A couple of months ago we saw the first prototype for the updated 2017 Porsche Boxster, and now we’ve spotted the similarly updated version of the car’s coupe sibling, the Cayman. The current-generation Cayman was all-new for the 2014 model year and we suspect this updated version to be launched alongside the updated Boxster for the...
With every major two-wheeler manufacturer showcasing new products at the 2014 INTERMOT motorcycle show, Triumph Motorcycles too joined into the fray as it showcased a new derivation of the Triumph Street Triple christened the Street Triple RX. The Triumph Street Triple RX isn't an entirely new bike but is a special edition offering of the Street Triple from the British motorcycle manufacturer. In terms of styling nothing much has been changed apart from the new sharper looking tail section which seems to be carried forward from the Triumph Daytona 675 supersports offering. Other features specific to the Triumph Street Triple RX includes a quickshifter as standard, along with a bellypan and front cowl. The red and silver dual-tone colour shade is also unique to the RX.
Changes made to the new bike are restricted to the cosmetic front as the powerplant is carried forward from the standard Street Triple. The Triumph Street Triple RX is powered by a 675cc, liquid-cooled, triple-cylinder motor churning out 106PS of max power and peak torque rating stands at 68Nm. Power is transmitted to the rear-wheel via a six-speed transmission. Braking is done by Nissan sourced disc brakes at front and rear whereas fully-adjustable KYB suspension system takes care of damping duties. The Triumph Street Triple RX will be priced at a slight premium over the standard offering and will be available on sale in the European market from January 2015 onwards.
With the debut of the Freeride E-SM at INTERMOT in Cologne, Germany, KTM now has three electric offerings. The Freeride E-SM was on KTM's stand at the INTERMOT show, alongwith the Freeride E-XC and Freeride E-SX.
The Freeride E-SM is essentially the same bike as the street-legal endure model Freeride E-XC, but kitted out with road wheels, tyres and with taller gearing. Weight is 110kg and an intelligent ECU perfectly matched to the complete package ensures that the machine's spontaneous response remains easily controllable. It's got just one gear, sufficient to control the high torque and this means clutchless operation.
The battery pack is a 2.6 kWh lithium-Ion swappable unit, which means having an extra battery charging while you're riding, which can be swapped once the bike runs out of 'fuel.' The battery also fully charges in 80 minutes and charges to 80 per cent in 50 minutes. The Freeride E-SM has three operating modes, allowing the rider to select from economical riding, to aggressive, dynamic riding.
Honeywell Turbo Technologies has released its Global Turbo Forecast that estimates the industry will generate Rs 74,214 crore in revenue by equipping 4.9 crore vehicles globally with turbochargers annually by 2019.
The company forecasts that continued growth of turbocharging technologies will be driven by requirements for manufacturers to meet global environmental emissions regulations and will be further bolstered by strong demand in the emerging markets. It also expects that 43 per cent of new production vehicles globally will be equipped with turbocharging technology by 2019.
The findings also states that downsized turbocharged engines are a 'no compromise solution' for automakers seeking to satisfy more stringent global fuel economy and emission regulations and customer demand for better-performing vehicles.
Honeywell states that turbochargers can help downsized engines improve fuel economy as much as 20 to 40 per cent in petrol and diesel engines, respectively, when compared with larger naturally aspirated engines and still provide the same or better engine performance. In addition to improving fuel efficiency, downsized turbocharged engines also reduce harmful exhaust emissions.
Commenting on the forecast, Terrence Hahn, President and CEO, Honeywell Transportation Systems, said, "We expect the industry to produce more than 200 million new turbo-equipped vehicles during the next five years, driving continued demand for well-designed, boosted engines that reduce fuel consumption and improve vehicle performance."
Europe, China and the United States are all facing more stringent regulations in the years ahead, beginning with Europe's Euro 6 standard affecting new vehicle production starting January 2015.
High-growth regions, including China, Brazil, Russia and India, are contributing to the adoption of turbocharging technology as the emerging middle class in these regions takes advantage of the technology's greater reliability, performance and fuel efficiency.
We have seen the future of the in-car interface—or at least a major part of it—at Audi, and it's in the 2016 TT Coupe and Roadster slated to arrive Stateside next summer. In modern cars, the era of the infotainment system has ushered in—and enabled—some fresh new design approaches. As some lesser-used functions are...
