Car Tech Live 210: Toyota and Microsoft team up on telematics

Microsoft head for the White House. -- was the safest year ever on US roads what role that technology way. But they want Lexus says that it's green sleeve for the New York -- Hit the road in the 2011 Chevy Volt. That's right we do all that imports car tech live -- folks Brian Cooley -- Wayne Cunningham. One good -- good thing at the controls. Two of the four of us are currently loaded. It gets with twelve yes which. What what what I'm gonna prize than usual suspects who -- really most all of you can't so epidemics -- heart. Look around -- table site. They can all be -- it and -- got a can of -- crushed by his death which could contain that's anything superstar right at the usually contain words -- -- that -- nutrients in there with that absolutely. -- -- -- -- Now -- okay that's one of those games show notes at that right no it's not. -- but at this show I guarantee you it will be revealed by behavior a -- -- it so we've got via Microsoft's code announcement this week. This is Microsoft and -- coming together on a partnership. We have I guess it's a new venture ports and existing when they're popping up called the Toyota media services corporation. They're going to get together on -- addicts which could mean just about anything in this business but this case it's a very energy oriented way for future plug in hybrids and EUVs to be very smartly tied to the grid and easily managed for charging notable -- -- already over Smartphone. But we don't think that this is gonna blot out in -- right. Right -- needed some kind of that they're getting an electric car market may need some kind of remote to automatic service for -- electric cars naturally the player that Microsoft got in -- with on this because. Microsoft announced that it was last year this home energy initiative thing which them -- HOH him -- doing jam which not only lets you remotely savior. Cut your home appliances and stuff like that and get the most energy efficiency there. But also -- -- the -- so the idea is that dead -- Upcoming electric cars will hold. Use this technology and let owners. After the best time to target their cars get the -- rates that noon to become part of the smart grid but I look at -- this. This is just their foot in the door that isn't new windows as your platform which is the new cloud back end of windows it's very kind of -- right now. But it's also the lol a little slow the game on cloud services behind obviously Amazon and Google and eventually Apple. But the idea here is to get this sort of energy management -- activity. Built -- to Toyota vehicles through Microsoft technology and a Toyota platforms corporations -- talking about. But obviously it's an easy pipeline bits being bit students start doing everything as a cloud service. While it's yet -- the -- the -- -- -- thing which if they use that and home or this Microsoft as your technology. It seems like they've gotten a patchwork. -- sent him. Connectivity -- exactly the word now that seems like and they probably wanna go to a unified system at some point. And the -- in the intending to those you know that -- what that is -- its new head unit coming -- -- Toyota's with the you can't meter rise in June or July. And this is the one that -- -- -- some videos it will load up a series of apps in the dash being the I heart radio movie tickets dot com open table and pandora stream from the clouds and are dynamically loaded in the -- not installed on your smart -- per say just -- conduit that is. And things already in -- so obviously Microsoft got to put that already but this runs on a custom OS. Developed by Harman. I heard it was cute X which is owned by rim but I'm not sure about -- -- in any event it's not Microsoft platform and you know Microsoft wants to kill this often do their own thing. That's what they do. While -- also needed some real the real head unit technology. Some real unified day at unit platform for awhile via Amazon they've been running and it's okay at war expanded since nineteen seems limited to clean up cutting edge and yes that the Internet connected yet this will be their first step that -- so we'll see what the number that will let you know as we hear more about how that could become more -- -- platform and not just energy management platform. As we go forward on a different -- -- very -- oriented there's a possibility it's not announced yet the Toyota could close all of its plants in North America. Because of its parts shortages coming out of Japan what we just had that. Significant aftershock coming out of Japan today if you're watching us on the live -- here which is the seventh of April haven't heard anything more about impacts of that regarding shortages and such. But the idea that they might shut down every North American plant for Toyota for some time is pretty stark so -- We'll leave it at that we don't know what parts they're missing. What the volumes would be within a number of plants are on the US and that's a pretty big toll on a pretty big company in a pretty big country -- -- -- -- -- models that -- actually at some -- camera they build here -- cameras in Kentucky ethnic and whether whether the IS UVs and intimacy -- don't care you would do this is the islanders -- all here makes sense Highlander. For four maybe let's say a government analyst of their. -- -- -- This Wikipedia deal here heavily Prius there's still importing. Yet -- -- hybrid this -- what they were going to do the Prius. In the US starting this year -- -- last year but the recession that there is threat to move a Prius plant here. That said -- it's not working out in with the whole yen deal. They did movement that happen with the big deal if Toyota does that we'll keep an -- for you as well ultimately directly car tech but it's. -- make it look back Lexus to them of course and the air traffic deaths on the road this past year 2010 for those -- wring your hands about how dangerous it is to be driving. It's actually less dangerous than ever before in history. We're the lowest number of fatalities on a rate basis ever. Since -- started heating records in 1949. One point 09 deaths per 100 million miles of vehicle travel. That compares to following a plane. That's become extremely sick you can't get an airliner accident if you paid someone these days. Yeah on the US it's unheard of now. For that to happen all ports and an -- and down as pretty much everybody is preservatives a lot of people -- on making light of it but honestly it's in or doubly safe to fly in an -- and -- as it always was and -- even more -- -- to be airline exits up you know I temple of every year. Now it's like will go years without there being an airline. Mentality. At least in the US unit -- -- an effort is the safest way to travel. Absolute safest transportation technology in the UND down the elevator. As a bracelet it doesn't go far and that. But why god you're gonna be one piece when you get there they're building into an article -- I want them like okay well you got -- he's got to be at stake and that that it is job. On the gazette staff about the the traffic -- that the -- -- have a breakdown by region of -- investments that. The biggest drop was in the north western states Washington Oregon Montana Idaho -- percent job drop. Because gain -- was in the north east. 18% gain union that -- Vermont New Hampshire -- -- Connecticut interest. I wonder what drives that -- they'll break it down much -- -- DOT we have been musing about how much of via. Of this is contributed by technology you know they are seeing here in the of the DOT's very old school -- and we've. Worked on crackdown on drunk driving seat belt usage and high visibility of enforcement -- or picture from at all. As a big part with a new a lot of those things for a long time at some point you get down to a base level. It's like smoking or anything else you get down to -- level and then that they are gonna push it without some herculean additional effort. But I look at the technologies involved he would ABS yours yours -- likely to get into a panic stop and -- it. And -- -- -- vehicle stability control that's -- huge factor and huge I mean it's been announcing it you gotta work harder to to lose -- -- -- these days. On the other hand I also think that these corridors so -- and so insulated and so capable now I think people feel in. Currently -- vulnerable. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- This is great way to die and yet pay attention and yet comparatively and I get one of the modern cards like I if I could run into a wall of one I got airbags I got -- couples don't like that abs like a -- breaking now I've got cars it'll stop before I can -- -- thing. I don't know that that really make you drive like -- when you really just don't like -- -- could get anything out there. After its final I would try to get as you know it's good news for our auto fleet. You know relationships but I've read other -- and little card you look at that steering column and thinking like that dispute in my got a cocktail skewer going right -- -- and I am. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Are those take a look what's going on now with -- look at the worst -- we've -- how -- the roads are checking out new way for you to use the where the worst areas are -- in California this is going to cal Berkeley crossed the -- the bay from where we are here in the San Francisco area. And if you have access to any web browser it's the standard web app is a special house software here you can look at a map of the worst fatal and serious traffic conditions. Collisions that happen from 2002008. That's the most recent you're they have they can also backed that up will be adding older years in the air I know a presumed to be adding this to other parts of the countries of the California specific initiative. But you can take this on the road and see if I can now. But can log in here's the site it's called -- the transportation injury mapping system. Apparently it's the first ever to be done -- -- anywhere in the US the maps -- on a Google map like this with dynamic data. You know an eloquent little log in password in my other -- with but anyway I you can you can get a pass for on this easily and -- CEO all this data about. Where the accidents are happening in your area. How severe they are what the trends arts -- step into this kind of thing if your publisher does more. Another thing on the safety front is this idea of keys that that -- the -- -- -- you turn off cars and push buttons but a lot of things about its. Some -- you push the button hold it down and different and -- fan of those that an additional then that's the real simple if forty -- off. Lock unlocked accessory. And then bounce back -- Wanted to do that and everyone knows how that -- 1234 -- So simple one off. Turn back one or more. Clicks and the cars off no matter what pattern we're getting no one currently had in recently at the Mercedes-Benz. And I got in the car initially conference got -- pushed the button started when -- When I got in -- after -- had it. -- -- The push what was god that'd been -- everything was all hanging out his account on got a million Evernote and you could actually -- the key back in viewed as you'd -- pulled alright but now. That's right and on the Mercedes and there's there's there's a push button on those who is if we show that if you've got a Mercedes the big silver put department in the last two or three years you can -- that thing off -- mushroom cap at -- -- start stop that's actually a cover. If you want to pull that off in your -- goes into the slot -- -- -- a little sneaky at least -- rate I think a lot of owners don't know. So if you wanna do that have a real turnkey and it turns a right way before it stops with the spring back at the far -- well we just software this week about how they're getting closer as we -- to rolling out a federal standard for this kind of thing SEE guidelines the society of automotive engineers. But as I read this the guidelines now are pretty -- They say that stopping a vehicle needs to be defined as either a long course of the ignition button -- between point five to two full seconds. Or two to three short courses. That's not narrowing it down to me that's that -- confuse. Am I crazy -- which would -- -- the -- and the. Seen any given away well on the it seems like it. I mean it shouldn't be that difficult I don't think I've ever had a problem turn your car off. And even the -- situation where you had to -- every time I get in the every single time Hispanic. The -- may be crap -- panic. -- I mean -- usually end in most situations that I found myself and you yet to have your on the debris. And originals start the start via the next time you put it turns off. Both cars and -- been and -- push to start with to stop there's ninety's but. Double happening -- It's not even a really long push either does that mean to stop -- you know accidentally -- always that really but it means that the -- -- you. -- that's the other thing is when you're driving his or lock out the prevents it from stopping it in -- music does bump that in turn the car off. The bottom right. It had withdrawn and because I understood that at least on that Lexus ES 350 -- for that chp officer had an accident and his 37 members were in there and it was a fatal. That it wasn't as simple as just push the button there was no emergency instantaneous off commitment car was a long hold it. Which have been spreads across some Toyota yet if that's typical for Lexus and Toyota have a longer hold. I've never seen them in two to three short pushes them that things like a weird one. Yeah it doesn't it I am terrific I think I took one part of task for that in one of our videos -- at least that you could it do it with -- long pushes. -- -- -- There's like if they're too which is the earth which may turn the car off. And even the F three and and the right in which will turn off your radio and than we ever do a hundred cars a year -- not really sure how these work and unlike. She's still trying to understand like while you would ever wanna turn the car -- -- motion. Yet that's the thing and I did this is this red Herring from people who thought -- are running away which folks they weren't active I mean unless it mean unless it's like a previous most part -- and -- to earth on the -- we you know when you put the current neutral it's been neutral there's always neutral I'll want to go -- -- neutral. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Yeah and and and those sort of things. Because that may be really what's going on here because turning a car off evil mechanical heat -- -- so much you can easily go one. Many of Buchanan just giving you locks now you're really screen yeah yeah you and your Austrian -- So you buy it it interesting that -- -- -- the business word ignition keys are complicated -- -- But we'll see what you don't have to lift federal standard -- well advised or -- they make up with some of it's too vague and is it really an issue -- you know the good email topic listen to think about these new ways of turning cars on all. What's your car like Eddie you do it tried to be haven't tried to get your driveway simulate and in -- panic stop there's why amber do it yet to hold it down. You with the cars and ride and drive be under parking brake or whatever but -- US -- works -- that's what you thought it was. When he walked out your driveway after he heard us talking about it here on the show and see if you even do at a -- your card and probably did but in some cases you might be surprised suit it's an email -- -- At cnet.com. Let's do little preview of New York, New York auto show is coming up week after next rights right -- April 7 NASA two weeks from now OKK to reach Mercury showed that some of the -- looking at we have a new took on new Lexus LF. GH. They got the teaser photo here this guy. We have kind of a different looking corner taillight assemblies -- -- -- LED headlights do that the concept car thing -- definitive front the Google print job Higgins which is just a small little. Action BM is here it is -- vendor. You see a lot of area -- pieces on the front air dam is. I mean that they're -- like a little corner of ugly right technology right at you like GT army bat mobile -- mean I don't -- judged the card -- on chest that series advantage headquarters -- I don't know what's going on yeah unless they're going to a new illnesses of the GTR Alexis re gonna go to an audacious sliced and wing and slated looking garlic to deal on his -- -- -- Most of -- and updated. The video editing that would be like that would be what defines it decided for the price -- a GTR well -- -- -- limit to -- is like. You know if if this is like a new direction for -- they're designed -- the -- and -- Designed -- -- Because this is way more aggressive mean there's a little bit of -- of bias. In the in the head -- But careful I mean it's just a lot of stuff going on like the equivalent that the LEDs that'll look under program that goes underneath the the -- check mark the -- right there oddly placed. Lots of lots of planes that they -- -- reality part you like is everybody's department. Iranian correctly you independently and that doesn't really matter if I did notice that dikes and have come back you get replacements Reagan now. You can see the grill in the picture -- is interesting because you to see a little sliver of it but at the black -- and it actually goes down following town past the -- the very bottom of the things right and yeah that's just being likes you realty -- -- its aggressive looking cars you'll see that one that we don't know much more about it. -- see that -- the New York auto show on the opposite end of incredibly. Audacious is incredibly boring we have the new Impreza. Which I have to is that president shoppers to update or revise the accord -- like -- -- And yet the -- up front ends way Altima or 200 even. Ease that still apparent that there is an important I can't escape that so that's Sebring state. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Lot of things have been firing for the but now that front double down that is it a double down in that direction or they just taking a left turn -- which is dividing their market. Yet that's definitely the have been president -- the redesign like every three years he did think it won recently and promotion card that like 5000 years before the redesign imprinting is the result every two years and it seems like. Just when you get used to the way it looks you like you know it. The new super WRX public -- -- They're like oh man people external like the Impreza was ugly it up again I'm writing the same thing with the -- -- to the the bug guy and they went to the floor wing eyes. Oh yeah and anyway it's a completely different by now and then if there was -- are -- that the double -- for the -- in. They made into -- weird sedan with a gigantic hood and my integrity wing tool bag the in the backyard and as soon as that started late getting used to seeing that now it looks like an accord. I thought it but you don't why the -- matters of course is it will be the basis for the next of the RX and the STI yeah -- everything comes off this platform Ortiz has traditionally unless they change that up but there. You know this is a resource. Issue you don't -- -- have new platforms there. If you can't beat you you can -- of this should be as long as -- as TI ends up looking like the concept that we thought LA. Yeah I'll be arrogant and write the New Guinea and Subaru when you -- -- one's interest you have lost some -- introduces this men -- that's the stone. Let's who else we got going on here would be New York previewed new Versa could be on the way this is of course -- songs bottom car in the US market they have a smaller car below -- in other markets as is the current Versa. Does the Tilde. Yet at that the -- There's -- has -- -- and he lives others know well I that are unaware typo what are you -- moment that happened and basically -- guess last -- October of Nissan released -- sketch of what they thought the new -- was gonna look like. And then this beneath on tight I was actually leaked just before of the Shanghai -- -- show it's gonna -- a -- a very soon it looks exactly. Like the concept sketched it -- in that this is gonna show up probably at the New York auto show beds at the Versa. Would -- naturally expert at one point six liter and continuously variable transmission remain in the bottom car in the line right okay and with a more rounded approach the vs pre creased yet really a singular enough rate this is a little bit more more about the casual. Has a little bit of his Lexus CT what is -- CT 200 H drag on and not soft but at the -- -- which is very Lexus yet magnolia girls screaming electric -- would do that again. The -- but -- you of the replied still looks pretty verses that mean. Little upright bill but all of a -- an alternative to the -- -- game. -- you know which Renault Nissan have it. Working in relation there -- stronger working relationship there under that scenario saying he has sinners and regain the potted up one but -- that that's -- -- truncated -- This is -- the quarter the quarter -- her career but -- of that idea that roof line is very similar. No agreement to get a little bit like -- it's almost like it's lean lean -- he has -- like yeah -- the other women not she rear that same arc to the greenhouse that you pointing out and it might be on the same platform to. It's very possible interest thing. It wouldn't wouldn't be surprising again deficiencies especially the current price as those that -- of -- -- at -- at the New York auto show you what to buzz again about the Carmen that is something. New in the last few days about -- -- via. They did well a couple months ago they they released their final -- the production vehicles -- they're ready for production will this be the first show that it appears. -- think that might have been -- Detroit. But an owner of popular also Leo twittering any milling about the new about the Carmen are technically news just yet most agree that the production version was -- Geneva actually -- -- -- the North American -- -- production that's -- version -- priorities. -- speaking of cars that batteries in them the largest lithium ion battery plant in the world. Has just been completed about to go online -- in South -- it's run by LG -- -- LG -- division and by the way LG -- is also the partner in that big battery plant in Michigan with General -- when you hear about -- announced in -- two years -- the -- all American -- battery plant opening up now to really put America back in the business of parallel -- actually -- that that the 5050 partners -- But not with the flight to -- there like -- but it's not the case are but anyway indicates this is going to be the biggest plant in the world for lithium ion. Motive batteries for cars it can produce enough batteries for 100000 cars a year or whatever number of batteries that is depending on the architecture -- vehicle. And they're gonna build another one in two years will come -- -- to make their total if I think here is that correct the all in batteries for 350000. Electric or plug in vehicles a year. So they are betting hard here LG is on the idea that UVs and plug ins are gonna take root. You can expect the demand is there that's a lot of but -- -- this is global demand for this thing around the world they'll be at least a third of a million. Needed capacity for electric cars or plug ins by galaxy 2015. And -- -- -- hybrids to as a lot of hybrid cars coming on line with. Lithium ion battery packs though at some numbers on that insensitive to fit -- this is -- the one millionth Prius was just sold. -- gives us some idea how many of these cars around and an increase of around for miles communities human -- graphic -- that -- What this article on the market was -- 02000. Cigna and the current one is 2009. It actually the original once -- 97 in Japan -- right and then that that generation was imported to the US -- I think maybe 99. And then it got the update in 2000 Q which was sort of the more. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- BM it's not really an exclusive club anymore used to be kind of a special thing for Prius owners -- You know I've -- each other and all at record set does not have that anymore aren't they like -- up as a rental cars these days -- and taxis -- cut taxes all the time and balances -- -- the taxis ambulance that's not accept or not he's. Here we grew at a very generic -- they get to the mirror quoted what if you do you're going to be folded into the could sold a million -- -- for what it's worth -- a good cocktail banter but it gives some idea where the Prius is it's all history remember most of those early years it sold very slightly in in the last. Handful of years the sales of minutes here and it's still commands I think almost exactly. 50% of the hybrid market. At least in the US -- the global story. Against all other hybrids combine it was not a very enviable position. But LD's obviously banking on that being a big thing and I wanna have at least a quarter of the battery market -- service. -- is going on with a woman's story here that's for those -- -- hydrogen -- that is. To retrieve the out there and now -- to -- -- and get the station in California has added three new hydrogen filling stations. In Laguna Niguel which is Southern California Orange County. West Sacramento which is in the capital area of California and South San Francisco which is the southern -- below San Francisco. So -- north center and south. California energy commission actually funded -- so that they're getting public funding because there's no real commercial. Actually it's illegal to sell hydrogen. In in the yard to the regular consumers right now early yesterday -- and actually make these -- retail stations they'd have to come up with new rules on selling -- -- Interesting so it has to be like -- You know a fleet area where you go charge a pure -- fill up your vehicle. This retail that we see here is is a shell station at the show -- as -- of the one in. Which -- it is as one of the station that is opening California -- like -- some. Weird little chain link thing you drive behind where the busses them but the real consumer you know it's you -- hydrogen is made it when it's attached to a meeting marked it and now it's starting to get some traction. Yeah I think there -- -- I think if I did and is on the rise we just heard about electric cars a lot last couple years but I think. There's more interest in in that hydrogen apparently three surging. Yea now I'm -- -- I don't. Quite buy it yet stood at 300 reported miles -- the hydrogen fuel cell vehicles opposed 100 up electric vehicle ranges -- yet. The hydrogen is so hard to move and store. That's what we can make it like a neglected -- But -- emergencies and not -- -- B moved it doesn't -- the longest and most abundant element in the universe but it's also the most hard to crack -- likes to stick to things yeah we -- -- -- to -- oxygen. And since -- typically found in water. -- the -- -- war but I mean most of war. The case is on what some of his nose at different I don't want you guys have to taste really good I just called H two acts as hasty pretty clear taste -- -- -- -- -- -- that. And others mr. stereo opportunistic to each other yeah but -- there is a nitrogen water I want dead and -- Oh wait that's the thing to equity in my news that we can't have dehydrated water operational. The longest time. I was for -- figure out what's left it at. Just -- water that seed that got you aren't eBay's preliminary vacuum it's -- -- -- -- -- to bring out at a party and to do a -- and have some of that there and scratch their it was called Bernard it's. It was in like a really nicely made -- dehydrated water. It so cleverly labeled. Now it's I got had by that one north to -- waters and it you have this in an -- talking about it was a great gag gift for like you know ages. Like the pet rock and -- -- -- it was like the bell robbers and seventies that of the eighties it was very was very big in those days anyway. You relinquish campaign immediately it was like and -- hydrogen oxide. Now that the -- people to sign up to index has been -- and I think that's a bad chemical and then I'll be really bad things. An instrument display cumulative -- -- I -- hydrogen. -- You undertaken by some -- folks that's our that's the news going on this week comments and -- -- stuff voicemail courts. Citizen emails -- -- at cnet.com. Or leave us your outrage thoughts about how much I think hydrogen is overblown or how right wing has -- thinking it's on the resurgence that's -- -- cnet.com we can call 866401. CNET for the voice -- line -- on the road. It's here -- what else to say about -- you haven't heard already. -- the city -- So without any further ado let's go on the road -- and -- point as we take the most anticipated car from General Motors in fifty years. Out on the road for a spin as -- it looks. So -- -- -- is a car that the -- driven by an electric motor. And we started out of them all charged that we actually have about what's. Thirty miles -- -- according to the despite here. Pan we started out -- -- about that think 37 miles range of charge. But then there's also yes and in the located in -- we discharge the battery. And run electricity to the modern -- going. And -- -- well of them sort of like fuel -- ideally. Lets you tap the battery out. And then also in your fuel tank out you'll be stuck promised that the programmable but it -- that we both gonna complain about about the interface. I'm on this vehicle is that -- -- you're complaining about buttons themselves being. Have -- -- place them. -- have -- down here in the bottom left corner. Ideas like wave of minorities and earlier outlook. Everything just. It seems like it -- talk like thirty button -- here without really thinking about where they're supposed to go. In the same thing happening in the instrument cluster we've got you know -- large size. LCD display that actually gonna show. Years. Your fuel economy information your battery -- -- speed. But instead of like being a -- to gauge instrument cluster that people are used to looking at a -- three injured you know having a small information instantly. -- just toss stuff up there gigantic digital speedometer that's floating over a bunch of numbers don't really. Mean anything to you -- look at -- couple's second. Battery icon that looks like maple street off of the iPhone. And -- over to the left it's just. Haphazardly he often and take a little bit longer to process the information that it -- you know somebody with some sort of interface design experience. -- -- -- I liked the way it's hard drives advocates I've -- -- it's -- way better than a Prius for example. Well I hope they can take much to -- we've. Got a but it. Did a different sort of vehicles sort of electric -- The fuel economy and better things. All right 41000 dollars associate that -- their first yeah that's gonna come down. The little -- yet there is the tax credit which will bring it down but there's also -- -- to -- and if you run down as -- -- thousand dollar car via which is not really commitment that's gonna 35 dollar. And you're not using any gas and you're using a couple gallons maybe a month or something like that right that's not bad -- some pretty -- expenditure on your budget. And that is a well equipped -- used cars that tactic it is it's pretty much loaded up. There's not a lot of options -- all the basics already in there as the basic mobile. Trim level this one from available. And national there's actually two and I couldn't find out what the higher trim level and political -- text. Yet we had in our car we had a package in there that pride and that's what a bunch of leather heated seats almost the whole -- -- -- -- hard technology guys put up a button thing is really controversy. Was entries about. Almost touch buttons there are aside from looking like like a best buy through it's also touch. I like the touch by type IL I think of the white panel throws you off that yeah I've wrestled without -- thought commitment. Any other finish and every other carmakers and every other finished you can get it lycra but you can't yet I think. I didn't see us and with amber call theme that car with liquor brands like -- -- that would be no carrier generated talk about a graphite in your -- -- -- look when they want or watch in the car. You and -- U boats in the column like an iPod looking thing in -- storm trooper right late ninety's I'd better and -- -- iPod if it's not like you're current like who iPods at the in the talent though he lives just like. Chinese -- -- plant at -- -- And -- -- out of -- his luck here's another gripe I've got and I like the car -- GM's got a solid. Hits a little -- they've got a solid initiative here. But on their pay teachers of the mobile page it -- V dot com slash bold big old tight here MS RP 3278. Arena what's not there assuming you're going to get the -- 500 dollar tax credit which is called out down here in the boilerplate. But that's a tax credit against federal tax code you have to -- at least that much to get the credit if you don't you can't convert that to a refund that never turns into a positive. And this is again a credit pending the Obama changed it would make it a rebate you could apply truly in negotiations the dealer but that's not the case yet. -- that just passed that it's still just a credit against your return against tax -- when you file your taxes after everything else has been discount idea to look disingenuous does that you'll -- -- city 500 dollars off. Most people I don't think will now that you think you can afford the -- probably. -- that much tax. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Occasionally coupled to the gas engine. Got -- in some needless hot water. But it -- -- and others -- it's it's really in its current lot of ways. It's great for a certain segment people on a pretty big segment of a person. You've gotta replace the plug -- in yeah you've it's best if you have a commute that's under forty miles. -- and you know if you put those kinds of factors and it is a really good -- -- It it it has no range exactly which I really did feel while driving because it had a lot -- electric -- presently. Such as there are -- at least in recently we just had -- -- electric smarts. Mean that Mitsubishi I need last summer whatever that was so yeah -- electric cars here and I've I have felt range anxiety very very clearly I felt a little bit -- because it when it was on its gas engine and we have via the -- -- meters the fuel level games down to media third -- I -- at a moment's -- to have in -- you know that's just nor any any car yeah when you get down to light in -- -- tenth of your tank you're certainly. Are gonna gadgets at a gas station can make it the next exit in an air guitar is gonna have that compared to this guy just moving along and saying -- know what -- what I wanna do. I can do a million more gasses that we'll start to generate electricity -- That was just those -- -- and I felt very real world if it does it would GM's going after is the real world driver not the person is -- to make any sacrifices. Whatsoever. For the environment but if not most buyers you know I think the key -- really appeal to but you gotta -- -- -- -- it when -- started -- -- -- -- -- video. It's had a very technical I was like well I got 35 -- -- -- Chardonnay you know that's -- -- -- yeah I totally agree on yeah I'm gonna love this yes bits of -- might movement for about think Prius and volt owners are gonna get into a war. And they're gonna kill one another it's like circuit -- -- Star Wars right at the same street difference sidewalk. You know I think that's gonna be like the Prius folks -- -- look at this as does a lot of comments I got from -- -- viewers were. Overloaded over bloated watered down green car it's like electric -- And you've got people on the Prius side who are saying no my little modest little -- exactly what I need and -- wanna get a plug in only electric version of it after that and this engine thing is old school those going to be interesting mix of people who say no I want realistic -- those who want idealistic which will be the -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Up there you know throwing executive touting their own horns -- and stuff that it scheme and it. Weird story last week about what to leave -- getting stranded also there -- The label like an inaccuracy in the team's -- no -- yeah I forget what it was then that that. A citizen and of the -- positive spin this into prominent human nearly drivers -- they haven't. Anyway aren't there hasn't been happening in the market itself but even -- -- -- it is still the volt has good lode of tech and it. Interesting sort of control panel. Is -- -- panel as we saw there is very different. It's not just all LE -- LCD but it's a very differently than -- but even attempt to put anything. Analogue -- into it right yet digital speedometer. The that weird that power gauge the acceleration renewables sellers -- -- the green ball the green -- -- listings so I didn't know what it did -- feel -- -- have time for -- to get out of the -- of like well that's what it I -- -- currently. It's of the missing in the video -- -- -- -- the green ball goes up and down like in the middle of this -- lava lamp thank. And what they wanna do with that should come -- more a lot of cars will have some that prompts you not to Jack rabbit that's one way of saving -- that's when you're saving stored energy. But breaking -- also -- you're blowing off kinetic energy turning it into brake dust and heat coming off the rotor that's also a waste of mr. -- as region which. A number of them do that but the idea here is keep the ball -- don't break to hardware accelerate to. I did it and to do that but it's funny with that cars hybrids and likable and any current region -- I almost feel good about stopping the cockpit that I think companies -- back in the bank -- money when I drive a normal car afterwards I get that feeling for a moment and realize -- -- friction brakes yet. And just wasting unity all I'm doing is creating with the enemy is not a 100% efficient Wellman is still losing energy every -- -- will now -- -- -- something back. Mean little in it if the good feelings and good enough for me to feel good about that stuff don't -- -- -- feel good out of it only time I feel good about stopping any definitive. Because everyone the -- of the -- they were all gonna feel good by the -- -- apparently -- -- along. The rest more. The thing about this is to get the green -- wants you to break gradually accelerate gradually estimate of the -- program it -- put that in -- the cars clearly programs in every system in every engineered. Part and the software to reward that so it's another. -- -- -- it across the Prius drivers. And as I found instilling an opposite of the union when light turns green and get ahead of -- traffic pretty easily. Performances was good it was fine it was just good normal car performance. The the little engine. Could the little engine that runs the generator to keep the electric motor driving the car. Yes I -- asterisk above seventy the end you'll help out also with your engagement let's leave that aside for now doesn't fundamentally change the car. I heard it at different rpm intensity it's but I don't know if everyone heard that did you I did after you -- and I drove it around -- consumers don't know yet. And also -- announcement I think mountain mode automatically engages -- higher rpm. So it's generating -- electricity because it is gonna use more of it on -- -- absolutely so you do detect that engine. I yet and you only really here that slows speeds that -- -- climbing slow speeds like in the city. On the freeway in here and all yay to the -- overcomes. But so it is for those who want to know is it like run silent electric car sometimes it is but sometimes you -- just a very mild little. Is the -- -- -- committee a couple different rpm range is -- but it's never like laugh out. Over the -- it's a nice car and it's driving cars not the news -- -- canyon but. And on or around known Canseco raceway that's -- -- -- a chance to take the pre production mountain. Though the production model paying -- rear -- that. How was that it was. A bit like driving a heavy camera. The latest idea him he should be relative heavy load Centre of gravity yeah I don't know it and get out of sorts but I mean you mean you don't wanna attract at the known overlord that -- -- what it's about. So -- less thought on the looks what do we think. Good looking live or -- yes when we -- driving it around a you know you look at the pictures the bullies -- on -- for the futuristic of the blue light from the black trim. And of the windows the only really look at the car. And you realize that in a world where -- the Toyota Prius. It's probably background now worry you know it's pretty feature the -- card to begin with and now we don't even see them anymore it's doable kind of blend then a little bit. Yeah its not as futuristic as you'd think it is when definitely fitting up on on a rotating platform like the like -- looks like -- said he. It does it looks like cruise meets Malibu little bit of impala in the air on the side at photos of little ungainly they -- this to watching -- video version. Big blackouts around trimmed below the windows and a big Chrome -- around that. And the whole -- struck me -- a little bit has tech from the side. Just a little you know -- these these really hard not she corners around the room and take you from the record -- the -- oh yeah because -- those highlights and that big black panel began its. -- -- I think it's mostly inoffensive yet as is not an ugly -- not a pretty -- it's a little bit busy in gimmicky. The front -- the best part. It publicly they're trying to disguise the -- -- door still that it -- has now and make it look like -- have a more open green house you are lighter with dad liked him yeah that's true if so that's what that does music -- imagine that wasn't there is they would have like gun slit windows. I do like the hat back on that part that's very practical or useful huge -- opens up and gives you a lot of room in packets specially people them -- seats. But frustrating visibility out the back as you got that split -- what CR zero. CR is the Prius does that -- Prius doesn't run inside and site yeah it's a little restaurant I'm never been a fan of that button I can live. Is -- back -- camera and yet get back camera actually got GM's object detection. Threat and possible warning signal there's something -- -- he's behind you yet so that's good so you're you're -- be -- -- running but he. Arts festival folks a full review as the cars dot cnet.com and the full video is that also there are in that review we -- over on CNET TV dot com. And -- is coming up in the CNET car tech gonna -- We've got the -- reviews of the Chrysler 200. All right are -- -- -- of its I bolt. -- manufactured excitement of a and we have a first take on the smart electric drive a boatload do we haven't we had lymphoma that one all I can say is. -- -- Are coming in next we have the Mazda CX seven that reviews coming up in the garage now the -- new BM WX three just right it's our first in in the new second Generation X. three. And we have another Acura TL which we like last time. With -- changed -- -- accurate TL -- wants to go through it with a plan to -- reports we will. And coming up next week via -- -- 2012 focus the new focus our first in and that. In the garage is gonna be coming in -- we'll have that coming up in the review we can half or so from now. -- folks that's car tech live for this week you know how to reach -- Email and -- car tech at cnet.com. -- the show notes that car tech dot CNET dot county on the show notes past episodes all the links and streams and step. Phone voicemails leave us your thoughts verbally for roadside assistance -- so were about to be right after this if you're watching live. And the voice delivers 866401 -- and its execs for a 12638. And overall on Twitter because if we wouldn't be they would virus I'm Brian Cooley BR IA MC OLEY. Wayne is -- seen. Underscore SF -- And -- one does it do AM TG old or you can use -- alternate accounts peach brandy under fluorescent. -- We'll see on roadside assistance or on the show next week by.