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Ford has announced through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it is recalling nearly 3,000 examples of its Five Hundred and Mercury Montego (pictured) sedans from the 2007 model year.

The action, which affects 2,945 vehicles, is due to potentially defective welds between the filler neck and the fuel tank, a condition that could result in a fuel leak or the smell of gasoline reaching the occupants. In the worst-case scenario, a leak could cause a fire. Cars with the affected fuel tank problem could see an illuminated dashboard warning light as a result of the evaporative emissions leak being detected.

Ford will inspect and replace the fuel tank at no cost to owners (those who have already had the procedure done at-cost can apply for reimbursement), and the Dearborn automaker will begin notifying Five Hundred and Montego owners beginning August 15. Check out the official NHTSA press release after the jump for further details.

Continue reading Ford recalls Five Hundred, Mercury Montego sedans over fuel tank woes

Ford recalls Five Hundred, Mercury Montego sedans over fuel tank woes originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

For the sake of argument, let’s posit that a Mitsubishi i is too odd looking for your tastes, a Nissan Leaf is still a bit too compact, and that your idea of a perfect battery-powered vehicle is something crossover-shaped. Well, you’re in luck because the Toyota-Tesla Motors partnership is set to release its RAV4 EV in early 2012, right? Well, yes, and, in some critical ways, no.

Why? Well, unless you operate a fleet or a car-sharing program, chances are good that you won’t be able to buy a RAV4 EV. According Pike Research, Geri Yoza, Toyota’s National Business Planning Manager of Advanced Vehicle Marketing, has gone on record saying that while the electric-only RAV4 will indeed make its comeback (a first-gen version was first sold some 15 years ago), the electrified CUV won’t be made available to the general public. Instead, Yoza says, Toyota will focus on “very strategic applications” (read: fleets and car-sharing programs) for the RAV4 EV.

Despite being a electric vehicle that could benefit from quick charging, Yoza says the RAV4 EV will not come equipped with a CHAdeMO charging port, stating that Toyota will not offer a quick-charge setup on any of its electrified vehicles until the SAE finalizes a standard.

Let’s hope that Yoza’s admission is slightly inaccurate and that Toyota will eventually sell the RAV4 EV to the public. Otherwise, the only electric CUV on the market in 2012 will be one that folks like us can’t even buy.

Toyota RAV4 EV won’t be sold to the general public originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Jerod Shelby likes to build fast cars. In 1999, he founded Shelby Supercars and set out to produce the fastest production car in the world. On September 13th, 2007, Shelby did just that when his Ultimate Aero ran down the road at 257 miles per hour. Bugatti has since produced its Veyron Super Sport, which reclaimed the speed crown. Now, Jerod is ready with another car, which we’ve been hearing tidbits about for nearly a year. The new car, which was penned by Jason Castriota, has been shown off to a select few, yet no one knows just what to call the newest horse in the SSC stable.

Until now…

Say hello to the Tuatara.

It’s pronounced Twu-tar-ah, and the word comes from a lizard that lives down in New Zealand. Tuatara comes from the Maori language, and means “peaks on the back.” Seems like an odd choice at first, but further digging into the name reveals a bit more reasoning behind the decision. It seems the tuatara lizard is a rather unique creature, and the reptile possesses the fastest evolving DNA on the planet. Also, the Tuatara supercar features a set of rear peaks of its own, courtesy of the uniquely styled rear wings.

It took Jerod Shelby and his crew a short time to achieve what others worked did in far longer spans. Now, the SSC Tuatara is ready to push even further into the void. Thanks to our friends at eGarage, we have exclusive video of Jerod Shelby revealing the new car’s name and the meaning behind it, which you can view after the jump.

Continue reading Shelby Supercars crowns its newest creation. Say hello to the Tuatara

Shelby Supercars crowns its newest creation. Say hello to the Tuatara originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Depth of Speed’s third episode pays homage to the BMW 2002. As you’re probably aware, the 2002 inspires unparalleled enthusiasm and passion in its owners. In this installment, Depth of Speed spends some time with a beautiful Inka Orange 2002.

We dare you to say you don’t want one after watching the clip after the jump.

Continue reading Depth of Speed turns its lenses on BMW’s legendary 2002

Depth of Speed turns its lenses on BMW’s legendary 2002 originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Sun, 17 Jul 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Father-son bonding is important, and if dad’s a car guy, he may choose to hit local autocross track on some weekends. It’s hard to think of a more fun place for a kid and his pop to spend a little quality time together. Clearly, the owner of this Chevrolet Corvette Z06 agrees. He’s sharing his passion for cars with junior by popping a helmet on his noggin, strapping him into the passenger seat, and hitting the course.

When this little guy grows up and does likewise with his own kids, he’ll always remember when and where that seed was planted. Click past the jump to watch the family fun unfold.

Continue reading Cool dad introduces son to autocross in Corvette Z06

Cool dad introduces son to autocross in Corvette Z06 originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Sun, 17 Jul 2011 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

BMW has revealed the car that marks the automaker’s return to DTM racing. The BMW M3 DTM Concept provides a look at what race fans can expect on the DTM starting grid in 2012. Not every bit of matte-finish cool on display above will be carried over to the ready-to-race version, but as with the majority of its concept cars, BMW’s finished product will likely look very close to the car you see here.

The BMW M3 DTM Concept is powered by a 480-horsepower 4.0-liter V8 engine (that’s with the required air restrictor in place), mated to a six-speed sequential gearbox. Sprinting to 62 miles per hour takes about three seconds, and the racer’s top speed is somewhere around 186 mph. It will be up to British driver Andy Priaulx and Brazilian teammate Augusto Farfus to keep the M3’s matte finish looking fresh as they battle for podium spots.

BMW’s full press blast is available after the jump.

Continue reading BMW calls M3 DTM Concept to the matte

BMW calls M3 DTM Concept to the matte originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Sun, 17 Jul 2011 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

F1 cars keep getting safer every year. Their carbon-fiber tubs have been strengthened to the point that they’re nearly indestructible. Helmets and the HANS neck supports they’re attached keep improving. Despite all this, there’s still one principal weak point inherent to the design of a grand prix racer: the open cockpit.

If you’ve ever sat back and wondered why F1 cars stick with open-cockpit designs when drivers are injured – or narrowly escape injury – by airborne cars (or parts thereof) striking their helmets, you’re not alone.

The FIA Institute is testing designs to potentially outfit future F1 racers with closed cockpits. The question is, what kind? Many Le Mans prototypes (like the Audi R18 and Peugeot 908) use curved polycarbonate windshields, but in its research, the FIA Institute also looked to fighter jets for their canopy designs. Follow the jump to see what they discovered.

Continue reading FIA tests fighter-jet canopy for use in Formula 1

FIA tests fighter-jet canopy for use in Formula 1 originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Sun, 17 Jul 2011 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Curse you, Sony Ericsson. Because of Asphalt 6: Adrenaline on the new Sony XPERIA Play, my productivity is down. Considerably. In the last two weeks, I’ve managed to start out with a Mustang GT and race my way to more than $4.2 million in cash reserves and a garage filled with a tricked-out Porsche 911, a couple Ferraris, a Lamborghini Estoque (one of my favorites for drifting) and the workmanlike Nissan GT-R, to name a few. As you probably suspect, none of it is real, not even the crazy Ducati motorcycle.

This is what happens when you play a good driving game, and I have towering pillars of unfinished assignments surrounding me in the real world to prove it. I don’t own a console, and I don’t have any plans to change that. Instead, this test-drive of the new XPERIA Play smartphone proves that a home-based gaming system is so 1988. This smartphone is a great companion for the gadget-savvy car lover who loves games and tech.

Continue reading Asphalt 6: Adrenaline on the Sony XPERIA Play

Asphalt 6: Adrenaline on the Sony XPERIA Play originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Sun, 17 Jul 2011 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Most of us will never know what it’s like to order a supercar. Thankfully, we have collector extraordinaire Jay Leno to share the process. Leno is the proud owner of a 2012 McLaren MP4-12C, and he recently discussed how he went about buying his new toy.

Leno says that normally, acquiring the latest exotic can be annoying. Sales associates want to tell you that the car is sold out while also pushing options you may or may not need. Not so with McLaren.

When Leno ordered his MP4-12C, he simply phoned the McLaren office and went through the options list. When doing so, he found a refreshing level of honesty in the person helping him buy the car. Leno said he wanted the carbon ceramic brakes, and the sales associate asked whether Jay would be tracking the car or not. Leno said no, and the salesperson told him he wouldn’t need the ceramics, then, as the standard steel brakes were cheaper, lighter and very effective. The associate also informed Leno that the carbon fiber interior accents were merely decorative and offered no weight savings, helping Jay save even more on the bottom line.

All told, it seems Jay Leno is just as smitten with the car as he with McLaren’s operation as a whole. The MP4-12C will occupy a space in Leno’s giant garage, positioned, we assume, right next to the McLaren F1 he already owns. Before purchasing the MP4-12C, however, Leno took a trip to Woking to see how the car is made. He got some track time, too, which you can watch in the clip posted after the jump.

Continue reading Jay Leno talks about ordering his McLaren MP4-12C

Jay Leno talks about ordering his McLaren MP4-12C originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Sun, 17 Jul 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Richard Hammond loves Porsche, that’s no secret. Apparently, James May is a fan as well, and both Top Gear presenters recently arrived to the set in their 911 coupes. May took the opportunity to explain why his Porsche is superior to the one Hammond owns and someone was kind enough to film it.

Head over to the Top Gear blog to watch James May dissect the differences between the two German sports cars. We imagine Jeremy Clarkson is just off camera telling both men that they drive Volkswagen Beetles.

James May explains the superiority of his Porsche 911 over Richard Hammond’s originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Sun, 17 Jul 2011 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Could Dodge be ready to run with a new wagon in the future? Automotive News chatted with SRT president Ralph Gilles, an unapologetic fan of the now-defunct Magnum. Gilles revealed that one unnamed Chrysler exec, now retired, was responsible for killing off the car, and that other Magnum aficionados are now coming out of the woodwork within the company.

Gilles didn’t go so far as to announce that a future Magnum has been given the green light inside the company, but told Automotive News to “stay tuned” and that “great things are coming.”

Hopefully, this means another muscle wagon is in the works. Early rumors that the Magnum nameplate would be used on Dodge’s big new crossover never panned out; it hit showrooms as the Durango.

Our take? Revive the Dodge Magnum! If the new Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger are any indication, it’d be excellent ride, especially when Ralph Gilles and his SRT speed freaks get around to stuffing that 392 Hemi underhood. After all, the practical hoons among us deserve some love, too.

Is Dodge mulling a Magnum successor? originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Sat, 16 Jul 2011 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

One word: plastics. That’s where the future lies for automotive glazing. Like the line from The Graduate, there’s a great future in plastics as a replacement for glass, especially as pressure ratchets up on fuel economy standards.

Hyundai and GE Plastics demonstrated the new automotive possibilities for plastics back in 2007 with the Hyundai QarmaQ, and emerging markets are key to the continued rise of polycarbonates. If a Chinese or Indian automaker buys into plastic instead of glass on a large scale, it might spur the rest of the auto industry to make the switch, Venkatakrish Umamaheswaran, director of automotive products and marketing for Sabic Innovative Plastics, tells Ward’s Automotive.

Sabic is short for Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, which bought up GE Plastics. GE Plastics and Bayer MaterialScience had previously formed Exatec, a subsidiary to develop polycarbonates for automotive use. Polycarbonate glazing is lighter, which saves fuel right off the bat. Heating and cooling loads can also be reduced by applying UV-blockers to the plastic, which reportedly saves as much fuel as the material’s lighter weight. The biggest barrier? Cost.

Sabic hopes that it can deliver increased value to manufacturers to make its glass-replacement technology more attractive. One of the biggest advantages of polycarbonate windows is that they’re injection molded, making possible all sorts of shapes that are not feasible in glass. To deliver more bang for the buck, a supplier could provide a manufacturer with an assembled module that includes not only the window, but also trim, lighting, handles and even badging.

It’s not here yet, though. Umamaheswaran admits that while Sabic has been getting larger projects, no high-volume operations are underway. If expectations hold out, however, that should change by 2015.

Will lightweight plastic car windows shatter the glass market in China or India? originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Sat, 16 Jul 2011 18:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Upon their initial arrival in Japan, privacy concerns led many citizens to view Google’s Street View cars with great skepticism. PCWorld reports, however, that in the wake of the March, 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and tsunami, that mentality is fading.

As Japan works to rebuild the areas devastated by the twin natural disasters, Street View cars are providing valuable assistance. Not only are they being used to document quake-damaged neighborhoods, they’re also tracking the progress in those areas as they are repaired.

Once unwanted, Google’s all-seeing technology is now playing an important role in Japan, one that’s being met with appreciation instead of distrust.

Google Street View cars helping to rebuild quake-ravaged Japan originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Sat, 16 Jul 2011 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

SRT cars love doing burnouts. This is not news. So, how do you get an all-wheel-drive 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 to produce as much smoke as any Challenger, Charger or 300C we’ve ever seen? By messing with the ECU, of course.

You see, in Track mode, the Jeep sends 65 percent of its power to the rear wheels, and, according to SRT engineers, there are certain instances where 100 percent of the engine’s power can be sent to just one rear wheel. Loading some special software into the engine’s control system can easily allow for sending all the power to both rear wheels, and thus, burnouts ensue.

We’ve just returned from driving the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 for ourselves, so stay tuned for our full impressions next week. For now, hit the jump to watch the big SRT monster making huge plumes of smoke.

Continue reading 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 already reflashed for crazy burnout action

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 already reflashed for crazy burnout action originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The average American listens to about 17 hours of radio each week. Half of that is in the car. Pandora recognized this early on and began partnering with consumer electronics companies to bring its music streaming services to as many devices as possible. And in just the last year, Pandora has announced in-car integration with some major OEMs. Ford was the first up with its AppLink system for Sync, followed by BMW, and now Toyota’s Entune and GM’s MyLink will be on board when both systems launch this fall.

So what does this have to do with Spotify? It’s the next major evolution in music consumption. And it’s got the potential to completely change how you jam out in your car.

Continue reading Why you should care about Spotify

Why you should care about Spotify originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

With Android outselling Apple’s iOS devices by a lofty margin, we’ve been asking every automaker when Android connectivity will finally come to cars. Automotive supplier Harman International has answered the call with its latest infotainment system, which integrates the Android Open Accessory Protocol to allow users to connect their Google-powered smartphone or tablet and control their devices through the head unit, steering wheel buttons or voice commands.

By adopting and implementing the Android protocol, Harman’s systems have access to user’s music, movies and navigation apps, along with SMS and email functionality. Other integrated apps – particularly nav and POI programs – are already available, including Harman’s own Aha Radio app, which allows users to hear Facebook and Twitter updates, get customized news feeds, listen to podcasts, traffic and weather alerts and Internet radio streaming.

The protocol currently supports Android 3.1 running on tablets and 2.3.4 on smartphones, and the first automaker to bring the system into their vehicles is set to win big. And not just with geeks. Make the jump for the full details.

Continue reading Harman to bring Android integration to cars… finally

Harman to bring Android integration to cars… finally originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Well, that was fast. Just days ago, we got our first glimpse of the next-generation Lexus GS out testing on the Nürburgring, and now, AutoGuide reports that the production car is set to debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in Monterey, California next month. Lexus has yet to confirm this report.

Not surprisingly, the 2012 GS will take many of its styling cues from the Lexus LF-Gh concept that bowed at the 2011 New York Auto Show in April. Even in the spy shots, we could see that the LED running lamps up front were left intact, along with the unique grille shape and arched lower air intake openings.

AutoGuide reports that the car shown in Monterey will likely be a hybrid, though Lexus is expected to also offer conventional gasoline versions of the GS. A high-performance F variant is in the cards, as well.

2012 Lexus GS to debut at Pebble Beach originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

General Motors has launched its new Kuncheng pickup at the Changchun International Automobile Fair in Changchun, Jilin, China. The first model from FAW-GM’s new manufacturing facility in Changchun, the Kuncheng (best translated as ‘Earth Journey’) promises a better interior, more cargo capacity, improved handling, more modern styling and a priority on safety technology.

According to GM, the four-door truck will offer both 2.2-liter and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines in either gasoline or diesel formats. The powerplants are equipped with “unique combustion, air-changing, lubrication and cooling technologies to maximize fuel efficiency and minimize emissions while generating low levels of noise,” says GM (without elaborating).

The automaker does define the safety equipment, citing anti-lock brakes and a “front impact-absorbing structure and four-door impact steel beams (to) help minimize damage in the event of a collision. Among the other safety features are three-point seat belts in front, a collapsible steering column, child-proof doors in back and a center high-mounted stop lamp.”

Not the sexiest of machines, then, but likely a capable workhorse.

Continue reading GM celebrates launch of new small pickup – for China

GM celebrates launch of new small pickup – for China originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

When we reviewed (and fell in love with) the Morgan 3 Wheeler, we said that deliveries in the United States would start in the first quarter of 2012, though TV personality and car enthusiast Jay Leno would probably get his a bit earlier. And after watching this video of Leno getting his first stint behind the wheel of the 3 Wheeler, we bet he’s counting down the days until the open-top beast arrives in his garage.

Leno recently drove the 3 Wheeler and wrote a subsequent review for Wired, having this to say:

You know, when you drive cars like the Bugatti SuperSport or the McLaren, 100 miles per hour feels like 40. When you drive a car like this, 40 miles per hour feels like 200. And that’s the fun of it really. You get that wonderful sensation of speed, you’re close to the ground – you can scrape your knuckles as you go along. It’s sort of… the ultimate motorcycle. It just makes you smile.

We couldn’t agree more, Jay. Follow the jump to see Leno’s full test of the Morgan 3 Wheeler.

Continue reading Jay Leno takes his turn behind the wheel of Morgan 3 Wheeler

Jay Leno takes his turn behind the wheel of Morgan 3 Wheeler originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

That being a presenter on the hit TV BBC show Top Gear is the dream job of nearly a third of British men isn’t surprising in the least. After all, what red-blooded male wouldn’t relish the opportunity to drive the very latest (and often enough, the very fastest) automobiles every single day of their lives? And who wouldn’t love to travel to the most distant and beautiful places on the planet while acting out a slew of ridiculous stunts all involving cars, trucks or motorcycles? And, naturally, who wouldn’t want to be paid good money to do it?

If there’s any surprise to the survey results of nearly 1,400 men, it’s that a Top Gear gig didn’t win by a wider margin – 29 percent of responders named it their top choice, while the next most popular dream gig was “Video games tester” with 25 percent, followed by “Professional sportsman” with 24 percent. Interestingly, Formula One driver only netted fifth place with 19 percent of the voting.

Yep, Top Gear presenter has a pretty nice ring to it. But here’s the real question: Which Top Gear presenter would you want to be?

Consider that the UK show has a very defined set of hosts. There’s the grizzly old veteran Jeremy Clarkson, who’s more opinionated than anyone this side of a Tea Party organizer. He’s joined by the too-smart-for-his-own-good James May (affectionately referred to as Captain Slow) and finally the cute, cuddly and very short Richard Hammond, who offers up plenty of comic relief that is all too often at his own expense. Oh, and let’s not forget The Stig… the masked racing driver who never gets to show his face and is fired if he ever reveals his true identity.

So, we ask you, dear reader: Which Top Gear presenter would you most like to be?

View Poll

What is the No. 1 dream job of British men? Being a Top Gear host [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog 5.0 on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.