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Ford offers Sync download for voice control of smartphone apps

Ford Fiesta owners can download Sync Applink for hands-free voice control of smartphone applications while driving. Sync extends app functionality to the car using voice and steering-wheel controls. It offers a better alternative to manually controlling apps while driving.

Porsche 918 Spyder (2013) at Frankfurt motor show

This is the new Porsche 918 Spyder, and it’s just been unveiled on the eve of the 2013 Frankfurt motor show. The Porsche 918 Spyder is the successor to the legendary Carrera GT, uses a race-derived engine, hits 62mph in 2.8 seconds, and will reach 214mph. But the Porsche 918 Spyder is also very different to the Carrera GT, because it’s a hybrid and promises Toyota Prius-like levels of parsimony.

Peter Stevens and Julian Thomson lead a discussion on the past, present and future of car design

As part of its sponsorship of London's Clerkenwell Design Week, Jaguar and the Royal College of Art brought together three generations of the design school to discuss the past, present and possible future of car design. Held in a suitably grimy warehouse in east London – with the sculpture by RCA students Ewan Gallimore and Claire Mille's we showed you earlier this week sat outside – Professor Dale Harrow, dean of the School of Design and head of its Vehicle Design program introduced Professor Peter Stevens, Julian Thomson, Jaguar's advanced design director and Alexandra Palmowski project designer advanced colour and material at Jaguar took the audience through their careers. Charismatic as ever, Peter Stevens kicked off proceedings that moved chronologically through the decades by explaining how he first became interested in "the art if car design, allied to the science of how they work" through his artistic parents and uncle – journalist and motoring adventurer – Denis Jenkinson during the 1950s and 60s.