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May
22nd

Mobileye

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Driving aids are the next step being taken toward fully automated cars. Books and folklore have predicted self-driving and flying cars for decades. While the latter has yet to materialize on a real scale, driverless cars are already here.

Although not yet ready for mass consumption, the average consumer can already get a taste of what is to come.

Mobileye's collision avoidance technology, using just a display and sophisticated camera, is deceptively simple. There are two kits currently available: the 5-Series and the C2-Series. However, before I go into a few details on the products, I'm going to briefly describe how they work.

Mobileye's collision avoidance technology is based on sophisticated vision algorithms that are capable of reading and interpreting scenarios unfolding ahead of your vehicle in real-time. The mono-camera (a single camera as opposed to two or more in stereo), with set parameters, sends its recommendations and evaluations to a display, providing drivers with sometimes life-saving signals based on its analysis. Along with the visual warnings, an audible sound is also produced.

Photo: Mobileye

Carmakers are currently (and actually have been for a little while) integrating this technology in a number of their products. The safety application is best known as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). In fact, Mobileye holds 80% of the collision avoidance market and its technology is found in BMW, Ford, GM, and Volvo cars and SUVs, among others.

The news announced at CES 2013 pertains to the fact that Mobileye has released a new app for the iPhone and iPad. These devices can now display the information from Mobileye's SeeQ2 image processing board. In fact, the iPhone and iPad's larger screens can exhibit more information than the standard high visibility Eye Watch display and control unit.

With the iPhone mounted in a holder on the dashboard, it doubles as a focal point for all pertinent driver information and maintains the crucial link to the lifeline that is our smartphone. This is bringing technology to the masses.

This new app works with the 5-Series product where Bluetooth connectivity allows consumers to use their own mobile devices. The C2-Series is a more basic system, if only because wires are required.

This new feature demonstrates Mobileye's commitment to bringing more of their devices to the masses with as little intrusion or complication for the consumer. And this is key. This ease of implementation will aid in the deployment of the next million devices they expect to sell in 2013, thus increasing the number of devices to 2 million.

Back in 2010, in the United States alone, 35,000 deaths were caused by car accidents. This statistic excludes injuries and other types of damages. It's no small wonder why the push for self-driving cars is fueled by those invested in safety and security.

As with stability control and ABS brakes, expect these types of detection systems to become standard issue on most, and eventually all, cars sold in North America.

For those interested in Mobileye's technologies, here's a breakdown of the features included in with their collision avoidance technology (copied from Mobileye's website):
  • Daylight Pedestrian Collision Warning, including Bicycle Detection
  • Forward Collision Warning, both in Highway and Urban areas, including Motorcycle Detection
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Headway Monitoring and Warning
  • Intelligent High-Beam Control*
  • Traffic Sign Recognition
  • Intelligent High-Beam Control
  • Speed Limit Indication
Mobileye's technology has generated much interest from insurance and leasing companies as well as fleet managers and consumers in general.

In time, and when the 5-Series becomes available, we at Auto123.com intend to test the product. We look forward to the opportunity, especially given that we test drive numerous different cars from the smart fortwo to the RAM 2500 Laramie Long Horn. We're curious to see if the single camera, installed as per the instructions, will be able to clearly do everything it is expected to do in wildly different vehicles.

At the time of writing, prices were not posted online.

For more information on Mobileye and their products, visit www.mobileye.com.

Photo: Mobileye

May
22nd

Renault launches Red Bull edition of the Megane R.S.

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Renault and Red Bull Racing celebrate their third Formula 1 Constructors' world title together with the introduction of a limited edition Megane R.S. Red Bull Racing RB8.

Renault M�gane R.S. Red Bull Racing RB8
Photo: Renault Sport Technologies

For the second year in a row, Megane R.S. will be available in the colours of Red Bull Racing. In true Renault Sport style, this attractive limited edition version packs advanced technology.

An exclusive look, the result of combined input from the Renault and Red Bull Racing design teams

The exclusive Crépuscule Blue finish takes its inspiration directly from the race team's famous colours, while Red Bull Racing graphics at the rear and on the sides are further tell-tale hallmarks of this limited edition car.

Renault M�gane R.S. Red Bull Racing RB8
Photo: Renault Sport Technologies

In addition to its sporty credentials, it stands out as particularly elegant, too, thanks to exterior Platinum Grey details (F1 blade, door handles, door mirror housing and rear lip spoiler) which harmonise splendidly with the striking Crepuscule Blue body colour. Last but not least, a monochrome laurel on the rear side windows celebrates the team's 2012 Constructors' world title.

Inside, the new limited edition version comes with a number of exclusive features, including Red Bull Racing branding on the numbered aluminium sill guards and carpet mats. The same logo appears on the head rests of the Recaro seats which are trimmed in a new leather/fabric upholstery.

Renault M�gane R.S. Red Bull Racing RB8
Photo: Renault Sport Technologies

The limited edition version packs the same fundamental features as Mégane R.S., including a Cup chassis, a limited slip differential, the 2.0 16V 265 engine with Stop&Start (fuel consumption: 7.5 litres/100km / CO2 emissions: 174g/km) and Renault Sport trademark technologies.

The limited edition Mégane R.S. Red Bull Racing RB8 offer will be withdrawn on September 30, 2013.

May
22nd

F1: Jenson Button unsure to race with Honda power

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From GMM

Jenson Button on Wednesday refused to commit to McLaren for the beginning of the Honda era in 2015.

Team boss Martin Whitmarsh this week said he is happy with McLaren's current driver lineup, but managing director Jonathan Neale acknowledged that the Woking based team is merely "hoping" Button will still be at the wheel in two years.

When asked about 2015, when former works Honda driver Button will potentially be reunited with Japanese power at McLaren, the 33-year-old said in Monaco: "I don't want to think about the future too much at the moment.

"You've got to live in the moment and I don't think trying to agree a lengthy deal for the future is something that is interesting at the moment for me."

Button did, however, sound excited about the Honda deal -- not just for McLaren's sake, but also for F1 more generally.

"For us as a team, I think it's good news for the future. But I also think for the sport as a whole, it's fantastic news," said the Briton.

F1 McLaren pitstop
Photo: McLaren F1 Team


May
22nd

First official picture of 2014 Toyota Corolla

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Toyota has just released the first official -- albeit partial -- picture of the all-new 2014 Toyota Corolla ahead of its debut on June 6th.

The eleventh-generation Corolla is based on the Furia concept unveiled at the NAIAS in Detroit earlier this year.

No specs have been announced; however, some sources predict that a 1.8L four-cylinder engine will find its way under the hood.

Source: leblogauto.com

Toyota Corolla 2014
Photo: Toyota


May
21st

NADA, GM reach out to tornado victims

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The National Automobile Dealers Association and General Motors began reaching out Tuesday with assistance to dealers and victims affected by Monday's tornado in Oklahoma.
May
21st

NADA, automakers reach out with aid for tornado victims

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The National Automobile Dealers Association and several automakers are reaching out with assistance to dealers and victims affected by Monday's tornado in Oklahoma.
May
21st

Automakers, dealers remain opposed to bill preventing rental firms from renting recalled vehicles

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Major automakers and auto dealers told a Senate panel Tuesday that they remain opposed to legislation that would prohibit rental car companies from renting or selling vehicles that are subject to a federal safety recall.
May
21st

VW to modify late-model diesels to prevent improper fueling

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Volkswagen plans to refit more than a quarter million 2009-12 diesel cars to prevent North American customers from mistakenly pumping gasoline into the fuel tanks.
May
21st

Forza Motorsport 5 announced for the Xbox One: Racing game to launch with upcoming console

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Xbox fans who also dig racing rejoice: and#8220;Forza Motorsport 5and#8221; was confirmed today by Microsoft during their press release for its new console, the Xbox One.
May
21st

AutoWeek – Latest Car News Feed 2013-05-21 16:30:00

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The evolution of passenger-car tires begins with a company's racing division, as Goodyear, Firestone and the like spend millions of dollars in research and testing to ensure their tires are top performers on the track.
May
21st

Toyota teases new Corolla. Yay.

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Remember when Toyotas used to be weird? Sure, they've been doing some marginal experimentation lately, bringing us one half of the Febreze
May
21st

Automotive News Breaking News Feed 2013-05-21 16:06:08

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Car dealers were recovering from damage and organizing aid to survivors today after a two-mile-wide tornado ravaged an Oklahoma City suburb, but there were no reports of the massive twister directly hitting dealerships.
May
21st

2 congressmen ask Treasury for details on 2008-09 dealership closures

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Two congressmen -- one a former Ohio auto dealer and the other a Pennsylvania new- and used-car dealer -- have asked the U.S.
May
21st

AutoWeek – Latest Car News Feed 2013-05-21 15:13:29

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Significant racing memorabilia once belonging to Indianapolis 500 legend Wilbur Shaw -- a three-time winner of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing -- will hit the auction block on May 24.
May
21st

AutoWeek – Latest Car News Feed 2013-05-21 15:13:28

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Look out Steve McQueen, Nick Cage's vehicles are set to be the new hot and#8220;thingand#8221; in automotive auctions.
May
21st

Automotive News Breaking News Feed 2013-05-21 15:02:03

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A boutique carmaker led by a former GM executive Bob Lutz and China's largest auto parts supplier submitted an offer to buy cash-strapped automaker Fisker Automotive, people familiar with the matter told Reuters today.
May
21st

Automotive News Breaking News Feed 2013-05-21 15:02:03

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A boutique carmaker led by a former GM executive Bob Lutz and China's largest auto parts supplier submitted an offer of $20 million to buy cash-strapped automaker Fisker Automotive, people familiar with the matter told Reuters today.
May
21st

2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 – An American S-Class

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2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 - An American S-Class
2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 - Automobile Magazine
We're spending Four Seasons with the new GL450.

The Mercedes-Benz S-class is the global-summit delivery vehicle for diplomats and business leaders from around the world. Here in the land of the SUV, however, we need something bigger and taller to fit our collective driving psyche. The GL-class is our S-class, able to comfortably and luxuriously transport up to seven adults across vast Montana ranches or along Wall Street.


Photo Gallery: 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Mercedes-Benz GL450 - Automobile Magazine


May
21st

Ford to maintain Canadian factory footprint despite high labor costs

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Ford is confident it can preserve its manufacturing profile in Canada despite uncompetitive operating costs tied to the high Canadian dollar, the company's top executive in the country said today.
May
21st

AutoWeek – Latest Car News Feed 2013-05-21 12:57:39

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First, it left us stranded due to a stuck charger, and then it made us smile from ear to ear with its silent but deadly acceleration.
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