Auto Blotters: Schumacher helps to design new motorcycle helmet
published:
Sunday | May 18, 2008
Michael Schumacher has taken up motorcycling, and after a nasty crash has decided to make his own Schuberth helmet. Here Sébastién Buémí models his own lightweight helmet. - photo by brian carless
Michael Schumacher has now helped develop a brand-new helmet with the German company. Schuberth. The extremely lightweight and aerodynamic helmet is packed with technical and safety innovations because there simply is no room for error. The first helmet he brought his wealth of experience to is the Schuberth Race.
BMW, Audi to offer eight-speed transmissions
ZF, the renowned gearbox maker that provided BMW with the world's first six-speed automatic; with the 2001 7 Series. ZF is completing an eight-cogger and that Audi and BMW are first in line for orders. Audi will fit it into its A7 four-door coupé, Q7 and next A8, while BMW is eyeing it for the next generation Seven Series. Lexus already beat the Germans, including Mercedes-Benz's seven-speed G-Tronic by introducing its LS 460 straight with an eight-speed 'box. Multi-speed transmissions are used to improve fuel consumption in vehicles. Although an eight-speed could technically be used even by vehicles the size of a Chevrolet Aveo, automakers often opt to fit such transmissions into luxury saloons because of the costs involved in their manufacture.
Renault announces US$2,500 car
Renault-Nissan Alliance and Bajaj Auto are following in the footsteps of Tata, have an ultra-budget car with a starting price of just US$2,500. A new joint venture will be producing the minicar with Bajaj Auto owning 50 per cent, Renault 25 per cent and Nissan 25 per cent. Initial production numbers are set at 400,000 units per year for mainly the growing Indian market and is planned to go on sale in 2011; other emerging markets will possibly follow.
Mazda RX-7 in 2012
Mazda will launch a new RX-7 in 2012. The 2012 RX-7 (FE model perhaps) will be powered by the all-new 16X rotary engine; an evolution of the award-winning Renesis 13B found in the RX-8. More than likely it will be a force-induction engine. Add to that the usual bevy of make-believe insider information such as a curb weight under 1500kg, a usable two-plus-two seating set-up.
Ford F-100 Pick-up in 2011
Ford announced it has started working on a smaller pick-up, based on the F-150, called F-100, set to be launched in 2011. The next generation F-100 set to be launched in 2012. The F-100 is expected to be just under 9/10ths the size of the 2009 F-150 - a form factor that the 2000-2006 Toyota Tundra was roundly criticised for not too long ago. Engine choices are said to include naturally aspirated and 'EcoBoost' twin-turbo gasolene direct injection V6 engines and one V8 gas motor. Ford also offers its 2010 4.4-litre light-duty diesel V8 as an option. Ford seeks to meet 2015's 28.6 miles-per-gallon CAFÉ target for light-duty trucks that was recently established by the Federal Government.
Audi wins Euro Inventor of the Year Award
The European Patent Office awarded Audi AG as its third inventor of the year for its innovative new products. Audi was recognised for the invention of Audi Space Frame technology (ASF). The product worthy of such an award is Audi's aluminium space frame, which underpins the Audi A8, TT, R8, and Lamborghini Gallardo. The lightweight platform provides substantial weight savings versus a traditional steel frame, which results in better fuel economy and a reduction in CO2. The space frame also provides improved structural rigidity and improved crash protection.
