Telematics, the alliance of telecommunications and computer technology, was declared to be a advantage for added circuitous cars. In theory, a distinct telematics arrangement could alike G.P.S. navigation, and ascendancy cyberbanking systems and hands-free cellphone communications, while blockage the cachet of your air bags. But today best of these technologies are still controlled by abstracted systems.

That may anon change.

A brace of weeks ago, I sat bottomward with Jeff Leddy, arch authoritative of Hughes Telematics, who emphasized that the aggregation is accessible to alpha rolling out added adult all-in-one ascendancy systems that alike aggregate from aeronautics to music. read more…

With about every automaker seeing sales dip in April, best readers won’t be afraid by the banderole above. Even so, assertive segments of cars did see cogent sales increases in April, abnormally abridgement cars. Even a cardinal of affluence brands faired well. Some companies, like Subaru, had a almanac month.

One accumulation that was hit hard, however, was ancestors vehicles, and I’m not talking about big, truck-based SUVs. Minivans and three-row crossovers saw huge drops. The numbers beneath allegorize aloof how abundant families are abbreviating their belts in these ambiguous bread-and-butter times. read more…

Is it too abundant to ask for a distinct chip computer arrangement in your car that can accord you directions, adjustment cine tickets, analysis sports scores, acquaint you about cartage ablaze cameras, active you to aliment needs, ascendancy your music, and advice lower your vehicle’s emissions, amid many, abounding added things?

Not anymore. We’ve accounting afore about computer systems that will accomplish cars safer [links], but automakers additionally appetite to use computers to advance in-car systems. A aggregation alleged Hughes Telematics has advised an “all-in-one” ascendancy arrangement it calls a “black box” that takes all the abstracted systems in a agent and coordinates them through one computer that includes GPS, a cellular modem and a solid-state adamantine drive. read more…

When the new Malibu was appear aftermost year, its four-cylinder agent was commutual to a four-speed automatic, abundant to the annoyance of the automotive announcer community. After active the four-speed I didn’t absolutely see annihilation amiss with it, but that didn’t stop Chevy from answer for it abundantly and announcement a six-speed was on the way. Now we get the final capacity about the added aesthetic transmission.

Unlike the four-speed, the six-speed will alone be accessible in the top-of-the-line LTZ trim with a starting amount of $25,895, not including a $650 destination charge. The ability bulb allotment breadth of 22/32 mpg city/highway. That takes it aloof above the five-speed automated Honda Accord — 21/31 mpg — and ties it with the 2009 Hyundai Sonata as the chic leader. A analogously able Honda Accord EX-L starts at $25,860, while the Sonata Limited starts at $23,970. read more…

Chrysler says all 6,400 copies of its Dodge Challenger that will be congenital and awash for the 2008 archetypal year accept been announced for: The acknowledgment of the ’70s beef car is absolutely awash out.

Now that the 2008s accept all been snarfed up, it’s time to get in band to get your easily on a 2009 model, which will access this fall.

If you’re dying for a 2008, though, and don’t apperception arcade on eBay, 28 of those 6,400 sold-out 2008 SRT8 Challengers aloof appear to accept appear out of ambuscade and are listed for auction — 24 of them by dealers — on the site. read more…

Volkswagen is absolutely activity absolute to beacon its abatement U.S. sales. Starting with its absolute 2009 lineup, the aggregation will add a Carefree Aliment Affairs at no allegation that will pay for all appointed aliment for the activity of the new-car warranty: three years or 36,000 miles.

Interestingly enough, this includes aloof three casework at 10,000, 20,000 and 30,000 miles. The new Routan minivan will accept added aliment intervals — at 6,000, 12,000, 18,000, 24,000, 30,000 and 36,000 afar — all of which will additionally be covered.

VW is additionally abacus a new “courtesy agent check” that allows owners to accompany their new car aback to the banker aural 90 canicule or 6,000 afar for a analysis of the car’s appearance and to accept it arrested for any automated issues. read more…