To launch the all-new 2010 GTI, VW teamed up with Firemint, the creators of the excellent iPhone racing game Real Racing to produce a free game based off of Real Racing, but with the 2010 GTI the only drivable car. The game is available worldwide in the iTunes App Store.

Play the game regularly and you could win a customized GTI MkVI. VW will be giving away six of these cars, one per week, to players of the game. The customized version of the 2010 GTI includes a performance tuned suspension, all-new 18-inch wheels, and special interior touches including carbon fiber-look trim, a numbered dash plaque, and unique stitching in the front headrests.
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The Apple iPhone, by design, is meant to be an all-in-one device, but who would have guessed it would be capable of doing some of the things it can? A few months ago we reviewed Rev for iPhone, which allows you to measure and graph many in-car statistics and analytics in real time, among many other features.

Viper Security has just announced a new iPhone app that allows you to start, lock, unlock, pop the trunk, arm security, or even find your car in a parking lot from anywhere you and your car have cell phone signal.

The system is called “Viper SmartStart,” and uses a downloadable app from the iTunes App Store to connect with the SmartStart system installed in your car. The system isn’t cheap, however. If you already have a remote start installed in your car, you can save some cash and just get the SmartStart module, which runs $299. If not, expect to fork over $499 for the whole system, which does not include installation at Best Buy, or the $30/year service charge (first year is free.)

This is a unique system, and might have some unexpected benefits. Standard key fobs have a very limited range, and the Viper SmartStart system’s range is virtually unlimited, as long as you have cell phone coverage. For example, let’s say you’re at the grocery store and lock your keys in your car. You could simply unlock the car with your iPhone, or even have your spouse at home unlock the car for you. Another benefit is that you’re able to start your car and warm it up in the winter from anywhere. If you’re in the office, for example, start the car while you’re at your desk so it’s warm when you get to it. An interesting and useful system, though a bit pricey.

Check out the video of the Viper SmartStart system after the jump. Continue Reading…

When the iPhone was introduced in June 2007, we knew it was revolutionary. It combined a phone, MP3 player, video player, internet browser, hand-held game console, and GPS all in one device, and did it with a beautiful and slick interface. What we didn’t expect, however, is that a new batch of creative developers would create applications to turn it into much more than what it already is.

A perfect example of this an app that turns your iPhone or iPod Touch into an automotive analytics platform that can provide the same OBDII-reading functionality of high-end test equipment costing far more, and it can do it wirelessly. Simply titled “Rev,” this app costs only $40 in the app store, or you can download the limited “Lite” version for free. Check out the cool 50s-style intro video to Rev below: Continue Reading…

Ford has been trying hard to connect with “Generation Y” lately. Their most recent attempt was released earlier this month in the form of an application for the Apple iPhone: the “Ford Flex Photo Lab.”

The Flex Photo Lab app offers a “mini-Photoshop” type photo filtering for pictures on the iPhone, as well as a section to “Discover Flex” through 360-degree exterior and interior views, vehicle information, a photo gallery, and a feature to use the iPhone’s internal map/GPS to find the nearest Ford dealership.

“Flex consumers love new technology, and we know that a lot of them have iPhones, so we wanted to offer them a free application that is both a cool and useful tool,” said Usha Raghavachari, Ford Crossover marketing communications manager.

The photo editing options: Continue Reading…

Part of Audi’s new advertising campaign for the 2009 A4 is developing a video game for the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch. What resulted was the Audi A4 Driving Challenge, a racing game featuring the A4 and using the iPhone’s built-in accelerometer to steer (turn it like a steering wheel, see below.)

Despite it being a free download, the game gathered quite a few negative reviews from users. This was mostly due to the game being a blatant advertisement, having very limited gameplay value, and terrible controls. I played the game myself, and the users were right. After about 5 minutes of play, I deleted the game from my iPhone and never looked back.

Fortunately, Audi realized that they’ll have to make a game worth downloading to gather the attention they seek, and just released a second version with better graphics, significantly improved handling (although very unrealistic,) more tracks to race, and the ability to unlock additional cars such as the A4 3.2L V6 and Audi R8. Continue Reading…