car parts

Infiniti Is Going Electric

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Starting in 2021 Infiniti will be offering electrified powertrains on its new models. It will also release its first pure electric vehicle in the same year. With an emphasis on low-emission technology, Infiniti is developing a full range of new technology with a mix of pure electric and e-POWER vehicles.

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To bridge the gap between now and 2021 Infiniti has also introduced breakthrough VC-Turbo technology shown in its Q inspiration concept car. This is the world’s first production-ready variable compression ratio engine. It provides turbocharged gasoline power with the torque and efficiency of a hybrid or diesel engine. It is able to constantly adjust its compression ratio to optimize power and fuel efficiency.

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Do You Need It? – Cargo Cover

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Cargo covers – what are they and why would you need one? Well, they come in a variety of styles and go by a few different names. Some call them cargo shades or security shades others call them tonneau covers. We will just call them cargo covers and they provide a cover for the cargo area.

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Some are retractable like a roll-up window shade only they pull from front to back. Other cargo covers are removable solid panels, some with cables to the lift gate so they rise when the lift gate is opened. Genuine Nissan cargo covers come in these varieties depending on model of vehicle.

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The main functions of the covers is to provide added security by keeping your belongings safe from prying eyes and to act as a shade cover to block out harmful UV rays of the sun. Some might use this to hide valuables, other to hide a mess they hadn’t gotten around to cleaning up.

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Who Knew? – Big Things From A Small Package – Twin-Turbo

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Who Knew? – Cadillac introduces first ever twin-turbo V-8 engine. Applying loads of technology they have developed a small displacement 4.2L V-8 that produces a whopping 550 horsepower. Exclusive to Cadillac the all-new engine design is code designated LTA and will be the power plant for the new CT6. It is the first Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) eight-cylinder engine from Cadillac and GM since the discontinued Northstar V8 in 2010.

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The DOHC design should offer smoother operation over the “old school” push-rod engines and a new “Hot V” layout places the turbochargers in the valley at the top of the engine to eliminate turbo lag and reduce the engine’s overall size. The twin-scroll design of the turbochargers, each with electronically controlled wastegates precisely balance output allowing 90 percent of the engine’s 627 lb-ft of peak torque to be available at only 2000 rpm and carried through 5200 rpm.

To enhance engine performance twin intercoolers are used to cool the air temperature going into the engine by more than 130 degrees. Cooler air is denser allowing it to hold more oxygen allowing optimal combustion resulting in more power.

Some of the other specialized technology being used include:

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Do You Need It? – Universal Tablet Holder

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How handy would it be for passengers in the back seat to have a safe convenient holder for their multimedia devices? That is going to determine if you really need this item. If your goal is to help keep passengers in the rear seats entertained then this may help.

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There are many styles of holders on the market. Some require extensive effort to mount, some have arms that crowd the cabin space, and other “sort of” attach with weak clips and brackets. What you want to look for is a secure holder that attaches easily and is safely positioned.

The Toyota universal tablet holder attaches and removes in seconds with no tools required. Initial installation is achieved by lifting the front seat headrest off and placing the holder base on top of the seat back. Then reinstall the headrest sliding the pins through the holes in the holder base. The holder has an arm that is inserted into the base to secure it. The base remains attached to the seat and the holder can be removed with the push of a button.

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The Toyota universal tablet holder is adjustable to hold virtually all multimedia devices. It can securely hold a tablet, phone, and music or video player. It safely holds devices out of the way, but has an adjustable pivot and tilt to allow the best viewing angle. When not holding a device the base has two extendable arms with hooks to hold bags.

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Who Knew? Audi Vehicles Talking To Traffic Lights

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Audi continues to roll out its vehicle-to-infrastructure technology activating components of its Traffic Light Information package in the Washington DC area. This becomes the seventh city in the US that Audi has brought online that supports traffic signals for more than 1,600 intersections.

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The current system allows the drivers of select Audi models in these areas access to “time to green” technology. Displayed on both the instrument cluster and the heads-up display, a countdown clock provides real-time remaining until the traffic lights turn green.

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Who Knew? – GM Technology Coming Back To Earth

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General Motors has a long-standing tradition of partnering with other leaders in engineering and innovation to make the world a better place. Now some of its out-of-this world accomplishments are finding a place in the here and now.

In the 1960s, GM teamed up with NASA to help create the Lunar Rover. It remains the first and only car ever driven by man on the moon. At the time they were pushing the envelope of creativity to develop, design, and test the Lunar Rover. Engineers from GM helped create the revolutionary electric motor drive system, suspension, mesh wire wheels and a unique drive controller adapted for lunar gloves.

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Now that revolutionary technology is finding its place in electric vehicles being introduced today here on earth. The Lunar Rover had a price tag of $38 million, but paved the way for current long-range, affordable electric vehicles that do not require a space suit to operate.

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Who Knew? – World’s First Self-Driven Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle

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For the first time level 4 autonomous driving has been achieved in a fuel cell electric vehicle. With level 0 being no automation and level 5 being a driver-less car able to operate on any road in any conditions a human driver could negotiate, level 4 is considered “high automation”. A level 4 autonomous vehicle can operate without human input or oversight but only under select conditions, typically highway conditions.

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Recently, five Hyundai fuel cell electric vehicles completed a self-driven 118 mile journey from Seoul to Pyeongchang. Not at limited speed on domestic roads, but at the speed limit of 68 mph on public highways. The level 4 autonomous vehicles equipped with 5G network technology executed lane changes, passing maneuvers, and navigated toll gates.

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These self-driving vehicles use an array of cameras, radar, LiDAR (laser sensors), and GPS to identify their location and be able to navigate through obstacles like toll gates. Autonomous driving processes a high volume of data, which requires a lot of power. The fuel cell electric model is an ideal choice since it produces electricity through a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen in the on-board fuel cell stack.

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Who Knew? – New Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Loaded with Extras – But There is More

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The world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV is here in the US. It comes with all sorts of goodies. Twin electric motors and a gasoline engine to generate electricity or additional power, 4WD, traction control, stability control, yaw control, cameras, laser radar, the list goes on. That stuff is all fancy and necessary, but lets look at the some of the extra cool accessories you can add on your own to make it stand out a little and be special for you.

For the outside how about some body graphics?

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For something shiny, how about a chrome door handle cover, side mirror cover, or maybe a PHEV license plate frame?

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Do You Need It? – Rear Bumper Protector

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Want to keep the top surface of the painted rear bumper free from damage and preserve the vehicle’s “like new” appearance? Then you may need a genuine Toyota rear bumper protector.

Loading and unloading groceries, luggage or any type of cargo can wreak havoc on a painted rear bumper, often leaving it scratched or scraped. Protecting your vehicle can be easily achieved using a genuine Toyota rear bumper protector. They are available in several materials depending on your model of vehicle.

The injection-molded black plastic version features a raised pattern and skid-resistant surface that offers protection to the bumper surface while also adding some custom good looks.

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The clear polyurethane version also helps minimize damage while providing a nearly invisible, seamless look. Some of the clear versions have logos, protection with a bit of added class.

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These are even some versions that use stainless steel in the materials to offer the additional protection.

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The protectors are uniquely designed to properly fit the intricate, curved surfaces of each specific Toyota vehicle’s rear bumper.

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Who Knew? General Motors Ready to Go with No Steering Wheel

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General Motors is asking the Department of Transportation for permission to put their self-driving vehicles on the road in 2019. The first Production-Ready autonomous electric cars with no steering wheels or pedals have been named Cruise AV.

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GM and Cruise Automation are combining over 100 years of automotive engineering experience with state-of-the-art software and hardware to create a Motor City/Silicon Valley matchup that can safely make driverless vehicles a reality.

The vision –

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