RPMGO Car Blog |
- Stereo Camera – The “Eyes” That Watch For Your Ride
- Europcar Will Offer Mercedes-Benz Vito E-Cell Electric Van Rentals
- Mercedes G-Class Gets Two Special Editions
- Baby View Car Mirror for Moms
- Recycled Auto Parts for Transformers’ Characters
- McLaren MP4-12C GT3 Revealed
- Fast Five’s Gal Gadot didn’t make it to the top 100 sexiest women of 2011
- Mercedes Reveals SLS AMG Roadster
- Greatest Car Video Games
| Stereo Camera – The “Eyes” That Watch For Your Ride Posted: 06 May 2011 04:11 AM PDT
Safety on the road is a subject that doesn't accept any compromise, because it can easily cost somebody's life. So, Continental, an international automotive supplier, will launch a system in order to minimize the number of car accidents, the stereo camera. The installation uses two high-resolution CMOS mono-cameras in forward looking braking system, and it is part of the ContyGuard safety system.
said Dr. Andreas Brand, Head of Passive Safety & ADAS Business Unit at Continental's Chassis & Safety Division. We find stereo camera useful in intersections or in situations involving pedestrians, now that nearly 50% of traffic accidents in Germany are accidents with pedestrians. The stereo camera is capable to detect and analyze the obstacles, from loads fallen onto the road to people or animals. It can also determine the obstacle's size and the distance to it, not only identifying it (even if it uses a six-dimensional identification system). Accordingly to its producer, this stereo camera is able to determine the direction in which every pixel of an identified object is moving along the horizontal, vertical, and longitudinal axes. So, if a persons steps onto the road and is half covered, due to this stereo camera, the car initiates an emergency brake (up to 1 g) if the driver fails to react to the object.
said Wilfried Mehr, Head of Business Development for advanced driver assistance systems. In our opinion, this stereo camera is an active safety system that can keep you safe while you are driving in extreme situations. However, it doesn't mean that you have no responsibility or that you are not involved in the driving process. So, would you trust this camera technology or are you the type of driver who prefers to have fully control on the car and watch the road carefully for your own? [Source: Conti-online] Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Europcar Will Offer Mercedes-Benz Vito E-Cell Electric Van Rentals Posted: 05 May 2011 09:31 AM PDT  Mercedes-Benz Vito E-Cell Europcar is a French automotive rental company based in Paris, owned by an investment firm by the name of Eurazeo. They've teamed up with Mercedes-Benz to offer commercial electric van rentals to customers in Hamburg, Germany and Paris, France, on a trial basis by the end of this year. Mercedes-Benz will have to deliver "double-digit number" of its Vito E-Cell model. The van features a specially developed front-wheel drive configuration (unlike the 4WD of the regular model) in order to save enough space for installing a 36 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which has been placed underneath the cargo area. Mercedes says that the van has a range of up to 81 miles and can reach a top speed of 50 mph. the electric motor generates 80 hp (60 kW) and a 207 lb.-ft torque. Source: Daimler via AutoBlog Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Mercedes G-Class Gets Two Special Editions Posted: 05 May 2011 09:15 AM PDT  Mercedes G-Class Select Edition The Mercedes G-Class has received two new flavors courtesy of a couple of special editions. The long-wheelbase version is now available with an Edition Select trim package that costs 6,735 Euros. It offers a two-tone paint scheme, black 18-inch alloy rims and an AMG sports exhaust. The cabin features a piano black wood trim and a two-tone design for the leather upholstery.  Mercedes G-Class Select Edition The BA3 Final Edition marks the ending of the short-wheelbase version, featuring an AMG grille, body-color fender flares and 18-inch wheels. The cabin gets ambient lightning, black leather seats and a burr walnut trim.  Mercedes G-Class Select Edition Customers are able to choose from one of the two engines available. The G 350 BlueTEC features a 6-cylinder diesel engine that produces 208 hp (211 PS / 155 kW) and a peak torque of 398 lb.-ft (540 Nm). The more powerful G 500 sports a V8 5.5-liter gasoline engine that cranks out 382 hp (388 PS / 285 kW) and a 391 lb.-ft (530 Nm) torque.  Mercedes G-Class Select Edition In its homeland, the G 350 BlueTEC BA3 Final Edition has a base price of 90,511, while the G 500 is available starting from 100,685 Euros, including VAT.  Mercedes G-Class Select Edition Source: Mercedes-Benz via WCF Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Posted: 05 May 2011 08:51 AM PDT
A few days ago we have written an article about child safety in the car. Today's article completes the list of suggestions for increasing safety: we recommend the baby view car mirror, one of the latest systems used for keeping an eye on the baby in the car. It offers a complete view on the baby while mommy is driving and it is designed to be attached on any car seat. In addition, the mirror can be used also as a fun mirror for the child. We find it really useful. What do you think about it? Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Recycled Auto Parts for Transformers’ Characters Posted: 05 May 2011 07:51 AM PDT
People are ingenious, especially the Chinese. Even if it is about recycling, creativity can take different forms. This time Transformers' Characters were built from waste parts from old motor vehicles. It all makes sense: eventually those characters are originally motorcars, and it’s impressive how something so big can come out of something so small. It is nice how they have tried to rebuild important characters from car pieces and parts, and the result is quite cool.
The creations made of recycled auto parts are displayed at the Nanjing International Auto Exhibition. In my opinion, they look quite good and they try to communicate a "green" message. Do you think this will have the wanted impact on the environmental problem? [Source: Fareastgizmos] Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Posted: 05 May 2011 07:00 AM PDT  McLaren MP4-12C GT3 All the juicy details about the GT3 version of the McLaren MP4-12C are out and now we can share them with you. It has the same V8 3.8-liter twin-turbo engine as the production version, but produces "only" 493 hp (500 PS / 368 kW) in comparison to the road-legal model that cranks out 592 hp (600 PS / 441 kW).  McLaren MP4-12C GT3 The car went on a diet, especially in the gearbox department, where the new one weighs 80 kg less than the 7-speed transmission available for the standard variant. In addition, the competition-tuned MP4-12C features a race suspension and borrows some F1 tech for the electronic systems, tires, seats and the steering wheel.  McLaren MP4-12C GT3 The car will take part in the 24 hours race at Spa, as well as in the Blancpain Endurance Series at the Circuito de Navarra in Spain. The McLaren MP4-12C GT3 will also be showcased at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.  McLaren MP4-12C GT3 You can get one for yourself if you are willing to spare 310,000 pounds. Click here to view the embedded video. Source: McLaren via WCF Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Fast Five’s Gal Gadot didn’t make it to the top 100 sexiest women of 2011 Posted: 05 May 2011 06:49 AM PDT And we honestly think FHM’s judges are losing it! This Israeli beauty cannot miss from the 2011 top 100 most sexiest women in the world. How many of us fell in love with her in Fast Five as soon as she walked into that warehouse on that bike? Let’s reconsider, FHM! Let’s reconsider!
Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Mercedes Reveals SLS AMG Roadster Posted: 05 May 2011 06:30 AM PDT  2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster Mercedes revealed this week the first batch of photos with its highly anticipated roadster version of the SLS AMG model. However, the car in these shots is a test-phase prototype, wearing camouflage over its head- and taillights. As you can see, it sports a cloth soft-top roof that needs only 11 seconds to be retracted or closed. This procedure can be done at speeds of up to 31 mph (50 km/h).  2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster In comparison to the standard SLS AMG, the roadster version is only 4.4 lbs (2 kg) heavier, necessary for the added structural reinforcements. Obviously, the roadster loses the coupe's legendary gullwing doors.  2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster The car is powered by the same engine as its coupe sibling, a V8 6.3-liter plant that produces 563 hp (571 PS / 420 kW) and a peak torque of 479 lb.-ft (650 Nm). It needs 4 seconds for the 0-60 mph sprint, before hitting a top speed of 192 mph (309 km/h).  2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster The SLS AMG Roadster will be officially launched this September at the Frankfurt Motor Show and will arrive in dealerships a couple of weeks later.  2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster Source: Mercedes-Benz via WCF Post published on Rpmgo.com |
| Posted: 05 May 2011 05:18 AM PDT
There have been many great video games with cars launched in the last 15 years, and in this article we are going to talk about some of the most important examples in this genre. Sit back and relax as we dive into the recent history of racing video games. Carmageddon II: Carpocalypse Now (Nov 30, 1998)
Subject to a lot of criticism due to its high level of violence, Carmageddon II will go down in history as one of the most entertaining car games ever made. Despite the fact that it is quite tasteless, the game is extremely fun. You can pick up a wide array of power-ups that you will unleash on the helpless pedestrians, killing them in the most violent and outrageous ways possible. You can make them dance, make their heads bigger, fly away, stumble like drunks, just about anything that you can think of! You'll do these while listening to the great soundtrack provided by Iron Maiden. Project Gotham Racing 4 (Oct 2, 2007)
PGR4 features some of the most beautiful environments ever seen in a game, despite the fact that it was launched almost four years ago. It has spot-on control and a fun driving model, while the rain effects are epic. You will earn medals for beating challenges in the arcade made and the Gotham career will offer plenty of hours of gameplay. Locations like Quebec, Macau and Shanghai are reproduced very well in the game, where you will be able to drive some of the fastest and most exclusive cars in the world. Midnight Club L.A. (Oct 20, 2008)
Featuring excellent graphics and very intense racing that takes place day or night, the latest installment in the Midnight Club series offers a pretty good package: a rich collection of cars, day/night transition, police, lots of customization options and a lengthy career mode. The multiplayer is also great, supporting up to 16 racers via system link, as well as online. You have the possibility to make your own races or play one of the game's exciting modes, like Keepaway and Capture the Flag. Split/Second (May 18, 2010)
Indeed, it is a shallow arcade racer, but thanks to its power plays, the action is pretty entertaining throughout the entire race. Flooring the car down an airport runway in a cool-looking sports car never gets old and while you race, you can destroy your opponents by triggering destructive hot spots that are spread all over the track. With its more than frequent explosions, tumbling debris and other similar goodies, the action is pretty intense, but unfortunately the game gets boring after several hours of gameplay. Nevertheless, it's still a great game. Blur (May 25, 2010)
It is a fast and exciting racer, offering smooth and responsive driving, along with a lot of weapons that add a little bit of spice to the racing action. The reward system implemented makes the game difficult to put down, while the wide array of cars and tracks should be enough for most enthusiasts. In addition, the multiplayer mode is very complex and you will certainly spend lots of hours taking down your buddy with the various power-ups available. The graphics are quite good too, but the music will eventually become annoying after several hours of gameplay. If you're tired of Burnout Paradise, this is the game to buy. Burnout Paradise (Jan 22, 2008)
Speaking of, the latest iteration of the Burnout franchise combines racing and wrecking in a way in which no other video game has ever managed to do. The open-world design offers a lot of opportunities to destroy your opponents, while the showtime mode is epic. With great visuals and excellent online functionality that is both addicting and seamless, no wonder it received high scores from just about every video game reviewer out there. The soundtrack is also very good, but the DJ gets annoying only after 1-2 hours of gameplay. Need For Speed High Stakes (Sep 29, 1999)
Without any doubt, NFS: HS was the best racing game of the 90s and it is my favorite all-time NFS game. The first thing that I liked about the game was the menu, very modern for those days. With a rich selection of cars and a wide array of locations, it offered just about anyone could want, including damage modeling. Another great feature of the game was the career mode which forced you to make hard choices regarding how to manage your car inventory and money. Plus, the night driving was awesome. Grand Theft Auto IV (Sep 8, 2009)
GameSpot gave it a "10" so it definitely is one of the greatest games of all time. Offering a superb character-driven story and an epic "Liberty City" that looks so alive, GTA4 is a game for everyone. The wide selection of cars and motorcycles available, along with planes, boats and helicopters, make this game truly remarkable. Forza Motorsport 3 (Oct 27, 2009)
Offering hundreds of cars to drive, tune and paint, along with a varied selection of tracks to race on, Forza 3 will keep you interested for hundreds of hours. It has probably the longest career mode ever seen in a racing game and a great online multiplayer support. The storefront allows you to buy and sell cars, contributing to the immense world of racing that the game offers. To name some of its weak points, the forgiving AI and the possibility to use cars that exceed event restrictions. Test Drive Unlimited 2 (Feb 8, 2011)
The game offers a huge, attractive, open and online world, combining the steady progression of the career world with a very enjoyable open-world driving mode. The graphics are astonishing and the wide selection of cars offers plenty of possibilities to choose from. The multiplayer mode is immense, you can create and edit custom challenges, share them in the Community Racing Centre and other nice goodies. On the downside, there are no pedestrians, no motorbikes and the control of the car is rather funky. However, it still is a good reason to increase your video games collection. Gran Turismo 5 (Nov 24, 2010)
GT5 is probably the most popular racing video game ever made, being rewarding and accessible for both newcomers and experienced players. The realistic handling really lives up to all expectations, while the selection of cars is incredible, with more than 1,000 models to choose from. You can race during the night, in rain or snow, and the lengthy career should hold you a couple of weeks. After that, dive in the multiplayer world and spend countless hours racing with your favorite friends as well as strangers from all over the world. GRID (June 3, 2008)
We've saved the best for last. In our humble opinion, GRID is the best racing game ever made. The realism in this game is truly astonishing. Although this is an arcade game, you will really feel like you're behind the wheel of the car. The game offers plenty of racing locations and disciplines to choose from, while the exquisite presentation and the excellent graphics offer a very appealing visual aspect. The career mode is accessible and rewarding, while the great online lobby system will suit all tastes. In addition, it has the best car damage model ever seen. Feel free to recommend other games that should be added to this list. Source & Photos: GameSpot Post published on Rpmgo.com |
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