Autoblog

Why do Russian drivers have so many dash cams? [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 13:01:00 EST

These days, it seems like the internet runs on the fuel of Russian dash cam videos. From clips showing meteors falling from the sky to plane crashes and close calls, it almost seems as if every driver on Russian roads is filming at all times. As it turns out, that's nearly true. According to Wired, several factors have culminated in the current explosion of dashcam videos. Those include everything from shady traffic cops to insurance scammers to the design of the legal system itself. Combine those issues with Russia's notoriously dangerous roads, and drivers have become keen to protect themselves with cameras.

Wired has taken a closer look at the dash cam phenomenon and its rapid expansion. You can read the full article here. We highly recommend taking the time. You can also watch a classic dash cam clip below.

Continue reading Why do Russian drivers have so many dash cams? [w/video]

Why do Russian drivers have so many dash cams? [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Speed bumps used to diagnose appendicitis?

George Kennedy — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 17:14:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, UK

This... doesn't seem right, but just bear with this report from Wired. It seems as though driving over speed bumps can reveal those who are enduring acute appendicitis. This was a rumored thing among medical circles based purely on anecdotal data, but now there is an empirical study by the University of Oxford and Stoke Mandeville Hospital in the UK to back it up.

Apparently, when attempting to diagnose appendicitis, some doctors would ask if pain worsened when driving over speed bumps. It was not exact medicine, but according to Dr. Helen Ashdown of Oxford, it has been "as good as many other ways of assessing people with suspected appendicitis."

The Oxford study showed that the speed bump test was more helpful at ruling out appendicitis than confirming its diagnosis since other abdominal issues could also cause pain in those situations. So patients with acute appendicitis would experience pain going over a speed bump, but those who don't feel a jolt can be ruled out entirely as having acute appendicitis. That said, don't go driving over speed bumps expecting to perform your own diagnosis. Your results may vary!

Speed bumps used to diagnose appendicitis? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Dec 2012 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch Wired go hands-on with Tesla Model S 4.0

Zach Bowman — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 08:57:00 EST

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

Our friends at Wired recently got their hands on the latest software release for the Tesla Model S. The 4.0 release adds a few interesting bits of functionality to the EV, including voice control for the navigation and telephone systems as well as Slacker Radio. Tesla employed Google voice-recognition software for the Model S, and Wired says the system is "far easier and more intuitive than most." High praise.

The update also adds another level of customization to the EV's steering wheel controls. The right knob now offers finer audio volume control while the left knob can be configured to handle everything from temperature setting to fan speed or even the opening and closing of the sunroof.

Wired also reports the 17-inch touch screen on the Model S now seems more responsive and that the update includes new graphical displays for the vehicle's range. Other nice tricks include revised throttle response and an adjustment to the vehicle's door handles - now owners need only approach their Model S for the door handles to pop out from their hiding places. You can check out the video below for a closer look.

Continue reading Watch Wired go hands-on with Tesla Model S 4.0

Watch Wired go hands-on with Tesla Model S 4.0 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Development of Porsche 918 supercar progressing nicely

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Porsche

"This is most definitely not a Prius." So says ex-Autoblog staffer Damon Lavrinc in a story written for Wired. The non-Prius-esque vehicle to which he's referring? The Porsche 918.

We know all about the concept and how it stole the show at the at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. We know that interest in the plug-in hybrid supercar was so strong that Porsche pulled out all the stops to get the vehicle into its production plans as soon as possible. We know it will cost $845,000 and be able to hit 60 miles per hour in a scant 3.1 seconds. What we hadn't known until now, though, is how far along into its development Porsche's team of engineers had gotten.

It seems there are currently three 918 development mules in existence, and Lavrinc got to ride shotgun at the Nardo Test Track in one of them. Though it was limited to half its available power - full power being a generous 770 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque with an overboost offering up to 700 lb-ft for short periods - it was still an exciting ride, and it's telling that Porsche was confident enough in its Franken-mule to allow anyone to go on record this far ahead of September 18, 2013, the car's official launch date.

We suggest you head on over to Wired to peruse the full article, and feel free to mosey on back to let us know what you think of the 918's potential.

Development of Porsche 918 supercar progressing nicely originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Anatomy of a race driver proves hardcore required

Dan Roth — Thu, 01 May 2008 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Technology

Yes, racing is a sport, even NASCAR. Talented people always make difficult things look easy, but wrestling a vehicle traveling well in excess of one-hundred miles an hour would beat down most mortals in short order. Wired has put up an informative rollover-fest that gives credence to the idea that while us auto writers might be the walking embodiment of a Boston Creme donut, professional racers don't share our gooey center. Driving race cars to win takes dedication on many levels -- time and money are biggies -- and success is unlikely if the mind and body are not as finely tuned as the chassis.

To capture the checkered flag, drivers toil in an environment that's hot and loud, and controls require strong, sure inputs. This ain't your two-finger cruise up the interstate in air-conditioned pleasantness. A regimen of weight training is necessary for the physical performance, while we really like the fact that gaming helps train the eyes and brain to process high speeds. What we don't like is that crunches are apparently necessary. How are we going to be taken seriously in a room full of auto journos if we're all trim and good-drivery? Thanks for all the tips!

[Source: Wired]

Anatomy of a race driver proves hardcore required originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 May 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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