Back in October, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration certain turbocharged Mini models for vehicle fires. The investigation came after reports of at least 12 vehicles lighting up, and now the investigation has officially lead to a recall.
NHTSA has announced on its website that will recall 88,911 turbocharged models built between November 2006 and January 2011 for a water pump problem that could result in a fire. The government agency says on its website that “the electronic auxiliary water pump that cools the turbocharger has an electronic circuit board that can malfunction and overheat.” If that happens, the board could smolder and result in a vehicle fire.
Affected models include the 2007-2011 , the 2008-2011 , the 2009-2011 Cooper S Convertible, the and John Cooper Works models from 2009 to 2011.
Owners of recalled vehicles will be asked to bring their Mini model to the nearest dealer for a free water pump replacement. to read over the official NHTSA release.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has confirmed the Obama administration didn’t ask the government agency to delay announcing potential safety issues with the . According to The Detroit News, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood was briefed about Volt fires that occurred after two crash tests in September, three months after the first extended-range hybrid began smoldering. According to the report, the office of the president was then informed of the fires shortly thereafter, as well as being notified of NHTSA’s intent to investigate whether the results of the tests could be replicated.
The Detroit News quotes NHTSA administrator David Strickland as saying no one within the office of the president “requested or in any way suggested that NHTSA delay public release of information related to the Volt fire.”
That seems to be a fairly definitive answer to the three house Republicans who asked General Motors and the Obama administration whether the White House had called for any delay in publicly disclosing the Volt fires. A House panel plans to undertake a hearing on the Volt controversy later this month.
isn’t shy about slapping its logo on just about anything it thinks it can sell to fans that will never be able to afford one of its cars. We’ve seen (), , … and now, headphones and iPod speaker docks.
This new deal with Logic3 features six different lines of headphones and earphones and two distinct speaker docks. Logic3 has divided its offerings into two lines: the Cavallino Collection, which is influenced by the Ferrari road cars, and the Scuderia Collection, which is inspired by Ferrari’s F1 racing team.
As is common with these licensing deals, Logic3 promises that it has worked closely with Ferrari to ensure “the marque’s characteristic style, design and personality are captured within every product.”
Perhaps more of a concern here is how closely Ferrari has worked with Logic3 to insure that these new audio products are of a high quality. We’ll note that Logic3 is not Grado Labs, and its reputation among the audiophile community is virtually nonexistent – a search of Stereophile’s website, for instance, didn’t turn up a single mention of the brand.
Ford SYNC is a success. The connectivity software has found its way into four million cars since its introduction in 2007. With European and Asian buyers getting SYNC for the first time this year, and North American offerings like the Fusion and Flex getting it as standard equipment, Ford expects to add nine million more users by 2015.
The prediction isn’t solely based car buyers’ increased access to SYNC; even in the U.S. the uptake continues to grow, to 82 percent in 2011. The percentage of those recommending SYNC has remained stable at 80 percent, but that might also rise with on the way. You can read all about it in the press release after the jump.
We all know sideways is slow. Kicking the tail out and sending the rear tires blazing may take a heaping helping of skill, but it won’t win you any races. That doesn’t make it any less awesome, however.
Icon has gone through the trouble of crafting yet another drift battle between , and this time, two specially built Triumph Speed Triple bikes throw down against a 550-horsepower piloted by a fictional officer of the law. The trio commence tearing through the rolling hills of mythical High Plains County before facing off.
Admittedly, the drift scene isn’t typically our bag of tricks, but this is one of the more entertaining videos we’ve seen in a good while. Between the bark of the FoMoCo V8 and the wail of the big-bore Triumph Triples, there’s enough audio glory on hand to keep us up at night. Throw in some excellent tunes and better videography, and you’ve got us hooked. Watch the video all the way through to the end for some hair-raising outtakes, including at least one roll over. to check it out.
vs. Car Drift Battle 2 debuts, someone called the cops
If top-down motoring is your cup of tea, there are few droptops that could elicit as many smiles per sun-drenched hour than the . We first saw the V10-powered 552-horsepower machine at the , but the automaker has kept its lips firmly sealed on the potential of a production version since that showing.
Interestingly enough, though, it appears that Toyota’s luxury division may not be done trotting proproduction LFA Roadsters around the auto show circuit. As can be seen in the video after the break, the Lexus droptop stunner made an appearance at the most recent , where it took part in an exhibition run for the D1GP Kick Off Drift event.
Here’s where things get a little murky. We have no idea if this is a factory-made LFA Roadster – it could be a custom job, or it could be the same exact car showed off in Detroit four years ago, albeit wearing a new coat of white paint and an unfortunate rollbar. Whatever the case, you can see exactly how easily the V10-powered machine can smoke its rear tires .
Special Bonus: Watch now and you’ll see extra drifting footage of a !
Automotive News reports General Motors may begin manufacturing the in Europe. The vehicle would likely be produced at an Opel plant in Poland, while a handful of other models may see their production move elsewhere in Europe. The move is said to be the first step toward moving GM European operations toward profitability. The automaker would pull some production out of South Korea, which would then free up the company to proceed with cost-cutting measures at Opel. Automotive News reports Opel has lost approximately $13 billion since 1999.
Under the plan, Cruze production would find a home in Gliwice, Poland. Meanwhile, GM would spread the vehicles currently built at the facility across other Opel plants in the EU. Additionally, GM is considering moving the Orlando crossover to the Opel facility in Bochum, Germany. That plant currently builds the Zafira minivan, and has been rumored to face a closing in the future.
Last year, GM exported around 250,000 vehicles to Europe from South Korea.
The faithful fondly remember the (pictured above). Launched at the in 2006, the GP edition was the fastest version of the first-gen Mini hatchback. It packed 218 horsepower, 180 pound-feet of torque, a beefier suspension and – thanks to the removal of the back seats and air-conditioning – 88 fewer pounds to motivate. The result was a 6.5-second sprint to 60 and a 146-mph top speed. Only 444 examples were made available shortly before the second-gen Mini was introduced.
Now, word on the street is that Mini is preparing a new GP version. Few details are available at this point, but considering that the current JCW packs 208 hp from its 1.6-liter turbo four, we ought to be looking at 220 horses or more in the new GP. To make things simpler, in fact, Mini could be preparing to shoe-horn in the engine being developed for the , which is expected to pack more power than the JCW hatchback in order to get its heftier curb weight moving.
Given that the previous GP edition was a two-seat affair, we can’t help but wonder if Mini will turn to the new for this GP. But for now, we’ll just have to sit tight and see what the Anglo-German automaker has in store for its most hard-core fanatics.
Robert Kubica has hit an impressive stretch of bad luck. The former Formula One driver with both and Renault saw his chances of returning to the sport dashed in early 2011 when he was . After the driver’s forearm was partially severed in an accident, Kubica missed the entire 2011 F1 season. He also suffered a fractured right leg. In November, the racer made it clear he wouldn’t be ready for the start of the 2012 season, either. Now Kubica has fractured the same leg after slipping and falling on ice while walking.
Kubica was taken to a local hospital, where x-rays showed the fractures in his right leg. He’ll require surgery to install a single metal screw above his ankle.
Previously, rumors had circulated that Kubica would replace Felipe Massa at , though team boss Stefano Domenicali has been quoted as saying there are currently no plans for the Polish driver to join the team.
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Audi looks like it’s accidentally let slip the exterior design of its upcoming 2013 A3.The German automaker set about with a static display at Las Vegas’ CES ahead of the vehicle’s expected unveiling at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The display gives the world a sense of what to expect from the luxury compact’s front seats, center console and dash, which features a stand-alone LCD display that rises out from above the instrument panel’s center air vents. Like other Audi displays, the screen features various vehicle menus, including two that show off the full exterior of the three-door model.
Judging from these two quick glimpses at the hatchback, the three-door will feature a new, more aggressive face. From the looks of things, buyers can expect to continue to find a large, signature Audi single-frame grille flanked by more purposeful headlights and sporty air intakes set low int he front fascia. Head over to for a closer look at the vehicle inside and out. Don’t get too attached to what you see, however. Past reports have suggested the vehicle will only debut here in the States.
Polk has handed out its annual Automotive Loyalty Award for 2011, and walked away with a total of six honors, including two of the highest. The Dearborn-based automaker took home the top nod in both the Overall Loyalty to Manufacturer award as well as the Overall Loyalty to Make award categories. The manufacturer received both awards in 2010 as well. Ford also received the African American Market Loyalty to Make, and the Ford F-Series and brought down wins in the Mid/Full-Size Pickup and Compact SUV categories, respectively. Additionally, the drove away with the Luxury Car category.
Polk prides itself on organizing and distributing the industry’s only fact-based owner loyalty award, and the organization analyzes over 4.5 million household records and consumer transactions each year to determine the winners. Polk also examines state registration and lease information.
Ford wasn’t the only automaker to receive a node from the Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards. took home its fair share of hardware. Polk awarded its Most Improved Loyalty to Make award, and the and took home trophies in the Sports Car and Minivan segments. for the full press release.
With press days for the now behind us, our focus is shifting eastwards. Make that Far East, as the tuners have rolled in for the , where performance tuning arm Nismo has taken on its third compact and given it an attitude adjustment.
Following the recent debuts of the and comes this March Nismo, based on the small hatchback also known as the Micra or (in Taiwan) as the Verita. Nismo has given it a enhanced sportiness through lightweight wheels, updated grille and aero kit, new door mirrors and sportier seats and steering wheel inside.
It’s all capped by a pearl white finish with red highlights, but while the Nismo parts catalog is sure to offer bolt-ons for the March, this particular configuration is strictly a concept. Check it out in the pair of high-resolution images along with the press release .
March Nismo concept debuts at Tokyo Auto Salon [w/video]
Here’s a surprise: has announced the company will produce the first unveiled at the 2011 Tokyo Auto Salon in limited quantities. The automaker has confirmed the development at the . The vehicles will be built by partner Gazoo Racing and will feature a brawnier version of the same 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine found in the standard . With a little forced induction on its side courtesy of a supercharger, the engine should be good for 130 horsepower and 133 pound-feet of torque. That’s an increase of 36 ponies and 44 lb-ft over the stock configuration.
Like the concept, the production model will wear a not-so-subtle widebody kit, stiffer suspension and more aggressive brakes than its standard siblings. A six-speed manual transmission will be the only gearbox option. Indoors, buyers can expect to find custom seats and gauges that read all the way up to 124 mph.
Toyota and Gazoo Racing only plan to produce 100 of the muscle-bound iQ Supercharger models, and there’s no indication its cousin sold in the States will receive a similar treatment. What a shame. for a brief introductory video featuring the original concept as well as the full press release.
Fiat may have returned to the U.S. market, but Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn doesn’t plan on seeing the his French marque stage a comeback in the Land of the Free. According to The Detroit News, Renault will instead focus its efforts on introducing the brand to the Chinese market. Ghosn said Renault won’t return to the U.S. within the foreseeable future. That’s no real surprise given how fiercely competitive the fully mature U.S. market is compared to the explosive growth possibilities in . According to the report, Chinese car buyers took home 17.3 million vehicles last year. That number is up from just 600,000 in in 1999.
Ghosn made the comments at the Automotive News World Congress, which ran along with the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. The executive also made mention of the fact that has 65 models as of right now, and all of them are either profitable or on their way to becoming so. That wasn’t always the case – In 1999, the company featured 43 models. Only four of those were profitable for the company at the time.
Do the star-based safety ratings of the work? We’d point out that automakers work hard to ensure the best ratings possible, and shows that our roads are now safer.
NHTSA has made the five-star rating more difficult to obtain, and now Wards Automotive reports that the government agency is looking to advance the technology that helps avoid accidents altogether. The agency reportedly told attendees at a Society of Automotive Analysts event at the that it is considering credits that reward safety avoidance tech, though NHTSA didn’t detail what technologies would be highlighted.
Technologies that avoid accidents are likely to decrease the amount of accidents over time, and one technology NHTSA finds promising are vehicle-to-vehicle communications systems. V2V tech enables vehicles to “speak” to one another, and the agency feels it could drop fatalities from about 33,000 per year to 20,000. NHTSA is reportedly testing V2V communications, and several automakers are involved.
Volkswagen has repeatedly told the world that it will soon be the largest automaker in terms of global sales volume. As it stands, it may already be number two. Car Advice reports that VW sold 8.16 million units in 2011, marking the first time it has eclipsed eight million global sales.. finished 2011 with 7.9 million sales, in part because of production disruptions resulting from the March earthquake in Japan.
That’s an incredible feat made all the more impressive by a 14.3-percent surge in sales compared to the auto giant’s 2010 totals. Volkswagen has plenty of reason to celebrate, but it’s not quite time to erect a statue in honor of the year’s sales success. hasn’t yet reported full-year sales, but analysts expect that the final tally could reach nine million units.
The German automaker should feel pretty good about its accomplishment, but there is more work to do if VW is to reach its lofty goal of 10 million units annually by 2018. If VW can continue to roll out waves of successful new products and global auto sales continue to climb, we’re not going to bet against them.
Fiat/Chrysler sold about 4.2 million cars in 2010, and company CEO Sergio Marchionne expects to improve that by more than 33% come 2014, predicting sales of 5.7 units that year (analysts, on the other hand, predict average Fiat/Chrysler sales of 4.9 million in 2014). Operating profit for 2011 has been pegged at around $600 million, a rewarding bump from the $200 to $500 million predicted earlier in the year and dwarfed by the predicted $3 billion operating profit for 2012.
For Marchionne, though, those numbers need help from the outside: he says that an automaker needs to sell ten million units per year globally in order to reach “a new level of efficiency” and get development costs where he wants them. To wit, he is considering a partnership with a third car company to make that happen. He has repeatedly stated that he hasn’t spoken with anyone yet, but Italian paper Corriere della Serra has said that Peugeot is ready to talk, while other analysts have mentioned makers in emerging markets as potential partners.
This is hardly the first time Marchionne has mentioned his quest for -like scale – in fact, he’s been quite consistent on his desire to rationalize costs throughout the carmaking process. Based on that, it’s inevitable that he’ll tie up, the only questions now are who and when. He could wait until Fiat of Chrysler it doesn’t own and “merges” with The Pentastar, or if the right partner raises a hand, it might be sooner. Whoever it is, if it results in more novelties like the , we tentatively say we’re all for it.
All automakers are under pressure to hit more stringent Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations, figures set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 1978, the CAFE standards were just 18 miles per gallon, but they have increased gradually each year. This summer, the bar was raised high when . While that is a very steep ladder to climb, hit the 2016 CAFE requirements in 2011 – the Korean automaker seems to be jumping the rungs on the way up.
The announcement that Hyundai hit a 36 mpg average four years ahead of the requirement is impressive, but there is never good news without some controversy. A that the doesn’t meet its U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy in real-world driving. Hyundai acknowledges that consumers may not achieve EPA estimated efficiency, but the Elanta’s discrepancy was consistent with the other vehicles in its segment when tested by Consumer Reports (and just about every vehicle on the road, says our experience).
It is interesting to note that, while the EPA has not altered its fuel economy ratings on the 2012 Elantra, the automaker has added its ActiveECO feature to the model that reportedly improves fuel economy up to seven percent.
has good news for anyone weeping about the fact that the has abandoned its body-on-frame ways. The company isn’t completely ditching legitimate SUVs for the crossover crowd. According to Car and Driver, the will continue to shun a unibody design for the conceivable future. The magazine spoke with engineers familiar with the development of the Xterra who said the vehicle will share its DNA with the Nissan Frontier for years to come.
That means buyers will still be able to enjoy the vehicle’s truckish charm and legitimate off-road chops. Those who want something a little softer or smaller can turn to the automaker’s , while the 2013 Pathfinder will now offer mall-goers a suitable alternative to the . The times may be changing, but for now, the Xterra isn’t.
is expanding its operations in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The company has announced it will invest $990 million into the facility over the next three years to allow the plant to produce up to 350,000 vehicles annually. Currently, the Spartanburg assembly plant produces the (pictured), and , and BMW says the company expects to see an increase in CUV demand in the coming years. BMW has already committed to broadening its presence in the crossover market with the introduction of the upcoming X4 model.
The BMW X3 helped BMW grow to become the best-selling luxury brand in the United States for the first time in the company’s history last year. The model saw a 156 percent increase in global sales to a total of 117,944 units, and 27,793 of those found homes in the States.
Right now, 70 percent of the vehicles built in Spartanburg are exported to other markets around the world. Last year, the facility built 276,065 vehicles, which marks an increase of 73 percent over 2010. The plant originally opened in 1994, and the German automaker is currently celebrating the 2 millionth vehicle produced since then. for the full press release.
