Whether it’s finding the cheapest gas or grabbing a quick stock quote, the next generation of automotive navigation systems promises a lot more than maps and directions.

“It’s another step on the inevitable process of having the World Wide Web in cars,” says Tom Mutchler, senior automotive engineer for Consumer Reports magazine.

Ford Motor will launch a navigation system in its new Lincoln MKS sedan next summer that will include not only real-time traffic notes, but weather forecasts,

sports scores and movie listings. Perhaps the most useful feature of the Travel Link system from Sirius Satellite Radio will be its ability to route drivers to the service station with the cheapest current gas price.

XM Satellite Radio is unveiling a feature-packed system in 2009-model-year cars but won’t reveal the automaker yet. Its Infotainment Package will include weather, scores and stock quotes but won’t have the gas station operate. XM and […]

Orginal post by Top Tech News