Blackberry has always catered to a more business-like market and that hasn’t changed a bit even with the iPhone invasion of recent years. That’s why when they were looking to partner with an automaker that shared their same market, they found the perfect one in Porsche.
Together, the two companies have collaborated on a new phone called the P’9981 Blackberry Smartphone. Featuring all the standard elements of a high-luxury smartphone, the P’9981 comes with a forged stainless steel frame with a hand-wrapped leather back cover. The QWERTY keyboard set-up makes for an ergonomic profile that’s both handy and easy-to-use.
The P’9981 also features plenty of snazzy features, including a 1.2 GHz processor, HD video recording, 24-bit high resolution graphics, augmented reality applications, Liquid Graphics technology, Blackberry 7 OS, The Porsche Neat Field Communications system, and an 8-GB on-board memory that can be expanded to 40GB with the use of a micro SD card.
Needless to say, the Porsche Design P’9881 Blackberry Smartphone will cost you more than just your typical Blackberry. How much more? There’s no telling, although don’t be surprised if it costs double considering that it passed through the hands of Porsche.
In November at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show, Cadillac will be unveiling the 2013 XTS full-size sedan, but this vehicle may be playing second fiddle to the company’s new Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system.
The CUE will pair entertainment and information data from up to 10 Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices, USBs, SD cards, and MP3 players with a vehicle infotainment system that reduces complexity through customized information, natural voice commands, fewer buttons, and larger icons. It will feature an 8-inch LCD touch screen located front and center on the top of the central instrument panel leading down to a motorized fully capacitive faceplate at the bottom concealing a 1.8L storage area.
"CUE doesn’t replace your smartphone or your iPod," said Micky Bly, Executive Director, Global Electric Systems, Infotainment and Electrification. "Rather it allows consumers to securely store those mobile devices while channeling the information on those devices, along with your navigation tools, weather maps with Doppler radar, AM/FM and XM radio, instant messages and emails, through a central portal in your Cadillac, keeping hands on the wheel and eyes on the road."
The Cue will make its debut in the new XTS sedan, but will then be dropped into the ATS sport sedan and the SRX crossover.
Hit the jump to watch a video of Cadillac’s newest technology, plus check out more of its highlights.
Mercedes has released an informative video explaining the benefits of their latest AMG Performance Media system. In this video, Mercedes takes the SLS AMG on one lap around the famous Hockenheimring in Germany to display the different gauges for monitoring your performance.
The new AMG Performance Media (APM) provides real time data on the Command screen. This data includes metrics on lateral G-forces, brake, throttle, horsepower, and torque. Next to these useful details, the system can also measure lap times and lap segments.
To activate the AMG Performance Media, all one has to do is press the AMG key in the AMG DRIVE UNIT, which is operated with the COMAND Controller. All functions are visible on the high-resolution 17.8-centimeter color display of the standard COMAND APS multimedia system. The upper menu bar offers details on the "Data", "Race" and "Setup," while the lower bar provides information on "Temp", "Power," and "Tires."
Caterham has announced the launch of a new standalone engineering business, Caterham Technology and Innovation Limited (CTI). The new company will develop a completely new line of accessible and affordable sportscars inspired by the lightweight, minimalist philosophy of the Seven. The new models will use technologies and materials from the Group’s Team Lotus Formula One and Caterham Team AirAsia GP2 motorsport operations. Also, CTI will work at advanced projects from both automotive and aerospace sectors.
"The new shareholders are committed to investing in an exciting range of global products over the next 10 years," says Mark Edwards, CTI’s Chief Executive. "Tony Fernandes has been very clear from the start that Caterham needed a sustainable research and development business model in order to meet the plans the management have for the road car business. By establishing unique operating principles for CTI, we have managed to attract a world-class team of niche vehicle engineers eager to build on the ethos of Caterham and the DNA of the Seven."
During the recent Frankfurt Motor Show, Head of Porsche Motorsport, Hartmut Kristen, gave an interview in which he discussed the technology transfer from the track to the road, as well as future developments in the world of racing.
Specifically, he discussed the technology used in the 2011 911 GT3 RSR and how it was transferred to the street-legal model, the 911 GT3 RS 4.0. The GT3 RSR is powered by a 4.0-liter, six-cylinder boxer engine mated to a six-speed gearbox. This combination delivers 455 HP at 7,800 rpm and a peak torque of 331 lbs-ft. The 911 GT3 RS 4.0 uses a 4.0 liter engine producing an incredible 500 HP and 339 lb-ft of torque.
The technology used in both models has helped the GT3 RSR win in its category at the 24-hr of Nürburgring this year, while the GT3 RS 4.0 delivers incredible performance for a car in its class.
