Articles in category Car Tech http://www.autotropolis.com/article.manager Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:31:45 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.autotropolis.com/article.manager/images/M_images/joomla_rss.png http://www.autotropolis.com/article.manager Articles in category Car Tech http://www.autotropolis.com/autotropolis-columns/car-tech/road-trains-carpool-of-the-future-video.html Being bored on the way to and from work may become a thing of the past. Talk on the phone, use your laptop, do your makeup, eat breakfast or even read a book. You won’t need your hands on the wheel to safely navigate the highway. The Safe Road Trains for the Environment (SARTE) are currently being tested in the UK, Sweden and Spain. They are being tested on tracks and closed courses for now, but will be tested on public highways in Spain in the future. The testing is scheduled to last for about three years.The SARTE project... Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:25:54 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/autotropolis-columns/car-tech/chrysler-to-offer-live-tv-in-vehicles.html Earlier this year when I reviewed the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan (http://www.autotropolis.com/dodge/grand-caravan/research.html), one of the most unique aspects of it was the availability of separate rear entertainment screens that could play television channels such as Disney Channel, Nickelodeon and the Cartoon Network. By the end of this year, Chrysler (http://www.autotropolis.com/chrysler/research.html) claims that it will be the first automaker to offer live mobile television viewing of up to 20 channels. The dealer-installed option will be available in late December in select Chrysler, Dodge (http://www.autotropolis.com/dodge/research.html), Jeep (http://www.autotropolis.com/jeep/research.html) and Ram Truck vehicles.Chrysler Group’s parts and accessories branch, Mopar, will offer FLO TV... Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:01:25 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/autotropolis-columns/car-tech/fords-mykey-system-helps-keep-teen-drivers-safe.html Ford (http://www.autotropolis.com/ford/research.html) Motor Company’s new MyKey System was developed to help put parents at ease when their teenagers are at the wheel. The system also teaches and encourages teen drivers to drive safer and be more fuel efficient. The new feature will allow owners to program a key, which includes a transponder inside of it, that can limit the vehicle’s audio volume and top speed. The key can also be programmed to sound an alert chime for low fuel levels with 45, 55 and 65 miles to go until empty. The system allows parents to program any key... Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:12:08 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/autotropolis-columns/car-tech/general-motors-now-offering-wi-fi-hotspot-in-select-vehicles.html Cadillac (http://www.autotropolis.com/cadillac/research.html), Chevrolet (http://www.autotropolis.com/chevrolet/research.html), GMC (http://www.autotropolis.com/gmc/research.html) and Buick (http://www.autotropolis.com/buick/research.html) brands. For now, the router is a dealer-installed option available only in General Motor’s vehicles most likely to be used by families -- SUVs, vans, trucks and crossovers. The router is made by Autonet Mobile of San Francisco and comes with a docking station so that it can be easily moved from one vehicle to another. The routers and accessories are also supplied to Chrysler (http://www.autotropolis.com/chrysler/research.html) and Volkswagen (http://www.autotropolis.com/volkswagen/research.html) through Autonet Mobile. The Internet router creates a Wi-Fi hotspot in and around the vehicle, for up to 150 feet, so... Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:35:28 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/autotropolis-columns/car-tech/iphone-and-smart-phone-apps-for-cars.html With smart phones in almost every hand these days, it’s no wonder several auto makers are getting in on the application bandwagon and creating exclusive apps that are useful, like a GPS app. But more often than not, these apps are for created for marketing purposes and most are slightly less than useless.iPhone App That’s UsefulMINI (http://www.autotropolis.com/mini/research.html) has created an iPhone app that uses a GPS system to help rescue you and your car with roadside assistance. The app allows you to find and contact a tow truck or other type of roadside assistance with one button. The assistance... Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:54:05 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/autotropolis-columns/car-tech/congress-approves-funding-for-three-wheeled-cars.html It may take time getting used to, but some key aspects of modern cars will be changing as the automotive industry continues its fuel-efficient renaissance. The internal combustion engine, once a given in passenger cars, is being replaced with battery and electric power, while automakers are getting creative with their designs to offer vehicles that are more aerodynamic. If the U.S. Congress has anything to say about the matter, future cars could be changing the simplest design element that dates back to the very first car: four wheels. A new movement toward sleek, three-wheeled vehicles is making... Fri, 16 Oct 2009 19:14:01 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/autotropolis-columns/car-tech/audi-e-tron-concept-rumored-for-production-as-2012-r4.html Audi (http://www.autotropolis.com/audi/research.html) of America President Johan de Nysschen said that the Chevrolet (http://www.autotropolis.com/chevrolet/research.html) Volt, one of the most anticipated electric vehicles heading into production, is a car for idiots, the German automaker ironically introduced its own electric concept vehicle based on the Audi R8 (http://www.autotropolis.com/audi/r8/research.html). Now, it appears that the 2009 Audi e-tron Concept that debuted last month at the Frankfurt Auto Show could be heading into production as the 2012 Audi R4. According to de Nysschen, the e-tron concept vehicle will spawn a production model that would arrive in the United States by 2012 but few specifics... Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:51:14 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/autotropolis-columns/car-tech/volvo-confirms-diesel-plug-in-hybrids-for-north-american-market.html Volvo (http://www.autotropolis.com/volvo/research.html) will also debut more fuel-efficient gasoline engines, and we expect to see Volvo’s new green technologies no later than the 2016 model year when Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations are set to increase to a 35.5 miles per gallon average.Volvo Cars of North America CEO Doug Speck said that three main factors will play a role in which technologies automakers will need to develop to thrive heading into the future: fuel prices, hybrid interest and government support. It's unclear ultimately what percentage of each is going to drive the industry, Speck said. “I think all... Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:42:28 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/autotropolis-columns/car-tech/honda-cr-z-to-debut-at-auto-show.html Honda Insight (http://www.autotropolis.com/honda/insight/research.html), though the Insight is powered by a 1.3-liter engine. The Insight is powered by a CVT transmission while the CR-Z will come equipped with a six-speed manual transmission – an option not offered for hybrid vehicles until now. The drive train of the CR-Z will be based on the Insight also. Most technical details will be left out until the debut of the car at the end of October, 2009.Interior design in the Honda CR-Z is sporty, hi-tech and very futuristic looking. The inside of the car is designed to seem open and spacious, which is... Mon, 12 Oct 2009 02:57:59 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/autotropolis-columns/car-tech/audi-using-aluminum-carbon-fiber-to-drop-a5-weight.html Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:38:16 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/autotropolis-columns/car-tech/honda-still-on-track-for-fuel-cell-vehicle-production.html Honda (http://www.autotropolis.com/Honda/research.html) rolled out its latest green innovation, the 2009 FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle. After all the pomp and circumstance wore off though, the bottom line is that there just 10 examples of the zero emission vehicle on the road combined in both California and Japan, and most are likely in the driveways of celebrities such as Jamie Lee Curtis. Despite this low-level production of lease-only vehicles, Honda Motor Company is still committed to increasing production and eventually offering the FCX Clarity in mass numbers. Honda’s current goal is to have 200 fuel cell vehicles on the... Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:47:20 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/autotropolis-columns/car-tech/bmw-x6-7-series-get-activehybrid-for-2010.html BMW (http://www.autotropolis.com/BMW/research.html) AG, General Motors and the Chrysler (http://www.autotropolis.com/Chrysler/research.html) Group has only yielded production hybrid-electric vehicles from the latter automakers. Even after Mercedes-Benz (http://www.autotropolis.com/Mercedes-Benz/research.html) announced hybrid version of its S-Class and ML-Class, BWM was still absent from the hybrid party. Ahead of next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW has finally taken the wraps off its version of the two-mode hybrid system, which it calls ActiveHybrid, that it will use on the 2010 7 Series and 2010 X6. Labeled the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 and 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6, both vehicles will feature the performance and luxury BMW vehicles... Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:03:09 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/autotropolis-columns/car-tech/nissan-reveals-future-ev-cvt.html When it comes to fuel efficient vehicles, Nissan (http://www.autotropolis.com/Nissan/research.html) Motor Company is hardly at the forefront of most conversations. Most would actually label Nissan more of an enthusiast’s automaker than anything with vehicles such as the GT-R (http://www.autotropolis.com/Nissan/GT-R/research.html), 370Z, Maxima (http://www.autotropolis.com/Nissan/Maxima/research.html) and Sentra (http://www.autotropolis.com/Nissan/Sentra/research.html) SE-R. Looking into the future of the automotive industry however, Nissan realized that fuel economy was a major concern and began developing new advanced technologies to use on its vehicles. This week, Nissan showed two of its new technologies including a test prototype for a future dedicated electric vehicle and an advanced continuously variable transmission... Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:10:52 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/autotropolis-columns/car-tech/new-ford-drivetrains-vehicles-focus-on-fuel-economy.html Ford Taurus (http://www.autotropolis.com/Ford/Taurus/research.html) SHO, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS (http://www.autotropolis.com/Lincoln/MKS/research.html) and Lincoln (http://www.autotropolis.com/Lincoln/research.html) MKT, the V-6 version will spread to other FoMoCo vehicles and a smaller inline-4 version will be introduced. The point will be to replace bigger engines with smaller engines without affecting the horsepower and torque. Eventually, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost will make its way under the hood of larger vehicles such as the base models of the F-150 and Mustang, and then the 2.0-liter EcoBoost will be available in midsize vehicles with possibilities including the Fusion, Focus and Ranger. Like the 3.5-liter EcoBoost, the 2.0-liter inline-4 version will... Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:44:16 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/autotropolis-columns/car-tech/bmw-introduces-voice-control-hands-free-system.html Ford Motor Company (http://www.autotropolis.com/Ford/research.html) and Microsoft teamed up to offer one of the most popular voice command systems called SYNC®, and now this fall, BMW (http://www.autotropolis.com/BMW/research.html) will add its own system called BMW Voice Control. Other luxury automakers such as Audi (http://www.autotropolis.com/Audi/research.html) already provide its drivers with voice-activated, hands-free controls, but BMW’s system is more advanced and intuitive allowing drivers to issue spoken demands at the push of a button to control the navigation, audio and infotainment systems. Voice Control will be available in BMW vehicles starting this September, but model availability and pricing have yet to be announced.... Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:13:55 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/autotropolis-columns/car-tech/ford-introduces-active-park-assist-on-2010-lincoln-mkt-mks.html Until the day that the world is overrun by smart fortwos (http://www.autotropolis.com/Smart/fortwo/research.html), parallel parking will continue to be one of the most challenging tasks of driving a vehicle. Backup cameras and infrared sensors are a big help, but most drivers are still nervous when parallel parking about holding up traffic, making multiple attempts or even hitting a parked car or the curb. Like higher-end luxury brands such as Lexus (http://www.autotropolis.com/Lexus/research.html), Ford Motor Company (http://www.autotropolis.com/Ford/research.html) is introducing a new technology to aid drivers during parallel parking called Active Park Assist. Ford’s Active Park Assist will make its debut on the... Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:55:04 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/autotropolis-columns/car-tech/volvo-announces-plans-for-phev-by-2012.html Volvo’s (http://www.autotropolis.com/Volvo/research.html) future with Ford Motor Company (http://www.autotropolis.com/Ford/research.html) may not be certain, but that hasn’t stopped the Swedish automaker from planning ahead. Although Volvo vehicles are currently recognized as some of the safest on the road, they could soon become some of the cleanest and most fuel efficient thanks to a partnership with the Swedish energy company, Vattenfall. The fruits that partnership are expected to pay off in 2012 with the introduction of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) for Volvo. Since 2007, Volvo has come out with a number of concept vehicles using green technology including PHEVs like... Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:03:10 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/autotropolis-columns/car-tech/100-mpg-hummer-h3.html If hybrid-electric vehicles, such as the Toyota Prius and Ford Escape, are considered to be the saviors for our environment, then large SUVs and vehicles from HUMMER are usually viewed as the antichrist. Even as General Motors looks to offload HUMMER by selling it off, another company used a HUMMER H3 to show the future of fuel-efficient vehicles. Raser Technologies, Inc. is trying to prove that saving the planet doesn’t necessitate giving up the large sport utility vehicles and trucks that have become popular in the United States. Raser recently developed a drivetrain technology similar to the Chevrolet Volt’s... Tue, 26 May 2009 20:22:57 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/autotropolis-columns/car-tech/2010-lincoln-mks-adds-ecoboost-steeper-price-tag.html Ford Motor Company is finally ready to launch its advanced new EcoBoost engine in the 2010 Lincoln MKS. The initial EcoBoost set to debut in the 2010 MKS is a 3.5-liter V-6 with twin turbochargers and direct injection. The added benefit of the EcoBoost under the hood of the MKS will give the fullsize luxury sedan power similar to a V-8 but with the fuel economy of a V-6. In addition to announcing the introduction of the new engine, Lincoln also announced pricing for the 2010 MKS sedan.Official pricing for the 2010 Lincoln MKS will start at $47,760. When... Fri, 15 May 2009 20:31:43 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/autotropolis-columns/car-tech/chrysler-celebrates-earth-day-with-ev-minivan-for-usps.html advanced drivetrain development team, ENVI (https://www.chryslerllc.com/en/innovation/envi/overview/), Chrysler will launch the test fleet into post offices in New York City, Charlotte, N.C. and Detroit, Mich. to evaluate the development of the vehicles as well as the strength of the electric grid infrastructure. The USPS maintains the largest civilian fleet of vehicles in the world and which experience enough stop-and-go driving to truly test the strength of these vehicles. Like Ford’s upcoming Transit Connect BEV, the Town & Country EV will be focused primarily on fleet customers that typically require shorter ranges of driving; according to Lou Rhodes, president of Chrysler's... Wed, 22 Apr 2009 21:40:54 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/autotropolis-columns/car-tech/cadillac-converj-erev-concept-may-get-the-green-light.html As is the case with any stylish concept vehicle, rumors begin swirling almost immediately about the possibility of heading into production. Recently, more than a few publications have reported on General Motors’ approval to build the Converj despite official announcements stating otherwise. The two-door Cadillac Converj concept debuted at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit to wide acclaim riding on the same GM Voltec technology that underpins the extended range electric vehicle (E-REV) Chevrolet Volt. While this latest report is purely speculation, a production version of the Converj Concept would be highly beneficial to GM, Cadillac... Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:25:28 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/autotropolis-columns/car-tech/ford-touts-its-upcoming-ecoboost-engine-technology.html In an effort to highlight the advantages of its upcoming EcoBoost engine technology, Ford Motor Company has released a direct comparison of the 2009 Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost against its main rivals equipped with V-8 engines. As promised, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 offers horsepower similar to the larger V-8s, but improves fuel economy and reduces harmful CO2 emissions. Ford is planning to introduce a full lineup of EcoBoost engines, but the first use twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter engines will start this summer in the Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS and the triumphant return of the high-performance Ford Taurus SHO. Using twin turbochargers... Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:39:55 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/autotropolis-columns/car-tech/nissan-preparing-future-ev-hybrid-models.html Nissan’s alliance with the French automaker Renault hasn’t really been evident in the North American market, but another Nissan partnership is expected to make a big splash worldwide when it comes to hybrid and electric vehicles. Last year, Nissan and technology giant, NEC Corp., formed a joint venture called Automotive Energy Supply Corp. (AESC) that has developed advanced lithium-ion batteries for use in both hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and electric vehicles (EV). While current hybrid vehicles are using nickel metal hydride battery packs, AESC is focusing on the lithium-ion battery because of its smaller size and faster charge times.... Mon, 23 Mar 2009 21:53:05 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/autotropolis-columns/car-tech/2009-cadillac-cts-sport-sedan-gets-wi-fi.html Autonet Mobile (http://www.autonetmobile.com/). With Facebook, Myspace and YouTube addicts in mind, the dealer-installed equipment will be optional on all CTS models and will create a wireless internet hotspot in or around the car for easy use of laptop computers. Similar to the operation of OnStar, the system Cadillac will offer uses cellular phone networks to receive the wireless Internet signals. Customers wanting to install the wireless system in their 2009 Cadillac CTS need to pony up about $499 to have the equipment installed and another $29 per month for subscription to the Autonet Internet.Cadillac WiFi uses 3G mobile technology... Fri, 20 Mar 2009 18:47:08 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/autotropolis-columns/car-tech/michigan-tax-breaks-lure-mercedes-hybrid-development.html With a handful of hybrid vehicles planned for the near future, Mercedes-Benz was looking for a base camp in the United States to research and develop its fuel-saving technology. With three potential sites narrowed down to Ann Arbor, Mich., Greenville, S.C. and California, it was Michigan’s luring tax breaks that won Mercedes’ business. At a time when Michigan unemployment is high and the worldwide automotive industry is weakening, the $7.5 million tax break to Mercedes-Benz will help create an estimated 223 jobs, while helping to bolster that state’s automotive industry. Mercedes-Benz Hybrid, LLC, a subsidiary of Daimler North America,... Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:37:00 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/autotropolis-columns/car-tech/volkswagen-ceos-doubt-short-term-ev-potential.html As the major automakers from both Detroit and Japan lead the charge toward introducing electric vehicles (EV) early in the upcoming decade, the Volkswagen Group’s higher-ups seem to be major skeptics of the viability of electric vehicles in the near future. Earlier this month, Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn stated that he thinks the safety and affordability of electric vehicles may not be ready for daily use for at least another 15 to 20 years. VW of America’s CEO Stefan Jacoby recently backed up Winterkorn’s statement by voicing his doubts about the realistic potential of electric vehicles in the short... Sun, 15 Mar 2009 21:13:14 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/autotropolis-columns/car-tech/technological-makeover-2010-ford-escape.html When talking about advanced technology in new cars, one vehicle that probably wouldn’t be on the tips of most peoples’ tongues is the Ford Escape. While most cars using a 9-year-old design would be lucky just to keep up with the competition, the Ford Escape is constantly offering the latest vehicle technologies helping it stand out from other compact sport utility vehicles. For 2010, the Ford Escape is receiving a handful of new technologies to help distinguish it from other vehicles in its class that may be newer to the market, but despite the Escape’s age, it continues... Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:15:58 +0100 http://www.autotropolis.com/autotropolis-columns/car-tech/gm-spreads-voltec-to-opel-holden.html When the highly anticipated Chevrolet Volt extended range electric vehicle goes on sale next year as a 2011 model, one of the biggest factors that will negatively affect the car’s sales performance is its steep price. The starting MSRP for the technologically advanced Chevy Volt is expected to be close to $40,000, but federal tax credits and other governmental incentives should help drive the price down into the low $30,000 range. With such an expensive and new technology going into the Volt, one of the easiest ways to lower the production costs, and eventually the car’s MSRP, is to... Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:27:38 +0100