German car company Smart unveiled an electric scooter concept this week using an iPhone 4 as both keys and instruments. Check out the Smart escooter below.

The Smart concept is equipped with a 5.3bhp wheel hub electric motor that can propel it up to 30mph. A 3.84kWh battery pack lives under the seat and is good for a 62-mile range.

There’s ABS brakes, a rider airbag mounted below the handlebars and flashing lights in the rearview mirrors that will warn of vehicles in your blind spots. The charging socket hides behind the Smart logo on the front of the bike.

Insert your iPhone 4 into the dashboard to deactivate the immobilizer and alarm. An App will then launch, which serves as your speedometer, handles navigation and monitors battery charge level. The scooter itself will be equipped with an internal GPS unit, allowing the rider to use the iPhone 4 to locate the scooter should it be stolen or misplaced.

You will even be able to use your iPhone 4 to remotely start the handlebar heaters so they’re nice and toasty by the time you climb onboard.

When smartphone integration of this level becomes mainstream, manufacturers will likely be forced to find some way to limit phone functions while the vehicle is moving in order to reduce their liability. New laws will pop up, like no Facetiming while driving.

Stay tuned for more updates.

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Hey, what’s going on guys? Today’s post is brought to you by the folks at ThomasNet. Search ThomasNet to find manufacturers, distributors and service providers of products from Actuators to Zirconium and everything in between.

A standard BMW S1000RR with an off-the-shelf Akrapovic exhaust, a smaller rear sprocket and some gaffer tape to cover up the slots in the screen cracked 202mph from a standing start in one mile.

That’s right, almost stock. No superchargers, no engine tweaking, no hydraulic cylinders. Nada.

The speed run was part of an experiment by Performance Bikes magazine to discover the new BMW’s ultimate speed potential.

The full Akrapovic exhaust system replaced the enormous factory-supplied kit and was run in conjunction with a Power Commander V to make the most of the higher-flowing exhaust.

Damn, we get it, this bike is awesome. Geez, BMW, now make a 600cc version already…

Stay tuned for more updates. News courtesy of MCN.

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What’s up people? So, Suzuki has finally leaked drawings of the new look 2011 Suzuki GSX-R600 and GSX-R750. After a bad few years, these official Suzuki illustrations show that they are still a force to be reckoned with. Check it out.

Rumor has it that the bikes have minor engine changes, some styling changes and a new frame.

The new 600, which will be launched alongside an identical looking GSX-R750 with the same upgrades, is set to appear at this year’s round of bike shows, with its first appearance scheduled for the Cologne show in October.

Chief among the changes is a new-look air intake design, with four separate inlets, stacked in pairs on either side of the headlights. The designs also show a return to the stacked headlight design that was a trademark of the GSX-R range for much of its life, and which Suzuki had departed from with the current GSX-R600 and 750 machines.

They kind of remind me of the 2004 to 2005 model range. Not my favorite, and not very popular with riders.

Anyways, stay tuned for more updates.

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Hi guys. Suzuki has released a single official illustration of the new GSR750, a stylish naked middleweight that will be seen in finished form in just three weeks. Check it out!

Suzuki is remaining tight-lipped about the bike’s technical details, but rimors are that the all-new bike has a detuned engine from the GSX-R750 sportsbike and uses lower spec suspension and chassis components.

The GSR750 will be entering a middleweight class which has plenty of competition, including the new Yamaha FZ8, Kawasaki Z750R, Ducati Monster 796, Ducati Hypermotard 796 along with older bikes such as the BMW F800R, Aprilia Shiver 750, and of course the class-leading Triumph Street Triple 675.

Stay tuned for more updates.

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Hey guys, Jon here. An electric car was pit against an electric superbike last week. Citroën’s Survolt concept and a Mavizen TTX02 went head-to-head at Thruxton.

TTX GP leader Jenny Tinmouth was on two wheels, and Le Mans driver Vanina Ickx piloted on four. The event was set up to promote the strides that both Citroën and Mavizen are making in the electric arena. Check out the video.

Ickx said: “This was a fantastic experience. The lack of engine noise made it a very interesting challenge. Normally you have an idea where your opponent is by their sound, but with electric vehicles it’s so much quieter – a new racing dynamic. I had a lot of fun.”

The TTX02 was the world’s first production electric superbike and weighs 220kg. It’s powered by 80 battery packs and makes 68hp. It offers a 0-60mph time of around 3.5seconds with a top speed of just over 130mph.

The Survolt features full carbon bodywork and weighs 1.15 metric tons. It’s powered by two electric motors with a combined power of 300bhp, top speed is 162mph and it makes 0-60mph in five seconds.

The twin 140kg lithium-ion batteries can cover 124 miles. Not bad. looks pretty bad-ass too! Stay tuned for more updates.

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