Why Front Wheel Drive Isn't So Bad

10 Sep 2019

Front wheel drive often gets a rough ride. Literally according to some.

Derided and dismissed by many a motoring ‘expert’, it is generally viewed as a cheap alternative to rear and four-wheel equivalents, hence a degree of snobbery. But are criticisms justified?

In actuality FWD vehicles possess their fair share of benefits, advantages which put paid to the myth they’re neither fun nor good.

Opel Unveil World's First Electric Customer Rally Car

10 Sep 2019

When Opel unveiled their very first electric vehicle in March few expected it to be re-imagined as a rally car less than six months later. Yet that’s exactly what’s happened as the Corsa-e becomes the Corsa-e Rally and makes history in the process.

The Many Cars of Boris Johnson

7 Aug 2019

They say a week is a long time in politics, so three years is surely an eternity.

And it seems an eternity since the shock outcome of the EU referendum shook parliament to its very core.

A red-letter day for politics and politicians everywhere, things have never quite been the same. In all probability, they never will be.

Netflix and YouTube Coming To Tesla

7 Aug 2019

Elon Musk splits opinion but even his harshest critics respect – albeit begrudgingly – a relentless desire to innovate.

In championing the likes of his Falcon 9, Solar City and Hyperloop concepts, this engineer turned entrepreneur has made himself box office. And the celebrity that comes with pushing limits and patience alike is something he laps up.

Compared to sending cars into space Musk’s latest project is somewhat mundane, but still represents a huge moment for the motoring industry.

Why Your Tyres Could Soon Generate Electricity

7 Aug 2019

Tyre selection is vitally important. Before purchasing a new set of wheels drivers are supposed to consider the likes of section width, aspect ratio, rim diameter, load rating index and a whole lot more besides. No wonder many spare themselves the headache and simply trust in their local garage.

Pretty soon however there could be something else on which to judge the quality of rubbers; whether or not they generate electricity.

International Women In Engineering Day 2019

16 Jul 2019

Since 2014, June 23rd has been known as Women in Engineering Day. An occasion intended to herald the achievements of female engineers’ past and present, it also focuses attentions on the future and ways in which to cut a long-standing gender gap.

A host of opportunities exist for young ladies looking to carve out a career in the engineering or manufacturing sectors. And publicising that fact has become a priority.

Bentley Look To The Future With New EXP 100 GT

16 Jul 2019

Bentley turned 100 on July 10th and what better way to mark the occasion by unveiling their first fully electric car? A momentous day in more ways than one, huge anticipation surrounded the big reveal; excitement hardly tempered by a teaser video released a week prior.

The eagle eyed were quick to declare this concept a two-door Grand Tourer, but we’d have to wait until founder Walter Owen Bentley’s centenary for confirmation and a proper look.

Initial reactions suggest it was worth the wait.

EURAC Poole Green Initiatives [INFOGRAPHIC]

4 Jul 2019

How is EURAC Poole taking it's commitment to the environment seriously? Let's have a look...

Data-driven productivity project with Norican

2 Jul 2019

“Data is the new oil” is a quote credited to Mathematician Clive Humby, who back in 2006 proclaimed that data would be as valuable as oil. Fast forward to 2019 and the plethora of successful data-driven companies in the market, such as Google, Twitter and Facebook; arguably proves him right. However, that’s where the comparisons between oil and data stop – although a rare commodity, once oil is found the process of refining it and selling it is very straight forward. Whereas data is easily and readily collated by all businesses, but how best to use it eludes even the biggest.

Gordon Murray's New Supercar - The T.50

27 Jun 2019

Murray’s stunning new car has been revealed. An engineering and design masterpiece aimed to take us back to an age of purist analog driving experience, with modern design improvements.
We are looking at a design that has already had a factory built for it, a new engine and running gear complete and an aim to release the car in early 2022. A supremely lucky 100 customers will get to sit in the driving seat of this already coveted car. 

Mingzhi - Sand Core System

27 Jun 2019

As part of our ongoing investment into new facilities for our sites, MAT Foundry Group have just purchased a new sand core system for our Eurac Hradec foundry in Czech Republic. Manufactured by Mingzhi, the new sand core system includes a sand preparation system, that treats the core sand and mixes binding agents. Additionally, the Core Machine MP 40 is included in the new system, which utilises the cold box core method.

Tumblast Shot Blaster Machine - Eurac Poole

25 Jun 2019

MAT Foundry Group are proud to announce that Eurac Poole will be receiving a new Shot Blaster. The new shot blaster is the TUMBLAST MACHINE with steel track belt TYPE MB 900S-16.4-2/30, manufactured and installed by Wheelbrator, a Norican Technology.

Volkswagen ID. R Breaks Nürburgring EV Record

24 Jun 2019

The lap record for an electric vehicle at the famed Nürburgring track has this month been broken, smashed in fact.

Setting the pace was the blistering Volkswagen ID. R, a 671bph prototype turned supercar built entirely for competition purposes. And the competition, it seems, is trailing in its wake.

Reichmann - S1-C Grinding Line for Brake Discs

19 Jun 2019

MAT Foundry group are pleased to announce that our Eurac Poole site will be receiving a new automatic grinding line, including a palletizing robot system for the Fettling shop. The Reichmann S1-C is a casting grinding machine, that provides a fettling finish for circular castings.

Coming Soon... Noise Cameras

18 Jun 2019

The Department of Transport has announced it will soon start trialling new ‘noise camera’ technology in a bid to crack down on vehicles continually breaking sound limits and sleep patterns alike.

The imminent arrival of ‘noise cameras’ was confirmed this month after research indicated technology now exists to target and punish repeat offenders.

MAT Foundry Group heads to GIFA 2019

5 Jun 2019

This June, Dusseldorf becomes the world centre for international foundry and metallurgy technology, with their four leading trade fairs GIFA, METEC, THERMPROCESS and NEWCAST; all running June 25^th – 29^th. Not limited to just foundry and metallurgy technology; the fairs will also give an extensive insight onto thermal processing technology and casting products, with in excess of 2000 exhibitors from around the world contributing to the Mecca of all foundry events.

Defining Safe Automation

24 Mai 2019

Self driving cars will soon become a reality but amid great fanfare are their associated risks being overlooked?

Insurers have long been cast as killjoys, obsessing over what could go wrong and dampening expectations in the process. Theirs however is a necessary caution, particularly when it comes to relinquishing control of the wheel.

Earn As You Drive: Introducing The Smart Wallet

22 Mai 2019

Driving is expensive business. Any initial outlay for a new (or used) car is quickly multiplied by a need to finance petrol, road tax, MOTs, servicing and more.

Until now only a select few have got behind the wheel and actually grown richer. New technology being developed by Jaguar Land Rover, however, means this could soon change; allowing entry into an exclusive club historically reserved for Formula 1 drivers, chauffeurs and those donning roof signage with the letter L.

What Will Power Electric Vehicles and Why?

20 Mai 2019

Just recently we wrote an article about how the major German automotive manufacturers comprising Volkswagen, Daimler and BMW had come to an agreement on aligning their efforts towards vehicle electrification.

It seemed the hard wrangling was over, and German automotive as a whole was ready to go ahead. However, not so fast say two of the world’s biggest independent automotive component suppliers.

UK Economy Best Placed To Profit From Autonomous Vehicles

23 Apr 2019

The UK has been found to be the nation best placed to take advantage of the Connected and Autonomous Vehicles revolution.

A report published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders that considers a range of factors, says the UK could reap billions if it takes decisive action quickly. There are, as ever, a few hurdles to overcome.

Embracing Driverless Cars... Are We Ready?

23 Apr 2019

Cars are changing, in case you hadn’t noticed.

The rise in self-autonomous technology has been far quicker than anyone anticipated and owes much to manufacturers and governments alike pumping billions into what will become a brave new world.

But while the likes of park assist, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping alerts are welcome, the wold waits with bated breath for driverless cars to decorate forecourts.

Bond Goes Electric

23 Apr 2019

Uncovering details about an upcoming James Bond movie is akin to one of 007’s own secret missions. EON Productions are notoriously tight-lipped when it comes to scripts, locations and scheduling, a code of silence seemingly amplified in the run-up to what will become Bond 25.

German Automotive Agrees To Go Electric

28 Mar 2019

When Elon Musk unveiled his Tesla master plan in 2006 many scoffed at his vision of an electric future. 13 years on the self-styled engineer turned entrepreneur looks destined to have the last laugh on the subject. He could even shout about it on Netflix.

S&P Global Platts, Global Metals Awards 2019 Finalists - Eurac Poole

27 Mar 2019

MAT Foundry Group is pleased to announce that our Eurac Poole plant has been made finalists for the Breakthrough Solution of the Year category, at the 2019 S&P Global Platts Global Metals Awards. The nomination is for Eurac Poole and GridBeyond’s partnership on an innovative and pioneering approach to energy management, through the worlds first hybrid battery and demand network.

The Lanchester Balancing System

25 Mar 2019

One of the components produced by the MAT Foundry Group is the Lanchester balancing system, but what is it, and how does it work?

Mandatory Speed Limiters - Coming Soon

19 Mar 2019

It’s a fast-paced world and between them, Volvo and the European Union are seeking to slow it down.

Switching attentions from protracted and painful Brexit negotiations, the EU this month announced plans to introduce continental speed limiters. Little did they know that Volvo had beaten them to the punch. Sort of.

What Bowie's Tribute Car Means For 3D Printed Parts

22 Feb 2019

Music giant David Bowie certainly left his mark on modern pop culture. With a back catalogue to rival the very best songwriters, his legend was fuelled by a chameleon like ability to interchange between several different personas; each as iconic as the last.

From Ziggy Stardust to Halloween Jack, Bowie’s eternal evolution garnered a cult following, one that continues long after his death in 2016. This loyalty was best demonstrated at last month’s Festival Automobile International event in Paris where, to the delight of fans, a new Bowie concept car was unveiled. As tributes go this is quite something.

Reinventing The Wheel

18 Feb 2019

With the world population currently in excess of 7.5 Billion and still predicted to increase, there has never been so many cars on the road in all of human history. Coupled with the fact that these cars are ballooning in size; car parking space has become a precious commodity and a serious problem. Indeed for many a universal equivalent of Tesla's Smart Summon, which automatically finds a space for you, cannot come quock enough.

What Are Holographic Head Up Displays?

1 Feb 2019

Of all the new technologies that emerge for use in automobiles, ones that improve safety usually find their way into widespread use.

It’s also true that most new technologies begin life reserved for a select few high-end vehicles, before eventually disseminating their way down the automotive family tree and into the average hatchback or supermini. 

A piece of tech that attracted a lot of attention at the beginning of 2019 benefits from being both a safety improvement and quite a cool piece of kit – one that just about any car owner would like to have the option of using.

What is A Camshaft and How Does it Work?

30 Jan 2019

Camshafts are another of the many critical components required to enable a combustion engine to work, but what exactly is a camshaft and why is its role so important?

KIA's In Car System Monitors Your Mood

28 Jan 2019

It is a new year and the rise of the autonomous vehicle shows no signs of slowing down in 2019. Few however have posed the question of what lies beyond the self-driving car. That was until KIA unveiled their new READ technology earlier this month and proceeded to melt minds whilst simultaneously readjusting our perception of reality.

Dashboard Technology

16 Jan 2019

Traditionally the dashboard in the standard road car has been made up of buttons, switches and dials; uniformly identifiable in all makes of cars and only slightly modified by manufacturers.

This useful consistency is somewhat counterbalanced by most vehicles having subtly different layouts which tend to only become apparent at inopportune moments when driving an unfamiliar vehicle - such as when trying to locate the central locking button with all your passengers waiting impatiently in the cold.

Aside from these inconveniences, and maybe not knowing what some of the warning lights on a dashboard mean, the system works – but technological advances have been at a minimum.

What's A Dual Clutch Transmission and How Does It Work?

18 Dez 2018

Despite what is undoubtably very clever and complex engineering, the Double (or Dual) Clutch Transmission (DCT), has a mixed reputation with drivers and has not achieved the level of ubiquity many thought it would.

Sitting in the middle ground between an automatic and a manual transmission, the simplest way of describing their operation, is that they’re an automatically operated manual transmission – achieved by using two clutches.

The Future of Classic Cars

18 Dez 2018

In television and film there are rare occurrences of cars transcending their human character counterparts and becoming the defining image of said film or tv show. The 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390 from Bullitt, the 1969 Dodge Charger from the Dukes of Hazards, Cameron’s Dads Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder from Ferris Buellers Day off and even the 1981 De Lorean DMC – 12 from Back to the Future.

These cars have become iconic pop culture images and the appetite for classic cars is still strong, with over half a million classic or historic vehicles in the UK - in fact the UK government estimates the classic car industry to be worth of up to £5.5bn. However, is the classic car in danger of becoming extinct on our roads?

Types of Brake Disc

17 Dez 2018

Of the many crucial systems present on a vehicle, the brakes are of particular importance as they afford the occupants the ability to stop once in motion.

We’ve talked before about how other components of braking systems work, such as the callipers, as well as going into detail on the specific types of brake pads available. It’s now the turn of another of the key components, the brakes disc itself - or brake rotor as they’re also known.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Motorists

17 Dez 2018

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, apparently. Those of us scrambling around looking for late stocking fillers would beg to differ of course. Indeed, for the time pressured Christmas shopping is something to be endured as opposed to enjoyed. Yet as Cliff Richard quite rightly pronounced; it’s a time for giving and for getting – meaning for all the stress, subtle hints could very well lead to some form of reward for the Scrooge like too.

For car enthusiasts there are no shortage of gifts certain to bring festive cheer this yule tide. A quick internet search will propose everything from customised air fresheners, to Scalextric if you are feeling particularly nostalgic. In a bid to sort the Lambos from the Gremlins however, we have highlighted some of the best presents for petrol heads…

An End To Motion Sickness?

30 Nov 2018

Motion sickness is debilitating and can throw travel plans into chaos. Sufferers are beset with bouts of nausea so troublesome they leave them unable to drive – or be driven – for an extended period of time. Worse still technology has been unable to assist in combatting the problem…until now.

Vision Urbanetic

29 Nov 2018

When Mercedes revealed the Vision Urbanetic, the world got another glimpse into the future of automotive travel.

Hydrogen Powered Trains - What Took So long?

20 Nov 2018

The world’s first hydrogen powered train has entered service in Germany, providing clean and quiet energy for a section of line 100km long. But as with so many alternative fuels, it raises the question of what took so long for a seemingly better alternative to get its chance.

The Hyundai NEXO Reverses Pollution

14 Nov 2018

Global climate change has come to the forefront of world news again, with experts giving the most extensive warnings yet on the risks of rising temperatures. The Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change issued a 33 page-special report on the impact of global warming of 1.5C; citing energy, land use, cities and industry as four main global systems that need significant change.

Women In Engineering

8 Nov 2018

The world is already standing on the brink of its next revolution. Despite still negotiating its way through the last one brought about by the invention of the internet and perpetuated by wireless technology, developments in another area are again about to change how we live our lives forever.

Easing Congestion

29 Okt 2018

A lot of work goes into analysing traffic behaviour and how jams are forced. Around the world, there are entire departments dedicated to studying the characteristics of road design and driver behaviour, all trying to optimise traffic flow.

Turbos, Superchargers and Naturally Aspirated Engines

25 Okt 2018

Naturally Aspirated engines used to be the standard model, with those running turbos or superchargers either performance models or after market modifications. However, as the automotive landscaped changed, turbocharged engines found themselves becoming far more widespread.

A Car Stereo With No Speakers?

19 Okt 2018

Ever sat in the passenger seat of a car and bemoaned the driver’s choice in music? There really is nothing worse than settling in for a long journey only to be met with a style of music you just can’t tolerate. When trapped within a personal concert of somebody else’s making, that monstrous walk you sought to avoid suddenly seems an attractive proposition.

Aston Martin Appoint First Female Chair

25 Sep 2018

Aston Martin caused a bit of a stir when they announced their plans to float 25% of the company for a desired £1.1 billion, valuing the company at £4.3 billion.

Electing to do so during the height of Brexit turmoil has led to some debate over the timing of the float. To raise such a figure when confidence in the UK is so low is no small feat, with many failing to see enough appetite from investors to take such a risk.

What Is E10 and Why Is It A Problem?

20 Sep 2018

Within two years your local garage forecourt may very well be selling an environmentally friendly fuel billed as E10. Despite aiding efforts to cut greenhouse emissions nationwide there is one notable drawback … not all cars will be compatible.

Yes, as unlikely as it seems, almost one million of us will be warned off this ‘greener gas’ due to the sheer age of our vehicles. Moreover, it is not just archaic motors excluded from the party.

Zero Tolerance Speed Limits

18 Sep 2018

Back in January 2018 it was widely reported that the head of Road Policing for the National Police Chief Council, Anthony Bangham, wanted to implement a zero tolerance policy in regards to drivers that exceed the speed limit.

He was heard at the Police Federation’s road policing conference effectively saying exceeding the speed limit by any amount should result in the driver being punished and/or prosecuted because they broke law.

The GT-R50

28 Aug 2018

Italdesign is a renowned automotive development company that just so happened to begin its life at the same time the first Nissan Skyline was produced – and to celebrate they’ve teamed up to produce the jaw dropping GT-R50 in honour of its 50th anniversary...

Essentially a redesign of the GT-R35, this one-off piece has been extensively modified to produce a fitting tribute to such a fine racing lineage.