The Good Oil: Laser powers up speed with steam

8 grams of thorium could power a car for 500,000kms. Photo / Supplied

Scientists at US research company Laser Power Systems (LPS) are working on a new electric generator powered by a thorium-based laser. Thorium is a mildly radioactive metal.

LPS says the thorium laser generates heat to produce steam that powers a generator to produce electricity. It says thorium is perfect for mobile power generation, since it takes only a thin sheet of aluminum foil to shield its radiation and the element can't be used for weapons.

Scientists say 8g of thorium could be enough to power a vehicle for about 500,000km. If this all sounds a little far-fetched, Cadillac introduced a thorium-powered concept car at the 2009 Chicago Motor Show.

Learner drivers' costly cars impounded

Vancouver police impounded 13 exotic cars valued at more than $2.5 million after the drivers were nabbed street racing at up to 200km/h. The cars included Maseratis, Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Nissan GT-Rs, an Aston Martin DB9, Audi R8 and a couple of Mercedes-Benz AMG models. The drivers were under 20 and most of the cars displayed "N" or "Novice" licence plates. Each driver was charged and fined $250.

High-tech eyes for new BMW i8 concept

BMW is working on headlights that use lasers. The carmaker says laser technology will allow cars to utilise lighting systems that are more efficient. The diodes used would be significantly smaller than LED units. The first vehicle to wear laser eyes is the new BMW i8 concept.

Movie stars for sale

Two cars linked forever with movie-making are up for auction in London next month. The Pink Panther is the original and the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a licensed replica.

The "Panthermobile" has been to auction only once since it was built in 1969 by Jay Ohrberg, the man behind the Delorean from Back to the Future, the General Lee from the Dukes of Hazzard, the Ford Gran Torino from Starsky & Hutch and Batmobiles from 1966 and 1989.

The Panthermobile is expected to fetch $100,000 to $200,000, and the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang replica is likely to sell for $300,000 to $500,000.

Porsche updates Dashboard for the wrist

Porsche Design, the company's Austrian product division, has updated the wristwatch it introduced about 10 years ago. The new Dashboard model, like the first, takes its cues from the instrument cluster in a 911 Carrera. It is made from titanium and its black coating is a nod to the original Porsche watch of 1972.

Inside the 44mm case and under the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal sits a chronograph movement with power reserve that can keep it going for a couple of days if it's not being used. The Dashboard sells for US$6000 ($7235).

One-off Lotus honours Queen superstar

Lotus has come up with a one-off Evora S in honour of the late Queen frontman, Freddie Mercury.

Outside, the coupe is pearl-white with red and gold accents and features the star's signature. The cabin has a one-off yellow interior as a nod to Mercury's 1986 stage costume, with a Union Jack on the seats. The car is to be auctioned as part of the celebrations tied to Mercury's 65th birthday bash at London's Savoy Hotel. Proceeds will go to the Mercury Phoenix Trust, an Aids charity founded by bandmates Brian May, Roger Taylor and manager Jim Beach after Mercury's death.

Renault tunes up with guitar-maker

French carmaker Renault has teamed its Gordini brand with US guitar-maker Gibson. The result is a special-edition Gibson SG 61 guitar decked out in Gordini blue with white stripes and Gordini nameplate. The collaboration also includes a Gordini show car. It uses the same paint scheme as the guitar, but with Gibson logos and guitar strings woven into the leather seats, and Gibson guitar knobs controlling the audio system.