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Watch Evo pick its 2015 Car of the Year in this epic video

With just a few days left in 2015, it's the perfect time to check out Evo's annual Car of the Year test to determine the greatest performance vehicle of the last 12 months. The writers' picks for the 11 finalists spanned a breadth of engaging models and included: Peugeot 208 GTi by Peugeot Sport, Lamborghini Aventador SV, Seat Leon Cupra Sub8, McLaren 675LT, Porsche 991 GT3 RS, Porsche Cayman GT4, Honda Civic Type R, Ferrari 488 GTB, Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, Lotus Evora 400, and Mercedes-AMG GT S. For the venue to test the mettle of these performance machines, Evo stuck close to home this year and visited the twisting roads at the beautiful north coast of Scotland. Racing brothers Marino and Dario Franchitti also came along for the ride to provide two more voices in the competitive challenge to determine a winner. Evo's video explains why each model deserves to be among such rarified company but doesn't gloss over their faults either. There can be only one winner, though. We don't want to spoil it, so check out the clip for magnificent views of these performance machines through the Scottish countryside.

Pedestrian deaths increase; cell-phone distractions may be culprit

In Philadelphia, city officials are running a public-safety campaign that implores road users to simply "Put. Phone. Down." In Florida, a similar advertisement reminds people, "Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow." What's unusual about these messages is that they target pedestrians. Amid widespread concern about distracted drivers on American roads, there's a growing body of research that suggests distracted walking is equally problematic. Pedestrians engrossed in their phone, text or Tinder conversations are stepping into intersections without so much as a glance at oncoming traffic. That may be one reason pedestrian deaths are increasing. They jumped 15 percent in a five-year period between 2009 and 2013, according to a study released this week by the Governors Highway Safety Association, with 4,735 killed in 2013. In the same time, overall traffic fatalities have fallen by 3.4 percent. Pedestrian deaths now comprise 14 percent of all traffic fatalities, and approximately one pedestrian death occurs every two hours in the United States. Alcohol is still a top culprit – it's involved in 49 percent of pedestrian deaths on either the part of driver or walker – but as cities rush to implement a wave of slower speed limits, wider sidewalks and street medians to counter pedestrian deaths, there's new focus on holding pedestrians accountable for eliminating distractions. "Undoubtedly, motorists are responsible for many pedestrian accidents," said a July newsletter from the National Motorists Association. "But pedestrians must also assume responsibility for their own safety." This week's report from the GHSA cites growing research that suggests pedestrians aren't yet doing their part. At 20 high-risk intersections, 26 percent of pedestrians wore headphones, 15 percent were texting and 13 percent talked on the phone, according to a 2013 University of Georgia study. More recently, a William Paterson University study issued earlier this year found more than 25 percent of New York City pedestrians were distracted by either their phones or headphones. Half of the pedestrians who crossed with a "Don't Walk" signal were distracted. "Getting smashed at the bar? Don't get smashed walking home." - Minnesota public-safety campaign.

Honda nav concept replaces head unit with Android phone

The desire for better in-car tech without compromising safety is what led Drivemode co-founders Yo Koga and HK Ueda to create their auto-centric Android app. It presents a clutter-free UI specifically meant for driving. The single-button, no-look interface uses display-wide swipes and taps and presents audio cues to help keep your eyes on the road -- and not the glowing rectangle you have mounted to your dash. With over 400,000 downloads, the app has gotten the attention of not just drivers, but also major automakers, including Honda. The carmaker has partnered with Drivemode to create a concept vehicle that completely replaces the head unit with a phone. It's not just shoving an Android device into the dash either; the head unit is completely integrated with the car's controls. For instance, the buttons on the wheel that usually control the radio now control the app. Additionally, the backup and right-side blindspot cameras are now displayed on the phone too. Honda and Drivemode say this is still just a concept and potentially years away from actually happening. But it's part of a larger plan to build an app for automakers; a way to offer its software replacement for the traditional in-dash system. In the meantime, though, Drivemode is looking for other ways to make a bit safer. For instance, Ueda says the app will eventually support aftermarket Bluetooth backup and blindspot cameras. So, drivers can buy the cameras and mount them to their cars, allowing them to have an additional safety feature, even if their vehicle didn't have that option when purchased new. In particular, the Drivemode team sees an opportunity in lower-end vehicles that are less likely to come pre-installed with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. The app replicates many of the features found in those systems which tend to be found in medium to high-end cars. For drivers who can't afford the trim levels that offer those smartphone-integrating options (or are are not looking to upgrade their whip), they can still enjoy a more integrated driving experience without weaving all over the road trying to launch Spotify. Unfortunately, the app is for Android only right now, but Drivemode is looking for additional funding to build an iOS version. Related Video: This piece by Roberto Baldwin originally appeared on Engadget, the definitive guide to this connected life. Auto News Honda android android auto nav