Is it true that this Martian object was a human bone?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on August 14, 2014 released the image which was taken by Mastcam camera mounted on the Curiosity rover. The image was instantly create excitement in the virtual world because objects showed similar to human bone.

For example, UFO blogger talks in stating that the object is part of the human spine and finger bones. Meanwhile, a writer in Northern Voice Online states that the object is a sign that there is life on Mars.

NASA'S Mars Curiosity rover. (Picture from: http://www.theweek.co.uk/)

Furore in cyberspace was forced NASA to provide information. On Friday, August 22, 2014, NASA officially declared that the object was a mere stone, was not human bones, nor signs of life on Mars.

"Seeing with the Mastcam camera that mounted on Curiosity, The Martian rock is probably like the femur. However, a team of scientists think that this is a rock formed by erosion, either by wind or water," said NASA as quoted by Sydney Morning Herald, on Saturday, August 23, 2014.

Curiosity rover captures the image of an object on Mars on August 14, 2014. Many believe that the object was a human bone. However, NASA denies. The object was only eroded rock. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/VRCCX1)

Perry Vlahos from the Astronomical Society of Victoria says that humans do tend to associate the new object seen with other objects present in his memory. "So, no surprise if someone saw 'man in the moon' or 'bone on Mars'," he said further.

According to Vlahos, the human brain is designed to recognize a pattern. It is part of the evolution. Because of this, people tend to look at ordinary objects and compare it with something that makes him fascinated.

He said that the images captured by Curiosity clearly was not the femur on Mars. Therefore, humans obviously never lived on Mars. If life exists or ever existed on the planet, the life forms only microorganisms. *** [EKA | FROM VAROUS SOURCES | SYDNEY MORNING HERALD]

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HD motorcycle into "Reverse Trike" conversion devices

There were many HD motorcycles converted from two-wheeler into three-wheeled. But mostly two parallel wheels, placed in the back. A Wisconsin-based company, Scorpion Trikes made a new breakthrough by producting a set of front wheel device (complete with independent suspension) to be installed on the front of the motorcycle, especially a Harley-Davidson V-Rod.

Scorpion Trikes want to let you turn your Harley-Davidson V-rod into a three-wheeler. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/Xx9lmn)

Two wheels in the front of the so-called Reverse Trike. The production version has been circulating, ranging from Can-Am Spyder, Travertson Striker, until Polaris Slingshot. However, for the modification no one has dared to do it like Scorpion does.

Remarkably, it no need change the frame to install the device. Quite a number of additional devices are connected to the frame, and move some of the components such as the radiator is placed in front. The installing process claimed only takes 6 hours, and it can be done alone.

The first version of this device is only for the V-Rod. But the company promises there will be a similar product for a variety of popular motorcycles, but on request. The closest is to provide for the Harley-Davidson touring type or so-called the FL-coded. 

The price of the device is set at U.S. $5,000 or equivalent to Rp. 58 million. Scorpion promising of these components will be available in early spring 2015, or around March-May. Will be informed more about the installation, whether will be available at the dealership or sent to the buyer and installed itself. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SCORPION TRIKES | GIZMAG]

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Japanese legend in the 24 hours of Le Mans arena

The heroes will always be remembered, but the legends never die... That phrase is accurately describes the Mazda 787B, the first Japanese-car racing that conquered Le Mans circuit, France, in 24-hour endurance race in 1991. Unfortunately after becoming champion, the racing committee restricts the use of rotary machinery as used by 787B in subsequent seasons.

Behind the controversy of the rotary engine prohibition in the race, now Mazda 787B get respectable position as the legends of the Hiroshima based auto manufactur, and got a special throne at Mazda Museum in Hiroshima.

Mazda 787B is the first Japanese-car racing that conquered the Le Mans circuit, France, in 24-hour endurance race in 1991. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1q1Gz6y)

When you visit the museum, you can see that on display the figure of Mazda 787B with its controversial engine. Called controversial because some people believe the prohibition is a conspiracy because the Mazda 787B is too tough, so tough to beat it in the race.

In 1991, Mazda became the first Japanese manufacturer which won in the Le Mans arena, although two other Japanese manufacturers actually more idealized. The history also recorded, 787B became the first race car that won the Le Mans race with a rotary engine to complete the distance of 4923.2 km with an average speed of 205.1 kph.

The 787B winning story is just as interesting. Steered alternately by three drivers, Johnny Herbert of England, Bertrand Gachot of French, and Volker Weidler of Germany, a car with the number 55 was the start at 19th position, and two others Mazda 787B with numbers 18 and 56 are on the position of 23rd and 30th.

At the beginning, the car with the number 55 that was straight poking into the third position. In several laps later, it already in the second position behind the Mercedes-Benz C11 who steered by Michael Schumacher, Fritz Kreutzpointner and Karl Wendlinger. When the race was held in 22 hours, the C11 had to go the pit-stop because of engine problems.

At the last pit-stop, Herbert will ask for remain to steer the car and took the 787B through the finish line the first time as the winner. But at the end of the race, Herbert experiencing fatigue and dehydration and he could not standing at the podium with Weidler and Gachot.

Now, the story of the race is always to be remembered in the Mazda Museum. Now the legendary 787B race car to get its throne as the Rising Sun country's pride. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OTOMOTIF]

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This is the Hiroshima's new pride

Almost all car manufacturers around the world have a research division that develops racing cars. In addition for technology development purposes, can also increase the prestige of the brand through the racing arena, once proof of engines creations performance. No exception to the Hiroshima based auto manufacture, Mazda Motor Corporation.

Mazda6 SKYACTIV-D Racing, the car that competed in the Rolex Grand-Am GX Race in Atlanta, United States last year and is now on display at the Mazda Museum in Hiroshima, Japan. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1q1Gz6y)

In addition to the 787B model that has been a legend since it is the first Japanese brand to win the endurance race 24 hours of Le Mans in 1991, Mazda is now developing the Grand-Am GX Mazda6 SKYACTIV-D Racing series. The models that competed last year in the Rolex Grand-Am GX Race in Atlanta, the United States, is now on display at the Mazda Museum, in Hiroshima, Japan.

Mazda6 SKYACTIV-D Racing, the only participant car that uses a diesel engine in the Rolex Grand-Am GX Race in Atlanta, United States. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1q1Gz6y)

After years known as the car company that uses 'rotary' engine, by 2013 they are now relying on SKYACTIV-D engine for the Grand-Am GX Mazda6. In its fourth appearance in Atlanta Road Circuit, Georgia, United States, this car occupies the first and third position of the Grand-Am GX Race podium.

Keizo Okue, President Director of PT. Mazda Motor Indonesia, on Monday, August 18, 2014 says, "After being the only team that has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a rotary engine, Mazda has now become the only participant that uses a diesel engine in the prestigious turing race event like the Grand-AM GX Race."

"This is a very historic moment for the Mazda Motorsports's world, as we once again bring innovative technologies to the race track and demonstrate the performance, quality, durability and reliability of our brand," said Okue.

Although the use of more than 60 percent of the 250 mass production version engine parts which is embedded in the latest Mazda6. A four-cylinder engine SKYACTIV-D 2.2L turbo that is embedded on a race car is capable poured 400 hp of power at 5,000 rpm and maximum torque of 445lb-ft at 3,600 rpm. For the deduction its speed, Mazda collaborated with F1 brakes producers, Alcon with the brake kit products used are 4 piston monoblock 355 mm on the front and 4 piston 328 mm for the rear.

Mazda6 Car Racing using a combination of tubular chassis and double wishbone independent suspension. With a total weight of 1,111 kg, the car is quite nimble in maneuvering on the race track. "What is clear, can compete with the latest generation of engines for the new car is a very great feeling," said Okue further. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OTOMOTIF]

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Here's the Off-Road wheelchair

An Austrian company, Mattro Revolutions Mobility GmbH, made the vehicle ​​to resemble a special off-road wheelchair called Der Ziesel. Base is the All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and is intended for people with disabilities or people who want to feel different "scratching the ground" sensations while in the sitting position.

Der Ziesel, an extreme off-road wheelchair. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1oLdR5W)

Der Ziesel has three levels of power from the electric motor. For standard version comes with 6.3 kWh battery and is capable of producing power by 16 hp, medium version is 7.9 kWh with a power of 18.7 hp, as well as the highest version with 10.8 kWh can burst a power of 24 hp. It can reach a maximum speed of 33 kph.

The entire power routed to the both "legs" that resembles the tank chain. The steering system is controlled with a joystick. Der Ziesel claimed could handle 60 percent of the off-road character in all directions. Also equipped with a 4 point safety system for the driver and a roll bar at the top as an additional safety feature.

Der Ziesel, the off-road terrain conqueror. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1Afw6sN)

"The latest off-road vehicle driving for all those who want to combine the freedom and pleasure. Easy to use with just a joystick. Fasten your seatbelts and play to nature. There is no roar of the engine and exhaust sound," the company wrote in its official website.

Der Ziesel very tempting to try. However, currently only distributed to Italy, Belgium, and Sweden. Moreover, it's expensive, need to have a lot of money. For most cheap varian sale at €19,980 or Rp. 316 million, while the highest variance touched €27,100 or Rp. 428.5 million. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MATTRO | AUTOBLOG]

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The Veyron successor can be ordered now

Bugatti officially stopped the production of  their legendary hypercar,  the Veyron. Before end of this year, Veyron stock is remaining 15 units. Until now, the Bugatti was able to sell up to 405 units of the Veyron to consumers in all over the world. Finally, as many as 30 units of 45 units remaining quota also have ordered by consumer. The remaining 15 units of the fastest car in the world it's said to be reconditioned first before sale.

As per the initial plan, the Bugatti will only produce 450 units of the Veyron till at the end of next year. Of these, a total of 300 units of the Veyron comes with the closed roof, while the remaining 150 units are open roof/roadster variant, such as reported by Autocar, on Thursday, August 6, 2014.

Currently Bugatti Veyron only 15 units left, and will be reconditioned before being sent to the hands of consumers. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1sB4Unm)

Veyron itself comes with some types, such as the Grand Sport, Super Sport and Grand Sport Vitesse. While recondition the remaining Veyron variants, Bugatti is currently busy to make a successor to the Veyron. The plan, this variant will be introduced starting in 2016.

The Veyron successor will use a W16  turbocharged engine with a capacity of 8.0 liter. This machine is capable of spewing power up to 1,479 hp. Reportedly, the latest hypercar Bugatti was able to drive up to speeds of 460 kph.

Interestingly, although the Veyron successor still undisclosed. But it said, the hypercar can be ordered by the enthusiasts. Indeed, previous Bugatti has confirmed that a Veyron successor will be launched to the market in the year of 2017. Reportedly, not only super in the speed matter, also in the cabin of two-seat hypercar will be present in the super-luxury features.

Although not yet officially introduced, Bugatti itself has been challenged by Hennessey. The Bugatti rival manufacturers also go to vote by presenting their new hypercar, Venom F5. The hypercar was claimed to be ready becoming the world's fastest hypercar with a speed of not less than 467 kph. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOCAR]

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Name of Aston Martin's newest supercar was debated

British car manufacturer, Aston Martin has confirmed that they are ready to launch a new sport car in 2016. Later, the vehicle will be positioned as the successor of their flagship sport car today, Aston Martin DB9.

Aston Martin DB9. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1uNiH8f)

Interestingly, appear trivial problems that accompany the presence of the DB9 successor. Not a body or engine problems, but the name that will be used on the DB9 successor, as quoted from Caradvice, on Monday, August 11, 2014.

According to Marek Reichman, Aston Martin's design chief, that the successor supercar will still carry the sacred name 'DB', but numbering in tow still not been agreed.

Actually, if you follow the tradition over the years, the DB9 successor should be named DB10. But apparently the designers argued, Aston Martin had previously not use the DB8 name. It is said, they are obliged to use those number first.

As reported, Aston Martin debating name of DB9 successor. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1uNiH8f)

"We skipped a number for the previous model (DB9). For subsequent models, we hope not to repeat the same error," said Reichman. As the solution, some Aston Martin officials said to be ready to support the Reichman plan, if the new roadster will still carry the name of the DB9, but with extra frills.

For the record, the new Aston Martin roadster will have a lighter weight than the current DB9. With a weight of 1,785 kg, the roadster was built with the latest platforms made ​​from aluminum. For the engine, the Aston Martin rely on Mercedes Benz which has prepared an AMG V8 engine with a capacity of 4.0 liter twin turbocharged. This engine will produce up to 375 kW of power and up to 650 Nm of torque – comparing closely with the 380 kW/650 Nm outputs of the DB9’s existing that use a 5.9-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARADVICE]

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