Tag Archives: positioning

24 Years Ago This Feature Made World-Wide Navigation Easier

Summary

  • GPS revolutionized automotive navigation post-2000, providing real-time positioning and route for drivers.
  • U.S. authorities lifted GPS restrictions in 2000, permitting for widespread integration in client autos.
  • Future of GPS in cars contains AR overlays, predictive visitors algorithms, and autonomous driving integration.

In the early days of automotive navigation methods, earlier than the unanimous GPS integration we’re accustomed to today, drivers relied on rudimentary strategies like paper maps and printed instructions to navigate unfamiliar roads. It wasn’t till the flip of the millennium that GPS navigation grew to become a normal characteristic in cars.

Prior to 2000, the United States authorities intentionally restricted the accuracy of GPS alerts accessible to civilians, primarily for safety causes. This meant that whereas GPS expertise was out there, its full potential was not harnessed in client autos till the restrictions have been lifted.

With the elimination of limitations in 2000, GPS expertise started to revolutionize in-car navigation. Models just like the BMW 7-Series led the cost in totally integrating GPS methods into the dashboard, providing drivers real-time positioning and turn-by-turn instructions. GPS, or Global Positioning System, operates by a community of satellites orbiting the Earth, constantly transmitting alerts that may be picked up by GPS receivers in autos. These receivers triangulate alerts from a number of satellites to find out the precise place of the receiver on the Earth’s floor, enabling exact navigation capabilities.

Since its widespread adoption, GPS has become an indispensable tool for drivers, providing not simply navigation help but additionally visitors updates, factors of curiosity, and even integration with smartphone apps for enhanced performance. Looking forward, the way forward for GPS in cars holds much more promise, with developments like augmented actuality overlays, predictive visitors algorithms, and integration with autonomous driving methods poised to additional improve the driving expertise and security on the roads.

As expertise continues to evolve, GPS navigation in cars will undoubtedly stay a cornerstone of contemporary transportation, guiding us effectively to our locations for years to come back.

In order to provide the most recent and correct data doable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from varied producer web sites, together with BMW, Ferrari, and Mazda.

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BMW Had The First Vehicle With Full GPS Navigation

In the realm of automotive innovation, the 2000 BMW 7-Series marked a major milestone as one of many first autos to supply complete GPS navigation capabilities. Among European automobiles, the E38 BMW distinguished itself by integrating satellite tv for pc navigation into its suite of options.

This groundbreaking system, referred to as CARIN, was the results of a collaborative effort between BMW and Philips, setting a precedent for sophisticated in-car technology. Central to this integration was the I-bus automotive communication system, seamlessly connecting the in-car leisure, navigation, and communication methods.

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Notably, the 2000 mannequin 12 months noticed pivotal upgrades to the BMW 7-Series’ navigation system. The introduction of a 6.5-inch 16:9 show display screen in September enhanced the consumer expertise, offering clearer and extra detailed navigation directions. Concurrently, the navigation system acquired an improve to MKIII, transitioning to CD-based maps for satellite tv for pc navigation. This software program replace not solely improved performance but additionally marked BMW as an early adopter of the newly launched U.S. GPS sign, demonstrating the model’s dedication to staying on the forefront of automotive expertise.

Why Did The U.S. Withhold GPS Signal?

The U.S. authorities withheld GPS alerts till 2000 attributable to strategic considerations. This choice aimed to safeguard nationwide safety pursuits by limiting civilian entry to the expertise’s full capabilities. With lingering Cold War tensions, fears of adversaries exploiting GPS for army functions have been important. These constraints on GPS accuracy have been a precautionary measure to forestall misuse. As geopolitical dynamics developed and expertise superior, the U.S. lifted restrictions on the flip of the millennium, enabling widespread GPS integration in civilian functions, equivalent to automotive navigation methods.

Did GPS Navigation Shift After 2000?

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Driving Assistance and Navigation

Hyundai 

 

While the discharge of the brand new sign from the U.S. Government allowed for extra accuracy in navigation methods, it didn’t wildly change the panorama of choices. Most autos fortunate sufficient to have in-car navigation acquired an replace for the brand new sign. Lower-trim autos with out navigation methods didn’t grow to be a normal till the final decade or so.

Many autos immediately not often use navigation as nicely, for the reason that popularization of smartphones permits for extra correct mapping knowledge with out the necessity for bodily updates or costly Over-The-Air software program. Innovations for aftermarket head models or automobile methods to combine Apple CarPlay or AndroidAuto have now grow to be the usual, however extra on that later.

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How Does GPS Work?

2024 Land Rover Range Rover central display showing navigation system
Land Rover

Across the board, GPS expertise works the identical on your automobile, telephone, or TomTom. GPS, or the Global Positioning System, operates by a community of satellites orbiting the Earth. These satellites constantly emit alerts containing exact time and placement data. GPS receivers, equivalent to these present in smartphones or automobile navigation methods, decide up alerts from a number of satellites concurrently.

By analyzing the time it takes for every sign to succeed in the receiver, together with the satellite tv for pc’s recognized place, the receiver can calculate its personal exact place on Earth by a course of known as trilateration. The extra satellites a receiver can detect, the extra correct its positioning turns into. This expertise permits GPS to supply customers with correct real-time positioning, enabling a variety of functions from navigation to monitoring to express timing.

GPS Applications In Vehicles

Have you ever been caught in visitors in a metropolis you don’t know? It isn’t solely irritating however extremely laborious to get out of in some circumstances. In-car navigation is the reply to those issues and why it has grow to be such a staple of car expertise. By integrating GPS expertise into automobiles, drivers can obtain real-time positioning data, permitting them to find out their actual location on a map and obtain turn-by-turn instructions to their desired vacation spot.

Integration of GPS into the array of screens in modern cars enhances comfort for drivers but additionally improves security by decreasing the danger of getting misplaced or taking improper turns. Additionally, GPS allows options equivalent to visitors updates and rerouting, serving to drivers navigate round congestion and attain their locations extra effectively.

Proprietary Vehicle Navigation Was Short-Lived

Given that in-car navigation for autos within the U.S. was not popularized till 2000, it comes as no shock that it solely lasted for a decade earlier than issues switched drastically. Starting in 2009, a navigation firm known as Sygic launched an app for Apple iOS gadgets. The recognition of utilizing smartphones for day by day capabilities trickled into navigation, and subsequently into automobiles as nicely.

Many shoppers who couldn’t afford greater trim fashions with built-in navigation have been already used to utilizing handheld gadgets for maps like Garmin merchandise. So, when smartphones got here round and offered extra correct positioning, it solely made sense to lean right into a extra standardized product for autos.

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In Car Navigation Before Standard GPS

Honda Electro Gyrocator navigation system
Honda

The first actual occasion of in-car navigation started in 1966 with General Motors Research. They have been engaged on a non-satellite-based help system known as DAIR (Driver Aid, Information & Routing). Once they examined the idea, they rapidly got here to the conclusion it was not sensible or scalable for manufacturing use.

However, in 1996, the identical idea was re-envisioned as OnStar, which became popularized throughout the GM fleet. Throughout the next many years, there have been some iterations of rudimentary navigation methods all through autos, but it surely wasn’t till 1981 that we noticed the primary commercially out there automobile navigation system.

1981 Honda Electro Gyrocator

The Electro Gyro-Cator, launched in 1981, stands as a pioneering milestone in automotive navigation expertise. Developed by a collaboration between Honda, Alpine, and Stanley Electric Co., it earned the excellence of being the world’s first automated commercially out there navigation system for cars.

Unlike up to date GPS-based methods, the Electro Gyro-Cator operates on inertial navigation rules, that includes a helium gasoline gyroscope able to detecting each rotation and motion. Complemented by a servo gear connected to the transmission housing, the system maintained place, mapped pace, and tracked distance traveled.

Transparent maps housed inside the unit scrolled previous a 6-inch monochrome CRT display screen, the place a collection of circles or crosshairs indicated the automobile’s location or depicted the trail of journey. It was introduced as an non-obligatory further for the 1981 Honda Accord and Honda Vigor. Despite its progressive design and performance, the system’s hefty price ticket of ¥300,000 (equal to $2,746 USD) in 1981, almost 1 / 4 of the worth of the automobile itself, restricted its widespread adoption. Nonetheless, its legacy lives on, with a show unit showcased on the Honda Collection Hall.

First Production Car With Built-In Navigation

The JC collection Cosmo of 1990, manufactured by Mazda, stands as a trailblazer in automotive innovation. Beyond its groundbreaking twin sequential turbo methods on the two-rotor 13B-RE and three-rotor 20B-REW engines, which have been pioneering developments in rotary engine expertise, the Eunos Cosmo achieved one other milestone by changing into the first manufacturing automobile to characteristic a built-in GPS navigation system. This groundbreaking characteristic provided drivers unprecedented comfort and performance, setting a brand new customary for in-car expertise.

Moreover, the Eunos Cosmo was on the forefront of digital developments, housing the Car Communication System, which built-in a CRT coloration touch-screen to regulate varied capabilities equivalent to local weather management, cell phone, GPS navigation, NTSC TV, radio, and CD participant. With its LCD instrumentation displaying analog gauges with floating indicator needles and vivid colours for various capabilities, the fourth-generation Cosmo exemplified Mazda’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of automotive expertise.

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Future Of GPS In Automobiles

Shot of the Tesla Autopilot in action
Tesla

Looking forward, the way forward for GPS in cars guarantees to be transformative, with thrilling developments poised to revolutionize the driving expertise. As expertise continues to evolve, GPS integration will play an more and more pivotal position in shaping the autos of tomorrow.

Augmented actuality overlays will supply drivers enhanced visualization of navigation directions, seamlessly integrating digital data with the true world to supply intuitive steerage. Predictive visitors algorithms will allow smarter routing selections, leveraging real-time knowledge to navigate drivers round congestion and optimize journey instances.

App integration from smartphones has revolutionized the way in which we use automobile navigation. AppleCarplay and Android Auto have now grow to be a normal amongst producers as the necessity for in-car navigation improvement steadily declines. As Apple and Android put improvement into their telephones, automakers not have to concentrate on proprietary methods.

Moreover, integration with autonomous driving methods will see GPS expertise taking over an much more integral position, facilitating exact positioning and navigation for self-driving autos. With these improvements on the horizon, the way forward for GPS in cars holds the promise of safer, extra environment friendly, and finally, extra satisfying journeys on the highway.

First Vehicle With Apple Carplay

Infotainment Screen Of 2024 Genesis G70 Displaying Apple CarPlay
Genesis

The Ferrari FF made automotive historical past in September 2014 because the inaugural automobile to characteristic the total model of Apple CarPlay. Introduced by Apple on the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, CarPlay, previously referred to as iOS within the automobile, rapidly gained traction and located its manner into fashions by Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, and Ferrari. Described by Apple as a “smarter, safer, and more fun way to use iPhone in the car,” CarPlay revolutionized the in-car infotainment expertise by seamlessly integrating iPhone performance into the automobile’s dashboard.

Since its debut, CarPlay has grow to be nearly customary in each automobile, out there in over 800 fashions throughout varied producers, starting as early as the 2016 model year in some cases and 2017 in others. Its widespread adoption exhibits simply how integral smartphone navigation has grow to be in cars.

What Is Next For Vehicle Navigation?

While the historical past of GPS navigation in autos has accelerated as quick as the remainder of automotive expertise, at its core it’s nonetheless the identical. Satellite navigation, offers correct location knowledge for drivers to information themselves all through the world. From crude fundamental maps on a tiny show to full satellite tv for pc imagery overlaid on an 11-inch middle console display screen, navigation is an integral a part of a automobile these days.

The way forward for navigation holds within the upcoming autopilot capabilities developed by automakers equivalent to Tesla, BMW, and Ford. Although they’re to start with phases, the expertise and coding used to make these options are as thrilling because the introduction of the primary GPS system.

Audi Q8

The Audi Q8 is positioned as a flagship SUV within Audi’s Q-series. While the cabin may not offer any extraordinary visual or material features compared to other large vehicles, it still maintains a high level of fit, finish, and practicality. The interior features brushed metal and gloss-black panelling, creating an upscale and desirable ambiance. The facelift has introduced new trims, including attractive grey ash and matt carbon twill finishes.

One noticeable feature taking up a significant portion of the dashboard is Audi’s dual-screen MMI infotainment system. It consists of a primary 10.2-inch screen and a smaller 8.6-inch unit. The upper screen controls the Q8’s features and functions, such as navigation and phone connectivity, while the lower screen displays frequently used features like air conditioning and radio. Although these are touchscreens, a firm press is required for a response. The software is highly responsive, and the graphics are of excellent quality.

The Audi Q8 also offers an impressive sound system, with an optional Bang & Olufsen upgrade available. However, the standard sound system is unlikely to disappoint. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit replaces traditional analogue instrument dials with digital screens, giving the interior a sleek and minimalistic feel. Physical dials and buttons are minimal, emphasizing the modern design.

Despite its coupé-style roofline, the Q8 provides ample rear head space for taller passengers. However, it falls slightly short in rear legroom compared to the Porsche Cayenne, although the difference is minimal. The boot volume offers a satisfactory 605 litres of storage space.

The Cheapest Way To Buy A 200 Series Toyota Land Cruiser

Summary

  • The Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series struggled with its luxury positioning, making the Lexus LX 570 a more appealing and cheaper alternative.
  • The Lexus LX 570 and the Land Cruiser share many parts and run on similar platforms, but the LX can be found for significantly less on the used market due to the Land Cruiser’s discontinuation.
  • The LX 570 has an edge over the Land Cruiser in terms of luxury, ride quality, and updated interior and infotainment system, making it the better choice between the two.

When it comes to a blend of luxury and capability there are few cars that do it as well as the Toyota Land Cruiser. It has a long list of off-road achievements and it has remained a strong, sturdy, and reliable two to three-row SUV across its lifespan. The 200 series, however, has struggled with this identity.

The Toyota Land Cruiser has always been marketed as a high-end off-roader that is extremely capable but offers you comfort and luxury, and it’s always been priced that way too. Unfortunately, the 200 series fell short on the luxury side of things while maintaining its high price.

Luckily, there is a simple solution. The Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series had a luxury twin, the Lexus LX 570, and that twin is currently cheaper to buy on the second-hand market. This surprising twist means that you can essentially take home a Lexus LX for a fraction of the price and with more features.

RELATED: 10 Bargain Lexus Models That Offer Luxury And Reliability On The Cheap

The Land Cruiser’s Used Value Is Just Too High

Front action shot of the 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota

The Lexus LX 570 and the Toyota Land Cruiser are comparable cars in a lot of ways. They share a lot of the same parts and run on very similar platforms. To many people’s despair, the Land Cruiser was pulled from the U.S. market back in 2021, and this had a huge impact on valuations. Toyota initially said that the Land Cruiser would not be returning to North America. This means that the desirability of the Land Cruiser shot up too, meaning the LX can be found for significantly less.

The Lexus LX and the Land Cruiser have run side-by-side for decades now, with the Lexus being the less capable, high luxury option and the Land Cruiser being the choice for those a little more rough and tumble. As time went on, the Toyota started to encroach on the Lexus’ territory a little bit and vice versa. The LX, however, does remain the more luxurious option but the gap in their capability has closed significantly.

What’s surprising is how easy it is to find examples of the Lexus LX 570 that are in similar conditions but actually cheaper than the Land Cruiser. Searching used markets revealed that even when it comes to the 2021 model, the Lexus can be picked up for the same price, and even cheaper in some instances. These models have similar mileage, the same level of wear-and-tear and the same amount of seating rows.

If you look at even older examples of the 200 series Land Cruiser and the 200 series LX, there are some wild price differences. Looking at examples from 2015 that have been taken care of but have around 100,000 miles on the clock, some LX 570s go for around $10,000 dollars less than a Land Cruiser. This price difference is insane given the fact that you’re essentially getting a car on the same platform with the same parts for a fraction of the price.

RELATED: 10 Used Japanese SUVs That Can Last You A Lifetime

The Land Cruiser And The LX 570 Share A Lot Of Parts

Engine bay of the 2021 Lexus LX 570
Lexus

Lexus is, essentially, the luxury wing of Toyota, with a lot of their cars sharing parts and platforms. This is the case with the Land Cruiser and the LX 570. They both run on the same platform and share a plethora of parts, essentially filling the same area in the market. Toyota, over the years, specced the Land Cruiser so high that it essentially entered the same territory as its Lexus counterpart.

Performance (2021)

Toyota Land Cruiser

Lexus LX 570

Engine

5.7-Liter Naturally Aspirated V-8

5.7-Liter Naturally Aspirated V-8

Horsepower

381 HP

383 HP

Torque

401 lb-ft

403 lb-ft

Curb Weight

5815 lbs

5800 lbs

Ground Clearance

9.0 in

9.0 in

Entry, Departure, and Breakover

25°, 20°, 23°

32°, 24°, 21°

Towing Capacity

8100 lb

7000 lb

The first and one of the most important parts that these two SUVs share is their powertrain. Both luxury off-roaders have a nearly identical 5.7-liter naturally aspirated V-8. They’ve been running this powertrain for years. This engine provides both cars with the power and the torque to go anywhere. The Lexus takes premium fuel and so it pumps out slightly more horsepower and torque than the Toyota. The two cars run an identical eight-speed automatic gearbox. They are exactly the same in every way, down to the gear ratios. The transmission works incredibly well and helps both cars achieve some excellent acceleration for their size.

They both feature a slew of off-road equipment including a highly capable low-end transfer case which helps them achieve overlanding glory. This is as well as a Torsen locking differential. The LX matches the Land Cruiser in a lot of ways off the road including having active four-wheel drive, a high mode which increases the ride height, a crawl mode, and a multi-terrain monitor. The main area that the Land Cruiser has the LX 570 beat is entry, departure, and break-over angles and towing capacity.

RELATED: The Real Difference Between Toyota And Lexus

The Lexus LX 570 Has An Edge Over The Toyota Land Cruiser

Front 3/4 view of the 2021 Lexus LX 570
Lexus

It’s easy to believe that the reason the Land Cruiser was discontinued was in part because the Lexus LX 570 cannibalized a lot of the Land Cruiser’s sales due to their similarities. There was also a reason that the production of the LX570 continued into 2022 and the Land Cruiser took a break. While the Land Cruiser has a slight edge when it comes to off-roading, it also markets itself as a high-end SUV and area where the Lexus has it beat.

In terms of performance and handling neither feels particularly athletic. However, the Lexus has a slightly smoother ride. The Land Cruiser suffers from a lot of body roll, you’d expect better at this price point, and you get better with the Lexus.

2021 Lexus LX 570

Step inside the cabin of both cars and you’ll see some of the big differences start to shine through. While the Land Cruiser 200 Series does come fitted with a ton of high-quality materials, it looks incredibly dated and definitely not up to the standard that other luxury SUVs set. The Lexus LX 570 on the other hand Everything is just neater and more pleasing to look at.

2021 Toyota Land Cruiser

When it comes to the infotainment system, the story is much the same. The Land Cruiser’s is definitely getting older and is not quite as user-friendly as the Lexus’. The LX 570 also made the shift to having the controller for the system near the gear shifter, a trend that many have been jumping on in recent times.

RELATED: The Secrets Behind Toyota’s Bullet-Proof Reliability

Cheaper And Somehow Better: The LX 570 Is The Obvious Choice

Gray 2016 Toyota Lexus LX570
Lexus

So, we have established that the 200 series LX 570 has off-road capabilities that are pretty close to the Land Cruiser, that the Lexus feels more like a premium SUV that lives up to the price you pay, and that the Lexus feels better to drive on the road. Thus, the Lexus is actually the better vehicle.

Where the Land Cruiser used to stand a chance because it was significantly cheaper, Toyota inflated the features so heavily that it cost nearly the same as the Lexus when new. Because the Land Cruiser was discontinued and its value has popped up quite a bit and this means that its luxury twin is less expensive to buy, especially when you look at older options.

When you compare the two side-by-side it’s hard to see the merits of the Land Cruiser in this generation, especially given their price right now. If you’re looking for a full-size SUV with legendary off-road capability that will still feel posh on the road, the Lexus LX is the clear choice between the two.

Expanded structures: BMW Motorrad Motorsport sets course for the future.

BMW Motorrad Motorsport is undergoing a new and expanded structure to position itself for the future. Under the leadership of BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director Marc Bongers, the roles of Technical Director and Head of Customer Racing have been established. Christian Gonschor is now the Technical Director, while Uwe Geyer takes on the role of Head of Customer Racing in addition to his position as Head of Marketing. Both Gonschor and Geyer report directly to Bongers. BMW Motorrad Motorsport has also created specialized teams, including an independent test team. The Development and Test departments in Munich and Berlin are being expanded, and the synergies between BMW Motorrad Motorsport and the production development of the BMW M 1000 RR are being fully utilized.

Dr. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad, states that the new structure optimizes the development and test work for works projects and customer racing. This allows for increased capacities in Munich and the engine plant in Berlin, strengthening the development and test work for the FIM Superbike World Championship, FIM Endurance World Championship, and Customer Racing program. The connection to production development has also been intensified under the leadership of Christoph Lischka. Schramm expresses confidence in the reforms, believing that BMW Motorrad Motorsport is well-positioned for the future.

Christian Gonschor, as the Technical Director, is responsible for optimizing the technical organization of development and test work at BMW Motorrad Motorsport. This involves the formation of specialized teams for various areas such as the test team, chassis, engine, electronics, and aerodynamics. These teams primarily operate in Munich, where they have dedicated workshops, test and development motorcycles, testbeds, and wind tunnels for developing and testing the BMW M 1000 RR and new racing components. Collaboration with the BMW Motorrad plant in Berlin is essential for engine-related work. The capacities for internal development and test work will be increased in both Munich and Berlin. The close proximity between BMW Motorrad Motorsport and the production development department of the BMW M 1000 RR allows for optimal utilization of synergies.

BMW Motorrad Motorsport has established a separate test team that focuses solely on test work at the racetrack, independent of race outings. This team will have a dedicated pool of test riders and primarily work on the WorldSBK project. However, the creation of new motor racing components will benefit the entire motorsport department in the future.

Customer Racing is considered a fundamental pillar of BMW Motorrad’s motorsport activities alongside their works involvement in the FIM Superbike World Championship and FIM Endurance World Championship. Uwe Geyer is now responsible for Customer Racing as the Head of BMW Motorrad Customer Racing in addition to his role as Marketing Director. Customer Racing projects are developed for BMW riders worldwide, including those who compete in the Supersport segment professionally, semi-professionally, or as a hobby. The race package offered by BMW Motorrad is developed at the highest level of production-based motorsport in the Superbike World Championship and adapted to meet local Superbike series regulations. Parts for customers, including engines, are available directly through BMW Motorrad Motorsport or via distribution partner alpha Racing. The optimization of parts planning, production, and delivery times is part of the future plans. BMW Motorrad Race Support provides support in electronics for Customer Racing, and BMW Motorrad will continue investing in this area.

Starting August 2023, Dominic Thönnes will replace Benedikt Torka as Spokesperson for BMW Motorrad Motorsport.