Posts Tagged ‘hatchback’

Meet the New Google Maps Street View Car: A Colorful Subaru Complete With Red Ladybug Up Top

Friday, April 22nd, 2011

Well, here it is, the current generation Google Maps Car. (A Subaru, judging by the Pleiades icon on the nose – for some reason, Google stripped the badges from the rear of these cars.)

Are there cameras and SICK laser range finders and WiFi detectors and whatnot on top of this Subie? Who knows…

Click to expand

And here’s what these rides looked like before they got wrapped:

And this was the first generation Map Car, seen getting busted by the Federal popo in the Presidio.

(I have dual sources supporting contradictory stories (so that’s four people promoting two completely different stories) on why this particular Googler got busted, or not busted as the case may be. Oh well. Did the Presidio Trust tell the Google to get a permit? And did Google ignore that request? Don’t know.)

And of course, don’t forget about the Google Bus:

And the Google Bikes:

And the Google office:

And the Google Kitchen – it’s just like a 7-11 except shoplifting is encouraged:

And here’s the concomitant G-Toilet – it costs $700, it has over 20 buttons for its full operation, it’s made in Japan:

So that’s Google’s world.

Now, there are a lot of counterfeit Google Map Cars out there as well:

Accept No Substitutes.

Google Rulez!

Bon Courage, Googlers!

Spotting an All-Electric ZAP Xebra Microcar on the Streets of San Francisco

Wednesday, April 14th, 2010

Well, here it is, straight-outta-Shandong, it’s a three-wheeled ZAP! Xebra all-electric car / motorcycle.

Now, one of the things you should know by now is to never trust anything said by anybody from an electric car company. (Sometimes they’ll lie to you on purpose and sometimes they’ll lie to you inadvertently.) Anyway, I’ll let Wiki take over now – seems as if Santa Rosa-based ZAP! has more than it’s fair share of issues.

Recently seen on Market Street:

Take a look at the video of a Xebra on Sloat from the Cat Snuggler - this could be the same exact vehicle.

Let’s hope the range is over 15 miles per charge IRL for the newer models.

Wow! You can even buy them on the craigslist.

Keep a look out.

2008 ZAP! Xebra Sedan  
Shipment just arrived. Red, blue, green, and other colors available. Tax credits and sales tax free. Here is your chance to go all electric and stop using gas! Stock 72 Volt. Upgrades to 84 volt are available at extra cost. All Electric! | Top speed 40mph | Max range 20-25 miles | 4 door 4 seater | 110v charge | Max capacity 500lbs | 72v system

  • Curtis Controller
  • Power Locks
  • Metal body
  • Heat/Defrost
  • AM/FM/CD player
  • ALL ELECTRIC!
  • DeltaQ charger
  • Hatchback