Planet Rugby Forum

goose81 wrote:That's only a little toy compared to the superbikes, it does look nice though. Also big difference riding a silent bike on a closed road and on a busy road in traffic. Loud pipes save lives

slow wing wrote:Do I recall correctly the EV-sceptic poster Fat Albert say he would only be impressed with EVs' performance when THIS happened?

Top 100 Nürburgring Lap Times

Rank
Manufacturer & Model
Time
Video
Year
1. NextEV Nio EP9
6:45.90 Onboard N/A ’16
2. Radical SR8LM
6:48.00 Watch Onboard ’09
3. Lamborghini Huracan Performante
6:52.01 Watch Onboard ’18
4. Radical SR8
6:56.08 Watch Onboard ’05
5. Porsche 918 Spyder
6:57.00 Watch Onboard ’13
6. Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce
6:59.73 Watch Onboard ’15
7. Nissan GT-R Nismo
7:08.68 Watch Onboard ’15
8. Mercedes-AMG GT-R
7:10.92 Watch Onboard ’17
9. Gumpert Apollo Speed
7:11.57 Watch Onboard ’09
10. Dodge Viper SRT-10 ACR
7:12.13 Watch Onboard ’10
11. Porsche 911 GT3
7:12.70 Watch Onboard ’18

https://nurburgringlaptimes.com/lap-times-top-100/

1 megawatt of power (1,341 horsepower)
up to 2.5G of lateral grip
acceleration of 0-124mph in 7.1 seconds
194mph top speed

https://electrek.co/2017/05/16/watch-ni ... gring-lap/

The lap on video...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4MRydmz86E

NEO company website: http://www.nio.io/news/nio-ep9-breaks-n ... lap-record

Volvo credits Tesla for creating EV demand, says they will stop developing diesel engines to focus on EVs

Fred Lambert - May. 17th 2017 12:36 pm ET @FredericLambert

Today, Volvo Chief Executive Officer Hakan Samuelsson said that the current generation of diesel engines will be the automaker’s last and that they will instead focus on electric vehicles.

And he also gave credit to Tesla for launching demand for electric vehicles, which actually plays right into the automaker’s mission.



The Swedish automaker is aggressively pushing for its first long-range electric car to start between $35,000 and $40,000 in 2019 and it confirmed that they plan to build it in China and export it globally.

This vehicle will be built on Volvo’s new Modular Electrification Platform (MEP), which will apparently become the company’s focus as development efforts shift from diesel engines.

In an interview with German’s Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (via Reuters) today, Samuelsson confirmed that today’s market shows no reason to continue investing in diesel:

“From today’s perspective, we will not develop any more new generation diesel engines,”

He added that they will instead focus on all-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids:

“We have to recognise that Tesla has managed to offer such a car for which people are lining up. In this area, there should also be space for us, with high quality and attractive design,”

The CEO noted that Europe’s regulations are pushing them to be more aggressive in the development of more efficient engines. He added that diesel and gas will still be important in the coming years, but electric propulsion will be required after 2020.

Samuelsson hinted that they could stop production of diesel engines, which represents about 50% of the market in Europe, altogether after 2023.

These are more aggressive timelines than previously stated by the automaker, which had only announced a goal to accumulate a global fleet of “up to 1 million electrified cars by 2025 globally”.

Again, Volvo’s first all-vehicle will hit the market in 2019. The company confirmed that they are aiming for a range of “at least 250 miles”. We still don’t know in what segment it will be, but it is expected to be based one of the two new concepts Volvo unveiled last year – SUV pictured above and a sedan.

• California Weighs Tougher Emissions Rules For Gas-Powered Garden Equipment
  
  February 28, 2017
  DAVID GORN
  
  Those gas-powered leaf blowers, hedge trimmers and mowers you hear in your neighborhood aren't just annoying — they make a lot of pollution, too.
  
  In California, they're about to pass cars as the worst air polluters, spewing out formaldehyde, benzene and particulate matter. According to Michael Benjamin at the California Air Resources Board, in just three years' time, the biggest single ozone polluter in the state is going to be all this gardening equipment.
  
  • “We expect that ozone-contributing pollutants from small off-road engines will exceed those same emissions from cars around the 2020 time frame, ”Benjamin says.
  It sounds hard to believe: More pollution from leaf blowers than cars. But in California and across the country, regulations on car exhaust have gotten tighter and tighter over the years, substantially reducing their ozone-damaging emissions. Not so with small gas engines, Benjamin says. And with 16 million of them cranking up across California, all that pollution adds up.
  
  "Unless ARB adopts more stringent controls, emissions from this category are going to really become much more significant relative to cars," he says.
  
  Some states and regional air-quality districts do have incentive programs in place to try to get homeowners to switch from gas to electric machinery. But California — which currently goes by federal standards for its emissions regulations of small off-road gas engines — is considering requiring tougher emissions standards for small gas engines and to offer major incentives for landscaping businesses to change over to electric.
  
  Clicky

Green4U was founded late last year, and subsequently acquired the DeltaWing Technology Group, Panoz LLC and Team Panoz Racing.

"Our goal is to run our car in a race, perhaps even applying for a future Garage 56 slot"

Initial performance targets include 400-450kW total power, with a top speed of between 175-180mph.

The car will run on removable battery packs, allowing for batteries to be swapped out during pitstops, with a targeted range of between 90 and 110 miles.

There are also plans for a street-legal sports car based on the GT-EV.

DOB wrote:Havent other companies looked into the removable battery packs and just decided high speed charging is more practical? Obviously for a race situation, a quick battery change-out that can be done in tens of seconds with a hydraulic lift is preferable to 15 minutes plugged into the wall, but for a commercially available street car, jacking up and swapping out 100ish kg of battery and plopping the new one in is something that would require multiple attendants at every charging station and a lot more wait time than just plug in and go.

Elon Musk‏Verified account @elonmusk 6m6 minutes ago
Model 3 passed all regulatory requirements for production two weeks ahead of schedule. Expecting to complete SN1 on Friday

Elon Musk‏Verified account @elonmusk 32 minutes ago
Replying to @elonmusk
Handover party for first 30 customer Model 3's on the 28th! Production grows exponentially, so Aug should be 100 cars and Sept above 1500.

Looks like we can reach 20,000 Model 3 cars per month in Dec

Here’s the full list of specs and options from Tesla:

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Price – $35,000

Standard Battery

Range: 220 miles (EPA estimated)
Supercharging rate: 130 miles of range per 30 minutes
Home charging rate: 30 miles of range per hour (240V outlet, 32A)
Deliveries begin: Fall 2017
Performance

0-60 mph: 5.6 seconds
Top speed: 130 mph
Interior

15” touchscreen display
Dual zone climate control system
FM/Internet streaming radio
Textile seating
Front Center console with open storage and two USB ports
Convenience

Onboard maps and navigation
Wi-Fi and LTE internet connectivity
Keyless entry and remote climate control using the Tesla app
Voice activated controls
Bluetooth hands-free calling and media streaming
60/40 split folding rear seat to maximize cargo options
Back-up camera
Auto dimming rear-view mirror
One-touch power windows throughout
Power-adjustable side mirrors
12-volt power outlet
Safety

Full LED exterior lighting
Seven cameras, forward radar and twelve ultrasonic sensors enabling active safety technologies including collision avoidance and automatic emergency braking
Six front row and two side curtain airbags
Three-point safety belts with belt-reminders for driver and four passengers
Two LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) attachments in second row
Electronic stability and traction control
Four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic parking brake
Child safety locks
Anti-theft alarm system
Tire pressure monitoring system
Warranty

Vehicle: 4 year, 50,000 mile limited warranty
Battery warranty: 8 year, 100,000 mile (120,000 mile with Long Range Battery)
OPTIONS

Long Range Battery – $9,000

Range: 310 miles
Supercharging rate: 170 miles of range per 30 minutes
Home charging rate: 37 miles of range per hour (240V outlet, 40A)
0-60 mph: 5.1 seconds
Top speed: 140 mph
Deliveries begin: July 2017
Paint

Solid Black: Standard
Midnight Silver Metallic: $1,000
Deep Blue Metallic: $1,000
Silver Metallic: $1,000
Pearl White Multi-Coat: $1,000
Red Multi-Coat: $1,000
Wheels

18” Aero: Standard
19” Sport: $1,500
Premium Upgrades Package – $5,000 Upgraded interior with additional features and premium materials.

Premium heated seating and cabin materials throughout, including open pore wood décor and two rear USBs
12-way, power adjustable front seats, steering column and side mirrors, with custom driver profiles
Premium audio system with more power, tweeters, surround speakers and subwoofer
Tinted glass roof with ultraviolet and infrared protection
Auto dimming, power folding, heated side mirrors
LED fog lamps
Center console with covered storage and docking for two smartphones
Enhanced Autopilot – $5,000 Model 3 will match speed to traffic conditions, keep within a lane, automatically change lanes, transition from one freeway to another, exit the freeway and self-park at your destination.

Additional features will roll out over time through software updates.

Full Self-Driving Capability – $3,000 (requires Enhanced Autopilot) In the future, Model 3 will be capable of conducting trips with no action required by the person in the driver’s seat.

This feature is dependent upon extensive software validation and regulatory approval, which may vary by jurisdiction.

VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions & Weight

Length: 184.8”
Width: 76.1” (72.8” with mirrors folded)
Height: 56.8”
Wheelbase: 113.2”
Track (wheel center): 62.2” front and rear
Ground clearance: 5.5”
Head room, standard: 39.6” front row, 37.7” second row
Head room, glass roof: 40.3” front row, 37.7” second row
Leg room: 42.7” front row, 35.2” second row
Shoulder room: 56.3” front row, 54.0” second row
Hip room: 53.4” front row, 52.4” second row
Seating capacity: 5 adults
Luggage capacity: 15 cubic feet
Curb weight:
3549 lbs. (Model 3)
3814 lbs. (Model 3 Long Range)
Weight distribution:
47% front, 53% rear (Model 3)
48% front, 52% rear (Model 3 Long Range)
Body

Hybrid steel/aluminum body
Drag coefficient of 0.23
Chassis

Double wishbone, virtual steer axis front suspension with coil over twin-tube shock absorbers and stabilizer bar
Independent multi-link rear suspension with twin-tube shock absorbers and stabilizer bar
Variable ratio, speed sensitive electronic power steering
Electromechanically boosted four wheel anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake force distribution
18” Aero or 19” Sport wheels with all-season tires
Standard Accessories

240 volt NEMA 14-50 adapter
120 volt NEMA 5-15 adapter
J1772 public charging adapter
20 foot mobile connector with storage bag

The Man Without Fear wrote:I've actually put my money where my mouth is. Hyundai Ioniq electric on order for delivery in August.

"Put it this way," Chanos said. "If you wouldn't be short a multibillion-dollar loss-making enterprise in a cyclical business, with a leveraged balance sheet, questionable accounting, every executive leaving, run by a CEO with a questionable relationship with the truth, what would you be short? It sort of ticks all the boxes."

Read more: http://www.afr.com/business/transport/a ... z4z7bfCXlp

But Mellon is betting against some of tech's biggest names. On his short list are Facebook, Netflix and Tesla, which he quipped is "hand-making their cars".

Read more: http://www.afr.com/business/banking-and ... z4z7btyhx8

Elon Musk's Tesla is burning through $10,500 a minute as Model 3 problems linger

Elon Musk said last week that Tesla is designing a new sports car that could go from zero to 60 mph in 1.9 seconds. Not bad, but here's a speed number that investors might want to focus on instead:

Over the past 12 months, the electric-car maker has been burning money at a clip of about $US8,000 a minute ($10,500), Bloomberg data show. At this pace, the company is on track to exhaust its current cash pile on Monday, August 6.
http://www.smh.com.au/business/innovati ... zq8p2.html

Duff Paddy wrote:

The Man Without Fear wrote:I've actually put my money where my mouth is. Hyundai Ioniq electric on order for delivery in August.

When's the vasectomy

The Man Without Fear wrote:

Duff Paddy wrote:

The Man Without Fear wrote:I've actually put my money where my mouth is. Hyundai Ioniq electric on order for delivery in August.

When's the vasectomy

We'll rely on the rythm method like good Catholics.

2,100 miles of tailpipe emissions free motoring and counting. At a cost of buttons for the electricity. It's great for traffic lights Grand Prix, no farting about with gears, loaded with kit and easy to drive. I can precondition it in the morning and get into a warm or cool car as the weather dictates.

I am NEVER going back to ICE.

On the downside, all BMW i3s recalled in USA because extremely short women in New Hampshire who don't wear seatbelts when driving ("Live Free or Die Stupidly") are at risk. As I understand it, you can't drive one without a seatbelt without it bonging like crazy non-stop, but I suppose BMW should have accounted for rank idiocy.

Duff Paddy wrote:

The Man Without Fear wrote:I've actually put my money where my mouth is. Hyundai Ioniq electric on order for delivery in August.

When's the vasectomy

Gwenno wrote:Took the plunge, bought a second hand Renault Zoe as my local run about and car for 2 youngest sons. Driven sensibly it will do 90 m/full charge. It is a 2014 model so 22 kWh battery. My estimate based on predicted miles and average m/kWh is that the battery is at 89%, hence the c 90 miles, so I can't ask Renault for a replacement battery - 75% is the threshold in the hire agreement. If all goes well (so far, very happy) I will trade in a few years for a newer model, with 40 or 50 kWh batteries.

julian wrote:I wonder whether electric cars carbon footprint production matches or is higher than regular fuel cars. If electricity is produced from fossil fuels then is a total snobbery.

julian wrote:I wonder whether electric cars carbon footprint production matches or is higher than regular fuel cars. If electricity is produced from fossil fuels then is a total snobbery.

bimboman wrote:

julian wrote:I wonder whether electric cars carbon footprint production matches or is higher than regular fuel cars. If electricity is produced from fossil fuels then is a total snobbery.

It’s more a great big signal that you care about the planet.

julian wrote:I wonder whether electric cars carbon footprint production matches or is higher than regular fuel cars. If electricity is produced from fossil fuels then is a total snobbery.

The Man Without Fear wrote:

bimboman wrote:

julian wrote:I wonder whether electric cars carbon footprint production matches or is higher than regular fuel cars. If electricity is produced from fossil fuels then is a total snobbery.

It’s more a great big signal that you care about the planet.

Only in your tiny little brain.

bimboman wrote:

The Man Without Fear wrote:

bimboman wrote:

julian wrote:I wonder whether electric cars carbon footprint production matches or is higher than regular fuel cars. If electricity is produced from fossil fuels then is a total snobbery.

It’s more a great big signal that you care about the planet.

Only in your tiny little brain.

Oh, TMWF is saving the planet, one carbon offset after the next.

Leinsterman wrote:

julian wrote:I wonder whether electric cars carbon footprint production matches or is higher than regular fuel cars. If electricity is produced from fossil fuels then is a total snobbery.

It's slightly higher but is more than offset during the actual usage of the car, even if the electricity is generated using fossil fuels.
Even without taking that into consideration, there is a considerable benefit in reducing exhaust-pipe emissions particularly in built-up areas.

The Man Without Fear wrote:

julian wrote:I wonder whether electric cars carbon footprint production matches or is higher than regular fuel cars. If electricity is produced from fossil fuels then is a total snobbery.

I understand that production is higher, lifetime is always lower, even if the car is run entirely on coal power for every single day of its life.

The Man Without Fear wrote:

bimboman wrote:

The Man Without Fear wrote:

bimboman wrote:

julian wrote:I wonder whether electric cars carbon footprint production matches or is higher than regular fuel cars. If electricity is produced from fossil fuels then is a total snobbery.

It’s more a great big signal that you care about the planet.

Only in your tiny little brain.

Oh, TMWF is saving the planet, one carbon offset after the next.

Whatever.

Leinsterman wrote:I have a plug-in hybrid that I imported from the UK.
EVs benefit from a lower Vehicle Registration Tax in Ireland and the government also give a grant towards purchasing new ones.
The reduced VRT was a benefit of approx €2k to me.