Nokia's concept mobile phone -- Morph

Nokia and the University of Cambridge on Monday introduced a nanotechnology concept called Morph, which demonstrates how future mobile devices could be flexible enough to transform into different shapes. 

Morph, jointly developed by the Nokia Research Center and the University of Cambridge, entails stretchable and flexible materials, transparent electronics, and self-cleaning surfaces that will give nanotechnology ultimate functionality, according to Nokia.


Imagine a self cleaning communication device that will analyse air pollution for you and will fit into your shirt pocket without feeling bulky.

With nanotechnology, anything and everything seems possible. Nanotechnology can benefit the following areas of mobility development for the future.

Watch the video below showing the MORPH concept.

Flexible & Changing Design

Nanotechnology enables materials to be flexible, stretchable, transparent and strong. “Fibril proteins are woven into a three dimensional mesh that reinforces thin elastic structures. Using the same principle behind spider silk, this elasticity enables the device to literally change shapes and configure itself to adapt to the task at hand.

A folded design would fit easily in a pocket and could lend itself ergonomically to being used as a Traditional handset. Further, utilization of biodegradable materials might make production and recycling of devices easier and ecologically friendly.”

Self-Cleaning

Nanotechnology also can be leveraged to create self-cleaning surfaces on mobile devices, ultimately reducing corrosion, wear and improving longevity.

Advanced Power Sources

Nanotechnology holds out the possibility that the surface of a device will become a natural source of energy. Built-in solar absorption might charge a device, whilst batteries become smaller, longer lasting and faster to charge.

Sensing the Environment

Nanosensors would empower users to examine the environment around them in completely new ways.

The device is ample proof of how nanoscale technologies can create a world of radically different devices that are bound to create some unbelievable opportunities for mobile devices.

Source: Nokia & youtube

Innovative design ----- The Chameleon truck

Nature didn’t make many mistakes with organic forms and wise designers like Haishang Deng understand solves for our problems can often be found just by studying what nature has already done. Enter the Chameleon Truck.

This bionic cargo transport uses an innovative segmented body remarkably like that of a centipede. This enables the truck to adjust its size to the cargo load. The resilient soft tarpaulin shelled body is strong enough to protect its cargo but also absorbs impacts in case of accidents. As an added benefit fuel savings abound since the truck’s weight is slashed in half.

Another innovative design feature is the drive cockpit which cranes over its cargo instead of being built into the frame like most vehicles today. This enables automated front loading without the need for additional support.

I would love to see this one in action. Lucky driver!

Designer: Haishan Deng

Toyota IQ concept : A small & beautiful car

Toyota is touting the iQ as the ultimate refined mode of transportation and at less than 118 inches in length, it’s certainly small enough to be a devoted city runabout.

The iQ is called a 3+1, meaning it is capable of carrying up to three adults along with a child or luggage in comfort.

Toyota is especially proud of the six engineering innovations it utilized to maximized interior space in the iQ in addition to the long wheelbase of nearly 79 inches, which minimizes overhangs but maximizes the space between the wheels. The first includes a newly developed compact differential, alone said to be responsible for over 100mm of added length in the cabin in comparison to the B-segment Toyota Yaris.

The rest includes rear-angled shocks and a flat fuel tank under the seats, a smaller heater / air conditioner unit that’s just as efficient, a center take-off steering column, an asymmetrical dashboard as well as slimmer seats claimed to contribute about 1.5 inches in length to the interior. Despite its small size, the iQ received a 5-star safety rating in Euro NCAP testing.

“We came to the conclusion that, in order to ensure a sustainable future, there was a need for a radical change in vehicle packaging. We needed to create a break-through, away

from the traditional belief that small is basic,” said Kazuo Okamoto, Executive Vice President in charge of Research and Development at Toyota.

The pushed-forward dashboard features temperature controls with an LCD display, as well as a 5.8-inch screen for satellite navigation system.

The iQ showed at Geneva sat on 16-inch wheels and powerplant choices will include two gasoline and one diesel engine. Toyota expects to sell 100,000 units of the iQ in its first year of production globally.

Maruti suzuki splash in 2008

                        Maruti  Suzuki Motor Corporation, the world leader in the compact car segment, introduces Splash, an all-new compact model aimed at building on the success of the loveable Swift. Following Swift, Grand Vitara and SX4, Splash is the fourth all new Suzuki model within just three years, and it epitomises Suzuki’s ‘Way of Life!’ philosophy, underpinning its strategy of building cars that excite customers all over the world.

Splash for Europe will be built in Esztergom, Hungary, by Magyar Suzuki Corporation, a Suzuki subsidiary that already builds Swift, SX4 and Ignis. Suzuki will also be manufacturing the second generation Agila for Opel/Vauxhall at this plant. With identical engineering, the main visual differences between Splash and Agila include different styling at front (bonnet, wings, headlamps and bumper) and rear (tailgate, tail lights and bumper). 

Suzuki is targeting annual sales of approximately 60,000 units throughout Europe. Opened in 1992, the Esztergom factory has produced over one million Suzukis to date. 

Splash cannot be considered to be the successor of the Wagon R+, the enlarged version of the Wagon R which in 1993 was originally developed for the Japanese market, and later also introduced in Europe. “Based on completely different criteria, Splash’s design is mainly tailored to the requirements of European customers,” explains Toshihiro Suzuki, the project’s Chief Engineer. Splash comes with attractive styling, compact dimensions, responsive handling, very good build quality and a high degree of environmental compatibility.

While the focus of Phase One of Suzuki’s “World-Strategy” was on sportiness, Splash is the first model in Phase Two which will focus on young families as its main target group. Apart from fresh and sporty styling, young couples with and without children attach great importance to attributes such as spaciousness, flexibility and economy. 

Rather than a purely functional box shape, the designers have endeavoured to provide Splash with styling that lives up to its name, epitomising youthfulness, freshness and zesty, energetic performance.

Styling and the design philosophy

The styling team for Splash was headed by Akira Kamio (44), who also played a big part in the styling of Swift. As early as 2003, he began to analyse the necessary characteristics for a future European mini-MPV. 

It soon became clear that whilst it should not look like a shrunken version of a full-sized MPV this car must keep all of its advantages: the high seating position and resulting good all-round visibility, the pleasant feeling of space and great flexibility allowing the rear compartment to be easily turned into a substantial stowage space.

In order to get up-to-date information, a group of 10 Suzuki designers from Japan travelled to Germany in January, 2004 to spend a period of six months there. They analysed European trends in cars, fashion, lifestyle and design. 

Out of their impressions and findings, they finally distilled three models, which, in so called ‘car clinics’, were then presented to audiences of owners of compact cars and small MPVs. In the end, these audiences favoured the model offering the optimum combination of dynamic sportiness with youthful styling, implying a positive attitude to life and maximum suitability for everyday and recreational use. 

At the Paris Motor Show in late September 2006, Suzuki presented ‘Project Splash’, a concept car showcasing a taste of the styling of the future production-version Splash. The extremely positive response of the audience confirmed to Akira Kamio and his team that they had taken the right path for Splash. One thing is certain: Splash will be a major player in the mini-MPV segment. While ideally suited to tight parking conditions, the 3.72 m-long car nevertheless offers sufficient space for up to five occupants plus plenty of sports and leisure equipment.

Apart from attractive styling, a cute minicar also requires the best engineering. This includes safe and precise handling, outstanding ride comfort, a high degree of environmental compatibility, and optimum passive and active safety. Hence Splash uses a 30 mm shorter wheelbase version of the Swift’s platform, Suzuki’s current best seller. 

The chassis, steering and brakes were adapted to the new parameters in extensive tests, which included tens of thousands of miles of testing over various types of European roads, from English cobblestones, through twisty southern Spanish tracks to fast German autobahns.

Choice of three engines

Splash will make its debut at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in September, with sales commencing in Spring, 2008. Customers will have the choice of three engines – two petrol and a diesel. The petrol units are 100% Suzuki designs, a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder unit producing 65 PS (48 kW) and a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder engine developing 86 PS (63 kW). Both are of advanced four-valve-per-cylinder design, offering a sophisticated combination of smoothness, low-end torque and fuel efficiency.

Diesel fans can choose the 1.3-litre common-rail direct injection engine available with a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter). Producing 75 PS (55 kW), this 4-cylinder unit is manufactured by Suzuki at its new diesel engine plant in India under licence from Fiat Group Automobiles. 

All three engines are combined with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The 86 PS petrol version can also be ordered with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Given the stricter standards now being demanded with respect to environmental compatibility, all engines are Euro4-compliant, with CO2 emissions between 120 and 140 g/km in combination with manual transmissions.

Safety

Suzuki has paid great attention to safety measures in the design of Splash. Active safety features include ABS, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution and ESP. Passive safety features include six airbags (dual front side and curtain airbags), a crash-optimised, rigid passenger cell, plus seatbelt-force limiters and seatbelt pretensioners for the front seats. For enhanced pedestrian protection the front end of Splash is fitted with energy-absorbing structures carscoop.

Expect in 2008 in India

We can expect this car to be launched in india by this year end.

The engineering shows a judicious use of space. For example, the rear seats of the Splash can be folded back to make a flat load floor and a compartment below for storage. Cute and affordable, the Splash is very likely to make a huge splash in the Indian market.

Spectacular sky show on February 2008

                       During the last days of January and the first days of February the two brightest planets seen on Earth will appear close together in the dawn twilight of the southeast sky, and the waning crescent Moon will drop by, too.

The most spectacular celestial sights over the next couple of weeks are reserved for the early morning sky. Two bright planets will converge, and then be joined by the moon.

Such an eloquent description certainly fits our current morning sky, for these final days of January and the first days of February will be an exceptional time for predawn sky watchers with a beautiful pairing of the two brightest planets, Venus and Jupiter. They will appear closest together in the dawn sky of Friday, Feb. 1, and a few mornings later, the waning crescent moon will later drop by to join them.

Dazzling "double planet"

For the past several months, dazzling Venus has been prominent in our morning sky. And about a week ago, brilliant Jupiter also began to emerge from out of the glare of the Sun.

The two planets are currently rising out of the east-southeast horizon about two hours before sunrise.

From now through the end of January, the gap between the two will noticeably close, until on Feb. 1 they'll be separated by just over one-half degree, which is roughly the apparent width of the moon (The width of your fist, held at arm's length roughly corresponds to 10 degrees). Jupiter will shine brilliantly at magnitude -1.9, yet it will appear only 1/7 as bright as Venus, which will gleam at magnitude -4.0.

Together they will make for a spectacular "double planet" low in the dawn twilight. In the mornings thereafter they will appear to slowly separate, but before they have a chance to get too far apart the moon will join the picture.

Celestial summit meeting

At last quarter (half) phase on Jan. 30, the moon will stand alone, high toward the south at sunrise. But with each passing morning, as it wanes to a slender crescent, it will shift toward the east, ultimately into the same region of the sky as our two planets.

Early on Sunday morning, Feb. 3, the moon will sit well off to the west (right) of the planets. On the following morning, Monday, Feb. 4, the show will reach its peak when, about 45 minutes before sunrise, Venus, Jupiter and the moon — the three brightest objects of the night sky — will form a striking isosceles triangle, with the two planets 3 degrees apart and the moon marking the vertex of the triangle just over 5 degrees below the "dynamic duo."

Imagine the astrological significance that the ancients might have ascribed to a celestial summit meeting such as this!

You might want to check your southeast horizon in advance to make sure that there are no tall trees or buildings that might obstruct your view of the moon which will be sitting very low to the horizon.

Like a painting, this celestial tableau might, at first glance may appear rather flat and one-dimensional. But by gazing at this scene long enough, our minds can perhaps picture these objects strung out across the solar system, along our line of sight as they really are.

Beyond our moon — figuratively a stone's throw away at 247,000 miles (397,000 kilometers) — we first reach Venus, about 510 times farther out, or 126 million miles (203 million kilometers) from Earth. The lesser gem flanking Venus — Jupiter, largest of all the planets — is nearly 4 and a half times more distant than Venus at a distance of 560 million miles (901 million kilometers).

Generally speaking, at least for the immediate future, conjunctions between Venus and Jupiter will come in pairs. The first conjunction takes place in the morning sky, followed about 10 months later by another in the evening sky. Then, after about two and a half years, Venus and Jupiter are again in conjunction, again in the morning sky.

When Venus and Jupiter next get together, it will be in the evening sky late next fall, on Dec. 1. After that, we'll have to wait until May 2011 (morning sky) and Mar. 2012 (evening sky) for the next set of Venus-Jupiter conjunctions.

Inkless printer....amazing technnology.

Remember the mini printer that fits in your pocket from Zink? They have partnered with the creator of instant photo, Polaroid to push Zink Imaging into an instant and inkless mobile printer that’s capable to produce a full 2”x3” in less than 60 seconds. The pocket-sized mobile printer uses zero ink technology aka ZINK photo paper that embedded minuscule dye crystals in the photo paper. Heat from printer activates the dye crystals to form the ‘inkless’ image. It’s water resistant and dry instantly, even come with a peel-off sticker in the back for multipurpose uses.

The portable supports Bluetooth-wireless and PictBridge for direct printing via USB connection that works with digital cameras and camera phones. The printer is selling for $150 and cost of paper per sheet is around $40 cents.

How it works:

Camera Phone:

The Polaroid Digital Instant Mobile Photo Printer is the easiest way to print photos from a camera phone. Wirelessly transfer images from a Bluetooth-enabled camera phone to the Mobile Printer and print instantly. Using the built-in OBEX (object exchange profile) Bluetooth in the phone and the printer, connecting and printing becomes instant.

Digital Camera:

Instantly printing images from a digital camera is as easy as connecting the USB cable to the PictBridge-enabled camera and printer. Once connected, follow the PictBridge screen on the camera display. Simply select what image to send to the printer and within 60 seconds, the print is ready to be shared.

The below picture indicates actual printer from Polaraid.

What You Get:

• 2” x 3” borderless, sticky-back prints• Bluetooth, PictBridge compatible• Smudge-proof, water-resistant, tear-proof photos• Fade-resistant, long-lasting images• No waste – no ink cartridges• Prints in about 60 seconds• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery

ZINK technology:

ZINK™ stands for Zero Ink™ - a new and simpler approach to printing where high quality, colorful, durable and affordable prints are magically created – all without a drop of ink. The ZINK Technology, invented by ZINK Imaging, encompasses both the ZINK Paper™ and the intelligence embedded in every ZINK-enabled device. Over 100 patents and patents pending were generated in the development of this breakthrough technology.

The below picture indicate how ZINK technology work.

The heart of this new "ZINK" category of printing is the ZINK Paper™. The patented ZINK Paper is an advanced composite material with embedded yellow, magenta and cyan dye crystals, activated with 200 million heat pulses, in 30 seconds, in a single pass. With 100 billion crystals in a 2x3" print, the paper is 100% inkless. A ZINK-enabled printer uses heat to activate and colorize these crystals. Because there is no ink, every ZINK-enabled device has the unique benefits of being small, simple, elegant, and eco-friendly.

Polaroid is leveraging the ZINK Technology to bring a new family of digital instant products to the marketplace. The Polaroid Digital Instant Mobile Photo Printer is the first ZINK-enabled device available.

specifications:

Mobile Printer:

Size: 120mm (4.7”) H X 72mm (2.8”) W X 23.5mm (0.9”) D
Weight: 8 oz (without paper) includes battery
Battery: 7.2V rechargeable lithium-ion15 Prints per charge at 25 C Battery is replaceable
User Interface: 2 Tri-Color LED indicators
AC Adapter: 9V output Universal Input 100V to 240 VACPrinter will print when plug into the AC adapter

Connectivity: Bluetooth (Class 2) OPP USB 2.0 USB A connector
Print Speed: 60 seconds per print, from send to share

ZINK™ Paper:

Size: 50mm (2”) X 76.2mm (3”)
Features: Full-bleed, borderless imageZINK™ inkless printing embeds color into the paperPrints dry-to-touch, waterproof, tear-proof, smudge-proofPeel-off, sticky-backed Automatic image quality optimization.

Honda CR-Z next generation car.

          The CR-Z is a next-generation lightweight sports car equipped with Honda's original gas-electric hybrid system which achieves both clean performance and a high level of torque. The PUYO is a fuel cell vehicle which was designed based on out-of-box thinking to provide fun for both the vehicle owner and people around them as well. Also on display will be a model of the i-DTEC next-generation diesel engine, first announced in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, which delivers both outstanding environmental performance and engine performance characteristics.

'CR-Z' stands for 'Compact Renaissance Zero'-an expression intended to capture the idea of a renaissance in the design of compact cars that begins anew from fundamentals.

This design research model of a lightweight hybrid sports car features advanced technologies that deliver enjoyable driving for all while reducing the vehicle's environmental footprint.

Exterior design:

Designed to be 'Futuristic and Dynamic', the CR-Z combines powerful performance in a compact form with a futuristic image. For its frontal view, an over-sized grill with a high-performance look is offset by openings on each side that lighten the overall feel. In the rear, tube-shaped rear combination lamps ensure better rearward visibility. Design details emphasizing the CR-Z's advanced image include door mirrors that provide high visibility in a stylish form, LED headlights patterned after luminous bodies to convey a sharp impression, and jauntyfin-shaped sub-lights. Large, 19-inch wheels are ready for dynamic driving performace.

Interior design:

The key words for the CR-Z's interior design are 'Hi-tech and Sporty'. The goal was to create an all-new sporty interior that fuses the liberating feel of airy spaciousness with an advanced interface that brings out the fun of the drive. Mesh material on a simple framework construction is used throughout the interior to convey a light, sophisticated image without being oppressive. In the cockpit, the meter unit conveys the image of advanced technology ensconced in a piece of glass artwork, offering the functionality of immediate recognition while enhancing the driving experience with a futuristic and exhilarating feeling.

Honda FCX at Newdelhi Auto expo-2008

                It’s the name Honda has given its production fuel cell car, and it’s a name you’ll want to remember. After years of having fuel cell prototypes in the hands of fleets and even paying customers, Honda makes good on its commitment to a hydrogen future. The 2008 NewDelhi Auto Show was the venue for the introduction of the FCX , an Accord-sized sedan with styling based on the FCX Concept from a few years ago that promises to “enable levels of performance room, comfort and dynamic styling previous unattainable in a fuel cell car.”

Why it Matters

Notice the price of gas lately? Sure, hydrogen isn’t cheaper – yet – but some day those oil wells will be sucking air, and so will 99.99999 percent of cars on the road today. Hydrogen is abundant, but difficult to get at. It’s no news that hydrogen holds great promise for the future as a fuel. But exactly what the future might look like was a mystery until this morning, when Honda’s FCX  was unveiled. As it turns out, it looks good, and promises to be good for those who can get one.

What’s Under the Hood

The V Flow fuel cell powering the FCX features several advances over the one in the smaller FCX prototype that you may have seen before, the one that looks a little like an old Civic. It will be the first production car to feature lithium ion batteries, which gives it a pack that’s 50 percent smaller and 40 percent lighter than the one in the prototype. The overall powertrain, including the fuel cell and electric motor, is 40 percent smaller, putting it roughly the size of a hybrid powertrain. The output is impressive: 100 kw (that’s 134 horsepower to you and me) and a 270 mile range on a tank of fuel. It’s the equivalent of 68 mpg.

What it Looks Like

The FCX  looks a lot like the Concept that Honda debuted two years ago at the Tokyo Motor Show. Obvious concessions have been made to production of course, but overall it’s a clean, sharp looking sedan that falls somewhere between the Civic and the Accord on the Honda styling tree. But while somewhat futuristic, it’s also conventional enough that it won’t scare off buyers who don’t want to feel like George Jetson. The fuel cell components are distributed evenly through the car for better weight distribution.

What’s Inside

The interior is a departure for Honda. Rather than the usual conservative lines, the FCX features a “floating” dash and center stack, which seem at first to be disconnected from the car. It’s a cool effect. Dig deeper though and the control layout is quite conventional, and any Honda driver will likely feel right at home behind the wheel. Because customers will be paying $600 per month on a lease, it’s also more luxurious than a conventional Honda, with rich materials and upscale features. The interior materials deserve special mention: Like the rest of the FCX, they have been designed with the environment in mind, using Honda Bio-Fabric, a plant based material that offers carbon dioxide reductions in production.

What Honda Says

As you can imagine, Honda has a lot to say. According to Tetsuo Iwamura, American Honda president and CEO, “The FCX  is a shining symbol of the progress we’ve made with fuel cell vehicles and of our belief in the promise of this technology. Step by step, with continuous effort, commitment and focus, we are working to overcome obstacles to the mass-market potential of zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell automobiles.” Honda also notes that the FCX  will be available for $600 per month three-year leases in Southern California, where there are three hydrogen refueling stations available. It will also cover collision insurance and maintenance for the life of the lease.

What We Think

Honda one upped everyone else with the promise of a production fuel-cell car, and by making good on that promise, it may even out-green Toyota in the near future. There are obstacles of course: you can’t just run down to the corner gas station and get hydrogen, you can’t go as far as you can on a tank of fuel as you can in a regular car, and who knows what sort of maintenance problems there may be. Still, this is a promising car, and seeing it is as close as we’ll probably get to a crystal ball view of the future.

FCX's concept

At the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, Honda announced that it would make a production version of the concept FCX it had shown at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show. On 25 September 2006 this new version was unveiled. The updated four-door sedan version looks much sleeker and more futuristic, and has a high focus on comfort and interior space. It has a much more spacious interior with a mixture of plastic, wood and leather.[6] Production is expected to begin in 2008 in Japan and the U.S.[7] The production version will closely resemble the concept, although it is unknown if some of the concept's more radical features, such as a tilting instrument panel, will be included.

According to Honda, the new fuel-cell stack is 20% smaller, 30% lighter and has a higher output of 100 kW (129 hp). The new powerplant is 180 kg lighter, 40% smaller in volume and has a high energy efficiency of 60%, compared with 20% for most internal combustion engines, 30% for most hybrid powerplants and 50% for the previous generation FCX.[8]

The new powerplant utilizes three electric motors: one front-drive motor with an output of up to 80 kW, this motor's shaft is coaxial with the gearbox for a more compact front-end, and two smaller motors with a maximum output of 25 kW driving one of the rear wheels each. This layout makes the FCX technically an all-wheel-drive vehicle. The updated FCX has a maximum speed of 160 km/h (100 mph).

The new FCX utilizes several interesting new features. The new V Flow fuel cell stack can operate at temperatures as low as −30 °C. This is achieved by allowing the gas to flow vertically in the fuel cell stack. The tanks can store up to 5 kg (171 litres) of hydrogen at a pressure of 350 atmospheres, thanks to the new hydrogen absorption materials used. This allows a longer range of up to 350 miles (570 km).

To support the hydrogen fuel-cell technology, Honda also introduced the Home Energy Station (HES). This home solution can convert natural gas to electricity, heat and hydrogen to refuel fuel-cell vehicles. This allows consumers to refuel vehicles with hydrogen at home, important until hydrogen stations become widespread. Alternatively, the hydrogen can be used in the HES's built-in hydrogen fuel cell, providing up to 5 kW of normal or backup electricity and/or hot water for the home. According to Honda, this solution is highly efficient and reduces running costs of electricity, gas and vehicle fuel by up to 50%.
         

Dilip chhabria's DC: S

Dilip Chhabria's firm DC Designs has launched the DC S sports car under it's own brand at the Auto Expo 2008. The DC S is an inhouse design and has a 3 litre V6 twin turbo engine which belts out a stomping 440 bhp @ 6100 rpm. This power lends the DC S with a a high power to weight ratio which enables it to accelerate to 100 kmph in 3.7 seconds and hit a top whack of 300+ kmph. DC's design expertise is world renowed and he has been involved in designing prototypes for the likes of Aston Martin etc and has also been making body kits which are retailed in the domestic Indian market. According to Chhabria the newly designed 'S' sports car will bear the DNA of a Ferrari or Lamborghini with similar supercar performance. From its looks it certainly plays the part.

All this at what price, only Rs. 25 lakh, that's make it one of the cheapest super cars in the world. The low price is not entirely a good thing as certain areas of the DC-S have been neglected. Note in the picture of the interiors the under dash area and the pedals appear crude and utilitarian, not fit for a car like the DC-S. Also the bonnet release lever looks like it has been taken from the Maruti 800. Lets hope DC fixes these odd issues in an otherwise great looking car. Only 200 cars would be made annually, each customized for the owner. Service centres are being set up in select metros for after sale service of these affordable sports cars.

DC will homologate the product and launch it in the domestic and certain overseas markets investing Rs 60 crore into the venture. The company plans to source critical parts like engines, transmission, suspension and the brake system from various global manufacturers but will develop the chassis, body frame and lighting indigenously along with the cars design. DC hopes that there would be a substantial latent demand for such a product and at this price making the 'S' a success and enabling DC to enter into the niche car business under its own brand.

Dilip Chhabria's Dc: Ambierod

An investment of a lifetime know-how, a desire to be a class apart, a philosophy that causes disruption, a statement that will set the precedent for the industry to follow…. That’s Dilip Chhabria’s Luxury Car Ambierod … a dream truly personified, and an Indian designer to create history in the world of car design, with several firsts to his credit.

Driven by his passion to build something unique that will redefine Luxury, India’s ace car designer Dilip Chhabria (popularly known as DC) will soon bring to the world Ambierod. The Ambierod will be unveiled at the 9th Auto Expo in New Delhi. Infact, Ambierod’s unveiling will be a big-ticket aspect that Auto Expo would have ever witnessed.

Ambierod is sure to create history. It’s a perfect confluence of Luxury, Technology and of course drop-dead gorgeous Looks. There has never been a car designed so evocatively and is totally futuristic and perhaps exceeds the best in the world.

Ambierod is an intelligent, retro futuristic car that has been designed from the iconic Ambassdor. Its bound to create a Disruption and a flutter in the market place and will change the way the cars are perceived to be designed… Ambierod’s unveiling will be a defining moment in the Indian Automobile Industry. It has the design and development input of 50,000 Man Hours. DC’s obsessive & overwhelming passion for designing cars makes him do it.
“In keeping with the brawn and brain design philosophy of the car, it was only fitting that someone like Sanjay Dutt unveils the car at the Auto Expo on 10th January at 4pm”, smiles Dilip Chhabria.

Ambierod - Key Features

DC’s philosophy of creating designs that strikes an emotional chord are apparent in the car. The car has been designed using the advanced digital mapping process, which ensures a class leading accuracy and quality of fidelity. While having an Indian identity of an Ambassador, the looks are a takeoff and inspired by the American Hotrods and beyond. On the outside, pure nostalgia. On the inside, pure luxury.

1. It’s a real world car with .85mm steel body in white, with hydro pneumatic suspension and 3-seat configuration.
2. Large powered Gull Wing doors, 22-inch wheels, all lend an immensely masculine visage coupled to a V-12 engine.
3. Ambierod has interiors like that of a first class Jet Liner.
4. The IP (Instrument Panel) has an advanced ‘carputer’, which automates the driving functions using satellite navigation system.
5. Ambierod has 3 LCD TV screens, varying from 10 inches to 19 inches, and has the facility of internet mobility and videoconferencing. Music and movies can be had on demand. There are live engine sensors, which updates on the engine rpm, fuel capacity, efficiency etc.

The car has a leg space of 4 feet that gives a wide room feeling. Infact, the rear seat is king sized that can be converted into A 180 degrees LUXURY BED, like in a 1st class of a Jet Airplane. The car has a rear vision door camera and Xenon and Led lighting and Mood Lighting.
Many of the above features are also first in the world!

All in all, it is a luxury car, which combines shocking looks from outside, with European luxury within, and a car, which in many ways, surpasses the best in the world.

Dilip Chhabria also plans to start the DC College of Designs in August 2009 on the outskirts of Pune.

The luxury segment is the fastest-growing category in India with a growth rate of 26% in 2007. Chhabria has been quoted in a report saying that the custom-design vehicle market is experiencing a boom with Indian customers ready to spend about Rs.4-Rs.6 million ($100,000-150,000) for a custom-designed car, while customers abroad are willing to pay more than Rs.10 to Rs.20 million ($254,000-500,000).

About Dilip Chhabria:

Dilip Chhabria is today one of the most celebrated automobile designers in India and has his fan following across the globe. He has to his acclaim a distinction of designing 600 unique cars in 14 years a world record by any standards. His design studio DC Designs in Pune is the country’s most advanced design studio and currently employs 350 engineers and technicians.

HCl's Rs 13,900 laptop

HCL Infosystems, it seems, is trying to do to personal computers what Tata Motors’ has done to the automobiles by launching the world’s cheapest car, Nano. To tap the fast growing laptop segment in India, HCL Infosystems on Tuesday unveiled the sub-Rs 14,000 laptop, which is believed to be the cheapest portable PC available in the country so far.

The 'X' Series "MiLeap" laptops are available with both flash-based and disk-based storage. Their sturdy design makes them dust- and shock- proof. Among others, the leaptops are Wi-Fi ready, and feature network ports and an option for data card. They are available with GUI-enabled, user-friendly Linux operating system (OS).

The 'X' Series "MiLeap" laptops are priced, starting at Rs 13,990.

The other series launched by HCL, the 'Y' Series, has laptops powered by the latest Intel Ultra Mobile Platform (Intel processor A110 and Intel 945GU Express Chipset). They feature Microsoft's Vista Home Premium OS, a swivel seven touch-screen cum note pad, an 80GB HDD, wireless connectivity, data card option, Blue-tooth, and Ethernet network port, among others. These leaptops sport multiple navigation features, including touch- screen, thumboard, stylus, keyboard, mouse, and one-touch buttons.

The 'Y' Series "MiLeap" laptops are priced, starting at Rs 33,990.

Both 'X' and 'Y' Series leaptops are fully RoHS-compliant, and have a low energy footprint.

The notebook, which runs on Linux operating system, has a 7-inch LCD screen and weighs about 1 kg. HCL also launched the laptop with Windows Vista operating system at Rs 29,990. Ajai Chowdhry, chairman and CEO, HCL Infosystems, said, the device is half the price point of current similar products available in the market.

Chowdhry said just like Nano, the notebooks in the MiLeap series would create a different segment all together, which will help grow the market further. “This will herald in a new category of computing devices, opening up a wide range of new usage scenarios and application areas,” he said. The notebooks will start shipping from January 26.

Both the models have network ports, are Wi-Fi ready, have the option for data card. “In order for us to broaden the number of people who can have access to information via broadband internet we need to make the internet more affordable and accessible to a much larger number of people,” said Ramamurthy Sivakumar, managing director-sales and marketing, South Asia, Intel.

Notebooks in the sub Rs 25,000 range are already available in the market and are increasingly finding their way into homes, educational institutes, and SMEs. HP and Zenith Computers have introduced their standard notebooks at a starting price of Rs 24,990. While Dell’s notebooks are also available for as low as Rs 32,000, Acer’s laptops are also available at Rs 20,999.

Led by drop in prices and the benefit of mobility and space management, notebook sales in India are growing faster than desktop sales and are projected to corner 40% share of the India PC market by 2010. Notebook shipments have grown 86% in FY07, and today, one out of five PCs sold in India is a notebook.

The fact that every 50th Indian today owns a PC, shows there is a huge chunk of market yet to be tapped. Increased penetration of notebooks and desktops is expected to give a push to Internet usage in India, especially in the rural areas, from where the next stage of growth is expected to come.

Apple MacBook Air

Apple just announced the .16-inch thin MacBook Air -- a laptop so thin it fits in a manila envelope. The new machine features a full-size keyboard and LED-backlit 13.3-inch display with built-in iSight, and the new larger trackpad supports multi-touch gestures. Just like the iPhone, you'll be able to pan around, pinch to zoom, and rotate with two fingers, and move windows with a flick. Apple got the size down by using the same 1.8-inch 80GB drive that's in the iPod classic, but you'll be able to order a 64GB SSD as an option. The Air eschews optical media, but there's a separate external you can snag for $99 and Apple's also announced a feature called Remote Disk that'll let the Air get data off the optical drive in any PC or Mac running the Remote Disk software. Pricing starts at $1799, and the Air will be shipping in two weeks.

Most people are expecting a conventional sub-notebook — a super-thin, lightweight laptop that ships without an optical CD/DVD drive. The MacBook Air may also dispense with a wired Ethernet port, according to rumor. It will be a purely wireless device, relying solely on Wi-Fi or other wireless technology for its connectivity — hence the "Air" moniker.

But the Air seems more like a ultra portable with a physical keyboard and multi-touch screen, according to our source (who we promised not to name but confirmed works at an Apple third-party vendor).

The MacBook Air features a 1.8-inch hard disk drive with 80GB of storage capacity standard. A 64GB solid-state disk (SSD) drive is an option. The hard drive is a Parallel ATA (PATA) model that operates at 4200 RPM.

The laptop is powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo chip running at 1.6GHz, with 1.8GHz available as an option. Jobs noted that Intel was willing to engineer a new version of the Core 2 Duo specifically to Apple's specifications -- it's 60 percent smaller than others. The chip operates with 4MB of on-chip shared L2 cache running at full processor speed, and uses an 800MHz frontside bus. 2GB of 667MH DDR2 SDRAM is also included.

Like the MacBook and the MacBook Pro, the MacBook Air features a slimmed down MagSafe connector for power. It comes with a 45 watt power adapter. A flip-down door on one side reveals USB 2.0, Micro-DVI (to connect an external display) and a headphone jack. The MacBook Air also includes 802.11n-based wireless networking support and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR.

Apple estimates that with wireless networking turned on, the MacBook Air can get about 5 hours of battery life.