Lamborghini Joins the Podcasting Era

By Marty Padgett April 11th, 2008

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The wonders of iTunes will never cease. Now, even if you can't actually own a Lamborghini of any stripe, you can see and hear them through Apple's world-dominating music service.

Lamborghini's made the play on iTunes with a new podcast called "The World of Lamborghini." If you think that's a snug, blazingly fast world tucked inside your iPhone or iPod, you're right -- the Italian supercar maker is churning out videos that it says will "ignite the world's enthusiasm for the most amazing vehicles on the planet."

Not to sound too cocky, but they're also planning on expanding the initial launch of five podcasts with regular additions to their feed. The podcasts first feature the Reventon version of the Murcielago, a personalization program for owners, and a three-part series dubbed "Closer to the Road."

Check out more information at the iTunes site, or on your iTunes software.

Posted in : Lamborghini, Shoppers, Technology

The Week in Reverse

By Marty Padgett April 11th, 2008

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Toyota and Subaru are so much in love, they're getting together to build a new rear-drive coupe. Because, you know, the world didn't get enough of the Corolla GT-S the first time around.

Honda Pilot pics swept the Web this week, days before all the reviewers posted their opinions. Well, you checked in with your opinions -- and not all of them loved the Pilot's nbew nose. Is it polite to give gift cards for rhinoplasty?

We showed you a bunch of spy pics this week: we uncloaked the Saab 9-4X, the folding-hardtop BMW Z4, Buick's new LaCrosse, the Nissan GT-R Spec V, and of course, the spy photographer's perennial party pal, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro.

No one ever accused the Ford Taurus of being a hot mess, but maybe they'll change their mind when the 2010 Taurus has its debut.

On another blue note, Ford says its quality is second to none. Nevermind that they paid for the survey to be done -- the Mustang came out on top of its segment.

One last time: Lamborghini's putting the mods to the Murcielago, and this time they're chucking heavy parts out the window to create the Murcielago SV. Probably, abbreviating the nameplates along would save a kilo or two.

We took our inaugural spin in the 2009 BMW X6 and found more than enough to remind us of the AMC Eagle. Hey, we didn't say it was a bad thing!

Edging down the slope of reality, Fisker says its hybrid Karma sedan is surely arriving late next year, and then heading to Europe. We kind of view it like an Amy Winehouse tour schedule: expect a few date changes and some raw, fascinating episodes until then.

Accidents caused by teen drivers cost us $34 billion a year. Sure, blame the inattentive, undertrained and overstimulated iPod addicts first.

Finally, we'll leave you with word that Disney's Pixar studio is formulating a follow-up to the animated film Cars. Who's going to play the smart fortwo -- Danny DeVito or Vern Troyer?

Posted in : Shoppers, The Week in Reverse

Cars Are Most Recycled Products

By Marty Padgett April 11th, 2008

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What's the most recycled thing you can think of? Plotlines on Family Guy? We've got one better for you -- automobiles.

The Automotive Recyclers Association says cars and trucks are the most reused things in America. The association, using data from the Environmental Protection Agency, says that 95 percent of all cars are recycled, which gives them a leg up on paper products and plastic, too.

Of the millions of vehicles hitting the end of their lifespan this year, about 11.4 million will be recycled, the association adds. And more than 84 percent of the content in a car can be recycled -- everything from floor mats, to aluminum and steel pieces to upholstery and instrument panels.

In the final bit of promotion for their mission the ARA says car recycling is the 16th-biggest business in the U.S. So think about that the next time you send your newspapers (or Mom's old heap) out to the curb.

Posted in : Shoppers

Scion xB, tC Priced for 2009

By Marty Padgett April 11th, 2008

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Scion's released prices for their 2009 xB and tC models.

The only change the xB has undertaken is in color: Stingray Metallic will replace Nautical Blue. With a five-speed manual transmission, the xB starts at $15,750. Shoppers who want a four-speed automatic are ready to go at $16,700. Both prices were raised $100 from last year.

The 2009 tC’s only change is an update in seat fabric. The prices remain the same from the 2008 models: $17,000 with a five-speed manual transmission, and $17,800 with a four-speed automatic transmission.

All Scion models have an additional delivery, processing and handling fee of $620.

Although they are available, few options are needed beyond the generous list of standard equipment, Scion says. All Scions come with 160-watt Pioneer audio systems with iPod connectivity; power steering, windows, door locks and mirrors; cruise control; remote keyless entry; air conditioning; four-wheel anti-lock brakes; driver and front passenger frontal, side and curtain airbags; and tilt steering wheels with audio controls.

The 2009 Scion xB will arrive in showrooms later this month; you'll have to wait until May for the tC.

Posted in : 2009, Scion, Shoppers

Gadget Du Jour: Alpine Mobile Multimedia Station

By Marty Padgett April 11th, 2008

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Alpine's latest car stereo may just be the single piece of equipment you need to live in the digital age -- possibly, even, to live in your car.

Well, maybe not to live in your car, but certainly to turn your car into a media center that's missing only 8-tracks, LPs and 45s in its laundry list of capabilities. Alpine says the new player -- the IVA-W505, if you're hunting Amazon or Crutchfield -- can read and play DVDs, CDs, MP3s and AACs, not to mention WMAs and DivX files. It'll also hook up and control either flavor of satellite radio, along with the newer HD Radio. And lastly it includes a navigation dock for Alpine's portable Blackbird device.

Oh, and it's Bluetoothed out, too.

The system uses a graphic interface to control all the various inputs. It also adapts content into a tagging format compatible with Apple's iTunes -- so you don't have to go hunting for Amy Winehouse outside the usual confines. With a separately purchased HD Radio tuner, you can press a button when you hear a song you like and the system will sync with your iPod, which will then take you to purchase the songs the next time you connect to Apple's music service.

There's no mention of iPhone compatibility, but the device will work with the most popular iPod models and can play back video from the Applets, too. Suggested retail is $1100, but Crutchfield has it for $999 right now.

Posted in : Shoppers, Technology