"Out of clutter, find Simplicity. From discord, find Harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies Opportunity." - Albert Einstein

Kowa Tmsuk’s Kobot is a foldable robot scooter controlled with a smartphone

Posted: December 1st, 2011 | Author: Charles West | Filed under: Cars, Robots, Scooters | Tags: , , , , | No Comments »

The Kowa Tmsuk Kobot looks like something straight out of a futuristic Syfy movie. The Kobot is a three-wheel scooter with just one seat that can get up to 18 mph in speed, which is faster than a top of the line Segway at 12.5 mph. What’s even better than that is the driver can use a smart phone to remotely tell the Kobot to fold its rear wheel and seat on to the main body of the vehicle when not in use. Smartphone functionality can only run properly with a compatible smartphone app, the type of app is beyond me at the moment. This feature is ideal when it comes to navigating in cities such as Tokyo and New York City where parking space is at a premium. The robot scooter-mobile was shown off today at The Tokyo Motor Show.

When asked about the purpose of the Kobot, president Yoshito Serita said the company is targeting tourist destinations and car sharing services and plans to begin production in Fall, 2012, provided it can get its problems with the Kobots’ legal classification sorted out. So basically, it’s still a concept that hasn’t cleared all the red tape before it’s ready for showtime. A lot of these concepts come and go, we should all hope this succeeds in clearing all the legal jargon needed, because I would really love to test ride one of these bad boys.


Source: Physorg via The Verge

Best Buy Considers Selling Electric Cars?

Posted: May 11th, 2011 | Author: Charles West | Filed under: Cars | Tags: , , | No Comments »

In somewhat of a surprise, Best Buy is considering joining the electric car business according to Automotive News. Best Buy has sneakily been edging into electronic transportation, winning contracts to install home chargers for the Ford Focus Electronic and Mitsubishi i EVs.

A senior director (named Chad Bell) who oversees Best Buy’s involvement in mobility and transportation, says the major retail chain will begin selling EVs.

With 1,101 U.S. stores, Bell notes, “We probably get more traffic in a weekend than some of these dealers do in a month.”

Oh yes, it sounds cocky, but it’s damn true.

This might be a bad thing for dealers (who maybe interested in selling electric cars) but potentially wonderful news for automakers.

I think this is not only a great strategic move for Best Buy’s installation services, but a really great thing for the push for energy independence away from oil.

[via cnet]

The new Jaguar XF Black Pack

Posted: November 4th, 2010 | Author: Charles West | Filed under: Cars | Tags: , | No Comments »

Speaking as someone who isn’t big on Jaguar cars, I must say this one (the XF) is dope! I think this new model reminds me of a BMW 3-series to be more specific it reminds me of the 330 model.

More details from source include:

Replacing of the chrome around the windows and grille with glossy black trim and the conventional silver wheels with dark gray alloys, the Black Pack is available on the full range of XF and XFR models. It follows the success of a similar package which far exceeded their sales expectations on the XKR sportscar.

What do you guys think about it? Would you wip it?

Source: Luxist

2011 Subaru Outback gets all techie with in car Wi-Fi

Posted: July 22nd, 2010 | Author: Charles West | Filed under: Cars, Tech Stuff | Tags: , , | No Comments »

First and foremost I have to express my deep resentment for not having this option, speaking solely as a proud owner of a Subaru Forester 2009. And to see this news just throws me through a loop; I could just imagine having my power phone and MacBook in full operating order on a family road trip (now as I digress).

Subaru is said to offer an option to have a dealer installed WiFi system for your Outback 2011 for the price of $499. For that price you get a encrypted connection good within 150 feet of the car, and it can be used while the car is in motion (real cool for writers on the move!).

The subscription will cost you only $29 which isn’t really that bad but probably the even cooler part of this is Subaru is picking up the tab making the first three months for you on the house! ;-)

[Source: autoblog]

Audi allows you to play table Foosball in luxury

Posted: June 2nd, 2010 | Author: Charles West | Filed under: Cars, Design | Tags: , | No Comments »

Styled by Audi’s design department a couple of years ago, the is only now going into production. Only 20 examples will be made by specialist firm Leonhart, each table demanding a off the charts! Audi-like €12,900, or nearly $16k in US funds.

This is ballin’ out of control! If you bought this would you have anyone play on it?

Porsche Enters The Travel Design Business

Posted: April 26th, 2010 | Author: Charles West | Filed under: Cars, Design | Tags: , , , | 2 Comments »

For those of you out there saying huh, Porsche makes luggage? I can definitely understand but just think for a second, should it really be surprising? I mean Porsche is a luxurious brand that distinguishes themselves pretty well from the rest of the automobile world so doing something like high end travel gear, like fitted luggage, accessories and jackets is maybe a pretty good step for them.

Porsche interiors is designed specifically to fit easily inside the trunk of a 911, Boxster, Cayman, Cayenne or Panamera. So basically, you will not only be able to match your bag with the exterior of your Porsche but you will have the comfort of knowing your bag should fit.

So if you are a Porsche enthusiast my thought is if you have the car already why not go all Porsche and pimp out your travel wear the same as well?

Source

Subaru’s Concept Hybrid Car Entitled “Tourer”

Posted: April 10th, 2010 | Author: Charles West | Filed under: Cars, Design | Tags: , , | No Comments »

I woke up this morning and started sifting through my email I received my occasional Subaru newsletter and as a Subaru owner I was pleasantly encouraged that they were working on a hybrid slated for a 2012 release. This hybrid (at least right now) is supposed to be called Tourer but once again its a concept so its in preliminary stages only.

Enjoy these pictures I was able to lift from a 2009 car show in Tokyo :-)

[flagallery gid=1 name="Gallery"]

Nissan Leaf EV Has A Sticker Price Now

Posted: March 31st, 2010 | Author: Charles West | Filed under: Cars, Tech Stuff | Tags: , , | No Comments »

With up and down gas  prices predictions of gas being priced low (like the 90′s) is long gone, if you’re like me you’re actually becoming more and more curious about purchasing an electric car. Well, if you heard about this Nissan Leaf EV or possibly seen a commercial you will be happy to know that Nissan has finally announced the price for this breakthrough vehicle.

It is said that with federal tax credits, the base model Leaf will cost $26,380, including a home charging station with installation. (The actual sticker price will be $32,780 before tax credits). In California, the car will cost $21,380 after an additional $5,000 state rebate, sounds like a steal of a deal compared to the pricing of the Toyota Prius. If you’re interested in driving away with this vehicle reservations begin between April 20 and May 15th from those who have already registered interest on the company’s Web site.

Source