Chrysler introducing wireless charging mat

Chrysler has announced that it will offer wireless charging in its new 2013 Dodge Dart.

Provided that mobile phones are fitted with a special case, the charger will work with MP3 players and iPhone, Android and BlackBerry devices.

The official press release explains that ”easy access, a seamlessly integrated power bin, measuring 8.27 inches by 9.5 inches by 3.25 inches, is installed just below the center stack and in front of the center console. The bin has a built-in charging grid that is activated when customers place in their battery-powered device. The unit begins to charge when the vehicle is started.”

The Pentastar claims that the new accessory, developed by Mopar, is the first of its kind although wireless charging has been offered as a third-party solution for some time now. However, this is the first such offering from an official branch of an OEM. Rather than a factory option, the new wireless charging hardware is offered as a dealer-installed accessory. This means that buyers will either have to pay for installation or do it themselves.

Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand said that ”At Mopar, we look for every single opportunity to make our customers’ lives easier. Our industry-first in-vehicle wireless charging system is the perfect solution for those connected customers who are always on the go.”

Chrysler will be introducing the new technology throughout its dealers in the U.S.  - now that is a first.

Watch a video of the wireless charging technology in the video below:

Source: Auto Blog

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Posted in: charging,Chrysler,introducing,wireless

Justin Bieber Wraps His Fisker Karma In Chrome

We figured it wouldn’t be long before Justin Bieber would do something to the Fisker Karma he received as a birthday gift from his manager recently but a chrome wrap from West Coast Customs is honestly the last thing we would’ve expected.

The Fisker Karma looked good before he turned it into this cheap looking aluminum can.  All we can say is that when Justin see’s the Karma that 503 Motoring is working on he’ll be thinking twice.

And if’ we’re not mistaken are those are led light-strips on the bottom side of the car. What are your thoughts on this?

 

View the original article here

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Posted in: Bieber,Chrome,Fisker,Justin,Karma,Wraps

Bubba Watson Kicks His Mercedes CLK Black Series To The Curb

Bubba Watson has crazy taste in cars. Ever since we spotted his Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon for sale we knew we liked his style and this confirms it even more. Bubba’s 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series is up for grabs on eBay with a buy it now of $84,500. The CLK has been completely upgraded with all of the best in Renntech modifications. Check out all the details and more photos here.

We have to wonder what Bubba’s actually driving these days now that we know he no longer has the G-Wagon or this CLK.

 

 

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Posted in: Black,Bubba,Kicks,Mercedes,Series,Watson

Billy Idol Rocks Out On His Motorcycle

Billy Idol was recently spotted next to his motorcycle in Malibu sporting his classic bleached out hair. We have to wonder if Billy has anything but bikes in his garage.

 

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Posted in: Billy,Motorcycle,Rocks

2013 Audi R8 Spy Shots

Motor Authority has released some spy shots taken of the new 2013 Audi R8 coupe which reveal more never before seen details of the supercar.

The new face-lifted R8 both in a coupe and convertible version is expected to be unveiled later this year, most likely at the Paris Auto Show in September. This means it is likely to hit all showrooms at the end of 2012, making it a 2013 model.

With a completely brand new model due out in a couple of years, Audi is keeping the changes to the current R8 at a minimum. Designers have appeared to have made only minor tweaks to the exterior of the car which is expected for the interior as well.

The biggest and most apparent change to the R8 is at the front, which adopts a new bumper and revised headlights. All-LED elements can be seen in the headlight unit, and the overall shape of the lights appear to feature a sharper look similar to what was seen on the 2010 e-tron Spyder concept.

The engine lineup should still consist of a base 4.2-litre V-8 and range-topping 5.2-litre V-10. However, output may be increased slightly to better align with the competition and the 5.2-litre V-10 model seeing as much as 540 horsepower for this facelift.

Rather than increasing output significantly, Audi engineers are believed to be focusing on shedding weight. This may be achieved through the use of thinner glass, carbon fibre and aluminium constructions and lightweight carpeting.

The big news is that with this facelift, Audi may finally do away with its clunky R tronic sequential manual gearbox in the R8, replacing it instead with an S tronic dual clutch arrangement.

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Posted in: shots

2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe Series II

The 2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe Series II reveals new design features, even though the basic appearance of the vehicle has not changed through the years.

From its inception in 2003, the Phantom series has been built as an ultra-luxury vehicle and the 2012 version sees the introduction of advanced cutting edge technology, improved drivetrain performance, and the latest in connectivity to complement the luxury.

Exterior

The front of the car is where the most visible changes can be seen. The grille has been completely re-styled and the headlights now sport a rectangular appearance.

The lights themselves are full-LED clusters to ensure easy integration with modern light technology, including curve light capability where the beams are reflected in the direction of travel. This feature provides improved illumination when coming around corners.

The headlights are also adaptive, meaning the beam can change according to driving conditions. When traveling at lower speeds, the beam is dispersed over a wider angle to make it easier to spot pedestrians. The beam automatically extends and slightly favors the driver's side of the road at higher speeds.

Performance

The drivetrain on the 2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe Series II sees several enhancements. The car is now equipped with a new 8-speed, fully automatic transmission with rear differential.

This controls the V12, direct injection engine. The enhancements have led to a 10% reduction in fuel consumption and to reduced CO2 emissions.

Added Features Inside

The Phantom Coupe Series II has also had a revamp of the electronics. The SatNav system has been upgraded. It now can display 3D maps and surrounding topography. It also provides information on the local area, such as places of interest, local theaters and restaurants.

The SatNav, audio-visual and driver information displays appear on the 8.8" full color screen. The screen is also used to display images from the front, rear and top-mounted cameras. There are 8 pre-programmable buttons under the screen that can be used to give quick access to numerous options, like the phone book.

Specifications

General Info

Vehicle Type: Coupe

Base Price: $452,000.00

Dimensions

Length: 220.9 in. (561.2 cm)	Wheel Base: 130.7in. (332 cm)
Height: 62.9 in. (159.8 cm)	Width: 78.2 in. (198.7 cm)
Curb Weight: 5795 lbs (2580 kg)	Ground Clearance: NA
Luggage Capacity: NA	Maximum Seating: 4 people

Performance

Engine: 48 Valve V12	Displacement: 6.75 Liter
Horsepower: 453 HP	Max RPM: 5350 RPM
Torque: 531 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
0-60 mph: 5.8 seconds	Maximum Speed: 155 mph (249 km/h)

 

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Posted in: Coupe,Phantom,RollsRoyce,Series

2012 Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid

The 2012 Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid incorporates several of Lotus's new developments.

The car features the latest technology in long-range electric propulsion.

It also uses the very latest technology innovations in electronics to assist the driver and has a totally new roof system and brand new interior design.

Performance

The drivetrain system has been developed in-house by Lotus Engineering. The two engines have been limited to delivering 207hp and 295lb-ft of torque to each wheel. This means the car can deliver different torque levels to each wheel and leads to higher stability without sacrificing response.

Part of the design concept for the Evora 414E Hybrid is to make the transition from standard internal combustion engines to hybrids as seamless as possible. The car is fitted with a simulated paddle shift that allows for lightning-quick gear changes and helps make the car feel like a standard sports car.

When the paddle shift, which is mounted on the steering column, is used to change gears, the synthesized engine sound also changes and modulated torque is used to create the sensation of a gearshift jolt.

Braking

The system also permits simulated engine braking by allowing the driver to downshift, something that is rare in hybrid cars because of the need to use dissipated energy to recharge batteries.

The driver can therefore dictate the braking characteristics, just as in a normal car. Alternatively, this feature can be switched off for reduced driver control leading to a more relaxed driving experience.

Exterior & Interior

Visually, the 2012 Evora 414E Hybrid is very much a Lotus but with a distinctive color scheme. The interior design team has come up with a copper theme for both the exterior and the interior. The theme, inspired by the colors associated with electrical wiring, is used extensively from stripes in the seats to inserts on the instrument panels.

The battery pack can be charged overnight from a standard mains socket, and the car can travel up to 35 miles on battery power only. The standard Lotus Range Extender gas powered engine can also recharge the batteries.

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Posted in: Evora,Hybrid,Lotus