High-performance braking system

The BMW Z4 Coupe is built for performance - and so are its brakes. They were designed for minimum weight and thus maximum agility, and deliver outstanding stopping times, together with optimum durability and longevity. This sports coupe benefits from even greater braking power thanks to a new 17-inch braking system with ventilated discs front and rear (front only on other models).

Two-stage brake lights

Only a small fraction of everyday braking is emergency braking. And yet it’s on these rare occasions that the reactions of other drivers are so important. That’s why the BMW Z4 Coupe comes with two-stage brake lights that vary according to the braking pressure. In heavy braking, a second light section is illuminated, allowing the drivers behind to recognise emergency braking by the brightness of the stop lights and to react accordingly.

The MINI Cooper S now comes standard with oversized brakes in the front for optimal braking. These top of the line brakes help provide excellent stopping performance, outstanding grip and incredibly short braking distances. And just like all Mini Brakes, they come standard with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC) to further enhance agility and handling, while Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is available as an option.

Electronic Brake Force Distribution

Different loads of cargo require different brake force distributions. EBD helps distribute brake forces to the different wheels depending o the MINI’s current load.

Cornering Brake Control

If a driver of a MINI brakes while cornering or changing lanes, Cornering Brake Control (CBC) will improve the vehicle’s stability. By optimizing the braking effects being applied to each wheel and evening out the braking pressure from side-to-side, the CBC system helps drivers maintain control at critical times on the road.

 The Smart Fortwo is equipped with an impressive list of active safety features that will further increase safety on the road.

ABS and EBD - Most cars have Anti-Lock Brake Systems (ABS) today, but Smart takes things one step further by adding Electronic Brake-Force Distribution Control (EBD). With ABS, you can hit your brakes hard knowing the ABS circuitry will apply and release each brake independently to keep you from skidding regardless of the type of road surface each wheel is on. EBD then optimizes the front-to-rear balance of braking to allow you to steer without loss of control.

CBC - When you enter a corner and apply your brakes, the unequal forces at each wheel can result in a skid or a complete “end-around”. With Cornering Brake Control (CBC) your smart fortwo controls the braking force at each wheel to keep you headed where the car is steered.

HSA - The auto/manual transmission of the smart fortwo is equipped with Hill Start Assist (HSA) which allows you to pull away on a hill without having to apply the handbrake. As you lift your foot from the brake pedal while sitting stopped on a hill, HSA holds the brakes on for .7 seconds to give you time to move your foot to the accelerator. So don’t worry about driving your smart fortwo in San Francisco.

EBA - Avoiding accidents is often measured in inches. Electronic Brake Assist can sense when you have stepped on the brake quickly but have not applied it hard enough to activate the ABS system. It can be the difference in reaction time you need to avoid an accident.

ESP® — One of the standard features on your Smart Fortwo is something called Electronic Stability Program or ESP®. When the ESP® sensors indicate a skid or swerving of your car, they automatically control the engine throttle and the Anti-Lock brakes to bring the car back under control.

ASC and ETC - Acceleration Skid Control (ASC) allows your smart fortwo to move forward on slippery surfaces. It acts much like a differential lock but does it by selectively braking the wheels that are losing traction. Engine Torque Control (ETC) provides engine control when driving on slippery surfaces. It “feathers” the throttle on low traction acceleration and limits torque in down shifting applications.

The sixth generation of the range-topping 911 model provides unmatched performance in a practical, stylish and functional package perfect for everyday use. Power comes from a revolutionary, 480-horsepower, twin turbocharged, 3.6-liter boxer engine featuring Porsche’s first application of variable turbine geometry (VTG). It also features an all-new upgraded brake system.

The 2007 911 Turbo features a brake system even more efficient than on the former model. The brake concept on the front wheels has been carried over from the Carrera® GT, with six-piston brake calipers in conjunction with 350mm (13.78″) brake discs ensuring impressive stopping power. The new brake configuration also feeds more brake power to the rear wheels, where four-piston brake calipers again interact with brake discs measuring 350mm in diameter. Two other features are pre-loading of the brake system and Brake Assistant, both serving to shorten stopping distances even further when applying the brakes suddenly. The new 911 Turbo is also available as an option with Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB® ) for truly outstanding braking qualities ensured by ceramic brake discs, and further developed in even larger dimensions than before.

For the first time, the power unit of the new Porsche 911 Turbo features an exhaust gas turbocharger with variable turbine geometry (VTG). VTG provides for efficient control of the exhaust gas flow throughout the entire range of engine speed, guiding the flow of air in exactly the right direction and at the right angle to the turbine blades. The result is yet another increase in engine output, despite engine capacity remaining unchanged at 3.6 liters, up from 420 horsepower to 480 horsepower. Maximum torque, in turn, is up from 415 lb.-ft. to 460 lb.-ft., and meaningful twist is on tap beginning at a low 1950 rpm.

Equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, the new 911 Turbo accelerates to 60 mph in only 3.7 seconds (0-100 km/h, 3.9 sec.). Equipped with the optional Tiptronic S, the car completes the same sprint in only 3.4 seconds (0-100 km/h, 3.7 sec.). This makes the new 911 Turbo the first sports car from Porsche with quicker acceleration with the automatic transmission than with the manual. This is the result of the interaction of the turbochargers with their variable turbine geometry, the Porsche Traction Management, and the new Tiptronic S set-up.

For the first time the optional Sports Chrono Package Turbo provides a brief Overboost of power. With the Sport button engaged, and under full throttle during mid-range engine speeds, turbocharger boost pressure is temporarily increased, boosting torque by 45 lb-ft (60 Nm) to a staggering 505 lb-ft (680 Nm). This Overboost is an advantage in short, interim acceleration and overtaking maneuvers.

It is said that the DBS is the ultimate expression of Aston Martin’s engineering and technical ability. It offers pure performance without compromise. The DBS delivers the complete driving experience and bridges the gap between our road and track cars – the DB9 and DBR9.

The Aston Martin DBS is a 6.0-litre V12 powered, race-bred, two-seater shaped by the aerodynamic demands of high performance, with an exquisite interior made of hand-finished materials with the very latest in performance technology.

The braking system found on the Aston Martin DBS is as sophisticated as the powerplant. Standard brakes are massive Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) discs, with 6-piston calipers (4-piston in the rear) and anti-lock control. Carbon brakes are lighter than conventional iron brakes, reducing unsprung weight and rotational mass, further enhancing handling.

On the other hand, front and rear suspension is of an independent double-wishbone design with coil springs, monotube adaptive dampers and sway bars to complete the hardware. All suspension geometry has been optimized to prevent lift, dive or squat under various driving conditions, while offering a driving experience without compromise.

A combination of elegant design, innovative manufacturing processes, race-derived materials and components and Aston Martin’s unrivalled hand-build expertise makes the DBS a luxury sports car without equal. Every line, crease and curve conveys the enormous potential of the DBS, a seductive blend of refinement and raw power, provided by the hand-built V12 producing 380kW (510bhp/517PS), a top speed of 191mph (302km/h) and a 0-62mph (0-100km/h) time of 4.3 seconds.

Other exciting features include a 700 watt Dolby Pro Logic II sound system, hard drive-based navigaion, Bluetooth integration, MP3 connectivity and the interesting-sounding ignition ECU (Emotion Control Unit), which is fancy talk for the DBS’ bejeweled keyfob. The slot for it is in the Engine Start button itself, and when inserted, the button glows red. The driver simply presses the ECU flush to fire the engine, which, incidentally, we desperately want to hear in person.

Honda (UK) has launched an all new Civic Hybrid equipped with a high-spec, voice controlled Sat Nav and intelligent brake technology. These new features are a first to be installed in a Hybrid as standard equipment.

The intelligent brake technology is employed in a new regenerative braking system. A brake pedal sensor detects the driver’s braking force and reaction time and then calculates the correct amount of hydraulic braking and regenerative braking required to slow or stop the vehicle. The regenerative braking comes from the electric motor/generator, which helps slow the car down. This assistance cuts down the workload for the hydraulic brakes, thus extending the life of the brakes and their components. At the same time, the Hybrid’s electric motor recovers the energy used during deceleration, and uses it to charge the car’s high voltage battery.

The Civic Hybrid EX is a combination of a petrol engine with an electric motor and also features leather upholstery and Honda’s Hands Free Telephone (HFT) equipment, which uses Bluetooth technology to allow mobile phone calls to be made safely on the move.

It’s the first time a Hybrid has featured factory-fitted Sat Nav as standard equipment, meeting a growing demand in the sector, particularly from corporate customers wanting high-spec, low emission cars.

Controls for the HFT kit are mounted on the steering wheel, while the DVD Navigation unit in the Civic Hybrid EX replaces the existing 6 CD changer, mounted in the dashboard above the air-conditioning controls.

As well as offering maps of the UK and Western Europe, it can monitor traffic congestion and advise the user on alternative routes.

In addition, the Honda Sat Nav system can be controlled by voice recognition. Just hold the correct button, say the word ‘Restaurant’ and the system will locate the nearest places to eat, and then direct you to them.

According to Honda, customers are demanding a higher level of equipment.

“In the fleet market in particular, many drivers demand kit like Sat Nav, because they use the car for business on a daily basis. The new EX will allow us to meet those needs, and therefore we should appeal to an even wider range of businesses and user chooser drivers,” explains Harvey Hughes, Manager — Corporate Operations adds Hughes.

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced the release of the all-new X-TRAIL sport utility vehicle (SUV), which goes on sale today at Nissan dealers nationwide. The new Nissan X-TRAIL, the first full redesign of the vehicle since its introduction in 2000, is engineered to be a tough, versatile SUV that stimulates a driver’s spirit of adventure. It will be marketed under the tagline “SHIFT challenging spirit.” The new model will also feature reliable safety systems such as an excellent braking system.

The original Nissan X-TRAIL was developed with the goal of providing customers with a versatile four-passenger, four-wheel drive vehicle at a two million yen price point. Since its launch, the popular X-TRAIL has been noted for its superior performance, functionality and authentic SUV experience. The all-new X-TRAIL promises to take the SUV experience to an even higher level, maintaining the original’s tough, rugged design while adding elements that maximize owners’ enjoyment of outdoor sports.
X-TRAIL’s “toughness” is highlighted by its enhanced all-weather capability, provided by Nissan’s latest electronically controlled four-wheel drive (4WD) system, the ALL MODE 4×4-i with yaw moment control. Also new for this generation Nissan X-TRAIL is Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA). All three systems are designed to provide piece of mind for the driver through superior control and stability.

X-TRAIL also features a vehicle-speed-sensitive electric-assisted power steering system, with light steering effort at low speed and provides a reassuring steering feel at high speed, while using an electric motor to reduce fuel consumption. Braking is provided with a four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), which adjusts braking force to the front and rear wheels depending on the number of passengers and cargo on board.

To be able to be in the top three of its segment for product and service quality, Renault returned to the luxury car segment with the New Laguna.

Manufactured in the Sandouville factory in France, New Renault Laguna was designed from the outset to give true driving pleasure. It has a dynamic, streamlined and elegant form, positioning it naturally in the realm of grand tourers, with an even more exclusive and distinctive profile for the Sport Tourer. Its class-leading dynamic performance is a benchmark.

Its chassis is responsive and its steering is particularly precise. Whilst being bigger and more spacious than its predecessor, New Renault Laguna is notably lighter by an average of 15 kg and is available with a wide range of powerful and economical engines from launch, all with six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes.

New Renault Laguna provides a real sense of peace of mind for all its occupants. In terms of protection, it benefits from Renault’s acclaimed real-world accident knowledge and all of the latest technologies, in particular, side impact with an innovative thorax double airbag. The sophisticated air conditioning system offers class-leading thermal comfort.

Equally, much attention has been focused on New Renault Laguna’s acoustics which are again top-of-the-class. With an economical and ecological ‘Renault eco2’version, New Renault Laguna dCi 110 hp only consumes 5.1 litres per 100 km on a combined cycle, or 136 g of CO2 emissions per km. New Renault Laguna is respectful of the environment right from its production through to the end of its lifecycle. New Renault Laguna will be launched from 12 October 2007 as the future reference point for the family saloon segment in terms of usage, maintenance and repair costs.

New Renault Laguna has taken full advantage of Renault’s acclaimed expertise in the field of safety, both active and passive. Complementing the impressive dynamic performance of its chassis, New Renault Laguna can boast the best braking performance of its category, particularly in the endurance test while braking when hot (only 40 meters distance measured with 16 inch wheels performing 10 consecutive braking operations from 100 to 0 km/h). The brake discs and calipers are sized accordingly, with definitions of 57 280/24 to 296/26, ventilated at the front, and a 38 300/11 at the rear.

A new calculator / hydraulic block now integrates the electronic emergency brake assistance (EBA), which is more exact when operated since it does not react to mechanical variations. The chassis quality, combined with a numerical model more sensitive and auto-adaptive to the vehicle dynamics, enables the driver to react more swiftly and appropriately to emergency situations. The ABS and ESP systems, fitted as standard on the car, are more efficient, reacting at just the right moment without the driver having to anticipate and thus avoiding violent jerking when braking.

Getting the a new entry-level model for the Honda Accord sedan range will not only mean getting safe and powerful vehicle, it is also affordable.

The 2.0 i-VTEC derivative has a vital statistics of 114kW maximum power and 190Nm torque. Coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox this allows the Accord 2.0 to accelerate from rest to 100km/h in 9.3 sec, while top speed is 217km/h. The automatic version dispatches the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.3 sec, and boasts a maximum speed of 215km/h.

The cost of owning an Accord 2.0 is further reduced by the standard five-year/100 000km service plan, and three-year/100 000km warranty, while the purchase price also includes a one-year roadside assistance package.
The Accord 2.0’s chassis construction features Honda’s proprietary G-control design, which allows the front frame to absorb more impact energy because it is longer, stiffer and straighter. The arch-shaped front side frame absorbs impact energy, and then channels that energy back below the cabin area into the floor frame to minimize cabin intrusion. In addition, the cross members of the adjoining main frame surround the fuel tank, providing a protective perimeter frame. This arrangement assures high body rigidity, and improved crashworthiness.

The Accord 2.0 is equipped with dual front, side and curtain airbags, side impact beams in the doors, front and rear inertia reel seatbelts with pre-tensioning, Isofix child seat indicators and childproof rear door locks.
Active safety systems include ABS anti-lock control for the all-disc braking system, operating in tandem with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), and emergency braking assistance (EBA).

The Accord 2.0’s headlights activate automatically, and the car features an auto-dipping rear-view mirror. Other security measures include a transponder-equipped key linked to an immobilizer, and an alarm system.

The seventh generation, four-door Accord is distinguishable by its aggressive-front-end treatment, dominated by the V-shaped grille and prominent ‘H’ of the Honda badge. It’s a look reinforced by the low airdam with integrated fog lamps, the powerful sweep of the bonnet line and the slim, multi-element headlights.
Inside, space, quality and ergonomics are valued. The sculpted front bucket seats and individually contoured rear bench seats are upholstered in genuine leather, complemented by soft-touch, textured plastics and glossy wood veneer finishes. Those front seats are electrically adjustable, including for height, while the driver’s seat also features adjustable lumbar support. The driver also gets a three-spoke steering wheel that’s fully adjustable for rake and reach, and features controls for the audio and cruise control systems.

One car magazine reports that BMW has modified its 3.0d and 3.0sd X5 large SUVs for the UK market, which was prompted by the proposed £25 London Congestion surcharge for VED band G vehicles. From December, the 232bhp 3.0d will now achieve CO2 emissions of 214g/km, down from 231g/km, while the 282bhp 3.0sd will drop to 216g/km, hence dropping into VED band F.

The various improvements was achieved by fitting a regenerative braking system, an intelligent alternator and intelligent airflaps behind the radiator grille that improve the car’s aerodynamics at speed – features that have recently appeared on other BMWs as part of its Efficient Dynamics program.

The revisions will make these two models, and the hybrid Lexus RX400h and Volvo’s XC90 D5 the only large, premium-brand four-wheel drives that do not attract the proposed £25 charge. BMW is also working to improve its 318d 3-series, which currently emits 122g/km, to get it below the 120g/km threshold.

Other vehicles that would be improving their current technologies are Volvo, Nissan, Audi and Citroen.
Volvo C30 will have a low CO2 emission by 2008 and a new Powershift dual clutch transmission for the Volvo C30, S40 and V50.

Meanwhile Audi is launching an A3 1.9 TDI hatchback with engine, transmission and aerodynamics optimized to reduce CO2 output to 119g/km and increase fuel economy to 62.7mpg (combined). The car has five-speed manual transmission, develops 105PS @ 4,000rpm, 250Nm @ 1,900rpm, and reaches from 0 to 62mph in 11.4 seconds, with a top speed of 120mph.

Citroën’s C5 Airscape concept cabriolet just announced sports a folding carbon-fibre roof which resembles a canvas one. Fuel economy is managed by an ‘UrbanHybrid’ system that includes a reversible alternator-starter and super capacitors. This system allows onboard equipment, such as the air conditioning or audio system, to be powered by energy recovered during braking and deceleration, while engine torque can be temporarily boosted when required.

The ‘UrbanHybrid’ system, which helps reduce CO2 emissions by 24g/km on the combined cycle, incorporates the stop-start system deployed already in certain other Citroen models, with a bio-diesel compliant 208bhp 2.7HDi V6 engine equipped with a particulate filter, further minimizing any impact on the environment.

Nissan has announced in Japan that all its future new models and refreshed current models will be equipped with a fuel efficiency gauge which provides the driver with both instant fuel-efficiency and average efficiency readings.
Based on Nissan’s trials, drivers have tended to improve their ‘eco-driving’ habits over time, prompted by the real-time fuel-efficiency readings. Driving improvements also included smoother acceleration and braking, which potentially could lead to an average 10% improvement in fuel-efficiency. In January this year Nissan introduced the eco-driving information service through its CARWINGS navigation system in Japan to promote more economical driving habits.