Imagine having a gadget in your car that could tell you how fast to go to avoid stopping at the next light. Well, now you can. A network of dashboard smartphones can monitor traffic lights and congestion helping drivers avoid idling, cutting fuel use by 20 percent.

SignalGuru collects and analyzes traffic data from images captured on dashboard smartphones, to inform drivers of the most efficient routes. The researchers installed iPhones on car dashboards in Cambridge, Massachusetts and in Singapore, where traffic lights have fixed schedules. SignalGuru can predict when lights will change with an error margin of two-thirds of a second.

The SignalGuru study won a best paper award at last month’s Association for Computing Machinery MobiSys conference, but the program would require many users to be a real solution for traffic congestion.

“If you can save even a small percentage of that, then you can have a large effect on the energy that the U.S. consumes,” Emmanouil Koukoumidis, a Princeton PhD candidate and visiting researcher at MIT, was quoted as saying.

[Source: CNET]

Car buyers are choosing panorama roofs instead of convertibles. Ford has reported that sales of vehicles with panoramic roofs are increasing. Almost half of buyers purchasing the Explorer and Edge SUV are purchasing the option. About a third of Flex buyers are also buying the same skylight paneled cars.

Convertible sales have also decreased accordingly. Traditionally, drop top sales accounted for 1.8% to 2.0% of the automarket which is down to 1.2% to 1.4%, according to information firm R.L Polk & Co. For a comparison, the best selling convertible this year was the Chevrolet Camaro with 7,540 sales. The 2011 Explorer has already sold almost 25,000 vehicles equipped with the panoramic roofs. One reason for this success is that consumers are turning to more practical vehicles and finding that the panoramic roof is a good compromise.

Ford also has its own theory as to why the glass roofs are a hit. “We are seeing more buildings utilizing glass structures because letting natural light in is a popular architectural trend,” said Sheryl Connelly, Ford’s manager of global trends and futuring.  “This trend has crossed over to the automotive industry, and Ford’s Vista Roofs open the car to more sunlight which keeps drivers energized and gives the luxurious feel customers desire.”

[Source: LA Times]

‘Today, it was announced that Mopar will be offering more than 150 accessories including key covers, graphics, body kits, bike carriers, roof racks and seat covers for the new 2012 Fiat 500. Prices will range from $21 for a locking gas cap to $1,400 for a body kit.

“The FIAT 500 is one of the most accessorized vehicles in Europe,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “We expect that trend to continue here in North America and will offer more than 150 accessories for those looking to personalize their ride. Our all-new FIAT 500 is the perfect canvas for customization.”

One of the most interesting accessories is the UConnect Web option which allows each passenger to separately access the Web. The in-vehicle router receives broadband Internet. Passengers can access social media, maps, e-mail, online games and more. This option starts at $399.

The Fiat 500 is offered in three models including the Pop ($15,500), Sport ($17,500) and Lounge ($19,500). The Fiat 500 is powered by a 1.4-liter inline four cylinder engine featuring MultiAir technology. The engine is rated at 30 mpg city and 38 mpg highway for a 33 mpg combined number.

It’s not good enough to drive the flashy car – you need the keys to go along with it. And if you’re all about the bling, Ferrari now offers car keys studded with precious metals and gemstones to make you shine.

The Bespoke Ferrari Car Key was created by S.P.Green & Co, features 1160 diamonds (a total diamond weight of 7 carats) and available through Camaél London, bringing the luxe Ferrari experience to a whole new level. You can get it customized with precious metals and gemstones if diamonds aren’t your thing. Once you’ve made your pick, the diamonds and gemstones are polished and lovingly secured onto the key. If you have other ideas for your blingtastic key, Camaél is open to your suggestions – if you’ve got the cash to back them up.

The Bespoke Ferrari Car Key will run you around $23,147 (£14,500). When a key costs that much, you’re going to want to take extra pains not to lose it. We wonder if you can insure your car keys?

[Source: Born Rich]

Any car owner that has worked on their own vehicle knows what a Haynes manual is. The company has helped educate people working on their own cars for over fifty years. Now Haynes has stepped up to enter the digital age by uploading the manuals on the internet.

The Haynes Group took over Vivid Holding BV three years ago, a company specializing in digital publishing, that will help publish the manuals online. Haynes will upload its top 50 manuals by subscription on the Internet.

The online version will still include the print form, but the digital version will use audio and video to further improve instructions. The online version will be much easier to understand when compared to a print copy made of black and white images. Haynes hopes to make DIY car instruction much easier and also appeal to the internet generation.

Haynes has not put the guides online yet, but will do so soon.

[Source: Car Tech Blog]

The Japanese Earthquake disaster of March 11, 2011, has wreaked havoc all around the world and has affected Volkswagen by interrupting supply of their backup cameras. Consumers that want a rear view camera fitted to their VW may have to wait for shipments to resume.

The VW models affected include the CC Lux Plus, Lux Limited and VR6, all Touraeg models and the Tiguan SEL with premium navigation. On VW salesman said the German automaker is on the hunt for a new supplier. When Volkswagen was approached for an official statement, they said the matter was being investigated.

[Source: Autoblog]

It was perhaps inevitable. With the Ram 1500 introducing the lockable Ram Box feature as an option for its 2009 update, it was probably only a matter of time before the feature became available on the division’s larger trucks.

According to sources, Ram is seriously considering the feature, though on the larger trucks the Ram Box would be part of a longer 6 foot 4-inch bed (it’s 5 feet 7 inches on the 1500 trucks). This would mean that storage capacity could reach almost 10 cubic feet each side, making the feature notably more useful, for everything from hunting and fishing gear to heavier tools for the jobsite.

If the HD Ram Box feature does make the cut, expect it to become an option during the 2012 model year. There are also rumors that the 1500 Ram Box might also receive larger capacity storage bins, as well as the possibility of a version for 1-ton dualie trucks.

[Source: Pickup trucks.com]

Everybody needs a little bling for their cuffs and key rings. And if you’re all about being stylish and subtle, try the Maserati Masterpiece and Circle collection on for size.

Teaming up with Italian jewelry company Damiani (the two companies have been working together since 2009), this line of accessories is the perfect balance of innovation and craftsmanship. For the new Masterpiece collection, key rings are made from 18-carat white gold and are adorned with signature Maserati trident crafted from 232 blue sapphires and 66 diamonds. You’ll also find the Maserati signature engraved on the back. Only eight of these key rings will be available for purchase.

The Circle collection features cufflinks as well as key rings and necklaces. These pieces are made from silver and feature a circular design with the Maserati Trident logo on the front. No word on price for any of these accessories, but we think that is they were made to complement Maserati car line, they are going to cost you a pretty penny.

For the ultimate Mini fan in the house, the car maker has just released some new gadgets to keep him/her entertained when working on their computer.

Mini has just released some new flash drives, a 4GB unit which is shaped like a British Bulldog and a 8GB unit shaped like an ignition key. The outer ring of the key glows when it’s in use.

Coolest of all is a dual-purpose computer mouse, which has a model of the Mini displayed in a clear casing section. So if you are a big Mini fan or know someone who is, then these might just be what you’ve been waiting for.

In response to launching it’s new 9-5, Saab has announced that it will be offering owners of older 9-5s a chance to upgrade their existing cars via an accessories promotion program through dealers.

The program, which covers models up until 1998, includes items such as engine tuning kits, alloy wheels, body upgrades, cargo items and other features. These are genuine Saab parts and available through dealers.

However, there is a catch. At present this offer is only open to UK Saab owners, but if it’s successful, then don’t be surprised to see something similar spread to other markets, including ours.

[Source: News Press]