News / Hi-Tech

Audi Connect now with Google Streetview, Internet radio After Audi announced Google Earth integration in the 2011 A8, the next obvious question we had was when Google Street View was coming. The only response we got: "Just wait." Well, the waiting is over. Audi announced today that Street View – Google's relentless outdoor photographing service – will join the high-resolution aerial and satellite images embedded in Audi's Connect infotainment..

Mini Connected app adds performance info to vehicle display Mini is introducing an updated iPhone app for the Mini Connected system. It displays performance data in the entertainment screen in Minis that have Visual Boost or with a navigation system and the Mini Connected option. The main functions of the system include a condition check, force meter and digital sports instruments. The condition check function keeps track of the engine temperature, fuel..

Full specs, pricing announced for global Volvo V60 diesel Plug-in Hybrid Boasting a 31 mile range and the ability to sprint to 62 mph in less than 6.9 seconds, Volvo ’s new V60 Plug-In Hybrid diesel combines internal combustion engine performance with eco-friendly emissions to stand out among the latest crop of green cars. Based on the standard Volvo V60 wagon, the Europe-bound V60 Plug-In Hybrid starts with a 2.4-liter D5 turbodiesel engine that puts out 215..

smart for-us concept teased ahead of Detroit debut smart has revealed the first sketches of its upcoming for-us concept. It is billed as the antithesis of the traditional pickup. For starters, it is merely 139 inches long, 59 inches wide and 66 inches high. The photos released by smart do not show the front of it, but the German automaker claims the for-us has a “friendly yet assertive face” that prominently features the brand’s logo in..

Coolant identified as Volt fire source, solution near, sources say Several sources have come forward with new information regarding the rapidly advancing discussions and investigations into the spontaneous combustion that has seemingly stemmed from damaged battery packs in the Chevy Volt, painting a clear picture of what is next to come. Multiple unidentified sources with inside knowledge on the ongoing testing of the Volt’s battery packs have announced..

Opel details new biturbo diesel for Insignia Opel has slipped a new, torquey four-cylinder biturbo diesel engine into its range-topping Insignia sedan. Boasting 195 horsepower and about 295 lb-ft. of torque, the 2.0-liter CDTI engine is powerful, but Opel says the real story is its low emissions and high fuel economy. The German arm of General Motors reports that the car emits just 129 g/km of CO2 and it consumes fuel at a rate of about 48..

Bluetooth-equipped mirror adds GPS and, yes, games We can see it now. A police officer pulls over a Pep Boys-customized Chevy Cavalier that's been having a hard time staying in its lane. The officer asks the driver if he's been texting. "No," he says, "Just playing Angry Birds on my rearview mirror." While the automotive aftermarket has never shied away from facilitating driver distraction, this new rearview mirror kit from online retailer..

Honda EV-Ster concept: electric, but not organic The Honda EV-Ster was a surprise debut from the Japanese automaker at the Tokyo show this morning. Aiming to demonstrate that driving pleasure is at the core of the company’s DNA, the two-seater is an exercise in lightweight and diminutive dimensions – it measures just 3570mm long, 1500mm wide, 1100mm tall and has a wheelbase that spans 2325mm. Honda calls the EV-Ster a ‘next generation..

Nissan introducing three new trick safety technologies In the last few years, Infiniti has joined the ranks of the Germans by offering a range of enhanced active safety features on its higher-end models. But Nissan wants to bring many of these systems to its core models, including blind spot and lane departure warnings. But that's old hat now. This week in Japan, Nissan demonstrated three new safety technologies that are bound for both Infiniti and..

A123 Systems lays off 125 workers as battery orders dry Battery-powered cars may be the wave of the future, but they are apparently not the trend of the moment. Massachusetts-based A123 Systems LLC has announced it will temporarily lay off 125 workers at two Michigan plants as the result of waning battery demand. The lay offs are a direct result of fewer orders from Fisker Automotive. A123 supplies the lithium-ion batteries for Fisker’s plug-in..