Toyota's investment in future technologies. The company introduce

Toyota's investment in future technologies. The company introduce
Toyota's investment in future technologies. The company introduced the Wireless charging station that makes it easy to recharge electric cars

http://www.frequency.com/video/toyotas-investment-in-future/183899959?cid=5-711

The dune buggy that can fly

Have you ever dreamed of owning a flying car? Until now, it hasn't been much of a possibility, but the SkyRunner flying dune buggy is about to change that.

This awesome dune buggy is capable of all-terrain driving and actual flight. It's almost like paragliding in your very own car. When it's in the air, it can reach speeds of 55 mph, and on the ground it can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. Impressive.

This awesome flying car is expected to be on the market later this year.

Video: WaterCar Python Amphibious Car in Action

Road going cars that are capable of taking to the water, thus being
amphibious, are nothing new, but what makes the WaterCar Python
Amphibious Car particularly impressive (aside from how much it ll set
you back " more on that later) is that it just happens to be the world
s fastest amphibious car in being capable of not only 0-60mph in a mere
4.5 seconds on the road but also being capable of powering you along at
some 60mph on the water – thus making other amphibious cars seem
decidedly sedate when on the water by comparison.
The WaterCar Python Amphibious Car, which is powered by a V8 engine
based on the aluminum LS Corvette power train offering some 640
horsepower will happily propel you on land at speeds of 100mph "
despite its 3,800lb weight, already sounds impressive enough but when
you factor in that the Python uses a Dominator Jet offering some 500
horsepower to power it through the water at speeds faster than many
speed boats you start to get a feel as to why the Python is something
particularly special.


'My vision was to see high-performance cars that were also
high-performance boats. � Said Dave March, the man behind the machine.
�But I was not interested in previous amphibious vehicles that just
float around. I was interested in designing a high-performance
automobile capable of getting to plane on top of the water, to reach
motorway-style speeds on the water. �

There s no doubt that March as indeed delivered just that, as can be
evidenced in the video below that shows the Python being put through its
paces on both land and water, but, of course, and you hardly need us to
tell you this, if you re wanting a slice of the action you ll either
need to some serious cash laying around or an enormously sympathetic
bank manager, as the Python will set you back some pound sterling125,000
(which, as at the time of writing, equates to around $199,790) " and,
lets be honest here, few would argue that its not worth every single
penny/cent.

Audi RS6 of the King of Spain, Juan Carlos I One More Reason Why It's Good to Be King?

It's been a while since I last covered a four wheeler on TFTS, so I
thought this one has to be extremely special to actually be worth
covering. And boy, did I find the right candidate! A true car fanatic,
Juan Carlos I, the King of Spain, has just added to its amazing car
collection (which includes a 1959 Rolls Royce Phantom IV, a Maybach or
his first drive, a classic Mini) with this slick new Audi RS6 that
features a lot of monarchical upgrades .
Speaking of goodies, the Royal Audi RS6 is stylish painted in black,
features a blacked-out Audi logo and aeye-catching dark graphite
five-spoke wheels. Power comes from a tweaked 5.0-liter TFSI engine
mated to a six-speed Tiptronic transmission, that helps it churn out 572
horsepower and up to 480 ft-lb of torque. All these to propel the beast
from naught to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds on its way to an electronically
limited 280 km/h.
Other changes to the Royal Audi RS include front-mounted emergency
lights to help it move easier during rush hour, a special license plate
to stand out from the crowd and flag-holders above the front wheels.

Toyota FT-CH Hybrid Concept Debuts in Detroit Small Sized Prius Disguised as FT-CH Compact Hybrid Concept

Although not the best looking car we've laid eyes on, Toyota Prius has
had a great success for staying low on fuel consumption. But given the
fact that people actually consider the car's design whe
n spending money, the Japanese manufacturer is back in the game with a
new Toyota FT-CH compact hybrid vehicle that many thing it's a much
cooler and smaller sized Prius.
Unveiled at this year's North American International Auto Show (NAIAS
2010) in Detroit, the FT-CH has been designed at Toyota s European
design center and is 22-inches shorter than the Prius. The compact
hybrid uses an 8-bit motif, has a set of LED headlights hung to the
windshield, mesh seats and lacks the rear bumper. Another thing to
appeal with, the FT-CH has a really sleek wheels and a highly futurist
interior.
Fun and innovative, colorful and stylish, with a strong appeal to
young buyers, the new Toyota FT-CH is expected to cost less than the
Prius — probably the main reason why youngsters will fall for it,
given the fact that it looks cool and won't break the bank for a trip
across the country.
Not bad Toyota, not bad.Read | Or scroll down for further on topic reading.

Tesla Motors To Stop Production of Tesla Roadster in 2011 New Tesla Roadster Coming in 2013?

In papers filed to the Securities and Exchange Commission, Tesla Motors
has quietly mentioned that they do not plan on producing the current
Tesla Roadster model after 2011.ย Tesla hopes to produce a new Tesla
Roadster by 2013, but supply issues will cause the end of the current
model next year.
The Tesla Roadster is not only based on the design of the Lotus
Elise/Exige, but it is produced by Lotus in Hethel, England.ย Reports
suggest that Lotus will be updating its production systems and may
discontinue its current El
ise/Exige models, which would in turn end production of the current
Tesla Roadster.
Ending production of the current Tesla Roadster in 2011 could prove
dangerous for Tesla Motors' upcoming IPO.ย This would leave Tesla
without a product until its first Tesla Model S rolls out of the factory
in 2012.ย Beyond the financial constraints this will put on Tesla
Motors, this could also lead to part supply chain issues for service of
Tesla's existing fleet.
The announcement that Telsa Motors will discontinue its Tesla Roadster
in 2011 could be financially damning to the company.ย However, the $465
million federal loan Tesla received last week should help insulate the
company from cash flow problems until the first Tesla Model S hits the
market.

Tesla Secures $465M Federal Loan to Build Tesla Model S Funding Will Help Develop Tesla Model S, Palo Alto Powertrain Plant

Electric car manufacturer Tesla has secured $465 million in federal
funding to expand its vehicle offering and production line.ย The $465
million low-cost Energy Department loan will help build a Southern
California plant for the forthcoming Tesla Model S, as well as a
powertrain facility in Palo Alto, California.
U.S. electric car manufacturer Tesla Motors was the fourth auto maker to
receive a low-cost Energy Department loan from the U.S. government.ย
Ford Motor Company, Fisker Automotive and Nissan each received loans to
build out their electric car development plans.ย Tesla Motors will
focus this loan on two initiatives, the Southern California Tesla Model
S plant and a powertrain facility in Palo Alto, California.ย These
facilities will create an estimated 1,600 jobs, while the former is
slated to produce 20,000 Tesla Model S electric sedans by the end of 2013.
The first models of the Tesla Model S will roll out of the Southern
California plant in 2012, selling for $50,000 after a $7,500 U.S. tax
credit.ย The Tesla Model S is a four-door electric car that produces no
tailpipe emissions and sports a 300-mile driving range on a single
charge.ย Having recently sold its 1,000th Tesla Roadster, this
investment by the U.S. Energy Department will help Tesla expand its
offering and put more U.S.-made electric vehicles on the road in the
very near future.

Audi Dashboards Getting NVIDIA Tegra Treatment Future Audi Models Getting New Tegra 2 Graphics Processor

This year's Consumer Electronics Show is over, but we still have news
coming from Vegas. In the spotlight today are A
udi and NVIDIA who have announced a partnership for future car models to
use the new Tegra 2 graphics processor to power those stylish dashboards
that get your eyes.
According to the German car maker, starting 2010, all Audi models will
feature a third-generation multimedia interface system along with
technology advances to provide even more sophisticated graphics for the
brand's customers. And that's where the new Tegra 2 processor steps in
for both its GPS offering and basic menu systems. It not only provides
faster, clearer, more specific information, there are also richer than
ever 3D visuals, along with a 10x less power consumption.
This advanced technology allows motorists to get clearer, more
specific information faster to help them navigate to destinations and
points of interest on their journeys. And it delivers information
motorists need in an integrated fashion through their vehicle's systems
further helping them to focus on the road, said Audi in a statement.
For those who were wondering, the 2011 Audi A8 will indeed run on
NVIDIA's processors.
And yes, if anyone over at Audi cares, we're in for a test drive guys.

Nissan's Smiling Vehicle Mimics Human Emotions Nissan's Smiling Vehicle Technology Smiles, Frowns At Other Drivers

Nissan has revealed a new mechanically altered body material that is
designed to mimic the emotions of a car's driver.ย The Nissan Smiling
Vehicle features a
polyurethane fiber lining and built-in animatronics to smile, frown or
stay indifferent while on the road.
Automotive designers have often styled the front ends of vehicles to
resemble faces, but Nissan has taken this trend in a new direction.ย In
a project with the Hara Design Institute Nippon Design Center, Nissan
has developed a vehicle with a front-end facia that moves to form
smiles, frowns and blank emotions.ย The design employs an elastic,
polyurethane-based material called ROICA and internal animatronics that
move the mouth of the design upward, downward and at rest in the
middle.ย The result is a car whose facia smiles and frowns based on the
control — and emotion — of the driver.
This isn't the first time a vehicle has been designed to communicate
visually with other vehicles.ย However, concerns about road rage have
left designers to keep their cars quiet.ย While the Nissan Smiling
Vehicle concept may not enrage other drivers on the road, it could at
least increase the creepy factor of your daily commute

2012 BMW M5 Rumors Surface New BMW M5 to Open Doors to Brave New World of Performance

New rumors have surfaced concerning BMW's new M5 variant and by the
looks of it the car sets the bar pretty damn high this time. Following
on the footsteps of its previous models, the 2012 BMW M5 is supposedly
opening doors to a Brave New World of Performance &#821
2; which in English would translate to an amazing mix of both power and
fuel efficiency.
If the new rumors are real, the new BMW M5 is to run on a X5M and X6M
borrowed V8 engine that has been significantly improved to churn more
power than the V10, to a whopping 570hp. Also adding to the astonishing
figures is a new dual-clutch transmission based on the M3's gearbox.
But other than being fast and extremely good looking (although that's
just an artist rendering above) the 2012 BMW M5 brings huge improvement
over the current model with a 25-30% lower fuel consumption that would
mean 14.5mpg in the city, and 22mpg on the highway.
Other goodies include the new Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS)
developed by the BMW Sauber F1 team, carbon fiber brakes, a carbon fiber
roof, bigger brake outlets, wheel arches, and new side air intakes.
Too bad the car is not to be released anytime sooner than the 2011
Geneva Motor Show, so better be patient in there.

Cydle Reveales T43H and M7 Gadgets Cydle Shows Off Their High-End GPS Nav, MID Devices

Cydle has given everybody their Christmas present this year as the
company has unveiled two devices that it will show case at CES. The
Cydle T43H is a continuation of their line of PNDs (Personal Navigation
Device aka car-mounted GPS devices), which adds new traffic features,
and the M7, a new MID device
While many think that dedicated GPS units for cars
are being replaced by turn-by-turn navigation apps for smartphones,
Cydle comes back with a strong new PND offering. The T43H will offer
built-in HD radio, as well as what they're calling HD traffic updates .
The company claims that T43H users will get traffic updates 10 times
faster than other traffic message channels . Beyond the GPS features,
the T43H has a 4.3-inch touch screen, can can play videos, music and
display pictures. No word on storage size, but the T43H will come with a
SD slot.
Their other new gadget, the M7 MID will have a wide touchscreen (no
specific size announced), and will be able to play videos and music in
addition to its web surfing abilities. 8GB will be on-board and it will
also include a 3D memory card slot.
Excited? The devices will be shown off further at CES. The T43H GPS will
cost $149 and will be released Q1 2010, while the M7 will cost $199 and
will be released in Q2 2010.

2010 VW New Beetle Coupe & Convertible Final Editions Official Volkswagen Announces New Beetle Final Edition Model

Right after announcing the thei
r Up! Lite concept is supposedly the most fuel efficient car in the
world, German car maker Volkswagen has managed to surprise the crowds
gathered in Los Angeles for this year's motor show by unveiling the 2010
New Beetle Coupe and the New Beetle Convertible Final Editions.
Although the current Beetle has been known as the new Beetle for quite a
while now, it looks like VW would like to mark the end of production for
the current model by adding an exclusive Aquarius Blue paint job,
17-inch alloy wheels, a sport suspension, special badging, and an
individually numbered steering wheel to what some would call, Barbie's car.
Performance wise the New Beetle Coupe Convertible Final Editions are
being powered by 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder petrol engine that
sports 150 hp and a good 170 lb-ft of torque.
Since its launch in 1998, the New Beetle – and the New Beetle
convertible that later followed – have connected generations of
fans that love the cars' totally unique styling and characteristics that
are simply unmatched. The Final Editions combine all of the elements
that best represent what people love the most about the New Beetle, and
that have created the car's legacy, which will live on in generations to
come, said Mark Barnes, CEO of VW America.
Expected to debut sometime next spring, the coupe will go a bit over
$20,000 while the convertible just shy of $27,200.

2010 Honda CR-Z Leaks in Official Brochure Honda CR-Z Hybrid Coupe to Debut in Japan Next Year

If you're like us and totally fell in love with the prototype version of
the Honda CR-Z hybrid coupe that made its world debut at the 2007 Tokyo
Motor Show, we just got our hands on a leaked official Japa
nese brochure with the new 2010 Honda CR-Z model captured in its full
production glory. Although little to none has changed when it comes to
the exterior and the interior of the car, we caught wind regarding
several dealer options such as an aluminum trim exterior package but
more importantly we got more info concerning the engines, specs and fuel
efficiency.
As expected, power comes to the front wheels thanks to 6-speed manual
gearbox that has been mated to a 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine
that outputs 84kW (114hp) at 6,000rpm and a peak torque of 145Nm (107
lb-ft) at 4,800rpm, and an electric motor that adds another 10kW (14hp)
at 1,500rpm and 78Nm (58 lb-ft) at 1,000 rpm.
More precisely, the 2010 Honda CR-Z is capable to output a total of 128
hp (which is more than my Citroen C4 Coupe that tops at 110hp) which
allows it to go naught to 100km/h in just 9.7 seconds, to consume 4l of
fuel for every 100km which is some 58.8mpg in the US.
Not much else is known for now, except for the fact that Honda will
officially introduce the new CR-Z next February in Japan, with Europe,
North America and Africa following shortly.

Audi A8 to Bring Google Earth to Its SatNav System New Audi A8 to Count on Google Earth for Directions

Let's say you're one of those filthy rich bastards who can afford the
powerful and expensive new Audi A8. If there's one thing you don't want
to happen while driving that car, is to get lost, which is why any
self-respecting luxury car nowadays will be delivered with a built-in GPS
-based satellite navigation system. But the biggest drawback of such a
system is the fact that maps are being pre-loaded and that they may
require updates.
Well, not if you're buying the new A8, as the German designers are
thinking outside the box by including Google Earth support sometime in
mid-2010, which means free maps from Google's humongous database.
Audi A8's updated SatNav system will have the usual hard-disk navi map
system. But along with that, it has a GPRS/EDGE modem, which will keep
up a constant stream of data updates from Google's servers. You can plan
your route using Google Maps and Google Earth, or even using Audi's
online portal. And all this data can be transmitted to your precious
A8's sophisticated system.
Google Earth will allow Audi A8 drivers to get a three dimensional view
of their surroundings, and also show satellite images and terrain modeling.
Although all new fad car gadget-thingies come first to the big dollar
cars (the new A8 will go for some $80,000), it's very likely this
technology will filter down to mainstream production cars in a few
years. We want!

Chevrolet Volt To Feature BlackBerry, iPhone App American All-Electric Car To Use Mobile Phone App To Control 'Some' Car Functions

The American car industry may be in trouble, but they're still trying
new things. Last week at the LA Auto Show, American car giant Chevrolet
gave a press conference on the Chevy Volt, their all-electric car, and
revealed a quick PowerPoint slide that the carmaker was developing a
mobile phone app to control 'some car functions'.
A source within General Motors (Chevrolet's parent company) leaked to
Volt blog gm-volt.com and revealed that the app will first come out for
the iPhone and BlackBerry, and will be released before the car's
release. The Volt mobile phone app will allow users to set specific
schedules for their car's recharging cycles, like at night when the
power usage rates are lower.
The GM leak also said that some features from GM's OnStar in-car safety
system could be incorporated into the mobile app. gm-volt.com's writer
speculates that things like when the car is fully charged, and possibly
a warning that the car is not plugged in could also be incorporated to
the app.
No information on pricing was released. It would be nice if a free
download code for the apps were quietly tucked inside the glove
compartment when you took the car home from the dealership – but
considering the state of the American car industry, they'll probably
charge you $9.99 for it.

Volkswagen Up! Lite Concept Debuts in Los Angeles VW Up! Lite Concept, the Most Fuel-efficient Car in the World

The financial crisis has definitely changed people's perception with
regards to new vehicle models and gas-guzzlers, hence why the Germans
from Volkswagen hav
e been working on coming up with a concept car, that is supposedly the
most fuel-efficient in the world.Dubbed Volkswagen Up! Lite and unveiled
at the Los Angeles Motor Show, the new four wheeler is a technical
extension of the L1 Concept that saw daylight earlier this year in
Frankfurt.
The new Volkswagen Up!Lite is powered by a 2-cylinder 0.8-litre TDI
engine that outputs 38kW (51hp) at 4,000rpm and 120Nm of torque,
together with a 10kW (14hp) electric motor that draws juice from a
lithium-ion battery — all these for an overall 65 horsepower
output. Mated to a 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), a start/stop
system and regenerative brakes, the new VW Lite!Up manages to only
consume 2.44 litres of fuel for every 100km (72mpg).
And if you thought the little bugger is compromising performance for
green specs, you're wrong. The car is clad mainly in aluminum, steel
and carbon fibre which helps it sprint from naught to 100km/h in 12.5
seconds on its way to a top speed of 160 km/h (100 mph).
If the outside gets the eye with the 18 wheels and the LED daytime
running lights, on the inside, the Volkswagen Lite!Up is just as
appealing with a 5.7-inch touch screen, an MP3 player, Internet
connection and a telephone.
Not bad, eh? No word if it will ever hit production lines though!

2011 Audi A8 Is Stacked With Gadgets New Audi Sedan Comes With Google Earth, WLAN, More Tech Toys

Are you in the market for a new car? Might I suggest the all new 2011
Audi A8 full-size sedan, that will come loaded, and I mean absolutely
loaded, with tech toys (I'm sure thats what Audi calls them) for the
German automotive connoisseur. These tech features include, a Google
Earth navigation system, a 19-speaker sound system, and an internet
connection and WiFi network. That's right, your car can be connected to
the internet.
The internet connection is provided to the car via a UMTS (3G)
connection, and the car then spits that out via a WiFi network, perfect
for browsing your laptop while going 65 mph down the highway (also,
ideally, perfect for browsing the web while a pal drives). The WiFi
network's usefulness doesn't stop there, as you can use it to wirelessly
stream music from your MP3 player to the car's speakers. No contracts
are required for the 3G connection (probably built into the car's price,
similar to the Amazon Kindle and other things of that nature). The car's
navigation system streams satellite pictures from Google Earth, giving
you a (theoretical) preview of your surroundings, instead of the bland
roads and streets that most GPS systems give you.
Looking for a Burger King but don't want to bother typing it in with an
on-screen keyboard. The navigation system has a handwriting
recognitionย system that lets you 'write' your desintation on screen
with a stylus – honest – for those who don't care to use the
onscreen pad.
But let's go back to the sound system, shall we? The flagship Audi will
come with a 19-speaker sound system from Danish stereo company Bang
Olufesn, and will bring you a grand total of 1400 Watts of Power. The
steering wheel comes with a vibration-cancelling motor, and the seats
come with hot and cold massage motors. Yes, please.
Oh yeah, the Audi features a night vision heads-up-display that's
augmented with thermal vision, in case the Xenon-powered headlights
aren't enough for you. The 'intelligent pedestrian detection' software
analyzesย your current situation and determines if you are at risk from
a possible encounter with a pedestrian or animal. Yeah, really. How it
does this, isn't really explained.
So,ย undoubtedlyย the 2011 Audi A8 is packed with enough goodies to make
the TFTS reader green with envy. Want yours? Expect this loaded
full-size car to start hitting Audi dealers this July. The A8 will set
you back a cool $80,000 in the United States.

Mitsubishi RVR Compact Crossover to Debut Early 2010 Mitsubishi RVR CUV Begins Selling Next Year

As previously announced early this year, Mitsubishi are trying to enter
the crossover market with a new model that is expected to be released
sometime in February 2010. Dubbed Mitsubishi RVR,
the compact crossover seems to be right on schedule as the Japanese car
maker have announced a few details about the car and a couple of photos
that certainly made a click into our heads here on TFTS.
Sitting just below the Outlander at only 4.3-meters long, the small
lightweight crossover utility vehicle is based on the company's baby
SUV, the Concept-cX, and although it lacks specific details concerning
power or torque, we've been told that it's supposedly running on a brand
new 1.8-liter MIVEC petrol engine that promises to achieve
state-of-the-art fuel efficiency.
On the exterior the new Mitsubishi RVR has a Q5 inspired nose
(trapizoid-shaped grille in the front), daytime LEDs and rear
bumper-integrated center brake lights, and a rather intriguing blue
paint job that stands out in the CUV crowd.
Asia (including China but probably excluding India), Europe, and North
America are expected to begin selling the Mitsubishi RVR, with an
official debut to be made either at NAIAS or in Switzerland at the
Geneva Motor Show next year.
Not sure about you guys, but I love it. Just waiting to get a decent
price on this one!

Citroen C-ZERO Electric Vehicle Revealed C-ZERO EV Based on Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Launches End of 2010

Citroen wouldn't like to lose market share against those manufacturers
that have already tackled the green minded with their new models, hence
why the French car builder has announced a new electric vehicle concept
that is meant to harm the environment as little as possible. Dubbed the
Citroen C-Zero, the 3.48m-long city car borrows a bit from the
Mitsubishi i-MiEV and its older brother, the Peugeot iOn.
Specs wise, the new Citroen C-Zero electric vehicle a permanent magnet
synchronous motor that outputs a 64hp and 180Nm of torque, and feeds the
engine with a 330-volt lithium-ion battery pack that is capable to
deliver some 16kWh. All these help the little C-Zero sprint from naught
to 100km/h in a not too shabby 15 seconds, with a 130km range —
lower than we would've expected if you need to go between cities, but
probably enough for your daily commuting.
The new Citroen C-Zero electric vehicle takes 6 hours to fully charge on
a 220V plug, but if you're in a hurry and have a 400V external station
in the area, an 80-percent charge only takes 30 minutes and you're again
good to go.
With ABS, electric windows, air conditioning, ESP and six airbags,
Citroen plans to release the C-Zero EV on the market in the last quarter
of 2010.

Toyota Prius Wagon & Prius SUV In The Works? Green Wagon & SUV from Toyota Rumored to Release by 2012

Rumors have it that Toyota may have a Prius sports wagon or a SUV model
in the works. Apparently, ever since the new Toyota Hybrid X Concept saw
daylight at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, the car manufacturer has
considered coming up with a new Prius Wagon that would appeal to the
green minded somewhere in 2011 or 2012.
Probably serving as the base for other hybrid models, it's going to be
funny how a Toyota Prius Wagon would do in North America as the Japanese
haven't marketed anything like that before — unlike they did in
Europe for example. It's also interesting to see if the rumors that the
Lexus RX400h will be rebranded as a Prius SUV materialize, because a
green car with such a price tag … is not really sustainable from
our point of view.
What's almost sure is that Toyota is going to bundle the new models with
a regenerative brakes system, will allow for solar roof options and
could even consider plug-in versions.
For now Toyota has kept tight-lipped about the new models, but the
upcoming salons next year should bring us more info.