Autoblog

Audi takes cars that park themselves to a whole new level

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: CES, Technology, Videos, Audi

Autonomous cars are impressive displays of in-car technology, but what exactly would the benefit of such systems be for the average driver? Audi has answered that question by showing off its Piloted Parking system for the Audi Connect at CES 2013.

Installed on this Audi A7, Piloted Parking allows a driver to drop themselves off and have the car autonomously drive away on its own and find its own parking spot. The car can then later be retrieved by "calling" it back with a specially designed smartphone app. We'd be lying if we said this didn't bring back memories of Michael Knight summoning KITT with his wristwatch. The most impressive part of this car might be the fact that the car is fully autonomous but doesn't have any obvious sensors or monitors on the exterior of the car like many other self-driving cars have.

Check out a video of the this innovative technology in action after the jump.

Continue reading Audi takes cars that park themselves to a whole new level

Audi takes cars that park themselves to a whole new level originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jan 2013 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Inrix introduces first global system to guide your car to empty parking spaces

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: CES, Technology

When the book The Secret and the law of attraction was all the rage, one of the most common examples we heard of how people used their innate ability to create whatever they wanted in the world was some variation on, "I envisioned there being an open parking spot." Now you can skip the book and the visualizations with the global parking navigation service launched by Inrix at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show.

Tapping into the databases of ParkMe and Parkopedia, and using Kenwood Wi-Fi-equipped in-dash receivers also introduced at the show, Inrix provides drivers with real-time information on 18,000 off-street parking facilities in North America and 42,000 throughout 36 countries in Europe. That means not just if there's an empty spot, but "detailed location information," such as how many spaces there are and how much it costs to park in a particular facility.

There's a press release below with more information. It doesn't quite explain the in-dash integration of parking navigation shown in the image above - some info on those Kenwood units would help - but no matter, help finding a spot is coming your way, somehow, soon.

Continue reading Inrix introduces first global system to guide your car to empty parking spaces

Inrix introduces first global system to guide your car to empty parking spaces originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Chrysler Uconnect gets dealer-activated navigation, new infotainment features

Jeffrey N. Ross — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: CES, Technology, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Fiat, Infotainment, Ram

Get in just about any mid-level Chrysler product these days, and you'll see a touchscreen head unit that would be perfect for a navigation system. The only thing is that some of these cars equipped with the head unit for Chrysler's Uconnect infotainment system were not optioned up with navigation at the time of purchase, leaving drivers looking for turn-by-turn directions relying on either an aftermarket nav system or a smartphone. Starting on select new Chrysler products, however, customers with Uconnect will now be able to upgrade to navigation as a dealer-activated option.

Announced at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show, this new element of Uconnect will allow owners to have an in-dash navigation system installed quickly and easily; Chrysler said that this will be a major benefit for used-car buyers. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like this system will be retroactive on previous Uconnect head units, but it will launch this year on the 2013 Ram 1500, 2013 SRT Viper and the 2014 Fiat 500L. Chrysler did not announce the expected MSRP to have dealers activate the navigation capabilities.

Another infotainment option for Chrysler buyers is the Uconnect Access system that can allow WiFi, voice text messaging, emergency assistance, remote vehicle operation (such as starting the engine or locking/unlocking the doors) and limited POI searches using Bing. Also introduced at CES, the new Uconnect Access via Mobile system builds on this by allowing users to add in-car apps such as iHeart Radio, Pandora and Slacker by connecting to the system via a smartphone. This system will first be offered on the 2013 Ram and Viper.

For more information about Chrysler's Uconnect system announced at CES, check out the press release posted after the jump.

Continue reading Chrysler Uconnect gets dealer-activated navigation, new infotainment features

Chrysler Uconnect gets dealer-activated navigation, new infotainment features originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jan 2013 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Translogic hangs out with Daimler's Zetsche and Ford's Mulally at CES

Jeff Sabatini — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:04:00 EST

Filed under: CES, Technology, Videos, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Infotainment

Usually our sister publication Translogic is out putting futuristic transportation hardware through the paces or talking to geeks who are trying to reimagine the very infrastructure of our world. But this week, the show has a decidedly more conventional subject: Interviews with Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche and Ford CEO Alan Mulally.

Both of these automotive bigwigs were wandering the halls of the Consumer Electronics Show earlier this month (Zetsche was the keynote speaker, a job Mulally performed two years ago), which is where Translogic caught up with them for a chat and demonstration of their CES wares. Zetsche showed off a new gesture-based in-car interface, as well as some new active safety technology for Mercedes-Benz. Mulally plugged Ford's new hybrid and plug-in hybrid Fusion, as well as showing off the Ford Evos concept's fancy infotainment system. Give it a watch after the jump.

Continue reading Translogic hangs out with Daimler's Zetsche and Ford's Mulally at CES

Translogic hangs out with Daimler's Zetsche and Ford's Mulally at CES originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mercedes boss Zetsche offends Cubans with Che Guevara joke

Zach Bowman — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: CES, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Mercedes-Benz

For every college student with a Che Guevara poster on their dorm room walls and a copy of Motorcycle Diaries on their shelves, there are plenty of Americans who remember the communist leader as a cold-blooded killer. That's the problem with revolutionaries; they're nothing if not divisive. Mercedes-Benz recently received a first-hand lesson in just how polarizing Guevara himself can be after the company used a massive image of the leader in the company's presentation on car sharing at CES.

Dieter Zetsche, Daimler CEO, said, "Some colleagues still think that car-sharing borders on communism, but if this is a revolution, then 'Viva la revolucion!'."

The Guevara image then splayed across the one-story screen behind the executive, complete with a Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star on his trademark beret. Let the cringing begin.

It didn't take long for Cuban exiles in Florida to descend on the Mercedes-Benz consumer site with promises of boycotts and shock at the company's insensitivity. It does seem amazingly short-sighted for a German luxury manufacturer to embrace the image of a leader who happily shunned the niceties of the upper class for a rifle.

Mercedes boss Zetsche offends Cubans with Che Guevara joke originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Audi accidentally(?) previews 2013 A3 design at CES

Zach Bowman — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Audi, Design/Style

.

Audi may have accidentally let slip the exterior design of its upcoming 2013 A3.The German automaker set about showing off the hatchback's cabin with a static display at Las Vegas' CES ahead of the vehicle's expected unveiling at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The display gives the world a sense of what to expect from the luxury compact's front seats, center console and dash, which features a stand-alone LCD display that rises out from above the instrument panel's center air vents. Like other Audi displays, the screen features various vehicle menus, including two that show off the full exterior of the three-door model.

Judging from these two quick glimpses at the hatchback, the three-door will feature a new, more aggressive face. From the looks of things, buyers can expect to continue to find a large, signature Audi single-frame grille flanked by more purposeful headlights and sporty air intakes set low int he front fascia. Head over to Audiboost.com for a closer look at the vehicle inside and out. Don't get too attached to what you see, however. Past reports have suggested the vehicle will only debut as a sedan here in the States.

Audi accidentally(?) previews 2013 A3 design at CES originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2012 Dodge Charger Blacktop goes stealth at CES

Zach Bowman — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, CES, Technology, Chrysler, Dodge, Design/Style

Dodge has given the 2012 Charger the black treatment with a new style package debuting at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show. The 2012 Dodge Charger Blacktop is as monochrome as a vehicle can legally be.

With tinted windows, massive blacked-out five-spoke wheels and a smoked tail light array, the Blacktop package gives the already purposeful Charger an even thicker dose of attitude. In fact, the only color we can spot outside are the aluminum exhaust finishers. Details are still scarce on how much the package will cost you, though Chrysler has said that the vehicle will feature a standard Dr. Dre Beats audio system when it debuts.

As you may have heard, the stereo features 10 speakers pushed through a 12-channel amplifier, and an 8.4-inch Uconnect screen controls the sound. While Chrysler hasn't said exactly what the Charger Blacktop will feature under the hood, we suspect a certain familiar 5.7-liter V8 or a 3.6-liter V6 are good bets. Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading 2012 Dodge Charger Blacktop goes stealth at CES

2012 Dodge Charger Blacktop goes stealth at CES originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford teases Focus electric ahead of CES

Zach Bowman — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Ford, Electric

It's been nearly a full year since Ford made it clear that the automaker is planning to roll out an all-electric version of its Focus, and now we have our first glimpse at what to expect from the car. The Blue Oval has dusted off its first teaser of the New Year with a shot of the charging port on the EV Focus. Interestingly enough, Ford has decided to skip the Detroit Auto Show as a venue for the vehicle's unveil, opting instead for the electrified Focus to take a bow at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, which runs from January 6 to 9.

Ford has previously announced that when the Focus Electric hits the market, it will initially only be available in Washington, D.C. and just 14 states. Buyers can expect to find a range of around 100 miles thanks to an array of lithium-polymer batteries supplied by LG Chem. The attentive of you will recognize that supplier as the same company that serves up the cells for the Chevrolet Volt.

We'll have the full details about Ford's Focus Electric in the coming days, so stay tuned.

[Source: Facebook]

Ford teases Focus electric ahead of CES originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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

Tim Stevens — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: CES, Technology, Kia

Kia's UVO system hands-on - Click above to watch video after the jump

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

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

Gallery: Kia and Microsoft's UVO

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Kia and Microsoft set to debut UVO at CES, leave us wondering for now

Tim Stevens — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: CES, Technology, Kia

When you think Microsoft car technology you think SYNC, right? Perfectly natural, since it's the only place Redmond's bits and bytes have made much of an impact on the automotive scene. But SYNC is just Ford's flavor of Microsoft's Windows Embedded Technologies -- naturally with plenty of customizations and functionality on top. It's not an exclusive partnership and we've known for some time now that Hyundai and Kia were next in line to get some love from Washington. Kia's time has come, with the company set to launch UVO at CES next week. The only question now is: What exactly is it?

We spoke with representatives from Microsoft and Kia on Wednesday, where they unveiled the UVO name, explained as being short for "your voice." Because of that we expect there will be a strong focus on speech recognition in this system, but beyond that it's anyone's guess what the latest automotive infotainment system will be packing -- those same representatives were tight-lipped about the details. Naturally we expect it'll be generally similar to Ford's SYNC, but Kia is a very different sort of company than the one Henry built, so surely a much fresher look and feel is in store at the very least.

Ford recently announced that it would be letting outside developers augment SYNC's functionality, and after the amazing success of Apple's App Store it'd be a shame if Kia didn't support the booming app market from the start (just think of all the telemetry systems a developer could build with access to vehicle sensor data and a three-axis accelerometer). All will be unveiled at next week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where Ford will be similarly showing off its latest SYNC revisions. Which infotainment system will reign supreme? We can't wait to find out.

[Source: Kia, Microsoft]

Kia and Microsoft set to debut UVO at CES, leave us wondering for now originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

SYNC to offer iTunes tagging through HD radio

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: CES, Technology, Ford

Here's another first for Ford after the revelation of its motion-capturing software: The Blue Oval will be the first to offer iTunes tagging through iPods on SYNC-equipped vehicles. Right behind the announcement of mobile Internet connectivity being added to SYNC, this will go along with the package of mobile apps the carmaker will reveal at CES next month.

The way it works: if you you have SYNC with HD radio, when you hear a song you like on an HD station you can press the 'Tag' button, and the system will note the track. When you plug your iPod in, it will suck up all of those tracks in a 'Tagged' playlist. You can have another listen through them and then buy the ones you want from iTunes.

There are other makes of vehicles that will let you record songs directly onto the car's hard drive for a fixed amount of time, but you can't really do anything with the recording after that. Ford's setup won't get you that immediate satisfaction, but it will save you a few steps. You can read the press release on the new - and free - feature (provided you've paid for SYNC and the HD-equipped head unit) after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading SYNC to offer iTunes tagging through HD radio

SYNC to offer iTunes tagging through HD radio originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: Revised Sync from Ford coming to CES

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: CES, Technology, Ford

Ford's victory with Sync isn't contestable - the connectivity system has a 70-percent uptake rate, and 32 percent of people list it as one of the reasons they bought a Ford. Over one million Sync-equipped vehicles have been sold in three years. The Blue Oval's exclusive deal with Microsoft ended last year and other Microsoft-powered in-car competitors will be arriving soon, so Ford has been busy working on new elements that it hopes will keep Sync in front of the challengers.

Ford has updated Sync a couple of times this year with things like traffic and directions, and a contacts download app. According to The Detroit News, the next big update is scheduled to be announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next month. Ford isn't giving away details, but it's called "mobile apps," and it will enable Sync functionality with any app on a cellphone or personal music player. That would likely mean Pandora on-the-go and Twitter out loud.

It could also mean a price: rumors suggest that Ford will be charging for the upgrade, and that it will come on 2010 vehicles and be available to any previous Sync-fitted vehicle. Stay tuned for coverage from CES for more.

[Source: The Detroit News]

REPORT: Revised Sync from Ford coming to CES originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford gets CES innovation awards for Sync and Work Solutions

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:33:00 EST

Filed under: CES, Technology, Ford

For years, Microsoft founder and former CEO Bill Gates was the keynoter at the Consumer Electronics Show. When Microsoft first announced its intention to create software for cars nearly a decade ago, most people that had suffered through the indignities of the blue screen of death recoiled in horror. The idea of having to close all of our car windows and re-booting our cars became a running joke. While Microsoft's automotive in-roads probably didn't get as far as the company hoped, it does have one prominent application: Sync, one of the most popular options in Ford vehicles in recent years.

With Gates' retirement, Ford CEO Alan Mullaly will be taking on the big keynote in Vegas next January and the Consumer Electronics Association (CES) will honor the automaker for its efforts in developing Sync and the Work Solutions package for its trucks. Ford has continued to expand the functionality of Sync recently adding traffic, directions and general information, as well integrating with Bluetooth phones to automatically call 911 in an emergency. The show organizers have also named the new Taurus as the official car of the 2010 show. Why? We're not entirely certain.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford gets CES innovation awards for Sync and Work Solutions

Ford gets CES innovation awards for Sync and Work Solutions originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford CEO Alan Mulally to deliver opening keynote at 2010 CES

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Ford

Next January, Ford CEO Alan Mulally will make a return trip to Las Vegas to deliver a keynote address to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Gary Shapiro, president of the Consumer Electronics Association and (apparently) the 16th most influential person in the tech industry, made the announcement at Ford's Dearborn Development Center.

This marks the third year in a row that a Detroit CEO keynotes the world's biggest gadget and gear show. Former GM CEO Rick Wagoner spoke at the 2008 show with Mulally taking the podium in 2009. However, 2010 marks the first time someone from the auto industry delivers the opening address. Mulally will speak at 8:30am on January 7, 2010 at the Hilton theater and he will apparently announce some new features for Ford's popular Sync system. Get all the details in the press release below the fold.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford CEO Alan Mulally to deliver opening keynote at 2010 CES

Ford CEO Alan Mulally to deliver opening keynote at 2010 CES originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

CES 2009 Preview: FLIR helps BMWs detect pedestrians

Chris Tutor — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:36:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, CES, Safety, BMW

FLIR, the maker of BMW's night-vision system, will be at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next week showing off its PathFindIR thermal imaging camera. The company says its system isn't confused by oncoming headlights, works well in cold weather and can even see through fog, dust and smoke.

FLIR also says its camera is based on the same technology used by the military to provide a 36° field-of-view of the road ahead.

We plan to check out the company's claims in the 6 Series they're bringing to CES. Maybe they'll even let us take it out and recreate that urban rumor of 200-mph desert highway sprints with no headlights. No, probably not.

CES 2009 Preview: FLIR helps BMWs detect pedestrians originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ford CEO Alan Mulally to keynote CES

Chris Tutor — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, CES, Cadillac, Ford, GM

Looks like the biggest gadget convention on Earth is becoming the place for big automotive announcements. You'll remember that two years ago at the Consumer Electronics Show, Ford and Microsoft announced their partnership on Ford's SYNC system, and last January General Motor's CEO Rick Wagoner chose Las Vegas to unveil the all-electric Cadillac Provoq concept. It was the first time in the convention's 40-year history an automaker had revealed a concept car to the world there.

This year it's Ford's turn again at CES, with CEO Alan Mulally taking the keynote spot. CES runs January 8-11 next year, but there's no word yet on what day Mulally will make his appearance. There's also no word on what he'll be saying or revealing to the thousands of people gathered in that Vegas ballroom. New SYNC features are a given, but will Ford also choose CES to roll out its plug-in hybrid project? Stay tuned for full coverage from the Autoblog team.

Gallery: CES 2008: Cadillac Provoq Live reveal

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd, Photo by GEOFF ROBINS/AFP/Getty]

Ford CEO Alan Mulally to keynote CES originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments