Automakers sign up to Apple 'Eyes Free' Siri button

Apple has announced that the leading carmakers have signed up for the addition of an ‘Eyes Free' button that will activate Siri for in-car Apple products. Siri – the innovative voice activation system developed for the 4S, Apple's latest iPhone – can be activated by pressing a steering wheel mounted button and allows the driver to access the same information available when not driving. Apple reported at its 2012 Worldwide Developer's Conference that Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Toyota, Land Rover, Jaguar, Chrysler and Honda have all signed up to offer Eyes Free within the next 12 months.

Jaguar XFR-S – tease take 2

The Jaguar XFR-S – a more powerful version of the XFR – will debut tomorrow at the Los Angeles Auto Show, but we get a second tease first. Jaguar’s punt at making the now ageing XFR credible against the new BMW M5 – the Jaguar XFR-S – is getting its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show tomorrow, but ahead of that full reveal Jaguar is teasing interest with its second teaser photo of the most powerful saloon they’ve ever built. Last week we got a front view of the XFR-S with its more aggressive nose (and Jaguar’s favourite ‘Speedy’ blue paint job) and this week we get to see the thumping great carbon fibre rear wing Jaguar has bolted on the back of the XFR-S.

Fisker battles problems as the Karma finally lurches toward launch

All Henrik Fisker wants is to build his plug-in hybrid cars and deliver them to customers--some of whom have been waiting three years since plunking down $5,000 deposits. Instead, he has been fending off criticisms aimed at his green-car company as shipments of his $103,000 Karma plug-in hybrid sedan have been delayed by cash flow troubles, regulatory snarls and a recall. But when a startup such as Fisker Automotive accepts a Department of Energy loan in a down economy, having the company tossed around like a political football comes with the territory.