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Thursday, 31 March 2016
The Tesla Model 3 Is Here: First Photos, Early Details!
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Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk personally unveiled his company’s latest electric vehicle, the Model 3 sedan, at an event tonight in California, where he doubled down on his company’s pledge that the new model will be affordable. How affordable? Musk insists it will start at $35,000 before any federal and local tax incentives are factored into the final purchase price. The event also provided us our first photos of the Model 3, which is smaller than Tesla’s Model S sedan and Model X crossover, as well as early details, which we’ve listed by topic below:
Range: In its most basic form (which we assume to be the version with the smallest-capacity battery pack), the Model 3 will be capable of 215 miles of range per the EPA’s testing guidelines. Musk added that the number could be even higher upon final certification.
Power: No output numbers were given during the reveal—let alone confirmation of drive layout, number of electric motors, etc.—but Tesla claims the slowest Model 3 will reach 60 mph from a rest in less than six seconds. Other versions are said to be much, much quicker.
Batteries: Battery particulars also remain elusive. Even so, the Model 3 will use lithium-ion battery packs produced in Tesla’s new Gigafactory. The packs can be supercharged as a standard feature.
Safety: Musk promises the Model 3 will net five-star safety ratings in every category, although it wasn’t specified whether the ratings would be on the scales of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or NHTSA or both. Also on the topic of safety, every Model 3 will be equipped with Tesla’s “Autopilot” semi-autonomous technology, as well as unspecified Autopilot-related safety features that we assume include automatic emergency braking.
Basic Car-ness: The Model 3 seats five people, can fit a seven-foot surfboard inside, and has both a front trunk (“frunk”) and a conventional rear cargo area.
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Got Wood? Toyota’s Setsuna Concept Is Made of the Stuff
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Could You Be a Ferrari Engineer? Take Their Secret Interview Quiz and Find Out
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Hankering for a change of venue? Hungry for a diet of fine Italian cuisine? Like to work for one of the world’s most prestigious carmakers? You’re in luck because Ferrari is recruiting. But before throwing your graduation cap into this big-time ring, bone up with this quiz, which we understand is given to prospective hires by the Maranello-based automaker. And no fair peeking prematurely at the answers.
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Hankering for a change of venue? Hungry for a diet of fine Italian cuisine? Like to work for one of the world’s most prestigious carmakers? You’re in luck because Ferrari is recruiting. But before throwing your graduation cap into this big-time ring, bone up with this quiz, which we understand is given to prospective hires by the Maranello-based automaker. And no fair peeking prematurely at the answers.
Comment on one of the below:
A) What are the advantages and disadvantages of gasoline direct injection versus port fuel injection?
B) What are the advantages and disadvantages of a dry sump versus wet sump lubrication system?
Select the one correct answer for the following:
1. What oil pump architecture is most common?
a. rotary
b. centrifugal
c. vane
d. membrane
2. Where are blow-by gases directed?
a. intake manifold
b. exhaust manifold
c. atmosphere
d. crankcase
3. What is a typical mean piston speed for a racing engine?
a. 10 meters/second
b. 20 m/s
c. 40 m/s
d. no limit
4. What function does a secondary air system serve?
a. cool the exhaust stream
b. regulate the lambda sensor
c. increase the catalyst light-off time
d. decrease the catalyst light-off time
5. Which of the following spins at the highest rpm?
a. alternator
b. crankshaft
c. power steering pump
d. air-conditioning compressor
6. Which treatment or coating is used to reduce friction in critical engine parts?
a. metal smoothing
b. hardening
c. diamond-like carbon
d. anodizing
7. What affect does increasing air tumble have on combustion?
a. decreases flame dissipation in a combustion kernel
b. increases flame dissipation in a combustion kernel
c. decreases combustion chamber temperature
d. increases combustion chamber temperature
8. Peak power in a gasoline engine occurs near what lambda value?
a. 0.8
b. 0.9
c. 1.0
d. 1.1
9. Which of the following would increase the likelihood of detonation?
a. advanced spark timing
b. additional EGR
c. reduced compression ratio
d. increased tumble and swirl
10. Which of the following light-duty vehicle exhaust constituents are not regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency?
a. carbon monoxide
b. carbon dioxide
c. nitrous oxides
d. formaldehyde
ANSWER KEY
A) The cooling effect of squirting fuel directly into the combustion chamber allows use of a higher compression ratio. In addition, no fuel droplets are left behind in the intake port. On the debit side, up to 400 times higher fuel pressure is required with direct injection adding to cost and parasitic power losses. Also, carbon build-up on the intake valves can be an issue with direct injection (because no liquid fuel is present to cleanse the valves’ back sides). Tailpipe soot is also often reported in some direct-injection cars.
B) Dry-sump lubrication is significantly more dependable during aggressive acceleration, braking, and cornering events. It also facilitates mounting the engine lower in the vehicle without loss of ground clearance. The debit side is that oil must be scavenged from the crankcase and pumped to a remote reservoir.
1–a (most commonly called a gerotor pump), 2–d (in race engines, these gases are vented to atmosphere; in road cars they are routed to the intake manifold for combustion), 3–c, 4–d, 5–a, 6–c, 7–a, 8–b, 9–a, 10–d
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BMW Connected Drive North America App Debuts, Wants to Assist You
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At the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show in January, BMW offered peeks at its idea of a fully connected future, one which revolves around the so-called “Internet of Things.” The Internet of Things is the notion that connected devices, homes, cars, and appliances can all talk to one another, leading to new dimensions of automation and man-machine cooperation. We’re still waiting on that C-3PO personal assistant, but in the meantime, one of BMW’s CES debuts, an app-based personal assistant, is already coming to market here in the U.S. It debuted in consumer-ready form at the Microsoft Build 2016 developer conference, as it uses Microsoft’s Azure cloud tech.
The BMW Connected North America app, available for iOS users, is considered a “personal mobility companion” by BMW and is part of the existing BMW ConnectedDrive app and infotainment ecosystem. As outlined at CES, the app can estimate travel times to commonly visited destinations (for example, your commute home) and warn of delays or prompt you to leave via an iPhone or iWatch notification to get you there on time. Likewise, calendar events with addresses attached are automatically uploaded to the BMW app so it can keep tabs on your departure times. Other destinations can be added to one’s Connected North America profile via the app, where they can be stored until the phone is paired to the car or the user sends them to the car ahead of time. The app can also text your friends or family members to let them know you’re on your way. Of course, the app also offers remote locking/unlocking capability, as well as the ability to honk the car’s horn, flash its lights, and start the climate-control system.
As we pointed out when the Connected app idea was floated at CES, the BMW setup is neat but not hugely different in concept from Google’s Android mobile platform—which can pull information from a variety of built-in apps to perform similar feats of keeping users on time for appointments and providing navigation directions to said appointments. Of course, the BMW app can interface seamlessly with BMW’s in-car infotainment and navigation systems, but then so, too, can Android phones in cars with phone-mirroring business like Android Auto (or Apple CarPlay, for iOS users). If you must connect your life to BMW’s ecosystem, however, BMW Connected North America seems like the one and only choice.
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Ford Issues Recalls Affecting Explorer, Transit, F-650/F-750, and Lincoln MKC
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Ford announced a trio of recalls today for issues affecting the Lincoln MKC, the Explorer, the Transit van, and the F-650 and F-750 trucks.
Faulty engine-block heaters are the problem for the Explorer and the MKC. When the vehicle is parked and the heater is plugged in, the unit can overheat, possibly causing an engine fire. Ford knows of two such fires but no injuries. The affected models include 3129 Lincoln MKCs from 2015 and 2016, and 2407 2016-model Explorers. The majority of the vehicles were sold in Canada. Dealers will replace the engine-block heater—and the cord, if necessary—with one of a different design. This affects only vehicles with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, so the Ford Escape, which is related to the MKC, isn’t included.
The 2015 and 2016 model-year Transit van is being recalled for side curtain airbags. On 37,905 low-roof models, the airbags may have been installed incorrectly, in which case they may not inflate properly. Ford reports no injuries or accidents because of this issue. Dealers will inspect and adjust as needed.
Finally, Ford is recalling 4764 examples of its 2015 and 2016 F-650 and F-750 for parking-brake clips. The clips were incorrectly manufactured and can allow too much movement of the vehicle with the parking brake engaged. The company knows of no accidents or injuries related to the issue. Dealers will replace the clips.
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This Is the Design for Roborace’s Self-Driving Race Car
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We first learned about Formula E’s plan to launch an autonomous racing series a few months ago. At the time, not much was known about the plan, but as ludicrous as racing cars that drive themselves might sound, the organizers insisted they were serious.
They even went so far as to hire a man named Daniel Simon to design the race cars. Simon is best known for his work designing the light cycles in Tron: Legacy, but he’s also designed the Bubbleship in Oblivion and used to work for Bugatti. He certainly seemed like the kind of guy who could design a pretty cool driverless race car, but we had no idea what it would look like until now.
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We first learned about Formula E’s plan to launch an autonomous racing series a few months ago. At the time, not much was known about the plan, but as ludicrous as racing cars that drive themselves might sound, the organizers insisted they were serious.
They even went so far as to hire a man named Daniel Simon to design the race cars. Simon is best known for his work designing the light cycles in Tron: Legacy, but he’s also designed the Bubbleship in Oblivion and used to work for Bugatti. He certainly seemed like the kind of guy who could design a pretty cool driverless race car, but we had no idea what it would look like until now.
While these are definitely renderings, the release makes it sound like this is pretty much what the production version is going to look like. And as wild as it is, it also looks pretty cool.
“My goal was to create a vehicle that takes full advantage of the unusual opportunities of having no driver without ever compromising on beauty. Racing engineers and aerodynamicists have worked with me from the beginning to strike that balance,” Simon says.
In the release, Simon claims the car generates “substantial downforce” and goes on to elaborate that the team is “currently developing active body parts that are more organic and seamless than solutions today.” What that will end up looking like, we couldn’t tell you, but we might get a look during the 2016/2017 Formula E season, which is when the first Roborace demonstrations are scheduled to take place.
Roborace has also released a teaser to YouTube, which shows the car from a few more angles. Take a look:
This story originally appeared on Road & Track.
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Tesla Model 3 EV Leaked: Now You See It
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Can’t wait for Tesla to officially reveal its all-new Model 3 this evening? Here’s a preview: a photo on Instagram that seems to show this hugely important EV. While the image is blurry, it’s clear that the Model 3 will occupy a sort of middle ground between the sleek Model S hatchback and the taller Model X crossover.
Tesla won’t pull the covers off the Model 3 until late tonight, but we have heard some tidbits about this new model. It’s rumored to have a starting cost around $35,000 before tax benefits, a bargain compared with the $71,200–$109,200 Model S and the $81,200–$116,700 Model X. Range estimates sit at roughly 200 miles as standard equipment, with a possible 80-kWh battery upgrade potentially increasing that number to 300 miles.
Die-hard Tesla fanatics have been lining up to put deposits down for a Model 3 before the pre-ordering process opens up online tonight, and current Tesla owners get priority for reservations. Barring any delays (which Tesla has plenty of experience with), deliveries of the Model 3 are scheduled for late 2017. Stay tuned for full info when the Model 3 is unveiled tonight at 8:30 p.m. Pacific time.
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Previously Manual-Only Ford Focus 1.0L EcoBoost Now Available with Automatic
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March 31, 2016 at 1:38 pm by Joseph Capparella | Photography by Michael Simari and the Manufacturer
As much as we like the idea of a car that’s only available with a manual transmission, it’s not exactly a solid sales strategy in the U.S. So it’s probably smart of Ford to add an automatic-transmission option to the 1.0-liter three-cylinder-equipped Ford Focus for 2016. Previously available with only a six-speed manual transmission, this diminutive optional EcoBoost engine can now be had with a six-speed automatic for both Focus 1.0L sedan and hatchback models (the smaller Fiesta 1.0L is still manual-only).
The transmission that pairs with the turbocharged three-cylinder is a conventional six-speed automatic, as opposed to the six-speed dual-clutch that’s offered on Focus models with the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Opting for an automatic eliminates some of the fuel economy benefit of the smaller engine, as the automatic 1.0-liter car gets 28/40/32 mpg (city/highway/combined) compared to the manual’s 30/42/35 mpg. That’s still slightly higher than the 2.0-liter automatic, though, which is rated at 27/40/31 mpg (city/highway/combined). Regardless of transmission choice, the 1.0-liter engine makes 123 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque—a manual 1.0L Focus sedan we tested last year recorded a 0-to-60-mph time of 9.4 seconds, around two seconds slower than the equivalent 2.0-liter Focus.
The 1.0-liter engine, available only for the SE trim level, costs just $495 extra on its own, but the newly available automatic option adds quite a bit of cost on top of that. In addition to $1095 for the automatic transmission itself, the automatic requires the $895 SE EcoBoost Appearance Package, which adds 16-inch wheels, fog lights, rear disc brakes, and some LED lighting accents. That brings the total cost of a Focus 1.0L EcoBoost with an automatic to $21,380 for the sedan or $21,880 for the hatchback, including destination.
With the automatic-equipped Focus 1.0L costing more and returning lower fuel economy than its stick-shift equivalent, we’d still advocate for the manual, of course. But if you truly can’t stomach the idea of a clutch pedal, you might appreciate the new powertrain option.
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Previously Manual-Only Ford Focus 1.0L EcoBoost Now Available with Automatic
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Never Unwrapped: Brand-New Gulf Blue 2006 Ford GT Heads to Auction
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March 31, 2016 at 8:58 am by Joe Lorio | Photography by Barrett-Jackson
Distraught that you might not be deemed worthy of placing an order for the new Ford GT, of which fewer than 1000 are expected to be built? Relieve your anxiety by heading to the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach auction, which takes place April 8 to 10, where nothing will stand between you and this awesome 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition—except other bidders, that is.
According to Barrett-Jackson, this Heritage Edition, which is finished in the iconic Gulf blue and orange, is one of 343 built. Like all Ford GTs of this generation, it’s powered by a 540-hp supercharged 5.4-liter V-8, mated to a six-speed manual. This particular example, lot #401, is as close to new as it gets, with just five (5) miles on the odometer, and the interior still wrapped in factory plastic.
Hagerty currently values the Heritage Edition Ford GT at $505,000 in number-one condition, although the classic-car firm’s Jonathan Klinger cautions that, “You can expect that a vehicle like this will have strong interest and [will] very likely sell for an above-market premium.” According to Klinger, the highest price paid for a Heritage Edition Ford GT is $550,000 at Mecum’s 2014 Monterey sale, while the top auction price paid for a second-generation Ford GT is $605,000.
Bidders who get beat out in their quest to take home this particular GT do have another option: lot #426, another Ford GT Heritage Edition, also in Gulf blue. It has 3000 miles, but looks to be spotless. The plastic wrap, however, is long gone.
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Wednesday, 30 March 2016
2016 Toyota RAV4 SE AWD – Instrumented Test
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Lincoln Navigator Concept: This Big SUV Is a Big Deal for Lincoln
Lincoln returns to the Big Apple with its next huge thing.
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