Audi R18 e-tron quattro Hybrid Le Mans Prototype

Audi has unveiled the new R18 e-tron quattro racer. which will make its debut on May 5th in the 6-hour World Endurance Championship (WEC) race at Spa-Francorchamps and onward to the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 16/17.

The R18 e-tron quattro will unite two major technologies in order to create a new type of drive by combining their highly-efficient TDI engine with a hybrid system.

The diesel engine in this car is tiny compared to the previous car’s engine. It’s a V6 TDI power plant producing 375 kW (510 hp) which powers the rear wheels. Kinetic energy is then recovered on the front axle during the braking phase. It is fed as electric into a flywheel accumulator before being retrieved under acceleration again above a speed of 120 km/h. During this procedure only the front axle is integrated.

Audi Sport developed the Audi R18 ultra in parallel to the Audi R18 e-tron quattro and the 2012 model year Audi R18 is built with and without hybrid drive. The trick: the base of both cars is completely identical, which is why the additional logistical effort is kept limited for Audi Sport and the race team.

The R18 e-tron, which will also race in the new FIA World Endurance Championship, becomes a four-wheel-drive car within certain limits laid down in the Le Mans rulebook. The regulations allow 500kJ (approximately 70bhp) of stored energy to be transfered to the wheels between two braking 'events' at speeds above 120km/h (75mph).




Press Release

Audi brings the quattro back to the race track

• World premiere in Munich: the new Audi R18 e-tron quattro

• Four-wheel driven diesel hybrid for the 24 Hours of Le Mans

• Audi ultra lightweight as base for the application of hybrid technology

Motor sport is used yet again by AUDI AG to pioneer new technology: the brand with the four ring's new Le Mans race car is the world's first LMP1 car to combine a highly-efficient TDI with a hybrid system. quattro drive also celebrates its comeback to the race track with the prototype - in a entirely new form.

Audi R18 e-tron quattro is the name of the new Le Mans prototype that makes its race debut on May 5 in the 6-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) and fights for overall victory at the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans (France) on June 16/17. Audi unites two technologies in a fascinating way to create a new type of drive, which is also already being tested for future use in production cars: e-tron quattro.

Hiding behind this description is the next generation four-wheel drive with which Audi combines the advantages of the proven quattro drive with the potential of electromobility. To this end one vehicle axle is powered conventionally, the second by electric motors.

"Audi has always consciously selected championships and categories in racing that have a close relationship to production and therefore have technical relevance for the Audi customers," explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, who personally drove the new Audi R18 e-tron quattro onto the stage on Wednesday evening during its world premiere in the Audi Training Center at Munich airport - electrically and almost silent. "quattro, TFSI and TDI are three excellent examples of how motorsport has stimulated production development. A similar tendency is apparent with the e-tron quattro: we test a completely new technology on the race track before it's introduced to the Audi production line."

On the Audi R18 e-tron quattro kinetic energy is recovered on the front axle during the braking phase. It is fed as electric into a flywheel accumulator before being retrieved under acceleration again above a speed of 120 km/h. During this procedure only the front axle is integrated. The V6 TDI power plant producing 375 kW (510 hp) continues to transmit its power to the rear wheels. Both systems complement each other to create the new drive principle e-tron quattro.

Project began in February 2010

The project e-tron quattro for motorsport started in February 2010. Only 18 months passed from the initial conceptual ideas to the first test. "This is a relatively short cycle for a technology that has never been tested in motorsport and which still doesn't even exist in production," stresses Dr. Martin Mühlmeier, Head of Technology at Audi Sport. "The challenge is correspondingly big."

Audi Sport developed the Audi R18 ultra in parallel to the Audi R18 e-tron quattro - because Audi takes a two-pronged approach this year in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and in the newly created FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) - the 2012 model year Audi R18 is built with and without hybrid drive. The trick: the base of both cars is completely identical, which is why the additional logistical effort is kept limited for Audi Sport and the race team.

"The TDI engine invented by Audi is still the most efficient drive in the world," says Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. "We are convinced that the TDI has even more potential. This is why Audi not only supports the hybrid in motorsport as it does in production, but in parallel also the further development of the conventional drive."

Innovation in transmission area

The R18 e-tron quattro's twin brother more than lives up to its model name ‘R18 ultra': it is the lightest Le Mans prototype that Audi Sport has ever built. To compensate for the additional weight of the hybrid system the subject of lightweight design and construction was the focus throughout development of the 2011 Le Mans race winning R18 TDI. In addition to the many detail optimizations there is also a genuine innovation in the transmission area: a new gearbox with a carbon-fiber composite housing was developed for the R18 - a premiere for endurance racing.

"The new R18 ultra is a distinct evolution of last year's Le Mans race winning car," summarizes Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. "Our drivers' impressions were very positive from the first moment. Without the weight optimized R18 ultra we would have not been capable of realizing the R18 e-tron quattro which is absolutely identical with the exception of the hybrid system."

Le Mans 2012: two R18 e-tron quattro and two R18 ultra

Audi Sport Team Joest will field two R18 e-tron quattro and two R18 ultra prototypes in the Le Mans 24 Hours on June 16/17. The two hybrid cars are driven by last year's winning trio Marcel Fässler (CH), André Lotterer (D) and Benoît Tréluyer (F) as well as Dindo Capello (I), Tom Kristensen (DK) and Allan McNish (GB) who boast a total of 13 Le Mans wins between them. New signing Loïc Duval (F) starts together with Timo Bernhard (D) and Romain Dumas (F) in an R18 ultra as do Marco Bonanomi (I), Oliver Jarvis (GB) and Mike Rockenfeller (D).

Audi Sport Team Joest also contests the World Championship round at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) on May 5 in the same formation. At the same time the race doubles as a dress rehearsal for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Only Mike Rockenfeller will miss this race due to a clashing date with the DTM.

After the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Audi plans to enter an R18 e-tron quattro and an R18 ultra in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). André Lotterer and Allan McNish have been nominated as the drivers so far.

At the World Championship opener at Sebring (USA) on March 17, Audi Sport Team Joest relies on the proven R18 TDI from last year, which are driven by Marcel Fässler/André Lotterer/Benoît Tréluyer, Dindo Capello/Tom Kristensen/Allan McNish as well as Timo Bernhard/Romain Dumas/Loïc Duval.

Mercedes @yourCOMAND infotainment system【Video】

Mercedes has announced a new information system @ yourCOMAND that recently debuted in the F 125! concept.

The new system takes the current COMAND Online system to the next level. It can be controlled by voice-commands, a touch pad, or hand-gestures, and can access any type of media stored in the cloud.

According to Mercedes, @yourCOMAND stands for seamless experience, natural handling, sensory perfection, and remote experience. One of the more far out features is a retractable, computer-monitor sized screen that is mounted on the passenger side of the dash and is controlled solely by hand gestures.

The system is controlled either by voice commands or a touch pad to cycle through the various functions, including social media, news, entertainment, and navigation selections. For rear entertainment, a separate 17-inch retractable screen launches from the passenger side and is controlled by either hand-gestures or voice commands.





Press Release

The telematics future of Mercedes-Benz. @yourCOMAND: always online for more information, safety and comfort

For many people, unrestricted access to information has become an indispensable part of their daily lives - be it at work or in their leisure time. And what's more, worldwide more and more people are spending increasing amounts of time on the move - particularly also in the car where they want to stay fully "networked" wherever possible. Mercedes-Benz has responded to this growing customer need with its seamless telematics strategy @yourCOMAND: the inventor of the automobile showcases the concept of a comprehensive cloud-based system in its new F 125! research vehicle. Mercedes-Benz is already offering secure, convenient in-car internet access in numerous models courtesy of the COMAND Online multimedia system introduced this year.

Internet access, the convenient LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system, two different navigation solutions, interfaces for mobile devices and an intuitive operating concept: just some of the functions supported by the new COMAND Online multimedia system, which Mercedes-Benz has used to implement the motto "always on in the car" this year. The F 125! research vehicle, which paves the way for future in-car telematics and infotainment systems, provides a glimpse of the multimedia future at the Mercedes-Benz brand.

"@yourCOMAND turns the car into a mobile communications centre that provides the driver and passengers with access to all modern media and services at all times", says Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research & Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "Thanks to the consistently cloud-based solution, we can also uncouple from the established vehicle development cycles and are at eye level with the rapid developments in the world of consumer electronics. We can therefore always provide our customers with access to the latest applications for fully fledged in-car connectivity."

Seamless experience and natural handling
The Mercedes-Benz telematics strategy is based on four components: @yourCOMAND stands for

• Seamless experience,
• Natural handling,
• Sensory perfection and
• Remote convenience.

Mercedes-Benz has implemented this strategic approach for the first time in its F 125! research vehicle.
Seamless experience connects the multimedia systems in the F 125! seamlessly and cross-functionally. The applications are socially interactive and do not distract the driver. Thanks to the permanent connection with the data cloud, the driver also has "seamless" access in the vehicle to all the used media, with no need for any cumbersome synchronisation.

Natural handling enables the telematics and infotainment systems in the F 125! to be largely controlled via voice as well as by means of supplementary intuitive gesture and touch elements. In order to promote optimum driver-fitness and operating safety, the research vehicle becomes the perfect, ever attentive front passenger for its driver and passengers. The driver can, for instance, request the latest news tailored to their personal needs and ask specific context-related queries without having to take the hands off the wheel.

Sensory perfection stands for high-end sound and high-resolution screens with pin-sharp, individual displays. The auto stereoscopic 3D display provides a 3D representation of the instrument cluster and can cluster relevant information on the F 125! display as required. The display is tailored to natural viewing habits, provides a clearer overview, thus reducing the driver's workload. A retractable 17-inch display is fitted to the front passenger side, which is controlled entirely via gestures as part of the touchless interface. A high-resolution widescreen display instead of conventional mirrors enables the entire traffic area alongside and behind the vehicle to be conveniently monitored. This solution also helps identify the particular traffic situation faster and more intuitively.

Remote convenience enables the vehicle and its multimedia system to be fully preconfigured remotely using a PC or smartphone - from programming the navigation and entertainment system through to seat-specific presetting of the desired interior temperature. Authorised persons have constant access to information such as the fuel level in the tank, the next scheduled service or the fuel consumption via the vehicle's specific homepage.

Mercedes innovations: from the research lab onto the road in no time at all
In the past, the company has repeatedly demonstrated just how quickly Mercedes-Benz can implement visionary technologies in series production - also in the area of active road safety, for instance. The company is also pushing forward with the innovation process for telematics and infotainment systems just as concertedly: key functions of the myComand connectivity concept unveiled in 2008 have now found their way into COMAND Online, which is already available for many of the brand's models.
COMAND Online multimedia system: a host of functions and optimum convenience

The COMAND Online multimedia system allows Mercedes-Benz to already meet its aspiration of 'always on' in the Mercedes-Benz C- and E-Class as well as in the SLK-Class and the CLS-Class models. It will also be available for the new B- and M-Class, which will be launched in November. New apps for the social networking site Facebook^TM and for Google^TM Street View and Panoramio by Google^TM will also be available for this system from November. Other apps that have already been launched include "Google Local search" and "Weather" as well as the option of sending a route or points of interest configured beforehand on a PC using Google Maps to the vehicle and uploading this into the navigation system. The required internet access for the COMAND Online functions is provided via a mobile using a Bluetooth connection.

Over the medium term, a dozen other apps are planned, which are currently under development in collaboration with partners, including innovative start-ups and other popular internet content providers. All customers driving a Mercedes-Benz fitted with COMAND Online can use the new apps. The Daimler vehicle backend server automatically updates COMAND Online and provides updates for apps - all without having to call into an authorised Mercedes-Benz dealer or a garage.

New functions added to hard-disc navigation
The fast hard-disc navigation function for COMAND Online has also been upgraded with new functions. New features include a 3D display with three-dimensional city views. Also new: routes covered can be recorded and repeated later, specific personal destinations can be stored or imported via an SD?card and four alternative routes can be displayed on the navigation map, one of them a particularly economical option. Mercedes-Benz customers in Europe receive the latest map updates for their COMAND Online multimedia system free of charge for three years. Authorised Mercedes-Benz dealers will upload updates for navigation data in 39 European countries into the navigation system when the car is brought to their premises.

In Europe, COMAND Online also comprises Speed Limit Assist, which receives its information for traffic sign recognition via a camera and navigation database. COMAND Online also includes the LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system for audio, telephone and navigation. The new "One Shot" input function for the navigation system is particularly convenient, whereby the place and road can be said directly after one another. This function is currently available in seven languages and significantly enhances ease of operation.

The high-resolution colour display has a diagonal of 17.8 cm. Photos can be shown on the large screen and turned over manually, as in a slide show. Where the audio equipment is concerned, too, new types of representation bring a fresh look and more convenient operation. The new Cover Flow function, for instance, sorts the title images of the music albums stored in a carousel-like form, so that the Mercedes driver can easily leaf through their music collection - even if it is rather on the large side: the memory for compressed audio files (mp3, wma and aac formats) is now 10 GB in size. As an option, COMAND Online is available with a 6-disc DVD changer.

Greatest comfort is afforded by the Music Search function, which enables drivers and passengers to search the hard disc, SD memory cards, USB sticks, CD and DVD for specific music tracks and artists. The search can be according to various criteria, for instance album, music category or composer. If a name needs to be entered, the software will also tolerate spelling mistakes. The driver is therefore able to devote their full attention to the traffic. As a further advantage, the occupants are able to search all the connected media and devices simultaneously.

Perfect integration of smartphones
From the middle of next year, Mercedes-Benz will be offering a new infotainment option, which is especially developed for the iPhone. Once the iPhone is connected with the vehicle, an app developed by Mercedes-Benz, sends various information to the vehicle display and makes this function easy to control with the COMAND controller. The system uses the processing power of the iPhone and the vehicle's wide display, to create a revolutionary uer interface with fluent transitions and animations.

Open standard for the integration of smartphones
Mercedes-Benz will support the seamless integration and secure usage of smartphones made by other manufacturers such as Nokia, HTC or Samsung in the car by means of the MirrorLink^TM open standard. This new connection option, which will be introduced in 2013, enables smartphone screen content to be transferred to the COMAND display and controlled with the COMAND controller.

Plug&play principle: operation is child's play
Operation is very user-friendly: the user connects their phone to the vehicle and can then use roughly all the mobile phone applications in the car straight away with no limitations. While the handset provides the user with access to applications and services, the on-board infotainment system provides the necessary physical interfaces - the large colour display, loudspeakers and microphone. Operation is simple and reliable by means of the central COMAND Online rotary control/pushbutton. The on-board system is therefore ideally supplemented, providing constant access to the very latest applications. Due to fact, that the driver must be able to devote their full attention to the traffic at all times, only apps certified by Mercedes-Benz or the Car Connectivity Consortium can be used while driving.
Another advantage: the system not only enables a wide range of the apps available on the mobile to be used and shown on the vehicle display, but also allows specific vehicle applications to be developed simply with the user interface perfectly tailored to the vehicle architecture.

Near Field Communication: simplified pairing process
Near Field Communication (NFC) is an innovative transmission standard for the contactless exchange of data over short distances. The transmission distance is deliberately limited to just five centimetres, making the system virtually eavesdropping-proof. NFC makes usage even easier: typical Bluetooth pairing processes such as device search, selection and exchange of pass code are no longer required. The smartphone must be hold at an area, which is marked with the NFC symbol and the connection request must be confirmed. NFC will be premiered in 2013.

All the aforementioned systems - from iPhone integration to NFC - promote the unrestricted usage of smartphone functions in the vehicle, making for a more versatile, safer and more convenient in-car smartphone experience. These systems constitute major steps on the way to implementing the Mercedes-Benz @yourCOMAND strategy, since they already support basic functions such as seamless experience and sensory perfection.

Mercedes-Benz: three decades' experience of mobile communications
Mercedes-Benz paved the way for (auto-)mobile communications in the 1950s with the introduction of an affordable car radio suitable for everyday use. The first sets, which were trialled in the 1930s, were large, heavy and prohibitively expensive. In 1992, Mercedes-Benz showcased the first fully integrated telematics system in the S-Class in the shape of the Communication and Navigation System (CNS).
The LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system followed in 1996, another groundbreaking innovation which still sets the benchmark even today. Mercedes-Benz launched the infotainment system dubbed COMAND in 1998. COMAND stands for "Cockpit Management and Data System" and combines the operation of all the installed systems such as radio, TV, telephony and navigation. 2002 saw the debut of the first 16:9 colour screen used at Mercedes-Benz. The rotary control/pushbutton, which was premiered in the S-Class in 2005 and subsequently rolled out in numerous other Mercedes-Benz models, makes it much easier to operate COMAND, thus enhancing the acknowledged exemplary operating comfort of the brand behind the three-pointed star.

Chevy to debut MyLink infotainment system

Chevrolet Announces MyLink Infotainment System, Puts it in 2012 Equinox and Volt

The MyLink system, which was previewed earlier this year at the Consumer Electronics Show, includes a 7-inch color display, but the majority of the system’s features are designed to give drivers additional in-car media choices. Perhaps the most significant option lies with audio streaming — after pairing a smartphone to the system via Bluetooth, drivers can use the data connection to stream music or talk radio via Pandora and Stitcher, respectively.

The voice-activated technology of Sync made it an instant front-runner in the ever-evolving in-vehicle infotainment environment when Ford introduced it in early 2007 — eons ago in electro-tech years. Ford has adopted upgrades and improvements for Sync — including the divisive new MyFord Touch interface — but Bly told Inside Line that while Sync was and is a formidable achievement, Chevy's new MyLink technology is vastly better to use.




Press Release

Chevrolet MyLink Creates Smartphones on Wheels

Smart interface design allows drivers to take advantage of mobile communications technology while the phone remains safely stowed

NEW YORK - Consumers who seek a higher level of in-vehicle wireless connectivity and customized infotainment options, plus the unmatched safety and security of OnStar need look no further than the 2012 Chevy Volt and Equinox.

When these vehicles go on sale later this year, they will be the first to offer Chevy MyLink - an in-car infotainment package that builds on the safety and security of OnStar and seamlessly integrates online services like Pandora® internet radio and Stitcher SmartRadio® using hands-free voice and touch-screen controls via Bluetooth device connectivity.

"There is a new generation of car buyers who don't want to settle for mass market radio," said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing. "They want to create their own individual stations and have access to them wherever they are. Chevrolet vehicles have offered customers the ability to use portable media devices since 2006 and the introduction of MyLink takes media personalization to a new level. "

MyLink adds stereo audio streaming and wireless control of smartphones, building on the voice-activated Bluetooth hands-free calling capability already offered in most Chevy vehicles. MyLink also includes a seven-inch, high-resolution, full-color touch screen display that makes media selection easy to navigate.
"Chevrolet MyLink is the next logical step for in-vehicle connectivity," said Karl Stracke, vice president for Global Product Engineering. "MyLink leverages the mobile broadband capability and the sophisticated, online services made possible by today's smart phones."

MyLink retains all the capabilities of today's entertainment units, including AM/FM/XM tuners, CD player with MP3 playback, auxiliary and USB inputs. But, Stracke says, "These are the essentials and we're building from there."

Among the new benefits provided by MyLink:

• Enhanced hands-free voice control system powered by Nuance®, which allows simple voice commands to initiate phone calls and select radio stations or media from portable MP3 players and smartphones. A tap of a button on the steering wheel enables intuitive verbal control of smartphone applications like "play (artist name)" or "call (name of contact)" to keep the driver's hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
• Pandora® internet radio allows users to create personalized radio stations based on favorite artists or genres and Stitcher SmartRadio® enables access to thousands of audio programming choices allowing customers to build a personalized listening experience. MyLink integrates control of both of these apps for a driver directed listening experience.
• Gracenote®: identifies the music collection on the driver's smartphone or MP3 player and presents information such artist name, genres and album cover art on the MyLink screen and enables users to select similar music to the tunes they love. Gracenote also improves the accuracy of MyLink's voice activation system by allowing users to access music using artist nicknames, such as "The Boss," "G.N.R," or "The Fab Four" simply by using MyLink's touch-screen or steering wheel buttons and voice control interfaces.
• Upgraded USB connectivity: While Chevrolet has offered auxiliary device connectivity since 2006, MyLink adds flash memory capability to its USB device connections. This provides users with the ability to access approved applications that will make their MyLink system even more functional, while assuring that driver's maintain eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

The debut of Chevy MyLink extends the OnStar experience from safety and security to information and entertainment by seamlessly integrating the capability of a smartphone into the vehicle so that hand-held phones may be safely stowed while driving.
When OnStar debuted in 1996, it pioneered in-vehicle connectivity with the auto industry's first embedded telematics system. It has grown from primarily offering automatic crash notification and security features to include remote vehicle diagnostics, turn-by-turn navigation and the ability to slow down stolen vehicles.

In November 2010, OnStar released a smartphone application for all 2011 Chevy vehicles that incorporated remote start, lock/unlock, and vehicle status checks as well as battery management functions for Volt owners. Volt owners also have the MyVolt.com website to provide those remote management features and other Chevy owners soon will have access to similar web-based OnStar services.

The combination of MyLink and OnStar will soon be joined by the integration of the Powermat® charging system - eliminating the need for charging cords. Chevrolet MyLink will be available beginning with the 2012 Chevrolet Volt and Equinox this fall before expanding to other vehicles in the Chevy lineup over the next 18 months.

GM to offer wireless in-car phone charging pads

GM announced this week that their venture capital arm called GM Ventures will invest $5 million in a small company called Powermat. The company makes a charging system that uses wireless technology to charge smartphones and other devices, and is considered a pioneer in the filed.

What is Powermat? If you’ve recently visited your local Best Buy, you’ve probably seen the Powermat product in the ‘Mobile’ section. The product allows you to place your cell phone and other mobile technology on a mat and charge them without having to plug them into the wall.

The new technology is said not only to eliminate the need for charging cords, but, according to Powermat CEO Ran Poliakine, it’s also safer and more efficient.

Powermat already sells wireless charging devices for the home to consumers at major U.S. retail outlets such as Wal-Mart and Best Buy.

Source: GM





Press Release

GM, Powermat to Put Added ‘Charge' in Chevy Volt

Automaker Invests in Start-Up to Do Away With Charging Cords

LAS VEGAS - General Motors and Powermat, a pioneer in wireless charging technology, announced a commercial agreement today that will eliminate the need for charging cords for personal electronic devices in many future Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac products beginning mid-2012.

GM Ventures, the company's venture capital subsidiary, will invest $5 million in Powermat to accelerate the technology's development and support efforts to grow Powermat's business globally.

Powermat's technology allows electronic devices - smart phones, MP3 players and gaming devices - to be charged safely and efficiently, according to Powermat CEO Ran Poliakine.

The Chevrolet Volt, conceived as a reinvention of the automobile that would help reduce America's dependence on oil, while providing the assurance of an extended driving range, will be one of the first GM vehicles to offer this technology. The technology is expected to revolutionize how electronic devices are charged in a car.

"Imagine a mat or shelf where you could put your iPhone, your Droid or other personal device and charge it automatically while you commute to work, run errands or as you're driving on a family vacation," said Micky Bly, GM's lead electronics executive, including infotainment, hybrids and battery electric vehicles.

"The Chevy Volt will be one of the first applications, but we intend to expand it across our vehicle portfolio," Bly said.

Powermat, a private firm, was founded in 2007 and offers wireless charging products for the home in a number of retail stores, including Best Buy, Target and Wal-Mart.

Poliakine is excited to start with the Chevrolet Volt, which has swept major Car of the Year awards to date.

"GM is among the rarest of giants in today's business climate: a forward-thinking innovator with the courage and good sense to care about the well-being of the consumer and the well-being of our planet," Poliakine said.

Jon Lauckner, who helped create the Volt concept and now is President of GM Ventures, has been dreaming about a technology like Powermat for years.

"We first developed the Volt concept car in 2006," Lauckner said. "The intent was to revolutionize every aspect of the car, not just the propulsion system. We had something like this in mind even then, and we think it will have widespread appeal."

About General Motors

General Motors Company (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM), one of the world's largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 209,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in more than 120 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 31 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Daewoo, Holden, Isuzu, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall, and Wuling. GM's largest national market is China, followed by the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and Russia. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services.

About Powermat

Powermat was the first company to perfect inductive-based wireless charging and to bring it to consumers in a widely available, meaningful way via mainstream retail channels. The undisputed leader in wireless charging, Powermat leads the category in all facets including technology, retail footprint, consumer experience, and brand. Powermat allows users to enable their electronic devices once with a Powermat receiver and then set down up to three devices on the charging mat for fast, safe and effective wireless charging. It's simple, effortless, and provides consumers with first-of-its-kind freedom from the need to constantly plug/unplug as well as the angst of running on empty.

CES 2011: Toyota Entune Multimedia System Unveiled【Video】

Toyota has unveiled the Entune infotainment system at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Toyota Entune will be available as an option on select models this year. The featured apps of Toyota Entune include: Bing, iheartradio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable.com, and Pandora, as well as location-based services, such as personalized traffic, fuel prices, stocks, weather, and sports. A high quality JBL sound system is available as an option as well.

The Toyota Entune system features an iheartradio app, which provides users with over 750 hometown stations, XM satellite radio and HD radio. It also features USB connectivity and voice recognition, so the driver can keep his focus on the road ahead.

Entune can also read back text messages with its text-to-voice feature, and access your favorite Pandora radio stations, so it's sure to draw the eyes of those looking to other carmakers for the same functionality back to Toyota.

Entune takes a different approach to in-car multimedia systems. Instead of duplicating many of the functions your smartphone can do, Toyota’s system is intricately tied to the device. Once you download the Entune application to your smartphone, you can use the interface on Toyota’s touch-screen display. The system is composed of multiple apps, Microsoft Bing search and a voice-recognition system that Toyota says is best in class.





Press Release

Toyota unveils Entune multimedia system at CES

• Toyota Offers the Largest Number of Mobile Apps with Bing, iheartradio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable.com, and Pandora
• Entune Boasts Industry-Leading Advanced Conversational Voice Recognition
• Toyota Entune Is Compatible with Most Smartphones and Feature Phones

LAS VEGAS - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A., Inc. today unveiled the Toyota Entune^TM multimedia system at the Consumer Electronics Show. Toyota Entune leverages the customer's mobile phone to create a rich in-vehicle experience that offers fully integrated and upgradeable entertainment, navigation, and information services. By utilizing conversational voice recognition and in-vehicle controls, the driver doesn't have to touch their mobile phone, allowing for safer connectivity. Toyota Entune simplifies the interaction for customers and will be available in select vehicles this year.

"Consumers have grown accustomed to having the world at their fingertips through their mobile phones," said Jon Bucci, vice president of the Advanced Technology Department at Toyota. "And unlike other industry solutions, Entune allows the driver to interact with informative and entertaining mobile content without fumbling with their phone. We offer features that our customers demand and integrate them seamlessly in the vehicle."

After downloading the Toyota Entune mobile application and pairing a Bluetooth capable phone with their Toyota vehicle, customers can begin accessing a wide variety of personalized content and services. Toyota Entune is wirelessly upgradeable, so in-vehicle applications are never obsolete. Ensuring that nearly all customers can take advantage of this new technology, Toyota Entune is compatible with a wide variety of mobile phones with a data plan. Toyota Entune key features include:

• Mobile Apps - Toyota Entune debuts Bing, keeping navigation continuously up to date with more than 16 million points of interest; OpenTable, make a reservation at one of 15,000 restaurants; and MovieTickets.com, buy movie tickets and read reviews. All destinations can be seamlessly sent to the navigation system. Making drivers' lives even easier, Toyota Entune delivers customizable real time traffic, fuel prices, weather, stocks and sports.

• Music - Toyota Entune brings you more music in more ways with iheartradio's 750+ hometown stations; personalized stations with Pandora; XM satellite radio 170+ channels with coast-to-coast coverage; and introducing HD Radio, digital broadcasts of your favorite terrestrial music. Toyota Entune also offers USB connectivity for portable media players and traditional terrestrial radio.

• Voice Recognition - Featuring a best-in-class, advanced conversational voice recognition system, Toyota Entune eliminates the need to memorize thousands of voice commands. The intuitive interface allows the driver to focus more on the road ahead.

"Toyota has always been a leader in the automotive industry, so it makes sense it would bring the latest in mobile technology to the car," said Chris Daniels, general manager of Bing for Mobile, Microsoft Corp. "By bringing Bing Maps and Bing for Mobile technology to the car, we are helping Toyota enhance the overall in-vehicle experience to be as rich and robust as possible, which means personalizing the information to each driver's needs."

Safety Connect
Toyota Entune continues to build on the excellent foundation laid by Safety Connect, bringing peace of mind to drivers with an added layer of more personalized and convenience-oriented features. Safety Connect is the cornerstone of Toyota's telematics systems providing Automatic Collision notification, Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance, Emergency Assistance, and Roadside Assistance on select Toyota models. Safety Connect combined with Toyota Entune offers comprehensive safety services and mobile applications not found in any other vehicle make.

Product Availability
Toyota Entune will be available as an option on select models this year. The featured apps of Toyota Entune include: Bing, iheartradio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable.com, and Pandora, as well as location-based services, such as personalized traffic, fuel prices, stocks, weather, and sports. Toyota Entune also includes support for read-back and replay capabilities for text messages. These are combined with a fully featured entertainment and communication system, which includes XM radio, HD Radio, CD player, USB connectivity, Bluetooth streaming and phonebook. A high quality JBL sound system is available as an option as well.

Autonomous Audi TTS Takes Pikes Peak

The autonomous Audi TTS built by Volkswagen Group Electronics Research Lab, Stanford University and Audi has taken an important first step toward its ultimate goal: participating in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The self-driving TTS officially completed a test run – all the way to the 14,110 foot summit – earlier this year, clocking a time of 27 minutes, which is pretty good considering that race officials typically expect a human driver to do it in around 17 minutes.

12.42 miles uphill, with no driver behind the wheel. This is the achievement of the first autonomous vehicle built by an established manufacturer, the Audi TTS. And even if it didn't set a record when it comes to speed, it certainly managed to impress through its actions.




Press Release

• The autonomous Audi research car completed a non-stop ascent up the legendary 12.42-mile rally race route in September
• Results certified by organizers of Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
• Motivation for the research is to develop technologies that could help motorists steer their way out of severe danger

HERNDON, Va.: November 18, 2010 - The Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak research car achieved its initial goal of completing the 12.42-mile course of the world-famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race in Colorado without stopping and without a driver behind the wheel.

The research car – jointly developed by Audi, Stanford University, the Volkswagen Group Electronics Research Lab in Palo Alto, Calif., and Oracle – conquered the challenging route up the mountain, which serves as the venue for one of the world's most thrilling rally races each June.

In September, the Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak drove to the 14,110-foot summit in Colorado without stopping. Organizers of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the second-oldest race in America, certified that the Autonomous Audi TTS completed the twisting course. On the last remaining dirt section, which offered the sternest test of autonomous high-speed handling, the car reached speeds of 45 mph.

Five other times during the weeklong testing the car ran the complete course, only pausing briefly on its own to confirm its reading of route data.

Overall, the Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak completed the mountain course in 27 minutes, as verified by Pikes Peak International Hill Climb officials. No human rally driver has completed the course in fewer than 10 minutes, despite driving cars that produced more than 900 hp. The Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak generates 265 hp. Race officials told researchers they would expect an expert race driver on the course to finish in around 17 minutes in a car similar to the TTS.

The successful result proved that autonomous technology can handle difficult driving courses and conditions, engineers on the project said.

"By partnering with leading institutions in Silicon Valley we seek to bring innovative technologies into our vehicles and redefine what is possible," said Dr. Burkhard Huhnke, director of the Electronic Research Lab in Palo Alto, Calif., which co-developed the Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak. "The goal is to improve driver safety and save lives by creating extremely robust electronics."

ERL and Stanford have been at the forefront of autonomous driving research for several years, including involvement in past DARPA Challenges sponsored by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. The Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak reflects the ERL-Stanford strategy of conducting research in tiers that thoroughly investigate technologies needed to perform different autonomous driving tasks ranging from low-speed maneuvering in urban environments to high-speed handling on varied road surfaces on a challenging course like Pikes Peak.

When research began on the Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak research project just over a year ago, the direction was clear: employ emerging software, algorithms and electronics to help everyday drivers stay in control, and safely on the road, even during extreme driving conditions.

The aim of the Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak research was to develop a technology that would enhance a driver's abilities, much as computerized systems of passenger jetliners assist skilled pilots.

"We are not trying to replace the driver," said Professor Chris Gerdes of Stanford University, "Instead we want to learn how the best drivers control the car so we can develop systems that assist our robotic driver and, eventually, you and me."
Working together, Audi, Stanford University, the Volkswagen Group Electronics Research Lab and Oracle developed a distinct engineering achievement. The Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak integrates advanced algorithms, the Oracle Java real-Time System (Java RTS), Oracle Solaris and GPS with safety and navigation systems found in stock Audi TTS models to maintain control at a physical performance extreme.

Java and Oracle Solaris provide a significant advancement over traditional execution models in terms of reliability, transparency, debugging capability, programming model, predictable response-time characteristics, and cost. Using the standard Java programming model and memory management functionality, developers were able to program the Autonomous Audi TTS to easily differentiate processes based on their importance and precisely determine when time-critical functions should be executed.

"Oracle Java RTS is the first enterprise-class solution to formally address the issues of latency and unpredictable response times for Java applications and we're thrilled to be part of this research project," said Greg Bollella, chief architect, Embedded Java, Oracle. "For the Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak, Java was used to acquire GPS position coordinates and distribute those coordinates to all of the other components in the system. It also served as the safety controller for the vehicle, responsible for gracefully bringing the car to a stop if any of the traditional systems malfunctioned."

Deciding on a location to prove the technology was an easy choice as the Pikes Peak route offered steep inclines, switchbacks and varied road surfaces for the autonomous Audi TTS to navigate. Pikes Peak is also the place where Audi technology became legendary in the rally racing world a generation ago thanks in large part to the distinctive quattro® technology, which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary as a technological all-wheel-drive breakthrough exclusively on Audi vehicles.

The Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak achieved this year's goal on the mountain. The next stage of the research project will involve autonomous high-speed handling on paved surfaces. The research team is evaluating race tracks where they can conduct the next phase of this research.

In keeping with all trials of the technology, the Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak research team worked with local authorities to conduct the mountain testing during closed-course runs that emphasized public safety.