In-car telematics is important in every segment. While automakers like Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Tesla are quickly bringing the familiarity of Google Maps to their vehicles, Kia and Hyundai may be getting the leg-up. The Korean brands have announced a new partnership with Google that will bring the search giant’s Google Send-to-Car, local search and voice search, to each of their telematics systems.
The first vehicle to receive the second generation UVO eServices telematics system with Google functionality will be the new 2014 Kia Sorento, which is expected to go on sale during Q1 of 2013. With features like Send-to-Car, drivers will be able to send a point of interest or destination to their car directly from Google Maps via their smartphone UVO app.
“The newest iteration of the UVO platform is a breakthrough as one of the industry’s first mobile pure app-based telematics systems, and now with the Google solutions and APIs, we take the platform to yet another level of enhancement for the Kia customer,” said Henry Bzeih, head of the connected car program and chief technology strategist, KMA. “Due to the popularity and ease-of-use of Google Maps, owners can remain confident in the technology and information being delivered to them.”
Other UVO enhancements include improved music control thanks to the system’s Digital Jukebox. Other UVO eServices features include 911 Connect, enhanced Roadside Assist, Automatic Diagnostics, Manual Diagnostics, Scheduled Diagnostics, vehicle maintenance, and eServices Guide, many of which are run through the owner’s Smartphone equipped with the UVO eServices app available at no charge.
Hyundai is also brining Google Maps application programming interfaces (APIs) to its Blue Link telematics platform. The automaker will show its latest telematics system at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) next week. With Google’s help, Hyundai believes it can elevate its position as a technology and infotainment leader. Likewise, Google sees the addition as a way to make Hyundai and Kia vehicles more user-friendly.
“We’re always looking for ways to make it easier for people to discover more relevant information to help them make informed choices — whether that’s where to go for a coffee, or where to take dry cleaning,” said Tarun Bhatnagar, head of Enterprise Geo at Google. “It’s great to see that more drivers now have access to fresh, web-based content while on the go with the Hyundai Blue Link Google Maps integration.”
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Honda has proven itself time and again that it knows how to do things right in motorsport. Competition in international motorsport hasn't historically been quite as high a priority for Japanese brands as it is for those from other countries. It�s certainly not difficult to name examples to the contrary - Subaru and Mitsubishi in WRC or Mazda winning Le Mans in 1991 - but there is no Japanese equivalent to, say, Ferrari. Just the same, Honda�s level of involvement in motorsports has been much greater than other Japanese companies, and deserves more than just an honorable mention. 
Source: Carbuzz
A Ford supercar may be a rare sight, but in the Nineties and Noughties they were all over the motor show circuit. While GM has the Corvette and Chrysler the Viper, Ford�s sportscar lineup starts and ends with the Mustang in its many iterations. That doesn�t mean that the Blue Oval hasn�t toyed with the idea of making a higher-end sportscar, though. In fact it even made one not so long ago with the Ford GT, and it was quite the stunner, too. But in the years before that retro supercar hit the market, Ford designed a number of sportscar concepts. Here are five of our favorites. more at CarBuzz: Pagani Responds to Top Gear ControversyAlfa to Debut Giulietta Veloce in Geneva5 Affordable First Cars Our journey starts with the Mach III concept that debuted at the 1993 Detroit Auto Show. Technically it was a Mustang concept, and its styling foreshadowed the jellybean Mustang that followed. But its design was something else. Though the Mach III shared its 4.6-liter V8 (albeit supercharged) with the production Mustang that followed, and its essential front-engine/rear-drive configuration, the shape was that of a speedster. It had a chopped-down windscreen and a waterfall rear cowling that made it stand out, but never made it off the show stand. At least not as it appeared. 
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Gorgeous and unique Spanish cabriolet to cross the auction block with pre-sale estimates between $1.25 and 1.75 million. Spain may not rank among the top automaking countries, much less when it comes to exotic sportscars, but back in the 50s a company called Pegaso made some of the most beautiful, fast and desirable automobiles on the market. Known primarily for making trucks and buses, there was a time when it made sportscars like this one. A rare beauty indeed, the car in question is a 1954 Pegaso Z-102 with coachwork by Saoutchik, and is expected to fetch about $1.5 million when it hits the auction block at Amelia Island on March 9. 
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Motorbike company's four-wheeled track car gets a nod towards practicality with a proper windshield and side glass. The KTM X-Bow is about as extreme as four-wheeled transportation comes. Sure, it has no roof, but neither do some other roadsters on the market. But the X-Bow (pronounced as �crossbow�, FYI) doesn�t even have a windshield. That bit has been remedied in time for Geneva, though. While the standard X-Bow will still be offered in its unadulterated form, the Austrian motorbike manufacturer is coming to the Swiss expo with a modified version called the X-Bow GT. 
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Suzuki introduces special edition sport hatch, which will be limited to just 100 cars. Suzuki�s UK arm has announced the introduction of the Swift Sport SZ-R. Limited to 100 cars, the SZ-R is aimed at buyers that want a Swift Sport with a distinctive look. The limited edition model is finished in Cosmic Black with a contrasting shade of Ablaze Red adorning the roof, rear spoiler and door mirrors. Each of the 100 models also sport SZ-R side badging, uniquely numbered door sill guards, red accented shifter and red-trimmed mats. 
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The next-generation of BMW�s flasgship sedan will be rolled out late 2015. These are the first images of the upcoming all-new 2016 BMW 7 Series, caught undergoing winter testing in Northern Sweden. Codenamed G11, the next-generation flagship sedan is in the early stages of development, so discussing its potential styling is pointless at this stage. In any case we don't expect it to depart too dramatically from the current model's design.However that�s not the case with the platform underpinning the car. 
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Carbon-fiber body parts by Mode Carbon and new Vossen wheels gives the C63 AMG a menacing edge. The latest Mode Carbon aftermarket program is based on the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, with the work carried out by Need4Speed Motorsports. Dubbed the Striker, the rapid sedan has received a carbon makeover complete with Mode Carbon�s V1 front lip and grille replacement. Glossy carbon fiber also adorns the rear in the form of a bootlid spoiler and rear diffuser. Enlarged fins, protruding trunk profile, a set of 20-inch Vossen CV3 alloys and full KW3 suspension give the C63 a menacing silhouette. 
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The last of only nine Alfa-bodied, Viper-powered Zagato TZ3 Stradales to be built is heading to the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance. Back in 2010, Carrozzeria Zagato revealed the TZ3 Stradale, a coachbuilt supercar that was based on a Dodge Viper, styled like an Alfa Romeo and created to celebrate Zagato�s own centenary. But while many such projects never extend far beyond the show stand, Zagato put the TZ3 Stradale into production � albeit highly limited. Three years later Zagato has completed the final TZ3 for a private customer, the ninth and last one to be built, which will debut at the Amelia Island Councours d�Elegannce in a little over a week. 
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Can't wait for the new M3? Alpina has you covered with its new twin-turbo 3 Series. When BMW rolls out a new 3 Series, enthusiasts anxiously await the arrival of a new M3. Only this time, the 3 Series coupe is being spun off into a new 4 Series, so we�re looking forward to an M3 sedan and an M4 coupe (and likely convertible, but we�re getting ahead of ourselves here). BMW�s own M division may not be ready to show these models off just yet, but fortunately Alpina is ready to pick up the slack with its new B3 Biturbo, which it will be unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show next week. 
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An oil line prone to disengage could cause Lotus sportscars to catch fire or skid out of control. Automakers and safety administrators are constantly issuing recalls. Most of them pass over our desk and straight to the garbage can with barely a notice. But when there�s an exotic sportscar involved�well that�s a different story. This latest notice involves Lotus and its Elise and Exige models � or in other terms, the bulk of its product range� everything except the Evora. The problem apparently revolves around an oil line that is prone to detach itself. 
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Having been accused of fixing its lap around the Top Gear test track, Pagani sets the record straight. Yesterday we reported on speculation that Pagani had fixed its record-breaking lap time at the Top Gear test track. Doubters claimed the Huayra that smashed the Ariel Atom�s record by 1.3 seconds was wearing racing slicks at the time of lapping the Dunsfold track. In the spirit of fair play we reached out to Pagani to hear its side of the story. And the Italian supercar manufacturer's press officer Luca Venturi was good enough to reply promptly with an explanation. 
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Want to bling out your Benz? Try this illuminated grille emblem from the Mercedes accessories catalog. Remember two months ago when Rolls-Royce revealed an illuminated hood ornament? Well apparently Mercedes-Benz has taken notice, offering its iconic tristar emblem in illuminated form as well. The glowing star is being offered by on the M, GL, C, CLS and E-Class models � at least those that have the star mounted in the grille (instead of atop it) and not fitted with Distronic adaptive cruise control (which houses its cameras in the grille emblem). The star illuminates when the doors are unlocked or the engine turned off. Could we be looking at a new trend here? In addition to Rolls and Benz, the Striker emblem on the back of the SRT Viper glows as a third brake light, and Ford has been toying with a projected Mustang logo. We have a feeling this won�t be the last. 
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A cheaper and slightly less powerful Corvette is reportedly on track for a 2015 unveiling. Throughout the development of the C7 Corvette Stingray, there were rumors that it could be powered by a new twin-turbo V6. While that didn�t turn out to be the truth, the fact that a lower-priced Corvette still appealed to GM products planners. According to a new report coming from Motor Trend, Chevrolet is in fact planning a "low-cost" Corvette that could be on the market sometime in 2015. However, it won�t wear the Stingray badge for a very good reason: the 450 horsepower 6.2-liter V8 will not be included. 
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The President of Russia thinks he should have his own custom-designed limousine. But who will make it for him? Imagine you�re the President of Russia and you�re simply not pleased with the choices of limousines being offered. Sure, you can pick a new one from any number of high-end brands such as Mercedes-Benz and Rolls-Royce, but wouldn�t it be better if you could ride around in your own custom limousine to show up Obama and his fancy Cadillac? As it turns out, Vladimir Putin wasn't happy picking out an existing limo. So he tasked ZIL - the company that made the Soviet leaders' limos - with designing a new one entirely from scratch. 
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The design and development of the Agera R's 1140hp V8 is revealed in the final installment of Inside Koenigsegg. Christian Von Koenigsegg set no specific goals when he started to build his own engine. He simply wanted to create the best, most extreme engine possible. After years of testing and refinement, the latest 5.0-liter V8 weighs just 198 kg while putting out almost 1,200 horsepower. Certain aspects of the powertrain, such as the flex-fuel sensor - a system Koenigsegg says Ferrari, McLaren and Porsche will be replicating in their new hypercars - are hugely impressive, particularly for a such relatively small operation. 
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Special-edition Ypsilon and Delta styled by MomoDesign set to debut at the Geneva Motor Show along with one more. Enthusiasts of Italian automobiles will know the names Lancia and Momo. The former may have fallen off its glory days, but the latter may be able to help add some extra style to the Ypsilon and Delta to make the pseudo-premium hatchbacks a little more appealing. And so at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, Lancia will take the wraps off the MomoDesign editions of both these hatchbacks � the only two models in the brand�s lineup that aren�t rebadged versions of Chryslers. 
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Not everyone will like the front-end styling of the new Jeep Cherokee. Here's a rendered different take on the controversial snout. While it�s nice to see the Jeep Cherokee nameplate back on the scene, we�re still scratching our heads here in the CarBuzz offices over its controversial front-end design. We�re not saying it�s awful, but we can�t help but wonder if Jeep stylists forgot when to lift the drawing board pen. Enter the always gifted rendering artist Theophilus Chin, who has sent us this rendering of a more conventional take on Jeep's design. Which do you think looks better? 
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Over 30 years after the original "pardon me" Grey Poupon commercial aired, the fancy mustard brand has "unearthed" some supposedly lost footage. Remember that 1981 classic and often-quoted Grey Poupon mustard commercial featuring those two old and rich British lads being chauffeured around in Rolls-Royces? If you�re under the age of 20 and have never seen "Wayne�s World" either, then there�s a good chance you�re somewhat lost at the moment. But for those of us who do remember, Grey Poupon just aired a so-called "lost footage" edition of that classic commercial. Only a small portion was shown last Sunday night during the Academy Awards ceremony, but now the gourmet mustard brand has released the full version online. It�s certainly entertaining, but in a far different way than the original. 
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The next-generation Genesis sedan has been spied testing out its new four-wheel-drive system in snowy Northern Sweden. Upon launching the first-gen Genesis back in 2008, Hyundai opened the door to affordable luxury, offering buyers a premium package for a significantly lower price than the usual suspects in the sedan segment. Five years on and the Korean automaker has decided the time is ripe for a second-gen model, which these latest spy shots showing that it will be offered with four-wheel drive (as evidenced by the window sticker in final picture). 
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A. Kahn Design's Fuji White RS250 Range Rover Evoque will be on display at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. British design house A. Kahn Design is hoping to impress Geneva showgoers next week with its latest creation based on the Range Rover Evoque. A raft of exterior treatments - from a 3D mesh front grille, touches of gloss black and lower boot-lid spoiler to stainless-steel sill plates and privacy tinted glass - showcase the tuner�s styling skills. A Kahn-design twin crosshair exhaust finished in matte black demonstrates its technical skills, with a set of 22-inch RS-XF alloys completing the look. 
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The world's most prestigious automaker prepares to unveil its new fastback, but before it does, it has released this one last teaser image. When the doors open at the Geneva Motor Show in less than a couple of weeks from now, Rolls-Royce will have an all-new model to debut. It�s called the Wraith, a sportier and more powerful version of the Ghost saloon. The Goodwood-based automaker has been keeping our interest piqued with a steady stream of teaser images, and has now released the last. With this silhouette drawing, Rolls-Royce has revealed that the Wraith will adopt a fastback form. 
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McLaren's long-awaited new hypercar has been revealed, complete with performance specs, just days ahead of its official debut at Geneva. Only a week before the doors open to this year�s Geneva Motor Show, McLaren has released official pictures and performance specs on its new hypercar. Differing only slightly from the concept version shown in Paris last September, the P1 promises to be one of the most devastating performance machines ever made. The main difference between this final version and the Paris show car lies in the air vents at the corners of the front bumper that aid in cooling and optimize downforce. 
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Fiat�s performance division will trick your 500 out any way you want through the Abarth Fuoriserie catalog. Every year Fiat�s performance division Abarth comes to the Geneva show with a special-edition 500 or two, and this year will prove no exception. As part of its Fuoriserie customization program, Abarth is presenting a few personalized top-spec 695 models that aim to demonstrate what buyers can order through the catalog. On display this year will be four uniquely-crafted Cinquecentos, individually dubbed Scorpione, Record, Hype and Black Diamond. 
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Grand Sport gets the Storm Trooper look with a high-contrast matte white and gloss black color scheme - or lack thereof. Remember as a child being told that you�re special and unique like a snowflake? Yeah, well we�ve got a secret for you: so is everyone else. You might say the same about a Bugatti Veyron. With so many color configurations, no two need ever be the same. The big difference here, aside from the obvious, is that while there are about 7 billion people in the world, there are only a few hundred Veyrons. And yet there has been an endless stream of special editions. 
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Usually when Aston Martin unveils a concept, it's a close indicator of a production model to follow. These five, however, never made it past the show stand. Though concept cars fill all sorts of categories, we�d classify them into two columns: pre-production prototypes and design studies. Aston Martin tends to do the former: the AM310 Vanquish concept went into production, as did the V12 Zagato, Cygnet, V12 Vantage RS and others before them. Finding an Aston Martin concept that didn�t make it to production � whether it was intended to or not � is a bit of a rarity, but here we've assembled five examples that were never produced in quantities greater than one. more at CarBuzz: Audi R8 GTR by ABTJeep Cherokee's Nose RevisitedAbarth Releases New Fuoriserie 695s Perhaps most famous was the Bulldog concept of 1979. Drastically different from Aston�s usual luxury GTs, the Bulldog was a prototype for a mid-engined supercar. Its 700 horsepower, produced from a 5.3-liter twin-turbo V8, was absolutely monstrous for its time, as it would be today. Its angular design was barely over a meter tall, and though it was certified to have reached a top speed of 191 mph, the manufacturer claimed it could run as fast as 237 mph. Though Aston hoped to build a limited run of 25 examples, only the one was ever made, and was sold at auction to a private collector. 
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