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RENNTECH Releases Mercedes Height Control System
RENNTECH, tuners of all things Mercedes and pizza-sized, have released a digital lowering module (DLM) for monster Benzies equipped with Airmatic or ABC adjustable suspensions. The DLM allows drivers to dial-in heights for each wheel and set adjustable heights based on speed. The system uses an interface similar to an MP3 system, which makes us worried that we would accidentally bottom out the car while trying to switch between Elvis Costello albums. Press release below the jump.More »
gadgets
Accessing Maps On Mobile Devices Jumps 82% In US
If you're squinting at a poorly-rendered map on your Blackberry, turns out you're not alone. According to an industry report released today, up to 8% of Americans are now downloading driving directions and online maps via mobile devices, which equates to a whopping 82% increase over last year. Ironic that mobile map use is increasing just as in-car navigation systems are becoming more common: Are we getting hooked on nav? Full release after the jump. More »
british motor show
Ego Introduces $20,000 Bentley Notebook Computer; Still Uses Vista
Ego, Dutch maker of "luxury notebooks," displayed their $20,000 Bentley laptop at the British Motor Show this week. The computer features color schemes taken directly from Bentley automobiles, and each unit is hand-built and wrapped in custom-stitched leather. Actual computing is handled by a 64-bit processor with 160GB hard drive, running Microsoft Windows Vista. Additionally, the company says the carrying handle was inspired by the door handle on Bentley cars, but a quick peek at Ego's website shows pretty much the same handle design used on all their notebooks. Oh well. For $20k they must be telling the truth. [eGMCartech]
gadgets
GM Developing View-Enhancing Laser Windshield, Intends To Outspend Reds In Automotive Cold War
General Motors is building a prototype windshield capable of enhancing a driver's vision with lasers. No, this isn't the automotive equivalent of LASIK, but rather a system for identifying road markings and making them more visible to drivers during difficult conditions. The system is being developed with older drivers in mind, and of course won't be able to completely compensate for bad vision. So how does it work? More »
gadgets
1:16 Scale Hummer HX Concept Raises Eyebrows
Hummer is on one hell of a rollercoaster ride lately. The brand may be done and the sales are plummeting, but the Hummer HX concept is still rumored to be involved in the Transformers sequel. And now, for the first time, the HX can be purchased by general consumers, at least in the toy form, with this remote-control 1:16 scale Hummer HX. It's available for $40, but don't confuse it with the Warthog. So what's going on, Hummer? Are you throwing in the towel or pushing on with concept designs that won't be hitting production anytime soon? [Product Page via Likecool]
gadgets
iPhone GPS Worse Than Expected
We apologize for getting your hopes up about the iPhone's GPS capabilities, because with the release just days away, the first reviews of the device are pouring in and there's some bad news about the GPS functionality. Or lack thereof. David Pogue of The New York Times points out that the iPhone 2.0, while it still has real GPS and not the location-based-shenanigans of its predecessor, is not ready to compete with the big boys of the navigation world. More »
gadgets
Sudden Stop Helps Prevent Rear-End Accidents
Getting rear-ended may never be your fault, but that doesn't mean it's not a pain in the ass to get a busted bumper fixed. One way to help avoid such situations is with a product like Sudden Stop, an array of ultra-bright LED lights that reside on the left and right sides of your license plate. Sudden Stop works by detecting G-forces, meaning it doesn't hook into your existing brake lighting system. If it senses a certain level of G-forces from you slamming on your brakes, the bright LED lights will flash and warn the driver behind; assuming they're not busy texting, it could provide enough advance warning to prevent a collision. The Sudden Stop is battery-powered and available for $30. [Product Page via TRFJ]
gadgets
AUO Oval LCD Screens For Vehicle Instrument Panels
A company by the name of AUO has managed to develop an oval-shaped LCD display, which could change the appearance of next-generation instrument panels. The ovoid LCDs don't just look good, but they could allow for customizing instrumented data. Of course, the technology is far from being integrated into your next vehicle purchase, but it's good to see the baby steps being taken. [Ubergizmo]
gadgets
Passport Radar Detector Includes GPS With Speed Camera Database
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. More »
gadgets
Big Brother Parenting: Tiwi Blackbox Monitors Speeding Youngsters
Helicopter parents rejoice! The Tiwi Blackbox is on the scene to prevent hoonage of any sort. The Tiwi monitors the speed of the vehicle in which it is installed; if the driver exceeds a pre-set speed threshold, it will issue a verbal warning to slow down. If your little hooligan continues to exceed the speed limit, the Tiwi uses an integrated GPS along with cellular technology to notify parents — or anyone else, like your probation officer — via e-mail, calls or text messages. The Tiwi Blackbox goes for $550 and has a $35 monthly fee, plus a personal apology from the manufacturer for stealing your childhood. [Tiwi via Giz]
gadgets
Mio Joins The Cellphone-Enabled GPS Club
Recently passing through the ringer at the Federal Communications Commission was the Mio Moov 380. When Mio isn't putting tons of research and development funding into "vintage" GPS devices, the company is following Garmin, Magellan and Dash by integrating cellular abilities into GPS navigation devices. But the included SIM slot in the Moov 380 is what makes it stand apart from other GPS navigation/cellular units: The Mio can utilize the cell line you already pay for. More »
racing news
NHRA Testing Vibrator
If you follow gaming or home theater gadgets, you may have heard of the Guitammer ButtKicker system. The core of the system is an electromagnetic piston capable of reproducing low-range frequencies without sound, providing an immersive experience to correspond with music or on-screen action. The NHRA is testing this industrial-grade vibrator as a way to simulate the drag racing experience on the couches of fans at home. This weekend, Jeg Coughlin Jr. will be carrying the transmission system in his Chevy Cobalt drag racer and a group of test subjects will be experiencing seat-of-the-pants racing like never before. More »
gadgets
Passenger Desk Setup Redefines Telecommuting
Don't tell your boss, but now there's a way to be even more efficient, without being at the office. The CarGo Desk Mobile Laptop Desk mounts on the passenger side of your vehicle and includes a laptop stand, a miniature file cabinet, 400-watt power inverter, GPS mount, PDA mount, cell phone mount, printer mount and enough security devices to keep it all locked down, supposedly. More »
gadgets
Turn Your Chrysler Into A Wi-Fi Hotspot This August
Chrysler announced earlier in the year their intention to offer in-vehicle WiFi capability, and we'll be damned if they didn't actually go and do it. Beginning in August, customers will be able to get in-vehicle wireless Internet connectivity across nearly the entire Chrysler product line — even if it's not an Avis rental car. The technology will be bundled under the UConnect name, and is intended to compete with the Ford/Microsoft Sync system. Before you cancel your DSL, note that the router module will cost $449, plus another $50 for installation (which should really be free if you're offering to take a Sebring off their hands), and then add $29 per month for Web access. Add a coffeemaker and the office just got one step closer to irrelevance. More »
i feel gassy
"Borrow" Some Gas With A Flo N' Go Siphoning Kit
We're already well aware that siphoning is one of the best ways to steal gas (unless someone installs a damn locking gas cap), and now it's even easier with the Flo N' Go Duramax. The Flo N' Go is a 14 gallon gas can complete with wheels and an attached siphoning system. Before you criticize, remember the adage: Flo N' Go doesn't steal gas; gas thieves steal gas. More »
gadgets
Halo Pet Safety System Makes You Only A Semi-Bad Pet Owner
The unfortunate combination of extreme heat, cars, pets and irresponsible pet owners arrives every year along with the summer season, but this year a company is doing something about the problem. The Halo Pet Safety System consists of a standard-looking pet collar that includes a temperature sensor, along with a transmitter installed in the car. The transmitter will sense when a pooch is in the vehicle and begin monitoring the temperature. If things get too hot, the system will send an alert to a keyfob receiver warning the owner that Fido is getting too damn hot. More »
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