Archive for January 5th, 2010
Find Your Voice, Find Your Destination with Garmin® Voice Studio™
OLATHE, Kan./January 5, 2010/Business Wire – Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced Voice Studio, a free and easy-to-use PC application that lets anyone record their own voice to create custom pre-recorded navigation prompts for use on compatible Garmin navigation devices. The application will be featured in the Garmin booth (South Hall 4#35832) at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show.
“Voice Studio lets users customize their nüvi to give directions in familiar voices,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president for worldwide sales. “Whether it’s a friend, a spouse, or the kids, now you’ll always be able to take that special person with you wherever you travel. And you can share your customized voices with other nüvi owners, too.”
Simply download the free Voice Studio application from http://www.garmin.com/voicestudio and install it on a PC. Users can then record a few dozen phrases, and edit them directly within the Voice Studio application. To achieve the best quality recordings, an external microphone is recommended. Once complete, the voice file is loaded onto a compatible Garmin personal navigation device. The entire process typically takes less than 30 minutes.
Combined with free and fun icons from the Garmin Garage (http://www8.garmin.com/vehicles/), Garmin customers can personalize their devices to a degree that no other navigation provider can match. Voice Studio is compatible with all nüvis except the nüvi 300 and 600 series. Voice Studio does not provide text-to-speech recordings.
To learn more about Voice Studio and Garmin’s other products, go to http://www.garmin.com and http://www.garmin.blogs.com.
Suzuki Announces Exhibits for Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi
Suzuki Motor Corporation is pleased to announce that its Indian automobile production subsidiary, Maruti Suzuki India, will be exhibiting the following vehicles at Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi (to be held from 5 to 11 January 2010*):
Concept model: R3
The Indian market is changing rapidly and consumer lifestyles evolving fast.
To cater to one such market need, Maruti Suzuki has developed a concept car, R3.
The Concept R3 model is a Compact Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) for such people.
Designed by Maruti Suzuki India’s Research and Development Department, it combines compact dimensions with a stylish profiling.
The Concept compact MPV accommodates six people in three rows.
Reference exhibits (eco-vehicles): SX4 Hybrid and Eeco Electric Vehicle
Maruti Suzuki India is taking part in an Indian government project that promotes hybrid and electric vehicles.
It will be exhibiting two prototype vehicles that Maruti Suzuki has developed for the project: the SX4 Hybrid and the Eeco (Every+) Electric Vehicle.
Production models and other reference exhibits
Maruti Suzuki India will be showing 16 other automobiles including ten production models (13 units in total) and two reference exhibits: the Kizashi and SX4 Hatchback (three units in total).
Maruti Suzuki pavilion will also be highlighting Suzuki’s two-wheel leadership by showing nine motorcycles: the Hayabusa, Intruder, and other large models; the Thai-produced Skydrive 125 scooter; and the Burgman Fuel Cell Scooter, which was last seen at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.
Kia Motors Unveils Advanced Infotainment System Powered by Microsoft(R)
- Kia UVO, short for ‘Your Voice,’ features a breakthrough user interface that provides simple and quick access to your vehicle’s multimedia and infotainment systems
- UVO is the first in-vehicle solution to integrate full Microsoft(R) intelligent speech engine technology
Kia Motors America (KMA) today unveiled an innovative and intelligent in-car communications and entertainment system, “UVO powered by Microsoft®,” to be available in select Kia vehicles starting this summer. UVO provides consumer friendly voice- and touch-activated experiences for simple management of music files and hands-free mobile phone operation. Co-developed with Microsoft and based on Windows Embedded Auto software, UVO is an easy-to-use, hands-free solution that allows drivers and passengers to answer and place phone calls, receive and respond to SMS text messages, access music from a variety of media sources and create custom music experiences.
Understanding drivers want and need intuitive controls, Kia Motors and Microsoft® designed UVO to enable a new level of voice recognition through Microsoft® speech technology. UVO users will be able to access media content and connect with people through simple, quick voice commands without having to navigate through menus. By supporting complex grammar, UVO needs only short voice commands to connect drivers and passengers with their desired functions. An interactive system, UVO responds to inquiries such as “What’s playing?” and provides audible answers and related functions, helping to keep drivers’ eyes safely focused on the road ahead of them.
UVO also brings advancements to in-car technology through an immersive user experience. The interface features a 4.3-inch, full-color display that provides detailed information on media content, phonebook data and vehicle information, and the screen also doubles as a rear-view camera when the shifter is put in reverse. UVO is an open platform that seamlessly integrates with a wide variety of mobile phones, music players and other devices, making it easy for drivers to quickly pair devices.
FORD CAPS 2009 WITH 33 PERCENT SALES INCREASE, FIRST FULL-YEAR MARKET SHARE GAIN SINCE 1995
- Ford, Lincoln and Mercury December sales up 33 percent versus a year ago; highest sales month since May 2008
- Ford posts first full-year market share gain since 1995; December marks the 14th time in 15 months that Ford increased retail market share
- Record December sales delivered for Fusion (up 83 percent) and Escape (up 75 percent) ; Fusion sets new full-year sales record (180,671); Escape full-year sales (173,044) second best ever
- Ford’s F-Series tops best-seller lists again with December sales of 48,209 (up 16 percent) and full-year sales of 413,625; F-Series has been the best-selling truck in America for 33 years in a row and the best-selling vehicle, car or truck, for 28 years in a row
- New products drive Ford’s brand favorability and purchase consideration to record highs
Chainlink extreme 4×4
Cams hydraulic Chain-drive 4×4, about 7 feet of up OR down motion on each tire: specs below Engine is a fuel injected Ford 5.0 V8 out of a ’93 cobra mustang, c4 transmission and t-case out of an early bronco. 9″ w/ 5.38 gears and ARB air locker mounted in the center (below driver) running chain gears on the ends where the swing arms pivot. Swing arms are hydraulically controlled individually or together, and there is coil spring and shock suspension as well. large chains running inside the swing arms turn hummer gear reduction (2:1) hubs at each wheel. tires are 39.5″. The steering is linked through the swing arms as well and the steering box is mounted just infront of the axle below the driver. body construction is steel tubing (mostly DOM) and the total weight is 5900 LB.
Penske Automotive Announces Management Changes at smart USA
January 4, 2010 – Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE:PAG), an international automotive retailer and exclusive distributor of the smart fortwo through its wholly-owned subsidiary smart USA Distributor LLC (“smart USA”), announced today that Jill Lajdziak has been named President of smart USA. In this role, Lajdziak will assume day to day operations for the smart brand in the United States. Lajdziak has over 30 years of progressive automotive experience, including expertise in brand development, product marketing and customer satisfaction. Penske Automotive Group Chairman Roger Penske said, “As we look to enhance the position of the smart brand, Jill’s background and experience will help us reinvigorate the dealer network and bring a greater awareness to the smart brand.” Previously, smart USA was managed by Dave Schembri. Schembri will transition into Penske Automotive Group’s retail operations. Penske continued, “I would like to thank Dave for his efforts over the last three and a half years with smart USA. His contributions were instrumental in helping us bring smart to the United States.”
About Penske Automotive
Blue-Will Concept is the First Plug-in Hybrid from Hyundai
DETROIT, Jan. 11, 2010 – Following Hyundai’s successful ascent to the top of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) report in December, the Blue-Will Plug-in Hybrid concept makes its U.S. debut at the 2010 North American International Auto.
- Blue-Will is the first-ever plug-in hybrid from Hyundai
- Four-seat sedan concept explores future design direction of compact cars
- Features panoramic glass roof with solar cells for recharging batteries
- Thermal generator converts hot exhaust gases into electricity
“Blue-Will’s bold character lines and innovative design language give the perfect expression to the advanced eco-friendly technologies found beneath the skin,” said Oh Suk-Geun, executive vice president of design, Hyundai Motor Company. “At a time of rising concern about the environment and our energy future, Blue-Will demonstrates to eco-conscious car buyers everywhere that Hyundai has practical hybrid solutions that will appear on the next generation of vehicles.”
Honda to Exhibit the Honda New Small Concept at Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi
January 5, 2010 — Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. (HSCI), a leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, today unveiled the world premiere of the Honda New Small Concept, a concept model for a new small-sized vehicle, at the Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi. HSCI also announced plans to begin sales of a new model in 2011 based on this concept model.
For the Honda New Small Concept, a wide platform with a stable center of gravity was adopted to create a highly efficient compact size with seating for five people. With the “Efficient Energetic Exterior” design, the dynamic design of the Honda New Small Concept with front forward fenders highlight the presence of the vehicle.
Honda is planning to introduce a new model based on the Honda New Small Concept in 2011, in India and also in Thailand.
Honda will strive to provide a new small-sized vehicle that is beyond the expectations of customers in rapidly growing markets and offer it at an affordable price by leveraging Honda’s global parts sourcing network.
Cadillac CTS-V Coupe 2011
Art And Science: Cadillac Premieres 2011 CTS-V Coupe
- New CTS Coupe design combines with V-Series performance
- 556-hp (415-kW) supercharged 6.2L V-8
- Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic with paddle shift control
- Magnetic Ride Control and Brembo brakes
- New Saffron interior trim accent color
- On sale in early summer
DETROIT – Cadillac today announced the 2011 CTS-V Coupe, which debuts at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It combines the new CTS Coupe’s dramatic design with the 556-horsepower (415-kW) supercharged V-8 engine from the CTS-V sedan. The result is a luxury sports coupe aimed at driving enthusiasts.
“The CTS-V Coupe marries our most potent and sophisticated technology with our most dramatic production design,” said Bryan Nesbitt, Cadillac general manager. “This combination of visual and technical attributes is designed to create a very compelling choice for luxury sports car consumers.”
The CTS-V Coupe begins production this summer. Its suite of technical and performance elements includes Magnetic Ride Control, racing-bred Brembo brakes and an available automatic transmission with paddle-shift control.
The V-Series Coupe includes a unique grille that doubles the car’s air intake volume, an important enabler for its high-performance capabilities. It is also visually identified by a raised center section of the hood that provides clearance for the supercharger, as well as specific front and rear fascias. Like the CTS Coupe, its exhaust is centered inside the rear fascia, but with unique twin outlets. The car rolls on 19-inch cast aluminum wheels, available in either painted or polished finishes, and Michelin Pilot Sport 2 performance tires.
The CTS-V Coupe’s rear track is nearly an inch wider than the CTS-V Sport Sedan, adding to the car’s aggressive stance and enabling an extra measure of handling capability. The current CTS-V Sport Sedan has quickly established itself among the world’s highest performing luxury sedans, becoming the first production four-door on street tires to break the legendary 8-minute barrier at Germany’s famed Nürburgring. The new V-Series Coupe’s sleeker shape and slightly lower mass ensure a similarly high level of performance.
Inside, the 2+2 cabin combines performance and luxury. A new Saffron interior trim color is offered, with contrasting microfiber seat inserts and stitching on the upper trim areas.
Form follows function
The CTS-V Coupe’s design is a clear visual statement of the technical precision and performance intent of the car.
The Coupe has the same wheelbase as the CTS-V Sport Sedan, but its overall height is about two inches (51 mm) lower and its overall length is two inches (51 mm) shorter. The two models share only the instrument panel, console, headlamps, front fenders and grille.
Key design features include:
* Classic hardtop styling, with no conventional B-pillar
* Touch-pad operation for the doors removes the need for conventional door handles
* Faster windshield angle (62.3 degrees) and a nearly horizontal backglass enable an aerodynamic profile
* Signature vertical lighting, highlighted with LED light pipes
* Signature center high-mounted stop lamp functions as a rear spoiler
* Aerodynamic roof-mounted antenna for OnStar and XM Satellite Radio
Supercharged powertrain
The CTS-V Coupe employs the LSA 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine also found on the CTS-V Sport Sedan. Rated at 556 horsepower (415 kW) and 551 lb.-ft. of torque (747 Nm), it is the most powerful engine offered in Cadillac’s history and propels the CTS-V Coupe from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds.
The LSA engine features an intercooled Eaton supercharger system, premium aluminum-alloy cylinder heads and numerous details designed to ensure it makes its power as quietly and smoothly as possible. The supercharger, for example, has a unique, four-lobe rotor design that enhances quietness while also optimizing the performance parameters of the engine.
A pair of six-speed transmissions is offered in the CTS-V Coupe: a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual with a dual-disc clutch and a Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed automatic with paddle-shift control. Performance Algorithm Shifting is part of the 6L90’s programming and provides a performance-oriented shift pattern during sustained high-performance driving. As with many Cadillac models, the driver needs only to slide the shifter into the manual “gate” to put the transmission into that more aggressive mode.
The paddle shift control requires no shift lever movement. Steering wheel thumb controls allow immediate and quick tap up/tap down gear selection.
Magnetic Ride Control
The V-Series reaches elite levels of road-holding performance, but also maintains the poise of a luxury car in “regular” driving conditions. The technical enabler of that dual-mode driving character is Cadillac’s landmark Magnetic Ride Control. It is standard on the CTS-V Coupe and is the world’s fastest-reacting suspension technology. It uses shocks controlled by advanced magneto-rheological technology, rather than mechanical valves, to greatly accelerate response time and precision.
Electronic sensors at all four wheels literally “read the road” every millisecond, making constant adjustments to damping to create virtually instantaneous and extremely precise control of body motions. This is of particular benefit for a high-performance car because it helps keep the car very composed during hard cornering, acceleration, braking and other dynamic maneuvers.
The Magnetic Ride shocks also enable a broader range of damping control to optimize the ride and handling for all driving conditions. In the CTS-V Coupe, an extra measure of control is offered, with two selectable modes (Tour and Sport), enabling the driver to tailor the suspension for grand touring or more spirited performance driving.
Braking and tire systems
CTS-V includes sophisticated braking and tire systems, in partnership with two companies renowned for high-performance technology: Brembo and Michelin. Brembo brakes are at all four corners and include powerful, six-piston calipers in the front and four-piston calipers in the rear.
Slotted and vented rotors enable strong initial braking force while optimizing heat resistance and eliminating fade. The brake rotors from Brembo employ a “dual-cast” technology that combines cast iron and aluminum, resulting in excellent performance and weight reduction. CTS-V also includes an electric parking brake, enabling more legroom for the driver, key for high-performance driving.
Michelin partnered with Cadillac engineers to develop its acclaimed Pilot Sport PS2 summer tire for CTS-V and its exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels. The tires support high levels of grip in track conditions, while also affording good performance on the road.
Interior amenities
Recaro performance driving seats are optional in the CTS-V Coupe and provide excellent support for spirited driving. These 14-way adjustable performance seats include pneumatic bolster controls in the seat cushions and backrests.
The CTS-V Coupe also includes an exclusive new Saffron color option for the interior, providing a contrasting color accent carried on the seat inserts, as well as the stitching, which highlights the craftsmanship of the instrument panel, center console, door trim and seats.
The steering wheel, seat inserts and shifter are covered in microfiber, providing the luxurious character of suede without suede’s inherent drawbacks of difficult care and moisture sensitivity. These accents are standard, elegant to the touch and help support high-performance driving.
The car’s integrated center stack is trimmed in Obsidian black material that is also applied to the center console and door trim. Just like every CTS, the V-Series includes a hand-stitched instrument panel, door trim and center console. Leading-edge infotainment features extend to the V-Series. They include a 40-gigabyte hard drive, advanced navigation system with a deployable screen and Bose digital surround audio, as well as factory-installed Bluetooth phone integration, all standard features on the V-Series.
Microsoft patent filing: Control a computer by flexing a muscle
Human-computer interactions have been primarily detected using direct manipulation of devices such as mice, keyboards, pens, dials, and touch-sensitive surfaces. As computing and digital information becomes integrated into everyday environments, situations arise where it may be inconvenient or difficult to use hands to directly manipulate an input device. For example, a driver attempting to query a vehicle navigation system might find it helpful to be able to do so without removing his or her hands from the steering wheel. A person in a meeting may wish to unobtrusively interact with a computing device. Furthermore, direct physical manipulation spreads microbes, so hands-free input mechanisms can helpful in areas sensitive to contamination, for example surgery rooms.
Most implement-free or hands-free interaction approaches have involved speech and computer vision. While improving, these technologies still have drawbacks. They can be unreliable, sensitive to interference from environmental noise, and can require a person to make obtrusive motions or sounds.
Another approach is to infer user input from sensed human muscle activity. Advances in muscular sensing and processing technologies make it possible for humans to interface with computers directly with muscle activity. One sensing technology, electromyography (EMG), measures electrical potentials generated by the activity of muscle cells. EMG-based systems may use sensors that are carefully placed according to detailed knowledge of the human physiology. Specific muscle activity is measured and used to infer movements, intended or not.
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