All posts by IMichailidis

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F1: His tires 2012

Pirelli today presented at Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi the tires that will be used by all F1 teams, this year.
No matter how many times you visit the artificial island of Yas Island, you cannot fail to be impressed by the environment and infrastructure. Pirelli has invited hundreds of journalists from all over the world to Abu Dhabi and is hosting them at the Yas Hotel, the hotel built inside the track just for this purpose. For events, presentations and accommodation of those who race on the Yas Circuit or start sailing from Yas Marina as the Volvo Ocean Race crews did a few days ago for the third leg of the race.
Troncetti Provera, president of the Italian tire manufacturing company began his speech: "I am standing here in front of hundreds of journalists from all over the world who are eager to hear Pirelli's plans for F1 in 2012. I can't help but remember a year ago at the same venue we were doing development testing and everyone doubted our ability to give the teams proper tires. In this intervening time, our first in F1, things have worked out really well for us and there's no reason why that shouldn't continue.".
To a question from an Italian colleague regarding how Pirelli can promote Italy and the competitiveness of its products to the whole world through F1, Provera replied: "We are an Italian company, we produce Italian products that are competitive all over the world. There are several Italian companies that manage this. With hard work we will drive away the cloud that has gathered over Europe. But it is important that underneath this they exist, especially in our company, highly capable people working hard for tomorrow".
As for his tires 2012 Pirelli has changed a lot. First from’ all the shape. The new tires have a more square shape especially on the shoulders and this according to St. team manager Paul Hebery will help reduce the attrition rate: "The new design helps the deformations to be distributed more evenly across the contact surface of the tire tread. Accordingly, the temperature distribution is shaped, which has the effect of reducing the possibility of having local deformation (blistering) but also more uniform wear throughout the tire tread. This increases the time that a tire performs at its maximum without increasing its lifespan. In addition, the new tires are designed to offer more rear grip to compensate for the losses in downforce that will result from the ban on blown diffusers.".
An additional change to the tires is the hardness of the available compounds. As last year, there will be four options available, two in each match. The very soft one (red font) remains the same. The very tough one (silver font) it's about last year's average tire. This year the middle (white font)  and soft eraser (yellow font) they are new, softer than last year with the aim of reducing the differences in spin rate that had been observed. It is characteristic that the 2011 the differences were of the order of 1.2sec per lap from the softest to the hardest rubber, while for this year the goal is to halve. So the teams will have room to choose different strategies that will increase the twists in the match.
Slick dry tires are coded P Zero while wet tires will be coded Cinturato. Ένα σημαντικό όνομα για την Pirelli στην κατηγορία των «πράσινων» ελαστικών που εξοικονομούν ενέργεια και είναι φιλικά προς το περιβάλλον.
Στη φωτ. διακρίνονται όλα τα ελαστικά της Pirelli. Από αριστερά το πράσινο Cinturato είναι το ενδιάμεσο ελαστικό για λίγη βροχή και το μπλε Cinturato το ελαστικό για βαριά βροχή. Η κόκκινη γόμα είναι η πολύ μαλακή, η κίτρινη η μαλακή, η άσπρη η μέση και η ασημί, η σκληρή γόμα.

Source : protothema.gr
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BMW invests in touch materials for function control

With the Vision ConnectedDrive prototype, BMW has shown its intentions to invest in materials and surfaces that will allow the driver to operate various functions simply by touch.


Image from the future or science fiction scenario; Probably the first. Some years from now our cars will not have buttons and switches, since instead the driver will simply touch specific points and fabrics on the dashboard in order to operate the different functions and systems of the car (B.C. air conditioning, sound system etc.). BMW showed us its intentions to invest in such technology some time ago by presenting the Vision ConnectedDrive prototype which incorporates materials and fabrics that perform various functions by touch alone. In fact, representatives of BMW confirmed the fact that the Bavarian brand is moving in this direction. Now, an article in the authoritative scientific journal New Scientist brings the issue back to the fore, presenting the progress made in this technology by researchers at the Polytechnic School of Montreal in Canada. The head of the investigation, Maksim Skorobogatiy said about it “We are trying to reproduce the experience of smartphones in the form of fabric. We are looking for applications that can be implemented on thin durable surfaces without requiring the use of buttons”.

Source : autotriti.gr
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His Mercedes 1955 sold for 4,62 from. dollars!

Auctions abroad often present surprises. This time our interest is located in a Mercedes SL 1955 which was sold at auction for the legendary sum of 4,62 million dollars.
The Gooding Auction Company & Company's Scottsdale in Arizona, USA often has special and very expensive models on the market. But this time it seems that he surpassed all previous ones, after "finding" a buyer for a historic Mercedes last weekend 300 SL Alloy Gullwing. The "customer" who acquired it, apparently this is a maniacal collector, spent the fabulous amount of 4,62 million dollars to make her his. The truth is that this particular model is highly collectible. Mercedes only built it in 29 units and the manufacturing cost was initially very high since the car body is made entirely of aluminum, material expensive to car manufacturers even today.
In this particular auction, a Ferrari also attracted intense interest 250 His GT LWB California Spider 1959 which was priced and sold at approx 4 million dollars.

Source : autotriti.gr
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Electric Supermoto is recommended by KTM

KTM may be taking small and careful steps into the electric market with the Freeride E, a lot, Nevertheless, they are the ones who recommend her new electric models!
As we know, KTM will start making the Freeride E available in limited numbers in the 2012, so that these can be tested and developed. Company officials spoke about the possibility, in case KTM's first electric model proves successful, to expand the range of electric motors, with dirt and asphalt models.
Who, Nevertheless, he is willing to wait until then; As it seems, certainly not Piers SP of Kiska Designs, who designed an electric supermoto for KTM, το KTM SMX-E! Naturally, this is just a design and KTM has nothing to do with it, however, no one complains! According to Piers himself, "it's just a bike I would love".
At bottom, even if KTM's Freeride E succeeds in its purpose and the KTM folks go ahead and mass produce it, it will be a long time before we officially see an asphalt electric model from KTM. Thanks to Piers' design, we'll have something to fool around with until then.

Source : mototriti.gr
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This is the new VW Passat VIII

The future VW Passat takes the unguarded pass into the area (see. MQB platform) alone in front of the goalkeeper, he is getting ready to score with ease in the middle goal!

With a glance
– The 7th generation VW Passat
– Lighter and on a new platform
– With even more economical engines
– And in a hybrid version
– Present it 2014
With the middle class receiving suffocating pressures from Crossovers, MPVs and SUVs, showing worldwide reduced shares in its sales, it is a given that from now on, representatives of the species will have to fight hard to preserve the achievements. And if many turned to the solutions that aesthetically combine the traditional 4-door body of the category with the more modern shape of the coupes (see Opel Insignia), others, like VW and Passat, persist traditionally. Nevertheless, from 2014 and the 8th consecutive new generation of the Passat, this will change. So the new German medium, as you can also see in our exclusive spy digitally edited photos, it will bring a sharper and more dynamic design than the current Passat. We highlight the news in the front section, long narrow lights and the raised hood with the strong ribs, but also the new horizontal shoulder that runs from end to end of the body. In the back section, this shoulder abuts on sharper and smaller sized fixtures, which also contribute to the general modernization of the car.
The new MQB platform also present in the Passat

But apart from the design, many and perhaps more important news comes under the body of the new Passat. The big star here is the VW Group's new MQB platform, which as we have said before, will be the main protagonist of all the companies of the group for the next few years. So this passe-partout floor, which we will know this year through the new generations of VW Golf-Audi A3-SEAT Leon, it will form the basis on which the next Passat will be built. A big advantage of this platform is its adaptability to a range of models of different dimensions, with the Passat being the largest of those to receive it, thus maintaining similar dimensions to the current model (B.C. length close to 4,8 m.). Nevertheless, despite this fact, this new platform will reward the car with a lower weight (about -50 with 75 kg only from the floor), with immediate benefits in consumption, performance etc.
What about the engines?;

There is quite a bit of movement in the engine sector, since an upgraded range of TSI and TDI engines is being prepared by VW. To the first ones, the new versions will now have a standard start/stop system and the selections will start again from 1,4 l, but with upgraded power (130 and 150 PS). For the TDIs, in view of the new Euro6 standard for their emissions, we expect even more ecological motor options 1,6 and 2,0 liter. Anyway, especially in the ecological part, the new Passat, for the first time in history, it will get a hybrid version with the possibility of charging from an outlet (plug-in), with performance close to 170 horsepower and exclusively electric drive for distances up to 50 km.

Source : autotriti.gr
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New Toyota Hilux

The Toyota Hilux with the legacy of 40 years of successful course and with global sales of more than 13 million vehicles, rightfully retains the title of the world leader in the history of pick-ups by consistently and unchanged, including, its unparalleled quality and durability, its unique technologies and the unsurpassed Toyota warranty.
In the Greek market, it also remains the absolute leader of pick-ups for decades and is in first place in sales (the 2011 in the Greek market the Hilux gained a share of sales 37,3%).
Along with its excellent capabilities that make it the most reliable partner at work, Toyota Hilux attracts more and more drivers with intense and demanding leisure activities. Its impressive and dynamic body, especially in the imposing Extra editions & Double Cab, in conjunction with young people, its more economical engines, Euro specifications 5, establish the Hilux as 'the best friend for work and 'play'. .
Rightfully the first car of all time, which passed through the Arctic ice caps to reach the Magnetic North Pole, but also the ultimate tool of the professional consumer for almost half a century remains in the No. 1 position, in Greece, Europe but also worldwide.
With the Hilux 2012, Toyota is launching a new striking exterior design, inspired by the four-wheel drive legends of Toyota Land Cruiser and RAV4, combined with significantly improved quality,inside the car.
Exterior design
Externally, the Hilux 2012 it is completely redesigned on the front, from the A pillar onwards, with new mask design, grille and bumper, new light fixtures with double halogen bulbs and a new hood that includes a larger, centrally located vent. Its striking profile is highlighted by new front and rear fender arches, the redesigned steel and aluminum rims 15''-16''-17'' and the new exterior mirrors. At the rear, the redesigned lights and the standard straight bumper stand out, but also, to the "experienced eye", the slightly longer carriage in all cab types.
Interior design
The interior of the Hilux 2012 it is significantly updated with even more equipment elements that refer to a passenger vehicle. Pervasive is the upgraded perceived quality as well as the interior aesthetics and harmony that have been significantly upgraded with the use of uniform, darker shades, higher quality materials and the addition of silver details in various parts of the cabin.
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Inside the cabin, the renewed design of the upper part of the dashboard stands out, where a young, horizontal instrument panel enhances the feeling of width and spaciousness, while the renewed design steering wheel and new central instruments add even more "freshness" The interior is also home to Toyota Touch, an advanced multimedia unit, unique in the category, with a 6.1” color touch screen and plenty of options for the driver, such as controlling the car's sound system and settings, USB connectivity, Bluetooth and i-pod/mp3 players and, of course, the view of the reversing camera for easy and safe parking.
Plenty of options for every need
Fully tailored to the different needs of customers, the Hilux 2012 offers clear differentiation between hard work tool (‘workhorse’), dual purpose vehicle (‘dual usage’) and leisure car (‘leisure’), which is reflected in the five trim levels: Standard, Comfort, Special Edition, Cruisers and Tornadoes.
Additional, offering a choice between three body types, two highly efficient engines, manual or automatic transmission and 2WD or 4WD transmission, the world's most popular pick-up now meets the demands of a wider commercial vehicle and leisure vehicle customer base.
Improved performance and increased economy
With the addition of a Diesel Particulate Filter – Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) both engines 2.5 D-4D and 3.0 D-4D of Hilux 2012 meet EURO specifications 5, which now allows their use in both major urban centers.
With the introduction of a variable vane supercharger, the Hilux models 2012 2WD 2.5 D-4Ds benefit from increased power and torque Specifically, the engine now produces enhanced horsepower 144 hp (from 120 hp) at 3600 rpm and torque 343 Nm (from 325 Nm) at 2000 rpm. Despite the increased power, mixed cycle consumption has decreased by 1,0 l/100 km at 7,3 l/100 km and CO2 emissions have dropped to 191 g/km – reduction 28 g/km, the lowest levels of consumption and emissions in the segment!
The 4WD engines 2.5 and 3.0 D-4D, respectively, have maintained the impressive performance of 144hp-171hp of power and 343-360Nm of torque, but benefit from significant reductions in fuel consumption levels and emissions. Specifically, the engine 3.0 D4D offers consumption reduced by 0,6 l/100km (-7%) while the 2.5 D4D vs 1.0 l/100km, reduction that reaches the 12% and which corresponds to a saving of €1,000 for its owner in three years (calculation based on oil price at €1.5 and annual usage 20.000 km)
In both engine categories, the new Hilux 2012 maintains the lead with the lowest consumption levels in the market!
Additional, the Hilux versions 2012 2WD are now equipped with the most robust chassis of the 4WD models. This not only improves the vehicle's ground clearance, hence the off-road capabilities of the car, but also increases the towing capacity of 2WD models in 2,5 t.
Fixed values
Along with the multitude of new features that the new Hilux brings 2012, it retains unchanged a series of unique constituent elements, to a great extent, the basis of its unsurpassed durability and legendary reliability. Indicatively, elements such as:
• the robust TOP ladder type frame (Toyota Outstanding Performance),
• the LSPV Intelligent Braking system,
• the LSD-ADD-VSC-TRC-EBD-BA-ABS systems,
• the advanced automatic transmission that incorporates two technologies applied to the Land Cruiser (artificial intelligence for speed control and additional downshift assistance (Road Condition Support Control)
• and of course the enhanced Cold Area Pack system, specifications of Scandinavian countries,
they are also "inherited" in the Hilux 2012 and guarantee that the Hilux will stand up to the needs of its driver, in any case.
All this with the unbeatable standard warranty 6 years/ 180.000 km of Toyota, irrefutable proof of unsurpassed endurance.

Source : auto24.gr
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2012 Renault Scenic & Grand Scenic Facelift

After the Megane came the renewal series for the more family-friendly Scenic and Grand Scenic of the Renault range. Slight changes in appearance, give a new freshness to the French MPV models. New features include LED daytime running lights and a redesigned front bumper with gloss black sections. New colors are added for the bodywork. The new design of the front of the Scenic highlights a more dynamic profile. At the same time, the additions of LEDs and the new front bumper of the larger Grand Scenic contribute to the creation of a more balanced appearance set.

Inside, the transport capabilities remain the same with the changes focusing on the colors.
In the mechanical parts, important is the addition of the new petrol engine 1.2 of TCE liters with yield 115 horses and 190 Nm of torque. Its low cubic capacity is an ideal entry-level version in the world of Scenic. In the diesel options the set of 1.5 liters with them 110 horsepower, it shows the way of the economy with average consumption just 4.1 lt/100km and 105 gr/km CO2 emissions. More powerful and ideal for the weight of the Scenic, o 1.6 liter dCi diesel engine with performance 130 horsepower and average consumption 4.4 lt/100km (114 gr/km CO2).
Source : gocar.gr