Rocker Neil Young, James Gosling Connect over Java-Enabled Car at Sun

The LincVolt, Neil Young and Java creator James Gosling’s entry into the X Automotive Prize competition, is a classic 1959 Lincoln Continental Mk IV that has been repowered with a new series-hybrid system and now runs on electricity produced by a natural-gas generator. Java technology powers sensors that monitor performance elements of the LincVolt and display the results on a touch-screen panel as the hybrid car travels down the road. Young and Gosling showed the vehicle to about 40 onlookers, then took a spin around the Sun Microsystems campus in Menlo Park, Calif. Alas, however: On its way back home that evening, the LincVolt ran into a bit of trouble and was seen with its hood up on the shoulder of the road. It recovered, though, and later took a cross-country tour with Young behind the wheel.

Neil Young and James Gosling wish each other well at the Linc Volt demonstration at the Sun campus in Menlo Park, Calif.(Photo by Saul Lewis, Sun Microsystems)

Here’s a view of the rear of the Lincoln Mark IV, which is a lengthy convertible.(Photo by Chris Preimesberger)

The engine is from a Mazda, so it takes up only about half the space under the Lincoln’s large hood.(Photo by Chris Preimesberger)

Young’s film director, Larry Williams, takes a look at the computer setup behind the back seat of the Lincoln Mark IV. The batteries take up most of the trunk space.(Photo by Chris Preimesberger)

Young and Gosling share a funny story. About 40 Sun employees, plus Young’s film production crew, were on hand for the demo.(Photo by Chris Preimesberger)

Young and Gosling get ready to take the Linc Volt for a drive around the campus.(Photo by Chris Preimesberger)

Off they go. The car made little or no sound as it took off.(Photo by Chris Preimesberger)