Today was the international debut of the all-new BMW i3 electric car. We attended the event in NYC and spoke with the BMW Group’s lead designer, Adrian van Hooydonk….
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Shimano introduces electronic shifting to city cycling
Originally developed to build on Shimano‘s top level component group Dura Ace, the Di2 electronic shifting system changed the roadie game with unmatched speed, accuracy and precision. Now with its third iteration, Di2 makes its debut for internal gearing systems by joining Alfine, Shimano’s premium-level component group for city cycling. The Alfine Di2 Shimano introduces a whole new way of thinking about how a commuter bike can be built.
Like traditional internal hubs, the Alfine Di2 internal mechanism is made up of a series of stepped planetary cogs in an oil bath that when engaged replicate the resistance of multiple high or low gears. Rather than relying on wires physically pulled at different forces to leverage gear change, Di2 releases a burst of electricity that engages a small, light weight motor mounted on the outside of the hub, increasing reliability and performance while decreasing the chance of mis-shifts.
As the first electronic-controlled internal hub, the 11-speed Alfine Di2 increases city commuting efficiency with a wider gear range for terrain adaptability—our road-test conquered the hills of San Francisco with ease—on a single lithium ion battery charge estimated at more than 1,000 miles, which is longer than Ultegra and Dura Ace iterations. Plus, the sealed internal hub drive train can withstand much harsher weather conditions with less wear and tear than a traditional gearing system.
Another first for internal hub systems, Alfine Di2 offers two shifting options to accommodate both flat handlebars with a push button system and dual-control levers for traditional road-style drop bars, both compatible with mechanical disc brake systems. Sitting atop these bars you’ll find a specially designed LED readout ready to inform of both battery life and current gear status. The advent of these options make for a sleeker new school commuter unlike the clunky wire-ridden beasts of yesterday.
Not to be outdone, Alfine Di2 not only boosts performance to a level never before seen, it improves on aesthetics as well. By taking advantage of the new generation of E-tube internal wiring and the option for an internal seat post mounted battery the already clean design of the Alfine group is made even more sleek—an underrated tack in making a city bike less of a target for theft.
Just announced earlier this month, the Alfine Di2 component group will be available Fall 2012 in specialty bike shops, direct through Shimano dealers and presumably on a range of higher end comfort commuter bikes from big name manufacturers.
HJC Design’s innovative concept aims to connect the city through its rich architectural heritage
Designed to embody Prague’s renowned architectural past in a decidedly modern silhouette, the new Prague taxi concept offers a look at the possible future of city transportation inspired by its historical tram network. The creative concept, dubbed Praha, was done by U.K.-based product design and manufacture consultancy HJC Design, known for combining innovative technology and striking aesthetics. Technologically speaking, the unique taxi concept features high-intensity LED lights in the front and rear and a fully-integrated augmented-reality display that allows users to select their route—including virtual city tours on a central console modeled after the floral-motif ceiling of Prague’s Great Hall.
Numerous local elements have influenced the taxi’s overall design, drawing on the city and its rich architectural history in nearly every detail. Bench seating that fits up to five adults is composed of 18 wooden strips to symbolize Prague’s 18 bridges (the LED rear lights are also bunched in clusters of 18 bulbs to reference the rivers), while the dashboard, styled after the city’s skyline, is textured with 100 individual dimples to denote the “City of 100 Spires.” The floor’s hexagonal blueprint design represents Prague University’s solar cell technology while the taxi’s fluid curvature aims to follow that of the Vltava river.
For riders more interested in the surrounding city than the augmented-reality experience inside, a glass roof offers a panoramic view of the city, something often lost in transit. The red and white color scheme is also reminiscent of the Czech Republic’s flag as well as the city’s original tram design. For more information on Praha, check out HJC Design online .
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