Sep 30, 2011

Tata Pixel ... has taken over "Kuwait Drive" today !


The Tata Pixel, a new city car concept for Europe.
Most package efficient four-seater in the world.
'Zero turn' drive maximizes manoeuvrability when parking.
Innovative 'scissor' door system allows entry and exit in the tightest of spaces.
CO2 emissions of just 89 gm/km and combined cycle fuel economy of 3.4 litres/100km.

The Tata Pixel, with ‘Zero Turn’ drive and an innovative diamond-shaped door system, is a new city car concept for Europe from Tata Motors. Based on the Tata Nano, the Pixel – at just over three metres in length – is the most package efficient four-seater in the world, comfortably accommodating four adults, unlike a typical city car which is either a two-seater or can accommodate two adults and two children only.

The Tata Pixel’s ability to manoeuvre and park in the tightest of spaces is made possible by its Zero Turn toroidal traction-drive Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT). This highly efficient, cost-effective system assists rotation of the outer rear wheel forwards and the inner rear wheel backwards during low-speed manoeuvres, while the front wheels turn at acute angles.

The Tata Pixel also introduces “My Tata Connect” -- the first integrated human-machine interface (HMI) concept from Tata Motors for its new generation programmes. “My Tata Connect” enables seamless integration of the user’s smartphone or tablet with the vehicle’s infotainment system and also allows controlling key functions of the car. This provides a customised, user friendly, all-in-one touch screen display, while also allowing the driver to remain seamlessly connected to the external world in much the same way as they would be when at home or in the office,istening to favourite songs, internet news and sport or stock updates. In addition to serving as the infotainment display when docked in the instrument panel, the tablet also allows temperature, ventilation and air-conditioning settings to be adjusted through its touch screen, as well as displaying information on the vehicle's performance.


So that's it ! Watch now ...
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Wanna know more ?! visit: www.tatapixel.com

Sep 24, 2011

How did Tyres Evolve ?!


1844, Charles Goodyear invented vulcanized rubber in 1844 that was later used for tires.
1888, John Dunlop invented the air-filled or pneumatic tires, however, his were for bicycles. 
1895, AndrĂ© Michelin was the first person to use pneumatic tires on an automobile, however, not successfully. 
1911, Philip Strauss invented the first successful tire, which was a combination tire and air filled inner tube. Strauss' company the Hardman Tire & Rubber Company marketed the tires. 
1903, P.W. Litchfield of the Goodyear Tire Company patented the first tubeless tire, however, it was never commercially exploited until the 1954 Packard.
1904, mountable rims were introduced that allowed drivers to fix their own flats. In 1908, Frank Seiberling invented grooved tires with improved road traction. 
1910, B.F. Goodrich Company invented longer life tires by adding carbon to the rubber. 
Goodrich also invented the first synthetic rubber tires in 1937 made of a patented substance called Chemigum.

Pneumatic Tyre (Tire) 
John Boyd Dunlop (1840-1921) was a Scottish veterinarian and the recognized inventor of the first practical pneumatic or inflatable tyre/tire. His patent was for a bicycle tire, granted in 1888. However, Robert William Thomson (1822 - 1873) invented the actual first vulcanised rubber pneumatic tire. Thomson patented his pneumatic tire in 1845, his invention worked well but was to costly to catch on. Dunlop's tire patented in 1888 did, and so he received the most recognition. William Thomson also patented a fountain pen (1849) and a steam traction engine (1867).

Inventions on the GO !!! Watch below:


Sep 23, 2011

Graphed: Average Involvement Ratings Of European Automakers


Ever wonder which automaker’s lineup is more involving? Well, if you are referring to European manufacturers, than this handy graph should help. Just for fun, we’ve compiled the scores for every European car that is on the Involvement Index, and sorted out the average score for each particular manufacturer. This should go a ways to settling some water cooler arguments.
Look for a follow-up with average manufacturer scores for American and Asian brands soon.

Winding Road
September. 20th, 2011

KuwaitDrive Blog Introduces the Exige ...


Lotus continues to make waves on the auto show circuit, unveiling three versions of the Elise to the Frankfurt crowds. The first model is the S version, the Exige. Power now comes from a 3.5-liter V-6, which generates an impressive 345 horsepower. That hefty piece of metal does add some weight, with the new car weighing in at 2380 pounds.


Acceleration should still be brisk, though, as the weight-to-power ratio remains at a very respectable 6.89 pounds per horsepower. Other enhancements include a new front splitter and rear spoiler for added aerodynamics.



Stepping away from Lotus’ normal position as a road-track staple is the Exige R-GT. This car is dedicated to running in the FIA’s World Rally Championship in the GT category. The R-GT is slated to participate in the Monte Carlo, Tour de Corse, and San Remo rallies. Power comes from the same 3.5-liter V-6 found in the Exige S, although changes have been made to limit the horsepower. Lotus won’t directly campaign the Exige R-GT, instead taking the same route it has for Indy Car and Le Mans, with customer teams purchasing and campaigning the cars.


Finally, there is the Elise S. Boasting a supercharged version of its 1.8-liter four-cylinder, the blown Elise promises 217 horsepower. Torque is increased an unspecified amount.



Latest from Winding Road. September 14, 2011


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