Latest Gear Live Videos
Volkswagen Eurovan converted into a camper
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Mods / Hacks, Transportation,
A few months back, we hit you with the Toyota Prius “Camper.” Yeah, that shoulda been an April Fools joke, but it was the real deal. However, jokes aside, the Volkswagen Eurovan has also gone “under the knife,” so to speak, and has been converted into a camper.
Thankfully, this conversion isn’t a monstrosity like the Prius was, but a modern take on the camper van. The Eurovan is dubbed the Doubleback, as the backend extends about six and half feet, giving campers more room. Keep in mind that the roof also extends giving campers more headroom. The only downfall of the conversion is that you make a four passenger van into a two passenger van. However, buyers can opt for the front bench seat adding room for one more occupant.
The company says that the conversion only adds 286 pounds to the curb weight, which isn’t bad considering the room that you’re getting. If you’re wondering about the price, it’s about $87,975 with taxes, conversions, and all the good stuff.
Read More 
| AutoBlog
Advertisement
Color coordinating the Geneva Motor Show
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Design, Internet, Transportation,
The Geneva Motor is behind us now, but that doesn’t mean you need to stop drooling over the cars that debuted at the Show. Researching through the archives, trying to find a car you want as your next screensaver can be a pain, especially, if you’re looking for a vehicle of a particular color.
Well, fret not, as the guys over at CarBuzz have created a neat infograpfic to help locate a vehicle color of your choice.
Read More | CarBuzz
Google’s self-driving car brings a blind man to Taco Bell
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Google, Transportation, Videos,
We’ve had a lot of chatter about self-driving cars here at Gear Live, but apart from doing a few hot laps around a closed circuit and quick drive around the Autobahn, we haven't really seen a practical application. But our thoughts have changed, as Google has produced a self-driving Prius, which wouldn’t have been our first choice, but that’s not the point.
Google has developed a brilliant application of the autonomous car. As we reported before, the autonomous car was aimed for traffic improvement and flow, but Google believes that the technology could be used to assist the blind and those unable to operate a vehicle on their own.
The video follows Steve Mahan, as he gets around doing his daily routine. The tasks may seem trivial to us, but to a person of limited mobility, the possibilities are now endless.
SAAB caught in the state of limbo
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Corporate News, Transportation,
It’s been roughly three or so months since SAAB filed for bankruptcy. In addition, Saab Cars North America shut its dealerships down, forcibly. With the bankruptcy, many cars were left in limbo, caught between sale and repossession, we suppose. Though we’re not all entirely sure as to how the legalities work in this case, all we know is that there more than 900 SAAB vehicles on the Jersey Coast.
Though we've never been SAAB fans, it's saddening to see these cars left and exposed to the Jersey grossness. The sobering part of this is that these are the last of the SAABs to hit US soil, or that of which were produced. In any means, fan or not, these cars deserve a proper farewell or a home at best. On second thought, anyone down to go to Jersey and rescue a few SAABs? Follow the jump to see more pictures.
Click to continue reading SAAB caught in the state of limbo
Read More | Found Our Own Road
Fisker to replace battery packs on Karma EV vehicles
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Corporate News, Transportation,
Fisker has issued a recall for the battery pack fitted in the Karma. The issue lies within the battery pack cell, produced by A123 Systems, which could result in “battery underperformance and decreased durability.” This has been identified as a plausible cause of Consumer Report’s Fisker Karma malfunction.
Fisker says that the issue could affect about 670 Karmas, and only a “handful” of Karmas actually manifest the issue. Roger Ormisher, Fisker’s director of global communications, told Wired that it would be installing new packs into affected Karmas as soon as a fault-free pack can be produced. The recall is setting Fisker back by $55 million, and the replacement will be free for customers.
Fisker is also extending warranties to consumers in the United States and Europe. In the States, the warranty is extended by 10 months/10,000 miles on top of the existing 50 month/50,000 mile warranty. European owner will also experience the same extension from 48 months/100,000 km to 60 months/100,000 km.
Fisker will be notifying affected customers with updates to their vehicles in the days to come.
Read More | Wired
Mini Countryman throws man off cliff, all in the name of marketing
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Transportation, Videos,
Mini has been on a crazed marketing campaign, and went on the record as to say “expect the unexpected.” Now doing a few donuts here and there is a far cry from the unexpected, but setting a man to fly off the top of a Mini Countryman’s roof definitely qualifies. Check out the John Cooper Works Mini in action above!
Coda EV heading into production this week
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Corporate News, Transportation,
The biggest turn off in buying an electric vehicle for most is the sticker price. Some, like the Fisker Karma, hover at six figures, and other like the Tesla cars range from $50,000 onward to $100,000, which is priced well above most pocketbooks. That leaves room for only a few EVs to choose from in the $30,000 neighborhood, primarily the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi I. If these two don’t float your boat, there is a new contender entering the market outta California.
The company is called Coda Automotive, and it's set to roll out a new 5-passenger EV. The company is based out of Los Angeles, California, and its EV plant is in Benicia. The car is priced reasonably at $35,200.
Buyers will have the option of choosing five exterior colors, two wheel designs, and those lucky enough to be within the first 500 customers will get cars that feature limited-edition accents, signifying they’re on of the first Coda vehicles to hit the road.
Click to continue reading Coda EV heading into production this week
Read More | CNet
Newly redesigned Volkswagen Beetle attracts male buyers
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Corporate News, Design, Transportation,
Let’s face it, the New Beetle wasn’t much of an attention grabber. It came off as cute, girly, and flowery, and as such, it lacked in sales to the male population. But Volkswagen wanted to change that, so they redesigned the New Beetle to be more manly and appealing across the board. They have succeeded.
Volkswagen has reported that male sales for the Beetle are up to 43%, which is a staggering improvement from the 29% of the New Beetles from years past. Also, many dudes, according to VW, have showed an interest in the diesel version of the Beetle, which is due some time in 2013. Also, along with the redesign, VW’s ads have also had a male focused vibe, which is also an aiding factor in their sales.
With this being said, it leaves us with one question to ask our male readers, would you buy the new VW Beetle? If so, why or why not? And, ladies - does the new design turn you off? Leave your comments below.
Freightliner Revolution Innovation aimed to change the world of trucking
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Corporate News, Transportation,
The world of trucking has been a familiar industry for me, as most of my family is involved with it in one way or another. I've even got a cousin who would fit well into the show “Shipping Wars,” seen on A&E, and along with my father and many uncles who do long haul driving. Freightliner recently unveiled its newest concept truck, dubbed the Revolution Innovation, which they’re aiming for production. It’s the truck of this decade and the future, they claim. Though the design and said functionality of the truck is cool, there are many things I see becoming a nuisance and hindrance on the road.
For instance, the Revolution only features one entry point, throwing out the passenger-side door. They eliminated the passenger door, as their research shows it's rarely used. Though we’re not trying to argue with Freightliner’s research, passengers do ride along at times, and the passenger door is used for other things as well. Along with other major redesign changes from the conventional, there are a few good things they’ve changed, such as the user interface with the truck. In all, the design of the truck is cool, but in the long run we don’t see some of its practicality. You be the judge by watching the video above.
Toyota 86 (Scion FR-S) price announced, only to disappoint, at $24,930
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Corporate News, Editorial, Transportation,
There has been much hype surrounding the Toyota 86 (Scion FR-S for the U.S.) and the Subaru BRZ after both vehicles hit the assembly line a few days ago. Much of the speculation was that the car was going to be a game changer for both manufacturers. On Toyota’s side, they would finally have a proper sports car after killing their legendary Supra (our fingers are still crossed in hopes Toyota will bring it back.) On other side of the field, Subaru has given up their claim to fame in only producing all-wheel-drive vehicles, as the BRZ is a rear-wheel drive coupe. But personally, the biggest blow is the price tag attached to the Toyota 86--$24,930.
Let’s be real here, with a sticker price in the mid $20s, the Toyota 86 doesn’t hold a candle to some its competitors. In the neighborhood of $25,000 you have plenty of other options. If you’re looking for a bit more room and functionality, you can pick up a Volkswagen Golf GTI, which starts at $23,995. If you’re looking for a thrill and all weather functionality, you have the Subaru WRX, which starts at $25,595.
Now if you’re wondering what the BRZ will be priced at, it’ll cost even more without a doubt. But Subaru has not yet released their price on the coupe. Unless you’re a diehard for a coupe, the BRZ’s price point is just illogical, not too mention that for $24,250 you can get a coupe that’ll run circles around the T86 and BRZ all day long. Wondering what that is? The newly redesigned Hyundai Genesis, featuring 274 horses. This, in our opinion is a better buy in the current sports coupe market.
