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[LA 2009: Toyota debuts its plug-in Prius for North America]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/toyota-prius-plug-in-hybrid-los-angeles-2009/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/toyota-prius-plug-in-hybrid-los-angeles-2009/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/toyota-prius-plug-in-hybrid-los-angeles-2009/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,


Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota rather unceremoniously parked their plug-in Prius hybrid prototype at its North American market debut during the LA Auto Show, while their new Sienna minivan got a royal welcome at its coming out party. At a show that saw the production-ish Chevrolet Volt appearing in public for the first time, it might have seemed likely that Toyota would have made a bigger deal of this model, but we just sort of stumbled upon it while checking out its big brother, the Lexus LFA.

The company did issue a press release, which you can read in its entirety after the jump. In it, they announce that a global demonstration program will start this month in Japan and that the first batch of 500 Lithium-Ion batteries for those vehicles is moving down the assembly line as we speak. The 2010 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (PHV) uses Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive package but adds their first generation lithium-ion battery so it can go all-electric further and more quickly than a traditional hybrid. The electric-only range is just 13 miles, but the Prius PHEV will be able to run all the way up to 60 mph in electric-only mode.

Beyond that, the plug-in Prius reverts to regular hybrid mode with the gas engine and electric motor trading off depending on load and demand. The gas engine is important on this Prius PHEV and cars like the Volt because it lessens the "range anxiety" drivers might feel in a pure electric - That uneasiness that comes from thinking you could be stranded when the batteries run down.

Japan and Europe split the first batch of 350 vehicles, but early next year, the next 150 examples are coming Stateside. These first PHEV vehicles will serve as a test program for real world driving needs, kind of like the MINI E program going on right now. Toyota has already announced that Boulder, CO is going to be the first community to get some of these plug-in hybrids - a surefire way for Toyota to see how cold temps affect battery performance. You can read the rest of the presser after the jump and there's a gallery available by clicking any image below.


Gallery: LA 2009: The plug-in Prius


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading LA 2009: Toyota debuts its plug-in Prius for North America

LA 2009: Toyota debuts its plug-in Prius for North America originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> la 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowplug inplug in hybridplug-inplug-in hybridplug-in priusPlug-inHybridPlug-inPriuspluginPlugInHybridtoyota priustoyota prius hybridtoyota prius plug intoyota prius plug in hybridToyota Prius plug-inToyotaPriusToyotaPriusHybridToyotaPriusPlug-inToyotaPriusPlugInToyotaPriusPlugInHybrid Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:29:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Audi twists e-tron concept's 3319 lb-ft torque rating]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/audi-twists-e-tron-3319-lb-ft-torque-rating/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/audi-twists-e-tron-3319-lb-ft-torque-rating/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/audi-twists-e-tron-3319-lb-ft-torque-rating/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Audi e-tron concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

When introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, Audi boasted its all-electric e-tron was fitted with four electric motors producing "230 kW (313 horsepower) and 4,500 Nm (3,319.03 pound-feet) of torque." While the e-tron's styling may have raised a few eyebrows, we were notably moved by the quoted torque figure - especially when we considered that the twin-turbocharged Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG, one of the most powerful vehicles on the road, makes 738 lb-ft in comparison. We were stupefied by the number, and it set off more than a few debates among our group, but Audi made no attempt to clarify...

The team at Automobile Magazine, initially duped like everyone else, has recognized that Audi was quoting torque measured at the wheels, not at the output shaft - the industry standard. Measuring torque at the wheels takes the multiplication effect of the transmission and final drive gears into account. The resulting figures are generally ten-fold of what they would be at the crank (meaning cars like a 3.6-liter Chevrolet Malibu packs a similar 3,115 lb-ft of torque). Audi's e-tron torque figures are not exactly dishonest, but they are using a completely different evaluation without making mention of it in the press release. Long story short, Automobile estimates the e-tron makes about 252 lb-ft of torque, or a bit less than the Tesla Roadster's 273 lb-ft.


Gallery: LA 2009: Orange Audi e-tron


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Audi e-tron concept


[Source: Automobile]

REPORT: Audi twists e-tron concept's 3319 lb-ft torque rating originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Audiaudi conceptaudi etron conceptaudi torqueAudiConceptAudiEtronConceptAudiTorquee-tronetronetron torqueEtronTorqueoutput shaftOutputShafttorquewheel torqueWheelTorque Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:27:00 EST <![CDATA[LA 2009: Hands-on with Hughes and Mercedes-Benz's new telematics apps]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-hands-on-with-mercedes-benz-new-telematics-apps/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-hands-on-with-mercedes-benz-new-telematics-apps/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-hands-on-with-mercedes-benz-new-telematics-apps/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Hughes Telematics recently announced its partnership with Mercedes-Benz on the automaker's new line of "mbrace" mobile telematics solutions. The system, which connects mbrace-equipped vehicles with an app installed on the user's Apple iPhone or RIM Blackberry, allows people to lock and unlock their doors, contact roadside assistance, get in touch with a local dealer or find their vehicle in a crowded parking lot. It's a relatively trick technology that we spent some time with at the LA Auto Show, and there's plenty of potential on the horizon.

Continue reading LA 2009: Hands-on with Hughes and Mercedes-Benz's new telematics apps

LA 2009: Hands-on with Hughes and Mercedes-Benz's new telematics apps originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2009 la auto show2009LaAutoShowhughes telematicsHughesTelematicslala 2009la auto showla showLa2009LaAutoShowLaShowmbracemercedes-benz Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:59:00 EST <![CDATA[Ready, Set, Go! Clever stoplight concept counts down to green]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/ready-set-go-clever-stoplight-concept-counts-down-to-green/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/ready-set-go-clever-stoplight-concept-counts-down-to-green/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/ready-set-go-clever-stoplight-concept-counts-down-to-green/#comments Filed under: ,

Eko stop light - Click above for image gallery

We've got the stoplights in our neighborhood timed pretty well, but it's pretty painful when you're at a foreign intersection and have absolutely no idea when the light will turn green. We shift our vehicle into Neutral and give our left foot a break at a stoplight that we know is long, but at uncharted lights, we occasionally keep our clutch foot to the floor.

One designer by the name of Damjan Stankovic decided we should wait no longer, so he designed an innovative-looking "Eko" stoplight that offers an easy to read indicator that shows how much time the light has until it turns green. The idea has some merit. If you want to conserve fuel and reduce CO2 emissions, you could turn off your engine during truly long lights. (We wouldn't, but you could). If drivers were able to see the light from far away, they could also let off the accelerator early and save a little strain on the brakes. We can think of one big issue, though: drivers trying to time the turn from red to green.

What do you think? Would a red light timer be a good thing, or would it be a recipe for disaster? Give us your take in 'Comments.' Thanks for the tips, Spyros and Jared!


Gallery: Eko Stop Light


[Source: Yanko Design]

Ready, Set, Go! Clever stoplight concept counts down to green originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Damjan StankovicDamjanStankovicroad safetyRoadSafetystop lightstop light timerStopLightStopLightTimertraffic safetyTrafficSafety Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:40:00 EST <![CDATA[LA 2009: Lexus LFA wireframe cutaway wows us]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-lexus-lfa-wireframe-cutaway-wows-us/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-lexus-lfa-wireframe-cutaway-wows-us/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-lexus-lfa-wireframe-cutaway-wows-us/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

2011 Lexus LFA wireframe cutaway - Click above for high-res image gallery

Wow. Lexus brought their new LFA supercar to the LA Auto Show this year. That might not seem particularly wow-worthy, but it definitely becomes more surprising when you hear that they actually brought an LFA and a half. While a white LFA was happily humming along, spinning slowly on a rotating platform in the middle of the booth, another LFA-like creature lay motionless a few feet away.

It seems Lexus had an extra drivetrain they wanted to display, but instead of just parking the engine, transaxle and other mechanical bits on a stand, they decided to make it something of a cutaway. Rather than chopping up one of those exquisitely woven carbon fiber bodies, thankfully, they supported the running gear in a wireframe cutaway of sorts that mimics the overall shape of the production car. It was even done up in white just like the real thing on the other side of the stand. While some saw it as a novel way to display the internals, we think this might be a sneak peek at the cheaper, simpler Lexus LFA we had hoped for. Or, you know, not.

Check out the gallery below, and do yourself a favor - Take a few extra seconds to ogle that engine.


Gallery: LA 2009: Lexus LFA wireframe cutaway


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

LA 2009: Lexus LFA wireframe cutaway wows us originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> la 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA ShowLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowlexusLexus LF-Alexus lfalexus supercarLexusLf-aLexusLfaLexusSupercarLF-Alfalos angeleslos angeles 2009LosAngelesLosAngeles2009 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:31:00 EST <![CDATA[GM confirms Chevrolet Volt to be introduced in California before nationwide rollout]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/gm-confirms-chevrolet-volt-to-be-introduced-in-california-before/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/gm-confirms-chevrolet-volt-to-be-introduced-in-california-before/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/gm-confirms-chevrolet-volt-to-be-introduced-in-california-before/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

If environmentally-friendly transportation is your thing, there's no place like California. Not only is the state home base to Tesla - the first company to genuinely demonstrate that hugging a tree and hugging the road needn't be mutually exclusive - it was also chosen by General Motors as the launch site for its EV1 and by Honda for the FCX Clarity. It should come as no great surprise, then, that GM has just announced that its latest earthmobile - the highly anticipated Chevrolet Volt - will launch in California first before being introduced in markets across the country.

Not only with the Volt be available in the nation's largest car market before any other, but The General is also partnering with a number of local electric companies to accompany the rollout. Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison and Sacramento Municipal Utility District, together with the non-profit Electric Power Research Institute, will help demonstrate the benefits and practicality of the Volt's hybrid powertrain, thanks in part to a $30 million grant from the federal Department of Energy's Transportation Electrification Initiative. Follow the jump to read all about it in GM's full press release.


Gallery: Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM confirms Chevrolet Volt to be introduced in California before nationwide rollout

GM confirms Chevrolet Volt to be introduced in California before nationwide rollout originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 chevrolet volt2011 chevy volt2011ChevroletVolt2011ChevyVoltcaliforniachevroletchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevyVolte-revElectric Power Research InstituteElectricPowerResearchInstituteeprierevEVextended-rangegas-electricpacific gas and electricPacificGasAndElectricsacramento municipal utility districtSacramentoMunicipalUtilityDistrictsouthern california edisonSouthernCaliforniaEdisonvolt Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST <![CDATA[Review: Google Maps turn-by-turn navigation on Android 2.0]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/review-google-maps-turn-by-turn-navigation-on-android-2-0/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/review-google-maps-turn-by-turn-navigation-on-android-2-0/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/review-google-maps-turn-by-turn-navigation-on-android-2-0/#comments Filed under: ,

Google maps turn by turn navigation - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's no secret that we've been openly critical of the prices charged by automakers for built-in GPS navigation systems. Frankly, paying $2,000 or more for an in-dash system when you can buy stand-alone navigation units for as little as $100 is ridiculous. Even the newer, larger seven-inch screen units are now down to as little as $250, and even though they aren't tied in to a vehicles' wheel sensors, they tend to be plenty accurate. Now, however, there is a new option that is even cheaper - as in (sort of) free.

It's only "sort of" free because the Google maps turn-by-turn navigation app is built into the new Motorola Droid smartphone (see sister-site Engadget's full review of the Droid here) that recently became available from Verizon Wireless. In this case, you have to sign up for two years of mobile phone service, which includes a data plan. I've been a Verizon customer for a decade and just happened to be up for a biennial discounted phone upgrade. When the Droid appeared a few weeks ago, the plan to wait until the new year for a Palm Pre was discarded. We've now had the chance to play with the Droid and its new navigation software, so follow the jump to find out if it lives up to expectations.


Gallery: Motorola Droid Google Navigation

Continue reading Review: Google Maps turn-by-turn navigation on Android 2.0

Review: Google Maps turn-by-turn navigation on Android 2.0 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> androidandroid 1.6android 2.0android navigationAndroid1.6Android2.0AndroidNavigationdroiddroid navigationDroidNavigationfeaturefeaturedfeaturesgooglegoogle mapsgoogle maps turn by turn navigationGoogleMapsGoogleMapsTurnByTurnNavigationMotorolamotorola droidMotorolaDroidnavigation systemnavigation systemsNavigationSystemNavigationSystemsNavigationUnitreviewturn by turnturn by turn directionsturn by turn navigationTurnByTurnTurnByTurnDirectionsTurnByTurnNavigation Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:58:00 EST <![CDATA[Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/autoline-on-autoblog-with-john-mcelroy/#comments Filed under: ,

A RADICALLY NEW TYPE OF ENGINE

When oil prices shot over $100 a barrel a year ago, I was inundated with press releases from inventors claiming they had an engine that would solve the energy crisis. In most cases, I simply deleted each release and went on with my work. You see, I've seen this all before.

The same thing happened after the oil shocks of the 1970s. All kinds of inventors came up with all kinds of engine designs, promising to solve the country's energy problem. But not one of those engines ever made it into production.

In most cases these new designs only existed on paper. In other cases, the efforts were led by people who had no clue what it takes to break into the automotive industry. Think about it. In the last 100 years only three engines have made it into mass production: the gasoline engine, the diesel engine, and the rotary. And only Mazda has stuck with the rotary.

But recently I got to see a new type of engine that makes me think it might have a chance. Part of that has to do with the design of the engine. The other part has to do with who is behind the project.

____________________________________________________________________________________

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Continue reading Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoline on autoblogAutolineOnAutoblogdon runkleDonRunkleeco motorsEcoMotorsfeaturedjohn colettijohn mcelroyJohnColettiJohnMcelroyopoc engineOpocEnginepeter hofbauerPeterHofbauer Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST <![CDATA[Nav for All: Nissan offering inexpensive nav system on popular cars]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/nissan-to-offer-low-price-nav-system-for-high-volume-products/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/nissan-to-offer-low-price-nav-system-for-high-volume-products/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/nissan-to-offer-low-price-nav-system-for-high-volume-products/#comments Filed under: ,



When navigation systems started showing up in the center stacks of luxury vehicles, the new (at the time) tech typically would set owners back a couple grand or more (and still does). As we gear up for 2010, mapping tech is everywhere from the most expensive luxury sleds to economical hatchbacks, but there is still one problem. If you want an LCD screen with navigation capability, the option will still set you back from over $1,000 to above and beyond $2,000 in most cases. The only exception is Suzuki, which includes its TRIP nav system as standard equipment on the sub-$20k SX4.

Nissan is looking to change the navi pricing paradigm by offering a $400 navigation system in some of its high volume 2010 MY products. That's $400, or the same price as Ford's LCD-less SYNC system. Or less than half the price of most options available in vehicles today. The nav system, which was developed by Nissan and Bosch, gives directions, integrates your tunes with USB and Aux inputs and has integrated Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling. The low cost system also connects with a backup camera and can help you save money by pointing out the route that will cost you the least fuel.

The Detroit News reviewed the nav system in 2010 Nissan Sentra and came away impressed with its overall operation, though the smallish five-inch LCD screen was reportedly a bit hard to read at times. We're hoping low cost navvies are here to stay, and with the ultra-competitive nature of the auto industry, we're thinking any automaker that doesn't follow Nissan's lead will be at a major competitive disadvantage.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Nav for All: Nissan offering inexpensive nav system on popular cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 nissan sentra2010NissanSentralow cost navigationLowCostNavigationnavigation systemNavigationSystemnissannissan navigationNissanNavigation Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:57:00 EST <![CDATA[LA Preview: 2011 Ford Mustang V6 makes 305 HP, gets 30 MPG]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-ford-mustang-v6-la-2009-preview/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-ford-mustang-v6-la-2009-preview/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/2011-ford-mustang-v6-la-2009-preview/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


2011 Ford Mustang V6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It would be reasonable to expect that Ford might pass over the Mustang and instead devote more attention to its other models since it's fresh off a comprehensive revamp for the 2010 model year. However, that's not what is shaping up in the House That Henry Built.

For 2011, the Blue Oval is introducing a new 3.7-liter V6 Mustang that should give it the firepower and refinement needed to take on Chevrolet's six-cylinder Camaro and Hyundai's upstart Genesis Coupe. But it isn't just the spanking all-aluminum powerplant and its 305 horsepower and 280 foot-pounds of torque that's making the scene for the forthcoming model year. In addition to the Cleveland-sourced mill, there are a pair of fresh gearboxes, a new V6 performance package, and a host of nip/tucks to the interior and elsewhere.

Now, we could grouse on behalf of 2010 MY 'Stang owners everywhere that these upgrades weren't part of last year's mid-life updo, but instead, we'll just be happy that these advancements are arriving at all.

Despite being smaller than the outgoing 4.0-liter V6, the dual-overhead cam 3.7-liter's horsepower and torque ratings represent massive improvements over the 2010 model (305 HP dismisses 210 HP and 280 lb-ft. plays 240 torques). In fact, that's more horsepower than the 4.6-liter V8 Mustang made just a few years ago. While the 305-horse figure only allows the Mustang to pip the crosstown Camaro by a single all-important stallion in the pony car bragging wars, Ford says the powertrain will be good for 30 miles-per-gallon on the highway when paired with its new six-speed automatic, also one notch better than the Chevy.

Click through to the jump to read more details and check out Ford's suite of press releases.


Gallery: 2011 Ford Mustang 3.7-liter V6


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading LA Preview: 2011 Ford Mustang V6 makes 305 HP, gets 30 MPG

LA Preview: 2011 Ford Mustang V6 makes 305 HP, gets 30 MPG originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 Ford Mustang2011 ford mustang v62011FordMustang2011FordMustangV63.73.7-literBlue OvalBlueOvalfeaturedfordFord Mustangford mustang v6FordMustangFordMustangV6lala 2009LA Auto ShowLA Auto Show 2009LA showLa2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowLos Angeles 2009Los Angeles Auto ShowLosAngeles2009LosAngelesAutoShowMuscle CarMuscleCarMustangMustang V6MustangV6Pony CarPonyCarStangV6 MustangV6Mustang Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST <![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/#comments Filed under: ,



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 storeappcastsAppleappsAppStorenavnavinavigationsatnavtech Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:57:00 EST <![CDATA[Nissan's self-healing Scratch Shield paint to be applied to mobile phones]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/nissan-scratch-shield-paint-to-be-applied-to-mobile-phones/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/nissan-scratch-shield-paint-to-be-applied-to-mobile-phones/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/nissan-scratch-shield-paint-to-be-applied-to-mobile-phones/#comments Filed under: , ,



A while back, Nissan scientists helped to develop a paint clearcoat called Scratch Shield that can self-repair light scratches overnight or over the course of a week.

Now the Japanese automaker is spreading the love, licensing the technology to Japan's largest wireless company, NTT DoCoMo. The clearcoat uses a special top layer of highly elastic resin that gives the coating a 'flexibility' that reportedly means that it can prevent or "heal" 80% of surface marks. The coating itself is also tougher, so it is less susceptible to marks in the first place. Official press release after the jump.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan's self-healing Scratch Shield paint to be applied to mobile phones

Nissan's self-healing Scratch Shield paint to be applied to mobile phones originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cellphonemobile phoneMobilePhonenissanntt docomoNttDocomoScratch ShieldScratchShield Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:59:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Chevrolet Volt tests driver-controlled audio warning system with the blind]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/video-chevrolet-volt-tests-driver-controlled-audio-warning-syst/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/video-chevrolet-volt-tests-driver-controlled-audio-warning-syst/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/video-chevrolet-volt-tests-driver-controlled-audio-warning-syst/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



As the popularity of hybrids has grown over the last few years, advocates for the blind have been raising a red flag about noise, or -- more to the point -- the lack of it. Because electric-drive vehicles emit much lower levels of sound on the street, blind pedestrians who've relied on the noise emitted from traditional vehicles lose a major source of information when navigating the streets and sidewalks.

There have been movements in various legislatures to mandate some minimum sound level from electric vehicles to ensure that blind pedestrians can tell when they're approaching, and General Motors recently conducted a test session at its Milford Proving Grounds with a group of the visually-challenged to assess the audible warning systems on the Chevrolet Volt.

The engineers have employed the car's horn to emit a series of warning chirps when a pedestrian is in proximity to GM's gas-electric hybrid, evaluating the nature and level of the warnings to alert pedestrians rather than startle them. GM spokesman Rob Peterson tells us that on the first generation Volt the warnings will be manually activated by the driver, although future iterations are likely to incorporate some sort of active system. Currently, the biggest hurdle is developing an active system that can distinguish a pedestrian from another vehicle. Otherwise, without a reliable detection system, the horns would be going off at all times, increasing noise levels and making it largely useless.

[Source: ChevroletVoltage.com]

Continue reading VIDEO: Chevrolet Volt tests driver-controlled audio warning system with the blind

VIDEO: Chevrolet Volt tests driver-controlled audio warning system with the blind originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chevroletChevrolet VoltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevy-VoltChevyVoltElectric carelectric carselectric vehicleElectricCarElectricCarselectricityElectricVehicleev noiseEvNoise Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:13:00 EST <![CDATA[New Hyundai 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder makes 200 hp in 2011 Sonata]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/hyundais-new-2-4l-gdi-four-cylinder-hits-up-to-200hp-in-sonata/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/hyundais-new-2-4l-gdi-four-cylinder-hits-up-to-200hp-in-sonata/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/hyundais-new-2-4l-gdi-four-cylinder-hits-up-to-200hp-in-sonata/#comments Filed under: ,

Hyundai 2.4L Theta-II GDI - Click above for high res image gallery

When Hyundai's all new Sonata goes on sale early in 2010, it will arrive in U.S. showrooms with only one available engine, a thoroughly revamped version of the 2.4-liter Theta-II four cylinder. The new engine is Hyundai's first production powerplant with gasoline direct injection, but John Juriga, director of powertrains at the Hyundai-Kia Technical Center (HATCI), promised it wouldn't be the last. Juriga told a media briefing at HATCI recently that Hyundai was planning to roll out GDI across its lineup in the coming years.

For now though we have to be content with the new Sonata engine, which is now more powerful than the engine it replaces with 200 hp and 186 pound-feet of torque. The basic internal dimensions are carried over from the 2010 port-injected edition, with bore and stroke of 88 mm x 97 mm for a total displacement of 2,359 cc. The new fuel delivery system has allowed the engineering team to bump the compression ratio from 10.5:1 up to 11.3:1. Like other direct injected engines, the charge cooling effect of injecting the fuel in into the high temperature compressed aid allows the elevated compression without the risk of knock. Read on to learn more about the first GDI Hyundai engine.


Gallery: Hyundai 2.4L Theta-II GDI


[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading New Hyundai 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder makes 200 hp in 2011 Sonata

New Hyundai 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinder makes 200 hp in 2011 Sonata originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 hyundai sonata2011HyundaiSonatadirect injecteddirect injectionDirectInjectedDirectInjectionHyundaihyundai direct injectionhyundai sonatahyundai theta ii gdiHyundaiDirectInjectionHyundaiSonataHyundaiThetaIiGdisonatatheta ii gdiThetaIiGdi Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:01:00 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/#comments Filed under: , ,



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]]> bicyclegadgethondajapansimulatortech Mon, 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/#comments Filed under: ,

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 taxibotRicardoTaxibottechtechnology Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:07:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Ferrari working on radical new door opening]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/report-ferrari-working-on-radical-new-door-opening/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/report-ferrari-working-on-radical-new-door-opening/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/report-ferrari-working-on-radical-new-door-opening/#comments Filed under: , ,

As if scissor doors, gullwings, butterflies and those crazy Koenigsegg pivoters weren't enough to separate exotics from lesser cars, Ferrari is said to be working on another new door design that is both radical and practical. Go figure.

Autocar came across a patent filing showing a few diagrams depicting this unique door setup. What sets it apart is the fact that the new Ferrari door includes part of the front fender and hinges upward like the butterfly door from a LeMans racer. Apparently the opening is large enough and shaped in such a way that "occupants can place their foot directly behind the front wheel."

According to the patent application, that will make ingress and egress much easier for passengers in low-slung supercars, though the new door design is said to work just as well on front engined cars as it does for vehicles with their engines mounted aft or amidships. Even better, this design and its unique hinges are reported to be "easy and cost-effective to make," which should make it easier for the Dodge Chargers of SEMA circa 2012 to get in on the fun too.

We're still seeing an issue with the A-pillar and windscreen, but it looks interesting. We'll be sure to keep an eye out for any photos of these funky doors, but for now we're stuck wondering how hard it was for Ferrari engineers to use the supplied British sports car diagram in order to submit their application form.


Gallery: Ferrari's radical new doors


[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Ferrari working on radical new door opening originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> exoticexotic carexotic carsExoticCarExoticCarsFerrariFerrari doorFerrari doorsferrari patentFerrariDoorFerrariDoorsFerrariPatentreportsports carsports carssportscarsportscarssupercarsupercars Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:58:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Deconstructing the end-of-the-world limo ride in <i>2012</i>]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/video-deconstructing-the-end-of-the-world-limo-ride-in-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/video-deconstructing-the-end-of-the-world-limo-ride-in-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/video-deconstructing-the-end-of-the-world-limo-ride-in-2012/#comments Filed under: ,

Click above to watch the video after the jump

We're still early in the holiday movie season, but the clear early winner is the blockbuster world-ending thriller 2012. The pic cleared $65 million in its first weekend in the U.S. and a stunning $265 million around the globe. If you have already seen the movie or if you've just checked out the five minute clip we showed you last month, then you know this disaster flick is chock-full of CGI destruction on a scale we quite frankly have never seen before. And our favorite scene stars a Lincoln Town Car limo that somehow manages to survive (like the Panther platform upon which it is based) while the virtual world quite literally crumbles around it. It makes us wonder how that scene was made to look so damn real.

Well, we didn't have to wonder for long, because YouTube has come to the rescue with video of how the scene was created. A company called SWAY Studio created a simulator/program called Drive-A-Tron that works like a virtual stunt driving machine with very realistic-looking results. The simulator features a real steering wheel, along with brake and accelerator pedals to capture the action in real time. SWAY reconfigured the machine for the big screen action flick so the program could interact with moving terrain, and since the system features true to life engine, suspension and even tire inputs, the final product looks pretty damn real to us. Hit the jump to watch how the Lincoln Town Car limo scene was created. Pretty interesting stuff.

[Source: Raging Artists]

Continue reading VIDEO: Deconstructing the end-of-the-world limo ride in 2012

VIDEO: Deconstructing the end-of-the-world limo ride in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 blockbuster2012 limo scene2012 movie2012Blockbuster2012LimoScene2012Moviecgidrive-a-tronreal-time animationReal-timeAnimationsway Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST <![CDATA[Can You Hear Me Now? China reportedly developing 3G-based 'smart' car]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/can-you-hear-me-now-china-reportedly-developing-3g-based-smart/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/can-you-hear-me-now-china-reportedly-developing-3g-based-smart/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/can-you-hear-me-now-china-reportedly-developing-3g-based-smart/#comments Filed under: ,



Chana Auto, otherwise known as Changan (that's their Benni Sports pictured), has entered into an alliance with China Mobile "to develop a smart vehicle based on 3G wireless technologies." In actuality, however, it sounds like it's not the vehicle that will be smart, but what you can do with it.

From Gasgoo's report, it sounds like Changan wants to put an iPhone on wheels. That "wireless communications package" will feature all the web content - and e-mail and videoconferencing - you've practically come to expect from a car. Beyond that, it will enable owners to perform functions remotely such as control and management of the car, diagnostics, positioning and tracking, and "technologies which emulate an office environment." Pretty soon, even in China, there'll be no such question as "Dude, where's my car?"

[Source: Gasgoo]

Can You Hear Me Now? China reportedly developing 3G-based 'smart' car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 3gchanachanganchina mobileChinaMobile Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:29:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Jay Leno does the electric Tango]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/video-jay-leno-does-the-electric-tango/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/video-jay-leno-does-the-electric-tango/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/video-jay-leno-does-the-electric-tango/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Jay Leno drives Commuter Cars' Tango - click above to watch the video after the jump

Jay Leno likes him some electric Tango. No, not the new dance craze all the kids are talking texting about, but rather the oddly-narrow but very quick two-seater from Commuter Cars. Now, regular Autobloggreen readers have seen the Tango before, posing beside George Clooney or perhaps drag racing Tesla Roadsters, and many have commented (less than favorably) on its, um, nonconformist appearance. Perfect fodder, one might think, for a crack by someone who knows a thing or two about comedy. Instead, our man Jay Leno plays things pretty straight as he chats with its creator Rick Woodbury before taking it for a spin.

Watching the clip, you can tell that Leno really likes it, especially from behind the wheel. He reports it doesn't feel like a small car inside and really only looks weird from the outside. He likes that it's unique and finds the fact you can lane split with it to be hilarious. However, the real reason he states "It makes you smile..." has less to do with the Tango's width as it does with the fact that "it goes like stink," a point which he happily reiterates.

Despite its turn-of-speed, one of the Tango's biggest shortcoming is its 40 mile range at highway speeds. The car's heavy lead acid batteries are great for keeping it upright around hard corners, but you can't expect to go too far with yesteryear's technology. During their pre-drive talk, Commuter Cars' Woodbury revealed that the company is finally about to put lithium battery pack in a test car, and he expects for it to go up to 200 miles. All of which strikes us as a much more reasonable number if he ever expects to bring skinny back. Hit the jump for video of a little Tango in Jay's Garage.


Gallery: AltCar 2009: Tango EV


[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]




Top Gear

Continue reading VIDEO: Jay Leno does the electric Tango

VIDEO: Jay Leno does the electric Tango originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Commuter CarsCommuterCarsJay Lenos GarageJayLenosGarageLenoRick WoodburyRickWoodburyTangoTango EVTangoEv Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST