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Ford will connect your phone's navigation app to Sync 3
Ford's new connected car system hasn't hit the streets yet but it's already announcing future upgrades. This week during the North American International Auto Show it said the third version of AppLink -- a set of APIs that let mobile apps work with the car's systems and controls -- will come to Sync 3, and the headline feature is that users can bring their phone's navigation software to the car's screen. Instead of bringing full mobile features to its system with Android Auto, CarPlay or MirrorLink, Ford's system uses its controls to interact with mobile apps and data on the phone. AppLink 3.0 won't ship until some point after Sync 3 actually rolls out, but hopefully by then Ford has negotiated compatibility with navigation for popular apps from the likes of Google, Apple and Waze. If you want to know a bit more about why Ford set up the new system the way it did (and what owners of older Sync systems can expect), you should check out our CES interview with Connected Vehicle and Services Executive Director Don Butler, which is embedded after the break.
Verizon Vehicle: a network connection for any car, even yours
Today at the North American International Auto Show, Verizon announced Verizon Vehicle, a way to bring connected features to any car on the road. A lot of cars sold now have LTE or other connections built-in, but what about the millions that don't? The new subscription service includes a device that plugs into a car's OBD-II port to scan for any potential issues (even before you notice a problem), track the vehicle via GPS and communicates with the driver via its app or a Bluetooth speaker that clips onto your visor. A specific list of features is available after the break plus a picture of the setup, and we'll be asking execs detailed questions like "so how much does it cost?" a little later.
Local Motors' 3D-printed car meets the Detroit Auto Show
Local Motors already pulled off its "3D print a car on the tradeshow floor" stunt once, so of course it's doing it again at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, MI. This time however, the Strati that it's building is production-ready (a mid-model refresh, it says), as Local Motors plans to launch two new micro-factories. One is set for Tennessee and the other will be in Washington DC, apparently ready to deliver vehicles later this year. If you're not familiar with the process, Local Motors prints just about everything it can, including the frame, exterior and some interior features, before plugging in the wiring, suspension, motor etc. that are sourced from the Renault Twizy. The company still isn't ready to talk price, but it wants to shorten the production process from its current 44-hour length to just about 24 hours.
Chevy Bolt EV concept hints at the future of affordable electric cars
Those rumors of GM developing its own affordable electric car? Yep, they're true. Chevrolet has unveiled the Bolt EV concept, its vision of a vehicle that can deliver 200 miles of all-electric driving for about $30,000 after tax credits. It's not as slick as a Tesla Model S, but it promises an airy, spacious design (check out that full-length glass roof) with some technological smarts. It touts multiple driving modes that adjust the steering, acceleration and suspension, and the interior's center stack is dominated by a 10-inch capacitive touchscreen. Also, you wouldn't have to spring for a BMW or Tesla to get a vehicle that can park itself -- the Bolt's smartphone app would automatically fetch and drop off the car when you're in a hurry.
Chevy's 2016 Volt goes farther, faster than its predecessor
On the eve of the Detroit Auto Show, Chevrolet is finally ready to reveal details about the second generation of its groundbreaking plug-in hybrid vehicle. The 2016 Volt is new in pretty much every way, with a refined exterior and interior design, plus improvements under the hood that offer 50 miles of EV range and a total driving range of more than 400 miles. GM claims that means owners can average 1,000 miles between fill-ups with regular charging. The dual-motor drive unit isn't just more efficient; it's also 100 pounds lighter (the battery dropped 20 pounds too). Despite putting out 149 hp (same as the previous unit), it's also faster, with an 8.4-second 0-60 time that's 7 percent faster, and a 19 percent improvement in its zero to 30 time, now down to 2.6 seconds. As promised, it even adjusts charging patterns if you're at home or away based on GPS. The only question not answered yet is the price, which GM expects to reveal this summer (or any details about that rumored lower-price Bolt). Check after the break for some specs.
Chevy is unveiling its next-generation Volt hybrid in January
Wondering when you'll get to see that fabled (and arguably overdue) Chevy Volt redesign? Five months from now, according to GM. The automaker has confirmed that it will unveil the next version of its extended-range EV (aka serial hybrid) at the North American International Auto Show, which kicks off on January 12th. The company isn't giving curious motorists more than a teaser picture of the car's backside at this stage, but leaks and spy photos suggest that the new Volt will be cheaper and sleeker than its predecessors -- likely necessary given that the Chevy hasn't been as popular as some of its rivals. The revamp will be part of the 2016 model year, so it's safe to say that you'll get to take the wheel within months of the unveiling.
