Great Gear

Special Report: An American Heart Inside a Japanese Body (1x10)

Data di messa in onda: Giu 13, 2012

Special Report: An American Heart Inside a Japanese Body The bike we introduce in this "Special Report" segment certainly captures the look and feel of an American style chopper, but it is mass-produced with high-quality Japanese engineering. In the world of motorcycles, there is often a clear distinction between American style bikes and those made in Japan. American bikes can conjure images of hi-handled choppers and growling street cruisers. Japanese bikes, on the other hand, are often considered finely engineered speed machines. Now, there is a hybrid machine that bridges the gap. It's called the Road Hopper and it is the focus of this "Special Report". On Site: Automotive Engineering Exhibition 2012 This "On Site" segment is a little different from those we've done in the past. We visit the largest technology expo in Japan featuring the latest advances in electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicle systems. Get ready for some serious new technological developments. Schedule: May 23-25 Location: Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Hall The Automotive Engineering Exposition focuses on the integration of new technology into EVs, hybrids, and plug-in vehicles. Reporter Brian Hughes thought this would be an easy assignment. Little did he know that instead of simply looking at some radical new technology, he'd actually be a guinea pig for testing it out. Gadgets: Shedding Light on Innovation A small company in Shizuoka is trying to change old conventions by bringing new lighting concepts to life. We visit the manufacturer, which helps realizing the designers' ideas for these interesting lamps into actual products. For practical reasons like cost and efficiency, most Japanese homes are equipped exclusively with florescent lighting. When it comes to lighting, Japanese homes are still very much "in the dark". The idea of lighting as a means for relaxation and of illuminating only needed areas still hasn't caught on. In this "Gadgets" segment, we shine the light on a lighting manufacturer, which is switching on ideas for new lights.