Jalopnik
-
gadgets
Driver Saved From $200 Ticket By iPhone
When a police officer asks for proof-of-insurance, most people reach for their card. When it's expired, most people take the ticket. Paul reached for his iPhone and saved himself $200 and a suspended license. More »
31,169
78
Comment by radryan03: Same thing happened to me in Jersey - I got the ticket after showing my insurance on my phone. ... 13 Responses | Other threads
-
novelties
Jalopnik "Hacks" Chrysler Concept UConnect In-Car Internet Service, Lives To Tell About It
Chrysler debuted their HAL 9000-like next-gen Uconnect system in the Chrysler 200C Concept and it proved to be an impressive piece of tech. It's so impressive that we, uh-hem, had to "hack" it. More » -
Car2Car Forum
Audi Shows Cars Can Play Nice, Talk With Each Other To Save Gas, Lives
Yesterday at the second annual CAR2CAR, a forum on, you guessed it, car-to-car communications, Audi revealed a future where its cars would play nice and talk to others. Specifically, the multi-ringed German brand showed off three examples where their system can talk to cars from other brands to receive warnings from approaching emergency vehicles, to emit data after a crash and to warn other vehicles of a potential collision. But that's just the car-to-car side. The really interesting stuff is on the infrastructure-to-car side. Audi was touting the results of a study experiment in Ingolstadt, where the timing of 46 traffic lights was optimized by equipping three with WLAN-based communications technology to facilitate communications with vehicles heading toward the lights. Calculations provided by the Technical University of Munich, a venture partner, suggest a 20% reduction in stops at traffic lights post-optimization. That's obviously good for those of us looking to save time, but it also helps in the pocketbook as well because the reduction creates a corresponding improvement in fuel efficiency. Just assuming an hourly volume of 1,000 vehicles in Ingolstadt –- the stop reduction reportedly saves around 185,000 gallons of fuel annually. Not too shabby if you ask us. Hit the jump for the full release. More »
900
By Ray WertComment by Ash78: Can't be repeated enough: Proper traffic management and light timing COULD be the single biggest, cheapest, and quickest solution to... 7 Responses | Other threads
-
gadgets
Deer Detecting Road Technology Being Tested In Colorado
An electromagnetic sensor system capable of automatically detecting the presence of large animals on or near roadways and alerting drivers to their presence is being tested in Colorado. So far, the system appears to be working; the only problem might be the drivers themselves. Colorado is trialing the system on a road where up to 70% of all accidents involve vehicles colliding with animals. But how does it work? More »
1,217
By Wes SilerComment by Blago-less Chicago: Bambi may live to see another day 3 Responses | Other threads
-
tesla roadster
A Peek Under The Tesla Roadster’s Hood
Ever been curious what takes place under the Tesla Roadster’s hood in the absence of internal combustion? Well, here’s an explanation of what the parts are and and what they do, conveniently numbered so you can follow along at home. Make the jump to see why "Tesla mechanic" would be a totally cush job. More »
5,725
By Wes SilerComment by SmaartAasSaabr: Peak torque not peak power ;) Anyway the thermodynamic efficiency is fairly constant throughout the speed range, of course a bit... 11 Responses | Other threads
-
novelties
Nissan Introduces Gas Pedal That Pushes Back When Accelerating "Too Fast"
Nissan's revealed plans to install what it's calling the "ECO Pedal" system in models next year. The technology makes the gas pedal press upward when it senses motorists are speeding up too quickly. Although Nissan says the system can help drivers improve fuel efficiency 5 to 10 percent, we say it's the ultimate nanny technology that should never see life. More » -
industry news
Ethanol-Boosted Gasoline Engines Could Get Higher Fuel Economy, Higher Torque Than Diesels...At Ford?
Our friends at PickupTrucks.com tell us a company called Ethanol Boosting Systems (EBS) is developing turbocharged gasoline engines that can rival diesel torque output for a third of the price. By combining high compression, huge boost numbers, port fuel injection and the key component — direct ethanol injection, EBS has designed an engine that can take advantage of gasoline's lower price and better emissions characteristics while producing a Peterbilt-like torque curve. Sounds like a brilliant idea — but PUTC doesn't claim EBS is working with a Detroit automaker yet. We, on the other hand, happen to have heard somewhere down the line that they're working with Ford. Now that we've got that settled — how does it work? More »
2,575
By Andrew StoyComment by PatriciaJaloo: We use about 160 billion gallons of gasoline a year. For the sake of argument, let's say we need 1... more » | Other threads
-
gadgets
GM Developing View-Enhancing Laser Windshield, Intends To Outspend Reds In Automotive Cold War
General Motors is building a prototype windshield capable of enhancing a driver's vision with lasers. No, this isn't the automotive equivalent of LASIK, but rather a system for identifying road markings and making them more visible to drivers during difficult conditions. The system is being developed with older drivers in mind, and of course won't be able to completely compensate for bad vision. So how does it work? More » -
-
gadgets
AUO Oval LCD Screens For Vehicle Instrument Panels
A company by the name of AUO has managed to develop an oval-shaped LCD display, which could change the appearance of next-generation instrument panels. The ovoid LCDs don't just look good, but they could allow for customizing instrumented data. Of course, the technology is far from being integrated into your next vehicle purchase, but it's good to see the baby steps being taken. [Ubergizmo]
1,354
Comment by tenbeers: a day later, I remember the LCD gauge cluster in the lambo reventon: more » | Other threads
-
safety
Car Infotainment Turns Med Center With Diabetes Tracking
Using a Lincoln MKZ with an interior that looks an awful lot like the 2010 Ford Fusion (mostly due to the gigantic screen), a company by the name of Medtronic is developing an in-car system capable of monitoring blood-glucose levels specifically for diabetics. The diabetic-driver will wear a continuous glucose-monitoring system that will communicate wirelessly with the in-car infotainment system via Bluetooth. More »
1,150
Comment by Novaload Misses Murilee: How about your brain waves? It good do a stickshake like an airplane--"Your brainwaves are drifting into Delta patterns...WAKE UP." ... more » | Other threads
-
novelties
Why Do Cars Have Crumple Zones?
A lot of times when people see a modern car accident or push on a plastic bumper, they wonder why cars aren't built the way they used to be. Well, a lot of it has to do with human survivability. If you've ever had high school level physics you'll understand the following formula: More »
5,495
By Ben WojdylaComment by tenbeers: @tenbeers: forgot to mention the car could have been driven away from the test, had there been an engine installed. pretty... more » | Other threads
-
news
MIT-Developed "Aware Car" Rats Out Older Drivers
Theproblemtopic of older drivers remains a hot-button issue, and with the Baby Boomers plowing toward retirement, the number of older drivers on the road is expected to double over the next few decades. To address the politically sensitive implications of this progression, the MIT AgeLab has converted a Volvo XC90 into an Aware Mobile. The crossover is outfitted with a collection of sensors and doodads, not help the elderly drive, but rather to properly determine when a senior should hand in his or her keys. More »
933
Comment by discontinuuity is once again meme-free: I know bad drivers of all ages, so I think that a test should come with renewing your license, no... more » | Other threads
-
gadgets
Toshiba Smart Side Mirrors Claim To Gauge Distance; Accuracy Unknown
At the 2008 Automotive Engineering Exposition, Toshiba demonstrated a new technology with the potential to change how drivers view the lowly side mirror. By replacing a vehicle's standard side mirrors with cameras that feed live footage to monitors inside the vehicle, the Toshiba Smart Mirrors can display a yellow, green or red line when another vehicle is getting too close. More »
601
Comment by Piloter: @Ash78: @Ash78: "There isn't a system on a car that is triple redundant" This must not be counting the bolts on any... more » | Other threads
-
gadgets
3M, Visteon BMW X-Wave Concept Demonstrates Future Of In-Car Tech
Featuring a host of Human Machine Interface, lighting, surface and display innovations, 3M and Visteon have created the X-Wave to showcase technology they'd like to bring to the automotive market. The two companies have combined expertises—Visteon with in-car tech and 3M for transmissive optical film and other materials—to find new ways to display information, provide lighting and interact with drivers and passengers. The first thing you'll notice looking at the interior of this adapted X5 is the center console. The buttons are hidden behind its surface, illuminating when the car is on. In lieu of the tactile push a physical button delivers, the virtual buttons react by way of haptic feedback, vibrating or clicking when pressed depending on programming. More » -
gadgets
Toyota Night Vision System Recognizes Pedestrians
Toyota's Crown Hybrid is getting one hell of a feature that will make the walkers of the world happy: night vision pedestrian recognition. Complex pattern recognition system cameras will recognize when pedestrians are walking alongside the road and put a nice yellow square around them on a camera view on the driver-side LCD instrument panel. The ideal driving speed for the system to work is between 10 and 40 mph, so the system is pretty useless hauling ass through a park Bruce-Willis-action-movie style. It only recognizes pedestrians, but Toyota is working on an advanced version that would be capable of recognizing bicycles and animals, as well. With gas prices going bonkers, the roads will be clogged with more and more pedestrians and bicyclists, so any extra precautions could be helpful for dealing with the gangs of hobos sure to be wandering our roads as the dollar weakens. [DVICE]
1,670
Comment by LandofMinos, I took the O out of Cuntry: @skulldriveshaft: Never mind dude. My fingers also operate faster than my brain's submit button. more » | Other threads
-
gadgets
New Delphi Tech Ensures No More Dead Keyfob Batteries
Delphi, makers of all kinds of vehicle electronic gadgetry, will become the first manufacturer to use what is being called "segmented display cell." SDC is a type of e-ink used in electronics and will soon be implemented into a wireless bi-directional keyfob. SDC will make integrating displays into keyfobs a little more reasonable. SDC also looks a hell of a lot better than the third-party jobbers with displays that look like those handheld videogames from the 1990s. This technology isn't just about looks, either. More »
1,411
Comment by domino: @TheTooth: according to my owner's manual, having the key fob inserted for something like 45 minutes once or twice a year... more » | Other threads
-
safety
Researchers Looking To Make KITT More Than A Hasselhoff Fantasy
Scientists and researchers at Stanford must have quite the fascination with David Hasselhoff and his KITT because they are working on making the talking-car technology a reality. The lead on this team, Clifford Nass, says that a more intelligent car that knows about the driver and communicates with the driver can help provide a safer and more engaging driving experience. More » -
accessories
Wheelchair Uses Lasers To Automatically Dock In Van
Researchers at Lehigh University are developing a way to make it easier for wheelchair-bound individuals to dock a wheelchair in the back of a minivan. The system utilizes lasers and radio frequency technology to automatically guide a wheelchair onto the forklift-style platform that is in the rear of the van. This is similar to how the spacecraft Jules Verne docked with the International Space Station or how my Roomba robotic vacuum will automatically dock with its charging cradle. More »
797
Comment by FP - pass the stars, please: @Novaload: Thought the same thing. That three percent could be hilarious. more » | Other threads
-
news
Microsoft Shills Its SYNC To Hyundai, Kia
Microsoft is again shilling its technology out to the masses, but this time offering up its car infotainment system, better known as SYNC, to the Hyundai-Kia Auto Group. The 2010 models will be the first to include the Microsoft entertainment system that still remains nameless as Ford has the name SYNC locked down by the balls. For the time being, the system used by Hyundai and Kia will be similar to that offered by Ford, FIAT and most recently with Suzuki (who decided on the Suzuki TRIP name), but the group is looking at new capabilities that could be added like navigation and emergency call services. Press release below the jump. More »
999
Comment by abgwin: if Ford has a lock on "SYNC" perhaps they could give Lance Bass a couple of grand for "N*SYNC" more » | Other threads
-
safety
Virtual Crosswalk Walls Are Too Futuristic For Our Own Good
Yes, we know, being a pedestrian or cyclist can be dangerous, but that won't stop us from driving however the hell we want, as long as this futuristic design never sees the light of day. This new conceptual idea for crosswalks is a bit too i, Robot for us. Rather than just having pretty painted lines—this crossing would also include a plasma laser barrier that makes cyclists and anyone doing an Abbey Road impression more visible and helps avoid those nasty vehicular manslaughter charges. We wonder what happens if a vehicle were to cross the barrier? More »
1,150
Comment by Boter: Portal idea's cool. Only, just to the other side of the crosswalk. I want to see the look on the pedestrians'... more » | Other threads
-
novelties
The Solution To Truck-Related Wind Drag: Box Fans!
Kambiz Salari, a researcher at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, has used a very simple method to solve a consequence of driving a truck. Salari has applied for a patent that will reduce the aerodynamic drag that accompanies driving a truck by essentially placing a box fan immediately behind the cab. The report shows that 65 percent of fuel burned while driving a truck at 70 mph on a highway is to compensate for the drag and using a fan-type device will reduce the aerodynamic drag and boost the mileage rating. Forget about the fan and improved mileage, we'd rather see a truck manufactured like the one documented in the patent. that's pretty damn stylish, to be honest. [New Scientist]
3,900
Comment by econobiker: In theory this is a good idea, in use? Who knows? GatorRat, while what you say may be true, most companies... more » | Other threads
-
racing news
Singapore's F1 Night Race Getting LED Flags
The first-ever Formula 1 night race is still on track for September and more details have arisen about some of the safety precautions that will be taken to ensure to well-being of all everyone involved. In addition to the special lighting system installed at the Singapore track, 35 LED flags will be situated around the track to make the drivers more aware, especially when the flag-waving race official will be harder to see at night. More »
2,139
Comment by jdepould: @Novaload: How do you have a black flag that lights up? more » | Other threads
-
news
Unnamed German Luxury Automaker Creates Digital Factory System
A "luxury car manufacturer" from southern Stuttgart has invested a lot of money into something that isn't even real. We're thinking it was the brainchild of Dr. Z., but the unnamed company has picked up six of the ridiculously expensive Christie HD8K 1080p DLP high definition projectors that creates virtual factory floors and production plants to maximize production efficiency. It's quite the elaborate setup as individuals have to don special 3D goggles to get the full, stomach churning experience. More » -
news
Scientific Types Working On The Plug-In Hybrid Heater Dilemma, Really
One of the advantages of the internal-combustion engine (or the external-combustion engine, for that matter) is that you get vast amounts of waste heat for use in making the vehicle's passenger area nice and toasty when it's cold out. However, an increasingly large group thinks that an engine technology that squanders two-thirds of its energy on waste heat leaves something to be desired, so legions of engineers are now working on plug-in hybrids and full electric cars. Thing is, without all that hot water coming out of the engine all the time, how do you keep the vehicle's occupants from freezing their tuchuses off while at the same time refraining from sucker-punching the batteries by making heat in the same manner as your toaster? Antarctic-grade parkas will do the job, but the engineers seem to think that the next generation of thermoelectric semiconductors are the way to go. [MIT]
959
Comment by fawgcutter: Is it really a dilemma? There's nothing I see here with a plug-in that can't be solved with a little... more » | Other threads
-
gadgets
Aftermarket Manufacturers Go Sync, Next-Gen Also On The Way
We knew that Microsoft was going to look to hawk its Sync system elsewhere—especially with its booming popularity and the soon-to-be expired Ford contract. Now we know who is first to the free market table Alpine and Continental, two aftermarket manufacturers, are already working on integrating the voice command and entertainment system into their own products. Perhaps even more interesting, due to its early popularity, Microsoft is already working on the next generation of Sync and it has a super-exciting codename! More »
2,435
Comment by vividaurora: I've a new Zune 80 and I love it. Also love the fact that there might finally be some automotive... more » | Other threads
-
driving
Researchers Looking At Blue Lights To Fight Nodding Drivers
We all known that sleeping drivers is a leading cause of automobile deaths and accidents, but researchers are learning of less technological ways to combat dozing drivers: blue lights. The latest studies show that sleepy drivers should take a 30-minute blue light "bath" to combat drowsiness while driving. Why would one choose blue lights instead of coffee, energy drinks and cigarettes? More »
1,636
Comment by Dont Know Me? You Are Me.: @boognish: Just your eyes. Blue light (about 470nm) stimulates melanopsin photoreceptors in your retina to supress melatonin production. Melatonin is... more » | Other threads
-
accessories
Tires With Retractable Studs Take A Note From Bond
Anybody that has ever tried to put those damned tire chains on can smile and know that the age old midwest winter traditional may soon be extinct thanks to Q Celsius, a new tire that has retractable studs. The Q Celsius takes its name from James Bond's gadget man, Q, and operates with a switch inside the vehicle. More »
3,515
Comment by Philscbx: Recently spent all winter in Sweden, it's the law to have all 4 studded tires. I thought it was odd at... more » | Other threads
-
news
Ricardo Cracks Barrier Between Two- And Four-Cycle Engines
Motorheads have been dreaming about an electromagnetic valve train for years now. A virtual cam profile, in concert with the elimination of floating valves, opens up endless possibilities for engine tuning. The dream is inching closer to reality, as power electronics shrink and the manufacture of rare-earth magnets gets continually better. A closed-loop valve system could be here sooner rather later (I know, I know, but please contain your urge to drool). In fact, Ricardo engineering seems to be breaking down the boundaries of existing technology, as they claim to have developed a blended two- and four-cycle power plant. More »
4,271
By Ben WojdylaComment by Tensor: @rgseidl: awsome explanation, thanks a lot. So this is not a breakthru in everyday use of electro-hydraulic valves as a... more » | Other threads
-
974
By Ben WojdylaComment by RearWheelDriver: Back in the 03-04 when I was virtually manufacturing Edges, we had to do all of those studies by mouse... more » | Other threads
-
industry news
Nissan Engineers Simulate Elderly Experience With Old People Suit
If you want senior citizens to blow their social security checks on your car you better make it worth their while (or get Sam Waterson to do your commercials). That's why Nissan engineering are using this special suit to put themselves in the back-supporting loafers of the elderly. The hope is that they can design cars that are safer and more amenable to that population. The suit recreates the limited mobility, impaired vision, and added midsection girth of older people. A future version will also include a synthesizer for testing voice-recognition sensors by changing words like "Koreans" to "orientals." Pics and press release below. More »
1,273
Comment by B1663R: @dulcamara: sound like something a boomer would say. NEWSFLAH: 60 is the new 60! in five years you get seniors... more » | Other threads
-
technology
Nano Tech Wiperless Windshields Are The Future And We're Scared
Leonardo Fioravanti of Pininfarina fame has dreamed up a new type of windshield that implements some damn hi-tech solutions to the problem of rain automotive glass. Fioravanti must not be familiar with the adage "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," because he definitely has tried to do away with windshield wipers. This rad new design, perhaps dreamed up while high, use aerodynamics and four fancy layers to keep rain, dirt and other elements from obstructing your view. More »
3,136
Comment by SeanKHotay: If'n it's nanotech, a chip will be filled in by the remaining nanobots. The real problem is this as The Hornet... more » | Other threads
-
gadgets
Hyundai Dual-View Display Lets Driver, Passenger See Different
Dual-view LCD technologies have begun to appear in the home entertainment market, but now Hyundai is trying to bring that technology into the car with a dual-view in-dash display. The idea behind this technology is pretty simple. The driver of the car would see one image, presumably the navigation or vehicle info, while the passenger of the vehicle would see something different, like media information. More »
3,870
Comment by konstantin23: actually, the same is available on JDM Toyota & Nissan vans already. more » | Other threads
-
gadgets
Ford Adds OnStar-esque SmartAlert Tracking
Those envious of the OnStar service from the General take note! No longer will you have to sit in jealousy as others track the location of their car's digitally, because Ford will begin implementing the SmartAlert system in vehicles soon. SmartAlert is a vehicle tracking system that will be factory-installed in Ford vehicles to assist in recovering stolen cars. More »
1,060
Comment by my favorite car is a motorcycle: Word to Mulally: Stop hanging out with your old Microsoft friends. They are corrupting your product strategy. Splashing electronic... more » | Other threads
-
technology
London Time Contour Maps Help You Decide Between Tube And Triumph
If you haven't figured it out yet, some of us are big fans of clever cartography. We were therefore quite pleased when we came upon a cache of maps designed by the folks at mySociety that show the relationship between time and distance from certain points in London. The time contour maps let you know how quickly you can get to the Department of Transport, the BBC Television Centre and other locations via transit. They've also put together maps to help commuters determine where it's faster to take personal transportation and where it's faster to take public transportation. But now they've added an even better feature. More » -
430
Comment by TheTooth: @J.T.: That was exactly what I was thinking when he said that. more » | Other threads
-
novelties
The Big Ass Airbag May Save Your Life, Cost You Your Dignity
We're not really sure what more there is to add to this photo of what claims to be a revolutionary airbag, but is quite... er... kallipygian. While we guess the design helps prevent you from snapping your neck or being guided into the pillar, there's no getting around the fact that it looks like you've just gone nose first into a gigantic pair of pink butt cheeks. In fact, we'd be a bit nervous that the paramedics might be too busy making jokes about us giving the car a rim job to actually help us out of the car. More » -
novelties
Scrapping a Porsche? Build a PC!
Heaven forbid a Porsche Cayenne would ever have to be parted out, but if so, here's one way to make use of the 18-inch wheel shell. The creation was made as part of hardware manufacturer NVIDIA's computer case modding contest for Top Mods, a computer modding publication. More »
3,198
Comment by cap2501: honestly I think it looks like shit. If you want to do a car computer case I think you need... more » | Other threads
-
news
Reinventing the Wheel Invention: Flat-Detecting Smart Tires
I was more than sure that tires capable of sensing low air-pressure and flats already existed—either digitally or by the tilted axis. Reuters seems to think otherwise and is reporting on a new "smart tire" being developed by researchers at Purdue University. More »
1,746
Comment by purdue057: So I had this guy as a professor, and he is using the technology he developed for another industry, in... more » | Other threads
-
industry news
Nissan Developing Anti-Drunk Driving Car, Nick Nolte Rejoices
Nissan has partnered with Japan's University of Occupational and Environmental Health School of Health Sciences (that has to look awesome on a jersey) to study the influence of alcohol in the body in order to better understand how to create pre-emptive drunk driving technologies. The end result of this car will be a drunk driving project car that will help researchers analyze how boozed up drivers operate automobiles. We could think of a few test drivers for this project. Full press release below the jump. More »
670
Comment by gregmmm: Gee... what about the guy who sits in his back seat wondering why or where's the joint or maybe the... more » | Other threads
-
novelties
Toyota Looks to the Noggin, Video Games for Future Automotive Technologies
In two completely unrelated, yet similar plans, Toyota has hired some of the top brainiacs in the world. You would expect these brainiacs to dive deep into the mind of Toyota's best to figure out why the hell anyone would want a violin-playing robot. Instead, they'll be involved in two diametrically opposite but slightly tangentially related projects. In the first, Toyota and neuroscientists will research neurotechnology-based safety systems and the other project will team Toyota up with Ryuta Kawashima, the developer for Nintendo's Brain Age video game, to seek some new kinds of preventative crash systems for elderly drivers. More »
561
Comment by Novaload Misses Murilee: Yeah, the next thing will be a brain scan that senses impending hoon activity and disables the car, after robotically... more » | Other threads
technology
Detroit, 1:32 AM
Sun Jul 12
12 posts in the last 24 hours
Tip your editors:
tips@jalopnik.com
Editor-in-Chief:
Ray Wert | Email | AIM
Road Test Editor:
Wes Siler | Email
Weekend Editor:
Murilee Martin | Email
Associate Editor - Houston:
Matt Hardigree
Associate Editor - Detroit:
Ben Wojdyla
Editor-at-Large:
Mike Spinelli
Contributors:
Mark Arnold
John Krewson | Email
Andy Didorosi
Original material is licensed under a Creative Commons License permitting non-commercial sharing with attribution.
