Filed under: GPS, Portable Audio, Portable Video, Transportation

With Sharp throwing down a svelte in-car LCD ready to display nearly any automotive statistic (or roadtrip route) you’d ever need, and Chrysler planning to offer the MyGIG do-it-all device on upcoming vehicles, Panasonic is tossing in its own rendition to keep the competition on their heels. The Strada CN-NVD905U is an in-car navigation / head unit that boasts a 7-inch touchscreen, 30GB hard drive, built-in DVD / CD player, NAVTEQ mapping software, and support for Bluetooth handsfree operations. The trilingual GUI also touts automatic rerouting, and if you’re not already tuned into XM Radio, you can access Sirius’ real-time traffic data to avoid those crowded freeways on your commute back home. Additionally, it sports “iPod video connectivity” for rear seat and front passenger entertainment, but we’re sure all those snazzy movie functions are kept under wraps until you throw it in park. While there’s no telling how much dealers will end up charging for this in-dash machine, the Strada CN-NVD905U should start making noise (and keeping us on track) next Spring.

[Via Slashphone]

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BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD A new documentary series. Be part of the transformation as it happens in real-time

Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

Filed under: Transportation

It wasn’t too long ago that Tesla Motors had its (admittedly glamorous) unveiling of the forthcoming Tesla Roadster — you know, the 130-miles per hour battery powered whip that rolls 250 miles on a single charge. While it can’t be too shocking to see a few celebrities here and there plop down unspeakable amounts of coin to get their hands on something new, don’t tell Tesla that the reaction to its creation is surprising. Less than a month after this extra-green automobile hit the pre-order market, all 100 that were offered up are now claimed. Just doing simple calculations, we’re seeing a company that went from next to nil in terms of sales to $10 million in capital quicker than a shipment of crude oil could hit the American shores. Martin Eberhard, the CEO of Tesla Motors, reported that “all 100 are gone,” which means those hundred highfaluting individuals that have paid the $100,000 deposit have guaranteed themselves one of the first Roadsters off the production line in 2007. While the buyers may end up paying more than the deposit price when taking delivery, it’s fairly unlikely they’ll see any partial refunds if the MSRP somehow clocks in under 100 grand (considering the apparent popularity), and we’ve heard that both of Google’s co-founders, as well as eBay’s Jeff Skoll, have thrown down for the seemingly coveted ride. There’s no word on when Tesla plans to re-open its bank account for the next wave of orders, but if such an opportunity does arise, you should probably call dibs with some level of haste if you plan on shunning those costly fuel pumps next year.

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Filed under: GPS, Transportation

If you've ever been the victim of a hit and run, particularly one where you weren't there to see it happen, you'll immediately appreciate the TruScene TS-1L. This in-car camera can be mounted on the front or rear (or both) of your ride and comes with a drop-down LCD to get things aligned and installed correctly the first go 'round. This eagle-eyed camera keeps a constant watch on what's happening around your vehicle when you're not there to bear witness, so you have a license plate and mug shot of the screeching bandit should an accident occur while you're away. The TS-1L constantly records 30 second loops of footage where non-essential clips (i.e. periods where nothing happens) are deleted to make room for the next clip. If someone jolts your whip by, say, ramming into you or clipping your side mirror, TruScene saves the recording, encrypts it, and stamps a digital watermark on it for later use. The video can be used for insurance or court purposes by uploading the file to TruScene's database where it's properly decrypted for playback. The seriousness of this device carries right over to the pricetag, so we'd recommend having a vehicle truly worth protecting -- and make sure your deductible is over a grand to begin with, because the peace of mind provided by the TS-1L requires $1,000 out of pocket.

[Via OhGizmo]

Filed under: Transportation, Wireless

If you can’t roll down your windows with your smartphone, you need to get with the program, son. Connect2Car, a system that integrates a multi-function controller (MFC) into your ride, allows you to do some pretty fly things with just about any Bluetooth-enabled device. By utilizing SoftDash, a proprietary software module, your portable machine gives instructions via BT (or serial cable) that operate all sorts of components such as the windows, locks, engine, convertible top, solenoids, air-ride suspension (saywha?), stereo, and alarm. But if that weren’t enough to keep you busy, you can get a real-time readout of your tachometer on your PDA / smartphone while driving, which is rather unnecessary unless the dash gauge is broken. The installation is fairly straight-forward: just install the MFC in your vehicle, program SoftDash for your specific model, and pair up your BT device to get your whip in gear — or just play with the hydraulic system at a traffic light. So if the factory controls on your car just aren’t exhilarating enough, or if this system is way cheaper than replacing that trunk actuator, you can get your ride MFC-equipped for $399.99 to $849.99, depending on options.

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