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news

The Facts About California, Washington's Cell Phone Bans

We hate to be the bearers of bad news, California and Washington state, but today, July 1, is the day that a new hands-free driving law goes into effect. Luckily for you, we're here to break down the new rules and explain what you can and can't do, along with providing some alternative options. Don't live in California or Washington? Check out our guide here to see what's happening in your state. More »

Feature

1:20 PM on Tue Jul 1 2008
By Travis Hudson
2,172 views, 34 comments

gadgets

LG Solar Handsfree Speakerphone Is Greener, Safer

All right, Californians, we know you're saddened by the new mobile phone law that will come into play next month, but there are other options out there to help you comply with the law without looking like a Bluetooth headset-wearing tool. One interesting option is to select one of the increasingly popular Bluetooth speakerphone systems. And one of those in particular seems to cater to popular Californian sentiment: The LG Solar Hands-Free Bluetooth 500. This small and simple Bluetooth speakerphone suction-mounts onto your windshield. But wait Johnny, there's more... More »

2:20 PM on Fri Jun 20 2008
By Travis Hudson
1,127 views, 20 comments

Latest by om nom de plume: @NovaloadMissesPolar: late on this post again, but.. I kinda had it pop into my head last night... it may becasue of slow times, but the only "fanboy" stuff goin on right now is re: Transformers. I am remembering when more »

gadgets

Motorola Unveils H620 Bluetooth Headset With Road-Noise Adjustment

Today, Motorola unveiled a refresh to its H-series line of Bluetooth headsets. Most notably is the release of the H620 in-car headset. The H620 has been optimized for the driver with one particularly nice feature.

More »

3:20 PM on Fri Jun 13 2008
By Travis Hudson
954 views, 10 comments

ad watch

Parrot Gets Viral About Cell Phone Driving Laws

With the California hands-free law looming ever closer, it's prime time for all the hands-free and Bluetooth companies to peddle their wares. Today we find a particularly humorous and viral-ish video from Parrot, a manufacturer of speakerphone-type hands-free devices. The video shows a kid taking cell phone calls while participating in a driving test. There is a smidgen of vulgar language, so those Jalopnik faithful working in churches may want to turn the volume down. [Youtube; Parrot]

3:20 PM on Wed Jun 11 2008
By Travis Hudson
2,118 views, 18 comments

Latest by seanz0rz: @Solo_Racer: should amend to say that much more distracting than just a conversation in general. i believe the ban does not go far enough, but i also think that there shouldn't be a ban. how about educating the public that more »

safety

Study: California Hands-Free Law Could Save Hundreds Of Lives

It's inching closer to July 1, the day that California, one of the highest vehicular-populated states will enact a law requiring the use of a hands-free type of cell phone device while driving and completely banning mobile usage for those under the age of 18. A recent study has shown that this law could prevent upwards of 300 fatalities per year, all in the highly lucrative profession of event planning. More »

1:20 PM on Wed May 14 2008
By Travis Hudson
1,671 views, 54 comments

free cars

Scammers Using Toyota's Name To Rip Off Consumers

By way of Toyota's own Open Road Blog is word of a new scam using Toyota's name in vain to obtain financial info for use in identity theft and raiding bank accounts. The scam involves a letter and sometimes an included check branded with Toyota's logo. A couple of different forms of the scam are circulating — one of them involves a mystery-shopper program. Another is a about a lottery awarding free money and a Toyota vehicle. And let's be clear here — if you fell for this, we've got a Nigerian lottery we'd like to discuss with you. More »

12:20 PM on Fri Apr 25 2008
By Travis Hudson
3,185 views, 27 comments

Latest by whiterose: OK now people. Maybe it's too late at night or my brain just isn't hitting on all cylinders, but I read this article and the comments carefully, and I still have no idea what the problem is. more »

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 »

2:45 PM on Wed Mar 26 2008
By Ben Wojdyla
3,578 views, 34 comments

Latest by Tensor: @rgseidl: awsome explanation, thanks a lot. So this is not a breakthru in everyday use of electro-hydraulic valves as a 2/4 stroke engine using convetional variable valve timing tech. Nevertheless cool as sh*t more »

gadgets

BlueTouch Adds A Bluetooth Dialpad To Your Vehicle

Using Bluetooth in a car is pretty damn snazzy—whether it's just a headset or integrated with the entertainment center, it's just a nice convenience. The one problem that still remains with these types of systems is dialing. In most cases, you still have to grab your phone and find your way through a phonebook, therefore taking your eyes off the road. Bluetouch is looking to solve that problem. More »

3:45 PM on Fri Mar 14 2008
By Travis Hudson
1,025 views, 14 comments

new cars

Sundoulos Sportstar: Twin Harley Powered Weirdness

What do you do if you design up a car for the ALMS series only to have rules changes make it obsolete before you can even put it on the track? Most people would scrap it, but Sundoulos repurposed it for street use. This would be just another nutty boutique car but for the power source. They could have dropped a standard V engine or even a high-strung inline job in there, but that's boring. How about two Harley V-engines coupled to a Corvette Getrag transmission by way of twin belt drives? Wacky. That would be enough to make it unique on it's own, but the proceeds from the car go to the Free Wheel Chair Mission (freewheelchairmission.org).

More »

12:30 PM on Mon Feb 25 2008
By Ben Wojdyla
2,243 views, 28 comments

Latest by killboy: Redundancy. more »

alternative energy

Free Car Rentals for Frenchies! (Kind Of)


Imagine New York City, still with all of the cabs — but minus the cab drivers — and you were free to take one on a joy ride of your own. That is the anarchic system the mayor of Paris is suggesting for the French city. Voiturelib' is its name (literally "free car"). And like the classic Ami 6, it's a bit wacky. More »

4:15 PM on Mon Jan 7 2008
By Travis Hudson
662 views, 12 comments

alternative energy

Hindenberg Anyone? GM Offers Free Fuel-Cell Cars to Consumers

Once again taking the free sample approach, the company that killed the electric car has decided to give 1,000 drivers the chance to drive the hydrogen-powered Equinox SUV's for three months. The company will also offer free hydrogen services (because who has hydrogen lying around the house?). The catch, other than having to be a guinea pig for GM researchers, you have to live in suburban LA, New York or Washington, D.C. to be a part of the program. You'll also probably have to sign a form that says you won't sue if the truck explodes. Go here to see if you're eligible. [Conde Nast Traveler]

5:45 PM on Thu Nov 1 2007
By Matt Hardigree
548 views, 11 comments

Latest by n/a: @danio3834: And we all know how popular turbine cars turned out to be.@FreeMan: Hey! I saw Jesse James do that on Monster Garage! more »

Is the next big incentive from automakers free car insurance? Apparently they already be doing it down under, mate. [MSNBC]

1 comment

freedom isn't free

Optimus Prime Hit With $236,000 Insurance Premium

Saving the world from evil Decepticons isn't all it's cracked up to be. For one, the overheads are ridiculous. With gas set to hit $4.00 a gallon, Matrices of Leadership running a cool $6.5 million and less than understanding insurance agents, we're surprised they don't pack it all in for a lucrative reality TV show gig or just subcontract the work to Halliburton. More »

1:45 PM on Mon Jul 9 2007
By Wes Siler
2,282 views, 7 comments

just think of the free airline miles

Pricing Announced for US-Bound RS4 Convertible

First the good news. Since the RS4 droptop is going to be so rare, there aren't any options. That means you get stuff like bi-xenon adaptive headlamps, front and rear seat heaters, an iPod hookup in the glove and all the tacky carbon fiber interior bits found in the sedan are replaced with (somehow) more tasteful brushed aluminum pieces. Plus, you know, the top comes down and the only thing between you and the sound of that glorious 4.2-liter FSI V8 engine is the hood and a little windshield. OK, OK, here's the bad news. The price starts at $81,900. And there's a $775 destination charge. As well as a yet to be determined gas-guzzler tax. Which is a $15,000 premium over the four-door. Which is the base price for the M5. Which may or may not be worth it. Who are we kidding? Of course it'll be worth it. Now, about that Avant... – Jonny Lieberman More »

1:45 PM on Tue Jun 26 2007
By Jonny Lieberman
507 views, 9 comments

Latest by FreakyStyley: I'll take the M5, please. more »

i feel gassy

Allstate Giving Away 20,000 Gallons Of Free Gas In Warren, MI Today!

More »
Chrysler To Upgrade Wis. Engine Plant It'll produce the new Phoenix V6. Hey — isn't the Phoenix a mythical bird that dies in a burst of flames? [Freep]

3 comments

free stuff

Buy A Used GM Car, Get XM Radio Free...For Three Months

According to a joint release from the General and XM, we're told GM's offering a "satellite radio trial program" for their certified used vehicles program. What it means is any GM used vehicle sold as "certified" and equipped with an XM Radio will get three months of XM service for free and they'll waive any and all activation fees. It probably will be added in as the 118th point right after "117.) Spritz faux new-car scent" in their "rigorous 117-point inspection and reconditioning process." Full press release after the jump. – Ray Wert More »

2:15 PM on Wed May 23 2007
By Ray Wert
1,861 views, 11 comments

Latest by n/a: Of course it's right after point 117: Take a totalled car, and cut it in half, and weld the good half to another car that's been in a different accident. more »

news

Random Guy Who Delivers Gas Predicts Prices To Reach $4 Per Gallon!

It looks like there's very little in the way left of a respite on the gas pricing front, with the cost-per-gallon of the dead-dinosaur stuff costing more than 12 cents more this week in Michigan than the week prior according to the Freep. That pegs a gallon of gas at around $2.81 a gallon — 11 cents higher than they were one year ago. But the real news comes from Amos Lewis Jr., a sales manager with MGS Express Delivery in Dearborn who claims
"I saw gas at $2.75, but I'm anticipating it will go up to $4..."
With such a reputable source for comment, we totally understand why the title of the piece was written as is. You go and fill up now before it hits $5, while we go and cry a little from all of the sensationalism. – Ray Wert More »

11:45 AM on Mon Apr 9 2007
By Ray Wert
2,059 views, 20 comments

Latest by haveblue: For all of those that are looking for gas at 4 bucks I found it in Beverly Hills yesterday, of course it is BH but premium was $4.07 more »

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