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Motorists continue to clamor for GPS-based navigation services, as sales of in-car and portable devices soar. GM’s OnStar telematics division has been competing in this space with a “ turn-by-turn ” service, allowing drivers to request directions from a human advisor that are then downloaded to the vehicle and read aloud automatically along the route. OnStar bills it as “the simplest navigation system.” Well, now OnStar is moving to compete more directly with traditional touch-screen systems with two new services. The first is OnStar Destination Download, which enables OnStar subscribers with screen-based infotainment systems to input their destination while on the go at the press of a button. The second service, OnStar eNav, allows subscribers with a “turn-by-turn” capable vehicle to find and save destinations on MapQuest.com and have those destinations sent to their vehicle. Subscribers simply press their vehicle's OnStar phone button to access voice-guided commands through which they can select their route. OnStar eNav will be available retroactively on 2.7 million current “turn-by-turn” capable GM vehicles. Later this year eNav will also combine with OnStar Destination Download...
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Automakers use car shows for several key purposes: Create excitement for the brand with both future production models and sheetmetal-rendered hyperbole. Stimulate shareholder interest, as a good promise can often temper a painful reality. Introduce a future design language, preparing the world for a new look or product that could bring a dramatic change to the portfolio. Appease the dealers who demand a steady flow of new, interesting products and enthused consumers drawn to the brand virtues. Feel out public, media, and investor interest in a new model, technology, or design direction. This last reason always seems the most exciting, when true, as it provides a unique opportunity for consumers to give feedback to an automaker and influence a future product, as Honda is doing with the CR-Z concept . The latest example is with the 2010 Pontiac G8 sport truck to be shown this week at the New York International Auto Show . At this point, Pontiac has made the decision to build the car. That much is locked in stone. What the GM division seeks now is to excite the public and get some quality name suggestions. (Learn more about the car name game from CNN.) That’s where you come in. Consumers...
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As the automotive world counts down to the New York auto show this week, Pontiac has released a preview of the 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP muscle sedan. Marking a significant gain in performance, the GXP produces Corvette-grade 402 horsepower from an 6.2-liter LS3 V-8. Preliminary performance figures from Pontiac show the GXP is capable of running 0-60 mph in about 4.7 seconds, continuing through the quarter-mile in 13.0 seconds at 108 mph. The secret to the prodigious power output? This engine features a revised, larger-bore cylinder block, high-flow, L92-style cylinder heads; larger-diameter pistons; unique camshaft and camshaft timing; revised valvetrain with offset intake rocker arms; high-flow intake manifold; and high-flow fuel injectors. The LS3 engine has an aluminum cylinder block with cast-in-place iron cylinder liners. Larger bores help create a 376-cubic-inch displacement. The block casting also features revisions and machining in the bulkheads to enhance its strength and improve bay-to-bay breathing. New pistons were designed for high-rpm performance. New, high-flow cylinder heads aid engine breathing and are based on the large port and valve design found on the LS7 engine and...
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