Volvo C30 Electric Extreme Winter Testing [video]

The Volvo C30 Electric has been exposed to rough winter conditions in order to ensure that the battery-powered car runs smoothly in temperatures as low as -20° Celsius.

Volvo Cars' requirements on the C30 Electric are just as stringent as on all other Volvo models and the battery-powered car is exposed to the same test regime. On top of this, several new test methods have been developed for the electric vehicles. All in all, over 200 different tests have been performed.

"We must ensure that the C30 Electric performs as intended when driving, parking and charging in a variety of conditions, from normal to very cold or hot. Northern Sweden is the perfect place to do sub-zero temperature testing," says Lennart Stegland, director of Volvo Cars' Special Vehicles.

The Volvo C30 Electric is equipped with three climate systems: * One supplies the passengers with heating or cooling. * One cools or warms the battery pack as necessary. * The electric motor and power electronics are water-cooled.

Bio-ethanol powered heater

The C30 Electric has a innovative solution that makes it possible to get comfortable heating in cold winter conditions without compromising the battery driving range.

Climate control in the passenger compartment takes place via a bio-ethanol powered heater fitted in all cars. The car's ethanol tank can carry 14.5 litres of bio-ethanol.

It is also possible to run the climate unit on electricity from the batteries. In electric mode an immersion heater warms up the coolant in the climate unit.
"The driver can program and control the climate unit to suit the trip. Ethanol is the default mode that is used when the battery capacity is needed for driving extend mobility to its maximum. However, on shorter distances electricity can be used to power the climate system," explains Lennart Stegland.

Petrol and Diesel cars could be banned in EU by 2050

Petrol and diesel-engined passenger cars should not allowed in European city centres by 2050, the European Commission has proposed.

The proposals, outlined to EU governments today by EC transport commissioner Siim Kallas, are designed to help cut Europe’s carbon emissions and reduce dependence on oil by up to 60 per cent. They are not an attack on personal mobility, the EC claims.

Also included in the radical transport plan is a proposal for the majority of journeys of 190-miles or less to take place by train.

“The widely held belief that you need to cut mobility to fight climate change is simply not true,” said Kallas. “Competitive transport systems are vital for Europe's ability to compete in the world, for economic growth, job creation and for people's everyday quality of life.”

The EC wants 50 per cent of Europe’s vehicles to be zero emissions by 2030 and conventionally fuelled vehicles to be banned from cities altogether by 2050.

There are also plans for a fully integrated European travel network, known as ‘Single European Transport Area’, linking all airports with core railway lines to “allow for a profound shift in transport patterns for passengers and freight”.

The EC wants Europe to "move close to zero fatalities in road transport" by 2050, with an interim target of halving casualties by 2020.

EV Motor company Remy files for IPO of up to $100 million

Auto parts maker Remy International Inc filed with U.S. regulators on Friday for an initial public offering of $100 million.

The Pendleton, Indiana-based company, which makes and sells starter motors, alternators and hybrid electric motors among other parts, plans to list under the symbol "RMYI," according to the filing. It has yet to pick a stock exchange or provide further details of the IPO.

The company, known for the "Delco Remy," "Remy" and "World Wide Automotive" brands, separated from General Motors Co (GM.N) in 1995 after mainly functioning as GM's original equipment supplier for more than 70 years.

In 2009, Remy received a $60 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy for the commercialization of hybrid electric motor technology.

Earlier this month, Italian manufacturer Tecnomatic SpA sued Remy, saying it stole Tecnomatic's proprietary stator technology and used it to apply for the grant on its own instead of in a partnership with the Italian company. Remy has called the claims wrong and an attempt to force the settlement of a complaint Remy filed against Tecnomatic in 2008.

In Friday's filing, Remy said it planned to use the IPO proceeds for debt payments, acquisitions and expansion.

JPMorgan, Bank of America Merrill Lynch and UBS Investment Bank are underwriting the IPO.

Red Bull 'must have' KERS by Malaysian Grand Prix

Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner thinks his team will need to get its KERS up and running in the Malaysian Grand Prix if it wants to maintain its winning start to the season.

Reliability issues with its hybrid power system in practice for the Australian Grand Prix resulted in the team electing to disengage it for the remainder of the weekend - although its absence made little difference to the strong speed of the car.

With a short run from the start of the Albert Park grid to the first corner, pole position man Sebastian Vettel was able to hold onto his lead even without a KERS boost – and he proved dominant throughout the race to take his first win of the season.

But with there being much longer straights at the next race in Malaysia, Horner is well aware that his outfit may be put on the back foot if it cannot run KERS there.

"We plan to have it on the car for Malaysia," Horner said when asked about the future plans for the device.

"The KERS effect here [in Australia] is less, as the run to the first corner is shorter. So that is our main exposure, which is why we didn't want you guys to tell the rest of the world that we didn't have it.

"In Malaysia there is a relatively long run to the first turn, and we will be keen to get it on the car as soon as possible."

Horner said the team had taken KERS off the car because it did not want to risk reliability issues – and it had also done so in secret because it did not want the opposition to know it could be exposed at the start.

"We tested it, we ran the system earlier in the weekend and we decided that there was a potential, albeit small chance, of a reliability issue with it so we elected not to run it this weekend," he explained. "But obviously we didn't want to tell the world – although looking at the start the guys had, it looked like we didn't need it."

Horner said he was also amused by the speculation that had run around the paddock suggesting his team had a lightweight start-only KERS system.

"You guys [the media] went off on a great little tangent, but the problem is that you have probably made Adrian [Newey] think of that one now! I can blame you lot for that then."

NEW 2011 FORD RANGER DESIGN

2011 FORD RANGER

The first impression when I saw the appearance or face all-new Ford Ranger when its envelope is opened, the pickup is now more smooth or sweet. Rough impression is reduced. It is recognized by Graig Metros as the Head of Design of All-New 2011 Ford Ranger in a special interview with Indonesian journalists. He also said this when explaining the design concept when smalltruck was launched.

"All is in line with consumer demand. So, before ensuring the design is chosen, we conduct a survey. Apparently they chose looks nicer now. However, modern impression, style, hi-tech , and of course efficiency remains an advantage, "explained . In fact, when consumers are presented with design F150 All-New Ford Ranger, "They chose a smaller size," continued the Metros.

Leaner

New Ford Ranger 2011

New Ford Ranger 2011 is longer than it is being marketed now. For version double cabin (DC), length 5359 mm and 1850 mm wide. The Ranger is being marketed now has a length of 5173 mm and 1788 mm wide. Precisely, all-new Ranger is more slender. In addition, more sloping windshield also makes it more aerodynamic.
Although the figure is more sweet body, tires and wheels with alloy 18-inch, All New Ford Ranger so solid. The old version uses 15-inch steel wheels.
For the ASEAN market, Ford offers a model with body Regular, Super, and Double. Ford Rangers also claimed, Ranger-style cabin is now the biggest in its segment. Drive systems offered are 4 x 2 and 4 x 4. New Ford Ranger 4x4 is offered in two kinds of heights.
Ford made changes to the overall body design, interior, and the cabin. In fact, the new total engine and are provided in several options. The new technology has to offer is with Voice Control Bluetooth and a camera to see the atmosphere in the back of the vehicle are shown on the rearview mirror.
This little truck is claimed to be able to attract cargo 3350 kg for a diesel engine version and load 1,500 kg. Other claims, the volume of tanks for Single Cap and Supercap largest in its class.

Engine Options
For the engine, offered several options, namely Duratorq TDCi, diesel 4-cylinder, 2.2-liter capacity. This new machine capable of greater than 2.5 liter version that is used ford ranger today. The new engine is also equipped with a turbocharger and produces power 110 kW (9150 PS) and 375 Nm of torque. The 2.5 liter diesel engine that is used today to produce power and torque of 109 PS@3.500 27.1 rpm (265 Nm) @ 2000 rpm .
For Indonesian consumers, Ford will market it in the middle of next year (will be on display at the IIMS, July 2011). According to Ford Motor Indonesia president director Will Angove, Ford will choose the 2.2-liter engine.
Other engines are 3.2 liter diesel engine, 5-cylinder, a power generating 147 kW (200 PS) and 470 Nm of torque. Other engines are 2.5 liter gasoline, 4-cylinder, which can also use LPG. When using gasoline, the energy it produces 122 kW (166 PS).
Fuel tank capacity 80 liters. Another capability is based on Ford's claims fuel consumption Ranger 4 x 2 gasoline using 9.8 liters of fuel per 100 km or 10.2 km / liter. Ranger's 2.2-liter diesel engine fuel consumption 7.6 liters per 100 km or 13 km / liter (also for version 4 x 2). The Ranger 3.2 liter diesel engine, 4x4 motion system, is claimed to consume 9.6 liters of fuel per 100 km or 10.4 km / liter.

Transmission


To move the engine power to the wheels, Ford chose 6-speed automatic transmission DSG. This new transmission gearshift obtain improved so that lasted more subtle and smooth. The automatic version is also equipped with sequential shift control .
A new innovation by Ford Ranger automatic transmission is the ability to determine the vehicle in uphill conditions through features Grade Logic Control. In this way, the transmission will shift into a lower gear when the vehicle down so they can get the engine braking effect. This can be obtained because the system is equipped with monitors.
Other safety equipment is ESP, ABS, and ABS is designed to operate when the driver brakes suddenly. Although launched in Bangkok which is a center of production, Ford is showing the physical vehicle to the Australian public, years ago, precisely at the Sydney Motor Show in October. The appearance in Bangkok this time was an official appearance for the first Ranger in front of the Asian public.

PORSCHE 918 HYBRID PLUG-IN REVIEWS

PORSCHE 918 HYBRID

Porsche today announced that they started selling the Porsche 918 Hybrid, which serve as the exclusive production. Exclusivity supercar Porsche hybrid plug-in is seen in terms of numbers. The number of cars will be manufactured in accordance with the serial number of the model, which only 918 units. The price offered is the cheapest Porsche 645 000 Euros, or almost USD 8 billion. Understandably, this advanced hybrid car.
The development of this particular model is based on the Porsche hybrid enthusiasts tremendous response when the car was exhibited at the Geneva Motor Show 2010, last year.

Grandeur


Other Greatness Porsche offered on this car is very economical petrol consumption for the category of supersport car . With the V8 engine, 3.8 liter capacity, Porsche to claim that the car will spend only 3 liters of petrol for a distance of 100 km . Means, fuel consumption 33.3 km / liter. Incredible!
The greatness of another when viewed from the power it generates. From the gasoline engine only 368 kW or 500 PS. Meanwhile, the two units of electric motors, acquired an additional 160 kW or 218 PS. Well, you can imagine, a combination of all the power it put together to boost this car.
The result was also great! Porsche claims, to sprint from 0-100 km, this car only takes 3.2 seconds. Top speed of 320 km/hour.
With such capabilities, Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid Plug-ins expected to gobble one lap circuit Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7 minutes 3 seconds. For comparison, the Porsche Carrera GT need 7 minutes 32 seconds.
Further, if only using the electric motor, then the highest speed that can be achieved is 150 km per hour. Mileage if only rely on pure energy from the battery is only 25 km away.
For enthusiasts who are interested, supersport car this exclusive it could be ordered from now. According to Porsche, early bird will get a faster car. It is estimated, the car can be sent on 1 September 2013.

All-wheel drive


Porsche explained, the DNA of this particular design is the 918 Spyder and Porsche Carrera GT 917 RS Spyder. This version uses the construction of a monocoque with a body made from carbon fiber and reinforced with plastic. Additional features on the panel retractable roof and stored in the trunk.
To move the engine power, used all-wheel motion system ( all-wheel drive ) with independent controls to drive the two axles.
Energy storage electricity were using battery li-ion battery equipped with liquid cooling. To fill them, can be directly plugged into a power outlet at home. Old charging voltage to 220 volts of energy, such as in Germany, only 3 hours.

EVs push Detroit to compete with Silicon Valley for tech talent

Auto industry executives are trying to make Silicon Valley engineers feel at home in Detroit. With a burgeoning number of technology job openings to fill, they're scouring Internet companies for workers, wining and dining applicants, and seeking promising students at schools such as Stanford University.

"We have a whole slew of job postings out there currently," said Doug VanDagens, director of Ford's connected service solutions, who has been trying to lure engineers to the automaker to design software. "We're just on a growth binge."

Expertise in cloud computing, mobile software applications and energy management are in demand in the Motor City as automakers replace car stereos with Internet radio and gasoline engines with motors powered by lithium-ion batteries. Technology job postings in the Detroit area doubled last year, making it the fastest-expanding region in the country, according to Dice Holdings Inc., a job-listing Web site.

"There's a war for talent out there, and it's only going to get worse," said Jim Bazner, vice president of human capital solutions at MSX International in suburban Detroit, which helps automakers find specialized employees. "There are hundreds of jobs, and all the automakers are hiring."

Dearth of graduates

Ford and General Motors Co. are rapidly hiring graduates from local universities as fast as they can -- there just aren't enough of them.

"If we filled every opening that's been posted or recruited just in the Lansing area, we'd be able to hire out all of our graduates three times over," said Garth Motschenbacher, who helps place computer-science graduates at Michigan State University. About 70 percent of the school's 54 students scheduled to graduate in May have jobs lined up, he said. "The number of students has not kept up with the opportunities."

Still, attracting engineers to Detroit rather than Silicon Valley can be a challenge. The San Francisco area is home to more technology companies offering more job openings than Detroit. California's mild climate and history of innovation are also a draw. Yet Detroit is bouncing back.

Companies that work with automakers on in-car entertainment systems, such as online streaming music providers Pandora Media Inc. and Mog Inc., have opened offices in the Detroit area. Google Inc., based in Mountain View, Calif., has an office in Birmingham, Mich., where it's looking for sales associates to work with the auto industry.

New wave

Marty Zacharias is part of the wave of new hires. The former Nissan Motor Co. and Ford employee joined Berkeley, Calif.-based Mog last month -- in its new Detroit office. He'll work directly with companies such as BMW AG's Mini and others to get Mog's Web-based subscription music service into vehicles.

"Many more Detroit-based automotive industry employees will follow a similar path to mine," Zacharias said in an e-mail, "or join advanced technology divisions within the established automotive companies."

The expansion has caught the eye of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which announced in December that it will open its first satellite office in Detroit. The region's high percentage of scientists and engineers, as well as its patent output, spurred the decision, said Paul Fucito, a patent office spokesman. The 4,000 patents granted to Michigan in fiscal 2010 ranked seventh among U.S. states, he said. The facility is likely to create about 100 new jobs to review patent filings.

Recession's toll

One reason why the job growth in Detroit appears so high is because the recession's toll went so deep, said Tom Silver, senior vice president of Dice Holdings and author of the jobs report showing a surge in the area.

"The recovery there is actually looking pretty substantial, but it's also a reflection, to some extent, that Detroit was probably hit a little harder than the other markets," he said.

According to 2010 U.S. Census data released this week, the city of Detroit's population plunged 25 percent over the past decade to 713,777 residents, down from a peak of 1.85 million in 1950.

Michigan lost about 413,000 jobs from December 2007 through December 2009, including 83,200 jobs in the Detroit area, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Things picked up last year, as jobs in the Detroit-area professional and business-services sector, which include many of the tech jobs, rose almost twice as fast in December as the overall Michigan job market, according to the bureau.

Even with efforts to mimic Silicon Valley office culture, recruiting people to move from the West Coast to Detroit is difficult, said Micky Bly, GM's executive director of electric vehicles, battery and infotainment systems.

"I don't want to categorize it as an issue, but it is tough," he said. "You don't have people begging to come to the Michigan area."

Salary gap

Compensation is one reason why. While average salaries for Detroit technology jobs rose 2.3 percent last year to $71,445, that's still less than the national average of $79,384, and about 28 percent lower than the $99,028 paid in Silicon Valley, according to Dice Holdings. More than 940 technology jobs are currently available in the Detroit metro region, compared with more than 5,060 in Silicon Valley.

Still, Bly says the quality of life can be attractive for some. "They can get a whole lot of house in Michigan for what they can get in San Francisco," he said.

The workplace culture among automakers is also relaxing, as they attempt to adopt some of the perks more common at startups, like wearing jeans to work or telecommuting. That's a big change from when Bly started at GM 20 years ago, when everyone wore a collared shirt and a tie.

"The variation was in your pant color -- you could have gray, black or blue," Bly said. While things have changed, the perks still aren't the same as in Silicon Valley, he said.

"Do we have a free cafeteria like Google? No, but our stock isn't up to $400 a share yet," Bly said. Google currently trades at more than $575 a share, while GM's stock sits at $31. "When we get $400 a share, I'll make sure we have free meals for everyone here."