Friday, October 22, 2010

2020 Apple iMove Study: Macintosh thinks differently as it hits middle age


A while back there was a rumor going around that Apple and its overlord Steve Jobs were going to be getting into the city car game. Although nothing official has been announced in the years since those rumors started - and Google looks ready to shut down anything Apple has coming with its driver-less cars - the iMove, an independent design study, is likely close to what people were thinking as soon as Apple mentioned "car".

Designed by 20-year old Liviu Tudoran, the iMove is simple, smooth, cute, and most of all, blends right into the Apple product lineup of pods and user-friendly design.

The exterior uses "photocromic material" to adjust the exterior hue of the vehicle (at least on the transparent parts) based on a variety of presets. Think of it like the Mustang's MyColor gauges, but on the outside of your ride.

Have a look at the pics below (and use our new zoom function, if necessary) to check out some of the designer's ideas and explanations behind them. While the spelling may be a bit off, the idea seems to be fairly on.

The iMove, though currently just a sketch and rendering, will be right at home in the cities of the future. I'll take mine in Vintage Mac Beige please.

By Phil Alex

Source: Liviu Tudoran





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2020 Apple iMove Study: Macintosh thinks differently as it hits middle age


A while back there was a rumor going around that Apple and its overlord Steve Jobs were going to be getting into the city car game. Although nothing official has been announced in the years since those rumors started - and Google looks ready to shut down anything Apple has coming with its driver-less cars - the iMove, an independent design study, is likely close to what people were thinking as soon as Apple mentioned "car".

Designed by 20-year old Liviu Tudoran, the iMove is simple, smooth, cute, and most of all, blends right into the Apple product lineup of pods and user-friendly design.

The exterior uses "photocromic material" to adjust the exterior hue of the vehicle (at least on the transparent parts) based on a variety of presets. Think of it like the Mustang's MyColor gauges, but on the outside of your ride.

Have a look at the pics below (and use our new zoom function, if necessary) to check out some of the designer's ideas and explanations behind them. While the spelling may be a bit off, the idea seems to be fairly on.

The iMove, though currently just a sketch and rendering, will be right at home in the cities of the future. I'll take mine in Vintage Mac Beige please.

By Phil Alex

Source: Liviu Tudoran





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VIDEO: C&D Pits Lexus LFA Against Ferrari 599 HGTE


In 1971, one of the greatest one-on-one boxing matches took place in New York's Madison Square Garden: the bout between Mohammed Ali and Joe Frazier. So big was this event, advertisers dubbed it, 'The Fight of the Century'. Now, two different contenders take to the ring (uh...tarmac). The reigning champion: the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE. The challenger: the Lexus LFA. Video after the jump.

One is a purebred, Italian racehorse with decades of motor racing heritage under its belt. The other is the new kid on the block: the young hood with its 'doof doof' music and unshakable will to win.

So maybe I went a bit too far with the boxing analogy...

The real scoop here is U.S. magazine Car and Driver putting the V12-powered 599 GTB HGTE and V10-powered LFA through their paces on the narrow, sodden backroads of Wales. Technical editor Michael Austin is behind the wheel of the Ferrari while executive editor Mark Gillies is in the Lexus. Their goal: to find out which of these two, similarly priced front engined, rear-wheel-drive GTs is the best?

Watch the video and decide for yourselves.

By Tristan Hankins

Source: C&D


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VIDEO: C&D Pits Lexus LFA Against Ferrari 599 HGTE


In 1971, one of the greatest one-on-one boxing matches took place in New York's Madison Square Garden: the bout between Mohammed Ali and Joe Frazier. So big was this event, advertisers dubbed it, 'The Fight of the Century'. Now, two different contenders take to the ring (uh...tarmac). The reigning champion: the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE. The challenger: the Lexus LFA. Video after the jump.

One is a purebred, Italian racehorse with decades of motor racing heritage under its belt. The other is the new kid on the block: the young hood with its 'doof doof' music and unshakable will to win.

So maybe I went a bit too far with the boxing analogy...

The real scoop here is U.S. magazine Car and Driver putting the V12-powered 599 GTB HGTE and V10-powered LFA through their paces on the narrow, sodden backroads of Wales. Technical editor Michael Austin is behind the wheel of the Ferrari while executive editor Mark Gillies is in the Lexus. Their goal: to find out which of these two, similarly priced front engined, rear-wheel-drive GTs is the best?

Watch the video and decide for yourselves.

By Tristan Hankins

Source: C&D


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NHTSA Warns Ford Owners on Older Recall Concerning 17.5 Million Vehicles


In an unusual announcement today, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) voiced concerns that millions of Ford vehicles previously recalled for a faulty cruise control system may have not been repaired, despite FoMoCo's notification efforts.

The safety agency noted that Ford Motor Company "has been diligent in contacting owners of the affected vehicles, including sending re-notification letters to owners in many cases."

According to the feds, since 1999, approximately 17.5 million Ford vehicles have been involved in the recalls because of the faulty cruise control disconnect switch, which can overheat and burn, potentially causing a fire long after the engine has been turned off.

"As more of the affected vehicles enter the used car market, the agency is concerned that most used car buyers don't know whether the used vehicles they purchased were ever returned to dealers for the needed repairs," the NHTSA said in a statement.

The agency said it advising owners of the affected Ford models to watch for potential warning signs of an imminent fire, including: a cruise control system that can't be activated or stops working; brake lights that stop working; low brake fluid; ABS and brake warning lights that are illuminated on the dashboard; or the inability to get a vehicle out of park.

Concerned owners can visit Ford's dedicated recall page and enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to see if their particular model has been recalled for the problem and if the repair has been made.

Here's the complete list of affected vehicles with the defective cruise control system:


  • 1992-2003 E Series (all including Econolines)
  • 1992-1998 Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis/Town Car
  • 1993-2003 F Series (150-550)
  • 2003-2004 Lightning
  • 2002-2003 Blackwood
  • 1993-1997 F Series (>8500GVW Diesel)
  • 1999-2003 F Series (>8500GVW Diesel)
  • 1993-1995 Taurus SHO
  • 1993-1998 Mark VIII
  • 1993-1996 Bronco
  • 1994-2002 F53 Motorhome
  • 1994 Mercury Capri
  • 1995-2003 Ranger
  • 1995-2002 Explorer
  • 2001-2002 Explorer Sport & Sport Trac
  • 1995-2002 Mountaineer
  • 1995-2003 Windstar
  • 1997-2002 Expedition
  • 1998-2002 Navigator
  • 1998-2002 Mazda-B-Series
  • 2000-2003 Excursion



NHTSA Warns Ford Owners on Older Recall Concerning 17.5 Million Vehicles


In an unusual announcement today, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) voiced concerns that millions of Ford vehicles previously recalled for a faulty cruise control system may have not been repaired, despite FoMoCo's notification efforts.

The safety agency noted that Ford Motor Company "has been diligent in contacting owners of the affected vehicles, including sending re-notification letters to owners in many cases."

According to the feds, since 1999, approximately 17.5 million Ford vehicles have been involved in the recalls because of the faulty cruise control disconnect switch, which can overheat and burn, potentially causing a fire long after the engine has been turned off.

"As more of the affected vehicles enter the used car market, the agency is concerned that most used car buyers don't know whether the used vehicles they purchased were ever returned to dealers for the needed repairs," the NHTSA said in a statement.

The agency said it advising owners of the affected Ford models to watch for potential warning signs of an imminent fire, including: a cruise control system that can't be activated or stops working; brake lights that stop working; low brake fluid; ABS and brake warning lights that are illuminated on the dashboard; or the inability to get a vehicle out of park.

Concerned owners can visit Ford's dedicated recall page and enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to see if their particular model has been recalled for the problem and if the repair has been made.

Here's the complete list of affected vehicles with the defective cruise control system:


  • 1992-2003 E Series (all including Econolines)
  • 1992-1998 Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis/Town Car
  • 1993-2003 F Series (150-550)
  • 2003-2004 Lightning
  • 2002-2003 Blackwood
  • 1993-1997 F Series (>8500GVW Diesel)
  • 1999-2003 F Series (>8500GVW Diesel)
  • 1993-1995 Taurus SHO
  • 1993-1998 Mark VIII
  • 1993-1996 Bronco
  • 1994-2002 F53 Motorhome
  • 1994 Mercury Capri
  • 1995-2003 Ranger
  • 1995-2002 Explorer
  • 2001-2002 Explorer Sport & Sport Trac
  • 1995-2002 Mountaineer
  • 1995-2003 Windstar
  • 1997-2002 Expedition
  • 1998-2002 Navigator
  • 1998-2002 Mazda-B-Series
  • 2000-2003 Excursion



SEMA Preshow: Ford Teases Customized F-Series Trucks


The onslaught of Ford's SEMA Show tuning products continues, this time with a sneak peek of the firm's F-Series truck proposals that will make their way to the Las Vegas Convention Center on November 2. Show-goers will have the chance to see customized versions of both the F-150 and Super Duty models.

"These trucks sell imagery across the board," said Melvin Betancourt, Ford specialty design manager. "Customers in the truck world want to go off-roading, or at least have the image that they can, or have a truck they can cruise in. We have trucks that fit everything in those categories." Scroll down for details and pictures on Ford's SEMA Show F-Series trucks.


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2011 Ford F-150 by Godfather Customs
Godfather Customs is demonstrating that going green can still mean style with its Ford F-150 with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine. Modifications include a 2.5-inch cowl induction hood, bumper cover and roll pan and handle relocator. A tonneau bed cover and liner and halo taillamps round out the customizations.


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2011 Ford F-150 by A.R.E. Accessories
This Ford F-150 by A.R.E. Accessories promotes the mission of the Pro Football Hall of Fame to educate, honor and preserve the history of professional football. Featuring hall of fame styling, the truck is painted with a stadium silhouette and features pigskin leather and materials reminiscent of the gold hall of fame jackets inside. The bed will display notable hall of fame memorabilia, while a wrap on the interior of the bed will simulate the hall of fame enshrinement gallery.


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2011 Ford F-150 by Mickey Thompson
The Mickey Thompson Project TTC F-150 is the perfect off-road vehicle, with the new 35-inch Mickey Thompson Baja Claw TTC Radical tires, Fabtech 6-inch suspension, PIAA auxiliary lighting and Warn Industries winch recovery gear. The interior comes with Katzkin leather and aftermarket audio, video and navigation enhancements. For additional utility, the truck features a BedSlide cargo management system and AMP Research power steps.


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2011 Ford F-150 by The Custom Shop
On this Ford F-150 with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine by The Custom Shop, shaved handles, lightweight tonneau cover, lightweight rims and low-rolling-resistance tires help enhance looks and mileage. The green theme carries into the styling, with a custom show paint job with a detailed pinstripe border using a low-VOC-emissions DuPont paint. The interior matches the exterior styling with custom Katzkin tan and black leather.


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2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty by Rize Industries
This Ford F-350 is a motocross concept that uses top-quality products with the highest standards in craftsmanship. The truck features a Rize Industries 8-inch quad-link suspension that offers additional ground clearance. The bed comes complete with a built-in loading ramp, power washer, air compressor, built-in motorcycle stand and storage space for riding gear.


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2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty by Cars by Kris and Airhead Kustoms
Cars by Kris and Airhead Kustoms delivers the Pit Boss, the ultimate tow and support vehicle built off a Ford F-350 Super Duty platform. Built to haul a race car to the track and serve as a mobile pit, the truck offers a bed-mounted tire cage and custom swing-case toolboxes. The interior features custom headliner and leather upholstery, along with sound-deadening material and an in-dash computer system.


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2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty by Skyjacker Suspensions
Skyjacker Suspensions' Ford F-350 Super Duty is made to appeal to the active lifestyle of the Super Duty owner. A Skyjacker-developed 8.5-inch suspension offers a bold lift for work and play, and will let the owner go deeper into the field. Heavy-duty front and rear Fab Fours bumpers are added along with a Warn Industries winch and lights to round out the tough look.