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It's the week ending August 28, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather a collection of what we feel is the highlight from each. Once again, the biggest news involves the end of the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program AKA "Cash for Clunker" rebates, culminating in 690,114 transactions valued at $2.88 billion, with stories galore on its " wildly successful " outcome. LeftLaneNews reports on some of the downfalls of the program, saying the clunkers' Web site crashed several times, resulting in a bottleneck of applications. Moreover, only about a third of dealers have received their first clunkers check, leaving many dealerships with cash flow problems. Consumer Reports shares the environmental impact, saying the average new car bought with the rebates got 9.2 mpg more than the average clunker traded in, for an annual average fuel savings per driver of 277 gallons of fuel or about $720. Pizza magnate Papa John Schnatter has finally been reunited with his Camaro. In celebration, he gave away nearly 36,000 free pizzas . Click here to read the detailed story of how Jalopnik helped make it happen -- and if you want, you...
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Acura announced today changes to their quintessential MDX SUV for the 2010 model year. Updates include a revised grille, a new hood and front fascia, new rear bodywork, improvements to its 300-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 powertrain (that includes better fuel economy), and a new six-speed automatic transmission. An all-new Advance Package offers a revised Active Damper System and new, 19-inch wheels and tires. New, 18-inch wheels are standard. As with recent MDX model years, the 2010 MDX transfers power to the wheels through its renowned Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system that actively distributes the optimum amount of power to all four wheels. On the inside, the 2010 MDX features a new, bolstered, Milano-leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, new gauges and available AcuraLink Real-Time Weather and Traffic Rerouting via a new, full VGA eight-inch navigation screen. A new rear-view camera is also on the options list, and features three different view choices. Acura says, “ In keeping with Acura’s leadership in the application of advanced, customer-relevant features, the 2010 MDX is available with an array of technologies to improve convenience, including an all-new blind...
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Father's Day is this weekend, so we've collected an assortment of gadgets and gizmos meant specifically for that Car Guy you love so much: It doesn't matter if he's your Dad or Husband, Brother or Uncle, Son or special friend, if he loves cars, we know you'll find something here that's perfect for him. ...
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The next big thing in portable car navigation is the iPhone. At Apple’s recent Worldwide Developers Conference, two respected navigation companies introduced full-featured navigation applications for the iPhone 3G and new iPhone 3G S. These programs effectively replicate the appearance and function of stand-alone, dashtop devices, yet are available on the increasingly ubiquitous iPhone. Previously, Apple had limited GPS functionality on its phone, restricting navigation functions to identifying the phone’s location, thereby preventing true turn-by-turn guidance. These latest devices with OS 3.0 eliminate that barrier, enabling the iPhone to fulfill more of its potential as the leading convergence device. Navigon will be first to market, with its MobileNavigator expected to be in the iTunes store later this month. Like its portable devices, the Navigon software will provide such niceties as reality view, lane assistance, day/night mode, and points of interest displayed along the travel route. As shown here, it effectively apes the laudable Navigon devices—which the company will no longer offer in the United States . MobileNavigator will be offered as a Lite version for free with limited...
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The blogosphere was filled today with “The Sky is Falling” reports, inspired by a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report from early May that flagged the Global Positioning System satellites as being at risk for failure. The key passage: “It is uncertain whether the Air Force will be able to acquire new satellites in time to maintain current GPS service without interruption. If not, some military operations and some civilian users could be adversely affected.” Today, there are 27 GPS satellites in orbit (24 essential, three redundant) providing position and navigation data worldwide for governments, military, and civilian use. The United States provides GPS data free of charge. However, the aging system is overdue for replacement, and Air Force budgets have slowed the development and deployment of next-generation satellites. The GAO report continues: “If the Air Force does not meet its schedule goals for development of GPS IIIA satellites, there will be an increased likelihood that in 2010, as old satellites begin to fail, the overall GPS constellation will fall below the number of satellites required to provide the level of GPS service that the U.S. government commits to. Such...
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As proof that the portable GPS market is competitive, Navigon is withdrawing from the U.S. consumer market despite a compelling model line and history of innovation . The company will continue to sell devices in Europe, where it is ranked number three behind Garmin and TomTom . Navigon will continue to provide support to current owners, honoring warranties and providing software updates, as well as supporting its free life-time traffic services on eligible models. Navigon will shift its focus on business clients, as it develops automotive products for sale with partners and auto manufacturers. It is sad to see Navigon withdraw. The company pioneered reality view, lane assist, three-dimensional mapping, and free traffic service, pushing other companies to follow. The products themselves were well done and value priced, though always trailed Garmin and TomTom for ease of use. Bargain hunters may find killer deals on Navigon units now, though do beware that the company’s enthusiasm for customer support can only wane over time. For old time's sake, see the cool Navigon 7300T . If in the marketing for a GPS, consider the new Garmin 1200 and 1300 Series GPS navigators or TomTom One 140...
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TomTom has released its answer to the upcoming Garmin nuvi 1200 and 1300 Series navigators , with the One 140 and XL 340 series portable devices. These new models tout advanced features that have trickled down from pricier, premium models to affordable navigators: IQ Routes and Advanced Lane Guidance. IQ Routes incorporates historical speed profile data for both day of week and time of day to calculate the fastest route available based on when the user is actually driving to their destination. IQ Routes Technology is based on anonymous speed profiles gathered over the years by millions of participating TomTom users, and takes into account the real-world factors that influence the speed that drivers can actually expect to travel en route to their destination, such as historical traffic patterns, traffic lights, rotaries, school bus routes, and steeply-sloped roads. Available when navigating in the United States, Advanced Lane Guidance provides realistic representations of complex highway junctions and lane-specific visual directions that take the stress out of navigating these otherwise challenging areas. Other notable features include full maps of North America (including Mexico), seven...
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Portable GPS navigators are among the quickest-evolving electronics segments, and the innovative company Navigon continues to push its larger competitors, Garmin and TomTom . The latest cool gadget from Navigon is the 7300T, a premium GPS device with three-dimensional graphics, free traffic updates, and voice recognition. Without question, 3D graphics are one of “the” next big things, and this is the second Navigon unit to showcase their cutting-edge technology that can reproduce landscapes using NASA-sourced data. (See the pioneering Navigon 8100T .) In addition, the 7300T will provide 3D renderings of some landmark buildings, such as the Empire State Building, White House, and sports stadiums. With the 7300T, the free real-time traffic information can be spoken, as well as displayed on screen. The traffic service covers 95 markets across the U.S. and Canada. Unlike some Garmin units that supplement their free service with advertising, the service is truly free with Navigon. Voice elements represent another key frontier, enabling more natural interaction with the devices and reducing the need to avert attention from the road. Some devices have a very limited, command-specific vocabulary...
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GPS leader Garmin has unveiled two new, feature-packed navigator lines, the nuvi 1200 and 1300 Series. Packaged in a sleeker, slightly smaller, and significantly lighter package than the nuvi 2x5 Series, these navigators combine key road-focused and pedestrian-friendly features. The two Series are defined by the screen size: basic 3.5 inch and wide-screen 4.3 inch. Otherwise, the features and the progression through the range is similar, topping out with traffic-ready models with included receiver and free, lifetime traffic information. A clever new feature to aid drivers in reducing fuel consumption is called ecoRoute. Now, in addition to quickest and shortest routes, the driver can choose the most fuel efficient. The device will track miles driven and provide a fuel consumption trip report, along with tips on how to save fuel. Once parked, the nuvi 1200 and nuvi 1300 have an enhanced pedestrian mode and an innovative new public transit mode. By using optional, downloadable CityXplorer content ($10-$15 per city), the navigators can plan routes that include public transit options such as bus, tramway, metro and suburban rail systems. A welcomed tool for travelers, CityXplorer can provide...
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Connectivity is the key mobile electronics trend at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, where TomTom introduced its upcoming Go 740 Live portable GPS device. This new flagship model combines technologies to deliver extremely detailed traffic information. The effective IQ Routing uses traffic history to predict traffic patterns, like during rush hour. TomTom now has analyzed over 1 trillion miles monitored over the past two years, backing this feature with deep data. Add to that the ever-improving Map Share function that allows users to make map corrections and share the information during map updates. This ensures minor roadway corrections, addresses new and changing roads, and adjusts for construction projects. And the real kicker, HD Traffic. To be introduced after the devices go on sale, HD Traffic promises to collect traffic flow data from cell phone users. That’s right, not GPS users. TomTom is in talks with cell-phone carriers to anonymously collect real-time traffic flow data from users, essentially turning any traveler with an active, GPS-outfitted cell phone into an information node. The results could be quite revolutionary. Like MSN Direct-fitted units, and indeed...
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At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Ford introduced new features for its factory-installed Sync multimedia system . The next-generation system add traffic, directions, and information to the portfolio of services. This new Sync system leverages the voice-recognition software, integrated GPS technology, and a customer’s Bluetooth-capable mobile phone to expand the connected functionality. Drivers will be able to have hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, precise turn-by-turn driving directions, and up-to-date information including business listings, news, sports and weather. The new services will be available on nearly all 2010 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models with no initial monthly subscription fees, thanks to three years of service included with a new vehicle purchase. Traffic information will be provided for 95 metropolitan areas nationwide, providing traffic speed, flow, and incident information via text display, which can be read aloud. The traffic information can inform navigation, enabling routes to be smartly created. Turn-by-turn directions are downloaded to the vehicle and are spoken to the user over the vehicle’s audio system and displayed on...
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If you braved the crowds on Black Friday, then you undoubtedly saw low-priced portable GPS navigation devices everywhere—in stores, online, and on dashboards. With Cyber Monday, and the days that follow, more great deals will be heavily marketed as retailers look to move these red-hot navigators by the truckload, but how do you choose the best unit? The GPS leaders Because the product segment has exploded over the past two years, companies are jumping in, and out, of the market, flooding it with devices. The giants remain Garmin, TomTom, Magellan, Mio, and Navigon , with household names like Alpine, Panasonic, and Sony barely taking a sliver of the market. Brands outside these standouts should be considered risky, offering less-than-competitive packages and possibly in the market just for the short run. Generally speaking, the leading companies provide the best overall devices backed by strong customer support and robust aftermarket offerings. Garmin dominates the portable automotive GPS market in the United States, driven by an easy-to-use interface, strong features, and simple map updates. TomTom shares similar virtues, trading a touch of user friendliness for more customization....
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The fast-paced portable GPS navigation market has seen ongoing technological breakthroughs over the past couple years as the largest companies compete for customers. While Garmin and TomTom may lead in sales, Navigon has been pushing innovation, launching free real-time traffic and “Reality View” (representing major roadway intersections to provide clear lane guidance) last year. Now, just in time for the holidays, Navigon has unveiled the 8100T. On sale this month, the 8100T has an impressive appearance with a brush-steel faceplate surrounding a massive 4.8-inch screen. But what really distinguishes the 8100T is the three-dimensional mapping. Several companies have talked about it, and even shown demonstrations, but this is the first product to the American market that truly renders terrain topography. Navigon uses NASA-sourced elevation data to create a texture map, overlaying it with a rendered graphic skin. The final result is brought into relief with a sun-like light source. Now, instead of following a guide line across an angled two-dimensional plane, drivers can see the rise and fall of terrain. As a novelty, it is very cool. As a navigational aid, it can bring the map to life...
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In the fast-moving portable navigation market, new models, features, and services are appearing every few months. Amid detail changes, traffic service has remained a key distinguishing feature and purchase consideration. Navigon took a bold position by offering free data last year, and this year Dash introduced car-to-car traffic information and TomTom followed up with historic data for smart routing. It can be hard to know what features to insist on when buying, especially with traffic typically requiring a monthly service fee. Now, the next battle of the brands is driving free traffic and portable GPS navigators are becoming even more appealing. Navigon and market-giant Garmin both recently announced free traffic on their latest models. Starting this fall, Navigon will make Free Real-Time Traffic Updates for Life standard on a range of new portable devices. This alone should draw the consideration for shoppers who prize this helpful feature. Previously, Navigon also introduced FreshMaps, providing up to 12 map updates for three years for $79 – less money than some competitors charge for a single update. Not to be outdone, Garmin announced its own free, lifetime traffic alerts on its...
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Suzuki will pack its 2009 SX4 sport sedan and SX4 Crossover hatchback with a standard, integrated navigation system, making it the only new vehicle under $16,000 to include navigation as a standard feature. Navigation systems are increasingly common as options on an expanding range of vehicle, although the cost typically associated with them is in $1500-$2000 territory. This GPS system is sourced from segment leader Garmin, and it will offer premium services through Microsoft Network, including real-time traffic, weather forecasts, local event listings, and a gas station finder capable of locating the lowest priced fuel in town. Distinguishing its points of interest (POI) functionality, the SX4 system will feature a number of lifestyle-oriented, Suzuki-recommended destinations and landmarks, such as hip music venues, popular surf spots, interesting road trip attractions, and other activity-focused destinations. Referred to as the Suzuki T.R.I.P. (Travel, Real-time traffic, Information and Play), the navigation system has a flip-up 4.3-inch touch screen display and Bluetooth hands-free calling technology that can receive and audibly play text messages. This system should add high-tech...
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