The Mercedes ESF: Almost Death-Proof?
An experimental concept car from Mercedes-Benz turns turns the entire vehicle into an airbag using novel metal panels that inflate moments before impact. The unimaginatively named ESF 2009 Experimental Safety Vehicle features gadgetry and safety features akin to a moon shot. Chassis components inflate to maximize impact resistance. An airbag under the car slows and supports the vehicle in a crash. Seats protect passengers like eggs in a carton. The list goes on. “Safety is a central element of the Mercedes-Benz brand,” Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Daimler chairman and Mercedes CEO, said in a statement. “In this respect we have been setting the pace in the market for almost 70 years. The ESF 2009 shows that we still have plenty of ideas and the absolute will to lead the automobile industry in this field even in the future.” The ESF is just a concept at this point, and it could be years before any of its features appear in showrooms. But the car highlights the efforts automakers are making to build cars that protect us from each other. And ourselves.
|
A History Of Mass Extinctions On Earth
During long history of planet Earth, massive extinctions and violent climate changes are the norm. We've created this infographic to help you chart the rise and fall and rise of life on Earth over the past few billion years. Humans may have evolved during an unusual period of relative climate stability (despite those ice ages). What you see here are the biggest mass extinctions in Earth history and their places in the major geological ages of Earth. We've also got body counts - the line graph in the middle shows you how many species survived, which in some cases is nearly zero. It's hard to decide whether this is a pessimistic chart or an optimistic one. Life always manages to find a way, even when there is a serious destruction of the planet.
|
Dodge Reveals Mopar '10 Challenger
Earlier this month Dodge announced a new, special-edition 2010 Challenger from Mopar dubbed the Mopar '10 Challenger. Today, we get the full photos of the car along with the details. The Mopar '10 Challenger's package is simple enough: priced from $38,000 for the auto or $39,000 for the manual, and based on the 5.7-liter HEMI Challenger R/T, the car gets a hood-venting system, cold-air intake, front and rear strut tower braces, and a unique engine cover. It only comes in Brilliant Black with a choice of three accent colors: Mopar blue, red or silver. Inside, it gets Katzkin leather, Mopar shift handles, serialized plaque and other Mopar goodies. Only 500 of the cars will be built.
|
This Speaker Requires a Safe Listening Distance
I don't know what your idea the perfect speaker system is, but for me it's a cross between a alphorn and a vuvuzela, gigantic and squished. Oh, and not safe to stand near. Good thing there's the Pnoe. The Pnoe hails from Greece, and if you want pricing and availability info you're going to have to email the manufacturer directly. Before you do, though, a word of caution: The Pnoe speaker, being a large horn, is more suited to listening rooms with 3m or more distance between the listener and the speakers. That's what I'm talking about. And since two is always better than one.
|