Renewable fuel through artificial leaf technology

Sometimes the progress of science and technology can amaze us, like what is being studied by scientists at Cambridge University. Although this can be said as an initial stage, this could be a technological breakthrough to produce renewable energy.

An illustration of the artificial leaf. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/326HUk1)

Recently, scientists developed artificial leaves that can suck in sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce synthesis gas, a gas that can be used as an alternative to fossil fuels.

Chemists at Cambridge University want to develop a device that is inspired by the natural events of photosynthesis. After seven years of research, the experts created what is called an artificial leaf. The research itself has been published in Nature Materials journal.

Like real leaves, these artificial leaves do not need bright sunlight to function. According to scientists, the leaves will work efficiently even in rainy or cloudy weather. In other words, the technology will not be affected by the season.

Cambridge's artificial leaf uses two perovskite light absorbers and a cobalt catalyst to convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into syngas. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2JIabHn)

"We can use it from morning to night anywhere in the world," said Virgil Andrei, a Ph.D. candidate student who is also the lead author of the study. As reported by the Iflscience page, the artificial leaf uses carbon nanotubes with two light absorbers combined with a cobalt-made of catalyst.

After being immersed in water, the reaction will begin with one light absorber using a catalyst to produce oxygen, while the other absorbers carry out chemical reactions to reduce carbon dioxide and water to carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

These three gases are the basis of synthesis gas. The synthesis gas has about half of the natural energy density, but it has several uses in the production of liquid fuels and is considered a renewable energy source.

"You may not have heard of syngas itself but every day, you consume products that were created using it. Being able to produce it sustainably would be a critical step in closing the global carbon cycle and establishing a sustainable chemical and fuel industry," added senior author Professor Erwin Reisner from Cambridge's Department of Chemistry

"What we'd like to do next, instead of first making syngas and then converting it into liquid fuel, is to make the liquid fuel in one step from carbon dioxide and water," added Reisner. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | NATURE MATERIALS | IFLSCIENCE | SCIENCE DAILY | NEW ATLAS]

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Jaguar electric-powered supercar ready to compete in the Gran Turismo Sport arena

Jaguar follows in the footsteps of other world automotive manufacturers such as McLaren to Chevrolet which has developed virtual concept cars for the Gran Turismo video game under the Vision Gran Turismo brand. This time involving the Jaguar Coupe which was launched at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, the Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo Coupe became an electric sports car that will be available for download at the Gran Turismo Sports on the Sony PlayStation platform.

Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo Coupe is ready to compete in the Gran Turismo Sports arena. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/31RWb3J)

The appearance of this concept car looks futuristic, and Jaguar claims the Vision Gran Turismo Coupe's exterior design was inspired by two of its iconic racing cars from the 1950s namely Type-C and Type-D. However, the active rear wing of the car becomes a truly modern touch.

Likewise, the interior sector augmented reality glass features that can show information about the outside world and warn drivers about obstacles. This virtual concept car also has an AI assistant called KITT-E and a 3D image display. Jaguar actually works on 3D technology for production cars, even though it's not quite ready for prime time in public.

Interior view of Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo Coupe. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/31RWb3J)

"This project has been fully led by our young designers and represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them to create vehicles that are full of our extraordinary heritage but push the boundaries of future design. The team has done an extraordinary job in creating something that can clearly be identified as Jaguar, inspired - but not limited - by our iconic past," said Jaguar Design Director, Julian Thomson.

Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo Coupe was inspired by its iconic models like the C-Type and D-Type. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/31RWb3J)

Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo Coupe may not be a real car, but Jaguar has engineered it virtually. The car has a perfect front compared to the distribution of rear weight with a percentage of 50:50 and weighs 1.4 tons. Of course, this is not a heavy car, for a car that carries around a heavy battery. Jaguar said its Formula E racing team had a hand in designing the powertrain, which consisted of three electric motors. One motor powers the front wheels, while the other two power each one rear wheel, giving the car an all-wheel drive.

 Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo Coupe was driven by 3 electric motors. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/31RWb3J)

Those three electric motors together drove the cars forward with power up to 1,005 horsepower and 1,199 Nm of torque. Jaguar claims the Vision Gran Turismo Coupe concept will accelerate from zero to 62 mph in less than 2.0 seconds, and reach a top speed of more than 200 mph. Like other real-existed electric supercars, it is expected to enter production over the next few years, such as the Tesla Roadster and Lotus Evija. But the performance claims of Tesla and Lotus remain like that because there has not been a car with powerful engine power.

Jaguar itself does not plan to incorporate the concept of the Vision Gran Turismo Coupe into its production line. And this sleek sports car was designed solely for the Gran Turismo Sport. But given Jaguar's current involvement in Formula E, as well as the secondary race series for the I-Pace electric SUV, it won't be surprising to see a more sporty electric Jaguar appear in the future based on this concept car. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | JAGUAR | GRANTURISMO | DIGITAL TRENDS]
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The newest V12-engined Lamborghini beast ready in 2020

As if not yet satisfied after launching the enthralling figure of the Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 in Frankfurt some time ago, and the Italian supercar manufacturer re-launched a teaser that made the world's fast car enthusiasts feel curious again.  

A teaser image of the newest V12-engine Lamborghini track-only hypercar. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/34htG10)

Yes, ahead of the final of the Lamborghini One-Make Series at the Jerez Circuit, Spain, which will be held this weekend, again Lamborghini is showing off its latest hypercar teaser planned to be released in 2020. 

It was also stated that this hypercar was the first car developed by the company's racing division, the Lamborghini Squadra Corse. But until now the raging bull logoed manufacturer has not yet given the name of its latest racing track-only hypercar. 

Reportedly, the hypercar will be equipped with a V12 6,500 cc Naturally Aspirated (N/A) engine that is capable of spraying power up to 830 hp. The hypercar will also be equipped with an innovative differential lock that can be adjusted by the driver to optimize the car's control depending on the circuit or asphalt conditions. 

From this teaser, we can see a little appearance of the hypercar. Where seen the most prominent parts include a large-sized rear wing, a single airscoop attached on the roof, and large double air intake holes in the hood. The '63' graphics on the body are similar to those of the Aventador SVJ 63 and denote Lamborghini’s year of birth – 1963.

Furthermore, there is also information that says that the structure of this car is made from a mixture of aluminum material on the frame and carbon fiber for the monocoque and the car will be launched next year. The company also plans will be produced in limited numbers (only 40 units) and customer deliveries are slated to commence in 2021. Aside from its mysterious name, so does the same of its price. Lamborghini still hasn't leaked it yet. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LAMBORGHINI | MOTOR1 | AUTOEVOLUTION]

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The fastest Bugatti hypercar ever built has been arrived

Not long after successfully launching its masterpiece Bugatti Centodieci at the Pebble Beach automotive event, the Molsheim-based supercar manufacturer launched its newest supercar. The car was made based on a prototype that has been managed to break the speed record of 304.7 mph (490.48 kph) while on speeding at the Volkswagen Group's Ehra-Lessien test track in Germany last August 2, 2019, drove by Bugatti's test driver Andi Wallace.

The fastest Bugatti hypercar ever built called Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ with its speed record of 304.7 mph (490.48 kph). (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2pr4OFj)

As quoted from the Bugatti media page, this super-fast car was given the name Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ and produced in order to enliven the 110th anniversary of the company. Then the car was also produced in a limited amount, which is only 30 units. This production version of the supercar will use the same engine as its prototype model, namely an 8.0L quad-turbo W16 engine nicknamed 'Thor,' which is claimed to be able to burst power up to 1,578 hp.

Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ while on display at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/32WvgFm)

The latest Chiron derivative looks almost identical to the prototype model which also uses the same carbon fiber material with bright orange line accents across in the middle, similar to the Veyron Super Sport. There are also circular air vents at the top of the two front wheel arches, similar to the Veyron Super Sport. The front end is dominated by a dark horseshoe grill and an aggressive air intake which makes the ordinary Chiron look more docile.

Interior view of Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ while on display at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/32WvgFm)

But on the back, it looks different which is said to provide significant visual and aerodynamic changes. Where the rear decklid is made slightly longer than the Chiron standard and now allows customers to design the shape of the hood as they desire (bespoke). This car is also touted as the fastest car ever produced by Bugatti to date.

In addition, there is a new appearance of the placement of four exhaust holes that are stacked vertically which is also applied to the Bugatti Centodieci. The only visual difference that stands out the most between the prototype and the production model is the black rims that adorn its four wheels. 

Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ with the elongated rear end and new vertically four exhausts placement. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/32WvgFm)

The figure of the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ has been exhibited at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2019 with racing seats and prototype safety cage. In addition, the vehicle height from the road surface is also returned to standard conditions so it's worth using on the highway.

Furthermore, the supercar comes with an electronic speed limiter, but the French manufacturer has not yet decided what the highest speed will be limited. It was also reported that consumers might have the opportunity to eliminate the speed limit by adding a safety cage. Even car owners have access to test their cars on the VW Group's Ehra-Lessien test track in Germany.

Besides being produced in limited quantities, this super-fast car also has a pretty fantastic selling price of around €3.5 million (the US $3.9 million or approx Rp.72 billion). So only those with thick pockets with the millionaire labels can buy it. Are you interested to have it? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BUGATTI | MOTOR1 | AUTOCAR]
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Mitsubishi presented the first turbine-engined electric vehicle

When present as one of the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show participants, Mitsubishi used the opportunity by making the first debut of a unique small-sized SUV concept car owned and given the name of Mitsubishi MI-Tech Concept.

Why is it called unique? Due to the MI-Tech concept car is touted as the first electric car to use a turbine engine. In fact, this car is arguably the first and only turbine-engined car ever implemented in the real world. Really?

Mitsubishi MI-Tech Concept on display at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Jk6uXS)

Mitsubishi presents the MI-Tech concept as a new breakthrough from the PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) cars. If all this time the PHEV used a combination of petrol engines and electric motors, and now in the MI-Tech concept has been replaced by turbine engines and electric motors.

Where this turbine engine has functions the same as a petrol engine in the PHEV as we know in the first place, namely as an electric energy generator to supply the battery's needs.

Mitsubishi MI-Tech Concept equipped with a turbine engine and 4 electric motors. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Jk6uXS)

The MI-Tech concept car has 4 electric motors to drive it and spin independently. This is intended not only to prevent the tires slip symptoms on the off-road roads, but it's also allowed to control the four electric motors separately. So that makes the MI-Tech concept can maneuver to the side like a panzer or tank.

Mitsubishi still has no plans for the mass production of MI-Tech. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Jk6uXS)

Furthermore, Hiroshi Nagaoka, Executive Officer, Senior Vice President (Engineering) of Mitsubishi Motors revealed, that the car's turbine engine can be set to consume various types of fuel, ranging from diesel fuel, kerosene up to alcohol. This fuel consumption flexibility allows the MI-Tech concept can be suited in many places that have different fuel qualities.

Even though it still consumes fossil fuels, but the car emissions are claimed to be lower than conventional combustion engines with NOx (nitrogen oxide) levels practically non-existent. Mitsubishi chose this turbine engine because of its compact dimensions and lighter weight compared to conventional petrol engines.

But this turbine engine can't be likened with an aircraft turbine engine because it has a smaller size and capability. Until now Mitsubishi still has not planned mass production of MI-Tech, but the company said it was still trying to develop it in that direction. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ] 

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New Toyota e-Racer concept is revealed

Toyota has revealed an e-Racer concept at the Tokyo motor show, a two-seat, fun-to-drive car designed to re-emphasize the firm's belief that a future with autonomous cars will still have room for driving enthusiasts.

Toyota has revealed its newest e-Racer concept at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2W9dlIY)

The car was unveiled on stage by Toyota boss Akio Toyoda, but no details - including technical or performance - were given about it beyond its name. As such, it is believed to be a concept in the truest sense, pointing merely to the fact that electric vehicles can be fun.

"All those years ago the car came along and replaced the horse," said Toyoda, "but today there are still people who own and racehorses, and who have the most amazing, emotional relationships with their horses. For them, the horse remains irreplaceable.

Toyota e-Racer concept, a two-seat, fun-to-drive car designed to re-emphasize the company's belief that a future with autonomous cars will still have room for driving enthusiasts. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2W9dlIY)

"I believe it is the same for the car, even in an age of autonomy. People will continue to be at the center of our technical advances even as e-mobility is rolled out."

Due to the concept that appears to be a static prototype, the visitor able to simulate driving it around a famous race circuit of their choosing with the aid of virtual reality glasses. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2W9dlIY)

Although the concept appears to be a static prototype, visitors to the show are able to simulate driving it around a famous race circuit of their choosing with the aid of virtual reality glasses. Alongside the e-Racer concept, Toyota is also showcasing a 'virtual fitting function' that can take users' exact measurements to tailor a bespoke race suit.

The e-Racer is joined on Toyota's show stand by the second-generation of the Mirai hydrogen fuel cell saloon, the i-Road electric scooter, a new two-seat EV designed for urban driving and the LQ Concept.  *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOCAR | ROADSHOW]

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