Have a nice XMAS Holidays
Dave
A NEW CONTEST 4 U (NVIDIA)
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Light Design?
An official document that describes how the emerging LED lighting technology has affected the design of the recent Audi models, becoming an important styling element, and how LEDs will change the vehicle's lighting concept in the next future.
Five years ago, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Audi presented the Pikes Peak quattro concept study.
This SUV, which provided the inspiration for today’s Audi Q7, had the world’s first fog lights equipped with high-performance light-emitting diodes.
Integrated into the broad bumper as striking strips of light, the fog lights were also aesthetically pleasing and very popular with the public. Soon thereafter, the 12-cylinder Audi A8 went into series production as the world’s first vehicle with LED daytime running lights.
Today all new Audi models are recognizable at a glance thanks to LED daytime running lights, not only during the day but also at night.
Each Audi has its own personality in terms of lighting: the Audi A4 has a sweeping light strip which expresses elegance, while that of the Audi R8 radiates strength and dominance.
Five years ago, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Audi presented the Pikes Peak quattro concept study.
This SUV, which provided the inspiration for today’s Audi Q7, had the world’s first fog lights equipped with high-performance light-emitting diodes.
Integrated into the broad bumper as striking strips of light, the fog lights were also aesthetically pleasing and very popular with the public. Soon thereafter, the 12-cylinder Audi A8 went into series production as the world’s first vehicle with LED daytime running lights.
Today all new Audi models are recognizable at a glance thanks to LED daytime running lights, not only during the day but also at night.
Each Audi has its own personality in terms of lighting: the Audi A4 has a sweeping light strip which expresses elegance, while that of the Audi R8 radiates strength and dominance.
The LED technology
A light-emitting diode, or LED, is a semiconductor device – just a square millimeter in size – which can convert electrical energy directly into light with a very high efficiency.
A light-emitting diode, or LED, is a semiconductor device – just a square millimeter in size – which can convert electrical energy directly into light with a very high efficiency.
The first LED headlights introduced with the Pikes Peak concept generated 18 lumens per watt.
For the sake of comparison, an ordinary household light bulb generates about 20 to 25 lumens per watt. A modern passenger vehicle’s xenon headlights, on the other hand, are very energy-efficient and create some 80 lumens per watt.
For the sake of comparison, an ordinary household light bulb generates about 20 to 25 lumens per watt. A modern passenger vehicle’s xenon headlights, on the other hand, are very energy-efficient and create some 80 lumens per watt.
The next generation of white high-performance LEDs will hit the market next year with 100 lumens per watt, thus surpassing the efficiency of xenon lights for the first time.
Today’s xenon and LED headlights are four times more energyefficient than halogen headlights.
By 2018, LED technology should be about eight times more efficient than halogen light. In addition, LEDs excel due to their practically indefinite service life and react up to ten times more quickly than traditional incandescent bulbs.
“Light-emitting diodes are similar to computer chips. Every two years there’s an increase in output of about 30 percent,” explains Berlitz, “and we’ll soon be able to create so much light with LEDs that entirely new applications will become possible.”
Today’s xenon and LED headlights are four times more energyefficient than halogen headlights.
By 2018, LED technology should be about eight times more efficient than halogen light. In addition, LEDs excel due to their practically indefinite service life and react up to ten times more quickly than traditional incandescent bulbs.
“Light-emitting diodes are similar to computer chips. Every two years there’s an increase in output of about 30 percent,” explains Berlitz, “and we’ll soon be able to create so much light with LEDs that entirely new applications will become possible.”
Digital light, as Berlitz calls this new light technology, can be made more or less bright electronically and precisely adapted to a driver’s needs. Audi developers are convinced that future generations of headlights will react to weather conditions, a vehicle’s speed, the distance between vehicles, and potentially dangerous objects.
Developers tightly bundle several light-emitting diodes to create modules known as LED arrays.
These arrays are extremely flat, very compact and require much less space than conventional light sources such as halogen bulbs or xenon burners.
Because of this, and thanks to reflectors as well as sophisticated electronic controls, it is possible to realize very complex lighting functions in the tightest of spaces. Cornering light, for example, has traditionally been executed via complex mechanical means in headlights.
Developers tightly bundle several light-emitting diodes to create modules known as LED arrays.
These arrays are extremely flat, very compact and require much less space than conventional light sources such as halogen bulbs or xenon burners.
Because of this, and thanks to reflectors as well as sophisticated electronic controls, it is possible to realize very complex lighting functions in the tightest of spaces. Cornering light, for example, has traditionally been executed via complex mechanical means in headlights.
Energy Efficiency
LEDs can also reduce a vehicle’s fuel consumption. Vehicles' conventional low-beam headlights, taillights, and license-plate illumination consume some 200 watts – which the alternator must constantly generate.
By comparison, a mere 15 watts is required to power the new Audi A4’s LED daytime running lights, that equates to a decrease of about 0.2 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers and about 4 grams fewer CO2 emissions per kilometer.
This advantage will be more and more evident when daytime running lights become mandatory in the European Union in May 2011.
By comparison, a mere 15 watts is required to power the new Audi A4’s LED daytime running lights, that equates to a decrease of about 0.2 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers and about 4 grams fewer CO2 emissions per kilometer.
This advantage will be more and more evident when daytime running lights become mandatory in the European Union in May 2011.
LED lights in design
The tiny light sources present designers with spectacular opportunities. Stefan Sielaff, Audi’s Head of Design, explains: “LEDs unlock the door to unrealized design possibilities for exterior design and interiors alike.”
For example, a number of lightemitting diodes can be combined to create various shapes, which can ultimately result in a distinctive visual appearance.
The taillights of the Audi A6 Avant are likely the best-known example of any tail end. These light-emitting diodes in a ring-shaped array have become every bit as instantly recognizable as the sweeping LED daytime running lights at the front end of the Audi A4.
Headlights naturally play a pivotal role in a vehicle’s light design. An appealing front end with one-of-a-kind lights makes a car as well as its personality and the brand recognizable at a glance.
Sielaff adds: “LED daytime running lights epitomize this fact. Every light design is different, yet there’s no mistaking that every single vehicle is an Audi.
"Our daytime running lights cemented the visible persona of Audi models on the road and hone our progressive, sporty design.”
Sielaff adds: “LED daytime running lights epitomize this fact. Every light design is different, yet there’s no mistaking that every single vehicle is an Audi.
"Our daytime running lights cemented the visible persona of Audi models on the road and hone our progressive, sporty design.”
Today different configurations of LED daytime running lights now permit distinct differences among the Audi models – even in the dark.
A strip of light can be designed to underscore a vehicle’s character, just as eyeliner emphasizes an eye. This fundamentally alters the body language of Audi models.
“The lighting configuration of yesteryear – the radiator grille along with the round lights – called to mind the face of a friendly bear,” notes André Georgi, Senior Designer of Lighting Systems.
“The LED daytime running lights for the A Series, e.g. on the A4 and A5, look determined, elegant, and dynamic.
"The lights on the Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 appear especially broad and powerful.
"And the LED daytime running lights on the R8 symbolize the horns of a bull charging full speed ahead, bursting with vigor and pride.”
A strip of light can be designed to underscore a vehicle’s character, just as eyeliner emphasizes an eye. This fundamentally alters the body language of Audi models.
“The lighting configuration of yesteryear – the radiator grille along with the round lights – called to mind the face of a friendly bear,” notes André Georgi, Senior Designer of Lighting Systems.
“The LED daytime running lights for the A Series, e.g. on the A4 and A5, look determined, elegant, and dynamic.
"The lights on the Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 appear especially broad and powerful.
"And the LED daytime running lights on the R8 symbolize the horns of a bull charging full speed ahead, bursting with vigor and pride.”
The Audi R8 is the spearhead of Audi’s light strategy and is optionally available with the world’s first all-LED headlights.
In addition to the daytime running lights, the turn signals as well as low-beam and high-beam headlights are all executed by means of light-emitting diodes.
Huhn explains: “A lot of people initially viewed this development as a mere marketing gimmick. Yet everyone who has seen these lights in action is not only astonished by the excellent output, but also thrilled with the homogenous distribution of light and the agreeable, daylight-esque color of the light."
In addition to the daytime running lights, the turn signals as well as low-beam and high-beam headlights are all executed by means of light-emitting diodes.
Huhn explains: “A lot of people initially viewed this development as a mere marketing gimmick. Yet everyone who has seen these lights in action is not only astonished by the excellent output, but also thrilled with the homogenous distribution of light and the agreeable, daylight-esque color of the light."
Audi’s light strategy also benefits from something quite different, namely a psychological phenomenon: “Bright light created by small, compact light sources is unpleasant for the human eye. The combination of headlights and LED daytime running lights enlarges the light source, thus eliminating a nuisance,” explains Georgi.
Ideas and visions
At Audi the design process is initiated by developing and defining a vehicle’s character. The light designers and engineers from Technical Development play a hands-on role in this process from the word go. For example, one of the engineers – fittingly nicknamed “The Bridge” by his colleagues – works right in the middle of the Design Department.
Conversely, a lot of the technically relevant headlight components are designed by Technical Development. This close rapport ensures that the departments confer with one another every day.
As a vehicle’s exterior takes shape, the proportions of the headlights and the taillights are defined. Georgi says: “It’s a truly intensive process for us to develop new headlights; every idea and every vision from Technical Development and Design come together.”
Conversely, a lot of the technically relevant headlight components are designed by Technical Development. This close rapport ensures that the departments confer with one another every day.
As a vehicle’s exterior takes shape, the proportions of the headlights and the taillights are defined. Georgi says: “It’s a truly intensive process for us to develop new headlights; every idea and every vision from Technical Development and Design come together.”
Audi’s light designers turn to industrial design and architecture when they require inspiration for new ideas.
In fact, more and more architects are integrating high-tech LEDs into their plans for new buildings, thus joining a worldwide shift toward energy-efficient lighting.
Experts forecast that LEDs, energy-efficient and maintenance-free sources of light, will also become the first choice for indoor lighting.
Experts forecast that LEDs, energy-efficient and maintenance-free sources of light, will also become the first choice for indoor lighting.
Another source of inspiration for light designers is nature.
“Nature often shows us the way, allowing us to learn just how simply and effectively processes can be executed," explains the light designer Georgi.
The most recent example of this is the taillights we developed for the Audi A1 Sportback Concept, which was inspired by the lattice structure of a dragonfly’s wing.
The design of the taillights impressively demonstrates the relative simplicity required to construct a very large, stable and light surface.
Georgi says: “With our bionic design, we transferred this constructional conception to the Audi A1 concept’s taillights, which needed to be lightweight because they are integrated in the tailgate.”
“Nature often shows us the way, allowing us to learn just how simply and effectively processes can be executed," explains the light designer Georgi.
The most recent example of this is the taillights we developed for the Audi A1 Sportback Concept, which was inspired by the lattice structure of a dragonfly’s wing.
The design of the taillights impressively demonstrates the relative simplicity required to construct a very large, stable and light surface.
Georgi says: “With our bionic design, we transferred this constructional conception to the Audi A1 concept’s taillights, which needed to be lightweight because they are integrated in the tailgate.”
The headlights of the Audi A1 Sportback Concept are an additional illustration of nature permeating Audi design. Reminiscent of an open pine cone, reflector shells arranged successively in concentric circles harness the light of each individual diode to create lighting which is powerful and consistent.
The headlights in the middle, on the other hand, are shaped like blossoms.
The future
The headlights in the middle, on the other hand, are shaped like blossoms.
The future
Audi developers think that the future generations of headlights will provide "the right light for every driving situation".
Huhn explains: “We’re striving to create intelligent headlights and taillights which think and anticipate in the interest of enhancing a driver’s safety and comfort.”
For example, there are already high-beam headlights in pre-series development which will allow drivers to navigate roads at night without temporarily blinding oncoming drivers.
This is made possible by a variable distribution of light: An electronic system continuously calculates the distance to any approaching vehicles to ensure that the road ahead is ideally illuminated at all times – without irritating oncoming drivers.
Interior lighting
LEDs also present new opportunities for interior lighting. Similar to interior architecture, lighting scenarios are imaginable which would make it safer to operate the vehicle at night, render the interior considerably roomier, or impart a certain atmosphere.
The optional interior lighting package with ambient lighting in the Audi A8 is an example. It gives the possibilities for customizing the interior lights: the driver can dim the light and configure various lighting profiles via the MMI.
Huhn explains: “We’re striving to create intelligent headlights and taillights which think and anticipate in the interest of enhancing a driver’s safety and comfort.”
For example, there are already high-beam headlights in pre-series development which will allow drivers to navigate roads at night without temporarily blinding oncoming drivers.
This is made possible by a variable distribution of light: An electronic system continuously calculates the distance to any approaching vehicles to ensure that the road ahead is ideally illuminated at all times – without irritating oncoming drivers.
Interior lighting
LEDs also present new opportunities for interior lighting. Similar to interior architecture, lighting scenarios are imaginable which would make it safer to operate the vehicle at night, render the interior considerably roomier, or impart a certain atmosphere.
The optional interior lighting package with ambient lighting in the Audi A8 is an example. It gives the possibilities for customizing the interior lights: the driver can dim the light and configure various lighting profiles via the MMI.
These profiles respond as appropriate to certain driving situations – when a vehicle’s interior is illuminated by lighting within cities, for example, or becomes dark on unlit rural routes.
When it comes to the lighting in vehicle interiors, developers are confronted with few limits. Safety and comfort are top priorities.
Berlitz explains: “Think of a mountain hut at night. As you’re passing through an alpine meadow, you spot the warm light glowing through the hut’s windows. The light triggers that same cozy sensation you feel when you arrive home.”
“Just imagine: You press a single button on your remote control and the entire vehicle springs to life. The ‘headlight eyes’ awaken and an inviting light fills the vehicle’s interior as if to say: Welcome home!”
When it comes to the lighting in vehicle interiors, developers are confronted with few limits. Safety and comfort are top priorities.
Berlitz explains: “Think of a mountain hut at night. As you’re passing through an alpine meadow, you spot the warm light glowing through the hut’s windows. The light triggers that same cozy sensation you feel when you arrive home.”
“Just imagine: You press a single button on your remote control and the entire vehicle springs to life. The ‘headlight eyes’ awaken and an inviting light fills the vehicle’s interior as if to say: Welcome home!”
Monday, December 1, 2008
Mazda 3 Sedan: the design
A set of design sketches and the official information on the Mazda 3 Sedan, the 2010 global model unveiled at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.
From the official Press Release:
Describing what it takes to develop a true 'world car', Mazda 3 Programme Manager Yoshiyuki Maeda says: "The development process began with careful study and identification of what features and performance qualities would be needed. That initial phase ended with my conclusion that every driving characteristic was eligible for improvement to reach our Zoom-Zoom goals.
"Mazda engineering and R&D departments in Japan, Europe, and the US all contributed to the Mazda 3's renewal effort and the development of the company's new world car."
Describing what it takes to develop a true 'world car', Mazda 3 Programme Manager Yoshiyuki Maeda says: "The development process began with careful study and identification of what features and performance qualities would be needed. That initial phase ended with my conclusion that every driving characteristic was eligible for improvement to reach our Zoom-Zoom goals.
"Mazda engineering and R&D departments in Japan, Europe, and the US all contributed to the Mazda 3's renewal effort and the development of the company's new world car."
Exterior Design
Chief designer Kunihiko Kurisu's mission was to remain faithful to the Mazda 3's existing visual identity while evolving its appearance with richer, bolder design strokes. Infusing each subsequent new model with more emotional aesthetics is a longstanding Mazda tradition.
Chief designer Kunihiko Kurisu's mission was to remain faithful to the Mazda 3's existing visual identity while evolving its appearance with richer, bolder design strokes. Infusing each subsequent new model with more emotional aesthetics is a longstanding Mazda tradition.
The key Mazda 3 exterior design highlights are:
A move toward a more unified Mazda global 'family face'
A reinforced frontal identity which integrates the lower air intake with a more emphatic and instantly recognizable five-point grille
Major design elements focus on, or flow toward, the vehicle's central axis, to stress power and dynamism. At the front, fascia lines converge on the centrepoint at the bottom of the grille. At the rear, the boot lid's surface has a distinctive centre crease
A compact cabin, high deck surfaces, and flowing C-pillar features, which were inspired by the classic coupe profile, as seen on the 2009 Mazda 6
Hood and side surfaces which are shaped to reflect light and physical surroundings
A subtle wedge-shape and curving side character lines which are shared with other Mazda models, giving the Mazda 3 Sedan a strong sense of impending motion - like a predator poised to strike
A new Adaptive Front Lighting System with self-levelling bi-xenon headlamps - added as standard on Grand Touring models.
A move toward a more unified Mazda global 'family face'
A reinforced frontal identity which integrates the lower air intake with a more emphatic and instantly recognizable five-point grille
Major design elements focus on, or flow toward, the vehicle's central axis, to stress power and dynamism. At the front, fascia lines converge on the centrepoint at the bottom of the grille. At the rear, the boot lid's surface has a distinctive centre crease
A compact cabin, high deck surfaces, and flowing C-pillar features, which were inspired by the classic coupe profile, as seen on the 2009 Mazda 6
Hood and side surfaces which are shaped to reflect light and physical surroundings
A subtle wedge-shape and curving side character lines which are shared with other Mazda models, giving the Mazda 3 Sedan a strong sense of impending motion - like a predator poised to strike
A new Adaptive Front Lighting System with self-levelling bi-xenon headlamps - added as standard on Grand Touring models.
Exterior design elements which contribute to the car's function by minimizing aerodynamic drag and lift while providing the powertrain, chassis, and interior with adequate air flow for cooling and climate control.
To supplement the four-door sedan introduced at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, a five-door hatchback Mazda 3 will arrive later.
To supplement the four-door sedan introduced at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, a five-door hatchback Mazda 3 will arrive later.
Interior Design
Inside, the new Mazda 3 Sedan offers a sporty yet highly refined cabin - the dash sweeping dramatically from its centre to the sides of the cabin. The large gauge instrument cluster and centre stack are positioned to tightly link the driver's limbs and senses to the car's instruments and controls.
Inside, the new Mazda 3 Sedan offers a sporty yet highly refined cabin - the dash sweeping dramatically from its centre to the sides of the cabin. The large gauge instrument cluster and centre stack are positioned to tightly link the driver's limbs and senses to the car's instruments and controls.
Studies into the range of motion helped position all controls at an ideal reach, while the slant of the instrument panel optimises operating efficiency and provides an attractive focal point. Key knobs and switches are positioned at the same level as the steering wheel and the gear level as part of an interior design which is based on Mazda's Human Machine Interface concept.
All the information a driver needs is readily available in one concentrated area - thereby minimising distractions from the road ahead.
A Multi-Information Display is positioned high on the centre portion of the instrument panel to further reduce distraction.
The front seat cushions have been extended by nearly an inch (compared to the outgoing car), in order to provide improved thigh support. Backrests are 1.4-inches taller and re-contoured for improved driving posture.
For the higher grade models, the upper side bolsters have been canted inward for heightened torso support during aggressive cornering. A three-position memory function has been added to cars equipped with power seats - another first for the segment, and not offered at any price on any competitor's compact car. Upon approach to the car, the driver's seat automatically adjusts to the settings chosen by up to three different drivers by recognising the code of the key fob.
To provide a top-quality interior appearance, the number of parting lines is minimized and soft-touch surfaces show an elegant grained texture. An interactive lighting system enhances the cabin's ambience and sense of tranquillity. Upon entry, illumination rises in intensity in a programmed manner. Occupants are welcomed by foot-well and door-handle lamps. Next, instrument cluster, centre stack, audio and climate controls brighten. When a driver or front seat occupant touches an audio or AC switch, a change in illumination acknowledges that the command has been received.
A Multi-Information Display is positioned high on the centre portion of the instrument panel to further reduce distraction.
The front seat cushions have been extended by nearly an inch (compared to the outgoing car), in order to provide improved thigh support. Backrests are 1.4-inches taller and re-contoured for improved driving posture.
For the higher grade models, the upper side bolsters have been canted inward for heightened torso support during aggressive cornering. A three-position memory function has been added to cars equipped with power seats - another first for the segment, and not offered at any price on any competitor's compact car. Upon approach to the car, the driver's seat automatically adjusts to the settings chosen by up to three different drivers by recognising the code of the key fob.
To provide a top-quality interior appearance, the number of parting lines is minimized and soft-touch surfaces show an elegant grained texture. An interactive lighting system enhances the cabin's ambience and sense of tranquillity. Upon entry, illumination rises in intensity in a programmed manner. Occupants are welcomed by foot-well and door-handle lamps. Next, instrument cluster, centre stack, audio and climate controls brighten. When a driver or front seat occupant touches an audio or AC switch, a change in illumination acknowledges that the command has been received.
Other special features that distinguish this car include: a BOSE 10-speaker premium surround sound system, connectivity for cell phones and portable media players, a dock for iPods, and Sirius satellite radio. An advanced keyless entry system includes push-button engine starting. Other options include rain-sensing wipers, heated door mirrors, leather upholstery, and heated seats.Other special features that distinguish this car include: a BOSE 10-speaker premium surround sound system, connectivity for cell phones and portable media players, a dock for iPods, and Sirius satellite radio. An advanced keyless entry system includes push-button engine starting. Other options include rain-sensing wipers, heated door mirrors, leather upholstery, and heated seats.
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