Toyota: Mac Prius

What is already no more news with Audi, Lexus or Infinity now is combined with hybrid technology: Jermey Kusnetz integrated my favourite Apple Mac OS X to a Toyota Prius. The Mac Prius runs Apple's multimedia software Front Row to serve you with your audio and video data of your choice, controlled via the Prius' touch screen.

If you needed one more reason to buy a Prius - here is it.

Related news: Foursprung, Apple, Mac OS, Toyota, hybrids

Source: Gizmodo

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Foursprung: Car running on wood-gas

Looking at the fuel prices in Europe this might become a big idea. An old Yugo in Serbia running on real alternative energy.

Instead of pulling the car along with horses, somebody tapped into a different kind of 125-year-old technology and ended up with a car that’s faster than the original—which is not a tall order when you’re talking about a Yugo. That anachronistic-looking smokestack on the back of the car uses wood gas for fuel. The idea here is that wood doesn’t burn completely, and emits hydrogen and methane is a byproduct.

I'm not sure about the ecological impact, so it might be that this alternative does not really fit to the current emission rules...

Related news: Foursprung

Source: Gizmodo

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Mercedes-Benz: Adaptive cruise control comes to city traffic

What is already known for cruising down the highway comes now to city traffic with the new Mercedes-Benz S-class: adaptive cruise control, called Disctance Plus at Mercedes.
Compared to current other radar-assisted systems Distance Plus can control the vehicle in both highway and city driving conditions.
Hopefully this system works better than earlier electronic gadgets from the brand during press presentations...

Related news: Foursprung, cruise control, Mercedes-Benz

Source: Engadget

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Honda: Bluetooth for Europe

Bluetooth comes to Europe - in Honda models FR-V, CR-V, Accourd, Jazz and Civic.

Three buttons enable the system to answer or transfer call and control the volume.

Related news: Foursprung, Honda, Bluetooth

Source: The Bluetooth Car Weblog

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Foursprung: Remote controlled middle finger

I am not sure if this is a good idea as showing others very clearly the opinion about their driving like this can be really expensive but sometimes I really wish to have invested these $30 for the Remote Controlled Middle Finger.

It is especially useful when used during driving, as we know that anyone who cuts into our lane is an inconsiderate ingrate. Normally a closed hand, activating the remote control will flip the middle finger up. The remote has a range of up to 50 feet, and is effective even in an enclosed area.

Related news: Foursprung

Source: Ubergizmo

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Robot car: San Francisco to L.A.

This car has as much gadgets that it doesn't even need a driver:
After winning the Pentagon's DARPA Grand Challenge autonomous robot car race last year Stanford scientists go to next round: they plan to build another robot car that will drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles next year again without a human driver next year. But a human driver will be on board anyway for safety reasons to intervention if the robot freaks out. But thinking of the Terminator will the robot let the human intervention if it freaks out?
Well gadgets in cars a fine but I prefer a little less grade of automation... And I think the driving robot will not love iPod integration as much as I do...

Related news: Foursprung, robot, automation


Source: The Raw Feed

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Volvo: Detects heartbeats

We know that Volvo's heart beats for people with a requirement of feeling safe. Now they have something new for paranoids: a heartbeat detector.

Perhaps the nicest thing about living in a city with great public transportation is that we've almost forgotten the gripping panic that used to overcome us each time we went out to the car alone at night, terrified that the proverbial "man-with-the-hook" was secreted away in the backseat somewhere. Well it seems that the engineers at Volvo also know our fear, and have incorporated a heartbeat sensor inside the new S80 sedan that alerts your wireless key fob if there's a criminal-type lying in wait for you as you approach. Although this tech would do a bit to alleviate our irrational fear, the logical side of us realizes that if a ne'er-do-well could crack the rest of Volvo's tight security features to break into our ride unnoticed, he could probably disable this heartbeat sensor as well. Like we said, it's probably best that we stick to public transportation.

So next step will be an option for hypochondriacs: automatic measurement of driver's heartbeat frequency and calling the next doctors via telematics if a heart attack comes up...

Related news: Foursprung, Volvo>, wireless

Source: Engadget

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Kia: First car with USB port

Usually Kia is not a brand that inspires me. But my love for cars and gadgets makes me think of them offering the first car with USB port.

The production version, executives said, will feature in the center console a USB PORT for charging gadgets and transferring music and other media for playing on the car's entertainment system. The company showed another concept car today called the "Soul" at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The "Soul" concept is further away from production than the Multi-S, but sports "multiple" USB ports, along with Bluetooth and other accoutrements.

Related news: Foursprung, Kia>, USB

Source: The Raw Feed

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Subaru: Agreements with both XM and Sirius satellite radio

Subaru did a curious deal on satellite radio for their 2007 models.

Subaru has decided not to lock itself into just one satellite radio contract for its 2007 vehicles and has signed agreements with both Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio.

For Stern fans, Sirius will be offered as an exclusive port and dealer installation option in its 2007 Subaru Forester and Subaru Impreza. But it will also be a standard option in the 2007 Outback Sport Special Edition.

XM Satellite, on the other hand, will have its service—exclusively—in three of Subaru’s 2007 models, including the Legacy and Outback as well as the B9 Tribeca Special Edition.

Related news: Foursprung, satellite radio, Subaru

Source: Gizmodo

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Foursprung: PC substituting embedded in-car systems

It's not really news that the product lifecycles of vehicles and those of eletronics are not really compliant.
A vehicle has a lifetime of several years but for electronics it takes much less (in fact it is nearly just some days) to be antiquated.
This now came also to industry's mind. A solution for this comes from MP3Car. Their "Enabler" hardware unit allows a PC to completely replace the functionality of a conventional car stereo or nav system, providing all the essential in-car functions lacking in PC hardware, including car-quality audio, FM receiver, satellite radio and hands-free Bluetooth phone integration.
But hardware is only one thing. The important thing for this is the software which is called "Streetdeck" in case of MP3Car.
Streetdeck provides a full set of in-car functionality, including:

- Touch Screen Control
- Navigation & Mapping
- Bluetooth Phone Integration
- Satellite Radio
- Vehicle Diagnostics
- Rear-view Camera Support
- CD player/MP3 Extraction
- MP3 Player
- FM Radio
- DVD/Video Player
- Picture Viewer
- WiFi Sync Support

Sounds not bad but is still one step behind. Foursprung people would not integrate a PC to their car but a Mac.


Related news: Foursprung, PC

Source: Autoblog

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Volvo: Design your new car with your handheld

Do you spend that much time on trips that you don't even have the time for configuring your car on your PC?
It seems like Volvo customers do because configuring your new Volvo is coming to mobility.

Volvo and Mobileplay have teamed up to create a mobile auto configurator that runs on BlackBerries, Treos, Windows Mobile Smartphones and other smart mobile devices. You can customize your Volvo including color, fabrics, wheels and option packages. The configurator displays the buyer's choices and then lets them contact Volvo dealer to place the order. The configurator was designed to promote Volvo's XC70 and XC90 SUVs and will be distributed by Mobileplay. The configurator can be downloaded at www.mobileplay.com.

I think if you are on your way there more important things to do with your handheld device than configuring a car - e.g. reading our latest news...

Related news: Foursprung, Volvo, PDA, smartphone, configurator

Source: Luxist

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GM: Plans to introduce turn-by-turn navigation system

OnStar is a telematics service that you shouldn't mess with.
Now GM plans to introduce the latest version of these services including a “turn-by-turn” navigation system using automated voice prompts.
The system will be available starting mid-year on 2006 Buick Lucerne, Cadillac DTS and Cadillac STS models, with other GM vehicles being phased in over the next two years.

Related news: Foursprung, GPS, GM, OnStar

Source: Jalopnik

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Foursprung: HomeLink – the luxury link between car and home

Johnson Controls presents the latest generation of their HomeLink technology. Open your garage while sitting in the car. Definitely one of the most useful gadgets ever. At least if you will live in such a rainy area like us.

Today’s luxury vehicle owners expect a stylish ambience and superior comfort not only in their car but also their own four walls. To ensure that driving into one’s own garage also meets these high expectations, Johnson Controls, one of the world’s leading suppliers of automotive interior systems, electronics and batteries, has now closed the comfort gap between home and car. The company designs and produces the HomeLink integrated, remote-controlled garage door opener for all Porsche models. This means drivers no longer have to step out of their car in the pouring rain to open their garage door – they can do so automatically at the touch of a button from the comfort of their car. Already available in the Cayenne, HomeLink is now offered as an optional extra for the 911 Carrera (S) and Boxster (S) as well.

Apart from conveniently opening garage doors, HomeLink offers plenty of other benefits. Since it recognizes the frequencies of almost any radio-controlled handset device, the system can control up to three functions – such as garage doors and property gates or lighting and home alarm systems – all at the touch of a button and from the comfort of the car. The transmitter can be programmed in a few simple steps and is just as easy to operate.

The comfortable aspect of this system is that the remote control is built into the overhead console of the vehicle – styled to coordinate perfectly with the Porsche interior design: inconspicuous and yet ergonomically geared for maximum driver comfort. This eliminates the inconvenience of having to replace handset batteries, since the power supply comes from the onboard electronics. And there’s no more hunting around for a handheld remote either.

The new Porsche models have the added advantage of being fitted with the second generation of this garage door opener. This latest version of HomeLink is compatible with almost all garage door openers – even those that work on the interference-free 868 MHz frequency.

HomeLink also is the first universal remote control that can recognize the frequencies of a wide range of handheld transmitters from various manufacturers – and operate them all using a single system.

Related news: Foursprung, HomeLink

Source: Johnson Controls

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Safety: Automobiles girding for accidents in advance with pre-crash safety systems

Maybe you have advanced or at least basic knowledge how your car is working. But what about pre-crash safety systems? Do you know them? If not, go here and get some insight knowledge. Maybe you can impress your mechanic next time.

The Knowledge section of the U.K.’s The Times provided a short explanation and some examples of anticipatory safety systems found in vehicles.

These devices, known as pre-crash safety systems, are technologies that detect imminent dangers (i.e., crashes), priming the vehicle’s safety equipment to prepare for impact. An example of this would be pyrotechnic seat-belt pre-tensioners, which cinch a car's three-point harnesses before impact.

Each automaker has a different approach with their technology. Mercedes' S-class “Pre-Safe” system automatically closes an open sunroof and moves front and rear passenger seats to their safest positions. The Lexus GS Pre-Collision Safety (PCS) System uses radar to keep track of obstacles and if it determines a collision is unavoidable, tightens all driver and passenger seat belts while maximizing braking power.

Finally, Honda Motor Co.’s Accord uses a camera that sends a signal to the car’s power steering if it senses the car drifting from its lane.

Related news: Foursprung, Safety

Source: Autoblog

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GPS: Solution integrated to motorcycle directly from factory

TomTom supplies one and the idea of a GPS for motorcycles is also not new to Garmin.
The new thing is that Garmin will cooperate with Buell Motorcycles for a new navigation system that will be directly integrated into the 2006 Ulysses XB12X motorcycles.

It is just a run-of-the-mill GPS system that has automatic routing and voice prompting. It also has a high-resolution LCD screen that would be easy to read for the motorcyclist. It comes preloaded with 13MB of American maps out of the 115MB total internal memory.

Related news: Foursprung, Buell, Garmin, GPS, motorcycles

Source: Gizmodo

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Fuel: Diesel boom predicted for U.S. as cleaner fuel comes to pumps

Diesel fuel seems to will have a boom soon as cleaner fuel comes to pumps. And which manufacturer is better prepared than Audi and Volkswagen with their long diesel history? Audi is going to prove their knowledge with the participance of the world's first diesel-powered car at LeMans, the Audi R10.

After decades of disinterest from American consumers, diesel manufacturers are eagerly predicting a boom with new cleaner fuels arriving at pumps this fall and a host of new products coming to market in the next few years.

"We think diesel is part of the solution" to energy shortages, said John Moulton, president of the powertrain division of Robert Bosch Corporation. Bosch hosted an event at Irwindale Speedway on Tuesday which showcased a number of diesel vehicles currently available here and abroad. Among the companies also represented were Audi, BMW, DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, Honda, Honeywell and Mercedes.

Currently, only 3 percent of the vehicles on U.S. roads are diesel. Moulton predicted that will grow to 15 percent over the next 10 years. In Europe roughly 50 percent of all vehicles are diesel-powered.

Growth of diesel transportation in the U.S. has been limited by strict air quality regulations and because American refineries produce a different formula of diesel fuel. But on October 15 of this year, ultralow sulfur diesel fuel will be introduced nationwide. Bosch engineers called the new fuel "one piece of the puzzle" that will allow introduction of new diesel vehicles, many currently available in Europe.

Legislators are still debating enforcement of key elements of the diesel emissions laws that will be phased in between 2007 and 2010. As a result, consumers are unlikely to see new diesel vehicles on the market until the 2008 model year.

A number of diesel vehicles were at the event held at the Irwindale Speedway and Bosch spokespeople portrayed them as lively, fun-to-drive cars — probably to counter the former concept of diesels as slow and noisy. Because of technological advancements, diesels now offer 30-percent better fuel economy, have 50-percent better torque, yet provide a 15-to-20-percent decrease in carbon-dioxide emissions over gasoline engines.

Related news: Foursprung, Fuel, Diesel, Audi, Audi Q7, Audi R10

Source: Inside Line

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Mini: From the car to the desk

Do you like your Mini that much that you don't want to leave it? Or you want to have one but don't have a driving license or parking space?
So now you can have a mini for your office:

With $4,400, you could put a down payment on a new car. Or buy a decent shape used car.

Buy a desk made from what looks like an old Mini. Whether a reproduction (of the Mini), or the real thing, it’s not clear. You’re invited to direct your inquiries to ministatements@btinternet.com.

Related news: Foursprung, Mini

Source: OhGizmo

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Hummer: CD player enhancing branded gadget line

After the Hummer branded laptop computer the family of Hummer gadgets grows bigger:
the mobile CD player in Hummer design can also play MP3, weighs 1.15 lbs and can enhance your collection for $45.

Related news: Foursprung, Hummer, car audio, CD player

Source: Oh Gizmo

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NASCAR: Tune in

You are live at the races but want still want to get a little close to action at NASCAR high-speed stock racing? Now you can now keep track of the action in ways never before possible, thanks to a handheld audio-video-data scanner from Sprint:

The NASCAR NEXTEL FanView has a host of exciting features, including the following:
- the race telecast;
- the race radio broadcast;
- up to seven in-car camera channels;
- direct audio feeds from pit and driver;
- audio replay;
- and a live feed from the official timing and scoring system.

The result is a fan's dream come true: being in the thick of the action without ever leaving the stands. It all occurs in a handheld device that receives data over the 2.5 GHz wireless spectrum. In effect, you've brought your PC with you to the track.

"NASCAR NEXTEL FanView offers an authentic and unprecedented next level of access that has never before been made available at a sporting event," said Dick Glover, vice president of broadcasting and new media for NASCAR Digital Entertainment.

FanView will be available for rent during the events of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. Prices will be US$50 a day or US$70 a weekend. The nearly yearlong series starts at Daytona on February 19.

Related news: Foursprung, stock car, racing, wireless, NASCAR

Source: Mobile Mag

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GM: Patents in-car mutli media network

Multi media in your car is what we care for. And so seems to do GM. They now patented a multimedia infrastructure for cars.

In its Rube Goldbergian patent application drawing above, the car company places a microprocessor and hard drive at the heart of this multimedia system, and has even taken into account digital rights management (DRM), figuring out a way to tie content to your vehicle identification number. There’s also a video back-up camera plugged into the system, as well as an output to other vehicle systems.

Related news: Foursprung, GM, multi mediaXXX

Source: Gizmodo

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Biodiesel: Dodge OKs running biodiesel in some 2007 diesel Rams

Grab it by the horns or fuel it with biodiesel, maybe this will be the new slogan of Dodge after it brought some Dodge OK's with biodiesel in 2007.

DaimlerChrysler will be allowing commercial, government, and military users of diesel 2007 Dodge Rams to use up to 20% biodiesel (B20) in that vehicle's Cummins engine, if the fuel meets applicable military specifications. If you're a private owner of a Cummins Ram and want to run biodiesel without running into warranty problems, you're still out of luck for the time being - the company is still working on a national spec for B20 that would allow it to be run in all diesel Rams.

Related news: Foursprung, Dodge, Biodiesel

Source: Autoblog

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Mac mini: Forms a killer stereo for car together with iTrip

Wanna know how you can turn your Mac mini into a killer car stereo with the help of iTrip in only 3 days?
Then go and check this picture gallery.

Related news: Foursprung, Mac+mini, Apple

Source: Flickr via Lifehacker

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Foursprung: Audio solution for bikers

There are several ways for telecommunication in your car. But how about your bike? Using a bluetooth headset is not really suitable under the helmet and there are no helmet with such an integration.
But now Autocom America has several solutions for bikers for any purpose.

Check out their product site for details and different configurations

Related news: Foursprung, bikes

Source: Autocom America

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Mercedes-Benz: Night view assist in 2007 S-Class

It seems that a step ahead in safety comes from Mercedes-Benz this time.

It’s not too often that we hit up advances in car technology over here but this is just a bit too tasty to pass up. Now in addition to a PCMCIA slot, Mercedes-Benz is premiering their “Night view assist” system on their new, 2007 S-Class series which is said to increase nighttime visibility by up to 125 percent -- without blinding on-coming motorists. It uses infrared light to cast a broad beam ahead of the vehicle and then displays the 8-inch grayscale image on the dashboard LCD.

Hopefully this works better than other announced and presented systems in the past from the brand with the star. And hopefully the quality is better than the quality of their current car series...

Related news: Foursprung, Mercedes-Benz, night view

Source: Engadget

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Rear-view cameras: Blindspot no more?

Rear-view cameras are increasing in popularity.

The Center for Disease Control estimates that, between 2001 through 2003, over 7,000 children were treated for non-lethal injuries after being hit by drivers who didn’t see them behind the vehicle. Child safety organization KidsandCars.org estimates 97 were killed in 2005 alone.

Backup cameras are available to assist preventing such tragedies. While many integrate with any installed NAV system, kits can also be bought and installed separately. The driver can see the waist and his feet of a person three feet behind the vehicle. Installing the camera higher on SUVs or vans also provides a more panoramic view. More sophisticated systems use radar to give distance information.

Backup cameras are also useful for drivers who have medical conditions that prevent (or make it difficult) to see behind them. Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler will reimburse a portion of the cost for backup cameras and devices for people with such conditions.

Related news: Foursprung, Rear-view cameras, Blindspot

Source: Autoblog

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Microsoft: Patents Smart Car Radio

Microsoft tries more and more to be a player in the automotive business. After the deal with Fiat they now have been granted a U.S. patent for what it calls a "Smart Car Radio".

The radio is a kind of TiVo for audio that automatically removes ads, playing only recorded music and news, etc. The device is similar to some satellite radio devices, which feature removable pocketsize controllers that can be then plugged into a home unit. The device would also function as a mobile PDA.

Usually Microsoft is not very good in being "smart" so let's see what they make out of this patent. I wonder if this is really innovative. The "innovations" in their operating systems usually seem to be "strongly inspired" by another computer company from Cupertino, so where do the innovations in other areas come from?

Related news: Foursprung, radio, Microsoft

Source: The Raw Feed

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GPS: New device from Medion

Medion is known for good budget devices and so are their mobile GPS navigation systems.
Improving the rather excellent 220T released last year the new PNA 350 comes with a Samsung 266MHz processor, a 256MB memory card, an integrated GPS receiver, a 65k color TFT touchscreen and two high definition speakers.
Navteq maps are preinstalled for one or two countries (e.g. for UK and Ireland).
For just below £300 it will be available in the UK from March onwards

Related news: Foursprung, Medion, GPS

Source: Ubergizmo

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Foursprung: Is the full auto pilot for cars reality?

The trend in car technology development in the past years was focussed on system assisting the driver in several ways for more comfort. Cruise controls are becoming more and more intelligent these days and now Honda shifted this trend to a new level:

Honda UK is taking it to another level with their Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) that not only regulates your speed, but manages the turning, allowing you a full auto-pilot system for your Accord when you're out on the freeway. The Adaptive Cruise Control is your regular radar variety, but the Lane Keep Assist System keeps you headed in the right direction by using a camera on the rear-view mirror to watch the white lines and turn accordingly. Honda was quick to point out that their system isn't exactly set up for you to take a nap, since the ADAS system will beep every 10 seconds to make sure you're paying attention, requiring you to touch the steering wheel to inform the car you're still in charge, but we're sure someone is going manage an accident and an ensuing lawsuit or three out of this "convenience".

Related news: Foursprung, Honda, cruise control

Source: Engadget

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Foursprung: Ferrari projection clock

If you can't get enough of your favorite car brand, even in night, this gadget is a must have for you.

This slim and sleek projection clock projects an image of the current time and Ferrari logo onto the wall or ceiling of a darkened room. A rotation knob allows you to rotate the projected image 180 degrees and you can focus the image manually. Clock features include date with month and day of week in five languages. 24-hour or 12-hour display format. You can also choose a Ferrari racing engine as your wake up call or a normal beep. LCD display indicates indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity. Price $200.

Related news: Foursprung, Ferrari

Source: Luxist

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Night vision: BMW night vision to become available in March

BMW is offering its night vision from March for some of their models. Night vision systems are recognized as driver assistance system, but have a huge impact on driving safety as well.

BMW Night Vision, the innovative driver assistance system, will be available from March 2006 in the 5 Series Sedan, 5 Series Sports Wagon as well as the 6 Series Coupe and Convertible.

Infra-red technology incorporating a thermal imaging camera for extra safety in the dark. Driver support and active partner protection in one.
BMW Night Vision provides a new dimension of optical perception when driving at night. A thermal imaging camera detects human beings, animals and objects in front of the car before they become visible to the human eye in the headlights. The image generated by the system is transmitted to the central Control Display within the car presenting objects detected with increasing brightness as a function of the heat detected by the camera – and therefore making human beings and animals particularly conspicuous.

The thermal imaging camera covers a range of up to 300 meters or almost 1,000 feet ahead of the car. BMW Night Vision offers the customer particular benefits when driving over land, down narrow lanes, through gateways leading into courtyards, and into dark underground garages, significantly enhancing driving safety at night.

BMW opts for Far Infra-Red technology (FIR). Thermal imaging camera for enhanced detection of human beings and animals.

Conducting comparative studies and carefully observing independent scientific examinations, BMW's engineers have opted in favor of innovative far infra-red technology (FIR), most efficient in detecting people, animals and objects at night. FIR offers the following benefits:

* Reduction to the essential:
Far infra-red technology uses a thermal imaging camera highlighting in particular persons, animals and objects irradiating higher temperatures. FIR intentionally does not present a detailed image of the respective traffic situation, which would only delay the recognition of a human being within the overall image. In other words, insignificant details are cancelled out and do not distract the driver.

* FIR enables the driver "to look further":
Covering a range of approximately 300 meters or almost 1,000 feet, FIR "looks" about twice as far as other systems. Hence, the driver is informed earlier on possible hazards – indeed, up to 5 seconds earlier at a speed of 100 km/h (62 mph).

* FIR cannot be "dazzled":
FIR cannot be dazzled by the headlights of oncoming traffic, by traffic lights, road lights and highly reflective surfaces such as traffic signs. And vehicles with FIR technology do not dazzle each other.

Over and above the advantages offered by the FIR principle from the start, BMW has enhanced this technology by adding further functions: The image presented follows the road in a panning process and distant objects can be shown larger as a function of speed (zooming).

Convenient use of BMW Night Vision like looking in the interior mirror.
BMW Night Vision presents a high-contrast black-and-white night image to the driver on the Control Display in the middle of the instrument panel. Benefiting from FIR technology, the driver only has to briefly check out the Display in order to recognize a hazard. So using BMW Night Vision is comparable to looking into the interior mirror in the car.

Examining the new system, BMW also considered the option to present the image in the driver's primary field of vision, for example in the Head-Up Display or in the instrument cluster, but this option was rejected for ergonomic reasons. Tests have shown that the combination of real-life and virtual images irritates the driver and is not the best solution.

Related news: Foursprung, Night vision, BMW

Source: Autoblog

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Alternative Fuel: Flex-fuel cars lead Brazilian auto sales

We don't know how your minibar at home is looking like, but Brazilians really like to buy cars which can also drive with alcohol.

GM and Ford, take note: flex-fuel cars outsold conventional gasoline driven cars in Brazil in 2005.

Sales of flex-fuel cars, which run on any mixture of ethanol and gasoline, amounted to 53.6 percent of the Brazilian market in 2005, up from 17 percent in 2004.

Flex-fuel cars took off in 2003, when the Brazilian government instituted a 14 percent sales tax for cars capable of burning ethanol, instead of the 16 percent levied on gasoline-only vehicles. Ethanol-only cars were briefly popular in the late '80s in Brazil, driven by a combination of high oil prices and heavy government subsidies for domestically-produced ethanol. When oil prices fell, and sugar prices rose, the government could no longer afford to prop up the ethanol fuel market, and the ethanol-only cars virtually disappeared.

Unlike the corn- and soybean-derived ethanol used in the U.S., Brazil's ethanol is derived from sugar cane, and now supplies both domestic and export markets. Also unlike the U.S., Brazil is 91-percent self-sufficient in oil, and the country should reach total self-sufficiency when a huge offshore oil field discovery announced today goes on-line in 2011.

Related news: Foursprung, Alternative Fuel

Source: Autoblog

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iPod: Auto charger and flexible docking cradle

Are you looking for a handy solution to mount your iPod in your car? Then Griffin has the right product for you, called TuneFlex.

If you're buying a new Chrysler, or another vehicle with an iPod interface to the built-in audio system, you'll be interested in Griffin's new TuneFlex.

This ultra-clever device plugs into any 12-volt auto accessory outlet (the device formerly known as "cigarette lighter"), and let's you flexibly position your iPod Nano wherever its most convenient.

But wait, there's more! The TuneFlex has a built-in line-out jack for a cable to your in-car stereo, and a pass-through dock connector that lets you connect accessories to the iPod, like Griffin's iTrip FM transmitter or AirClick remote control.

Related news: Foursprung, Apple, iPod

Source: Autoblog

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Sound: The PhatNoise Digital Music System is now available for Audi

1stVWParts.com is now offering the PhatNoise Digital Music System for Audi for just $119.40.

The PhatNoise Car Audio System is one of the most advanced automotive digital music jukeboxes available today. By offering one-touch access to a virtually unlimited number of MP3s, WMAs and other music files, it provides music lovers the ultimate in power and flexibility through its seamless automotive integration. The Phatbox is controlled through the CD changer controls of your existing car stereo head unit.

Related news: Foursprung, PhatNoise, Audi

Source: Fourtitude

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Hybrids: New models from PSA

French PSA group unveiled two compact hybrid models:

PSA Peugeot Citroen has unveiled two demonstrator vehicles featuring a diesel-electric hybrid powertrain: the Peugeot 307 and the Citroën C4 Hybride HDi. Average diesel consumption for these two cars is 3.4 litres per 100 kilometres (83 mpg) with 90 grams of CO2 emitted per kilometre - a record for compact cars. This is some 25% better than a similar vehicle equipped with a petrol hybrid system, or as much as a litre per 100 kilometres (20 mpg) in combined urban and motorway driving. PSA Peugeot Citroën's Hybrid HDi technology comprises a 1.6-litre HDi diesel engine, a particulate filter system (DPFS), the latest generation Stop & Start system, an electric motor, inverter, high-voltage battery pack and dedicated control electronics. The cars are also equipped with an electronically managed manual gearbox.

The performance of these cars represents a major breakthrough in further improving fuel economy and reducing CO2 emissions. They also provide increased driving comfort under all conditions, especially in urban traffic.

The Stop & Start system enables the Hybride HDi vehicles to start and drive using only the HDi diesel engine, even when the high-voltage battery pack is totally flat. Other hybrid vehicles, in contrast, would be totally immobilised in this situation.

Foursprung, XXX, PSA, hybrids

Source: Gizmag

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Hybrid: Ford develops first ethanol-fueled hybrid

Seems like Ford is developing the first ethanol-fueled hybrid based on the Ford Escape.

Ford Motor rolled out a new hybrid research vehicle at the Washington Auto Show - the Ford Escape Hybrid E85 - which combines hybrid electric power with flexible-fuel capability.

The Escape Hybrid E85 produces about 25 percent less carbon dioxide than a gasoline-fueled Escape Hybrid, which Ford says is already the world's cleanest and most fuel-efficient small SUV.

So, why is it a "research vehicle" instead of a production model? Well, it turns out tailpipe emissions aren't the whole story. Evaporative emissions from highly volatile ethanol blends require a more aggressive evaporative system than needed for gasoline-powered vehicles. The problem is complicated in a full hybrid, because the evaporative vacuum system isn't activated when the vehicle is operating on electric power. More after the jump...Ford's working on it, though. Ford's director of Sustainable Mobility Technologies & Hybrid Programs, Nancy Gioia, says, "Ford researchers are applying some of the best expertise in the industry in hybrid power controls, flexible fuel operation and exhaust after-treatment. We’re working on the whole system, from the fuel tank through to the tailpipe, to optimize fuel efficiency and lower emissions.”

Looking ahead, Gioia sees hydrogen as the ultimate clean, sustainable power source, with hybrids and ethanol as useful near-term steps to reduce both environmental damage and dependence on oil.

Related news: Foursprung, Hybrid

Source: Autoblog

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GPS: World in one

There is a new concept for delivering a GPS. It's interesting to have the maps for all the world. But do I need to have the fitting language for each continent?

Korean GPS-maker Carpoint claims its $600 XRoad GPS system is the first model that can take you around the world, with maps for North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, along with the ability to function in seven languages.

Related news: Foursprung, GPS

Source: Engadget

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Satellite radio: Standard Equipment on the 2006 Scion xB release series 3.0

XM is transforming radio, an industry that has seen little technological change since FM, almost 40 years ago. XM's programming features 100 coast-to-coast digital channels: 71 music channels, more than 30 of them commercial-free, from hip hop to opera, classical to country, bluegrass to blues; and 29 channels of sports, talk, children's and entertainment. For the first time on radio XM brings to the car the same diverse selection of news sources available in the home on cable and DIRECTV.

XM Satellite Radio (Nasdaq: XMSR) announced today that Scion, of Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., will include XM Satellite Radio as standard equipment on its new 2006 Scion xB Release Series 3.0. The xB Release Series 3.0 is making its debut at the 2006 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, and is the first vehicle from TMS to offer XM as a standard feature.

"The introduction of the first Scion product with standard XM Satellite Radio represents a new milestone for industry-leading entertainment in this cutting-edge new car segment," said Hugh Panero, CEO and President of XM Satellite Radio. "With our range of commercial-free music channels, XM is the perfect fit for Scion's youthful trend leaders."

Buyers of the limited-edition Scion xB Release Series 3.0 will also enjoy three months of complimentary XM service and a waived activation fee.

In late 2004, XM Satellite Radio became Toyota Motor Sales' exclusive partner for factory-installed satellite radio entertainment and information services. Today, XM Satellite Radio is available in 15 Scion, Lexus and Toyota models as an option through port or dealer accessory programs. XM's satellite radio receivers are the sole Genuine Toyota Accessories authorized by TMS to bring satellite radio entertainment to these models.

Related news: Foursprung, Satellite Radio

Source: PR Newswire

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MP3: Mercedes-Benz player

Hmmm... I know people who wear the Mercedes-Benz logo star hanging on a chain around their neck. Is this gadget the evolution of this jewelry? I don't know if this is built under license but 256 MB of internal memory for playing your MP3 files and a FM tuner is not really something really inspiring (like the cars with the star) and it really doesn't look premium...

Foursprung, Mercedes-Benz, MP3

Source: Gizmodo

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Safety: Electronic development enables safer headrests

There are people complaining about the development of electronics in cars (of course not us) but Johnsons Controls quietes them.
 

With the North American International Auto Show running full tilt in Detroit right now, most announcements coming from the event are about the latest models or retro concept cars debuting at the show. But within the barrage of media coverage is news of safety improvements thanks to electronics developments


One such comes from Johnson Controls, which is showcasing active head restraints and an anti-submarining seat design, both of which are activated electrically just prior to a crash. Previous active head restraints relied on the impact acceleration on the occupant's body to mechanically leverage the headrest forward to mitigate injury. In one form of Johnson's new seat, electronic signals from the car's crash sensors trigger head-restraint deployment. In its other configuration, the acceleration on the body will trigger the restraint.


Submarining occurs if a seat occupant slides under a seatbelt during impact. The Johnson Controls seat has an "active ramp" at the front of the seat pan. During a head-on impact, the ramp will quickly rise and the bar in the front section of the seat limits an occupant's forward movement. Risk of the passenger's knees hitting the dash is reduced, along with seatbelt forces on the body.

Both safety systems will be available for 2009 model year cars. 

 
 
Foursprung 
Source: Automotive DesignLine
 

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GM: Designs intelligent cars

Intelligent is not bad for GM. I personally would prefer better quality and a beautiful design. Let's see how they make it.

As more devices in the automation industry become more intelligent, why not a car? General Motors is developing cars that see other vehicles the driver can't or doesn't. Using vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, the car can detect the position and movement of other vehicles up to a quarter of a mile away.

In a world where vehicles come equipped with a simple antenna, computer chip, and global positioning system (GPS) technology, your car and those around it will "see" each other-whether it's in blind spots, stopped ahead on the highway and hidden from view, around a corner, or blocked by other vehicles. The vehicles can anticipate and react to changing driving situations and instantly warn the drivers with chimes, visual icons, and seat vibrations. If the driver doesn't respond to the alerts, the car can bring itself to a safe stop, avoiding a collision.

Today, vehicles come equipped with multiple safety sensors including a long-range scanning sensor for adaptive cruise control, forward vision sensors for object detection, mid-range blind spot detection sensors, and long-range lane-change assist sensors. GM has the ability to replace all of these sensors with one advisory sensor that will provide all-around, instantaneous traffic intelligence, promising a better and significantly less costly way of sensing other vehicles around your car while driving.

While other vehicle manufacturers are developing similar technology, GM has the ability to leverage or enhance existing systems such as OnStar and StabiliTrak systems to deliver this solution more quickly and cost effectively.

Foursprung, GM

Source: Motor Trend

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Fiat: Microsoft powered

The perfect connection: bad quality in cars meets bad quality in software.

Microsoft's deal to equip all of Fiat's new vehicles with Windows Automotive is starting to bear fruit: The first Windows-powered Fiats are due to debut at the Geneva Auto Show later this month. The system, now known as Blue&Me, will initially control the car's audio system, and will allow drivers to access Bluetooth cellphones via the car's audio system, control the audio via voice commands and steering wheel-mounted controls, and have text messages read to them by the car's computer. A glove compartment USB port will allow the audio system to be expanded using any mass-storage compliant device. Future upgrades to the system will include GPS control and weather and traffic-monitoring systems. We assume that any upgrade that will put Windows in the driver's seat is, however, a very long way away.

I wonder why my first thought reading the name "Blue&Me" is not Bluetooth but a Bluescreen...

Related news: Foursprung, Fiat, Microsoft

Source: Engadget

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Cell phone: Sports car shaped cell phone by LG

LG is bringing a sports car shaped cell phone to Europe. It's not exactly build like a real sports car although you can't deny the similarities to a Porsche Boxster. But we guess that LG wouldn't be the partner of choice for Porsche.

It has some cool car gimmicks: An engine sound will be played when you open the clamshell phone and when you receive a new text message this phone will honk you!

The LG F3000 will be available from February in Germany.

Related news: Foursprung, Cell phone

Source: Xonio

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Navigation: VW is using Google Earth for the best in navigation technology

Our bigger sister "The German Car Blog" is reporting that VW is using Google Earth in their latest navigation prototype. And it looks fantastic!
Take a look, it's a must see.

Volkswagen of America, Inc. and Google recently presented the future of vehicle navigation at the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, and it’s closer to virtual reality than ever before.

Volkswagen, Google, and graphics chipmaker, nVidia, are working on an in-car navigation map system and display that is 3-dimensional and more real looking than anything that’s available today.

Driver and Passenger will be able to instinctively recognize where they are in relation to the surrounding topography, especially in urban areas that are depicted with depth and accurate size relationships between buildings and roads.

Volkswagen, working through its Electronic Research Laboratory (ERL), in Palo Alto, Calif., together with Google and nVidia, is also working on other advancements, including automatic personalized content updates for its vehicle navigation systems.

Highlights of Volkswagen’s prototype vehicle include a vehicle-centric touchscreen interface to Google Earth with state-of-the-art graphics, accurate 3D maps and real-time traffic updates and routing. This open system harnesses the power of the web to maintain a dynamic database of current information on restaurants, dealerships, gas stations and other points of interest that can be overlaid directly onto the user’s 3D map. With the increasing accuracy of GPS, dead-reckoning and laser-radar imaging, as well as ever-improving car-to-infrastructure communication, this prototype will be available on showroom floors in the near future.

High-quality 3D and satellite-based representations of the world are becoming an exciting feature in on-line search engines and navigation. These photo-realistic, high-resolution 3D images are not only more engaging for the user, but they are also more efficient and accurate at conveying information than traditional 2D mapping representations.

Related news: Foursprung, Navigation, GermanCarBlog, VW, Google Earth

Source: The German Car Blog

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Foursprung: Technology finds parking lot and parks your car

Parking assistence using radar is more standard but news todays. But they only assist you in parking and this only in case you FOUND a parking lot, which usually is quite more difficult than parking itself. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel dealing with noth problems.

Technology being developed by Siemens VDO called PARK MATE not only auto-parks your car without your help, it will even find an available parking space. Sensors automatically measure a row of parked cars and alerts the driver when there's a space big enough for the car. Then the electronics TAKE CONTROL of the car and park it for you.

Foursprung

Source: The Raw Feed

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Alternative Fuel: Volkswagen, Shell and Iogen to study feasibility of producing cellulose ethanol in Germany

A next important towards alternative fuel has been done by Volkswagen, Shell and Iogen.

olkswagen, Shell and Iogen Corporation announced today that they will conduct a joint study to assess the economic feasibility of producing cellulose ethanol in Germany. This advanced biofuel produced by Iogen can be used in today's cars and can cut CO2 emissions by 90% compared with conventional fuels.

Iogen's cellulose ethanol is a fully renewable advanced biofuel made from the non-food portion of agriculture residue such as cereal straws and corn stover, and is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in road transport. Iogen's cellulose ethanol technology is the result of more than 25 years of research and development. The company operates the world's only cellulose ethanol demonstration-scale facility and made the first commercial shipments of this fuel in April 2004.

"We are strongly committed to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and are looking for the most effective approach to substitute these fuels by innovative biofuels.That is the only way we can cost effectively satisfy people's individual mobility needs in the long term," said the Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, Dr. Bernd Pischetsrieder, when the parties signed the letter of intent at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2006 in Detroit.


"We are proud to be joined by VW in our long-standing partnership with Iogen in exploring the feasibility of building a cellulose ethanol plant in Germany," said Rob Routs, Executive Director Downstream (Oil Products and Chemicals) Royal Dutch Shell. "As a company, we are now turning our focus to those renewable fuels and technologies that complement our fuel business by leveraging our existing assets, infrastructure and expertise in developing the world's most innovative and advanced fuels. This partnership builds on our significant investment in Iogen and is another step in our journey to become the leading provider of the next generation of fuel solutions."

"Iogen has demonstrated that clean, renewable fuels for transport are no longer a dream, they are a reality," said Brian Foody, Iogen President. "Today's announcement marks the first signal of what could be a major change coming in the European fuel market. It will show that by integrating vehicle and fuel technologies, we can meet the ambitious, but necessary challenge of reducing reliance upon fossil fuels".

"The availability of high quality, synthetic biofuels manufactured to stringent specifications is a prerequisite for the deployment of advanced-generation engines. The combination of second-generation biofuels and advanced fuel/powertrain represents a quantum leap in environmental compatibility. An integrated approach encompassing engine technology and fuel properties as well as consumer behavior is the only way to comply with future, more stringent requirements such as those set by the European Union," commented Pischetsrieder.

All automotive manufacturers warrant the use of cellulose ethanol blends: 10% (E10) in North America and 5% (E5) in Europe. In 2003, the European Union issued a biofuel directive in response to anticipated shortages and rising costs of fossil fuels. The directive targets 5.75% biofuels by 2010. The US Energy Policy Act of 2005 introduced a nationwide renewable fuels standard (RFS) that will double the use of ethanol and biodiesel by 2012.

Related news: Foursprung, Alternative Fuel, Volkswagen, Shell

Source: PR Newswire

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Sound: Bang & Olufsen advanced sound system for Audi

Are you looking for the ultimate gadget for your already very nice equipped Audi A8?
Then you should consider the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System.

Bang & Olufsen has introduced a new sound system for Audi automobiles. The Advanced Sound System is designed for Audi's A8, S8 and Concept Car, the Roadjet. The system, which will be available in the summer of 2006 offers better sound staging for all passengers and has the ability to respond to chances in background noise conditions like rain or traffic. The system has a digital signal processor,amplification for each loudspeaker and acoustic lenses which provide horizontal sound dispersion of high frequencies. The acoustic lenses rise out of the dashboard when the system is on.The system is offered as an upgrade in the A8/S8 class automobiles. In Germany, it costs 6000 Euros but U.S. pricing hasn't been set yet.

Related news: Foursprung, Sound, Audi

Source: Luxist

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Safety: New ESP sensor clusters

There is a new material for protecting electronic devices in your car:

For the housing of their ESC sensor cluster, Continental Automotive Systems uses glass-reinforced, heat-stabilised Zytel ST (Super-Tough) nylon, developed by DuPont. "In the past we used aluminium for such housings", says Kai Allissat, manager, Program Planning & Control ESC Sensors, in Continental's Automotive Systems, "but to save costs we looked for alternatives. Our new design is made of two halves injection-moulded from heat-stabilised Zytel SST (Stiff-Super-Tough) nylon reinforced with 25 % glass fibre. With this material we were able to cut the housing's manufacturing costs by 40 % compared to metal."

Mounted centrally in a vehicle, the new plastics housing holds the yaw rate sensor, the lateral acceleration sensors and a CPU for internal preprocessing, and a CAN (Controller Area Network) interface which transmits the collected data to the electronic braking and safety system. The cluster design and the housing material isolate the sensor module from mechanical shock and vibration and shield it from electromagnetic influences.

The precise detection of a vehicle's movements through measurement of the inertia values of yaw rate and lateral acceleration is the basis of modern electronic vehicle stabilisation systems and for roll-over protection, active steering and airbag systems. That is why Continental chose a modular design for the cluster, which allows for incorporation of other sensor functions which may be needed in future. "Based on the successful use of Zytel SST for the current sensor cluster, there is every reason to believe that the next generation will have a housing of the same high-impact DuPont nylon", says Allissat.

Related news: Foursprung, safety

Source: all4engineers

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Foursprung: Cruise control avoids jams

There is an interesting study on the effects of adaptive cruise control:

Traffic congestion is a severe problem on motorways in many European countries. Since it is not always cheap or easy to build extra motorways to solve this problem, researchers are looking for alternative ways to ease congestion. Examples include variable speed limits that depend on the volume of traffic and "ramp metering", which restricts the number of cars entering the motorway from a slip road. Such methods are based on so-called centralized traffic management, which responds to a given traffic situation. Now, Kesting and colleagues think that traffic flow could be improved by fitting more cars with automatic cruise control.

ACC is a modified version of traditional cruise control. ACC automatically accelerates or decelerates a vehicle to maintain a fixed distance between it and the car in front and works by using radar sensors to measure the actual distance and speed difference between the two vehicles. Although only a few cars are fitted with ACC today, the proportion is likely to increase in the future as the technology improves and penetrates the car market more fully.

The German researchers carried out computer simulations of traffic -- in which each vehicle is represented by a small particle -- to describe the dynamics of traffic on motorways. Their approach allows them to vary the number of different types of vehicle and driving styles -- such as cars and trucks, and fast and slow drivers. The simulations consider traffic flows that consist mostly of "human" drivers and a small number of "partly automated" ACC cars.

The team found that even if just 10% of all cars use ACC then congestion is dramatically eased because "traffic breakdown" -- where cars come to a complete halt as in a traffic jam -- is delayed (see figure). "This is a benefit to drivers because fewer people are affected and the waiting time is smaller thanks to reduced queue lengths," explains Kesting. Moreover, the effect is scaleable so if, say, 20% of cars had ACC, then congestion would be reduced even further.

The researchers believe that it is now up to engineers to construct more efficient ACC systems because today's designs are not yet advanced enough to behave like the ACCs described in the simulations. "That will be the starting point to realize the potential of ACC as a promising strategy for the better traffic performance outlined in our work," says Kesting.

Foursprung, cruise control

Source: physics web

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Foursprung: Nanopowder For White LEDs Yields Brighter Light

A research group from Idemitsu Kosan Co. and Keio University has developed a way of producing YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) phosphor in the form of a powder with particles measuring just 10 nanometers in diameter.
YAG phosphor is coated on blue LEDs to create light-emitting diodes that emit white light. The YAG phosphor material is typically processed into a powder with crystal grains measuring in the microns. But these particles are so big that they scatter light, reducing the brightness of the white LED.
The new nanopowder particles are smaller than the wavelength of the light, so there is almost no scattering. The result is a white LED that in principle can emit light that is 256 times as bright as a conventional white LED.
The YAG phosphor nanopowder is made by applying pressure to a liquid heated to 300 C. The process not only yields smaller grains but is also less costly than conventional methods that bake the starting material at a temperature of 1,000 C.
Foursprung, LED

Source: SolidState Technology

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Fuel cell: Earlier introduction possible

It would be very good news if this became true: the fuel cell technology may be introduced to the public market earlier than expected originally.

Nuvera Fuel Cells has reached a joint agreement with Fiat Powertrain Technologies and Centro Ricerche Fiat to develop and supply high-efficiency hydrogen fuel cell systems for fuel cell vehicles. The partners will be the exclusive supplier of the new fuel cell powertrain to the Fiat Group, which includes Fiat Auto, Iveco, and Case New Holland. The new partnership is also open to further OEMs worldwide.

"The aim of the project", say the companies, "is to further develop a fuel cell powertrain system that will allow automakers to develop a technically, economically and environmentally viable fuel cell vehicle in the near future." The system will combine the recently released Nuvera Andromeda II stack with the plant and control system developed by Fiat Powertrain Technologies and Centro Ricerche Fiat. It is said to include all necessary auxiliaries to meet the automotive standards. This includes a low pressure and high efficiency air compressor. The Fiat Panda Hydrogen (photo) is the first vehicle to use the new system.

According to Centro Ricerche Fiat and Fiat Powertrain Technologies, the Andromeda II technology represents one of the most promising fuel cell stacks available today. The companies are convinced that this technology is able to allow OEMs to introduce fuel cell vehicles more quickly than once thought possible.

Centro Ricerche Fiat has underlined that the hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system has been developed with an air delivery system that was specifically designed to match the requirements of the fuel cell stack. By designing the air system completely around the fuel cell stack, the purpose-built compressor is said to deliver exactly what the fuel cell system requires across the entire operating range. This should result in a higher efficiency and lower costs, compared to other currently available compressor technologies.

The new fuel cell system operates at low pressure and without external humidification, which should allow simplification of the plant's architecture. The reduction in parts can also contribute to parasitic power losses and a simplification of the system's control, enabling higher efficiency and enhanced reliability.

Related news: Foursprung, alternative energies, fuel cell

Source: all4engineers

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MP3: Complete integration

Another MP3 integration for your cigarette lighter plug:

The Yifang EM192F is a car charger, FM modulator, and USB MP3/WMA reader, all in one device. Slap this thing into your cigarette lighter and watch the magic. You’ll now be able to listen to your music through FM stereo.

Related news: Foursprung, MP3

Source: Gizmodo

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GPS: Multimedia GPS device from Kenwood

Kenwood is famous for car audio, now they are joining the GPS game with an all-in-one multimedia device.
The HDV-770 has a 7" touch screen, a hard disk (of an undisclosed capacity), a CD/DVD player and a TV tuner.

It will be Video DVD compatible but it can also play MP3 and WMA files and you can even connect your iPOD to it. The most important thing to remember is that this device is a part of the Emotional Sound range, so it's designed to offer you the best Kenwood sound possible.

Related news: Foursprung, GPS, DVD, MP3, WMA, TV

Source: Akihabara News

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