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The 235 km/h hurricane in the room

Nobody can see it, but it is a factor in a car’s fuel consumption, safety and comfort. It’s called aerodynamics, or the study of how air moves around solid objects. In the automotive world, its application is very practical: reducing a car’s resistance to wind. And all this is tested in its ‘temple’, the wind tunnel. This is how it works.

A hurricane in the room
Typically, prototypes are placed in the middle of a chamber, securely kept to the floor. Huge fans generate airflow and the vehicles can face winds of up to 300 km/h while sensors study their individual surfaces.

The air travels in a circular motion, depending on the size of the rotor and blades. Needless to say, when it’s blowing at full power, no one will be allowed inside the chamber as they would literally get blown out of it.

The car’s resistance data is displayed on the computer screens. Hundreds of numbers to be interpreted and compared to even the smallest variable to improve aerodynamics. Every millimetre of each part is key, since it is not only possible to reduce consumption, but also to increase stability, comfort and safety.

Shaping to go faster
Wind tunnels, while primarily used for development of future models, are also valuable for racing cars. While the goal in aerodynamic efficiency for production models is to lower fuel consumption and improve stability, when it comes to racing cars, optimising the bodywork to achieve higher speeds is the aim.

SEAT wnd tunnel — *The performance of rear wings, for example, can be optimised for the best downforce.*

CUPRA Racing’s Head of Technical Development, Xavi Serra, explains: “We want the new CUPRA Leon Competicion to have less air resistance and more grip when cornering. First, they will have to compete against the wind. Here we measure the parts on a 1:1 scale with the real aerodynamic loads and we can simulate the real contact with the road. This gives us the result of how the car will perform on the track.”

235 km/h standing still
The facilities where the CUPRA engineers test their prototypes are among the most complete and innovative. They have a special feature that makes the tests seem as if they are made in near-real conditions. However, instead of the car travelling at up to 235 km/h, the same effects are achieved by making the air travel at those speeds.

“The most important thing is that we can simulate the road. The wheels turn thanks to electric motors that move belts under the car,” said Wind Tunnel engineer Stefan Auri.

After hundreds of measurements, the results are compared with the car’s previous generation. “In this sense we’re satisfied; we’ve lowered the drag and improved the downforce, so it’s more efficient than the previous model, which will give us better lap times on the track,” said Xavi, adding that the data obtained will also be used to improve the new CUPRA models.

Supercomputer crunches numbers
The wind tunnel is not the only tool for improving aerodynamics. Supercomputing also plays a key role. When a model is in the early stages of development and there is not yet a prototype to study in a wind tunnel, 40,000 laptops working in unison are put to the service of aerodynamics. This is the MareNostrum 4 supercomputer, the most powerful in Spain and the seventh in Europe. Scientists around the world use it to carry out all kinds of simulations, and in the case of a collaboration project with SEAT, its computing power is used to battle the wind.

Watch: Onboard a race-spec Seat Cupra around Sepang Circuit!

The only automotive brand that bears a female name

To this day, Mercedes-Benz is the only automotive brand that bears a female name. The female was Mercedes, an 11-year old girl who was the daughter of Emil Jellinek, an Austrian businessman who lived in Nice, France.

Besides selling cars, Jellinek also registered them for racing events. The first car with this melodious Spanish name – the Mercedes 35 PS – caused a sensation at the Nice race week. This was not only because of its highly advanced technology – allowing it to win several races there – but also because of its exceptionally elegant design.

The success of the Mercedes cars at the event inspired Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft to call its automobiles ‘Mercedes’. From then on, the curved ‘Mercedes’ lettering adorned the radiators of Daimler passenger cars. The name was registered as a trademark on June 23, 1902 and legally protected on September 26, 1902.

Emil Jellinek and Mercedes — *Emil Jellinek and his daughter, Mercedes.*

Since then, the brand name – which was changed to Mercedes-Benz after the merger of the Daimler and Benz companies in June 1926 – has been both an expression of and a commitment to luxury and innovation.

Birth of the Mercedes 35 PS
Emil Jellinek was well aware of the importance of a brand name that was easy to remember. From 1899 onwards, he had competed in car races in high-performance Daimler cars under the pseudonym ‘Monsieur Mercedes’, already using the name of his daughter.

At the beginning of April 1900, he concluded an agreement with Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) for the distribution of Daimler cars and engines. Jellinek insisted on greater performance and more innovative technology from DMG in the closing years of the 19th century, which resulted in the development of the modern motorcar and a new engine.

The new engine from DMG
The new 4-cylinder in-line engine had a displacement of 5913 cc and an output of 35 hp at 1,000 rpm. It was lighter than an earlier engine DMG produced and had a short stroke to achieve higher engine speeds. The intake valves were actuated by their own camshafts for the first time, meaning that the engine had two camshafts. This marked a substantial advance over the previously employed ‘sniffing valves’, which were actuated by the vacuum created by the downward-moving piston.

On December 22 1900, DMG delivered the first car equipped with a new engine, a 35 PS racing car. The car was not only the newest and most powerful model produced by DMG but has since come to be recognised as the very first modern motorcar.

The Mercedes 35 PS was systematically designed for performance, weight savings and safety, its key features including a lightweight high-performance engine, a long wheelbase and a low centre of gravity.

With these attributes and the honeycomb radiator organically integrated into the front, it gave the motorcar its own distinct form. The first Mercedes was no longer reminiscent of a carriage pulled along by a combustion engine instead of horses. Rather, it was a new construction which had been systematically designed from scratch for the innovative new type of drive.

Unbeatable Mercedes
During Nice Week in March 1901, at that time perhaps the most important international motorsport event, the Mercedes cars entered were unbeatable in practically every class. This helped Jellinek and Mercedes to achieve exceptional publicity. In March and August 1901, the sister models, the 12/16 PS and 8/11 PS, were launched and Jellinek’s business was booming. In society’s most exclusive circles, it became the trend to drive a Mercedes or, even better, to be driven in one.

Interestingly, Jellinek went a step further in June 1903: he received permission to change his name to Jellinek-Mercedes. He explained the decision thus: “This must in all probability be the first time that a father has borne the name of his daughter.”

And what about The Star?
The Mercedes Star today immediately identifies the brand and its history goes back to 1909 when DMG registered it as a trademark by DMG in June 1909 (there was also a 4-pointed star). From 1910, it would be a common sight on the radiators of Mercedes vehicles.

The three tips of the star were also regarded as a symbol of Gottlieb Daimler’s efforts to achieve universal motorisation ‘on land, at sea and in the air’ – a vision he consistently pursued from the very beginning.

Vision Mercedes Simplex sculpture embodies heritage and future of luxury brand

Fighting COVID-19 is our joint responsibility. Protect yourself and others: make these 6 simple precautions your new habits.

War on COVID-19: ‘Necessity is the mother of invention’ sees carmakers fast-tracking production of medical equipment

‘Necessity is the mother of invention’ is a saying which is attributed to Plato, the Greek philosopher. And it is certainly true in these times when there is urgent need of medial equipment to save lives as well as protect healthcare personnel.

Many carmakers have initiated and executed projects to design, engineer and manufacture vital Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), doing so faster than normal processes would take. They are using their advanced technologies which can speed up the R&D, and their factories to then produce the items.

Ford, for example, is expanding its efforts to design and produce urgently needed medical equipment. In addition to the current production of more than 3 million face shields, the company is also now making powered air-purifying respirators which were designed in-house.

Gown production
To help further protect healthcare workers, Ford is leading efforts to manufacture reusable gowns with its airbag supplier, Joyson Safety Systems. The go-fast project has created reusable gowns manufactured from material used to make airbags in Ford vehicles.

Production of gowns will reach 75,000 gowns a week by Sunday and scale up to 100,000 gowns for the week of April 19 and beyond. By July 4, Joyson Safety Systems aims to cut and sew 1.3 million gowns which are washable up to 50 times, extending their usage.

Ford worked with Beaumont Health in Metro Detroit to quickly design the gown pattern and test for sizing during fit and function trials. More than 5,000 gowns have already been delivered to the hospital.

The new PAPR
Since late March, Ford manufacturing, purchasing and supply chain experts have been embedded at 3M manufacturing facilities to help increase production of urgently needed products. With this additional help, 3M and Ford were able to increase the output of Powered Air Purifying Respirators and N95 respirators at 3M’s U.S.-based manufacturing facilities.

“By working collaboratively with 3M to quickly combine more than 100 years of Ford manufacturing and engineering expertise with personal protection equipment design and expertise, we’re getting much-needed technology into the hands of frontline medical workers to help when they need it most,” said Marcy Fisher, Ford Director, Global Body Exterior and Interior Engineering.

The newly designed PAPR includes a hood and faceshield to cover healthcare professionals’ heads and shoulders, while a high-efficiency filter system provides a supply of filtered air for up to 8 hours. The air blower system – similar to the fan found in F-150’s ventilated seats – is powered by a rechargeable, portable battery, helping keep the respirator in constant use by first-line defenders.

Producing globally
Besides the USA, faceshield production is also ongoing globally at Ford facilities in Canada and Thailand and with Ford joint-venture partner Mahindra & Mahindra in India. Ventilator pre-production activities are also underway in the UK, where Ford and an industry consortium are preparing to make ventilators.

Ford is providing manufacturing engineering capability, project leadership, purchasing support and assembly of the ventilators at its Dagenham engine plant. This production will help meet demand for 15,000 ventilators ordered by the U.K. government.

War on COVID-19: Proton to produce 60,000 face shields for frontliners

PICKnGO taxi drivers also offer delivery services

With the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic affecting everyone, life as we have always known is changing – and many changes may become the ‘new normal’. Many sectors, especially businesses big and small are affected and where taxi drivers are concerned, it is obvious that the Movement Control Order (MCO) which restricts movements of the general public has been devastating.

Greatly reduced demand means less earnings and the government is offering financial assistance under the new economic stimulus package. This is in the form of a one-off payment for taxi drivers (RM600) and e-hailing drivers (RM500).

Valerie Chan, Executive Director of PICK N GO Sdn Bhd, said that this financial aid is a short-term relief for taxi drivers but with MCO extended until April 28, the taxi drivers may not be able to sustain themselves on their own although they are allowed to work.

The 3-year old company, which has a taxi-oriented ride-hailing app launched in 2017, has quickly embraced ICT advancement by allowing their app users to book the ride as a delivery service. This in turn helps business owners and customers to pick up their groceries or essential items from designated locations.

PICKnGO, which connects some 10,000 taxi drivers around Greater Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Melaka, Johor and Penang, has embarked on this new service involving delivery of items. This would provide an additional source of revenue for taxi drivers in these challenging times through their delivery operations. A customer will only need to book a ride through the application and leave a relevant remark at the message section of the app.

“We are also concerned over the widespread transmission of COVID-19 and have advised all our drivers take additional precautions by wearing a facemask while on duty and have hand sanitizers in their vehicle. We also urge passengers to wear a mask while riding in the taxi,” Ms. Chan said.

She added that the taxi drivers are also practicing contactless and cashless payment system though the app to reduce any physical contact. Taxis are listed under essential services, hence they are allowed to move around conveniently to offer their service, she added.

“This would enable a natural progression for taxi companies to keep up with the advancements and the changing business landscape in the current e-hailing landscape which has become further challenging due to the given pandemic,” she said.

Ms Chan also reminded taxi drivers not to give up during this tough period and is hopeful that the public will support and provide an opportunity to taxi drivers by utilising their delivery services. PICKnGO has plans to collaborate with other industry players as well to provide food deliveries and courier services to help taxi drivers sustain in the nearest future.

You can download the PICKnGO app from Google Play or the App Store.

New 765LT continues the McLaren ‘Longtail’ story

The ‘Longtail’ story that began with the McLaren F1 GTR race car in the 1990s and, since 2015, has seen road-legal LT models introduced has a new chapter with the introduction of the new 765LT. Lighter, more powerful and with even higher levels of performance on both road and track, the 765LT is said to be the most dynamically advanced and engaging LT model ever from McLaren Automotive.

The LT promise of being ‘limited to the few’ is also fulfilled, with just 765 individually numbered cars available globally for customer order. Deliveries are set to start from September although with the current lockdown situation in the UK, this may be changed.

Advanced carbonfibre technologies
Advanced carbonfibre technologies and bespoke carbonfibre LT body panels and aerodynamic features are key to an 80-kg weight reduction over the 720S. Together with power of 765 ps/800 Nm from the 4-litre, twin-turbocharged McLaren V8 engine, transmission gearing optimised for scintillating in-gear acceleration and LT-specific suspension springs and dampers, this is the basis for the wholly immersive driving experience the new 765LT delivers.

“The 765LT is the most accomplished and exhilarating LT model ever from McLaren Automotive. Incredible performance and astonishing levels of driver engagement – the result of hundreds of detailed engineering actions undertaken to ensure the purest possible connection between driver and car – are the stand-out attributes of an LT developed with single-minded determination to deliver a wholly immersive driving experience to those who secure one of the 765 available to customer order,” declared Mike Flewitt, CEO of McLaren Automotive.

Highest levels of driver engagement
The McLaren Super Series chassis dynamics have been further enhanced in the 765LT to provide the ‘communication and feel’ that allow a driver to fully exploit the extreme performance of the car when appropriate, but also enjoy it at lower speeds.

The steering retains McLaren’s distinguished electro-hydraulic assistance but has been further honed with a quicker ratio and a stiffer torsion bar for even purer driver feedback. The state-of-the-art, linked-hydraulic Proactive Chassis Control II suspension introduced with the 720S features updates to both software and hardware to meet the dynamic requirements of the 765LT; advances made during the development of the McLaren Senna and Speedtail have seen the suspension system algorithms revised to ensure even greater precision and control.

In comparison to the 720S, front ride height is reduced by 5 mm and the front track is 6 mm wider, changes that together improve both grip and balance. New lightweight main springs feature additional ‘helper’ springs to reduce unsprung mass and maintain load in the suspension on full rebound, while the use of two springs saves weight in comparison with one larger dual-rate spring. Roll stiffness is increased, further enhancing vehicle stability.

The aerodynamic performance is key to the abilities of the car on track, but also influences higher-speed road driving behaviours. The extended front splitter and elongated active rear wing work in conjunction with the carbonfibre floor, unique door blades and the extended rear diffuser to deliver aerodynamic downforce 25% greater than that available to a 720S driver, adding a further dimension to already excellent aerodynamic performance.

The new, high-set static position of the ‘Longtail’ active rear wing aids powertrain cooling by drawing hot air out of the engine bay as well as increasing downforce, while the airbrake functionality reduces dive sensitivity under heavy braking. This allows the front springs to be softer than would be required if they were solely responsible for maintaining the front ride height, which in turn enables improved front axle compliance characteristics, to the benefit on-road driving.

Braking performance is immense with latest-generation carbon-ceramic discs, together with calipers from the McLaren Senna. Formula 1-inspired integrated caliper cooling – a technology introduced with 765LT – delivers cooling air to the front calipers and discs, reducing brake pad temperatures by up 50 degrees during track driving and ensuring that both consistency of pedal feel and outright braking performance remain impeccable.

“A McLaren LT really challenges us to push the boundaries of what is possible – especially with regards to weight reduction – and the 765LT is no exception. The 720S is already very light, helped by innovations developed in previous LT programmes, but we have investigated every area of the car to deliver even further savings: ‘helper’ springs in the suspension enable a 1.5- kg reduction, a bespoke lightweight centre tunnel saves 1.4-kg and optional carbonfibre fenders are 1.2kg lighter than the standard panels,” revealed James Warner, Chief Engineer for the 765LT.

Carbonfibre interior
The use of carbonfibre throughout the track-focused interior brings further weight-optimisation. The standard lightweight, carbonfibre-shelled racing seats are a combined 18 kgs lighter than the 720S sports seats. The central tunnel of carbon composite material has a panel thickness of just 0.8 mm. More weight reduction is possible by specifying even more carbonfibre options from the MSO Defined range developed by McLaren Special Operations.

The primary hub in the 765LT for driver convenience, comfort and connectivity functions – including McLaren Track Telemetry – is an 8.0-inch, high-resolution Central Infotainment Screen that works in conjunction with a Folding Driver Display to provide an integrated driver information platform.

The Folding Driver Display and Central Infotainment Screen surrounds are available in carbonfibre to complement the finish of the window switch surrounds, steering wheel clasp and Active Dynamics Panel surround.

The 765LT is not a car for those wanting to keep a low profile and the standard colour choices reflect this. There are 17 exterior paint colours, including two – Nardo Orange and Smoked White – unique to the new LT. Of course, a customer can also specify a personal choice of colour which MSO Bespoke commission will provide.

Exclusive McLaren Senna XP cars pay tribute to one of the greatest F1 drivers

Kia Promise extends vehicle warranties until end of June 2020

These are stressful times for many people all over the world with uncertainties brought on by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. There are concerns about personal health, employment and other issues.

Those who own a Kia vehicle will be pleased to know that the manufacturer of your vehicle wants to do something to help. And the way Kia Motors Corporation will help is to offer the ‘Kia Promise’, a global warranty extension program.

The Kia Promise is designed to support Kia customers whose movements may be limited because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be offered in 142 countries – including Malaysia – for all vehicles with original Kia warranties that are to expire between February 1 and April 30, 2020.

With the Kia Promise, the warranty of all eligible vehicles will be extended to June 30, 2020. The carmaker believes that more than 500,000 customers worldwide could benefit from this extension.

Kia Grand Carnival — *Kia models purchased from authorised dealerships in Malaysia qualify for the warranty extension.*

With many countries and businesses taking precautionary measures to counteract the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kia Promise aims to help customers who may be unable to visit a workshop during this time due to regulations restricting movements. The program also helps customers who are not able to bring their car in for servicing.

“By extending Kia’s comprehensive warranty cover to customers who may be affected by the pandemic, Kia Motors hopes they have one less thing to worry about during this time. Our goal is to help to alleviate any concerns our customers have about vehicle maintenance during periods of social distancing,” said Sangdae Kim, Senior Vice-President and Head of Global Customer Experience Division at Kia Motors Corporation,

Prioritizing the safety, health and well-being of its customers, business partners and employees, Kia Motors continues to closely monitor COVID-19 developments in communities where it does business. The company continuously strives to prevent infections at its facilities while working with government and local authorities, complying with all standards set by those entities.

VR technology enhances vehicle development processes for Hyundai and Kia

All-new Toyota Harrier revealed, to be launched in Japan in June

23 years ago, Lexus introduced a new model which created a premium SUV class. It was known as the RX and in Japan, the same model was also sold as a Harrier under the Toyota brand (probably because Lexus was not sold in Japan yet). For the generations that followed, the Lexus and Toyota models were essentially similar until 2013 when they separated and the Harrier became an independent development.

Toyota Harrier generations (1) — *The first two generations of the Harrier were similar to the Lexus RX but the most recent one (right) was an independent development.*

The Harrier name and product had built up a strong reputation, even outside Japan and was a very popular parallel import in many countries, including Malaysia. Initially a JDM (Japan Domestic Market) model, its popularity eventually led to UMW Toyota Motor deciding to officially sell it in Malaysia from 2017.

Now comes a new Harrier, to be launched in Japan in June 2020, which is said to ‘go beyond the SUV category to offer new value as ‘a life-enriching partner’. Like its predecessors, it offers the same high quality in design and engineering.

The new Harrier has a front view that emphasizes sharp styling with fluid proportions through the continuity of lines flowing from the front upper grill through to the headlamps. The headlamps (with double-L DRLs) indicate individuality and technical advancement while enabling easy identification from a distance.

The narrowed coupe cabin has sportscar-like wheel housings extending from both sides of the body. Light from a thin, sharp line of tail lamps and stop lamps gives it an overwhelming sense of presence.

TNGA platform
The new Harrier uses the TNGA (GA-K) platform for its basic structure. This creates a highly rigid body with a low centre of gravity, enhancing both ride comfort and driving performance with a focus on driver sensitivity.

The suspension system uses MacPherson struts at the front and a double wishbone set-up at the rear. The front and rear suspension geometry has also been optimized to produce a well-balanced rigid body. Through thorough tuning and testing, Toyota engineers aimed to provide a ride that is both solid and graceful.

To improve steering convergence in the new Harrier, the shock absorbers have a smooth pedal stroke even in very low speed ranges are used. This enables the driver to feel the tyres gripping the road, achieving a high level of sensitivity.

The TNGA platform brings with it the latest all-new Dynamic Force Engines (2.5 litres and 2.0 litres) and Direct Shift-CVT. Customers can also choose the continually evolving Toyota Hybrid System (THS II), which expands the options available more than ever. Drivetrains are AWD or 2WD as well as E-Four with the Harrier Hybrid.

Toyota Safety Sense
The new Harrier comes with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), which employs a pre-collision safety system that detects pedestrians during the day and at night, as well as cyclists during the day. TSS includes Intelligent Clearance Sonar with Parking Support Brakes (Stationary Objects) that helps reduce and/or mitigate damage from collisions during low-speed driving in parking lots, etc.

There is also a Digital Inner Mirror, used for the first time by Toyota, which enables recording of images to the front and rear of the vehicle while driving. The hybrid variant features a 100-volt (AC)/1,500-watt accessory power outlet. This not only allows the use of electrical products using the same electrical outlets found in the home, but also enables the SUV to be used as a power generator during blackouts and other times of emergency.

Ruggedness and individuality
The interior employs tactile synthetic leather to create the image of a natural-looking silhouette wrapped in thick leather, and bentwood-inspired wood tones and piping throughout, presenting a casual air of quality.

A panorama roof, used for the first time by Toyota, is equipped with electric shades and electro-chromatic windows. When the windows are dimmed, soft light penetrates the cabin. Low-contrast browns, greys, and blacks are used to create a calming atmosphere that is both chic and mature.

The centre console presents a wide and imposing impression of a horse’s saddle. It combines with an instrument panel set within the edges of the ‘saddle’ to present a generous ruggedness with an emphasis on individuality.

Toyota’s new painting process with highest coating efficiency in the world

Covid-19 — **Fighting COVID-19 is our joint responsibility. Protect yourself and others: make these 6 simple precautions your new habits.**

LOOKING BACK: When Proton built a Satria Convertible

Proton has never had a convertible model in its range but 20 years ago, it built one as a concept study based on the Satria. The model was displayed in Germany as well as China, besides the 2001 KL International Motor Show. Although there was positive response, Proton did not go on to develop it as a production model.

How Bentley ensures the highest quality for its cars

‘Quality’ can be perceived in varying degrees and where cars are concerned, it would not be wrong to say that the more expensive the model, the higher the quality will be. The higher cost comes partly from using the finest materials and having the best workmanship and advanced manufacturing processes.

Precision is a key element in quality and at Bentley, maintaining precision is done in a large, airy and air-conditioned workshop packed with the kind of precision instruments you’d expect to find in a space agency facility or university science lab.

It’s here that Head of Metrology Michael Stockdale and his 25 colleagues measure every part of a Bentley to the highest standards of precision. Metrology is the science of measurement, and it’s fundamental to the quality, performance and longevity of every Bentley that each component is made to consistently precise dimensions.

Stockdale and his colleagues can measure every part of each model Bentley makes, from the smallest washer to body panels and interior trim, and ensure that no component strays from the close tolerances prescribed for it. “We have the tools to measure everything from the graining of leather to the surface of a cylinder bore, down to fractions of a micron” explains Stockdale.

Having measured components individually, they are measured again as sub-assemblies and once more as part of the finished vehicle. Thus, the Metrology team plays a vital role in ensuring that near perfection is repeatable.

Precise choreography
Measuring and enforcing the highest standards of dimensional accuracy is especially important for a vehicle, where multiple components become sub-assemblies. To take just one example, the retractable Flying B mascot on the bonnet of the Flying Spur, which smoothly deploys and retracts only because each component in its complex control assembly is made to close and consistent dimensions.

It is illuminated and linked to the keyless entry system as the driver approaches the car, yet it must also retract automatically in the event of an accident. To achieve this precise choreography and to ensure that it sits perfectly centred within its plinth, elements of the Flying B system have tolerances as low as 0.15 mm.

Finer than a single blood cell
Laymen use ‘a hair’s breadth’ as a description of the tiniest imaginable measure, but such a term would be too imprecise for Bentley’s Metrology team. As Stockdale points out, a human hair can be anything from 17 microns to over 150 microns thick. In contrast, there are instruments within Metrology that can measure down to 0.5 microns.

A micron is one millionth of a metre, and a human red blood cell is 5 microns in diameter. Not every component of a Bentley needs to be measured to tolerances of less than a micron, but there are some.

As an example, Stockdale cites the crankshaft of Bentley’s 6-litre W12 engine. Though invisible to the naked eye, each of the 12 machined bearing journal surfaces in which the crankshaft sits features minute grooves that hold a microscopic film of oil.

By using a high accuracy Perthometer (a tool designed to measure surface finishes), the Metrology team can verify that those minute grooves are within their defined tolerances, in turn ensuring that each W12 engine produces both the immense power and lifelong durability its owners would expect.

Scanning every millimetre
As well as measuring individual surfaces and components to microscopic levels of accuracy, the Metrology team measures entire vehicles. Every millimetre of the car’s body is scanned using high accuracy digital cameras to create a complete and precise map of the car.

Brake disc — *Ensuring the contrencity of the brake disc is precisely within specifications.*

“Imagine an issue at the prototype stage where the panel gap between grille and bonnet is a millimetre too large,” explained Stockdale. “Does the fault lie with the grille, or the bonnet? A special reference vehicle provides the answer, because it’s made to the precise dimensions of the CAD data.”

Precise temperature control
Materials expand when warm and shrink when cold, so it’s essential that measurements are taken at a consistent reference temperature. Within the Metrology area, air conditioning keeps the area at a steady 20°C. But for components that demand the highest levels of precision, there’s an inner sanctum called the High Accuracy Measurement area, where a dedicated climate control system ensures that the temperature never deviates by more than half a degree Celsius.

Within this area are three gigantic granite blocks to which components can be clamped for the ultimate in stability, essential for an accurate reading. But first, the components to be measured have to soak in the atmosphere – literally. “A large component like an engine block might have to soak at a consistent temperature for up to a week, so we can be sure that it’s 20°C all the way to the core,” said Stockdale.

Only 12 people will get to own this super exclusive Bentley Bacalar (w/VIDEO)

Dongfeng’s new compact SUV ready for launch in mid-2020.

With the COVID-19 pandemic crisis in China appearing to subside and businesses are resuming operations, some carmakers are already looking at launching new models later this year. One of them is Dongfeng Motor Corporation (DFM) which is readying a new compact SUV, to be called the Yixuan RV, in June this year

Tough sharing the same over styling as the Yixuan model in the Aeolus range, it has a more aggressive design language. The angular front design elements complement the large matrix centre grille to create a bold look. When viewed from the side, the profile of Yixuan RV incorporates a bi-colour design, and the chromed sash molding and wheel rim well echo the overall design styling.

This is the first SUV developed from the DFM’s CMP modular platform which was jointly developed with the French PSA Group (which has Peugeot and Citroen). Dimensionally, the new model has an overall length of 4610 mm and width of 1830 mm with a wheelbase of 2680 mm. This would put it around the same size as a Hyundai Tucson.

The interior styling of this new model is also similar to Yixuan, with a similar looking console, floating central control screen, multifunction steering wheel and red/black leather seats. What differentiates the RV version is the carbonfibre-like pattern on the trim.

Customers will be able to order the Yixuan RV with either a 1-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged engine with a maximum power of 125 bhp/196 Nm, or a 1.5-litre (also turbocharged) 4-cylinder engine that produces 150 bhp/230 Nm. Transmission options available are 5-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch unit.

About Dongfeng
DFM’s history is longer than most other carmakers in China, going back to 1969 when it was founded as the Second Automobile Works Co., Ltd. This was before the country’s automotive industry took off (in the 1980s) and its main products then were trucks. Since the 2000s, it has also been producing passenger vehicles and collaborates with the PSA Group as well as Renault and Nissan.

Last year, it sold almost 3 million vehicles, made up of 2,463,620 passenger vehicles and 468,333 commercial vehicles. This year, it is aiming for 3.1 million vehicles although the lengthy shutdown would impact that target especially as DFM production facilities are located in Wuhan and Hubei province whichh were at the epicentre of the pandemic.