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For those that have been to Mexico City, you’re familiar with the green Volkswagen Bug taxis employed by the city. They green VWs have become an icon to Mexico City, just as coffee has become an icon to Seattle. However, the green Bugs are on their last leg, as this year they will become extinct.
Due to government regulations and safety bylaws, all cabbies are required to have four-door vehicles. While we couldn’t see the convenience of having a two-door taxi inthe first place, a former cabbie told the AP that they were cheap to operate. However, safety is an issue, and cramming people into what essentially is a 74-year-old car does cause more than a few safety concerns. So if you want to experience the green cabs for one last time, book your flights to Mexico City now before it’s too late!
Read More 
| Autoblog
Gallery: So long green cabs of Mexico City
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Photographing the Lamborghini Aventador like a boss using a light on a stick and Forza 4
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Design, Transportation, Video Games, Videos,
I may not shoot often, but when I do I make sure I shoot like a boss. Now, grante,d access to the most expensive equipment may not always be something that you can count on, but regardless of what camera you've got, lighting is key in any shot. Apart from solid lighting, thinking outside the box may also be necessary, as Blair Blunting uses Forza 4 to get inspiration for shooting the Lamborghini Aventador. Don’t believe us? Check out the video above!
Read More | AutoBlog
Gallery: Photographing the Lamborghini Aventador like a boss using a light on a stick and Forza 4
Ford brings updated SYNC and MyFord Touch software update to 300,000 cars
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Corporate News, Microsoft, Software, Transportation,
Technology is a driving factor today for many purchases, and automotive purchases are no exception to this rule. Many of those that have purchased or have driven in a new Ford lately have noticed that the vehicle may have been equipped with MyFord Touch or Microsoft SYNC. Ford’s Partnership with the technology giant has proven to be a valuable investment, generating growing sales on a yearly basis. However, as we all know, the technology we bought two or more years ago can quickly get outdated. Ford acknowledges this, and is releasing a software update that will launch on the 2013 Ford Taurus and Flex, as well as seven other vehicles. Even better, they are releasing the same update for 300,000 current owners of older models as well.
Ford will begin mailing out the update shortly, which will be loaded on a USB drive with instructions; stopping by a dealership for installation is also an option. The update isn’t frivolous either, as it will consist of a smoother UI, enhanced voice recognition, and an enhanced visual experience allowing the user to navigate with ease. Furthermore, for vehicles equipped with a navigation unit, Ford will include a SD card with updated maps.
Click to continue reading Ford brings updated SYNC and MyFord Touch software update to 300,000 cars
Read More | Ford
Gallery: Ford brings updated SYNC and MyFord Touch software update to 300,000 cars
This is how easy it is to fool a TSA body scanner
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Misc. Tech, Transportation, Videos,
Well, this is a it alarming. You know those crazy TSA body scanners that blast you with radiation and can pretty much make you appear naked in the scanned image? Well, apparently, they are easier to trick than a regular old metal detector. More invasive, potentially hazardous to your health, and not as good as the faster, simpler, and more efficient metal detector. Hopefully this opens up some eyes, raises some eyebrows, and results in quick change. More at the link below, which we recommend sending to your local government representatives in the hopes that action is taken.
Read More | TSA Out of Our Pants
Gallery: This is how easy it is to fool a TSA body scanner
Can the NHTSA make cars safer with mandatory backup cameras by 2014?
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Cameras, Editorial, Transportation,
A few nights ago I found myself, along with two of my friends, shooting the breeze at a local watering hole. All of us come from different walks of life and hold different views on politics and social matters; but our love of good food, cars, and company puts all that aside. If you put us together for an extended period of time, one of us is doomed to end up in a hospital because of another, but it’s all fun and games.
Mid-way into the evening, my friend mentioned that he’s in the market for a new pistol. The other guy highly opposes guns. The bartender chimes in with his two cents, stating knifes kill people, cars kill people, and since people die in hospitals, the hospitals must be killing people, too. With these two bickering back and forth, it got me wondering just how many people get injured, or killed, on a yearly basis due to getting his by a car and how that compared to gun fatalities. Recently the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed a bill that would require all automotive manufacturers to include a backup camera in all vehicles by 2014. However, this wouldn’t come out of the manufacturers pocker, as the expense is passed on to the consumer. It would end up raising the cost of a vehicle by about 200 bucks. It's a small price to pay, and would more than likely save a bunch of lives.
Click to continue reading Can the NHTSA make cars safer with mandatory backup cameras by 2014?
Read More | AutoBlog
Gallery: Can the NHTSA make cars safer with mandatory backup cameras by 2014?
Patents point to four-door SLS AMG from Mercedes-Benz
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Corporate News, Rumors, Transportation,
With many great things in life, doing them just once is never enough. Some things you just wanna experience over and over again. The same can be said about a great automobile. If you’re not familiar with the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, it's a beast. In fact, it's the only car that can pull off having gullwing doors while still maintaining a classy look. The AMG SLS coupe was such great hit with buyers that Mercedes-Benz created a drop-top version, which was yet another success.
Recent German patents suggest that Mercedes-Benz is at it again in taking something great and making it even greater. Autoblog has exclusive details of a filed patent that details a four-door Mercedes SLS AMG!
Gallery: Patents point to four-door SLS AMG from Mercedes-Benz
Video: Poop-powered Volkswagen New Beetle roams the streets of Bristol
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Science, Transportation, Videos,
From what we can see, Translogic has gotten its hands on some sick modes of transportation. This, by far, has got to be the most creative and, shall we say, natural way, to get a Volkswagen New Beetle moving. The Beetle, also known as the Geneco Bio Bug, runs on human waste, though that might sound crude, there's more to it than you might think. It runs on something they refer to as biogas, a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide. Check the video above, shot on location at the Wessex Water waste treatment plant in England, to see what the poop-powered Beetle is all about.
Read More | AutoBlog
Gallery: Video: Poop-powered Volkswagen New Beetle roams the streets of Bristol
Ford to produce a 177hp 1-liter EcoBoost motor
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Corporate News, Transportation,
A few weeks back we hit you with the top 10 automotive technologies to look out for in the future. Well, the some of that future tech is hitting us faster than we thought. Ford, along with BMW, has set the ball rolling to move into the future now.
Like many manufacturers, Ford has taken a stand to achieve more miles per gallon. However, as many know, more miles per gallon usually means no power and no fun. Ford doesn’t believe that this needs to be the case. The birth of the 1.0-liter motor will likely come forth sometime in the next few months over in Europe, and soon in the US soon after.
Hearing that a car has a 1.0-liter might sound odd to us in the States, but the tune of 177 horsepower does not. Now, granted, not all 1.0-liters will be the same, but Ford has some plans for the Fiesta ST, which will turn the already peppy car into a cracked-out peppy go-kart driving experience. The standard Fiestas will feature a 3-banger producing a mere 100+ horses or so, but the ST version will have 177 horses. Given the power to weight ratio, that will be one hell of a ride. Here’s to you, Ford, in giving us MPGs and HPs in the same ride. Cheers.
Read More | Autocar
Gallery: Ford to produce a 177hp 1-liter EcoBoost motor
Average fuel economy of new vehicles increases by 14% compared to four years ago
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Science, Transportation,
With the decline of the economy, the automakers took a huge hit in the United States. One could only wonder what outcome of such events would be. Looking past the rollercoaster economy, bailouts, and scandals, consumers have benefited the most as it pertains to the automotive industry by way of increased miles per gallon. As the economy slowly picks itself outta the dump, consumers are slowly returning to the market for new vehicles.
Over the past few years, regulations have passed which mandate more MPGs per vehicle. The old average hovered around 18 miles per gallong. Today, the average hovers around 21 miles per gallon, and is expected to reach 34 miles per gallon by 2016 (this being said among light duty vehicles.) However, regulations suggest that manufactures average 54 miles per gallon by the year 2025. Interestlingly, despite these increases, there has been a small decrease in fuel economy in hybrid vehicles.
Hybrids, naturally known for their great fuel economy, have seen an average of 3 miles per gallong decrease since their introduction into the market. However, we suspect that part of the reason for this is due to the larger hybrids that have been introduced into the market, such as the Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid.
Click through to read the full press release, which includes a bunch of interesting figures.
Read More | The Detroit Bureau
Gallery: Average fuel economy of new vehicles increases by 14% compared to four years ago
Dude avoids extortion thanks to having dash cam installed in his car
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Cameras, Transportation, Videos,
For those that drive on a daily basis, we’re sure you all have your horror stories to tell, and we’re sure some are just too good to believe. That said, when the issue is pressed can you prove that what you say is true, or will it be our word against yours? We hate to give you a reality check, but the law may not always be on your side; even if you’re not at fault. Here in Washington, if you hit someone from behind, it’s automatically your fault. How could you prove that you were completely stopped and that the person in front of you rolled backwards into you? If you're like the dude in the video above, the answer is simple. Install a dash cam. Sure, it may seem nerdy, but at least it got him out of paying $500 for something that wasn't his fault. Check out the video above for the full story.
Gallery: Dude avoids extortion thanks to having dash cam installed in his car
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