Car Tech Live 244: GM to revamp the heart of the Volt?

GM set to make changes to the -- in response to fires Nissan moves ahead on wireless charging for EUT's. So long -- -- Many Americans prefer their current Internet to a car we drive the new -- with and -- this is car tech live -- summer -- 2011. Show number two and forty quesada shows lot of -- -- lot of weeks. Our first story there's been a busy last week we talked a lot of Apple -- fire issue -- bursting in the -- right and left apparently well. Maybe in the yard after they've been crash tested three weeks later. -- actually announced a fix for the problem. Or at least -- close to affects. When -- last week the via. An actress in the beheaded GM Kim said -- -- overcome this problem we're -- as its assigned you know 151000 engineers to fix the problem immediately. Well that and take too -- yeah that's pretty quick takes -- must've been something. Again minor. Small thing -- in that would result -- relative to just reinforce some of the coolant lines in there -- the keep the battery cool -- And data -- is about a thousand dollar expert vehicle which is actually fairly expensive but -- and there's not that many of them out there rate. And says that barely owners can also take their car into the dealer and get it done there. So not it doesn't elegantly it's huge huge tax rate is -- GM a thousand bucks for current customers right -- I went to yet they want to. At goodwill towards customers so they they'd definitely intend to make this a nice Christmas present for your -- -- DNA in dead. Apparently did this should head off the congressional probe that says it's looking into this yet to see here it's nothing you see here in law and dad and there wasn't much of an issue before -- nobody note actual driver was driving along and re able burst in the -- It was I was very funny because that think in the comments this week I was reading and -- instead if we use in that the voting for the tech ready was we'll talk -- later in the show. And so windows like is the volt pre or post fire. And the response that comment was if you're still winnable when he catches -- -- probably in bed seat because it means you've been in a major crash and having get out the -- Three weeks -- for it it's just been sitting there has been sitting there and solar power auto and -- at the -- -- it's gonna get here. Yet so -- Again. Is a serious issue definitely from the need to be looked at them yeah glad to hear that you know their movement -- -- -- And they found some of the reason for the problem and a little more investigation here. They actually found that the coolant was definitely the problem -- -- -- where they said. We believe it was at the cool points out when it leaked out after an accident it would crystallize over time -- And then that crystallized. Court would cause a short in the battery -- and that battery not being drained which it supposed to be. Sitting there for three weeks rate than that sure would eventually because the short -- can -- doesn't overheat and burst before RE. So we know the problem now long minutes. Again -- a very specific -- several story is -- out of your Apple enters an accident. In that elected the downloadable -- competitor belief Nissan is moving ahead with that obviously and -- actually really moving ahead with this idea of charging it. And actively wirelessly. -- they've been testing this out Saddam. -- what -- they have and -- they've got to I would get a story on this on our blog site here and -- got a new well as TV system -- I think -- it's still the point in testing format that rate. -- the ideas that you just drive over a pad. And yearly charges up. You don't even you did. Plug in the the court. End to end in the photograph and I guess the the of the demonstration. Unit the -- Though you know like sixers and the -- 67 inches tall -- you just kind of back your car over it I think. Ideally you'd want this flush with the ground fatal -- it. -- trended back straight into it but I mean it did -- Side basically kind of work the same way -- like Energizer and and -- the in the wireless induction charging message you get for cell phones. Work where basically it's creating an electromagnetic field that's. Wirelessly. Transmitting the energy if you will -- to the vehicle. Right they have to put a piece on the vehicle to do but it will receive this energy right like yourself -- yet to buy this missile battery case yet. Bats are receiving direct and interactive charged it is on a much larger scale and -- is you need more -- and a couple of -- amp hours right now obviously you only use some electricity in the and then transfer -- won't be quite as efficient as an actual cable connection. But it certainly is convenient every night it is drivers aren't in the garage -- got this pad sitting down there and run -- the picture of the demonstration pad to looks. Like you could just plug it into your your prior outlet yet -- it down in your garage and there it is. Exactly and again I'm hoping that it lighter than that -- and when it's ready for. Republican Thompson does the mean or made out of metal or something that they can stand up to being backed over -- -- -- plastic -- -- Now them. And the people who I -- -- would probably crash that after about a week that there's actually it's funny because it reminds me of out when I was in college we went back and watched the G -- animated movie and and they had this technology is going to I don't animated -- -- that's the technology did he in the movie it over with -- Steele called the broadcast energy transmitter. The idea is that they would like back if truck with a satellite dish you know onto the battlefield and images wirelessly send energy to vehicles. And I just remember thinking this is less than ten years ago was the stupidest thing I've ever heard of my life -- -- -- energy wirelessly to something. And here it is he notices this is suggestion are welcome to realize that we could get that the audit released in GI Joseph does have. -- have a fleet of big trucks driving around in the air broadcasting energy in this thing was like transmitting energy elect fifty yards over an area and I were not there yet it's that. Fifty yards definitely have to has followed that the editor trying to pretty. This is only looks like a couple of inches -- -- -- but it had Daimler's also -- Try in this oversees Benson is that a similar technology there are working on. And yet inducted technology works it's really I think it's a matter of make it practical Kenya I if you -- the video that I posted -- -- -- if -- this week. Would have basically kind of shoes like -- the future. Defined V concept that debuted at the Tokyo motor show also -- he radically charges by induction and and I think Tesla. As I showed off the mind -- charging. It prototypes. As early as beginning of this here -- yet it's not something you should expect to see. Next yeah I mean it's it's kind of one of those things where I think when I think of cellphone inducted turning. You know my first thought as well adjustments and -- dollars were charger. It turns my cellphone slower than the one that came with that I think a lot of people potentially will look at the same way -- -- -- -- Purity back -- up to a charger when you mean it'll take an extra two seconds -- -- that's all about the convenience and is it really that. That can mean. I mean it is seems pretty convenient definitely. Yeah I guess the idea that you don't actually mean union park and argue that view anymore if you and people go out of their way -- to do anything. And answer they'll circle park leapt thirty minutes -- a couple of -- in a -- because there's a -- Well let's talk about a another electric car the -- has been. Kind of a darling of the Texas for a number of years use the -- -- We won't see that are ever now -- that ended sort of toward chips and you look at that essentially one Linda. Progressive automotive X prize competitions. -- -- Brilliantly get a competed. Let me say that -- -- competing and it announced the Nvidia existing dual slalom course. Yet there were prototypes but at -- decided that they had to close their doors. That perhaps there. No more stories -- up there are no more waiting to it for them to release this car and your deposit down so they did take a lot of deposits from potential customers he. Had to return those. -- they said the reason why they shut down the reason why they decided that this wasn't gonna go anywhere is because they can get -- You can get a loan from the Department of Energy to continued -- -- start start up production. Of this vehicle. I've that was never -- that it's usually a fan of the chair and as you know looking at this and this again just I had but first -- Honda Insight. And -- I think I feel like. If his car flu would be interest looks like -- line and I would like -- go to -- to the fact that it's just you know. -- colors around -- like every other car. Not impressed yet end. You know it's a two seater and even though there was certain there's a certain amount of and a Internet love for this car. I just it's not gonna be -- seller I mean. And your average buyers -- look at the pseudo like my -- -- weird I'm gonna buy that yeah I mean it's a two seater with the tandem seating position as -- it. I think it's sad as its innovative new looks it looks like it should be and -- -- -- in an image into media on a on the -- of Florida and just thinking. I really no policy -- my passenger lap -- that -- little. It seems a little weird that a you know other than Britney and sitting there and you get a passenger behind -- -- conversation is just like. He should be talking you should be driving you shouldn't be but I mean it's like you know that free and that everyone has been used in the passenger -- they're looking at she won't actually write and elect and the -- -- -- Now imagine that person doing this. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- the carbon yet there's another carbon head your corporate across a carpet habits just let me -- what the perfect backseat driver vehicle and the tandem -- that that that. That's all -- developments. I yes -- no more -- -- or anybody -- people -- access the. -- and actually mean you know it is it's yet it's it's an interesting car and it was elect pick on and I would have lifted -- I've driven it. Rather than other -- that you like a lot more. Is there -- the models. I love this guy doesn't step on the market yet there is no secret that -- a Mazda -- fan boy I we've got some information coming from UK publication what car. And actually talk to other hit -- -- are indeed. And he basically said that the next -- out of the fourth generation of the must in the united going to be your turn to form. For and I for the roadster if you will which means that now we're getting closer to the you know 212200. Week arranged so it's about 300 pound weight savings night sky. Lot of sky active technologies -- that's kind of my optical sustainable zoom zoom -- the got to keep their other fuel economy. -- But now what's interesting here is -- you know that speculation is that the next generation in the attic could. I benefit from Turbo charging technology stepping down from my two liter naturally aspirin and engine to -- out of one point three liter Turbo. And I amazulu -- about the same horse power there but in the if they can get. Did they'll definitely get a -- calorie ratio than the original Miata. And I'm very interest in and that's. This could be very cool. The the sky active technology is right I mean this is directing their objection the original case and and you get a lot of horsepower a lot of efficiency out of those engines. Although I wasn't that impressed with -- on the recent Mazda three that we had in they have the two liter. Direct injection sky active engine. 150 by of course -- -- and and the much heavier -- -- it is the -- yet again that that's a problem it is and I'm sure the can got more horsepower that engine. And it -- it because they wanted the big fuel economy which is. But if you think about if if the the in the original -- -- a 2100 pounds -- 106. U horsepower was it when I'm under sixty under any. If they can get back down to fight -- weights and you know. -- that same 40050. Under sixty horse power through the one point six I mean this will still be a fun car to drive -- But I'm thinking that you know -- the -- that that toll and a I read draft plan for receiver will rear drive vehicle the pro meet shooting to stay around to -- -- -- my guess. -- -- -- That is kind of saying yeah and the same old you know people are gonna want. You know for something that the performance oriented vehicle -- -- -- -- in a wide lead the first thing people look at in American Lisa horse power. So you know they're gonna wanna pretty good power to -- reached -- but I mean I think they're kind of getting back to the whole unit that. -- good chuckle bull. Late week car and you know saving weight is a really good way to improve performance and fuel economy -- enzymes that -- so there was picked as it -- around 2014 and I you'll definitely. Hear about it as soon as I hear about it but as I can set up about. That's yeah a little bit of a long wait there but it certainly more realistic on the -- -- I didn't let that. We -- -- -- -- teaser photos from -- should about the return of the dark. The -- that it's kind of an iconic car -- they actually had won a one point AM the 73 dart and dad. So they they gonna bring that name back because they'd somehow realized that all these in a San Francisco -- are still driving them around. And debit -- -- dart it is released a couple of teaser photos this is all in advance of the Detroit auto show where they will. Unveiled the production version of this car -- And it's gonna be built on the Alfa Romeo and Juliette platforms so this is part of their. We -- you know partial ownership by fiat. And that's apparently not on some of -- commoners -- -- that's one of the safest been rated one of the safest cars in Europe totaling. So it sounds like a good platform. Because -- Americans they had to lengthen and widen it a -- yet can be. Small enough to go down in -- narrow streets. Well I mean Ed I think it's interesting because you think about the add you know every brain -- -- its stereotype. Die and I mean. I just doesn't really have. Reliable. Sort of and they reputation and I don't think about it when in Al Bundy have a guides. -- -- -- always in bad condition and you also think about a you know added that capitulation of the offer me as a kind of crappy cars that big because of the ones that we had the -- -- that so it's like. -- OKs are combining to Connecticut keeper at that. And it -- a -- of car -- believe it'll. And ended I've not heard anything bad about via the -- a platform but in -- -- if you 500 we drove. Solid adults seem to me about I mean in -- is gonna fall are definitely had clinched the dashboard with a definitely get up in the morning try to started incidents that there. I this the sheet metal on this looks entry in -- -- seems to stay with dodges current. You design language. I really I like the wave from them that the front picture that the -- bleeds into the headlights that yet very interesting styling cues that I really want to see. The with the whole front of that vehicle looks like and it's very aggressive. -- is nice touch and the scar that they've shown the pictures. There's actually got an RT -- on the back so it's their performance version that SR -- in -- road and track you'll eventually get an authority. How well they mentioned they didn't ask us about three engines and about three potential and -- for the -- and or three engines they will release and one is the engine that's in the Fiat 500 he -- So the one point four liter Tera -- yes so that's set out to be pretty -- close 200 horsepower let me. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Do you thinks he isn't. I think we -- -- -- and respect that that it is a 160 dad -- and you aren't yet but I mean you know if that's like their entry level model. A reasonable amount of power a small car except they must get to other engines ones -- two -- -- -- -- 2.4 liter ED the team -- is just if they've got this new line and into the called tiger shark which means crazy stuff. The -- -- I think it's gonna be the -- that content that's actually -- needle less interest in engine because that 2.4 of the image and uses. The multi air variable valve timing technology that is also used in the one point four way. So debt that's publicly more advanced engine and a 2.4 probably be -- more powerful. Right. Excellent balance -- 200 horse power. I'm just thinking it -- eighty. -- could fill their SRT for line. I community SRT four -- 68 models that -- the current 34 as caliber is an. So it used to be neon but this could be the nexus RT four with a pretty powerful 2.4 liter Turbo -- would be awesome. Yeah I would think from the look at this -- I would like that that that space it's got dual exhaust and they say they'd put those on anyway India you know even though four cylinder. -- But its territory will take a look at that at the Detroit auto show -- when that happens in the very early January and a pretty soon -- actually. I there was another big announcement from Honda last week introduction to Tokyo motor show which I think is be -- about now. This they they'd punched says got a critical Earth's greens tech. Biology all of Japanese. Auto makers means there -- he's just. Either super material. Or learn something like super all wheel control. Just either -- -- shouting get -- -- with a finger pointed aren't. And it is very intimate I'm pretty sure it -- technology something that happens and Final Fantasy XIII you have Internet access. Probably. This line and this is actually something I've been -- -- waiting for -- to come up with. Leo it's a whole new set of engines only set -- power train technology that -- -- I did brand -- -- -- the beat the speed umbrella for new technology Monday -- our current technology. It's it's. There so we need this I'm so happy to see that they're actually doing something and in this front. Mostly most of its going to be direct injection engines. Most of it is that what they're gonna -- -- a series of direct injection engines that go all the way. From 660 CC two point six appeared to hit 23 point five liter spa. -- that's X sixty will never see in the US New Mexico. And -- they replicate car engine but that 3.5. The -- engine yet definitely. That's just gonna be a big improvement on the current three point by that they put in about a thing everything from the court to the I would seriously be called -- -- pilot -- And a free personal engine and this should make it into the -- to imagine probably him since. Were seen an engine and about us telling one point 52 liter to four liter all those kind of things -- -- improved. They talk about using direct injections. And -- Atkinson cycle team I -- And I guess they're gonna keep me to excel still get pregnant generated beat and -- -- that would be like miles to get rid of the winkle and in no wait at its. They are also going to improve their hybrid system. Which is good news because. No it's not very efficient and yet. Mary integrated motor assist I am a system was just -- a different. Paradigm for hybrid engine hybridization. So I mean. -- -- -- is -- -- -- some different electric motors. Yet unseen VT technology it's ugly it's gonna be a full kinda like the -- a synergy system where it'll actually be able to propel the car and electric power. And Italy is a lithium ion battery access is all very modern stuff -- doubling of -- from on it but the thing I'm really intrigued about as we mentioned. One thing we called that hybrid all wheel drive system aliases such similar to the act -- -- elections are X. Where they basically -- electric motor on the rear axle and -- narrates a little drive put it this takes it beyond that actually put. Electorate with a motor at each rear wheel -- sport -- factoring in. Then they have an engine the -- and other electric motor. It's a two electric cars so three total -- basically its left front wheel drive. Hybrid with two electric motors on the back -- Randy say dad when he -- -- motor on each where we deal. And data lithium ion battery packs seven speed dual clutch transmission. Equivalents those motors away. Not much -- -- but it motors small yeah things you wouldn't normally is in the Tesla and that's you know you can turn under your arm -- it's like at that. -- you think whenever people are talking about you know electric and all will drive the first thing that pops up in conversation -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Motors and inflict you know funds -- -- you don't wanna put a motor in front of the real. So I'm guessing these are gonna be in board. I think they must be yeah I yeah what are about the -- there but I don't the sounds the mean like you could be well. I've taken a new version of -- SX -- that be like an awesome and as an SX windows and empower the NSA has to be rear -- on it and it's just gotta put the -- gasoline to the rear -- yeah and maybe put electric -- on rates lag and occasional all wheel drive -- but you can't have a friend -- finance and it. -- -- -- Maybe they didn't give it a different designation they talk about I think -- MDX is the first thing that expands this -- that definitely it makes sense but did that. But part of the -- MDX's appeal of their currency Rowell super handling all wheel drive system can put simply need. Percent of power to the rear axle and then split and even. A 100% to one we'll you know I mean it's the -- DX can become rear bias than -- -- the early Clinton -- twenty kilowatt motors on the rear -- that changes. -- -- overall torque bias as far as that which can split I think you know they could data with all the powered. Models they have -- this thing they could. Spoke to power up all sorts of ways and they did bias towards the rear and and then manager really typical NSX maneuvers and -- -- I want a new list. An I would like and you I would like an old in access that at -- -- -- 20 am sure mr. Yet nothing wrong of that so that's that the whole point of this technology it is to reduce -- want to reduce their carbon tax and carbon emissions by. 30% yet. In that -- microphone disc and -- -- here. -- -- things his Gateway he -- and it will all struggle through to the end of the show here that -- via on the road that ran for. Does is it's actually you know electric -- and bring this and -- -- story which I think is. Lot have been on a roller coaster ride with this now I'll Begin by explaining what it is this is the -- speed -- -- And basically what it is. Is -- it's like a third Axl slash additional battery pack. That will allow snap on to like a -- block. The back of the Smart electric drive the -- ED -- fully electric. Smart Car. At first I thought this is extremely stupid but then I got -- thinking about it and as -- slept on it and I woke up this morning thinking. This is brilliant. In his direction now here's here's -- I can think that this kind of -- trying to say it's added. There's so many like interesting ways you can -- -- the agency being you can do with this -- that's -- -- the idea is you can have different that some icon. -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- You only need a hundred dollar range -- -- what if you wanna go up the wine country. Walden knew just snap the pack on now and in addition to. -- increased battery life longer range. You've also increased the wheelbase of the Smart so when you're on the highway -- -- -- whole rocky thing that's true ally and then I got to thinking about it some more and I'm like where you gonna put this thing you -- if you live in the city -- -- -- just -- story an extra battery -- in a dragon -- -- -- apartment. They like what if you're Smart dealer leads them to use public on his -- Clark and -- things like L I need you know an extra hundred miles of range tomorrow you go online you register -- The next morning on your way at a town you just go to the dealership back in snap on your extra battery -- I mean there isn't so many like interesting. You know ways that you can. I have there that make sense to you this is that clarity because otherwise this thing is just sitting museum space Jasper three weeks that are like most month's end of the year yet. I you know one weekend a month or something you're taken out so that that makes sense I think it looks -- As appealing I mean international -- goofy but it looking who fear in the Smart -- -- -- -- we have this one but I here that says the the whole thing together with a -- hop on it and -- -- -- its embassy in -- -- -- let me -- -- And bring that down a bit just select it it when it snaps -- to the back normally expect kind of went -- -- -- -- -- system aren't elected to lead pickup truck. But then one of the photos hands like a click the list would click an extra top -- -- snapped on or. I just. A -- profile better look overall. -- ideas you can deficit clothes I guess that'd probably never any -- -- -- there now but you can actually fit people that there. And this is I think the funniest thing they do you have an -- in speed -- release and animations showing. The backpack the dock and -- pitting onto the second the -- at. And -- -- an awesome idea. And I would like to see all -- manufacturers like doing some sort of like. Extended battery the option I mean maybe it's not something is -- like an extra and it lets you snap on the back where it. I mean what if it was like a suitcase sized battery that she just toss into the hatch of your leaf. When you need extra range now understand that mean it it could be that easy enemy -- -- -- -- proprietary port back there in the trunk you can be the easiest -- snapping it in. I'm just imagining like Honda portable generator that you put in of the luggage space of -- leaf and pull cord and yet they're still ready to edit their blur in a way you'd drive all the senate nearly visible. And I yet Britain's Beagle actually -- -- is this crazy Swiss. -- car modification company. That will -- they do weird things every every year for -- that you knew about -- it's a sub car dad and I and in. Submarine V -- sort of yeah last year was the bamboo which was in great yeah -- card driver on the beach. That's it this that is awesome. I'm just gonna come -- say it. But then they would release this is that there is showing what they're gonna be would you even Geneva's months and monthly performance away -- -- -- performance. So they get out ahead of everybody else on what's going to be soon getting so good for them. CEO who we got the other story here about them -- or Internet today. What what do you you know in this got -- goes to what people are going to be doing in the future people to be buying cars and they apparently. Lot of people are yet younger generation is really more interest didn't dispute on the Internet then driving I let's suck to be young. At the but does it say it's a toss and a 5050 thing and have it. Is never -- -- for me and maybe the Internet was and is awesome when I was a teenager to buy it. Yeah and -- -- very few things -- -- -- -- over keys to a car we certainly didn't have the Internet when I was a teenager but. Idea driving was that was you know turn sixteen get the license that that was yeah all I want it to life and that was news. In the -- -- -- -- and now your free you do whatever you want. -- -- look at dubbed the landscape stretching away and you think that I can get there and drive anywhere now without my parents. -- But I mean I guess now we're such a connected society you know FaceBook Twitter you know people are. -- -- -- -- And also were a guest lists. Getting less and less of at a car -- culture particularly circling a metropolitan areas where it's not really practical have a car. I can see how. How would become the -- -- against in people who just never had. It read really awesome cars like you know we had when I was communicating -- there there's a generation. Of -- kids come and approve only -- -- or super is in movies. Editorial -- has not had a spores however and a generation of of kids. And there and there is the growing urbanization of the country and so bitter experience of getting in a car -- you get an a -- and you sit in traffic for. You know a couple miles and get answers outside a stoplight after stoplight. Against and 45 minutes parking -- -- -- like driving sucks. Yet you don't get that experience of going out in the hills are getting out and pretty land you know driving fast and having fun. Yet you know it's that you do with that -- you know we -- the racing games that and packaging that great expert you know I agree. -- -- pretty good job of giving you that adrenaline rush of driving. And -- you just cannot do on public roads you can't what you. Can -- -- -- and not quite to the same extent as you can in the game you know if you go to attracting or something like that that's. -- -- -- -- And then that but you know -- only do that maybe once a month or something it's harder harder to come by those than it is to it is. Run -- the game sensor plain. -- yes so the question is though will allow -- -- makers follow this you know if the people you know the kids don't really want to drive much anymore and and then there's a -- other. That -- episode of the whole idea of autonomous cars taking over -- -- -- thinking about that yeah. United were to play on the on the route to autonomous cars. And we talked about this in the show before one thing that I fear about the whole thing is -- by 20/20 we -- autonomous cars work really well on their safer than human drivers. Will. You know the DOT start saying okay humans can drive cars anymore. Class. And a panel livery at this point the guy sector -- people right -- so we're gonna have autonomous cars to take care it would be nice if they just -- harder for people. I have I don't know yet it does make -- of the of the licensing process. -- -- agreed it lays out of I've always been lucky huge proponent of an agreed it licensed product. System works just like RHU you have like this class of license so I mean not. In you net -- -- -- complex -- whatever planet pass. I guess you know if you don't allow planes are kind of like -- -- -- Telecom thinking a lot of states the kind of moving over to -- -- doing this where. You know the first couple years of driving like you can't be Al pass this amount of time you can't have -- many people in the car and caught texting and driving that they. When you get one shot I think if I'm not mistaken. My sister's about to get her driver's license and -- -- -- all these rules where it's just like. You know he turned sixteen in UK like at you don't get just like a driver's license and you're just loosely -- your -- it's like now old. You know you have to check unions in this -- hours driving with an adult and the we owlen. That makes -- I am and I support that kind of stuff because I'm not sixty at that prey but this is easy for me to look back look mean but it also think about. I think about every action at the Baghdad in in the first two years and how striving and it. There's always someone in the car I was always doing something else was -- fiddling with -- it was usually 2 o'clock in the morning for. It's just you not to think of -- what my insurance rates would be like if somebody was stopping me from being an Apple forever at the age of seventeen. Yet the -- -- -- -- why interprets as a hyper you know kids -- -- -- -- -- These rules makes some sense -- -- -- how we get their hearing I don't know how we get an -- -- -- about that car the Internet to process the data I was leading -- on -- road trip recently that that I think the left when should be only for sports cards I answered or Israel us well to doors. And out to all the -- the minivans in the suvs and everything is sedans in the right -- But -- -- onto our final sorry your thumb which is -- sort of about pump up our. The story we've got their voting for the 2011 to -- bureau opened these are released yearly -- -- -- awards. And death the main one is the tech car of the year so voting is open for that we've got five nominees on the site. They are the 2012 Audi a seven. -- 2011 BM WX three the 2011 Chevrolet volts. The 2012 Infiniti M hybrid. And the 2000 -- Mercedes-Benz CLS 550. -- -- didn't make it into the voting last year because we had -- tester review it actually we only nominee cars we've reviewed. So. You can go to on this up until I guess -- Monday -- I think when you have voting ends on Monday known. Actually week from day -- and humanities and yet nineteenth. -- and then that will actually announced the winner woods are internal -- you'll look over the results and but in our own votes -- her internal -- and that's just a we -- expect this -- take a look at this -- that. And maker our decision as well and will -- have a -- tech car of the year from CNET. On Wednesday I think yeah yeah we -- -- on Wednesday the 21. So we can talk about a -- playing on the show on the 22 article -- on the 22 Yasser. -- currently looks like the where order -- the -- her. Current -- user voting. The volt has a strongly. -- to -- -- -- and it said super high tech cars so. I mean that the point of the sort award as the yen you know tech -- of the -- -- -- -- -- -- really -- technology. In the automotive segment. -- amongst these nominees the -- -- was doing really well the next one up is the Audi a seven. Which has some traction there it's got the whole -- features I think that is a near perfect tech cards get the latest. Engine technology and it's got some pretty good engine technology but it isn't quite as advanced double and -- So anyway if you want to you gifts -- when your two -- -- -- data boat -- and dad chime in on the comments CU. I noticed some people -- comments were also asking for the Gloucester and they've lost -- we have not reviewed it yet. And then is currently looking at the cars that are in the -- At -- and a real chance and you. Yeah dad and it does have Monday's news. Newest version -- their their telemann system. Blue link but it -- by the time it gets here will will be damaged and there's that and that. And really committed like a seven that he is seven noted that only quite holds a candle. It might immediate here suppression of -- degrees or your retirement until it had one point three liter and particularly. And our scale on our review scale review or buy stuff in the -- -- It's time -- -- on the road with that Antuan and I we take out the new at 2012 clinic Tamarine accidentally on on the road. This can be done and still -- precincts that -- -- -- so this is the most expensive camera you can. It's pretty well loaded we've got a really nice improved interior and discovered when he twelve. Running vista's leather on the dashboard and all looks pretty nice it's pretty nice -- here are some additional inserts and the bags. Yet that I think -- good looking car quiet again and I noticed on the right down here. Even at highway speeds and you don't get the tunnel route -- kind of coming -- it's not Mercedes in a quiet. But it is definitely the Toyota why there were used to. It's an exterior styling as -- -- -- -- Last year's previous generation of those that are. Down in the -- and -- -- -- -- up front panel and it says the distinctive grille. And it's not ideas and help wash. -- plus the -- -- -- a little bit more aggressive in and there's a little bit more angular and just. Supposed to round news. I'm and I also like -- magnate. I'm wearing -- tail lamps and so -- Japanese cars these days the biggest improvement account. Great. Its first vehicle in the first. Not vehicle debuted there in -- system. I was there -- an Internet -- activities Smartphone app integration suite. Now basically what you would do in this cases install the into an Apple iPhone or Android -- Ideally. You should gain access to things like pandora Internet radio streaming nor -- -- -- search right now which. My -- in the navigation systems and does this info button and an apps button here. And then you should get a screens showing you know apps you. Unfortunately. It works. -- the problem with your believes -- and please try and global mobile on the we got -- -- herewith and for involvement we couldn't get it can. Likewise we've had issues. Getting it to work between iPhone. Venting system brings in lot of the other and other data to -- prices and things like -- Even a mustard trend toward in the suffered from where it should bring a lot of this data through a satellite radio. And we've got etc. into fuel prices sports scores stock information weather. -- kind of stuff. Which I lower -- you can surrogate and soon to bring that kind of data in a day in the separately August yeah. -- works and it has decent -- -- the satellite is that if your phone to not pages don't get it and it's also -- You -- -- plan is we don't know how much data the average person when you think it depends on how much pandora you're -- -- be -- ultimately. So that's the Atlantic -- we've had. We're really excited to try the and tune system and businesses some pretty -- interest -- app technology and -- -- -- it was a did. Way to tackle -- technology in a car without having too much infrastructure -- you know make it an easier to do. But we have very differing results on connecting phones to it my iPhone three. He -- even my voluntary would not even -- connects of the car in general it could not even play music on -- so does the whole head unit did not recognize the iPhone three did for -- -- -- filled with a bit -- got a data to work. -- then you're out Android we had issues with try to connect via Bluetooth. -- added it and there's like a lot of a lot of like factors -- play like I'm not sure if if it's just okay is you know this particular model -- particular car has -- had at that point. Three or four phones period to attend and have -- weekends just freaking out. Or I don't know -- my interests I was just doing something weird is -- want to do you. Our says the older version of -- IOS -- of the hardware that from the iPhone three G. Was just -- it freaked out there's a lot of factors that -- -- saying it's bad system and we've all seen it work. So we know what can do. I vigorously enough I was that we would get the new Prius V and right now which has the same head unit basically you and I tried plugging in an iPhone four. -- the USB port. The worked immediately were politically. Steel and hassle for. Our photographer test does -- it is set your. Eyes and his has been -- up to use such things is not. Dead nice to his devices that in depth and it worked just fine so I think Apple changed the the hardware some of the the protocols in its iPhone and suddenly doesn't work well with the -- -- -- Apple so annoying that way -- But Cooley Brian -- he actually had a is Android phone hooked up I had no problem to Antony had no problem setting it up network to sponsor -- on a lot of the press -- the usually. You'll stuff so that they usually applicants three X two or something in there so I added at I think in May have just in the like my my phone is always not working in some advantages -- just been. The blue -- system. Being stupid. Yes and but that Brian Cooley here did have a complaining -- what I've discussed and I with him and went in system and he said. Yet hooked up well all right but it just took so long to find results yet. -- their I think we've got a -- actually up on the site about where the camera media from Brian and dad he does a comparison where he looks for an address on his his Droid you. And also has -- been searching for an address out within -- and system. And the Droid just on the phone. It's already navigating by the time the being management results -- so. Not -- not all. It should be day if you if you're trying to decide which when you're gonna -- while you do in sixty miles per hour. I mean take the second week for an that ink system to do it because it daily advantage here is that it works through. The -- exports interface and I added that he thinks are like being Seri chew also -- voice command that can say. I've searched for. Whatever your favorite taco restaurant is that instead of like pulling your phone mountain and -- running into something -- fiddling with the small touch screen. I strangely and attitude to act did -- being voice search you have to have to push light -- of an icon on the the screen you can't use the voice command button on the steering -- -- Which isn't just a lack of integration break dallas' first instance they haven't really all the piece -- together very well. Yet hopefully that'll they'll be smoothed out Apple to -- that -- I think the system. Is definitely an early adopters system right now it's -- first gen system it's not. Not perfect yet hopefully it'll be improved I hope that Toyota continues to push this forward. -- -- together 2012 Camry in general are we talking about a little bit and then the video -- The Camry and Internet at. Especially lately they should have used it's a car -- -- freeze for the Camry and that the artists actors and -- than they Camry is. As. As with the -- looking for generic baseline at an army and it's it's kind of like the of this than a at this point it's kind of like the standard. I which other cars are doing is is it better than to carriers that works in the Tamarine. Memories like that if you percent point but I mean -- think that good card to 3.5 liter -- -- good enough power. Minutes' quiet and of the steering the -- of the electronic power steering doesn't really feel is any more over boosted. Than it did in any other camera that -- -- and and it's just a driving character varies in much the same yes -- think you're safe and very comfortable. -- is just it doesn't really inspire the AM may mean immediate need to address the -- again on that out of cross course that -- -- on how I. That I was interest in but -- -- I have a hard time kind of getting anything out of -- Quality and its adjacent the camera because they've got the B six the 2.5. Liter four cylinder in the hybrid and looking at all those cars. The hybrid just thinks the most sense yet I don't see why you would bother with the gas engines and at all because with a hybrid. Yet forty miles per gallon and that's an average -- -- highway. So that that should be your average in that car. And you lawsuit 200 horsepower which is more than the 2.4 liter porcelain. And their two point -- -- -- that just. And edit fields get added that power feels dead and you'll see -- I -- gas mileage so. You know it's just in the V6 you don't really need -- V6 on the camera and -- site. It well it nice and it it's not a great V6. And the Nokia -- 260 horsepower for. Not even close to three and I will agreed that it can't retirees probably the best of the bunch. This is interesting because it is very similar to Yuma civic and the second time they were saying get a hybrid. It's faster. Yet if it's better you better -- got -- -- -- power it's it's better -- -- -- -- to do that -- to the pricing I think the -- prices around -- -- means is -- And you know how expensive that car we are driving next aliens how expensive. The sticker on that car and -- this is fully loaded this is probably the most expensive Cameron and by 33000. Dollars. Yen a year in premium territory -- -- -- dangerously close to wired to just buy an accurate that point yet. Lexus Infiniti. The city's Benz C class and I think equally equipped in continued. The a lot more ushered in an attack forty when -- and yet they would eye me almost of the opinion that would be in -- spent with. Of greeting to an eight Infiniti G for example some asserted that it's really apples to apples there but it definitely compared to -- Alexis -- you mean. And if they did it's it's a -- do you want like a nice entry level Lexus owner you know that top of the top -- Camry. I am definitely not -- that -- net. That -- are not yet the hybrid and it's been Taiwanese get a lot of that same technology and you get -- -- -- so people yet seeking to link it ceiling goes there's a good guy. Also in the environment -- here. Getting about fifteen miles more per gallon Levys expect that that's a lot of money MES if -- if we're honest to me I'd stop late Gregory thing and -- At that at. So. The guy just a bad camera he is the pace car for NASCAR -- yeah -- -- So that -- -- we -- you know that the that this program was gonna be looking and then team and and drive along and nobody gets a signal into. All I mean it it did you know for for cabin tech -- I do like the idea and -- also kind of wanna point out the maps look better it is yet. It's a huge improvement over them. Really pixelated maps and a senior call on the last we have and it's. Yeah this is that idea that holy head unit to add new maps they don't like three different tiers of like navigation that you can get -- variants now we are the sort of top -- so. Amid the color display audio -- is part of this whole thing. And if you run it right what -- you get you get to LCD with out to navigation easy but it also -- your iTunes library your iPhone library that kind of stuff. As oddities and iPhone four. Certain death you know do you give you a nice big display for all your obvious things and then you can add navigation to that I believe that works. Yet anyway. As that that is the at Toyota Camry -- there's obviously a lot of different grades and a lot more affordable ones below that. Ballots -- go to what's in the CNET garage. -- -- can last weeks. Now we just have to put a camera in every new is that going live today. Sector RTS that we -- that in that that -- -- US -- yesterday. Mazda threes and you must -- 2012 with sky just technology that went live by yesterday. Right now we've got to clear -- Prius is TE -- five fabulously. In the Honda Civic SI just when he twelve Honda Civic society as a post in right now we're driving those -- out. Coming up we're gonna have the Lexus CT 200 age and not -- -- the Hyundai philosopher. Too often waiting for that -- -- -- last -- of the year. This is -- that. Cnet's car tech live. You can now take a look at our our blogs like -- dot cnet.com my gets in show notes -- links of some of the stories we've talked about in the show. Little more in depth information that -- on the pretty pictures. And dad you can also email us we want that we've got a -- a roadside assistance that which can email asks questions. That -- partake at cnet.com. Or you can now leave a voicemail 866401. CN ET. Can follow us on Twitter Brian Cooley is Brian Cooley BR INA and -- level and line. I just your former wrangling I am Wayne C underscored SF on Twitter and Antuan is interview -- TE GOO. On Twitter. -- -- -- --