Articles by Joel Feder

And to get our engines all warmed up, a trailer video has been released

It was a mere year ago that Apple introduced its Eyes Free hands-free system. At the time we were told over the next 12 months automakers would begin to integrate this new system into new vehicle's infotainment systems.We're still waiting on that to unfold, but today Apple has another angle for its iOS operating system and mobile devices. At its World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple revealed its new application, called iOS in the Car.Built into Apple's latest iOS 7 operating system, iOS in the Car will integrate key functions of newer iPhones with a car's infotainment system. The vehicle's in-car display will mirror the iPhone's screen, and the voice command function will operate through the vehicle's sound system.Using Apple's Maps application, vehicles will be able to display a commute summary. Using the iPhone's GPS system, the car will be able to display traffic conditions along with the estimated time of arrival.Siri--Apple's virtual assistant--will be able to play back voicemail and assist in returning phone calls using the car's Bluetooth hands-free system. Making sure the tunes keep pumping, iOS in the Car will integrate Apple's new iTunes Radio--similar to Pandora--allowing drivers to stream and control music wirelessly with voice commands.Drivers, Apple says, will also be able to respond to iMessages and text messages using voice commands. Apple said the same nine automakers already on board from last year will be integrating iOS in the Car in 2014.The brands are BMW, GM, Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Jaguar, Audi, Toyota, Honda, and Chrysler -- meaning we could see the integration on future models from those brands in Australia.Apple's new iOS 7 operating system will be available for certain iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touches within about four months in overseas markets.www.motorauthority.com 

Audi hasn't been shy in telling the world that it has big plans for growth. In fact, its parent company Volkswagen has plans to overtake General Motors and Toyota as the world's largest automaker, and the four-ringed luxury brand is going to play a critical role in meeting that goal. How you ask? New performance models will be a main factor according to Bloomberg. Audi's wasting no time in expanding its high-performance RS line. While production of the TT RS is already completed -- until the next generation -- things are still getting some heat with the RS 4 and RS 6 Avants (wagons), the RS 5 Coupe and the coming RS 5 Cabriolet. As if those weren't enough, Audi surprised us with the new RS 7 at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show. Arriving later this year, the twin-turbo V8-powered four-door coupe has stunning lines and the power to put a smile on your face. And while the new 2015 Audi A3 compact sedan is sure to play a role in Audi's expansion, we are already excited about the hotter S3 model and the potential for an RS 3. Audi also refreshed the R8 supercar for the 2014 model year, with updated styling, interior refinement, and a new dual-clutch gearbox. We drove it, and it's stellar -- especially the R8 V10 Plus variant. While nothing is certain in this world, it's clear that enthusiasts can count on Audi focusing on enhancing its performance lineup with new and refreshed S and RS models in the near future. After all, the transaction prices for an RS model are much higher than those of a base A model, and isn't making money and expanding volume what we all learn in Business 101? www.motorauthority.com  

Imagine you're watching TV and a commercial comes on for a transmission shop. We'd bet that 99 per cent of the time, you'd tune out and wait for your show to come back on after the commercial. This advertisement is the definition of that other one per cent of the time when you just want to give props and watch the amazing unfurl. Any commercial that starts by saying, "Hey baby, how does your car run? You having trouble with your transmission?" has our attention immediately. From there it only gets more hilarious. The entire commercial features a song that is about shifting it forward or into reverse, kind of like an ADHD Nissan ad. The video stars what we assume to be the transmission shop's owner Goorgen, a yellow Volkswagen Thing, and three lovely ladies. Whether you find the advertisement hilarious or creepy, you have admit the song is catchy, in an earwig way. Needless to say, if you're in Burbank, California in the US, and need transmission work, you could certainly check out Arlen's Transmission and sing along with him (and those three lovely ladies) in person. Or not. (Hat tip Chris Mitchell) www.motorauthority.com  

It's no secret that Porsche is working on a four-cylinder boxer engine; it's already admitted it's under development. The questions that haven't been answered yet are, when is it coming, and which vehicles will use it? In December we reported that a new four-cylinder boxer engine could make its debut in a Porsche as soon as the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show. Now it seems that we won't see the flat four from Porsche for another three years. A Zuffenhausen-based Porsche official told Autocar that the new powerplant is still early in its development, and it's not due before 2016. It is expected to make its debut in the refreshed 2016 Boxster and Cayman sports cars. The new engine is said to share its design with the boxer six in the current Boxster, Cayman, and 911. It will feature direct-injection technology, and likely, start-stop functionality. We expect it will displace 2.5 litres and will be offered both in naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms, with the latter producing close to 257 kW. It's not the only four-cylinder coming to Porsche, however. The upcoming 2014 Porsche Macan compact crossover actually will be the first new Porsche to receive a four-cylinder engine. That engine will be a Volkswagen AG 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder, and will be developed by the VW Group in petrol and diesel forms. www.motorauthority.com  

We still have over two months before Fast And Furious 6 will be in movie theatres, and for a car enthusiast that seems like eons to wait.

When Ford showed the Fiesta ST Concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show last year, we all knew it was only a matter of time before a production model made its debut. And one year later, at this year's 201