Autoblog

Forget about light-emitting diode (LED) or liquid crystal display (LCD) dashboards. According to Daihatsu, the next hot ticket will be 3D holographic technology. Daihatsu teamed up with Provision Interactive Technologies to implement a 3D dashboard for their latest concept car which debuted at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show. Attendees were so impressed with the technology, that Provision raced to file a new patent for the product they call "HLXX."

The HLXX technology utilizes a traditional 2D flat screen dashboard with a second 3D holographic screen. During normal operation, the driver views instrument gauges on the 2D monitor. If warnings or alerts occur, the 3D system instantly presents the information to the operator as a three-dimensional image -- facilitating immediate driver awareness and recognition, according to Provision. Daihatsu plans to incorporate HLXX technology into their vehicles by 2012. Until then, you'll just have to imagine what it looks like... as for obvious reasons, a flat JPEG computer image cannot replicate the hologram!

Gallery: Daihatsu 3D Dashboard

[Source: CNN Money]

Click on the image above to view our 15 high-resolution images from Geneva

Despite the conflict over expanding the model line-up and subsequent management change, sales of Bugatti's only model are exceeding expectations. By the end of February, Bugatti had delivered its 60th Veyron – total production of which is limited to 300 units – and has received 140 orders, each accompanied by a €300,000 down-payment.

The super-premium automaker put on a brave face at Geneva so as not to let the kids know that mommy and daddy are fighting. The show stand featured a pair of Bugattis, past and present, both dressed up in traditional French racing blue and black: a new Veyron and a circa-1932 Type 55. The display was unfortunately more restricted than the Swiss naturalization process, but that didn't stop us, as intrepid as we are, from snapping a few good shots for your enjoyment, which you can check out in our high-resolution image gallery below.

Gallery: Bugatti at Geneva 07

Did you check out the video of the Wrangler hanging on the wall like Spiderman? That wasn't even the coolest thing going on at Jeep's display at this year's Detroit show. The big draw was a big fall – a waterfall that spells things out (like Jeep's name) and makes shapes (like Jeep's trademark grille).

As the fellow in the video points out, NAIAS 2007 wasn't the first time Jeep has used this innovative and attention-grabbing water effects display. It's been used in Beijing, Geneva, Frankfurt and even previous Detroit shows. Trick effects displays like this tend to tire after a while, but Jeep's waterfall stands the test of time – not unlike the classic Jeep Wrangler itself.

[Source: DCX via Winding Road]

Car companies and electronic manufacturers are always conspiring to come up with new high-tech gimmicks for our cars. Almost invariably, they either distract the driver from driving or else help him keep his eyes on the road. Champions of road safety (and cool flashing lights) that we are, of course we prefer the latter. With more cars on the road each passing day – and average driver skill not improving one bit – staying on the road is enough of a challenge without toying with an unintelligible driver interface (iDrive, we're looking at you), being distracted by in-dash DVD players or looking for directions from a sat-nav screen.

That's why we applaud BMW's new HUD. The Bavarians have put all the vital information right there on the windshield so you never have to take your eyes off the road. The HUD projects the speed as well as information from the sat-nav system right ahead of you. BMW's also reportedly working on something called RoadPreview that also projects information regarding upcoming obstacles and big turns, cross-referencing the data with your speed to tell you if you're going too fast to avoid what's up ahead. (Given some of the jerks we've seen behind the wheels of Bimmers, this could only bode well.)

Sounds to us like the engineers in Munich have been listening attentively to The Doors: "Keep your eyes on the road, your hands upon the wheel". HUDs can be found in other cars currently on the market, like the Chevy Corvette whose HUD also displays key vehicle info, nav directions and even a real-time g-meter.

[Source: Motor Authority]

BusinessWeek Magazine recently weighed in on 'Skipee', the three-wheeler concept seen here, designed by Australian Dimitrios Scoutas.

As an environmentally friendly proposition, Scoutas envisions his curious trike as an alternative form of transportation produced primarily from recycled materials, with a battery-powered motor contained within the rear wheel.

Skipee debuted as part of the 'Forecast Motors' exhibit by the Monash University Art Design Faculty at the Melbourne International Motor Show. Other displays by Monash included the Tribe and the Triad 2-seater sports car.

[Source: gizmag via BusinessWeek]