And the 10.000 euros price goes to…Nuremberg. The students from the local Friedrich Alexander University scored best during the 2016 edition of the competition. But what were the rules? First, each one of the eight universities in the final stage of competition had to build a completely automated 1.8 scale model of the Audi Q5. Then, these models had to complete a track designed by Audi and filled with obstacles, intersections with cross traffic, all these while driving at safe distance from the car ahead.

The fully-autonomous cars should also read the traffic signs, negotiate left turns across the oncoming traffic, brake when obstacles suddenly appeared in their way and execute parking maneuvers without touching the cars near them. Therefore, the tasks were pretty difficult and mirror perfectly the real driving conditions. The finalists have relied on video cameras and ultrasonic sensors to fulfill the tasks and managed to accomplish them in a thrilling manner, proving that the autonomous driving technology is viable and accurate.

During the final day of the event, the Audi experts detailed the benefits of the Car-to-X and digital maps technologies. Together with the engineers from Here, they explained that, in real life, they can bring lots of benefits. For instance, when the first car of the row detects and avoids an obstacle, it can store it in real time on the digital map. Therefore, the next time it is driven to the same place, it is already aware of the hypothetical obstacle, keeping all the systems in alert. More, it will send the information to the following car, which will be able to safely avoid the obstacle. Combining all these technologies will lead to a much safer traffic in the future.

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The test proved that the Mirai is as reliable as any other Toyota model: during the 107 days test, no mechanical failure has been reported. However, the front brake pads had to be replaced, while the tires have been replaced twice. We’re talking about 100.000 km, made in 107 days, with a 9 hours pause between two consecutive driving sessions. The car needed to be refueled almost 400 times, consuming a little over 1.000 kg of hydrogen.

The data imposed by Toyota wad clear: the Mirai had to cover this distance clearly divided in several road types, like highways, country roads, cities and the German autobahn, which has no speed limit. Using this requirements, the specialists from KJ Tech Services GmbH of Hamburg devised a route in Hamburg area and came up with a team of eight drivers. They have driven the Mirai in two shifts daily, for six days a week. The result was an excellent behavior of the fuel cell powertrain, even at 20 degrees below zero.

The drivers were also asked to tell their opinion about the car. They appreciated its confortable cabin and noticed the luxurious leather upholstery. The tallest of the drivers observed the big, spacious cabin. Other advantages of the car included the good behavior in the fast corners and the immediately available power at any push of the pedal. More, they were impressed by the easy way of refueling, pretty similar with the gasoline and diesel case, and by the three minutes needed to completely fill the tank.

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The three main directions for having a fuel-conscious car are the improved powertrain, better aerodynamics and a lighter body. Recently, SsangYong’s efforts of building lighter cars have been rewarded at the JEC World Composite Show 2016. The Technology Innovation Award, received by the Koreans, rewarded the tailgate made of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (EFRP) which is an important step forward in decreasing the vehicle’s weight while raising the structural rigidity of the panel.

The award is even more important, since it was received at the largest carbon composite material exhibition in the world. In is an annual event organized in Europe, Asia, and America and this isn’t the first time when they awarded SsangYong. Two years ago, in Asia, the Technology Innovation Award has been also won by SsangYong, for its carbon fiber engine cover.

This year’s winner body-part is a result of the collaboration between Korea Institute of Carbon Convergence Technology (KCTECH) and the Institute of Textile Technology at RWTH Aachen University in Germany, therefore being a Korean – German victory. The tailgate is ten times stronger than a usual steel one and it weighs four times less. That’s because the technology is usually used at the aircrafts construction, a domain where the weight is a crucial factor. We don’t know yet when will SsangYong start to use it, but one thing is sure: they are ready for the game’s next level.

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Volvo Polestar decided to come back in the WTCC this year. They have a great experience in this series, taking part with three cars back in 1994 and 1995. Rickard Rydell, Jan Lammers and Tim Harvey have driven a 850 Estate model, switching to the Saloon in 1995. During the second season, Rydell took the pole position in 13 races from a total of 24, finishing 3rd overall. Then, in 2011, a Volvo C30 took the start in the WTCC competition, driven by Robert Dahlgreen. Though it came after winning the 2010 Scandinavian Touring Car Championship, it has no notable results in WTCC competition.

That brings us to 2016, an important year for Polestar, which started a multi-year programme in the WTCC. They will involve two S60 Polestar TC1 cars in the fight for the championship. These cars will be driven by Thed Björk and Fredrik Ekblom. Volvo will also provide the safety car for the 2016 season, in the form of a V60 Polestar, which will be equipped with all the mandatory safety accessories: rescue and communication equipment, safety lights and a roll cage. Nothing has been changed to the car’s technique, since it is already capable to keep up with the competition models during the opening lap.

It is Volvo’s way of showing that you can buy the alternative of its racing cars, capable of excellent dynamic performance. It features a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine, capable of 350 hp and 500 Nm. It is able to accelerate the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.0 seconds and make it reach an electronically limited speed of 250 km/h. It received the maximum of five stars at the Euro NCAP tests, with excellent points, which transforms it into the safest safety car in the WTCC history.

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Its A460 name refers directly to its heritage: back in the 70’s, the Alpine A 440 participated at Le Mans, while in 2015, Alpine celebrated its 60th anniversary. It features a new, closed cockpit to enhance the safety and aerodynamics. It’s the first time since the 1969 A220 prototype, when an Alpine WEC vehicle presents a closed cockpit. It is powered by the V8, 4.5 litre engine known from the last year’s A450b, delivering over 550 hp. It is matted to a six-speed sequential gearbox.

The prototype has been presented alongside the Alpine Vision and is painted in a blue and orange combination. These are the traditionally Alpine colors, since their comeback, in 2013. To distinguish the two participating prototypes, the French decided to apply the national flags of the teams involved in the championship: Chinese for the number 35 prototype and French for 36. The Chinese team’s car will be driven by David Cheng and Ho-Pin Tung, while at the French one’s steering wheel will race Nicolas Lapierre, Gustavo Menezes and Stephanie Richelmi. There won’t be any strategies, both teams being equally treated.

After winning the 6 Hour of Shanghai in 2015, this year they started with a new promising best time in category, during the Prologue of WEC. Nicolas Lapierre set the fastest lap on the Le Castellet circuit, with a 1.46.974s. The two cars covered a total of 429 laps, meaning 2.484 km, collecting data for the first race of the season, at Silverstone, on April 17.

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Why is such a big achievement? Because the Mirai is the first mass-built hydrogen car in the world. During the preliminary phase, it has to face the competition of eight new “green” vehicles. Then, in the final, there remained only three: Toyota Mirai, Toyota Prius and Chevrolet Volt. The vast majority of the 73 journalists from 23 countries decided that the fuel cell technology is the next logical step to the ultimate green car, surpassing the hybrid systems.

However, let’s remember the biggest competition for the Mirai, the Honda Clarity, which is already at its second generation. This technology is very important for Toyota, and they made a plan that focuses over the next decades, based on hydrogen. It seems very ambitious, and it is, but this shows just how sure they are of the fuel cell technology.

The next-period plans are included in the Lexus LF-FC concept, which is the proof that eco doesn’t mean slow and boring. Contrariwise, the fuel cell system elements can be placed in various positions, to achieve the perfect balance, therefore an excellent handling. Not to mention that it only emits water vapors, so bye-bye pollution. However, the biggest drawback of the fuel cell cars is the limited number of the hydrogen refueling station. The Mirai is already sold in US and Japan, beside some European countries: Germany, UK and Denmark. In the near future, it will be sold also in Sweden, Norway, Holland and Belgium.

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Fiat owns a great heritage in the LCV segment, thanks to its sub-brand, Fiat Professional. The new model is a good example of excellent loading capacity, being therefore perfect for professionals with business in or around the city. Its name – Talento is inspired by its natural abilities, which place this model between Fiat Doblo Cargo and Fiat Ducato. Once this model will hit the showrooms, Fiat will offer models of every possible length and cargo volume, covering their last weak segment.

It shares the same capabilities with his French and German brothers, thanks to a partnership between Fiat, Renault and Opel which helps the car manufacturers build vehicles at low production costs. However, it will probably also share the platform’s safety weakness, as the Trafic only manage to obtain three stars from a total of five, in the Euro NCAP tests.

Looking at its style, the Talento’s inclined windscreen looks dynamic and continues in a happy way with the short bonnet, for a sporty front design. The horizontal-oriented design emphasizes the wide stance, creating an increased stability sensation. The engine line includes turbo and twin-turbo powertrains producing up to 145 hp, being matted to a 6-speed manual transmission. The engines have been carefully developed to minimize the running costs and increase reliability. The vehicle will be assembled in Renault plant, in France, and the orders will start this may. This summer, the new Talento will hit the showroom.

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They are crucial vehicles, created to help the growth of the US sales up to 100.000 units in 2017: the Mirage G4 makes team with his hatchback brother, while the Outlander PHEV offers SUV performance with zero-emission driving, without the fear of the limited range. The Outlander PHEV features an efficient 2.0 liter petrol engine, joined by two electric motors, for impressive fuel consumption. How impressive, we’ll have to wait until later this year to find out. They get their juice from a 12kWh lithium-ion battery pack and are able to offer an extended full electric drive. The other drive modes include a series hybrid (using electric power with a generator operation) and a parallel hybrid mode, combining both electric and gasoline power. They can be automatically selected by the PHEV’s management and a regenerative braking mode maintains the batteries filled with energy.

The electric motors drive separately both axles, for an excellent torque distribution while the S-AWC system, derived from the Super All-Wheel Drive Control found in the Lancer Evolution, ensures excellent stability and handling. The safety features of the SUV include Forward Collision Mitigation, Multi-Around view Camera Monitor and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. It also offers complete connectivity options, supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The Mirage G4 is the affordable model in the Mitsubishi line and it’s moved by a revised 3 cylinder, 1.2 liter engine. It blends the acceleration and low fuel consumption in a unique package, promising to became one of the most efficient cars in segment. It features a long wheelbase, therefore a spacious cabin and trunk. It also features the same connectivity options as the Outlander PHEV, a unique element in this price range. The Mirage G4 will be in showrooms starting this spring, while the Outlander PHEV is set to arrive in dealership this fall.

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It is designed in California, for a totally American-oriented aspect. The “simplicity of the straight line” design philosophy is meant to cheat the real size of the body, in order to create a sleek design. It is completed by the new lights, in form of the Z letter, ready to enhance the car’s presence during the day and the night. Onboard, there are new, more exclusive materials used, while the dashboard surfaces are paired using real stitching. The interior color scheme has also been upgraded with the new, dark-brown color-mix, which joins the previous three possible combinations. The driver’s seat is now lower and offers an extended surface and a new extension mechanism. It’s now easier to find the perfect, position behind the wheel, while the new evenly-distributed seat heating elements ensure the best experience ever.

There’s also a new body frame, using more than 50% high strength steels, almost double than the outgoing version. Combined with the driver’s knee airbag, which raises the total number to nine, it’s meant to help the Cadenza obtain the five stars from the NHTSA. More, it helps the body raise its structural stiffness by over 35 percent, for an improved driving dynamics. Under the hood there’s a retuned, more fuel-efficient version of the old engine. It’s estimated to develop around 290 hp from 3.3 liter displacement and it spins the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engineers tested the powertrain at full load and power for 41 consecutive days, proving its super-reliability.

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Back in 1991, on 28 March Skoda signed the contract that allowed it to start building cars based on VW technique. It transformed the Czech car manufacturer into a big international brand, activating in over 100 markets all over the world. During the last period, they built around 1 million vehicles each year! At the time when it signed the agreement, Skoda was producing about 200.000 cars per year. If back then, only two models were built, today, Skoda manufacture over 40 versions. There’s no wonder VW wanted so bad to have this brand in portfolio, especially if we think that its history begins in 1859, when they started produce guns and weapons. Paying 620 million Deutschmarks, the German group bought 31 percent of Skoda, increasing progressively its stake until it became the owner, on 30 May 2000.

Since 1991, when it became a VW brand, Skoda invested more than 11 billion euros in developing new models and expanding the Czech facilities. If in 1991, Skoda had only 600 employees, while now approximately 2.000 people work for them at Mlada Boleslav. The total employees number is 28.500, making from Skoda one of the main brands in Czech Republic. This is the place where, for 121 years without stop, Skoda produced cars. And they did it better every year: in 2015, the production grew by 1.8 percent compared with 2014, while the revenue increased by 6.2 percent.

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