Here at LotPro.com, we learned of Volkswagen’s Real Racing GTI app for the iPhone® and iPod Touch® when the company made the official announcement on October 22nd. Since that time, the Real Racing GTI app continues to be “one of the hottest free apps on iTunes”, according to VW, with more than 2 million downloads.

And while the app really is pretty cool, it certainly helps that, tied in with the game, VW plans on giving away a total of six limited-edition MkVI GTIs to randomly-selected players in the six weeks following the introduction of the game.

“Consumer response to Real Racing GTI has been phenomenal, and thanks to fans like Joseph Chase, the game is still one of the top free apps on iTunes,” said Tim Ellis, Vice President of Marketing, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “More than 2 million consumers have already downloaded the free app, and we are thrilled they have reacted to it with such enthusiasm and in such a short time frame.”

And the first winner is

From the above quoted paragraph, you should discern that the first winner is one Joseph Chase. Joseph, who hails from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, is not so enamored of the virtual world that he isn’t looking forward to the real thing. “I downloaded the Real Racing GTI App the minute I first heard about it and I haven’t stopped playing since – it’s just such a fun game,” said Mr. Chase. “But now I can’t wait to hit the real streets in my new GTI!”

It pays to play

How can you win your own MkVI? Here’s the DL from VW:

U.S.-registered players enjoying the action of the Real Racing GTI App can put their skills to the test for a chance to win one of the remaining five, limited-edition 2010 GTI models. The more people play, the more chances they have to win. Continuing over each of the next five weeks, one player will be chosen to win the ultimate racing prize: the exclusive GTI MkVI, an individually-numbered, specially-tuned version of the legendary hatchback. Each model includes the GTI’s 2.0T 200hp four-cylinder engine, a performance tuned suspension finished with black, Volkswagen
motorsport 18-inch all-new wheels, and special interior touches, including carbon fiber-look trim, a numbered dash plaque, and unique stitching in the front headrests. Winners will be selected and notified by ePrize, Volkswagen’s interactive promotions partner. For more information on the competition please visit: www.vw.com/RealRacingGTI.

The Real Racing GTI App is available for free from the App Store on the iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore/. No purchase is necessary to enter the contest, which officially ends on December 2 at 11:59PM.

All images courtesy of Volkswagen of America

1951 International Auto Show

Getting your virtual kicks

Here at LotPro.com, we’re pretty sure that not in his wildest dreams would Ferdinand Porsche have conceived of anything like a virtual reality game (was ist das?) playing a major role in a new car introduction. But that was then (1931), and this is now.

Today, Volkswagen of America announced the launch of its all-new 2010 GTI along with a free version of Firemint Real Racing starring VW’s latest generation pocket rocket.

Real Racing GTI can be downloaded directly to the iPhone® and iPod® touch via a WiFi connection (the file is too large for 3G) or through the iTunes® software program. The App, according to VW, “is available worldwide and spares no detail, allowing players to experience every thrilling aspect of the all-new 2010 GTI right in the palms of their hands” (this being a G-rated blog, we have no comment).

“With the personalization of media and the challenges inherent with reaching constantly connected consumers, we tasked ourselves to rethink the way we launch vehicles in order to engage our consumers in a meaningful way,” said Tim Ellis, Vice President of Marketing, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “The GTI customer is a tech-savvy consumer who enjoys social networking, playing games and spending time on mobile devices – most often an iPhone. Launching the all-new 2010 GTI via the Real Racing GTI App allows us to connect with this savvy GTI consumer within his or her everyday life in a way that no 30-second spot ever could.”

But wait, there’s more!

And just like a Shamwow commercial, only better, VW has added a major sweetener to the pot: U.S.-registered players will have a chance to win one of six limited-edition 2010 Volkswagen GTIs. The more you play, the more chances you have to win as, each week for six consecutive weeks (beginning as we write this), one player will be chosen to win her or his own individually-numbered, specialy-tuned GTI MkVI.

This custom ride will feature “performance tuned suspension finished with black, Volkswagen motorsport 18-inch all-new wheels, and special interior touches, including carbon fiber-look trim, a numbered dash plaque, and unique stitching in the front headrests.

Gentlemen, start your downloads!

For more information, visit: www.vw.com/RealRacingGTI.

All images courtesy of Volkswagen of America

Forte part deux

Less than one month after the introduction of the Forte sedan, Kia has released its third salvo for 2009 in the guise of the Forte Koup. At LotPro.com we take note that this is Kia’s first-ever two-door coupe and marks the automaker’s next step in competing with the big boys in quality, performance and – dare we say – design, as well.

Based on its sedan sibling, the Koup version shares the same 104.3 inch wheelbase, but the 2-door body is 0.4 inches narrower, 2.0 inches shorter and 2.4 inches lower than the sedan. Speed-sensitive power steering is standard and the Koup sports a 33.9 foot turning radius with 16” wheels which stretches to 35.4 feet when it is equipped with 17” alloy wheels.

Standard equipment is anything but

All Koups feature Bluetooth® connectivity through the use of steering wheel-mounted controls which enable voice-activated and hands-free operation for all compatible cell phones. Audio controls, also located on the steering wheel, also come standard as well as USB and auxiliary input jacks located on the center console offer full iPod®/MP3 controllability via either the audio head unit or (this is getting repetitious) steering wheel-mounted controls. SIRIUS satellite radio and three months of complimentary service is also standard.

Trim levels

Two engine choices as well as four different transmissions are offered. The EX version comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with CVVT that produces 156 horsepower and 144 lb.-ft. of torque and is available with either a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically-controlled 4-speed automatic transmission.

The upgraded SX trim comes equipped with a 2.4-liter 173 hp four and the choice of either a 6-speed manual as standard or an optional 5-speed automatic transmission with manumatic capabilities. SX-trimmed Koups also feature sports seats trimmed in red stitching, tilt and telescoping steering column, speaker lights (a’la the Soul), leather-wrapped wheel and shift knob, and metal-trimmed pedals. Both the SX and the EX trims will offer the option of a tilting power sunroof.

The Bottom Line

While sharing its interior and bits of outside trim (not a single body panel is shared) with the sedan, the Koup brings even more style to the Forte line as well as the C-segment in general. With EPA estimates of 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway for the 2.0-liter, with either transmission, or 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway (automatic) and 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway (manual) for the larger 2.3 four-pot as well as a class-leading 90.7 cubic feet of interior volume, the new Forte Koup makes Kia a major player. So from all of us here at LotPro.com, a hearty “kongratulations” to everyone at Kia!

photos courtesy of Kia Motors America

Another way to roll

Kia Motors America today rolled out the first special addition of its all-new mini people hauler, the Soul. Dubbed the 2010 Denim Kia Soul, it signals the second salvo from the Koreans for the hearts and minds of the Gen-Y’ers in its intended audience.

According to the PR blurb, the new special edition is “a unique iteration of the popular urban passenger vehicle that further emphasizes Soul’s cutting edge style and youthful, fun character.” In addition, “the special-edition Denim Soul provides consumers with even more personalization options.” So what does it offer over more plebian editions?

Special features

It turns out that the Denim edition is based on the Soul+ model and, as such, offers keyless entry, privacy glass, body-color door handles, power mirrors, 16” alloys, cruise and Bluetooth along with the uplevel 2.0 liter 142 hp 4-banger.

Other standard features include such amenities as air conditioning, tilt wheel, power locks and windows, ABS, stability and traction control, Electronic Brake Distribution and brake assist.

Inside, other plus features also include an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with SIRIUS capability (including a 3 month complimentary subscription) and USB and auxiliary input jacks with full iPod® controllability via the head unit and steering wheel controls with an optional iPod cable.

To this mix, the Denim version adds a unique “denim” (what else?) exterior color, white side-view mirrors, 18” alloy wheels and front fender turn signal indicator lights, a wing-type rear spoiler and a white off-set racing stripe that extends from just below the front grille back to the rear bumper. Also included is the Audio Upgrade Package (a $400 stand alone option on the plus) that adds a center speaker, subwoofer, external 315 watt amp and “speaker lights that pulse to the beat of the music.” Rock on.

Pricing

Pricing for the Denim starts at $17,995 for the 5-speed manually-equipped version and $18,945 for the automatic (representing a $2,350 premium over the standard Soul+).

According to Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing at Kia Motors America, the new Denim version “illustrates our commitment to fresh design, even on a vehicle that’s been in the marketplace only a few months, and it’s the first of more special editions to be offered in 2010 for the recently introduced Kia Soul.”

Not a Concept

Unlike some of the vehicles that will be introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit that begins in 4 days, the Scion xB Release Series 6.0 (that would be the sixth xB limited edition version) is a production car – albeit one that will be available to only 2,500 buyers.

And while most of us here at LotPro.com are not big fans of the “limited edition” vehicles used by most manufacturers to, shall we say, increase the bottom line by inflating the price of the add-on doo-dads, this particular Scion variant will actually save you money if you’re looking for at least some of the options that it comes with.

Absolutely any color as long as it’s red

To begin with, this xB is available only in what Scion calls “Absolutely Red” exterior paint. Unique wheel covers (that’s right, they’re just covers) and a black-finished grille differentiate the R.S. 6.0 from your run-of-the-mill Scion Box.

Inside, the Release Series features a touch screen navigation system with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity and a 5.8 inch touch panel display. Illuminated door sills, 4-in-one interior lights, a cargo cover and special seat fabric are also part of the package.

Such a deal

MSRP for a base xB is $15,750 with a manual transmission and $16,700 for an automatic. The R.S. 6.0 package is an additional $1,743, while the rear spoiler for the R.S. package is an additional $320, plus installation (all Scion models have an additional $670 destination charge).

So what kind of a deal is this? If you delve into the Scion web site, you’ll find a custom grille for $215, a cargo cover for $259, interior and door sill lights ($299 and $290, respectively), as well as an optional navigation system that sells for $1,800. Without the unique seat trim, this brings the total a` la carte price of these items to $2,863, which means you save $1,120 if you buy into the R.S. 6.0 package – not bad at all, if this is what you’re looking for.

The Bottom Line

For those of you out there in the market for the second generation of a very versatile people and what-have-you hauler and you’re contemplating at least the navigation option, the Release Series 6.0 is a great deal, since you’ll be getting a discount on the nav system plus a few other goodies thrown in for good measure.

Hey Mikey!

Way off the beaten path

This morning, we are going to go hither and yon to make a point. Here at LotPro.com, a bunch of us remember the original Life Cereal commercial that featured a 4 –year-old by the name of “Mikey”, as in “He likes it! Hey, Mikey!” – if for no other reason than it aired for years (twelve) on Saturday morning TV. For some reason, the name of Ford’s new system and the character “Mikey” seemed to resonate with each other. After some research, it turns out that there might be a reason for this. The commercial first aired in 1972. If Mikey really was 4 years old at the time, then this year would mark his 40th birthday – which begs the question: “Would Mikey like MyKey?”

Ford Introduces MyKey

If he is in his forties, then Mikey – or at least members of his generation – could very well have children in their mid-teens. This is when teenagers start driving and parents begin to have gray hair – two things which , I assure you, are not coincidental.

To help alleviate some of the parental concerns (and postpone some of those gray hairs) that come with teenage driving, Ford has come out with enhancements to its current SecuriLock anti-theft technology to address a number of these issues including seat belt usage, speeding and radio volume.

News Flash: 2010 Focus Coupe gains in popularity with parents

The first use of this new technology will be in Ford’s Focus Coupe, as standard equipment, beginning with the 2010 model year and will be rolled out with other Ford, Mercury and Lincoln models shortly thereafter. It will allow owners (read: parents) to program a (ignition) key that can limit the vehicle’s top speed and audio volume.  MyKey will also display earlier low-fuel warnings, encourage safety-belt usage and alert drivers to vehicle speed by  sounding warning chimes at 45, 55 and 65 miles per hour.

How it works

According to the press release from Ford, “The MyKey system allows the parent to program any key through the vehicle message center, which updates the SecuriLock™ passive anti-theft system.  When the MyKey is inserted into the ignition, the system reads the transponder chip in the key and immediately identifies the MyKey code, which enables certain default driving modes, including:

* Persistent Ford Beltminder™ with audio mute.  Ford’s Beltminder system typically provides a six-second reminder chime every minute for five minutes.  With MyKey, the Beltminder chime continues at the regular interval and the audio system is muted until the safety belt is buckled. A message center display “Buckle Up to Unmute Radio” also appears on the instrument cluster.

* Earlier low-fuel warning.  Rather than a warning at 50 miles to empty, MyKey provides a warning at 75 miles to empty.

* If MyKey is in the ignition, features such as Park Aid and BLISTM (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross Traffic Alert cannot be deactivated.

Additional MyKey features that can be programmed through the vehicle’s message center setup menu:

* Limited top speed of 80 mph
* Traction control system, that limits tire spin, cannot be deactivated
* Limited audio volume to 44 percent of total volume
* A speed alert chime at 45, 55 or 65 mph

Marketing Plan Backed by Survey

Before bringing the new technology to market, Ford contracted with Harris Interactive to conduct a survey of parents of teen-age children and a separate survey of teen-age drivers.

Among parents, 75 percent liked the speed-limiting feature, 72 percent were in favor of the more insistent safety-belt reminder, and 63 percent liked the audio limit feature (I’ll let that last one slide). In addition, about 50 percent of those who would consider purchasing MyKey also said they would allow their children to use the family vehicle more often if it were equipped with the new technology.  According to Ford, “The added seat time can help teens build their driving skills in a more controlled setting, complementing graduated licensing laws that give young drivers more driving freedom as they get older. “

What teenagers thought

My first thought was, “Man, am I glad this wasn’t around when I learned to drive.” But after further reflection, I remembered that way back when I took “driver’s ed”, there were no cell phones or iPods, and the only in-car entertainment (if you could call it that) was a single-speaker AM radio, whose volume was limited not only by the power output of the radio, but also by the limitations of the hideously tinny-sounding speaker, itself.

But I digress. According to the survey, 67 percent of teenagers were opposed to MyKey features (no surprise, there). The poll went on to report that if MyKey features led to greater driving privileges (more time at the wheel), only 36 percent of teenagers would object to the technology.

The Bottom Line

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), teens are more likely to take risks such as speeding – a contributing factor in 30 percent of all fatal crashes. Teens also are less likely to wear safety belts than older drivers. As far as we’re concerned, any technology that encourages safety belt use, cuts down on teen driver (or older, let’s face it) distraction and reduces highway fatalities is OK in our book. Mikey, we think, would like it.

LotPro.com reminds drivers to make it a safe summer

Now that we’re in the midst of the summer vacation driving season, the folks here at LotPro.com thought it might be a good idea to pass on the safe driving tips provided by one of the leaders in car safety systems, Volvo:

IRVINE, Calif. ­­– ‘Tis the season for families to pack up their cars and hit the road on trips both short and long. Volvo Cars of North America, a leader in safety innovation, is offering parents tips to pass along to their most precious cargo: their kids. While often overlooked in the safe driving world, kids can present parents with dangerous distractions while driving. Simple, preventative measures can keep both young passengers and adult drivers out of harm’s way.

“A distracted driver is far more likely to end up in or cause an accident,” said Bruno DiGennaro, Volvo senior safety expert. “Oftentimes driver distractions come from young, backseat passengers. Talk with your kids about safe riding practices before hitting the roads this summer. You’ll help keep everyone on your road trip out of harm’s way.”

In addition to putting small children and infants in car seats properly, there are other things parents can do to keep children safe in the car. Volvo offers these tips for riding safely:

 Limit the noisemakers. Parents are more and more turning to “road trip babysitters” such as GameBoy’s, portable DVD players and iPods to keep their kids happy and busy on long trips and when traffic gets bad. Practice moderation with this in your car. Set rules around wearing head phones or only having one thing playing at a time. The beeps and tones that these machines make can be block out the sounds of a beeping horn or even an oncoming emergency vehicle’s siren.

Pack low. See more. When the trunk or hatch gets full with bags and coolers, kids tend to squeeze stuff on to the back shelf of the car or pile their hatch area right up to the ceiling of the car. This can take away some key sight lines. At every stop, take an inventory of what has crept into these sight lines and take 30 seconds to repack your stuff before you get back on the road.

Stick together. Sometimes on road trips, it can be as dangerous out of the car as it is in the car. Rest stops, restaurants and gas stations that your family has never been to before pose risks such as not knowing when and where to look for oncoming cars. Unfortunately, public places on the open road can also be hangouts for people preying on young kids. Never send a child under 18 to a rest room by him or herself. Form teams of at least two to head inside. As alert as you are on the road, be equally as alert when you make stops.

Avoid rival sibling arguments. Let’s face it, kids that have to sit in cars for a longer time than they are used to alongside their brother or sister may pick a fight with their sibling. These family moments can be dangerous to parents behind the wheel because their instincts tell them to break up the fight just as they would if they were in their living room. Stern warnings to riders about fighting in the car need to be made crystal clear before you put the car in drive. If things get really out of hand, pull over and deal with the situation on the side of the road or at a gas station.

Keep the car seat safe for your youngest passengers. The best car seat is the one that fits your child properly, is easy to use and fits in your vehicle correctly. Install the car seat in the vehicle’s backseat. Infants under 20 pounds or younger than one year old, should ride in a rear facing car seat. Check to see that the safety belt holds the seat tightly in place and make sure the harness is buckled snugly around your child. Some new cars, including Volvo’s, now offer integrated car seats. Visit www.volvocars.com/us/experience/Pages/safety.aspx to learn more about child safety in cars. At http://www.nhtsa.gov/ you can find ease of use ratings for child seats on the market today.

Never leave your child alone in car. Young children can overheat quickly in a warm car. Older children can loosen their seat belt, climb into the driver’s seat, figure out how to undo the parking brake and potentially cause an accident.

Keep small toys in check. Children may get upset and throw their small toys at you, potentially causing you to lose control of the car and cause an accident.

Engage kids in ride safe ideas. Kids have great ideas and they are more likely to own them if they come up with them. Ask each kid rider to come up with their idea to keep their family safe on their road trip.

2009 Dodge Journey

Dodge has been conspicuously absent from the crossover segment (the Pacifica was a Chrysler-only vehicle). The Journey, based on the Avenger/Sebring platform with a stretched wheelbase, is only 2 inches longer than the Avenger, but seats up to 7 passengers. With a starting price of just under $20,000, standard safety features include, front, side and curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, ESP stability control and Electronic Roll Mitigation.

In addition to the usual cupholder/door storage bins, the Journey also features floor storage and front under-seat bins. A double glove box features an upper box for “chillin” (it’s refrigerated) and a lower box that contains an iPod connection.

2009 Hyundai Sonata

Introduced at the Chicago Auto Show back in February, the updated Sonata features new front and rear fascias incorporating new headlights, taillights and fog lights have changed the look in a very subtle way. On the inside, small changes have been made to the instrument panel and console, while USB and iPod ports are now standard and a navigation system has been added as an option.

The biggest changes have been to the engine and suspension with horsepower, torque and fuel economy improvements in both the 2.4 liter 4 cylinder and 3.3 liter 6 cylinder engines. Suspension dynamics have been re-tuned for enhanced handling in the GLS and Limited models, while the SE gets even firmer sport tuning.