Tag: curves

Spy Shots: Next-gen C-Class shows more new curves

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Sedan, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Here we have another look at the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and in a silver hue it shows off the S-Class-inspired lines we’ve been expecting. Make sure you check out both cars in the high-res gallery of spy shots, though; whereas the silver car above hides its hood and trunk, those two features on the dark blue car are mostly exposed while the character lines on the sides are covered.

Sum it up and we can make out most of what’s going on with the no-longer-entry-level sedan. The sloping, stretched headlights, sloping trunk line and angled taillights reveal a practical cheat-sheet for the design of the S-Class. This newly larger C-Class, with larger aspirations, will be offered with diesel and hybrid powerplants placed lower and further back in the chassis for improved balance and handling. All to better to fight the BMW 3 Series, see.

The full monty comes at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show next January – or a few weeks before, most likely. For now, there are the spy shots above, and its also been caught in video on the move.

Next-gen C-Class shows more new curves originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Aug 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Scion FR-S Concept shows off its curves

Filed under: Concept Cars, New York Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Scion

2012 Scion FR-S Concept

Scion FR-S Concept – Click above to view videos after the jump

Concurrent with its debut at the New York Auto Show, Toyota has released two videos (one long, one short) of the Scion FR-S Concept. While neither of them show the “friggin’ really sweet” Scion in motion, you do get a tantalizing glance at the promised front-engine, rear-wheel drive coupe’s spectacular Lexus LF-A-aping curves.

In true car porn fashion, there’s no curve left unexplored, and there’s more than one longing look at the concept’s lewd 20-inch centerlock wheels and massive 18-inch carbon ceramic brake rotors. There’s no indication how much of this will actually make production, but we can almost guarantee Toyota will have ditched the 18-inch brakes by the time the 2.0-liter four cylinder-powered FR-S goes on sale, whenever that is. Check out both videos after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Scion FR-S Concept shows off its curves

Video: Scion FR-S Concept shows off its curves originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 20:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW developing adaptive 8-speed transmission that predicts curves, road conditions

Filed under: Technology, BMW

BMW Eight-Speed Adaptive Transmission

BMW Eight-Speed Adaptive Transmission – Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW just wrapped up its annual Innovation Days here in Munich, and in addition to detailing its new modular engines (turbocharged three-, four- and six-cylinder powerplants), showing off a range of lightweight components and discussing the possibility of equipping a future EV with a range-extending engine, BMW revealed plans for a new adaptive transmission based on its current eight-speed gearbox.

Utilizing GPS mapping, a wireless data connection, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), front and rear-mounted cameras and radar sensors, the transmission can adapt its shifting pattern and power delivery to suit road conditions.

So, let’s say you’re heading out on the road and it’s raining. The data connection pulls in the most recent weather information, the DSC takes in the coefficient of friction of the road and then restricts power to avoid wheel spin. With the integrated GPS, the system can detect the next curve, recognize you’re in Sport mode and downshift into a lower gear to perfectly suit the bend you’re about to bomb.

The range of applications is only limited by the amount of data the system can pull in and process, and while BMW wouldn’t divulge when this technology would hit production, there’s a good chance that the next iteration of the 7 Series could benefit from the system and then filter down throughout BMW’s range. Check out the gallery below for a series of illustrations showing the system in action and get more details in the press blast after the break.

Gallery: BMW Adaptive 8-Speed Transmission

[Source: BMW]

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BMW developing adaptive 8-speed transmission that predicts curves, road conditions originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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