Check out Gizmag's new site The Mobiler - a guide to all things mobile
Capable of speeds of over 32 knots but able to cruise effortlessly at 20 Like a cat outta hell: The ultra-luxury Aeroyacht 110
Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 Preferred Wireless: an honour to goodness wife shaver if you h... Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 speech-to-text engine reviews itself
The Scamander RRV goes for a dip to show off its amphibious qualities. ‘Go anywhere’ amphibious vehicle might go under
Entrepreneur behind the Segway developing eco hybrid that will run on anything that burns Dean Kamen developing eco hybrid that will run on anything that burns
Nathan Wrench, program manager at Cambridge Consultants, and the nylon beads used in the X... ‘Waterless’ washing machine cleans using nylon beads
MORE TOP STORIES »

Automotive

1 2 3 4 5 Next »
AUTOMOTIVE

The out of this world Extra Terrestrial Vehicle

By Darren Quick

00:15 July 2, 2009 PDT

The Extra Terrestrial Vehicle (ETV)

We're not sure ET would have settled for cruising in a basket attached to a bicycle if he'd seen the Extra-Terrestrial Vehicle (ETV). Contrary to its name, the ETV was actually built by Earthling Mike Vetter at his Florida-based car customization company, The Car Factory. Made by stripping the body of a Chevy Aveo and replacing it with a futuristic shell, complete with gull-wing doors, the aerodynamic ETV will get at least 40 mpg and turn more than a few heads while doing it. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

Noise-free rubber promises a quieter ride

By Jeff Salton

16:20 July 1, 2009 PDT

Trelleborg Noise-Free Rubber is a self-lubricated, low-friction rubber formulation that ov...

A quieter, more enoyable ride could be just around the corner with the development of a self-lubricated, low-friction rubber formulation that helps overcome noise caused by certain automotive components like suspension bushings and engine mounts. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

Riversimple hydrogen-powered urban car provides fuel for thought

By Michael Mulcahy

00:16 June 19, 2009 PDT

The hydrogen-powered Riversimple prototype makes its debut

The Riversimple Urban Car, a hydrogen-powered two-seater capable of speeds up to 50mph and of traveling more than 200 miles without refueling, was unveiled in London this week. While the prototype car is itself a welcome development in sustainable travel, the aim of the company behind it is even more ambitious: to completely eliminate the environmental impact of personal transport. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

Hankook's enfren low rolling-resistance tires deliver 5 percent fuel saving

By Karen Sprey

01:52 June 9, 2009 PDT

Hankook's enfren low rolling-resistance tire delivers 5% fuel saving

Hankook says its new range of low rolling-resistance tires could delivering significant fuel savings and environmental benefits without consumers having to upgrade their car. The silica compound enfren tire achieved a 5.1% saving over conventional steel belt radials in a recent Fuel Economy Challenge using two identical Hyundai i30 SLX CRDi hatches. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

CarGo concept beats the hell out of traffic

By Paul Best

19:23 June 7, 2009 PDT

Cargo design in compact mode

One of the corollaries of increased urban density is nerve-shredding traffic congestion and billowing pollution. So anything that addresses these problems receives our applause – like the compact, battery-powered CarGo goods van that is designed to negotiate the urban jungle, making frequent deliveries without fuss or fouling the air. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

Tesla delivers 500th Roadster EV

By David Greig

21:09 June 3, 2009 PDT

Tesla delivers 500th Roadster

Tesla Motors has delivered its 500th Roadster to New Jersey Philanthropist Martin Tuchman. The fledgling electric car company - 10 percent of which was acquired by Daimler last month - also has 1000 reservations for its Model S electric sedan and plans to roll into Europe this year, opening showrooms in London, Monaco and Munich, as well as Seattle, Miami, Washington, Chicago and a second New York store in the Chelsea Art District. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

GM’s OnStar predicts injury severity using real-time crash data

By Alan Brandon

18:07 June 2, 2009 PDT

GM's OnStar Injury Severity Prediction helps emergency personnel respond using real-time c...

General Motors has announced a new capability for its OnStar service, which the car manufacturer hopes will reduce emergency response times and save lives. The new feature, called Injury Severity Prediction, analyzed real-time vehicle crash telemetry data to predict how severely the occupants may be injured. OnStar then alerts emergency services so that they can react more quickly and appropriately. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

Foam-bodied Spira set to make a soft impact on deadly Asian roads

By Loz Blain

22:07 May 27, 2009 PDT

The Spira

A good product must be perfectly adapted to its market - and the Spira looks like an excellent fit for the chaotic conditions of South-East Asian roads. This odd little three-wheel two-seater weighs only 300-odd pounds (130kg) - that's because it uses a super-lightweight reinforced foam for 90 percent of the bodywork. It gets well over 100mpg from its 110cc engine, it's light enough to lift by hand, and the foam shell has huge safety benefits, both for the occupants and for the legions of pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists that swarm the roads of Thailand. Oh, and it floats. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

Daimler buys 10 percent stake in Tesla

By Noel McKeegan

02:19 May 22, 2009 PDT

Daimler acquires stake in Tesla

Daimler AG has announced the acquisition of almost 10 percent of fledgling Californian EV producer Tesla. The deal, which should help Tesla meet its planned 2011 launch date for the Model S sedan, is the latest news in an ongoing relationship between Tesla and the German automotive giant which also includes a previously announced agreement to supply lithium-ion battery packs in the first 1,000 units of Daimler’s electric smart car. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

Audi revs up and down with new stop-start technology

By Darren Quick

01:10 May 11, 2009 PDT

Audi's new start-stop system

It may sound obvious, but the most effective way to cut a car's fuel consumption is to turn the car off. Of course that isn’t very useful if you're trying to get from A to B. But for many trips, particularly for city driving, a car can be idle for a significant amount of time. Such stop-start driving is far from being fuel-efficient, but Audi has turned that around with a new system that shuts down the engine when the car comes to a stop. The start-stop system joins a new on-board computer, as part of Audi’s modular efficiency platform, which is designed to reduce fuel consumption and cut carbon emissions. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

Formula 3 racing car powered by chocolate and steered by carrots - seriously

By Darren Quick

22:41 May 6, 2009 PDT

The WorldFirst Formula 3 racing car after a trip to the farmer's market for some spare par...

Environmentally friendly vehicles conjure up thoughts of a Toyota Prius hybrid or maybe a vehicle powered by hydrogen fuel cells, but a Formula 3 racing car generally wouldn’t be the first thing to come to mind. This "WorldFirst Formula 3 car" unveiled by researchers at the University of Warwick might just change that impression - and it's eco-friendliness goes way beyond the bio diesel engine that drives it. The racer is powered by chocolate, steered by carrots, has bodywork made from potatoes and can still do 125mph around corners. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

Mercedes SLS Gullwing interior shots released

By David Greig

23:43 April 28, 2009 PDT

Mercedes-Benz Gullwing dash

The new Mercededs-Benz SLS AMG aspires to the title of “super sports car” with its front-mid 420 KW/571 hp engine, gullwing doors, aluminum chassis and blistering acceleration of 0 to 100 kmh in 3.8 seconds. Mercedes has now released pictures of the aviation inspired interior which features a wing- shaped dashboard, a jet-like operating console and even air vents designed to remind you of aircraft engines. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

Mercedes-Benz F-CELL Roadster takes a trip back in time

By Noel McKeegan

07:06 April 28, 2009 PDT

Mercedes-Benz F-CELL Roadster

When studio shots emerged of the Mercedes-Benz F-CELL Roadster design study last month, it wasn't something we were necessarily expecting to see out-and-about. The curious mixture of early automotive design elements and 21st Century technology stretched its legs (at a top speed of 25kmh) by covering a section of the historic route taken by Bertha Benz more than 120 years ago in a Benz Patent Motor Wagon. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

Chrysler chooses A123 batteries for Electric Vehicles

By Paul Evans

22:04 April 19, 2009 PDT

A123 will provide battery systems for Chrysler

Chrysler this week announced it will use batteries from A123 Systems in its range of Electric Vehicles, the first of which should be a Tesla Roadster competitor - the Dodge Circuit. A123 and Chrysler have been working together over the last three years to develop a modular battery system based on prismatic cells using the same lithium iron nano-phosphate chemistry that has already gained a huge reputation following the world records set by Killacycle. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

Chicago unveils solar-powered recharging stations for electric cars

By Stephen Saunders

21:52 April 19, 2009 PDT

Chicago shows off its solar recharging stations for electric vehicles

With the Tesla Roadster and other plug-in electric vehicles hitting the road, so demand is growing for readily accessible refueling points to recharge them. Carbon Day Automotive has now demonstrated a solar-powered recharging point, known as the Solar Plug-In Station, which lets motorists easily charge their cars using electricity that has been generated without any environmental emissions. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

Lotus’ patented Active Noise Control technologies poised to make motoring more comfortable

By Darren Quick

17:52 April 18, 2009 PDT

Just because your car doesn't look like this doesn't mean it can't sound like it

Although the environmental benefits of hybrid vehicles are well known, their near silent operation when running off batteries does pose a danger to pedestrians who are used to the rumble of an engine to alert them to oncoming vehicles. Active Noise Control technologies from Lotus Engineering address this problem by projecting engine sounds externally to improve pedestrian safety, while also employing noise-canceling technology internally to reduce unwanted cabin noise. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

45th anniversary of the Ford Mustang

By David Greig

20:43 April 12, 2009 PDT

45th Anniversary of the Ford Mustang

On April 17, 2009, Ford and the Mustang Club of America will commemorate the 45th anniversary of the legendary Ford Mustang with a four-day celebration in Birmingham, Alabama. Based originally on the Ford Falcon, the brand has gone through many changes over its 45 year history, but still retains the essence of the breed. Ford released the first Mustang in 1964 (dubbed Mustang 1964½ because it came out at the unusual half way point of the year) and since then it has become one of the most iconic muscle cars in American automotive history, selling 9 million units along the way. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

Ford explores the future of the family car - the Transit Connect Family One concept

By Jude Garvey

01:03 April 9, 2009 PDT

Ford's Transit Connect Family car combines style with fun extras.

As part of the lead up to the release of the Transit Connect utility vehicle this year Ford has unveiled the Family One Concept. Packed with added extras that will appeal to the whole clan, the Concept showcases the versatility of the platform and explores what's possible in designing a car specifically for one purpose. Innovations include digital entertainment screens, in-dash technology that is programmed with all the family's requirements and even sunscreen and hand sanitizer dispensers. Kids are sure to love the door-mounted scooters and the walkie-talkie radios while Moms are catered for by the inclusion of a stroller stored under the floor, in-built rear awning and an integrated first aid kit. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

The Virgin Brawn GP team's spectacular first up effort

By Mike Hanlon

16:03 March 31, 2009 PDT

The Virgin Brawn GP team's spectacular first up effort

The feats of Brawn GP at Albert Park in the team's inaugural race at the first round of World Formula One Championship on March 29, 2009 will surely go down in the pantheon of spectacularly successful first-up sporting efforts. A month ago they were all unemployed, but in just 28 days they put two cars on the track, tested them over a normally-inadequate 2000 km and qualified them 1-2 for the first race, at the same time announcing a heavyweight backer in the form of Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group and involvement with a new Virgin Fuel, reportedly a clean-burning petroleum replacement. Next day, success fueled more success with a 1-2 finish for the team, and engine supplier Mercedes. Mastermind Ross Brawn was in tears after the race, as no doubt were Honda. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

Mazda begins commercial leasing of Premacy RE hybrid rotary hydrogen vehicle

By Darren Quick

21:36 March 29, 2009 PDT

Mazda's Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid

Mazda is providing another green option in Japan by commencing commercial leasing of their Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid, a hydrogen hybrid vehicle that combines Mazda’s hydrogen rotary engine with an electric motor. The Premacy Hydrogen RE Hybrid improves on the RX-8 Hydrogen RE – the first model to be commercialized - with the hydrogen fuel range of the doubled to 200 kilometers and the maximum output increased by approximately 40 percent to 110 kilowatts. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

The Tata Nano goes on sale

By David Greig

18:01 March 24, 2009 PDT

The Tata Nano

The Tata Nano has arrived. The world's cheapest new car at around USD$2500 was first announced in January last year and is now available for sale... but you may have to join the queue. The car is currently being manufactured in limited numbers at the company's Pantnagar plant in Uttarakhand while a new dedicated plant in Gujarat with an annualized capacity of 350,000 cars will not come online until 2010. In the meantime, the first 100,000 cars will be allocated at random to those who've put down a deposit. Read More

URBAN TRANSPORT

Movito: modular, hubless electric scooter design

By David Greig

19:03 March 18, 2009 PDT

Movito Electric Scooter

March 19, 2009 We live in a world where the need for lighter, more efficient vehicles is glaringly apparent, and in recent times designers and automotive manufacturers have ramped up their efforts to meet this challenge. Given this climate it's not surprising to see the enviro-conscious "Movito" scooter design receive accolades in the Create the Future Design Contest. Engineer/Designer Tiam Chiem's Movito is a 2-modular design consisting of an upper scooter chassis and the base which provides the drive via an in-wheel electric motor and hubless front wheel. The modular design allows a range of possible morphs, including multiple bodies to be connected to the base or two bases to be connected in parallel to form a two-seater. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

Koenigsegg Quant: 512 bhp 275 km/h, solar-electric 4-seater

By David Greig

20:25 March 5, 2009 PST

Koenigsegg Quant: 512 bhp 275 km/h, solar-electric 4-seater

Swedish supercar manufacturer Koenigsegg, in conjunction with NLV Solar of Switzerland, is showing its full scale four-seater NLV Quant at the 2009 Geneva Salon. Producing 512hp with maximum torque of 715Nm, the Quant runs 0–100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and hits a top speed of 275 km/h. The all-electric car is powered through a combination of what it has dubbed a Flow Accumulator Energy Storage (FAES), which charges to full capacity in 20 minutes, and solar energy supplied via a thin layer photovoltaic coating over the car. The combined solar/FAES offer a claimed range in excess of 500km. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce – the new king of the bulls

By Mike Hanlon

20:26 March 2, 2009 PST

Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce – the new king of the bulls

At the extreme end of the supercar producer spectrum is the Volkswagen-owned Automobili Lamborghini and development of the company's product offering is nowadays seemingly continuous. Bearing witness to this is the new, exceptionally purist and even more extreme top-of-the-range Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce which is more powerful, lighter and faster than the Murcielago LP 640. With output from the 6.5 liter V12 raised to 670 bhp and a weight reduction of 100 kg (220 lbs), the limited edition SuperVeloce now boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 2.3 kg (5.1 lbs) per hp, enabling a top speed of 342 km/h (212 mph) and a 0-100 km/h time of 3.2 seconds. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

New hydraulic hybrid transmission doubles MPG in city driving

By Paul Evans

18:57 March 1, 2009 PST

BMW 530i prototype

Mechanical transmission of power using gears is very energy inefficient. The familiar automotive multi-speed gearbox and differential suffers from the friction losses that result in 20 – 30% of engine power being lost between a car's engine and the wheels. Many techniques are being developed to eliminate mechanical transmission including Wheel Motors and Hydraulic transmissions that we have seen being trialed in UPS delivery vans. Now in an innovative new approach, Scottish company Artemis Intelligent Power has developed a hydraulic hybrid transmission system it says can double a vehicle's MPG in city driving. Read More

1 2 3 4 5 Next »
 
Editors Choice
The Mobiler
Recent Comments Featured Galleries