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Honda Civic Si spotted looking sporty but mature

Our spy shooters have captured the next-generation Honda Civic Si Coupe. Judging by these photos, the introduction of the Civic Type R in the United States will allow the Si to carry its performance torch with a more subdued look than its boy-racer sibling. Up front, we see a fascia that's more aggressive than the standard Civic Coupe, with large, angular depressions flanking a central air intake. We're wondering what exactly all that tape is hiding on its face. There's a cooling element behind the lower intake, which is probably an intercooler for the 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Rumors suggest a power output of around 230 horsepower. One unique styling element that's plainly visible on this Si mule is a single large exhaust opening sprouting from under the rear bumper. Its central location is similar to that of the Type R that we've seen in spy shots, but instead of three outlets, there's just one. It's a pretty cool look, and we're excited to hear how it sounds. There's no spoiler on this mule, but we wouldn't be surprised to see an optional unit on the production model. Inside, there's a six-speed manual transmission and red stitching on the seats and steering wheel. Those seats look to have pretty substantial bolsters. There's carbon fiber trim on the dash and alcantara fabric on the doors. We've got 28 images of this Si mule, showing it from just about every angle. Scroll through our high-res gallery above and let us know what you think. The next Civic Si will probably go on sale in 2017, which means it'll make a debut either late this year in LA or early next year in Detroit. Stay tuned. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Featured Gallery Honda Civic Si: Spy Shots View 28 Photos Design/Style Spy Photos Honda Coupe Performance honda civic si

Google's new Android Autos OS unveiled, will be in cars this year [w/video]

Connected cars are coming en-masse. We know this much. How, though, remains something of an open question, especially as two of the world's largest tech companies are preparing to battle for control of your car's dashboard. On the one hand, we have Apple and its CarPlay system. And now, we know what Google has been working on with Auto Link.
Its new name is Android Auto, and yes, it's based off the Android architecture that is the primary challenger to Apple's iOS mobile operating system. Announced at Google's I/O conference today, Android Auto functions similarly to CarPlay - owners will need to plug their smartphones into their cars to access the full breadth of capability.
In Android Auto's case, that means a wealth of voice controls to limit distracted driving. Google's marquee apps will be available when the interface arrives in production models later this year, including Google Play Music, Google Maps and voice-activated texting and text playback. Meanwhile, developers will be able to begin designing custom apps for the new system via an upcoming software development kit.

Recharge Wrap-up: BYD e6 taxi in Canoas, BMW wins award for second life battery project

BMW has won a 2015 Energy Storage North America (ESNA) Innovation Award for its second life battery project. The BMW i ChargeForward project takes batteries that have been retired from automotive duty, and puts them to work as stationary energy storage for a solar energy system. It also integrates BMW EVs into the grid, and uses software to manage charging based on grid load. "The goal of the BMW i ChargeForward project is to show how electric vehicles with smart charging capability and stationary second life applications of EV batteries can provide valuable flexibility that would make it possible for utilities to maximize the effectiveness of the existing electricity grid, which we expect to ultimately lower total cost of EV ownership for consumers," says BMW Advanced Technology Engineer of Sustainable Mobility, Dr. Simon Ellgas. Read more from BMW. Honda will add 120 EV chargers at the campus of its Torrance, California headquarters. Honda is also adding a DC fast charger adjacent to the campus that is accessible to the public. "Making workplace charging ubiquitous and accessible is the cornerstone of an effective public charging strategy that supports the maximum number of vehicles," says Honda's Environmental Business Development Office VP, Steven Center. "This expansion will make commuting in an EV a convenient option for the vast majority of Honda associates in Torrance, including those without access to charging at their homes or apartment buildings." Read more from Honda. The city of Canoas, Brazil has begun testing the BYD e6 electric taxi. The city will evaluate the EV taxi over a period of 60 days. "This may translate into vital savings for our survival," says Sergio Oliveira, President of the Taxi Driver Union in Canoas. "With today's high fuel prices, our operation is becoming unfeasible. This car's cost-benefit seems to be worth it. Now we need to get to know the car better by trying it out in the street, but so far we're quite pleased with what we've seen." The test of the electric taxi is part of a larger effort to electrify transport in Canoas. Read more in the press release below. Another Brazilian City Embraces a BYD Electrified Public Transportation Solution In a bid to offer its citizens a more economical and sustainable alternative in public transportation, the Brazilian city of Canoas has recently started testing the BYD e6 BEV as taxi.