I saw a press release about a device called the TxtStopper, which is a cell phone jammer you wire into your car's 12v power line to jam cell phones when your engine is running. The idea is to keep your teenager from texting while driving.
chicago car photos, car gallery chicago, chicago auto photos, chicago card photos, chicago automobile photos, chicago vehicle photos, chicago limo photos, chicago car photographs, chicago car designs.
Search This Blog
TxtStopper: Probably Illegal
Boycott BP?
Should you boycott BP?
Want Less Oil Use? Raise Gas Taxes!
The laws of economics are nearly as immutable as the laws of physics.
We want to get the country off oil? Tax it. (Politicians may not wish to say it, but their advisers can at least think it.) Then liberate people to find their own best alternative -- and incentivize industry to develop alternatives that make sense at the new higher price. And be prepared to argue candidly and straightforwardly in the marketplace of ideas why this new tax is right and justified.If not, then kindly please spare us the grand speeches about how the status quo is the thing you will not accept. It is precisely the thing you are accepting.
Gordon Murray's (Controversial) T.25
There are new photos out of designer Gordon Murray's proposed T.25 city car (see photos here).
Mandatory Breathalyzer Interlock?
Did you know that the NHTSA, together with 13 automakers, is working on a device which will test your breath alcohol concentration, to be installed (they hope) in all vehicles? Did you know that they are spending $2,000,000 per year (some of which is taxpayer money) on this project? Now Senator Udall from New Mexico is proposing to increase funding to $12,000,000/year.
Camry Most "American" Car?
According to the Detroit News (here), Cars.com finds that the Camry is the "most American car", based on domestic parts content and popularity.
The Truth About The Vuvuzela
The vuvuzela was originally invented by the Jews! Made of a rams horn, the shofar was blown during battle, and I am sure during ancient soccer games. Today, it is blown during the high holidays.
Why Not Small Cars?
Mark Tapscott at the Examiner (link) does a good job discussing why it is that small and fuel efficient cars are not taking off in the marketplace yet. He mentions several major reasons, such as safety issues (perceived and real), and cargo capacity.
I can add a few more.
Perceived Value: Americans still associate size/mass with value. Many of them are not yet ready to agree to pay mid-sized car prices for a small car.
Ride and Handling: Americans seem to be divided on how they want their cars to handle. Some of the best selling cars (Toyota Camry, Corolla) are comparatively squishy, while others (Honda Accord, Civic) have sharper handling and firmer rides. While it is not impossible to produce a small car with a softer ride, light weight and short suspension travel limits do make it more difficult. Also, when efficiency is the overriding design factor, one of the easiest places to lose weight is in sound isolation materials. Do the "silent majority" want little cars with go-kart manners (Mini, Smart) or do they want scaled down couches? Currently, most small cars are tuned more towards go-kart.
Styling: Looks still matter. Americans want a sharp looking car, although what "sharp looking" is is not always consistent. Designers have to work hard to avoid designing short little jelly beans with high roofs, which is really the most space efficient design with some aerodynamic efficiency. On a larger car, there is more surface to play with, and more ways to draw the eye. Americans don't really want something that looks like a rollerskate, with a tall roof and little wheels pushed out to the corners.
Comfort: Americans are not getting thinner. I recently witnessed about 500lbs of female Target shopper (a mother and daughter?) flow out of both sides of an old Dodge minivan, you could almost hear the springs sigh in relief as the ride height jumped by 2" in front. Show those women a Fiesta and they will probably laugh at you. They might then go ahead and eat it.
Toy Story 3
I went to see Toy Story 3 today, it is a real work of art, absolutely wonderful. The opening scene features a wild get-away by train robbing Potato Heads in a purple Barbie corvette driven by Martians.
Even if you have not seen the earlier installments, go see this one.
Cheap Gas, Low Demand For Hybrids, B-Cars
According to Ward's Auto, sales of fuel efficient vehicles (cars with 30mpg+) are falling, as customers move back to their mid-size cars and crossovers. Toyota's Prius is selling well, but the hybrid Camry and Honda Civic Hybrid are declining. Small gasoline cars such as the Yaris (down 38%), Honda Fit (down 20%), and Smart ForTwo (down 63%) are not doing well.
HP2G Vaporware?
I keep tabs on HP2G, Doug Pelmear's startup which is working on a hybrid electric V8 engine design, because he is somewhat local (Toledo OH) and makes some astonishing claims (110 MPGe and 400HP). As you may have heard already, HP2G was a Progressive Automotive X-prize contender but dropped out in the early stages of the competition. HP2G also had a deal with Revenge Design to supply the HP2G engine for a hybrid supercar, the Revenge Blade. Revenge has broken off its relationship with HP2G, and posted this nasty item on its web site:
A quick search of the U.S. patent database shows that the only patent that Doug Pelmear has to his name at this time is one for an engine block brace--nothing about his magnetic cylinder assist system. There are no applications by Pelmear in the U.S. patent application database. A quick search of the EU patent database also shows only the engine block brace patent. So it appears that HP2G has failed to apply for a patent for its magnetic hybrid engine technology until very recently. And it is odd that HP2G refuses to allow 3rd party testing of its prototype, an old Mustang.Revenge Designs Inc is announcing the withdrawal of all support and funding to Hp2g llc, due to numerous requests for third party validations to the claims of their 110mpge Hp2g engine. Revenge Designs was informed the patents were in place late 2009, since then Revenge Designs has requested documentation for the third party testing to no avail. Revenge Designs finds this to be unacceptable.
New J.D. Power Initial Quality Rankings
Some interesting results in the new J.D. Power IQS. (Full press release here)
Mahindra Trucks, In Trouble?
This may be a sign that Mahindra's attempt to import diesel pickup trucks into the U.S. is in big trouble.
The Card Car aka JoeCar From New Zealand
Ted is looking for like minded art cars covered in cards so he can compare notes on technique, so be sure to let him know if you come across another one. I know of a few cars covered in paper products such as the Pokemon Art Car and the Stamp Art Car, so their might be some connection there. Good luck Ted and thanks for your submission.
"Chevy"
I heard on the morning news that GM is instructing its employees to always refer to Chevrolet as Chevrolet, not as Chevy. They apparently want to portray a grown-up, mature brand.
Monster Big Bike Could Crush Hot Weels
Fiat Cinquecento (500) Spotting
Onstar Vs. Sync
A friend of mine was looking for a luxury car, and was wondering about the differences between Onstar (Cadillac) and Sync (Lincoln).
Both systems offer 911 functionality, Onstar through a concierge and Sync through an automated dial-out using your phone.Onstar advantages: the phone is built into the car, so it is always on, you can talk to a real person, Onstar can do things like unlock your doors or stop your car remotely if it is stolen.Onstar disadvantages: it has a subscription fee.Sync advantages: it is free. It has a nice interface for iPod control, will read text messages to you, get news and weather updates, etc. Sync will have apps that users can download and run, and there will be more of them over time.Sync disadvantages: If you don't have your phone with you or your phone is damaged, Sync can't help you as much. Sync can't do things like immobilize your car or unlock your doors. Some phones or devices aren't fully supported, depending on how they implement bluetooth and other details.
Elmer Ford Art Car by Allen Christian
Elmer Ford is the second artcar created by artist Allen Christian. Unlike his first vehicle which had a bolt on/glue on surface, Allen wanted to create a moving sculptural form. After acquiring a 1966 Ford F250 pickup, closed cell foam was applied over the topper and cab, sculpted, painted and fiberglassed. Allen considers Elmer a themeless artcar and more as an extension of his sculpture studio, the House of Balls. Elmer and Allen both extend an invitation to stop by if you're ever in Minneapolis. Oh yeah, Elmer isn't done yet. Bet you've heard that before.
The Gaza "Peace" Flotilla
If the "peace activists" of the Mavi Marmari just wanted to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, why did they bring slingshots, metal poles, gas masks, and knives with them?
Video here.
if the "peace activists" wanted to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, why didn't they just follow the Israeli navy to Ashdod, and have the cargo inspected, as they were offered?
If the Israeli commandos came with the intent to injure "peace activists", why did they rappel down from a helicopter armed with paintball guns?
If the Israelis wanted to injure "peace activists", why didn't the helicopter's machine gun fire into the crowd?
If the Israelis wanted to injure "peace activists", why did the men hold off on using their lethal weapons (handguns) until they were being hurt themselves?
The blockade of Gaza is a legal military action, according to international law, as Israel is in a state of war with Hamas, who runs Gaza. Under a legal blockade, Israel has the right to board any vessel which shows that its intent is to run the blockade.
Israel has a right to prevent non-humanitarian materials from reaching Gaza, which could be used to make missiles or tooling for missiles. For example, concrete can be used to make metal molds, for casting rocket parts. Electric wheelchairs can be dis-assembled for wires, motors, switches, microprocessors, batteries, etc.
The "peace activists" where in fact running the blockade with the intent to provoke Israel into doing something embarrassing, and with the intent to use the other passengers as human shields. The "peace activists" were in fact engaged in an act of war. The "activists" who were killed were not murdered, they were shot in self defense.
$5000 Event Data Recorders? Not Likely
Automotive News has an interesting article where they speculate on the possible cost impact of the EDR requirement in H.R. 5381. Somehow, they manage to throw out numbers like $5000 per car, but if you read the article, you see that they are extrapolating from airplane flight data recorders, which are required to survive deep submersion, very hot fires, and huge g forces.
The Smoker Slob
I understand, lady in the crossover SUV with the MSU theme license plate and the hardshell roof cargo carrier, that you can't drive to work in the morning without your cigarette. You pay the taxes, so may as well enjoy your vice. But do you have to throw your cigarette butt out your window when you are done with it? Can't you keep your butt to yourself?
Blog Archive
-
▼
2010
(678)
-
▼
June
(22)
- TxtStopper: Probably Illegal
- Boycott BP?
- Want Less Oil Use? Raise Gas Taxes!
- Gordon Murray's (Controversial) T.25
- Mandatory Breathalyzer Interlock?
- Camry Most "American" Car?
- The Truth About The Vuvuzela
- Why Not Small Cars?
- Toy Story 3
- Cheap Gas, Low Demand For Hybrids, B-Cars
- HP2G Vaporware?
- New J.D. Power Initial Quality Rankings
- Mahindra Trucks, In Trouble?
- The Card Car aka JoeCar From New Zealand
- "Chevy"
- Monster Big Bike Could Crush Hot Weels
- Fiat Cinquecento (500) Spotting
- Onstar Vs. Sync
- Elmer Ford Art Car by Allen Christian
- The Gaza "Peace" Flotilla
- $5000 Event Data Recorders? Not Likely
- The Smoker Slob
-
▼
June
(22)