The Auto Blog .ru

What price a reputation? That’s what Toyota will be learning in the months and years ahead as it struggles to recover from the safety scandal that has enveloped the company since it announced the first recall for unintended acceleration in October 2009.

Going into the recession, certainly no company seemed better suited to weather the perfect storm than the Japanese giant, which had positioned itself as the leader in quality, reliability and dependability, or QRD in industry speak, as well as the benchmark for green mobility. Having ousted General Motors as the global king-of-the-hill, the Asian automaker seemed unstoppable.

Yet nearly seven years ago, I wrote a column suggesting Toyota might become the next GM if it weren’t careful, and even as the company’s sales continued growing, there were subtle signs of trouble in the offing – most notably in its slippage on the quality charts.

But few would have anticipated the sudden acceleration crisis, or the series of additional recalls that followed, month after month. In 2010, there wasn’t a single Toyota model that didn’t land on the recall list at least once – some repeatedly.

Continue reading…

Paul A. Eisenstein is Publisher of TheDetroitBureau.com, and a 30-year veteran of the automotive beat. His editorials bring his unique perspective and deep understanding of the auto world to Autoblog readers on a regular basis.

Continue reading Opinion: Turning the tide at Toyota?

Opinion: Turning the tide at Toyota?

Motor Trend may prefer the Chevrolet Volt, but the well-heeled readers of the Robb Report have a considerably different set of priorities when it comes to picking the best of the best. That’s why the luxury magazine has decided to name the Ferrari 458 Italia as its Car of the Year.

The 458 scores high marks for its exterior design, interior materials and overall performance, and the Prancing Horse beat out thirteen other vehicles for the award. Says the magazine:

The stunning Italian sports car topped (in order of finish) the Audi R8 V10 Spyder, Porsche 911 Turbo S, Aston Martin V12 Vantage, Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG, Bentley Mulsanne, Maserati GranTurismo Convertible, Audi A8L, Aston Martin Rapide, BMW Alpina B7, Rolls-Royce Ghost, Jaguar XJ Supersport, Cadillac CTS-V Coupe, and Lotus Evora.

Click past the break for the complete press release.

[Source: Robb Report]

Continue reading Ferrari 458 Italia named 2011 Robb Report Car of the Year

Ferrari 458 Italia named 2011 Robb Report Car of the Year

Our elite squad of spy photographers has managed to nab a handful of photos of the upcoming BMW 1 Series. Given that a refreshed model has just debuted for 2012, it’s understandable that details on the next-gen model are still squirmy at the moment. In any case, this new batch of shots show off a bit more of what we can expect to see on the production version when it lands in showrooms. If this mule is any indication we can expect the 1 to come bearing the company’s first turn signals integrated into the sideview mirrors, and it appears that the squared angel-eye headlights of manufacturer’s recent concept cars have finally made their way off of the show circuit and onto the street.

Inside, BMW has finally seen fit to add a little color to the cabin with a few splashes of red stitching as well as a dash accent. It looks like the 1 will also come bearing a pop-up navigation screen when it arrives in dealerships.

As of right now, there’s little word as to what will show up under the hood of this wee beastie when it comes Stateside, but we hear that this particular machine was powered by a 2.0-liter diesel engine and an eight-speed automatic. The car was also spotted testing alongside two xDrive products vehicles and an Audi A4, so there’s a good chance that we’ll see all-wheel drive crop up on the next 1, too.

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 1 Series

When we first heard that Juha Kankkunen and Bentley had managed to set a new ice-speed record off the coast of Finland, we immediately wanted to see footage of the action. The thought of watching a race-prepped Continental Supersports Convertible dash across just 20 centimeters of Baltic Sea ice is the kind of thing that haunts our daydreams. Fortunately, the automaker has been so kind as to slip the world a quick clip of the record-smashing run, complete with angles from the sky, the ice and the cockpit.

Kankkunen demolished his old ice-speed record of 199.83 mph set in 2007. At the time, the World Rally champion was shooting to cruise past the 200 mph barrier but just barely missed his mark. He had no such trouble this go-round. His drop-head clicked off a top speed of 205.48 mph.

Interestingly enough, aside from a set of winter tires, some safety kit and a couple of aero additions, the Continental Supersports Convertible that Kankkunen used as his weapon of choice was essentially a bone-stock machine. Hit the jump to check out the clip for yourself.

[Source: Bentley via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: See Bentley’s record-setting 205 mph run on ice

Video: See Bentley’s record-setting 205 mph run on ice

We can officially quit our whining over our latest parking ticket. Across The Pond, London authorities have begun putting local drivers’ feet to the fire and are raking in record fines as a result. One street even managed to pull down nearly £1 million ($1.6 million at current conversion rates) last year. That’s especially shocking considering that the now infamous Clapham Park Road in the borough of Lambeth is less than half a mile long. According to reports, authorities issued an astonishing 16,800 tickets on that street alone, or about 46 citations per day.

The total amount collected from fines on that particular street tallied over £300,000 ($480,000) higher than the road with the next highest level of parking fine revenue.

Some locals believe that the government is using parking fines to make up gaps in their budget as an illegal revenue generator. Multiple complaints to that tune have already been levied from Barnet to Westminster.

[Source: PistonHeads Image: Oli Scariff/Getty Images]

Parking fines on single London street reportedly reach over $1.5M

Autoblog Podcast #217 is a little late. Blame Dan. That out of the way, Chris, Dan, Zach and Chris Paukert talk over their favorites from the Chicago Auto Show, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and the Porsche Panamera S Hybrid. We wrap with your questions and comments, as always, and we’ll see you next week. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #217: Chicago recap, Camaro ZL1, Porsche Panamera S Hybrid

• Infiniti Etherea Concept
• Camaro ZL1
• Chicago Auto Show
• Porsche Panamera S Hybrid

In the Autoblog Garage:


2011 Jaguar XF
2011 Jaguar XK
2011 Dodge Durango Crew AWD
2011 Chrysler 200

• Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert

Runtime: 01:01:00

Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #217: Chicago recap, Camaro ZL1, Porsche Panamera S Hybrid

According to Consumer Reports, Chrysler has addressed a handling issue with the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee that the publication discovered during independent testing. During a double-lane-change emergency maneuver, CR testers noted a considerable amount of skidding and hopping at the very limit of traction. Chrysler engineers then went to the magazine’s test track to review the findings before returning to Auburn Hills to come up with a solution. In December, the automaker released a software update for the vehicle’s stability control, and all Grand Cherokee models manufactured since then have come from the factory with the fix.

Consumer Reports was recently able to put the updated 2011 Grand Cherokee through its paces at the track once again and found that the issue had been corrected. The big SUV managed to maintain an average speed of 50 mph through the course and behaved itself at and beyond the limits of the vehicle’s traction. The fix has helped to improve the vehicle’s Consumer Reports rating for the Grand Cherokee from a 66 to a 71.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Zach Bowman / AOL

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Chrysler fixes Grand Cherokee handling issue identified by Consumer Reports

That’s right, this is the 2012 Honda Civic in all its glory. Though it might be difficult to tell with just a casual glance, this Civic is brand-new, sharing practically nothing but its moniker with the previous generation. As much as we may have liked some additional visual flair, it seems Honda is being conservative and aiming right for the heart of the market with five separate and distinct flavors of its compact offering.

We’ll start with the all-new HF model, which, as you may have guessed, is the most fuel efficient of the non-hybridized Civics that will be available in the United States. Honda expects the HF, with its 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine, to earn EPA-estimated fuel economy of 41 miles per gallon on the highway. The HF will share its aerodynamics package with the returing Civic Hybrid, which manages a combined rating of 45 mpg (a four-mpg improvement over the outgoing Civic Hybrid) thanks to its lithium-ion battery – a Honda-first – and 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine and CVT transmission. There’s also a natural gas-powered Civic GX.

While those two models aim for the ultimate in fuel efficiency, we imagine that the standard Sedan and Coupe models will make up the bulk of sales. Buyers will find a 1.8-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine underhood with 140 horsepower that scores an EPA-estimated 39 mpg on the highway (a three-mpg improvement over the last Civic). The Civic soldiers on with a five-speed automatic at a time when most of its competitors are packing six ratios.

And then, of course, there’s the sporty Si model. As the Civic that’s meant to steal the hearts of performance lovers, it’s nice to see a new 2.4-liter powerplant with 200 horsepower mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. Perhaps more importantly, the larger mill pumps out 170 pound-feet of torque, a 22-percent increase over the outgoing twist-starved Si. All that and an additional two mpg on the highway (31 mpg estimated) ought to make for a reasonably fun everyday commuter.

And now to the styling. We’ll start off on a positive note: the 2012 Honda Civic is not ugly. Problem is, it’s also not hugely attractive. In fact, *yawn* it’s not really anything. Both inside and out, this latest Civic is barely distinguishable from the previous generation, and as competitors continue pushing their design envelope forward, well… we really expect more these days. Let’s hope the driving dynamics live up to our lofty expectations, and let’s also hope that Honda accidentally left the shipping blocks in the cars it used for photography – particularly the Si models – or the new model looks a bit high-riding.

In any case, you don’t have to take our word for it. See the 2012 Civic for yourself in our high-res image gallery below and feel free to peruse the full press release after the break.

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading 2012 Honda Civic launches in five flavors

2012 Honda Civic launches in five flavors

We’re less than two weeks away from the Lamborghini Aventador’s unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show, so that means there’s plenty of time for a few more “leaks” ahead of the big bull’s reveal.

This latest clip of the 700-horsepower V12 Lambo comes courtesy of Autogespot, which has received a remarkably well-produced, two-minute video of the Murciélago successor running through some snow-covered hills. The exterior camouflage is still intact, but we finally get our first glimpse of the interior, including the steering wheel and IP. Nothing revolutionary, but well worth checking out in the video after the jump.

[Source: Autogespot]

Continue reading Video: Let’s go for a drive in the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4

Video: Let’s go for a drive in the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4

Opinions have been split over Jaguar’s latest design phase. Some are enamored of the company’s modern styling on the likes of the latest XF and XJ sedans, while others lament the demise of the company’s classic lines. What very well might be called for, then, is an outside alternative. And judging from the leaked images above, it looks like we’re about to get exactly that at the fast-approaching Geneva Motor Show.

The B 99 concept sedan above is apparently Bertone’s take on what a modern Jag should look like, and according to the rumors circulating around with it, it takes the form of the potential BMW 3 Series rival in Coventry’s pipeline. It isn’t immediately known how much the design house and the automaker have been working together on this concept, or what, if any chances for production something like this has, but it will likely appear on Bertone’s stand and be one of the main talking points of the whole show.

[Source: AutoBild]

Bertone B 99 concept for Jaguar leaks out ahead of Geneva

Janet Burney and Pat Byers may have been your average lovebirds back in 2007 when they started dating. Fast-forward a few years to March 2010, however, and the two had ended their relationship. Nothing unusual there, except that Janet was an autoworker for Chrysler and Pat is a union official for the United Auto Workers. Correction: We should say “was a worker,” because after their relationship ended, Burney alleges she was fired… and now she’s suing.

According to The Detroit News, when the two started dating, Burney was given a new position and her hourly wage rose from $30 per hour up to $40.35 per hour. Once they split up, a security guard arrived in Burney’s office with two boxes she could use to pack up her stuff and head out.

Janet Burney has filed a suit claiming sexual harrassment, gender discrimination and retaliation. She is looking to recoup lost wages and benefits, as well as emotional damages.

[Source: The Detroit News Image: Drew Phillips/AOL]

Report: Chrysler worker files sexual harassment lawsuit against UAW

Mazda has announced that the company will employ its new SkyActiv technologies in the 2012 Mazda3. The vehicle is set to debut at Toronto’s upcoming Canadian International Auto Show, and it will boast the Japanese automaker’s much gabbed-about SkyActiv-G gasoline four-cylinder engine and SkyActive-Drive gearbox.

Mazda says that the two new pieces of hardware should help the Mazda3 deliver more torque at mid-range engine speeds, and that the trick should be good enough to increase fuel economy along the way. As you may recall, the SkyActiv-G engine is a direct-injection design with a low-friction block to minimize mechanical drag.

This will mark the first time that either the new engine or the gearbox has ever been offered in a production vehicle, and the company’s designers have thrown in a few exterior tweaks to mark the occasion. Buyers can look forward to slightly revised bumpers front and rear as well as new 16- and 17-inch wheels. The more efficient Mazda3 is expected to land in dealerships by the end of this year. Hit the jump for the full press release.

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading 2012 Mazda3 to get Skyactiv engine and gearbox

2012 Mazda3 to get Skyactiv engine and gearbox

Honda has announced that the company is recalling around 700,000 vehicles globally for faulty lost motion springs in the valve train. The springs may fatigue and break over time, causing the engine to stall as a result. The recall covers certain 2009-2010 Fit, Freed and City models, and so far the company has received a total of 72 complaints of the issue in Japan and 29 complaints from elsewhere in the world.

No injuries or accidents have been reported as a result of the problem.

A total of 176,000 vehicles are being recalled in Japan, while another 156,000 are being brought in for inspection in China. A full 233,000 models are being recalled through the rest of Asia, and North America should see 122,000 cars head back to the dealership – over 97,000 of which are from the States. Hit the jump for Honda’s official press release. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Photos copyright (C)2010 Damon Lavrinc /AOL

[Sources: Honda, BBC]

Continue reading Honda recalling 700,000 Fit models over engine fears – 97k in U.S.

Honda recalling 700,000 Fit models over engine fears – 97k in U.S.

In advance of its debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, Hyundai has released the first pictures and details of its new i40 wagon. Developed at Hyundai’s European facility in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the i40 is to be launched in Europe in wagon form before the sedan follows later in the year.

Showcasing Hyundai’s latest design language, the i40 packs numerous features you’d normally expect to see on a higher-end products – like Hyundai’s own Genesis and Equus models, for example. Included in the package are features like heated and reclining front and rear seats and an intelligent de-mist system that automatically keeps the windshield fog-free.

The question of relevance for North American consumers, however, is whether the i40 makes it Stateside as a wagon counterpart to the Sonata sedan. We know that both a majority of our readers and a few key folks at Hyundai of America want it, but we’ll have to wait and see if everyone gets their wish. In the meantime, you can check out the pair of images in the gallery below and scope out the specs in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai Sonata Wagon? Comely i40 revealed ahead of Geneva debut

Hyundai Sonata Wagon? Comely i40 revealed ahead of Geneva debut

A Smaller, Livelier, Less-Expensive A8

Audi is on a roll. Need proof? Who doesn’t overtly or secretly lust after an R8 Spyder? Would any of us kick anything with an RS badge out of our garage? Didn’t think so. Audi’s sales are growing because of its products. The German automaker recently broke the 100,000 unit sales mark in the States, with 2010 calendar year sales up 23 percent over 2009. The all-new 2012 Audi A6 – due in U.S. showrooms in September – continues the manufacturer’s aggressive product expansion and portfolio revitalization plan. Now we want to know if it’s good enough to bring even more buyers into the Audi family.

Continue reading…

Photos copyright (C)2011 Rex Roy / AOL

Continue reading First Drive: 2012 Audi A6

First Drive: 2012 Audi A6

Toyota has seen more than its fair share of negative press over the past year and a half, but is the Japanese automaker willing to pay “mommy bloggers” to spread positive news? Mom site Dear Crissy reports that it received an email offering a $10 Amazon gift card in exchange for a post that highlights the fact that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found no software issues that led to the company’s unintended acceleration woes.

The email, which reportedly came from a company called Mommy Networks, cited Toyota’s damaged reputation, adding “we’re helping to spread the positive news.” The email asked for a blog post about NHTSA’s release with links to a few articles, some love on social networking sites and “thumbs up” votes for YouTube videos.

For its part, Toyota denies having anything to do with the offer, adding that the company “adheres to the highest standards when working with media, journalists and blogger and we find any sort of payment for editorials or blogs unethical and illegal according to FCC guidelines.”

Dear Crissy has since published an update indicating that the site has been contacted by both Mommy Networks and Toyota, both of which claim no affiliation with each other. Mommy Networks has since gone on to post a mea culpa on its website to both Crissy and Toyota.

[Sources: Dear Crissy via The Consumerist, MommyNetworks.org Image: Toyota]

Mommy blogger makes trouble for Toyota

Holden has unveiled its Series II Captiva in both five and seven-passenger configurations, and the company says that buyers can now enjoy greater power and fuel economy thanks to a range of new and refreshed engines. The Captiva 7 (shown above) will come packing either a 2.2-liter turbo-diesel lump or the same 3.0-liter direct-injection V6 found in the nose of the company’s Commodore. Likewise, the Captiva 5 will be able to take advantage of that same oil-burning engine in addition to the standard 2.4-liter gasoline four-pot. All three engines will be mated to six-speed automatic transmissions.

The Australian arm of General Motors has also gone about resculpting the Captiva 7’s front fascia, and buyers can now choose between a total of three different wheel sizes from 17 to 19 inches. Meanwhile, the new Captiva 5 is only available with 17 inch rollers. Interestingly, the Captiva 5 retains a different look that’s very close to that of the now-departed Saturn Vue.

Holden has also baked-in a new heap of standard equipment, including an MP3-compatable CD player with AUX input, Bluetooth hands-free calling and music streaming and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Hit the jump for the full press release and video.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Holden Captiva gets big Series II update [w/video]

Holden Captiva gets big Series II update [w/video]

There are a few different ways to earn membership into the badass old man club. Anyone who survived a World War is automatically on the list, and if you’ve wrestled a bear or a silverback gorilla you’re definitely club-worthy. Oh, and if you are 84 and you survive in the Arizona desert for five days by drinking wiper fluid, you are absolutely in the club.

The New York Daily News reports that Henry Morello took a wrong turn while driving in the Arizona desert, and his mistake became five days in the desert after his SUV got stuck. The senior citizen used his smarts, some floor mats and some strained wiper fluid to stay alive. Mr. Morello, welcome to the club. Hit the jump to view the AP report.

[Source: Associated Press via New York Daily News]

Continue reading Video: 84-year-old survives five days in AZ desert by drinking wiper fluid

Video: 84-year-old survives five days in AZ desert by drinking wiper fluid

Even though some Chevrolet dealers were warned not to sell the Volt above the MSRP, there is a distinct trend around the country where some dealers are trying to make a few extra (thousand) bucks off the popular plug-in vehicle. In fact, Ward’s Auto found a dealer in Florida that is listing a Volt at $65,590. That’s a wee bit more than the car’s $41,000 suggested retail price.

We heard about the possibility of sky-high mark-ups last year, but it turns out there’s very little General Motors can do in this situation. As GM’s Tony DiSalle told Ward’s Auto, “there isn’t a mechanism to prevent that from happening.” Motor Trend also found Volts around the country priced at $46,923 (MI), $47,700 (CA) and $49,000 (NC). Guess this is why you should never trust MSRP, huh?

Our advice would be to keep shopping until you find a dealer willing to honor GM’s specified asking price, even if that means waiting a little bit longer for your future plug-in machine.

[Source: Ward's Auto via Motor Trend]

Report: Some dealers price gouging Chevy Volt up to $65K

Global Vehicles U.S.A. was under contract to import the diesel-powered Mahindra pickup, but the Indian automaker claimed that the pact had expired. The drama between the two companies began over the summer when GV filed suit against Mahindra in Atlanta, GA claiming that the automaker was attempting to cut the importer out of the action. Mahindra later flat-out refused GV’s $35 million order back in September, leading to more bad blood.

But now, Automotive News is reporting that Global Vehicles has withdrawn its lawsuit, but the importer isn’t throwing up the white flag just yet. Court papers show the suit was withdrawn because GV chose instead to throw all its efforts into a British arbitration panel that will rule on the case in August. The London panel reportedly refused to rule on the case while there was also a lawsuit in the States.

Mahindra also found itself at the wrong end of the publicity machine in the last week as the Environmental Protection Agency gave its small diesel pickup a lackluster fuel economy rating of 19 miles per gallon in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. Those numbers are nowhere near the 30 mpg Mahindra has promised all along, but GV CEO John Perez has apparently told AN that the vehicle tested was the four-wheel-drive equipped four-door model. Perez claims that the rear-drive, two-door model will have 40 percent better fuel economy than the loaded-up four-door, and the 30 mpg number will still happen.

We know four-wheel-drive and the extra weight of a crew cab configuration will hurt fuel economy, but in our mind, that still doesn’t add up to a 40-percent drop in fuel efficiency. Either way, we’ll have to hold out hope that Perez is right, because unless the model offers exceptional economy, we think it’s going to have a seriously hard time building a business case for itself among America’s consumers.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Report: Global Vehicles drops lawsuit against Mahindra