car

Automobiles have paved the way for hybrid and alternative energies in transportation, but other vehicles are quickly following their tracks. We've seen trains, golf carts and even wheelchairs running on non-fossil power sources in recent months alone. But one there's one category we hadn't anticipated: toys.

Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies first made headlines with its hydrogen-powered "H-racer" remote-controlled miniature car, which Gizmag says is the "best-selling fuel cell product in the world." Now, Horizon has developed what it calls the "H-cell" power source, which it claims allows miniature cars to reach … Read more

Forget coin meters and time-stamped windshield stickers. A new service called Mobile Parking Service, launched this week by Irish company ParkMagic, in collaboration with Verizon's Skytel subsidiary, brings parking into the digital age.

Rather than digging around for coins down the back of the passenger seat, drivers use the service to pay for parking by making a call from their cell phones, which debits a prepaid account. A message is then sent wirelessly to a digital display on the car's dashboard to show the parking time remaining. The service, which will be coming to cities across the U.… Read more

We just got back from a spin in the 2007 Infiniti M35, and we have to admit that on first impressions, we like it. After playing around with the M35's 8-inch rear-seat entertainment system, programming the in-dash GPS navigation unit, and goading the 275-horsepower V-6 in short bursts of urban driving exuberance, we were faced with the final car tech challenge: operating the voice-recognition interface. Regular readers of CNET Car Tech will know that we are hard to please when it comes to in-car voice-command interfaces. (For detailed examples, feel free to check out our reviews of the 2007 Toyota Camry, … Read more

In the grail-like quest for the ultimate all-in-one device, all gadgets are possible targets for any manner of technological combinations--no matter how grotesquely unnatural. And it turns out that even the lowly car-key remote isn't out of bounds.

Firstech is coming out with a new "CompuStar Pro" remote that includes a "multi-color LCD, clock display with alarm, vibration and audible alerts, in addition to programmable time and temperature start at up to a 2-mile range and a parking meter timer," according to Gizmowatch. And with a 900MHz frequency, we wonder why they didn't go … Read more

Sirius Satellite Radio may start beaming video through its service by end of next year, according to comments made by boss Mel Karmazin at a media summit this week in New York. Don't expert to see Howard Stern and his naked guests; The company will initially focus on video content that keeps the kids quiet in the back seat. That's probably the easiest sell to current users and a fairly affordable type of content for Sirius to license.

Bits is bits, so sending video shouldn't be much harder than audio with the main difference being that the … Read more

It's one of the experiences we dread most: The cursed "Check Engine" light goes on. That's when you're destined for the even worse experience of seeing the mechanic.

The most frustrating thing is you're never sure if it's something real or just a cranky electrical circuit deciding to be difficult. Either way, you know you'll be paying for it somehow. That's why we have high hopes (and prayers) for the "CarMD" to succeed. We know this handy gadget debuted a few months back, but it's worth mentioning again … Read more

While Skywalker may have favored the force instead of a display helmet, those of us representing the Han contingent should probably stick with high-tech aides when kicking it into hyperdrive.

SportVue showcased a GPS-enabled Heads Up display prototype at last week's 39th Annual Tecate-Score Baja 1000. The helmet display attaches to the visor of your helmet and offers a view similar to that of the SportVue MC1 (shown left). It allows drivers to gauge info without having to take their eyes from the road.

In the case of the GPS-enabled SportVue Heads Up display, drivers were able to read … Read more

Volkswagen is not really known for its off-road prowess, but that might be about to change with a new series of VW-branded sleds for kids. The snazzy snow-skimmers, which boast steering wheels and padded seats, come in a choice of trims inspired by VW favorites such as the GTI and the Beetle. There are no details on whether or not the sleds have brakes or whether they will come fitted with VW's steering impulse system, but they sure will have other parents glowering with envy on the slopes.

Source: CarScoop via Autoblog

General Motors will be keeping us busy this week as we report live from the exhibit floor of the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show. Over the weekend, GM announced that it would be debuting two production hybrids in addition to its already substantial offering of new model releases and special editions.

The 2008 Buick Enclave, the 2008 Saturn Vue, and the 2008 GMC Acadia crossovers were on our radar already, but the General has thrown in a couple of extra debuts in the shape of the Saturn Aura Green Line, a hybrid version of Saturn's Euro-inspired sedan that makes … Read more