the buzz log

When is a car not just a car? Two specific examples come to mind. First, when it's (partially) powered by solar panels. And second, when the voice of KITT from Knight Rider spews directions.

The Toyota Prius, already the poster-car for eco-friendly driving, may be planning a model with solar panels. According to The Daily Green, the panels "will produce enough electricity to keep the air conditioner running, eliminating a summertime drain on the gas tank." No word on whether the rumored panels would have a significant impact on the car's efficiency or if they'd be mostly symbolic.

Global positioning systems for cars are nothing new. But a GPS device with the voice of KITT from "Knight Rider" is not only new, it's totally friggin' sweet. The marketing geniuses at Mio have come up with a gizmo that will feature the authoritative voice of William Daniels, the man who gave the black Trans Am its proper yet spunky personality. As Wired puts it, the gadget "is so obvious, we have absolutely no idea why it doesn't already exist." Indeed. Folks who'd like to see the device in action should check out this video from The Street. As the Hoff might say, "keep your scanners peeled."