2021 Porsche Cayenne Coupe Awd on 2040-cars

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If your TV rats you out, what about your car?

Vizio, the TV manufacturer, recently had to pay a $2.2-million fine to the FTC recently because it was discovered that its sets were collecting data about viewers' watching habits and then using the information for its own benefit. Last year, it was revealed the Samsung smart TVs were busy listening to what was being said, even if the conversations in question had absolutely nothing with switching the channel away from the Matt LeBlanc Top Gear. Nowadays, auto manufacturers seem to be tripping over each other pointing out that they offer Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto. And more recent phenomenon are announcements—from companies including Ford and Hyundai—that they are offering Amazon Alexa capabilities. You talk. It listens. In late January, General Motors said it is releasing a next-generation infotainment software development kit (NGI SDK) to software developers to write apps for GM cars. The NGI SDK includes native Application Program Interfaces (APIs) that allow access to expected things - like oil life and tire pressure and whether lightbulbs are burned out - but unexpected things, as well. Like the presence of passengers in the vehicle. When your TV set is ratting you out, isn't it likely that your car will? In making the announcement of the NGI SDK, GM pointed out that it has the largest connected fleet on the road, some 12-million vehicles. The company also noted: "From 2015 to 2016, GM has seen data usage by customers increase nearly 200 percent. Mobile app use for GM vehicles also hit an all-time high in 2016, with more than 225 million interactions." Is it not plausible that they know more those interactions than simply the number of them? GM's privacy agreement is like most privacy policies, which boils down to: You use it (the device, software, etc.), you potentially give up a portion of your privacy. While on the subject of apps, coincident with this year's CES, Subaru announced that it has added eight cloud-based apps to the STARLINK multimedia system in the 2017 Impreza. Some are familiar, like Yelp. Some are a bit narrow in focus, like eBird, which was developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology for birdwatchers. And one ought to give a bit of pause: RightTrack. According to Subaru, "RightTrack Test Drive from Liberty Mutual Insurance monitors driving habits and provides customers with tips on driving safer to help lower their insurance rates and improve their safe driving skills." Or said more simply: You drive. It watches.

Someone burnt the schnitzel out of this trio of Porsches

Every vehicle has a story, and right now, we're wondering about the tale of three extra crispy Porsches – listed as a " 1963 Porsche Porsche" (a 356), a 1970 914 (we're pretty sure it's probably a 912, not a 914), and a 1996 911 – stuck in a Woodhaven, MI salvage yard. Yes, salvage. Fire has consumed all three cars from stem to stern, the 914 looks partially flattened and, along with the 356, has part of a tree growing out the back. Shockingly, no one's bid yet. But right now, we just want to know what happened. Obviously there was fire. A lot of fire. But beyond that, we don't know. Autoblog called the salvage yard, located in southern metro Detroit, and couldn't uncover any information – a customer service rep told your author that the company doesn't have "the story" on the cars and doesn't staff mechanics at the facility. Perhaps it's this lack of mechanics that explains the outrageous prices the salvage yard listed on its website. The repair estimate on each car should read "Never," but instead, a six-figure appraisal accompanies each car. They're probably low-balling. The lowest estimated retail value, meanwhile, is $75,000. At least the primary damage – "Burn" – is correct, albeit something of an understatement. Check out the images of each car up top. And if you want more information – or God forbid you're actually considering bidding on one of these – you can click over to the salvage yard's website. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Featured Gallery Burnt Porsches in Michigan View 9 Photos News Source: Copart [1, 2, 3]Image Credit: Copart Auto News Porsche Auctions Coupe Performance Classics fire porsche 356 salvage porsche 912

Porsche boss admits Panamera's style is offputting

"There have been some small mistakes and we will do it better. For example the design could be better." - Matthias Mueller.
The design of the Porsche Panamera has been divisive, to say the least. Pretty much any Porsche with four doors was going to draw the ire of enthusiasts, but the fast-back-style roofline, prominent curves and seemingly never-ending hood have particularly irked some brand loyalists.