KVH Tracvision A7, $2995
Satellite TV in your car is nothing new - but until now, its technology didn't permit the broadcast networks to get their fair share of bandwidth. So what happens when you need a fix of Judge Judy's syndicated wisdom after you've parked the car? KVH's TracVision now offers local channels in its new-generation A7 receiver, which also adds better rooftop mounting for its satellite dish in addition to broadcast network coverage for car subscribers. The new receiver has a GPS interface too, along with better satellite tracking capability for a cleaner picture. The satellite dish also comes with a new silver finish. For more information, follow the link above.
Pioneer Inno XM2go Portable Satellite Radio Receiver, $399.99
Pioneer Inno XM2GO | 
If you prefer listening to the radio, just a few years ago there aren't many options for those long desolate stretches out West, except for a stack of CDs. The new Inno receives 160 channels of XM Satellite Radio entertainment, and reception should be at least decent just about anywhere in the lower 48; then it matches the satellite radio with MP3 player capabilities, and the ability to record digitally from XM. The Inno comes with a built-in FM transmitter, though the optional car-docking station makes it even more road-trip friendly. Better yet, it's a standalone hand-held unit, so you can take it away like an iPod and listen to it with headphones. It has one up on the equivalent Sirius unit, the S50, as it gets decent reception with its built-in antenna while the S50 needs to be plugged into its base unit to receive.
Pirelli Summer Sneakers, $175
Cool, comfortable sneakers aren't exactly gadgets, but they're a must for long trips in the car - and if they're cool-looking and well designed like these you won't even need to pack an extra pair. With the namesake of the Pirelli tires dominant in 1960s European GT racing and later standard on many great Italian sports cars, Cinturatos are ideal for driving and walking. Lightweight mesh uppers allow plenty of ventilation for the heat, while the footbed is contoured for walking support. Of course, the soles are made of soft Pirelli rubber designed for good grip, wet or dry.
Garmin Nuvi 660, $750
Garmin's navigation systems keep getting better. Take the Nuvi line: the new 660 model adds a bigger screen and integrated traffic data to its mapping capabilities, ensuring you'll never get stranded while on a dogged hunt for the next Chick Fil-A on the highway. Along with the 4.3-inch screen and traffic receiver, the 660 has a built-in FM transmitter for transmitting instructions through your car's audio system, too.
Griffin Technology iTrip Auto, $69.99
Your spanking-new iPod needs to be spanked, indeed-it didn't come with any way to interface with your car's retro stereo faceplate. Short of rewiring it for MP3 capability (and, while you're at it, why not total surround-sound airbags?), you can just snap up one ofGriffin's new iTrip Auto adapters, which powers your 'Pod while beaming its signal through FM waves right into your radio. It's good for iPods including the new wafer-thin Nano and iPod with video.
Dyson DC14 Vacuum, $459.99
What sucks more than having a dirty car is not having the right tools to get it clean. But then again, what really sucks is the Dyson DC14, a vacuum designed just for that job. A home vacuum with the right attachments for car duty, the Dyson has a rotating brush attachment that gets car dirt where you want it-in the bagless vacuum's dust bin. Made of strong plastics and a high-speed motor, the Dyson even sounds like a Corvette (at least on paper). And like all good things in life, you can buy it at Target.
Jaguar Nambé Tri-Corner Bowl, $139
Some fine auto-related gifts don't come with ignition keys or fill markings. Jaguar's range of products from its design sphere include these Nambé bowls designed by sculptor Richard K. Thomas. Jaguar says their "classic, elegant lines reflect the tradition of Jaguar style" - and in case it evades your less cultured friends, the Jaguar Leaper logo is engraved on the bottom. Go to the Jaguar Collection online to see the range of products including the bowls, in smaller and larger sizes.
Audi Driving Experience, from $595
A proper education begins in the classroom-but then heads for the racetrack. Wait, this ain't Plato! Audi's Driving Experience is one of many manufacturer-underwritten driving schools that offers up all sorts of expert instruction in technique and skills while behind the wheel of their vehicles. With Audi, you'll careen around Road Atlanta or Sebring Raceway in a four-ringer four-wheel machine, learning the finer points of braking, lane changes, bad-weather driving and proper seating at the controls. You might also learn you're addicted to driving schools - and so might your teen driver, for which Audi offers special day-long or two-day driving programs to help them get used to the world of the Interstate. Hang up that cell phone and click over to the Audi Driving Experience site for more information, or call 888-282-4872.
Portable B-Ball, $495
You can't find hoops everywhere, no matter what ESPN makes you think. But you can take it with you everywhere so long as you have a trailer hitch and about $500. Portable B-Ball's traveling hoops backboard hooks into your vehicle's two-inch (or 1.25-inch with adapter) receiver hitch so you can bring the game to whatever loudmouth needs to be smacked down. Play on parking lots, beaches (rebounds aren't so much a factor there), or even outside Detroit's Cobo Hall in subzero cold - and ratchet it down to kiddie height for the next game you take to Spudd Webb. See www.portablebball.com for details.
Flickin' The Bird Pump Up Finger, $18
How long have you waited for something so eloquent? You want to make sure other drivers know exactly how you feel, but between the steering wheel, the cell phone, the Starbucks, and XM, well let's face it, your fingers are otherwise occupied. Perfect: enter the Flick'n the Bird Pump Up Finger, an inflatable hand that sticks to your car window and does the dirty work for you. Squeeze its pump (I don't know, with your foot, maybe?) and give them an inflatable piece of your mind.