Honda has just announced that it will be launching its hydrogen-powered FCX in 2008 — as a 2009 model. What sets the FCX apart from the others is that it comes equipped with a V Flow1 fuel cell platform consisting of a compact, high-efficiency fuel cell stack arranged in an innovative center-tunnel layout.

They’re also toying with a home hydrogen energy generation station that runs off natural gas..the fact that the new CXF “Concept” has a 270-mile range and can hit 100 mph

[via Jalopnik]
from techeblog

Kenwood’s aiming its new MNA-350 squarely at the Japanese market for tiny cars, or “kei-cars,” but we know plenty of people with double-DIN slots in their SUVs here in the States who would kill for this CD player / GPS nav combo. The 50W unit features a 3.5-inch touchscreen that supports address and phone number lookups, as well as MP3, AAC, and WMA support and optional iPod integration. Those of you rocking to the beat of different DAP can jack in through the front-mounted 1/8-inch aux input, or just play your files through the integrated SD reader. No word on price, but the four of you flying out to snag one of these Japan-only units for your Escalades probably don’t care about that, do you?

[Via Akihabara News]
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from engadget

Face detection on your average digicam may not seem that special, but strapping the feature atop your steering column can certainly make for a more enjoyable (and safer) driving experience. Lexus‘ new LS600hL sports a Driver Monitoring System, which places a detection device in front of the driver’s seat that keeps a close eye on the orientation of the his / her face, and if it sees that you’re peering off at the continually changing MINI billboard or checking out the overhead wind energy producer, it kicks into action. The system will send audible and visual alerts at first in an attempt to get your attention back, and can eventually “apply the brakes on its own” if the previous warnings prove futile. Moreover, it can reportedly “reprogram the steering ratio and amplify the intensity and quickness of the steering response” to keep motorists safe, but there’s no word on whether or not a retinal scanner add-on will be available to automatically adjust user preferences depending on which driver hops in the seat.

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We understand, it’s practically impossible to either bike everywhere you need to go or have your General Motors’ Flex-Fit rack ready to rock when you’re far from home, but the suitcase bike can seemingly tackle both of those issues with ease. Amazingly, the oft talked about, but hardly taken seriously Suitcase Bike has apparently been green-lit for production, and could be available to suckers interested consumers “later this year.” While it shouldn’t be too hard to guess, we’ll do the honors anyway: the presumably hefty suitcase can morph into an unsightly form of transportation with just a few clips, folds, and snaps, and while public humiliation isn’t necessarily included in the price, we can’t help but imagine that it’ll be bundled in whether you like it or not. Still, having a pair of wheels on your person at all times could certainly come in handy. It’s asking price $399.

[Via TreeHugger]
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From engadget

While there unfortunately still isn’t any word on when it might be available, those curious about the long-in-development Segway Centaur may want to head over to MotorcycleUSA, which has put together a fairly in-depth look at the four-wheeled vehicle for those that haven’t been following its every move. Of course, it’s still to early to tell if it’ll have the profound effect on our lives that the original Segway has had, but they seem confident that the vehicle will at least provide some “unadulterated fun” — if it’s ever actually released, that is. They do see a few potential problems with it, however, including the not-insignificant possibility for the rider to be thrown off during sharp turns due to the vehicle’s high center of gravity. On the plus side, that could at least make Segway polo a bit more interesting.

[Via AutoblogGreen]
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Mitsubishi has just unveiled its production Evolution X, set for launch next year in North America. More pictures after the break.

features include a new lightweight version of the venerable 2.0L turbo mill with MIVEC3 valve control plus an aluminum cylinder block. Drive is sent to all four wheels via a new six-speed automated manual transmission that offers faster gear changes and improved fuel-economy over the previous generation’s conventional manual box

[via MotorAuthority]
from techeblog
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Oh hey, what’s this? Thin GPS… can it really be? Fine Digital just announced their Finedrive M760 navigator with real-time TPEG traffic alerts for S.Korea. Of course, with a 7-inch, 480 x 234, LED-backlit LCD display, they just couldn’t resist slapping in some DMB television to up the distraction factor. Hell, it even features a little NIP (Navigation In Picture) so you’ll never have to look at the road again. The 25-mm (1-inch) slab also packs an SD card and 800mA battery to take your MPEG-4, DivX, WMV video and MP3, WMA, and WAV audio with you once you arrive. If you arrive, that is. It’ll cost you â‚©440,000 (about $483) for the pleasure starting next month.

[Via AVING]
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from engadget