Category: Technology & New Features

LRX Demonstrates Atomization of the SUV Market
Not all that long ago, we (and most other pundits) would have prescribed a pretty failsafe formula for how to create a successful SUV. Make it big, make it really upright, and give it plenty of power, OPEC be damned. Sure, everyone knows now that fuel prices are high, driving demand for more efficient means of transportation, but there are plenty of other factors driving the atomization of the once cookie-cutter SUV market.
Whatever you want to call them – body-on-frame utility vehicles, crossovers, car-based utilities, whatever – SUVs as a genre have matured to the point where there is plenty of space and demand for unique niches within the larger segment. In fact, consistent with the greater overall consumer demand we see nowadays for tailored, unique products that fit every taste (how many ways can you have your Starbucks?), the SUV segment is quickly becoming [...]

BMW Joins the Effort to Spread the Diesel Gospel
If there’s one company out there whose powertrain reputation is beyond reproach, it’s easily BMW. Some underwhelming 4-cylinders from the 80s and 90s aside, it’s hard to point out any BMW motors that weren’t powerful, engaging, soulful, and indestructible. Except for the indestructible part, those descriptors certainly don’t describe diesel, at least in the minds of North American drivers.
In case you hadn’t heard, the Europeans are firing their first volleys in their attempted diesel revolution in the US. They’ve actually tried for years to sell Americans on diesels, touting their economy and longevity as advantages. But thanks to some really notably awful diesels from the 70s and 80s (and consumers’ long memories), the only takers have been automotive eccentrics. Today though, in the days of rising fuel prices and international instability, there is a significant increase in interest in fuel-saving technologies.

Ford will be making their cars and trucks much more efficient by reducing their weight and using higher technology engines. EcoBoost will be much more cost efficient than diesels or hybrids.

The GT2 is the perfect blend between the Porsche Turbo and the GT3.

"KeeLog is badly broken," the research paper asserts. "Soon, cryptographers will all drive expensive cars."

Coming to a dealership near you, cars and trucks using Apple interfaces.

The MINI Clubman incorporates a number of unique and interesting capabilities that may set it apart from the average vehicle in its class.

During May 2007 VehicleVoice R&D Center conducted a survey of panel members concerning preferences for Navigation Systems. One of the primary questions was whether the ideal navigation system should it have a touch screen or toggle buttons?

The iPhone is a completely new kind of mobile device. Apple has studied at all of the things we hate about our mobile phones (functionality) and has developed a device that will, hopefully, allow us to trust the device we use - and heaven forbid, actually love it for what it is.

Compared to diesel engines of 10 years ago, today’s diesel automobiles have 80 percent lower particulate emissions, 70 percent lower nitrogen oxide emissions, 15 percent improved fuel consumption, 50 percent more power and 30 percent more torque (data from R.L. Polk & Company).