article thumbnail

BMW introduces i7 Protection; first production electric protection model

Green Car Congress

The BMW certification is based, among other things, on the third edition of the guidelines for Bullet Resistant Vehicles (BRV 2009) with regard to ballistic resistance and the guidelines for Explosive Resistant Vehicles (ERV 2010) and PAS 300 with regard to blast resistance. The new BMW i7 Protection sprints to 62 mph from rest in 9.0

BMW 370
article thumbnail

Toyota to Sell Vehicle Audible System for Prius

Green Car Congress

The device will be available nationwide through authorized Toyota dealers and Toyota genuine parts and accessories distributors for retrofitting on the third-generation Prius. The device is designed to meet new Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism guidelines for hybrid and other near-silent vehicles.

Prius 210
article thumbnail

20 automakers commit to make automatic emergency braking standard on new vehicles no later than 2022; faster than regulatory process

Green Car Congress

The unprecedented commitment means that this important safety technology will be available to more consumers more quickly than would be possible through the regulatory process. NHTSA will hold a pair of public meetings this spring to gather input as it develops guidelines for the safe deployment of automated safety technology.

Standards 150
article thumbnail

Univ. of Utah study finds many infotainment systems too distracting to be used when vehicle in motion

Green Car Congress

Greater consideration should be given to what interactions should be available to the driver when the vehicle is in motion rather than to what features and functions could be available to motorists. This is troublesome because motorists may assume that features that are enabled when they are driving are safe and easy to use.

Utah 150
article thumbnail

10-Year FTA Low-Speed Urban Maglev Research Program Shows Technology is Feasible, But Infrastructure Costs and Availability of Technologies Are Intimidating

Green Car Congress

Urban maglev should require a maximum speed of about 100 mph. Usually the vehicle must be equipped with wheels or other forms of support for takeoff and landing because an EDS levitation design will not operate at speeds below approximately 20 mph. Obtaining rights of way in an urban area will be very challenging.

Available 170
article thumbnail

Audi launches next-gen A4 with new Millerized TFSI engine; g-tron model w/ Audi e-gas

Green Car Congress

At market launch in Europe, the new Audi A4 and A4 Avant will be available with a choice of three TFSI and four TDI engines delivering maximum power of between 110 kW (150 hp) and 200 kW (272 hp). In combination with the seven-speed S tronic transmission, it accelerates the A4 Sedan from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.9 TFSI quattro.

Audi 150
article thumbnail

Toyota introducing Corolla Hybrid to US at LA Auto Show; at least 50 mpg

Green Car Congress

SPORT mode: Available power is increased, allowing for improved acceleration response. ECO accelerator guidance, also shown in the MID, can provide a guideline for maximizing fuel efficiency by coaching the driver on optimal accelerator pedal operation to match driving conditions. Stopping the Corolla Hybrid.

MPG 306