Autoblog

Duh: Cadillac shelves that whole V12 thing

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-08-21T15:29:00+00:00

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedans/Saloons, I.C.E., Cadillac

750-hp 7.5-liter V12 from the Cadillac Cien concept

Here's a shocker: Cadillac has reportedly canceled plans for a range-topping V12 engine. Really, you don't say? Last we checked, General Motors didn't seem to have any problems extracting plenty of performance from its 6.2-liter supercharged and 7.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engines, and the majority of the development work has already been done for a Caddy installation. Additionally, we've heard some rumors of a possible twin-turbo version of GM's excellent 3.6-liter direct injection six, which could find a cozy spot under the hood of the next Cadillac sedan.

Cadillac is also said to be reconsidering its premium large sedan, where the V12 was originally intended to reside. In its stead, GM's classiest division will focus in on the replacement for the STS and DTS sedans. Also rumored is a new naming convention, as if the waters weren't already murky enough. Will the next Caddy sedan be known as the DT7? We sure hope not. Will it be based on the new Zeta platform? Well now... that decision would get our seal of approval.

[Source: Inside Line]

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Lotus developing efficient two-stroke OMNIVORE engine

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-08-12T13:31:00+00:00

Filed under: Green, I.C.E., Lotus

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lotus Exige 270E Tri-Fuel

Lotus Engineering has been hard at work developing new engine technologies that allow the use of sustainable alcohol fuels. It's recent Exige 270E Tri-Fuel concept showed that the British firm knows how to make an engine run on various fuels, including gasoline, ethanol and methanol. In fact, the 270E Tri-Fuel concept was the most powerful Exige ever conceived by the Hethel-based company and made its highest power output using synthetic methanol fuel. Lotus has started a new research project called the OMNIVORE engine -- cleverly indicating that it will run on anything -- that uses a single cylinder with direct injection and a variable compression ratio in order to maximize power and efficiency while running on various alcohol fuels. The higher octane rating of alcohol fuels will allow the engine to run with higher compression, thereby offering more power, while also toning itself down to run on lower-grade fuels as well. Read the press release after the break for more details.

Gallery: Lotus Exige 270E Tri-Fuel

[Source: Lotus]

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High gas prices mean more superchargers. We're okay with that

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-07-28T14:57:00+00:00

Filed under: Tuners, Green, I.C.E., Tech

Click above for more shots of the GM LSA V8 and its Eaton supercharger

The ongoing debate between the supercharger camp and the turbo boys isn't likely to die along with large, fuel-thirsty performance engines. In fact, Eaton believes that the market for both power-boosters will continue to grow at an extremely fast pace along with the rising price of gas. Because manufacturers are looking to downsize their engines, power-adders like the supercharger are becoming increasingly necessary in order to deliver the kind of performance new car buyers have come to expect along with the low fuel consumption that is becoming increasingly necessary.

Unlike the high RPM power generally associated with heavily-boost turbocharged engines, superchargers produce added power at all engine speeds. The downside is that engine power is used to drive the compressor, which reduces the available power gains somewhat. In order to make up some of that lost power, Eaton is developing variable-speed superchargers, which will allow for good power from idle through redline with a reduced strain on the engine. For our part, we fully support the use of both turbochargers and superchargers on any and all new cars. Solely in the name of fuel economy, of course.

Gallery: Detroit 2008: GM LSA V-8

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

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Should've bought a Garmin? Testing the iPhone 3G's GPS capabilities

Damon Lavrinc — 2008-07-14T12:05:00+00:00

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., I.C.E., Tech

Yes, we were among the suckers who endured the idiotic lines, activation woes and intermittent service that you've undoubtedly read about after the iPhone 3G's launch this past Friday. But our reason for suffering through myriad hassles to get our hands on Apple's newest hotness wasn't purely selfish. We wanted to see whether the iPhone 3G's new GPS functionality was worth the cost of admission or if we'd be better off buying one of the many stand-alone navigation units currently on the market. Make the jump to find out if it's worth your hard-earned cash and a place on your dash.

Gallery: iPhone 3G GPS Review

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Next BMW iDrive to take cues from Audi's MMI

Damon Lavrinc — 2008-07-03T11:32:00+00:00

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, I.C.E., BMW

We've already gotten a sneak peak of what the 2009 BMW 7-series will look like on the outside ahead of its official launch, but the interior - and iDrive in particular - is still veiled in a cloak of secrecy. However, Bimmerfile has supposedly gotten the inside dope on the new multi-function brushed aluminum mole.

According to Bimmerfile, the new iDrive interface will take a cue from one of our favorite in-dash control units - Audi's MMI - with a new interface that has a similar list design and selection system. The screen resolution is higher, which makes the maps and text "more visually appealing" and the submenus are reportedly "more like bookmarks," which should facilitate an easier flow of information.

The new display will also allow show maps in full screen, rather than the split screen in the previous version of iDrive, and radio and CD functions are now available in two separate menus. When playing a CD, the current song will be displayed in a "frame" at the top of the screen, with the list of tracks shown below it.

The major revision, aside from a new phonebook contact list that allows for multiple numbers, is the date, time and radio station bar migrating from the iDrive screen into a central mounted display nestled between the two gauges on the dash. This is one feature that Audi's MMI has had for a few years and is a very welcome addition to the new iDrive. We'll hopefully have official information about the new system in a few days.

[Source: Bimmerfile]

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VIDEO: Engadget gets to play with Mio Knight Rider GPS, Autoblog jealous

Dan Roth — 2008-07-01T16:01:00+00:00

Filed under: Aftermarket, Gadgets, Time Warp, I.C.E., Videos

Click above to view the video posted after the jump.

Okay, Mio's Knight Rider GPS unit is now officially "hella" cool. Engadget snagged some video of the startup sequence, and we're overcome by nostalgia for 1984. We're not excited to the point where we've gone digging for vintage Le Tigre polos or pulled that zombie leather jacket (the Thriller replica, natch) out of deep closet storage, but seeing that sweeping light bar and watching the flanking LEDs twinkle to the dulcet tones of William Daniels brings back sunny memories for those of us that lived it the first time around. Even cooler is that there's a bank of 300 names to choose from, so odds are good that KITT will greet you personally - that closes the sale right there, we officially want one.

[Source: Engadget]

Continue reading VIDEO: Engadget gets to play with Mio Knight Rider GPS, Autoblog jealous

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Chrysler's What's New 2008: uConnect web w/VIDEO

Sam Abuelsamid — 2008-06-26T20:15:00+00:00

Filed under: I.C.E., Chrysler, LLC.

Click above to view a video of Chrysler's uConnect in action.

At Chrysler's annual "What's New" gathering at its Chelsea Proving Ground, we were able to get a demonstration of the new uConnect Web system, which transforms any vehicle into a rolling WiFi hot spot. The hardware consists of a WiFi router with a built in wireless 3G modem. The 3G modem automatically connects to the internet and allows any WiFi enabled devices, such as a laptop, iPod Touch, Nintendo DS or XBox to connect, as long as you're within range of a cell signal. Chrysler is offering the system as a dealer installed option through it's Mopar parts division starting this August. Initially, it will only be available for 2009 models, but earlier models will be added further down the road. The system will cost about $500 installed plus $29 a month for unlimited service, and if you sign up for a two-year contract you get two months for free. Theoretically, you could use the system as your home internet service with your car parked in the garage, making the initial cost of installation and monthly service charges a bit more palatable. Check out a video of the demonstration we received after the jump.

Continue reading Chrysler's What's New 2008: uConnect web w/VIDEO

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VIDEO: Mio Knight Rider GPS speaks!

Noah Joseph — 2008-06-24T18:31:00+00:00

Filed under: Gadgets, Time Warp, I.C.E., Tech, Toys

If you're a child of the 80's, you may very well have gone ballistic when news of Mio's Knight Rider GPS hit cyberspace. The sat-nav unit is not only styled like the original Knight Industries Two Thousand, but even has blinking red lights along the flanks (just like KITT's voice modulator) and features voice directions recorded by the man himself, William Daniels. (What do you mean, who is William Daniels?! He was the original voice of KITT!) You can have it call you Michael and feel like The Hoff himself, or select from a long list of pre-recorded name to have KITT speak to you when that gets old.

The boys over at Knight Rider Online got a hold of a preview unit and did a short video review, which you can check out after the jump. Thanks for the tip, joe!

Gallery: Mio Knight Rider GPS

[Source: Knight Rider Online]

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Knight Rider-themed GPS system with authentic KITT voice

Dan Roth — 2008-06-20T15:59:00+00:00

Filed under: Aftermarket, Gadgets, Time Warp, I.C.E.

Click above to view more shots of the Mio Knight Rider GPS

"Michael, you're going the wrong way, you ninny." For all you Knight Rider fans no longer moved by finding a perfect 45 rpm single of "A Knight Rider Christmas," Mio has a brand new toy that's capable of Knight Industries Two Thousand level antics. The Knight Rider-themed GPS unit has voice prompts recorded by the one-and-only William Daniels (thankfully not Val Kilmer), the original voice of KITT, and asks cordially "Hello Michael, where do you want to go today?" when powered up. The LCD display is also flanked by a series of red LEDs reminiscent of KITT's nose-mounted lights. Once the unit is available for sale, about $270 is all it'll take to get KITT in your KARR. Thanks for the tip, Dan!

Gallery: Mio Knight Rider GPS

[Source: Next Autos]

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How about a smaller nav screen? Magna develops in-mirror display

Dan Roth — 2008-06-13T18:28:00+00:00

Filed under: Aftermarket, Gadgets, I.C.E.

While Ford's giving the Fusion an LCD large enough to watch feature films, Magna has joined up with Swiss firm u-blox and Germany's Paragon to develop a navigation system that puts the map display in your rearview mirror. The system is called MirrorPilot, and it does look like a slick way to add factory navigation with a minimum of effort on the automaker's part. It's also far nicer than suction-cupping some aftermarket unit to the windshield and dealing with its tangle of cables. It's not just a mirror with a display; the MirrorPilot incorporates a GPS receiver and antenna, as well as a speaker. The mirror itself self-dims electrochromically, and the display automatically zooms at intersections and also comes with a remote control. The screen may be small, but the cost is large; this unit will be priced above $1,000 when it goes on sale in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. While it's a nice idea, it's not $1,000 worth of nice, especially with such a diminutive screen. We'll buy a cheaper unit and stock up on zip ties to keep the wires in check, which should leave enough in our pocket for a very nice dinner out - we'll just punch up a fancy restaurant on the POI menu.

[Source: Inside Line]

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Mazda extends rotary warranty on RX-8 to 100k miles

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-06-05T10:28:00+00:00

Filed under: Maintenance, Coupes, Sports/GTs, I.C.E., Marketing/Advertising, Recalls/TSBs, Mazda

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 Mazda RX-8.

You've got to hand it to Mazda for its perseverance with the Wankel rotary engine design. Ever since it's engineers managed to make it semi-reliable, the turbine-like smoothness of the quick-spinning lump has seen duty in numerous Mazda-branded vehicles, and even a few others as well. Still, despite constant engineering work and updates to the basic rotary engine design, there is a lingering question about the reliability of the design. Most owners seem happy with the engines in their RX, that is, until a seal blows or they forget to keep the oil supply topped up and it fails to restart. Or it floods in the winter, needing a tow. Alright... so there may be a few problems.

To ease the minds of RX-8 owners and owners-to-be, Mazda has reportedly decided to extend the warranty coverage for the 2004-2008 Renesis rotary engine for a period of eight years or 100,000 miles. Mazda even goes so far as to offer reimbursement to those who've spent money on engine repairs before 100,000 miles. This seems like a nice measure made in good faith on Mazda's part. After all, most educated owners of the rotary-powered cars knew what they were getting when these purchases were made, and the engine was already covered under the same basic warranty that comes standard with all Mazda vehicles. Nice work, Mazda.

In the interest of full disclosure, this particular blogger bought an RX-8 new in 2004, though it was sold two years later.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3

[Source: RX8Club.com]

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VW to equip Golfs with smaller engines next year

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-06-03T09:34:00+00:00

Filed under: Trends, Economy, Green, I.C.E., Hatchbacks, Volkswagen

We expect to see a the sixth-generation of Volkswagen's now iconic Golf model break cover soon enough, and now we are hearing rumors of some new powertrain options for the MkVI as well. According to German news site Automobilwoche, we should expect to see at least one engine of smaller displacement than the current 1.4-liter gasoline unit that powers the current Golf model in Europe. Interestingly, VW is said to be considering a possible three-cylinder engine for the base-model Golf, which could displace as little as one liter. Another possibility is a 1.2-liter version of the engine with four cylinders. To make the rumored 75 horsepower, we'd expect to see the German automaker continue its use of turbocharging, supercharging or both, as it does with some versions of the 1.4-liter engine already in use. As is usually the case, we're not holding our breath for these engines to make it stateside.

[Source: Automotive News Europe - sub. req'd]

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LEGO my V8 engine!

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-05-24T17:33:00+00:00

Filed under: Sports/GTs, I.C.E., Dodge, Toys

Click on the image for more shots of the LEGO V8 engine

Is there anything that a set of LEGO bricks can't create? In the last few months, we've seen a Camaro and a Mustang both built with nothing that wasn't manufactured by the LEGO corporation, and each of those creations featured a V8 engine and working transmission. While the entire process must be insanely difficult and time-consuming, it's the engine that truly separates these from mere toys. If an engine is really nothing more than an air pump, as some like to say, then here is a working V8 engine made entirely from LEGO parts. Following the build, it's easy to see how many transformations that this engine has gone through before the current pushrod version, which operates pretty well at an indicated 1,780 revolutions per minute. This is a fitting engine design, considering that it's slated to get dropped into a Dodge Challenger replica. Click past the break for a video of the engine in action. Thanks for the tip, Kyle!

Gallery: LEGO V8 Engine

[Source: nicjasno.com]

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Drivers may surf .car websites while driving

Dan Roth — 2008-05-19T12:58:00+00:00

Filed under: Gadgets, I.C.E., Safety, Tech

We already know that in-car web browsing is on its way. Both BMW and Chrysler have already revealed that the feature is forthcoming in their vehicles, and more automakers are sure to follow. But telematics provider ATX Group is sticking its nose in to ensure that the web we're one day browsing in our cars is safe to use (read: no fun at all). ATX is working with a group called the Connected Vehicle Trade Association to push a standardized method for getting web content into automobiles. ATX is exploring ways to adapt the traditional web experience to meet the demands of the automotive environment, similar to the way mobile versions of websites target cellphone browsers, nevermind that the mobile web experience pales in comparison to surfing normal websites on a device like the iPhone, which works inside cars last time we checked. One idea is to target automobile surfing through implementation of a standard top-level domain, .car, which would house content specifically designed to work with the to-be-determined vehicular web standard.

With safety in mind, we're guessing that ATX and the CVTA will kick around a text-to-speech function that allows pages to be read-aloud to a driver by the embedded hardware, and possibly a standardization of page size for reliably fast loading. Telematics also opens up another area for targeted services, such as remote diagnostics, parental surveillance via performance monitoring, and dynamic traffic information. Developing a standard also helps automakers avoid duplicating each others' efforts as they all race to deliver E! Online to your dashboard. Ah yes, in-car internet will no doubt be the latest whiz-bang distraction from the task of actually driving one's car.

[Source: ATX]

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VIDEO: Ford demonstrates new nav system with Sirius Travel

Sam Abuelsamid — 2008-05-15T12:32:00+00:00

Filed under: I.C.E., Tech, Ford

Click above to view videos after the jump

One of the cool features that Ford is introducing for the 2009 model year is its updated navigation system with Sirius Travel Link. When we went out to drive the updated 2009 Ford Escape this week, Ford's chief technology spokes-model Alan Hall gave us a guided tour of the system. The next generation nav unit takes the traditional touch screen GPS unit and integrates it with the popular SYNC system that debuted last year, while adding real time downloadable information from Sirius and a 10GB jukebox. The Sirius system provides information such as live weather maps overlaid on the navigation data, current fuel prices, movie listings and more.

With the jukebox, you can insert an audio CD and automatically rip it to the internal hard drive like you can in the Cadillac CTS. The full Gracenote CDDB database is incorporated so that the meta-data can be automatically added. The screen can even display the album artwork. The system can even play DVDs with the video only being visible on the front seat screen when the car is in park. As soon as the transmission is shifted into gear, it only plays the audio track. If you pull up a restaurant listing, it can automatically dial your bluetooth phone through the SYNC system. Like SYNC, the whole system can be controlled by voice commands so you don't have to take your hands off the wheel. The new setup will be on most 2009 Fords, with bigger vehicles like the new Flex and the MKS getting an 8-inch touch screen while the smaller Escape makes do with a 6.5" inch screen. Ford will be charging $1,995 for the full system including SYNC, the nav system, Travel Link and the jukebox. Check out a pair of video run-throughs of the system after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ford demonstrates new nav system with Sirius Travel

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Bose offering full-function head unit with simple style

Damon Lavrinc — 2008-04-25T16:57:00+00:00

Filed under: I.C.E., Cadillac, GM

Bose in-car audio systems were originally introduced in 1983 on the Cadillac Seville and in the ensuing 25 years have made their way into all manner of expensive road-going machinery. Most recently, the purveyors of high-end in-car audio systems have outfitted the Bose Media System in the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti. That system, which features a 30-gig hard drive and a simplistic button layout including proximity sensors on the knobs to detect a user's interactions, will soon be available to the rest of us hacks. Bose is currently and actively pursuing partnerships with other automakers to offer the system in more plebian forms of personal transport. One of those automakers could be General Motors, which has had a long history with the company. The new system will also feature all the other features of expensive head units that we've come to expect, including navigation, satellite radio, voice commands and hands-free mobile phone integration.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

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Scuderi split-cycle engine almost ready for sale to automakers

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-04-19T15:02:00+00:00

Filed under: Green, I.C.E., Tech

Scuderi has been hard at work refining its split-cycle engine technology for the last few years, and the company believes that it's close to another milestone. Though still far from production, testing has recently validated an important aspect of the design involving the valvetrain, so vice president Stephen Scuderi believes that he is close to licensing the technology to other manufacturers.

The split-cycle engine is intended to be an improvement on the traditional Otto cycle and acts a bit like the Miller cycle. Instead of using a mechanical supercharger, though, the Scuderi design uses paired cylinders to compress air, which is then used to prevent reversion of the exhaust gases into the intake tract. It is also possible to store some of this compressed air to power the vehicle as part of a hybrid drivetrain. If this seems to make little sense (don't worry, you're not alone), click past the break for a computer rendering of the engine running.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

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Chrysler's new technology for 2009 includes UConnect SYNC-killer, in-car WiFi and a swivel screen

John Neff — 2008-04-14T16:31:00+00:00

Filed under: I.C.E., Tech, Chrysler, LLC.

Chrysler just issued a press release detailing all the new technology that will soon be available in many of its 2009 model year vehicles, and the highlight would have to be the UConnect communications system that looks to compete with some aspects of Ford's Microsoft-powered SYNC system. UConnect appears to be a fancy name for Bluetooth phone integration coupled with voice recognition technology. In addition to pairing up your phone and downloading your address book, you can also input navigation destinations, change satellite radio stations and get to your voice mail using the power of speech. While it doesn't seem to offer functionality as broad as what you get with SYNC, UConnect appears to be a solid choice to check off on the options list.

Next up we have in-vehicle wireless internet connectivity, which Chrysler promises will turn your Pentastar-branded car into a mobile hot spot. It will use a combination of WiFi and 4G broadband connectivity to keep your car connected to the internets, and Chrysler says you'll be able to access your email, as well as download music movies right in your car. For the 2008 model year, MOPAR is already offering an aftermarket device that can make your car an internet hot-spot as well, but we're more interested in the integrated system Chrysler's planning for 2009.

Follow the jump for more and Chrysler's official press release.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler's new technology for 2009 includes UConnect SYNC-killer, in-car WiFi and a swivel screen

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Satellite radio: Looking for a few good customers, anybody?

Sam Abuelsamid — 2008-01-28T07:05:00+00:00

Filed under: Audio, I.C.E.

Apparently, the idea of paying for radio chatter doesn't hold much appeal to customers who actually have to shell out hard earned cash. While many new cars today come equipped with stereos that are capable of receiving either XM or Sirius, fewer people than ever are buying standalone receivers. In December, retail sales of satellite receivers were down 37.5% (36% for Sirius and 41% for XM) compared to 2006.

This might in part be due to the fact that without an external antenna that has line of sight to the satellite, the radio usually doesn't work indoors. There's also the quality of what you hear on the stations. Unless you have a compelling need to hear Howard Stern unfiltered, most of the rest doesn't sound much different than what you can hear on terrestrial radio. At this rate, XM and Sirius better hope their merger is completed soon before they both run out of cash or customers.

[Source: OrbitCast]

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CES '08 Preview: Ford to show SYNC 2.0, in-dash HD and cheap gas-finding nav

John Neff — 2008-01-04T13:58:00+00:00

Filed under: CES, I.C.E., Tech, Ford

Though GM's Rick Wagoner nabbed the honor of giving this year's keynote address at next week's 2008 CES Show in Las Vegas, Ford may grab the headlines with a suite of new in-car entertainment, navigation and communication technologies that it plans to implement across its brands in the near future. First up will be the second version of its popular SYNC interface, details of which are scant. Considering that the SYNC system's capabilities are already robust, we're not sure what else they can add to it and are eager to find out.

Ford will also be showing off its new SIRIUS Travel Link nav system, which gets updated in real time with all sorts of info from the SIRIUS satellites. Drivers can call up instant traffic data, weather, sports scores and movie showings, as well as plot a course to the gas station with cheapest fuel prices.

Finally, Ford will have its new navigation system sourced from Xanavi on display with what we believe is a ginormous 7.5-inch touchscreen and an in-dash hard drive that can store up to 2,400 songs. Hopefully it will also have the capacity to pause and rewind live radio like Cadillac's system in the CTS. We've already seen the Xanavi system's new, larger screen in images of the upcoming 2009 Lincoln MKS sedan, a car that's slated to be fitted with the gamut of Ford's new in-car technologies when it goes on sale this summer.

Keep your eyes on Autoblog early next week for when we start our coverage of the 2008 CES Show from Las Vegas. We'll have more details on what Ford and the rest of the auto industry has to offer in the way of electronics for the coming year.

[Source: Ford]

Gallery: 2009 Lincoln MKS

Continue reading CES '08 Preview: Ford to show SYNC 2.0, in-dash HD and cheap gas-finding nav

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