2010年11月18日

Infiniti M35h (Fuga Hybrid) with standard VSP tech in Europe

The Infiniti M35h (earlier post), aka Nissan Fuga Hybrid in Japan - 日産フーガ ハイブリッド, will become the world's first hybrid to feature an audible pedestrian warning system as standard when it goes on sale in six months’ time in Europe. 

"The new Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP) system – is computer controlled and links an in-car sound synthesiser with a speaker built in to the front bumper. It automatically works from start-up to 30 km/h, cutting back in at 25 km/h as the vehicle slows.

Instead of just a single tone, a range of high-low sounds at different volume levels was chosen after an extensive research programme to find the most effective, but least intrusive, noise. The team developing the system in Infiniti’s parent group worked with cognitive and acoustic psychologists studying areas from pedestrian behavioural patterns to noise pollution.
The result is a sine-wave sound that extends from 2.5kHz at the high end to a low of 600Hz. It is a range readily audible to all age groups while avoiding a sound range (around 1,000Hz) that would add unnecessary noise to the environment.

Lexus LFA at LA Auto Show

The colour is not my cup of tea, but it still remains a masterpiece. Oh, with an amazing sound as well...!!!

Toyota's "eco" future lineup

Toyota plans to introduce eleven (11) new hybrid models (one is the next-gen Camry - earlier post) by the end of 2012, consisting of all-new models and redesigned models.

By early 2012, Toyota plans to begin sales of a "Prius"-based PHV (mainly in Japan, USA & Europe.) Sales targeted at more than 50,000 per annum.

In 2012, in addition to the U.S. market, an iQ-based EV will also be introduced in Japan and Europe (earlier post).

Toyota, please don't mesh up with the FT-86....

[Source: Scott Brownlee - Head of PR and social media for Toyota and Lexus in the UK]