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[REPORT: High-tech muffler speakers make diesel engine sound sporty, cut noise levels by 20 dB]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/report-high-tech-muffler-speakers-makes-diesel-engine-sound-spo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/report-high-tech-muffler-speakers-makes-diesel-engine-sound-spo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/report-high-tech-muffler-speakers-makes-diesel-engine-sound-spo/#commentsFiled under: , ,



An exhaust-system and heating-solution supplier has reportedly engineered an electronic way to modify the sound coming from a vehicle's tailpipe. The company, Eberspächer, claims the innovation can make diesel-powered vehicles sound sportier and add an audible sound track to near-silent electric vehicles.

While mechanical devices - including flaps, dampers, or acoustic materials - have become commonplace in modern exhaust systems, this unique technology utilizes a dedicated electronic control unit (ECU) to emit sound waves to counter much of the unwanted frequencies (similar to the process of noise-canceling headphones). Of course, the same speaker technology that generates the "white noise" may be used to create new exhaust notes.

The obvious benefits are more appealing exhaust tunes, but it doesn't just stop there. This sound-deadening technology allows automakers to reduced the size of the existing mufflers (saving both weight and cost), and it may add some needed noise to the electric vehicles navigating our roads and highways.

[Source: SAE International]

REPORT: High-tech muffler speakers make diesel engine sound sporty, cut noise levels by 20 dB originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DesignElectronicsExhaust NoteExhaustNoteInnovative TechnologyInnovativeTechnologyMuffleMufflerNoise-CancelingSAESilencerSoundFri, 11 Sep 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pioneer using WiMax to send content to your car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/pioneer-using-wimax-to-send-content-to-your-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/pioneer-using-wimax-to-send-content-to-your-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/pioneer-using-wimax-to-send-content-to-your-car/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Pioneer's prototype mobile network AV playback system - Click above to view the video after the jump

With so many infotainment devices being created, we're beginning to wonder what people are actually doing in their cars -- or rather, if they ever get out of their cars. Pioneer has thrown another electronic log onto the in-car streaming entertainment fire with its prototype network A/V playback system that uses WiMax. That means that any media you keep digitally stored at home could conceivably be streamed to your car.

We say conceivably because it will be a while before cities have enough WiMax coverage to make it all work. But when they do, your TiVo can go along for the ride. Because the device is mobile, you could also use it to watch something in another area of your house, or while relaxing in your backyard. You know, places where it makes a little more sense to be watching movies... Follow the jump to see a short video on the system.

[Source: Engadget]

Continue reading Pioneer using WiMax to send content to your car

Pioneer using WiMax to send content to your car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electronicsentertainmentgadgetsin-carin-car entertainmentIn-carEntertainmentlifestylemoviespioneertechtechnologyFri, 26 Jun 2009 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Honda to invest in Pioneer electronics]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/30/report-honda-to-invest-in-pioneer-electronics/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/30/report-honda-to-invest-in-pioneer-electronics/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/30/report-honda-to-invest-in-pioneer-electronics/#commentsFiled under: , ,



In spite of Honda's $2.91 billion Q1 loss, the Japanese marque knows the investment show must go on, and it's reported to be finalizing a stake in Pioneer. The Japanese electronics maker is shutting down its home electronics division, which has been losing money for years, in order to focus on in-car electronics. After approaching Honda to inquire about a tie-up, Honda is looking to put several billion yen into the company for around a 5% stake (a billion yen is about $10 million U.S.). With in-car electronics a key component in the current automobile revolution, it could be very handy for Honda to have the inside track on developing proprietary systems with an electronics expert, especially if it can use that to maintain an advantage over other Pioneer-equipped OEMs.

[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: Honda to invest in Pioneer electronics originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audioelectronicsHondain car audioInCarAudiojapanPioneertechtechnologyThu, 30 Apr 2009 17:33:00 EST<![CDATA[<em> Don't tell <b>ME</b> how to drive! </em> - Next-gen Ford navigation system could have "emotions" ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/10/em-dont-tell-b-me-b-how-to-drive-em-next-gen-ford-na/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/10/em-dont-tell-b-me-b-how-to-drive-em-next-gen-ford-na/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/10/em-dont-tell-b-me-b-how-to-drive-em-next-gen-ford-na/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



In the near future, Ford vehicles may fire back a retort if you get cheesed off enough to yell at the car. According to the details of a patent filing, Ford is working on an Emotive Advisory System (EAS) that simulates emotions when interacting with occupants, and may also use an avatar to express itself.

The EAS also uses sensors to detect the emotional state of occupants and generate responses based on that data. We all tend to forge some kind of bond with our cars, but it's a little too fantastical and hilarious to imagine rocking down the blacktop in a new Taurus SHO and having the car say "You don't need to drive like a jerk just because you're mad at me."


Gallery: Ford Next-Gen Navigation System


[Source: swdelaw]

Don't tell ME how to drive! - Next-gen Ford navigation system could have "emotions" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electronicsford nav emotionsford navigationFordNavEmotionsFordNavigationin car electronicsInCarElectronicsnavigation systemnavigation system emtionnavigation systemsNavigationSystemNavigationSystemEmtionNavigationSystemsTue, 10 Mar 2009 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Mitsubishi unveils in-dash Blu Ray player]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/20/mitsubishi-unveils-in-dash-blu-ray-player/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/20/mitsubishi-unveils-in-dash-blu-ray-player/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/20/mitsubishi-unveils-in-dash-blu-ray-player/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MEC) wants to be able to offer a 1 DIN Blu-ray DVD player in the 2009 fiscal year. The unit, 1/3 the size of an at-home Blue-ray player, will not only fit in a standard dash slot but will also play BD-ROM, BD-R, and BD-RE discs.

MEC says the kit is expected to go along with in-car navigation systems, but since it runs on Linux it remains to be seen how - and who - will be integrating it with the Windows CE that generally runs navigation software. If and when they do get it to work, they want to bundle it with a TV tuner that can display digital terrestrial broadcasts at up to 120 mph. Because when you've finished watching Transformers 2 at illegal speeds, you'll need something to do... other than drive...

[Source: Tech On via Engadget]

Mitsubishi unveils in-dash Blu Ray player originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-raydvdelectronicsgadgetsmitsubishimitsubishi electric corpMitsubishiElectricCorptechtechnologyFri, 20 Feb 2009 07:01:00 EST<![CDATA[California's Fastrack toll system can't be trusted?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/californias-fastrack-toll-system-cant-be-trusted/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/californias-fastrack-toll-system-cant-be-trusted/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/californias-fastrack-toll-system-cant-be-trusted/#commentsFiled under: , ,



FasTrak is an "electronic toll collection system" used in California. Once you set up an account, you get a transponder that simply debits your account balance whenever you pass through a toll booth. The system uses RFID technology to broadcast your account information to the toll booth receivers. According to Hack A Day, the system is anything but secure.

Among other problems, an attendee at the Black Hat 2008 conference in Las Vegas found that because the in-car transponders don't require any authentication, anyone with an RFID reader can get the unique ID from any car and then use that in their own transponder. Not only that, but you could also force any other transponder to take on a new ID because of the system's open over-the-air upgrading system.

To change the system would require legislative action since it's all defined by California laws, so Californians shouldn't expect a quick fix. Until -- and if -- a fix comes, we suppose the best that can be done is to make sure you scrutinize your FasTrak bill. And keep an eye out for guys kitted out like Star Trek yeomen wandering the park-and-ride commuter lots... Thanks for the tip, fabienne!

[Source: Hack A Day, Photo by JasonJT | Creative Commons 2.0]

California's Fastrack toll system can't be trusted? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electronicsfastrakgadgetstechtechnologyThu, 07 Aug 2008 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi introduces the next MMI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/audi-introduces-the-next-mmi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/audi-introduces-the-next-mmi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/21/audi-introduces-the-next-mmi/#commentsFiled under: , ,



If you're buying an A8 this year, prepare to spend a lot of time getting to know your new MMI system. We have consistently thought that Audi's buttons-and-knob interface is the best, and it looks like they've put an entire NASA team on the job of making it better. A seven-inch TFT screen with 800x400 resolution is now controlled by an 8-position joystick. Moving from one screen to another is done via "elegant crossfades," which sounds a bit PowerPoint-ish, but we'll wait until we see it to judge. And among other improvements, navigational maps can be rendered in "birds-eye perspective" 3D, with topographical map coloration. The only thing missing is the Encyclopedia Britanica. You can check out the exhaustive press release after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi introduces the next MMI

Audi introduces the next MMI originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a8audiaudi a8audi mmiAudiA8AudiMmicar audioCarAudioelectronicsmminavinavigationsatnavMon, 21 Jul 2008 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Drivers may surf .car websites while driving]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/19/drivers-may-surf-car-websites-while-driving/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/19/drivers-may-surf-car-websites-while-driving/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/19/drivers-may-surf-car-websites-while-driving/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



We already know that in-car web browsing is on its way. Both BMW and Chrysler have already revealed that the feature is forthcoming in their vehicles, and more automakers are sure to follow. But telematics provider ATX Group is sticking its nose in to ensure that the web we're one day browsing in our cars is safe to use (read: no fun at all). ATX is working with a group called the Connected Vehicle Trade Association to push a standardized method for getting web content into automobiles. ATX is exploring ways to adapt the traditional web experience to meet the demands of the automotive environment, similar to the way mobile versions of websites target cellphone browsers, nevermind that the mobile web experience pales in comparison to surfing normal websites on a device like the iPhone, which works inside cars last time we checked. One idea is to target automobile surfing through implementation of a standard top-level domain, .car, which would house content specifically designed to work with the to-be-determined vehicular web standard.

With safety in mind, we're guessing that ATX and the CVTA will kick around a text-to-speech function that allows pages to be read-aloud to a driver by the embedded hardware, and possibly a standardization of page size for reliably fast loading. Telematics also opens up another area for targeted services, such as remote diagnostics, parental surveillance via performance monitoring, and dynamic traffic information. Developing a standard also helps automakers avoid duplicating each others' efforts as they all race to deliver E! Online to your dashboard. Ah yes, in-car internet will no doubt be the latest whiz-bang distraction from the task of actually driving one's car.

[Source: ATX]

Continue reading Drivers may surf .car websites while driving

Drivers may surf .car websites while driving originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 May 2008 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automotive webAutomotiveWebelectronicsin car browserin car electronicsin car internetInCarBrowserInCarElectronicsInCarInternetmobile browserMobileBrowsernavigationnavigation systemNavigationSystemnavigationsystemsMon, 19 May 2008 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Smart, but flawed: Steering wheel navigation screen]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/smart-but-flawed-steering-wheel-navigation-screen/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/smart-but-flawed-steering-wheel-navigation-screen/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/smart-but-flawed-steering-wheel-navigation-screen/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The latest gizmo from Japan's Takata will tell you where to go, but not like those verbally abusive digital keychains from the '90s. The Takata CSW steering wheel is designed to interface with sensors in your vehicle and display different messages on an LCD screen in the 12 o'clock position. There are already lights and sirens to let you know if your door is ajar or the washer fluid is low, but the CSW wheel's best trick is that it will talk to the Navigon 7100 navigation system, should you have one. It's an interesting cross-brand lashup that is pushing the envelope of aftermarket integration.

The screen in the wheel works in conjunction with the larger screen in the navigation unit to display instructions, though the improvement over just the Navigon would likely be sufficient. Both the wheel and the Navi can reportedly poll vehicle sensors, though we're not sure exactly how, so the systems would be more aware of what the driver is doing beyond merely position data. Both companies hope the wheel will reduce driver distraction, though we're not convinced that looking down to the wheel rim is any safer or more convenient than the slight gaze diversion to the customary upper center of the dashboard. We don't know of any manufacturer plans to OEM-issue these units, but the effort could portend a future convergence in the gadget galaxy.

[Source: Navigadget via Kicking Tires; Photo: SoundDomain]

Smart, but flawed: Steering wheel navigation screen originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces 2008Ces2008electronicsgadgetsnavigation systemnavigation systemsNavigationSystemNavigationSystemsnavigonnavigon 7100Navigon7100steering wheelsteering wheel gpssteering wheelsSteeringWheelSteeringWheelGpsSteeringWheelstakataThu, 10 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Porsche of kitchens]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/09/the-porsche-of-kitchens/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/09/the-porsche-of-kitchens/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/09/the-porsche-of-kitchens/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Drama in the kitchen is typically the result of some male/female dynamic, but Porsche Design has teamed up with Poggenpohl for a solution that might actually cost less in the long run when you get done factoring in the cost of chiropractor visits to fix your back after nights on the couch. Of course Porsche Design has done everything from hard drives to multihammers, not to mention shoes, watches, and everything in between, so a kitchen isn't such a big stretch. What better place to store that NeoPresso machine than in the P'7340 kitchen?

The modular design makes extensive use of aluminum, a Porsche Design trademark. The lines are clean and intended to appeal to masculine tastes. Porsche and Poggenpohl are citing a rising interest among men to fiddle around in the kitchen as an impetus for the high tech look, and that's also probably why there's an audio-video system built into the kitchen. There are lots of slick touches to keep the clean lines, such as overengineered latch and handle setups to open the doors and drawers electrically, though you can get conventional handles, too. Think of it as a kitchen with available Tiptronic.

[Source: Gizmag]

Gallery: Porsche kitchen

The Porsche of kitchens originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applianceselectronicsetcgadgetshomekitchenporschePorsche DesignPorscheDesignTue, 09 Oct 2007 11:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Mr. T comes to TomTom]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/02/mr-t-comes-to-tomtom/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/02/mr-t-comes-to-tomtom/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/02/mr-t-comes-to-tomtom/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If your thing is paying to be verbally upbraided by a celebrity, Navtones has you covered. Novelty of novelties, you can now get celebrity voices for your TomTom satnav. I like the way the celebs will bust your chops if you miss a turn, or give you a verbal dope-slap to pay attention, but it might get old fast. If you've got $12.95 burning a hole in your pocket and a fascination with celebrity culture, Mr. T's dulcet instructional stylings can be yours. You can also choose from Burt Reynolds (no quotes from Smokey And The Bandit), Gary Busey, or Dennis Hopper. Amusing, yes, but we feel it's a grave omission to leave out the best nav voice ever, KITT, aka William Daniels (aka George Feeny from Boy Meets World).

[Source: World Car Fans]

Mr. T comes to TomTom originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electronicsin car electronicsInCarElectronicsmr. tMr.Tnavnavigationnavtonetom tomTomTomTue, 02 Oct 2007 13:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Average cars have $2,000 worth of software and it's increasing fast]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/06/average-cars-have-2-000-worth-of-software-and-its-increasing-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/06/average-cars-have-2-000-worth-of-software-and-its-increasing-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/06/average-cars-have-2-000-worth-of-software-and-its-increasing-f/#commentsFiled under: ,

Not so long ago cars and trucks were rather straightforward. Pretty much everything was mechanical, ignition systems had distributors, fuel systems had carburetors and suspensions had springs and dampers. The speedometer and odometer were driven by a cable that was twisted by a gear in the transmission. On the other hand, modern cars and trucks could not function without without software, and lots of it.

The average car today contains about $2,000 worth of software. Electronic control units and the software they contain manages virtually everything including the engine, transmission, windows, brakes, lights and more. When electronics first starting appearing in cars most of the systems functioned independently of each other. Cars today feature controller area networks that allow the systems to talk to each other and share information. The speedometer is driven by a servo that gets speed information from the controller for the anti-lock brakes. Even the audio systems use speed information from the brake controller to adjust the volume at higher speeds.

All the extra functionality that we have in our cars now means vastly more complex control software and far more interactions. While software used to be put in ROM on older systems, new systems use flash so that they can be updated when problems are discovered and more problems than ever are software related. As we move toward more complex drive-trains and vehicle to vehicle communications in the future even more software will be required.

[Source: MotorAuthority]

Average cars have $2,000 worth of software and it's increasing fast originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Sep 2007 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electronicssoftwareThu, 06 Sep 2007 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche Design rescues the day with an emergency radio]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/02/porsche-design-rescues-the-day-with-an-emergency-radio/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/02/porsche-design-rescues-the-day-with-an-emergency-radio/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/02/porsche-design-rescues-the-day-with-an-emergency-radio/#commentsFiled under: ,

There's a hurricane bearing down on your city and you want an an all-in-one system to listen to emergency services. You also want it to look good. As usual, Porsche design has come to your rescue with the Eton P9110. In addition to its AM/FM/Shortwave radio, it has a flashlight, cell phone charger, siren, red strobe, and a hand crank so you can keep it powered. Because it's from Porsche design, it's made of aluminum, sports knurled knobs and machine bolt treatment, and the crank utilizes a magnetic locking system. Of course, it also costs two-and-a-half times more than the most expensive Eton product, but you know what they say: there is no substitute.

[Source: Gizmag]

Porsche Design rescues the day with an emergency radio originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Sep 2007 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electronicsporscheporsche designPorscheDesignradioSun, 02 Sep 2007 11:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Honk? How 'bout "Move it, Sucka!"?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/29/honk-how-bout-move-it-sucka/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/29/honk-how-bout-move-it-sucka/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/29/honk-how-bout-move-it-sucka/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It'll cost you about the same as an iPod, but it's so much cooler. Or obnoxious. Mike Kosco dreamed up a way to make his Hummer growl, as well as sing whatever nuggets that could be crammed into 256 megabytes, too. If you're driving around a Hummer with the Incredible Hulk on the hood, you should probably expect verbal abuse. That's just what happened to the San Clemente, California resident at a coffee shop when teenagers gave Kosco a good heckling over his airbrushed mural. Fast forward two years, and the Horntones system made its debut at CES in Las Vegas.

The system consists of a player, and amplifier and a speaker. It costs $250, and it's light years beyond the old musical horns of the late '70s that would play horrid renditions of songs without the gift of polyphony. The player has a control unit that can navigate through your themes and tones and the entire setup looks high quality and well-designed. There's a website where you can custom organize and configure your sounds and songs, and then load the file onto a thumb drive that you then use to transfer the goods to your FX-550 rig. If you've just got to have Rico Suave at the ready, units are available and shipping, and look for Horntones at SEMA.

check the press release after the jump

Continue reading Honk? How 'bout "Move it, Sucka!"?

Honk? How 'bout "Move it, Sucka!"? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Aug 2007 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aftermarketaudiocescustomelectronicshornhorntonesmodificationsmusicsemasoundWed, 29 Aug 2007 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #74]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/16/autoblog-podcast-74/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/16/autoblog-podcast-74/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/16/autoblog-podcast-74/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

We've managed to get some sense of a normal schedule back for the podcasts, and here's number 74. Within, we discuss Ford Sync's newly announced price tag, whether it's worth it and what type of "Easter egg" features may be lurking. In other news, JD Power recently announced that Buick had tied Lexus for the top spot in the 2007 dependability ratings. It looks like a 3 year old Buick is a better investment than ever - also filling out the top 5 were Cadillac and Mercury.

Setting aside our pride over the domestic US manufacturers seeing actual results, we turn our attention to a beleaguered Brit - Jaguar. The XF was snagged without camo, and the rear view the shots afforded was encouraging, and answered some questions. It also raised a few more, and our most nagging question is what's underneath. Moving on, and staying foreign, we touch on VW's tasteful product placement in the Bourne Ultimatum, and the rumors surrounding a Toyota/Fuji lash-up for a revival of an AE-86 style car. Coming home again, if in brand alone, we wrap up with the Chevy Aveo 5 and its extra-full plate of hideous. The 'cast will only take up 40 minutes of your time, so come back next week for seconds!

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Autoblog Podcast #74 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Aug 2007 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ae86autoblogbournebuickcadillaccamodependabilityelectronicsfordjaguarjd powerJdPowermercuryplacementpodcastproductspysubarusynctoyotavolkswagenThu, 16 Aug 2007 09:32:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #74Dan Roth39:35aveo, chevy, toyota, subaru, fuji, ae86, bourne, product placement, volkswagen,jaguar, xf, buick, lexus, jd power, dependability, ford, sync<![CDATA[V2V communication as a safety feature]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/13/v2v-communication-as-a-safety-feature/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/13/v2v-communication-as-a-safety-feature/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/13/v2v-communication-as-a-safety-feature/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Vauxhall's latest safety idea turns the highways and byways into a life-sized feedback loop by allowing vehicles to communicate with each other. We're not talking about the type of communication we humans do in our cars - behavior like pointing out the state bird - think more like WiFi. There are some real safety gains to be had with the system, inventively named Vehicle-to-Vehicle. Using GPS-based technology, along with some type of wireless communication facility, V2V can warn you of potential danger by alerting you to the presence of cars in your blind spots or around a bend, and it can also use data such as speed, direction, and acceleration to determine whether or not you're gonna smack that Scimitar in front of you. Driver alerts can be visual, auditory, or via a Magic Fingers(R) seat cushion. If you ignore your playfully jiggly seat cushion, the car can even apply its own brakes. This sounds kind of like the funk-tastic Carhood, but with real development dollars behind it.

[Source: Auto Express]

V2V communication as a safety feature originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communicationelectronicseuropegpssafetyvauxhallFri, 13 Jul 2007 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Only the beginning: hard drives in cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/10/only-the-beginning-hard-drives-in-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/10/only-the-beginning-hard-drives-in-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/10/only-the-beginning-hard-drives-in-cars/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



There's already been a silent technology explosion in automobiles over the last ten years. Command and control has become largely a computerized affair. With high and low speed data buses throughout the automobile, your car is basically a network. It used to be that you'd press the power window switch and current would flow to a motor, or it would trigger a relay. It was simple to execute in the design and manufacturing stages, and troubleshooting was a matter of time spent with a test light and a meter. Modern cars use protocols like CAN, or Controller Area Network, to facilitate the liberal smattering of increased functionality we all desire in our vehicles. Press that same window switch now, and a message is sent to the central processor that you desire a change in the window status. The central processor then alerts the window motor to energize in the proper direction, and then it's off to the races for the glass. Sounds overly complex at first blush, doesn't it?

The old way had some drawbacks that the new systems hopefully alleviate. Firstly, there were lots of potential failure points with analog control systems. Also, components had to be wired to each other for functionality, and that required lots of wire. Wire is expensive (checked the price of copper lately?), and it adds weight and takes up space. Networking protocols allow automakers to integrate functions as never before - check out the way the MazdaSpeed 3 dials down its power output depending on steering angle - while using less wire and having a system that's more reliable. These changes have gone on virtually unknown to most motorists, but the cool stuff is just around the bend.

[Source: Automotive Design Line]

Continue reading Only the beginning: hard drives in cars

Only the beginning: hard drives in cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Subwoofer TruckThe naming is appropriate for a low-frequency addicted BAMF - Sub Mofo. If you're looking to jiggle the teacups in Aunt Millie's breakfast nook over in the next county, this is the vehicle for you! It appears to be some sort of promotional vehicle for mobile audio manufacturer Power Acoustik. In fact, Mofo is a particular model line of extremely beefy subwoofers from the California-based electronics manufacturer. The Mofo-10s appear to be part of what this truck's equipped with. From the specs, these woofers require serious current, so we hope that's a generator truck underneath all the line arrays, crossovers and electro-shock graphics. With a motor structure that weighs 270 ounces, a couple of these babies in the trunk of an RWD car, with the supporting cast of amps, active crossovers, stiffening capacitors, and a battery for good measure, you'd have plenty of snow traction. Subtle it's not, but it is an impressive way to go deaf. What?

[Source: techeblog]

Continue reading The mobile audio equivalent of a Howitzer: Subwoofer Truck

The mobile audio equivalent of a Howitzer: Subwoofer Truck originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jun 2007 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiocar stereoCarStereoelectronicsetcstereosubwooferThu, 28 Jun 2007 15:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes developing video-based safety features]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/18/mercedes-developing-video-based-safety-features/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/18/mercedes-developing-video-based-safety-features/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/18/mercedes-developing-video-based-safety-features/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Mercedes-Benz has a long history of making cars safer, and the brand continues to spearhead a push to increase everyone's chances of survival. Mercedes currently has the Pre-Safe system that acts like an adrenal gland for the car, tightening up the muscles before an impact. Future plans for safety systems aim to make the cars even more attentive to things such as road signs, pedestrians, and impending doom. The second generation of PreSafe is undergoing tests, and there's a lot more accident prevention muscle coming our way. The safest car is one that does not get into an crash in the first place, and there are cameras, radar sensors, monitoring systems and warning beacons heading our way to keep us out of trouble

Continued after the jump with Mercedes' press release.

Continue reading Mercedes developing video-based safety features

Mercedes developing video-based safety features originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jun 2007 08:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A few short years ago, getting a CD player or better yet, a multidisc changer in your car was an upgrade. Now, the little silver disc has taken up residence with cassettes as cast-off technology. Even with the cheap digital to analog converters that are in car stereos, CDs have a sound advantage over lossy data codecs like MPEG, but only us geeks seem to care that hi-hats sound like someone whisking an egg. Besides, portability and flexibility easily trumps esoteric sound quality. Truth be told, even though the original CDs sound better, my mp3 player is so much more convenient that I'll be adding an auxiliary input to my factory stereo - no small feat on some cars.

Ward's Automotive Interior show, currently underway at the Cobo center, is allowing automakers to show their wares to the masses over the next few days, with the realization that future vehicles are bound to dispatch that awkward center control unit for something more intuitive and user-programmable. Several automakers have already realized that people have all sorts of portable devices, and as such, new car interiors bristle with input jacks and 12-volt power sockets.

[Source: Detroit News]

Continue reading Good riddance: The demise of the in-dash CD player is nigh

Good riddance: The demise of the in-dash CD player is nigh originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jun 2007 10:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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