This video released by Honda shows its new NSX Concept in simulated driving scenes from the Sony Playstation game Gran Turismo. Extra graphics also illustrate how the NSX Concept’s very clever Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system works.
In addition to the mid-mounted 3.5 litre VTEC V6 petrol engine there’s three electric motors in all; one at the back and two up front. Each can be powered individually to help provide maximum grip and drive.
Just days after it was announced the BBC has forced TomTom to put an end to its TopGear branded satnav device. According to BBC Worldwide the dead end was reached due to strict conflict of interest policies.
The relevant guidelines say BBC’s presenters “must take particular care not to endorse any product or service which could be covered in the programmes on which they workâ€.
Only trouble is 54,000 units have already been made.
A spokesman for BBC Worldwide said: “In order to avoid any perception of a conflict of interest in the minds of viewers, BBC Worldwide and TomTom have agreed that all monies that would have been due to BBC Worldwide will be paid to BBC Children in Need together with an additional charitable donation by TomTom.”
[Source: The Telegraph]
TomTom is currently offering a Top Gear themed satnav system. The system is available in Australia for $299 and includes a Jeremy Clarkson voice option (audio samples below). Also offered is a Stig “silent mode” although we rather think a better option may have been some of his choice tunes or an audio book, perhaps. More details from TomTom can be read after the break.
[audio:http://www.ausmotive.com/audio/TomTom-Jeremy-Clarkson-01.mp3]Thanks to cnet Car Tech we can take a closer look at Audi’s developing Multi Media Interface (MMI) systems on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
In a large saloon like the new S8, for example, there’s plenty of room on the centre console to fit all the gadgets that control the car’s on board systems; navigation, stereo, climate control and the like. But can we expect the same level of control in a much smaller car, like the urban concept or A2?
Imagine you are buying a BMW and you had the chance to take delivery of your new car direct from the factory in Munich. The opportunity to drive your pride and joy on some of the world’s greatest roads would be hard to pass up.
Strictly speaking, European Delivery is not something normally available to Australian customers. However, to see what we’re missing out on here’s a nicely made amateur video showing the roads that can be experienced.
From the YouTube description:
1100 miles of driving bliss through the Alps. Gliding through few of the world’s best roads with breathtaking views via Grossglockner Pass, St. Gotthard Pass, San Bernardino Pass, Flüela Pass, Munt La Schera, Umbrail Pass, Stelvio Pass to name a few.
After the break, the technically and gadget minded can see the camera set-up used to produce the clip.
[Source: E90post]
Autoblog brings word that BMW is the latest manufacturer to turn to LCD technology for its dash display. The benefits of such technology allow users to customise what they see, rather than being locked into a standard gauge layout.
Mercedes-Benz is already using an LCD system in its S Class and Jaguar/Land Rover have introduced LCD displays to their higher end models as well.
Adding extra navigation information to the main display, or making the rev counter more prominent; these are just a couple of examples of what can be done.
It’s understood BMW will first employ the LCD tech in their updated 5 Series and 7 Series models over the next couple of years. The trickle down effect means we’ll be seeing more of these displays in future and it will be interesting to see just how far manufacturers push this technology. There’s almost limitless potential.
[Source: Autoblog]
If you can’t wait for this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix then you can help pass the time by downloading the official iPhone/iPad app. Well, assuming you have succumbed to the clutches of the Apple corporate beast.
After downloading the app last night and giving it a good test run it looks like it should be quite handy for those at home as much as those who will be trackside during the event.
Best of all, it’s free.
[Thanks to Andrew for the tip]
Australia will be the first market outside Japan to receive Subaru’s EyeSight technology when it is introduced later this year. The system uses specially mounted cameras near the rear view mirror to monitor the road ahead for potential hazards.
Subaru Australia has been testing the EyeSight technology on local roads for around 12 months and CEO Nick Senior is keen to launch the system, “EyeSight has been a major success in Japan, where more than 50 per cent of Liberty models are now sold with the system.
“We will introduce EyeSight as a standard feature in some Liberty and Outback models later this year.”
Driver aids included in the EyeSight system consist of pre-crash braking, pre-crash brake assist, progressive start control, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, vehicle sway warning and progressive motion monitor. Sounds a bit of mouthful, really, so it might be worth reading the press release after the break for more detail.
Much of the technology is familiar to more expensive cars, but it’s good to see these systems finding their way into more affordable models.
Internet communication is coming to the auto industry. Actually, it’s already arrived, and MINI is just one of the companies at the forefront of integrating their on-board infotainment systems with the wireless world. Here’s a brief demo of the MINI Connected system which comes to us thanks to MINI USA.
Watch the clip and let us know if you think such technology is a distracting fad or a required feature.
Oh, for the record, full MINI Connected internet capability is not available in the Australian market yet. Your local MINI Garage should have more info on when, or if, that may become available.
[via MotoringFile]
The propeller heads at Stanford University said they could do it. And now they have. “It”, of course, is the none too difficult task of sending a car up the daunting Pikes Peak International Hill Climb without a driver on board. Giving the motoring world a new term—drive-by-wireless—the autonomous Audi TTS managed to complete the 20 kilometre course without a hitch.
Unfortunately, there was a glitch of sorts when a helicopter tracking the Audi’s ascent crashed and the pilot ended up in hospital. Thankfully the pilot is now doing well and the story of the little TTS that could is being told.
There’s a couple of brief vids after the break to make you go, “Oh wow, how did they do that!”
[Source: engadget | Thanks to Tim for the tip]
Got an iPad? Like Porsches? Your task is simple, go to the Total 911 website and knock yourself out. There’s over 20 images available for free download.
Sat nav producers TomTom are sure to have a novelty hit on their hands with the new Star Wars range of voices. Below is a two minute clip from the recording sessions with Darth Vader.
Joining Darth Vader in coming months will be C-3PO, Yoda and Han Solo. Fun this should be.