Tap-to-pay Google Wallet launched

Smartphones are in the process of replacing cameras, phonebooks, land lines and maps ... and wallets are next. First announced in May but just launched today, the Google Wallet free app allows its users to store electronic versions of their credit cards on their smartphone, and pay for items simply by tapping their phone on a near field communication (NFC) reader at a store's front counter.

A number of retailers, along with one financial institution and one carrier are on board, and so far Google Wallet is compatible with the Citi Master Card along with Google Prepaid Cards, that can be "loaded" using any existing credit card. Currently it only works with Google's Nexus S 4G phone, on the Sprint network. Needless to say, the number of cards, devices and networks is expected to grow soon.

It can be put to use at merchants that display a MasterCard PayPass symbol at their till. Users simply enter their PIN on their phone, tap the device on the merchant's NFC reader, and the payment is electronically made. At some retailers, electronic coupons and loyalty points will also be passed along. Participating businesses can be found using the MasterCard PayPass Locator for Android app.

Special Google Offers will also be made available to users, and will automatically sync with their Wallet.

Down the road, Google would also like to see the Wallet containing things such as gift cards, tickets, boarding passes, and even electronic house keys. Google Walletcan be downloaded now, free of charge.-gizmag.com

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Mansory Siracusa Unveiled at 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show: Live Video, Photos and Specs

If you’re a tuning company, the 64th edition ofInternational Auto Show in Frankfurt seems a good place for a worldwide debut. Well, one of the companies who believe this is the luxury tuner Mansory who was present at theFrankfurt Motor Show presenting its latest creation, the Siracusa, based on the Ferrari 458 Italia.

This project wasn’t received very well in some people opinion being considered a blasphemy. Still, in many eyes looks better than the original supercar. However, we let you decide if it’s better or not.

Thanks to its ECU remap, sport air filter and sport exhaust, the Mansory Siracusa is now delivering a total output of 582 BHP and 560 Nm of torque (413 lb-ft). With this massive power, this car is able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, whith a 330 km/h top speed.

Pretty impressive, isn’t it? That’s not all, of course. In order to make it more stable, the tuner fitted new sport shock absorbers and lowering springs by 20 mm. As for the wheels, the supercar is riding on 20 and 21 inch rims, wrapped in Michelin PS2 tires, with 245/35R20 for the front and 305/30R21 for the rear.

The interior of the Siracusa now has top materials including leather, carbon fiber, along with a new redesigned center console, a sport steering wheel with a full-sized airbag, decorative stitching and aluminum pedals.

So far, the tuning company Mansory didn’t announce a price for its Siracusa, but as soon as we find something new, we’ll let you know.

Exora facelift and new C-segment sedan revealed

PROTON has announced that it will be coming out with a facelift of the Exora and also a premium version of the MPV.

Proton's managing director, Datuk Sri Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said Malaysians can expect this facelifted Exora in two months time.

The facelifted Exora is also expected to feature Proton's latest update on its 1.6L engine, the turbocharged Campro.

From the slide, changes were made to the headlights (black-out treatment), new front grille and bumper and a complete bodykit.

The B, C and D pillars too are blacked out.

Spyshots and our own encounters with the Exora Turbo show that the left of the two side slots on the front bumper houses the intercooler for the turbo unit.

Our sources inform us that the turbo is tuned more for fuel economy and a little boost in torque.

Zainal also informed the press that the Exora Prime will be introduced.

"This is a premium version of the Exora and will only seat six," he said.

Also on the slides are illustrations of its new P3-21A sedan which Proton announced to be their global car.

The car will fight in the B/C sedan segment and is benchmarked against the best in the class.

Focus has been given to ensure the new car offers class leading figures in performance, fuel consumption, ride and handling, cabin space and luggage space.

The car is slated to be launched in March 2012 and it will also be equipped with Traction Control, developed by Bosch.-cbt.com.my

Frankfurt Motor Show: Volkswagen Polo R

We may never get a roadgoing version, but Volkswagen would like us to see what some of its rally heroes will be using to kick up muck around the world: the Polo R WRC.

A production version might pack a 1.6 litre turbo engine, as this one does, but we don't imagine it would roll off the lot with the same Golf R-swatting 220kW of power and 350Nm of torque.

A four-wheel-drive system will propel the 1200kg Polo R charge through the mud, gravel and ice of the demanding circuits on the WRC calendar. There are no details however of the particular system deployed below or whether it's related to the Haldex technology used in the roadgoing Golf R.

The Polo R's 1.6 litre engine is also perfect for new WRC rules that come into effect this year, prescribing engines with direct injection, turbocharging and a maximum displacement of 1600cc.

The rally-bred Polo R gets the usual race-car treatment, including a stripped-out interior, protective cage, a wider track and the flared panels to go with it.

"The new Technical Regulations of the World Rally Championship are an ideal fit for Volkswagen's philosophy with respect to the development of production vehicles," said Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Management Board of the Volkswagen Brand, Development Division.

"The timing of the WRC debut is optimal for Volkswagen. The big task of engineering a vehicle that is competitive and capable of winning at a large number of challenges holds great appeal for us."

If a roadgoing Polo R is produced, it will likely draw more from the upcoming Audi S1 than from its purpose-built rally counterpart.

Officially, plans for a roadgoing race-inspired Polo R remain unconfirmed, and pricing the model without cannibalising sales of the company's other performance models will be key.

Now that Ford looks ready to unleash a Polo GTI rival in the form of the new Fiesta ST (still a concept for now), it may be time for Volkswagen to up the ante.-themotorreport.com.au

Frankfurt: 2012 Formula Ford revealed

Who said that the Frankfurt Motor Show was only for production cars and the most extreme vehicles presented would be the ones “made” by world known tuners, and besides the DTMs unveiled by Audi and Mercedes and Dacia’s 800 horsepower Pikes Peak Duster, Ford’s turn came up to reveal its new 2012 Formula racing car.

“Ford’s global kinetic design philosophy is also echoed in the new-generation car, giving fans of the championship a style they can easily recognize. Car manufacturers will still be able to add that crucial individual touch to their cars though, with only the requirement to keep specific parts developed for aerodynamic equivalence mandated in the regulations”, as it is written in an official Ford statement.

The automaker says that its 2012 Formula Ford is powered by a production-based 1.6 liter Ford EcoBosst direct injection, turbocharged engine, which will be delivering 163 horsepower and 220 Nm of torque, connected to a six-speed sequential transmission with mechanical shift mechanism, sending power to the rear wheels.

After presenting its new Formula racing car for the year 2012, Ford stopped releasing any extra details, but not before saying that besides the traditional blue and white paint, the car has a tubular steel chassis, side intrusion panels and carbon fiber front and rear crash structures, making it eligible to compete in a variety of international events.-inautonews.com