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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...
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It's the week ending November 13, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather the highlights from each....
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Ford CEO Alan Mulally told Automotive News recently that the company would not be importing its global Ford Ranger pickup truck and Ka minicar into the United States, as previously thought. The Ranger built in Thailand, and sold throughout the world, is different and significantly newer than the model sold here, which has roots back to the 1990s. The Ka is considered too small for our market. Unstated, the Ka may also be too inexpensive to be profitable given transportation costs and exchange rates. Word of the Ranger not coming hurts. The current model is due to be phased out in 2011, and this news suggests there is no imminent replacement. The American Ranger fits an increasingly important niche beneath the full-size truck category, but it feels decidedly long in the tooth. An updated model design to from the onset to deliver significantly improved fuel economy could likely find its place. (Read our Ford Ranger review .) That may still be in the cards, though sourced locally. Pickuptrucks.com has reported that the long-speculated F-100 project may live on. Past rumors have suggested it would be a lightened F-150, though more likely it would be an unique design built for lighter-duty...
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Volvo is continuing its recent tradition of giving very early looks at upcoming models with this 2011 Volvo S60 preview. The relatively curvaceous styling was first seen at the 2009 Detroit auto show , where the concept gave a clear indication of the production styling. (See the S60 concept .) From the front, it bears more than a passing resemblance to the XC70 , and it is aerodynamic enough to forever erase the connotation that Volvo design equates to the classic, darn-near-bulletproof 240 boxes. The production model will make its debut in March 2010 at the Geneva Motor Show, and the factory will begin building the new sedan the following summer in Belgium. Volvo previously indicated that the new 2011 S60 will be powered by a 1.6-liter/180-horsepower turbocharged, direct-injection engine. As seen on the concept car, the S60 is expected toboost fuel economy by using an auto start/stop function; twin manual gearboxes that work in tandem; electric steering; grille shutter to reduce aerodynamic drag; a DRIVe-Mode economy function that prioritizes a variety of functions to emphasize fuel economy; and flat under-chassis panels. The S60 will tout a new, potentially life-saving Volvo safety...
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Word has spilled from the Motor City via The Detroit News that General Motors will produce the Cadillac Converj extended-range electric car. For industry pundits, it seemed predestined that GM would offer a luxury sibling to the much ballyhooed Chevrolet Volt. By packaging the innovative drivetrain in a Cadillac model, GM can amortize the investment across more sales volume. Just as significantly, a Cadillac sports car can absorb the cost for the expensive battery packs, and it will make the Volt seem like an affordable, practical alternative, rather than the most expensive Chevrolet in history. First shown at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit , the Cadillac Converj served as the automaker’s grand finale. Product czar Bob “Maximum” Lutz at the time said if greenlighted, the production Converj would closely resemble the show vehicle. As you can see here, the Converj bears more than a family resemblance to the CTS Coupe , and it puts a sharp edge on luxury sportsters in general. Going green is fast becoming cool. The Volt is expected to go on sale by late 2010, so don’t look for a Cadillac version till 2011 at the earliest. Also see: Driving a Chevy Volt Test...
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2010 Honda Accord Crosstour launched to take on Venza and Murano What is a CUV (crossover utility vehicle), aka "crossover"? It's a careful blend of SUV and sedan, with close-to-car styling, handling and fuel economy. And it's where a majority of buyers are heading, some moving down from SUVs, others moving up from less practical cars. Honda's new-for-2010 Accord-based Crosstour CUV is essentially an Accord wagon with its roofline aerodynamically sloped instead of squared off--or maybe an Accord five-door hatchback. But Honda prefers you to see it as an increasingly fashionable crossover. It's offered it in two models, a well-equipped EX at just over $30,000, including destination, and an upscale EX-L at about $33K. Four-wheel drive adds $1,450 and voice-activated navigation with a rear-view camera adds another $2,200, both available on the EX-L only. The only available powertrain is the Accord's 271-hp 3.5-liter i-VTEC SOHC V-6 coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission and using Honda's Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) cylinder deactivation system to enhance fuel economy by shutting down two or even three cylinders when lightly loaded. The 2WD...
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Chrysler LLC hosted a multi-hour business plan meeting last week where the reborn automaker detailed its strategy for the next few years. Enabled by its new partner Fiat, Chrysler will consolidate platforms, expand product offerings, and aim to boost sales volume and profit. All while significantly increasing product quality. Sounds good so far. The basic breakdown begins with reducing the number of unique platforms. Aside from pickup trucks, Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep count 11 platforms today. For 2014, the aim is to use just six, and that includes expanding into the A/B subcompact/compact-car segments thanks to Fiat. The trick is to move C and D segment vehicles, including small and midsized crossovers and sedans, onto a single, versatile platform. The Jeep Wrangler will have the distinction of having its own platform. (There’s only one, as they say.) The large sedans, minivans, and larger SUVs will each ride on three distinct platforms. There are several tangible benefits to this strategy. Chrysler lost its engineering partner with Daimler divested its interests. While Chrysler continues to use variations of Mercedes platforms, access to such resources is finite going forward. New...
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The halls and exterior space surrounding the Las Vegas Convention Center was awash in customized, high-performance machines last week at the Specialty Equipment Market Association ( SEMA ) show. Among the hundreds of project cars, the redesigned Camaro was well represented, with the 2010 Yenko Camaro , Lingenfelter Trans Am Concept , and twin-turbocharged Jay Leno Camaro all made their public debut. Among the many other show cars, the Camaro Synergy stood out as the ultimate green machine. Not, not some tree-huggin', hybrid, but literally green. While it may not have a celebrity name attached to it, this official Chevrolet project car showcases a striking new exterior color that will be available in the first half of 2010. Think of it as a counterpoint to the upcoming Plum Crazy Dodge Challenger . The Synergy also showcased a variety of add-on accessories being considered for market through the GM Performance Catalog and local dealerships. The makeover is handsome, with a ground effects kit, Cyber Grey hood stripes, high-wing rear spoiler, and 21-inch wheels with a black center. The car is further enhanced with aftermarket goodies that include a Peddars coil-over lowering kit and...
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Suzuki is coming out swinging with its all-new Kizashi sedan , striking at the vital midsized sedan segment. Each Kizashi features all-wheel drive and is motivated by a strong 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180-185 horsepower, depending on transmission fitment. The Kizashi looks poised to compete on personality, feature equipment, and value, with prices starting at $19,000 and peaking at about $27,000, plus $735 in destination charges. Even the base Kizashi S is well equipped with front, side, rear side, and side-curtain airbags; dual-zone climate control; nine-speaker audio system; push-button keyless start; power windows, doors, and mirrors; stability control; and ambient lighting. Starting at $21,500, the Kizashi SE packs additional equipment, such as continuously variable transmission (CVT), 10-way adjustable driver’s seat, leather trim bits, and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Suzuki expects this will be the most popular version. For those who want a more sporting character, the GTS starts at $22,500 and ranges to $25,000 with all the goodies. The GTS is available with a choice of six-speed manual transmission or performance-tuned CVT with steering wheel paddle shifters. It...
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Today, Ford introduced an to provide rear passengers with airbag protection. The airbags are concealed within special shoulder belts. Once deployed, the disperse the force over a wider area than a conventional belt, thereby reducing injury risks. Ford points to the benefits for children and the elderly, two groups that commonly ride in the second-row and are especially vulnerable to injury. (Read “ The Dilemma of Older Drivers .”) In the event of a crash, the airbag deploys in 40 milliseconds. This is notably slower than a traditional front airbag, since the device does not need to close a gap between the belt and the occupant. After all, it is already in contact with the passenger. As it expands, the rear seat belts spread crash forces over five times more area of the body than conventional seat belts; this helps reduce pressure on the chest and helps control head and neck. The seat-belt airbag system will be first offered on the redesigned 2011 Ford Explorer, and it will be made available on other FoMoCo vehicles after that launch. See the top-10 car safety systems . Learn more about car safety .
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With the massive Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), there are performance vehicles of all stripes, but only one has the distinctive Yenko stripes. As previewed in the autoMedia blog , General Marketing Capital Incorporated ( GMCI ) showed a 2010 Yenko Camaro Prototype based on a Camaro SS . The Phase 1 Yenko boasts a supercharger to boost output to 600 horsepower, Tremec six-speed manual transmission, Hurst short-throw shifter, six-piston big brake package, and Magnaflow high-flow cat-back exhaust system. The appearance is given the full Yenko treatment with the essential, distinctive strips, emblems, and retro-styled 22-inch aluminum wheels. The interior features Yenko Super Car (sYc) embroidered headrests, Yenko/SC sill plates, Yenko/SC embroidered floor mats, and more. GMCI is exploring options for producing more Yenko project cars and product lines. It is also developing a Web site to support the business and nurture a Yenko community. The name Yenko is legendary in muscle car circles, with classic Yenko Camaros demanding 10-times the price as a traditional factory car at major auctions. It was Don Yenko who was responsible for creating the Yenko Stinger Corvair, Yenko...
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Toyota Motor Sales seems to have been too enthusiastic in its response to a recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report when it issued a press release Monday stating “No defect exists in vehicles with properly installed floor mats.” Toyota had claimed that NHTSA had completed its investigation into unintended acceleration with certain models, finding that " ... the only defect trend related to vehicle speed control in the subject vehicles involved the potential for accelerator pedals to become trapped near the floor by out-of-position or inappropriate floor mat installations." (See our post “ NHTSA Says No Defect In Recalled Toyota, Lexus Vehicles .”) NHTSA has come out with a strong rebuke, calling the Toyota release “inaccurate and misleading.” In its own statement, the government safety organization said: “NHTSA has told Toyota and consumers that removing the recalled floor mats is the most immediate way to address the safety risk and avoid the possibility of the accelerator becoming stuck. But it is simply an interim measure. This remedy does not correct the underlying defect in the vehicles involving the potential for entrapment of the accelerator...
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Ending months of negotiation and speculation, General Motors has halted the sale of its European Opel division. GM has cited improving business and the importance of Opel/Vauxhall to its global operations as the reasons for the reversal. GM today posted its October sales figures, showing the first gain in 21 months. The news came hard on Magna International, which had been working with the German government, GM, and partners on acquiring Opel. Known as a major parts supplier, Magna is a large, diverse company that has grown to become a manufacturer-for-hire for several automakers, and this purchase would have been a natural expansion for its business. “GM will soon present its restructuring plan to Germany and other governments and hopes for its favorable consideration,” said Fritz Henderson, president and CEO. “We understand the complexity and length of this issue has been draining for all involved. However, from the outset, our goal has been to secure the best long term solution for our customers, employee, suppliers, and dealers, which is reflected in the decision reached today. This was deemed to be the most stable and least costly approach for securing Opel/Vauxhall’s long-term...
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Respected tuning house Lingenfelter Performance Engineering ( LPE ) unveiled a back-to-the-future muscle car with its T/A concept at the 2009 SEMA show . Certain to turn heads, the reborn Trans Am applies classic Pontiac cues to a 2010 Camaro , then cranks up the volume with abundant performance upgrades. The result is a clear example of what could have been, where it not for the auto industry crisis . Inspired by the 1969 original, the exterior makeover features a new front fascia with custom headlamps, grille, and turn signals. The car's fender has a functional side extractor scoop and the rear quarter has a leading edge wheel flair. The rear corners of the car have been extended nearly four inches and are finished with a wrapped down stand-up spoiler. Custom-created taillight housings complete the body work. The rolling stock is custom 20-inch honeycomb wheels wrapping in 275/40ZR20 front and 315/35ZR20 rear Nitto tires. Inside, the cockpit is dressed with bright blue woven vinyl seat inserts and metal turned instrument panel accents. As with any LPE project, there is serious underhood alchemy with the T/A concept. The engine is built around a custom Racing Head Service (RHS...
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Toyota was strapped in the national hot-seat after a tragic accident in August involving a Lexus ES 350 was blamed on sudden, unintended acceleration. A floor mat from a Lexus RX 400h SUV was wrongly fitted to the sedan and suspected as being a key factor in that incident. Toyota Motor Sales has begun mailing letters to owners of certain Toyota and Lexus models regarding the potential for an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat to interfere with the accelerator pedal and cause it to get stuck in the wide-open position. (Read " Toyota, Lexus Recalling 3.8 Million Vehicles to Inspect Floor Mats .") More significantly, Toyota reports that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA ) has completed its investigation and found that no defect exists in vehicles in which the driver's floor mat is compatible with the vehicle and properly secured. After conducting an extensive technical review of the issue, including interviews with consumers who had complained of unwanted acceleration, NHTSA concluded that " ... the only defect trend related to vehicle speed control in the subject vehicles involved the potential for accelerator pedals to become...
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