CHICAGO -

Following the launch of the company’s iPhone app that has generated more than 1 million downloads since its debut in 2010, Cars.com  rolled out an app for the iPad on Wednesday.

However, the app is not simply a reformatted iPhone app, the site contends. Just as shoppers tend to use iPhones for different purposes than they would  for an iPad, the focus of the Cars.com iPad app will also be different.

“We set out to create an experience that customizes new car information for the unique ways iPad users interact with Cars.com — and not simply adapting our popular Cars.com app for iPhone," said Sharon Knitter, senior director of mobile technology at Cars.com.

"On a dealer lot or even at work, most of our mobile users shop with our app for iPhone or Android to gather information on price, availability and inventory — elements which are more commonly suited for ‘on-the-go’ shopping,” Knitter continued. “iPad users, on the other hand, tend to concentrate more on photos, videos and new car content like reviews and specs, which is why our new Cars.com app for iPad specifically focuses on those features.”

The Cars.com iPad app will include expert vehicle reviews, side-by-side comparisons for as many as three cars, and a “My Showroom” feature.

The latter tool lets shoppers save vehicles so they can go back and check them out again later.

Additionally, the app is integrated with Facebook and Twitter, meaning shoppers can share vehicles via these social-networking sites. There is also a link that will let users search the inventory available on Cars.com

The inaugural sponsor of the iPad app is Lexus.

“Lexus has been a long-time supporter of our mobile platforms, having also sponsored our Cars.com apps for iPhone and Android,” Knitter added.