Car News
Chrysler to offer unconnect wireless hotspot as $449 option
Chrysler announced pricing last week for its new unconnect web Wireless Internet Service, according to AutoWeek online.
Internet Service that will be provided by Autonet Mobile, costs $29 a month, with a $35 activation fee. One-, two- and three-year plans are available. The technology arrives in August as a Chrysler Mopar accessory.
No details as to what band and transfer rate the router utilizes or what connection speeds are offered by Autonet have been provided. Chrysler says the hot-spot connection has a radius of about 100 feet around the vehicle. It works wherever cell-phone service is available, and all passengers in the car can connect wi-fi-enabled devices, including laptops, PDAs and video-game consoles.
In a day and age when an industry-leading LinkSys WRT54G can be had at your local big-box retailer for under $50, this seems like another horribly overpriced Detroit option. Time will tell if wireless internet in the car will become de rigeur technology on down the road.
July 4, 2008 in Car News, In Car Entertainment, Pimp My Ride | by Kyle Pike | Permalink |
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VW Ad: Unpimp your Ride
Check out this funny VW ad. Representing Deutschland, yo!
June 30, 2008 in Ads, Car News | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Honda begins FCX Clarity production
The New York Times reports that yesterday the first Honda FCX Clarity rolled off the production line in Takanezawa, Japan.
The hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle costs more than $100,000 to produce but is available to lease (only in California) for $600 per month. Honda officials chose California because of the high availability of hydrogen pumping stations.
The FCX Clarity looks like a cross between a Prius and a Mercedes CLS, is around the same size as an Acura RL, gets the equivalent of 74MPG, and can go 0-60 in under 9 seconds. One can expect to get 280 or so miles on a tank, and the best part: the only thing coming out of the tailpipe is steam.
Honda President Takeo Fukui handed Hollywood producer Ron Yerxa the keys to Clarity #001 and actress Jamie Lee Curtis will be receiving hers next week.
June 24, 2008 in Car News | by Kyle Pike | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: clarity, honda
Be The Hoff with KITT-voiced GPS
The latest retro entry in the car market isn't a Beetle or Charger, it's a Knight Rider themed GPS unit from Mio.
According to Autoblog, the Knight Rider GPS will feature the voice of William Daniels, host of the original TV Series. It will call you Michael, has a sweet animation of a Black Trans-Am for your current location, and has two awesome LEDs that mimic KITT's grill on the sides. No word yet on whether or not they oscillate or make that "woosh-woosh" sound, or if it includes a boost button that will alow you to jump small buildings and tractor trailers.
Under the hood it's the same old Mio GPS that you'd expect, features include a TFT Touch Screen and Points of Interest. The unit is expected to carry a $299 price tag.
June 23, 2008 in Car News | by Kyle Pike | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Tuesday Safety: Onstar Vehicle Slowdown
New OnStar technology that could prove lifesaving if your car is ever stolen. Parents take note!
June 17, 2008 in Car News, Safety | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Good Tips & Busted Myths on Fuel Economy
Consumer Reports has a new article up which Shows you how to get the best fuel economy from your current vehicle and dispels certain myths about improving economy.
We all know doing the double-nickel will save a few pennies per mile over driving 85, but are you aware of your tires' rolling resistance? Are they properly inflated? Do you have ski racks on your car in June?
Personally, I'm just happy they dispelled the myth that using the AC is worse than opening the windows. I love air conditioning!
June 10, 2008 in Car News | by Kyle Pike | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: fuel economy, gas
New compact Porsche SUV: Don't call it a Roxster
A few weeks ago, Car and Driver published spy photos of what they believed was the forthcoming 2010 Porsche compact SUV. Porsche brass have been vehemently denying the existance of such a car, but with the emergence of the Audi Q5 and VW Tiguan such a vehicle certainly seems possible.
The story was recently revised, however, claiming "Recent reports suggest these pictures show a next-gen 2011 Cayenne prototype, not Porsche's upcoming small SUV"
It certainly looks smaller to me. You be the judge.
June 9, 2008 in Car News | by Kyle Pike | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: audi, cayenne, porsche, q5, suv, tiguan, volkswagen, vw
Pet Friendly Minivans, because Fluffy is a Member of the Family Too!
What's next? Got any ideas you'd like to see integrated into a minivan?
June 8, 2008 in Car News | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: honda, minivan, pets
Ford Escape Makeover Complete for '09
According to Autoweek, Ford gave the Escape and Mercury Mariner a full cosmetic facelift for the 2008 model year, and for 2009 the drivetrain options have also been completely redone.
The 3.0L V6 gets a 40 HP bump, and 
the inline 4 gets a 200 CC displacement bump as well as 18 more horses. Ford says MPG is up 1 mile per gallon across the board, despite a 2-second improvement in 0-60 times. A Six-Speed automatic replaces the ancient 4-speed from 2008.
A smoother regenerative braking system on Hybrid models, roll stability control, new standard power steering, and new Michelin Latitude rubber round out the improvements, all of which are also applied to the Mariner.
June 2, 2008 in Car News | by Kyle Pike | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: Compact SUV, Escape, Ford, Hybrid, Mercury Mariner
Kia Soul To Go Onsale In Spring
Kia's Soul small 5-door people-mover, which Autoweek has dubbed a "Scion-fighter", will retain its show-car moniker and styling when it goes onsale next spring.
Aimed at the young-adult demographic, like the Scion xB, it may actually prove to be a nice thrifty alternative to the Compact SUV for small families. As gas reaches towards $5 a gallon, I for one will have my eye on this segment in the coming months.
Here's a slick piece of Kia Soul video for your viewing pleasure:
May 30, 2008 in Ads, Car News | by Kyle Pike | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: kia, kia soul
The 2009 Ford Flex Ad: A Modern Woody?
Hold on a minute Mom and Dad - before you ditch your SUV and take the minivan plunge, you might want to check out the new 2009 Ford Flex rumored to be available for purchase this summer. It's family friendly without the big step up and gets mileage similar to the minivan. We're hearing a lot of comparisons to the old Woody. What do you think?
May 29, 2008 in Car News | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: ford, ford flex
New Dodge Caravan Receives Disappointing Crash Results
Jalopnik: 2008 Dodge Caravan Good Up Front, Can't Take It In The Rear
Jalopnik reports that the IIHS Crash Test results for the new 2008 Dodge Caravan are less than stellar.
The minivan, which is all new for 2008, received "good" marks in frontal and side impact crashes, which are improvements over the old model's "average" and "poor" performances, respectively. The problem area was the rear impact crash test, where the Caravan received "marginal" marks, the second lowest score.
The Honda Odyssey, Kia Sedona and Hyundai Entourage all have received "good" scores in all three tests.
May 29, 2008 in Car News | by Kyle Pike | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: dodge caravan, jalopnik, minivan, safety
Saturn's Newest Ad
Here's a sneak peak at the newest ad about to air for the Saturn Aura. I'm getting a Brady Bunch feeling from the beat and there is a little bit of a trippy eco-friendly twist to the ad. If only we could fill our tank for half of what the Brady's spent to fill their wagon, back in the day.
I'm seeing the return of sedan popularity with this ad. However for a family with four kids, such as mine, this vehicle is not an option.
May 16, 2008 in Car News | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: ad, commercial, Saturn
Should Pets be Allowed on Driver's Laps?
In California, driving with your pooch on your lap may become a thing of the past. There is a bill up for review that will criminalize driving this activity. Lap dog toting celebs - take note! Fines for the offense will run you $35 per occurance.
Tell us: Would you drive with a dog (or other pet) on your lap?
May 14, 2008 in Car News | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (1)
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Run your Car on Water and Save Big at the Pump?
Are you looking for ways to save on gas, and help the environment? It may be more of an option than you realize. Check out this news report from Florida on the Hydro 4000. Cleaner, greener and cheaper sounds promising to us.
May 13, 2008 in Car Accessories, Car News | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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News Roundup: Car Seats, New XUVs From Detroit, Thrifty SUVs and Hatchbacks Face Off
Droolicious: 7 Days Of Car Seats
http://babble.com/CS/blogs/droolicious/archive/tags/7+days+of+car+seats/default.aspx
Droolicious tests 7 different car seats, including one I've had my eye on for a while: the clek olli booster which is the first booster seat to use LATCH. 7 different seats are reviewed by 7 different writers and they run the gamut from infant carriers to backless boosters.
AutoWeek: Chevy Traverse and Ford Flex face off this year
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080512/FREE/101730784/
AutoWeek compares the features, styling and specs of the two forthcoming mid-size crossovers from the bowtie and blue oval. Both vehicles look to be of interest to families of more than four, with seating for 6-8 and plenty of cargo room. the Flex even has an optional refrigerator! No more stopping for apple juice boxes.
Consumer Reports tests 6 new Hatchbacks
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/past-road-test/hatchbacks/overview/hatchbacks-ov.htm
The folks over at Consumer Reports have put together a comparison of 6 hatchbacks for the June 2008 print edition. Included are the 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman and all-new Saturn Astra, Subaru Impreza, Scion xD and Toyota Matrix. And the winner is... a Rabbit?
Car and Driver: Fuel-Sipping Three-Row SUVs
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/latest_news_reviews/2009_saturn_outlook_gmc_acadia_buick_enclave_to_get_direct_injection_v6_car_news
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid wins high marks in this test of 8 crossovers that have seating for seven or more. I think it's hard to compare a $55,000 Mercedes GL-Class to a RAV4 -- but it is nice to see a comparison of 3-rowers with Fuel Economy being the primary factor.
May 12, 2008 in Car News | by Kyle Pike | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: Astra, Car Seats, Chevrolet, clek, Clubman, Cooper, flex, Ford, GL Class, Graco, Highlander, Hybrid, Mercedes, Mini, olli, Outback, R Class, Rabbit, Saturn, Scion, Subaru, Toyota, Traverse, Volkswagen, xD
Surf and Drive with Internet Access in Your Car
Wish that you had internet access in your car? The last time my family drove to the beach, my mind was whirring with ideas from an ongoing project. As we hit the road I found myself jonesing for an internet connection.
Imagine riding down the interstate while doing online research and updating your blog (from the passenger side please!). Think of the convenience of having another option for entertaining the kids in the back seat.
Chrysler is set to roll out their in-car Wi-Fi later this year, as part of an off-road navigation system for the Jeep Wrangler. Those of us with multiple kids, gear and dogs to haul may have to wait a little longer for an in dash system. But not much. Chrysler promises to equip many 2009 model cars with this technology.
BMW's timeline for Wi-Fi installation are less concrete. As of now their concept has only been seen at the Geneva Motor Show. BMW also promises an in-dash multimedia system that includes streaming music and video content through cellular or Wi-Fi connection. Files will be transferred to the 20GB hard drive from your PC or mobile phone.
Can't wait till 2009? Mobile internet is already available in the form of an in-car router from AutoNet Mobile. This technology is an aftermarket solution. Routers will cost you $595, plus a $39 monthly charge. This service turns your car into a Wi-Fi hotspot. No need to rely on cellular towers to guarantee continued connectivity.
At the moment, I'll still have to rely on my slower smart phone to surf the web. But we are not too far away from being able to surf the internet on the road.
Tell Us:Do you miss your connectivity while on the road? What would you use your on-the-road internet connection for? Leave us a comment below.
Links:
Web Portals on Wheels (Edmunds)
Chrysler Plans In-Car Web Access This Year (The Washington Post)
BMW to offer full in-car Web access (Crave)
Chrysler's new technology for 2009 (Autoblog)
April 25, 2008 in Car News, In Car Entertainment | by Shani Gilchrist | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: Car Internet, Chrysler, mobile hot spot, Mobile internet access, wifi
Wish You Were Here - And Now You Can Be...
Whether it's gloating over the perfect sunset at the beach, or your dad enjoying the sight of your kids' first slide down a snow covered hill, it just got easier to share your travels with far flung friends and family. In real time. Qik.com has launched a site that lets you stream live video, right from your cell phone.
So in theory, you can take grandma with you, when you drive over the mountain and through the woods to grandma's house. Maybe she will have some suggestions on how to keep the kids entertained in the back seat? Or will want to take a turn at license plate bingo?
The possibilities for sharing your travel adventures and making up new games (guess which grocery store mommy is shopping in? springs to mind) are endless. And you have to admit, live streaming video sure beats the pants off those snail mail postcards we sent when we were kids. Just don't abuse this technology folks. We don't need to see the restrooms at every pit stop!
April 15, 2008 in Car News | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: streaming video
The Car That Got Away - Find it Again on The Lost Car Registry
No matter what you drive today, you probably have a special place in your heart for your first car. Or even for the car that your mom drove you to school in, day after day, decades ago. Whatever the reason, certain cars loom iconic in memory.
Ever wonder what happened to that car that got away? Well, you are not alone. And now, for the truly curious, there is a registry that helps to reunite old cars with their former owners.
Check out The Lost Car Registry. I'm searching for our old Peugot Diesel Station Wagon, which ferried us through many a blizzard and had the coolest basketweave vinyl seats ever!
February 6, 2008 in Car News | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Sticker Shock - Finding Yourself on the Back of your Car
The other day, as I sat at a stoplight here in suburbia, I was struck by the number of cars with "Family Stickers". One lane over a turtle family of four was turning left. To my right was a stick figure family of five, plus a cat named Murphy. And most impressively, right in front of me, in a massive suburban with plates that alluded to their faith was a family of six or seven kids. I'm not sure really, whether it was six or seven because I ran out of time to count the flip flops before the light changed to green.
January 23, 2008 in Car News | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Family-Friendly Car News from Detroit Auto Show
Here's car news on some family-friendly favorites from the Detroit Auto Show last week:
- Volvo reveals its R-Design sports styling for the XC-90 [Car Scoop]
- Saturn Vue 2 Mode becomes world's first front-wheel-drive compact hybrid SUV [Jalopnik]
- Lincoln MKT Concept Car Shows Off the Highend Potential for Crossovers [Autopia]
- Dodge Caravan R/T Concept Car [Auto Blog]
- Motherproof at Detroit - Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
- Surburban Dad chimes in on next-gen Honda Pilot concept [Kicking Tires]
- See Toyota's first crossover - the 2009 Venza [video via Automotive News]
- Cadillac gets into the crossover scene with it concept model - Provoq [Auto Blog]
- The top 12 cars that stole the show [AutoSpies]
January 20, 2008 in Car News | by Robert | Permalink | Comments (1)
Tags: detroit, honda
Porsche Cayenne GTS Launches "Bloodlines" Site
Ahead of the new Porsche Cayenne GTS launch on January 28, 2008, Porsche gets your blood rushing with a slick new micro-site where you can see the new TV spot, download wallpapers and get a countdown widget. The GTS is the first Cayenne to be available with a 6-speed manual transmission, all-wheel drive, and rear-row bucket seats. Here's a Porsche where parents can indulge themselves and transport the kids around too.
link: Porsche Cayenne GTS Bloodlines site
January 11, 2008 in Car News | by Robert | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: cayenne, manual transmission, porsche
