Autoblog

click on the image above for many more pictures

Way back in 2006, Piaggio invented a new category in motorcycling: the three-wheeled leaning scooter. It turns out that they were really on to something - the MP3 has been selling so well that Piaggio has decided to introduce two new versions of the machine to the American market. Joining the original 250cc MP3, Piaggio has officially announced their plans to release both a 400cc version and a 500cc version. With 34 horsepower, the 400 offers a useful increase in power to the original MP3, but we're more interested in the 500. Boasting 40 horsepower, the MP3 500 is capable of about 90 miles per hour. We also prefer the Mad Max ready-for-anything look of the 500 to the swoopy plastic look of the 250 and 400. A Ducati it's not, but if your Italian cycling passion is a bit more rational, Piaggio may have exactly what you are looking for.

[Source: Piaggio]

Siemens and Microsoft have announced a joint partnership to develop the next generation of in-car entertainment and sat-nav products, which, much like the Ford/Microsoft Sync system, will allow users to connect everything from mobile phones to media players. Recognizing that standalone audio systems are quickly becoming a thing of the past, the new system seeks to integrate every facet of the "digital lifestyle" into one all-encompassing unit. The fruits of their labors should be in production by 2009, assuming all goes well over in Redmond.

[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]

You might say that, in terms of broad market appeal, the iPod is the VW of personal electronics. If that's the case, then what happens when Volkswagen comes out with a digital media player of its own?

The German automaker has teamed up with LG to produce a special MP3 player designed and branded as the Beetle of personal music devices. Rather than simply slapping a Vee-Dub logo on any old contraption, LG designed a fresh product for Volkswagen. Although the shape is the same rounded-corner block as any other on the market, it has a user interface said to be inspired by the New Beetle and is offered in Volkswagen colors including Salsa Red, Shadow Blue and Sunflower Yellow. Of course, it also comes emblazoned with Volkswagen logos, but it seems the designers couldn't fit a bud vase anywhere on the unit.

[Source: Computer World via Motorpasion]

It's helpful if you like The Ataris. Hyundai is hoping to lure internet users with a banner ad that no doubt touts the free song. When clicked, the banner initiates a download, plays the song, and also pops up a 20-second commercial featuring the Elantra. You could also opt for the cellphone ringtone if you like the way music sounds over a 1/3" transducer. A second set of banners is going live as well, these to collect contact information on potential customers willingly fill out the form. A song by Secondhand Serenade is the prize for providing a free sales lead to the dealer organization.

Hyundai is angling to snag more of the 18-49 year old age group by running the banners at popular music sites like Pandora, Billboard, and Real Networks. Hey, a focused advertising effort is already better than the wide-net thing we all have to sit through on TV.

[Source: Brandweek]

Click image to enlarge

If you follow the "read" link your eyes and ears will be under full assault as BMW hypes up a soon to be released gizmo. What is it? We're a bit baffled, but according to the trailer it has the ability to play MP3s, DVDs and CDs, has USB and Bluetooth connectivity, can recognize voice commands and has a 65,000 color LCD. But alas, no nav.

We're still a trifle confused as to why an automaker would begin producing personal electronics, but then again, BMW has a tendency to throw the occasional curve ball, with its products and marketing tactics.

Until it's released in Mid-January 2007, we're just going to call it the "Highend," since that's the only discernable thing we could see in the URL.

A few more images are posted after the jump.

The Audi super-forum, Fourtitude, recently had a chance to sample the automaker's newest attempt at iPod integration in an S8, while joined by Audi of America's Product Planning Manager Filip Brabec. The new system, dubbed the Audi Music Interface (AMI), builds on the MMI system in the A3, A4, S4 and RS 4 models. Although the system appears to be one of the best at getting full functionality out of Apple's iPod, other brands of MP3 players should work just as seemlessly with the use of seperate cables. A second media slot is located next to the CD changer on the A6, S6, A8 and S8, providing a slide out drawer to hold your iPod. The AMI will be available as a factory-equipped option beginning in November and a retrofit of the system will be available in the vehicles listed above in early 2007.

The new system is expected to cost an additional $300 when ordered on a new car and Filip wasn't able to confirm pricing on retrofit kits at present. Additionally, the USB 2.0 cable that will allow other MP3 adaptability will arrive later on and will be combined with a software update that will bring the new system up to speed. Although equipping vehicles with video playback represents some safety and legal challenges, it's possible that future generations of the MMI will allow this functionality as well. Click the read link for more details and photos of the AMI in action.

[Source: Fourtitude]

This is the kind of black box we want in our cars... GizMag brought to our attention a physical security device (read: safe) that prevents opportunistic smash-and-grab theft that occurs sometimes when thieves see so much as a PDA cable or cell phone charger. The AutoSafe hooks into your vehicle via a wire rope cable that can attach to a chassis-mounted seat base, seat hinges or baby seat fixing points so you don't have to run and get your drill. AutoSafe comes in various sizes, from smaller ones that fit an MP3 player, PDA or pharmaceuticals to larger ones that can fit an entire laptop bag.

The safes span in price from $100 to $300 depending upon their size.

[Source: AutoSafe via GizMag]

Apple revealed Thursday that it has inked deals with Ford Motor, General Motors and Mazda to integrate its iPod with OEM car sound systems. A simple plug-in interface will allow users to charge the iPod in the car, and to control the player with the car stereo's controls.

According to Apple, more than 70 percent of 2007-model vehicles in the U.S. will provide iPod integration, with GM offering the feature on all of its U.S. cars and trucks. Mazda will offer the feature worldwide in its cars and SUVs. Ford will roll out its version of iPod integration, called "TripTunes Advanced" early next year. GM's implementation, "Personal Audio Link," will debut in the Chevrolet HHR later this year, and should be available in all of GM's 56 models by the end of next year. GM will offer Personal Audio Link as a $160 (plus installation) option. No word as yet on the cost of Ford's TripTunes Advanced.

Our guess is that full iPod integration, like Ford's TripTunes Advanced feature, will roll out gradually for U.S. automakers, with many 2007 models making do with a simpler auxiliary audio input jack.

[Sources: Reuters, Ford, GM, Apple]

If you think that the kid with the most toys wins, you might be interested to know that the Lexus LS 460 has been named the king of high-tech by the Telematics Research Group. TRG says that the LS will have more technology features than any other vehicle offered for sale in the North American market when it rolls off the production line for the 2007 model year. Special gadgets include the vehicle's 30GB hard drive for navigation and music, parking aid cameras, a 19-speaker sound system capable of reading MP3 and other media formats, Bluetooth, voice-activated navigation and other goodies.

[Sources: Telematics Research Group; Lexus]

We feel Engadget's pain.

The Vique GPS sounds like the perfect multimedia entertainment system for a tech-oriented driver and his or her passengers. Got music? Vique supports MP3, WMA, and OGG formats. Same with DVDs and DivX if you're willing to risk watching movies and driving simultaneously. A USB port is also available to expand those options with, for example, a laptop. And GPS is available... but with a catch. The Vique GPS is marketed strictly for the South Korean market, so you need to be stalking the streets of Seoul with this thing.

[Source: Engadget]