Full Throttle

Have you ever thought of making your own a parking system without going to your professional technician to install the kit for you? Well, basically it is the right thing to do, if you have no idea on how to do it or if you want it installed right and functional. A parking warning system is really a very helpful tool or system that you can install on your vehicle. This system helps or aids you in parking your vehicle nice and easy. How? Let’s just say, it is your “eye” at the back of your vehicle. With the use of a video camera that is installed at rear portion of the vehicle and a monitor on your dashboard, you can see your back without the effort of turning your head back or peeking at the window.

If the kit for you is very expensive, why not try assembling a parking warning system on your own and for your vehicle. If you want to know how, just read through and let me help you.

First, you will need to gather all the need parts for your parking warning system. You will need:

• A wireless color camera with video
• A radar kit (Velleman Parking “Radar” Kit preferably)
• Three 78M12 voltage regulators
• And last but not the least is a battery-powered LCD monitor with video-input jack

You will also need other components such as:

• 240-ohm resistor,
• .33?F electrolytic capacitor,
• 5K trimmer potentiometer,
• 12-foot RCA video cable,
• Projector box,
• And wire.

Note: All parts are available at jameco.com

All parts are sold separately.

Installation 101:

1 BUILD THE REGULATORS

Assemble three voltage regulators: one each for the camera, the video receiver and the sonar (the regulators include instructions).

2 INSTALL THE CAMERA

Remove the taillight cover – ideally, one that’s not too opaque – and use clear sealant to attach the camera next to the reverse-light bulb.

3 POWER IT

Give the camera juice by connecting the positive lead from the camera’s voltage regulator to the socket for the reverse light. Connect the ground wire (negative) to your vehicle’s chassis.

4 GET YOUR VIEW

Place the video receiver in the trunk and connect it to another voltage regulator (positive to socket, negative to chassis).

5 PLUG AND VIEW

Insert the video cable into the receiver’s video-output jack. Route the cable through the inside of your vehicle and plug it into the LCD monitor, mounted on the driver’s side visor with fasteners (preferably Velcro).

6 ADD THE SONAR

Install the sensor inside either taillight and follow the kit’s instructions for drilling holes in the taillight cover so that the acoustic sensors can detect obstacles behind you. Route the connection wires from the sensor through the taillight holder into your vehicle’s trunk or interior, and attach them to the main circuit board (this is the part that buzzes, so you want it somewhere you’ll be able to hear it). Power the sensor from your reverse light with the last regulator (again, connecting positive to socket, negative to chassis).

That’s all you need to do in making your own parking warning system. So, next time you back up, don’t just rely on your mirrors; complement them with a homebuilt warning system made from a rearview video camera coupled with sensitive acoustic sonar. Safely tucked inside your vehicle’s taillight covers, the system pipes a video feed to an LCD monitor mounted on your visor and emits a warning sound when an object get close to your bumper. And since it draws power from your vehicle’s reverse light, it doesn’t need batteries and activates only when you’re backing up. So start driving like you have eyes in the back of your head – because now you will.

Do it now!

Q:Who should buy this vehicle?
A: A person who wants a small, economical, very reliable sedan that is also comfortable and roomy.

This 2009 Toyota Corolla is truly surprisingly striking for an economy sedan. Indeed, this vehicle is no box, econo or otherwise. Although it is not as daring as the Honda Civic, the Toyota has a few styling flourishes of its own including a chic drooping snout behind a wide grille.

The 2009 Toyota Corolla is redesigned with more available power, more standard safety features, and fresh styling. This compact sedan is 2.5 inches wider than the 2003-2008 versions, but other exterior and interior dimensions are little changed. The 2009 Corolla has five trim levels: standard, LE and XLE, and the sporty accented S and the high performance—relatively speaking—XRS. The latter two have “ground effects” trim along the rocker panels and under the rear bumper, plus “sideburn” (our term) spoilers on both front corners.

The interior matches the exterior. Plain it’s not but it doesn’t have the sci-fi dash. Instead, the instrument panel is topped by a double curved cowling matching the large, legible speedometer and tachometer. The steering wheel has tilt/telescoping as standard equipment on all trim levels, as are XM satellite radio ready audio, air conditioning, front seat side and side curtain airbags, intermittent wipers and 60/40 split folding rear seats.

The exterior dimensions are increased by less than a half inch in length and just short of 2.5 inches wide while decreasing about 1 inch in overall height while maintaining the same interior space. The greater width yields increased shoulder room, which means there’s more room for an over-six footer to sit in comfort.

If you are looking for a great sedan, you must include this vehicle in the top of your list.

Sources:

Toyota Corolla
2009 Toyota Corolla Review
2009 Toyota Corolla Photo Gallery

Why buy this car?

If you and your family are looking for a safe, comfortable, powerful station wagon that can handles bad weather, bad roads, and heavy loads, this vehicle is for you. The XC70 is truly a nice family vehicle. It’s comfortable, quiet, roomy, and luxurious. It has massive cargo space. And, of course, like any Volvo it is loaded with safety features just right for a family vehicle. Additionally, Volvo XC70 is a good-looking practical wagon that feels as if it can go anywhere. Its safety tech is incredibly innovative.

The 2008 Volvo XC70 is redesigned, with freshened styling and more power. This SUV-flavored wagon is essentially a raised-suspension version of Volvo’s V70 wagon, which also is redesigned for 2008. The 2008 XC70 is about 2 inches longer in wheelbase and 4 inches longer overall. It has all-wheel drive and a 235-hp 3.2-liter inline 6-cylinder engine. This powertrain replaces a 208-hp turbocharged 5-cylinder. The sole transmission is a 6-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Volvo’s Blind Spot Information System is newly available on the XC70.

Actually, the inside of the XC70 feels like a five-passenger SUV. Visibility is also fantastic in all directions. Headroom is high, and there’s room for a tall long-legged driver and passengers. When it comes to its cargo space, it as lots of cargo space, with several related features. The back seats split and fold in three parts with a 40/20/40 ratio. This permits carrying two rear passengers comfortably while the center 20 percent is folded down to accommodate skis or other long cargo.

The XC70 passenger’s cabin is also brilliant, it is equipped with comfort options including leather seating, a powered glass moonroof, power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support, and a 650 watt sound system with AM / FM / Satellite radio and CD player. Optional rear seat headphone jacks and audio controls were included, as well as a rear 12-volt outlet. The rear bench has optional integrated child booster seats that are also height adjustable. A navigation system is optional.

This 2008 Volvo XC70 is one of the nicest cars you can find in the market nowadays. This station wagon is certainly a good family vehicle. if you are looking for a vehicle for your family, this can be a great choice.

Sources:
2008 Volvo XC70 Road Test Review
2008 Volvo XC70 Review
ZDNet 2008 Volvo XC70 Review & Comparison

The vehicles of tomorrow, ready for delivery in 2027.

SNAP! MULTICAR

Category: Modular Domestic

Breakthrough Tech: Balancing Pods,

Autonomous Drive, Versatile Configuration

Breaking Up Is Easy

Behold the most flexible family car ever devised. It’s not just one car – it’s two, or three or four. Imagine you are driving to the shore. Your daughter wants to see her friends, your son wants to surf, and you and your wife want to hit the boardwalk. No need to play taxi. This groundbreaking new sedan is made from four independently drivable pods. When attached as a single car, the side windows rotate open to allow for side-to-side interaction, with a high-fidelity microphone system for clear front-to-back conversation, as well. If the passenger want to split up, each driver enjoys either hand control or, particularly for younger, not-yet-road-legal children, the latest in fully autonomous driving capabilities.

The vehicle features:

BIG WHEELS

Two full-height, hub-motor-powered wheels frame each pod.

JOINING FORCES

Each pod has its own power source. When combined, the motors work together to drive the sedan. An onboard computer manages power to each motor.

BALANCING ACT

Individual pods balance with the help of accelerometers and gyroscopic sensors that detect instabilities and instantly adjust the relative speed of each wheel to keep you upright.

CORNERING ON RAILS

Individuality and when connected, the pods steer by varying the relative speeds of the wheels – almost like a tank – or, at higher speeds, a slight pitching of each wheel to the left or right.

THIRD WHEEL

Because balanced driving for individual pods work best under 20 mph, a deployable third wheel extends from the front of each car to permit pods to safely reach 50 mph. top speed of two or more pods joined together: 150 mph.

NOMAD ROADTRRAIN

Category: Heavy Transport

Breakthrough Tech: Dynamic Displays,

Autonomous Drive

Makes Getting There Half The Fun

It’s the first hands-off big rig. Need to send a shipment autonomously from Las Vegas to Tahoe? Program the route and schedule, and let it go. Need to bring a crew with you or have the added flexibility of a human driver who can handle tight maneuvering and cargo management and supervision? The Nomad can be customized for any business. Here, a professional racing team’s truck comes complete with a luxurious crew deck upstairs, a fully functional garage workspace, and room for two racecars.

Nomad RaodTrain Features:

DIESEL GRUNT

700-horsepower clean-diesel engine underneath the crew deck generates enough power to haul 40-ton loads.

BUBBLE CANOPY

The wraparound windscreen automatically adjusts its tint in harsh sunlight.

CREW DECK

Cabin seats six or eight in comfortable chairs that recline to full beds. LCD and holographic entertainment systems, as well as a bathroom and kitchenette, come standard.

VARIABLE WINDOW

The floor-to-ceiling OLED windscreen on the crew deck can adjust from completely transparent to opaque for privacy.

EASY ACCESS

The driver’s station connects to the crew deck through a central passageway.

LOW DRAG

Sleek, aerodynamic shaping, ultra-lightweight wheels and composite frame construction minimize weight and drag.

DYNAMIC SHEEL

Transparent skin with embedded, digitally controlled OLED panels can let the sunshine in – showing off the team’s handiwork to fans on the road – or keep things dark for privacy. The entire structure can display still images or video.

TIGHT MANEUVERING

A flexible, weather-tight; hinge between the truck and the trailer permits tight maneuvers without cutting off access between the two.

Milner ElectricCar

Type: Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)
Class: 4-door sedan

Manufacturer: Milner Motors

The 4-seat, 4-door Milner ElectriCar is set to premiere, along with its cousin the AirCar, atthe New York Auto Show in March of 2008. The specs for the ElectriCar list an 11kWh battery which provides energy to a pair of 15hp electric motors which turn the rear wheels. Milner claims the car can run electrically for two hours or 120 miles before the 125cc engine switches on to charge the batteries.

The Milner Motors ElectriCar is an electric vehicle with gasoline assist. This vehicle is designed for 2 hours of operation using the batteries. It has an onboard gasoline engine that turns on automatically for trips outside the all-electric range. 95% of daily driving is expected to be handled by the electric drive.

Pros:
• The design – While this is the same body they’ll use for the Milner AirCar, as an electric car it suddenly strikes us—she looks like a ‘futurized’ version of an old 1930s era Packard or maybe a Beauford. If only she were a convertible too …

• The weight – She weighs in at 1250 pounds, which goes some distance to explain one or two astonishing specs, but the advanced-composite construction also manages to spare unnecessary additional weight while still providing adequate crash protection.

• The footprint – Its 152-inch wheelbase and 64-inch tread width might contribute to stability but for us, they contribute to a slick looking ride, period.

Con:
• The battery issue. Namely, they haven’t selected a battery system yet.

Specifications:
Propulsion system: 2 48V DC motors (40hp peak, 15hp continuous) / 125cc, 15hp gas
engine
Top Speed: 85 mph
MPG: “Better than 100 mpg”
Zero to 60: NA
Vehicle range: 1120 miles (120 electric, 1000 gasoline)
Fuel(s): Electricity and conventional gasoline
Battery: NA. “Next generation batteries” have yet to be selected … calling
to question their posted recharge time of 3 hours. 3 hours to
recharge what, exactly?
Tailpipe emissions: Yes

More about Milner ElectriCar™ visit Milner Motors

VentureOne
Type: three-wheeled gas/electric hybrid
Class: Motorcycle

Manufacturer: Venture Vehicles Inc

The VentureOne is a new vehicle design based on the Carver tilting vehicle but substitutes either a hybrid or all electric drivetrain in place of the more conventional internal combustion power in the Carver. It is a fully-enclosed, two-passenger, three-wheeled tilting vehicle that uses patented engineering called Dynamic Vehicle Control (DVC) to allow the vehicle to tilt side to side as much as 45 degrees. Venture has plans for two different propulsion systems: a gas/electric hybrid (Venture e50 and Venture Q100) and an all-electric system (Venture EV), both of which will allow grid plug-in capability as well as regenerative braking.

Pros:
• The performance. Over 100 mpg, a range of 300 miles, a top speed of 100 mph and zero-to-60 in seven seconds (naturally these figures are a bit lower for the EV).

• The safety features. You know the world of mass transportation is changing when standard safety features on vehicles like the VentureOne include “side-impact rails” and “a steel roll cage”.

• The cockpit. The steering wheel resembles something from a high-performance fighter jet, and the driver is enclosed in a killer glass canopy that offers almost 360 degree visibility.

Con:
• The price. Actually, the proposed prices aren’t bad at all: for the hybrids, around $20,000, and for the EV, around $25,000. Yet as a niche vehicle, will even these prices prove too high for the average consumer?

Specifications:
Propulsion system:        Small ICE connected to a 15-20 kW generator, a 50 kW drive

      motor, a four gallon fuel tank, and an advanced high capacity

      battery pack.

Top Speed:                     100 mph
Zero-to-60:                    7 seconds
MPG:                               100 mpg
Vehicle range:                300 miles
Fuel(s):                           Gasoline & electricity
Tailpipe emissions:       Yes

The vehicles of tomorrow, ready for delivery in 2027.

EXTENDER ELASTRUCK

Category: Adaptive Utility

Breakthrough Tech: Extendable Payload Bed,

High-power Drive Motors

Stretching Possibilities

This truck fits your life. It’s efficient, clean, tough as they come – and has one big trick up its sleeve. The Extender, a 400-horsepower, all-electric, four-wheel-drive monster (which uses the most powerful DC motors yet devised for the automotive industry), has an adjustable payload bed. When not in use, the bed retracts unobtrusively into the rear of the truck. It extends by way of an electric piston up to a full size 4×8 bed with thin-but-sturdy armored sidewalls and a structural support system that can handle the toughest terrain and the heaviest loads.

The vehicle features:

FRONT POWER

A 150-kilowatt (200hp) electric motor drives the front wheels.

INTEGRAL HUD

A head-up display embedded in the windshield provides navigational data and highlights obstacles.

CREW CAB

The cab seats five, with an easily accessible rear bench.

TRUCK ON DEMAND

A tonneau cover deploys automatically when the pickup bed retracts.

REAR POWER

Another 150-kilowatt (200hp) electric motor drives the rear wheels, eliminating the need for a central driveshaft.

The vehicles of tomorrow, ready for delivery in 2027.

JAVELIN SPEEDSLED

Category: Sport Performance

Breakthrough Tech: Electric Hub Motors

Four-Seat Aerodynamic Pod

Supercar Seats Four

No longer must drivers confine themselves to the limitations of conventional sports cars, with cramped interiors, aerodynamically compromised styling and body0-battering ground clearances. The new all-electric sport cruiser’s performance-tuned suspension cuts aggressively through turns, while its four powerful hub motors – individual electric motors built into the wheels that generate a combined 450 horsepower – send it blasting down straights, reaching 60 mph in less than four seconds on it’s way to a top speed of 200 mph. but the real innovation is its aerodynamics: Instead of fighting high-speed airflow, the car takes advantage to it, channeling the air around the central, low-slung pod to generate huge downforce. Furthermore, the hub motors eliminate the need for a large engine, freeing space for three passengers to ride in a unique 1+2+1 seating configuration.

The vehicle features:

EXOSKELETON

Exposed structural components are shaped to reduce drag and direct airflow around the central passenger pod.

HIGH RIDE

The clean underbody and high-downforce aerodynamic pod permit higher ground clearance than conventional supercars. This generates a more comfortable ride without hindering high-speed performance.

WHEEL FAIRINGS

Streamlined pods minimize the tendency of exposed wheels to create lift.

WHEEL POWER

Four lightweight 85-kilowatt electric hub motors eliminate the need for a large engine. They also integrate shock absorbers, brakes and drive-by-wire steering controls into the wheels.

AERODYNAMIC MORPHING

Based on your preferences, front-and rear-wing surfaces morph to an ideal aerodynamic shape to either increase downforce or reduce drag, thereby improving efficiency.

VARIABLE COLOR

Electrochromic paint can be adjusted to any hue, with natural fades between colors. Program your car to cycle through color schemes as you accelerate.

SMART SEATING

Passenger pod minimizes drag with tapered front and rear shape. Inside, you’ll find an unusual 1+2+1 tandem-seating configuration.

One of the best vehicle makes that you need to put into consideration if you are looking for the right vehicle for your family is Ford. This is due to Ford vehicle makes are considered as one of the safest vehicles in the industry. In addition, Ford vehicles are suitable as a personal or family vehicle. In fact, you will be pleased to hear that most of Ford vehicle makes receives high ratings and top ratings (5 stars) from different car safety tester authorities. Ford vehicles are not only popular here in States, but in some other countries as well; this probably because of its safety record and its versatility.

Here, I present to you some of the great features why you should consider Ford is a perfect choice as a family vehicle. All these features are parent-friendly that are offered across its lineup of cars, trucks, crossovers and SUVs.

Headrest DVD Entertainment System — Every family’s got ‘em – the inevitable road wars that go on between siblings sharing the back rows. Ford’s available dealer-installed Headrest DVD Entertainment System helps keep the drama to a minimum with two 7-inch color LCD monitors that are incorporated into the rear of the driver and front-passenger seat head restraints. The system allows two different sources to be viewed on each screen or the same source on both screens, and also is compatible with game systems and external video sources. This is an especially convenient feature for Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX models equipped with the Vista Roof™.

Reverse Sensing System — Ford’s available Reverse Sensing System alerts drivers to objects in the vehicle’s path when slowly backing up, allowing moms to make it out of a bike-filled driveway or navigate even the toughest parking lots with ease. This clever feature uses innovative ultrasonic sensors in the rear bumper to audibly alert when objects are behind the vehicle.

MP3 Audio Input Jack — Moms and kids alike can create the perfect soundtrack for their travel adventures with Ford’s auxiliary input jack and MP3-capable CD players. Standard on 14 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles, the audio input jacks allow customers to bring any MP3 player with a standard 3.5-millimeter audio output into their vehicle and play it through the audio system.

CenterSlide™ Second Row — Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator make it easy for moms to easily reach children or items in the second row with a class-exclusive CenterSlide™ feature that enables the middle section of the second row to move forward up to 11 inches.

Power Liftgate — Ford’s available power liftgate raises and lowers with the push of a button on the remote keyless-entry key fob. For moms who are always juggling sports equipment, groceries or other family gear, it doesn’t get any easier than this.

PowerFold™ Seats — Extra cargo with the kids in tow? No problem. Ford’s available class-exclusive PowerFold™ third-row seats make room for extra gear at the touch of a button on Ford Explorer and Expedition, Mercury Mountaineer and Lincoln Navigator models. The new Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX also feature an EasyFold™ rear seat back release that creates a flat cargo floor with the touch of a button.

Memory Seats — For moms who share their vehicle with driving teenage children – or any other family member – Ford’s memory seat feature allows drivers to save their preferred seat position to memory so they don’t have to reset every time they re-enter the vehicle.

Compartmentalized Center Console — The standard center console on the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossovers features convenient moveable dividers that can be configured several ways to hold a variety of gadgets – from cell phones to hand bags to napkins/tissues to DVDs and even a variety of laptops. The new Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner also feature a new compartmentalized center console.

DVD-Based Navigation System — Ford’s DVD-based Navigation System is a must have for moms on the go. The system features a 6.5-inch-wide screen, recites turn-by-turn travel directions in English, French or Spanish and helps locate points of interest such as gas stations, ATMs and restaurants. On most vehicles, the navigation system comes with a premium sound system that features a six-disc in-dash CD/MP3 player and AM/FM radio.

Conversation Mirrors — The overhead center console on the new Ford Taurus X, Expedition EL and Lincoln Navigator features a flip-down conversation mirror that allows first-row occupants to see passengers in the second and third rows – proof that mom really can have eyes in the back of her head.

Whenever you are driving with your family, safety is your primary concern, right? Aside from providing them with the right and necessary safety equipment, taking care of your driving is also important. As to this, preparing yourself with the right knowledge and precautions on how to drive whenever an unexpected complexity in driving occurs is also essential.  One of the factors that can affect badly your driving condition is rain. 

Actually, rain is one of factors that contribute to the massive, severe, and fatal accident in every road. Rain is to blame for thousands of accidents happening yearly here in United States alone. Many of these accidents are preventable, but are caused by intrepid drivers who don’t realize that fair- and foul-weather driving is fundamentally different.

Since rain is inevitable, all you need to do in order you can drive safely under the rain is to know all the precautions and need to do before driving in such dreadful weather condition.  

Why does rain become dangerous for drivers? There are actually several of reasons why rain is dangerous. Here are some of them:

• When the road is wet, the film of the water on the asphalt causes tires to lose traction.
• Rain reduces driver perception — it’s harder to see through the rain.
• Rain also decreases visibility of headlights, windshields and the road itself.

Slowing down in the rain is important, but here are some of other tips that definitely help and keep you alert during downpour hours.

• Exercise extreme caution after a long dry spell.
• Allow for more travel time. You should plan to drive at a slower pace than normal when the roads are wet.
• Brake earlier and with less force than you would normally.
• If possible, stay toward the middle of the road to avoid deep standing puddles.
• Don’t use cruise control. Because cruise control allows drivers to be less vigilant.
• Don’t attempt to cross running water.
• After you cross a puddle, tap on your brake pedal lightly to dry off some of the water on your rotors.
• Turn on your headlights, even when there’s a light sprinkle. It helps you see the road, and more importantly, it helps other motorists see you. But don’t blast it. If your car is equipped with foglight, use instead.
• Watch out for pedestrians. Keep a sharp lookout for people in the road.
• If it’s raining so hard that you can’t see the road or the car in front of you, pull over and wait it out.
• Track the car ahead of you. Let the car ahead pave a clear path.
• Give a truck or bus extra distance.
• Defog your windows. Rain can quckly cause your windshield to fog up.
• If you start to hydroplane, don’t brake suddenly or turn the wheel, or you might spin into a skid. If you must brake, tap the brake pedal. But if your car equipped with antilock brakes, use it instead.

Now that you know how to drive safely in the rain, take note some of this precautionary measures to ensure that your vehicle is prepared to get you through a downpour.

• Make sure that all necessary components as well as features are at the top condition before driving through a rainfall. Components such as brakes, tire pressures, tire tread depth and defroster operation.
• Antilock brakes, traction control, and stability control, if your vehicle is equipped with such safety features make sure that there are also at their tiptop condition.
• Equipped your vehicle with wet-weather performance tires.
• Make sure that your wipers are in good condition and functioning properly.
• If there’s a chance of freezing rain, double your precautions.

So, that’s it. I hope all the stated above tips and techniques help you on how to drive safely in the rain. Until next time!