Ceravision technology which functions like a microwave.
Headlights that use microwave oven tech
A COMPANY out of the United Kingdom has created a headlight that uses some technology from a microwave oven.
The company is called Ceravision and the technology is known as Ecolumination. It is said to provide plenty of high-quality light and uses much less power to operate. Other benefits include a very long life expectancy and relatively low cost.
Ceravision sent a BMW equipped with its new Ecolumination lamps around the Silverstone circuit in England for a few hours.
Mazda for people with special needs
Mazda has created a few vehicles that will be showcased at the 35th International Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition in Tokyo, Japan. This is the13th year running that Mazda has been at this exhibition.
The show is organised by Japan's Health and Welfare Information Association. Mazda will display three of its special-needs vehicles: The MPV Second Row Lift up Seat is based on the mid-size Mazda MPV, which is designed to assist and transport wheelchair users. The second-row seat automatically elevates and rotates for ease of use.
AZ-Wagon I, which is based on the micro mini AZ-Wagon, can facilitate persons in wheelchairs to enter in and out of the rear-lift gate opening. A high-roof Autostep extends and withdraws automatically when the sliding door is opened and closed. Don't go rushing to your local Mazda dealer yet, all these vehicles are for the Japanese market only, but with a few links, who knows what can happen?
NFL players ordering bulletproof vehicles
Over the last year and a half, professional NFL players have been the victims of gun violence. Most recently, Carolina's offensive tackle Richard Collier was gunned down. Some of the NFL players have contacted the Texas Armoring Company (TAC) for help.
The TAC creates custom bullet-proof vehicles for movie stars and public figures, and the company is a self-proclaimed expert at converting luxury vehicles to a Brinks mobile. TAC has reported that 80 per cent of attacks happen in the car.
These SUVs being modified by TAC for only US$147,000 can stop an AK47 or M-16 bullet. They come equipped with one-inch thick glass and European B6 level protection. Wonder if any of our local athletes are taking note?
BMW 5301
BMW 5-Series security
BMW has now added the Security spec to fortify the 5-Series in both the 530i and the 550i trim. The 5-Series meets the VR4 ballistic protection standards, which can stop .44 calibre bullets. 22 mm-thick glass is fitted all around to meet VR4 levels of protection, along with Aramid fibre mats, an explosion-resistant reinforced underbelly, intercom and camera system. The power for the engine comes from a V8 4.8L 367hp that can accelerate from 0-60mph in 6.5 sec.
This security system is built in-house by BMW with selected dealerships through the Middle East, Latin American, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
Wonder if Duncan Stewart has thought about this?
'09 Ford F-150 keeps max towing crown
Ford engineers have gone to great lengths to make the new 2009 F-150 F-Series pickup achieve greater fuel economy, and the entire range has received an eight per cent improvement as a result. The V6 engine option has been dropped for '09, but Ford has paired a 6sp transmission with the truck's top motors to get out even more mileage.
Ford will continue to offer a 2-valve version of the truck's 4.6L V8 paired with a four-speed automatic, which achieves the same 14/19 mpg rating as the outgoing V6-powered model. The new 3-valve version of the 4.6L V8 is also available with Ford's new fuel-efficient 6R80 six-speed automatic, and the EPA rates a two-wheel-drive model of this pairing at 15/20.
New rules for Le Mans diesel entrants
Diesel fuel powered cars have emerged as the dominant set of cars in Le Mans series endurance racing with Audi and Peugeot competing neck and neck for top honours. The body that organises the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the LMS championships in Europe and North America has announced new rules aimed at reducing the performance of the diesel racers to level the playing field with the gasolene-fuelled competitors.
A 10 per cent decrease in the size of the air restrictor and decrease in the allowable boost pressure are just some of the new regulations that are being contemplated by the organisers. This move is aimed at reducing the lap times in the name of playing it safe. The Peugeot 908s lapped the circuit in the low 3:08s this year.
Also, the banning of tyre warmers, cutting down on the size of the rear wing, and only allowing one wheel gun for each pit crew are just a few more rules to be imposed. This will also reduce the costs and raise lap times.
