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/<![CDATA[CES 2009 preview: Panasonic connects your electric car to your house]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/ces-2009-preview-panasonic-connects-your-electric-car-to-your-h/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/ces-2009-preview-panasonic-connects-your-electric-car-to-your-h/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/ces-2009-preview-panasonic-connects-your-electric-car-to-your-h/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Panasonic first showed off its HD-PLC system at CES in 2004 and, being car nuts, we totally ignored it. Other than letting all our gadgets talk to each other over a house's electrical lines, it did nothing for what we drive.

Now, Panasonic is announcing the ability of its PLC system to also communicate with that electric car charging in your garage. Officially, Panasonic is touting the technology in the name of security. The company claims that electric car owners can view video from an in-car camera to make sure their EV is charging safe and sound, while keeping tabs on the charging status of their cars from inside their home.

Unofficially, The Earth Times speculates that the system could also transfer music to the car's stereo, along with sending travel routes and movies to the in-car entertainment system. The setup could also include a command to adjust the seats for individual drivers.

HD-PLC Magazine says Panasonic's PLC has the potential to make electric cars lighter, replacing looms of wiring with a smaller, simpler, PLC-linked wiring system. We'll have to wait until Panasonic's press conference this week at CES for the official announcement.

[Source: The Earth Times]

CES 2009 preview: Panasonic connects your electric car to your house originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electric carelectric car rechargingElectricCarElectricCarRecharginghd-plcpanasonicpanasonic hd-plcPanasonicHd-plcpower line communicationPowerLineCommunicationTue, 06 Jan 2009 18:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Ecstasy on your Wrist: Corum's 1976 Rolls-Royce timepiece]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/ecstasy-on-your-wrist-corums-1976-rolls-royce-timepiece/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/ecstasy-on-your-wrist-corums-1976-rolls-royce-timepiece/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/05/ecstasy-on-your-wrist-corums-1976-rolls-royce-timepiece/#commentsFiled under: ,

Here at Autoblog, we've reported on a variety of automotive-themed wristwatches. But for all their branding and marketing efforts, few of the timepieces commissioned from Switzerland's finest bear much resemblance or connection to the cars they're meant to compliment. However, in 1976, Swiss watchmaking atelier Corum, known today primarily for their sailing-themed watches, struck an agreement with Rolls-Royce to produce the timepiece you see here.

The watch incorporates into its design the iconic Romanesque grille that adorns the front of Rolls-Royce automobiles, complete with a tiny Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament. The watch face is visible through the slats on the grille, realized in 18-karat gold. The timepiece from over thirty years ago is, of course, no longer in production, but remains a highly-valued collector's item. The closest we've seen recently is the unique wristwatch crafted by Girard-Perregaux to accompany the one-off Pininfarina Hyperion, but the link there between watch and car is no closer than any other's, and nowhere near as direct as Corum's vintage creation. Who knows, maybe the two will revive the partnership and bring the Phantom's grille to a wrist near you in the near future.

[Source: Luxist]

Ecstasy on your Wrist: Corum's 1976 Rolls-Royce timepiece originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>corumcorum rolls-roycecorum rolls-royce watchCorumRolls-royceCorumRolls-royceWatchrolls roycerolls-roycerolls-royce timepiecerolls-royce watchrolls-royce wristwatchRolls-royceTimepieceRolls-royceWatchRolls-royceWristwatchRollsRoyceMon, 05 Jan 2009 07:59:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009 Preview: FLIR helps BMWs detect pedestrians]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/ces-2009-preview-flir-helps-bmws-detect-pedestrians/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/ces-2009-preview-flir-helps-bmws-detect-pedestrians/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/ces-2009-preview-flir-helps-bmws-detect-pedestrians/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



FLIR, the maker of BMW's night-vision system, will be at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next week showing off its PathFindIR thermal imaging camera. The company says its system isn't confused by oncoming headlights, works well in cold weather and can even see through fog, dust and smoke.

FLIR also says its camera is based on the same technology used by the military to provide a 36° field-of-view of the road ahead.

We plan to check out the company's claims in the 6 Series they're bringing to CES. Maybe they'll even let us take it out and recreate that urban rumor of 200-mph desert highway sprints with no headlights. No, probably not.

CES 2009 Preview: FLIR helps BMWs detect pedestrians originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesconsumer electronics showConsumerElectronicsShowflirnight visionNightVisionpathfindirvegasSun, 04 Jan 2009 17:36:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2009 Preview: Internet radio in the car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/ces-2009-preview-internet-radio-in-the-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/ces-2009-preview-internet-radio-in-the-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/ces-2009-preview-internet-radio-in-the-car/#commentsFiled under: ,



At next week's Consumer Electronics Show, Blaupunkt and miRoamer will announce the first in-dash Internet radio receiver. The press release we received says the radios will be offered as "built-in original equipment" but doesn't go into detail about what automakers will offer the system or even how the radios receive the data.

"The beauty of Internet car radio is the customized user experience," said George Parthimos, Founder and CEO of miRoamer said in a press release. "Today, users want to jump in their car and go - no pulling out third-party devices or plugging in cords to access their music and information. miRoamer's development with Blaupunkt is the first seamless Internet radio solution. Now, with the simple push of a button, users can access AM/FM stations or Internet radio's thousands of music, entertainment, news and talk stations from around the world, all from the same car stereo."

Users of the new head units will be able to tune into Internet radio stations offered by miRoamer as well as add stations of their choosing by simply inputting the URL. The photo above is of Blaupunkt's prototype New Jersey head unit.

We're looking forward to getitng the details on this next week, and will put up a post as soon as we do.

CES 2009 Preview: Internet radio in the car originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automotive internetAutomotiveInternetblaupunktcar internetcar internet radiocar stereoCarInternetCarInternetRadioCarStereointernet radioInternetRadiomiroamerradioSun, 04 Jan 2009 16:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Busted by OnStar: Call for help results in DUI arrest]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/busted-by-onstar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/busted-by-onstar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/04/busted-by-onstar/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



As GM has reminded us in numerous ad campaigns, OnStar can summon help if you get into trouble while at the wheel of a car or truck equipped with the service. One Paul W. Sinker III of Stroudsbourg, PA probably wishes he'd been driving something without the factory-installed blue button after his OnStar setup worked exactly as advertised early New Year's Day. According to the The Morning Call newspaper, the 22-year-old driver had gotten his car stuck in the mud. OnStar summoned the police (it's not made clear whether this was initiated by the driver or the system acted proactively in Omniscient Being mode), and officers arrived on-scene at around 1 A.M. From there, Mr. Sinker's kickoff to 2009 made like the Andrea Doria. The police smelled booze on his breath, a field sobriety test ended with an arrest, and the whole affair subsequently hit the AP wire. Listen, we shed zero tears for drunk drivers given the opportunity to model the latest Smith & Wesson jewelery, but this particular tale also serves as a reminder that your car's techno features can indeed come back to bite you - or in this particular case, get you pinched.

[Source: The Morning Call]

Busted by OnStar: Call for help results in DUI arrest originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrestduionstarSun, 04 Jan 2009 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Race Around the Clock: Alpina times the 12 Hours of Sebring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/03/race-around-the-clock-alpina-times-the-12-hours-of-sebring/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/03/race-around-the-clock-alpina-times-the-12-hours-of-sebring/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/03/race-around-the-clock-alpina-times-the-12-hours-of-sebring/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Among the most iconic racing events held around the world, few American races have the clout to rival the 12 Hours of Sebring. Names like Andretti, Fangio and Moss have made it famous, and the annual "once around the clock" event continues as a mainstay of the American Le Mans Series calendar. But if you're going to count down the hours until the finish line, you're going to need the right equipment. At least, that's what the event's promoters figured when they teamed up with Swiss watchmaker Alpina Genève to offer an official timepiece of the race: the Alpina Extreme 12 Hours of Sebring.

The watch's case is made of black steel, with a matte black dial said to be reminiscent of the track surface with the requisite bit of carbon fiber at the center. The branding for a 12-hour race and a 12-hour watch practically creates itself, but we're impressed that the folks at Alpina resisted the urge to go all chrome and lacquer, opting for a decidedly subdued look instead. Only 257 examples will be offered, to commemorate the 57th running of the race this coming March 18-21, 2009.

[Source: TimeZone]

Race Around the Clock: Alpina times the 12 Hours of Sebring originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Jan 2009 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Have you ever been on the road and hungry, and thought "By golly, if I only had a microwave I could heat... anything... and eat it!" Well, neither have we. But that hasn't stopped Maplin Electronics from coming up with a portable, 12-volt microwave that you can operate through your cigarette lighter or hooked up directly to your car battery.

The 14-inch wide, 10-inch high stainless steel heater-upper can crank out 175W when plugged in to the cigarette lighter. When you don't have time for all that slow roasting and need to get your ham cooked quickly, connect the portable microwave to the battery -- terminals included -- and you'll get 660W of fast-cooking power. We can only hope this contraption is an answer to a question no one was asking. However, if you want to be king of the tailgating party, your crown will only cost you £69.98.

[Source: Daily Mail]

Mobile microwave takes Mhz and hot food on the go... originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesetcfoodgadgetsmicrowavetoysFri, 02 Jan 2009 16:33:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Segway - So simple a chimp can ride it]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/video-segway-so-simple-a-chimp-can-ride-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/video-segway-so-simple-a-chimp-can-ride-it/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/video-segway-so-simple-a-chimp-can-ride-it/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above to jump to the video of a chimp riding a Segway

There are some things in life that one must see to believe. And more than a few of them involve animals and motorized vehicles. Like a peacock sodomizing a Lexus. Well, unfortunately we didn't catch that on video, but someone on a television show did manage to film a chimpanzee, dressed in denim overalls and a bicycle helmet riding a Segway wheelabout.

Of course this could only happen in one place: Japan. And as the footage appears to be from a Japanese game show of some sort, it even has the requisite sound effects, as you can see for yourself in the video after the jump. We'll warn you now that you will ask yourself at several intervals why you're watching this, but you'll finish the video anyway. Enjoy.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Segway - So simple a chimp can ride it

VIDEO: Segway - So simple a chimp can ride it originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fri, 02 Jan 2009 09:59:00 EST<![CDATA[UK police admit almost half of all speed cameras are off]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/01/uk-police-admit-almost-half-of-all-speed-cameras-are-off/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/01/uk-police-admit-almost-half-of-all-speed-cameras-are-off/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/01/uk-police-admit-almost-half-of-all-speed-cameras-are-off/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We all know the drill. You see a speed camera, you slow down, you look at the camera, you check your speedometer and look for the camera again. But in the UK at least, reports now indicate that nearly half of the 1,000 speed cameras installed are entirely inactive.

Because many of the cameras installed in the UK during the 1990s failed to meet transportation department criteria for deployment, some 40% were immediately decommissioned. However, the boxes that house them are still there, even though many of them are empty altogether. Motorist groups are lobbying to have the inactive devices removed, citing them as a dangerous roadside distraction, but the government insists that whether they're in use or not, the visible presence of the camera boxes keep drivers' speeds in check.

[Source: The Daily Mail, Photo by SHAUN CURRY/AFP/Getty]

UK police admit almost half of all speed cameras are off originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jan 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>englandgreat britainGreatBritainspeed camerasspeed cameras great britainspeed cameras ukSpeedCamerasSpeedCamerasGreatBritainSpeedCamerasUktraffic camerasTrafficCamerasukunited kingdomUnitedKingdomThu, 01 Jan 2009 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Wooden wheels for the guy who doesn't have everything]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/29/wooden-wheels-for-the-guy-who-doesnt-have-everything/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/29/wooden-wheels-for-the-guy-who-doesnt-have-everything/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/29/wooden-wheels-for-the-guy-who-doesnt-have-everything/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Sure, you could take the easy way out and just go buy a boxed replica, smelted in some far off land and stamped out as nondescriptly as a tube of toothpaste, but that's not so much gift-giving as it is proxy-buying. Vehicle models made of wood are something different entirely. Juxtaposing the mechanical nature of automobiles by rendering scale models in fine woods might seem odd at first blush. What, no paint on the quarter panels? No plated plastic bumpers? But then, laying eyes on the expert craftsmanship that's gone into the models over at Wooden Classic Wheels will remove any doubt that the medium works perfectly for the subject matter. Of course, the replicas will also remove vast amounts of padding from your bank balance, but true art isn't about the money... it just costs that way. Thanks for the tip, William!

Gallery: Wooden Vehicle Models


[Source: WoodenClassicWheels.com]

Wooden wheels for the guy who doesn't have everything originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automobile modelsAutomobileModelscar modelsCarModelsmodel carsModelCarsreplicavehicle replicasVehicleReplicaswooden auto replicawooden car replicaWoodenAutoReplicaWoodenCarReplicaMon, 29 Dec 2008 10:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Active Aerodynamics: Coolest LeMons technology EVAR?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/27/active-aerodynamics-coolest-lemons-technology-evar/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/27/active-aerodynamics-coolest-lemons-technology-evar/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/27/active-aerodynamics-coolest-lemons-technology-evar/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above to watch the video

Our official coverage of the 24 Hours of LeMons Arse-Freeze-Apalooza at Thunderhill has started, but we couldn't wait to show you what could be the absolute coolest bit of low-cost technology that will be showcased at the event: the hillbilly wing. This stunning bit of kit will be vying for the coveted "Most Dangerous Banned F1 Technology" trophy, and we think they're a shoe-in. Actuated by a bowling ball, the hillbilly wing is made from an abandoned ironing board, some electrical conduit and a bit of rope. Genius. Now, how long will it last?

The Faster Farms Chickens' 1966-7 Plymouth Belvedere was made to resemble the car used in the Foster Imposters skits, and they have done a pretty good job emulating their target. When Foster Farms found out about the car, they issued a press release detailing the effort -- something that warms our cockles in our ridiculously litigious society. See the PR and the video after the break.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Continue reading Active Aerodynamics: Coolest LeMons technology EVAR?

Active Aerodynamics: Coolest LeMons technology EVAR? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Dec 2008 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24 hours of lemons24HoursOfLemonsBelvedereBowlingfaster farmsFasterFarmsfoster farmsfoster impostersFosterFarmsFosterImposterslemonslemons thunderhillLemonsThunderhillPlymouthSat, 27 Dec 2008 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Concept Moto Multi nav system takes cues from compass]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/21/concept-moto-multi-nav-system-takes-cues-from-compass/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/21/concept-moto-multi-nav-system-takes-cues-from-compass/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/21/concept-moto-multi-nav-system-takes-cues-from-compass/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click above for a image gallery of the Moto Nav concept

Today, on Vaporware Theatre, we present a spiffy-looking navigation system inspired by that other nav rig - the compass. Jeongmin Ok designed the Moto to reflect the sense of accuracy and dependability that some people take away from a compass, deviations from true north notwithstanding. Ok imagines that a 3.5" touchscreen will display typical navigation views of street data, as well as the compass-like mode.

The die-cast aluminum unit also integrates Bluetooth, a slot for microSD cards, and a camera. After all, when you're designing conceptual things, it's all too easy to pack the feature list. Still, it's a slick-looking gadget, and it would certainly make a spiffy additional distraction in the cabin.

Gallery: Moto Nav


[Source: Designlaunches.com]

Concept Moto Multi nav system takes cues from compass originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Dec 2008 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Sun, 21 Dec 2008 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Works Solutions gets priced, not exactly cheap but not bad]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/19/ford-works-solutions-gets-priced-its-not-exactly-cheap-but-not/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/19/ford-works-solutions-gets-priced-its-not-exactly-cheap-but-not/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/19/ford-works-solutions-gets-priced-its-not-exactly-cheap-but-not/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Ford Works Solutions caters to the kinds of commercial builders and workmen who will buy trucks no matter what state the economy is in because of one simple fact: they need them. Its four main features -- Internet access with limited Office functionality, Tool Link, Crew Chief, and Cable Lock -- are meant to not only help owners and workers look after their trucks, but also look after the tools necessary to do their jobs. As usual, that kind of convenience is going to cost you.

You can get all four features installed for $2,815 on regular and Super Duty F-150s. To that cost you add the monthly charges: Crew Chief is $16 or $20 per month per vehicle for a minimum of three years; Internet through Sprint is either $25 or $50 per month plus taxes and fees; and LogMeIn, used to access the desktop back at the office, is an optional $50 per year. If you went for the full functionality of Works Solutions you'd spend about $80 after taxes on the service, which isn't exactly nothing, but not bad considering how much the extra knowledge is worth and how much tools cost nowadays.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Ford Works Solutions gets priced, not exactly cheap but not bad originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f-150fordford f-150ford works solutionsFordF-150FordWorksSolutionsgadgetspickup truckPickupTrucktechtechnologyworks solutionsWorksSolutionsFri, 19 Dec 2008 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Traveling with kids? You need Punch Buggy iPhone app]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/19/traveling-with-kids-you-need-punch-buggy-iphone-app/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/19/traveling-with-kids-you-need-punch-buggy-iphone-app/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/19/traveling-with-kids-you-need-punch-buggy-iphone-app/#commentsFiled under: , ,

During the holidays, millions of Americans will pack up their families and go for long drives to visit friends and kin. Along the way, they'll enjoy the scenery together, share stories and the miles will fly by in familial bliss. Yeah, right.

Instead, if you're lucky, the kids will be in the third row of the minivan/SUV playing video games with wireless headphones on while Mom or Dad drives and you nap. If you're not lucky enough to have such devices in your vehicle, fire up your iPhone (you do have one of those, right?), and download Punch Buggy Mobile.

It's the iPhonified version of that age-old game we've all played. Spy the designated car, score a point. The old-fashioned version was good for at least 15 minutes or until someone lost count of the score and a fight ensued. That's where Punch Buggy comes in. It keeps track of up to three players' scores and expands the game past one particular car to a whole list of them. Spot a MINI Cooper, score two points. Spot a yellow MINI Cooper, score four points. Etc, etc.

There's a both free and pay versions of the Slug Bug applet, the latter of which costs .99¢ and gives users a chance to win real prizes by spotting the company's Ca$h Buggy out on the open road. Visit their website for more details.

Traveling with kids? You need Punch Buggy iPhone app originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iphoneiphone appiphone travelIphoneAppIphoneTravelpunch buggyPunchBuggyslug bugSlugBugFri, 19 Dec 2008 08:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Baby incubators made from used car parts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/17/baby-incubators-made-from-used-car-parts/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/17/baby-incubators-made-from-used-car-parts/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/17/baby-incubators-made-from-used-car-parts/#commentsFiled under: ,

Incubators for newborn babies are tasked with providing a clean and warm environment for children too small or premature to survive on their own. While the concept sounds rather simple, late-model incubators found in our hospitals are decidedly sophisticated and most require highly specialized parts. Making matters worse, the machines are notoriously high maintenance and cost upwards of $40,000 each. While the problem is bothersome in rich nations, thousands of incubators sit in disrepair -- hopelessly unusable -- in third-world countries.

Dr. Jonathan Rosen from the Boston University School of Management was determined to solve the dilemma. During his travels, Rosen observed that no matter how remote the locale, there always seemed to be a Toyota 4Runner in working order, a realization that resulted in a clever idea. Working with Design That Matters, Rosen decided to start with a 4Runner and "take away all the parts that weren't an incubator." The result was a new automotive part -based incubator that employs car headlamps for heat, auto filters for air purification, and a door alarm to signal emergencies. And that is just for starters. Best of all, the resulting contraption is easily transportable, simple to operate, reliable and only costs about $1,000 per device. While the 4Runner 4Babies incubator won't solve all of the world's problems, the idea is brilliant enough to earn our kudos.

[Source: New York Times, photo by Design that Matters]


Baby incubators made from used car parts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Design that MattersDesignThatMattersIncubatorInfantJonathan RoseJonathan RosenJonathanRoseJonathanRosenPrematureRosenWed, 17 Dec 2008 08:31:00 EST<![CDATA[CNET announces nominees for Tech Car of the Year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/12/cnet-announces-nominees-for-tech-car-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/12/cnet-announces-nominees-for-tech-car-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/12/cnet-announces-nominees-for-tech-car-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



About this time last year, Cadillac's CTS added CNET's Tech Car of the Year to its increasingly crowded trophy case. Its entertainment system's recording capability was one of the things that impressed us, and, presumably, the voters. This year, CNET asks its readers to choose between three imports and two domestics, none of which are Cadillacs.

BMW's M3 Convertible DCT gets a spot on the ballot with its dual-clutch transmission. We wonder if the car's recent recall for transmission problems will affect its standing. The Nissan GT-R shows up again, as you might expect with its cabin full of g-whiz electronics, from the in-dash performance computer to the quick-loading navigation. Lincoln makes the list for its THX-equipped MKS and Infiniti's EX35 Journey gets recognized for its lane-departure warning system and park-assist cameras.

The biggest surprise, though, is the Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie. The pachyderm-sized pickup impressed the CNET judges with its UConnect multimedia system which includes a 30GB hard drive, Bluetooth hands-free system, SIRIUS TV and rear seat DVD player.

The winner will be announced the second week of January to coincide with the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas.

[Source: CNET]

CNET announces nominees for Tech Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmw dctbmw m3BmwDctBmwM3cadillac ctsCadillacCtscnetcnet tech carCnetTechCardctdodge ramdodge ram 1500DodgeRamDodgeRam1500gt-rinfiniti ex35infiniti ex35 modelo 2008InfinitiEx35InfinitiEx35Modelo2008lincoln mksLincolnMksm3 convertiblem3 dctM3ConvertibleM3Dctmksnissan gt-rNissanGt-rskyline gt-rSkylineGt-rtech car of the yearTechCarOfTheYearFri, 12 Dec 2008 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Gran Turismo 5 could arrive Stateside in late 2009]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/03/gran-turismo-5-could-arrive-stateside-in-late-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/03/gran-turismo-5-could-arrive-stateside-in-late-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/03/gran-turismo-5-could-arrive-stateside-in-late-2009/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue

We've been playing Gran Turismo 5 Prologue for about a year now on our PS3, and it looks like we'll be waiting another 12 months before we get our hands on the full version. Spanish newspaper El Financiero claims that senior executives at Polyphony point to a Christmas 2009 date for the full GT5. This comes after GT creator Kazunori Yamauchi told our friends over at Joystiq that the debut of GT5 might not happen until sometime in 2010. The full GT5 would contain far more race tracks and vehicles than the already competent Prologue, which we would welcome with open arms. Many are speculating that, like previous versions, GT5 will first be launched in Japan. That means it's highly likely that we'll have all the details on the prodigious racing game well before it hits our shores.

While we're hopeful that GT5 finds its way underneath our Christmas tree next year, the GT racing series has been anything but timely. One example could be the promised GT4 for PSP. It was announced four years ago in 2004 and Polyphony execs insist that it is still forthcoming - after GT5 is finally released.

Gallery: Gran Turismo 5 Prologue


[Source: Joystiq]

Gran Turismo 5 could arrive Stateside in late 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gran turismogran turismo 5GranTurismoGranTurismo5GT5GT5 prologueGt5PrologueWed, 03 Dec 2008 07:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Sirius and XM debut new lineups]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/14/sirius-and-xm-debut-new-lineups/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/14/sirius-and-xm-debut-new-lineups/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/14/sirius-and-xm-debut-new-lineups/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Sirius and XM have buried the hatchet and merged their content, to the likely displeasure of many. XM closes 15 stations while simultaneously adding 22 new selections to the lineup, and Sirius pretty much broke even, trading 11 stations for 10 new ones. As has always been the case, the sports fans fare the best. Reception is reportedly better, too, though we're sure the lossy-codec lack of fidelity still makes it all virtually unlistenable to anyone that pays attention. If you don't care that cymbal crashes on SatRad sound like a pair of metal trash cans being hurled down a fire escape, you'll likely be pleased with the shuffling; though we hope they've left our beloved Soulsville alone.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

Sirius and XM debut new lineups originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>siriussirius radiosirius satellite radiosirius xmsirius xm mergersirius xm radioSiriusRadioSiriusSatelliteRadioSiriusXmSiriusXmMergerSiriusXmRadioxmxm radioxm satellite radioXmRadioXmSatelliteRadioFri, 14 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Popular Science names Best of What's New in Auto Tech for 2008]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/13/popular-science-names-best-of-whats-new-in-auto-tech-for-2008/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/13/popular-science-names-best-of-whats-new-in-auto-tech-for-2008/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/13/popular-science-names-best-of-whats-new-in-auto-tech-for-2008/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



What are the best innovations that the global automotive industry debuted in 2008? Popular Science has just picked its favorites and revealed the Best of What's New awards for the year that just was; um, is. The grand prize goes to the Nissan GT-R for its technical brilliance, astonishing performance and relatively attractive pricing. No real complaints there, though we'd be remiss if we didn't at least mention that the new Corvette ZR1 in the same breathe, which PopSci fails to do.

Green technology holds down three of the 11 positions, with two coming from Ford for its capless fuel fillers and EcoBoost engine tech, though the latter won't arrive until 2009 and Ford can't be credited with pioneering the combination of turbocharging and direct-injection on small displacement engines. Honda takes up a slot with its largely unobtainable hydrogen fuel cell-powered FCX Clarity. Also winning awards from the techy Mag are BMW's Google Maps-infused MyInfo service and the speed recognition system from the Euro-spec 7 Series, the DARPA-winning Tartan Racing Boss, Audi's Dynamic Steering, the Wide-View cameras from Lexus, Infiniti's self-healing clearcoat and the Speedshift transmission from Merdedes-Benz. Click the source link to read about each honoree, and let us know in the comments if you think PopSci missed an automotive tech marvel from 2008.

[Source: Popular Science]

Popular Science names Best of What's New in Auto Tech for 2008 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best of 2008best of whats newBestOf2008BestOfWhatsNewnissan gt rnissan gt-rnissan gtrNissanGt-rNissanGtrpopscipopular sciencepopular science best of whats newpopular science bownPopularSciencePopularScienceBestOfWhatsNewPopularScienceBownThu, 13 Nov 2008 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Bling It On: Amosu Luxury paves Bentley keyfob in diamonds]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/11/bling-it-on-amosu-luxury-paves-bentley-keyfob-in-diamonds/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/11/bling-it-on-amosu-luxury-paves-bentley-keyfob-in-diamonds/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/11/bling-it-on-amosu-luxury-paves-bentley-keyfob-in-diamonds/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Amosu Luxury diamond Bentley key

As if losing the car keys weren't already enough of a nightmare scenario - the keys to your Bentley that much more so - along come the innovative jewelers at Amosu Luxury to make the key itself that much more precious. The company has staked its reputation among the nouveau riche for taking things like cell phones and icing them out in diamonds. Now Amosu has turned its attention to another item commonly found in the hands of the luxo-bling crowd - a Bentley key - and decorated it with 101 little diamonds (no more, no less) for a total of 1.09 carats, focused on detailing the Flying B logo.

Icing out your Bentley keychain will set you back nearly $8,000, so you may want to get a special leather case for it or keep it in your Bentley safe. But if "the world's fastest lorries" aren't your bag, Amosu can do the same for Lamborghini, Ferrari and Mercedes keys as well, which'll go nicely with that platinum Mercedes-Benz keychain. Thanks for the tip, Christian!

Gallery: Amosu diamond Bentley key


[Source: Motor Authority via 4WheelNews]

Bling It On: Amosu Luxury paves Bentley keyfob in diamonds originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amosuamosu diamondamosu luxuryAmosuDiamondAmosuLuxurybentleybentley diamond keybentley keybentley key fobBentleyDiamondKeyBentleyKeyBentleyKeyFobkeykey fobKeyFobTue, 11 Nov 2008 16:58:00 EST