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[We knew it! Heated seats boil your boys]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/we-knew-it-heated-seats-boil-your-boys/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/we-knew-it-heated-seats-boil-your-boys/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/we-knew-it-heated-seats-boil-your-boys/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Heated seats can be just what the doctor ordered in the middle of winter, but if you're trying to pass on your car-loving gene pool, you may be better off freezing. Scientists studying male fertility have discovered that the proliferation of heated seats raises the temperature of your junk by a full degree Fahrenheit verses sitting in the car without artificially warmed seats. That's enough to cut your chances of reproducing, and it makes us strategically point a fan at close range just thinking about it. Even without electronically warmed seat bottoms, guys that sit in the car for long periods of time raise the temperature of their man parts by a couple degrees above optimal sperm-making levels. Hmmm, just typing "above optimal sperm-making levels" makes us a bit queasy. The cure? Turn off the heated seats, wear boxers, and don't sit in the car for too long at once. OK... lets talk about something else.

[Source: Drive]

 

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]]>danger heated seatsDangerHeatedSeatsheated seatsHeatedSeatsmen heated seatsMenHeatedSeatsreproductionsperm heated seatsSpermHeatedSeats2008-08-28T10:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Pirelli bringing 'chipped' tire to market in 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/pirelli-bringing-chipped-tire-to-market-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/pirelli-bringing-chipped-tire-to-market-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/pirelli-bringing-chipped-tire-to-market-in-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Pirelli has announced a further innovation in the ongoing quest to remove the driving from driving. Sensors have been stashed in tires already for the hasty implementation of TPMS, but Pirelli has taken it a step further, putting a sensor package on the tire carcass itself. One implementation of the "Cyber Tire" is the "Lean," which harnesses power from the vibrations of the vehicle and beams information including tire pressure, temperature, and load to the vehicle's computer.

Cyber Tire Lean is setting things rolling for the eventual trotting out of full-blown Cyber Tire, which will be built into the tire. The high tech rubber will be more sophisticated and capable of communicating directly with stability control and anti-lock brakes to improve the effectiveness of dynamic safety systems. Cyber Tire will also carry a three-axis accelerometer that will facilitate real-time calculations of friction coefficients, contact force, and load. Pirelli is most proud of the edge the Cyber Tire will give the nanny systems to catch and correct idiotic driving faster than ever before.

[Source: The Auto Channel via Gumball144]

 

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]]>cyber tireCyberTirepirellipirelli cyber tirepirelli tirePirelliCyberTirePirelliTiretire sensorTireSensor2008-08-28T09:29:00+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[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[Lies, damn lies and HP ratings: <i>C&D</i> dynos five Nissan GT-Rs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/lies-damn-lies-and-hp-ratings-i-candd-i-dynos-five-nissan-gt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/lies-damn-lies-and-hp-ratings-i-candd-i-dynos-five-nissan-gt/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/lies-damn-lies-and-hp-ratings-i-candd-i-dynos-five-nissan-gt/#commentsFiled under: , ,



From the beginning, the Nissan GT-R's performance figures seemed too good to be true. Weighing in at over 3,800 pounds and packing a claimed 480 hp, the 3.5-second sprint to 60 and 11.8-second quarter-mile time just didn't add up. And then the tests began...

Buff books and online outlets began publishing 0-60 runs between 3.2 and 3.4 seconds, and quarter-mile times began dropping quicker than a co-ed's IQ on a nitrous binge. CARandDRIVER.com discovered a similar discrepancy between five different GT-Rs and finally decided to get some time on the dyno to get some real-world numbers.

Gallery: Car and Driver dyno five Nissan GT-Rs

Continue reading Lies, damn lies and HP ratings: C&D dynos five Nissan GT-Rs

 

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]]>2008-08-20T20:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[VIDEO: AeroMotions downforce splitting rear spoiler in action]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/video-aeromotions-downforce-splitting-rear-spoiler-in-action/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/video-aeromotions-downforce-splitting-rear-spoiler-in-action/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/video-aeromotions-downforce-splitting-rear-spoiler-in-action/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above to view video of the AeroMotrions wing in action

Earlier this week we introduced you to the AeroMotions downforce splitting rear spoiler, a wing that's split in two and uses an onboard computer to selectively adjust the pitch of each wing section to provide the maximum amount of traction for any given situation. At the time all we had was a single picture from the spoiler's debut at an autocrossing event in California, but the company has since released video of said autocrossing showing the wing in action. Watching the video after the jump, you can clearly see how this thing works. Turn left and the driver-side part of the wing flips up to increase downforce and keep the inside rear wheel planted. Turn right and the opposite happens. Floor the car in a straight line and both halves of the wing level out. The amazing thing is how fast each section of the wing reacts, as its constantly adjusting the angles in real time. Follow the jump to check it out for yourself. Thanks for the tip, Vince!

[Source: AeroMotions]

Continue reading VIDEO: AeroMotions downforce splitting rear spoiler in action

 

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]]>aeromotionsdownforce splitting rear wingDownforceSplittingRearWing2008-08-13T17:30:00+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[Mazda adding 'premium' touches to all models]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/mazda-adding-premium-touches-to-compact-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/mazda-adding-premium-touches-to-compact-models/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/12/mazda-adding-premium-touches-to-compact-models/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Since the Mazda3 hit the streets in 2004, it's proven to be a very strong contender in the small car segment. The compact sedan and hatch has been winning customers over with great styling, athletic ride characteristics, and equipment that typically isn't found in small cars. Its rich mix of standard features and options has helped keep transaction prices high, which will be very important as the self-proclaimed Zoom-Zoom automaker looks to downsize its lineup and make as much money as possible from every sale.

Mazda will now execute the Mazda3 strategy across its entire line to boost profits while giving customers the standard features they crave. For example, the all-new 2009 Mazda6 will be equipped with disc brakes at all four corners in every trim level while some of the competition continues to use rear drum brakes on their base models. Mazda has already proven that adding standard content can raise transaction prices while at the same time increasing sales, now the Ford-controlled automaker needs to prove that it can accomplish the same feat across its lineup. If Mazda makes all of its vehicles as competent as the Mazda3, that shouldn't be a problem.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

 

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]]>fuel efficiencyFuelEfficiencymazda3zoom zoomZoomZoom2008-08-12T09:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[AeroMotions downforce splitting rear spoiler debuts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/downforce-splitting-rear-spoiler-debuts/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/downforce-splitting-rear-spoiler-debuts/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/downforce-splitting-rear-spoiler-debuts/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The faster a car goes, the more downforce its various wings, spoilers and splitters can produce. There's always a trade-off though, as the byproduct of downforce is more drag, which reduces a car's top speed. Supercars like the Bugatti Veyron use active aerodynamics to produce the right amount of downforce for a specific situation like twisty road courses or high-speed runs, but cars like the Veyron are out of reach for most. Enter AeroMotions, a company that promises its rear wing assembly will provide the perfect amount of downforce at all times. The carbon fiber wing is split into two sections, each one moving independently of one another to offer just the right amount of traction. An on-board computer constantly monitors acceleration, braking and lateral acceleration so it can actively change the pitch of the wing's sections in real-time as the car is being driven, effectively giving more or less downforce to whichever side of the car needs it most. AeroMotions' wing is currently undergoing testing, and one of our readers happened to witness it in action in California and was impressed. If anyone's got video of the wing in action, we've got popcorn and are waiting. Thanks for the tip, Vince!

[Source: AeroMotions]

 

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]]>active aerodynamicsActiveAerodynamicsaerodynamicsaeromotionsrear splitterrear spoilerrear wingRearSplitterRearSpoilerRearWing2008-08-11T12:59:00+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[In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mercedes-benz-s63-amg-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mercedes-benz-s63-amg-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-mercedes-benz-s63-amg-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the AMG S63

There was a time when what we might call super-sedans were largely the province of a dedicated cadre of aftermarket tuners. Companies like Brabus, Alpina and, of course, AMG would generally start with mid-sized German sedans and transform them into something truly special. AMG in particular came to the forefront in 1987 after two decades of building special Mercs when they unleashed the Hammer. They had been building cars for two decades already, but the Hammer took things to a new level by installing a 5.6L V8 from the 560SEC coupe modified with twin-cam four valve heads into the mid-size 300E sedan. With that car, AMG set off an arms race that continues to this day. The tuners are still out there but AMG was eventually brought in from the cold when it was bought by Mercedes-Benz. Today AMG produces high performance versions of almost all Mercedes models and standing near the pinnacle of the lineup is the S63 sedan. Find out what the AMG S63 is like to live with after the jump.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG [w/VIDEO]

 

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]]>autoblog garageAutoblogGaragefeaturedmercedesmercedes benzmercedes benz s63 amgmercedes-benzmercedesbenzMercedesBenzS63Amg2008-08-07T11:58:00+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[Titan Tire ships world's first 63-inch tire]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/titan-tire-ships-worlds-first-63-inch-tire/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/titan-tire-ships-worlds-first-63-inch-tire/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/titan-tire-ships-worlds-first-63-inch-tire/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Remember in the first Crocodile Dundee movie when he gets mugged in New York City and Sue says "He's got a knife," and Dundee says, "That's not a knife, this is a knife," and then he pulls out a beast-killing monstrosity of a blade? Well, that's what the folks at Titan Tire are saying right now about every other -- smaller -- tire in the world.

Titan has made a 63-inch rubber behemoth for use on trucks in Canada's oil sands. The stats on these rubber donuts is impressive: the 59/80R63 is the biggest production tire in the world, standing over fourteen feet tall and weighing 12,500 pounds with a load rating of 101 metric tons. It makes Titan a very appropriate name for the company, as we learned from another movie, Remember the Titans, that in Greek mythology the Titans were greater even than the gods. Now we can only hope this development will make the price of oil drop another ten dollars...

[Source: Titan via Gizmag]

 

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]]>6363 inch tire63InchTiremining equipmentMiningEquipmenttiretirestitantitan tireTitanTirewheels2008-07-31T14:28:00+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[Aston Martin DB9 to get Caparo brakes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/30/aston-martin-db9-to-get-caparo-brakes/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/30/aston-martin-db9-to-get-caparo-brakes/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/30/aston-martin-db9-to-get-caparo-brakes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click pics for high-res gallery of the Aston Martin DB9 and Caparo T1

It's been a while since we heard anything about the Caparo T1 supercar. One of the most extreme applications of the "F1 for the road" theme, the project originally began independently under the name Freestream before being acquired by component manufacturer Caparo as a rolling demonstration of the latest in automotive technology. Part of that tech is now finding its way into another British sportscar: the Aston Martin DB9.

Reports now indicate that Aston Martin will be upgrading the brakes on its V12 sportscar with units developed for the Caparo T1. In the place of the 355mm front discs currently employed will be a set of 378mm discs, gripped by four-pot calipers each machined from a solid piece of cast aluminum. The new stoppers, developed by the 18-man team at Caparo AP Braking, promise to deliver a 24% reduction in fade while reducing peak temperatures by 18% in return for 30% less pedal force required. Interesting that Aston Martin decided to outsource a new set of brakes for the DB9 instead of adopting the carbon-ceramic units from the top-of-the-line DBS.

We've added some new high-resolution images of the DB9 and Caparo T1 to the galleries below. Check 'em out:

Gallery: Aston Martin DB9


Gallery: Caparo T1


[Source: PistonHeads]

 

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]]>aston martinaston martin brakesaston martin db9AstonMartinAstonMartinBrakesAstonMartinDb9caparocaparo ap brakescaparo astoncaparo t1CaparoApBrakesCaparoAstonCaparoT1db92008-07-30T09:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[Tech avalanche: Microsoft goes big for automotive]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/tech-avalanche-microsoft-goes-big-for-automotive/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/tech-avalanche-microsoft-goes-big-for-automotive/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/tech-avalanche-microsoft-goes-big-for-automotive/#commentsFiled under: ,

The rapidly shrinking US auto market has left automakers scrambling for any way to differentiate their products from the competition, and the fastest way to get the job done is with technology. Microsoft is all too aware of this, and the tech giant is betting big on automotive to give itself a larger presence in a rapidly growing field. Microsoft has increased both staffing and funding by 30% in an effort to get in on the connectivity and infotainment ground floor. Sync has been Microsoft's crowning achievement in the automotive space to date, with over 200,000 units sold so far and 1 m expected by the end of 2009. Though Ford owns Sync branding rights, Microsoft will be able to peddle the inexpensive system to other automakers in 2009. Microsoft's "Live Search" technology is also available to automakers, and it will spawn in-car systems that allow drivers to search for nearby businesses.

Since every other aspect of our lives is now interconnected, it makes sense for cars to follow the trend. Whether you love the Microsoft or hate it, having the 800-pound gorilla in the automotive realm is a good thing. We just hope we won't have to worry about a blue screen of death plaguing our family wagon.

[Source: Detroit News]

 

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]]>fordMicrosoftsynctechnology2008-07-29T16:33:00+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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]]>0-60 times0-60Times3gaccelerometerautomotive performance meterAutomotivePerformanceMeterdynoliciousgpsiphone2008-07-29T11:57:00+00:00<![CDATA[General Motors dedicates new powertrain engineering center]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/general-motors-dedicates-new-powertrain-engineering-center/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/general-motors-dedicates-new-powertrain-engineering-center/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/general-motors-dedicates-new-powertrain-engineering-center/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for high-res gallery of GM's new powertrain facility

General Motors dedicated its new Powertrain Engineering Development Center in Pontiac, MI on Friday. On hand were CEO Rick Wagoner, Powertrain EVP Tom Stephens and the usual array of elected officials trumpeting their involvement in making the new facility happen. Prior to the speech making and pushing of the ceremonial start-up button, we got a tour of the new 450,000 square foot facility that GM proclaims as the largest, most advanced powertrain development center in the world.

VP of powertrain engineering Dan Hancock explained that the center will be responsible for developing the systems that comprise GM's advanced propulsion strategy. GM is consolidating powertrain development operations from four facilities in Southeast Michigan at this new Pontiac location. When the 1,200 relocating staff have moved in there will be 4,300 staff on site. GM is using new systems being implemented to move forward with its Road to Lab to Math (RLM) strategy that will help reduce engineering development costs. The center will lead development of all manner of future GM powertrains from new gas and diesel engines to hybrid systems and the E-Flex system that will power the Volt. Read on to learn about some of the new systems GM is putting in place to help improve its powertrains.

Gallery: General Motors Powertrain Engineering Center


[Source: General Motors]

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]]>dynamometerdynamometersgm powertraingm powertrain engineering development centerGmPowertrainGmPowertrainEngineeringDevelopmentCenter2008-07-28T17:20:00+00:00<![CDATA[High gas prices mean more superchargers. We're okay with that]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/high-gas-prices-mean-more-superchargers-were-okay-with-that/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/high-gas-prices-mean-more-superchargers-were-okay-with-that/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/28/high-gas-prices-mean-more-superchargers-were-okay-with-that/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for more shots of the GM LSA V8 and its Eaton supercharger

The ongoing debate between the supercharger camp and the turbo boys isn't likely to die along with large, fuel-thirsty performance engines. In fact, Eaton believes that the market for both power-boosters will continue to grow at an extremely fast pace along with the rising price of gas. Because manufacturers are looking to downsize their engines, power-adders like the supercharger are becoming increasingly necessary in order to deliver the kind of performance new car buyers have come to expect along with the low fuel consumption that is becoming increasingly necessary.

Unlike the high RPM power generally associated with heavily-boost turbocharged engines, superchargers produce added power at all engine speeds. The downside is that engine power is used to drive the compressor, which reduces the available power gains somewhat. In order to make up some of that lost power, Eaton is developing variable-speed superchargers, which will allow for good power from idle through redline with a reduced strain on the engine. For our part, we fully support the use of both turbochargers and superchargers on any and all new cars. Solely in the name of fuel economy, of course.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: GM LSA V-8


[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

 

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]]>eatoneaton corporationeaton superchargerEatonCorporationEatonSuperchargersuperchargesuperchargedsupercharger2008-07-28T14:57:00+00:00