Jalopnik: Radar Detectors

Passport Radar Detector Includes GPS With Speed Camera Database

Travis Hudson — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:40:00 EDT

Despite the fact that slowing down is still one of the best ways to save gas, people, us included, continue to enjoy a little extra speed courtesy of the radar detector. The latest model from Passport, the 9500ix, includes some unique features to compensate for the latest speed-busting technology: integrated GPS and a database of known speed cameras, speed traps and red light cameras. But that's not all.

With towns constantly installing and removing cameras, the 9500ix can be updated regularly with the latest information about speed cameras. Pick it up later this month for $500. [Product Page via SlipperyBrick]

Louisana Traffic Official Fights The Law And The Law's Him

Ben Wojdyla — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 09:40:00 EDT

From the department of "do what I say, not what I do" comes this awesome story out of Lafayette, Louisiana playing perfectly into our dislike and mistrust of government nanny bureaucracy. Tony Tramel, the Director of Transportation for Lafayette Consolidated Government, is the chap tasked with monitoring and approving tickets issued by speed cameras. Mr. Tramel was recently caught with a radar detector mounted in the windshield of his personal car. Huh? We're confused. We thought the only reason to install a radar detector is to speed and flaunt the law, which doesn't really make any sense. Couldn't he just trash the camera images of him speeding and be off the hook? Fox guarding the hen house indeed. (Hat tip to Richard!) [TheNewspaper (these guys might want to consider a better marketing department)]

Latest Technologies Help Rebirth the Radar Detector

Travis Hudson — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 16:15:00 EST

While some may think of the radar detector as no more than thrift shop junk, many companies out there are keeping the products flowing — and those of us with a lead foot happy thanks to the latest technologies making it easier than ever to avoid speed traps. The Valentine One, Escort Passport 9500i, Cobra XRS-R9G and Bel STi Driver are just a handful of the latest generation of radar detectors with the ability to make even a turbo-boosted KITT jealous. Not that it matters as he still ain't boosting with turbo. The Journal all about ~~taking orders from Rupert Murdoch~~ Wall Street has a roundup we've rounded up below the jump.

The Cobra and Escort models are using the latest in global positioning technology to increase the accuracy of radar detection. These new GPS systems better recognize and distinguish between what is really a radar and what is someone's microwave or keyfob. The Cobra even includes a database of red-light cameras linked to its GPS functionality and plans to add other common hazards like construction and school zones.

But the Valentine One is a real goodie. It has two radar detectors and two laser antennas. One of each is always looking forward and one of each is always looking backwards. Twice the fun, ya know?

But the Beltronics Bel STi Driver is apparently the creme de la creme of next generation radar detectors. Beltronics goes as far as claiming that its TotalShield technology will make the driver completely invisible.

Could this bit of a rebirth be thanks to the latest generation of drivers with vehicles already loaded to the gills with gadgets, or maybe it's just for the thrill of the drive?

Regardless, new technology that increases range and sensitivity of these devices is doing nothing but helping the industry previously on its last breath and giving those drivers a bit of the edge needed to speed and get away with it. [WSJ]
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