Honda Ecological Drive Assist System

Recently, Honda has release their new second generation Insight hybrid will feature the Honda Ecological Drive Assist System, a driver’s assist system that helps the driver drive fuel efficiently. Few indicators on the dashboard helps on archiving this. There is a scoring system on the multi-info display which gives the driver feedback via graphic “leaves”, which grow over time as the driver becomes more able at fuel efficient driving.

Honda EcoThe second indicator is the background colour of the digital speedometer display, which is located on the top deck of the multi-tiered dashboard. How the fuel system works? The system will turn the background to green while during fuel efficient driving and this changes to blue-green during relatively fuel-efficient driving and back to fuel when the driving pattern is not efficient.

Another feature of the Honda Ecological Drive Assist System is the ECON Mode button which activates an energy-saving feature in the air conditioning unit, extends idle stop time, and increases regenerative recharging during deceleration.

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Honda Ecological Drive Assist System

Recently, Honda has release their new second generation Insight hybrid will feature the Honda Ecological Drive Assist System, a driver’s assist system that helps the driver drive fuel efficiently. Few indicators on the dashboard helps on archiving this. There is a scoring system on the multi-info display which gives the driver feedback via graphic “leaves”, which grow over time as the driver becomes more able at fuel efficient driving.

Honda EcoThe second indicator is the background colour of the digital speedometer display, which is located on the top deck of the multi-tiered dashboard. How the fuel system works? The system will turn the background to green while during fuel efficient driving and this changes to blue-green during relatively fuel-efficient driving and back to fuel when the driving pattern is not efficient.

Another feature of the Honda Ecological Drive Assist System is the ECON Mode button which activates an energy-saving feature in the air conditioning unit, extends idle stop time, and increases regenerative recharging during deceleration.

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New i-SRS Airbag System and Bird's Eye camera from Honda

Recently Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced that it has developed the world's first driver-side i-SRS airbag system that continuously stages the volume of airbag-inflating gas, thereby combining enhanced occupant protection with reduced occupant impact. Honda plans to implement the new continuously staged inflation i-SRS airbag system on the driver's side of the Life minicar to be released in Japan in November 2008.

A Honda innovation, the new i-SRS airbag system features a spiral-shaped seam structure and gas release control valve to control airbag deployment and pressure for faster deployment, reduced occupant impact and a longer period of inflation and occupant protection. As a result, the new system accommodates a broad range of occupant positions and potential collision situations.












Honda first began fundamental airbag research in 1971, and in 1987 became the first to introduce a driver-side SRS airbag system in an automobile manufactured in Japan. In 1990, Honda was the first automaker to introduce a passenger-side SRS airbag system in a vehicle manufactured in Japan. In 1998, Honda introduced the world's first inflator with a two-stage deployment system, as well as an i-side airbag system with an occupant position detection sensor. Continuing its tradition of innovation, Honda continues to be a world leader in researching, developing and introducing new automobile safety technologies.

Three features of deployment mechanism
Faster deployment
Since the system can pressurize the airbag faster, it can begin to protect the driver sooner. The spiral structure of the airbag allows the protective surface to be formed at a lower overall airbag volume, thereby providing protection faster than was previously possible.
Longer period of inflation and protection
The new system maintains a constant pressure within the airbag, thereby allowing for a longer period of inflation and protection. The seams within the spiral structure of the airbag are designed to expand from the inside of the spiral outward, thereby maintaining a constant pressure while continuously staging airbag inflation. From the moment of deployment until the preset moment of deflation, the airbag is designed not to release gas, thereby maintaining a constant pressure and occupant protection.
Reduced impact
By minimizing the degree of protrusion into occupant space and lowering the gas output of the inflator, the new system reduces impact on the driver. Unique spiral seams within the airbag help reduce the degree of airbag protrusion and impact on driver. From the moment of deployment until the preset moment of deflation, the gas control valve prevents the release of gas. This efficient use of gas allows for reduced inflator output and reduced occupant impact.

READ MORE - New i-SRS Airbag System and Bird's Eye camera from Honda

New i-SRS Airbag System and Bird's Eye camera from Honda

Recently Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced that it has developed the world's first driver-side i-SRS airbag system that continuously stages the volume of airbag-inflating gas, thereby combining enhanced occupant protection with reduced occupant impact. Honda plans to implement the new continuously staged inflation i-SRS airbag system on the driver's side of the Life minicar to be released in Japan in November 2008.

A Honda innovation, the new i-SRS airbag system features a spiral-shaped seam structure and gas release control valve to control airbag deployment and pressure for faster deployment, reduced occupant impact and a longer period of inflation and occupant protection. As a result, the new system accommodates a broad range of occupant positions and potential collision situations.












Honda first began fundamental airbag research in 1971, and in 1987 became the first to introduce a driver-side SRS airbag system in an automobile manufactured in Japan. In 1990, Honda was the first automaker to introduce a passenger-side SRS airbag system in a vehicle manufactured in Japan. In 1998, Honda introduced the world's first inflator with a two-stage deployment system, as well as an i-side airbag system with an occupant position detection sensor. Continuing its tradition of innovation, Honda continues to be a world leader in researching, developing and introducing new automobile safety technologies.

Three features of deployment mechanism
Faster deployment
Since the system can pressurize the airbag faster, it can begin to protect the driver sooner. The spiral structure of the airbag allows the protective surface to be formed at a lower overall airbag volume, thereby providing protection faster than was previously possible.
Longer period of inflation and protection
The new system maintains a constant pressure within the airbag, thereby allowing for a longer period of inflation and protection. The seams within the spiral structure of the airbag are designed to expand from the inside of the spiral outward, thereby maintaining a constant pressure while continuously staging airbag inflation. From the moment of deployment until the preset moment of deflation, the airbag is designed not to release gas, thereby maintaining a constant pressure and occupant protection.
Reduced impact
By minimizing the degree of protrusion into occupant space and lowering the gas output of the inflator, the new system reduces impact on the driver. Unique spiral seams within the airbag help reduce the degree of airbag protrusion and impact on driver. From the moment of deployment until the preset moment of deflation, the gas control valve prevents the release of gas. This efficient use of gas allows for reduced inflator output and reduced occupant impact.

READ MORE - New i-SRS Airbag System and Bird's Eye camera from Honda

New Honda Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering

Honda has added a new safety feature to its Vehicle Stability Assist system called Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering (Motion Adaptive EPS). This new feature only available for the new Honda Legend and the next generation Honda Odyssey.

Motion Adaptive EPS provides steering wheel feedback to the driver during an unstable slippery corner to prompt the driver’s action in steering the wheel the right way as sometimes drivers tend to over-correct the steering angle. It can also correct steering input when braking on a surface which causes uneven traction between the left and right side wheels of the car.

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New Honda Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering

Honda has added a new safety feature to its Vehicle Stability Assist system called Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering (Motion Adaptive EPS). This new feature only available for the new Honda Legend and the next generation Honda Odyssey.

Motion Adaptive EPS provides steering wheel feedback to the driver during an unstable slippery corner to prompt the driver’s action in steering the wheel the right way as sometimes drivers tend to over-correct the steering angle. It can also correct steering input when braking on a surface which causes uneven traction between the left and right side wheels of the car.

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Ford new EcoBoost engine by using ethanol

Recently, Ford has yet to release its first EcoBoost engines. The codename for this new engine technology is Bobcat and uses small amounts of ethanol injection to improve power and reduce emissions. Ethanol carries a very high octane rating, which allows an engine to be tuned for more power. An engine with ethanol injection can run a much higher compression ratio along with a small turbocharger. Ethanol would be injected directly into the engine's combustion chamber, so that this can help to reduce precompression and can be extremely hazardous to your engine's health.

READ MORE - Ford new EcoBoost engine by using ethanol

Ford new EcoBoost engine by using ethanol

Recently, Ford has yet to release its first EcoBoost engines. The codename for this new engine technology is Bobcat and uses small amounts of ethanol injection to improve power and reduce emissions. Ethanol carries a very high octane rating, which allows an engine to be tuned for more power. An engine with ethanol injection can run a much higher compression ratio along with a small turbocharger. Ethanol would be injected directly into the engine's combustion chamber, so that this can help to reduce precompression and can be extremely hazardous to your engine's health.

READ MORE - Ford new EcoBoost engine by using ethanol

Accelerator pedal to warn of danger for Continental

Recently, Nissan had designed a force-feedback ECO Pedal accelerator pedal where it pushes back against the driver’s foot when accelerating too briskly, is actually a derivative of a new pedal system developed by Continental. The new designed is called the Accelerator Force Feedback Pedal, or AFFP, by its developer, the pedal is capable of much more than just letting the driver know when they’re burning too much fuel (as in the case of the Nissan Eco Pedal) - it can also warn of impending danger and even help smooth traffic flow.

The AFFP can warn the driver of road hazards by vibrating the pedal when is tied with other vehicle systems. Which mean that cruise control system is on, the AFFP can warn the driver if the car is too close to the vehicle ahead. Besides that, it can sense poor road conditions and resist being depressed, thereby helping to prevent loss of traction. Continental thinks the direct feedback through the pedal is superior to alternative solutions, such as buzzers or lights. The driver can overcome or deactivate the force-feedback response if they wish.

The next benefit for this new technology, is the environmental or emissions saving made possible by alerting the driver to improper use of the accelerator. Taking the concept a step further, however, Continental envisions the system in helping to keep vehicles at optimum distances from each other and moving at constant speeds, eliminating the accordion-effect that creates traffic jams.

Other future implementations include integration with car-to-car communications systems, alerting the driver of another vehicle stopped in the roadway ahead or where visibility is restricted.

READ MORE - Accelerator pedal to warn of danger for Continental

Accelerator pedal to warn of danger for Continental

Recently, Nissan had designed a force-feedback ECO Pedal accelerator pedal where it pushes back against the driver’s foot when accelerating too briskly, is actually a derivative of a new pedal system developed by Continental. The new designed is called the Accelerator Force Feedback Pedal, or AFFP, by its developer, the pedal is capable of much more than just letting the driver know when they’re burning too much fuel (as in the case of the Nissan Eco Pedal) - it can also warn of impending danger and even help smooth traffic flow.

The AFFP can warn the driver of road hazards by vibrating the pedal when is tied with other vehicle systems. Which mean that cruise control system is on, the AFFP can warn the driver if the car is too close to the vehicle ahead. Besides that, it can sense poor road conditions and resist being depressed, thereby helping to prevent loss of traction. Continental thinks the direct feedback through the pedal is superior to alternative solutions, such as buzzers or lights. The driver can overcome or deactivate the force-feedback response if they wish.

The next benefit for this new technology, is the environmental or emissions saving made possible by alerting the driver to improper use of the accelerator. Taking the concept a step further, however, Continental envisions the system in helping to keep vehicles at optimum distances from each other and moving at constant speeds, eliminating the accordion-effect that creates traffic jams.

Other future implementations include integration with car-to-car communications systems, alerting the driver of another vehicle stopped in the roadway ahead or where visibility is restricted.

READ MORE - Accelerator pedal to warn of danger for Continental

BMW Highbeam Assist based on Gentex SmartBeam technology

BMW Highbeam AssistGentex says even at speeds of up to 56km/h, a car’s low beams will not allow you to see far enough head to detect and react to a potential hazard.

BMW has put in its cars and called High-Beam Assist and it named the Gentex SmartBeam. The High-Beam Assist system uses a tiny camera-on-a-chip combined with computer algorithms to automatically determine when to turn on and off the vehicle’s high beams depending on traffic conditions.

The rear view mirror is where the camera located. The camera is facing forward so that it able to detects that it is dark and no other vehicles are present, the high beams are automatically turned on. When traffic in front is detected, they are automatically turned off. A manual override for the driver is also provided.

The BMW High-Beam Assist system is available in the BMW 5, 6, 7, and X6 models. It is also available in Malaysia on various models including the BMW 523i SE.

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BMW Highbeam Assist based on Gentex SmartBeam technology

BMW Highbeam AssistGentex says even at speeds of up to 56km/h, a car’s low beams will not allow you to see far enough head to detect and react to a potential hazard.

BMW has put in its cars and called High-Beam Assist and it named the Gentex SmartBeam. The High-Beam Assist system uses a tiny camera-on-a-chip combined with computer algorithms to automatically determine when to turn on and off the vehicle’s high beams depending on traffic conditions.

The rear view mirror is where the camera located. The camera is facing forward so that it able to detects that it is dark and no other vehicles are present, the high beams are automatically turned on. When traffic in front is detected, they are automatically turned off. A manual override for the driver is also provided.

The BMW High-Beam Assist system is available in the BMW 5, 6, 7, and X6 models. It is also available in Malaysia on various models including the BMW 523i SE.

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Lotus Eigne Electric Sports Car

The Lotus Eigne is a design study on an electric sportscar with a 3+1 seating arrangement that was created by David Fearnley, a graduate from the Transportation Design Course at Northumbria University. Four in wheel electric motros that offer the sports car rear biased four wheel drive will be the powertrain of this Eigne. The electric motors are powered by a set of batteries that are sandwiched in the floor pan.

This solution not only keeps the batteries cool and lowers center of gravity for better handling, but it also eliminates any obstacles on the floor pan allowing a 3+1 seat layout. In the Eigne, the driver sits in the centre of the cabin having two passenger seats on each side and a baby-seat positioned directly behind him. Due to the central driving position, the doors designed is incorporate a section of the roof in order to allow a larger access point to step in the interior.

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Lotus Eigne Electric Sports Car

The Lotus Eigne is a design study on an electric sportscar with a 3+1 seating arrangement that was created by David Fearnley, a graduate from the Transportation Design Course at Northumbria University. Four in wheel electric motros that offer the sports car rear biased four wheel drive will be the powertrain of this Eigne. The electric motors are powered by a set of batteries that are sandwiched in the floor pan.

This solution not only keeps the batteries cool and lowers center of gravity for better handling, but it also eliminates any obstacles on the floor pan allowing a 3+1 seat layout. In the Eigne, the driver sits in the centre of the cabin having two passenger seats on each side and a baby-seat positioned directly behind him. Due to the central driving position, the doors designed is incorporate a section of the roof in order to allow a larger access point to step in the interior.

READ MORE - Lotus Eigne Electric Sports Car

SMS Limited new super charger system

SMS Limited has announced their very first product not long time ago. It is a 296 Supercharger system for the 5.7L and 6.1L HEMI V8. The system features a massive 2955 cc of displacement as well as an internal intercooler, eight-rib pulley, by-pass valve, high-volume heat exchanger and more. The kit can increase horsepower by as much as 45%, all while fitting neatly underneath the stock hood.

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SMS Limited new super charger system

SMS Limited has announced their very first product not long time ago. It is a 296 Supercharger system for the 5.7L and 6.1L HEMI V8. The system features a massive 2955 cc of displacement as well as an internal intercooler, eight-rib pulley, by-pass valve, high-volume heat exchanger and more. The kit can increase horsepower by as much as 45%, all while fitting neatly underneath the stock hood.

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Hydrogen power for the Mazda RX-9

The rotary engine is world-renowned for performance. However fuel-efficiency for rotary engine is not good. Mazda wants to make Wankel's masterpiece the poster child for its hydrogen-powered endeavors, so it's considering offering a dual-fuel version of the engine in its next RX-badged offering.

Mazda's RX-8 Hydrogen RE vehicle will evolve into a new model, dubbed the RX-9, and is rumored to be motivated by a hydrogen-gasoline powertrain that will offer 20 percent better fuel economy and emissions over a traditional gasoline-powered Rotary. Styling for the car will be based on Taiki concept and there is a switch mounted on the dash to toggle between gasoline and hydrogen fuel systems. The hydrogen will be employed when city driving to reduce fuel consumption but power will drop around 20 percent. While the user will for more power they can always switch to fuel system.

Mazda's goal is to make the rotary engine's performance, fuel economy and emissions up the level of gasoline-electric hybrids, and if AE's sources are to be believed, the hydrogen-powered RX-9 should arrive in 2012.

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