30/11/09

Autolexicon: Οργωμένη

Αναφέρεται εις δισκόπλακαν, και χρησιμοποιείται συνήθως εις τον πληθυντικόν, δεδομένου ότι ουδέν αυτοκίνητον διαθέτει μόνον μίαν δισκόπλακαν, αλλά τουλάχιστον 2 (δύο).

Εκ του ρήματος "Οργώνω": Ανασκάπτω δι' αρότρου το έδαφος χωραφίου, με σκοπόν την δημιουργίαν αυλακίων.

Εν αντιθέσει προς τα χωράφια, εις τα οποία τα αυλάκια είναι παράλληλα, εις τας δισκόπλακας είναι ομόκεντρα, και δεν δημιουργούνται δι' αρότρου, αλλά διά των τακακίων άτινα κατά την προσπάθειάν των όπως φρενάρουσι το αυτοκίνητον, φθείρουσιν αυτάς (τας δισκόπλακας) προοδευτικώς.
Αι τοιουτοτρόπως ανασκαφείσαι επί μακρόν δισκόπλακαι, ονομάζονται "Οργωμένες".

Εις αντίθεσιν με τα χωράφια, όπου κατόπιν του οργώματος ακολουθεί η σπορά, εις τας δισκόπλακας ακολουθεί η αντικατάστασίς των με καινούργιες, αυθεντικές ή ιμιτασιόν (βλ.σχετ. [Ιμιτασιόν] ).

Αποσπάσματα από "Το Λεξικόν της Ορολογίας του Αυτοκινήτου"

Crash Test: BMW X1 2009

BMW X1 2.0 diesel 2009 EuroNCAP Crash Test
Frontal impact

Driver

Pole

CRS

Whiplash



BMW X1 2009 test results

Comments

Adult occupant
The passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal impact, the windscreen pillar moving rearwards less than 5mm. Dummy readings indicated good protection of the knees and femurs of both driver and passenger. BMW were able to demonstrate that occupants of different sizes, and those sat in different positions, would be similarly well protected. In the side barrier impact, the car scored maximum points, with good protection of all body regions. In the more severe side pole test, dummy readings indicated marginal chest protection. Protection against whiplash injuries in rear impacts was also rated as marginal.

Child occupant
Based on dummy readings, the X1 scored maximum points for its protection of the 1½ year old in the frontal and side barrier impacts. Forward movement of the head of the 3 year old, sat in a forward facing restraint, was well controlled in the frontal impact and, in the side impact, both dummies were properly contained by the restraints. The front passenger airbag can be disabled by BMW dealers to allow a rearward facing child restraint to be used in that seating position. A label clearly warns of the dangers of using a rearward facing child seat in that seat without first disabling the airbag.

Pedestrian
The bumper scored maximum points for protection of pedestrians' legs. However, the front edge of the bonnet provided poor protection and scored no points in Euro NCAP's tests. In almost all areas where a child's head might strike, the bonnet offered good protection, even at the outer edges. The protection offered to the head of a struck adult was also good in some areas but was poor around the base of the windscreen.

Safety assist
The X1 is fitted with electronic stability control (ESC) as standard equipment on all variants. Likewise, a seatbelt reminder is standard for the driver and front passenger seats.

Photos, Comments: EuroNCAP

29/11/09

Crash Test: VW Scirocco 2009

VW Scirocco 1.4 2009 EuroNCAP Crash Test
Frontal impact

Driver

Pole

CRS

Whiplash



VW Scirocco 2009 test results

Comments

Adult occupant
The passenger cell remained stable in the frontal impact. However, dummy readings indicated that the driver's head had bottomed out the airbag against the steering wheel and the car was penalised for this. Dummy readings indicated good protection of the knees, femurs and pelvis for both front seat occupants. Volkswagen were able to show that occupants of different sizes, and those sat in different positions, would be offered a similarly high level of protection. Chest protection was adequate in the side barrier test and was good in the more severe side pole test. Protection against whiplash injury in a rear impact was rated as good.

Child occupant
Volkswagen have recently made improvements to the Bobsy G0/1 ISOFIX restraint and, as of October 2009, supply a modified Bobsy G1 ISOFIX seat for use in the Scirocco. Euro NCAP's tests were done with the most recent child restraints and the comments and overall star rating do not apply to vehicles using earlier versions of the restraints. Forward movement of the head of the 3 year dummy, sat in a forward facing seat, was not excessive. Both the 18 month and 3 year dummies were properly contained by the protective shells of their restraints in the side barrier impact. The passenger airbag can be disabled to allow a rearward facing child restraint to be used in that seating position. However, information provided to the driver regarding the status of the airbag is not sufficiently clear. Poor labelling does not adequately indicate the dangers of using a rearward facing child seat without first disabling the airbag.

Pedestrian
Good protection for pedestrians' legs is offered by the bumper and the front edge of the bonnet, both scoring maximum points. The bonnet offers marginal protection in most areas where a child's head might hit and predominantly poor protection to an adult's head.

Safety assist
Electronic Stability Control is standard on all Sciroccos throughout Europe. The car has has a seatbelt reminder system for the driver and front passenger seats.

Photos, Comments: EuroNCAP

28/11/09

On the Road: Ο καναπές








Ο καναπές.

27/11/09

Autobianchi A112 1977 - 1979 - 1984 - 1986 Photo files

Autobianchi A112 Junior

Autobianchi A112 Base 1977 - 1979

Autobianchi A112 Junior 1984 - 1986

Autobianchi A112 Junior 1984 - 1986

Autobianchi A112 LX 1984 - 1986

Autobianchi A112 LX 1984 - 1986

Autobianchi A112 Elite 1984 - 1986

Autobianchi A112 Abarth 70hp 1984 - 1986

Photos: Lancia

26/11/09

Crash Test: Mercedes Benz GLK 2009

Mercedes Benz GLK 220 CDi 2009 EuroNCAP Crash Test
Frontal impact

Driver

Pole

CRS

Whiplash




Mercedes Benz GLK 2009 test results

Comments

Adult occupant
Mercedes Benz’s ‘PRE-SAFE’ system is available as an option on the GLK. The system senses when an accident is about to occur and primes the restraint and protection systems in readiness for the collision. The system was not fitted to the test cars in Euro NCAP’s assessments. The passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal impact, the windscreen pillar moving rearwards by only 3mm. Dummy readings indicated good protection of the knees and femurs of both driver and passenger. Mercedes were able to demonstrate that occupants of different sizes, and those sat in different seating positions, would have a similar level of protection against upper leg injuries. Cars with serial numbers greater than WDC204****F450200 are equipped as standard with a seat-mounted pelvis airbag for side impact protection and Euro NCAP’s rating does not apply to earlier cars. Maximum points were scored in the side barrier test. In the more severe side pole test, protection offered by the chest was rated as marginal. Protection against whiplash injuries in a rear impact was also rated as marginal.

Child occupant
In the frontal impact, forward movement of the head of the 3 year dummy was not excessive. In the side barrier impact, the head of the 3 year and 18 month
infant were properly contained within the protective shell of the CRS. Neither dummy recorded values in the test which would reflect poor protection. Rearward facing child restraints sold by Mercedes Benz are automatically detected by the front passenger seat and the airbag for that seating position is disabled. However, other rearward facing child restraints would not be recognised by the system and the airbag remains active. The car contains a permanent label, clearly warning of the potential dangers of using a rearward facing CRS without disabling the passenger airbag.

Pedestrian
The bumper scored maximum points for the protection it offered to pedestrians' legs. However, the front edge of the bonnet was rated as poor. In most areas likely to be struck by the head of a child, the protection offered by the bonnet was poor. In those areas likely to be struck by an adult's head, the protection was predominantly good.

Safety assist
The GLK is equipped with Electronic Safety Control (ESC) as standard equipment on all variants. A seatbelt reminder system, covering both front and rear seats, is also standard equipment. A driver-set speed limitation device is standard but Mercedes did not ask for the system to be assessed by Euro NCAP.

Photos, Comments: EuroNCAP

Rebadge: Buick Regal 2010 - 2011 & Opel Insignia

Buick Regal 2010 - 2011

Maitre του rebadge εδώ και χρόνια η General Motors, θα περίμενε κανείς να έχει μάθει κάτι από τα λάθη και τις περιπέτειες του παρελθόντος...
Ομως όχι. Παραμένει αμετανόητη.

Το Opel Insignia, το οποίο ήδη πωλείται στην Κίνα ως Buick Regal και πουλάει πολύ καλά (64.000 αυτοκίνητα μέχρι τώρα), λανσάρεται τώρα και στις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες, επίσης ως Buick Regal.

Και βέβαια, ως κυριότερο προσόν του Regal προβάλλεται η ευρωπαϊκή του σχεδίαση, και ο τίτλος του ευρωπαϊκού αυτοκινήτου της χρονιάς γιά το 2009... Σουρεαλισμός.

Από το σουρεαλιστικό δελτίο τύπου της Buick:

“The 2011 Buick Regal is like nothing you’ve ever experienced from this brand,” said Susan Docherty, general manager of Buick GMC. “The Regal is the next chapter in Buick’s transformation and will expand the portfolio to include a sport sedan.”

The new Regal arrives in the second quarter of 2010, with its sights aimed squarely on competitors like the Acura TSX and Volvo S60. It has a longer wheelbase and greater trunk volume than those vehicles, along with standard features – including a six-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch wheels and OnStar – that aren’t offered standard on either competitor.

The Regal’s development is rooted in Germany, where the globally led engineering team created the award-winning Opel Insignia – the 2009 European Car of the Year. The Insignia has garnered more than 31 prestigious awards and is the best-selling midsize sedan in Europe. Regal will bring all of Insignia’s award-winning design, technology and European-inspired performance capabilities to the American market.

The Regal has already been a success on another continent, in China. It went on sale in December 2008 and more than 64,000 Regals have been sold there. Enthusiastic customers cite its sculpted, flowing design and responsive performance as the top reasons for purchase.

Design story

The Regal’s sleek design blends the sweeping silhouette and proportions of a coupe in a progressive package that suggests motion from all angles. Great attention to detail complements that aggressive styling, with tailored applications of Buick’s signature design cues, such as the waterfall grille, select use of chrome trim and superior fit and finish of the exterior panels.

“Regal is all about great proportions,” said John Cafaro, design director, passenger car. “For example, with the fenders flared to wrap around the tires. It’s an aggressive stance that people aren’t used to seeing in recent Buicks.”

The car’s performance-oriented spirit is also conveyed in sleek, sculpted body-side detail and aggressive headlamps that further suggest motion. At the rear, an abbreviated deck and tucked-in body panels are the hallmarks of a contemporary sport sedan, with bold taillamps and their intricate lighting elements reinforcing Regal’s attention to detail. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard.

The sweeping design motif carries over to the interior, where the side panels flow uninterrupted into the instrument panel. The instruments have the look of expensive sport timepieces and are lit with ice-blue LED lights. The center stack, housing the climate and “infotainment” controls, was designed to allow for a lower, driver-centric instrument panel profile. Features such as a thick-rimmed, leather-wrapped steering wheel and firm, highly bolstered and leather-covered seats also support the sport-oriented driving experience.

“There is great design harmony between the exterior and interior,” said Cafaro. “The feeling of flow and motion carries through in an engaging manner that makes you want to take the Regal out to your favorite twisting road to see what it can do.”

Buick Regal 2010 - 2011

Photos: Buick

25/11/09

Seat Leon Cupra R 2009 - 2010 Press Best

Seat Leon Cupra R 2009 - 2010

Ψάχνουμε, διαβάζουμε προσεκτικά, και επιλέγουμε.
Ακολουθεί ένα απάνθισμα από δημοσιεύματα γιά το Seat Leon Cupra R 2009.

Υπογραμμίσεις: Athens Car Blog

- Στο εμπρός μέρος διακρίνεται η μεγάλη και sport μάσκα, με το racing σουλούπι να ολοκληρώνεται από τις θηριώδεις ζάντες των 19 ιντσών, καθώς και από τα επίσης τεράστια φρένα των 345mm που καλούνται να δαμάσουν τους 265 ίππους του ισπανικού επιβήτορα.

- Στο εσωτερικό όμως υπάρχει οργασμός αλλαγών. Σημείο αναφοράς αποτελούν τα δερμάτινα bucket καθίσματα, τα αλουμινένια πεντάλ καθώς και το τριάκτινο τιμόνι που έχει και αλουμινένια επένδυση και το logo Cupra στο κατώτερο μέρος του.

- Η καρδιά του Ισπανού επιβήτορα όμως είναι πολύ δυνατή. Κάτω από το καπό εδράζει ένας 2λιτρος turbo TSI κινητήρας η δύναμη του οποίου ανέρχεται στα 265 άλογα.

Από το: www.sportdrive.gr

- Τα λογότυπα R στη μάσκα αλλά και στη δεξιά γωνία της πόρτας του χώρου αποσκευών αποτελούν και αυτά τυπικά γνωρίσματα της νέας κορυφαίας έκδοσης του Leon.

- Συνολικά έχουμε να κάνουμε με ένα αρκούντως δυναμικό σχεδιαστικά αυτοκίνητο, η εικόνα του οποίου συνδυάζεται επιτυχημένα με το σπορ χαρακτήρα του.

- Αναγνωριστικές πινελιές αποτελούν το αρκετά χορταστικό στο πιάσιμο τιμόνι με την ασημί επένδυση στην επίπεδη βάση του, αλλά και το λογότυπο R στο στροφόμετρο, ενώ τα μπάκετ καθίσματα δεν αφήνουν κανένα περιθώριο για αμφισβήτηση ως προς το τι να περιμένει ο οδηγός, όταν το τούρμπο σηκώσει πίεση.

Από το: www.autotriti.gr

- Από την άλλη, οι αναρτήσεις είναι εντελώς διαφορετικές με πιο σκληρή ρύθμιση, ενώ τη σπορ οδική συμπεριφορά του μοντέλου θα συμπληρώνει και το χαμηλωμένο αμάξωμα.

- Τα μπάκετ δερμάτινα καθίσματα αποτελούν το πιο ξεχωριστό σημείο του Cupra R, ενώ το μενού συμπληρώνεται από τα αλουμινένια πεντάλ, το τριγωνικό τιμόνι με την αλουμινένια επένδυση στο κάτω τμήμα του και το λογότυπο Cupra, ενώ σπορ είναι και ο λεβιές ταχυτήτων.

Από το: www.tanea.gr




Seat Leon Cupra R 2009 - 2010

Photos: Seat