Friday, June 29, 2012
Untitled
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
As Driverless Cars Inch Closer to Reality, Researchers Mull Impact
- Studies are under way to explore new "smart" automotive technologies and their effects on drivers.
- The concerns are that drivers may lose focus and become overly dependent on advanced systems.
- The Transportation Research Board has scheduled a workshop next month on the future of automated cars and driving.
IRVINE, California — As automobile development moves closer and closer to automated or semi-automated vehicles, manufacturers and the Transportation Research Board are exploring the ramifications of these "intelligent" cars and the effects on the public.
A TRB workshop on the future of automated cars and driving is scheduled for July 24-26 at the Beckman Center in Irvine. The full title of the event is "Future of Road Vehicle Automation and PreConference Workshop on Early Automation Deployment Opportunities in Managed Lane Operations."
Meanwhile, there is general acknowledgement in the industry that, while new technologies may enhance safety and take over some of the tasks drivers now have to perform manually, there will be problems inherent in the use of this new technology.
Innovations already available on some cars, such Ford's automated parallel-parking function, are not so much at issue as are systems that monitor traffic situations and either provide warning prompts or make decisions about the operation of the vehicle. In addition to the fail-safe nature of such systems, there is the human element to consider.
Internet giant Google is vigorously pursuing the concept of fully automated vehicles, winning a U.S. patent late last year for "Transitioning a mixed-mode vehicle to autonomous mode." Prompted in part by a Google lobbying effort, Nevada passed legislation in July 2011 regulating "driverless" cars.
Advanced vehicle automation is anticipated to make its way to the marketplace within the decade, but an equivalent of aviation's autopilot, to all but completely take over the duties of operating the vehicle, is not in the foreseeable future.
That doesn't mean that drivers won't expect more of the technology than it is capable of delivering.
General Motors is conducting studies on how driver behavior will be influenced by emerging technologies. The upshot of their research is summed up by GM Research Program manager Jeremy Salinger, who said, "The focus was on how people might change their behaviors from what they normally do when they drive cars."
GM researchers have observed how when drivers multitask, they make relatively frequent but brief glances away from their primary function of driving. The dangers of such distraction will not be erased by the driver aids coming in the next 10 years, Salinger said.
Referring to the operation of a "smart" vehicle, he said, "This is not a time that you can start reading a book."
Inside Line says: The good news is that early research shows that the driver's attention is more sharply focused when technology such as Forward Collision Alert is operative. The bad news is that such heightened attention may not be sustained as drivers become accustomed to technological aids and allow themselves to become more dependent upon them."
Monday, June 25, 2012
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Toyota to Become More Aggressive with Its Use of Hydrogen Fuel in the Future
By Erin Kilgore – June 19, 2012
Toyota re-enters the motor sports scene with hybrid racers
"Famed Japanese automaker Toyota has long held an interest in hydrogen fuel. The Pruis hybrid managed to attract praise for its use of hydrogen fuel. That had been the extent of the company’s support of fuel cells for several years. Recently, however, Toyota re-entered the motor sports arena with the introduction of two hybrid racecars that each feature a hydrogen fuel cell. The vehicles made their debut at this week’s 24 Hours of Le Mans event in France. During the event, Toyota’s vice-chairman, Takeshi Uchiyamada, announced that the company will become more aggressive with its use of hydrogen fuel cells in the future.
FCV-R vehicle slated for 2015 release
According to Uchiyamada, Toyota plans to release a new hydrogen-powered vehicle in 2015. The vehicle is tentatively called the Toyota FCV-R. The automaker has been keen to show off the concept of this new vehicle at various auto shows around the world. The vehicle is powered by a single hydrogen fuel cell that has been designed by Toyota. The FCV-R is expected to see limited release next year, but may expand into more markets based upon its success.
Toyota continues work to combine hydrogen fuel cells with batteries
Hydrogen fuel cells have become one of Toyota’s most promising tools in its pursuit to incorporate more alternative energy into its business. The company has a keen interest in combining hydrogen fuel cells with lithium-ion batteries. It believes that hybrid electric vehicles present an economic solution for a new generation of drivers who are growing more concerned for their environment and their own finances.
Mass production of hydrogen-powered vehicles to begin this decade
The company has also announced that it will begin mass production of hydrogen powered vehicles within the decade. Toyota is not the only car manufacturer developing vehicles that make use of hydrogen fuel cells, but it is one of the few that has planned for mass production within a certain time frame."
Monday, June 18, 2012
Have You Seen Our Toyota Certified Used Vehicles Like This Low Mileage 2012 Toyota Corolla for Under $21,000?
Friday, June 15, 2012
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Toyota Corolla with NAV: Finding You the Right Destination Throughout the Galaxy
Click to watch the commercial.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Toyota and Lexus Enters Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with EVs
Toyota and Lexus are all set to debut in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, by introducing electric vehicles that signify the current culture surrounding the two Japanese auto giants. Toyota announced that it enters the racewith the TMG EV P002, an all electric and high performance electric vehicle set with two electric motors, which generates 469 horsepower alongside 664 lb-ft of torque with a top speed of 149 mph. Piloted by Japanese rally driver Fumio Nutahara, the TMG EV P002 will be competing against other cars including an EV conversion E36 BMW M3, a modified Mitsubishi i-MiEV and another EV being run by storied driver Monster Tajima. To prove its efficiency, Toyota tested the vehicle in May at the Paul Ricard circuit in southern France.
Besides, Lexus introduces a stripped racecar version of the IS-F, which has not been altered. Despite racing exhaust system, there are no powertrain upgrades included in this model. By adding additional coolers for the engine and transmission oil, the car has been converted to compete at the Pikes Peak race. Other upgrades include changeable race suspension and a smaller steering wheel. Apart from these changes, the new IS-F is weightless compared to its predecessor and it lost almost 700 pounds, bringing the curb weight to 3087. The car enthusiasts are weighting to know how both cars finish the race at Pikes Peak."
Monday, June 11, 2012
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Toyota Tests Vehicle-to-Home Power System With Help of Prius Plug-in Hybrid
Just the Facts:
TOYOTA CITY, Japan — Toyota took a step closer to the "smart grid" on Monday with word that it is testing a vehicle-to-home power system with the help of the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid.
The system can supply power from home to vehicle as well as from vehicle to home.
The vehicle can act as an emergency home generator during a power outage or supplement power during peak load periods.
"An AC 100V inverter onboard the Prius converts stored power into AC suitable for home use, while power flow is controlled according to communication between vehicle, charging stand and home," said Toyota in a statement. "With this new method, low-carbon electricity generated from regional or home solar generators, or low-cost late-night electricity, can be stored in a vehicle's drive battery and then used to supply power to the household during peak consumption times."
Toyota says it estimates that with a fully charged battery and a full tank of gas, a Prius plug-in hybrid can supply power for average Japanese household electricity use for four days.
The Japanese automaker said the goal is to promote the widespread use of so-called V2H or vehicle-to-home systems. It said it has also developed "devices capable of supplying electricity from (plug-in hybrid vehicles) directly to home devices for use at emergency shelters in the event of a disaster."
The vehicle-to-home power system will be tested in Japan in 10 homes starting at the end of 2012.
The next step is full integration between vehicles and the electric power grid — so-called vehicle-to-grid, or V2G — with consumers able to control the flow of electricity from smartphones and other mobile devices.
The U.S. Department of Energy defines the "smart grid" as "a class of technology people are using to bring electricity systems into the 21st century, using computer-based remote control and automation."
"They offer many benefits to utilities and consumers — mostly seen in big improvements in energy efficiency on the electricity grid and in the energy users' homes and offices," it noted.
Inside Line says: In the future, your Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid may help with more than just your commute."
Monday, June 4, 2012
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