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Audi, GM, others unite on 20-minute EV charging standard for green drivers in a rush

Jon Fingas — Fri, 04 May 2012 01:35:00 EST

Fast-charging an EV isn't new in itself, but deciding on a standard for it is. Which is why we're glad to hear that Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Daimler, Ford, GM, Porsche and Volkswagen have all agreed to a common format for their EV charging ports, the not-very-elegantly-titled DC Fast Charging with a Combined Charging System. Together, the automakers are promising a consistent way to power up a car within 15 to 20 minutes, all without breaking a current Type 1 AC charging implementation. The new format will be demoed at the Electric Vehicle Symposium 26 in Los Angeles starting May 6. Just be aware that your first-generation Focus Electric won't be certain to use the newly universal technology: the first cars to tout the new plug won't be at dealerships until 2013, and the European vehicle association ACEA is only guaranteeing that charging stations on the continent will be using the DC Fast Charging system by 2017. Check after the break for a further look at the port.

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Audi, GM, others unite on 20-minute EV charging standard for green drivers in a rush originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 May 2012 01:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All-electric VW Golf Blue-e-emotion still on track for 2013 release, in white

Sharif Sakr — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 07:56:00 EST

It's about time Volkswagen made an EV that fits more than one blogger and his smartphone. There's not much longer to wait, though: "Late 2013" is the latest word on the arrival of the Golf Blue-e-motion, which will hopefully be a happier ride than the name suggests. A 2014 date had been mooted a few weeks back over at Autoblog Green, but the 100-mile range vehicle is now being tested in California and the estimated release in North America and Europe has duly been brought forward. Til then, we'll just have to make do with gawping at Beetles in drag.

All-electric VW Golf Blue-e-emotion still on track for 2013 release, in white originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept is an electric bug that wants to go fast

Dante Cesa — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:49:00 EST

The new new Beetle might have gotten more macho in its latest incarnation, but that didn't stop Volkswagen from upping the ante with the E-Bugster Concept. Don't let those serious looks fool you, as its wielding a comparatively anemic electric drivetrain donated from the upcoming Blue-e-emotion Golf. That's 114 horses tasked with hauling a 695 pound lithium-ion derrière, which in its hatchback donor took a languid 11 seconds to hit 60MPH. It's got respectable range though, as it'll roam for nearly 100 miles before requiring a 120, 240 or 400V tether -- with the latter replenishing 80 percent of its battery in a scant 30 minutes. That kind of onboard choice we like, but next time lets withhold the visual drama unless we really mean business. Okay?

Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept is an electric bug that wants to go fast originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EV manufacturers get harmonized, agree to build a universal charging system

Sean Buckley — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 06:19:00 EST

Fancy segregating EV charging stations by vehicle manufacturer? No? A slew of major automobile firms didn't like the idea much either, and have agreed on a combined charging system to use as an international standard. Audi, BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Porsche and Volkswagen now support a single-port fast charging system that integrates all charging configurations -- from spiffy quick charging setups, down to modest Level 1 rigs. The new system also crowns HomePlug Green PHY as the standard communication protocol, allowing charging stations to hook compatible EVs to Powerline Smart Grid applications. Where do all these fancy features leave you and your Leaf? Charged, of course -- the new "harmonized electric vehicle charging solution" promises to be backward compatible with current industry standard J1772 connectors. Hit the break for Ford's official press release.

Continue reading EV manufacturers get harmonized, agree to build a universal charging system

EV manufacturers get harmonized, agree to build a universal charging system originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 06:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Nils concept has an HTC Desire HD dashboard, seats one Engadget editor

Tim Stevens — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 17:44:00 EST

Audi isn't the only one with a tiny little EV with exposed wheels at Frankfurt this year. Parent company Volkswagen has one too, but this is even smaller. It's called the Nils and it's designed for commuters in the "world of tomorrow" -- commuters who will be very thin and, apparently, short. Big people just don't fit well into this tiny thing, but if you're of modest size or below this could be an interesting little ride. It has only 34-horsepower (25kW) available from a rear-mounted electric motor, but since it weighs just 1,000-pounds (460kg) that should make for some peppy commutes -- of less than 40 miles (65 kilometers), which is the maximum range here. More details after the break.

Gallery: Volkswagen Nils

Continue reading Volkswagen Nils concept has an HTC Desire HD dashboard, seats one Engadget editor

Volkswagen Nils concept has an HTC Desire HD dashboard, seats one Engadget editor originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW, Porsche, others announce support for HomePlug's EV networking spec

Amar Toor — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 14:50:00 EST

The HomePlug Powerline Alliance already wants to tether your entire household to the Internet, and it may soon extend its reach to your garage, as well. At Computex today, the company announced that Audi, BMW, Daimler, Porsche and Volkswagen have all agreed to support its HomePlug Green PHY (GP) technology as their EV charging interface of choice. The networking specification would allow electric car owners to link their plug-ins to the Smart Grid via the same ports used to charge their batteries, opening up new, Powerline-based possibilities. Once your EV hooks up to the network, it may be able to conduct system checks in real-time, for instance, or provide instant feedback on performance or the condition of your battery. The low power GP spec will also be interoperable with HomePlug's forthcoming AV2 spec, though it's still not clear when we can expect to see Germany's automakers incorporate it into production. Zip past the break for the full PR.

Continue reading BMW, Porsche, others announce support for HomePlug's EV networking spec

BMW, Porsche, others announce support for HomePlug's EV networking spec originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Battery-powered 'Black Current' VW Beetle flaunts itself in drag (video)

Sharif Sakr — Thu, 19 May 2011 09:18:00 EST

Electric supercars have been hitting some crazy speeds recently, but this is on another level. The Black Current is a Volkswagen Beetle reborn as an electric drag racer. It hits 135mph and demolishes the quarter-mile straight in 9.51 seconds. What's more, it does it quietly -- all you can hear is the delicious screech of sticky rubber. Plug into the video after the break for a taste of what it's like behind the wheel. And can someone please explain why that other car on the left even bothered to turn up?

Continue reading Battery-powered 'Black Current' VW Beetle flaunts itself in drag (video)

Battery-powered 'Black Current' VW Beetle flaunts itself in drag (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 May 2011 09:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Inhabitat's Week in Green: crazy concept cars, the Milan Furniture Fair, and new solar technology

Inhabitat — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 21:30:00 EST

Each week our friends at Inhabitat recap the week's most interesting green developments and clean tech news for us -- it's the Week in Green.

The world of renewable energy received a jolt of innovation this week as Inhabitat reported on a groundbreaking new solar technology that could render photovoltaics obsolete -- see Engadget's take right here -- and a plan to use common oven rust to generate immense amounts of cheap energy. We also saw green power projects pick up steam around the world as Pakistan announced it will build its first on-grid solar system, Chevron kicked off plans to invest in wind power for Kazakhstan, and Eriksson Architects unveiled an energy-efficient geodesic gemstone city for China.

Green transportation tech blasted off as we took a look at the insane 23-passenger electric superbus that can hit 155MPH and the Phoenix roadster - the world's first biodegradable car. Volkswagen also turned heads as it unveiled an all-electric concept version of the classic VW Bus, and we saw sustainable transportation set sail as Zyvex unveiled the nanotech Piranha boat, which is 75% lighter, 40% stronger, and 400% more fuel-efficient than aluminum vessels. Finally, we showcased several hot new green vehicles as the Shanghai auto show began to rev up -- Luxgen's all-electric Neora concept car and Peugeot's Hybrid SXC.

In other news, this week we brought you the best and brightest green products from the 2011 Milan Furniture Fair - from an energy-absorbing lamp that never needs to be plugged in to the world's first color-changing OLED panels to a stunning pendant light made entirely from recycled drink cartons. We also showcased several designs for greener electronics - a revolutionary paper alloy that could enclose the gadgets of tomorrow and a gorgeous bamboo MacBook case - and we shared 7 ways to get your kid excited about photography.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: crazy concept cars, the Milan Furniture Fair, and new solar technology originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 17 Apr 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Car Connectivity Consortium forms to bring more smartphones to more interiors

Tim Stevens — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 08:33:00 EST

Though Terminal Mode has always been an open standard we've never really seen any tech companies outside of Espoo show much interest in the stuff, which lets a car mirror a phone's display. When Nokia sort of shifted gears and signed on with Microsoft that left us wondering what would be next for the company's infotainment efforts. Good things, as it turns out. The Car Connectivity Consortium has been founded to drive "global innovation for in-vehicle connectivity," and both Terminal Mode and Nokia will play a big part -- though a bigger part will be played by Daimler, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Toyota, and VW. They're joined by electronics companies Alpine, LG, Panasonic, and Samsung, making us think that maybe Terminal Mode's time has properly come. Also on the docket for the CCC is study of NFC, which will hopefully standardize the sort of awesome key interactivity BMW recently showed off.

Continue reading Car Connectivity Consortium forms to bring more smartphones to more interiors

Car Connectivity Consortium forms to bring more smartphones to more interiors originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW's Bulli van concept does iPad integration right, shockingly

Tim Stevens — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 10:45:00 EST

After seeing many atrocious attempts, it seemed factory iPad integration was something that simply shouldn't happen. Now, in Volkswagen's Bulli concept, we're seeing something that makes sense -- something we've wanted to see for a while now. The tablet sits in a custom cradle in the center of the dash, extended on a pivoting arm so that it can turn toward driver or passenger. It then provides center stack duties, letting front-seaters manage the climate controls, play some music, and of course get directions. Naturally we'd like to see something a little more platform-neutral if it's going to be a factory option, but we're guessing that if indeed this new-age Vanagon ever sees production its interior will look nothing like this anyway. So, no point in getting too worked up about it, then.

VW's Bulli van concept does iPad integration right, shockingly originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW confirms it will build hyper-efficient XL1, Autocar gets to drive one

Tim Stevens — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 10:27:00 EST

Think the Volkswagen XL1 concept is too far out there to ever get built? Tell that to the blokes in Wolfsburg. German source Automobilewoche is reporting that executives Ferdinand Piech and Martin Winterkorn both confirmed that the car will be produced in small numbers, first for Germany and later coming to the US and China. It's powered by a diesel engine with less than one liter of displacement, managing 313mpg combined (that's Imperial, 260mpg using American units) putting out just 48hp and thankfully assisted by a 27hp electric motor. Not much, but enough for the 1,750lb car, which Autocar correspondent Milton Holloway got to drive and said feels "fully sorted" despite an engine that's a bit rattly. It is a diesel, after all.

VW confirms it will build hyper-efficient XL1, Autocar gets to drive one originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen's XL1 concept plug-in diesel hybrid has 260MPG fuel efficiency, questionable aesthetics

Vlad Savov — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 23:09:00 EST

Steaming down the autobahn could be about to get a whole lot more efficient. Volkswagen has carted out its newly updated Super Efficient Vehicle concept, now dubbed the XL1, which -- after a great deal of fuzzy math, we're sure -- is rated at a 313MPG fuel efficiency and produces only 24g of CO2 per kilometer traveled. There's an electric motor and a TDI diesel engine making all the buzzing and roaring noises inside, while the overall body design is focused on making the car as light and as aerodynamic as possible. Volkswagen has achieved a 795kg curb weight by using carbon fiber, magnesium, ceramics, and aluminum to shave down any excess portliness from the XL1, while wind-tunnel testing and optimizations have resulted in a rather exemplary 0.186 drag coefficient. It's rare to see such attributes on anything outside the supercar realm, but then there's a reason why this PHEV is still only a concept. FOF.

Update: Oh bother. Turns out Volkswagen's mileage claim is based on Imperial gallons, which are 1.2 times the size of the American stuff, meaning that the XL1 actually measures in at 260MPG when viewed through US glasses. Now do you see why the rest of the world has gone metric?

Continue reading Volkswagen's XL1 concept plug-in diesel hybrid has 260MPG fuel efficiency, questionable aesthetics

Volkswagen's XL1 concept plug-in diesel hybrid has 260MPG fuel efficiency, questionable aesthetics originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 23:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW Golf Blue-e-motion and Hybrid Touareg strike a pose in Detroit

Tim Stevens — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 05:47:00 EST

Alternative means of propulsion are the norm at the North American International Auto Show this year in Detroit, and VW had a few options on display. First up is the Touareg Hybrid, the company's first, with a 3.0 liter supercharged V6 paired to an electric motor, offering a combined 380hp, 0 - 60 times of 6.2 seconds (not bad for a 5,000lb SUV), and up to 27mpg -- if you don't dip too deep in the throttle. Keep things light, and under 30mph, and you can drive it as a purely EV car so long as there's charge. It's available now.

Also on display is the Golf Blue-e-motion that our friends at Autoblog previously got to spend a little time with in Germany. This is currently built on the Golf Mk VI platform but, by the time it is released in 2013, will be applied to the upcoming Mk VII platform. It's said to offer a realistic 80 miles of range and, unlike the Focus Electric, hasn't made too many sacrifices in the cargo compartment.

Gallery: VW Blue-e-motion Golf

Gallery: VW Touareg Hybrid

VW Golf Blue-e-motion and Hybrid Touareg strike a pose in Detroit originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 05:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW teases new Passat with Fender audio system to make driving more like rocking out (video)

Tim Stevens — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 22:03:00 EST

Ever wish you could bring the palpation-inducing bass, disorienting mids, and ear-rupturing highs of a concert with you whenever you drive? That your ears would still be ringing the morning after cruising home from the grocery store? That's the idea behind the Fender premium car audio system, which will be taking center stage in Volkswagen's new sub-$20k Passat -- which, by the way, is built at a new plant in Chattanooga, TN. The in-car audio system is the result of a partnership with Panasonic that was announced way back in 2007. VW hasn't quite fully unveiled the car in the flesh to the world yet (that's coming tomorrow), but it did see fit to host an event teasing the car, issuing a press release that states the system will "bring the raw emotion of live music to the driving experience." We've tried to capture that experience in the video below, which makes us very excited for the company's latest sedan indeed.

Gallery: Volkswagen's new Passat

Continue reading VW teases new Passat with Fender audio system to make driving more like rocking out (video)

VW teases new Passat with Fender audio system to make driving more like rocking out (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 09 Jan 2011 22:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen's London Taxi Concept: smaller, prettier, more electric than the real thing

Vlad Savov — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 03:56:00 EST

London would do well to dispense with the Concept label right now and just turn these into its next fleet of people carriers. Volkswagen has unveiled the latest in a series of World Taxis it's doing, prettying up London's admittedly iconic black cabs with a sheen of new paint, an all-electric drive, and an infusion of tablet-based infotainment. Based on the Up! city car, the London Taxi Concept has an estimated range of 186 miles and takes an hour to go from zero to an 80 percent charge. It also has a grayscale version of the Union Jack emblazoned on its roof, guess that's just how VW rolls. Sadly, we doubt anyone will be in a hurry to heed our sage advice and start using this concept any time soon, particularly since it doesn't pass London's taxi regulations at present, but it's a harbinger of a future we'd like to see become real.

Continue reading Volkswagen's London Taxi Concept: smaller, prettier, more electric than the real thing

Volkswagen's London Taxi Concept: smaller, prettier, more electric than the real thing originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 03:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exclusive: VW's Terminal Mode prototype with a Nokia N97 at the helm, we go hands-on

Sean Hollister — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 17:57:00 EST

What if you could plug any smartphone into your car and control your GPS, music and apps with large, vehicular controls? That's the entire idea behind Nokia's Terminal Mode. We trekked over to Volkswagen's research laboratories in Palo Alto, California to test the first working prototype actually integrated into a car -- a VW Passat, to be precise -- and got to put some German pedal to the metal with Ovi Maps guiding our every move. What did we think? Not bad for a product that's nearly two years away. Find out why (and get a video tour!) right after after the break.

Gallery: VW Passat with Nokia's Terminal Mode, hands-on

Continue reading Exclusive: VW's Terminal Mode prototype with a Nokia N97 at the helm, we go hands-on

Exclusive: VW's Terminal Mode prototype with a Nokia N97 at the helm, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leica introduces M9 'Titanium,' limited to just 500 luscious pieces

Darren Murph — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST

Can't afford anything that's been introduced at Photokina so far? Unfortunately for you, there's hardly a chance that Leica's newest limited edition product will be the one that slips under the budget. At the outfit's exclusive press preview this evening in Cologne, a gallery of executives from Leica and Volkswagen (who chipped in on the design) formally unveiled the M9 'Titanium.' For all intents and purposes, this is just a souped-up M9, but there's plenty to love for those who fancy high-fashion. You know, like a trim that uses leather "typically reserved for the interiors of Audi's premium automobiles."

According to Leica, "anything that looks like titanium, is titanium." It's also coated with a fingerprint-resistant overlay, and the bundle is slated to include the camera itself, a 35mm Summilux F/1.4 prime lens, lens hood, a new carrying concept (just a single hook for a carry strap), a newfangled electronic illumination system and a fanciful cardboard box made somewhere in the Black Forest. Just 500 of these kits are being produced and sold for an undisclosed amount starting in November, and chances are all but one or two have already been claimed. Good luck getting in line, and you might as well forget scoring the four millionth Leica camera to be produced since 1923 -- a specially-stamped M9 'Titanium' -- as that one's being given away to someone far more important than us tonight.

Gallery: Leica reveals M9 'Titanium' at Photokina 2010

Gallery: Leica M9 'Titanium' video unveiling at Photokina 2010

Leica introduces M9 'Titanium,' limited to just 500 luscious pieces originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Sep 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Minox PX3D concept camera produces 3D images viewable sans glasses

Darren Murph — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 22:34:00 EST

The doors of Photokina open in a matter of hours, and we'll most definitely be venturing over to Minox's booth in order to have a look at the PX3D. According to the barebones teaser release, this here concept camera will be able to capture 3D images that are viewable sans glasses. It should be noted that the world's first consumer-oriented 3D cameras haven't exactly seen the fondest of reviews, but tossing the glasses requirement may just flip things on its head. It's still unclear what kind of display / digital photo frame will be required to view the effect (we're guessing a parallax barrier panel will be thrown up for display), but we'll be barging in soon in order to get the full skinny.

Minox PX3D concept camera produces 3D images viewable sans glasses originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 22:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Beetle converted to run on methane headed for the UK streets

Laura June — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 13:40:00 EST

Meet the Bio-Bug, a custom modded Volkswagen Beetle which has been converted to run on biogas -- fuel created from human waste. The process of conversion isn't brand new, but this will be the first automobile fully converted to run on biogas in the United Kingdom without any loss of performance. In fact, the car is so reliable that its makers believe it can "blow away" electric vehicles, and that consumers won't even notice the difference. The Bio-Bug is a regular old 2 liter VW convertible modified to operate on both gasoline and compressed methane gas: once the methane runs out, the car reverts back to running on gasoline. The cars run on so little methane that just one regular sized sewage plant could run a car (or cars) over 95,000,000 miles per year. Developed by GENeco, a sustainable energy company in the UK, the Bio-Bug is going into a trial period, and the company plans on converting its entire fleet if successful.

Volkswagen Beetle converted to run on methane headed for the UK streets originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW Passat takes the red pill, jacks into Nokia's Terminal Mode (video)

Sean Hollister — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 06:16:00 EST

We've seen flashy concepts of what Nokia's seamless cellular infotainment initiative might look like, but it took a pair of Germans from Volkswagen to give us our first glimpse of Terminal Mode in action. At MobileBeat 2010, engineers showed off the video after the break, which shows how a prototype VW Passat might be rigged -- in this case duplicating the phone's display in its entirety (plus additional controls) on the auto's larger touchscreen. Sadly, VW said the tech's still a couple years away from commercial integration into vehicles, though they expect to see third parties selling Terminal Mode add-on kits and the like a bit sooner.

Until then, Nokia and partner companies have to figure out how to encourage developers while simultaneously restricting apps that might distract drivers; VW reps told us that while you'll download car-compatible apps from existing app stores rather than a separate Terminal Mode marketplace, compatible programs will be categorized and restricted from in-motion use based on a set of still-to-be-determined rules. Nerd-to-English translation: don't expect to watch Netflix for iPhone on the go. Sans a hack, of course.

Continue reading VW Passat takes the red pill, jacks into Nokia's Terminal Mode (video)

VW Passat takes the red pill, jacks into Nokia's Terminal Mode (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 06:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen 2011 Phaeton can read street signs using windshield mounted camera

Laura June — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 21:29:00 EST

Volkswagen's showing off its 2011 Phaeton all over the place, and it's boasting some pretty interesting features if you're the nerdy type. In addition to regular navigational systems, the Phaeton will be the first to integrate a new system which can download Google maps satellite images and points of interest info over a mobile phone, and then laid over existing maps within the GPS, providing a far superior, up to date database of information to the driver. And then there's the camera installed behind the windshield, which can read street sign information such as posted speed limits, no passing zones and the like. It also boasts Dynamic Light Assist, which makes use of the camera to scan the surrounding area for other cars that might suffer from the glare of the headlights, and responds by masking a portion of the lamp to cut said glare. Ah, fahrvergnügen.

Volkswagen 2011 Phaeton can read street signs using windshield mounted camera originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 21:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia partners with European automotive powerhouses for in-car apps

Tim Stevens — Fri, 21 May 2010 10:13:00 EST

Downloadable horntones? Music-sensitive interior lighting? In-dash version of Snake? All in your future -- at least if you plan to own an Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, or VW at some point. Nokia has come to an agreement with all of them to provide in-car apps and greater smartphone integration tech. This, of course, isn't the first move from the company (which has been showing off its Terminal Mode dash lately), but it certainly could be a major coup for Espoo. These five are by far the dominant players in the European market and certainly have a lot of clout worldwide. Exactly what sort of apps and integration remains to be seen, but recent statements from Audi may give a glimpse, saying it wants users to be able to "download heated seats." Naturally you can't download heating coils and circuitry, but the company could cut costs by just building that option into every vehicle and then enabling it via in-car purchase -- probably on a chilly January's morn. Distasteful? Yeah, just like paying extra to unlock "downloadable content" that's already sitting on the videogame disc.

Nokia partners with European automotive powerhouses for in-car apps originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 May 2010 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen rolls out foldable 'Bik.e' electric bicycle concept

Donald Melanson — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 19:51:00 EST

Well, it looks like it's the season for automakers to show off electric bicycle concepts, with Volkswagen now following Lexus' lead with its own "Bik.e" concept. Unlike Lexus' hybrid concept, this one is a full-fledged electric bicycle (sans pedals), and it boasts a few innovations of its own, not the least of which is that it's able to fold up and fit where you'd normally store a spare tire. It's also apparently able to be charged using your car's DC current in a pinch in addition to a standard AC outlet at home, and it promises to deliver a range of 20 kilometers on a full charge, along with a top speed of 20 kilometers per hour. What's more, it seems like Volkswagen is actually looking at commercial possibilities for the Bik.e, although it's not making any firm commitments just yet. Head on past the break for a quick look at the bike in action, and some dancing.

Continue reading Volkswagen rolls out foldable 'Bik.e' electric bicycle concept

Volkswagen rolls out foldable 'Bik.e' electric bicycle concept originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 19:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MIT's Affective Intelligent Driving Agent is KITT and Clippy's lovechild (video)

Vlad Savov — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:48:00 EST

If we've said it once, we've said it a thousand times, stop trying to make robots into "friendly companions!" MIT must have some hubris stuck in its ears, as its labs are back at it with what looks like Clippy gone 3D, with an extra dash of Knight Rider-inspired personality. What we're talking about here is a dashboard-mounted AI system that collects environmental data, such as local events, traffic and gas stations, and combines it with a careful analysis of your driving habits and style to make helpful suggestions and note points of interest. By careful analysis we mean it snoops on your every move, and by helpful suggestions we mean it probably nags you to death (its own death). Then again, the thing's been designed to communicate with those big Audi eyes, making even our hardened hearts warm just a little. Video after the break.

Gallery: MIT's Affective Intelligent Driving Assistant

Continue reading MIT's Affective Intelligent Driving Agent is KITT and Clippy's lovechild (video)

Filed under: Robots

MIT's Affective Intelligent Driving Agent is KITT and Clippy's lovechild (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stanford builds robotic Audi for racing, robotic Volkswagen for parking

Donald Melanson — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:59:00 EST

You can make a robotic car, and you can make a robotic car -- and it looks like Stanford is leading the charge on the no compromises approach with its new driverless Audi TTS. That, of course, is only the latest in a long line of robotic cars from the folks at Stanford, and it looks like it's also by far their most ambitious, as it's going above and beyond the usual DARPA challenges in the hope of breaking a few records and winning a few races. In fact, the car apparently already holds the "unofficial" speed record for an automous car at 130 miles per hour and, in the long term, Stanford hopes that it'll be able to complete the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, which stretches some twenty kilometers and includes no less than 156 turns. To balance all that adreneline, the Volkswagen Automotive Innovation Laboratory at Stanford has also developed a new VW Passat "valet system" that may not win any races, but can sure do some mean parallel parking. Videos of both after the break, more details a few hands-off impressions courtesy of BotJunkie at the links below.

Read - BotJunkie, "Stanford's New Robotic Audi TTS Knows How To Drift, Will Tackle Pikes Peak Next Year"
Read - BotJunkie, "VAIL Demonstrates Autonomous Valet Parking System"

Continue reading Stanford builds robotic Audi for racing, robotic Volkswagen for parking

Stanford builds robotic Audi for racing, robotic Volkswagen for parking originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen L1 concept is crazy efficient, could ship in 2013

Darren Murph — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 05:33:00 EST

Look, it's a well-known fact that the world is ending in either 2012 or when the Large Hadron Collider starts back up (whichever comes first). But, assuming neither of those scenarios actually cause planet Earth to fold in on itself, you should have some pretty swank Volkswagens to choose from in 2013. Just days after hearing that the highly-anticipated E-Up! concept would be landing in around four years, VW is now proclaiming that the L1 concept you see above could also hit production at the same time. What's odd, however, is that the automaker is already calling this the "most fuel-efficient automobile in the world," but at 170MPG, you'd think the suits at Chevy would have a thing or two to say about it. At least in theory, the hybrid TDI vehicle can cruise 100 kilometers on just 1.38 liters of diesel, but we'll wait until the EPA gets a go before buying in completely.

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Volkswagen L1 concept is crazy efficient, could ship in 2013 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 05:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen E-Up! concept rolls into Frankfurt, hits the road in 2013

Donald Melanson — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:53:00 EST

Volkswagen's E-Up! concept vehicle has been making the rounds for a little while now, but it looks like the automaker has really stepped up its game (and hype machine) for its appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show, where it also took the opportunity to announce a launch date. That will apparently happen sometime in 2013, when Volkswagen hopes that the vehicle will become nothing short of "the Beetle of the 21st century." A lofty goal to be sure, but the E-Up! does have quite a bit going for it compared to other all-electric vehicles, including a new "lightweight," five hundred pound lithium-ion battery pack, a promised range of 130 kilometers, a full recharge in less than five hours, and even some solar panels on the roof and the sun visors to add a bit of extra power to the car's electrical system. Hit up the link below for the complete rundown, and plenty of pics courtesy of our pals at Autoblog Green.

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Volkswagen E-Up! concept rolls into Frankfurt, hits the road in 2013 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Intel-backed Volkswagen infotainment system gets demonstrated

Darren Murph — Wed, 20 May 2009 18:41:00 EST

Volkswagen has been known to dabble in exotic places when it comes to in-dash entertainment, and while it's latest initiative isn't totally far-fetched, it's still worth a peek. The automaker has recently teamed up with Intel in order to develop a prototype head unit that's completely self-enclosed, meaning that there's no carputer hanging out in the trunk handling the dirty work. The touchscreen-based infotainment center shown in the video past the break is rocking Windows XP underneath and gladly accepts a number of gesture-based inputs. For example, motorists can swipe down to play or pause a track, while swiping left or right anywhere on the panel moves the playlist forward or back. The project manager doesn't bother to say when this stuff will actually hit the showroom floor, but CNET has it that you'll be waiting at least three years -- and that's if you're lucky.

[Via CNET]

Continue reading Video: Intel-backed Volkswagen infotainment system gets demonstrated

Filed under: Displays, GPS, Transportation

Video: Intel-backed Volkswagen infotainment system gets demonstrated originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 May 2009 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automakers agree on common plug to recharge electric vehicles

Darren Murph — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 16:24:00 EST

Just hours after General Motors put forth a proposal for a standardized plug for electric vehicles, in flies this. German energy firm RWE has stated that a cadre of respected automakers and energy firms have all come together in agreement on a three-point, 400-volt plug that will enable electric cars the world over to be recharged anywhere, regardless of which recharging station they stop at. Caroline Reichert, an RWE spokeswoman, noted that the idea here is to ensure that "a car can be recharged in Italy in exactly the same way as in Denmark, Germany or France." We're told that the agreement includes nods of acceptance from the likes of Volkswagen, BMW, Ford, General Motors, Fiat, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Eon, Vattenfall, EDF, Npower, Endesa and Enel, and while there's no time frame for when it'll be introduced, we're pretty stoked to hear that at least something has been decided upon.

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Automakers agree on common plug to recharge electric vehicles originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 19 Apr 2009 16:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen and Toshiba to link up on electric drive systems

Darren Murph — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 10:04:00 EST

Volkswagen sure is talking tough about going green, but we've yet to actually see any of these long-teased concepts hit the show floor. In case a plug-in Twin Drive hybrid just wasn't enough to look forward to, the suits in Wolfsburg have just inked a letter of intent with Toshiba in order to form a collaborative agreement that will see the two working together in the development of "electric drive units and the accompanying power electronics for Volkswagen's planned New Small Family." If rumors prove accurate, the NSF crew will mimic that Up! concept we've been drooling over for ages, and if you were wondering where the batteries would be coming from, this here arrangement suggests that it'll be from within the partnership. Oh, and you want a launch date, don't you? How about "forever from now," or as VW's Dr. Martin Winterkorn put it: "A considerable amount of research and development work still has to be carried out until we can produce the electric vehicle."

Continue reading Volkswagen and Toshiba to link up on electric drive systems

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Volkswagen and Toshiba to link up on electric drive systems originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi confirms pure electric car, will likely be based on VW Up! concept

Darren Murph — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 12:31:00 EST

With an electric MINI Cooper just around the bend, a Twin Drive hybrid Volkswagen landing in 2010 and Chevrolet's Volt rolling into showrooms in a matter of months, Audi's ten-year plan is looking a little awkward. Though we've yet to hear that it's actually speeding things up, Peter Schwarzenbauer, who sits on the management board at Ingolstadt, recently confirmed that the company would be offering "a pure electric car" sometime in the future. Additionally, rumors of it being based on the A1 were dashed, opening the door for speculation that it will instead be built around the VW Up! (Lupo) concept. Here's hoping we find our prior to 2018.

[Via Autoblog]

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Audi confirms pure electric car, will likely be based on VW Up! concept originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Oct 2008 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen prepping a plug-in "Twin Drive" hybrid for 2010

Paul Miller — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 08:45:00 EST

You know how we love plug-in hybrids around these parts, particularly if they're actually going to get built -- crazy, we know. Now it looks like Volkswagen is going to get into the game, with a "Twin Drive" Golf powered by a 122 horsepower diesel engine and 82 horsies of electric motor. The car should debut around 2010, and VW plans on spending $769 million on the project, helped along by a $23.5 million program put in place by the German government to help along such development. The car, which uses the electric motor for primary power, supplemented by the diesel motor and regenerative braking for extra juice, should be able to squeeze about 31 miles out of its Sanyo-developed lithium-ion batteries in all-electric mode.

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Volkswagen prepping a plug-in "Twin Drive" hybrid for 2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is Apple's iCar in a German auto magazine? Probably not.

Joshua Topolsky — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 23:57:00 EST

Sure, we've heard rumors about a possible iCar before, but it's not every day that a German auto magazine (Autobild, in this case) throws some wacky VW concept with an iPod touch floating above it on its cover. We know that the two companies have collaborated in the past, with old Jobsy and Volkswagen head Martin Winterkorn supposedly sipping brandy and regaling each other with tales of their salad days, but up until now the closest we've seen to an actual product was that Space Up! blue concept interior from back in November of last year. Will you finally have the perfect set of wheels to dock your iPhone on the go? Doubtful... but feel free to dream.

[Via Autoblog]

Filed under: Transportation

Is Apple's iCar in a German auto magazine? Probably not. originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 23:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen to produce 1-Liter car in 2010, should get over 200MPG

Darren Murph — Fri, 09 May 2008 09:18:00 EST

Although you can definitely pre-order an Aptera if you're okay with space-aged design, Volkswagen is hoping to provide another option for those looking for ridiculous MPG and a little bit of normalcy in construction. Okay, so maybe the 1-Liter isn't exactly standard fare -- with its plastic / magnesium shell and all-glass roof -- but at least it packs four whole wheels and an iconic VW badge, right? According to Motor Authority, the automaker will be producing said vehicle and pushing it to market as early as 2010, and while the minuscule engine will only take you to 75MPH, it will still seat two people -- one in front of the other, though -- and get around 235MPG. No word on a price or any of that good stuff, but we're hearing that they'll only be produced in "limited numbers" whenever they're launched.

[Via EcoGeek, thanks Yossi]

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Volkswagen to produce 1-Liter car in 2010, should get over 200MPG originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 May 2008 09:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi aims to produce electric car within ten years

Darren Murph — Mon, 05 May 2008 10:53:00 EST

Although Audi isn't aiming to beat Chevrolet to the punch with an electric whip, it does plan on joining the party a bit further down the road -- according to company bigwig Rupert Stadler, that is. Based on an interview with Germany's Welt am Sonntag, Mr. Stadler noted that he expected diesel and battery technology to dominate within five to ten years, and he made mention that "by then, [Audi] would offer cars without exhaust emissions." Curiously enough, he also stated that "electric cars offer opportunities, which [the company has] already seized on," but alas, he didn't elaborate beyond that. Just to confirm, we've got you, me and a whisper-quiet ride in five- to ten-years? It's a date.

[Via News]

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Audi aims to produce electric car within ten years originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 May 2008 10:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: VW's Park Assist Vision helps bridge and tunnelers park in the big scary city

Thomas Ricker — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 07:30:00 EST

Volkswagen is showing off its new Park Assist Vision technology at the Hanover Fair in Germany. Unlike VW's previous attempts, this version of Park Assist is fully automatic. As such, the driver-turned-spectator can stand outside the car while the Passat maneuvers its way into cramped spots with the help of external cameras and proximity sensors. The driver selects his space on the monitor of the navigation system and then sets the vehicle into "P" mode. It's just a trial for now so you'll still have to get by with the ol' bump-smile-n-flirt approach that's gotten you and your Aquanet hair into the city up until now. Video demonstration after the break.

[Via Gizmag]

Continue reading Video: VW's Park Assist Vision helps bridge and tunnelers park in the big scary city

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Video: VW's Park Assist Vision helps bridge and tunnelers park in the big scary city originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is the VW Space Up! interface developed by Apple?

Thomas Ricker — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 08:31:00 EST

Nice interior huh? And how 'bout that 7-inch touchscreen display slapped onto the center console. Pretty sweet right? You're looking at the inside of VW's third iteration of their Space Up! -- the Space Up! blue -- just revealed at the LA auto show. Now try this on. Reader Joona wonders if this is the result of recent collaborations between Apple and VW. After thinking about it some, we're starting to wonder too. As Autoblog describes it, the concept touchscreen monitor "controls all conceivable functions" and is meant to demonstrate how future human-machine interfaces might look and operate. The touchscreen (no mention of multi-touch support) uses proximity sensors to react to gestures, apparently, without actually touching the display. The user can simply touch the "main menu carousel" to navigate to the desired category or manipulate the system with simple hand gestures near the display. Autoblog says, "Visually, this control is just as spectacular as it is intuitive." Now, chew on this for a second. VW announced earlier this week that all new VW models in ~~2008~~ 2009 will have touchscreens. Is this what Apple has in store for us at January's MacWorld? Who knows, but it's a compelling story, eh? Now, anyone have a video of this in action? A few more pics after the break.

Update: Found a video on YouTube. It's a slightly older version of the Space Up! revealed in Tokyo but the control panel looks the same. Interface in action at about 1:10 in and then again at 4:00.

Update 2: Jumpin' Johosephat, reader Rat128 just nailed it. That looks like cover flow on the dashboard. In fact, that artwork is from Jack Johnson's In Between Dreams... an Apple fave.

Update 3: Second video found courtesy of Edmonds Car Space showing a slightly different design of the carousel in much more detail, quirks and all.

Read -- All VWs to get touch screens
Read -- Space Up! blue

Continue reading Is the VW Space Up! interface developed by Apple?

Is the VW Space Up! interface developed by Apple? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple rumor-roundup for September 5th event

Thomas Ricker — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 11:04:00 EST

Check your pulse Apple fanatics, "the beat goes on" September 5th... now just two days away. Unusual for Apple rumors, this event has pretty much all the analysts and so-called insiders in sync with their predictions. Mass disillusion or divine soothsaying, we don't know. Certainly everyone's been expecting this to be a big quarter for product transitions. While we wait, we figured you might as well get up to speed on all the predictions for Wednesday's big show:

iPod Touch with flash-memory, WiFi and OS X-based Cover Flow user interface
iPod nano "phatty"
Wireless iTunes store sales for iPhone and wireless iPod(s)
(PRODUCT) Red iPod shuffle
iTunes ringtone service
Beatles on iTunes -- yes, again

While not necessarily rumored for Wednesday, there's always a chance that we'll hear a bit more about Apple's automotive collaborations with Volkswagen and Jaguar. Just sayin's all.

Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video

Apple rumor-roundup for September 5th event originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Sep 2007 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What would the iCar be like?

Joshua Topolsky — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 20:26:00 EST

Continuing the trend of wild Cupertino-related rumors, while simultaneously bringing to mind an old joke about Microsoft and GM, a German magazine is claiming that Apple and Volkswagen have entered into discussions over a concept vehicle to be dubbed -- you guessed it -- the iCar. If you believe what they say, the two companies are in the early stages of planning for an entire line of new VWs that would incorporate Apple-sourced designs and features. Given that we've seen the firms collaborate in the past, this isn't too far out there -- though we wouldn't go wagering on this rumor, either. As you can see below, the Engadget gang chimed in on the news, but what do you think the iCar would be like?

Ryan: "Can hit 100Mph, can't hit 100Kbps."
Evan: "The scroll wheel would be hard to steer in sharp turns."
Paul: "Give it a few weeks and you should be breaking 25Mph no sweat."
Nilay: "It only uses one kid of gas!"
Josh: "I hear it doesn't have 3G either."
Chris: "Internal combustion engines were stupid until we decided to use them."
Dante: "White."

[Via AppleInsider, image courtesy of Chris3D]

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What would the iCar be like? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Aug 2007 20:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen conjuring up adaptive sunshade

Darren Murph — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 08:01:00 EST

Just a day after a clever Jetta owner figured out how to chart his joyrides with a Wiimote, it looks like Volkswagen has a trick up its own sleeve, too. Reportedly, the automaker is developing an "adaptive sun visor" that recognizes the position of the sun and darkens the areas that require it in order to make your drive a less squint-filled one. The technology supposedly works around curves and elevation changes, meaning that leaving your sunglasses behind may not ruin your afternoon commute. As expected, further details are few and far between at the moment, and while there's no set date (nor vehicle) for the innovative sunshade to be launched on, the sun-lovin' Eos wouldn't be a bad guinea pig.

[Via Foursprung]

Filed under: Transportation

Volkswagen conjuring up adaptive sunshade originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Aug 2007 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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