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[Japan's Subarus get Stereoscopic Vision]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/04/japans-subarus-get-stereoscopic-vision/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/04/japans-subarus-get-stereoscopic-vision/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/04/japans-subarus-get-stereoscopic-vision/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Both Honda and Toyota have been toying with laser-based Active Cruise Control systems for over a decade now, while the German luxury car makers have offered more expensive radar-based gizmos for almost as long. The premise of both is that an electronic copilot keeps an eye on the road ahead maintaining a safe distance from the car in front, even slamming the brakes at the last moment in an emergency should the driver fail to react.

Continue reading Japan's Subarus get Stereoscopic Vision

 

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]]>active cruise controlActiveCruiseControlauto stopautonomous cruise controlAutonomousCruiseControlAutoStopeyesightjdmsubaru2008-09-04T09:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Engadget previews Ford SYNC 2.0 before November release]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/03/engadget-previews-ford-sync-2-0-before-november-release/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/03/engadget-previews-ford-sync-2-0-before-november-release/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/03/engadget-previews-ford-sync-2-0-before-november-release/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Ford's new SYNC system is already helping the automaker sell cars, and the Microsoft-sourced technology is primed to deliver even more bang for the buck this fall. Sync 2.0 is set to drop on Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles this November, but our friends over at Engadget got an early peek of the updates to come.

First on the list of improvements is 911 Assist, which enables your SYNC'd Bluetooth phone to call 911 automatically in the event of an airbag-deployed accident. SYNC also interacts with the vehicle's PCM and can send vehicle health reports to an owner's email address using the signal from your own phone. We're looking forward to getting our hands on a Ford vehicle with SYNC 2.0, and although we have no intention of testing 911 Assist, the Vehicle Health Report tool sounds like an interesting and useful application of the service.

Engadget also got the scoop on some items that may appear in SYNC 3.0, which should debut sometime in 2009. Some of the enhancements could include access to sports, weather, traffic and news, all without the need for an expensive nav system. If you do have a navigation system, you can already get Sirius Travel Link for a monthly fee of $7, which comes with live traffic info, movie times, gas station listings by price and sports scores.

UPDATE: Ford has made no official announcements regarding SYNC 3.0, and the above features are only possibilities.

[Source: Engadget]

 

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]]>2008-09-03T08:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[Ford developing next-gen, ethanol-boosted engines under Bobcat codename]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/ford-developing-next-gen-ethanol-boosted-engines-under-codename/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/ford-developing-next-gen-ethanol-boosted-engines-under-codename/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/ford-developing-next-gen-ethanol-boosted-engines-under-codename/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ford has yet to release its first EcoBoost engines but is reportedly already hard at work on the technology's next phase. Rumors indicate that the new engine technology is codenamed Bobcat and uses small amounts of ethanol injection to improve power and reduce emissions. Ethanol carries a very high octane rating, which allows an engine to be tuned for more power. An engine with ethanol injection can run a much higher compression ratio along with a small turbocharger as the ethanol would be injected directly into the engine's combustion chamber, thereby eliminating precompression, which is more commonly referred to as knock and can be extremely hazardous to your engine's health. The alcohol injection would be performed on an entirely different fuel injection system as the gasoline, complete with its own fuel tank. It would have to be closely metered, but should only need refilled once every few months since the amount used would be so small.

Early estimates put the new Bobcat engine tech at about a $1,100 price premium over a standard gasoline engine, but the turbocharging and gasoline direct injection that makes up EcoBoost accounts for $700 of that charge. While that may seem like a steep amount, consider that many truck buyers opt for high-power diesel engines that carry premiums of $5,000 or more.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

 

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]]>bobcatecoboostethanolethanol boostEthanolBoost2008-09-02T17:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Weds creates a 6.1-pound full carbon fiber wheel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/weds-creates-a-6-1-pound-full-carbon-fiber-wheel/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/weds-creates-a-6-1-pound-full-carbon-fiber-wheel/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/weds-creates-a-6-1-pound-full-carbon-fiber-wheel/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Weds Sports, a Japanese wheel-maker, has created a full carbon fiber wheel -- rims, spokes, hub, everything -- that weighs 2.76 kg. Coming out to about 6.1 pounds, that's about half the weight of the Dymag carbon fiber wheel with a magnesium rim that you'll find on a Callaway Corvette, and just over a pound more than Dymag's all-carbon race-specific front wheel for a motorcycle.

According to a rough translation of Weds' literature, they use a dry carbon fiber process that makes the wheels strong enough for... well, we're not really sure. While the rims look absolutely ace, we can't find any other company that makes an entire wheel out of carbon fiber, and Weds apparently hasn't yet put them in production, which leads us to think that these babies were meant only for the scales at the Tokyo Auto Salon. But if you have $12,000 for a set of four, and you live in an area with no potholes and no curbs, these could be the rims for you.

[Source: Carbon Fiber Gear]

 

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]]>aftermarketaftermarket wheelsAftermarketWheelscarbon fibercarbon fiber wheelsCarbonFiberCarbonFiberWheelsrimswedsweds sportsWedsSportswheels2008-08-29T15:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Futuremark designs new concept dash for Audi]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/futuremark-designs-new-concept-dash-for-audi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/futuremark-designs-new-concept-dash-for-audi/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/futuremark-designs-new-concept-dash-for-audi/#commentsFiled under: , ,



This is the kind of computerized world we can get behind -- not the kind that drives for you whether you like it or not, but the one that allows you to do your human thing even better. Futuremark has created a concept instrument and dash cluster for Audi that is rendered entirely in 3D graphics. In the Nissan GT-R, you can change the center console screen to show or highlight the gauges you want. With Futuremark's dashboard, you can create any kind of dashboard layout, color scheme, gauge look... you name it... that you want.

Using its Open GL ES engine (that's Open Graphics Library for Embedded Systems) for the API (that's Application Program Interface), Futuremark wants to show what's coming -- or at least, what's possible -- for in-car information and entertainment systems. We're not really worried about the acronyms; as far as we're concerned, we're talking about the tweakability of video games brought to life in hot cars. Amen to that. The system will be on display at the NVISION in San Jose. Follow the jump for the full press release, and a word for Audi: yes.

[Source: Crunchgear]

Continue reading Futuremark designs new concept dash for Audi

 

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]]>audicustomizablecustomizationcustomizedashdashboardfuturemarkfuturemark dashboardFuturemarkDashboardnvision2008-08-29T10:32:00+00:00<![CDATA[Microsoft getting into the car WiFi biz]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/microsoft-getting-into-the-car-wifi-biz/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/microsoft-getting-into-the-car-wifi-biz/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/29/microsoft-getting-into-the-car-wifi-biz/#commentsFiled under:

The Internet has been invading every aspect of our lives, but until recently most of us have gone without a connection to the World Wide Web inside our cars. That's changing with third party companies and OEMs beginning to offer 3G WiFi solutions for automobiles, and Microsoft says it's working on an even better idea. The Seattle-based software giant is working with the Universities of Massachusetts and Washington to develop a more reliable WiFi experience that enables the reception of multiple signals simultaneously to cut back on choppy service.

Microsoft's WiFi solution would leverage fledgling municipal wireless infrastructures to bring the Internet to your car. The Ballmer boys are betting that WiFi services will spread like wildfire in the future, and its new technology will be able to utilize multiple signals at the same time to make in-car Internet as smooth as what you get at home. On the surface, in-car Internet sounds ridiculous, but think of all the iPhone-like apps that could make your life easier. Weather, navigation, information, show times, and even gaming for your passengers would be a click away. You could even read Autoblog in the parking lot while your spouse goes shopping.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

 

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]]>in-car internetIn-carInternetmicrosoftmicrosoft wifiMicrosoftWifivifi2008-08-29T08:29:00+00:00<![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]

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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