Tag: motors

OnStar expands smartphone control to most 2011 General Motors vehicles [w/Video]

Filed under: Technology, GM

OnStar mobile applications – Click above for high-res image gallery

Early this year, General Motors’ OnStar telematics unit unveiled a smartphone application it had developed for the Chevrolet Volt that allows drivers to remotely manage the charging, locking and unlocking of their vehicle and pre-warm or cool it while plugged in. OnStar is now extending that basic concept to nearly the entire General Motors lineup for 2011.

One of the key hardware differences between OnStar and Ford’s Sync technology is that GM integrates cellular radios into the car while Ford relies on the driver’s existing phone connected via Bluetooth or a cable. This allows Ford to offer services like turn-by-turn directions without charging a subscription fee. OnStar has long struggled to find a way to convince customers to continue paying the subscription after the initial complimentary period expires.

The integrated cellular radio allows OnStar to offer services like remote starting, car location and lock/unlock from anywhere that can’t be done with Sync or just a short-range key fob. The applications will also provide access to vehicle data like tire pressures and oil levels, and allow owners to call an OnStar adviser or schedule service appointments with a dealer. The applications will be available for Androids and iPhones. You can check out a video after the jump.

Gallery: OnStar mobile applications

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading OnStar expands smartphone control to most 2011 General Motors vehicles [w/Video]

OnStar expands smartphone control to most 2011 General Motors vehicles [w/Video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ICONIC Motors announces production of AC Roadster to start in 2011

Filed under: Classics, Convertible, Performance

2011 ICONIC Motors AC Roadster – Click above for high-res image gallery

Most small American supercar companies don’t seem to have the best of luck, which is why we were somewhat skeptical when we first heard of ICONIC Motors. The concept was impressive if not somewhat unbelievable – a lightweight roadster with an aluminum 6.9-liter V8 putting out 800 horsepower with design cues inspired by the legendary Shelby Cobra. The GTR, as it was then named, made its debut at the 2008 Amelia Island Concours, and we got our first look at the car at the New York Auto Show shortly thereafter.

We haven’t heard much from ICONIC since then, but apparently the company has been quite busy finalizing the production version that includes a few design changes from the original concept. In the last two years, ICONIC has also formed a partnership with AC Cars, and the car has officially been renamed the AC Roadster. ICONIC has scheduled a 2011 release date for customer cars and states that they currently taking orders. Follow the jump for full details in their latest press release.

Gallery: 2011 ICONIC Motors AC Roadster

[Source: ICONIC Motors]

Continue reading ICONIC Motors announces production of AC Roadster to start in 2011

ICONIC Motors announces production of AC Roadster to start in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renntech and Domani Motors team up for meaner Benz SL65 AMG Black Series [w/video]

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Specialty, Luxury

Renntech SL65 AMG Black Series – Click above for high-res image gallery

Allow us to provide you with your daily dose of lunacy. Not too long ago, the head honchos over at Domani Motors happened to find themselves with a Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series in their showroom. Unsatisfied with the car’s already otherworldly performance, they called up the twisted minds at Renntech to have them install the tuner’s Perfomance Package 1. Think of it as PCP for Silver Arrows. The work included remapping the car’s ECU, installing an easy-breathing exhaust and a few other tricks. The result? A mind-bending 805 streetable horsepower and 1,000 pound-feet of torque.

The team had to install a unique, 100 percent locking rear differential just to handle the dizzying power from the engine. Likewise, the gearbox had to be upgraded as well. Even so, we’re guessing this particular SL65 AMG Black Series would have no problem turning its tires aerosol should the driver demand it. So far, neither Renntech nor Domani Motors have released any times on the car, but we’re guessing the numbers are nothing to scoff at. Hit the jump for a video of the car on the dyno, as well as the press release.

Gallery: Renntech SL65 AMG Black Series

[Source: Renntech]

Continue reading Renntech and Domani Motors team up for meaner Benz SL65 AMG Black Series [w/video]

Renntech and Domani Motors team up for meaner Benz SL65 AMG Black Series [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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General Motors announces 8-year/100,000-mile warranty for Chevy Volt battery

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Technology, Chevrolet, GM, Electric

Chevrolet Volt battery pack – Click above for high-res image gallery

During a media briefing at its Brownstown Township, MI battery plant this afternoon, General Motors Vice Chairman Tom Stephens announced that the lithium ion battery pack for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt would be warranted for eight years or 100,000 miles. Since the beginning of the program, it has been General Motors’ intention to develop the battery pack to last for the life of the vehicle.

Despite the fact that the Volt is considered an electric car by GM, the presence of an on-board gas engine for range-extending means that the EPA and California Air Resources Board consider the battery to be part of the car’s emissions control system. As a result, it is subject to the same regulations as parts like a catalytic converter, and therefore, it must have the eight-year warranty.

GM has released some additional specifications on the battery pack. In its final production form, 95 percent of the components were designed and developed in-house by GM, it weighs in at 400 pounds and has an output of 110 kilowatts. Internally, the water-cooled pack consists of 288 LG Chem lithium polymer cells. Over the next few months, GM will be ramping up the production rate at Brownstown in preparation for the start of Volt production this Fall.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Volt battery pack

General Motors announces 8-year/100,000-mile warranty for Chevy Volt battery originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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