2018 NYC Auto Show: Honda, Lexus to Show off New CarPlay-equipped Vehicles

2019 Honda Insight

Images via Honda and Lexus

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Japanese car-makers Lexus and Honda are taking the wraps off their upcoming vehicles boasting infotainment systems powered by Apple’s CarPlay at this year’s New York Auto Show on March 28.

First up is the all-new Lexus ‘Urban Explorer’ UX — a compact luxury crossover which the company says is designed for individuals and families in their 30s, who may be looking for a “fresh, contemporary, and dynamic take on luxury driving.”

Among its myriad of powerful and innovative technologies, all Lexus UX models will come standard with support for both Apple’s CarPlay and Amazon’s Alexa functionality — which will be controllable via the vehicle’s in-cabin infotainment system with TFT touchscreen display.

“All UX models will also come standard with Apple CarPlay phone functionality. Once a compatible iPhone is connected through a USB cable, drivers can access Apple Music, maps, make phone calls, and send and receive messages all through the multimedia display or with voice control through Siri,” 9to5mac reported, adding that “Lexus is among the first luxury automakers to feature Amazon Alexa integration, so UX drivers can ask Alexa to play music and media, read Kindle books, control smart home devices, and more.”

Lexus Ux

With a “bold new design, ultra-efficient new powertrains and innovative luxury features” Lexus says the all-new UX (which is expected to arrive by December of this year) is designed to appeal to a largely untapped segment of the market thanks in part to its powerful, aesthetically pleasing and innovative luxury features, the report said.

Honda also announced that CarPlay will be available on its upcoming 2019 Insight Hybrid as a standard option for all trim levels.

“Inside, the new Insight features premium cabin appointments including a soft-touch instrument panel with real stitching, ergonomically sculpted seats, a 7-inch TFT color digital driver’s meter, available heated and leather-trimmed seating and an 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.”

Honda Insight

Expected to be available in Honda dealerships nationwide this summer, the 2019 Insight Hybrid will be joining the Honda Clarity and 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid as the car-maker’s fifth new “electrified vehicle” in the last year, alone.

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