Saturday, October 26, 2013
Lock It Up 2014 Chevrolet Impala Offers Secure Info Storage
The new Impala’s available 8-inch center stack display is an interactive touch screen for the next-generation Chevrolet MyLink system but doubles as a PIN-activated retractable faceplate over a secure storage bin large enough to hold valuables like a wallet, MP3 player and smartphone. Addresses and contacts stored on MyLink also remain PIN-protected.
“Valet mode is the kind of feature that Impala customers will appreciate,” said Chris Perry, Chevrolet vice president of Global Marketing. “It is one of many great new features on our newest MyLink and a small part of Impala’s overall technology package.”
Impala owners will be able to access valet mode through MyLink’s Settings menu via a four-digit code, much like on a hotel safe. A confirmation entry of the code simultaneously locks the bin and secures personal information.
Chevrolet customer clinic participants showed avid interest in valet mode, particularly young car buyers who valued MyLink’s information privacy protection feature. Impala’s hidden bin also addresses customers’ frequently expressed need for a secure place to keep personal items out of sight.
“We were able to move the MyLink system’s electronics to another location in the vehicle, effectively creating the space behind the touch screen,” said Matt Highstrom, General Motors human-machine interface designer.
In addition to privacy protection, Impala’s next-generation MyLink system allows for increased personalization. Owners can click and drag icons on the home screen located in the center stack, similar to operating a smartphone or tablet.
Using consumer research, including interviews and online voting, designers of the award-winning MyLink developed four specific graphic appearances or “skins,” selectable through the Settings menu, designed to appeal to distinct customer group personalities. They include:
Contemporary – Clean, simple interface that’s neither overly colorful nor busy, geared to busy moms and families.
Edge – Youth-oriented, dynamic feel with vibrant colors and pop culture-inspired icons.
Velocity – Sleek, with carbon fiber background appearance and glowing neon, aimed at driving enthusiasts.
Main Street – An all-around, crowd-pleasing design using primary colors.
These and other functions, including valet mode, will be rolled out to other Chevrolet models featuring the next-generation MyLink system.
“We can’t design a custom Impala interior for every customer, but we can give them the next best thing – an infotainment system that reflects their tastes and features that meet their needs,” said Matt Fuligni, design manager, Chevrolet User Experience.
The 2014 Impala will begin production this spring and eventually will be offered with three engine choices. A 3.6L V6 will be available at launch, starting at $30,760 including destination charges.
Courtesy of Chevrolet News
Friday, September 13, 2013
BMW Alpina B7 2013 M7 Is It Still Relevant
To design a car capable of competing with the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, the German automaker BMW Alpina has partnered with. This car, the BMW Alpina B7 2013Â is neither more nor less than a 7 Series that two employees decided to change into a missile on wheels. The BMW Alpina B7 2013Â will go on sale in North America in short and long wheelbases at a price that is expected to grow to $ 130,000.
Mechanics of BMW Alpina B7 2013
The BMW Alpina B7 2013Â likely uses the same platform as the 750Li powered. To move this mass still impressive, BMW uses its V8 biturbo 4.4-liter dual overhead cam head which develops a power of 540 hp at 6250 rpm. Regarding the couple, it stood at 538 lb-ft between 2800 and 5000 rpm.
In terms of performance, it is reasonable to expect sparkling performance. In fact, the BMW Alpina B7 2013Â loop from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.5 seconds and can reach a maximum speed of 312 km / h. It goes without saying that the brakes are to match, powerful desire. This mechanism to cool the brakes and we worked to revise the design of the car to direct air at strategic locations.
A ZF 8-speed
For 2013, BMW Alpina and agreed to provide the BMW Alpina B7 2013Â a ZF 8-speed. However, this box has no lever or gear selector as known. Indeed, the gear selector, push button, is placed squarely in the steering wheel. While this may seem completely new, it is important to know that Chrysler has released an automatic push-button on the steering wheel in the late 50s. Found, however, shift levers on each side of the steering wheel.
It is obvious that, technically speaking, the BMW Alpina B7 2013Â is a nice car to all points of view. The interior is as interesting as the technical characteristics of the car. One might expect to find some details of B7 on other models of the manufacturer. If you’re willing to pay the price, at least $ 130,000 for a car of its kind, do not hesitate! It is a jewel finely reworked that will give you your money. You will get luxury and performance.
BMW Alpina B7 2013 Â 
BMW Alpina B7 2013: M7 Is It Still Relevant?