Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Scooter-geek's dream ride: Yamaha Vino scooter, fully farkled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/scooter-geeks-dream-ride-yamaha-vino-scooter-fully-farkled/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/scooter-geeks-dream-ride-yamaha-vino-scooter-fully-farkled/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/scooter-geeks-dream-ride-yamaha-vino-scooter-fully-farkled/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


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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]]>farklefarkledgeek scootergeek-scooterGeekScooteryamaha vinoyamaha-vinoYamahaVino2008-05-08T19:00:00+00:00<![CDATA[Ford begins production of new mid-range six-speed automatic]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/ford-begins-production-of-new-mid-range-six-speed-automatic/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/ford-begins-production-of-new-mid-range-six-speed-automatic/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/ford-begins-production-of-new-mid-range-six-speed-automatic/#commentsFiled under: ,



For 2009, the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner (as well as the Mazda Tribute) are getting the powertrain updates that they missed out on when their exteriors were revamped last year. While the 2008 models had all-new looks and interiors, the engines and transmissions were carried over from 2007, including the four-speed automatic transmissions. We'll have more info on their new 2.5L four-cylinder and 3.0L V6 engines after we drive them next week, but Ford released some information on their new six-speed transmissions when we visited its Van Dyke Transmission Plant in Sterling Heights, MI.

The new 6F35 is a completely new six-speed automatic that will have a wider total ratio spread than the four speed it is replacing. The top gear ratio will be approximately the same as the four-speed, but the lower gears will be shorter helping off-the-line acceleration. The final drive ratio will be a little taller (numerically lower), which will help reduce the engine speed when cruising on the highway. Even with the larger first to sixth spread, the overall gap between each ratio will be smaller resulting in less engine speed drop during shifts and a quieter, smoother overall driving experience. The 6F35 uses a total of three planetary gear sets and five clutches to generate the six forward and one reverse gear.

Ford is claiming that the new transmission contributes to a 4-6% improvement in fuel efficiency depending on with which vehicle and engine it's paired. Besides the three CUVs launching shortly, the new gearboxes are also going into the revamped Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan early next year. The Van Dyke plant also builds the larger 6F50 used in the Edge, Taurus and their derivatives, as well as a smaller four-speed used in the Focus. That four-speed will also be replaced by a third smaller 6-speed in the next year or two for the Focus and Fiesta. Ford plans to double production of six-speed autoboxes by the end of 2009 to 1.4 million units and by 2012 expects 98% of all its automatics to be 6-ratio variants.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford begins production of new mid-range six-speed automatic

 

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]]>6 speed6 speed automatic6f356Speed6SpeedAutomaticescapeford six speed automaticFordSixSpeedAutomaticmariner2008-05-08T16:43:00+00:00<![CDATA[Tankonempty.com: How far past the slash can you go?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/tankonempty-com-how-far-past-the-slash-can-you-go/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/tankonempty-com-how-far-past-the-slash-can-you-go/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/07/tankonempty-com-how-far-past-the-slash-can-you-go/#commentsFiled under: ,



In an episode of "Seinfeld," Kramer and a car salesman vowed to drive a Saab 900 "into the slash" just to see what would happen. Kramer said he had done it once but blacked out and woke up in a ditch with a full tank of gas. There's now a website that would have benefited from Kramer's experiment. Tank On Empty is collecting stories and experiences of how far each model of car can go past the slash before running out of fuel.

So let's say you drive a Dodge Intrepid. According to Tank On Empty, the most mileage after the low-fuel light has come on is claimed to be 99. The least is zero and the average is 36.4. Unfortunately, there are no distinctions made for any difference in engines, model years, options or geographical location. And, it turns out, 99 is the most miles users are allowed to enter and drivers are not required to push their cars until they're dry.

The site has a good idea trying to compile this kind of data. But it's fatally flawed methodology offers results that are, unfortunately, completely worthless.

Instead of a light, what we need is to go back to the system Volkswagen once used. Until 1962, VW Beetles didn't have a fuel gauge. Instead, when your car's tank ran empty and sputtered to a stop, you flipped a lever that activated a small fuel reserve that would hopefully give you time to find a place to refuel. Classic VW owners quickly learned how to calculate their remaining travel time.

[Source: tankonempty.com via gumball144.com]

 

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]]>2008-05-07T20:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Covertech car cover does the rolling for you]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/covertech-car-cover-does-the-rolling-for-you/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/covertech-car-cover-does-the-rolling-for-you/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/covertech-car-cover-does-the-rolling-for-you/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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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]]>car coverscar protectionCarCoversCarProtectioncovertechgadgetstech2008-05-05T18:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[University of Michigan to test crash-avoidance system]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/03/university-of-michigan-to-test-crash-avoidance-system/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/03/university-of-michigan-to-test-crash-avoidance-system/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/03/university-of-michigan-to-test-crash-avoidance-system/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Lane departure sensors and adaptive cruise control have helped to prevent accidents and save lives, and new technology from the University of Michigan hopes to take the those ideas to the next level. U of M's Integrated Vehicle-Based Safety System warns drivers if they're about to hit another vehicle while changing lanes; if they're about to leave the road; and if they're going to rear-end another vehicle. The system improves on existing technology by integrating data from video, radio sensors and GPS to warn drivers of dangerous situations and give them the path of least possible harm.

The university secured over $32M in funding from state and local governments plus several corporations, which will pay for the testing of 16 passenger cars and 10 commercial trucks equipped with the system. IIHS predicts that tens of thousands of lives will be saved each year if lane departure and forward crash systems are improved, so here's to hoping the Wolverines have a smash hit on their hands. No pun intended.

[Source: Detroit News]

 

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]]>accident avoidanceAccidentAvoidanceadaptive cruise controlAdaptiveCruiseControlIIHSLane departureLaneDepartureUniversity of MichiganUniversityOfMichigan2008-05-03T17:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[Time for a Change: F1/Carbon GMT watch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/03/time-for-a-change-f1-carbon-gmt-watch/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/03/time-for-a-change-f1-carbon-gmt-watch/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/03/time-for-a-change-f1-carbon-gmt-watch/#commentsFiled under: ,

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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]]>f1 watchf1carbon gmtF1carbonGmtF1Watch2008-05-03T15:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Anatomy of a race driver proves hardcore required]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/anatomy-of-a-race-driver-proves-hardcore-required/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/anatomy-of-a-race-driver-proves-hardcore-required/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/anatomy-of-a-race-driver-proves-hardcore-required/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Yes, racing is a sport, even NASCAR. Talented people always make difficult things look easy, but wrestling a vehicle traveling well in excess of one-hundred miles an hour would beat down most mortals in short order. Wired has put up an informative rollover-fest that gives credence to the idea that while us auto writers might be the walking embodiment of a Boston Creme donut, professional racers don't share our gooey center. Driving race cars to win takes dedication on many levels -- time and money are biggies -- and success is unlikely if the mind and body are not as finely tuned as the chassis.

To capture the checkered flag, drivers toil in an environment that's hot and loud, and controls require strong, sure inputs. This ain't your two-finger cruise up the interstate in air-conditioned pleasantness. A regimen of weight training is necessary for the physical performance, while we really like the fact that gaming helps train the eyes and brain to process high speeds. What we don't like is that crunches are apparently necessary. How are we going to be taken seriously in a room full of auto journos if we're all trim and good-drivery? Thanks for all the tips!

[Source: Wired]

 

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]]>anatomy of a racerAnatomyOfARacerauto racingAutoRacingmotorsportsrace carrace driverRaceCarRaceDriverracing anatomyRacingAnatomywiredwired magazinewired racingwired scienceWiredMagazineWiredRacingWiredScience2008-05-01T19:30:00+00:00<![CDATA[SYNC retrofit kit now available for 2008 Navigator, Mustang next]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/sync-retrofit-kit-now-available-for-2008-navigator-mustang-next/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/sync-retrofit-kit-now-available-for-2008-navigator-mustang-next/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/01/sync-retrofit-kit-now-available-for-2008-navigator-mustang-next/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



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]

Continue reading SYNC retrofit kit now available for 2008 Navigator, Mustang next

 

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]]>fordford syncford-syncFordSynclincolnlincoln navigatorlincoln-navigatorLincolnNavigatormustang syncmustang-syncMustangSyncnavigator syncnavigator-syncNavigatorSyncsync2008-05-01T18:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Nissan 360: the X-by-Wire EA2 concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/nissan-360-the-x-by-wire-ea2-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/nissan-360-the-x-by-wire-ea2-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/nissan-360-the-x-by-wire-ea2-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for hi-res gallery of the X-by-Wire EA2 Concept

Nissan showed off a drive-by-wire concept that wasn't about touting the technology itself, but the space and features you could get back because of it. By fitting a steer-by-wire, brake-by-wire, and shift-by-wire systems, 11 centimeters of extra space was added to the cabin which allowed for a third row of seats in the rear of this Murano-based concept. The room came from pushing the wheels out to the far corners, which could be safely done without sacrificing vehicle dynamics due to the lack of mechanical linkages.

The small, race-style steering wheel needs less turning input, and the column can be tilted up completely out of the way. The center tunnel has become a beautifully finished control panel that gently arcs up to greet the driver. When you don't need it, it can also be folded back over itself creating even more space in the front area. When I did, the swath of empty space between the front seats was so inviting I almost wanted to take a nap.

The Nissan R&D engineer with the vehicle said that there were no plans to put the technology into any products right now. But it is being studied, especially one of the main issues -- as with all drive-by-wire systems -- the implementation of redundant systems.

You can check out the Nissan 360 event site for more details on the EA2 concept and all the vehicles in Nissan's lineup. In the mean time, be sure to check out the gallery of hi-res photos below.

Gallery: Nissan 360: the X-by-Wire EA2


Our travel and lodging for this media event was provided by the manufacturer.

 

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]]>brake by wireBrakeByWiredrive by wireDriveByWireea2 conceptEa2Conceptnissannissan 360nissan ea2 conceptnissan muranoNissan360NissanEa2ConceptNissanMuranoshift by wireShiftByWiresteer by wireSteerByWire2008-04-30T10:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[GM considering all-electric Volt to meet Cali requirements? How about no battery?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/27/gm-considering-all-electric-volt-to-meet-cali-requirements-how/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/27/gm-considering-all-electric-volt-to-meet-cali-requirements-how/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/27/gm-considering-all-electric-volt-to-meet-cali-requirements-how/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The hopes and dreams of electric car aficionados for a purely battery powered successor to the late, lamented EV1 may soon be satisfied. Or not. It all depends on ... you guessed it, the battery. However, the latest utterings from Maximum Bob have people buzzing again. Mr. Lutz spoke to EV site PetroZero the other day and intimated that a purely battery-powered variant of the upcoming Volt is a possibility, leaving the range extender on the cutting room floor. This is actually not a new idea and dates back to the earliest dates of the Volt program. During a media briefing back in December 2006 several weeks before the Volt's public release, the Volt team showed us images like the one above that included several different powertrain configurations. The premise was to demonstrate the flexibility part of E-Flex. This included a variant with a larger battery and no engine to charge it. This pure EV was described as something that could be built if and when the range and more importantly the cost of the battery reaches a point where it could be successful in the market. Ditching the battery. on the other hand, won't happen because the inefficiencies inherent in transforming from mechanical to electrical to mechanical power without a battery to store regen energy and grid power just wouldn't make sense.

Finally, the PetroZero article indicates that Lutz will be driving the first Volt prototype within the next week. Lutz's use of the word prototype rather than mule led the author to believe this was an actual car with Volt bodywork. We checked with GM's Rob Peterson, who confirmed that such actual prototypes are still many months away and Lutz would actually be driving the Malibu-bodied mule that is now running with a lithium ion pack installed.

[Source: PetroZero via AutoblogGreen]

 

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]]>bob lutzBobLutzchevrolet voltchevrolet voltschevrolet-voltchevrolet-voltsChevroletVoltChevroletVoltschevychevy voltchevy volt batterychevy volt muleschevy-voltchevy-volt-mulesChevyVoltChevyVoltBatteryChevyVoltMules2008-04-27T10:30:00+00:00<![CDATA[Officially Official: Corvette ZR1 makes 638 hp and 604 lb-ft]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/officially-official-corvette-zr1-makes-638-hp-and-604-lb-ft/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/officially-official-corvette-zr1-makes-638-hp-and-604-lb-ft/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/25/officially-official-corvette-zr1-makes-638-hp-and-604-lb-ft/#commentsFiled under: , ,


When Chevrolet officially announced the new Corvette ZR1 just before the Detroit Auto Show this year, it hadn't yet finished the certification of its new power-plant, the supercharged LS9. At that time, all the engineers would tell us was that the supercharged 6.2L V8 would produce a minimum of 100hp/L or 620 hp. Three months have passed since we got our first official look at the LS9 and the numbers are now in. According to GM, the LS9 has now been SAE Certified at 638 hp and 604 lb-ft of twist. The official EPA fuel economy testing hasn't been finished and for people who buy a ZR1 it probably won't matter anyway. Nonetheless, GM expects the LS9 to be the most fuel efficient 600+hp engine in the world, a dubious distinction if ever there was one. A special team of technicians will be hand-building and testing the LS9 at GM's Performance Build Center in Wixom, Mich. Check out the articles below for all the details on the ZR1 and LS9.

Related stories:

Gallery: The Chevrolet LS9 V-8


Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Officially Official: Corvette ZR1 makes 638 hp and 604 lb-ft

 

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]]>breakingcorvettecorvette zr1CorvetteZr1ls9LS9 horsepowerls9 v8Ls9Horsepowerls9v8supercharged ls9SuperchargedLs9zr1ZR1 horsepowerZr1Horsepower2008-04-25T00:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[Volkswagen finishes up Jetta BlueTDI development, on sale this summer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/volkswagen-finishes-up-jetta-bluetdi-development-on-sale-this-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/volkswagen-finishes-up-jetta-bluetdi-development-on-sale-this-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/volkswagen-finishes-up-jetta-bluetdi-development-on-sale-this-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,




The new, fifty-state legal Jetta BlueTDI is finally done and it's coming soon. At the International Vienna Motor Symposium in Austria, Volkswagen announced that it's completed development on what they are calling the BlueTDI system for their US diesels. Like Mercedes (BlueTec) and BMW (BluePerformance), VW is adopting the Blue moniker for their cleanest, most efficient systems. The Jetta BlueTDI will be the first Tier2 Bin5 compliant diesels that doesn't have to use a urea injection system to meet the new NOx emissions standard. VW started with the updated 2.0L TDI that was launched in the European Tiguan last fall. Individual cylinder pressure sensors were added that allow the engine management system to optimize the fuel injection pulses to keep combustion temperatures down. That helped VW eliminate 60-percent of the NOx emissions before you even get to the exhaust stream. The exhaust gas flowing from the 2.0L engine are low enough that VW was able to use a lean NOx trap to convert the remaining NOx to nitrogen and water. However, the larger 3.0L V-6 TDI that is coming in the Touareg and Audi Q7 at the end of the year will have to use urea injection. In addition to the NOx trap, there is a particulate filter to eliminate the soot often associated with diesel engines. The new Jetta will be able to get up to 60mpg when cruising on the highway, a boost of 12-percent over the last US-market Jetta TDI from 2006. The Jetta BlueTDI should be the first of the new round of diesels to come to market when it arrives later this summer. The first batch of cars should actually start arriving at US dealers in June, where they will be available for test drives through the summer before going on sale in September.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen finishes up Jetta BlueTDI development, on sale this summer

 

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]]>bluetdibluetdi-jettajettajetta bluetdijetta dieseljetta tdiJettaBluetdiJettaDieseljettatdi2008-04-24T19:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Virtual Wall could protect pedestrians with plasma lasers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/virtual-wall-could-protect-pedestrians-with-plasma-lasers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/virtual-wall-could-protect-pedestrians-with-plasma-lasers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/virtual-wall-could-protect-pedestrians-with-plasma-lasers/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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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]]>hanyoung leeHanyoungLeevirtual wallVirtualWall2008-04-24T17:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[REPORT: 2010 Audi S4 to get supercharged V6]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/report-2010-audi-s4-to-get-supercharged-v6/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/report-2010-audi-s4-to-get-supercharged-v6/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/report-2010-audi-s4-to-get-supercharged-v6/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Emerging reports suggest that the next Audi S4 will ditch the current model's V8 and open up the gap a little with the top-of-the-line RS4 with a new supercharged V6. Bearing the 3.0T or TFSI badge, the 2010 S4 could benefit from "twin-charging" with the possible inclusion of a turbo in addition to the supercharger.

With a potential unveiling at the LA Auto Show in November, the supercharged S4 is also tipped to feature a Magna-sourced "sport differential" like the ZF unit featured in the BMW X6, bringing the fight to the turbocharged BMW 335i, while the RS4 takes on the M3. While power will likely remain similar to the current 339-hp 4.2-liter V8 and weight only marginally reduced by 100 lbs or less, the purpose in switching to forced induction would be to improve fuel economy while returning comparable performance. The S4 is also expected to be developed outside Quattro GmbH, while the RS4 would be created by the Audi performance division, giving the former a more restrained look compared to the all-out bulging bodywork of the latter. The forced-induction V6 is also tipped to replace the 3.2-liter V6 in the base Audi A6 Quattro.

[Source: Car and Driver]

 

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]]>2010 audi s42010AudiS4audi s4audi s4 twin chargedAudiS4AudiS4TwinChargedsupercharged s4SuperchargedS4turbocharged supercharged audi s4TurbochargedSuperchargedAudiS42008-04-24T10:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Parking assist one-upsmanship: New VW system doesn't need driver in car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/parking-assist-one-upsmanship-new-vw-system-doesnt-need-driver/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/parking-assist-one-upsmanship-new-vw-system-doesnt-need-driver/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/parking-assist-one-upsmanship-new-vw-system-doesnt-need-driver/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The honchos at VW decided that Park Assist (PA) wasn't enough. That's where the car parallel parks itself while you twiddle your thumbs behind the wheel, and when the Fasten Seat Belt sign is extinguished you can get out and go on about your business. The latest development from VW is called Park Assist Vision (PAV), and it will park the car for you in any kind of spot -- parallel or perpendicular -- and you don't even need to be in the car.

A PAV-equipped car is ringed with cameras and ultrasonic sensors, and when you find a spot you want, you select it on a touchscreen. You place the car in "P" and get out if you have that much faith in technology not to scratch your paint. Your remote control keyfob tells the car what to do from then on, and the car parks itself, shuts down and locks itself up, as any happy android car should.

PAV is still in development, but it's a neat idea. It could especially come in handy when trying to slip into one of those ever-shrinking "compact" parking spaces, since it's so hard to get out of the car once you get in the space. Now if they could develop a feature that actually locates available parking spaces for you, we'd be in business.

[Source: Autocar]

 

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]]>driver aiddriver aidsDriverAidDriverAidspark assistpark assist visionParkAssistParkAssistVisionparkingtechnologyvolkswagenvw2008-04-23T17:27:00+00:00<![CDATA[Ferrari split as Formula One goes hybird]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/ferrari-split-as-formula-one-goes-hybird/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/ferrari-split-as-formula-one-goes-hybird/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/ferrari-split-as-formula-one-goes-hybird/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Formula One is going hybrid starting next year, according to statements released by the sport's governing body the FIA. The Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) will be phased in over a period of several years, starting with the 2009 season and culminating with the full-fledged implementation by 2013. The system works essentially by storing energy expelled under braking, which can then be used via a "push-to-pass"-style button mounted on the steering wheel that drivers can employ for an extra power boost.

The reaction within the Ferrari team, meanwhile, has been mixed. Vice-president Piero Ferrari - Enzo's son who owns 10% of the company - railed against the idea, saying it goes against the FIA's cost-cutting measures and will cost the teams inestimable sums of money to develop. Former driver Michael Schumacher, meanwhile, who remains close to the team, voiced his support for the system, saying that road cars and the environment will reap the benefits. All the while, Ferrari prepares to sell its system to other teams, starting with Force India, which, alongside Scuderia Toro Rosso, already buys its engines from Ferrari.

[Source: Autoblog Green and F1-Live]

 

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]]>f1 hybridf1 kersF1HybridF1Kersferrari kersFerrariKersformula one kers hybridFormulaOneKersHybridkerskinetic energy recovery systemKineticEnergyRecoverySystemschumacher kersSchumacherKers2008-04-23T16:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Dutch cyclists want airbags installed on the outside of cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/dutch-cyclists-want-airbags-installed-on-the-outside-of-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/dutch-cyclists-want-airbags-installed-on-the-outside-of-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/dutch-cyclists-want-airbags-installed-on-the-outside-of-cars/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Due to the continuing evolution of safety standards, high speed car-on-car impacts have made life better for everyone inside the cars. Now, even pedestrians get love from some car makers in the form of hoods that pop up when the car senses a pedestrian impact, so that the walker doesn't hit the engine block. Now, the Dutch Cycling Federation wants to know: what about us? The federation is asking for exterior airbags to protect cyclists in collisions with cars.

In a country where getting around by bike is the done thing, the federation estimates that external airbags on cars could save 60 cyclists and eliminate 1,500 serious injuries every year. The airbags they have in mind would be mounted on the hoods, which is where cyclists usually end up.

In case you're thinking "There's no way...", the Swedish company Autoliv Inc. has created an air bag that deploys from the A-pillars and extends over the hood to keep people from crashing down onto the engine block. It strikes us as a bit nutty to think that one day our cars could turn into giant bubbles to protect everyone everywhere in an accident, but hey, if it saves lives....

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

 

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]]>airbagairbagsautolivautolivalvcyclistcyclistdeathcyclistsholland2008-04-22T19:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[Honda develops walking assist device to aid elderly/disabled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/honda-develops-walking-assist-device-to-aid-elderly-disabled/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/honda-develops-walking-assist-device-to-aid-elderly-disabled/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/honda-develops-walking-assist-device-to-aid-elderly-disabled/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


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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]]>hondahonda walkerhonda walking assist devicehonda-walkerHondaWalkerHondaWalkingAssistDevicewalkerwalking assist devicewalking-assist-deviceWalkingAssistDevice2008-04-22T14:55:00+00:00<![CDATA[How To: Measure your vehicle's Cd without a million-dollar wind tunnel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/how-to-measure-your-vehicles-cd-without-a-million-dollar-wind/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/how-to-measure-your-vehicles-cd-without-a-million-dollar-wind/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/22/how-to-measure-your-vehicles-cd-without-a-million-dollar-wind/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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.

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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]]>Cddownforcedragdrag coefficientDragCoefficientfrontal areaFrontalArealiftMeasurespoilerwing2008-04-22T11:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[Scuderi split-cycle engine almost ready for sale to automakers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/19/scuderi-split-cycle-engine-almost-ready-for-sale-to-automakers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/19/scuderi-split-cycle-engine-almost-ready-for-sale-to-automakers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/19/scuderi-split-cycle-engine-almost-ready-for-sale-to-automakers/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Scuderi has been hard at work refining its split-cycle engine technology for the last few years, and the company believes that it's close to another milestone. Though still far from production, testing has recently validated an important aspect of the design involving the valvetrain, so vice president Stephen Scuderi believes that he is close to licensing the technology to other manufacturers.

The split-cycle engine is intended to be an improvement on the traditional Otto cycle and acts a bit like the Miller cycle. Instead of using a mechanical supercharger, though, the Scuderi design uses paired cylinders to compress air, which is then used to prevent reversion of the exhaust gases into the intake tract. It is also possible to store some of this compressed air to power the vehicle as part of a hybrid drivetrain. If this seems to make little sense (don't worry, you're not alone), click past the break for a computer rendering of the engine running.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

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]]>scuderiscuderi enginescuderi-engineScuderiEnginesplit cyclesplit cycle enginesplit-cyclesplit-cycle enginesplit-cycle-engineSplit-cycleEngineSplitCycleSplitCycleEngine2008-04-19T15:02:00+00:00