We all know the Chevy Cavalier. You may also remember Toyota sold a badge-engineered platform prostitute version in the Japanese Domestic Market that was built by GM. But — did you know you could actually buy a Toyota emblem from a GM dealership with a valid GM part number? We assumed we could. But intrepid souls at Automobile actually went and did it. What they found was the Toyota logo comes in a beautiful plastic poly bag. Feel free to keep it as a collector's item. Oh, they also found the same logo from a Toyota dealership costs between $2 and $10 more. Hmm. Maybe they add magic super number one best automaker from the land of the rising sun pixie dust to it or something. [Automobile]

Well I know this guy that has this plate making machine, uses original plates, has authentic registration stickers, and with one phone call can make up a few for you!

Each license plate is available for $40, and you can even purchase a mounting bracket to slap it on your vehicle. The available countries include Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. [Product Page via BoJ]

The whole mess hooks up to your vehicle's hitch, conveniently obscuring your license plate, which could be a problem while getting to and from the stadium. And when you're pulled over for not displaying a license tag, law enforcement probably won't be too happy with the fact that it's obscured by a keg of beer. Remember, no tapping until you're parked! There are three different versions available with prices of $2,895 and up. [Product Page via Giz]

You may also want to throw on a giant neon orange vest on your truck as well, since we'd hate to see a confused brother-in-arms shoot at your dually just because it has horns. Truck Antlers are available for $30 and come with an official Ted Nugent seal of approval. [Product Page via CG]

Mercedes-Benz makes in-car iPhone® connection even easier

Stuttgart - Whether it be a quick call to a business colleague for an important discussion, listening to favourite music tracks or checking home and office e-mails whilst on the move - the Apple iPhone® is a leading-edge business tool with multimedia capability, available in Germany and other markets. Now Mercedes-Benz allows the iPhone® connection to be fully integrated into the vehicle architecture for the first time - once again pointing the way ahead for the automotive industry. The new Apple iPhone® cradle allows simple switching between the telephone and audio functions. What's more, thanks to the location of the cradle in the centre console, the iPhone® is within easy reach of both the driver and the front passenger. For ease of use, the iPhone® is controlled via the multifunction steering wheel, while the vehicle display is used to indicate the phone status or music functions and information such as the track title and artist.

Over 100,000 people in Germany have already purchased an iPhone® - made by US electronics giant Apple - since its launch in November 2007. By introducing the new cradle for the Apple iPhone®, Mercedes-Benz has made it even easier to enjoy the special benefits of this trend-setting multimedia application, even when on the move in the car. This fully integrated solution - the first of its kind - enables either the phone functions or the audio functions on the iPhone® to be activated. As ever, the device is easy to use thanks to the controls on the multi-function steering wheel, all of which enhances road safety, as the driver's hands remain on the steering wheel, leaving them free to concentrate on the traffic and the other controls in the cockpit.

Perfect reception is assured as the iPhone® connects to the vehicle aerial automatically when inserted into the cradle. A further advantage is the automatic recharging of the iPhone® battery whilst the phone is sitting in the cradle.

We'd probably recommend leaving out the Heineken knock-off and Boddingtons while you're driving or there could be some serious legal repercussions. The car mini-fridge is available for $150, or you could just buy a Ford Flex. [Product Page via BoJ]

After doing some more digging, and by digging I mean looking at the seller's MySpace page, it seems the gothastic owner has an affinity for Slipknot, bad tattoos, stars, and appears to have created a brand called "Super F*ck." The logo also adorns the door panel of the 300zx. This guy needs some help. [Craigslist via Carscoop]

There's no complicated installation or hacking-and-slashing required. Just replace your current sun visor and give it a little 12V DC juice and you're ready to go. It even includes an FM transmitter so the whole family can enjoy your horrible taste in movies. If there's anything to worry about, it's the price. This is available from a no-name Asian manufacturer for $100, which seems a bit low for everything it promises. Oh, and you may want to worry about dying in a fiery crash while playing a Street Fighter knock-off on your sun visor.

[Chinavision via Technabob]

The researchers integrated this system into a Chrysler minivan and it has proved to be successful 97 percent of the time including in difficult situations like on gravel and in the rain. [New Scientist]

Oh, it's because the owner, Frankie Rio, decided to use a Lexus GS350 for one of those subwoofer decibel competitions. You know, Frankie, there's a reason beater vans are popular for these kinds of competitions. Vans are a lot cheaper and generally, hold many times the speakers, and are made like brick shithouses. Hopefully this display of wanton destruction at least won the competition to pay for the repairs. Who are we kidding? This 159.5 dB monster is probably being held together right now with duct tape and some super glue.
[FloridaSPL via Audiojunkies]

"Since Scion customers are in tune with audio technology, it makes sense that we enhance our already outstanding audio offerings for them," said Jason Adang, Accessory Audio and Electronics Planning Manager, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. "Digital HD Radio technology is ideal for our youthful, tech-savvy customers who will enjoy the wide range of content available on HD Radio channels."

Despite HD Radio's recent attempts to revitalize its name, the fact of the matter is that HD Radio is a niche that nobody wants to explore, especially the youth-demographic that Scion desperately wants. Oh, and the last time we checked being "in tune with audio offerings" doesn't mean "adopting technology on the brink of extinction, Toyota and Scion. [Orbitcast]

Pair the Sweetskinz with some LCD rims and get ready to prove to the world that your tires are more gaudy than the incorrect body kit-equipped 1999 Honda Civic CRX that sits on said tires. [Sweetskinz via Crave]

How will you know when your tires' pressure is low? You're never able to see the tires when driving. We'd guess you would just have to get lucky and have the LED light blink at the right moment at night when it is visual and you are out of the car coming to or fro. It' available is a couple different models—the P-Eye UKP20 is the standard model and the UKP22 is the anti-theft model. [Via Gizmag]

This is a plastic die that lights up in one of seven colors while using up a very crucial 12V DC outlet. And because it stays stationary in the 12V outlet, it's not even remotely cool because others driving can't see how lame you are. Oh well, surely one of you kids will buy this $19 accessory to spice up your Ford Probe. [Product Page via Giz]

The glasses are constructed out of a variety of materials including leather and titanium. They will be available later this month with prices in the low-$300s.[Trendsnow]

This idea does definitely reduce the distractions associated with traditional GPS units, but it does have a downside of not being hard to use mid-turn or when there are a lot turns to be made. The steering wheel also includes the warning system for doors ajar, seat belts, etc. [Navigadget]

In addition to a ton of tiled diamonds, this special edition hood ornaments made out of platinum and some other rare metals we're not even sure we've ever heard of. Our question is — at what point do you stop calling it a hood "ornament" in favor of a hood "masterpiece?" [Epoch Times via Bornrich]

It is claimed to be the world's most expensive car wax, but I think the Zymbol has that title completed locked down. Of course, we've no idea how big those jars are. Maybe it's like a volume discount kind of thing. [Luxurylaunches]

When you flip a switch inside the car a wireless signal is sent to the tires that will inflate a pocket of air within each tire that makes the little studs protrude from the tire's tread. Like most specialty tires, the Q Celsius is about 30 percent more expensive than traditional tires, but the manufacturer is hoping the lazy factor sets in and people will pay more to not have to put on chains or swap out for winter tires. [Detroit News]

The bar of lights has three different levels of alert for the drivers behind. When the middle bars glow amber, the car is just slowing. After the braking passes a certain threshold, the outer edges of the bar will glow red in addition to the center amber. And if someone stands on the brakes, the entire bar will flash red. It's a pretty basic idea and could potentially prevent thousands of fender benders yearly.

The system has been in the works for eight years now, but it will finally be shown off at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville starting today.

A light bar like this would have to be added to your vehicle's existing brake lights due to laws and regulations. But with time, who knows? Maybe this system could completely replace the brake lights we currently know. [Physorg]

The DS-400GB also includes a Bluetooth module for makings and receiving calls, hands-free. The right sided display is a touchscreen and the entire unit includes SD card expandability as well as a USB port. Oh, it has a mirror, as well. For the minimalist that has to have everything, this is the bee's knees. [Navigadget]

The entire circumstance is tricky because AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and Verizon, the four major U.S. carriers, use different broadband cell technologies. Sprint and Verizon use EV-DO while AT&T and T-Mobile use 3G. Ford teamed up with Sprint for its in-car Internet with the Ford Work Solutions. With in-car Internet as being described, Chrysler will be forced to pick one carrier therefore making it harder for those that don't already use that carrier to get access. Also, these broadband cell data service plans usually linger in the $40 per-month range, which may be a bit too much for one to simply get Internet access in the car, especially given the fact that you can only do true surfing when the car is traveling at three mph or slower, as most manufacturers have implemented for safety.

It's a step in the right direction, but there are a hell of a lot of kinks to be worked out before this can be deemed a success. [Washington Post via Orbitcast]

The Porta-Jump is very compact, under three square inches. It comes fully charged and can recharge to jumping capabilities in 30 minutes. It is available for $20, plus it's an "As Seen On TV" product—so it has to be amazing! [JC Whitney via boj]

The Eclipse AVN2210p MK II allows for a TomTom GPS navigation unit to dock in and out of the head unit. This is extra-convenient for regular swapping of cars and for those that like to do a little walking with a GPS unit. The unit also includes a CD player with MP3 support, Bluetooth and more. It's available from Crutchfield for $600. [Crutchfield via Uncrate]

These glasses were originally developed for the24 Hours of LeMans, but Tag Heuer went ahead and said "eff it" and slapped a price tag on these bad boys as well. The glasses will be available in wide and panorama styles.

TAG HEUER EYEWEAR INTRODUCES NIGHT VISION: THE DRIVERS ESSENTIAL

(Boonton, NJ...March 2008) - A revolution that can be appreciated on the track as well as on the road - TAG Heuer "Avant-Garde" Eyewear has developed innovative glasses exclusively for drivers. Aptly named "Night Vision," these glasses correct the low-light short-sightedness that everyone endures from twilight to sunrise. "Night Vision" eyeglasses optimize precision and enhance perception of contrasts for more comfort while driving at night. Featuring "TAG Heuer Reflex-type" flexible temples, they are adjustable and fit comfortably under motorcycle and racing helmets.

Originally inspired by and developed for the internationally renowned 24 Hours of LeMans sports car endurance race, TAG Heuer Eyewear plans to market their purpose-made "Night Vision" eyeglasses via real racecar drivers. You'll see them on Formula One racer Sebastien Bourdais and Indianapolis 500 driver Sarah Fisher. These innovative glasses will be available to the public in early 2008.

The titanium Night Vision frames are available in both Wide and Panorama, with anti-slip elastomere arms. Their pale yellow lenses offer constant clear, sharp vision with a very high light transmission rate in order to contrast dark blue and green surroundings without changing color perception. The special ophthalmic lenses offer an anti-reflective treatment, which reduces glare and offers more accurate sight. A driver's essential: these glasses are designed to maximize performance from dusk to dawn.

TAG Heuer - maker of high-end sports watches and chronographs since 1860 - has been applying the same standards for design and quality found in their timepieces to the creation of exceptional eyewear since 2002. All TAG Heuer Eyewear lenses are shatter-resistant, ultra-light and provide 100% UV-A and UV-B protection.

Consumers: For more information on TAG Heuer's Eyewear full line, including authorized retailers, visit www.tagheuer.com/eyewear

Speaking of which, I saw a Lexus with the reindeer nose still on, but no antlers at the end of January outside of my favorite happy hour hangout and part of me wanted to rip the nose off and part of me wanted to cry, but I did neither and just drank until I forgot, like usual. [Whatonearth via Popgadget]

I highly doubt any of these car covers will ever be available for purchase, and given the designer-nature of the covers, they wouldn't be cheap. Regardless, it's interesting to see something as simple and often dull as car covers given a bit more of a classy touch. Good show, fancy pants designer people! [Intersection Mag via Born Rich]

The screens can operate independently or they can operate simultaneously. So if the kiddos want to watch the same movie they can without needing an extra copy of the DVD and the same applies with video games or other devices that utilize the RCA inputs. The units also include infrared headphones. The option is a very hefty $4,300, unfortunately, but regardless, other manufacturers should take note. This is how you execute backseat in-car entertainment. It's all about making the family vehicle as much like a taxi cab or police car as possible—you must separate the front from the back. [Carpages]

Most new cars include enough options for in-car entertainment and information including personal navigation systems and more. Also, the current model of in car systems don't utilize the previously universal rectangular deck space in favor of other designs that are less convenient to install.

I hate to say it, but as much as I enjoy my regular Crutchfield as bathroom reading material, aftermarket audio may be experiencing its swan song as manufacturers take over and give the consumers everything they could ever want for in-car entertainment. [TWICE](Image)

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