Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/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/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![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: , ,


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[VIDEO: LightLane adds instant bike lane for night bicycle rides]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/23/lightlane-adds-instant-bike-lane-for-night-bicycle-rides/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/23/lightlane-adds-instant-bike-lane-for-night-bicycle-rides/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/23/lightlane-adds-instant-bike-lane-for-night-bicycle-rides/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


LightLane - Click above to watch a video after the jump

There's no question that well-designed and implemented bike lanes improve safety for cyclists by making them less likely to be hit by passing automobiles, and that's especially true after the sun goes down. LightLane thinks it has the solution in the form of frickin' laser beams downward-pointing green lasers on either side of a flashing red LED tail lamp. Designed to clamp on to nearly any seatpost, as the bicycle moves forward, an instant virtual bike lane appears in bright green on either side of the rider.

A single charge of the onboard lithium ion battery pack provides three hours of continuous use, and any universal cell phone charger is reportedly capable of recharging the battery pack. We'd still suggest wearing a reflective jacket or vest along with the rest of the applicable safety gear, but anything that improves the safety of cyclists is fine by us. Click past the break for a video of a LightLane prototype in action.

[Source: LightLane]

Continue reading VIDEO: LightLane adds instant bike lane for night bicycle rides

VIDEO: LightLane adds instant bike lane for night bicycle rides originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bike lanebike lanesBikeLaneBikeLanesgreeninstant bike laneInstantBikeLanelaser bike laneLaserBikeLanelightlanelightlane bike laneLightlaneBikeLaneTue, 23 Jun 2009 09:26:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: <i>Back to the Future</i> DeLorean replica [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/ebay-find-of-the-day-i-back-to-the-future-i-delorean-replica/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/ebay-find-of-the-day-i-back-to-the-future-i-delorean-replica/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/17/ebay-find-of-the-day-i-back-to-the-future-i-delorean-replica/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


1981 DeLorean Time Machine - Click above for high-res image gallery

The way we see it, if you're going to build a time machine into a car, why not do it with some style? Thankfully, Hollywood's Doc Brown agreed with us. In this case, style equals a 1981 DeLorean with 31,854 original miles and tons of Back to the Future props built in. We're not exactly experts on the subject or anything, but this particular DeLorean time machine replica looks pretty darn accurate to us.

The actual car bits are as you'd expect. Like the DeLorean used in the classic movie from 1985, this car is powered by a 2.8-liter V6 engine driving the rear wheels, albeit the power in this one flow through a three-speed automatic transmission. No surprises there. Of course, the car's coup de grâce is the "fully functional" flux capacitor and matching set of time circuits. You can even check out the car in action in a priceless Back to the Future video sendup after the jump, or check out the gallery below that's studded with b-list celebrity cameos.

Want to take the nearly complete Back to the Future Time Machine home with you? Now's your chance. Buy it Now price: $60,000. You've got just a few more hours before - ahem - time runs out.


Gallery: eBay FOTD: 1981 DeLorean Time Machine


[Source: eBay]

Continue reading eBay Find of the Day: Back to the Future DeLorean replica [w/VIDEO]

eBay Find of the Day: Back to the Future DeLorean replica [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1981 delorean1981 delorean time machine1981Delorean1981DeloreanTimeMachineback to the futureback to the future deloreanback to the future time machineBackToTheFutureBackToTheFutureDeloreanBackToTheFutureTimeMachineChristopher LloydChristopherLloyddeloreandelorean motor companydelorean time machineDeloreanMotorCompanyDeloreanTimeMachineDoc BrownDocBrownMichael J. FoxMichaelJ.FoxWed, 17 Jun 2009 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Gran Turismo PSP footage gets out]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/video-gran-turismo-psp-footage-gets-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/video-gran-turismo-psp-footage-gets-out/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/10/video-gran-turismo-psp-footage-gets-out/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Gran Turismo for PSP Go demo: Click above to watch video after the jump

Fans of Gran Turismo are rejoicing over the fifth edition of the legendary racing series that was shown at the E3 gaming expo last week. The world-renown racing sim will also debut a new version for the Sony PSP Go this October, and it It boasts 60 frames-per-second rendering, 800 cars, 35 tracks and the ability to play against three friends over wi-fi - pretty good specs for a portable game.

Last week we showed you a trailer of GT5 for the decidedly non-portable PS3, and now we've got actual running footage of the portable game being played. Hit the jump to view a Nissan GT-R taking on all comers in the newest and smallest edition to the Gran Turismo franchise. You can also see some sweet screen shots of the new GT by viewing the gallery below.


Gallery: Gran Turismo PSP


[Source: GT Planet]

Continue reading VIDEO: Gran Turismo PSP footage gets out

VIDEO: Gran Turismo PSP footage gets out originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3 gaming expoE3GamingExpogran turismogran turismo mobileGranTurismoGranTurismoMobilegt psp goGtPspGopsp goPspGoWed, 10 Jun 2009 11:31:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Sir Stirling's House in London, complete with carbon fiber elevator]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/video-sir-stirlings-house-in-london-complete-with-carbon-fibe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/video-sir-stirlings-house-in-london-complete-with-carbon-fibe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/video-sir-stirlings-house-in-london-complete-with-carbon-fibe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Sir Stirling Moss' carbon fiber elevator - Click above to watch video after the jump

F1 drivers tend to accumulate a great deal of money over the course of their careers, and few have had careers quite as distinguished as Sir Stirling Moss. Over the course of only ten years in professional racing, he competed in about 500 races and won some 200 of them. So what did Sir Stirling do after he retired? He built himself a house that would make James Bond drop his martini.

Situated in the swanky Mayfair neighborhood in London, the Moss residence includes such gizmos as a giant tray that lowers from the ceiling to bring him his dinner in front of the television, a remote-controlled jacuzzi tub, an automated inbox/outbox for his office, and - the piece de resistence - a carbon fiber elevator made especially for him by the Williams F1 team. But in case that's not enough, Moss is in the process of building himself a new high-tech, environmentally-friendly residence in Deerfield Beach, Florida. (Where else? The man's over 80 years old, for crying out loud.) Check out the video footage of Moss Manor in Mayfair after the jump.

[Source: The Independent and Sunday Times via Jalopnik]

Continue reading VIDEO: Sir Stirling's House in London, complete with carbon fiber elevator

VIDEO: Sir Stirling's House in London, complete with carbon fiber elevator originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbon fibercarbon fiber elevatorcarbon fibreCarbonFiberCarbonFiberElevatorCarbonFibredeerfield beachDeerfieldBeachelevatorfloridalondonmayfairsir stirling mossSirStirlingMossstirling mossStirlingMossMon, 08 Jun 2009 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Eyes on the Road: AT&T bringing CruiseCast in-car satellite tv to market]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/25/eyes-on-the-road-atandt-bringing-cruisecast-in-car-satellite-tv-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/25/eyes-on-the-road-atandt-bringing-cruisecast-in-car-satellite-tv-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/25/eyes-on-the-road-atandt-bringing-cruisecast-in-car-satellite-tv-t/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



AT&T is starting to work with pockets of customers to test its CruiseCast satellite-based entertainment service before officially putting the TV/radio service on wide offer. When the whole clan is on the go, it may work to keep everyone calm and quiet, and when your Prevost motor coach is loaded up with everything else, you might as well go for the TV service, too. Truckers sticking DBS dishes on their rigs would likely be pleased with the CruiseCast system, especially since AT&T is using some new technology developments by RaySat that defeats the typical issues with line of sight obstacles and underpasses.

For comparison's sake, Sirius is cheaper and offers much more variety than AT&T's 20 music/talk radio stations, but their optional Backseat TV service only offers three television channels, and they are all geared for the kiddies. Conversely, AT&T's CruiseCast hardware must be professionally installed and will set you back $1,299, and the monthly payment is $28. Once the service is available for all customers in early June, they'll have 22 television channels to choose from. All that for the price of a used car and more than $300 bucks a year in subscription costs. Official press release posted after the jump.

[Source: Engadget]

Continue reading Eyes on the Road: AT&T bringing CruiseCast in-car satellite tv to market

Eyes on the Road: AT&T bringing CruiseCast in-car satellite tv to market originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 May 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attatt cruisecastAttCruisecastcruisecast in car tvCruisecastInCarTvin car tvInCarTvSatellite tvSatelliteTvSiriusMon, 25 May 2009 08:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Volkswagen's next-gen nav system to get Apple iPhone-like gestures]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/report-volkswagens-next-gen-nav-system-to-get-apple-iphone-lik/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/report-volkswagens-next-gen-nav-system-to-get-apple-iphone-lik/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/report-volkswagens-next-gen-nav-system-to-get-apple-iphone-lik/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



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

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

[Source: CNET, Photo by CNET]

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>first lookFirstLookfutureGLORIAinfotainmentiPhoneiPodiTunestechnologyVolkswagenThu, 21 May 2009 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Street View switching to trikes for roads less traveled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/google-street-view-switching-to-trikes-for-roads-less-traveled/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/google-street-view-switching-to-trikes-for-roads-less-traveled/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/google-street-view-switching-to-trikes-for-roads-less-traveled/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Google has already faced plenty of issues with its Street View technology, not the least of which has been angry Japanese citizens and invasion of privacy lawsuits from Americans whose driveways were mistaken for a roads. Beyond these unforeseen issues, there's also the rather obvious problem of taking images of places a Chevy Cobalt just can't reach. Consider that problem (at least partially) solved with the new Google Trike.

The three-wheeled, human-powered overgrown tricycles carry 250 pounds of ballast in the form of "a mounted Street View camera and a specially decorated box containing image collecting gadgetry," says the internet giant. All that extra heft reportedly requires a "specially trained super fit" rider.

Google's new trikes will be deployed first in Genoa, Italy, this spring. Assuming that launch proves successful, Google will send its pedal-powered cameras to the United Kingdom, where they'll point their lenses towards a slew of famous British landmarks. Have a good one in mind? Google says its open to suggestions and will be working with VisitBritain to pick the most desirable locations to shoot.

To assuage those averse to getting their pictures taken, Google promises to "apply our face-blurring and license plate blurring to all these images to protect people's privacy."

[Source: Google via Wired]

Continue reading Google Street View switching to trikes for roads less traveled

Google Street View switching to trikes for roads less traveled originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 May 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>googlegoogle street viewgoogle street view cargoogle street view trikegoogle streetviewgoogle trikeGoogleStreetViewGoogleStreetViewCarGoogleStreetViewTrikeGoogleTrikeThu, 21 May 2009 08:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Car-B-Q: X-Series Grill by Porsche Design Studio]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/20/car-b-q-x-series-grill-by-porsche-design-studio/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/20/car-b-q-x-series-grill-by-porsche-design-studio/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/20/car-b-q-x-series-grill-by-porsche-design-studio/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Porsche owners have long reveled in their ability to smoke the competition on track and street, but now Porschephiles can also leave their marque's mark on the backside of burgers, hotdogs and ribeyes. Grill marks, of course.

Barbeques Galore and Porsche Design Studio have burned the midnight oil for two years while working on the the new X-Series Grill. Under its sleek, German-styled exterior lies some fairly hot grilling technology. Instead of the standard gas burners found in most grills, the X-Series uses four infrared burners that can crank out 52,000 BTUs using 50% less fuel with 80% fewer flare-ups. By our very rough shadetree estimates, that should be good for a zero to steak time of about 10 minutes. Or so.

With a starting sticker price of $5,999 Porsche Design's first grill comes with a motorized rotisserie, an LCD temp display with remote probe, and an insulated double-walled hood. Step up to the X-Series Island (above) for $8,499 for a stainless steel finish and concealed cupboards and gas cylinder storage.

All models are covered under a lifetime warranty for service, parts and repair. Also included is the right to brag to your numbers that you have a Porsche in your backyard.

Car-B-Q: X-Series Grill by Porsche Design Studio originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 May 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barbeques galoreBarbequesGaloreporsche barbecueporsche bbqporsche designporsche design studioporsche grillporsche grillePorscheBarbecuePorscheBbqPorscheDesignPorscheDesignStudioPorscheGrillPorscheGrilleWed, 20 May 2009 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Future Ford SYNC upgrade could include Pandora streaming]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/future-ford-sync-upgrade-could-include-pandora-streaming/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/future-ford-sync-upgrade-could-include-pandora-streaming/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/future-ford-sync-upgrade-could-include-pandora-streaming/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click the image above to view a video of the new SYNC system after the jump

At the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Ford announced that three new features would be included on the next iteration of the SYNC system: traffic data, GPS-guided directions and the ability to snag information from the web through the user's data/GPS/Bluetooth-enabled smartphone to display or read weather conditions, sports scores and other information through the stereo.

On May 26th, the upgrade will be made available to all current 2010 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury owners (you download the update to your PC, then transfer it to the SYNC system through a thumb drive) and all new 2010 models will be equipped with the upgrade from the factory. But as Ford CEO Alan Mulally promised, there's more on the way.

Ford and Microsoft plan to continually update SYNC, and according to Charlotte Fisher from Ford's Design and Technology team, "every six to eight to twelve months we'll be delivering new services." One of the possible features Ford could include on future iterations of SYNC is streaming internet radio, and Fisher confirmed that Ford is currently "talking with Pandora." Can you say XM-killer? Hit the jump to watch a video of the new system in action.

Continue reading Future Ford SYNC upgrade could include Pandora streaming

Future Ford SYNC upgrade could include Pandora streaming originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 May 2009 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford mustang2010 ford taurus2010FordMustang2010FordTauruscesfordford syncFordSyncsyncMon, 18 May 2009 19:27:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: GT5 to get weather changes, night racing - and yes, damage rendering [w/POLL]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/13/report-gran-turismo-5-to-get-weather-changes-night-racing-an/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/13/report-gran-turismo-5-to-get-weather-changes-night-racing-an/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/13/report-gran-turismo-5-to-get-weather-changes-night-racing-an/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Audi is obviously looking forward to being in the coming Gran Turismo 5. After all, the Quattro company has created a website to promote its car on the Nürburgring in real life and in the game, and it interviewed GT5 mastermind Kazunori Yamauchi about what fans can expect. Yamauchi-san revealed that the game is going to offer not only more vehicles, more online features, and increased detail, but it will also include night racing, damage rendering (previously confirmed), and weather changes.

If you watch the Audi R8 Meets Gran Turismo 5 video, one of the game developers even talks of one day providing weather reports for an entire 24-hour race, and you can read the interview with Yamauchi-san by clicking on a PDF link here. The graphical and gameplay additions are surely welcome and long overdue, and could return GT5 to the head of the racing sim pack - whenever it finally gets here...


View Poll


[Source: GT Planet]

REPORT: GT5 to get weather changes, night racing - and yes, damage rendering [w/POLL] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 May 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r8AudiR8gadgetgadgetsgamesgaminggran turismogran turismo 5GranTurismoGranTurismo5gt5lifestyleplaystationplaystation 3playstation3ps3r8videogameWed, 13 May 2009 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Can GPS units makes you more fuel efficient? Navteq seems to think so...]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/01/can-gps-units-makes-you-more-fuel-efficient-navteq-seems-to-thi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/01/can-gps-units-makes-you-more-fuel-efficient-navteq-seems-to-thi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/01/can-gps-units-makes-you-more-fuel-efficient-navteq-seems-to-thi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A recent survey conducted by research firm NuStats and funded by GPS-maker NAVTEQ found that drivers equipped with in-car navigation units use 12% less fuel than their non-guided counterparts. The study focused on three groups of drivers in Germany. The first used no GPS at all, the second had a basic GPS and the third had a GPS unit that included traffic information. None of the participants had previously owned navigation units.

Once the participating drivers that had been given GPS units got used to relying on the computer's directions, some interesting results were observed. Drivers with navigation units ended up driving shorter distances and spent less time behind the wheel. As a result, these drivers used less fuel than motorists without GPS units. Want to know more? See the full press release after the break.

[Source: NAVTEQ via Jalopnik]

Continue reading Can GPS units makes you more fuel efficient? Navteq seems to think so...

Can GPS units makes you more fuel efficient? Navteq seems to think so... originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 May 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autobloggreengpsnavigationnavigation systemnavigation systemsNavigationSystemNavigationSystemsnavteqFri, 01 May 2009 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA["Ya'll turn left now, ya hear?" - NASCAR-branded Dale Earnhardt Jr. sat-nav hits the market [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/yall-turn-left-now-ya-here-nascar-branded-dale-earnhardt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/yall-turn-left-now-ya-here-nascar-branded-dale-earnhardt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/yall-turn-left-now-ya-here-nascar-branded-dale-earnhardt/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Follow the jump to hear Dale, Jr. giving you directions on the RightWay Spotter GPS

The Dale, Jr.-edition Spotter GPS has Junior gearing you up for the ride with "You drive, I'll ride shotgun." The portable device offers turn-by-turn directions and features Junior-isms like "Hang a right" and "Park it, we're here." The RightWay Spotter comes installed with 1.7 million points of interest, which includes a point-of-interest tour of Charlotte, North Carolina that can also lead you to some of Dale's favorite places. If that weren't enough, the GPS plays MP3s and videos, displays photos, and has an e-book reader, all for $299.

Admittedly, we were kinda hoping it would only instruct left turns, which, in the words of our tipster, might go something like this:
"Alright y'all are gonna go down here a ways, then turn left. Keep going then turn left. Merge over to the high side and and at the next corner turn left. Then make an immediate left. Continue down this stretch of road then y'all need to turn left...
Follow the jump to watch a video of the real Dale, Jr. telling you how it's done. Thanks for the tip, Derek!

[Source: Twice]

Continue reading "Ya'll turn left now, ya hear?" - NASCAR-branded Dale Earnhardt Jr. sat-nav hits the market [w/VIDEO]

"Ya'll turn left now, ya hear?" - NASCAR-branded Dale Earnhardt Jr. sat-nav hits the market [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dale earnhardtdale earnhardt jrdale earnhardt jr.DaleEarnhardtDaleEarnhardtJrDaleEarnhardtJr.gadgetgadgetsgpsjuniorlifestylemotorsportsnascarnavinavigationpndrightwayrightway spotterRightwaySpotterTue, 21 Apr 2009 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Stop Time: Mecchanice Veloce and Brembo team up for carbon-ceramic watch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/stop-time-mecchanice-veloce-and-brembo-team-up-for-carbon-ceram/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/stop-time-mecchanice-veloce-and-brembo-team-up-for-carbon-ceram/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/stop-time-mecchanice-veloce-and-brembo-team-up-for-carbon-ceram/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, vulcanized rubber...it was only a matter of time before somebody made a watch out of carbon ceramic. And who better to do it than Brembo and Meccaniche Veloci? The former you'll know well as the most recognized name in brakes. The latter may be known to some of you as the Italian watchmaker that designed the Quattro Valvole timepiece, named and styled after the four-valve cylinder head and incorporating four individual automatic Swiss watch movements. Now the two have come together to produce a special edition Quattro Valvole Carbon Ceramico (CCM), unveiled at the 2009 Baselworld watch show, that could be the ultimate car watch even among a rapidly expanding sub-segment.

The carbon-ceramic watch case is made by Brembo using the same process as it uses for producing racing brake discs. Short fibers of carbon are combined with high-strength ceramics and formed using high-pressure water jets. The result is incredibly strong yet lightweight construction that is also highly resistant to corrosion or deformation. Like Brembo's brake calipers, buyers can choose between different color combinations of red, black, yellow or silver, and the watch comes with interchangeable straps in rubber and alligator leather. As well it should, at $15,000 apiece...another element this unique timepiece shares in common with a set of carbon ceramic brakes.

[Source: Meccaniche Veloci via Gizmag]

Stop Time: Mecchanice Veloce and Brembo team up for carbon-ceramic watch originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 06:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brembocarboncarbon ceramiccarbon fibercarbon fibrecarbon watchcarbon-ceramiccarbon-ceramic watchCarbon-ceramicWatchCarbonCeramicCarbonFiberCarbonFibreCarbonWatchmeccaniche velocimeccaniche veloci ccmMeccanicheVelociMeccanicheVelociCcmquattroquattro valvoleQuattroValvoleMon, 20 Apr 2009 06:58:00 EST<![CDATA[People's Choice: 1.4m downloads for VW Polo Challenge iPhone game]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/15/peoples-choice-1-4m-downloads-for-vw-polo-challenge-iphone-gam/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/15/peoples-choice-1-4m-downloads-for-vw-polo-challenge-iphone-gam/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/15/peoples-choice-1-4m-downloads-for-vw-polo-challenge-iphone-gam/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Volkswagen Polo Challenge iPhone game - Click above for a gallery

What automaker isn't trying to cash in on the iCraze? Most are scrambling to include iPod and iPhone integration into their newest vehicles, and many have tried to mimic the look and feel of the Apple devices with their latest concepts. The "people's car" has as good a claim as any other automaker, and Volkswagen is looking to cement that with a new game for the iPhone and iPod touch.

Developed by German mobile game studio Fishlabs, the Volkswagen Polo Challenge, like other racing games, works with the devices' built-in accelerometer to control the car. Players can choose between eight different circuits to drive on while being serenaded by the music of Feinkost. When they're done playing, mobile gamers can find the nearest VW dealership to check out the car in person.

Just a month after its release, already 1.4 million people have downloaded the free game from iTunes. (Volkswagen's Spanish subsidiary has also released a similar game highlighting the Seat Ibiza Cupra.) If you can read German, you can check out more info in the press release after the jump, along with the images in the gallery below.

Continue reading People's Choice: 1.4m downloads for VW Polo Challenge iPhone game

People's Choice: 1.4m downloads for VW Polo Challenge iPhone game originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloaddownloadsiphoneiphone appiphone appsIphoneAppIphoneAppsipodipod appsipod touchipod touch appsIpodAppsIpodTouchIpodTouchAppsitunesvolkswagenvolkswagen polovolkswagen polo challengeVolkswagenPoloVolkswagenPoloChallengevwvw polovw polo challengeVwPoloVwPoloChallengeWed, 15 Apr 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW launches AK-47 thwarting X5 Security Plus]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/bmw-launches-ak-47-resistant-x5-security-plus/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/bmw-launches-ak-47-resistant-x5-security-plus/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/bmw-launches-ak-47-resistant-x5-security-plus/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for huge gallery of high-res photos of the bulletproof BMW X5 Security Plus

If Jason Statham's character, Frank, decides to switch back to a BMW in The Transporter 4, we think we have his new ride picked out. Or maybe Clive Owen just needs to film another episode of The Driver. BMW has just released info on its first Class Six bullet resistant vehicle, the BMW X5 Security Plus, which happens to be the first vehicle ever available to the public with that classification from a high-volume manufacturer. That means that its skin can handle anything up to a AK-47 assault rifle, the weapon-of-choice for terrorists, pirates and kidnappers around the globe. Besides thicker bulletproof glass, BMW has added heavier armored body panels all around, as well as sealing up all of the joints to bolster protection in normally vulnerable body panel gaps.

The Security Plus models are partially built alongside the regular models in Spartanburg, SC, and then sent to Toluca, Mexico for final assembly. Some of the special features that are fitted include a beefed-up suspension with special run-flat tires, an intercom system to communicate with people outside the vehicle, a hold-up alarm that automatically locks windows and doors, plus sirens and flashing lights too. There's also a list of options that includes a rear view camera and a front-bumper-mounted side view camera. It's powered by BMW's 355 horsepower, 4.80-liter V8, and even with the extra equipment, this crossover can scoot from 0 to 62 miles-per-hour in 8.2 seconds on its way to a top speed electronically limited to 112 mph.

There's a full press release after the jump and a huge high-res gallery too. You'll see there is very little to tip evil-doers that the person inside is worthy of attention, until the need to escape arises and the lights go on. BMW handles sales of these vehicles in a very discreet manner and even offers special driver training so anyone can become The Driver.


Gallery: BMW X5 Security Plus


[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW launches AK-47 thwarting X5 Security Plus

BMW launches AK-47 thwarting X5 Security Plus originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmw x5bmw x5 savbmw x5 securityBMW X5 Security PlusBmwX5BmwX5SavBmwX5SecurityBmwX5SecurityPlusThe Driverthe transporterTheDriverTheTransporterx5X5 Security PlusX5SecurityPlusTue, 14 Apr 2009 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Bluetooth gains another use, streaming audio from iPhone]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/04/video-bluetooth-gains-another-use-streaming-audio-from-iphone/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/04/video-bluetooth-gains-another-use-streaming-audio-from-iphone/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/04/video-bluetooth-gains-another-use-streaming-audio-from-iphone/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The iPhone 3.0 software is due to be released later this year, and in addition to allowing GPS applications to display turn-by-turn directions, Apple's uber-device will finally bring something other smartphone users have been enjoying for a while: Bluetooth audio streaming.

With the new feature enabled on the iPhone, the device can be paired with a Bluetooth-equipped stereo, allowing users to ditch their cables and those infernal FM transmitters, to enjoy streaming audio from the iPhone's music player.

KickingTires head-honcho and former Autoblog Editor, Dave Thomas, got his paws on the new 3.0 software ahead of its release this summer and put the Bluetooth functionality to the test on a Toyota Venza. The verdict? It works as advertised. And it's about time. Check out the video demonstration after the jump.

[Source: KickingTires]

Continue reading VIDEO: Bluetooth gains another use, streaming audio from iPhone

VIDEO: Bluetooth gains another use, streaming audio from iPhone originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Apr 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothiphoneiphone bluetoothIphoneBluetoothSat, 04 Apr 2009 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Mazda RX-8 controlled through iPod touch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/03/video-mazda-rx-8-controlled-through-ipod-touch/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/03/video-mazda-rx-8-controlled-through-ipod-touch/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/03/video-mazda-rx-8-controlled-through-ipod-touch/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above to watch the video

Modern-day automotive geekery knows no bounds. Need proof? Check out the video after the break. You'll see a black Mazda RX-8 that's been modified with enough computer-controlled junk in the trunk to make it capable of performing all sorts of neat parlor tricks through a web application running on an iPod touch. For instance, the car's central locking system can be activated, the trunk can be popped and the engine can be started and shut back off. There's also a GPS feature that allows the car's location to be tracked through Google Maps.

As impressive as all of this is, the coolest part is that the car can be remote controlled from anywhere in the world via a 3G modem that keeps the computer connected to the web. We can only assume that the next step in the project will see the car's steering, acceleration and shifting controls connected through the phone, James Bond style.

[Source: Geek my Ride via Engadget]

Continue reading VIDEO: Mazda RX-8 controlled through iPod touch

VIDEO: Mazda RX-8 controlled through iPod touch originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>computer controlled carComputerControlledCaripod controlled carIpodControlledCarremote controlled carRemoteControlledCarweb controlled carWebControlledCarFri, 03 Apr 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi centennial timepiece celebrates 100 years on four wheels with four hands]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/28/audi-centennial-timepiece-celebrates-100-years-on-four-wheels-wi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/28/audi-centennial-timepiece-celebrates-100-years-on-four-wheels-wi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/28/audi-centennial-timepiece-celebrates-100-years-on-four-wheels-wi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Audi teamed up with Munich-based watchmaker Chronoswiss to create the Tachoscope, celebrating 100 years of Audi. The mechanical timepiece has a chronograph and tachometer function (to measure velocity) inspired by the Auto Unions that helped define the Audi adventure: the second hand's numerals are derived from the tach in the Auto Union Type C Grand Prix racer.

Also novel is the fact that the hour hand resides in the upper inset dial -- the large hands are the second hand and chronograph. The watch face is enamel and the crown is diagonally fluted like a gear, and the back cover is glass. The Tachoscope comes in two flavors: white gold and platinum. Thankfully, the back cover is glass so you can see where your €14,900 ($19,800 USD) has been spent if you plunked down for white gold, with the platinum edition setting you back €24,900 ($33,000 USD). Only 100 examples will be made, and you can read all about them in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi centennial timepiece celebrates 100 years on four wheels with four hands

Audi centennial timepiece celebrates 100 years on four wheels with four hands originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Mar 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesaudigadgetlifestyletimepiecewatchSat, 28 Mar 2009 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Fast Connection: Cadillac adds WiFi to CTS options list]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/19/fast-connection-cadillac-adds-wifi-to-cts-options-list/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/19/fast-connection-cadillac-adds-wifi-to-cts-options-list/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/19/fast-connection-cadillac-adds-wifi-to-cts-options-list/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Perhaps as part of a thoughtful move to combine two of the major aspects of the Autoblog lifestyle, Cadillac has just announced that it will offer full WiFi access in its CTS sport sedan beginning next month.

The dealer-installed option will cost $499, and Cadillac says the Autonet Mobile system will effectively turn the CTS into a 3G hotspot with speeds of up to 800Kbps. Naturally, there's a monthly charge associated with the service, but $29 a month for a stylish, leather-lined mobile command center doesn't strike us as too bad of a deal, especially when the WiFi is capable of handling multiple devices simultaneously. No word yet on whether existing CTS owners can retrofit their cars, but considering this is a dealer-installed add-on, we imagine it's possible. If not, there's always the aftermarket.

Now, if we could only get Cadillac to consider fitting a Nespresso machine, we'd have all the tools of the trade!

Continue reading Fast Connection: Cadillac adds WiFi to CTS options list

Fast Connection: Cadillac adds WiFi to CTS options list originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Autonet MobileAutonetMobileCaddyCadillacCadillac CTSCadillacCtsconnectivityCTSGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMsport sedanSportSedanWiFiWireless internetWirelessInternetThu, 19 Mar 2009 10:27:00 EST