Mobile DJ Art Car - Or Speaker Rocket Ship?

Of all the cars I have heard or rather felt this Mobile DJ Art car is by far the most original, clever and cool looking ever. It actually reminds of the car from Men In Black. It has two turn tables with a number of very large speakers built into the car with aerodynamic considerations in mind. I think the dude is Dutch so I am not quite sure what it says on his web site, but here is an English excerpt from his site "The idea for the DJ Mobile is inspired by the song "God is a DJ" [from faithless] and the car of our HOLY-POPE. These two things were mixed together and there it was the DJ Mobile. The DJ Mobile is a functional artwork with a PA System built in"

Mobile DJ Art Car - Or Speaker Rocket Ship?

Of all the cars I have heard or rather felt this Mobile DJ Art car is by far the most original, clever and cool looking ever. It actually reminds of the car from Men In Black. It has two turn tables with a number of very large speakers built into the car with aerodynamic considerations in mind. I think the dude is Dutch so I am not quite sure what it says on his web site, but here is an English excerpt from his site "The idea for the DJ Mobile is inspired by the song "God is a DJ" [from faithless] and the car of our HOLY-POPE. These two things were mixed together and there it was the DJ Mobile. The DJ Mobile is a functional artwork with a PA System built in"

Video: Hydrogen Road Tour

What will it take for hydrogen cars, which emit only water vapour as exhaust, to hit the roads in large numbers? Filling stations would be a good start, as this video of the Hydrogen Road Tour shows.

Between 11 and 23 August, a caravan of hydrogen-powered cars travelled the US from coast to coast in a bid to raise awareness of the technology's promise.

Watch the video below to see hydrogen cars in action, hear what one sounds like and learn why more filling stations are urgently needed.

Video: Hydrogen Road Tour

What will it take for hydrogen cars, which emit only water vapour as exhaust, to hit the roads in large numbers? Filling stations would be a good start, as this video of the Hydrogen Road Tour shows.

Between 11 and 23 August, a caravan of hydrogen-powered cars travelled the US from coast to coast in a bid to raise awareness of the technology's promise.

Watch the video below to see hydrogen cars in action, hear what one sounds like and learn why more filling stations are urgently needed.

GYM concept car makes you exercise for your ride

We’re nuts about the open-wheel design of this GYM electric car, but might be too lazy to get it to go anywhere. That’s because inside this far-fetched design concept of a rowdy-looking roadster is also a gym full of exercise equipment, urging you to use your own elbow grease to get this show on the road.

Sure, you can plug it into the wall for easy charging, but that wouldn’t be as much fun as hopping on the car’s stepping machine, grunting through a few reps on its bench press, rowing for a while and then doing a set of pull-ups.

Only thing missing is pushups, but wait, that might be possible by strapping the car’s arm weights onto your back. So Corporal, you want to go Oscar Mike? Hit the deck and give me twenty!




100 Percent Car, via Gizmo Watch

GYM concept car makes you exercise for your ride

We’re nuts about the open-wheel design of this GYM electric car, but might be too lazy to get it to go anywhere. That’s because inside this far-fetched design concept of a rowdy-looking roadster is also a gym full of exercise equipment, urging you to use your own elbow grease to get this show on the road.

Sure, you can plug it into the wall for easy charging, but that wouldn’t be as much fun as hopping on the car’s stepping machine, grunting through a few reps on its bench press, rowing for a while and then doing a set of pull-ups.

Only thing missing is pushups, but wait, that might be possible by strapping the car’s arm weights onto your back. So Corporal, you want to go Oscar Mike? Hit the deck and give me twenty!




100 Percent Car, via Gizmo Watch

Smart Car Dyno Run

Got a Smart car? Want it to sound meaner? It might be time for an exhaust upgrade!

Smart Car Dyno Run

Got a Smart car? Want it to sound meaner? It might be time for an exhaust upgrade!

Audi A7: Coupe and cabriolet revealed

Car Magazine is running a great special on Audi "scoops" and we would like to share the Audi A7 with you. Truly awesome-looking car!

Just as the A5 uses the A4 platform, so the A7 will be based on the new A6. But
the next-gen A6, which means a lightweight aluminium platform with various steel
reinforcements.Air suspension will be standard on high-end models, and unless
sales don’t surpass the expected 40,000 units, four-cylinder power won’t happen.
Instead buyers will be offered a based 2.8-litre V6 FSI or the new supercharged
3.0-litre V6. Oil-burning owners will pick between a 2.7-litre, and a 3.0-litre
V6 with either one or two turbos. Then if you can make sense of it all, there
will be various six and seven-speed manuals, autos and dual-clutch S-tronic
boxes.Audi will slot, no make that shoehorn, its 5.0-litre twin-turbo V10 into
the A7 to create an RS7, while the S7 will use a detuned version. Never fear
though, because a hybrid version will be on hand to balance your polluting ways.

Source: Car Magazine

Audi A7: Coupe and cabriolet revealed

Car Magazine is running a great special on Audi "scoops" and we would like to share the Audi A7 with you. Truly awesome-looking car!

Just as the A5 uses the A4 platform, so the A7 will be based on the new A6. But
the next-gen A6, which means a lightweight aluminium platform with various steel
reinforcements.Air suspension will be standard on high-end models, and unless
sales don’t surpass the expected 40,000 units, four-cylinder power won’t happen.
Instead buyers will be offered a based 2.8-litre V6 FSI or the new supercharged
3.0-litre V6. Oil-burning owners will pick between a 2.7-litre, and a 3.0-litre
V6 with either one or two turbos. Then if you can make sense of it all, there
will be various six and seven-speed manuals, autos and dual-clutch S-tronic
boxes.Audi will slot, no make that shoehorn, its 5.0-litre twin-turbo V10 into
the A7 to create an RS7, while the S7 will use a detuned version. Never fear
though, because a hybrid version will be on hand to balance your polluting ways.

Source: Car Magazine

VW Caddy Topos Sail Concept Features A Wooden Deck Up Top

I enjoy a slick looking concept car as much as the next guy, even though most concept vehicles are nothing but over-designed eye candy that I really couldn’t see myself driving. But leave it to Volkswagen to come up with a concept that’s more utilitarian than easy on the eyes. Unveiled at the recreational and commercial vehicle show in Düsseldorf, Germany, the VW Caddy Topos Sail concept features an actual wooden boat deck built in to the roof. The Topos Sail is based on the smallest model in the VW commercial van fleet, and besides the real wooden decking it also features aluminum safety rails running along the sides of the roof, flip-up panels that serve as back rests and a matching wood and aluminum ladder built in to the tailgate. Perfect for those days when the local beach or park is too crowded to find a place to have a picnic or just lounge about.

[ Autoblog - Lounge on deck of VW Caddy Topos Sail Concept ]

VW Caddy Topos Sail Concept Features A Wooden Deck Up Top

I enjoy a slick looking concept car as much as the next guy, even though most concept vehicles are nothing but over-designed eye candy that I really couldn’t see myself driving. But leave it to Volkswagen to come up with a concept that’s more utilitarian than easy on the eyes. Unveiled at the recreational and commercial vehicle show in Düsseldorf, Germany, the VW Caddy Topos Sail concept features an actual wooden boat deck built in to the roof. The Topos Sail is based on the smallest model in the VW commercial van fleet, and besides the real wooden decking it also features aluminum safety rails running along the sides of the roof, flip-up panels that serve as back rests and a matching wood and aluminum ladder built in to the tailgate. Perfect for those days when the local beach or park is too crowded to find a place to have a picnic or just lounge about.

[ Autoblog - Lounge on deck of VW Caddy Topos Sail Concept ]

Chromed Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 for Sale

This is the LP640, Lamborghini Murcielago pimped by the German tuner Hamann. It was put on sale by the London based luxury car dealer ‘Mayfair Prestige’. It is cheaper than the Reventon or Veyron, so don’t worry, it is priced at only $625,200. Check out more pictures of this chromy car after the break.

Chromed Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 for Sale

This is the LP640, Lamborghini Murcielago pimped by the German tuner Hamann. It was put on sale by the London based luxury car dealer ‘Mayfair Prestige’. It is cheaper than the Reventon or Veyron, so don’t worry, it is priced at only $625,200. Check out more pictures of this chromy car after the break.

Florian Jennett Cardboard Corolla

Awesome, nice work! If you can afford a sports car, this is what you can do, get some Fedex or DHL box and start making your own body kit.

“Back in the mid-90s, Florian Jenett wanted to go Can-Am racing. Never one to
let obstacles dismay him, he ignored people that told him, “You can’t afford to
go racing on a German artist’s salary” or “Can-Am racing died in 1974.”

The above Corolla E10 was complete with homemade K&N filter conversion (necessitating a hood bulge) and sans catalytic converter and it’s capable of reaching over 100mph - at which speed its handling became unpredictable. More pictures after the break.






[via Jalopnik]

Florian Jennett Cardboard Corolla

Awesome, nice work! If you can afford a sports car, this is what you can do, get some Fedex or DHL box and start making your own body kit.

“Back in the mid-90s, Florian Jenett wanted to go Can-Am racing. Never one to
let obstacles dismay him, he ignored people that told him, “You can’t afford to
go racing on a German artist’s salary” or “Can-Am racing died in 1974.”

The above Corolla E10 was complete with homemade K&N filter conversion (necessitating a hood bulge) and sans catalytic converter and it’s capable of reaching over 100mph - at which speed its handling became unpredictable. More pictures after the break.






[via Jalopnik]

XR3: The new DIY hybrid car

Among the innumerable amount of ‘do it yourself’ (DIY) things like lamp shades, book shelves, guitars, solar cookers, now comes a brand new addition – An automobile. As per instructions from the product design company in Glendale, Arizona, anybody can personally build their own unique crossbreed car namely the XR3, Robert Q, that will give 225 miles per gallon. With the firm offering $200 worth of construction plans, the whole activity could be little challenging yet a lot of fun.

This car will run either on an electric or a diesel-based hybrid, with a rough estimate of $5000 for the spare parts of an electric replica. The building process could be a little taxing, but no pain no gain right? This DIY car is a definite dream coming true for all those car lovers who have always wanted to own a custom-made mobile!

via: rqriley

XR3: The new DIY hybrid car

Among the innumerable amount of ‘do it yourself’ (DIY) things like lamp shades, book shelves, guitars, solar cookers, now comes a brand new addition – An automobile. As per instructions from the product design company in Glendale, Arizona, anybody can personally build their own unique crossbreed car namely the XR3, Robert Q, that will give 225 miles per gallon. With the firm offering $200 worth of construction plans, the whole activity could be little challenging yet a lot of fun.

This car will run either on an electric or a diesel-based hybrid, with a rough estimate of $5000 for the spare parts of an electric replica. The building process could be a little taxing, but no pain no gain right? This DIY car is a definite dream coming true for all those car lovers who have always wanted to own a custom-made mobile!

via: rqriley

Electric bicycles: 10 reasons you should try one

Electric bicycles are coming of age. If the last one you rode was heavier than a fridge-freezer, fizzled out after a few miles and sported an astronomical price tag, you're in for a pleasant surprise with today's modern machines. Here are 10 good reasons for jumping on an electric bike today.

1. They're better value than scooters

Compared to a push bicycle, electric bicycles look expensive: they're generally twice the price of normal bikes with a similar spec. But because of the range and speed electric cycling offers, a fairer comparison is with electric scooters and mopeds. A poor-performing electric scooter, like the StreetScoota, will cost you £1,000. A top-of-the-range nippy electric bike such as the Wisper 905se, on the other hand, will set you back just £1,200.

But what about the running costs? They're tiny. The Electric Transport Shop, one of the UK's most popular electric bike retailers, reckons a full charge for most electric bikes will set you back 5p. Even if you ride 10 miles every day for 365 days a year, you'll only pay £9.10 each year. That's cheaper than a peak day Travelcard (Zones 1-6) in London. For full greenie points, make sure you're on a green electricity tariff.


2. There's a style for everyone

As you can see from the three models above, electrics come in all shapes and sizes. I've been riding the trio on loan from the Electric Transport Shop, and found there really is a design for everyone. Take the best-selling Windsor, pictured above right. A step-through model -- the modern parlance for "lady's bike" -- it costs a relatively affordable £600.

Although two female friends loved the Windsor for the sit-up-and-beg riding position and the slight boost it offered, a third female rider hated the weight, and it didn't float my boat. Compared to my normal push bike, it was heavier to lug through the house, slower on the flat and harder up hills because its lowest gear just isn't very low. Still, I can see how it'd at low speeds and short distances, it could be attractive, since it does give a gentle but tangible assist when you start off.

3. Great for commuting by train

If you fancy cutting the journey time on both sides of your rail commute, folding bicycles are a great option. And an electric folder is even more attractive if you're surrounded by hills or don't want to sweat en route to work.

I've been testing the GreenEdge Silverado, pictured above. This is a powerful bike that zooms you up steep hills. I went up Primrose Hill in London at 13mph, which is fast for such an incline. It's also easy to fold in under 30 seconds and you can wheel the bike once it's folded, which is handy.

There are some niggles. One is the weight -- carrying this on buses and trains is no mean feat, as it clocks in at 19kg. Then there's the fact you can't roll it backwards when folded, which can be a pain on public transport. Some riders have said the gearing is too low, but I found it fine for a folder.

4. Style

Riding an electric bike doesn't have to involve a run-in with the cool police. Many models are just as hip and sleek as trendy conventional bikes. Take the Wisper 905se City above, for example. I didn't want to give it back.

The joy of the Wisper is that it's very, very powerful. I whizzed up hills in fourth or fifth gear rather than the first gear I'd use on my push bike. It climbed a steep 1 in 11 hill without the need for any pedalling. In other words, this is an electric bike where -- if you want -- you really don't have to cycle. Obviously, add your pedal power and you increase your speed and extend the battery range.

5. You can recharge at your desk

Most electric bicycles take between two and five hours to charge fully, and will then run for anywhere between 15 and 30 miles before the battery runs out. On a dead battery, you can pedal like you're on a normal -- albeit rather heavy -- bike.

So it pays to keep the battery topped up. One good way to keep your bike charged for free is to power it at work. Almost all electric bikes have a removable battery, meaning you can lock your bike outside and plug in the battery under your desk. Provided your bosses don't ban mobile phone chargers like Ryanair, you should be fine.

6. Hills

Living in an insanely hilly area like Bath or Crystal Palace is a fair reason for not cycling. But electric bikes make hills a realistic proposition. Some models, such as the Wisper, have motors so powerful you don't even need to pedal.

Choose your bike carefully, and ensure you get one with a powerful motor if you're going to tackle steep gradients. Cheaper and slower bikes like the Windsor mean you'll still be pedalling and puffing while climbing hills.

7. 25mph is a reality

By law, electric bicycle motors are limited to 15mph. But that doesn't mean you can't go faster by pedalling simultaneously. With a powerful bike, casual cyclists will find it possible to reach speeds of 25mph on the flat, or 30mph at a push.

The net result for you: a quicker journey and more thrills. Some cyclists would argue that your ride will be safer, too, because you're travelling at a speed closer to most motor vehicles.

8. No sweat

This is one of the greatest things about electric bicycles. Whether you arrive at work simply by gently pedalling or letting the electric motor do all the work, electrics hold out the promise of sweat-free commuting. Riding the Wisper, for example, I cycled a 7.3 mile journey in under 45 minutes without breaking sweat.

9. They're getting lighter

There's no getting round one bummer about electrics: they are heavier than normal push bikes. But as battery technology improves and the makers pick better frames, weights are slowly dropping below 20kg. Most normal push bikes weigh less than 15kg.

10. Traffic light starts are always easy

As any cyclist knows, stopping unexpectedly at traffic lights in a high gear is annoying. When you start off, you're in an impossibly hard and slow gear: not good if you're in busy traffic with a queue of bikers behind you.
But electric bikes mean you're always in the right gear -- you can simply use the electric motor to get up to speed. Out of the three bikes I rode for this article, the Wisper was easily the best for assisted starts. Faster starts also feel safer, as you're quicker to get away from traffic.

Electric bicycles: 10 reasons you should try one

Electric bicycles are coming of age. If the last one you rode was heavier than a fridge-freezer, fizzled out after a few miles and sported an astronomical price tag, you're in for a pleasant surprise with today's modern machines. Here are 10 good reasons for jumping on an electric bike today.

1. They're better value than scooters

Compared to a push bicycle, electric bicycles look expensive: they're generally twice the price of normal bikes with a similar spec. But because of the range and speed electric cycling offers, a fairer comparison is with electric scooters and mopeds. A poor-performing electric scooter, like the StreetScoota, will cost you £1,000. A top-of-the-range nippy electric bike such as the Wisper 905se, on the other hand, will set you back just £1,200.

But what about the running costs? They're tiny. The Electric Transport Shop, one of the UK's most popular electric bike retailers, reckons a full charge for most electric bikes will set you back 5p. Even if you ride 10 miles every day for 365 days a year, you'll only pay £9.10 each year. That's cheaper than a peak day Travelcard (Zones 1-6) in London. For full greenie points, make sure you're on a green electricity tariff.


2. There's a style for everyone

As you can see from the three models above, electrics come in all shapes and sizes. I've been riding the trio on loan from the Electric Transport Shop, and found there really is a design for everyone. Take the best-selling Windsor, pictured above right. A step-through model -- the modern parlance for "lady's bike" -- it costs a relatively affordable £600.

Although two female friends loved the Windsor for the sit-up-and-beg riding position and the slight boost it offered, a third female rider hated the weight, and it didn't float my boat. Compared to my normal push bike, it was heavier to lug through the house, slower on the flat and harder up hills because its lowest gear just isn't very low. Still, I can see how it'd at low speeds and short distances, it could be attractive, since it does give a gentle but tangible assist when you start off.

3. Great for commuting by train

If you fancy cutting the journey time on both sides of your rail commute, folding bicycles are a great option. And an electric folder is even more attractive if you're surrounded by hills or don't want to sweat en route to work.

I've been testing the GreenEdge Silverado, pictured above. This is a powerful bike that zooms you up steep hills. I went up Primrose Hill in London at 13mph, which is fast for such an incline. It's also easy to fold in under 30 seconds and you can wheel the bike once it's folded, which is handy.

There are some niggles. One is the weight -- carrying this on buses and trains is no mean feat, as it clocks in at 19kg. Then there's the fact you can't roll it backwards when folded, which can be a pain on public transport. Some riders have said the gearing is too low, but I found it fine for a folder.

4. Style

Riding an electric bike doesn't have to involve a run-in with the cool police. Many models are just as hip and sleek as trendy conventional bikes. Take the Wisper 905se City above, for example. I didn't want to give it back.

The joy of the Wisper is that it's very, very powerful. I whizzed up hills in fourth or fifth gear rather than the first gear I'd use on my push bike. It climbed a steep 1 in 11 hill without the need for any pedalling. In other words, this is an electric bike where -- if you want -- you really don't have to cycle. Obviously, add your pedal power and you increase your speed and extend the battery range.

5. You can recharge at your desk

Most electric bicycles take between two and five hours to charge fully, and will then run for anywhere between 15 and 30 miles before the battery runs out. On a dead battery, you can pedal like you're on a normal -- albeit rather heavy -- bike.

So it pays to keep the battery topped up. One good way to keep your bike charged for free is to power it at work. Almost all electric bikes have a removable battery, meaning you can lock your bike outside and plug in the battery under your desk. Provided your bosses don't ban mobile phone chargers like Ryanair, you should be fine.

6. Hills

Living in an insanely hilly area like Bath or Crystal Palace is a fair reason for not cycling. But electric bikes make hills a realistic proposition. Some models, such as the Wisper, have motors so powerful you don't even need to pedal.

Choose your bike carefully, and ensure you get one with a powerful motor if you're going to tackle steep gradients. Cheaper and slower bikes like the Windsor mean you'll still be pedalling and puffing while climbing hills.

7. 25mph is a reality

By law, electric bicycle motors are limited to 15mph. But that doesn't mean you can't go faster by pedalling simultaneously. With a powerful bike, casual cyclists will find it possible to reach speeds of 25mph on the flat, or 30mph at a push.

The net result for you: a quicker journey and more thrills. Some cyclists would argue that your ride will be safer, too, because you're travelling at a speed closer to most motor vehicles.

8. No sweat

This is one of the greatest things about electric bicycles. Whether you arrive at work simply by gently pedalling or letting the electric motor do all the work, electrics hold out the promise of sweat-free commuting. Riding the Wisper, for example, I cycled a 7.3 mile journey in under 45 minutes without breaking sweat.

9. They're getting lighter

There's no getting round one bummer about electrics: they are heavier than normal push bikes. But as battery technology improves and the makers pick better frames, weights are slowly dropping below 20kg. Most normal push bikes weigh less than 15kg.

10. Traffic light starts are always easy

As any cyclist knows, stopping unexpectedly at traffic lights in a high gear is annoying. When you start off, you're in an impossibly hard and slow gear: not good if you're in busy traffic with a queue of bikers behind you.
But electric bikes mean you're always in the right gear -- you can simply use the electric motor to get up to speed. Out of the three bikes I rode for this article, the Wisper was easily the best for assisted starts. Faster starts also feel safer, as you're quicker to get away from traffic.