The future of cars is robotic; there is no doubt about that. Many car as well as technological companies are investing huge resources to make sure that they have the newest and most reliable computer technology available, pushing towards a fully automated future. To many, the Google car signifies the apex of this development, yet now it seems that a new challenger is rising from China.
The Chinese competitor in question comes from the National University of Defence Technology and is simply called the Hongqi HQ3. It has reached prominence since it was recently released on a 286 km journey across the Chinese countryside, completely automated and let loose on its way.
Navigating at an average 87 kph, the car is dependent on two cameras that are located behind the windshield; in addition to this it uses a number of lasers to sense any alterations to its surrounding. The computer that controls the entire system is located in the boot of the car allowing for the passengers to sit anywhere they wished inside the car. Another interesting fact about the car is that it lacks a GPS unit, a device that the Google car would be useless without.
The car is reliant on traveling during the day, as sunlight is key to the computer system’s functionality. In its most recent expedition it traveled between Changsha and Wuhan taking 3 hours and 20 minutes. It navigated on China’s busy highways, overtaking and changing lanes very smoothly. Some analysts suggested that since the car is made for the highway there is no need to have a GPS system since it simply follows a singular road. Professor Dai Bin explained that they set the maximum speed at 110 km/h and let the computer do the rest. As it is reliant on daylight as well as its sensors, complex weather alterations like fog have caused some difficulties yet the researchers hope to have such issues resolved rather soon.
Such innovation is to be commended. The world is certainly gearing up for great change and China is becoming one of the leaders. The United States has already taken radical steps forward with Nevada implementing laws considering automatous vehicles. Perhaps this push from the Chinese market will ensure that that the funding as well as interest into the American firm will intensify, thus allowing completion before schedule.
We are certainly living in an exciting time. Let us not forget that the accessibility of vehicles was a very recent development, and to not only transverse great distances but also to not have any control over such journeys will be a truly historic development. It is this writers dream to be able to see such developments and perhaps even buy one in the near future.
Located deep inside the Rhineland-Palatinate, the Nürburg forest hides a very unique feature, making it one of the worlds most coveted regions for car fanatics. Beyond the castle that dominates the city there lays a 24km racetrack called the Nürburgring, one of the most dangerous as well as demanding tracks in the world. It is filled with a very lush history, stretching across the 20th century to reveal the developments of racing and car fandom. Through a brief assessment of this track not only will the reader gain a greater comprehension about its importance but also learn a bit about how it became the worlds finest.
The Rings beginnings stretch back into the 1920’s where the ADAC Eifelrennen races were held in the region. As the location wasn’t particularly fenced off and at times slightly dangerous, regulations were implanted so as to make the location race worthy. Designed by Ravensburg in 1925, a new track was developed to mimic those of Italy, taking inspiration from Targa Florio, the world’s oldest racetrack. It wasn’t completed until 1927 due to its large size, but what was revealed it changed the world.
The first German Grand Prix was held there months after completion and the tradition of public events began very early on. The full ring wasn’t used until 1939 and the German Grand Prix was limited to the Ringmeisters section. Formula One World Championships also turned its attention to the track due to its immense 22km size and favorable conditions. Although chicanes were added to reduce speeds during the 1960’s and 1970’s, it still is a favorite of many F1 drivers.
After the Second World War the push to set lap times on the track became quite popular. In 1961 Phil Hill managed to complete a lap around the Bordshleife in just 8.55.2 seconds in a Ferrari 156. This was a tremendous undertaking as many professional drivers still have difficulties besting that time in modern cars.
More changes came in the 1970’s and 1980’s due to F1 restrictions, ultimately pushing to create a safer barrier system around the track. Although geographically limited, there were only so many things that could be done to make it suitable to modern conditions. Eventually a series of crashed by a number of F1 racers made the German Grand Prix move to Hockenbeimring.
Constantly evolving into the 21st century the last great change came in the form of the 1984 creation of the GP-Stricke, meeting the highest safety that there could possible is in the region. The new circuit offered premium quality racing and allowed for greater fans to enjoy the sport. It once more saw the return of various grand prix and the increasing popularity with any and every form of car testing.
What many people think of then you mention the ring is the publicly accessible Nordschleife, a one way toll road used on Sundays and some Saturdays that stretches its history back 80 years . Generally seen as free of any limits, there are a few speed limitations found throughout the track placed due to noise and risk factors. Costing around £25 per lap, you can also have the added bonus of paying £85 for 4 laps or £300 for 15. For those truly interested in the sport, you can purchase a year round unlimited one for £1300. Car should be taken as the ring is known to punish those that are not adept, causing many to skid into the Armco barrier immediately when they leave the tarmac, particularly on the blind chicanes (repairs as well as closure of track may leave you £15,000 poorer). One should also take care of any insurance liability that may arise from crashes on the track as timing devices or other clauses might void your insurance entirely.
Still a favorite with individuals all over the world, the Nürburgring speaks for itself. It is one of the finest and most elaborate tracks in the world allowing both professionals as well as amateurs to test their grit on its famed roads. While by no means easy to conquer, one can certainly wear a badge of honor if one has merely completed the 20 some kilometers alive. Offering a truly fascinating history, let us hope that it will continue to be available to us all.
There are very few films made for vehicle fanatic, and even fewer for those interested in Formula One. When one of these mystical creatures does develop there is certainly quite a bit of interest to go around, and the motion picture Senna is no exception. For anyone with any interested in F1, the mere mention of Ayrton Senna da Silva espouses strong emotion and respect for the phenomenal driver. A story of a Brazilian who wins his way to the top of the world, the tale is bedazzling event, for both the film and F1 communities, about the most exciting but also the tragic events in racing history.
Directed by Asif Kapadia, it masterfully delves deeply into car stardom to tell perhaps the most complete version of the well-known story. Like all great sagas it has a arch filled with multitudes of friends and foes; yet, it is a story of pure truth. Seeing how it develops in a clear linear fashion enables anyone, from the amateur to the professional F1 analyst, to enjoy this representation of the story.
Perhaps the most unique aspect of Sennas is located in the manner in which the information about him is presented. The film is completely shot using nearly 15,000 hours of sock footage of F1 races, interviews as well as private home movies. This creates a truly authentic feel for the film, certainly less interpretative that if actors were to present the story. One should however not that with family members backing and interplay within this context, the lines of truth begin to be slightly blurred as Senna the brave and just seems to be shown rather than the sometimes-ruthless driver. Like with any film, one owns judgment should be used when assessing the validity of the film.
The story itself is told at a comfortable pace, focusing entirely on the racing element with little venture to explore his love life. A central theme that may stun F1 enthusiasts is Senna’s religious devotion throughout his life. Examined in a cyclical fashion, Senna provided many lush interpretation of his life through this fashion and the director carefully crated this important theme around it.
Whether you are into strict examination of the 1988 Japanese race or simply want to gain more information about the legendary racer, this unique documentary shall certainly provide you with a great story. A fascinating tale told through a gifted storyteller, it was a great film to enjoy again and again.
Jason Plato from Fifth Gear reviews the BMW 3 Series some time ago. Driving it from Madrid, 1000 miles back to England through Spain and France. Not featured on this video is the brand new BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible which are now available to lease from Nationwide Vehicle Contracts for very special limited time offers. Lease Rates have been reduced across the range, for more information please follow the link below:
The Fifth Gear team test the Audi A3 Sportback with its parallel park assist option. The Audi A3 Sportback is currently available to lease from Nationwide Vehicle Contracts for just £199.95 plus VAT with the parallel park assist only costing an additional £725. For more information on how to lease one please follow the link below:
Following from a previous video on a robotic car from Stanford, this example from our friends from VW in Germany is much better. Developed as the perfect test driver this is pitted against a human around a lap. Notice the classic German sense of humour. Lease a Volkwagen from Nationwide Vehicle Contracts by following the link below:
This video starts off with some interesting features about which tyres are the best to buy, which although funny it missed the start. However, there is an interesting review on the new Ford Fiesta. The Ford Fiesta is available to lease right now from Nationwide Vehicle Contracts. For more information then please follow the link below:
Fifth Gear review of the Subaru Impreza WRX STi. The Type UK model is available to lease from Nationwide Vehicle Contracts from just £479.41 per month plus VAT.
For more information please follow the link below:
A late starter on the road (passing his test at the age of 31) Kevin drives. He gets into the car, starts it, and drives. No matter what car, it is being on the road that matters, and enjoying the feeling of being there. A passionate writer about many subjects, and author of an as-yet unpublished book based on his misspent youth in a pop band in the 80's, he is a freelance copywriter in the North-West of England, working currently in website design. Away from his laptop keyboard, Kevin is a dedicated husband, dad, grandad and AFC Wimbledon football fan currently attempting to indoctrinate his 2 year old grandson into the music of his youth by playing The Jam on repeat throughout the house. He also performs stand-up comedy under the name of AFC Baggy.
leaders. The United States has already taken radical steps forward with Nevada implementing laws considering automatous vehicles. Perhaps this push from the Chinese market will ensure that that the funding as well as interest into the American firm will intensify, thus allowing completion before schedule.
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