Ford Sync and Toyota Entune are about to get smartphowned. [See what I did there?] Enter Chevrolet MyLink, an integrated infotainment system that will connect to your smartphone and will give you access to all kinds of apps through either the steering wheel controls or the console-mounted touchscreen.
You can use your Android or Blackberry, iPhone or iPod Touch to access MyLink and Chevrolet are very proud of this new technical add-on. Here what the vice president for Global Product Engineering had to say about it:

“Chevrolet MyLink is the next logical step for in-vehicle connectivity,” said Karl Stracke, vice president for Global Product Engineering. “MyLink leverages the mobile broadband capability and the sophisticated, online services made possible by today’s smart phones.”

Here are some of the apps you can look forward to in the new MyLink:
- access to Pandora internet radio
- Gracenote, an app for identifying music
- upgraded USB connectivity.

The first models to get the new system are Chevrolet Volt and Chevrolet Equinox, which will also be endowed with voice-control functionality (displayed in this Super Bowl commercial) and PowerMat’s inductive charging system which charges your phone through its bluetooth connection.

Source: Autoblog.

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Chevrolet MyLink joins the entertainment systems scene

Need for Speed Hot Pursuit DLC

I almost feel like it’s Christmas time all over again! Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, voted last year’s best racing game, gets a new content package featuring a lot of auto gaming deliciousness.

Long story short, EA Games has worked on three more add-ons, which will be released for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of Hot Pursuit. The first of these packages is 4 days away, as it’ll be launched on February 22. Here are some details about what you can expect from these DLCs:

1. Armed & Dangerous – the first of the 3 packages will give you 2 new online game modes (Most Wanted mode and Arms Race) and 3 achievements/trophies. This is all about stepping on dead bodies in order to get to the next level. It sounds more cruel and bloody than it actually is, because the cars in the game are the most ferocious creatures there, but I’m sure it’ll be good fun.
Release date: February 22 2011.

2. Lamborghini Unleashed – numero dos brings out the bulls: Diablo, Countach, Sesto Elemento, you’re going to have them all, at the click of a button. Also, 10 new events and 4 achievements/trophies will motivate you to take your favorite Lambo for a ride. That’s if you need a little push.
Release date: March 1 2011.

3. Porsche Unleashed - the last pack of the series will ad 911 Turbo (1982 Edition), 959, and 911 Speedster to the world of Need for Speed Hot Pursuit, so you can indulge in your Porsche frenzy. Add 10 new events and 4 achievements/trophies and you’ll have a pretty good idea of what you’re going to be doing for the next few days after this release.
Release date: March 8 2011.

The cost for each of these? Only $7 or 560 Microsoft points a pop. A good value for your money, we’d say.
The good news comes with a trailer, too. Check it out:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Source: Gamespot.

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The goodie bag: Need for Speed Hot Pursuit new package trailer!

We all want the best things in life, but they’re usually sold separately. So we mix and match until we get the perfect combo. These guys seem to get this concept all wrong. Check out these examples of at least questionable transportation means and pass them along, so no one else gets any ideas to build such a… thing.

Is it a car? Is it a motorcycle? It’s a… mneah, nevermind. It’s just wrong.

If your city suddenly turns into a swamp, this is the way to roll.

Well, you can’t afford a car. We’re sorry for you.

This is one of the weirdest combos I’ve seen so far. The sledge – ski-skateboard. For all your sliding purposes.

Ahoy mate! It seems that this guy missed his life’s purpose. But what are the handcuffs doing there?

All the comfort of a car seat, now available for your cart! And it’s green too.

I sure hope it’s rear-wheel drive.

This boggles the minds…

When you can’t leave the club, take it with you. Annoy some neighbors. Get a police warning. Life the rockstart life.

So, what other monsters such as these do you know?

Source: Thereifixedit and Failblog.org.

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Top 10 I can’t make up my mind

We’re getting more and more anxious to see what supercharged, modified, steroids-fed cars are the Fast Five producers lining up for us this year. From the reports we’ve read so far, it looks like Vin Diesel will be driving: a Dodge Charger R/T 1970, a Dodge Charger 2011, a Dodge Challenger R/T 2011 and a 1966 Corvette Grand Sport.

And check out this beautiful 1970 Chevrolet Camaro that Vin Diesel was lavished with after the movie shooting was over:

Jordana Brewster will drive the hot Ford GT, which we can’t wait to see also. Check out more pictures in the fan video below:

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Fast Five furious cars – the line-up

2011 ADV1 Ultima GTR Project

Jon Olsson is a Swedish free-skier and alpine ski racer and is one of those guys that love supercars. More than that, he owns two exquisite examples: a specially-made Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce and a Nissan R35 GT-R. He teamed up with ADV.1 to develop a very ambitious Ultima GTR project. We don't know any other details but the car promises to be very fast.

The standard model is one of the fastest cars at the moment, powered by a Chevy-sourced V8 6.3-liter engine that outputs 543 hp and 528 lb.-ft of torque. The car has a very low curb weight of less than 1,000 kg, thanks to the use of many lightweight materials, laminated glass as well as a carbon fiber rear wing. According to ADV.1, the project is well on its way to developing so we will keep you posted once they reveal further information about their version of the Ultima GTR. Stay tuned.

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2011 ADV1 Ultima GTR Project

Statues aren’t cool. That’s a fact. Unless they’re silly and you can make a funny picture alongside them, they don’t seem to be worth the attention. But what if you could have a very cool statue in your city? Of RoboCop, let’s say.

If it hasn’t reached your ears yet, Detroit’s citizens are trying to convince the local authorities that building a RoboCop statue in town would be a great idea. We’re behind them 100%. I mean, who doesn’t want their own supercool statue of a supercool superhero? We know we do.

The problem they were facing was lack of funding, but this issue was taken care of by a company called Omni Consumer Products, which donated the necessary amount of money, aka $25,000, it would take to get the statue built. It seems that the company’s owners are also huge RoboCop fans, since their business is named after the evil corporation featured in the RoboCop universe and they also happen to sell movie products. Pretty cool, eh?

Detroit’s mayor continues to oppose this initiative strongly, but the citizens might just get their way if they keep pressuring him. The needs of the people should be not, am I right or am I right? And having a RoboCop statue in your town is as important as an Internet connection. Or water. Or even more so.

Source: Autoblog.

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RoboCop Detroit statue is now funded!

Land Rover Range_e

It seems that Land Rover will be bringing the plug-in diesel hybrid version of their popular Range Rover model next month at Geneva. Based on the Range Rover Sport, the car will have a V6 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine, mated to a ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox as well as an electric motor. The SUV will have a driving range of approximately 700 miles and it can drive about 20 miles running only on electric mode.

Also heading for this year's Geneva Motor Show will be the Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate Edition, the Evoque in two and 4-door guise as well as the 2011 Discovery/LR4 Landmark Edition. As previously mentioned, the first one is described to be the most luxurious Land Rover ever made, featuring yacht-inspired teak flooring and iPads for the rear passengers.

The Evoque will be available with a bundle of trim levels, offering customers a wide array of customization options. The Discovery/LR4 Landmark will be available in a limited edition and will come in either a White or Black theme with upscale interiors plus unique color treatments.

Source: Land Rover via AutoBlog

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Geneva Preview – Land Rover Range_e

Subaru FT-86

We already know that Subaru announced that they will bring the rear-wheel-drive version of the FT-86 concept next month at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. AutoBlog's spy photographers have caught Subaru's version of this car out testing and it seems that it will have a hatchback configuration, although most of us thought that it will be a coupe.

Subaru FT-86

However, there still is a small deck in the back, which means that the car will be a "fastback", like the Scion tC. The car will most likely feature a 4-cylinder 2.0-liter engine that will output about 260 hp. This will be the first rear-wheel drive car for Subaru so it should be an important model for the company.

We'll let you know more about the Subaru FT-86 once it will be unveiled next month at Geneva.

Source: AutoBlog

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Subaru FT-86 Spied

Saab 9-4X

It's been a while since the Saab 9-4X was officially announced at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, and now the very first unit has left the assembly line. As previously mentioned, the 9-4X was envisioned when the Swedish automaker was still under the GM umbrella and it was based upon the Cadillac SRX platform. As a consequence, it is not being manufactured in its homeland Trollhattan, Sweden, just like all the other Saabs, but in Mexico, at Ramos Arizpe.

The car you see in these pictures is an Aero model that has a Ice Pearl metallic paintwork and comes with a V6 2.8-liter turbo engine and XWD, carrying the chassis number 00001, and will be exhibited at the automaker's museum in Sweden.

The Saab 9-4X will be available in US dealerships this May.

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First Saab 9-4X Completed

Cars are getting smarter and we have to thank car makers for that. The 2011 Audi A8 (coverage, photo gallery) and the Audi A8L (coverage, photo gallery) are the lucky models to get a lightening speed broadband Internet connection. If you’re an Internet addict (just like us) and you can survive without water, but you can’t handle being offline, Audi is the car for you.

The car maker teamed up with Alcatel-Lucent and they will provide a broadband Internet connection through the LTE mobile communications technology. Audi boasts better performance on their option than 3G-technology and modern DSL connections. And that’s in a car. Very futuristic and very suitable to our taste! They say the A8 feature will be able to reach data transfer rates of up to 100 Mbit per second, while the 3G one is maxed out at 14,4 Mbit per second. Not bad, Audi, not bad at all.

So what would you do with all that Internet transfer power in your car? Would you ever leave it?

Source: Zer Customs.

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Audi A8 Broadband Internet Connection

Pagani Zonda Uno

Most of us thought that after Pagani launched the one-off Tricolore, the Zonda would be officially dead. Another one-off model made by the company was this Zonda Uno that was commissioned by Ana Al-Thani, who is a member of the Royal Family of Qatar (of course).

Pagani Zonda Uno

This blue-painted Zonda you see in these pictures is powered by a V12 AMG 7.3-liter engine that outputs 700 hp. The car was designed by combining elements from the Zonda R and the Zonda Cinque. The car benefits from the R's revised carbon fiber that uses titanium for added strength.

Pagani Zonda Uno

What really amazes me is the fact that although the car was commissioned just one year ago, it is already on sale. As you might have guessed, the price tag for this one-off has not dropped not even a little bit, even though it is a used car, more or less.

Pagani Zonda Uno

The car is for sale at an exorbitant price of approximately $2.3 million, without the tax charges.

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One-Off Pagani Zonda Uno Up For Sale

Speed Art 2011 Porsche Cayenne Titan-EVO-XL 600

Set to be revealed officially next month at Geneva, the 2011 Speed Art Porsche Cayenne Titan Evo XL 600 is based on the Turbo version of the German SUV. The standard engine produces 500 hp and with this tuning program it will develop 600 hp and 627 lb.-ft of torque. I like the extra power under the hood but the bodykit looks awful. I've never liked these flashy body modifications and this one is terrible from every angle.

Speed Art 2011 Porsche Cayenne Titan-EVO-XL 600

The striping is similar to the one found on the Porsche 997 GT3 RS MkII. The new front and rear bumpers don't do the car any good, nor do the side skirts. I like the new exhaust system that they installed but that new set of 23-inch rims isn't my cup of tea.

Speed Art 2011 Porsche Cayenne Titan-EVO-XL 600

As far as the interior is concerned, I like it, nothing flashy. Those carbon shell-type seats are awesome and the new multimedia-unit that has an iPad and Ipod-docking-station is a nice addition.

Speed Art 2011 Porsche Cayenne Titan-EVO-XL 600

We'll let you know more about the Titan EVO XL 600 once it will have its public debut next month so stay tuned.

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Speed Art 2011 Porsche Cayenne Titan-EVO-XL 600

2011 Ferrari California Vintage Package

In their search to get more customers, Ferrari will be launching a new customization program, dubbed "Vintage Package" which will first be available for the beautiful California model and later on will be introduced to the rest of the models in the lineup.

2011 Ferrari California Vintage Package

This program will include a new front grille, updated door mirrors as well as A-pillar trims that will complement the special chrome highlights for the side vents. The California will sit on rims that will have a diamond polish appearance.

2011 Ferrari California Vintage Package

As far as the engine is concerned, no changes will occur which means that the California will have the same V8 4.3-liter engine that outputs 460 hp @ 7,750 rpm and 357 lb.-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm. This power unit is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox, allowing the car to reach a top speed of 192 mph and a 0-60 mph time in only 4 seconds.

2011 Ferrari California Vintage Package

More information about the "Vintage Package" will probably be revealed next month at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

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2011 Ferrari California Vintage Package

While other car makers feature perfectly fit swimsuit models that just came out of Sports Illustrated or superhot supermodels, Subaru it taking a… heavier, bigger and bolder approach. The new “Sexy comes standard” ad features the famous sexy sumo wrestlers we’ve seen in 2008. The said Japanese carmaker is bringing out all… sumoness of its powerful engine, but it’s not bringing sexy back, that’s for sure.

If I were you, I’d stay away from food at least 5 minutes before seeing this ad. What do you think about it?

PS: Since you might be having a hard time actually seeing the car in this ad, you can check out our in-depth look on the 2011 Subaru Forester.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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New Subaru “Sexy comes standard” ad features… sumo wrestlers

Ford Mustang NASCAR Nationwide Race Car

According to ESPN, Ford is planning on replacing the current Fusion with the Mustang for the 2013 Nascar Sprint Cup Series. Replacing the Fusion is a process that might take all year, and the Blue Oval is required to show that the Mustang is a competitive car. The reason behind this decision is that the automaker wants to show to potential customers that they have the possibility to purchase a car right off the showroom that mimics the one they watch on TV every weekend.

Ford already has a Mustang stock car (pictured above) that races in the Nascar Nationwide Series. The company, which is seeking its 600^th win in the Cup Series in the season-opening Daytona 500, will continue to use the Fusion for this season and the next one.

Source: ESPN via AutoBlog

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Ford Wants To Bring Mustang To Nascar's Sprint Cup Series

Ram 1500 Adventurer

Yesterday Chrysler revealed that they are going to introduce a new Ram model, the 1500 Adventurer. The truck will be addressing first time buyers and generally, the younger side of the market that is looking for a pickup truck. This new edition comes as a follow-up to the big hit Tradesman model which was revealed in January at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show.

The truck will feature a powerful V8 HEMI 5.7-liter engine that cranks out 390 hp and 407 lb.-ft of torque and it will be available in both 4×4 and 4×2 versions, and with a regular cab. The truck will be available with a 700-amp maintenance-free battery, 3.55 rear axle ratio, 26-gallon fuel tank, 160-amp alternator, heavy-duty engine and transmission cooling as well as four and seven-pin harness.

Ram 1500 Adventurer

In addition, the new Ram 1500 Adventurer will pack heavy-duty front and rear shock absorbers, a full-size spare tire, halogen headlamps, power rack-and-pinion steering plus front and rear stabilizer bars.

Chrysler did not left out the entertainment factor and added a 6-speaker media center with CD & MP3 support, a 12-volt auxiliary power outlet and an audio jack input.

Ram 1500 Adventurer

Similar with other previous Ram models, the 1500 Adventurer will be available with a bundle of personalization options, like folding and heated trailer-tow power mirrors, Mopar chrome steel bed rails, Mopar chrome tubular side steps, a Class IV receiver hitch, spray-in bedliner and under-rail bedliner and others as well.

Sales for the Ram 1500 Adventurer will commence in the second quarter of this year at a base price of $23,830.

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Chrysler Reveals Ram 1500 Adventurer

Honda Civic Ti

If you are living in the UK, you need to know that the Japanese automaker Honda has launched a limited edition of their popular Civic model, dubbed "Ti". The car will be available with two engine options, the entry-level 1.4 i-VTEC and the more powerful 1.8 i-VTEC and will be based upon the 5-door version of the model.

Honda Civic Ti

This special edition of the Civic is inspired by this season's Honda Racing British Touring Car challenger and will ride on 17-inch Pro Race rims from Team Dynamics who are Honda's partners in the BTCC. The car features a Crystal Black GP body kit that offers a new front and rear spoiler, a rear lip, side skirt inserts and special Premium White Pearl paintwork.

One of the most interesting optional features available for the Honda Civic Ti would have to be the Pioneer Navigation Multimedia System that offers satellite-navigation, entertainment, communication as well as a 3D graphic touchscreen, offering support for USB, CD/DVD and iPod/iPhone.

Honda Civic Ti

Limited to only 500 units, the TI will be available starting with this March at a base price of 15,995 pounds for the 1.4 i-VTEC and 16,995 pounds for the model fitted with the 1.8-liter engine.

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Honda Civic Ti Announced

Trabant

Unless you don't live in Europe, most likely you have never heard of the Trabant. Although I can understand the reason behind this car was created, the final result was appalling. Created in order to be the most affordable car ever made, the Trabant was East Germany's answer to the cute Volkswagen Beetle.

Trabant 601

Aside from the fact that it looks like a car that you saw in cartoons when you were little, it had the loudest engine I have ever heard. You know must that think that it had a powerful one – well… it didn't. On the contrary, the car had a two-stroke power unit that produced an incredible 18 hp!

Trabant P50

The car was made out of recycled materials, and by recycled I mean fiberglass-like Duroplast, reinforced with recycled fibers like cotton and wood. Upon its launch, the car was already an antique and it smoked like it was an Iraqi oil fire. The Trabant has to be one of the most unreliable cars ever made as it barely worked and I'm not exaggerating not even a little bit.

Trabant P1100 Prototype

Despite all of its flaws, the car was a huge hit back in the day as thousands and thousands of East Germans got one although they had to wait about 10 years! Not even Bugatti can't say that they have a 10-years waiting list for their Veyron!

According to Jeremy Clarkson from Top Gear, "an S-class Mercedes produces the same amount of toxic waste over 30 miles that a Trabant chucks out in three seconds." He may be exaggerating but the car had to be one of the most dangerous enemies of the environment.

In the end let's have a laugh with some of the coolest Trabant-based jokes:

Trabant 1.1

Why is the Trabant the longest car on the road? The car has ten feet and is followed by fifty feet of smoke;

How to double the value of the Trabant? Fill up the fuel tank;

What is the main difference between a Jehovah's Witness and a Trabant? You can shut the door on a Jehovah's Witness;

Why doesn't the Trabant have seatbelts? Because it might be mistaken for a backpack;

How do you turn a Trabant into a sports car? Put your Nikes in the trunk;

Why does the Trabant have a heated rear window? So that it will keep your hand warm while you push it;

How do you measure the acceleration of a Trabant? With a calendar.

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Why I Don’t Like The Trabant

Biofuel production is keep scientist and engineers up at night, since they want to grow the numbers and get more out of less. A team of biologists may have come up with a solution to improving biofuel production: genetically modified switchgrass. It’s not glamorous, but it could be a great solution.

I won’t get into how it works, because chemistry was never my favorite subject in school, but what you have to know is that they created a piece of DNA that makes the switchgrass easily digestible. The said modified plant gave better results when converted into ethanol up to 40%. That is pretty cool stuff. Plus, they say that the genetically modified switchgrass could lower production costs, since the conversion to ethanol process is easier.

This is good news for the auto industry and for the environmentally concerned, since ethanol production could become better, faster and more efficient.

Source: Wired

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Genetically modified biofuel coming the auto industry’s way

Who said blogging doesn’t pay? A Canadian BMW dealer begs to differ. He’s putting up a big, juicy pay for an in-house blogger to write about BMW day in and day out: a free condo in downtown Toronto for a year, a new BMW every six months to drive and international travel. All that and $65,000 a month seems like a blogger’s dream. But what does it take to get there and what happens once you’ve won?

First, the contestants must pick their best 200 words to praise and raise BMW. The second step is a public poll and the ones who get to top 20 will have to produce a video on performance in just 48 hours. Ten will be chosen for a face to face interview and only one will be lucky enough to soak up all the BMWness in the world.

Contestants should have “an in-depth knowledge of BMW product and is willing to spend all day and night writing about it”. That makes it clear that during the next year, the lucky blogger will be almost brainwashed and will have nothing to make small talk about except the bavarian car maker and its vehicles. Although that’s not necessarily a bad thing, we’d like to still have a life.

If you feel up the task, you can join the contest here. Let us know how that goes.

Source: Jalopnik.

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All around the clock BMW blogger to get $65,000 for his posts