Meanwhile, orders of the Tesla Model S – the company’s second model, a four-door sedan – rose 30-percent after the Model X was revealed. Production of the Model S is expected to begin this year.

Reservations for both cars require at least a $5,000 deposit, though that is fully refundable if buyers subsequently decide they want to back out of the purchase. $5,000 gets you a Model X in early 2014, but those particularly eager can put down $20,000 for a Model X Signature Edition, deliveries of which are tipped for late 2013.

Although it’s likely that not all the reservations will pan out into actual sales, the healthy interest is in stark contrast to ailing electric rival Fisker. Despite having an undeniably attractive car, Fisker has struggled to meet its timescale obligations with the US Government, and has seen its Department of Energy funding frozen as a result.

Rather than the usual knobs and buttons, Tesla offloads all the HVAC controls, entertainment systems, safety and other gadgetry in the Model X into its vast touchscreen. Multiple USB ports will allow for external devices to be hooked up, and there’ll be third-party app support as well as the promise of Tesla’s own periodic updates to keep your all-electric SUV up to date.

Of course, there’s more to like about the Model X, such as the innovative gullwing doors that have multiple joints so as to open up access to the second and third row of seats even if you’re boxed in at the parking lot. There’ll be two power versions, 60 kWh or 80 kWh, as well as a choice of RWD, AWD and “performance” AWD.

The Tesla Model X is up for pre-order now, and is expected to cost around $50,000 with US government subsidies. Deliveries will begin in late 2013 to early 2014.

Tesla Model S 17-inch touchscreen dashboard demo:

That’s 66-percent more powerful than the regular Soul, and puts its power down through a short-throw six-speed manual transmission to HRE-K1 monoblock billet performance wheels clad in 245/40-19-inch front and 285/35-19-inch rear Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 high-performance tires. 14-inch Brembo vented and cross-drilled disc brakes – with by six-piston calipers – in front, and 13.6-inch discs – with four-piston calipers – at the rear make sure you can stop, too.

“The idea was to make the Track’ster tough looking, like a bulldog” chief designer Tom Kearns says,  throwing flared wheel arches, a huge grille, lots of lights and splashes of orange paint at the concept. The Soul normally has rear doors, but they’ve been ditched in favor of longer front doors that open to reveal suede-covered racing seats and a leather-wrapped dash. A sizable touchscreen handles navigation, entertainment and HVAC.

Rather than rear seats, Kia has used the space for an equipment tray and spare-tire well, somewhere to keep your racing kit and emergency supplies. Unfortunately Kia has no plans to produce a commercial version of the Track’ster concept, though we’re keeping our fingers crossed that the next-gen Soul will borrow more than a few details.

The terms of the loan mandated certain milestones and timescales that Fisker needed to meet in order to claim each part of the cash, and with the shipping schedule not going according to plan there’s now a mandatory renegotiation. So far, Fisker says, it has received $193m of the total loan and is “renegotiating some terms of the DOE agreement” as well as continuing to “pursue alternative funding sources.”

It’s not the only recent bad news for Fisker Automotive. The company was forced to recall 239 Karma cars earlier this year, after battery issues spotted in December became more widespread.

Fisker had originally planned to push out Project Nina in 2012, though now says it will focus on the Karma this year and return to the second model at a later point, timescale unspecified. The company has already raised around $850m in private equity funding.

[via Engadget]

Chrysler sold 1.6m vehicles worldwide in 2010, increasing that to 2m in 2011. The difference, it seems are the cars itself: sixteen new or refreshed models over the twelve months, and a push into smaller models. Jeep sales proved particularly buoyant, with the Grand Cherokee SUV apparently leading the new models.

2012 will see more spending, as Chrysler promotes the new Dodge Dart as well as prepares its 2013 model year line-up. That should include a reworked Ram 1500 pickup, which will go on sale later in the year, a new Viper, and an all-electric version of the Fiat 500.

The Dart will be Chrysler’s play for the entry-level market, hoping to hook first time buyers onto the brand. Revealed in December 2011, the new Dodge compact is based on Alfa Romeo’s Giulietta, with a choice of  Tigershark 16-valve 2.0-liter, a 16-valve 1.4-liter MultiAir Intercooled Turbo, or a new Tigershark 16-valve 2.4-liter MultiAir four cylinder engines.

[via AP]

“The agency’s investigation has concluded that no discernible defect trend exists and that the vehicle modifications recently developed by General Motors reduce the potential for battery intrusion resulting from side impacts” NHTSA

Those guidelines will be targeted at emergency response teams and others who may come into contact with electric vehicles. With the Volt, the particular issue surrounded an apparent fire risk prompted after side-impact tests punctured the battery and coolant leaked; atypical tests – including x-rays of batteries – performed on various Volt components replicated a fire, though no real-world example has been recorded.

“NHTSA has developed interim guidance — with the assistance of the National Fire Protection Association, the Department of Energy, and others — to increase awareness and identify appropriate safety measures for these groups. The agency expects this guidance will help inform the ongoing work by NFPA, DOE, and vehicle manufacturers to educate the emergency response community, law enforcement officers, and others about electric vehicles” NHTSA

In the meantime, GM has offered non-Volt loaner vehicles to nervous owners while the testing was underway, and even to buy back unwanted cars that drivers no longer felt safe in. “We did not have one customer that wanted to sell it back or felt concerned enough to get a loaner vehicle” one Chevrolet dealer told the NYTimes, though the company has missed its 2011 sales target by over 1,000 cars.

So, the humble March sees its body clad in Nismo aeroparts that – rather than just looking aggressive – actually improve efficiency, along with a modified front grille being grafted on and an aerodynamically-tweaking rear lip spoiler. Even the door mirrors have been fettled to improve airflow.

The March Nismo concept sits on chunky, lightweight wheels and has high-performance suspension, with the driver ensconced in custom seats with a new steering wheel design. Unfortunately Nissan hasn’t released interior shots, so we’ll just have to imagine them ourselves.

Like the Juke Nismo Concept and the Leaf Nismo Concept before it, this March madness won’t actually go on sale. Instead, Nissan is likely hoping that boy-racers and their ilk will be motivated to splash some cash at Nismo and recreate a little of the style and performance themselves.

Two four-cylinders and a V-6 engine will be offered when the ATS arrives in North America this coming summer, with a 30mpg highway result and the option of all-wheel drive. There’s Cadillac’s first five-link independent rear suspension system, while GM’s engineers have been flirting with different combinations of materials to balance weight, performance and economy. The hood is aluminum hood while the engine mount brackets are magnesium engine; however the differential is cast iron, because that apparently boosted fuel efficiency over aluminum.

Inside, there’s Cadillac CUE, the company’s Bluetooth-enabled multimedia and navigation system, offering USB, aux-in and SD card connections, SiriusXM radio, keyless entry, a 5.7-inch capacitive touchscreen and a heads-up display. If you don’t shell out for CUE, you get a more conservative Bose system instead.

Cadillac CUE:

Safety, meanwhile, calls upon radar, cameras and ultrasonic sensors for crash-avoidance, automatic braking, lane-departure warnings, blind-zone protection and more. Eight airbags (or, optionally, ten) along with a year’s OnStar subscription round out the main specs.

There’ll be a 2.0L Turbo DI VVT, 2.5L I-4 DI VVT and 3.6L V-6 DI VVT at launch, mustering 270, 200 and 320 horsepower respectively. Pricing is yet to be confirmed.

MB calls this the “Dynamic & Intuitive Control Experience” or DICE. The front view out of the car could have speed, points-of-interest, engine efficiency, navigation and other information superimposed, as well as flagging up safety hazards; however, location-based services could also be used to pull in other information, such as playing venue-themed music when driving past a club. Local news, or information about landmarks and places could be accessed via a simple gesture; meanwhile, drivers would be able to leave location-fixed messages and alerts for others.

“As much as a smartphone can be far more than just a tool for communication, a smart car can be more than just a means of transportation” Mercedes-Benz head Dr. Dieter Zetsche said at the tech show today. “Precisely at the interfaces between communication and mobility, vast potential for innovation lies dormant, and we intend to tap it.”

Zetsche also suggested that the in-car telemetrics could be used to create impromptu car-shares, alerting those in need of a ride that there’s a vehicle nearby, headed in the right direction, that has a spare seat. Called CarTogether, it could use Facebook as an organizational venue, and sit alongside traditional short-term rental schemes like ZipCar.

Perhaps more likely in the short term is ”Media”, “Social” and “Places” integration into the infotainment system, which Mercedes says could be used to flag up which of your Facebook friends are nearby on a 3D city outline. The company already offers internet access and Mercedes Apps in Europe as part of the COMAND Online system; that will soon be offered in the US as mbrace2.

So, you get a new Human-Machine Interface (HMI) touchscreen based on a smartphone UI, controlling air conditioning, audio, battery-charge and navigation functions and learning from the driver’s habits to adapt the interface and automated routines over time. There’s also a new Pre-Collision System (PCS) with lane departure, rear-end and pedestrian collision avoidance, pulling together data from radar and stereo cameras – along with IR floodlights at night – to recognize potential hazards.

Toyota NS4 Concept:

Wing mirrors and rear-view mirrors are replaced with cameras, beaming information to high-res screens across the dashboard, and the glass gets hydrophobic and anti-fog coatings along with UV and anti-solar treatments.

As for the Toyota Prius c, the sub-$19,000 hybrid is intended for roads somewhat sooner than the NS4, and pairs a choice of 1.5 liter or 1.8 liter four-cylinder VVT-i engines with an electric motor, CVT and 144-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack under the rear seats. That’s apparently good for 53 mpg in the city or 46 mpg on the highway, for a combined rating of 50 mpg.

You also get nine airbags as standard, along with automatic climate control, Multi-Information Display and Bluetooth hands-free controls, and remote keyless entry. There’ll be an optional 6.1-inch touchscreen satnav unit with iPhone integration and SiriusXM satellite radio support.

I don’t really care for the design honestly. I can see this coming to market as a refresh of the dead Cavalier. The car uses a turbo 4-cylinder and eAssist tech that has start/stop tech and recaptured brake energy. The 140S is billed as an “affordable exotic” four seat sporty coupe. It has a very raked looking profile that is more attractive.

It reminds me a bit of a more muscular Volt that mated with a Mitsubishi Eclipse of the last generation. The car has the same turbo 4-cylinder under the hood as the other concept. The engine is the GM 1.4L Turbo Ecotec with 150HP. GM thinks the cars could be sold in the low $20,000 range.

It’s all part of what Acura reckons was part of the original appeal of the NSX: “high performance through engineering efficiency.” The SH-AWD (sport hybrid all wheel drive) system runs its power through a dual-clutch transmission, while an electric motor provides “supercar acceleration” with the least possible impact on efficiency.

Acura isn’t saying quite how efficient the NSX Concept actually is, however, preferring to point to a respectable power-to-weight ratio. Unfortunately it doesn’t say either power or weight either, leaving us somewhat in the dark about performance overall.

Still, it looks amazing and we’re not the only ones who have fond memories of the original NSX, so you can bet this is a project Honda fans will be watching closely. More details in the video below.

All that’s known so far is that the Model X will be based on the same underpinnings as the Model S sedan, the four door car Tesla is expected begin deliveries on later this year. As a fully electric, plug-in vehicle it will qualify for the US government tax credits, though final pricing for the Model X itself is yet to be confirmed.

All Musk will say is that he expects the SUV to be “will be very well received” when it’s revealed next month. Some of Tesla’s expertise will also be called upon for Toyota’s new RAV4, for which Musk says his company is providing “the whole power train, motor, battery pack, inverter, and charger and all the software.” That’s expected to be revealed midway through this year.

The OpenXC research platform – consisting of hardware and software developer kits created in partnership with Bug Labs – is being shipped this month, with MIT, the University of Michigan and Stanford among the first wave of universities taking part. The idea is that developers will eventually be able to use “key vehicle data” in their cloud apps and services.

“[Ford's] future is not just about building cars but about creating uncompromised personal mobility experiences for people around the world” Ford

Ford’s own work on that will involve opening up its in-car sensor feedback to developers. Weather Underground is looking to use windshield use data for real-time weather proximity reporting, for instance, with 3G-enabled vehicles sending back information that can be mashed up with other news.

A SYNC-enabled Segway probably isn’t going to be first on Ford’s list, in fact the company has set itself a more ambitious challenge than simply getting one person about without stressing their legs. ”With increasing pressures from urbanization and the need to reduce energy use,” CTO Paul Mascarenas says, ”we’re going to see energy storage, wireless connectivity, sensing systems and even autonomous vehicles as key parts of the solution.”

Ford will discuss some of its in-car technology during its CES keynote next week, including showcasing five titles from the Ford SYNC App Developer Challenge. One such app will be Roximity, which “provides real-time deals and specials relevant to a user’s location, based on personal preferences and interests” so that, when connected to SYNC, could deliver “a customized verbal message for a special deal on food from a favorite nearby restaurant.”

The current Civic has been criticized for a decline in interior quality and for a choppier and noisier ride. It failed to received the “recommended” status that was bestowed by Consumer Reports to previous Civic models. However, Honda doesn’t attribute this to a drop in quality but claims that it is due to competitors catching up.

Honda also blames this year’s low sales on the natural disasters in both the earthquake in Japan and the floods in Thailand that caused an inventory shortage. Tetsuo Iwamura, chief executive of Honda in North America, revealed in an interview today that the new 2013 upgraded Civic model would go on sale late next year and that it would feature upgraded styling, driving characteristics, and comfort.

[via DETNews]

That V8 puts its power down through a new, eight-speed automatic transmission with shortened ratios, and onto the asphalt via all-wheel-drive and 20-inch alloy wheels as standard. Somewhat bizarrely, Bentley has actually managed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions by 40-percent with the new powertrain, though you have to consider that’s in comparison to the existing 6.0 litre, 12-cylinder engine that will remain in the higher-range Continental GT and GTC.

The “wave of torque” is coupled with distinctive new style, each Continental crisping up to suit the punchy engine. New body features include a black gloss matrix grille with chrome detailing, a red enamel Bentley ‘B’ badge, and a black matrix three-segment lower front bumper with body-color highlights. There are also figure-eight chromed tailpipes and a choice of 21-inch six-spoke alloy wheels.

Inside, your swiftly-transported buttocks are coddled in two-tone leather, with Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneer on the shortened dashboard. As before, you can seat four, though rear accommodation is likely to be tight, despite the car’s oversized aesthetic.

Bentley hasn’t confirmed exactly how much the new Continental V8 models will cost, though it’s worth noting the existing GT starts at around $190,000 and these V8s will slot in underneath that.

According to Ford, the problem only affects Fusion and Milan cars with 17-inch steel wheels, not those with alloy wheels. Nonetheless, that’s 128,616 vehicles in all, along with a further 3,000 steel wheel sets distributed to Ford dealers.

“Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the lug nuts replaced on all four wheels” Ford told the agency, “and to have the rear brake discs inspected for wheel mounting surface flatness and replaced, if required.” A comprehensive investigation into the problem has been undertaken by the company, it continued.

Ford claims there is no record, as of the end of September, of any accidents resulting from the problem. If you have one of the affected vehicles, you should contact your dealer.

[via NYTimes]

Meanwhile the two seats are like bright yellow hammocks, split in the middle for extra comfort, and the dashboard is suitably swoopy for a concept, with a combination of mother-of-pearl white and brushed aluminum. The tailgate is electrically operated, and when all the motorized parts have finished shuffling out of the way, reveals a 90cm-long load area.

That’s not going to compete with a dual-cab pick-up truck, but it’s not bad for a vehicle that measures 3.547 x 1.506 x 1.701 meters; smart expects it to be put to use with a pair of the company’s existing electric bikes. In fact, there are two charging points for the bikes in the loadbay itself, allowing you to keep them topped up while you transport them.

This isn’t the first unusual, cutaway version of a traditional smart from the company. Back in 2002 smart launched the limited edition crossblade, a pared back modification of the regular fortwo that lacked a windscreen, doors or roof. Right now, though, smart is only saying that the electric powerplant of the for-us will make it to production, at the heart of the smart fortwo electric drive set to go on sale in spring 2012.

Three engine options will be available at launch, two Tigershark and one low-volume MultiAir. Buyers will have the choice of the Tigershark 16-valve 2.0-liter engine, a 16-valve 1.4-liter MultiAir Intercooled Turbo engine, and a new Tigershark 16-valve 2.4-liter MultiAir four cylinder engine, along with three transmission choices.

As for styling, Dodge has cribbed from its own Charger and other cars to put together full-width LED “racetrack” tail lamps and an integrated dual exhaust, in addition to a tailored split-crosshair grille, projector headlamps and fog lamps and accentuated fenders. The company calls it “athletic and muscular”; we’ll wait until the full car is visible early next year to make our minds up entirely.

The next LEAF is expected to be a better electric car in every way, while also being more affordable. A source, speaking with AutoExpress, revealed that Nissan intends to bring down the cost of the batteries and electric components, although he did not specify by how much. Overall performance and range should also see great improvement.

Nissan has currently sold only about 15,000 LEAF vehicles throughout the world since it first debuted in December 2010. However, the company has ambitious plans for its electric vehicles, aiming to sell 1.5 million EV models in 2016. It also plans to introduce a special charging system by Summer 2012 that lets your EV charge your home.

Additionally, the new LEAF will be able to be charged wireless via an induction charging pad. The pad will be optional and can be installed in the owner’s home. The charging time is the same as a corded charging system and is said to be 80 to 90 percent efficient, charging at rates between 3 and 6 kWs.

[via TreeHugger]

“We’re getting a lot of interest, we’re just not getting a lot of buyers” one GM dealer told the newspaper, referring to the $41,000 price tag of the electric car. “Customers come in, they are wowed by the display, the quick acceleration. It’s just going to take a while for the American public to accept the price.”

Now, though, it seems the public will also have to stomach the Volt’s patchy safety record. General Motors has moved swiftly to reassure early-adopters that the fire risk to the car is negligible, even going so far as to offer to buy back vehicles from those people who have decided the Volt is not for them. Unfortunately, a federal safety investigation is already underway into whether the Volt presents a serious safety problem.

According to GM, a fix is in the works for the roughly 6,000 Volts already on the road – a number that indicates another 2,000 cars are expected to be delivered to satisfy existing orders, or sold to new buyers, before the year is out. The problem, the company claims, is where a broken pipe drips coolant onto the battery wiring and, eventually, causes a short-circuit. US government testing on three cars found the issue caused the li-ion batteries to spark or catch fire, after the cars had been used in crash testing.

GM has set a 45,000 Volt sales target for 2012. According to former vice chairman Bob Lutz, who led the Volt project, the 2011 target “was ambitious and should never have been announced” and was likely to fail from the outset as production couldn’t keep up.

The fruits of the Toyota and BMW deal will initially be seen in 2014, as Toyota cars for the European market roll off the production line under BMW power. The German company has been pushing to expand its engine and powertrain supply business, with the Toyota arrangement presenting shoppers with a cheaper way to get their hands on a BMW-powered car.

Meanwhile, both firms will begin collaborative research into next-gen lithium-ion battery technologies, which could be used to power electric cars and hybrids such as BMW’s i3 and i8 concepts. The partnership is being painted as the first of a number of possible collaborative projects.

As for Honda, it’s not talking about electric but about getting frugal diesel powerplants into cars sooner. The first Earth Dreams Technology engine will show up in the new European Civic, set to go on sale in late 2012. Lighter than existing diesel engines, it has sub-100g/km CO2 emissions yet still delivers 300Nm of torque (at 2000rpm). No word on whether we’ll ever see it appear in cars in North America.

Honda and Toyota didn’t let the Tokyo opportunity to have some weird car fun pass them by, however. As well as the more sensible announcements, Honda brought out the EV-STER TRON-style roadster, while Toyota created what it described as “a smartphone on wheels” in the shape of the ridiculously customizable Fun-Vii.

The EV-STER concept vehicle is certainly attractive, featuring an open top and a small footprint with an aerodynamic wedge-shaped body made from carbon fiber for reduced weight. The drivers side is on the right and features two joysticks instead of a steering wheel.

It’s a two-seater similar to the Tesla Roadster, but unfortunately with a lot less power and speed. Although Honda didn’t get too specific, they did mention that the EV-STER takes about 5 seconds to go from 0 to 60km/hr (37mph) and maxes out at about 99mph.

The vehicle is powered by a 10-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery that Honda claims can store enough charge to take you a distance of 100 miles. Recharging the vehicle would take under three hours at 200 volts.

[via Wired]

Meanwhile there’s augmented reality navigation information, together with what Toyota describes as a “navigation concierge” with speech-controlled directions. Live OTA updates keep the in-car computers constantly up to date, and networking systems allow it to communicate with other road users “allowing it to detect other potentially hazardous vehicles – such as vehicles in blind spots – in advance, or to connect with friends who are driving nearby.”

In addition to being able to control the Fun-Vii from onboard, Toyota has developed a companion smartphone app for remote access. Of course, this is all a concept rather than something Toyota expects to end up on roads any time soon – probably a good thing, as we can’t help but see customized door panels changing as you drive along the road being something of a distraction for fellow drivers.

Maybach cars found some favor among the custom-obsessed, thanks to Mercedes’ willingness to modify and tweak vehicles according to buyer whim; its hefty power-plants and brutal looks also saw third-party firms try their hand at customization, such as Xenatec’s outlandish Cruiserio. The brand rode a short wave of popularity among rap artists, though was subsequently usurped by Rolls Royce’s distinctively luxe Phantom and later convertible variants. Even so, rap’s target audience generally lacked the cash to follow the trend.

Those who do have sufficient funds will find Mercedes still eager to swipe their credit cards. “Plans are already in place to fill the void left by the axing of the Maybach 57 and 62 with the next-generation S-class,” the insider says, “which will be offered in three wheelbase variations and six different body styles, including a top-of-the-range S600 Pullman.”

Mercedes has never been shy of in-car technology, and the new S-class is expected to be a tour de force of electronics and gadgetry. Hybrid engines – in which electric motors will augment modular V6 and V8 traditional power plants – have already been tipped, along with a host of safety and entertainment options in the cabin. Sales should be considerably stronger than those of Maybach, which reportedly failed to even achieve its 800 per year target.

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, far-side impact crashes accounted for 11 percent of occupant deaths in non-rollover accidents between 2004 and 2009 involving 1999 or newer models where the driver has their seat belt fastened. It also represents 29 percent of all belted front occupant fatalities from side impacts.

With these numbers in mind, GM developed the center-mounted airbag in collaboration with technology supplier Takata to step up safety measures for its future vehicles.

“The front center airbag has real potential to save lives in side crashes,” GM quotes Adrian Lund, president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in its press release. “GM and Takata are to be commended for taking the lead in this important area.”

The new models expected to feature this center-mounted airbag include the 2013 Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse crossover SUVs. Below is a video demo of the GM’s industry first center-mounted airbag in action.

[via Forbes]

That question of permission was what triggered the initial flurry of complaints. OnStar had originally planned to track its users who cancelled service with the company, collecting aggregate data and sharing that with advertisers, governmental organizations and other firms. Although OnStar clarified that those affected would be informed of the policy and given the choice to opt out of it, that failed to calm the storm.

Instead, the company found itself under the beady eye of at least three US senators, each with concerns as to how user privacy might be impacted. As a result, no data connection will be preserved with the cars of those subscribers who cancel their service.

“We realize that our proposed amendments did not satisfy our subscribers,” OnStar President Linda Marshall now says. “This is why we are leaving the decision in our customers’ hands. We listened, we responded and we hope to maintain the trust of our more than 6 million customers.”

OnStar says that, if it decides to attempt a data collection system again in the future, it will make it opt-in rather than opt-out. “We regret any confusion or concern we may have caused” Marshall concludes, though OnStar can’t help but point out what potential services have been lost as a result of the cancelled plans. “Maintaining the data connection would have allowed OnStar to provide former customers with urgent information about natural disasters and recalls affecting their vehicles even after cancelling their service” the company argues.

That’s more than anyone on the SlashGear team can handle, which officially makes us less capable than a car; among the choices are both US and UK English, German, French and Italian. BMW’s ConnectedDrive system can access Facebook and Twitter, reading out new updates and messages, as well as allow you to subscribe to various RSS feeds and have new content read out to you.

Triggered by the Play button, ConnectedDrive is being billed as both a safety and entertainment system. It’ll hook into your iPhone Calendar, too, calling out your appointments for the day, week and month; while your iPhone is connected, the iDrive system can also stream internet radio.

Apple is expected to use similar text-to-speech (and speech-to-text) technology from Nuance in iOS 5, as part of the well-rumored iOS Assistant. Expected to debut on the iPhone 5, itself tipped to launch imminently, this will allow users to make spoken commands including navigation requests, new messages, media playback and more.

Updated with OnStar comment after the cut.

“What’s changed [is that if] you want to cancel your OnStar service, we are going to maintain a two-way connection to your vehicle unless the customer says otherwise” Denison told Wired, billing the decision as a way to make reconnections “easier” down the line. Customers leaving the service will be able to opt-out of the tracking, though they will need to actively communicate that request to OnStar (and, presumably, read the privacy policy in the first place to know that’s a requirement).

“We may use the information we collect about you and your Vehicle to improve the quality of our Service and offerings and may share the information we collect with law enforcement or other public safety officials, credit card processors and/or third parties we contract with who conduct joint marketing initiatives with OnStar” Updated privacy policy

Some of OnStar’s potential applications for the data do, on the surface, seem reasonable. The company has suggested that crowd-aggregated location and speed data could be used by city planners to better organize their road networks, monitoring peak hour traffic and improving layouts and maintenance schedules to minimize delays.

However, the scope of OnStar’s new possibilities with user data has been highlighted, with forensic scientist Jonathan Zdziarski pointing out that a new addition to the policy allows the company “to collect any data for any purpose.” OnStar makes clear it can sell personalized data with GM, its affiliates, dealers, “joint marketing” third parties and others, while anonymized data (“including location, speed, and safety belt usage”) can be shared or sold to third parties “for any purpose.”

The new terms will go into effect in December 2011. You can see the new OnStar privacy policy here [pdf link].

Update: OnStar’s VP of Subscriber Services, Joanne Finnorn, has given us the following statement. One of the parts we’re particularly pleased to see is that the company will apparently notify users canceling their subscriptions about the tracking, rather than expecting them to know about it from reviewing the privacy policy themselves.

“OnStar has and always will give our customers the choice in how we use their data. We’ve also been very open with our customers about changes in services and privacy terms.

“Under our new Terms and Conditions, when a customer cancels service, we have informed customers that OnStar will maintain a two-way connection to their vehicle unless they ask us not to do so. In the future, this connection may provide us with the capability to alert vehicle occupants about severe weather conditions such as tornado warnings or mandatory evacuations. Another benefit for keeping this connection “open” could be to provide vehicle owners with any updated warranty data or recall issues.

“Of course, if the customer requests us to turn off the two-way connection, we will do as we have always done, and that is honor customers’ requests.

“Our guiding practices regarding sharing our subscribers’ personal information have not changed. We are always very specific about with whom we share customers’ personal information, and how they will use it. We have never sold any personally identifiable information to any third party.

“Keeping the two-way connection open will also allow OnStar to capture general vehicle information that could be used in future product development.

“We apologize for creating any confusion about our Terms and Conditions. We want to make sure we are as clear with our customers as possible, but it’s apparent that we have failed to do this. As always, we are listening to our subscribers’ feedback and we will continue to be open to their suggestions and concerns.”

The iPhone Interface Plus system works with a free iOS app such that your iPhone can be completely integrated with the in-vehicle system. In this way, you can stash your iPhone in the glove compartment and be able to connect and control your smartphone, accessing your music, email, or social networks directly from the larger display and hardware controls on the vehicle’s dashboard.

Additionally, Mercedez-Benz will be offering an iPad Integration Plus system for rear-seat passengers that work like seat-back docking stations that can be tilted and turned for the best suitable angle. This makes it easy to watch movies, play games, or browse the web for back-seat customers while allowing them to easily recharge their tablets while on the road.

[via 9to5Mac]

The concerns that initiated this recall have to do with repair problems with power windows and computer equipment. The recall will involve 936,000 Fit compacts, CR-V, and City models worldwide, including in the US, Europe, Japan, and China. Another 26,000 CR-Z hybrid models will also be recalled in the US, Canada, Japan, and other markets dues to defective programming of the electronic units.

The cost of the recall in Japan alone is expected to be around 1.29 billion yen or $16.8 million. Total cost estimates for the recall worldwide have not been revealed. Defective power-window switches, however, sound much less hazardous than Honda’s previous recall where issues with the automatic transmission saw engines cutting out unexpectedly.

[via WSJ]

“The Ford Evos Concept unites three key elements which are at the core of our One Ford global product strategy: outstanding design, smart technologies and fuel economy leadership,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of Global Product Development

Connectiviy is of course a major area of focus with Ford aiming to create a more seamless lifestyle between the home, office, and car. However, Kuzak says that the idea is not to transform a vehicle into a smartphone. Instead, it is to provide a personalized and safe connection to the outside world in a manner that’s specifically designed for the vehicle context.

By connecting to the cloud, the vehicle can provide a similarly connected lifestyle for the driver as experienced at home or at the office. Ford is exploring how this connection combined with personalization options and additional data from the cloud can enhance the driving experience. For instance, a vehicle could automatically play the same music or news program that was just streaming at home. It could also automatically heat or cool interior temperatures before the driver gets into the car based on departure times set in the driver’s calendar.

Other areas explored include enhanced driving experiences and driver wellness. Through adaptive technologies and the use of personal preferences and other data from the cloud, the vehicle can adjust handling and performance based on the road ahead and the driver’s habits. The vehicle can also monitor the driver’s wellness through technologies including heart-rate monitoring seats and allergy-free interiors.

Additionally, the Ford EVOS Concept explores a cloud-optimized hybrid powertrain. The vehicle is equipped with a state-of-the-art lithium-ion plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain that when combined with cloud connectivity can provide better fine tuning of performance and fuel efficiency.

Below are a series of videos that introduce the various features and technologies of the Ford EVOS Concept.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed by the two companies with a formal agreement expected next year. The joint development is aimed at delivering greater fuel efficiency while still providing customers the performance they need. The companies believe that by working together, they can bring these hybrid technologies to customers more quickly and affordably than they would separately.

Additionally, Ford and Toyota will establish standards and technologies required for a safer and more convenient in-car experience. However, the collaboration is only on the standards and technologies as the two companies will develop their own in-car products and features separately.

This is an interesting new segment that has the potential to be an extension of the current mobile ecosystem. Microsoft currently has an early advantage as both Ford and Toyota are partners, with Toyota having announced back in April that it would be harnessing the Windows Azure cloud platform for its next-gen telematics.

[via Ford]

The issue, Honda says, can occur when drivers quickly shift between reverse, neutral and drive, something that could take place if the car is stuck in grass or mud as the owner attempts to rock themselves out. That frequent changing can damage the automatic transmission secondary shaft bearing, prompting difficulties engaging park or, potentially more dangerous, leaving the engine prone to stalling.

Approximately 1.5m of the affected cars are in the US, while 760,515 are in China. In the US, certain 2005-2010 4-cylinder Accord, 2007-2010 CR-V and 2005-2008 Element vehicles will be brought back in; select Odyssey and Spirior models are also at risk. Owners can check their car’s status in the recall here.

[via AFP]

Nissan VP Andy Palmer accused Top Gear of deceiving its viewers, pointing out that the telemetrics in the Leaf had wirelessly updated the car company on the production crew’s actions. They, he suggested, were part of a system of safeguards in place to prevent owners of the car from experiencing flat batteries midway through a journey, something the TV show had failed to highlight.

Clarkson, unsurprisingly, remains defiant, arguing that rather than setting out to review the Leaf, the footage was meant to highlight the remaining issues in recharging electric cars. “The piece was about the difficulties of recharging the electric car” he wrote in his column in The Sunday Times this weekend. “At no point did we mislead the viewers. Top Gear’s job is to say to everybody, ‘Just a minute, do not believe (electric cars) can be run as simply as you have been told. Charging them up is a pain in the arse’.”

Nissan claims the Leaf can travel between 47 and 105 miles on a single charge, depending on driving style and road conditions. The company encourages competitive eco-friendliness, using a system called CARWINGS that allows drivers to compare their frugality with other owners.

Altogether, the car is packed with a radar system, various cameras and ultrasonic sensors, a laser scanner and an “electronic horizon” that, together, give it an understanding of whereabouts on the road it is and what other traffic or pedestrians are around it. Rather than taking full control, Volkswagen is positioning TAP as an assistance aid for periods where accidents are increasingly likely: complex lane navigation, junctions and traffic jams. The system can take control, alert the driver with noisy alarms, and even perform an emergency stop.

It’s not the first time we’ve seen autonomous systems included in a car: various luxury models from Mercedes, BMW and other marques include intelligent safety systems that couple dynamic cruise-control – identifying the traffic ahead and adjusting speed accordingly – with sensor arrays to increase the likelihood of emergency stop maneuvers being effective. However, manufacturers have been reluctant to give their systems too much independence, with questions over the legality and liability of auto-pilot options still unanswered.

Volkswagen hasn’t said when – or if – TAP will make it to a production model, though as the continuation of a research program stretching back to 2008 it seems likely to do so. Meanwhile Google is pushing ahead with its own robotic car systems, in the hope that states allow it to roll the vehicles out onto the public highway.

[via PhysOrg]

That integration will allow cars from the German marques to intelligently take advantage of off-peak or low-rate energy supplies, negotiate for charging slots so as not to overload the system, and give feedback on performance and other data. Since it will use the same charging ports as the cars rely on for power, it will make getting connected – using regular IP standards – more straightforward too.

We’re guessing manufacturers will also be able to collect more up-to-date feedback on the car’s status, such as whether it requires servicing and the health of the batteries, rather than rely on systems checks when the vehicle is brought in (or using some sort of embedded cellular connection, which adds cost). No word on when the first 911 with a Powerline plug will pull off the forecourt.

Press Release:

HomePlug® Powerline Alliance Announces Support from Global German Auto Manufacturers for HomePlug GP Specification

Audi, BMW, Daimler, Porsche and Volkswagen Line Up Behind HomePlug Green PHY for Electric Vehicle Charging Technology Standard

Taipei, Taiwan – June 1, 2011 – At its event at COMPUTEX Taipei today, the HomePlug® Powerline Alliance (www.homeplug.org) announced support from Germany’s major car manufacturers – Audi, BMW, Daimler, Porsche and Volkswagen – for its HomePlug Technology.

After intense case studies and tests, the five German car manufacturers – working together as the Coordination Office Charging Interface – chose to support HomePlug’s IEEE 1901 Profile Green PHY (GP) as the technology for the charging interface of electric vehicles. Additionally, HomePlug has invited the participation of these auto manufacturers in developing the HomePlug Green PHY certification program. The HomePlug Powerline Alliance serves as a compliance and certification body for IEEE 1901 and manages the largest compliance and interoperability certification program for powerline networking products.

“For electric vehicles to be widely accepted, they must integrate into existing and emerging charging infrastructures, connected to the smart grid,” noted Dr. Heiko Doerr, Manager of Coordination Office Charging Interface. “For charging electric vehicles, the communication interface is established via the charging connector, and the HomePlug Green PHY provides a common communications standard to support all modes of AC and DC charging.”

The HomePlug GP specification, finalized in June 2010, is a low power, highly reliable and cost-optimized powerline networking specification which targets “Smart Grid” applications such as appliances, smart meters, climate control, and plug-in electric hybrid vehicles. Utility companies and manufacturers are looking to adopt communications and networking technologies, such as HomePlug GP, to help consumers and businesses monitor and reduce their energy consumption. More details about HomePlug GP can be found at http://www.homeplug.org/tech/homeplug_gp. HomePlug GP is a key component of the HomePlug technology portfolio, along with HomePlug AV broadband powerline technology and the upcoming HomePlug AV2 specification. HomePlug AV is the baseline technology for the IEEE 1901 powerline standard. All three specifications are fully interoperable with each other and with IEEE’s 1901 powerline standard, and they are designed to make it easier for multiple chip suppliers and manufacturers to deliver products to support IP networking.

“The endorsement and support of these world class manufacturers is a significant step in establishing robust technology standards to deliver on the smart grid promise,” commented Rob Ranck, president of the HomePlug Powerline Alliance. “We are delighted with their decision and look forward to working with them to develop the product certification process.”

The announcement comes on the heels of recent research reports from In-Stat, Infonetics and Pike Research pointing to the continued leadership of the HomePlug technology standard around the world. Pike Research analyst Bob Gohn commented, “The adoption of standards is a key driver to widespread smart appliance adoption, and our research indicates that HomePlug Green PHY is likely to be the power line standard that gives manufacturers the confidence to rollout products in increasingly greater numbers.”

COMPUTEX Taipei Event – June 1, 9 AM – 12 Noon
COMPUTEX is Asia’s largest IT exhibition and conference, and second largest in the world to CeBit in Germany. Today, the HomePlug Powerline Alliance will host an industry “Meet and Greet” event during the show at the Taipei International Convention Center. It will be held at 2F, Room 201 (A+B) and is open to all interested parties attending the exhibition.

During this informal seminar, HomePlug President Rob Ranck and several Board of Directors representatives will provide updates on the Alliance’s current initiatives: HomePlug AV (IEEE P1901), HomePlug Green PHY and the new HomePlug AV2 standard.

About the HomePlug® Powerline Alliance
With HomePlug technology, the electrical wires in the home can now distribute broadband Internet, HD video, digital music and smart energy applications. The HomePlug Powerline Alliance, Inc. (www.homeplug.org) is an industry-led initiative with 65 member companies that creates specifications, marketing and certification programs to accelerate worldwide adoption of powerline networking with HomePlug technology.

Sponsor members include Broadcom Corporation (BRCM); Cisco (CSCO); Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK); GE Energy, an affiliate of General Electric Co. (NYSE: GE); Qualcomm Atheros (QCOM); Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723); SPiDCOM Technologies; and STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM).

There are also some reasonably distracting landmark indicators, along with links to the in-car entertainment system to let you know what music you’re listening to. It can even tell you the meal deals at the restaurants and pubs you’re passing. Since Autoglass specializes in windshield repairs, there’s a hook into your cellphone so that, should damage occur, it can automatically get alert a technician and tell them your location.

Clever stuff, though we’re still waiting for our flying cars controlled by all-knowing AIs. In case you’re wondering – and you don’t recognize London, UK – the video is filmed in the UK, hence the driver being on the left side of the road.

[via Autoblog]

Leaving the Dublin Embassy today, Obama’s car – known as “The Beast” or “Cadillac One” – got stuck when trying to leave the gates. In the video below – complete with well-timed sound effects from the crowd of Irish onlookers – you can hear the lead car first scrape its underbelly on the hump, and then shortly after The Beast get beached altogether.

President Obama and the First Lady eventually abandoned the car for a second vehicle to continue their tour of Ireland. No word on how heavy The Beast actually is, though each reinforced door is apparently the same weight as a Boeing 757 airplane cabin door.

[via Twitter]

That suit is more complicated than the sinuous curves might suggest. Each front wing in fact consists of seven pieces, formed using an English wheel and traditionally crafted body bucks and then combined; the distinctive bubble-roof took five pieces itself.

Best of all, this isn’t some museum show-piece that will never get above 5mph. Zagato has outfitted the V12 with a steel roll cage, front and rear double wishbone suspension with fully adjustable Multimatic DSSV Dampers, and a 120ltr endurance racing fuel tank. No word on pricing, but as of May 28 the car will be hurtling around the Nürburgring in advance of a 24hr race in June.

[via Top Gear]