Clipmarks | djkraz's 'automobile' clips

Apple now designing car interfaces...

Sat, 01 Sep 2007 14:07:16 GMT

clipped by: djkraz
clipper's remarks: I think bmw tried something like this and nobody like it. I guess we'll see.

Clip Source: www.autoblog.com

That's a direct quote from, not Martin Winterkorn at Volkswagen, but Ian Callum, the design director for Jaguar, as quoted by CAR magazine. Callum says Jaguar's new XF's start button "starts to pulsate" when the driver gets into the car. Once running, the car's hidden air vents "rise up" and the JaguarDrive Selector pops up from the console. Actual buttons are kept to a min.

Sounds all very high-tech and somewhat Apple-like. The pulsating start button is very reminiscent of Apple computers' power indicator lights.

So now we have Apple confirmed to be working with Jaguar and rumored to be working with Volkswagen and Mercedes. Another item of interest we came across in researching this post is a Macrumors story which says it heard about the CAR interview with Callum from Macrumors reader -- get this -- Chris Bangle. Could it be? Nah.

Tags: apple, jaguar, interface, automobile

New Volvo's to tell you when you need coffee among other features

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 14:14:58 GMT

clipped by: djkraz
clipper's remarks: Now if you could just press a button to have it fill that cup of coffee!

My wife would hate the anti-tailgating feature. I am constantly yelling at her for following to close.

Clip Source: crave.cnet.com

Driver Alert Control, as Volvo calls it, uses a camera and sensors to monitor a car's general behavior in terms of speed and staying in lane, not the driver's behavior within a cockpit. If, through a combination of factors, it calculates poor driving the car will sound a beep and flash a coffee cup on screen to remind the driver to take a break.

Adaptive cruise control, as with most cars, allows the driver to set a speed range and desired distance from the next car. The system then self-regulates speed based on those parameters.

Volvo also includes a distant alert feature that will additionally give a warning if the driver is tailgating while not in adaptive cruise control mode.

Tags: volvo, technology, automobile

Nissan unveils concept car with anti drunk-driving technology

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 22:59:54 GMT

clipped by: djkraz
clipper's remarks: I can imagine there will be many people against this but I'm all for it! Imagine the lives it could save!

Clip Source: www.engadget.com

Just as expected, Nissan has indeed rolled out a concept vehicle that showcases its long-awaited anti-drunk driving technology. The vehicle sports "multiple preventative features" designed to curb inebriated operation of vehicles, and essentially detects the driver's state of sobriety and kicks into action if you've had a bit much. Amongst the detection agents are alcohol odor sensors built into the locking shift knob, seat-mounted sensors that can activate a voice and navigation screen warning, and a facial monitoring system that determines your "state of consciousness through your eyes." Regrettably, there's still no word as to when this system could actually hit showroom floors, but if the automaker has shelled out enough dough to craft a concept vehicle, we'd imagine it's not too far out.

Tags: drunk driving, technology, automobile, nissan

Volkswagen working on adaptive sunshade

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 14:50:29 GMT

clipped by: djkraz
clipper's remarks: This would save me many headaches, literally... I hate sunglasses and I often get headaches from driving without them due to the sun.

Clip Source: www.engadget.com

Just a day after a clever Jetta owner figured out how to chart his joyrides with a Wiimote, it looks like Volkswagen has a trick up its own sleeve, too. Reportedly, the automaker is developing an "adaptive sun visor" that recognizes the position of the sun and darkens the areas that require it in order to make your drive a less squint-filled one. The technology supposedly works around curves and elevation changes, meaning that leaving your sunglasses behind may not ruin your afternoon commute. As expected, further details are few and far between at the moment, and while there's no set date (nor vehicle) for the innovative sunshade to be launched on, the sun-lovin' Eos wouldn't be a bad guinea pig.

Tags: automobile, technology, sun

Electric car beats out a Ferrari and a Porsche!

Mon, 07 May 2007 16:45:02 GMT

clipped by: djkraz
clipper's remarks: This is amazing!

Clip Source: video.google.com

[Video]

Tags: technology, automobile, electric car

fastest production car ever

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 21:47:01 GMT

clipped by: djkraz
clipper's remarks: I've watched the speed test part of this video a few times, and every time i get the chills. Simply amazing!

Clip Source: youtube.com

[Video]

Tags: bugatti, veyron, car, automobile

Wooden Cars

Fri, 06 Oct 2006 22:31:59 GMT

clipped by: higdonius
clipper's remarks: Better hope it doesn't catch fire!

Clip Source: www.retrothing.com

Mercedes Benz is getting a lot of press for their 100% recyclable RECY roadster entry in the LA Auto Show's Recyclable Design Challenge. The competition encourages manufacturers to put together an environmentally conscious car. Mercedes has taken the challenge to heart by using wood in its construction, and I'm a sucker for a sleek wood-grain finish. It's kinda like an old Woodie station wagon with some extra testosterone. Of course, the treehugger in me screams out that there's really no such thing as an environmentally friendly sports car.

Tags: automobile