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BMW asks other automakers to collaborate on in-car open source platform
In March of last year, we heard that Toyota had a mind to create its very own in-car operating system to "boost efficiency and speed up development." Now, it's bruited that BMW is asking any automaker who will listen to join hands in order to jointly develop an open source in-vehicle platform. The company has stated that it plans on having an open source system in a vehicle that sells 200,000 or more units within the next five to seven years, and while employees from rivals were on hand when the proclamation was made, no one was rushing to call dibs on first. Still, it sounds as if BMW will be forging ahead with or without any assistance, though bigwig Gunter Reichart did assert that BMW was "inviting other OEMs to join it [and] to exchange with it." In an apparent attempt at providing comic relief, Jim Buczkowski (Ford's director of global electrical and electronics systems engineering) stated that through its partnership with Microsoft, it already had 280,000 vehicles on the road with an open system. Hmm, clearly our definitions of "open" are somewhat incongruent.[Via Motor Authority, thanks Laminaatplaat]
Over half of 2009 vehicles in America will offer iPod support
And we're not talking about that 3.5mm-to-3.5mm trick, either. No sirree, we're referring to bona fide iPod integration, and 2009 marks the first year where over half of all US-bound automobiles are expected to offer optional support for Apple's prolific PMP. When looking at 2008 model year vehicles, just 39% offered tight iPod integration, but according to Phil Magney, vice president of automotive research for iSuppli, the "automotive industry is at the point where in-vehicle technologies -- or the lack of them -- are influencing sales." Furthermore, Bluetooth is expected to be in 82% of 2009 US vehicles (optional or standard), and just so we're clear, we're talking all cars, not just the luxury brands. Unfortunately, no data was provided for expected compatibility with the DJ Ditty.[Via Wired, image courtesy of JPMagazine]
Chrysler's new electric vehicles shown on video
What else can we say? Chrysler's new electric vehicles that were introduced yesterday just got a lot more real thanks to a stable of videos showing 'em off. To be honest, we're not too jazzed about the whisper quiet Chrysler minivan or the otherwise plain Jeep Wrangler, but that Dodge EV -- mmm, now that's a fine piece of engineering. Tap the read link and mash play if you're thirsty for more.
Honda bringing 360-degree multi-view camera system to Odyssey
Honda's been trying for months now to convince you that "the van is back in style," and while we're still not entirely sure that line isn't just marketing hoopla (okay, it is), at least the company is working to make the thing more technologically advanced. Starting next month in Japan, the automaker will debut a multi-view camera system for its Odyssey minivan, which will utilize the same 360-degree overhead cam tech that Nissan picked up last year. The system will give drivers the ability to see more as they prepare to back out, and the biggest boon is the ability to view ninjas adhered to parking garage ceilings prior to opening the sunroof and facing The Reaper. Unfortunately, there's no word on when it'll be available in other corners of the globe, but we'd guess 2009 if we had a Katana put to our throat.[Thanks, JagsLive]
Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge electric vehicle prototypes get outed
Seeing that General Motors left a gaping hole of opportunity for other automakers to produce a new EV by 2010 that isn't uglier than sin itself, it's no real shock to see Chrysler champing at the bit. Just this week, the company has introduced a trio of advanced electric-drive vehicle prototypes (simply coined Chrysler EV, Jeep EV and Dodge EV for now), one of which will mysteriously surface in 2010 for consumers in North America. Feel free to hit the read link for the entire hope-filled press release and the gallery of images, but if we've learned anything of late about those succulent concept shots, it's to not believe them (at all).
Teenager hacks together hardware for controlling your car via phone
Using little more than book knowledge, experience from previous projects, and a healthy shot of elbow grease, a Kenyan kid has constructed a nifty (and perhaps just a little scary) box that attaches to your car to provide a number of unique remote-control features that you're not going to find on your average OnStar setup. The flagship function seems to be the real-time lockout, which can call you as the car is being started; only if you confirm that it's not some baddie trying to jack your ride will the ignition request be granted. That's not all, though -- it'll also let you dial into the car and listen in on any conversations going on within. The young man says he's seeking additional funding to take his project to the next level, but in the meantime, don't even think about making off with a white Mitsubishi the next time you're in Mombasa. Follow the break for a video of the system in action.[Via AfriGadget]
ATX proposes .car TLD for expected influx of in-car internet users
With the ability to surf the web in-car inevitably coming to more and more motorcars, ATX Group, the self-proclaimed "largest independent telematics services provider to the automotive industry," has announced an initiative with the Connected Vehicle Trade Association to "convene an international work group to address how to safely access internet content through embedded and nomadic devices in vehicles." Aside from that, it's also proposing a generic top-level domain -- .car -- that would presumably dumb down websites for use in the vehicle. Of course, you won't find us cheering on a movement to generate yet another worthless TLD, but we'd certainly be down with text-to-speech software that read the latest gadget headlines (just an example, is all) aloud as you cruised the freeway.
GM cranks up battery tests for plug-in Volt
General Motors doesn't have long before everyone and their cousin expects to see at least a few Volts on the road -- and it knows it. In an attempt to make sure the deadline is met, the firm has battery testing going on 'round the clock in Michigan and Germany that will theoretically simulate a decade of use in just two years. Additionally, it's placing batteries in test Malibus in order to get a feel for real-world results. Still, GM has yet to definitively decide on the final engine or which battery supplier it'll end up working with, but as the eleventh hour grows ever closer, we can only hope that the pieces start to come together.[Via CNET, image courtesy of Reuters]
2009 Jaguar XKR to come with Bowers & Wilkins sound system
It's not like anyone 'round these parts will be parking their keister in a 2009 Jaguar XKR, but now we've got one more reason to envy those who will. The motorcar, which is set to debut at the New York Auto Show later this month, will come standard with a lavish Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system. More specifically, those with an eye on this car can start dreaming of the Kevlar-injected mid-range drivers, aluminum tweeters and lots of longing looks from those cruising by. No idea what effect this system will have on the sticker price (being that it's included and all), but seriously, if you're making space in your garage for this, you and your Centurion Card ain't sweatin' a thing. %Gallery-18295%
Toyota already looking beyond lithium-ion batteries
If you can believe it (and we think you can), Toyota is already hard at work on a new battery system to replace its lithium-ion units currently slated for use in upcoming models. According to a report in Automotive News Europe, the company is hoping to adopt a more advanced battery for its hybrid vehicles in about 12 years as part of its Global Vision 2020 plan. The automaker won't say what technology it plans on moving towards, though it has suggested that air-zinc batteries could be a possible solution for maintaining its dominance in the hybrid vehicle market. In June the company will launch a new division dedicated to developing technologies for future cell power, while its lithium-ion vehicles will hit the roads around 2010.[Via Autoblog]
16-year-old converts gas truck to electric, reminds us of our wasted youth
We don't know about you, but we were doing far, far less productive things than Andrew Angelloti when we were 16. The green-minded youth -- a forum member over at Ecomodder -- has taken his 1988 Mazda pickup truck and converted it to run solely on electricity using $6,000 he'd earned as a part-time lifeguard. According to Andrew, the truck reaches a top speed of 55 MPH, sports a range of 40 miles per charge, and has acceleration that's, "Not that bad." The mod uses 20 flooded lead-acid batteries (for 120 volts), and a 60 HP, 9-inch electric motor. For most of us, that one major conversion would be enough, but Andrew is cracking away on his second EV mod, working his magic on a 1992 Toyota Tercel and gunning for more speed and a larger motor. Who said kids were lazy these days?[Via Digg]
Saturn aims for 2010 with plug-in hybrid Vue Green Line -- take that, Toyota
Just as Toyota saw fit to pimp its own forthcoming plug-in hybrid, General Motors is hitting back with "hopes" to produce a similarly equipped Saturn Vue Green Line in 2010 as well. We know, GM doesn't have the greatest track record when it comes to delivering on time, but you say what you have to in order to keep up, right? Nevertheless, this vehicle is slated to house a "modified version of GM's two-mode hybrid system and plug-in technology" along with an obligatory Li-ion, and current testing has shown it able to traverse ten miles at "low speeds" when running on battery power alone. It's also stated that the SUV can be fully recharged in just under five hours, but alas, GM isn't opening its mouth even a little to address pricing expectations. Hit the read link for a gallery of photos -- who knows when you'll see it in the flesh.
Tata Motors' $2,500 NANO automobile gets official
While many around the globe have their eyes fixated on the events going down in Las Vegas this week, the 9th Auto Expo in New Delhi, India is managing to steal at least a hint of the limelight. Announced today, Tata Motors' $2,500 "1-Lakh" car will actually see production in India later this year, and it has affectionately been dubbed the NANO. For those not keen on such a title, it can also be recognized as "The People's Car," but it seems "The Person's Car" may have been more appropriate. Nevertheless, this little bundle of automotive joy will feature an all-aluminum, two-cylinder engine that can deliver around 54 US miles per gallon, and while stripped down would be a gross understatement, it does promise to "exceed current regulatory (read: safety) requirements." Hit the read link for Tata's official release along with a plethora of photos.[Image courtesy of Manan Vatsyayana/Raveendran for Getty]
AutoPage C3 gives you remote access to your car
Sure, controlling your whip with something other than your steering wheel is old hat, but AutoPage is taking the idea to an entirely new level. After installing the firm's C3 system, you can not only start your car from practically anywhere in the world with practically any smartphone, but you can also roll the windows back up, disable the starter or pop the boot. 'Course, the system also sends you a text message should your ride just grow wheels and roll off, and if your mischievous youngster decides to exceed the speed limit, you'll find out promptly about that, too. No word on the price of the unit itself, but Autoblog notes that service will range from $150 for limited uses to $250 for unlimited uses per year. [Via Autoblog]
iPhone integral part of Land Rover LRX concept
Well, would you take a peek at this? Not even a month after we pored over Volkswagen photos that certainly had a hint of Apple about them, images of the Land Rover LRX are surfacing and giving us the same kind of vibe. In a press release issued by the automaker, it notes that the concept vehicle will boast a couple of touchscreens, one of which is used to "control the LRX's iPhone facility." Additionally, you can catch an iPod docking station and a set of removable speakers on the tailgate, though we can't say that's the most convenient location we've ever heard of for such a device. Nevertheless, we should find out a whole lot more when it hits the Detroit Auto Show floor next month, and oh yeah, we hear Jobs has a wee gig of his own to handle around the same time.[Thanks, ssco]Read - Land Rover LRX press releaseRead - Land Rover LRX images
Chrysler's Jeep Renegade concept is pure Halo
Let's face it, car designers need to look deeper for next-generation designs these days. In a more carefree time, you could put two nasty, rectangular hunks of metal on top of one another, stick on a few over-sized tires, mount a faux-wood steering wheel to the dash, and call it a Ford. These days, it's a buyer's market -- and you need to step up your game. Enter Chrysler's Jeep Renegade 2008 concept, a design boosted directly from the collective unconscious (namely, the minds of Halo players everywhere) that looks like a tank, yet runs on a lithium ion-powered electron motor and a small Bluetec diesel generator, giving this never-to-be a combined 110 MPG range. Roof mounted gatling gun and Covenant-destroying missiles not included.
Schwarzenegger signs ban on teen cell phone use while driving
Arnold Schwarzenegger isn't as much fun as a Governor as he was in The Terminator... just ask California's teen drivers. The former action movie star has signed a new bill -- which we told you about in August -- into law, making it illegal for anyone aged 16 or 17 to use a mobile phone, pager, laptop, or handheld computer while driving a vehicle. Effective July 1, 2008 (the same day that California's ban on non-hands-free mobile-use while driving takes effect), the state will begin to fine offenders $20 for their first incident, and $50 for each recurrent violation. The law is targeting teen drivers due to the wealth of statistics that demonstrate young motorists are more likely to end up in car accidents which result in death. According to reports, 13.6-percent of all fatal accidents are caused by teenagers, and studies show that car crashes are the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 16-19. "The simple fact is that teenage drivers are more easily distracted," said Schwarzenegger in a statement, adding, "We want to eliminate any extra distractions so they can focus on paying attention to the road and being good drivers." He then paused and remarked, "We just don't want to say 'Hasta la vista, baby' to young drivers anymore."
Hands-on with Panasonic's Strada CN-GP50N
We finally wrangled some Panasonic reps around midday, then promptly convinced them to let us take the Strada CN-GP50N GPS navigator for a spin... in our hands. At a glance, the device comes off vaguely like a TomTom high-end model, or similarly-classed device, though we take a little issue with the kinda-sorta fugly UI, which produced violent 1997 flashbacks in the staff. Also, the interface seemed a bit slower than it should, with brief but noticeable pauses every now and again. Our word to Panasonic? Fix it up! Check out the gallery to see what we're lamentin'.%Gallery-6750%
NASCAR to nix Nextel, rename series Sprint Cup?
Race fans not too engrossed in the drama that is modifying the Car of Tomorrow could have probably smelled this one coming out of turn two, but according to numerous sources at ESPN, the Nextel Cup will be no more after 2007. Soon after Sprint decided to axe the whole "Together with Nextel" bit from its agenda, whispers are now saying that the 2008 season will feature the Sprint Cup Series. As expected, NASCAR declined to comment, but Sprint's NASCAR marketing director noted that Sprint-Nextel is "still sorting the proposition out with NASCAR." Ah well, different name -- same game.[Thanks, Ben S.]
Yes, a Car Lighter Adapter for the Wii
Just when you think accessory manufacturers have hit rock bottom with the dozens of inane products already on store shelves, they take a step to the side and reveal a previously hidden trapdoor that peers into an untapped abyss of bad ideas. We laughed nervously when Dragon Electronics described its sensor bar stand as perfect for automobile use, letting it pass as an off-color joke, but the same company is now advertising a Wii Car Lighter Adapter. You know, so you can play Wii Sports while driving.We're not going to stop you from "pimping your ride" or whatever it is that kids are doing nowadays to waste their parents' money; just don't be surprised when your mangled body is laid out on asphalt, covered in broken glass and blood, and we're sorting through the wreckage to grab whatever's left of your console.So what's next on the suicidal accessory list? A mini-float to keep your Wii and its wires above water while you take a bath? Or a convenient, automatic device that twists the cord of your nunchuck into a noose, tightening its length around your neck as the tips of your toes struggle to grip the unsteady surface of a wobbly chair?Look past the post break for the Car Lighter Adapter's fact sheet, but be careful not to let yourself slip.
