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GM creates digital windows on the world

Rocky — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 13:15:07 +0000

GM is exploring ways to turn a car’s rear windows into interactive devices that could permit backseat passengers — children in particular – to have interesting experiences while traveling.
msnbc.com: Autos

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Mercedes creates “aero trailer” concept to improve big rig fuel efficiency

Rocky — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 05:21:19 +0000

Filed under: Concept Cars, Etc., Technology, Mercedes-Benz

Every time you drive by a semi and feel your car get pushed away from the rig, it reinforces the reality that tractor trailers punch a big, ragged hole in the atmosphere. It takes a lot of power to force those big boxes through the wind, and Mercedes Benz is working to please both fleet operators and the environmentally conscious by taking some of these heavy haulers for a spin in the wind tunnel for a much-needed aerodynamic tuneup.

The result is a trailer that features a front airdam, side trim panels rear diffuser, and a tapered rear design that adds up to an 18 percent reduction in wind resistance when paired with the Mercedes Actros tractor. Mercedes projects that a truck averaging 150,000 kilometers per year (93,205 miles) will save 2000 liters of diesel (528 gallons) while releasing five fewer tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

The wind-cheating changes leave the cargo box completely unaffected, though the aero trailer is going to need special legislative dispensation to allow its extra length on the road. The tail extension makes the trailer a half-meter too long than the current law allows, though other specialty trailers, like those with forklifts, have been given such consideration, paving the way for the more-efficient Mercedes trailers. See the full press release after the jump.

Continue reading Mercedes creates “aero trailer” concept to improve big rig fuel efficiency

Mercedes creates “aero trailer” concept to improve big rig fuel efficiency originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Artist creates invisible motorcycle called “Moto Undone”

Rocky — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 21:17:48 +0000

Filed under: Concept Cars, Etc., Motorcycle, Design/Style, Electric

Close your eyes and picture a motorcycle. Chances are, you’re seeing something with two wheels, an engine sitting right in the middle and a spot for the rider splayed out on top. If you’re Joey Ruiter, though, you might have something else entirely on your brain. Says Ruiter:

We want to re-set the definition of a motorbike, stripping away historical attributes that make them so great. It’s hard to imagine a motorcycle without fancy paint, overpowered motors, exposed mechanical genius, and sweet exhaust tones.

While it’s true that we love seeing exposed elements on our motorcycles, there’s something intrinsically cool about Ruiter’s concept and the way it makes a rider appear as if he’s floating down the road on an appliance… if only because it’s unique.

Taking the concept a step further, this machine is powered by an electric motor and it sends its ride data (speed, distance traveled, etc) to the rider’s smart phone. See the Moto Undone concept in the included gallery.

Artist creates invisible motorcycle called “Moto Undone” originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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