car

Roadmaster scrolling LEDs enable artistic license

Now you have an alternative to your programmable VW bumper sticker if you want to communicate digitally with other road users. Roadmaster has unveiled two scrolling LED message systems that enable drivers to program up to 99 preset messages and five user-edited messages to share with other drivers. The system comes in two models: the Roadmaster Scrolling Digital License Plate Frame, and the Scrolling Rear Deck Message System, which sits on the car's parcel shelf; both are priced at $69.

Preset words and phrases can be called up using numbers on the systems' TV-like remote controls. According to Roadmaster, … Read more

Sony Line Show 2007: Complete coverage

Fans of Sony products are often disappointed at the January Consumer Electronics Show to discover that the company doesn't have very much to say. Sure, there's a big Sony booth and a handful of token product announcements and press releases, but it's always small potatoes compared to the dozens of new items on display from competitors such as Samsung, Philips, and Panasonic. But that's entirely by design: rather than get lost in the CES maelstrom, Sony opts to launch its new line of products at its own Sony-only line show. We've got complete coverage of … Read more

Sony releases MEX-BT2500 entry-level Bluetooth car stereo

Sony used its annual Open House product showcase in Las Vegas today to unveil its MEX-BT2500 Bluetooth in-car stereo. The MEX-BT2500 is the second of Sony's Bluetooth-enabled head units and will slot in below the MEX-BT5000 in its Xplod car stereo lineup.

Like the MEX-BT5000, the new entry-level unit doubles as a CD/MP3/WMA player as well as a Bluetooth receiver for hands-free calls and for wireless Bluetooth audio streaming via the advanced A2DP profile. The MEX-BT2500 features a built-in microphone and can be paired with as many as five cell phones simultaneously.

Portable devices that support Bluetooth … Read more

Honda's F1 team gives up green for green

Honda's Formula One racing team is to forgo millions of dollars in sponsorship revenue this season by replacing the valuable advertising real-estate on its cars' exteriors with an image of the Earth. The cars, which last year sported decals promoting eco-unfriendly Lucky Strike cigarettes, will this year be adorned with a huge blue and green environmentally inspired graphic.

In the press release accompanying today's official unveiling of the car at London's Natural History Museum, the automaker said it was eschewing the temptation to turn its RA107 car into a 200mph billboard in order to "raise awareness … Read more

An all-American car for an all-American pastime

Corvettes and video games, is there anything more American?

As with other car contests, part of the prize for "Best in Show" at the fourth annual Gran Turismo Awards at the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show in Las Vegas was that the car would be featured in a video game.

A 1960 Chevy Corvette by Art Morrison Enterprises, who also took Best Hot Rod at the November 2006 event, will be featured in the next edition of Gran Turismo.

This will not simply be an artist's rendering.

Jalopnik reports that the guys from Gran Turismo have … Read more

Buy.com has the Delphi SkyFi3 Satellite Radio Receiver with Car Kit for $104.99, after a $20 mail-in rebate.

Buy.com has the Delphi SkyFi3 Satellite Radio Receiver with Car Kit for $139.98, after a $40 mail-in rebate. >> Regular price is $179.98 >> Click here for deal

Keep your eyes on the windshield

We at Crave would never advocate speeding or any other illegal activity on the road, but we do think it's only fair that motorists get a fighting chance against overzealous, quota-driven traffic cops (this is America, dammit). Besides, this windshield speed projector can actually help you keep your eyes on the road, making it easier to dial a cell phone phone or watch a DVD while behind the wheel.

GlobalTop Technology's "GPS HUD Speed Meter" projects your miles per hour on the windshield so your eyes don't need to drop down to the dashboard for … Read more

Porsche Panamera photos send shivers

Car Online in the UK is reporting that it has snagged photos of the Porsche Panamera.

Is that something to be proud of? I'm not so sure.

The Panamera is the four-door sedan rumored to be in development at Porsche, as the company begins to go the way of Ralph Lauren in terms of dulling brand impact. The rumors have recently reached a simmering point with 2009 as the expected date of release.

The car seems to be based on the 928 GT, as you can see from this photo compared with those of the Panamera on Car Online.… Read more

An ice cream truck on [insert name of raver drug here]

Move over, Mr. Softee. There's a new ice cream truck in the 'hood, and it probably doesn't play that annoying jingle, either. According to Popgadget, a UK-based company called Scoop is unleashing these flashy little vehicles, which look like the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine with a new-rave makeover, throughout London. They feature "hot lights, funky beats, and high end ice cream served in slick Chinese take out boxes." The blinged-out vans sure do look cool, and I bet they serve some pretty neat flavors (You think they'd have Stephen Colbert's Americone Dream?) On the other … Read more