Android and associated apps debut on the Audi SUV showcar at Google I/O.

Android and associated apps debut on the Audi SUV showcar at Google I/O

• New, open system architecture for in-car infotainment
• Fully integrated HMI solution featuring Android presented on the Q8 sport concept technology platform
• New streaming services include Spotify, Google Play Music and Google Assistant
• Vast Android community knowledge allows accelerated development of future in-car apps

Audi is presenting its concept of a next generation infotainment system with fully integrated Android platform at the renowned Google I/O developer conference, starting today, 17 May. This world premiere opens up new perspectives, which will allow the development of connectivity services to be greatly accelerated.

With 7,000 attendees on site, and millions worldwide via the internet, the three-day Google I/O gathering at Google’s headquarters in Mountain View, California, is considered as the largest and most important developer conference in the software industry worldwide. 

One of the exhibits features Android as a seamlessly integrated solution for in-car infotainment applications, which is being developed by the Android Open Source Community and its millions of members.

The Audi Q8 sport concept technology platform, which Audi is presenting at Google I/O, already has Android on board. The new functions, including the streaming service Spotify, Google Play Music and Google Assistant all run on the large MMI touch display in the centre of the dashboard. The information is also visible in the Audi virtual cockpit in the driver’s direct field of view.

This marks the first time the new services have been fully integrated into Audi’s brand specific infotainment system. While the navigation map continues to use the Audi-typical HERE database, the driver can also choose to navigate with Google Maps. A message centre for incoming messages and calls round out the new services in the show car.

The seamless integration of Android harbours tremendous potential. Android is the world's most popular mobile platform with more than 1.4 billion active users worldwide. 

The open Android community’s immense breadth of expertise and creativity can speed up the development of new applications. New apps can quickly find their way into the cars as additional connected services, for example, if they fulfill the requirements of Google and Audi. 

The foundation for this is the Android platform. Other customer advantages alongside shorter update cycles include a significantly greater diversity of services as well as broad international availability.

When people are able to pursue any activity they want in the car of the future, the integrated Android system will enable them to use the entire world of Smartphone apps in the car.

USA - Subaru to launch the 2018 Legacy Sedan at this years Chicago Auto Show.

SUBARU DEBUTS 2018 LEGACY AT THE CHICAGO AUTO SHOW WITH MORE ELEGANT STYLING, UPGRADED INTERIOR, NEW SAFETY FEATURES AND ADVANCED MULTIMEDIA

• Revised front and rear styling for sportier look.
• Redesigned interior with more premium materials.
• Ride made even smoother and quieter.
• Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• New available Steering Responsive LED Headlight system.
• New multimedia capabilities.

Subaru of America, Inc., which posted its eighth consecutive year of record-breaking sales, today announced that it will debut the 2018 Legacy midsize sedan at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show on February 9^th. 

The new Legacy features revised styling and significant upgrades to comfort, safety, and multimedia capability. In addition to major changes, myriad smaller engineering and design details throughout the 2018 Legacy enhance the driving experience. The 2018 Subaru Legacy will go on sale this summer.

The 2018 Legacy, the roomiest sedan in the midsize segment, is available in a 2.5i model with an efficient and responsive 175-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder BOXER engine, or, as the Legacy 3.6R with a 256-hp 3.6-liter 6-cylinder BOXER engine. 

Both engines come teamed as standard with the Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) with manual mode and paddle shift control switches. A retuned ECU for 2018 provides the CVT with more responsive and smoother acceleration. The 2.5i will be available in standard, Premium, and Sport trims; Limited offers a choice of 2.5i or 3.6R engines. Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Active Torque Vectoring are standard in all trims, making the Legacy the only midsize sedan to feature all-wheel drive as standard on all models.

Already an exemplar of passenger safety, the Legacy adds to its array of driver-assist features for 2018, including available new Steering Responsive Headlights (SRH). Available in conjunction with LED headlights, SRH aims the lights into turns as the driver steers. Also for 2018, Limited models with EyeSight utilize the systems’ cameras for High Beam Assist, which automatically turn the high beams on and off depending on traffic conditions. 

Sportier, Yet More Elegant Design

The Legacy wears a sportier and more elegant look for 2018, highlighted by wider, lower grille openings and new bumper that complement the wider Subaru hexagonal grille, now with distinctive wing element. The C-shaped headlights and parking lights and new horizontal lines extending outward from the grille subtly suggest the piston motion of the BOXER engine, a Subaru core technology. The redesigned headlights now feature distinctive “Konoji” daytime LED running lights.

Available LED fog lamps lend a sophisticated image. Other design details bolster the luxury-class appearance for the 2018 Legacy, including new high-contrast wheel designs and two rich new exterior colors, Magnetite Gray Metallic and Crimson Red Pearl. From the rear, the 2018 Legacy conveys a wider, more planted stance, although the car measures the same width as before. The new tailpipe design integrated into the lower fascia adds a premium touch.

More Responsive and Quieter

Subaru went through the Legacy chassis to make the 2018 model even more comfortable to drive, while also retuning its suspension to enhance agility and steering and brake feel. Retuned dampers reduce the initial impact of bumps while also reducing body roll through turns. Smoother, more linear response from the Electric Power Steering (EPS) and a firmer, more direct brake-pedal feel also make the Legacy more engaging to drive.

Already lauded for its quiet ride, the Legacy moves another step up in cabin comfort for 2018 with further reductions from all noise sources. The Lineartronic CVT on 2.5-liter equipped cars now uses a quieter ultra-short-pitch chain, and adjustments to engine timing under acceleration further reduce powertrain noise. Reshaped exterior mirrors are among a number of enhancements that help reduce noise entering the cabin. New sound-insulating inner film glass for the front side windows makes the front seat area quieter, while thicker rear wheel well aprons reduce rear seat ambient noise.

More Comfort, More Tech

The 2018 Subaru Legacy debuts an interior with new premium materials and a redesigned center console with an available 8-inch display screen for enhanced multimedia capabilities. On Premium and higher trims, real stitching on the dash, seats and door panels along with high-gloss black trim and silver-color bezels for various controls enhance the high-quality feel of the Legacy cabin. A new gray interior is now available, in addition to black or ivory. The steering wheel is all new with a sportier look and feel.

Subaru enhanced Legacy comfort in both large and small ways for 2018. The air conditioning system cools the cabin more quickly and provides more uniform temperature throughout the cabin. Subaru moved the temperature setting indicator to inside the control dial for more intuitive operation. As an added convenience on all models, interior power is retained for a short time after the ignition has been switched off. A redesigned clock is now larger and easier to read.

SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia

The 2018 Legacy gains the brand’s latest SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia system with Bluetooth wireless capability, iPod control, smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and more. The top-level system includes TomTom navigation with 3 years of free map updates. Two USB power ports are added to the back of the center console for rear seat passengers’ convenience.

The standard STARLINK 6.5” Multimedia system is an upgrade from the previous STARLINK 6.2” system and offers quicker performance. The available STARLINK 8.0” system debuts a new 8-inch central display that uses a faster CPU to greatly increase startup speed, giving the touch screen a more smartphone-like operation and feel. More smartphone-linked operations improve the multimedia experience while reducing the need to divert eyes from the road or hands from the steering wheel.

The use of two microphones and Technology by Nuance (maker of Dragon Dictation apps for PCs and other devices) significantly improves the voice recognition capabilities. The driver can more easily use Apple Siri or OK Google voice commands. The system is also compatible with multiple languages.

Among standard features on all SUBARU STARLINK systems are Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, iPod control, a USB port and auxiliary input jack. High-line trims add more features, including dual USB ports. Smartphone integration features Aha and Pandora, along with STARLINK cloud applications iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Calendar, Music Player, News and Weather.

Apps added for 2018 include:

• Magellan NAVI offers advanced cloud-based mapping
• eBird advises of local bird sightings and locations
• Best Parking locates and compares parking rates  
• YELP delivers crowd sourced reviews of businesses
• Glympse provides real-time location sharing
• RightTrack monitors driving habits and recommends improvements
• Quick Guide is a digital reference guide for the vehicle
• eventseeker provides information on local events

The new Legacy STARLINK Multimedia systems are also compatible with OTA (Over the Air) updates using WiFi.

Safety Leader with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology

The Subaru Legacy builds on its long record as a safety standout for 2018, with Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB) and newly available Steering Responsive Headlight (SRH) system. RAB can detect objects in vehicle’s path and convey audible warnings to the driver, including showing distance and position of the object in the center display screen.

Also new for 2018, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) now detects pressure changes at each tire. The Blind Spot Detection/Rear Cross Traffic Alert indicator lamp is larger and has been moved from the mirror surface to the side of the mirror. In highline trims, redesigned LED turn signals in the mirrors are easier for other drivers to see.

All Legacy trim lines come standard with a rear-view camera. New for 2018, when reversing, the guidelines displayed on the screen move in sync with the steering to provide more accurate vehicle positioning.

The brand’s available award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, available on most trims, includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Vehicle Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist. Models with EyeSight also come with Blind Spot Detection/Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which includes Lane Change Assist.  For 2018, all Legacy models are equipped with Incline Start Assist and the electronic Hill Holder System that holds the vehicle in place until the driver applies the throttle.

The 2018 Subaru Legacy also helps take care of personal security. Standard Welcome Lighting automatically operates cabin illumination and exterior lights as the driver approaches or departs the vehicle. New for 2018 are automatic locking doors. Subaru also made child seat installation easier in the 2018 Legacy with improved LATCH anchors.

Two Levels of SUBARU BOXER Power

The Legacy 2.5i is powered by a 175-hp double overhead cam (DOHC) 2.5-liter BOXER engine that produces 174 lb-ft peak torque. The Active Grille Shutter system helps to improve fuel economy by reducing wind resistance. The DOHC 3.6-liter 6-cylinder BOXER engine in the Legacy 3.6R produces 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of peak torque, sustaining 90 percent of peak torque from 2,000-6,000 rpm for exceptional response at all vehicle speeds.

In all Legacy models, Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is an active AWD system that uses an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch to actively manage torque distribution based on acceleration, deceleration and available traction. The system automatically directs up to 100 percent of available torque to the wheels with the best grip.

SUBARU STARLINK Connected Services

Two SUBARU STARLINK packages are available and are among the most affordable in the industry. The STARLINK Safety Plus package, which is complimentary for the first year and $99 per year after that, includes SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Maintenance Notifications, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and Diagnostic Alerts. For even greater peace of mind, the STARLINK Safety Plus & Security Plus Package adds Stolen Vehicle Recovery Service, Vehicle Security Alarm Notification, Remote Lock/Unlock, Remote Horn and Lights and Remote Vehicle Locator.

Mitsubishi debuts TWO new models at the New York show, the Outlander PHEV and Mirage G4 Subcompact.

• 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV to go on sale in United States in fall 2016
• 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 set to arrive in dealerships this spring
• Both vehicles will play a critical role in helping the brand achieve 100,000 sales in 2016

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) today showed the much-anticipated production model of the all-new 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) and the 2017 Mirage G4 subcompact sedan at the 2016 New York International Auto Show. Both vehicles are new models to the Mitsubishi product lineup and are important to the brand's growth plans in North America.

"The two new vehicles debuted today in New York will help continue Mitsubishi's sales momentum and will be instrumental in achieving our sales goals for the year," said Don Swearingen, executive vice president, MMNA. "Outlander PHEV offers the best of both worlds providing true SUV capabilities along with electric driving efficiency without the worry of range anxiety. Mirage G4 joins the popular Mirage hatchback to form a formidable one-two punch in the subcompact segment."

Featuring a highly efficient 2.0-liter gasoline engine and two high-performance electric motors that drive Mitsubishi's superior Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a very capable PHEV with go anywhere capability. The Outlander PHEV will arrive at Mitsubishi Motors showrooms in fall 2016.

The Outlander PHEV is highlighted by a full-time, twin-electric motor-powered all-wheel control system that provides quick and optimized torque distribution between the front and rear wheels. Mounted separately at the front and rear axles the electric motors deliver precise, responsive 4WD performance with the S-AWC system ensuring excellent driving stability and intuitive, linear handling. The S-AWC system found on the Outlander PHEV is a specialized application of Lancer Evolution-derived Super All-Wheel Control honed on the world rally circuit.

A sibling to the well-established and popular Mirage hatchback, the all-new Mirage G4 brings to consumers a fresh dose of clean style, environmental consciousness, agility, connectivity, affordability, roominess, and value. The Mirage G4 will be at the top of its class in combined fuel efficiency and C02 emissions. Inside, the Mirage G4's long wheelbase provides for a spacious interior cabin and a cavernous trunk. Adding an element of surprise and delight to the subcompact segment, the Mirage G4 will come equipped with available smartphone integrations, features typically reserved for higher priced vehicles. Support for Apple CarPlay™, the smarter, safer way to use your iPhone in the car, lets drivers make calls, get directions optimized for traffic conditions, listen to music, and access messages. Android Auto™ extends the Android™ platform into the car in a way that's purpose-built for driving.

Honda to debut Youngest ever range of cars with a full unveiling at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2015.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is set to be the first time a UK audience sees the 2015 Honda line up in full.  With an entirely new range set to be unveiled this year, Honda will have one of the youngest product line ups come September when the HR-V hits retailer forecourts.

On display will be the new Civic and CR-V, which arrived in dealerships in March; the long-awaited Civic Type R will be available in dealerships in July; whilst the new Jazz and much-anticipated HR-V are expected to go on sale in August.  Honda’s supercar, the fabled-NSX, will also be on show and is expected to be arriving into the UK at the end of the year.

As well as the static display of the full 2015 range line up for the first time, those coming to the Moving Motor Show on Thursday 25^th June have the chance to get behind the wheel of the new Civic and CR-V, piloting the cars around the famous hill climb circuit.  

Honda is also running a competition to get behind the wheel of the long-awaited Civic Type R at Goodwood.  Recently launched to the media, the new Civic Type R puts in excess of 300bhp through the front wheels and is the fastest and most powerful hot hatch in its sector.  To enter the competition to experience a passenger ride with a professional driver and then pilot the car yourself, simply click on bit.ly/TypeRFoS.

Philip Crossman, Managing Director at Honda UK, commented: “We are incredibly excited to have the new full product line up for 2015 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.  This is the moment Honda UK has been waiting for the last five years – we are back.  And we are back with a bang.”

Ducati Debuts for 1299 Panigale, Panigale R, Multistrada 1200, Diavel Titanium and Monster Stripe versions of 821 and 1200 S

• UK Debuts for 1299 Panigale, Panigale R, Multistrada 1200, Diavel Titanium and Monster Stripe versions of 821 and 1200 S
• First UK view of the new Ducati Scrambler brand
• Dedicated Ducati Scrambler stand
• New 2015 Apparel range on sale at Ducati clothing store

On the back of a record breaking 2014, Ducati unveil their incredible 2015 model range for the first time to the UK public at Motorcycle Live. New for 2015 is the stunning 1299 Panigale, the race ready Panigale R, the new generation Multistrada 1200, the limited edition Diavel Titanium and the exclusive Monster 1200 S and 821 stripe.

The launch of a new Ducati Superbike always causes a stir and none more so than the 1299 Panigale with its 1285 cm3 Superquadro engine, raising the standard once again in terms of performance thanks to its incredible torque with a value of 144.6 Nm at 8,750 rpm, a dry weight of 166.5 kg (367 lb) and maximum power of 205 hp at 10,500 rpm. With an extremely high power to weight ratio, the 1299 Panigale has become a new benchmark standard for very high performance bikes.

Despite more torque and being more powerful and responsive than the 1199, the bike it replaces, it is easier and safer to ride thanks to the use of innovative solutions devised by Ducati Corse. This is no small part due to the new electronic kit, designed specifically for the 1299 Panigale and integrated into the three Riding Modes that combine with the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to allow cornering ABS to be made available, along with Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC).

The S version is fitted with the innovative Öhlins Smart EC system – an event-based control system for the suspension. This system takes into account the signals measured and/or elaborated by the bike's other ECUs, modifying the set-up of the suspension during use in order to improve cornering grip, stability, braking, corner entry and handling. The system, which was developed in collaboration with Öhlins uses a NIX-30 fork with TIN treatment on the fork tubes, a TTX shock absorber, and a steering damper regulating each one independently.

Performance and electronics are not the sole preserve of the Superbike family as can be seen with the hugely impressive new Multistrada 1200. Ducati’s technological expertise has produced the new Ducati Testastretta DVT (Desmodromic Variable Timing) engine. 

In what is a first for the motorcycle industry, the DVT engine features a variable valve timing system with independent control of both the intake and exhaust camshafts. This optimises engine performance throughout the power range in all riding conditions thus ensuring maximum power at high rpm, fluid delivery, punchy low-rpm torque and low fuel consumption in full compliance with the latest Euro 4 regulations.

The new Multistrada 1200 also sets a new electronics benchmark thanks to cutting edge technology. The Multistrada includes an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) linking the cornering ABS system and enabling control of the Ducati Cornering Lights and Ducati Wheelie Control. All models now feature Electronic Cruise Control and on the S version a Bluetooth module which allows the bike to be connected to a smartphone for multimedia control of key functions. The S version also maintains the semi-active Skyhook suspension.

The Diavel range has been an incredible success establishing a new sector of sports cruisers and maintaining and increasing its popularity with the recently updated version. Now the ultimate in self-expression, desirability and prestige has joined the Ducati line-up, the Diavel Titanium. This 500 limited edition bike features titanium, carbon fibre, high tech craftsmanship and finishing touches of outstanding quality.

The latest Monster range, only released this year, sees some new additions with the new stripe versions of the Monster 821 and Monster 1200 S. The stripe is characterised by a red colour scheme with a white double side-stripe on mudguard, tank and passenger seat cover. Both bikes also have a red-painted nose fairing, while the Monster 821 Stripe is also equipped with adjustable forks and the Monster 1200 S Stripe with a Ducati Performance carbon undertail plate holder and belt covers.

Whilst all these new model editions to the Ducati brand will cause a great deal of excitement it is the launch of a new Ducati brand, the Ducati Scrambler and its four innovative, highly appealing versions that will create substantial curiosity. 

In a dedicated area, located near to the Ducati stand, the now unmistakable yellow containers will be instilling a fun and informal atmosphere. Here visitors can experience the ‘land of joy’  taking the time to get to know this new world, sitting on the bikes, viewing garments from the Ducati Scrambler clothing collection and taking time to decide how to personalise their Scrambler with an extensive array of accessories.    

The Ducati stand can be found in Hall 3, stand number E30 which also features the Ducati clothing and the latest 2015 collection. Adjacent to Ducati will be the new Ducati Scrambler brand on stand number E10

USA - Ford Fiesta débuts EcoBoost 1.0 litre engine.

• 2014 Ford Fiesta with new 1.0-liter EcoBoost® engine achieves fuel efficiency rating of 32 mpg city, 45 mpg highway and 37 mpg combined
• Fiesta is only vehicle in subcompact class to return 45 mpg highway and produce 120-plus horsepower
• 1.0-liter EcoBoost makes U.S. debut in 2014 Ford Fiesta

The new Ford Fiesta equipped with the award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost® engine will be America’s most fuel-efficient non-hybrid, gasoline-powered car with a certified 45 mpg rating on the highway, topping Honda Fit by 12 mpg and Toyota Yaris by 8 mpg on the highway.  

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has certified the 2014 EcoBoost-powered Ford Fiesta, arriving at dealers later this year, at 45 mpg highway.

The fuel economy rating not only establishes the Fiesta 1.0-liter EcoBoost as best-in-class, but it also outperforms some competitors’ diesels and hybrids on the highway driving cycle. The 2014 Honda Insight achieves 44 mpg highway, while the 2014 Volkswagen Golf diesel with a manual transmission delivers 42 mpg highway.

This also makes the Fiesta the only car in its class that produces more than 120 horsepower and achieves 45 mpg on the highway. Plus, while the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine is officially SAE-certified at 123 horsepower and 125 lb.-ft. of torque, it features an overboost function that allows it to make more than 145 lb.-ft. for up to 15 seconds.

“With the new Fiesta 1.0-liter EcoBoost we’re pushing into fuel economy numbers only seen on hybrids and diesels,” said Joe Hinrichs, executive vice president and president of the Americas for Ford. “Coupled with the new Fiesta ST, Fiesta covers the performance-efficiency continuum in the subcompact segment better than any other nameplate in the market.”

Fuel economy is often cited as the No. 1 purchase consideration in the subcompact class, according to Ford research.

The EPA rating is for both the four- and five-door five-speed manual-equipped 2014 Ford Fiesta with SE Manual EcoBoost Package, which is also certified at 32 mpg city and 37 mpg combined.

Automotive journalists named the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine in the 2014 Ford Fiesta International Engine of the Year in 2012 and 2013. The smallest engine in the growing EcoBoost family is increasingly the choice of Ford customers in Europe, where it is now available on five nameplates, accounting for 32 percent of Focus sales and 26 percent of Fiesta sales this year. Robust demand for the 1.0-liter in Europe prompted Ford to double production capacity at its state-of-the-art Cologne, Germany, plant to more than 1,000 engines a day.

EcoBoost technology combines smaller-displacement engines with turbocharging, direct injection, variable valve timing and proprietary Ford software to bring customers outstanding performance and fuel economy. Ford EcoBoost engines deliver up to 20 percent better fuel economy than larger-displacement gasoline engines.

Ford’s global EcoBoost engine family now includes the 1.0-liter three-cylinder; 1.5-liter, 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines; and the powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine. EcoBoost technology is available in every region Ford serves worldwide, and will be offered on approximately 80 percent of the company’s global nameplates by the end of this year.

Beyond the efficient new EcoBoost powerplant, Fiesta’s aerodynamic design also helps save fuel. Along with cruise control, the Fiesta SE Manual EcoBoost Package package adds a rear spoiler, side air deflectors, underbody shields, lower grille blockers and low-rolling-resistance tires that, together, decrease the amount of fuel needed to push the car through the air at speed.

In addition to the new leadership claim for highway fuel efficiency, the new Fiesta boasts a best-in-class suite of technologies and features that gives drivers an ideal blend of a connected world and an untethered driving experience.

A new MyFord Touch® system with 6.5-inch touch screen featuring enhanced voice control is now available, providing drivers more options than ever for navigation, communication and entertainment functions. SYNC® AppLink™ capabilities pioneered on the first Fiesta continue to allow access and control of Ford-approved smartphone apps through voice commands and other controls for drivers on the go, helping them keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Turn-by-turn navigation remains part of SYNC Services.

Ford MyKey® is a new feature for Fiesta. MyKey enables parents in particular to encourage safer driving and limit their teenagers’ exposure to risk at the wheel. The system allows owners to configure maximum speed and audio volume limits. It mutes audio until safety belts are fastened and ensures driver aids, safety systems and more vigorous alerts cannot be deactivated when used.