TECH NEWS

BMW iFE.20: first race car with parts made out of renewable textile fibres – BMW i Andretti Motorsport and the BMW iFE.20 got off to a prosperous start in Season 6 of the ABB FIA Formula E Championship with their triumph in Diriyah (KSA) in November.

Alexander Sims (GBR) heads into the New Year and the next race in Santiago(CHI) at the top of the driver’s positions, but the BMW iFE.20 is already an asset for BMW i Motorsport away from the track as well.

BMW iFE.20’s flax cooling shaft emphasises its great importance as a tech lab for the BMW Group, being the principal BMW race car tackled by a works team with parts made out of renewable textile fibres – making it a forerunner for series production.

“THE FLAX COOLING SHAFT THAT WE USE IN THE BMW IFE.20 IS FURTHER PROOF OF THE HUGELY IMPORTANT ROLE OF BMW I MOTORSPORT AS A TECH LAB FOR THE BMW GROUP. WE ARE CONSISTENTLY USING FORMULA E AS AN INNOVATIVE PLATFORM FOR SERIES DEVELOPMENT – IN THIS INSTANCE FOR TESTING FLAX IN EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS. WHAT’S PARTICULARLY REMARKABLE IS THE FACT THAT IN SOME AREAS THIS RENEWABLE MATERIAL EVEN HAS ADVANTAGES OVER MATERIALS ESTABLISHED IN RACING, SUCH AS CARBON. OUR AMBITION IS TO ALWAYS USE THE BEST SUITED MATERIAL FOR EACH PART.”

–BMW GROUP MOTORSPORT DIRECTOR, JENS MARQUARDT

Matched with carbon, flax has greater absorption and greater impact confrontation, which can be beneficial on the street circuits with their bumps and crash barriers, on which Formula E takes place. The same is true of contact with other cars during races.

The BMW iFE.20 is the first works BMW racing car in which the material is used. However, the extension of this theory to include other BMW Motorsport race cars is presently already in the development phase.

BMW Group welcomes in next Digital Key generation: – The Company took a leading role in the seamless integration of smart devices and the customers’ digital ecosystem in the early stages. Providing customers with simple, connected and “keyless” access to their automobiles has been a key area of innovation.

Today, it is already possible to lock and unlock the car, start the engine and share the key with others using the BMW Digital Key as part of BMW Connected on the smartphone.

But this is only the first step in a global technological transformation being shaped and led by the BMW Group. In 2017, the BMW Group joined the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC), where it is a leader in establishing cross-industry, standardised technologies and security standards.

As an outcome of this commitment, the latest generation of a standardised ecosystem for automobile access that will enable new functions across multiple devices and different manufacturers was recently announced.

Global standards for greater interoperability

The Digital Key has the potential to enable a range of use cases that are not possible with a classic vehicle key, due to the technological advantages of smart devices.

Uniform technology standards are needed to turn the vision of digital vehicle access into reality. Full functionality must be available on various customer devices from different vendors and regardless of the vehicle manufacturer.

“OUR CUSTOMERS WANT CROSS-VENDOR INTEROPERABILITY. STANDARDISATION IS THE ONLY WAY TO ACHIEVE THIS; PROPRIETARY SOLUTIONS ARE NO LONGER BENEFICIAL.”

Dr Olaf Müller, head of Development Digital Access Systems at the BMW Group

The BMW Group has therefore been driving the creation of a global standard for digital vehicle access within the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC). Most well-known smartphone producers and automotive manufacturers have already joined the consortium.

 Standard specifications across industries will also help include all kinds of smart devices, including phones, watches and other wearables.

Technological specifications for innovative functions

The second generation (release 2.0) of an NFC-based digital key ecosystem has been announced for late 2019. A key feature is the use of a security chip that works separately from the smartphone operating system. This means it also works if the smartphone cannot be started anymore, because the battery is too low.

In the near future, Digital Key specification will be enhanced by the ultra-wideband (UWB)-based release 3.0. This will offer maximum anti-theft protection and enable precise localisation between the device and the vehicle.

As a result, the mobile phone must no longer be held directly up to the door handle to unlock the car, but can conveniently be left in the pocket.

The BMW Group recognised early that UWB technology would be beneficial over the long term and suitable for global market penetration. The close cooperation with partners and the fact that UWB is already finding its way into more and more customer devices will pave the way for new and innovative Digital Key features.

All-New 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid and Real-Life

“Safety for Everyone” Customer Stories Highlight New Exhibit at 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show

All-new 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid makes public debut as latest vehicle in Honda electrified initiative, joined by refreshed gas-engine 2020 CR-V

•Honda vehicle crash survivor Kyle Shaules shares his real-life “Safety for Everyone” experience

•All-new exhibit debuts at L.A. Auto Show with interactive features and augmented reality displays, live gaming and special 60th anniversary product display

Honda’s electrification initiative and “Safety for Everyone” campaign are in the spotlight as the company debuts an all-new auto show exhibit at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show on Nov. 20.

The latest in Honda’s line of electrified vehicles; the all-new 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid will be launched in Spring 2020, is the first hybrid-electric SUV from Honda in the U.S.

Honda’s new display will also feature a “Safety Zone” with a crash-tested 10th-generation Civic Coupe, one of ten (10) Honda models earning a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score crash safety rating from NHTSA.

Additionally, Honda Civic’s customer Kyle Shaules of Victorville, California, will share his real-life experience with the media at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show on November 20th.

Shaules is one of three Honda customers whose own life-affirming stories are featured in the company’s just-launched Safety for Everyone social media campaign.

Honda CR-V Hybrid Public Debut

The 2020 CR-V Hybrid is Honda’s first electrified SUV in America. Using Honda’s innovative two-motor hybrid-electric powertrain technology, the 2020 CR-V Hybrid brings quicker off-the-line performance and is anticipated to achieve a 50 percent higher city fuel economy rating than the Honda non-hybrid CR-V.

The 2020 CR-V Hybrid will be built in Honda’s Greensburg, Indiana plant, and joins the Accord Hybrid and Insight as the third electrified Honda manufactured in America.

In addition to the new hybrid-electric variant, the entire Honda 2020 CR-V lineup includes major upgrades: a freshened exterior design, new cabin appointments, and a standard 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and standard Honda Sensing® safety and driver-assistive technology, both previously standard only on EX and above trims.

Safety for Everyone

Sharing his incredible story of survival with media attending the L.A. Auto Show will be Southern California native Kyle Shaules, one of the Honda customers featured in the company’s Safety for Everyone’s social media campaign.

Shaules’ 2016 Honda Civic LX crushed into the side of a mountain on a stormy night, and even though first responders thought he couldn’t have survived, Shaules walked away alive with only a broken finger.

“I REMEMBER SEEING THE MOUNTAIN COMING UPON ME, AND THEN STARS, BUT THE FACT THAT I WALKED AWAY FROM IT RELATIVELY UNHARMED WAS UNDOUBTEDLY BECAUSE OF MY HONDA.”

-KYLE SHAULES

Safety for Everyone represents Honda’s unique approach to vehicle safety and its vision for a collision-free mobile society where Honda customers and everyone sharing the road – pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycle riders and other vehicles occupants can safely and confidently enjoy the freedom of mobility.

The safety-focused social media campaign builds on the Safety for Everyone brand marketing campaign that began in September this year and focuses on how one collision can affect many.

The social media campaign features the stories of real Honda customers who walked away from significant collisions thanks in part to the thoughtful design of Honda vehicles.

The stories add another layer of depth by including the point of view and emotional reactions of their loved ones. These inspiring, real-life stories have been sourced from customers’ social media posts and letters Honda has received from thankful customers.

With nearly 40,000 lives being lost each year in the United States alone due to motor vehicle crashes, Honda is committed to developing and deploying advanced passive and active safety systems that can help better protect occupants in a wider variety of collision scenarios, such as the recently announced new front passenger airbag technology designed by Honda engineers.

New Honda Auto Show Exhibit

An all-new Honda auto show exhibit for the U.S. makes its debut at the L.A. 2019 Auto Show, serving not only as a showplace for Honda’s latest car and truck lineup at major auto shows, but also to showcase the company’s ongoing dedication to creating products and technologies that make people’s lives better.

Designed for greater appeal to in-market shoppers, Honda’s new display seeks to impart a hands-on experience for show goers interested in learning about the stories behind the brand, using a variety of fun and educational elements that invite visitors to interact with Honda’s world.

The new center stage, where the Honda 2020 CR-V Hybrid will be on display, fronts a two-story central structure with a rooftop lounge flanked by two storytelling pavilions.

Major new components of the more tech-savvy and interactive pavilions will include:-

HondaLens Live – an augmented reality showcase of the 2020 CR-V Hybrid

Honda Safety Zone – featuring a crash-tested 2019 Civic Coupe, real-world customer storytelling and a Seatbelt Selfie Wall

Honda x Gaming Zone – with live appearances by premier global esports organization, Team Liquid, and an interactive retro-style Honda Circuit racing game: Monday 11/25 2;00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.:

Head2Head/Twitch Live Stream featuring live play, hosted by Andy Bravo, eSports Commentator/Analyst Sunday 12/1 11:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.-12:30 p.m.: Live appearance of Doublelift, seven-time League of Legends LCS Champion, with Steve Arhancet, Co-Owner/Co-CEO of Team Liquid

Honda Winning Moment – an augmented reality photo booth where show goers can place themselves in the scenes of historical sports moments, including in IndyCar, National Hockey League and League of Legends championships.

The Civic Coupe on display was safety crash tested at Honda R&D Americas, Inc. in Ohio using the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s passenger-side small overlap front crash test mode.

The 10th-generation Civic has earned a top score of “Good” in this very stringent crashworthiness test, which is designed to replicate what happens when the front left corner of a vehicle collides with another vehicle or an object like a tree or utility pole at 40 mph.

In addition to top crashworthiness scores, the Civic and all Honda nameplates come standard or available with the Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies.

Honda Sensing® includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) incorporating Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) incorporating Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

In addition, Honda is celebrating its 60th anniversary in America, marked by the start of operations in a small store on Pico Boulevard in downtown Los Angeles in June 1959.

This special display will showcase a vintage Honda car and a replica of an original pickup truck once used by Honda sales representatives to deliver Honda motorcycles to the first Honda dealers in California.

The 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show is open to the entire public from November 22 through December 1 at the L.A. Convention Center.

FORD RANGER BREADCRUMBS TECH HELPS OFF-ROAD DRIVERS FIND THEIR WAY BACK – OVER THE RIVER OR THROUGH THE WOODS :-Ford is making off-road adventures less stressful by giving drivers a “breadcrumb” path to find their way back to the pavement. 

When enabled in the SYNC® 3 navigation settings, the Breadcrumbs feature works in the background to drop a virtual pin every second while out on the trail.

When drivers need to return to the road, the feature provides them with a guide to get back to their starting point – without the stress of relocating landmarks.

Based on satellite technology, the Satnav Breadcrumbs feature is included in Ranger’s navigation system and is available on XLT and Lariat series trucks.

Breadcrumbs is also available on other Built Ford Tough trucks equipped with SYNC 3 and navigation technology.

For even more off-road capability, Ford Ranger can also be equipped with an FX4 Off-Road Package, including an electronic locking rear differential and Terrain Management System with Trail Control for situation-specific traction.

Off-road accessories like a winch-capable front bumper and leveling kit are also available for improved ground clearance and rugged styling.

THE BENTAYGA HYBRID: BENTLEY’S FIRST STEP TOWARDS ELECTRIFICATION – Bentley has announced that the pioneering Bentayga Hybrid – the luxury SUV sector’s first true plug-in hybrid – is now on sale in Europe. Handcrafted in Crewe, England, the latest version of Bentley’s exquisitely appointed SUV will be the company’s most efficient model ever, with CO2 emissions of just 79 g/km (WLTP – weighted, combined).

The Bentayga Hybrid is the ultimate grand tourer, offering a serene and luxurious driving experience through future-focussed technology. Order books are now open across Europe, as well as in North America.

Entering the market as the world’s first true electrified luxury car, the Bentayga Hybrid is also the first step on Bentley’s journey into the new world of electric vehicles, which will see the marque roll out an electrified version of every nameplate by 2023.

In the British brand’s centenary year, Bentley’s first plug-in hybrid model will create an all-new experience in the luxury SUV sector. It combines a new, highly efficient 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine – which incorporates the latest technologies to optimise both efficiency and performance – with a state-of-the-art electric motor delivering an instantaneous response.

Among the cutting-edge driver systems are several Intelligent Satellite Navigation features specific to the Bentayga Hybrid. Upon entering a journey into the system, the optimum combination of electric motor and engine will automatically be calculated and used for most effective use of hybrid power. According to the current position of the car, the system will also clearly illustrate on-screen the maximum remaining range in EV mode. 

Before taxes, the new model is priced at £133,100 in the UK, €141,100 across Europe, and $160,000 in the United States. Customer deliveries in the UK and Europe are set to begin in the final quarter of 2019, with deliveries in the United States following soon after, in the first quarter of 2020.

Bentayga Hybrid – Serenity Through Technology

The Bentayga Hybrid utilises an advanced and efficient E Motor, which acts as both an electric motor and a power generator. The Permanent Magnet Synchronous system offers 94 kW peak power and 400 Nm of torque, allowing swift and silent acceleration from stationary. The system provides instant torque response by eliminating engine turbo lag, while a state-of-the-art, high voltage battery is capable of recharging in just 2.5 hours.

The E Motor in the Bentayga Hybrid is combined with a new 3.0-litre, turbocharged V6 petrol engine. The result is a seamless driving experience that offers 700 Nm of combined torque, a top speed of 254 km/h (158 mph) and 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds (0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds). 

Bentley’s latest Bentayga model has three hybrid drive modes. In EV Drive mode, the all-new hybrid is driven only with energy supplied from the battery to the wheels via the electric motor.

In hybrid Mode the car uses information from the navigation system to intelligently optimise power usage from the battery and the petrol engine, giving maximum efficiency and range.

In Hold mode the use of engine and electric power is balanced to maintain electric range for later use – for example on arriving in a city.

In all modes energy is recovered to the battery through regeneration during deceleration.

With a total driving range of 747 km (464 miles) and a WLTP Equivalent All Electric range of 39 km/24.23 miles (NEDC Electric Range of 51km/31.7 miles) on a single charge, the hybrid represents a new dimension to the existing range of refined and luxurious Bentayga models.

Effortless performance and the same sure-footed, all-wheel drive ability ensure a unique driving experience in the finest automotive cabin in the world.

Returning CO2 emissions of just 79 g/km (WLTP – weighted, combined), and 3.5 l/100km (80.7 mpg) on the WLTP weighted, combined cycle, the Bentayga Hybrid is Bentley’s most efficient model to date, combining the serenity of silent motoring with supreme levels of comfort and performance. The ultimate grand touring experience, it is the world’s first true luxury, hybrid plug-in that feels and rides like a true Bentley.

Each handcrafted Bentayga Hybrid requires 130 hours to build in Crewe, England. Sculpted with an elegant, timeless execution, hybrid’s style perfectly balances athleticism with confidence. The world’s most luxurious SUV also has the world’s finest automotive cabin, the epitome of modern British design and available with a range of unique personalisation options.

The New Porsche Macan Turbo: Stronger, Faster, more agile – The new Porsche Macan Turbo has occupied the top spot in the Porsche compact SUV model range, with instantaneous effect.

The new 2.9-litre, six-cylinder biturbo engine in this extensively reworked top model offers 324 kW (440 PS; Fuel consumption combined 9.8 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined 224 g/km), 10% more power output than its predecessor with 20% less displacement. With the optional Sport Chrono Package, this car can get from a standing start to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds – three tenths faster than before. The Macan Turbo’s top speed is 270 km/h (plus four km/h).

Deceleration has also been improved: the new Macan Turbo comes with the powerful Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB) fitted ex works, as part of the optimised chassis. Externally, the Macan Turbo is characterised by the styling features of the revised model generation.

The new top model also sets itself apart thanks to unique accents such as the Turbo-specific front apron and the fixed roof spoiler with its double-wing design. Drivers and passengers alike benefit from the Macan’s enhanced interior, together with adaptive 18-way sports seats and a BOSE® Surround Sound system.

Powerful biturbo engine with central turbo layout

The new Macan Turbo’s 2.9-litre engine, which is already used by Porsche in its Cayenne and Panamera models, is a latest-generation engine in what is known as the central turbo layout. Both exhaust turbochargers have been arranged inside the V of the cylinders.

The chilled exhaust manifold has been included into the cylinder head for highly efficient combustion. The short exhaust paths between the combustion chambers and the turbochargers permit rapid build-up of power and a particularly spontaneous response.

The engine delivers 29 kW (40 PS) more than the 3.6-litre, six-cylinder turbo in the predecessor model and a maximum torque of 550 Nm between 1,800 and 5,600 rpm. Power transmission is provided by the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox and Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive. NEDC consumption stands at 9.8 l/100 km.

Optimised chassis with the Porsche Surface Coated Brake

The new Macan Turbo comes with the Porsche Surface Coated Brake (PSCB) as standard to match the excellent driving dynamics. These ground-breaking, high-performance brakes are exclusive to Porsche and, with a tungsten carbide coating on the discs, offer a faster response, less wear and up to 90 per cent less brake dust compared with conventional cast iron brakes.

The high-gloss brake discs and white painted brake calipers are characteristic for PSCB and are now obtainable as an optional extra for all other Macan models as well. Optional height-adjustable air suspension with optimised rolling pistons and new shock absorber hydraulics, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) and the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) are available for a further increase in dynamics. The new 20-inch Macan Turbo wheels come as standard.

Unique design with turbo front apron and double wing at the rear

The new Macan Turbo validates its range-leading status thanks to the exclusive front apron, with three large air intakes and high-level front lights, as well as the standard LED headlights comprising the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS).

From the side, this top model sets itself apart with 20-inch Macan Turbo wheels, Sport Design side skirts and Sport Design exterior mirrors in body colour. The specially developed fixed roof spoiler with its double-wing design is typical for the Turbo model. The sports exhaust system, fitted as standard, can be recognized by its unique, silver twin tailpipes.

The options list now includes a smartphone cradle with Qi standard inductive charging for all Macan models. A heated windscreen, an ioniser to improve the interior’s air quality and the new traffic jam assistant, including adaptive cruise control, are also available. As well as being able to accelerate and brake semi-automatically up to 60 km/h, the system helps the driver to steer in traffic jams and slow-moving traffic.

Yango introduces Comfort Tariff Feature in Accra – Yango, a ride-hailing app service, successfully launched in Ghana a month ago, has introduced the Comfort Tariff Feature.

The Comfort Tariff Feature is an additional tariff in the Yango app which allows individuals to order a high quality air-conditioned car selected manually for a slightly higher price but still affordable.

“our launch in Ghana is touted as the most successful in all our markets, and the Comfort Tariff is a response to market demands.” After a month of operating in Ghana, we examined feedback and needs of our riders and decided to launch the Comfort Tariff, as we have in many other countries. This is yet another way of showing commitment to our customers and we urge Ghanaians to look out for more exciting offers going forward”.

Musheg Sahakian, Global Expansion Director of Yango

Mr. Musheg Sahakian further added that, Drivers who have very good cars, exhibit good manners and show a lot of care for their vehicles stand a chance to earn even more with Yango.

Kadotien Soro, General Manager of Yango West Africa added that:-

“Yango recognises that our valued customers have different needs when they take a trip with us, so we are gradually increasing the range of choice for our riders, the Comfort tariff offers our riders the option of a slightly higher charge in a guaranteed fully air conditioned vehicle with special features”

Vehicles on the Comfort Tariff feature on the Tango App includes Mercedes Benz A-Class, Toyota Camry, Toyota Avensis, Kia Cerato, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Elantra and Hyundai Tucson to name a few. These cars have been vetted manually to ensure their usability for the comfort service by Yango and its partners in Ghana.

BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the US state of South Carolina has doubled its capacity for production of high-voltage batteries. The plant’s own battery facility now produces the new fourth-generation batteries. These are intended for the plug-in hybrid models of the new BMW X5 and the future BMW X3, also produced in Spartanburg.

Michael Nikolaides, Senior Vice President Engines and Electrified Drivetrains, BMW Group state that the BMW Group have invested around ten million US dollars in a new battery assembly line and expanded the area to more than 8,000 square metres. This means BMW Group could double the number of batteries produced if needed to meet market request.

Assembly Line

The new-fangled assembly line will be able to produce different types of fourth-generation batteries to serve the growing range of electrified vehicles locally. These batteries are based on a new technology concept that further enhances their performance.

More than 120 people will be employed in battery production at Plant Spartanburg by the end of 2019, having completed a comprehensive training programme to acquire the technological know-how needed for battery production.

Knudt Flor, President and CEO, BMW Manufacturing, Co., LLC state that his outfit has produced batteries on site at Plant Spartanburg since 2015, making the BMW Group a pioneer for electromobility in the United States of America. In the past four years, the plant’s battery assembly team has produced a total of more than 45,000 batteries.

Between 2015 and 2018, BMW Group Plant Spartanburg built the first series produced plug-in hybrid vehicle, the BMW X5 xDrive40e (combined fuel consumption: 3,3 l/100km; combined power consumption: 15,3 kWh/100km ; combined CO2-emission: 77 g/km), for the core BMW brand.

The start of production for the new BMW X5 xDrive45e (combined fuel consumption: 2,0-1,7 l/100km; combined power consumption: 23,5-20,3 kWh/100km; combined CO2-emission: 47-39 g/km) will be in August 2019; production of the BMW X3 xDrive30e (combined fuel consumption: from 2,4 l/100 km; combined power consumption: from 22,7 kWh/100 km; combined CO2-emission: from 56 g/km; provisional figures) will get underway in December.

Knudt Flor added that the BMW X5 and BMW X3 are currently among the top-selling BMW models in the US. We expect their plug-in hybrid variants to be just as popular with customers.