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Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2013 AOL Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ <![CDATA[Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid test drive (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2013/03/22/ford-fusion-energi-test-drive/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2013/03/22/ford-fusion-energi-test-drive/ http://www.engadget.com/2013/03/22/ford-fusion-energi-test-drive/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

Ford Fusion Energi plug in hybrid test drive video

The Ford Fusion Energi joins the C-MAX Energi and Focus Electric as the company's third vehicle with a charging connector and access to California's HOV lanes. While it's a larger car than the C-MAX Energi, it weighs about the same and features pretty much the same plug-in hybrid powertrain with 195 net horsepower and three EV driving modes. It combines a 2-liter DOHC 16V Duratec (Atkinson cycle) engine and CVT with an AC synchronous motor powered by a 7.6kWh Lithium Ion battery. This pack takes about 2.5 hours to fill up with a 240V charging station and provides a range of 21 miles (100MPGe) at up to 85MPH in all-electric mode. Both autos share the same unfortunate battery protrusion in the trunk area, and while it's less of an issue in the Fusion sedan than the wagon-like C-MAX, it detracts from the overall package. The Fusion Energi also packs the company's latest and greatest tech, including MyFord Mobile, SmartGauge with EcoGuide, Eco Cruise and SYNC with MyFord Touch. Sure, that's pretty exciting, but how does it actually drive? Find out after the break.

Gallery: Ford Fusion Energi test drive

Filed under: Transportation

]]> ATTFordFusionFusion EnergiFusionEnergihands-onhybridMicrosoftMyFord MobileMyFord TouchMyfordMobileMyfordTouchPHEVplug-in hybridPlug-inHybridPlugShareSonySYNCtest driveTestDrivevideo Fri, 22 Mar 2013 08:00:00 -0400 21|20512512 <![CDATA[Tesla Model S first drive: the sports sedan goes electric (update: video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/22/tesla-model-s-first-drive-the-sports-sedan-goes-electric/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/22/tesla-model-s-first-drive-the-sports-sedan-goes-electric/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/22/tesla-model-s-first-drive-the-sports-sedan-goes-electric/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

DNP EMBARGO Tesla Model S first drive the sports sedan goes electric video

It's no secret that we have a few automobile enthusiasts in our midst here at Engadget, and we're pretty sure there are some in the audience as well -- you know who you are. Still, you don't have to be a car nut to appreciate all the innovation and technology that's gone into Tesla's sophomore vehicle -- the Model S electric sedan. So strap yourselves in and hold on to your kneecaps: you're about to ride along with us as we drive the Model S for the very first time. Excited? We are too -- hit the break for our first drive video and impressions.

Gallery: Tesla Model S drive

Comments

]]> electric vehicleElectricVehicleEVfirst driveFirstDrivehands-onModel SModelSTeslaTesla Model STeslaModelStest driveTestDrivevideo Fri, 22 Jun 2012 21:20:00 -0400 21|20263993 <![CDATA[Saginomiya driving simulator steers real car, isn't quite Avatar on wheels (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/30/saginomiya-driving-simulator-steers-real-car/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/30/saginomiya-driving-simulator-steers-real-car/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/30/saginomiya-driving-simulator-steers-real-car/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

Most simulators act in isolation from the real world, so when we see one that breaks out of its virtual shell, we're more than a little intrigued. Saginomiya has designed a driving simulator that's directly linked to an actual car's components sitting on a six-axis motion system. The whole affair works as a form of virtuous circle for testing, where the real parts feed on the simulator and vice versa: since the simulator is based on the internal model of the car, it can translate road results directly to the suspension and steering of the physical components, which promptly loop around and dictate force feedback in the simulator through actuators in the steering wheel. Apart from creating what amounts to the real real driving simulator, Saginomiya's invention is a huge boon to automakers, which can test how key components work without having to build the whole vehicle first. Sadly, the simulator likely won't reach full-on Avatar levels and steer a car on a real road anytime soon, but it's engaging enough that we can see more than a few test drivers putting in overtime just for kicks.

]]> cardrivingdriving simulatorDrivingSimulatorsaginomiyasimulatorsteeringsteering wheelSteeringWheelsuspensiontest drivetest drivertest drivingTestDriveTestDriverTestDrivingtransportationvehiclevideo Wed, 30 May 2012 00:17:00 -0400 21|20246685 <![CDATA[Amazon Appstore's Test Drive try before you buy feature now available on Android phones]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/amazon-appstores-test-drive-try-before-you-buy-feature-now-avai/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/amazon-appstores-test-drive-try-before-you-buy-feature-now-avai/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/amazon-appstores-test-drive-try-before-you-buy-feature-now-avai/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

When Amazon's Appstore initially appeared on the Android scene last year, one of its most innovative features was a Test Drive virtual machine that let users try out apps for free from their desktop, and now that technology has come back to the handset. In the newest update pushed today and pictured above, release-2.6.53 adds beta support for the cloud-based Test Drive feature to let users try out new software within the Appstore app itself. According to the description the feature is enabled on "select" Android phones and apps, although we didn't find any to try it out with on our Galaxy S II. Check for an update within the app to try it out for yourself or click the Appstore link below from your phone to snag the latest version.

Filed under: Mobile

]]> amazonamazon silkAmazonSilkandroidappsappstoreclouddemoec3emulatormobilepostminitesttest driveTestDrivetrialvirtual machineVirtualMachinevm Mon, 21 May 2012 22:43:00 -0400 21|20242277 <![CDATA[Ford Focus Electric test drive and MyFord Mobile hands-on (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/17/ford-focus-electric-test-drive-and-myford-mobile-hands-on-video/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/17/ford-focus-electric-test-drive-and-myford-mobile-hands-on-video/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/17/ford-focus-electric-test-drive-and-myford-mobile-hands-on-video/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

Ford Focus Electric test drive and MyFord Mobile hands-on (video)

This is the production version of Ford's Focus Electric for the US market, and we got the chance to take it for a proper test drive last week. Don't fret, though -- Engadget hasn't suddenly turned into a car site. While we'll be happy to share our driving impressions, we're mostly interested in how Ford interfaces the vehicle with our favorite mobile devices and social networks -- tech that we've covered before, known as MyFord Mobile. Hit the break for the details, including our hands-on video.

Gallery: Ford Focus Electric hands-on

Filed under: Mobile

]]> AndroidappAppleBill FrykmanBillFrykmanBlackBerryelectric vehicleElectricVehicleEVFacebookFocusfocus electricFocusElectricFordFord FocusFord Focus ElectricFordFocusFordFocusElectricGooglehands-oniOSMicrosoftMicrosoft Value ChargingMicrosoftValueChargingmobilepostcrossMyFordMyFord MobileMyfordMobileRIMsocial networkingSocialNetworkingtelematicstest driveTestDriveTwitterValue ChargingValueChargingvideo Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:01:00 -0400 21|20217000 <![CDATA[Nevada is getting serious about driverless cars]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/nevada-driverless-cars-law-regulation/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/nevada-driverless-cars-law-regulation/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/nevada-driverless-cars-law-regulation/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

We were admittedly cynical last summer, when Nevada's state legislature passed a law regulating the safety of driverless cars. But maybe we shouldn't have been, because it looks like they're actually serious about it. The state has now begun fleshing out its campaign with new regulations for testing these robocars, which, of course, are still very much in their infancy. According to the Associated Press, drivers looking to test a driverless vehicle will have to first purchase a bond worth between $1 million and $3 million, depending on the specifics of their project. The data from each test, moreover, will have to be shared with state officials, and all automated vehicles must have some sort of black box-like device to securely store this information, in the event of a crash. Most interesting, however, is how humans fit into all of this. Under the state's regulations, a passenger is still considered an "operator" of the vehicle, even if he or she isn't driving. They'll be exempt from Nevada's ban on driving while texting, but they won't be able to rely on their robocar as a designated driver -- which is fine, because it's not like anyone drinks in Vegas anyway.

Comments

]]> black boxBlackBoxDriverless CarsDriverlessCarsdrivingdrunk drivingDrunkDrivingduilas vegasLasVegaslawlegislationnevadapoliticsregulationsafetytest driveTestDrivetransport Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:01:00 -0500 21|20173948 <![CDATA[Dish Network announces Hopper DVR system, Joey set-top box, launches broadband, Test Drive services]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/dish-network-announces-hopper-dvr-system-joey-set-top-box-laun/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/dish-network-announces-hopper-dvr-system-joey-set-top-box-laun/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/dish-network-announces-hopper-dvr-system-joey-set-top-box-laun/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

Dish Network just made a slew of big announcements at its CES press conference today, introducing the Hopper HD DVR system, the corollary Joey set-top box, and a new, TV Everywhere-based Test Drive service. Let's start with the hardware: the Hopper unit is comprised of three satellite TV tuners, a 2TB hard drive that promises up to 2,000 hours of entertainment, including up to 250 hours of HD viewing and 1,000 hours of SD recording. The device can record up to six TV shows at once, and allows users to watch as many as four recorded shows in four different rooms. When combined with the Joey, users can take advantage of a 750MHz Broadcom processor that, according to Dish, is the fastest satellite receiver on the market.

Also announced today is something known as Test Drive -- a new "try before they buy" service that allows customers to get a free taste of TV Everywhere for 24 hours. As of February 1st, users will be able to sign up for Test Drive and stream select TV shows to their PCs, tablets or smartphones at no charge (for a limited time, of course). Also in February, the company will launch a new satellite broadband package, as part of a new service launched with ViaSat. These new packages will offer download speeds of up to 12Mbps, and upload rates of up to 3Mbps. Installation prices will start at $99, with bundles starting at around $80 per month. For more details, hit up the troika of PRs, after the break.

Filed under: HD

Comments

]]> breaking newsbroadbandcesces 2012Ces2012Dishdish networkDish Network Test DriveDishNetworkDishNetworkTestDrivehdpostcrosssatelliteservicestreamingTest DriveTestDrivetvtv everywhereTvEverywhereviasat Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:09:00 -0500 21|20144280 <![CDATA[Tesla Model S test ride and factory tour (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/tesla-model-s-test-ride-and-factory-tour-video/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/tesla-model-s-test-ride-and-factory-tour-video/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/tesla-model-s-test-ride-and-factory-tour-video/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

Tesla Model S test ride and factory tour (video)

Tesla's been teasing us with the Model S electric car for what seems like a cruelly long time. But, we gadget fans need to remember that designing and releasing a car is a rather different prospect than something like a phone. If your new iDevice crashes you might lose your patience, but if your new car crashes, well, the results could be rather more disastrous.

Tesla is keeping up the teasing act with the Model S Beta launch, an opportunity for a lucky few to come and check out the company's factory (once the NUMMI facility in Fremont, CA) and to take a quick ride around the company's test track -- and we do mean quick. How do we know? Well, we got to come along. Join us for our impressions after the break.

Gallery: Tesla Model S test ride

]]> electric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleengadget awardsengadget awards 2011EngadgetAwardsEngadgetAwards2011evfeaturefeaturedfeatureshands-onmodel sModelSnummiteslatest drivetest rideTestDriveTestRidevideo Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:00:00 -0400 21|20075419 <![CDATA[Hands-on with Toyota's Prius plug-in hybrid (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/17/hands-on-with-toyotas-prius-plug-in-hybrid-video/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/17/hands-on-with-toyotas-prius-plug-in-hybrid-video/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/17/hands-on-with-toyotas-prius-plug-in-hybrid-video/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

Yesterday we attended Toyota's Green Drive Expo where we were given the opportunity to take the production version of the Prius plug-in hybrid (PHV) -- and its smorgasbord of technology -- for a spin. We spent a couple hours ~~driving~~ interfacing with the computers aboard the Advanced model, which besides being outlet-friendly, includes some unique features within the Prius lineup. Explore our gallery below, and hit the break for our impressions and hands-on videos with the latest incarnation of Toyota's iconic vehicle.

Gallery: Toyota Prius production plug-in hybrid

]]> 2012 prius2012 toyota prius2012Prius2012ToyotaPriusAdvancedbattery chargerBatteryChargerelectric vehicleElectricVehicleEntuneEVGPSgps navigationGpsNavigationgreen drive expoGreenDriveExpohands-onheads-up displayHeads-upDisplayHUDhybridhybrid electrichybrid electric vehiclehybrid vehicleHybridElectricHybridElectricVehicleHybridVehicleinfotainmentJBLled headlightsLedHeadlightsLithium-ionlithium-ion-batteriesmillimeter wave radarMillimeterWaveRadarnavigationOnStarPHVplug-in hybridPlug-inHybridPop-TartsPriusprius plug-inprius plug-in hybridPriusPlug-inPriusPlug-inHybridStar TrekStarTrektest driveTestDrivetoasterTouch Tracer DisplaytouchscreenTouchTracerDisplayToyotaToyota Priustoyota prius plug in hybridToyota Prius plug-inToyotaPriusToyotaPriusPlug-inToyotaPriusPlugInHybridvideovoice controlVoiceControl Sat, 17 Sep 2011 21:11:00 -0400 21|20044957 <![CDATA[Prototype Tesla-powered RAV4 driven, demonstrates extreme brake regen]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/prototype-tesla-powered-rav4-driven-demonstrates-extreme-brake/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/prototype-tesla-powered-rav4-driven-demonstrates-extreme-brake/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/08/prototype-tesla-powered-rav4-driven-demonstrates-extreme-brake/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

Prototype Tesla-powered RAV4 driven, demonstrates extreme brake regen

What happens when you put the powertrain from a Tesla Roadster into an SUV? You get the Toyota RAV4 EV, an early prototype of which PluginCars got a chance to drive. It referred to a "sophisticated proof of concept," basically a drivable show car, and the performance is reasonably stout: 0 - 60MPH in nine seconds -- not bad for a 3,900lb car. Range is estimated to be 100 miles in real-world conditions, but that's liable to change between now and when the car is expected to hit dealers, sometime toward the end of 2012. We're guessing the Roadster-style pushbutton gear selector will be gone by then, too.

]]> rav4rav4 evRav4Evteslatest driveTestDrivetoyota Fri, 08 Apr 2011 13:23:00 -0400 21|19907068 <![CDATA[Delta E4 electric coupe goes out for a spin, carrying lucky humanoid (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/31/delta-e4-electric-coupe-goes-out-for-a-spin-carrying-lucky-huma/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/31/delta-e4-electric-coupe-goes-out-for-a-spin-carrying-lucky-huma/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/31/delta-e4-electric-coupe-goes-out-for-a-spin-carrying-lucky-huma/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

When was the last time you rode in an electric vehicle almost entirely constructed of carbon fiber and good for 250 miles on a charge? We're laying odds on "never," which is why we turned a shade of violent green when we saw Fully Charged host (and part-time Series 4000 Mechanoid) Robert Llewellyn set foot in just such a car. Delta Motorsport's E4 Coupe, originally designed to win an Automotive X-Prize, is the vehicle we're referring to here, and despite the fact that only one-third of its full projected power was available to coax Mr. Llewellyn firmly into his racing seat (four-wheel drive and regenerative braking are also TBD) and set his teeth on edge, we have to give the man some major props for documenting the experience for us on film. Watch it after the break.

]]> carcarbon fiberCarbonFibercoupeDeltaDelta MotorsportDeltaMotorsportdrivedrivenE-4E-4 CoupeE-4Coupeelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleEVtest driveTestDrivevehiclevideo Thu, 31 Mar 2011 08:13:00 -0400 21|19897930 <![CDATA[Amazon.com lets you play with an Android virtual machine, try apps before you buy them]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/27/amazon-com-lets-you-play-with-an-android-virtual-machine-try-ap/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/27/amazon-com-lets-you-play-with-an-android-virtual-machine-try-ap/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/27/amazon-com-lets-you-play-with-an-android-virtual-machine-try-ap/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

When Amazon's Appstore rolled out last week, we glossed over one detail that merely seemed neat. Today, we're inclined to say that Test Drive may be the most significant part of Amazon's announcement that day. Basically, Test Drive allows US customers to take apps for a spin at Amazon.com, with all the comfort that their tried-and-true desktop web browser brings -- but rather than sit you down with a Flash-based mockup of the app, Amazon is giving you a taste of bona fide cloud computing with an Android virtual machine.

In other words, what you're looking at in the screenshot above isn't just a single program, but an entire virtual Android smartphone with working mouse controls, where you can not only try out Paper Toss, but also delete it, browse through the device's photo gallery, listen to a few tunes, or even surf the web from the working Android browser -- as difficult as that may be without keyboard input. Amazon explains:

Clicking the "Test drive now" button launches a copy of this app on Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2), a web service that provides on-demand compute capacity in the cloud for developers. When you click on the simulated phone using your mouse, we send those inputs over the Internet to the app running on Amazon EC2 - just like your mobile device would send a finger tap to the app. Our servers then send the video and audio output from the app back to your computer. All this happens in real time, allowing you to explore the features of the app as if it were running on your mobile device.

Today, Amazon's Test Drive is basically just Gaikai for mobile phones -- its purpose is simply to sell apps, nothing more. But imagine this for a sec: what if you could access your own smartphone data, instead of the mostly blank slate that Amazon provides here?

Gallery: Amazon Appstore Test Drive hands-on

[Thanks, Ryan]

]]> AmazonAmazon AppstoreAmazonAppstoreandroidandroid 2.2.1Android2.2.1App StoreappsAppstorecloudcloud computingCloudComputingdemoemulatorhands-ontesttest driveTestDrivetrialvirtual machineVirtualMachinevm Sun, 27 Mar 2011 18:41:00 -0400 21|19893338 <![CDATA[Car2go test drive: RFID, GPS, and mobile apps make for a smarter Smart]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/14/car2go-test-drive-rfid-gps-and-mobile-apps-make-for-a-smarter/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/14/car2go-test-drive-rfid-gps-and-mobile-apps-make-for-a-smarter/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/14/car2go-test-drive-rfid-gps-and-mobile-apps-make-for-a-smarter/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

As you read this (assuming you're reading this sometime before March 20th) zillions of music, movie, and tech mavens and moguls have descended on Austin, Texas for SXSW. We made a run through the city just before festivities kicked off, stopping by to check out the Car2Go carsharing service that launched last summer and that, as of March 19th, will expand its coverage area to include 52 square miles worth of the heart of Texas. We took one of the company's customized Smart Fortwos for a ride and also test drove the new iPad app that makes finding cars as easy as pie. Pie, as it turns out, is also quite easy to find in Austin.

Gallery: Car2go Smart fortwo and iPad app

]]> appapp storeAppStorecar 2 gocar rentalcar sharingCar2GoCarRentalCarSharingfeaturefeaturedfeaturesfortwohands-oniosipadiphonerfidsmarttest drivetest rideTestDriveTestRide Mon, 14 Mar 2011 12:24:00 -0400 21|19878847 <![CDATA[Chevy Volt preview: escape from DC in today's car of tomorrow]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/05/chevy-volt-preview-escape-from-dc-in-todays-car-of-tomorrow/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/05/chevy-volt-preview-escape-from-dc-in-todays-car-of-tomorrow/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/05/chevy-volt-preview-escape-from-dc-in-todays-car-of-tomorrow/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

Chevy Volt: Escape from DC in today's car of tomorrow

Okay, we're no Snake Plissken, but let's just say that DC has become something of an interesting town lately, with mock-left and faux-right wing pundits holding giant rallies, political candidates being accused of witchcraft, and various other signs of the apocalypse happening every day. We were glad to make it out with both eyes and we were glad to be doing so in the car of the future that's finally a part of the present: Chevrolet's $41,000 Volt. It's actually (honestly) in proper production now, being delivered to select dealers soon, one of those production models given to us to drive from our great nation's capital to the cultural capital of the world: New York City. We easily managed it on a single tank of gas, but what kind of mileage did we get? You'll just have to read on to find out.

Gallery: Chevrolet Volt DC test drive

]]> chevroletchevyelectric vehicleElectricVehicleer-evevextended range electric vehicleExtendedRangeElectricVehiclefeaturefeaturedfeaturesgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmparallel hybridParallelHybridpreviewseries hybridSeriesHybridtest driveTestDrivevideovolt Fri, 05 Nov 2010 12:04:00 -0400 21|19704467 <![CDATA[Nissan Leaf launches in Europe, takes us for a drive]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/26/nissan-leaf-launches-in-europe-takes-us-for-a-drive/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/26/nissan-leaf-launches-in-europe-takes-us-for-a-drive/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/26/nissan-leaf-launches-in-europe-takes-us-for-a-drive/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

26,000 people can't be wrong, right? That's the current tally of Leaf pre-orders that Nissan has collected from US and Japanese drivers excited by its all-electric hatchback. Yesterday, the car that's built to plug into the same wall outlet as your toaster held its official pan-European launch party -- with the UK, Ireland, Netherlands, and Portugal getting the first deliveries in early 2011 -- and we were on site to grab a few closeup pictures and some precious time in the driver's seat. American drivers should look out for a new set of keys in their mailbox this December, so there's probably no better time than now to give them a preview of what they're getting themselves into. Jump past the break for more on the Nissan Leaf.

Gallery: Nissan Leaf press images

Gallery: Nissan Leaf test drive

]]> carcarwingsdrivedrivendrivingelectricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleeuropeeuropeanevhands-onimpressionslaunchleaflisbonnissannissan leafNissanLeafportugalpreviewtesttest driveTestDrivevideowindows embeddedwindows embedded automotive 7WindowsEmbeddedWindowsEmbeddedAutomotive7zero emissionsZeroEmissions Tue, 26 Oct 2010 07:00:00 -0400 21|19687249 <![CDATA[Toyota Prius PHEV preview: three days in plug-in paradise]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/18/prius-phev-preview-three-days-in-plug-in-paradise/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/18/prius-phev-preview-three-days-in-plug-in-paradise/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/18/prius-phev-preview-three-days-in-plug-in-paradise/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

The future of modern transportation awaits us. By 2012 we expect to have multiple proper, reasonable choices for fully electric vehicles, but check your calendar and you'll see it's still 2010, leaving us still waiting for cars like the Leaf and the Volt to make their proper appearances. Toyota would like to remind you that the Prius is still here, celebrating an amazing tenth year of availability in the US and teasing us with the upcoming plug-in model, offering a taste of EV with the practicality of a hybrid. We just spent three days with one and managed a quite impressive 91mpg average -- no hypermiling required. Click on through for our detailed impressions of this five-door eco-warrior.

Gallery: Prius plug-in

]]> automobilecarfeaturefeaturedfeatureshybridphevplug in hybridplug-inplug-in hybridplug-in priusPlug-inHybridPlug-inPriusPlugInHybridpriustest driveTestDrivetoyotatoyota priusToyotaPriusvideo Mon, 18 Oct 2010 12:01:00 -0400 21|19678084 <![CDATA[Engadget test drives the Chevy Volt (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/30/engadget-test-drives-the-chevy-volt-video/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/30/engadget-test-drives-the-chevy-volt-video/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/30/engadget-test-drives-the-chevy-volt-video/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

For a car that's been as eagerly anticipated and hyped as the Chevrolet Volt, seeing it in person is not exactly an awe-inspiring experience. In fact if you don't look twice it's very easy to mistake it for Chevy's Cruze, an eco-friendly (though decidedly traditionally powered) small car. The Volt is, of course, a little more special -- a car with both electric and internal-combustion engines on-board. That's not a particularly rare thing in this age of the Prius, but Chevrolet is being very clear: the Volt is an electric car, not a hybrid, and if you read on after the break we'll tell you exactly why -- and what it's like to drive one.

Gallery: Chevy Volt test drive

]]> chevroletchevychevy voltChevyVoltelectric carelectric car with extended rangeElectricCarElectricCarWithExtendedRangefeaturefeaturedfeaturesgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgeneratorhybrid carHybridCartest driveTestDrivevideovolt Tue, 30 Mar 2010 12:15:00 -0400 21|19419111 <![CDATA[Tesla Roadster Sport gets taken for a test drive, photo shoot]]> http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/tesla-roadster-sport-gets-taken-for-a-test-drive-photo-shoot/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/tesla-roadster-sport-gets-taken-for-a-test-drive-photo-shoot/ http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/tesla-roadster-sport-gets-taken-for-a-test-drive-photo-shoot/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

Like the Tesla Roadster but think it's just not expensive enough for you? Then fear not, person we'd like to get to know, 'cause the Tesla Roadster Sport is here complete with a $19,500 premium over its less sporty counterpart. Thankfully, according to the lucky folks at Autoblog Green, you will get quite a few bonuses for that extra cash, including an improved 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds, a new suspension that can be set to one of ten different settings and, perhaps most importantly, a new set of black-finish forged wheels (paired with some Yokohama ADVAN A048 tires) that'll ensure no one mistakes it for a "low end" Tesla. Be sure to hit up the read link below for Autoblog Green's full report, not to mention plenty of pics inside and out.

Filed under: Transportation

]]> electric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleteslatesla roadstertesla roadster sportTeslaRoadsterTeslaRoadsterSporttest driveTestDrive Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:54:00 -0400 21|19189522 <![CDATA[Wheego Whip gets pictured, driven around at mind-blowingly slow speeds]]> http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/wheego-whip-gets-pictured-driven-around-at-mind-blowingly-slow/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/wheego-whip-gets-pictured-driven-around-at-mind-blowingly-slow/ http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/wheego-whip-gets-pictured-driven-around-at-mind-blowingly-slow/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

Given just how difficult it has been for even Chevrolet to get its all-electric gears going, we kind of wondered if we'd ever hear more about the Wheego Whip after it quietly faded earlier this year. Lo and behold, the low-speed city car has made an appearance at AltCar 2009, and after receiving about 100 orders, it seems the car is all but ready to begin pleasing those who shelled out just under 20 large for the privilege of a pink slip. Our good pals over at Autoblog Green were able to zip around in the car recently and serve up some impressions of the drive, and while it didn't seem to live up to the "Cadillac of neighborhood electric vehicles" claim, it definitely got the job done... at 25 miles per hour. Hit the read link for a gallery of shots and a fresh take on what a whisper quiet, low-speed driving experience is like.

Filed under: Transportation

]]> driveeco-friendlyelectric carElectricCarEVgreenNEVtest driveTestDrivewheegoWheego WhipWheegoWhipwhip Thu, 08 Oct 2009 07:59:00 -0400 21|19188544 <![CDATA[Dodge Circuit EV goes for a test drive]]> http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/dodge-circuit-ev-goes-for-a-test-drive/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/dodge-circuit-ev-goes-for-a-test-drive/ http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/23/dodge-circuit-ev-goes-for-a-test-drive/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

Value your bodily safety too much to get within shouting distance of an electric motorcycle or a two-seat Segway? Our friends at AutoblogGreen have you totally covered with a test drive in the utterly safe, normal and boring Dodge Circuit EV. It's based on the same powertrain that Chrysler is stuffing into all of its ENVI vehicles, but with the lightweight Lotus-derived frame on top, there's quite a bit of get-up-and-go to it. Unfortunately, the cabin is a bit cramped, and Chrysler still has some bugs to work out with its EV platform. Right now the regenerative braking bites right away, instead of letting the car coast, requiring constant use of the accelerator to keep moving, but Chrysler is working on it. There are still big questions on price and availability, but so it goes with most electric vehicles -- at least this one seems fairly ready to go.

Note: Gallery jumps to AutoBlogGreen

Filed under: Transportation

]]> chryslerdodgedodge circuitdodge circuit evDodgeCircuitDodgeCircuitEvelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleenvievlotustest driveTestDrive Thu, 23 Apr 2009 22:23:00 -0400 21|1526270 <![CDATA[Verizon axing Test Drive, making New Every Two program less awesome]]> http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/02/verizon-axing-test-drive-making-new-every-two-program-less-awes/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/02/verizon-axing-test-drive-making-new-every-two-program-less-awes/ http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/02/verizon-axing-test-drive-making-new-every-two-program-less-awes/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

Verizon Wireless certainly isn't planning a romantic weekend with its customers this Valentine's Day, as it's completely nixing its Test Drive program and slashing benefits on its New Every Two initiative. Or, it will if documents rounded up by Boy Genius Report prove accurate. Currently, prospective subscribers who'd like to test out Verizon's network for a month without worrying over usage fees can do so; after February 15th, they can kiss that option goodbye, as anyone who signs up and ports out within a month will have to pay for their wireless access and usage charges during that window. On the same day, a few changes in the NE2 program will also go into effect, and while we'll point you to the read link for all the details, here's the skinny: the discounts you once got are being lessened. Awesome.

Filed under: Verizon Wireless, Misc, Mobile

]]> mobileNE2New Every TwoNewEveryTwotest driveTestDriveVerizonVerizon wirelessVerizonWireless Mon, 02 Feb 2009 09:42:00 -0500 21|1447195 <![CDATA[Verizon opens up FiOS TV test-drive kiosk in new Virginia Beach store]]> http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/verizon-opens-up-fios-tv-test-drive-kiosk-in-new-virginia-beach/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/verizon-opens-up-fios-tv-test-drive-kiosk-in-new-virginia-beach/ http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/28/verizon-opens-up-fios-tv-test-drive-kiosk-in-new-virginia-beach/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

We know -- everyone lacking FiOS just wants Verizon to push it out to more areas, but Verizon's hoping to secure more customers in the locations it's already in. For the second time in a week, we're being treated to a new Verizon store opening, and within is a test-drive kiosk where patrons can see first hand what the outfit's fiber-based programming / high-speed internet services are all about. The newest location is on Virginia Beach Boulevard in Virginia Beach, VA, and hey, even if you're completely uninterested in signing up, why not stop by just to check out the home theater setup and rest your loins in the plush chairs?

Filed under: Misc, Fiber, HD

]]> fiberfiosfios tvFiosTvhdstoretest driveTestDrivetrialverizonvirginiavirginia beachVirginiaBeach Fri, 28 Nov 2008 06:53:00 -0500 21|1381602 <![CDATA[Take Verizon Wireless for a test drive starting Monday]]> http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/23/take-verizon-wireless-for-a-test-drive-starting-monday/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/23/take-verizon-wireless-for-a-test-drive-starting-monday/ http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/23/take-verizon-wireless-for-a-test-drive-starting-monday/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments

You wouldn't buy a new car without giving it a test drive first, right? Verizon Wireless has taken the "test drive" concept to the U.S. wireless industry and will now allow potential customers to take out the Verizon Wireless network for a spin before committing to that new $300 Windows Mobile Smartphone purchase and lengthy two-year contract. The CDMA carrier said that a new program to be unveiled on March 26th (this coming Monday) will give customers a 30-day "test drive" on the company's network. If you're unimpressed in any way and want to take you new number to another carrier, Verizon Wireless will refund your money for all calls up to that point, equipment, activation fee and taxes; and, you'll get out of that pesky contract if you return that phone.

[Via Wirelessinfo.com]

Filed under: Verizon Wireless, 1xRTT, EV-DO, CDMA, Mobile

]]> cdmaev doevdomobileMobile phone buyer's remorseMobilePhoneBuyer'sRemorsetest DriveTestDriveVerizonVerizon Test DriveVerizon WirelessVerizonTestDriveVerizonWirelessVZW Fri, 23 Mar 2007 21:51:00 -0400 21|859122