Chevrolet Offers iPhone Users Siri Eyes Free Integration

Chevrolet announced additional vehicles with Chevrolet MyLink will be available with Siri, Apple’s intelligent assistant that helps get things done just by asking. Siri Eyes Free Integration will be available on the 2014 Camaro, Cruze, Equinox, Malibu, SS and Volt. 

Owners simply connect their iPhone with the MyLink radio via Bluetooth, pair with the system, and use the steering wheel voice activation button to begin and end sessions with Siri in Eyes Free mode.
In the 2014 Camaro, Cruze, Equinox, Malibu, SS and Volt vehicles equipped with MyLink, owners can use Siri in Eyes Free mode to:

• Make voice-activated, hands-free calls to Contacts on their iPhone
• Play songs in their iTunes libraries, and even switch music sources automatically from AM/FM/XM radio to iPod mode
• Listen to, and compose and send an iMessage or text message to a phone number or anyone in saved Contacts
• Access Calendar and add appointments

Connect with us on the Ken Dixon Auto Facebook page to get more great Chevy related news.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: The Next Stop

For a third year in a row, Chevrolet is teaming up with the American Cancer Society to take a stand against breast cancer through early detection, protection and awareness. You are also encouraged to take part in the fight. 

On October 5, October 19, November 2, and November 16, you can take a test drive at your Chevrolet dealership and Chevrolet will contribute $10 for every drive to the American Cancer Society. 

So if you've been drooling over the opportunity to get behind the wheel of any of the 2014 models, like the new Camaro, now is the perfect time to act on it! 

Visit theKen Dixon Auto Website to browse our selection of new cars, and to get our contact info. 

Weekly Car Tip: How to Keep Your Car Smelling Fresh!

Every car had that distinctive 'new car' smell at one point in time. However, it doesn't take long before it gets replaced with less-desirable scents such as body odor or stale french fries. We believe it is a smell that should not be limited to cars that are only weeks old. If you follow a few of these simple techniques, you can achieve a fresh smelling car for years to come. 

First, let us cover some preventative measures. They may seem like common-sense, but it's still worth mentioning. Obviously, avoid smoking in the car. While it seems like the smoke immediately disperses, it actually has a much more pervasive nature. Cigarette smoke has a tendency to find its way into fabrics and other hard-to-reach places in the car. This is the quickest way to displace that fresh scent. Another, maybe not so obvious (but still important), in-car activity to avoid is eating. And whatever you do, don't leave fast-food bags in the car during the day or overnight! If you must eat in the car, be sure to have some car wipes handy to clean the steering wheel and any other surfaces that may have been affected. It's also a great idea to keep an in-car trash bag that will contain any spills or messes that you may encounter.

Now, even following those rules, it's still inevitable that the new-car-smell will eventually fade away. What can you do to restore it? Here are a few suggestions:

1. We all know that you can buy the car-fresheners to place around the vehicle. Some of these work better than others, but there are certainly better options.
2. Next time you're in the department store, grab a couple cologne or perfume samples (depending on your preference) and leave them in the car. These scents are strong and will remain in the car for longer.
3. Vacuum often! Use carpet deodorizer, or baking soda, to absorb any scents left behind by the vacuum.
4. You can place orange peels in an inconspicuous place. As they dry, they will continue to release a naturally fresh scent.
5. Dryer sheets also work very well. Put an open box underneath the drivers seat. They absorb bad odors while also emanating a fresh smell.

Is there anything we missed that you have found success with? Let us know in the comments, or drop us a line on the Ken Dixon Auto Facebook Page!

EV Owner Etiquette

If you have yet do drive a fully-electric vehicle, you may not realize that the driving experience is significantly different than your average car. That's precisely why Chevrolet released a list of driving tips for those still making the adjustment. We'll quickly highlight those tips in this blog post.

• Once your car is finished charging, it is proper etiquette to move your car. This allows the next person to utilize the charging station. If you plug your car in and leave while it is charging, leave a note indicating that it is okay for the next person to unplug your car to charge their own. 
• Fully electric vehicles receive priority at charging stations.
• Watch for pedestrians. Electric motors are almost silent which makes it difficult for people to be aware of approaching EV's.
• The Spark EV has a Pedestrian Friendly Alert Function which can be set to activate at slow speeds. The feature emits a 'Chirp' sound, making the vehicles presence known. 
• As an EV owner, whether hybrid or fully-electric, it is your responsibility to act as ambassador to others. Spread the word about the benefits of EV ownership, as well as the nuances that come along with it. 

 For more information, visit the Ken Dixon Chevrolet Website.

Weekly Car Tip: Music Can Improve (Or Worsen) Your Driving

Most of us listen to some form of music in the car while we are driving. Did you know that, depending on the style and genre, music can have drastic effects on your driving abilities? This study shows that faster tempo music causes the driver to make rash decisions like being impatient at red lights, driving faster and making more mistakes, sometimes leading to accidents. Interestingly, the study also shows that listening to any type of music, regardless of tempo, serves to moderate your heart rate. 

So next time you get in the car, think twice about putting on Slayer or Deadmau5. Maybe try some Chopin? Nora Jones?

No, it's not a mirage. It's Elmiraj!

General Motors recently debuted their newest Cadillac concept at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. If you haven't heard about the Elmiraj yet, it has garnered quite a bit of praise in automotive circles since the reveal. I mean, just take one look at the thing and you'll understand why. 

The design is clean and sharp. The long, smooth lines give the car a truly stunning, provocative look.

Cadillac fans have been patiently waiting for a new version of the CTS coupe. Well, it turns out they got much more than they bargained for at Pebble Beach. 

The first thing you notice upon sight of the front-end is the newly designed Cadillac emblem. No longer does it contain the "outdated" laurels, or wreath, that had previously surrounded the logo. Cadillac had released news of such a redesign, but nobody expected to see it so soon. The badge still maintains that authentic, luxurious feel.

Another eye-opening feature is the vertical orientation of the headlights. The large front-end lends to the design aesthetics. But that is not its only purpose. Under the hood you'll find a a whopping 500-horsepower 4.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8. The chassis is built on a light rear-wheel drive framework, apparently keeping performance in mind.

Moving to the interior, Cadillac spared no expense. Brazilian Rosewood was chosen for the trim. The dash gauges are a classic mix of analog and digital. Additional features include a front-facing camera and 10-inch navigation display that tucks neatly inside the instrument panel when not in use. 

Overall, it's a pretty daring move by Cadillac. 

The Elmiraj design director explains, "We were influenced in particular by the 1967 Eldorado, both its actual design and the fact that in its time that car was a very stark contrast and a new direction."

It's a truly sensational concept from Cadillac and will leave many enthusiasts excited to see some form of production model emerge from it.

Cadillac to debut new concept this weekend at Pebble Beach

Keep an eye out for a new Cadillac concept car this weekend. It is planned to debut at the historic Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, an annual celebration of the automotive industry. The event is five days long and culminates on Sunday for the 63rd annual Concours d'Elegance, where automobiles compete to be named "best of the best." 

Artist rendering of the Elmiraj, debuting this weekend

The new concept will bear the name Elmiraj. It is expected to be unveiled tonight, August 15th, to kick off the weekend-long Cadillac exhibit. The exhibit will feature three iconic Cadillac's of the past (a 1967 Eldorado, a 1965 Coupe Deville, and a 1937 Series 90 V16) to showcase the automakers legacy of design and performance. Guests will also have the opportunity to test-drive new Cadillac models like the 2013 ATS and 2013 CTS-V Coupe. 

More information is available on the Concours d'Elegance website.