The automaker has been in discussions with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the fix.
The recall is to correct a problem that could cause the gas pedal, as it ages and becomes worn, to stick partway down under certain circumstances. Toyota recalled 2.3 million vehicles in the U.S. for this problem, although no repair procedure had yet been put in place.
The recall affects Toyota's 2009-2010 RAV4, Corolla and Matrix; 2005-2010 Avalon; certain 2007-2010 Camrys; 2010 Highlander; 2007-2010 Tundra and the 2008-2010 Sequoia. The Camry Hybrid is not included in the recall.
"We're extremely sorry to have made customers uneasy," Toyota president Akio Toyoda told Japanese news agency NHK on Friday. "We plan to establish the facts and give an explanation that will take away the customers' concern as soon as possible."
The Japanese automaker also recalled cars in Europe. That recall involves eight different models, several of which are not sold here. The precise number of vehicles involved in that recall is still under investigation but it could be as many as 1.8 million, Toyota said in a statement.
The gas pedal recall is separate from an earlier one, begun in November to fix a problem in which the gas pedal can become caught on the edge of the removable floormat.
The floormat recall was recently expanded so that it now covers a total of 5.3 million vehicles.
In many cases, the same vehicles are involved in both recalls. It was not immediately clear how many different vehicles, in total, are part of the two actions.
Toyota owners with questions should call Toyota's customer service line at 800-331-4331.
Sunday, 31 January 2010
Toyota's sales could shift into reverse
Michelle Krebbs, senior analyst for Edmunds.com, said that if not for this week's problems, Toyota's sales would have been up at least slightly for the month.
The expected drop could send Toyota's market share below 15%, which would be its lowest level in nearly four years.
Most of Toyota's rivals, on the other hand, are expected to post higher sales compared to a year ago. Ford Motor (F, Fortune 500), which reported its first market share gain in the U.S. since 1995 last year, is expected to pass Toyota (TM) in market share in January, according to Edmunds.com's estimates.
Ford joined General Motors and other automakers trying to capitalize on Toyota's problems, offering an extra $1,000 to buyers who trade in Toyotas when purchasing a new car.
That could be a big problem for Toyota.
"People buy Toyotas for their bullet-proof reliability. That was their main selling point, and that's taken a huge hit," said Krebbs.
Even when Toyota fixes the gas pedal problems, it is likely to have trouble gaining back share, some say. If the company loses market share this year, that would be the first decline since 1994.
Art Spinella, head of CNW Market Research, said Toyota should be worried about lasting damage to its reputation.
"This is a game changer for Toyota," he said. "They have some serious, serious work to do to repair the damage done to their image."
Spinella said Toyota was already more vulnerable than many believed. His firm's consumer survey from mid-January showed Toyota had already fallen from its traditional position of first or second in quality estimates of potential buyers to seventh. Apparently, recalls that began late last year are having an impact.
"This was just the latest recall problem for Toyota," said Spinella. "Word of mouth is the key for all of this, and always has been. And it's much tougher to move back up the list than to fall down."
Toyota spokeswoman Sona Iliffe-Moon said the company won't comment about any potential hit to sales and market share before its scheduled release of January sales on February 2.
"Clearly there will be a sales impact with the stopped sales," she said. "Really, right now our focus is working on a remedy."
The expected drop could send Toyota's market share below 15%, which would be its lowest level in nearly four years.
Most of Toyota's rivals, on the other hand, are expected to post higher sales compared to a year ago. Ford Motor (F, Fortune 500), which reported its first market share gain in the U.S. since 1995 last year, is expected to pass Toyota (TM) in market share in January, according to Edmunds.com's estimates.
Ford joined General Motors and other automakers trying to capitalize on Toyota's problems, offering an extra $1,000 to buyers who trade in Toyotas when purchasing a new car.
That could be a big problem for Toyota.
"People buy Toyotas for their bullet-proof reliability. That was their main selling point, and that's taken a huge hit," said Krebbs.
Even when Toyota fixes the gas pedal problems, it is likely to have trouble gaining back share, some say. If the company loses market share this year, that would be the first decline since 1994.
Art Spinella, head of CNW Market Research, said Toyota should be worried about lasting damage to its reputation.
"This is a game changer for Toyota," he said. "They have some serious, serious work to do to repair the damage done to their image."
Spinella said Toyota was already more vulnerable than many believed. His firm's consumer survey from mid-January showed Toyota had already fallen from its traditional position of first or second in quality estimates of potential buyers to seventh. Apparently, recalls that began late last year are having an impact.
"This was just the latest recall problem for Toyota," said Spinella. "Word of mouth is the key for all of this, and always has been. And it's much tougher to move back up the list than to fall down."
Toyota spokeswoman Sona Iliffe-Moon said the company won't comment about any potential hit to sales and market share before its scheduled release of January sales on February 2.
"Clearly there will be a sales impact with the stopped sales," she said. "Really, right now our focus is working on a remedy."
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
The 2009 Volvo C30 R-Design, an AW Drivers Log
SENIOR WEB REPORTER GREG MIGLIORE: What a riot of a little car. You get the horsepower and torque of a midsize sedan in a three-door hatch that’s a lithe 3,200 pounds--nice. It’s a fun, diminutive car, but it doesn’t drive too small; it’s not like the Honda Fit, where you can find your nerves jangled in some circumstances.
The turbo I5 is a solid powerplant, making for peppy passing and acceleration. Around 4,000 revs seems to be a sweet spot for this motor. I found the steering to be a little ragged, particularly during acceleration in turns, but not of poor quality. Just a little less refined.
The interior was quite comfy and stylish. The hatch is surprisingly useful and looks good with the glass. It’s too small for hauling lumber or anything like that, but it’s plenty good for a duffle bag or the everyday items we all drag around. The gauges are simple and easy to read, but there are too many numbers in the center stack. I don’t like the middle to look like a graphing calculator.
Nice sheetmetal with sleek lines. It’s a small car that looks great. The gas needle hardly moved during my commute and my night of running around. A manual transmission would have been nice, though.
The C30 was equally adept on the expressway, blitzing in and out of lanes with ease and confidence--not something most small cars exude. It was also fine in the close quarters of the small neighborhoods I had to navigate.
This, to me, is what a future small car should be. It’s useful, looks good and is fun to drive. Small for being small is no fun. But this mite does most things right.
COPY EDITOR CYNTHIA L. OROSCO: This little hatch is pretty hot. I liked the sheetmetal from the first glance in the parking garage. It’s sleek, it’s stout and it looks like it should be driven fast. And the C30 does go pretty fast, zipping along on neighborhood roads and especially on the expressway. The feel is very agile, making passing a breeze. When you step on the gas, this car goes, and it does so pretty economically. And when it comes time to stop, the braking is solid, no jerkiness.
Inside, the seats are quite comfortable and the materials don’t look cheap. But the seatbelt being so high on the B-pillar makes being belted in uncomfortable; I felt like I was being choked. On the positive side, those belts would definitely hold you in place in the event of a crash. The sound system was solid and the overall gauges/control setup was clean, except for what looked like a calculator. Pretty odd. The hatch did offer some space for making a grocery run, but I sure wouldn’t want to be in the back seat; there is no legroom. Maybe if the seat bottoms weren’t so long, someone might actually fit back there. As it is, maybe small kids, but you would have a tough time getting a car seat or booster seat in place.
All in all, my time behind the wheel was fun, and for what the C30 is and offers, the price point isn’t bad.
2009 Volvo C30 R-Design
Base Price: $26,745
As-Tested Price: $30,265
Drivetrain: 2.5-liter turbocharged I5; FWD, five-speed automatic
Output: 227 hp @ 5,000 rpm, 236 lb-ft @ 1,500-5,000 rpm
Curb Weight: 3,225 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 22/25.7 mpg
Options: Preferred package including Dynaudio premium sound system with Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound, power driver’s seat, keyless drive, trip computer, fog lights ($1,250); climate package including heated front seats, rain sensor, headlight washers ($675)
The turbo I5 is a solid powerplant, making for peppy passing and acceleration. Around 4,000 revs seems to be a sweet spot for this motor. I found the steering to be a little ragged, particularly during acceleration in turns, but not of poor quality. Just a little less refined.
The interior was quite comfy and stylish. The hatch is surprisingly useful and looks good with the glass. It’s too small for hauling lumber or anything like that, but it’s plenty good for a duffle bag or the everyday items we all drag around. The gauges are simple and easy to read, but there are too many numbers in the center stack. I don’t like the middle to look like a graphing calculator.
Nice sheetmetal with sleek lines. It’s a small car that looks great. The gas needle hardly moved during my commute and my night of running around. A manual transmission would have been nice, though.
The C30 was equally adept on the expressway, blitzing in and out of lanes with ease and confidence--not something most small cars exude. It was also fine in the close quarters of the small neighborhoods I had to navigate.
This, to me, is what a future small car should be. It’s useful, looks good and is fun to drive. Small for being small is no fun. But this mite does most things right.
COPY EDITOR CYNTHIA L. OROSCO: This little hatch is pretty hot. I liked the sheetmetal from the first glance in the parking garage. It’s sleek, it’s stout and it looks like it should be driven fast. And the C30 does go pretty fast, zipping along on neighborhood roads and especially on the expressway. The feel is very agile, making passing a breeze. When you step on the gas, this car goes, and it does so pretty economically. And when it comes time to stop, the braking is solid, no jerkiness.
Inside, the seats are quite comfortable and the materials don’t look cheap. But the seatbelt being so high on the B-pillar makes being belted in uncomfortable; I felt like I was being choked. On the positive side, those belts would definitely hold you in place in the event of a crash. The sound system was solid and the overall gauges/control setup was clean, except for what looked like a calculator. Pretty odd. The hatch did offer some space for making a grocery run, but I sure wouldn’t want to be in the back seat; there is no legroom. Maybe if the seat bottoms weren’t so long, someone might actually fit back there. As it is, maybe small kids, but you would have a tough time getting a car seat or booster seat in place.
All in all, my time behind the wheel was fun, and for what the C30 is and offers, the price point isn’t bad.
2009 Volvo C30 R-Design
Base Price: $26,745
As-Tested Price: $30,265
Drivetrain: 2.5-liter turbocharged I5; FWD, five-speed automatic
Output: 227 hp @ 5,000 rpm, 236 lb-ft @ 1,500-5,000 rpm
Curb Weight: 3,225 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 22/25.7 mpg
Options: Preferred package including Dynaudio premium sound system with Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound, power driver’s seat, keyless drive, trip computer, fog lights ($1,250); climate package including heated front seats, rain sensor, headlight washers ($675)
Saab sold to Spyker
General Motors' Saab division won't end up on the postbankruptcy scrap heap with Pontiac and Saturn.
Just as Saab's death appeared imminent, the Swedish automaker was scooped up on Tuesday by Dutch supercar-maker Spyker Cars in a $74 million deal that has been in works for months.
The deal is expected to close on Feb. 15, according to a press release from Spyker issued on Tuesday. The first installment of $50 million will be paid on that date, with the remaining $24 million to be paid on July 15. The deal is contingent on the execution of a € 400 million ($564 million) loan agreement between Saab and the European Investment Bank, a loan that the Swedish government on Tuesday agreed to guarantee.
According to the agreement, Saab's future as an independent car company will be secured. All Saab assets will be transferred to the new company, which will be a Dutch public company renamed Saab Spyker Automobiles NV.
“We are very much looking forward to being part of the next chapter in Saab's illustrious history,” said Victor R. Muller, Spyker CEO. “Saab is an iconic brand that we are honored to shepherd. We are delighted to have secured the jobs and livelihoods of thousands of loyal Saab employees, suppliers and dealers and to have given reassurance to the 1.5 million Saab drivers and enthusiasts around the world. It was breathtaking to see so much support from the global Saab community over the last months, which not only shows the strength of the brand but also helped us in our relentless determination to get the deal done.”
Muller said as recently as two weeks ago that he expected to finalize the acquisition of Saab in “days, not weeks.” GM, meanwhile, was proceeding with the orderly two month wind-down of the company. GM purchased Saab two decades ago and had lost money on the company for years.
GM originally agreed to sell Saab to Swedish supercar-maker Koenigsegg, but that deal fell through in November.
Spyker's purchase of Saab means the company will need to hire more workers to increase production capacity so the new company can build Saabs and a higher volume of Spyker vehicles. Muller has said Spyker plans this year to make about 100 of its supercars that will sell for $200,000 to $250,000 each.
If Saab follows the product-rollout script written prior to the company going on the block, an all-new 9-5 sedan beginning production in Trollhattan, Sweden, will debut this spring. The new 9-5 is based on a long-wheelbase version of the Insignia from GM's European Opel subsidiary. It's not clear how the purchase will affect future Saab product, such as a replacement for the 9-3.
The sale means Saab owners are guaranteed a supply of parts, as well as future models, to replace the cars in their garages. Saab enthusiasts, some of whom came to GM headquarters in Detroit in early January to protest Saab's demise, can rest easy knowing their favorite brand is back from the brink.
What is also clear is that Muller's purchase left a bid stalled on the grid by Formula One commercial boss Bernie Ecclestone. Ecclestone and Luxembourg-based Genii Capital pitched the idea of buying Saab in early January.
Just as Saab's death appeared imminent, the Swedish automaker was scooped up on Tuesday by Dutch supercar-maker Spyker Cars in a $74 million deal that has been in works for months.
The deal is expected to close on Feb. 15, according to a press release from Spyker issued on Tuesday. The first installment of $50 million will be paid on that date, with the remaining $24 million to be paid on July 15. The deal is contingent on the execution of a € 400 million ($564 million) loan agreement between Saab and the European Investment Bank, a loan that the Swedish government on Tuesday agreed to guarantee.
According to the agreement, Saab's future as an independent car company will be secured. All Saab assets will be transferred to the new company, which will be a Dutch public company renamed Saab Spyker Automobiles NV.
“We are very much looking forward to being part of the next chapter in Saab's illustrious history,” said Victor R. Muller, Spyker CEO. “Saab is an iconic brand that we are honored to shepherd. We are delighted to have secured the jobs and livelihoods of thousands of loyal Saab employees, suppliers and dealers and to have given reassurance to the 1.5 million Saab drivers and enthusiasts around the world. It was breathtaking to see so much support from the global Saab community over the last months, which not only shows the strength of the brand but also helped us in our relentless determination to get the deal done.”
Muller said as recently as two weeks ago that he expected to finalize the acquisition of Saab in “days, not weeks.” GM, meanwhile, was proceeding with the orderly two month wind-down of the company. GM purchased Saab two decades ago and had lost money on the company for years.
GM originally agreed to sell Saab to Swedish supercar-maker Koenigsegg, but that deal fell through in November.
Spyker's purchase of Saab means the company will need to hire more workers to increase production capacity so the new company can build Saabs and a higher volume of Spyker vehicles. Muller has said Spyker plans this year to make about 100 of its supercars that will sell for $200,000 to $250,000 each.
If Saab follows the product-rollout script written prior to the company going on the block, an all-new 9-5 sedan beginning production in Trollhattan, Sweden, will debut this spring. The new 9-5 is based on a long-wheelbase version of the Insignia from GM's European Opel subsidiary. It's not clear how the purchase will affect future Saab product, such as a replacement for the 9-3.
The sale means Saab owners are guaranteed a supply of parts, as well as future models, to replace the cars in their garages. Saab enthusiasts, some of whom came to GM headquarters in Detroit in early January to protest Saab's demise, can rest easy knowing their favorite brand is back from the brink.
What is also clear is that Muller's purchase left a bid stalled on the grid by Formula One commercial boss Bernie Ecclestone. Ecclestone and Luxembourg-based Genii Capital pitched the idea of buying Saab in early January.
Toyota halts sales as plants wait for new pedals
Toyota Motor Corp. has suspended sales of eight models as its assembly plants wait for redesigned replacements for faulty accelerator pedal mechanisms.
The sales halt will be followed by a production shutdown next week at five North American plants, Toyota said late Tuesday. The factories produce the cars and trucks that were among the 2.3 million Toyota recalled last week to fix accelerator pedals that are prone to stick.
Some Toyota plants may have already received the replacement part, but others will have to wait until production of the new mechanism ramps up, a person familiar with the matter said.
The source didn't offer details of the timeline. Blueprints for the redesigned mechanism were finished earlier this week by engineers at Toyota r&d and the U.S. supplier, CTS Corp., the person said.
“The countermeasure pedal is now available from the supplier,” the source said. “We are now in the transition period. It's just a matter of time in getting the parts to the plants.”
Toyota spokeswoman Ririko Takeuchi confirmed that the supplier has already developed a replacement mechanism for the pedals. She said it was unclear to what extent they have already been shipped to assembly plants. Two of the factories are in Indiana, with one each in Texas, Kentucky and Canada.
The fix comes as the world's largest automaker struggles to rein in a widening crisis involving complaints about unintended acceleration cases, several that involved fatal crashes.
The faulty accelerators were made in Canada by CTS, which is headquartered in Elkhart, Ind. A person answering the phone after hours Tuesday declined to comment on the situation.
Last week's recall covers 2005-10 Avalons, 2007-10 Camrys and Tundras; 2008-10 Sequoias; 2009-10 Corollas, RAV4s and Matrixes; and 2010 Highlanders.
Takeuchi said next week's production shutdown is aimed at averting an inventory backup. It was unclear when output will resume. Production of the recalled vehicles will be initially halted from Feb. 1 through Feb. 5.
Following the Jan. 21 recall announcement, a limited number of vehicles continued to be made with the problematic pedal mechanism, Takeuchi said. It is unclear how many, but those vehicles were not shipped, she said.
Last week's recall followed a 4.2 million-vehicle recall last fall aimed at fixing floor mats that could jam the accelerator, causing unintended acceleration.
Bigger headaches still loom for Toyota.
Although the company has developed a replacement pedal mechanism so it can continue production of 2010 model year vehicles, fixing vehicles already in the field is more complicated.
Swapping old pedals for new ones would require volume of some 2 million pedals.
“We have to produce more than 2 million pedals,” the source said. “That takes a long time. That's more than we can produce in a year.”
Meanwhile, Toyota may expand the recall to Europe and China.
The sales halt will be followed by a production shutdown next week at five North American plants, Toyota said late Tuesday. The factories produce the cars and trucks that were among the 2.3 million Toyota recalled last week to fix accelerator pedals that are prone to stick.
Some Toyota plants may have already received the replacement part, but others will have to wait until production of the new mechanism ramps up, a person familiar with the matter said.
The source didn't offer details of the timeline. Blueprints for the redesigned mechanism were finished earlier this week by engineers at Toyota r&d and the U.S. supplier, CTS Corp., the person said.
“The countermeasure pedal is now available from the supplier,” the source said. “We are now in the transition period. It's just a matter of time in getting the parts to the plants.”
Toyota spokeswoman Ririko Takeuchi confirmed that the supplier has already developed a replacement mechanism for the pedals. She said it was unclear to what extent they have already been shipped to assembly plants. Two of the factories are in Indiana, with one each in Texas, Kentucky and Canada.
The fix comes as the world's largest automaker struggles to rein in a widening crisis involving complaints about unintended acceleration cases, several that involved fatal crashes.
The faulty accelerators were made in Canada by CTS, which is headquartered in Elkhart, Ind. A person answering the phone after hours Tuesday declined to comment on the situation.
Last week's recall covers 2005-10 Avalons, 2007-10 Camrys and Tundras; 2008-10 Sequoias; 2009-10 Corollas, RAV4s and Matrixes; and 2010 Highlanders.
Takeuchi said next week's production shutdown is aimed at averting an inventory backup. It was unclear when output will resume. Production of the recalled vehicles will be initially halted from Feb. 1 through Feb. 5.
Following the Jan. 21 recall announcement, a limited number of vehicles continued to be made with the problematic pedal mechanism, Takeuchi said. It is unclear how many, but those vehicles were not shipped, she said.
Last week's recall followed a 4.2 million-vehicle recall last fall aimed at fixing floor mats that could jam the accelerator, causing unintended acceleration.
Bigger headaches still loom for Toyota.
Although the company has developed a replacement pedal mechanism so it can continue production of 2010 model year vehicles, fixing vehicles already in the field is more complicated.
Swapping old pedals for new ones would require volume of some 2 million pedals.
“We have to produce more than 2 million pedals,” the source said. “That takes a long time. That's more than we can produce in a year.”
Meanwhile, Toyota may expand the recall to Europe and China.
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
Report: GM’s Full-Size Pickup Trucks to Receive Major Update
GM's executive committee recently approved several hundred million dollars to fund a major update for its full-size pickup trucks, according to a report in The Detroit News .
The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra are expected to receive more aerodynamic exteriors, updated interiors and fuel efficiency improvements.
The current Silverado and Sierra light- and heavy-duty pickups were introduced in 2006 as 2007 models.
GM will introduce freshened 2011 Heavy Duty pickups this year with an all-new frame and a new Duramax 6.6-liter diesel V-8.
The updated trucks are two to three years away from showrooms.
Names 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Best of 2010
Today, Cars.com named the Ford Fusion Hybrid the 'Best of 2010' in the site’s annual Platinum Awards, which recognize the best cars of the new model year. Our editors put every new or significantly redesigned car, truck, SUV and crossover through a rigorous process of judging, and in the end the Fusion Hybrid proved to best a competitive field.
The other nominees included the Best New SUV, Chevrolet Equinox; Best New Compact, Mazda3; Best New Hatchback, Kia Soul; Best New Hybrid Hatchback, Toyota Prius; and Best New Wagon, Subaru Outback.
“The Cars.com Platinum Awards represent the best work by automakers for the 2010 model year. These vehicles excel on all levels,” said Patrick Olsen, editor-in-chief at Cars.com. “The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid outshined all 2010s, earning it the title Best of 2010, Cars.com’s most prestigious award. We’ve seen hybrids come into their own over the past few years, but none have been so free of compromise as the Fusion Hybrid. We recommend that shoppers – green or otherwise – take a serious look at this car.”
2011 Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty Pickups to Debut at Chicago Auto Show
2010 Chevrolet Silverado HD pictured
The new 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 Heavy Duty pickup trucks will debut at the Chicago Auto Show next month.
Two of the improvements on tap? A new 6.6-liter Duramax V-8 diesel engine and an all-new chassis underneath. Styling tweaks are also expected, and we're sure there will likely be other surprises.
We'll be in Chicago live for the reveal.
Saturday, 9 January 2010
Special Editions Rams Coming Soon?
The Chrysler Group has released information on a slew of new trim packages and models that will debut next week at the North American International Auto Show for existing vehicles in three of its four brands. They include the new Chrysler 300 S8, Jeep Wrangler Islander and Dodge Nitro Detonator. But what about the Ram brand? There's no mention of new models for its dedicated truck lineup but we think that could change soon.
Over the past several months, Chrysler has trademarked many of the names of the just announced vehicles, including two that weren't mentioned: Laramie Prospector and Laramie Western Sky. We're thinking that the Ram brand will announce these names for limited-edition versions of its full-size pickups next month at the Chicago Auto Show. Laramie is the top-end trim package for the Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 trucks.
Stay tuned.
Friday, 8 January 2010
Chevrolet Aveo RS at 2010 Detroit Auto Show
- Looks like: The next-generation Aveo, dressed up for “The Fast and the Furious” tryouts
- Defining characteristics: Snub-nosed hatchback design, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, digital/analog instrument pod
- Ridiculous features: Nothing that you can't already get from the aftermarket
- Chance of being mass-produced: Maybe not this RS version, but a basic model will hit dealers
The Chevrolet Aveo RS is technically a “show car” designed to share with consumers the ways in which the upcoming production model could be modified. But if you remove the aggressive styling cues — large vents in the front bumper, 19-inch alloy wheels and center-mounted exhaust pipes, to name a few — you're looking at the next-generation Aveo hatchback.
Although Chevrolet showed reporters — including myself — near-production-ready versions of the Aveo hatchback and sedan at an event leading up to the Detroit auto show, the automaker said only the Aveo RS show car will be on display in Detroit.
The Aveo RS features a version of Chevrolet's signature twin-port grille, but the new circular headlights on either side of it give the car an entirely different look from its Chevrolet siblings. The production Aveo's headlights are a bit toned down from the ones you see here; they don't have the BMW-like halos that the RS gets.
The overall profile of the Aveo RS — with its snub nose and forward-raked C-pillar — is essentially the same as the production car, which means the new Aveo will be a pretty sporty-looking hatchback even if it doesn't come with the RS' appearance and performance bits. Some of those components include large brake calipers painted Boracay Blue to match the car's exterior and a liftgate spoiler.
The current Aveo is one of the most affordable cars available today, and its basic interior reflects that fact. The Aveo RS shows Chevrolet intends to raise the style factor of the car's cabin, as an all-new instrument pod in front of the steering wheel incorporates a digital speedometer and analog tachometer. New controls in the middle of the dashboard resemble the ones in Chevrolet's new Cruze compact sedan.
The front-wheel-drive Aveo RS is powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 138 horsepower. It's the same engine that will be offered in the Cruze, and it teams with a six-speed manual transmission. It's unclear whether this turbocharged engine will be offered in production Aveos.
The Aveo has been a source of cheap wheels for car shoppers for years, but the Aveo RS indicates Chevrolet wants to make it something more than just an affordable choice. It's too early to know how the new Aveo will be priced, but from what we can see from the show car, the new Aveo looks much better positioned to challenge models like the Honda Fit and Nissan Versa.
More photos below.
Thursday, 7 January 2010
Consumer Reports Digs Up True Cost of Mercedes’ Diesel
Thursday, 7 January 2010 06:57
When it comes to vehicle costs, it’s all a balance, isn’t it?
Consumer Reports discovered this firsthand when it brought a Mercedes-Benz GL350 diesel SUV to the dealer to fill up on AdBlue, the urea-based additive that keeps large turbo-diesel engines emissions-compliant by breaking down smog-producing nitrogen oxide into water and nitrogen, and the vehicle will stop running if the fluid runs low.
After a year of driving and with 16,565 miles on the odometer, the GL350 required a top-off of AdBlue to the tune of $32.20 per gallon for 7.5 gallons. After labor, the bill came to a hefty $316.99.
According to Consumer Reports' calculations, at this rate AdBlue costs alone would total $1,457.80 (without labor) for 100,000 miles of driving, canceling out roughly a third of the fuel savings you get instead of buying a comparable vehicle such as the GL450 V-8. (There is no gas-powered V-6 GL.)
Like we said, though, it’s all about balance. A simple oil change at a Mercedes-Benz dealership will set you back $100 every year, according to the folks at the service center of Mercedes-Benz of Chicago. In other words, if you’re buying a luxury SUV somewhere in the range of $67,000, you probably shouldn’t be shocked by most service bills.
Then again, if you buy a BMW diesel, the free maintenance plan makes AdBlue free for the first 50,000 miles.
Mercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTec—Feeling a Bit AdBlue Over Spending a Lot of Green (Consumer Reports)
Navigation Standard With MyFord Touch
We didn’t know but could’ve guessed that the high-tech MyFord Touch system that debuted today would only be available with navigation included, but now Ford has confirmed that fact. When you check off the option box for MyFord Touch in the 2011 Ford Edge or 2012 Ford Focus, it will come with navigation. An interesting note is that the Lincoln version, called MyLincoln Touch, will be standard in the 2011 Lincoln MKX, meaning that the SUV will have navigation standard. Few models of any make, even luxury brands, come with standard navigation.
No pricing for the MyFord option or the MKX itself has been announced. We’d guess that MyFord Touch will have to run similar to or more than the current Sync-powered systems in cars such as the Ford Fusion, whose navigation system costs $1,775.
Ford also revealed the front end of the MyFord media hub, with its two USB ports, SD slot and RCA inputs. That picture is below. All navigation updates will be downloaded via an SD card, the company says.
Excerpt from:
Navigation Standard With MyFord Touch
Special Editions Rams Coming Soon?
The Chrysler Group has released information on a slew of new trim packages and models that will debut next week at the North American International Auto Show for existing vehicles in three of its four brands. They include the new Chrysler 300 S8, Jeep Wrangler Islander and Dodge Nitro Detonator. But what about the Ram brand? There's no mention of new models for its dedicated truck lineup but we think that could change soon.
Over the past several months, Chrysler has trademarked many of the names of the just announced vehicles, including two that weren't mentioned: Laramie Prospector and Laramie Western Sky. We're thinking that the Ram brand will announce these names for limited-edition versions of its full-size pickups next month at the Chicago Auto Show. Laramie is the top-end trim package for the Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 trucks.
Stay tuned.
Excerpt from:
Special Editions Rams Coming Soon?
Tags: chicago-auto, chrysler, chrysler-group, dedicated-truck, international, laramie-western, north, over-the-past | Posted under Autos | No Comments
Last Updated on Friday, 8 January 2010 05:01 Written by admin Friday, 8 January 2010 05:01
- Looks like: The next-generation Aveo, dressed up for “The Fast and the Furious” tryouts
- Defining characteristics: Snub-nosed hatchback design, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, digital/analog instrument pod
- Ridiculous features: Nothing that you can't already get from the aftermarket
- Chance of being mass-produced: Maybe not this RS version, but a basic model will hit dealers
The Chevrolet Aveo RS is technically a “show car” designed to share with consumers the ways in which the upcoming production model could be modified. But if you remove the aggressive styling cues — large vents in the front bumper, 19-inch alloy wheels and center-mounted exhaust pipes, to name a few — you're looking at the next-generation Aveo hatchback.
Although Chevrolet showed reporters — including myself — near-production-ready versions of the Aveo hatchback and sedan at an event leading up to the Detroit auto show, the automaker said only the Aveo RS show car will be on display in Detroit.
The Aveo RS features a version of Chevrolet's signature twin-port grille, but the new circular headlights on either side of it give the car an entirely different look from its Chevrolet siblings. The production Aveo's headlights are a bit toned down from the ones you see here; they don't have the BMW-like halos that the RS gets.
The overall profile of the Aveo RS — with its snub nose and forward-raked C-pillar — is essentially the same as the production car, which means the new Aveo will be a pretty sporty-looking hatchback even if it doesn't come with the RS' appearance and performance bits. Some of those components include large brake calipers painted Boracay Blue to match the car's exterior and a liftgate spoiler.
The current Aveo is one of the most affordable cars available today, and its basic interior reflects that fact. The Aveo RS shows Chevrolet intends to raise the style factor of the car's cabin, as an all-new instrument pod in front of the steering wheel incorporates a digital speedometer and analog tachometer. New controls in the middle of the dashboard resemble the ones in Chevrolet's new Cruze compact sedan.
The front-wheel-drive Aveo RS is powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 138 horsepower. It's the same engine that will be offered in the Cruze, and it teams with a six-speed manual transmission. It's unclear whether this turbocharged engine will be offered in production Aveos.
The Aveo has been a source of cheap wheels for car shoppers for years, but the Aveo RS indicates Chevrolet wants to make it something more than just an affordable choice. It's too early to know how the new Aveo will be priced, but from what we can see from the show car, the new Aveo looks much better positioned to challenge models like the Honda Fit and Nissan Versa.
More photos below.
More:
Chevrolet Aveo RS at 2010 Detroit Auto Show
Tags: 2010 detroit auto show, aftermarket, aveo, chevrolet, chevrolet aveo, chevy-aveo, concept cars, detroit, furious, production, raise-the-style, showcar | Posted under Autos | No Comments
Last Updated on Thursday, 7 January 2010 10:29 Written by admin Thursday, 7 January 2010 10:29
Words and photos by Mark Williams for PickupTrucks.com
It was just last November when we first saw this custom ’57 Chevy pickup on the floor of the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. In fact, we picked the PT-57 as one of the top trucks of the show and knew we had to get a closer look.
Based in Luling, Texas (about an hour east of San Antonio), Hot Rod Jim’s builds late-model Corvette chassis to order for any hot rod-loving car nut who wants to build a Cobra-killer for the racetrack. Builder and owner Russell Alexander said the idea for the PT-57— named for the Pro Touring race class and 1957 Chevy pickup — came from an old bomber jacket his grandfather gave him years ago. He started working on the pickup about three months before the SEMA Show.
Without question, the most eye-catching aspect of the truck is the war bird theme as interpreted by its builder. With olive drab green as the base coat, both the yellow and black highlights make for a dramatic visual one-two punch. Clearly borrowing from the famous Curtiss P-40 Warhawk designs of the early ‘40s, the PT-57 screams World War II fighter, with the most pronounced detail being the signature “shark mouth” face boldly emblazoned on its snout.
Astute P-40 experts will notice the eyes (actually stickers) on this PT-57 fender were inadvertently mounted upside down, changing the overall effect ever so subtly from fierce to mildly upset. Still, the look on the front end of the truck looks striking and perfectly keeps with the project’s theme. And it’s cool. Russell credits his brother with all the painting, which includes the mock rivet and panel lines. But this truck isn’t just about looking good.
From the outset, with a clean ’57 Chevy body in hand, the team tailored the signature Corvette chassis to fit the truck’s narrow front stance. Russell and his crew also had to widen the rear bed fender wells to more closely align with the Z06 rear-end geometry. To keep the center of gravity as low as possible, Russell heavily modified the floor pan and firewall to give it a menacing low-slung stance. And he decided to keep the bed floor open to highlight all the suspension and performance components. For those looking for more rear-end grip, any number of bed floor designs could be accommodated.
Under the hood is a 6.0-liter GM V-8 taken from a 2500 Silverado HD and bolted to a Borg Warner T56 six-speed manual transmission. After a few modifications to the engine block, Russell mounted a pair of STS turbos behind the rear axle so they stay cool. Two K&N air intake filters are tucked behind the bed quarter panels with air inlets in the side panels designed to pull as much cool air as possible into the system. It’s worth noting the side pipes on the PT-57 (one of our favorite touches) are functional, working as an external wastegate, dumping unneeded exhaust gases when pressure builds. Although it hasn’t been on the dyno yet, Russell estimates it’ll put out almost 570 horsepower and close to 600 pounds-feet of torque at the rear wheels. And, he says, all the emissions from the tailpipe are completely legal, which may not be a surprise because in the state of Texas, it just needs to be as clean as a factory ’57 small-block pickup.
The finished truck weighs about 3,400 pounds and has a better distribution (closer to a 50/50 weight split) than a brand-new C6 Corvette, Russell says. With the heavier-duty rear axle bracing — complete with a custom-cut “PT-57” nameplate — and roll bar attachments, we’d guess the front-to-rear ratio is closer to 53/47, making it a strong and confident tight-track racer.
Our visit to the shop was supposed to include a thorough test drive of the rig, but we were pounded with ugly weather and nasty rain. (That’s why many of the photos are a little messy.) Although the roads were slick — and muddy in some cases — we were still impressed with how balanced and sure-footed the truck handled cornering and acceleration. No doubt the massive Michelin Pilot Sports helped provide tremendous grip. A quick spin around the Lockhart Municipal Airport convinced us that the chassis is about as dialed in as any pickup we’ve ever driven. And Russell says the payload to the truck is more than 1,000 pounds. Seems like a performance pickup truck with an independent rear suspension could make a lot of sense.
Perhaps our favorite part of the truck was on the inside — specifically, the PT-57’s fuselage-like interior, with its Spartan use of sound-deadening materials or basic amenities. (It looked more stripped than bare bones.) Like many SEMA project trucks, the interior is likely to remain a work in progress for quite some time. For now, we’d describe it as “rough,” not unlike the P-40 Warhawk’s interior — all that you need, nothing you don’t. No luxury or high-dollar details here, just gauges, levers and a steering wheel — ready for combat.
When asked how much it would cost to order one of these custom trucks, Russell was reluctant to give a definitive answer because his shop can offer so many options, including a Stage I or Stage II or Stage III configuration, depending on how much racing the owner wants to do. With that said, he figures the starting price is somewhere around $90,000. That’s interesting, because that turns out to be about twice what a brand-new P-40 cost when the Curtiss-Wright Corp. built them in 1944. How times (and prices) have changed.
Still, the PT-57 is craveable. Just imagine all the Japanese and German sports cars you’ll be able to notch on your belt or paint on the PT-57's flanks.
Read the rest here:
Shark Bite! We Drive the Amazing Project PT-57 Hot Rod Pickup
Last Updated on Thursday, 7 January 2010 09:20 Written by admin Thursday, 7 January 2010 09:20
The Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday proposed a stricter standard for pollutants that cause smog, a rule that would affect utilities, manufacturers, oil refiners and automakers. The new standard, if approved, would impose moderate to large costs but also have impressive health benefits for millions of people.
The proposal would change the primary standard for ground-level ozone of no more than 0.075 parts per million, as imposed by the Bush administration, to 0.06 to 0.07 parts per million, but phased in over the next two decades.
The EPA estimates that this standard would cost the aforementioned industries between $19 billion and $90 billion a year by 2020 but would be offset by the benefits to people’s health, valued at $13 billion to $100 billion a year over the same period. The money would come from the savings born by 12,000 fewer premature deaths from heart and lung disease, as well as thousands of cases of bronchitis, asthma and non-fatal heart attacks avoided.
Obviously, environmental interests are lining up on one side of the argument — the National Association of Clean Air Agencies even thinks the EPA’s cost-to-industry numbers will turn out to be lower — while industry lines up on the other. The American Petroleum Institute derided the rule, saying it would cause job losses and raise energy costs.
The EPA offered no specifics on how the proposal might affect automakers, but one may assume they will oppose the new rule as well.
EPA Asks for Stricter Rules for Pollutants Causing Smog (New York Times)
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