CES: GM to open the dashboard to developers

At last year's Autoweek Design Forum, father of the iPod and Nest Labs co-founder Tony Fadell suggested that automakers concentrate on designing and building cars, leaving handset makers to handle infotainment. The latest announcements from Ford and GM -- in conjunction with the International CES -- suggest that automakers would rather treat the dashboard space as a handset. Yesterday, Dearborn, Mich., announced the Ford Developer Program, which opens up Sync to outside application development; now General Motors has announced a similar initiative.

Diesel Jeep Grand Cherokee coming in 2013

Chrysler Group will offer a diesel Jeep Grand Cherokee in North America in 2013, and add a third shift at a Detroit SUV plant next year. The diesel Grand Cherokee will return to the North America market for the first time since 2008, spokesman Todd Goyer said. Jeep has continued to sell diesel versions of its SUV lineup elsewhere.

Jaguar F-type prototype (2013): the testing videos

As Jaguar confirmed its new F-type sports car at the 2012 New York auto show, it issued some teaser video footage of the new £55,000 roadster landing in showrooms in spring 2013. Jag ambassador and former racer Martin Brundle hitches a lift with the company's chief dynamics engineer Mike Cross for a few hot laps in the F-type prototype around its handling circuit at Gaydon. We can safely ignore the hyperbole poring forth ('It's responsive, it's a great car to drive') but it's a good chance to see the all-aluminium F-type in action.