A group of German researchers are working to develop a new touchscreen steering wheel. The wheel itself is a sheet of acrylic rimmed with infrared LEDs. A single infrared camera picks up reflections on the acrylic when touched, allowing a range of gestures to operate everything from the stereo to climate control. The notion is that the tech will allow drivers to keep their eyes on the road and off the various distractions in the cabin, but we’re having a hard time swallowing that premise.
Adding yet another screen to a vehicle and forcing drivers to learn a set of gestures for something as simple as turning up the volume or adjusting the air temperature is bound to only add confusion to the mix. Drivers haven’t had any trouble manipulating the controls of their vehicles for decades now, so why botherreinventing the wheel? The good news is that the costs to develop and maintain a device like the touchscreen steering wheel are prohibitive enough to keep manufacturers from considering implementation. Check out the full report over at Physorg.
Mike Rockenfeller crashes his Audi R18 TDI at Le Mans – Click above to watch video
Audi is down to one R18 TDI in the 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans after Mike Rockenfeller was involved in the team’s second horrific accident of the race, following the in the race’s first hour. As Rockenfeller, driving the #1 car, overtook the #71 Ferrari on the Mulsanne straight, the two cars made contact, sending Rockenfeller into the barrier at full speed, obliterating the Audi in dramatic, terrifying fashion. The shunt was captured by an unmanned camera and Rockenfeller’s on-board cam.
Rockenfeller got out of the car on his own power and is apparently okay. He’s being checked out at the medical center as a precaution. The safety car is out for what will undoubtedly be another long cleanup. The remaining Audi, the #2 car, is still the race leader. 15 hours to go, people. to see the Rockenfeller crash.
UPDATE: Audi Sport boss Wolfgang Ullrich was just interviewed on EuroSport, and he again confirmed that Rockenfeller left the car on his own, adding that the driver was communicative with staff at the onsite medical center. Rockenfeller is now headed to the hospital for additional precautionary scans. This is basically the same course of events that Allan McNish went through following his crash earlier today.
An Ohio judge ordered Ford to pay $2 billion to thousands of its dealerships to settle a 2002 lawsuit. Dealers brought the class-action lawsuit after Ford overcharged them for over an 11-year period.
The cash reward breaks down like this: $781 million in damages and $1.2 billion in interest will be divided up among nearly 3,000 dealerships after being overcharged on nearly 475,000 trucks.
According to Ford, the lawsuit covered 600 Series and higher trucks built between 1987 and 1997. Dealers accused Ford of failing to let them know about price concessions given to some dealers. Ford says it will appeal the decision, so the $2B likely isn’t going anywhere just yet.
The has gotten a big makeover for 2012, with all-new styling and a lower price tag starting at . Now we know exactly what to expect for under $20k, thanks to VW’s the new online configurator. For starters, the base Passat has the 170-hp 2.5-liter five-cylinder mated to a five-speed manual. It also gets an eight-speaker sound system, Bluetooth and dual-zone climate control.
Move up to the Passat TDI and the price of entry jumps to $25,995. The big pull is, of course, the 2.0-liter turbodiesel, which is rated at 31 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway. The range-topper is the Passat V6, which produces 280 horsepower and has a six-speed DSG. The $3,955 V6 SEL package adds navigation, a 30GB hard drive, leather seats with Dynamica inserts and Autumn Nut Burl interior trim, bringing the MSRP to $32,950.
The Passat configurator site is maddeningly confusing and not at all intuitive, but if you click the right buttons you may actually build the Passat of your dreams. Pick the wrong selection, like when you choose the “no cost leatherette” on a base Passat, and you’ll be asked to upgrade to the 2.5 SEL 2 model for another $9,900. Because why wouldn’t pleather seatsalso necessitate adding nav and a Fender sound system?
Audi R18 TDi wreckage at the 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans – Click above for high-res image gallery
As you’re likely aware, in a spectacular accident earlier this morning at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. McNish walked away from the scene, was checked out at the hospital, given a clean bill of health, and has since returned to the Audi garage.
is onsite at Le Mans and was only 100 yards away from being in the very wrong spot at the wrong time as the Audi crash took place. Those guys were able to capture some unique photos that they’re now graciously sharing with Autoblog.
Please to keep up to date on the action at Le Mans (just don’t expect too many Peugeot pictures). Thanks again to QuattroWorld, Josh Decker and Mike Juergens for the photos, which you can check out in the gallery below.
2011 24 Hours of Le Mans – Click above for high-res image gallery
The 79th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans has already been a thrilling race, and the sun hasn’t even gone down yet. In the first hour, the Peugeot 908s and Audi R18 TDis jumped out to the front of the pack, with Peugeot looking poised to make up for last year’s disappointing run. Across the paddock at Audi, the brand-new R18 TDi was living up to lofty expectations.
The team from Ingolstadt suffered a huge setback less than an hour in, however, at the Dunlop esses. McNish was OK, but the impact obliterated his car and left the Armco barrier worse for wear. The ensuing hour-long caution gave teams a chance to refuel, switch drivers and make adjustments, while the Audis and Peugeots saved fuel idling around the storied course.
At this time, the #2 Audi leads the #7 and #8 Peugeots. With 21 hours to go, that’ll likely change a few times. Stay tuned for more as the race wears on. In the meantime, check out the gallery of photos from the race start taken by our man .
Just how much does it cost to run an F1 team? Budgets differ greatly from championship frontrunners to back-markers, but even in a general sense it’s usually hard to say, because F1 budgets are typically closely-guarded secrets. Reports indicate, however, that Red Bull has spent a whopping £422 million (equivalent to $690m by today’s conversion rates) from 2005 (when it entered the sport) through 2009.
The report, from the business editor at racing news site Pitpass, ran in The Independent, breaking down yearly expenditures made by the energy drink concern to Red Bull Technology. The outfit is the direct parent of both Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Toro Rosso, and until 2010 when new regulations banned shared chassis, was responsible for designing and producing the cars for both RBR and STR.
The finances, therefore, are split between the two teams, but it’s no secret which one gets the lion’s share. In 2007, for example, Red Bull reportedly invested £89.2m ($146m) in F1, of which £78.2m ($128m) went to Red Bull Racing, the remaining £11m ($18m) to Toro Rosso. In, 2008 the beverage company invested £82.5m ($135m), £79m ($129m) of which funded Red Bull Racing. In 2009, investment jumped to £106.8m ($175m), with £96.9m ($158m) going to RBR.
Could all that cash possibly be worth it? Aside from the notion that you can’t put a price on victory – and that Red Bull Racing is the current reigning champion – industry insiders, considering the on-air exposure and positive brand association from which Red Bull benefits, say it most definitely is. In fact, according to the report, Red Bull would have to pay roughly double what it does to buy that kind of exposure. And don’t forget, of course, that F1 is only one of many sports the company directly invests in. It sponsors countless sporting events globally and fields teams in soccer, hockey and NASCAR.
Allan McNish crash 2011 24 Hours of LeMans – Click above to view video
Less than an hour in to the , the of Allan McNish is out of contention. With McNish at the wheel, the R18 ran up on slower GT traffic coming into the Dunlop curve. Instead of backing off, McNish tried to shoot the gap underneath a slower Ferrari 458 Italia. As McNish reached the apex of the corner, he touched the Ferrari, sending both cars hard into the barrier.
The R18 got airborne in the gravel, and slammed into a tire wall sideways, spraying photographers and spectators with wheels, suspension pieces and large chunks of carbon fiber monocoque. Despite the severity of the crash, McNish was able to walk away under his own power after marshals righted the remains of his diesel prototype.
It’s good to know McNish is ok, and our thoughts are with the photographers and marshals who got sprayed with crash debris. Ultimately, McNish probably shouldn’t have shot the gap this early in the race. To see the full terrifying video, .
It’s a car you can’t really drive, but expects that a 1939 with a Plexiglas body will go for anywhere between $275,000 to $475,000 at the St. John’s auction that’s being held as part of the in Plymouth, MI this July. The Pontiac was built for the 1939-1940 New York World’s Fair and appeared as part of General Motors’ “Futurama” exhibit that showcased how the immediate pre-World War II imagination pictured 1960.
See-through cars were not part of the prediction, but a tough new transparent material that could be molded into such a complex shape was certainly something worth showing off. The Pontiac’s body was created by , inventor of Plexiglas, to show off its revolutionary new material, and this particular car is the only one of two such vehicles that’s known to survive.
This Poncho is unrestored, so there’s some visible damage that’s been accumulated over the years, but this impressive artifact is the first full-size automobile rendered see-through and therefore deserves a place of prominence in someone’s collection… or living room. Either way, it will be a conversation piece.
DeLorean monster truck churns Hahn Super Dry – Click above to watch the video
Starting from the very first button press and the resulting cassette blasting the theme to Knight Rider, the video you see after the break may very well be the best beer commercial ever. It comes from Hahn Super Dry, which is our new favorite beer from Australia.
Looks like we’ve found ourselves a new Australian word for beer…
Just in case gender-bending bodybuilders, beer-filled panthers and a ferret wearing a hair net weren’t enough awesome for you, pay special attention about 25 seconds into the commercial. Your eyes do not deceive you, that is indeed a DeLorean monster truck.
Do yourself a favor. and watch the most epic beer commercial ever. You won’t regret it.
Porsche: A History of Excellence – Click above for image gallery from the publication
Randy Leffingwell is a enthusiast – serving as primary reason why this book isn’t just another regurgitated account following the history of one of the world’s most celebrated marques. Porsche: A History of Excellence is a comprehensive look at the automaker’s past, from 1938 to near present day, told within the confines of a 348-page coffee table book.
Researched with the tenacity of someone who truly appreciates and understands the brand, Leffingwell did much of his investigation in Germany, working side-by-side with Dieter Landenberger (director of Porsche archives) for this fully authorized book. The author conducted more than 60 interviews to answer questions such as: Why did Porsche feel it necessary to go into the SUV market? Did some of Porsche’s 917 racing program funding come from Marketing? What were the design and engineering challenges to creating “two cars with one face,” both the and the , at the same time?
The book is loaded with beautiful and interesting imagery – the color pictures occupy more space than text on most of the pages. According to Leffingwell, about half the images in the book came from Porsche’s own archives, which have been published in this book for the first time. The balance was shot by the author himself, a noted world-class photographer, in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Austria and Italy.
While it is an interesting chronological read, with plenty of eye candy to hold the reader’s attention, we did note that the book abruptly ends its history lesson at the year 2008. Sadly, there is no mention of current technology like the “Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe” (), direct-injection or the (even though an image of the supercar oddly emblazons the cover). Nevertheless, it’s not a deal breaker as the balance of the content more than makes up for the minor shortcoming.
Before you rush out to put a copy on your family room table, we need to warn you that the book isn’t completely new – explaining the date cutoff. Leffingwell reveals that most of the copy was first published as Porsche 60 Years, a six-pound hardcover, in August of 2008. While that book received excellent reviews, it went out of print after just one run (new copies of the original text, if you can find them, are selling for over $150.00). Thanks to the popularity of a German language edition, the publisher chose to re-release this updated and revised version called Porsche: A History of Excellence. Printed as a three-pound soft-cover, the book carries a list price of $30.00 (it is $21.90 right now on ). That’s a literary bargain if you’re a fan of European sports cars.
Audi R18 TDI Qualifying at the 2011 24 Hours of Le Mans – Click above for high-res image gallery
For the past several years at the , has had the fastest car on track – last year the brand took the top four qualifying spots. , which has essentially dominated the last decade at Le Mans, have had to rely on fuel mileage, reliability and pit strategy to make up time.
This year, however, Audi has brought a brand new car to the race, the , and it appears that it has finally leveled the playing field. Audi captured the top two spots in qualifying, albeit by a small margin. In fact, the top six cars were separated by only a little more than half a second, with the Peugeots positioned in third, fourth and sixth.
While qualifying position matters very little to the actual outcome of the race, it does indicate the overall capability of each of the cars. Given the close proximity of the lap times, especially given the 8.47-mile length of the circuit, the winner will most likely be whoever can stay out of the pits the most. Typical Le Mans, and potentially very exciting.
You can read more about Audi’s qualifying efforts in the PR , and check back this weekend for more Le Mans coverage.
Thought your Panamera Turbo was pretty cool, huh? Wait ’til you get a load of the Turbo S… With its 543 horsepower and 3.6-second 0-60, you’re no longer the hottest sedan on the road.
The rear-wheel drive sportscar that may very well spawn Toyota, Scion and Subaru versions has popped up on the Nürburgring.
I see my BMW and I want it to be matte.
Also of interest:
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Audi A1 clubsport quattro – Click above for high-res image gallery
has a huge presence at this weekend’s . In addition to running a trio of s in the race, the Four Rings takes over a large portion of the track with displays, hospitality suites and even a temporary hotel that is built for the event each year.
One of the vehicles on display was the , a celebration of all things . The show car is a clue that Audi’s quattro system will soon make its way into the lineup, although the demonstration is more extreme than anything that will make it to production.
Under the hood is a 500-horsepower version of the 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine, allowing the A1 clubsport quattro to go from 0-100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour) in just 3.7 seconds. The car also features a beautiful matte white paint job, a widebody aerodynamics kit, carbon fiber roof and rear spoiler, retro 19-inch wheels and more.
You can see our live photos of the Audi A1 clubsport quattro in the included high-res gallery, and check back in the next few days for more coverage of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Smart Brabus ForTwo by Boxfresh – Click above for high-res image gallery
Hard as it might seem to believe from its decidedly more spartan packaging, the is made by the same people responsible for the limousine and countless luxury automobiles. But as seems to be the craze these days, the Daimler city car division has teamed up with a British clothing label called Boxfresh for a substantially more luxurious version.
The special one-off starts with a Brabus-spec cabrio, packing 31 more horsepower than standard for 101 – not exactly earth-shattering output numbers here, but a lot for such a tiny car. Boxfresh has resprayed it in what looks like a matte gunmetal finish; the interior is swathed in a rather sumptuous-looking tan leather. A heavy twill canvas folding roof tops it all off.
As you can see from the many artful close-ups in our image gallery, the attention to detail looks immaculate. We dare not ask how much such a trim job cost. This is, after all, a one-off for the time being, with the commercially-available product of their collaboration set to be announced later this year.
One way or another, it’s not likely to make the jump Stateside – we just hope this isn’t what Brabus was hiding in that video from last week.
New Cadillac Dealership showroom – Click above for high-res image gallery
has unveiled the new look for the company’s dealerships. The luxury arm’s designers partnered up with Gensler architects to create a new showroom design. Extensive use of high-quality materials like English oak, matte porcelain tile, limestone tile, brushed stainless steel accents and plenty of high-quality lighting are all part of the mix.
According to GM, over 200 Cadillac dealerships have committed to the upgrades. In addition to the new materials, each showroom will boast custom art and designer furniture, including an array of photography designed to highlight the company’s design philosophy and Knoll Barcelona lounge chairs. Expect to find a fully-functional coffee bar on your next visit to a Caddy dealer, too.
Dealer staff are also getting a bit of a revamp in the form of customer service training from the Ritz-Carlton hotel gurus. So far, Suburban Cadillac of Ann Arbor is the first dealer to finish up the revamp, though more should complete their renovations soon. for a look at the full press release.
Glenn Beck on the gas tax – Click above to watch video
If there’s one thing that is fast becoming true about the , it’s that . So, we will admit up front that this story comes straight out of the “predictable/it’s not news when an idiot says something stupid” file, but it’s still worth something.
What’s the deal? Well, apparently, Fox News’ Glenn Beck and Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain think it’s beyond the pale for General Motors’ CEO, Dan Akerson, to have . Beck got his dander up, saying to Akerson (through the camera):
I’ve seen your crappy new electric car, and no one’s buying it… A 50-cent gas tax would make everyone puke. A dollar might make me puke my heart and lungs. There is a bi-partisan pukage going on here with GM, and that’s what happens when gas goes up.
There’s nothing in the way of context or reasons why a gas tax might be a good thing, but Beck does draw ties between Akerson and George Soros (one of Beck’s favorite targets) and others through the Carlyle Group. See for yourself . The gas tax discussion starts at minute 26:30.
2011 BMW M3 Frozen Black Edition – Click above for high-res image gallery
On June 16, 2011 at 11:30 AM EST, will start taking orders for the car you see here, the 2011 Frozen Black Edition Coupe. Only 20 examples will be produced, with the first 19 being sold on a first come, first serve basis to anyone willing to plunk down $79,650. BMW North America will hold on to the 20th car (you know, for auto shows and such), though it may be sold on a later date.
So, what does nearly $80,000 net you? Obviously, all the grace and glory of the M3 Coupe, complete with its 4.0-liter, 414-horsepower V8. The Frozen Black coupes will only be available with the M DCT dual-clutch transmission, which lowers the 0-60 time from 4.7 seconds to 4.5.
All 20 coupes will be fitted with BMW’s M3 , not to mention optional goodies like the full premium and convenience packages, as well as things like heated seats, satellite radio and a premium sound system. In addition to the Frozen Black paint, this special M3 is set apart from its kin with black Novillo leather with red contrast stitching, M3 GTS wheels (painted black, of course), red brake calipers and a whole lot of other sinister design touches.
For the full list of Frozen Black M3 equipment, for BMW’s official press release. Customers will be able to take delivery of their cars starting at the end of June, with the full production run to be completed by the end of July.
2011 Volvo C30 – Click above for high-res image gallery
According to Automotive News, CEO Stefan Jacoby has stated that the automaker will likely “trim [its] product line” in the United States over the next few years. Jacoby has not revealed exactly what models will be cut, but instead says that the company’s core products here in the States will be the sedan, as well as the and crossovers.
Volvo has already announced that it plans to stop selling the and wagons in the United States, and according to Tamara Darvish, a Volvo dealership owner in Rockville, Maryland, the company will likely phase out sales of the sedan. Our own speculation suggests that the premium hatch could be on the chopping block, as well.
Jacoby has said on many occasions that Volvo hopes to sell 120,000 vehicles annually in the United States by 2020. In 2010, Volvo managed to move 53,948 vehicles, and current data suggests that the company is on track to sell between 60,000 and 70,000 vehicles in the U.S. in 2011.
Automotive News also reports that Volvo is looking to start its own captive finance arm here in the U.S. “We’re committed to increasing sales here,” Jacoby stated, saying that a decision about such a finance division would be made by the end of the year. If this plan gets the green light, it will likely involve a joint venture with a bank or other financial service institution. Currently, Volvo dealerships often obtain financing from U.S. Bank.
Mazda BT-50 Freestyle – Click above for high-res image gallery
Another day, another heaping scoop of salt in our open mid-sized pickup wound. has released a few shots of the upcoming BT-50 Freestyle pickup. Essentially an extended-cab version of the standard BT-50, the Freestyle offers a slightly smaller cabin and a marginally larger bed than its brethren. Mazda says that the cargo box has grown in every direction, allowing for a total capacity of 51.3 cubic feet.
The cab features two reverse-hinge half-doors in addition to the two standard front doors. The pilarless design makes for easy ingress and egress to the rear seats.
Mazda’s corporate design language is still slathered all over the exterior of the BT-50, but the cab proportions help balance out the sweeping lines, at least in our book. Like its Ford Ranger chassis mate, the BT-50 was designed in Australia, which is expected to be the truck’s largest market. While the pickup will likely show its smiling face in numerous other countries, it isn’t destined for North America any time soon. Readers outside of the U.S. can expect to see the truck touch down on dealer lots later this year.
