Archive for Automotive

StarChase GPS tracking device

Posted in Automotive by Conner Flynn on June 17th, 2008

StarChase GPS tracking device
Police chases are dangerous, plus they use up a ton of precious fuel. Bottom line, they can cost Police a lot of money and innocent people can get killed. It’s not like anyone can actually get away from the police anyway, but criminals are never short on stupidity.

Thanks to new tracking technology, the police won’t have to endure dangerous chases. Instead, they have the option of shooting a tracking device that sticks to the car and then let the perp get away while they put together some backup and then safely handle the situation on their terms. The device is a small GPS receiver, with a wireless transmitter and battery that would be fired from the bumper of a police cruiser.

GINA: Shape-shifting BMW concept car

Posted in Automotive by Conner Flynn on June 10th, 2008

GINA: Shape-shifting BMW concept car
BMW has one hell of new concept car on their hands. It’s known as the GINA Light Visionary Model. It uses a seamless, plastic-coated lycra material, stretched over a metal frame that has moving parts. This gives it shape-shifting attributes. It can actually change body shape without tearing or even loosening of the fabric.(How many Gina’s do you know who can do that?)

Just like in the movies, the steering wheel, gauges and headrest will move into place after you sit down in the seat. The body is made of just four panels, the hood, both sides and one on the rear. Rain won’t ruin your fun either since the material is water resistant. This car can alter simple things like adding or removing a spoiler, or widening and extending fenders, but just think what it could do a few years from now. Looks like the Transformers are coming soon.

XP Inflatable Cars, the future of clown commuting

Posted in Automotive by Conner Flynn on June 3rd, 2008

XP Inflatable Cars, the future of clown commuting
Let’s say you’re a circus clown and you’re tired of that age old bit regarding too many clowns in a small vehicle. It might be time to upgrade that act. XP Vehicles could hold the key to your future success at kids parties and the circus alike. They have a strange idea of selling inflatable cars to everyone. They’ll be powered by batteries or fuel cells. Forget balloon animals Krusty. You can ride in one.

Don’t worry about punctures, the XP Vehicles will be using the same material that NASA uses in their airbags when things crash into Mars. Sharp objects on the road won’t slow you down. With the weight being lighter then normal vehicles, it apparently can travel for up to 2,500 miles on a single charge. Assembly will take about 2 hours and the cost is £2,500. Man, you are gonna be one cool clown. Just a few more kids parties and the dream is yours.

Toyota’s new Crown Hybrid can spot pedestrians

Posted in Automotive by Conner Flynn on May 29th, 2008

Toyota’s new Crown Hybrid can spot pedestriansToyota has a new take on night view in their Crown Hybrid luxury sedan. Previous attempts had images displayed directly on the windshield, while the new one uses LCD in the dashboard, where the speedometer and other details can be found. One of the most interesting features is their pedestrian recognition system.

It almost looks like some sort of Predator vision, which is weird for something designed to keep humans safe and not have them be killed. The system only currently works at speeds below 60 kph, but they are apparently working on ways to spot bicycles and animals. They neglected to say whether they were also working on a way to spot animals ON bicycles. That’s something I’d be interested in. I had some close calls.

Suzuki’s Crosscage hybrid light commuter

Posted in Automotive by Conner Flynn on May 22nd, 2008

Suzuki’s Crosscage hybrid light commuter
The Suzuki Crosscage is an awesome looking hydrogen fuel cell and electric hybrid. It’s lightweight and compact with a power output equivalent to a 125cc engine. A single tank of hydrogen will get you about 200 kilometers, which is fine for commuting.

It also features a gearless transmission and a silent engine due to the power source. It gets it’s name from the cross-shaped cage used to protect the hydrogen tank. Don’t worry, it has some safety features, like a sensor that monitors the hydrogen system for any leaks. Check out the video below.

Turn your car exhaust into a flamethrower

Posted in Automotive by Conner Flynn on May 22nd, 2008

Turn your car exhaust into a flamethrower
We all want to get some attention when driving in our vehicles. You know it’s true and I know it’s true. That’s what flashy sports cars and hot-rods are all about. Well, here is an upgrade that will definitely get you some attention the next time you’re sitting at a red light.

Now, no one should think for a minute that shooting 20-foot flames from the back of your car is street legal. I’m pretty sure they frown on that sort of thing. Just install the Autoloc Flame Thrower to your exhaust, press the button on the remote and flame away. The site says these are for off-road use only, not that you care what some pencil pusher says. Kits start at $125 for a single exhaust system.

Flatmobile: Gotham’s lowrider

Posted in Automotive by Conner Flynn on May 21st, 2008

Flatmobile: Gotham’s lowrider
The Batman inspired Flatmobile just might be the flattest vehicle on Gotham’s city streets. It really looks like Batman’s ride got flattened by a steamroller. I suppose it would not look too out of place, with a midget in Batman costume.

It’s 19″ tall and is supposedly the world’s flattest car that isn’t really a go-kart. The Flatmobile is powered by a jet engine with it’s own custom afterburner, that can deliver 90lbs of thrust powering the Flatmobile to speeds in excess of 100mph. In other words, this car can go fast enough to go rocketing UNDER other cars.

DOORKICK helps keep your car looking new

Posted in Automotive by Shane McGlaun on May 21st, 2008

DOORKICKI bought a new car not too long ago and it seems like every time I get in my wife or kids have added some new scratches to the plastic interior panels from kicking the doors open. I have often wished there was something that could keep the interior panels form being scratched.

A product called the DOORKICK looks like it may be just what I need to keep the door panels looking new. The product is made from a soft foam base and a vinyl material that sticks to the lower part of the door with an adhesive that can stand up to high temperatures inside a car in the summer.

The Anti Sleep Driving Alarm keeps you awake

Posted in Automotive by Conner Flynn on May 19th, 2008

The Anti Sleep Driving Alarm keeps you awake
Many of us do not get the proper amount of sleep. That can be dangerous when you’re behind the wheel of a several ton killing machine. The last thing that you want to do is nod off and wake up in a hospital only to find out that you’ve ushered some other poor souls into the great beyond. Or worse never wake up again.

This little gadget sits on your ear and when your head tilts forward more than 30 degrees, a high pitched alarm will sound in your ear. It’s also great for all night gamers. You wouldn’t want to nod off in the middle of a crucial level. It will cost you $14.99 and could save your life. Probably best to get more sleep, though.

The Voxmobile is ready to rock

Posted in Automotive by Conner Flynn on May 14th, 2008

The Voxmobile is ready to rock
Putting a high-tech sound system in your car is easy. Making the actual car into a “sight of sound” is a little harder. Vox is well known for making the Vox AC30 guitar amplifier, the Vox electric organ, and other innovative electric and bass guitars. So, they approached George Barris to build them a Voxmobile guitar. They wanted a custom roadster that would function as a car and as a mobile amplifier at the same time, for promotional purposes.

It turned out pretty well as the Voxmobile, a vehicle with a Vox guitar silhouette that also is a functioning amp that can support up to 32 guitars. It also features a working Vox organ in the rear. How much? Just $30,000! You’ll attract every Guitar Hero wannabe from miles around.

Internet TV heads for a car near you

Posted in Automotive by Conner Flynn on May 13th, 2008

Internet TV heads for a car near you
TV is everywhere. From the moment of it’s creation, it has spread into every corner of our lives, like the plague. It used to be you could get away from the TV in your car. Not anymore, thanks to USTelematics, who are delivering IPTV to their Voyager in-car entertainment systems.

And so, drivers can now be in the know regarding the latest antics of Desperate Housewives while stuck in rush-hour traffic. USTelematics will also offer a “mobilecast” program called 4VDO, which will deliver broadcast and video programming. I’m not sure if this is something our civilization needs, but who knows, maybe it will ease some Road rage.

The Hamburglar’s getaway vehicle

Posted in Automotive by Conner Flynn on May 13th, 2008

The Hamburglar’s getaway vehicle
This is obviously the Hamburglar’s getaway vehicle. Frankly, I’m surprised we don’t see this kind of thing more often, since Harley’s are a symbol of the American dream. Judging by the hoardes of obese Fast Food enthusiasts out there, the only thing more American is obesity. Which makes this a much desired vehicle.

Hamburger enthusiast Harry Sperl of Florida took a look at his Harley and his collection of burger collectibles. This is the result. The Hamburger Harley. Let the fatties begin fighting over it, while Grimace and Ronald laugh hysterically. It’s got all the fixings, melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, buns and patty. The top bun flips up to access to the seat, and the handlebars have a tray with a burger and fries.

Car visor plays everything, kills you dead

Posted in Automotive by Conner Flynn on May 12th, 2008

Car visor plays everything, kills you dead
This may be the last gadget you’ll ever buy. Both because it does everything and because it is the ultimate distraction leading to your fiery demise. At least you’ll be distracted while that tanker truck rams you. Not only can the visor play DVDs, audio and video files, it can play retro video games on its 7-inch LCD 16×9 widescreen display. Just hook up one or two gamepads that are included and you can play emulated 8-bit games. (You get several on an included disc).

It plays DVD, SVCD, VCD, DVCD, CD, CDG, CD-R and CD-RW discs, as well as digital media files stored in MP4, MP3, WMA or JPEG formats. You can even send game or movie audio to your car’s stereo thanks to a built-in FM transmitter. I’m hoping it’s only available as a passenger visor, for all of our sakes. If you’re ready to turn your car into wreckage, this will cost you just over $100.

Device disables your ride if you don’t pay up

Posted in Automotive by Conner Flynn on May 8th, 2008

Device disables your ride if you don’t make car payments
I hear ya. The guys that made this device are only about a step above the cockroaches called Repomen. Still, banks have to protect their investment. This device will make it easier. A company called Sekurus has developed a device called the On Time which will force a new car owner to make their scheduled payments or run the risk of the vehicle not starting. The devices cost about $250 and are installed by car dealerships or finance companies, all because of your crappy credit histories.

When a payment on the vehicle is about due, an LED light on the box will blink. On the deadline day it will make an annoying beeping noise too. The idea is to annoy the hell out of you so you pay. It’s kinda like a loan-shark that way. If the owner makes the payment, the lender will give them a six-digit code that will disable the alerts. If they fail to make that payment, the vehicle just won’t start. And if they continue to avoid paying up, they’ll soon get a visit from the repo man.

Charge your electric car batteries in the house

Posted in Automotive by Conner Flynn on April 25th, 2008

Charge your electric car batteries in the house
The thing that sucks about electric cars is that they need to be plugged in every day. Most people don’t have a plug in their garage or their driveway. That being the case, you are going to have an extension cord mess somewhere.

That won’t be a problem with the MIRA HAV, an electric car that’s designed a little smarter. It allows you to remove the batteries and charge them up in your home. That’s where your outlets are after all, so it makes sense. Obviously moving large batteries to and fro is not ideal either. They have some flaws to work out, but hey, it’s an option that has to work for some people.