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Inhabitat's Week in Green: next-gen EVs and bricklaying robots
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. Now that the first wave of electric vehicles has established a strong foothold in the market, automakers are working on their successors -- and the green cars of tomorrow will blow you away. For starters, they'll be able to travel much farther. This past week, Volkswagen revealed that it's working on an electric car with a 186-mile range; Chevrolet announced plans to begin producing the 200-mile Bolt EV in 2016; and reports indicate that the next-generation Nissan Leaf will be able to travel over 310 miles on a single charge. Hydrogen cars are also gaining traction -- last week, Toyota announced that its Mirai is the only zero-emission vehicle that can travel 312 miles nonstop. Meanwhile, Tesla is tackling the range-anxiety problem by improving its charging network -- and it just launched a next-generation Supercharger that is lighter, faster and cooled by liquid. If you're looking for something even more futuristic, we have just the thing -- the world's first commercial jetpack is (finally) set to hit the market next year.
Keep tabs on your Volkswagen with the Apple Watch
Volkswagen America announced Tuesday that its Car-Net app is coming to the Apple Watch and will allow drivers to remotely interact with their cars using it. The Car-Net platform is VW's driver safety and fuel efficiency suite. It offers features like automatic crash emergency response notifications, remote vehicle access and "health updates" on wearing parts like brake pads -- all delivered through the Car-Net mobile app. Now, instead of fishing for their phones in pockets and purses, drivers of many 2014 and newer VW vehicles worldwide will simply have to look at their wrists to know how their cars are doing.
Volkswagen's latest 'Gran Turismo' concept is a 500HP hatchback
For those who think Volkswagen's Golf GTI and Golf R hot hatches just aren't "hot" enough, the carmaker's latest virtual concept for Gran Turismo 6 (PlayStation 3) may be up your alley. The GTI Supersport Vision Gran Turismo offers up more than 500 horsepower in a hunkered-down, all-wheel-drive, two-door hatch that's slightly faster than its real-world inspiration. In fact, the carmaker says this virtual concept can hit 62MPH (100KPH) in about 3.6 seconds.
Glympse for Auto shares your car's location without distractions
You no longer have to fiddle with your smartphone (or an in-car interface) to share your location while on the road. Glympse has trotted out Glympse for Auto, an Android app that lets you send your position with a minimum of distractions. You only have to tell it who can see your whereabouts and for how long using a big, car-friendly interface -- after that, you're free to focus on driving. It'll even show up on your infotainment display if you're using either Pioneer's AppRadio 3 or MirrorLink-equipped cars from Volkswagen and Peugeot (more in-car systems will work soon, Glympse says). While this hands-off approach won't get you home any faster, it should spare you from taking risks just to prove that you're still stuck in traffic.
BMW and Volkswagen create 100 fast-charge stations for EVs
Electric vehicle charging spots are nowhere near as prolific as their gas counterparts, but automakers are trying to do what they can so you'd buy their emission-free vehicles. BMW and Volkswagen, for instance, will install 100 fast-charging stations by ChargePoint along the east and west coasts to form "corridors" of roads where drivers can access one every 50 miles or so. Each station is expected to have two 50 kW DC or 24 kW DC fast chargers, which are certainly welcome, as these speedy machines are only available in 120 spots among the 20,000 ChargePoint locations across the US. The best thing about them is that they can juice up an EV for up to 80 percent in just 20 to 30 minutes, depending on which type you're using.
Volkswagen replaces booth babes with iPad-centric robot at 2015 Detroit Auto Show
At the 2015 North American International Auto Show, Volkswagen replaced its female booth babes with an iPad-powered droid that was used to interact with show attendees, reports psfk. The robot replacement moved like a Segway and had an iPad that communicated with those who approached it. The remote-controlled droid roamed the show floor around the German car maker's exhibit and had the ability to both see and talk to people. The iPad also provided a touchscreen interface that allowed visitors to learn more about Volkswagen automobiles. You can check out the Volkswagen droid and the crowd's curious reaction in the Vimeo video below.
CES 2015: Kenwood aftermarket CarPlay display; VW cars get CarPlay in 2015
A TUAW reader wrote to us yesterday bemoaning the lack of new products from Apple other than upgrades of previous devices. Among the things he thought were missing were HomeKit products and CarPlay devices. Well, there have been plenty of HomeKit-related announcements at CES 2015, although they're not from Apple - the company simply created the HomeKit framework for others to create products for. The same is true of CarPlay, and there have been a couple of interesting announcements in that arena today. First, Kenwood announced it will be coming into the aftermarket CarPlay market with the horribly-named DDX9902S multimedia receiver. No pricing or availability information has been provided, but the company is displaying its CarPlay-compatible unit (which also supports Android Auto) at CES. The unit supports not only regular smartphone connectivity features like Bluetooth pairing for music and phone calls, but also supports Pandora and iHeartRadio out of the box. HD Radio and Sirius XM Radio will be available as well. Kenwood's announcement follows that of Pioneer in October. Alpine has also announced a head unit supporting CarPlay. The second CarPlay announcement for today is that Volkswagen will support both CarPlay and Android Auto in their automobiles later this year. VW appears to be keeping its options open, as they'll also supporting a smartphone-agnostic MirrorLink app in the US. These three dashboard overlays will run on a base platform in the Volkswagen vehicles, allowing those purchasing cars to choose between the overlays depending on their needs. Volkswagen also plans to release a new parking assist technology soon, saying that drivers will be able to monitor semi-autonomous parking from the sidewalk by using a smartphone as a remote control.
Volkswagen's connected cars have three displays and park themselves
Volkswagen's wading into the connected car space in a few different ways including more autonomous driving. First up is the Golf R Touch hatchback. It's sporting three displays on the dashboard, with two being touchscreens. A positively massive 12.8-inch main console rests above an 8-inch control center on the dash, while a 12.3-inch instrument cluster -- likely trickle-down tech from subsidiary Audi -- resides behind the steering wheel. The screens are all high-res (SlashGear reports the main screen is running at 2,560 x 1,700) and were designed to eliminate distractions and maximize customization. How's that? The stage demo included camera-based gesture control and drag-and-drop movement of key functions that looked pretty simple. There's a touch-strip below the main screen that tracks tactile input (and offers haptic feedback) for things like adjusting the radio volume as well.
Automakers promise to limit the data they collect from your car (updated)
A modern car is potentially loaded with data: it could be collecting performance stats, where you've been and your internet usage. How do you know that it's not secretly sending that data to advertisers and insurers? You might not have to worry much longer. The Auto Alliance (which includes most major American and German brands) has published a set of privacy principles that will limit both the info these companies collect from your car and dictate how they handle it. If all goes according to plan, the voluntary rules will kick in with the 2017 model year as well as any services that launch in 2016.
Volkswagen introduces 10-speed transmission for better fuel efficiency
When it comes to gas mileage, Volkswagen's always had a competitive lineup of vehicles. Even still, the company wants to improve its fuel economy by 15 percent across the board come 2020. As part of said initiative, VW Group development boss Hans-Jakob Neusser announced plans to introduce the world's first 10-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Yes, we said 10-speed. Set to arrive in a variety of 2015 FWD and RWD models, the transmission is capable of handling up to 369 pound-feet or torque (which would be enough to power the rumored Golf R400 super-GTI seen above). Such a gearbox would save you some dollars by better optimizing the engine's RPMs, so basically, you get better gas mileage without sacrificing power. That's a win-win, right?
Volkswagen's Golf GTE is the fast plug-in hybrid you might actually buy
There aren't many quick plug-in hybrids with reasonable price tags, but Volkswagen may just lower the cost of eco-friendly performance with its newly unveiled Golf GTE. The hot hatchback mates a 148HP gas engine with a 101HP electric motor, giving the Golf enough combined power to reach 62MPH in 7.6 seconds -- pretty brisk for a plug-in that should still be affordable and practical. If you're not always in such a rush, you can run purely on electric power for 31 miles. The big catch? At present, VW has no plans to release the GTE in the US. Americans will likely have to book European vacations if they want to see the sporty hybrid in person.
Volkswagen develops augmented reality service manual for the XL1
After developing an augmented reality car manual for the Audi A3 and similar software for wearables like Glass, Metaio certainly knows a thing or two about the AR space. It's no surprise then, that Volkswagen has collaborated with Metaio to develop an augmented reality iPad app for the 2014 XL1 hybrid diesel that debuted earlier this year. Called MARTA (Mobile Augmented Reality Technical Assistance), the app uses the iPad's camera to view the internals of the vehicle and label the various parts and elements so that VW service workers will know what they're working on. MARTA also shows step-by-step instructions on how to repair and replace certain components, right down to which direction mechanics should be facing. You can even use the app to test out different design elements like a new hood or a different color. And just in case all that AR doesn't prove to be useful, the app provides a good ol' fashioned text service manual as well. Seeing as the MARTA is an AR app for a very limited edition vehicle, we don't expect it to be of much use outside of certain VW specialty shops. Still, it's yet another sign that incorporating augmented reality into digital car manuals just makes sense.
Volkswagen unveils MARTA, an iOS auto repair app
While many augmented reality applications are largely consumer-facing, Volkswagen is instead empowering its technicians with an AR-centric tool to expedite repair and service. Using an iOS app named MARTA (Mobile Augmented Reality Technical Assistance), workers servicing VW's futuristic new XL1 concept car can see detailed instructions as well as real-time labels for specific vehicle parts. Technicians can see virtual tools applied to various vehicle parts to ensure the job is being done correctly, and even see what new parts would look like when applied to the car, which could come in handy if you're looking to customize your ride. Of course, the app still appears to be in its early stages, and given that it's designed around a car that's not officially available to the public, it may be a while before your local VW dealer adds an iPad to their toolbox. [via MacRumors]
Volkswagen e-Golf unveiled: 118-mile range, charges 80 percent in 30 minutes
We've kept an eye on Volkswagen's Golf Blue-e-motion EV for the past few years and are ecstatic to report that it's getting a release window. The e-Golf is showing up stateside later than expected, but the German automaker promises we'll see it by late 2014 or early 2015. Once the hatchback lands it'll be packed to the gills with all manner of settings and improvements since we last saw it, too. We're talking full LED-headlamps, zero to 60MPH in about ten seconds and (with optional accessories) a battery that goes from dead to 80 percent charged in a half an hour. What's more, the previous range has been boosted from 100 miles to 118 miles. While none of this sounds all too impressive when compared to gas or hybrid engines, it's an important milestone for the people's car company. How so? Well it, along with the Europe exclusive e-Up! that's finally moving into production, represents the first part of Wolfsburg's mission to take EVs to the mainstream. There's a set of press releases after the break, but you might want to grab a fresh cup of tea before settling in -- they're quite lengthy.
Volkswagen and Google launch SmileDrive Android app: it makes insufferable commutes sufferable (video)
It surely isn't the first time we've seen a quirky automaker look to the smartphone in order to add a bit of pizazz to the morning drive -- Mini owners far and wide have plenty of inside jokes when it comes to the Mini Connected app. That being said, SmileDrive might just have the market cornered when it comes to all-out joviality. The free app, which was launched today by Volkswagen of America and Google, is presently only available for Android devices. (And yes, it's a result of Google's Art, Copy & Code project.) In a nutshell, it connects to any vehicle via Bluetooth (yes, Fiats and Ferraris as well) and runs in the background while a drive is ongoing. Once the wheels have stopped and the ignition has been switched off, it uses factors like location, distance, time and weather to deliver users their Smile Score and awards them with stickers -- think of 'em as Foursquare badges for motorists. On a longer road trip, SmileDrive offers the ability to create a Smilecast: a dynamic travelogue filled with the captured photos, maps of the trip, status updates, as well as other memories that are collected on a single URL. It all sounds pretty fantastic, if we're honest, but allow us to offer up a tip: make sure you phone's plugged into a charger. Wouldn't want that background action to drain too much of your battery, now would you?
UK court sides with Volkswagen on security concerns over key pairing
Giovanni Ribisi had better hope he doesn't botch a job anytime soon. Flavio Garcia from the University of Birmingham cracked the security system that pairs an owner's key to their Porsche, Lamborghini or Audi, and Volkswagen's parent company wants that research to remain unpublished. The UK's high court sided with VW's owner and granted an injunction protecting the Megamos Crypto system. Afterward, Garcia was offered to print his findings, but without the all-important decryption codes. He refused, saying that the public has a right to see the holes in the systems it relies on and that this wasn't an attempt to give criminals a hand in boosting cars. While the court's logic is sound -- once revealed, all manner of "if this ever fell into the wrong hands" situations could arise -- it's unsettling to see government bend to corporate request. At least we know Eleanor can sit in the garage for just a little longer now.
Volkswagen to introduce iBeetle iPhone-equipped car
Volkswagen will unveil the "iBeetle" this week at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show. The iBeetle will be "...one of the first cars in the world to have a genuine integrative interface for the iPhone that was coordinated with Apple," according to the company. iPhone fans and gear heads shouldn't get too excited, however. This isn't the mythical iCar. It's a Volkswagen Beetle with an integrated docking station and specialized app. The app offers a number of features users already have on their iPhone, like Spotify. It also offers social features, like the ability to take a picture of yourself while the car is driving and post it to Facebook, or send "postcards" to your fiends from the road with maps of where you are. The app also offers some more car-like features like Expert mode, which makes the iPhone "an extended on-board instrument of the Beetle, such as a G-Meter (for measuring lateral acceleration), oil and coolant temperature gauges for the engine, a chronometer and a compass" and Trainer mode, which "can be used to compare driving times, distances and fuel economy values for different routes between any two destinations." I know what you're thinking. How is this different that any other third-party car docking system? Well... it's not really. But since Volkswagen has officially teamed up with Apple to do this, the iBeetle will feature equipment that is "stylistically linked to the Cupertino-based US company, bringing its iconic smartphones into harmony with what is certainly one of the world's most iconic automotive designs." That means that if Apple makes a yellow iPhone, we should see a yellow iBeetle. Of course that also means if someone custom paints his iBeetle fuschia, rumors sites are bound to report that Apple is set to release a fuschia-colored iPhone 6. Show full PR text VOLKWAGEN DEBUTS THE iBEETLE AT THE SHANGHAI AUTO SHOW The iBeetle is first Volkswagen with newly developed docking station and a special iPhone® application Wolfsburg/Shanghai - Two iconic products will form an alliance later this year: the iPhone from Apple, and the Beetle from Volkswagen. The iPhone will interface with the Beetle and Beetle Convertible via a specially developed app and a docking station. The iBeetle is the first model line from the Volkswagen Group in which the iPhone will become an integrated component. Volkswagen offers two different ways to acquire the innovative interface between iPhone and Beetle: as an app or as a standard feature of the new iBeetle and iBeetle Convertible. Both special models will be launched at the beginning of 2014. The app, docking station and iBeetle will make their world debut at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show (20th to 29th of April). The interface The newly designed docking station is located centrally on the dashboard of the Beetle: the iPhone simply snaps in to integrate it with the car. Essentially, all iPhone functions can be used in the Beetle; the iPhone can be used to navigate, make calls hands-free, listen to music, and much more. The Beetle app When this special app is launched on an iPhone, it can either connect the phone to the Beetle via the docking station or wirelessly. Each option allows for different app functions to be accessed: Spotify: lets users stream media such as new songs, customized playlists or online radio stations into the Beetle. Those who wish can post their favorite music directly to friends. In addition, users in the Beetle can switch between "Spotify" and "iTunes" at any time. Expert: offers five functions which make the iPhone an extended on-board instrument of the Beetle, such as a G-Meter (for measuring lateral acceleration), oil and coolant temperature gauges for the engine, a chronometer, and a compass. Trainer: can be used to compare driving times, distances, and fuel economy values for different routes between any two destinations. Here, too, tips can be posted via social networks like Twitter and Facebook-such as which route is faster to the office. Reader: lists the latest messages from social networks like Facebook, and reads iPhone messages aloud. Postcard: Sends the current location of the Beetle to friends as a digital postcard with a map motif. Photo: Sends photos taken inside the car to numerous social networks. Simply activate it, and the app does the rest. Milestones: Available when the smartphone is undocked. Rewards its users with virtual "milestone stickers" for the Beetle when certain tasks have been completed. The iBeetle The iBeetle is one of the first cars in the world to have a genuine integrative interface for the iPhone that was coordinated with Apple. As mentioned, the special model will be available as a Coupe and Convertible. The colors and equipment features of the iBeetle are stylistically linked to the Cupertino-based US company, bringing its iconic smartphones into harmony with what is certainly one of the world's most iconic automotive designs. The iBeetle, which will be available in early 2014, will come with other customized features in addition to the standard iPhone interface. On the exterior, they include standard features such as 18-inch "Disc" alloy wheels (painted in "Galvano Grey" with chrome wheel covers), door mirror housings and side trim panels (above the sill) in "Galvano Grey", black door sill plates with the "iBeetle" signature, "iBeetle" chrome badges (on the front fender) and a "Chrome pack" (includes chrome trim strips on the sides). In a nod to the iPhone's color scheme, the new iBeetle can be ordered in "Candy White", "Oryx White Mother of Pearl Effect", "Black Monochrome", "Deep Black Pearl Effect", "Platinum Grey", or "Reflex Silver". Inside, steering wheel accents and the dash pad are executed in "Galvano Grey". The iBeetle is also upgraded by a customized shift lever grip, black sport seats in "Vienna" leather, and contrasting seams in light "Ceramique". About Volkswagen of America, Inc. Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen's operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Eos, Golf, Golf R, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan vehicles through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Notes: This press release and images of the 2014 iBeetle are available at media.vw.com. "VW", "Volkswagen", all model names and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. "iPod" is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc. Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries.
Volkswagen iBeetle integrates the iPhone through a dock, an app... and that's it
Many see Apple and Volkswagen as two peas in a pod given their similar marketing, even if previous talk of collaborations amounted to little more than speculation. That purported dream team will soon become real through the iBeetle, an adaptation of the modern VW Bug designed with a little help from Apple. Don't get your hopes up for a tie-in on the level of VW's iPad-friendly Bulli concept, however. The integration mostly amounts to an iPhone dock as well as a car-optimized iOS app that can play music, read messages aloud, take photos and augment the instrument cluster. It's a solid idea, especially when a large number of us already use our smartphones this way, but it isn't very adventurous -- the iPhone won't coordinate extensively with the center stack, unlike smartphone-aware infotainment platforms such as GM's MyLink or Ford Sync. We'd still take a close look at the iBeetle when coupe and convertible models reach US dealerships in early 2014, but it may be best for those already bent on getting some fahrvergnügen from their next ride.
Volkswagen shows production E-Up! with 93-mile range and AC/DC charging
Remember the Volkswagen's E-Up! concept from 2009? The company just announced that it plans to launch a production version of the tiny EV at the Frankfurt Motor Show this fall. It's been tweaked a little since we last saw it, with proper seating for four (vs. 3+1 on the concept), a revised snout and updated wheels. Under the hood you'll find an 18.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a 60kW electric motor which provide a range of 150km (93 miles) with a respectable top speed of 84mph and a leisurely 0-62mph time of 14 seconds. The car supports quick-charging to 80% capacity in just 30 minutes via DC but also handles traditional AC circuits thanks to a Combined Charging System. The E-Up! will join the existing Up! and Eco-Up! (natural gas) models in Volkswagen's lineup, but it's unclear if the company plans to bring the EV to the US. Hit the source link below for the full PR and some additional photos.
Google's Art, Copy & Code revives ads with sharing apps, talking shoes
It's hard to deny that online advertising has grown a bit stale, with most ads being some take on ye olde banners. Google obviously has a vested interest in keeping us clicking -- so it's launching its Art, Copy & Code project to liven things up. The initiative sees Google experimenting with partners to see which concepts garner the most interest. Among the early field tests is the "useful marketing" of Volkswagen's Smileage app, which uses a Google+ Sign-In to share media from a road trip; there's also an upcoming internet of things experiment that may involve talking shoes, among other wireless-aware objects. The full scope of Google's advertising outreach will have to wait, although the search firm plans to show and discuss some of its plans at South by Southwest this week. Companies that haven't been getting much attention from old-fashioned, picture-based pitches may want to give the project a closer look.
