Fast Lane: Renault reveals Megane Grand Coupe

PHOTOS: RENAULT, SUZUKI, POWER GLOVES

Renault reveals Megane Grand Coupe

Renault reveals its ambition to get into the premium "four-door coupe" segment with its new Megane Grand Coupe (above). The four-door saloon clearly looks the part with dynamic lines, balanced proportions and a glass roof linking the windscreen to the rear window. It is said to offer "top-level rear-seat space" and a 508-litre boot. Amenities include a 7-inch colour TFT instrument panel, an 8.7-inch multimedia tablet, connectivity, parking assistance, autonomous emergency braking and lanedeparture warning.


Jaguar working on off-road autonomous cars

Jaguar Land Rover's vision is to offer autonomous driving on any terrain. Its next-generation sensing technologies will be the eyes of future all-terrain autonomous cars. Ultrasonic sensors will detect surface conditions 5m in front of the car and identify grass, gravel, sand and snow before the car drives over them. The car will automatically slow down when sensors detect bumpy terrain or standing water ahead. The group recently demonstrated an "off-road connected convoy" using car-to-car communication to aid progress.


Cycle & Carriage donates van to disability council

Cycle & Carriage donated a Maxus V80 van to the Singapore Disability Sports Council on Thursday. Boasting a spacious interior that can accommodate up to four wheelchairs and three seated passengers, the China-made van will help those in the council with unique mobility needs. Its interior width is 1,800mm - the longest in its segment.


Suzuki RM-Z bikes get aesthetic upgrades

Suzuki has released details of its 2017 RM-Z250 and RM-Z450 (above), honing the popular race-winning four-stroke range with aesthetic upgrades. Following a significant update for the 2016 season, when the RM-Z250 gained improved low- to mid-range power output thanks to a thorough redesign of the engine's top-end, and the introduction of Suzuki's secondgeneration holeshot assist system, this year's upgrades centre on aesthetics, with all-black Excel rims, hubs, new radiator shield graphics and a new number board graphic.


Shell launches FuelSave Diesel

Shell Singapore has launched FuelSave Diesel, a fuel with "active efficiency ingredients". Shell says its formulation helps improve engine efficiency. It says special detergents in the new fuel help "prevent the build-up of injector deposits". It adds that the fuel ignites and burns more effectively. The launch follows the opening of Shell Tuas - the first service station in Singapore's Tuas South industrial area. Shell Tuas features four high-speed diesel pumps.


AAS launches online driving training

AAS Academy, a wholly owned subsidiary of Automobile Association of Singapore, has launched a new Online Driving Training System for members. The system also offers industry partners, corporations and individuals "a self-discovery learning journey". The system assesses a driver's risk level and recommends appropriate training based on his risk rating. Through specific topics, a highly focused training is delivered, making the system relevant to each individual.


Nissan debuts semi-autonomous car

Nissan Motor's first semi-autonomous model will be the Serena MPV, which will go on sale in Japan late next month. It will come with Nissan's ProPilot autonomous drive technology, offering convenience and peace of mind on highways. ProPilot is designed for highway use in singlelane traffic. Nissan is the first Japanese carmaker to introduce a combination of steering, acceleration and braking that can be operated in full automatic mode, easing driver workload in heavy highway traffic and long commutes. Unfortunately, there are no plans at the moment to export the car to Singapore.


Supergrip glove could be used in car factories

This could be the start of a cyborg car plant workforce. A robotic glove technology developed from a partnership between General Motors and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for use on the International Space Station is being brought to life in healthcare, manufacturing and other applications through a licensing agreement between GM and Bioservo Technologies, a Swedish medical technology company.

The RoboGlove (above) uses sensors, actuators and tendons that are comparable to the nerves, muscles and tendons in a human hand and can amplify grip force and relieve fatigue.

Christopher Tan

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 16, 2016, with the headline Fast Lane: Renault reveals Megane Grand Coupe . Subscribe