Hi guys, it’s time to sell my beloved MR2 i’m afraid. This is actually my wifes car and we’ve owned it for around 3 years now and done 20k in it, mainly commuting to work and weekends away. Read more

It is time for me to depart from my Altezza. I have loved every minute with this car but it is time for me to now move on i’m afraid. This is my Toyota Altezza RS200 imported in 1999 with the yamaha Beams engine (brake through engine advanced management system) which produces around 210bhp RWD. Read more

A new ‘superbus’ capable of speeds of up to 155mph has been created by Dutch astronaut Wubbo Ockels.

It’s not quite back to the future but the new eco-superbus is certainly impressive. The eco-friendly electric vehicle can carry 23 passengers and cost €13million to develop.

The bus’ futuristic look includes gull wing-opening doors and is streamlined to help achieve maximum speeds of upto 155mph (Would you really want to in public road transport?)

A statement on its official website describes the superbus as: ‘Carefree and comfortable travel, customised according to your needs.’

It adds: ‘You can get in the vehicle wherever and whenever you need. It will take you to your destination without any changeovers. During the journey, you can get on with your work, or sit back and enjoy the speed and the luxury. This service will be yours for a fare which is comparable to the prices of present day’s public transport.’ Fair enough – sounds pretty reasonable, though with a turning circle of a jumbo jet I don’t think central London is a viable location to launch this service.

Here’s a video of the superbus in action

‘This is not a dream, but a concept that formed the starting point for the development of Superbus as an innovative alternative for today’s personal mobility.’

The vehicle is 15 metres long with eight doors each side and possesses electric motors powered by a lithium polymer battery pack. So based on existing electric cars we can expect 88top mileage before it needs re-charging. Anyone know of any electric recharging stations local to them?

In terms of drivability, the supercar runs on autopilot when on ‘Supertrack’ and includes driver assisted controls for existing roads.

Passengers can also enjoy free TV and internet while travelling on the bus, as well as a navigation system, obstacle detection and a communication system.

The superbus is currently being exhibited at a trade fair in Dubai.

We heard about it a while ago but now it’s finally here. It’s really here. Microsoft Windows Embedded Automotive 7 is out, appearing in the download queues of “select car makers and suppliers in the automotive industry.” But what does it offer?

Some of it’s nifty features include:

• Silverlight support for fancier UIs
• Real-time text-to-speech technology
• Better expandability for third-party plugins.

Further from this, Microsoft is confirming that it is the brains behind the Nissan Leaf‘s Information Hub, which not only handles infotainment duties but also gives charging status and power consumption figures.

Finally, the MyFord system is going global, shipping to Blue Oval vehicles in Europe and Asia in 2011. That’s after 2.5 million Sync-equipped cars have hit the road. Highway domination? Nearly complete. Totally awesome!!!

Here’s the official press release from Microsoft

Microsoft Drives the Future of In-Vehicle Infotainment

Release of Windows Embedded Automotive 7 gives car makers and suppliers the tools, technology and flexibility to transform the in-car experience.

DETROIT, Oct. 19 /PRNewswire/ — Today at the SAE Convergence 2010 Conference and Exhibition, Microsoft Corp. announced the availability of Windows Embedded Automotive 7 to select car makers and suppliers in the automotive industry. Designed to support the development of new infotainment systems, Windows Embedded Automotive 7 is an industry-leading platform providing integrated services for communication, entertainment, navigation and information for the mass market.

With Windows Embedded Automotive 7, car makers and suppliers have access to Microsoft’s latest tools and technology, as well as a worldwide partner ecosystem, which allows them to quickly create in-vehicle experiences that are easier to use and more engaging for drivers and passengers. Key features include speech commands, touch input, hands-free Bluetooth phone communications, advanced dashboard systems for access to music, maps, third-party apps and navigation, and streamlined connectivity with other devices.

“Microsoft deeply understands that technology collaboration is paramount to the evolution of integrated, in-vehicle infotainment systems,” said Kevin Dallas, general manager of the Windows Embedded Business Unit at Microsoft. “We are excited to create new opportunities with Windows Embedded Automotive 7 working with our broad ecosystem of partners to bring the best in entertainment and productivity solutions to drivers and passengers around the world.”

Additional Windows Embedded Automotive 7 features include the following:

Silverlight for Windows Embedded. Silverlight for Windows Embedded gives car makers the ability to quickly create rich device user experiences with engaging 2-D and 3-D graphics by using a familiar Microsoft technology and taking advantage of a large ecosystem of Microsoft Silverlight designers. Experiences built in Silverlight for Windows Embedded can be refined rapidly on the desktop and deployed unchanged to the target device facilitating flawless delivery from designer to developer.

Microsoft Tellme speech technology. Microsoft Tellme speech technology powers simple and hands-free system commands such as allowing the entire interface to be driven through speech. In addition, new support for SMS reply by voice allows text message replies to be constructed by speech. Windows Embedded Automotive 7 also supports eight languages: U.S. English, U.K. English, German, Mexican Spanish, Continental Spanish, Canadian French, Continental French and Korean.

Next-generation automotive system tools. New tools for developers support the stable integration of advanced, high-performance, third-party systems and include improved test modules with easy-to-use product engineering guidelines to help simplify the development process, increase reliability and speed time to market.

“Consumers are increasingly demanding access to new multimedia content, productivity solutions, and connected services for entertainment and communication from their in-vehicle system, similar to what they expect from their other devices,” said Thilo Koslowski, vice president in the Industry Advisory Service Manufacturing group at Gartner Inc. “To build and deploy compelling in-vehicle infotainment system, experienced technology partners, car makers and suppliers must come together. The result of these collaborations turn the automobile into a seamless extension of the digital lifestyle.”

Strong Partnerships and Momentum for the Road Ahead

Drivers and passengers today can experience Windows Embedded Automotive in more than 80 vehicle models worldwide through solutions from partners including Ford Motor Co., Kia Motors Corp., Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A., Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., Paccar Inc., and Alpine Electronics Inc. Highlights include the following:

Ford goes global with SYNC. This month, Ford announced that MyFord Touch, the second generation of Ford SYNC, built on the Windows Embedded Automotive platform, is launching in Europe and Asia early next year. SYNC has been installed in more than 2.5 million vehicles in North America since its launch in 2007.

Nissan LEAF information hub. Today, Microsoft also announced that the 2011 Nissan LEAF touchscreen information hub is powered by Windows Embedded Automotive technology, providing drivers and passengers with a navigation system and electricity charging station locator. It also shares power consumption monitoring information with drivers, and enables easy in-car climate monitoring.

Fiat. Fiat Group Automobiles is bringing the Fiat 500 to the North American market in 2010. The 500 includes Fiat’s Blue&Me technology, powered by Microsoft, a media gateway that integrates mobile phones and digital music players into audio system and controls of the car, allowing voice control of these devices by the driver.

Alpine. Alpine Electronics of America Inc. delivered advanced in-vehicle navigation systems, powered by Windows Embedded Automotive, to car manufacturers, including satellite-guided, turn-by-turn directions and useful features, such as voice-guided controls, and information on more than 7 million points of interest.

More information is available from the Windows Embedded Newsroom at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/presskits/embedded/default.aspx or by following MSFTWEB on Twitter for updates.

More information on the capabilities and features of Windows Embedded Automotive 7, as well as the entire Windows Embedded portfolio of platforms and technologies, is available at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsembedded.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

SOURCE Microsoft Corp.

I finally got around to making a custom anodised gold radiator cooling panel for my Altezza, with a bit of help from a fellow owners club member I think it looks pretty smart under there now

The Ostoure concept is a “super naked” motorcycle concept sprung from the mind of designer Mohammad Reza Shojaie and possibly Skynet.

The Ostoure (“Legend” in Persian) boasts two-wheel drive, Bluetooth helmet support, HUD indicators, multiple radiators, and an AC system (?), although that’s all hypothetical given the fact this puppy is a prototype design. Throw on some side-mounted Gatling guns and this would be right at home on the set of Terminator: Salvation.

The unique controls are akin to an airplane’s, if that helps you visualize how this bike would steer in any way, shape or form.