Crazy Idea of the Day: LP Record Playing Bicycle…

Ask any young person about LP records these days and most will probably look at you as if you just crawled out of a cave. But not these Dutch youngsters that came up with a cool idea – albeit a completely useless one in the age of electronics.

What they did is combine a bicycle with a record player. And how did they manage that, we hear you ask? By adapting the rear wheel of the bicycle in order to play LP records.

Easier said than done because the team had to overcome certain technical problems such as to be able to change the record without having to remove the rear wheel, which they solved by cutting one side of the rear fork and reinforcing it to withstand the weight of the rider.

The makers of the "Feats Per Minute" bike, which also sports a gramophone like speaker, say that they've also made sure the needle will stay in place and won't jump. Sounds good – just as long as you keep pedaling at the right speed, that is…

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Toyota Launches New FT-86 App for Apple iPhone and iPod Users

It seems that there's an APP for just about everything these days – even for a car that hasn't been introduced in its final form yet. We're talking about the very, very long-awaited Toyota FT-86 rear-wheel drive sports coupe.

We should see the FT-86 making its grand debut alongside its sister Subaru model, the BRZ, at the Tokyo Motor Show in Japan this December, but until then, Toyota has introduced a new dedicated app for users of the Apple iPhone and iPod devices.

From what we understand, users will be able to place a digital rendering of the FT-86 on videos and photos they have shot on the streets – or something along those lines.

Here’s what Toyota says:

Let’s shoot the images of FT-86 driving around the world and post them to “FT-86 World Report” with this APP! FT-86 is now driving around you! Please shoot cool images and keep on posting! Your image will be introduced as a “report” in the program on the interactive movie web site, “FT-86 World Report”. "

The "FT-86 World Report" app is available for free through the Apple iTunes store

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Time Waster of the Day: Lumma Design's Crazy Detailed Porsche Cayenne Configurator

Do you lose sleep at night because you cannot decide if the Porsche Cayenne CLR 558 GT of your dreams will look better with three central or four quad tail pipes?

We feel your pain and so does Germany's Lumma Design that has released one of the most comprehensive online configurators we've seen of late.
And we're not only talking about a palette of colors for the body and alloy wheel designs but also about miniscule details such as changing the hue for the window surrounds and the door handles –separately, mind you.
And for those of you wondering, the CLR 558 GT is primarily a styling package that comprises of a raft of aero parts along with larger alloy wheels, and a selection of interior upgrades such as aluminum pedals with rubber detailing for grip, illuminated door sills and leather floor mats for passengers and the cargo compartment.
The only mechanical improvements included in the package are a sports exhaust system and an electric lowering module for Cayennes equipped with an air suspension system.
You can fool around with Lumma Design's Porsche CLR 558 GT configurator by following the link below.
At the time this article was written, the configurator was available only in das German language (nothing Google's translation can't solve) with an English option to follow soon.
Story Links: Lumma Design Configurator

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Get it While You Can: TomTom Top Gear Edition Still Available for Order

As you probably have already heard, navigation system specialist TomTom was forced to stop production of the Top Gear Edition satnav and drop plans to allow existing owners to download Jeremy Clarkson's voice on their models because of a clause found in BBC’s own contact.

However, TomTom had already manufactured 54,000 units of the Top Gear Edition device and the deal they came up with the British public service broadcaster, was to donate any proceeds owed to BBC Worldwide to BBC Children in Need, along with an additional charitable donation by TomTom.
If you were disappointed, you'll be happy to know that a TomTom representative came in contact with Carscoop and told us that the Top Gear Edition device is still available for order while supplies last.
Here's what Kelsey Sherman from TomTom told us: "While we will not be producing additional GO LIVE Top Gear Editions, the units that have already been produced will be available for purchase."
The U.S. version of the TomTom Top Gear Edition is priced at $269.95 and from what we can tell, the navigation system is based on the recently launched Go Live 1535 M portable navigation device with a 5.0-inch screen pre-loaded with Jeremy Clarkson's voice and a Top Gear theme.
Those interested may want to sign up to TomTom first and receive a $10 "welcome" coupon. We signed up and applied the coupon but didn't finish the transaction, so we're not 100 percent sure it works on your first buy. Nevertheless, it's worth a try.

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GM's Shows Portable Devices that Warn Drivers of Dangerous Situations

In case you haven’t noticed, the machines are already taking over. Step by step, technological innovations enable them to do more and more things – and most of the times that’s a good thing.
Like the technology developed by General Motors that will alert drivers of potentially dangerous situations by using portable devices connected to a wireless safety net.
These portable devices will gather information from other, similarly equipped vehicles, as well as a road monitoring infrastructure. Thus, they will be able to warn drivers of potential dangers such as slippery roads, stalled vehicles, sharp curves etc.
According to an NHTSA study, 81% of all US vehicle accidents could have been avoided if a vehicle-to-vehicle communication infrastructure was in place. GM states that its researchers aim not to minimize car accidents, but to eliminate them altogether. A very good idea, if you ask us as surely no one wants any more road accidents.
On the other hand, we can't help but be a little wary about the project since machines, no matter how advanced they are, sometimes do malfunction. Conspiracy theorists might take it one step further: wireless safety net. It does have a familiar ring to it, doesn’t it?

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GM Promises Semi-Autonomous Cars by 2015 and Render Drivers Obsolete by the End of the Decade

Carmakers are determined to put us, drivers, out of the equation of…actually driving their vehicles. Not forgetting Google's intensive lobbying, after VW  and BMW, General Motors is the latest company to join the ranks of the autonomous vehicle pioneers.Alan Taub, GM’s vice president of global Research and Development, says that by 2015 cars that will be partially able to drive themselves, while by the end of the decade, more sophisticated system will enable them to be fully autonomous.
“The technologies we’re developing will provide an added convenience by partially or completely taking over the driving duties”, Taub said during the Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress in Orlando last Sunday.
General Motors is already using advanced systems like sensors, radars, GPS and cameras that supply information to both the driver and the car’s computer system. “Intelligent” maps will allow the computer to take over, while the driver becomes just another passenger.
Taub stressed that safety is the primary motive driving (pun intended…) the development of these technologies: “Future generation safety systems will eliminate the crash altogether by interceding on behalf of drivers before they’re even aware of a hazardous situation."
GM has been exploring self-driving vehicles since 2007 when it developed in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University, an autonomous Chevrolet Tahoe that won the DARPA Urban Challenge, a 60-mile test involving merging in traffic, overtaking, parking and negotiating intersections.
So, ladies and gentlemen, fasten up your seatbelts ‘cause very soon you will literally be taken for a ride. You'd better snag that Camaro ZL1 and enjoy it while you can: driving pleasure may become a thing of the past if some bright minds get their way.

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Forza Motorsport 4 BMW Competition: Play Online, Win M5 for Real!

Some may say that video game competitions are for geeks. However, something tells us that this particular competition from the makers of theForza Motorsport racing game will attract a huge crowd, given that the winner gets to own a…brand-new BMW M5!

It sounds too good to be true: a competition giving away a 560HP twin-turbocharged saloon that can complete the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.4 seconds?





Yet that is exactly what is being provided as a prize on the Limited Edition Forza Motorsport 4 racing simulation game for the Microsoft Xbox 360 console that features the M5 on its cover.
Starting from Friday, October 14, members of the Xbox Live community, as well as visitors to selected BMW branches, the BMW showroom in Berlin and the BMW Welt in Munich, can register to enter the BMW M5 Forza Cup competition.
The 16 fastest virtual racers will compete in the M5 Forza Cup final that will take place on November 26 at the BMW Welt. And, like we said before, the winner will take home a ring of power a real M5. Not bad at all.

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Prototype BMW Navigation System Helps you Find the Nearest Parking Space [with Video]

Self-parking cars are nothing new, since companies like VW and Toyota have already been offering such systems on certain models. However most drivers face a more serious problem in modern cities: actually finding a parking space, preferably as near as possible to their destination.

A prototype version of BMW’s ConnectedDrive navigation system that was presented during BMW Group Innovation Days and which has been under development for the past three years, includes a new micro-navigation technology that promises to provide a solution to this problem.
The system guides the driver to the nearest available parking garage providing accurate information stored in its micro-maps and all this without the use of GPS. In addition, all information can be relayed to the driver's mobile device so he or she can find the precise location of the car upon return.
This is just one of the technologies explored by BMW for future application in the next generations of its cars. Other examples include laser lighting, in-car gesture recognition and LTE high-speed mobile connectivity.

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Time Waster of the Day: Infiniti Launches F1 Pit Crew Challenge Facebook Game

If you're looking to fool around and waste some time on your computer, Infiniti might have something just for you.

The Japanese luxury brand, which is increasingly looking to Red Bull to improve its awareness, has launched its first ever social game called "Infiniti Pit Crew Challenge" on Facebook.

The game is rather simple with the goal being to mimic the precision and speed of the Red Bull Racing Pit Crew by placing parts on the F1 car.

You can check it out four yourself on Infiniti's page at facebook.com/infiniti.

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Video: Tesla Model S' Humongous 17-inch Infotainment Screen

Lexus may like to swagger about the new 2013 GS sedan's available 12.3-inch touchscreen, but when it comes to ultimate bragging rights, Tesla is king with the Model S' truly gigantic 17-inch multitouch display.





The crew over at Autoblog.com shot a video of the upcoming Model S during the presentation of the car earlier this month with a Tesla spokesperson highlighting its attributes.
The screen has roughly the same size as two Apple iPads placed one on top of the other. It comes with a Linux-based OS and it provides a slew of features ranging from a web browser and Google Maps navigation systems to controls for the sunroof and the air conditioning.
According to the Tesla spokesman, when the pure-electric Model S hits the streets, the display will be fully customizable offering buyers the possibility to add various third-party apps and download different themes to change its appearance.
Story References: Autoblog.com

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Awesom-O: TomTom Navigation Launches Top Gear Voice Pack with Jeremy Clarkson [Video]

Gone are the days when you're navigation voice choices were limited to Tom, Dick and HarrySally. Now we get all sort of options ranging from cartoon and movie characters such as Homer Simpson and Master Yoda to Top Gear presenters like Jeremy Clarkson who loaned his voice to the new TomTom GO LIVE Top Gear edition satnav.

The new navigation package combines Jeremy Clarkson's directions with a Stig-mode and Top Gear selected points of interest such as race track and raceway locations related to the long-running TV series.
And for those of you wondering, The Stig mode instantly renders the navigation silent leaving the graphics on.
"For Top Gear fans, this limited edition satnav is the ultimate driving companion. Featuring The Stig, Clarkson and TomTom HD Traffic, the GO LIVE Top Gear edition is perfect for drivers who love the open road," said Corinne Vigreux, Managing Director at TomTom.
The special edition Top Gear voice pack for TomTom navigation systems is available for download from today in these countries: Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the UK and the US.
Notably, the UK edition includes one year of TomTom's LIVE Services, which bundles the Speed Cameras package providing mobile and fixed speed camera alert, for free.
Prices vary per country. For example, the Top Gear Edition is priced £189 in the UK, US$199 in the States, €199 in Spain, AU$299 in Australia, 799,00 zł in Poland, and SEK 1799 in Sweden.
For more country-specific details, you can check out TomTom's webpage.

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New Mazdas to Use "Super-Strong" Bumpers Starting with the 2012 CX-5

All upcoming Mazda models including the CX-5 compact crossover that's due for its global launch in early 2012 will come equipped with "super-strong" steel bumper beams, the company announced this week.
The new ultra-high tensile steel is rated at 1,800 MPa and was developed as part of Mazda's SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY program. The steel bars fit inside the front and rear bumpers. According to Mazda, the beams are 20 percent stronger but also 4.8 kilograms (10.5 pounds) lighter than previous versions.

However, being that stronger materials tend to be less flexible and absorb less energy upon impact, Mazda also redesigned the bumper beams. The new design is said to absorbs energy more efficiently while maintain the strength of the steel.
The lightweight steel design was developed in cooperation with Futaba Kogyo Co., Ltd., which will also handle the production process.

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Gentlemen, Start Your Engines: Thrustmaster Unleashes Authentic Replica of Ferrari F1 Wheel

It's been a good few years for racing gameenthusiasts. And we say that both in terms of software with the release of games like the Gran Turismo 5, as well as hardware with choices ranging from the low cost Logitech G27, the mid-priced Fanatec Porsche wheels and Clubsport pedals, to the upper-end Thrustmaster T500 RS wheel / pedal combo and TH8 RS gated gearbox.
Now Thrustmaster, which has been on a product roll lately, has announced a new authentic replica of the Ferrari F1 steering wheel found inside the cockpit of the 150 Italia racecar. The life-size wheel is not a stand-alone item but a removable add-on designed to attach to the T500 RS base.



The rubber-textured wheel features a scratch-brushed reinforced metal facing and F1 Push & Pull sequential shifters as well as an abundance of working rotary knobs, switches and action buttons, just like the F1 car.
According to the Thrustmaster, the steering wheel is PC and Sony PS3 compatible. It offers two modes, a normal setting for both PCs and PS3s with 17 programmable functions, and an advanced setting only for PC with programmable functions.





And now for the bad news, which as you may have already guessed, concerns the price. The Ferrari 150 Italia Racing Wheel add-on will start shipping in early October for US$199.99, while the TS500 RS, which includes a normal steering wheel and a set of pedals, is priced at $599, meaning the complete setup will cost you close to $800.

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Make LEGO Models, Not War: Hippie-Inspired VW Camper Van

Do you remember the 1960s? It was all about peace, love, Woodstock and a VW Camper vanto go with the hippie and surfer culture -or so they say, as any of us under 50 have only heard stories or seen movies about the era.

LEGO's latest creation is harking back to that time. No, not the Woodstock festival or the anti-Vietnam riots, but the iconic 1962 VW T1 Camper, also nostalgically known as the “hippie van”.
The plastic brick van is as close to the original as possible with features like the V-shape color split at the front, the rounded roof and window frames and, of course, the opening front window and the pop-up roof.



LEGO designer John Henry Harris says: “Its unique character and charm have made it loved all over the world, which also means that it has become one of the most customizable vehicles ever produced."
“There’s lots of technical building within the model that I think LEGO fans will enjoy. I am also hoping that it will appeal to a wider audience. I think the VW community out there will really appreciate this model,” Harris added.



The toy company’s designers didn’t have an easy task creating the Camper. As they found out, despite its simple appearance, there were some challenging issues like the three curves at the front, but Harris is confident that LEGO has “managed to get everything right”.
“Everything” means details like the air-cooled flat-four at the back, the sink and the bench that folds down into a bed and the folding table, all of which are present in the model, along with a “Make LEGO models, not war” T-shirt at the window.
The LEGO T1 Camper van, complete with hippie colors, will go on sale on October 1.

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What a Bright Idea: Bicycle LED Lights are Not Only Cool but Also Promote Safety

Working in what appears to be a basement somewhere in San Francisco, two biotech employees and a former NASA engineer have developed a radically new lighting system…forbicycles.
While advances in bicycle technology don’t typically arouse my interest, I’m a sucker for shiny objects and the wheel-mountedRevolights are actually very cool.
Drawing power from a rechargeable lithium ion battery, the system consists of four “light rings,” each sporting a dozen LEDs and a dash of electronics. While stationary, the lights simply flash in sequence and are as every bit as boring as one might expect flashing lights on a bicycle wheel to be. But just get those wheels spinning and watch the magic happen!



While in motion, the lights merge, for all appearances, into solid bars at the front and rear edges of each wheel, illuminating the rider’s path without blinding oncoming traffic and making the cyclist clearly visible from all sides.
Though the “magic” has something to do with magnets and algorithms, knowing that doesn’t lessen the mystery - at least for me.





The system can be mounted onto any bicycle and should be available for purchase by the spring of 2012, when you too can amaze your friends and avoid being hit by a bus while riding your bike at night.

By Michael Denhardt

Story References: Revolights

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Garmin launches navigation devices

Global satellite navigation giant Garmin has announced the release of two new personal navigation devices, the 4.3-inch nüvi 2465 and the 5-inch nüvi  2565. A driving video recorder and a wireless reversing camera system are on offer as accessories. However the biggest announcement was that Garmin will now be offering four free map updates to its customers per year. This should make Garmin’s navigation solutions a tempting option as against competition that charges for every update.
Garmin, the world leader in PNDs (portable navigation devices), has had a domestic presence for the past 15 years. They’ve supplied the government and defence forces. However with the demand for PNDs exponentially shooting up Garmin is focussing all its energy on being the largest player.
These new devices feature Indian accent guidance and even Hindi voice guidance. The mapping had been created by Nokia-owned Navteq specially keeping in mind India’s specialised conditions. Garmin assures us the devices will not be fazed by variables such as lack of lane discipline, incomplete highway construction, road diversions and such. While traffic updates are not currently available, the company says it will be in the near future.
The reversing camera feature is a wireless affair which just needs to be connected with the car's reverse lights. On engaging reverse gear, the camera sends a wireless video feed which is displayed on the GPS unit. The driving recorder which is quite popular in the Asian market lets you record video from the driver's point of view. Garmin says this will be helpful when claiming insurance in case of an accident. However the feasibility of constantly recording video onto the small 2 GB memory card is questionable.

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