Video Game Winner Now Pole Sitter

Bryan Heitkotter, SCCA autocross national champion turned videogame champion, is now a pole sitter.

Heitkotter claimed the pole for Nissan Motorsports in the GT Academy 370Z in last weekend’s Continental Tire Challenge Series race.

"I'm really shocked to win the pole," said Heitkotter, who earned his ride by winning the first GT Academy in 2011, emerging from a group of 53,000 hopefuls in online Gran Turismo 5 competition. "We've been chasing the handling since we got here. We're close on the setup, but I was surprised when they told me over the radio that we got P-1. "

More can be read about GT Academy here.

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Apple Bringing Siri to Automobiles

Apple is bringing Siri, the disembodied female voice that helps actuate their iOS on the iPhone and keeps a solitary John Malkovich company in a recent commercial, to cars.

Apple announced at WWDC, their annual developer’s conference, that voice-activation controls will soon be a part of normal driving routines, reminiscent of Bluetooth technology but with wider application that would likely vary across manufacturers

Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Honda, BMW, and GM are among those interested in the technology.

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Buick Verano Turbo Powerplant Relies on Technology

While perhaps not the runner that the Grand National was in the 1980s, the 2013 Buick Verano, which goes on sale later this year, seems intent on running nonetheless.

And as part of an industry-wide trend, it’s using technology to do so.

Buick has announced a new powerplant for their luxury sedan, and it may not be what you expected: the 2.0 liter, turbocharged Ecotec engine, replete with continuously variable valve timing and direct injection.

The engine is “certified” at 250 hp at 5300 rpm, and 260 lb-ft of torque at a low 2000 rpm, with more than 90% of that torque available from 1700 to 5500 rpm, an impressive range for a 2.0 liter engine.

“The 2.0L turbo engine was designed for refinement, higher output capabilities and reduced noise,” said Amy Joss, Ecotec 2.0L assistant chief engineer. “The way it sounds, the power delivery and the refined character are all fitting of a luxury sedan with a fun side.”

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