KIA Motors unveiled a 'Transformer' real car

While flipping through the pages of social media, we stumbled upon an interesting video of a Transformer car in real. This is not a video uploaded by users about their home grown experiment, this is a video from the São Paulo International Motor Show 2010 held in Latin America. 

KIA Motors put up a fantastic show at the said event with their SUV, Mohave aka Borrego transformed into ROBOKIA. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1Zcov2)

Korean carmaker, KIA Motors put up a fantastic show at the said event with their SUV, Mohave aka Borrego. Now, how fantastic can a SUV with that name be you may ask, here is what happened.

KIA Motors managed to pull the crowd to their event pavilion and started the show. Initially it seemed to be a normal SUV standing on the deck for visitors to glance at. And as the crowd thought that was it, music, smoke and lights grabbed the attention of the onlookers. 

KIA Motors unveils live Transformer car named 'Robokia'. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1Zcov2)

The Mohave SUV they thought was a showcased car, was in fact KIA’s gimmick for the show. In just a few seconds after the music uplifted the atmosphere, the SUV stood up! And by ‘stood up’ we mean, it actually got on its feet. The Mohave took at stance as a robot for a while and then got back on its four. KIA Motors dubbed the transforming SUV as the ROBOKIA and also wore a nameplate of the same.

The ROBOKIA of the show was a specially built Mohave that could pull of the transformer trick. Following the São Paulo International Motor Show, the ROBOKIA made various special appearances across many auto shows.
Well the transformation is not as astounding as we have seen in a series of movies based on the robo-aliens, but it definitely is a good attempt by the automaker for their marketing strategy. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FREEPRESSJOURNAL]

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Electronic skin soon will be provide the biometric data

Japanese researchers are testing the electronic skin called e-skin, which later could be used to keep track of the biomedical data. In an article published in the journal Science Advances, a team of researchers from the University of Tokyo said that the layer of "ultra thin, ultra resilient" which are being developed by them will allow the functions such as blood oxygen levels and heart rate displayed electronically through light emitting diodes mounted on the e-skin.

Japanese researchers have developed an e-skin that could one day revolutionize electronics, particularly biometric tracking. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZcwjQ)

The thickness of e-skin was only two micrometers and consists of the layers of silicon oxynitride and parylene. According to the researchers, the special electrodes are inserted between the layers so as to enable them to include polymer light emitting diodes and organic photodetectors for the skin. The diodes are more thinner 10 times than the human hair was so efficient because not much need of electric power and generate less heat.

"The advent of mobile phones has changed the way we communicate. While these communication tools are getting smaller and smaller, they are still discreet devices that we have to carry with us," said Takao Someya of the University of Tokyo's Graduate School of Engineering. "What would the world be like if we had displays that could adhere to our bodies and even show our emotions or level of stress or unease? In addition to not having to carry a device with us at all times, they might enhance the way we interact with those around us or add a whole new dimension to how we communicate.".

The research team said that the development of promising technologies that can be used. This is not the first e-skin, but the researchers said the new e-skin is more durable and comfortable to wear because it is very thin and pliable. The e-skin also does not allow oxygen and water evaporated to operate electronics thereby increasing The e-skin also does not allow oxygen and water evaporated to operate electronics thereby increasing  the device's potential lifetime from "a few hours" into "several days." *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | VOA NEWS]

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BMW is preparing a challenger to the XDiavel

BMW Motorrad reportedly preparing the latest cruiser motorcycle. Reportedly, the motorcycle was ready to challenge the Ducati XDiavel. As reported by the Asphalt and Rubber on Saturday, April 23, 2016, that the news about the cruiser motorcycle from BMW is stuck after a German magazine, Motorrad reported that BMW will challenge the Ducati XDiavel. 

A rendering image of the latest BMW cruiser as an XDiavel killer. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZqKOf)

It was certainly not the first time BMW offers the cruiser motorcycle after the German renowned automotive manufacturer has launched the BMW R1200C. Asphalt and Rubber also predicted that the latest BMW cruiser motorcycle maybe carry a boxer-twin engine or the inline-four from the S-series, or the inline-six cylinder engine found on the larger K-series models.

The slightly odd looking BMW R1200C of the 90s. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZqKOf)

As we all knew, BMW Motorrad some time ago has also introduced a bagger concept built around the K1600 progeny, called the BMW Concept 101. If the challenger of Ducati XDiavel in question is the result of the production of the Concept 101 and carries the boxer engine, then the bikes will get many attention of the world's two-wheeled vehicles enthusiasts.

The recently introduced BMW Concept 101 bagger – based on the K1600 cruiser. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZqKOf)

So when will we be seeing such a stunning machine from Munich? A concept debut at EICMA this year sounds fitting. But, this is still an estimation and from the rumors, stating that BMW did not ensure the news about the challenger of Ducati XDiavel. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ASPHALT AND RUBBER | BIKEREPUBLIC.COM | BIKETRADER]

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Is this the roofless variant of Chiron?

Bugatti has unveiled the latest hypercar Chiron some time ago. It’s time to see how the future Grand Sport open-top version of the Bugatti Chiron could look like thanks to a new rendering by Theophilus Chin.

As quoted of Worldcarfans, Bugatti has received a lot of orders and current limiting the Chiron production no more than 500 units. The delivery of the first phase will begin next October with the number of 350 units.

Bugatti Chiron Grand Sport rendering image bty Theophilus Chin. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZevoL)

Reflecting on the previous Veyron, we assumed that Bugatti also prepared a Grand Sport variant with the open roof model. Especially for this special models, Bugatti preparing a separate quota as much as 65 units per year. Seeing the fact then the signal leads to the Chiron will get a version of the Grand Sport. And this targa version will be launched in 2018.

That's what Theophilus Chin is trying to preview in his newest rendering attached here. He calls his project the "world’s meanest, craziest, and faster hair dryer," which makes us wondering how fast the Chiron Grand Sport could actually be.

Just as a reminder, its predecessor was able to reach 224 miles per hour (360 kilometers per hour) with the roof down and 253 mph (407 km/h) with the roof up, so we expect these numbers to be slightly increased for the Chiron.

As we all knew, Chiron is equiped a W16 engine that has a capacity of 8.0 liter with four turbochargers. The engine can spew out a maximum power of 1,500 hp and 1,600 Nm of torque. The ability of the car on the paper is said to be able to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than 2.5 seconds and capable lauched up to a maximum speed of 420 km/h.. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | THEOPHILUSCHIN | WORLDCARFANS]

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Is it true Suzuki will launch a turbocharged motorcycle?

Suzuki returned to draw attention to the world automotive enthusiasts after the patent sketches of their latest motorcycles circulating in cyberspace. From these patent drawings, allegedly the motorcycle is a GSX-R family series. However, there are important news of this latest patent sketches. Yes, Suzuki apparently also pinned the turbo device on the motorcycle.

As reported by Autoevolution on Monday, April 25, 2016, with the released of the patent sketches, of course the rumors that widely discussed about the latest figure of Suzuki motorcycle have been answered. In addition to Suzuki GSX-R turbocharger, also the previous rumors of a turbocharged Hayabusa.

The Suzuki's patent drawings, allegedly the motorcycle is a GSX-R family series. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZoRlh)

However, as a motorcycle manufacturer Suzuki did not confirm the issue, because Suzuki was sure not yet time to reveal their next sport bikes. But if viewed carefully the patents sketches, there is an indication of a turbocharged engine will be mounted on the Hayabusa series have been undisputed because the new sketches was turned out to be similar to the Suzuki GSX-R750 and GSX-R1000.

Here are several patent sketches of Suzuki's new motorcycle. (All pictures taken from: http://adf.ly/1ZoRlh)

Although it's difficult to say how much realistic the Suzuki was, to be launching the motorcycle in the near future, but of a reliable source stated that the motorcycles will be on display in this year. Possibly, the newest Suzuki motorcycles will be exhibited at the Intermot event or upcoming EICMA.

It's not the first time when Suzuki and turbochargers are in the same sentence, especially considering that Hamamatsu unveiled the Recursion 600 cc forced-induction concept years ago. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZoSl4)

Suzuki somewhat daring to step forward in the making of turbocharged motorcycles models after Kawasaki that have already spawned two Ninja supercharged models, ie the H2 and H2R which are very shocking the motorcycle industry. The motorcycles come with a 998 cc engine capacity, but has double power than the motorcycles in the same class.

After Kawasaki spawned the two motorcycles mentioned above, the public and manufacturers today is seeing if there is the potential and the benefits to be gained from the motorcycle which is equipped with a turbocharger. Moreover, with stringent emission regulations in a few years in a number of countries, would make the motorcycle manufacturers were forced to find a surefire method to maintain the strength and character of their engines and shall comply with the pollution standards.

That's what causes the Supercharging and Turbocharging will now be considered as a new refresher that will offer the savagery of power while remaining environmentally friendly. The trend is predicted to continue prevails in the future. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION]

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The rise of the mountain's more horrible than the nuclear threat?

It turns out there is more terrible than the North Korean nuclear threat, which is a force of nature. The international team is now researching Mount Paektu, which is located in the North Korean border with China.

Last eruption of Mt. Paektu happened thousands of years ago and the second largest in recorded in the human history, after the eruption of Mt. Tambora in Indonesia in 1815. In recent years the volcano showed signs of rise. If that happens, the consequences could be catastrophic.

Mount Paektu, on North Korea’s border with China. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZercQ)

"If until the eruption happens, the impact will be felt by Korea and China," said James Hammond, one of the scientists of University of London who involved in the study, as quoted on the New Scientist on Monday, April 18, 2016.

In 946 AD, the eruption of Mt. Paektu is the highest mountain in the Korea, threw about 96 cubic kilometers of material into the sky. The number is 30 times that of a burst of material from Mt. Vesuvius that buried the city of Pompeii in 79 AD. At that time Mt. Vesuvius throws 3.3 cubic kilometers of material.

Although the size and impact of the eruption is enormous, but little information is known about the mountain that is considered 'sacred'. Why is sacred? North Korean leader Kim Jong-il (Kim Jong-un's father) touted was born in the secret camp near Mt. Paektu. That said, his birth was full of the supernatural signs like appearance of bright stars, the season suddenly changed from winter to spring. The founder of North Korea, as well as lifetime president Kim Il-sung also reportedly born in the mountain.

Need cooperation across the country to uncover the mystery of Mt. Paektu. The researchers of western countries was involved in the study, because the North Korean investigation team, led by Ri Kyong-song of the government’s Earthquake Administration in Pyongyang, requires access to extra scientific equipment and know-how.

The China volcanologist who also monitors the mountain that they call as Changbaishan, also require information from the Korean side. Both the China and North Korea are continuing to monitor Mt. Paektu more closely since the mysterious bulge visible in and around the mountain between 2002 and 2005. The GPS study shows there are the ground deformation, increasing of emission gases, and seismic rumble.

The mysterious bulge visible in and around the mountain between 2002 and 2005. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZercQ)

"It is a priority for both countries. Both have volcano monitoring networks, to keep watch over Mt. Paektu," said Hammond.

Hammond and other researchers from Western countries who were invited to North Korea in 2011, to install six seismometers within 60 kilometers from the mountain -- to detect seismic waves from earthquakes elsewhere in the world through the ground beneath Mt. Paektu.

The seismic waves propagate at different speeds through rock solid and liquid, giving information to the scientists on related what was on the bottom of the mountain. The results show that there is a vast magma beneath the volcano. "It's a mushy mixture of rocks and crystals that melt down through the crust in the depth of about 35 kilometers," says Hammond.

Yet there is no liquid magma pools that form near the surface -- which can be considered as the early symptoms of the eruption. And the researchers should continue to answer many questions about Mt. Paektu, such as where is magma pools formed, how much, and what the implications are.

In 946 AD, the eruption of Mount Paektu, Korea’s highest mountain, blasted 96 cubic kilometres of debris into the sky. (Picture from: http://adf.ly/1ZercQ)

"When the amount of magma reached a certain point with the appropriate pressure, then the volcano may erupt," said Hammond. Until now, researchers have not been sure how much magma accumulated up to Mt. Paektu could erupt.

That's why, Hammond says, the collaboration will continue for some time. "We will discuss what we will do during the next 12 months, and long-term for 5 to 10 years into the future," he said further. After many years of working together, both teams should know each other well, talking about the geology through a translator. There is no political content at all, solely to science.

"There is no political element at all. We are working together to understand a huge volcano. The fact we are entering into a dialogue is a good example that science transcend political differences," said Hammond.

Even Ri Kyong-song spent about a month in the UK completed the study results and draft for publication. North Korea intends to open the door for scientists, through an agency called Piintec. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | NEWSCIENTIST]

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