Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Review: Shift 2 Unleashed [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/29/shift-2-unleashed-need-for-speed-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/29/shift-2-unleashed-need-for-speed-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/29/shift-2-unleashed-need-for-speed-review/#commentsFiled under: ,

Need For Speed Gets Real

Shift 2 Unleashed Review - Click above for high-res image gallery

It was a risky proposition: taking a series as fabled for its antics as Need for Speed and placing it into the cold, calculating hands of a simulation developer. That developer is Slightly Mad Studios, which has roots to the SimBin team that created the groundbreaking GTR on the PC. The resulting game was the first Need for Speed: Shift - truly a fresh title and, more importantly, a truly great racer, managing to straddle the console racing and simulation genres and do both admirably well.

Now, it's sequel time. Ian Bell, sim-racing guru and co-founder of Slightly Mad, said that this game has the "most advanced physics system ever released." We're not sure we'd go quite that far, but in testing this one we're quite confident in saying that this is certainly the most realistic Need for Speed game yet, which is perhaps why it's officially shedding that prefix and just billing itself as Shift 2 on the PS3, xBox 360, and PC. Still, not everyone will enjoy the punishment this game can offer, so read on to see whether this is one supercar sim that's for you.

Continue reading Review: Shift 2 Unleashed...


Gallery: Shift 2 Unleashed

Continue reading Review: Shift 2 Unleashed [w/videos]

Review: Shift 2 Unleashed [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electronic artsfeaturedian bellneed for speedpcplaystation 3ps3racing simreviewreviewsshift 2shift 2 unleashedsimsim racersimulationslightly mad studiosxbox 360Tue, 29 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Test Drive Unlimited 2]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/11/review-test-drive-unlimited-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/11/review-test-drive-unlimited-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/11/review-test-drive-unlimited-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Massively Open Online Racing Rolls Again

Test Drive Unlimited 2
Test Drive Unlimited 2: Review - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's hard to believe that four and a half years have passed since Eden Studios took its best shot at merging the open online gameplay of an MMO with a racer to create the original Test Drive Unlimited. Most would agree that the attempt wasn't exactly perfect, but that didn't stop TDU from being refreshing and incredibly fun to play. Really, who wouldn't get behind the idea of amassing a collection of gorgeous cars and recklessly racing them all over Oahu?

And so, similarly, who wouldn't get behind the idea of amassing a huge collection of amazing cars and racing them around both Oahu and Ibiza? Yes, this time gamers will be putting on their clubbing duds and hitting the Mediterranean party island as well, with the two rocks offering over 1,500 miles of roads - some of them unpaved. A lot has changed on this second trip to paradise, but even more has stayed the same. Is there enough new to make this journey worthwhile a second time?

Continue reading...


Gallery: Test Drive Unlimited 2

Continue reading Review: Test Drive Unlimited 2

Review: Test Drive Unlimited 2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariedeneden studiosfeaturedpcplaystation 3ps3racing gamereviewreviewstdu2test drive unlimited 2xbox 360Fri, 11 Feb 2011 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Real Racing 2 for iOS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/21/real-racing-2-for-ios-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/21/real-racing-2-for-ios-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/21/real-racing-2-for-ios-review/#commentsFiled under:

Real Racing 2
Real Racing 2: Review - Click above for high-res image gallery

"Real" racing on a cellphone? Turn up your nose all you like, but after millions and millions of downloads, the original Real Racing for the iPhone and iPod Touch is certainly the real deal when it comes to sales performance. A sequel arrived in the iTunes Store this month that adds a suite of licensed cars, 16-player online racing and a new career mode promising 10 hours or more of mobile gearhead engrossment. Despite the game's name, it's hardly a hardcore driving simulator for your phone, but read on to see why it's just about the best $9.99 a car-loving iPhone or iPod touch gamer can spend.

Continue reading...


Gallery: Real Racing 2

Continue reading Review: Real Racing 2 for iOS

Review: Real Racing 2 for iOS originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredfiremintfiremint studiosiphoneipod touchitunesmobile gamingreal racingreal racing 2reviewreviewsTue, 21 Dec 2010 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Gran Turismo 5]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/30/gran-turismo-5-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/30/gran-turismo-5-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/30/gran-turismo-5-review/#commentsFiled under:

Why The Most Anticipated Driving Game Ever Is Not A Must Buy

Gran Turismo 5: Lamborghini Miura
Gran Turismo 5: Review - Click above for high-res image gallery

1,000 cars. Hundreds of events. 71 track variations. Six years in development. There are lots of numbers to throw around and lots of numbers behind the latest release of Gran Turismo, the version that fans of the franchise have been aching for while suffering through delay after delay. Gran Turismo 5 is finally here, and in plenty of ways it's the best installment that the storied franchise has seen to date.

However, it's also the least polished release, least complete feeling and seemingly the buggiest - yes, even worse than the infamously rushed Gran Turismo 2. It's a frustrating mix of amazing content and glaring shortcomings that will leave even the most devout GT fanboys and girls with mixed feelings. But, of course, the full story is rather more complicated than that. So let's get to it...

Continue reading...

Gallery: Gran Turismo 5: Review


Gallery: Gran Turismo 5: Screen Shots

Continue reading Review: Gran Turismo 5

Review: Gran Turismo 5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Nov 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredgran turismogran turismo 5gran turismo 5 reviewgt5gt5 reviewkazunori yamauchiplaystation 3polyphony digitalps3reviewreviewssonyTue, 30 Nov 2010 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Playing Gran Turismo 5 and talking shop with Kazunori Yamauchi [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/17/playing-gran-turismo-5-and-talking-shop-with-kaz-yamauchi-w-vid/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/17/playing-gran-turismo-5-and-talking-shop-with-kaz-yamauchi-w-vid/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/17/playing-gran-turismo-5-and-talking-shop-with-kaz-yamauchi-w-vid/#commentsFiled under:


Autoblog gets hands on with GT5 - Continue reading after the jump

The wait is nearly over. The game we all had nearly given up hope on is now less than five months away. Gran Turismo 5 is a reality, a playable reality, and Sony is making a big enough deal about its November 2 launch date to make us think that, for once, it might actually happen. The version at this year's E3 is by far the most polished version of this game we've yet seen -- and we've seen quite a few over the years.

That it still isn't finished (no full crash damage in the version we played) and that there are still a number of questions to be answered (details for online play, what sort of driver training will be included, etc.) leaves us a bit leery, but we certainly didn't pass up the opportunity to take it for a spin just the same. We were also given the opportunity to speak with series producer Kazunori Yamauchi to get his thoughts on the game -- and to chat about his recent real-world racing exploits. Keep on reading for our detailed impressions of the game, and some video of some good 'ol boys banging fenders around the Top Gear Test Track.


Gallery: Gran Turismo 5: Screen Shots

Continue reading Playing Gran Turismo 5 and talking shop with Kazunori Yamauchi [w/video]

Playing Gran Turismo 5 and talking shop with Kazunori Yamauchi [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2010E32010featurefeaturedfeaturesgran turismogran turismo 5GranTurismoGranTurismo5gt5kazkaz yamauchiKazYamauchiplaystationpolyphony digitalPolyphonyDigitalsonysony playstationSonyPlaystationThu, 17 Jun 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft shows off Kinect-capable version of Forza Motorsport [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/15/microsoft-shows-off-kinect-capable-version-of-forza-motorsport/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/15/microsoft-shows-off-kinect-capable-version-of-forza-motorsport/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/15/microsoft-shows-off-kinect-capable-version-of-forza-motorsport/#commentsFiled under: ,

Microsoft shows off Kinect-capable version of Forza Motorsport
Forza Motorsport with Kinect controls - Click above to watch video after the jump

The Electronics Entertainment Expo is underway in California, and Microsoft has kicked things off by unveiling its new Kinect peripheral for the xBox 360. Kinect (formerly "Project Natal") is an advanced camera that can track your body as you stand in front of your TV, enabling what Microsoft is calling controller-free gaming. The primary titles shown were silly ones involving running, jumping, and other types of tomfoolery that will appeal to the casual crowd, but there was a Forza Motorsport tie-in that might just make motorheads take notice.

If you're a Forza fan, then chances are you've spent more than a few seconds ogling the incredibly high-res versions of the cars shown in your virtual in-game garage. Now, with Kinect, it appears as if you'll be able to get a little closer. The camera can track you as you physically walk around, enabling you to "walk around" your virtual steeds. As you move, the perspective shifts. The demo car was a Ferrari 458, naturally in red, which a spokesman was able to explore, crouch to get a closer look at its carbon ceramic brakes, and even open the door with a wave of his hand and take a seat inside.

Gorgeous, but not particularly exciting. A short demo was also given of a simple gameplay mode, which you play by holding your hands in front of you as if you were holding a steering wheel to control the car. This mode looked to be a challenge to see how many cars you can pass in a limited period of time, but with seemingly no way to accelerate or brake we're guessing this will be little more than a passing distraction.

This version of Forza is said to be coming sometime in 2011, so it won't be here for the November 4 launch of Kinect. Neither was there a mention of whether this will be a free update for Forza Motorsport 3 or a whole new title. Given the limited amount of content here, we're hoping for the former. Check out the keynote during which the Kinect-enabled version of Forza was demonstrated after the jump.

[Source: Engadget]

Continue reading Microsoft shows off Kinect-capable version of Forza Motorsport [w/video]

Microsoft shows off Kinect-capable version of Forza Motorsport [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2010E32010forzaforza motorsportforza motorsport 3ForzaMotorsportForzaMotorsport3kinectmicrosoftmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectproject natalProjectNatalturn 10turn 10 studiosTurn10Turn10Studiosxboxxbox 360xbox-360Xbox360Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 6 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/12/introduction-to-ice-racing-part-6-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/12/introduction-to-ice-racing-part-6-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/12/introduction-to-ice-racing-part-6-w-video/#commentsFiled under: ,

THE THAW

You had to know it couldn't last forever. Most recently our Subaru ice racer was in action way up north in the wilds of Quebec, getting sideways on a frozen circuit. As it turns out, if we wanted to keep on racing we should have stayed up there. This form of motorsport needs frozen lakes and some unfortunately turbulent weather in the northeast over the past month didn't do the local bodies of water any favors. But, we were able to make it to one final event before the season was put to rest. We have some highlights to share below, including footage of what it looks like to be inside a pirouetting WRX, plus some discussion about how to safely stow your winter racing gear for the summertime off-season.


Gallery: Ice Racing at Warner Lake

Continue reading Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 6 [w/video]

Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 6 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amecan introduction to ice racingAnIntroductionToIceRacingbridgestonebridgestone blizzakBridgestoneBlizzakfeaturefeaturedfeaturesice racingIceRacingintroduction to ice racingIntroductionToIceRacingmotorsportsubarusubaru wrxSubaruWrxFri, 12 Mar 2010 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 5 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/19/introduction-to-ice-racing-part-5-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/19/introduction-to-ice-racing-part-5-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/19/introduction-to-ice-racing-part-5-w-video/#commentsFiled under: ,

A TRACK DAY WITH SNOWBANKS



This week we're taking a bit of a break from the on-ice action that we've been covering so far this season, trading wheel-to-wheel antics for something more controlled. Way up north in the wilds of Quebec there's a facility called Mecaglisse that runs driving schools all year round. In the winter it hosts snowbound track days, events where people (generally in Subarus) show up and strut their stuff on a perfectly groomed ice surface bordered by tall snowbanks. It's like a stage plucked out of WRC Sweden, coiled around such that its end and beginning meet, and then presented for you to just keep on rallying over and over until you run out of gas -- which we very nearly did.

A track day at Mecaglisse was an opportunity for low-grip practice that we couldn't pass up, and we'll take you along with video of a hot lap on this frigid circuit. You'll also find some discussion about shifting technique below, so if you've ever wondered how to cover all three pedals in a standard car with only two feet, you'll want to click on through.


Gallery: Winter Track Day at Mecaglisse

Continue reading Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 5 [w/video]

Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 5 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>an introduction to ice racingAnIntroductionToIceRacingfeaturefeaturedfeaturesice racingIceRacingintroduction to ice racingIntroductionToIceRacingmecaglissesubaruFri, 19 Feb 2010 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 4 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/12/introduction-to-ice-racing-part-4-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/12/introduction-to-ice-racing-part-4-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/12/introduction-to-ice-racing-part-4-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,

THE SEASON SLIDES ON

Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 4 [w/video]

If you've been following along, you got your first ever taste of wheel-to-wheel action on ice last week - and in that first event things didn't go so well. We delivered a mediocre performance and, sadly, saw others deliver some damaged bodywork. Things would improve, though. In this, the fourth installment of An Introduction to Ice Racing, we'll cover rounds two and three of the AMEC 2010 season, show you how we fared at both, and again give you plenty of in-car (and on-car) footage to demonstrate just how much fun you can have on ice - without studs.


Gallery: Ice Racing at Lake Algonquin, NY

Continue reading Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 4 [w/video]

Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 4 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>an introduction to ice racingAnIntroductionToIceRacingfeaturefeaturedfeaturesice racingIceRacingintroduction to ice racingIntroductionToIceRacingsubarusubaru wrxSubaruWrxFri, 12 Feb 2010 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 3 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/05/introduction-to-ice-racing-part-3-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/05/introduction-to-ice-racing-part-3-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/05/introduction-to-ice-racing-part-3-w-video/#commentsFiled under: ,

HITTING THE ICE



The time has come to do it for real. We've walked you through the various classes offered by the club we'll be racing with, and we've shown you what it's like to drive at speed on the ice, so there's nothing left but to do it in anger. In this installment of An Introduction to Ice Racing we'll hit the first event of the season, tell you how to get ready to race once you're on the ice, and dazzle you with plenty of in-car video from first event's three heats - including footage of a few unfortunate incidents that left fenders crumpled and tensions flared.

It's all below, so click on through and check out the action. We promise not to put a single dent in your monitor.


Gallery: Ice Racing at Caroga Lake, NY

Continue reading Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 3 [w/video]

Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 3 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featurefeaturedfeaturesiceice racingIceRacingimprezaintroduction to ice racingIntroductionToIceRacingsubarusubaru impreza wrxsubaru wrxSubaruImprezaWrxSubaruWrxwrxFri, 05 Feb 2010 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 2]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/29/introduction-to-ice-racing-part-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/29/introduction-to-ice-racing-part-2/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/29/introduction-to-ice-racing-part-2/#commentsFiled under:

THE WHAT AND THE HOW Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 2
It's time to delve a little further into the crazy, sideways world of ice racing - where grip is at a premium but the grins come cheap. In last week's first article in the series we gave you a little bit of information about the sport in general, or rather sports, and talked about the class structure used by AMEC, the club we'll be running with. We'll be participating in the street legal class with a 2002 Subaru WRX, a very early model purchased right after it finally hit American shores in 2001. It's mostly stock, but the club does have some required changes we'll cover here, and there are some other things you'll want to know before you show up on the ice.

What sorts of things? Well, one important thing is how to drive, or rather how to go quickly around a track of ice without getting yourself high-sided on a snowbank or bumper-locked with a competitor. So, we'll give you an overview of driving technique too, including a little demonstration video that'll give you your first taste of driving at-speed on-ice in a car with no studs. Click on through and join the fun.


Gallery: Ice racing preparation

Continue reading Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 2

Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzakbridgestonebridgestone blizzakBridgestoneBlizzakfeaturefeaturedfeaturesiceice racingIceRacingintroduction to ice racingIntroductionToIceRacingmotorsportsubarusubaru wrxSubaruWrxFri, 29 Jan 2010 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/22/introduction-to-ice-racing-part-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/22/introduction-to-ice-racing-part-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/22/introduction-to-ice-racing-part-1/#commentsFiled under: , ,


"You race on what now?" This is the typical response given when the topic of ice racing comes up. People can't seem to get their head around the idea that you, a sane human being with as strong a survival instinct as the next guy/gal, would drive a car out onto a frozen lake at speeds upwards of 100mph - often sideways. Mention that the racing action is wheel-to-wheel against dozens of competitors at once and you're almost guaranteed to be labeled clinically insane.

Ice racers may be a little special but most are not insane, and if you live in parts of the world that get cold enough, you can join in their fun for a pittance. Ice racing is, dollars to seat time, one of the cheapest forms of motorsport out there. It's also one of the most thrilling and, for those of us who find ourselves driving in frequently inclement conditions, it's even a genuinely useful exercise. Sure, autocrossing is cheap, safe and educational, but where cone-dodging helps you find your car's limits, ice racing teaches you to drive far beyond them, to stay in control (or close to it) when by all rights you should be spinning wildly into a snowbank.

Just like we did last summer with karting, we're going to take you along for the ride and let you get a taste for ice racing. Naturally there will be some changes: instead of a racing suit we'll be investing in a set of thermals, and rather than sticky slicks we'll be budgeting for heavily siped snow tires. It's a whole different ball game, managing slip instead of grip, but the thrills are just as great. And, since you can compete with just about any car, it's open to almost anyone who has a need for speed -- and who doesn't mind spending the day hanging around on a frozen lake.


Gallery: Ice racing variety

Continue reading Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 1

Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>competitionfeaturefeaturedfeaturesiceice racingIceRacingintro to ice racingintroduction to ice racingIntroductionToIceRacingIntroToIceRacingracingsubarusubaru wrxSubaruWrxwinter drivingWinterDrivingwrxFri, 22 Jan 2010 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Visteon shows us its next-gen tech, a dash that can tell if you're sleeping, and an in-car Tegra 2 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/18/visteon-shows-us-its-next-gen-tech-a-dash-that-can-tell-if-you/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/18/visteon-shows-us-its-next-gen-tech-a-dash-that-can-tell-if-you/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/18/visteon-shows-us-its-next-gen-tech-a-dash-that-can-tell-if-you/#commentsFiled under: ,

Visteon shows us its next-gen tech, a dash that can tell if you're sleeping, and an in-car Tegra 2 [w/video]
Click above to view the videos after the jump

News hasn't exactly been great for Visteon of late, what with getting delisted, filing for bankruptcy and attempting to end the pensions of thousands of retirees. That's the bad news. The good news? A suite of impressive prototype dashboards on display at the Consumer Electronics Show that ranges from the pedestrian, multi-colored model in the Mustang, to the crazy 3D dash powered by the NVIDIA Tegra 2 chipset. We've got photos, videos and plenty of impressions after the break.

Gallery: Visteon next-generation dashboard

Continue reading Visteon shows us its next-gen tech, a dash that can tell if you're sleeping, and an in-car Tegra 2 [w/video]

Visteon shows us its next-gen tech, a dash that can tell if you're sleeping, and an in-car Tegra 2 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advanced icp conceptAdvancedIcpConceptcesces 2010Ces2010dashjaguarnext generation cockpitnext-generation dashboardNext-generationDashboardNextGenerationCockpitnvidianvidia tegra 2NvidiaTegra2range roverRangeRovertegravisteonMon, 18 Jan 2010 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[The Cars (and bikes) of CES 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/17/the-cars-and-bikes-of-ces-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/17/the-cars-and-bikes-of-ces-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/17/the-cars-and-bikes-of-ces-2010/#commentsFiled under: ,



The 2010 edition of the Consumer Electronics Show is over, and so we're looking back with some of the vehicular highlights from the floor, and the sidewalk, and the parking lot, too. The rides on hand ran the gamut from a late '40s Chevy Truck that had been gutted and filled with speakers, to the gorgeous matte Lexus above. There were also bikes, like the Brammo, and we even snagged a picture of the Gran Turismo 5 display, just in case you needed proof that the game does indeed exist in some shape or form, even if it's not due in stores until the year 2037. It's all in the gallery below.

Gallery: The Cars of CES 2010

The Cars (and bikes) of CES 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Jan 2010 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brammocesces 2010Ces2010gran turismogran turismo 5GranTurismoGranTurismo5gt5lexusSun, 17 Jan 2010 09:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Hughes Telematics takes us for a ride with Mercedes' latest mbrace tech, demonstrates 'OnStar in a box' [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/14/hughes-telematics-takes-us-for-a-ride-with-mercedes-latest-mbra/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/14/hughes-telematics-takes-us-for-a-ride-with-mercedes-latest-mbra/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/14/hughes-telematics-takes-us-for-a-ride-with-mercedes-latest-mbra/#commentsFiled under: ,

Click above to watch video after the jump

You may not have heard of Hughes Telematics before, but this offshoot of the great Hughes empire provides the tech that, amongst other things, powers Mercedes' latest mbrace technology, Benz's response to OnStar. But that's not all they do; the company is working on its own advanced infotainment system for the car, and also showed off a system informally called "OnStar in a box" - an easy-to-install device that will let you track exactly where your car is at any time, how fast it was going, and even what kind of mileage it was getting at the time. Somewhat more troubling, it also could allow others access to the same information, people like your insurance company. Good stuff, or Big Brother with an OBDII connection? Read on to find out.


Gallery: Hughes Telematics next-gen tech at CES

Continue reading Hughes Telematics takes us for a ride with Mercedes' latest mbrace tech, demonstrates 'OnStar in a box' [w/video]

Hughes Telematics takes us for a ride with Mercedes' latest mbrace tech, demonstrates 'OnStar in a box' [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AT-300AT-500cesces 2010Ces2010gpshugheshughes telematicsHughesTelematicsmbracemercedesmercedes benzmercedes-benzMercedesBenznext gen telematicsNextGenTelematicsonstarThu, 14 Jan 2010 14:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi and NVIDIA bring 3D acceleration, Google Earth to the dashboard masses [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/13/audi-and-nvidia-bring-3d-acceleration-google-earth-to-the-dashb/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/13/audi-and-nvidia-bring-3d-acceleration-google-earth-to-the-dashb/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/13/audi-and-nvidia-bring-3d-acceleration-google-earth-to-the-dashb/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Audi's all-new Multi Media Interface - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi's Multi Media Interface, or MMI, may not have been all things to all people when it launched in 2004, but Audi has been continually improving the system, making it the defacto way to access media in your Quattro-equipped sled. It's getting better still, with the third generation MMI (3G MMI) getting a boost courtesy of NVIDIA mobile graphics and providing some impressive visuals in the process. While attending CES, we took a bright green Q7 TDI for a spin and then walked inside to check out what's due to arrive later this year: the 2011 Audi A8's dashboard with Google Earth integration.


Gallery: Audi MMI 3G

Continue reading Audi and NVIDIA bring 3D acceleration, Google Earth to the dashboard masses [w/video]

Audi and NVIDIA bring 3D acceleration, Google Earth to the dashboard masses [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audicesces 2010Ces2010google earthGoogleEarthmmimmi 3gMmi3gnvidiaWed, 13 Jan 2010 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Mulally summarizes SYNC's successes, talks about Ford's future]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/08/ford-ceo-alan-mulally-summarizes-syncs-successes-talks-the-tut/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/08/ford-ceo-alan-mulally-summarizes-syncs-successes-talks-the-tut/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/08/ford-ceo-alan-mulally-summarizes-syncs-successes-talks-the-tut/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The 2010 Consumer Electronics Show is underway, and Ford CEO and President Alan Mulally kicked it off with a lengthy keynote. A very lengthy keynote. For an hour-an-a-half, we were peppered with details about Ford's successes, its inspirations, and, of course, its plans for the future. We've already learned quite a bit about what's coming next, and even had a chance to try it, but it's good to have Mulally and his cohorts put it all into perspective for us. We sat through the entire presentation and have summarized the important bits after the break so that you don't have to. Click on through and see what's up at the Blue Oval.

Continue reading Video: Mulally summarizes SYNC's successes, talks about Ford's future

Video: Mulally summarizes SYNC's successes, talks about Ford's future originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan mulallyAlanMulallyapp ecosystemAppEcosystemcesces 2010Ces2010fordford syncFordSynckeynotemicrosoftmyfordmyford touchMyfordTouchsyncFri, 08 Jan 2010 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: We take Kia and Microsoft's Uvo for a test drive at CES]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/07/video-we-take-kia-and-microsofts-uvo-for-a-test-drive-at-ces/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/07/video-we-take-kia-and-microsofts-uvo-for-a-test-drive-at-ces/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/07/video-we-take-kia-and-microsofts-uvo-for-a-test-drive-at-ces/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We Take Kia and Microsoft's UVO for a Test Drive [w/video]
Kia's UVO system hands-on - Click above to watch video after the jump

Tucked in between Google's hot new smartphone and a variety of other computer peripheral equipment at this year's CES show is a crossover. Not the jacked-up, tricked-out, neon-dragging customized type that we typically see around the Consumer Electronics Show, but a bone-stock, 2011 Kia Sorento. Well, stock except for one option: UVO.

We recently got a chance to try out the newly-announced system in the plastic, and while impressive in its own right, just hours after sitting down with Ford to check out the latest Sync and MyFord Touch, it's somewhat less than stunning. But, ignoring that for now, Kia's offering looks good and still ahead of the rest of the curve. It's functionally comparable to early Sync, enabling easy access to media on 1GB of internal storage, on a USB-connected drive or even on a CD. You can rip from CD straight to internal memory or to a thumb drive, an interesting feature we're not sure is particularly useful. The touchscreen display is a nice improvement over Ford's two-line Sync readout, but remember that if you get this system, you'll have to opt out of in-dash GPS. Good thing you splurged and got that Droid, right? Check out some screens in the gallery below, and there's a quick video demo after the break.


Gallery: Kia and Microsoft's UVO

Continue reading Video: We take Kia and Microsoft's Uvo for a test drive at CES

Video: We take Kia and Microsoft's Uvo for a test drive at CES originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2010Ces2010Consumer Electronics ShowConsumerElectronicsShowembedded systemsEmbeddedSystemsfeaturefeaturedfeatureshands-onkiaKia UvoKiaUvomicrosoftmicrosoft embedded systemsMicrosoftEmbeddedSystemstelematicsuvoThu, 07 Jan 2010 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[MyFord Touch and SYNC App Ecosystem hands-on [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/07/myford-touch-and-sync-app-ecosystem-hands-on-and-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/07/myford-touch-and-sync-app-ecosystem-hands-on-and-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/07/myford-touch-and-sync-app-ecosystem-hands-on-and-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hands on with MyFord Touch and SYNC App Ecosystem - Click above for high-res image gallery

You've read the PR, seen the press shots and probably snickered a little at the quote from Ford's Derrick Kuzak indicating that his company's latest tech "will cause people to fall in love with their vehicles again." After getting a chance to play with a few entrants into the company's so-called SYNC App Ecosystem, and getting behind the wheel of a MyFord Touch-equipped mockup vehicle, we're not laughing - but we are smiling. It's impressive tech, so follow the jump to see some videos and check our impressions.


Gallery: Ford Sync App Ecosystem and MyFord

Continue reading MyFord Touch and SYNC App Ecosystem hands-on [w/video]

MyFord Touch and SYNC App Ecosystem hands-on [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2010Ces2010featurefeaturedfeaturesfordford syncFordSynchands-onmicrosoftmicrosoft autoMicrosoftAutomyfordmyford touchMyfordTouchsyncThu, 07 Jan 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GM and OnStar unveil Volt mobile apps, we try them out [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/06/gm-and-onstar-unveil-volt-mobile-apps-we-try-them-out-w-videos/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/06/gm-and-onstar-unveil-volt-mobile-apps-we-try-them-out-w-videos/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/06/gm-and-onstar-unveil-volt-mobile-apps-we-try-them-out-w-videos/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

GM and OnStar Unveil Volt Mobile Apps, We Try Them Out

It's time for the Consumer Electronics Show and so it's also time for the techiest cars on the road (and those which haven't quite made it there yet) to strut their stuff. General Motors and OnStar took a little time last night to show off the Volt mobile apps that will launch with the car, which were formally announced last night, and we were there to try them out and capture a little video. Worth getting excited about? We think so, but read on to find out for yourself.

Gallery: Chevy and OnStar CES Event

Continue reading GM and OnStar unveil Volt mobile apps, we try them out [w/videos]

GM and OnStar unveil Volt mobile apps, we try them out [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidblackberrycesces 2010Ces2010chevroletchevygeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmiphoneonstarvoltvolt mobile appVoltMobileAppWed, 06 Jan 2010 13:28:00 EST