The Jambaaro pedal car design from designer Benoît Angibaud targets rural and remote areas, and this is one green vehicle since it doesn't require any gas to run. It is literally a pedal-car that comes with a stretcher, requiring two people to pedal it. Of course, if things get too steep for regular leg power, there is always the solar panels on top that generate electricity from solar energy to help you along.

via ubergizmo.com

When I think of airbags, I picture them inside the car. But what if we equipped cars with outer airbags to protect pedestrians? That’s exactly what Toyoda Gosei (an offshoot of Toyota) has done with these prototypes: they’ve equipped cars with camera and radar sensors to detect pedestrians and (presumably) activate the outer airbags to protect anyone within range of the car.

via technabob.com

Toyota has a new take on night view in their Crown Hybrid luxury sedan. Previous attempts had images displayed directly on the windshield, while the new one uses LCD in the dashboard, where the speedometer and other details can be found. One of the most interesting features is their pedestrian recognition system.

via slipperybrick.com

Honda will begin sales of a new compact minivan, named the Freed, in Japan on May 30, 2008. This new model fuses an easy-to-use and spacious cabin with stylish design.Honda developed Minivan Freed with the goal of creating a minivan that is comfortable and easy-to-use for every passenger and that offers new value by enabling customers to fully and freely utilize this vehicle in activities that meet individual lifestyles ranging from daily transportation to leisure time trips.

via fareastgizmos.com

The Suzuki Crosscage is an awesome looking hydrogen fuel cell and electric hybrid. It’s lightweight and compact with a power output equivalent to a 125cc engine. A single tank of hydrogen will get you about 200 kilometers, which is fine for commuting. It also features a gearless transmission and a silent engine due to the power source. It gets it’s name from the cross-shaped cage used to protect the hydrogen tank. Don’t worry, it has some safety features, like a sensor that monitors the hydrogen system for any leaks.

via slipperybrick.com

German Vermot AG announces a new super sports car named after Germany's very first Formula One racing team Veritas. The Veritas RS III one-seater will be powered by a 5-liter BMW engine that in its 10-cylinder variant can produce 600hp and reach a top speed of 347km/h (~215mph) as well as sprint from 0-100 in 3.2s. The Veritas RS III ultra-flat roadster is only 97cm high and has a carbon-Kevlar body. The length of the Veritas RS III is 4.99m and the width is 1.97m.

via i4u.com

Alpine releases its new IVA-W505 mobile multimedia station, which is an all-in-one Audio Video and navigation device for your car. Alpine IVA-W505 head unit supports playback of DVD, CD, MP3, AAC, WMA and DivX media. It also supports Bluetooth and comes with a 7-inch WVGA display.

The IVA-W505 can connect with your iPods, including iPod Classic, iPod Video, iPod Nano and iPod Touch. With the iTunes Tagging feature, you can sync the song in the station and the library in your PC.

via coolgadgetszone.com

At the 40th Tokyo motor show last year a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti was showcased with the latest from Bose, a hard drive loaded car entertainment unit. Naturally we told you all about it then, but according to the Boston Globe, the new in-car audio system is only for those who can afford one of the 400 $266,000 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti being built this year. This new car system also happens to be the first in-car receiver Bose has ever developed and has also provided them with a lot of free customer research. "When people had problems with those radios, who did they call? Us. Because our name was on it," said John Pelliccio, technical marketing manager for the group, in the article. "We got a lot of unsolicited information about people's likes and dislikes. We learned a lot just by listening." The new car system features only two knobs and a row of six buttons for radio presets. Voice recognition is also included.

via newlaunches.com

These robust speakers from View gate sure look small, but they do a hefty good job with a 25W output. Powered by 12 V DC and built-in with 15W amplifiers, the stereo speakers sound good even in windy or bad weather conditions. Moreover, you can listen to music even during rains if you connect the speakers with water-resistent cables. The speakers can be connected to the iPod/iPhone, MP3 Player, and Skype as well.

via gizmodiva.com

If you like out door, camping… and this one is a must have. In some occasions, you find yourself in a nature where is no electricity available, but with this Brunton SolarPort 4.4 Portable Solar Charger, no more worrying. Power by the sun, this Solar Charger produces enough power to charge small electronics and run cell phones, GPS units, digital cameras and more. It’s made with durable polycrystalline solar cells and is weatherproof to stand up to the rigors of camping and backpacking. There’s more: 6V or 12V selectable; maximum output is 4.4 watts; USB connection with USB output (5V @ 500 mA); Link up to three units together for even more output; Includes BattJack battery charger for AA / AAA batteries; 12V DC vehicle outlet in the hinge.

via gadgetgrid.com

Even before we could bid adieu to the Hummer H2, its time to welcome the efforts of Dr. James Brighton from Cranfield University who has transformed the Hummer H3 into a remote controlled vehicle. Using the real thing (right-hand drive H3) instead of downscaled version, this "ultimate boy's toy", took about a month to be transformed. As Dr. James says "The results are clear – all controllers will be amazed by the handling ability – the best any radio controlled vehicle has had to date. The vehicle is capable of climbing a 407mm vertical wall, traverse a 40% side slope and operate in up to 610mm of water – imagine the fun."
(Full press release after the jump)

via newlaunches.com

STMicroelectronics today announced the launch of the industry’s first integrated power-management solution for MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport) networks. Optimized for in car multimedia and infotainment applications, the MOST network was originally developed for the automotive industry, but also has a wide range of applications in many other industries. The new ST’s L5961 power management IC, which has been designed in cooperation with fabless semiconductor manufacturer SMSC to work with that company’s MOST network processors, includes both the power supply and MOST-compliant power-management control logic, together with enhanced diagnostic and full system monitoring (power supply, network status, wake-up events, temperature). MOST technology primarily allows for a range of multimedia devices, such as CD or DVD players, car radios, and personal navigation devices, to be added into the car environment with minimal effort.

via fareastgizmos.com

Never be at a loss for power again. This all-in-one unit provides plug adapters for use in more than 150 countries. Simply slide out one of the built-in plugs and plug in a laptop, cell phone, battery charger….And it has built-in safety release button and built-in fuse ensure safe operation for most consumer electronic devices.

Technical Details:

All-in-one plug provides adapters for more than 150 countries

Adapts power outlets for laptops, chargers and similiar devices

Easy-to-use with slide-out power plugs

Safety release button and built-in fuse ensure safe operation

via gadgetgrid.com

While many of you have likely forgotten all about the retail SCV1 backseat TV tuner that Sirius announced way back in August of last year (and promised for Q4 2007), those hooked from the word go will be elated to know that they can finally get their hands on one. As of right now, Sirius partners are finally stocking (and shipping) the SCV1 Backseat TV System. The pain? $299.99 for the unit itself and $6.99 per month for TV service. In other words, an absolute bargain to maintain sanity on that upcoming 18 hour road trip.

via engadget.com

And you thought puttering around the intarwebz on your EDGE-capable iPhone was bad -- just think of trying to find anything on the 'net while accidentally moseying through a dodgy part of town. Nevertheless, BMW is gearing up to offer "unrestricted access" to the web as an option in any new 2008 vehicle, but alas, it's only for European clients at the moment. Of course, BMW's no stranger to letting bits and pieces of the web into its motorcars, but this creation will let you catch up on the latest gadget news and pre-order the latest Elmo doll from the comfort of your heated seat. Sadly, the service is only available to front seat passengers when the car is moving under 3mph (it's for the best, we know), but your kiddos can surf into all sorts of bizarre chatrooms while seated in the rear. Nothing like a predator tailing you on the autobahn!

via engadget.com