Social Networking For Cars

The social networking, micro-blogging trend is already a mainstay of the tech-savvy generation, but why would anyone want a car to send Twitter messages? And how is that possible?

The car that could Twitter is AJ, a 2011 Ford Fiesta that’s a test bed for company engineers exploring the boundaries of what’s possible when an automobile is connected to the Internet and all of its concomitant services. In May, a team of Ford engineers drove AJ from Ann Arbor, Mich., to San Mateo, Calif., to participate in the Maker Faire. Along they way, AJ sent out Twitter messages.

Ford Fiesta that sends Twitter messages

“It’s getting pretty dark; time to put the headlights on,” was a typical entry, but followers also learned when AJ’s mood was “joyful.” But how could a car be joyful?

“There’s no traffic, and it’s not raining and it’s enjoying a winding road,” said Joe Rork, an information technology architect with Ford’s in-vehicle research and strategy team. Mr. Rork recalled the journey recently during a presentation in Manhattan. He explained that AJ was indeed sending the messages on its own.

The software behind AJ was an app called the “Auto”matic Blog. It tapped into the available data on the car, including telemetry information, like location, speed, acceleration and braking. It also gleaned information from the windshield wipers, steering input and GPS data and correlated it with live information culled from the Web.

So AJ’s software could combine, say, real-time traffic notices about congestion with its current situation (stop-and-go braking) and weather forecasts (storms ahead) and then send a Twitter entry like, “Stuck in traffic; not looking forward to next 50 miles, either.”

The Twitter app wasn’t the only connected software the Ford engineers tested. The group also ran the location-based Foursquare app, through which the car could automatically check the team in at restaurants and tourist spots along the way (and send pictures). Also being tested was a program developed by University of Michigan students called Caravan Track, which allows a group of fellow travelers to be automatically apprised of their friends’ locations and conditions up ahead.

But why would anyone want to do this? Ford is already on track to add smartphone apps, including a Twitter feed, to its Sync-based cars later this year. It has also announced that it will enable other phone apps to connect to its cars, essentially allowing third-party software programs to use a vehicle’s built-in controls, like buttons on the steering wheel, to control programs, including music players running on connected Android phones. The tests with AJ were a natural extension of this strategy, according to Mr. Rork, to see what’s possible when the car is connected and online all the time.

Interestingly, mainly off-the-shelf hardware was used, including a high-speed cellular data connection, a Wi-Fi router and a Dell computer running Windows 7 in the trunk. It means just about any car could be turned into a Twittermobile. And as for those who scoff at the idea that anyone would want to receive messages from a car, consider that even though AJ rarely sends messages these days, he still has more Twitter followers than I do.

New Cars For Sale

Buying a car can be a very great experience; however you need to be familiar with the car sale strategy and car reviews in order to buy a car worth the amount you spend. Cars are second big investment and needs lot of research before buying one.

Car is a big investment and a sign of luxury and needs to be purchased carefully. When you plan to buy a car, the first question which comes to your mind is, if you want to buy a new car or settle for an old one. Obviously, new car is expensive as compared to pre – owned car.  If money is not a constraint, then it would be better to buy a new car rather then a used one.

There are large numbers of people who are passionate about new cars and would buy any new car launched in the market. They prefer the best model with advanced features. In the technical world, you don’t have to worry about anything. There are a number of websites that offers new car sales services. Now you can select the best model with great price in front of your computer without any hassle. One such website is Private Fleet which provides best car buying services for car lovers in Australia.

It is always a good idea to refer to car reviews before picking one. These car reviews ensures that the prospective customer has maximum knowledge about the car before he reaches the showroom to buy a new car. Car reviews gives you information about almost all aspect of the car and help you decide on the best one. Online purchasing gives you enormous extra benefits. You don’t have to make any effort. The online services include all the hard work for you. You will get the product at your home with complete details. In case of any doubt read the reviews about the company. Collect the complete information about the company. If you think company is reliable then you can place an online order.

You are not a professional car buyer or not very confident about choosing the right car, it would be better to take help from some car broker. Car brokers have the complete knowledge about the market and latest models. Car broker can help you get a great car within your budget. However, it is essential that you consider a reliable broker.

There are online brokers that can help you in making a sound investment. You can also interact with brokers face to face or through your telephone. In this way, you can enjoy a great experience while you are buying a new car.

2012 Porsche Boxster Making the Rounds

Spy photographers have spotted the brand new Porch Boxster making full rounds recently. The prototype version of the vehicle was being tested in Nurburgring, Germany. Although it still appeared to be in camouflage (the manufacturer likes to keep us on the edge of our seats), Porsche revealed a bit more to its excited public spectators.

What’s shown, minus all the camouflage, appears to be a “slight evolution” from the previous Porsche models, as most new Porche models go. The bigger alterations in the vehicle are expected to be made in its interior. The car’s stylings will most likely be taking cues from the Panamera.

Underneath its sheet metal, the 2012 Boxster is reported to have the almost the same specs as the 911, albeit sharing most of its parts as well. The most extreme change from the previous Porsche models may be the engine line-up. According to various reports, the car manufacturer is thinking of adding a high-output four-cylinder turbocharged engine to the range of the Boxster. This move can offset the fleet CO2 emission, especially with large vehicles like the Cayman.

With or without the new addition, reviewers are positive that the flat six engines will still be offered in the new Boxster. Of course, the new engines will surely come with improved power and fuel efficiency. The 2.9 L flat 6 Boxster and the 3.4 L direct-injection flat six Boxster S are currently rated to produce 255 horsepower and 310 horsepower, respectively.

The Porsche 911 is slated for release 6 months before the Boxster. The release of the Boxster will be part of a Porsche trilogy, with a new Cayman also to be released by mid-2012.

Honda Launches Face-lifted Accord

The 8th generation Accord has been a great looker since its introduction in May 2008. The sharp edges, long sleek body and rather muscular stance have definitely helped in the appeal department. Enhancing its looks, Honda has tweaked the car with a minor facelift.

The face lifted Honda Accord is now available in the market. The car boasts of a revised the front bumper, new front grille to offer a bolder chrome look, enhanced the rear with some chrome bezel around the taillights, indicators on the ORVMs and spiced up the package by offering a set of alloy wheels that feature an all new design. These changes are across both the 2.4 liter and V6 models. In addition to these changes, the 2.4 liter model also boasts of a sunroof and wooden like interior inserts as standard. These two features were earlier only available on the V6 Accord.

Speaking about the car, Mr. Takashi Nagai, President & CEO, Honda Siel Cars India Ltd., said "Honda Accord has been one of the most successful premium sedans in its category with over 25000 units sold since its launch in India setting new standards in exclusivity, comfort and safety. Our belief in constantly upgrading our products based on customer feedback prompted this launch of an upgraded version of the Accord with unique styling in combination with luxurious features."

The changes are all cosmetic and though they don't seem monumental, one must understand that the Accord was a formidable entry level luxury sedan in the first place.  With the new enhancements, the Accord just becomes a better package to own and the real winner is the customer who opts for the 2.4 liter version, for that is where you are getting more bang for your buck.

The 2.4L Accord comes with 5-speed Manual Transmission and 5-speed Automatic transmission with Paddle shifts. The 3.5L V6 engine features an advanced Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) system that switches between six-, four-, and three-cylinder combustion depending on the driving conditions and thereby delivering maximum power of 275 PS during six cylinder operation and impressive fuel economy in VCM mode while cruising.

Honda Accord Pricing:- ex-showroom, Delhi

Accord 2.4 MT – Rs.19.60 lac
Accord 2.4 AT – Rs.20.36 lac
Accord 3.5 V6 – Rs.25.41 lac

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe ready for Geneva

New version of Merc sedan to add dash of excitement to the segment with two-door style and five grunty engine options

While we were expecting more exciting things from Mercedes-Benz on the international stage, given that the German marque celebrates 125 years of the automobile this year, news of a new model in the C-Class lineup has emerged. Much like the E-Class coupe that was lauched last year and promptly made its way to India, Merc will be unveiling a C-Class coupe at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

Initial pictures and specifications of the car are enticing though. "By extending the C-Class portfolio, we are consciously targeting new customers," Dr Joachim Schmidt, Head of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars was heard saying at the occasion. It sure does make sense, looking at the compact proportions, low silhouette, powerful shoulders and a narrow C-pillar in a classic three-box design. Typical coupé features like short front overhang, long bonnet, steeply raked windscreen and long, stretched out roof also find a mentionable presence. In addition, the innards feature an all-new trim and advanced telematics.

Three petrol and two diesel powerplants will be available to choose from, all equipped with Start-Stop systems as standard, and carrying the BlueEfficiency tag to show their clean manners. The most inexpensive will be the C220 CDI with its 170bhp inline-4 diesel, and the star of the range will be the C350, with its 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine capable of more than 300hp. AMG sports trims will be available as options as well.

What remains to be seen is whether the company will bring the new model into India with as much promptness as the E-coupe. While the C and E-Class sedans are being assembled here in India and hence come at a much lower price point, the C-Coupe will most likely be brought in as a Completely Built unit to deal with the lower numbers and help exclusivity. That may just push the cost of the C-coupe well into the standard E-Class sedan territory, and it will be interesting to see how the masses warm up to the idea of a small, suave and smart sedan that costs 40 lakh rupees or so!

Rolls-Royce working on Electric Test Vehicle

102 EX Concept to debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 1 March 2011

While news about a car manufacturer working on developing its own full-electric model isn’t one that raises too many eyebrows these days, it’s the automotive brands and the uniqueness of their concept cars that continues to intrigue us.

That being said, it’s not everyday that a you hear about a luxury car maker, the likes of Rolls Royce, showing interest in building an automobile with all ‘electric’ capabilites. However, the announcement of the company’s development project on a fully electric powered Phantom is now official, and the 102 EX or the Phantom Experimental Electric (EF) is the name Rolls Royce has decided to go with.  

Speaking on this dynamic move by Rolls Royce, CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös, speaking from the company’s headquarters in Goodwood, said “We have engineered the world’s first battery electric vehicle for the ultra-luxury segment. With this vehicle, we begin an exploration into alternative drive-trains, seeking clarity on which alternative technologies may be suitable to drive Rolls-Royce motor cars of the future.” 

 

Using the 102EX as a working test bed for a global tour that encompasses Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America, Rolls Royce will conduct thorough tests on the electric drivetrain powering its Phantom model, and through test drives Rolls Royce will test the opinions and reactions to alternative drive-train options for its cars.

While there are no plans to develop a production version as yet, Rolls Royce will use its EX model to encourage a dialogue with its existing owners and stakeholders to better understand the suitability and acceptance of such a working model.

These include the car’s ability to deliver an acceptable range between re-charges and to operate in extreme weather conditions. But also to benchmark reliability and quality against customer expectations of the world’s pinnacle automotive brand.

In preparation for the Geneva debut, Rolls-Royce will launch the website www.electricluxury.com this week, a portal to fuel a wider global debate seeking views on the question of electric luxury from media, VIPs and stakeholders. The site will also deliver regular updates of the car’s progress while on tour.

F1: 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix cancelled

In light of the political situation in the Kingdom of Bahrain a decision has been reached to cancel the season opener Bahrain Grand Prix

The opening round of the 2011 Formula 1 season which was scheduled to be held from March 11 to 13 in Bahrain has been cancelled with no further decision on rescheduling it for another date in the calendar. Earlier last week F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone had announced that the final decision on whether to go ahead as planned for the Bahrain Grand Prix would rest firmly in the hands of the Crown Prince of Bahrain HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa. In a telephonic conversation with Bernie Ecclestone conveying that the Kingdom of Bahrain will be withdrawing from hosting the Grand Prix, the Crown Prince said, “At the present time the country’s entire attention is focused on building a new national dialogue for Bahrain.

Although Bernie Ecclestone had graciously made clear that a decision on the race was entirely Bahrain’s to make and was not yet required, we felt it was important for the country to focus on immediate issues of national interest and leave the hosting of Bahrain’s Formula 1 race to a later date. I would like to extend my personal gratitude to Bernie Ecclestone for his support and understanding. After the events of the past week, our nation’s priority is on overcoming tragedy, healing divisions and rediscovering the fabric that draws this country together; reminding the world of the very best that Bahrain is capable of as a nation once again united.”

Chairman of the Bahrain International Circuit, Zayed R. Alzayani said, “Bahrain’s Grand Prix is a time of celebration and hosting the race is a source of great pride for Bahrain and Bahrainis. It is a showcase to the world and we look forward to welcoming the teams and drivers and everyone involved in Formula One back to Bahrain in the very near future. I hope that F1 and our friends around the world will understand our decision at this difficult time.” Following the Crown Prince’s decision, Bernie Ecclestone commented, “It is sad that Bahrain has had to withdraw from the race, we wish the whole nation well as they begin to heal their country. The hospitality and warmth of the people of Bahrain is a hallmark of the race there, as anyone who has been at a Bahrain Grand Prix will testify. We look forward to being back in Bahrain soon.”

With the teams to head to Bahrain for a test session at the Sakhir Circuit from March 3 a week before the season opener, news of the Grand Prix being withdrawn will also mean that the Bahrain test will not go ahead either. The Bahrain test is where the teams generally test their final setups on their new season contenders – all previous pre-seasons tests are concentrated on individual areas of the car. The impact of the cancellation of the Bahrain Grand Prix will be huge to the sponsors and investors, but it still does not come close to the political turmoil in the island country. We hope that the situation gets resolved soon and the country that is known for its hospitality around the F1 paddock saddles up and is ready to host another Grand Prix soon.

Audi A6 - The best luxury sedan

Starts at Rs. 45,00,000

Purchased As	:	New
Familiarity	:	Have driven for a few hundred kilometres
Fuel Economy	:	7.9 kpl

Good	:	Everything this car has.
Bad	:	No adverse things to say about this car

Full Review

Exterior

 Its a very good looking car. It looks better than the Merc E class and the BMW 5 series. Even if you care a figure about cars, you just can't stop craning your neck if this car passes by. The A6 looks long and sturdy. The tail lights have been augmented with the R8 inspired lenses that cut through the haze of blowing snow.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort)

 The audio system sounds great. The audi drive select system is just cool. The front and rear seats have good legroom. Heated seats make the car more comfortable.  It's cabin is perfect. The A6 also features the audi's Multi Media Interface. (MMI) which provides access to a number of functions via a computer screen rather than buttons anad dials,

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox

 The audi beats all it's rivals in performance because of it's massively powerful 3.0 V6 engine. The 6 speed automatic transmission is great. There is a choice of V6 or V8 power in the united states. The most basic models get front wheel drive, but most come equipped with the company,s quattro all wheel drive system.

Ride Quality & Handling

 Audi should improve its ride quality and handling. Audi has already improved in these categories in the new Audi A6.                                                                                                                                         Audi is the most powerful because of its quattro engine and all wheel drive system.

Areas of he improvement  

 Audi should improve its ride and handling. The interiors are a bit cranny. I'm sure audi new A6 has mproved these areas as well.

Audi Q7

Starts at Rs. 54,31,000

To begin with, the fact that a globally well established and popular company like Audi has launched such a popular car in the Indian market is by itself a big dream come true for all those die hard car fans in our country. The car is a major for Audi themselves.Normally you see only the lower end models of globally reputed car manufacturers in India. The Q7 is a bit of a surprise.Its one of Audi's higher range models or at least it cannot be grouped with their lower end models. The performance of the car is undoubtedly good,especially the 4.2 liter model.But then again how often do we people get to see cars with capacities more than 3 or 4 liters. The style is international.Great looks no doubt. Interiors are well decorated and comes with good safety measures which is the cause of the high pricing. The cars are only assembled in India. I am sure that once Audi starts a new plant here we can expect more affordable rates from them.

New Audi A4

Audi A4 Face lift + New engine

Horch is a popular name for high-performance luxury motor cars manufactured in Germany by the company August Horch & Cie, established by August Horch. Horch later founded Audi, which is named after the Latin translation of his surname (the Latin word 'Horch' means "listen" in German). Audi is a world-famous automobile manufacturer based in Germany, which manufactures quality cars that are appealing and technically sound. The Audi insignia, with its four overlapping rings, identifies one of Germany's oldest automobile manufacturers. It represents the merger of four previously independent motor-vehicle manufacturers: Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer. These companies form the core of what is today AUDI AG.  Audi variants available in the Indian market are Audi A4, Audi A6, Audi A8 and Audi Q7.The all-new A4 is a head-turner with solid Audi lines that are intact, with a Latin touch and style. With a new nose, new door panels, a new tail and a host of new mechanicals, the A4 is sure to go places. With a host of different colours to choose from and for its amazing performance, Audi is definitely a competitive contender in the luxury car market alongside Mercedes Benz and BMW.