Auto-Tech

Boat Gadgets Take Tech to the Water

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Much of the technology enjoyed in cars can now be used at sea on boats

By Dennis McCafferty

While some folks may envision boaters as luxury yachts owners, statistics reveal that typical boaters fall much more into the regular Joe and Jane category instead: They have trailer-friendly boats averaging 26 feet or under and an average household income of under $100,000.

Curbing Emissions Takes Center Stage

Fri, 29 May 2009 13:00:00 GMT

New U.S. and international efforts aim to curb auto emissions, which means automakers will need to incorporate and adopt new technologies quickly to meet the new standards.

By Salvatore Salamone

In the last few months, worldwide, federal, and state initiatives have placed an emissions control challenge to automakers: Cut emissions significantly going forward.

2009 New York Auto Show Highlights

Mon, 11 May 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Automakers used the recent 2009 New York International Auto Show to roll out new models loaded with the latest technology features and to introduce energy-efficient concept vehicles that your children will drive. This podcast highlights how these automakers are levering technology innovations to address energy savings, driving comfort, and safety.

X-Ray Vision While You Drive

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Automakers and researchers are developing technology — in some cases future technology, to help eliminate blind spots.

By Salvatore Salamone

Blind spots are a leading cause of accidents every year. A vehicle's frame blocks a portion of the driver's view, making it particularly hard to see pedestrians and cyclists while making a turn or to see other vehicles when changing lanes. The problem has become more pronounced with the recent popularity of SUVs and larger vehicles.

Motorcycle Gear Improves Safety

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Optional gear and clothing help protect motorcycle drivers on the road.

By Dennis McCafferty

Thanks to innovations in the motorcycle industry, you can ride as safely as you can stylishly these days.

Podcast: 2009 Detroit Auto Show

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:00:00 GMT

We've partnered with Ziff Davis Enterprise, a leading technology resource company, to bring you the Progressive Auto Tech Podcast series, which provides useful and insightful information about technological developments in the automotive world.

Safer Texting and Calling While Driving

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Operating a vehicle while using a cell phone can be distracting, potentially dangerous and increasingly illegal. New technology aims to address this problem.

By Salvatore Salamone

Most of us are wed to our mobile phones these days. Unfortunately, many of us can't bear to be out of contact with friends or work, even while driving. And increasingly, that means people are texting while driving — an incredibly distracting practice that diverts at least one hand, and both eyes, from the road. Even if we are careful, it's a natural instinct to check an incoming message.

Match the Right Tire Technology to Your Driving

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:00:00 GMT

By Bill Howard

They're all round, almost always black and they seem to last forever if you don't hit a pothole. Yet tires make a big, if unexciting, difference in your car's performance and safety, especially in the rain, slush and snow of the winter months. For that reason, buying a second set of tires for winter driving may be a good investment.

Do More Gears Mean Better Fuel Economy?

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:00:00 GMT

By Bill Howard

Forty years ago, some cars had two-speed automatic or three-speed manual transmissions. Now, it's possible to have as many as eight forward gears, and more gears on automatics than manuals. It's no longer a given that an automatic transmission will be less efficient than a manual. And we're seeing the growth of transmissions that are effectively automated manual transmissions — a manual transmission that shifts itself.

Improving Safety in Side Impacts

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:00:00 GMT

By Salvatore Salamone

Automakers have greatly improved your odds of surviving a front- or rear-end crash, but the same can't be said, just yet, for side-impact crashes. These crashes account for 28 percent of all fatalities, the majority of which are caused by brain injury, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Biodegradable Cars Next?

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Automakers are increasingly incorporating environmentally friendly materials into their designs that have the added benefit of improving fuel economy.

By Dennis Barker

Soybeans, coconut, flax and hemp may seem like ingredients for a dish being whipped up by a chirpy TV chef, but they're actually plant products that are part of the car you'll be driving someday (if they aren't already).

Latest Technology Helps Drivers Avoid Traffic Tie-Ups

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:00:00 GMT

By Bob Violino

The capability of getting real-time traffic information to drivers is just beginning to emerge. Currently available and future systems can provide near-instantaneous reporting on slowdowns, and deliver more accurate predictions of future traffic conditions by using sophisticated historical analysis.

Fill It Up with Water?

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:00:00 GMT

By Dennis Barker

It was June 2008, the eve of summer vacation season, and gas prices were north of four dollars a gallon. A company in Japan, Genepax, made headlines when it announced it had produced a car that runs on nothing but water, plain water. News footage showed the boot-like and small electric vehicle motoring around Osaka, water being funneled into a grey box in the back seat, and of course people taking photos.

Gas Prices Drive Interest in Direct-injection Engines

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:00:00 GMT

By Jim Henry

The high price of gasoline in the United States is motivating domestic and import-brand automakers to introduce newly developed, fuel-efficient, direct-injection gasoline engines in the U.S. market over the next few years.

Hypermiling: A New Approach to Combating Gas Woes

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:00:00 GMT

By Dennis McCafferty

With prices at the pump squeezing budgets, some drivers are taking a new approach when it comes to what's called hypermiling, which is the implementation of simple but effective driving techniques to get the very most mileage out of your vehicle.

Not Your Father's Motorcycle

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:00:00 GMT

By Dennis McCafferty

More and more folks are turning to motorcycles as a response to the gas crisis. This trend is becoming fairly evident even in sections of the country where the chopper is revered.

Keeping Solar Accessories Powered Up

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:00:00 GMT

By Bill Howard

Gasoline may cost $4 a gallon, but the sun's energy still costs 0 cents per kilowatt hour if you can harness it.

Robocars: Are Self-Driving Cars Next?

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 13:00:00 GMT

By Salvatore Salamone

When it comes to cars that drive themselves, science fiction may have over-promised, as there is a long, rich history of imagination to catch up with. However, progress is being made to a point where successful demonstrations continue to push the envelope.

Head-Up Displays (HUDs) Put the Essentials in Your Line of Sight

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT

By Bill Howard

One way to deal with driver distractions is to place, right in front of you, only the most important information — such as the fact that you're inadvertently going 5 mph over the limit — using a head-up display, or HUD. If it's important, the information is there, projected through the windshield. If it's not in the HUD, you probably don't need to know it, at least not right this instant.

Blind Spots and Lane Changes

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:00:00 GMT

Technology makes everyday driving situations safer.

By Bill Machrone

Every year, an estimated 826,000 accidents related to blind spots occur. Every car has a blind spot, and you've probably missed seeing a car that's driving in yours — or vice versa. Additionally, you've probably drifted out of your lane on occasion. So how can blind spots and lane drifting be overcome?