Autoblog

Gentlemen, Start Your Lasers: Ford dumping spark plugs in favor of focused light?

Michael Harley — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:57:00 EST

In a breakthrough that may make vehicle starting issues due to fouled plugs or inclement weather a thing of the past, engineers at Ford have reportedly teamed with scientists at Liverpool University to develop a laser beam ignition system to replace ye olde spark plug. The researchers claim their technology is more efficient, more reliable, and it will enable vehicles to start easier in extreme temperatures and damp climates.

Unlike traditional spark plugs (invented way back in 1839 by Edmond Berger), laser light may be split into multiple beams distributing ignition points within the cylinders - not just at the tip of the plug. This not only aids combustion, it also lowers emissions during cold starts. Researchers also point out that the lasers use less energy than their spark plug counterparts, eliminate wear items and wires (fiber optics will carry the laser beam to the cylinders), and improve fuel burn by "watching" ignition from within the combustion chamber and sending messages back to the ECU to adjust fuel mixtures, timing, and ignition.

Ford is expected to introduce the technology in its top models within the next few years, and then make it more widely available. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Source: Telegraph UK | Image: New Line Cinema]

Gentlemen, Start Your Lasers: Ford dumping spark plugs in favor of focused light? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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I can see its ribs! Toyota Corolla in wireframe

Dan Roth — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Toyota, Lifestyle

Art and automobiles share an uneasy crossroads. Automotive body design is certainly art, but the expression tends to be curtailed by the demands of commerce. Design a car that leans too far towards pure art, and the market will reject it. The symbiosis of needs has served the automotive industry well for the past century. On the fringes are the folks who perpetrate art for art's sake against the automobile. Most of these works are less accessible, though sometimes, there's a consociation that successfully melds higher concept art with the automobile. We're not talking about growing grass on your Riviera here.

British artist Benedict Radcliffe has created a full size rendering of a Toyota Corolla, making the world a more surreal place. The work is essentially a line drawing of the car rendered in three dimensions. Cool. Radcliffe's previous wireframe Impreza was more in line with the pure art mindset, as the Corolla was commissioned for use in a video production. The white painted sculpture lends the photographs a surreal retouched look, and we're kind of bummed we weren't able to turn up the actual commercial, as the couple of shots of the car on set look impressive with the reflective black floor. We can't help but wonder what they chromakeyed behind it, too.

[Source: Skirmisher.org]

Gallery: Wireframe Corolla

I can see its ribs! Toyota Corolla in wireframe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Aug 2007 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engine problems lead Honda to recall 165,000

John Neff — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 18:04:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Honda

Not long after announcing the largest vehicle recall in Chinese history, Honda announced today that it won't be leaving the U.S. out of its recall roundup. The Japanese automaker revealed a new recall for the United States that affects 165,000 vehicles that could develop engine problems from a sealer material that may leak onto wires in the engine and cause them to snap. Multiple complaints about the problem have been filed at Honda HQ, though none have led to crashes or injuries.

The affected vehicles include the 2005 Acura RL, TL and TSX, the entire 2005 Honda Accord lineup (include the Accord Hybrid), 2005 Honda Odyssey and 2006 Honda Ridgeline. There are other recalls being announced in various markets around the world for the same problem, but Honda declined to reveal how large the scope of this recall is in raw numbers. Clearly, though, this is the same issue that sparked the giant recall in China. So, in total, we know this engine problem accounts for a recall affecting at least 693,406 vehicles wordwide, but likely more.

If you think your vehicle is affected, you can call Honda at (800) 999-1009 for more information.

[Source: Detroit News]

Engine problems lead Honda to recall 165,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2007 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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