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.

Source: Indepentdent.ie

Check out the latest in car technology today, which car has which feature, and how they can greatly contribute to its total safety features.

What Lexus Offers…

Lexus introduces the Collision Warning and Preparation technology. Its 2008 Lexus LS will showcase the “Pre-Collision System” or PCS, meaning that the car will be able to detect future impacts. The Lexus car has a radar sensor that is mounted on its front, making it quicker to detect if there is any frontal collision about to happen. The PCS then will tighten the front seat belts, as if on reflex action. It will also give the car’s Brake Assist System a heads-up, so that the car’s anti-lock brakes are well-engaged.

What Audi Prepared…

Audi prepped up its 2008 Audi A8 with the “lane change and blind spot warning systems”. This technology utilizes sensors and an impressive video technology. The Audi Lane Assist works when a driver is outside of traffic lenses, and he or she decides to make a move. The system detects this, warning the driver for “unseen” road objects by vibrating the steering wheel. The Audi Side Assist greatly helps in detecting other vehicles that are coming from the driver’s blind spot. This works by flashing lights on the exterior mirror.

What Volvo Decked Out…

The 2008 Volvo C70 will now be sporting a Park Assist Rear and Park Assist Front technology, which makes it different from the other parking assistance technology that is being offered today. The C70 has a sensor that is mounted onto the front and back bumper which alerts the driver whenever an object is blocking the way. This will be triggered by a “special audio signal”.

What Acura Created…

With its Voice Recognition(TM) Acura Navigation System, the 2008 Acura TL is now able to “give voice” to navigation system as they communicate with the driver. No need for the driver to press the system’s buttons, for he or she can now access it through voice commands, while keeping the focus on the road. By simply pushing the “talk” button, the stated “pre-set phrases” can be activated verbally. For instance, commands like, “find the nearest hospital” or “find the nearest Italian restaurant” will be keyed in on the navigation system. Specific addresses are also advised to be entered, as the Acura Navigation System is sure to find it with its over 1.7 million city and street names.

Before, car technology is all about safety and how to make the engine go faster. The car brake system has been totally enhanced to make cars more efficient, all the more with the advent of car accidents and. But with the fast evolution of the car brake technology, carmakers have begun to focus on other things too. Other things such as the latest car gadgets and how they can make driving a little easier, while maybe even enjoying a dose of entertainment. Hence, here is what you can expect to see in the market to upgrade your driving experience.

For the entertainment section-

Chrysler has a good idea on what to do to bring entertainment to the car. The 2008 Chrysler Sebring is all decked out with the MyGIG(TM) Multimedia Infotainment and Entertainment systems, and it comes complete with a free 12-month subscription to SIRIUS satellite radio. Also available with the package is a 6.5-inch full-color touch screen display, DVD playback, with an integrated USB 2.0 port, which will let you download and store all the digital media you need.

Now, a lot of GM cars come clad with an Apple iPod integration technology. In the 2007 Chevy HHRs, the Personal Audio Link (PAL) was pretty impressive. It comes in the form of an adaptor, which was about the size of playing cards, and it allows the drivers to plug-in their iPods and listen away. Their HHR’s factory-installed stereo system will allow them to enjoy this, and there is also no need to worry about the battery. The PAL will take care of your iPod. At the end of the year, according to NADA guides.com, GM wants to make PAL available to all of its models.

For communication-

The 2008 Mercedes C300 Sport Sedan is now available with Bluetooth for a more convenient hands-free calling. The Bluetooth technology is a very helpful way of letting drivers answer their phones while still being able to keep focus on their driving. The 2008 Ford Focus also offers a device that is similar to the Bluetooth’s functions. Their “hands-free” concept is an all-in-one communications and entertainment system called the SYNC(TM). You can virtually “hear” text messages instead of reading them, and you can even play music from a phone, or any portable music player with a USB drive.

Amazing technological innovations. With all these gadgets offered, you are surely geared-up even for a long drive. But there’s more. Check out tomorrow’s post for the hottest cars with the latest technologies.

(source: Yahoo Biz )

The Bavarian Motor Works or more famously called as BMW is one of the established luxury brand from Germany. With the booming market for the hybrid car technology, BMW has the 123d model offer for the car company’s patronizers. Debuting in the still ongoing Frankfurt Motor Show and will be arriving in North America’s showrooms next year, the BMW 123d does not only promises fuel efficiency but guarantees it. Claimed by the company as the most fuel efficient model, the BMW 123d will not be able to fulfill such feat without the Brake Energy Regeneration.

What is this new technology being utilized by the German automaker in the BMW 123d? Efficient production of electrical power is being guaranteed by this technology that manages the electric current. The Brake Energy Regeneration prevents excess production of electrical power in the engine and its parts and also in the brake system. What is done to the power being produce is to be supplied in the needed parts like the vehicle’s battery.

The new BMW coupe is a pioneer in terms of the new and improved twin-turbo diesel engine. A 2-liter twin-turbo and 4-cylinder engine has been equipped in this BMW find. Moreover, the vehicle’s all-aluminum cylinders for the diesel-run engine is actually the first in the world. An engine such as this can guarantee up to a 204-horsepower output. Aside from being that powerful, the vehicle is also considered to be the first that has an engine that is most fuel efficient. In addition, the BMW 123 can speed up to 62 miles per hour in just 7 seconds. This acceleration prowess of this BMW model is a far cry compared to a lot of sports cars today. Lastly, this German sports car has recorded the lowest carbon emission of only 138 g per kilometer.

The efficiency of the BMW 123d can only be achieved, of course with the Brake Energy Regeneration and also with the other systems such as the Auto Start-Stop technology, active aerodynamics courtesy of the body kit, electric power steering, fuel injectors, diesel air filter, and anti-low rolling tires. With these parts and systems all intact in the BMW 123d, this model is far beyond just a car capable of much speed and power, but can also achieve fuel efficiency and safer carbon emissions.

For the fast and the furious, the Porsche 911 GT2 is among of the best choices. This mean machine has been equipped wit a high-performing 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine unit with the bi-turbo technology. This kind of engine gives the Porsche the rights to boast about its capability to produce as much as 530-horsepower output at a speed of 6,500 rpm. Moreover, the German sports car can accelerate or speed up to 100 km per hour in just 3.7 seconds. All this power and speed, however, will be put to waste if there is no way to stop the Porsche, thus this model has also been geared with the best brake parts.

This Porsche sports car comes with an efficient and powerful slowing and stopping system, which will come very handy for the very dynamic automobile. This vehicle geared for the speed world has the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) to brag about. Brake discs, which measures 14.96 inches in diameter, are installed at the front portion of the vehicle. The rear wheels, on the other hand, have the smaller 13.78 inches brake discs fitted. These features in the brake discs of the Porsche GTA2 are standard. With these kinds of discs utilized for the sports model, what are the advantage factors guaranteed? With the Porsche

GTA2’s well-designed and fitted discs, a very responsive brake system can be achieved. Moreover, if compared to the grey-cast-iron brakes of the same sizes, the PCCB is more capable of minimizing the unsprung masses of the Porsche by as much as 20 kilograms or 44 pounds. In addition, with the note-worthy brake system of the Porsche GTA2, stability and utmost safety can be achieved.

Another feature to brag about is the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) that can be deactivated, which will still have the Anti-lock brake system (ABS) intact, in two stages. The operator of the new Porsche 911 GT2 can easily deactivate lateral and longitudinal controls. With that, gearing the car can be made according to the needs of the situation.

These are but just some of the special offerings that the Porsche enthusiasts should look into the new and sleek German sports model, Porsche 911 GTA2.

The popularity of Dodge did not happen overnight. It took the company years of hard work, which includes research and testings, to come up with its established automobiles like the 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4.

Stands for street and racing technology, the Dodge Caliber SRT4 has been built to be flexible no matter where it sets its wheels on. Whether driving on a normal day or in a race track, the brake system has to be in top shape. As a safety feature of any vehicle, it is best if the brake parts function well so that only precise slowing and stopping could be achieved.

The Dodge Caliber SRT4 is capable of putting a stop on a 60 mph speed in a blink of an eye. Speed will drop down in seconds, thanks to the high-performing brake parts equipped in this Chrysler-produced Dodge. The dual piston calipers geared at the 19-inch alloy front wheels are 13.4-inch rotors and 11.8-inch rotors for the 19-inch alloy rear wheels. For drivers to better maneuver this four-wheel machine on any terrain, a specially tuned anti-lock brake system (ABS) and an electronic stability control (ESC) have been equipped. An added technology, which allows to distribute the torque to the front wheels, has also been geared in the ESC called the Brake Lock Differential technology.

Moving over to the motor-driven parts under the hood, the Dodge Caliber has the standard 2.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine that is capable of producing up to 285-horsepower. For this latest version of the Dodge Caliber, a six-speed manual gearbox has been installed instead of the usual five-speed manual, which is also called as the CVT transmission. This transmission equipped in the Dodge will surely give delight to those users who are in need for speed.

This latest version of the Dodge Caliber is now available and Chrysler has made the sweetest deal for this high-performing four-wheel machine. The 2008 Dodge Caliber SRT4 is now carrying a tag price of $24, 995.

Utmost comfort as well as safety on the road are just two of the most lauded features of the new and improved Audi A4. The German automaker has made sure that the latest version of the Audi A4 will take center stage not only in the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, but as well as on the real road.

The new Audi A4’s brake system is considered to be one of the best offerings of this Germany-made car. Audi A4’s electro-mechanical parking brake, which has been patterned after the Audi A8, can aid the driver in backing away from a standstill and moreover work as an emergency brake for the vehicle.

What makes the Aud A4’s brake system this tough? The answer is found behind the wheels of this big car. The brake discs equipped in each wheel has a 314 mm diameter and 300 mm diameter for front and rear wheels, respectively. In addition to that, the brake pads utilized by the Audi A4 have been designed and manufactured with more friction material. The rubbed area now covers about 20 percent of the total brake pad size. On the other hand, the Audi A4 models with bigger V6 engines are geared with even larger and powerful brake discs. To carry the heavy load of a V6-engined A4, 320mm discs and composite spheroidal-graphite and aluminum callipers were utilized.

While only some brake parts are unique to specific A4 models, the brake pedals of all, on the other hand, are the same. In order to achieve precise slowing down and stopping , the brake pedal has a firm action with the aid of the accurate feedback that allows effective brake application even when the pedal has not been pressed that hard. Behind this braking system is the ESP stabilization technology that contributes greatly to the optimum performance of the brakes. Hydraulic valves are the key players of ESP and these parts will be able to build up pressure for better braking. For example, an A4 driving along a snow-filled road at a speed below 70 km per hour could disengage some of the anti-slip functions by only slightly pressing the brake pedal.

Moreover, the ESP geared in the new A4 has additional features such as stabilize the vehicle, dry the brake discs, and activate the hazard signal once the brake pedal was suddenly pressed.

The Mitsubishi Concept-ZT, which is considered to be the summit of automotive technology of the Japanese automaker, will be one of the three concept cars that Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is set to showcase in the upcoming 40th Tokyo Motor Show.

One of the most lauded features of the Concept-ZT is found in its so-called feet. An improved anti-skid brake systems and four-wheel-drive have been equipped in this Mitsubishi find. Under the S-AWC system, the Concept-ZT’s anti-skid brakes and all-wheel power will make this four-wheel machine easier to maneuver even in the roughest and bumpiest road it will take. Road stability is sure possible with this Mitsubishi Concept-ZT.

Aside from its beefed up braking system and overall look, the spacious frame structure made from aluminum alloy is also one of the best things about this automobile. The resin-made front and rear hoods, fenders, and doors plus the aluminum body make the Mitsubishi Concept-ZT weigh lesser.

Under the hood, this automobile will utilize a 2.2-liter diesel engine partnered with a dual clutch transmission also known as the Twin Clutch SST. This transmission technology is also one of the highlights of the upcoming tenth installment in the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution line.

The production Mitsubishi Concept-ZT’s official debut in the market has yet to be scheduled.

The long wait is over as the much awaited Renault Twingo has already set its wheels in all UK showrooms and has been ready for potential customers. The right-hand drive compact car is now ready for UK drivers and the Twingo has been expected to grow even more popular in the next few weeks.

More supporters will be drawn in this latest offering of Renault because of the safety features it carries. All those technologically-minded customers will be glad to know that the Twingo has been geared with high-end innovations starting from the four-wheel-machine’s brake system. The Renault Twingo boasts of its active and passive safety features that include the Active Braking System (ABS) with the Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). Moreover, future owners of this new find of Renault will not be comfortably drive the Twingo because of its driver and front passenger lateral airbags.

For now, the Renault Twingo will be available in two engines and body types such the Dynamique and GT. The former will have a 1.2-liter V16 petrol engine, while the GT will have the new 1.2 TCE 100 petrol engine. GT’s engine feature has also been made available for Renault’s other models such as th Clio and Modus.

The Renault Twingo is not exactly a brand new model. This line debuted in April of 1993 and has already sold more than 2.4 million worldwide since then. The muscled yet sophisticated look of the new Twingo, which has a spacious cabin, is another key player in the compact car makes.

Improved safety requires improved brake technology and Chevrolet is providing just that.

The  Chevrolet Aveo’s dual diagonal brake system is composed of a large ventilated front discs and self-adjusting rear drum brakes. The rear brakes of this Aveo have a wide lining for a better and longer service life.  Moreover, it has a large 9.5-inch power brake booster that aids in boosting the braking ability of the vehicle  and and it delivering a more solid pedal feel.

Furthermore, The Chevy Ave ensures a better feeling of assurance and safety with its  impact-absorbing frame, standard dual front air bags and available anti-lock braking system (ABS.)

Aveo’s passenger compartment effectively acts as a protective safety cage that extends from the front door hinge pillars to the A-pillars to the roof rail, back to the reinforced B-pillars and C-pillars and includes the bottom rocker panels. The front part of the Aveo is carefully engineered to disseminate crash energy along multiple load paths, keeping the direct energy away from the passenger compartment. Each of the doors is also armed with a roll-formed steel intrusion beam to aid in ensuring safety of the passengers against the possible damages and injuries that can be caused by side-impact collisions.

Additional safety features are also available. Dual frontal air bags are standard,  seat-belt pretensioners and height-adjustable shoulder belt anchors for the front seats come standard with every Chevrolet Aveo and so are the rear-seat positions feature shoulder belts in all three seating positions. The standardized child-safety seat system, Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) holds in place the seat base and helps keep the child seat from swiveling forward during an aggressive stop or a forward collision. Rear child-safety door locks are also standard to the Chevy Aveo.