Volkswagen, Audi & SUN Microsystem is working on a project called Project BIXBY. Their aim is to create an autonomous high-speed vehicle which drives by itself. So far what they have done can be interpreted like the Audi car in iRobot which Will Smith drives. Everythinng is computer controlled and now they are going to test it in a rally.
If the test successful, this will prove that under any condition, with all of the unexpected variables, the car can still be controlled and avoid any unwanted scene. The outcome of this experiment will result in a whole new driving experience. The technology can be applied to the normal car in which if the car is out of control, the system can take over and steer it back into safety.
This morning I went to the workshop to check on what’s happening with my car. I saw that the rear end have been repaired. Rear bumper & bonnet have been replaced. The clerk told me that they are waiting for the front bumper to arrive and they will fix it and send for paint work. And one thing that I realize is both of the front wheels rims have been replaced with a new one! I have been thinking of getting a new set of 16 inch sport rims to be fitted to the car after it has been repaired. If it’s covered by the insurance, I’ll take that rims. If not, I’ll use the old one and get the 16″ rims.
Most of the suspension parts have been replaced. I realize the lower arm also have been replaced. My car’s undercarriage get the most impact in that accident. I hope everything else is in good condition. If they didn’t bring it to Honda Service Center for re-calibration of the electronics and the gearbox, I have to take it there or do it on my own.
This morning, I went to the workshop to sign some documents. When I reach there, I saw my car parked just beside the main entrance to the workshop. I can hardly recognize it. I hope they will do the best to repair it.
After referring to the Electronic Service Manual that I have, I believe that the main chassis is still intact. Although the floor hit the divider, I feel that the hit is not very hard as the rear tyre is actually rolling up the divider then the floor stuck hanging on the soil of the divider. Only the front part of the car is scratched with the divider when they tow the car from the divider.
The guy from the insurance company have assessed the car & the report will only be ready in about 2 weeks time. Meanwhile waiting for it, the workshop will proceed with the repair.
My estimation will be around 6K+ but I’m not sure as everything now is about 30% more expensive than the last few months. One more thing that worries me is the parts that need to be ordered. Last time when this car involved in 8 car bumper to bumper crash, the parts is delivered right away within 2 days from the factory in Melaka. Now, that factory is producing the new City and the parts is different from my model. i hope I can still get the original parts.
Today is my lucky day for me and my car (again). I had an accident nearby my office. At the sharp corner nearby Taman Redang near my office, towards Kampung Melayu Pandan, exactly at the peak of the corner, my driver side front tyre punctured. The car skidded to the right, I even tried to manage the skid but because the tyre is not gripping on the road & it’s a front wheel drive car, the car spin around and goes up the divider then hit a palm tree down.
Luckily, I escaped the accident without any scratch. The seat belt holds me in place so tight that after the car stop, I have to struggle a bit to take off the seat belt. I would like to thank few motorist who stop by to check on me and gave me some water to calm me down and also help to push the car (even though unsuccessful). They help me out from the left passenger door as the right driver door was stuck due to the bushes & flower plants on the divider is holding the door.
After assessing the damage, visually, it looks not so bad. The driver side tyre was ruptured, both steering arm broken, front & rear bumper damaged, rear bonnet heavily dented, broken rear left brake light and dents on the left body. Other damage was unknown yet. See for yourself and let me know what you think about it.
I wouldn’t know what will happen if I’m driving a national car and involved in this accident. But in this car, I’m rest assured that I will survive the crash.
I’m not aware about this till a Friendster sms me yesterday. RM0.15 drop is not so significant if i compare with my CRV fuel consumption. Luckily I still have my good ol’ City which can get me 15 km per liter petrol. On my CRV, just installed the HyGen Exotica just before the Eid-ul Fitr, to save my petrol consumption.
HyGen? Oh, it’s a HYdrogen GENerator. It breaks the water molecules (H2O) to Hydrogen (H2) and Oxygen (O2). As the engine runs on petrol (or diesel), it’s a hydro-carbon fuel. Which means the engine is running on hydrogen too (except there’s carbon residue, in the form of carbon monoxide, CO, carbon dioxide, CO2 etc.) and the by-product is just plain steam and steam is water (H2O)
So, generally, with additional hydrogen as a fuel, I can save my petrol usage and runs on WATER. Yes, water! But not ordinary tap water (yet). I need to use distilled water (commonly called as battery water). And yet it’s still cheap to be compared with the petrol (or diesel) per liter price.
After using it for a month, the saving on my petrol usage is about 35% with the HyGen. And I hope, one day, i can have the Hydrogen powered BMW which is very clean and green, if the technology will arrive in malaysia, one fine day.
note: My dad is doing some experiment with this technology and he’s already successful with the basic construction of the system. Need some more components to complete the project (which I have to go and find it). Come back for more news about this technology.
