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2 012 POR T L AND I NT E RNAT I ONA L AUTO SHOW
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OF F I C I A L SOUV EN I R MAGA Z I NE
2012 PORTLAND INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
780.012712 ASM
turbocharged four cylinder engine; the
city-oriented Land Rover Evoque; and the
remodeled Toyota RAV4.
And if you want traditional off-road
capabilities, check out the Jeep, Land Rover
and Range Rover lines, along with the
Nissan Xterra, and the Toyota FJ Cruiser and
4Runner.
5. Connected to everything
Many people are constantly connected
to the Internet at their homes, schools and
offices, especially the younger generations
who have grown up with smart phones. Now
more and more manufacturers are offering
automobiles that can be connected to smart
phones, personal entertainment devices,
and the Internet itself. The concept is called
“connectivity,” which PC magazine defines as
“connecting devices to each other in order to
transfer data back and forth.”
Practically everymanufacturer is offering
its own system. Some involve partnership
with existing high-tech companies. Others
are more in-house. The most sophisticated
can handle a number of devices at the same
time. Connecting directly to the most current
maps, weather forecasts and traffic reports is
also becoming increasingly common.
Systems can be either embedded in the
vehicle or mobile phone-based. Those offered
by major manufacturers include BMW’s
Assist, Buick’s IntelliLink, Ford’s SYNC,
Chrysler’s Uconnect, Hyundai’s BlueLink,
Kia’s UVO, Lexus’ Enform, Mercedes’ Tele
Aid and mbrace, Mini’s Connected, Toyota’s
Entune and Safety Connect, and Volvo’s On
Call. OnStar is also available on a number
of General Motors vehicles. Because of the
variety, buyers should compare systems
to find the one that meet their needs the
best. Many manufacturers will be offering
demonstrations at the 2012 Portland
International Auto Show.
Chevrolet’s extended-range electric Volt, introduced to the public at last year’s Portland Auto Show, is getting an
upgraded battery for 2012.