Month: June 2016

According to Apple, CarPlay is the ultimate co-pilot. A smarter and a safer way to use your iPhone in the car. It takes everything want to do with your iPhone and puts them into your car’s built-in display. Sounds pretty amazing, right?

Functionality with CarPlay is a breeze and, alongside the soon-to-be-released new operating system iOS 10, it should, in theory, bring greater functionality. Making your ability to get directions, make calls, listen to music, send and receive messages easier whilst you, keep most of your focus where it should be… on the road.

Though by now you’re probably curious about what it actually does or what’s so special about it? Well, let us tell you…

Firstly, what is CarPlay?

The first thing you need to know about CarPlay is that it’s not an in-car system running on iOS. It’s a connectivity solution that uses the familiar iOS interface in the car’s infotainment system display, allowing you to select apps on screen or with your voice.

Once you plug your iPhone in a compatible car using a lightning cable it instantly brings up the user interface on the in-car screen.

Introducing The New Features…

CarPlay has been around for a while now, but here are a few the newest features expected to be released alongside iOS 10.

Apple Maps

With the new update, Apple Maps will now feature turn-by-turn navigation instructions, also anticipating traffic conditions and providing an ETA – like many navigation systems already available.

Siri

The well-known voice controlled assistant, Siri, will also be a new feature on CarPlay. It will allow you to find contact numbers, listen to voicemails and will even read your messages then  allow you to dictate responses, all hands-free or with less hassle.

With Siri, you’ll also be able to be access to iTunes or even third party apps like Spotify etc.

Aftermarket Solutions

If you’re not in a rush to replace your car anytime soon, you can still get your hands on CarPlay from companies such as Alpine, JBL, JVC, Kenwood and Pioneer which offer affordable ways to add CarPlay to your Car. Prices for these systems can range from £170 – £1,000.

Is My iPhone Compatible?

Only iPhone 5 and newer can run CarPlay. This includes the latest iPhone SE, 6S and 6S Plus. Unfortunately, iPads are not compatible with CarPlay functions.

Which Cars Support CarPlay?

The system is now available in over 100 different – 2016 onwards – vehicles. Including, Audi Q2, Ford Fiesta (2017), VW Golf (2016) and much more. For the full list of available models that support CarPlay click here.

Image Source: Apple.com

From supercars to saloons here are some of the highly anticipated cars we should expect to see in 2016.

Bentley Bentayga

After multiple attempts at creating an SUV, it’s good to see that the production for the fourth model in the Bentley SUV range, design wise, looks considerably better.

Using 600bhp twin-turbocharged W12 which propels all two and a half tonnes of Crewe’s finest to a top speed of 187mph. The car is expected to be available with Diesel and Hybrid power plants at some point in the future. Like most things wearing a Bentley badge, they don’t come cheap, at £160,000 it’s one of the most expensive SUVs ever.

Range Rover Evoque Convertible

We’ve had coupe-SUVs and performance SUV’s, so surely a convertible SUV was bound to be the next natural step?

The Range Rover Evoque Convertible is the world’s first luxurious convertible SUV, something that could prove to be the next big thing in the car industry. This brand new style required some major manufacturing changes. From a simple fabric canopy to a full-length metal folding top. This four wheel drive naturally is 277 kg heavier and slower than the standard model.

Despite its target market, it still possesses it’s off-road abilities. For this advanced model, you can expect to pay a whopping £47,500.

Alfa Romeo Giulia

The name will roll off your tongue like a good bottle of wine, it’s a stylish, rear-wheel drive saloon with a choice of four engines available from launch. In a market that demands prestige and performance in equal measure, this Giulia is well equipped, beautifully designed and, of course,  attractively priced.

Built to rival their German competitors and forming part of an ambitious growth strategy that will also see an SUV in the coming years. You should expect prices to start between £27,000 and £29,000.

Audi Q2

The newest and smallest member of the Q family is an aim at a younger target market. They’ve ditched the old styling and made it chunkier, funkier and more customisable than any other Audi out there, including a bright choice of colour palette.

As usual, the cabin is upmarket, however, you can expect the running costs on this model to be relatively low, powered by the usual 2.0 TDI diesel 1.4 TFSI petrol units. Set to be on sale in August at around £22,000.

As for the tech, on this 5 seater, the kit list will be a full digital Virtual Cockpit instrument display, LED and ambient lighting, plus adaptive damping and automatic city braking.

Aston Martin DB11

Aston’s new DB sports car features a brand new bold design, nothing compared to the previous cars in the range as well as a brand new engine. The front end, you’ll find, is significantly more sculpted and muscular compared with its 13-year-old precedent.

A two-turbocharged 5.2 litre V12 lies under the bonnet with an impressive 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 200mph. To add to this brand new redesigned version, you’ll find a new wheel design which complements this refreshed look perfectly.

Prices for this beauty start from £154,900.

BMW M2 Coupe

The newest addition to the BMW M range not only is the smallest in the M family but also one of the most engaging rear-wheel-drive models in the world. A combination of sporting prowess and a classic rear wheel drive.

This beast has some clever engineering – including an active rear differential, M-specific stability control and adaptable sports suspension. Not to mention the dual-clutch auto which will allow you to switch gears like never before. With a top speed of 155 mph, this machine will get you from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds.

Priced at £44,070.