Vw Cold Air Intake for Better Engine Performance

When VW was being conceptualized, their primary goal was to build a people’s car. Something that ordinary people can afford and yet be functional enough for their lifestyle. Hence the VW beetle was produced. Adolf Hitler one of the people who supported the concept of the beetle. VW has been making quality cars since then. As the vehicles were continuously upgraded to suit the people’s needs, various car parts were also enhanced to fit the vehicles design. One innovation that have helped the engine is the VW cold air intake.

A VW cold air intake is a system used to bring down the temperature of the air going into a car. Its primary purpose is to increase the power of the internal-combustion engine. A secondary goal is to increase the appeal of a car by changing the appearance of a car’s engine bay and creating an attractive intake noise. All VW cold air intakes operate on the principle of increasing the amount of oxygen available for combustion with fuel. Because cooler air has more density for a given volume, cold air intakes generally work by introducing cooler air from outside the hot engine bay. However, the term cold air intake is often used to describe other methods of increasing oxygen to an engine, which may even increase the temperature of the air coming into an engine. The make of cold air intakes has a direct effect on the type of performance one wants or needs. One strategy used in designing cold air intakes is increasing the diameter of the air intake, that allows increased airflow. Another way is smoothing the interior of the intake to reduce air resistance. Providing a more direct route to the air intake, can also result to a better VW cold air intake.

Intake systems come in many different styles and can be constructed from plastic, metal, rubber or composite materials like fiberglass, carbon fiber or kevlar. Due to the limited time, air actually remains inside the intake tubing. The materials often do not impact a kit’s ability to deliver cool air. The most basic cold air intake replaces the stock airbox with a short metal or plastic tube leading to a conical air filter, called a Short ram air intake. The power gained by this method can vary depending on how restrictive the factory airbox is. The placement of the filter is usually directly in the engine compartment. The overall benefits depend on the specific application. Power may be lost at certain engine speeds and gained at others. Because of the increased airflow and reduced covering, intake noise is usually increased. This effect is usually amplified on applications where a resonator, a part intended to reduce intake noise on some vehicles, is replaced by the intake.

Though the VW cold air intake can really help the engine, there is still some potential risk when using it. One thing is to avoid getting water in the engine by installing a water shield in the intake or not driving in the rain at all.

VW cold air intakes can really have a powerful effect on the car. But considering the possible risk, it should also be properly maintained just like any regular car part.

Toyota Hybrid System Control For Toyota Ohio

The system control of THS II maintains the vehicle at its maximum operating efficiency by managing the energy used by the entire vehicle, which includes the energy for moving the vehicle as well as the energy used for auxiliary devices, such as the air-conditioner, heaters, headlights and navigation system.

The system control monitors the requirements and operating states of hybrid system components, such as the engine, which is the source of energy for the entire hybrid vehicle; the generator, which acts as the starter for the engine and converts the energy from the engine into electricity; the motor, which generates the drive power for running the vehicle using the electrical energy from the battery; and the battery, which stores the electrical energy generated through power generation by the motor during deceleration. It also receives braking information being sent via the vehicle’s control network, as well as instructions from the driver, such as the throttle opening and shift lever position.

In other words, the system control of THS II monitors these various energy consumption statuses of the vehicle in real time and provides precise and fast integrated control so that the vehicle can be operated safely and comfortably at the highest possible efficiency.

Like modern jet planes, THS II hybrid vehicles use by-wire control, in which the driver’s instructions are converted into electrical signals (through wires) to be used in integrated control. In by-wire control, system reliability is the highest control priority. When a smart key sends information indicating that the driver has gotten inside the vehicle, the system power supply is turned on.

First, whether or not the hybrid computer itself is functioning normally is monitored, and an operational check is performed before the ignition button is pressed.

When the ignition button is pressed, the system checks whether or not various sensors, the engine, the motor, the generator and the battery are functioning normally. Then, the switches for the components in the high-voltage system, such as the motor, the generator and the battery, are turned on, making the vehicle ready to run. This is the start-up control sequence. When the driver presses the ignition button again before leaving the vehicle, the components in the high-voltage system are disconnected and, after confirming that such systems are turned off, the hybrid computer shuts down.

Safety checks are also being carried out while the vehicle is moving, and, based on various types of information such as changes in driving conditions, the system controls the vehicle so that it can operate in an emergency mode in the unlikely event of failure in the hybrid system or lack of fuel.

Engine power control is the basic control mechanism of THS II for always minimizing the energy consumption of the entire vehicle.

Based on the vehicle’s operating state, how far the driver has depressed the acceleration pedal and the status signals from the battery computer, energy management control determines whether to stop the engine and run the vehicle using the electric motor only or to start the engine and run the vehicle using engine power.

When first started, the vehicle begins to operate using the motor unless the temperature is low or the battery charge is low. To run the vehicle using engine power, the engine is first started by the generator and at the same time, the system calculates the energy required by the entire vehicle. It then calculates the running condition that will produce the highest efficiency for producing this energy and sends an rpm instruction to the engine. The generator then controls the engine revolution to that rpm.

The power from the engine is controlled by taking into account the direct driving power, the motor driving power from electrical generation, the power needed by the auxiliary equipment and the charging requirement of the battery. By optimizing this engine power control, THS II has advanced energy management for the entire vehicle and has achieved improved fuel efficiency.

The driving power of a vehicle with THS II is expressed as the combination of the direct engine driving power and the motor’s driving power. The slower the vehicle’s speed, the more the maximum driving power is derived from the motor’s driving power. By increasing the generator rpm, THS II has made it possible to use the engine’s maximum power starting at slower speeds than was possible with the current THS. It has also made it possible to significantly increase the maximum drive power by using a high-voltage, high-output motor that successfully improves power performance.

Because the engine has no transmission and uses a combination of the direct driving power from the engine and the motor’s driving power derived from electrical conversion, it can control the driving power by seamlessly responding to the driver’s requirements, all the way from low to high speeds and from cruising with a low power requirement to full-throttle acceleration. (This is known as torque-on-demand.)

Additionally, the time required to start the engine during acceleration from motor-only drive has been reduced by 40%, greatly improving the acceleration response. In order to eliminate shock during engine start-up, the generator also precisely controls the stopping position of the engine’s crank. To ensure that the vehicle’s driving power is not affected even when a large load is applied, e.g., when the air-conditioner is turned on, precise driving power correction control is carried out, achieving smooth and seamless driving performance.

In THS II, the newly developed Electronically Controlled Braking System (ECB) controls the coordination between the hydraulic brake of the ECB and the regenerative brake and preferentially uses the regenerative brake; it also uses a high-output battery and increases the amount of energy that can be recovered and the range in which it can be recovered. The system increases overall efficiency and, thus, fuel economy.

In THS, the engine, the generator, the motor and the wheels are linked together via the power split device. Furthermore, most of the engine power is converted into electrical energy by the generator, and the high-output and high-response motor drive the vehicle. Consequently, when the vehicle’s driving power changes abruptly, e.g., wheel slippage on icy or other slippery surfaces and wheel locking during braking, a protection control similar to that used in conventional traction control is used to prevent abrupt voltage fluctuation and revolution increase of the planetary gear in the power split device. In THS II, we have advanced the parts protection function further and achieved the world’s first motor traction control by utilizing the characteristics of a high-output, high-response motor.

The goal of the motor traction control is to restore traction when wheel slippage on a snowy road is detected, for example, and inform the driver of the slipping situation. The basic requirement for safe vehicle operation is firm traction between the tires and the road surface. Motor traction control helps the driver maintain this state.

This is another driver assist function that is unique to the high-output motor THS II. This function prevents the vehicle from sliding downward when the brake is released during startup on a steep slope. Because the motor has a highly sensitive revolution sensor, it responsively senses the angle of the slope and the vehicle’s descent and ensures safety by increasing the motor’s torque.

What Can Audi Offer?

Launched in the United States for the 1996 model year, the Audi A4, with its lively character and polished look, started the brand’s metamorphosis into an icon of performance and design.

The third-generation A4 should be similarly transformative when it debuts in early 2008. Revised power train packaging will allow the A4’s longitudinally mounted engines to move four inches rearward, thanks to a more compact clutch and differential. The engine lineup will remain the same (with a bit more power): a 210-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four; a 265-hp, 3.2-liter V-6; and, in the S4, a 4.2-liter V-8 making 350 hp. Each will come with a choice of a six-speed manual or a seven-speed version of Audi’s DSG transmission. The next A4 also gets a new four-link front suspension, a revised rear setup, and a 60 percent rear-biased torque split for the all-wheel-drive system. These changes, together with more equally balanced weight distribution, should make for markedly sportier handling

Another benefit is that the designers can trim the front overhang, vastly improving the proportions. Inside, the A4 will take many cues from the Road jet concept seen at the Detroit show. Look for all manner of techno gimmickry, including MMI, seats that self-adjust based on the occupant’s height and weight, and an MP3 player integrated into the ignition key. The car will be built on a new platform that also will be used for the A5 coupe/convertible and the next A6 and A8.

Furthermore, Audi – maker of quality Audi A4 tie rods, continues its strategy of diesel domination in Australia with the launch this week of the A4 3.0 TDI Quattro – the most-powerful 6-cylinder TDI in the B-segment.

Audi’s new A4 3.0 TDI Quattro tiptronic model impresses with strong performance on tap thanks to 171 kW of power, and a mighty 450 Nm of torque.

Already demonstrating the success, vigor and performance of this engine, November last year saw Audi’s larger A6 model with the modern 3.0 TDI engine awarded first prize as ‘Australia’s Best Luxury Car over $57,000’. This was the first time a diesel-engined vehicle has a ‘Best Luxury Car’ gong and heralds a new-found awareness and acceptance of diesel engines for Australian passenger-car consumers.

The Audi A4 3.0 TDI quattro with a 6-speed tiptronic transmission is priced at $86,700.

Weight reduction, a fast and crisp gearshift, and the optimized shifting speed of the new 6-speed tiptronic benefits the driver with more spontaneous gear changes, particularly when downshifting. In addition, the engine automatically double-declutches to further increase agility.

A long-time innovator with diesel technology, Audi first launched a TDI version of its all road quattro in 2002 in Australia, followed by A3, A6 and late last year, its first A4 model boasting this efficient and powerful TDI technology.

The new A4 3.0 TDI quattro features a high level of standard specification including electric front seats with electric lumbar support, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation, 17-inch alloys, sports suspension, acoustic rear parking sensors, Volterra leather upholstery, burr-walnut wood inlays, a multifunction sports leather steering wheel with paddle shifts, servotronic speed-sensitive power steering and automatic rain and headlight sensors.

The A4’s smaller sibling – with a 2.0 TDI engine and multitronic transmission – has already proven popular since its introduction late last year, accounting for around 10% of A4 sales.

Audi is putting together some particularly popular options for A4 and A4 Avant customers at extremely attractive prices in the form of three new equipment packages. The three packages – “Business Comfort”, “Business Plus” and “Design” – each work out more than a third cheaper than if the items which they contain were ordered separately. They can also be combined with each other.

The “Business Comfort” package includes the chorus audio system, seat heating as well as a center armrest for the front seats, cruise control and the Audi parking system at the rear.

“Business Plus” includes the new navigation system with MMI operating logic, the driver information system, a mobile phone preparation on the centre console, and a 4-spoke multifunction leather steering wheel. The package costs €1,800. Here, too, the Audi A4 customer saves around 34 percent, or €925, compared with ordering the items separately.

The “Design” package offers attractive optic styling equipment at a price of €1,100 (depending on engine version). 17-inch cast aluminium wheels of 16-spoke design, a metallic or pearl-effect paint finish as well as a high-gloss and lights package are available here up to €845 cheaper than if ordered separately. This is a saving of at least 35 percent if the Design package is ordered.

All three packages are now available for the Audi A4 and the A4 Avant in all engine versions.

General Auto Insurance – Your Simple Guide to Purchasing Good Auto Insurance

When you purchase a new vehicle, it doesn’t end there. There are other responsibilities that you have after you purchase a car of your own. Once you have a vehicle you are going to need to make sure you have good general auto insurance. Many people are not informed on auto insurance, what it is, and the coverage that they need, which is why they make mistakes when purchasing their car insurance policies.

It is important that you are well informed on general auto insurance, what is available, and what you need. This way you can make the best decision when you purchase your auto insurance. So, here is a simple guide to help you purchase quality auto insurance that will keep you covered when you need it.

The first thing you will definitely want to do before you ever purchase general auto insurance is to take some time to shop around. Check with different companies, get quotes, and find out what they have to offer. Quotes are free and can help you as you make a choice on the insurance plan right for you.

After you go about getting several quotes, then you need to compare them carefully. Take a look at not only the price, but the products that they are offering you. Some prices may be cheaper but that coverage may not offer everything that you need. Also be sure to take a look at the company offering you the insurance, the services offered, and the history behind the company.

There are many levels of coverage that you can choose from when you need to purchase general auto insurance. You can go with basic liability coverage, or you can go to the top of the line with comprehensive coverage as well. The choice on your level of coverage is going to depend on the type of car you have, your budget, and your own financial needs.

When people are shopping for general auto insurance, most don’t realize that their driving record will come into play. It’s important to understand how your driving record can affect what you pay for your insurance. If you have a great driving record, then you should get great deals, but those who have bad driving records usually end up paying more for their insurance.

Another thing that many people never realize is that if they purchase several types of insurance from one company, often they can save money on their general auto insurance policy. Companies are always wanting more business and are willing to give you a discount if you have several insurance policies with their company. It’s a great way to quickly get a great deal fast.

One misconception that many people have when it comes to general audio insurance is that the basic cheapest insurance is going to be best. This is not always the case. In many cases the basic coverage is not enough. This is especially true if you have a brand new car or you happen to have financial assets that could be seized if someone sued you for being under insured.

Acquiring The Utmost In Automotive Care

Most people are thrilled at the aspect of getting a new car. It is very easy to get carried away in all that excitement. Regardless of how strongly you feel about a vehicle, take it for a test drive. Calculate the time it will take to properly check out the vehicle. A couple of minutes is just not enough time to really study the car. Not only do you want to thoroughly inspect the vehicle, you should take it to a mechanic before buying.

It is just as important for you to communicate effectively with your mechanic for your car as it is for you to do so with your doctor for your body. Really what it comes down to is that you know your car better than anyone else. Since you drive it every day, you will know when something isn