We have no shortage of ideas here in the United States about how to power our cars. We’ve seen gasoline and electricity, and we’ve heard about fuel cells powered by water. The nuclear option is the only thing left to discuss.

According to Txchnologist.com, a General Electric-sponsored blog, inventor and entrepreneur Charles Stevens of Laser Power Systems (LPS) is working to build a turbine-electric generator powered by a thorium laser.

The laser isn’t the conventional kind that shoots a beam of light. It consists of an element that heats up and gives off energy. Thorium is a mildly radioactive material that is as abundant as lead, according to LPS. It is sometimes used as a stand-in for uranium in nuclear reactors because its fission is nonsustaining.

Stevens says the technology could effectively power a car forever, completely emissions-free–a lofty goal, to be sure.

The heat flashes from the thorium would create pressurized steam to turn an electric generator. A 335-hp engine would weigh about 500 pounds, according to LPS. As far as fuel, the company calculates that one gram of thorium equals the output of approximately 7,500 gallons of gasoline. Based on that math, eight grams of the stuff would power a car for about 300,000 miles.

There still are a few problems to solve, according to Stevens.

“We can build the laser, but the biggest problem has turned out to be integrating it efficiently with the turbine and generator,” he said.

The company is working on a bladeless turbine that uses the steam to rotate discs.

LPS makes big claims, and critics have noted several problems with the theory. But the concept is intriguing. One additional question is whether the government–and car buyers–will be OK with millions of radioactive lasers on the road.

Source Autoweek

The BodyGard Self-Powered Emergency Tool is 12-in-1 unit featuring a built-in hand crank, so you can generate power when you need, wherever you need it. Never worry about batteries for your flashlight or radio. Never worry about charging your cell phone and MP3 player. The flashing red light, panic button and motion activated security alarm help to protect you from harm – at home, while biking, camping, hiking, fishing, hunting and boating. If you get lost, the compass and signaling mirror can help you find your way or lead others to find you. There’s even a built-in storage compartment for pills, matches and other small items.

The BodyGard Self-Powered Emergency Tool also has a FM radio with easy-to-read LED display with backlighting and automatic scan function. Perfect for listening to emergency broadcasts and weather during crisis situations.

You can purchase this item (or similar items) online or at ThinkGeek.com.

In my quest for interesting auto gadgets, today I came across the Closed-Hood Car Jump Started.  Although it still requires another vehicle, it does eliminate the need for jumper cables, getting your hands dirty and having to make sure both cars are within a few feet of each other.  Instead of popping your hoods and connecting the cables, you can take this handy little item, plug it in to your vehicle and a running vehicle for 5 to 10 minutes;  once the green “go light” appears, you can start your car up and be on your way.  If you don’t want the worry of popping your hood and connecting the old school jumper cables, then this little gizmo might be just what you’re looking for!  Who knew jump starting your car could be so simple?

Some product features include:

• Connects via the cigarette lighter outlets and allows you to jump start your car without opening the hood
• 5-10 minutes charge time
• Green indicator light lets you know your car is ready to start
• Long 18 foot cord ensures the two vehicles need not be too close together

Although you can purchase this gadget at many places, I did find it at www.thinkgeek.com.

Owners of newer Ford vehicles can tell you that the Sync system isn’t something new.  But in 2010, the entertainment and communications system will got an upgrade designed to help it compete in the industry.  The wireless, voice-activated Sync will not only give you turn-by-turn directions, but also real-time traffic information.  The upgrade also allows Sync to offer news and sports scores that drivers can customize.  The technology is available in select 2010 models, but should be standard in all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury 2011 vehicles.

They’ve also introduced MyKey.  If you’ve ever found yourself worrying about your child after they borrowed your car, Ford has just the answer for you.  MyKey uses a computer chip in the car’s ignition key to limit teen drivers to a top speed of 80 mph.  Parents also have the option of programming the teen’s key to limit the vehicle’s audio system’s levels and to sound continuous alerts if the driver doesn’t wear a seat belt.  Parents also have the option of having the car sound a chime if the teen exceeds 45, 55 or 65 mph.  According to Jim Buczkowski, Ford’s director of electronic and electrical systems engineering, “Our message to parents is, hey, we are providing you some conditions to give your new drivers that may allow you to feel a little more comfortable in giving them the car more often.”

Mercedes

If you bought one of Mercedes’ facelifted 2010 S-Class cars, you were probably amazed.  The German automaker is debuted a new display technology that allows driver and passenger to see two totally separate programs from the same screen at the same time.  That means the driver can access GPS information, turn-by-turn directions and monitor the car’s systems on the 8-inch screen while the passenger can watch DVDs or TV.  While the driver’s side would feature touch-screen capabilities, the passenger side would be controlled by a separate remote.  The system also allows for audio on the passenger’s side to be routed through headphones to keep from distracting the driver.

Toyota

Touch sensors on the steering wheel that allow the driver to control the stereo, climate and more have been around for a while now.  However, Toyota took that idea a step farther with the 2010 edition of its popular hybrid Toyota Prius.  When a driver touches one of the buttons on the Prius’ wheel, a duplicate image is displayed on the instrument panel, directly in front of the driver.  The Touch Tracer is the first system in the world to allow steering wheel controls to read out on the instrument panel, reducing driver eye movement to allow for better concentration on the road.  According to Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager, Toyota Division, “It’s an everyday car for everyday use, and when it goes on sale a few months from now, we believe that its new features will appeal to returning owners, while at the same time attract buyers who are looking for innovative technology with a hybrid powertrain.”

Ford’s patented new Auto Start Stop system for gasoline engines will improve fuel economy for most drivers by at least four percent. The gain can be as high as 10 percent for some drivers, depending on vehicle size and usage. It can also reduce tailpipe emissions to zero while the vehicle is stationary or waiting at a stop light. Ford has more than 244 patents for its Auto Start-Stop technology and will showcase the feature on a concept in January at the North American International Auto Show.

Auto Start-Stop is the latest example of Ford moving aggressively to bring affordable advanced fuel-saving technologies to all customers. Ford has already introduced electric power steering, dual-clutch PowerShift six-speed transmissions and other fuel-saving features as part of the company’s commitment to lead or be among the leaders in fuel economy in every segment.

Ford’s global Auto Start-Stop technology is smooth, quiet and seamless, and it requires no changes to the driver’s behavior. In city driving when the vehicle is stopped, the engine restarts the instant the driver’s foot leaves the brake pedal. When the engine is off, all of the vehicle’s accessories function normally.

“For the driver, Ford Auto Start-Stop provides extra fuel efficiency without inconvenience, as it works completely automatically,” said Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president of Powertrain engineering. “And, just like in our hybrid vehicles, the heater, and air conditioner work as normal so drivers will not sacrifice comfort.”

The global rollout of Auto Start-Stop is under way in Europe. The system, designed to work on both gasoline and diesel engines, is standard on the ECOnetic models of the Ford Ka and Mondeo, and is launching now on Focus, C-MAX and Grand C-MAX. The fuel-saving system debuts in North America in 2012 and eventually will be offered in all of Ford’s global markets.

Many North American Ford customers are already familiar with Auto Start-Stop. A similar system has been installed on more than 170,000 gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles Ford has sold since 2004. Ford is the leading domestic producer of start-stop systems. In 2011, the version of Ford’s Auto Start-Stop designed for gasoline-electric powertrains will be on the Escape Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid as well as the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.

“Many of the same Ford engineers who designed the Auto Start Stop system used on Ford and Lincoln hybrids are developing the Auto Start-Stop system for non-hybrid vehicles that will be sold around the globe,” said Samardzich.

When Auto Start-Stop debuts in North America, it will be available on gasoline-powered cars and utilities with either a manual or automatic transmission as well as vehicles that use Ford’s patented dual-clutch six-speed automatic transmission.

Ford’s aggressive move to direct-injection EcoBoost engines is one of the technologies that enable the Auto Start-Stop system to work seamlessly, Samardzich said. The direct-injection system, which sprays the exact amount of fuel directly into the precise location in the combustion chamber, helps enable extremely fast engine starts, Samardzich explained. The system debuts on four-cylinder engines and will gradually be expanded to vehicles with V6 and V8 engines.

Auto Start-Stop does not require any additional vehicle maintenance. The system uses an enhanced 12-volt automobile battery and upgraded starter motor, said Birgit Sorgenfrei, program manager for Auto Start-Stop.

“Our hybrid owners tell us that start-stop is one of their favorite features,” said Sorgenfrei. “When the engine is off, they know they are saving fuel and reducing emissions.”

The system includes a light on the dash that alerts the driver when the engine is off and a special tachometer that moves the needle to a green zone when the engine is not running.

Ford engineers are making customer comfort a priority in engineering the system. A special electric pump keeps engine coolant circulating through the heater so drivers will stay warm in cold weather, Sorgenfrei said.

“Ford’s start-stop technology conserves fuel and eliminates emissions at every vehicle idle opportunity once customer comfort and convenience are assured – this is good for the environment,” Sorgenfrei said.

In 2011, Ford will be the only manufacturer in North America to offer four vehicles that get 40 mpg or more. Those vehicles, the Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus, Ford Fusion Hybrid and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, are part of a dozen vehicles leading their sales segments in fuel economy, a record no other manufacturer can match.

“Ford Auto Start-Stop works so fast and so seamlessly, most drivers won’t even notice it is there, though they will notice the benefits in their lower fuel bills,” Samardzich said.

Source Ford Motor Company

Have you ever needed to plug in something while you’re on a road trip?  Perhaps your wall cell phone charger or your laptop?  If so, check out this adorable but functional coffee cup.  It plugs right into your cigarette lighter or power outlet and in return gives you a USB port and two outlets.  How cool is that?  Not only can you power up your iPod or radar detector, but now you can have the ease of plugging in anything you’d normally plug in at home.  This could be a lifesaver during a long road trip or even if you spend large amounts of time driving for work.  For more details and to order online, click the picture below.

Additional specificaitons

The nearest Wal-Mart.

In fact, nearly 40,000 navigation requests routed subscribers to the retailer across the United States and Canada.

“Whether we route our subscribers to their favorite store or to a new restaurant to meet up with a friend, we are committed to providing drivers with useful and convenient services that make the driving experience a simple, safe and efficient one,” said Scott Kubicki, vice president of subscriber services, OnStar.

“During this summer’s busy travel season, our live advisors provided navigation service in record numbers and we expect to see a steady climb in navigation volume,” Kubicki said.

With more than 13 million points of interest from which to choose, the top 10 most-requested destinations in July were:

1. Wal-Mart
2. Holiday Inn
3. Home Depot
4. Walgreens
5. Marriott
6. McDonald’s
7. Bank of America
8. Starbucks
9. Target
10. Hampton Inn

OnStar’s Turn-by-Turn Navigation connects subscribers to a live advisor who finds the destination being sought and sends audio directions to the vehicle that are played through the stereo. Turn-by-Turn Navigation allows subscribers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road as they safely reach their destination.

OnStar eNav makes it easy to pre-plan travel. Subscribers can visit Google Maps or MapQuest to plan a trip and have destinations sent to their OnStar system. Once in the car, subscribers simply press their vehicle’s OnStar phone button to access voice-guided commands to select their pre-planned route. Turn-by-Turn Navigation or the subscriber’s navigation screen then takes over to guide the way.

Subscribers driving a GM vehicle with a screen-based navigation system have access to OnStar Destination Download through which directions are remotely downloaded to the navigation screen. With Destination Download, there is no need to pull over and enter a specific destination. In fact, if a subscriber doesn’t know the address, advisors can look it up and help subscribers safely navigate to their destination.  

Source: PR Newswire