When you see the driver next to you looking at their phone, it’s no longer safe to assume they’re texting. New research from AT&T shows nearly 4-in-10 smartphone users tap into social media while driving. Almost 3-in-10 surf the net. And surprisingly, 1-in-10 video chat.

7-in-10 people engage in smartphone activities while driving. Texting and emailing are still the most prevalent. But other smartphone activity use behind the wheel is now common. Among social platforms, Facebook tops the list, with more than a quarter of those polled using the app while driving. About 1-in-7 said they’re on Twitter behind the wheel.

Fans attending the Quicken Loans 400 in June and the Pure Michigan 400 in August will have the opportunity to purchase a Driver Introduction Pass.

They will have the chance to stand on the frontstretch during the pageantry and excitement of driver introductions for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.
“No sport allows the access to its athletes like a NASCAR racetrack does,” MIS President Roger Curtis said. “It’s a thrill to stand on the track while NASCAR’s top drivers are introduced. Just the pre-race experience in general is unique to auto racing.”
NASCAR provides fans the closest access in all of professional sports. On any race weekend fans have the opportunity to walk pit road before the race, attend special autograph sessions or watch as drivers prepare for the race.

AT&T has boosted its mobile Internet coverage in Franklin by installing a new antenna system that will give customers stronger connections throughout the community. 

The network upgrade, called an Outdoor Distributed Antenna System (oDAS), consists of strategically placed antennas that distribute AT&T’s wireless network coverage to more than 4,500 people in a four square mile boundary of Franklin: Lone Pine Road to the north, Telegraph Road on the east, 13 Mile Road to the south and Inkster Road on the west. It can provide better, more consistent wireless coverage to customers, so they don’t have to worry about their service getting stuck in a traffic jam of other people’s calls, texts and posts.

A University of Tennessee Center of Business and Economic Research (CBER) study indicates that the expansion of Volkswagen’s Chattanooga manufacturing facility to produce a new midsize-SUV and the opening of a North American Engineering and Planning Center could create approximately 9,800 jobs and add $370 million in additional annual income, once the plant is fully operational.

“The findings in the CBER study demonstrate that the incentive package recently passed by the Tennessee legislature will result in an economic growth multiplier of several times the state’s investment,” said David Geanacopoulos, Executive Vice President for Public Affairs and General Counsel, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “We would like to thank Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd for their leadership in fostering a business environment within Tennessee that is mutually-beneficial for the state and local economy as well as for companies like Volkswagen that have operations in the state.”

Three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams have been penalized following last week’s event at Charlotte Motor Speedway. 

The No. 1 team has been penalized for an infraction occurring during pre-qualifying inspection May 21. The right rear quarter panel wheel opening was modified after qualifying inspection.
The infraction is a P2 level penalty and violates the following Sections in the 2015 NASCAR rule book:

Michigan International Speedway has announced a partnership with Great Clips and Paralyzed Veterans of America to sponsor the June 13 NASCAR XFINITY Series race at the track, the Great Clips 250 Benefiting Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Carl Edwards raced his Bosch-equipped No. 19 Subway Toyota to victory in Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 NASCARSprint Cup Series  Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. In recognition of the victory, Bosch Aftermarket NA is making a $1,000 contribution to Joe Gibbs’ Speedway Children’s Charities.  Thus far in the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, Bosch-supported teams have won ten races, garnering  a total of $10,000 to help their charities  carry out their missions.

Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC) works to care for children in educational, financial, social and medical need in order to help them lead productive lives. Founded in 1982 by Bruton Smith, Chairman of Speedway Motorsports and Sonic Automotive, in memory of his late son, the goal of SCC is to ensure that every child in need be given the tools to build a better, brighter and healthy future.

Speedway Children’s Charities local chapters are partners in change, working with a broad range of people and organizations to identify and resolve pressing issues dealing with children in their communities. Due to the unique conditions of every community, the issues Speedway Children's Charities address are determined locally. Challenges ranging from learning disabilities, broken homes, and childhood cancer are on the agenda for the local chapters of SCC and the numerous non-profit organizations they support.

“I can’t think of a better endorsement to the reliability and quality of Bosch parts than a 600-mile race,” said Tony Pauly, director of advertising and brand management for Bosch Automotive Aftermarket North America. “Bosch congratulates Joe Gibbs Racing on this week’s win. We’re proud that the Joe Gibbs Racing teams trust Bosch quality parts and systems to power them to the checkered flag, and we’re happy to lend support to a worthy charity like Speedway Children’s Charities.”

-- Press release courtesy of Bosch

Paying tribute to the iconic ZHP Performance Package, BMW has released details for a 2016 BMW 435i ZHP Coupe Edition.

The original ZHP option code was created by BMW Individual as a performance package for the 2003-2006 E46 3 Series that included the M-Tech II body kit, a ZHP shifter knob and shifter, upgraded suspension parts and settings, a different DME and special cam shafts that raised power output to 235 hp and allowed for a higher redline. Fulfilling the desires of true enthusiasts, the package was soon referred to by its internal option package code ‘ZHP’.BMW of North America embraced the thirst for the unique BMW 435i ZHP Coupe Edition once more resulting in the unique collaboration between factory options and key elements from the exciting BMW M Performance Accessory catalogue. Only 100 of these very special cars will be offered.

The new BMW 435i ZHP Coupe Edition is not just a vehicle with improved optics and aerodynamics; it is also notably quicker with more precise handling. These components take the vehicle’s capabilities to levels that those familiar with BMW’s racing heritage can appreciate. The BMW M Performance line of accessories provides a distinctive, sporty character to further enhance driving dynamics and is the result of years of racing expertise and has been developed in close collaboration with BMW M GmbH. Each component goes through an intensive development and manufacturing process resulting in uncompromised performance.

Exclusive chassis, aerodynamic, cockpit and powertrain components are found throughout the BMW 435i ZHP Coupe Edition.

Key characteristics are:
-- Track Handling Package, new for MY16
-- BMW M Performance Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
-- BMW M Performance Parts
-- M Sport Package

Track Handling Package
Designed to increase the dynamic capabilities of the already agile BMW 435i, the Track Handling Package adds 18” Orbit Grey V-Spoke Wheels and M Sport Brakes with 4 piston fixed front and 2 piston fixed rear calipers adding to the vehicles thirst and drivers demand for speed and acceleration. Moreover, this package incorporates the Adaptive M Suspension with variable damper technology as well as Variable Sport Steering.

BMW M Performance Limited Slip Differential
Designed and created for BMW enthusiasts, the mechanical Limited Slip Differential provides the extra performance advantage that true performance drivers desire.

This differential utilizes 3 clutch plates for a total of 30% lockup on acceleration and 9% lockup on deceleration. This lockup provides instant power to the wheel that has the greatest amount of grip to gain better traction out of tight corners. An additional benefit in low-grip situations is that both wheels get equal torque, meaning more forward driving force on roads with reduced traction. The M Performance limited slip differential optimizes the traction, and ensures more controlled and precise driving behavior at the vehicles limits of adhesion. The M Performance LSD is a true advantage while at the track or in sporty driving situations.

The advantage can be felt at the track and in everyday driving. The improved vehicle dynamics are clearly present with the LSD as more torque can be transferred to the road at any given time, allowing for quicker acceleration out of corners.

Traction is improved for any type of road condition.
The LSD integrates seamlessly with the vehicles’ DSC system.

BMW M Performance Engine Kit (+35 hp, up to +32 lb-ft)
The BMW 435i ZHP Edition gets an exhilarating boost in performance thanks to the new M Performance Power Kit enabling an unprecedented level of acceleration and speed. The BMW M Performance Power Kit features engine tuning software and a new M Performance Engine Air Intake system. In addition, a replacement M

Performance Engine Cover and Rocker Panel Decals provide visual distinction this special edition vehicle deserves.
Power and torque figures are now updated as follows:
Horsepower increased to 335hp (35hp gain).
Torque is increased to 332 lb-ft (automatic transmission, 32 ft/lb gain) and 317 lb-ft (manual transmission, 17 ft/lb gain).
Improved acceleration that drivers can feel immediately when compared to a standard 435i:

0.2 seconds faster than the standard 435i model from 0 mph to 60 mph.
0.5 seconds faster than the standard 435i model from 50 mph to 75 mph.
More dynamic accelerator pedal calibration in Comfort, Sport and Sport + Modes, provides an even quicker engine response.
Exhaust “burble” sound during engine overrun conditions. The M Performance Power Kit ensures an optimized engine and exhaust system sound. The exhaust “burble” is enabled in Comfort mode and amplified even further in Sport mode. As a result, the car sound amplifies 'performance'.

Sport Display now shows increased power figures (400 hp and 400 lb-ft) to reflect increased performance.
The M Performance Rocker Panel Decals give the car a sportier look, even from the outside, providing a hint of the car's hidden performance.

BMW M Performance Exhaust
The stainless-steel M performance Exhaust sheds 8.8 pounds of weight while also reducing backpressure for improved dynamic performance, producing a sound that is perfectly balanced for performance and comfort. Two stainless steel tips with a brushed finish connect to a muffler with a straight-through design.

BMW M Performance Aerodynamics Package
The BMW 435i ZHP Edition is also enhanced by the addition of the M Performance Aerodynamics Package. This package underlines the sporting appearance of this special edition vehicle. It comprises of the following components: A front and rear spoiler made from high-quality carbon, as well as a rear diffuser made from PUR-RIM a specially crafted high quality polymer. The dynamic elegance of the M Performance Aerodynamics package amplifies the vehicles exemplary sportiness even further. Above all it offers optimized aerodynamics and accentuates the car's sporty driving behavior.

Made entirely from carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), the design of the front M Performance Front Carbon Fiber Splitter and rear M Performance Carbon Fiber Spoiler give the BMW 435i ZHP Edition a powerful appearance.

3 embossed bars are integrated into the design of the rear M Performance Diffuser.

The integrated expanded grille in the rear diffuser painted in matte black produces an additional motorsport feel.
M Performance Black Kidney Grilles round off this striking BMW M Performance Aerodynamic Package.

M Sport Package
The BMW 435i ZHP Edition incorporates the M Sport Package comprised of the front and rear Aerodynamic kit, Aluminum Hexagon Trim with a Black high-gloss accent and an M Sport steering wheel.

Only 100 BMW 435i ZHP Editions will be produced making it an exclusive option for customers in search for something truly special. Available with either a Sport Automatic 8 speed or a 6 speed Manual Transmission, the customer can choose to drive either an Alpine White or Black Sapphire Metallic BMW 435i ZHP Edition.

The ZHP will be available through selected BMW M Centers with production starting in July. Pricing on the new BMW 435i ZHP Edition will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

-- Press release courtesy of BMW