Collision detection for cars? Yeah, scientists are on that. But whenever we read about concepts like this, the accompanying literature is often curiously light on details pertaining to real-life driving conditions; it’s often unclear how well the tech will fare if you dredge it up on a foggy day, or in the middle of torrential storm. But in that press release you seen down there, low visibility and poorly lit roads are all Panasonic wants to talk about. The company just unveiled its new crash-avoidance system, which, like other concepts we’ve seen, uses millimeter-wave radar technology to detect pedestrians and bicyclists. Since humans tend to reflect weaker radar signals than cars, Panasonic has designed a new pulse radar code sequence that allows pedestrians to leave a bigger footprint. It’s so effective, the company claims, that it can detect bystanders up to 40 meters (131 feet) away, and will work at night and through rain, fog, snow and blinding sunlight. That all sounds promising, of course, but as with other concepts, it’s not clear, when, exactly we’ll see this system put to good use in the real world.
Subaru and Honda bit first, and now Acura has chosen the New York International Auto Show to reveal its newfangled tie-up with Harman. The cleverly-titled Aha infotainment platform — which aims to “make web content safe for drivers” — will soon be working its way into Acura motorcars, starting with the 2013 RLX. It’ll be part of a revamped audio system, integrated via Bluetooth and able to provide drivers with access to “tens of thousands of audio stations, including web content like Internet radio, on-demand music, live news, podcasts, audio books, Facebook and Twitter newsfeeds, personalized points of interest information and much more.” The Aha service is currently living in the US, Canada and Western Europe, and it sounds as if it’s working hard to lure in other automakers in the near future. Pricing details are nowhere to be found, but go ahead and bank on needing that Technology package when it comes time to approach the dealership.
iPod being integrated into cars is a common thing, as done by many car manufacturers. But still, we can only select the songs through our small iPod’s screen. BMW has decided to change that, and is the first automobile maker to integrate the iPod Out functionality of the iOS 4. This means that you’ll be able to view your iPod’s screens and menus right on your car’s built-in display. This seemed to be a nice feature, as we no longer have to fiddle with the small menu when we can control our iPod using the bigger display screen in the car.
This dude can make realistic car and bike sound with his mouth ~ shifting to gear one to gear five, the V6, Subaru, V6 and even the weed whacker. Video after the break. Read more…
BTCC driver and Fifth Gear presenter stretching the legs of a Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce around the Welsh countryside in this Fifth Gear segment. Video after the break. Read more…
Tiff Needell is testing out the new Lotus Evora on the track and managed to squeeze two lycra clad gymnasts on the back seats to prove it’s a 2+2. Video after the break. Read more…
Vermot AG is going to debut The Veritas RS III at the London Salon Privé in July. This 2,400 pounds ride is made of a tubular frame and a carbon/Kevlar body. There are two BMW M-sourced powertrains to choose from, 480hp V8 or 600hp V10. The Veritas boosts to 60mph at 3 seconds and achieved a top speed over 200 mph with either engine. Price start at $375,000, only 50 examples will be made. More pictures after the break. Read more…
Jeremy Clarkson is taking the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder to the track. It is powered by 5.2L V10 engine, producing 552bhp and 398lb-ft of torque. Lamborghini Gallardo Convertible to the track. It is powered by a 5L V10 engine, producing 512 horsepower. Video after the break. Read more…
In the 2009 Moscow Tuning Show, there’s a special car shown. It’s a ’70s Chevrolet Camaro modified by a team of students from Russian MHPI design school. The car look like a car from a movie called Death Race last year, a remake of the 1975 movie Death Race 2000. Matte-grey paint was used and they weld on the armor plates and weapons. More pictures after the break. Read more…
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