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Honda has announced that it’s recalling a total of 470,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to the same failing master cylinder problem that caused Toyota to recall 1.66 million vehicles worldwide this week.

According to The Detroit News, the two automakers used the same supplier for the part, and when owners use a type of brake fluid other than what’s used at the factory, a seal within the master cylinder may fail, causing a leak that could eventually lead to loss of braking power altogether. Honda says that a warning light would illuminate before this happened, however.

The Honda recall covers 2005-2007 Acura RL models and 2005-2007 Honda Odyssey minivans, while the Toyota recall includes the 2005-2006 Avalon and 2004-2006 Highlander (non-hybrid only), and 2006 Lexus GS, IS and RX cars and crossovers.

Honda says that at this point, it doesn’t know how many of its vehicles have suffered a master cylinder failure nor how many have leaked. The company says it will replace the faulty seal and, if leaking has occurred, the brake booster will be replaced as well.
There’s no set schedule for fixing those vehicles that are impacted by the recall, but owners should expect to hear something soon.

[Source: The Detroit News Image: Stan Honda/AFP/Getty]

Honda recalls 470K vehicles after Toyota, both used same supplier

Allow us to start by saying that we love high-performance hatchbacks and wagons as much as the next auto-obsessed goon. Heck, we still go all gooey-kneed when we lay eyes on a Lexus IS300 SportCross, but the rumors dusting up over the next-generation M3 have us a little uneasy. According to Inside Line and M3Post, BMW may be looking to replace the slow-selling M3 sedan with a new GT body style. That means that designers are looking to spread the funky lines of the 5-Series Gran Turismo to other models in the company’s stable, including as a replacement for the disappointingly slow-selling M3 sedan.

With that high-revving V8 likely on its way out the door in favor of a turbocharged I6 and the threat of the 5-Series GT’s design spreading to the company’s holiest of holy high performance models, we’ve got to wonder exactly where there decision makers at BMW have their heads lodged. We’ve got our guesses.

Inside Line has gone so far as to work up a few renderings of what the M3 Quasimodo edition might look like. It’s worth heading over there to check out the full-size pieces for the full (rendered) effect. Thanks for the tip, Tim!

[Sources: Inside Line, M3Post]

Rumormill: BMW to replace M3 sedan with M3 Gran Turismo?!

We already know we’re not getting the all-new 2011 Ford Ranger pickup truck, while the rest of the world is. Now word on the street internet is that FoMoCo is planning on spawning an SUV variant based off the new Ranger’s compact truck platform. With the Explorer going the I’m-just-a-car-under-here crossover route, a full-on body-on-frame SUV would be a welcome addition to the Ford lineup.

According to Ward’s Auto, the new Ranger, internally known as project T6, was designed from the get-go to support a seven- or eight-passenger sport utility vehicle. The Ranger’s growth spurt is the primary reason we are not gaining the new pickup truck in our market. The long-wheelbase dual-cab Ranger is nearly five inches longer than a single-cab Ford F-150. The two trucks are now too close in size, says Ford, and the departing version is on the outs because its ancient underpinnings are having increasing amounts of trouble meeting regulations, among other things.

[Source: Ward's Auto]

Report: New Ford Ranger to spawn SUV variant

The U.S. Government and old General Motors have reached an agreement that may make some of the company’s former properties more appetizing to buyers. The estate of the bankrupt GM has agreed to set up a $773 million trust dedicated to cleaning up 89 of the company’s former properties. Around two-thirds of those are known to have been contaminated by hazardous waste. The deal was reached with the approval of 14 states and a tribal government, though the federal government and some states will still accept public comment on the deal for up to 30 days. Even so, sale of the properties is expected to move forward.

With GM agreeing to pay for any environmental cleanup that may arise in the future, the company’s former properties will be all the more enticing to investors. Even with GM’s substantial investment in the project, The Detroit News says that the bulk of environmental cleanup will likely remain a government-funded operation with Michigan alone receiving $159 million from the feds to help clean up 50 sites.

Of the $773 million GM is setting aside for the project, $431 million will head straight to states to be used for immediate clean up. Another $68 million gets set aside for any future cleanup that may arise while $12 million gets kicked back to old GM for current cleanup activities going on right now. Meanwhile, $262 million of the total fund goes straight to administrative costs, including property taxes and any demolition that may be required.

[Source: The Detroit News]

‘Old GM’ to reportedly set aside $773M for environmental cleanup plan

Supercars? Check. High-end sport-ute? On its way. F1 team? Been there. Le Mans program? Done that. Picking up the pieces of a fallen giant to take up position as an automaker to be reckoned with? Come on, something new here. Spyker’s paid its dues and earned its place in the automotive industry. There’s just one thing it needs: watches. Because after all, what’s an exotic automaker without ‘em?

Faint sarcasm aside, Spyker’s line of timepieces looks better than most. Previewed back in April and unveiled at Le Mans this year, the Dutch automaker’s range of wristwatches incorporate the special touches that make their cars so delectable. Details like a bezel emblazoned with the same corporate Latin motto that adorns their cars: Nulla Tenaci Invia Est Via – For the tenacious, no road is impassable. (Has a nice ring to it, don’t it?) The crown is adorned with the company’s propeller badge. The chronograph push-buttons look like a C8’s exhaust pipes. And the strap is made from the same quilter Royal Dutch Hulshof leather, hand-stitched in France, as the cars’ interior, available in Dutch Orange, Black Anthracite or Blanc de Blanc.

They’re crafted by Switzerland’s Expression d’Artistes International, the Spyker wristwatches are powered by Valijoux 7750 automatic movements. And of course they come with a suitably Spyker-like price tag, ranging from $9,750 to $30,500. Hey, nobody said resuscitating Saab would be cheap, let alone all the other stuff. Details in the press release after the jump and photos in the gallery below.

[Source: Spyker]

Continue reading Spyker times its arrival with custom watch collection

Spyker times its arrival with custom watch collection

	SEMA preview: Neil Young’s LincVolt will be ready for its close-up Young will also be on a panel discussion we want to hear.		Report: Renault Zoe electric will cost less than $21,000 Batteries not included.
	Romet unveils 4E prototype It’s an $8,300 NEV.	Other news: LA Preview: Nissan’s Ellure concept will be a plug-in UK electric vehicle sales dropped to just 55 units in 2009 Video: Nissan Leaf’s Eco-mode boosts range up to 10%

AutoblogGreen for 10.22.10

Dodge has big things headed our way for the 2011 model year, not the least of which is a thoroughly updated Challenger that seems to be much better equipped to go up against the likes of the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. Up to this point, even those who loved the last generation’s styling and optional Hemi engine had to admit that lower level models powered by the old 3.5-liter V6 engine were simply unable to match up against its lifelong mortal enemies from Chevrolet and Ford.

As we’ve come to find out straight from the horse’s pony’s mouth, Dodge intends to bring its base-model muscle car up to modern specifications courtesy of a brand spankin’ new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. As a reminder, here’s how the new V6 engine compares to the competitors’ options:

* 2010 model ** Plus destination *** Not yet rated

As you can see, the Dodge very nearly matches up with its main rivals on paper, with slight deficiencies in torque and overall weight, though we don’t quite know what the 2011 model’s final poundage figure will be. We’re also unsure of the Challenger’s pricing for the new model year, but we can’t imagine it will go up too much from its current spot as it’s already the priciest of the three competitors, albeit barely.

In any case, we have ourselves one obvious burning question to consider: Does the new V6 engine improve the Challenger enough in your eyes to go head-to-head with the best six-pot pony cars from The Blue Oval and the Golden Bowtie? Or, to put it another way for you Mopar fans, is the 2011 Challenger V6 Sublime or is Chrysler just plain Plum Crazy? Make your voice heard in our completely unscientific, informal poll below.

View Poll

Poll: 2011 Dodge Challenger V6 takes on Mustang, Camaro

This is Porsche’s 60th anniversary in America, and the automaker began a search in August for the oldest model in the country. Today, it announced the winner: Dr. Robert Wilson’s restored 1952 Strawberry Red 356 Cabriolet and its 1.5-liter, 60-horsepower tail-mounted engine. It was brought into the country by the man who brought Porsche to the country in 1950, Max Hoffman.

Turns out there’s an even older Porsche here as well, although it was brought here, not sold here. Richard Brumme has a blue 1950 356 Cabriolet, one of the first produced, according to Porsche. The company also sought the oldest models from each of its twelve other lines, and incredibly, almost all of them are on the East Coast. Only two are west of the Mississippi, and one of them is in Texas. A 2006 Cayman is left alone to represent California.

A press release on the search is after the jump. Wilson’s 1952 Cab will be on display at the LA Auto Show next month, and you can check out the others in the gallery of photos below and at www.Porsche60years.com.

[Source: Porsche]

Continue reading 1952 356 Cabriolet crowned as America’s oldest Porsche

1952 356 Cabriolet crowned as America’s oldest Porsche

Porsche – which currently offers the Boxster/Cayman twins, umpteen different variations of the 911, the Cayenne SUV and the Panamera sedan – is endlessly rumored to be considering more models. Most often, speculation seems to revolve around another nameplate to slot in below the entry-level Boxster, and certainly that’s still a distinct possibility. We already know a smaller ‘ute called the Cajun is (probably) on its way, along with the show-stopping 918 Spyder.

But Porsche chief Matthias Müller has apparently hinted that he sees room between the 911 and the upcoming range-topping 918. It seems that the high(ish)-end sports car would be based on existing components, which makes us wonder if it could possibly be a mid-engine car on the 918’s platform that eschews that car’s hybrid configuration for something more traditional… a flat-six from the 911, perhaps?

Whatever the case, Porsche’s plans call on sales of roughly 150,000 units per year, which is nearly double what the marque manged to sell last year. Considering that each of Porsche’s current models sell at a pretty decent clip for their individual classes, that much of an increase is likely certain to come from new machines in new segments. We just have a hard time seeing Porsche do anything that might diminish the relevance of the 911 range.

[Source: Autoweek.nl]

Porsche considering new model between 911 and 918 Spyder?

The last time we spied the Aston Martin DBS, it was fitted with headlamps similar to those on the four-door Rapide. Now, though, a new DBS prototype has been spotted running the ‘Ring, and in addition to a change of headlamps, other visual modifications are on hand, as well.

As opposed to the older prototypes, this latest DBS has a more sculpted lower front fascia which will likely be what we see on the final production model. We fully expect power to be sourced from the same 510-horsepower, 6.0-liter V12 as the current car (not that we’re complaining). But will those Rapide-like headlamps find their way back onto the new car? We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled.

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Latest Aston Martin DBS prototypes suggest Rapide influence

The 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe is a lot of things. It’s a luxury two-door that’s also a muscle car. It’s a supercharged beast with a fire-breathing LSA mounted under the hood. And it’s also a smoke machine. Monticello Motor Club invited a slew of vehicles out for its first annual Drift with the Supercars event, and while a few dedicated drift cars showed up, a handful of other lust-worthy rides arrived to ruin their rubber. The CTS-V Coupe was on hand, sharing the track with a Ferrari 575 Maranello, C6 Corvette, 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS and a Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series.

The Cadillac fared exceptionally well against the rest of the competition and took home the title of Best Drift in New Car. Check out the tire-shredding, sideways action in the beautifully shot video after the jump.

Photos Copyright (C)2010 Steven J. Ewing and Chris Shunk / AOL

[Source: Youtube]

Continue reading Video: Cadillac CTS-V drifts its wheels off at Monticello

Video: Cadillac CTS-V drifts its wheels off at Monticello

Embattled automaker Toyota is staring down another massive recall. The safety action affects 1.53 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles globally, with the U.S. making up around 740,000 of that total and about 600,000 units coming out of the company’s home market of Japan.

Stateside, models covered under the recall may have a faulty master cylinder seal in the braking system that could leak fluid, triggering a warning lamp and/or potentially resulting in reduced braking capability. Toyota models covered under the recall include the 2005-2006 Avalon and 2004-2006 Highlander (non-hybrid only), while Lexus service bays will open their doors for 2006 model year GS, IS and RX cars and crossovers.

In all, Toyota has called back over 10 million vehicles this year, with the most recent action being the Corolla/Matrix ECU recall that covered 1.1 million cars. Thanks to everyone for the tips.

*UPDATE: Official press release added after the jump.

Source: Reuters via Portfolio.com Image: Rusty Jarrett/Getty for NASCAR]

Continue reading Toyota recalling 1.66 million vehicles globally over brake and fuel pump woes [UPDATE]

Toyota recalling 1.66 million vehicles globally over brake and fuel pump woes [UPDATE]

Attention is focused on the new General Motors, but behind the scenes the dismantling of the old GM, now known as Motors Liquidation Co., continues. Last week another auction was held in a series of highest-bidder events going back to September of 2009. The Livonia engine plant, home of Northstar V8 assembly among other things, had its old machinery and mementos sold to buyers around the world. The property itself, however, wasn’t sold.

And as with any garage sale, even one spread among 14 states, there are things you wouldn’t expect to find among the booty, like an abandoned Indiana church and a New Jersey golf course. The golf course we can understand. The church has our curiosity turning over all kinds of scenarios. The next auction will be November 4 at the Pontiac Assembly plant, each one doing its small part to address Motors Liquidation Co’s $275 billion in debts in addition to funds needed for toxic site cleanups

[Source: Detroit News Image: Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images]

‘Old GM’ asset sell-off includes… an abandoned Indiana church and a golf course?!

	Nissan details electric Leaf’s range variables; will it calm your concerns? Your mileage may seriously vary.		Complaints from 2006-’08 Honda Civic Hybrid owners still pouring in The problems seems to be all in the batteries.
	Prokhorov’s hybrid prototype ready by December A $10,000 hybrid? Really?	Other news: Venturi Fetish gets help from SKF for engineering, bearings V60 will be basis for Volvo’s first plug-in hybrid in 2012 Coda Automotive adds pair of fleet industry experts to growing team

AutoblogGreen for 10.21.10

Like two ships passing in the night, our long-term 2010 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT and 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street edition briefly met in person last Saturday morning before their driver – myself and Senior Editor Lavrinc – swapped keys, turned around and headed back to our respective ends of the country.

The Great Long-Term Vehicle Swap of 2010 went off without a hitch, and because we know more than a few of you are curious, you’ll find a table after the jump that shows fuel consumption results for each vehicle on my own portion of the trip. But first, here are some other interesting factoids.

Miles Traveled: 4,938 total for both vehicles
Days: 4
Hours Driven: 10+ per day, per person
Starting Points: Cleveland, OH (Neff in Legacy), San Francisco, CA (Lavrinc in Jetta)
States Neff Traveled Through: Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming
States Lavrinc Traveled Through: California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming
Meeting Point: Cheyenne, WY

Continue reading…

Continue reading By the Numbers: The Great Long-Term Vehicle Swap of 2010

By the Numbers: The Great Long-Term Vehicle Swap of 2010

We weren’t looking for more reasons to pine after the Peugeot RCZ. Initially categorized as a French knock-off of the Audi TT, it seems the slinky coupe from French auto giant PSA has come into its own. But now we’ve got another reason to want one, and its name is the Asphalt edition.

The blacked-out special features a unique Noir Telluric exterior shade with black 19-inch alloys and a black leather interior to match. The 200-horsepower 1.6-liter turbo four co-developed with BMW does the pulling duties overseas, while we’re stuck over here wishing we could get our hands on one.

[Source: eurocarblog]

Film Noir: Peugeot RCZ gets matte black for special Asphalt edition

We’re big fans of the 2011 Mazda2, but of all the good things this little hatch has going for it, fuel economy isn’t really one of them. Manual transmission models offer 29/35 miles per gallon city/highway, and while that isn’t terrible by any means, it’s sub-par when you consider the new standard for B- and C-segment cars: 40 mpg.

With the next-generation 2, Mazda plans to completely overhaul the powertrain, using its new SKYACTIV engine and transmission technology. The result is a Mazda2 that the automaker says will achieve 70 mpg without the help of an electric motor, making it the most fuel-efficient gas-powered car on the road.

The next Mazda2 will launch in Japan sometime in the first half of 2011 and will quickly make its way to other markets over the next few years. The 2 may be an all-new entry to the United States, but it’s merely a mid-cycle refresh of the car that’s been on sale overseas for years. We’re certainly eager to see what the Japanese automaker has up its sleeve, and while 70 mpg is indeed a lofty goal, it isn’t too far fetched these days.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Steven J. Ewing / AOL

[Source: Reuters]

Report: Next Mazda2 to be world’s most efficient gas vehicle

The biggest news for Infiniti’s 2011 model year lineup may be the all-new M sedan, QX56 SUV, G25 sedan and IPL G coupe, but that doesn’t mean the rest of the automaker’s portfolio sails into the new year unchanged. The smaller EX crossover/wagon thingie, for example, gets a host of new updates including a seven-speed automatic transmission, larger wheel choices and more standard technology.

Curiously, Infiniti is still offering the EX with its smaller 3.5-liter V6, even though the majority of its products now use the more powerful 3.7-liter mill. Still, with 297 horsepower on tap, the EX35 should continue to be a surprisingly engaging steer, and with a new seven-speed gearbox in place, fuel efficiency should be improved for 2011, especially in the all-wheel drive models.

From there, all EX models now come standard with 18-inch wheels (a 19-inch set is available with the Deluxe Touring Package), dual-zone automatic climate control and new exterior paint options including Arctic Blue (pictured). Other changes for 2011 include Active Blind Spot Warming being added to the EX’s technology package and a revised premium package that encompasses both the upgraded Bose audio system and around-view camera system.

The 2011 EX is making its way to dealerships as you read this, priced from $34,150 (*excluding destination fees). A top-end EX35 Journey AWD will set you back $37,750, drastically undercutting the price of BMW’s new (and admittedly larger) X3 xDrive35i that we recently tested. Follow the jump for the full list of 2011 EX changes in Infiniti’s press release.

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading 2011 Infiniti EX gets numerous updates, starts at $34,150*

2011 Infiniti EX gets numerous updates, starts at $34,150*

As Chrysler continues its effort to drastically refresh the majority of its product portfolio in short order, we’re seeing a raft of updated interior refinements and powertrain enhancements making their way across the full range of Pentastar vehicles. The big news for most of these vehicles is better interior quality, and no place is that more apparent than on the 2011 Dodge Journey. Have a look at the old Journey’s cockpit and compare that with the new one. On face value alone, this looks to be a massive improvement.

Updated interior aside, the 2011 Journey receives revised suspension geometry, better tires and an overhauled steering system in an effort to make things more engaging from behind the wheel. In the biggest development of all, Chrysler’s new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 is under the hood, delivering 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. V6 models also receive a more aggressive lower front fascia, 19-inch wheels and LED taillamps.

Pricing has not been released as of this writing, but we’ll have those details closer to the 2011 Journey’s on-sale date near the end of this year. For now, read Chrysler’s own words about the updated Journey in the press release after the break and check out the high-res gallery below. Thanks to all for the tips!

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Dodge Journey gets Pentastar engine, new interior for 2011

Dodge Journey gets Pentastar engine, new interior for 2011

Anyone who’s ever been hesitant to hand over their keys to another driver, or conversely to get behind the wheel of someone else’s car – exotic or otherwise – will want to take note of the following story currently being played out on the internet’s extensive web of car enthusiast forums.

The story revolves around a Ford GT – one of the finest exotics ever produced by an American automaker – its customization, and its unfortunate demise. The car – in classic Gulf baby blue and orange heritage livery and outfitted with twin turbochargers – belongs to one Ray Hofman, who wanted to have some modifications carried out to make it more drivable in advance of a Ford GT rally event. Having struck out with other tuners, Ray turned to Bill Knobloch of Discovery Automotive, better known to forum members as Shadowman. Bill agreed to carry out the tuning Ray was looking for, handed over the keys, and from there things went downhill in more ways than one. Follow the jump to read on.

[Sources: Bimmerboost, Ford GT Forum]

Continue reading Tuner wrecks customer’s Ford GT, situation devolves from there

Tuner wrecks customer’s Ford GT, situation devolves from there