Upgraded car-to-X system can detect minute road surface friction coefficient changes and warn other Audi drivers of slippery conditions in neSending out an SOS – Audi is using high-precision swarm data for the first time to optimise the speed and accuracy of its car-to-X service “Local Hazard Information” (LHI), which now uses a car-to-cloud application that can detect the tiniest changes in road surface adhesion and warn upcoming drivers of road ice or other slippery conditions in near real time.ar real time
Swarm data improves car-to-X service “Local Hazard Information”
Around 1.7 million cars in the Group make up the swarm intelligence
New procedure detects the smallest changes in friction coefficient
Joint development between Audi and Car.Software organization, NIRA, and HERE
Audi is taking another step towards safer and more intelligent mobility by using high-precision swarm data for the first time to optimise the speed and accuracy of hazard warning communication between its networked models.
Its upgraded car-to-X service “Local Hazard Information” (LHI) now uses a car-to-cloud application that can estimate the coefficient of friction on a road surface on the basis of wheel slip. The application can detect the tiniest changes in road surface adhesion, upload data to the cloud for processing, and warn upcoming drivers of road ice or other slippery conditions in near real time.
Since 2017, Audi models have been able to warn each other about accidents, broken down vehicles, traffic jams, road ice, or limited visibility, a communication technology known as ‘car to X’. It analyses various data for Local Hazard Information, including activation of Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC), rain and light sensors, windscreen wipers, headlights, emergency calls, and airbag triggers. Audi is now taking the next step by improving the service with high-precision swarm data to make the warning even faster and more precise. The brand with the four rings is the first manufacturer to use a patented solution from Swedish company NIRA Dynamics AB for this purpose. The two companies adapted this solution as a basis to develop the enhanced hazard alerts together with the Car.Software organization and HERE Technologies.
Within the car, the system can estimate the coefficient of friction between the tyres and the road surface based on wheel slip. To calculate this, it uses chassis signals, such as wheel speed and acceleration values. It is already active in normal driving situations and not only during extreme situations when chassis control systems intervene. The sensor data is anonymised, both in the car itself and when transmitted to the cloud hosted by NIRA Dynamics AB. Aggregated data from many vehicles are then combined with metadata, such as current and historical weather information, and then transmitted by NIRA cloud to service provider HERE Technologies. When integrated with HERE location platform, the combined data intelligence represents the road network as a precise three-dimensional model.
Coming back to the vehicle, HERE servers send the warning information to those cars that are in or heading toward areas with poor conditions. The driver sees a warning in the Audi virtual cockpit or on the optional head-up display and can act accordingly.
Number of vehicles involved is a key success factor The greater the number of vehicles that deliver the data, the better the system can learn, analyse, and create maps, and thereby inform or warn the drivers depending on the situation. This is the basic principle of swarm data and swarm intelligence – an area in which Audi has acquired extensive knowledge over the past years. In 2021, more than 1.7 million vehicles from the Volkswagen Group in Europe will contribute data for this improved hazard information service, and this will increase to more than 3 million in 2022, creating a significant competitive advantage. The service is available in new models from Audi, Volkswagen, SEAT, Škoda, Porsche, Bentley, and Lamborghini.
The Car.Software organisation, a company of the Volkswagen Group, took the main responsibility for development. The project was designed so that the greatest number of drivers possible could benefit from these safety advantages, regardless of the group brand. This is also the first customer application in which vehicle data is applied to this type of cutting-edge data analysis.
“The project for improved hazard information is a good example of the great potential of cross-brand software development. Together with other Group brands and our strategic partners, we were able to develop a digital service within a few months while making use of our own software skills and economies of scale,” says Thomas Müller, Head of Advanced Driving Assistance Systems ADAS & Automated Driving AD at the Car.Software organisation. “The improved hazard information service is just the beginning; we see wide-ranging potential for the future.”
Utilising current friction coefficient maps based on this data pool, municipalities can optimise their snow clearing service in real time, and also reduce the environmental impact by using less road salt. Driver assist systems can precondition themselves and adjust to the condition of the road with even greater precision, and the route guidance of the navigation system can take the road conditions into account in order to offer a more accurate computation of the expected time of arrival. Inside the car, control of the wheel slip can enable the development of tyre maintenance services, for example, by detecting the level of wear as well as the performance level of the tyre.
All 14 of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK’s heritage fleet to go under the virtual hammer
The fleet is being sold via specialist platform Auto Auction and full details of the catalogue and auction are available at autoauction.co.uk
The auction runs throughout the month of April and the catalogue is available to view on Auto Auction today
A large selection of private number plates are also being offered for sale in the same auction
Mitsubishi Motors in the UK has today announced details of its heritage fleet auction which is scheduled to run from April 1 to April 30 on the specialist online platform Auto Auction.
All 14 cars are up for grabs with detailed descriptions and a comprehensive array of images and videos for each vehicles, as well as introductory films by TV presenter and ex-Mitsubishi racer Tiff Needell.
Amongst the cars on offer include two of the earliest original UK Mitsubishis ever registered in the country, a Colt Lancer and a Colt Galant; the brand’s flagship sports cars of the 80s and 90s, a Mitsubishi Starion Turbo and a Mitsubishi 3000GT; as well as three of its iconic 4X4 vehicles – a Mitsubishi Jeep and a Mk1 and Mk2 Shogun.
Of most interest to performance car enthusiasts will be the three Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions, each representing the pinnacle of their respective generations of Evo, and all with low mileage and maintained to the highest standards. The star of the heritage fleet, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Makinen Edition, is also expected to be the highlight of the auction.
The brand’s rally heritage in the UK is represented by a Mitsubishi Galant GTi rally-replica, a promotional vehicle build in the late 80s to commemorate Pentti Airikkala’s Lombard RAC Rally victory in a Mitsubishi Galant VR4, and the championship-winning Mitsubishi Evo IX which was driving to consecutive British Rally Championships by Guy Wilkes in 2007 and 2008.
The newest additions to the heritage fleet, a 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Mk1 and a 2017 Mitsubishi L200 “Desert Warrior” which was built for the brand by journalist and presenter Tom Ford for a feature in Top Gear magazine, also go under the hammer.
A large selection of Mitsubishi Motors private number plates are going up for auction at the same time, with many featuring the MMC and CCC lettering synonymous with Mitsubishi Motors / Colt Car Company vehicles.
Every vehicle on the heritage fleet is being offered with no reserve and the auction will run for the month of April with a staggered end to each lot throughout the final day, April 30th. The auction is open to everyone and the full catalogue can be viewed from today, March 17, at www.autoauction.co.uk
New digital luxury brand Kincsem has appointed CALLUM, led by Ian Callum CBE, recently named GQ’s Car Designer of the Year, to deliver the design of an all-new electrified hyper-car.
Kincsem is digital-first in every facet and truly without constraint. Hungarian founder Tibor Bak’s vision is to fuse the world’s best talent with the latest technology to develop beautifully designed, high performance products. From finance, agile manufacturing and A.I. design the brand is pioneering the integration of digital at every aspect. Bak is bringing all of his considerable industrial experience and skill to innovate new and previously untapped partnerships and methodologies to deliver the brand’s diverse product portfolio, of which the Hyper-GT is the first launch.
“The story of Kincsem the horse is the inspiration behind the brand; the ethos behind her training was pioneering and as a result, her achievements remain unsurpassed. Our pioneering approach to digital technology allows us to create without constraints and place the individual at the centre of the design process. Our customers will experience new levels of dynamic personalisation that has never before been possible,” comments Tibor Bak.
“The Kincsem Hyper-GT, designed by Ian Callum, will bring together new modes of digital integration into development, design, manufacture and ownership. The possibilities presented by the new augmented, digital age enable us to help our customers enter a ‘flow state’, which athletes call The Zone, offering a level of dynamic personalisation and control that has never before been possible”.
Kincsem, the world-famous Hungarian racehorse was unbeaten over a career of 54 races. The new Hyper-GT applauds her legacy by creating just 54 UK-manufactured luxury vehicles. These feature a revolutionary high revving F1-derived hybrid powertrain, with delivery commencing in 2023.
Eclipsing the options for customer personalisation currently available, the Hyper-GT will introduce a new ‘Personal Engineering’ experience for each owner in a car combining driver responsiveness with zero-emissions capability. Price is yet to be confirmed but will compete at the highest echelons of luxury automotive.
The CALLUM appointment is the first of a number of high-profile partnerships to be announced that draw on the pinnacle of design, engineering and production talent across the globe. CALLUM’s inclusion brings an unrivalled pedigree to the project, due to be unveiled in full in late 2021, and the new car represents an empowering and open brief for the design team.
“With Kincsem, we have that rare privilege to not only create a beautiful car, but also form a design language for an innovative luxury brand,” says Ian Callum, who leads the CALLUM design team.
“Refreshingly, Kincsem has said there are no rules, enabling us to pose the question ‘If we could do whatever we wanted, what would we do?’. That’s one of the most invigorating opportunities for any designer. The team at CALLUM is extremely excited to start work.”
The Kincsem ethos of unrivalled customer involvement will manifest across multiple products, services and experiences as the future unfolds. This will include the launch of a luxury performance SUV featuring the same drivetrain and Personal Engineering possibilities as the Hyper-GT.
Pricing for New Citroën C3 Aircross SUV has been confirmed in the UK, starting from just £17,320 OTR.
New C3 Aircross SUV features a bold new look, and combines trademark Citroën comfort with a versatile interior and practical luggage space of 410 – 520-litres.
Comfort is further enhanced by the availability of new Advanced Comfort seats, while enhanced technologies include a seven-inch or nine-inch touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto, and up to 12 driver assistance aids.
New C3 Aircross SUV also offers a wide choice of colour combinations and exterior styles, for the ultimate in personalisation. Includes bi-tone roof options and a total of five exterior Colour Packs.
Customers can order New Citroën C3 Aircross SUV from the comfort of their own home using the Citroën Store online service, with first deliveries expected in June 2021.
All models bought via Citroën Store come with a five-year/100,000-mile warranty for added peace of mind.
Citroën UK has confirmed specifications and prices for New C3 Aircross SUV, with the first examples expected to hit showrooms in June.
New C3 Aircross SUV features a more assertive look with a new front end design inspired by the CXPERIENCE concept car – and first introduced to the production range on New C3 in 2020.
The new front end design signature – with its distinctive chrome-trimmed chevrons – has been updated, and enhanced with new standard-fit eco-LED headlights. In addition, the grille now features a new geometric pattern, while a new aluminium-grey coloured skid plate features coloured inserts to enhance the model’s purposeful appearance.
Inside, New C3 Aircross SUV is more functional than before thanks to a new central console that features a large storage space between the front seats – accessible to both the front and rear passengers – which closes with a sliding cover (Shine & Shine Plus).
Unparalleled versatility is provided by a rear bench that can slide forwards and backwards by 150mm (Shine Plus). Split 60/40, both parts can be moved independently for added practicality. As a result, boot volume can be increased from 410 to 520-litres (depending on the position of the rear bench), and enlarged again up to 1,289-litres with the rear seats folded down.
ADDED PERSONALISATION The personalisation options available on New C3 Aircross SUV have been upgraded to satisfy every customer need. New C3 Aircross SUV can now be specified with a broad range of exterior style combinations based around seven body colours – three are new for 2021: ‘Khaki Grey’, ‘Voltaic Blue’ and ‘Polar White’.
The choice of four Colour Packs (Shine & Shine Plus), includes two new colours featuring textured effects – Anodised Orange and Anodised Dark Blue. The Colour Packs include strikingly-designed coloured touches on the edges of the front skid plate, on the door mirrors and on the rear quarter-lights. The latter are also home to a new side signature graphic. The ‘Freeglass’ side signature is available with the White and Anodised Orange Colour Packs, and is colour-coded to match the chosen pack. Alternatively, the ‘Reflective’ design option is available with the Black and Anodised Dark Blue Colour Packs, and is a consistent chrome design regardless of the colour chosen.
‘C-Series’ models feature a bespoke Regal Red Colour Pack, and clear inserts on the rear quarter-lights.
In addition, customers can also choose between three roof finishes – Perla Nera Black, Polar White or monotone (body coloured).
On the inside, over and above the standard interior – which features grey seat upholstery combined with a textured grey dashboard – two new interior ambiences are introduced into the range:
Metropolitan Graphite – combines a Graphite Grey leather-effect material, with flecked grey fabric and a grey dashboard strip (standard on Shine Plus, optional on Shine)
Hype Grey – combines grey-green leather and black leather-effect upholstery, with a grey-green leather-effect dashboard strip (optional on Shine Plus only)
Both the Metropolitan Graphite and Hype Grey interiors adorn Citroën Advanced Comfort® seats, which are supremely comfortable and feature the same distinctive topstitching that was first introduced on New C4.
‘C-Series’ models feature Graphite Grey cloth upholstery with a Regal Red strip, whilst ‘Shine’ models boast Mica Grey cloth trim with light grey detailing.
CITROËN ADVANCED COMFORT PROGRAMME® New C3 Aircross SUV offers even greater on-board comfort thanks to its new Advanced Comfort seats. Available with both the Metropolitan Graphite and Hype Grey ambiences, Advanced Comfort seats improve comfort in four ways:
Visual comfort comes in the shape of unique padding and distinctive Citroën stitching that gives an immediate visual impression of soft and cosy cushioning
Welcome comfort is provided by an extra 15mm of textured foam topper, which is immediately noticeable when sitting down
Postural comfort is characterised by the reinforced support offered by the broad and generously sized seats
Dynamic comfort makes longer trips more comfortable through the use of thicker, structured foam at the seat’s core
ADVANCED POWERTRAINS New C3 Aircross SUV is available with a range of award-winning, powerful and advanced PureTech petrol engines, and an efficient BlueHDi Diesel – all of which meet the latest-generation Euro 6d emissions standard.
PureTech 110 Stop & Start 6-speed manual
PureTech 130 Stop & Start EAT6 6-speed automatic
BlueHDi 110 Stop & Start 6-speed manual
REVISED MODEL RANGE Customers can choose from a trio of specifications in the new model range:
C-Series The core model features diamond-cut 16-inch alloy wheels, black roof bars and the Anodised Regal Red Colour Pack with a monotone roof, as standard. Automatic eco-LED headlights and LED daytime running lights combine with separate fog lamps at the front of the car. At the rear, parking sensors also feature as standard.
The re-designed centre console provides enhanced stowage and cup holders, and the Graphite Grey upholstery combines with white stitching and satin chrome trim for a premium feel. Advanced technology includes a six-speaker infotainment system with DAB radio and Bluetooth® connectivity, all controlled via a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto compatibility.
Shine The Black exterior Colour Pack with the ‘Reflective’ rear quarter-light design helps to identify the Shine model on the outside, while Mica Grey cloth upholstery and chrome trim features inside. Practicality is enhanced by the ‘Flex Load / Pull Out’ boot floor, while connectivity is boosted by a larger nine-inch infotainment touchscreen with Citroën Connect Nav (includes three-year subscription to Real Time Traffic and alerts). Advanced safety is provided by Active Safety Brake with Forward Collision Alert.
Shine Plus Top of the range Shine Plus specification includes a White Colour Pack with the ‘Freeglass’ quarter-light graphic, a Perla Nera Black bi-tone roof, larger 17-inch alloy wheels and the upgraded Metropolitan Graphite interior – which adds Citroën Advanced Comfort seats, a gloss black centre console and satin chrome trim.
Front parking sensors and a rear vision camera aid low speed manoeuvring, while keyless entry and start delivers enhanced convenience. Practicality is boosted by a flat-folding front passenger seat and sliding 60/40 split rear bench. The folding front passenger seat gives New C3 Aircross SUV a maximum load length of 2.40m – ideal for transporting long objects such as furniture and sports equipment.
ADVANCED SAFETY FEATURES New C3 Aircross SUV comes as standard with class-leading levels of safety technologies and driver assistance features. All models come standard with:
Lane Departure Warning
Traffic Sign & Speed Limit Recognition
Cruise Control with Speed Limiter
Coffee Break Alert
Reversing Parking Sensors
New C3 Aircross SUV is also available with Citroën’s Active Safety Brake with Forward Collision Alert technology (Shine & Shine Plus), and reversing camera technology (Shine Plus), as well as Citroën Connect Box Emergency & Assistance (Shine & Shine Plus) – which automatically alerts the emergency services in the event of an accident.
ONLINE ORDERING New C3 Aircross SUV can be ordered online in the UK via the new Citroën Store, with all models bought on the platform featuring a five-year/100,000-mile warranty for an added peace of mind. The Citroën Store allows customers to configure their vehicle, select the finance package that best suits them, agree a part-exchange valuation and order New C3 Aircross SUV from the comfort of their own home.
NEW C3 AIRCROSS PRICING & SPECIFICATION
Model
Powertrain
CO2 g/km
Basic MRRP
VAT
Total MRRP
OTR MRRP
P11 D Value
2021/ 2022 BIK %
C-Series
PureTech 110 S&S 6-speed manual
134
£13,575.00
£2,715.00
£16,290.00
£17,320.00
£17,045.00
30
Shine
PureTech 110 S&S 6-speed manual
134
£15,716.67
£3,143.33
£18,860.00
£19,890.00
£19,615.00
30
PureTech 130 S&S EAT6 automatic
140
£17,033.33
£3,406.67
£20,440.00
£21,470.00
£21,195.00
32
BlueHDi 110 S&S 6-speed manual
123
£16,725.00
£3,345.00
£20,070.00
£21,060.00
£20,825.00
28
Shine Plus
PureTech 110 S&S 6-speed manual
136
£17,058.33
£3,411.67
£20,470.00
£21,500.00
£21,225.00
31
PureTech 130 S&S EAT6 automatic
142
£18,375.00
£3,675.00
£22,050.00
£23,080.00
22,805.00
32
BlueHDi 110 S&S 6-speed manual
125
£18,066.67
£3,613.33
£21,680.00
£22,670.00
£22,435.00
29
DIMENSIONS: · Length: 4,155mm · Width: 1,765 mm / (1,976 incl. door mirrors) · Height: 1,637mm · Wheelbase: 2,604mm · Boot volume: 410-520-litres, and up to 1,289-litres
Vauxhall celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Frontera
The Frontera introduced new driving dynamics to the off-road sector
Built in Luton, the rugged Frontera was a precursor to Vauxhall’s modern SUV range
Launched in 1991, the Frontera quickly became a European sales success
Available in three-door short wheel-base and five-door long wheel-base variants
Thirty years ago, Vauxhall introduced the Frontera to the world at the 1991 Geneva Motor Show, a precursor to its modern SUV range today, and a trend setter at the time.
The Frontera quickly became a transnational sales success – a fitting achievement to its name, which translates from Spanish to mean ‘border’. The Frontera introduced new driving dynamics to the off-road sector, making it friendlier and more capable under normal driving conditions, without sacrificing any off-road prowess.
Built in Luton The Frontera was built to suit the highly competitive European market, with dynamic looks, comfort and handling the key priorities.
Production of the Frontera started in 1991 in Luton, home to the current award-winning Vauxhall Vivaro van range, and like the current Vivaro range, the Frontera quickly became a success. It was voted off-roader of the year in Germany in 1991 and 1992, and by 1993 had become the best-selling off-roader in Europe, with more than 320,000 units sold.
Trendsetter When it arrived on sale in 1991, the Frontera was available in two variants. A two-door Frontera Sport with a hard top and short wheelbase was powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine that produced 115PS. While, a long-wheelbase five-door Frontera was available with a torquey 2.3-litre petrol engine 125PS or a 2.3 turbo diesel 100PS.
Both petrol engines featured a three-way catalytic converter as standard. The transmission consisted of a five-speed manual gearbox and a transfer case, allowing the driver to switch between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive with high and low 4×4 drive modes. A limited-slip rear differential was optionally available.
The Frontera featured a separate ladder frame chassis that also carried the suspension and powertrain. The body was attached to the frame via special rubber mounts – 10 for the two-door and 12 for the five-door – which provided optimum insulation from noise and vibrations. The six crossmembers of the ladder frame ensured maximum torsional rigidity for off-road driving. The powertrain was located on additional mounts so that it could be easily removed for servicing or repairs.
Second-generation Frontera In 1998, the second-generation Frontera was launched with a new 2.2-litre direct injection diesel and a 3.2 V6 petrol engine. With a new look and improved road handling, the second-generation Frontera also featured an electronic “No Stop 4×4” system on all models, which allowed drivers to switch between rear and four-wheel drive without stopping.
The handling and stability on the new Frontera were improved through the use of a five-link rear axle and a longer wheelbase on the five-door variants, while quieter engines and new door seals helped reduce cabin noise by 50%.
The second-generation Frontera also improved occupant safety. In addition to side impact protection, full-size airbags and seatbelt tensioners for the driver and front passenger were now available.
Over its 13-year production run, the Frontera became known as a tough and durable vehicle. Combining traditional off-road looks and capability, with improved driving dynamics and comfort on the road, the Frontera was an important precursor to the modern SUV vehicles today.
