An eco-friendly Classic Beetle

A Californian auto modifier, David Bernardo very proud of his old Volkswagen Beetle now which is easy to drive and modern. He innovate by installing an electric engine package to replace the conventional engine. No more distinctive VW Beetle sound, there is silence in speed.

Zelectric Beetle is an electric powered Classic VW Beetle. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1tZyAIo)

David Bernardo successfully combines his iconic car with future technology. He called it Zelectric Beetle and prove that the iconic cars are still very popular can easily be treated, no hassle, more toned, and even eco-friendly.

In theory it is quite easy. Only by removing the old engine, and replacing it with an electric motor package. But it turns out in practice is not as simple as that. As reported by the New York Times on July 21, 2014, David had to adjust everything to support the new performance.

Zelectric Beetle still maintain its classical interior. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1tZyAIo)

Initialy, the 1958 VW Beetle was fitted with a lithium-ion battery and electric motor plus drive. That way, the car can go up to 144 kph. The distance is quite far, achieving 180 km on a single charge.

The electric motor installation out back of Zelectric Beetle. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1o30n9z)

David had to modify the engine room located at the rear of the car to fit the new power source. More power to change the brake device should make it more capable of gripping. The suspension was also improved to withstand the additional weight by 136 kg.

Interestingly, it claimed to be the first VW Beetle electric car, David successfully combines new engine with the original 4-acceleration Beetle transmission system. Not intended to move the gear, but to increase the power coming out of the electric motor.

Not to mention the cost of the conversion process, but is expected to more than Rp. 50 million. With the advance of old looking but already carry the future technology, there is nothing better to drive it with pride. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ZELECTRC MOTORS | NEW YORK TIMES]

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The fancy zombie killer supercar

An automotive designer from Jordan, Khaled Alkayad, featuring his latest works of a sporty war style concept car. And a Maybach Exelero used and changed to a warfare exclusive car plus the use of many weapons.

Khaled Alkayad modified a Maybach Exelero into a fancy zombies killer concept car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1s2UcmN)

It is offered at exorbitant prices, ie U.S $8 million (Rp. 93.464 billion), this super sports car has the ability as a zombie killer car. Its rear wheels inspired by the tank, which can make the car still moving in any road condition. While the front wheels are still using conventional tires.

Its body wraps with bullet resistant materials, and elongated front bumper like horns. Features with machine gun in the hood, double machine gun on the back and a rocket launcher.

Left side view of Khaled Alkayad's fancy zombies killer concept car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1s2UcmN)

This Exelero is powered by a V12 biturbo, which provides power of 700 hp with 753 lb-ft of torque. It also could make an acceleration from 0 to 100 kph in just 4.4 seconds and a see-through top speed of 350 kph.

Rear three quarter of Khaled Alkayad's fancy zombies killer concept car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1s2UcmN)

Khaled Alkayad's Mybach Exelero is a perfect figure of zombie killer supercar. Rapper Birdman reportedly interested to buying this fancy war supercar. The problem is when it is so purchased, is still unknown whether the car is legal to use on public roads or not. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | 95OCTANE]

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Largest insect with the wings that could cover the human face

Seeing ants swarming just sometimes have to make our move away, what if the insect world to see? Researchers recently found an insect in the world, including Dobsonfly class. When the animal wings outstretched, reaching 21 cm in size and capable of closing the human face.

The world's largest insect discovered in China. When spreads its wings, these insects capable of closing the human face. (Picture from: http://dexpr.es/1kYTvpn)

The biggest insect found to have a creepy claws. These insects are found in Sichuan Province, China. With its size, the China's Dobsonfly is beating the largest insect ever, Damselfly, which comes from South America, which has a size of 19.1 cm.

This giant aquatic insects have important functions in aquatic environments. Its presence is an indicator of water quality. As reported by Nature World News, on Tuesday, 22Juli 2014, giant Dobsonfly sensitive to pollutants, temperature, and acidity. When the water is polluted, these insects will move elsewhere.

So far, not a lot of information about the Megaloptera class insects. However, scientists also know that similar insects living in Assam, India, and northern Vietnam.

These animals are not the only giant insect. There is a giant moth wings reach a human foot. There is the giant-version of the bug species weta - similar to a cricket - can easily consume a carrot.

The newly discovered giant insect is also not nothing compared to insects in 250 million years ago. At that time, only dragonfly can reach sizes of 76 cm. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | EXPRESS]

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"All New" Smart try to remove the funny impression

After briefly flirting with some leaks on the internet, finally Daimler AG Smart officially introduced the latest generation. The economical mini passenger car, now appear more macho, as if trying to remove the "funny" impression that had been attached.

Both models of 'All New' Smart using the Renault Twingo platform. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1rDBQIT)

Smart introduced in two models at the same time, a third-generation ForTwo (two passengers) and a second-generation ForFour (four passengers). German manufacturer's hope, with the birth of this new generation, the Smart could be nipped in the city car market and the sold selling well in the global market.

"No one can combine the functional and emotional as well as we do, according the inventor of individual mobility. Latest generation ForTwo and ForFour adopt a proven concept, while offering almost everything, the room more spacious, more colorful, and more equipment," explained Annette Winkler, Head of Smart in Berlin, Germany on July 16, 2014.

2015 Smart ForTwo. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1rDBQIT)

From its looks, both models of Smart looks much more macho than the previous product. Its facia looks sharp with the Day Time Running Lightlamp design, combined chrome accented grille, and bloated bumper also the boxy taillight with LEDs in it.

2015 Smart ForFour. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1rDBQIT)

The curve of the body side further supports sporty impression that try to offer. However, the greatest change occurred in the ForFour models, where from the first generation (2004-2006) produced using the Mitsubishi Colt platform. For this new generation, using the Renault Twingo platform, the same as the ForTwo. Both models use the same rear-wheel drive system and rear engine.

The interior is sporty and fit for modern urban. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1rDBQIT)

Both models have the size the same width and height, 1,660 mm and 1,550 mm. However, different from the wheelbase and overall length. For a two-passenger version in width, 2,690 mm ​​with a 1,873 mm wheelbase, while four passengers 4,490 mm ​​with a wheelbase of 2,494 mm.

In addition, the rear doors can be opened up ForFour now almost 90 degrees so that adds to the comfort of passengers in and out access. Though tiny, the Smart ForTwo still offers luggage capacity of 260 liters with the rear, while ForFour 185 liters.

Turning radius becomes one of the advantages of this car, claimed just 6.95 meters to 8.65 meters for the ForTwo and ForFour.

Daimler also announced there are two engine options for both Smart models. First, the 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder-powered 72 ps and 91 Nm of torque. Both 0.9-liter, 3-cylinder, turbo power produces 90 ps and 135 Nm of torque. In addition to these two options, Daimler has set up a large version of the smaller and energy. Also there are two transmission options, manual 5-speed automatic with double clutch and 6-speed. Both using the rear wheels system.

Smart plans to go on sale in Europe in November 2014 is expected to remain the same tag as the previous model (ForTwo), while the more expensive ForFour estimated around 600 euros. For the United States market, Smart is only a two-seater version will market based on consumer characteristics. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION]

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Mini Panda that was agile for all-terrains

Fiat was re-transform a form of their Panda 4x4 into more formidable and bold figure on all-terrains. Now it comes with a much more powerful form, named Fiat Panda Cross that made ​​its debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2014 which held on March 2014.

Fiat Panda Cross. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1qPYz2S)

Panda body kit looks more macho when fitted with offroad style front bumper that integrated with slick new fog lights. Manly impression even more powerful erupted when it also wore the roof bars and new rear bumper which has been enhanced by special 15 inches alloy wheels.

The latest Fiat's citycar is inherited Torque-on-Demand (ToD) features of Panda 4x4 system which has the function to regulate the flow of torque that is adapted to the condition of the engine. Not only that, to help a car while driving in the area up and down there is a Hill Descent Control feature which helps the stability of the car when crossing steep slope or a winding path.

Dashboard view of Fiat Panda Cross. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1mpPwle)

When driving on off-road terrain with this Fiat Panda Cross will still feel comfortable thanks to the new front suspension has been upgraded with MacPherson independent and torsion beam on the rear.

Rear three quarter of Fiat Panda Cross. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1qPYz2S)

There are two engine options offered by these cars. The first is a capacity of 0.9 liter TwinAir engine with turbocharger capable of spraying power 90 hp and 107 Nm of torque. The other engine options are 1.3-liter MultiJet turbodiesel that has power up to 80 hp and 140 Nm of torque. If seen, the two variants of the engine is 5 hp more powerful than the other Panda engines.

Other standard equipment on the car among other things automatic climate control, electric mirrors, central locking, fog lights, leather steering wheel and gear knob, ESC with ELD and many others. However, you can also indulge in the many optional features and equipment to make it a comfortable as yous private car. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION]

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'Four-winged' Dinosaur fossil found in China

Scientists on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 have described a strange dinosaur fossils whose body covered with feathers, and is seen as having "four wings" and might be able to fly. According to a study published in the Nature Communications journal, a meat-eating dinosaur that lived in China at 125 million years ago, called Changyuraptor yangi. The fossil unearthed in Liaoning Province, China.

Illustration of the new raptorial dinosaur, Changyuraptor. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/Wa0FBr)

This dinosaur has a very long tail and hairy, up to 1 ft (30 cm) and is the longest feathers on dinosaurs ever found. Fur is also close forelimb and foot of Changyuraptor, which is not regarded as a bird but more like a very bird-like dinosaurs. The length of the creature was about 4 ft (1.3 meters) and weighs roughly 9 lbs (4 kg).

If people see Changyuraptor, the reaction might be: "Hey! It was a strange bird," said Alan Turner, one of the researchers and paleontologists from Stony Brook University in New York, United States. "Think of a medium-size turkey with a very long tail," Turner said in a telephone interview.

The fossil found in Liaoning Province in northeastern China shows the details of Changyuraptor's plumage.. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1qmiqLe)

Scientists have identified dinosaurs with "two pairs of wings" known as microraptorine and Changyuraptor is the greatest. Bird stems from a small feathered dinosaur. Archaeopteryx, the size of a crow, which lived about 150 million years ago is regarded as the earliest known bird. But many before and after the dinosaurs had feathers and other birds of similar character.

"Changyuraptor was very, very similar to Archaeopteryx and other primitive birds. So there are a lot of other dinosaurs such as Anchiornis and Pedopenna., But they have some properties that are less in birds and lacking several properties owned by a bird," said Turner.

According to Luis Chiappe, a paleontologist at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, who led the study said that Changyuraptor live in a wooded environment with a mild climate, hunting of birds, mammals, reptiles, and small fish.

"Animals like Changyuraptor may not move with the power to fly like modern birds. Nevertheless, Changyuraptor and dinosaurs like he could flap its wings, and of course hairy surface on the front and hind legs," said Turner.

"So this increases the likelihood they can glide or" fly "with a kind of primitive way. Which I think: if you push them from the tree, they would fall quite slowly," he added. If Changyuraptor could fly, the long feather tail could help lower the current speed down and allow it to land safely.

"This helps explain how animals like Changyuraptor could move in some form of air movements - flying, hovering, and or down in a controlled manner - regardless of their size," said Turner.

At present birds, feathers have a wide-range of functions beyond the fly, including for show, species recognition and mating rituals. According to Turner, Changyuraptor fur also has several functions. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | REUTERS]

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ICON A5, a sports car in the sky

Flying an aeroplane is no longer a difficult dream for most people, especially in the United States, as long as it is so difficult to get a pilot's license. In line with the launch of a new regulation by the FAA on rule changes for the category of Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) in 2004, where the new rule allows each person can fly a plane without having to go through a long training process and do not need strict medical records are sometimes inhibit them to obtain certification.

ICON A5, a sports car in the sky. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1exfgbl)

For prospective pilots only takes 20 hours of flight training and just have to pay less than $3,500. But there are rules that must be obeyed the SPL (Sport Pilot License) pilot holders. They are only allowed to fly to a maximum altitude of 3,000 meters from the ground and aircraft speed must not exceed a maximum of 222 kph and should not conduct night flights. Similarly, the number of passengers is limited to a maximum only two people including the pilot and the minimum pilot age is 16 years.

ICON A5 with fully wings span. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1n06IC9)

The aircraft was first developed by Kirk Hawkins, a former USAF F-16 fighter pilot who was capture business opportunities of the expansion of new generation aircraft based on the FAA's new rule, allowing the vehicle to fly that offers convenience for consumers but has a different attraction to the sport plane in general.

ICON A5 with folded wings span. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1n06IC9)

The idea is akin to a person buying a sports car and operating it can quickly. Bailer was intercepted when Hawkisn met with Steen Strand, well known product designer who has 14 years of experience designing sports equipment, Hawkins vision to create 'sportcar in sky' getting closer to reality.

Precisely in 2005, Hawkins founded ICON Aircraft with the developtment facilities located in Southern California. Not without reason this place was chosen as the base aircraft industry. California is known as a state that produces quality human resources in the field of aerospace as well as automotive design center of the world.

Interior view of ICON A5. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1exfgbl)

ICON Aircraft engineering team supported by people who have been involved in the development of phenomenal aircrafts such as Voyager, Global Flyer and Burt Rutan's SpaceShipOne of Scaled Composite which located in Mojave, California.

Over the three years since the founding of ICON Aircraft, in June 2008 the hard work of developtment team successfully finished their first aircraft prototype named ICON A5, a petite amphibious sport aircraft with a capacity of two passengers. A month later, on July 15, 2008 ICON A5 flying premiere of a lake in California. Test fly directly addressed by the ICON's test pilot and also Aero engineer, Jon Karkow.

Left side view of ICON A5 Interior. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1n06IC9)

The first flight took place properly, the aircraft's performance even more than expected, but still conducted sustainable test until the aircraft ready going into production line. Since the beginning, ICON A5 is designed like a sports car, it could be seen from the shape of the snout and the sloping windshield and a pair of headlights that look like sports car.

ICON A5's simple flight instruments console. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1n06IC9)

So see the cabin, sports car feel more resilient feel, its dashboard panel really different than most aircraft. Detail design is perfect, until the pilot is believed to be sitting in the cockpit aboard a sports car feel rather than being steered plane.

Its equipment facilities include a simple analogue flight instruments, pilot's numerous flying aids, LCD multifunction display, plus a port for modern gadgets like iPod and MP3 to listen to music as well as the addition of glass can be removed while the fly.

To make the ICON A5 more practical, Icon's engineers thought the facility for owners and users of aircraft, such as the main wing can be folded manually or automatically. In folded back condition, the plane would have easily raised the trailer and furthermore can be towed by a car from the garage to the airport, river or lake nearby.

Special aircraft carrier trailer has also prepared by Icon Aircraft as an option. Then the landing gear can be retracted when flying or the landing wheels facilities can also be removed completely in Seaplane version.

ICON specs include a maximum speed of 120 mph and maximum range of 555 km. It measures 23' long and 7.1' high, with a wingspan of 34'. Other features include folding wings, retractable landing gear, Seawings platforms for easy access and docking.

The construction of aircraft structures are built using carbon fiber material, make very light weight and efficient in fuel use. By using a single Rotax 912 ULS engine power of 100 hp neatly embedded just behind the cabin that can consume the aviation or general fuel.

As the security features offered on the Icon A5 is a GPS moving map system that can provide information to the pilot about the nature and the local weather conditions in real time, then Wing Angel of Attack (AoA) indicator, patent-pending Propeller Guard and parachute that can inflate mini rockets launched from the roof when the plane experienced engine trouble while flying.

The aircraft with standard fittings sold at the price of $139,000. It is not expensive when compared with a sport car like Ferrari that sold at $224,640. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ICON AIRCRAFT | POPULAR MECHANICS]

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