Happy Friday Welcome to this week’s edition of the Official DoubleClutch.ca News Rundown, where we recap the top automotive headlines from the week that was in one convenient package. Let’s go.
GM's new infotainment commits to CarPlay, Android Auto
For the longest time, GM wanted buyers to think its own infotainment was so much better than Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two features a lot of people like. The General event went as far as excluding smartphone integration from its EVs and announcing an eventual phase-out in its gas-powered cars — a divisive decision, to put it mildly. GM has now seen the light, debuting a new infotainment system featuring ... Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The 2027 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra will be the first models in The General's lineup to feature the new software. The interface looks much cleaner than before, with a simple black background and bold, easy-to-read text. The home screen features a split view by default, GM says the digital gauge cluster now features 3D views with SuperCruise activated, and you can easily configure and access shortcuts to various controls, among many other enhancements.
But the big news is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The default split-screen layout carries forward here, except the smartphone portion replaces the map. It looks slick, and seems to strike a fine middle-ground between consumer preferences and showcasing GM's built-in tech. Took them long enough.
Acura MDX Type S going on 'hiatus' after 2026
Pour one out for the Acura MDX Type-S, as production will be going "on hiatus" for the 2027 model year, according to brand reps via Car and Driver.
Uncertainty over U.S. emissions standards set to take effect next year means Acura will pause production of its flagship MDX. That, coupled with the fact that the MDX Type-S is the only model still using the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 — Acura discontinued the TLX last year — means the spend to re-certify the engine after the year they've had isn't worth it.
To make up for the temporary loss, Acura says they'll be grafting some of the "features and styling" of the MDX Type-S onto the standard MDX, which carries forward with the still-widely-used 3.5-litre normally aspirated V6. Given the MDX A-Spec, pictured above, already wears a similar front fascia as the Type S, we wouldn't mind seeing the wheels, quad exhaust tips, and bright red Brembo brakes — hey, they're just as stylish as they are functional — carry over.
Acura says they'll have more to share later this year.
BMW Z4 lives on as the Bovensiepen Spider
When BMW bought the rights to the Alpina name in 2022 and brought the brand in-house, the OGs of Alpina didn't retire. Instead, they kept doing what they've done best since 1965, just under a different name — Bovensiepen. And now, they've unveiled their latest model — the Bovensiepen Spider.
Bovensiepen plans to offer only 99 examples of the Spider. It may look a lot like the dearly departed Z4, but they've fitted a new, branded front lip up front, matching side skirts and fenders incorporating their arrowhead design signature along the side, and a more pronounced spoiler, diffuser, and quad exhaust tips out back. It rolls on 20-inch multi-spoke wheels similar to its other models, the M4-based Zagato and M5 Touring-based 05 GT.
Under the hood, Bovensiepen honed BMW's 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six to 429 horsepower and 427 pound-feet of torque, up from 382 hp and 369 lb-ft in the Z4. Though the Z4's six-speed manual would've been the icing on the cake, the Spider is available exclusively with the eight-speed automatic.
Bovensiepen's performance upgrades include a larger air intake duct with a ram-air channel, a different exhaust setup compared to the Z4, and an optional Performance package that adds a milled rear diff housing for better cooling, extra bracing, and a bump in top speed to 298 km/h. Bovensiepen also fitted new dampers and different rear springs, and offers an optional, more aggressive braking setup with larger calipers and 15.6-inch drilled rotors.
Inside, the Spider comes standard with BMW's otherwise optional Veranesca leather accented with Alcantara inserts, while Bovensiepen upholsters the heated steering wheel is in Lavalina leather — as they did in their Alpina days. If you're after something more exclusive, Bovensiepen offers additional colours at a cost, and will wrap more surfaces in Alcantara, such as the A-pillar, wind deflector, and roll bar.
If you have €115,500 to spare — that's about $185,000, based on current exchange rates — Bovensiepen will happily take your order. Or you can buy two Z4s and have some money left over.
And the rest
In case you missed it, Volvo refreshed the XC60 and gave its PHEVs more range, Ford facelifted the F-150 and gave it a Carhartt Edition, and the Mini Cooper 1998 GT special edition is a JCW without the bodywork.