Classic cars for sale at International Autojumble this September

There is just one month to go until visitors from all over Europe descend on Beaulieu for the International Autojumble, on the 7^th and 8^th September.

All the regular features of the Beaulieu Autojumble will be present, including over 2,000 stands bursting with all kinds of motoring bargains, the Dealermart selling a range of classic cars, the Automart with its eclectic collection of vehicles, from restoration projects to cars in concours condition, Saturday’s Bonhams Auction and Sunday Trunk Traders.

Beaulieu Events Manager, Judith Maddox, said: “With strong demand for stand spaces, this year’s autojumble looks set to be another success. With just a few single spaces left and enquiries still coming in, we anticipate another full house.”

Leading the early motor car consignments for the Bonhams Auction are two Sunbeams – a 1926 3-litre twin-cam Super Sports (£130,000 - £160,000) and a 1912 Coupe de l’Auto replica (£90,000 - £120,000). Two separate car collections will also feature in the auction, including the Baden Collection of 21 cars, offered at no reserve, and the Cottesmore Collection.

Motorcycles up for auction include a 1963 BSA 646cc Rocket Gold Star (£14,000 - £18,000), a 1927 BSA 5½hp Sloper (£4,500 - £5,000) and a 1999 BSA Regal Gold Star SR500 (£3,500 - £5,000).

The Automobilia section will include the collection of the late Ron Hickman, former stylist at Ford, Dagenham and later the Director of Lotus Engineering in the 1960s, responsible for the original Lotus Elan models and designer of the Black & Decker workmate. The collection includes his motoring library and a selection of original cutaway technical illustrations for The Autocar and The Motor.

If any of these items have captured your interest, please bear in mind that entry to the auction is by catalogue only (available to purchase on tel. 0207 393 3900).

Show sponsors, Practical Classics will have lots to keep visitors entertained at the event. In the PCWorkshop Tent, the team will be finishing off the restoration of their MGB, once owned by Lord Montagu, which they hope to have running by the end of the weekend.

On both days at lunchtime, visitors can join in with the PC Pub Quiz – a lively affair with a number of motoring-related questions to puzzle over. The team will be offering visitors their special show offer on magazine subscriptions and the opportunity to enter a free draw to win an MG Midget and tool chest.

PC Editor, Danny Hopkins is very much looking forward to the event. He said: “It’s an honour to be back sponsoring the Beaulieu Autojumble. Practical Classics has been closely involved with Europe’s biggest swap-meet since the magazine was launched 33 years ago and it’s testimony to the ‘jumble’s’ enduring appeal that even in this digital age, it is still as popular as ever.

If you have been before then you know why you are here. If this is your first time, I envy you – no-one ever forgets their first Beaulieu. Whatever your age or experience, here’s hoping you have a great day – come and see us in the PC Workshop Tent, where we will be returning a very special car to the road using bits bought on the field.”

Ringwood Brewery will also be present at the event, making its debut as a show sponsor. Ringwood has been producing beautiful craft ales at its brewery on the edge of the New Forest since 1978 and the company’s four permanent ales – Best Bitter, Fortyniner, Old Thumper and Boondoggle – are favourites with New Forest residents.

New for 2013, a free shuttle bus will be operating on Saturday and Sunday, running continuously between Brockenhurst train station and the Beaulieu Coach Park from 8.30am to 6pm. This service is subject to availability and will operate on a first come, first serve basis. Bags or purchases should fit in the foot well and must not take up an additional seat, especially during busy times.

As in previous years, there will also be a free bus service running to the car parks from the front of the Main Entrance Hall, plus a free delivery service to the car parks for large or heavy items bought at the autojumble.

For overseas visitors, several ferry companies are offering discounts on travel to the International Autojumble. Stena Line is offering a 10% discount on crossings from Ireland, Brittany Ferries is offering a 10% discount on crossings from France and DFDS Seaways is offering 10 Euros on a return journey from Dunkirk to Dover and Calais to Dover. Visit www.internationalautojumble.co.uk for the discount codes.

Admission to Beaulieu on both days will be from 8.30am, when programmes will be available to purchase and visitors will be able to access the National Motor Museum, toilets, and Brabazon Restaurant, where breakfast will be served. The event will open from 10am – 5pm on Saturday, and from 9.30am – 4.30pm on Sunday. On the day inclusive ticket prices are one day adult, £14.50 (Sat), £13.00 (Sun), one day child, £9.00 (Sat), and £8.70 (Sun), less if purchased in advance online at www.beaulieushop.co.uk until 5^th September, and by telephone on 01590 612888 until 7^th September.

Admission gives entry to the whole Beaulieu attraction, including the National Motor Museum, World of Top Gear, Beaulieu Abbey and Palace House and gardens. Don’t miss the last opportunity to see BOND IN MOTION; the largest exhibition of its kind staged anywhere in the world, it showcases 50 of the best loved and most iconic Bond vehicles and is due to close at the end of 2013.

For those wishing to exhibit, stand prices start at £128, a Trunk Traders Sunday space is £50 and for those wishing to sell a vehicle in the Automart, £80.  For all stand enquiries and to book a space tel: 01590 614614 or email events@beaulieu.co.uk

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Audi driver Rockenfeller at Nürburgring as DTM leader

Schaeffler Audi RS 5 DTM #19 (Audi Sport Team Phoenix)

Round seven at the Nürburgring (August 16 to 18) marks the beginning of the hot phase in the battle for the DTM title. 100 points are yet to be awarded and Audi driver Mike Rockenfeller is travelling to the Eifel with a 27-point advantage. ‘Rocky’ grew up in a place just half an hour away from the ‘Ring’ – accordingly, he and Audi Sport Team Phoenix, with its home base at the Nürburgring, are looking forward to the event with particularly eager anticipation.
 
From the adventure in Moscow the DTM is now moving on to the Eifel. The race at the Nürburgring ranks among the classic events on the calendar. The DTM has seen numerous gripping races there, exotic premieres like a night-time qualifying session, plus six Audi victories in total since the comeback in 2000. The proximity to the famous Nordschleife and the enthusiasm of the fans make the round in the Eifel a highlight of the season again and again. 
 
This is particularly true for the Audi drivers Mike Rockenfeller and Timo Scheider, who grew up near the circuit and for whom the Nürburgring is thus their home track. ‘Rocky’ has the chance of making another pinpoint landing in the battle for the title in front of many friends and fans. Following his second victory of the season in Moscow, the Audi driver is traveling to his home round with an advantage of 27 points over the reigning Champion Bruno Spengler. Audi Sport Team Phoenix, which fields the Audi RS 5 DTM cars of Rockenfeller and Miguel Molina, only has to cross a road to get from its base in Meuspath to the paddock. 
 
This year, the DTM is again using the 3.629-kilometre short configuration of the Grand Prix circuit on 49 laps. The circuit offers two sections – the start-finish straight in front of the first turn and the back-straight in front of the chicane – in which the Drag Reduction System (DRS) effectively supports overtaking manoeuvres. This promises a thrilling race Sunday.
 
Tickets for all DTM races of the 2013 season are available at www.audi-motorsport.com/dtm. Fans in many countries of the world can watch qualifying and the race live on the DTM’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/dtmint live. A total of 39 TV channels air live DTM coverage in 141 countries. 
 
In Germany, ARD will broadcast live on “Das Erste:” Qualifying on Saturday (August 17) starting at 14:30, the race on Sunday (August 18) starting at 13:15.

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Diesel engine is 120 years old today

On August 10th, 120 years ago, Rudolf Diesel fired up his first engine that ran on the compression-ignition principle, one that is more commonly known by his surname. The diesel.
It is highly unlikely that Diesel -- who died 100 years ago this September -- could have possibly conceived how the engine bearing his name would revolutionize the world's energy and transportation platforms. And, no doubt, he would have been surprised and delighted that more and more car buyers in America are discovering the advantages of Clean Diesel engines: excellent fuel mileage, smooth running, and mid-range torque that gives effortless passing power.
More than 75 percent of the diesel engines that are sold in the passenger car and SUV segments in the United States can be found under the hoods of Volkswagen models. Ever since 1977, when Volkswagen first offered a diesel in the Rabbit, the company has sold more than one million cars and SUVs powered by these engines in the U.S.


So far in 2013, Volkswagen has sold 56,480 TDI® Clean Diesel cars, representing nearly a quarter of the cars it sells. Volkswagen offers Clean Diesel technology in seven different models, six of which get an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 40 mpg or more on the highway. Nearly 40 percent of Passat models sold in July had the 2.0-liter, turbocharged, direct-injection, common-rail TDI engine, which has an EPA estimated highway fuel economy of 43 miles per gallon when equipped with the six-speed manual transmission. This enables the Passat TDI to go 795 highway miles before needing to refuel.


To demonstrate the benefits of the TDI Clean Diesel engine, two teams of expert drivers recently set mileage records in a Volkswagen Passat TDI with a manual transmission. In 2012, a Passat recorded 1626 miles on a single tank of clean diesel fuel, at an average of 84.1 mpg. This past June, Wayne Gerdes and Bob Winger set a new Guinness World Records® achievement for the "lowest fuel consumption -- 48 U.S. States for a non-hybrid car" category at 77.99 mpg after an 8122-mile drive around the country, more than 10 mpg better than the previous mark. The achievement also beat the hybrid vehicle record of 64.6 mpg.

The good diesel news will continue to get even better in 2014, when Volkswagen will introduce its new EA288 2.0-liter TDI Clean Diesel engine, offering both more horsepower and even better gas mileage. At the recent Center for Automotive Research's Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, Michigan, Oliver Schmidt -- Volkswagen's General Manager of the Office of Engineering and the Environment -- confirmed the new engine. "The Volkswagen Group is a leader in clean diesel technology," said Schmidt. "With the introduction of the new EA288 engine, we are excited that our family of TDI Clean Diesel vehicles is continuing to improve and will be even more clean, fuel efficient, and powerful."

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Toyota goes Latin Music

Latino music fans can get the inside scoop on the 2013 Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival in San Francisco, thanks to Toyota and Latin pop music star Ximena Sariñana. Toyota will be there every step of the way, with Ms. Sariñana chronicling the event in a week-long social media series centered on music and culture.

Dubbed “Música y Destinos,” the journey will begin on August 9 with Sariñana travelling from Los
Angeles to the iconic festival in a Toyota Prius. Music fans can follow Sariñana on Twitter (@XimenaMusic) as she interviews artists, exhibitors and attendees and comments on all the festival happenings. Some of Sariñana’s curated festival experience will also be highlighted via @ToyotaLatino.

“Partnering with Ximena Sariñana gives our Toyota fans and followers a unique look at the festival
through the eyes of this talented, Latin Grammy-nominated artist,” said David Chung, Toyota.

In addition to sharing Sariñana’s take on the festival, Toyota will also host two on-site experiences.
Festival goers can visit the Hybrid House Party, which will feature Prius c and other hybrid vehicles.
The Hybrid House Party space will have a street art look and feel and will offer fans activities such
as a flashback hair station, silkscreen posters and totes, a charging station and a ‘mini’ recording
studio where participants can create their own tracks by following prompts. Separately, the
Soundwave space will offer exclusive onsite programming in collaboration with Toyota and SPIN
Media, including artist interviews and Q&As, behind the scenes photography, guest DJs and bands,
and vehicle interactions.

Featuring an incredible lineup of renowned artists from Paul McCartney and Willie Nelson to Nine
Inch Nails and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Outside Lands Festival has become one of the premier
cultural events in the United States. The festival also features attractions that focus around food,
wine, and art. As many as 150,000 people will attend the three-day extravaganza.

“Music is a particularly important touch-point for the U.S. Latino audience, who spend 57% more
per concert event than the national average,” said Ross Ludwig, Conill, Toyota’s agency of record
for the Hispanic market. “We couldn’t ask for a more organically influential ambassador than
Ximena.”

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Kia's new B-segment concept car will be unveiled at Frankfurt

Playful but gutsy, sturdy yet impish – Kia’s dramatic new European concept to be unveiled at the IAA in Frankfurt on 10 September hints at a possible future B-segment contender ready to take on the urban environment with style and tenacity.

Accepting any challenge that the assured modern motorist may throw at it, this concept car combines a mischievous character in a clearly robust and substantial yet stylish bodyshape featuring a mix of contrasting materials in compact, purposeful dimensions.

Born out of Kia’s determination to seek new compact-car options for the individualistic and demanding driver for whom size is an issue, the concept features intriguing elements not always associated with smaller cars and has been created in Europe with European tastes and expectations very much in mind.

Although there are no current plans for production the vehicle’s unveiling in Frankfurt will be used to gauge potential customer response for future showroom models.

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New driver lineup for Pastrana Racing at Atlanta

Fans of Pastrana Racing who are used to seeing Travis Pastrana and Bryce Menzies in the team’s two Dodge Darts will have to get used to a wholly different lineup in Saturday’s race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Timur Timerzyanov, who has been Pastrana’s fill-in at races in Munich and Bristol, will return to the #199 car. Timerzyanov has made it to the main event twice in four starts this year, ranking 14^th in points with a total of 22. (He also raced at X Games Los Angeles with Marklund Motorsport as a teammate to Anton Marklund.)

But with Menzies unavailable for this weekend’s race, the team had to bring in a fresh face for the #99 team: Henning Solberg, the five-time Norwegian Rally champion and a veteran of over 100 World Rally Championship starts.

After debuting in WRC in 1998, Solberg shifted his focus to the series in 2004. He spent some of his best seasons in M-Sport Fords prepared by Ian Davies, who will be his crew chief. Together, they finished sixth in both the 2007 and 2009 WRC standings. Solberg’s WRC totals include six podium finishes, 31 stage victories, and 230 points.

Solberg’s transition to rallycross has been a return to his roots of sorts. He began his career in Norwegian bilcross, an entry-level version of the sport, before switching to stage rally in the mid-1990s. Earlier this year, he made his return to the sport by driving two races in Europe for Per Eklund, running the same Saab 9-3 that Andy Scott and Samuel Hubinette drove in Global Rallycross last season.

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Dodge Dart achieved Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS

The 2013 Dodge Dart adds to its list of awards with a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

“We are very pleased that the Dart has earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation,” said Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO Dodge Brand – Chrysler Group LLC. “In addition to its solid structure – the Dart’s 68-percent high-strength-steel content ratio is one of the highest in the industry – the Dart boasts more than 60 safety and security features. They include 10 standard air bags, which is unsurpassed in the compact car segment.”

The Dart previously earned Top Safety Pick status from the IIHS, recording the maximum possible rating in each of four crash tests used by the IIHS to evaluate occupant protection, the primary attribute of a Top Safety Pick. The 2013 Dart achieved a score of “good” in tests that simulate rollover, rear, side and moderate-overlap frontal impacts. In addition, the Dodge Dart was awarded a 5-star overall rating for crashworthiness from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Dodge Dart redefines performance with an agile, fun-to-drive experience, compliments of its Alfa Romeo roots. It is crafted with high-quality materials and loaded with state-of-the-art technology and class-leading safety features. The new Dart GT model builds on that foundation and offers attributes compact car buyers appreciate such as a 2.4L engine with 184 horsepower, a sport-tuned suspension, available hyper black 18-inch wheels, along with class-exclusive features like an 8.4-inch Uconnect Touchscreen media center, Uconnect hands-free with Bluetooth and LED racetrack taillamps. The Dart provides drivers with the ultimate combination of power, efficiency, technology, style and safety and security, all for a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just $15,995.

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Infiniti Q30 concept will be revealed at Frankfurt

Infiniti will stage the world premiere of its Q30 Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

The Infiniti Q30 Concept signals the contemporary design vision for a compact Infiniti vehicle which will target a new generation of premium customers.

Set to be unveiled at Infiniti's press conference, scheduled for 10:15 am CET on September 10 in Frankfurt, the Q30 Concept is the next step in Infiniti's foray into new premium segments. It embodies Infiniti's vision to deliver head-turning design, innovative materials with precise fit and finish and passionate craftsmanship.

"This Infiniti Q30 Concept is a prelude to the product portfolio expansion which underpins our aggressive global growth strategy," said Johan de Nysschen, President of Infiniti Motor Company, Ltd.  "In our quest to appeal to the modern, young-minded premium customer, the Infiniti Q30 Concept has a distinctive style and reaches new levels of product quality."

It represents the latest evolution of the Infiniti design philosophy introduced with the Infiniti Q50 which had its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. Like the Q50, the Infiniti Q30 Concept also incorporates dramatic design cues from the visionary Infiniti concept trilogy – Essence, Etherea and Emerg-e.

Infiniti envisions provoking a radical shift in the premium compact segment. The adventurous design and graceful athleticism of Q30 Concept inspire greater expectations of what is possible beyond the designs dominant in the market today.

"Q30 Concept is slender, sleek and seductive," said Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director. "When you see speedy big cats, like cheetahs, they have a slenderness and a lightweight stride. It's almost like they're floating.  That's the muscularity we were aiming for with Q30 Concept."

Infiniti's forthcoming compact premium entry will be the first Infiniti model Sebastian Vettel, Infiniti's Director of Performance, will influence from its inception. The three-time Formula One world champion from Infiniti Red Bull Racing, who was actively involved in honing the driving dynamics of the Infiniti Q50, is engaging with Infiniti's technical teams around the world as part of a commitment to infuse the brand with race-bred performance.

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Jaguar demonstrates its glorious past in Nürnburgring

Jaguar will have an exciting presence at the 2013 AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix at the Nürburgring (9-11 August), demonstrating not only its glorious motor racing past, but also showcasing innovation through technology and design with one of five C-X75 prototype hybrid supercars cars on static display in the main paddock area on site. 

The Nürburgring has witnessed many Jaguar race victories over the years, most recently Jaguar Heritage Racing taking the chequered flag in the E-type Challenge race at last year’s Oldtimer Grand Prix.  In 2013, Jaguar Heritage Racing driver Alex Buncombe achieved four victories in European classic races whilst driving a C-type once owned by Formula One legend Juan Manuel Fangio.

At the Oldtimer race, Alex will team up with Jaguar’s 1988 Le Mans 24 hour race winner Andy Wallace and German journalist and racing driver Roland Löwisch. This new team of drivers will compete in a Jaguar MK II in the AvD Tourenwagen Trophäe on the challenging Nordschleife, which was a gruelling endurance race for high performance saloon cars of the 1950s and 60s.

Visitors to the Jaguar hospitality zone within the paddock area at the Nürburgring will have the opportunity to view the innovative Jaguar C-X75 up close. The Jaguar C-X75 is a state-of-the-art hybrid supercar with the efficiency of a low-emissions city car. It can emit less than 89g/km of CO₂ and has a pure electric vehicle range of 60km. The C-X75 can hit 100mph from standstill in less than six seconds and has a top speed of 220mph.Its 502bhp, 1.6-litre turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine is one of the world's highest specific power output powerplants at 313bhp per litre. The C-X75's two electric motors add a further 390bhp, for a combined output in excess of 850bhp.

Although the decision was taken in 2012 that, as a result of the global economic climate, the C-X75 would not enter full production, it was clear that it was a powerful showcase for Jaguar's world-leading expertise in lightweight vehicle construction and the ideal test-bed for the company's innovative research into high-performance, low-emission powertrains.

The great achievements in the development of C-X75 prototypes - including cutting-edge hybrid technologies, carbon composite materials and advanced design solutions pioneered in association with Williams Advanced Engineering - will be utilised in other areas of research and development, innovative future products and next-generation engineering for the Jaguar and Land Rover brands.

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Goodwood Revival virtually sold out already

With over one month still to go until the 2013 Goodwood Revival (13-15 September) gets underway, virtually all remaining admission tickets have now been sold, with Saturday admissions selling out in July during the Festival of Speed, and all Sunday tickets now sold-out as well. 

A very limited quantity of Goodwood tickets do remain available for Friday 13 September, although with all other days now sold-out, these are also expected to sell-out within the next few days, so would-be Revival spectators are encouraged to act now on a first-come; first-served basis, to avoid disappointment.  All grandstands and camping also sold-out some weeks ago.

With all Revival tickets for Saturday and Sunday now gone, the new Hawthorn Infield Parking is now the only way to gain entry into the Goodwood Motor Circuit for these days.  Pre-1966 vehicle owners wishing to book a space in the Hawthorn parking are advised to telephone the Goodwood Ticket Office as quickly as possible on +44 (0)1243 755055. 

The new Revival Hawthorn Infield Parking allows owners of pre-1966 vehicles the option to become an integral part of the Goodwood Revival.   This new 200 vehicle daily capacity, pre-1966 vehicle park is located inside the Goodwood Motor Circuit perimeter at the Revival, positioned on the inside of circuit, along the Lavant Straight.  Any motor car or commercial vehicle built and registered before the end of 1966 (i.e. a suffix of registration D or older) should be eligible at Goodwood’s discretion for entry into the new Hawthorn infield parking area, although for this inaugural year motorcycles cannot be permitted.

With a record Revival attendance last year of 148,000, Lord March - the event’s founder – once again took the bold decision to cap advanced ticket sales for this year to ensure the Revival remains a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all Goodwood visitors, without too much crowding.  The huge early demand for the Revival will ensure that those lucky enough to have tickets are set for a truly enjoyable and memorable weekend.

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Wilkins chasing PWC championship with second victory

Kia Racing remained in the hunt for the Pirelli World Challenge (PWC) championship this past weekend, taking to the track at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for Rounds 11 and 12 of the series. Amid a field of Mustangs, Camaros, Porsches and Aston Martins, Kia Racing’s Mark Wilkins, pilot of the No. 38 B.R.A.K.E.S. Optima turbo, took the win in Round 11, his second victory of the season and his sixth podium this year. Taking advantage of Mid-Ohio’s fast, open circuit and cool ambient temperatures, both of which suit the Optima turbo’s power and aerodynamic shape, Wilkins and Kia closed in on the lead for the GTS Driver and Manufacturer championship point standings this weekend after scoring the win Saturday and a fourth-place finish on Sunday -- Wilkins’ tenth-straight top-five result dating back to the Long Beach, Calif., race in April.  The PWC title fight moves to Sonoma Raceway for Round 13 on August 25.

“Every win, every top-five finish brings us closer to the championship, and Mid-Ohio was just another piece of that puzzle. We were confident that this track would lend itself to the strengths of our Optima turbo, and that’s exactly what happened,” said Wilkins. “A first-place finish is always something to celebrate, but the work is far from done. Being so close to the top means the entire Kia Racing team will now have to dial up our efforts on all fronts, on and off the track, to be ready for a final push towards a championship in these last two races at Sonoma and Houston.”

Teammate Nic Jönsson, driver of the No. 36 DonorsChoose.org Optima turbo, also had a strong run at Mid-Ohio.  Having captured the pole for Round 11 on Friday – setting a GTS lap record in the process – Jönsson then clocked the fastest lap of the race Saturday, leading the field for most of the 50-minute contest until a damaged CV joint brought his race to a premature end. Jönsson was credited with 15^th place and currently sits 10^th in the Driver Championship standings.

“The priority is to help Mark win the Driver Championship while accumulating as many points as we can for Kia in the Manufacturer Championship. Both goals are well within reach,” said Jönsson. “The team’s objectives should always come before individual ambitions. It’s all about the greater good. That’s how Kinetic operates and that’s the reason for our success so far this season. Now, it’s time to capitalize on our opportunity.”

The Pirelli World Challenge series next heads to Sonoma Raceway on August 25 for Round 13 before finishing the 14-round season on the streets of Houston on October 6.

Televised coverage of Rounds 11 and 12 from Mid-Ohio is scheduled to air Sunday, August 18, at 2 p.m. ET on the NBC Sports Network (dates and times subject to change).  Race fans can always tune in online for live race coverage at www.world-challengetv.com

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Ford using rice hulls to make greener and tougher pickups

Ford is proving that pickups can be green and tough by adding rice hulls to the list of sustainable materials used to build F-150 – America’s best-selling truck.

Ford is using plastic reinforced with rice hulls – a byproduct of rice grain – in an electrical harness in the 2014 F-150. The company will need at least 45,000 pounds of hulls in the first year.

“The 2014 F-Series exemplifies our continued efforts to use recycled content in our vehicles,” said John Viera, Ford global director of sustainability and vehicle environmental matters. “We can have greater impact in this case because of the size and sales volume of this product.”

The rice hulls are sourced from farms in Arkansas and will replace a talc-based reinforcement in a polypropylene composite made by RheTech, a Whitmore Lake, Mich.-based automotive supplier.

“We developed this resin specifically for Ford over the last three years, working with the automaker closely, including in all phases of material qualification,” said David Preston, director of business development for RheTech. “The whole process has been a rewarding success for both Ford and RheTech, which can add yet another natural-fiber based product to our RheVision line.”

Rice hull-reinforced plastic is the most recent example of Ford researchers and engineers using sustainable material whenever possible in the F-Series – without compromising toughness and durability. F-Series trucks already feature:

• Recycled cotton: Used as carpet insulation and a sound absorber; every 2014 F-150 contains enough recycled cotton to make the equivalent of 10 pairs of jeans
• Soybeans: Used to make seat cushions, seat backs and head restraints
• Recycled carpet: Some F-150 trucks have cylinder head covers made with EcoLon, a nylon resin produced from 100 percent post-consumer recycled carpet
• Recycled tires: A thermoplastic material made from recycled tires and post-consumer recycled polypropylene is used to make shields and some underbody covers on F-150
• Recycled plastic soda pop and water bottles: A lightweight fiber derived from recycled plastic soda pop and water bottles is used to construct F-150 wheel liners and shields. The parts are significantly lighter than traditional injection molded parts and lead to a quieter ride. Select F-Series trucks feature fabric made from recycled fiber
• Recycled post-industrial plastics: Used in interior finish panels, including around radio and climate controls

Researchers in Dearborn are constantly searching for the next sustainable material that can feasibly be used in Ford vehicles. Finding a source of material is only the beginning of the process, however, because before making it to production, components made from recycled content must perform as well or better than comparable virgin-grade material.

Materials development engineers at Ford Materials Engineering, Testing and Standards in Dearborn, in conjunction with RheTech, conducted testing of the rice hull material for more than a year, examining everything from smell and appearance to functionality and flammability. The rice hull-based material successfully passed all tests.

With F-Series as America’s best-selling truck for 36 years – averaging more than 650,000 sales per year – the environmental impact of being as sustainable as possible adds up fast. Ford estimates about 10 million pounds of recycled cotton are used in F-Series trucks annually.

“Fuel economy is a top priority when it comes to Ford’s environmental impact,” says Carrie Majeske, Ford product sustainability manager. “But we also recognize the tremendous impact that can be made by using sustainable materials inside our cars, utilities and trucks.”

The eco-friendly aspects of F-Series extend to the powertrain. The available 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine combines technologies typically associated with heavy-duty truck diesel engines – turbocharging and direct fuel injection – in a gasoline engine. The engine delivers fuel economy gains of up to 20 percent, while reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 15 percent.

Further, the 2014 F-150 equipped with a 3.7-liter V6 engine will be available this fall with a factory-installed package that allows the engine to operate on either natural gas or gasoline through separate fuel systems.

The complete F-Series Super Duty pickup truck and chassis cab lineup is available with gasoline, diesel, B20, and dedicated compressed natural gas or liquid propane gas capability, or CNG/LPG bi-fuel capability, while Ford F-650 and F-750 medium-duty trucks can be outfitted for gasoline, biodiesel or CNG/LPG operation. In addition to biodiesel and CNG/LPG offerings, the 6.2-liter V8 can operate on E85, an ethanol-gasoline mix.

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BMW I8 – New take on the Ultimate Driving Machine powertrain

At a driving event at the BMW Group’s Miramas test track in France, the BMW i presented a prototype of its second production vehicle, the BMW i8. BMW i is synonymous with visionary mobility concepts and a new definition of premium quality that is strongly focused on sustainability. Following the world debut of the first production model, the BMW i3, the BMW Group’s next step will be to extend this revolutionary answer to the future challenges facing personal mobility to the sports car segment in the BMW i8. This plug-in hybrid model is the most progressive sports car of our time, extending the basic BMW i philosophy of sustainability to a new vehicle segment.

The BMW i8 fulfills the promise of The Ultimate Driving Machine in a revolutionary and mold-breaking form. This is reflected in a highly emotive design, dynamic sports car performance, and fuel efficiency and emissions figures worthy of a small car. Pairing an exceptionally lightweight, aerodynamically optimized body with cutting-edge BMW eDrive technology, a compact, turbocharged 1.5-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo gasoline engine and intelligent energy management, the BMW i8 marks the next stage in the evolution of the Efficient Dynamics strategy. Its revolutionary approach achieves an unprecedented balance between performance and fuel efficiency. Thanks to its carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell, the BMW i8 sets new standards for a plug-in hybrid vehicle in terms of low weight. It can operate solely on electric power, which means no tailpipe emissions, and offers the dynamic performance of a sports car, with an expected 0 – 60 mph sprint time under 4.5 seconds.

The BMW i8 was designed from the outset as a plug-in hybrid sports car, with the emphasis on agile performance and outstanding efficiency. Its characteristic BMW i LifeDrive architecture provides the best possible basis for lightweight design. Its main components are the aluminum Drive module, which incorporates the internal combustion engine and electric motor, the battery, the power electronics and the chassis components, along with structural and crash functions, and the Life module, which essentially comprises the 2+2-seater CFRP passenger cell. This architecture also gives the BMW i8 a very low center of gravity and a near-perfect 50:50 axle load ratio, both of which increase its agility.

The BMW i8’s plug-in hybrid system is specific to this model. Developed and produced by the BMW Group, it marks the next step in the evolution of the Efficient Dynamics programme. A compact three-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology is combined with an electric drive system and a lithium-ion battery which can be recharged at a standard household power socket. The 231 hp (170 kW) gasoline engine sends its power to the rear wheels, while the 131 hp (96 kW) electric motor powers the front wheels. This configuration offers all-electric driving capability with a range of up to approx. 22 miles (35 kilometers) and a top speed of approximately 75 mph (120 km/h). With both drive systems engaged, it also offers road-hugging all-wheel-drive performance with powerful acceleration and dynamic torque vectoring during sporty cornering. The more powerful of the two powerplants drives the rear wheels. The hybrid system supplements this with power from the electric motor to deliver typical BMW driving pleasure combined with groundbreaking efficiency. Calculated using the EU test cycle for plug-in hybrid vehicles, the average fuel efficiency of the BMW i8 at model launch will be less than 2.5 liters/100 km, which equates to approximately 95 miles per US gallon, with CO2 emissions of less than 59 grams per kilometer.

It is now more than a decade since the BMW Group launched its Efficient Dynamics vehicle development strategy, whose aim is to significantly improve both the performance and the efficiency of new BMW Group models. Efficient Dynamics combines evolutionary advances in existing technologies with the development of new and revolutionary drive concepts. Efficient Dynamics solutions include efficient lightweight design and aerodynamic concepts, high-performance drive systems based on TwinPower Turbo technology and BMW eDrive, and intelligent management of all energy flows within the vehicle. The new, revolutionary technology now being introduced on models from BMW i will subsequently find its way into the vehicles of the BMW Group’s core brands.

BMW i is also setting benchmarks in the quest for zero CO2 emissions in urban driving. The research and development work carried out since 2007 as part of project i has laid the foundations for revolutionary mobility solutions strongly influenced by environmental, economic and social change around the world. The BMW Group is pursuing an integrated approach, as embodied in the BMW i brand, which aims to achieve the necessary balance between individual needs and the global mobility requirements of the future. The BMW i focus is squarely on all-electric and plug-in hybrid mobility. Groundbreaking design, intelligent lightweight engineering, typical BMW driving pleasure coupled with zero tailpipe emissions, intelligent energy management and resource- and energy-saving production processes are all combined into an innovative premium-quality package.

LifeDrive architecture with an aluminum chassis for the powertrain and a CFRP passenger cell: for more excitement, lower weight and optimized drag.
The LifeDrive architecture specially developed for BMW i vehicles offers the ideal platform for turning the tide of spiraling weight while at the same time achieving distinctive styling exclusive to BMW i. With a length of 184.6 inches (4,689 mm), a width of 76.5 inches (1,942 mm) and a height of 50.9 inches (1,293 mm), the BMW i8 has the proportions of a sports car. Its dynamic personality is also stressed by a long bonnet, conspicuous aerodynamic features, an elongated roofline, short overhangs and a long wheelbase of 110.2 inches (2,800 mm). Characteristic BMW i form language wraps up this groundbreaking combination of sporty performance and efficiency in a charismatic 2+2-seater design.

The BMW i8 combines a drag coefficient (Cd value) of 0.26 with outstanding aerodynamic balance. The finely honed air flow around all parts of the vehicle body makes for an excellent lift/drag ratio, resulting in superb driving dynamics and stability.

With its combination of the aluminum Drive module and the CFRP passenger cell (Life module), the BMW i8 is also an excellent example of intelligent lightweight design – one of the guiding principles of the Efficient Dynamics strategy. Use of the lightweight high-tech material CFRP, which also offers excellent crash performance, brings weight savings of 50 percent over steel and around 30 percent over aluminum, with equivalent or improved strength. These savings offset the additional weight of the electric motor and the high-voltage battery, giving the BMW i8 a curb weight of less than 3,285 lbs (1,490 kilograms). The LifeDrive architecture also brings benefits in terms of weight distribution. The battery pack is situated low down in the middle of the vehicle, resulting in a low and central center of gravity, which improves safety. No other current model of a BMW Group brand has such a low center of gravity.

The front-rear axle load distribution maximizes agility with a near-perfect 50:50 axle load ratio. The compact electric motor, together with the transmission and power electronics, are situated in close proximity to the electrically powered front axle. The turbocharged gasoline engine, which is located together with its transmission in the rear of the BMW i8, likewise sends its power to the road via the shortest possible route, i.e. through the rear wheels. As a finishing touch to this excellent weight distribution, the lithium-ion battery pack is centrally located in the vehicle, slightly forward of the mid-point. In terms of crash safety, this is an ideal location for the battery, which is integrated in an aluminum housing.

The doors comprise a CFRP inner structure and an aluminum outer skin. This reduces the weight of the door by 50 percent compared with a conventional design. The high-quality, naturally tanned leather of the seats highlights the “next premium”, sustainable philosophy of BMW i. The magnesium instrument panel support saves weight on two fronts – firstly through intelligent design, leading to around 30 percent weight savings compared, for example, with the BMW 6 Series. In addition, the high structural rigidity provides a strengthening effect which allows the number of components to be reduced, thereby lowering weight by a further 10 percent. Innovative foam plastic technology used in the air conditioning ducts brings 60 percent weight savings over conventional components, while also improving acoustics thanks to its sound-absorbing properties.

The fact that the power electronics and electric motor are directly connected reduces the amount of wiring required, while partial use of aluminum wiring brings further weight reductions. Lightweight design is also a feature of the BMW i8’s chassis systems – including the wheels, where the standard-fitted 20-inch forged aluminum wheels combine aerodynamic design with weight savings. The rigorous application of the lightweight design strategy even extends to aluminum screws and bolts, which are around 45 percent lighter than corresponding steel components, with the same strength and functionality.

The BMW i8 is also the world’s first volume-produced vehicle to be equipped with chemically hardened glass. This innovative technology, to date used mainly in Smartphone manufacturing, results in very high strength. The partition between the passenger compartment and boot of the BMW i8 consists of two layers of chemically hardened glass, each of which is just 0.7 millimeters thick, with acoustic sheeting sandwiched between. In addition to excellent acoustic properties, a further advantage of this solution is weight savings of around 50 percent compared with conventional laminated glass.

The plug-in hybrid system of the BMW i8, which comprises a BMW TwinPower Turbo engine combined with BMW eDrive technology, offers the best of both worlds: excellent potential for improved efficiency and exciting, sporty driving characteristics. The BMW Group has developed not only the internal combustion engine and electric motor in-house but also the power electronics and the battery. This ensures that all these components offer high product and quality standards, based on the outstanding capabilities of the BMW Group in the field of powertrain research and development.

The revolutionary character of the BMW i8 is emphasized by a further innovation: the use of a new internal combustion engine which is making its debut in this model. The BMW i8 is the first BMW production model to be powered by a three-cylinder gasoline engine. This highly turbocharged unit is equipped with latest-generation BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. It is exceptionally compact and develops maximum power of 231 hp (170 kW). The resulting specific output of 154 hp (113 kW) per liter of displacement is on a par with high-performance sports car engines and is the highest of any engine produced by the BMW Group.

The new three-cylinder engine derives its typical characteristics from the BMW inline six-cylinder engines, to which it is closely related and which are noted for their eager power delivery, revving ability and refinement. The three-cylinder’s BMW TwinPower Turbo technology comprises a high-performance turbocharging system and direct gasoline injection with high-precision injectors positioned between the valves, along with VALVETRONIC throttle-less load control, which improves efficiency and response thanks to seamlessly variable valve lift control. Like a six-cylinder engine, the three-cylinder unit is free of first and second order inertial forces. The low roll torque, a typical feature of a three-cylinder design, is further reduced by a balancer shaft, while a multi-stage damper integrated in the automatic transmission ensures very smooth and refined running at low rpm. BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and low internal friction improve both fuel consumption and torque characteristics. Accelerator response is sharp and the three-cylinder unit quickly reaches its maximum torque of 236 lb-ft (320 Nm).

The BMW i8’s second power source is a hybrid synchronous electric motor specially developed and produced by the BMW Group for BMW i. The electric motor develops maximum power of 131 hp (96 kW) and produces its maximum torque of around 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) from standstill. Typical of an electric motor, responsive power is instantly available when starting and this continues into the higher load ranges. The linear power delivery, which extends right up to the high end of the rpm range, is down to a special motor design principle exclusive to BMW i. BMW eDrive technology refines and improves on the principle of the permanently excited synchronous motor via a special arrangement and size of the torque-producing components. This results in a self-magnetising effect normally confined to reluctance motors. This additional excitation ensures that the electromechanical field generated when current is applied remains stable even at high rpm.

As well as providing a power boost to assist the gasoline engine during acceleration, the electric motor can also power the vehicle by itself. Top speed is approximately 75 mph (120 km/h). The BMW i8 has a maximum driving range in this emission-free, virtually soundless, all-electric mode of up to 22 miles (35 kilometers). The motor derives its energy from the lithium-ion battery which is centrally mounted underneath the floor of the vehicle. The model-specific version of the high-voltage battery was developed and produced by the BMW Group. It has a liquid cooling system and can be recharged at a conventional household power socket, at a BMW i Wallbox or at a public charging station. In the US a full recharge takes approximately 3½ hours from a conventional 120 volt, 12 amp household circuit or approximately 1½ hours from a 220 volt Level 2 charger.

The BMW i8’s vehicle concept and powertrain control system mark it out as a progressive, revolutionary sports car. The BMW i8 always achieves the optimal balance between performance and efficiency, whatever the driving situation. When power demands allow, the high-voltage battery is recharged by the electric motor. The high-voltage starter-generator, responsible for starting the engine, can also be used as a generator to charge the battery, the necessary power being provided by the BMW TwinPower Turbo engine. The battery can also be recharged via the electric motor during overrun. These various processes help to prevent depletion of the BMW i8’s battery in order to maintain the electric drive power. The all-electric driving range is sufficient to cover most urban driving requirements. Out of town, the BMW i8 offers impressively sporty performance which is also very efficient thanks to the power-boosting support for the gasoline engine from the electric motor. With such versatility, the BMW i8 belongs to a new generation of sports cars which unites exciting performance with cutting-edge efficiency – to enhance both driving pleasure and sustainability.

The rear wheels of the BMW i8 are driven by the gasoline engine via a six-speed automatic transmission. The front wheels are driven by the electric motor via an integrated two-stage automatic transmission. Combined maximum power and torque of 362 hp (266 kW) and 420 lb-ft (570 Nm) meters respectively provide all-wheel-drive performance which is as dynamic as it is efficient. The BMW i8’s intelligent powertrain control system ensures perfect coordination of both power sources. The variable power-sharing between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor makes the driver aware of the sporty temperament of the BMW i8 at all times, while at the same time maximizing the energy efficiency of the overall system. Utilizing both power sources, the 0 – 60 mph acceleration time is expected to be less than 4.5 seconds. Linear acceleration is maintained even at higher speeds since the interplay between the two power sources efficiently absorbs any power flow interruptions when shifting gears. The BMW i8 has an electronically controlled top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h), which can be reached and maintained when the vehicle operates solely on the gasoline engine. Variable front-rear power splitting in line with changing driving conditions makes for excitingly dynamic cornering. On entering the corner, the power split is biased towards the rear wheels to improve turning precision. For more vigorous acceleration out of the corner, the powertrain controller returns to the default split as soon as the steering angle becomes smaller again. The BMW i8 also offers the driver unusual scope to adjust the drive and suspension settings of the vehicle in order to adapt the driving experience to his or her individual preferences. As well as the electronic gear selector for the automatic transmission, the driver can also use the Driving Experience Control switch – a familiar feature of the latest BMW models – or, exclusively to the BMW i8, the eDrive button.

Using the gear selector, the driver can either select position D for automated gear selection or can switch to SPORT mode. SPORT mode offers manual gear selection and at the same time switches to very sporty drive and suspension settings. In SPORT mode, the engine and electric motor deliver extra-sharp performance, accelerator response is faster and the power boost from the electric motor is maximized. And to keep the battery topped up, SPORT mode also activates maximum energy recuperation during overrun and braking: for this, the electric motor’s generator function, which recharges the battery using kinetic energy, switches to a more powerful setting. At the same time, gear change times are shortened and an extra-sporty setting is selected for the standard-fitted Dynamic Damper Control. Also in this mode, the programmable instrument cluster supplies further driving-related information in addition to the rev counter display.

The Driving Experience Control switch on the center console offers a choice of two settings. On starting, COMFORT mode is activated, which offers a balance between sporty performance and fuel efficiency, with unrestricted access to all convenience functions. Alternatively, at the touch of a button, ECO PRO mode can be engaged, which, on the BMW i8 as on other models, supports an efficiency-optimised driving style. The powertrain controller coordinates the cooperation between the gasoline engine and the electric motor for maximum fuel economy. On deceleration, the intelligent energy management system automatically decides, in line with the driving situation and vehicle status, whether to recuperate braking energy or to coast with the powertrain disengaged. At the same time, ECO PRO mode also programs electrical convenience functions such as the air conditioning, seat heating and heated mirrors to operate at minimum power consumption – but without compromising safety. The maximum driving range of the BMW i8 on a full fuel tank and with a fully charged battery is over 310 miles (500 km) in COMFORT mode. In ECO PRO mode, this can be increased by up to 20 percent. The BMW i8’s ECO PRO mode can also be used during all-electric operation. The vehicle is then powered solely by the electric motor. Only if the battery charge drops below a given level, or under sudden intense throttle application such as kickdown, is the internal combustion engine automatically activated. The driving mode selected at a given moment is indicated to the driver on the programmable instrument cluster by a distinctive color and by a different, mode-specific set of driving information. The three-dimensional appearance of the display adds to the futuristic look and feel of the vehicle as a whole.

High-quality chassis technology, DSC and Dynamic Damper Control as standard.
The high-end chassis and suspension technology of the BMW i8 is based on a double-track control arm front axle and a five-link rear axle, whose aluminum components and geometry are specially configured for intelligent weight savings. The electromechanical power steering offers easy manoeuvring in town and typical sports car-style high-speed steering precision. Also standard is Dynamic Damper Control: the electronically operated dampers change their characteristics according to the selected driving mode to deliver the desired vehicle dynamics. The DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) stability system includes the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Brake Assist, Brake Standby, Start-Off Assistant, Fading Compensation and the Brake Drying function. The push button-activated Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) system raises the DSC thresholds, allowing some controlled drive wheel slippage for easier start-off on snow or loose ground, or for extra-dynamic cornering.

BMW i8 will make its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show and arrive in BMW showrooms in 2014.
 

BMW i8 Technical specifications (preliminary).
Body
No. of doors/seats			2 / 4
Length/width/height		in. mm		184.6/76.5/50.9 4689 / 1942 / 1293
Wheelbase		in. (mm)		110.2 (2800)
Weight, unladen (DIN)		lbs (kg)		3285 (1490)
Air resistance		Cd		0.26
Drive system
Technology combustion engine				BMW TwinPower Turbo turbocharger, High Precision Direct Injection VALVETRONIC fully variable valve   control
Config/No of cyls/valves			In-line / 3 / 4
Capacity, effective	cc			1499
Output	hp/kW			231/170
Torque	lb-ft/Nm			236/320
Technology electric motor			BMW eDrive technology: hybrid synchronous motor with power electronics, integrated charging module and generator mode for recuperation
Output	hp/kW			131/96
Torque	lb-ft/Nm			184/250
System output	kW/hp			362/266
Torque	lb-ft/Nm			420/570
High-voltage battery
Storage technology			Lithium-ion
Driving dynamics
Drive concept			Hybrid-specific all-wheel drive, combustion engine driving the rear wheels, electric motor driving the  front wheels
Tires front/rear			195/50 R20 / 215/45 R20
Rims front/rear			7J x 20 alloy / 7.5J x 20 alloy
Transmission
Type of transmission combustion engine			6-speed automatic
Type of transmission electric motor			Automatic, two-stage
Performance
Acceleration 0–60 mph	s			< 4.5
50-75 mph	s			< 4.5
Top speed	mph (km/h)			155 (250)
Top speed electric	mph (km/h)			75 (120)
Range	miles (km)			> 310 (500)
Range electric	km			approx 35
Efficiency in EU cycle
Combined	mpg (US)			</= 95
CO2	g/km			</= 59

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