Audi e-tron FE04 fast and reliable

The new Audi e-tron FE04 has left a strong impression at the official pre-season testing of the Formula E electric racing series at Valencia (Spain). Team Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler from Monday to Thursday completed the largest number of test kilometers of all ten teams. The lap times of the first all-electric Audi race car were promising as well.

New Audi factory driver Daniel Abt (Germany) and title defender Lucas di Grassi (Brazil) reeled off an extensive test program with the four race cars of Team Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler in high summer temperatures of up to 30 degrees centigrade in the shade. The program was focused on race simulations and optimization of the energy management of the new motor-generator unit (MGU) which now only has one forward gear.

In spite of the heat, the four Audi e-tron FE04 ran with complete reliability on all three days, so enabling Daniel Abt and Lucas di Grassi to reel off a total of 474 laps on the three-kilometer Circuit Ricardo Tomo near Valencia, which equates to a distance of 1,466 kilometers – equalling the race distance of a whole Formula E season. The two Audi drivers were regularly part of the top group, although the absolute best times are only of limited significance: testing was only permitted with the full qualifying power of 200 kW twice per day and per car. In addition, the track configuration was modified by a second chicane on the start-finish straight during the test.

“Daniel and Lucas felt comfortable in the car right from the beginning and confirmed to me that we’ve done good development work and made a big step forwards with the new powertrain,” said Team Principal Allan McNish, assessing the tests. “Even though we’re only going to see where we really stand at the season opener in Hong Kong and still have a lot of work to do until then, we can be very happy with the test in Valencia. The Audi e-tron FE04 is reliable and fast. Now we need to continue to optimize energy management and the software on the test bench and in the simulator.”

“It’s been a positive test,” reigning Formula E Champion Lucas di Grassi agreed. “I believe that our new car is very competitive. Audi, ABT and Schaeffler have done a good job. We made optimal use of the three test days in order to put ourselves in a good position for the season opener in Hong Kong. The top times were very close together. I’m expecting a thrilling season.”

“The test at Valencia went smoothly,” said Daniel Abt. “There was a lot to learn with the new software and other things. We made good progress on these three days, especially on the last day. The car is running superbly and is fast. I can hardly wait to tackle my first two races as an Audi factory driver in Hong Kong.”

From now on until the season opens in Hong Kong on December 2 and 3 testing is prohibited in Formula E. The four Audi e-tron FE04 cars will be completely dismantled and reassembled once more at the team’s base in Kempten. In mid-November, they will be flown from England to Hong Kong.

Source : AUDI

Formula E

Audi will be the first German automobile manufacturer to race in Formula E. The brand with the four rings is taking over ABT Sportsline’s place on the grid. The Allgäu-based team has been successfully present in Formula E since the electric racing series’ inception and in the future will be taking care of the Audi race cars as the fielding team. Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler will start to the fourth Formula E season in Hong Kong at the beginning of December. Audi driver Lucas di Grassi clinched the FIA Formula E title in the 2016/2017 season.

Source: Audi

An Inside Look at the Planning of the Galaxy Note8

With the Galaxy Note8, users get a bigger Infinity Display, the S Pen to communicate in more personal ways, and Samsung’s best-ever smartphone camera to capture stunning photos. It’s a device that’s truly designed for the way consumers lead their lives and lean on technology today.

But what exactly does it take to plan a product like Samsung’s latest smartphone? BJ Kang and Cue Kim, of Samsung Electronics’ Global Product Planning Group, Mobile Communications Business, sat down with Samsung Newsroom to explain.

Q. Was the planning process for the Galaxy Note8 different from those of previous products?

Kang: Following the Galaxy Note7 incident, Samsung Mobile Communications Business, which had been moving forward so quickly, had the chance to reflect on the core benefits that Note users require of their device. When the time came to design the next model, we made it our priority to reward our loyal users with our most innovative Note yet.

Therefore, the product planning process for the Galaxy Note8 was far more intense than ever before. We also extended the assessment period to ensure maximum safety, and our designated task force carefully evaluated the product by means of the 8-Point Battery Safety Check.

Q. Did you also prioritize that approach – contemplating core benefits – when determining the Galaxy Note8’s new features?

Kim: Absolutely. Whereas before, we took a more ‘big picture’ approach when considering which features to add or innovations to apply, with the Galaxy Note8, we really wanted to hone in on the needs of our users.

To help ensure that consumers are getting what they want from their smartphone, Samsung utilizes qualitative and quantitative research methods such as surveys and interviews to better understand how Note users use their device and what they want from it. For the Galaxy Note8, we decided to focus on enhancing the camera, the S Pen, and the large display because of our research, going back to the release of the first Note, in 2011, has consistently indicated that these are the features that users love the most.

Q. What is the most important thing to consider when choosing new features to add to a Note device?

Kang: Our top priority is the needs of the consumer. We generally develop and refine a new technology over the course of a few years before implementing it into a product. During that time, we closely observe consumer needs and consider whether or not the new technology is capable of meeting them. When the timing is right, we apply the technology.

Take the Note8’s dual camera as an example. We’ve been developing this technology for quite some time, refining features like Live focus, which lets you snap beautiful bokeh shots that make your subject stand out, and Dual Capture, which simultaneously captures your subject and its surroundings in a separate image. Of course, fundamentally, a dual camera should not only offer crisp close-up images but steady ones as well, which is why we placed particular emphasis on incorporating seamless optical image stabilization (OIS) technology into both cameras.

By the time we’d advanced this technology to a point where it met our stringent standards, the timing was perfect to add it to the Galaxy Note8.

Q. Who are your target consumers?

Kim: When we originally launched the Galaxy Note series, we had a feeling that business professionals would love it. More recently, the devices’ primary user group has expanded to include just about anyone who values productivity, entertainment, and creativity. Millennials, in particular are drawn to the Note, as they enjoy its communication customization tools and high-performance camera.

Q. In your opinion, which features make the Note popular with business professionals?

Kang: Many of the features of the Galaxy Note8 are useful for business professionals! For instance, the Note’s large display enhances productivity and multitasking, while the new App Pair feature lets users launch two designated apps at once from a single icon. We’ve noticed that these users tend to love the Screen off memo feature the most. This allows them to scribble down up to 100 editable pages of meeting minutes or lecture notes right onto the screen, even when it’s off.

Q. Samsung Note users are known to be particularly loyal to the brand. How have they responded to the Galaxy Note8?

Kim: We already knew that the Note series had a loyal fan base, but the initial reactions to the Galaxy Note8, which was even stronger than those of the Galaxy Note7, made that fact even clearer.

Samsung actually invited a number of Note users to the Galaxy Note8 launch event in New York in August, which was essentially dedicated to the loyal fanbase. For me personally, it was extremely touching and motivating to see how passionate Note users are about the product. I was so happy to see that all of the hard work we had put into planning a product that Note users would love had paid off.

Q. What’s next for the Note series’ planning team?

Kang: Usually, when one project comes to an end, we have a small break before moving on to the next. But this time, we’re not taking any breaks, even though the Galaxy Note8 product planning process was so challenging.

We are already considering how to approach the development of the next Note by evaluating the latest model and looking for ways to improve upon signature features like the S Pen. We will continue to keep users’ needs as our number one priority and will innovate accordingly.

Source: Samsung

The New Nissan LEAF launched for Europe

Oslo, Norway. Nissan unveiled plans around the four key pillars of its future electric ecosystem in Europe, announcing the launch of new electric vehicles, additional infrastructure investment, battery charging and home storage advances, and a revolutionary new vision to give Nissan customers free power for their EV using its unique bi-directional charging technology.

The announcements were made at the third Nissan Futures event - ‘The Car and Beyond’ - in Oslo, Norway.

Paul Willcox, Chairman of Nissan Europe, said: “Nissan kick-started the electric vehicle revolution almost a decade ago. In that time we’ve sold more EV’s than any other manufacturer on the planet. Now, we’re outlining our plans for the next decade, which will see even bigger investments in infrastructure, new battery advances and will even change the way people access and pay for the power in their cars.

He added: “Put simply, we’ve been doing it longer than anyone else, we’ve sold more than anyone else, and we have a more exciting plan for the future than anyone else.”

NEW VEHICLES

Headlining the Nissan Futures 3.0 event was the European premiere of the new Nissan LEAF, with a special ’2.ZERO’ version for Europe. As the icon of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the new Nissan LEAF is capable of traveling 378km on a single charge* and is packed with ingenious technology, including ProPILOT advanced driver assistance system for a safer, more comfortable drive, and ProPILOT Park for fully autonomous parking. The car’s e-Pedal technology also lets motorists drive and brake seamlessly, while a sleeker design makes the world’s best-selling electric vehicle even more desirable than before.

Another new product announced at Nissan Futures was the new longer range 100% electric van – the e-NV200. With a 280km range*, Europe’s best selling electric van can now travel 100km further than ever before on a single charge – a 60% range improvement. And, with no increase in size or weight of the battery itself, customers do not have to compromise in either load space or payload. Crucially, it can help make 100% electric last mile delivery a reality for businesses and professional drivers everywhere.

INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITMENT

Nissan today announced its plan to expand its existing outdoor charging network by 20% over the next 18 months. Working with EV fast charging standard CHAdeMO, the company has already built Europe’s most comprehensive charging network, with over 4600 quick chargers across the region. Nissan now plans to invest in supporting the installation of a further 1000 chargers over the next 18 months. The company is working with its partners, business owners, municipalities and sector leaders across Europe to ensure the roll-out plans are focused on providing maximum convenience to its drivers, with installations on highways, in towns, and throughout key European cities.

NEW BATTERY ADVANCES

Nissan also announced its new 2018 range of home and office charging units giving more choice to owners than ever before.

The Nissan double speed 7kW home charger allows Nissan electric vehicle owners to achieve 100% charge in just 5.5 hours – a 70% reduction in charging time from the previous charging technology. The double speed charger has been designed to benefit consumer EV owners, with faster home charging than Nissan has ever offered before.

The Nissan 22kW charger goes even faster, capable of charging your Nissan EV in just 2 hours. Designed for fleet and business owners, the super-fast charger can also be purchased by consumers who want an even quicker charging experience.

Nissan also showcased its new home energy storage system, which follows on from the success of xStorage. Created especially for EV owners, customers can plug their electric vehicle directly into the wall box to charge. It comes with its own built-in energy storage system, giving customers the ability to better manage their energy costs and even generate their own electricity from solar panels, delivering 100% renewable and zero emission power for their car.

It follows the success of Nissan’s existing xStorage solution, which was developed in partnership with Eaton and has sold more than 1,000 units across Europe in just three months, with 5,000 units expected to be sold by the end of March 2018. Nissan expects to sell 100,000 home energy units by the end of FY2020 in Europe.

The new range of home and office charging units will be available from early 2018.

REVOLUTIONARY FREE ENERGY BREAKTHROUGH FOR EV DRIVERS

Nissan also today revealed its bold mission to offer customers free power for its EVs.

Over the past year in Denmark, Nissan has been testing this revolutionary new way of driving and today, this has become an offer open to all fleet customers throughout the country. Using Nissan bi-directional charging, customers can draw energy from the grid to power their car or van and then ‘sell’ back to the grid for others to use. This means, once a nominal charge has been paid by the business for the installation of a V2G charger there are no fuel or energy costs; just free power for your EV.

And Denmark is just the start. Nissan also announced a UK collaboration with OVO allowing customers to purchase a xStorage home energy unit at a discounted price enabling them to ‘sell’ back energy to the grid. This helps contribute to grid stability in a world where demand for energy is increasing due to a growing, urbanizing population. It can result in an additional expected income for users averaging £350 / €400 per year.

Nissan is already exploring other regions in Europe to make free power for EVs a milestone for the future.  

Paul Willcox said: “Step by step we are removing any barriers to electric vehicle adoption – from infrastructure investment, to how people access the power itself.

He added: “Over the coming decades through our Nissan Intelligent Mobility vision, the electric ecosystem will transform modern life as we know it. But while the starting point for it is 100% electric vehicles like the new LEAF and e-NV200, the impact goes much further. With fewer emissions, our cities and air will be cleaner. With more intelligent safety features, car accidents would be reduced dramatically. With better connections between vehicles and their surroundings, the school run or daily commute will no longer be clogged with traffic. And by letting people charge their vehicle and their home from each other, we can use our time and energy supplies more efficiently than ever.”

Source: Nissan Europe

Nissan world premiere of new longer range e-NV200 van

OSLO, Norway – Nissan, the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer has announced its new longer range, the zero-emissions van that goes further than ever on a single charge.  

The new 40kWh battery for the 100% electric e-NV200 offers a 60% extended range of up to 280km NEDC. And, with no increase in the size of the battery itself, customers will face no compromise in either load space or payload. Crucially, it can help make 100% electric last miles delivery achievable for businesses and professional drivers everywhere, with customers now able to drive more than 100 km further on a single charge.

The new longer-range e-NV200 was unveiled today at Nissan Futures 3.0 in Oslo, Norway – Europe’s Green Capital for 2019. As well as helping business customers enhance their green credentials, the van represents a key pillar in Nissan’s wider commitment to cutting the level of CO2 emissions in city centers caused by professional drivers making deliveries and/or collections.

Gareth Dunsmore, Electric Vehicle Director, Nissan Europe, said: ‘With its longer range and excellent cargo capacity, the new e-NV200 is the perfect last mile delivery solution for urban deliveries and collections. Given the huge impact that business deliveries/collections and professional drivers have on air quality and traffic congestion, especially in city centers, helping cut the level of CO2 emissions they create is a vital part of creating a more sustainable future.’

He added: ‘The world is going electric, which means re-thinking pretty much everything we know about driving, commuting and powering our lives. But to make that future viable, we must create a fully electric ecosystem that enables modern life to be cleaner, safer and more connected for everyone. Smarter, better 100% electric vehicles like the new e-NV200 are at the heart of that ecosystem – now and for generations to come.’

The new e-NV200 equipped with the upgraded 40kWh battery will be available to order before the end of 2017.

Source: Nissan Europe

NIDA MAHOOD Presents Collection at Amazon India Fashion Week Spring Summer 2018

The collection is a celebration of India and the Indian Woman. This collection is a collaboration between acclaimed designer Nida Mahmood and Active Lifestyle brand Deivee by Milind Soman.

The collection is made of four distinct lines representing a region of the country. The collection takes inspiration from the rich culture, colors, and textiles of the region.

Nida takes inspiration from the ageless art of Ikat for the collection celebrating East India. While the indigo dyeing and printing techniques charmed her to create the west collection. For the collection to celebrate North comes from the rich Banarasi brocades. She was drawn into the Mughal patterns of  DELICATE FLOWERS AND LEAVES on DELICATE CREEPERS. FROM DOWN SOUTH WE WERE ENAMOURED BY THE UPPADA AND NARAYANPET SARIS. COLOR BLOCKING AND VARIOUS KINDS OF STRIPES FORM THE MAIN SOURCE OF INSPIRATION FOR THIS PART OF THE COLLECTION.

The silhouettes used in the collection is inspired by the women of India. Its designed to offer maximum comfort from the treadmill to the dance floor. Keeping the theme of inclusiveness and body positive imagery of brand Deivee the range is designed for #every-Body.

The highlight of the collection is that its completely made of 100% recycled plastic bottles. Its made with a quick dry technology and is anti-microbial too. This sustainable Athleisure range also has the first ever running sari. The Running Sari ensures the collection is suitable for all Indian women across shapes, sizes & sensibilities. This collection is a true celebration of India and the beautiful Indian woman.

Source: FDCC PR

Zopo Flash X1, Flash X2 With Infinity Displays Launched in India

Zopo has launched its new Flash X1 and Flash X2 budget-segment smartphones with near bezel-less displays and taller-than-usual aspect ratio of 18:9 at never imagined prices. The highlight feature on both new smartphones is their “Infinity” display that comes with a nearly bezel-less design and an aspect ratio of 18:9. The Zopo Flash X1 and Flash X2 feature 83 percent screen-to-body ratio, which is designed to provide an immersive experience to the users.

The specifications of the Zopo Flash X1, the dual-SIM handset runs Android 7.0 Nougat out-of-the-box. It is powered by a 64-bit quad-core MT6737 processor clocked at 1.3GHz and coupled with 2GB of RAM. In terms of optics, the Flash X1 comes with an 8-megapixel primary camera with Sony’s IMX219 sensor and f/2.4 aperture. At the front, there is a 5-megapixel camera with f/2.2 aperture.

In terms of storage, the Zopo Flash X1 comes with 16GB of built-in storage, which is further expandable up to 64GB via microSD card. The connectivity options offered with the handset include 4G LTE connectivity, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, GPS, and FM. The Zopo Flash X1 weighs 163 grams and houses a 2500mAh battery.

Moving on to the Zopo Flash X2, the dual-SIM smartphone also runs Android 7.0 Nougat out-of-the-box. It is powered by a 64-bit quad-core MT6737T processor clocked at 1.5GHz coupled with 2GB of RAM. In terms of optics, the handset comes with same camera modules as the Flash X1. The handset houses a 3380mAh Big Battery. Rest of the specifications, including the storage and connectivity options, are same as that of the Flash X1.

Zopo Flash X1 and X2 will be available in Coral Blue, Alien Black, and Citrine Gold color variants.

Source : ZopoMobiles

Celebrate Diwali with Zopo and Home Credit

This Diwali you can celebrate your happiness with the Zopo Double Zero Offer exclusively partnered with Home Credit. Take home your Dream Zopo Phone with 0% Interest and 0% Down Payment. The offer will start from Wednesday, 11th Oct 2017 to Sunday, 22nd Oct 2017.

The Offer will be is valid on Authorized Retail Partners outlet only. The Zopo Double Zero Offer is valid on the below models only:

• Color M4
• Color M5
• Color X5.5
• Flash X Plus
• Speed X

Hurry Up! The offer is valid for limited period only.

Source : ZopoMobile

New features & key enhancements in the New KUV100 NXT

Enhanced Style & SUV stance with:

1. New aggressive front grille

2. New muscular front & rear bumpers with silver skid plates

3. New flared wheel arches with wheel cladding

4. New muscular body lines

5. New design tail-gate 

6. New fog lamps with black bezel surrounds

7. New sunglass inspired dual chamber headlamps with LED DRL

8. New 38.1 cm (15”) diamond cut dual tone alloys

9. New ORVMS with side-turn indicators 

10. Newly integrated roof rails 

11. New door & sill cladding 

12. New double barrel clear lens tail lamps

13. New aerodynamic spoiler with Aero corners

Advanced Technology Features: 

1. New 17.8 cm (7”) touchscreen infotainment with USB, audio, image & video playback 

2. New GPS navigation 

3. New Electronic Temperature Control Panel

4. New Electrically foldable ORVMs with integrated turn indicators

5. New Electrically operatable tailgate latch

6. New Intellipark – reverse parking assist sensors

7. New Driver information system with voice alerts

8. Remote boot opening key 

9. New Gear shift alerts

Engine changes: New engine mount technology for a refined & pleasurable drive.

Premium & Plush Interiors: 

1. New Sporty Black interiors 

2. New seat fabric design & color 

3. Improved seat bolstering 

4. New cluster Illumination

5. New center console design


Source: Mahindra

Mahindra presents The New KUV100 NXT

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M Ltd.), India’s leading SUV manufacturer, today unveiled its New KUV100 NXT. Packed With 40 new features and enhancements, the KUV100 NXT now boasts of a new and more aggressive SUV design, more hi-tech features, more premium interiors, and a more refined & pleasurable driving experience. The KUV100 NXT will now be available in 5 variants, namely, K2 & K2+, K4+, K6+ and K8 in both petrol & diesel with 5 & 6 seater options.

The KUV100 NXT will start at Rs. 4.39 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai) for the K2 variant.

Speaking at the launch of the Next Generation KUV100 NXT, Dr. Pawan Goenka, Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd mentioned, “The KUV100 created a new category with an SUV in the price segment of Rs. 4.5 – Rs. 7.5 lakh. We have always been a listening organisation and in line with that, we have managed to successfully launch the New KUV100 within 21 months. With its unique proposition, I firmly believe that the KUV100 NXT will reaffirm our customers’ faith in Mahindra’s abilities to create class-leading products”

Rajan Wadhera, President, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, said, “We are happy to present the New KUV100 NXT. Today’s evolving customer aspirations demand more in terms of premiums, style, and hi-tech features and the KUV100 NXT is a true reflection of that. Given that the growth in the UV segment has been primarily driven by the compact SUVs, I am confident that the KUV100 NXT will resonate well with its buyers, both first-time car buyers as well as upgrades”.

Launched in January 2016, the KUV100 created a new SUV segment. The New KUV100 NXT is now all set to reach newer heights. The new exterior styling in the KUV100 NXT has further enhanced its aggressive SUV design and bold SUV stance with new front grille, new bumpers with flared wheel arches and cladding for the macho look. In addition, it offers more style quotient with new 15” diamond cut alloys and powered ORVMs with turn indicators. The KUV100 NXT is now loaded with more hi-tech features such as the 7” touchscreen with navigation, Electronic Temperature Control Panel, electrically foldable ORVMs and parking sensors. To add to the overall experience, the New KUV100 NXT offers a quieter & more refined peppy drive. Further the sporty black interiors, plush new fabric upholstery, amongst other new additions enhance the premium feel in the interior.

The New KUV100 NXT has a robust monocoque SUV construction and comes with standard ABS & dual airbags (K2+ onwards) for overall safety and peace of mind. It is the only vehicle in the price point which can seat 6 people comfortably with amazing space and comfort.

Customers can choose from both gasoline and diesel options - the mFALCON G80 is a 1.2L, MPFI and dual VVT petrol engine that delivers 61kW (82bhp) power and 115Nm torque and the mFALCON D75 is a 1.2L turbocharged, diesel engine with CRDI technology that delivers 57.4kW (77bhp) power and 190Nm torque.

The New KUV100 NXT comes with First in Segment Flexi 6 & 5 seater options with a flat floor enabling ample legroom and headroom for 6 adults. It also offers innovative storage spaces like front & rear armrest with cupholders, cooled glove box, underfloor & under seat storage and boot space of 243 liters (expandable to 473 L - flat floor).

The New KUV100 NXT will be available in 8 attractive colors of Fiery Orange, Flamboyant Red, Pearl White, Dazzling Silver, Designer Grey, Midnight Black and the 2 Dual Tone options of Flamboyant Red with Metallic Black and Dazzling Silver with Metallic Black.

Source: Mahindra