This video made the rounds several months ago, and it’s back, but this time with some ‘behind the scenes’ video as well. Take a look if you haven’t seen it before. It’s well worth it!
Cool Stuff Being Made: The Honda Cog Commercial and How It Was Made
An excellent Porsche collection in Dayton, Ohio. Saw it on ‘My Classic Car’.
TajMaGaraj.Excessive Personal Transportation & Automotive Necessities
An interesting test of driving ability (or lack thereof) of the modern driver. We’ve become so dependent on new technology, we don’t know how to actually drive!
An interesting device that connects to the OBDII connector in your car. Depending on the version, can report and record many different stats, and reset the ‘Service Engine’ light. Can do your own diagnostics if the garage isn’t helping.
Also could be used to keep an eye on your child, although depending on where the connector is, the CarChip may interfere with your legs while driving.
Another comparison of real life vs Gran Turismo 4. What I’d give to try this out!!
Edmunds.com comparison test: Ford GT vs. Ford GT – Autoblog – www.autoblog.com _
An interesting approach to getting the lowest price.
Buying a New Car���fivecentnickel.com���a blog about personal finance
Ever wondered how the fuel usage estimates are created? Here’s the details.
Reading through it, it’s no surprise you never (or at least very rarely) achieve the numbers they suggest. Also explains why it’s tougher in winter then summer (in a cold region at least), since cold winter blends don’t have as much energy per litre.
CanadianDriver: Auto Tech – How government fuel economy ratings are determined
Worth a read if you were thinking of a K&N Filter for your daily driver…
How well do K&N air filters work? – Autoblog – www.autoblog.com _
From Engadget:
An interesting project that is in the early stages. Testing to see how effective solar panels can be on the roof of a Prius.
Talks about interior temperatures in the sun, and the benefits of a sunshade in the window. Makes a difference, and the lower the heat in the car, then less damage it can do. Doesn’t hurt that the sunshade keeps the sun off your dash too.
One interesting point is the results of a study where they left the windows open 1.5″. Made a negligible difference to the interior temperature, so appears best to leave your windows up all the way since more secure, and wouldn’t keep the car cooler anyway.
CanadianDriver: Auto Tech – Summer heat in parked cars can be deadly
An interesting article by a journalist who visited Michelin’s proving ground. Good discussion of why tire inflation is sooo important, and also why it’s important to have 4 matched tires. If you are only replacing 2 tires, ALWAYS put them on the rear. See the article for why.
Cadillac is introducing a smart high beam turn off system. Basically, it watches for oncoming headlights, and slowly dims the high beams until they’re off, rather then the sudden switch from high to low beams.
I would love this on my current car, as the low beams don’t shine far enough down the road, but I don’t want to blind oncoming traffic with my HIDs, especially on rural divided highways.
Two interesting new tire ideas from Michelin. No more flats or checking tire pressure. Also, smooth ride but good cornering is possible.
If it arrives, will the tread patterns be interchangeable from design to design, or will each Tweel be proprietary so you have to have a Goodyear Tweel to install a Goodyear tread, and a Michelin Tweel to install a Michelin tread? My guess is no, it would be similar to what we have now where you buy a wheel and put the appropriate size tire on it.
How long before the first car is stolen using these techniques?
The New York Times > National > Graduate Cryptographers Unlock Code of ‘Thiefproof’ Car Key
On the January 5th, 2005 episode of Motoring 2005, this company was mentioned.
They are able to fix minor dents without requiring repainting. Well worth a look if you have a minor dent you would like repaired.
I haven’t done it, but a UK based auto show called Fifth Gear did. They bought two 10 year old cars, had them fitted with remote controls, and ran them at each other with each car doing 60mph.
I have extracted the relevant video so you can see the devastating results here. As noted in the video, a modern car would do better, but not enough to make a difference.
Keep this in mind the next time you’re racing down the street…
On a related note, here’s an interesting fact. If you were driving 50 km/h and came to a stop as fast as possible. Then place a pedestrian where your bumper is (i.e. just missing them). Now, begin stopping at exactly the same place with maximum force, but driving at 60 km/h (an increase of 10 km/h). How fast will you be going when you hit the pedestrian?
10 km/h?
15 km/h?
20 km/h?
Would you believe 35 km/h? Do the math and see for yourself…
The Toronto Star is reporting on new go-kart tracks that will be built in the Vaughan Mills shopping centre at 401 and 7. There will be 3 indoor and 2 outdoor tracks with karts aimed at differing age groups.
I just wonder if they’ll have any really challenging karts on good courses, meaning you have to actually drive the karts, as opposed to mashing the pedal to the floor, and steering around the course.
I will always tell anyone that will listen about adjusting your side view mirrors to almost eliminate blindspots, and reduce/eliminate the need for a full-blown shoulder check.
Here are some simple to follow instructions to help you setting up your mirrors. Car Talk
A list of products the author highly recommends.
CanadianDriver: Product review – Car care products – ‘Paul’s picks’
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