Front Grille Emblem Toyota on 2040-parts.com

Drivers of GM vehicles will be able to control car features via smartphone

Drivers of most 2011 General Motors Co. vehicles will be able to use a smartphone to carry out functions usually found on a key fob -- such as remote starting, activating the horn and lights, and remote locking and unlocking of doors. Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC, working through OnStar, are developing brand-specific mobile applications than can be controlled on Apple's iPhone and phones using Google's Android operating system.

BMW Alpina B6 Bi-Turbo Convertible (2011) at the Frankfurt motor show

BMW’s M Division is busy readying M6 variants of both the 6-series Coupe and Convertible, but if you can’t wait until 2012 – or if you want a fast but understated Six – then Alpina has just the car for you. It’s the BMW Alpina B6 Bi-Turbo Convertible, just unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show. And I’m guessing the BMW Alpina B6 Bi-Turbo Convertible does exactly what is says on the tin?

BMW to show production hybrid X6, 7-series at Frankfurt motor show

A pair of fire-breathing hybrids from BMW based on the X6 and the 7-series will be revealed in production guise at the Frankfurt motor show in September. The ActiveHybrid X6 arrives in the United States late this year, followed by the ActiveHybrid 7 in the spring of 2010. Both hybrids combine electric motors with powerful twin-turbo V8 engines to boost output, performance and fuel economy, while retaining the looks of the popular conventional versions.