SuperBus

The futuristic Eco friendly public transportation….155 mph electric Superbus ready for the road......

A high speed electric Superbus built in The Netherlands is now street legal after the government there issued a license plate for the radical form of mass transportation.

The 23-passenger vehicle is being developed by a program at the Delft Institute of Technology headed up by physicist and former astronaut Wubbo Ockels, who in 1985 became the first Dutch citizen to travel into space on the last successful flight of the Space Shuttle Challenger. . Instead of a tall box-like cabin with an aisle and hard wide seats, the Superbus is aerodynamic, the sleek, 50-foot-long six-wheel vehicle and luxurious cushioned seats looks more like a stretch limo version of an exotic sports car than a typical bus, and features 16 gullwing doors and a central seating position for the driver.

Powered by lithium-ion batteries it has a theoretical range of 134 miles per charge and a top speed of 155 mph.

 

Though it does look good, the Superbus, as it’s called, has been named more for its speed, than for its beauty and mobility, Dubai and Abu Dhabi have shown interest in building a road between the two United Arab Emirates with a dedicated lane for a fleet of zero-emissions Superbuses, which would run on electricity generated by solar power and complete the 75-mile journey in just 30 minutes.

Still at least three years away from production, with the license plate it can now be tested on public roads in the Netherlands. Along with runs up to 86 mph on a closed course, it has also been seen being tested on a snow-covered track, something not likely to come in too handy in its proposed desert home.

The designers hope that the Superbus might be the answer to urban congestion. It’s as long as a normal public transportation bus, but it’s far more mobile thanks to two pairs of rear wheels that can turn independently, thus reducing the turning radius. The idea is that the Superbus would come to your house when you call, and pick you up, rather than you going to a bus stop. It would maneuver almost like a limousine through normal traffic, then go into high-speed mode on a dedicated concrete road, then maneuver normally near your destination.

The Superbus holds 23 passengers is made with super light carbon fiber materials, and is powered by an electric motor backed up by lithium polymer batteries. The chief design engineer on the team is Antonia Terzi, formerly of BMW-Williams Formula 1, hence the aerodynamic design that cuts down on energy needs and allows the vehicle to travel safely at high speeds. Inside, it’s all about comfort and luxury, with seats that look like something off a roller-coaster, television, internet access and air bags for the passengers; up front, there’s space age technology for the driver; obstacle detection, navigational aids and state of the art communications and fail-safe backup systems.

BMW X6

There are SUVs and there are coupes. But there is only one BMW X6. This vehicle is like no other. It unites apparent contrasts, such as size and agility or sporting character and elegance. It is a sports car that also feels at home off the road. A coupé and an SUV in one.

Its design language reads like a set of instructions for being out of the ordinary. This is why BMW have created a separate vehicle category for the BMW X6: the Sports Activity Coupe. These three words contain everything that makes the new BMW X6 so special and also reflect what you see at first sight. It is more dynamic, more versatile, more majestic – in short: unique.

Taking the power to where it has maximum effect – a simple idea that the intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel drive system puts into practise masterfully.

In the BMW X6, the BMW xDrive all-wheel drive system provides better traction, higher stability and more safety. If the sensors detect that the car is about to drift off course – for example, in wintry conditions – the system reacts in milliseconds. By adjusting the amount of power distributed to the axles, xDrive eliminates oversteering or understeering instantly.

Even on ice and snow, the system allows the driver to enjoy the power of the BMW X6 to the full because there is a noticeable gain in traction and tracking stability on any terrain. Whether you are taking tight corners, attempting a hill start or tackling slippery surfaces, the optimum amount of power is applied to the road.

BMW launched its  new X6 at the opening of their new Faridabad showroom - Deutsche Motoren.  The new BMW X6 is available at all BMW dealerships across India as a CBU (Completely Built-up) unit.

The new X6 includes design modifications such as a new kidney grille, repositioned fog lamps and new LED taillights. The minor changes in the interiors include sports seats with a raised seating position as well as a generous amount of space.

The new BMW X6 is available in petrol as the BMW X6 xDrive50i at an ex-showroom, India price of Rs 78.9 lakh and the diesel variant, BMW X6 xDrive40d is priced at an ex-showroom, India price of Rs 93.4 lakh

 

Engine

BMW TwinPower Turbo 8-cylinder petrol engines in the BMW X6 xDrive50i.

In the BMW X6 xDrive50i, a brief touch of the accelerator is enough to unleash the power of the 8-cylinder 4 valve petrol engine. On every bend, you can feel the close contact with the road, with the throaty sound of the eight cylinders ringing in your ears each time you put your foot down.

The BMW TwinPower Turbo 8-cylinder engine with two turbochargers, twin VANOS and High-Precision Injection, an outstanding 300 kW (407 hp) and a maximum torque of 600 Nm accelerates the BMW X6 xDrive50i from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds. In view of this output, the V8 petrol engine fuel consumption is surprisingly modest – with an average of 8.0 km/l and combined CO2 emissions of 292 g/km. The 8-speed sports automatic transmission keeps the engine in the optimum rev range, offering near-imperceptible gear changes and excellent comfort.

Centrally fitted exhaust turbochargers in the V of the cylinder banks make for an ultra-compact design, a low weight − and a unique level of agility.

 

BMW TwinPower Turbo straight six-cylinder diesel engines.

The BMW X6 xDrive40d uses a state-of-the-art common-rail diesel technology for higher performance and uniquely low consumption.

The BMW X6 xDrive40d with its BMW TwinPower Turbo technology: two turbochargers with variable turbine geometry work in sequence to provide impressive power and high revs. With 225 kW (306 hp) and 600 Nm of torque under the bonnet, the car sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds, while the common-rail direct injection system guarantees extreme smoothness and an impressively low average fuel consumption of 13.33 km per litre.

Interior

The difference between the new BMW X6 and a coupé is not just the four doors. Behind these doors is a generous interior that now offers space for up to five people. And in terms of comfort and quality, too, the interior of the Sports Activity Coupé is anything but modest. The design underlines its sporting character and offers you a lot of freedom in the choice of upholstery, colours and interior trim strips. With its variable rear seat bench with seating for up to three people and the generous luggage space, the BMW X6 shows that it is ideal for everyday use. It's just more luxurious than other automobiles.

Efficiency

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Porsche Carrera 4S

2013 Porsche Carrera 4S 

From  1964, after some success in motor-racing, namely with the Porsche 550 Spyder, the company launched the Porsche 911 another air-cooled, rear-engined sports car, this time with a six-cylinder "boxer" engine. After that we have seen the 911 in refined and more refined design and improved performance  till now .The future avatar of 911 Carrera 4S will definitely shocked you .   

With the Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S, Porsche rolls out the first four-wheel-drive versions of its new, seventh-generation 911. Porsche claims theprevious version of the Carrera 4 accounted for 34 percent of  911 sales worldwide. Replacing last year’s 997-based models, the new Carrera 4 and 4S coupes will go on sale early 2013, with the cabrio iterations of both due in spring.

Compared with the rear-drive Carrera, the rear fenders of the 4 and 4S each flare an extra 0.9 inch, and a 1.4-inch-wider or 1.7-inch-wider rear track (Carrera 4S, respectively) and slightly wider tires lurk under those zaftig hindquarters.

 Engine:

The 911 Carrera  4S models are powered by a 3.8-liter boxer engine with direct fuel injection (DFI) and VarioCam Plus. It produces 400 horsepower at 7,400 rpm and the maximum torque of 325 lb.-ft. is achieved at 5,600 rpm. It goes  0-100 Kmph in 4.3 sec . The top track speed is 185 mph.

Consumption(Highway): 26 mpg.

With optional Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), the 911 Carrera S accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and achieves a top speed of 187mph. The new Carrera 4S completes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 4.0 seconds and boasts a top speed of 185 mph. 

And the  Price $105,630 and 58,22848.34 INR

Features 

Efficiency-enhancing measures

A widely held belief about motorsport is that power is the only thing that matters. From experience, we know better. Extra horsepower alone has never been enough to win a single race. Much more important to us are ideas – ideas that inspire more intelligent vehicle concepts and more efficient drive systems. The same applies on the road. It’s about getting the most out of what you’ve got.

The Auto Start/Stop function is standard in the 911 Carrera models.

In cars with the manual gearbox, the engine switches off automatically when, for example, you stop at traffic lights, select neutral and release the clutch pedal. In cars with Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK), the engine switches off whenever you stop and leave your foot on the brake pedal. 

All audio and communication systems remain switched on and the climate control continues to maintain your selected temperature. The only differences you will notice are the silence at the rear and the fuel saving. As soon as you operate the clutch or release the brake, the engine will restart swiftly and smoothly. 

Coasting

The ‘coasting’ function available with Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) enables you to save even more fuel where the situation allows. The engine is decoupled from the transmission to prevent deceleration caused by engine braking. In this way, optimum use is made of the vehicle’s momentum, allowing it to coast for longer distances. 

For example, you may want to slow down from 65 to 40 mph in anticipation of the change of speed limit ahead. As soon as you release the accelerator pedal, PDK deselects the current gear automatically and you begin to coast in neutral until you have reached your desired speed. The moment you engage the accelerator or brake pedal, PDK selects the appropriate gear smoothly and seamlessly within a fraction of a second.

Another way to reduce fuel consumption is to utilize the coasting function on downhill gradients that are gentle enough for you to maintain a constant speed. Efficient on long journeys, such as on the motorway, PDK remains ready to respond as swiftly and precisely as you would expect. 

In short, driving in coasting mode makes a real impact on fuel consumption without any need for compromise on comfort or sporty performance. 

7-speed manual transmission

Pure, direct, precise. Short shift movements and an optimum transition from one gear to the next. That’s exactly what you would expect of a Porsche manual transmission. 

What you might not have expected is a 7-speed manual transmission that combines a high level of sporty performance with an equally high level of efficiency and offers extra comfort for longer journeys. It’s an exceptional innovation, and not only in the sports car segment. 

The design of this manual transmission is based in principle on that of Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK). Gears 1 to 6 have a sports ratio and top speed is reached in 6th gear. The additional 7th gear, however, has a long ratio, which reduces torque and helps to reduce fuel consumption. Lower engine revs at fast driving speeds also ensure a high level of comfort on long stretches of road.

In addition, a gear indicator in the rev counter reminds you which gear has been selected. The upshift indicator in the instrument cluster helps you actively conserve fuel. 

Thanks to the elevated center console, the gear lever is within easy reach – ideal for sporty gear changes. 

Whether you select a sporty or comfortable gear, the way you reach your destination is in your own hands. 

Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK)

Available as an option for all 911 Carrera models is 7-speed PDK, featuring manual and automatic modes. It facilitates extremely fast gear changes with no interruption in the flow of power, whilst at the same time improving acceleration and fuel efficiency. 

In total, PDK has seven gears at its disposal. Gears 1 to 6 have a sports ratio and top speed is reached in 6th gear. 7th gear has a long ratio and helps to reduce fuel consumption by keeping engine revs low. 

PDK is essentially two gearboxes in one and thus requires two clutches. This double-clutch arrangement provides an alternating, non-positive connection between the two half gearboxes and the engine by means of two separate input shafts. The flow of power from the engine is transmitted through one half gearbox and one clutch at a time, while the next gear is preselected in the second half gearbox. During a gear change, therefore, one clutch simply opens and the other closes at the same time, enabling gear changes to take place within milliseconds. 

The effect is instant. Driving feels even sportier and more dynamic, and agility is increased. Depending on the gearshift program (SPORT button activated or deactivated), the gear change is optimized for comfort or for sporty driving. 

With the optional Sport Chrono Package, PDK is enhanced by the ‘Launch Control’ and ‘motorsport-derived gearshift strategy’ functions.

Porsche Traction Management (PTM)

It is possible to have a lot of power and yet not be able to move anything. Only by using your power intelligently will you truly progress – and with consummate ease. 

Enhanced Porsche Traction Management (PTM) is standard on all 911 Carrera all-wheel-drive models. It is an active all-wheel-drive system with an electronically variable map-controlled multi-plate clutch, automatic brake differential (ABD) and anti-slip regulation (ASR). 

Drive power is distributed between the permanently driven rear axle and the front axle by means of the electronically variable multi-plate clutch. 

The status of the vehicle is continuously monitored so that it is possible to respond to different driving situations. Sensors are used to collect a range of data, including the rotational speed of all four wheels, the lateral and longitudinal acceleration of the car and the current steering angle. 

If, for example, the rear wheels begin to lose traction under acceleration, a greater proportion of the drive power is automatically transmitted to the front axle by a more positive engagement of the multi-plate clutch. In addition, ASR prevents wheel spin by adapting the engine’s power output. During cornering, the optimal level of drive power is distributed to the front wheels to ensure excellent lateral stability. 

In conjunction with Porsche Stability Management (PSM), PTM helps to ensure the perfect distribution of drive power for optimum traction in most road scenarios, whether on long straights, through tight corners, or on surfaces with different friction coefficients. 

Exhaust system

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Priceless Royal wheels

This is the 1924 vintage Rolls-Royce GLK 21owned by Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur, recently became the first Indian-owned car to win the prestigious 62th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance award in Clifornia, USA  .

Mewar's 1924 Rolls-Royce 20 HP Barker Tourer (GLK 21) Sunday won the Lucius Beebe Trophy awarded to the Rolls-Royceconsidered most in the tradition of Lucius Beebe who served amongPebble Beach's early judges.

The five-day annual event at Pebble Beach, California, exhibits the best in automobiles from all over the world.

"By participating in this event, we want to showcase our legacy and our heritage - because today 'Living Heritage' has more currency than luxury whose definition is so dynamic," Mewar said.

Mewar also released a 194-page coffee table book dedicated to the history and restoration of this favourite royal car of Udaipur along with the family's association with Rolls-Royce over seven generations.

The coffee table book titled "The Royal Udaipur RR GLK 21 Classic drive from Derby to Udaipur to Pebble Beach and Continues" relives the car's journey from being bought to be cannibalised for its spare parts to becoming a family favourite.

After being put out to pasture in a corner in Zenana Mahal in the City Palace, the RR GLK 21 was spotted by Mewar, who then gave expression to his passion for restoring classic cars and resurrected it to its former glory.

"India was the ultimate destination for many of Rolls-Royce's early cars because the Indian Maharanas and Maharajas were only too happy to make the transition from horse-drawn carriages to a car," Mewar said.

"Back in the old days, this venerable marquee found pride of place for state visits, ceremonies and festivals," he recalled.

"In some instances they were also used for hunting and were retro-fitted to accommodate cricket teams."

In 1999 , Arvind Singh asked his palace motor garage to take full stock of the Rolls-Royce. A list of all available and missing parts was made and restoration experts in both India and the UK were contacted. And the result –stunner on four wheels.

The value of this Rolls-Royce GLK 21 is incalculable.

BMW ActiveHybrid 7

The worls’s most luxurious and dynamic hybrid

BMW’s biggest sedan, the 7-series, was comprehensively updated for 2013 and now we’ve got pricing info on the entire 7er lineup. The 7 enters this new model year with tweaked six- and eight-cylinder engines, a new eight-speed automatic, and a refocused Active Hybrid 7 model. (We’ve previously laid out the changes to the ActiveHybrid 7 and the rest of the 7-series lineup.) Besides both the six-cylinder 740i and eight-cylinder 750i gaining more power—the twelve-cylinder 760i went unchanged—BMW also added an all-wheel-drive model to the 740i line. As expected, every 2013 7-series costs more than last year—with the exception of the ActiveHybrid 7. Significantly, the hybrid sees a massive price cut relative to the 2011 version—the hybrid took a yearlong hiatus for 2012. Full pricing info below:

·         740i: $74,195

·         740Li: $78,195

·         740Li xDrive: $81,195

·         ActiveHybrid 7: $84,895

·         750i: $87,195

·         750i xDrive: $90,195

·         750Li: $90,895

·         750Li xDrive: $93,895

·         760Li: $140,200

Overall, the modest price increases year-over-year for the non-hybrid 2013 7-series accurately reflect the added value BMW built in, but the ActiveHybrid 7’s pricing is pretty interesting. The first ActiveHybrid 7 was positioned similarly to the Lexus LS600h hybrid, with the electric assist intended to give the eight-cylinder sedan the power of a V-12 but with V-8 fuel economy. For 2013, BMW ditched the original system for the same setup used in the smaller 2012 ActiveHybrid 5, which promises to be more efficient.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 7  have  loaded with 6 cylinder 4 valve which produce max 320 hp at 5800 RPM and max torque 450 Nm. It achieve  0-100 Km/h in 5.7 sec .The top speed of  this is 250 Km/h.

Features  

Brake Energy Regeneration

The ActiveHybrid 7 uses the energy generated from deceleration  with unparalleled efficiency. Touch the brake paddle, and the hybrid management system uses the pressure on the brake pedal to calculate the optimal interaction  between the electric motor and the conventional  braking system. The electric assembly then ensure the required braking effect, while also charging the high performance lithium-ion battery with up to 15,000 watts.

An engine with a mind of it’s own.

In future, you’ll be able to take your foot off the gas with a smile. Because the BMW Activehybrid 7 electric motor act as a full- fledged generator when costing and bracking.

Hybrid Start Stop function

Efficient even when stopped.

With the hybrid start stop function and 8-speed automatic transmission, the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 conserves energy every time you stop. As soon as the vehicle stops at a traffic light, the energy switches off automatically while the transmission remains in the desired position. Give the command to go , and the electric motor starts the engine and the connection to the gearbox and full power are restored. This reduce the fuel consumption and emission , especially in stop and –go traffic.    

Design.

Exclusive appearance with an electrifying character: the new Adaptive LED Headlights unite a striking form with dynamic function – new kidney grille slats and chrome accents on the front apron further enhance the distinctive impression, with the large air inlets reinforcing the muscular overall effect.

The aptly named Air Curtains channel the airstream on the front apron and front wheels. As a consequence, the drag resistance – and hence fuel consumption and CO2 emissions as well – are effectively reduced.

The silhouette reveals the classical proportions of a BMW sedan in its most luxurious expression – particularly in the long version. Indicator lamps in the exterior mirrors reliably display any changes in course. At the rear, discreet changes in the contours, repositioned reflectors as well as intricate chromium elements round off the impressively masterful overall picture presented by the BMW ActiveHybrid 7.

Form and function for fewer emissions and more driving pleasure: resistance-optimised aerodynamic rims in Turbine styling guide the airflow optimally along the sides of the vehicle, thus reducing drag. The optional 19” aerodynamic rims and the Liquid Blue paint finish underline the progressive character of the vehicle, as do the ActiveHybrid 7 specific lettering on the rear, on the C pillars, in the interior and on the engine cover.

 

Driving comfort.

Strength comes from the calm within. This is why travelling in one of the most dynamic luxury-class limousines is an extremely relaxing pleasure. Intelligent BMW ConnectedDrive innovations ensure that you never lose your calm even when times become hectic or situations unclear.

As soon as you leisurely take a comfortable seat in the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 and close the door behind you, an oasis of calm envelops you. All the frantic activity of city life and traffic noise stay outside – on the inside only the passengers and their comfort count.

Soothing relaxation awaits the strained muscles of rear passengers in the optional comfort seats with massage function. Twelve air chambers massage the back muscles with wave-like motions from top to bottom, while six further chambers rotate from the shoulders to the lumbar vertebrae. During the journey, the standard-feature air suspension for the rear axle and the COMFORT+ driving mode geared towards the ultimate in well-being, particularly when combined with the optional Integral Active Steering, confidently minimise any disruptive physical influences. Especially when seated in the rear cabin, you can take a very relaxed attitude towards poor road surfaces and dynamic cornering.

If space is the measure of all things, the long version continues to provide the ultimate comfort in terms of legroom.

 

Adaptive LED Headlights.

The Adaptive LED Headlights essentially shape the unmistakeable appearance of the BMW ActiveHybrid 7. The accent line with indicator function cuts into the top of characteristic light rings – thus decisively redefining the expression of the entire front section.

The distinctive form of the new BMW double-round headlights follows intelligent function: daytime running lights as well as dipped and high beam shine from the three-dimensional rings. The LED light illuminates the road with daylight intensity and rich contrast, while the cones of the Adaptive Headlights dynamically follow every turn in the road.

When bends are taken slowly, the integrated cornering lights enclosed by an elegant chrome strip automatically light up the area at the side of the vehicle. The Dazzle-free high-beam assistance offers best possible visibility for the driver without obstructing others. A mechanism inside the headlights intelligently masks areas with the potential for dazzling other road users.

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