Tag Archives: technical

Global NCAP To Hand Over The Reins Of Crash Testing India-specific Cars To Bharat NCAP Starting 2024

August 25, 2023 Prafful Singh

The Global NCAP will continue to offer support and the technical know-how to the Bharat NCAP authorities

Bharat NCAP will start testing cars from October 1, 2023.
Global NCAP, started in 2011, launched a #SaferCarsForIndia campaign in 2014.
It has crash tested over 50 models so far, assigning scores ranging between 0 and full 5 stars.
Commendable performers include the Mahindra XUV700, Tata Punch and Skoda Kushaq.

We are sure every Indian, in the recent time, is brimming with pride as our country unlocked two important historical landmarks: Chandrayaan-3’s landing on the southern side of the moon (a world record) and the launch of Bharat NCAP (new car assessment program). Success in both the fields have been possible due to the technological advancements made in the respective industries.

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Focussing on earthly progress, the Bharat NCAP is based on similar standards and protocols followed by the Global NCAP. As such, the global agency has shown its faith in the new Indian vehicle safety program by deciding to stop crash testing India-specific models starting 2024. The BNCAP will award safety ratings to every model sold specifically in our country, helping buyers pick the safest car perceivable to them.

What Led Global NCAP To This Decision?

In an interview with ET Auto, David Ward, executive president at Global NCAP, said, “There may be another 10 models that we’ve got in the pipeline but that will be it. We absolutely don’t want to be seen as a rival programme to Bharat NCAP. It’d be very confusing to the consumer, and it doesn’t serve anybody’s interests.”

Also Read: Bharat NCAP: Here’s What Carmakers Said About The New Initiative For Safer Cars

Further Course Of Action

Our collaboration with the global safety authority won’t stop entirely though, as the international organisation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Institute for Road Transport (CIRT), which is the technical secretariat to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). As part of the MoU, Global NCAP will continue to offer support and technical know-how to the Bharat NCAP authorities.

Also Read: Bharat NCAP vs Global NCAP: Similarities And Differences Explained

Global NCAP’s India Impact Till Now

Although Global NCAP came into effect in 2011, it started the #SaferCarsForIndia campaign in 2014, which began safety assessments of cars sold in India to address the high number of fatalities resulting from road accidents each year in the country. It has crash tested more than 50 models so far, with scores ranging from as low as 0 to a full 5-star rating. While the first batch of results were quite worrying, it motivated mass-market car brands to step up and strive for the highest safety ratings.

Commendable performers in the Global NCAP tests include the Mahindra XUV700, Tata Punch, and Skoda Slavia–Volkswagen Virtus/Skoda Kushaq–Volkswagen Taigun duos, all of whom have been awarded five stars.

Bharat NCAP Summarised

The new Bharat NCAP assessments will come into action beginning October 1, 2023. These have been designed in line with the Global NCAP’s protocols, and will include safety tests like frontal offset, side impact and pole side impact.

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News, Technology

Netflix’s Ambitious Plan to Create Content Using AI

July 26, 2023 David

Netflix is reportedly willing to invest heavily in roles that require expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). The company is offering generous salaries to AI/ML professionals, such as Technical Directors and Research Scientists, who can assist with game development or explore cutting-edge AI use cases to solve Netflix’s problems. These professionals can earn up to $650,000 and $900,000, respectively. Even Product Managers and Engineering Managers specializing in ML platforms and member satisfaction can earn up to $900,000 and $842,000 per year.

These high salaries demonstrate that Netflix, along with other production studios, is actively embracing AI technology to improve workflow efficiency and increase profits. One approach is to acquire the rights to an artist’s voice or physical profile. However, the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) recently rejected a proposal by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) that aimed to pay artists a one-time fee of $200 to gain ownership of their digital likeness for future usage in entertainment properties without additional compensation for each use in films, shows, or video games.

The prevailing consensus is that AI implementation is inevitable. Marvel, for instance, has utilized AI to create credit posters, and now The Beatles are using AI to complete a song in the voice of a deceased band member. However, the concern is not only about fair compensation, but also studios’ commitment to ensuring that AI does not replace human talent. Unfortunately, Netflix’s substantial investment in AI talent may be perceived as a threat by protesting writers and actors.

Car review

Honda ZR-V

July 20, 2023 David

The Honda ZR-V, set to arrive in the UK in September, shares many technical features with the Civic. In Europe, it is exclusively available with a hybrid powertrain.

Powering the ZR-V is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol engine that produces 141bhp. However, the engine primarily acts as a generator, either powering the 181bhp electric motor or storing energy in the 1.05kWh battery. While the engine does not directly drive the wheels for the most part, there is a clutch in the transaxle that can connect the engine to the front wheels through an overdrive gear during motorway cruising.

With the engine not being constantly connected to the wheels, the software has more control over its performance. This means that the engine can be shut off, simulate being connected to a CVT or eight-speed automatic gearbox, or maintain a specific RPM to charge the battery, depending on the load.

While much of the ZR-V’s interior design is consistent with the Civic, it does have some unique features. The dashboard features a horizontal strip of air vents and convenient clicky buttons for the climate control. The 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, though not the sharpest, offers shortcut buttons and wireless smartphone mirroring for ease of use. The materials used in the ZR-V have been slightly upgraded compared to the Civic, with more soft-touch surfaces on the doors and a sculpted center console with storage space underneath.

Unlike the Civic, the ZR-V does not offer a manual version. As a result, the driving experience is slightly different, positioned slightly higher than the Civic. While the Civic places you low with plenty of legroom and comfortable seating, the ZR-V adopts a more upright seating position, which may appeal to hatchback enthusiasts but potentially disappoint those seeking a true SUV experience.

Notably, the ZR-V is equipped with metal paddles, a feature not seen in Honda vehicles since the iconic NSX. These paddles are used to adjust brake regeneration levels.

News

New 2024 Ferrari SF90 XX: A Powerful Racer for the Road

June 30, 2023 David

The 2024 Ferrari SF90 XX is a plug-in hybrid flagship that incorporates all the technical features typically found in a track-only XX car, according to Enrico Galliera, the marketing and commercial head of Ferrari. The car includes the lightest seats ever fitted in a Ferrari, resulting in a 10kg weight reduction compared to the conventional SF90 Stradale. The SF90 XX Spider weighs 1660kg.

Ferrari hasn’t revealed the lap time achieved by the SF90 XX around Fiorano, but Galliera stated that the performance improvement compared to the regular SF90 is substantial. As a result, Ferrari plans to hold a dedicated announcement event later this year. The regular SF90 currently holds the record for road cars at the circuit, completing a lap in 1:19.00.

The starting price for the SF90 XX was €770,000 (£660,000) for the Stradale coupe and €850,000 (£730,000) for the Spider. However, all 1398 units (799 Stradales and 599 Spiders) have already been sold to Ferrari’s most loyal clients. Deliveries of the Stradale will begin in the second quarter of 2024, followed by the Spider in the final quarter of next year.

SF90 XX: A Surprise Addition

Ferrari originally did not plan to develop a more focused version of the SF90, as they believed they had already pushed the limits of available technology during its development. According to Galliera, it typically takes a year to develop a new product, and the same was true for this car.

He stated, “The project was even more complex than usual because when we conceived the SF90, we didn’t anticipate creating an evolution of it. That’s why we call it a supercar. Normally, a supercar aims to achieve the highest level of technology at that moment. Thus, improving the SF90 further, considering its existing performance, was not an easy task. So, essentially, it took the same amount of time, but the effort was tremendous.”

News

Take A Look Inside Peugeot’s Cutting-Edge Production Facility In France

June 22, 2023 David

For motorcycle enthusiasts, understanding the technical aspects of motorcycles is just as important as enjoying the freedom and mobility they offer. That’s why videos showcasing the building, customization, and restoration of motorcycles are so appealing. Peugeot Motocycles, a historic French brand that has been experiencing a resurgence in recent years, has uploaded a video on its official YouTube channel, providing a glimpse into its cutting-edge production facility in Mandeure, France. This video showcases the assembly of two popular models, the Metropolis three-wheeler and the Pulsion maxi-scooter. In addition to the fascinating technology, the video captures the emotion and craftsmanship that goes into each motorcycle.

Take A Look Inside Peugeot's Cutting-Edge Production Facility In France

The video begins by showing the entrance of the facility and then transitions to a designer hand-sketching the design of a scooter. The scooter then comes to life through Computer-Aided Design (CAD). The video then showcases the process of engine assembly and provides a glimpse of the production line for the Metropolis and Pulsion. Peugeot’s facility utilizes a combination of skilled craftspeople and robotics to build the engines and other intricate components of the motorcycles.

Next, the video takes us to the company’s paint booth, where the panels and components of the scooters are manually painted by craftsmen, which is a unique approach compared to other manufacturers that rely heavily on robots for this process. The painted parts are then left to cure before being transported to the assembly line. At the assembly line, engine builders work alongside technicians assembling the wheels and tires, getting everything ready for final assembly.

The video concludes with a stop-motion-style montage of the scooters being put together, followed by a thorough quality inspection of each new motorcycle. Finally, the video proudly displays the hashtags #MadeInFrance and #MadeInMandeure, highlighting the brand’s commitment to manufacturing and assembling its products in its home country.

Motorsport

Aston Martin Needs Mercedes Engine Deal to Stay Afloat

June 13, 2023 Prafful Singh

Aston Martin Lagonda’s success has relied heavily on its collaboration with Mercedes. In addition to being a key technical partner, Mercedes also holds a significant share in the company and has expressed interest in increasing its stake to 20% by 2023. According to Roberto Fedeli, the Chief Technical Officer at Gaydon, Aston Martin would be in trouble without Mercedes’ support, particularly when it comes to complying with the stringent Euro 7 emissions regulations.

But working with Mercedes goes beyond just providing engines for Aston Martin. The collaboration also includes using Mercedes’ electrical architecture as the base for integration of new components, such as in the upcoming DB12 model.

Automoto Hub