Technology

EcoBoost: SVO Redo?

By Sajeev Mehta
August 5, 2008 -

During the first energy crisis, pundits predicted the death of the American V8. In those dark days (as opposed to these dark days), Detroit was desperate to supply an alternative to the gas-gargling engines they'd planted under the hood anything that moved. They developed a few dogs promising V8 performance with the economy of a cylindrically-challenged motor, with much talk of mechanical miracles to follow. History repeats itself; Ford is once again trying their luck with EcoBoost turbo-four technology. Once again, they could be barking up the wrong tree.  

EcoBoost: SVO Redo? editorial continued »

Posted in Editorials | Industry | Technology | 40 comments

OnStar: Big Brother’s Eye in the Sky

By Jonathan I. Locker
February 14, 2008 -

Ever since the Model T hit the silver screen, evading the long arm of the law has been a cinematic theme. From the General Lee outrunning Boss Hogg, to Smokey being outwitted by Burt Reynolds' mustache, the public imagination has always associated fast cars with police pursuit. While the majority of motorists would never dream of trying to outrun the long arm of the law, soon, they won't have to. It'll be resting on their shoulder. Consider OnStar...  

OnStar: Big Brother’s Eye in the Sky editorial continued »

Posted in Crime and Punishment | Editorials | Technology | 52 comments

The Insider’s Guide to Speed Enforcement Pt. 2: Radar Detectors

By Casey W. Raskob
January 31, 2008 -

On January 2, 1974, President Richard M. Nixon signed the Emergency Highway Energy Conservation Act. A provision of the Act imposed a new, national, 55 mph maximum speed limit. Overnight, the United States had a massive speeding “problem.” Within weeks, the feds gave huge amounts of money to police forces around the country to purchase radar guns. The speeding ticket, always a reliable cash cow for local governments, became a cash herd.

The Insider’s Guide to Speed Enforcement Pt. 2: Radar Detectors editorial continued »

Posted in Crime and Punishment | Editorials | Technology | 34 comments

The Insider’s Guide to Speed Enforcement Pt. 1: A Gunslinger is Born

By Casey W. Raskob
January 24, 2008 -

Is there anything the average motorist hates more than police radar? While some citizens see radar “guns” and those who wield them as a necessary evil-- police surveillance that saves lives-- most drivers view the technology as a “sin tax,” an ineffective safety device, a waste of police resources, an invasion of privacy and/or a major violation of the Constitutional prohibition against “indiscriminate search.” While the battle for and against police radar (and now laser) rages on, TTAC has invited me to discuss the technology and your legal rights. We begin with some deep background.

The Insider’s Guide to Speed Enforcement Pt. 1: A Gunslinger is Born editorial continued »

Posted in Crime and Punishment | Editorials | Technology | 32 comments

The Truth About Adaptive Transmissions

By Michael Martineck
December 27, 2007 -

It’s been 20 years since automakers filed the first patents for adaptive automatic transmissions. These “intelligent” cog swappers promised all the bespoke speed and efficiency of an English butler. And yet, time and time again, I get into a new vehicle, put my foot down and find myself saying “You just can’t get good help anymore.” The Subaru Legacy, Mercedes C350, Honda Accord and Dodge Grand Caravan all came equipped with gearboxes displaying advanced signs of mechanical ADD. Are these devices slow learners or just too damn smart for your own good?

The Truth About Adaptive Transmissions editorial continued »

Posted in Editorials | Technology | 43 comments

The Truth About Automotive Electronics Pt. 3: The Ugly

By Eric Stepans
December 14, 2007 -

Automakers are justifiably proud of the fast, safe, clean and comfortable products they’ve unleashed upon the automotive market. But today’s carmakers have entered into a Faustian bargain with the electronic systems that make these four-wheeled wonders possible, and it’s busy biting them and their customers in their collective keister. Never mind the inherent safety hazards of protecting drivers from their own stupidity. The heavy reliance on technology has fundamentally altered the ownership experience, particularly when these techno-wondercars are repaired and resold.

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The Truth About Automotive Electronics Pt. 3: The Ugly editorial continued »

Posted in Editorials | Industry | Technology | 59 comments

The Truth About Automotive Electronics Pt 2: The Bad

By Eric Stepans
December 12, 2007 -

Retired Israeli Air Force ace Giora Epstein flew Mirage, Nesher and F-16 fighter aircraft during his career. When asked by the History Channel which aircraft he preferred, he replied “In the Mirage and the Nesher, the pilot flies the aircraft. In the F-16, the computer flies the aircraft and the pilot is just another input to the computer.” Modern automotive electronics have transferred Epstein’s complaint to millions of cars. We may purchase and maintain our vehicles, but we no longer truly drive them. Increasingly, we’re mere inputs for the computers that do.

The Truth About Automotive Electronics Pt 2: The Bad editorial continued »

Posted in Editorials | Industry | Safety | Technology | 58 comments

The Truth About Automotive Electronics Pt 1: The Good

By Eric Stepans
December 11, 2007 -

It’s doubtful that the AC-Delco engineers who devised the first electronic ignition system in 1961 envisioned the automotive revolution to follow. By then automobiles’ basic technological framework was well-established (piston engines, welded steel bodies, pneumatic tires, hydraulic brakes, etc.). Electronic ignition probably seemed like just another incremental improvement. Instead, electronics enabled quantum leaps in automotive performance, safety, comfort, efficiency and environmental impact. No other technology has been nearly so transformational.

The Truth About Automotive Electronics Pt 1: The Good editorial continued »

Posted in Editorials | Technology | 48 comments

A Modest Proposal for the Ultimate Alt. Fuel Automobile

By Andrew Hellard
October 26, 2007 -

I learned to drive in a 1985 Volvo 240. The Nordic boxcar's 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine deployed one hundred and fourteen horsepower against three thousand pounds of Swedish steel. For reasons best left to Roswell conspiracy theorists, the feds recently re-calculated the 240’s mpg: 19/26 (coincidentally the age of the average 240 driver).  That’s not bad for rust, but let’s face it: a used 240 is hardly a Prius driver’s second choice. Even so, the humble Volvo recently inspired an automotive epiphany that could lead to The Mother of All Environmentally Friendly Automobiles.

A Modest Proposal for the Ultimate Alt. Fuel Automobile editorial continued »

Posted in Design | Editorials | Electric vehicles | Technology | 54 comments

The Truth About GM’s Hybrids

By Paul Niedermeyer
October 2, 2007 -

GM’s decline began fifty years ago, when the domestic automaker failed to repel import sales with competitive products. GM’s rear-engined air-cooled Corvair provided the template: technically advanced, but too expensive to provide profit. A string of over-ambitious and ultimately doomed imports fighters followed: aluminum-engined Vega, the Wankel, X-Body FWD, Olds Diesel V8, Cadillac V8-6-4 and EV-1. Now, when it can least afford a costly mistake, GM is launching a blitz of four different hybrid systems in a desperate attempt to counter Toyota’s successful Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD). Is GM’s Volt the Corvair reincarnated?

The Truth About GM’s Hybrids editorial continued »

Posted in Editorials | Sales and Marketing | Technology | 97 comments