GM Recalls 1.3 million Cars For Power Steering Pro...
BMW Announces The New 2011 BMW 3 Series Coupe and ...
- Piaggio MP3 Hybrid In Production
- Subaru to Develop New Diesel Engine by 2011 and Hybrid by 2012
- Subaru Impreza WRX STI spec C Introduced
- Toyota to Recall 3.8M Vehicles Over Accelerator Pedal Clearance
- Is it a Segway? No its a 35mph Wheelchair
- Toshiba Batteries Promise 90 Second Recharge Time
- Subaru is running its WRX STI in Nurburgring 24-hour race
- Mugen Honda Civic Type-R Hatchback Has Been Revealed
- Nissan Announced New Generation of Compact and Lightweight CVT
- Five Two-door Cars Crash Tests Have Been Released
GM Recalls 1.3 million Cars For Power Steering Problem
General Motors announced it would recall 1.3 million Chevrolet Cobalts and Pontiac G5s built between 2005 and 2010. GM will replace the motors on their electric power assisted steering (EPAS). Reportedly, overtime the motors can fail and lead to a loss of power steering.
When the EPAS fails, the result is similar to a belt breaking on a hydraulic power steering pump. The car is still drivable and controllable, but the steering effort at low speeds rises significantly, making it difficult to maneuver. At higher speeds, relatively little steering assist is needed and drivers should be able to make it safely to the side of the road if the warning lamp comes on.
BMW Announces The New 2011 BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible
The next-generation BMW 3 Series has been announced and is expected to hit the dealerships sometime in 2011 as a 2012 model. The most immediately noticeable change are headlamps, wider grille and new lower front fascia. The rear gets reworked reflectors.
The most significant updates comes under the hood. A much loved twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six is being replaced by a new single turbo version. The revised engine, dubbed N55, has recently been launched in the 740i and the 535i Gran Turismo. The twin scroll turbo has dual exhaust inlets that allow the engineers to better balance the pulses coming in to spin up the turbine faster. BMW is promising to reduce the turbo lag with this new setup.
BMW also claims it has reduced cold-start emissions by routing all the exhaust gases through a single, larger catalytic converter that heats up faster. On the intake side, the throttle is eliminated thanks to the addition of BMW’s Valvetronic variable valve control system. The N55 also gets direct fuel injection. the final outcome is the same 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque as before, but with better torque curve from 1,200-5,000 rpm. For more details please read a complete press release.
Subaru Impreza WRX STI R205 Announced, But Not Coming to US
Subaru has done it again. They combined all the best parts from Spec C and added all the great parts and what did they get, an all new Impreza STI R205. Some of these additions include six-pot (front) and four-pot (rear) brakes with slotted rotors, cast 18-inch aluminum wheels wrapped with Potenza RE070 (245/40R18) tires, inverted strut and coil springs, a front strut tower bar, and a lower arm stiffening brace.
Engine was not left alone as you could have imagined. A remapped ECU, new exhaust and turbo, complete this beautiful car. The outcome is a very healthy 316 horsepower and 319 pound-feet of torque.
To differentiate it from a standard STI, the exterior has been modified with an accented black front grille, front and rear diffusers and a black spoiler.
If you are the lucky one who lives in Japan, you can have this beautiful vehicle for a mere 4,510,000 yen (A little under $49k US), and even that is not a guaranty because Subaru only plans to produce 400 R205 vehicles. For a complete press release please read below.
GM Heavy Discounts On Dying Brands
General Motors Co. is offering deep discounts on its remaining Saturn and Pontiac vehicles as it looks to move the leftover inventory of the soon-to-be-dead brands, according to the reports.
The automaker will pay dealers $7,000 for every new Saturn or Pontiac left on their lot if the vehicle is moved to dealer-operated rental or service fleets, according to The Wall Street Journal, which cited a letter mailed to dealers. This allows the dealers to sell the cars and trucks to consumers at a discount, although the vehicles would be labeled as used because the dealer would technically be the first owner. The offer expires Jan. 4, according to the report.
Official: 2011 Ford Mustang GT Will Have 5.0 V8
The official press release has confirmed the all new 2011 Mustang GT that will house an all new 5.0 liter V8 engine.
The all new 5.0 is just like the old 5.0 will be 302 cubic inches (4.9-liters or 4,951cc to be exact).
The engine will have 32-valves with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT). It will produces a healthy 412 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. No official word on 0-60 performance figures, but we can expect a mid four second numbers, and a quarter-mile in the high 12s.
The car will be available in ether all new six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. With automatic transmission and new Ti-VCT will the new Mustang GT will be able to achieve 25 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg in the city. Manual transmission will get 1 mpg less on both highway and city. For a complete list of specs please read the official press release below.
Volvo Recalls Over 140K 2001-2005 and 2010 Vehicles
Two different recalls have been announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association. Both recalls are due to the fuel system problems that could effect more than 140,000 vehicles.
The first recall is for 2001-2005 S60, S80, V70, XC70, and XC90 vehicles sold and operated in warmer climates. According to NHTSA, the fuel pump can develop cracks when exposed to hot temperatures, causing a flange to leak fuel which in turn may result in a vehicle fire. Owners are instructed to bring their vehicles into the dealer for inspection. If the part is defective, Volvo will replaced it with new flange at no charge.
The second recall is for 2010 XC60 vehicles. According to NHTSA, a fuel line rail cover may be improperly attached, thus exposing the lines to damage. The damaged line may leak, which may result in vehicle fire. Owners of these models should bring their vehicles to the dealer for inspection and/or a repair at no charge.
The recalls are scheduled to begin in January 2010.
Owners may contact NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 or visit www.safercar.gov for more information or visit or call their local dealer. For more detailed information please read the announcement below.
Travis Pastrana Practices a World Record Rally Jump
This video proves once again that Travis Pastrana is insane. You can watch Travis Pastrana’s practice session for the world’s longest rally jump.
Pastrana is planning to jump off a ramp at the end of a pier over 250 feet of water to a waiting barge as part of a New Year’s celebration. If all the practice sessions go well and indicate that it’s possible stunt, then we should see a very exciting car jump. But for now here is a video of Pastrana practice for the jump.
Hyundai Releases Price for 2010 Tucson Crossover
After the unveiling of the latest Hyndai Tuscon crossover last week at the LA Auto Show, Hyndai officially release all the details and the starting price of $18,995.
In the beginning of launch, the Tucson will only available with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder, and a 2.0-liter version will will join the lineup later in the year. The 2.4L version will be available with either manual or automatic six-speed transmissions.
The base price motioned above will put you in a GLS model with manual transmission and FWD (front wheel-drive) but you can also bet it with an optional all wheel-drive. The next up on the list will be Limited plus with an available premium package that includes a navigation system, sunroof, and other options for an additional $2,850. A completely tricked out all-wheel drive, automatic Limited with the premium pack will set you back $28,695 (plus $795 delivery charge). First batches of 2010 Tucsons are being built as we speak and will be on their way to the dealerships very soon. Check out the official press release below.
Subaru Returns to 2010 Intercontinental Rally Challenge
After taking a year off, Subaru is preparing to get back into the rallying. No they are not returning back to World Rally Championship, but to the Intercontinental Rally Challenge.
Subaru has competed in the IRC since its inception but was not previously registered as an official manufacturer in the series. Rather than field its own works team, Subaru will supply cars to privateers, and will be eligible to score manufacturers points for the 2010.
PRESS RELEASE:
FHI registered for the 2010 series of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC)
Click here to read more…
Subaru Announced the 2010 WRX STI Special Edition
Subaru has announced the all new 2010 WRX STI Special Edition. Some of the features that this model will offer over the existing WRX STI are the suspension package form the JDM WRX STI Spec C (1mm thicker rear anti sway bar, stiffer springs and more rear sub frame bushings). The model will also inherits the charcoal 18 x 8.5-inch 14-spoke alloy wheels.
For whatever reason, Special Edition STI will have a downgraded stereo (single-disc CD/four speakers versus six-disc/10 speakers), manual HVAC controls, conventional halogen headlamps, and indicator-free side mirrors. Why bother including a stereo anyway? They are obviously trying to shave the extra weight, but maybe they should do the same thing they did in 2004 version of STI? The features mentioned above will not do the trick.
Subaru says it plans to initially offer a limited production run(125 units) for the Special Edition this Spring, and all painted Aspen White. Later in 2010, the Special Edition will become a normal production model available in other colors. Hmm very strange concept. Pricing has not yet been released. For more details please read a complete press release.
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