Solar Charging System Technology revealed by Hyundai to Power Future Eco-Friendly Vehicles

20 Thursday Dec 2018

Posted by Shereen Shabnam in All About Wheels - Automotive (Cars, All About Wheels - Automotive (Cars, Car Clubs, SUV's, RV's etc)

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Hyundai Motor Group reveals solar charging technology_2 (1)

Hyundai Motor Group reveals solar charging technology_2 (2)

Hyundai Motor Group reveals solar charging technology_3

Hyundai Motor Group has announced plans to introduce solar charging technology on selected Hyundai Motor Group vehicles. Electricity-generating solar panels will be incorporated into the roof or the hood of vehicles, and will support internal combustion, hybrid and battery electric vehicles with additional electrical power, increasing fuel efficiency and range.

The solar charging technology is being developed to support the vehicle’s main power source, improving mileage and reducing CO2 emissions. It can charge batteries of not just eco-friendly vehicles, including electric and hybrid vehicles, but also of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, thereby improving fuel efficiency.

Hyundai Motor Group is developing three types of solar roof charging systems: The first-generation silicon solar roof system, the second-generation semi-transparent solar roof system, and the third generation lightweight solar-lid on the vehicle’s body.

The first-generation solar roof system, which will be applied to hybrid models, includes a structure of mass-produced silicon solar panels that are mounted on an ordinary roof. This system can charge 30 to 60 percent of the battery per day, depending on the weather condition and the environment. The second-generation semi-transparent solar roof system will be applied to vehicles with internal combustion engines, for the first time in the world. Differentiated from the first-generation system, the second-generation system provides transmissive panel options, also satisfying consumers who desire a sense of openness. The semi-transparent solar panels are applied to a panoramic sunroof, maintaining transparency whilst charging an electric vehicle’s battery or an additional battery mounted on an internal combustion engine vehicle.

Applying solar charging systems to internal combustion engine vehicles will contribute to the increase in vehicle exports, by enabling vehicles to adhere to global-scale environmental laws that regulate CO2 emissions.

The third-generation lightweight solar-lid system, currently in the process of pilot study for applying to eco-friendly vehicle models, includes a structure that mounts solar panels on a bonnet and roof combined, in order to maximize energy output.

The solar charging system is composed of a solar panel, a controller, and a battery. Electricity is produced when solar energy from the sun touches the solar panel’s surface, which converts this by using photons of light from the sun and then creating the electron-hole pairs in silicon cells to generate solar electricity.

When a 100W solar panel is equipped, in 1 Sun standards (Summer noon, 1000 W/㎡intensity of radiation) it produces 100Wh of energy per hour. In the controller, Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), which controls voltage and current to increase efficiency of the electricity collected in the solar panel, and source transformation take place.

The electricity from this process is transformed to the standard voltage by the controller, then stored in the battery or utilized to decrease loads of a vehicle’s Alternating Current (AC) generator. Hyundai Motor Group took not only efficiency but also design into account while developing the solar charging system.

“In the future, various types of electricity generating technologies, including the solar charging system, will be connected to vehicles. This will enable them to develop from a passive device that consumes energy to a solution that actively generates energy,” said Jeong-Gil Park, Executive Vice

President of Engineering Design Division of Hyundai Motor Group., who has developed this technology. “The paradigm of the vehicle owner will shift from that of a consumer to an energy prosumer.”

Hyundai Motor Group will launch the first generation of this technology into its vehicles after 2019 to help meet global regulations targets and improve vehicle fuel efficiency.

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New refined 2019 Corolla XLi Exclusive arrives in UAE

19 Wednesday Dec 2018

Posted by Shereen Shabnam in All About Wheels - Automotive (Cars, Car Clubs, SUV's, RV's etc)

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2019 Corolla.jpg

The world’s most popular sedan with over 44 million units sold worldwide, the Toyota Corolla, is now available in an exclusive variant in the UAE, loaded with new refined and sophisticated features.

Available in limited quantities, the 2019 Corolla XLi Exclusive marks the newest and most premium addition to the Corolla line-up. It comes with a refined, advanced, and sophisticated styling which sets it apart in its segment. Building on the nameplate’s heritage carrying on the legacy as a symbol of quality, durability and reliability in the medium size sedan segment.

The Toyota Corolla XLi Exclusive is enhanced with additional features such as front fog lamps, sunroof, rear trunk spoiler, leather-trimmed steering wheel audio and telephone controls, leather-trimmed gear lever and wireless charger, pushing up the desirability quotient.

The vehicle is designed to deliver a thrilling driving experience powered by a proven 1.6-litre in-line four-cylinder engine producing 121 horsepower and 15.7 kg-m of torque. Complementing the enhanced performance is the Multidrive 7S transmission that delivers unprecedented best-in-class fuel economy of 18.1 Km / L. The new Corolla is both fun and efficient!

Safety is a top priority for Toyota and being a family sedan first and foremost, the 2019 Corolla Xli Exclusive is loaded with a host of safety features including an advanced vehicle stability system, a tire pressure warning system, rear fog lamps, ISO-FIX and two airbags.

Inside, the cabin is more premium than ever, bringing a new level of chic craftsmanship with a warm comfortable interior that further enhances both the driver and the passager’s experience. The new Corolla Xli Exclusive is available in eight exterior paint choices, with body coloured door handles and mirrors that complement the new styling.

“Ever since its introduction in 1966, the Toyota Corolla nameplate has become synonymous with reliability, value for money and bullet-proof build quality and the latest iteration is set to drive that legend forward. The 2019 Corolla lives up to its decades-old heritage and promises unrivalled practicality and value for money,” said Saud Abbasi, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Toyota.

The Toyota Corolla 2019 XLi is now available for purchase at Al-Futtaim Toyota showrooms across the UAE, for AED 75,500 inclusive of VAT. It can be booked for a test drive through www.toyota.ae.

Volvo XC40 wins Women’s World Car of the Year 2018 award

19 Wednesday Dec 2018

Posted by Shereen Shabnam in All About Wheels - Automotive (Cars, All About Wheels - Automotive (Cars, Car Clubs, SUV's, RV's etc)

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Volvo XC40(2).jpg

Volvo Cars has added a new title to its XC40’s string of awards being named the Supreme Winner of 2018 Women’s World Car of the Year to that list – the only car awards in the world voted entirely by women motoring writers. 34 jurors from 27 countries selected Volvo’s first compact SUV as the best new car of the year for women. In two anonymous rounds of votes, the XC40 prevailed against five competing models.

The world’s only automobile award dedicated for women reflects the growing importance of women as an independent customer group as well as their purchasing power. Automakers are considering criteria important to women when buying a car, shown in the WWCOTY decision making process. The award is measured by safety, price-performance, appearance, storage space, child-friendliness, comfort and environmental footprint, as well as color options and desirability.

“Holding the title of “Family Car of the Year 2018”, it comes as no surprise that the XC40 took first place in the 2018 Women’s World Car of the Year. Winning this award highlights Volvo Cars’ dedication to providing a first-class product to women and their families,” said Hakan Samuelsson, president and CEO of Volvo Cars. “This award also endorses the XC40 as a game changer in the industry boosting the right combination of design, comfort and safety that appeals to both men and women around the world.”

“With women driving the transformation of the automotive market in the region, addressing the aspirations of the new female customer segment is an indispensable part of our vision.” Samuelsson added.

Safety and driver assistance features on the XC40 include Volvo Cars’ Pilot Assist system, City Safety, Run-off Road protection and mitigation, Cross Traffic alert with brake support and the 360° Camera that helps drivers maneuvertheir car into tight parking spaces.

The XC40 also offers ingenious interior design and storage ideas with more functional storage space in the doors and under the seats, a special space for phones including inductive charging, a foldout hook for small bags, plus a removable waste bin in the tunnel console.

In 2017, the company announced its commitment to electrify all Volvo Cars launched from 2019. In line with this leadership position in electrification, a hybridised as well as a pure electric powertrain option for the XC40 will be added later.

CYPRUS NOW REPRESENTED ON THE WWCOTY JURY

05 Wednesday Dec 2018

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Joining the jury panel of Women’s World Car of the Year for 2019 is Alix Capper Murdoch. She comes with an impressive background in broadcasting, driver training and media communications all connected with motor racing and the motoring industry.

The Scotswomanbegan her career with the Royal Air Force as a driver before studying media at Aberdeen University. During that time she became the pit-lane commentator at Knockhill,Scotland’s only racing circuit, as well as presenting on local radio.

Between those duties she ranthe Clio Cup team, Xcel Motorsport, in the British Touring Car and ASCAR championships until a chance encounter with the GM of Dubai Autodromesaw her move to the Middle East. She then began life as a racing instructor, host of a motoring radio show and a judge for Autocar M.E.magazine. She also set up and ran the first manufacturer-backed racing championship in the region, the Maserati Trofeo Middle East.

In 2005 she was chosen to host a motoring television show and became the ‘voice’ of GP2 Asia. From there she worked with Formula One management as official commentator for GP2 Asia and Speedcar. All the while she continued to teach driving skills and started her own training as a stunt driver and a FIA official.

More than 10 years on saw Alix still working in radio and as an official for most of the track days at the local circuit. She became the most senior female official in Race and Rally Control for most motorsport events in the region including the Yas Marina Circuit (Formula One Chief Coms), the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge and the World Cross Countries Rally.

During this time, she appeared in no fewer than 20 films and television commercials and became the founder of Women at the Wheel, a course helping women overcome driving fears while introducing them to modern safety features.

As if all that wasn’t enough, Alix continued writing for automotive magazines including Top Gear Middle Eastand The National, the region’s leading newspaper; she hosted the live stage at the DubaiInternational Motor Show and two television shows covering automotive topics and reviews on four wheels and two.

Alix was then head-hunted to spend the summer working in Europe as a vehicle product specialist and trainer where she had to deliver a formidable list of all relevant information about new vehicles.

A year ago, Alix launched Miss Auto Know, which she describes as ‘a safe place for women to ask questions, gather information and seek advice on all things auto’. It has grown substantially.

“I find myself travelling a lot, writing articles, hosting events and running courses to help women,” she says, almost as an understatement given her (literal) track record.

She and her husband Simonhave now moved to Cyprus with their six rescue cats. They have all taken up residence between Limassol and Paphos.

For further information please contact Alix Capper Murdoch.

Email. alix@missautoknow.com

Alix Capper Murdoch – Current media outlets:

Miss Auto Know – website and social media channels. https://www.missautoknow.com/
Top Gear Middle East – magazine.
The National – newspaper and online.
ARN – Radio. Dubai Eye (Dubai Today, Drive Live, Night Line).
Sunshine Radio Cyprus

Impeccable handling and great driving pleasure – Alfa Romeo Stelvio Q

20 Tuesday Nov 2018

Posted by Shereen Shabnam in All About Wheels - Automotive (Cars, Car Clubs, SUV's, RV's etc)

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Shereen Shabnam

Driving the all-new Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio recently revealed numerous class-topping features which sets a new benchmark in the premium compact SUV segment. The first thing we notice is the awe-inspiring design, performance and technology in what is currently seen as one of the fastest SUV around the circuit, having clocked a new record (7 minutes 51.7 seconds) for its class on the iconic Nürburgring.

Driving on the race track, the Stelvio Quadrifoglio took to corners and long laps beautifully as it is equipped with an exclusive aluminium 2.9 V6 Bi-Turbo petrol engine delivering maximum power of 510hp at 6,500 rpm and generating a maximum torque of 600 Nm from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm.

The specifically calibrated eight-speed automatic transmission allows gearshifts in just 150 milliseconds in Race driving mode.Boasting an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds and a best-in-class top speed of 283 km/h, the Alfa Romeo’ sports SUV is also incredibly efficient in terms of fuel consumption and emissions.

The 510hp 2.9 V6Bi-Turbo petrol engine is combined with theinnovative Q4 all-wheel drive system, which guarantees unbeatable performance, traction, driving pleasure and safety in all situations. Impeccable handing and comfort is guaranteed thanks to the Stelvio Q’s suspension layout, with the exclusive AlfaLink™technology.

Another special feature of Stelvio Quadrifoglio is the innovative electromechanical Integrated Brake System (IBS), an Alfa Romeo brand exclusive. Extreme performance and leading-edge technology are conveyed by the unique style of Stelvio Quadrifoglio, which is the finest expression of Italian design.

Alfa Romeo’s unique flair and the perfect synergy of form and function in a sensual, muscular car body is evident in the Stelvio Quadrifoglio. The new model’s most distinctive characteristics include the bonnet with functional air vents, sporty side-skirts and massive wheel arches, all body-coloured plus four exhaust tips.

The same sporty style, with an added touch of typically Italian elegance, is found in the interior, which has been tailored like an exquisite bespoke suit, with painstaking craftsmanship and premium materials – carbon fibre, leather and Alcantara.

Inside the car, comfort was optimum and made the drive an enjoyable experience. The centre of the dashboard is dominated by the new Alfa™ Connect 3D NAV 8.8” infotainment system which includes Apple CarPlay, the smarter, safer way to use your iPhone in car. Android Auto™ is also compatible with the Stelvio Q’s new infotainment system, bringing the best of Google into the car.

Conceived as a good-luck charm in the heroic period of motorsports, the Quadrifoglio (four-leaf clover), written with a capital ‘Q’ has distinguished the sports and industrial history of Alfa Romeo, and has become the logo for race cars and for the more powerful and exclusive road vehicles since 1923.

Before the drive, we were given a tour of Alfa in the past and what the brand stands for today. Alfa was born on June 24th, 1910 and become Alfa Romeo in 1918, gaining acknowledgement among car manufacturers for the quality and performance of its vehicles. Today, the Stelvio also bears the legendary Quadrifoglio badge, which certifies quality in terms of class-topping performance, steady handling and power.

Comfortable and Versatile SUV: The all-new Renault Duster

15 Thursday Nov 2018

Posted by Shereen Shabnam in All About Wheels - Automotive (Cars, Car Clubs, SUV's, RV's etc)

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By Shereen Shabnam

Recently we ventured into Jordan to drive the all-new Duster, the unstoppable SUV with Renault Middle East. While offering a range of high-quality, new features, the reinvented SUV will still retain the same level of affordability that the name ‘Duster’ is celebrated for.

The all-new Renault Duster boasts brand-new exterior styling, delivering a distinctly assertive and robust look, as well as an upgrade in perceived quality with a totally redesigned interior for a comfortable and user-friendly driving experience.

Since its global launch in 2010, more than 2.45 million Duster models have been sold across the world under the Renault and Dacia brands. The SUV for everyday motoring has been popular with drivers across the globe, with exceptional sales results recorded in Russia, India, Brazil and the Middle East.

The Duster’s roominess, affordability and off-road capabilities have long been recognised as the model’s strengths and the all-new models continues to carry these desirable attributes.

The SUV’s exterior has been given a more robust look thanks to the addition of a wide chrome-finish grille, which extends to the head lights positioned at the car’s front corners. A front skid plate reinforces the Duster’s adventurer credentials and ensures that the vehicle never loses its smart looks. Finished with Renault’s signature C-shaped lighting with LED daytime running lights the Duster is a modern SUV with a rugged personality.

Inside, the Duster is equipped with new, high-quality, driving aids and new equipment, making it a genuine adventure-ready SUV which offers the versatility and comfort for everyday driving. On stepping inside the cabin, the noticeable difference in quality is instantly recognisable – packed with ‘Easy Life’ features like Hill Descent Control, Multiview camera and Blind Spot Warning, 4×4 monitor, automatic air conditioning, Remote Engine Start (GCC only), seven-inch touchscreen tablet and Renault smart card with keyless entry system – as well as quality trims and materials.

The all-new Duster is available in both 2WD and 4WD specifications and offers among the market’s very best off-road capability. With a choice of two petrol engines; 1.6L (4×2) mated to a CVT automatic transmission, and 2.0L with automatic transmission (4×4), the Duster is an SUV equipped for any terrain.

Commenting on the launch of the all-new Duster, Marwan Haidamous, Renault Middle East Managing Director said, “Before the arrival to the region of the original Duster in 2012, there was little awareness of the Renault brand in the Middle East; the original Duster was responsible for boosting the brand’s awareness. Now, six years on, we are welcoming the all-new Duster which will, again, reinvent and reinvigorate the brand to new levels of performance and positive opinion – pushing us further towards our goal of being ‘best in class’.”

Modern Luxury meets Elegance – All-new Lincoln Navigator

12 Monday Nov 2018

Posted by Shereen Shabnam in All About Wheels - Automotive (Cars, Car Clubs, SUV's, RV's etc)

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By Shereen Shabnam

As a full-size luxury SUV, the Lincoln Navigator (Presidential) comes with indulgent luxury touch points at every turn, evident from the moment I opened the door for my one week drive experience.

Capable of producing 450 horsepower and 691 Nm of torque, the Lincoln Presidential made me feel like I owned the road. The twin-turbo 3.5-litre engine provides power delivered through a 10-speed transmission. Twin-turbocharged engine technology provided the fuel economy on demand, with the power and performance I needed and desired for different drive modes.

Inside, the three rows seats offer ample space and the front of the interior layout is clean and uncluttered, with a simple, soothing ambience. The all-new Navigator comes with six USB ports, four 12-volt power outlets, a 230-volt plug and a wireless phone charger in the first-row centre console. Individual driver preferences can be set for adapting seat, mirror and pedal positions, as well as climate control and entertainment settings.

A standard rear-seat entertainment system allows passengers to stream content wirelessly with their device to one of the 10-inch adjustable screens mounted on the rear of the front seats. Content also can be accessed from SD cards, an HDMI cable or USB drive.

Each screen can display different content, allowing a personalised entertainment experience for every passenger enjoyed using Revel® Ultima audio with 20 speakers that work in concert with Navigator’s interior design and acoustics.

The 360-degree camera and Enhanced Park Assist is a saviour for divers who stress about parallel and perpendicular parking. The system integrates views from four cameras to create an overhead image so the driver can see all around the vehicle.

The exterior of the Lincoln Navigator Presidential has an enhanced design language that is both bold and flashy and fits into the full-size luxury SUV segment. It is an athletic yet refined silhouette that makes it appealing to both men and women who need to make a style statement.

Driving the Lincoln Presidential for a week was an absolute delight – it offered me a uniquely elevated automotive experience that my love for combined luxury, sport and regal design in one space. It is the answer to luxury travel on wheels, perfect for road trips and equally at home in front of a luxury hotel entrance.

Sustainable Motoring – Toyota Camry Hybrid Electric Vehicle

07 Wednesday Nov 2018

Posted by Shereen Shabnam in All About Wheels - Automotive (Cars, Car Clubs, SUV's, RV's etc)

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By Shereen Shabnam

Committed to provide environmentally- friendly vehicles, Al-Futtaim Toyota recently launched the all-new Camry Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), offering motorists the opportunity to experience Toyota’s HEV cutting-edge technology in an engaging driving experience.

Since its debut in 1982 and subsequent evolution over eight generations, Toyota Camry has come to be embraced by people around the world for its excellent performance, ride quality, and high level of Quality, Durability, and Reliability (QDR).

The new electrified version of the Camry cements Toyota’s continued efforts to create ever-better cars and further reiterates its commitment to environmental sustainability. The all-new Camry HEV provides a comfortable and stable ride with superior handling characteristics while injecting a fun driving experience.

Thecar can be driven entirelybyeither electricalpower with zero-fuel consumption and carbon emissions,or with a combination of a petrol engine and two electric motors depending on the vehicle speed and customer’s driving behavior.The batteries in the hybrid electricdrivetrain are automatically chargedby either the petrol engine or when braking and decelerating,eliminatingthe need to plug in a power cord.

Suzan Kazzi, Head of Corporate Communications at Al-Futtaim Toyota mentioned at the launch event that Camry HEV has been leading the sustainable mobility march since 2008, being the first marque that pioneered the HEV technology in the UAE. The company has launched several hybrid electric vehiclesin the past two decades, leading to a steady rise in the adoption of its environment-friendly cars.

The interior features a distinctive design and offers convenience and comfort with a layer of luxury and a range of advanced features. This includes a wireless charging system for smartphones, dual-zone automatic air conditioning system, six-speaker sound system, multi-adjustable power front seats, and 60/40 split and reclining rear seats, among many others.

The all-new Camry HEV model also introduces thelatest in-vehicle information technology displays, offering a unique level of integrated information with minimal distraction. It relays information through 2 available interlinked displays; a seven-inch multi-information display within the instrument cluster, and an eight-inch audio/navigationcontrol panel that is seamlessly integrated into the center console in a modern, flush-surface design.

Acomprehensive array of safety features has been added to protect vehicle occupants, including six SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA),Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), as well as an enhanced body structure and platform structure, among many others.

Available in eight distinctive exterior and three interior colors, and 18-inch alloy wheels, the all-new Camry HEV lets customers express their individuality.The car is available across all Al-Futtaim Toyota showrooms.

Volvo Cars Tech Fund invests in electric car charging company FreeWire

31 Wednesday Oct 2018

Posted by Shereen Shabnam in All About Wheels - Automotive (Cars, All About Wheels - Automotive (Cars, Car Clubs, SUV's, RV's etc), Lifestyle features, Press releases

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Volvo Cars has acquired a stake in electric car charging company FreeWire Technologies via the Volvo Cars Tech Fund, deepening the company’s commitment to a fully electric future.

While Volvo Cars’s electrification strategy does not envision direct ownership of charging or service stations, the investment in FreeWire reinforces its overall commitment to supporting a widespread transition to electric mobility together with other partners.

FreeWire is a San Francisco-based company that has been a pioneer in flexible fast-charging technology for electric cars. It specialises in both stationary and mobile fast charging technology, allowing electric car charging to be deployed quickly and widely.

Installing traditional fixed fast-charging stations is usually a cost- and labour intensive process that requires a lot of electrical upgrades to support the connection between charging stations and the main electrical grid. FreeWire’s charging stations remove that complication and use low-voltage power, allowing operators to simply use existing power outlets. This means drivers can enjoy all the benefits of fast charging without operators needing to go through the hassle of establishing a high-voltage connection to the grid.

Volvo Cars has one of the auto industry’s most ambitious electrification strategies. Every new Volvo car launched from 2019 will be electrified, and by 2025 the company aims for fully electric cars to make up 50 per cent of its overall global sales.

“Volvo Cars’ future is electric, as reflected by our industry-leading commitment to electrify our entire product range,” said Zaki Fasihuddin, CEO of the Volvo Cars Tech Fund. “To support wider consumer adoption of electric cars, society needs to make charging an electric car as simple as filling up your tank. Our investment in FreeWire is a firm endorsement of the company’s ambitions in this area.”

“Freewire’s fast charging technology holds great promise to simplify the experience for customers of electrified Volvos,” said Atif Rafiq, chief digital officer at Volvo Cars. “With this move, we aim to make the future of sustainable, electric cars more practical and convenient.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with Volvo Cars to develop new markets and business models around our EV fast charging and ultra-fast charging technology,” said Arcady Sosinov, CEO of FreeWire. “Having a car maker with both the legacy and future vision of Volvo is going to give us access to technology, testing, and new strategies that will really accelerate the growth of the company.”

The Volvo Cars Tech Fund was launched earlier this year and aims to invest in high-potential technology start-ups around the globe. It focuses its investments on strategic technology trends transforming the auto industry, such as artificial intelligence, electrification, autonomous drive and digital mobility services.

Earlier this year, the Volvo Cars Tech Fund announced its first investment in Luminar Technologies, a leading start-up in the development of advanced sensor technology for use in autonomous vehicles, with whom Volvo Cars collaborates on the development and testing of its LiDAR sensing technology on Volvo cars.

Companies benefit from participation by the Volvo Cars Tech Fund as they may gain the ability to validate technologies, accelerate market introduction, as well as potentially access Volvo Cars’ global network and unique position in the Chinese car market.

Mopar® to Showcase Customized Ram 1500 Trucks at SEMA

31 Wednesday Oct 2018

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Mopar_®is giving a sneak-peek preview of two modified Ram 1500 trucks which will be featured in the Mopar exhibit at the 2018 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show. The event is the premier automotive specialty products trade show in the world and is scheduled to take place from October 30 to November 2 in Las Vegas.

The pickup trucks, customized with a combination of Mopar production and prototype parts and accessories, are two of 14 personalized rides and hundreds of Mopar products that will be on display in the brand’s 15,345 sq. ft. / 1,425.6 sq. m. exhibit in the Las Vegas Convention Centre.

Mopar will also announce more news at its annual SEMA press briefing, which will take place on Tuesday, October 30, at 7:26 p.m. ET/4:26 p.m. PT. The presentation can be viewed live online at https://livestream.com/FCALive/MoparSEMA2018.

“The SEMA Show is truly the greatest stage for our brand to demonstrate what owners and enthusiasts can create with a little imagination and a selection of Mopar parts and accessories,” said Steve Beahm, Head of Parts & Service (Mopar), Head of Passenger Car Brands, FCA – North America. “There is a method to our SEMA madness – we use this show as a venue to gauge enthusiast interest in prototype parts that may become production offerings in the future.”

Mopar-modified Ram 1500 Rebel Concept

Mopar pulled from its palette of more than 200 parts and accessories for the all-new Ram 1500 and also bolted on select concept products to reinforce the already off-road capable personality of the Ram 1500 Rebel.

The Ram 1500 Rebel is painted a custom neutral blue nicknamed “Rebel Smoke,” and is outfitted for the trail with a Mopar lift kit that raises the Ram 2-inches / 50.8 mm for enhanced off-road clearance. One-piece cast-aluminium black Mopar off-road running boards provide easy ingress and egress. Mopar satin black 18 x 8-inch cast-aluminium beadlock wheels are trimmed with “Rebel Smoke” body colour wheel rings and wrapped with 35-inch Goodyear DuraTrac tyres, putting proper traction and tread to the trail. Production wheel flares and grey metallic skid plates deliver an extra dose of off-road protection.

A Mopar conceptual performance hood covers the 5.7-litre HEMI_®engine, which receives an additional performance bump thanks to the Ram Airflow Mopar cold-air intake, stamped up front with a moulded R-A-M text logo. The appearance of the performance hood pops even more with a grey metallic Mopar graphic and a Ram 1500 HEMI badge for those who want to share with the world what’s underneath. All vehicle badging has been turned Grey Metallic.

A Ram Bar in the bed acts as a mounting location for five 5-inch / 127 mm LED lights that illuminate the trail at a bright 4,800 lumens each. The bed also incorporates a conceptual rear spare tyre carrier, Mopar rear bed step and black spray-in bedliner. Satin Black Rebel graphics from Mopar dress up the bed sides and Mopar 5-inch / 127 mm Gloss Black exhaust tips complete the rear custom touches.

Inside, soft and hard interior trim has been transformed to carry a black monochromatic look, a distinct change from the standard red anodized Rebel trim. Mopar accessories complete the interior, including all-weather mats, brushed and polished door sill guards with the R-A-M text logo, wireless charging and a conceptual pedal kit.

Ram 1500 Big Horn “Low Down” Concept

The Ram 1500 Big Horn “Low Down” is Mopar-modified with slammed-to-the-street style and unique clean exterior flourishes.

The “Low Down” builds off the Ram 1500 Big Horn trim level. The concept features a custom “Brassphault” colour palette – the upper body including the Mopar conceptual performance hood is custom Gloss Black, the lower body is Billet Silver and a thin Brass Monkey stripe wraps around the Ram, serving as both an accent point and a dividing line. All Ram and Big Horn exterior badging is coloured Gloss Black.

The Ram 1500 “Low Down” is dropped 2-inches / 50.8 mm closer to the street by a prototype lowering kit, providing a more aggressive stance and appearance. The “Low Down” rides on 22-inch oversized production wheels coloured custom Gloss Black with Brass Monkey accents to connect with the exterior colour theme. Mopar conceptual wheel flares are smoothed out and painted to match the Billet Silver lower body.

The one-piece Mopar hard tonneau cover stands out in body colour Gloss Black as do the 5-inch / 127 mm exhaust tips. Heading inside, Mopar accessories include Mopar all-weather mats, brushed and polished door sill guards with the R-A-M text logo and conceptual bright pedal kits.

The “Low Down” packs a 5.7-litre HEMI engine under the performance hood and is augmented with a Mopar “Ram Airflow” cold-air intake featuring the R-A-M text logo moulded at the front.

Mopar at 2018 SEMA Show

The Mopar brand’s SEMA Show exhibit will also feature off-road flavour with a special section devoted to four Jeep_®vehicles customized with new Jeep Performance Parts and accessories, products which debuted last year at the 2017 SEMA Show. For performance lovers, the drag-oriented, street-legal, 392 HEMI V8 engine-powered 2019 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 will also be featured in the Mopar footprint, along with NHRA racer Leah Pritchett’s Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak car, which she drove to the 2018 NHRA Factory Stock Showdown World Championship.

The Mopar space will stay busy with a full slate of activities on tap, including panel discussions on Wednesday and Thursday featuring Mark Worman, star of Velocity’s Graveyard Carz vehicle restoration television show.

SEMA attendees can go head-to-head in a pair of Dodge Challenger SRT Demon simulators and compete in the “Drag Strip Showdown,” a contest in which the top four drivers with the best simulator race times will win a trip to the Dodge//SRT Bondurant Drag Racing School near Phoenix. Fans will also have the chance to race Mopar and Dodge NHRA championship-winning drivers Pritchett and Matt Hagan at the Mopar booth on Tuesday morning.

Diva Drives – Middle East Cars

~ Island girl behind the latest wheels in Dubai!

Tag Archives: Shereen Shabnam

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