ZF Launches World’s First 9-Speed Automatic Transmission

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It was not a long time ago that 6-speed automatic gearboxes were a privilege largely enjoyed by top of the range models. However, in their quest for efficiency, manufacturers have quickly moved on to 7- and 8-speed boxes which trickle down the line to even the smallest models in the range (e.g. the new BMW 1-Series).

But ZF has outdone them all by launching the world’s first 9-speed automatic transmission for passenger cars in the VDI Conference “Transmissions in Vehicles 2011”. The new gearbox, code-named 9HP and designed for cars with front-transverse drive, is available in two model ranges, can handle torque between 280 and 480 Nm (206.5 – 331.9 lb-ft) and can be combined, according to each manufacturer’s requirements, with different stop-start systems, hybrid and all-wheel drive applications.

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U.S. Government Focusing in on Web Gadgets that Distract Drivers

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We are all living in an age of networked information. Social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, smartphones and public internet access are making the world smaller every day. Unfortunately, in some instances all this information can distract us from the important things, such as focusing on driving. And no one agrees with this more than U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood:

“We know people are hooked on cellphones and texting devices. But there's absolutely no reason for any person to download their Facebook into the car. It's not necessary. "

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Forza Motorsport 4: Here’s how they Record Car Engine Sounds

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Long gone are the days when video game developers used simple electronic instruments to emulate car engine sounds for their racing games. Now, thanks to a dramatic increase in video games sales, which of course resulted in huge budgets, developers can justify the costs of recording the actual sounds of each car featured in their games.

For those of you wondering how it’s done, the tech-savvy crew over at Electricpig were invited to Redmond, Seattle by the creator of the Forza Motorsport gaming series, Turn 10 Studios, to witness the recording of a previous generation Subaru Impreza WRX STI.

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Post Title → Forza Motorsport 4: Here’s how they Record Car Engine Sounds

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For The Man Who Has Everything: Ferrari Racing Helmet

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You would think a company that sells US$200,000+ supercars would have no need to hawk merchandise, but apparently not. Along with the expected assortment of watches, polo shirts and key rings is this US$331.40 racing helmet. You’re sure to look dapper when cruising around in your dilapidated ’89 Mondial cabriolet 250 Testa Rossa in this fine helmet made of satin-finish aluminium, metalised thermoplastic and genuine leather. Read more »

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Euro-spec Ford Focus to Bring Internet Access to the Masses in 2012

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The European division of Ford announced on Monday that its Sync system with MyFord Touch will feature WiFi connectivity on the new Focus starting from 2012. The infotainment system will create a password-protected WiFi hotspot inside the car allowing up to five devices to be connected. The service will be free of charge, as the in-car internet connection will use customers' existing USB modems or compatible smartphones to access the web. Read more »

Post Title → Euro-spec Ford Focus to Bring Internet Access to the Masses in 2012

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The Most Affordable Techart Porsche Ever: New Collector’s Edition GTStreet Scale Model

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When it comes to tuning Porsche models, Techart is one of the most renowned aftermarket specialists in Germany. This time, however, the tuning firm has something far smaller but also, far more affordable in store for us. We are talking about Techart’s new Porsche 911 Turbo-based GTStreet collector’s edition die cast model. Available only in 1:43 scale, production of the miniature Porsche is limited to just 300 units with pricing set at €59.90 (including 19% VAT in Germany) or about US$89. Read more »

Post Title → The Most Affordable Techart Porsche Ever: New Collector’s Edition GTStreet Scale Model

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The QTvan: World’s Smallest Caravan or Just Clever Marketing?

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Mobility scooters (or shop riders) are big business in the UK, with close to a quarter of a million of the island nation’s elderly and disabled population using them to get around. In response to a previous untapped market segment, Environmental Transport Association (ETA) has introduced the world’s smallest caravan that can be towed by a mobility scooter.

In what’s perhaps more marketing ploy than real product, ETA’s QTvan is a 2 metre by 0.75 metre (6.6 feet by 2.5 feet) caravan incorporating a full-size single bed, an onboard battery supply, a 19-inch (48 cm) television, radio / alarm clock, kettle and drinks cabinet. It costs £5,500 (US$9,077 / €6,234) and is offered with such extras as roof-mounted solar panels, air horn, satellite dish, central heating and bespoke paint.

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Bentley Joins Celebrations for New James Bond Book with Collector’s Edition

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In celebration of the upcoming release of Carte Blanche, the new James Bond book by Jeffery Deaver, publisher Hodder & Stoughton has joined forces with Bentley Motors to create an exclusive special edition that will be available in a strictly limited number of 500 copies. These are available for order from today, Tuesday 26 April 2011, exactly a month before the book reaches retailers' shelves. Read more »

Post Title → Bentley Joins Celebrations for New James Bond Book with Collector’s Edition

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Renault "Likes" Facebook at Amsterdam’s AutoRAI Trade Show

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Anyone who hasn’t been living under a rock for the past seven years knows what Facebook is. It’s the world’s most popular social networking site, with over 600 million users and there’s even a movie (I haven’t seen) with Michael Cera Jesse Eisenberg. So it’s no wonder the world’s automakers are jumping on this bandwagon faster than the Spanish Flu decimated early 20th century Europe.

At the recent 2011 AutoRAI Trade Show in Amsterdam, visitors to Renault’s stand could use Smart Cards encoded with their username and password to “Like” particular cars, read what other people were saying about them on Facebook and take and upload photos. It’s a neat little setup, and practically the definition of, “free publicity”.

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