The FitCar PPV ‘prototype #2’ is based on a standard Audi A4 Avant 2.0L petrol TFSI auto, with the throttle replaced by a bicycle pedal mechanism and mated to a flywheel, which generates an electronic pulse to engage the accelerator.
The car is powered as normal, delivering manufacturer specification performance and economy, governed by an active pedalling motion instead of the conventional depressing of the accelerator and to make space for the bicycle and flywheel mechanism, the brake-pedal has been replaced with a simple off-the-shelf ‘push hand control’ conversion as used in motability vehicles.
Avis Car Rental UK will launch of its new online auction portal that allows dealers and trade buyers to purchase Avis used cars: Avis Car Sales www.aviscarsales.co.uk.
Developed in partnership with CD Auction Group and built specifically for Avis, the new portal utilises CD Auction Group’s leading online technology as well as its back-office technical and administrative support.
Mercedes GLC compact crossover will be exported from India to America, to get around tariff issues with its Chinese plant going the same route.
Ford EcoSport models made in the Asian country have also been sent to the US as India strengthens its automotive lower-cost base and copes with over-capacity.
Audi is considering resurrecting the near 100 year old Horch name it holds from former Auto-Union days, says Automotive News Europe.
It would initially be used on an exclusive flagship version of the Audi A8 in about three years as the remodel cycle comes around.
The DoT is advising motorists they may need to apply at Post Offices for International Driving Permits if going abroad in Europe after March next year when the UK leaves the EU.
Depending on where they are driving, there are two permits available each costing £5.50 and can be obtained within minutes, said the independent Licence Bureau.
ŠKODA has achieved its most daring Guinness World Record with the farthest flight of an arrow caught by hand from a moving car.
Using the Octavia Combi vRS 245, the fastest Octavia ever produced, ŠKODA registered an unbelievable distance of 57.5 metres (188ft) between Austrian Olympic archer Laurence Baldauff and martial arts coach Markus Haas deftly caught the flying object leaning out of the sunroof of the car.
Peugeot has unveiled 180 and 200hp versions of its new petrol engines, specifically engineered for its forthcoming hybrid and hybrid4 models.
They will initially be used in the new 508 and 3008 models and have an easy view charging system with two battery sizes depending on model.
Ford is relaunching its on-line sales service.
It comes after the company introduced its Manchester FordStore and is designed to allow customers to do as much or little of the buying process as they want over the internet.
The RAC says pump prices could shoot up to 142pp litre for petrol and 148pp litre for diesel.
It’s potentially the combined result of raw price rises, added duties and the low exchange rate of the pound, as oil is bought and sold in dollars, but Asda has given momentary relief and cut prices 2pp litre yesterday which may spark a short forecourt fight, added the RAC.