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Showing posts with label unveils. Show all posts
Showing posts with label unveils. Show all posts
Friday, 22 July 2011
Wednesday, 22 June 2011
Seats first: Ford unveils first step toward healthy Sync features [Video]
Tuesday, May 24th, 2011 @ 3:19 a.m.
When Ford recently announced that it was planning on introducing several new health-related features to be part of its Sync system, the entire suggestion was met largely with confusion.
Whether as a response to the mixed feedback from the fairly vague introduction of in-car health aids via Sync, or a planned announcement to show the potential of the concept, Ford has revealed one of the first features it is pursuing regarding in-car health.
One of the main concerns voiced by critics of Ford’s in-car health plans was the potential to introduce even more distractions to drivers that are already overloaded with just that: Distractions. Ford says that its uniquely developed heart rate-monitoring seat is a perfect example of how in-car health aids can be unobtrusive and non-distracting while still providing several valuable services.
(More after video)
Ford says that this system could be used to monitor occupant’s heart health without having to disrupt their driving or create additional distractions. The system is able to monitor heart rate through clothing without any special sensors or extra steps taken by the occupants. The idea is that the car could potentially detect an abnormal heart rate and then notify the driver, or potentially emergency services if the event is serious enough.
“As always in medicine, the earlier a condition is detected the easier it is to treat and this technology even has the potential to be instrumental in diagnosing conditions drivers were previously unaware they had,” said Ford’s researchers.
Although the seat is still in the development phase, there are many possibilities for the technology that could help provide regular tracking of heart health that could in theory be recorded and then shared with physicians, providing potentially life-saving data without having additional medical bills, doctor visits or having to take the time to stop and take a heart rate test.
“The car is an obvious choice; it’s a place where occupants spend long periods sitting in a rather calm position and a place that’s increasingly less physically demanding, making it the ideal environment to measure heart activity,” said Ford.
As previously mentioned, the feature is still very much in research and development, but already Ford says it can obtain strong readings through as many as 10 layers of cotton, although certain synthetic materials and lamb’s wool have given the sensors some trouble. In stationary testing Ford’s seat gives accurate readings on between 90 and 95 of occupants, but almost counter-intuitively the success rate rises to 98 percent during driving.
No dates have been set, or estimates provided as to when this technology could make it to market, but don’t expect to have a heart rate monitor in your Ford product any time in the immediate future.
Friday, 22 April 2011
Kia unveils all-electric Naimo concept
Thursday, Mar 31st, 2011 @ 11:32 a.m.
Kia has pulled the sheet on its Naimo concept car at the Seoul Motor Show. The Naimo (pronounced ‘Neh-mo’, meaning ‘square shape’) is Kia’s vision of an all-electric B-segment car.
Stretching 3.9 meters in length, the Naimo adopts some of the boxy styling used on the larger Soul. The Naimo’s exterior design is highlighted by a wrap-around windshield, asymmetrical sunroof and front and rear dot-style LED lights. Rear hinged doors and a three-way split hatch allow for maximum cabin access.
The Naimo also features some trick technologies for styling purposes, such as side cameras in lieu of door mirrors and a high-intensity air jet that takes the place of conventional windshield wipers.
The Naimo’s interior was “designed to evoke a strong sense of tranquility”, featuring Korean oak for door panels and the entire floor and Korean “Han-ji” paper for the head lining.
“Naimo is a perfect balance of innovation, high-tech and Korean tradition. It was heavily inspired by the purity and grace of traditional Korean arts and crafts, but combines this with cutting edge technologies to deliver a truly premium experience,” said Kia Motors’ Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer.
Power for the Naimo is provided by a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor generating about 110 horsepower. The Naimo has a top speed of 93mph.
The Naimo’s floor and trunk-mounted Lithium Ion Polymer batteries can be recharged to 80 percent of capacity in just 25 minutes, while a full charge requires five and a half hours. Once charged, the Naimo can travel 124 miles.
Kia hasn’t revealed if the Naimo will make production, but the concept is joining the automaker’s test fleet, indicating the electric hatch could eventually make it to Kia showrooms.
Wednesday, 20 April 2011
Chrysler unveils 300 S-Concept [Video]
Wednesday, Mar 30th, 2011 @ 6:02 p.m.
Continuing its push to launch a new ‘S’ sub-brand by year’s end, Chrysler unveiled a 300 S-Concept at the recent Spring Festival of LXs. The Spring Festival of LXs is an annual event that attracts custom LX cars – which include the Dodge Magnum, Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger and Chrysler 300 – from all over the country.
Based on the all-new 300 sedan, the S-Concept adds a few custom touches without going completely over the top. The Show car features larger and sportier wheels, a body-colored aero kit and a new front grille. Inside the 300 gets red leather with an ‘S’ embossed on each front seat.
“There are two paths: the traditional Chrysler path and the S path,” Tim Kuniskis, head of Chrysler brand product marketing, said at an event earlier this year. “There’s a huge customer base for chrome and wood. There are also people who want something a little edgy.”
Kuniskis added the S line would be available on any trim level, ensuring buyers can access the custom market at any price point. However, Chrysler has yet to announce any official production plans for its S sub-brand.
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