The "i", from Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, has been awarded the "RJC Car of the Year 2007" by the Automotive Researchers' & Journalists' Conference of Japan (RJC).
The minicar, "i" was developed as an innovative Premium Small Car that successfully overcomes the tradeoffs traditionally associated with the category: design versus comfortable interior space; comfortable interior space versus impact safety. Mitsubishi Motors has conquered these challenges by developing a new and leading edge "rear-midship layout" that mounts the engine forward of the rear axle line and permits three new "innovations" within the category's dimensional constraints: futuristic and uptown styling; agile handling and a comfortable ride; and excellent multidirectional impact safety. This highly original exterior and interior design, which is delivered by the ingenious platform, brought the grand prize in the award.
MMC president Osamu Masuko made the following remarks: "We are honored to receive this significant award today with our "i" minicar that has found favor with customers for its outstanding and futuristic design. We will keep working on the development of customer-oriented models with this unique "rear-midship layout" platform that brings new levels of ride comfort and impact safety together with innovative design."
The BMW Hydrogen 7 is the first virtually emission-free hydrogen-powered luxury saloon in the world suitable for everyday use.
The Hydrogen 7 is a revolutionary development within the BMW 7 Series as a whole: The engine, suspension and body of this new model are based on the overall vehicle concept carried over from the BMW 760i and BMW 760Li Saloons. At the same time BMW Hydrogen 7 features a dual-mode twelve-cylinder combustion power unit able to run on both hydrogen and conventional gasoline. Maximum output is 191 kW/260 hp, accelerating BMW's Hydrogen Saloon to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds. Top speed of BMW Hydrogen 7, in turn, is limited electronically to 230 km/h or 143 mph.
Siemens VDO has had a successful start to the testing phase of its Electronic Wedge Brake (EWB) innovation. The braking concept was officially introduced by Siemens VDO in 2005 and internationally renowned brake experts are in the process of confirming the EWB for series production suitability. Targeted for series-production readiness by the end of the decade, the brake-by-wire technology's mechanical brake components are undergoing further optimization. The EWB is the brainchild of Bernd Gombert, who will travel to Munich to accept the Rudolf Diesel Medal for his scientific and business accomplishments to date.
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., held a ceremony to inaugurate the completion of its second engine facility at Iwaki Plant (Izumi-cho, Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture).
The second engine facility covers an area of 14,700m2 and is adjacent to the existing casting facility at Iwaki Plant. Construction begun in January 2005 with an investment of approximately 10 billion yen, and the facility was completed in December 2005.
Peterbilt will display a production-representative, hybrid-electric medium duty truck – outfitted with a fully integrated bucket lift body – at the Hybrid Truck Users Forum National Meeting in San Diego.
The Class 7 Model 335 is ideal for municipal and utility applications and features advanced technologies that provide improved fuel economy while reducing noise and emissions. The hybrid Model 335 will be in limited production in 2007.
Volvo Cars is launching FlexiFuel models powered by renewable bioethanol on several European markets this autumn. The green model range is also being extended and even Volvo’s new C30 will be offered with eco-optimised FlexiFuel power.
Three of Volvo’s nine models – the C30, S40 and V50 – are now available in an environmentally optimised FlexiFuel alternative. They are powered by a four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine producing 125 hp. Bioethanol and petrol are both filled in the same 55 litre tank. The fuel hoses, valves and gaskets have all been modified to withstand the more corrosive properties of ethanol. The injection valves have been reinforced and are also larger, since more fuel is injected into the engine because of the lower energy content of E85 compared with petrol. Moreover, the software calibration is updated for ethanol power. The engine management system precisely monitors the fuel mixture in the fuel tank and automatically adjusts both injection and ignition to suit.