Honda’s Eco-Sportster

This is one concept car that looks likely to hit the production mainline in the near future. Expanding its leading line of “green” sports cars, Honda's OSM Concept is an eco-friendly, stylish two-seat sports car that was unveiled at the 2008 British International Motor Show in London. The concept's design suggests it may preview a future production vehicle to replace the company's popular but aging S2000 Roadster.

The concept's trapezoidal face bears resemblance to the S2000's squared off front end. Futuristic details include thin fog lamps that run parallel with jewel-like LED headlamps. Carved flanks and a rounded off rear end complete the sporty look, which was designed at Honda's research and development facility in Offenbach, Germany. The company claims the engine has low emissions but there are no details on the roadster's engine or power source. If this goes to mass production, it could be powered by a gas-electric hybrid engine. 

Limited specifications have been released relating to the controls, which will include a start button and paddle shifters, but no news yet in terms of its MPG or other green aspects. Hopefully we’ll see light of the specifics soon, with news on production soon after.

All new Web Edition car

My eyes are tired of car industry's "limited editions," "value editions," and "sport editions." But Chrysler has just announced a "Web edition." OK, now I'm awake and ready to receive information.

Obviously, this edition is targeted at the tech savvy and dare I say - geeks! So don't bother getting the off road edition or the luxury edition or even the sports edition. If you're a loyal reader of New Gadgets Guru - go and get the Web Edition!

Along with an in-car router from Autonet Mobile, the automaker is calling uConnect Web, buyers who opt for the $1,999 package also get a Sony PSP, an 8GB iPod Touch,a Dell's Mini 9 netbook, and a no-name digital camera with Eye-Fi wireless SD card. All these devices have Wi-Fi modules that can take advantage of the car's built-in router. One year of service is also included with the Web Edition package. 

Autonet CEO Sterling Pratz says, "We're emphasizing this as the next entertainment platform in cars" more than a communication and productivity platform, though you can do whatever you want with the system. Bits is bits. Trip-centric Web services like Fandango and OpenTable are naturals for a Web rig in the car.

Do you think this full-web-package car proposition is going to drive potential customers to buy 'Web Edition' cars? If I have to choose, I will go for 'Electric Powered Edition' instead.