Hasta La Gadget!

Ah, yes… the future. Remember that? That magical land of flying cars, wearable chariots and Robot Apocalypse? Well, none of that has come to pass (yet!) but if researchers at Liverpool University have their way (and all indications are that they will) the next Ford you purchase will use a laser beam ignition system instead of spark plugs. According to The Telegraph (UK), lasers can be split into multiple beams and aimed at multiple ignition points, making the new system much more reliable. In addition, the engine’s cold weather performance is improved — and as the article points out, “this is the time when around 80 per cent of the exhaust emissions are produced and the engine is at is least efficient.” And if that weren’t enough, the laser system produces more stable combustion, using less fuel in the process. Consumers can expect to see this technology hit showrooms “within the next few years.”

[Via Auto Blog]

Filed under: Transportation

Ford to swap out spark plugs for lasers, windshields for googly eyes originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In 2004, it was all about iPodding your BMW, but in 2009, it’s all about Palming it. No, not “palming” as in concealing your car in the palm of your hand — “Palming,” you know, as in the act of hardwiring a Touchstone into your center console so that you can charge a Pre on the road with the greatest of ease. Ironically, this modern marvel of technology is mounted right where the iDrive controller in most newer models would normally go, which means you’re stuck making the nearly impossible choice between this hack and BMW’s.

[Thanks, Mike]

Filed under: Cellphones, Handhelds

Dude hardwires Palm Touchstone into BMW, charging ensues originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As General Motors finally caved this morning, waved the white flag and filed for bankruptcy, those following electric cars immediately wondered what this all would mean for the long-awaited Volt. For years now, GM has steadfastly affirmed that it was moving forward with production regardless of what else was going on within the company and the economy at large. According to Technology Review, a GM spokesperson confirmed again this morning that “the filing will have no impact on the company’s plans to start selling the Volt at the end of next year.” That said, we have to wonder how much such a statement really means; reports have stated that the US government may up holding as much as 60 percent of the company, and if the primary goal is to bring the outfit back to profitability as soon as possible, Obama and Company may not feel that pouring even more into the high-priced Volt is a good idea. In related news, we hear Tesla is still taking orders…

Update: GM has pushed out an official statement that (in a few words) also suggests that the Volt is still on track.

Filed under: Transportation

GM says bankruptcy won’t affect the Volt, but how much say does it have? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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There’s something to be said about a car that gets 100 miles per gallon and floats. We’re still trying to figure out what exactly that phrase is, but we’re certain something has to be exclaimed. Designer Lon Ballard has concocted the, um, object you see above, which is actually an automobile modeled after Crocs and built almost entirely from foam. In fact, 90 percent of the Spira’s makeup is foam, which doesn’t exactly give us loads of confidence about its ability to withstand major (or minor, really) impacts on the American freeway. At any rate, this 302 pound automobile — which can hit a top speed of 70mph via a 100cc engine — is expected to make a literal splash in the Progressive Automotive X Prize, though we kind of doubt you’ll ever see this thing mass produced in its existing form. Have a look at a pretty ridiculous video just past the break to see what kind of fun we’re all missing out on.

[Via Wired, thanks Eric]

Continue reading Spira foam car enters Automotive X Prize, our hearts

Filed under: Transportation

Spira foam car enters Automotive X Prize, our hearts originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 May 2009 11:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It’s massive, costs $500,000, and is just a prototype; but you’re looking at a possible solution for swapping out heavy car batteries from future electric vehicles. Kind of important if you’re hoping to take your EV on a trip a bit further than the supermarket or city center without having to stop for a lengthy recharge. This switch station, unveiled in Japan by Better Place, can swap out a spent battery in less time than it takes to refuel the tank in that baby-killer of a car you hold so precious. These battery swap stations are just part of the enormous infrastructure required to support Better Place’s subscription approach to electric vehicles — infrastructure easily estimated to cost $250 million or so for countries like Israel or Denmark on up to the $1 Billion already pledged by San Francisco Bay Area mayors. Better Place admits that the swap technology is a work in progress but hopes to have 150,000 charging stations and about 100 battery swap stations deployed in Israel by 2011. Check the video after the break.

Continue reading Video: Better Place’s automated electric vehicle battery switch station is faster than Melvin Dummar

Filed under: Transportation

Video: Better Place’s automated electric vehicle battery switch station is faster than Melvin Dummar originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 May 2009 08:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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