Car Tech Articles

The vast model lineup from Mercedes-Benz ensures that one of its cars will suit just about anyone's needs, but the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK550 Cabriolet fits a very narrow niche. The CLK550 is a coupe, offered as a convertible or hardtop. With the convertible version, which we reviewed, trunk room is so limited that a couple would need to use the back seats for luggage during a weekend getaway. Four people can fit in relative comfort, but forget bringing anything else. The car is fast and handles well, but its bland looks won't appeal to most sport drivers. It … Read more

There are several powerful LED systems to improve road vision in cars, and just as many for bicycles to be seen by them. But with so many night-vision solutions apparently in search of a problem, there must be a way to make the technology widely available for safer driving after dark.

Digital imaging company Flir Systems, which specializes in infrared photography, has taken a step toward that goal with a deal to install its "PathFindIR" thermal imaging technology in BMWs, according to Gadget Venue. The system improves illumination and detects heat (as in warm bodies) as well, displaying … Read more

Porsche is putting a bit more oomph into its somewhat ho-hum Boxster with a limited edition 2008 RS 60 Spyder.

The car is a nod to Porsche's racing victories of the 1960s, including its first overall win in the 1960 Twelve Hours of Sebring with its Porsche Type 718 RS 60 Spyder, driven by Hans Herrmann and Olivier Gendebien. In this vein, the RS 60 features a Porsche SportDesign aero kit on the front end, 19 inch SportDesign wheels, and special GT silver metallic paint.

While styling cues on the Boxster RS 60 Spyder evoke images of race cars … Read more

Having shown prowess on the rally circuit with its Lancer Evo series, Mitsubishi turns to road performance with its Concept-RA. The company teased us today with some sketches of what its new concept car will look like: a very low-slung coupe that reminded us of the Hyundai Concept Genesis Coupe shown at the recent LA Auto Show. From Mitsubishi's press release on its new concept, the car's specifications are complete. It uses an aluminum space frame to keep weight down and all Mitsubishi's current electronic road-holding tech, such as Super All Wheel Control, Active Steering, Active Damping, … Read more

The Los Angeles Auto Show wraps up this weekend. I drove down to the Los Angeles Convention Center last week to check out the new BMW M3--which I hope to buy next year--and get a look at all the other new cars debuting there.

There were two clear trends at the show: higher performance and increased environmental sensitivity. The best new vehicles show improvements in both areas.

The new M3, for example, delivers 24% more power (414 hp!) from its new four-liter V8 along with 8% better gas mileage, along with more interior room than its predecessor and many new … Read more

Porsche announced plans for an unveiling at the 2007 Bologna auto show next week that evokes nostalgia for 1960s racing.

The Boxter RS 60 Spyder (left) will be offered in limited edition. It's meant to be an homage to the Porsche Type 718 RS 60 Spyder (right) that won 12 Hours of Sebring in Florida in 1960. The car will offer the same type of GT Silver metallic paintjob , Carerra red interior and stainless steel door trims as the original. Other features that distinguish this car from the 2007 Boxter S will be 19-inch wheels positioned higher within the … Read more

Volkswagen has four new car architectures planned as part of its revamp, according to reports.

In mid-November Volkswagen announced it would be investing 28.9 billion euros in its automotive division over the next three years. The company said the changes would focus on completely new vehicles as well "successor models and derivatives" for all of its product classes. The investment will include new powertrain technologies and updates to manufacturing plants.

Today it's been reported this will entail the introduction of four completely new base architectures from which Volkswagen will build its new models and updates, according … Read more

At ?8 ($16) a pop, London's congestion charge seemed eyewateringly expensive to those on this side of the pond even before the dollar went into freefall. But it's even more costly for those who drive into the congestion zone area and forget to pay the toll, who have to cough up between $100 and $300 for their absentmindedness.

Cue the Kenbuster, a device designed to save these poor souls from getting stung with hefty fines. Named in honor of Ken Livingstone, London's mayor and the brains behind the congestion charge, the Kenbuster uses a built-in GPS receiver … Read more

Mercedes-Benz is relaunching all of its Web sites to include more rich media content and tools, the company announced Monday.

The change will effect over 50 brand sites and 1,000 dealership sites around the world. The brand sites will include higher-resolution photos, videos and a 3D vehicle configuration tool, as well as Mercedes-Benz television commercials and links to Mercedes-Benz TV.

While several car companies already offer media rich Web sites, the change is significant for the German automaker as it could signal that Mercedes is getting serious about courting a younger demographic of drivers.

The company cites increased broadband … Read more