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HUDs are Good

Aug 12 2015

This tech debuted in fighter jets and has made its way down to our passenger vehicles.

It’s a holographic technology called HUD – Heads-Up Display.

Thought I’d dislike it – a busy cluster of information positioned directly in my field of vision? – but it’s fast to adopt and quite enjoyable. No dipping your eyes.

Find HUD in the Hyundai Genesis, Cadillacs, and Mazda does a great job.

Read it online at Autonet.

Favourite line:

Usually I condemn these new bleeding-edge technology features and discourage adoption, but Head-Up Displays are an exception, opt-in on a new car if possible.

Review of the all-new 2015 Hyundai Genesis here.

Here’s a detailed post about HUD.

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Hydrogen Fuel Cell is the New Thing

Nov 10 2014

Hydrogen Fuel Cells are the newest source of power for all-electric cars.

Already used in factories and space, the fuel source’s attributes read like a dream list.

I speak with Hyundai about it, because their hydrogen-powered Tucson SUV was the first-to-market.

Read it online at Autonet.ca

Favourite line:

Think I did a good job explaining something complicated:

In science-speak, electricity is released during the chemical reaction caused by combining two hydrogen molecules and one oxygen molecule. That electricity is fed into a battery, which then powers the electric motor. When two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen are mixed, H20 (water) is created, which is what is emitted from the tailpipe, and why it’s considered a zero-emissions engine.

The problem is a lack of fuel-delivery infrastructure. Because when did you last see a hydrogen refuelling station? Exactly.

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Radar is the New Black – How it Works

May 27 2014

RADAR – RAdio Detection And Ranging – an object-detection system that uses radio waves to determine range, altitude, direction, or in this case, speed.

Basically – a wave is sent out, it bounces off an object, returns home, and a measurement is recorded.

The car was travelling at 111 km/h.

Automakers are starting to use radar in their safety aids.

Infiniti’s Q50 uses it in its Blind Spot Intervention System.

As does Hyundai’s Genesis, which looks like this.

The radar is behind that reflective piece.

Very basically – it sends out a signal, which travels along the road, beneath the cars in front of it, up to two away, then returns. If it determines those cars ahead are slowing down, the car slows down too.

Doesn’t look like much huh, just a flat piece of plastic.

Hyundai’s all-new 2015 Genesis

May 12 2014

2015 Hyundai Genesis

3.8L 6-cylinder, 8-speed automatic
Power/torque: 311 hp & 293 lb-ft

Read it online at Autonet.ca.

Top photo is looking good, eh? No branches sticking out of the roof?

Because this is happening behind the car.

Clean and ergonomic interior, and the materials are really well chosen. That’s open-pore wood, a rarity.

There’s also a happy absence of chrome and shiny bits, which as a mega-minimalist, I like.

This trip’s driving partner was Jim Kenzie.

We had a great time cackling down the road, so much that we missed an exit and made a 60km mistake.

We were in Kelowna, BC, home of the Ogopogo, one of Canada’s mythical creatures.

Hi Chad!

So arty.

Hyundai’s done a great job on its showcase vehicle – this is where the badge is headed.

All the features and finishings found in the BMW 5-series, Mercedes C-Class and Audi A6, but for $10,000 less, because the Genesis is a less known badge, which so much of the luxury sedan segment is about.

Take advantage of this. Get the second trim, “Luxury” at $48,000 and since Hyundai’s only bringing in about 2,500 of these to Canada, there’s the exclusivity.