BMW displays Vision EfficientDynamics concept car in India

The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car was unveiled at Deutsche Motoren by Praful Patel, Honorable Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises at New Delhi. The German Ambassador to India, Thomas Matussek was present as the Guest of Honour.
BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is a road ready, four seater concept sports car that combines the performance and emotional character of a BMW M Car with extraordinary fuel economy and emission management. BMW Vision EfficientDynamics with its outstanding fuel efficiency of 26.5 kilometres/litre and an exemplary CO² emission rating of 99 grams/kilometre is far superior to all conventional hybrid cars. It is capable of achieving a top speed of 250 kilometres/hour with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/hr in just 4.8 seconds. The car is powered by ground breaking BMW ActiveHybrid technology and cutting-edge drive systems.
Praful Patel, Honorable Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises said, “The Indian automobile market is one of the fastest growing markets in the world and is poised to grow at an unprecedented rate. As the Indian automobile industry grows, it will eventually be challenged with the need for reduction of energy consumption for environment protection. BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is a road ready technology showcase vehicle by BMW engineers and designers that illustrates a successful research and development strategy which holds tremendous potential for sustainable growth.”

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is presented in India for the first time and will be exhibited at the new BMW Studio, Connaught Place, New Delhi till 24 May 2011.
Thomas Matussek, German Ambassador to India said, “The German automotive industry has been continuously progressing to secure a sustainable future with fuel saving engines, state of the art recycling techniques and greener production facilities. The German industry is proud to have BMW as one of the most sustainable car companies in the world who have pioneered CO² emission cuts and have next generation fuel efficiency standards in engines. I am glad to know that BMW is already engaged in developing ground breaking technologies which will define how cars of tomorrow will be conceptualized.” -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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BMW EfficientDynamics is the world’s most comprehensive package for the reduction of fuel consumption and emissions while simultaneously increasing Sheer Driving Pleasure.
Dr. Andreas Schaaf, President, BMW India said, “BMW Vision EfficientDynamics as an example of cutting-edge technology is simply a continuation of BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy. Some of the technologies used in the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics are implemented in current BMW models that enable enhanced performance and lower emissions; others will soon be ready for series production. Or, to put it simply, the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is a remarkable vision that is soon to become an exciting reality.”

Dr. Andreas Schaaf, further added, “When it comes to dealing with resources in a sustainable and responsible manner, BMW outperforms all other competitors in the premium segment through its BMW EfficientDynamics strategy. Thanks to BMW concept of ‘One Fleet, One Package’, we have reduced CO² emissions and fuel consumption across our entire fleet while boosting driving dynamics at the same time. For these reasons, BMW has been the sector leader in Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the last six years.”
1.24 metres high, the four-seater BMW Vision EfficientDynamics takes up the characteristic BMW shaping style, geared consistently towards aesthetic appeal and dynamic performance. Wing doors facilitate entry to both rows of seats, while extensive aerodynamic measures reduce the drag coefficient to 0.22. The combination of a three-cylinder turbo diesel with a hybrid synchronous motor at the front axle and a full-hybrid engine at the rear axle enables an overall system output of 241 kW/328 bhp. The innovative design of the BMW ActiveHybrid technology allows performance figures at the level of a sports car, with just 4.8 seconds required for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/hr - with average fuel consumption of 26.5 km/ltr in the EU test cycle and a CO² emission rating of 99 gm/km.
This unique relation between dynamic performance and efficiency derives from the high level of efficiency of all engine components, intelligent linking of the power output of the three engines, as well as precisely controlled energy management including Brake Energy Regeneration. What is more, the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is conceived as a plug-in hybrid. The especially designed lithium-polymer rechargeable battery housed centrally in a longitudinal chassis element can be fully charged at a conventional power socket within just two and half hours. The use of electrical energy alone permits zero-emissions motoring with a range of some 50 km, while a 24 ltr diesel tank extends the total action radius of the vehicle to up to 700 kms.

Scientists create synthetic brain cell

Washington, April 25 (IANS) Researchers have for the first time created a synthetic synapse circuit whose behaviour duplicates the function of a brain cell.
A synapse is a junction that permits a neuron to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another nerve or brain cell.
The team, led by professors Alice Parker and Chongwu Zhou at the University of Southern California Viterbi School of Engineering, combined circuit design with nanotechnology to address the complex problem of capturing brain function.
Carbon nanotubes are molecular carbon structures a million times smaller than a pencil point. These nanotubes can be used in electronic circuits, acting as metallic conductors or semiconductors, according to a California statement.
'This is a necessary first step in the process,' said Parker, who began looking at the possibility of developing a synthetic brain in 2006. 'We wanted to answer the question: Can you build a circuit that would act like a neuron? The next step is even more complex.'
'How can we build structures out of these circuits that mimic the function of the brain, which has 100 billion neurons and 10,000 synapses per neuron?'
Parker emphasized that the actual development of a synthetic brain, or even a functional brain area is decades away.
The human brain continually produces new neurons, makes new connections and adapts throughout life, and creating this process through analog circuits will be a monumental task, according to Parker.
She believes the breakthrough could have long-term implications for everything -- from developing prosthetic nanotechnology to heal traumatic brain injuries to developing intelligent, safe cars that would protect drivers in bold new ways.
These findings were presented at the IEEE/NIH 2011 Life Science Systems and Applications Workshop in the US.

4 Essential Things to Keep in Mind while Buying an Air Conditioner

An air conditioner is your safest bet for dealing with the sweltering heat in the summers. Nothing soothes more than the cold air issuing from the vents of an AC. With an AC, you also get a fair share troubles as unwanted gifts.

An air conditioner is your safest bet for dealing with the sweltering heat in the summers. Nothing soothes more than the cold air issuing from the vents of an AC. With an AC, you also get a fair share troubles as unwanted gifts. Enormous electricity bills, irritating noise, ardous tasks of cleaning the filters, etc. are enough to end your enchantment with the AC you brought with great delight. To ensure such tragedy doesn't strike, you need to keep certain things in mind when you go out to buy an AC.

Energy Efficiency

This is the most definitive factor one needs to keep in mind while shopping for an air conditioner. ACs are gadgets which devour huge amount of power. Getting huge electricity because of you air conditioner is extremely painful. Energy efficiency for ACs is measured in terms star ratings. The higher the star rating the more efficient the AC and lower your bill. Hitachi has introduced a new range of air conditioners: SUMMER QC which have been designed to consumer minimum power and yet deliver optimum cooling.

Cooling Capacity

The ability of a cooling device to cool an area is measured in terms of British Thermal Units. The higher the BTU, the more cooling power the unit has. However, there's no point picking up an AC with extremely high cooling capacity if you plan to fit it in your living room. Hitachi offers some of the best ACs in terms of cooling capacities. Equipped with new age technologies like: Auto Climate Technology, Auto Humidity Control, Kaimin (adjustment of cooling in the night hours) etc., Hitachi ACs are indeed value for money products.

Installation Requirements

If you're planning to buy a window AC, make sure the unit is big/small enough to fit the window. Several ACs require special wiring and installation of a metal shell. It's also important that the AC is fitted in the appropriate window in the room in case the room has more than one windows. It is the location of the air conditioner in the room which would determine the flow and uniform distribution of cool air all around the room. Hitachi Kaze ACs come with a unique feature of 4-way air distribution. This ensures that the cool air gets spread all across the room.

Cleaning

A lot of air goes in and out of the vents of an air conditioner. The air we breathe is full of dust, dirt and other particulate matter. After some time of installing the AC, you find that the filter is clogged with grime and dirt. Chances are that you'll be greeted with an obnoxious smell, the last thing you would want from your AC. Hitachi iClean ACs have a ground-breaking Auto Clean Function feature which automatically (and smartly) cleans the AC filter once 10 cumulative running hours are completed. (MensXP.com)
Also read: The Smart Air Conditioner Range | Auto Climate & Auto Humidity and The Smart AC Range | The AC which cleans itself


The ability of a cooling device to cool an area is measured in terms of British Thermal Units. The higher the BTU, the more cooling power the unit has. However, there's no point picking up an AC with extremely high cooling capacity if you plan to fit it in your living room. Hitachi offers some of the best ACs in terms of cooling capacities. Equipped with new age technologies like: Auto Climate Technology, Auto Humidity Control, Kaimin (adjustment of cooling in the night hours) etc., Hitachi ACs are indeed value for money products.

Installation Requirements

If you're planning to buy a window AC, make sure the unit is big/small enough to fit the window. Several ACs require special wiring and installation of a metal shell. It's also important that the AC is fitted in the appropriate window in the room in case the room has more than one windows. It is the location of the air conditioner in the room which would determine the flow and uniform distribution of cool air all around the room. Hitachi Kaze ACs come with a unique feature of 4-way air distribution. This ensures that the cool air gets spread all across the room.

Cleaning

A lot of air goes in and out of the vents of an air conditioner. The air we breathe is full of dust, dirt and other particulate matter. After some time of installing the AC, you find that the filter is clogged with grime and dirt. Chances are that you'll be greeted with an obnoxious smell, the last thing you would want from your AC. Hitachi iClean ACs have a ground-breaking Auto Clean Function feature which automatically (and smartly) cleans the AC filter once 10 cumulative running hours are completed. (MensXP.com)
Also read: The Smart Air Conditioner Range | Auto Climate & Auto Humidity and The Smart AC Range | The AC which cleans itself

Understanding What Women Say and What They Really Mean

Article about how to understand what women say and what they really mean. Talks about the secret meanings to things they say.

Women don’t really have a secret language, but they manage to have secret meanings for a lot of the simple and really basic things they say. Here are the keywords and their meaning.

Fine

Usually used by women to end an argument. She knows she’s right but has realised that a fathead like you will not acknowledge and abide by her superior judgement. So she says ‘fine’ to shut you up. Don’t think you have won the argument though. She’s just waiting for you to drop your guard because when you do, Round Two will commence.

5 Minutes

When she says ‘five minutes’, she expects you to have enough sense to patiently wait for at least an hour. After all that’s what you say when the match is on and you’re supposed to take her out to dinner.

Nothing

Equivalent to ‘An idiot like you will never understand what I am going through.’ It’s usually said before a ‘five-minute’ long argument and often ends with the word ‘fine’.

Go ahead (with eyebrows raised)

Don’t confuse it with an assent or permission. A ‘go ahead’ with raised eyebrows is nothing short of a dare, which if you accept will cause your woman to launch into a ‘five minute’ argument over ‘nothing’.

Go ahead (with eyebrows lowered)

This essentially means ‘get out of my site for ‘five minutes’. ’Do it, because if you linger she’ll change her mind and will insist on arguing with you for ‘five minutes’.

Loud Sigh

While not a word, it’s still as meaningful a statement as any in the English dictionary. A ‘Loud sigh’ can be decoded as ‘why is this idiot not listening to me’ after I have spent more than ‘five minutes’ arguing with him over ‘nothing’.

Soft Sigh

Again, not a word, but a verbal statement. ‘Soft sighs’ are one of the few things that some men actually understand. This means a woman is content and your best bet is to not move or breathe and she will stay content.

Thats okay

Words that should immediately put you on your guard because when a woman uses this seeming reassuring phrase, she’s just groping for time to gather her forces. It’s all the more dangerous if she actually uses it in conjunction with the ‘fine’ and the raised eyebrow ‘go ahead’. From hereon you should plan your moves very carefully because at some point in near future, when she has planned, plotted and prepared, she will make you pay for your sins.

Please do

Its not an offer but a statement meant to be taken as a challenge. The women just wants to hear your excuse for doing whatever it is you did. Try to make your tale as convincing as possible ‘cause if she doesn’t believe you, you will get a ‘that’s okay.’

Thanks

You are actually being thanked by a woman. Cherish the moment because finding a woman in a grateful mood is rarer than sighting a blue beaked Hornbill.

Thanks a lot

You’re not being thanked. She’s not grateful. When a woman says ‘thanks a lot’ you have done something that’s pissed her off. ‘Thanks a lot’ will usually be followed by a ‘loud sigh’. Be sensitive enough to ask where you went wrong, but be prepared to accept ‘nothing’ for an answer.

 

Yet Another Treat From Tata

Indian public transport system has been undergoing a drastic makeover recently. Hi-tech low-floor buses are no longer something that could only be seen in Hollywood movies. First, it was Volvo B7Rs, then came multi-axle B9Rs and even the iconic Merced…



Indian public transport system has been undergoing a drastic makeover recently. Hi-tech low-floor buses are no longer something that could only be seen in Hollywood movies. First, it was Volvo B7Rs, then came multi-axle B9Rs and even the iconic Mercedes-Benz buses.
This is exactly when we expect some surprise from Tata Motors. They didn’t disappoint, as usual. Tata has just launched not just a hi-tech low-floor, but CNG-Electric Hybrid Starbuses, India’s first such vehicle. Powered by a parallel hybrid engine comprising an internal combustion CNG engine and an electric motor using regenerative energy storage system, the Tata Hybrid Starbus offers substantial improvement in fuel economy compared to a conventional bus.
The launch is also Tata’s attempt to join the Delhi government’s effort to actualise the “Green Commonwealth Games“. Tata Motors will run four such low-emission buses in Delhi during the Games.

This air-conditioned bus can seat 32 passengers. Pneumatically operated in-swing and out-swing flat doors and kneeling facility allow easy entry and exit. Full air suspension and telescopic double-acting shock absorbers provide excellent ride quality, while an energy-efficient HVAC system enhances comfort. With high starting acceleration and a maximum speed of 70 kmph, the Hybrid Starbus is an innovative solution for fast and comfortable intra-city passenger movement in an environment-friendly manner.
Not bad eh?

Hyosung 250cc motorcycles to enter market next year

The average Indian motorcycle enthusiast who had been bereft of options for so long might see a flurry of...



The average Indian motorcycle enthusiast who had been bereft of options for so long might see a flurry of motorcycles in the 250cc category regarded as one of the most potential bike segment in India. While there is buzz in the market about the impending launch of Honda’s CBR 250R, now it has been reported that the Korean bike brand Hyosung 250cc performance and cruiser bikes will be launched next year for under Rs 200,000 each, to compete directly against CBR 250R and the Kawasaki Ninja 250R.
It is not the first time for Hyosung though as the one of the popular but few in numbers Comet, a 250cc motorcycle which was launched by Kinetic Motors before being shelved, which is being remembered fondly by the motorcycle enthusiasts. Now Hysoung is on its second innings and the Pune based Garware Motors is presently setting up a completely-knocked down (CKD) assembly facility in India for importing two models, the ST7 and GT 650R from Hyosung. Garware is spending Rs 20 crore towards the CKD facility being built at Wai in Maharashtra. It has acquired 25 acres, which can be used for expansion
According to a report in Business Standard, Diya Garware Ibanez, managing director, Garware Motors was quoted as saying “We are discussing with SNT Motors (owners of the Hyosung) to see how the volumes work out for our two models. We will follow the launch with the naked version of the GT 650R later in the year, followed by the 250cc models next year. With regard to pricing of the 250cc, we have to be right up there with the best selling models like the (Honda) CBR 250. Other models of Hyosung could also follow, as there is a big portfolio of models to choose from.”
The report stated that Garware will open bookings for the ST7, priced at Rs 600,000, and the GT 650R, priced at Rs 550,000, on April 21, with deliveries to start by May end. The company will accept bookings at 10 dealerships which will be opened shortly, followed by an additional 10 outlets to be opened later in the year. It was also mentioned that although engines, transmissions and gearboxes for the Hyonsung bikes will initially be imported into the country from Korea due to the low volumes projected during the first year, they may get locally made in due course if demand improves substantially.
Since there is some big buzz around performance motorcycles now, the bikes are expected to sell in good numbers. The report mentioned that Garware is expecting sales of around 2,000 units of the two models in the first year.”We may have to go in for local production of engines to benefit from the lower tax duty if there are enough volumes supporting it,” stated Ibanez. But now since the company is going for the CKD route, the revised rules of the finance ministry that all imports of pre-assembled engines, transmissions and gearboxes will have to pay a customs duty of 30 per cent as against 10 per cent levied last year will be a bit of a burden.
Garware is also looking at neighboring markets too and the report stated that the company is in talks with distributors of Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh for sales of Hyosung bikes. Hyosung had recently appointed a distributor in Nepal, which is keen on procuring the bikes from Garware due to lower duties.

Audi R8 Spyder open top version launched in India

It is raining luxury cars in India and now German premium carmaker and Volkswagen Group company...



India and now German premium carmaker and Volkswagen Group company, Audi has launched the open-top version of its sportscar Audi R8.
The reports have stated that the car is priced at Rs 1.47 crore (ex-showroom, Maharashtra). It was also reported that the Audi R8 Spyder is powered by a 525 HP 5.2 litre V10 petrol engine. The R8 features the company's proprietary space frame technology, permanent all-wheel drive, LED headlights and can touch 100 kmph from standstill in 4.1 seconds. The sportscar, which can touch a maximum speed of 313 kmph, will be available at Audi dealerships from April this year.
The reports have quoted Michael Perschke, Head, Audi India as saying “We believe that the Audi R8 Spyder will add to the spurring demand for excellence in auto performance. With this addition to the R8 family, after the launch of the R8 V10 in January, Audi now offers the whole range of R8 options in India.’’
It was also reported that the R8 Spyder offers a sequential six-speed transmission, which can be used in both automatic and manual mode. It also features Launch Control, besides a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system, heated seats and pigmented leather seat covers to reduce heating from the sun's rays.

Jaguar XJ named luxury car of the year

Tata Group's global luxury car Jaguar XJ was Thursday named the international luxury car of the year by the renown Road and Travel magazine.



Tata Group's global luxury car Jaguar XJ was Thursday named the international luxury car of the year by the renown Road and Travel magazine.