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What driving data is Android Auto collecting from us?

In-car solutions like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make using your smartphone while driving increasingly easy, by replicating most of the gadget's functions on a vehicle's infotainment screen. In fact, they rank among the favorite automotive features available today by Autoblog editors. While there's certainly added convenience, Motor Trend claims Google is collecting a huge array of data during trips, as well. Although, that might not actually be the case. In a rundown of the upgrades for the newly refreshed Porsche 911, Motor Trend asserts that the iconic coupe doesn't have Android Auto because of alleged privacy concerns. Reportedly, Porsche elected to only include CarPlay because the Google tech collected info on a vehicle's speed and other data. The German company didn't want to share all of that vital info with another corporation. Google opposes the allegations, though. "We take privacy very seriously and do not collect the data the Motor Trend article claims such as throttle position, oil temp and coolant temp," the company said in a portion of a statement to TechCrunch. Android Auto does use a vehicle's GPS system for location info, and checks whether it's in Park or Drive to enable some features. Also, users must opt-in to sharing the first time that they connect their phone. There might be an explanation for this confusion, according to TechCrunch. Allegedly before Android Auto launched, Google did want more vehicle data, but the company eventually changed course. Porsche may have based its decision on this earlier version. This case just shines a light on the growing question of automotive privacy and Google's potential role. The government has been unhappy with how automakers have handled this responsibility, so far, though.

Porsche Panamera's alluring hind quarters teased

It looks like we'll be seeing the new Porsche Panamera sooner rather than later, after the German company released its first teaser video for its redesigned sedan. Sadly, that image you see above is the only clear view of the new car being offered – the video doesn't offer much. In short, the clip below is all about how Porsche has successfully done its own thing over the years. You know, building cars with the engine in the wrong end and such. It's a nice little recap of Porsche history, showing Porsche's first offerings through to the 918 Spyder. But let's talk about that teaser image. We get a good look at the taillights, the traditional Porsche lettering, and the rear window. Based on these few details, it looks like the new Panamera's tail will borrow some inspiration from the updated 911. The lights are a similar shape, and while the sedan will tie the two units together with a lighting element – kind of like a 911 Targa – it looks like there's a similar character line just above the Porsche lettering. But the really weird detail here is the vertical cutline at the Panamera's center, right above the letter "S" in "Porsche." There's absolutely no reason for it to be there, unless Porsche is going to offer something really weird like a split tailgate, which we doubt. We can't see anything like it in our spy photos, but it'd be a relatively easy thing to hide with camo. But why is it there? We can't wait to find out. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Porsche 918 Spyder pre-production version in all its almost-done glory

Porsche continues the long tease of its upcoming 918 Spyder, with the latest instantiation here at the Pebble Beach Concours, with the car presented in pre-production form to the throngs on the golf course.
Just a few days ago Porsche dropped an image of the car on its official Twitter feed. True to that leak, this 918 looks damn near what we expect the full customer version to be when it is officially debuted in Frankfurt. The neon-green brake calipers are items new to this version of the 918, and seem to be an identical color to those found on the Panamera S E-Hybrid.
When it shows up as a drivable piece, expect the Porsche supercar, with its gasoline-electric drivetrain, to be pretty insane. Horsepower in excess of 800 ponies will be available with a toe-tap, while the price of entry is expected to come within shouting distance of $850,000. A good deal for Porsche to bring the thing to Pebble then, where buyers with that kind of cash are think on the ground (and most likely wearing sherbet-colored trousers).