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A study by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute reveals that voice-to-text applications offer no real safety advantage over manual texting. While they allow hands-free control of smartphone functions and keep the driver's eyes on the road, these apps don't make people any less distracted, apparently.

The 43 research participants first navigated a set course without any use of cell phones. Then, each of them completed three more laps performing a series of texting exercises - once using each of two voice-to-text applications (Siri for the iPhone, and Vlingo for Android), and once texting manually.

As it turned out, driver response times were significantly delayed no matter which texting method was used. In each case, drivers took about twice as long to react as they did when they weren't texting.

For most tasks, manual texting required slightly less time than the voice-to-text method, but driver performance was roughly the same with both.

I personally own a Dodge Grand Caravan with Uconnect. The latter is great when making phone calls, since I don't have to pull over to dial the number. However, when the system fails to understand what I'm saying, even after a few repeats, I start to lose patience and pay less attention to the road, even though I'm staring at it.

As the study rightfully points out, drivers generally feel safer when using a voice-to-text application than when texting manually. Whichever method is used, though, driving performance is likely to suffer.

In the end, one must remember that voice command systems, while legal and helpful to a certain extent, can also be a source of distraction behind the wheel. They sure as hell don't make us perfectly safe, let alone invincible.

And please, take all the time you need to learn how these systems and apps work before you hit the road!

As if adding a Lamborghini Aventador wasn't enough to scare speeding drivers, police in Dubai can now also count on a brand new Ferrari FF to patrol the city's popular tourist areas.

The car, which sports the green and white of Dubai law enforcement, will be driven by female cops only.

Similar to the Lamborghini, however, the Ferrari will essentially do promotional work and won't actually chase down offenders; that job still belongs to a fleet of Camaro SS coupes.

Police in Dubai also have the support of powerful German sedans and Japanese-branded 4x4s -- a sign of the city's luxurious and prosperous living.

Source: libération

Together with Siemens, Volvo has developed a new 22 kW fast charger that allows the C30 EV to fully charge in just 1.5 hour using a three-phase outlet. The car also benefits from a more powerful electric motor and offers a total range of 164 kilometres according to the NEDC certification driving cycle.

Starting this summer, European leasing customers will drive and evaluate an upgraded demo fleet of 100 Volvo C30 EVs.

The new Siemens motor has a peak power output of 89 kW (120 hp) and a torque rating of 250 Nm (184 lb-ft), with 0-70 km/h acceleration in 5.9 seconds.

“Adding the innovative fast-charging solution will radically improve the time and mileage for the daily usage of the car. [...] A quick 10-minute plug-in adds power for another 20 kilometres of driving,” says Lennart Stegland, Vice President, Electric Propulsion Systems, Volvo Car Group.

Photo: Volvo

From GMM

Luiz Razia is hoping to return to formula one by the end of 2013.

The Brazilian came tantalisingly close to making his grand prix debut this year, signing with Marussia but then losing the drive when his sponsors failed to pay.

Now, the 24-year-old has told Jovem Pan radio he is in talks with Force India about becoming a test and Friday practice driver.

"The possibility is there," said Razia. "Force India is very interested in doing this project. But - strangely enough - I need sponsorship. The team doesn't want to do something badly, they want a project for at least two years: this year building up to be race driver in the coming year. I need sponsorship. It's disappointing to have to rely on it so much to do our work professionally, but that's how it is."

Photo: WRi2

Razia denied that the Marussia episode has hurt his credibility and image, "Marussia was very convinced of me and so put me there without much security. But I believe Force India is going to want something more concrete. I don't think it hurt. The difficult part was only the situation. We had the option of going to Caterham, but we chose Marussia for two reasons: they had a better package while Caterham was focusing more on 2014, and because we had several meetings with Pat Symonds and he was very confident."

Razia said he is sure he could have emulated Jules Bianchi's feats, having impressed the F1 world by comprehensively beating teammate Max Chilton so far.

"For sure," he insisted. "It don't think that would have been a difficult goal for the season. I think Chilton has come into formula one too early, with not enough experience."

Pros and Cons*
Pros
Behind the wheel of a 2013 smart fortwo cabrio, you can enjoy the sun, easy driving, a surprisingly roomy passenger cab... all at an affordable price. This is topped, of course, by the car's unique look.

Cons
However, this mini-car is sold at the same price as a compact. The cabrio has a few more let-downs: it has a small trunk, it's a little anaemic power-wise and it's susceptible to crosswinds.

Price
The basic model, starting at $20,500, is generously equipped, including its 15-inch light alloy wheel rims, power windows, diurnal LED lighting, automatic climate control, silver grille and rear window defroster.

The brabus model is available for $23,900 with 15-inch alloy wheels in front and 17-inch in the back as well as a leather upholstered dashboard and heated seats.

Many exterior, interior, audio, safety features as well as operational and electrical equipment are also available.

Photo: smart

Fuel Economy
In the city, the 2013 smart fortwo cabrio has a fuel consumption of 5.9 L/100 km. This rating goes as low as 4.8 L/100 km on the highway, so overall, it averages around 5.4 L/100 km.

Exterior Styling
The mini-car measures just 2.69 metres in length. Front headlights, along with its two large rear lights, give it a striking demeanor. Fully automatic, the Tritop textile soft top comes in three different colours. With its black side air inlets and distinctive C pillars, the 2013 smart fortwo cabrio can't be missed.

Powertrain
The mini-car's engine is mounted in the back. The 1-litre 3-cylinder engine delivers 70 hp and 68 lb-ft of torque. The engine is coupled with a 5-speed automatic transmission which features a manual mode.

Cargo Capacity
If you're just looking at the trunk, the storage area is only 220 litres. If you pile your groceries up to the roof, you'll get an 120 additional litres, so, 340 litres overall.

Safety
The 2013 smart fortwo cabrio is equipped with four airbags, an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with hill start assistance, anti-lock brakes, an emergency brake assist, an automatic door-closing system and a crash sensor which activates the hazard lights..

Comparable Models
Fiat 500c

Photo: smart

*References
Gélinas Gabriel, Le guide de l'auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l'Homme, 2012, p.542
Crépault Michel, L'annuel de l'automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.534
www.thesmart.ca

From GMM

Toto Wolff has warned that the staff at Mercedes' Brackley headquarters are under pressure to keep their jobs.

Some of the team's British staff have been on site since Craig Pollock founded BAR in 1998.

The team then became Honda, then Brawn GP, and now Austrians Wolff and Niki Lauda have arrived to shake up the team following its first three years as Mercedes.

Wolff said one of the problems has been the staff's lack of "identity".

"I am trying to have them breathe it again. There are those who will respond, and those who will not," he warned in the Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger.

Toto Wolff denied, however, that he is preparing to take a "terminator method" to his shakeup plans.

"I'm no terminator," he smiled, "but I would be wrong if I did not express my opinions and then take a success-oriented approach to my actions."

Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team

Carlos Huertas took his first career win in Formula Renault 3.5, this weekend at Motorland Aragon, in Spain.

Kevin Magnussen, who set the pole position in the first qualifying session, was dominant in race 1, taking win ahead of Will Stevens and Arthur Pic, while Antonio Felix Da Costa, who was dropped to the back of the field after a penalty in qualifying, failed to score any point.

Ahead of race 2, Norman Nato clinched his first pole position under the heavy rain of Sunday. Unfortunately for the Frenchman, he went wide in the very first corner of the race, therefore allowing Carlos Huertas into the lead.

Huertas eventually took his first Formula Renault 3.5 win ahead of Sergey Sirotkin and Stoffel Vandoorne.

Kevin Magnussen overhauled Stoffel Vandoorne for the points lead.

Race 1:
1 - Kevin Magnussen - Dams - 27 laps in 46'15"323

2 - Will Stevens - P1 by Strakka - 19"933

3 - Arthur Pic - AV Formula - 21"266

4 - Sergey Sirotkin - ISR - 23"601
5 - Norman Nato - Dams - 24"398
Etc.

Race 2:
1 - Carlos Huertas - Carlin - 14 laps in 33'19"005

2 - Sergey Sirotkin - ISR - 11"921

3 - Stoffel Vandoorne - Fortec - 16"429
4 - Will Stevens - P1 by Strakka - 24"691

5 - Nico Muller - Draco - 26"826
Etc.

Championship:
1.Magnussen 63; 2.Vandoorne 59; 3.Pic 35; 4.Da Costa 31; 5.Sirotkin, Stevens 30, etc.

Honda claimed its first WTCC win when Gabriele Tarquini crossed the finish line of race 1 in first place at the Slovakia Ring.

Honda's WTCC squad had a tough beginning of the season in Monza and Marrakech, but was dominant in the third round of the season in Slovakia, claiming 1-2-3 in qualifying with Gabriele Tarquini, Tiago Monteiro and the semi-private Honda Civic driven by Norbert Michelisz.

Gabriele Tarquini, Honda Civic (Photo: WTCC)

The race ended in the same order for the three Honda men.

In race 2, Tom Coronel started from pole position, and drove his BMW 320TC to the win, ahead of Yvan Muller (Chevrolet) and Tarquini. Yvan Muller still leads provisional championship classification, 24 points ahead of Tarquini.

President Barack Obama is expected to nominate Charlotte, North Carolina, Mayor Anthony Foxx, a Democrat, to lead the Transportation Department. Foxx would replace Ray LaHood, who is stepping down.

Nissan is joining General Motors and Tesla Motors, the largest sellers of rechargeable autos in North America, in promoting the money-saving benefits of battery-powered cars over saving the planet.

Volkswagen may cut temporary posts in response to Europe's weak market but won't close factories or reduce its permanent workforce, CEO Martin Winterkorn said.

Audi is eagerly waiting the 2013 24 Hours of Nürburgring.

The Ingolstadt firm won the weekend's second round of the VLN championship, considered by many as a dress rehearsal of the great 24-hour race.

Marcel Fässler and Frank Stippler were the drivers behind the wheel of the winning G-Drive Racing Audi R8 LMS. Fässler and Stippler mastered tricky weather conditions, which at the Nürburgring are no rare sight.

Markus Winkelhock, Audi R8 LMS (Photo: Audi)

Meanwhile, fellow Audi drivers Markus Winkelhock and Johannes Stuck were attending a press conference in Cologne, presenting the fleet of Audi cars entered in the race next month.

The 41st edition of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring is to be held May 19-20.

Kevin Harvick blasted from seventh to first on a two-lap dash to the checkered flag on Saturday night in Richmond.

It was his first points win of the year. He won the non-points Sprint Unlimited at Daytona in February.

"That was a heck of a first lap of the restart," the Richard Childress Racing driver said. "I thought that the outside line might have the advantage because it had a couple of guys with new tires in the second row, and lined up on the outside.

"But the two tires - these cars drive a lot off the left rear - and we only took two tires, and they didn't get that great of restart but my car launched, and I was able to drive it in the first corner and hope for the best down there. I figured four, eight, 12...how many ever tires that were on the outside of me would be better than none. It all worked out, and here we are."

Kevin Harvick, Richmond International Raceway (Photo: Kevin Harvick)

The race all-but-belonged to ex-Formula One driver, Juan Pablo Montoya, who was still looking for his first oval win in NASCAR until Brian Vickers smacked the wall with two laps to go bringing out the final caution which erased his lead.

All the Colombian native could do was laugh it off. "Yeah, we made the right calls when we pitted and when we stayed out and everything, but we got that caution at the end and it was a no-brainer to take tires," said Montoya.

"And I think what hurt us is we restarted on the outside and when you restart on the outside and people got really bad tires, everything packs up. And when you're on the outside, you can't; you know, where are you going to jump?"

Montoya had been holding off Kurt Busch who was having one of the best runs the one-car Furniture Row Racing has had. But Harvick got around Busch before the last caution on fresher tires.

''I was in an awesome run, waiting for the race to come to us. ... That green-white-checkered at the end, it's just chaos," Busch said. Busch bumped Tony Stewart and there was an after the-race exchange of words between the two former NASCAR champions.

Clint Bowyer was strong all night but used up his tires chasing pole sitter Matt Kenseth just before he got passed by Montoya. He finished second in a Toyota followed by the Ford of Joey Logano and Montoya who ended up fourth.

Bowyer was a little surprised at his late race comeback. "I think I was ninth on the final restart," Bowyer said. "There was a ton of chaos behind me, Tony got pissed and I ended up second. I would have liked to win but I'll take that."

Jimmie Johnson, who finished 12th , continues to lead by 43 points over Carl Edwards who finished sixth. Kasey Kahne, who crashed with Mark Martin, was running 21st at the checkers and is third in the standings three points behind Edwards.

Robert Kubica admitted he tried Mercedes' F1 simulator, multiple reports have confirmed.

It appeared last week that the popular driver, who is now in an advanced phase of his rehabilitation, travelled to Mercedes' base in Brackley to try the German marque's F1 simulator.

The news however was left unconfirmed by the involved parties until today, when Kubica himself confirmed the trip, without revealing any detail.

Whether to former grand prix winner, who has been active in WRC2 this season, is feeling better in the confines of a single-seater cockpit remains unknown.

Aside from rallying, the 28-year-old tested a Mercedes DTM car.

Danish driver Kevin Magnussen drove a superb race on the Aragon circuit, to win the first of two Formula Renault 3.5 races presented this weekend in Spain.

It was Magnussen's first win of the season.

The son of former F1 driver Jan Magnussen dominated the race, leaving the others scrambling for second place, which went to Will Stevens, thanks to late pass on Arthur Pic.

Championship leader Stoffel Vandoorne could only managed eighth, behind Sergey Sirotkin, Norman Nato, Nigel Melker and Christopher Zanella.


Race 1 results - Aragon, Spain (Formula Renault 3.5)
1 - Kevin Magnussen - Dams - 27 laps in 46'15"323
2 - Will Stevens - P1 by Strakka - 19"933
3 - Arthur Pic - AV Formula - 21"266
4 - Sergey Sirotkin - ISR - 23"601
5 - Norman Nato - Dams - 24"398
6 - Nigel Melker - Tech 1 - 26"094
7 - Christopher Zanella - ISR - 34"943
8 - Stoffel Vandoorne - Fortec - 35"419
9 - Marco Sorensen - Lotus - 36"065
10 - Mikhail Aleshin - Tech 1 - 37"973
11 - Oliver Webb - Fortec - 41"520
12 - Nikolay Martsenko - Pons - 42"016
13 - Antonio Felix Da Costa - Arden Caterham - 42"609
14 - Lucas Foresti - Comtec - 1'04"474
15 - Yann Cunha - AV Formula - 1'15"586
16 - Matias Laine - P1 Motorsport - 1'17"124
17 - Zoel Amberg - Pons - 1'18"185
18 - Jazeman Jaafar - Carlin - 1'23"597
19 - Marlon Stockinger - Lotus - 1'25"368
20 - Carlos Huertas - Carlin - 1'31"909
21 - Daniil Move - Comtec - 1'31"909
22 - Matheo Tuscher - Zeta - 1'45"147

Fastest lap: 1'42"011 (Kevin Magnussen)

Model: 2010 to 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Vehicle Type: Sport Coupe

The Verdict: The used Hyundai Genesis Coupe, so far, appears to be a safe buy in a used sports coupe that's suffering from only minimal issues that are easily identified and remedied. Shop for as new a model as possible, with factory warranty remaining, for maximum confidence.

Price: An early Coupe with the 2.0T engine and some miles can be had for as little as $12,000. Pricing for a unit carrying moderate mileage will land around $15,000 to $17,000. A newer model with the 3.8L engine should run in the mid-$20,000 range.


What Owners Like: Handling, style, and overall performance are rated highly by Hyundai Genesis Coupe owners with this generation of vehicle, while affordable access to a lengthy features list and plenty of horsepower helped seal the deal. Despite its two-door configuration, this sports car is also surprisingly roomy in terms of front seat space, even for full-sized adults.

What Owners Dislike: Common gripes include limited rear visibility, poor gas mileage with the V6 engine, and the wish for some richer interior materials. Models with the 2.0T engine are said to have a dull, boring exhaust note, and some drivers wish for a tighter, more precise-feeling shifter.

Photo: Justin Pritchard

History/Description: The Hyundai Genesis Coupe launched for the 2010 model year and recalled great Japanese rear-drive sports cars from the ‘90s -- even though it's Korean. Sleek styling, affordable driveability, and real performance-car moves all helped put Hyundai on the performance car map.

All models were rear-wheel drive and had a 6-speed transmission in the driver's choice of automatic or manual. Engine options were a 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder with 210 horsepower, or the snort-y 3.8L, 306-horsepower V6 that powered models wearing the 3.8GT designation.

Feature content included push-button start, navigation, available Brembo brakes, a Limited Slip Differential (LSD), and an Infinity audio system.

Photo: Justin Pritchard

Common Issues: A scan of owner forums and discussion boards indicates that shoppers after a used Hyundai Genesis Coupe have a few minor checks to make before signing over their hard-earned cash.

First, check for proper operation of the air conditioner, all windows, all power seats, and all remote keyfobs. Have a good walk-around of the body, and make sure to inspect for misaligned panels, particularly where the hood and fenders meet.

At speed, listen for any rattles and squeaks from the sunroof, interior panels or seats, and check for the presence of all interior panels and trim bits. Many owners reported that tightening up a few of the bolts -- particularly the ones that hold the seats to the floor -- will stop rattle-related issues.

Note that the push-button start system should fire the engine up the instant it's pressed. Any delay or sporadic operation could indicate a problem with the button or ignition switch attached to it.

Bear in mind that clunking or grinding noises from the suspension or steering typically indicate a problem. Be sure there are no check-engine lights, no grinding sensations during gear shifting, and that there's no smoke coming from the tailpipe during hot or cold idle -- or during hard acceleration.

Photo: Justin Pritchard

Many Hyundai Genesis Coupes in the used market will have performance upgrades installed, and simple intake and exhaust upgrades are generally safe. Extreme caution should be exercised if the former owner has set the engine up to run more boost from the turbocharger, modified the engine electronics, installed nitrous or upgraded engine internals. Improper execution of any of the above could turn the engine inside out with little notice.

Reigning vice-champion Gary Paffett believes Audi will enjoy a much better time in 2013 than it did in 2012.

Audi actually finished second in the 2012 manufacturers' championship, but no team or driver representing Ingolstadt was never really in contention for the top honours.

The best-placed Audi driver was Mike Rockenfeller, and he only finished fourth in the standings, some 64 points behind champion Bruno Spengler.

It was not the best year for the four rings.

Audi is ready to bounce back (Photo: Audi Motorsport)

Paffett, a Mercedes driver who fell only a few meters short from the 2012 crown, believes Audi is on its way up.

"I imagine that Audi will be a lot stronger this season," he told The Checkered Flag. "They had a couple of good races last year, but were too inconsistent.

"They aren't stupid, and will have sorted out their problems, to ensure that they come back fighting.

"I expect 2013 to be a really close year."

An Israeli startup by the name of Phinergy claims it could launch by 2017 a metal-air battery technology that would provide a range of 1,600 kilometres. The struggling electric car market sure could use such a boost to win over potential customers.

However, since these new batteries are less convenient to charge/replace, they must be combined with traditional lithium-ion batteries. Still, some automakers have already shown interest. Tesla Motors, for one, has filed eight patent applications that reference "metal-air" batteries.

Whereas Phinergy talks about consumable batteries, Tesla is apparently looking to develop a specific charging system for metal-air batteries. The latter could use metals such as aluminum, iron, lithium, magnesium, vanadium, and zinc.

Sources : greencarreports.com

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

The Formula One road show will be stopping in Jerusalem this June, the Associated Press confirmed.

Jerusalem residents will be treated to a spot of F1 on June 13-14, when the "Jerusalem Peace Road Show" takes place.

Former grand prix driver Giancarlo Fisichella and bikers Max Biaggi and Chris Pfeiffer will be on hand for the display, in front of a crowd of 100,000 spectators, the AP report says.

Giancarlo Fisichella and Nir Barkat (Photo: Ferrari)

City mayor Nir Barkat has labelled the event as apolitical, in the hope F1 brings Israelis and Palestinians together.

The Treasury Department froze some 2013 pay for top executives at General Motors and Ally Financial, two companies yet to repay money received under special bailout terms during the financial crisis.