Super Parked » Damon Lavrinc

Volkswagen and Stanford: Parking Cars Without People [w/video]

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 00:56:00 +0000

Filed under: Technology, Videos, Audi, Volkswagen

Volkswagen and Stanford's Autonomous Vehicle Program - Click above for high-res image gallery

Yesterday at Stanford University, the world's valets were put on notice. The crew at Volkswagen's Vehicle Innovation Lab (VAIL) hosted an event for German Chancellor Angela Merkel, where the diplomat from Deutschland got to see first-hand what VW has been working on for the past five years, and what kind of practical implementations are around the corner.

The VAIL team was the first group to complete the DARPA Grand Challenge with a fully autonomous Touareg that scaled over 130 miles of the Mojave Desert in 2005. The original self-driven vehicle, Stanley, has evolved into Stanley 2, a Passat wagon with enough computing power to completely fill the boot. That vehicle took second place at an urban course for the 2007 DARPA Challenge and now that technology has been scaled down, refined and put into another diesel-powered Passat to show off one of the many uses for the autonomous tech.

After Merkel caught a plane home and the crowds subsided, we scored a ride in the self-propelled Passat and discovered that the days of parking attendants are officially numbered.

Gallery: Volkswagen and Stanford's Autonomous Vehicle Program

Continue reading Volkswagen and Stanford: Parking Cars Without People [w/video]

Volkswagen and Stanford: Parking Cars Without People [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 4.16.10

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 00:20:00 +0000

Long-Term Update: Touring our Subaru Legacy 2.5GT's birthplace

We take a tour of Subaru's Indiana production center to see where our new bouncing burgundy baby comes from.

BMW sets price on new 5-er; says no price too high for independence

BMW sets the pricing on the all-new 5 Series and confirms its new city car project, while U.S. marketing and product head Jack Pitney offers up his thoughts on the competition's recent partnerships and BMW's new tag-line.

Ford Gets An Earful: Five best and worst ideas from consumers

Ford asked, you answered and we've rounded up the five best and worst ideas to come into the suggestion box.

Also of interest:

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 4.16.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iPhone 4.0 software hints at automotive integration, new dock

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 22:31:00 +0000

Filed under: Technology

Our Apple-obsessed brethren at TUAW have been probing the company's new iPhone 4.0 software and, with the help of a trusted tipster, came across what could be a new automotive-related feature buried within the update.

The new software will apparently allow a "iPod out" functionality, which could be integrated into vehicles utilizing the iPod Accessory Protocol. While that's nothing new, the software tweaks have the potential to allow users to control music and other content through the iPhone (or by relation, the iPod Touch or iPad), turning the device into a separate remote control of sorts.

If that's the case, there's a distinct possibility that Apple - or third party accessory manufacturers - could develop a car kit complete with a dock, buttons and custom menus. The video after the jump provides a snooze-worthy tease of the functionality, and if this software sleuthing is to be believed, we might see some kind of Apple-branded car kit released by year's end.

[Source: TUAW]

Continue reading iPhone 4.0 software hints at automotive integration, new dock

iPhone 4.0 software hints at automotive integration, new dock originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 4.15.10

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 00:20:00 +0000

Quick Spin: 2010 Audi TT RS performs, assuming Audi AG decides to deliver

We track-test the TT RS to answer one question: Should Audi bring it to America?

Spy Shots: 2011 Hyundai Accent caught testing near Disneyland

A funny thing happened on a recent road trip. Hyundai's new Accent pulled along side us, covered in camo, and we were all too happy to snap off some shots.

2011 Ford Explorer will debut new four-mode terrain management tech [w/video]

The all-new Explorer may be built atop a unibody platform, but Ford isn't letting it get soft with the help of some all-terrain tech.

Also of interest:

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 4.15.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Audi A8 L arrives with 500-hp W12, seating for a king-maker

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0000

Filed under: Sedan, Audi, Beijing Motor Show, Luxury

2011 Audi A8 L - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi is pulling out its biggest gun yet for the Beijing Motor Show, and while the big news for the A8 L might be the 6.3-liter W12 and the sedan's longer wheelbase, it's the rear seat accommodations that have us frothing at the mouth.

Seriously, just look at it.

With an overall length of nearly 17 and a half feet, the A8 L is almost a half-foot longer than its standard sibling, with a wheelbase of 10.24 feet. Those extra inches are put to good effect, with an interior that's enough to make a Maybach look downright spartan.

Open the lengthened rear doors and occupants are greeted by acres of leather, a full-length center console and two power-adjustable, heated and ventilated seats that not only move fore and aft, but include adjustments for cushion depth, lumbar support and seat back angle. Ten remote-controlled air-bladders massage your cares away, and if the front passenger seat - with its power-adjustable folding ottoman - cramps your style, you can move it forward with the flick of a switch.

The standard four-zone automatic climate control is manipulated by no less than 25 adjustable motors, and the massive center tunnel contains everything from a folding table to a refrigerator. It's all first-class, from the ambient lighting to the Valonea leather, and when the time comes to put the laptop away, crank up the 1,400-watt, 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System and enjoy a movie on one of the two 10.2-inch LCD displays.

If you're ready to give your chauffeur a rest, take solace in the fact that the W12 puts out 500 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque through Audi's new eight-speed automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. The result is a remarkably quick 4.9-second run to 60 and a electrically-limited top speed of 155 mph.

The W12 will be the standard engine at launch, with a few diesel and petrol-powered engines available further down the line. We'd expect pricing for the A8 L to be revealed shortly after its official debut later this month, but in the meantime, make the jump for the full details.

Gallery: 2011 Audi A8 L

Continue reading 2011 Audi A8 L arrives with 500-hp W12, seating for a king-maker

2011 Audi A8 L arrives with 500-hp W12, seating for a king-maker originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS AMG lights up its rotors at the ‘Ring

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 19:28:00 +0000

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS AMG - Click above for high-res image gallery

Each day we're inching closer to the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS' debut, so the Benz Boys are hard at work on the AMG variant of its swoopy four-door which should go on sale soon after the new C218-based CLS hits dealers early next year.

The AMG version is expected to be packing Mercedes' all-new 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8, putting out 544 horsepower and 586 pound-feet of torque in standard guise, and 571 hp and a axle-decimating 660 lb-ft of twist when kitted out in the in the optional higher-spec trim. Power will find its way to the ground through the new E-Class' seven-speed automatic, while beefed up brakes and suspension components round out the high-performance package.

These newest spy shots give us a glimpse of those biggie-sized, glowing rotors, along with an SLS-inspired fascia and LED daytime running lamps. The arching roofline doesn't appear to have changed much over the outgoing model, while the rear end gains a new set of taillamps and trapezoidal quad exhausts.

Expect the new CLS to bow at the Paris Motor Show this fall, with the AMG variant - likely carrying the "6.3" designation - coming along quickly thereafter.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS AMG

Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS AMG lights up its rotors at the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Next-gen Audi S8 may boast 620 HP from Lambo-derived V10

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 00:23:00 +0000

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Audi, Luxury

2011 Audi S8 - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the Audi S8 was nixed from the automaker's lineup late last year, the news produced a collective sigh around Autoblog Towers. Audi's largest, most powerful sedan held a special place in our hearts, but redemption appears to be right around corner - the Nürburgring's Carousel, to be exact.

With the introduction of the standard A8 in the rearview mirror, Audi has begun work on the S-ified variant of its stately saloon, and like the RS6, it's rumored to be powered by a Lamborghini Gallardo-derived V10, with a duo of turbochargers hanging from the exhaust manifolds.

The output of the next S8 will jump from the outgoing model's 444 horsepower to somewhere north of 600 hp, with torque boosted from around 400 pound-feet to upwards of 550 lb-ft of twist.

Although these spy shots don't provide a clear glimpse of the stylistic upgrades, expect a more chiseled front fascia, lower ride height and modified rear diffuser. Quad tailpipes hint at the 5.2-liter twin-turbo beast within, while massive stoppers are expected to be framed by 20- or 21-inch wheels.

We're expecting the S8 to make its debut sometime later this year or early in 2011, with sales beginning in the middle of next year.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Audi S8

Spy Shots: Next-gen Audi S8 may boast 620 HP from Lambo-derived V10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 19:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 4.14.10

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 00:20:00 +0000

Review: 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI delivers potent one-two punch of efficiency and entertainment

It's time for Americans to stop being scared of small cars and diesel engines, and the Golf TDI is the first vehicle to potentially assuage their fears.

Car and Driver on iPad : A stopgap for the future of online mags

The savior of magazines could be the Apple iPad. But is the first offering from Car and Driver enough reason to drop our subscriptions?

Why the Lexus GX may be rollover-prone (and the 4Runner isn't)

Lexus has issued a stop-sale on the GX after Consumer Reports announced the 'ute's stability control system is unsafe. We investigate why.

Also of interest:

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 4.14.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Mazda RX-8 denied re-entry into Europe

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 19:32:00 +0000

Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Mazda

Mazda RX-8 R3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to the crew at Auto Motor und Sport, the Mazda RX-8 won't be coming back to Europe for the 2011 model year. Why? The rev-rific rotary can't pass the Euro-5 emission standards and a replacement won't arrive until 2013.

Mazda Germany exec, Joseph Alois Schmid, told AMuS that retrofitting the current engine would be too cost prohibitive and the Wankel can't adapt quickly enough to Europe's stringent emission standards.

Although a replacement is in the works - and a hydrogen version could arrive within the next few years - the next rotary mill will have to be significantly reworked to adhere to the new standards. But even a revised rotary could have problems in 2014, when the new Euro 6 emission rules take effect.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via TTAC]

Report: Mazda RX-8 denied re-entry into Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Car and Driver on iPad : A stopgap for the future of online mags

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 19:02:00 +0000

Filed under: Etc.

Car and Driver on the iPad - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite my better judgement, I had an iPad delivered to my house last weekend. The reasons for the purchase varied from the inexplicable to the absurd, but one of my primary interests was how magazines would adopt/adapt to the new format. Like it or not, Apple's a leader in mobile content delivery and any publishing house is going to want to be on the "it" platform, just as developers downloaded the iPhone SDK in hoards and the App store became the dominant force for mobile applications.

I've checked out some of the general interest pubs (NYT, Time, etc.), which are obviously still getting their sea-legs (and falling on their faces, in many cases), but for gearheads the pickings are non-existent - save Zinio (iTunes link).

Gallery: Car and Driver on the iPad

Continue reading Car and Driver on iPad : A stopgap for the future of online mags

Car and Driver on iPad : A stopgap for the future of online mags originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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