New portable DVD for cars

In car DVD, UK has launched the new Nextbase SDV37A portable DVD, which replaces the 2004 Nextbase SDV17A tablet DVD player. The Nextbase DVD player has revolutionised the world of portable DVD. In Car DVD also stock an upgraded version with added accessories, this Nextbase system comes complete with a tablet DVD player with 7 inch screen, 12v lead for car use, mains power adaptor, 2.5hr battery, carry case/car installation bag, earphones, full instructions, a pair of infra red headphones, 12 month guarantee, and even a remote control.

SmogBuster

Worldwide alarm at the levels of air pollution encourage numerous programmes to reduce smog. SmogBuster disc, a new technology cuts harmful emissions while also increasing gas mileage, reducing wear and tear on engines improving automotive performance. It is easy to install, cost effective and can produce results very quickly. SmogBuster disc is created to substantially reduce toxic emissions from gas and diesel powered vehicles. The disc is about the size of a quarter and easily installs on the gas tank. The proprietary technology has consistently reduced smelly, smoky exhaust and in addition increases gas mileage and engine performance. OceanCity Network, The Awareness Company, was awarded worldwide exclusive rights to the SmogBuster launching an ongoing commitment to be ‘sharing the solution not part of the pollution’. The disc was thoroughly tested for fourteen months prior to its release and enjoys a high level of acceptance by environmental organisations and individual consumers. The company also plans to continue compiling test results for the benefit of the environment and consumers alike.

BMW’s added stability

The twin planetary gear sets seamlessly blend active steering inputs supplied by the motor with the driver’s commands. The direction of the motor’s rotation determines whether the driver’s steering inputs are amplified or reduced. Transitions between the 10:1 and 20:1 steering-ratio extremes are so smooth that the driver can’t detect them. The nominal steering ratio (with no contribution from the electric motor) is 18:1. When BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system senses a yaw rate (rotation about a vertical axis) verging on a spin-out, Active Steering goes to work to save the day. The front wheels are automatically countersteered up to five degrees to placate the maneuver. These steering corrections are available in 150 milliseconds versus the 300 milliseconds needed to build hydraulic pressure for a one-wheel brake application. That’s why Active Steering is now BMW’s primary defense against loss of control, with brake applications saved for truly dire circumstances.

There is no Active Steering off switch. Disabling DSC cancels countersteering, but only a system error will stop the variable-ratio function. Downsides are minimal. Active Steering adds a small weight penalty, and the 530i’s optional Sport package is an additional $3300 expense, partly because it also includes Active Roll Stabilisation. With eight more gears between your hands and the front tires, friction is eight per cent higher than it is with a conventional Servotronic-2 system. Active Steering also will be available on the 2004 6-series, which goes on sale this spring. The 2006 Audi A6 is probably next in line. GM, Delphi, and Honda also have experimental variable-ratio steering systems under development. What started out as an intermediate step on the path to steer-by- wire guidance ended up as the greatest leap ahead in handling since anti-roll bars.