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Archive for December 1st, 2009
December 1, 2009
Filed under: Technology, Reviews
Google maps turn by turn navigation – Click above for high-res image gallery
It’s no secret that we’ve been openly critical of the prices charged by automakers for built-in GPS navigation systems. Frankly, paying $2,000 or more for an in-dash system when you can buy stand-alone navigation units for as little as $100 is ridiculous. Even the newer, larger seven-inch screen units are now down to as little as $250, and even though they aren’t tied in to a vehicles’ wheel sensors, they tend to be plenty accurate. Now, however, there is a new option that is even cheaper – as in (sort of) free. It’s only “sort of” free because the Google maps turn-by-turn navigation app is built into the new Motorola Droid smartphone (see sister-site Engadget’s full review of the Droid here) that recently became available from Verizon Wireless. In this case, you have to sign up for two years of mobile phone service, which includes a data plan. I’ve been a Verizon customer for a decade and just happened to be up for a biennial discounted phone upgrade. When the Droid appeared a few weeks ago, the plan to wait until the new year for a Palm Pre was discarded. We’ve now had the chance to play with the Droid and its new navigation software, so follow the jump to find out if it lives up to expectations.
Continue reading Review: Google Maps turn-by-turn navigation on Android 2.0
Review: Google Maps turn-by-turn navigation on Android 2.0 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Small car blitz at LA Show: Too little too late?
Author: adminDecember 1, 2009
The Chevy CruzeTomorrow I’ll be attending press days at the LA Auto Show, and the big theme at this year’s show is once again ‘green’. This year, however, things are a bit different than past years. Instead of hybrid cars or clean diesel vehicles, the path to green is small cars, particularly a number of new offerings from the Big 3.
While this is great news, I cannot help but wonder, is this too little, too late?
Toyota and Honda have always done a pretty good job selling small cars in the US, and they will probably continue to do well. However, both automakers have hinted that smaller, cheaper hybrids will be critical to their future small car plans.
For now certainly the Chevy Cruze, for instance, will sell. Still, a semi-loaded automatic version of the Cruze will probably list for $18,000 – $20,000. But, what happens if Toyota can sell a slightly smaller Prius for around the same price, or if Honda can sell an even cheaper Honda Fit hybrid?
Without question, the Big 3 should proceed with their small car plans. Nonetheless, are the Big 3 avoiding small hybrids today much the same way they avoided small cars in general for the last few decades? Ultimately, aren’t the Big 3 simply chasing the small car US segment when they instead should be showing some real leadership and vision in this segment?
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Fusion hybrid: A Car and Driver 10 Best for 2010
Author: adminDecember 1, 2009
Safe, fun and efficientThe Ford Fusion hybrid continues to impress, becoming just the second hybrid to make Car and Drivers 2010 Ten Best Cars list.
“CAR and DRIVER is always looking for those cars that are most engaging to drive, and in our experience the Ford Fusion Hybrid is the first hybrid vehicle that really delivers a fun driving experience,” said Eddie Alterman, editor-in-chief, CAR and DRIVER.
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Chevy Volt EV range and fuel economy updated
Author: adminDecember 1, 2009
The Volt’s lithium-ion battery packGM finally confirmed that the Chevy Volt will utilize an 8 gallon fuel tank to supplement the Volt’s EV range.
So, what does that mean for the Volt’s real world range and fuel economy?
Once the lithium ion battery pack drops down to 30 percent of its full charge, then the 1.4 liter engine begins generating electricity to power the Volt. The battery, however, is never recharged in this state. Still, in this state the Volt can travel at least another 300 miles, and then the battery has to be recharged. That will take about 8 hours at 120V, although a special 240V supply could drop that charge time down to about 3 hours.
But that won’t matter as long as you only drive 40 miles or less, right?
Not necessarily. According to the latest reports, “Most people will get less than 40 miles. ” And, once electric range is used and the Volt is dependent upon its gasoline engine, the Volt’s city fuel economy will probably be around 38 mpg.
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Tata Nano hybrids coming, maybe even to US
Author: adminDecember 1, 2009
Is cheap the future?At $2000, the Tata Nano is the world’s cheapest car, and soon the Nano might become the world’s cheapest hybrid car.
Without providing many details, Ratan Tata, chairman of the Tata Group confirmed that a hybrid version of the Nano is in the works. Likewise, Tata reaffirmed its interest in entering the US market.
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Audi A1: New insider intel!
Author: adminDecember 1, 2009
New details about the Audi A1 emerge from an inside source!
Audi will be pegging prices of the A1 close to the Mini, an inside source has revealed.
The upmarket supermini, due to go on sale at the end of 2010, is likely to start at around £13,000 for the base three-door model, although the bulk of the range will retail between £15,000 to £20,000.
Audi sources say that the company is keen to
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Audi A7: Debut at Moscow Motor Show
Author: adminDecember 1, 2009
The Audi A7 is said to be unveiled at the Moscow Motor Show in August 2010.
Sources have revealed, however, that it will only have a small price premium over the next A6 saloon on which it’s based.
Spec for spec you’ll pay around £2000 more, which means prices could start at around £28,000.
At first all models are likely to have range-topping engines and four-wheel drive, but the company still
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Audi TT RS, Audi R8: Sports Cars of the Year 2009
Author: adminDecember 1, 2009
The Audi TT RS and the Audi R8 have been awarded as "Sports Car of the Year 2009". Double victory for Audi!
The Audi TT RS is ‘Sports Car of the Year 2009’ in the category ‘Production Coupés.’ The R8 5.2 FSI wins the title for production supercars. The S5 Cabriolet, the RS 6, the S4 Avant, and the Q7 V12 TDI each placed in the top five in their respective classes. The prizes awarded by a jury
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VW Polo: European Car of the Year 2010
Author: adminDecember 1, 2009
The VW Polo has been awarded as European Car of the Year 2010. Congrats!
The VW Polo is the Car of the Year 2010.
The supermini narrowly beat the Toyota iQ in the final voting, earning 347 points versus 337.
The Polo received 59 scoring votes in total from the 59-strong judging panel, including 25 selections as the number one car. In contrast, the iQ received 58 votes, with 20 selections as
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Porsche Panamera 4S: Reviewed
Author: adminDecember 1, 2009
The Porsche Panamera 4S got reviewed again.
You could regard this as the ’sensible’ Panamera, but it’s still no slouch and could well appeal to the business types who want four seats and some semblance of practicality to go with the breathtaking performance.
This version uses a double clutch ‘box to do the gearchanging for you, with the advantage that the ‘PDK’ automated manual uses less power
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