It’s not likely to help sell a single car, but Mercedes-Benz has just kicked-off a marketing effort in Europe for the new SLS AMG exotic which will help draw attention to the brand as a whole. Included in the new campaign, Mercedes asks the question, that with an engine, a cockpit and two wings, “Is it still a car?” Some ads will even feature Mercedes’ newest Formula One driver Michael Schumacher.

In addition to more traditional advertising, Mercedes has announced that the SLS AMG will be featured in a new iPhone racing application called “SLS AMG,” as well as in the upcoming Gran Turismo 5 (a game that’s been delayed so many times, the SLS might be a classic before we ever get a chance to play it). The SLS will even be featured on the cover of the game box.

Mercedes has also launched an interactive website about the car, with videos, photos and downloads, which can be seen here:

http://www.sls-amg-magazine.com/

GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Marketing Campaign

[Source: InsideLine]

OnStar has produced a new smartphone application providing Chevrolet Volt owners 24/7 connection to their cars.

Compatible with Apple’s iPhone, RIM’s Blackberry Storm and Motorola’s Droid smartphones, the app provides real-time data connection and control over vehicle functions such as programming charge times.

The OnStar Mobile Application retrieves information from the Volt such as battery charge level, odometer readings, miles per gallon and electric-only mileage, and displays them in real time on a smartphone.

Volt owners can receive text or email notifications for charge reminders, power interruptions and when the battery is fully recharged. Owners can also manually program the Volt to recharge at off-peak power usage times to take advantage of lower electricity rates.

Traditional OnStar features such as remote door lock, unlock, horn and light controls, typically available only by calling OnStar’s control center, will also be available for Volt owners through the application.

Volt owners with internet-ready phones other than the iPhone, Storm and Droid will be able to access the application through a mobile browser.

The OnStar Mobile Application will be available for the Volt’s launch. Online demonstrations for the Motorola Droid and Blackberry Storm are available at OnStarMobileDemo.com, while an iPhone demo app is available through the iTunes store.

Gallery: OnStar Chevrolet Volt App

Official release after the jump:

Ever seen a Volkswagen with a little white Mac apple decal on the back? Of course you have. VWs and Macs go together like Beer and bratwurst. Volkswagen has decided to work with its fan base and launch the new 2010 GTI using Mac’s App Store, where you can now download a free racing video game featuring the new 2010 GTI.

As though that wasn’t already cooler than a Weezer t-shirt and some dark rimmed Emo glasses, Volkswagen will give away one special edition GTI each week for the next six weeks. Ever time you play the Real Racing GTI App you get the chance to win one of the custom cars, which feature black 18-inch wheels, a carbon-look interior trim, unique stitching on the headrests and a numbered plaque.

The Real Racing GTI App also lets competitors send message to other drivers via Twitter, as well as upload videos onto YouTube.

The game is offered for the iPhone and iPod touch and is free. Just visit the App Store on your phone of visit www.itunes.com/appstore.

And be sure to read our review of the 2010 GTI here:

2010 Volkswagen GTI First Drive

Official release after the jump:

Chrysler’s big surprise at the Detroit Auto Show was the 200C EV Concept – a sleek and European-looking sedan filled with technological innovations.

As a 268hp range-extended EV, the 200C Concept operates on battery power with a gasoline engine kicking-in once the lithium-ion batteries can no longer power the wheels.

The interior may look like a typical crazy concept with all sorts of modern shapes and colors, but Chrysler says many of the technologies found in the cabin will be availale in the future.

Chrysler’s UCONNECT system will provide never-before-seen technologies. Taking from social networking sites like Facebook, the Uconncet system will let drivers program in their freinds’ cars – and the onboard system would be able to tell a driver where his friends are.

The Uconnect system comes with an iPhone-like portable control panel that can turn on the car and operate the windows. It is also connected to a camera in the car – perfect for keeping an eye on your teenage kids.

The 200C also contains several other safety features for parents with teen drivers allowing a maximum speed to be set or a notification sent to the parent if the vehicle leaves a certain range. It will even be able to alert a parent if their teen driver is operating the vehicle erratically.

Official release after the jump: