Cars and Other Driving Machines - Page 7

NotFromHere · 08-19-2003, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)
Were any fords on that list?

Besides, if it measures five seconds before the airbag goes off it will be pretty meaningless data -- the wheels will be spinning in random directions as the exploder rolls off the side of the highway.

Ummm, Ford Exploder.

Knowing that one of the major gooches in that suit is tire pressure, I think that an expert would be able to tell by speed before roll-over and maybe erratic steering whether the blowout was pre- or post- roll over - maybe?

Mmmm, Burger (C.J.) · 08-19-2003, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by NotFromHere

Knowing that one of the major gooches in that suit is tire pressure, I think that an expert would be able to tell by speed before roll-over and maybe erratic steering whether the blowout was pre- or post- roll over - maybe?

Hmmm. If it measured over a time, one could tell whether the car started rolling before tire pressure went out. But if it's measured only when the airbag goes off (measuring speed, deceleration, application of brake pedal), then I would think it would be hard to know, simply because one wouldn't know when in the process the airbag went off.

pony_trekker · 08-19-2003, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Did the ATLA pay off GM to install these?

On the contrary. If I recall right, the black box was installed to record drivers' behavior to avoid product liability suits, e.g., Bill Janklow claiming the brakes failed, when in reality he never hit the brakes.

pony_trekker · 08-19-2003, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by NotFromHere
However, this will be important to know the next time some idiot in a Camaro rear ends me on the freeway.

Unfortunately, because of the black box it may be hard to win a battle of the experts and thus, your case against GM may be shot. But you sure got a great shot to get that big 50gs from Allstate.

Dualit · 08-27-2003, 03:48 PM

I recently received a postcard from Volkswagen about a new 20 GB mp3 player that integrates into my Passat's existing stereo system. I already have an in-dash CD player coupled with a 6-CD changer in the trunk.

Anybody have any opinion as to the quality of this particular system? A friend tried connecting his iPod to his BMW's sound system (using Apple approved products, of course) and was very disappointed in the sound quality. I'm worried that after I drop $800 for a PhatNoise system, I will be similarly disappointed.

Alex_de_Large · 08-27-2003, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dualit
I recently received a postcard from Volkswagen about a new 20 GB mp3 player that integrates into my Passat's existing stereo system. I already have an in-dash CD player coupled with a 6-CD changer in the trunk.

Anybody have any opinion as to the quality of this particular system? A friend tried connecting his iPod to his BMW's sound system (using Apple approved products, of course) and was very disappointed in the sound quality. I'm worried that after I drop $800 for a PhatNoise system, I will be similarly disappointed.

Check out both VWVortex and AudiWorld. Posters on both sites have bought the PhatNoise system (as well as its Kenwood sibling at half the price). Some love it, some hate it. If you do end up getting it, be sure and post your impressions!

AdL

NotFromHere · 08-27-2003, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dualit
I recently received a postcard from Volkswagen about a new 20 GB mp3 player that integrates into my Passat's existing stereo system. I already have an in-dash CD player coupled with a 6-CD changer in the trunk.

Anybody have any opinion as to the quality of this particular system? A friend tried connecting his iPod to his BMW's sound system (using Apple approved products, of course) and was very disappointed in the sound quality. I'm worried that after I drop $800 for a PhatNoise system, I will be similarly disappointed.

Depends on you, I suppose. Standard 128 kbps MP3s typically don't sound as good as CD's because of the digital compression. That said, a lot of flaws can be masked by road noise. If you think your MP3 sounds comparable to CDs through your headphones, that's a good indication as to whether or not you'll like the sound through your car system. If, however, you have 256 kbps encoded MP3, you'll probably notice no difference.

NotFromHere · 09-03-2003, 03:56 PM

Toyota’s eco-car now parks itself.

Sept. 3 — Toyota’s redesigned hybrid sedan offers fuel-conscious drivers 55 miles to the gallon — and one heck of a cool gadget: a sensor-based system that parks the car in tight spots. Unfortunately, while Toyota is launching the new gas-electric Prius in the United States next month, the self-parking system will only be available in Japan for now. On the plus side, the U.S. model will have several new features, including the ability to drive using electricity only.

CALLING IT a world first, Toyota said the system uses a monitor and software to scan the parking location and then guide the car into position. The driver doesn’t touch the steering wheel or use the gas or brake pedals.
http://www.msnbc.com/news/960821.asp?0ql=c7p

pony_trekker · 09-03-2003, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by NotFromHere
Toyota’s eco-car now parks itself. . . .

Please, I couldn't care less about that. Please let me know when these cars contain a dick sucking machine.

NotFromHere · 09-03-2003, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pony_trekker
Please, I couldn't care less about that. Please let me know when these cars contain a dick sucking machine.

I think the Pamela Anderson ho-bag model (by Hummer) will be out in early 2005. Keep your eyes open for it.

Atticus Grinch · 09-03-2003, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pony_trekker
Please, I couldn't care less about that. Please let me know when these cars contain a dick sucking machine.

What, like an IROC?

pony_trekker · 09-04-2003, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pony_trekker
Please, I couldn't care less about that. Please let me know when these cars contain a dick sucking machine.

Test

Flanders · 10-30-2003, 03:22 PM

As to the TL: I looked at one yesterday, impressed. Nice to see a 6 spd manual being offered. 270 hp, DVD audio and bluetooth are standard.

As to the G 35 sedan, I have been unable to find a 6spd manual to test drive. Has anyone driven one?

Flanders

Flanders · 10-30-2003, 03:26 PM

but the link was not showing up. (Newbie error!) Burger can you put this in the right place?

Thanks, Flanders

Done -- Burger

Alex_de_Large · 10-30-2003, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Flanders
As to the TL: I looked at one yesterday, impressed. Nice to see a 6 spd manual being offered. 270 hp, DVD audio and bluetooth are standard.

As to the G 35 sedan, I have been unable to find a 6spd manual to test drive. Has anyone driven one?

Flanders

The TL and its little brother the TSX, are both pretty nice. Acura is finally making interesting, if not exciting, cars. As for the TL, the feature set is fantastic, especially with the items you mentioned.

That said, I am not thrilled about 270 hp driving the front wheels of any car, even with Acura's suspension and steering refinements.

Edit: Just wanted to add that I wish that Acura would bring over the wagon version of the TSX (European Accord). That car is seriously badass.