Archive for the ‘Automobiles’ Category
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Wednesday, November 10th, 2004
Land Rover LR3 Test Drive and Trim Kits
I’m a Land Rover enthusiast, I’ve owned a couple of the last 8 years… so when the new LR3 came out I had to be the first to test drive one. It’s a very technologically advanced vehicle. From the moment you sit in the newly designed seats you know they took cues from the Range Rover rather than the Discovery. The one I test drove had the built in navigation system which has a very crisp LCD 7″ widescreen display. The display also is used for advanced 4×4 information. It displays two main views: Four-corner Air Suspension and Compass Navigation. I was very impressed when it could also show me the wheel’s maximum extension, steering angle, main gearbox status, air suspension status, and wheel height information. The LR3 handles like a dream… it’s has more power and feels more tight. It’s priced higher than the Discovery models it replaced but it comes with more standard features. I did find the voice command a bit frustrating… maybe it learns your voice… since it took a few tries for it to turn the radio off by voice.
I’m still getting used to the new look, I’m not a big fan of the rear end because I think it looks a bit odd… but, I do like the way it looks when it’s nicely trimmed (pictured above)…
I’m not sure if I’m going to upgrade to an LR3 yet… the dealer had a couple Bentley’s and Rolls Royce Phantoms in the show room, which kept grabbing my attention… not that I could afford them, but they were like rare Bling-Bling I was used to seeing only on episode of MTV Cribs. I’ll probably wait a few months or a year to see how the new LR3’s perform. Like everything, it takes a few cycles to work out all the quirks of a new design.
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Friday, October 15th, 2004
SEGWAY: CENTAUR
Named after the Greek mythology, Centaur, a half-man half-horse creature… this concept vehicle by Segway actual fits the name.
Excerpt:
“The concept Centaur combines proprietary dynamic stabilization technology with advanced propulsion and suspension systems, and an intuitive user interface to create a unique four-wheel device that is easily controllable on two or four wheels. Its full suspension and aggressive rider positioning provide an exhilarating ride for one or two people while maintaining control over a variety of terrain. Its rugged performance, zero emissions, and quiet operation make it a good low-impact way to explore the world. Its power and versatility make it suitable for a variety of indoor and outdoor recreational and commercial applications.”Wow! You really need to watch the video… it sounds like an electric R/C car, looks like a slimmed down ATV, but performs like nothing else I’ve seen before!! That is probably due to its weight of only 150 pounds. The Centaur can move at just over 20 miles per hour an runs on batteries that use regenerative braking, which means the batteries are recharged during deceleration and hill descents.
Segway doesn’t have any plans to manufacture the Centaur… but if they did… I bet it would be serious hit. I can see ESPN XGAMES events create especially for the Centaur.
- Centaur Video (Windows Media)
- Centaur Website
- Popular Science Photos
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Wednesday, October 13th, 2004
Dolby Pro Logic II Technology Featured in Volvo 2005 Model Vehicles
Lincoln Motors licensed THX sound systems in their LS model back in 2003. It’s surprising that Dolby Labs didn’t license their Dolby Pro Logic II decoding technology sooner. Heck, it’s almost every day now that I am driving behind a pimp’d out Escalade with video screens everywhere (I can tell by the glow thru the tinted windows). The first Dolby Pro Logic II decoding will be be featured in four of Volvo’s 2005 model vehicles including the Volvo S60, Volvo S80, Volvo V70, and the Volvo XC70 Cross Country.
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Friday, September 24th, 2004
A Wingless 727 Limo?
Keeping with things that fly, Vaca Meter Limousines has converted an old Boeing 727-100 and converted it into a 50-seat luxury limousine. For about $300 an hour, Limousines de Guadalajar Vaca Meters will fly, uh transport you and your closest 49 friends around Mexico. It’s powered by a six-cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine in the back and has air brakes and suspension. The bird is about 54′ long and 12′ wide. Truck-style wheels and suspension replace the landing gear and on the inside, passengers are treated to neon strobes, a dance floor, a bar and a romantic space in the back to _________. (fill in the blank).It’s amazing what three months and sixty people can accomplish… well, now the world finally has one… a “Wingless 727 Limo”
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Friday, September 24th, 2004
AirScooter II: Fly Over The Traffic
The Segway HT is out… it’s all about the AirScooter II. The people over at AirScooter Corp. originally designed the AirScooter for Government and Military uses… for things like Search and Rescue and Surveillance. But they are willing to sell you one if you shell out a mere $47,000. The price isn’t that bad if you think about what kind of car $50k gets you these days.
The AirScooter features an AeroTwin Four-stroke 65 HP Aerobatic Engine with Quiet Belt Drive Reduction, which means it can get you up in the air reliably and hover for about 2 hours on only 5 gallons of fuel. Oh, and they are working on an 100-150HP motor… think of that one as the Ferrari of AirScooters.
- AirScooter Specs
- AirScooter Video Clip (QuickTime)
- AirScooter Website
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Sunday, August 22nd, 2004
The New Mercedes SLK
PRNEWSWIRE — The original SLK shook up the small roadster market when it was introduced in 1997, and the second generation SLK hits U.S. streets in the fall of 2004. Stronger, sportier and more aggressive, the new SLK features bold, athletic styling, and is powered by a new-generation 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine with four valves per cylinder, double-overhead camshafts and variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust valves. Also on the 2005 SLK-Class is an all-new, more precise six-speed manual transmission, 17-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels, and an available lowered sport suspension.
About the archives
Welcome to the archives here at MAVROMATIC.
These are a collection of our previous posts. If you'd like to read about the latest and greatest, click here.
Welcome to mavromatic! My goal is to bring to your attention the latest DIY projects, the greatest home automation and home theater products. As well as, the occasional offbeat entry, to spice things up a bit.
