Tag: cars

Engineering, TechnologyLeave a comment

F1 rule changes 2018 – an annotated infographic

E&T magazine

It wouldn’t be a new F1 season without a new set of rules and amendments. New rules introduced for the 2018 Formula 1 season are relatively few in number, but of some significance, such as a new driver ‘halo’ protection system and softer, faster tyres. The Formula One 2018 season takes place over 21 races with the first March 25, 2018. Shark Fins and T-wings banned. Introduction of Halo cockpit protection device. Three engines per season limit. Expanded ‘rainbow’ tyre range with new Superhard and Hypersoft tyres. Simplified grid penalties. Click on the graphic for an expanded view. Continue reading F1 rule changes 2018 – an annotated infographic

Engineering, TechnologyLeave a comment

Volvo XC40 at the Geneva Motor Show – an annotated infographic

E&T magazine

The Volvo XC40 is one of the new breed of SUVs. It is likely to be on show at the Geneva Motor Show, which runs from March 8-18, with press days March 6-7. Everybody loves SUVs now and the annual Geneva Car Show will show manufacturers like Volvo, with its new XC40, busily expanding their line-ups penetrating into smaller and cheaper sections of the market. The show will also parade the latest electric vehicles, as Europeís manufacturers race to launch the first luxury rivals to the Tesla Model S and Model X. The new all-electric Jaguar I-Pace looks like winning … Continue reading Volvo XC40 at the Geneva Motor Show – an annotated infographic

Engineering, TechnologyLeave a comment

Europe-wide new car sales since January 2017 – automotive industry on the up – an annotated infographic

E&T magazine

Over the first nine months of 2017, demand for passenger cars remained positive in the EU and EFTA (Iceland, Norway and Switzerland), with more than 12 million new vehicles registered – an increase of 3.6 per cent compared to the same period last year. Car sales fell in September, dragged down by a 9.3 per cent fall in the UK, Europe’s second largest auto market, according to the Brussels-based European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). The British fall, amid a weak pound and stalled Brexit talks, was the sixth straight monthly decline and the first contraction for September since 2011. Registrations … Continue reading Europe-wide new car sales since January 2017 – automotive industry on the up – an annotated infographic

Engineering, TechnologyLeave a comment

#GenevaMotorShow – star cars on show from #Ferrari and more – three annotated infographics

E&T magazine

Once again, the world’s automotive manufacturers will shortly be zipping around the picturesque roads of Geneva, casting narcissistic glances at the reflections of their new super cars as they cruise by the placid, mirror-like surface of the adjacent eponymous Lake. Yes, ’tis time again for the Geneva Motor Show, when many otherwise perfectly sane, grown-up individuals lose their heads and bandy together in huddled groups, to stand slack-jawed and drooling in awe at the latest strategically shaped and painted hunks of metal before them. Over 220 exhibitors will be showing around 900 cars at the 2015 Geneva International Motor Show, … Continue reading #GenevaMotorShow – star cars on show from #Ferrari and more – three annotated infographics

Engineering, TechnologyLeave a comment

#Fiat500X subcompact crossover aimed at American market – an annotated infographic

E&T magazine

Having previously pumped up the fashionista’s preferred runaround of choice, the Fiat 500, to produce the oddly unremarkable 500L, Fiat has now launched the funkier-looking 500X. This subcompact crossover loses more of the 500’s diminutive cute appeal, replacing it instead with sleek muscle and overall capacity in a move to capture more of the burgeoning SUV market. With small and mid-sized SUVs currently among the hottest-selling vehicles worldwide, this is arguably Fiat’s first model designed with the North American market in mind. They don’t much care for small cars, them Yanks, you see. Automotive manufacturers are thus obliged to pump … Continue reading #Fiat500X subcompact crossover aimed at American market – an annotated infographic

Engineering, TechnologyLeave a comment

#ParisMotorShow 2014 – new star cars on display, #JaguarXE – two annotated infographics

E&T magazine

The world’s pre-eminent petrolheads will shortly be gathering and munching on fresh croissant as the Paris Motor Show opens for business. One of the glitziest events on the automotive calendar, this year’s show will see the debuts of Europe’s best new cars for the coming year, both the concepts and the production models. Stars at the City of Light will include Ferrari’s 458 Speciale A, the Jaguar XE, Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid SUV and Audi TT Roadster. Of particular interest is Jaguar’s new XE sports saloon, as the British legend goes bumper to bumper with its German rivals BMW and … Continue reading #ParisMotorShow 2014 – new star cars on display, #JaguarXE – two annotated infographics

Engineering, TechnologyLeave a comment

Farewell, curvaceous Amby! As Hindustan Motors ends production of India’s iconic #Ambassador, our Bangalore blogger reflects

E&T magazine

As E&T news reported last week, Indian car-maker Hindustan Motors has announced the end of production of the Ambassador, India’s trademark vehicle which has barely changed since its introduction in 1958. Hindustan Motos said weak demand and financial difficulties had been the main reason behind the decision. The Ambassador, though now considered completely Indian, was modelled on the Morris Oxford III manufactured by Morris Motors, an Oxford-based company, between 1956 and 1959. The brand’s decline can be traced back to the 1980s when global automakers started setting up dealerships in India, offering cars with advanced design and better technology. Kavitha … Continue reading Farewell, curvaceous Amby! As Hindustan Motors ends production of India’s iconic #Ambassador, our Bangalore blogger reflects

UncategorizedLeave a comment

25 years ago this month: In-car radio data systems arrive

E&T magazine

In April 1989, the idea that a driver could “listen to Radio 2 all the way from Newcastle to Newquay” without having to retune their car radio several times was still something of a novelty. Writing in E&T’s predecessor magazine IEE Review, B Marks gave a BBC perspective on the emerging technology of radio data systems. Continue reading 25 years ago this month: In-car radio data systems arrive

Engineering, TechnologyLeave a comment

#AlfaRomeo 4C carbon fibre sports coupe preview – an annotated graphic

E&T magazine

One for the petrolheads today, as we preview the new Alfa Romeo 4C sports coupe. Apparently this is the world’s first production car to feature “prepreg” carbon fibre technology. Exciting, huh? Carbon fibre was chosen for the one-piece monocoque due its high levels of structural rigidity and exceptionally low weight (a trifling 65kg) and the car has been constructed using sophisticated Formula 1-derived technologies. If nothing else, we hope they retain those snazzy Italian-flag wing mirrors in the production model. Francesco Bernouilli would be so proud. No mention of price yet, but you can bet your bottom dollar (and presumably … Continue reading #AlfaRomeo 4C carbon fibre sports coupe preview – an annotated graphic