Autoblog

AOL Autos Giveaway: Win a 2013 Dodge Dart with UConnect!

John Neff — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 18:44:00 EST

When planning the first ever Technology of the Year Award, our colleagues at AOL Autos decided early on that it would be great to give away the winning technology. Since all of this tech comes attached to vehicles, that meant giving away another car!

With the Chrysler UConnect system having won the inaugural award this year, they decided the prize should be a brand new 2013 Dodge Dart equipped with the UConnect system.

The giveaway starts today and runs through January 25th, so make sure to enter here for your chance to win a new Dart valued at $23,820. If you want to know more about the new Dart, click here to read our review of it.

AOL Autos Giveaway: Win a 2013 Dodge Dart with UConnect! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler UConnect wins AOL Autos Technology of the Year Award

Chris Tutor — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 15:43:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Chrysler

The first annual AOL Autos Technology of the Year Award has been won by Chrysler's upgraded UConnect system.

Over 35 entries were considered and narrowed down to six finalists in three categories: Connectivity, Telematics and Active Safety. The judges, which included editors from AOL Autos, Autoblog and Engadget, as well as a number of other auto and tech journalists and luminaries, chose UConnect over the MyFord Mobile app, Audi Connect with Google Maps, Cadillac CUE, Honda's LaneWatch technology and Nissan's Tire Pressure Alert and Refill System. Even readers who were polled on which technology should win chose UConnect.

AOL Autos Editor in Chief David Kiley remarked that Chrysler's UConnect deserved the first Technology of the Year Award not because of what it does, but for how UConnect performs every time it's used. Kiley went on to say UConnect works the way it's supposed to, fills a need and puts a smile on your face. By meeting those requirements, UConnect very much deserved AOL Auto's first Tech of the Year award.

Accepting the trophy was Marios Zenios, head of connectivity for Chrysler. The official announcement was made today, Wednesday, on the Engadget stage at CES in Las Vegas.

Chrysler UConnect wins AOL Autos Technology of the Year Award originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vote for the 2012 Technology of the Year

John Neff — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Technology

Our sister site, AOL Autos, has been working hard all year to collect and narrow down this year's most interesting and innovative automotive technologies into six finalists for its inaugural Technology of the Year Award.

Over 30 technologies were considered across the areas of Connectivity, Active Safety and Telematics. After reviewing them all, the group has been narrowed down to six finalists by a panel of 16 judges, which includes myself and four other Autoblog editors, as well editors from Engadget and Translogic, and even Tony Fadell, the former leader of Apple's iPod team and creator of the Nest learning thermostat.

There is, however, a 17th judge, and that's you. We'd like you to cast your vote for the best new technology of 2012. When the judges reconvene next month to pick a winner, the votes cast by you and other readers will count as the seventeenth judge with the final vote to cast.

Click here to visit the AOL Autos Technology of the Year webpage, read up on the finalists and vote for your favorite.

Vote for the 2012 Technology of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Nov 2012 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Translogic follows Monster Tajima's historic, and short, Pikes Peak run

Jeff Sabatini — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 19:21:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Technology, Electric, Racing

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is the second-oldest motorsports event in the United States, having been contested since 1916. It's an outlier in the sanitized, corporate-sponsored world of professional racing, remaining true to its unique and local roots. The race has a long history of encouraging ingenuity and experimentation, so its not surprising that proponents of alternative fuels have long mixed it up amidst the more conventionally deployed big blocks and turbos.

But this year something special happened when course record holder and defending champion Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima showed up with an EV. Now Tajima was certainly not the first to attempt a run up the mountain under electric power, but his embrace of the technology after years of racing machines powered by internal combustion engines has to be regarded as significant. The EV movement couldn't have asked for a better public relations opportunity, which is why our sister site Translogic was there with cameras to document the occasion.

Unfortunately, Tajima's day was prematurely ended when his car caught fire. His course record was broken as well, but the former champ has promised to be back next year to give it another go with his Monster Sport E-Runner Pikes Peak Special.

Scroll down to watch the full episode of Translogic.

Continue reading Translogic follows Monster Tajima's historic, and short, Pikes Peak run

Translogic follows Monster Tajima's historic, and short, Pikes Peak run originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 19:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Translogic checks out Austin's impressive infrastructure

Jeff Sabatini — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Technology, Videos

Too often, discussions about how best for people to get around crowded urban environments turn into an argument, with cars pitted against bicycles, highways versus public transit and improving commute times challenging pedestrian safety. But not in Austin.

In this latest episode of Translogic, our sister publication looks at how the Texas capital has embraced multimodal transportation, choosing "all of the above" rather than picking any one idea on which to hang its transportation strategy. With as rapidly as the city and surrounding region has been growing - now boasting some 1.2 million residents - the need for forward-thinking transportation planning is acute.

From wide, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks to bike lanes, car sharing to public charging stations and light rail, Austin seemingly has it all. The city isn't sitting still, either, promoting such ideas as bike lockers in office buildings with shower facilities to encourage two-wheel commuting, and getting ready to launch a bike sharing program next year. Federal money to develop a high-speed bus system will further enhance Austin's transportation alternatives.

Scroll down to watch the full Translogic episode and see what they're doing to Keep Austin Weird... and green.

Continue reading Translogic checks out Austin's impressive infrastructure

Translogic checks out Austin's impressive infrastructure originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Aug 2012 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AOL Autos Mini Countryman winner picks up prize, what else should we give away?

David Kiley — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Mini

Remember when we announced that our sister site, AOL Autos, was giving away a Mini Countryman? That was the beginning of AOL Autos Giveaway, a new program in which the site will give away cars and auto accessories to its Facebook fans. At the same time, we at Autoblog ran our own series of sweepstakes and gave away fun stuff like a LEGO set and R/C car, and more useful swag like a battery charger and garage wall organizing system.

We're going to make these giveaways a regular thing for both sites. More cars. More stuff. We're gathering up radar detectors, GPS devices, bike racks, cargo carriers, etc., so stay tuned for more stuff, and keep liking AOL Autos and Autoblog on Facebook, because that's all we ask in return for entering the sweepstakes.

In the comment section below, let us know what stuff (including cars) you would most like to be in the running to receive. We are taking these suggestions seriously.

We know what you are thinking? Ugh....nobody ever wins that stuff. Wrong. And to prove it, check out this post from AOL Autos that retraces the program and includes some of what we thought about our long-term Mini Countryman, as well as who won the car we gave away. Hint: The winner could be doing your knee replacement in about seven or eight years.

AOL Autos Mini Countryman winner picks up prize, what else should we give away? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AOL Autos giving away a Mini Countryman to readers

Autoblog Staff — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Mini

AOL Autos, sister site to Autoblog, is giving away a Mini Countryman to readers who "Like" the AOL Autos Facebook page.

AOL Autos and Autoblog have been sharing a Mini Countryman as a long-term tester for about a year. And what with Mini celebrating its tenth anniversary in the U.S., AOL Autos Editor-in-Chief David Kiley thought it a good way to kick off what we hope will be a series of AOL Autos Giveaway cars.

The process for winning is pretty painless. When you "Like" AOL Autos on Facebook, you are taken to a very short entry form where you will be asked for a few bits of information. Those who are following AOL Autos on July 1 will be eligible to win the car, a Mini Countryman S fitted with the Tech Package and automatic transmission.

True, we prefer the manual tranny. But AOL Autos ordered the car from Gratz, and the fact is that a lot of the people who will be eligible to win don't drive a stick. The automatic, though, is nothing to scoff at, especially in the S trim.

Stay tuned the week of July 4-14 as AOL Autos/Autoblog editors Scott Burgess and David Kiley join Mini for its Mini Takes The States tour from New York City to Los Angeles, stopping at many cool places in between. We will have daily updates from Scott and David with pictures, bits of video and, as always, interesting posts from the road.

In the meantime, go ahead and enter for your chance to win a Mini Countryman of your own.

AOL Autos giving away a Mini Countryman to readers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jun 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Translogic goes for a walk with MABEL the walking robot

Jeff Sabatini — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 09:45:00 EST

Filed under: Technology

Our sister site Translogic visits the University of Michigan in their latest episode to check out a bipedal robot named MABEL. While other similar robots like ASIMO (built by Honda), and the Partner Robots (from Toyota) have wowed crowds with their ability to walk upright, MABEL advances the technology with a complex system of springs in its knees so that its gait more resembles actual human locomotion. This enables MABEL to actually run like a human, with both "feet" leaving the ground for part of each stride.

MABEL actually set a world record for fastest two-legged machine last summer, hitting a peak pace of 6.8 miles per hour. (By comparison, ASIMO tops out at 3.7 mph.) More importantly, MABEL is able to walk and run over more than just flat terrain, as it can dynamically balance similar to a human. University of Michigan researchers say this technology may be able to help the disabled regain the ability to walk some day, or be deployed for future vehicles that don't use wheels.

Watch the full episode below.

Continue reading Translogic goes for a walk with MABEL the walking robot

Translogic goes for a walk with MABEL the walking robot originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Translogic visits Switzerland to interview Jetman

Jeff Sabatini — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 18:40:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Videos

While we're a little obsessed with cars here at Autoblog, our sister publication Translogic has a good habit of dispensing with terrestrial transportation entirely from time to time. This is one of those weeks, where the video crew has traveled to Switzerland - not to Geneva, but to Bex - to interview the Jetman, Yves Rossy.

Rossy is the first human to fly by means of a jet-powered wing. The Swiss pilot developed the wing over five years ago, and has since flown over the Alps, crossed the English Channel, and last year flew across the Grand Canyon.

Translogic has some great aerial footage of the Jetman, who proves to be a pretty funny interview as well. See the video below to view all of it, in full HD.

Continue reading Translogic visits Switzerland to interview Jetman

Translogic visits Switzerland to interview Jetman originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Translogic gets inside look at Rinspeed's concept shop

Jeff Sabatini — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 19:55:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Technology, Videos, Specialty

Another week brings another action-packed episode of Translogic. Our sister site continues its tour of Europe with a trip to Switzerland's Rinspeed. If there's a car builder that more resembles a toy company for adults, we can't imagine it.

Host Bradley Hasemeyer got a full demonstration of several remarkable vehicles during his visit. The sQuba submarine car is straight out of James Bond, though it's based on a more modern Lotus than the famous Esprit from The Spy Who Loved Me. The similarly amphibious Splash can operate as either a car, boat or hovercraft. The X-Trem is an oddly styled pickup that can load and unload - you guessed it - a hovercraft from its truck bed. Similarly, the Tatooo carries an underwater scooter.

But Rinspeed isn't just about wet and wild concept cars. The company has been pioneering alternative fuel vehicles, like the R One, a biofuel-powered roadster. It's also built the Presto, a frankly remarkable car in that it can transform from a compact two-seat roadster to a full four-place vehicle with the press of a button. The UC is a small electric car built out of a Fiat 500, controlled by a joystick and designed to be carried on a commuter train for urban use.

Click past the jump to watch the episode in its entirety.

Continue reading Translogic gets inside look at Rinspeed's concept shop

Translogic gets inside look at Rinspeed's concept shop originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Translogic drives a poo-powered car

Jeff Sabatini — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Technology, Videos, Volkswagen

Translogic has driven a lot of interesting vehicles over the past two years. Our sister site filmed some of the first seat time in a Chevrolet Volt, drove Local Motors' Rally Fighter, got behind the wheel of an electric DeLorean, turned in the first test drive of the Lightning GT supercar, tried out the YikeBike, and even found a wacky wood-powered car called the "Beaver." You'd think there wouldn't be anything more outrageous for those guys to find seat time in. Yet they've managed to find yet another crazy transportation project with an alternative power source to top them all: human waste.

While we've written about Geneco's Bio Bug before, this episode of Translogic features an actual road test, filmed onsite at the Wessex Water waste treatment plant in England. The plant produces biogas, a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide gas that's used to power this Volkswagen New Beetle. The conversion sounds pretty straightforward, and is similar to adapting a gasoline engine to run on propane.

Click past the jump to see the full episode.

Continue reading Translogic drives a poo-powered car

Translogic drives a poo-powered car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Translogic finishes CES by going solo

Jeff Sabatini — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Technology

Our sister site Translogic follows up on its Consumer Electronics Show coverage with a new episode this week. This one is a smorgasbord of automotive tech, including a spin on the Solowheel, a mobility device that's sort of like half a Segway.

The Translogic crew also talks to the chief technology officer at Panasonic, who draws some interesting comparisons between electric cars and refrigerators. Audi shows off a new gesture-based, heads-up display. Kia announces a new version of its UVO telematics system and shows it off in some concepts.

Click past the jump to watch the whole episode.

Continue reading Translogic finishes CES by going solo

Translogic finishes CES by going solo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Translogic takes DeLorean DMC-EV for a spin

Jeff Sabatini — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Technology, Electric

This electric DeLorean is just a prototype, but our sister publication, Translogic got to take it for a spin and found that a 260-horsepower electric motor finally makes the DMC-12 the sports car everyone has always wanted it to be. While we get to see plenty of footage of the car lapping Houston Motorsports Park, this episode also includes an interview with DeLorean Motor Company CEO Stephen Wynne.

While we don't want to give too much away, Wynne discusses future plans for the Texas-based DeLorean restorer and remanufacturer, which include bringing the electric DeLorean to market. Wynne tells Translogic that the car is expected to sell for between $95,000-$100,000. The car is said to have a 100-mile range, which would make it roughly equivalent to the Nissan Leaf, but with far more performance - not to mention its iconic time machine looks.

With all the negative publicity some pundits have heaped upon electric vehicles as of late, we wonder if perhaps this is the car to change their minds about EVs? See Translogic's full experience with the electric DeLorean in the video after the jump.

Continue reading Translogic takes DeLorean DMC-EV for a spin

Translogic takes DeLorean DMC-EV for a spin originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AOL Autos announces new Technology of the Year award

Autoblog Staff — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: CES

With in-car technology coming fast and furious at this week's North American International Auto Show and the Consumer Electronics Show, it seems like the perfect week for AOL Autos, Autoblog, Translogic and Engadget to announce a new "Technology of the Year" Award program that will reward the best purveyors of new tech, and serve as a useful hub of info for our readers.

At CES today, AOL Autos Editor-in-Chief David Kiley is announcing the new award, which will be rolled out throughout 2012, with a winner presented with the laurels at next year's CES.

A panel of judges will be evaluating new or improved tech in the categories of telematics, connectivity and active safety. The judging panel includes Kiley, Autoblog editor-in-chief John Neff, Engadget editor-in-chief Tim Stevens, Autoblog senior editor Damon Lavrinc, AOL Autos Tech Editor Jeff Sabatini, and HuffingtonPost auto industry senior editor Sharon Silke Carty. The judging board also includes Tony Fadell, founder of www.nest.com, who is also the former Apple engineer often referred to as "The Father of the iPod. Author Lauren "The Car Coach" Fix, and Shelby "The Teen Car Coach" Fix are also judges.

AOL Autos has also assembled this unique judging panel to evaluate technology advances introduced each year and will name the best at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show.

"AOL Autos is the obvious source to bring together the best and brightest arbiters of automotive and electronic communications hardware into one industry award," explained Kiley. "Tapping into the expertise of AOL Autos, Autoblog, and Engadget, AOL is uniquely positioned to evaluate and ultimately name an annual Technology of the Year winner."

You can go to the homepage of the award program, http://autos.aol.com/award/, which explains the award parameters, lists stories about new tech that will be eligible for nomination this year, as well as an opportunity to win a Samsung flat-screen TV and Roku if you sign up for our Tech of the Year e-newsletter this week, which will keep you up to date on all the new eligible technology.

Finalists for the award will be announced at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. And between the LA Auto Show and CES, said Kiley, "Our readers will have an opportunity to cast votes for the best tech, and their consensus winner will carry the weight of one judge on the panel." Said Kiley, "Even if our readers don't have the chance to test the technology themselves, we want to know what they think about our coverage and the concepts they are reading about."

Continue reading AOL Autos announces new Technology of the Year award

AOL Autos announces new Technology of the Year award originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AOL Autos chooses first-ever Car and Truck/SUV of the Year

David Kiley — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Hatchback

AOL Autos, sibling channel to Autoblog, has chosen a Car of the Year and Truck of the Year for the first time.

Editor-in-Chief David Kiley dubbed the awards, "Editors' Choice Awards", reflecting the fact that the selections were made by polling AOL Editors for their nominations. Their choices were discussed and consolidated with winners and three runners up per category.

Autoblog editors and staff did not participate in voting.

"Since we test just about every vehicle on the market, and certainly all the newly designed vehicles that come out, I felt like we should assert our collective opinion into the mix," said Kiley.

"This was a very good year for cars, which made it tough, but not a great year for eligible SUVs and trucks. But I feel really strongly about the choices we made; that both vehicles could win in any year," said Kiley.

To see the winners and runner-ups, click here. And please, argue the selections in the comment areas.

AOL Autos chooses first-ever Car and Truck/SUV of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Worst of the Worst: AOL Autos rolls out its own list

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:58:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Humor

In the interest of full disclosure, that's my byline on AOL Autos' list of the worst cars from 50 automakers. Yes, it's not the only such list we've seen recently, and you are of course strongly encouraged to let me have it in the comments. Anyone who calls out 50 different automotive brands for their worst FAIL moments had better have thick skin, which I do.

I also have a sense of humor - and not for a minute do I or anyone else at our sister site that weighed in on the list think it is as definitive as it is funny. If you've been around the classic car hobby for a while, you come to realize that there is a charm to be had in even the worst cars. Growing up in the 1970s and 1980s meant witnessing the Dark Ages of the auto industry firsthand, the era from which many of these vehicles hail. While these cars were not a lot of fun to own back then, today we can look back and laugh at them, the automotive equivalent of polyester jumpsuits and acid wash jeans.

There are undoubtedly many more vehicles that could be added to the list, so feel free to join in the discussion after viewing the list here.

Worst of the Worst: AOL Autos rolls out its own list originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: A look back at the history of the Volkswagen Beetle

Zach Bowman — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Budget, Videos, Volkswagen

A history of the Volkswagen Beetle - Click above to watch video after the jump

Our cohorts over at AOL Autos have gone through the trouble of creating a video to take a look at the history of the Volkswagen Beetle. With the People's Automaker pulling the covers off the 2012 Beetle at this year's New York Auto Show, there couldn't be a more fitting time to crack open the history books and dive into the car's past. Editor-in-Chief David Kiley narrates the informative clip and covers everything from the vehicle's unfortunate beginnings to its widespread popularity in Germany and around the world.

The video features plenty of classic footage of workers assembling the Bugs themselves as well as more than a few great vintage advertising spots. There's even an airborne Beetle for your viewing enjoyment.

Kiley helps remind us that the "New" Beetle was largely responsible for helping to save Volkswagen in America back when the brand was struggling to get a grasp on our market. Hit the jump to check out the clip for yourself.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: A look back at the history of the Volkswagen Beetle

Video: A look back at the history of the Volkswagen Beetle originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Translogic goes to Japan, checks out its modding culture

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Etc., Japan, Videos, Motorcycle, Design/Style

Translogic goes to Japan! - Click above to watch video after the jump

Our in-company pals at Translogic decided it was time to add a new stamp to their passports. They gathered up their video equipment and hopped on a plane. Destination: Japan!

Bradley Hasemeyer and the Translogic team descended upon the Asian island nation to film a multi-part adventure, exploring different facets of the unique culture. First up on the agenda is the subject of modification. Hasemeyer kicks his trip off by checking out a group of folks who love tricking out their scooters. The mods add up quickly and the 250cc "Big Scooters" are fitted with everything from neon lighting to full air suspension setups.

Moving on from the new-school world of scooter modding, Translogic examines the more classic Kaido Racer scene. This very unique styling endeavor gets its inspiration from the old-school FIA Group 5 racing league that included such legendary cars as the Porsche 917, Ferrari 512 and the Ford GT40 Mk 1. Now, the Japanese have obviously taken serious liberties in their own four-wheeled homages, but the result is a style that is nothing if not distinct.

After scaling up from scooters to cars, Hasemeyer gets even bigger and shifts his focus to the van modding world. Starting with such a large canvas, the Japanese van culture goes absolutely crazy and transform their vans into creations that defy explanation. You'll have to hop the jump and watch the video to see the owners explain their obsessions.

[Source: AOL Autos Translogic]

Continue reading Video: Translogic goes to Japan, checks out its modding culture

Video: Translogic goes to Japan, checks out its modding culture originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AOL Autos launches Translogic

John Neff — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Videos

Click above to view episodes 1.1 and 1.2 of Translogic

Our brethren over at AOL Autos have just launched a new video series called Translogic. Hosted by the always-effervescent Bradley Hasemeyer, who we're convinced is somehow related to J.D. Roth, and the equally bubbly Caitlin Thompson, Translogic's goal is to introduce viewers to the cool, techy side of transportation in four weekly installments that add up to one mondo episode per month. You'll also be able to subscribe to the larger monthly episodes in iTunes once they complete the first four installments.

They've already released episodes 1.1 and 1.2, which you can view over at the Translogic website. In the duo's first two outings, Bradley and Caitlin visit Tesla, get a ride in an Ariel Atom (we know what that's like), talk to the man behind the Velozzi turbine-powered green supercar, and explore one of our all-time favorite topics: jet packs.

Head on over to check them out and let us know what you think in the comments. The AOL Autos team reads Autoblog everyday just like you and would appreciate some thoughtful suggestions from the community on how to keep improving Translogic.

[Source: Translogic]

AOL Autos launches Translogic originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota reportedly knew about unintended acceleration issues caused by electronics in 2002

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Technology, Toyota

Throughout all of the recent Toyota recall talk, the automaker has stated on numerous occasions that it has never found any sort of electronic defect that would cause unintended acceleration. Instead, Toyota insists that only floor mats and sticky accelerator pedals were to blame for the problems that owners have cited in recent months.

It comes as quite a surprise, then, to learn that Toyota has, in fact, faced problems involving unintended acceleration as far back as the early 2000s. What's more, an official service bulletin was issued to dealers on August 30, 2002, detailing an electronic recalibration that was needed to fix certain '02 model year Camrys affected by this issue. The service bulletin states that those vehicles "may exhibit a surging during light throttle input at speeds between 38-42 mph."

This new report was brought into the spotlight by Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Mich) who says that he still feels that the root of the unintended acceleration is, in fact, an electronic problem that has not been addressed. Toyota, however, continues to stand by its conclusion that electronics were not at fault in these recent cases. This new information will no doubt play a key role in the ongoing investigation about Toyota's unintended acceleration problems.

[Source: AOL Autos]

Toyota reportedly knew about unintended acceleration issues caused by electronics in 2002 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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