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Car technology I'm thankful and unthankful for

The past few years have seen a surge of tech features in new vehicles — everything from cloud-based content to semi-autonomous driving. While some of it makes the driving experience better, not all tech is useful or well thought out. Automakers who are adept at drivetrains, ride quality and in-cabin comforts often fail at infotainment interfaces and connectivity. From testing dozens of vehicles each year and in the spirit of gratitude, here are three car tech features I'm thankful — and a trio I could live without. Thanks Connected search: This seems like a no-brainer since everyone already has it on their smartphones, but not all automakers include it in the dashboard and as part of their nav systems. The best ones, such as Toyota Entune, leverage a driver's connected device to search for a range of services and don't charge a subscription or require a separate data plan for the car. I also like how systems like Chrysler Uconnect use Yelp or other apps to find everything from coffee to gas stations and allow searching via voice recognition. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: It took two of the largest tech companies to get in-dash infotainment right. While they have their disadvantages (you're forced to use Apple Maps with CarPlay, for example), the two smartphone-integration platforms make it easier and safer to use their respective native apps for phoning, messaging, music and more behind the wheel by transferring a familiar UI to the dashboard — with no subscription required. Heated seats and steering wheels: I really appreciate these simple but pleasant features come wintertime. It's easy to get spoiled by bun-warmers on frosty mornings and using a heated steering wheel to warm the cold hands. I recently tested a 2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 Coupe that also had heated armrest that added to a cozy luxury experience. Bonus points for brands like Buick that allow setting seat heaters to turn on when the engine is remotely started. No thanks Automaker infotainment systems: Automakers have probably poured millions into creating their own infotainment systems, with the result largely being frustration on the part of most car owners. And Apple CarPlay and Android Auto coming along to make them obsolete. While some automaker systems, such as Toyota Entune and FCA's Uconnect, are easy and intuitive to use, it seems that high-end systems (I'm looking at you BMW iDrive and Mercedes-Benz COMAND) are the most difficult.

Are you Ford's next Bullitt Mustang? [w/poll]

Ford has a long history of offering special editions of its legendary Mustang. One of the most vaunted of those trim packages, though, has only been offered twice. The first time was in 2001, and then again in 2008. Yes, we're talking about the Bullitt.
Named for the infamous Dark Highland Green Mustang Fastback driven by Steve McQueen in the 1968 cop melodrama Bullitt, the car was famous for not just its pilot, but the high-speed chase it took part in during the movie. Now, we think we have images of the next Bullitt.
According to our spy photographers, the paint is a "dead-ringer" for the Dark Highland Green that has signified these special edition Mustangs. While we're inclined to agree, it's also worth pointing out that this shade looks very similar to one of the 2015's other new colors, Guard. We've yet to see one on the road (let alone in such dreary conditions), so it's tough to say for certain.

2015 Roush Stage 3 Mustang has 670 hp

My last speeding ticket was nearly two years ago while behind the wheel of a 2014 Roush Stage 3 Mustang. Considering the supercharged 5.0-liter V8 produced 575 horsepower – the lowest of the Stage 3's tunes – an encounter with the friendly folks at the Michigan State Police seemed inevitable. With the 2015 Stage 3 producing 95 more horsepower, if and when I drive the new supercharged 'Stang, another meeting with Michigan's finest seems likely. The combination of the Ford 5.0-liter V8 and a 2.3-liter TVS supercharger turns out 670 horsepower, which should have owners of the weightier Dodge Challenger Hellcat at least a bit nervous. All that power is complemented by 545 pound-feet of torque and what is almost certainly an ear-shattering exhaust note from the quad-tip pipes. On top of the RS3's trademark sound and speed, Roush has fitted the sixth-generation Mustang's body with a new "R7" aero kit that actually looks toned down from last year's car. 20-inch "Quicksilver" wheels are standard, although Roush is offering a pair of optional designs. Either way, Cooper RS3 tires are the rubber of choice. Prices for the Roush Stage 3 Mustang start at $21,995, not including the $32,300 starting price of a Mustang GT donor car. Scroll down for the official press release. Related Video: ROUSH Stage 3 Mustang Produces 670 HP May 7, 2015 – PLYMOUTH, MICHIGAN – ROUSH Performance is excited to announce final horsepower ratings for the all-new 2015 ROUSH Stage 3 Mustang. The RS3 is cranking out a heart-racing 670 horsepower and 545 lb-ft of torque to deliver the ultimate driving experience. All 670 horsepower are created as a direct result of the powerful combination of Ford's 5.0L V8 engine with ROUSH Performance's dynamic new 2015 2.3L TVS supercharger. The new ROUSH Mustang's generous power ratings impeccably compliment the RS3's list of standard and optional features, including the ROUSH Quad-Tip exhaust (with optional ROUSH Active Exhaust System), standard single-adjustable coilover suspension system (or optional competition-tuned 3-way adjustable system), and the fierce new "R7" aerobody. The 2015 ROUSH Stage 3 Mustang is not just a car – it's an experience. The RS3 truly bridges the gap between road car and race car, putting drivers behind the wheel of the ultimate uninhibited muscle car.