Boyesen Rad Valve Rad-33j on 2040-parts.com

Pioneer App Radio officially unveiled

Pioneer has officially unveiled the App Radio that AutoWeek told you about earlier this month. Now that it's willing to talk, Pioneer claims that the radio and audio system is "the first in-vehicle product designed to utilize the processing power, storage capacity, network connectivity and apps of the iPhone and iPod Touch as the primary source for its information and entertainment capabilities." That does sound a lot like what Mini Connected and, in a more platform-agnostic sense, Ford Sync are doing. Pioneer said it couldn't speak to the similarity of those systems, but Ted Cardenas, director of marketing for Pioneer's car-electronics division, briefed us on installation of the device and what Pioneer is doing to minimize driver distraction.

Shocking stats reveal mobile use while driving

AS MANY as 13% of drivers are still using hand-held mobile phones while at the wheel, according to a survey. And 4% have admitted to regularly sending or reading text messages while driving, the poll by road safety charity Brake and insurance company Direct Line showed. The number of people owning up to using hand-held mobiles at the wheel has fallen from 36% in 2006 to the current figure of 13%.

Acura ILX concept

The luxury compact sedan is set to launch later this year, representing a move by Acura into the compact premium class for the first time in order to attract younger buyers into Honda's upmarket range. The car features a slimmer version of the Acura shield grille and lamps that are cut into by the bumper surface. In profile, the ILX's silhouette, DLO, and rear door shut line are reminiscent of the Lexus IS, but Acura's rising feature line, which forms a visual muscle over the rear wheel (despite front-wheel drive architecture) adds a level of distinction.