Formula 1? Off-Road Racing? Rally? Drifting? Yes we do 'em all!!
RoadKill is an addictive and thrilling racing story series, the first of its kind in Africa and perhaps the world.
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You dont need a mechanic for everything, once in a while, you need to give your vehicle a treat in your own way.
It was 7:15 AM, Timi was at the breakfast table, eating. He was all dressed in his uniform. He had gotten a job as a valet at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel, which required him to wear a valet uniform. He was still very sore about his performance at the previous night's race. "I should have done better than that. I could have," he kept mumbling between bites of toast bread. "You did your best honey," Bridget said from the other end of the table in an attempt to soothe Timi. "Oh it had better not be. Last night had better not be my best...If it was then we should scratch getting rich off racing from our plans to get rich."
South Africa, Pretoria, 18 June 2015 – Jaguar Land Rover has revealed some of the prototype technologies that its UK-based research team are developing to deliver autonomous driving in the future.
A Remote Control Range Rover Sport research vehicle demonstrates how a driver could drive the vehicle from outside the vehicle via their smartphone. The smartphone app includes controls for steering, acceleration and braking, as well as the ability to change between high- and low-range gears. This would allow the driver to walk alongside the vehicle, at a maximum speed of 6km/h, to manoeuvre their vehicle out of challenging situations safely, or even to negotiate difficult off-road terrain.
The driver could use the smartphone to reverse the vehicle out of a parking space if someone has parked too close for them to open the door, or allow the driver to become their own off-road spotter, to guide the vehicle over off-road obstacles from outside the vehicle.
By walking alongside the vehicle, the driver could continually check ramp, approach and departure angles and allow precise positioning of the vehicle when rock crawling. It could also be an invaluable aid when the vehicle is fording a stream or traversing sections made slippery by mud or snow. The remote control function will only operate if the user is within ten metres of the vehicle and if the smart key can be detected. The system will stop the vehicle if the driver moves out of range or gets too close.
Future possibilities for this technology could include more autonomous functionality where the driver gives a simple command from the handset to traverse an obstacle or exit a parking space, and the vehicle does the rest.
Jaguar Land Rover’s ‘Multi-Point Turn’ Range Rover is capable of autonomously manoeuvring through 180 degrees to turn the vehicle in the road and point the vehicle in the opposite direction. This autonomous vehicle could extricate itself from the most difficult situations, such as a dead-end roads or congested car parks, as well as performing many drivers’ least-favourite manoeuvre – the three-point turn in a busy street or car park.
The system uses sensors to assess available space and to avoid pedestrians, vehicles and other objects. The system takes over gear selection, steering, braking and acceleration to make as many forward and backwards movements as necessary to achieve the manoeuvre.
The research team is working on a system to scan the environment around the vehicle and inform the driver whether it is safe to perform the turning manoeuvre. The driver then confirms the manoeuvre and the vehicle would move forward until its path is blocked. It then selects reverse and uses the steering, throttle and brakes to do the same again. It repeats this as many times as required until it is facing in the opposite direction.
Dr Wolfgang Epple, Director of Research and Technology, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “Getting a car out of a tricky parking manoeuvre can be a stressful experience for any driver. A Remote Control car, or a vehicle that can autonomously turn in the road, demonstrates how we could use these new technologies to reduce the tedious parts of driving and improve road safety.
Jaguar Land Rover’s vision is to offer a choice of an engaged or autonomous drive. This means the vehicle will be able to drive itself if the driver chooses, or offer systems that can be adjusted for a more engaging and involved drive.
“Because our customers drive in all terrains and in all weathers, any future autonomous Jaguar or Land Rover must be as capable on rough tracks and unpaved roads as it would be on city streets,” added Dr Epple.
Jaguar Land Rover has an advanced research programme underway to enhance the car’s sensing capability. This project is developing a range of sophisticated sensors to make autonomous cars viable in a range of driving environments and weather conditions.
Creating a car capable of functioning autonomously in all situations requires a fusion of sensors with different attributes including radar, LIDAR, cameras, ultrasonics and structured light technology. Each of these is needed to enable an autonomous car to function in the real world and to ensure the car can make safe and accurate decisions anywhere.
"We are not planning to take any path cleared by anybody but rather create a path and leave a trail for others to follow."
This sentence was one of the numerous sentences contained in our introductory blog post. We at Motoring Nigeria are determined trailblazers who live by our word through dedication in bringing you the best of innovations there is in the Automotive industry. This we have started through the creation of our new story series named ROADKILL, Yes! we're making history.
So while most people think RoadKill is a racing event to be organized by Motoring Nigeria, some think it's a competition which in a way involves killing of animals on the highway. Well I'm proud to announce to you that it is niether of these two but the very first Racing story series in Nigeria. The first season of RoadKill will have 15 episodes to be released every weekend (saturday). Without saying much, read the summary and the first Episode and don't forget to drop your comments.
DSS undercover agent functioning as Lagos governor's driver Timi Andrews and his girlfriend Bridget, the governor's only daughter flees from Lagos state to escape harm from the senate president who wants to use her as a means to get back to the governor. Timi's last mission was to take Bridget to US but he quits his job instead and they both relocate to Abuja to fulfil his long suppressed passion; Racing. Together, they both attempt to challenge and conquer the chaotic underground racing world from the very bottom amidst powerful opponents and back stabbers. Will they be successful or will their past come back to haunt them.
RoadKill by Motoring Nigeria is an intense, action packed racing story series, the first of its kind in Nigeria. It gives you weekly episodes of an adrenaline pumping experience with a sweet touch of romance.
Written by Adeboye George of Motoring Nigeria.
It was dark, the brightness of the moon lit the race yard, as the racers liked to call it. Cars filled everywhere, there was a bonfire not far away. The crackling flames added some luminescence to the vicinity. Timi Andrews was comfortably seated on the hood of his car, enjoying the cool night breeze blowing across his face. A tall beautiful lady with long black hair approached him.
"Feeling uneasy Timi?" She asked, a tiny smile appearing on her lips. "Nah, I'm cool. Spent the past two weeks preparing for this race. Can't afford to mess up my debut now can I?" Bridget smiled. "I guess not. I still can't believe my dad gave you that race car," she said.
Timi arched his eye brows. He stared at his car for a minute-a grey 370 horsepower Dodge Charger with a V8 engine. Yeah, it's a bit cheap, but it beat anything Timi could have afforded himself. "Yeah, she's a beauty ain't she?" Timi retorted.
"You know Timi, you've got to quit with the feminine car thing. You are making me feel like I'm competing with it. Timi gave a hearty laugh. "I'm serious Timi. The car's a 'it', not a 'she'. Get that into that thick skull of yours." Timi nodded, "Yes ma'am." Just then, Timi noticed a sudden sullen expression come over his girlfriend. "What's wrong?" Bridget sighed. "Nothing. Just, thinking about my father." "I know. I feel bad too Bridget. But it's better this way, better no one knows you are here." Timi was going to say something else, but the appearance of his crew mates, Idris and Aisha stopped him.
" I hope I'm not interrupting, but it's time to go. Race starts in a few minutes." ID said. Idris Hassan was a tall one-six feet, three inches-and he was still growing taller. He had very dark skin, and corresponding dark hair. Everyone in the racing underworld knew him as ID. His sister was considerably shorter. Aisha stood at five feet, four inches, and like her brother, had smooth dark skin. Timi slid down the hood of his car. "Let's go, it's about time."
That night, Aisha was going to seat the race out, while Timi and ID raced. Timi had just joined the crew. The whole racing stuff was still pretty new to him. This was going to be his first race, but he was quite confident for a first timer. Granted, he already knew how to drive, but this racing stuff was pretty darn scary. Driving at insane speeds for long stretches of time, wasn't something one did every day. ID's blue Nissan Skyline was parked right beside his. Seconds later, ID and Timi were headed to the start line. Aisha and Bridget remained where they were. At the start line, ID and Timi's vehicles were fixed with GoPro cameras, as were the cars of the other racers. The cameras were mounted at the top left corner of each car's windshield. That way, the people could watch the race on big screens mounted on platforms around the race yard. There were eight cars on the line up, two for each crew taking part in the race. Behind the eight vehicles partaking in the race were dozens of other cars- spectators, usually made up of racers who weren't racing that night. They took their seats on the hoods, trunks or on top of their cars. Anywhere to be able to see the big screens clearly.
On Timi's right was a black 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T with double red coloured racing stripes by the sides. On his left, an all red 2012 Ford Focus RS. The driver of the Ford Focus- a lady, winked at him. Timi rolled his eyes, this race was his even before it began. Then, he heard the countdown. Three...two...one...and the slim girl a few feet away, standing at the centre of the road brought down her flag. At once, all the cars skidded to a start, the combined noise of the roaring engines cut through the air. The slim girl held her breath as car after car sped past her like stray bullets. The Ford Focus quickly took the lead, shooting forward in a red blur. A green Hyundai Veloster Turbo was hot on its tail though. It too zooming away in a streak of its own. ID's Nissan Skyline was in third spot. ID chased speedily after the two cars ahead of him. The road contorted into a twist, and ID, seizing this opportunity further increased his speed. He dangerously overtook the Hyundai at the next bend, slightly brushing its side. Timi on the other hand was having a rather difficult time, barely managing to stay ahead of the black Nissan 35OZ behind him, which was in eighth place. At the speeds the other drivers were going, Timi could have sworn they were on something. He felt like a car chasing after speed boats. He eyed his speedometer- 110 km/h and he was still at seventh. He pressed harder on the accelerator, and approaching the next twist at high speed, he darted past the white Lexus IS 350 in front of him, scraping the Lexus' side mirror. "Sorry, my bad," Timi muttered as he sped on. Now in sixth place, Timi breathed a sigh of relief, but it was short lived. For at the next corner, both the Lexus and Nissan rushed past him, forcing him into the eighth place. "Damn it!" Timi exclaimed as he pursued them. ID had maintained his second place for minutes now. He was trying not to get unnerved by the Hyundai coming in closely behind him. Cruising at over a 160 km/h, he didn't want to lose control of his car. He was getting nearer to the Ford Focus now. He just had to stay on her. The road led into the main street, and the racers had to get past other cars without smashing into them. It was this part of the race that made the whole thing harder-and more interesting. As the Ford Focus darted past a 2013 Mercedes Benz E-350, quickly followed by ID's Nissan Skyline, and then a black Dodge Challenger, the little boy in the E-350 exclaimed to his mom, "Whoa! Mom, when I grow up, I'm going to drive that fast!" The mother quickly reproached her precocious son. "Not on my watch!" She had replied. These racers were a bad influence, she thought.
The road led to a ramp next, and all the race cars, one after the other, leapt into the air, the moonlight making them into fascinating levitating silhouettes. But the going down part wasn't as graceful, as each driver had to brace for impact as he hit the ground. They reached the last bend. ID navigated a perfect turn at this corner, overtaking the Ford Focus at last. He gave her a tongue in his mind. Now all he had to do was keep the lead for five more minutes, and the race would be his. Meanwhile, Timi had just whizzed his way past into sixth place again. His eyes were locked unto the BMW 1 Series M Coup in front. Mounting his feet harder on the throttle pedal, Timi soon sped past the car, breaking into fifth place. He navigated the last bend too, and he knew this last leg of the race would determine his position. Now at 125km/h and rising, Timi shot forward, hoping to get past Hyundai Veloster Turbo which had currently fallen from second place to fourth place. Timi kept edging closer and closer, his speed rising furiously, even though it was the last quarter of the race.
ID finally sped past the finish line, causing a roar of applause as he entered back where the race started. The Ford Focus came in second, Dodge Challenger R/T third. Timi finished in fourth place after managing to out speed Hyundai Veloster Turbo. The BMW came in sixth, the Lexus seventh and the Nissan 35OZ finished last. The crowd went wild after the race concluded, that was all for the night.
We have more goodies in the works for you but for now, just enjoy the ROADKILL series!! Thanks for reading.
The new 2016 BMW X1, described by the company as a sports activity vehicle, is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in Fall 2015. At launch the car will be offered with a 2-liter turbocharged I-4 engine.
BMW has redesigned the X1 to offer more space, comfort, functionality and safety while retaining the family look, with the redesigned SUV sporting a number of exterior design elements seen onthe new X5. The new X1 features BMW's latest design language, replacing the rounded shapes of the first-generation vehicle with more angular elements. Overall, the car has grown by 1.7 inches in height while keeping the basic proportions, wide track, low center of gravity and the short overhangs of the first-generation model.
Powering the new X1 xDrive28i will be an all-new 2.0-liter four-cylinder TwinPower turbo engine equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger, Valvetronic fully variable valve-lift, Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing, and direct injection. This unit will be the only engine offered on the new X1 at launch, and will produce 228 hp at 5,000 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque between 1,250 rpm and 4,500 rpm, sending power to all four wheels. BMW says that this new powerplant will make the new X1 the most powerful entry model in its segment, offering sprints to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. The new engine uses a forged steel crankshaft with an integrated balance shaftdrive, an aluminum crankcase and cylinderhead, friction-reduced cylinder coatings and forged connecting rods.
BMW has also redesigned the transmissionin the new X1, with the second-generation compact SUV set to feature a new eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission featuring a wide gear spread designed to keep revs lower at higher speeds, which should help fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
BMW has updated the xDrive all-wheel drive system in the new X1, allowing it to send up to 100 percent of the engine power to the rear wheels by way of a multi-plate clutch that controls longitudinal torque distribution. Dynamic Stability Control makes torque distribution decisionsin fractions of a second based on the vehicle's speed, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, pitch, accelerator, position and steering lock. BMW says it has been able to cut powertrain losses by 30 percent compared to the xDrive system in the outgoing version of the X1, while reducing the system's overall weight. BMW has completely redesigned the chassis on the company'snew front-wheel-drive platform, reducing the weight and increasing the rigidity of the front axle through the use of high strength steel in components such as control arms and axle carriers.
When it comes to cockpit technology, the new X1 will offer the newest BMW head updisplay system which will project driving-related information including map graphics. The main screen in the X1 will be an optional 6.5 inch infotainment and navigation screen that will offer BMW Apps, real time traffic information, and BMW remote services. A larger 8.8-inch control display will also be on the menu, paired with a touchpad controller and an instrument cluster screen with supplementary features.
The X1 will be available with the optional M Sport package which will join the menu later in the year, offering a sport automatic transmission that will provide quicker shifts, as well as other M Sport bits like a tuned suspension, steering wheel-mountedpaddle shifters, an M Sport steering wheel and sport seats.
Complete pricing details and exact on-sale dates for the new X1 will be revealed closer to the model's launch.
BMW is finally pulling the wraps off its sixth-generation7 Series. The flagship boasts a ton of improvements for 2016, including a smattering of onboard tech and weight reduction of 190 pounds.
The luxury saloon gets an evolutionary look and a host of new technology to take the fight to the current Mercedes S-Class. The overall design appears similar in execution to the older model, but the front-end receives a larger kidney grille and new LED headlamps that stretch towards it. The side profile is near-identical to before, bar an L-shaped chrome strip that runs the length of the bottom of the doors.
The 7 Series uses a new internal structure called Carbon Core. Derived from thei sub-brand, Carbon Core uses a mix of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic and ultra-high-tensile steel for the 7's major structural components. It's largely responsible for the 190-pound weight reduction, along with the aluminum doors and trunk lid. The weight savings has allowed BMW to maintain a fifty-fifty weight distribution.
That new structure underpins the largest sedan BMW has ever produced. At 206.6 inches in total, the long-wheelbase-only 7 Series is over an inch longer than its predecessor. Its 124.6-inch wheelbase and 74.9-inch width, though, remain unchanged. Even with such a modest increase in size, BMW is claiming best-in-class rear legroom, at 44.4 inches – a tenth of an inch more than the current 7. Unlike the old car, though, this new 7 Series gets with the times in terms of chauffeur equipment. The front passenger seat can be slid forward and folded, allowing a lucky rear passenger to take advantage of the new pop-out footrest and optional 42.5-degree seat incline, available as part of the Rear Executive Lounge Seating Package.
Three engines will be available from launch in Europe; a 261bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine in the 730d, a 321bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol in the 740i and a 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 with 445 hp on tap in the 750i xDrive...Who doesn't love the sound of horse powers n cylinders!
Joining the 740i and 750i is the new 740e xDrive. The plug-in-hybrid sedan is motivated by a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder and an electric motor, and is capable of 23 miles per charge and speeds of up to 75 miles per hour in pure electric mode.
Tthere's no shortage of tech on the latest 7 Series. While we're familiar with some items, like active grille shutters and BMW's Air Breather system, it's items like the gesture-control-equipped iDrive 5.0 that pique our interest. Alongside the new and standard touchscreen, iDrive now adds a number of 3D sensors that respond to pre-programed hand motions. BMW doesn't say much about the oversized key fob, which is rumored to be able to park the car without a driver in the car, anyway you'll never know until you try.
number of unscheduled pit stops.
The Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg dominated Friday morning’s opening practice for the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada 2015, the world champion heading his team mate by 0.415s around Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Their nearest rival was Lotus’s Romain Grosjean, the Frenchman finishing 1.5s down on Hamilton’s benchmark, and from there on the times were very tight, with around a second covering the next ten drivers.
As ever at the start of the Canadian weekend, there were plenty of off-track moments as drivers explored the limits of the somewhat green track surface, with Hamilton, Toro Rosso’s Carlos Sainz and Williams’ Valtteri Bottas all surviving spins.
Hamilton's was perhaps the most dramatic, as he spun in the hairpin just as Rosberg arrived at the same corner. The two Mercedes were momentarily face-to-face, before the Briton took to the run-off area and spin-turned his Mercedes and waited to rejoin.
At that stage he was just 0.019s ahead of Rosberg, but his response to that error was to increase his margin to 0.415s even though he complained that he was losing time with lazy upshifts.
Hamilton's improvement left him on 1m 16.212s to Rosberg's 1m 16.627s, and in a worrying development for the non-Mercedes runners, the best of the rest in the wake of the Silver Arrows was Romain Grosjean's Lotus on 1m 17.721s, 1.5s down on Hamilton. Adding fuel to that particular fire, Nico Hulkenberg guided his Force India round 1m 17.871s for fourth. It's not yet clear whether Ferrari are using their upgraded engine, and Sebastian Vettel didn't do a lot of laps early on his way to fifth fastest time of 1m 17.905s which left him just ahead of Williams' Felipe Massa on 1m 17.985s.
As expected, Renault were struggling on the long straights and their best runner wasRed Bull's Daniil Kvyat in seventh on 1m 18.021s, which was fractionally quicker than Pastor Maldonado went in his Lotus as it stopped the clocks with 1m 18.026s.
Honda are running their uprated motor, and Fernando Alonso looked respectable inninth on 1m 18.128s. Team mate Jenson Button however was initially troubled by a gearbox that stuck in second. The Briton didn't get going for the first 45 minutes, and ended up 15th on 1m 18.786s.
In between the two McLarens, Max Verstappen showed that his Monaco shunt hasn't had any effect on his speed as he took his Toro Rosso to 10th with 1m 18.257s. On top of his spin, team mate Carlos Sainz also struggled with poor engine driveability, and stopped at the end of the pit lane briefly when his car refused to disengage a gear, forcing his Toro Rosso crew to wheel him back to the garage. The Spaniard wound up 17th, on 1m 19.065s.
Valtteri Bottas finished down in 11th for Williams with 1m 18.325s, ahead of compatriot Kimi Raikkonen, who was 12th for Ferrari on 1m 18.439s. The top 14 was completed by Sergio Perez's Force India on1m 18.503s and Daniel Ricciardo's Red Bullon 1m 18.775s.
Behind Button, Felipe Nasr was Sauber's faster runner on 1m 18.948s, while behind Sainz, Marcus Ericsson managed 1m 19.165s in the second C34. The Marussias were very closely matched, as Roberto Merhi headed Will Stevens with 1m 20.616s to 1m 20.624s.
Nissan has celebrated the opening of a new state-of-the-art dealership in Victoria Island, Lagos with the promise to increase its market share to 13 per cent this financial year. The ultra-modern Nissan showroom is the first of its kind in the country, boasting three floor showroom. The new Victoria Island showroom brings to 11 the number of Nissan dealerships in Nigeria, a demonstration of Nissan’s commitment to increase brand visibility in Africa’s most populous country.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Mike |Whitefield, Managing Director, Nissan South Africa and President Nissan’s Africa Region South business unit incorporating markets in sub-Sahara Africa said that “Nigeria is one of the most important markets in their Africa Growth strategy, part of which is a strong Nissan dealer network.
Continuing he said “We are delighted to attend the opening of the Victoria Island dealership, offering a customer experience in keeping with our ‘Innovation that Excites’ brand promise.” “We intend to increase our market share to13% during the current financial year, driven mainly by sales in the pickup segment,” Whitfield added.
Also in his speech, Mr Jim Dando, General Manager, Sub-Sahara Region, Nissan South Africa – Africa Region South applauded Nigeria’s new automotive policy saying: “This policy will form the basis on which major manufacturers will invest in manufacturing plants and local equipment manufacturing. ”He disclosed that Stallion has moved their market share from 4% to more than 10% in the last fiscal year adding, “We worked side by side to achieve this goal and within Nissan we have a strong desire to contribute to rebuilding industrialisation in Nigeria and be contributors to the growth of the manufacturing sector.
In his remark, Stallion NMN managing director Mr Parvir Singh described the new 3S facility as “futuristic”, and unparallelled in Nigeria.“Our Victoria Island dealership meets the standards of Nissan’s global corporate identity, currently being rolled out across the Nissan dealership network worldwide,”said Singh. The 3S (sales, service and spares) facility, occupying 900 square metres, features a canteen, quick service facility, conference room and upper floor display area showcasing Nissan’s range of locally-produced and imported passenger, sports utility vehicle, crossover and light commercial vehicles. They include the popular Nissan Almera, Qashqai and NV350 Urvan, as well as a new offering from the United States, the D40 Frontier.
An expanded dealership network in Nigeria is another indication of Nissan’s commitment to the country and the West African region. It follows the establishment in 2013 of a Lagos-based assembly plant inpartnership with the Stallion Group. The plant, which produces an average of 200 units a month, assembles the Nissan Patrol, Almera and NP300 for the local market.
It will shortly start production of the Urvan E26 light commercial vehicle. Nissan’s Africa Growth strategy drives Nissan’s ambition to become a leading automotive brand on the continent. Nissan is aiming for an overall 10% market share by 2017, supported by sales of 200,000 units.