Autoblog

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[Which iPhone navigation app should you buy? This'll help]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/which-iphone-navigation-app-should-you-buy-thisll-help/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/which-iphone-navigation-app-should-you-buy-thisll-help/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/which-iphone-navigation-app-should-you-buy-thisll-help/#commentsFiled under: Etc., Technology

The season of hitting the roads to places you don't really want to go, so that you can give gifts you didn't really want to buy and eat food you don't really like has begun. Naturally, a lot more people on the road means a lot more folks getting lost. Fear not, you invincible iPhone-equipped holiday travelers: Appcast has ranked the created a list of navigation apps taking into account 31 different features and metrics.

With all the measuring they've done, they leave the decision of which one is best up to you. But with factors such as coverage area, traffic and speed camera notifications, demo routes, and even text-to-speech (including how the application handles voice instructions when the phone is playing music), you should have plenty of tools to make the best choice for your tastes.

There are seven apps tested, starting at $29.99. One of them could help make your holiday treks that much more manageable -- but they still won't eat fruitcake.

[Source: Appcast]

Which iPhone navigation app should you buy? This'll help originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapp storeappcastsAppleappsAppStorenavnavinavigationsatnavtechFri, 27 Nov 2009 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Return of Paperboy? Honda unveils Bicycle Simulator]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/return-of-paperboy-honda-unveils-bicycle-simulator/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/return-of-paperboy-honda-unveils-bicycle-simulator/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/return-of-paperboy-honda-unveils-bicycle-simulator/#commentsFiled under: Japan, Technology, Honda

You remember Nintendo's Paperboy, right? Back in Triassic era of videogames, you had to deliver the day's print to the right house while not getting run over by a car or taken out by a tire. Not exactly the most direct way to learn bicycle safety, but it was fun. A more efficient way to stay safe on a bicycle is Honda's new simulator, which aims to teach two-wheeled folks better on-the-road safety.

Traffic fatalities have fallen in Japan but bicycle fatalities have apparently risen, with teens and older riders the biggest victims. The majority of the problems apparently stem from breaking traffic rules, so the simulator allows riders to learn the ways of the asphalt without getting clobbered by a Daihatsu, and provides both learning and a "rider evaluation session" after the demo.

Honda is accepting pre-orders now, and the simulator will go on sale in Japan starting next February. For the full scoop, check out the press release after the jump.

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Return of Paperboy? Honda unveils Bicycle Simulator

Return of Paperboy? Honda unveils Bicycle Simulator originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicyclegadgethondajapansimulatortechMon, 23 Nov 2009 08:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Ricardo develops airplane taxi bot to reduce emissions, noise]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/21/ricardo-develops-airplane-taxi-bot-to-reduce-emissions-noise/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/21/ricardo-develops-airplane-taxi-bot-to-reduce-emissions-noise/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/21/ricardo-develops-airplane-taxi-bot-to-reduce-emissions-noise/#commentsFiled under: Etc., Technology

Ricardo TaxiBot -- Click above for high-res image gallery

It's certainly good to see some other wheeled vehicles doing their part for the environment, even if it is an airplane -- especially if it's an airplane. Actually this news isn't about the plane itself, but a "pilot-controlled towing vehicle" for an airplane called a "TaxiBot."

Ricardo -- the same folks that make car components -- have engineered the TaxiBot to allow a plane to turn off its main engines when taxiing to the gate and around the concourse. The trick is an automated clamper placed within a standard tug; once the pilot guides the nosewheel into the clamp, the pilot steers, turns, and brakes the tug with the airplane controls. Instead of motive force coming from giant Pratt & Whitneys, the tug's two 500-hp V8s can pull planes up to 747s and A340s.

If adopted widely, the TaxiBot could save airports and airlines millions of dollars in gas and debris damage as well as sparing the world tons of CO2 emissions. You can get the details on the taxibot and its implementation in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Ricardo TaxiBot

[Source: Ricardo]

Continue reading Ricardo develops airplane taxi bot to reduce emissions, noise

Ricardo develops airplane taxi bot to reduce emissions, noise originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airplaneairportetcricardoricardo taxibotRicardoTaxibottechtechnologySat, 21 Nov 2009 17:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Platoon: GPS-based road trains set to test on European roads?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/platoon-gps-based-road-trains-set-to-test-on-european-roads/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/platoon-gps-based-road-trains-set-to-test-on-european-roads/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/platoon-gps-based-road-trains-set-to-test-on-european-roads/#commentsFiled under: Europe, Technology

GPS-based road train - Click above for gallery

It goes by the name "Sartre," but it has nothing to do with existentialism and just a little bit to do with exits. The Safe Road Trains for the Environment program is a three-year European study centering on the creation of 'platoons' of drivers behind a lead vehicle on the highway. It involves wiring cars to speak to each other, and to a lead vehicle - the platoon commander - behind which up to eight cars could follow in automated bliss.

One of the keys to the study is finding a way to make travel more efficient and lower gas usage without spending the treasury on putting sensors in roads, or creating an entirely new standard of equipment. Also, using a lead vehicle that could take control of the vehicles behind - cars, trucks or buses - makes Sartre much more flexible since it can travel on any highway.

So say you need to get to the Alhambra in a hurry. You see a Sartre platoon on the highway ahead, and if there's room, you signal your wish to join. The lead vehicle takes control of your car, and it is pulled into the formation, leaving you free to do whatever you want to do. When you want to get out, you signal your intention, a gap is made and you get control of your car again. The study will be conducted on test tracks in Spain, Sweden and the UK, with additional trials on public road in Spain. Gentlemen, mount up... Hat tip to Ben!

Gallery: "Sartre" GPS-based road trains

[Source: BBC]

Platoon: GPS-based road trains set to test on European roads? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automateddrivingeuroperoad trainroadsRoadTrainsartretechtechnologyFri, 13 Nov 2009 16:31:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Audi in on developing dashboard-mounted buddy robot]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/video-audi-in-on-developing-dashboard-mounted-buddy-robot/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/video-audi-in-on-developing-dashboard-mounted-buddy-robot/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/video-audi-in-on-developing-dashboard-mounted-buddy-robot/#commentsFiled under: Technology, Videos, Audi

MIT and Audi present Aida -- Click above to watch video

We don't know where carmakers got the idea that we want intelligent robots learning our behavior and then talking to us. Wherever it was, we don't want it any more than they thought we did 25 years ago in a talking Maxima. Nissan has its PIVO concept, which has the distinction of being as creepy as it is cute. Now Audi's in the game with it's much cuter, Wall-E reminiscent cybernetic accomplice, Aida.

In conjunction with MIT labs, Aida - an acronym for Affective Intelligent Driving Agent - is not only meant to help you think less about where you're going and how you're going to get there, she also pays attention to all of your driving so she can start recommending things (we call Aida "she" because of the LED eyeliner).

Yet even though cuter, Aida is just as creepy as PIVO because "after two weeks, Aida learns your favorite areas of town... and builds knowledge about the different activities you enjoy in the city." Eventually Aida knows all of your driving habits and then starts suggesting detours based on real world events happening nearby. That might sound cool until your wife borrows your Audi one day and Aida chirps, "It's 7 a.m.! Time for the crack house!" Follow the jump to watch the video, and prepare for your precocious robot overlords.

[Source: Engadget]

Continue reading VIDEO: Audi in on developing dashboard-mounted buddy robot

VIDEO: Audi in on developing dashboard-mounted buddy robot originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aidaaudimassachusetts institute of technologyMassachusettsInstituteOfTechnologymitrobottechtechnologyvideoThu, 05 Nov 2009 07:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Stealing Current: LoJack goes no-power for hybrids]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/stealing-current-lojack-goes-no-power-for-hybrids/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/stealing-current-lojack-goes-no-power-for-hybrids/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/stealing-current-lojack-goes-no-power-for-hybrids/#commentsFiled under: Hybrid, Technology

LoJack systems draw their power from your car or your motorcycle's (or laptop's) battery to send their signal. With a traditional vehicle, this generally isn't a problem as the draw is small and as long as the a car gets driven regularly, there's plenty of juice on tap. Hybrids are another matter - with so much already reliant on a car's battery, and more devices coming, every little bit of energy counts.

For hybrid applications, LoJack has introduced a self-powered system that includes a proprietary energy supply. The company hasn't offered all the details yet, but it could be a re-engineered version of the LoJack for Trailers, which also comes with its own battery. The trailer system battery lasts for five years and we'd assume the auto version would be good for at least that long.

The system will come to market next year, which might give the auto industry time to make enough hybrids that need to be tracked. Last year's IIHS list of top ten most stolen cars only had one car on it - the rest were SUVs - and at number eight on the list of least stolen cars was the Toyota Prius. Besides, in the car theft capital that is California, the last thing you need is LoJack for hybrids: you'll find most of them hypermiling on city streets or doing 95 mph in the carpool lane...

[Source: LoJack]

Continue reading Stealing Current: LoJack goes no-power for hybrids

Stealing Current: LoJack goes no-power for hybrids originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hybridlojacklojack for hybridsLojackForHybridstechtechnologyWed, 28 Oct 2009 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: More autonomous VW action from Stanford]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/video-more-autonomous-vw-action-from-stanford/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/video-more-autonomous-vw-action-from-stanford/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/video-more-autonomous-vw-action-from-stanford/#commentsFiled under: Technology, Videos, Volkswagen

VAIL Autonomous valet parking demo -- Click above to view the video after the jump

You didn't think having an Audi TTS climb Pike's Peak was the only thing that Stanford's Volkswagen Automotive Innovation Laboratory was working on, did you? No, they're also working on something closer to home -- or the restaurant or club -- with a project to get cars to find spots and park themselves.

A "mostly stock" VW Passat wagon equipped with some computer gear in the trunk and -- paging Dr. Evil -- lasers. The extra bits are off-the-shelf (or some shelf, at least), and one write-up says that VW's computers could control the car without Stanford's added electronics package.

The caveats are that right now the car can't detect obstacles like people, and it needs a detailed map of the parking lot where it's trying to find a spot. Details, details. For now, follow the jump to enjoy another glimpse at one possible future, brought to you by VAIL.

[Source: Bot Junkie]

Continue reading VIDEO: More autonomous VW action from Stanford

VIDEO: More autonomous VW action from Stanford originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonomousautonomous vehiclesAutonomousVehiclesresearchrobotstanfordtechtechnologyvideovolkswagenvolkswagen automotive innovation laboratoryVolkswagenAutomotiveInnovationLaboratoryvwTue, 27 Oct 2009 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Stanford to run driverless Audi TT-S up Pikes Peak next year [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/stanford-to-run-driverless-audi-tt-s-up-pikes-peak-next-year-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/stanford-to-run-driverless-audi-tt-s-up-pikes-peak-next-year-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/stanford-to-run-driverless-audi-tt-s-up-pikes-peak-next-year-w/#commentsFiled under: Technology, Videos, Audi

Stanford's autonomously drifting Audi TTS -- Click above to view video after the jump

If you read AutoblogGreen regularly, then you already know that Volkswagen and Stanford University have taken their relationship that began with developing autonomous vehicles to compete in the government-sponsored DARPA Grand Challenge competitions to the next level. VW has committed over $5 million to open the Volkswagen Automotive Innovation Lab on Stanford's campus with the intent of taking their research further regardless of whether the government is offering a carrot or not.

The two organizations are kicking off their new commitment to autonomous vehicles in a big way. Already under development is a the third-gen autonomous vehicle will make past DARPA Grand Challenge winners Stanley and Junior look obsolete by comparison. Based on an Audi TT-S, the new vehicle eschews all the outwardly visible hardware and has one expressed purpose: to tackle the Pikes Peak Hill Climb just like a real rally driver, four wheel drifts and all.

While still in the early stages, the team of researchers from Stanford have already performed tests with the autonomous TT-S at the Bonneville Salt Flats where the car was free to roam while being driving at the limit without a driver. They've also reportedly visited Pikes Peak with the car and ran it up the hill, albeit slowly.

Follow the jump to check out video of Stanford's autonomous TT-S being tested, including a nifty little trick where it traces Audi's corporate logo in the salt. It's just a teaser for now, but we gotta admit the idea of watching an empty TT-S tackle Pikes Peak is tantamount to finally getting that flying car we were promised. Thanks for the tip, Marcial

Gallery: Stanford driverless Audi TT-S Pikes Peak Hill Climb car

[Source: YouTube | Photos by jurvetson | CC2.0]

Continue reading Stanford to run driverless Audi TT-S up Pikes Peak next year [w/VIDEO]

Stanford to run driverless Audi TT-S up Pikes Peak next year [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi ttaudi ttsAudiTtAudiTtsautonomousautonomous tt-sautonomous ttsautonomous vehiclesAutonomousTt-sAutonomousTtsAutonomousVehiclespikes peakPikesPeakstanfordtechtechnologyttvolkswagenvwMon, 26 Oct 2009 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Tokyo 2009: Mazda's Sky G and Sky D engines should come with straws for sipping]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/tokyo-2009-mazdas-sky-g-and-sky-d-engines-should-come-with-str/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/tokyo-2009-mazdas-sky-g-and-sky-d-engines-should-come-with-str/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/tokyo-2009-mazdas-sky-g-and-sky-d-engines-should-come-with-str/#commentsFiled under: Technology, Tokyo Motor Show, Mazda, Diesel

Mazda Sky D and Sky G engines -- Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mazda Sky D diesel and Sky G gasoline engines are meant to bring "everlasting blue sky" to oversee "sustainable Zoom-Zoom." Both utilize low-friction engine blocks, direct injection and piezo-electric injectors. The Sky G is fitted with a "highly functional variable valve timing mechanism," and the Sky D gets a 2-stage turbocharger besides.

Together with technologies such as the Sky Drive 6-speed transmission, i-stop, regenerative braking and lighter vehicles, these lumps will form the core of Mazda's goal of a 30% increase in fuel economy in the coming years. You can read more about them after the jump, and check them out in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Mazda Sky D engine

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Mazda Sky G engine

Photos copyright (C)2009 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Tokyo 2009: Mazda's Sky G and Sky D engines should come with straws for sipping

Tokyo 2009: Mazda's Sky G and Sky D engines should come with straws for sipping originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieselEngineermazdaMazda SKYmazda sky dMazda SKY engineMazda SKY enginesmazda sky gMazdaSkyMazdaSkyDMazdaSkyEngineMazdaSkyEnginesMazdaSkyGsky dSky Digitalsky gSkyDSkyDigitalSkyGSkylinesustainable zoomsustainable zoom zoomSustainable Zoom-Zoomsustainable zoomzoomSustainableZoomSustainableZoom-zoomSustainableZoomZoomtechtechnologytokyotokyo 2009Tokyo Motor ShowTokyo2009TokyoMotorShowFri, 23 Oct 2009 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Microsoft may one-up Google Street View with virtual video drives]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/video-microsoft-may-one-up-google-street-view-with-virtual-vide/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/video-microsoft-may-one-up-google-street-view-with-virtual-vide/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/video-microsoft-may-one-up-google-street-view-with-virtual-vide/#commentsFiled under: Europe, Technology, Videos

Click above to view the video after the jump

Until cars drive themselves and we absolutely can't get lost, automakers and sat nav companies are steadily enhancing the graphics of navigation systems to make it easier to find the next right turn. Navigation systems in Renaults, for instance, provide a graphic representation of buildings that you'll see as you drive along, and now Microsoft, working with researchers at the University of Konstanz in Germany, have added video to navigational maps.

The project took the snapshots of cities collected by mapping companies (like Google Streetview does) and 'plays' them like video at important sections of the route. The text route and route overview are still provided, the video simply aids in noting or remembering where you need to remember a crucial direction.

You can watch the video before you actually get in your car so that, like cheating for an exam, you'll visually recognize the turn or a landmark when the time comes. The photographs are also skewed as necessary to create the right perspective, and when you get to a turn, the video will look in the proper direction beforehand so that you can note specific features. It's currently still in trial phase, but during the first study it improved people's ability to follow direction by 20 percent. Follow the jump to watch the video, and here's to no more getting lost. Soon.

[Source: Microsoft and MIT]

Continue reading VIDEO: Microsoft may one-up Google Street View with virtual video drives

VIDEO: Microsoft may one-up Google Street View with virtual video drives originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>germanyMicrosoftMicrosoft ResearchMicrosoftResearchnavinavigationnavigation systemNavigationSystemsatnavtechtechnologyuniversity of konstanzUniversityOfKonstanzvideoTue, 20 Oct 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Citroën using cool interactive "augmented reality" tech to pitch new DS3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/video-citroen-using-interactive-augmented-reality-tech-to-pit/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/video-citroen-using-interactive-augmented-reality-tech-to-pit/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/video-citroen-using-interactive-augmented-reality-tech-to-pit/#commentsFiled under: Budget, Technology, Videos, Hatchback, Citroën

Citroën DS3 in augmented reality -- Click above to watch video

Citroën is using the latest in video technology to promote its newest compact, the DS3. First, you go to Citroën's augmented reality website and print out the interactive pages. Then, after you enter the augmented reality area of the site, you hold those interactive pages in front of your webcam, and what you'll get is a DS3 placed in various situations that you can control with the piece of paper in your hands.

Of course, you shouldn't take our word for it - check out the video after the jump and then hop over to Citroën's site to have a go for yourself.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Citroen DS3

[Source: Citroën]

Continue reading VIDEO: Citroën using cool interactive "augmented reality" tech to pitch new DS3

VIDEO: Citroën using cool interactive "augmented reality" tech to pitch new DS3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetcitroencitroen ds3CitroenDs3compactds3hatchhatchbacktechtechnologyvideoMon, 12 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: The future of car configurators, brought to you on Microsoft Surface]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/video-the-future-of-car-configurators-brought-to-you-on-micros/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/video-the-future-of-car-configurators-brought-to-you-on-micros/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/video-the-future-of-car-configurators-brought-to-you-on-micros/#commentsFiled under: Car Buying, Wagon, Technology, Videos, Audi

The Neue Digital / Razorfish car configurator - Click above to watch video

Microsoft Surface is, at its most basic, a table-sized touchscreen computer. You can play with them at rather select locations, but we haven't yet begun to see what the thing can do because there aren't enough people investing in applications for it. But for a glimpse of a potential automotive use, Neue Digitale / Razorfish (ND/R) created a configurator that turns accessorizing into building a car in your bare hands.

One of the coolest things about ND/R's take on customizing is that Surface allows for a huge car because the screen is, literally, a table. The haptic controls let you move the car - in this case, an Audi - with a finger or two in any direction, and zooming and jumping in and out of the vehicle take just a few finger touches. The neatest thing of all is the actual physical widget that, when placed on the screen, pulls up a topical menu on the screen that can be flipped through by rotating the widget. And get this: two people can use it at the same time.

It's not quite as revelatory as the configurator that Aston introduced last year for the DBS, only because it's not yet real. But it probably will be soon enough. Follow the jump to have a look at the video.

[Source: Emerging Experiences via German Car Blog]

Continue reading VIDEO: The future of car configurators, brought to you on Microsoft Surface

VIDEO: The future of car configurators, brought to you on Microsoft Surface originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiauto buyingAutoBuyingavantcar buyingcar configuratorCarBuyingCarConfiguratorconfiguratorfalsemicrosoftmicrosoft surfaceMicrosoftSurfaceNeue DigitaleNeueDigitaleRazorfishtechtechnologyvideoWed, 30 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ilmor Engineering builds a five-stroke engine]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/11/ilmor-engineering-builds-a-5-stroke-engine/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/11/ilmor-engineering-builds-a-5-stroke-engine/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/11/ilmor-engineering-builds-a-5-stroke-engine/#commentsFiled under: Technology

English engineering firm Ilmor knows all about engine design, having produced powerplants for Formula One, IndyCar, and NASCAR. But its latest internal combustion creation, in contrast to those racing engines, is designed to burn fuel more frugally: a gas-powered five-stroke with diesel consumption.

It starts with a three-cylinder, 700cc, turbocharged engine with 130 hp and 122 lb-ft. There are two overhead camshafts: a high pressure shaft turning at half the crank speed working on the two high pressure cylinders, and a low pressure shaft running at crank speed for the third cylinder. The two outside, high-pressure cylinders work like a normal four-stroke, but alternate their exhaust flow into the third, central low-pressure chamber. That cylinder's expansion and compression strokes aren't fixed, so it can be selectively tuned for the best expansion ratio.

The principle is that extra work gets done for the same amount of gas, and Ilmor claims increased fuel efficiency over conventional gas engines. The five-stroke is made with current, in-use technology so there'd be no extra costs for exotic materials or processes, and it's said to be "relatively compact." Ilmor says the next step is to build another working prototype with targets of 10% better fuel efficiency and 20% less engine weight compared to an equivalent four-stroke engine.

[Source: Ilmor via Motor Authority]

Ilmor Engineering builds a five-stroke engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5-strokeenginefuel efficiencyFuelEfficiencyilmorilmor engineeringIlmorEngineeringmotorpowerplanttechtechnologyTue, 11 Aug 2009 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Why does a road ripple like a washboard? Here comes the science...]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/why-does-a-road-ripple-like-a-washboard-here-comes-the-science/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/why-does-a-road-ripple-like-a-washboard-here-comes-the-science/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/why-does-a-road-ripple-like-a-washboard-here-comes-the-science/#commentsFiled under: Technology

The good news is that the men in white coats have figured out why washboard roads develop on sand, gravel or any other loosely-surfaced roads. Above a certain speed, any linear force interacting with the surface causes the force to skip over the surface like a rock skipping over the water. The ripples are caused by the force alternately being "thrown off the surface" and then touching down again.

The issue isn't about oscillating car wheels, nor wheels at all for that matter. The scientists performed their experiments with a flat, inclined un-suspended plow blade; when it got above a certain speed the plow blade created ripples just like a wheel does.

The bad news is that it will be long time before the phenomenon can be stopped: "Just about any time a malleable surface is acted upon by a sideways force, you will get ripples." Since it doesn't look like ripples are going away, scientists could turn their attention to suspension systems that will "eliminate the bumpy ride." Hat tip to Michael S

[Source: Science Daily]

Why does a road ripple like a washboard? Here comes the science... originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>rippleripplessciencesuspensiontechtechnologywashboardThu, 09 Jul 2009 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Dead Diesels: Six automakers reportedly kill plans for oil burners]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/dead-diesels-six-automakers-kill-plans-for-oil-burners/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/dead-diesels-six-automakers-kill-plans-for-oil-burners/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/dead-diesels-six-automakers-kill-plans-for-oil-burners/#commentsFiled under: Technology, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Diesel

Diesel's near-term prospects in America took a huge hit with the revelation that nine diesel-powered 2010 models are on hold. Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan have put the kibosh on rolling out more oil burners due to cost and perception issues.

Toyota's obviously on a hybrid run and doesn't want to expel the effort or expense of investing in diesel for the American market -- and having to overcome America's dirty diesel perceptions. The others, as mass market manufacturers, simply need more justification for the cost and complexity of oilburners in order to make the case for consumers to spend more.

Additionally, diesel's benefits are weighted differently according to EPA or CAFE standards. The EPA mileage numbers present diesels well, but CAFE's differing fuel mileage equation makes gas-hybrids look better than diesels, and CAFE is something all automakers are looking at. However, you'll notice that German brands aren't mentioned -- their price premium and European diesel volumes make a worthwhile case for diesels, so those diesel Jetta Sportwagons won't be going away any time soon.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Dead Diesels: Six automakers reportedly kill plans for oil burners originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010cafechryslerdieselepafordgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmhondanissantechtechnologytoyotaWed, 01 Jul 2009 16:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi updates MMI system for 2010 A3, TT and R8]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/audi-updates-mmi-system-for-2010-a3-tt-and-r8/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/audi-updates-mmi-system-for-2010-a3-tt-and-r8/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/30/audi-updates-mmi-system-for-2010-a3-tt-and-r8/#commentsFiled under: Technology, Audi

Audi's Multi-Media Interface, which is arguably the best of the various all-in-one graphical user interface systems favored, has just got better.

According to Audi, resolution on the system's 6.5-inch screen is getting bumped up to 800 x 480, route calculation will happen faster with a 600 MHz processor, and you can scroll along the route - not just vertically and horizontally - and get speed limit data on highways.

Additionally, the system will also finally charge external MP3 players that are plugged in to the system, song titles will be displayed,

The new A3, TT, and R8 will be the first to benefit from next-step MMI when they arrive in Stateside dealerships in the autumn. U.S. pricing hasn't been announced yet, but you can read about all of the next-gen system's new bells and whistles in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi updates MMI system for 2010 A3, TT and R8

Audi updates MMI system for 2010 A3, TT and R8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a3audiaudi a3audi mmiaudi r8audi ttAudiA3AudiMmiAudiR8AudiTtGUImmimulti media interfacemultimedia interfaceMultimediaInterfacer8techtechnologyttTue, 30 Jun 2009 17:28:00 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: Gadgets, Technology, Lifestyle

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[Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz S-Class mule with PRE-SCAN technology spotted?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/15/spy-shots-mercedes-benz-s-class-mule-with-pre-scan-technology-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/15/spy-shots-mercedes-benz-s-class-mule-with-pre-scan-technology-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/15/spy-shots-mercedes-benz-s-class-mule-with-pre-scan-technology-s/#commentsFiled under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Sedan, Technology, Mercedes-Benz

At the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz revealed its F700 concept. In addition to being a big sedan with a tiny gas engine, it also wore a version of Mercedes' PRE-SCAN predictive suspension system. The technology scans the road ahead with a set of lasers mounted next to the headlights, and then optimizes the suspension settings to soak up what's coming.

An S-Class mule in Stuttgart has been caught wearing something that spies suggest could be an evaluation version of the PRE-SCAN system, hinting that a production system is in the not-too-distant future. The spotter said that you could put a glass of wine on the car and drive 50 km/hr and not spill a drop. If true, that would be fantastic. If, at the very least, it made the next S-Class as smooth as the Citroen C6 around a horse track, Mercedes would have another solid achievement on its hands. Hat tip to Paul!

Gallery: Frankfurt 2007: Mercedes-Benz F700 Concept

[Source: Spyshots.nl (translated)]

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz S-Class mule with PRE-SCAN technology spotted? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f700mercedesmercedes benzmercedes-benzMercedesBenzpre-scansaloonsedanspy shotsSpyShotstechtechnologyMon, 15 Jun 2009 08:27:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz ESF S400 Concept's "Braking Bag" in action]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/14/video-mercedes-benz-esf-s400-concepts-braking-bag-in-action/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/14/video-mercedes-benz-esf-s400-concepts-braking-bag-in-action/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/14/video-mercedes-benz-esf-s400-concepts-braking-bag-in-action/#commentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Safety, Technology, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz ESF 2009 - Click above for a high-res gallery. Follow the jump for video.

Mercedes-Benz has built an S400 Hybrid called the Experimental Safety Vehicle (ESF in German) as a rolling jack-in-the-box of the company's safety technology. One of those tech highlights is the braking bag -- the panel under the car in the picture above -- which operates both as an air brake and a support in the event of an accident.

When the PRE-SAFE system detects a crash is imminent, it will deploy an airbag located in the vehicle floor above the front axle carrier. This action will thrust a panel to the ground that, in its most simple form, slows the car down fractionally due to aerodynamic and friction drag.

But the panel is also thrust down forcefully enough to raise the car up 8 centimeters, reducing dive and possibly helping to prevent the car from submarining under an obstacle in front of it. The Mercedes-Benz ESF S400 will be displayed at the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles conference on June 15 in Stuttgart. To learn all about it right now, check out the gallery below, then follow the jump to watch three videos and read MB's excruciatingly-long press release.

Gallery: Mercedes ESF 2009

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz ESF S400 Concept's "Braking Bag" in action

VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz ESF S400 Concept's "Braking Bag" in action originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Jun 2009 14:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept carsConceptCarsmercedesmercedes benzmercedes-benzMercedesBenzsafetysaloonsedantechtechnologySun, 14 Jun 2009 14:09:00 EST<![CDATA[The new Audi: more performance, less weight]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/the-new-audi-more-performance-less-weight/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/the-new-audi-more-performance-less-weight/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/the-new-audi-more-performance-less-weight/#commentsFiled under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Green, Technology, Audi

Audi is developing the groundwork for an entirely new way of building its cars. The future for the four rings is light weight, giving it the proper base to support the best hybrid and electric cars, as well as extract the most from its traditional offerings.

As previously reported, the first example from the test lab is an S5 that is 400 kg -- yes, 880 pounds -- lighter than a traditional S5. Whereas the conventional S5 uses a 354 hp V8, the experimental utilizes a 230 hp four-cylinder, yet laps the 'Ring a humongous eight seconds faster than the V8. The test, of course, is to make such technology cost feasible to consumers and safe to boot.

The reduced calorie S5 is a hybrid steel and aluminum body built over a spaceframe, but Audi didn't say what the spaceframe was composed of. One hopes that they haven't started off with something unobtanium, and that given time, VW group scale could keep the price within a single-digit percent of the current car. If Audi does manage to get the light weight, safety, and affordability equation correct, that could make them... Lotus.

[Source: Autocar]

The new Audi: more performance, less weight originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternativeaudiaudi s5AudiS5coupeelectricgreengthybridlightweightspaceframesportstechtechnologyMon, 08 Jun 2009 19:27:00 EST