Audi to present latest tech at CES

Audi set to attend world's largest electronics trade show for the sixth time

Audi is set to present its latest technologies and models at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas next month. 

Once again, the press conference on the first day of the show will be followed by the Audi Tech Talk, at which technology experts will be available to answer questions.

At the press conference, Ricky Hudi, Head of Development Electrics/Electronics, and Scott Keogh, President of Audi of America, will address the latest trends, technologies and products in the areas of infotainment and Audi connect, controls and displays as well as electrification and lighting technology. 

With a concept car and numerous technology exhibits, Audi says it will be offering an outlook on the automotive future, which will be influenced more than ever by the electronics field.

At the Audi Tech Talk, which is open to the public, technology experts will offer an in-depth look at electronics development and will be available to answer questions from journalists and show visitors.

The world’s largest electronics trade show is highly significant for Audi. In 2011, it was the first carmaker to make an appearance at CES with its own exhibit space.

CES is being held in Las Vegas from 6-8 January, 2016.

Lamborghini confirms track driving courses for 2016

Automobili Lamborghini has announced details of its programmeme of Esperienza and Accademia track driving courses for 2016, with locations in Europe, America, Asia and Australia.

The 2016 season will get under way in Europe, with the Winter Accademia on the evocative icy surface of Livigno, Italy, to be held in late February. Hot on its heels, the famous resort of Aspen, Colorado, is the venue for the American event.

Following the winter dates, the Phillip Island circuit hosts the first Accademia course in Australia. After the first leg at Italy’s Imola circuit, the Accademia will follow some important European rounds of the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo one-make series, including the historic Nurburgring circuit, and Valencia, which is also the location for the race series’ world finals.

In the United States the Accademia will be held at the Laguna Seca circuit, while Las Vegas is the setting for the second edition of the Pilota Lamborghini course, dedicated to competitive racing.

The 2016 Lamborghini Esperienza calendar will also take in four continents, with more than twenty dates scheduled at some of the most prestigious circuits in Europe, the United States, Asia and Australia.

Lamborghini Esperienza is the first step for those who wish to get closer to the world of Lamborghini, providing an introduction to the Raging Bull brand and its legendary super sports cars. For the Imola Esperienza, activities include a visit to the Lamborghini factory and museum in Sant’Agata Bolognese (Bologna), as well as the track driving.

The Lamborghini Accademia offers fans the chance to drive on the track (Track Accademia) or on ice (Winter Accademia). Each Accademia offers two types of programme – intensive and advanced – giving the participants the opportunity to take their first steps towards the world of competitive racing. 

The course involves multiple training sessions during which drivers undertake various exercises including slaloms, acceleration, braking and oversteering.

Each track day is open to a maximum of 24 participants on the intensive course, and 20 on the advanced course. Drivers are divided into small groups to make the experience highly exclusive and personalised.

The most advanced stage of the Accademia course is the Pilota Lamborghini course, the first edition of which was held in November at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This new programme is for those with the desire to become a racing driver, through a series of tests which simulate a full-on competitive race weekend.

Over 2,000 attendees are expected at the Esperienza and Accademia courses during 2016. All participants will be able to put themselves to the test and perfect their driving aboard the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4, the V12 benchmark for luxury super sports cars, and the Lamborghini Huracan, in the Coupé, Spyder and 2WD versions.

The Esperienza and Accademia courses are part of the Lamborghini Squadra Corse programme, which since 2013 has offered an integrated approach to Lamborghini driving experiences, right through to the world of competitive racing with the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo and GT3.

Like this year, in 2016 Lamborghini Squadra Corse will also select drivers from the Young Drivers and GT3 Junior Programme to participate as instructors at the Esperienza and Accademia events around the world.

Toyota to preview new mapping technology at CES

Toyota’s new high-precision map generation system to support the safe implementation of automated driving, is set to go on display at CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in January.

The new system will use data from on-board cameras and GPS devices installed in production vehicles. Road images and vehicle positional information is sent to data centres, where it is automatically pieced together, corrected and updated to generate high precision road maps that cover a wide area.

An understanding of road layouts and traffic rules (including speed limits and various road signs) is essential for the successful implementation of automated driving technologies. Additionally, high precision measurement of positional information requires the collection of information on dividing lines, kerbs, and other road characteristics.

Until now, map data for automated driving purposes has been generated using specially-built vehicles equipped with three-dimensional laser scanners. These vehicles are driven through urban areas and on highways, and data is collected and manually edited to incorporate information such as dividing lines and road signs. Due to the infrequent nature of data collection, maps generated in this manner are seldom updated, limiting their usefulness and they are also relatively costly to maintain. 

Toyota's newly developed system uses automated cloud-based spatial information generation technology (developed by Toyota Central R&D Labs) to generate high precision road image data from the databanks and GPS devices of designated user vehicles. While such a system has a higher probability of error than one using three-dimensional laser scanners, positional errors can be mitigated using image matching technologies that integrate and correct road image data collected from multiple vehicles, as well as high precision trajectory estimation technologies. This restricts the system's margin of error to a maximum of 5 cm on straight roads. Utilising production vehicles and existing infrastructure to collect information, this data can be updated in real time. Furthermore, the system can be implemented and scaled up at a relatively low cost.

To support the spread of automated driving technologies, Toyota plans to include this system as a core element in automated driving vehicles that will be made available in production vehicles by around 2020. While initial use of the system is expected to be limited to expressways, future development goals include expanding functionality to cover ordinary roads and assist in hazard avoidance.

Toyota will also seek to collaborate with mapmakers to encourage the use of high precision map data in services offered by both the public and private sectors.

CES 2016 takes place in Las Vegas, from 6-9 January.

BBC Sport ends F1 TV deal early

BBC Sport is to end its Formula 1 television contract three years early, with Channel 4 taking over from next season.

The beeb described how it has to 'reluctantly' cancel the remaining three years of its contract as part of savings across the corporation. Barbara Slater, BBC's director of sport said: "The current financial position of the BBC means some tough and unwanted choices have to be made. A significant chunk of BBC Sport's savings target will be delivered through the immediate termination of our TV rights agreement for Formula 1.”

BBC Sport broadcasted 10 live races of Lewis Hamilton's world championship-winning season in 2015 with a one-hour build-up to each grand prix. It also offered highlights of the nine other races. As part of a £150m gap in the corporation's finances from next year, BBC Sport was asked to deliver £35m of savings.

BBC Sport regained F1 rights from ITV in 2009 but - in another cost-saving move - had been sharing the broadcast rights with Sky Sports since the 2012 season.

Channel 4 and Formula One agreed the new three-year deal for 2016-2018, and immediately confirmed the live races to be broadcast without advertising breaks. Channel 4 will broadcast 10 races per season live – with highlights of all 21 races, including practice and qualifying sessions, in each of the three FIA Formula One World Championship seasons from 2016 to 2018. It will also broadcast highlights of all 21 Grands Prix and qualifying sessions – including those shown live by Sky Sports F1. All of the live coverage and highlights will be broadcast free-to-air and in high definition.

Bernie Ecclestone, Chief Executive Officer of the Formula One group said: “I am sorry that the BBC could not comply with their contract but I am happy that we now have a broadcaster that can broadcast Formula 1 events without commercial intervals during the race. I am confident that Channel 4 will achieve not only how the BBC carried out the broadcast in the past but also with a new approach as the World and Formula 1 have moved on.”

David Abraham, Channel 4 Chief Executive said: “Formula One is one of the world’s biggest sporting events with huge appeal to British audiences. I’m delighted to have agreed this exciting new partnership with Bernie Ecclestone to keep the sport on free-to-air television.”

Details of the 2016 races broadcast live by Channel 4 will be agreed in early-2016. Further details of Channel 4’s production and presenting teams will also be announced in due course.

Top Gear’s Reasonably Priced Car up for auction

Bidding has opened for a piece of motoring history – the Vauxhall Astra used by Top Gear as their ‘Reasonably Priced Car’.

With proceeds of the sale going to automotive industry charity, BEN, the five-door Power Red 1.6-litre (115bhp) Vauxhall Astra Tech Line has been added to eBay. Currently at £10,301.00, bids can placed at www.ebay.co.uk/itm/-/231786726259, with all proceeds being donated to BEN.

The mileage on the Astra stands at 2,908, and comes with front Corbeau Sprint Racing seats, 5 point safety belt harness and full roll-cage. Bidders should be aware that the airbags have all been disabled to make room for the roll-cage. To re-instate the airbags would involve removing the roll-cage and seating. So, in its current state, the car is not type-approved and should not be driven on the road. The Vauxhall Technical Team will work with the successful bidder at handover to fully explain how the vehicle has been adapted, advising that converting the vehicle back into use on the public highway would incur a ‘significant cost’.

Other features, aside from the car’s celebrity status include 17-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels, Sat-nav system with seven-inch colour monitor, and three-spoke leather-covered sports steering wheel.

With an estimated 350 million views in 170 different countries per week, the Vauxhall Astra was initiated with a star-studded barbeque, featuring celebrities including comedians Jimmy Carr and Warwick Davis, and singers Brian Johnson and Joss Stone. Celebrities such as Olly Murs, who topped the leader board, Margot Robbie, Ron Howard and James Blunt all thrashed it around the Top Gear Test Track at Dunsfold Park, Surrey.

“David Main, BEN Chief Executive commented on the auction, saying: “We are reliant on the generosity of our supporters to enable us to continue our work helping people who work within the UK automotive industry, so we are very grateful to Vauxhall Motors for this kind donation of a piece of history for a great cause.”

BEN’s goal is to make positive differences to people’s lives in the automotive industry, supporting them in times of difficulty through a wide range of free, confidential information, advice and support services.

Blogger Victoria Magrath teams up with Vauxhall

Vauxhall have partnered up with fashion, beauty and travel blogger Victoria Magrath for an online campaign - #ADAMYOURSELF.

Magrath, founder and editor of 'Inthefrow' will undertake a year-long pan-European collaboration, which will follow Victoria as she creates her very own Vauxhall ADAM.

The #ADAMYOURSELF campaign launched with Magrath visiting the Opel/Vauxhall headquarters in Russelsheim, Germany where Mark Adams, Vice President Design Europe opened the doors to his studio. Opel/Vauxhall Chief Marketing Officer Tina Muller said: “With #ADAMYOURSELF we are exactly in the place that’s bustling with fans and future ADAM drivers – the social media channels”. Describing the online campaign she commented, “Together with the stars of the digital lifestyle scene, we are not only very close to the style trends of the target groups, we also invite them to become a part of ADAM and express their personality and creativity in this unique car.”

As part of the campaign people are encouraged to create their own ADAM at www.adamyourself.com. A jury, including Vauxhall representatives and ten European bloggers, will each choose one country favourite which will then each be produced from Autumn 2016 as limited ‘ADAM YOURSELF’ editions. Winners will also be chosen as the “advertising face” for their ADAM in their country.

Victoria Magrath, explained: “The Vauxhall ADAM is a unique car which I couldn’t wait to design and personalise. It was a privilege to meet Mark Adams and his design team to learn more about the design process. I was even taken around a track at high-speed by their rally team – an experience I won’t forget in a hurry!”

Inthefrow was established in 2012 and within its first six months, won Company Magazine Best Newcomer Blog Award, and a year later, the award for Best Established Blog. In total, ten creative lifestyle bloggers from all over Europe will work with Opel/Vauxhall and the ADAM.

The bloggers include, Nilam Farooq (Germany), Nicoletta Reggio (Italy), Lukasz Jakobiak (Poland), Caroline Bassac (France), Joao Manzarra (Portugal), Mascha Feoktistova (Netherlands), Lorna Weightman (Ireland) as well as Vanja Milicevic and Jelena Karakas (Serbia).

Lexus teams up with Jude Law

Lexus confirmed a creative collaboration with Hollywood actor Jude Law to launch The Life RX.

The advertising campaign aim to ‘amplify the qualities’ of the new Lexus RX SUV. Jude Law will work closely with Lexus ‘to enable consumers to immerse themselves and be immersed in The Life RX through interactive videography and theatre’. He will also star in a television commercial filmed on the French Riviera and in the hills of Italy’s Fiuggi region.

The ad, which airs from today throughout Europe, depicts a hotel valet who is given the keys to Jude Law’s sharply styled RX and takes the car on an extraordinary and fast-paced journey. Filmed from a first-person perspective, it aims to catapult the audience into an exciting and luxurious new world. When the wayward valet returns, Law emerges to retrieve the keys and get into his Lexus. He immediately senses something is not quite right and, with a knowing look, drives off into the distance, leaving the valet behind with the memory of having experienced The Life RX for just a short while.

Jude Law said: “I love driving and the escapism that comes with it. The concept of The Life RX is such an interesting one, as it’s true that the right car can give you the keys to an extraordinary experience. The team at Lexus envisioned bringing something to life that was immersive and included everyone on the journey, and this was something I was keen to explore.”

Alain Uyttenhoven, Head of Lexus Europe, said: “We are extremely excited to be partnering with Jude Law, a fantastic actor and a true gentleman, for The Life RX campaign. The Life RX mirrors the fact that the RX brings a different, rewarding product experience based on a bold design, innovative technologies and, above all, a premium, luxury feel. At Lexus, providing an unparalleled progressive luxury experience is at the heart of our brand and we wanted to bring this message to life with an innovative launch campaign and television ad.”

Prices for the Lexus RX start at £39,995 OTR.

The Force Awakens with Dodge Stormtroopers

In celebration of the upcoming release of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens", Dodge is taking to the streets of LA with a team of specially-wrapped cars.

A pair of First Order Stormtrooper-themed white 707-horsepower Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat and Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat vehicles have been patrolling greater LA along with an intimidating Kylo Ren-inspired wrapped black Dodge Viper ACR.

Star Wars and Dodge fans can track vehicle locations in real time on Twitter, using the hashtags #Dodge and #TheForceAwakens, and see the brand's daily fan favorites on the Dodge Facebook and Instagram pages.

Dodge is launching the promotion to give fans the opportunity to take photos and videos with the cars before the latest "Star Wars" adventure opens in cinemas worldwide from December 18.

Lucasfilm first announced in August that it was collaborating with FCA US and six other global brands to promote "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." In November, the FIAT displayed a custom-painted Fiat 500e Stormtrooper, inspired by the armour of the First Order Legion, at the LA Auto Show.

New VW concept car set for CES 2016

Volkswagen will present a completely new concept car at next month's Consumer Electronics Show, CES, in Las Vegas.

The concept is said to illustrate the major changes that the car is set to go through in the next few years, marking the beginning of a new era of affordable long-distance electromobility. 

VW claims that innovative features will demonstrate the benefits to the customer that it will soon be able to deliver, thanks to the increasing interconnectedness of the motor car. 

Dr Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand, will be the keynote speaker on the evening before the show opens its doors. The main focus of his speech will be on the latest developments in electromobility, as well as the next generation of connectivity.

Volkswagen's display will also preview the latest developments in in-car infotainment that are close to market launch, including innovations from the Golf R Touch concept car.

The CES has long been considered a barometer of the key trends in digitalisation and consumer electronics, presenting the latest products and services to more than 150,000 trade visitors every year.

CES 2016 takes place from 6-9 January in Las Vegas, USA.

Vauxhall launches Backseat Bedtime Xmas stories

Vauxhall and Radio DJ Edith Bowman have launched ‘Backseat Bedtime’ to help with long car journeys over the festive period.

The series of narrated popular children’s stories by author Tracey Corderoy aim to ease car journeys for parents, with over 12 million cars on the road during peak Xmas times. More Brits embark on long drives over Christmas and the New Year than at any other time of the year according to an 2014 RAC survey.

Unsurprisingly, three quarters of parents say they find these long car journeys stressful, with the majority (80 per cent) saying they find it hard to keep their little ones amused. To deal with this stress, half of parents (48 per cent) time long journeys to coincide with bedtime and over half (56 per cent) put their children in their pyjamas before setting off, hoping they will sleep straight through.

Narrated by mum of two, Bowman, the content, which can be streamed as audio or video content through Vauxhall’s in-car system OnStar, has been created to showcase the new levels of connectivity available across the Vauxhall range but also aims to minimise stress over the busy Christmas period.

The three stories – Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam, Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: The Cat Burglar and Hubble Bubble Granny Trouble – from author Tracey Corderoy and independent publishers Nosy Crow, were chosen for their popularity, and follow the exploits of two robber dogs who turn good, and a very peculiar granny.

Edith Bowman said: “Reading or listening to stories has always been something I've done with my kids from a very early age, both at home or on our travels. It's one of my favourite things to do as a parent, so being a bedtime storyteller was a dream for me. The idea is brilliant, using that time when kids are stuck in the car to entertain them, help them get some rest and give parents some peace!”

Sara Nicholson, OnStar Program Lead for Europe commented, “Vauxhall OnStar is a personal on-board assistant available across our vehicle range. It offers Wi-Fi capability for up to seven devices, vehicle data visible on your phone, stolen vehicle assistance, automatic crash response and much more.  Technology needs to enhance our customers everyday lives and for us at Vauxhall, the little things like quiet, hassle-free car journeys with young children are worth every penny.”

The backseat bedtime stories are available to view through the Vauxhall website: www.vauxhall.co.uk/backseatbedtime