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Mahindra’s four-year saga with Global Vehicles is taking so many turns, it should get a telenovela on Univision. When we recently posted that the Pik-Up finally received EPA certification, GV and its dealer network were excited and ready to go. However, commenters on that post noted a message on Mahindra’s site indicating that the company’s relationship with GV was kaput.

Mahindra hasn’t said a word since, but Global Vehicles and the dealers have let folks know that they aren’t impressed and that they have no idea what Mahindra thinks it’s doing. Global Vehicles’ official response was, “such attempted termination is invalid under applicable laws of the United States and the State of Georgia, something which Mahindra continues to disregard.” And a dealer who’s got a showroom ready to sell Pik-Ups in December said, “If they’re still coming in December of this year like they’ve said they are, they’re coming through my dealership, and that’s all there is to it.”

GV has taken the unusual step of initiating arbitration in the United Kingdom, in the belief that legal action here could further delay the anticipated retail sale date. We’ll wait to hear what Mahindra has to say on the matter, and we’re sure that the folks waiting to buy a TR20 or TR40 Pik-Up hope Mahinda talks soon — and with some good news this time.

[Source: Automotive News - sub req'd, via Motor Trend]

Report: Mahindra says it has terminated U.S. dealer agreement

The insurance industry-funded Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is calling out its governmental counterpart, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for distracting drivers from genuine safety concerns.

Consumer Reports cites a release penned by IIHS president Adrian Lund as saying that unintended acceleration and distracted driving have drawn focus away from other threats, thanks largely to the efforts of NHTSA and the national media. Instead of focusing on runaway sedans and texting teens, Lund says that we should really be worried about speeding drivers and running red lights. IIHS says that last year, those two factors alone were responsible for 13,500 deaths and millions of injuries.

Compare that against the 6,000 deaths associated with distracted driving, and the IIHS point becomes clearer. So, why are the feds so concerned with an issue that’s (statistically, at least) half as dangerous as speeding and running red lights? Lund says it’s because the general public isn’t exactly warm to the idea of more legislation to curtail speed.

What do you think? Is the IIHS position more valid than NHTSA’s? Is it the other way around? Follow the jump for an informal poll on the matter.

[Source: Consumer Reports Image: Mr. Wabu via CC 2.0]

Continue reading Catfight! IIHS criticizes NHTSA for losing focus on driver safety

Catfight! IIHS criticizes NHTSA for losing focus on driver safety

We got a glimpse of it not long ago in renderings, now Heico Sportiv has taken its retuned 2011 Volvo S60 to the track and brought us some souvenirs of the day. Changes are restrained yet aggressive outside, with added front lip components and a rear diffuser that wraps around four tailpipes, in addition to a set of attractive gunmetal Volution wheels.

Under the hood is where the real oomph resides, with power outputs hitting the 297 horsepower and 258 pound-feet in the 2.0T, and 330 hp and 339 lb-ft. in the T6. In the T6 model, that will get you from naught to 62 miles per hour in 5.8 seconds. Follow the jump for all the details and to see it in motion, and have a look at the gallery of high-res photos below.

[Source: Heico Sportiv]

Continue reading Heico Sportiv adds aggression to new Volvo S60 [w/video]

Heico Sportiv adds aggression to new Volvo S60 [w/video]

Lotus has set about proving that the Evora is more than just a pretty face, just recently putting its Evora Cup GT4 and 2-Eleven GT4 racers through their paces at the infamous Nürburgring and most recently at Laguna Seca. Both cars were hooned ’round the Green Hell by none other than Olie Hancock, the Lotus rookie test driver. The company didn’t release any lap times for either car, but we’re guessing the two are plenty quick. Lotus has entered the Evora Cup GT4 in the European GT4 Championship, where it will campaign against the best and brightest of the sports car world.

In order to get the car fit for battle, the company trimmed a total of 441 pounds from the car’s curb weight, landing the track-going Evora at just 2,623 pounds. Throw in a 360 horsepower V6 and you’ve got yourself a recipe for tarmac glory.

Meanwhile, a total of four 2-Eleven GT4 racers will be entered into the same championship, two of which will be campaigned by NFS Racing Dubai. The other two will be flying under the Scuderia Giudici banner – the team that currently leads the GT4 Super Sports category.

Hit the jump for the full press release.

[Source: Lotus]

Continue reading Lotus Evora GT4 and Cup cars take to the ‘Ring and Laguna

Lotus Evora GT4 and Cup cars take to the ‘Ring and Laguna

It’s no secret that we Autobloggers are big fans of wagons. Unfortunately, the market here in the United States isn’t as wagon-friendly as those in other corners of the world, and because of this, there are very few examples to choose from – most automakers would rather introduce crossovers, as it’s a significantly bigger (and growing) market.

With that in mind, it’s unlikely that we’ll get a version of this five-door Hyundai Sonata (which will be dubbed “i40″ in other markets), though the automaker hasn’t officially given America the red light just yet. Aside from the cargolicious rear end, the Sonata wagon caught by the spy shooters at CarPix employs a different chrome treatment at the base of the A-pillar, and we can see that a slightly different front fascia has been adapted. In keeping with the Sonata’s sleek design, Hyundai has opted for a more rakish hatch assembly.

While you wait for Hyundai to take the wraps off this load lugger, scroll through the gallery below to see the prototype out on the street.

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: 2012 Hyundai Sonata (i40) wagon caught testing again

While we’re all accustomed to seeing crash test vehicles packed with loveable dummies, the truth is that manufacturers can’t always rely on high-tech mannequins to get the information they need. Sometimes, they have to resort to other testing procedures to research how new safety tech will impact the human body. And, as Jalopnik points out, those other procedures involve genuine human cadavers.

Now, don’t start thinking that your favorite manufacturer has a covert team of grave robbers on the pay roll. According to the Jalop, automakers typically partner with universities that have the facilities for that kind of work. In every case, the family members of the deceased are informed of what kind of research their loved ones’ body is being used for, and the cadaver is disposed of respectfully and properly after the trials.

So why use a body when we have all of these fancy computer models at our disposal? Because unfortunately, neither dummies nor our modeling systems have caught up with the complexities of the human body. Most recently, Ford used the deceased to test the impacts of its inflatable seatbelts on internal organs. Head over to Jalopnik to read the full piece.

[Source: Jalopnik]

How Ford made vehicles safer with a cadaver’s help

When a car comes with a 48-page press release, well, you know its maker has some special things in mind for it. The 2011 Ford Mondeo, in five-door and wagon styles, is just such a car, with The Blue Oval calling it “the most stylish and technologically advanced Mondeo ever.” Visually, the car’s main lines haven’t changed, but the details have been made sharper: a sleeker front bumper with new LEDs and more aggressive lip, the twin character lines down the side, the chrome trim all around the windows and the new chiseling in the rear valance.

Inside is the familiar story of upgraded materials wrapped around new techno bits. Ambient LED illumination falls from overhead, where also resides a new woven headliner. Driver aids include Lane Departure Warning system, Auto High Beam, Driver Alert, Smart Regenerative Charging and Active Grille Shutter, which opens and closes the grille aperture automatically to promote either cooling or increased aerodynamic efficiency.

Under the hood are new engines, including the Mondeo’s first crack at Ford’s 237-horsepower, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder EcoBoost. That will be an option alongside the current, 203-hp version. There’s also a reworked 2.2-liter Duratorq TDCi diesel putting out 197 hp, the most powerful such engine yet.

It goes on sale as soon as next month at the same starting price as the current Mondeo, £17,295 ($26,842 U.S.), although the Titanium trim gets bumped up £200 to £19,945 ($30,958 U.S.). Follow the jump for an abridged version of the presser, and take your time perusing our huge gallery of high-res photos below.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 2011 Ford Mondeo gets spiffed up

2011 Ford Mondeo gets spiffed up

2010 Nissan Xterra – Click above for high-res image gallery

Nissan’s Xterra, a throwback to when all SUVs were red in tooth and claw, may be swinging on the gallows sooner rather than later. According to Ward’s Auto, the gloriously upright off-roader faces an uncertain future amidst slumping sales and ever-tightening federal fuel economy regulations.

Ward’s data indicates that the Xterra has sold just 12,186 units through July, and even that modest figure is well ahead of last year’s glacial pace brought about by the stagnant economy. By comparison, Nissan shipped 88,578 new Xterras off to owners in 2000.

The Xterra hasn’t received more than modest changes since its redesign back in 2005, and although Nissan’s vice president of advanced product and product planning and stategy, Larry Dominique, says the automaker will try to build the SUV ‘”as long as we possibly can,” there isn’t a redesign in sight.

Despite the Xterra’s likely demise, Ward’s says that the Xterra’s mid-size kin, the Frontier pickup and Pathfinder, don’t appear to be going anywhere, though Dominique seemingly hints that the latter could continue on in a new form, saying “Pathfinder will live on… how it will live on, wait to see. There’s no reason to get rid of a three-row crossover or SUV.” Could Nissan be pondering a shift to a car-based Pathfinder, like the 2011 Ford Explorer and the forthcoming Dodge Durango? We should know within the year.

[Source: Ward's Auto]

Nissan Xterra not long for this world?

We’ve all been there. A new car model of some variety or another strikes our fancy, we start playing around with the configurator, and before long we’re staring at a nice, tidy monthly payment on the computer screen. It seems reasonable. With a little starvation and the occasional dabbling in petty crime, it might even be easy to hand over that stack of hundred-dollar bills each and every month. Then reality politely reminds us that there’s more to paying for a new car than the check we write to the bank. Things like fuel, insurance, fees, taxes, repairs and maintenance can quickly add up to more than your monthly payment. There’s even depreciation to factor in. The pros call all of this the cost of ownership.

Good thing, too. We’ve never really been too deft at pick-pocketing.

The good folk at NADA have worked up a list of vehicles with the best cost of ownership compared to their MSRP. Sure, they assumed a few variables – specifically, that the vehicles would be driven around 15,000 miles per year by someone with at least six years of driving experience, but the figures are a good operating base for your own car-buying fantasies. Check out the gallery below for the winners in their segments and then hop the jump for the full press blast.

[Source: NADA]

Continue reading NADA picks vehicles with best cost of ownership

NADA picks vehicles with best cost of ownership

Family Vacation Tests This Minivan’s Mettle

My wife and I? Not minivan people. It isn’t for lack of appreciation. After all, we have three kids, so we’re acutely aware of the advantages gained from lots of interior space. We get our three rows in a different form factor; one that’s admittedly less practical but doesn’t make us feel like we’re flying the white flag of suburban surrender in the garage.

For our annual summer vacation, we decided to see how more sensible people roll. Our ride for the week was the latest monument to family-friendly practicality: the 2011 Toyota Sienna Limited (stickering at a significant $44,919 as tested). Its mission: schlep the author, his wife, our seven-year-old daughter, four-year-old son, 11-month-old son and the rather daunting pile of related detritus up to Cape Cod for a five-day getaway. Would everything fit easily? Would it actually be pleasant to drive? Would we be beset with secret minivan jealousy forever after? All those answers and more after the jump.

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading Review: 2011 Toyota Sienna Limited

Review: 2011 Toyota Sienna Limited

Our buddy Rich Truesdell over at Automotive Traveler was out at one of his favorite spy shot locales and came across some Hyundai prototypes under wraps. Among them was a hatchback that Rich initially figured was the new Accent. It turns out it’s more likely the production version of the Hyundai HED-5 undergoing testing.

The Elantra-based competitor for the Mazda5 and the forthcoming Ford Grand C-Max – was first shown as a concept at the Geneva Motor Show back in 2008, and then again in Los Angeles where Hyundai quickly confirmed it for production. Things got a bit quiet after that until February of this year when an alert reader sent us pics of a cloaked version of the production microvan undergoing testing in Scandinavia.

The three-row space wagon shows signs that it will be blessed with Hyundai’s new Fluidic Sculpture styling, a design language that we are finding very appealing, despite the kooky name. We’re not sure what’s under the hood, but Hyundai did mention its new 286-hp, 2.0-liter Theta Turbo GDI engine as a possibility when the concept was on the stand in Los Angeles back in ‘08. That would certainly shake things up in this increasingly popular class, but such a powerful motor doesn’t seem likely. However, were it to recceive the force-fed motor, who knows? It could singlehandedly force a business case for a Mazdaspeed5 as well. Hmmm.

Click on over to Automotive Traveler for more pics of the cloaked Hyundai HED-5.

[Source: Automotive Traveler]

Spy Shots: Hyundai HED-5 making the rounds

It was only a matter of time before Brabus got around to turning its attention to the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The German tuner has given the Silver Arrow’s newest supercar the once over with a smattering of aesthetic additions both inside and out, as well as a few mechanical tweaks. Things get started with a carbon-fiber spoiler up front, as well as new fender vents made of the same light-weight material. A similar treatment crops up on the rear fascia, along with new titanium exhaust tips. Those tips are part of a full system that Brabus claims weighs a full 40 percent less than the stock pipes. Throw in a set of massive forged wheels (20 inches up front, 21 out back) and you’ve got the full package.

Inside, Brabus will be happy to custom tailor the SLS AMG interior to each customer’s taste. A new ergonomic steering wheel comes along with stainless scuff plates with an illuminated Brabus logo, though beyond that it’s up to the buyer to decide on what type and color leather strikes their fancy. How much will all of this kit set you back? Brabus isn’t saying, but you know what they say about if you have to ask. Hit the jump to take a look at the full press blast.

[Source: Brabus]

Continue reading Brabus announces tuning program for Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Brabus announces tuning program for Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

There are perhaps as many automotive-themed iPhone apps out there as there are cars on the road. From handy programs that help you find your car to apps designed to help you avoid pesky speed traps, now couldn’t be a better time to own a vehicle and an iPhone. Heck, if you’re really creative, you can even drive your vehicle from the safety of your handheld’s touch screen. That’s not to say that every app out there is a great leap forward, though. Take Augmented Driving, for instance.

The program is an absolute wonder. Once your iPhone is fixed on a special mount, Augmented Driving can offer up lane departure warnings, vehicle speed, the tilt of the road and even pick out vehicles ahead of you. Unfortunately, you have to be paying attention to the tiny screen stuck to your windshield in order to receive any of the benefits. You do get a bevy of audible warnings, but they’re largely for problems you could easily see if your eyes were up and on the road where they should be. You can hit the jump to check out Augmented Driving in action, or hop over to the app’s site for more information.

[Source: Augmented Driving]

Continue reading Augmented reality driving app for iPhone shows promise

Augmented reality driving app for iPhone shows promise

Remy International, a company known mainly for its work with electric motors, has teamed up with MotoCzysz to develop an integrated electric drive system that will feature Remy’s High Voltage Hairpin (HVH) electric motor technology paired with MotoCzysz’s patent-pending cooling and integration technology.

MotoCzysz head Michael Czysz used a Remy motor to good effect in his E1pc electric motorcycle, which won both the TT Zero at the Isle of Man and the FIM e-Power race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Clearly, MotoCzysz knows how to extract performance from Remy’s electric motors.

The unfortunately named D1g1tal Dr1ve will utilize a liquid-cooled Remy internal permanent magnet (IPM) motor that puts out 250 pound-feet of torque along with 100 kW (135 horsepower) at a remarkable efficiency of 93 percent (measured at the rotor). Upgrades to future models of the D1g1tal Dr1ve will include units with more power and smaller size.

Perhaps what’s most interesting about this partnership is that the powertrain technology is designed so that it can be used in all kinds of vehicles, from motorcycles to automobiles. The companies say it will be ready by the second quarter of 2011. Check out all the details in the press release after the break.

[Source: Remy International, Inc.]

Continue reading Remy and MotoCzysz announce D1g1tal Dr1ve EV powertrain

Remy and MotoCzysz announce D1g1tal Dr1ve EV powertrain

We’ll say it once again, with feeling (aka, italics): The Volkswagen Amarok is not coming to the United States. If you want one, we’re sorry. Vee-Dub simply doesn’t think there are enough of you waiting in the wings with cash-in-hand ready to take the fateful trip down to your local dealership. And it’s probably right.

After all, the Amarok wouldn’t likely sell for less money than a well-equipped and V8-powered full-size pickup truck from one of America’s three specialists in the field, and its admittedly attractive specifications probably wouldn’t mean it would be more useful to the average Joe, either. Those that really want that torquey little diesel engine (and are willing to pay for it) wouldn’t amount to enough sales to make it worthwhile to VW.

Finally, Brazil media relations manager Gilberto dos Santos tells Inside Line that the General Pacheco manufacturing plant in Argentina is slated to be at full capacity churning out about 100,000 units annually, which is the expected demand in the markets the truck is already slated for. That said, if you’re feeling slighted, feel free to voice your opinion to your local dealer.

[Source: Inside Line]

We Repeat: Volkswagen Amarok not coming to U.S.

We certainly don’t recommend yanking a perfectly good 1970 Oldsmobile Toronado off the road in order to convert it into a recreational vehicle, but in the case of today’s eBay Find of the Day, we’ll give ‘em a pass. After all, it was reportedly built this way as a factory project for a retiring RV industry executive.

If you have any doubts as to the suitability of the Toronado as an RV, consider the fact that the awesome spaceship-shaped GMC motorhomes used the exact same front-wheel drive platform. In any case, this machine has only 68,000 miles, and the engine was replaced with a new short block 4,000 miles ago.

According to the owner, this RV can sleep up to four, comes with a full bathroom and shower and a kitchen with stove and fridge. There are also a spattering of roof-mounted skylights for stargazing under those beautiful rural night skies. Want it? There are still a few more days left on the auction, or you can end it right now for $15,000. Happy bidding! Thanks for the tip, Bill M!

[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: 1970 Oldsmobile Toronado GT surprisingly awesome as camper

When Kia Motors unveiled its EcoDynamics sub-brand at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the company claimed its new badge would begin to appear on U.S.-bound models soon. In fact, Kia promised that its eco-friendly moniker would be attached to several models sold worldwide. Now, Orth Hedrick, director-product planning at Kia Motors America, tells Ward’s Auto that the company has nixed plans to introduce the EcoDynamics name in the U.S. Hedrick cited cost issues as the primary reason for the company’s reversal, stating:

The issue is it’s yet another brand. And given the fact we’re trying to allocate our resources to other areas that make the most sense, does it make sense to introduce another brand out there?

The U.S. automotive market, in its still-depressed state, simply cannot support additional brands. The Detroit Three have pared down by axing Pontiac, Saturn, Hummer and Mercury, so Kia’s move to drop EcoDynamics fits the trend. Jim Hume of Phire Branding Co. says Kia’s decision makes sense. Hume told Ward’s:

My guess is that they realized the concept of EcoDynamics created not only another brand, but also created the need to educate consumers – an expensive proposition. In this particular case the delineation is tricky. Kia setting apart Earth-friendly vehicles via a sub-brand may have taken away from any Earth-friendly story in Kia-branded vehicles. It is better to highlight everything Kia is doing under one strong brand umbrella.

Though the EcoDynamics badge will not adorn Kia’s U.S.-bound models, the fuel-saving innovations and other elements that were to be featured under the new sub-brand are already appearing on some Kia models headed to dealerships across the nation.

[Source: Ward's Auto]

Kia axes plan for EcoDynamics branding in U.S.

The GT Channel crew have snagged a handful of shots of a widebody Honda CR-Z being built for an unknown venue, and while it could just be an elaborate show car for this January’s Tokyo Auto Salon, it’s possible Honda is prepping the CR-Z for a run in Japan’s SuperGT touring car series.

With one of the Honda HSV-010 teams holding down second place in the GT500 class this season, HoMoCo could be looking to capitalize off its success – and the popularity of the hybrid hatch in Japan – by fielding a CR-Z is the GT300 class. The engine and chassis restrictions are less rigid compared to the top-tier SuperGT racers, so the mid-mounted V6 (or V8?) shown in the gallery below is a-okay with JAF (the regulating body behind SuperGT) – even with a set of turbos.

If the build is taking place now (check the carbon fiber doors coming out of the autoclave), Honda or one of its racing affiliates is likely to start testing the CR-Z racer this fall before the new season kicks off in March of 2011.

[Source: GT Channel]

Widebody, mid-engine Honda CR-Z coming to SuperGT?

Mustang owners have always had a healthy appetite for the aftermarket, and it looks like the new 5.0 will provide plenty of opportunities for warranty-busting horsepower upgrades. Ford Racing just unveiled its supercharger system good for up to 624 horsepower, and now Roush has introduced its own ROUSHcharger system for the 5.0-liter V8.

The Roush system utilizes the TVS2300 supercharger first seen on the P-51A Mustang (replacing the old Eaton M90-based blower) and requires professional installation and calibration. A 90mm pulley good for seven psi, with 47 lb/hr fuel injectors, high-flow fuel rails and a twin 60mm throttle body included in the kit. Roush says that the system can produce up to 550 horsepower and 470 pound-feet torque with the stock fuel pump, and even more with additional upgrades. Pricing is set at $5,999, and Roush offers a 90-day parts warranty. A full system complete with a Roush calibration and a full warranty will be coming later this fall. Hit the jump for full details on the new ROUSHcharger system for the 2011 Mustang.

[Source: Roush]

Continue reading Roush supercharger system now available for the 2011 Mustang 5.0

Roush supercharger system now available for the 2011 Mustang 5.0

Jack Pitney, BMW’s North American vice president of marketing was killed today in a tragic accident while vacationing on his farm.

Pitney, 47, had been with BMW since 1995, when he joined the German automaker to head its corporate communications operations. Influential in bringing the Mini brand to the U.S., he was its first boss in this market from 2001-2005. More recently, he was the point man for helping BMW secure a partnership with the U.S. Olympic Committee (see photo above). Pitney was tipped to become VP of BMW’s eastern region on September 1.

Our condolences go out to Pitney’s family, friends and colleagues. Official press release from BMW after the jump.

Continue reading BREAKING: Jack Pitney, BMW North America marketing VP, dead at 47

BREAKING: Jack Pitney, BMW North America marketing VP, dead at 47