Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Painful Play: Audi develops free A4 racing game for iPhone]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/painful-play-audi-develops-free-a4-racing-game-for-iphone/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/painful-play-audi-develops-free-a4-racing-game-for-iphone/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/painful-play-audi-develops-free-a4-racing-game-for-iphone/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Audi feels that its customer base is smart, sophisticated and tech-savvy, which is why it should love a well designed game for the iPhone that features the 2009 Audi A4. Note the well-designed bit, because that's key. Audi had Denver's Factory Design Labs whip up a driving game that uses the iPhone's accelerometer as a way to steer the new 2009 A4 through slalom courses. The German automaker boasts that development took just two weeks, though after trying the free download ourselves, we think Audi might want to keep that quiet. Game development normally takes much longer - think years - so the two-week gestation of the "Audi A4 Challenge" is rather apparent. In a word: craptacular.

The top-down graphics are boring, and controlling the vehicle might unintentionally accelerate the iPhone right out of your hands. Adding further frustration is speed control that's got two extremes; the scale equivalent of 35 mph, or stopped. While the game is free, it's not worth the time you'll waste. Perhaps they should let the MMI guys have a crack at it? Press release after the jump

Gallery: Audi A4 Challenge


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Painful Play: Audi develops free A4 racing game for iPhone

 

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]]>audi a4 challengeaudi iphoneaudi iphone appaudi iphone gameAudiA4ChallengeAudiIphoneAudiIphoneAppAudiIphoneGame2008-08-28T07:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[Pininfarina Hyperion dash-mounted watch from Girard-Perregaux]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/pininfarina-hyperion-dash-mounted-watch-from-girard-perregaux/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/pininfarina-hyperion-dash-mounted-watch-from-girard-perregaux/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/pininfarina-hyperion-dash-mounted-watch-from-girard-perregaux/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If someone has enough cash on hand to commission an entirely rebodied Rolls-Royce from one of Italy's most famous coachbuilders, you can bet he's not going to be wearing an off-the-rack watch, either. That's why Girard-Perregaux crafted the special timepiece you see here.

As we reported with the initial news of the Pininfarina Hyperion, this one-of-a-kind tourbillon is specially designed to be removed from its ivory leather wristband and mounted into the dashboard of the unique Rolls-Royce. Its meticulously-hand-crafted 30-jewel movement has 72 components but weighs less than a third of a gram, encased in 18-karat white gold with a face colored the same light blue as the Hyperion it was made to accompany. Like the one-off Hyperion is based on the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, the watch is based on the Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 Tourbillon. But again, like the car, there was only one built.

Gallery: Pininfarina Rolls-Royce Hyperion


[Source: Girard-Perregaux via TimeZone]

 

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]]>girard-perregauxgirard-perregaux rolls-royce hyperion pininfarinaGirard-perregauxRolls-royceHyperionPininfarinahyperionpininfarinapininfarina hyperionpininfarina rolls-roycePininfarinaHyperionPininfarinaRolls-roycerolls roycerolls-roycerolls-royce hyperion pininfarinaRolls-royceHyperionPininfarinaRollsRoyce2008-08-27T17:30:00+00:00<![CDATA[GM reconfigurable performance display available 2009]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/gm-reconfigurable-performance-display-available-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/gm-reconfigurable-performance-display-available-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/26/gm-reconfigurable-performance-display-available-2009/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of GM's reconfigurable performance display

As of 1996, the United States requires all new vehicles to come equipped with the OBD II on-board vehicle diagnostics system. The system utilizes an array of sensors to provide feedback on engine performance in order to aid mechanics with troubleshooting as well as maintain sufficient emissions levels. The large expense of readers and loggers has kept access to the system out of range for the majority of consumers, that is until more recently. These days electronics, such as small touch screen lcds, have become a reasonable option for data displays. The aftermarket industry has already taken the jump in releasing software that integrates OBDII output to visual digital displays. Nissan even includes a fine example of the technology in the GT-R. Now GM has developed its own performance display intended for use with ECOtec engines, specifically those of the turbocharged variety, and it will be a $295 dealer installed option beginning in 2009.

GM's Reconfigurable Performance Display can illustrate a wide range of data in gauge form, such as boost, battery voltage, air fuel ratio, cam phase angle, timing, barometric pressure and even torque and horsepower (the later two likely calculated based on other parameters). The device even includes a g-sensor, so no need for hacking your Wiimote to do the job. Traction control can also be enabled and disabled through the screen, along with shift lights for individual gears. Check out the gallery below for various screen shots. While it is apparent that the display is marketed towards Chevrolet Cobalt SS and HHR SS owners, we also presume that Saturn Sky Redline and Solstice GXP owners will get the option. Unfortunately, there is no word yet on the performance display being available for the Chevy Camaro.

Gallery: GM Performance Display


[Source: GM Tuner Source]

 

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]]>GMGM Performance DisplayGmPerformanceDisplayPerformance DisplayPerformanceDisplay2008-08-26T13:56:00+00:00<![CDATA[The most obnoxiously tuned Toyota Prius... Ever]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/the-most-obnoxiously-tuned-toyota-prius-ever/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/the-most-obnoxiously-tuned-toyota-prius-ever/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/the-most-obnoxiously-tuned-toyota-prius-ever/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Click above to view video after the jump

We truly do appreciate the custom-car scene, in all of its various guises. There is, however, a problem with the custom Prius you see above and in the video embedded after the break. Generally speaking, the goal of modifying a car is to either A) make it go faster or B) make it look better.

When Classe Gustafson, Elvis Häggbom and Kenny Kyrk from Sweden had finished spending $184,000 customizing a Toyota Prius, they had accomplished neither. This Prius-trocity, which was modified for a television show, is anything but subtle. It lost two doors during its transformation from mild-mannered hybrid eco-mobile to whacked out sport compact that just happens to get good fuel economy, though it did get scissor-style portals that are nearly impossible to open in the process. And it also gained a huge honkin' stereo and the body-kit from a Volvo SUV. The over-the-top paint-job is the final touch. The Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain, however, went untouched save for the obligatory fart-can exhaust. Nice.

[Source: Wired]

Continue reading The most obnoxiously tuned Toyota Prius... Ever

 

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]]>Classe GustafsonClasseGustafsoncustom priusCustomPriusElvis HggbomKenny Kyrkmodified priusModifiedPriussweden2008-08-22T19:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Forget the Branding: Nokia's new 8800 Carbon Arte]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/forget-the-branding-nokias-new-8800-carbon-arte/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/forget-the-branding-nokias-new-8800-carbon-arte/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/forget-the-branding-nokias-new-8800-carbon-arte/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Automotive-themed cell phones are nothing new. We've reported on mobiles branded by Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche... even Fiat and HUMMER. But some phones don't need a licensing agreement and a flashy little badge to appeal to automotive enthusiasts.

Take, for example, the new Nokia 8800 Carbon Arte. Based on the already-slick-in-its-own-right 8800 series, the Carbon Arte edition is constructed of the same stuff you're likely to find in the most desirable of supercars: carbon fiber, titanium, stainless steel and polished glass. The sleek mobile packs 3G connectivity, a 3.2-megapixel camera, 4 gigs of memory and a new "turn to mute" feature that automatically kills the ringer when the phone is placed upside down on a table. At $1,600, it ain't cheap, but it looks like a relative bargain next to the $6,400 limited-edition racing-themed cell phones from Nokia's upscale brand Vertu.

[Source: acquire]

 

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]]>automotive themedAutomotiveThemedcar phonecarbon fibercarbon fibreCarbonFiberCarbonFibreCarPhonenokianokia 8800nokia 8800 carbon arteNokia8800Nokia8800CarbonArte2008-08-22T08:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Brunopasso: the espresso machine for auto enthusiasts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/brunopasso-the-espresso-machine-for-auto-enthusiasts/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/brunopasso-the-espresso-machine-for-auto-enthusiasts/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/22/brunopasso-the-espresso-machine-for-auto-enthusiasts/#commentsFiled under: ,

Cars need gasoline, and their drivers need coffee. While we wouldn't recommend combining the two into one beverage, why not infuse our coffee makers with more high-octane attitude? That's where the deviceSTYLE Brunopasso PD-1 espresso machine comes in. The styling, penned by Japanese designer Tadahito Ishibashi, draws its inspiration from classic sportscars. For instance, the indicators are laid out like the gauges on a car's dashboard, and it even has an authentic beechwood press lever like an old-school gear shifter. (Oh yeah, and we're sure it makes a delicious cup of joe.) The Brunopasso is available in red, brown or silver, but at $850, this kind of caffeinated style doesn't come cheap.

Gallery: Brunopasso PD-1


[Source: Brunopasso via Luxist]

 

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]]>beveragebrunopassocappucinocoffeecoffee machineCoffeeMachinedrinkespresso2008-08-22T07:56:00+00:00<![CDATA[Cobb Tuning gives the GT-R a serious bump in power]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/cobb-tuning-gives-the-gt-r-a-serious-bump-in-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/cobb-tuning-gives-the-gt-r-a-serious-bump-in-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/cobb-tuning-gives-the-gt-r-a-serious-bump-in-power/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Cobb Tuning has re-engineered its AccessPort control unit for the new R35 Nissan GT-R. For those of you lucky enough to own a GT-R and not content with its performance out of the box, the $995 AccessPort will reflash the ECU to any one of six different tuning levels.

There are three levels each for Stage 1 and Stage 2. Stage 1 can get you up to 63 additional ponies and 70 lb.-ft. of additional twist, while Stage 2 can boost the numbers by 70 and 90 respectively. The AccessPort can also save your stock ECU data and reflash it when you decide you're finished with all that extra gumption. According to a GT-R owner who tried it out, you can be blowing past all those regular GT-Rs in less than an hour.

And that's not all: you can store multiple engine mapping programs, remove trouble codes, install reduced-power valet and economy modes, and update maps over the Internet. It seems like a ridiculously easy proposition for making your supercar that much more super. So if you got one of those GT-Rs that are a little low on horses, this could be just the ticket.

[Source: Bespoke Ventures]

 

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]]>accessportcobbcobb accessportcobb motorsportcobb tuningCobbAccessportCobbMotorsportCobbTuninggt-rnissannissan gt-rNissanGt-rtunertunerstuning2008-08-21T16:27:00+00:00<![CDATA[<strike>Class</strike> Clown: Lamborghini smoking accessories]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/strike-class-strike-clown-lamborghini-smoking-accessories/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/strike-class-strike-clown-lamborghini-smoking-accessories/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/strike-class-strike-clown-lamborghini-smoking-accessories/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Smoking cigars. It conjures images of wood-lined, quilted-leather private clubs and back-room deals brokered with a hand-shake between captains of industry and diplomats. Though tobacco may be taboo in modern society, cigars still have an air of class about them. At least until Lamborghini got involved.

While we're all for automotive-themed products, especially those of the finely-crafted variety, this seems to take things too far. Made by Tonino Lamborghini (think of it as Sant'Agata's Porsche Design), this range of lighters and cigar cutters, in our view, infuses the flashy, fast-paced Lamborghini image into a realm where it doesn't belong. Maybach can get away with slapping their badge on a smoker's set. Even Porsche Design manages to carry it off with a degree of class. But as much as we like Lamborghini's fantastic sportscars, when our first-born child arrives, we'll take a pass on these.

UPDATE: The good folks at Lamborghini have informed us that, despite using the same name and logo, Tonino Lamborghini is in fact no longer affiliated with Automobili Lamborghini. Our appologies for any confusion.

[Source: eLighters via CarScoop]

 

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]]>lamborghinilamborghini cigar cutterlamborghini lighterLamborghiniCigarCutterLamborghiniLightertonino lamborghiniToninoLamborghini2008-08-21T09:32:00+00:00<![CDATA[Q would be proud: Aston Martin and Jaeger LeCoultre release their <i>second</i> DBS transponder watch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/q-would-be-proud-aston-martin-and-jaeger-lecoultre-release-thei/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/q-would-be-proud-aston-martin-and-jaeger-lecoultre-release-thei/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/q-would-be-proud-aston-martin-and-jaeger-lecoultre-release-thei/#commentsFiled under: ,

With a 510 hp V12 under-hood, you wouldn't need any extra motivation to buy an Aston Martin DBS, but the James Bond factor certainly doesn't hurt. So if you're going to be driving 007's ride, you're going to need a Bond-esque watch to go with it. While 007 sports an Omega, Aston Martin's official timekeeper has come out with a watch complete with the kind of high-tech features that would make even Bond take notice.

Like the first one we reported on a year ago, the second DBS watch from Jaeger LeCoultre integrates a transponder that can open and close the doors on the Aston Martin supercar it's designed to accompany. The device took some 18 months to develop, but operation is simple: touch the glass between 8 and 9 o'clock to open the doors, between 3 and 4 to close them. The watch has been redesigned to incorporate more DBS styling cues, with a silver DBS logo below 12 o'clock over a movement designed to mimic the brake calipers on the top-of-the-line Aston. The new AMVOX2 will be officially unveiled at the Paris show in October. Check out the press release after the jump and the micro-site here for more info.

Continue reading Q would be proud: Aston Martin and Jaeger LeCoultre release their second DBS transponder watch

 

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]]>amvoxaston martinaston martin dbsAstonMartinAstonMartinDbsdbs watchDbsWatchjaegerjaeger lecoultreJaegerLecoultre2008-08-20T17:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[Chrysler in-car internet coming Aug. 25th, pricing revealed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/chrysler-in-car-internet-coming-aug-25th-pricing-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/chrysler-in-car-internet-coming-aug-25th-pricing-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/15/chrysler-in-car-internet-coming-aug-25th-pricing-revealed/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above to view a video of the Chrysler UConnect system.

Chrysler's wireless, in-car Internet system will be made available beginning on August 25th, with pricing set at $499 for the Uconnect equipment, a $50 installation at the dealer, a $35 initial activation charge and a service fee of $29 per month. The cost of the system might be bearable for business users, but everyday consumers may be content with their Edge or 3G-enabled smartphones for mobile web browsing and email.

Check out our original post on the UConnect system here and view a video demonstration of the system in action here.

[Source: InformationWeek]

 

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]]>chryslerchrysler uconnectChryslerUconnectuconnect2008-08-15T15:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Alex Roy reviews his dream car: the Audi R8 Blackbird]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/alex-roy-reviews-his-dream-car-the-audi-r8-blackbird/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/alex-roy-reviews-his-dream-car-the-audi-r8-blackbird/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/alex-roy-reviews-his-dream-car-the-audi-r8-blackbird/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Click above to view video after the jump

Alex Roy, currently locked in an M5 with our own Damon Lavric, recently got a video tour of a rather nifty Audi R8 owned by someone who insists he remain nameless. Codenamed Blackbird, the coupe is stuffed with enough gadgets to be a testbed for NASA's shuttle replacement, but don't for a second think the interior resembles a jungle of wires, screens and antennae: all the electronic gear is seamlessly integrated in a most impressive way. A sample of the wares in the blacked out supercar with the gunmetal gray blade include four GPS units, two radar detectors, police scanner, CB radio, kill switch for all rear lights, high-speed broadband Internet with Wi-Fi running on a tablet PC, power ports, takedown lights, a remote-controlled exhaust bypass valve, and -- get this -- a liquid-cooled infrasonic wave pulse generator. Apparently, you don't want to stand by that last item if you wish to have children. Follow the jump for the whole story in moving pictures. Thanks for the tip, Mike!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Alex Roy reviews his dream car: the Audi R8 Blackbird

 

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]]>alex royAlexRoyaudiaudi r8audi r8 blackbirdAudiR8AudiR8Blackbirdblackbirdgadgetsr8 tunerr8 tuningR8TunerR8Tuningtuningvideo2008-08-13T13:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Glue-on Brembos: Your AMG Sentra wants an upgrade]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/glue-on-brembos-your-amg-sentra-wants-an-upgrade/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/glue-on-brembos-your-amg-sentra-wants-an-upgrade/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/glue-on-brembos-your-amg-sentra-wants-an-upgrade/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for gallery of the Glue-On Brembos in a variety of colors

Poseurs, take note: you can finally corral all that imaginary power your Hyundai Elantra SRT8 isn't making underhood. Eric Hsu at JDM Insider's Beyond the Dyno blog came across what'll doubtless be the latest trend to show up on M-badged Plymouth Breezes everywhere: bogus, glue-on brake caliper covers that give you the high-performance Brembo look while perfectly maintaining your fakemobile's incomprehensible lameness. When it comes to things that suck, innovation knows no bounds.

Gallery: Fake "big brake" calipers


[Source: Beyond the Dyno]

 

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]]>brembo coversBremboCoverscaliper coversCaliperCoversfake big brakesfake brakesFakeBigBrakesFakeBrakesglue-onglue-on brembosGlue-onBrembosposerposeur2008-08-12T12:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Cars That Matter mobile price guide]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/cars-that-matter-mobile-price-guide/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/cars-that-matter-mobile-price-guide/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/cars-that-matter-mobile-price-guide/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Just in time for Pebble Beach, Cars That Matter is rolling out a price guide that can give you the current collector value for hundreds of cars on your java-enabled smartphone or PDA.

If you're a collector you've probably researched the catalog and car you want to bid on before you take your bidder number. But what if a 1968 Checker Wagon in good condition and with the Factory Taxi option -- just the one you've been looking for -- is added at the last minute? How do you know how much to pay?

The guide gives you Checker prices broken down in three tiers for the sedan and the wagon, ranging from $7,200 to $20,500. It also lets you know to add another $3,500 for the Factory Taxi option, and a further 20-percent if it were a 1970-71 with the V8. It's the kind of tool that might help you never pay too much for a classic car at auction again. Or, at the very least, you'll know ahead of time that you're about to take a bath on that yellow submarine...

[Source: Cars That Matter]

 

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]]>auctionauctionscars that matterCarsThatMatterprice guideprice guidesPriceGuidePriceGuides2008-08-08T09:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[California's Fastrack toll system can't be trusted?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/californias-fastrack-toll-system-cant-be-trusted/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/californias-fastrack-toll-system-cant-be-trusted/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/californias-fastrack-toll-system-cant-be-trusted/#commentsFiled under: , ,



FasTrak is an "electronic toll collection system" used in California. Once you set up an account, you get a transponder that simply debits your account balance whenever you pass through a toll booth. The system uses RFID technology to broadcast your account information to the toll booth receivers. According to Hack A Day, the system is anything but secure.

Among other problems, an attendee at the Black Hat 2008 conference in Las Vegas found that because the in-car transponders don't require any authentication, anyone with an RFID reader can get the unique ID from any car and then use that in their own transponder. Not only that, but you could also force any other transponder to take on a new ID because of the system's open over-the-air upgrading system.

To change the system would require legislative action since it's all defined by California laws, so Californians shouldn't expect a quick fix. Until -- and if -- a fix comes, we suppose the best that can be done is to make sure you scrutinize your FasTrak bill. And keep an eye out for guys kitted out like Star Trek yeomen wandering the park-and-ride commuter lots... Thanks for the tip, fabienne!

[Source: Hack A Day, Photo by JasonJT | Creative Commons 2.0]

 

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]]>electronicsfastrakgadgetstechtechnology2008-08-07T16:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[BMW owner tapes black car to white]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/bmw-owner-tapes-black-car-to-white/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/bmw-owner-tapes-black-car-to-white/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/06/bmw-owner-tapes-black-car-to-white/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

When a BMW 335i owner in Munich became bored with his black coupe, he hired a team to wrap it in white tape. Two days later, he drove home in his refreshed "Alpine White" coupe (with an M3-appearing black roof). No, it's not normal tape. It's a special 3M wrap, and the process is known as "foiling." Apparently, the German military has been using the process (with an olive drab tape) for some time now. Likewise, the process is popular with race teams and taxi companies. Available in countless colors, the tape itself is thick enough to protect the paint from minor chips and nicks, and it can be left adhered to the surface for 3-4 years without damage (!). Adhesion isn't a problem either, as the tape can even withstand an automatic car wash without peeling off. Thanks for the tip Frank.

Gallery: Foil Tape Paint Job


[Source: E90post]

 

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]]>bmwbreakingchange colorChangeColorcolorfoilgermanyPaint jobPaintJobrepainttape2008-08-06T12:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Nissan ECO Pedal puts pressure on lead foots]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/nissan-eco-pedal-puts-pressure-on-lead-foots/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/nissan-eco-pedal-puts-pressure-on-lead-foots/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/nissan-eco-pedal-puts-pressure-on-lead-foots/#commentsFiled under: , ,



As if "shift lights" weren't annoying enough... Nissan's new "ECO pedal" has been engineered to encourage good fuel economy with a servo-actuated gas pedal that will push back on the driver's lead foot when on-board computers detect wasteful acceleration. According to Nissan, vehicles equipped with the ECO pedal, and real-time fuel consumption gauges in the instrument panel, have returned a 5-10 percent increase in fuel efficiency. The Japanese automaker says it has plans to begin installing the ECO pedal in models next year, although there is no word on what models, or markets, will get the system. We're betting it's an option unlikely to show up on the GT-R anytime in the near future.

[Source: Reuters]

 

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]]>ECO PedalEcoPedalFuel Economyfuel efficiencyfuel efficientfuel efficient carfuel efficient carsfuel efficient vehic...FuelEconomyFuelEfficiencyFuelEfficientFuelEfficientCarFuelEfficientCarsFuelEfficientVehic...gas savingGasSavingNissan2008-08-04T13:30:00+00:00<![CDATA[Dynolicious vs. V-Box and Dynojet]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/01/dynolicious-vs-v-box-and-dynojet/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/01/dynolicious-vs-v-box-and-dynojet/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/01/dynolicious-vs-v-box-and-dynojet/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click any image for a larger version.

Give us an iPhone application that relates to cars and we're all over it. Apparently, so is the crew at Motive. They took out an Audi S5, mounted a Racelogic V-Box onto the windshield and brought along a Dynolicious-equipped iPhone to see how it stacked up.

The V-Box uses both GPS and yaw sensor data to serve up 0-60 times, 1/4-mile trap speeds and lateral Gs, whereas the iPhone only makes use of yaw information to deliver the same numbers... along with estimated horsepower figures. While Motive wanted to find out how the Dynolicious would do with 0-60 times, we were interested in how close it would come to wheel horsepower given both an estimated weight and drivetrain loss. That meant hitting up the Dynojet at Modacar and strapping our own Project Track Slut onto the rollers.

Read on for both Motive's conclusions and our own.

Gallery: Dynolicious vs. V-Box and Dynojet

Continue reading Dynolicious vs. V-Box and Dynojet

 

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]]>dynoliciousfeaturediphone dynoiphone dynoliciousiphone dynolicious testIphoneDynoIphoneDynoliciousIphoneDynoliciousTesttest2008-08-01T19:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Toyota reveals 'Winglet' assistance robots, Segways beware [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/01/toyota-reveals-winglet-assistance-robots-segways-beware-w-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/01/toyota-reveals-winglet-assistance-robots-segways-beware-w-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/01/toyota-reveals-winglet-assistance-robots-segways-beware-w-vi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of Toyota's Winglets

Toyota's bid to completely take over the world with robots is getting ever closer to fruition. Its latest endeavor is intended to place mankind on moving platforms -- very Segway-esque. Coming in Small, Medium and Large sizes, Toyota's Winglet places its riders in a standing position, likely to dissuade notions of the future portrayed in Pixar's recent Wall-E movie in which humans spent their time in more relaxed positions. Powered by an electric motor, the Winglet's two wheels are closely monitored by on-board sensors that constantly adjust the movements of the machine to keep everything upright. At just 6 kilometers per hour it ain't very vest and can't go too far with its 5-10 kilometer range, but it makes up for these issues by taking just one hour to charge. Testing is currently underway, with human trials expected to begin this Autumn in Japan. Presumably after that there'll be a version with handle bar-mounted guns that's able to round up humans in a pen. Check out the video of Toyota's winglet in action after the jump.

Gallery: Toyota Winglets


[Source: Toyota]

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]]>segwaytoyotatoyota robottoyota robotstoyota wingletToyotaRobotToyotaRobotsToyotaWingletwinglet2008-08-01T12:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[g-tac turns iPhone into even cheaper performance meter]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/30/g-tec-turns-iphone-into-even-cheaper-performance-meter/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/30/g-tec-turns-iphone-into-even-cheaper-performance-meter/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/30/g-tec-turns-iphone-into-even-cheaper-performance-meter/#commentsFiled under: ,

One day after spotting the "inexpensive" auto performance measurement tool Dynolicious for the iPhone, we've found another, and it's much cheaper. Liberty For One has released its own automotive measurement tool called g-tac, and its going for just $4.99. For less than half the cost of the Dynolicious tool, you get times and trap speed for the quarter mile, as well as times for 0-60 and 60-0. The g-tac utilizes the iPhone's (and iPod Touch's) accelerometer to determine velocity, so the phone doesn't have to be plugged into the car. The tool also graphs out your last three runs so you can hone your launch technique over time.

g-tac's feature list doesn't appear to have the robustness of the Dynolicious app, which also features metrics for Lateral Gs and horsepower, and there isn't much documentation to detail what g-tac can actually do. The early reviews aren't so hot either, as the first seven purchasers have averaged a rating of just 2.5 stars compared to the four star rating for the Dyonlicious app. Since cheaper doesn't typically mean better, we intend to test both apps against an even more expensive hardware unit, and we'll let you know if either iPhone app is worth your hard earned digital dollars.

Gallery: g-tac iPhone app


[Source: Liberty For One]

 

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]]>accelerometerauto performance meteringAutoPerformanceMeteringg-taciphone2008-07-30T13:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Dynolicious turns iPhone into cheap performance meter]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/dynolicious-turns-iphone-into-cheap-performance-meter/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/dynolicious-turns-iphone-into-cheap-performance-meter/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/dynolicious-turns-iphone-into-cheap-performance-meter/#commentsFiled under: ,

The world has gone iPhone crazy since Apple released v2.0 of its sleek mobile device, and while GPS and 3G have been big draws, the multitude of available software apps in the new App Store has been the real wild card. One app that has us really psyched is a new automotive performance meter called Dynolicious from BunsenTech. It uses the accelerometer inside the iPhone to let you record 0-10 through 0-100 times, quarter mile and trap speed, Lateral Gs, horsepower and more. Results are also displayed in real-time on the phone itself with graphs and a speedometer. You can also configure the tool with updates to your car, weight, before and after performance measurements, and keep a complete history of all your runs. The kicker is that you don't even have to plug in your iPhone anywhere, just set it in the cup holder and drive. The folks at Dynolicious promise 0-60 accuracy to within .08 seconds and a quarter mile speed to within 1.5 mph. The performance meter software should also work with the iPod Touch.

The Dynolicious performance meter is now available on iTunes for $12.99 despite its own website saying that it's coming soon. The app has an average rating of four stars out of five so far with 11 user reviews and counting. We're going to purchase the software ASAP and take it for a spin, so we'll let you know soon if it delivers on its lofty promises. Check out more screen shots of Dynolicious in the gallery below. Thanks for the tip, Fooman!

Gallery: Dynolicious screen shots


[Source: Dynolicious, iTunes]

 

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