Navigation: Google traffic maps for mobile

Google Traffic Maps is a new service that seems to be an alternative to classic GPS navigation devices on first sight. How handy this in practice future will show. I can not imagine being guided by the small display of my mobile phone while driving.

This service provides detailed directions, integrated search results, easily movable maps, satellite imagery and real-time traffic for 30 major cities on your cellphone.

Google Maps for Mobile is mostly free. It does require java browser support, so some kind of data plan will likely be required by carriers. This is an extremely good alternative to those who want some GPS goodness but don't want to drop a G on a GPS unit for their vehicle. To access this service, simply point your cellphone browser to www.google.com/gmm.

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Source: Gizmodo

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USB: Car-shaped ashtray

For those of you car enthusiasts who still not quit smoking comes the USB powered ashtray looking (more or less) like a car.

Not all offices are are completely smoke-free environments, so it would be wise to purchase this USB-powered ashtray for the resident walking chimney in the office. This device comes in the shape of a small blue car and opens up halfway to reveal an ashtray. When it is plugged into any available USB port, a fan will begin to turn, sucking any smoke upwards and forcing it through a carbon filter should there be a cigarette in the vicinity. Alternatively, it can run on a couple of AA batteries should you be unable to find any free USB ports around. This nifty little gadget costs $22.

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Source: Ubergizmo

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VW: CNG Caddy coming

Europe'S largest auto maker joins the game of cars using alternative energies. The Caddy will be the first vehicle from the group with a Natural Gas Engine.

The Caddy EcoFuel, first shown at the Frankfurt auto show in 2005 (earlier post) uses a 2.0-liter engine that delivers 80 kW (109 hp) of power, 160 Nm (118 lb-ft) of torque, and a driving range of 430 kilometers (267 miles).

Fuel consumption for the Euro-4 compliant van is 6 kilograms of natural gas/100 kilometers (about 26 mpgge US), with CO2 emissions of 158 g/km.

The Caddy EcoFuel uses what Volkswagen calls a quasi-monovalent approach: optimized for operation on natural gas, it has a small 13-liter (3.4 gallons US) tank for gasoline operation. The engine always starts using gasoline.

The engine has a relatively high compression ratio (13.5:1) for operating with natural gas. When running on gasoline, the ignition point is delayed and the throttle butterfly setting adjusted to compensate for the high compression.

Four storage tanks hold 26 kg of natural gas, and are located in the rear under the floor. The underfloor storage maximizes interior space for cargo or passengers.

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Source: Green Car Congress

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Smart: Pimped to monster wheels and 5.7 litre diesel engine

This is not according to the original idea of the Smart - a very compact micro-car for city traffic, is it? It's is somehow a crazy idea but not a really nice one. Maybe it is just to enhace acceptance in the U.S.?

It has a little more ground clearance (65 cm) an addtional engine (a 5.7 litre six cylinder diesel) and a better view- you sit almost 3 metres (10 feet) up. The original three-cylinder diesel is retained to turn two big wind-up keys in the back of the car.

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Source: Treehugger

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eMail: Hands-free solution for your trip

A problem with emails is that usually you have to use your fingers to type in the message. But as the importance of email is still growing and so are the demands for mobility here is the solution who need their car to be mobile. Drivers are now able to keep their fingers where they belong while driving - at the wheel.

Intelligent Mechatronic Systems, Inc. (IMS) has unveiled a new device called the iLane that enables a driver to access his/her email in a hands-and-eyes free way. The iLane is designed to handle all incoming information, including emails, phone calls and even text messages. The voice-based interface means that one can listen to, compose and forward emails just as if they were accessing an email account on a computer. The small device works by interacting with your Bluetooth-enabled phone or email device and can also route the audio into a vehicle's audio system or Bluetooth headset.

Though IMS bills the iLane as a way to safely access and manage emails on the go, undoubtedly people will question the safety of a device that encourages such activity while driving in the first place. Vehicles today, however, are moving ever closer to becoming fully functioning mobile offices, and how long will it be before Windows or Mac OSX are factory installed options? While we can personally wait until we're parked to check our email, the iLane might be helpful for that white-collar up-and-comer on the go. Though not yet available, the iLane is currently being shopped around by IMS to distributors and even automotive OEMs.

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Source: Autoblog

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XM radio: Available for motorcycles

Not only satellite navigation devices are coming more and more into the market. Now motorcyclist can listen to XM radio while cruising.

Road Tech is introducing the AL20 XM Radio. This is their first portable XM unit designed for motorcycles, specifically 1996 and later model Harleys. This is as weatherproof as weatherproof can get. It has a big, bright waterproof LCD, large backlit buttons, and is designed to be mounted on the handlebars for convenience of the rider.

The unit also includes a automobile mounting kit so the AL20 can be swapped between your Harley and your Geo Metro, easy as pie. Everything about this unit sounds fine and dandy, until you get to the price tag. The Road Tech AL20 carries a very hefty $250 price tag.

But how do you listen? There is mentioned a mounting kit for cars, but using it on a motorbike wearing a helm will that be fun? I miss a bluetooth connection to my helmet equipped with sound capabilites here.

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Source: Gizmodo

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GPS: New device with voice activation

A new GPS a day. But this one has a funtion I can't remember to find at any of the other devices: voice activation for safe control while driving.

The Novogo V Series with voice activation. The voice activation lets you speak your destination (with your mouth), and the GPS will automatically change your way-point and calculate the shortest distance/fastest route.

The bad news, this Novogo V series is only available with UK and Europe maps for now, but hopefully that will change soon. There's also a Real Time Traffic Message Channel option for live traffic updates, and six different colors to match your car's interior. The unit starts at £279 ($513).

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Source: Gizmodo

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Electric cars: Which are available in the US?

The colleagues over at Treehugger made an interesting market overview for electric cars in the U.S. - a market that is not very well known for interested in alternative energies or fuel savings.

There's a total of two electric cars available for sale in the U.S - the NmG from Myers Motors and the Xebra from Zap!. The NmG (No More Gas) Electric Vehicle is a part car, part motorcycle. It's highway-legal and can hit 70 mph and costs less than $25,000. The Zap! Xebra is a similar electric car, just introduced this summer. The price is under $10,000. Good for going around town with a 40-50 mile range, and quick enough at 40-50 mph.

Beyond those two cars, there are quite a few electric cars in the pipeline: the high-performance Tesla Roadster and the equally powerful Wrigtspeed X1. There's also a couple of commuter electric cars in the pipeline: the Tango and the Think car.

The Tango, is a novel EV offered by Seattle-based Commuter Cars Corp. The Tango seats two people -- one behind the other, like on a motorcycle -- and the super-slim, battery-driven vehicle that results is designed to slip in and out of traffic and parking spaces in ways conventional cars can't. Tango's most affordable model is priced at $18,700, but don't hold your breath: According to the company's Web site: "This car has not been designed yet as it will require a team of engineers, tens of millions of dollars, and at least 18 months to meet all of the safety requirements."

And then there's the Th!nk. This nifty little EV, developed by a Norwegian design team, was sold as the CityBee in Europe and the Citi in the U.S., before being purchased by Ford in 1999. Ford leased just over 1,000 of them throughout Europe and the U.S., comprising the world's largest EV fleet. But in 2004, much to the chagrin of environmentalists and others, Ford sold Th!nk to a European firm, which went bankrupt early this year. The company's remnants were purchased in March by a group of Norwegian investors that is looking to introduce the vehicle back into the U.S. market.

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Source: Treehugger

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Volvo: Fully automated brakes

Volvo comes with fully automated brakes.

Volvo’s Collision Warning System with brake support was launched recently in its S80, where a red light flashes and a buzzer sounds if you’re about to run into something. It even goes a step further and applies more brake pressure if you’re not stopping fast enough.
Now, the company is working on the next generation of the Collision Warning System which actually does all the braking for you. Take a look at it working in this video, where Volvo researchers set up an inflatable obstacle and the brakes stop the car just in time. Put this real-word research together with the DARPA self-driving vehicles, and soon we’ll all be sitting in the back seat, putting our feet up as machines become our limo drivers.

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Source: Gizmodo

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Foursprung: Fuel-depot with focus on bio-fuel

You want to go on bio-fuel but don't know where to buy? Consider this.

This is a pretty cool idea. Mike Lewis, owner of the Pearson Ford Fuel Depot, has started selling all sorts of bio-fuels for considerably less than the dead dinosaur kind. They even have BioWillie, the fuel made from Willie Nelson’s bowl scrapings.
With offerings like compressed natural gas and E85, Lewis feels like he’s basically not throwing his money down a the petro-state rathole and since he’s in California, he gets extra karma. The future is here.

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Source: Gizmodo

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Ford: Their climate strategy

Toyota has a strategy for alternative energies. So has Ford. At least on climate what in the end of the day should be the same topic.

According to a recent AutoCar Magazine article: “Ford's chief in Europe and head of its Premier Automotive Group, Lewis Booth…envisions that 'in the next 10 or 15 years' consumers will become as aware of their annual carbon output as they are of their bank balance today”.

“He [Booth] called some countries’ favorable tax treatment of hybrid vehicles that still emit high levels of CO2 'completely cuckoo'…” “Roelant de Waard, head of Ford in the UK, clearly agreed - he called for the London congestion charge to be scrapped for biofuel-powered Focuses, as they emit less than 100g/km of Co2 - less than all the hybrid models…”

Could someone be resentful that that Toyota is stealing market share with hybrid designs? Not mentioned in the cited executive rant is that Prius, the largest selling, tax benefiting-most hybrid on the market, dramatically cuts non-C02 emissions and holds the promise of external recharging.

Getting back to the strategy thing, Mr. Booth also said: “Using a range of developments to improve environmental performance across Ford's car range would deliver far more substantial results than the 'tiny' numbers of hybrids sold...” “Forthcoming developments include gear-shift indicators to encourage economical driving, second-generation biofuels which offer an 80-90 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions…”

So, the short term strategy seems to be that Ford, like GM, is going for the ethanol flex fuel, and incremental efficiency improvements in current models, while advocating (we speculate) against more radically efficient designs getting tax breaks, which in turn will steer customers back to Ford.

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Source: Treehugger

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Electric cars: Nice roadster 3x as efficient as fuel-cell

This is a great car. Full of the most modern technology, more efficient than any other and damned good-looking.

Tesla Motors unveiled its much-anticipated all-electric two-seater roadster. The lithium-ion battery powered sportscar features a 248hp (185 kW) electric motor that accelerates the car from 0 to 60 in four seconds.

Built by Lotus for Tesla, the Roadster has a range of about 250 miles and a top speed of 130 mph. The price for the Roadster will be around $100,000.

The custom-designed battery system (Energy Storage System) weighs in at close to 1,000 pounds and uses commodity lithium-ion cells. The system addresses thermal balancing with a liquid cooling circuit.

The 3-phase, four-pole motor uses a low resistance “squirrel cage” with large copper end rings. This allows the rotor to develop high current flows and torque, with low resistance losses. The use of a small air gap allows tight inductive coupling which, combined with low loss magnetic materials, enables the development of high torque at high rpm. Together, these factors allow the induction of large currents, even at high rpm, producing much flatter power and efficiency curves from approximately 2,000 rpm to 12,000 rpm. The motor redlines at 13,500 rpm.

(Devising a cost-effective method for the production of copper motor rotors has been under investigation for years. Siemens introduced three motors with die-cast copper rotors to the US market in April.)

In a white paper (The 21st Century Electric Car) published on the Tesla Motors website, the company calculates the tank-to-wheel (actually, the “electrical outlet to wheel”) energy efficiency of the Roadster to be 2.18 km/MJ.

Assuming electricity supplied from a combined-cycle natural-gas-fired generator, and accounting for transmissions losses over the grid leads them to calculate the “well-to-wheel” efficiency of the Roadster to be 1.14 km/MJ—double the efficiency of the Toyota Prius.

Tesla then tackles the question of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (FCV) fuel cars, deriving a theoretical efficiency for an FCV fueled with hydrogen produced by steam methane reforming of 0.85 km/MJ.

"This is impressive when compared to a gasoline car, though it is 32% worse than our electric car. But real fuel-cell cars do not perform nearly this well.

...The best fuel-cell demonstration car measured by the EPA is the Honda FCX, which gets about 49 miles per kilogram of hydrogen, equal to 80.5 kilometers per kilogram. We know that the energy content of hydrogen is 141.9 MJ/kg, so we can calculate the vehicle efficiency to be 80.5 km/kg / 141.9 MJ/kg = 0.57 km/MJ.

...When we calculate the well-to-wheel energy efficiency of this Honda experimental car, we get 0.57 km/MJ x 61% = 0.35 km/MJ, not even as good as the ordinary diesel Volkswagen Jetta, let alone the gasoline-powered Honda Civic VX or the Honda Insight hybrid car.

However, some proponents of hydrogen fuel cells argue that it would be better to produce hydrogen through electrolysis of water. The well-to-tank efficiency of hydrogen made through electrolysis is only about 22%, and the well-to-wheel energy efficiency of our theoretical fuel-cell car would be 2.78 km/MJ x 50% x 22% = 0.30 km/MJ, and the well-to-wheel energy efficiency of the Honda FCX would be 0.57 km/MJ x 22% = 0.12 km/MJ, even less efficient than a Porsche Turbo."

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Tesla, Roadster, electric cars, fuel-cell

Source: Green Car Congress

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In-car camera puts accidents in focus

This little camera could make insurance claims after accidents much more easy. But I think the use of it might cause legal issues in some countries where you may not be recorded unless you know and agree.

The TruScene camera records a 30-second loop which it deletes unless it senses an impact. Then it retains the recording to be viewed later. Maker TruScene says it could reduce hit-and-run offences and stop drivers dodging liability. The screen-mounted camera contains a GPS device to monitor your location and logs the time and date.

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Source: Auto Express

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Toy car: Breath to control

Another car gadget from the categories of toys. This toy car can be controlled by your breath. When will be able to control our real cars this way?

The aptly named "Breath Control Car" was designed to make the mastery of controlled breathing a bit more enjoyable, and he pulls it off by using a MIDI breath controller to channel puffs to a MAX/MSP. MIDI signals are converted to serial data, where those signals are beamed via Bluetooth to a PIC chip, and finally to a servo that directs the car. If all that sounds like hot air, here's the deal: the harder you exhale, the harder it steers right, while softer breaths steer it left. The forward and reverse functions are handled by a simple remote-control, presumably to avoid hyperventilation. If you've been tooting your horn about getting serious with your breathing, but need a more riveting reason to practice, watch this machine in action to see what Matthew's breath car can do for you.

You can see it in action here.

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Source: Engadget

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Web portals: Next battleground will be cars

Usually competion is something we consumers benefit from. Let's see if this one will give us benefits or makes it impossible to use by overloading with functionalities.

Navigation vendors and automakers alike have been engaged in a continual struggle to differentiate their navigation offerings. 2006 has finally brought such features as traffic information and text-to-speech to navigation. ABI Research analysts believe the next steps are 3D renderings, images of buildings, and location-aware search, all of which play right into the strengths of Web portals.

"Google, and Microsoft's Live.com, are portals that provide visual display and location-aware search very similar in functionality and appearance to some of the hybrid connected navigation and telematics systems in Japan, such as Honda's Internavi and Toyota's G-Book," says ABI Research's principal transportation analyst Dan Benjamin. "This type of integration really makes a lot of sense. Google has been making a big push into location-aware advertising, and the portals have already made arrangements to get satellite and/or photographic imagery that is not necessarily offered by the map providers in the navigation space. Why not get search hits and push location-aware relevant advertising on top of points of interest?"

ABI Research's transportation research practice director, Frank Viquez, agrees. "It's understandable why Honda and Volkswagen are working with Google to get this into vehicles, but it also highlights the inherent difficulties and demands of the automotive environment. In order to utilize such applications, vehicles will need increased processing power, graphics acceleration, and a high-speed data connection." Viquez notes that smaller portable navigation devices that have proven popular would be at a disadvantage in all of these categories. "As PNAV devices take on a greater infotainment role through the support of video and MP3 playback, real-time traffic data and soon satellite radio, it becomes increasingly difficult to add new functions while maintaining a pocketable form factor. It may make more sense for this type of content to be delivered to integrated automotive hardware, or perhaps a smartphone, rather than to the typical portable device."

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Source: Telematics Journal

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GPS: Enhance safety in high-speed chases

GPS is not only for navigation purposes. But this use is really new to me.

The always-exciting LAPD will begin testing a GPS projectile system this fall that will assist in capturing baddies in their getaway vehicles. The StarChase system will likely reduce the number of bystander casualties and injuries that result from dangerous, high-speed chases. The system can be hand-held or mounted on a police cruiser. It will launch a small device that contains a miniature GPS locator with radio transmitter, battery and adhesive material.

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Source: Gizmodo

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GPS: After-market GPS for GM SUV owners

If you have a 2003-2006 GM light truck or SUVs (e.g. Chevy Tahoe, Suburban, Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade) you can now have nice GPS for it for $2,000.

The Delphi TNR800 (Touch Screen Navigation Radio) combines DVD-based GPS navigation with AM/FM/CD capabilities in a package sporting a fairly largish 6.5-inch touchscreen that blends in neatly with your vehicle's console. What's more, the system is able to interact with other pre-installed GM options like XM, On-Star, DVD systems, and CD changers, as well as the vehicle's computer system itself, picking up speed information and no doubt telling you how good or bad a driver you are.

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Source: Engadget

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Chess: A chess set for us car enthusiasts

If you like chess and cars and if you are willing to spent $39,000 this chess set made of auto parts is the perfect one for you.

The Renault F1 Team Collection Chess Set features all the widgets one might find in your typical F1 vehicle -- carbon fiber for the game board, titanium and aircraft-grade aluminum suspension and wing bits to serve as the pieces, and other parts that could be mistaken for a bishop until one decides to perform a closer examination.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, chess

Source: Autoblog

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Parking: Find a spot using mobile Internet

A company called SpotScout is drivers to use find highest-rated parking spots near their destinations using the Internet.

The service enables drivers to reserve private parking spots from their computers before setting out or to use Web-enabled mobile devices to search for parking "departure times" at public spots on the fly.Using a database of available parking inventory supplied by parking-spot owners and operators, SpotScout provides users with Web-based accounts through which they can personalize settings and search available spots according to a number of criteria, including price, proximity, disabled access, on-street or garage parking. Drivers are also given the option to rate parking spots--presumably those situated beneath trees containing particularly productive pigeons are scored down.
SpotScout is also touted as a service to participating private and commercial parking-spot owners (dubbed SpotCasters), who are given a software package enabling them to set the price of their available driveway or garage space in real time according to demand. SpotCasters sign up as searchable destinations to become part of the SpotScout network, and while SpotCasting is limited to owners or operators of private parking spaces to begin with, SpotScout's Web site suggests that details on public SpotCasting will be made available soon.
According to All Headline News, SpotScout is due for launch in September, with Boston, Manhattan, and San Francisco showing the most interest in the service. Being based in San Francisco, I can attest to the need for this kind of service because...sorry, my parking meter has expired--I have to go move my car.

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Source: CNET

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iPod: Apple wants to have more of them in cars

Our favourite computer and software manufacturer will combine two of our favourite gadgets themselves.

Bob Borchers, who is the senior director of iPod worldwide product marketing, told CNET that Apple is interested in making the use of iPods in cars much easier. Apple thinks that the mess of cables and such that accompany current solutions can be done better with factory installed iPod option in cars. He did make clear that Apple has no interest in entering the market of iPod car accessories but that Apple is working with third party vendors to make the experience better.

Also of note is Borchers' statement that Apple is very happy that people are turning their Mac minis into carputers.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Apple, iPod, MP3

Source: The Unofficial Apple Weblog, picture via CNET

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Foursprung: Pimp your Audi's cockpit

We all know that Audi is benchmark as well in interior design and quality. But there seem to be some people who are still missing something in it and trying to improve the Audi cockpit.

The Podi is a steering column gauge pod that replaces the factory steering column cover and matches the interior perfectly.
Injection molded from ABS plastic, then color and texture matched to look like a factory option. The Podi allows you to add a 2 1/16" (52mm) gauge to your 2002+ Audi A4 or 2004+ S4.

The pod holds the gauge at an offset angle to allow you to see the gauge and the instrument cluster at the same time. This allows you to see all of the important readings at a glance without having to move your head to focus on a vent or A-pillar. Less distractions means increased safety as your point of view is always straight ahead.

The Podi can be ordered by itself or as part of a kit which includes the Podi, a boost gauge, tubing, fittings and all wiring.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Audi, Podi, interior

Source: Podi.ca

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PC: Prober E319 In-Dash Car PC

Prober brings the E319, an in-car dash PC with 6.5 inch display with a resolution of 800x480 pixels.

Front-and-center on its feature list is a GPS navigator and the ability to connect to the Internet via GPRS networks. And you know what that means—you can also use it as a GSM cellphone. It's an actual PC, too, with a 20GB hard disk and 128MB of RAM, presided over by a 400MHz AMD AU1200 chip. Not sure how all that would react to the 150° temperature inside a hot car on the Fourth of July.

It has everything else you might need in a car radio, too, such as AM/FM radio along with CD, DVD, and MP3 players, and there's even a USB and headset port in front. Unfortunately, it's probably just as clumsy to control as its UMPC cousins, because you navigate around its Windows CE 5.0 interface with a stylus pen.

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Source: Gizmodo

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Car audio: Roadmaster VR3 VRCD400SDU

The Roadmaster VR3 VRCD400SDU is a new device from the family of the car stereos with multi media capability for a very reasonable price.

Not only does it do aux i (so you can use just about any portable audio player imaginable), but Roadmaster were also thoughtful enough to include an SD slot, USB port, and remote control for playing back MP3 and WMA tracks, with ID3 info showing up on-screen. The single din head won't ding that pocketbook too hard, neither, coming in at a lightweight $140 US, which is even reasonable for other players which might only match its CD player and AM / FM radio.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, car audio, MP3, USB

Source: Engadget

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GPS: Rival for TomTom Rider

TomTom Rider - the GPS of choice for motorcyclist - gets a competitor.

Xtream Wearther is a motorbike accessories supplier and they have teamed up with Asus to create the "SO EASY TO WRINKLE" line of GPS system for motorcyclists who can harness the power of GPS without jeapordizing their safety. This alliance gave birth to a GPS system that is encased in a small pocket neoprene waterproof design which can then be attached on the motorbike's handlebar or worn on the arm like a watch. The GPS system comprises of the Asus A632 Pocket PC, a So Easy Neobag®, a So Easy Security® intra-auricular and the Destinator PN6 navigation software. The expected retail price is set at 459 Euros, while the premium version that comes with longer lasting batteries will retail for 529 Euros.

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Source: Ubergizmo

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PSP: Radica PSP Car Station

Our sibling blog Living PSP has found something the us driving PSP owners.

Another nice way of taking your favourite console even in your car.

"The Radica PSP Car Station is an accessory designed to provide greater access to your PSP as you drive. The device, which lets one view the PSP's on-screen contents, has a tilt and swivel mount which can be used to attach the PSP to a cup-holder, window or any flat surface within the car. The PSP, which snaps in and out of the holder, can be charged while in use via an included adapter. The PSP Car Station also has space for cord storage to help reduce cable clutter."

Available for US$ 35.

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Source: Living PSP

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Safety: 3D techonolgy to watch for car safety

The 3-D technology of Tyzx, Inc. will be used for automotive technology in the future.

Auto safety manufacturer Takata has decided to invest the healthy sum of $4 million in Tyzx, Inc., and while no specific technology has yet to reach the drawing board (or screen), safety systems such as sensors that monitor passengers to maximize airbag deployment have been mentioned, as well as technology that monitors surrounding vehicles and even nearby pedestrians. Manufacturers in Europe and Japan are especially interested in that last bit of tech due to new laws requiring that vehicles minimize pedestrian injuries upon impact.

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Source: Autoblog

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Mercedes-Benz: Platinum keychain

Your Mercedes-Benz is not good enough to be a status symbol? Maybe this platinum keychain is.

Mercedes Benz Canada sells a keychain for $22,239.99 CAN (approx $19,900 USD). It is made from .950 platinum and the brushed finish bears the Mercedes logo on the sides, as well as an appliqued emblem on top. We're still wondering if they keychain includes anything with it - like a car.

They also carry an 18K gold (.750) keychain in the same style for $7,469.99 CAN.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Mercedes-Benz, keychain

Source: Luxist

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Plate frame with LED display

You want to tell something to the driver behind you without having a construction in your rear window? The same functionality offer these plate frames coming for $60 with a remote control and they are looking much better than these plate frames.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, plate frame, LED

Source: Autoblog.it

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Portable Audio: Colorful DAPs from Logitec

Not new technology as this is available from several manufacturers but not in these colors. I think I didn't miss such a device.

the MP3- and WMA-capable LAT-FM300U includes both a built-in FM transmitter and line-in jack, so you can broadcast directly to your head unit from either the device itself or from an external player like an iPod. And judging by the $68 price tag and lack of storage information, it sounds like you'll probably need to bring along a more capacious device on trips lasting longer than an hour or so, as we doubt you'll be getting more than 512MB of flash memory when these drop in early August.

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Source: Engadget

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Ford: Now available with high tech

Ford now comes with gadgety features directly from the factory in their Connection Series.

The option-stoked Ford Fiestas and Focuses will have voice-activated control, keyless entry and starting, Bluetooth compatibility and MP3 connections to let you play your tunes through the car's sound system. The company is also adding techno-style trim to give the illusion of something high-tech going on, too.

Pricing for the Fiesta Connection starts at $16,055 and for the Focus Connection will set you back $22,055.

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Source: Gizmodo

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VersaCharger: One to charge them all

Charge everything you want

Not only do you want your gadgets to come with both form and function, you would expect the charger to be designed in a pleasing manner as well. The VersaCharger fits the bill with its versatility and an almost transparent case. You can charge your devices via a wall socket or the car cigarette lighter, making it the perfect travel companion. Unfortunately, it has a pretty short compatibility list, sidelining major devices such as iPods, a few BlackBerrys, and a couple of Motorola handsets amongst others. Purchase one today for $20 from ThinkGeek.

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Source: Ubergizmo

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GPS: Don't trust your navigation system too far

Having and using gadgets does not mean that you can turn your brain off.

Call it dunk driving. Motorists in England who follow satellite navigation a little too unquestioningly have found themselves fording gentle streams that sometimes become swollen enough to stall their vehicles and even flood them. So reports the Times of London

On the heels of a closed road in the Wiltshire village of Luckington, some drivers with GPS systems have been given directions to go through a ford at the mouth of the River Avon. Normally the water is about 2 feet deep, but it can reach 4 feet after heavy rains (and this is England). To dunk their cars, however, drivers have to slavishly obey navigation directions and ignore recently posted road-closed signs.

Some farmers are earning 25 pounds to tow stalled cars back to dry land, reports the Times. But the real cost might be the value of the car. When water reaches the floorboards (carpeting) of the car, odds are it's gotten into the electrical system and some mechanical components and the car will never be right again. In the U.S., insurers usually declare the car a write-off at that point. Assuming no dishonest people among the owners, insurers, tow-truck operators, and junkyards, the vehicle is then crushed. The reason: A water-damaged car can be made to look and work right for a month or a year, but eventually problems will crop up that can never be fixed.

Also in England, the BBC News reported that GPS routing in North Yorkshire directs cars and trucks along a twisty road from Swaledale to Wensleydale that has a 100-foot drop off and is more suited for adventurous souls in four-wheel drive Land Rovers. A third village along the route is aptly named: Crackpot.

Finally, several years ago, GPS navigation instructions in Germany omitted one crucial piece of information regarding the shortest route between two villages, which proved hazardous on foggy nights. The missing instruction? "Stop. Wait for ferryboat."

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Source: Technoride

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Security: Special Mobile Communications Vehicles for Security Company

A special business has special requirements - even in their cars.

L-3 Communications has announced that its Wolf Coach (L-3 Wolf Coach) subsidiary has been awarded a contract to provide 19 MC2 Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)-based mobile command centers and two large Sentinel custom body-on-chassis mobile communication centers to support a wide range of homeland security requirements for the Department of Defense (DoD). The mobile command vehicles are designed for use in all types of emergencies where communications restoration and coordinated inter-agency resource deployment are vital. Work on the vehicles will be performed at L-3 Wolf Coach's Auburn, MA, headquarters and is expected to be completed by November, 2006.




As self-contained mobile communications centers with on-board power generation capabilities, the L-3 Wolf Coach MC2 and Sentinel vehicles are rapidly deployed to mission locations to restore communications to disaster areas where the conventional and/or cellular communications infrastructure is inoperative. The systems establish data connectivity via satellite access and provide telephony through Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). For incident commanders coordinating emergencies, the vehicles establish a base of operation to coordinate the flow of information and personnel deployment, providing connectivity to fixed sites in the chain of command. In addition, the command centers facilitate interoperable communications between various governmental, law enforcement, rescue/recovery, and disaster relief agencies.



"L-3 Wolf Coach is committed to meeting the needs of the DoD in the area of homeland security and we are honored to provide our mobile communications vehicles in support of coordinated communications and relief efforts in the event of natural disasters, and even potential terrorism events," said Tom Casale, president of L-3 Wolf Coach. "L-3 Wolf Coach has nearly 40 years of experience addressing the multi-disciplinary engineering challenges required to field a reliable and functional mobile command center to a very demanding customer base. With hundreds of vehicles deployed nationally, most recently in support of Hurricane Katrina relief, we offer proven solutions that deliver performance, durability and efficiency under the most extreme conditions."

The MC2 and Sentinel vehicles draw on a vast array of engineering resources in satellite communications, defense electronics and software and network engineering to meet the challenges of establishing a communications infrastructure at isolated sites. The vehicles employ a variety of ruggedization and isolation techniques to ensure all telecommunications and power-generation equipment survives and operates with no degradation after thousands of miles of transit, including over roadways of questionable quality.

L-3 Wolf Coach command vehicles are currently in use by numerous state, local and federal government agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)/Rapid Needs Assessment Team; National Guard Civil Support Team; Worcester, MA County Sheriff; New York Police Department; Connecticut State Police; New York State Police; Idaho State Police; Phoenix Police Department Special Operations Unit, and many others. With demand on the rise, L-3 Wolf Coach estimates a marketplace of $100 million annually for its command vehicles, and development efforts are underway to enhance vehicle telecommunications electronics, power systems and platforms. Advances are expected to be released later this year.



Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications is a leading provider of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems, secure communications systems, aircraft modernization, training and government services. The company is a leading merchant supplier of a broad array of high technology products, including guidance and navigation, sensors, scanners, fuzes, data links, propulsion systems, simulators, avionics, electro optics, satellite communications, electrical power equipment, encryption, signal intelligence, antennas and microwave components. L-3 also supports a variety of Homeland Security initiatives with products and services. Its customers include the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, selected U.S. Government intelligence agencies and aerospace prime contractors.

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Source: Telematics Journal

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Test your driving skills online

DriverMetrics is a new system designed to scientifically assess a driver’s risk. Via online access motorists' personal strengths and weaknesses can be highlighted using a unique Driver Risk Index system.

The system developed by academics at Cranfield University’s Driving Research Group, provides drivers with an insight into their strengths and weaknesses as a driver, giving them the opportunity to change their approach to driving. Any driver can now find out their personal DRI profile by logging onto the website www.DriverMetrics.co.uk and completing a psychometric driver risk assessment.

The DRI produces an instant, scientifically validated, driver profile that shows a driver whether they are at high, medium or low risk of being involved in an accident. The profile analyses and explains a range of driving related factors that are known to place drivers at risk such as such as aggression, dislike of driving, thrill-seeking, fatigue proneness, driver confidence and coping strategies.

Drivers are given a report that includes advice on how to address any risk factors that are highlighted. They also have the option to find out more about one-to-one driver training to help curb the behaviours that can lead to an accident.

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Source: Auto Express

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GPS: d-Media G4 GPS Navigation

I like this one. Especially the buttons make me feel like home at my Playstation.

This GPS navigation not only looks cool, with its Playstation-like buttons and Batmobile-like black finish, it's got loads of features as well. The G4 has Bluetooth for connecting to your cellphone and headset so you can make calls while driving, MPEG4 playback for movie watching while driving-always an excellent idea-and infrared remote so your kids can play with it from the backseat.

There's also an e-compass and G sensor for better navigation when you're out of satellite range, voice reocorder, and TMC capability. This isn't available in the US yet, and maybe not ever, but we'll update you if it is.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Bluetooth, GPS

Source: Gizmodo

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Traffic jams: Use them to increase your work efficiency level

Being stuck in a traffic jam will never be wasted time anymore with the CarGoDesk.

Traffic jams are a bane of most countries, and what better way to vent your frustration at the crawling traffic by banging away at a keyboard to produce the report that your boss required a week ago? The innovatively-named CarGoDesk transforms the front passenger seat into a fully-fledged workdesk, offering a stable work surface for storage with a non-slip surface. You can even add on the cellphone, GPS, PDA, printer, and fax machine mounts in case you want to carry the whole works with you. Imagine arriving at the office with some of the work already completed - it helps especially in taking away the Monday blues.

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Source: Ubergizmo

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The Hyanide: A Tanklike Bike

What a gadget...

Here's hoping that this concept hits the production line one day. It's called the Hyanide, and happens to be a bike, a snowmobile and a 4 X 4 hybrid. The secret behind its unique versatility resides in its revolutionary new tread.

The tank-like tread consists of 77 identical segments-each made from hard plastic covered with tire rubber -held together by Kevlar rope. Each segment flexes independently, making the tread significantly more limber than if its components were rigid. Not only does this setup help with traction, but it would allow the tank- cum-motorcycle to corner like no other vehicle.
This theoretical vehicle would have a top speed of 85 mph, and could seat two. It would be powered by a 60hp 500cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine.

It only exists as a one-fifth scale model right now, and there are no hard plans to produce it, yet. Seems some automotive industry bigwigs got really turned on by this at the Michelin Challenge Design, so who knows?

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Source: OhGizmo!

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GPS: Pavion's KCN 9000 portable navigation system

I don't like these Windows devices, but nevertheless it's a GPS.

Pavion's KCN 9000 handheld looks more like a PMP than a GPS unit, which is no doubt exactly what Pavion wants you to think, touting the device's audio and video capabilities as much as it's navigation functions. Alongside a SiRF Star III GPS module, the Windows CE-based device packs a 300 MHz Atlas 2 processor, 64MB of RAM, and 32MB of ROM behind a 3.5-inch QVGA screen, with storage coming in the form of an SD card slot (an SD card appears to be included but Pavion doesn't say what size). Interestingly, Pavion also lists the device as having an AV in port, which can presumably be used for recording, although the company don't explicitly say as much. It's also not spilling any deets on a price or release date.

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Source: Engadget

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GPS: New Bluetooth GPS receiver from Haicom

Everything you need for being guided by i.e. your PDA.

Check out the car cigarette lighter-powered GPS receiver with Bluetooth capabilities from Haicom. The HI-407BT device has the 20-channel ultra high sensitive SiRFStar III GPS chipset at its core, offering unparalleled accuracy when it comes to GPS readings. Since your car's battery will be providing the juice, there is no worry about running out of power due to the high consumption level that Bluetooth modules are famous for. You can affix various optional cables at the side of the HI-407BT to use it as a regular GPS mouse, USB GPS receiver, RS232 GPS receiver, and PDA GPS receiver amongst others.

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Source: Ubergizmo

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Computer: Ultraportable Ferrari notebook computer reviewed

The colleagues over at Engadget put their hands on the ultraportable Acer Ferrari notebook computer.

Acer's Ferrari 1000 is likely to be nominated for sexiest ultraportable, but even if not, this 12.1-inch widescreen machine looks pretty impressive; not too far back we announced that this thing was hitting the street, and now it's been properly test-driven. As expected, the Ferrari 1000 utilizes the AMD Turion 64 X2 and comes stuffed with 1GB of RAM, 120GB SATA hard drive, 1.3 megapixel webcam, external DVD+/-RW optical drive (where are the HD-DVD and Blu-Ray drives?), ATI Radeon Xpress 200M graphics chipset, 1,280 x 800 WXGA screen, Bluetooth 2.0, WiFi, and reads practically every flash card we've ever heard of. cNews in Russia found very little to grumble about: the 3.7-pound machine wheeled through benchmarks, but apparently left reviewers disappointed by fingerprints showing on the carbon fiber. Going for about $4,000, this notebook ain't cheap, but if you want an ultraportable to match your Enzo, you can take delivery later this month.

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Source: Engadget

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Chrysler: MyGig, Embedded Hard Drive In Mid-Market Cars

This one looks nice - for Chrysler.

It's only a matter of time until major car manufacturers wholeheartedly embrace the, for lack of a better term, digital revolution taking place. The "revolution" I'm talking about is the one where you eschew all your traditional media (think CDs, Minidiscs (who the heck owns those anyway?), even radios) in favor of something that can theoretically be acquired free of charge and crammed into a hard drive. That's why it's exciting to see Chrysler talking about embedding a 20GB hard disc into future versions of mid-market cars like the Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Nitro and Jeep Wrangler.

Of course, the disc wont sit there, willy-nilly.

- When you do insert a CD, you'll be able to instantly rip it to the HD, and you'll have a Gracenote lookup engine to provide artist, track, and title information; this is the first use of Gracenote in a new-car audio system in North America.

- You'll also get embedded Sirius satellite radio.

- A USB jack to transfer previously stored music (think flash drives).

- A line-in jack to playback from current players.

- Two audio outputs: one goes to the car's speakers, the second to the rear-seat headphones if buyers opt for the console-mounted rear-seat LCD display.

- Bluetooth hands-free calling.

- A 6.5-inch LCD panel.

It also has a touchscreen, voice control and navigation module, with the ability to save naviagtion data. No price is set yet, but expect to pay an additional $2,000 for this system.

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Source: OhGizmo!

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Bluetooth: On the racetrack

Bluetooth on the road as fast as can be.

You've heard about using Bluetooth in mobile phones, headsets, and PDAs. Now it's also helping to give racecar drivers a competitive edge. The first driver to take advantage of this technology is 20-year-old Daniel Herrington, who signed with the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) this March for the 2006 Star Mazda series.


Herrington uses a Bluetooth helmet that lets him hear his team more clearly and efficiently. It also helps keep him safe, Herrington told us: "When it does become a safety feature is in the case of a fire, when you must get out of the car quickly," which the lack of wires lets him do.

Herrington's team plans on integrating Bluetooth technology elsewhere in his car--to read essential data, for example, without using cables. The car has 30 to 35 sensors throughout, which measure engine temperature, tire pressure, air-fuel rations, wheel speed, and other factors. "These are things that can change during the lap" Herrington said. "With Bluetooth, we can pull that data off the car faster."

Bluetooth sensors might also be used to send data from the driver himself. Monitoring heart rate, breathing, and other physiological stats could be quite useful in a race. For instance, "If [a driver's] heart rate spikes up," Herrington said, "the crew can call in and calm them down."

The Bluetooth technology Herrington is using was developed by Torc Technologies's team of professors and students from Virginia Tech, who are still fine-tuning it. Among devices they're working on is a voice-activated mic, which would let Herrington talk to his crew without taking his hands off the wheel.

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Source: Technoride

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Mercedes-Benz: Fuel Cell Research Vehicle F 600 HYGenius

Now Mercedes-Benz shows their fuel-cell prototype.

Despite being around 40 per cent more compact than previously, the fuel cell in the F 600 HYGenius runs more efficiently than ever and is notable for its good cold-start capabilities. Mercedes-Benz' aim is to bring the fuel cell drive up to full production maturity between 2012 and 2015.

The new F 600 HYGenius research vehicle is powered by a zero-emission fuel cell drive with an output of 85 kW/115 hp combined with a peak torque of 350 Newton metres. The fuel cell drive alone generates a constant power output of 60 kW/82 hp and a torque of 250 Newton metres. The compact-class car consumes the equivalent of 2.9 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres and has an operating range in excess of 400 kilometres. The performance and cold start characteristics of the groundbreaking drive unit have also undergone considerable improvement.

The good cold-start capabilities have been achieved thanks to the inclusion of innovations such as the redesigned fuel stacks, the electric turbocharger for supplying air and an all-new humidification and dehumidification system. With any surplus energy being stored in a powerful lithium-ion battery, the system acts in a similar fashion to a hybrid drive, selecting the best power source to use depending on the driving situation. When parking or manoeuvring, for instance, the electric motor draws its power from the battery alone, while both fuel cell and battery feed it with energy in unison when the vehicle is accelerating, producing the peak power output of 85 kW/115 hp. The electric motor doubles as a generator that charges the battery during vehicle braking by recuperating drive energy.

The drive technology, the high-voltage battery and the hydrogen tank have all been housed in a space-saving manner beneath the occupant cell, while the high-torque electric motor - which is also a new development from Mercedes-Benz - has been integrated into the rear-axle carrier. The lithium-ion battery is featuring for the first time in a fuel cell vehicle from Mercedes-Benz and is a further key factor in the increase in power.

The front doors of the latest Mercedes research vehicle emulate the space-saving styling of the tailgate with a technology that is designed to make getting into and out of the vehicle as easy and convenient as possible when parked in tight spaces. An ingenious new mechanism swings the doors upwards at a slant, meaning that they take up less space to the side when opening than conventional car doors. Gas-filled struts are able to hold the door open in any position.

Cameras integrated into the housings of the exterior mirrors keep an eye on traffic to the side of and behind the vehicle, even when it is parked. If another car or a bicycle is approaching from behind, the system will automatically disable the doors for a brief period to avoid the risk of a collision when they are opened. A warning signal sounds at the same time inside the F 600 accompanied by a red danger symbol that illuminates in the mirror glass. Out on the road, the video system monitors the blind spot of both exterior mirrors and warns drivers about to change lane if a vehicle is approaching from behind.

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Source: all4engineers

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Hummer: H2 pimped to police car

Imagine all the nice police gadgets in this car...

Well, it now looks like no one can pimp a Hummer quite like a Texas sheriff can. Not content with his sedate cruiser, this particular sheriff had his personal vehicle, a Hummer H2, sent over to German Geiger for a special outfitting.

This is what they did to it: they replaced the engine a supercharged V8, with 7.0 liters of displacement, producing a peak of 700hp and 904 Nm of torque. This can propel the 3-ton tank from 0-60 in 6.5 seconds, and it's top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h or about 153mph. Then, they gave it one-piece forged chrome king-size 10Jx28 wheels with Kumho 325/35 R 28 tires.

In addition, the H2 suspension and brakes have been replaced with more robust units and the ride height lowered by some 105 millimeters, with much firmer damper settings. Sport sway bars reduce body roll in fast corners. The high-performance brake system with 380-millimeter perforated and vented discs and eight-piston fixed calipers on the front axle delivers enormous fade-free stopping power.
The car will be sent back to the US, where it'll be outfitted with Police communication equipment, and should soon be ready for our enterprising Sheriff to enjoy.

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Source: OhGizmo!

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GPS: Solar charger

Never run out of power with your GPS - during the day.

In need of a global positioning system? Consider the Proporta GPS receiver, that wirelessly links to Bluetooth enabled PDAs (personal digital assistants), smartphones or laptops. What sets this one apart from other GPS units is that it can be solar charged via the small panel on one side. The panels will even work with no-sun light sources, such as indoor lighting, so long as you can get the GPS to within, say, a foot (300mm) of task lighting. Or 6.5 feet (2m) if the interior ambient lighting is putting out a combined 120W. Not sure of weight, size or battery capacity, but price is about £70. Or you could try their other thermonuclear based gizmo: a solar charger (£40), for USB ported devices (five other tips also provided). The good news is that this solar chargercan select four voltages between 3 and 9v and will not over-charge appliances. The downside is that its 3.6 V, 1800mAh, Lithium-ion battery likes to eat 34 hours of sunlight before feeling full. Although Pocketnow recently reviewed this charger, and they seemed pretty happy with performance, particularly as they reckoned a full charge took only five hours.

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Source: Treehugger

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Hyprids: 330 mpg

Unfortunately just a concept yet...

This Aptera concept vehicle looks like an amalgam of all kinds of vehicles. In the design, you can see a tricycle, a Plymouth Prowler, the glossy white of an iPod, and an EV-1.

The hybrid car can get up to 330 MPG, and if actually made, will be targeted at less than $20,000 and get a 0-60 time of around 11 seconds. They want to make this thing safe, but it looks kinda small and easy to be thrown around. Here's hoping this one gets to market.

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Source: Gizmodo

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Driv-e-mocion

How often does it happen that you want to tell the driver behind you something? No matter if flirt or complaints about his driving...

Sticking your arm outside the window to give the bird can be too much effort sometimes. Driv-e-mocion is the perfect device for the ultimate lazy aggressive driver. It is a small electronic display that can attach to the back window and allow any kind of message include smilie faces, frownie faces, kind words and even some four-letter words to be displayed. Given, the four letter words may anger the person behind you even more, it is still cool to put them in their place, geekily. $20 for an increased chance of being ran off the road, worth it to me.

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Source: Gizmodo

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Microsoft: Going F1 racing?

Microsoft in Formula 1? Shouldn't they first bring in line their core business?

In February this year we discussed the fascinating call by the governing body of international motorsport, the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), for expressions of interest in providing the standard electronic control system for all F1 cars as part of the drive to reduce the sport's prohibitive costs. Overnight it was announced that Microsoft MES has been selected as the official ECU supplier to F1 in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Now the world's largest software vendor has had its eye on the automotive environment as one of the cornerstones of future computing for some time, recently winning Best Telematics Solution at the Telematics Detroit 2006 with its Microsoft Windows Mobile for Automotive platform, BUT ... let's hope the boys and gals from Redmond are on the ball with this one as anything less than perfect is not good enough in the world of F1 and it could prove to be the almightiest gaffe in Public Relations history if perfection isn't achieved. A large chunk of the world's population watches a Formula One race and F1 drivers are particularly unforgiving of technical failure when they get a microphone in front of them.

Other key announcements from the FIA overnight concerned Bridgestone being selected as the official tyre supplier to the FIA Formula One World Championship in 2008, 2009 and 2010, and probably be default in 2007 too. In the absence of a second tyre company Bridgestone will be the sole tyre supplier to the FIA Formula One World Championship for 2007. Bridgestone's contract with the FIA to be the official tyre supplier begins in 2008.

Similarly, due to a significant increase in cornering speeds in Formula One this season, the World Motor Sport Council agreed to consult with the Formula One Technical Working Group regarding possible measures to slow the cars.

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Source: Gizmag

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Citroën: New Electronic Transmission for Diesel C4

The French are boosting fuel economy to 52 mpg.

Citroën is introducing a new six-speed electronic transmission system on its 1.6 HDi 110 hp diesel models of the C4 in Europe.

The automated gear changes and clutch control of the new system reduce fuel consumption by up to 6% compared to current models, resulting in a promised 4.5 liters/100 km (52 mpg US) and CO2 emissions of just 120g/km. These new 1.6 HDi 110hp models are now also fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter System (DPFS).

The new transmission eliminates the clutch pedal, and gives the driver the flexibility to choose between a manual mode, with paddleshift or gear lever (which has no mechanical link with the gearbox), or an automatic mode. A Sport function is also available, while a hill-start assist feature contributes to improved safety and ease-of-use.

Using new electro-hydraulic actuators to ensure gentle and smooth gear shifts, the system can also recognize and automatically adapt to individual driving styles. In manual mode, the driver maintains full control of the gear change by using either the paddles that are set behind the steering wheel, or the sequential gear lever, which can be flicked forwards or backwards to change up or down.

The Sport function is available in both manual and automatic modes. Engaged by pressing the S button next to the gear lever, the Sport function speeds up the gear changes, from 0.8 to 0.4 seconds in manual mode and from 1.2 to 0.5 seconds in automatic mode.

The hill-start assist makes it easier to start on slopes by preventing the car from rolling and giving the driver time to accelerate away safely and confidently. Activated on both uphill and downhill slopes with a gradient of 3% or higher, the control holds the car steady for two seconds when the brake is released.

A control unit controls the two actuators of the gearbox system. The first-the gearbox actuator-ensures the selection and engagement of the gears, and the second-the clutch actuator-controls the clutch.

When a gear change is requested, either by the driver directly issuing a gear change command or indirectly by the driver depressing the accelerator or the brake or as a function of the gradient of the road, engine speed, vehicle speed and grip conditions, the gearbox control takes control of the engine controller and the clutch actuator.

Engine torque is reduced and the clutch is opened progressively to avoid jolting. Once the clutch is open, the gearbox control unit activates the gearbox actuator. The selector fork is disengaged, the new gear is selected and synchronized, the selector fork is reengaged.

The gearbox control unit then progressively closes the clutch and controls torque increase to complete the gear change without jolts or rebounds. When upshifting, the entire process takes between 0.4 and 1.2 seconds.

A 1.6 HDi C4 was also one of the platforms for PSA Peugeot Citroën's introduction of two diesel-electric parallel hybrid applications earlier this year. The C4 Hybride HDi prototype delivers average combined city and highway fuel consumption of 3.4 liters per 100 kilometers (69 mpg US), with 90 grams of CO2 emitted per kilometer.

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Source: Green Car Congress

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Car-to-car communication by headlights

What will they tell other cars about your driving?

Sony is currently patenting a more elaborate means to get your message across to nearby drivers. The system uses high-powered LEDs built into a vehicle's headlights that appear to produce a continuous beam of light but in fact are rapidly flashing an encoded message. A light sensor on the target vehicle would then decode the message and deliver it to the other driver. Other interesting applications include the ability for a traffic light to beam out a countdown of how long it will remain on red and police cars or ambulances being able to beam out emergency messages to many different vehicles.

While the traffic light application is something I'd love to see I still think it's not the greatest of ideas to make it easier for drivers to communicate with each other. Being able to easily 'express' ones feelings towards another motorist seems like a quick path to more road rage in my opinion.

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Source: OhGizmo!

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GPS: LG PM800 PDA, Now With GPS and DMB TV

This is not only for your car, but it works there with GPS, DMB TV and PDA functions as well as elsewhere.

Bits of news are trickling out about the LG PM800, a PocketPC-based PDA set to make its big splash after months of false starts, mainly in the form of, "hey, let's add this feature, too!" The latest addition is a TPEG transport for the PDA. TPEG, which stands for Transport Protocol Experts Group, lets the PM800 display GPS-obtained traffic information without any additional hardware. LG is also throwing in DMB TV support, yet another technology that has yet to catch on here.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, GPS, DMB, TV, PDA

Source: Gizmodo

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Lamborghini: Mouse Pad

If you can't have it in your garage maybe it 's a start to have it on your desk.

No, this isn't just some $5 mouse pad with a Lamborghini on it. This is an actual Italian leather Lamborghini mousepad, made by the same people who bring you those fancy horseless wagons with all the horses under the hood.

The pad is in the shape of the Lamborghini crest, but doesn't have the actual crest design.

Available for EUR 50.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Lamborghini, mouse pad

Source: Gizmodo

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Blu-Ray: First car player

Panasonic is very early in bringing Blu-Ray to cars. Maybe a little bit too early since most people neither have it in their lounges.

Give me a break, Panasonic. I think the first step in this high-def DVD war is getting people to accept Blu-Ray in the traditional home theatre format, but if you want to go balls-to-the-wall and start pushing car Blu-Ray player, then I guess that is your decision. Panasonic's U.S. chairman and CEO Yoshi Yamada said that Panasonic is hoping to extend Blu-Ray's reach to mobile entertainment, re: vehicle and other portable Blu-Ray players. A whopping 1,080 lines of progressively refreshed goodness on a 7-inch screen? I have some pretty good eyes, but not good enough to be able to fully enjoy that kind of HD on a tiny screen in a moving vehicle. Good luck with that, Panasonic.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Panasonic, Blu-Ray

Source: Gizmodo

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Chrysler: New Sebring sports heating/cooling cup holder

They call this a high-tech innovation. A cup holder? That's all?

When it comes to implementing high-tech innovations inside the passenger cabin, it's usually names like BMW, Mercedes, and Lexus leading the pack, so we were a little surprised to see Chrysler seemingly beat all those luxury manufacturers to the punch with a hot (and cool) new cupholder for the 2007 Sebring. Not only does this dugout look like it does a great job protecting your beverage from tipping, it's actually got both a heating and cooling mechanism that will keep your coffee at a piping hot 140 degrees Fahrenheit or your soda at a chilly 35 degrees. You'll be able to pick up the new cupholder sometime in Q4 of this year for around $20,000 (note: price includes car).

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Source: Engadget

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Bluetooth: Portable Car Kit from Motorola

Motorola comes with a new portable Bluetooth car kit.

The T305 portable Bluetooth 2.0 car kit from Motorola features enhanced echo and noise reduction technology to provide you with crisp, clear conversations even in the noisiest of environments. The 1-watt speakerphone is more than capable of handling any conversation that might transpire during your road trip. The T305 is equipped with full duplex capabilities that allows you to concentrate on the road safely while discussing the next million dollar contract. Other functions include voice dialing and a button that answers/ends calls effortlessly. Talk time and standby time are rated at 12 hours and 200 hours per charge respectively. More features after the jump.
• Bluetooth wireless technology hands-free system is quick and easy to set up with EasyPair
• Clear sound with latest echo and noise cancellation technology
• Loud sound optimized for the vehicle, with high speaker output
• Portable, just clip and you are ready to go. Visor clip and vehicle power adaptor included in the box
• Use phone's voice dial capabilities to easily place calls
• Mini-USB connector for easy charging
• Up to 12 hours talk time; 200 hours standby time
• One convenient multi-function button for multiple operations

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Source: Ubergizmo

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Toyota: A car-full of gadgets

Toyota's new Alphard is worth a deeper look - you will find some nice gadgty features.

The Toyota Alphard is the company's premium Japan-market minivan. Available as either a gasoline or hybrid model, the boxy MPV in stock form has a spacious interior that can be reconfigured in several different ways. The automaker's in-house customization firm , Toyota Modellista, has created the Alphard Royal Lounge edition, an executive vehicle best suited for someone who has a driver at his or her disposal.

How else is the occupant supposed to take advantage of the creature comforts available in the Alphard Royal Lounge's swank passenger cabin? Gone are all but two seats, positioned fully aft to offer enormous amounts of legroom and easy ingress/egress via the sliders. The seats are awash in rich leather and feature a power recline function that includes a fold-out ottoman, similar to what you find in upper class train or airline seating. Polished wood trim adds to the warm ambiance.



Reading lamps mounted to the seatbacks arc overhead to illuminate the seating areas, and the ample countertops by the vehicle walls feature cupholders and what appear to be window, seat and/or privacy curtain controls. In the console between the two seats, a pair of tray tables and a video screen fold neatly out of sight.

Immediately behind the front seats, a handsome console is home to the passenger cabin's refirigerator plus additional storage areas suitable for barware or other personal belongings. The driver isn't exactly slumming it up front, either, as the leather and wood treatment finds its way forward as well.



The price? For the Alphard Hybrid Royal Lounge, it's over 7 million yen, which translates to roughly $61,000 US. Not cheap if you look at it as just a minivan. Not bad, however, if you consider the Maybachian interior appointments. it's certainly an interesting alternative to a chauffeur-driven limo or large luxury sedan.

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Source: Autoblog

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Foursprung: The Flying Car

No need to stay on the road anymore...

LaBiche Aerospace plans to unveil at the huge EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2006 airshow July 24 its LaBiche Aerospace FSC-1TM FLYING SPORTS CAR. Unlike a lot of "flying cars," this one is actually a car. The wings and rear propeller fold up and disappear inside the car when driving on the street. In the air, it flies 275 mph -- which is fast, even for a regular personal airplane. The company plans to sell the car as a build-it-yourself kit and costs $175,000. How real is it? Well, they're already willing to take your money.

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Source: The Raw Feed

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Foursprung: Car-like mirrors on your computer monitor

Want to have a little bit feeling of driving while sitting in front of your computer?

Sure, we've seen a few rearview mirrors for your computer monitor before, but these add a new dimension of style and simulated automobile-ness that caught our attention. Now you can be forewarned when that dork you haven't seen in a couple of weeks sneaks up behind you to cover your eyes and say "guess who?"

The Designer Monitor Rear View Mirror attaches with double-sided tape or suction cups, and just like a car's rear view mirror, you can rotate and swivel it to frame up that perfect shot to the rear. We do, however, question the designation of "designer" on this product, since in all of its description materials, no designer's name is mentioned. Oscar de LowRenta, perhaps? We would prefer Ferrari. Available in blue, green, orange, or silver, it's $7.99.

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Source: Gizmodo

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GPS: Etronics' Inkel Widetouch W-7.0 offers GPS, PMP, and DMB

GPS capable mutli media devices are flooding the car gadget market. Here is another nice one.

We love the idea of having GPS and PMP functionality in the same gadget, and when we see one of these devices with a 7-inch widescreen we certainly sit up and take notice, but unfortunately we'll need to make some friends in Korea if we ever hope to install the Inkel Widetouch W-7.0 from Etronics in our ride. Without any detailed specs on this upcoming model, we're going to assume that it's very similar to the ARM-powered Widetouch 5.6 we spotted last month, as both units also offer an optional DMB tuner to complement the media playback and navigation features. As usual, no word on pricing or release dates for this piece, but since the DMB-equipped 5.6 was going for around $600, we can safely assume that a similarly-configured 7-incher will cost at least a hundred bucks more.

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Source: Engadget

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Mitsubishi: Plant-based floor mat

Japanese car makers are doing a lot for eco-friendly cars these days.

Mitsubishi Motors, in cooperation with Toray Industries, Inc., has developed a high-durability car floor mat using a combination of the plant-based resin polylactic acid (PLA) and nylon fibers.

The company announced the development of its first plant-based resin auto product in February 2006—an interior trim material made from polybutylene succinate (PBS) and bamboo fiber. The new floor mat is the second in the company’s independently developed “Green Plastic” plant-based resin auto product line and is due to debut in a Mitsubishi Motors model later this year, ahead of the PBS/bamboo fiber interior trim.

PLA is a plant-based resin that, in principle, will not add to atmospheric CO2. It is made using lactic acid produced through the fermentation of sugar extracted from sugar cane or corn and will be used in the carpet pile facing on floor mats. Mitsubishi Motors has enhanced the material’s durability, previously a concern for PLA, by adding a reforming agent and nylon fibers to increase resistance to light and wear.

Toray had announced in March its plans to launch full-scale commercialization of polylactic acid (PLA) films and sheets.

Testing of the prototype PLA/nylon fiber floor mat confirms that it achieves a 40% reduction in lifecycle CO2 emissions over similar floor mats currently used in Mitsubishi vehicles, according to the company.

Testing of the prototype also confirms a reduction in volatile organic compounds (VOC) of more than 50% over current floor mats. This comes as a result of steps including the elimination of adhesives from the process of binding the pile facing to the mat backing.

Mitsubishi Motors says that as part of its efforts to stop global warming and slow the depletion of global oil reserves it will continue its independent development of plant-based Green Plastic resins to replace the petroleum-based resins currently used in car interiors.

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Source: Green Car Congress

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GPS: Pioneer to evolutionize the GPS market?

Pioneer promises an evolution of the market - we will see if and how they keep the promise.

SiRF Technology Holdings's award winning SiRFstarIII architecture has been selected by Pioneer Corporation to power its entry into the portable navigation market. The SiRF GSC3 single-chip GPS receiver is at the heart of the recently introduced AVIC-S1, Pioneer's first portable navigation system, headed for the U.S. and European markets.

The SiRFstarIII architecture, winner of the PC Magazine's 2005 award for Technical Excellence, enables Pioneer to meet the increasingly high performance requirements for portable navigation applications. SiRFstarIII's extremely high sensitivity provides the AVIC-S1 with greater position availability in far more environments, including highly obstructed situations, than traditional GPS receivers. SiRF's latest-generation GPS performance enables the Pioneer AVIC-S1 to achieve best-in-class GPS signal acquisition and makes real-time navigation practical even through urban canyons and under dense foliage.

"Launch of a portable navigation device by Pioneer, a leader in traditional car navigation systems, is a key step in the evolution of this market," said Kanwar Chadha, founder and vice president of marketing for SiRF. "As well known consumer brands such as Pioneer adopt our SiRFstarIII architecture, it brings us closer to our vision of bringing the benefits of location information to mainstream consumers."

A compact and lightweight portable navigation device that combines the essentials - and performance - of an installed navigation system with the convenience of a true portable device, the AVIC-S1 can be easily transferred from car-to-car. Designed for ease of use, the AVIC-S1 features a TFT touch panel, 2D and 3D view modes, a screen arrow with voice instructions and a jog dial that simplifies searches for names, addresses and points of interest. Its built-in Bluetooth wireless capabilities allow it to provide hands-free communications with any Bluetooth-capable mobile phone.

"Our experience has taught us that consumers are extremely demanding and we have a firm commitment to maintain our reputation for delivering navigation products that meet these expectations," said Masanori Kurosaki, Executive Officer at Pioneer Corporation. "SiRF's pioneering GPS architecture allowed us to bring a portable navigation system to market that does not sacrifice the uncompromising performance expected by consumers who buy Pioneer products."

Able to track more than 20 GPS satellites, the SiRFstarIII architecture employs the equivalent of more than 200,000 correlators and sophisticated navigation algorithms, a significant improvement over today's architectures that contain a few hundred to a few thousand correlators, setting a new benchmark for fast and deep GPS signal search and track capabilities even in the most challenging environments.

The GCS3 combines a complete A-GPS digital baseband processor and RF front end in a single, compact, 7-mm x 10-mm package. It delivers unmatched time to first fix (TTFF) at the low signal levels of the original two-chip SiRFstarIII product, while occupying 20 percent less board real estate and consuming no more power than the earlier generation SiRFstarII product.

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Source: Telematics Journal

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Electric cars: Two new micro vehicles

Here are two new vehicles as gadgets themselves. The electric Smart would really be smart...

DaimlerChrysler showed a prototype of a smart fortwo ev in 2005. The prototype smart fortwo electric vehicle featured an electric motor with an output of up to 30 kW (41 hp). With a consumption of 12 kWh per 100 kilometers, the car had a range of 110 kilometers (62 miles).

A full recharge takes 8 hours; charing from 20% to 80% capacity takes four hours. smart created the electric drive in cooperation with Zytek, a British company that focuses on developing hybrid and electric drives. DaimlerChrysler reportedly will only offer the smart ev for leasing at about £375 (US$690) per month, mainly to large companies wanting to use them as pool cars.

The NICE car was developed by a team of ex-Lotus engineers, and reportedly has a 50-mile range, with a 40 mph top speed.

More details on each will emerge at the show.

In London, electric vehicles enjoy free on-street parking, pay no annual road tax, and are exempt from the congestion charge.

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Source: Green Car Congress

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Honda: Company's gameplan on hybrids, fuel cells and CAFE

An interesting interview on Honda's strategy for fuel efficiency and alternative energy. Their new patent on reduction of NOx emissions is part of this strategy.

As the White House pushes for changes to the corporate average fuel economy program (CAFE), some automakers are taking matters into their own hands by improving the efficiency of their vehicles. During today's OnPoint, Edward Cohen, vice president of government and industry relations for Honda North America, explains why CAFE should be modified, and discusses Honda's plan to boost sales of hybrid cars. Plus, Cohen talks about the automaker's strategy when it comes to alternative fuels such as hydrogen, diesel and ethanol.

Watch the complete interview here.


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Source: E&E TV

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Cellphones: Driving talkers as bad as drunk drivers?

I think this does NOT mean that if phone while driving I can as well drink anyway...

We've heard the word that hands-free setups don't make cellphone driving any safer, but this new study comparing phone use to driving under the influence seems like it's taking things a bit far. Apparently some new research, using a driving simulation device as to not expose any real drivers to the dangers of those who talk, is showing cellphone users to be as bad or worse than the average drunk driver. Forty volunteers used the simulator, taking turns trying it undistracted, with a handheld phone, with a handsfree device and while blowing a 0.08 blood-alcohol level -- the average level of impairment in the US. Three participants ended up rear-ending the car in front of them, and all three were talking on the phone, not drunk. The study noticed little difference between hands-free and handheld phone talkers, and found they were 9 percent slower to hit the breaks, and varied their speed more than normal drivers. Drunk drivers would drive slower, yet more aggressively, and all three groups were under the impression that they weren't impaired. We'd still rather have a talker behind the wheel than a drunk, especially when the blood-alcohol level shoots past 0.08 -- as it tends to do -- but we're guessing legislators will see otherwise and jump at the chance to clamp down on conversationalists.

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Source: Engadget

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Porsche: 2007 Boxster Features Tire Pressure Monitoring System

More gadgets for Porsche's entry model.

The 2007 Porsche Boxster and Boxster S mid-engined sports cars will be given more power and torque via new engines featuring Porsche VarioCam Plus. For the 2007 model year, the capabilities of the drop-top roadsters are also extended with an updated version of the optional Tiptronic S automatic transmission and additional functions of the optional Sport Chrono Package.

Standard on the 2007 Boxster models is Porsche's Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which continuously monitors the air pressure in each tire. Through its warning function, TPC not only offers extra safety, and the reduced risk of tire damage, but it also monitors any gradual loss of pressure from the tires, helping prevent inconsistent, or unequal tire wear and excessive fuel consumption.

The 2007 Porsche Boxster and Boxster S go on sale in North America in August. U.S. pricing for the new models is $45,600 and $55,500 respectively.

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Source: Telematics Journal, Picture: MobileMag

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Foursprung: U.K. uses license plate scanners to crack down on illegal drivers

Illegal drivers have no chance again the high tech in the UK.

U.K. streets are about to get a bit less welcoming for anyone driving illegally as soon as a planned fleet of vans packing license plate scanners hit the roads. The vans, operated by the NCP car-parking group, will be on the hunt for vehicles belonging to owners who haven't paid their car taxes, and will follow a zero-tolerance policy, clamping and impounding cars on sight, and crushing them if the driver doesn't cough up the £80 release fee within seven days. Ouch, couldn't they just sell 'em? At least then the owner can buy back his or her car for thousands of pounds more than the release fee, but for thousands of pounds less than what a new vehicle would set them back. Deets on the specific system being used don't seem to have been made available, but it sounds similar to the so-bad-it's-good-named Mobile Plate Hunter 900 put to use last year in California to catch stolen cars.

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Source: Engadget

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Fuel-cell: Chinese Demonstrate Methanol Reformer/Fuel Cell Integration

New break-through in fuel-cell technology?

Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) have successfully integrated a CO-resistant proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell system with a methanol reformer as the hydrogen source to produce steady power generation for 3 hours.

The fuel cell generated maximum power output of 75.5kW, with the methanol reformer providing a stable hydrogen supply of 70.5 Nm3/hr. The reformed gas contained 53 vol% hydrogen, and CO content was around 20 ppm.

This showed that the fuel cell system could adapt to hydrogen generated by methanol reformers and contained trace amount of CO, according to the researchers.

The purpose of the project was to determine the feasibility of using in-situ hydrogen generation with a PEM fuel cell; the combination of a fuel cell with an on-board reformer can be used in a vehicle.



Several automakers have experimented with on-board methanol reforming to provide hydrogen for a fuel cell.

DaimlerChrysler most recently coupled an on-board methanol reformer with a fuel cell in its NECAR 5 prototype, introduced in 2000. The entire drive system, including the methanol reformer, was compact enough to fit into the underfloor of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

In 2002, NECAR 5 clocked up a long-distance record for a fuel-cell-powered vehicle of 5,250 kilometers (3,263 miles) when it completed a trans-American journey from San Francisco to Washington.

The NECAR 5 fuel-cell stack delivered 75 kW of power. The car had a top speed of more than 145 kmh (90 mph), and a range of more than 400 kilometers (250 miles).

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Source: Green Car Congress

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Electric cars: Zoop high performance vehicle

Maybe a prototype for an electric Mini?

The Zoop is a high performance 150 kW three seat electric car that weighs just 690 kilograms and has a range of 450 kilometres. It won a special award at the recent international sustainable mobility event, the Michelin Bibendum Challenge for its extreme performance. Remarkably, the Zooop is not the product of an automotive manufacturer, or even an automotive design house. It is the third fully-operative EV prototype produced by globally renowned Paris-based fashion design house Maison de Courrèges and has had very little publicity outside of the car's native France. Which is all very surprising, because in the heady world of fashion, the husband and wife team of André and Coqueline Courrèges are superstars. Both André Courrèges and Coqueline Barrière were (separately) apprenticed and mentored by one of the original fashion designer icons, Cristóbal Balenciaga. Further reading on the remarkable legacy of Balanciaga can be found at Wikipedia, the Fashion Industry Search Engine, InfoMat, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and there's currently an exhibition on Balenciaga at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris.

André Courrèges opened the Maison de Courrèges in 1961 and was one of the most influential designers of the swinging sixties, most famously as the inventor of the miniskirt but also responsible for the trouser suit, the Moongirl look and gogo boots. Though one of the most important designers of the sixties, the Courreges name has maintained its position at the head of the fashion world for nearly fifty years.

Now Madam Coqueline Courrèges is championing the cause of the electric car.

The Maison de Courrèges was one of the driving forces of the sixties, and as far back as 1969 was using electric vehicles in his fashion shows (see photo gallery). The more modern EV direction of the company was first seen publicly when it rolled out La Bulle (the Bubble), a vehicle that looked for all the world like a flying saucer, at the 2002 Michelin Bibendum Challenge in Heidelberg, Germany. The vehicle was capable of 110 km/h and had a range of 170 kilometres - quite a feat back in 2002. La Bulle competed again in the Bibendum Challenge in Sonoma, California in 2003, and has appeared in each subsequent Bibendum.

In the 2003 California event, Coqueline Courrèges drove La Bulle witnessed the performance of the AC Propulsion TZero and soon began negotiations to purchase an entire drive system to power the next Courrèges prototype vehicle.

Sure enough, the following year in 2004, Courrèges ran two cars at the Shanghai Bibendum Challenge. The new ACP-powered EXE was designed to look like a "jewel box" with a Lexan structure atop a lattice frame that converted easily from two to five seats. As with the campaigning of La Bulle before it, Courrèges made no effort to promote the company's involvement with the EXE in the Bibendum Challenge, and no public statements were forthcoming from the celebrity designer behind the wheel. Madame Coqueline Courrèges ' comments on the future of electric vehicles and the wellbeing of the planet were all sourced second hand by the media from other competitors who spoke to her during the event, in which the EXE finished second outright, beating home cars from every major automotive manufacturer on the planet. Not bad for a fashion designer, heh? The EXE used 149 A/h 370 V Lithium Ion batteries, accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and had a top speed of 160 km/h. In the performance aspects of the event, the Courrèges EXE scored straight A's in the emissions categories and A's in acceleration, handling, and efficiency as well for an overall average of 3.50 (A = 4.0). Only a problem in the braking test prevented an even higher average. Madame Courrèges ordered the tzero hardware and begun construction of the EXE in the garage of her Paris home. AC Propulsion built the systems in California, shipped them to France and the EXE first ran in September. Ten days later it was shipped to Shanghai where final debugging took place at the Shanghai Grand Prix circuit. After the competitive events were scored and the results posted, some of the cars took to the track again in a ride and drive for the media and distinguished guests. In the Shanghai Circuit's pit lane, the sight of Courrèges' two entries, the almost perfectly round La Bulle or and the acutely angular EXE captured the Bibendum's spirit of innovation and possibility.

The lucky drivers who got behind the wheel of the EXE explored its powerful acceleration and smooth responsiveness on one of the finest racetracks in the world. The experience inspired awe in many and never failed to put a smile on the driver's face. The EV smile. The last drive of the day went to Edouard Michelin, the now deceased CEO of Michelin. With Madame Courrèges in the copilot seat, Michelin drove the EXE hard for two laps, exceeding 100 mph on Shanghai's back straight. Returning to the pit lane he unstrapped his helmet, got out of the EXE and smiled. "Bravo" said Monsieur Michelin. "Voila" said Madame Courrèges.

In 2005 Madame Courrèges continued her pursuit of understanding of the electric vehicle, competing in the Kyoto event with two vehicles. The EXE's was once again using custom-made red tires produced specially by Michelin, but reports suggest that in the unlikely event of a flat tyre, the Courrèges team had a complete set of both blue and green tyres in the van, as the coloured tyres had been made in sets of four and colour co-ordination was considered of utmost importance.

Just prior to the eighth running of the Bibendum Challenge in Courrèges home country, Madame Courrèges unveiled her latest creation, the Zooop, with a bright yellow-orange canopy and matching tires.

The new vehicle is a further development of the EXE's drive train in an entirely new chassis, with Lithium Polymer batteries that are lighter, have greater power density don't overheat, charge quicker and offer many more recharges. The new 70 A/hour 370 V Lithium Polymer batteries offer a range of 450 kilometres.

The Zoop is now capable of 180 km/h and offers performance to match most supercars. No statements have been made by Courrèges regarding the possible future directions of the company's EV efforts.

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Source: Gizmag

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License plate: As ugly as possible

I don't want to use the word "Foursprung" for these car gadgets. Aren't they really ugly?

Luxury isn't always about the pricey sometimes it's just about the frivolous. Do you need a cutesy decorated license plate frame? Probably not. But if you've already gone to the trouble to choose the perfect car and bought every other adorable accessory for your baby possible why not improve your rear view. These little license plate frames only cost $20 so you can get more than one, now all you need is the perfect vanity plate.

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Source: Luxist

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VW: Fully automated Golf GTI

Too lazy to drive yourself? See here what our sibling blog The German Car Blog found out about a fully automated VW Golf GTI.

VW built a robotic prototype which drives ... without a driver. And best thing is: it's faster than with driver!

But now German car giant Volkswagen has turned fiction into reality by unveiling a fully automatic car which really can drive itself - and at speeds of up to 150mph.

It can weave with tyres screeching around tricky bends and chicanes, and through tightly coned off tracks - without any help or intervention from a human.

The remarkable car is the VW Golf GTi '53 plus 1' codenamed after the number '53' which Herbie carried when racing in his big screen adventures.

The GTi has electronic 'eyes' that use radar and laser sensors in the grille to 'read' the road and send the details back to its computer brain. A sat-nav system tracks its exact position with pin-point precision to within an inch.

The car can then work out the twists and turns it has to negotiate - before setting off at break-neck speed through a laid out course on a test track.

On a race circuit, it drove itself faster and more precisely than the VW engineers could manage - and can accelerate independently up to its top speed of 150mph.

To prove it is no trick, guests were invited to design for themselves a variety of different courses - using road cones - and then watch the car fly around them on its own at a test track near their world headquarters in Wolfsburg in northern Germany.

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Source: The German Car Blog

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BMW: Future models will self-park in your garage

Taste is not anything that you have to be missing in the future as a driver of a BMW. There is also no need for the ability to park your car.

Anyone whose garage is so packed full of junk that getting in and out of the car is nearly impossible will appreciate a new feature set to debut on future BMW models that allows you to stand outside while your Bimmer parks itself (as well as unparks itself, we assume, or this tech wouldn't be very useful). The German manufacturer recently released a video of this self-parking wizardry -- you can catch it by following the Read link -- which shows a happy homeowner simply pushing a button on his keyfob to fire up the motor, retract the side-view mirrors, and send the car on a controlled journey to its home just inches from another luxury ride. The system leverages distance-sensing technology that we've seen before from Mercedes, Toyota, and the like, but requires a reflective lens on the garage wall to operate, which unfortunately precludes its use in public parking lots. Still a pretty useful feature, but if it takes three years to find its way into commercial vehicles as BMW anticipates, we'll probably already have the parking covered with those self-driving models we've been promised

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Source: Engadget

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GPS: Better view in the sun

Do you have a mobile GPS? Of course you have as our reader. But do also have the problem of limited view with this gadget while the sun is shining bright? So here comes the answer. Unfortunately is quite ugly.

Most GPS devices are great to use, and you think they're flawless until you discover one thing that the sales personnel never pointed out to you - you cannot escape from the glare that plagues all GPS devices, no matter how expensive they are. GlareStomper Visors are more than happy to help you out and they encompass a wide range of GPS units, including the entire Tomtom line as well as selected units from Garmin, Magellan, and Sony. GlareStomper Visors look a little nerdy but they're great to block out ambient light that causes the GPS display to look washed out. Made from black Cordura nylon, these retail below $20 each.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, GPS, visor

Source: Ubergizmo

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Foursprung: Be watched by your car

Watch out for being watched by your car.

The cars have eyes?
Not yet. But that's the idea behind Tyzx Inc., which comes up with 3-D technologies, reports Venture Wire.

Menlo Park-based Tyzx wants cars to be able to "see" the location of passengers and use that information to deploy airbags most effectively. Another possibility? Cars that can prevent accidents by "seeing" the location of pedestrians or other vehicles.

Takata Group, a Japanese manufacturer of automotive safety systems, aims to accelerate the use of this technology by ponying up $4 million that will support research and development.

Tyzx, founded in 2001 with seed investment from Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, is based on research conducted at Allen's Interval Research Corp.

If Tyzx succeeds, we can envision an entire "Car Talk" show dedicated to cars that see, emceed by Click and Clack from the Good News Garage.

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Source: SFGate

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Foursprung: Keep track of your car keys

How much time did you spent to search for your car keys now?

If you spend too much time searching for your car keys, let the Loc8tor track them down for you. Not only can the handy, pocket-sized device find keys, it can also warn you if someone else has picked them up.

There are two modes. One leads you to any item you have tagged up to 180 metres away using arrows on a screen, beeps and vibrations to guide you to within an inch of what you’re looking for. The Alert option prevents things from going astray in the first place. If a tagged item moves out of a set safety zone, the Loc8tor will emit a warning beep and direct you to its position. Tags can be attached quickly and easily to virtually anything with a keyring, while adhesive strips are included in the pack.

The Loc8tor Plus costs £99.99 and includes three homing tags and a panic tag that can be worn by a child – great if you get separated in a crowd at a grand prix or motor show. The system will also warn you when its batteries are low or the tags are short on power. A £59.99 Standard version has no Alert mode and two tags.

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Source: Auto Express

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Foursprung: The Flat Tire Concierge

Change your flat tires with style...

Pinky up while changing your flat low-pros with the Flat Tire Concierge. Inside a compact storage case is a mat for you to kneel on instead of the dirty ground, a pair of rubber protective gloves so as not to mess up your manicure, and a full-size elastic tire tote or “condom” that will slip over any tire up to 31″ in diameter.

$24.95 gets you the Flat Tire Concierge kit. Now you will be able to move and carry that dirty, naughty tire without grime-on-suit-shirt syndrome.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, tires

Source: OhGizmo!

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GPS: Audiovox joins the game

New player in the GPS game but no real new features...

Audiovox is probably best known for its car stereos, but now the company's expanding its line of consumer electronics to include portable navigation systems. The first model to ship will be the Audiovox NVX216, which features a 2.2-inch touch screen, 1GB of flash memory, and full U.S. mapping. The NVX216 has MP3/PMP functionality and a built-in FM modulator, and it will sell for $599. In addition, the company introduced two other models: the NVX226 and the NVX406. The NVX226 ($599) boasts a larger 3.5-inch touch screen and turn-by-turn voice-guided directions, but it doesn't have the multimedia features of the NVX216. The NVX406 ($799) is the flagship model, and it includes a 4GB hard drive and basic MP3/PMP and PDA functions. It also is XM ready. Audiovox has not announced specific release dates but said the units should start shipping sometime in August.
Royal Philips Electronics also said today they will soon begin making in-car navigation systems to compete directly with TomTom. Philips will launch with three devices sometime between September and October; pricing will start at $500.

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Source: CNET

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Telematics: Microsoft wins award

This makes me scared and laughing. Microsoft winning an award in in-car technology. The Microsoft Windows Mobile for Automotive platform was named Best Telematics Solution at the Telematics Detroit 2006 conference and exhibition. It's like DaimlerChrysler, Ford and General Motors winning an award for best interior *LOL*.

Fiat Auto SpA was the first automaker to commercially release systems based on the Windows Mobile for Automotive platform at the Geneva Auto Show in February. The Fiat solution, marketed as Blue&Me, provides hands-free mobile phone support for over 140 models of mobile phones, portable media player integration via Universal Serial Bus and voice-guided navigation. Consumers have the convenience of being able to control their mobile phone and digital music player using either their voice or controls built into the steering wheel. Drivers and passengers can use their voices to receive calls, browse their phone book, or search and play music from their portable music player. The software is easily upgradeable to support future generations of mobile phones and portable devices, designed to allow consumers to enjoy their in-car digital lifestyle as new devices and technologies emerge.

"We are honored to receive the Best Telematics Solution Award for Windows Mobile for Automotive. At Microsoft, our focus is to help motorists stay connected with the people, information and entertainment they want, with enhanced safety features and convenience," said Mark Spain, director of the Automotive Business Unit at Microsoft. "We're delighted with progress we have made, but this is just the beginning. The advances in software and technology are taking us into a new era of rich, personalized in-car experiences unlike anything we've seen before."

"When we decided to work with Microsoft on the Blue&Me project, we knew that it would be a highly successful collaboration," said Giuseppe Bonollo, vice president of Product Portfolio Management at Fiat Auto. "This award represents a clear statement by the industry in favor of standardized platforms on which to develop flexible 'infotainment' solutions like Blue&Me with a short time to market."

"People spend a large amount of time in their vehicles, and telematics is changing part of peoples' lives for the better," said Ven Pedro, event director for Telematics Detroit 2006. "The more the industry matures, the more this technology will filter down from the high end into the mass market and change driving for everyone, forever. The winning companies in the 2006 awards have achieved a lot in the past year and are taking strides to make this future a reality."

For more than a decade, Microsoft has been working collaboratively with the auto industry to deliver in-car infotainment solutions that help drivers and passengers more safely and reliably communicate, navigate and enjoy digital entertainment on the road.
Microsoft's Windows Powered solutions are on the road today enabling advanced communication, navigation and digital entertainment experiences in more than 60 OEM and aftermarket devices from 18 automakers and suppliers, including BMW, Fiat Auto, Volvo, Honda/Acura, Toyota, and DaimlerChrysler. More than 30 electronics suppliers worldwide including Alpine, Pioneer, Clarion and Kenwood are developing next-generation in-car infotainment systems based on Microsoft's in-vehicle technologies.

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Source: Telematics Journal

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Foursprung: 10 year old patent to revolutionize engines

An invention patented ten years ago promises to improve engine's effiency by decreasing emissions.

The Quasiturbine, is a new concept (patented 10 years ago), that promises to revolutionize the internal combustion engine. It is said to make engines more efficient, quieter and much lighter for the same torque and horsepower abilities. It also promises to make for better compressors and pneumatic motors (refrigeration, heat pumps, stirling engines, steam turbines).

The Quasiturbine or Qurbine engine is a pistonless rotary engine using a four-sided rhomboid rotor whose sides are hinged at the vertices. For more details see this explanation of how the Quasiturbine works.

Patents for the Quasiturbine are held by the Saint-Hilaire family of Quebec. As well as an internal combustion engine, the Quasiturbine has been proposed as a possible pump design, and demonstrated as a pneumatic engine using stored compressed air and as a steam engine.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, quasiturbine, combustion engines

Source: Treehugger

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Renault: On-board multi-fuel reformer with fuel-cell

Renault presented an update on its work on fuel-cell vehicles.

Renault is focusing on the development of an on-board multi-fuel reformer to produce the hydrogen to power the fuel cell, thereby sidestepping the current problems with very high-pressure, cryogenic, or materials-based storage, as well as the need for a hydrogen distribution network.

Renault, Nissan and Nuvera Fuel Cells have been working together on this solution since 2002.


The chemical processes of the on-board reformer. Click to enlarge.
The on-board reformer transforms the liquid fuel into reformate, a hydrogen-rich gas that can be used to supply the fuel cell. The process has six distinct stages with five primary systems: a burner, an autothermal reformer (ATR), a high temperature shift (HTS) system, a preferential oxidation system (PROX), and a low temperature shift (LTS) system.

First, the cracking phase breaks down the long hydrocarbon molecule chains into simpler molecules: hydrogen, water, carbon, etc. In the next five stages, the gas is purified until it is ready for use with the 45 kW fuel cell.

The reformate emerges with about 40% H2 and 100 ppm CO, the rest being water, CO2 and nitrogen. At maximum power output, the hydrogen production rate is about 1.4 g/second, according to Renault.

The reformer can run on gasoline, diesel and ethanol, so Renault had to design a special multi-fuel tank for all three. Trenault chose the multi-fuel approach to reduce concerns about the future availability of hydrocarbons. It also means that motorists can choose the cheapest available type of fuel.

When Renault announced its Renault Commitment 2009 in February, it confirmed that the group was preparing a broad range of alternative technologies, of which the fuel cell is just one part.

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Source: Green Car Congress

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Cellphones: The new breathalyzer

You know that you must not drink'n' drive and you should not phone and drive.
But there is another link between drinking, mobile phones and cars.

Could the police one day use cellulars to detect alcohol? According to sibling site Engadget Mobile, the mobile company NTT DoCoMo has developed a cellphone that has a built-in breathalyzer. Originally designed for bus, taxi, and truck drivers, the sensor detects and measures the amount of alcohol present in the driver's breath and transmits the information to their supervisor. It wouldn't be a great leap for the technology to be offered to police or to parents who could verify if their children have been drinking simply by calling them.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, cellphones, breath analyzer

Source: Autoblog

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Bluetooth: New telephony module from Mercedes-Benz

New Bluetooth telephony technology in the cars of Mercedes-Benz.

Mercedes-Benz new telephone module with Bluetooth (SAP-Profile) software offers a new level of freedom for mobile phone users, as it enables a mobile telephone to remain in the user’s jacket pocket or handbag. Once registered, the Bluetooth (SAP-Profile)-compatible mobile telephone is recognized by the new system as soon as it comes within range of the vehicle. Due to the SAP-Profile software (SIM Access Profile), the module automatically accesses the SIM card. In addition, access is also possible to the internal memories of specific mobile phones. This means that the user is not only able to telephone, but can also search for a stored number or read an SMS. All these functions can be safely and user-friendly controlled by the driver via the multifunction steering wheel, the audio system and the central display in the instrument cluster.

High-mileage drivers who use the telephone often know the problem: due to rushing the driver leaves the mobile telephone in the portable CTEL holder and has to desperately search for it later. The solution for this or similar situations is called 'Mercedes-Benz Telephone Module with Bluetooth (SAP-Profile)': This optional accessory from Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH makes mobile telephoning from the car safe and comfortable as never before. The greatest advantage compared to standard solutions is that the mobile telephone can remain in the jacket pocket or handbag. The connection to the vehicle is transmitted completely automatically.

A further advantage: compared to standard Bluetooth solutions without SAP-Profile are the best possible reception and the best audible quality inside the vehicle. Thanks to Bluetooth (SAP-Profile) the new telephone module provides the connection to the GSM network via the exterior antenna of the car telephone. This means that the mobile telephone has no connection to the GSM network, access is automatically deactivated and the unit switches to standby mode.



Ingeniously simple operation

The module has only one button. This activates the 'pairing' process, i.e. the initial connection between the mobile telephone and the module. From then on the connection always functions automatically.

The telephone module with Bluetooth (SAP-Profile) enhances the mobile telephone system in many current Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Because the plug connections are compatible it can be simply plugged into the mobile telephone pre-installation in the centre armrest.

The Mercedes-Benz Telephone Module with Bluetooth (SAP-Profile) is available in two variants from Mercedes-Benz sales partners: as a closed-box system in autonomous design for 373 euros (German price, including VAT), or as a handset with handrest and passive cable-connected receiver for 406 euros (German price, including VAT). Both models are fitted with a Bluetooth (SAP- Profile) and a SIM card reader, and their shape and size have been adapted to the Mercedes-Benz mobile telephone pre-installation with universal interface. The ergonomically designed handset also offers the Privacy Mode, which enables that other passengers do not hear the conversation. The hands-free system is muted in this case. The box can be installed in all Mercedes-Benz models with mobile telephone pre-installation with universal interface (optional equipment code 386, 388).

Currently, Mercedes-Benz has thoroughly tested and recommends Nokia’s 6230, 6230i and 8800 and Siemens S65, SK65, S75 and SL75 as supporting Bluetooth (SAP-Profile)-technology and being fully compatible with the Mercedes-Benz Telephone Module. Further units with Bluetooth SAP technology are under consideration and will be recommended when testing is complete.





Bluetooth technology

Bluetooth is an industrial specification introduced in 1999 for wireless data and voice transmission between communications equipment. These include, for example, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), organizers, mobile telephones, personal computers and printers.

Data is exchanged between Bluetooth devices via 'profiles' which are defined for specific areas of application. When a Bluetooth connection has been installed (pairing) the devices exchange their profiles and determine which specific services they can provide for each of the other partners, and what data or commands they require for this. The identification of the Bluetooth devices between each other is via a worldwide unique 48-bit address.

The name has its origin in Scandinavian history. In the 10th century there ruled a king called Harald Blauzahn who united warring Viking tribes. In a figurative sense, the function of Bluetooth is similar, namely the connection of different communication devices.

Alternative for mobile telephones without Bluetooth (SAP-Profile)-support: the original mobile telephone cradles from Mercedes-Benz

Whoever owns a mobile telephone which does not have the Bluetooth (SAP-Profile)-support can reliably establish the mobile telephone contact to the hands-free system via special mobile telephone cradles. The cradles from Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH are technically and optically custom-designed for Mercedes-Benz vehicle models. They enable operation of the mobile telephone with the multifunction steering wheel, as well as the display of the telephone status on the multifunction display. In addition, these cradles can be used to load the accumulator of the specific mobile telephone in the vehicle. The range on offer is extensive and is continuously updated.



Currently the program includes the original Mercedes-Benz mobile telephone cradles for these mobile telephone models - Nokia 3120, 6020, 6021, 6100, 6210, 6220, 6230, 6230i, 6310, 6310i, 6610, 6610i, 6820, 6822, 7250i, Siemens S65, SP65, SK65, CX65, CXT65, CX65V, CX70, CXT70, CX70V, M75, ME75, CX75, S75 and SonyEricsson T610, T630, K600i, K750i, W800i.

However the vehicle must be fitted with the mobile telephone pre-installation special equipment with interface, or with the optional Mercedes-Benz Mobile Telephone or with the Original Mercedes-Benz Hands-Free System (accessories).

Under www.mb-configurator.net every prospective customer has the opportunity to fit their vehicle according to their individual requirements with original accessories from Mercedes-Benz. These also include custom-designed telematics solutions for navigation, communication and entertainment.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Bluetooth, telephony, Mercedes-Benz

Source: Gizmag

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DMB: STMicroelectronics Drives In-Car Mobile TV Debut

STMicroelectronics’ complete system solution for Mobile TV is used in Europe's first implementation of T-DMB (Terrestrial - Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) receivers in the car. The project was piloted in cooperation with Blaupunkt GmbH during the just finished Soccer World Cup in Germany.

As part of the trial, World Cup matches were be broadcast over DMB in 12 German cities, including Berlin, Munich, and Cologne. DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) is a digital transmission system for sending data, radio, and TV to mobile devices, based on the DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) standard. The T-DMB Mobile TV service uses the existing DAB infrastructure, which is operational in Germany and most other European countries.

onnected to the DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) radio receiver inside the car, the novel T-DMB decoder is based on ST's latest Nomadik mobile multimedia processor, the STn8810. ST's device emerged as a clear choice for the project, thanks to its exceptional video and audio quality, scalable performance, ultra low power consumption, and advanced security features with digital rights management (DRM) support. Moreover, Nomadik's software platform including video and audio codecs (e.g. MPEG4/H264, BSAC, ACC+) brings key advantages for product implementation and reduces time-to-market constraints.

Nomadik's award-winning distributed architecture combines a powerful ARM9 processor with smart accelerators for audio and video decoding and an advanced power management unit on a single chip. The Nomadik SoC also features a rich set of peripheral interfaces for seamless connection to the external components, including the car radio, digital-to-analog converters for top- quality audio and video playback, memory cards (SD/MMC), or USB.

Associated DMB software includes an RDI (Receiver Data Interface) decoder, error detection and correction software, the latest video (MPEG-4/H264) and audio (AAC) codecs, and software blocks for rendering and synchronizing audio and video data.

The in-car Mobile TV solution is part of ST's comprehensive hardware and software platform, ready to address the demand for Multimedia convergence in the car. The platform is centered on ST's Nomadik application processor and benefits from ST's leadership in GPS receiver, radio tuner, and Bluetooth ICs.

To enable fast product customization and industrialization, this platform integrates all software layers, such as Real-Time Operating System board support packages, application specific middleware, and application reference software, and it comes complete with a full set of development tools, including reference designs.

Besides T-DMB, Nomadik can also support the competing DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcasting Handhelds) standard for Mobile TV, positioning ST as a major driving force for the next revolution in Car Infotainment technologies.

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Source: Telematics Journal

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Foursprung: HandiRack Inflatable Roofrack

If your trunk is not enough tis can be your for GBP 50.

This unique product couldn’t be easier to use. Simply pass the straps through the door apertures, clip the two ends together, inflate the bars with the HandiPump and you're ready to strap on your luggage.

The HandiRack's innovative design doesn't affect the door operations in any way. You can still open and shut the doors and operate the windows normally. Suitable for all 4-door vehicles. 2-door vehicles require opening rear windows to allow the straps to pass through the window apertures.

Pack Contents:
- Two HandiRack twin tubes (front and rear), each with 5 metal D ring tie down points.
- One 1000cc high volume double action air pump (HandiPump), also suitable for use with most inflatables.
- Compact, rugged carrying case 18cmx39cmx15cm (6"x15"x5")
- Detailed instruction booklet.

Also included FREE OF CHARGE (Usually £8.99)
- Handystraps for tying your goods to the HandiRack

- Maximum load 80kg
- Complies with ISO/DIS 11154-1E

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, roofrack

Source: LMF Vauxhall

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GPS: Speed camera detector

Check your legal restrictions before using it...

Its pretty easy these days to get a speeding ticket after realizing it too late. Save yourself a whole lot of heartache and undeserved fines with the GPS Speed Camera Detector from Inforad. Place an initial investment of £79.99 and you will receive the device and a whole year of free updates. Subsequent yearly updates cost £24.99 while a lifetime subscription is just £49.99. Plug the device into the cigarrete lighter and you're good to go. This road legal device will alert you whenever there are any nearby fixed cameras or upon entering a speed camera zone. This device works just as well in France, Germany, Benelux, Austria and Switzerland.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, GPS, speed camera detector

Source: Ubergizmo

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VW: Jet-powered Beetle

This New Beetle reminds somehow of "Back to the Future"

ow here's a loophole... (Those of you who thought "Torch My Ride" inappropriate content for TreeHugger may choose to look away here.) Could this jet-powered VW Beetle really qualify for use of the commuter lane as a "hydrid?". The engineer behind the idea, Ron Patrick, used his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford to build a jet engine into the back of a VW Beetle. Preservation of the factory motor up front allows the car to retain "street legal" status (at least until its next inspection is due, when it will presumably have to join the stream of end-of-life vehicles rather prematurely.) Ron muses: "Hmmm, the car has two engines making the car a hybrid so maybe we can drive in the commuter lanes along with the Toyota Priuses." (Before we chastise Doctor Patrick too severely, let's give him credit for developing a slightly more eco friendly jet-powered Vespa, photo below. This TreeHugger, for one, enjoys the absurdity and hopes it will give a kick in the pants to the powers that be to introduce a unified concept for renewable and ecologically friendly powersources.)

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, VW, New Beetle

Source: Treehugger

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iPod: Now of a Mini roof

Here is a complete new way of integration an iPod to a car. Will only work for the Mini...

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Apple, iPod, Mini

Source: Autoblog.it

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Foursprung: The Hydra Spyder Amphibious Vehicle

If driving on land is too boring you should think about the Hydra Spider.

What’s this? A floating Ferrari? Well, not exactly, but the Hydra Spyder by Cool Amphibious Manufacturers International (CAMI) has a 400hp Corvette engine inside that can pull a water skier and seat four people while going very, very fast.
No, this is not that lame Aquacar from years past; this prototype amphibious vehicle can fly both on the water and the road (not in the air, but wouldn’t that be cool), where its retractable wheels quickly move up tight into the seaworthy bodywork when it’s time to do some motorboating. The company is taking orders now for delivery in six months, and the price? Order one for us and find out.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Amphibious Vehicle, Hydra Spyder

Source: Gizmodo

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Volvo: Five-fuel vehicle

Hybrid? Yes, real hybrid...

Volvo will preview a prototype five-fuel Multi-Fuel vehicle at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum 2006, which takes place in Paris, June 8-12. The company is also previewing a new generation Collision Warning System.

The Volvo Multi-Fuel is a new prototype optimized for running on five fuels: bioethanol E85; methane in the form of either natural gas or bio-methane; gasoline; and a 10% Hythane blend (10% hydrogen, 90% natural gas).

The Volvo Multi-Fuel
Hythane refers to hydrogen-CNG mixtures of 20% or less hydrogen by volume; blends of 21% hydrogen by volume or more are called HCNG. Tests with Hythane have shown reductions in NOx emissions compared to pure CNG without affecting vehicle fuel consumption or power.

The Multi-Fuel meets virtually all known emission standards in the world, including the proposed Euro 5, according to Volvo. Running on fuels such as hydrogen, biomethane and bioethanol means negligible net tank-to-wheels contribution of carbon dioxide to the greenhouse effect.

Volvo developed an alternative catalyst system to meet the demands of the PZEV/SULEV rating on the US market. The vehicle has two catalysts, one close-coupled to the engine that lowers initial start emissions, and one under the floor for reduced high-speed emissions. High-temperature materials in the exhaust manifold and turbo allow extremely high exhaust gas temperatures of up to 1,050 °C. This enables the car to run cleaner, accelerate quicker and operate more smoothly at higher speed.

The turbo-charged engine delivers 200hp (149 kW) of power, accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds, and can be started directly on natural gas.

The Multi-Fuel vehicle contains one large and two smaller tanks totalling 98 liters (26 gallons US) for gaseous fuels (hythane, biomethane and CNG), and one 29-liter (8-gallon US) tank for liquid fuels (bioethanol E85 and gasoline).

The small gaseous fuel tanks are made of steel, whereas the large tank has a durable, gas tight aluminium liner, reinforced with high performance carbon-fiber composite and an exterior layer of hardened fiber-glass composite.

The fuel tanks fit under the luggage compartment floor, preserving the loading capacity. Two fuel fillers are used to fill up all five fuel types, one for gaseous and one for liquid fuels. The engine automatically adjusts itself to the right blend of gaseous or liquid fuels. To switch between fuel types, the driver presses a button.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Volvo, hybrids

Source: GreenCarCongress

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GPS: GPS-based avertising by Google

Boon or Bane?

So targeted, it's freaky. Google, everybody's favorite search engine, and Google-owned dMarc Broadcasting, plan to use GPS to hook up Google AdWords customers with GPS-based in-car advertising. What does this mean, exactly? As Eric Schmidt, Google CEO described it, if he needs a pair of pants, not only will his radio remind him of that fact, but it will also instruct him to turn left at the strip mall 500 feet up ahead to visit the clothing store to buy new pants.

In addressing a luncheon of publishing execs, Schmidt wasn't clear on how exactly Google would accomplish this, but he did expect to be able to show the industry something in a year or two.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, GPS, advertising

Source: Autoblog

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Foursprung: Parking on your balcony

Looking for a parking lot? Why not use your balcony?

Underground parking garages can occasionally be pretty dark, dank places and at times it feels like playing the lottery when parking your car. Will it be there in one piece in the morning? Who will be waiting for you in the back seat? etc.

Well a German company called Car Loft has designed and is slated to start construction on an apartment building in Berlin that includes a parking space for your car right on the balcony. Each unit has one of these ‘CarLoggias’ that is accessed by a large industrial elevator which can get your vehicle up or down from your apartment in roughly two minutes. These ‘CarLoggias’ can be customized with large glass windows to show off your ride or can be converted to extra living space if you don’t own a vehicle. (Though why you’d choose to live here I don’t know.)

The units start at about 450,600 euros and will range in size from 2,411 to 5,802 sq. ft.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, parking

Source: OhGizmo!

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Car telephony: True voice activation

The newest in car telephony.

The new TellPhone hands-free car kits offer true voice activation with easy to remember voice commands, such as number and name dialing. True voice activation is the standard of all TellPhone systems and is independent from the mobile phone's own voice tags.

TellPhone systems integrate into the car's audio system, use the latest DSP technology for crystal clear sound and echo cancellation. Both systems accommodate up to 4 different user setups with independent phone and language settings (English, Spanish and French). Each user is automatically recognized when entering the car.

Both systems display all important information, such as Caller ID, phonebook entries, battery status, signal strength, missed and dialed calls, on an easy to read and illuminated LCD. They also download the mobile phone's entire phonebook (up to 10,000 entries) and support multiple phone numbers per contact.

The software of all new TellPhone systems is easily updatable via Bluetooth.

TellPhone 5000 vs. TellPhone 4200

The TellPhone 5000 is clearly the leader in class. It comes with a wireless remote control and a separate high resolution illuminated LCD display; both can be mounted independently at any desired location in the car. The wireless multi-function remote control uses a rotary control to offer easy and fast access to all functions.

The TellPhone 4200 has a combined command and display module, which can be easily mounted almost anywhere in the vehicle to guarantee a convenient and easy use.

Because of the high quality standard held and high quality components used, RAYTEL LLC guarantees all TellPhone 5000 and TellPhone 4200 sold after 07/01/06 with a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Bluetoothcar telephonyvoice activation

Source: Telematics Journal

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DSG: DSG to Replace Autoboxes on VW’s Transverse-Engined Cars

Unique selling proposition? Definitely!

VW’s product chief says the era of the PRNDL is coming to an end for many of the company’s cars. According to The Car Connection, V-dub’s dual-clutch DSG gearbox will replace automatics on cars fitted with transverse-mounted engines (that’s east to west). That means DSG will be as common as the steering wheel in such cars as the VW Rabbit, Audi A3 and Skoda, er, King Wenceslas (or whatever). The company will use the DSG box (aka BorgWarner DualTronic) as a “unique selling proposition” for its cars, giving them a leg up on competitors like BMW, whose similar SMG has been derided by some for its complexity and vague shifting. (Still, we hear BMW’s coming back with a new SMG box that’ll address many points of criticism.) Either way, for enthusiastic drivers who like to give the clutch foot a rest once in a while, it looks like “best of both worlds” may end up being more than just a Van Hagar number.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Audi, VW, DSG

Source: Jalopnik

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Foursprung: Internet helps drivers find a parking space

Looking for a parking lot? Hopefully you have internet access on board.

The internet might finally put an end to the problem of finding a parking space in the city.

Some companies in the US are combining the technology already used in some parking garages with new technology to allow users to access information online.

The potential is that drivers may be able to not just check for available parking in garages and even street parking in some cities, but also reserve spaces on their mobile phone or PDA as they approach a spot.

A Maryland-based company will offer a service in the 30 largest US cities this summer whereby it will call garages on the phone to check availability, and will pass on the information to drivers who call up for the service.

In Oakland, California, the Bay Area Rapid Transit may implement a system so that drivers could reserve spots in parking lots that had sensors embedded in parking spots, while signs on the highway notified drivers which lots were full.

And in a popular area of San Francisco, sensors are already monitoring 250 parking spots and the information they provide may be posted online so that drivers can check for spaces on their mobiles.

The technology will also alleviate the problem of feeding meters with change, as drivers may be able to pay via the internet or by mobile phone.

Meanwhile, SpotScout will offer drivers the chance to share information with each other about parking; when a driver is about to leave a space, he or she can notify other drivers via SpotScout. Even better, it lets members rent out their driveways for a period of time if they're not using them. The service with debut in July.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Internet, parking

Source: Pocket-lint

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Foursprung: The best and cheapest car gadgets upgrades

Here is car-gadgeting for beginners.

What if you can't afford $50K for technology masterpieces such as the Infinit M or Acura RL? Here's some relatively inexpensive technology you can add to the car you have now. These prices assume you do it yourself; otherwise, add $50 to $100 for installation.
Under $3. Get a microfiber polishing cloth to wipe the dust off your LCD display, the face of your instrument panel, portable navigation device, cell phone's face, and sunglasses. Wash the cloth every month or so. Rubbing too hard scratches a plastic surface (captured grit does the scratching, not the cloth), but otherwise this does a miraculous job of de-dusting and de-greasing plastic and glass. You might even get one free if you ask nicely at your optician; otherwise, they're $2 or $3 at a computer store (around $20 for a pack of 10).

Under $10. The StickyPad from HandStands is a tacky pad (like a thin foam pad covered in PostIt stickum) that holds your cell phone, iPod, or other small device more or less in place while you're cornering, though not if it's aggressive cornering. You really shouldn't leave stuff on the dash that's going to slide around, but since you're doing it anyway, this helps. Conversely, add grippy rubberized strips called egrips to the device: either general-purpose strips or cutouts premade for popular cell phones and music players.

For $10, you can get a two- or three-way power adapter for your car's 12-volt power (nee cigarette-lighter) socket, so you can plug in lots of stuff. Also spend $2 for a spare pack of fuses, because odds are you'll plug in too much and blow a fuse.

Under $30. Get a good wired FM modulator (at $25 or $30) for better quality music playback through the car stereo. Disconnect your antenna from the back of the radio, plug in the modulator jack, plug the antenna back in, plug a line-out jack from your player to the modulator, and tune to an unused station. Check out Delphi, Harman Kardon, or Scosche. Sound quality is nearly as good as with other wired connections. Remember, the order of sound quality starting with the best, is a line-in jack, a wired FM modulator, a cassette adapter, a wireless FM modulator, and last, a really cheap wireless FM modulator.

Under $50. There's a thriving marketplace for accessories that let you plug your iPod into the car, charge it, encase it in neoprene or leather, suspend it from a stalk, and so forth--iPod up the wazoo. So many accessories exist because there's demand for the stuff, but also because the profit margins are incredible, so merchants love to stock them. One neat example is the Griffin iStalk. Wait, I made that up. It's actually the Griffin TuneFlex ($35 street, shown above), an iPod Nano connector on top of a flexible stalk with a power adapter plug on the bottom. Plug it into the power socket and twist it so you can see and manipulate your Nano while driving (right off the road, if you're not careful). A line-out jack lets you connect to the few car radios that have a separate line-in jack or an FM modulator or cassette adapter.

Under $60. Check out the Delphi XM Roady2. This satellite radio is tiny and simple to install. You'll be listening to music in less time than it takes the bleeding to stop from the cuts you got opening the blister pack. Sirius also makes a small unit, the visor-mount Sirius One.

Under $100. Get a line-in adapter from Blitzsafe, Soundgate, or PAC Audio for your portable music player. It plugs into the car radio CD-changer jack you don't use; who buys external changers these days? For this price, you can also find iPod line-in adapters that charge, but they don't display the iPod tunes on your radio faceplate. Also under $100 are black boxes for replacement radios that return control of your steering wheel buttons, meaning the buttons that adjusted volume or changed channels/tracks will do that again with your replacement radio.

Under $200. Consider the Harman Kardon drive+play iPod adapter. Despite the control knob that broke off on my first drive+play review unit, and a high-pitched hum (the installer's fault), this device still a treat and works with just about every car. Monster Cable makes a similar device, the Monster iCruze.

Under $250. Think about a new car stereo. If you want satellite radio or an iPod connection, it's probably cheaper to buy a new radio (any brand) for $200 to $250; the iPod adapter will be $100 max (Alpine's is $30), not $200.

Under $300. Backup video or backup sonar lets you see or hear where you're backing up to. Installing one of these systems is not for the casual do-it-yourselfer, though. Even if you know technology, it may be a hassle to run signal cables from the back bumper to your dashboard. You could install a small video display on the dash, but backup cameras make the most sense if you already have a replacement in-dash radio/DVD player with its own LCD (and an auxiliary video input jack).
Soundgate makes a video adapter for some car navigation systems that weren't designed for backup cameras, but the adapter adds about $200. Prices for backup sonar or video range from $100 to $500. Most people prefer video. You can have both; video plus sonar doesn't transmit the same kind of fashion-disaster message as wearing a belt and suspenders.

Under $400. For $600 (scroll down to the next item), you can find where you're going. For less than $400, you can keep going where you're going with a good radar warning receiver, the Valentine One. Yes, they're legal (except in Virginia and DC), but then, this is a nation with a long history of watching for armed authority out and about; think Paul Revere.
Critics say radar detectors let you commit illegal acts such as speeding and antisocial acts such as using more energy than you should. Supporters of radar detectors point out that speeding tickets are more about collecting money than about safety. Excessive speed is an factor in many accidents, but it takes a back seat to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs as the main cause of accidents; and failure to wear seatbelts is the leading cause of death or serious injury.
As a practical matter, radar detectors don't provide blanket immunity from speeding tickets, but they do make the odds better. And they also receive safety alerts; most construction sites now send out signals that are picked up by radar detectors to warn you of congestion and slowdowns ahead.

Under $500. This is the entry point for reasonable portable navigation devices such as the Lowrance iWay 350C ($500 street). These provide most of the functionality of in-car devices that cost $1,500 to $2,000. Look for a touchscreen (which is easier to use than buttons and knobs) and battery portability for pedestrian use; the iWay 350 has both. Also consider upgrading to a new cell phone with GPS navigation capabilities; that's about $10 a month on top of your cellular service. Verizon uses the VZ Navigator service on phones such as the Motorola V325. Also consider the TeleNav GPS Navigator and the Motorola ViaMoto.

Under $1,000. Got kids? Good (or desperate) parents install DVD players in the backs of their cars. Prices used start at $1,000 and could hit $1,500; now you can find decent units for $500 to $1,000.
A single unit in the roof is cheapest and works best for three-row seating; LCDs in the backs of the two front headrests are easier on the driver's sightlines but cost more. No need to buy a dealer-installed unit; it may cost more and have a smaller display (7 inches, versus 9 or 10 inches), and there's no connection to the car other than power, since headsets are the proper way to listen to movies. If that's too rich for your blood, portable DVD players that cost $100 to $500 are fine and can be used in hotel rooms and on airplanes.

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Source: TechnoRide

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GPS: Fastrax iTrax300 OEM GPS receiver

This new GPS receiver will bring us the features also in car navigation systems.

The iTrax300 from Fastrax is based on the superb SiRFstarIII GSC3 and GSC3-LP chipsets. This OEM GPS receiver module targets both industrial navigation systems as well as consumer products such as PDAs, in-car GPS systems, sports accessories, and cellphones. The iTrax300 is diminutive in size, offering fantastic performance even under the most severe of environments. The user has more control over its power management system, making it one of the lowest power consuming, complete 20-channel OEM GPS receivers available currently. More features after the jump.

• iTrax Multiplatform compatible
• SiRFstarIII chipsets (GSC3 and GSC3-LP)
• Tiny form factor – 16.2 mm x 18.8 mm x 2.3 mm
• Low power consumption: 170mW @ 3.0V (GSC3)
• Ultra-High Sensitivity –157 dBm (Tracking)
• NMEA & SiRF binary protocols
• Two serial ports
• 1PPS output
• GPIO available for custom purposes
• WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS support

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Source: Ubergizmo

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Foursprung: Most wanted car technology

We are totally into car gadgets. But is the most wanted car technology? Read here.

Tech features that retain high interest among prospective buyers include rear-parking assist (parking sonar) on larger vehicles, personal assistive services, and remote vehicle diagnostics. Navigation, in comparison, falls off quickly, except among high-end buyers.

Those are some of the results from a presentation given by Larry Wu, Senior Director of Automotive Emerging Technologies at J.D. Power and Associates, at the Telematics Detroit conference held last week. Sponsored by London-based Telematics Update, the conference also touched on why built-in navigation systems need to improve even as their prices go down, and on the announcement by Inrix of its Dust Network, a real-time traffic update service.

J.D. Power's Emerging Technology survey asked prospective buyers what kinds of cars they've considered, what kinds of telematics and driver assist technologies they knew about, what they might want to buy, and—after telling them how much the technology features actually cost—if they were still interested.

Across all car-buying segments, personal assistive services, such as OnStar, and navigation systems were the best-known technologies. There was more initial interest in driver-assistive technologies like parking sonar and lane-departure warning than in telematics features such as navigation, wireless connectivity, personal assistive safety services, and remote vehicle diagnostics.

Among luxury cars (in which new technologies often take hold first, because it's easier to bury $2,500 of technology in a $50,000 vehicle), Wu said the top five features in terms of interest (without buyers knowing the cost) were run-flat tires (83 percent probably or definitely interested), stability control (80 percent), night vision (78 percent), advanced keyless entry (74 percent), and heated and cooled front seats (74 percent).

When buyers knew the likely costs, though, it was a different story. The top five luxury prospects then became stability control (at $300, 79 percent), premium sound ($400, 75 percent), run-flat tires ($600, 60 percent), personal assistive safety features ($10 per month, 59 percent), and HD Radio ($150, 59 percent).

Wu said buyers know about navigation systems, but they balk when learning the cost. Among luxury buyers, initial interest (with no associated price), was 61 percent. But with prices of $900, $1,500, and $2,000, interest levels fell to 35 percent, 29 percent, and 23 percent, respectively. (Most nav systems sell between $1,500 and $2,000). Interest increased by about 15 percentage points across the board when real-time traffic information was bundled at no additional cost. In reality, this would likely be a $5 monthly charge.

In the survey, remote vehicle diagnostics drew a lot of interest. At $200 (a one-time price), interest ranged from 61 percent among full-size and luxury SUV owners down to 39 percent among midsize van owners; the average was 47 percent. This technology had the least falloff in buyer interest after they were told the price. Personal assistive services (such as OnStar) had the least change from segment to segment, ranging from 59 percent interest in luxury cars through 46 percent in midsize pickups.

Blind-spot detection, an emerging technology that warns drivers about to change lanes of nearby out-of-sight cars, has high initial interest (74 percent to 48 percent depending on the type of vehicle), exceptionally high interest among drivers 57 and older (70 percent), and about 40 percent interest at a cost of $400 to $500. (The first U.S. car with BSD, the Audi Q7, charges $500.)

The upshot: Buyers like technology, but they're more interested in $200 and $500 technologies such as remote diagnostics and blind spot detection than in $2,000 options such as navigation and active cruise control.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, car technology

Source: Technoride

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Ferrari: Pen from Montegrappa

A nice and stylish gadgets for those Ferrari lovers of you.

How about a limited-edition Ferrari pen by Montegrappa, available as a fountain pen, rollerball or capped ballpoint?
They’re sterling silver, lacquered in Racing Red or Modena Yellow, or you can go all-out with one in 18-karat yellow gold lacquered in Racing Red. And of course, all are decorated with a hand-made Ferrari prancing horsy, and each pen arrives in a case that looks like the interior of a fine Ferrari automobile. Go ahead, he’s worth it. It’s $1500 for the sterling silver models, and the 18k gold one? Well, it’s going to be a lot more.

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Source: Gizmodo

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Foursprung: ScanGauge II Automotive Computer

You want to know what's going on with your car?

We are geeks. We don’t need some grimy mechanic to plug a computer into our car to simply tell us our blinker fluid is low. Let’s do it ourselves with the ScanGauge II. This device will easily plug into most cars and trucks made after 1996. It can read engine trouble codes, reset the check engine light, display more complex gauges (e.g., fuel economy, battery voltage, coolant temp, etc), display in multiple colors and will have an optional USB interface connection available later this summer for data logging and analysis purposes. The ScanGauge II is available for $170 over at ThinkGeek.

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Source: Gizmodo

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