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Toyota Prius with added noise: The Prius Vehicle Proximity Notification

Prius Vehicle Proximity Notification We’d much rather see a hybrid car than an electric one, but with plug-in hybrids starting to proliferate more car makers are having to address the issue of silent running endangering blind – and distracted - pedestrians. Step forward the Toyota Prius Vehicle Proximity Notification System. The US Senate signed off the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act at the end of 2010, which requires the makers of cars with the ability to run silently to make them run noisily instead, completely negating about the only benefit there is for electric cars.

Mercedes wants to help you fall asleep at the wheel

Mercedes Attention Assist will soon get help from Mercedes Active Comfort Mercedes are working on an Active Comfort System to help fatigued drivers take a power nap with aromas and massage inducing sleep. The Mercedes Attention Assist is designed to warn drivers when their driving is becoming a bit erratic as they get tired and lose concentration, with its little coffee cup symbol now proliferating across instrument panels on Mercedes cars. But what if you’re one of those poor unfortunate souls who can’t just pull over and go to sleep for 20 minutes for a quick power nap to recharge your batteries?

Lamborghini reveals 2011's new V12 supercar engine

Lamborghini today announced the first details of its new V12 engine and transmission, which Lamborghini president and CEO Stephan Winkelmann promises will be 'the strong heart of the Murcielago successor next year.' It's to be the first clean-sheet Lamborghini engine since the original V12 first appeared in the 350GT, nearly 50 years ago. Lamborghini is keen to promote the low weight yet high performance of the new V12, which produces 700bhp yet tips the scales at only 235kg. Sant'Agata has also announced a new transmission for the Murcielago successor.