Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Gresso takes its cues from F1 with new Grand Monaco phone]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/gresso-takes-its-cues-from-f1-with-new-grand-monaco-phone/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/gresso-takes-its-cues-from-f1-with-new-grand-monaco-phone/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/gresso-takes-its-cues-from-f1-with-new-grand-monaco-phone/#commentsFiled under: ,

Gress Grand Monaco - Click above for high-res image gallery

If Vertu thought they had the market for four-figure carbon fiber cell phones all to themselves, they can think again as Russia's high-end electronics firm Gresso has announced the new Grand Monaco.

Not only is Gresso's latest named for the most famous race in the world, it's also built using race-derived materials like PVD-coated titanium alloy, high-strength ceramics and of course carbon fiber. The sapphire crystal display resists scratches and the whole thing is vacuum-sealed. Multitasking junkies won't find all the functionality of a smart phone here, but the Grand Monaco does pack a 2MP camera and Bluetooth among its features and commands a princely $2,100 - a far cry from the nearly ten-grand Vertu, but a fair bit more than the average Nokia. Details in the press release after the jump.


Gallery: Gresso Grand Monaco

2009_08_13_12009_08_13_22009_08_13_3

[Source: Gresso]

Continue reading Gresso takes its cues from F1 with new Grand Monaco phone

Gresso takes its cues from F1 with new Grand Monaco phone originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carboncarbon fibercarbon fibreCarbonFiberCarbonFibrecellcell phoneCellPhonegrand monacoGrandMonacogressogresso grand monacogresso monacoGressoGrandMonacoGressoMonacomobilemobile phoneMobilePhonetitaniumWed, 26 Aug 2009 07:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Upwardly Mobile: Ferrari edition Motorola Z8]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/20/upwardly-mobile-ferrari-edition-motorola-z8/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/20/upwardly-mobile-ferrari-edition-motorola-z8/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/20/upwardly-mobile-ferrari-edition-motorola-z8/#commentsFiled under: ,

From its headquarters in Maranello, Ferrari has traditionally operated two divisions: one that makes exquisite road cars, and another that competes in motorsports. More recently, however, a third division has emerged, with the responsibility of conducting the company's ever-increasing marketing enterprise. The Global Branding Division itself seems to be following two tracks: licensing products as exclusive as the road cars and targeted towards their owners, and marketing merchandise to the Scuderia's enormous fan base.

Take for example the ever-popular Ferrari wrist watches: the company teamed up with Swiss watchmakers Panerai to offer a line of exquisite timepieces at big prices, all the while offering the common racing fan a less complicated, lower-cost wristwatch. Ferrari appears to be offering branded mobile phones along the same strategy: the company teams up with Vertu to offer exclusive four-figure devices to Ferrari owners, and with Motorola for more cost-effective (but assuredly still plenty pricey) cell phones.

The latest to fit into the strategy is this Ferrari-edition Motorola Z8, complete with red accents and Ferrari logos, and loaded with special content, including videos, ring-tones and wallpapers. For some reason it even comes loaded with "The Bourne Identity" in mobile format.

Prices haven't yet been released, but while the Vertu sells for thousands, the previous Motorola RAZR Maxx V6 Ferrari Challenge retailed for a more manageable $524. The Motorola Z8 Ferrari will be available from Ferrari Stores and select Motorola retailers. Unfortunately for anyone reading this and thinking it would make a great Christmas gift for a certain special someone, it won't be available until after the new year, so consider putting a personal voucher in with the card instead.

[Source: Kataweb via Unwired View, Motorpasion and CarScoop]

Continue reading Upwardly Mobile: Ferrari edition Motorola Z8

Upwardly Mobile: Ferrari edition Motorola Z8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellcellulareditionferrarilimitedmobilemotorolaphonespecialz8Thu, 20 Dec 2007 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt 2007: Hyundai i-Blue isn't blue, it's green]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/frankfurt-2007-hyundai-i-blue-isnt-blue-its-green/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/frankfurt-2007-hyundai-i-blue-isnt-blue-its-green/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/11/frankfurt-2007-hyundai-i-blue-isnt-blue-its-green/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click the pics above for a gallery of high-res images of the Hyundai i-Blue Concept.

Hyundai, like practically every other automaker in Frankfurt, is showing off its green-wares. The i-Blue is the poster-child for the automaker's environmentally focused future, with a 100 kW motor powered by a fuel cell. Developed by Hyundai's Design and Technical Center in Chiba, Japan, the i-Blue's platform shares the concept's name, and will likely underpin future D-segment crossovers with a 2+2 seating arrangement.

The styling is certainly futuristic, with expansive front fenders, a dramatic fascia, heavily sculpted sides and a rear spoiler that culminates in a sharp point and houses a reversing camera. Inside, it's all flowing shapes, all the time, with plenty of space for its occupants and technology that only Data could wrap his head around.

All the details are available in Hyundai's press release after the jump, and we've assembled a gallery of live and press pics for your viewing pleasure.

Gallery: Hyundai i-Blue Concept

Continue reading Frankfurt 2007: Hyundai i-Blue isn't blue, it's green

Frankfurt 2007: Hyundai i-Blue isn't blue, it's green originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellfrankfurtfuelfuel cellFuelCellhydrogenhyundaihyundai i-blueHyundaiI-blueTue, 11 Sep 2007 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Can you hear my HUMMER now? HUMMER HT1 cell phone for the Euro crowd]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/14/can-you-hear-my-hummer-now-hummer-ht1-cell-phone-for-the-euro-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/14/can-you-hear-my-hummer-now-hummer-ht1-cell-phone-for-the-euro-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/14/can-you-hear-my-hummer-now-hummer-ht1-cell-phone-for-the-euro-c/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Automakers continue to take branding to new heights by slapping their logos on everything from computers to speakers to fitness apparel, but HUMMER has gone one step further by introducing the HT1 slider cellphone. Rather than merely affix their iconic logo to some high-end cell phone from South Korea, HUMMER had French design firm ModeLabs Group actually develop a new cell phone from the ground up. You won't be able to find this cell phone from Nokia, Motorola or any other major cell phone manufacturer.

Being a HUMMER branded product, the HT1 can be had in a variety of colors that match the paint chips used for the actual SUVs. One can even get a camouflaged battery pack cover. Perhaps the latter is a nod to the original HUMVEE that still pounds the pavement for the U.S. military.

It seems to be packed with all the bells and whistles including GSM/GPRS connectivity, a 2.2-inch 260K Color TFT Touchscreen, 2-megapixel camera, 256 MB of memory, and a microSD memory card slot. It also comes loaded with 10 wallpapers and two videos from HUMMER, which certainly doesn't help justify the €300 price tag for us. That's around $400 USD, though it doesn't matter much since the HT1 will only be available in Europe, which totally doesn't make any sense.

[Source: MobileBurn]

Can you hear my HUMMER now? HUMMER HT1 cell phone for the Euro crowd originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jun 2007 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellcellphoneHT1hummer cellHUMMER cellphoneHUMMER HT1HummerCellHummerCellphoneHummerHt1modelabsThu, 14 Jun 2007 16:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche's newest model: the Porsche Design P'9521]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/08/porsches-newest-model-the-porsche-design-p9521/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/08/porsches-newest-model-the-porsche-design-p9521/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/08/porsches-newest-model-the-porsche-design-p9521/#commentsFiled under:

It's a luxury-branded world we live in, and for some people, life, love, and mobile reception are just a little bit better when your cell phone comes from a high-end car maker. Ferrari's got Motorola, Lamborghini's got Nokia, Mercedes has Asus, and now Porsche Design, a subsidiary of the actual auto company, reveals its latest effort in conjunction with Sagem Communication, a French cell phone company: the P'9521.

All the usual suspects are there: quad-band GSM, 3.2 megapixel camera and flash, mp3 recording and playback, video capture, Bluetooth, and all kinds of messaging. It has a dual hinge so the screen swivels in two directions, like the Nokia N90, and you can take pictures around corners. It also has a fingerprint reader, although with so much mineral glass for its surface, we imagine the phone will be 'capturing' its fair share of fingerprints one way or another. Frankly, we think the form factor looks a bit clunky, but the aluminum and mineral glass is certainly digable. It will be available later this year, and it's going to cost a lot, but you won't be able to buy it in the US. For now, you'll just have to settle for a pocket knife instead.

[Source: Carscoop]

Porsche's newest model: the Porsche Design P'9521 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jun 2007 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellmobilephoneporscheFri, 08 Jun 2007 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Pasta Cargioli? Pasta powered fuel cell]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/30/pasta-cargioli-pasta-powered-fuel-cell/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/30/pasta-cargioli-pasta-powered-fuel-cell/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/30/pasta-cargioli-pasta-powered-fuel-cell/#commentsFiled under: , ,

High fuel prices and energy mandates bring all sorts of alternative fuel research and technology to the fore. University and government researchers recently whipped up a special blend of 13 enzymes and spices that releases hydrogen from a mixture of starch and water. There's no word on how it tastes, but it will definitely give you some pep, packing into six pounds the same wallop as a gallon of gasoline. The process produces hydrogen efficiently, so a vehicle using a hydrogen-powered fuel cell would only need to carry 12 gallons of water and 60 pounds of solid starch (96 lbs total), plus the enzyme blend, to achieve a 300-mile range. While this process appears to be an economical way to produce hydrogen in a manner quick enough for use in an automotive fuel cell, it does generate carbon dioxide. The reaction also requires a temperature of 86 degrees farenheit. Neither problem sounds as difficult as cold fusion, and the technique will be test driven in small fuel cells for mobile phones before testing in vehicles. Sugar water, pasta power, call it what you will, wouldn't it be nice to fizz up some power to get you on your way?

[Source: Automotive DesignLine]

Pasta Cargioli? Pasta powered fuel cell originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 May 2007 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellenzymefuelfuel cellFuelCellgreenhydrogenresearchtechWed, 30 May 2007 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche Cayenne phone looks worse than actual Cayenne]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/19/porsche-cayenne-phone-looks-worse-than-actual-cayenne/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/19/porsche-cayenne-phone-looks-worse-than-actual-cayenne/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/19/porsche-cayenne-phone-looks-worse-than-actual-cayenne/#commentsFiled under: ,

Even Porsche lovers will readily acknowledge that the Cayenne is far from being the most beautiful creations ever penned by Stuttgart, so why on earth would anyone want to mimic the shape in any form? Someone in Hong Kong evidently thought otherwise and produced this (hopefully) limited-edition Porsche Cayenne mobile phone.

In addition to its unfortunate and ridiculous appearance, this handset packs in dual-band GSM, a micro-SD card slot, and support for video and music playback. It'll cost you less than $200, plus any shred of good taste you might have retained if showing this unfortunate device off to your friends strikes you as a good idea.

This is why automakers license products and have input into their designs. Porsche is reportedly taking legal action against the manufacturer for copyright infringement, and we hope the automaker wins.

[Source: Engadget]

Porsche Cayenne phone looks worse than actual Cayenne originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Apr 2007 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cayennecellchinahandhongkonglicensemobilephoneporschesetThu, 19 Apr 2007 10:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Vertu rides the Prancing Horse]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/29/vertu-rides-the-prancing-horse/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/29/vertu-rides-the-prancing-horse/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/29/vertu-rides-the-prancing-horse/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Vertu has long been cultivating an image of association with the pinnacle of automotive excellence through their branding, use of materials and special editions. The latest effort is a collaboration with Ferrari, that Italian stallion that seemingly manages to get its name on everything these days.

Following on the heels of the exclusive Racetrack Legends series, the Ferrari Challenge edition is likewise based on the sporty Ascent handset that features proprietary "liquid alloy" construction, jewel bearings, a sapphire crystal screen and distinctive leather trim. The Ferrari version is differentiated by a Prancing Horse emblem near the mouthpiece, black and red leather with embossed Ferrari insignia, and a drilled accelerator pedal on the back.

[Source: Sybarites]

Continue reading Vertu rides the Prancing Horse

Vertu rides the Prancing Horse originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Mar 2007 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ascentcellchallengeeditionexclusiveferrarilegendlimitedmobilemotorsportphoneracetrackseriesvertuThu, 29 Mar 2007 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota sends Fuel Cell guru to F1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/03/toyota-sends-fuel-cell-guru-to-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/03/toyota-sends-fuel-cell-guru-to-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/03/toyota-sends-fuel-cell-guru-to-f1/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Toyota is sending Tadashi Yamashina from corporate headquarters in Japan to Cologne, where their F1 team is based. On the surface it looks like a routine, mundane management shuffle, with Toyota sending over an experienced manager to help get things moving with the Formula One team that's been a bit of a disappointment for the ever-growing industry giant. After all, Toyota's far more accustomed to runaway success than dismal failure.

By-and-large, this is, as we said, a management shuffle. Yamashina is already the head of both Toyota's Motorsports Division and Motorsport Business Management Department. So having him close to the action at the F1 base of operations makes perfect business sense.

What makes the move more interesting, however, is Yamashina's contribution to the development of Toyota's fuel cell technologies. F1 has very specific rules that currently would inhibit the introduction of alternative power on the starting grid. However, having someone like Yamashina near the helm of one of F1's most well-funded teams could lead to some interesting developments. We'll just have to wait and see.

[Source: GrandPrix.com]

Toyota sends Fuel Cell guru to F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Dec 2006 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellcolognef1formula oneFormulaOnefuelgermanyjapantadashitoyotayamashinaSun, 03 Dec 2006 13:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Turn vibrate off: GM releases Camaro ringtone]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/12/turn-vibrate-off-gm-releases-camaro-ringtone/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/12/turn-vibrate-off-gm-releases-camaro-ringtone/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/12/turn-vibrate-off-gm-releases-camaro-ringtone/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



When unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit back in January, the Chevy Camaro Concept managed to get hearts pumping. Not everybody loved it, but those who did could hear their pulse over the announcer. Until the car was started. That great American V-8 burble was the perfect compliment to the muscular looks of the car, and it drowned out just about every other sound in the hall.

Well, the car is still a couple of years away, but you too can live the dream by having that classic exhaust note available at your beck and call. Chevy has made available a Camaro ringtone. Just a few throttle blips, but enough to get your motor running every time your phone rings. Might be your Chevy dealer with an update on your deposit and order status.

Listen and download the Camaro ringtone here.

[Source: FastLane Blog]

Turn vibrate off: GM releases Camaro ringtone originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Sep 2006 17:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camarocellcell phoneCellPhonechevroletchevyringtoneTue, 12 Sep 2006 17:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Custom blinker tones to replace ringtones in popularity?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/27/custom-blinker-tones-to-replace-ringtones-in-popularity/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/27/custom-blinker-tones-to-replace-ringtones-in-popularity/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/27/custom-blinker-tones-to-replace-ringtones-in-popularity/#commentsFiled under: ,

Could it happen? CNET pundit Rafe Needleman let us know via email he asked this very question after reading a Ford press release that reveals turn signals of today emit a digital tone that has been meticulously engineered by dudes in white labcoats. In the past that familiar clicking sound that accompanied those flashing green arrows was caused by a mechanical relay. With the electronic revolution having banished nearly all mechanical operations in a car besides the engine itself, it's feasible we could be downloading custom blinker tones for our pimped rides in the very near future. 

We don't know about you, but we're planning on replacing our left blinker click with the THX intro and the right one with the startup sound a Mac makes. What about you?

[Source: CNET]

Custom blinker tones to replace ringtones in popularity? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Apr 2006 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blinkerblinkerscellcell phonecell phonesCellPhoneCellPhonesringtoneringtonesturn signalturn signalsTurnSignalTurnSignalsThu, 27 Apr 2006 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Chirp alerts cell-gabbing driver of intersection]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/21/chirp-alerts-cell-gabbing-driver-of-stoplight-intersection/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/21/chirp-alerts-cell-gabbing-driver-of-stoplight-intersection/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/21/chirp-alerts-cell-gabbing-driver-of-stoplight-intersection/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Demetrius Thompson was struck, twice, by drivers distracted while chatting on their cellphones. Instead of understandably getting mad or sensibly suing the drivers for millions, he instead founded the company Global Mobile Alert which developed a system called MyMobileAlert.

MyMobileAlert tracks the cellphone via GPS as its owner drives about their business. When the system determines the chatty driver is approaching within one hundred feet of a stoplight or a certain distance from an intersection, the cellphone will emit a loud 'chirp' to notify the driver who can then take any appropriate actions.

The only requirement for MyMobileAlert is a GPS-capable cellphone; the issuing wireless company would install the necessary software. So far the system has been demonstrated in  cities such as West Hollywood, California.

[Source: Technology Review]

Chirp alerts cell-gabbing driver of intersection originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Apr 2006 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentcellcellphonecellulargpsgps-enabledhit and runHitAndRunmymobilealerttrafficFri, 21 Apr 2006 19:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Matching Aston Martin car, cellphone]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/16/matching-aston-martin-car-cellphone/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/16/matching-aston-martin-car-cellphone/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/16/matching-aston-martin-car-cellphone/#commentsFiled under: , ,

You just bought your Aston Martin DB9 to attend the premiere of the latest James Bond movie starring that heretical blond agent. Do you really want to be seen calling Demi and Ashton about drinks afterwards with your LG?

Luxist has a solution. The Aston Martin Nokia 8800 is a special limited version of the Nokia 8800. Features include the car company's logo etched on the stainless steel surface, a screensaver, wallpaper, video and several unique ringtones including a Vantage revving its V-8 engine. Sweet!

[Source: Aston Martin via Luxist]

Matching Aston Martin car, cellphone originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Apr 2006 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellcell phonecellphoneSun, 16 Apr 2006 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[iRadio by Motorola]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/02/21/iradio-by-motorola/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/02/21/iradio-by-motorola/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/02/21/iradio-by-motorola/#commentsFiled under:

Motorola recently announced its intention to launch something called iRadio that will combine hundreds of commercial-free internet radio channels and your own personal music collection. The "solution" will allow you to enjoy your music at home, in your car or while hoofin' it. iRadio will utilize high-speed internet, Bluetooth technology and a mobile phone to create a continuous listening experience. The company's example is that you can start a song on your car radio exactly where you stopped it on your living room stereo.

Motorola was intentionally vague in its press release, but we're guessing this is a veiled indication that the company will release a new phone capable of not only storing digital music, but also purchasing music via a provider's high-speed data network and transferring the music via Bluetooth to other devices, perhaps Bluetooth-enabled cars. Lots of missing pieces to this one, however, so we'll leave any additional speculation to our boys over at Engadget and Engadget Mobile.

[Source: Motorola]

iRadio by Motorola originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Feb 2006 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellcell phoneCellPhonemotorolaTue, 21 Feb 2006 13:30:00 EST