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.

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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.

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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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