Electric Cars that May or May Not Ever be Built
Electric Cars that May or May Not Ever be Built
In addition to Renault’s four electric concept cars, lots of other car companies had electric concept cars on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show too. But will they have the nerve or commitment to go ahead with them? The answers are far from clear.
Renault is counting on the rising price of gas to make us turn electric. Other car dealers are betting on hybrid because the combination of gas plus electric will make buyers feel safer. But many still had an electric concept on show. Mini had this cutie on display, but stated flat-out that they had no intention of ever building it. More questions after the fold.
1. Electric Cars that will be built For Sure
Hyundai is working very hard on an electric car for the Korean market. They expect to have it ready for 2010 and it will have a range of 150 km. They are focussing on Korea because of the severe environmental problems there.
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Virtual test drive with Audi’s e-tron electric concept car
Virtual test drive with Audi’s e-tron electric concept car
Audi fans will be able to drive the e-tron concept car through PlayStation Home starting in late 2009. Audi is the first carmaker to develop its own virtual area there, known as the Audi Space. The Audi etron, a high-performance sports car with a purely electric engine, was introduced at the International Motor Show (IAA). Starting in December, it will be available in the Vertical Run driving game within the Audi Space.
Racing enthusiasts will soon be able to view the Audi drive concept of the future in PlayStation Home, a 3D social gaming service for the PlayStation 3 community. Four motors – one per wheel – power the e-tron when it drives along the three-dimensional racetrack in Vertical Run. The game will be available exclusively in the new Audi Space within PlayStation Home.
“Most young people gain their first driving experience from video games,” explains Kai Mensing, who is responsible for video games and virtual worlds in Online Marketing at Audi. “With the Audi Space, we can bring this target group into contact with our brand in a highly emotion-packed and interactive environment, and demonstrate our ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ with the virtual etron race.” (more…)
Apple TV price cut by $100, 40GB model dropped
Apple TV price cut by $100, 40GB model dropped
Apple has cut the price of the 160 GB Apple TV device, now $100 less at $229, on the US online store.
Apple TV lets you view films, TV shows, YouTube videos, podcasts, music an d photos directly on your TV.
The company has also removed the 40 GB model, with reports the smaller capacity version has been discontinued.
Some, including analysts, had anticipated a new version of the Apple TV at last Wednesday’s San Francisco event which saw a iPod refresh and new look iTunes. (more…)
Did Apple lie about Google Voice refusal?
Did Apple lie about Google Voice refusal?
Google has claimed that Apple rejected its Google Voice application for the iPhone, contradicting Apple’s statement to regulators last month.
The issue prompted the Federal Communications Commission to send letters to the companies and AT&T, the iPhone’s exclusive carrier in the US, demanding explanations.
The issue over Google’s voice service could have far-reaching implications for the US telecommunications industry. Depending on how the FCC responds, it could either pave the way for new entrants or hinder their ability to use large carriers’ phones to offer discount services.
It also represents a quandary for regulators trying to promote the use of broadband among all Americans for communications, healthcare and education as wireless technology changes at such a rate that may outpace current rules. (more…)
Hyundai reveals the 2010 Elantra Blue Edition, revises the Elantra line-up in the US
Hyundai reveals the 2010 Elantra Blue Edition, revises the Elantra line-up in the US
Korean auto maker Hyundai has revealed the Elantra Blue Edition, which is a more fuel-efficient variant of the compact sedan. Upgrades made to the new model include the addition of a smart alternator management system, new transmission with revised gear ratios along with a gear shift indicator as well as a re-tuned engine that has low-friction components.
Hyundai also announced that the rest of the Elantra line-up (GLS and range topping SE) now benefit from the above mentioned low-friction engine components, the smart alternator management system and an improved lock-up torque converter (for automatic transmission) to maximize fuel economy at highway speeds.
The 2010 Elantra Blue offers an estimated highway fuel economy rating of 35 miles to the gallon (6% increase) and city fuel economy rating of 26 miles to the gallon (8% increase). Both the GLS and SE models also feature 26 miles to the gallon for city driving (both increased by 4%) and 34 miles to the gallon for highway driving (both increased by 3%). (more…)
World’s fastest car Ultimate Aero to storm Indian roads
World’s fastest car Ultimate Aero to storm Indian roads
The Ultimate Aero – the world’s fastest car capable of reaching half the Electric and hybrid cars
Frankfurt Auto Show speed of a jetliner cruising at 30,000 ft – is set to Electric and debut in India with a price tag of over Rs 6 crore that will make it the costliest car sold in the country.
Its maker, the US-based Shelby Super Car (SSC), has decided to launch the car in Mumbai in the next few months and follow it up with a Delhi launch, said a person working on the launch who asked not to be named. An email query sent to the US firm on its India plans did not get a response.
India will be the third market where the car, with a recorded speed of 413 kilometres per hour (257 mph), is sold after the US and Russia. (more…)
Land Rover introduces the limited edition Range Rover Sport Autobiography
Land Rover introduces the limited edition Range Rover Sport Autobiography
TATA-owned auto maker Land Rover, has presented the limited edition Range Rover Sport Autobiography in Frankfurt, that is given a more luxurious treatment.
Upgrade highlights includes a duo-tone premium leather interior, revised grill and vents, the addition of 20-inch diamond turned finish alloy wheels as well as a new body kit.
Furthermore, the auto maker also announced that it is introducing electronically-controlled reclining rear seats.
The rear seat package comes with heated and cooled functionality, four-way adjustable lumbar support and airline-style winged head restraints. (more…)