Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[2014 Volvo XC60 scooped before launch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/2014-volvo-xc60-scooped-before-launch/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/2014-volvo-xc60-scooped-before-launch/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/2014-volvo-xc60-scooped-before-launch/#commentsFiled under: ,



A Chinese automotive site has snagged the first spy shots of the updated Volvo XC60, completely uncovered. While the overall profile of the vehicle remains intact, the headlights are heavily revised. Gone are the two-piece units, which featured the separate light strip between the main cluster and the grille. In place now are larger lenses, somewhat reminiscent of those found on the S60 sedan. Also updated is the grille, which gets a little wider to meet the new headlights. The grille receives more chrome, while the lower front fascia has been revised with wider openings. A pair of LED fog lights are pushed way out to the corners.

Out back, the license plate holder gets a bold chrome strip above it, and the recessed exhaust is replaced with chromed, dual exhaust outlets that have been integrated into the bottom of the rear bumper.

Inside, the instrument panel has been revised, with a large, centrally mounted speedo, featuring a digital display in the center. According to reports, this is a similar setup to that of the new V40. As such, it appears that the changes are thoughtful efforts to move the XC60 forward by incorporating the most current Volvo design elements.

2014 Volvo XC60 scooped before launch originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Dec 2012 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 volvo xc60faceliftledredesignvolvoxc60Fri, 28 Dec 2012 11:26:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20412774/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/28/2014-volvo-xc60-scooped-before-launch/20412774/article-detail.xml 20412774 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/volvo-xc60_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/volvo-xc60.jpg <![CDATA[Street Smarts, customizable puddle lamps project your class]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/street-smarts-displays-personalized-message-on-the-road/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/street-smarts-displays-personalized-message-on-the-road/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/23/street-smarts-displays-personalized-message-on-the-road/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Ah, SEMA. Always a bastion of terrific ideas and entirely tasteful modifications. The latest innovation to come from the show that brought you this, and that is a product called Street Stamps. Building off of the previous popularity of underglow lights, Street Stamps project a customizable image on the ground from your vehicle. The image can be rendered in white, blue, red, green, yellow or a custom color at the owner's request.

To install, all you need is to drill a 3/4-inch hole into your side view mirror or another strategic location. From there, you are all set to broadcast to the world your hatred for all things Bowtie or your disdain for import vehicles (popular options, according to the video).

Similar implementations of this technology is found in the Ford Mustang and Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, where the exterior courtesy lighting (sometimes called "puddle lamps") feature brand-specific designs. These OEM systems shut off when the vehicle is in motion - it's not readily apparent if Street Stamps do the same. If, in fact, the image can be projected while the vehicle is in motion, there would seem to be some obvious legal issues.

Click below to check out the video. We'd hate to imagine one drilling into a side mirror on one of the pair of Lamborghini's in this vid, but what price can you put on personal expression, right? Obligatory warning for some foul language. Let us know what you think about this product in the comments below.

Continue reading Street Smarts, customizable puddle lamps project your class

Street Smarts, customizable puddle lamps project your class originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aftermarketcustomLEDled lightingledspuddle lampsstreet stampsunder glowunderglowTue, 23 Oct 2012 17:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20358052/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/23/street-smarts-displays-personalized-message-on-the-road/20358052/article-detail.xml 20358052 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/street-stamp-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/street-stamp-628.jpg <![CDATA[Acura's ILX Hybrid gets all ate up with LED lighting]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/acuras-ilx-hybrid-gets-all-ate-up-with-led-lighting/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/acuras-ilx-hybrid-gets-all-ate-up-with-led-lighting/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/acuras-ilx-hybrid-gets-all-ate-up-with-led-lighting/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Acura ILX Hybrid LED art car

Acura has paired its 2013 ILX with the band Metric on its U.S. tour. To keep people as intrigued outside the concert as they are inside, Acura turned the ILX into an LED art car with a 3D display where there should have been an interior.

Creating the LED light show took 4,600 hours, that was for the installation of 7,500 individually controllable LEDs activated by more than 1,100 lines of programming. You can watch it in action in the video below.

Continue reading Acura's ILX Hybrid gets all ate up with LED lighting

Acura's ILX Hybrid gets all ate up with LED lighting originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 acura ilxacuraart carilxilx hybridledled lightmarketingmetricmetric syntheticavideovideosMon, 20 Aug 2012 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20304421/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/20/acuras-ilx-hybrid-gets-all-ate-up-with-led-lighting/20304421/article-detail.xml 20304421 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/acurailxmetrics_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/acurailxmetrics.jpg <![CDATA[Renault Alpine A110-50 concept does its papa proud]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/renault-alpine-a110-50-concept-does-its-papa-proud/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/renault-alpine-a110-50-concept-does-its-papa-proud/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/renault-alpine-a110-50-concept-does-its-papa-proud/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



Renault has officially released details on its Alpine A110-50 Concept. Designed to pay homage to the original Alpine A110, the machine wears a body crafted from carbon fiber and dipped in a shade of the same iconic Alpine Blue we all know and love. Up front, designers worked in a set of half-ring yellow LED lights reminiscent of the hood-mounted fog lights found on the original. That's pretty much where the similarities end, however. Based loosely on the crushingly-sexy Renault Dezir Concept, the new machine boasts proud fender arches, a wild split-wing rear spoiler and scissor doors.

As we'd heard before, the A110-50 Concept rolls on the same chassis as the Megane Trophy, complete with adjustable Sachs dampers, 21-inch wheels and the notable absences of on-board nannies like ABS or traction control. Hefty 14-inch front brake discs are pressed by six-piston calipers, while the 13-inch discs out back make due with four-piston units.

Renault placed a 3.5-liter V6 mid-ship with a full 400 horsepower on hand. A roof mounted-intake funnels air from outside the engine bay into the machine's carbon-fiber intake. Meanwhile, a dual-clutch six-speed gearbox allows the driver the choice of disengaging the transmission via a floor-mounted clutch pedal or shifting via steering-wheel mounted paddles.

Scroll down to check out the full press release as well as a couple videos.

Continue reading Renault Alpine A110-50 concept does its papa proud

Renault Alpine A110-50 concept does its papa proud originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a110-50alpinealpine a110-50alpine a110-50 conceptcarbon fiberconceptconcept carledmegane trophymonaco grand prixrenault alpine a110-50renault alpine a110-50 conceptrenault dezirrenault dezir conceptFri, 25 May 2012 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20245135/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/25/renault-alpine-a110-50-concept-does-its-papa-proud/20245135/article-detail.xml 20245135 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/remault-alpine-s110-50-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/remault-alpine-s110-50-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Cadillac choreographs light show for approaching its 2013 XTS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/cadillac-choreographs-light-show-for-approaching-its-2013-xts/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/cadillac-choreographs-light-show-for-approaching-its-2013-xts/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/29/cadillac-choreographs-light-show-for-approaching-its-2013-xts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Cadillac has already been releasing a steady drip of information about what's going into its 2013 XTS like its autonomous-vehicle tech, and now it's focusing on lighting choreography. Cadillac reminds us that its lighting signature is vertical bands of illumination, tying it back to 1948, when the tailfins for which the brand is still known were first used on cars like the Fleetwood Sixty Special and Series 61 Coupe.

The illumination system goes by the intriguing names of either "Lead Me to the Vehicle" or the Phil-Collins-esque "Take Me Home" and is charged with adding drama and security. Twenty light sources are used in total, starting outside with the LEDS in the headlights, mirror housings, door handles and around the perimeter. Inside, LEDs are used everywhere from overhead to controls to door handles to the footwells, and they are timed in their illumination and dimming, "similar to a production crew lighting a theater stage."

Follow the jump for a press release and vids demonstrating the latest in Art & Science.

Continue reading Cadillac choreographs light show for approaching its 2013 XTS

Cadillac choreographs light show for approaching its 2013 XTS originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 cadillac xtscadillac xtsilluminationlead me to the vehicleledLED lightingled technologylightingtake me homextsWed, 29 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20181659/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/29/cadillac-choreographs-light-show-for-approaching-its-2013-xts/20181659/article-detail.xml 20181659 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/xtschoreography_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/xtschoreography.jpg <![CDATA[Rear window LED panel the ideal way to scold tailgating drivers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/23/rear-window-led-panel-the-ideal-way-to-scold-tailgating-drivers/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/23/rear-window-led-panel-the-ideal-way-to-scold-tailgating-drivers/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/23/rear-window-led-panel-the-ideal-way-to-scold-tailgating-drivers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Rear-window LED

I had a buddy in college who got so tired of tailgaters that he carved a middle finger out of plywood, wrapped it in Christmas lights, and stuck it in the rear window of his Volkswagen. When someone got too close on the interstate, he flipped a button, and the wooden bird illuminated, letting people know exactly how he felt.

Enterprising motorist Gandeep Singh took that idea to the next level, applying some creative thinking, and installing a 40"x16" led crawler in his rear window to give his road rage a serious edge.

Unfortunately, it looks as if most of Singh's programmed messages are G-rated, but he's apparently working on a Bluetooth cellphone hookup, so you can update your crawler in real time. Follow the jump to watch video of it in use.

Continue reading Rear window LED panel the ideal way to scold tailgating drivers

Rear window LED panel the ideal way to scold tailgating drivers originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gandeedp singhgandeepledled scrollscrollsinghSun, 23 Oct 2011 18:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20088054/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/23/rear-window-led-panel-the-ideal-way-to-scold-tailgating-drivers/20088054/article-detail.xml 20088054 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/ledscroll_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/ledscroll.jpg <![CDATA[LG attempting to ban BMW and Audi sales in South Korea over patent dispute]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/lg-attempting-to-ban-bmw-and-audi-sales-in-south-korea-over-pate/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/lg-attempting-to-ban-bmw-and-audi-sales-in-south-korea-over-pate/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/30/lg-attempting-to-ban-bmw-and-audi-sales-in-south-korea-over-pate/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

BMW Headlight

LG Group has taken up legal arms against both BMW and Audi over a patent dispute. The technology company is reportedly aiming to have the sale of vehicles from both German automakers banned in South Korea over an LED patent dispute. According to Korea Times, LG Group is claiming that Osram, the manufacturer of LEDs favored by both automakers, is infringing on LG patents. Oddly enough, LG was once behind the patent game and had to pay Osram to use the company's LED technology in LG products. Now LG has combined its relevant patents with those of a host of smaller companies, allowing it to skip paying Osram and sue the company for infringement.

Twisted.

Is there any chance of a court outright agreeing to ban such a large section of products from two companies that largely had nothing to do with the dispute? That seems unlikely, but Osram and LG Group may have to sit down and have a nice, lengthy chat with checkbooks in hand sometime in the near future.

LG attempting to ban BMW and Audi sales in South Korea over patent dispute originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audibmwlawsuitledled lightingled lightslglg grouplg lawsuitosramosram lawsuitpatentpatent infringementpatent lawsuitFri, 30 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20070604/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/30/lg-attempting-to-ban-bmw-and-audi-sales-in-south-korea-over-pate/20070604/article-detail.xml 20070604 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/bmw-headlight-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/bmw-headlight-628.jpg <![CDATA[Lit Up: GM RenCen wants more LED signs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/lit-up-gm-rencen-wants-more-led-signs/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/lit-up-gm-rencen-wants-more-led-signs/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/27/lit-up-gm-rencen-wants-more-led-signs/#commentsFiled under: ,

GM Renaissance Center

General Motors is looking to deck the Renaissance Center in more LED lighting, according to a report from The Detroit Free Press. The manufacturer has already installed one ring of the colored lights at the top of its tower and has petitioned the City of Detroit to allow the building to be fitted with vertical LED strips along the exterior elevator of the main tower. GM also wants the city to relax its signage regulations to allow it to scroll messages across the sign at the top of the center tower.

GM says that the changes will remain very professional and won't make the RenCen look like a casino, as some locals have fretted. Part of that fear is based in the fact that the LED decorations are far brighter than traditional signage illumination, which makes the additions stand out against the Detroit skyline. But that may change soon. The owners of neighboring structures are currently looking into LEDs for their own use. So far, Detroit hasn't implied whether or not the city will agree to the GM requests.

Lit Up: GM RenCen wants more LED signs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city of detroitdetroitgeneral motorsgmledled lightingled lightsrenaissance centerrencenTue, 27 Sep 2011 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20066484/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/27/lit-up-gm-rencen-wants-more-led-signs/20066484/article-detail.xml 20066484 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/rencen-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/rencen-628.jpg <![CDATA[The Coolest Pinewood Derby Car To Never Race]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/20/audi-r18-coolest-pinewood-derby-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/20/audi-r18-coolest-pinewood-derby-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/20/audi-r18-coolest-pinewood-derby-car/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Pinewood Derby Audi R18
Pinewood Derby Audi R18 - Click above for high-res image gallery

As kids, there were only so many outlets available to satiate our automotive obsession. While we always had grand visions of things like building the ultimate model A/C Cobra or hewing the sleekest Pinewood Derby racer that the sport had ever seen, our projects typically turned out looking more like Revell nightmares and shop class castoffs. We simply lacked the granular motor skills to turn our hopes and dreams into plastic and pine realities. We're guessing that Sam Francis never had that problem.

As a local Cub Scouts leader, Francis has made a reputation for himself by crafting unbelievably intricate Pinewood Derby cars. Last year he worked up a Keaton-era Batmobile to show the kids in his troop exactly what could be done with a little patience and a lot of skill, but this year, he wanted to do something even more special. It just so happened that while Francis was racking his brain for a little inspiration, Audi yanked back the veil on its new R18 Le Mans machine. Suddenly, Francis had his shape.

Continue reading The Coolest Pinewood Derby Car To Never Race

The Coolest Pinewood Derby Car To Never Race originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 May 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r18audi r18 pinewood derbycub scoutsfeaturedledpinepinewood derbyr18Fri, 20 May 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19943214/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/20/audi-r18-coolest-pinewood-derby-car/19943214/article-detail.xml 19943214 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/pinewood-derby-audi-r18_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/pinewood-derby-audi-r18.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Audi loans eight robot arms for art installation]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/10/video-audi-loans-eight-robot-arms-for-art-installation/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/10/video-audi-loans-eight-robot-arms-for-art-installation/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/10/video-audi-loans-eight-robot-arms-for-art-installation/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Control Audi's Octopus
Audi's Outrace Project - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Trafalgar Square is located in central London. It plays host to thousands of people on a daily basis. The square is filled with memorial fountains and allows direct passage to the National gallery, and starting September 16th, it will serve as the backdrop for the London Digital Festival.

Audi has determined this would make a good time to unleash its opening salvo in favor of the impending revolution by Skynet and the robots. The automaker's mechanical beast consists of eight robotic arms and weighs over 10 metric tons. It's known simply as The Octopus. Fine, it's not an octo-armed assault system but rather a new art installation device.

Each arm features a LED headlight taken from the Audi R15 TDI racecar, mounted at the end of each arm. Messages up to 80 characters in length can be sent to octopus from a computer or smartphone via the Outrace.org website, and these bits of text will be chosen at random and written in real time in the form of "light paintings." The images will be captured by SLR cameras and then transferred into a video. The images and video will be available via the Outrace site, as well as sent to the chosen contributors. To see the arms in action, you can view streaming video at both the Outrace site and Audi.com. The footage will be available 24 hours a day, for eight days.

It all sounds quite odd yet intriguing. The big robotic arms will be able to write out letters up to nearly 12 feet high, yet they are capable of precise movements down to 0.2 millimeters. Be sure to watch the trailer after the jump, and read Audi's press release to understand what all the fuss is about. We haven't throw out that Skynet idea just yet...

[Sources: Audi, YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Audi loans eight robot arms for art installation

Video: Audi loans eight robot arms for art installation originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r15audi r15 TDIaudi robotsledled headlightslondonthe octopustrafalgar squareFri, 10 Sep 2010 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19627796/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/10/video-audi-loans-eight-robot-arms-for-art-installation/19627796/article-detail.xml 19627796 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/outrace-audi-octopus-arms_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/outrace-audi-octopus-arms.jpg <![CDATA[Next-gen 'smart' headlamps to automatically adjust beams around oncoming traffic?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/02/next-gen-smart-headlamps-to-automatically-adjust-beams-around/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/02/next-gen-smart-headlamps-to-automatically-adjust-beams-around/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/02/next-gen-smart-headlamps-to-automatically-adjust-beams-around/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Next-gen smart headlamps

A French company may have come with the next big thing in vehicle lighting. Valeo SA has developed a system called Beamatic Premium that allows drivers to keep their high-beams on at all times while still protecting other drivers from being blinded while driving. The tech uses onboard cameras to track the location of vehicles on the road and automated dousers to shield other drivers from glare. Think of it as the ultimate evolution of adaptive headlamps.

The tech was good enough to win top honors at Equip Auto - an international automotive trade show - in 2009. Now Japan's Ichikoh Industries is looking to manufacture and sell the system to the world's vehicle manufacturers. The company plans to sell two versions, one with HID lamps and another with full LED lighting.

With most luxury vehicles these days packing more cameras than a paparazzi party, it probably wouldn't take too much to integrate the Valeo SA system into existing platforms. The question is, how much is Ichikoh going to charge for all of the extra complicated software and hardware? Thanks for the tip, Kevin.

[Source: Tech On]

Next-gen 'smart' headlamps to automatically adjust beams around oncoming traffic? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdaptiveAdaptive HeadlightsAdaptiveHeadlightsBeamatic PremiumBeamaticPremiumheadlampheadlampsheadlightHIDIchikoh industriesIchikohIndustriesLEDLightingvaleoThu, 02 Sep 2010 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19618364/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/02/next-gen-smart-headlamps-to-automatically-adjust-beams-around/19618364/article-detail.xml 19618364 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/beamatic-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/beamatic-630.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Shots: Next-gen Porsche 911 gets LED indicators]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/26/spy-shots-next-gen-porsche-911-gets-led-indicators/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/26/spy-shots-next-gen-porsche-911-gets-led-indicators/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/26/spy-shots-next-gen-porsche-911-gets-led-indicators/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Next generation Porsche 911 - Click above for high-res image gallery

No other automaker subscribes to the "evolution, not revolution" idiom more than Porsche, and the next generation 911 will benefit from yet another styling refresh later this year in the form of some subtly tweaked sheetmetal and a new set of LED indicators that join the current model's daytime running lights.

Although the front-mounted LEDs are the most glaring addition, these newest spy shots hint at slightly reworked front and rear fascias, Panamera-inspired mirrors and the possible addition of a retractable rear spoiler. If we had to guess, we'd expect the newest 911 to debut either at the Geneva Motor Show in March or the Paris show this October, with a few minor mechanical updates and the usual assortment of interior upgrades.


Gallery: Spy Shots: Porsche 911 with LED indicators

Spy Shots: Next-gen Porsche 911 gets LED indicators originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 porsche 9112011Porsche9112012 porsche 9112012Porsche911ledporsche 911Porsche911spy photosspy picsspy shotsSpyPhotosSpyPicsSpyShotsTue, 26 Jan 2010 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19332122/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/26/spy-shots-next-gen-porsche-911-gets-led-indicators/19332122/article-detail.xml 19332122 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/03-porsche-911-spy-pix-jan-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/03-porsche-911-spy-pix-jan-630op.jpg <![CDATA[VIDEO: Audi teases Geneva-bound A1 with LED headlamps]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/18/video-audi-teases-geneva-bound-a1-with-led-headlamps/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/18/video-audi-teases-geneva-bound-a1-with-led-headlamps/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/18/video-audi-teases-geneva-bound-a1-with-led-headlamps/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Audi A1 LED headlights - Click above to view the video after the jump

The hype continues... We're still two months away from Audi's official unveiling of the pre-production A1 premium compact at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, but the German automaker's going to milk it for all it's worth.

After unveiling not one, but two concepts to preview the A1, followed by some graffiti and spy shots, Audi has released the following video showing - big surprise - that the A1 will have LED headlights.

Although it's doubtful that Audi's rival for the Mini Cooper will make it across the Atlantic to American shores, Audi reportedly hopes to sell some 80,000 units per year. Ambitious? Maybe. But that's the direction the premium market is heading these days. Follow the jump to watch the video and check out the press release.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading VIDEO: Audi teases Geneva-bound A1 with LED headlamps

VIDEO: Audi teases Geneva-bound A1 with LED headlamps originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a1audiaudi a1audi a1 teaserAudiA1AudiA1TeaserledMon, 18 Jan 2010 07:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19319871/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/18/video-audi-teases-geneva-bound-a1-with-led-headlamps/19319871/article-detail.xml 19319871 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/andre-audia1-ledweb_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/andre-audia1-ledweb.jpg <![CDATA[Unintended Consequence of Technology: New LED traffic lights can't melt snow]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/unintended-consequence-of-technology-new-led-traffic-lights-can/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/unintended-consequence-of-technology-new-led-traffic-lights-can/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/16/unintended-consequence-of-technology-new-led-traffic-lights-can/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Traffic lights using state-of-the-art LED illumination use 90 percent less electricity, offer a much longer service life and are more durable than their incandescent counterparts. Taking advantage of the countless benefits, cities around the country have been replacing traditional filament-based traffic signal bulbs with LEDs for years. Unfortunately, the low-watt LED units burn much cooler than its white-hot counterpart making it unable to melt snow off weather exposed traffic fixtures.

"I've never had to put up with this in the past," said Duane Kassens, a driver from Indiana who was involved in an accident attributed to a snow-clogged traffic light. "The police officer told me the new lights weren't melting the snow. How is that safe?" It obviously isn't.

Municipalities around the country are taking different steps to keep their signals shining brightly in the face of Mother Nature. Crews in St. Paul, Minnesota, use compressed air to keep their lights clean. In Green Bay, Wisconsin, city workers brush the snow off by hand in a labor-intensive process. Until a fix arrives, it is best to take the advice of Dave Hansen, a traffic engineer with the Green Bay Department of Public Works. Treat a blocked signal as if the power is out. "If there's any question, you err on the side of caution," says Hansen.

[Source: AOL Autos | Image: Oswego Police]

Unintended Consequence of Technology: New LED traffic lights can't melt snow originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlubFreezeIceLEDLED BulbsLED lightingLED TechnologyLED traffic lightsLedBulbsLedLightingLedTechnologyLedTrafficLightsLightsroad lightsroad safetyRoadLightsRoadSafetySignalsSnowstreet lightStreet LightsStreetLightStreetLightstraffic lightTraffic Lightstraffic safetytraffic signalTraffic SignalsTrafficLightTrafficLightsTrafficSafetyTrafficSignalTrafficSignalsWinterWed, 16 Dec 2009 17:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19283801/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/16/unintended-consequence-of-technology-new-led-traffic-lights-can/19283801/article-detail.xml 19283801 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/street_light_250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/street_light_250.jpg <![CDATA[Audi R8 V10 will be all LED, all the time]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/audi-r8-v10-will-be-all-led-all-the-time/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/audi-r8-v10-will-be-all-led-all-the-time/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/audi-r8-v10-will-be-all-led-all-the-time/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi R8 V10

The Audi R8 claimed a number of world firsts - that is, walking away with magazine awards and journalists' hearts the world over. The Audi R8 V10 is about to claim a world first in technology: it will be the first car to offer high and low beam LED headlights as standard equipment. (Note: The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Platinum was the first vehicle in the world to offer all-LED headlamps.) You can buy the package as an option on the regular R8, so it's only fitting that the bigger and more expensive beast gets more tricks.

Audi trumpets the inclusion as an energy-saving measure - LEDs use a quarter of the energy of halogen headlights, and that number will only get better as LEDs evolve. You probably never thought you could know so much about LEDs, but there's an exhaustive press release after the jump, and for dessert, a high-res gallery of photos below.

Gallery: 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro


[Source: AutoblogGreen]

Continue reading Audi R8 V10 will be all LED, all the time

Audi R8 V10 will be all LED, all the time originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r8audi r8 v10AudiR8AudiR8V10greenheadlightsledled headlightsLedHeadlightsr8r8 v10R8V10safetytechtechnologyMon, 05 Jan 2009 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1418312/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/01/05/audi-r8-v10-will-be-all-led-all-the-time/1418312/article-detail.xml 1418312 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/r8080026-1280_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/01/r8080026-1280_opt.jpg <![CDATA[Audi R8 gets first full LED headlamps]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/30/audi-r8-gets-first-full-led-headlamps/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/30/audi-r8-gets-first-full-led-headlamps/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/30/audi-r8-gets-first-full-led-headlamps/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Audi R8

The innovative R8 supercar from Audi is now available for the first time with full LED headlamps. In addition to the standard Audi-signature 24-LED running lamps it's always had, this extremely expensive option (£3,590 converts to $7,100 USD) adds LED high and low beam headlamps and LED turn signals to the front fascia of the mid-engine sports car.

The latest craze in automotive lighting, LED bulbs don't utilize a filament like halogen lamps or gas plasma like HID lamps. Instead, they create light from the movement of current across a semi-conductor chip. They are smaller, more vibration resistant, and much more efficient than traditional bulbs. According to Audi, the light from the LEDs has been designed to closely resemble daylight and provides a greater contrast to be easier on the human eye. LED illumination is also designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle. Audi is no stranger to LED lighting - it first introduced a strip-shaped fog lamp at the Detroit Auto Show back in 2003.

Gallery: 2008 Audi R8


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi R8 gets first full LED headlamps

Audi R8 gets first full LED headlamps originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 May 2008 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AudiHeadlampsInnovative TechnologyInnovativeTechnologyLEDR8Fri, 30 May 2008 13:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1210534/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/05/30/audi-r8-gets-first-full-led-headlamps/1210534/article-detail.xml 1210534 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/r8-led-light-cluster-450_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/05/r8-led-light-cluster-450.jpg <![CDATA[Could this be the most trick shift knob ever?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/27/could-this-be-the-most-trick-shift-knob-ever/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/27/could-this-be-the-most-trick-shift-knob-ever/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/27/could-this-be-the-most-trick-shift-knob-ever/#commentsFiled under: , ,



We've always been of the opinion that if it doesn't make you go faster, stick better or be safer, it's generally a waste of money. There have been exceptions, but this has to be one of the coolest.

The idea is pretty self-explanatory: on top of the shift knob is an LCD that after telling it the number of gears and, we're assuming, the movement of the stalk, displays what cog your transmission is residing.

Unfortunately, our German is a bit rusty, so when we downloaded the Indy-Cator's directions, we weren't able to decipher how it's programmed. If you've got the means, we'd ask you to check out the company's website and let us know exactly how this little piece of automotive geeketry works.

According to TMTuning, installation is straightforward, the LCD has an auto-dimming feature and it can be yours in blue or red for $169.00. Worthwhile? That's in the hand of the beholder.

[Source: Gaslock.de via TMTuning]

Could this be the most trick shift knob ever? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Apr 2007 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>LCDLEDshift knobShiftKnobFri, 27 Apr 2007 12:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/883560/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/04/27/could-this-be-the-most-trick-shift-knob-ever/883560/article-detail.xml 883560 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/04/indycator_1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/04/indycator_1.jpg <![CDATA[Ford to offer customizable LED lighting?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/05/ford-to-offer-customizable-led-lighting/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/05/ford-to-offer-customizable-led-lighting/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/05/ford-to-offer-customizable-led-lighting/#commentsFiled under: ,



If the Ford Mustang's MyColor instrument panel lighting amuses you, then the announcement of a licensing agreement between the automaker and Colour Kinetics should further expand the joy. The deal allows Ford to legally use "intelligent color-controlled systems" both in the interior and on the exterior of vehicles around the world.

Actually, the deal applies to every patent CK holds, so Ford can customize the lighting on any of its vehicles in a variety of ways. Because of the digital nature of LED lighting, color can be manipulated fairly easily. This would allow Ford to leave interior accent lighting in the hands of the consumer. It could even expand to novel exterior lighting and eventually even beyond automotive applications. When Ford introduced the MyColor lighting option on the Mustang in '05, it had been sued for allegedly failing to secure the rights to this technology. This new deal should clear the way for any future projects it wants to pursue.

Full release after the jump.

[Source: Colour Kinetics]

Continue reading Ford to offer customizable LED lighting?

Ford to offer customizable LED lighting? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Apr 2007 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Colour KineticsColourKineticsfordintelligent lightingLEDlightingmustangMyColorpatenttri-colortricolorThu, 05 Apr 2007 14:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/867541/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/04/05/ford-to-offer-customizable-led-lighting/867541/article-detail.xml 867541 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/04/colourkinetics_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/04/colourkinetics.jpg <![CDATA[Survey Says: Garages lit with LED seem safer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/02/survey-says-garages-lit-with-led-seem-safer/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/02/survey-says-garages-lit-with-led-seem-safer/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/02/survey-says-garages-lit-with-led-seem-safer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's a scene we've seen hundreds of times in movies - predators emerging from the shadows in a dimly lit parking garage. It used to be that you could look for the cigarrette ember so you could meet up with Deep Throat, but Raleigh, North Carolina has beat back the shadows as it became the first LED City. Parking garages in Raleigh have seen their standing with the public improve since LED lighting systems replaced the old high pressure sodium lighting. The whiter, brighter illumination led to a 76 percent increase in "very safe" replies to a survey on how the security of the garage was perceived. Whether the change has precipitated an actual drop in parking garage crime, or if it was even a problem in Raleigh to begin with, we can't say; but changing perception's not a bad thing, either. It's another feather in the cap of LED lighting technology, along with reducing energy consumption and the aforementioned lighting quality.

[Source: CREE via engadget]

Survey Says: Garages lit with LED seem safer originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Apr 2007 11:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drivinggarageLEDlightingparkingparking garageParkingGaragesafetyMon, 02 Apr 2007 11:06:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/864041/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/04/02/survey-says-garages-lit-with-led-seem-safer/864041/article-detail.xml 864041 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/04/308before-after-garage-photos_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/04/308before-after-garage-photos.jpg <![CDATA[Scion FUSE teaser pic from ScionLife]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/09/scion-fuse-teaser-pic-from-scionlife/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/09/scion-fuse-teaser-pic-from-scionlife/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/09/scion-fuse-teaser-pic-from-scionlife/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A picture of the Scion FUSE that's supposed to ignite next week's NY auto show has been leaked a little early on a forum post over at ScionLife. We learned a while back that the FUSE would feature a topped chop and a short snout, the latter of which we can clearly view in this picture along with a super-sized Scion logo and extra wide front wheel. Those wheels will allegedly house turn signals might employ similar technology to these LED message-board wheels. We'll have to wait until next week to see the total package and find out.

Top tip Scott, thanks!

Scion FUSE teaser pic from ScionLife originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Apr 2006 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept carConceptCarFUSEhatchbackLEDnew york auto showNewYorkAutoShowscionsport compactSportCompactturbowheelsSun, 09 Apr 2006 07:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/606939/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/04/09/scion-fuse-teaser-pic-from-scionlife/606939/article-detail.xml 606939 http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/04/scionfuse1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.autoblog.com/media/2006/04/scionfuse1.jpg -1 2