Automobile News

Snooper has once again shown why it is such a respected brand when it comes to delivering quality satellite navigation systems. The latest addition to their ever expanding product line up is the Snooper S370 Strabo, which apart from performing its primary function with great gusto, also acts as a speed camera detector. The device is additionally pre-loaded with street level mapping of the UK, Ireland and Western Europe stored on a built-in 2GB of memory.

Users will also feel delighted by the inclusion of other prominent features like full postcode search, anti-reflective full colour 3.5-inch LCD colour display and an extensive list of points of interest. The anti-reflective feature ensures that you conveniently follow the cues displayed on the screen. Meanwhile, by incorporating Snooper’s award winning speed camera location technology, the Snooper S370 Strabo sat nav has really cornered the market, and if you add the intuitively designed Bluetooth handsfree feature to it, it easily wards of any probable competition.

Searching your destination is a real cake walk with the system, and all you have to do is simply type your desired street name, town, or city, or even just the postcard. Your entertainment requirements will be soothed by the built-in MP3 player which also gives you the leverage to download MP3’s from your PC to the Snooper S370 Strabo.

Moreover, the device automatically determines the distance required depending on the speed limit and consequently does away with the need to set the detection range. The device is also provided with the discretion to recognise your speed limit and keeps cautioning with visual alerts when you approach a speed camera or high risk zone.

Snooper has come up with a genuine innovation in the form of the S600 Syrius Plus, which is not just a satellite navigation system, but instilled with street camera warning systems to help you tone down your speed levels before falling at the hands of the traffic police. The device provides you street-level mapping of the UK and Ireland via an anti-reflection 4.3-inch wide screen, which is easy to follow. Then, you can also benefit from the 2D and 3D directional prompt features for a more realistic feel.

Drivers should take delight by the fact device has been incorporated with the award winning Enigma speed camera database technology that includes specifications like Gatso, Truvelo, SPECS cameras and mobile laser sites which keeps with updated on a daily basis like no other satellite navigation system. Moreover, the features, such as a full 8-digit UK postcode search, and multi-route planner, provide you with a great deal of ability to easily manipulate the route of your destination. Your safety issues in the meantime, are assisted by the much improved Bluetooth technology which ensures that you can attend to your phone calls hands free.

The onboard in-demand multi-route technology can be used to calculate a single route through up to 10 different destinations just by adding the postcodes. The feature is also a real treat to work on as it allows you to calculate the route on the Snooper Syrius S600 Plus sat nav and save it in a matter of seconds. Further, the device which gives you turn by turn voice instructions comes stuffed with an extensive range of points of interests.

The excitement of welcoming 2009 can be seen everywhere. So what are your plans for the New Year? I bet you have lot, but are you also planning to buy a new car in 2009? Well, even if you don’t have any such plans, read on to discover the hottest cars that are likely to hit the market in the coming year.

So let’s take a tour of the top eight cars that will rock the automobile market in the arriving year:

Volkswagen Golf MkVI: Made to lead the hottest car lists of 2009, the Golf MkVI is expected to mark its presence in January. As you might have guessed, it is an improved version of the earlier Golf.

Toyota Prius: Likely to be seen in September 2009, the new Prius promises to hit 75mpg and a mileage of 100g/km. sounds good! Sp would you not like to take a look at this compact yet powerful model?

Ford Ka: Inspired from Fiat 500, the Ka will carry forward Fiat’s gene. You can look forward to buy this car if you are interested in saving more bugs.

Abarth 500: Assume it to the best creation of Abarth. Bold style, freezing swiftness, and easy handling are the major highlights of this upcoming model. Want to go for a test drive? You can go for it in February 2009.

Audi A1: The stunning looks might assist Audi A1 to outshine the charm of MINI. Moreover, it is a mild hybrid model that offers 92g/km. check it out in September next year.

Alfa Romeo MiTo: It is charming…it is hot! Yeah, it is the new Alfa car that is economical and more practical. Test its calibre in January.

Jaguar XJ: It won’t be wrong to call it the most far-reaching XJ model so far. It gives you an option to choose your fuel preference from the diesel or petrol. However, you will have to wait till the end of 2009 to see it on roads.

Ford Focus RS: Revolutionary and amazing! That’s how this car can be defined in simple words. You can expect as much as 300bph from this model. We will get to see it in March 2009.

Audi has revamped its entire A3 line-up in the UK with the launch of new Black Edition models which will join the brands highly acclaimed three-door, five-door Sportback and Cabriolet ranges. The models display an imaginative combination of dark and menacing looks and are assisted by an amazing array of exceptional features. The models are based on the company’s top S models, and are expected to go retail in the UK somewhere in early February, 2009.

The Black Edition models, in particular look invariably chic, and come equipped with the de-chromed front grille feature, while its equally enticing counterpart the Cabriolet versions, have its roll bars and the shoulder lines encompassed by black surrounds. Each of the three variants has an identical 18-inch S line design alloy wheels with exclusive dark titanium finish meaning that they basically thrive on similar themes. Then in the hatchbacks privacy glass is found extending from the B-pillar. To optimise the above specifications, they are discreetly combined with a Brilliant Black paint, which is free of charge, in addition to the chic no-cost option of Ibis White and the extra cost metallic options Phantom Black, Misano Red and Monza Silver.

The Audi A3 Black Editions are a surefire head turner, not only because of their sporting S line body styling treatments, but also because of the incorporation of the revolutionary standard fit Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps.

The S line package has a lot to offer as well, with the prominent being a sports suspension, part leather-upholstered sports seats, and the ability to automatically sync the engine depending on the climate. An Audi Concert audio system with single CD player and MP3 compatibility meanwhile pacifies you with some amazing sound quality. Of course you can also upgrade the in-car entertainment system with an in-car DVD player, or car speakers like the JBL P 550. Meanwhile, Cabriolet Black Edition models are available with a black acoustic hood, and a fully automatic hood operation and a wind deflector.

Tags for this article: audi, Cabriolet, car, sportback

Mercedes has made its intent to seize the latent potential of the market at the higher echelons very clear with the launch of its latest model. This model is considered to be the most hardcore version of its iconic SLR super car yet. The launch will also signify the end of production of the company’s next generation super sports cars, which is currently under production by its racing unit, HWA, as well as its in-house tuner, AMG, who is the manufacturing partner of MacLaren. The new version will have an initial production of just 75 units, with the provision to increase it depending upon the market response.

The latest version called the SLR Stirling Moss is a class apart from the current model on which it is based. Customers will be blown away by the Mercedes-McLaren SLR’s rather uncharacteristic but appealing specifications, as it features an open-top design, which radically incorporates a roofless design, and is, bereft of any windshield or for that the contemporary vertical lifting doors. The design to an extent resembles the C16 Speedster based on the Corvette from Callaway that was launched last year.

The car is provided with the discretion to zoom to 100 km/hr from standstill in 3.5 seconds flat, and has an equally impressive top speed of 350 km/h, which is a notable 13 km/hr faster than one of its earlier models the SLR 722. Meanwhile, the heart of the engine is powered by a supercharged 5.5L V8 engine which remains at a heady 650hp.

The performance of this scintillating device is further boosted by the lighter kerb weight, which helps it in shedding as much as 300kg of the excess baggage.

Speaking on the sidelines of the launch, a company spokesman revealed that the model is specially designed to suit the needs and comfort levels of the elitist customer who is ever ready to splurge that additional buck to get the same.

Environmentalists would love the fact that there is a growing consciousness among both consumers and the automobile manufactures to address the serious issue of global warming and pollution. Automobile companies nowadays have shifted their focus to invent technologies that will substantially bring down the emission of hazardous gases like CO2. General Motors has come up its fourth edition of its zero emission, hydrogen fuel cell propelled prototype, the HydroGen4, in this spirit.

The mode is based on the Chevrolet Equinox SUV, and symbolises a marked improvement from many previous models Chevy models, like the, say the Chevrolet Nova, which was known for its terrible fuel efficiency. The model is expected to go into production in a large scale, and should have a production run of 100 or so units. Company sources informed that they are setting themselves a deadline to retail hydrogen fuel cell cars by 2015.

The HydroGen4 scores over its predecessor in its ability to start even at sub-zero temperatures, which is quite an achievement considering the many difficulties associated with a fuel cell vehicle. Moreover, you tend to benefit from an increased range from a fill of hydrogen, improved performance, quieter operation and improved durability. Another factor contributing to the appeal of the car is that it is build in a way that you can maintain it in a cost effective and convenient manner.

The initiative taken by General Motors doesn’t mean that hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles is a ready alternative to conventional fuels. It is far from the truth, and the recent initiative is all but a small step before we can start thinking of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles as a viable solution.

Tags for this article: general motors, gm, green

Pogo has recently come up with one of its most definitive products, the Pogo Drive Version 2. This sat nav combines full feature 3.5-inch TFT colour touch-screen satellite navigation with the highly revered Origin360 speed camera and accident blackspot database technology. The entire package bears an aesthetic signature and is diligently compact, making for a great companion.

The device has been pre-loaded with detailed street-level mapping of the UK and Western Europe, along with the option to recalculate the route and search for full postcard. A dedicated camera only mode is also there, and comes with a special package in the form of six months free subscription to the Origin360 database.

This latest addition to the satellite navigation market indicates the emergence of an entirely new breed of GPS-powered driver information system, where can benefit from the unique combination of advanced touch-screen street-level navigation with the award-winning Origin360 speed camera and accident blackspot alerts.

The device is well equipped to provide you turn-by-turn voice guidance, and also gives you the liberty to select between 2D and 3D map viewing option. Meanwhile, the Origin360 speed camera and accident blackspot location system ensure your safety, and keeps you informed of all fixed location speed cameras you need to be aware of, as well as accident blackspots and school zones. The speed camera technology is among the best and most accurate and can even compete with the speed camera database of heavyweight sat navs like the Snooper Syrius. Both these services are provided via voice and on-screen alerts. The device also gives you the provision to individually adjust alert volumes. That’s not all as the drive comes inscribed with day and night operation modes, apart from a large sink of points-of-interest including hotels, petrol stations etc. meanwhile, your convenience and flexibility aspect are also taken special care of with the inclusion of an internal rechargeable battery for cordless operation in car/out of car.

The major emphasis of the Magellan eXplorist 500LE satellite navigation system is on its unique 16-colour display feature, which gives you the ability to see where you are in colour. The device also gets a thumbs up with the inclusion of the high-speed USB data port. This feature, along with the unlimited data storage capacity provided by the system via the Secure Digital (SD), places you at a real advantage when it comes to stuffing the device with an unlimited array of detailed street maps, TOPO or lake maps from the optional Magellan MapSend software. This unique feature is also adorable because you can perform these tasks without any hassle.

The device has an additional 8 MB internal memory that is pre-loaded with built-in maps of Europe, and also comes with an intuitive interface that makes operating the system a pure delight. This additional memory is sufficient to store 5 track log files, 20 routes and 500LE points of interest. Meanwhile, if you wish to store some further stuff, you can do it on optional SD cards that come with unlimited memory expansion.

The system provides you instruction and guidelines regarding speed, direction, distance to your desired destination, and the like via four lovable easy-to-read colour navigation screens. The Magellan eXplorist 500’s colour screen, along with the vibrant graphics, adds to its desirability, since it makes reading the device easy under all lighting conditions.

Another special trait of the device is its easy installation capability facilitated by the cigarette lighter adaptor technology. Despite being specially designed to be installed on a car, the device can even be used on your bicycle or motorbike.

Tags for this article: explorist, gps, navigation

‘The TomTom RIDER 2nd Edition UK and Ireland’ is the name of the latest satellite navigation system brought out by TomTom. The gadget is water resistant and its compact build quality ensures that it is ready to endure rough and tedious journeys. The flexibility of the device also happens to be one of its important virtues, as it fits perfectly with your car, bike or scooter, and provides you instructions and information in a clear and audible voice. The gadget is pre-installed with maps of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, as is evident from its name.

The device is tailor made to steadfastly respond to your stimuli and comes with a touch screen feature, which is increasingly becoming the norm. The TomTom Rider 2 UK gives you the opportunity to carry out door-to-door planning in your region which makes your task of navigating through routes that are new to you all the more easier. Meanwhile, instructions are available in both 3D and 2D graphics which are crystal-clear and easy to follow. The compact and portable design complements these traits as you can conveniently carry the device wherever you go without having to think about additional logistics.

Using the device you can find out important information like- the shortest route, fastest, warning on congestions and alternate routes, and others. Another lovely aspect of the device is that the screen is made of anti-glare materials which add to your convenience levels. Then, there is the option to select your preferred language of instruction as well. The device, in addition is of immense help when you decide to take a quick detour, as it instantaneously recalculates and adjusts the route description.

The Snooper S270 Sapphire Plus is not your here today gone tomorrow type of satellite navigation system. Decked out with many a high-end feature, the device has also been pre-loaded with NAVTEQ street-level maps of the UK and Ireland. You will also feel intoxicated by the aesthetically designed 2.7-inch colour touch screen.

The device has been equipped with a built-in MP3, MP4 player which are more than capable of fulfilling your entertainment requirements. A well structured photo viewer is there as well. The Snooper Sapphire Plus S270 also comes decorated with the award winning Enigma speed camera locations and Golf Pro Shot Saver feature and provides you an unabated access to over 2000 golf courses in the UK and Ireland supported by the GPS technology.

The portability of the device adds to your convenience levels, and since there are not many compromises made by the manufacturers to arrive at the final design you are favourably placed to reap the maximum benefits. The device apart from providing you turn by turn navigation facility, also provides you voice guide instructions and a full 8-digit UK postcode search option with the choice of 2D or 3D moving map display.

The device also comes with a stylus that can be used to manipulate the touch screen, and there you can even play with the screen colours. The device in addition gives your prior information on an extensive list of Points of Interest, along with providing you instructions on the shortest or fastest route, congestions, among others. Battery of the device is rechargeable which adds to your convenience. Further, there is a Built-in SIRF III GPS antenna which adds to the desirability of the device.

Tags for this article: gps, ireland, navigation, navteq, snooper, uk