ebc brakes blog Get the latest EBC Brakes News and info here!

Archive for October, 2007

What Heico Sportiv Prepared for the SEMA

Wednesday, October 31st, 2007

The Heico Sportiv Volvo C30

Heico Sportiv, that remarkable company which specializes in tune-ups modified the Volvo C30 for the SEMA. Successfully, from the car brakes to the body work of the C30, Heico Sportiv managed to create the ultimate ride for the wave catchers.

The inherent sportiness of the Volvo C30 was hyped up by this concept. It has been lowered by 40mm, a sure way to increase the car’s dynamics by a greater percentage. Its suspensions and shocks were tuned to handle sporty driving, and are paired with nasty 19-inch alloy wheels to make the run impeccable. But after letting all its horses out, the specially modified four-piston car brake system will make this C30 stop smoothly.

But what is most notable and refreshing for this C30, is its look. While it is splashed with white bodywork, it has been sprinkled with a tasteful artwork too that is fitted for beach lovers. The orange artwork illustrates random surf patterns beginning from the lower front fenders, and eventually rising up to enclose the rear end of the C30. Even the brake calipers were not spared from this display of subtle ocean art. They were colored “ocean-blue”, and on its sport brake pads, the Heico Sportiv logo can be found. One would not need to worry about reaching the 100 km/h mark in just 5.4 seconds, because this C30 is geared up with efficient car brakes.

So for all the surfer dudes and beach bums out there, Heico Sportiv made the ideal ride for you. We’ll just have to know if it is able to catch a good wave at the SEMA.

Source: Usstock.com

Front Fascia

The Brake System of the GM Equinox Hydrogen Car

Tuesday, October 30th, 2007

 

The Hydrogen-powered GM Equinox

The creation of cars seems to be a never-ending process. After all, people’s needs does not just stop, they evolve. This is why there have been steady innovations in the car’s engine, brake system, exteriors, safety technology, and others. But we may be getting a little insensitive to nature. This is because with every new car, it is nature that has to pay. Hence, carmakers have come up with their own concepts to develop a safer, friendlier car. This is why GM will be launching its fleet of Hydrogen-powered cars pretty soon.

It works simply. Instead of being powered by gasoline-fed engines, Hydrogen cars use an electric motor. The main players in this process therefore are hydrogen and oxygen, which will be converted into electricity. The same thing goes—it drives like any other fine SUV on the road, and it can hit 60 km/h in 10 seconds, which is a very safe record. While this Equinox was taken from its gas-engine powered namesake, there are a lot of major differences.

Nearly everything in the car is electronic. The car accessories and even the power steering were all electronically guided. Its car brake technology revolves around the brake-by-wire system. This car brake system works upon depressing the brake pedal. After which, the pedal will then press an electric switch, slowing the car through power-regeneration. Noted that this is a very crucial operation, GM must really work hard on it, and make the response of the system more aggressive and immediate. Nevertheless, this Hydrogen-powered Equinox will be ready and perfect once it hits the market. As of now, we can only check out its improvement.

Source: Extremenano.com

The 2008 Lexus IS-F Sedan’s Impressive Braking Technology

Friday, October 26th, 2007

The 2008 Lexus IS-F

Even the brake calipers display the name of Lexus for all to know; from the headlights to its 8-speed transmission—this car will rock the auto industry.

The 2008 Lexus IS-F Sport Sedan is much awaited for flagship of Lexus’ newest fleet: Muscle cars. This luxury name definitely knows how to piece a car together with class and style—that has been proven already. But a high-revving muscle car? This is yet another step that Lexus will prove to be worth taking. This IS-F Sedan is said to be the first of a new “F” series that Lexus will be developing. It boasts of the world’s first 8-speed Sport Direct-Shift automatic transmission! This alone is very astounding, as its 5.0-liter V8 powerplant can carry a very generous 416 horsepower, and it can reach 60km in just 4.6 seconds. (Saying that alone makes one feel so overwhelmed by the car’s features.)

Now for the car brakes…Lexus coordinated with Brembo brakes to design a specifically engineered system fitted for the IS-F Sedan. The Lexus brake rotors were complete and sturdy with six-piston aluminum calipers for the front, and the rear carries two pistons. Even the high-quality friction brake pads are well-fitted for the IS-F Sedan. While enjoying the 416 horsepower, the driver will still be confident to handle such a fast ride. This is because according to a statement, a 10-inch brake booster with a tie-rod structure was used for greater, more manageable handling. The brake calipers display the name of the brand, which is a first time ever for any Lexus production vehicle.

This is one muscle car that definitely has it all—from its feminine curves to its very manly power—the IS-F Sedan will revolutionize what muscle cars ought to be.

Source: Autospectator

Mazda’s Ultimate Answer to Car Accidents: Cars that don’t Crash

Thursday, October 25th, 2007

                             Mazda Company

The record of car accidents has been on a steady downhill roll. This all because of the consistent reinvention of the car brake technology. Carnakers come up with their own versions of hyped up car brake systems. But what is important is that they really function for the safety of the car owners. Different technologies such as the Park Assist, and the implementation of sensors to detect other vehicles are among these reinventions. But Mazda has a totally different concept, one that will change the face of what cars ought to be. Mazda aims to produce cars that do not crash—very ambitious, but full of courage as well.

Mazda took its research to the next level in order to come up with their goal. They wanted to focus on building harmonious traffic, before focusing on accidents. For them, measures must be taken to prevent collisions from happening in the first place. This is all according to a release by Mazda. They want to develop both passive safety to avoid the car from crashing, and the safety of the car occupants. Hence, here is what they came up with:

The Human Machine Interface or the HMI support for accurate recognition and assessment. This helps with the assessment of the traffic flow, and the car’s harmonious road relationship with others. They also enhanced support systems for the rear, the blind corner collision prevention system, and even right-turn collision prevention system. These systems will monitor if the vehicle is clear to take its next course of action. This will greatly impede any chances of colliding into another unexpected vehicle.

These developments are mostly to be found on the all-new Mazda Atenza. It comes equipped with some of the monitoring systems, but only on a basic expanse. The more intensive systems will be geared into future production models soon. This is one bold move by Mazda. But since they are likely to execute it properly, hope is not so impossible to hold on to. Especially since after Mazda, all the other carmakers will follow suit. A harmonious, collision-free road is not so far ahead.

Source: Ford Motor Press Release

The Honda Fit’s Brake System

Friday, October 19th, 2007

 

The All-new Honda Fit

What does it take for the Fit to compete in the arena of small cars? Simple. It has to have a state-of-the-art car brake system. A sector of the car industry that has been receiving many sales today (especially in the US) is the small cars market. There are fine small cars that boast of Europe’s carmaking legacy, which faces rivals that exude Japan’s passion for innovation. The Honda Fit is one of them. It is successful in presenting a light, manageable and yet fun to drive small car image to the people. From the exteriors to the engine technology, the Fit is definitely one passionate Japanese small car.

It comes complete with the newly-developed 1.5-liter i-VTEC, and an enhanced suspension system. Storage-wise, the Fit has the four-mode “Ultra Seat”, and the three-mode “Ultra Luggage” for storing needs. While other carmakers can easily equip these features onto their small cars, the Honda Fit will still stand out because they care for their passengers. This is through their safety features, and the car brake system. All Fit models are equipped with electronic brake distribution ABS system, and the brake assist functionality. These are the Fit’s standard braking technology.

So if choosing seems to hard, consider the features. They may all be cute and small, light and manageable, green and fuel efficient—but the Honda Fit cares for passenger safety better. This should be a no-brainer considering the car brake system is very important. As of now, this Japanese small car is off to the right path. Let us just wait and see what the Europeans have under their sleeves.

Source: JCN Network

Europe Takes Action in Effacing Pedestrian Deaths

Tuesday, October 16th, 2007

Due to the alarming cases of rampant accidents on the road, the European Commission proposed the implementation of an advanced car brake system. Technology usually comes equipped with detecting devices nowadays, making it easier for the car brakes to react upon emergencies. The usual target of road accidents is not other cars, but pedestrians. With their deaths, this has opened the minds of many that perhaps it is indeed time to make advancements.

According to a report by Detroit News, installing Brake Assist Systems in 2009 production models will save about 1,100 pedestrians per year. (This data is taken from the European Union’s executive.) Hence, a series of proposals will be passed soon to turn these numbers into real figures of human lives.

The state-of-the-art technology of the Brake Assist System works when the car detects an emergency situation, upon which the driver was not able to respond through the car brakes. The system will then release a pressurized brake fluid into the brake system. This will happen with a single pressure onto the brake pedal, and it will reduce the time it takes to stop the vehicle. With the wonder that it is able to contribute to braking technology, there is indeed hope for the pedestrians. While safe driving is still the number one key to efface these deaths, the Brake Assist Systems is there to enhance our skills.

Source: Autoblog

SlowSafe, A Teenager’s Success Story

Friday, October 12th, 2007

 

Edward Wilson (Photo courtesy of Auto Express)

Proms, the big game, the hot jock, the pretty drama queen, the coolest video game and the weirdest insect—these are usually the things that we were occupied with when we were 17 years old. (Read: 17. Years. Old.) But for the Brit native Edward Wilson, 17 is just the right age to make a significant car technological advancement.

Your car brake system just got better with SlowSafe, the 2007 Young Engineer for Britain winner. This is basically an enhancement to the car brake lights, but complete with sensors to measure the car’s rate of “slowing down”. The LED brake lights will then illuminate in coordination with this, signaling the driver behind to slow down as well. If the car is braking faster, then the beam of the brake lights gets more intense.

This brainchild of Wilson was intended to put a stop to the car rear accidents which had a total of 69,183 in the UK, according to the report by Auto Express. Not only for improving safety, Wilson also said that the SlowSafe could help with traffic flow too. The best part about this product is that Wilson managed to create a retro-fitted design. This means that it could be installed to any car model. Just as well, Wilson is now having some talks with carmakers to have SlowSafe come with the latest production models.

So for the teenagers out there, getting your license is indeed an achievement. But why not try to do more, why not try to go “the extra mile”? Edward Wilson did. And he will probably be driving the fastest McLaren by the time he’s 20.

Source: Auto Express

The 2008 Honda Civic’s Brake System

Thursday, October 11th, 2007

 

The 2008 Honda Civic MUGEN

Unveiling the 2008 Honda Civic comes with the showcase of its upgraded car brake system. Among others, the car brake system of any car must be the first things that you consider when buying. The horsepower, the engine transmission and the aesthetic features are just secondary. For after all, the car brake system is your only safety net; your only assurance in case your hands fumble on the steering wheel. This is why there has been a constant evolution in the braking technology. Honda, living up to its reputation as an industry giant, sets its flagship Honda Civic sailing.

The 2008 Honda Civic is now complete with an improved Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Distribution. It even comes equipped with active front seat head restraints, so that you will not be injured heavily in case someone bumps the Civic’s rear. Airbags are all implemented on the sides of the driver and the passengers. It even works with the Occupant Position Detection System or OPDS. The 2008 Honda Civic has a very impressive brake system indeed. It commits to what Honda has been known for: worthy to entrust your life to.

Other jaw-dropping features of the 2008 Honda Civic comes in two forms: the Si Sedan, and the Civic Mugen Si. Given the MUGEN badge of course, you will know just how powerful this babies are. This is sure to be another successful version of the immortal name “Civic”.

source: Honda Press Release

The Audi A1 and the Shooting Brakes Concept

Friday, October 5th, 2007

The Audi A1

Audi’s Shooting Break Concept remains to be one of the most remarkable car technology existing today. Although this concept was unveiled two years ago, it is still widely used and developed for more recent and modern models of Audi cars. Contrary to its name, it is not directly about the car brake technology, but more on the concept and aerodynamics of a sporty hatchback. This same concept is also applied to Audi’s latest baby, the Audi A1. Actually, the main point of the name “Shooting Brake” pertains to the capacity of the car to go from 0 to 100 kph in just a matter of six blurred seconds. Good car brake system comes in default on all Audi models.

As for the Audi A1, Audi is planning to build a new concept that is patterned to the Shooting Brakes, and implement it to the A1. The power of the Shooting Brakes concept will be designed onto the A1, together with some mixture of coupe fused with station wagon styling elements. They aim to target BMW’s 1-Series and its ever-popular MINI. Hence, the design of the A1was described to be “bullish”, with its extra-big wheels, wide rims, narrow roofline and square-shaped wheel which were taken from the 1980s sports Quattro. This is according to a report done by m&c.com. This new change will take over the A1 by the year 2009, so stand by for more updates.

Source:

Monsters and Critics

The BMW 1-Series Convertible’s Braking Technology

Thursday, October 4th, 2007

The German luxury car-maker, BMW, decided to push through with a convertible for their F1 series. Sporting a sassier and funkier design, car enthusiasts are promised that this new model will have upgraded energy saving features. Its trademark car brake technology will also be implemented, bearing BMW’s Brake Energy Regeneration system on all of its models. The impressive thing about this car is how it is able to cultivate the energy that is being wasted away to waste. This model promises to use all possible energy sources with the Alternator Control. This will be heightened with an “absorbent glass matt battery to harness engine power that would normally have been lost during engine over-run,” according to the report by the independentie.com.

Aside from gearing up with an impressive car brake system, it boasts six-cylinder engines that range from the entry-level 143bhp 118i to the 306bhp 135i. Outside, its beauty comes in the structure of a coupe, framed with an electro-hydraulic fabric roof that can be controlled within 22 seconds. Fans will surely await the arrival of this German to the shores, that’s for sure.

BMW 1-Series Convertible

Source: Indepentdent.ie