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U.S. District Judge James V. Selna has dismissed the first unintended acceleration lawsuit against Toyota in California on the grounds that it should have been filed in Utah. Automotive News reports that the case was brought to court by the families of two people killed in a Utah crash in 2010.

Judge Selna found that a federal warranty claim in the lawsuit failed to meet a required threshold of $50,000. The warranty claim was levied toward the dealer that sold the vehicle, and since the judge ruled that the plaintiffs couldn’t use personal injury or punitive damages in warranty claim, the lawsuit fell short of the threshold. That meant that the case fell back under Utah jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, Mark Robinson, the plaintiffs’ attorney, said that he’s already working to draft another complaint that leaves the dealer out as a defendant altogether. Doing so will allow the suit to go forward seeking full punitive damages. The suit alleges that Toyota failed to install a brake override system or otherwise prevent unintended acceleration. The case is thought to be a litmus test for similar suits around the country.

Toyota’s first unintended acceleration trial dismissed on technicality

My helmet has just been crammed into the cross ribs of the roof of our Miata for the third time in less than a kilometer, driving a guttural “OOMPH” from my lungs mid-sentence at the same time. I regain my breath, look from the route book to the kitchen timer that’s Velcroed to the rally computer on the dash, and start counting out the seconds on my fingers. My tiny brain is already too overloaded for simple math, and I’ve reduced myself to elementary school tricks for quick calculations. It’s the fifth stage of the fourth day, and the verdict isn’t good; we’re a far cry from our target time.

“We are 17 seconds slow,” I say into the mic, doing my best to stifle any tones of urgency.

“Seventeen seconds? Are you sure?”

The short answer is that no, I’m not sure. For the first time in a full week’s worth of time-speed-distance rallying, our time intervals are making no damn sense. We’ll pass one and be 25 seconds down only to pass the next and be within five seconds of our target. I’m all kinds of crossed up, but mid-stage is no time to let your driver know his navigator has no damn clue what’s going on.

“I’m sure. Beat on this thing.”

Always project confidence.

Continue reading How to lose the 2011 Targa Newfoundland in one easy step [w/video]

How to lose the 2011 Targa Newfoundland in one easy step [w/video]

It looks like the Vision SZR is still clawing its way toward production. According to online video series Done In 60 Seconds, the specialty machine from Mar Vista, California will reportedly come equipped with up to 700 horsepower courtesy of a 6.0-liter V12, though cost-shy buyers could theoretically stick with the base 6.2-liter V8 good for a more modest 620 horsepower. With an aluminum chassis and a carbon fiber body, the Vision SZR tips the scales at 2,875 pounds in its heaviest configuration, which means that all that swoopy bodywork should scoot to 60 mph in the low-three-second range. If you like what you’re hearing, get ready to wait for a while. Currently there is only one SZR in the world, and it apparently cost its creator $2 million to produce.

The first Vision SZR prototype turned a wheel back in 2005 (development dates back ten years), and the company has been soldiering forth on development ever since. As Chief Operating Officer John Misumi sees it, the SZR is a muscle car for the 21st century. While the design certainly isn’t for everyone (we think it looks kind of like the 1990 Chevrolet Corvette CERV III concept car viewed through a funhouse mirror), we certainly appreciate Misumi’s drive to create a one-of-a-kind performance vehicle. Hit the jump to watch a video of the SZR in action, and check it out in our gallery as well.

Continue reading Vision SCR still trying to make it into production

Vision SCR still trying to make it into production

Raul Castro is changing the way life works in Cuba, lentamente. According to Reuters, the island ruler sent several hundred reforms to the annual Commuist party congress, and one of them just approved now allows Cubans to buy and sell cars made after 1959. Previously, only cars that predated the island’s Communist revolution could be commercially traded by anyone not specifically given permission by the government.

That gives the 11-million-strong populace access to other makes like the Lada, Nissan, Isuzu and Mercedes-Benz models that the well-connected have been able to drive in the intervening 52 years. However, even though the new law states that owners can act “without any prior authorization from any entity,” it doesn’t mean it’s open season: there remain limits on things like importing and ownership of cars. Castro said the law will help ensure the survival of Cuban Communism.

Now they just need to address the fact that the average Cuban makes about $18 a month.

Cuban government authorizes citizens to buy, sell cars

The first season of Top Gear USA was a little rough, and the statistical proof of this came in the form of lukewarm ratings. But instead of dumping the show in favor of more Pawn Stars re-runs, The History Channel decided to give the auto-focused program another chance at success. Good thing, too, as the second season of Top Gear USA was more refined, more entertaining and, we’re guessing, it brought in more ad dollars. That’s because the show’s ratings jumped by 30 percent, with the much-sought 25-54 demographic jumping by 35 percent.

Thanks to those 1.9 million average viewers, History decided to extend season two by eight more episodes. Hosts Adam Ferrara, Tanner Foust, Rutledge Wood and the crew are already in production, and History tells us the new episodes will feature “more exciting challenges, crazy antics and legendary vehicles.”

The extended season will include Adam and Rutledge coming up with dangerous ways to charge an electric vehicle while driving and Tanner heading to England to drive the Noble M600. The show hosts will even whip up some homemade limos out of some funky rides, and use the stretch monstrosities to chauffeur celebrities to the Emmy Awards.

Like we said, the first season was pretty average (and sometimes unwatchable), but the second run of shows were far more entertaining. We’re thinking that a larger audience can only lead to more investment in the show, which should be a good thing. Hit the jump to read The History Channel press release.

Continue reading Top Gear USA extends second season

Top Gear USA extends second season

Today, Friday, September 30, 2011, marks the 56th anniversary of the death of American icon James Dean. Far less significantly but also noteworthy, it rather obviously marks the same anniversary of the passing of Little Bastard, the 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder that Dean was driving west on U.S. Route 466 (now known as State Route 46) in Cholame, California, on his way to a race in Salinas.

Dean’s death was caused, not by speeding as some believe, but by a fellow motorist who veered into Dean’s path. Dean’s last words, as quoted by his mechanic and passenger that day, Rolf Wütherich, were, “That guy’s gotta stop… He’ll see us.” He didn’t see them, he did not stop, and the head-on collision led to Dean’s death about 10 minutes later.

While the legend of James Dean had already been firmly established even before his untimely death, the curse of Little Bastard, the name bestowed upon the Porsche Spyder by Dean himself, was just getting started. While details and the exact series of events are clouded in uncertainty, there’s no arguing that the wreck of Little Bastard was sold after the tragic accident and many of its parts were subsequently used in other vehicles… in some cases, with confirmed fatal consequences.

Was the car that killed James Dean really cursed? We’re not ones to cast judgment on such issues of mythical folklore, but the details surrounding Little Bastard are nothing if not an interesting story. We suggest you read more here, here and here, or watch the video we’ve pasted after the break that discusses the actor’s life and the curse of Little Bastard.

Continue reading Remembering James Dean and the curse of Little Bastard [w/video]

Remembering James Dean and the curse of Little Bastard [w/video]

The only better place to watch a drag race than from the other side of the wall is behind the steering wheel. Then again, that depends on what car you’re driving. This gentleman enjoyed the view from the driver’s seat of his hopped-up 80’s Buick Regal for the holeshot, or just until his seat went from upright to permanently reclined in 1.2 seconds.

All of which just goes to show how souping up a car can sometimes reveal hidden weaknesses in the most surprising ways. Our advice: Do some crunches, get back out there and try again! Check out the disaster-averted hilarity after the jump.

Continue reading Drag racing Buick Regal driver loses best seat in the house

Drag racing Buick Regal driver loses best seat in the house

Lexus has introduced a slew of 2012 special edition models, including unique variants of the LS 460, ES 350 and CT 200h. The rear-wheel-drive Lexus LS 460 Sport Special Edition offers buyers standard equipment that includes Brembo brakes, a sport-tuned air suspension and sport front seats in addition to 19-inch split-10-spoke wheels and a two-tone leather interior, among other amenities. Expect to hand over $77,000, excluding destination.

Meanwhile, the ES 350 Touring Edition comes laden with 17-inch 10-spoke wheels, a steering wheel and shift knob trimmed in leather and wood, navigation and saddle-tan leather heated and cooled seats. Additional equipment is also part of the package, and all that kit will bump the ES 350 Touring Edition MSRP to $40,475, excluding destination.

Finally, the CT 200h is getting the sport treatment as well with the F Sport Special Edition (seen above). The model is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels of its own, along with an F Sport suspension that includes specific springs and sway bars. An F Sport appearance package is also along for the ride, and includes a mesh grille, larger rear spoiler, aluminum sport pedals and a perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel. Asking price? A cool $37,995. Lexus will politely ask for $875 for delivery on each model. Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading Lexus releases new ES, CT and LS special edition models

Lexus releases new ES, CT and LS special edition models

It started with a four-cylinder, graduated to six and then eight cylinders, and now might be settling back down to six. The next-generation F80 BMW M3, caught testing around the homeland, has let its voice be heard, and the suspicions are that a V6, not a BMW-traditional inline six, rumbles through those pipes.

Bimmerfile posits that a V6 could be “loosely based on the M5′s S63 twin-turbo V8, but with even greater high-end power and efficiency.” Whatever is under that hood – and whatever is handling that lightning-quick gear change, don’t quite sound like anything that’s come straight from the factory before, at least to our ears. Follow the jump to watch and listen for yourself and make a guess in Comments.

Continue reading Is this BMW M3 prototype powered by an inline or V6?

Is this BMW M3 prototype powered by an inline or V6?

Here’s a new one. According to AutoExpress, police in the UK are looking into scanners embedded into roadways that can detect the depth of a vehicle’s tire tread. If your rubber doesn’t meet a set of pre-determined parameters, you could eventually expect to see a fine show up in the mail. Currently, law enforcement says that the technology will only be used in checkpoint scenarios to alert drivers of a potentially dangerous situation, but given that the system costs somewhere around €50,000, or $67,500 at current conversion rates, critics are concerned that the depth-measuring device will be used as a cudgel to drum up revenue.

That concern is bolstered by the fact that Trevor Hall, a major proponent of speed cameras in the UK, is also behind the measure.

We’re all for improving road safety in any way possible, but if this new technology results in fines for motorists, we have concerns. After all, measures like the one proposed here would almost certainly target low-income drivers and unfairly position revenue generation on their shoulders. After all, if you can afford new tires, chances are better that you’ll buy them.

Scanners embedded in road to result in fines for those driving on worn tires?

Automotive News is reporting that Hyundai Co-CEO Steve Yang has resigned his duties at the Korean automaker for personal reasons. Yang helped push Hyundai to become the sales powerhouse it is now by improving the company’s image and carving out additional market share even in the midst of an industry-wide downturn.

Yang was responsible for both domestic and foreign operations, and AN reports that executives Kim Choong-hu and Kim Seung-tack will split Yang’s duties moving forward. Yang helmed the automaker’s day-to-day operations, and split CEO duties with two others, including chairman and founding family member Chung Mong-koo. A new CEO will be chosen by the company’s board at a later date.

The 58-year-old Yang is stepping down due to health reasons, according to Automotive News. He will remain as an advisor. Yang was the less visible of the automaker’s trio of CEOs, thanks in part to Chairman Chung’s reputation as a stern leader who has been instrumental in raising his company’s production standards.

Hyundai co-CEO Yang resigns for personal reasons

LG Group has taken up legal arms against both BMW and Audi over a patent dispute. The technology company is reportedly aiming to have the sale of vehicles from both German automakers banned in South Korea over an LED patent dispute. According to Korea Times, LG Group is claiming that Osram, the manufacturer of LEDs favored by both automakers, is infringing on LG patents. Oddly enough, LG was once behind the patent game and had to pay Osram to use the company’s LED technology in LG products. Now LG has combined its relevant patents with those of a host of smaller companies, allowing it to skip paying Osram and sue the company for infringement.

Twisted.

Is there any chance of a court outright agreeing to ban such a large section of products from two companies that largely had nothing to do with the dispute? That seems unlikely, but Osram and LG Group may have to sit down and have a nice, lengthy chat with checkbooks in hand sometime in the near future.

LG attempting to ban BMW and Audi sales in South Korea over patent dispute

The U.S. House of Representatives is investigating the motives behind the recent decision by Ford to pull an ad from its YouTube account that’s critical of the government bailouts of General Motors and Chrysler, only later to restore it. Representative Darrell Issa, R-California, has asked Alan Mulally, president and CEO of Ford, for a “full and complete explanation” of his company’s reasoning for temporarily pulling the ad. Earlier this week, Ford reportedly said that the ad was removed from the company’s YouTube page as part of a planned rotation, and that it would continue to run online (there’s no word on whether Ford will resume airing the ad on television, however).

In addition, Ford says that it continues to support the automotive bailout on the grounds that the automotive industry is a tight-knit network of companies, unions and workers. According to The Detroit News, Issa is specifically concerned that Ford received undue pressure from the White House to pull the ad. That’s an allegation that Dan Pfeiffer, White House communications director, staunchly denies. Nevertheless, Issa has asked Ford to turn over any documents that pertain to the discussion of the ad. If you still haven’t seen the ad for yourself, we’ve embedded it after the jump.

Continue reading Chairman of House Oversight asks Ford why it pulled ad

Chairman of House Oversight asks Ford why it pulled ad

Our spy photographers have snapped a glimpse of the forthcoming 2013 Ford Fusion. The Mondeo-based sedan looks to have lifted lighting inspiration from the Ford Evos Concept that the automaker debuted at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. With thin, slit-like projection lenses and a very vertical grille, the 2013 Fusion looks to bring quite a bit more attitude to the table than the current model. Right now, the Fusion is built in Mexico, but there’s some indication that the model may shift to a U.S. plant in the near future as part of the current negotiations between Ford and the United Auto Workers.

At this stage in the vehicle’s development, it’s unclear exactly what Ford will offer in terms of powertrain options or what the inevitable hybrid variant will bring to the table when it arrives. We are told that Ford will likely show off the first real look at the 2013 Fusion at January’s Detroit Auto Show. Stay tuned.

Next-gen Ford Fusion reveals new face

Anything But A Trivial Pursuit

There’s something inherently satisfying about using a blunt force object for its exact purpose, be it ripping the cover off a baseball with a Louisville Slugger or bonking one of those animatronic pop-up varmints with a rubber mallet at the local arcade. At the opposite end of the spectrum, there’s something equally satisfying about using a precise tool designed for an exact purpose, be it a Montblanc pen or a pickle fork. With the introduction of its 2012 Chevrolet Caprice PPV, General Motors is betting that law enforcement customers are willing to trade-in the former brand of satisfaction for the latter.

For decades now, an overwhelming majority of America’s policemen and women have relied on the four-wheeled equivalent of a blunt object, the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, as a primary tool in combating crime. Stubbornly resistant to change since its introduction during the Carter administration, the Crown Vic proudly rode its pig iron and scrimshaw frame into retirement earlier this month, a victim of growing legislative hurdles and slowing sales. Yet despite – or perhaps because of – its antiquated technology and crude construction, precincts far and wide have been clawing over each other to secure the last few examples.

GM believes it has a better way: 2012 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle. Company officials say they are so cognizant of the unique needs of law enforcement that they’ve designed and built this special pursuit vehicle specifically for their use. GM has divulged no plans to park a civilian version in your Bowtie showroom and you won’t be seeing them in New York yellow, either. This is a purpose-built piece of kit. Of course, the truth is a bit more complicated than that. The Caprice PPV is actually a lightly modified version of GM’s long-wheelbase Zeta sedans that are marketed in Australia as the Holden Commodore and in the Middle East as… well, a Chevy Caprice. GM recently offered ordinary U.S. consumers a shorter Zeta, in the form of the well liked but short-lived Pontiac G8, but it expired when its brand was shuttered.

GM invited us out to its Proving Grounds to play cops and robbers on the very same day that the pilot light was going out at Ford’s Crown Vic plant. Coincidence? Rather than mull the question, we hightailed it out to Milford, Michigan to live out our childhood policeman fantasies and file this report.

Continue reading 2012 Chevrolet Caprice PPV

2012 Chevrolet Caprice PPV

Canada is opening its used car market to vehicles from Mexico to fulfill the obligations of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). While vehicles 15 years old or older can already be imported to Canada, this move concerns late-model used vehicles. The only other country Canada accepts used vehicles under 15 years old from is the United States, and NAFTA stipulates that Canada should have already completed this bit of border opening by the end of 2010.

According to Canada’s Sympatico Autos, there’s not likely to be an immediate flood of Mexi-cars into the Great White North, however. Brian Osler, president of the North American Automobile Trade Association (NAATA) notes that when cars from the United States became available, “it took a long time for people to become aware that there was more than one buying channel.” Not only that, but vehicles will still need to meet Canadian emissions and safety standards, and the program is being phased in, starting with vehicles 10 or more years old. Every two years, newer vehicles will be allowed until the restrictions sunset in 2019 for all NAFTA signatories.

Global pressure on the economy and tight used-car values are likely to keep a damper on a buying bonanaza, at least in the short term. U.S. vehicles are also cushier and long-established in Canada’s used-car marketplace, though some Canadian dealers are already establishing supplier channels in Mexico, and some already buy vehicles from Mexico to send to Europe. One peek at the ravages of road salt on a vehicle, and the allure of a vehicle that’s lived closer to the equator becomes clear, and that’s likely to be one factor that spurs Canadian buyers to consider used vehicles originally from Mexico. Us? We’d be interested in some of the Mexican market’s forbidden fruit.

Canadians may soon be able to buy used cars from Mexico

Volkwagen has made it clear that the automaker has no plans to dive into NASCAR, but that doesn’t mean that the company is turning its back on American motorsports altogether. According to TheDetroitBureau.com, Wolfgang Durheimer, head of Volkwagen Group motorsports, says his company is currently investigating a number of U.S. competition venues, including the American Le Mans Series and Grand Am, as well as Indy Car and the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. As you may recall, Audi took to Pike’s Peak last year to show off the company’s autonomous vehicle project, and Volkswagen has enjoyed good success in Colorado Springs with their diesel-powered Touareg race trucks.

In fact, TDB reports that Durheimer wasn’t even completely against the notion of a NASCAR effort. Instead, the executive merely said that going full-bore into America’s favorite motorsport would require too large of an investment and that those funds could be more successfully applied elsewhere. Of all of the options on the table, Durheimer has only completely nixed drag racing as a suitable Volkswagen venue. The executive is expected to bring his proposals before the automaker’s top management soon.

VW won’t race in NASCAR, but pondering Indy Car and ALMS

When Porsche announced that Rennsport Reunion IV would be held at the famous Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, we knew that the triannual celebration of the marque wasn’t something to be missed. We made sure our calendars were clear for the third weekend in October. Now that Rennsport is less than a month away, we have even more details about what’s in store for the event.

The last time Porsche was the featured marque at the Monterey Historics, nearly 150 examples took to the track. We thought that was a lot, but it will be nothing compared to when Porschefiles from around the world descend on Laguna Seca for Rennsport. According to the organizers, no less than 350 Porsches will take part in the on-track racing, and an additional 50 historic models will be on display in the paddock, many shipped over directly from the Porsche museum in Stuttgart. In addition, the newly released 2012 Porsche 911 will be making its first North American appearance.

We’ll be in Monterey for Rennsport in just a few weeks to provide you with daily live coverage, but until then you can read more about the Porsches that will be on display after the jump.

Continue reading 350 Porsches set to descend on Laguna Seca for Rennsport Reunion IV

350 Porsches set to descend on Laguna Seca for Rennsport Reunion IV

General Motors will be offering up a new version of the Chevrolet Silverado HD next year. The Texas Edition Silverado 2500 and 3500 will offer buyers all of the standard equipment associated with LT trim, plus additional interior and exterior flare.

Outside, 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, unique badging and a slathering of chrome over the door handles and side molding help distinguish the truck from the rest of the mall parking lot. It’s worth noting that a trailering package and locking rear differential are also a part of the kit, and that 3500 HD buyers will have to cope with 18-inch rollers on single-wheel models and 17-inch wheels on dually trucks.

Inside, both 2500 and 3500 models are packed with dual-zone climate control, a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat and a Bluetooth-capable CD player with MP3 input. Power camper mirrors with integrated turn signals are also included. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Chevrolet Silverado gets Texas Edition for 2012

Chevrolet Silverado gets Texas Edition for 2012

As recent rumors suggested, BMW is, in fact, growing its hybrid offerings, though battery power may not be headed to the 3 Series just yet. The German automaker has just unveiled a new production ActiveHybrid 5. The vehicle is based on the 535i, and pairs the company’s turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a 55-horsepower electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. A lithium-ion battery pack provides electricity storage. All told, the system produces somewhere around 335 horsepower and allows the driver to whir along on all-electric power at speeds of up to 37 mph, but it can only push along in all-electric mode for around 2.5 miles at average of 22 mph. Early guesses say that the system will afford a “double-digit percentage improvement in fuel economy over the 535i,” yet it will also propel the ActiveHybrid to 60 mph in around 5.7 seconds.

That’s plenty quick by any account, and BMW says that the vehicle will be available in U.S. dealerships by as soon as March of next year. So far, there’s no indication as to exactly how much BMW will ask for the vehicle or what sort of fuel economy buyers can expect. Is this a suitable replacement for the short-lived X6 ActiveHybrid? We certainly think so, but we aren’t exactly fans of high-riding hybrids, either. Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading BMW reveals 335-horsepower ActiveHybrid 5 Series

BMW reveals 335-horsepower ActiveHybrid 5 Series