Driverless electric vans

Back in July, a team of researchers from the European Research Council set out on an epic 8,000-mile journey from Italy to China through the Gobi desert. If that weren't daunting enough, the crew braved the trek in a pair of driverless electric vans.

Believe it or not, the team just finished up their drive, and while researchers on board had to intervene a few times to handle traffic and toll booths, by and large the vehicles navigated to their destination without any help from human hands.

Instead, they use a system called generic obstacle and lane detector, or GOLD, along with a series of solar-powered laser sensors to determine the van's proximity to surrounding traffic.

The vans ran at a top speed of 38 mph to maximize battery life, but the real reason that the trip took so long is that the vehicles had to be charged eight hours for every two hours of driving. The researchers say that the data they collected over the trek could be used in everything from mining to construction to augmenting driver abilities.

This was not a study of "green" engineering. This was a study of autonomous navigation, and the result is staggeringly impressive. Using just laser scanners and image-recognition software, these vehicles were able to navigate a long and highly varied route, including stretches through urban traffic

The 10 Most Famous Cars Of All Time

1. 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 fastback

From Gone in 60 Seconds [2000] film

2. 1963 Volkswagen Beetle

From The Herbie series [1969, 1974, 1977, 1980, 2005] film

3. 1969 Dodge Charger

From The Dukes Of Hazzard [1979-1985] television series

4. 1972 Ferrari 365 GTS/4

From Miami Vice [1984 – 1989] television series

5. 1990 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE

From Walker Texas Ranger [1993-2001] television series

6. 2002 Aston Martin Vanquish

From Die Another Day [2002] film

 

7. 2003 Mini Cooper S [R53]

From The Italian Job [2003] film

 

8. 2001 Jaguar XKR Mk.I

From Die Another Day [2002] film

 

 

9. 2009 Chevrolet Camaro Replica

From Transformers [2007] film

10. 2054 Lexus CS

From Minority Report [2002]

Now thats my list.

Why I Won’t Tell You What Car To Buy

No matter how sound the advice, you will generally buy what you want.

When friends used to ask me “what should I buy”, I’d spend hours doing research and building comparative spreadsheets. Now matter how much effort I put into it, no matter how much documentation I provided on what to buy and what to avoid, my friends and relatives usually bought what they wanted, regardless of advice. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result. I’m not insane, so I no longer give purchase advice to you!

If you buy what I recommend, every problem is my fault.

Especially true with used cars, this also applies to new cars as well. What happens when a new car is recalled by the manufacturer six months after purchase? people will look at me like I should have known this. What happens when the brake rotors require replacement 20,000 miles after a buddy buys a used car? I should have warned him about it.

Endless whining like - “I should have bought this instead”

If I actually have friends buy a car I recommend, am not prepared for endless whining about the car they really wanted. Unless I enjoy a five year guilt trip, it’s best to just nod my head when people talk about what cars to buy. Unless they take that as agreement, in which case I still get the prolonged guilt trip. Face the facts; your friends don’t want advice, they want validation of their choice. I give them that!

Why didn’t you tell me to wait for better price / newer model / bigger engine?

The internet has really improved the flow of information from automakers to the general public. Anyone with access to a computer can find pricing and new model information from any manufacturer, but that doesn’t always fit into their purchase schedule. Recommend a particular car, and be prepared for comments like, “I would have waited if you told me a new model would be released in two years.”

This just in, folks: manufacturers are constantly updating their product lines. Car models are like sharks; unless they keep moving forward, they die. It doesn’t matter when you buy a car, there will always be something better just around the corner

Next time you see me around dont ask for advice just buy what you can handle.

Mazda MX-5

A sensible, affordable roadster.

Mazda have made cruising the roads in a convertible that much more attainable. The 2010 Mazda MX5 is a sensation that needs looking into.  And the wind in the hair, sun on the face and stereo pumping clear music isn’t experienced in many better things than in the magical new MX5.

 

It all starts in the driver’s seat, where Mazda has made the emphasis on superior handling and a responsive engine plant. A Mazda MX5 is made for the driver, so playing on the twisty stuff is what the MX5 is all about. The handling package in the latest Mazda MX5 is purely balanced and wholly crisp. 

 

The engine is willing and spirited right throughout its rev range, making it a joy to work through the six-speed manual gearbox. There is a six-speed  Activematic auto transmission available, also. 

 

One of the delights of the new design print is the exterior, which is beautiful to look at - perfectly blended with sporty and elegant lines. The BBS alloy wheels, chrome exhaust, Halogen headlamps,  metallic/mica paint job and soft top with a rear window glass insert are all class.

Sure, you can short shift it and enjoy conservative top-down motoring. On the other hand, the MX-5 is happiest when being flogged like a masochist with 48 hours to live. Hang the back end out in corners, run it to redline in all six gears, get sloppy matching revs on the downshift; the MX-5 doesn’t care. It forgives all but the most ham-fisted driving mistakes, provides excellent feedback and will make you a better driver. Maybe that’s why there are multiple spec-Miata racing series, and huge aftermarket support for all generations.

Hop in and drive the brilliant Mazda MX-5 Roadster, and you might just feel like a kid all over again!


Current model series include:

• Mazda MX-5 Roadster
• Mazda MX-5 Roadster Touring
• Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe

Even the insurance companies don’t know this is a sports car. Take one for a test drive, drive it like you stole it and form your own opinion. Me? I want two of them, so you know where I stand.

For any more information on the Mazda MX-5, or for that matter any other new car contact me

Volkswagen Passat

In Kenya, the Passat is offered as a Mheshimiwa car. The 4-door sedan or a 5 door wagon, and its sleek smooth lines make it a vehicle that will turn heads wherever you care to drive. The Volkswagen Passat encorporates all of Germany's engineering prowess that bristles from every nook and cranny.  The tear drop roof line and crisp attention to detail make the solid Volkswagen a very classy proposition.

The Passat range has a variety of responsive engines in its line-up. The 2.0 litre 147 kW turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine is a real performer without being a massive gas guzzler. The 3.2 litre V6 184 kW petrol engine is scintillatingly quick, but the real mover and shaker in the bunch is the mighty R36 FSI 3.6 litre V6 220 kW petrol engine. This is an AWD model that really kicks butt! The 0-100 km/h time of a little over 5 seconds testifies to the engines huge performance potential.  A 6-speed manual with overdrive is reserved for the 2.0 litre turbo motor, while a very slick 6-speed sequential-shift gearbox is housed in the grunty V6 Passats.  If the petrol versions are not your "cup of tea", then you will be delighted to know that Volkswagen has ensured that the Passat comes with two highly sophisticated and swift diesel motors.  The standard Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI has a 103 kW engine that returns class leading fuel economy figures of around 6.5 litres of fuel used per 100 kilometres travelled.  This gentle sipping makes sure that the fill-ups at the bowser are few and far between.  Amazingly, the Volkswagen Passat 2.0 litre TDI 125 kW engine is just as economical, but offers that little bit extra in the pulling and power stakes. Its performance is impressive. Both diesel engines are married to the slick sequential six-speed transmission. 

Endowed with European handling, the fluent Passat is balanced and grippy.  The owner of a Passat will enjoy the satisfaction that comes from owning a true driver’s car that is ready to perform reliably and effortlessly.

Inside a Volkswagen Passat, there is room for 5 occupants to sit in supportive and luxurious comfort because the cabin offers very good leg and head room. Occupants are guaranteed maximum comfort with the dual air-conditioned climate control system that keeps both the front and rear occupants happy. The system comes with an air filter. The heated front seats boast either a 6 or 8-way adjustable power memory, and there are adjustable headrests in the front and rear seats. An optional sunroof, a refrigerated glove box, ample dash storage, and an awesome AM/FM audio system with either an in dash mounted 6-disc CD changer or a glove box mounted 6-CD changer are all part of this very complete package.  Depending on the audio system, you can get Sirius or XM satellite radio with 8 speakers and an amplifier.  The classy Passat also comes standard with cruise control, powered door locks, powered windows, electric mirrors, a Homelink® wireless control system, extra power outlets, a telescoping and tilting steering column, and 60/40 split rear seats.

Volkswagen Passat safety includes Anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, front driver and passenger airbags that have side and overhead airbags, and the rear passengers are kept safe with side airbags too.  There is a security system with a panic alarm and an ignition disabler.

The Volkswagen Passat is one very striking, and distinctive, vehicle to look at. The car is comfortable and very satisfying to own and drive.  The V6 engines are rapid and lush, but all Passats are dynamic, hugely refined and roomy.  Take a look for yourself, and you won't be disappointed.

The current model series includes the:

• Volkswagen Passat FSI 3.2
• Volkswagen Passat FSI Wagon 3.2
• Volkswagen Passat TDI 2.0
• Volkswagen Passat TDI Wagon 2.0
• Volkswagen Passat Turbo FSI 2.0
• Volkswagen Passat Turbo FSI Wagon 2.0

For anymore information on the Volkswagen Passat, email tagcars@live.com

BMW X6

Without much ado – the BMX X6 is a real looker! 

The Dynamic Performance Control distributes the driving power between the two rear wheels, thus helping traction to be obtained and the security that maximum grip offers – particularly in the wet. With a V8 twin turbo engine, the BMX X6 is a motor vehicle that is not lacking in serious grunt. You only need to read the words V8 and “twin turbo” to grasp the lethal power that the BMW X6 can deliver on demand for the driver. However, the thumping power outputs of the BMX X6 are refined in nature and cleverly harnessed by combining the combustion engine with twin electric motors. These electric motors provide the marriage of both power and efficiency that modern day technologically advanced motor cars strive for.

BMW know only too well that to capture the heart of the driver, the driving experience needs to deliver excitement and thrust, and yet this experience should not be at the expense of excess fuel. The two batteries in the BMX X6 are incorporated into a cleverly designed circuit that offers brake energy regeneration. As soon as you brake or take your foot off the BMX X6’s accelerator, kinetic energy is fed back to the batteries. This reduces the load on the engine and, as a result, reduces fuel consumption.

The BMW X6 is available with the very smooth, powerful and award winning straight six twin turbo petrol engine. Also available are two different six cylinder diesel power plants that prove to be very efficient and aptly torquey for those who require power for towing. The flagship of the BMX X6 range is undoubtedly the new V8 twin turbo petrol engine boasting a husky and harmonious 300kW. The explosive levels of torque peak at 600 Nm and are available, at full throttle, from engine revs touching a mere 1750 rpm. Wow!  This muscle tugs the solid BMW X6 xDrive 50i from 0-100 km/h in just 5.4 very quick seconds.

The BMX X6 has capable AWD drivetrain that was designed to go from autobahn to Swartzwald with ease. Ground clearance in the BMX X6 is higher than in a regular BMW saloon, but isn’t as high as it would be in, for example, a Range Rover. It’s good for general town-to-country running rather than riverbed running – but you’re not likely to take the BMX X6 where it’s going to get scratched and battered because it looks so good!

On the inside, the BMX X6 has all the comfort and safety that a German car should have. The rear seats are generous with plenty of headroom, the boot’s capacious enough to swallow up heaps of gear. One special little detail newly introduced for driver comfort in the BMX X6 is the addition of kneepads, so if you like to sprawl and relax in the driver’s seat (of course you do!), then you won’t bang your knees against the sides of the centre console.

The current model series includes the:

• BMW X6 xDrive 35i
• BMW X6 xDrive 35d
• BMW X6 xDrive 50i

For any more information on the BMW X6, or for that matter any other new car, contact TAGCARS

KCB Kenya National Rally Championship

For once, Cavenagh put behind the nasty roll he encountered in Nanyuki Rally a couple of years back when he destroyed his Evolution Mitsubishi upon an impact with the bridge barrier in Kabartonjo.

And fears that the title chase could go down to the wire evaporated soon enough when Subaru speedster Baldev Chager kissed the Ganze tour goodbye with a broken suspension arm in the early morning run.

Ian Duncan was all smiles in his massive Nissan Pickup when he won the KCB Amana Banking Rally in Ganze posting 1.41.39hours.

Cavenagh (Mitsubishi EVO9) romped home second overall in 1.42.56 hours with his Dalbit Petroleum teammate Carl Tundo completing the podium dash in a time of 1.44.24hours.

Duncan’s win was a somewhat unbearable experience to the Evolution 9 Mitsubishi make which had won 17consecutive KNRC rallies.

Duncan who last won Mombasa Rally in 2000 navigated by Dave Williamson in a Toyota Celica gave the Nissan make its first ever win at the Coast event.

Cavenagh was overjoyed when he drove into the ceremonial finish situated adjacent to the service Park at Ganze Secondary School. This was Cavenagh’s first finish in Mombsa Rally in 10 years.

Lee Rose watched in disbelief when he registered his fifth retirement of the season. Bldev Chager also retired with a broken suspension arm while Ugandan Jas Mangat rolled on CS5 while chasing a podium position. Mangat was lying third as at CS4.

Google tests self-driving car

Google has completed successful test run of their self-driving car this weekend in California.

Google’s self-driving car project has been in testing for months now, and their cars have driven over 140,000 miles with minimal human assistance and over 1000 miles on complete automation. While many have reported that Google’s impressive new project works on some sort of Artificial Intelligence, the truth is that Artificial Intelligence is still an impossible dream.

Larry and Sergey founded Google because they wanted to help solve really big problems using technology. And one of the big problems they’re working on today is car safety and efficiency. there goal is to help prevent traffic accidents, free up people’s time and reduce carbon emissions by fundamentally changing car use.

So they have developed technology for cars that can drive themselves. The automated cars, manned by trained operators, just drove from our Mountain View campus to  Santa Monica office and on to Hollywood Boulevard. They’ve driven down Lombard Street, crossed the Golden Gate bridge, navigated the Pacific Coast Highway, and even made it all the way around Lake Tahoe. All in all, the self-driving cars have logged over 140,000 miles. We think this is a first in robotics research.

The automated cars use video cameras, radar sensors and a laser range finder to “see” other traffic, as well as detailed maps to navigate the road ahead. This is all made possible by Google’s data centers, which can process the enormous amounts of information gathered by the cars when mapping their terrain.

To develop this technology, google gathered some of the very best engineers from the DARPA Challenges, a series of autonomous vehicle races organized by the U.S. Government. Chris Urmson was the technical team leader of the CMU team that won the 2007 Urban Challenge. Mike Montemerlo was the software lead for the Stanford team that won the 2005 Grand Challenge. Also on the team is Anthony Levandowski, who built the world’s first autonomous motorcycle that participated in a DARPA Grand Challenge, and who also built a modified Prius that delivered pizza without a person inside. The work of these and other engineers on the team is on display in the National Museum of American History.

Safety is the first priority in this project. So they ave always a trained safety driver behind the wheel who can take over as easily as one disengages cruise control. They also have a trained software operator in the passenger seat to monitor the software. Any test begins by sending out a driver in a conventionally driven car to map the route and road conditions. By mapping features like lane markers and traffic signs, the software in the car becomes familiar with the environment and its characteristics in advance.

What do you think??