Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. will introduce two pioneering technologies with its new Fuga, set for release in Japan this month - the world's first Distance Control Assist and navigation-enabled Intelligent Cruise Control systems.
Nissan's pioneering Distance Control Assist system helps control the distance between two vehicles under various traffic conditions, from congested urban roads to high-speed expressways. The improved Intelligent Cruise Control system integrates route-information via the on-board navigation system to monitor the vehicle's cruising speed to match actual road conditions i.e. the sharpness of the next curve on the road.
The Distance Control Assist system determines the following distance of the driver's vehicle, as well as the relative speed of both vehicles, using a radar sensor installed in the front bumper.
When a vehicle approaches close to the vehicle ahead and the accelerator is not engaged, the system activates the brakes to decelerate smoothly. Alternately, if the accelerator is engaged, the acceleration actuator is activated through a "push back" mechanism to help the driver to release the pedal.
In a situation where the vehicle ahead slows down or brakes, requiring the driver to respond by braking, the system instantly alerts the driver through message and audio warnings. Simultaneously, the system pushes back the accelerator to assist the driver to switch to the brakes.
Fuel Efficiency Gauge The gauge provides the driver with both instant fuel-efficiency and average efficiency readings. For example, by accelerating, the driver would instantly see an increase in fuel consumption reflected on the gauge.
Intelligent Transportation System A pedestrian alert will appear onboard the vehicle to warn the driver, helping to reduce road accidents particularly in a blind-spot situation.
Vehicle Navigation Service with Net Access Drivers have to select the Internet sites when the vehicle in parking mode. Once the car is in motion, the system will automatically retrieve information from the pre-programmed Internet sites and a voice function will read out the contents, making it possible to receive information even while driving.
Slip-Hazard Warning System The customer selection will begin in October 2007, and the test phase will be conducted from November 2007 to March 2008, in cooperation with the Hokkaido Prefectural Police.
Scheduled for introduction at the 2008 North American International Auto Show, the HUMMER HX concept reflects the innovative minds of three new GM designers - David Rojas, Min Young Kang and Robert Jablonski - whose first assignment was to provide a vision for the future design of off-road vehicles.
Fresh out of the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Mich., the designers’ first test in GM was to design a fun, nimble and innovative HUMMER concept.
Power Unit
Water-cooled six-cylinder boxer; 3,598 cc; stroke 76.4 mm (3.01"); bore 99.98 mm (3.94"); max output 420 bhp (309 kW); max torque 420 Nm (310 lb-ft); max engine speed 8,400 rpm; four-valve technology; dry sump lubrication; two-stage resonance intake distributor; central air intake; electronic MS 3.1 engine management; fuel injection (multi-point, sequential); fuel grade 98 RON premium plus unleaded; racing exhaust with fully controlled catalytic converter (400 cells); rear silencer with centrally mounted double tailpipe; special exhaust tailpipes for the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup.
The first demonstration Escape Plug-In Hybrid is ready to roll on California roads. Ford Motor Company has delivered the first of 20 research PHEVs to Southern California Edison to begin road testing as part of a unique partnership between the automaker and utility.
The Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid, a research vehicle using high voltage, lithium-ion batteries, can deliver up to 120 miles per gallon which would mean far fewer trips to the gas station. The vehicle uses common household current (120 volts) for charging. Full charge of the battery takes six to eight hours. When driven for the first 30 miles following a full charge, the Ford Escape PHEV can achieve up to 120 mpg when driven on surface streets. The vehicle is not range limited by the amount of charge available in the high-voltage lithium-ion battery, because once the charge in the battery has been depleted, the vehicle continues to operate as a fuel efficient, standard Ford Escape Hybrid. The transition is automatic and unnoticeable to the driver.
In cooperation with Garmin, Volvo Cars has developed a navigation kit that can be fitted to all new Volvo cars. The dealer installed accessory kit includes both a mounting bracket and the navigator unit. It will be available by the end of 2007.
Volvo Cars has designed a mounting bracket for Garmin's latest hand navigator, the nüvi 760. The bracket is fitted on top of the dashboard, offering the driver a convenient plug-and-play solution.