Technology

While the world is turning to hybrids, work is quietly continuing on developing a new petrol engine. The goal is to combine the best bits of petrol and diesel motors while negating the handicaps of both.The means an engine with greater efficiency and range with a cleaner exhaust.The technology — homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) — has been around since the 1970s but until now only the trucking industry has taken it seriously. But car companies are revisiting the concept to as a way of reducing fuel consumption without the loss of power or performance.It works by mixing petrol with air outside the combustion chamber, just like a conventional petrol motor. But the difference is that the gas is then compressed in the cylinder to produce heat which creates combustion — like a diesel - without the need for sparkplugs.Mercedes-Benz, Toyota and Honda have all dabbled with the technology but General Motors in the United States is the latest car company to pick up the HCCI baton to try and bring the engine into production and has prototype cars running in both America and Europe. However the future of the project is now uncertain after General Motors filed for bankruptcy this week.Until now there have been plenty of obstacles in developing the HCCI engine because the explosive combustion process has been difficult to control with any accuracy, especially under various speeds and engine loads.The advent of microprocessors has solved part of that problem and GM says it still uses conventional spark plugs for cold starting before the spontaneous combustion takes over once the cylinders are brought up to temperature.The beauty of HCCI system is that it compared to a conventional petrol engine it produces fewer noxious exhaust gases so it doesn't rely on expensive catalytic converters to reduce emissions. The system also overcomes the petrol engine's biggest handicap that up to 80 per cent of thermal energy created in the combustion process is wasted.GM says an HCCI engine could come close to matching the efficiency of a typical hybrid engine at a fraction of the production cost.GM claims to have achieved up to 15 per cent better fuel efficiency over a conventional engine with no substantial loss of performance and the system can work from idle right up to 100km/h.

The new all-electric Mitsubishi i-MIEV is about to go on sale in the Japanese domestic market for $43,000 – more than its bigger hybrid rivals from Toyota and Honda.But despite the micro-car's high entry price, Mitsubishi Australia spokesperson, Lenore Fletcher believes it will still be popular when it arrives here, possibly next year. She does not believe its price will be a barrier for acceptance.Local pricing is not yet confirmed but Fletcher says judging by the reaction of 150 people at recent drive days around the country, the car will be a hit. "If we had 20 i-MIEVs tomorrow they would all be sold," she says. "We've had people trying to give us firm orders for the car."Participants were surprised by the power and refinement of the little hatch, she says. And she is confident prices will come down as these electric cars become more common and production ramps up to achieve economies of scale. Mitsubishi Australia is bouyed by the fact that many fleets are interested in the car to sell a green message.The rear-drive i-MIEV develops 47kW, the same as the three-cylinder petrol-powered Mitsubishi "i" but delivers 180Nm from zero revs compared to the petrol car's 94Nm. It also contributes 70 per cent less C02 emissions than a similarly sized hatchback.The car has been fully certified to Australia Design Rules and has compliance so Mitsubishi Australia is just waiting for the nod from Japan.It has a range of about 160km from its lithium-ion battery pack. With about 85 per cent of commuters travelling less than 100km a day, Fletcher says the i-MIEV is an ideal city car.Just 2000 i-MIEVs will be built in Japan this year but the car's popularity has already prompted Mitsubishi to lift production. Next year it will build 5000 cars and by 2013 it hopes to build 30,000 a year.Mitsubishi, like many leading carmakers pushing the electric button, faces a lack of supply of battery components for their vehicles. The new Toyota Prius goes on sale in July and is expected to cost slightly more than the Honda Insight. Honda Australia is aiming for a sub-$30,000 price for the Insight and had originally hoped to have it on sale here this year. However, the car's popularity overseas has pushed out its local launch to the second half of 2010.In Japan, the i-MIEV will initially be sold to fleets with private sales starting later this year. Apart from Australia, it will be sold in Europe and North America.Mitsubishi, along with Nissan Australia, wants more government incentives to get people into electric cars.

There is an even better time-waster than looking into your own -- or your neighbour’s -- backyard with Google Earth. Try flying around the globe checking out all the world's race tracks and getting a true perspective on where they are actually situated, and what they look like. You’ll need to download and install Google Earth. See the link at the bottom for the Google download page. And to get you started, here are some direct links to the Carsguide team’s favorite race tracks. Bathurst Philip Island Albert Park Nurburgring Spa Monaco LeMans Daytona Indiannapolis Goodwood   Google Earth utilises numerous layering options with the ability to display three-dimensional building users have added to the repository. Each circuit also has many images that can be accessed by clicking the appropriate icon. If you intend to visit your favorite track in person, using Google Earth first as a reconnaissance tool to get your bearings in a virtual environment can give you a good overview of what you will be seeing.   Download Google Earth here.

PETROL-ELECTRIC HYBRIDSThe system was popularised by Honda and Toyota but General Motors is fast-tracking hybrids now. The car combines an internal combustion engine with a battery that recharges from energy released by the car.PLUSES: No special recharging or refuelling requirements.MINUSES: Not very fuel-efficient at highway speeds for long distances. Current price up to $10,000 more than an equivalent-sized vehicle.PLUG-IN HYBRIDSA hybrid or pure electric car with batteries that can be recharged via a plug, like a mobile phone. Being developed by all key global manufacturers.PLUSES: New generation lithium-ion batteries give plug-in cars a longer range.MINUSES: Still in its infancy. Car makers and battery component suppliers are working through issues with costs, design and driving range.HYDROGEN FUEL CELLSElectric cars powered by hydrogen fuel cells. Honda, GM, Ford and Daimler are among carmakers developing them. The BMW Hydrogen 7 model uses liquid hydrogen.PLUSES: No exhaust emissions and fewer moving parts than conventional engines.MINUSES: Refuelling infrastructure limited; greenhouse gases are released when hydrogen is derived for fuel.ELECTRIC VEHICLESNewer, lighter and faster recharging batteries are driving development.PLUSES: No emissions. Instant torque. Quietness.MINUSES: Battery cooling, particularly with new lithium-ion batteries. Cost. Limited range. IN-WHEEL ELECTRICMichelin has entered a joint venture deal with a Chinese manufacturer to produce in-wheel electric motors, pictured. They are scheduled to appear on Chinese small cars in 18 months. The system mates the suspension and motor inside the wheel hub. It works with electric or fuel cell-powered electric cars and dispenses with the gearbox, clutch and drive shaft.PLUSES: Revolutionises car design. All-wheel or two-wheel power choice. Instant torque. Versatile.MINUSES: Weight of in-wheel motor. Unproven technology in mass production. The 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show... 

The day of the electric car is fast dawning and Mitsubishi Australia is ready.Having previously exhibited the petrol-engined “i” small car at the Melbourne Motor Show in 2006, Mitsubishi will unveil an all-electric version called the i MiEV.It is a 100 per cent electric vehicle, using high-energy density lithium batteries to power its compact, lightweight motor.Mitsubishi Japan is gearing up for full-scale production and the car has sparked plenty of interest worldwide, including Australia.The four-door uses a permanent magnet synchronous motor that develops 47kW/180Nm, providing plenty of power.As the car weighs just 1080kg, it will hit 130km/h, with an operating range of 160km.That’s enough for the average daily commute in addition to an evening out on the town before it needs recharging.The i MiEV also has a regenerative braking system that reduces speed by converting the braking energy into battery energy to top up the electric supply.The Japanese model uses an on-board unit to recharge the car through 100-volt or 200-volt power sources.It takes 14 hours to recharge through 100 volts and seven hours through a 200-volt outlet.However, with the anticipated development of quick chargers, Mitsubishi believes charging time can eventually be dramatically reduced to just 30 minutes.Driving the car is relatively simple. There is no conventional gearbox, rather a gear lever with drive, economy and brake modes.The brake mode applies the regenerative function more aggressively down steep hills.The i MiEV generates zero carbon dioxide emissions and even in terms of “well-to-wheel” performance, the vehicle emits only about 30 per cent of the C02 generated by a similar-sized petrol car.“Well-to-wheel” performance measures the efficiency of the entire fuel process, from fuel production to supplying the electric power to operate the car.Mitsubishi has already undertaken extensive testing of the i MiEV with Japanese utility companies over the past two years and with electricity provider Southern California Edison in the US.The success of these programs and feedback from users has prompted Mitsubishi Motors to start selling the car alongside other petrol-engined Mitsubishis in Japan this year.The i MiEV is a true city car, measuring 3395mm long and 1475mm wide while sitting on a 2550mm wheelbase.That’s about 490mm shorter than the popular Mitsubishi Colt and 105mm narrower.Joining the i MiEV on the Mitsubishi stand are the new Lancer and Pajero ranges, as well as Mitsubishi’s rugged Triton ute. The 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show... 

While many others are talking about mass-market hybrids, the Prius hatch pioneered volume production more than 10 years ago.More than a million have been sold, including 12,000 in Australia. Now the third-generation Prius is just months away, to be joined early next year by the locally built Camry hybrid.Toyota showcases both cars at Melbourne, as well as the 1/X concept car, which provides a glimpse of the future.About the same size as the Prius, it is 430kg lighter than its predecessor. It has lightweight materials and a 500cc plug-in hybrid engine.These three will be joined by a purpose-built Camry hybrid concept car created by Toyota Australia chief designer Paul Beranger.Beranger’s team has taken a production hybrid Camry and enhanced the car’s on-road presence. The idea is to showcase Toyota’s hybrid story today, but show off tomorrow’s generation of new cars.The third-generation Prius gets a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine mated to Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system. Fuel economy has improved 9 per cent over the existing model’s 4.4 litres/100km rating.The 73kW/142Nm 1.8-litre engine is the first Toyota engine that has no belts under the bonnet. This innovation in turn leads to better fuel economy and lower maintenance costs.The Prius has three driving modes, an all-elective mode that works for up to 2km, power mode for sportier response, and eco mode, which delivers better fuel economy.In terms of appearance, the car has evolved from the previous model’s classic aerodynamic shape. The overall height is the same, but the roof profile has been moved back 99mm to emphasise the car’s distinctive wedge shape.The new Prius shares the same wheelbase as the current car but it has grown by 15mm in length. One of the car’s neatest features is a glass sunroof packed with solar panels that power a new ventilation system.The solar-powered ventilation system does not need engine power to operate. Using solar power, the interior can be cooled, even remotely, before the driver returns to the car. The 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show... 

Everything from the Mitsubishi i MiEV electric city car to the super- luxury BMW 7 Series is locked and loaded for the Melbourne Exhibition Centre from February 27, but extra contenders are continuing to emerge and the organisers are still not sure of the final line-up.The Mazda3 MPS is a secret-but-set star for the show, Subaru will have an electric contender and the all-new Nissan 370Z was confirmed earlier this week."I think it's going to be an interesting mix. But we still have no idea what Ford and Holden will be doing," show organiser, Russ Tyrie of the VACC, says."We are still waiting on Fishermans Bend and Broadmeadows. As usual, they are keeping things very close to their chest."The locals have managed to spring something special in the past so we're expecting a surprise from them. We just don't know what it will be."The third Australian brand, Toyota, has already shown its hand with a giant three-storey stand which will be the first for the brand.But the show will also be a last - at least as it has run for more than 70 years.A single Australian International Motor Show will be run from 2010, starting in Sydney, which means there will not be another major motoring event at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre until 2011.Details of the joint-venture show project, which joins the VACC with the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, are still being finalised and Tyrie admits he is more focussed on February 27 than anything in 2010 or beyond."We are very excited at the prospect of being able to stage a truly international show in 2011 in Melbourne. But that's in the future," he says."We have 35 exhibitors this year. And it's a sell-out for stand space."Obviously there is an emphasis on technology this year. That can be in electric cars, or hybrids, or diesel, or even design and lower weight and alternative energy systems."We're starting to see the future of the motor industry being revealed. So this will be an import show. That's why we've chose 'Revolution-Evolution' as the theme for the show this year.Apart from the major brands, Tyrie is rounding up a range of special exhibits that will include the Carver three-wheel vehicle, a Cobra replica built in Melbourne by George Viduvic and his new line of motorcycles."They are called Sucker Punch Sally motorcycles. They are a retro fifties design. I reckon they could be a hit," Tyrie says. 

THE radio security code for my 2000 Daewoo Nubira has been lost. Neither the dealer or Holden can help. Can you suggest where I might be able to find the code?

MY FRIEND has a 2007 Holden Calais that hasn't yet done 10,000km and he is having problems with the battery going flat all the time, similar to the problem reported by a Carsguide reader recently. Five times he's had the RACV jump start it so he could take it to the dealer to have it checked. They thought it could be the satnav so they disconnected it, but again it went flat. In the end, they replaced the satnav, the computer and the loom and it seems to have fixed the problem. The Holden technician told him they have had this problem for some time. I understand they might have now fixed it.

Thousands of pedestrians are risking death and injury every day by using mobile phones and MP3 players while crossing busy roads.NRMA Insurance research shows that a significant number of pedestrian/car accidents are the result of people using technology on the run."The main concern is that the technology forces us to split our attention between two tasks, which can be dangerous if were crossing or exercising on busy roads," NRMA Insurance spokesperson John Hallal said."If you're listening to an MP3 player while walking, you're not likely to hear what's happening around you. Hearing is important for pedestrians, especially those using roadways to exercise because it can alert them to approaching danger."Warning noises like car horns and emergency sirens are used for a reason and they need to be responded to quickly."Mr Hallal also said mobile phones could be as big a distraction for pedestrians as they are for drivers."Talking on a mobile phone can cause pedestrians to take unintentional risks on the roads such as crossing against a red signal or stepping out between vehicles."Most people have seen examples of pedestrians who are talking on their mobile phones and just walk out into the path of an oncoming car because their attention is on the conversation rather than on the traffic," he said.Texting is a particular risk as most people look at their mobile screens to either read or send the messages."We recommend pedestrians don’t use MP3 players while walking or jogging in busy traffic and stop to have a conversation on a mobile or write a text," Mr Hallal said.