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.

Continue reading Saginomiya driving simulator steers real car, isn't quite Avatar on wheels (video)

Saginomiya driving simulator steers real car, isn't quite Avatar on wheels (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 May 2012 00:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

So, Chrysler's electric postal van never really took off -- perhaps a few too many mailmen refused to give up those roomy Grumman LLVs -- but now Nissan is giving the electric van concept a go. Yesterday the company announced the e-NV200 compact van (previously teased as a concept), which will go into production in 2013. The van will be Nissan's second all-electric vehicle, following the 2010 Leaf. The e-NV200's design is quite similar to that of the NV200 van, but it swaps taxi-cab yellow for the Leaf's shade of robin's egg blue. Nissan says it's putting $126 million into producing the new model, but so far it's keeping mum on other details. Head past the break for the full press release

Continue reading Nissan announces e-NV200 all-electric van, production slated for 2013

Nissan announces e-NV200 all-electric van, production slated for 2013 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 May 2012 22:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

As the world awaits the arrival of Tesla's Model S, CEO Elon Musk has triumphantly tweeted (it was a busy night) that the car has passed all crash testing for a five star rating. The upshot, other than assuring prospective owners of their safety even if their limited edition ride gets dinged, is that cars can be built for sale and the first customer deliveries are scheduled for June 22nd -- just ahead of the original July projections. We've already had seat time in the sporty sedan, and if predictions hold, about half of the 10,000 who have preordered so far should get their shot in 2012, before production ramps up to 20,000 units in 2013. With a pricetag of up to $77,400 it may be time to make sure your financing is in order, although we're sure there others on the list who wouldn't mind moving up one bit. While you're counting down to the arrival of your own Model S (if, indeed, you ordered one) check out the source links for more info.

[Thanks, Adam]

Tesla CEO tweets that crash testing is complete, Model S production ready to roll originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2012 10:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Garmin may be in the early stages of navigating its way from the narrow roads of portable GPS to the in-car infotainment highway, but the company appears to be on the right path, directing focus away from dedicated compact devices and towards permanent in-dash installations. The latest advancement places a greater emphasis on improving control systems, marking a potential departure from the touchscreen in favor of a console-mounted multi-controller that enables adjustments while minimizing distractions. The system combines a proximity-sensing rotary controller that displays the appropriate interface as your hand approaches, along with a touchpad and a variety of selection buttons with functionality that varies depending on the current menu. In addition to the obvious GPS module, the system would enable HVAC control, car monitoring and even smartphone app integration. The multi-sensor controller is still in the concept phase -- the project doesn't even have a proper name yet -- but it does appear to be a practical solution for future vehicle interfaces. You'll find a few more details in the blog post after the break.

Continue reading Garmin multi-sensor controller concept replaces touchscreen interface with in-console dial rig

Garmin multi-sensor controller concept replaces touchscreen interface with in-console dial rig originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Better Place has been striving to make the world, just that, with its battery-swapping approach to electric vehicles since as far back as 2008. There's been a modicum of success, with outlets and swapping stations peppered as far and wide as Denmark, California, Australia and Japan. Now, the Associated Press reports that world's first nationwide electric car network -- this time in Israel -- has been given its first test. This only equates to four battery stations at the moment, with a further 40 to follow in the second half of the year. However, the firm maintains, that even with the current infrastructure, users could comfortably drive the entire length of the nation. Renault will sell a version of its Fluence EV customized to work with the battery stations for $32,000, with different mileage options on offer. Is this the future of electric motoring? We don't know, but anything that's this much quicker than overnight charging is fine by us.

Better Place takes its electric vehicle network in Israel for a silent spin originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 03:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Our hopes of taking the Fisker Atlantic for a spin next year just got dampened considerably: a big document leak has revealed that the more reasonably-priced alternative to the Karma won't be rolling off the production lines en masse until mid-2014, a year later than we'd expected. Thanks in part to a factory overhaul, the only Atlantics rolling on their hybrid-powered wheels in mid-2013 will be prototypes. On the upside, we've learned more about the car itself, including a fairly brisk 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds courtesy of a 300HP-equivalent motor. Green drivers who thought that the promised lower price would put it into entry-level luxury will nonetheless get a reality check with that $50,000 to $60,000 target, even if it's still a big savings over the six-digit Karma. There's still a huge amount of leeway for things to change, but with our compatriots at Autoblog having confirmed that the documents were real and "highly confidential," they may be a sign that the Tesla Model S will have free rein in the green luxury sedan world for a good year or more.

Fisker leak shows Atlantic production delayed to mid-2014, 0-60 in 6.5 seconds originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 20 May 2012 09:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

It may not be the first time Porsche's 918 plug-in hybrid has had a chance to flex its 770 horse power for the camera, but when we last saw the pricey insanely expensive speed demon strut its stuff on record, it certainly didn't look like this. The freakish prototype has emerged as a beautiful, high-performance vision of efficiency, blasting its way past 100 kilometers of terrain for every three liters of petrol (78 miles/gallon). The $845,000 machine pairs a combustion engine with electric motors to achieve that consumption rating, and sports a carbon-fiber reinforced-plastic monocoque (self-supporting) shell, rear-axle steering and that unique upward-venting exhausted system that you may have noticed in the shot above. The 918 Spyder is slated for its initial production run beginning in September of 2013, with the first models making their way to US customers late next year. It's time to start saving -- just a few thousand blog posts to go.

Gallery: Porsche 918 Spyder

Continue reading Porsche 918 Spyder prototype returns to the road with polished black and white shell

Porsche 918 Spyder prototype returns to the road with polished black and white shell originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

We've spent our fair share of time behind the dash of Tesla's gorgeous Model S, though there hasn't been an opportunity to push the all-electric vehicle to its limits on the fuel battery front. The sedan still isn't quite ready for a full-on range test, but the manufacturer has provided a teaser in the form of some updated stats, with a line graph demonstrating consistent improvements over the Roadster. Assuming constant highway travel at speeds of 50-70 miles-per-hour, the Model S is expected to continue rolling for 250-350 miles on a single charge, with the car possibly exceeding 400 miles at slower speeds (think 35 mph and below, but still on the highway). There's an 85 kWh battery on board (compared to 55 kWh on the Roadster), and despite taking a massive hit for size and weight, the Model S only consumes about 10 percent more power than its more-svelte sibling. Those figures apply to the mph listed above, and speed demons can expect to see a massive dive in range. Sounds like we can expect some fiery performance on the road -- just, hopefully not in the garage -- when the sedan begins making its way to customers next month, ahead of the original July ship proposal. Hop on past the break and hit up our source link for some nifty graphs, along with Tesla's findings in full.

Continue reading Tesla publishes Model S efficiency and range stats, expects 350 highway miles per charge

Tesla publishes Model S efficiency and range stats, expects 350 highway miles per charge originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 May 2012 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Are you the proud new owner of an HTC One-series phone who's looking to enhance your personal ecosystem with some accessories? Then listen up, because the company that bills itself as "quietly brilliant" wants to flood your auto and home with all your favorite media. Via two YouTube clips, HTC has shed some additional light on its revamped Media Link HD product and its Car offering announced around Mobile World Congress earlier this year. Through the use of two specially designed dongles, and a snazzy on-phone interface, the software/hardware combo streams audio and/or video to your output medium of choice. The company lists both systems as being available "this April" on its website, so for now it looks like you'll have to settle for the two videos awaiting your scrutiny after the break.

Continue reading HTC shows off Media Link HD and Car streaming in new videos

HTC shows off Media Link HD and Car streaming in new videos originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 May 2012 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Driving through Las Vegas can be distracting -- bright lights, sun-powered death rays and international Consumer Electronics Shows have a tendency to catch a geek's eye -- good thing, then, that Nevada's deemed Google fit to test its autonomous automobile on public streets. The state's Department of Transportation was tasked with penning a set of safety standards for self-driving cars last June, and is now letting the cars run amok on city streets, with a few restrictions.

Mountain View's three test vehicles, for instance, will need to haul a carpool of at least two passengers before driving down the strip, one person to take the wheel in case of an emergency, and another to monitor a computer screen that details the car's planned route. Test vehicles will also don red license plates and an infinity symbol to mark them as self-driving prototypes. Nevada DMV Director Bruce Breslow says those plates will be green once the vehicles are ready for market, something he hopes to see in three to five years.

Nevada lets Google's driverless car hit the open road, requires it to bring a driver originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 May 2012 23:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

CTIA, while focused on mobile technology, often gives us the chance to peek at other devices that bridge into our beloved mobile world. Clarion's Next Gate is one such device, running on a 7-inch WVGA display and interfacing with your iPhone via the dock connector. Once you're hooked up -- which should be straightforward as it only needs plugging in -- the Next Gate allows control of apps on your device. First off, we like the idea that your iPhone is controlled by the Next Gate -- in fact when firing up an app in the demo you can see it cycle open on the iPhone display -- but its lower resolution screen, hung adjacent to an iPad, made us immediately yearn for an upgraded panel. The selection of usable apps includes such niceties as Twitter, Facebook, streaming radio and of course navigation. All the apps we saw seemed to perform quite well, though we weren't on the open road in bright sunlight with the top down and the quadruplets screaming bloody murder in the back seat, thankfully. If you're jonesing for one of these distraction-inducing gizmos, it can be all yours beginning June 1st for $270. Have a peek at the video and gallery below for a tour of the interface and some of its functionality.

Gallery: Clarion Next Gate hands-on (video)

Continue reading Clarion Next Gate hands-on (video)

Clarion Next Gate hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 May 2012 21:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Clarion is primarily known for its aftermarket car audio and navigation solutions, but it's increasingly moving into the realm of smartphone integration. Looking to court iPhone users who'd appreciate the connectivity and convenience of Pioneer's AppRadio, but don't care to fuss with the installation, Clarion's Next Gate can be easily mounted to one's windshield. It offers access to popular apps such as TuneIn and Pandora, along with navigation, hands-free calling and voice-dialing functionality. Scarily enough, users will even be able to access Facebook and Twitter via the voice-activated Vlingo app -- please, just promise to keep your focus on the road. The display itself is a 7-inch, WVGA affair, and as you'd expect, the unit is powered by the vehicle's 12 volt accessory jack -- otherwise known as the cigarette lighter receptacle. Similarly, the Next Gate connects to the iPhone via Apple's dock connector, which means that users will need to manage a bit of cable clutter.

All in all, the Clarion Next Gate could certainly be a compelling solution for some, and its $270 price is within the realm of reason. While we're a bit concerned about what it entails for driving distractions, the unit shouldn't be any worse of a diversion than the ol' smartphone itself. In fact, we're most disappointed that there's no support for Android. Those in the privileged iPhone community will be able to purchase the Next Gate as of June 1st, and you'll find the full PR after the break.

Continue reading Clarion Next Gate brings iPhone apps (and distractions) to your windshield

Clarion Next Gate brings iPhone apps (and distractions) to your windshield originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 May 2012 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Ariel Atom is arguably one of the greatest bangs for the buck in terms of sports car performance, so it's no surprise that the automaker has paired up with Motion Simulation to design a particularly special simulator for both hardcore fans as well pro racing drivers and pilots. The TL1 has the world's first 180-degree spherical projection unit (technically, three projector screens acting as one) to give you that advance view of the apex without display bezels getting in the way. Its seat not only adjusts to fit different breeds of cars and aircraft but, if you opt for it, tucks in a motion transducer that will properly jolt you when you hit a bump in the road. What may please extra-serious racing game fans the most is the off-the-shelf nature of the computer needed to drive the TL1 properly: as long as your graphics hardware can handle the extra-wide 5760 x 1200 resolution, any typical Windows XP or Windows 7 desktop will do. The real question is whether your wallet can handle it, as the £11,500 ($18,573) PC-less starting price will make it tempting to buy a real Atom instead.

Continue reading Ariel Atom-inspired simulator touts world's first 180-degree spherical projector screen (video)

Ariel Atom-inspired simulator touts world's first 180-degree spherical projector screen (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 05 May 2012 23:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Most Engadget readers will have grown up with GPS, but the UK's Newcastle University has realized that many in the older generation might be first-timers and unfamiliar with all those keep-lefts and turn-rights. Development is underway at the school for a new satellite navigation system that would be easier and more intuitive for your grandfolks, with features that include calling out direction changes by landmark names, limiting turns to the safer variety and keeping the route off of high-speed motorways. When this might come to your local high street shop isn't known, but the university has a £12 million ($19.5 million) research grant to help sort that out.

Newcastle University preps in-car GPS for the elderly, helps grandmum get home safely originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 May 2012 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

If you don't have a sonorous v-something under the hood guzzling gas, do you still have a supercar? Judging by the nearly one million large needed to buy its Concept_One high performance EV, Rimac clearly thinks so. Since our last dalliance with the sinuous eco-powerhouse, the Croatian maker has announced that it's producing 88 units priced at $980K each -- with its carbon fibre body, 1088 HP, 190 mph top speed, and 2.8 second 0-62 mph time all still intact. Sure, there's no Lamborghini rumble, but at those speeds you'll be gone so quickly no one would appreciate it anyway. Watch it cruise sedately in the video after the break.

Continue reading Rimac Concept_One EV now a reality: cash in those stock options (video)

Rimac Concept_One EV now a reality: cash in those stock options (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 May 2012 22:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Collision detection for cars? Yeah, scientists are on that. But whenever we read about concepts like this, the accompanying literature is often curiously light on details pertaining to real-life driving conditions; it's often unclear how well the tech will fare if you dredge it up on a foggy day, or in the middle of torrential storm. But in that press release you see down there, low visibility and poorly lit roads are all Panasonic wants to talk about. The company just unveiled its new crash-avoidance system, which, like other concepts we've seen, uses millimeter-wave radar technology to detect pedestrians and bicyclists. Since humans tend to reflect weaker radar signals than cars, Panasonic has designed a new pulse radar code sequence that allows pedestrians to leave a bigger footprint. It's so effective, the company claims, that it can detect bystanders up to 40 meters (131 feet) away, and will work at night and through rain, fog, snow and blinding sunlight. That all sounds promising, of course, but as with other concepts, it's not clear, when, exactly we'll see this system put to good use in the real world.

Continue reading Panasonic details radar-based technology that can detect collisions in low light

Panasonic details radar-based technology that can detect collisions in low light originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The New York Auto Show may be done and over with, but the 2012 Beijing International Auto Show is just hitting its stride. Predictably, BYD is in attendance, and it's got a couple of new gizmos out on the red carpet. For starters, there's the Qin (pronounced "Chin," not Kin), a dual-mode electric vehicle that includes seven percent better efficiency, power and energy-saving in pure EV mode compared to the first generation's F3DM system. All told, the vehicle can scoot some 31 miles on a single 10KWh charge, and in hybrid mode, it can use both its 110KW electric motor and its 1.5 Turbo engine to output some 223KW of power and 440Nm of torque. For the technophiles, the car is also equipped with an intelligent cloud system platform, which incorporates things like "telematics, cloud-computing and a full-range of services 24 hours a day (like roadside assistance, vehicle positioning, remote monitoring, music and video downloads etc.)."

As if that weren't enough, the outfit's showcasing a new Remote Driving Controller for its F3 Plus, which enables owners to perform a variety of driving functions -- moving it forward / back, turning left / right and traveling at a "restricted speed" -- without having the owner inside of the vehicle. Naturally, we're anxiously awaiting a test unit of our own. Or, for a wave of lawsuits -- whichever comes first.

Continue reading BYD intros dual-mode electric Qin vehicle, Remote Driving key for outside-the-car operation

BYD intros dual-mode electric Qin vehicle, Remote Driving key for outside-the-car operation originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 06:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Senate black box bill could see 2015 car models ship with data recorders originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Chrysler's Mopar division brings wireless charging to 2013 Dodge Dart (video)

Chrysler's Mopar division brings wireless charging to 2013 Dodge Dart (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 05:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading PAL-V ONE makes maiden voyage, gives new meaning to 'Flying Dutchman' (video)

PAL-V ONE makes maiden voyage, gives new meaning to 'Flying Dutchman' (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 05:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading BMW i8 Concept Spyder takes to the road, sounds almost as gorgeous as it looks (video)

BMW i8 Concept Spyder takes to the road, sounds almost as gorgeous as it looks (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 19:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Fisker Nina / Atlantic gets unofficially pictured in official form originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Terrafugia Transition production prototype completes first flight, set to land at NY Auto Show this Friday

Terrafugia Transition production prototype completes first flight, set to land at NY Auto Show this Friday originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Garmin partners with Suzuki for company's first in-dash infotainment system

Garmin partners with Suzuki for company's first in-dash infotainment system originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Chevrolet set to debut GogoLink navigation on Spark and Sonic rides (video)

Chevrolet set to debut GogoLink navigation on Spark and Sonic rides (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 20:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Nissan Leaf to get minor range boost, prove Moore's Law doesn't apply to EVs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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.

RelayRides hooks up with GM, opens P2P car sharing to OnStar subs originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 21:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

MyFord Touch update rolling out now, promises to be 'faster, simpler, better' originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 19:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Audi's 'Visions' will pimp your ride, light up the neighborhood (video)

Audi's 'Visions' will pimp your ride, light up the neighborhood (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Mar 2012 13:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Remember that gorgeous looking R18 hybrid from Audi that raced into our hearts earlier this week? Well, we found this video of it in action. If you can look past the flock of applauding suits, you'll get a sneak-peek at this beast on the track. Sadly we'll have to wait until Le Mans before we can really smell the rubber, but in the meantime, there's a gallery of renders below to keep you going.

Gallery: Audi R81 Hybrid

Audi R18 Hybrid spotted in the flesh, sounds as good as it looks originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Mar 2012 06:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Audi goes hybrid and ultralight with R18 Le Mans racers

Audi goes hybrid and ultralight with R18 Le Mans racers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading RealVNC teams up with Sony to bring Android apps to the dashboard

RealVNC teams up with Sony to bring Android apps to the dashboard originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Proton and Yes team up to offer Malaysia's first 4G-connected car, promise more to come

Proton and Yes team up to offer Malaysia's first 4G-connected car, promise more to come originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Inhabitat's Week in Green: solar tulip, new discovered molecule and a colossal statue of Coca Cola crates originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Hertz charges into EV Plugless Power pilot program, can't say it three times fast

Hertz charges into EV Plugless Power pilot program, can't say it three times fast originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Gallery: Tesla Model X press shots

Gallery: Tesla Model X launch

Gallery: Tesla Model X eyes-on

Continue reading Tesla unveils Model X SUV, wants to be your all-electric crossover

Tesla unveils Model X SUV, wants to be your all-electric crossover originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

With federal loans blocked, Fisker halts work on Project Nina, lays off 66 workers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Inhabitat's Week in Green: glowing green sea, an equinox house and energy-efficient skyscrapers originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Hiriko: The MIT-backed, Spanish 'folding' EV that wants to make cities bigger originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.