Posts filed under 'Autos'
I don’t usually feature cars on Gadget Review, but the new Audi - released today at the Tokyo Autoshow - is simply a hyper-attractive hybrid which will leave car and gadget enthusiast jaw dropped. Currently dubbed the Metroproject Quattro, this 3 door (2 front doors and a hatchback) can achieve 100km (60 miles or so) on just 4.9 liters (roughly 1.3 gallons) of gas. How so? Simple. The Metroproject Quattro rocks a 1.4 liter TFSI (turbocharged) gas engine and a 30KW electrics motor which is positioned at the rear axle. Apparently the rear, electric engine will kick in during acceleration and ultimately turns into an AWD vehicle. Furthermore, 80% of torque is achievable at just 1,250 RPMs (my GTI requires 2,000+ to achieve turbo kick in). I’m not sure if it’s a user option (i.e. a switch that can be flipped), but supposedly the electric motor - which runs on a Lithium Ion battery - can run independently, thus accomplishing 0 emissions and provides a range of 100km. 0-60 is achieved in 7.8 seconds. Not the fastest vehicle, but I’m sure tweaking is on the horizon.
Read more here, which includes info about electromagnetic shocks
Thanks Erik
October 24th, 2007
If you’re like me, you’ve some how achieved two light camera tix upon arrival into a new state – this was my experience when I first moved to La, CA. In my quest to avoid all Red Light tix, and more importantly cameras, I managed to stumble upon a site that appears to depend on users submitting Red Light or Speed camera locations. They’ve used Google Maps to make them easy to find and clicking on the Light icon will display the intersection and reported price of the ticket. Good stuff.
Check out the site here.
February 26th, 2007
I’m not sure which aspect to be in more shock over: the 0-60 MPH in 4 seconds or that this tandem seated electrical vehicle costs a whopping $108,000! Top speed is 120 MPH, body parts are made of carbon fiber, Kevlar, and fiberglass - the site’s copy claims that the side impact bars boast 4 times the protection of typical SUVs. There are no gears as the cars runs on two engines that produce 1,000 lb ft of torque, and its low center of gravity is the result of 1,100 lbs in batteries found under the floor. Driving range varies from 40-80 miles.
Available here and only a $39 shipping/handling charge.
September 10th, 2006
Remember the dude that built the jet engine powered VW Beetle? Well, he’s back, and using not one, but two jets to burn the rubber of his girlfriend’s Vespa scooter. We never did see that Beetle take off, but if we get a glimpse at this thing in action I’m willing to forgive and forget. Might wanna consider the Michelin tire guy’s jump suit for this test drive, Ron!
More photos here.
Ron Patrick’s Jet Powered Scooter [OhGizmo]
August 16th, 2006
BMW continues to amaze me by delivering innovative and forward thinking products. Sure, there not always practical to the every day commuter, but they often serve a purpose and solve the “only ifs”. BMW’s news gizmo is a remote control allowing its driver to control the vehicle from beyond the driver’s seat. Don’t go getting all excited, though. You won’t be able to retrieve your car from the valet remotely, but rather turn the vehicle’s park assist on and off from the remote. The system is designed to work with a sensor installed on your standard parking space and the Park Distance Control - much like the automated cruise controls that incorporate a camera. The sensors coordinate entry and upon exit the same maneuvers are automatically applied. The remote simply allows you to turn on and off the vehicle’s power at a reasonable 2.5 km/h (just under 2 mph). No more running over little Susy or bashing down the elderly. Even folds in your mirrors to avoid collission.
BMW Redefines Safe Parking [Gizmag]
August 3rd, 2006
I didn’t realize plugging a charger into a car’s cigarette lighter could actually charge the car’s battery - usually it just sends electricity out, right? Nonetheless, the 1.8 Watt Solar Panel fits conveniently on any car’s dash, plugs into any standard cigarette lighter, absorbs the sunlight’s and charges your car’s battery…maybe.
Costs $20 and is available here and via Book of Joe.
July 20th, 2006
Sick of that collection of parking tickets builing up in your glove compartment? It may be time to pick up the Kikkerland KR06 Parking Meter Alarm. This keychain alarm features a spring-loaded cyllinder for holding up to 10 quarters and has a 24 hour countdown timer on the top.
You may not be the coolest kid on the block with this, but you’ll definitely have the least tickets.
Parking Meter Alarm [popgadget]
March 28th, 2006
Cars today are loaded with cell phones, GPS, satellite radio – its hard to believe people can keep their eyes on the road long enough to drive. Although Blaupunkt’s newest head unit for the car doesn’t incorporate Bluetooth for cell phone linkage, its one of the first aftermarket slim sized CD head units we’ve seen to include GPS. The TravelPilot Rome, which features a 3.2â€? TFT LCD screen, can play back CDs filled with MP3s or regular audio files while you navigate. Its slim single slot shape will save your car’s dash from a mod move, but don’t count out the neck pains. Current version appears to be EU only and it will cost you almost a $1000.
Blaupunkt drives in with first map-packing GPS car stereo [StuffMag]
March 23rd, 2006
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