Foursprung: Mathematics reducing noise

In general I think this is nice as I like to have a calm environment while driving. But thinking of the great sound of an Audi RS model sometimes I think that noise reduction would be a shame...

Researchers at UCSD report in the April 4 issue of the Journal of Sound and Vibration a new mathematical algorithm designed to dramatically improve noise-cancellation technologies that are used to quiet everything from airplane cabins to commercial air conditioning systems. The new technique improves the ability to achieve destructive interference, the generation of anti-noise signals that combine with and destroy unwanted sounds.

“Noise cancellation is a hidden technology that most consumers aren’t aware of, but vehicles made by BMW, Mercedes, Honda, and other companies are now using it,” said Raymond de Callafon, co-author of the paper and a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at UCSD’s Jacobs School of Engineering. “Our new technique should greatly expand the potential of active noise-cancellation technologies.”

Basic active noise-cancellation is composed of four inter-related parts: a microphone that measures incoming noise and feeds that information to a computer, a computer processor that converts the noise information into anti-noise instructions, and an audio speaker that is driven by the anti-noise signal to broadcasts sound waves that are exactly 180 degrees out of phase with the unwanted signal and of the same magnitude. In addition, a downstream microphone monitors residual noise and signals the computer as part of a process to optimize the anti-noise signal.

This “feedforward” active-noise control can reduce unwanted helicopter and cabin noise or the steady roar of industrial air handling systems by 40 decibels or more. However, most commercial systems suffer from acoustic feedback because the anti-noise signal produced by the noise-cancellation speakers can feed back into the microphone and become amplified repeatedly until the resulting sound becomes an ear-splitting squeal or whistle.

“Most people ignore this acoustic coupling but we took it into account and designed the feedforward noise cancellation knowing that the acoustic coupling is there,” said de Callafon.

Some makers of active noise cancellation avoid acoustic coupling by shielding microphones from speakers, or by using directional microphones and speakers that are pointed away from each other. “This works fine in the case of noise-reduction headphones and air-conditioning ducts, but it’s impractical in hundreds of other applications,” de Callafon said.

For example, the algorithm developed by de Callafon and Ph.D. candidate J. Zeng may be adapted to cancel unwanted complex signals that are moving, such as the sound of bustling urban traffic coming through a ventilation opening.

“We think we’ve developed a totally new approach that works by generating the ‘feedforward’ noise cancellation signals and adaptively changing them in the presence of acoustic coupling,” de Callafon said. “This has been a really complicated problem to solve and we think the approach we’ve taken will have a significant impact on the field.”

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Source: physorg.com

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Audi: New innovative news service

New innovations from our favourite premium brand!

Since 2004, Audi has also been demonstrating its pioneering role in the field of infotainment by offering innovative DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) technology. Digital radio makes it possible to receive a wide range of stations with the audio quality of a music CD. DAB can currently be ordered for the Audi A6/S6, A8/S8 and Audi Q7 models.

DAB, however, also provides the basis for another fascinating and particularly customer-oriented application: within the scope of a future-oriented project, researchers are working on a new system that will be able to read the driver permanently updated and personalised news from all over the world. This means that the driver becomes his own editor-in-chief, so to speak, the car his personal newsreader. This service is available at all times and can be operated conveniently by speech control or Audi MMI (Multi Media Interface). The required information is presented by automated voice output.

In order to prevent information overload and redundancy, MACS My News, as the system is known, can be individually configured. The driver can decide for himself whether and for how long he wishes to be informed about certain contents, such as world and sports news and weather reports.

This new development is aimed above all at satisfying the demand from customers for the latest information tailored to their personal needs. Its implementation in the first prototypes, moreover, will produce findings that will provide the basis for a number of other individual services.

The objective of the research project MACS (Mobile Automotive Cooperative Services), which is sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and is a joint project of Audi, the Technical University of Munich, the Institute for the Automotive Industry in Nürtingen/Geislingen and the Technical University of Darmstadt, is the integration, development and realisation of innovative mobile services.

Audi presented the current development status during the 6th Services Conference of the BMBF at the end of March 2006 in an Audi A6 Avant.

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Source: Audi

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Foursprung: Highly realistic driving simulator helps develop safer cars

A gadget for those of you who need a little bit of driving practice...

EUREKA project ULTIMATE has led to the development of a highly sophisticated simulator to improve car design and increase road safety in Europe using novel mechanical, display and software technology.

Simulators can make a major contribution to vehicle design and the study of human driving factors. However, they have been of more limited value for road vehicles due to the large linear motion needed (for e.g. when turning corners or during braking). As a result, the cost of suitable car simulators had been prohibitive.

Dutch, French and UK partners in the ULTIMATE project combined expertise in car design, motion platforms, displays and software to develop a highly cost-effective new simulator design that will allow a more detailed study of human behaviour when driving road vehicles, as well as the trial and development of new aids to improve performance and safety for vehicle users.
The ULTIMATE simulator is compact and modular with a choice of conventional screen or head-mounted virtual reality displays supplying information on car performance and visibility - from the very beginning of vehicle development.

New design and materials were essential to the project. “We needed to overcome the mechanical constraints of earlier simulators to be able to accelerate for a sufficient duration of 1 to 3 sec at 0.1g for example in X and Y axes with a high payload,” explains ULTIMATE project leader Dr Andras Kemeny, head of the Renault Technical Centre for Simulation and Renault’s expert in driving simulation and virtual reality. ULTIMATE took an innovative and particular cost-effective approach, resulting in a low overall weight for the simulator – around 3.5 tonnes. It uses a compact six-axis platform mounted on a second large linear motion bi-directional frame that allows peak accelerations of up to 7 m/s2 in X and Y directions.

An on-board 150° cylindrical screen provides a lightweight display that supplies full motion performance. Alternatively, when physical component integration is impossible or impractical, the driver can use a high-performance, head-mounted display (HMD) that makes it possible to drive in a fully virtual cockpit. The display systems were developed by UK partner SEOS; the HMD in the EUREKA E! 1924 CARDS project. “SEOS was involved in the project from the beginning and contacted Renault for information about track simulation. We became involved as an original partner pulled out. We asked for modifications and encouraged other partners to join. A second EUREKA project – MOVES – will extend the work of ULTIMATE to optimise the software and the motion algorithms. This new project is being led by our ULTIMATE project partner CNRS (the French National Centre for Scientific Research),” says Dr Kemeny. “EUREKA played a crucial role both in providing access to funding and in offering a coherent legal structure for cooperation over the research period. Without such a structure I believe we could not have done this project.”

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Source: physorg.com

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GPS: Magellan RoadMate on a Vespa

Not a new GPS but mounting this to a scooter is a new but great idea.

This is a nice, cutesy installation of the Magellan RaodMate 760 onto a 2006 150cc Vespa. Leave it to a scooter owner to even color coordinate the GPS unit with their scooter. It looks nice and clean but a couple questions still remain. How does the screen look under the direct sunlight and are you really doing enough traveling on a 150cc Vespa to need a GPS device?

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Source: Gizmodo

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Foursprung: First Tribrid

Forget about all the hybrids coming to the market. Here is the first Tribrid!

Small car importer-converter ZAP will showcase a new "trybrid" sports car concept from Brazil at the New York International Auto Show, April 14-23 at the Jacob K. Javits Center. ZAP says its "trybrid" designs run on three sources of energy: gasoline, ethanol, and electricity; and the gasoline/alchohol proportions may be varied at the user's convenience.
According to the press release, the OBVIO ! 828, will have an integrated chassis and safety cage using composite materials, a three-passenger bench seat, a computer with Windows compatible platform, GPS navigation, and a continuously variable transmission. ZAP is also exhibiting an all-electric city-car called the XEBRA planned for production and distribution this year.
We certainly hope that whoever came up with the Carnival motif paint job will get some US marketing advice before it's too late. The derisive remarks would be hard to overlook with mileage in the advertised 29-city/40-hwy mpg range and a price in the anticipated 14K bracket.

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Source: Treehugger

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Foursprung: Micro Keychain Breath Alcohol Screener

This gadget is not really for your car, but for driving it sometimes might be useful. Not for me being a absolute don't-drink'n-driver, but maybe others are diffrent.

We can see how cops and bouncers could use a breath alcohol screener this tiny to carry around, but if you’re at the point where you want something like the Alcohawk on your keychain for self-testing, perhaps you’d be better off having someone drive to you rehab instead?

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Source: Gizmodo

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Honda: Smart Navigation System for Civic

I am not really sure how smart this really is.

The £14,000 2006 Honda Civic Hatchback has a built-in smart navigation system that provides the driver with answers to the most basic questions, i.e. remaining distance to the destination, the nearest watering hole, etc. Truly, this Japanese carmaker have come a long way in terms of technology, innovation and ride comfort. Will the rest of the Korean marques reach this standard within the next decade? It is a pity the 2006 Civic Hatchback is unavailable in North America.

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Source: Ubergizmo

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GPS: New Vehicles with XM NavTraffic

A good service can only be successful with devices and cars supporting it.
For North America several car makers now jumped on the train of the GPS enhancing XM NavTraffic.

XM NavTraffic, the first nationwide satellite traffic information service for GPS navigation systems, will be available in the Acura RDX, the Infiniti G35 sedan, and the Lexus LS sedans beginning with the 2007 model year vehicles. XM NavTraffic is already a factory-installed feature on all Acura RL vehicles and every Cadillac CTS model equipped with on-board navigation.

The latest vehicles with XM NavTraffic are on display at the 2006 New York International Automobile Show at the Jacob K. Javitz Convention Center in Manhattan.

In-car navigation systems are among the auto industry's most in-demand new vehicle features, but most navigation systems are blind to traffic jams around the next corner. XM NavTraffic empowers navigation systems by delivering real-time traffic information for drivers in 31 markets from New York to Los Angeles.

Using XM's coast-to-coast satellite signal, the XM NavTraffic service continuously delivers traffic data directly to GPS navigation systems. XM NavTraffic data enables an overlay of color-coded traffic flow information on the navigation map, indicating how fast the traffic is currently moving on the driver's personal route. Accidents and road construction are identified on the map by icons.

XM NavTraffic can show at-a-glance traffic conditions between driver and destination, allowing the driver to avoid a jam before getting caught in traffic. The traffic data is aggregated for XM by NAVTEQ Traffic from multiple data sources, including police and emergency services, commercial traffic data providers, road sensors, traffic cameras, eyewitness reports, and real-time aircraft surveillance reports.

"XM's strategic automotive partners are rapidly embracing XM NavTraffic," said Roderick MacKenzie, XM's vice president of advanced applications and services. "XM expects to expand the availability of XM NavTraffic in more new vehicles in the months ahead."

In addition to vehicles with in-dash XM NavTraffic systems, XM NavTraffic is also available on a growing number of aftermarket navigation systems that are designed to fit virtually any vehicle on the road. Garmin International recently introduced the StreetPilot 2730, the first-ever portable navigation device to feature XM NavTraffic as well as XM Weather and XM Satellite Radio. Partners such as Pioneer Electronics and Alpine also offer XM NavTraffic-compatible systems.

Offered as a premium data service for $3.99 per month when packaged with XM Satellite Radio's subscription of $12.95 a month, XM NavTraffic is currently available for the following 31 markets: Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver-Boulder, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, Milwaukee-Racine, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Providence-Warwick-Pawtucket, Sacramento, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco/Oakland, San Jose, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa, Washington DC and
Wilmington, DE.

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Source: Telematics Journal

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GM: Saturn Aura available as hybrid

Also the American car makers are waking up and bring hybrid models to the market.

GM is unveiling its new 2007 Saturn Aura. It is a mid-size sedan that will be available as a "Green Line" hybrid model later in 2006. The hybrid technology used will not be the "full" hybrid used by Toyota and Ford, nor the "assist" hybrid used by Honda; rather, it will be more similar to the "micro" or "mild" hybrid system found in the GM Silverado pickup truck.
Basically, the car will be fitted with a bigger starter electric motor and a 36-Volt NiMH battery. This will allow it to stop the engine when the vehicle stops moving, and to restart it immediately when the driver removes his/her foot from the brake pedal (a system similar to what can be found in the Citroën C2 Stop & Start, among others). Regenerative braking will help recharge the batteries. Also, and that's the main difference with most "Belt Alternator Starter system", the electric starter motor will be able to "provide a small degree of traction assistance".

"This assistance takes three forms: electrically motored creep at startup, light power assist during acceleration, and light electric mode during deceleration.

The gasoline engine of the GM Saturn Aura hybrid will be a 2.4-liter Ecotec instead of the 3.6L DOHC V6 that will be found in the regular version of the car.

GM is using the BAS-based Greenline hybrid system to try to deliver a simple hybrid architecture flexible enough—and at a sufficiently low cost—to implement globally on a broad spectrum of both powertrains and vehicles."

GM has not yet announced performance or fuel economy numbers for the Saturn Aura Greenline Hybrid sedan, but that should come soon as the car is supposed to be on sale by the end of 2006.

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Source: Treehugger

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Fuel cell: Biological breakthrough

There is again one step ahead in the development of alternative, renewable energies.

Researchers have developed a hydrogen fuel cell that uses enzymes to power real-world devices. The enzymes used are isolated from naturally occurring bacteria that have evolved to use hydrogen in their metabolic process. The unique features of these enzymes are that they are highly selective and tolerant of gases that poison traditional fuel cell catalysts, such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulphide. Since the enzymes can be grown they represent a cheap and renewable alternative to the expensive platinum based catalysts used by others in hydrogen fuel cells.

Dr Roger Welch from University of Oxford said: "We are delighted to see the invention powering a useful device, in this case a digital watch, and believe that this marks a milestone in the development process to improve the power density and lifetime of the enzymes. We are very excited about the commercial and environmental benefits of these latest developments since it has the potential to provide the world with a clean and cost effective way of locally generating electricity".

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Source: Treehugger

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Foursprung: Cooling seat cushing

Premium auto makers like Audi provide seat cooling by in-built micro vents in the seats.
But now there is a chance for those of you who are not that happy to own such a beautiful car:

Cool or Heat, LLC is proud to announce the launching of its newest product, the amazing Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion, the only cooling seat cushion available on the market today.
With the sizzling summer months approaching soon, the Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion is this year's must have new item for retail stores to sell.
The founders of Cool or Heat, LLC knew there was a real need for this product after enduring through many hot Arizona summers. Recent advancements in Thermo-Electric technology have made it possible for the Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion to become commercially viable. Cool or Heat, LLC has obtained the exclusive rights to manufacture and distribute the patent-protected product throughout North America. The product is currently being introduced to local and national retailers.
Krista Walker, owner of Cool or Heat, LLC states, "In vehicles, the cooling function is the perfect solution for burning hot car seats, a sweaty back and bottom, and all-day driving. The heating function will help keep you warm throughout the cold winter months. Either function feels great while sitting on your office or home chair. Just flip the switch from cool to heat, it does both!"
The Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion works great on any vehicle seat, office chair, home lounger, and even outside on the patio. The target market for retailers is endless and includes anyone who gets affected by the sizzling summer heat or the cold winter frost. It even can help people with lower back pain. Salespeople, delivery and truck drivers, office workers, police officers, taxi and bus drivers, heavy equipment operators, RV's, parents, etc. can all benefit from the Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion.
By using the Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion, drivers have the potential to lower their gas usage by running the vehicle's air conditioner less often. Studies show that running a vehicle's air conditioning system can substantially lower the miles per gallon performance. By using the Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion instead of the vehicle's air conditioning system, these losses can be recouped. Krista Walker states, "Our product creates a win-win situation for the environment and your pocketbook. In many circumstances, the gas savings alone can quickly cover the cost of purchasing a Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion."
The Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion is a complete personal cooling and heating system that easily installs on top of any seat. Each package includes a thermo-electric power unit/pump, a foam-padded seat cushion with soft rubber tubing inside that circulates the cooled or heated liquid, a 12-volt DC vehicle lighter adaptor, and an AC home wall outlet adaptor.
The suggested list price of the Cool-or-Heat Seat Cushion is just under $120.

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Source: PR Newswire

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Prius: Next generation

World's most successful hybrid gets a major improvement.

Spies at AutoExpress in the UK have dug up some info on the next generation Toyota Prius hybrid that indicates it will be capable of fuel efficiency approaching 100 miles per gallon. Such efficiency is available now, both with a spendy plug-in modification and light-footed driving techniques, but the next generation of Toyota's hybrid will reportedly achieve greater efficiency through a lighter, more efficient lithium-ion battery system that would replace the current nickel metal hydride batteries. An anonymous Toyota engineer is quoted as saying, "We are working a prototype that runs solely on the electric motor in slow traffic, but switches to engine and motor drive when higher speeds are needed." Subaru and Mitsubishi both plan to sell such cars by 2010, but Toyota hopes to get its new model on the road as early as 2008. Reportedly, engineers are also working on reducing the current car's 10.9-second 0-62 mph time by more than a second; perhaps the Prius will be a racecar yet.

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Source: Treehugger

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Adaptive cruise control: New Siemens development detects fog and poor visibility

Adaptive cruise control in its next generation:

Siemens VDO has developed an adaptive cruise control (ACC) system that alerts the driver when there is insufficient distance to the vehicle ahead during poor visibility conditions. The automotive supplier uses an optical sensor (LIDAR) with exceptionally powerful evaluation electronics to accomplish this. Within the scope of pro.pilot – the Siemens VDO driver assistance network – deployment of the cost-efficient sensors will be realized in new medium-sized and compact car models in the near future, as early as 2008.

A nightmare during the morning drive on the freeway: lines of traffic at high speeds with little space between the cars. A fog bank reduces your vision and only with great effort can you brake your own car just before hitting the brake lights of the car ahead. Lucky! Unfortunately, there are still far too many accidents in which the driver realized too late how critical the situation was – often with deadly consequences. For comfortable, convenient and safe driving, Siemens VDO is currently developing pro.pilot, a network of driver assistance systems. Pro.pilot provides enhanced comfort, convenience and safety for drivers and promptly alerts them to accident hazards. One feature of pro.pilot is an adaptive cruise control (ACC) function based on LIDAR sensors (LIght Detection And Ranging). In contrast to a radar sensor, the LIDAR sensor can also detect rain, fog, snow and spray. In accordance with driver preference, in poor visibility conditions, the electronics reduce the speed and increase the distance to the car ahead.

The LIDAR sensor from Siemens VDO consists of infrared emitters, a photodiode as a receiver for the bundled invisible infrared light and the evaluation electronics. The sensor continuously measures the propagation time of the transmitted infrared rays. The time the light needs to travel from the sensor to the vehicle ahead and back again is measured. Based on
these propagation times, the electronics calculate the distance to the next vehicle ahead. The electronic image differentiates between objects, which means it can distinguish cars, trucks or motorcycles from stationary objects. Since the LIDAR sensor works on a wavelength similar to visible
light, it can recognize visibility restrictions caused by weather; the driver alert and speed adjustment functions are based on this.

Up to now, automatic distance controls have been installed almost exclusively in luxury automobiles. Expensive radar sensors are used there as the data source for the ACC and cannot make visibility range measurements.
Siemens VDO is pursuing the goal of making driver assistance systems available for a wide range of vehicles. To this end, the corporation already started developing ready-for-production LIDAR sensor systems back in 2003 for use in all automobiles, since these are much less expensive than radar sensor systems.

In actual application, the LIDAR-based ACC, with a range of 250 meters, does not otherwise differ from the existing radar systems already used in the luxury class vehicles: the driver specifies the desired cruise control speed and the car maintains this speed until the system detects another road user in the same lane. The speed is then reduced as much as necessary until the preset safety distance is maintained. This safety clearance is not oriented on an absolute distance, but is rather automatically adjusted to the speed being driven.

As a system supplier in the driver assistance sector, Siemens VDO considers, along with the electronic recognition and evaluation of the vehicle's surroundings, the most important development challenge is the convenient interaction between the driver and the system. The human-machine interface will be decisive in terms of whether drivers actually accept driver-assistance systems and thus prevent accidents.

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Source: Siemens VDO

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Foursprung: Nap alarm to prevent accidents

So what other manufacturers develop with high-sophisticated systems in their cars seem also to be realizable for much less money. The item is $12:

Takanoha from Japan has developed the Nap Alarm, a device that vibrates behind your ear whenever you start to nod off on the wheel. This should come in handy for those who are about to set off on a long road trip. Alternatively, you could purchase one if you have a tendency to lapse into a post-lunch coma at work.

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Source: Ubergizmo

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Infinity: New model to have integrated hard disk

This one is nice. Rip your CDs directly to your car...

Infinity has unveiled its latest model, the 2007 G35 that has an integrated 9.5GB hard drive that allows you to rip CDs onto. Seagate is being rumored to be the manufacturer of the 2.5-inch hard drive being used in these vehicles. The car also packs a 300HP engine and high-end Bose sound system.
I’m not an expert by any means, but hard drives generally aren’t designed for fast moving vehicles with constant vibrations, but you get an A for effort Infinity. This car will be available in November.

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Source: Gizmodo

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Hybrids: Now Vespa Scooter available as hybrid

This one is really great. Always known as robust and for great design those Italian Scooter makers are also the first ones to bring hybrids to two wheels.

We remember being sorely disappointed when we heard a rumor about Vespa and hybrid scooters; turns out it was an April Fool's joke. Imagine our delight when, In a strange twist of life imitating art, we found that Vespa is really developing hybrid scooters! There are two models in the works, based on the popular Vespa LX 50 (pictured) and the beefier Piaggio X8 125. Each will run on a combination of gas and electric (50cc gas, 1000W electric and 125cc gas, 2500W electic, respectively), with the hybrid drive train expected to boost power by 25% and reduce gas consumption by 20%.
"Electric-only" mode will be available for low speeds, and the batteries will charge themselves from the engine (similar to current car models) while you're scooting. They will also plug in to a standard 220V (European) household plug to recharge the batteries in about three hours. The batteries for each live under the seat, so an extra storage space has been added to each for helmets and whatever else you might need while out and about.
Sadly, these are just prototypes, though they're reportedly out scooting around Milan as you read this. We're keeping our fingers crossed that we'll see them soon!

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Source: Treehugger

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iPod: Integrate via OEM's CD changer port

Here is another 3rd party solution to integrate your iPod with manufacturer's car stereo.

Directed Electronics, the largest designer and marketer of consumer branded vehicle security and convenience systems in the United States based on sales, and a major supplier of home audio, mobile audio and video, and satellite radio products, is pleased to announce the immediate availability of 4 new IP-Port iPod adapters that allow users to listen to their iPod through the stock radio in their vehicles.
Initially available for Ford, GM, Honda and Toyota vehicles, Directed's IP-Port adapters allow users to port audio from their iPod directly into the factory radio in their vehicle to access songs & playlists. It operates through the stock radio's CD Changer port using the CD Changer controls for song up / down, playlist / disc select, shuffle and more. The Auto Charge feature charges the iPod battery, and it stops automatically after one hour of non-use. IP-Port adapters for VW will be available soon. Directed IP-Port adapters start at $159.95 MSRP and are available at authorized Directed Electronics retailers worldwide.

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Source: PR Newswire

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Foursprung: Alcohol test via Infrared

Hopefully none of our readers will be affected by this:

This device was developed thanks to the good ‘ole diabetics. This IR blood scanning technology was originally created to help diabetics scan for blood glucose levels. The modified device creates an IR light that will penetrate 5 mm into the skin and reflects light into a scanner that will detect the blood alcohol level. Unfortunately it still requires drivers to place their arm into the contraption. Oh well, it still seems better than a breathalyzer and possibly more accurate.

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Source: Gizmodo

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Foursprung: A car full of gadgets

This is our future. I really like this dashboard.

The Scion Fuse concept unveiled at the New York Auto Show features a radical shape, a flexible interior design, and futuristic electronics. With its Scion brand, Toyota showed that it could take successful risks. When Toyota announced it would unveil a new sport coupe concept at the New York Auto Show, I was thinking, "You've already got a sport coupe, the tC." But the Fuse, with its almost trucklike profile, could sit alongside the tC in Scion's model lineup without intruding on its turf. The concept earns its name (short for Fusion, since that was taken) by having a body that takes cues from the xB but sits on a tC platform. I also suspect Toyota engineers wanted to confront the challenge of making a sport coupe with headroom for rear passengers, something they didn't bother with on the tC. In good concept fashion, the doors, opened by a small, exterior push button, butterfly out. The inside is designed for flexibility, where all seats but the driver's can fold flat, maximizing cargo space. The dashboard is one long display that can show vehicle and entertainment information, as well as videos. The wheels have LEDs on their spokes, which light up as turn signals, and the headlight color can actually be customized.

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Source: CNET.com

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Paint: Water-Borne Car Paint for Toyota, Ford, Mazda, GM

Not really a gadget like the self-recovering paint and it also does not change its color but I like any approach of saving our environment that makes sense.

Toyota, Ford, Mazda and GM are all now using "metallic water-borne" paints instead of "organic-solvent paints" in an effort to reduce the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOC) produced by each new car. "Back in 1999, Toyota Motor Corp. started to shift top coat painting for its automobile lines in Japan [...] The company has just completed the rollout at its Motomachi plant." Mazda has developed what it calls "e-coating" to reduce VOCs, and Ford is doing something similar. GM apparently has been using low VOC emission waterborne basecoat coatings for the longest (since the 80s, according to one source). These low-VOC paints are not yet used on all coatings, but with time it should happen.
Not that cars are our favorite thing in the world, but we certainly hope that other automakers will start using these processes too; anything that can reduce the amount of pollution that a car produces in its lifetime can only be good.

And by the way: cars are one of our favourite things in the world...

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Source: Treehugger

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Lexus: LS 600h L Hybrid

Toyota seems wanting to replicate the success of their Prius hybrid success with their so-called premium brand. They introduced their new flagship 2008 Lexus LS 600h L.

This hybrid version of the recently-introduced LS 460 combines a new 5.0-liter gasoline direct-injection V8 with large, high-output electric motors and a newly-designed battery pack to deliver more than 430 horsepower (321 kW).

Lexus expects the vehicle to earn a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) rating. By comparison, the LS 460, the 600h’s conventional counterpart, uses a 4.6-liter V8 that delivers 380 hp and earns a ULEV II rating. Lexus is positioning the 600h as delivering the power and performance of a 12-cylinder with best-in-class V8 fuel efficiency.

Lexus expects the V8-powered LS 460 to earn a combined city/highway mileage rating in the low 20s.

The 600h uses a new full-time all-wheel-drive system, and employs a newly developed dual-stage electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission. The 460 models are rear-wheel drive and use a new eight-speed automatic transmission.

"The LS made quite a definitive statement. Today we’d like to add an exclamation point to that statement. The LS hybrid is that exclamation point.

It’s a vehicle developed to explore the outer reaches of performance, style, safety and technology. A vehicle as efficient and familiar as it is indulgent and advanced..."
—Bob Carter, Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager

Coinciding with the debut of the all-new LS is the introduction of the Lexus Hybrid Drive name, which Lexus will now use globally for all its hybrid models.

The LS 600h L—which will be offered only with the long wheelbase (the “L”) in North America—will go on-sale in April 2007, six months after the LS 460 and LS 460 L launch in October 2006. More details will emerge closer to the sale introduction.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Toyota, Lexus, hybrids

Source: Green Car Congress

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VW: Going Bonanza!

Do you remember the absolutely cool Bonanza bicycles from the 70's?

VW does and is going retro by several means, first killing the Golf nameplate in the US and substituting it with the well-known Rabbit name and now with the introduction of the VW Bonanza bicycle which will be published along their Goal accessory line