Ford to introduce the SYNC AppLink software on a wider range of vehicles

Ford announced its intentions to introduce the so-called SYNC AppLink “award-winning software application” on about 10 additional models starting 2012. Of course, the software program which gives SYNC users hands-free voice control capability is already available as optional but offering this innovative system as standard is an important step forward.

Ford SYNC AppLink

Moreover, the American company claims that the SYNC app develop community is getting bigger and bigger, more than 2,500 developers being currently creating new systems and applications.

"We understand more and more drivers are using their devices and their apps while in the car," said Doug VanDagens, director of Ford Connected Services Solutions. "Ford is a part of the solution, offering voice-activated options such as Ford SYNC with AppLink on a broader range of our products, which gives more customers a smarter way to access their apps while driving that keeps their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road."

More exactly, Ford aimed to develop a system which lets you manage and access your smartphone using the voice control capability, a system similar to the phone’s hands-free which lets you concentrate on driving while using the phone. In the beginning we told you that Ford plans to introduce the new system as standard on up to 10 models. The list includes the 2012 Ford Fusion, Fusion Hybrid, Fiesta, F-150, F-150 SVT Raptor, Super Duty, Expedition, E-Series, Shelby GT500 and 2012 Ford Mustang.

Ford SYNC AppLink

AppLink is currently compatible with any device using Apple iOS, Android and BlackBerry OS platforms, therefore, the system will surely work with your smartphone considering that these 3 operating systems are the most important on the market at this moment. Ford names the SYNC AppLink an award-winning software as it won the 2011 Edison Silver Award in the Transportation In-Car Driving Aid category, a prize which confirms the reliability and practicability of this system. Ford is continuously working with the 2,500+ developers through the SYNC developer site. The American company offers the Ford Software Development Kit to anyone who wants to modify the existing applications or create a new one.

"The flexibility of the SYNC platform and software-based solutions such as AppLink give Ford a powerful blend of in-car connectivity technologies that can easily adapt to our customers' needs and what's happening in the mobile electronics industry, including the exploding world of smartphone apps," said Marchwicki. "To keep more of our customers connected, we will continue to add other SYNC-enabled apps, smartphone integrations and vehicles with factory-installed AppLink to our lineup."

Rikk 25 Jun, 2011

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Source: http://www.automotorblog.com/ford-to-introduce-the-sync-applink-software-on-a-wider-range-of-vehicles/
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Porsche celebrates more than 300,000 Boxsters and Caymans built

Porsche decided to announce through an official press release that the current-generation Boxster and the Coupe variant, Cayman, reached an important milestone in its 15-year automotive lifetime. More exactly, the Germans celebrate over 300,000 Boxsters and Caymans built since the first generation entered the market.

Porsche Boxster

It is true that we are not talking about millions of units but considering the price of the model which is not quite affordable for everyone, this achievement for the mid-engine model is noteworthy.

As you probably now, the current Boxster range includes the Boxster S, Boxster S Black Edition and Boxster Spyder while the Coupe version comes in three additional variants, Cayman S, Cayman S Black Edition and Cayman R Coupés, to be more precise.

Porsche Boxster

At the beginning, Porsche introduced only the open-topped Boxster but due to the high demand they decided to reveal the Coupe version, Cayman, at the 2005 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show. The same high demand forced the Germans to open a new assembly line at Valmet Automotive in Finland in order to keep up with the orders as the Zuffenhausen plant was not able to handle the situation. In terms of power, the current-generation Boxster/Cayman comes with various engine developing from 255 hp to 330 hp. The Germans from Porsche state that the fuel consumption is another strong point of the Boxster/Cayman range with figures ranging from 9,4 liters/100km to 9,8 liters/100 km.

The summer of 1996 marked the beginning of Boxster’s production after three years earlier, at the 1993 Detroit Motor Show, Porsche revealed the Boxster concept, a model which received an overwhelming response from the public which determined the Stuttgart-based manufacturer to seriously think about a possible mass model. The 300,000th unit was a Porsche Boxster Spyder with the Platinum Silver metallic paint job and Carrera red leather interior. The model has been produced at the Zuffenhausen plant this month and went to a German client.

Porsche Boxster

“A nice round number to celebrate the birthday: Almost exactly 15 years to the month after production began, the Porsche Boxster together with its sister model, the Cayman, exceeded the 300,000 mark for the number of vehicles built. Together with its timeless attractiveness, this two-seater, mid-engine car from the Dr. Ing. h.c. H. Porsche AG, Stuttgart has what it takes to make yet another sports car icon,” claimed the Germans.

Rikk 24 Jun, 2011

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Source: http://www.automotorblog.com/porsche-celebrates-more-than-300000-boxsters-and-caymans-built/
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MINI Coupé: First Exclusive Video - Another Day. Another Adventure.

A N D O N I S 24 Jun, 2011

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Source: http://andoniscars.blogspot.com/2011/06/mini-coupe-first-exclusive-video.html
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New Hybrid Mitsubishi Evo

When news broke of Mitsubishi killing the all-wheel-drive turbocharged goodness that is the Lancer Evolution, the tuner crowd was in an uproar. Not since the death of the Supra, NSX or Tupac Shakur did the exhaust-burble and flush-rim-loving crowd see such an outpouring of sorrow. But just as the proverbial liquor was being poured, a glimmer of hope appeared.

BestCar, our Japanese print friends with sources deep within Mitsubishi, informs us that Osamu Masuko, president of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, is so against participating in motorsports that no one dares mention the word around him. However, despite news regarding the discontinuation of the Evo (a statement that originated from a different Mitsubishi official), Masuko was heard stating that Mitsubishi is fully intent on producing a high-performance car in the future, albeit green. Based on that fact and other internal rumblings, BestCar asserts that in all likelihood Mitsubishi will produce a new Evo.

While we initially reported the next-generation Evo might be either a diesel or hybrid, the latest information has Mitsubishi leaning toward the latter, borrowing technology from the PX-MiEV concept shown at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. The PX-MiEV touts a plug-in hybrid system that relies on electric motors at low to middle speeds. Operating as a series hybrid, when the lithium-ion batteries run low, the 1.6- liter gasoline engine turns on and powers a generator that in turn provides charge to the electric motors. For higher vehicle speeds, the PX-MiEV's hybrid system switches to a parallel hybrid system with the 1.6-liter engine providing additional combustion power to the wheels.
For the drivetrain, the PX-MiEV utilizes Mitsubishi's S-AWC all-wheel-drive system and active yaw control, technologies both employed on the current Evo. Short of a turbocharger, the PX-MiEV's powertrain is a striking vision of what a hybrid Evo could be. One can always hope. Otherwise, let the proverbial liquor flow.

roadandtrack

A N D O N I S 24 Jun, 2011

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Source: http://andoniscars.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-hybrid-mitsubishi-evo.html
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ImageGallery: Bertone X1/9 (128) '1987–89

A N D O N I S 24 Jun, 2011

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Source: http://andoniscars.blogspot.com/2011/06/imagegallery-bertone-x19-128-198789.html
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McLaren MP4-12C supercar group test (2011) full video

A N D O N I S 24 Jun, 2011

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Source: http://andoniscars.blogspot.com/2011/06/mclaren-mp4-12c-supercar-group-test.html
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MINI Roadster to arrive in March 2012

A N D O N I S 24 Jun, 2011

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Source: http://andoniscars.blogspot.com/2011/06/mini-roadster-to-arrive-in-march-2012.html
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Présentation de la Citroën DS5 - intérieur et extérieur (FR)

A N D O N I S 24 Jun, 2011

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Source: http://andoniscars.blogspot.com/2011/06/presentation-de-la-citroen-ds5.html
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BMW M3 CRT. Intro.

A N D O N I S 24 Jun, 2011

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Source: http://andoniscars.blogspot.com/2011/06/bmw-m3-crt-intro.html
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Maserati SUV reportedly getting Chrysler V8 power

Lamborghini may not be going the SUV route but sadly, not all Italian sports car makers can do the same, Maserati’s extended lineup clearly includes one such vehicle.

Production for the all new Maserati SUV is scheduled to start sometime in 2012 so certain details had to be put out of the way, technically at least.

2003 Maserati Kubang Concept

Few details are more important than the engine lineup that is made available with such a crucial model than the engine.

Since there’s a bit of a tech shortage Maserati may have to borrow one from the Americans at Chrysler.

We were already alerted about how Maserati may use the Pentastar 3.6 liter V6 when looking for some downsized engines but now there’s more.

2003 Maserati Kubang Concept

Fitting for an SUV, Maserati will also get a chance at some more capable fuel guzzlers, stuff like Chrysler’s infamous 6.4 liter HEMI V8 engine.

465 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque is the sort of power the Chrysler V8 churns out and that is truly respectable. It will certainly give any Maserati SUV owner the same thrills they’re used to from sports coupes or sedans.

The only question on everybody’s mind is why. After all, Maserati already has a perfectly usable 4.7 liter V8 engine which can develop pretty much the same performance figures at 440 horses and 360 lb-ft.

2003 Maserati Kubang Concept

An Italian powerplant may be somewhat more poorly rated compared to the output of the American eight cylinder and the extra torque may come in handy with a big car that may eventually tow something but that’s not the entire reason for this new engine.

There’s also a crowd pleasing component in Maserati and Chrysler’s joint decision about what’s going to power this “abominable” SUV.

Since the whole concept isn’t exactly fitting of the brand, they might as well keep the “pure” bloodlines of Maserati’s engines untainted by such a commercial and improper body shape.

2003 Maserati Kubang Concept

If there’s somebody who thinks he wants an even worse version of the Maserati SUV he can go for a 3.0 liter V6 diesel from Jeep’s stable.

This fuel efficient oil burner has an output of about 240 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The two new engines and the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s platform will diminish most of the image but they do make for one very interesting upside.

An eventual price for the 2012 Maserati SUV could fall pretty low down, offering similar performance to the likes of the Porsche Cayenne for substantial amounts less than the Teutonic beast.

Source: 4Wheelsnews

Lupica G. 24 Jun, 2011

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Source: http://www.automotorblog.com/maserati-suv-reportedly-getting-chrysler-v8-power/
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