Skip to Content

Slim Down for Summer with That's Fit
AOL Tech

Posts with tag nissan

Web Users Join Forces to Track and Find Stolen Car

1991 Nissan Skyline GT-R

A Canadian group of car enthusiasts joined forces to conduct what was essentially an "open source" search for a Nissan Skyline GT-R stolen from a specialty dealer in Calgary.

The dealer-owner posted word of the stolen car on a blog for Canadian car fanboys, and the thread got a response that did more than lament the crime. Fellow enthusiasts went into action, with the first one of them spotting the stolen car and actually snapping a photo of the supposed perp, which he posted online. Then other readers in the area reported sightings (it is a unique looking vehicle) and narrowed the search area. Still other readers worked to narrow the search, based on location and description, to a Facebook page the perp maintains.

Finally, one reader drove around the neighborhood where the car had last been seen and, finding it, blocked the vehicle in and called police, while also asking a friend to post a note on the online thread, which the car's owner read. He drove to the spot, called police, and the thief -- an 18-year-old high school student -- was arrested within minutes. The arrest itself was caught on video and, of course, posted on the site.

In all, the car was recovered (with minor damage) within 48 hours, thanks to the online community.

A heartwarming story.

From New York Times.

Nissan "Around View" Makes Driving Easier



In a sure sign that technology is working for us, Nissan has figured out how to make parallel parking easier. The company's new Around View Monitor, available this month in Japan's new Elgrand mini-car/van thing, synthesizes the images taken by the car's cameras (located on all four corners of the car) into a single image. The result? A top-down view of your vehicle, helping you do things like parallel park and back over your ex-girlfriend's stereo with the greatest of ease. It's like an old-school video game display of your vehicle, making all those hours and quarters wasted playing Spy Hunter in the arcade seem suddenly seem incredibly worthwhile.

The tech will make its US debut in December, on the wheels of the new Infiniti EX35. What's next, dental floss that flosses for us? Someone please say yes.

From Engadget


Related Links:


Nissan's Pivo 2 Concept Car: Video Demo


Why is it that the Japanese always get the coolest concept cars? Take a look at this follow up to Nissan's 2005 oddball concept car called Pivo. The ultra-compact vehicle can rotate its bubble-shaped cabin and wheels independently to facilitate squeezing into those hard to manage parking spots. It has a single front-access door while llithium ion batteries power motors in the wheels.

Coolest of all is the so-called 'robotic agent' that looks vaguely like a disembodied robotic monkey head. The 'agent' assists with directions, takes verbal cues in both English and Japanese, and responds in a voice not unlike a 'Star Wars' droid.

There will be a large public demonstration of the Pivo 2 on October 13 and 14 in Japan, so check back to see if any more interesting information comes to light, like commercial availability -- but don't get your hopes up. We certainly want one.

From AutoBlog

Related links:

Nissan's All-Electric Concept Car



While looking like something straight out of 'Blade Runner,' Nissan's Mixim is looking hot. It's one of the few electric vehicles shown by one of the major auto manufacturers, and after the amazing Who Killed the Electric Car? effectively proved, electric cars could very well become our primary mode of transportation...if the powers that be let it happen.

The hatchback weighs just 2100 pounds and is only 12 feet from bumper to bumper, but it comfortably seats three. Under the hood, two Nissan "Super Motors" provide it with all-wheel-drive.

Remember, it's still a concept, but here's hoping it gets produced for public consumption.

From Engadget

Related Stories:

Using GPS to Discourage Drunk Driving


After a series of drunk driving accidents in Japan last year, Nissan decided it had to do something about the epidemic of inebriated motorists. The company considered a whole host of options including Breathalyzer-like devices. Finally, yesterday the company unveiled its anti-drunk driving initiative: Every time you turn the car on, the optional GPS displays a message reminding you not to drink and drive.

Yup. That's the big move. That's the how Nissan is going to rid our streets of drunk drivers.

There's a variety of products out there that can prevent you from starting your ignition if you're drunk -- they can even sense if you're drinking while you're driving. Cell phones can even have Breathalyzers built into them. And yet, the best Nissan can muster is a printed message on an optional feature. If your car has GPS, is it such a stretch to imagine it detecting erratic lane changing, or noticing when you repeatedly ignore one-way signs?

Instead, Nissan has delivered the automotive equivalent of mom telling you to behave every time you leave the house. Even Nancy Reagan's "Just Say No" campaign had more muscle.

From Press ESC

Related links:

Smart Phones Kill Intelligent Keys

Those metal keys jingling in your pocket or purse are so early aughts. These days it's all about electronic "smart" keys, which unlock your car and even let you start it up without having to go through the hassle of reaching into your pocket or sliding anything into the ignition.

But all of this slothful convenience doesn't come without warnings, according to Nissan. The company is claiming that you could accidentally lobotomize its Intelligent Keys if you place them within an inch of your cell phone. And, since you can't start or even unlock the car without your key's digital authorization, you would ultimately be up the creek without a paddle.

We're all for convenience that can let us be more lazy, but until this little glitch is worked out, we'll keep our old-fashioned jangly key chain, dated though it may be.

From Textually.org

Related Links:



    AOL Tech Network



    Latest Reviews from CNET.com

    CNET provides the latest tech news, unbiased reviews, videos, podcasts, software, and downloads, making tech products easy to find, understand and use.

    Top Product Reviews

    Weblogs, Inc. Network

    AOL News

    Other Weblogs Inc. Network blogs you might be interested in: