Autoblog

VIDEO: Driving games begin to land on iPhone

Chris Shunk — 2008-05-10T14:54:00+00:00

The iPhone has been a hit since its release and Apple has ratcheted up the excitement the last couple of months, as the recently-released software development kit for the phone is already bearing fruit. In a short period of time and on what we'd guess is a very limited budget, one group of developers has designed a cool racing game called Raging Thunder that features quality graphics, a number of cars, and steering that utilizes the iPhone's revolutionary accelerometer. While the game isn't exactly groundbreaking, it demonstrates that we should see some very cool racing games when big-time developers really start to focus on the iPhone. Follow the jump to see the sweet-looking Raging Thunder in action.

[Source: Kotaku]

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Revolving License Plates Help Chinese Speeders

Justin Gardiner — 2008-05-09T14:02:00+00:00

Filed under: Gadgets, China, Government/Legal

James Bond used them to elude Goldfinger's foot soldiers, but now revolving license plates have hit the open market in (where else?) China. Apparently over half of all speeders caught on camera in the south of the country get away scot-free by using false or occluded plates. A basic remote controlled plate switcher costs just 800 Yuan ($115), but more sophisticated gadgets that get the job done in just three seconds cost over twice that amount.

So, would fitting one of these make your vehicle a Q Car?

[Source: Reuters]

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If you own this, you should probably be ordering the salad

Alex Nunez — 2008-05-09T11:44:00+00:00

Filed under: Gadgets, Euro, Driving

People who eat at the wheel are a menace. An errant drip of ketchup can be the difference between a mundane commute and a starring role in an impromptu Richard Weyman film. To help further enable the noshing pilot, someone has invented a cupholder-mounted french fry holder. This is undoubtedly a harbinger of the motoring apocalypse. Seriously folks, if your in-car fry habit is such that you require a dedicated, purpose-built mount (with an integrated ketchup tray, no less), you probably need to re-evaluate your lifestyle. In an ironic twist more delicious than a McDonalds' french fry, this contraption is sold through the Improvements catalog. We're hard pressed to determine what this improves other than the chance of a fry-related mishap at highway speeds. According to the site, it's "not available at this time," which is either cause for concern (it's completely sold out) or celebration (someone pulled the plug and stopped the madness).

[Source: Improvements via Jalopnik via Automoblog]

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Scooter-geek's dream ride: Yamaha Vino scooter, fully farkled

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-05-08T19:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Aftermarket, Audio, Gadgets, Green, Tech, Toys, Motorcycles

Though it's usually the adventure touring crowd that excels at turning their motorcycles into rolling technology test-beds, we've recently run across a Yamaha Vino scooter that has been fully farkled. Featuring an on-board computer based around a VIA mini ITX form factor motherboard that's cleverly been hidden under the stock Vino's seat, this rolling geek-mobile packs in WiFi, Bluetooth, USB, GPS, FM radio, a TV tuner and a front-mounted camera in its diminutive frame. With the full-spec computer, pretty much anything should be possible right from the road using this scooter. While this is certainly a cool project, we have a few questions regarding its durability. How long will the acrylic plate that makes the structure for the computer hold up? Perhaps most importantly, how long will the scooter's battery be able to power all this technology? In the name of science, of course, we graciously offer our services for a road trip on the machine to find the answer to these all-important questions. Thanks for the tip, jared!

[Source: Thought Lab]

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Dodge Challenger SRT8 sports G-meter, built-in 0-60 timer

Damon Lavrinc — 2008-05-07T11:57:00+00:00

Filed under: Gadgets, Coupes, Dodge

Click above to watch video after the jump.

We wade through an unhealthy amount of press releases each day, so even when something big hits - like the release of the Challenger SRT8 - we sometimes miss the occasional detail. Such is the case with Dodge's new pony car, which apparently comes equipped with an "SRT-exclusive Reconfigurable Display" (RCD). What does that mean? Well, you can customize the readout at the bottom of the SRT8's 180 mph speedo to display 0-60 acceleration times, 60-0 braking times, 1/4-mile times and g-forces to see if your numbers and Dodge's agree. According to the video after the jump, you can also log your best runs and see how you faired at a later (read: safer) time.

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

Gallery: Chicago 2008: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 live reveal

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Hyundai, Kia to get version of Microsoft's in-car connectivity

Chris Tutor — 2008-05-06T10:02:00+00:00

Filed under: Gadgets, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, FIAT

While Ford has enjoyed a year of exclusivity with its SYNC-branded version of Microsoft's in-car connectivity technology, the Redmond-based company has been itching to expand the availability of its in-car gadget integration system to other marques. According to the AP, the first post-Ford carmakers to use the platform in the U.S. will be sister companies Hyundai and Kia.

According to the report, the Korean automakers will have the right to offer the technology on its cars in November, but probably won't do so. The AP report quotes Velle Kolde, senior product manager for Microsoft Auto, saying the two companies are busy developing their own custom applications and don't plan to be ready until after that date.

There is no word yet on what the new system will be named, its cost or what vehicles it will be offered on. Currently the only automaker offering Microsoft's system in the U.S. is Ford. Fiat has rights to sell it internationally and calls its version Blue&Me.

UPDATE: Ford reminded us that only its version of Microsoft Auto's technology is called SYNC, so other brands will have to come up with and market their own names for it.

[Source: Associated Press]

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Covertech car cover does the rolling for you

Jonathon Ramsey — 2008-05-05T18:28:00+00:00

Filed under: Aftermarket, Gadgets, Etc., Tech

The Covertech Automotive Car Cover protects your car from every element, even -- according to its maker -- "malicious intent." When you're ready to take the cover off, apparently all you need to do is stand back and watch. The cover retracts automatically into a "briefcase-sized" enclosure in a trunk or hatchback. There's even one for motorcycles that fits in a "Kleenex-sized" box.

The creator envisions carmakers eventually integrating the automatic car cover into the design of their cars. Sounds neat, but when you want to cover your car up again, you'll need good old manual labor for that. Personally, we can't see needing to cover and uncover your car often enough in one day to make such a device necessary, but perhaps there are folks with the need for easy incognito. But while it's hard to tell from the video, the answer is yes, it probably will make your bumper look big.

Thanks for the tip, Yash!

[Source: The Earth Times]

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Time for a Change: F1/Carbon GMT watch

Noah Joseph — 2008-05-03T15:29:00+00:00

Filed under: Gadgets, Tech

We like drivers' watches here at Autoblog, but we have to admit they're all mostly the same. Watchmakers will differentiate their products by employing different materials like titanium, ceramics and carbon fiber, or by signing licensing agreements with various automakers, but by and large they all look the same. Of course, we only realized that when we had a look at the radically different F1/Carbon GMT concept watch (pictured above) from designer John Pszeniczny (a name which is surely easier to pronounce than it looks).

The innovative timepiece has a digital display (gasp!) that will show the time at any of the 18 race tracks on the 2008 Formula One calendar. Like an actual F1 car, it's constructed from carbon fiber, metal and rubber, but rather unlike an F1 car, is studded with rubies and Swarovski crystals. Also, like grand prix cars, the unique timepiece is extremely costly, with a reported retail price well into five figures, so you'd have to be an F1 driver or team owner to actually afford one.

[Source: Le Blog Auto]

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Google Maps Street-View features upgraded visuals for directions

Chris Shunk — 2008-05-02T09:01:00+00:00

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., Driving

Thanks to inventions like GPS Navigation and online directions, it's getting harder to get lost by the day. Google Maps has been a big hit for folks trying to navigate to new destinations, and the free service just got cooler with the integration of Street-View into driving directions. Now when you enter a destination and get step by step directions, you can also click on a camera icon on the map to get a street-level view of the roads you'll be traveling.

Street Maps allows you to rotate the view, click arrows to virtually travel the route, and even check out landmarks that you'll be passing along the way. That way you'll have a distinct visual to look out for when you're going to turn, instead of seeing the tiny street sign at the last possible minute. The photo resolution is so clear, you can check out where there are one-way streets, read parking signs, and even keep tabs on speed limits on your route. The only draw-back is that you need to be within one of the 44 regions of the US to use the feature, but most metropolitan areas have the feature.

[Source: Carscoop]

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SYNC retrofit kit now available for 2008 Navigator, Mustang next

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-05-01T18:57:00+00:00

Filed under: Gadgets, SUVs, Tech, Ford, Lincoln

When Ford launched its new SYNC in-car communications system in the Ford Focus, the crew in Dearborn may not have known just how popular the option would prove to be. While the SYNC system has started to infiltrate the rest of the Blue Oval line, its integration is apparently not moving fast enough for many consumers. Doug White, Vehicle Personalization Marketing & Planning manager at Ford says, "Customers and dealers were telling us that we needed SYNC on our flagship SUV and we felt we needed to respond to those concerns as quickly as we could. They essentially said, 'If you have it on Focus, why not Navigator.'" Sounds pretty reasonable to us. Considering that the Lincoln Navigator is the flagship product for Ford's up-market brand, it should be available with all the best techno-goodies available in the Ford arsenal.

The retrofit kit is now a dealer-installed option for all 2008 model year Navigator and Navigator L models built after December 4, 2007. According to the press release, pasted after the break, the vehicle must have been factory equipped with the voice-activated navigation system and DVD entertainment system, included with the Elite Package. The integration is reportedly rather straightforward and uses the steering wheel buttons and works the same as other SYNC systems. The price? Just $550, making it seem a rather no-brainer as far as we're concerned. Next in line for a SYNC accessory kit will be the Mustang.

[Source: Lincoln]

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Porsche wireless racing wheel from Fanatec

Chris Shunk — 2008-05-01T17:26:00+00:00

Filed under: Gadgets, Porsche

If you love racing games, have a PS3 or PC, and have no problem parting with a hefty $349, Fanatec's wireless steering wheel is right up your alley. Sure you can get a gaming steering wheel for a lot less money, but it won't come fully equipped with a 6+1 shifter, three working pedals, and an official seal of approval from Porsche. Fanatec spent seven years coming up with a setup that was worthy of the Porsche name, and the end result is pretty damn sweet. The steering wheel is adorned with real leather, it has three feedback motors, a key-shaped 1GB memory stick for storing settings, and both the wheel and pedals are completely free of wires.

There is no question that $349 is probably too much to spend on a gaming wheel, considering a PS3 only costs $399. But if you spend as much time in the virtual world of video games as you do out in the real world, this may be as close as you'll ever get to driving a Porsche, and it costs a lot less than the real thing.Thanks for the tip, Rick!

[Source: Engadget]

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2009 Suzuki SX4 getting nav system as standard equipment

Alex Nunez — 2008-04-26T09:33:00+00:00

Filed under: Gadgets, Sedans/Saloons, Etc., Hatchbacks, Suzuki

Click image to enlarge

Integrated nav systems are cash cows for the automakers. We've discussed this here before. While you can run to the local Target and buy a perfectly useful portable unit for around two-hundred bucks, clicking the nav checkbox on a car or truck's option sheet will probably run you ten times as much. That's painful. For the 2009 model year, however, Suzuki's looking to give shoppers some relief by making touchscreen nav standard equipment in the four-door SX4 Sport and front-wheel-drive SX4 crossover (the enclosed PR makes no mention of the 4WD crossover, but we're assuming that it also benefits from this). This makes Suzuki the first automaker to offer the feature as standard equipment in a sub-$16,000 vehicle. What a novel concept: using desirable equipment as the carrot instead of the stick.

The flip-up unit, supplied by Garmin and dubbed "T.R.I.P", also delivers Bluetooth connectivity, features live traffic info, helps locate the lowest gas prices, and is pre-loaded with a number of points of interest. The automaker is even launching a social networking-type website where owners can upload and share their favorite routes and places to go. Will standard nav help Suzuki win over new customers? It sure isn't going to hurt. Given that the technology has dropped in price so precipitously, it's probably not even costing Suzuki too much in the grand scheme of things. And if the presence of that nav unit gets some fence-sitting new car shoppers to write out a check for at least $16,000, it's probably worth whatever it cost to integrate it into the base package. Maybe Suzuki's onto something.

[Source: Suzuki]

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JCL Aston Martin Tourbillon: the Supercar of Watches

Noah Joseph — 2008-04-25T08:59:00+00:00

Filed under: Gadgets, Lifestyle

This is a tourbillon. Nobody needs a tourbillon - it's sort of like the supercar of watches. And nobody really needs a supercar. You can get a rally-tuned all-wheel-drive four-door Japanese family sedan that will get you from A to B just as fast, and with less fuss. Likewise you could get a digital Casio that will tell you the time just as well. What the tourbillon and the exotic supercar have in common is that X-factor that sets it apart from the rest. Fitting, then, that this is no ordinary tourbillon; this is the Aston Martin tourbillon.

The tourbillon mechanism was originally developed for pocket watches, which, sitting in the same position most of the time, would throw off the balance of the mechanism over time. The highly complicated tourbillon, French for "whirlwind", involves a mechanism that rotates inside the case, counteracting the effects of gravity. The Jaeger LeCoultre AMVOX 3 Tourbillon GMT you see here showcases the company's own proprietary JLC caliber 988 tourbillon movement, which features an AM/PM indicator and a 48-hour power reserve. Oh, and that second hand? That's not a second hand. It indicates the time in a second time zone...handy for the world traveler. The seconds are indicated by the rotation of the movement itself. The mechanism is housed in a black ceramic and 18-karat rose gold case sandwiched between sapphire crystals. The strap is perforated with contrasting white top-stitching, just in case the watch wasn't desirable enough already. But you can keep dreaming: only 300 are being made, and with fine tourbillons typically selling for five figures, don't be expecting one as a retirement gift from the company pension plan.

[Source: Sybarites]

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BYD introduces the Keyless Entry Wristwatch

Jonathon Ramsey — 2008-04-24T17:57:00+00:00

Filed under: Gadgets, China

Not even James Bond has one of these: a watch that performs the functions of a keyless entry fob for your car. Developed by (or for) Chinese car manufacturer BYD, the gadget is made only for the F8 model. Press the top button on the right, and the car is locked, press the bottom button, the car is unlocked.

The watch also has a starter function, but it's not labeled on the bezel like the others. Since it has a manual movement, you don't need to worry about a battery going dead as long as you wear the watch... and move. No word on whether you need to wind it in case you don't wear it. But come on now, it's not like you could stay away from your BYD F8 long enough for the watch to stop, is it? And as the brochure states, it even tells time -- which is not a bad thing for a watch.

[Source: The Tycho]

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Virtual Wall could protect pedestrians with plasma lasers

John Neff — 2008-04-24T17:29:00+00:00

Filed under: Gadgets, Safety, Tech

Click above for more renderings of the Virtual Wall

We expected that the first practical application for plasma laser technology would be a death ray gun, but Hanyoung Lee had another thought. He designed what's called the Virtual Wall using plasma lasers to make it safer for legal jay walkers to cross the street. The system displays a giant virtual wall right where the crosswalk begins and displays images of people walking to get the point across to pointy-headed drivers. We're all for getting drivers to stop before the white line at a red light so their front bumpers don't bogart the walking path, but we imagine municipalities might have a hard time stomaching the cost of four plasma laser walls at every intersection.

We'd like to see a working Virtual Wall do its thing, as all we've got are these renderings below that show what the wall would look like if it were real. We've seen renderings of death ray guns too, however, and still don't have one in our hands.

Gallery: Virtual Wall

[Source: Concept Trends via Winding Road]

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BMW gets into the premium home speaker business

Michael Harley — 2008-04-22T18:29:00+00:00

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., Porsche

You are looking at the new Klipsch(R) Palladium P-39F floorstanding speakers -- designed by BMW Group DesignworksUSA. The speakers are a collaborative effort between Klipsch and BMW. Klipsch is a leading global manufacturer of high-performance loudspeakers, while BMW DesignworksUSA... well, they design things. In addition to spitting out automobiles like the 3 Series sedan and the Z4, they have applied their artistic wizardry to products including espresso machines, wind turbines, and commercial jets. This is one of their latest products, a pair of speakers sure to please the audiophiles among us.

The five-foot tall speakers, with flush-mounted cones and horns, are beautifully finished with a horizontal zebra-grain veneer. Each is mounted on a brushed aluminum base. According to the press release, "The new speaker design celebrates Klipsch's hallmark horn-loaded technology, which delivers high-efficiency sound with low distortion, controlled directivity, flat frequency response and wide dynamic range." (Translation: they look really cool, and sound really great.) Oh, the price for all of this audible prestige? They'll run you about $15,000/pair when they become available this summer.

Check out the full press release after the jump.

Gallery: Klipsch Palladium Speakers

[Source: BMW]

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Honda develops walking assist device to aid elderly/disabled

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-04-22T14:55:00+00:00

Filed under: Gadgets, Japan, Tech, Honda, Lifestyle

Click on the image to see more pics of Honda's Walking Assist Device

While Honda is known primarily for its cars and motorcycles, the company's engineering prowess extends into many other areas, as well. You may be aware that Honda also makes a jet and the ridiculously advanced robot known as Asimo. It appears that after reliably getting Asimo to walk on its own, Honda is phasing some of its robotics technology into other worthwhile endeavors, namely an experimental walking assist device for disabled individuals. Honda's Fundamental Technology Research Center will be showcasing the device at the International Trade Fair on Barrier Free Equipments & Rehabilitation for the Elderly & the Disabled, which will be held at Intex Osaka, Friday, April 25 through Sunday, April 27, 2008. Available in three sizes, the device uses brushless DC motors powered by lithium ion batteries that allow up to two hours of walking assistance per charge. I'm just glad that my grandmother will soon be able to throw her old fashioned walker in the air, and wave it like she just don't care.

Gallery: Honda Walking Assist Device

[source: Honda]

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How To: Measure your vehicle's Cd without a million-dollar wind tunnel

Michael Harley — 2008-04-22T11:01:00+00:00

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., Tech

At highway speeds, your vehicle is fighting an invisible foe trying to hold it back. The nemesis is wind resistance, and it is an automobile's worst enemy. Overcoming the resistance of the air is the key to increasing acceleration, top speed, and improving fuel economy.

Wind resistance is often measured with sophisticated computers in multi-million dollar wind tunnels. The result is usually expressed as a number called the "drag coefficient" (Cd). While having a low drag coefficient is important, the size of the vehicle (expressed as "frontal area") is also important. In general, as drag coefficient and frontal areas decrease, a vehicle becomes easier to push through the wind. Automakers are well aware of this, so they go to great lengths to ensure a low Cd on vehicles designed for high efficiency. Some approximate Cd values for well-known vehicles.

.25 Honda Insight
.26 Toyota Prius
.27 Nissan GT-R
.34 GMC Acadia
.36 Bugatti Veyron (spoiler retracted)
.36 Chevrolet Suburban
.48 Classic VW Beetle
.65 Tractor Trailer (with fairings)
.75 Formula 1 Car (downforce = high drag)

There are a couple of ways to determine the Cd of your vehicle. If your vehicle is stock, simply look it up on the Internet. If you have modified your car with wider tires, spoilers, roof rack, or changed the ride height, then your Cd has changed. To determine whether your mods are hurting or helping you at the pump (or the track), why not calculate it yourself with a few household items and an Excel spreadsheet? Of course, this requires a bit more effort... but, if you have any geek in your bloodstream, this will really get your juices flowing. The process is too long to detail here, but check out the simple instructions, grab your household items, and let us know what your results are. Thanks for the tip, Farris!

[Source: Instructables]

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Driver puts faith in GPS, shears off top of charter bus on bridge

Jonathon Ramsey — 2008-04-18T19:29:00+00:00

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., Tech

As of today, we're taking bets to see how long it will take before people realize that "GPS" does not stand for "Auto Pilot." The latest "But the GPS told me to..." story is brought to you by a charter bus driver in Seattle. Piloting a coach through the Washington Arboretum -- as the GPS instructed him -- the driver ignored, or didn't see, or didn't believe (take your pick) the flashing lights and sign warning him that his 11-foot-high bus was too tall for the looming 9-foot concrete overpass.

You can see how the story ends. The overpass ended up with some superficial damage, the coach got a removable top, and the girls softball team inside received some minor injuries. Luckily, the 60-inch sewage pipe inside the overpass wasn't ruptured. The driver was ticketed for $154. And in response to the charter company executive who remarked, "We just thought it would be a safe route because, why else would they have a selection for a bus?", a Garmin spokesman responded "Stoplights aren't in our databases, either, but you're still expected to stop for stoplights."

[Source: Seattle Pi]

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Scion picks a partner for HD Radio

Jonathon Ramsey — 2008-04-18T18:32:00+00:00

Filed under: Gadgets, Tech, Scion, Toyota

Scion has selected iBiquity Digital to provide HD Radio technology in some of its audio systems. Scion hasn't said how it plans to integrate iBiquity into Scions, or which cars will get the systems first, but the partnership marks another incursion of HD Radio into the mass market -- BMW, Ford and Jaguar already offer it, with Volvo opening the HD spigot next year. HD Radio offers stations the ability to transmit multiple programs over a single FM frequency with crystal clear reception -- and there are more than 1,600 stations across the nation, available to 83-percent of the country. In the future, HD plans to introduce features that will match or better those offered by satellite radio. But unlike satellite radio, HD is free.

[Source: Toyota]

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