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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Aston Martin tweaks V8 Vantage for Geneva debut

in 2012 aston martin v8 vantage, 2012 geneva motor show, 2013 aston martin v8 vantage, aston martin, geneva, geneva 2012, geneva motor show, v8 vantage, vantage

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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upcoming new 2012 Audi A3 hatchback

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The last piece of official information regarding the upcoming new 2012 Audi A3 hatch we received was at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last month when Audi put upon display the upcoming A3′s interior. And weeks before the expected official unveiling at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, we have a frontal shot of the new three-door A3.

The new A3 looks every bit Audi with its key stylistic elements mimicking a number of other Audis. The car has a prominent grille, a sculpted hood and LED-infused headlights. The new A3 uses the brand new MQB modular platform developed by VW Group making the car lighter by as much as 80kgs.

Under the hood of the new 2012 Audi A3, petrol choices are rumored to include a 1.2-liter with 104 hp, a 1.4-liter with 120 hp to 178 hp and a 2.0-liter with 208 hp. On the diesel front, we can expect a 1.6-liter TDi with 104 hp as well as a 2.0-liter TDi which churns out 138 hp and 178 hp.

Further details are blurry and we also don’t know for sure whether the image above is actually a leaked one or simply a rendering. Stay tuned for more updates.

Image Courtesy : AutoForum

Source: indiaoncars

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