Time slots Tesla Model S among best inventions of 2012

Zach Bowman — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 16:04:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Technology, Hatchback, Tesla, Electric, Luxury

Time Magazine has released its list of the best inventions of 2012, and while a few automotive products made the cut, the Tesla Model S was the only vehicle to nab the honor this year. The magazine cites the electric sedan's sexy aesthetics, lofty 265-mile range and touch-screen cabin controls as reasons for the laurel, though Tesla's network of supercharger stations certainly factored in as well. This is just the latest in long list of accolades for the Model S. As you may recall, Motor Trend recently called the EV the most important car since the Ford Model T, and Automobile Magazine named the five-door its Automobile of the Year.

A total of 25 inventions made the Time list in all, including the self-inflating tires we saw from Goodyear earlier this year. From whimsical indoor clouds crafted by Dutch artist Berndnaut Smilde to a potentially life-saving in-home HIV test, the selections showcase the diversity of human innovation. Check out the complete list here.

Time slots Tesla Model S among best inventions of 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Nov 2012 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Cruise control, digital gauges, navigation in the 1960s? Sorta

Chris Tutor — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 20:06:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Classics, Videos, Ford

The voiceover in this 1960s era Ford promotional video asks "Will any of these experimental features be seen on production cars in the future?" Why, yes, we can now positively say many of them will. Some high-tech gadgets named in the film are in-car refrigerators and "plug-in televisions." Check and check. Of course, the navigation system shown was nothing more than a fancy map holder that scrolled the paper as the car moved, and the digital speedometer was simply a panel of numbers with lights behind them. But at least they were thinking ahead.

Ford even highlighted one of its futuristic cars with adjustable pedals and steering wheel with a memory setting for different drivers.

Not yet seen on production vehicles are the in-car oven, the "electro-luminescent" panels surrounding the car for safety and that odd little half-window thingy seen on the station wagon toward the end. Oh, wait. Subaru used that one.

Tacked on to the tail of the concept video is another Ford promo film about the Mustang's conception. Most of the info is common knowledge, but it's interesting to watch.

[Source: TechEBlog]

VIDEO: Cruise control, digital gauges, navigation in the 1960s? Sorta originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Jun 2007 20:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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