Autoblog UK

Carbon-fibre bodywork has the benefit of being lightweight but also works out rather expensive. That's why the material has so far been generally reserved for racing cars. Carbon-fibre components have played a vital role in helping Formula One teams keep their cars both light and stable. Nonetheless, the material has yet to prove its suitability for series production, as it is considered too expensive, too difficult to shape properly and too problematic to repair if damaged in an accident. For their part, however, BMW are convinced that they can make a go of it. The Munich-based carmaker has plans to use carbon fibre on a large scale in future vehicle production. In particular, they see it as perfect for use in a new generation of low-emission urban runabouts. BMW have got together with carbon specialists SGL Group from Wiesbaden to set up a joint venture for the production and processing of this super-light compound for the automotive industry.

The new BMW 5 Gran Turismo has attracted a few caustic comments on its appearance, and this mixture of saloon, coupé, estate and SUV does indeed take some getting used to. So aesthetics clearly weren't high on the list of priorities for the design team. But leaving that aside, the more important question is, who will buy it? Niche vehicles can be good earners. But a major competitor in the shape of Mercedes has already demonstrated just how easy it is to miss the mark with the R Class. On the other hand, BMW themselves have already answered the above question in convincing fashion with the X6. Sales figures for this model are highly satisfactory and the critics have had to eat their words. It's doubtful, though, whether that will be the case with the 5 series GT.

As the world's biggest automotive manufacturer, Toyota feels obliged to occupy every last niche, especially where there is a profit to be made. All the same, the concept of the new Urban Cruiser seems questionable, to say the least. On the one hand, despite the vehicle's mere four metres in length, it is claimed to offer quality of journey, even off-road. On the other hand, the 4WD diesel version retails from 23,000 euros upwards – a hefty price tag for a subcompact model. Admittedly, the actual target group consists of prospective purchasers who are content with a front-wheel drive, petrol-powered vehicle. The elevated view of the road, SUV characteristics and entry price of around 17,000 euros should certainly appeal to anyone who just needs it for driving around town. After all, its official name is Urban Cruiser. It will be interesting to see if this twin strategy pays off.

1. Can my car run on vegetable oil?

In theory, vegetable oil can be used in any diesel model. However, the engine would first need to be converted. Technical changes to the fuel injection pump and jets as well as to the fuel lines and combustion chamber should increase the fluidity and ignition quality of the vegetable oil. Basically, there are two possible engine conversions to consider: the single-tank and the dual-tank system. Both allow a car to run on diesel fuel, vegetable oil or a mixture of the two. Manufacturers are continually refining these systems to keep pace with developments in diesel technology. Which of the two is more suitable will depend primarily on your car's current fuel injection system. You will need to ask your car refitter directly whether your car engine is suitable for conversion. Sometimes, cars with fuel injection pumps made by particular manufactures are turned away, as certain systems are not suitable to be run indefinitely on vegetable oil. Depending on the extent of the conversion (for example, changes to the fuel injection pump, addition of a second fuel tank), a safety test equivalent to the MOT may be required. This should also be discussed in advance with the garage taking on the job. As yet, no manufacturer has approved an engine conversion that would allow a car to run on vegetable oil. It would therefore be very difficult to make a claim under the guarantee or in respect of material defects. You would also be unlikely to receive any compensatory gesture of goodwill in the event of engine damage.

1. What is autogas?

Autogas, also known as LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), is a liquid mix of propane and butane stored under pressure, which is a by-product of oil and natural gas extraction and the refining of crude oil. Campers use LPG for heating, refrigerating and cooking. It should not be confused with natural gas (CNG – Compressed Natural Gas).

1. What exactly is natural gas?

Natural gas, along with oil and coal, is a combustible organic raw material. It is a mixture of approximately 85 percent methane plus around ten percent nitrogen dioxide and carbon dioxide. The remainder is made up of higher hydrocarbons such as ethane, propane and butane. Natural gas is available as two types: Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), which broadly maintains its natural state, and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), which becomes a liquid when cooled to -164 degrees Celsius. The great advantage of LNG is its significantly higher energy density per volume as, in a liquefied state, it is reduced to 1/600th of its initial volume. However, CNG is the more common, since compressed gas is currently easier to handle than gas in the form of an extremely cold liquid. Natural gas should not be confused with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) which retails under the name of Autogas.

At Mercedes, safety research has always been high on the agenda. A total of 31 ESF prototypes have been built at Daimler for this purpose, all based on series production models. Most of these were then destroyed in crash tests, though some survived to go on public display. The most up-to-date of all, the ESF 2009, is essentially a Mercedes S 400 Hybrid boasting more than a dozen safety innovations.

In recent years, this area of research has taken on increased significance. Who would have thought a couple of decades back that airbags would one day explode out of steering wheels to protect drivers from injury? Or that the cars of today would automatically keep their distance, have better night vision than humans and even apply the brakes by themselves? All of this would have sounded like science fiction. Now, the Mercedes research team have come up with a package of fresh ideas. The five major components of the latest ESF vehicle are 'Pre-Safe Structure' (for improved stability), 'Pre-Safe Pulse' (for side-on crash protection), 'Braking Bag' (auxiliary brake), adaptive full-beam light and vehicle communication.

1. How does hydrogen propulsion work using the fuel cell principle?

Fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) are driven by an electric motor, just like electric cars. However, according to the definition supplied by the German motoring organisation ADAC, the electricity required for this is not supplied by an on-board battery but is actually generated within the fuel cell in the vehicle. This comes about through reverse electrolysis. The fuel cell converts hydrogen and oxygen (drawn from the atmosphere) into water and, in the process, produces electricity and heat. Fuel cell propulsion in vehicles is efficient and quiet. The high torque of the electric motor permits gear-free acceleration.

A vehicle fuel cell is made up of a large number of individual cells which, when they are connected in series to form a 'stack', generate sufficient power to drive an electric motor. This process causes no emissions; only heat and water vapour are released. This means that a fuel cell car is a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV). The fuel cell also replaces the alternator in a car; it provides the electricity for the ever-increasing electronic controls now found in cars and the heating and air-conditioning systems.

Everyone is following the worldwide economic recession as the media provide daily tales of doom and gloom and in the States, the search for solutions becomes ever more desperate. Now, the respected "Financial Post" has published a completely crazy study.

Initial new year's figures are now available for the North American car market and the turnover figures are dreadful, being not just red, but dark red! Current statistics compare the month of January with that of last year. You can be sure this is a critical hit parade that nobody wants to head up. 'Top of the pops' (or rather flops) is the Chrysler LLC group who are writing a minus of 68.9%, followed by General Motors with a drop in turnover of 48.8%. Business was also way down in the dumps for the Ford Motor Company who lost 40.2% in turnover. Even Toyota, Nissan and Honda lost many customers, writing respective minus figures of 31.7%, 29.7% and 27.9%. BMW are almost entitled to celebrate with their a drop of just 15.5%, which you could almost call respectable.

The total picture does not look any different with other marques. Vehicles bearing the Chrysler emblem dropped by 68.9%, followed by Volvo, Pontiac und Hummer, who were also down by over 60%. Yet there were still winners who managed to increase their turnover. For example, Hyundai was up by 14.3%, Subaru by 8% and even Kia were up by 3.5% against last year's figures. The route that the American automobile industry is following is more than dubious and there is no end in sight yet for this downhill plunge.