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Lasers might replace spark plugs in petrol engines to improve their efficiency, thanks to a team of Japan-based researchers. Compared with conventional spark plugs, which ignite the air/fuel mixture and create a flame front that spreads throughout the combustion chamber to force the piston downwards, laser beams can be accurately focused to start the combustion at the most … [Read more...] about Spark ignition: a plug for laser beams

Tyremaker Bridgestone is looking at using a plant native to the southwestern United States as a renewable source of high quality natural rubber. The perennial guayule shrub (pronounced why-u-lee) produces natural rubber in its bark and roots that is almost identical to the rubber from hevea trees, the primary source of rubber for tyres. Bridgestone and its partners are … [Read more...] about Bridgestone: tyre rubber from desert shrub

Cars will need safety system Autobrake to get a five-star Euro NCAP rating from next year. And the Australian New Car Assessment Programme – to which New Zealand transport bodies are party – is almost certain to adopt the Autobrake requirement for its five-star rating. The safety system – officially known as autonomous emergency braking – uses sensors to detect an … [Read more...] about Brake system a safety rating ‘must’

Technology that has widely been used by the US military in combat is now helping Ford make the interiors of its cars more energy-efficient and quieter. The carmaker says its engineers are using thermal imaging to zero in on areas of the vehicle that may be leaking air from the cabin. The technology enables it to target ways to cut wind noise in transit and energy loss in the … [Read more...] about Thermal images show up ‘leaky’ cars