Future Of Tyres Is Air-Less, Literally

 
It may look silly but the weird tires on this electric golf-cart might just be the wave of future. This is Bridgestone's concept of air-free tyres which unlike conventional tyres don't get punctured or need air top-up and can be fully recycled once tread is worn out.

In the video below, CNET reporter explains how these Bridgestone air-free concept tyres have thermoplastic spokes with a special curve that enables them to flex effectively without twisting. It definately looks to be a promising idea but still needs work to address concerns like vibrations, sagging, high speed stability and what about cleaning those thousand spokes.

Bridgestone 2nd Generation Air-Free Concept Tyres
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Google's Android Auto To Be Part Of New Cars

Android Auto via Smartphone

Google is the undisputed king of navigation on smartphones, yet it never had much presence in automobiles. For cars Google had launched Android Auto which comes with the latest version of its smartphone operating system but it required the phone to be plugged into a compatible car with a built-in screen. But that’s going to change soon.

Google is working on Android Auto’s next dubbed as Android M which would be come in-built into the cars, allowing drivers to enjoy internet access, navigation, making calls, playing music, sending messages etc without even plugging in their phones.

No specific time frame has been announced but it is being said that some major automobile manufacturers have agreed to join hands with Google and Android M will be an integrated part of many cars in coming years.

Source: BusinessToday
Read More On: Auto News

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Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles Consume More Fuel

Plug-In Hybrid are Eco-Friendly?

Majority of people around the globe (mainly in rich countries) using plug-in hybrid electric cars are consuming more gasoline than their conventional counterparts. Sound strange but it’s true. Not sure how…read on. Plug-in hybrid automobiles use regular gasoline engine along with electric motor with battery. People buy these cars for different reasons – improve their Eco-friendly credentials, style statement, make use of generous subsidies given by government on electric cars, etc etc. That’s all good, but something is going wrong.

Plug-in hybrid owners are frequently choosing gasoline power to drive their cars even though their vehicles have inbuilt technology to run on batteries (electrically charged). When plug-in hybrid cars are made to run on just gasoline they actually consume more fuel since they are carrying 150 kilograms of extra electric components than regular cars.

According to a report such a situation is arising due to lack of charging facilities in the owner’s neighborhood. Lots of people using such cars are unable to charge it at their place of residence due to reasons like no reserved parking space, lack of electric outlet near the car etc. Also the public charging facilities are not densely located and you need to drive for few kilometers before you can access it. Countries like US and China are spending billions of dollars to build charging stations across the country but it will still take many more years before such facilities are easily accessible for majority of their population. Till then its best to drive a regular gasoline vehicle and be proud that you are contributing less to global warming than a rich guy driving a state of the art plug-in hybrid vehicle.

Source: Bloomberg
Read More On: Hybrid Cars

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Honda Unveils 'Combined ABS' Brakes For Sports Motorcycle

Honda Announces World's First Electronically-Controlled 'Combined ABS' for Super Sport Bikes.
Honda has announced the world's first electronically-controlled "Combined ABS" for Super Sport motorcycles, aimed at combining ABS and CBS systems into one system that applies the basic advantages of both, while specifically addressing the requirements of a Super Sport context.

In order to achieve this, the particular characteristics of Super Sport bikes, such as short wheelbase, are taken into account. The system also operates without interference to sports riding, and with an emphasis on maintaining full rider control.

The system consists of an electronically controlled combined "brake by wire" system with an innovative stroke simulator. Direct motor control ensures precise operation of the ABS. The components are divided into several smaller units so there are more, but smaller units than in previous systems.

The system's effectiveness is due to four main factors:

1. Electronic control of the CBS, allowing more advanced control of brake force. This provides a more sensitive distribution of brake force over both wheels.

2. Measurement of rider input force on each lever. The ideal brake force on both wheels is generated accordingly, providing optimum distribution and minimising vehicle body reaction.

3. An "ABS modulator" which ensures late triggering of ABS, and smooth ABS intervention.

4. Small size meaning that the system's components can be well integrated in the motorcycle's package. Thus mass-centralisation, a key feature for Super Sport bikes, is supported.

All the basic ABS and CBS functions are provided, including the prevention of wheel lock, improved balance and easy operation. This is achieved without any compromise to stability during ABS operation. Pitching is minimised so that the bike keeps its normal position. Overall, sport riding performance is uninterrupted - cornering feel remains the same and controllability is enhanced.

Source: Honda
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