Mobile DJ Art Car - Or Speaker Rocket Ship?

Of all the cars I have heard or rather felt this Mobile DJ Art car is by far the most original, clever and cool looking ever. It actually reminds of the car from Men In Black. It has two turn tables with a number of very large speakers built into the car with aerodynamic considerations in mind. I think the dude is Dutch so I am not quite sure what it says on his web site, but here is an English excerpt from his site "The idea for the DJ Mobile is inspired by the song "God is a DJ" [from faithless] and the car of our HOLY-POPE. These two things were mixed together and there it was the DJ Mobile. The DJ Mobile is a functional artwork with a PA System built in"

Video: Hydrogen Road Tour

What will it take for hydrogen cars, which emit only water vapour as exhaust, to hit the roads in large numbers? Filling stations would be a good start, as this video of the Hydrogen Road Tour shows.

Between 11 and 23 August, a caravan of hydrogen-powered cars travelled the US from coast to coast in a bid to raise awareness of the technology's promise.

Watch the video below to see hydrogen cars in action, hear what one sounds like and learn why more filling stations are urgently needed.

GYM concept car makes you exercise for your ride

We’re nuts about the open-wheel design of this GYM electric car, but might be too lazy to get it to go anywhere. That’s because inside this far-fetched design concept of a rowdy-looking roadster is also a gym full of exercise equipment, urging you to use your own elbow grease to get this show on the road.

Sure, you can plug it into the wall for easy charging, but that wouldn’t be as much fun as hopping on the car’s stepping machine, grunting through a few reps on its bench press, rowing for a while and then doing a set of pull-ups.

Only thing missing is pushups, but wait, that might be possible by strapping the car’s arm weights onto your back. So Corporal, you want to go Oscar Mike? Hit the deck and give me twenty!




100 Percent Car, via Gizmo Watch

Smart Car Dyno Run

Got a Smart car? Want it to sound meaner? It might be time for an exhaust upgrade!

Audi A7: Coupe and cabriolet revealed

Car Magazine is running a great special on Audi "scoops" and we would like to share the Audi A7 with you. Truly awesome-looking car!

Just as the A5 uses the A4 platform, so the A7 will be based on the new A6. But
the next-gen A6, which means a lightweight aluminium platform with various steel
reinforcements.Air suspension will be standard on high-end models, and unless
sales don’t surpass the expected 40,000 units, four-cylinder power won’t happen.
Instead buyers will be offered a based 2.8-litre V6 FSI or the new supercharged
3.0-litre V6. Oil-burning owners will pick between a 2.7-litre, and a 3.0-litre
V6 with either one or two turbos. Then if you can make sense of it all, there
will be various six and seven-speed manuals, autos and dual-clutch S-tronic
boxes.Audi will slot, no make that shoehorn, its 5.0-litre twin-turbo V10 into
the A7 to create an RS7, while the S7 will use a detuned version. Never fear
though, because a hybrid version will be on hand to balance your polluting ways.

Source: Car Magazine

VW Caddy Topos Sail Concept Features A Wooden Deck Up Top

I enjoy a slick looking concept car as much as the next guy, even though most concept vehicles are nothing but over-designed eye candy that I really couldn’t see myself driving. But leave it to Volkswagen to come up with a concept that’s more utilitarian than easy on the eyes. Unveiled at the recreational and commercial vehicle show in Düsseldorf, Germany, the VW Caddy Topos Sail concept features an actual wooden boat deck built in to the roof. The Topos Sail is based on the smallest model in the VW commercial van fleet, and besides the real wooden decking it also features aluminum safety rails running along the sides of the roof, flip-up panels that serve as back rests and a matching wood and aluminum ladder built in to the tailgate. Perfect for those days when the local beach or park is too crowded to find a place to have a picnic or just lounge about.

[ Autoblog - Lounge on deck of VW Caddy Topos Sail Concept ]

Chromed Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 for Sale

This is the LP640, Lamborghini Murcielago pimped by the German tuner Hamann. It was put on sale by the London based luxury car dealer ‘Mayfair Prestige’. It is cheaper than the Reventon or Veyron, so don’t worry, it is priced at only $625,200. Check out more pictures of this chromy car after the break.

Florian Jennett Cardboard Corolla

Awesome, nice work! If you can afford a sports car, this is what you can do, get some Fedex or DHL box and start making your own body kit.

“Back in the mid-90s, Florian Jenett wanted to go Can-Am racing. Never one to
let obstacles dismay him, he ignored people that told him, “You can’t afford to
go racing on a German artist’s salary” or “Can-Am racing died in 1974.”

The above Corolla E10 was complete with homemade K&N filter conversion (necessitating a hood bulge) and sans catalytic converter and it’s capable of reaching over 100mph - at which speed its handling became unpredictable. More pictures after the break.






[via Jalopnik]

XR3: The new DIY hybrid car

Among the innumerable amount of ‘do it yourself’ (DIY) things like lamp shades, book shelves, guitars, solar cookers, now comes a brand new addition – An automobile. As per instructions from the product design company in Glendale, Arizona, anybody can personally build their own unique crossbreed car namely the XR3, Robert Q, that will give 225 miles per gallon. With the firm offering $200 worth of construction plans, the whole activity could be little challenging yet a lot of fun.

This car will run either on an electric or a diesel-based hybrid, with a rough estimate of $5000 for the spare parts of an electric replica. The building process could be a little taxing, but no pain no gain right? This DIY car is a definite dream coming true for all those car lovers who have always wanted to own a custom-made mobile!

via: rqriley

Electric bicycles: 10 reasons you should try one

Electric bicycles are coming of age. If the last one you rode was heavier than a fridge-freezer, fizzled out after a few miles and sported an astronomical price tag, you're in for a pleasant surprise with today's modern machines. Here are 10 good reasons for jumping on an electric bike today.

1. They're better value than scooters

Compared to a push bicycle, electric bicycles look expensive: they're generally twice the price of normal bikes with a similar spec. But because of the range and speed electric cycling offers, a fairer comparison is with electric scooters and mopeds. A poor-performing electric scooter, like the StreetScoota, will cost you £1,000. A top-of-the-range nippy electric bike such as the Wisper 905se, on the other hand, will set you back just £1,200.

But what about the running costs? They're tiny. The Electric Transport Shop, one of the UK's most popular electric bike retailers, reckons a full charge for most electric bikes will set you back 5p. Even if you ride 10 miles every day for 365 days a year, you'll only pay £9.10 each year. That's cheaper than a peak day Travelcard (Zones 1-6) in London. For full greenie points, make sure you're on a green electricity tariff.


2. There's a style for everyone

As you can see from the three models above, electrics come in all shapes and sizes. I've been riding the trio on loan from the Electric Transport Shop, and found there really is a design for everyone. Take the best-selling Windsor, pictured above right. A step-through model -- the modern parlance for "lady's bike" -- it costs a relatively affordable £600.

Although two female friends loved the Windsor for the sit-up-and-beg riding position and the slight boost it offered, a third female rider hated the weight, and it didn't float my boat. Compared to my normal push bike, it was heavier to lug through the house, slower on the flat and harder up hills because its lowest gear just isn't very low. Still, I can see how it'd at low speeds and short distances, it could be attractive, since it does give a gentle but tangible assist when you start off.

3. Great for commuting by train

If you fancy cutting the journey time on both sides of your rail commute, folding bicycles are a great option. And an electric folder is even more attractive if you're surrounded by hills or don't want to sweat en route to work.

I've been testing the GreenEdge Silverado, pictured above. This is a powerful bike that zooms you up steep hills. I went up Primrose Hill in London at 13mph, which is fast for such an incline. It's also easy to fold in under 30 seconds and you can wheel the bike once it's folded, which is handy.

There are some niggles. One is the weight -- carrying this on buses and trains is no mean feat, as it clocks in at 19kg. Then there's the fact you can't roll it backwards when folded, which can be a pain on public transport. Some riders have said the gearing is too low, but I found it fine for a folder.

4. Style

Riding an electric bike doesn't have to involve a run-in with the cool police. Many models are just as hip and sleek as trendy conventional bikes. Take the Wisper 905se City above, for example. I didn't want to give it back.

The joy of the Wisper is that it's very, very powerful. I whizzed up hills in fourth or fifth gear rather than the first gear I'd use on my push bike. It climbed a steep 1 in 11 hill without the need for any pedalling. In other words, this is an electric bike where -- if you want -- you really don't have to cycle. Obviously, add your pedal power and you increase your speed and extend the battery range.

5. You can recharge at your desk

Most electric bicycles take between two and five hours to charge fully, and will then run for anywhere between 15 and 30 miles before the battery runs out. On a dead battery, you can pedal like you're on a normal -- albeit rather heavy -- bike.

So it pays to keep the battery topped up. One good way to keep your bike charged for free is to power it at work. Almost all electric bikes have a removable battery, meaning you can lock your bike outside and plug in the battery under your desk. Provided your bosses don't ban mobile phone chargers like Ryanair, you should be fine.

6. Hills

Living in an insanely hilly area like Bath or Crystal Palace is a fair reason for not cycling. But electric bikes make hills a realistic proposition. Some models, such as the Wisper, have motors so powerful you don't even need to pedal.

Choose your bike carefully, and ensure you get one with a powerful motor if you're going to tackle steep gradients. Cheaper and slower bikes like the Windsor mean you'll still be pedalling and puffing while climbing hills.

7. 25mph is a reality

By law, electric bicycle motors are limited to 15mph. But that doesn't mean you can't go faster by pedalling simultaneously. With a powerful bike, casual cyclists will find it possible to reach speeds of 25mph on the flat, or 30mph at a push.

The net result for you: a quicker journey and more thrills. Some cyclists would argue that your ride will be safer, too, because you're travelling at a speed closer to most motor vehicles.

8. No sweat

This is one of the greatest things about electric bicycles. Whether you arrive at work simply by gently pedalling or letting the electric motor do all the work, electrics hold out the promise of sweat-free commuting. Riding the Wisper, for example, I cycled a 7.3 mile journey in under 45 minutes without breaking sweat.

9. They're getting lighter

There's no getting round one bummer about electrics: they are heavier than normal push bikes. But as battery technology improves and the makers pick better frames, weights are slowly dropping below 20kg. Most normal push bikes weigh less than 15kg.

10. Traffic light starts are always easy

As any cyclist knows, stopping unexpectedly at traffic lights in a high gear is annoying. When you start off, you're in an impossibly hard and slow gear: not good if you're in busy traffic with a queue of bikers behind you.
But electric bikes mean you're always in the right gear -- you can simply use the electric motor to get up to speed. Out of the three bikes I rode for this article, the Wisper was easily the best for assisted starts. Faster starts also feel safer, as you're quicker to get away from traffic.

Peugeot 888 future car is a concept done right: shape-shifting and green

The Peugeot 888 is billed as the "personal vehicle for the future Metropolis." For designer Oskar Johansen from Norway, that means a car with space for two with room for luggage, as well as a nifty shape-shifting body. On the highway, the Peugeot 888 stretches itself out flat so that it's stable and aerodynamic. In the city, however, it scrunches up for easier parking and taking up less of the road in general.

Just to make sure it'll fit in with the eco-minded future, the 888 is powered by electric motors in each of its wheels, runs off of an array of lithium-ion batteries stored in the trunk, which, in turn, is covered with solar panels.

Trident Iceni – A green speeding sports car for $150,000

Terms like “luxury” and “eco-friendly” seem to be getting along better these days as we see them coming under one roof to render the most opulent yet green alternatives. The Trident Iceni highlights the clever fusion of these two features. Designed and manufactured by Phil Bevan, it is empowered by a Duramax turbo diesel engine with 550 horsepower at 3800 rpm. This enables the Iceni to zoom off to over 200 miles per hour. Also it can cover 2,000 miles on a full-fueled tank. This green two-seater sports car can go from 0-60mph in less than 4 seconds and deliver up to 100mpg.

Eco-conscious folks who want to steer super cars but hate to damage their environment in turn can grab one of the 500 of the Iceni that will be produced. However allow me to warn you that the price tag of £75,000 ($150,000) can crash into your wallet if it isn’t beefy enough.

Via Dailymail

Spy Shot: 2009 Honda City

This is the City, Honda’s latest City, which is going to hit Asian countries. It is powered a by 120-horse 1.5-liter four cylinder i-VTEC engine, which found in Fit and Jazz models and mated with an automatic transmission.

As for my view, I will give a thumb up for the front but for the back, i will says it’s a bit squarish and the design looks like the Toyota Vios 2nd gen. More pictures after the break.









[via Autoblog]

Buying Used Cars

Tips on Buying Used Cars
The secret to buying great used cars is to do your research before you buy.

Following are some tips and resources for buying used cars.

Where to Buy Used Cars

You can buy used cars from dealers, rental car companies, leasing companies, used car companies, private individuals and on Internet Web sites. Union families can also use the Union Plus Auto Buying Service.

If you're interested in doing more research yourself, following are some tips:

Buying Used Cars from Dealers and Buyers Guide Rule

If you're considering buying from a dealer, you can find out if there are any unresolved complaints about a dealer on record by calling your local consumer protection agency, state Attorney General and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Used Car Rule requires dealers to post a Buyers Guide in every used car a dealer offers for sale (including trucks). The Used Car Buyers Guide must tell you:

Whether the car is being sold "as is" or with a warranty
What percentage of the repair costs a dealer will pay under the car warranty
That spoken promises are difficult to enforce (get everything in writing!)
To keep the Used Car Buyers Guide for reference after the sale
A list of the used car's major mechanical and electrical systems, including some major problems you should look out for; and
To ask you to have the used car inspected by an independent mechanic before you buy.
Be sure to get the original Used Car Buyers Guide, or a copy, from the dealer. And make sure it reflects any changes you may negotiate in warranty coverage. The Used Car Buyers Guide becomes part of your sales contract.

Buying Used Cars from Individuals

Private sellers do not need to offer a Buyer's Guide for used cars. Used cars sold by individuals are normally sold "as is", but you can request that the car be inspected by your mechanic.

Used cars may be covered by a manufacturer's warranty or a separately purchased service contract. But these may not be transferable. Review the warranty or service contract before you buy any used cars.

Evaluating Used Cars

Before you buy used cars:

Use an inspection checklist to examine the used car (get from magazines, books, the Internet)
Test drive the car under varied road conditions - hills, highways, stop-and-go traffic.
Ask for the used car's maintenance record. If the owner doesn't have it, contact the dealer or service shop where work was done for copies.
Have used cars inspected by a mechanic you hire.

Additional Resources for Buying Used Cars:
Union Plus Auto Buying Service
Union-Made Vehicles
The FTC Consumer Guide to Buying a Used Car
Check your credit record before you apply for a used car loan.

Pimped car is the world's most extreme Toyota Prius

Classe Gustafson, Kenny Kyrk and Elvis Haggbom from Classe’s Garage have converted the ordinary looking Prius into what everyone is saying, the world’s most extreme Toyota Prius. The car has a wide body kit and a 20″ alloy rims, which is wrapped in ultra fat rubber. It also has the Koenigsegg doors and the interiors are detailed and exquisite. What is really cool about this rice burner is that it has a really powerful audio system and a tablet PC. Another innovation is that the gearbox shifter was moved from the dashboard to the lower part of the centre console. This video might help you understand the pimped Toyota Prius better.

Capsule Caravan – An ultra compact pod for urban caravanning

Keeping up with the spirit of up-scale alfresco entertainment that oozed from the 10 Best Tailgating options, here’s another equally smart, compact, self-sufficient alternative. Sadly still a concept, the Capsule Caravan is conceptualized by David Tonkinson for a fun-filled caravanning time. Intending to revive the old fashion of caravan living, David has shaped up this uber compact and light-weighted capsule that can comfortably house two people. Simply hook it to your city car and tow it to your destination to cut off from this chaotic lifestyle.It can expand as well contract with the use of linear actuators which facilitates easy storage and towing. When closed down, it can be aptly parked in a standard sized car parking space.

Enough talking about its form, lets step inside this capsule. The interior is split in to two pods for comfortable living. The Comfort Pod provides seating and sleeping space for two adults with a 12v power supply and a audio system while the Service Pod provides water system, power supply and storage space for personal items. The large central window provides natural light and contains an electrochromatic film, which changes from transparent to opaque at the flick of a button.

Hey David, with the weekend right on, I’m already dreaming of cozying up by the river bed in this uber-cool capsule.

10 Best Tailgating options for a rocking alfresco party

If you’ve lived in an American neighborhood, then you’d be well versed with the ritual of tailgate party. Doesn’t matter if the air is warm or cool, you can simply gear up for the most engaging alfresco celebration with an array of superior tailgating products up on the market. Station up in any parking lot or your own driveway or simply anyplace out in open to be sure of fun, food and entertainment! Traditionally tailgating involves the consumption of alcoholic beverages and the grilling various mouth watering snacks. However these days, tailgating folks can indulge with high-tech options like large LCDs, satellite TVs, home theater systems and much more. We have rolled out a list of most luxurious tailgater stuff for hosting the best Tailgate party.

With this award winning Tailgating Grill from Grill-n-Chill line, grilling would be fun again! The stainless steel grill will keep you entertained with its built-in AM / FM / CD player along with its 180 watt JBL marine stereo and two marine speakers while you grill on its 24,000 BTU burning grill. The hi-tech grill also features a 60 quart insulated cooler, complete automotive hook-ups and push-bButton electronic ignition. The SUV-portable feature makes it a perfect ‘Hitch and Go design’ too! The infrared grill sells for $3,000.

This Party-A-Cargo tow hitch mounted kegerator is meant for the party-animals on the move. This fully self-contained tailgating kegerator cargo can store up to 160 cans for your booze party needs and it also features a sound system so you can have a complete blast! The locking doors ensure nobody will steal your beer when you are not around. The Party-A-Cargo Ultimate features a Kegerator/Jockey Box, CD/stereo, 2 - 6″x9″ speakers, 10″ subwoofer, Sirius satellite radio, built-in battery charger and 12-volt power adapter for a cool $3,795 while the medium and the standard model goes for $3,395 and $2,895 respectively.

It’s like taking your kitchen with you wherever you go. For little less than $10,000, the FG-900 attaches to the back of any vehicle with a standard 2″ ball. It’s comes complete with 4-way standard flat trailer connector light hook up. Boasting of 6 Burners with 99,000 BTU, it has space for two insulated stainless steel beverage or meat storage compartments with drain. While the more affordable FG-800 ($6,000) houses 5 Burners with 79,000 BTU. Grilling at tailgates, camping, or picnics has never been easier or better.

The ultimate self-contained Tailgating Trailer has it all including a 27″ LCD TV, satellite, DVD, generator, propane grill, hand washing sink with running water, beer on tap and even a toilet! Additional options are also available which includes a microwave, 2000 watt generator, 1200 watt inverter and much, much more!You can get your own one commissioned at Gameday Customs complete with all the high-tech goodies you can’t do without for just $13,900 exclusive of additional options.

This is the finest teardrop trailer available for a starting price of $12,500. Boasting of double sinks and water pump, it is also fitted with TV/DVD player, wine rack, 2-way ‘fridge and side tables with patio lights. The front wall, ceiling and closets are lined with aromatic cedar. Featuring overhead closets, it has space for an electric heater and reading lamp too.

These trailers come with a custom barbeque with propane tank for searing, roasting, steaming and smoking. Fitted with a stainless steel tap you can draw on Co2, for beer, margaritas or sodas. And to add more noise to your party, you can customize with AM/FM/CD stereo with two 6”x 9” speakers. Featuring a seating area that seats up to 8 persons with a retractable canopy, it also houses room for ice chests under both counters. For $17,000, you couldn’t hit a better tailgating deal.

Intending to throw a grand tailgate party? Then here’s the All Star Tailgating trailer. Featuring a 60″ LCD screen, this mighty 6 x 12 foot trailer has all the gears needed for a rocking party. To sum it all up in short, it packs three TVs, DVD/CD player, satellite recorder, satellite receiver, bar-b-que grill/smoker, refrigerator/freezer, video gaming system, two burner stove, single burner cooker, custom storage cabinet, Kegerator, soft drink and beer taps, 160 quart ice chest, 2800 watt generator, storage shelves. Ah and not to forget a port-a-potty to relive your self.

The latest in line for ultimate al-fresco celebrations is the Multimedia Trailer from Tailgating Innovations, which touts everything you need to be the superstar of the parking lot. Designed to work with a generator or near-by power source, the Multimedia trailer features four electrical outlets powered by 30amp electrical breaker box. It comes with a 47-inch flatscreen satellite TV, a Sony Bravia 5.1 surround home theater system, a tongue mounted Freedom gas grill with 180-degrees swing away arm, 1000 watt audio system and a prowling tiger.

With the All American Tailgater, all you need to do is to position the Tailgater where you want, get out your grill, open the bar, turn the TV on (with optional satellite) and you are ready to party! These trailers come with a full bar area which include a keg refrigerator, food refrigerator/freezer, microwave, sink, storage space for food and liquor, surround sound stereo system, 5 disc DVD/CD player, and TV. You can also opt for a bathroom, micro quiet ONAN generator, side bar liquor dispenser, grill storage, and table storage. They also come fitted with a 32-inch flatscreen TV for exterior bar and a 17-incher for the interior. The pricing for the 8′ x 16′ Tailgater Trailer and the 8′ x 24′ Toy Hauler trailer sits at $32,000 and $45,000 respectively.

Sporting a price tag of $250,000, it is supposed to be the most expensive tailgating vehicle. Christened as Carnivore, the ‘05 Chevy Silverado 2500HD was designed to be the last word in tailgating. Fitted with enough entertainment equipment to fill most people’s houses, it includes a total of 7 TV screens, a KVH satellite, and a refrigerated center console. The blazing flames job by Kolor Kreations/Alley Rat Custom Cycles splashed all over render a hot look. Don’t miss the flamed chrome polished grille with LED backlighting. It doesn’t get more extreme.

Invite family, friends and all near and dear ones to bond at the most happening out door jamboree! And with such luxurious tailgating options, you don’t need to worry about being hard-to-locate.