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[Google phone designers plot for "The End of Driving" with autonomobile]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/google-phone-designers-plot-for-the-end-of-driving-with-autono/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/google-phone-designers-plot-for-the-end-of-driving-with-autono/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/google-phone-designers-plot-for-the-end-of-driving-with-autono/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Mike and Maaike's Autonomobile - Click above for high-res image gallery

In Possible Future Scenario #317-B, San Francisco industrial design firm Mike and Maaike presents the atnmbl (get it? - "autonomobile"). Less a car than an autonomous, seven-person mobile living room, the atnmbl is billed as a complete redesign of the car for those who believe that the ideal driving experience is not driving.

Essentially an all-wheel-drive Internet sitting room, the solar and electric atnmbl asks you where you want to go and then takes you there. Speed and acceleration are "irrelevant considerations," time savings is the key - that is, unless you ask the atnmbl to take the scenic route. Since you're not driving, you'll need something to do during the trip, hence the Internet browsing screen and open-source software architecture to download apps, social networking capabilities, and... a bar.

Mike and Maaike don't predict seeing the atnmbl until 2040, which gives you some time to enjoy having to leave your couch to go camping. As for such a thing actually materializing, coming from the folks who designed the Google Phone, and with, perhaps, the ears of Google's muckamucks, well, hey, who knows. In the meantime, you can read what the firm has to say about its creation after the jump.


Gallery: Mike and Maaike Autonomobile


[Source: Core77]

Continue reading Google phone designers plot for "The End of Driving" with autonomobile

Google phone designers plot for "The End of Driving" with autonomobile originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternativeandroidAndroid phoneAndroidPhoneatnmblfutureG1 phoneG1PhoneGoogleGoogle G1Google phoneGoogleG1GooglePhonegreenindustrial designIndustrialDesignWed, 08 Jul 2009 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Volkswagen's next-gen nav system to get Apple iPhone-like gestures]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/report-volkswagens-next-gen-nav-system-to-get-apple-iphone-lik/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/report-volkswagens-next-gen-nav-system-to-get-apple-iphone-lik/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/report-volkswagens-next-gen-nav-system-to-get-apple-iphone-lik/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Vehicle infotainment systems, those all-inclusive interfaces controlling the myriad electronics on today's modern cars and trucks, can make or break the driving experience. CNET is offering us a sneak-peek at Volkswagen's latest iteration from the company's Electronic Research Laboratory (ERL). Developed with Intel, the new system uses Global Open Research Infotainment Architecture, or GLORIA.

Most systems today us a joystick-like device, touch screen, or hard buttons on the edge of the display (or a combination of the three) to control the inputs. Volkswagen's new GLORIA system takes it one step further by making Apple iPhone-like "gesture control" possible. This means that users are able to navigate quickly by simply tracing single letters across the pressure-sensitive display. Another unique feature may allow users to import third-party widgets for the system, much like consumers currently load apps from iTunes onto their iPhones. As cool as it sounds, GLORIA is still under development and she isn't expected to see showrooms for a few more years.

[Source: CNET, Photo by CNET]

REPORT: Volkswagen's next-gen nav system to get Apple iPhone-like gestures originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 May 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>first lookFirstLookfutureGLORIAinfotainmentiPhoneiPodiTunestechnologyVolkswagenThu, 21 May 2009 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Maserati could add a small sedan, wagon is a no-go]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/07/maserati-could-add-a-small-sedan-wagon-is-a-no-go/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/07/maserati-could-add-a-small-sedan-wagon-is-a-no-go/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/07/maserati-could-add-a-small-sedan-wagon-is-a-no-go/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Maserati Quattroporte S

Maserati is on a bit of a tear, and if things keep going its way, the Trident will turn that into a full-on ripper. The Gran Turismo S and Quattroporte S have secured the right kind of buzz, a Gran Turismo convertible - said to feature a cloth top, not a folding steel unit - is on the way, and there's always that Gran Turismo MC Corse Concept to hope for. If additional models get to wear the badge, they will come via Alfa. Fiat underlings Maser and Alfa have pledged to share technologies, so if Alfa picks up a RWD platform from someone else, that's an opportunity for Maserati to create a small sedan and coupe to fit underneath the GT and the Quattroporte. What Maserati will definitely not be creating, however, is a wagon: the Kuban GT has been taken off the menu. You'll hear no complaints from us about that, for while there can't be too many Maseratis, there can certainly be the wrong kind of Maserati.

Gallery: First Drive: Maserati Quattroporte S


[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Maserati could add a small sedan, wagon is a no-go originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfa romeoAlfaRomeocoupesfuturefuture plansfuture productFuturePlansFutureProductgran turismogran turismo sGranTurismoGranTurismoSmaseratiquattroportequattroporte sQuattroporteSsedanssmall maseratiSmallMaseratiTue, 07 Oct 2008 11:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: BMW 8 Series on the way, no M-version planned]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/05/rumormill-bmw-8-series-on-the-way-no-m-version-planned/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/05/rumormill-bmw-8-series-on-the-way-no-m-version-planned/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/05/rumormill-bmw-8-series-on-the-way-no-m-version-planned/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click on the image above for our high-res Concept CS gallery

With their scopes aimed squarely at the upcoming Porsche Panamera and Mercedes-Benz CLS, BMW's M performance division is rumored to be working on their own four-door luxury GT for a 2010 launch. With its styling based heavily on the BMW Concept CS (pictured above), the platform for the new flagship will be shared with the new 7 Series. Under the hood, most expect to see a 6.0-liter V12 based on the current M5's V10, or a twin-turbocharged V8 like the one rumored for the next-gen M5. Even though both of those engines promise prodigious amounts of power, and the lightened chassis will be tuned for performance, BMW insists the new car will not be badged an M8. Regardless, we seem to recall that the lack of an M badge on the mid-90's BMW 850CSi didn't seem to deter enthusiasts.

Gallery: BMW Concept CS

[Source: Drive.com]

Rumormill: BMW 8 Series on the way, no M-version planned originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8 Series8SeriesBMW Concept CSBMW M8BmwConceptCsBmwM8conceptConcept CSConceptCsfuturenext generationnext-getNextGenerationplannedRumoredFri, 05 Sep 2008 09:26:00 EST<![CDATA[IED students imagine a pod-shaped BMW in 2015]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/ied-students-imagine-a-pod-shaped-bmw-in-2015/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/ied-students-imagine-a-pod-shaped-bmw-in-2015/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/ied-students-imagine-a-pod-shaped-bmw-in-2015/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above image for more IED concepts in high-res

While we certainly don't expect BMW to make such drastic design changes to its lineup within this decade, third-year students at the Turin-based IED (istituto Europeo di Design) were asked to interpret what the German automaker's automobiles would look like in 2015. Although they worked from a clean slate, inspiration was to come from natural elements such as the sea, wind, or the earth. Thirty-five students were divided into eighteen teams for the task. Those teams conjured up, and approved, twelve proposals. Of those, eight were developed into 1:4 scale models. To ensure the quality standards of their trademark, each of the stages of development were supervised under the watchful eye of BMW execs Thomas Plath, Anders Warming, and the controversial Mr. Bangle-butt himself...Chris Bangle. Check the gallery below for high-res images of the fruits of their labor.

Gallery: IED BMW Concepts


[Source: Car Body Design]

IED students imagine a pod-shaped BMW in 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWChris BangleChrisBangleConceptsDesignDesign studensDesign StudentsDesignStudensDesignStudentsFutureIEDistituto Europeo di DesignIstitutoEuropeoDiDesignMon, 28 Jul 2008 09:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Get your Flux Capacitors right here!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/10/get-your-flux-capacitors-right-here/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/10/get-your-flux-capacitors-right-here/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/10/get-your-flux-capacitors-right-here/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Okay, let's get this straight. Back to the Future movies: cool. Making your DeLorean into a replica of the movie car: incredibly lame. Halfway between would be a reproduction flux capacitor. If you did buy this thing, you could certainly attain full lameness by installing in in your non-DeLorean.

There were talented people working in the entertainment industry to dream up those iconic vehicles of the 1980s like KITT, the BTF DeLorean and the A-Team van. Those cars have staying power with a generation of enthusiasts, but dressing up your car to match a prop is akin to putting on your C-3PO finery to go see Episode III. If you must have it for your '96 Neon, climb the stairs from your basement lair and ask your mom for $220 for what equates to a couple of lights in a box. Hey, Christmas is coming, if you jump up and down and stomp like you did in '85, you'll find this thing under the tree.

[Source: Engadget]

Get your Flux Capacitors right here! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2007 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessorybackback to the futureBackToTheFuturecapacitordeloreanfluxflux capacitorFluxCapacitorfuturemoviespropthetotoyMon, 10 Dec 2007 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo planning major lineup changes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/04/volvo-shuffles-its-lineup/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/04/volvo-shuffles-its-lineup/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/04/volvo-shuffles-its-lineup/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Automotive News is dishing on Volvo's product lineup plans between now and 2010. The newly released second-generation S80 won't see any major changes, nor will the new 70-series wagons, the C70, or the C30. The S40's going to bid us adieu, as there's price overlap with the S60, and the S60's not much larger than the S40. The C30's going to serve as the entry-level Volvo, while also angling at MINI's territory of cutieified premium small cars. The S60, while handsomely drawn, is becoming long in the tooth. A redesigned S60 will bow in 2010, and it will be smaller than the current model in an effort to differentiate it from the S80, as well as still serve those customers who would have gone for the S40.

While Gothenburg's losing a sedan offering, it'll be adding a CUV in early 2009 when the XC60 hits the streets. With the CUV market currently on fire, a smaller Volvo 'ute to go after X3 shoppers is a shrewd move. The basic hardware's already been piled together as the Land Rover LR2, which we suspect offers a decent preview of the XC60 experience. Basically, what we see happening is the phasing out of the P2 platform that Volvo developed in the '90s for the original S80, and a migration of all vehicles to some flavor of the EUCD platform.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub Req'd]

Volvo planning major lineup changes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Sep 2007 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010c30c70futuremodelss40s60s80v70v90volvoxc60xc70xc90Tue, 04 Sep 2007 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Future Classic: 1991-94 Nissan Sentra SE-R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/26/future-classic-1991-94-nissan-sentra-se-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/26/future-classic-1991-94-nissan-sentra-se-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/26/future-classic-1991-94-nissan-sentra-se-r/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Wants some desktop wallpaper images of the 91-94 Sentra SE-R? Click above

Nissan has a history of giving BMWs a run for their money. Back when they were going by Datsun, the 510 was a capable facsimile of a BMW 1600/2002, but cheaper. Performance cred attained, Nissan continued to pump out various capable performers over the years. In 1991, the Sentra was due for a makeover, and Nissan managed to splice some 510 DNA into the SE-R. Car and Driver admonished 12-year olds to save the review so they'd know what to buy in 1998 for a screaming bargain and a hell of a good time. I saved the review, but failed to heed the stellar advice about picking one of these little screamers up in the late '90s. They're a lot more rare now, and finding one that's either inexpensive or unmolested is tough. It's the darndest thing - people know what these cars are.

Read on for more.

Gallery: 1991 - 1994 Nissan Sentra SE-R

Continue reading Future Classic: 1991-94 Nissan Sentra SE-R

Future Classic: 1991-94 Nissan Sentra SE-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1991199219931994b13classicfuturefuture classicFutureClassicnissanse-rsentraThu, 26 Apr 2007 09:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Future Classic: Eagle Premier]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/16/future-classic-eagle-premier/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/16/future-classic-eagle-premier/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/16/future-classic-eagle-premier/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


click image for more pics of the Eagle Premier

By the early 1980s, American Motors Corporation was on the ropes. Its car line was seriously geriatric - the Eagle, Concord, and Spirit models were derivatives of the Hornet developed in the Bronze Age. AMC had turned to Renault for an infusion of cash in return for an entré into the US market for the French brand. The Renault Alliance, Encore and Medallion were US versions of the French automaker's vehicles distributed by AMC/Jeep dealers, laying the groundwork for the Renault 25-derived Premier. Originally badged Renault Premier, and part of the AMC portfolio, the car became the Eagle Premier following Renault's desperate sale of its AMC stake to Chrysler. AMC had an established brand and operation, a brand new plant in Bramalea, Ontario, as well as the money-making Jeep division, which is what Chrysler really wanted. It's ironic that 20 years later, the Jeep brand is reprising its role as a jewel within a struggling automaker. It's also ironic that while Chrysler acquired AMC for the Jeep brand, the Premier ended up supporting the '90s renaissance at Auburn Hills.

Gallery: Eagle Premier

Continue reading Future Classic: Eagle Premier

Future Classic: Eagle Premier originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Apr 2007 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>25amcamerican motorsAmericanMotorschryslerclassiceaglefuturefuture classicFutureClassicpremierrenaultMon, 16 Apr 2007 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Save Top Gear from its own success]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/15/save-top-gear-from-its-own-success/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/15/save-top-gear-from-its-own-success/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/15/save-top-gear-from-its-own-success/#commentsFiled under:

Clarkson's at it again, casting shadows of doubt on the future of Top Gear. The celebrity automotive journalist (perhaps the most well-known, period) claims that while the BBC program ranks among the most watched television shows on the air, and that its audience continues to climb "like an F-15 on combat power," Top Gear is facing serious problems which could jeopardize its future.

The first, according to Jezza, is that following Richard Hammond's miraculous recovery and return to the show, the production schedule got horribly delayed. Clarkson figures that it takes about half a year to produce a season, which puts them severely behind schedule for the next series. Even if the show were to return in October, which he figures is the earliest a new series could air, Clarkson cites disgruntled fans who lamented the lack of content in the hastily-produced and recently-concluded 9th season.

"The series that's just finished was full of us three cocking about, and almost completely devoid of anything you might fairly call a 'road test,'" surmised Clarkson in his recent column. "This has gone down very badly with the people in internet land." (Hey, is he talking about us?)

Clarkson fears that most television viewers don't want to see him and the gang driving Ferraris and Lamborghinis, but just want to be entertained, and that if and when the show does return for a tenth season, it stands the danger of being watered-down. But it's the extraordinary track tests and tire-munching road trips that made the show as popular as it is. Top Gear, it seems, needs to be rescued from its own success.

Cheerio for the tip, Kim.

[Source: Top Gear]

Save Top Gear from its own success originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Apr 2007 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1010thbbcclarksonfuturegearjeremyjezzanineseasonseriestententhtopSun, 15 Apr 2007 16:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Swiss Army Roof: Magna Steyr MILA Future]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/19/swiss-army-roof-magna-steyr-mila-future/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/19/swiss-army-roof-magna-steyr-mila-future/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/19/swiss-army-roof-magna-steyr-mila-future/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click on the image above to jump to our high-resolution image gallery

Innovations in retractable hard-tops come from what could very well be the broadest range of sources in the industry. The complex retractable roof systems are sometimes designed and developed by the automakers themselves, sometimes by specialists like ASC, sometimes from design houses like Fioravanti (whose flip-top made it onto the Ferrari Superamerica), and sometimes they're even made by independent garages (like this Mustang we brought you earlier). This system, perhaps the most innovative to date, was designed by component manufacturer Magna Steyr and showcased in the MILA Future concept.

The roof is an ingenious four-in-one system that transforms from a fixed roof into a full convertible, a targa or a "landaulet" with the rear window retracted. The system is comprised of the roof section, the rear decklid (with integrated B and C pillar buttresses) and the retractable rear window glass, and is designed to optimize trunk space.

The concept was apparently displayed at the huge Geneva show a couple weeks ago, but with all the manufacturers' press conferences running with typical Swiss precision, we unfortunately missed it. You can, however, check out the images of the car in various states of openness in the gallery as well as the press release after the jump.

[Source: Magna Steyr via Carscoop]

Gallery: Magna Steyr MILA Future concept

Continue reading Swiss Army Roof: Magna Steyr MILA Future

Swiss Army Roof: Magna Steyr MILA Future originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2007 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cabrioconceptconvertiblecoupefuturelandauletmagnamilaroadstersteyrtargaMon, 19 Mar 2007 11:03:00 EST<![CDATA[And what, exactly, is the point of Mercury?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/16/and-what-exactly-is-the-point-of-mercury/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/16/and-what-exactly-is-the-point-of-mercury/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/16/and-what-exactly-is-the-point-of-mercury/#commentsFiled under: , ,



After last week's flurry of news from Detroit, we're realizing that little was heard from Mercury. Parent Ford certainly had some introductions and unveilings, but nothing from across the corporate hall. It makes us wonder whether the Mercury brand is going to completely wither and die, or if Ford's got some surprises left. There really seems to be little point to the brand. There are no Mercury-specific models like there once were (Cougar, Villager, etc.) and really nothing particularly compelling for sale. Perhaps giving Mercury a segment to fill would drive the brand.

More armchair quarterbacking after the jump

[Source: Detroit News]

Continue reading And what, exactly, is the point of Mercury?

And what, exactly, is the point of Mercury? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Jan 2007 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>euroeuro focusEuroFocuseuropeeuropeaneuropean fordEuropeanFordfocusfuturefuture of mercuryFutureOfMercuryMercurymercury modelsMercuryModelsmondeonew mercuryNewMercuryTue, 16 Jan 2007 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Futurebug: 2054 Volkswagen Beetle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/30/futurebug-2054-volkswagen-beetle/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/30/futurebug-2054-volkswagen-beetle/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/30/futurebug-2054-volkswagen-beetle/#commentsFiled under: ,



At some point in the future, automakers will engage in a hood ornament war to see who can build the car with the biggest badge. We've seen into the future and Volkswagen will win this war in 2054 when it unveils the New2 Beetle that features the company's famous logo laser etched across both of its doors. Actually, this is really a nice piece of concept art done by Carlos Agell, a Venezuelan designer who has got quite an imagination. In his mind, VW will drop the Darth Vader's helmet look of the current New Beetle sometime between now and mid-century, going instead for the tipped-over-cylinder look. The diameter of the New2 Beetle is 7.38 feet, though its length is a little over ten feet thanks to a protruding fish tail that presumably houses the NeoPlasma Magnetic engine and Laser Gyroscopic stabilization. It's also only 4.6 feet wide, so it'll be easy to park in the future where nearly all parking lots are full all the time (oh wait, that's today). Agell also envisions a NeuroDrive Guide System to replace those low-tech sat navs and a NeoCrete Liquid Metal Body that we presume doesn't need waxing, like, ever. The New2 Beetle can also accelerate to 62mph in a scant five seconds while on its way to a top speed of 186mph. Don't worry about it tipping, either; too many top heavy SUVs led the government to bank all turns nationwide in the year 2032. Sweet.

[Source: Carlos Agell via CarScoop]

Futurebug: 2054 Volkswagen Beetle originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Oct 2006 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conceptfuturenew beetlenew2 beetleNew2BeetleNewBeetlevolkswagenvwMon, 30 Oct 2006 12:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Focus group guy describes next gen Mazda 3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/20/focus-group-guy-describes-next-gen-mazda-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/20/focus-group-guy-describes-next-gen-mazda-3/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/20/focus-group-guy-describes-next-gen-mazda-3/#commentsFiled under: ,



Slow news Friday always gets us to dig a little deeper to find interesting material on which to post, which led us today to the CarSpyShots.net forum where we found a detailed description of the next generation Mazda 3. Forum member xander80 is a focus group junkie, and he's attended two for the next generation Mazda 3 already. The first one included various competitors of the Mazda 3, the current model and two prototypes. The second focus group he just attended, however, only had one of the prototypes, which indicates that Mazda has likely narrowed down candidates for the next gen 3 to this model. xander80 describes what he saw in detail, highlights of which include a longer wheelbase and length, Lexus IS-shaped LED taillights, a pointed trunk lid, and a "baby" RX-8 front end with bulging wheel arches over the front wheels and no grille. Fellow forum member 6speed whipped up the above rendering based on the description. While nothing close to the car we're imagining in our heads right now, other CarSpyShot.net forum members have vowed to produce photochops based on the description, as well. Let us know when they're up guys and we'll host them here.

Read the full description in xander80's words after the jump...

[Source: CarSpyShots.net]

Continue reading Focus group guy describes next gen Mazda 3

Focus group guy describes next gen Mazda 3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Oct 2006 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>focus groupFocusGroupfutureguessmazda3renderingFri, 20 Oct 2006 15:41:00 EST<![CDATA[BusinessWeek taking bets on the car of tomorrow]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/02/businessweek-taking-bets-on-the-car-of-tomorrow/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/02/businessweek-taking-bets-on-the-car-of-tomorrow/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/02/businessweek-taking-bets-on-the-car-of-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: ,



Predicting the path of the automotive industry in the long run is nigh impossible, as the technologies we will find ourselves beholden to in fifty years haven't even been invented yet, that is, of course, assuming a robot army hasn't staged a world coup before then. BusinessWeek is the latest to scan the horizon of technology and science fiction to tell us what we'll be driving in the future, and it should be no surprise that the first guess is the Moller SkyCar we've been promised for so long. Also on the list of future vehicles are the Volkswagen GX3 that's already been nixed for production in the present and the Ford SYNUS personal armored truck.

The slideshow assembled by BusinessWeek is accompanied by an article that also examines what areas of exotic technology will become commonplace in the future. Alternative fuels is an obvious one, as is the impending dashboard battle between Apple and Microsoft to be the operating system of choice in cars.

BusinessWeek's article got us thinking about what features we want in our future car, and flying isn't one of them. Whoever wants to give up the marriage of rubber and road is no friend of ours. Aside from an increasing focus on vehicles capable of zero-emissions, we believe active and passive safety technology and your in-car entertainment will receive the most attention from techies.

[Source: BusinessWeek]

BusinessWeek taking bets on the car of tomorrow originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Oct 2006 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>futuremollerskycartechnologyMon, 02 Oct 2006 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[The future of Toyota and Lexus: Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/15/the-future-of-toyota-and-lexus-ch-ch-ch-changes/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/15/the-future-of-toyota-and-lexus-ch-ch-ch-changes/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/15/the-future-of-toyota-and-lexus-ch-ch-ch-changes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



In order to become the world's largest automaker you need a gameplan, and Toyota's apparently got one. AutoWeek has peered into its crystal ball and consulted each one of its inside sources to chart the changes at Toyota and Lexus over the next five years. Here's what they foresee for the Japanese juggernaut minus vehicles that have recently been introduced or substantially redesigned.

TOYOTA
  • Prius - Redesign for 2010 or 2011 with plug-in capability, still odd looking
  • Corolla - Redesign delayed until 2008 to combat Honda Civic and Mazda3
  • Matrix - Redesign after Corolla in 2009, destination vehicle for Scion owners
  • Camry Solara - Killed after 2008, coupe could return by 2010
  • Supra - Not going to happen, all rumors to the contrary false
  • Sienna - Redesign for spring 2009 with hybrid version
  • Highlander - Redesign for 2008 on larger Avalon platform
  • FT-SX - New large crossover for 2008 similar to Chrysler Pacifica
  • Tundra - 2007 model arrives in January, heavy-duty versions possible
  • Sequoia - Redesigned for 2008 on new Tundra platform
  • Land Cruiser - Reengineered version arrives in 2008
Follow the jump to see what AutoWeek believes Lexus will be up to in the coming years.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Continue reading The future of Toyota and Lexus: Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

The future of Toyota and Lexus: Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Aug 2006 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>futureredesignTue, 15 Aug 2006 11:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Pundits predict future of the U.S. auto industry]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/16/pundits-predict-future-of-the-u-s-auto-industry/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/16/pundits-predict-future-of-the-u-s-auto-industry/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/16/pundits-predict-future-of-the-u-s-auto-industry/#commentsFiled under:

Marty Bernstein, contributing editor for the American International Automobile Dealers trade organization, fired up the old rolodex and quizzed a wide range of folks who spend their days trying to anticipate future trends in the U.S. auto industry, asking what the industry will look like in 2011. Their thoughts make interesting reading.

Some highlights:
  • international brands will continue to gain market share in the U.S.
  • the U.S. market will become more like Europe - many brands, no really dominant players
  • biofuels will be important in the U.S., but tariffs and regulations cloud the crystal ball
As Bernstein points out, Newsweek recently published a more broadly-focused series of articles on the future competitiveness of American industry - two particularly interesting pieces are here and here.

[Source: AIADA]

Pundits predict future of the U.S. auto industry originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jun 2006 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big 3big threefutureu.s. auto industryu.s. marketU.s.AutoIndustryFri, 16 Jun 2006 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[SAE puts a timeline on powertrain futures]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/08/sae-puts-a-timeline-on-powertrain-futures/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/08/sae-puts-a-timeline-on-powertrain-futures/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/08/sae-puts-a-timeline-on-powertrain-futures/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

At the annual Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress this week, speakers and members outlined what powertrains and alternative fuel sources will move tomorrow's vehicles.

All agreed the gasoline engine will continue to dominate the North American market, the world's largest, until at least 2020. However, with technologies such as direct injection and turbocharging, the future gasoline engine may scarcely be recognizable as it delivers fuel economies nearly equal to today's best diesel. As for diesel, panelists noted such engines, which already dominate in Europe, will constitute around 25-percent of cars sold in the U.S. within 15 to 20 years.

Interestingly, everyone was in agreement that hybrids such as the Toyota Prius would probably never go fully mainstream in the market. Even Toyota representative Dave Hermance stated that a 25-percent share would be 'optimistic.'

Other powertrain technologies discussed were BMW's lean-burn engines and hybrid types. 

Where do you see future powertrains? Fire away in Comments.

[Source: The Car Connection]

SAE puts a timeline on powertrain futures originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Apr 2006 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternative fueldirect injectionEarth DayEarthDayfuturelean burnpowertrainsSAESociety of Automotive EngineersSat, 08 Apr 2006 09:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Bombardier Embrio delivers new transportation possibilities]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/13/bombardier-embrio-delivers-new-transportation-possibilities/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/13/bombardier-embrio-delivers-new-transportation-possibilities/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/13/bombardier-embrio-delivers-new-transportation-possibilities/#commentsFiled under:



Not since the Segway Human Transporter debuted amidst a fog of hype has a transportation solution come along that makes us rethink how we may get around in the future. The Bombardier Embrio makes the Segway look old school by relying on only one wheel while in motion, though a second smaller wheel does deploy at speeds below 12 mph. The Embrio uses gryoscope technology similar to the Segway's to keep its rider balanced, but adds a futuristic hydrogen fuel-cell motor and an active suspension with variable damping. Looking for all intents and purposes like an emasculated motorcycle, the Embio weighs a mere 360 pounds.

Bombardier's concept may offer a sneak peak at our future, but it won't have truly arrived until it has its own Polo league like the Segway.

Bombardier Embrio delivers new transportation possibilities originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Mar 2006 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>futureSegwayMon, 13 Mar 2006 10:00:00 EST