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Hybrid-Electric Tank Would be a First

Larry Bell — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 22:14:18 +0000

Hybrid-Electric Tank: Artist’s rendering

BAE Systems has proposed a hybrid-electric military tank as part of an Army competition to develop a Ground Combat Vehicle. The company’s entry offers a fast, fuel-efficient and quiet alternative to the typical 70-ton tank. Costing less to operate, and using less oil, the hybrid tank could save as much as 20 percent on fuel, and would be able to move faster than conventional military combat vehicles.

Hybrid-Electric Tank: Video

Green energy is not a new concept for the U.S. military. In fact, at a recent Chicago Auto Show, there was a display of Army vehicles that run on various forms of alternative energy. The CERV (clandestine extended-range vehicle) is a diesel-electric hybrid that can reach top speeds of 80 mph. Built mostly for targeting and rescue activity, the CERV features a “silent run” mode for secret missions! California’s Quantum Technologies Worldwide Inc. worked with the U.S. Army to create the vehicle. Because combat units are often cut off from gasoline supply lines, the military has been experimenting with mobile solar cells that can charge various devices when in the field, and on the move.

Hybrid-Electric Tank

Two key elements of successful military vehicle design are fuel efficiency and low noise. Combat units often have to skimp on the use of fuel, so a tank that could run longer, and quieter, would be a doubly advantageous acquisition. Until now, the U.S. military has used alternative fuel sources, but never for something as large as a tank.

Once the design competition is over, the Army wants to begin using its new vehicles sometime in 2018 or shortly thereafter. The approximate manufacturing cost per vehicle would be between $9 million and $10.5 million. If all goes well, the Army would acquire nearly 2,000 of the new vehicles.

For more about BAE Systems Inc., see the company’s website:
www.baesystems.com/

For the official website of the U.S. Army, see:
http://www.army.mil/

Larry Bell

Larry Bell + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Author, but we call him ‘The Expert‘. Here is his full Blog: My Perfect Automobile. Larry lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Expert Author. Larry is a lover of the Automobile as well and shares a passion for Concept, Hybrid and Electric Cars…

Are Electric Vehicles Too Silent? The Solution is Here

Catherine Siverts — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:00:48 +0000

One of the major differences in how electric vehicles are perceived by the world around them compared with gasoline-powered vehicles is the sounds they make. For large cars that are visually impressive, this is less of an issue, but when smaller vehicles are completely silent it can introduce an extra challenge in safely driving on the road.

Just as the sound of the idling cars help vision-impaired pedestrians make their way, so does sound assist your fellow drivers to be aware of your location.

Again, with a larger vehicle, it is not as much of an issue. But what about motorcycles and scooters?

In vehicles like these, let’s just say their crash test safety ratings aren’t the most encouraging, as there is no protective cabin, and the driver is essentially completely exposed.

So how to solve this problem, and yet be able to ride a zero-emissions scooter or motorcycle, while remaining as safe and one can on this mode of transportation?

Well, some electric vehicles employ robotic and electronic generated sounds, which are at times annoying.

Domino’s pizza, however, had a different idea. Just recently hitting the streets in Amsterdam in the Netherlands, the Domino’s pizza delivery scooter is all-electric, but not all silent. With the introduction of a human-generated engine sound, complete with gear shifts, this scooter is not so quiet. And for more bang for the buck, Domino’s added in “Domino’s Pizza” throughout the audio, making it safer for the driver with the added perk of being advertising for the company.

As you can see in this video, the nearby bicyclists and pedestrians definitely do not overlook this new addition to Domino’s fleet.

In fact, should the idea prove popular, you may start seeing, or rather hearing, these scooters in more areas of the world. Keep your ears peeled!

Catherine Siverts

Catherine Siverts is My Perfect Automobile’s Expert Author, but people call her Cat. Here is her bio: My Perfect Automobile. Catherine lives in San Jose, CA and is also a Dedicated Member of the My Perfect Automobile Team. Catherine is a lover of the Automobile as well and shares a pas

2013 Acura NSX – Funny 2012 Super Bowl Commercial Ads

Charles — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:30:10 +0000

The Acura NSX Concept is rumored to be a 400+hp AWD hybrid supercar, now whether the Hybrid version of this car ends up in production, remains to be seen, but any TRUE car-fanatic wouldn’t care, because this car is awesome. Check out what Jerry Seinfeld and Jay Leno Have to say about it…

Funny Commercial Ads – Jerry Seinfeld & Jay Leno

The 2013 Acura NSX will feature all-wheel drive with Acura perhaps learning a lesson from rival Audi , who’s perfected the idea. Like its namesake predecessors, the 2013 Acura NSX will feature a mid-mounted V6 engine, but unlike them, it will have a 7-velocity transmission integrated with electric motors to drive the rear wheels and another pair of independent electric motors up front to Strength the front wheels. This gives the car a lot of advantages.

Not only that. Reported from Detroit Auto Show, The All-New 2013 Acura RDX comes with more compact interior design and longer than the 2012 model. Then to provide better comfort to the driver, Honda has provided New Suspension and Electric Power Steering on 2013 Acura RDX. Especially, for better calm, Active Noise Cancellation will be present and serves to mute the cockpit.

2013 Acura NSX – What’s Under the hood

2013 Acura NSX - 2012 Detroit Auto show

The NSX Concept rides on a 101.3-inch wheelbase and is 75 inches wide. It features a low nose, low cowl and thin A-pillars.

What Acura has to say:

Acura Debuts Three New Vehicles at the 2012 North American International Auto Show

Acura NSX Concept

The dynamically-styled NSX Concept gives an indication of the next great performance vehicle from the Acura brand. Making use of lightweight materials & a mid-mounted V-6 engine – the NSX Concept employs several new technologies for Acura – including application of Acura’s innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® (Super Handling All Wheel Drive™) hybrid system.

Utilizing a unique 2 Electric Motor Drive Unit with a Bilateral Torque Adjustable Control System – the all-new hybrid all-wheel-drive system can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering. Acura anticipates the new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® will deliver handling performance unmatched by previous AWD systems. In addition to the handling benefits of the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD® system – a powerful next-generation VTEC® V-6 engine with direct-injection works in concert with a dual clutch transmission with built-in electric motor to create supercar acceleration while offering outstanding efficiency.

Acura NSX Concept 2013

“This Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system will make NSX the ultimate expression of Acura’s idea to create synergy between man and machine,” said Takanobu Ito – president and CEO of Honda Motor Co. – Ltd. “The NSX will make the driver one with the car to enhance dynamic driving abilities without getting in the way.”

While most supercars opt for brute force delivered from a large engine – the NSX Concept champions the true racing philosophy of an extremely favorable power-to-weight ratio.
“Like the first NSX – we will again express high performance through engineering efficiency,” added Ito – who led the development of Acura’s first NSX supercar. “In this new era – even as we focus on the fun to drive spirit of the NSX – I think a supercar must respond positively to environmental responsibilities.”

The new Acura supercar – expected to debut in the next three years – will be developed by an engineering team led by Honda R&D Americas – Inc. – and manufactured in Ohio – at a yet to be named facility.

Maruti Suzuki Swift In Action

Larry Bell — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:44:16 +0000

The new Maruti Suzuki Swift

Here is the quick verdict on the Suzuki Swift after an extensive test drive on open roads. The new Swift in fact is not all that different from last year’s version, inside and out. The test-driver, a seasoned car evaluator, was pleasantly surprised by the handling, look, and feel of the small economy car. What the Swift lacks in roominess, it more than makes up for in fuel savings, style, and sportiness. Take a spin in the new Suzuki Swift.

Larry Bell

Safety First! Fueling a CNG Car

Larry Bell — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:47:19 +0000

Do you know how to fuel a standard CNG, compressed natural gas, vehicle? Most people don’t, but after watching this short educational clip, you will be a pro. Some states require that you view this video, and others, before registering your CNG car or truck. As fleet and personal natural gas vehicles become more common, it won’t hurt to learn the basics of putting “gas” in the tank. If you are old enough to remember when the first self-service gas stations appeared, you might recall that there were plenty of folks who needed a quick lesson in how to add fuel to a car. Here’s your big chance!

Larry Bell

A Two-ton Car, All Steamed Up

Larry Bell — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 23:37:02 +0000

The 1923 Stanley Steamer 740 is a real heavyweight. In two short minutes you’ll get a feel for what it’s like to drive a 4,000-pound tea kettle. The driver must start the pilot light a full half hour before starting the boiler. Propelled on a mixture of steam and diesel, the Stanley gets about 15 mpg and can hit speeds of 75 mph. Steam cars were edged out of the market for many reasons way back in the early days of the 1900s. It was mostly the success and economics of gasoline that did them in. That hasn’t stopped an active collectors’ and nostalgia market from cropping up in England and the U.S., where more than a thousand active club members work on restored steam cars.

Larry Bell