Infiniti VC-T: The world’s first production-ready variable compression ratio engine

by News Feeder, 03-07-2024, 01:24 PM

HONG KONG – Infiniti will present VC-T (Variable Compression-Turbocharged), the world's first production-ready variable compression ratio engine and one of the most advanced internal combustion engines ever created, on September 29 at the 2016 Paris Motor Show (Mondial de l'Automobile).More than 20 years in development, Infiniti's new four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline VC-T engine represents a major breakthrough in internal-combustion powertrain technology."VC-T technology is a step change for Infiniti," said Roland Krueger, president of Infiniti Motor Company. "It is a revolutionary next-step in optimizing the efficiency of the internal combustion engine. This technological breakthrough delivers the power of a high-performance 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine with a high level of efficiency at the same time."VC-T technology signifies a new chapter in the story of the internal combustion engine – engines are no longer limited by a fixed compression ratio. The ingenuity of VC-T engine technology lies in its ability to transform itself and seamlessly raise or lower the height the pistons reach. As a consequence, the displacement of the engine changes and the compression ratio can vary anywhere between 8:1 (for high performance) and 14:1 (for high efficiency). The sophisticated engine control logic automatically applies the optimum ratio, depending on what the driving situation demands.VC-T technology delivers multiple customer benefits including significantly reduced fuel consumption and emissions, greatly reduced noise and vibration levels; it is also lighter and more compact than comparable conventional engines.More information on the world-first VC-T engine will be presented by Infiniti at Mondial de l'Automobile on September 29, with the company's press conference taking place at 12:30 p.m. local time.About Infiniti Infiniti Motor Company Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with sales operations in over 50 countries. The Infiniti brand was launched in 1989. Its range of premium automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan, the United States, United Kingdom and China. Infiniti plans to also expand manufacturing into Mexico by 2017.Infiniti design studios are located in Atsugi-Shi near Yokohama, London, San Diego and Beijing.Infiniti is in the middle of a major product offensive. The brand has been widely acclaimed for its daring design and innovative driver-assistance technologies.From the 2016 season, Infiniti is a technical partner of the Renault Sport Formula One team, contributing its expertise in hybrid performance.More information about Infiniti and its industry leading technologies can be found at Infiniti.com. You can also follow Infiniti on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube. # # # Contact For Infiniti Global Communications, contact:Jon Walsh Senior Manager, Infiniti Global Communications Infiniti Motor Company Ltd., Hong Kong Phone: +852 3948 0129 Mobile: +852 9447 9705 Email: [email protected]ie Davies Manager, Infiniti Global Communications Infiniti Motor Company Ltd., Hong Kong Phone: +852 3948 0903 Mobile: +852 9542 1717 Email: [email protected]

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Another new daily... The V8 Soarer (Kassia)

by FOSSIL FUELS, 03-07-2024, 11:14 AM

Well after 4 months with the Scooby and 4000miles later I decided It wasn't for me.

So onwards and upwards... I'm back in something more to my taste... A Big V8 Beast of a Soarer

Currently fitted up with HSD Coil overs (tracking need to be done ASAP)
Custom exhaust with X pipe fitted (needs new back boxes... Don't like the pea shooters)
Some decent wheels... And a funky bottom half viynal wrap... Not sure if I like it... But its staying for the moment.

Here's some pics...











Only having it a few hours I haven't had time to do much yet...

But first thing was to sort out the really bad blow from the drivers side manifold.
The people that made the exhaust have managed to cross thread all 3 bolts holding the downpipe on to the the drivers side manifold.

I ended up snapping 2 bolts and removing one.. I managed to get one nut on what was left of the stud of one of the broken ones. And tried to re seal it...

Its better but not fully sealed... Will need a new manifold.

This morning I've been out and dyed the carpet and the interior mats as there was way too much grey going on inside.



Carpet dyed.



Floor mats dyed and I stalled.



It's going to need a new stereo as the Japanese sat navigation unit just isn't going to cut it... And I'm stuck listening to radio 2 :thumbup:

So new stereo and speaker upgrade to be done ASAP

Newbie to forum but 3rd is200

by P4u1m, 01-07-2024, 02:46 PM

Hi all,
My name is Paul I'm 35 single with 2 boys, oldest is 16 n youngest is 6,
I have a 2002 lexus is200 see, 2lt petrol, got a massive question and I'm hoping someone can help??

I have a 2002 Lexus is200 se manual and petrol, I am in dia straights trying to source a good 2nd hand front and centre section of the exhaust, I'm depressed with car sitting outside and I can't drive it because someone stole the cat and centre pipe when it was off the road...
Hope someone can help thanks

Membership pack

by Alan.b, 30-06-2024, 03:11 PM

Hi . Does anyone know when ill receive my membership pack and items I bought from the club shop

Sent from my E6853 using Tapatalk

Datsun returns to Sri Lanka with all-new 'redi-GO'

by News Feeder, 30-06-2024, 02:29 AM

YOKOHAMA, Japan — Datsun continues to expand its global presence with the brand's return to Sri Lanka, where it was first introduced in 1957. This comes just a few weeks after the legendary brand was brought back to Lebanon.Datsun is re-entering the market in Sri Lanka with the latest addition to its model line-up, the all-new Datsun redi-GO, a vehicle developed for aspirational and young people ready to take the next step in their lives. Datsun redi-GO was launched in India in early June 2016."The return of Datsun to Sri Lanka is a key element of our expansion in fast-growing markets where there is growing demand for personal mobility," said Vincent Cobee, Global Head of Datsun. "Datsun's key values – Dream, Access and Trust - are designed to accommodate the needs and aspirations of up-and-coming customers who seek attractive styling, modern engineering, worry-free ownership, and an engaging driving experience. We are delighted to return to Sri Lanka with Datsun redi-GO to expand our offer in the largest vehicle market segment to a new generation of Sri Lankan customers who are ready for something new and exciting."The Datsun redi-GO combines the roominess, best-in-class ground clearance (185 mm) and sheer fun of a crossover combined with the zippy driving and fuel efficiency of an affordable compact hatchback. By providing the best features of a crossover and the major attributes of an urban hatchback, the Datsun redi-GO delivers the best of both worlds.The car will be offered through the dealer network of Nissan's long-time partner in Sri Lanka, Associated Motorways (Private) Ltd. (AMW).Datsun redi-GO sales are scheduled to begin in September, with pricing and vehicle grades information to be announced as the start of sales draws closer.About Datsun Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced the return of the Datsun brand, Nissan's third global brand, alongside Nissan and Infiniti, in March 2012. Datsun provides a sustainable motoring experience to optimistic up-and-coming customers in high-growth markets. Datsun represents 80 years of accumulated Japanese car-making expertise and is an important part of Nissan's DNA. The new Datsun brand stands for Dream, Access and Trust. The overall Datsun customer offer includes a worry-free ownership experience at competitive cost, accessible services, with transparent pricing, and dealership proximity. Datsun cars are on sale now in India, Indonesia, Russia and South Africa.Datsun History Datsun originated in Japan as DAT-GO (the DAT-car) almost a century ago in 1914. The word DAT means 'lightning-fast' in Japanese but is also a reference to the first letters of family names of the three financiers who supported the business at the time: Den, Aoyama and Takeuchi. Using the same logic, it was promoted as Durable, Attractive and Trustworthy, or DAT for short.In 1933, Nissan's founding father Yoshisuke Aikawa took over the business with a vision of "mobility for all". The introduction of a lightweight, economical yet resilient car to meet the aspirations of young Japanese people in the early 1930s was named the 'son of DAT' – Datson - which later changed to Datsun. Local engineering and mass-production made the founder's dream a reality. # # #

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Toyota Research Institute Partners with University of Michigan to Accelerate Artifici

by News Feeder, 29-06-2024, 04:13 PM

Research focused on artificial intelligence, robotics and autonomous driving at the University of Michigan (U-M) will get a major boost thanks to an initial $22 million commitment from the Toyota Research Institute (TRI) , announced today by TRI-CEO Gill Pratt in an address to the U-M faculty.

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'yet' is creative muse for lexus design award 2017 – now open for entries

by News Feeder, 29-06-2024, 05:48 AM

August 10, 2016 — Lexus International today announced its call for entries for the Lexus Design Award 2017.



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New Infiniti Q60 sports coupe starts production at Tochigi plant in Japan

by News Feeder, 29-06-2024, 04:41 AM

Hong Kong/Tochigi – Production of the all-new INFINITI Q60 sports coupe has started at the company’s manufacturing facility in Tochigi, Japan. Designed and engineered to perform, the Q60 offers a compelling combination of daring design, exhilarating performance and dynamics.The Tochigi plant has been producing INFINITI vehicles since the brand was launched in 1989. The launch of the new INFINITI Q60 heralds the start of a new chapter in the plant’s history. To meet the requirements of the new model, a series of upgrades have been made to the production line, and innovative manufacturing processes have been introduced.Upgrades to production lines Industry-leading advances in manufacturing enabled INFINITI designers to draw the sharp angles and body lines that are characteristic of the Q60. The stamping and assembly lines feature key improvements, notably through the adoption of a unique deep-body stamping technology and new tooling machinery for the model’s unique resin trunk lid. To further enhance quality control, a new lighting system for the inspection process and a camera and video system on the assembly line have been introduced. Manufacturing, design and engineering teams worked very closely together to ensure that the unique trunk lid feature for Q60 can be realized with the highest quality at the Tochigi plant. In a world’s first application, this trunk lid is a hybrid combination of a resin skin on a steel frame. It gives INFINITI designers more freedom to develop shapes that can then be built in a single part.Dedicated paint booth for “Dynamic Sandstone Red”One major enhancement to the Tochigi facility is a new dedicated paint booth, which has been installed solely to allow production of Q60’s new “Dynamic Sandstone Red” paint finish. The glossy, deep red finish requires a new painting set-up, using a combination of machinery and manual processes developed by INFINITI’s most senior coating experts.The new paint booth enables workers in the Tochigi paint shop to more finely control paint thickness and quality, and the newly-developed “Dynamic Sandstone Red” paint process is the result of testing several hundred variations of paint formulations and application methods.Takumi and KaizenTochigi’s 216 highly-skilled Takumi (master craftsmen) were picked from the plant’s 4,500-strong workforce to work on the INFINITI production line. INFINITI’s Takumi not only possess a particularly high level of technical knowledge; they are specially-trained in premium vehicle manufacturing, and have been chosen for their deep understanding of INFINITI and its core values. True to the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen – that of continuous improvement – Takumi undergo constant and intensive training to learn new techniques and skills.Takumi work across every section of the Q60’s production line, including stamping, body shop, paint, assembly and quality assurance.From the Takumi employed to work on INFINITI production, a further 6 Meister Takumi are selected – those with the highest understanding of premium car production and the desires and expectations of INFINITI’s customers. Overseeing every aspect of INFINITI production at Tochigi, Meister Takumi ensure the manufacturing processes at the plant are fully attuned with the unique blend of attributes that differentiate INFINITI’s products.For further media information, including extended press information and images on Q60, please visit http://www.INFINITIQ60News.com. About INFINITI:INFINITI Motor Company Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with sales operations in over 50 countries. The INFINITI brand was launched in 1989. Its range of premium automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan, the United States, United Kingdom and China. INFINITI plans to also expand manufacturing into Mexico by 2017.INFINITI design studios are located in Atsugi-Shi near Yokohama, London, San Diego and Beijing.INFINITI is in the middle of a major product offensive. The brand has been widely acclaimed for its daring design and innovative driver-assistance technologies.From the 2016 season, INFINITI is a technical partner of the Renault Sport Formula One team, contributing its expertise in hybrid performance.More information about INFINITI and its industry leading technologies can be found at http://www.INFINITI.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube.# # #

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'Yet' is Creative Muse for Lexus Design Award 2017 - Now Open for Entries

by News Feeder, 29-06-2024, 04:41 AM

Lexus International today announced its call for entries for the Lexus Design Award 2017. First launched in 2013 to stimulate ideas for a better tomorrow, Lexus is celebrating the 5th anniversary of this international design competition supporting up-and-coming designers and creators worldwide.

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People behind the ProPILOT: What does an anthropologist bring to autonomous driving

by News Feeder, 29-06-2024, 02:40 AM

Designing the autonomous vehicle of the future requires an array of the best technical talent available: automobile and software engineers, experts on sensor technology and artificial intelligence, computer scientists, production specialists and many others.But one profession you might not expect to find at the design table — anthropologist — is playing a key role in developing Nissan’s next generation autonomous vehicle, analyzing human driving interactions to ensure that it is prepared to be a “good citizen” on the road. “Car technology is continuing to evolve and change,” said Melissa Cefkin, principal scientist and design anthropologist at the Nissan Research Center in Silicon Valley. “And now … we’re adding this autonomous dimension to it … that will bring around further changes in society, all the way down to the everyday way in which we interact and behave on the road.”While the term anthropologist may conjure up names like Claude Levi-Strauss, Margaret Mead and Gregory Bateson, Cefkin, represents a decidedly modern branch of the field. She is a corporate and design anthropologist specializing in ethnography — which is the systematic study of people and cultures from the viewpoint of the subject.In the case of autonomous vehicles, Cefkin said that means taking a fresh look at how humans interact with “a deeply and profoundly cultural object” — the automobile — and gaining insights into how new technologies might interpret or act on those behaviors.“(With autonomous vehicles), if there’s someone in the driver’s seat, that person may not be physically driving the car. And in the future, we may go all the way to driverless, so that there may not even be somebody in the driver’s seat.”Cefkin and the other members of her team are focused on the third milestone in Nissan’s autonomous vehicle program — development of the capability for the vehicle to navigate city driving and intersections without driver intervention.That system is expected to be introduced in 2020, following the release in July 2016 of the first of Nissan’s autonomous drive technologies, known as “ProPILOT,” an autonomous drive technology designed for highway use in single-lane traffic, and a “multiple-lane” application that can autonomously negotiate hazards and change lanes during highway driving, due in 2018. When Cefkin joined Nissan in March 2015, after stints at IBM, Sapient Corp. and Silicon Valley’s influential Institute for Research on Learning, she and her team immediately began documenting not just interactions in the city involving drivers, but also those between vehicles and pedestrians, bicyclists and road features.“We’re trying to distill out of our work … some key lessons for what an autonomous vehicle will need to know — what it perceives in the world and then how it can make sense, make judgments and behave itself to be able to interact effectively in those different systems,” she said.Cefkin cited four-way intersections with stop signs as a “problematic and incredibly interesting” situation her team examined closely.“What happens at a four-way stop, it’s open to a lot of interpretation,” she explained. “Yeah, I’m supposed to stop … (but) once I’ve stopped it doesn’t tell me when to go again, so that’s up to me to figure out.”Initial learnings from the study show that drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists often use “eye gaze” and forms of “direct communications,” such as a hand wave, “to give off very clear signals about their intentions” in such situations, Cefkin said.“ …we are working at the heart, the guts of the core technology and bringing insights and the kind of understanding that we have about human practices and human experience right into the fundamental design of the system.”That led to early planning on how an autonomous vehicle might communicate its next move, one vision of which was presented in the IDS Concept car. Cefkin said that some features depicted in the video may end up closely resembling those of Nissan’s autonomous vehicles in the next decade — like a light that “acknowledges” the presence of a pedestrian. The team is also exploring how to communicate the car’s intention in situations where “multiple agents” — say numerous pedestrians or bicyclists — are present. The key would be how to communicate what the vehicle is doing, “like stopping, waiting, yielding, about to go, going, things like that,” in a way that would be interpreted in the same way by everyone.Cefkin said such studies demonstrate the wisdom of having anthropologists involved in the earliest stages of vehicle design, rather than making adjustments later in the product cycle as some other automakers have done.“What’s different for us is we are working at the heart, the guts of the core technology and bringing insights and the kind of understanding that we have about human practices and human experience right into the fundamental design of the system,” she said.For more stories, please visit our page on Medium.com, https://medium.com/drive-publication ###

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