Major Developments Major Developments by Calendar Year

April 15, 2014

Technical features and advantages of a Rotary engine

Filed under: 2014 — Tags: , — Ralph C Dreher @ 9:36 AM

A Rotary engine has a radial configuration and the cylinders are arranged around the crankshaft. In a radial engine, the pistons are connected to the crankshaft with a master-and-articulating-rod assembly. One piston attaches with the crankshaft using a master rod. The remaining pistons attach themselves to rings around the edge of the master rod. The number of the cylinders is always odd, to maintain uniformity in firing order which is important for smoothness.

Advantages
In rotary engines, smoothness is achieved easily than in other engines. Since rotary engines are air-cooled, they are less heavy and thus can be used in battle vehicles. A rotary engine has a comparatively shorter crankshaft, which means less vibration and thus higher durability.

Disadvantages
Since the engine is air cooled, cooling isn’t achieved perfectly. Since all the cylinders are exposed to airflow, it results in drag. Due to it’s bulk size, it also makes difficult pilot looking outside. They also cost a lot to maintain which is undesirable.

Usage
The usage of Rotary engines were limited until the World War II, when it was used in air crafts and tanks. The main reason behind its usage in tanks was that it had a good weight-power ratio and was considered better than the inline engines at the time.

Types
1) Multi-row rotary engine: As the size and requirements of the engine increased, it became necessary to increase the number of rows of the engine. The rows of cylinders are placed next to each other on different planes. However, they are joined to the same stationary crankshaft.

2) Diesel engine: Most rotary engines are built as gasoline engines. Diesel engines were made in 1920s and 1930s due to two advantages. Diesel engines consume less amount of fuel and they have a reduced fire risk.

3) Compressed-air engine: In compressed air rotary engines, air is used in the cylinders instead of fuel. It’s used mostly in model airplanes and gas compressors.

4) The Wankel engine: An engine that works with a similar principle as that of a rotary engine is the Wankel engine. It was developed by Felix Wankel in 1957. Like a piston engine, the Wankel engine also uses the pressure from combustion.

In a rotary engine, the pressure of combustion is held in the space created by a housing and a triangular rotor fixed inside it. Fuel is pumped into one of these chambers and is moved towards the ignition location. It also gets compressed because the housing surrounding it gets narrower. When it gets ignited, the rotor is pushed with force and the next chamber automatically draws in fuel towards compression and ignition. A Wankel engine has the advantage of fewer moving parts but the parts are expensive if they are to be replaced with.
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February 10, 2014

America’s Best Selling Cars (December 2013)

Filed under: 2013 — Tags: — Ralph C Dreher @ 6:25 AM

Toyota Camry was America’s best selling car in the year 2013. But it was not the best selling car in the last month of the year 2013. The Camry’s sales dropped by five percent and the Honda Accord’s sales jumped 10 percent. Honda also took the third place with its Civic after Toyota Camry.

  • Honda Accord: In the midsize sedan class. It occupied the number one rank in December 2013. The reasons for this are rewarding performance, superb fuel economy and excellent packaging. Its sales in 2013 December are 32,321. It is an increase of 9.8 percent when compared to the past year’s month sales of 29,428. Its yearly sales are 366,678 it is an increase of 10.5 percent.
  • Toyota Camry: It is an ideal choice in the midsize sedan segment with long standing history of dependability and well rounded nature. In December 2012, it sold 31,407, and in December 2013, it recorded 4.6 percent of decrease in sales with 29,964. Yearly sales are increased just less than once percent.
  • Honda Civic: Honda made further improvements to the new Civic. It resulted in the best compact car for this year. Honda Civic sales are decreased 12.4 percent than the past year December from 33,118 to 29,000 in 2013 and it is in the third best selling car in America for December 2013. But its yearly sales rose by 5.7 percent.
  • Nissan Altima: Impressive fuel economy, energetic engines and sophisticated driving dynamics give the Altima a leg up. It’s sales in December 2013 are 24,816, which is an increase of 3.5 percent compared to December’s 23,966 sales. Overall, it achieved 5.9 percent increase in sales.
  • Ford Fusion: With a huge array of tech features, provocative styling, excellent fuel economy and solid power, Ford Fusion topped the list. Its sales in December 2013 are 24,408, and in December 2012 was 19,283. It recorded 26.6 percent higher than in for the year same month. The total sales of the year grew by 22.4 percent.
  • Toyota Corolla/Matrix: December sales in 2013 (22,562) are decreased by 8.6 percent than the past year’s December of 24,679 and took the sixth place. Total yearly sales are increased by 3.9 percent from past year (290,947) to the end of 2013 December (302,180).
  • Hyundai Elantra: For an economical car, the new model of Hyundai Elantra is one of the best pick. With impressive value, decent fuel economy and sharp styling it is easy to see. With an increase of 14 percent sales as compared to 19,024 in December 2012 to 21,692 in December 2013, Hyundai Elantra is in seventh place among best selling cars for December 2013. It showed a good growth in this year with 22.7 percent increase in sales.

Chevrolet Cruze, BMW 3 series and 4 series, and Ford Focus are in the next places respectively. Chevrolet Cruze increased 14.5 percent and BMW 3 and 4 series are by 55.8 percent than the past December. Ford Focus decreased by 31.1 percent.
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February 7, 2014

Best Green Cars of 2013

Filed under: 2013 — Tags: , — Ralph C Dreher @ 6:48 AM

The federal government is offering $7500 incentives to buy green vehicles and constant state of flux in gas prices making the buyers to purchase green cars. The following list is taken from Kelly Blue Book and MSN Auto.

  • Nissan Leaf: The starting price of the leaf reduced by $6,000 on 2013 model and federal government tax savings are $7,500, so you can get it for around $22,000. According to Kelly Blue Book, there is no other all electric car better than this. The fuel economy in city is 129 mpg, and on highway 102 mpg. It is available at affordable base price, established in terms of availability and reliability, ample features, quiet cabin and spacious.
  • Tesla Model S: The Tesla Model S is coolest among the available cars and the most desirable electric vehicle today. This is also one of the best luxury sedans. The mileage is up to 94 mpg in city and 97 mpg highway. It supports by the Tesla supercharger infrastructure, available in seven passenger configuration, lots of cargo space, impressive performance, sleek styling and excellent battery.
  • Ford Focus Electric: It has an advanced power-train (pairs 107kw electric motor) and Lithium-ion battery. The advantages with this are high tech options, abundant list of upscale, lively engine, well made and stylish interior, refined & quiet ride, and nimble handling. Mileage is city 110 mpg and highway 99 mpg.
  • Chevrolet Volt: After the first 38 miles with the Chevrolet Volt gas engine will deliver the next 344 miles. The fuel economy is city 101 mpg and highway 93 mpg. Attractions with the Volt are excellent crash test scores, appealing standard features, maximum range is 300 miles and in normal driving monthly fuel costs are low.
  • Toyota Prius Plug-in: The mileage in city is 51 mpg and highway 49 mpg. It offers exterior in a unique black cherry pearl color, premium finished seventeen inches alloy wheels and trim package with style focused. Comfortable & quite ride, standard features, space efficient interior, fuel economy are the attractions.
  • Ford C-Max Energy: This is a rare trait among the present available green vehicles, and can fun to drive beyond its all electric range of 21 miles. The fuel economy is 44 mpg city and 41 mpg highway. It became a new competitor for Toyota Prius Plug-in. It has better electric range, better driving dynamics, and nice interior. Performance is an added advantage.
  • Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid: According to Kelly Blue Book, the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid is an European sedan a fun to drive; the combined mileage is 45 mpg. The starting price is under $26,000. The fuel efficiency in city is 42 mpg and highway 48 mpg.

The other best green car models of 2013 are Honda Fit EV, Toyota Avalon Hybrid and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. With Focus Electric, C-Max Energy and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Ford got three positions in the list. In addition, the Toyota with its Prius Plug-in and Avalon Hybrid occupied two positions.
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January 30, 2014

Coupes With the Best Cargo Capacity for 2013

Filed under: 2013,Society — Tags: — Ralph C Dreher @ 3:55 AM

The drivers of Coupes may cruise down the highway of life with a limited number of passengers. But when it comes to cargo, that says nothing about their requirements. For instance, if you take frequent road trips and carry lots of luggage on these excursions, you may be one of those coupe buying people in need of a vehicle that offers some extra cargo capacity.

2013 Chevrolet Corvette: The cargo capacity of Chevrolet Corvette is 22.4 cubic feet. This is one of the world’s best bargains when it comes to performance. In addition to the large cargo capacity, the other advantages are world class handling and braking, glorious mechanical soundtrack and tremendous acceleration. The major drawbacks are Old fashioned interior, refined as many competitors or not agile.

2013 Dodge challenger: With 16.2 cubic feet cargo capacity, Dodge Challenger 2013 addition is in the second place in the list. The Dodge Challenger is sure to delight muscle car fanatics with its attitude and power, while winning over more fans with its higher levels of comforts and civilized road manners. Distinctive exterior styling, upscale interior quality, huge trunk, strong V6 & V8 engines and compliant ride are the additional attractions. Handling not as sharp as rivals and compromised rear visibility are little disappointing.

2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe: The Elantra coupe has 14.8 cubic feet cargo capacity. Thanks to upscale options, a long list of standard safety features, a fuel efficient engine and head turning styling. The pros of the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe are distinctive styling, long warranty coverage, large trunk, spacious and well build cabin and lots of feature for the money.

2013 Dodge SRT – Viper: The 2013 Dodge SRT – Viper has 14.7 cubic feet cargo capacity. In this new version the attractions are a raw sports car at its core, excellent touchscreen display and electronics interface, outlandish corner grip, and massive power from normally aspirated V10 engine. The firm seats can limit long distance comfort, too stiffly sprung for many road surfaces, no automated manual transmission availability are the drawbacks.

2013 Honda Accord Coupe: The cargo capacity of the 2013 Honda Accord Coupe is 13.7 cubic feet. The fully redesigned Accord returns to the top of the family sedan class with a mix of rewarding performance, superb fuel economy and excellent packaging. Advantages with this version are available coupe body style, responsive handling, quick acceleration, refined and efficient power-trains, and roomy & high quality interior. But CVT automatic’s characteristics won’t suite everybody.

2013 Mercedes Benz CL-Class: With 13.5 cubic feet cargo capacity, the Mercedes Benz CL Class is one of the rare cars that combine performance, comfort and luxury in one stunning package. With ample safety features, relatively spacious backseat and trunk, ultra refined ride and handling, exquisite cabin, effortless acceleration regardless of engine are attracting but the problem is steep price.

2013 Ford two Ford models Mustang Coupe and Shelby GT500 coupe are offering 13.4 cubic feet cargo capacity. The next place is to 2013 Mercedes Benz E-Class Coupe with 13.3 cubic feet. Three 2013 models from Audi TT RS Coupe, TT Coupe, and TTS Coupe are available at 13.1 cubic feet.
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Best Used Cars for 2013

Filed under: 2013 — Tags: — Ralph C Dreher @ 2:26 AM

Edmundus released a list of best used cars for 2013. To make this list prioritized on availability, value, safety and reliability. Eligibility to the vehicle is limited from 2 to 7 years old because of, the older vehicles might have too many miles on them, and the newer vehicles not have fully taken the depreciation. So the list is limited to the models between 2006 to 2011.

  • Subcompact – Honda Fit (2007 – 2011): From 2007 this model is available in US market. With its incredibly space efficient design, high fuel economy, and spirited and nimble driving demeanor won the consumers and editors. Its unique rear seat can be configured as four different ways. Folding seat down flat provides a surprising amount of cargo space, up to 57 cubic feet in 2009 and lateral versions.
  • Compact Sedan – Hyundai Elantra (2006 – 2011): Along with peppy performance and a smooth ride, the Honda Elantra offers operating economy, reliability and solid build quality. A GT hatchback version provides a sport tuned suspension, a moon roof, standard leather seating and added cargo capacity. The impressive crash test scores are another advantage.
  • Midsize Sedan – Ford Fusion (2007 – 2011): It offers an attractive styling, solid build quality, responsive driving dynamics, responsive, and a spacious cabin. The other rare things in this segment by the Ford is a sporty driving personality to go along with its practicality. Ford is offering Fusion in hybrid, four and six cylinder gasoline engines.
  • Large Sedan – Toyota Avalon (2006 – 2011): With its upscale ambience and roomy cabin, Toyota Avalon is almost a bargain priced large sedan. Other virtues include top notch quality, a massive backseat, a powerful yet fuel efficient V6, and a smooth and very quiet ride. As well the Toyota’s reputation is for reliability.
  • Coupe – Honda Accord (2006 – 2011): This selection has two generations of the Honda Accord Coupe, those are 2003 – 2007 and 2008 – 2012. Either way, you will get power-trains, refined, a smooth ride, and tight build quality.
  • Convertible – Volvo C70 (2006 – 2011): Top up, Its a luxury coupe with the security of a solid roof, weather isolation, and the quietness. Lower and stow away the roof with press of a button, and will have a stylish convertible. In addition to its versatility, it also provides the Volvo’s traditional strengths of abundance of safety features and comfortable seating.

For the reliability measure, consumer ratings, sources that report on reliability and longevity and the experienced people opinion considered. As a second consideration, the tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic safety Administration. The third consideration, True cost to own, and True market value. And the fourth one is availability.
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