Pioneer introduces the AVH-4900DVD In-Dash Audio Video system which brings audio, video, and connectivity capabilities together for the best in-dash car entertainment experience. The unit is designed to fit most vehicle dashboards, and offers a 6.5" video screen. It has great audio quality, and easy connectivity to XM, Sirius, iPod, and Bluetooth cell phones.

The Pioneer AVH-4900DVD offers high quality motorized LCD screens for playback of DVDs or downloaded DivX video content. It offers high power MOSFET50 amplification, pre-am outputs and two-way crossovers for great audio sound.

The AVH-P5900DVD provides total connectivity to satellite radio, portable music devices and Bluetooth cellular phones. At the back of the unit, an auxiliary input accepts connection to virtually any portable audio device with mini jack outputs. With an optional Bluetooth adapter, enabled cell phones can be synched to the system. This allows users to carry phone conversations through the car's internal speakers and the microphone included with the adapter.

The AVH-4900DVD will be available in March 2007 with a suggested price of $800.

The Toyota FT-HS hybrid sports car will be exhibited at the upcoming 007 North American International Auto Show and is built on the question, "What is a suitable sports car for the 21st Century?",

The Toyota FT-HS combines principles like; sleek ergonomics, functionality, lightweight aero-dynamic materials, and an advanced high-output powertrain. The rear-drive sports car is capable of zero-to-60 acceleration in the four-second range and is also outfitted with a powerful V6, 3.5L-engine. The car has been designed by y Calty designer, Alex Shen and care has been taken to give it a an unique yet trendy look.

"FT-HS expresses the core values of a Toyota Brand design strategy that combines two key elements: J-Factor and Vibrant Clarity. J-Factor refers to the local and global acceptance of Japanese-inspired design and cultural sensibilities. Vibrant Clarity is the design language used to express the J-factor much in the same way that L-Finesse is the language of the Lexus Division. It is the combination of perfect imbalance, freeform geometrics and integrated component architecture. The result of these three elements is subtractive mass, a minimalist style that is not only lightweight, but also looks lightweight."

As the technological sphere is dynamic, Novomax has launched NOVOMAX BT S200 Soundstation Car Kit, an advanced version of BT S110. The OLED screen of this device supports the extra functions like displaying caller ID, battery status, phone book downloading, and etc. Another striking feature of is that it supports simultaneous two-link connections implying that it can support two mobile phone simultaneously. With the frequency of 2.4GHZ~2.48GHz ISM it offers a Band Operation Range Up to 10 meters (33 feet).

Other Features of Novomax BT S200 Soundstation Kit are:

• Audio Codec 15 bits resolution, S/N>60DB
• Audio Encryption: 128bits
• Battery: Rechargeable Li-ion polymer 770mAh
• Charge Interface: 4-pin mini USB
• Charger: 5V DC, 110 - 240V AC adapter with 4-Pin mini USB Interface, or 12/24V Car Charger
• Connectivity: Point to point
• Data Rate: 723 kbps
• Dimension 77g including battery
• Sensitivity: -80dBm@0.1%BER RF TX Power 0 dBm
• Stand by Time: 550 hours
• Storage Temperature: -40-85°C
• Talk Time: 6 hours

S200 comes with a User Manual, Sun-Visor Clip and Vent Mounting Clip for your convenience. If you are searching a Bluetooth sound station, your search ends here.

Sony unleashed two CD tuner/changer controllers with the announcement of the CDX-GT610U and CDX-GT616U, lining up under the GT series of players for your vehicle.

Both models play MP3, WMA and AAC formats from a variety of music sources connected to the front-panel USB socket. Yes, it's that simple to plug in your device and listen to the music in your vehicle. If that's not enough, the CDX-GT610U/CDX-GT616U can also handle CDs packed with MP3s or WMAs.

With a largish 13-segment display to show off the disc, track and station data apart from equalizer, both the models come with a sub-credit card sized remote control. Thanks to DRIVE-S chassis technology, you can enjoy superior quality audio.

The licensed BBE-MP processing improves MP3 quality by enhancing higher harmonics that are otherwise lost during compression. Sony's DSO II (Dynamic Soundstage Organizer) technology elevates perceived position of the audio from floor-mounted speakers to ear level for a satisfying experience.

No word on the pricing yet, but the Sony CDX-GT610U/CDX-GT616U CD tuner/changer controller will hit the markets in January 2007.

The Chrysler 2007 Jeep(R) Patriot will be available in both left- and right-hand drive starting in the first half of 2007. The base model would retail for $14,985 and the jeep will compete in the compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment. The new Patriot looks at the classic-styled Jeep for inspiration and is capable of 30 miles per gallon (mpg) fuel economy.

The Jeep Patriot is available in three models ; the standard front-wheel-drive system, the Freedom Drive I and the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package. The Freedom Drive I is a four-wheel-drive system with Lock mode and is ideal for daily usage. The Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package has a four-wheel-drive system and includes a second-generation continuously variable transaxle with low range (CVT2L) , 17-inch all-terrain tires and aluminum wheels, a full-size spare tire, skid plates, tow hooks, fog lamps and manual seat height adjuster.

All versions of the Jeep Patriot include; standard Brake Traction Control, driver-controlled three-mode ESP, Brake Assist, Electronic Roll Mitigation and anti-lock brakes with rough-road detection. The Jeep Patriot Sport has a starting U.S. MSRP of $14,985 and one needs to shell out $16,735 for the Freedom Drive I 4x4 system. The U.S. MSRP for the Jeep Patriot Sport equipped with the available Freedom Drive II Off-road Package is $19,175. All prices include $560 destination.

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Belkin has got a new accessory for all you iPod nano users: the new TuneFM for iPod nano just got FCC approved. If you've been feeling a bit left out from the crowd, well, now's your chance to broadcast songs from your iPod onto your car stereo.

In line with the iPod nano's design, the TuneFM is extremely thin. The arrow keys let you set the frequency for transmission (the frequency is displayed on the nano), and you can store up to 4 choices in its memory.

You can also set the Tx mode to mono (which would certainly certify you as crazy, but hey, if it improves signal reception, I'm all for it). No word on pricing or availability yet.

Meet the new and improved Mitsubishi Lancer! Mitsubishi Motors North America will unveil the all-new, 2008 Lancer compact sport sedan at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

The 2008 Lancer looks at the Mitsubishi Concept-X for inspiration which consists of a "shark-nosed" front end inspired by jet fighter air intakes and a wedge-like profile. The car like many Lancer models is powered by 2.0-liter 152 hp aluminum DOHC MIVEC 4-cylinder engine with 5-speed manual transmission.

The 2008 model also has the distinction of being the first vehicle in North America to offer continuously variable transmission (CVT) which includes a 6-step Sportronic(R) mode using magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters. Mitsubishi Lancer will be available in three levels of trim and driving dynamics: DE, ES and the sport-tuned GTS in early 2007.

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The Lamborghini LP640 Murcielago Roadster may just tempt you to rob your neighborhood bank as this one is Hot with a capital H! First exhibited at the Paris Motor Show, this stunner is a brainchild of Lamborghini and the Italian fashion house, Versace. The Limited Edition includes a highly chic pearl-white exterior to complement the white interior accessories. One also comes across four-wheel drive gearbox, E-Gear automatic transmission, 640hp (471kW), 660Nm V12 engine and the ability to accelerate from 0-100km/k in just 3.4 seconds. No word on pricing or availability but isn't style all about discreet?

Kenwood unveiled a cool-looking satellite speaker system for your vehicle, featuring a unique installation approach in which you don't have to tear down your car to fit them in. The Kenwood KSC-SS10 Satellite Speaker system boasts of a pillar installation that gets rid of all the hassles you faced with older roof-mount speakers.

Thanks to a PEI balancing dome tweeter, the audio quality is substantially improved on the KSC-SS10. It claims a rated input of 20W, and 4 ohm impedance.

Measuring 110mm x 115mm x 122mm, the speaker weighs in at 0.42kg. It comes with a 7 meter long cable. There are other details which our poor translator could not handle, but if you know Japanese, go right ahead and check them out.

Priced at ¥24,990 (approx US $215), the Kenwood KSC-SS10 Satellite Speaker system is now out.

Jaguar Cars have announced a new sports sedan, the Jaguar XF which will replace the Jaguar S-TYPE. As of now the company is not very forthcoming and thus have not released many details. However we do know that the Jaguar XF will make its debut next autumn and is part of the company's luxury mid-size segment.

"The Jaguar XF is a new sports saloon that will challenge people to think again about Jaguar as daring and different," commented Bibiana Boerio, managing director of Jaguar Cars. "Our new XK sports car has been very well- received and is enjoying great success. We are now moving on to the next stage of Jaguar's exciting new design era -- and if you like the new XK, just wait until you see the new Jaguar XF!"

Please Note: No images or further details of the new Jaguar XF are being released at this time.

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Lexus is pleased as ever to announce their 2007 LX 470 Limited Edition Full-Size Luxury SUV. The company will put out only 400 of these special LX 470s for the United States, and will have some great special features.

For example, the LX 470 Limited Edition will have a Black Onyx exterior and color-coded scuff plates. It will also include 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a Liquid Graphite finish, chrome door handles, beltline accent and exhaust tip. It will be topped off with chrome Limited Edition exterior badges will be displayed on the front driver and passenger doors. It will also have a Stone leather interior, Black Bird’s-Eye Maple wood trim, black floor mats and cargo mat that will feature the Gray Limited Edition Logo.

Lexus plans to reveal this Special Edition at the 2006 Auto show at the beginning of December, and will put it up for sale then. The base price is $67,395 USD, with an additional $410 for the special features.

Looks like the Nokia 8800 keeps coming out with new special editions. First it was The Gold Edition Nokia 8800 Phone, with a 24 karat skin as well as special charging station. I’m sure Goldfinger would have loved to get his hands on this before he pulled off his grand scheme of blowing up an atomic bomb inside Fort Knox.

Speaking of Goldfinger, the company has recently released a phone based on the type of car of that film, the Aston Martin. The Nokia 8800 Aston Martin Limited Edition, which was just the 8800 with the Aston Martin logo. I suppose James Bond would have bought this up if Q hadn’t given him a phone with a laser.

No wonder that Nokia 8800 Phone Wins Red Dot Design Award. After all, it has a sweet stainless steel and mineral glass design. The Nokia 8800 now has another special edition to brag about with the Nokia 8800 Lamborghini Sirocco phone. Like the previously mentioned Aston Martin, this guy has the award-winning style with the famous Lamborghini logo engraved. It also looks like ball bearings from the auto company to make the slider phone possible. (I wonder if it makes it slide better than the other Nokia 8800s out there?)

Let us not forget its phone uses as well. It has tri-band GSM coverage for up to five continents, as well as 128 MB of internal memory. Like its color TFT display, protected by scratch-resistant sapphire coated glass. It also has a 2 megapixel camera, as well as an integrated digital MP3 player. This is in addition to Bluetooth, xHTML browsing, Instant Messaging, video streaming services, as well as data transfer over EDGE, GPRS, or TCP/IP.

This Lamborghini 500-piece limited edition will also feature Lamborghini graphics as wallpapers, screensavers, ringtones, and even has a short documentary video about the Lamborghini. No word on the price, but I’m sure it’s quite expensive. However, who knows if these collectors edition cell phones will go up in value over the next few decades.

If you enjoyed reading the previous post about the biodiesel Suburban Chevrolet, this post about the not so new Batbike will probably make you even more excited than you already are, or not, depending of how much you take engine related news into consideration.

The 2 wheeled vehicle also known as a motorcycle has a Batman related design and that is where the Batbike name comes from in case you didn't understand it yet. The main difference from other bikes is that this one can work with diesel - a cheaper and better performance method of making vehicles do their work easier. Just so you can have an idea, with 2.5 liters of diesel the bike is able to “run” 100km, can you imagine how much money can be saved while using the Batbike?

It is made by EVA-lution, a Dutch firm that (I suppose) specializes in good design, making biodiesel vehicles to protect nature and so on, they are the so called environment protectors. On the technical side of things, the diesel motorbike will be available to the public with a first model having a 800cc engine + 50HP and a maximum performance ranging from 1800-2800rpm

Products like this that save money on the long run, always cost more on the short run.

With that being said, get ready to spend close to $23,000 to get your hands on the diesel BatBike.

Optional extras include EVA’s patented frontwheel hydraulic adjustable drive system, a full aluminium luggage travel system and a desert-sand lifting device, should you surf a sand dune that’s a little too deep.

Via T3

Hong Kong based Caron Autosound's BT-1800 DSP Bluetooth Speakerphone with Caller ID is officially FCC approved. Ideal for your vehicle or home/office use, the BT-1800 supports hands-free (HFP) and headset (HSP) Bluetooth profiles.

The kit is compatible with Bluetooth v1.2 devices, and a cigarette lighter adapter is provided in the packaging, along with a rotating sun-visor clip. Just set it up in a convenient location in the car, pair it up with your cell phone and enjoy talking while driving. It features an LCD display on which the caller's phone is cleanly displayed.

Of course, the problem with the BT-1800 is that it's a speakerphone - so you can't really take private phone calls without everyone else in the car listening in on it.

No word on pricing or availability yet, but check back with us on this one.

The Automotive Intellect Design company responsible for some popular projects such as the Mobile Living Space has come up with an improved version of a 2002 Suburban Chevrolet, among the changes there is a special attention that goes to a biodiesel tweak, while the other big alteration is on the inside of the jeep, it was recreated and renamed to something like - post-apocalyptic road rider.

The upgrades include the following:

- brembo brake upgrade
- inspiration on the wool carpeting originated by Rolls-Royce
- a 12-inch lift to make it look taller
- on and off-road suspension
- more fuel capacity
- modified engine so it can take care of the corrosive parts that come with the biodiesel fuel
- inclusion of a new audio sound system - Alpine F-1
- new engine-management controller from Edge
- upgrade on internal features like transmission, turbochargers, fuel injection and others

On the dark side of the show comes the price of this Ai Biodiesel Suburban, it only costs $200,000.

Via InsideLine

Motorola introduces the M710 iDEN in-vehicle communication phone that is full of lots of great features. These are specially made phones for drivers and other businesses that require vehicular travel.

First of all, it can produce excellent communication with echo cancellation and noise suppression. It also has a high-resolution color graphic display and a wide keypad for easy dialing. The M710 can also be used as a data modem to enable email and fax transmissions.

It also has Location Based Services with AGPS, with personal and business navigation solutions as well as fleet management applications. Also available are Automatic Vehicle Location and Java programming options that allow dispatches to communicate effectively with their drivers.

Expect the Motorola M710 iDEN phone to be out sometime soon.

Mitsubishi intends to unveil the new 2008 Lancer to the public at the Detroit Auto Show this year. However, there have been some recent Internet leaks, like the photo you see to your right.

There was also a sketch that was released to the public, and it looks different than the actual article. This, of course, leads one (and everyone else) to believe that the photo could be faked. For example, the wheels look gargantuan on the sketch. The sketch promised a little Concept-X with an aggressive profile and long hood.

Well, it looks like there will need to be some waiting as far as when the full disclosure will hit. Until then, we will leave you with this.

When they make a vehicle like that, you have to wonder what's going on in their minds! The Ford F-650 by DeBerti Designs may be a gas guzzler, but there's an intriguing bit of 6 factor about it that's hard to miss.

Apart from being a 6-seater, the F-650 is a 6-wheel drive and each seat has its own video screen. No wonder it's doing rounds as the Devil's Truck. Under the hood is a 330hp Caterpiller engine pumping raw power.

The four in the back have to get in via gull-wing doors, while the front is of Lambo flip-up type. Outfitted with Bridgestone tires, you even get a Sony PlayStation inside. Va-va-voom!

(Via mobilemag and Autoblog)

At the 2006 SEMA Show in Vegas, Honda exhibited the prototype 2007 Civic MUGEN Si Sedan and Honda plans to make just 500 of these per year! The vehicle promises to be an amalgamation of both style and functionality as one comes across a great suspension system, forged aluminum wheels, aerodynamic body styling and a sport exhaust system.

To give it an extra edge, Honda has incorporated a front spoiler with a sports grille with the special MUGEN Si emblem. The look of the car is further enhanced with side spoilers, a rear bumper diffuser and a rear wing. Driving this baby would be a breeze thanks to the onboard 16.7-pound 18x7.5-inch forged aluminum wheels and high-grip BFGoodrich(R) g-Force KDW 215/40ZR18 summer tires. Its available only in one color for now (Fiji Blue Pearl) and would retail around for $30,000 in 2007. For more info visit: Honda

Here's an interesting Bluetooth hands-free kit for your car. Compatible with the hands-free profile, Supertooth Light includes DSP noise/echo cancellation for clear audio. Easily mounted on the sun visor inside your car, it comes with a microphone shaft and call answer/reject buttons.

Pairing it with your Bluetooth-capable cell phone is easy: simply press the call answer key for a few seconds and enter passcode 0000 on the phone to complete pairing. The device got the seal of approval from the FCC.

Supertooth Light comes with Li-ion batteries and weighs in at 115 grams. A talk-time of 15 hours and standby time of 800 hours is claimed by the manufacturers.

No word on when it will hit the streets, but it should be out soon. Specs in extended entry.

Wanna splurge this Christmas? Well all those ladies looking for making their hubbies delirious with joy should take a look at the 2007 Nissan Altima, whose pricing has been announced. The base model of the Altima can be purchased (with his credit card of course) for $17,950 and this would include ; a 2.5 with a refined 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. For $24,000 you can get your hands on the Altima 3.5 SE with 6-speed manual transmission and an advanced 3.5-liter V6 engine.

The Nissan Altima promises both style and functionality with its new fourth all-new Nissan “D” platform with enhanced body rigidity and suspension. The car can be bought with all the latest technologies including;intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System, RearView Monitor and an advanced touch-screen navigation system. Some models of the Altima will be equipped with 7-inch wheels and tires and the all new Nissan Xtronic CVT, which replaces conventional automatic transmission.

There are a number of packages available for the vehicle including; Convenience and Convenience Plus Packages, SL Package, and Connection Package with a choice of XM© or Sirius® satellite radio. Altima 3.5 packages and options include Sport Package, Leather Package, Premium Package with a choice of XM© or Sirius® satellite radio, Technology Package, and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC). So if you fancy the vehicle head over to the Nissan website for more details.

If Bling is your Thing, then do check out the chrome Lexus IS250 at the Aussie Motor Show! The chrome finishing is inspired by the chrome Lamborghini owned by rap star 50 Cent and it didn’t take Lexus long, to get their groove back! The car has been re-sprayed with special MirraChrome paint in the Australian state of Victoria and has all the trappings of a hip cool vehicle!

One comes across an innovative Lexus body kit, which includes; front lower spoiler, side skirts, rear lower skirt and a boot spoiler. Also do check out the alloy wheels which gives the car an extra edge and me another reason to strike it rich! No word on pricing or availability.

Via Motor Authority

If getting a new hybrid set of wheels is still a distant dream, then we have a great alternative! The Yamaha FC-AQEL Scooter promises to be Mother Nature's new best friend as it draws it juice from "Yamaha hydrogen fuel cell system.". The scooter is equipped with a fuel cell with a metal separator, two 35 MPa high-pressure hydrogen tanks, a Li-ion secondary battery,ultraflat brushless DC motor, a compact controller and a planetary transmission. Its on display at the The 22nd International Battery, Hybrid and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exposition (EVS22) in Yokohama.

Via Techon

Looks like the Lexus LF-A concept car may just be a reality as it was spotted cruising the roads of Nurburgring in Germany. This little speed devil has a 500+ hp V10 engine under its hood and takes inspiration from the awe-inspiring Toyota F1. According to the Lexus Think Tank, the vehicle offers "the ultimate weight balance” as the engine has been mounted in the front. No word on pricing or availability as its still in its production stage.

Via Mobilemag.com