The legendary Chevrolet Corvette widely regarded as “America’s Sports Car’, zoomed to the top of 2006 list of the top ten “sexiest, hottest, and wildest wheels” released by Road and Travel Magazine. The other pony car, Ford Mustang, came in at second. Rounding up the elite list were the BMW Z4, Hyundai Tiburon, Honda S2000, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Mercedes-Benz SLK, Nissan 350Z Roadster, Dodge Charger, and the new Pontiac Solstice. As expected, almost all the cars listed were sports cars and coupes with the exception of the Dodge Charger, the only four-seater on the selection.

All these cars possessed one common denominator: pure sex appeal. Road and Travel Editor-in-chief Courtney Caldwell explained the predilection towards sports cars. She said that ‘sports cars are all about the sensations they inspire from how the supple leather feels on our skin to its aromatic splendor, from the youthful spirit felt driving one to the sun on our back and wind in our hair; Sports cars are about fantasy and self image. Just looking at one incites erotic thoughts and visions of grandeur. Owning one turns those images into reality!’

The other cars who made it to the list have already won accolades from other award-giving bodies. The Pontiac Solstice took home the ‘Most Sex Appeal’ award at the 2006 International Car of the Year Awards. The Dodge Charger won the coveted top plum: Car of the Year. Meanwhile, Nissan 350Z’s ads won for it the 2nd Annual Heart String Award for best car commercial, also given out by Road and Travel Magazine.

The importance of seatbelts in vehicle safety can not be ignored. Over the yeas, innovations have been introduced to make seatbelts more efficient and convenient for vehicle occupants. New seatbelt designs and technologies are now being developed by a number of companies and automakers. Many automakers are working on seatbelts that are attached to the seats instead of the side or ceiling of the car as in conventional seatbelts. However, this type of seatbelts may not be convenient for rear-seat passengers than front-seat occupants.

Some automakers are also developing seatbelts that amp up the level of protection by automatically tightening as soon as it detects pressure on the brakes in the event of an impending crash. This ensures that the passenger is properly restrained in case of crash. Another seatbelt innovation still in the works is a rear-seatbelt warning system that inflates on impact.

Another high-tech innovation in seatbelts is a built in breathalyzer system that is linked to the car’s starter. Apparently, the car will not start if the breathalyzer detects a high alcohol content level in the driver. Still, this integrated breathalyzer must comply with varying state DUI laws. These new designs will be offered either as standard equipment or part of a safety options package.

Among the current models featuring seat-integrated seatbelts include the 2007 Honda Element, Saab 9-3 convertibles, Mercedes CL-, SL-class. The Infiniti Q45, M35, and M45 also offer electronic sensor system. The rear-seat shoulder belts in the new Ford Reflex concept feature air bags. Meanwhile, Volvo is developing an integrated breathalyzer and seat-belt system called Alcolock.

Adaptive Cruise Control is one of the most advanced innovations in automotive technology today, probably a precursor to fully automated travel. A number of luxury vehicles offer ACC. Mercedes Benz was the first to offer ACC, called the Distronic system. Other automakers followed suit, such as Lexus’ with its Dynamic Laser Cruise Control, Acura, Audi, Nissan, Volkswagen, BMW, Infiniti, Cadillac, Toyota and Jaguar.

Adaptive cruise control uses either radar or lasers that signal the car to slow down if it gets too close to another car on the road and accelerate again if the traffic allows it. AAC promises to reduce rear-end collisions in heavy traffic as well as reduce fuel consumption. ACC can also handle twice or thrice today’s traffic.

Among the models with Adaptive Cruise Control, the Acura RL’s has a collision mitigating braking system. Some Infiniti models are equipped with sensors and cameras that read the lane markers and alert the drivers when crossing into another lane. Meanwhile, sensors in the Audi Q7 monitor blind spots.

If you think the stylish and glamorous Mercedes Benz SL550 is still not enough to grab everyone’s attention, then a diamond covered SL550 will most definitely do. Or rather, overdo. This one was unveiled at an auto show in oil-rich Dubai, most probably to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary Mercedes Benz SL550. There’s no info if the diamonds are genuine or fake, but real or not, this car’s price tag is certainly written in figures that only people the likes of the Sultan of Brunei or Paris Hilton can comprehend.

Via Jalopnik

Five new luxury models will offer autopilot systems that let a car drive itself if it senses any danger of an accident ahead, Fortune Magazine reports. These 5 luxury models include the Audi Q7 SUV which offers twin radar sensors that alert the driver about blind spots and when changing lanes. Audi’s self Drive system costs an extra $500. Meanwhile, the Acura RL will feature collision-mitigation brakes that brakes on its own if the driver fails to respond. The high-tech brakes are expensive however, costing about $3800. The Infiniti M45, FX45 (above photo) and Q45 features a camera that reads lane markings and alerts the driver when lane straying.

Mercedes Benz offers a ‘distonic’ cruise control for $550. The German automaker claims that this new system can reduce rear-end collisions by up to 75%. General Motors Inc. is also developing a similar system. Meanwhile, DOT is planning on putting up ‘smart intersections’ complete with cameras. However, the use of in-car cameras has some legal impediments mainly because it could lead to speeding tickets and snooping. Another unresolved issue is whether the manufacturer will be liable if a crash still occurs despite deployment and use of these systems.

CNN/Money and Edmunds.com recently teamed up to pick the best cars that are not only smart buys but are easy on fuel consumption as well. The list is composed of the best vehicles in five categories with very good fuel mileage and outstanding automotive values. It is interesting to note that although hybrid vehicles were mentioned in some categories, none of the top choices for the categories were hybrids. This is due to the added cost of hybrids, from a purely economic standpoint hybrids are not good value. In three out of five categories, Toyota went all the way to the top. This is another underscore to the fact that Toyota is a renowned builder of fuel-efficient cars with excellent overall quality:

Here are the top cars in the five categories:

Luxury Vehicle: Mercedes-Benz E320 CDI, Mileage: 27 city/37 highway

Family Sedan: Toyota Camry, Mileage: 24 city/34 highway

Sports Car: Chevrolet Corvette, Mileage: 18 city/28 highway

Crossover/Wagon: Toyota Rav4, Mileage: 24 city/30 highway

Compact Car: Toyota Corolla, Mileage: 32 city/41 highway

In the history of the automotive industry, police cars and other fleet vehicles have almost always been on the receiving end of recycled technology. Well, that was not the case today when DaimlerChrysler unveiled to the world the first operational fuel cell-powered police vehicle – the Mercedes F-Cell.

The Mercedes F-Cell is the latest product of DaimlerChrysler’s continuing development of fuel cell technology in vehicles. Pioneering the fuel cell vehicle technology more than a decade ago, the company is now the biggest proponent of the said technology, spending more than $1 billion in fuel cell vehicle research and registering more than 1.2 million miles of zero-emissions driving. Among the company’s large fleet of fuel cell vehicles are the Dodge Sprinter vans, Mercedes Benz Citaro fuel cell buses, and several of other research vehicles.

For the Mercedes F-Cell, the entire fuel cell system of the vehicle is laid down underneath its floor, leaving enough space in its interior for passengers and cargos. The vehicle is powered by an 88 hp electric motor that allows the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 16 seconds, with a top speed of 85 mph. While all these figures are modest, to say the least, the car is definitely an achievement in fuel cell vehicle technology.

Complete with a third generation police radio, decals, lights and sirens, the Mercedes F-Cell will be operated by the Wayne State University Police Department of Detroit as a supervisor’s vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle will also serve as a learning laboratory for the students of the WSU College of Engineering Alternative Energy Technology. The WSU Police Department will refuel the said vehicle at NextEnergy’s new hydrogen refilling station.

Come April 13 to 24, 2006, the automotive industry will once again converge at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in the Big Apple to witness the world’s automakers bring out and introduce their newest vehicle models and concepts at one of the biggest auto events this year – the 2006 New York International Automobile Show. The NY Auto Show promises a very exciting presentation this year with automakers expected to pull out all the stops to unveil their latest offerings. Nearly 1,000 cars, trucks, minivans, SUVs and crossover vehicles with prices ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 will go on display at the auto show.

John LaSorsa, the chairman of the NY Auto Show said that “There are more all-new cars and trucks coming to the 2006 Show than we’ve ever seen before, from the luxury new S-Class Mercedes and Jaguar XK Convertible to the nimble and fuel efficient Nissan Versa and Honda Fit, the Javits Center will be overflowing with completely new and re-styled 2006 and ‘07 model year vehicles.”

Expect to see a good mix of both import and domestic car makes and models from industry heavyweights Toyota, Ford, Honda, GM, DaimlerChrysler, Volkswagen, Volvo, Audi and many more. Among the most anticipated new models to be unveiled at the show include the 2007 Ford Edge, the Jaguar XK convertible, the crossovers Mazda CX-7 and CX-9, the Nissan Versa, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Ford GT, Ford Adrenaline, Saturn Sky, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Mercedes-Benz GL Class, Jeep Compass, the all-new 2007 Chrysler Aspen, a new SUV from Daimler Chrysler and the Audi Q7, a seven seater from the German automaker.

The automakers will also whisk the coves off more than a dozen concept vehicles at the show. These include the Chrysler Imperial, Aston Martine Rapide, Acura RDX, Hyundai HCD9, and the Toyota F3R. The auto show will also witness the debut of several new hybrid vehicles such as the GMC Sierra Hybrid, Ford Focus FCV, Lexus RX 300H Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid and Saturn Vue Hybrid.

All roads will definitely lead to the Javits Center between 34th and 39th streets on April 14. A special public sneak preview will be held on the 14th while the official opening day will be on the 15th. In case you will not be able to go, just stay tuned to The Auto Blog. We will provide you with the latest news, important events and reviews from New York.

Automakers are putting more and more advanced technology features in every automobile that rolls off their assembly lines. Almost every aspect of these new vehicles is becoming a showcase of high-tech innovations and gadgets: from advanced safety features to interior comfort and entertainment amenities. It’s actually quite exciting to see what the car of the future has in store. Already, we are seeing some of the latest and most advanced technologies in today’s new models.

For instance, the new 2007 Mercedes Benz S550 is chock-full of new technologies and features such as an infrared technology-based night vision system, a “Pre Safe” system that prepares you whenever the car detects an impending crash. Other automakers are also introducing various technological innovations in their respective new models. The LS 460, a new luxury sedan from Lexus has a feature that allows it to park by itself. The new Acura RL prepares the car and its passengers from impact as soon as the car senses that a crash is inevitable.

One of the biggest advancements in automotive technology is the imminent introduction of a production vehicle from Honda powered by fuel cells. The Honda FCX is expected to be produced, albeit in limited numbers, by 2010. This fuel cell powered four door sedan has a driving range of 350 miles per one charge. Fuel Cells is one of the most exciting and anticipated developments in the industry. Basically, a fuel cell powertrain uses only hydrogen and oxygen to create electricity that will power the car’s engine with only water vapor as exhaust by product.

Mercedes’ “Pre Safe” system is probably one of the greatest advances in car safety systems. When the car detects and imminent collision, panic stop or skid it immediately goes into operation, closes the sunroof, adjusts the seat’s backrests and cushions, raises the head restraints, closes the side windows and tightens the seatbelts. Although these pre-collision systems are only currently available in luxury models, we can expect that lower priced vehicles might begin offering the technology as it becomes more common.

Nevertheless, not all these technological innovations are absolutely necessary or even useful at least. For example, the same high-tech night vision system mentioned above raises some valid questions: On a dark road, are we better off looking at the dashboard display rather than paying attention to the road ahead? Also, BMW got a lot of flak when buyers complained about the complicated iDrive System, which controls climate, navigational, audio and other functions.

With all these technologies that really does enhance the functionality and versatility of automobiles but are admittedly making the driving experience far more complicated than it should be, there could come a time when car buyers will get a “technology overload” and shun away from such flashy and complicated gizmos and gadgets. Whatever it is that lies ahead, one thing is certain, the cars of the future are now here.

What is Electronic Stability Control? Among the numerous technological innovations introduced in the automotive industry for the last few years, ESC is probably one of the most important as a lifesaver. Picture this: you’re cruising along in your SUV at normal speed then you suddenly enter a curve that is too extreme for the speed you are traveling, the rear of your vehicle begins to slide and spin out, you panic and try to grapple with the steering wheel to avert a potentially serious accident.

Without ESC, you would probably end up off the road, rolling over or even worse. But with ESC, the system automatically detects that your direction is changing more quickly than appropriate for your intended direction. It then briefly applies the right front brakes to alter the direction of the vehicle back to the right path.

How does ESC work? Electronic Stability Control is an evolution from antilock braking technology which uses speed sensors and independent braking for each wheel. An ESC system uses automatic braking of each wheel to prevent the heading from either changing to quickly (spinning out) or not quickly enough (plowing out). ESC helps keep the driver in control of the vehicle while under extreme maneuvers although it does not increase traction. It also uses the driver’s natural reaction of steering into the right direction.

A study conducted by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that having ESC significantly reduced single-vehicle crash risk in cars by 35% and 67% for SUVs. Results corroborated with another study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and indicated that widespread application of ESC can save more than 7,000 lives per year. Furthermore, the study says that if all US vehicles have ESC, this can prevent as many as 800,000 of the 2 million+ single vehicle crashes that happen every year.

Electronic Stability Control is currently being offered as either standard or optional in pricey cars and SUVs from the likes of Acura, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Infiniti, Jaguar, Lexus, Mercedes and Saab. It is offered in different names such as Stabilitrak in GM cars and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) in Toyota and Lexus. (For a list of 2006 ESC equipped vehicles, visit this site.)

However, it is quite ironic that only 6 percent of car buyers opt for ESC. It is partly because ESC as an option is still quite expensive. It may also be the lack of knowledge or plain indifference why most car buyers usually ignore this potentially lifesaving technology. This is why most automakers still don’t offer ESC as standard equipment especially in mid to low priced vehicles.

In any case, if people can afford less-important luxuries such as a high tech audio system, they should have the foresight to spend more on a proven, life-saving technology such as ESC.