La Dolce Veloce

The latest technology in speed enforcement is using a regular video camera to catch speeders. A computer analyzes the video feed, and calculates the distance the vehicle is moving with respect to fixed objects (read more about it here). Since there is no radio or optical emissions, it is impossible to detect (though the location of fixed systems may be determined by GPS and that data shared). The good news for Californians is that I believe this system is not legal for use in this state. The California vehicle code defines a speed trap as measuring the time it takes for a vehicle to travel a known distance. This is exactly the technology being used here. The good news is that the vehicle code also defines a speed trap as being illegal. For the other 49 states…I’m not really sure, but you can count on this technology to become more and more common (and don’t be surprised if the vehicle code is revised to allow for this!).

ZAP announced that the Smart Car has received the final regulatory approval required for it to be imported to the US. The stage is now set for the company to begin working towards fulfilling nearly $750 MILLION in preorders. Will the Smart Car start an automotive revolution in the US, and make SUVs a thing of the past? Unlikely, but it WILL provide a stylish, fun, and practical vehicle for around town use.

AutoWeek published pictures of a long wheelbase Mini undergoing cold weather testing. This longer wheelbase version will be used for some new variants, such as a five door version. Mini styling changes are evident; underhood new engines will be offered, along with a turbocharger.

BMW released these pictures of the forthcoming 3-series station wagon. It’s a beautiful, practical alternative to those lumbering SUVs, though the styling of the rear end is a bit awkward. See the rest of this post for the pictures.
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Ferrari is supposedly working on a new, “entry level” coupe to compete with the Porsche 911 and Aston Martin AMV8. Priced around $150k, it’d use the front engine, rear wheel drive platform that was being designed for the next generation Maseratir Coupe and Spider (that program has recently been canceled).

Big Blue (IBM) is rapidly becoming Big Brother with its latest foray into traffic encorcement in the United Arab Emirates. IBM was awarded a $125 million contract to install GPS based vehicle tracking systems in cars in the UAE. GPS data will be used to determine what the appropriate speed limit is for the vehicle’s location, and if the driver ignores a warning to slow down, the incriminating data will be transmitted via GSM/GPRS to a central location for issuing a ticket to the driver.

AutoExpress is reporting that the all-new 2007 Subaru Imprezza will be a hatchback design, like the five door Golf or Mazda3. It’ll be based on a shortened version of the new Legacy’s platform, and feature a more conventional front mounted intercooler. Expect the usual assortment of power options, from the basic economy model to a WRX performance model.