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Torrance, CA is going to the front of the line. Honda has delivered its first Fit EV to the city government Friday as part of an EV demonstration program that will include an unspecified number of the little electric vehicles in tests before the consumer launch in limited markets (read: California and Oregon) happens this summer. Torrance will also get a Honda plug-in hybrid in the future.

From the sound of Honda’s language, it appears that Torrance – as well as Google Inc. and Stanford University, the other test partners – will only get one Fit EV. Honda’s press release (available after the jump) says:

Each program participant will provide Honda with real-world feedback on the Fit EV. Individually, each participant will use the Fit EV to further initiatives such as research into human behavior and various usages like personal, fleet and car-sharing.

However many Fits are tested, what’s more important is how real-world drivers will be able to make use of this car when it becomes available. With an expected lease price of $399 and a range of 123 miles in the city (76 miles city/highway combined) from a 20-kWh lithium-ion battery, the Fit does offer up some good numbers. Throw in a three-hour recharge time (from a 240V, Level 2 charger) and you’ve got a potential winner. In limited markets, anyway. Get more details on the Fit EV here.

Continue reading Honda delivers first Fit EV to Torrance, CA

Honda delivers first Fit EV to Torrance, CA

Following Dr. Z’s keynote here at CES, Mercedes-Benz showed off the latest iteration of its telematics and infotainment system, mBrace2.

The system simply expands and enhances what M-B’s system has been doing for the last few years, integrating Facebook, Google Point of Interest searches and now Google Street View into the current COMAND interface.

There’s a full-scale browser controlled by the central COMAND knob, but as you can see in the video after the jump, a combination of spotty data access (the CES show floor needs its own spectrum) and some oddly chosen user interface decisions makes for a rather clunky experience.

Data issues aside, the biggest problem is using the outmoded concept of a pointer to select things on the screen. That’s fine for PCs, but using a five-way controller to pan and click around a page is infuriatingly frustrating. Here’s hoping M-B irons out the kinks before mBrace2 arrives on the all-new SL and the rest of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz lineup.

Continue reading Hands on with Mercedes-Benz mBrace2

Hands on with Mercedes-Benz mBrace2

Audi has tripled the size of its booth here at CES, and contained within is a mockup of the next A3’s interior. Well, half of it. But the functional display was designed to showcase the latest generation of Audi Connect, the automaker’s reworked infotainment system that’s set to debut on the 2013 Audi A3.

As we exclusively revealed to you last year, Audi is incorporating its touchpad technology (originally fitted to the A7 and A8) directly into its Multi Media Interface (MMI) control knob, negating the need to move one’s hand to write individual letters for navigation, point-of-interest and web searches. As expected, the knob has grown in size, but the additional girth isn’t a bad thing. Audi has also nixed the traditional buttons flanking the knob and instead replaced them with toggle switches to swap between navigation, telephone, radio and media. From a muscle-memory point-of-view, this should be a good thing.

The other major upgrade is under the dash, with the installation of Audi’s first Multi-Media Extension (MMX) board. This new modular board incorporates an NVIDIA Tegra graphics processor that not only displays fantastic images and 3D animations on the ultra-thin seven-inch display, it can be swapped out as chipset technology evolves. Audi has also expanded its Google Earth integration to include Google Street View and a new iPhone cradle in the armrest boosts the phone’s signal to keep the data flowing. We were also told that inductive charging could be included in the cradle, but that might be one system that’s left on the cutting room floor. Get a sample of it all in our hands-on video after the jump.

Continue reading Audi shows off 2013 A3 interior with new Audi Connect, we go hands-on [w/video]

Audi shows off 2013 A3 interior with new Audi Connect, we go hands-on [w/video]

With in-car technology coming fast and furious at this week’s North American International Auto Show and the Consumer Electronics Show, it seems like the perfect week for AOL Autos, Autoblog, Translogic and Engadget to announce a new “Technology of the Year” Award program that will reward the best purveyors of new tech, and serve as a useful hub of info for our readers.

At CES today, AOL Autos Editor-in-Chief David Kiley is announcing the new award, which will be rolled out throughout 2012, with a winner presented with the laurels at next year’s CES.

A panel of judges will be evaluating new or improved tech in the categories of telematics, connectivity and active safety. The judging panel includes Kiley, Autoblog editor-in-chief John Neff, Engadget editor-in-chief Tim Stevens, Autoblog senior editor Damon Lavrinc, AOL Autos Tech Editor Jeff Sabatini, and HuffingtonPost auto industry senior editor Sharon Silke Carty. The judging board also includes Tony Fadell, founder of www.nest.com, who is also the former Apple engineer often referred to as “The Father of the iPod. Author Lauren “The Car Coach” Fix, and Shelby “The Teen Car Coach” Fix are also judges.

AOL Autos has also assembled this unique judging panel to evaluate technology advances introduced each year and will name the best at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show.

“AOL Autos is the obvious source to bring together the best and brightest arbiters of automotive and electronic communications hardware into one industry award,” explained Kiley. “Tapping into the expertise of AOL Autos, Autoblog, and Engadget, AOL is uniquely positioned to evaluate and ultimately name an annual Technology of the Year winner.”

You can go to the homepage of the award program, http://autos.aol.com/award/, which explains the award parameters, lists stories about new tech that will be eligible for nomination this year, as well as an opportunity to win a Samsung flat-screen TV and Roku if you sign up for our Tech of the Year e-newsletter this week, which will keep you up to date on all the new eligible technology.

Finalists for the award will be announced at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. And between the LA Auto Show and CES, said Kiley, “Our readers will have an opportunity to cast votes for the best tech, and their consensus winner will carry the weight of one judge on the panel.” Said Kiley, “Even if our readers don’t have the chance to test the technology themselves, we want to know what they think about our coverage and the concepts they are reading about.”

Continue reading AOL Autos announces new Technology of the Year award

AOL Autos announces new Technology of the Year award

Pandora may becoming a standard on every major OEM infotainment system, but all-you-can-eat subscription music services haven’t gained the same momentum or widespread adoption. MOG is aiming to change that with automotive partnerships with BMW and Mini, but its just-announced tie-up with Aha Radio extends MOG’s reach even further, and has wider implications, not just for the on-demand music service, but for Aha Radio as a whole.

The partnership with Aha Radio (now owned by Harman) is just the first of several MOG will be announcing in 2012. Aftermarket companies like JVC are also implementing the music service into their head units, but what’s more important is the usage of Aha Radio as the method of delivery.

Rather than going to an automaker, getting approval to use its API and then developing an app that only works with one infotainment system, MOG is integrating its service into Aha Radio, which delivers a range of content – from restaurant information to Facebook feeds – into a single app that’s ported and controlled through your in-dash touchscreen.

So Aha Radio is the platform – a one-stop conduit for content – and MOG, NPR, CNN, Twitter, Facebook and others deliver the substance.

Both Honda and Subaru have announced partnerships with Aha Radio and plan to integrate the service into their factory head units beginning this spring. But you don’t need to buy a 2013 Subaru BRZ (pictured above) to get in on the action. Kenwood will join Pioneer to begin offering Aha Radio on its head units later this year. and even better, Aha Radio runs and integrates with both iOS and Android devices, so no need to worry about connectivity issues. Hit the jump for the all the details.

Continue reading MOG comes to Aha Radio. Aha Radio comes to Honda, Subaru. Here’s why it matters.

MOG comes to Aha Radio. Aha Radio comes to Honda, Subaru. Here’s why it matters.

This time last year, Ford was pulling the wraps off the Focus Electric at CES in Las Vegas. Twelve months later, Ford is slowly beginning production of its first EV at its Michigan Assembly plant and dropped off one early example to the crew at Google.

We’re not sure what the search giant is doing with Dearborn’s inaugural EV, but something involving either Google Street View or its autonomous vehicle program isn’t out of the question. Or maybe just Brin and Page wanted something with a 100-mile range and quick charging to replace their aging pair of Prii.

Continue reading First Ford Focus Electric heads to Google

First Ford Focus Electric heads to Google

In-car point-of-interest and Google searches are all well and good, but it’s hard to decipher what restaurants, bars and other local businesses are worth your hard-earned bucks while you’re on the go. Yelp for BMW ConnectedDrive solves that problem.

Whatever your view of Yelp is (and there are many), the crowd-sourced business rating site is still the go-to source for many looking for up-to-date, relevant rankings of what’s nearby. And with the latest update from BMW Online, drivers of most 2009 and later models can benefit from the service.

Additionally, you can email business listings to yourself or a friend, and BMW’s infotainment system can also read off the three latest reviews so you won’t be staring at the screen while trying to find a suitable sushi joint. Make the jump for the official details and a list of vehicles included in the update.

Continue reading Yelp comes to BMW ConnectedDrive

Yelp comes to BMW ConnectedDrive

A new study commissioned by British parking lot operator NCP has found that nearly half of all UK drivers name their vehicles. Researchers questioned a total of 3,000 UK drivers ranging in age from 17 to 45 to determine whether or not they have a special moniker for their vehicle. The study also took the time to look into which names drivers chose.

In the UK, most drivers tend to prefer names derived from celebrities, with 24 percent of those surveyed opting for high-profile labels. Prince William and Lady Gaga are apparently two of the most popular vehicle names at the moment, though drivers also favor cartoon characters, sports figures and politicians.

Interestingly enough, three percent of those surveyed say they name their vehicle after coworkers. It makes us wonder what kind of vehicle Dwight Schrute from The Office would be. Clearly, not everyone feels attached enough to their car to give it a name, with 20 percent of those surveyed saying those who do are “sad.” Some people just don’t know how to have any fun, eh?

Our staff’s driveways are filled with plenty of unique vehicular characters, including one very determined ‘78 International Scout Terra that goes by the name Death Proof. Do you name your vehicles? Let the world know what you call your car in the Comments, but not before taking part in our brief poll below.

View Poll

Nearly half of Brits surveyed name their cars… do you? [w/poll]

Depending on your point of view, autonomous cars are either long overdue or a technology to be avoided at all cost. We see both sides of the argument, but a recent patent secured by tech giant Google may mean the best of both worlds.

U.S. patent number 8,078,349 describes a vehicle that can switch from regular human-operated driving to autonomous mode at the push of a button. Sort of. First, the operator needs to direct the machine to a predefined “landing strip.” There, a “reference indicator” (think of something like a QR code affixed to the road) would combine with GPS coordinates to allow the vehicle to know its exact location.

If the stars are aligned and the moon is in the seventh house everything is found to be in working order, Google could send the car directions on where to go and how exactly to get there.

Naturally, there’s a ton of technical mumbo jumbo in the patent, and if you’re game, you can read all about it here. As pointed out by ConceivablyTech, Google is packing plenty of uber-smart star power behind this technology, so we wouldn’t be at all surprised to see cars autonomously taking occupants on short trips within a relatively short period of time. Just so long as we can switch it off when the roads get good…

Google awarded patent for autonomous car mode

According to French blog Caradisiac, Volkswagen will show a brand new electric-car concept at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. Pitched as VW demonstrating its intention to field a competitor for the hot-selling Nissan Leaf and the most-excellent Mitsubishi i-MiEV, word is the VW offering isn’t based on any current car, nor is it destined for production.

According to the report, the EV’s design is inspired by the new Beetle “in order to evoke hallmarks of the brand.” We’ve heard similar things from inside VW directly, but no one is being specific. It’s almost like they’re trying to keep it a surprise or something.

Whatever it ends up being, the electrified people’s car will be sharing floor space with the coming Jetta Hybrid. That sedan will utilize a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a lithium-ion-powered electric motor, shooting for an EPA fuel economy rating of 44 city, 44 highway and 44 combined miles per gallon.

Volkswagen planning EV for Detroit?

The online news cycle moves at a blistering pace. It’s easy to forget that, while the story of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami that occurred last March may move from the front page, individuals are still struggling to cope with the widespread devastation on the island.

Google took it upon itself to document the structural destruction in some of the hardest hit areas in its Google Maps Street View function. The tech giant covered more than 27,000 miles to provide a 360-degree imagery archive of the communities that are still reeling from the natural disasters nine months later.

Google has even started a new web site to allow viewers to compare before and after images of specific areas. The Build The Memory site is a stark reminder that, while the world marches on, there’s plenty of recovery left in Japan. Head over to the site for a closer look.

Google Street View documents Japan tsunami devastation

After Audi announced Google Earth integration in the 2011 A8, the next obvious question we had was when Google Street View was coming. The only response we got: “Just wait.”

Well, the waiting is over. Audi announced today that Street View – Google’s relentless outdoor photographing service – will join the high-resolution aerial and satellite images embedded in Audi’s Connect infotainment system.

According to Audi, the system pre-loads data for your selected route and then integrates with your smartphone’s UTMS module to provide a 360-degree view for the driver – most helpful when looking for a specific business or residence in a congested urban area.

Audi also announced its “music stream” service, which, like BMW’s Internet Radio functionality, allows drivers to select from over 4,000 internet radio stations from around the world and stream them through the stereo. Details on both systems can be found in the press blast after the break.

Continue reading Audi Connect now with Google Streetview, Internet radio

Audi Connect now with Google Streetview, Internet radio

It’s open season on rumors concerning the upcoming Mercedes-Benz S600 Pullman. With Maybach deader than disco, the German automaker is undoubtedly searching for a suitable ultra-luxury competitor to the likes of Bentley and Rolls-Royce, and we’ve already head that may translate into the resurrection of the legendary Pullman name.

Autobild reports the vehicle will span a little over 21 feet in length and get its power from a smooth 650-horspower V12 engine. The publication isn’t calling out any sources at the moment, but the article claims there will be a total of six versions of the Pullman when the model debuts and that each of them will ride on the Mercedes-Benz rear-wheel architecture.

Buyers who don’t need enough power to pull down a house will be able to purchase a four-cylinder turbo-diesel variant with a more modest 204 horsepower, and Autobild reports Mercedes-Benz is currently working on two hybrid variants, as well. Of course, with no sources names in the article and the Pullman so far from production, we’d advise taking everything here with a land-yacht sized grain of salt. Head over to Autobild for a look at a rendering of the vehicle.

Mercedes’ Maybach-replacing 600 Pullman details mooted

The rumors have been swirling for the better part of six years and now Acura has confirmed that the next generation NSX is finally on its way.

The Detroit Auto Show will play host to three new Acura models, with the center ring occupied by a concept version of Acura’s next-gen supercar. Playing second and third fiddle will be the automaker’s interpretation of a compact luxury sedan, dubbed the ILX and competing in the same class as the BMW 1 Series, new Mercedes A-Class and Lexus CT200h. Power will be sent to the front wheels by either a 2.0-liter inline four or an optional hybrid drivetrain, with pricing somewhere south of $30k thanks to its Civic roots. Finally, Acura will show off a prototype version of the 2013 Acura RDX that gives current owners more of what their after, including fuel efficiency.

There aren’t much in the way of hints or details in the release after the break, but we do know that the NSX will take aim at the Audi R8 with a V6 hybrid powerplant mounted amidships and sending power to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The exterior will most certainly be inspired by the concept playing beside actor Robert Downey Jr. in the third Ironman installment and pricing won’t be anywhere near that of the Lexus LFA – Honda wants this to be obtainable, and if C/D is to be believed, it’s already been approved for 2013 production.

Continue reading Acura NSX concept, ILX sedan, 2013 RDX coming to Detroit

Acura NSX concept, ILX sedan, 2013 RDX coming to Detroit

That there’s a Santa Claus and an “elf” riding some sort of contraption behind a miniature big rig is intriguing enough. In reality, the downsized big rig is the story. Built by model maker Luca Bordin, the 1/4-scale Peterbilt 359 isn’t a kit, it’s made from scratch.

As best we can tell from Google Translate, Bordin found detailed plans of the 359, then fabricated the body out of fiberglass, including the cabin, and attached it via springs to a twin-rail frame made of iron. The differential steering mechanism was lifted from go-karts, the diesel tanks are plumbing pipe, a nightclub smoke machine blows white clouds from chrome stacks, a 12v compressor powers two truck-sounding horns, and the engine is from an electric jack “with lots of torque.”

What’s more: when Santa’s not riding out back, Bordin fabricated a fiberglass trailer to go with the tractor. It’s impressive, and we’re hoping Santa drives it straight under our tree. There’s video of it after the jump.

Continue reading Nothing says “Merry Christmas” like a 1/4-scale R/C big rig sleigh

Nothing says “Merry Christmas” like a 1/4-scale R/C big rig sleigh

Spontaneous combustion concerns weeks after a crash may prompt General Motors to spend about $1,000 per Chevrolet Volt to fix, according to a report from Reuters. The proposed fixes, which would cost a total of $9 million, would likely include reinforcements around vulnerable areas of the car’s battery pack, lamination of electric circuitry and better protection for the coolant system to stop leaks.

After a severe crash that causes damage to the Volt’s battery pack, coolant can leak out, and if the battery is not discharged, a fire may start. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration discovered the fire danger this past summer when one of its crashed Volts caught fire three weeks after testing. Two more batteries later caught fire when put through simulated crash testing by NHTSA.

Despite the fire risks, both NHTSA and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have said they have no plans to change their safety ratings for the Volt. Both organizations gave Chevy’s electric car top marks for safety after initial crash testing.

GM has repeatedly said that the Volt is safe to drive and poses no immediate risk of fire after an accident. Yesterday, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood echoed that sentiment. Buyers have been offered loaner cars while the automaker investigates a solution and has vowed to buy back Volts from any owners who no longer want the car due to safety concerns. So far, a “couple dozen” Volt owners have taken GM up on the offer.

Chevy Volt battery fix may cost $1,000 per car, will hang on to top IIHS rating

BMW owners with 2009 or later models equipped with BMW Online will begin receiving an update to the service that overhauls the UI and streamlines some of the functionality of the ConnectedDrive system.

Since its introduction, BMW Search has expanded to include everything from recent news headlines to Google Local Search and fuel prices, and this latest update enhances many of the services to both look better and be easier to access. Navigating through the various sub-menus appears to be cleaned up, as does the way information is displayed. You can see a before and after shot above and get the full details in the press blast below the fold.

Continue reading BMW Online gets updated interface for 2009 and later models

BMW Online gets updated interface for 2009 and later models

Android owners with a USB-equipped vehicle might not get all the connected benefits of their iPhone-touting friends, but at least they could plug in to access their tunes. Now it seems that Google’s latest flagship won’t even do that.

Speaking with the throngs on Reddit, Android engineer Dan Morrill confirmed that the Samsung Galaxy Nexus can’t support USB mass storage. Unlike other Android devices equipped with an SD card, your vehicle’s infotainment system would mount your smartphone and recognize it as a drive. That’s not the case with the Galaxy Nexus due to a new partition setup.

Thankfully, other devices upgraded to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) won’t be affected by the issue, so Nexus S owners can sleep soundly. Of course, Bluetooth playback will still be supported, so that long drive to Grandma’s house on Turkey Day won’t be a tunes-free affair.

Interestingly, one automaker should be immune from the issue: Ford. The automaker’s SYNC 1.0 and 2.0 infotainment systems supports MTP (Media Transfer Protocol), which the Galaxy Nexus uses to transfer files with Windows machines. And as you’ll recall, Microsoft co-developed SYNC with Ford. However, representatives from Ford haven’t been able to confirm if the new Nexus works with their system, and we’ve yet to receive word from other automakers about the issue.

Want USB control of your in-car music? Don’t buy a Galaxy Nexus

A minor two-car accident on a German autobahn turned into a 52-car pileup with three deaths and two dozen injuries on Friday night. On a stretch of A31 not far from the Dutch border, two sedans got into a “harmless fender bender” in heavy fog. A German newspaper report said traffic isn’t normally heavy there, so it could have taken a few minutes as 50 more cars plowed into that original incident.

Two of the deaths occurred after two drivers left their cars and perhaps sought safety behind a guardrail; they were found under another car that had flipped the barrier. The final fatality was found in his car that had slid down an incline beside the road.

“Autobahn” describes any German highway and most are speed limited, so this isn’t necessarily about unrestricted speed. Investigators don’t yet know what caused the accident, but another German report claims that police are investigating for potential manslaughter charges. Follow the jump for a video of the aftermath.

Continue reading Three killed in 52-car autobahn crash

Three killed in 52-car autobahn crash

In the midst of a longer piece on the top-secret Google X lab, The New York Times drops this bomb: “Google may turn one of the ideas – the driverless cars that it unleashed on California’s roads last year – into a new business.”

It was just over a year ago when the world first heard of Google’s experiments, deploying Toyota Prius hatchbacks in California to rack up test miles of its self-driving vehicle system. Google launched the program in secret, but has since given presentations on the technology and the company’s goals for its deployment. Currently, the cars must have a human behind the wheel to act as a potential override to the system, but Google has indicated that it would like the system to get to the point that it operates free of human intervention. Google is currently working towards racking up over a million driverless miles.

While the Times report says that Google is considering building these autonomous cars in the U.S., we’ve got to believe that this is nothing more than conjecture. Even for a company as large and well-funded as Google, deciding to go into the carmaking business is not something you just jump into, especially not when your sales strategy involves a bleeding edge technology and you haven’t shown any desire or aptitude for designing or building nearly any other aspect of an automobile. Autonomous driving tech could be a truly transformative feature, but developing it and selling it to the industry as a supplier would seem to make much more sense, and it would doubtlessly hasten its arrival to the market.

Check out the TED Talks video after the jump to get up to speed on Google’s efforts.

Continue reading Google to build driverless cars in the U.S.?

Google to build driverless cars in the U.S.?