Joystick Control V-blade Boss Snow Plow Msc03809 on 2040-parts.com

OnStar tests Facebook updates, text-message reading services

General Motors' OnStar service is launching new features with the latest generation of its technology and is testing applications such as reading text messages and updating social-networking Web sites via voice command. The ninth generation of OnStar's software will let GM car owners use their smartphone to remotely start the engine and lock or unlock their cars. The service is called OnStar MyLink.

Wild Mazzanti Evantra supercar debuts

“The creation of each Evantra is a unique and emotional experience for those who participate in the project such as for the client who follows the birth of the car in each phase. Evantra V8 was not born to please everyone, instead to be herself and to generate emotions with her character and exclusivity.” That slightly broken piece of English is the refrain from Luca Mazzanti, CEO of Mazzanti Automobili. Its Evantra supercar made an appearance online before next month's Geneva motor show.

Toyota talks powertrain plans

After trailing many of its competitors in the recent engine- and transmission-technology wars, Toyota Motor Corp. will launch a swath of powertrains in the next several years, a top powertrain r&d executive said. Koei Saga, senior managing officer in charge of drivetrain r&d, said that Toyota is investing heavily in turbocharged engines, larger displacement Atkinson cycle engines, continuously variable and fixed-gear automatic transmissions, and new hybrid and fuel cell technologies.