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Car

AUTOMOTIVE

eWolf unveils the e-2: a battery-powered car with attitude

By Mick Webb

04:19 October 14, 2009 PDT

The eWolf e2 electric sports car prototype

With electric powered vehicle development picking up pace in a big way, German based company e-Wolf is looking to take things one step further after unveiling its “e-2” EV prototype. Boasting an expected acceleration of 0-60mph in under four seconds, e-Wolf is set to deliver an Italian-inspired electric “supercar” that puts the mean in green. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

West Philly Hybrid X high school team in race for Auto X Prize

By Mick Webb

04:04 October 10, 2009 PDT

The Hybrid X Team from West Philadelphia High School Academy for Automotive and Mechanical...

The Automotive X Prize is a competition aiming to “inspire a new generation of viable, super – efficient vehicles that help break our addiction to oil and stem the effects of climate change”. With a $10 million prize pot and over 100 teams from 12 countries contributing entries, an unlikely contender has emerged in the form of West Philadelphia High School’s Hybrid X Team, which is applying its experience and knowledge to two entries including the Factory Five GT based EVX GT sports car. Read More

GAMES

Audiovox entertains backseat passengers with PS2 games and video

By Jeff Salton

00:45 September 25, 2009 PDT

The Audiovox VOD10PS2 is great for bored backseat passengers and drivers who like peace an...

When I was growing up, entertainment in the backseat of a car had a whole different meaning to what it does today. Presently, backseat entertainment is geared at a much younger audience. Audiovox’s in-car VOD10PS2 Mobile Video PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system would appear to have heaps of appeal to both bored backseat youngsters and drivers who appreciate peace and quiet from passengers. This mobile video system is an all-in-one, overhead, drop-down that combines the Audiovox's overhead unit with one of the gaming industry's best-selling systems, the PlayStation 2. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

Parrot RKi8400 car stereo designed with iPhone in mind

By Jeff Salton

22:25 September 17, 2009 PDT

A removable front panel on the Parrot RKi4800 allows you to store and recharge your iPod/i...

Parrot has released a car stereo at IAA designed for iPhones and iPods. The Rki8400 uses Bluetooth, has a USB port for hard drives or USB keys, SD Card reader and a double line-in socket for analogue sources. It provides hands-free telephony functions and another great feature is a storage compartment behind the removable front panel that hides and recharges your iPod or iPhone. That means no more cords tangling around gear shifts, or iPhones sliding around the vehicle during braking or cornering maneuvers. Plus, of course, a bit of extra security. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

British Steam team achieves dream: smashes two world speed records

By Michael Mulcahy

02:39 September 15, 2009 PDT

The 'fastest kettle in the world' on its way to breaking a 100-year-old land speed record

Last month, we reported that the British Steam Car had its sights set on several long-standing world records – and we’re happy to report that they’ve smashed not one, but two in the last week of August at Edwards Air Force Base in California. On Tuesday, August 25, they broke the world’s longest-standing speed record with a 139.843mph measured mile and then, the next day, clobbered the record for a measured kilometer with a speed of 148.308mph. Read More

AROUND THE HOME

Dyson DC31: looks cool and sucks at the same time

By Jeff Salton

02:48 September 14, 2009 PDT

The DC31 handheld vacuum from Dyson - dual speed and more power than before

Looking more like a power tool that just transported from the Starship Enterprise, the latest hand-held vacuum from Dyson has a 10-minute battery life and a digital V2 motor that delivers constant, strong suction - ideal for small cleaning tasks around the home or in a car, boat or caravan. The DC31 has a dual power mode that gives the operator a six-minute burst of power for higher suction at the flick of a switch. Dyson demonstrated its two models, the DC31 and the DC31 Animal to our team at IFA this month, and gave Gizmag's Kate Seamer an exclusive interview. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

REVA unveils two new electric cars with emergency roadside recharging

By Jeff Salton

17:19 September 9, 2009 PDT

The REVA NXG - a sporty two-seater with targa roof - is being showcased at IAA

Indian electric car company REVA will unveil two new electric cars at the forthcoming Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) on September 16. The REVA NXR is a four-seater, three-door hatchback family car aimed at urban drivers while REVA’s showcar, the NXG, is a sporty two-seater with a targa roof that was designed by Dilip Chhabria of internationally-renowned automotive design company DC Design. REVA says it has added a unique technology to its cars that addresses ‘range anxiety’ – worrying about running out of charge mid-journey. The REVive telematics technology acts like an invisible reserve fuel tank. Drivers telephone or SMS REVA for an instant remote top-up should they run out of charge. At present, details are scarce about how REVive actually works but REVA assures us all will be revealed at IAA. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

Torotrak’s new generation transmission is good gear

By Darren Quick

00:30 September 3, 2009 PDT

The disc and roller system used in Torotrak's CVT and IVTs

Most of the efforts to produce more environmentally-friendly cars in recent years have focused on alternative fuels and more efficient engines. UK-based engineering company, Torotrak, has instead decided to turn its expertise to another vehicle component with the development of a new generation transmission that it claims can not only slash CO2 emissions and improve fuel efficiency, but also boost performance. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

Environmentally-friendly navigation - the Vexia Econav 435 GPS

By Mick Webb

18:16 September 1, 2009 PDT

The Vexia Econav 435 gives drivers recommendations on the most fuel-efficient way to reach...

As GPS navigation systems increase in popularity, the world’s fuel supplies simultaneously are in decline. However, the Vexia Econav 435 GPS is attempting to do its bit for the environment by offering a system that gives drivers information on the most economical route, which gear to use and when - even how firmly to accelerate. The manufacturers say the aim of the unit is to reduce drivers' fuel consumption by up to one third. Read More

MOBILE TECHNOLOGY

iLuv DC micro and dual USB in-car chargers

By Jeff Salton

00:26 August 21, 2009 PDT

Two for one ... the dual USB car charger from iLuv

ILuv has two new in-car USB chargers for people who don't want to have to remember to charge their devices before getting in the cars. The iLuv iAD 115 Micro USB Car Charger and iAD119 Dual USB Car Charger are suitable for iPod, iPhone, MP3 players, GPS devices, even that USB-powered shaver that never really got off the ground. Unlike some other clunkier USB chargers that get in the way of gear sticks, handbrakes, etc, the iAD115 Micro USB Car Charger is so small it can be concealed inside the cigarette lighter just by closing the cover. While the iAD119 Dual USB Car Charger removes fights in the car about who gets to charge their device first (great for families or newly-weds!) Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

Full steam ahead! British Steam Car hits 131mph

By Michael Mulcahy

21:18 August 16, 2009 PDT

The British Steam Car reached speeds of 131mph - well above the existing record - in testi...

There’s something endearingly quixotic – and awfully English – about the British Steam Car Challenge. The team has spent the last ten years trying to successfully marry Victorian-age transport with modern technology in an effort break a 100-year-old steam land speed record. And, on Friday August 7 at Edwards Air Force base in California, they finally beat that world record speed with a run of 131mph – but because the FIA wasn’t present, it’s not yet official. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

U.S. vehicle fuel efficiency has increased only 3 mpg in 80 years

By Michael Mulcahy

23:50 August 2, 2009 PDT

At 25 mpg, an original Model T would still give you better fuel economy that most vehicles...

Gizmag is always on the lookout for alternative means of powering vehicles and saving precious fossil fuels. But, in truth, the vast majority of us still drive exclusively petrol-powered cars. And the even sadder truth, outlined in a new research from the University of Michigan, is that the average fuel efficiency of a US vehicle has improved only three miles per gallon since the days of the Ford Model T. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

Nissan’s 2010 EV in detail

By Jeff Salton

07:34 July 29, 2009 PDT

Nissan's Tiida-based EV-11 prototype has many features including a top speed of around 87m...

Nissan has showcased its electric vehicle (EV) platform on a Tiida-based hatchback model. The Nissan EV-11 prototype seats four-five adults, has a top speed of around 87mph (140kmh), a cruising range of 100 miles (160km) between charges and, being a full EV, produces zero local CO2 emissions. The in-house developed electric motor delivers 80kW (107hp) for “high response and powerful acceleration”. Nissan has also plans some clever IT for its EV platform, like remote ON/OFF charging via a cell phone or the Internet, useful mapping features including automatic updates on the nearest charging stations, a global data center providing 24/7 support and a scheme that could even see non-contact charging introduced in carparks. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

Smart vehicle puts blind drivers behind the wheel

By Mick Webb

02:16 July 21, 2009 PDT

The Blind Driver Challenge aims to put vision impaired people in the drivers seat

Recent technological developments are presenting increasing opportunities for blind and vision impaired people to interact with the world in ways not previously possible. However, many everyday acts we take for granted such as driving a car remain out of reach. That’s well on the way to changing thanks to a development by a team of students at the Virginia Tech University, who have designed a car that allows blind and visually impaired people to take the wheel and drive unassisted. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

Calling all cars – futuristic cop cruiser takes to LA streets

By Darren Quick

21:41 July 7, 2009 PDT

The LAPD Pontiac G8 project vehicle

A new vehicle billed as the most technologically advanced police car in the world is due to begin testing in the US. Based on the Australian-built Holden Commodore, which were rebadged as Pontiac G8s in the US, the car aims to turn a standard vehicle into a ‘virtual office’ for emergency services personnel. It replaces the cluttered, cockpit-style gadgets that abound in current police cars with a large single touchscreen display embedded in the passenger dash and throws in some Bond style crime fighting gear like an air gun that fires a laser guided GPS tracking device onto fleeing vehicles. Read More

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

Mazda3 iStop puts engine in pause mode

By Jeff Salton

23:24 June 30, 2009 PDT

The new Mazda3 incorporates fuel-saving technology for drivers who face the daily grind of...

One of the bug bears of driving in city traffic – apart from the time delays – is the often deplorable fuel consumption of stop-start driving. To help overcome this, the new Mazda3 2.0 Sport comes with iStop technology which pauses the engine (rather than stopping it), which the company says delivers increased fuel economy while reducing CO2 emissions. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

‘Go anywhere’ amphibious vehicle might go under

By Jeff Salton

00:38 June 30, 2009 PDT

The Scamander RRV goes for a dip to show off its amphibious qualities.

Fed up with your Ferrari? Lamborghini a bit lame? Rarely get a reason to take your dinghy out of the shed? Haven’t scared the neighbors for a while? If you've answered yes to at least three of these questions, then the Scamander RRV could be just what you’re looking for. Before his death in June this year, former-TVR owner Peter Wheeler built the Scamander RRV (rapid response vehicle), a car that could drive on track, off-road or even on the water, all while carrying four people. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

Electric vehicle trials gain traction in UK

By Jeff Salton

04:09 June 26, 2009 PDT

London trialling a raft of electric vehicles

A raft of electric vehicle related news from the UK this week with Mitsubishi, Ford, Toyota and BMW (through its Mini brand) all getting a piece of the action. A total of approximately 340 all-electric and hybrid vehicles will begin trials on UK roads within the next 6-18 months. Read More

AUTOMOTIVE

Mercedes CLS gets sporty upgade with release of Grand Edition

By Michael Mulcahy

03:14 June 19, 2009 PDT

The Mercedes-Benz CLS Grand Edition offers a sportier look

Merecedes-Benz is introducing a new variant in its CLS-Class four-door Coupé which features a slightly tweaked diesel engine and a host of cosmetic changes, including 18” AMG alloys and more stylish front grille louvres and headlamp housings. The CLS Grand Edition will be available in the UK from July, with a limited release of only 560 cars. 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

Mazda now painting cars greener

By Michael Mulcahy

17:57 June 17, 2009 PDT

Mazda Aqua-tech Paint System

The Mazda Motor Corporation continues to find ways to be a better global citizen with a car painting system that it says has the lowest environmental impact in the world. The new “Aqua-Tech Paint System” reduces the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) by 57% and, happily, improves the paint job. Read More

ELECTRONICS

Pioneer makes AVIC in-car navigation easier on the eye

By Michael Mulcahy

23:32 June 14, 2009 PDT

Pioneer AVIC-X in-car navigation

Concentrating on improved functionality, visual clarity and ease-of-use for the driver, Pioneer Electronics' latest update to its AVIC range of navigation systems offer a variety of screen views, pop-up highway signs for major junctions, on-screen info designed for ‘at-a-glance’ reading and more than 1300 3-D icons of major landmarks. Read More

 
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