With the advent of the recessions and the economic downturn, many people believed theft will rise, especially car theft, as they are much easier to steal.

According to the FBI though, things aren’t exactly so. The federal bureau says that statistics for 2009 car thefts show a 17 percent decline as opposed to 2008, and are at the lowest point in 20 years. Last year, 794,616 were stolen from their owners.

While that may sound like good news, the FBI warns that while thefts are down, so is the recovery rate of the stolen cars. Last year, just 42 percent of vehicles were found and returned to their owners, a 25 percent drop as opposed to 2008.

Why is this? The FBI and law enforcement officials say that thieves are getting increasingly professional. They’re no longer dealing with kids or first time offenders, instead with organized groups that know how to make a car disappear.

In the end, the FBI offers some basic safety tips: keep your car parked in well lit areas, lock it at all times and keep valuable items like GPS systems hidden inside.

Souce: Consumer Reports via Autoblog
Pic Source: Amit Bhawani

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FBI reports decline in car thefts, but also in recoveries

Gran Turismo 5 is definitely one of the most expected games of this fall, and unlike previous times, it actually looks like it will come out, and with a whole array of features and modes.

Besides offering the most realistic driving experience besides getting into an actual car, its developer, Polyphony Digital, has decided to throw in something extra, just for the kicks.

As such, it has partnered up with Red Bull Racing, in order to create the fastest (virtual) race car, set to be used in an environment without any technical specifications or regulations. The car has been built just for pure performance, but still able to obey the laws of physics (meaning no rocket strapped to its back).

The result is currently being teased at the Tokyo Games Show, and is called the X1 Prototype. Basically, the model is a cross between the Formula 1 RB06 race car and a Le Mans prototype, but with the power cranked up to 11 (and then some).

Check it out in an HD video after the jump.

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Video: Gran Turismo 5 creators and Red Bull Racing to develop the fastest (virtual) car: the X1 Prototype

Last week we revealed a report containing all of the new features that might be implemented in the new and improved OnStar system on vehicles from General Motors.

Now, GM has officially revealed what new things will be implemented in its next gen infotainment system.

First off, the voice recognition system has been improved, in order to allow drivers and passengers to better control the systems of the car. Secondly, the Bluetooth connection will support full phonebook integration, while the navigation system has been improved. You will also be able to connect to traffic management and weather alert services in order to stay informed on trips.

OnStar will also launch a new MyLink series of mobile apps for smartphones, including ones for iPhones and those running Android OS. These will basically act like your virtual key, allowing you to lock and unlock the car, start the engine and other such things.

Here’s the more interesting part, the rumored Facebook and voice texting support. These features are still in the testing, but OnStar will allow you to post audio Facebook updates, as well as read aloud updates from your friend feed.

The voice texting part has also been confirmed, but not in the way that you were expecting. When you will receive a text message, OnStar will read it for you, and allow you to select pre-recorded messages, like “I’m driving”. This will be achieved using only your voice. Those that wanted speech-to-text capability are going to be disappointed, as GM might not implement such a thing, in order to keep from distracting the driver.

Overall, the OnStar system is becoming extremely robust, and might constitute a big advantage for GM cars in front of its rivals. What do you think?

Source: GM

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GM reveals new OnStar features, includes Facebook and voice texting

The Suzuki Kizashi is one interesting sedan, but while its regular versions might not demand much respect, people were awaiting something a bit more exciting when the Kizashi Sport was revealed. Sadly, that didn’t happen, as the model developed just 185 HP.

Now, the crew at Road Race Motorsports decided to really upgrade the Japanese sedan, and have revealed the Suzuki Kizashi Platinum Edition.

The new model boasts a supercharger added to the 2.4-liter engine, which can take power output to either 200 HP or a more impressive 300 HP. The suspension can also be had in three stages, depending on what type of handling you want.

The exterior of the Kizashi has been upgraded as well, in order to reflect its newfound performance, with a dedicated body kit. 18- or 19-inch wheels can also be added, alongside various other upgrades that the customer might want.

The Platinum Edition performance package will be available from RRM or from select Suzuki dealerships.

Source: RRM via Autoblog

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300 HP Suzuki Kizashi Platinum Edition revealed by Road Race Motorsports

While car companies are launching dedicated iPhone applications for some of their more popular models, Ford is going one step further, and has released a dedicated iPad app for the 2011 Fiesta model.

The new app is basically a full pledged brochure, and allows customers to read all about the Fiesta’s technologies, safety systems, performance and features. You can also watch videos of the Fiesta in action and interact with things like a virtual center console.

The new iPad app is already available on the iTunes store, and has also been showcased in a video by Ford itself. See it in action after the jump.

Source: Ford

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Video: 2011 Ford Fiesta gets its own iPad app

Honda is taking its time with the next generation Civic, as the troubled economy is still impacting the spending power of regular Americans.

In order to bank on those that want to try alternative fuels, but aren’t willing to spend more on hybrids like the Insight, Honda is reportedly preparing a new Civic GX version, which will run on natural gas.

According to a new report, the 2012 Honda Civic GX will pack an extra cost, and might also force its customers to install a home refueling station, but it will attract those that don’t want their cars running on conventional fossil fuels.

According to Honda, the next Civic GX will also get a variety of high end options, including navigation and a premium audio system, in order to satisfy customers that are willing to pay a lot extra in order to have a well equipped car.

Seeing as how more and more people are willing to swap out fossil fuels in exchange for something a bit more green, Honda might be onto something with the 2012 Civic GX. What do you think? Is natural gas a worthy alternative? Share your thoughts below.

Source: Aol Autos via Autoblog

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Next gen Honda Civic might get GX version running on natural gas

It seems that Suzuki UK really wants to appeal to the urban public, especially the younger demographic, and decided to release a special edition of its SX4 hatchback.

The Suzuki SX4 SZ-L, as you can see above, sports a black paint job (because that’s what young people like, right?) with gunmetal gray on specific things like the roof rails, wheels or grille. On the inside, Alcantara has been added, while contrast stitching is present on the leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Sadly, the SZ-L doesn’t really pack any upgrades in terms of mechanics. It is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, which is mated to the five-speed manual gearbox. All of its power goes to the front wheels.

No word yet on if the SZ-L will be making its way onto US shores, but in the UK it will start at £13,145 ($20,533).

Source: Suzuki

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Black Suzuki SX4 SZ-L edition revealed for the UK