Friday, February 11, 2011

Report: 136 recall campaigns in 2010 have covered 17.2M autos, and it's still not a record year

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Toyota recall pedal fix parts

It's been a banner year for big recalls, or at least it feels that way. What with high profile recalls from Toyota for everything from runaway vehicles to brake issues and a host of smaller problems from nearly every automaker in the market, it certainly felt like 2010 was at the top of the recall heap. Only it wasn't. According to Ward's Auto, a total of 136 recalls sent 17.2 million vehicles back to the dealer this year, and while that's an impressive sum, it still falls short of the record. Way back in 2000, manufactures recalled 24.3 million vehicles due in part to the now infamous Ford Explorer/Firestone tire scandal.

Still, while this number's figure falls short of the big double-oh, recalls crept up by 800,000 units compared to 2009. Not surprisingly, Toyota led the way with 17 recalls covering around 6.6 million vehicles in 2010, but according to Ward's, the automaker still has plenty of work to do on some of the recalls from last year. Toyota is still only 65 percent of the way through repairing the 5.6 million vehicles that were recalled this year for faulty floor mats. That figure includes 80 percent of the trapped-pedal cars that were recalled in 2009.

And what of other automakers, you ask? Ward's reports that combined, the Big Three brought back around 4.6 million vehicles. Head over to Ward's Auto to see the full breakdown for yourself.

[Source: Ward's Auto]

Report: 136 recall campaigns in 2010 have covered 17.2M autos, and it's still not a record year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/22/report-136-recall-campaigns-in-2010-have-covered-17-2m-autos-a/

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2008 Ford Escape Review - Driven

2008 Ford Escape Review - Driven
2008 Ford Escape Review - Automobile Magazine
A facelift for the 2008 Ford Escape

A Face-Lift To Make Joan Rivers Proud.
Ann Arbor Youth triumphs in all things automotive, just as it does in the wider world. So, after a new model debuts, we've come to expect a freshening in year three, a special edition in year four, and an all-new model after five years.


Photo Gallery: 2008 Ford Escape Review - Automobile Magazine


Source: http://www.automobilemag.com/new_car_previews/autp_0704_2008_ford_escape_review/index.html

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Top Fuel of Japan - The Top Of Their Game

Top Fuel of Japan - The Top Of Their Game
Top Fuel of Japan - The Top Of Their Game - Honda Tuning Magazine
Behind The Scenes With The Legendary Top Fuel Of Japan

Top Fuel Japan
The month of September is a time of year that has always seemed somewhat peculiar to me. As a culture, we automatically associate autumn with raking leaves, football, the start of school, and cooler weather. The last part of that equation is the only factor that seems to waver. When September begins, it's just as bloody hot as August, and there's no magic cool-down valve. However, that's another diatribe for another day; right now I am concentrating on not vomiting from the excessive heat. I'm from Alabama, so I know heat and humidity, and I sure as hell know sweat. But Japan hits me with a level of humidity that feels entirely overpowering. The feeling is best conveyed using just one word: sweltering. Uchinaka, Nakagawa-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi, Japan is no exception to the rule. This little town north of Nagoya truly surprised me, for it has many notable aspects outside of the blistering temps. Firstly, it has one hell of a tongue twister for a name, and like many rural parts of Japan, it sits in a land-locked valley filled with farmers. Rice has to grow in stagnant water, so all of this still water significantly increases the humidity levels. Plus, being a good bit inland doesn't help because there's a lack of natural breezes to offer relief. Add to that the absence of the typhoons that consistently hit other areas of Japan this summer, and things are even worse in the shadow of a drought.


Photo Gallery: Top Fuel of Japan - The Top Of Their Game - Honda Tuning Magazine


Source: http://www.hondatuningmagazine.com/features/htup_1103_top_fuel_of_japan/index.html

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Volkswagen brings XL1 Concept a step closer to reality

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Volkswagen Formula XL1 Concept
Volkswagen Formula XL1 Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen has taken another step towards making the one-liter car a reality, and this 200 mile-per-gallon dream could be on the roads within the next few years.

The Formula XL1 Concept combines a two cylinder TDI engine, electric motor, lithium-ion battery pack and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to achieve an astonishing 0.9L/100 km - just over 260 mpg to us Yanks. The included plug-in system, along with the XL1's low drag and extensive use of lightweight materials has the potential to make the concept the most efficient vehicle to ever grace public roads.

The XL1 is making its debut at the Qatar Motor Show this week, and while it might look familiar to previous iterations, this latest version is more production read than its predecessors. Check it out from every angle in the gallery below and click past the jump for the full details.



[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen brings XL1 Concept a step closer to reality

Volkswagen brings XL1 Concept a step closer to reality originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/25/volkswagen-brings-xl1-concept-a-step-closer-to-reality/

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Chicago 2011: Kia Optima Turbo SX Kinetic Race Car

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Kia Optima Turbo SX Kinetic Race Car
Kia Optima Turbo SX Kinetic Race Car - Click above for high-res image gallery

Is Kia considering following the lead set by Toyota in crafting an entry into NASCAR? No - at least not that we know of. But the Korean automaker is proving it has an interest in racing nonetheless, as you can see from the 2011 Kia Optima Turbo SX built by Kinetic Motorsports seen above.

According to Kia, this race car was built as a prototype to showcase the performance and racing capabilites of the Optima. Performance aside, this machine, which is being shown off at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show, certainly looks the part of a credible racer.

It's worth noting that the Kia Forte race car, also built by Kia racing partner Kinetic, finished second in the Grand-Am race at Daytona a few weeks ago. Will the Optima be following suit? It certainly wouldn't be a complete surprise...



Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

Chicago 2011: Kia Optima Turbo SX Kinetic Race Car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/10/chicago-2011-kia-optima-turbo-sx-kinetic-race-car/

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Review: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon

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Single-handedly Changing America's Perception About Station Wagons

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you've spent any time on German roads, one thing you'll notice - right after the speed limit signs with a slash mark through them - is that station wagons are popular.

Nearly every manufacturer builds multiple models ranging from sub-compacts to near full-size behemoths. Mercedes-Benz E-Class and C-Class wagons are everywhere. Ditto for BMW 3 and 5 Series Tourings. Volkswagen, Fiat, Citroen, Seat, Skoda and Peugeot all sell lots of wagons. Perhaps it's a legacy of the Lamborghini Espada or the undeniable fact that the current M-B E63 AMG wagon is seriously cool, Europeans like wagons.

Americans, on the other hand, don't. Our country's collective notion of station wagons is stuck in Clark W. Griswold-land. Too bad. Most Americans have no idea what they're missing.

Continue reading...



Photos copyright (C)2011 Steven J. Ewing / AOL

Continue reading Review: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon

Review: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Sport Wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/03/2011-cadillac-cts-v-sport-wagon-review-road-test/

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2007 Kia Optima

2007 Kia Optima
2007 Kia Optima - 2007 New Cars - Automobile Magazine
The 2007 Kia Optima is based on Europe's Kia Magentis. Get a first look here.

The 2006 Detroit show marks the North American debut of the new Kia Optima, which will be nearly identical to the European Kia Magentis that was unveiled at the Frankfurt auto show in September 2005. Whereas the previous car was a restyled, bug-eyed version of the Hyundai Sonata, Kia claims that the Optima is significantly different from its Hyundai brother, although powertrains are still shared. Engine choices are include a 185-hp 2.7-liter V-6 and a 161-hp 2.4-liter four.


Photo Gallery: 2007 Kia Optima - 2007 New Cars - Automobile Magazine


Source: http://www.automobilemag.com/new_car_previews/2007/0605_2007_kia_optima/index.html

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Thursday, February 10, 2011

First Look: 2011 Scion tC

First Look: 2011 Scion tC
2011 Scion tC - 2010 New York Auto Show Coverage, New Car Reviews, Concept Cars - Automobile Magazine
Oldest Member of Toyota's Youth Brand Finally Gets a Makeover

Six years without any significant upgrades takes its toll on a car's sales volume. Take, for instance, the Scion tC: largely untouched since its debut in 2004, sales peaked at 80,000 units in 2006, but plummeted to 18,000 in 2009. Obviously, it's time for a chance, and Scion hopes the new 2011 tC, which debuts at this year's New York auto show, will help reverse this freefall.


Photo Gallery: 2011 Scion tC - 2010 New York Auto Show Coverage, New Car Reviews, Concept Cars - Automobile Magazine


Source: http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/new_york/2010/1003_2011_scion_tc/index.html

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Kubica Recovering from Big Rally Crash

On Sunday, Lotus Renault GP driver, Robert Kubica, suffered an accident at high speed while competing in the Ronde di Andora Rally. His co-driver was not hurt. Here?s the news from his Lotus Renault team:
Kubica was airlifted to Pietra Ligure Hospital, where he underwent a seven-hour operation at the [...]


Related posts:
  1. Who Will Replace Kubica?

Source: http://blog.roadandtrack.com/kubica-recovering-from-big-rally-crash/

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2007 Kia Optima

2007 Kia Optima
2007 Kia Optima - 2007 New Cars - Automobile Magazine
The 2007 Kia Optima is based on Europe's Kia Magentis. Get a first look here.

The 2006 Detroit show marks the North American debut of the new Kia Optima, which will be nearly identical to the European Kia Magentis that was unveiled at the Frankfurt auto show in September 2005. Whereas the previous car was a restyled, bug-eyed version of the Hyundai Sonata, Kia claims that the Optima is significantly different from its Hyundai brother, although powertrains are still shared. Engine choices are include a 185-hp 2.7-liter V-6 and a 161-hp 2.4-liter four.


Photo Gallery: 2007 Kia Optima - 2007 New Cars - Automobile Magazine


Source: http://www.automobilemag.com/new_car_previews/2007/0605_2007_kia_optima/index.html

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2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Base Price: Around $47,000

We’ve learned that the 550-hp 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, introduced today at the Chicago auto show, will wear a base price of around $47,000 when it goes on sale next February. With the top-spec Camaro boasting an estimated 0-to-60-mph time of four seconds and hardware essentially swiped from the $64,340 Cadillac CTS-V, including [...]


Related posts:
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  2. 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows
  3. Chevrolet: 10,000 Volts in 2011, 30,000 in 2012; Launch Regions Expanded

Source: http://blog.caranddriver.com/2012-chevrolet-camaro-zl1-base-price-around-47000/

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2012 Hyundai Equus Gains Standard 5.0-liter V-8, Eight-Speed Transmission

The new 5.0-liter V-8 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission introduced for the Hyundai Genesis R-Spec will become the sole powertrain for the 2012 Equus. It replaces a 4.6-liter V-8, which continues as the base V-8 in the Genesis sedan lineup.
The 5.0-liter Tau engine produces 429 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque, a healthy increase over [...]


Related posts:
  1. Take that Mustang? Hyundai Develops 429-hp, 5.0-Liter Tau V-8, Will Hook It To Eight-Speed Auto
  2. Hyundai Veloster Headed for Detroit: 1.6-Liter Four, Dual-Clutch Transmission, 40 MPG [UPDATE 2: 210-HP Turbo, Crazy Doors Confirmed]
  3. ZF Announces Nine-Speed Automatic Transmission for Front-Drivers

Source: http://blog.caranddriver.com/2012-hyundai-equus-gains-standard-5-0-liter-v-8-eight-speed-transmission/

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Toyota teases FT-86 II concept for Geneva

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Toyota FT-86 II teaser image

Subaru has already confirmed that it's sports car being jointly developed with Toyota is coming to the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Now Toyota is getting into the action by announcing today that its version of the jointly developed sports car, the FT-86, will be there... and it will be an evolution of the concept shown back in 2009 at the Tokyo Motor Show. The updated version is called the Toyota FT-86 II and promises to be our clearest view yet of what the production vehicle will look like.

Toyota is also going so far as to say that the FT-86 II will prove the automaker has a "reborn passion for sports car driving." If the FT-86 II can evoke memories of Celicas, Supras and even a hint of the legendary 2000GT, then we say build it as fast as you can.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota teases FT-86 II concept for Geneva

Toyota teases FT-86 II concept for Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/26/toyota-teases-ft-86-ii-concept-for-geneva/

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The John Cooper Works Package for the MINI Hardtop and MINI Convertible - Web Exclusive

The John Cooper Works Package for the MINI Hardtop and MINI Convertible - Web Exclusive
The John Cooper Works Package for the MINI Hardtop and MINI Convertible - European Car Magazine
John Cooper Works Package has now been developed giving customers everything they need to express their passion for racing and give their cars a head-turning sporting allure

While MINI offers complete models and accessory options under the John Cooper Works product brand, a John Cooper Works Package has now been developed for the 2011 MINI Hardtop and Convertible vehicles, giving customers everything they need to express their passion for racing and give their cars a head-turning sporting allure - both technically and stylistically. The model-specific interior and exterior components optimize the handling of the MINI and ensure it delivers an impressive visual impact. The John Cooper Works Pack is due to be available from the second quarter of 2011 as a factory option.


Photo Gallery: The John Cooper Works Package for the MINI Hardtop and MINI Convertible - European Car Magazine

Photo Gallery: The John Cooper Works Package for the MINI Hardtop and MINI Convertible - European Car Magazine


Source: http://www.europeancarweb.com/news/epcp_1102_john_cooper_works_package_for_mini_hardtop_and_convertible/index.html

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First Drive: 2011 Bugatti Veyron Super Sport

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Worth. Every. Penny.

2011 Bugatti Veyron Super Sport rear 3/4 view
2011 Bugatti Veyron Super Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

"It is not possible," was the answer from Jens Schulenburg, Bugatti vehicle engineering chief. He was answering the question as to whether a standard Veyron could be modified to be as fast as the 2011 Super Sport edition. "It is like a domino effect," he explained, "To get more horsepower, you need more cooling. To get more cooling, you need more airflow through more and bigger radiators. To accomplish this, you need to redesign the front end. When you do that, you change the aerodynamic balance of the car at speed. To rebalance the car, you need to change the roof and rear fascia." Schulenburg could have kept going. For an hour.

We got the picture: The $2.58 million Super Sport is not a standard Veyron with a chip. Shame on you for even thinking that. Consider the Super Sport a Veyron 2.0 release; a significant re-engineering of the 1001-horsepower, sixteen-cylinder, quad-turbo, all-wheel-drive supercar.

But given the Veyron's sales success - they've sold approximately 260 since the vehicle's debut in 2005 - why go to all the trouble for a maximum of 40 cars? (Bugatti will cease Veyron coupe production at 300 units.) "Current Veyron owners wanted a more dynamic, exciting driving experience," said Julius Kruta, Bugatti's Head of Tradition. "Most of the orders booked for the Super Sport are from current Veyron owners. They asked us for a car that felt more extreme." Is that even possible? We flew to Spain to find out.

Continue reading...



Photos copyright (C)2010 Rex Roy / AOL

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Bugatti Veyron Super Sport

First Drive: 2011 Bugatti Veyron Super Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/23/2011-bugatti-veyron-super-sport-first-drive-review-road-test/

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Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Audi Fascination Quattro - Web Exclusive

Audi Fascination Quattro - Web Exclusive
Audi Fascination Quattro - European Car Magazine
Audi is making the quattro all-wheel drive system better with new models and new technologies.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system is an Audi cornerstone. Now Audi is making it even better with new models and new technologies. Cars such as the Audi RS 3 and the Audi A1 with quattro drive are either being launched on the market now or will soon be ready for series production. quattro in an electrified powertrain represents a completely new concept for the mobility of the future.


Photo Gallery: Audi Fascination Quattro - European Car Magazine


Source: http://www.europeancarweb.com/news/epcp_1101_audi_fascination_quattro/index.html

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Report: Ford spells out new standards for Lincoln dealers

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lincoln logo

Being a Lincoln dealer in the 21st century has been anything but easy, as Ford has been looking to shed its luxury brand dealers the past couple years. Then Blue Oval recently killed off Mercury, a brand Lincoln dealers traditionally used as a feeder program. And perhaps the biggest challenge has been coaxing buyers into the showroom, as the brand's 2010 sales total of just 85,828 units clearly illustrates.

The sledding apparently won't get much easier for 2011 either, as Automotive News reports that Ford has added a few more regulations to be completed by October of this year. Fortunately, at least one of those standards is focused directly towards customers, as each Lincoln dealer will be required to feature owners' privileges perks like a car wash with every service stop and a loaner for when vehicles are being worked on. Ford will also ask each Lincoln dealer to have a dedicated service manager and sales staff. That could be a tough pill to swallow for dealers who have Ford and Lincoln stores on the same site. Lincoln dealers will also be required to ditch all that old Lincoln-Mercury signage and instead feature a Lincoln-only sign featuring the four-pointed star. Lastly, all dealer lots will need to be filled with at least 30-percent certified pre-owned vehicles.

Those demands don't sound all that unreasonable to us, but we're betting Lincoln dealers won't be too pleased with the prospect of spending more money without a lot of new products in the next year or so. Then there is the fact that Ford is reportedly looking to cut another 100 dealers in the top 130 markets in the year ahead. But while dealers likely won't love these changes, there may not be much choice in the matter. Dealers who don't comply with the new rules will reportedly receive smaller discount profit margins.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Ford spells out new standards for Lincoln dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/07/report-ford-spells-out-new-standards-for-lincoln-dealers/

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First Look: 2009 Scion tC Release Series 5.0

First Look: 2009 Scion tC Release Series 5.0
2009 Scion tC Release Series 5.0 - 2009 Chicago Auto Show Coverage, New Car Reviews, Concept Cars - Automobile Magazine
The pre-customized 2009 Scion tC Release Series 5.0 sports coupe packs factory installed accessories and limited availability.

Scion's "United by Individuality" ad campaign along with all the custom accessories available for the 2009 tC can be a bit daunting to a buyer. Scion customers may even feel intimidated by the peer pressure to "pimp their ride." Scion has sought to remedy the problem with the latest iteration of the tC, the release series 5.0.


Photo Gallery: 2009 Scion tC Release Series 5.0 - 2009 Chicago Auto Show Coverage, New Car Reviews, Concept Cars - Automobile Magazine


Source: http://www.automobilemag.com/new_and_future_cars/2009/0209_2009_scion_tc_release_series_5/index.html

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2012 Buick Regal eAssist Official Photos and Info ? Auto Shows

The Regal gets lightly electrified, boosting economy to the tune of an estimated 37 mpg highway.
Buick has announced a second eAssist vehicle for 2012, with this Regal joining the previously announced LaCrosse version. eAssist is essentially a (very) mild hybrid system, in that it can?t propel the car by itself. The Regal eAssist [...]


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  2. 2012 Buick Verano Official Photos and Info – Auto Shows
  3. 2012 Buick LaCrosse eAssist – Auto Shows

Source: http://blog.caranddriver.com/2012-buick-regal-eassist-official-photos-and-info-auto-shows/

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Ford Invests $1 Million in Safe Teen Driving Program

The first rule of business is make sure you have customers. Ford wants to make sure teen drivers are around long enough to become customers by educating them on safe driving techniques. Over 3,000 teens die every year in traffic accidents on American roads and Ford is investing $1 million in an effort to reduce [...]

Source: http://rumors.automobilemag.com/ford-invests-1-million-safe-teen-driving-program-17623.html

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2010 Ford Fusion safety investigation opened by NHTSA

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2010 Ford Fusion

The 2010 Ford Fusion is the subject of a preliminary investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Problems and complaints that would have been mere blips on the radar in the past are now cause for further scrutiny, and four complaints against the 2010 Fusion, three from the same fleet, have sparked interest.

Even though most of the complaints come from the same 22-car fleet, different operators were behind the wheel when the cause of the complaints occurred. The concern is that the wheel studs could fracture, as the complaints allege happened, which could then lead to a wheel leaving the vehicle and, rather obviously, loss of control.

Though they certainly are not screws at all, you could think of the wheel studs as the "screws" to which lug nuts are attached to secure a wheel to the vehicle, and in this case, the Fusion has five wheel studs per wheel.

A full recall could involve some 280,000 vehicles, and Ford is reportedly cooperating with the agency to bring the situation to a resolution.

[Source: Detroit News]

2010 Ford Fusion safety investigation opened by NHTSA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/26/2010-ford-fusion-safety-investigation-opened-by-nhtsa/

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Name That Shifter, No. 11

It’s Monday, and here’s your mystery shifter. As usual, you have until mid-day Wednesday to submit your guess identifying the vehicle its in. The first commenter to respond correctly will win a�Save the Manuals sticker and magnet. Check back later this week for the answer.




Related posts:Name That Shifter, No. 1: Lamborghini DiabloName That Shifter, No. [...]


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Source: http://blog.caranddriver.com/name-that-shifter-no-11/

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Report: 136 recall campaigns in 2010 have covered 17.2M autos, and it's still not a record year

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Toyota recall pedal fix parts

It's been a banner year for big recalls, or at least it feels that way. What with high profile recalls from Toyota for everything from runaway vehicles to brake issues and a host of smaller problems from nearly every automaker in the market, it certainly felt like 2010 was at the top of the recall heap. Only it wasn't. According to Ward's Auto, a total of 136 recalls sent 17.2 million vehicles back to the dealer this year, and while that's an impressive sum, it still falls short of the record. Way back in 2000, manufactures recalled 24.3 million vehicles due in part to the now infamous Ford Explorer/Firestone tire scandal.

Still, while this number's figure falls short of the big double-oh, recalls crept up by 800,000 units compared to 2009. Not surprisingly, Toyota led the way with 17 recalls covering around 6.6 million vehicles in 2010, but according to Ward's, the automaker still has plenty of work to do on some of the recalls from last year. Toyota is still only 65 percent of the way through repairing the 5.6 million vehicles that were recalled this year for faulty floor mats. That figure includes 80 percent of the trapped-pedal cars that were recalled in 2009.

And what of other automakers, you ask? Ward's reports that combined, the Big Three brought back around 4.6 million vehicles. Head over to Ward's Auto to see the full breakdown for yourself.

[Source: Ward's Auto]

Report: 136 recall campaigns in 2010 have covered 17.2M autos, and it's still not a record year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/22/report-136-recall-campaigns-in-2010-have-covered-17-2m-autos-a/

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Tuesday, February 8, 2011

2007 Acura RDX

2007 Acura RDX
2007 Acura RDX - 2007 New Cars - Automobile Magazine
The 2007 Acura RDX is most notable for its powertrain, the first turbocharged gasonline engine from Honda. It comes beneath the skin of a compact, luxury SUV that promises to be a great driver. Check it out in our New Cars coverage.

Honda's first turbocharged engine debuts in....an SUV.


Photo Gallery: 2007 Acura RDX - 2007 New Cars - Automobile Magazine


Source: http://www.automobilemag.com/new_car_previews/2007/0605_2007_acura_rdx/index.html

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Targa Trophy 2010 - Event #2

Targa Trophy 2010 - Event #2
Targa Trophy 2010 - Bay Area Rally - European Car Magazine
Bay Area Rally

August 28 and 29 saw the second installment of the Targa Trophy go flying out of the San Francisco Bay and into Silicon Valley. As we wrote in the October ’10 issue, european car has partnered with the event organizers as an official media outlet and will be offering expanded content at europeancarweb.com, including expanded photo galleries and the official Targa press alerts. The second event began at the San Fran W Hotel, with a midday lunch stop at the W in Silicon Valley, then continued over some damn tortuous roads en route back to the S.F. W.


Photo Gallery: Targa Trophy 2010 - Bay Area Rally - European Car Magazine

Photo Gallery: Targa Trophy 2010 - Bay Area Rally - European Car Magazine


Source: http://www.europeancarweb.com/events/epcp_1008_targa_trophy_2010_event_2_bay_area_rally/index.html

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First Drive: 2012 Fiat 500

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A Very Small Car In A Very Big America

2012 Fiat 500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Five minutes behind the wheel sometimes tells you everything you need to know about a vehicle. Of course, you figure out more as the miles pile up, but the gained nuances usually support - not refute - that first impression.

Our first five minutes behind the wheel of the 2012 Fiat 500 shouted that it was solid, substantial and sporty. The rest of the day simply demonstrated the amplitude of these characteristics, and whether the exceptionally-popular-in-Europe 500 might actually catch on with American drivers.

We think it will.

Continue reading...



Photos copyright (C)2011 Rex Roy / AOL

Continue reading First Drive: 2012 Fiat 500

First Drive: 2012 Fiat 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/02/2012-fiat-500-first-drive-review-road-test/

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Report: Audi A6 Hybrid not coming until 2015?

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2012 Audi A6 Hybrid
201? Audi A6 Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

At last week's Detroit Auto Show, Audi unveiled the 2012 A6, and trotted out a hybrid variant capable of achieving 38 miles per gallon and running up to 62 miles per hour on electricity alone. So when can we buy one? Audi isn't sure.

According to Autoweek, Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen says the timetable for the A6 hybrid is still to be determined. In fact, we may not see the gas- and electron-powered luxury sedan until 2015. In the meantime, we'll be quite happy to spend some seat time with the 300 horsepower supercharged version.



Live photos copyright (C)2011 Chris Paukert / AOL

[Source: Autoweek]

Report: Audi A6 Hybrid not coming until 2015? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/18/report-audi-a6-hybrid-not-coming-until-2015/

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