carimmohelp: Mercedes-Benz's iCar

пятница, 2 марта 2012 г.

Mercedes-Benz's iCar

Mercedes-Benz A-Class concept interior.

The new A-Class interior is built around the smart phone.

The iPhone finally has its own set of wheels.

Mercedes-Benz has announced that the next generation of its A-Class city-friendly hatchback will have full iPhone integration, so drivers can access ''key content'' via a dash-mounted screen.

However, users will still need to plug their phones in, with specific functions showing up on the fixed screen via what the car maker calls its ''Digital DriveStyle'' app.

The phone can then be navigated using a controller mounted on the centre armrest.

Mercedes-Benz says the car will also support Apple's Siri voice recognition system, allowing drivers to, update calendar entries and make personal notes while moving.

The phone support won't cost owners extra, either, with the car maker saying all iPhone integration functions will be available with the entry-level audio system.

It also allows Mercedes-Benz to turn the A-Class into a digital social forum, with Facebook support for the first time.

Benz says the car will store its location, helping drivers to find it in a crowded car park. The interface will be split up between ''social'', ''media'' and ''places'' to help drivers chose between traditional audio and satellite navigation functions, while the ''social'' component will collect various friends and latest news from the social networks.

The A-Class, Mercedes-Benz's smallest car, is close to production form.

It has moved away from the boxy looks of its predecessor to a more stylish design and much sharper driving dynamics. Similar to the slightly larger B-Class hatchback, the new A-Class is expected to use similar petrol and diesel engines to its larger cousin.

It will be a direct competitor to Audi's recently revealed, all-new A3 and BMW's recently facelifted 1-Series.

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