This week in Car Tech

Cars you can talk to
Controlling car system with buttons is so last century. Your car should act like a good assistant, responding to your verbal commands quickly. However, in-car voice recognition still has some way to go before it replaces buttons, dials, and good, old-fashioned manual programming. A few automakers are taking the lead in creating in-car voice-recognition interfaces that are easy to use. Among our favorites are Acura and Honda, Infiniti, Mercedes, and now--thanks to the launch of the Microsoft Sync system--Ford. Read our round-up

Garmin Nuvi 660
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Garmin Nuvi 350
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Magellan Maestro 4250
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Garmin Nuvi 360
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TomTom GO 720
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2008 Honda Fit Sport
The 2008 Honda Fit Sport looks good but falls short of its potential. We want really good mileage and low emissions in exchange for a low-power engine, but the Fit doesn't deliver, and it has no interesting cabin tech. Read more

2008 Volkswagen R32
The poor cabin electronics in the 2008 Volkswagen R32 keep it from being a great tech car, but its drivetrain tech makes up somewhat for that lost ground. However, there are many good sport sedans that come in around the same price. Read more

2008 Subaru Legacy 3.0 R Limited
The 2008 Subaru Legacy 3.0 R Limited makes for a good car in a variety of driving conditions, but its cabin tech tops out at a decent navigation system, with only a passable stereo. Read more

2008 Infiniti G35 Journey
The 2008 Infiniti G35 is comfortable in a commute and fun for sport driving, while its cabin tech options are on the leading edge, offering rich navigation, good music options, and Bluetooth cell phone integration. Read more

Tesla looks at selling components to other carmakers, again
Michael Kanellos
Tesla Motors is contemplating selling the drivetrains and software components necessary to build electric cars to other companies. The company will probably come out with an announcement on this initiative in the second quarter of this year, and parts and software from Tesla could start shipping to other carmakers by 2010 or earlier, said Tesla Chairman Elon Musk during an interview at the Clean Tech Investor Summit taking place this week. Read more

How to measure corrosion
Posted by shmody
My car is showing some rust on engine and transmission parts. To appraise it well and do good business with the purchaser in answering questions about the corrosion, how can I measure how bad it is? I'll probably take it to my mechanic tomorrow, but I was just wondering what experience you all had with stuff like that? Read more 

• 1. 2008 Nissan Rogue
• 2. 2008 Audi S5
• 3. 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL320 CDI
• 4. 2008 Mazda Tribute HEV Touring
• 5. 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
• 6. 2008 Acura TL Type-S
• 7. 2008 Jaguar XKR Convertible
• 8. 2008 Cadillac CTS
• 9. 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
• 10. 2008 BMW 535i

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