Important news has reached us today of the next generation of cars fitted with a variety of brand new, ultra-special technology to improve the green credentials and security. Some of the new fitments look zany yet produce startling performance upgrades; with literally a breathtaking glimpse into the future of personal travel. In fact, at ContractHireAndLeasing.com we had to sit down and have a cup of tea before posting this news.
The first carmaker to announce a radical addition to its Ecomotive range of greener cars is SEAT with their patented Aero-Tonto technology. As can be seen by our spy-photo the inconspicuous windmill placed on the roof of the vehicle seamlessly blends into the overall aesthetic of the vehicle and it produces enough additional electricity to power the headlamps – although be careful, driving below 3mph will not provide sufficient energy. The Spanish automakers hope to roll out a version with 3 feet sails in the near future.
Not to be outdone Korean manufacturer Kia, famed for their 7-year warranties, has rushed out details of an equally revolutionary addition to their spunky new Soul car. The Aero-Soul concept reduces fuel consumption with a simple, and thankfully low cost Air Propulsion and Retardation Installation Line.
Essentially in a fair wind, sensors react to wind speeds and deploy innovative panels to harness the free and plentiful energy thus propelling the vehicle forwards, likewise during breaking a panel can be deployed to aid said breaking.
Best news of all though is that this technology will be available as a bolt-on, which means any Kia car can benefit. Our hope at ContractHireAndLeasing.com is that Kia involves other like-minded carmakers to role out A.P.R.I.L to other cars. The benefits could be marvellous.
Hyundai has taken a different tack with news of a new version pope-mobile. The converted i10 is the perfect addition to any presidential or papal fleet. The vehicle will also be fully customizable, as a demonstration of the bespoke options available, all leather has been removed from the seat facings and the upholstery is made up of parts of a tapestry woven by monks from the Indian city of Utta Bullacs. The cloth was nicknamed ‘holy sheet’ by Hyundai’s specialist trimmers.
Although details of the security package are confidential, this special i10 has features over and above the standard model’s central locking and alarm. Part of this involves an innovative, lightweight composite armour built into the top of the car. This material, named Armour Protected Roof Integrated Lining®, was originally developed for use in offshore powerboat racing in Switzerland.
In order to meet recycling and sustainability targets, part of the armour is made from a fully organic material. The ‘string’ part of runner beans is actually lighter and stronger than Kevlar when woven into matting and encased in resin made from tree sap. The panels of Weave Bean™ add just 25g to the weight of the i10.
Last, but by no means least is the latest innovation from German giants BMW. Dubbed as their next phase of the popular Efficient Dynamics the Magnetic Tow Technology sees a 30% improvement in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The system, developed alongside the boffins at NASA, works via a tiny unit placed in the front valance which projects an enhanced magnetic beam 20 metres in front of the car. Once an unsuspecting car has been identified the magnetic beam ‘locks on’ and hitches a free ride on the front car, the BMW driver can then turn the engine off, relax and whistle. Incredibly the car doing the work actually doesn’t notice the hitchhiker, in tests all cars reported no loss in manoeuvrability – but what would you expect from the makers of the 5-series? NASA will be deploying the same technology in future Space Shuttles, allowing the shuttle to hitch a ride back to Earth behind a Jumbo jet.
BMW’s Head of Innovation, Dr Noitt All, a specialist in Kinetic Ride And Propulsion, said: “BMW has always been a leader in the application of the very latest automotive technology. Up until now the EfficientDynamics programme has looked at ways of improving the performance of our own products, but we thought why burn your own fuel when you can burn someone else’s?”
Wise words.
Why not let us know which new technology is your favourite?
