I'm not a total gearhead, but I know a good car when I see one. I am especially intrigued by hybrid and fuel efficient cars, well, because I'm kinda cheap and like to save money. Although I personally don't have a car, I could see myself splurging on a Lexus HS Hybrid for more than one reason.
First, the HS has a ton (and I do mean a ton) of smart and high tech features, like voice command and touch control technology, a heads up display to help you keep your eyes on the road, rear cameras to give you a full view of what's behind when you shift to reverse, lane assist for when you're in cruise control, and a pre-collision radar to prepare you and the vehicle for impact. But that's not all folks, check out what else the HS is riding with when you read more
At first glance, it looks uber geeky with the Trekkie-like LCD dashboard and 5.8-inch nav screen control area, but the newest ultra compact to hit the streets from Toyota could stand to up the geek factor a bit. Unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show Tuesday, the Toyota IQ's engineering innovations allow for more room inside — despite the tiny 9-foot length, which makes it perfect for those tight parking situations in urban cities. Plus, Toyota is pumping up its work in fuel hybrids, making the IQ an example of "plug-in" electricity technology that can cover about 62 miles per gallon of gas.
However, bummer number one is that there hasn't been any mention of iPod adapters or integrated Bluetooth that have become standard in newer vehicles and other electric cars. Although, is that a laptop compartment I see in front of the passenger seat? Bummer number two is that it will be released in Paris, Rome, Berlin and Madrid by the end of 2008, but folks in the US will have to wait until later in 2009 to get their hands on one. No price has been set on this ultra compact car, but I certainly think it won't be as high as some other hybrid models Toyota has put on the road!
A lot of you agreed that we didn't really need a grape-apple hybrid. However, what do you think of a strawberry-chocolate hybrid? Tokyo-based Fresh Functional Food Composite (FCOM) is using infusion technology to create white-chocolate strawberries and chocolate currants. They first freeze dry the fruit, thus removing any water, and infuse it with chocolate. The company has also previously tested out the technology by infusing apples with red wine.
It all sounds pretty crazy to me — can't I just have strawberries and chocolate? — yet I know I'd give it a try if I saw them on the shelves.
If you're skeptical about the whole thing I should also mention that the company is considering using the technology to infuse food with various nutrients and vitamins.
Now the real question is, will these ever hit the American market?
I'm in the market for a new car and every time I talk about it, someone tells me I have to get a hybrid.
Of course, it seems like a great idea: Gas is through the roof these days and hybrid vehicles get access to those coveted carpool lanes, not to mention free toll across the Golden Gate Bridge and all the eco-consciousness that goes along with driving one.
Toyota has announced the pricing details of its posh and earth friendly hybrid Lexus LS 600h L and well, it's out of my price range, but oh so beautiful.
The model has all the standard luxury equipment and technological features of your usual luxury car, including the world's first full hybrid V8 powertrain (I may be a geek, but I'm not entirely sure what a powertrain is). It will apparently cost $104,000 when it reaches Lexus dealers in June.
For additional photos and car specs to droll over, read more
