Cars and Accessories: 2008

Saturday, November 29, 2008

The First Generation to Present Mustang

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Review: 2008 BMW 128i Convertible

Credit: CNET Networks)

Except for its price, the 2008 BMW 128i Convertible may be the least BMW-like car from the automaker. Oh, it does have all the cutting-edge tech found in BMW's other models, including a pop-up LCD that is surprisingly immune to glare. But where its turbo-charged brother, the 135i, feels glued to the road, the 128i Convertible's wheels seem to stretch away from the car in the corners. And where the 135i leaps forward with smooth and hard acceleration, the 128i Convertible's power delivery feels uneven.

Read the review.

Originally posted at The Car Tech blog

Crave.com

Honda to revive the Insight as a Prius-fighter

The Insight Concept represent's Honda's next attempt to dethrone the Toyota Prius.
(Credit: Honda)

Honda introduced the first gas-electric hybrid for purchase with the Insight in 1999, then came Toyota's Prius and everyone forgot about Honda's little hybrid that could. We all knew that Honda was working on a larger Prius-fighting, dedicated hybrid vehicle, but Honda has denied that they'd be reviving the Insight moniker for this new vehicle. On Thursday, Honda released the first official information and images of their Prius-killer concept and it's called, you guessed it, the Insight.
The Insight Concept carries over the styling cues of Honda's fuel cell vehicle, the FCX Clarity. It looks to us that Honda has been taking lessons from the "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" school of thought, as the five-door, five-passenger hatchback configuration of the Insight is the same as that of the Prius. Squint your eyes and you'll see that the proportions from the a-pillar back are decidedly Prius-like. It's almost as though someone slapped the nose of the FCX Clarity onto Toyota's hybrid and called it a day.
Originally posted at The Car Tech blog

Crave.com

Mazda developing Volt competitor

(Credit: Mazda USA)

Chevrolet's Volt hasn't even been released yet and other automakers are already hard at work developing their Volt killers. Sources at Autocar say that Mazda engineers have developed a working Mazda5-based electric vehicle prototype. The prototype is said to use a rotary engine to charge a battery pack that powers an electric motor driving the wheels.
Essentially, the only thing that's keeping Mazda from putting the system into production is the high cost of batteries. Meanwhile, Mazda is said to be concentrating on more conventional green tech, such as engine start-stop technology
Originally posted at The Car Tech blog

Crave.com

Titan Exhaust Air Jack lifts car by inflating

(Credit: Crave Asia)

Where was this when my tire blew out on me (which fortunately happened in a quiet neighborhood)? Unfortunately, being a quiet neighborhood, help wasn't too forthcoming. So while twiddling my thumbs for more than an hour waiting for the mechanic to arrive, I had plenty of time to contemplate the folly of the mini-jack, which looks more like a weapon of mass destruction to the less mechanically inclined and isn't at all kind to manicured nails.

So bless Chandler Products for the Titan Exhaust Air Jack, which is dead-simple to use. You just need to connect the hose to your car's exhaust pipe, and this will inflate quickly to lift your vehicle up to 30 inches above ground.

It's available in three sizes, will stay safely inflated for a maximum of 45 minutes, and will deflate in less than 5 seconds. Too bad the sticker price is just as inflated, and starts pumping from $120.

(Via Crave Asia)

Crave.com

Vote, and maybe win an Xbox

Seems like everyone is into the spirit of democracy these days.

Peugeot is soliciting your vote for its 2008 Design Contest. This year's challenge is for a vehicle that complements environmental and population concerns in the megalopolis of tomorrow.

Thierry Dumaine of France entered the Facile, a concept car with two removable mono-wheel mopeds.

(Credit: Peugeot/Thierry Dumaine)

The French-based car company released a list of 29 finalists, which can be voted on through September 15. You can vote anonymously, or vote giving your personal info for a chance to win an Xbox 360. Keep in mind that only those who vote for the winning concept car will be eligible to win one of 20 Xbox 360 consoles Peugeot plans to give away.

The designer of the winning concept car gets a cash prize, VIP passage to some of this season's auto shows, an Xbox 360, and a small scale model of their car.

We put together some highlights from this year's finalists, who come from all over the world, including Iran. Check out our gallery of the car designs modern and chic enough for Carla Bruni-Sarkozy.

Crave.com

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Ford offers glass roof Mustangs

Posted by Candace Lombardi

Here's some bright news to go with your daily dose of bad these days.

It may sound like sacrilege, but owners of new Ford Mustangs may actually have a chance to look cooler than Steve McQueen while driving.

The $1,995 factory-installed panoramic glass-roof option that Ford announced last December is now available on its 2009 V-6 and GT models, the company announced Wednesday.

From the photos, this really looks like more than just your typical moonroof.
Not only will the glass roof look cool, it might also help you stay cool. Ford claims that the specially tinted glass actually "reduces energy used by the vehicle's air conditioning system by 20 percent."

Originally posted at Planetary Gear

Crave.com

Review: 2009 Jaguar XF

Posted by Wayne Cunningham

On first getting into the 2009 Jaguar XF, the car seems like the ultimate in automotive tech. A red backlight on the engine start button pulses with a heartbeat cadence. Push it, and panels over the air vents open up while the shift dial rises from the console. That's right, a shift dial. Recognizing that most automatic transmissions are electronically controlled, the XF does away with a big legacy shifter, opting for a big dial that you turn to the different drive modes. The touch-screen interface uses a nicely designed set of menus, reminiscent of the LCARS computer interface from Star Trek.

But there are a few signs that Jaguar isn't quite ready for this tech future. The touch-screen interface is slow, taking a few moments between the time you touch a button and the resultant action. The information architecture is also poor, with too many actions required to access the iPod integration screen, for example. It's too bad Jaguar isn't still a Ford property, as the XF could really benefit from Ford Sync. Driving tech is better, though, as the XF can be had with a blind spot warning system and adaptive cruise control, not to mention the excellent audio produced by the Bowers and Wilkins stereo system.

Read the review.

Originally posted at The Car Tech blog

Nissan announces G37 convertible, sedan

Posted by Antuan Goodwin

Infiniti announced some new additions to its G lineup this Wednesday. The 2009 G37 Convertible will be based on the current G37 Coupe and will feature a three-piece automatic retracting hardtop. Infiniti also states that it will be upgrading the audio and HVAC systems to compensate for this new exposure to the elements, but did not supply details as to how.

Infiniti's 330 horsepower, 3.7 liter V6 would be also be transforming the G35 sedan into a meaner G37 sport sedan. Joining the G37 coupe and convertible, all models will receive as options Infiniti's new 7-speed automatic transmission, offering downshift rev-matching. The ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system will also be an option in G37x sedan and coupe trim.

Regardless of configuration all new Gs will get Infiniti's self healing paint as a standard feature. The Infiniti G37 convertible will debut at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show in November, while the sedan will be introduced mid-2009.

Originally posted at The Car Tech blog

2009 VW Golf details, new tech revealed

2009 VW Golf details, new tech revealed
Posted by Antuan Goodwin

After having images of the 2009 Golf Mk VI leak to the Net ahead of the official Wednesday reveal, Volkswagen has gone ahead and released the details surrounding the new Golf, which will launch in Europe in October.

Among the details outlined in the press release are side mirrors that are aerodynamically designed to get less dirty and reduce wind noise; but we're not interested in side mirrors. We want the tech!

Firstly, VW has replaced its conventional automatic option with its dual-clutched DSG transmission in all but the most basic trim levels. The DSG will be either a 6- or 7-speed unit, depending on the engine with which it's paired. Altogether removing the conventional automatic from the better equipped Golf models is a bold move by VW, but I think it's a good one.

As expected, VW has lowered fuel consumption (by up to 28 percent) using a lineup of new turbocharged and/or supercharged diesel (DSI) and gasoline (TSI) engines. According to VW, in its thriftiest DSI/DSG trim, the new Golf will get up to 52 mpg. That puts the 2009 Golf into hybrid territory, but isn't surprising based on what we've seen in the Jetta TDI.

Volkswagen also announced new tech for the 2009 Golf in the form of safety features. Automatic distance control, adaptive chassis control, and park steering assist sound like options for a much higher-end vehicle than the entry-level Golf. In fact, they are features that trickled down to the Golf from the up-market Passat CC. Rounding out the safety tech features are a new stability control system, seven airbags (including a knee airbag) and special head restraint that snaps forward during an accident to prevent whiplash.

Originally posted at The Car Tech blog

Saturday, July 19, 2008

The sporty commuter

What gets 35 miles per gallon and goes from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.5 seconds? You might suggest a motorcycle, but you would only be 66 percent right.

BRP's Can-Am Spyder uses three wheels, two in front and one in back. The Spyder isn't exactly a motorcycle, a trike, or a three-wheeled car. BRP suggests calling it a roadster, but that designation is a stretch as well.

We got our first chance to ride the Spyder this week, when BRP brought a few of them to our offices.

The Spyder turns like a car but drives like a motorcycle.(Credit: CNET)

The learning curve was fairly quick--the BRP representative explained the controls, then we shot off down the street. Actually, we were only going about 20 mph, but it felt fast, as we're used to looking at the world through a wide expanse of safety glass.

A BRP representative gives me instructions on driving the Spyder.(Credit: CNET Networks)

Within the hour, though, we were speeding along at 45 mph with no fear. The Spyder uses a traditional motorcycle-style gear shift, down by your left foot, and a clutch lever over the left hand grip. Similarly, the throttle is on the right hand grip. But you activate the brakes on all three wheels with a pedal at your right foot. And unlike most motorcycles, the Spyder has a reverse gear.

The fact that it has three wheels makes parking particularly easy, as there is no kickstand to worry about. But you can't lane-split, like you can with a motorcycle.

The steering dynamics are also more car-like, as you have to turn the handlebars instead of leaning, as you would on a motorcycle.

The Spyder has handlebars similar to a motorcycle.(Credit: CNET Networks)

The Spyder offers a variety of car-like safety gear, as well. It uses an anti-lock braking system, along with traction and stability control. Sensors detect when either the rear drive wheel is slipping, or when one of the front wheels leaves the ground. In the former case, the Spyder retards the engine spark, slowing down the big belt that transmits power to the rear wheel.
For stability control, the Spyder retards the engine spark, but also applies light braking to the front wheel that's still on the ground.

This safety tech makes the Spyder practical for every day driving. During our relatively short drive time, we tried out the brakes and found them well-tuned. They weren't grabby and we could stop the Spyder quickly, with no loss of control.

Steering felt a little awkward, as we had to stretch our arms far out for tight turns. The Spyder accelerates quickly, in keeping with BRP's claim of 4.5 seconds to 60 mph. With a 990cc Rotax V-twin engine, the Spyder is legal on all roads. And in a number of states, including California, you don't need a motorcycle license to drive the Spyder. But you do need a helmet, and gloves; and a good motorcycle jacket is a good idea, too.

The Spyder offers some storage space under the front hood, suitable for a laptop, suit jacket, and any other work necessities. BRP claims 35 mpg with the Spyder under normal driving conditions. With its 6.6 gallons, it should have a range of about 230 miles.

CNET Editor Brian Cooley comes buzzing up the alley.(Credit: CNET Networks)

One thing we noticed while driving the Spyder was that it attracts a lot of attention. The unique styling had people coming over to where we parked, wanting to ask questions about it. Cars would match our speed so they could look over the Spyder as we rode along.
The Can-Am Spyder is available through outlets selling recreational vehicles, such as Sea-Doos and ATVs. The base price is $15,500.

Check out our photos of the BRP Can-Am Spyder.
Originally posted at The Car Tech blog

Crave.com

Monday, March 10, 2008

Assystem shows off its vision of the City Car

One of the more inventive concept vehicles on display at this year's Geneva auto show is the City Car from the unfortunately named Assystem, which touts the project as a way of exploring "different thought strategies on the future of the city car." The most obvious of these strategies from the outside is the layout of the car's wheels in a diamond formation--a principle that has been patented by Franco Sbarro, Assystem's partner on the project. The car's doors open upward in gullwing-style, not just to show that it is a concept car, but to allow the greatest access with the minimum footprint area.(Credit: CNET Networks)
It is inside, however, that the City Car really gets our attention. In place of a windshield, the City Car has an LCD display, which can apparently be rendered transparent for regular driving (we're not sure how) or turned into a monitor showing camera footage of the road ahead in difficult driving conditions or at night. To help with night driving, the City Car also has an infrared camera. In the latter mode, the system relies on four external cameras that reproduce real-time imagery of the road, onto which is then projected information on key road markers and obstacles, such as traffic lights and pedestrians. According to its designers, the screen can also be connected to the City Car's onboard GPS navigation system to give drivers an "augmented reality" view of the road ahead, complete with turn arrows projected onto real objects.
Assystem also suggests that the City Car can identify specific road signs such as those for speed limits and one-way streets, and give a warning notice if the driver's behavior is contravening them. To complete the futuristic vision, the City Car's designers envisage an iris-recognition system for turning the vehicle on and for detecting when the driver becomes tired. If all this sounds too good to be true, it very probably is--when we first asked for a demonstration of the system, the Assystem rep was having trouble even turning the screen on. Not quite ready for prime time, but an interesting view of the future all the same.
Click here for our coverage of the 2008 Geneva auto show.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

In photos: '2008 Renault R28 Formula One car launch'

By M&C News Jan 31, 2008, 22:28 GMT

Undated handout made available by Renault on 31 January 2008 of the 2008 Renault R28 Formula One car that has its launch in Paris, 31 January 2008. EPA/Bernard Assset for ING Renault F1 Team [...]