Kia has released an official press release of their suspiciously-named Air Propulsion and Retardation Installation Line technology, or A.P.R.I.L in short. The system relies on small sensors built into the front and rear bumpers which monitor external wind speed and deploy panels when the wind is sufficient to provide additional directional impetus according to the car's behaviour.
Although unveiled on the company's stylish and fun cross-over Soul the patented system can be easily extended to all the company's vehicles and will even be available as a bolt-on accessory for vehicles already in use.
So at cruising speeds if the wind behind the car is strong - such as in winter gales - the panels will harness wind power to provide forward motion. If the car is slowing or under braking Gallery: Kia Aero Soul the panels will deploy to provide additional retardation effort. Additionally a small electrically powered baffle can be lowered just behind the exhaust pipe under harsh braking to provide the kind of "reverse-thrust" normally associated with aircraft during landing - this element will only be available as a factory-fitted device.
"Tests of this system at our Nong Dam facility have shown that during windy weather fuel consumption can be reduced by up to 25 per cent and emissions by anything up 40 per cent. Even in calm weather using the system simply under braking can result in reductions of 10 per cent and 15 per cent respectively. In perfect conditions - downhill with a following wind fuel use and exhaust gasses can be reduced to almost zero! Plus, brake-pad life can be extended by anything up to 50 per cent depending on driver behaviour" said Systems Manager Avril Babo.
The new A.P.R.I.L. system will be available on all vehicles ordered after midnight on March 31, 2010 and the accessory pack will be available the following day. Prices will be announced in due course.
Along with Kia, the organizers of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, best known for its famous 1.16 mile hillclimb time attack, have sent a press release showing their intention of encouraging all participants for this years event to go for zero emissions. This effectively means that drivers will be required to push his or her car up the hill with special consideration spared to older participants who will be allowed a "breather" half way up where a Goodwood butler will be on hand to administer organic non-alcoholic cognac if required.
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Although unveiled on the company's stylish and fun cross-over Soul the patented system can be easily extended to all the company's vehicles and will even be available as a bolt-on accessory for vehicles already in use.
So at cruising speeds if the wind behind the car is strong - such as in winter gales - the panels will harness wind power to provide forward motion. If the car is slowing or under braking Gallery: Kia Aero Soul the panels will deploy to provide additional retardation effort. Additionally a small electrically powered baffle can be lowered just behind the exhaust pipe under harsh braking to provide the kind of "reverse-thrust" normally associated with aircraft during landing - this element will only be available as a factory-fitted device.
"Tests of this system at our Nong Dam facility have shown that during windy weather fuel consumption can be reduced by up to 25 per cent and emissions by anything up 40 per cent. Even in calm weather using the system simply under braking can result in reductions of 10 per cent and 15 per cent respectively. In perfect conditions - downhill with a following wind fuel use and exhaust gasses can be reduced to almost zero! Plus, brake-pad life can be extended by anything up to 50 per cent depending on driver behaviour" said Systems Manager Avril Babo.
The new A.P.R.I.L. system will be available on all vehicles ordered after midnight on March 31, 2010 and the accessory pack will be available the following day. Prices will be announced in due course.
Along with Kia, the organizers of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, best known for its famous 1.16 mile hillclimb time attack, have sent a press release showing their intention of encouraging all participants for this years event to go for zero emissions. This effectively means that drivers will be required to push his or her car up the hill with special consideration spared to older participants who will be allowed a "breather" half way up where a Goodwood butler will be on hand to administer organic non-alcoholic cognac if required.
