RVs: Go on vacation with your mobile home and bring your roadster , too

Are you a fan of recreational vehicle and want to go on vacation always bringing your own home? That's ok and you don't have to leave your roadster now any more.

Recreational vehicle enthusiasts love to be able to bring their favorite mod cons with them on their annual road trips, so German RV manufacturer Volkner Mobile's idea to develop a motor home capable of storing an entire car in its underbelly is sure to be popular with those that can afford the undoubtedly high pricetag. All it needs is a green paint job, a big number "2" on both sides and you've set up every Thunderbirds fan in the country for a month of restless nights: this pointlessly excessive system definitely makes it the Tracy family's day tripper of choice. The car storage system itself consists of a 5 meter long movable plate that sits between the front and rear wheels, and is short enough to cater for low, roadster type cars.

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Source: Engadget

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Mini: Hybrid-pimp with in-wheel motor

This is a pimp of a Mini that I like.

PML Flightlink and its partner Synergy Innovations recently unveiled an in-wheel, plug-in series hybrid conversion of a MINI at the British Motor Show, the MINI QED. The car, one of two the partners have so far produced, serves as a testbed and demonstrator for technologies the company-which designs and manufactures electric motors, joysticks and drive systems-hopes to commercialize.

The QED currently uses four 750 Nm brushless permanent motors in its wheels, a 21 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack and a 250cc two-cylinder, four-stroke engine as the genset. The QED supports an all-electric range of 200-250 miles and has a total range of about 932 miles (1,500 km). The car accelerates from 0-62 mph in less than 5 seconds.

The QED uses a 350V, 11 Farad ultracapacitor to discharge the high current for acceleration and to accept the regen power back from braking. This protects the batteries from high current spikes.

PML is working on the engine component and may change it in the near future. Emission testing is part of that process.

The driver can specify an all-electric Eco mode in which the engine will not start unless directed by the operator. In the normal operating mode, the engine starts when the battery drops to a 50% state of charge (SOC). A third mode-sport-offers an enhanced performance profile on top of the normal mode.

Anti-skid and traction control capabilities are built into each wheel. The anti-skid function dynamically monitors each wheel to detect the onset of skid onset, and then manages the system to obtain maximum non-skid torque from the wheel in either acceleration or braking modes. Traction control dynamically distributes torque when any wheel is in skid management mode.

An option provides steering wheel feed-forward input to the traction control system, allowing driver in tent and wheel alignment to influence stability and traction. Another option would provide further stability input through attitude, yaw and gyroscopic sensors.

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Source: Green Car Congress

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Hybrids: Paying for themselves in two years?

I like hybrids. But I think that the cars using this technology as still quite expensive. Now there is a study saying that it refinances itself in two years - at least under conditions in the U.S.

A new study by Edmunds.Com finds that some hybrid cars will pay for themselves in 2 years, due to high gas prices and tax credits from the U.S. government on the more fuel efficient vehicles. The cost is even more quickly recovered when hybrids are compared to less efficient cars. Edmunds says the average hybrid car costs $1,200 and $7,000 more than traditional versions of the same vehicles.

The shift is significant because analysts have said that higher sticker prices were constraining hybrid sales. Hybrids currently account for 1 percent of new car sales in the United States. The consumer-focused Web site said that assuming vehicles were driven 15,000 miles per year and gas was priced at $3 per gallon, owners of the Toyota Prius and Ford Motor's Escape Hybrid would break even within three years.

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Source: Treehugger

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Lexus: Self-parkling system tested

The guys over at Gizmodo had the chance to try Lexus' self parking system and write a nice report on it.

Here's how it works.

1. You drive past a parking spot at 12mph or less. The four rear and six front sonar sensors detect the cars, and the gap between them.

2. Putting the car into reverse activates the wide-angle backup camera. There's a little button on the bottom of the screen that looks like a car parking. Hit it. If the spot is more than 6.5 feet longer than the car itself, the car enters Advanced Parking Guidance System mode. This is where the magic happens.

3. Crawl backwards, keeping your foot on the brake. If you touch the gas, or the wheel, the mode shuts itself off. Make sure to stay under 2.5mph, or it'll shut off, too. The wheel, as you can see from the video above, spins itself like its being ghost-driven. The sonar system is constantly measuring distance, beeping with more urgency as you get closer to obstacles.

4. When you're in the spot, the computer will announce that parking is complete.

Read the complete report with a lot more nice illustrations here after watching this nice video:





Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Gizmodo, self-parking

Source: Gizmodo

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GPS: VDO Dayton uses rear view mirror as display

The VDO Dayton MS5700 is the first GPS that comes with a rear view mirrror. It uses this as for displaying... Very nice device.

It boasts a 4" screen at the left hand side that directs you to your destination without allowing your eyes to be taken off the road. You can't fit the MS5700 into any existing rear view mirrors as it works only with the MM2100 mirror that comes with special embedded electronics that are connected to the navigation system's computer. Maps are displayed in a 4:3 ratio and it comes with an integrated speaker as well as an infrared eye that can be controlled via a remote control. Information containing all of Europe's roads is stored on a 8.5GB DVD. Read on after the jump for a list of exhaustive features.

* Pictogram- and Voice Guidance
* Route Criterias
* 9 Languages with 21 Voices
* Dynamic Navigation
* Calculation Alternative Route (automatic, manual)
* Traffic Information (with integrated TMC Receiver)
* 2D/3D Map View / Split Screen
* Colourful Map Presentation with adjustable Scale
* 6 Colour Settings with day / night Switch
* Address Book for min. 200 Entries
* Last Destinations: 20
* Via Points: 25
* Trip Computer
* Speed Dependent Volume Control (SDVC)
* Demo Mode
* Blocking of disc eject possible

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Source: Ubergizmo

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Lexus: Rear collision detection

Lexus comes with a new electronic safety features detecting a coming rear collision as early as possible and inducing measures to reduce impact on passengers to a minimum.

The system uses a rear-facing radar sensor to detect imminent rear collisions, and illuminates a warning lamp for the driver as it measures the position of the front seat passengers' heads and adjusts the position of the vehicle's headrests accordingly to help reduce the risk of whiplash neck injuries.

More information has also trickled out about the front-collision detection technology in the LS, with the automaker stating that the twin front-mounted "stereo" cameras will use infrared illuminators mounted in the headlamps to provide detection and ranging capabilities. Such a system will be capable of detecting pedestrians as well as vehicles, which will give it an advantage over radar-based systems (the Lexus has one of those, too).

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Lexus, safety, rear collision detection

Source: Autoblog

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Fiat: The four-fuel car

The world's first four-fuel car is available - from Fiat.

Are you a big fan of ethanol as fuel? The Fiat Siena's got you covered. Only pressed, distilled dinosaur on the menu when your automobile tank gets hungry? Pull over and tank 'er up, not a problem for your Fiat Siena. Are you getting "fuel envy" listening to your green friend rave about their recent retrofit to use Compressed Natural Gas? Pull your Siena into the queue, you can run on CNG too. Number four, well, its a bit of a stretch being gasahol--a combination of alcohol and gasoline, fuels 1 + 2. The Siena ELX 1.4 Tetrafuel does another trick too: it is smart enough to choose automatically between the various available fuels, optimizing performance and fuel economy. The system is based on a fully integrated system, and is not a "cheat-by-retrofit to grab some headlines" item. The trick is a unique engine control unit (ECU) system which manages the different types of fuel equally well.

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Source: Treehugger

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In-car video: Asiasonic headrest video screens

Here are nice aftermarket video screens from Asiasonic to be installed in your car's headrests.

Asiasonic has shown off its AV7000, an AV system for cars that's installed in the front seats' head rests, viewable only from the back seats (safety first). Supposedly the "most fully equipped system in the world," (yawn) the AV7000 can be configured to run your DVD movies, music CDs and MP3s as well as play games with "3D graphics." Hot dog! The 16:9 widescreen LCDs are perfect for today's widescreen-friendly media, thus keeping your snot-nosed kids quiet for the duration of the road trip.

An AUX terminal lets you hook up external devices to the system and you're also able to hook up a digital TV module so your passengers can enjoy high-quality TV programming. Asiasonic says that the AV7000 can easily be installed in cars from numerous manufacturers.

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Source: Gizmodo

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Warning: Thieves searching for gadgets in car

We don't know what these thieves are using but as you are our adored readers you are unfortunately their target group as well. So hide your car gadgets!

Malaysia's New Straits Times reports that tech-savvy thieves in the district of Petaling Jaya have been using a "special gadget" in order to identify which parked cars have laptops hidden inside of them, with 255 laptops stolen from cars there so far this year. The police, who have not been able to get their hands on one of these mysterious devices, are stumped and are recommending that people carry their laptops with them rather than leave them in their cars. There have been a few (almost certainly) apocryphal tales of thieves using WiFi and Bluetooth to detect the presence of a laptop in a car or home, anyone have any idea what these guys are using?

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Source: Engadget

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GPS: Turn your cellphone into a satnav

Do you want to be navigated by satellite but don't want to have an extra device? Or you can not decide for one of the hundres of GPS devices available? Keep it simple and use your cellphone for your navigational needs.

Navman is launching an all-new mobile phone package, called the Mobile Travel Assist S60 Edition that incorporates GPS navigation and content.
The system comes bundled with software pre-installed on a memory card and a Bluetooth GPS receiver to turn your mobile into a little satnav device.
Its standout feature is NavPix technology, which lets you take image of locations and send them, along with geographical data, to a friend's mobile so that they can navigate easily to the same location.
Unfortunately, this only works if both mobiles have the same NavMan package on their mobiles.
With the Bluetooth GPS receiver, the mobile becomes a tiny satnav, complete with up-to-date traffic and flight information, as well as point of interest data and maps of Western Europe.
The S60 Edition works on all Symbian Series 60 phone, which includes several Nokia models. Two GPS devices are offered, the Navman B10 and B20, and two cards offer a choice of services.

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Source: Pocket-Lint

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DVD: Maplin Car DVD Player

I still did not understand the sense of 2.5 inch displays in your dashboard for watching DVDs but the Maplin Car DVD Player looks nice and the price of £149.99 is ok for a DVD/VCD/MP3/CD/CD-R/CR-RW Compatible device.
Here are the features:

* DVD/VCD/MP3/CD/CD-R/CR-RW Compatible
* AM/FM 2 band radio
* Dolby Digital coaxial outputs
* 4 X 10watt speaker output
* Anti-shock mechanism
* ESP
* Slide-down front panel
* RCA line out
* Subwoofer
* Remote control
* ISO connector
* RDS function

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, DVD, VCD, MP3, CD-R, CD-RW

Source: Ubergizmo

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Electric cars: Myers NmG

Myers Motors has a nice three-wheeled electric car for your green trips.

I completely made that up, and it probably means nothing, but it’s hard to hate on any kind of transportation that has zero emissions. Sure, the required 4 to 8 hour charge will only take you on a sucktastic 30 mile drive (though it tops a decent 70mph), but that should be plenty for anyone that uses their vehicle simply to commute.

We suspect that if you’re willing to go through with plopping down a cool $25,000 for this one-seater, you’re also likely to turn a blind eye (and ear) to the stares and stifled giggles from your bemused co-workers.

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Source: OhGizmo!

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Ford: No more gas cap

If you buy a Ford from 2008 on there might be a surprise for you at the gas station.

Ford has announced their Capless Fuel Filler. Basically meaning that stupid cap that you have to unscrew will be no more. No more forgetting to screw it back in. Their new Capless Fuel Filler eliminates the need for a cap and prevents gas fume escapes. The new filler will be deployed in the 2008 Ford GT and Lincoln MKS with more models to come in the future.

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Source: Gizmodo

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Fuel: Recycle Used Engine Oil into Fuel Oil

Are you tired of high fuel prices? If you have other machines running using oil this may be a solution - and green as well.

Japanese environmental equipment manufacturer Fuji Energy has developed a compact processing device for converting used engine oil or other waste oils into fuel oil. This device mixes used engine oil and type A fuel in a 40-60 ratio, heats it to 60° C and removes solids using a centrifuge. Following this, the oil is passed through a precision filter six or seven times, breaking it down to micron-sized units. When these are emulsified, the result is an alternative fuel for boilers with virtually the same composition as type A fuel oil.

Fuji Energy has already built a large model of the processing device and is testing it at a hot-bath facility in Ehime Prefecture. The device clears exhaust gas regulations, the company says. It can process around 100 liters of oil a day and costs around ¥1,000 (US$8.70) a month to operate.

The compact version—priced at ¥5.5 million (US$48,000)—is 80 x 80 x 130cm and can be installed beside and connected to a type A fuel oil boiler. Fuji Energy aims to ship 50 a year to transportation companies and food factories, using as a selling point the device’s ability to reduce fuel expenses by 30%.

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Source: Treehugger

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Volvo: Sirius Satellite radio now available for several models

Satellite radio comes to Volvo's models in the U.S.

Each Volvo S40, V50, and C70 vehicle factory equipped with SIRIUS Satellite Radio (MSRP $295) will include a six-month subscription.
The All-New Volvo S80, available later in model year 2007, will also offer a factory equipped SIRIUS radio with a six-month subscription.
Packaging and pricing information will be announced at a later date.
"SIRIUS Satellite Radio is the perfect complement to Volvo's respected audio systems featuring Dolby Pro Logic II Surround and Dynaudio. Volvo customers will enjoy depth and breadth of music, sports, news, and entertainment as they have never experienced before in their vehicle. In keeping with Volvo's commitment to safety, SIRIUS also features channels dedicated to weather and traffic updates every four minutes in the top twenty U.S. markets, plus a weather and emergency channel," says Hans Krondahl, Executive Vice President, Marketing, Volvo Cars of North America.
"We are very excited about our relationship with Volvo and the launch of factory installed SIRIUS on the heels of the successful Special Edition S60, which featured SIRIUS as well," said Doug Wilsterman, Senior Vice President and General Manager Automotive OEM for SIRIUS. "We look forward to working closely with Volvo to offer their customers the best in-vehicle entertainment available."

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Source: PR Newswire

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Toys: VW Microbus record player

Vinyl records are nearly as retro as the great old VW Microbus. Here is the perfect retro combination.

Classic tunes just seem to sound better with a little scratch and pop. Without going the full DJ route with mixers and turntables taking up half your room, playing them can be a hassle... until now. This nifty little Japanese wonder will roll around your record and broadcast the sounds of the "road" through a built-in speaker. Flower children rejoice.

Found a snazzy chrome model on eBay for 85 bucks. I wonder how many records you'll be able to play before having to rebuild the motor.

See it in motion here:


Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, VW, Microbus , record player

Source: Autoblog

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Lotus: Bio-fuel research project

Maker of british sports cars Lotus developed the Lotus Exige 265E based on the Exige for research.

Powered by a modified version of the 1.8-liter engine in the standard Lotus Exige S, the Exige 265E is more powerful than its gasoline counterpart, producing 264 hp (197 kW) at 8,000 rpm, and 184 lb-ft (249 Nm) of torque (at 5,500 rpm)-increases of 21% and 16% respectively over the gasoline model.

The 265E can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.88 seconds, 0-100 mph in 9.2 seconds, and has a top speed of 158 mph.

Lotus considered a variety of biofuels for this project including bio-methanol, bio-ethanol and biobutanol. The group finally selected ethanol as the fuel as its characteristics allowed the engineering project team to enhance the engine performance. The pressure-charged engine provides even more opportunity to exploit the performance characteristics of a high-octane fuel. Ethanol has a high octane rating, allowing an optimum timing for engine ignition and has a fast flame speed in the cylinder, so the fuel burns faster, increasing the efficiency of the engine.

"We wanted to prove the point that green sportscars can also be very high performing sportscars. The fact that we have produced a research version of the Exige that is more powerful than the standard road car is a testament to the benefits of going green. We are also pleased that this vehicle demonstrates our engineering capabilities, our understanding of flex fuel vehicles and our knowledge of emerging fuel technologies. It also promotes bio-ethanol as a fuel of choice for the enthusiastic driver as well as the environmentally conscious driver." -Geraint Castleton-White, Head of Powertrain for Lotus Engineering

"Lotus Engineering is actively pursuing technologies that will improve the efficiency and environmentally friendliness of engines in the future. Carbon dioxide reduction is a priority, as is anything that can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. We are one of the world leaders in powertrain engineering especially in the internal combustion sector and we are researching into all areas of alternative and conventional fuels to get greater efficiencies, power, performance and reduce net emissions and Bio Ethanol research is one area where we are expert."

"We have decided to develop a thorough understanding of the techniques and technologies of what alternative fuels can achieve, to produce vehicles that are both fun to drive and environmentally friendly. We are also working, globally, on hybrid and electric vehicles together with governments and universities and as an engineering organization we have a duty and a desire to promote these ideas to a worldwide customer base." -Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive of Group Lotus

The next phase for the vehicle is to upgrade the calibration to a flex-fuel spec to allow use with initially gasoline, followed by the possibility of a multi fuel-flex calibration to use fuels such as bio-methanol and bio-butanol in addition to the conventional gasoline and bio-ethanol. The Lotus Exige 265E is purely a research vehicle for Lotus Engineering and Lotus does not intend to put the car into production or sell aftermarket kits for Lotus Cars.

The engine. The additional power The Exige 265E features a Roots-type supercharger (with a sealed-for-life internal mechanism) and air-to-air intercooler attached to the 4-cylinder, 1.8 liter 2ZZ-GE VVTL-i engine.

A roof scoop ensures that the air-to-air intercooler works as efficiently and effectively as possible in all climates and environments. All charge-air ducting has been kept as short as possible with large diameter pipes making sure that the bends in these ducts are not too tight, to the benefit of throttle response and efficiency. The Roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger is run from the crankshaft, and has an integral bypass valve for part-load operation.

The 2ZZ VVTL-i engine has two cam profiles-a high-speed cam and a low-speed cam. The seamless switch point between these two cams is completely variable depending upon driving conditions and engine load, and the driver will not know which cam is being used at any point. This gives the Lotus Exige 265E a smooth and linear surge of power from idle speeds all the way to the maximum 8500 rpm.

Four enlarged fuel injectors increase fuel flow into the engine under normal operating conditions. Two additional fuel injectors fitted at the supercharger inlet increase the amount of fuel being injected into the engine under higher engine speeds and loads. This has also enabled the engineering project team to take advantage of ethanol's higher cooling effect to further cool the charge air prior to combustion, which in turn reduces the amount of power required to operate the supercharger.

The 265e uses a version of the Lotus T4e Engine Management system programmed to optimize the use of ethanol in the supercharged and intercooled engine.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Lotus

Source: Green Car Congress, pic via RTL NL

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Citroen: Designer garage for C6

Citroen seems wanting to become a full mobility provider. For their new top model C6 is now offered a designer garage - for UKP 112,330. I doubt how many people being able to spent that much money on a garage will be Citroen customers. I would buy an Audi instead.

Constructed out of light transmitting concrete with transparent sliding 'doors' to the sides, which allow the vehicle to enter from either the front or the rear, the building securely encloses the C6 in the traditional sense of a garage, but at the same time allows it to be displayed to the passer-by.

The transparent sliding plates have been constructed of reinforced, environmentally friendly polycarbonate sheets with coloured LCD layers in the sheets allowing for opacity when the car owner switches on the privacy mode.

Reflecting the technical finesse of the Citroën C6, the multi-functional garage not only makes a bold, spatial statement, its tectonic design provides the owner with a useable roof terrace and a unique 'man-made landscape' to adjoin their home.

With credits including the Munich football stadium, the Allianz Arena, to their name, Neutral partners, Tapio Spellman and Christian Grou, conceived the garage as a sculptural design to "envelop and present the C6 in a truly unique and independent environment".

According to Neutral's Christian Grou, the garage "encourages a visual dialogue between the inside and outside, and between the car and its environment as a result of the use of materials of different transparencies."

He adds: "The C6 is a truly individual statement, and one which deserves more than a run of the mill, brick and mortar garage."

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Citroen, C6, garage

Source: Gizmag

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Cellphones: Real-time traffic reports via mobile phone

Big brother is watching you...

IntelliOne Technologies is currently testing 'Need4Speed,' a real-time traffic monitoring system that can gather data by tracking the movements of mobile phone users within their cars. The company is creatively using the phone's constant communication with cell towers to provide up-to-the-second traffic conditions.

According to the company, Need4Speed is more accurate than current systems, refreshing every second and proving to be accurate within 3 miles. When asked about possible privacy issues, IntelliOne states that any personal ID's from the phones are removed from its system.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, cellphones, traffic reports

Source: Autoblog

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Electric cars: The "Evette"

This homebuild electric car makes 200 miles per charge and it looks not too bad. The doors are great and do a little bit more than remind me of the great Lamborghinis. But this is much cheaper. And unfortunately much slower, too.

with a range of 200 miles and a top speed of 60 miles per hour. Like the Wrightspeed, however, a big chunk of the car is nothing but batteries, with twenty-four 12-volt batteries packed into that fiberglass body, which can supposedly be recharged at a cost of just $2 (although they'll have to be replaced every three to five years). While it's a one of a kind wonder for now, the husband and wife duo are currently seeking investors to help them mass produce the car, which they say could go for as little as $25,000 once production ramps up -- although we're guessing they'd probably have to change the name, or face some expenses of another sort.

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Source: Engadget

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In-car PC: Another installation

A PC in a car is no news to us. But this installation of a XPC SN21GS PC in a Mercedes-Benz S-class by Shuttle looks a little bit strange to me. Look at where the keyboard is installed.



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Source: Gizmodo

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Diesel: Biodiesel from algae is most efficient

Algae is the best soruce to make biodiesel as efficient as possible.

An Israeli company Algatech cultivating algae for the cosmetics and neutraceutical market is partnering with US-based GreenFuel to give biodiesel made from algae, a run for its money. According to Israel21c, the two companies will be working towards a common goal: developing cost effective, energy efficient fuel made from micro-algae feeding off of carbon dioxide emissions.

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Source: Treehugger

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GPS: YakuMo EasyGo XSC

What can I wirte on this? It's a GPS device with TV capability.

The YakuMo EasyGo XSC takes a different path with the integrated Nemerix 16-channel GPS chipset and is powered by a Samsung S3C2410A 266 MHz processor. Features include 32MB ROM, 64MB RAM, a SD memory card slot, and a mini-USB connection. You can choose from a n European or France version that will retail for 290 Euros and 220 Euros respectively. The only concern would be using the Nemerix chipset in place of the highly accurate SiRFStar III GPS chipset.

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Source: Ubergizmo

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Hover Creeper: The Amphi Mechanic board (with video)

If you want to repair your car (or install the latest gadgets with under-car-installation) you can do this in the Back-to-the-future way.

A 14-pound creeper that floated on compressed air bladders. Mechanics already have compressed air in their garage for tools, why not take advantage of it? Just plug it in and glide under the car. Once underneath, the mechanic can hit a lever, let the creeper fall to the ground and have stable leverage for more torque, something he couldn't do before. Oh, and the mechanic can still use the compressed air; he just plugs the tools into an air outlet on the creeper. When navigating over the hectic landscape of the garage, he simply floats over cracks, bolts, washers and other debris that would have stopped a wheeled creeper in its tracks. Plus, a tool caddy is built into the creeper body.

See it in motion:


Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Hover Creeper

Source: Davison International

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Scooter: The PSP Vespa

Unfortunately this is not a Vespa with a PSP integrated but nevertheless it shows the passion (we share) for Sony's great mobile console.

You can get this sweet PSP-inspired Vespa for only € 2699 (approx. $3445 US). Sure, that's about $200 more than a regular Vespa, but with its ceramic white goodness, and PSP-infused cuteness, how can you pass up such an awesome deal?

So when will anybody do the real thing and integrate Sony's nice gadget into a Vespa?

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Sony, PSP, Playstation Portable, Scooter, Vespa

Source: PSP Fanboy

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Electric cars: HumanCar's Electric-Assisted Quadcycle

Car or bicycle? I don't know but it looks like real fun.

Bicycling can sure be fun, and are an efficient, clean way to get around, but when it comes to hauling your friends around with you, the traditional two-wheelers come up a bit short. With only one seat, it's tough to safely haul more than just yourself on a bike...until now. Though more of a quadcycle than a bicycle, the HumarCar is a human-powered, electric-motor-assisted, street-legal ride. The prototype, after being tested in "downtown Seattle traffic, raced downhill (faster than the turbo charged camera chase car was willing to go at our secret testing facility)..." plus given the once over by "several groups of 70+ year old folks," has been deemed ready for production and can be had after a quick email and deposit to the folks at HumanCar. Powered by two of the four occupants, assisted by an electric motor and steered by the two riders in the front, we aren't convinced it's the future of transportation, but it's a pretty cool application of technology and a dang interesting concept.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, electric cars

Source: Treehugger

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Mobile Internet: TracNet 100 now online

This one is not explicitely for cars but can be used here as well very nice to be online while driving.

TracNet 100 is an integrated product offering convenient mobile, high-speed access to the same Internet services they depend on in their home or office as they travel throughout the United States by car, boat, or RV.

Using high-speed Verizon Wireless EVDO (Evolution Data Optimized) cellular service, the TracNet 100 provides access to MSN TV Internet services, including MSN Mail, MSN Messenger, web browsing, Internet radio, online games, and more. Conveniently displayed on the video screens and TVs in cars, boats, and RVs, MSN TV offers a convenient access point to the Internet. In addition, KVH's custom web portals for mobile users are directly accessible from the MSN TV home page, providing easy access to information that makes travel more entertaining and convenient.

For those users who depend on applications on laptops or PDAs, the TracNet 100 also turns a vehicle or vessel into a mobile hotspot thanks to integrated WiFi that supports multiple users and devices. This exciting new mobile Internet system arrives at dealers around the country at the same time 57% of consumers say that they want to stay "wired" while traveling on vacation.

"There is a growing demand for mobile access to Internet services, and we are committed to connecting consumers to an array of entertainment, information and communications services," said Sam Klepper, general manager in the Online Services Group at Microsoft. "KVH provides an excellent platform to bring these services and a wide variety of content to mobile users via the integrated Internet solutions offered by the TracNet 100 and MSN TV services."

"Microsoft's MSN TV division and KVH are leaders in their respective fields and bring unique benefits to supporting consumer expectations for fast, easy Internet access. By blending those strengths, our TracNet 100 meets the demand for broadband Internet on the go by taking the experience beyond cell phones and PDAs and making powerful web applications accessible on video and TV screens as well as on WiFi-based mobile devices," says Martin Kits van Heyningen, KVH's president and chief executive officer.

Where available, the system uses the Verizon Wireless EVDO service, which provides data rates ranging from 400-700 Kbps and is capable of reaching up to 2 Mbps - similar to the broadband connections in the home or office. Verizon Wireless offers EVDO coverage in and surrounding more than 180 cities throughout the continental U.S. with new cities being added regularly. In areas where EVDO service is not currently available, TracNet 100 reverts to the more widely fielded 1xRTT service, which delivers speeds of 60-80 Kbps and bursts of up to 144 Kbps.

The TracNet 100 includes the mobile Internet receiver with a 3-port Ethernet router, infrared (IR) wireless remote, wireless keyboard, 12V DC power adapter, and Verizon Wireless EVDO data card. In addition, TracNet 100 also comes with a bundled 3W booster and a platform-specific external cellular antenna to ensure the best performance possible in marginal/low signal areas.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, mobile internet

Source: Telematics Journal, Pic via freelancenews.com

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BMW: Thermal night vision system now available

BMW now offers their thermal night vision system in 5-, 6- and 7-series covering a range of up to 300 metres ahead of the car. That's nearly twice as far as infrared systems of Mercedes-Benz or Lexus.

In using thermal imaging as the basis for the system, BMW engineers have opted for an approach that places greater focus on detecting people and animals at danger. Objects which radiate heat are shown particularly bright and are therefore drawn to the attention of the driver. In urban areas, lighting is usually sufficient for drivers to recognise dangers with the naked eye, but BMW Night Vision is most effective on country roads where pedestrians, cyclists and animals can be detected earlier. The system also has advantages on unlit streets or dark courtyards and poorly lit car parks. Australian accident statistics show that 45 per cent of fatal road accidents occur at night, even though more than two thirds of all driving is done during the day, so the new system addresses a serious issue - driving at night represents a significant potential danger.

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Source: Gizmag

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Car audio: Pimp my heart

Here is something for a very special audience. Actually it is more than just "car audio"...

Introducing the "Pimp My Heart," a system that uses sensors in the steering wheel to gauge your heart beat as you drive and subsequently pump said heart beat through your car's audio system for the ultimate beats. Using his Heart Beat Bass Booster, inventor Takehito Etani offers up "Pimp My Heart" for the "ultimate unity between car and driver."

The concept takes a look at bass thumping, its role as a marker of territory and "psychological armor," and asks some questions. What if the bass sounds are the driver's real-time heart beat instead of beats of music? Does our relationship with the vehicle/driver and the pedestrian change?

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Source: Autoblog

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Intelligent Speed Adaptation: Satellites slam your brakes

Will satellites slow you down in the future?

The Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA) system uses a GPS and mapping system to determine where a vehicle is located and at what speed it's travelling. ISA, which was developed by the Motor Industry Research Association and backed with funds from the U.K. Department for Transport (DfT), was demonstrated last week using a motorcycle. When the driver exceeds the posted speed limit, he or she will receive a two beep warning. Once their speed is 5 mph over the limit, the vehicle seat vibrates as another warning. If the second warning is disregarded, ISA takes over and slows the vehicle until it's at or below the speed limit.

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Source: Autoblog

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The jet-powered go-kart

From the series of jet-powered vehicles comes now the go-kart to be pimped.

This vehicle, unlike Ron's project, actually works. What you've got is a go-kart with a MK101 Solent Gas Turbine Starter that produces 70bhp and 140.1bft torque. From the designers:

"The engine was originally used on the Phantom Fighter aircraft as a self-contained starter unit for the main engines when ground support was not available. It is not designed to operate for more than 40 seconds at any one time, so we had to design elements such as the lubrication, fuel and cooling systems to allow for constant running."

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Source: OhGizmo!

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Safety: Intelligent road systems for Japan

Japan may not be the leader in nice cars but they definitely are in technology. Now they want to use their step-ahead in technology to make to the roads more safe and comfortable.

Japan's National Police Agency is on the ball, however, and hopes to take the currently installed Vehicle Information and Communication System (VICS) to the next level (and make sure that more than 10 percent of the population actually takes advantage of it). The Driving Safety Support System (DSSS) is being developed by the Universal Traffic Management Society of Japan (UTMS), and aside from creating a maze of acronyms to keep track of, it plans on utilizing two-way infrared beacons -- installed about 5.5 meters above the street -- to analyze real-time information about street conditions, hazards, and pedestrians who aren't paying attention. The beacons will reportedly beam the data to your in-car navigation system, and depending on your specific location, will be tailored to address intersections and crossroads that you are actually approaching. Approximately 20 types of subsystems could be installed by 2008, with 5 of these currently being tested -- the beacons are placed in "accident-prone" areas, and are each designed to help prevent a certain type of mishap, be it a rear-end collision, right-turn fender bender, or flattening of an innocent bystander or two.

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Source: Engadget

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Accessories: The motorcycle chair

If you want to fell like being on highway also while watching TV try this chair. It is even much better than watching TV while driving in your car.

With its leather-ish seat padded deep to quiet down that hyper-vibrated ass, the leather-tasseled biker bags hanging on armrest/wheels will make you feel right at home.

That eagle on the seatback is vaguely reminiscent of Harley-Davidson, but not quite the same thing. Even so, it's a great piece of furniture for bikers who have motorcycles on the brain even when they're asleep. Potato-potato-potato sound effects not included. It's £2000, or about $3789.

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Source: Gizmodo

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GPS: The RoyalDigital BS4100 Bluetooth GPS receiver

For wireless navigation with your PDA here is another nice Bluetooth GPS receiver.

The BS4100 is equipped with a low-power consuming Nemerix chipset that enables it to stay on for up to 16 hours at a stretch. Should it run out of juice, you can always plug the USB-type power jack into any available charger, notebook, or desktop. The BS4100 provides you with a cold fix in under 46 seconds, while a warm start will grant you a reading before 5 seconds are up. This GPS receiver measures 79mm x 50mm x 17mm and weighs 68 grams.

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Source: Ubergizmo

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Thermoelectric-Powered Hydrogen Injection System

Increasing combustion efficiency by using electricity generated from waste heat is the final purpose of a project between Hi-Z Technology and Dynamic Fuel Systems.

The waste heat is used to power an on-board electrolysis unit and this again produces hydrogen for supplementary injection into the intake port of an engine to achieve the aim.

The 180-watt thermoelectric generator (TEG) used in the project was the original proof-of-principle generator Hi-Z used for its 1 kW TEG later developed.

The Jetstar hydrogen generation unit normally draws power from the vehicle's electrical system. Use of the TEG generator reduces the parasitic load, further enhancing fuel economy. John Bass of Hi-Z presented the concept in a poster session at the Diesel Engine-Efficiency and Emissions Research Conference (DEER) 2006.

Supplemental hydrogen injection into the intake of engines can improve fuel efficiency while reducing emissions.

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Source: Green Car Congress

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Motorsport: Racing is going green

A dutch company called Formula Zero has a great idea and sets up a new race car class - for fuel cell cars.

Now here's the really clever bit - the intention is to construct a complete portable travelling circus a-la-Formula-One, which can be set up on any flat surface, complete with racetrack, grandstands, hospitality, pits, clean technology power and hydrogen generation and timing facilities. The 600 metre track will include seating for 1500 spectators and the races will be held in conjunction with major motor shows, motor racing events, international political summits, industrial fairs and events such as the Paris Air Show, Goodwood, Festival of speed, and the Michelin Challenge Bibendum. Six races will be held during 2008-09 with university teams competing from across the world. The aim is to start with go-karts on the smaller track and scale-up to full size fuel cell race cars on full race circuits as technology allows over the next decade, all under the auspices of the FIA. Formula Zero is seeking sponsors, host event partners and University teams interested in fielding a car and we think this is a winner.

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Source: Gizmag

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Diesel: Dieselmax hits magic 300mph mark

The fastest Diesel in the world. But not as nice and probably not as reliable as the Audi R10.

While the 308mph reached today does represent the fastest speed ever recorded by a diesel vehicle, the official world record can only be claimed following two successful runs in opposite directions within a specified time limit. This will be attempted next week at the same location in the Utah desert.

Andy Green, overall world land-speed record holder for his efforts in the awesome ThrustSSC nine years ago, was driving today. Following a sticky moment when a safety braking parachute failed to operate, he said: "I was grateful for the exhaust brake. That worked perfectly, and the second 'chute worked fine at a lower deployment speed".

"JCB Dieselmax performed within its capacity of going well over 300 mph and we were not flat out today. The car was pulling like a train and it behaved perfectly with zero wheelspin."

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Source: Pocket-Lint

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Cruizin Cooler: The rideable ice chest

Ever missed a cool drink on your ride? This will never happen any more if you go on your trip with this rideable ice chest.

The Cruizin Cooler gets your around in comfort as you ride on it while stopping by for a pit stop and replenishing yourself with ice-cold drinks. Choose from gas or electric-powered models, depending on your needs. The electric (33 watt) and gas (33cc) models retail for $349 and $449 respectively. They both can hold up to two dozen 12 ounce cans including ice.

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Source: Ubergizmo

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GPS: Cellphone with in-built navigation

The HTC Artemis is a cellphone with an in-built GPS receiver. Nice and handy for driving but I don't know why it is said to be the first one of this kind? How about HP iPAQs hw6xxx series?

No slide-out QWERTY on this one, but it does have a 2-megapixel camera, WiFi, microSD, TI OMAP 850 200MHz CPu, Bluetooth, FM Radio, and 64MB of on-board storage.

Although not as powerful as the HTC TyTN, it is very handy for driving thanks to its built-in GPS. Otherwise, the features are just about the same as an HTC Wizard (T-Mobile MDA, Verizon XV6700) and it doesn't have a QWERTY keyboard.

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Source: Gizmodo

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Scooter: Jet powered Honda

Did you ever think that your scooter is a little bit too slow? This one is definitely not.

We've seen jet-powered wheelchairs and even supermarket carts, but the current king of overkill in regards to horsepower is none other than Ron Patrick -- his rocket-infused Volkswagen Beetle, though deemed "completely street legal" by Ron, sports an extra 1,350 horses thanks to the massive blaster he attached to his ride. Obviously this little endeavor went over so well that he figured strapping dual JFS 100 jet engines onto his wife's Honda Metropolitan scooter would solve her complaints of it "only going 40 miles per hour." Since Ron estimates that one engine alone could get her ride over 60 mph, it's fairly safe to say she should be outrunning commuters (and police, or anybody else for that matter) in no time. Patrick's biggest challenge is compensating for the weight of the actual engines, because at 50 pounds apiece, they put a serious strain on the suspension. He plans to install an "air-start" that utilizes a "carbon fiber tank of compressed air" in order to remove the batteries currently on the vehicle.

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Source: Engadget

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Diesel: Cleaner combustion

To achieve U.S. Super Ultra-Low Emission (SULEV) and Tier II Bin 2 requirements for diesel combustion engines is the aim of a research project on advanced diesel technology.
This might bring diesels in one line with gasoline hybrid and fuel cell powered vehicles in the future of environmentally automotive products.

Started in late 2005, early project focus has been on developing technologies to deliver engine-out exhaust emissions (without NOx aftertreatment) that achieve stringent Tier II Bin 5 emission requirements, delivering NOx levels approximately one-sixth those currently proposed for Euro 5. These technologies include advanced air handling systems, two-stage boosting, advanced exhaust gas recirculation and application of closed-loop cylinder pressure-based engine controls. In parallel, work is being carried out to develop an advanced exhaust aftertreatment system. Combining advanced aftertreatment with engine optimisation will allow demonstration of a system capable of meeting the requirements of US SULEV/Tier II Bin 2, thereby achieving NOx levels less than one-tenth of currently proposed Euro 5 levels.

The engine is being developed with a competitive power rating of 65kW/l to meet U.S. emissions regulations for both sea level and altitude compliance. These advanced diesel technologies will be integrated into a vehicle capable of meeting the lowest current world-wide exhaust emissions standard (SULEV, Tier II Bin 2) without compromising customer appeal, while maintaining significant fuel efficiency advantage over current US equivalent gasoline products.

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Source: all4engineers

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GPS: XPIN MX-430 with DMB and PMP

The next unit from the multi media GPS series is DK EMD's XPIN MX-430

The device features a 4.3-inch LCD touchscreen, running at 480 x 272, and there's a 2GB SD card included. The Windows CE 5.0 device can also act as a USB host, connect with external AV devices and play back DivX files. GPS functionality looks good with a SIRF-III chip and that touchscreen, and there's of course a T-DMB tuner to round out the features set. The XPIN should be out in Korea on August 28th for around 548,000 won, roughly $568 US.

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Source: Engadget

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Computers: Acer Ferrari notebooks receive 802.11n draft

Acer will equip their Ferrari-styled notebooks with Broadcom's Intensi-fi draft 802.11n wireless capability. This is up to 7 times faster then the Wi-Fi standards which are in use today.

Ferrari 1000 notebooks will be the recipients of this 802.11n draft technology. When used in conjunction with Acer's InviLink Nplify accelerated mobile wireless technology, notebook users will be able to handle high-bandwith multimedia content smoothly without any hitches. The 802.11n draft solution could still have some problems from time to time as the final specifications have not been put down in letter yet.

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Source: Ubergizmo

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Mitsubishi: Satellite radio available in all models

Mitsubishi will soon offer satellite radio receivers on their models. Sirius is the satellite radio system they chose.

For the 2007 model year, four models-the Galant RALLIART, Endeavor SE, Raider LS and DuroCross-will either come standard with the receivers or have it as a factory-installed option. Then in 2008 the entire Mitsubishi line in the U.S. will come with Sirius standard or as a factory option. Best of all: the Sirius-equipped vehicles will come with a six-month subscription. Most other vehicle manufacturers include only one or three month free subscriptions before the month fee kicks in.

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Source: Gizmodo

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Mercedes-Benz: Pre-Safe as standard in CL models

German automaker Mercedes-Benz will equip all CL models with their Pre-Safe anticipatory safety system.

Pre-Safe makes use of real-time sensor data to almost instantaneously spot the danger of skidding or heavy braking and then make tiny adjustments that increase crash protection for the driver and passengers.

Using its crystal-ball style foresight, Pre-Safe moves seats to the position for optimal seat belt and airbag deployment, and closes front side windows and sunroof to both guard against occupants being thrown from the car and to strengthen the overall structure of the vehicle.

The optional Pre-Safe braking system applies adequate brake pressure to guard against a collision and is triggered when radar sensors detect a fast approaching object.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Mercedes-Benz, Pre-SafeXXX

Source: Pocket-Lint

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The electric wheel hub motor

If the enginners at Siemens VDO will do well several devices like the drivetrain, steering, shock absorbers and brakes will be integrated directly into the wheels in future cars.

This concept, called eCorner, is claimed by Siemens VDO to be the basis for the ecological "Drive-by-Wire" automobiles which will become a common sight on roads in 15 years. eCorner replaces the conventional wheel suspension with hydraulic shock absorbers, mechanical steering, hydraulic brakes and, above all, conventional internal combustion engines. For car owners, Siemens VDO expects eCorner to translate into improved fuel mileage, more safety and greater convenience. Implementing eCorner would offer automotive designers far greater freedom to create future cars with an electric drivetrain and electronic control.

There are enormous requirements placed on tomorrow's vehicles. In the future, it will be vital to be as thrifty as possible with every drop of crude oil, making it necessary to find alternatives to large conventional internal combustion engines. As a result, Siemens VDO projects the traditional engine architecture will be replaced by electric wheel hub motors, which act directly on the wheels to accelerate the car. The four independently operating wheel hub motors will offer extremely dynamic driving on the future highway. The possible elimination of the internal combustion engines burning gasoline or diesel fuel will reduce emissions and will even satisfy the extremely strict laws being anticipated in the future. The Siemens VDO eCorner will make it possible to develop Drive-by-Wire vehicles on which the drivetrain, steering and brakes provide common support for the driver in critical driving situations, thus helping to avoid potential accidents.

...

With eCorner, a tire containing a sensor (Tire Guard) for monitoring the inflation pressure will be in contact with the road. Even the wheels' suspension of the future will significantly differ from today's design. While complex mechanical wheel suspension systems with oil-pressure spring elements ensure a comfortable ride for the passengers and permanent, reliable contact with the road, electronic circuits will play an increasingly significant role in the future. Within eCorner, electric motors will take over the task of ensuring contact between wheel and road. With this new suspension, hydraulic steering can be eliminated, giving automakers new degrees of freedom. In the future, each individual wheel can be moved to its own specific steering angle. When the speed is reduced, the wheel hub motors act as auxiliary brakes using a generator effect. The energy reclaimed in this manner can be used to charge the vehicle battery. Finally, in addition to the generator brakes, the electronic wedge brakes (EWB) can decelerate each wheel separately with maximum precision and enormous braking power to match the need of the driving situation.

The change-over from internal combustion engines to eCorner wheel hub motor concept will be enhanced by various aspects, for drivers as well as for automobile manufacturers, such as energy efficiency and the associated emissions. Under optimum conditions, a future full hybrid system utilizes approximately 85 percent of the theoretically available energy. Today's gasoline and diesel engines is even less than 50 percent. Wheel hub motors are projected to use up to 96 percent of the provided electrical energy for vehicle propulsion. This will make it much easier for automobile manufacturers to satisfy emission regulations and while simultaneously offering extremely dynamic vehicles with excellent fuel economy. Integration of various vehicle components into the wheels allows further modularization of future cars: Vehicle manufacturers only will require different drive wheel layouts for equipping highly differing vehicle concepts. Moreover, eCorner has the potential to allow a completely new vehicle design, when the large central engine with all its accessory parts and transmission are eliminated. Driver assistance systems using eCorner for support will offer drivers entirely new possibilities. Cars that can virtually park sideways using pivoting wheels or electronic steering aids and controlled acceleration of individual wheels for better vehicle stabilization in hazardous situations. Finally the costs for car owners will also be reduced: Fewer components and elimination of the hydraulic systems will reduce wear and service complexity.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Siemens, VDO, wheels

Source: Gizmag

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Parking: Stack your cars in your garage

You got too much cars to park in your garage? You need a car lift like this.

Well Denver based Harding Steel, the company behind those metal frameworks you see in large cities that allows stacks of vehicles to be parked in a limited space also has an option for the suburban crowd.

The Car-Lift can be installed in virtually any garage with enough vertical clearance and allows you to drive one car in, raise it almost to the roof and then pull your second car in underneath the first. It's powered by a 110V power pack that plugs into any wall outlet and is rated to safely lift and store up to 12,000 pounds.

The Car Lift is available in 4 sizes, a wide and narrow tall version and a wide and narrow short version but I have no idea how much any of these will set you back.

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Source: OhGizmo!

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World's Most Efficient Delivery Vehicle

UPS is known for logistics. And they want to get known better so they unveiled "the most fuel-efficient and cost effective delivery vehicle in the world", equipped with hydraulic hybrid propulsion system.

According to the EPA, the hydraulic hybrid technology can increase fuel efficiency by 60-70% in urban use and lowers greenhouse gas emissions by 40% compared to UPS's conventional diesel delivery trucks. The system was developed in concert with leading automotive engineering firm, FEV Engine Technology, Inc. (FEV).

FEV worked with the EPA to design, simulate and analyze the hydraulic systems and components, and fabricated the power train system and components that are used to store energy, in contrast to electric motors and batteries used in electric hybrid vehicles. Results of testing and analysis show that this technology has the potential to save more than 1,000 gallons of fuel each year in delivery and other service vehicle applications.

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Source: Treehugger

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Accessories: The Maybach Smoker's Set

Smoke with style. If you think that a Maybach is stylish.

Dunhill's Maybach Smoker's Set comes complete with a leather-trimmed travel humidor, lighter and cigar cutter capable of being operated with one hand (because that makes trimming your cigar and driving at the same time safe, of course). Though if you have a Maybach, chances are you don't want the snipped-off end tumbling down into one of those cramped niches where French fries end up in the kinds of cars the rest of us drive, so that idea may be a non-starter.

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Source: Autoblog

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iPod: Ferrari as an iPod holder

Is this red italian sports car a gadget itself? We don't know. But it is probably the most expensive iPod holder in the world. It is a special Ferrari build for an US citizen from Hollywood.

He had Ferrari build a whole new car for him based off of it. His main reason for tweaking the million dollar car was that he thought it was fugly compared to the Italian classics in his garage. Jalop-shop and Giz discovered, from photos found at Supercars.net, that one of his main alterations was to gut the spartan interior and load it up with what looks like a touchscreen and an iPod Nano.

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Source: Gizmodo

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GPS: L-Vision 520

After some time with fewer GPS devices we are back in flooding the market with these units. The L-Vision 520 comes with TV capability.

The L-Vision 520 uses Compact Flash cards as its storage medium of choice, supporting up to 2GB of storage. Features include voice guidance and the option to view maps in either 2D or 3D. The L-Vision 520 comes with software that allows you to navigate via address, nearby location, name, category, or intersection. Even the Points of Interests can be customized and saved for later use. The inclusion of a TV encoder in PAL/NTSC lets you catch up on your favorite TV shows anywhere and everywhere you go.

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Source: Ubergizmo

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Safety: Black-box for your car

What is standard for aeroplanes for years comes now to your car.

Also known as Event Data Recorders, these devices record information from a vehicle's various sensors during a crash - everything from airbag performance to the angle of the steering wheel to the speed of the vehicle is retained. Though an estimated 90 percent of new vehicles are shipped with the devices, each manufacturer uses their own hardware, software and file formats.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will rule on a universal format for Event Data Recorders in the next 30 days, according to Automotive News. While not going so far as to make EDRs mandatory in every new vehicle, the ruling will create a standard format for data collected by EDRs across many different vehicles. The Society of Automotive Engineers has been given the task to come up with the universal format.

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Source: Autoblog

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Parking: The car turntable

If you like parking as much as I do this is the perfect gadget for you and your car. The turntable turns your car around in your driveway so you're always ready to drive out comfortably.

Then you can drive straight in, and the next morning, drive straight out. This might be perfect for someone on a busy street who has trouble backing out into traffic. Plus, it only needs a pit that's just four to five inches deep to install it.

The vehicle turntable might be popular for car dealers, or exhibitors at car shows. Or, just think of it, if you want to be a real hotdog and show off your car to the neighbors, put some really bright lights on it and rotate that Bugatti Veyron all day and night. "Steal Me Now" sign not included. No word on pricing, but this can't be cheap.

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Source: Gizmodo

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Police: Getting fully-integrated cars

Our authorities are becoming more equipped well and modern with their cars.

Dorset Police has worked with BMW to design the UK's first fully integrated police cars. A state-of-the-art in-car mobile data system allows officers to control vital crime-detection aids via a touch screen and central CPU.

That means the old bill can consolidate applications such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition, speed detection, video capture, satnav and vehicle data recording in one interface. Crucially, it's also future proof, with biometric facial recognition and fingerprint scanners under consideration as and when the need arises, and it can also be adapted by other forces to suit their particular requirements.

The system will be installed initially into a BMW 530d, a BMW X5, a Ford Mondeo ST220 and a Ford Focus.

Paul Chick, Dorset Police business project manager, said: "As officers will be able to access the Dorset Police force-wide system inside, and outside, of their police vehicle, this mobile data system will save both time and manpower. It has the potential to increase the amount of time an officer will spend out of a station and on patrol, thereby ensuring that members of the public are aware of an even more highly visible police presence".

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Source: Pocket-Lint

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Porsche: Completely plated with gold

If a Porsche is not expensive enough for you just let it be plated it with gold - completely.

Visualis, which is situated in Pforzheim, commissioned an artist to gild a Porsche Boxster in 22 carat beaten gold last year and now comes the news that the Gold Boxter will be followed by a limited edition model and nine further Porsches will be plated. All the major components, from the control elements such as the steering wheel and door knobs to the car body and alloy rims, are all gold plated, making the two seater extraordinarily expensive, and a price that Visualis has not yet disclosed. Nine further Porsche Models will undergo the same, unique refinement process to continue the creative project. Visualis' Petra Koehler reports that "curious people are already anxious to know who are going to be the owners of these magnificent automobiles."

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Source: Gizmag

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Eco: New EGR reduces emissions

A new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler with a bypass channel to reduce incomplete combustion and the resulting emissions of hydrocarbons and soot comes from Japan.

NOx forms primarily due to the presence of oxygen and high temperatures. By recirculating exhaust gas back into the cylinders, EGR lowers the heat of combustion and thereby reduces NOx. EGR coolers further lower the temperature of the exhaust gas before recirculation, thereby achieving an even greater reduction in NOx.

However, the constant use of cooled exhaust gas results in the engine taking longer to reach optimal combustion temperatures. Incomplete combustion-and the associated emissions-can result during that period.

Tokyo Radiator's new EGR cooler has a built-in bypass channel to send exhaust gases directly back to the combustion chambers when the engine temperature is low. Sensors calculate the engine temperature from the temperature of the radiator coolant, and a pressure valve opens the bypass channel whenever the temperature is below a set value. This helps the engine warm faster, reducing the time for incomplete combustion.

The company plans to mass-produce the new EGR cooler starting this fall. GM reportedly plans to use the device in passenger cars for Europe next year.

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Source: Green Car Congress

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Computers: ASUS Lamborghini notebook computers introduced at 2006 Concorso Italiano

The friends from The German Car Blog report on new Lamborghini-style notebook computers becoming available in the U.S.

The ASUS-Lamborghini notebook VX1 will be introduced at the 2006 Concorso Italiano.

"ASUS Computer International, a leading provider of high quality notebooks worldwide, will announce the availability of the ASUS-Lamborghini VX1 notebook in the US at the 2006 Concorso Italiano "Celebration of Italian Style," on August 18th. ASUS CEO, Ivan Ho, and Lamborghini CEO and President, Stephan Winkelmann, will unveil the ASUS-Lamborghini VX1 during a press announcement at 10:00 AM at the Automobili Lamborghini tent. ASUS will showcase the notebook at both the ASUS and Lamborghini tents and will have a drawing open to the public for a new ASUS-Lamborghini VX1 notebook.

The result of a comprehensive partnership between ASUS, Automobili Lamborghini, and Intel(R), the notebook will be the first in a series of officially licensed products. The ASUS-Lamborghini VX1 successfully captures the spirit of the cars whose name it bears with design details and special mirror painting finish suggestive of Lamborghini's fine automobiles. The product was designed from the beginning to be, like its Lamborghini namesake, in a category by itself. "The ASUS-Lamborghini VX1 backs up its Lamborghini- inspired design with top performance, unbeatable features, and rock-solid ASUS quality. It is a stunning notebook worthy of the Lamborghini name," says Stephan Winkelmann, CEO and President of Automobili Lamborghini (and current owner of an ASUS-Lamborghini VX1)."

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Source: The German Car Blog

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Sirius: Satellite Video capability

Here is an interesting... hmmm.. what is it? A rumor? Read yourself this thoughts from Gizmodo.

In a conference call today, Sirius CEO Mel Karmazin has a hell of a quote that is getting me all excited in my underroos.

"We are close to signing deals to offer the best video programming for kids as part of our OEM offering in the second half of the year"

Whaaaa? Sirius video! He may have said that it is only going to be kids programming, but that is just the baby step. I just wonder if the small antenna used for satellite radio will still be able to handle streaming video. Everyone knows that Dora the Explorer is a streaming whore. We'll keep you posted as more details arrive, but Sirius has been running their mouth about providing video for quite some time now so who knows how SIRIUS they are about it.

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Source: Gizmodo

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Formula One: Controller for your Playstation

You always wanted to be a Formula 1 race driver? Now you can be. All you need is a Sony Playstation (that should be available in every household anyway) and this Playstation controller. Yes, the picture is related to this article.

The photo above is a 1:1 scale replica of the Ferrari that Schumi races to such good effect. The car is modelled after the Ferrari he campaigned during the 2004 season, albeit with 2005 wing upgrades. Top Gear points out that it is incredibly authentic, including air jacks that lift the car during pit stop tire changes, and single-nut race wheels. Sadly, the engine bay is bereft of horses, Prancing or otherwise.

The ultimate Playstation accessory rings up at a cool £29,995 (that’s nearly $57,000 USD to you, Yankee), but if you’ve got an occasion you’d like to see it parked at in the UK, you can rent it by the day.

I think for this price they can include a recing game and even the console in the package...

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Source: Winding Road

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Car wash: Wash your car the green way powered by the sun

Wash your car the green way the solar powered car wash.

Valley Car Wash in Van Nuys will make So Cal autos sparkle using solar power. The owners get a 42% rebate from Southern California Gas Company on the $677,00 cost of installation, and will save in the long run with the photovoltaic supplementation to their grid power.

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Source: Treehugger

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SUV: Equipped with remote-controlled shot guns

After "don't drink&drive" here comes "don't drive&shoot". Because you could with this special equipped SUV. No wonder whya the world is in such a condition that people think of having use for such "gadgets".

If you think vehicle-mounted weapons are cool in video games, wait until you check them out in real life. Observe the HAMMER Remotely-Operated Weapons System for Robotic and Manned Vehicles, which is available for use in both manned and unmanned (remote-controlled) ground vehicles as well as unmanned air combat vehicles. The company says the system, which is comprised of two 12-gauge shotguns mounted on a turret system, is ready for applications such as peacekeeping (oh, the irony), urban warfare and law enforcement right out of the box.

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Source: Autoblog

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BMW: Your car pays for your parking

BMW and Munich Technical University developed a system for your comfort when parking with your 7-series.

The technology allows drivers using multi-storey car parks to drive directly to the exit and simply confirm the parking charge on the on board monitor.

The 7 Series prototype employs a development of existing technology combined with a wireless payment system.

The system registers both the time of entry and the time at the point of departure from the car park, and calculates the fee.

The benefit to drivers is no longer having to queue to pay at the ticket machine and seamless billing for parking.

Unfortunately I think the parking fee will not be paid by the car's manufacturer but you can calculate a business case on this based on higher parking fees by lost parking tickets that you never ever have any more.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, BMW, parking

Source: AutoWeb, pic via slowtrav.com

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Bluetooth: Hands-free kit Blue Ant SuperTooth II

Although its name sounds more like an alien or a weapon this Bluetooth-based hands-free kit might be interesting for you for it's easy installation and mobility.

Blue Ant is now shipping the SuperTooth II, a hands-free speakerphone that you snap onto your car's sun visor using a magnetic clip. It's got a lithium-ion battery that the company says will give you 20 hours of talk time 800 hours of standby. Another key spec is its full duplex capability, allowing you to talk and hear someone talking to you at the same time.

What better place to put a hands-free cellphone than your car's visor? It's right there near your mouth. Plus you can quickly take the SuperTooth out of one car and snap it into another, or take it with you to prevent theft. Available now, it's $86.

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Source: Gizmodo

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iPod: Your car central information hub

We naturally expect an iPod to be integrated into a car. Now also the pure iPod medias recognize that this might be nice. So iLounge has a very nice and detailed market overview for iPod-to-car-integrators.

Ranging in price from $10 to $3000, dozens of car integration solutions are now available for iPod owners. iLounge’s iPod Your Car Central Information Hub lists three types of iPod-to-car accessories: official solutions sold by car manufacturers and aftermarket integrated solutions sold by third-parties both require professional installation and create premium-quality audio connections between your iPod and car speakers. Additional products called aftermarket non-integrated solutions require no professional installation and cost much less, but generally offer lower-quality audio.

Read the full overview here.

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Source: iLounge

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GPS: The Tibo Z3000

Missed a new GPS in the past days? Here is the latest flagship from Korean manufacturer Tibo.

The Z3000 is powered by the Windows CD.Net Core Operating System and runs on the Samsung S3C2410 processor. The inclusion of an SD memory card slot should be adequate for all your mapping requirements. Features include a lovely 7" widescreen LCD display with a brightness of 350cd/m2. The inclusion of a built-in DMB module also enables you to watch your favorite TV shows wherever you are without missing a beat. More features are available after the jump. • Instructions with voice guidance
• Route searched by: Address/intersection, points of interest, address book, previous destination
• Path analysis using: Optimized, local road, highway driving simulation
• Driving guidance: Turn-by-turn guide at cross street, distance information to cross street (for direction change) and to highway entrance and exit, total distance and driving distance information speed limit information guide
• Scalable display (zoom function) 2D, 2.5D and split-screen rendering
• Area information search while driving
• Data storage of driving path and/or preferred path data saving

• Instructions with voice guidance
• Route searched by: Address/intersection, points of interest, address book, previous destination
• Path analysis using: Optimized, local road, highway driving simulation
• Driving guidance: Turn-by-turn guide at cross street, distance information to cross street (for direction change) and to highway entrance and exit, total distance and driving distance information speed limit information guide
• Scalable display (zoom function) 2D, 2.5D and split-screen rendering
• Area information search while driving
• Data storage of driving path and/or preferred path data saving

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Source: Ubergizmo

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Don't drink'n drive: The Alcowatch breathalyzer

Not to be built in your car but to be used before drive your car after a nice diner or party.

A&A Products has quite a few other alcohol testers, as well as your typical selection of cheap DAPs and underwater radios, but its Alcowatch offers a convenient way to keep tabs on your BAC and make sure you're home by curfew. The timepiece sports a digital clock readout, date function, a "temperature alarm," and of course, a blood alcohol tester that detects your level of intoxication from .02 - 1.5% BAC. While the watch may seem like a party-goer's must-have accessory, the design is relatively atrocious, and should probably be avoided by anyone actually looking for (positive) attention while out on the town -- unless, of course, it was mandated by your local authorities based on past offenses.

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Source: Engadget

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Your Next Car's Gas Gauge

Treehugger shows your car's next gas gauge. Having a look at this and having a look at the price tables at the next gas station they are presumably right.


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Source: Treehugger

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Car washing: Home system in 2020?

According to a vision at Jalopnik in 2020 you don't have to drive to a car wash for professional care for your car.

A group of designers came up with the prototype drought-busting wash system -- which uses only a gallon of water in the form of steam and water vapor to cleanse cars -- for the Motor Industry Research Association, commissioned by Ebay.

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Source: Jalopnik

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Satellite Radio: Find parking lot by XM Radio

For all of you lost in cities looking for a parking lot XM Satellite Radio might help you out its ParkingLink system - if you drive in the right city.

Built in a joint venture with Quixote Transportation Technologies and Standard Parking, the system will utilize GPS and a series of wireless sensors embedded in parking garages and pay lots around the US to transmit data on the number and location of open spots to drivers' in-car displays.

Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. will be the first to get the system, starting later this year. By the second half of 2007, XM hopes to expand the system to other major markets. Soon after that the sight of people driving aimlessly around parking lots may be a thing of the past.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, satellite radio, XM, parking

Source: Autoblog

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Accessories: Bugatti-style watch

Are you looking for a watch fitting in style to your Bugatti? Check out the Stratosphere watch.

The Stratosphere watch is LP Italy's coolest watch. It has a neat three-dimensional shape with a Swiss movement, a stainless steel curved case and a sapphire crystal. The watch has a sleek curved design that reminds me of the Parmigiani Fleurier Bugatti 370 but at a much cheaper price and with far many more options. The Stratosphere watch comes in both men's and women's designs and a variety of styles such as a dual face, a double time zone face, diamond accented bezels and the "Competizione" watch; the official time piece for the Risi Competzione Ferrari F430GT. The ladies version starts at $1,295 and selected styles are for sale online at Tourneau.

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Source: Luxist

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VW: Golf and Jetta leading in car safety

Safety should not really be a gadget, but it is an important feature. Our friends from The German Car Blog know that Volkswagen is doing well in this area.

VW is leading the field when it comes to safety with several models, earning them a "Top Safety Pick-Silver" by the IIHS.
Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today that the four-door 2006 Rabbit has been named a “Top Safety Pick-Silver” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the latest in a series of accolades for the exceptional safety designed into Volkswagen models. Earlier this year, the IIHS named the 2006 Jetta a “Top Safety Pick-Silver.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also recognized the safety and performance for the 2006 and 2007 four-door Volkswagen Rabbit, Jetta, and Passat, giving them all four stars for driver and passenger frontal crash protection. The Rabbit and Jetta earned five stars for driver and rear passenger side crash protection and the Passat earned five stars for the driver and four stars for the rear passenger side crash protection.

The 2006 Passat carries a “ Top Safety Pick-Silver” designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and earned the top performance rating in both the front and side impact tests conducted by the Institute.

“Safety is implicit in Volkswagen engineering,” said Adrian Hallmark, executive vice president, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “Our philosophy is to bring the most effective active and passive safety technology to the widest range of models, at a moderate price.”

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Source: The German Car Blog

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Rearview mirror: One for all

After the GPS are already full-featured now rearview mirror are the next devices to be pimped with any functionality possible. When will it be able to play videos while the view to your original rear view is too boring?

It has a Bluetooth receiver, digital audio player-with playback from SD memory or USB devices-FM tuner, phone controls and an auxiliary port. It plays back music through your in-car stereo and is powered by a 12VDC cigarette lighter, so there will be some unfortunate cable management issues.

The Shining Elite VM-5602 just received FCC approval so it should be hitting the market stateside, soon.

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Source: Gizmodo

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Study: Two-thirds of gadget owners use them in their vehicle

Harris Interactive has an interesting report on our target group that says that we are on the right way...

According to the most recent wave of the Harris Interactive AutoTECHCAST(SM) study, 65 percent of adult vehicle owners who indicate that they own an MP3/iPod player state that they use some type of adapter to use their player while driving their vehicle. The rate of vehicle integration of this technology is highest for 25 to 44 year olds (72%).
Among all adult automobile owners, ownership of MP3/iPod players is about one in 10 (12%) and use in their vehicles varies considerably by age. MP3/iPod ownership is substantially higher (31%) among 18 to 24 years olds, and not surprisingly, ownership rates decrease consistently among older respondents, as low as five percent among those aged 55 and over.
These are some of the results from the latest wave of the Harris Interactive AutoTECHCAST, a bi-annual survey of adult vehicle owners in the United States. AutoTECHCAST provides in-depth U.S. consumer trends on 60 advanced automotive technologies, and this most recent wave includes a detailed section on MP3/iPod audio system interfaces. This wave of the study was conducted online between May 15 and June 2, 2006 among 12,857 U.S. adults ages 18 and over who own or lease a vehicle, have a valid driver's license, have at least one household vehicle and own a listed U.S. model dated 2001 or newer.
"Vehicle owners 25 to 44 years of age are most likely to use their MP3 or iPod player in their vehicle," states Bryan Krulikowski, Senior Director of the Harris Interactive Automotive & Transportation (ATR) Research Practice. "This means that vehicle manufacturers need to pay specific attention to the types of vehicles these buyers are interested in and equip the audio systems accordingly. While new technologies and features typically trickle-down from luxury vehicles to mass-market vehicles, MP3 integration may become a 'trickle-up' feature given its young user base."

The future of MP3/iPod vehicle integration
Looking forward, over half (52%) of consumers who own or use an MP3/iPod player in their vehicle, and 14 percent of all adult vehicle owners, indicate that they are extremely or very likely to consider purchasing MP3/iPod Audio System Interface technology for their next vehicle. However, the technologies most readily available today for integrating MP3 players into the vehicle -- such as FM-Modulators and Cassette Adapters -- are the least preferred by these respondents. Instead, those interested in considering this technology for their next vehicle prefer to integrate their MP3/iPod player through an auxiliary jack located on the stereo head unit (39%) or through either Bluetooth (23%) or Firewire/USB connections (19%).
"The evolution of portable music devices-as well as car audio systems-has resulted in an expectation for excellent sound reproduction that consumers want replicated in their vehicle," states Krulikowski.
"Unfortunately, today's integration techniques may be a step behind what consumers truly desire as they do not always provide the quality of sound or convenience desired by consumers."

The trade-off of full control versus convenience
Overall, among those who say they are likely to consider an MP3/iPod Audio System Interface, only a small difference exists between those indicating a preference to manage the audio directly through the player so that no functionality is lost (44%) or those who are willing to give up some functionality in order to gain the convenience of managing the audio directly through the car stereo head unit (39%). However, among those who currently own an MP3/iPod player, maintaining full functionality of the unit is important, as 56 percent of these respondents indicate a preference to manage the audio directly through the player.
"The level of control that a driver has over the portable audio device is more than a convenience versus functionality issue," states Krulikowski. "Vehicle manufacturers need to consider the impact that player control has on driver distractions and balance this safety aspect with the ability to adequately use the device in the vehicle."

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Source: PR Newswire

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Prediction: Future car innovations

Cars.com predicts the future of automotive features. And so what we will read here in some time...

Advanced Flexible Fuel Systems
In addition to widely available hydrogen-powered cars and clean diesel cars, Cars.com envisions a car that could run on all types of fuel interchangeably. You could have one car that could run on gas, diesel, hydrogen, E85 and electric power. Your mileage would increase and you could use whatever fuel was cheapest -- or available. Research into hydrogen fuel cells has been in the works for years, and there are already cars that can run on E85 and gas, as well as hybrids that can run on gas and battery power. Now we just need to figure out how to combine all the technologies into one car.

Active Tires
Airless tires would be great, but wouldn't it be even cooler to have tires made from some sort of synthetic compound that could change to handle different road conditions with the push of a button? One set of tires could take you from summer to winter or, better yet, handle an unexpected rainstorm.

True Autopilot
In some ways, we're still far from the cars most of us thought we'd be driving by now. True autopilot -- where the navigation system guides the car to its destination while the driver sits back and relaxes -- is a huge, futuristic step in the right direction. Whether through an extension of GPS or with the aid of magnets in the road, research into this technology is already under way.
Down the Road (Coming in 3-5 years)

Lane Changer Warning
Time frame: Three years
Cars would monitor traffic in adjacent lanes to let the driver know when it's safe to change lanes. The 2007 Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90 already offer similar technology on a limited basis.

Camless Engines
Time frame: Three years
Like the human body, engines demand airflow based on workload. A complex array of tubes, valves and camshafts facilitates this process, but it has nowhere near the flexibility of our lungs. Camless technology bridges the gap, better controlling the amount of air that's drawn into the engine. The result: More power, less pollution and better mileage. The 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class will likely be one of the first cars to have this gas-saving technology.

Self-Repairing, Self-Cleaning Paint
Time frame: Three years
Imagine paint that can better resist and repair minor scratches and withstand marks from things like greasy fingers and tree sap. Nissan has already developed a topcoat made from an elastic resin that prevents some scratches -- unfortunately it only lasts three years.

Navigation Systems With Real-Time Traffic Information
Time frame: Three years
All cars with navigation systems would be able to integrate real-time traffic data in order to alert drivers to road construction issues or traffic snarls while providing alternate routes. Similar systems are already available on handheld devices and in some luxury cars, like the Acura RL and Cadillac CTS.

Self-Parking Cars
Time frame: Four years
Self-parking cars would utilize a system that parks a car with either minimal or no help from the driver. Toyota introduced a system in Japan in which the driver keeps his foot on the brake while the car parallel parks itself. BMW recently created a version the driver can operate from outside the car for squeezing into those tight garage spots.

Electric Window Tinting
Time frame: Five years
Electric window tinting could take windows or a moonroof from clear to tinted to even opaque with the push of a button. Maybach already offers a panoramic glass roof that can be switched from opaque to transparent, but not many of us can afford a Maybach.

Around the Corner (Here now, or within 2 years)

Keyless Entry and Ignition
Time frame: One year
A number of cars already offer keyless entry and ignition, but their use isn't widespread. Combine that with biotechnology access (like the fingerprint scanners at grocery stores and on some laptop computers) and the key chain is on the road to obsolescence.

Adaptive Brake Lights
Time frame: Two years
Adaptive brake lights get brighter or larger depending on how hard the brake pedal is depressed, telling the driver behind you how quickly you are stopping. Mercedes-Benz has already experimented with adaptive braking on a limited number of U.S. models, but safety regulations prohibit wide implementation.

Computer Center
Time frame: Two years
Computers used for the operation of your car have been around for some time, but this is a master in-dash computer that can manage navigation, phones, email, CDs, a PDA and every other new techno-gadget we come up with. Some Chrysler models are slated to have a system called MyGig with Bluetooth capability and a built-in hard drive that can rip CDs like your home computer.

Collision Mitigation Systems
Time frame: Two years
Already available on the Acura RL, collision mitigation systems prepare the car for an accident when one is deemed unavoidable. Brakes are applied and seat belts are tightened to prevent injury.

Automotive Black Box
Time frame: Two years
Airplanes have the ability to record trip details, so why not cars? An automotive black box could be invaluable in an accident, keep tabs on a new driver, help frequent speeders monitor their miles-per-hour -- or it could be a big invasion of privacy. Reports indicate that two-thirds of models built by General Motors and Ford already have data recorders, but accessing the information isn't easy.

Economy Mode
Time frame: Two years
If drivers can't change their driving behavior to increase gas mileage, cars may do it for them. In economy mode, a car turns off non-essential systems, turns down the A/C and even engages cruise control to conserve fuel. The 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid features an economy mode that limits A/C use, and several models (such as the Honda Odyssey) can deactivate cylinders depending on driver demand.

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Source: PR Newswire, picture from carnews.com

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Visors: The Shade

Looking for something against the heat? Have a look at The Shade, a quick retractable auto shade. It is very simple, but effective...

The Shade requires careful installation, but thereafter takes only a second to put up or roll away. This makes one much more likely to use it regularly, resulting in fewer surprises when those clouds vanish midday. It is well built, sturdy, and reliable. The retraction mechanism on my original unit is as strong and smooth as on a new one; I know, because I've bought eight more of these shades over the years for friends and family. The glue for the mounting brackets is strong stuff, my right-hand brackets fell off this summer, but that was after six years of New Mexico sun. Replacement brackets were $5, and my Shade is now remounted and ready for another six years.

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Source: Kevin Kelly

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Sony Ericsson: HCB-700 hands-free car kit

Sony Ericsson comes with a hands-free car kit for your mobile phone. I am sure it is fine - if you own a Sony Ericsson phone like I do. Usually the car kits of the telephone makers of course support the official Bluetooth standards but nevertheless they are working best with their own phones.

This Sony Ericsson hands-free bluetooth unit fits into your car to provide quick visual access to your phone without fumbling for it while you're driving. The HCB-700 consists of two pieces, one screen that mounts at eye level so you can see what's going on, and a second knob-like device that can be used to hang up, mute, or make calls. Turning the knob will scroll through your phone's address book and display the results on the screen for easy viewing.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Sony Ericsson, Bluetooth, hands-free, car kit

Source: Gizmodo

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PC Case Mod: Like your car's wheels

I know mentioned it (sometimes) but I still prefer Apple's design for the case of my Mac. So this one is for those of you who are even more into cars like into Macs.

Unique, beautiful, stylish and done very nicely. This mod is the work of Micke Gustafsson. His original idea housed all of the computer components inside the rim and looked like a traditional case. After finishing the mod he was somewhat disappointed and decided to scrap it and start over. His final mod looks nothing like a computer. From the front, no computer components are visible. He used an EPIA mini ITX motherboard and pico power supply to make sure everything stays hidden nicely. Hit the link for the full worklog complete with pictures.

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Source: Gizmodo

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Service: Never loose track of your car's service again - with your mobile phone

Do you sometimes (or always) forget to let your car be maintained?
Let your mobile phone remind you.

That solution is a new service, devised by Advance Auto Parts in collaboration with mFoundry, that keeps track of your vehicle's maintenance schedule and can remind you, say, if your oil is due for a change after the Advance Auto Parts recommended interval of 90 days. The service, available to web-enabled users of Sprint, Nextel and Cingular phones, has a range of other auto-related features from how-to articles on vehicle repair to business locators and driving directions.

The service would entail a $2.99 monthly service charge, billed directly to the mobile phone user's invoice. The how-to information is stored directly on the mobile phone, in an effort to avoid eating up excessive minutes by downloading the necessary files.

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Source: Autoblog

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Apple: Steven Wozniak to drive hydrogen Hummer to South Pole

I think that that Apple and Audi fit much better together than Apple and Hummer. But the co-founder of our favourite computer company seems to prefer a Hummer for his next adventure. Woz, try a Q7!

Steve Wozniak, the always adventurous co-founder of Apple, announced he will take an expedition next year to the South Pole riding in a Hummer H1 powered by hydrogen fuel cells.

Eric J. Savitz of Barron's online followed up after the speech:

Woz explained that he was participating in an expedition planned for December 2007 in which a group will drive Hummers running on hydrogen powered fuel cells from McMurdo Station to the South Pole. Woz said his particular vehicle would be co-piloted by Buzz Aldrin, who walked on the moon in 1969. The expedition is to be filmed in 3D for the director James Cameorn. Woz said that the group has received important advice on the project from the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, which has been running some hydrogen fuel-cell powered

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Source: The Cult of Mac

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Bluetooth: Headset reflecting 'Body and Form' philosophy

If standard design is not enough for your Bluetooth headset you should Plantronics give a try,

The Plantronics Discovery 655 expands on the innovative design of previous Discovery headsets, featuring a new, fashionable look and comfortable ergonomic fit that complements the contours and lines of the human face. Weighing only 9 grams, the Discovery 655 also employs digital signal processing (DSP) to actively reduce background noise for crystal-clear conversations. The Discovery 655 includes a unique AAA charging pocket that provides up to 10 hours of talk time and a headset storage jacket with a vibrate ring indicator to offer a convenient way to charge, store and transport the headset. The headset also comes with a mini-USB adapter to charge from a PC or mobile phone power supply.

To give consumers more headset options, Plantronics also introduced the Discovery 640E, which reflects the design of the original Discovery 640 product and comes with fewer charging adapters at a reduced price. Meant for personal and professional use, the Discovery 655 and Discover 640E were designed with the tech-savvy, fashion-conscious consumer in mind.

Plantronics today also announced three new products under the Explorer headset line, aimed at first-time Bluetooth users. The new Explorer 330 reflects classic styling that fuses the freedom of wireless mobility with effortless call control. The Explorer 330 headset is easy to use and incorporates all call features — volume, answer/end call, last-number redial, and voice-activated dialing — into one single button.

The new Plantronics Explorer 340 and Explorer 350 feature new aggressive styling and multiple colors to provide consumers with more design options. For those customers needing a more flexible way to keep their headset charged, the Explorer 350 provides convenient in-car accessories for charging and stowing.

Plantronics executives also announced details behind the company's evolving industrial design philosophy, driven by the ever-present challenge that Plantronics has addressed in bringing new products to market: how to combine superior sound technology with the fashion standards of apparel, jewelry or eyewear. This delicate and complex challenge is unique to headsets, as they represent the only technology device that people actually wear on their faces.

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Source: Telematics Journal

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GPS: Navigate in Porsche design

You know that that Porsche does not just build nice sports cars but many things from our every-day-life hold the logo of the company on it for its design. New in this line of Porsche designed items is the P9611 GPS from Navigon. Does also fit to other brands...

The Porsche designers have teamed up with software makers Navigon and put together the P9611, a device that would be at home inside any exotic automobile. It has a 480x272 screen and it's running Navigon Mobile Navigator 6 software on an Intel XScale 520MHz processor.

From what we can gather from the rough translation, the device will cost around 749, or around $955 and will be shipping in October. So you'll pay dearly for such swank design. But just look at it. Heck, that logo alone is probably worth a couple of hundred bucks.

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Source: Gizmodo

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Bluetooth: Hands-free car-kit from Mistral

Mistral Software offers a new highly-versatile, Bluetooth-based, Hands-free Car Kit (HFCK). It is based on the company's Analog Devices Blackfin Car Telematics Platform.

The HFCK is built on Mistral's Analog Devices Blackfin processor, which offers twin-benefits of digital signal processing (DSP) and microprocessor functionality. The company says the device is equipped to meet key requirements of wireless telephony and driver safety in today's automotive environment.

HFCK promises to offer users complete hands-free operation to make or receive calls on GSM mobile phones, either via wired GSM handset, embedded GSM, or Bluetooth interface. The device also offers audio streaming over Bluetooth, to play encoded audio data (MP3, AAC, WMA) coming from sources such as a handheld jukebox.

The HFCK is claimed to integrate the latest voice processing algorithms AEC/NR, thereby delivering superior quality speech in noisy automotive environments.

Some other features of the device include: speech recognition (American English) for command/control; voice dialling; intuitive voice guidance with text-to-speech; handset address book synchronization with Bluetooth handset; automatic creation of voice transcripts (SI) for name dialling from phone address book; automatic call answer after preset number of rings; streaming audio playback from Bluetooth source device; and hardware volume control.

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Source: Techtree.com

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Conversrion Kit: Make your car run on ethanol

Are you tired of high fuel cost? So why not run on ethanol?
If you want to do so but you don't want to buy one of the new flex-fuel vehicles you can try the E-85 Ethanol FlexTek Adaptor Kit for gasoline fueled cars from XCel Plus.

According to the comany, once installed on a vehicle, this kit will allow the engine to operate on E-85 Ethanol or unleaded gasoline at the flip of a switch. The kit includes protection for the engine, plus a FlexTek Engine Adaptor. According to their website, the cost of the kit ranges from $500 to $700. The kit has already been used for years in Brazil. See this interview with Flextek CEO Bill Smith.

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Source: Treehugger

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GM: First hybrid trucks

I think this is al little bit funny. GM brings the first trucks with hybrid drive. But this looks to me more than the try to ride on the wave of a trend because there should be a lot of other ways to reduce the fuel consumption of these automotive monsters.

GM will reportedly roll out its first hybrid trucks-versions of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra-for its Fall 2007 launch.

Our beloved greasemonkey brethren at Jalopnik tell us the techo-goodness inside is called dual-mode hybrid, where GM and their buddies at BMW and DaimlerChrysler have figured out how to hook up two separate connections into the hybrid system and shoehorn all that into the standard-sized transmission case. One of those connections is for low-speed, high load-type operations, and another for high-speed, freeway-type, lighter load-type operations. Bottom line? 25% better fuel economy, and 365hp.

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Source: Gizmodo

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GPS: The CyberDrive NMD 35

From Germany - the land of premium cars - comes this new portable satellite navgation device.

This device comes with complete multimedia support that enables MPEG 4 movie playback, MP3 and WAV audio playback, as well as the ability to view photos on it. An SD/MMC memory card slot allows you to carry your media with you, while the integrated speakers offer some pretty decent performance. The CyberDrive NMD 35 has voice-guided navigation and ships with 64MB of RAM.

Available from this winter on for $370.

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Source: Ubergizmo

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iPod: More integration from GM, Ford and Mazda

Ford, Mazda and GM want to have a little piece of the cake of Apple's success and offering more iPod integration.

Apple has inked a deal with three major car manufacturers today to make it a bit easier to connect the iPod into car stereos. Apple has come to agreement with Ford, GM and Mazda to see that 70-percent of their 2007 model vehicles will offer some way of connecting iPods directly. The iPod integration seems to be as simple as a dock connection in the glove compartment. iPod control and navigation will be done through the already existing stereo controls. GM has already announced pricing regarding this issue. As early as October they will offer the iPod audio connection for $160 plus labor.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Apple, iPod, Ford, GM, General Motors, Mazda

Source: Gizmodo

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Formula for the perfect road trip with kids

Are you looking for the perfect gadget to make a perfect road trip with kids? Well, unfortunately we don't have one but the colleagues over at pocket-lint.co.uk have a formula for this.

Y= M ((C1)3 + (C2)2 + C3)
_________________________

100(1+ 2B + 3A)


Devised by a well travelled management consultant with two sets of
twins, the formula, created by educational toy maker LeapFrog combines key travel factors, personal experience and expertise to equate the following:

Y = the perfect road trip this summer

M = the total miles to be driven

C1 = the total number of children aged 0-3

C2= the total number of children aged 4-6

C3= the total number of children aged 7-11

B = the number of planned breaks, over and above the RAC recommended amount

A = the number of planned activities

The different journey values can be found below, opening the eyes of parents across the UK to the types of journeys many will face.


Should have stayed at home

30+

A bumpy ride

20 - 30

Are we there yet?

6 - 20

Plain Cruising

3 - 6

We're all going on a summer holiday....

0 - 3

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Source: Pocket-lint, picture via The Blue Blog Archives

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DIY: A very special after market A/C

Are you looking for an after market air condition system? Some people have some ideas on this that make me think that they really need something to cool down.

AudiWorld forum member KompMan420 captured this unique (*ahem*) aftermarket air conditioning setup on a General Motors pickup of mid-90’s origin while out cruising in the Florida heat.

Bask in the cool, temperature-controlled glory that is the owner’s carefully bent doorskin sheet metal mounting system, as well as the bespoke matching electrical tape around the window frame.

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Source: Winding Road

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The Karputer: Windows in your car again

Another Intel-PC for your car running MS Windows XP. But the good thing with it are the connectivity features. I am not sure if the Wi-Fi capability makes sense for the car.

The Karputer brings the power of a Windows XP PC to the car, complete with an integtrated satellite navigation system, WiFi connectivity, and Bluetooth capability. You can control the Karputer via several input methods, including the touchscreen or the wireless mouse and keyboard. In addition, the Karputer is able to run other normal PC tasks such as playing DVDs, MP3s, as well as games. The ICEPAC2 unit is small enough to be installed into any vehicle and uses a 7" XGA motorised touchscreen LCD screen for its display. It is powered by a 1GHz processor, and will cost anywhere from £1,689 for the barebones version to £2,000 for the whole works.

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Source: Ubergizmo

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Seagate: The Hard Disk Car

Until know I only knew Seagate as a manufacturer of hard disks. Now they seem to enhance their core competence to pimping cars.

Hard-drive manufacturer Seagate tricked out this particular model with a total of 60GB of hard drive storage space. In addition to an Xbox incorporating is own 20 gig drive, the xB is fitted with a separate 40GB hard drive, a car PC running Windows XP, a wireless Internet connection (via EV-DO), a 7-inch touch screen, two headrest screens, and an HD plasma monitor for gaming.



Four screens, including a 23-inch plasma, demand plenty of juice, so the xB's engine has to be kept running to power all the gadgets. As the car is essentially a wireless Internet hub, thanks to a Verizon EV-DO connection, gamers can play Xbox Live online while riding in the backseats.



The xB's 40GB of storage is used for digital music video and photo libraries, GPS navigation maps, office applications, and Web browsing. According to Seagate, the EE25 hard drives designed for auto installation are more robust than those found in notebooks or desktop computers and are able to withstand greater extremes of hot and cold temperatures. A USB port below the head unit allows drivers to upload media files while on the move.



To show off the capabilities of its hard drive-enabled Scion, Seagate partnered with in-car software provider Streetdeck. Via the touch screen, users can use Streetdeck's applications to access music picture and video files stored on the hard drive. There is also an interface for GPS navigation (with maps of the United States stored on the drive rather than on a DVD), and for other Web-based programs, such as Google weather and Google Points of Interest Service.

GPS Update service, music uploads, video capabilites and web browsing are further features of this nice pimp. So it has more or lesse everything - more or less. Because it can not play standard DVDs.

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Source: C.NET

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Website: Automotive X Prize

There is a new website running, designed to break our oil dependence and the climate change that results from burning that oil, and so hopefully keeping our passion for cars by making them greener.

The Automotive X PRIZE will invite teams from around the world to focus on a single goal: design, build and sell super-efficient cars that people want to buy. The first site is devoted to provide background information and resources on the competition; the second site is a blog that hopes to use fair, honest and expert communication to voice the realities of the global automotive industry as well as challenge current market assumptions on their way to sponsoring and promoting the competition's winners. The specific rules are still in development, so until the competition launches, head over there and learn a thing or two about what might be the next big thing in automobiles.

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Source: Treehugger

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Seat cooler: One for the hot times

Here is one for the hot times we had these days. Just the complement to a seat heating.

Smarthome is offering this 12-Volt Cooling Car Summer Seat for $50-that's $10 off its normal price-and it's said to provide almost instant relief during those unfortunate times when you feel like you've suddenly sat upon a smoking griddle.

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Source: Gizmodo

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Formula 1: Now on the road - with the Hulme SuperCar

Are you dreaming of being a Formula One pilot? So if you don't have to dream of being rich because you already are maybe the racing dream can become true - with this car.

Conceived as a Formula One car for the road, and named after famous Kiwi racing driver Denny Hulme, the Supercars NZ Hulme is a new contender in the UKP300,000 plus European exotica category. Unveiled to the local New Zealand media in mid 2005, the company had its initial European tour-de-force over the last few weeks at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the ultra-exclusive Salon Prive. The Hulme SuperCar is powered by a BMW M5 V8 producing 550brake horses running through a six speed sequential gearbox, and weighs in at the curb with all bodily fluids topped up at a very slim 1175 kilograms. The body is a carbon fibre shell and will be produced in limited quantities of up to 30 a year in the Koeniggseg and Pagani category of high end exotica.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, Formula One, F1, Hulme, SuperCar

Source: Gizmag

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GPS: Garmin Zumo for motorcycles

Sometimes I think I should rename this blog to 'FourGPS'. GPS devices in all forms are rushing into the market. Here comes Garmin with their Zumo, another GPS for motorcycles.

this unit features built-in Bluetooth for streaming spoken directions directly to a compatible helmet. Though not quite as stylish as the Rider, the upcoming Zumo does offer a few innovative features not found on other models, including the ability to calculate how much fuel you have left for automatically re-routing you to the nearest gas station when you start running on fumes. You can also listen to MP3s stored on a memory card and set the unit to act as a datalogger, letting you download route history information to a PC for perusing at your leisure with Google Earth. Sources say that the Zumo will be available for purchase sometime in October, but prepare to spend around $1,000 if you want to take one of these out on the open road.

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Source: Engadget

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Bluetooth: Start your car with Connect2Car

Connect2Car's MFC can start your car's engine, roll down its windows, or activate any other electric auto part by bluetooth. The MFC interfaces with a phone, PDA, or laptop over an encrypted connection. The little black box controls 8 devices.

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Source: Gizmodo

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BMW: Mobile phone portal

BMW open a brand portal for users of mobile devices: www.bmw.mobi.

This mobile portal offers product information on all BMW models. Additionally, users can download for free a large selection of background pictures, ring tones and videos. Further services which will include a technique encyclopedia or a mobile dealer search are to be included in the near future according to BMW.

Although www.bmw.mobi is currently available only in two languages (German and English), gradually, locally adapted language versions in the international BMW markets will follow.

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Source: Carscoop

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PC: Infill G4 in-car PC

Another in-car PC comes from Infill. Although its name "G4" might make the impression that there is a PowerPC-based Mac inside (like those wonderful PowerBook G4, PowerMac G4 and iBook G4) unfortunately it's again such a Windows-based device running XP Home featuring a 1.5 GHz C7 processor.

Other components under the hood includes 512MB of RAM, a 40GB hard drive, and a built-in FM tuner. You navigate via the 6.5" TFT touchscreen display. The G4 boasts HD audio codecs and DVD playback capability, ensuring the kids behind won't be bored on long road trips. You can control the G4 via your steering wheel as well. This integrated in-car entertainment system even has DMB capabilities, GPS navigation courtesy of the SiRFStar III chipset, and a rear view camera.

Available for $2000.

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Source: Ubergizmo

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Electric vehicles: Now also for armed forces

We know that electric vehicles are a trend. And it seems that even the armed forces want to be trendy by electric military vehicles.

Swedish BAE Systems subsidiary Hagglunds AP revealed its electric military vehicle at the recent Eurosatory military equipment exhibition in Paris. The SEP (Spitterskyddad Enhets Platform) Modular Armoured Tactical System uses an electric transmission system and a host of interchangeable mission modules.


Using an electrical transmission system means better fuel efficiency, reduced life-cycle costs, and reduced environmental impact for the vehicle. It also makes the vehicle stealthier, because the batteries are integrated into the electric drive system. This allows the vehicle to run on its silent battery with the engines shut off, for several hours. The vehicle also leaves lower thermal, visual, and radar signatures, allowing it to creep up on a target with less chance of detection.


The electric drive and electric gearbox add a flexibility to the vehicle not seen in traditional diesel-powered military vehicles. In the 6x6 wheeled rig Hagglunds tested, drivers can control each wheel individually. This unique capability allows the vehicle to pivot its axis, making for quicker, sharper turns. An 8X8 version is under development and should be completed by the end of the 2006.

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Source: Technoride

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XM radio: Portable receiver from Pioneer

Pioneer comes with a great way to bring XM radio to your car. The Inno is a XM satellite radio receiver with the size of an iPod and features a capture button that lets you record the current song, an MP3 player, compact battery power and an integrated antenna.

As with other removable satellite-radio receivers for the car, you slip the Inno in its cradle and tune your car radio to line-in or an unused FM station, and you've got music. What's magical about the Inno is that when you hear a song you like, pressing the middle button of the rocker pad three times records the whole song. You also can record a music stream.


Thanks to an always-recording onboard memory cache, the Inno can capture back to the beginning of the song, even if you request a recording after it starts. Unlike some earlier recording satellite-radio receivers, the Inno knows to stop at the end of the song and doesn't lose music from volatile RAM when you power off or switch channels. You can then categorize your music or create a playlist.

The Inno has 1GB of onboard memory, split equally between the satellite-radio cache and an MP3 player: It'll hold about 25 hours of captured XM music and 8 hours of MP3 or WMA files (satellite radio is more compressed than 128-Kbps MP3). You can also reset the cache divider to hold only XM recordings; just be warned that you'll lose all your previously recorded music if you do so. 4GB would have been more useful, but with flash memory at $50 a gigabyte, that would have pushed the Inno's already steep $400 list price well over $500.

The color 1.7-inch display reorients itself from vertical to horizontal when it's in the docking module. We found the default use of stylized logos for each XM channel made the display hard to read in daylight. Also, the buttons on the included remote were a bit small. On the plus side: In case you plug into a 12-volt outlet that's always on, a setup option lets you time out XM after 60 or 180 minutes of no activity, so you won't run down the battery. The Inno also streams stock quotes and sports scores.

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Source: Technoride

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Hydrogen: Germany to equip the capital with hydrogen buses

Germany is innovative in car engineering. So seems to be their capital city. Berlin is going to have 20% of their public transportation fleet switched to hydrogen buses by 2009. That's a total of 250.

Berlin already has 14 hydrogen buses and 2 hydrogen refueling stations as part of the European HyFLEET:CUTE project. "The rapidly rising cost of diesel fuel is reducing the cost gap with hydrogen. Four years ago, the BVG was paying approximately €0.68 per liter (US$3.20 per gallon). Today, the price has increased to €0.94 (US$4.44 per gallon) and is expected to increase to €1.20 per liter (US$5.68) by the end of the decade."

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Source: Treehugger

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Lexus: IS 350 with more gadgets

Lexus is doing well with gadgets. The new IS 350 has lots of them directly from the factory:

In-dash navigation system with rearview backup camera, heated and ventilated seats, SmartAccess key that unlocks the doors and enables the starter button when you get close, radar assisted cruise control, Bluetooth, and iPod connectivity.

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Source: Gizmodo

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Z.CAR: The hydrogen city car

Watch this new innovative car concept with hydrogen engine:

The Z.CAR is a three-wheeled two-seat city car by prolific Iraki designer Zaha Hadid and it's one of the most interesting new designs we have seen in a while, using the hinged rear suspension to facilitate a variable (speed adjusted) wheelbase so the car can be better at both country and city driving. In town, the drive-by-wire Z.CAR sits more upright to offer the driver a better view in traffic and to make parking easier - a shortened wheelbase requires less space. At higher speeds the pod lowers around 10 degrees, on the hinged rear suspension, lengthening the wheelbase for greater high speed stability, moving the car's centre of gravity closer to the road for better handling and tilting the teardrop shape backwards for lower frontal area and improved aerodynamics. The lightweight carbon-fibre composite Z.CAR is hydrogen powered by design, but "there is a functional prototype in development with a British manufacturer, with the fruits expected to be unveiled within 7-12 months" according to inside sources. We think the Z.CAR is ready for prime-time, but not in hydrogen format - there are alternatives but let's hope a path to market is negotiated because this vehicle promises much. The projected price of the Z.CAR is said to be approximately UKP35,000 (US$65,000).

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Source: Gizmag

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GPS: Pavion KPM 4300 portable navigation system

The next device from the "one GPS a day series". And again with multi media capability. Why don't they bring a pure GPS for the cars that are packed with other multi media equipment anyway?

Pavion's KPM 4300 portable navigation system comes in a compact package and features a 4.3" TFT wide LCD that is more than sufficient to display your games, animation, videos, digital audio, and an image viewer. The KPM 4300 is powered by a 1400mA/h lithium battery and runs on a 32-bit ARM9 core ATLAS 200MHz RISC processor. One drawback would be the lack of a touchscreen, given the generous real estate. Other accessories that come along with the bundle includes a remote control, an SD memory card and reader, a car cradle, a power adapter, a car charger, and an optional external GPS antenna.

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Source: Ubergizmo

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JVC: DivX in your car

I don't know when I will have the chance to watch DivX videos while driving as I am driving alone most of the time. But to know that I could...

JVC just announced the September release of the KV-DV50, an in-car DVD player that's also able to play discs filled with Divx videos, MP3s and WMAs. It can be plugged into the cigarette lighter socket, so actually integrating it into a car's AV system shouldn't be too difficult. In addition to playing back store-bought DVDs, the KV-DV50 will also play back all the common burnable DVD formats, including DVD+R/RW and DVD-R/RW; dual layer DVDs don't appear to be supported, however.

JVC's KV-DV50 is expected to be release in Japan this September for around $250.

Related news: Foursprung, P4MR, DivX, video, WMA, MP3, DVD

Source: Gizmodo

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Safety: Inflatable male road buddy

Are you scared of road rage? If you hate to drive alone here is a perfect buddy for you - especially if you don't like to chat while driving.

Sheilas' Wheels, a car insurance company in the U.K., is offering the 'Buddy on Demand' blow-up doll that will inflate at the touch of a button when required. Having an extra silhouette in the vehicle, especially at night, will deter most troublemakers from pulling a move.

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Source: Ubergizmo

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GPS: Budget device from Lowrance

Lowrance brings the iWay 250c - a budget device in the market of GPS and an interesting alternative for a good price.

The affordable iWay 250c has a meager 3.5-inch 320 x 240 touch-screen display, NAVTEQ maps, adjustable white LED backlighting, and just for kicks, completes a trifecta of functions by acting as a JPEG viewer and MP3 player. You won't, however, have the luxury of a hard drive, as the SD slot is your only storage option. While on your merry way, expect detailed turn-by-turn guidance via on-screen alerts and the obligatory robotic voice cues. The iWay 250c is certainly not laced with features, unlike its tricked-out sibling, but priced at $349.99 it'll cost you less than half as much.

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Source: Engadget

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VortexValve: Enhancing fuel efficiency

Technoride has some background information on steely gadget enhancing fuel efficiency.

In the 84th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, racers equipped with a VortexValve, a performance-enhancing fuel-saver device, dominated the field. Wally and Paul Dallenbach took first and second place, respectively, in the Open Wheel Division. The brothers attribute a noticeable increase in power and torque, helping them come out of curves, to the VortexValve. And eight-time big-rig Truck Exhibition Division champion Mike Ryan made similar claims; he won again this year using a VortexValve for the first time. He set a new record, breaking his old record by 3 seconds.


But this technology isn't just for racers. The VortexValve is an airflow modification device designed to increase mileage and horsepower on the car or truck it's installed in, by modifying the air flow entering the intake valve and causing air to flow more effectively through the intake system, the engine manifold, and the pistons. This results in more complete combustion in the engine, which generates more horsepower using the same amount of fuel.

By allowing the engine to do the same work with more horsepower, the VortexValve increases fuel efficiency. Simply put, you don't have to press as hard on the accelerator, so you save more gas. Its stainless-steel Uni-frame construction is self-seating, only taking a few minutes to install, and comes in sizes to fit anything from a small gas-powered scooter to a Class 8 diesel engine.

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Source: Technoride

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Audi: Fastest street car in the world

Our favourite brand did it again. The fastest street car in the world is (of course) an Audi.

Ok, not the standard Audi quattro, but a pimped one by John Sleath. It accelerates from 0 to 290 km/h in 7.988 seconds. Incredible!

Body: 1990 Audi Coupe, all steel original Audi panels,bumpers and glass.
Chassis: chrome moly double rail with four link and wish bone suspension built by John Sleath.
Struts: BMW 3 series with 60/40 dampening.
Shocks: Aluminium Koni's.
Brakes: BMW,Volvo and Ford hybrid.
Wheels: Image three piece rims
Tires: Mickey Thompson street legal full treaded tires.
Center section: Strange Ford 9" with 3 to 1 gears .
Half shafts: 35 spline by Strange.
Housing: Ford Lincoln shortened and built by John Sleath.
Exhaust: full 4" system with Flowmasters mufflers and 2 1/4" headers.
Engine: 508ci Chevy built by John and Geof Sleath.
Blower: Pro Charger D3R.
Engine management: F.A.S.T. fully map able ECU with 3 bar map senser.
Injectors: 160lb/hr x 8.
Heads: Weldtech Brodix-2.
Block: Aluminium K.B with 4.5" bore.
Crank: Crower 4" stroke.
Rods: 6.53" long Crower.
Pistons: 4.5" Ross with hellfire rings.
Cam: ground by Comp Cams to Rob Loring and John Sleath spec with 7.14" lift and 114 degree lobe center and well over 300 degrees of duration.
Torque: Converter: Neal Chance 10" Pro Mod.
Trans: 3 speed TH400 built by Mikes Transmissions.
Weight: 2960lb's with driver in Street Eliminator trim.

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