-
 In a safety drama that has unfolded since summer, when a high-profile case of unintended acceleration brought floor mat issues to national prominence, Toyota has been the latest automaker in damage control mode. Today, Toyota made a significant step forward in addressing the acceleration complaints with a detailed plan for reducing the risks in eight Toyota and Lexus vehicles.
In late September, Toyota issued a safety advisory to warn owners of specific models to remove their floor mats, pending further investigation and the development of corrective measures. In the interim, some dealers have been zip-tying mats in place.
In early 2010, dealers will be trained how to reshape the accelerator pedal to reduce the risk of floor mat entrapment. For the ES350, Camry, and Avalon models involved, the shape of the floor surface underneath will also be reconfigured to increase the space between the accelerator pedal and the floor.
Any factory all-weather floor mats in recalled vehicles will be replaced by a new design to further reduce entrapment risks.
The floor mat advisory involves: 2007 to 2010 Toyota Camry, 2005 to 2010 Toyota Avalon, 2004 to 2009 Toyota Prius, 2005 to 2010 Toyota Tacoma, 2007 to 2010 Toyota Tundra, 2007 to Lexus ES350, and 2006 to 2010 Lexus IS250 and IS350.
By April, it is expected that parts will be available to enable dealerships to replace the accelerator pedals with new, shorter pedals.
Arguably more significant, at least for Avalon, Camry, ES 350, and IS 250/350 owners, is that a brake override system will be involved, giving these cars a “smart” pedal system. With a smart pedal, the brake can override the accelerator. So should unintended acceleration occur, for any reason, the driver could depress the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a swift stop—rather than fitting a full-throttle condition with the brakes.
Smart pedals will be installed in new Camry and ES 350 sedans beginning January 2010, and it is expected the technology will spread to most models for the 2011 model year.
Owners will be notified by mail.
Toyota Customer Experience Center: 800-331-4331
Lexus Customer Assistance: 800-255-3987.
Also read:
NHTSA Sets Record Straight; Toyota Investigation Not Over
NHTSA Says No Defect In Recalled Toyota, Lexus Vehicles
Toyota, Lexus Floor Mat Saga Continues with NHTSA Insights
Toyota, Lexus Recalling 3.8 Million Vehicles to Inspect Floor Mats
|
-
 Kia unveiled its all-new K7 sedan in Korea today, offering the world a sneak peek at a car known as Cadenza in the Middle East and Amanti in North America. The current-generation has been sold around the globe for a decade, and it is more than ripe for replacement. Just one look at the styling reveals a serious product about to be unleashed.
The new car is slightly shorter than the current model, though rides on a longer wheelbase. Within the more space-efficient package is an abundance of creature comforts, with dual-zone climate control, push-button start, rearview camera, and parking sensors being among the announced features.
Kia has announced a 3.5-liter Lambda II V6, though it would seem a natural to also offer the upcoming direct-injection Theta II four-cylinder engine that parent corporation Hyundai has described as being essential to its fuel economy efforts.
We expect to see this future Amanti on the auto show circuit this season.
Read our last Kia Amanti review.
|
-
 Koenigsegg Group has walked away from a proposed purchase of Saab from General Motors. The conglomerate lead by supercar-maker Koenigsegg had previously reached an agreement to purchase the Swedish division from GM, aided by a $600 million funding commitment from the European Investment Bank (EIB) guaranteed by the Swedish government. GM was to support the new venture with continued assistance in developing and producing cars, including the next-generation Saab 9-5. Without Koenigsegg, Saab risks being shuttered, as was the fate for Saturn when Penkse Automotive decided not to complete its purchase.
"We're obviously very disappointed with the decision to pull out of the Saab purchase," said GM President and CEO, Fritz Henderson. "Many have worked tirelessly over the past several months to create a sustainable plan for the future of Saab by selling the brand and its manufacturing interests to Koenigsegg Group AB. Given the sudden change in direction, we will take the next several days to assess the situation and will advise on the next steps next week."
In the post-bankruptcy, GM has struggled with its divested brands. Pontiac is closed. Saturn is done come January. For now, Hummer remains the sole brand with a chance to exist with a new owner, pending completion of a sale to Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Co., Ltd.
For now, we await word from GM on the fate of Saab.
Also read:
GM Signs Stock Deal to Sell Saab to Koenigsegg
GM to Sell Saab to Supercar-maker Koenigsegg
Research Saab vehicles in the new car buyer’s guide.
|
-
 No matter what you're shopping for, all the headlines this week exclaim the great retail deals to be had on "Black Friday," the shopping day after Thanksgiving. Named because it is supposedly the day on which retailers go from posting losses (being in the red) to turning a profit (being in the black), Black Friday opens the traditional holiday shopping season by offering frenzied deal-hunters deep discounts and extended hours to make their holiday purchases. Some retailers advertise openings as early as 4 a.m. for those enthusiastic spenders.
Black Friday has traditionally been the day on which to purchase such large-ticket items as jewelry, electronics, and home entertainment systems, but did you know it is also anticipated to be the THE BEST day this year on which to purchase a car? In fact, "While the yearly average transaction price for a new car is 4.7% under sticker price," TrueCar.com predicts that the "average discount on a new car will be a whopping 7.5%. Shoppers can save nearly 3% on the price of their new car just knowing which day to buy."
Who knew? Suzuki is promoting the day as the perfect opportunity to buy its new Kizashi, exploiting the shopping frenzy by opening its show floors as early as 8:30 a.m. on "Black Friday" and telling buyers this will allow them "at least three - and possibly four - hours of the mad shopping scramble before escaping to the relaxing environment of an American Suzuki outlet."
While Suzuki is just one manufacturer actively promoting the Black Friday frenzy, TrueCar.com analysts have prepared an entire chart of more than 50 suggested deals showing that the average transaction price of some vehicles may be discounted anywhere from 15% to 28%. The top bargains on their list include the 2009 Pontiac G3 (discounted by 24% to a suggested price of $15,055), the 2009 Ford Explorer (discounted by 20% to a suggested price of $29,285), the 2009 Cadillac SRX (discounted by 18% to a suggested price of $41,235).
If you can't tear yourself away from the retail frenzy to shop for a car on Black Friday, TrueCar.com predicts you'll get two more chances this year to experience deep discounts: November 30 and December 14 are both expected to reveal discounts on the average transaction price as high as 6.8% below sticker price.
by Brandy Schaffels, autoMedia.com contributing editor
|
-
 Combine one of the best
sport sedans on the market with one of the best ways to save on fuel and what
do you get? The diesel-powered BMW 335d.
Yep, diesel. And like the
Jetta TDI diesel we tested recently, this is a new-generation diesel that’s
smooth, quiet and powerful. While we found the Jetta to be fun to drive, the
335d is a blast.
At the core of the
performance is a twin-turbo, 3.0-liter 6-cylinder pumping out 265 hp—not a bad
number. But the real game changer is a gargantuan 425 lb.-ft. of torque at just
1,700 rpm. This translates into
tremendous low rpm oomph that makes the 335d a monster at the stoplight grand
prix, yet never feels like it’s working hard.
Unlike some other diesels,
it’s also happy to rev up to its redline (only 5,000 rpm) for a sporting feel
befitting the BMW badge. The 335d is available exclusively with a six-speed
automatic. Ours had the optional sport steering wheel with shifter paddles for
added fun. And when you take advantage of this super smooth transmission, you’re
rewarded with a relentless wave of power that will put a huge grin on your
face.
Driving aggressively, we
still averaged around 30 mpg in combined city and highway driving, probably 5-6
mpg better than its gasoline-powered twin-turbo 335i sibling. So you’ll emit
less CO2, and go further on a tank, but you’ll probably pay a little more for
diesel at the pump.
The rest of the driving
experience is pure BMW 3 Series, which is to say, best in class. With the sport
package, our Crimson Red tester was responsive with deliciously precise
steering, a firm, never harsh ride, and great brakes. The interior is all you
could ever want from a sport sedan, with fantastic seats (no one does them
better), a thick, meaty steering wheel, great gauges, and superb quality of
materials throughout.
Our tester was nicely equipped with the aforementioned Sport
Package, Beige Dakota leather (gorgeous), heated front seats, fold-down rear
seats, iPod/USB adapter (BMW was one of the first with iPod connectivity), and
a few other items, that ran the total up to just over $50,000. Apple to apples,
you’ll pay about $2,000 more for the diesel over the gasoline 335i. For a green
vehicle that’s incredibly good to drive, it’s worth every penny.
—By Ben Lewis, Contributing
Editor, autoMedia.com
Read Jim Flammang’s review
of the BMW 335i coupe and 335d sedan and see all 2009 BMW products in our BMW buyer’s
guide.
|
-
 Aggressively styled and
pleasingly proportioned, Suzuki’s first two Kizashi concepts shared a powerful,
aero-slick design theme characterized as “a dynamic athlete in motion.” They
showed that its coming flagship sedan would be aimed at the emotional end of
the scale.
But Concept Kizashi 3 was
tamer and more production realistic, looking much like the production version
and demonstrating that Suzuki is serious about taking on the well-established
entries in the U.S. market’s most competitive car class. Its stated mission:
move the brand upscale “without abandoning Suzuki’s traditional emphasis on
content and value.”
The only engine for now is
a willing 2.4-liter aluminum four good for 185 horses with a standard 6-speed
manual transaxle, or five ponies fewer with the available continuously variable
transmission (CVT). Rare in this size and price class, the option of Suzuki’s
latest “intelligent” all-wheel-drive (i-AWD) improves both bad-weather traction
and cornering capability. Suspension is reinforced MacPherson struts front and
multi-link rear, developed, Suzuki says, on European surfaces ranging from
urban cobblestones to twisty two-lanes to high-speed German Autobahns and even
the legendary Nurburgring race course.
We found it less than plush
yet surprisingly comfy and quiet, well put together and reasonably fun to
drive. The manual gearbox shifted surely and crisply, and the 2.4-liter four
performed well at lower RPMs but tended to run out of breath at higher engine
speeds. On-road handling was good, steering precise and braking strong and
stable, as needed.
A bit smaller inside and
out than typical midsize sedans, it’s no limo but adequate in back for
full-size adults. So we are convinced that the crowded U.S. midsize sedan
market has another viable new entry, this one foretelling more good things to
come from Suzuki. Click to read the full review story here. By Gary Witzenburg, Contributing Editor, autoMedia.com
|
-
 Nissan has nudged up the pricing on the high trim levels of its iconic Cube, while adding new features for 2010. The base Cube remains at $13,990, but it now carries an extra safety cachet with the recent announcement that the Cube was among 27 vehicles named as Top Safety Picks for 2010 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. (See our 2009 Nissan Cube pricing announcement.)
Step up to the S or SL trim level, there is added, tangible goodness for the extra $340 charged for each. Specifically, it adds hands-free Bluetooth connectivity, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and steering wheel audio controls. Further audio system upgrades include an iPod interface, MP3 playback, Radio Data System (RDS), speed-sensitive volume control (SSV), and two additional speakers (six total).
The Krom Edition adds a new 4.3-inch color audio display with USB connectivity and rear camera, along with a push-button start. The price increases a more significant $760.
2010 Nissan Cube pricing
1.8 Base M/T - $13,990
1.8 S I4 M/T - $15,030
1.8 S CVT - $16,030
1.8 SL CVT - $17,130
Krom Edition CVT - $20,120
In total, the Cube is incrementally more appealing for 2010, improving a distinct vehicle with notable charms that include generous interior space and relatively thrifty fuel economy. Nice to see an affordable vehicle with such personality.
Research the Cube in our new car buyer’s guide.
|
-
 When General Motors first introduced its 60-day Money Back Guarantee, it seemed a bold attempt to assure buyers that its products will satisfy. It also raise the question of how many buyers would choose to participate in the program, and then return a vehicle. On October 15th, we reported that a single return had been made. Just more than a month later, GM reports that 200 of 222,000 customers have opted to pursue a vehicle return.
That sounds like a small percentage, though only 653 customers chose the 60-day offer over a $500 rebate. GM says that many other car shoppers were persuaded to purchase a Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, or GMC vehicle because of the confidence given by the program.
Thus far 53 vehicles have been returned, and about 140 others are going through the process.
Each dissatisfied customer is going through an exit interview with Vice President of Global Product Engineering Mark Reuss and/or his staff. Through this significant effort, GM is certain to learn about the specific reasons that people are willing to walk away from a car. Ultimately, GM has fueled sales and molded public perception—both essential wins as the automaker seeks to remake itself.
|
-
 Since the 2010 Acura ZDX was unveiled, there has been debate over what it is. Based on a platform shared with the MDX SUV, the ZDX looks like a cross between a coupe and sedan, with an elevated ride and premium execution. Regardless of how you perceive this genre-defining vehicle, it definitely has class. And the price of entry we now know will be $45,495, plus $810 destination charges, when it goes on sale December 15.
The ZDX will be available in three trim packages: the well-equipped ZDX; ZDX with Technology Package; and the ZDX with Advance Package. All versions are powered by a 3.7-liter, 300-horsepower V-6 with a six-speed automatic transmission. And each benefits from the “super handling” SH-AWD system that aids enthusiastic driving and all-weather traction.
Standard features include the world's longest panoramic glass roof, hand-stitched leather interior, Bluetooth connectivity, power tailgate, and a premium AM/FM/XM/CD audio system with iPod.
The ZDX with Technology Package adds navigation with voice recognition and real-time traffic information, real-time weather with radar image maps, and a multi-view rear camera. In addition, the Technology Package upgrades the stereo to a surround-sound 415-watt audio system with a built-in 15-gigabyte hard drive media storage system that can hold up to 3,500 songs. Plus it adds a cool GPS-linked, solar-sensing, dual-zone automatic climate control system.
Stepping up to the Advance Package adds a new blind-spot information system, adaptive cruise control, collision mitigating braking system, active damper system, heated and ventilated front seats, premium brushed tricot headliner material, and a sport steering wheel.
2010 Acura ZDX pricing
$45,495 ZDX
$49,995 ZDX with Technology Package
$56,045 ZDX with Advance Package
Read our 2010 Acura ZDX review. And research Acuras in the new car buyer’s guide.
|
-
 It's the week ending November 20, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather the highlights from each.
 It was a bad week for a handful of luxury car owners, with no thanks to powerful forces of nature that took a couple of pricey cars off the streets. Most notably, a Texas driver dumped his Veyron into a salt marsh while trying to avoid a kamikaze pelican. Autoblog has video of the bobbing Bugatti alongside a few pix of the million-dollar car in its natural, DRY, state. And don't miss pix of this Porsche Cayman left buried in the sand after an especially powerful tropical storm. And let's not overlook this three-way pileup at Wrecked Exotics involving an Audi R8, BMW 6 Series, and a Range Rover. Bummer, doods.
 Electric and plug-in vehicles utilize both a large battery pack and electric motor for their power. The capacity values of these devices are written using kW (kilowatt) and kWh (kilowatt hours), but don't think that a 90 kW motor is anything like a 90 kWh battery pack. That little h makes a big difference. Exactly what is the difference? Well, that's what this week's Greenlings investigates!
 As a resident of Los Angeles for more than 40 years, I have spent much of my life driving around our famed cloverleaf freeway exchanges, but when it comes to the most awesome veins for our four-wheeled adventures, Los Angeles has nothing on the world's most amazing freeway constructions. Jalopnik has a gallery of ten of most mind-blowing efforts.
 3M Car Care wants NASCAR fans to see a race in a whole new light - and see better on the highway, too! 3M Car Care and Greg Biffle, driver of the No. 16 3M Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, have joined forces to give one lucky fan an opportunity to win a trip to see a night race under the lights. Find out how to enter at AskPatty.com.
 Let's face it: MINIs have a lot of curb appeal, and their commercials always seem to have a bit of a sporty attitude. Have you seen the new advertisement for Mini's extended motoring protection? Check it out at The Car Connection. and let us know if you think this one stands up to the other Cooper commercials. Mini brags that its Motor Protection plan is offered in L and XL, which may seem a bit conspicuous for such a tiny little car.
 BMW and Mercedes announced pricing this week for their first gas-electric hybrids arriving in showrooms this month, and Hybrid Cars has specs and photos on both the Mercedes-Benz ML 450 Hybrid and BMW ActiveHybrid X6. You know what they say: "If you have to ask...."
Teenagers: You talk at them, and they don't listen. Consumer Reports shares another study showing that a quarter of American teens have texted while driving! That's incredibly dangerous behavior for a group that statistically, already carries significant risks when behind the wheel.
 Yeah yeah, it's possible you've been under a rock this week, and
haven't yet heard that Motor Trend has awarded its 2010 Car of the Year
Award
to the Ford Fusion. Available in both traditional gasoline and hybrid
powertrains, Editor Art St. Antoine says the Ford Fusion represents
"a sensational lineup of quality powertrains (for which Ford deserves
huge applause), smartly tuned chassis, functional and attractive
cabins, and outstanding value." Don't miss the 20-minute video that
explains their testing protocol and highlights on each contender.
And with that video to keep you occupied for the rest of your coffee break,
we thank you for joining us for this week's autoMedia.com CARnival!
Have you got something of interest you want us to include in a future
carnival? Then fill out our online form so we can be notified of
your interesting entry to our weekly blog CAR-nival. Check back next
week for another installment--until then, have a great weekend! Brandy Schaffels, autoMedia.com contributing editor
|
-
 Mazda will introduce its award-winning Mazda2 subcompact to North America at the LA Auto Show. It is offered in sedan, three-door hatchback, and five-door hatchback body styles in other markets, though it looks like it will be the five-door that makes its American debut.
The Mazda2 shares its platform with the much promoted Ford Fiesta, another international import being unveiled for the first time in American trim in LA. (Read: "Ford Fiesta to Arrive in 2010.") Overseas, the Mazda2 is offered with diesel and gasoline powertrains, though it is anticipated that it will have a traditional 1.6-liter gas engine for the U.S. market.
Details will be revealed in a few days, but it will likely have a 120-hp four-cylinder with a choice of six-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmission. The Ford is relatively refined for a small car, agile, and generally rather entertaining. We would expect the Mazda2 would be, as well. And we look forward to verifying that assertion.
See our highlights from the 2008 LA Auto Show.
|
-
 Los Angeles kicks off the North American new-car auto show circuit on December 2nd when the LA Convention Center opens its doors to the media, ahead of the public days later that week. Among the unveilings being teased is an array of high-tech models from Mercedes-Benz, including the SLS AMG supercar, the fuel-sipping E350 BlueTec and the fuel-cell-powered F-Cell. Mercedes will also show its first hybrid SUV, the ML 450 Hybrid, and its SplitView dual-content viewing technology that allows the driver and passenger to see something different on the LCD screen.
The model expected to insight the most salivation is the SLS AMG, the modern reinvention of the classic mid-1950s 300SL. This new version features a lightweight aluminum space-frame body with gullwing doors and a 563-horsepower dry-sump V8 engine. With its front-mid engine and dual-clutch seven-speed, the SLS AMG has a balance weight distribution and track-honed dynamics.
See our highlights from the 2008 LA Auto Show.
|
-
 Adjustable shock absorbers
are readily available today. If you haven’t seen or touched them first hand,
you’ve no doubt heard about them. Typically, these shocks are fitted with
adjustment knobs on the outside of the absorber body. That means anyone can
make a simple modification to the way a car or light truck handles. And most of
these adjustments can be made without the use of hand tools.
Fair enough, but what do
these adjustments accomplish? More than you might think. Good, quality
adjustable shock absorbers can have 12 separate adjustments (single adjustable)
to more than twice that number that in some double adjustable shock absorbers.
Where one knob looks after bump and rebound settings in a single adjustable shock
absorber, the bump and rebound settings are individually set in a double
adjustable shock absorber.
So you have different (and
in some cases, complex) setting capabilities, but what does the adjustment
really provide? It allows you to tailor the way your car or light truck
functions under specific conditions. Having a vehicle with adjustable shocks
means you have control on how your car is set up to handle the type of driving
you'll be doing. While the adjustments won’t turn an econo car into an F1 beater,
they will allow you to set up a vehicle for road racing (gymkhana or track
days) or drag racing or street use. Our newest Car Care feature: Adjustable
Shocks - What Each Adjustment Does
shows where the typical adjustments are made and how the adjustments affect
handling. It also provides you with baseline settings for street use, road
racing and drag racing. If you’re interested in basic suspension tuning, then
this article is the place to begin. ~ Wayne Scraba, Contributing Editor, autoMedia.com
|
-
 The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has announced 19 car and eight SUVs as Top Safety Picks for 2010—far less than the 94 vehicles that earned the accolade for 2009. The IIHS has made the requirements to be named a Top Safety Pick more stringent by adding a roof strength test to measure protection in a rollover accident. In addition, the Picks also factor performance in front, side, and rear crashes the Institute performs, as well as the availability of electronic stability control.
Subaru again shines in IIHS tests, being the only manufacturer that has winning products in all four categories for a total of five awards. Ford and subsidiary Volvo have six winners, and Volkswagen/Audi has four. Chrysler earns four awards, continuing recent trend of improving the crashworthiness of its vehicles.
This marks the second time the Institute has raised the bar for Top Safety Pick status since the awards were introduced in 2005. As with its other tests, it is expected that the rollover rating will push automakers to improve their vehicles ahead of federal mandates. And there is good motivation; The Institute estimates rollovers kill more than 9,000 people in passenger vehicles each year.
To earn a Good rating in the new IIHS test, a vehicle roof must be more than twice as strong as the current federal standard requires. The Institute estimates that such roofs reduce the risk of serious and fatal injury in single-vehicle rollovers by about 50 percent compared with roofs meeting the minimum requirement.
2010 Top Safety Picks
Large cars
Buick LaCrosse
Ford Taurus
Lincoln MKS
Volvo S80
Midsize cars
Audi A3
Chevrolet Malibu built after Oct. 2009
Chrysler Sebring sedan with optional ESC
Dodge Avenger with optional ESC
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Subaru Legacy
Subaru Outback
Volkswagen Jetta sedan
Volkswagen Passat sedan
Volvo C30
Small cars
Honda Civic sedan with optional ESC, except Si
Kia Soul
Nissan Cube
Subaru Impreza except WRX
Volkswagen Golf 4-door
Midsize SUVs
Dodge Journey
Subaru Tribeca
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC90
Small SUVs
Honda Element
Jeep Patriot with optional side airbags
Subaru Forester
Volkswagen Tiguan
The links above go to autoMedia reviews. Learn about car safety and how IIHS tests cars.
You’ll find crash test ratings for all vehicles in the new car buyer’s guide.
|
-
 Ford has announced a replacement for venerable Crown Victoria full-sized sedan will see service in 2011 as a police interceptor. Though details are slim, Ford has declared that it will have a purpose-built car ready for duty when Crown Vic production ends in late 2011.
Ford has owned the police cruiser market for years, commanding 75 percent of the U.S. business. Chevrolet and Dodge have sold cars in spurts, but both the Impala and Charger have compromises compared to the roomy, rear-drive Crown Vic. Each year, Ford sells approximately 45,000 police vehicles, plus even more taxis.
In developing the new car, Ford engineers have prioritized key vehicle attributes, such as safety, performance, durability, driver convenience, and comfort. The final shape and specs will be revealed next year, in ample time to court municipal business and allow for third-party outfitters to develop the essential gear to equip the sedans. This will also provide highway hooligans a chance to commit a new grille to memory.
In the meantime, read "Drive Lika a Cop, Save Driving Tips." See our last Ford Crown Victoria review.
|
More Posts Next page »
|