2,300, but later found him selling the same vehicle for £6,000 with a claimed 47,000 on the clock.

With that in mind, it's essential to be as knowledgeable as possible when you're buying your next second-hand car. Our top six tips for spotting a potentially clocked vehicle will keep you in the know and dodgy dealers at bay.

Check the service history

It's tempting to just skim through the service history when you get caught up in the excitement of buying a car - but don't. Inspect every document thoroughly.

Not every car will have a full service history, but the more documents, the better. Look for stamps from a genuine dealer, as these are good signs that the work has been carried out by a professional - and you can trace each fix, MoT or service back to an individual garage.

Get an HPI check

Vehicle history specialist HPI reckons that one in 12 used cars has a mileage discrepancy, so it's well worth shelling out the nominal cost for a comprehensive history check. Single HPI checks start at £19.99 and the company has a database of 135 million mileages. If you're paying a four figure sum for your next car, £20 for peace of mind seems worth it.

Double check the mileage on collection

A common trick by cheeky fraudsters is to wind the mileage figure back to a lower level when the buyer first comes to view the car, then change it to its correct level shortly before the car is collected.

Make a note of the mileage - and the general condition of the rest of the car - during your first viewing. On the second visit, give it a quick once over to make sure everything matches before you hand over your cash.

Talk to the previous owner

If you're buying the car from anyone other than a private seller then it's worth contacting the previous owner. Their details can be found on the front page of the vehicle's logbook - write them down and contact the last owner before you buy.

See if what the previous owner says matches the service history. They're not likely to know everything off by heart, but if there are any glaring differences then it could be time to walk away.

Look for wear and tear

Clocked cars are hard to spot, but if a vehicle has covered a lot more miles than the seller claims, then there are telltale signs. Worn steering wheels and seats and damaged or loose interior trim suggest that the car has been used heavily.

Look for new but easily replaceable parts too, like wiper blades hub caps. This could mean that the seller has shelled out a small amount to get the car looking tidy, when in fact, it's not up to scratch.

Trust your judgement

Check out the front page of the logbook. If the previous owner was a fleet or business then the mileage will usually be quite high. If the car was for business use only and it has only covered 6,000 miles in a year then you have reason to be wary. Stay savvy and keep your wits about you and you have far less chance of buying a dud.

Car auction world record smashed

A 1936 Bugatti has sold for at least $30,000,000 (£20m) at auction, making it the world's most expensive. It dwarfs the previous auction record, set at £15.7m for a Ferrari 250 GTO in September 2008.

The Bugatti Type 57C Atlantic was bought by the Mullin Automotive Museum in California, which means it will now be seen by thousands of enthusiasts. It had belonged to Dr Peter D Williamson, a neurologist and car collector who died in 2008.

It was sold by auctioneers Gooding and Company on behalf of Dr Williamson's family - though the actual price could be anything up to $40m.

Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, Gooding and Company President David Gooding said the car is "one of the world's most significant and valuable automobiles."

Mr Gooding would not reveal the final sale price of the car, though a source 'close to the sale' confirmed it was between $30- and $40m, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The car was first unveiled at the 1935 Paris Motor Show, with a 200bhp engine and a 123mph top speed - quite incredible statistics at the time. Dr Williamson purchased the car in 1971, reportedly for $59,000. Fashion designer Ralph Lauren owns another of the few remaining Type 57C Bugattis.

Ferrari Superamerica sells for £2.4 million

Top auction house RM made its way into the record books yet again when it sold a 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Cabriolet Pininfarina SWB for £2.4 million at a prestigious auction in Monaco in May 1 - the highest recorded price for a Superamerica.

The Sporting Classics of Monaco sale, held at the Grimaldi Forum, was packed with rare and exotic classic cars, five of which sold for over €2 million (£1.7 million). Four of the top five sellers were Ferrari 250s from the 1950s and 1960s, along with a 1960 Maserati Tipo 61 Birdcage, which sold for £2.11m.

A total of 105 cars went under the hammer, 88 of which sold at auction to produce an 86 percent sell-through rate and total sales of over £28 million. The sale's cover car - a 1937 BMW 328 MM Bügelfalte - failed to sell at auction, but it was bought after the event for an undisclosed sum.

Bidders from 33 countries fought it out over the telephone, online and in the standing only venue. RM estimates that around 3,300 people watched the live steaming footage of the auction online.

The all new FORD TAURAS

MyKey Technology


Interior Sound Quality


New Twin -Turbo 3.5 L EcoBoost



Blind Spot Information System


Paint System
















Clearly, our designers thought outside the ordinary sedan box. Instead, they focused on the details and sculpted an athletic profile that is perpetually poised. Exterior mirrors flow purposefully from the doors. Lines convey power and agility. Incandescent tail lamps pick up those same lines and race you around the rear. It’s all meant to pull you inside where there are countless reasons to never get out.

Athletic Appearance
With its assertive stance and sculpted lines, the new 2010 Taurus is a balance of beauty and strength.Tarurus design features include: • Unique tri-bar grille • Jeweled projector beam headlamps • Power dome hood • Prominent wheel arches that house several all-new wheel designs • Incandescent taillamps

Beautiful Taurus lines
The beautiful lines in Taurus speak volumes about this car. Almost anywhere you look, the exterior of Taurus features complementary lines that elevate the design of this car – from the tip of its power dome hood to its rear deck lid.

New Wheel Lineup
It doesn’t get any cooler than the available 20” premium painted luster nickel aluminum wheel on SHO (shown). Other wheel choices include: • 19” premium painted luster nickel-aluminum wheels, standard on SHO • 19” chrome-clad wheels, standard on Limited • 18” painted sparkle silver aluminum wheels, standard on SEL • 19” painted sparkle silver aluminum wheels, included in SEL 202A option group • 17” painted sparkle silver aluminum wheels, standard on SE

Spacious, Contemporary and Well-Crafted Interior
Sporting contemporary good looks and ample interior room, Taurus invites you in. Free from clutter, there is close attention to detail. High-quality, soft-to-the touch materials are used throughout – from the door and instrument panels to the console and seats. In the 2010 Taurus, everything just comes together, creating an environment that is comfortable, warm and accommodating.

Flowing 38º Center Stack
The interior is both attractive and intelligently designed. Featuring a clean and modern design, the console has a forward-leaning center stack that gently flows into a seamless center console to help maximize room and ergonomics.

Twin Chrome Exhaust Tips
Twin chrome exhaust tips accentuate the precision-engineered look of SE, SEL and Limited models. SHO features standard dual exhaust.

Unique Yourself new 911 Classic Porsche Cayman (Distinctive. Resolute.Strong.Willed)

Design

The design of the Cayman models is befitting of their distinctive, sporty character.

Their performance potential is obvious at first sight, for these are true specimens of force and athleticism. Individual styling features help to define both vehicles so impressively.

A constant interaction of convex and concave curves. A certain style, like no other. Immediately, the front displays the kind of character that you expect to find in the Cayman models. The front end has been restyled with enlarged air intakes that hint at the performance within.

The contouring of the front apron gives the car an even more purposeful appearance. The front spoiler lip has been enlarged, further reducing lift at the front axle.

The front wings with their integrated headlights give the Cayman models a distinctively sporty look.

The headlights feature a brand new design. Both models are equipped as standard with halogen headlights, LED position lights and front fog lights integrated into the outer air intakes. Bi-Xenon headlights with dynamic cornering lights, including LED daytime running lights, are available on request.

Follow the car’s clean lines along the side towards the rear, past the newly styled and enlarged exterior mirrors, where the impressive design continues. The styling is emphasised by the distinctly pronounced curves of the front and rear wings and the shape of the doors.

Typically for a coupé, there is a gradual, flowing transition from the A-pillar to the rear. The sharper contour of the side skirts directs the air stream down to the side air intakes which are designed to facilitate considerable through-flow. The rear section of the side windows curves dynamically upwards. Extending beyond the side windows are two additional lines that direct attention towards the rear end. One of these lines continues to frame the large rear screen.

The second line continues its rearward path to the LED taillight module. The elegant, extendable rear wing further reduces lift at the rear axle.

Below, you cannot miss the visible hallmark of the characteristic Porsche sound: the stainless steel tailpipe – twin tailpipe on the Cayman S – integrated into the rear end.

The unmistakable styling of the Cayman models is complemented by the wheel design. The Cayman is fitted with 17-inch wheels as standard, the Cayman S with 18-inch wheels. A 19-inch option is available for both models.

The result of all of these measures? A unique appearance and refined aerodynamics with a low drag coefficient of only 0.29.

The Cayman models. Even more sophisticated, even more dynamic, and when it comes to style, they trust in only one direction: their own.

Concept

To accept no compromises, to make conscious decisions, to be governed by nothing other than one's own free will, and to have a clear point of view. A highly promising way to build a sportscar. For us, it's the only way.


It is from this philosophy that we developed the mid-mounted engine with a 3.4-litre capacity and direct fuel injection (DFI). The engine delivers a power output of 235 kW (320 hp) at 7,200 rpm, and a maximum torque of 370 Nm is achieved at 4,750 rpm. It has been possible to reduce fuel consumption by up to 15% and CO2 emissions by up to 16%, depending on the type of gearbox.


The Cayman S reaches 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 5.2 seconds. Top speed isn’t reached until 172 mph (277 km/h). Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) is available as an option. The fastest rate of acceleration of 4.9 seconds is achieved in conjunction with the optional Sport Chrono Package.


In addition to having a higher power output, the Cayman S also differs from the Cayman in its appearance. It has a front spoiler painted in the vehicle’s exterior colour, and a twin tailpipe in stainless steel. The sound? Distinctive. In keeping with the rest of the Cayman S.


But so much power also needs to be tamed. This is the task of the optimised brake system with four-piston aluminium monobloc fixed calipers in a striking red painted finish.


To deliver the increased power output to the road, the Cayman S is fitted with 18-inch Cayman S II wheels. Their design exudes pure dynamism – as befits the model's overall look.


In summary, the Cayman S is more than just a sportscar. It's a Porsche.

VarioCam Plus

VarioCam Plus combines variable valve timing with two-stage lift on the inlet side. This results in smoother running, better fuel economy and lower exhaust emissions. As well as greater top-end power and low-end torque.

This two-in-one engine concept seamlessly adapts in response to driver input. The result: instant acceleration and extremely smooth running.

The variation in intake timing is steplessly controlled by means of an electro-hydraulic rotary vane adjuster at the head of the corresponding camshaft.

To improve throttle response during the warm-up phase, VarioCam Plus selects high valve lifts with retarded valve timing. In the middle and low load ranges, low valve lifts with advanced timing reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. High valve lifts generate high torque and maximum output.

Direct Fuel Injection

The engine of the Cayman S has direct fuel injection (DFI). With millisecond precision, fuel is injected at up to 120 bar directly into the combustion chamber by means of electromagnetically actuated injection valves.

The spray and cone angles have been optimised for torque, power output, fuel consumption and emissions by enabling a homogeneous distribution of the air/fuel mixture, and, therefore, effective combustion. Multiple fuel injections take place, depending on the driving style.

DFI improves the internal cooling of the combustion chamber by having the mixture prepared directly in the cylinder. This allows for a higher compression ratio (12.5:1) which helps to deliver more output along with enhanced engine efficiency.

It has therefore been possible to reduce fuel consumption by up to 15% and CO2 emissions by up to 16%, depending on the type of gearbox. Injection is regulated by the electronic engine management system. The exhaust gas cleaning system ensures that emissions remain well below even the strict limits of the EU5 emission standard, thus helping to protect the environment.

Cayman S exhaust system

The exhaust system – with twin tailpipes on the Cayman S – is made of stainless steel. Until it converges in the connecting tube, the exhaust gas is channelled through two separate tracts and, thanks to separate exhaust gas cleaning systems, the exhaust gas can flow more freely – for increased power and torque.


The stereo lambda control circuitry controls and monitors each cylinder bank separately. For each exhaust tract, four corresponding oxygen sensors regulate the composition of the exhaust gas and monitor the conversion of pollutants in the catalytic converters.


A sports exhaust system – for a more resonant sound – is available as an option for each of the Cayman models.

Manual Gearbox

Fitted as standard in each of the Cayman models is a six-speed manual gearbox. The shift throw is short and precise, the tuning is sporty – as befits the character of the Cayman models. The dual-mass flywheel minimises engine noise and the control cable mechanism prevents vibrations from being transmitted to the gear lever.

Bracking System

The acceleration of the Cayman models is impressive. Even more impressive, perhaps, is the vehicle’s maximum braking power, which comfortably tames the power of the engine.

Four-piston aluminium monobloc brake calipers are fitted front and rear. Offering excellent rigidity, they are compact and save on weight. Their superior responsiveness, for fast and sensitive braking, sets them apart. A brake booster provides assistance, reducing pedal effort whilst maintaining a powerful braking effect.

A special ventilation system, whereby the entire wheel brake is supplied with cooling air by openings in the front end and special channelling systems, increases the stability of the brakes during heavy use.

For the Cayman models, the braking system has been modified to cope with the increased engine power. Just like the Cayman S, the front axle of the Cayman features internally vented brake discs with a diameter of 318 mm. On both models, 299 mm brake discs are fitted to the rear axle. The brake pads have also been optimised for improved braking performance. The rear brake discs of the Cayman S are 4 mm thicker than those of the Cayman, which increases stability under load even further. To distinguish them visually, the brake calipers on the Cayman have a black anodised finish while those on the Cayman S are painted red.

For reduced weight, optimum braking in the wet and improved cooling, the brake discs on both models are cross-drilled.

For the Cayman S, the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) is available as an option.

Anti Theft Protection

Both models are equipped with an immobiliser with in-key transponder. In addition, the Cayman S has an alarm system with contact-sensitive exterior protection as standard (optional for the Cayman). It is activated and deactivated by the remote control integrated in the ignition key, which is also used to lock and unlock the doors. Radar-based interior surveillance is available as an option for both models.

Vehicle Tracking System

In conjunction with the alarm system, this optional preparation enables future installation of a vehicle tracking system available from Porsche Tequipment. It makes it possible to locate a stolen vehicle across most of the countries of Europe. The package includes a special wiring loom and a higher-capacity battery. A tilt sensor for the alarm system is included.

CO2 EMMISSIONS

In an era of intensifying debate about global climate change and CO2 emissions, every automotive manufacturer is asking itself what it has to offer in terms of environmental protection. Our answer has long been the same: maximum efficiency.

Porsche has been reducing the CO2 emissions of its vehicles annually by an average of 1.7%. In relation to power output (g/km per hp), Porsche is already among those manufacturers achieving the lowest CO2 emissions. This has been achieved through the new efficient drive concept (DFI), lightweight construction, optimum aerodynamics and low rolling resistance.

This high level of environmental responsibility is clearly demonstrated by our approach to environmental management at the Porsche development centre in Weissach. Here, all technological developments are carried out with environmental protection in mind. The goal? Pure performance – but not at the expense of the environment. A goal achieved by the Cayman models.