Select Blu-ray releases under $20
exactly....I can't wait for the New M3 and the 135i! Both should be beastly.
by jpr - 7/26/07 12:04 PM
Featuring CNET Editor
Wayne Cunningham
High-tech/green cars Session has ended.
Missed this live event? No worries! Each Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon PT, we'll give you the chance to chat live with a CNET editor. We'll cover a new topic each week, from cell phones to TVs. Get those burning tech questions ready! Click here for the Ask the Editors Live event calendar.
Latest questions and answers
A: Thank you
by wcunning - 7/26/07 12:07 PMThanks to all who joined in on this chat. I appreciate your questions and comments.
Please check out the next Ask the Editor event with Dan Ackerman who will be covering laptops.
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-12548_102-0.html?forumID=136&threadID=257577&messageID=2546769
Q: Z3
by jpr - 7/26/07 12:01 PMNice!!! Those are pretty rare....I've driven BMWs since 1997 and I'm never going back!
I'm thinking about a new M Roadster to replace my saab convertible....
A: re: Z3
by wcunning - 7/26/07 12:02 PMNice thing about BMWs is they make you feel like you're a great driver, even if you aren't Michael Schumacher.
A: my car
by wcunning - 7/26/07 12:00 PMI drive a 1999 BMW Z3 Coupe. I love that car, though it's not the most practical. Very fun to drive, and very cool looking.
Q: Voice commands popularity
by Lee Koo (ADMIN) - 7/26/07 11:51 AMI have an Acura TSX at first I thought it was great to have voice commands to control my stereo, climate control, navi, etc... but after several months of use, my wife and I eventually abandoned it... more hassle than its worth.
Is voice command still popular? And are more cars manufactures adapting to voice commands or is it fizzling out?
A: re: Voice commands popularity
by wcunning - 7/26/07 11:55 AMThere are a lot of advances being made in voice command. Engineers are working on making it more flexible and intuitive, so you don't need to memorize a list of commands. I would expect to see more voice command in the future. Ford is launching its new Sync system later this year, which should let you request that your sound system play specific bands. As they improve the systems, more people will find them useful and use them more regularly.
Q: The best gas brand
by troydrasmussen - 7/26/07 11:42 AMI recently had an error show up on my '05 Mustang where my fuel gauge went to empty. The guys at Ford recommended I put in Chevron mid grade for the next two tanks and before filling up those tanks go into the store and get a bottle of Techron to add to the empty tank. This seemed to clear up the problem. According to Ford it was sulphur on the fuel sensor. Is there really a better brand of gasoline out there or should I just not worry about it and fill up where I can?
A: re: The best gas brand
by wcunning - 7/26/07 11:46 AMI can't really speak to whether Shell is better than Chevron, for example, but gasoline is pretty heavily regulated. A high octane level should make a difference no matter which company it comes from.
Q: Thanks jpr and Wayne for the answers
by sbaxter - 7/26/07 11:40 AMBut will US embrace diesel?
Are there going to be any hybrid vehicles or other fuel efficient European cars to come out anytime soon in the US?
A: re: diesel cars in the US
by wcunning - 7/26/07 11:44 AMIt depends on what you mean by soon. Mercedes has the E320 and the ML320, while VW has the Touareg. Other diesels may start showing up by 2009 or 2010. Automotive product cycles are long.
Q: Delete vista installations
by angelgastelum - 7/26/07 11:39 AMhi, i inslalled windows vista in the same partition of my old windows xp, how can i delete the folders windows and program files from the vista installation, windows doesn't letme. acces denied...
A: re: Delete vista installations
by wcunning - 7/26/07 11:44 AMSorry, wrong forum. Please try the Windows Vista forum here:
http://forums.cnet.com/5204-12546_102-0.html?forumID=133
Q: Audi and their 140MPG Diesel
by vlturner - 7/26/07 11:38 AMI drive an Audi TT Quattro, love it and get 30+ mpg consistantly, but Audi understands that new technologies in materials will allow Diesel to out perform current engines. But this gets back to the core problem. Its the Oxygen. I keep trying to get a hold of someone so they can see what I did. They keep hitting this ceiling by trying to use the standard atmoshphere.
They now have the greatest LeMans moter on the planet, and its Diesel!
A: re: Audi and their 140MPG Diesel
by wcunning - 7/26/07 11:42 AMLe Mans is a great showcase for the efficiencies of a diesel engine. Fortunately, ultra low sulfur diesel is mandated for passenger cars in the U.S. now, so that will deal with the emissions issues. We should see more diesels over the next 3 to 5 years.
Q: answer for sbaxster
by jpr - 7/26/07 11:33 AMPremium european car makers (bmw, audi, mercedes-benz) are much much more focused on Diesel technology for the US. Infact, BMW will be bringing diesel variants of popular models, including the X5 and 3 series, to our shores soon. Mercedes-Benz has thier E320 Blutech, and Audi is working on diesel technology too. A diesel equipied 335d BMW can achieve high mpg, low emmissions, and a very very quick ride.
A: re: answer for sbaxster
by wcunning - 7/26/07 11:38 AMThat's true as well, European cars have been using diesel for a long time. Honda also claims it has clean diesel tech that doesn't even need the Bluetec additive system used by Mercedes and Volkswagen. It'll be interesting to see what shows up on our shores. But California and New York will also have to adapt emissions laws for the new diesels for these automakers to find imports worthwhile.
Q: Cellulose fuels
by vlturner - 7/26/07 11:30 AMBut it's the same old same old. Fuel to air, not fuel to Oxygen. You have to take the Nitrogen out first. It acts as a retardant to combustion.
Efficentcy needs to be measured against 100% oxygen. A 95% efficent furnace in your home is in reality only 17% efficent.
Widespread use of cellulose isn't a problem, unless you consider that most of the higher order life forms are cellulose oxidizers.
The problem is not to oxidize it with any other molecule.
A: re: Cellulose fuels
by wcunning - 7/26/07 11:35 AMI wish I could comment more on these issues, but I just don't know the science.
Q: Hybrid European cars?
by sbaxter - 7/26/07 11:30 AMIs there a reason why BMW, Mercedes, and other European car manufactures haven't released a hybrid yet? I've seen the concepts but when--and why are they so behind the times?
A: re: Hybrid European cars?
by wcunning - 7/26/07 11:34 AMI think it comes down to culture more than anything. European car makers are a little more conservative than Asian manufacturers, and less likely to jump on a new technology. Also, in Europe they are used to building cars with very small engines compared to what we get in the US, so they are already economical, and have less of a need for hybrids.
Q: Thanks Wayne... cont. hybrids on highways
by sbaxter - 7/26/07 11:23 AMYou said that "if you have to deal with hills, the hybrid can increase efficiency."
Can you further go into details about increase efficiency. Does the electric side of the motor help assist in driving up hills? Just need a little more clarification on when the electric motor does actually kick in to help save fuel...
A: re: hybrids on highways
by wcunning - 7/26/07 11:26 AMSure, the hybrid system will kick in when you are going up the hills. With a non-hybrid system, the engine would shoot more gas through the cylinders to produce the extra power needed to get up the hills. With a hybrid, the electric motors provide the extra boost. You make up some of that energy expended when you go down the other side of the hill, with regen braking putting electricity back into the batteries.
Q: Cellulose fuels
by vlturner - 7/26/07 11:16 AMYou take one cellulose molecule to 3 O2 molecules and you get lots of energy released. Creating only CO2 and water. If cellulose is one of the top 5 most abundent molecules on the planet, why isn't that the fuel. And it is paart of the closed carbon cycle, and not a polutant. Only fossil fuel carbon is a bad thing. The reason is no one ever changed the O2 levels to take advantage of cellulose
A: re: Cellulose fuels
by wcunning - 7/26/07 11:23 AMThere is plenty of research going on into cellulose fuels. Researchers have to deal with the same issues they deal with other alt fuels: how efficiently can it burn, what's the best source, how much energy will it produce, and will there be consequences to widespread use?
Q: Hybrid cars used on mostly highway driving
by sbaxter - 7/26/07 11:15 AMSince hybrid cars run on the electric during stop and go driving, would it be best to stick with a non-hybrid car if 90% of your driving is on the highway?
A: re: Hybrid cars used on mostly highway driving
by wcunning - 7/26/07 11:18 AMYour driving habits are a big consideration if you're looking into hybrids. If you're doing a lot of high speed freeway driving, definitely consider a car with a 6 speed transmission. Plus, any small displacement engine should do as well as a hybrid on flat terrain at freeway or highway speeds. But if you have to deal with hills, the hybrid can increase efficiency.
Q: Portable GPS device
by jerzyb - 7/26/07 11:12 AMI frequently travel on business to US and European cities and deal with rental cars. European cities are notoriously difficult to navigate. I would like to have a portable, simple device that would work in cars on multiple continents. Alternatively, I could be satisfied with GPS antenna only unit that can communicate with my GSM T-Mobile MDA phone via Bluetooth and allow me to use car 12V plug for only one device. What would You recommend ?
Thank You, Jerzy
A: re: Portable GPS device
by wcunning - 7/26/07 11:16 AMFor travel, I would recommend a dedicated portable nav device from Garmin or TomTom. You will have to buy the European maps, which are going to be expensive. Or you could buy one of those devices with the European maps, then buy the US maps separately, depending on your needs. Portable antennas can present hassles due to connectivity issues and having to load apps and maps onto your phone.
Q: Toyota Prius 2010 Model
by EatMoreBread - 7/26/07 11:08 AMI've heard that Toyota is planning on revamping their Prius model to vastly inprove energy efficiency, possibly making it a plug-in, changing to a Li-Ion battery and even adding solar panels on the top to help recharge the battery. What information have you heard about the Toyota Prius 2010 redesign?
A: re: Toyota Prius 2010 Model
by wcunning - 7/26/07 11:12 AMWell, I've heard from Toyota that they won't confirm a 2010 model upgrade. Toyota engineers don't want to be held to a timeline, as they want to incorporate the best tech they can. However, I'm sure Toyota marketing has a different view point. Also, Toyota showed off a concept at last Winter's auto shows that looks like a new generation Prius. New battery tech seems likely, as there have been big improvements. I'm sure plug-in is under consideration, but Toyota has only admitted to researching it. Solar panels seem less likely. Right now, though, there is only speculation.
Q: OnStar
by jpr - 7/26/07 11:05 AMOk, I've got another. My 2004 SAAB 9-3 was cut off from OnStar services a few months ago becuase of the analog-digital switch. (even though GM knew about this as early as 2002). My other car, a 2007 BMW X5, uses a similar, (and superior) system called BMW Assist. Is this based on the most current digital system?
(Forkboy: No. ABS helps stopping distances and vehicle control in all conditions)
A: re: OnStar
by wcunning - 7/26/07 11:09 AMYes, BMW Assist works on a digital cellular standard. You won't get it cut off due to a change from analog.
Q: Oxygen technologies
by vlturner - 7/26/07 11:02 AMSeeing as it is called oxidation, in all of this debate, when have you ever heard of anyone ever dealing with the oxygen side of the formula? I have radical process at 40% This changes combustion more than anyone ever has, and it can use cast magnets to do it, so it requires no energy input other than casting the fields.
A: re: Oxygen technologies
by wcunning - 7/26/07 11:07 AMOxygenating gasoline definitely contributes to a cleaner burn. But I'm not knowledgable about how magnets can oxygenate gasoline.
Q: ABS
by forkboy - 7/26/07 11:02 AMI recently heard a conversation between automotive experts where it was said that ABS doesn't really improve braking distances in dry conditions, but is really more for wet conditions and for maintaining directional stability in dry. Is this an accurate assessment of ABS?
A: re: ABS
by wcunning - 7/26/07 11:05 AMI have never heard that ABS doesn't help in dry conditions. Where it definitely does help is maintaining driver control over the vehicle, in wet or dry. If you're skidding, you can't effectively maneuver. With ABS, you still have control over steering when the car is under hard braking.
Q: ESP
by jpr - 7/26/07 11:01 AMok, I've got a question.
The NHTSA has proposed (and passed, I believe) a new requirement for passenger vehicles to have Electronic Stability Program standard in a few years. What vehicles are excepted? I believe very heavy vehicles are, but I'm not sure.
Thanks
A: re: ESP
by wcunning - 7/26/07 11:03 AMI believe commercial vehicles will have a different standard (as they do in most regulations). But I haven't verified that.
A: Welcome
by wcunning - 7/26/07 10:55 AMHi, I'm Wayne Cunningham, senior editor of CNET Car Tech, here to answer your questions about car technology.
Ask a question
Welcome to the Ask the Editors Live! In order to submit a question to our editor, we ask that you either log in with your current CNET account or register with us. Registration is free and easy- sign up now and join in on the discussion!
Incoming questions
bmw
Z3
Nice!!! Those are pretty rare....I've driven BMWs since 1997 and I'm never going back!
I'm thinking about a new M Roadster to replace my saab convertible....
I'm thinking about a new M Roadster to replace my saab convertible....
by jpr - 7/26/07 12:01 PM
Texaco gas with techron
by Lee Koo (ADMIN) - 7/26/07 11:52 AM
Voice commands popularity
I have an Acura TSX at first I thought it was great to have voice commands to control my stereo, climate control, navi, etc... but after several months of use, my wife and I eventually abandoned it... more hassle than its worth.
Is voice command still popular? And are more cars manufactures adapting to voice commands or is it fizzling out?
Is voice command still popular? And are more cars manufactures adapting to voice commands or is it fizzling out?
by Lee Koo (ADMIN) - 7/26/07 11:51 AM
Texaco now is adding Techron
I just saw an add stating Texaco fuels now have techron too!
by vlturner - 7/26/07 11:49 AM
Am stuck.
Wayne, I just get very isolated on this issue. I never set out to do what I did, and cannot get anyone to see at the core that this is probably the most important applied physics solution ever on an humanitarian basis.
You have to admit you have never ever heard of someone changing the oxygen side of the rules, except by binding extra oxygen to the fuels beforehand.
I can't get an NIST grant, because no company will sign on for the post development production clause.
You have to admit you have never ever heard of someone changing the oxygen side of the rules, except by binding extra oxygen to the fuels beforehand.
I can't get an NIST grant, because no company will sign on for the post development production clause.
by vlturner - 7/26/07 11:43 AM
The best gas brand
I recently had an error show up on my '05 Mustang where my fuel gauge went to empty. The guys at Ford recommended I put in Chevron mid grade for the next two tanks and before filling up those tanks go into the store and get a bottle of Techron to add to the empty tank. This seemed to clear up the problem. According to Ford it was sulphur on the fuel sensor. Is there really a better brand of gasoline out there or should I just not worry about it and fill up where I can?
by troydrasmussen - 7/26/07 11:42 AM
Thanks jpr and Wayne for the answers
But will US embrace diesel?
Are there going to be any hybrid vehicles or other fuel efficient European cars to come out anytime soon in the US?
Are there going to be any hybrid vehicles or other fuel efficient European cars to come out anytime soon in the US?
by sbaxter - 7/26/07 11:40 AM
Delete vista installations
hi, i inslalled windows vista in the same partition of my old windows xp, how can i delete the folders windows and program files from the vista installation, windows doesn't letme. acces denied...
by angelgastelum - 7/26/07 11:39 AM
Audi and their 140MPG Diesel
I drive an Audi TT Quattro, love it and get 30+ mpg consistantly, but Audi understands that new technologies in materials will allow Diesel to out perform current engines. But this gets back to the core problem. Its the Oxygen. I keep trying to get a hold of someone so they can see what I did. They keep hitting this ceiling by trying to use the standard atmoshphere.
They now have the greatest LeMans moter on the planet, and its Diesel!
They now have the greatest LeMans moter on the planet, and its Diesel!
by vlturner - 7/26/07 11:38 AM
answer for sbaxster
Premium european car makers (bmw, audi, mercedes-benz) are much much more focused on Diesel technology for the US. Infact, BMW will be bringing diesel variants of popular models, including the X5 and 3 series, to our shores soon. Mercedes-Benz has thier E320 Blutech, and Audi is working on diesel technology too. A diesel equipied 335d BMW can achieve high mpg, low emmissions, and a very very quick ride.
by jpr - 7/26/07 11:33 AM
Cellulose fuels
But it's the same old same old. Fuel to air, not fuel to Oxygen. You have to take the Nitrogen out first. It acts as a retardant to combustion.
Efficentcy needs to be measured against 100% oxygen. A 95% efficent furnace in your home is in reality only 17% efficent.
Widespread use of cellulose isn't a problem, unless you consider that most of the higher order life forms are cellulose oxidizers.
The problem is not to oxidize it with any other molecule.
Efficentcy needs to be measured against 100% oxygen. A 95% efficent furnace in your home is in reality only 17% efficent.
Widespread use of cellulose isn't a problem, unless you consider that most of the higher order life forms are cellulose oxidizers.
The problem is not to oxidize it with any other molecule.
by vlturner - 7/26/07 11:30 AM
Hybrid European cars?
Is there a reason why BMW, Mercedes, and other European car manufactures haven't released a hybrid yet? I've seen the concepts but when--and why are they so behind the times?
by sbaxter - 7/26/07 11:30 AM
GPS Unit
I have the Garmin 76CSx I thinks that right, the new one that has the SD storage card. I put a 2GB card in and have all the US mapes in it. I travel as a PS engineer, and it works great.
by vlturner - 7/26/07 11:25 AM
Thanks Wayne... cont. hybrids on highways
You said that "if you have to deal with hills, the hybrid can increase efficiency."
Can you further go into details about increase efficiency. Does the electric side of the motor help assist in driving up hills? Just need a little more clarification on when the electric motor does actually kick in to help save fuel...
Can you further go into details about increase efficiency. Does the electric side of the motor help assist in driving up hills? Just need a little more clarification on when the electric motor does actually kick in to help save fuel...
by sbaxter - 7/26/07 11:23 AM
Cellulose fuels
You take one cellulose molecule to 3 O2 molecules and you get lots of energy released. Creating only CO2 and water. If cellulose is one of the top 5 most abundent molecules on the planet, why isn't that the fuel. And it is paart of the closed carbon cycle, and not a polutant. Only fossil fuel carbon is a bad thing. The reason is no one ever changed the O2 levels to take advantage of cellulose
by vlturner - 7/26/07 11:16 AM
Hybrid cars used on mostly highway driving
Since hybrid cars run on the electric during stop and go driving, would it be best to stick with a non-hybrid car if 90% of your driving is on the highway?
by sbaxter - 7/26/07 11:15 AM
Answer for EatMoreBread
Yesterday, actually, Toyota rolled out test Prius plug in hybrids in Japan.
Link: http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/25/toyota-ready-to-test-plug-in-hybrid-in-japan/
If the test is succesful, Toyota may consider plug in use for the USA.
Link: http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/25/toyota-ready-to-test-plug-in-hybrid-in-japan/
If the test is succesful, Toyota may consider plug in use for the USA.
by jpr - 7/26/07 11:13 AM
Portable GPS device
I frequently travel on business to US and European cities and deal with rental cars. European cities are notoriously difficult to navigate. I would like to have a portable, simple device that would work in cars on multiple continents. Alternatively, I could be satisfied with GPS antenna only unit that can communicate with my GSM T-Mobile MDA phone via Bluetooth and allow me to use car 12V plug for only one device. What would You recommend ?
Thank You, Jerzy
Thank You, Jerzy
by jerzyb - 7/26/07 11:12 AM
Oxygen is paramagnetic
Nitrogen is not. It is the paramagnetic properties that mak oxygen caus rust, oxidation, and other properties. Lightning is more the O2 molecules lining up in the atmosphere for the discharge, Then as the O2 is broken, it reforms to O3 and free radicals. Look at Lightning on other planets to see the difference.
by vlturner - 7/26/07 11:10 AM
Toyota Prius 2010 Model
I've heard that Toyota is planning on revamping their Prius model to vastly inprove energy efficiency, possibly making it a plug-in, changing to a Li-Ion battery and even adding solar panels on the top to help recharge the battery. What information have you heard about the Toyota Prius 2010 redesign?
by EatMoreBread - 7/26/07 11:08 AM
On commercial vehicles
Diesel engines stop smoking when you can get the O2 level up to 25%, and it makes Diesel more efficent than gasoline engines.
by vlturner - 7/26/07 11:05 AM
OnStar
Ok, I've got another. My 2004 SAAB 9-3 was cut off from OnStar services a few months ago becuase of the analog-digital switch. (even though GM knew about this as early as 2002). My other car, a 2007 BMW X5, uses a similar, (and superior) system called BMW Assist. Is this based on the most current digital system?
(Forkboy: No. ABS helps stopping distances and vehicle control in all conditions)
(Forkboy: No. ABS helps stopping distances and vehicle control in all conditions)
by jpr - 7/26/07 11:05 AM
Oxygen technologies
Seeing as it is called oxidation, in all of this debate, when have you ever heard of anyone ever dealing with the oxygen side of the formula? I have radical process at 40% This changes combustion more than anyone ever has, and it can use cast magnets to do it, so it requires no energy input other than casting the fields.
by vlturner - 7/26/07 11:02 AM
ABS
I recently heard a conversation between automotive experts where it was said that ABS doesn't really improve braking distances in dry conditions, but is really more for wet conditions and for maintaining directional stability in dry. Is this an accurate assessment of ABS?
by forkboy - 7/26/07 11:02 AM
ESP
ok, I've got a question.
The NHTSA has proposed (and passed, I believe) a new requirement for passenger vehicles to have Electronic Stability Program standard in a few years. What vehicles are excepted? I believe very heavy vehicles are, but I'm not sure.
Thanks
The NHTSA has proposed (and passed, I believe) a new requirement for passenger vehicles to have Electronic Stability Program standard in a few years. What vehicles are excepted? I believe very heavy vehicles are, but I'm not sure.
Thanks
by jpr - 7/26/07 11:01 AM
Wayne Cunningham, CNET Car Tech editor LIVE!
Ask the Editors Live!
Car tech live chat event with CNET senior editor Wayne Cunningham starts Thursday July 26th at 11 a.m. to noon Pacific / 2 p.m to 3 p.m Eastern. Where Wayne, will be answering your questions about new high-tech cars, car technology, and more. See you at the event!
Click here for upcoming Ask the Editors Live events and past transcripts of events.
Car tech live chat event with CNET senior editor Wayne Cunningham starts Thursday July 26th at 11 a.m. to noon Pacific / 2 p.m to 3 p.m Eastern. Where Wayne, will be answering your questions about new high-tech cars, car technology, and more. See you at the event!
Click here for upcoming Ask the Editors Live events and past transcripts of events.
by Lee Koo (ADMIN) - 8/21/07 5:09 PM
