Mercedes-Benz integrates iPhone, Siri into all-new A-Class

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The paradigm has shifted. Normally an automaker's range-topper gets the latest and greatest technology, but with the introduction of the all-new A-Class, Mercedes-Benz is flipping that order on its head.

At next month's Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes will show off the next A-Class and with it, its updated COMAND infotainment system. The user interface has undergone a complete overhaul, ditching the black and beige color scheme for a sharp, modern, three-dimensional design and a range of new features and functions, nearly all of which are centered on the iPhone 4S.

The new Digital DriveStyle app allows drivers to stream AUPEO! radio (Europe's equivalent to Pandora), connect with Facebook and Twitter to read out status updates, find your car in a crowded parking lot and get real-time traffic data and point-of-interest searches through a new Garmin navigation system. All of which is available with the entry-level "Audio 20" setup.

More intriguingly, Mercedes is the first automaker to support and integrate Apple's Siri voice-recognition technology, allowing users to make appointments, send text messages and emails, get weather status and access all their songs through voice commands.

While all these features will be limited to the Euro-only A-Class at first, Mercedes says that the iPhone-integrated COMAND Online suite of services will be coming to the B-, C- and E-Class models this fall. 

(News Source: Mercedes-Benz)

 Source: autoblog

  

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2013 Bentley Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification slated for Geneva debut

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Bentley has long been associated with the Mulliner moniker, having comissioned the centuries-old company to design the coachwork for many of its original road cars. In the modern sense, Mulliner is an official department of Bentley, in charge of crafting customized vehicles for those buyers who want something more bespoke than what's on offer from the automaker's standard product line. Their latest creation is the Bentley Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification, the first time that the Mulliner name has been applied to Bentley's new flagship sedan.

While much of the Mulsanne remains the same including the twin-turbo 6.75-liter twin-turbo V8, it's the small touches that set the Mulliner Driving Specification apart. The interior gets unique features such as 'Flying B' wing vents and special diamond-quilted leather seats and trim that uses an improved perforation process. The exterior is set apart with new lightweight 21-inch aluminum wheels available in painted or polished finishes as well as subtle Mulliner badging on the front fenders. Customers can also choose from a dizzying array of 100 exterior paint colors and 22 interior leather colors. Finally, a new 'Sport' setting allows the driver to select a suspension and steering setup for improved handling and feedback.

The Bentley Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification will be making its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month alongside the standard Mulsanne that receives a few new options for 2013.

Source: autoblog 

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Aston Martin tweaks V8 Vantage for Geneva debut

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Aston Martin has had the V8 Vantage on the market since 2005, making it seven years old this year. That's a fairly long life-cycle for any car, but that doesn't mean Gaydon hasn't tried its best to keep it current, releasing the most comprehensive update since the refresh it received in 2008.

Although the 420-horsepower, 4.7-liter V8 with six-speed manual continue unchanged, buyers can now opt for the seven-speed Sportshift II sequential transmission from the Vantage S in place of the jerky old six-speed Sportshift.

The steering rack has also been quickened, the tires widened and the brakes enlarged and aided by Hill Start Assist. To distinguish the new model from the old – and to help cool those beefed-up rotors – the front intake has been enlarged, while a new front splitter, side sills and rear diffuser help optimize airflow.

The updated V8 Vantage is currently confirmed only for the UK and European markets and is set for unveiling at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. Meanwhile, the Vantage S and V12 Vantage continue on largely unchanged, but now play second fiddle to the exclusive V12 Zagato.  

Source: autoblog 

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