Toyota asks ABC News for apology, retraction of Brian Ross report

by Jeremy Korzeniewski on March 18, 2010

Filed under: , , ,

“Toyota deserves a public retraction and formal apology from ABC News.” At least according to the automaker itself. For what, you ask? For ABC’s “irresponsible broadcast entitled “Expert: Electronic Design Flaw Linked to Runaway Toyotas.” You surely remember the piece, which originally aired the night before a Congressional Panel began investigating the issue of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.

That dubious timing has also drawn ire from Toyota, which says ABC News “Rushed out the report” and “denied Toyota the opportunity to review specific manipulation” ABC and its expert, Dr. David Gilbert, “performed in the broadcast.” If it had been given an opportunity to respond, Toyota claims it would have shown that Gilbert’s technique required conditions that are “virtually impossible to occur in real-world conditions.”

It’s also pointed out in Toyota’s four-page letter, which you can see in its entirety below, that ABC News faked at least one shot of a tachometer shooting from 1,000 to 6,200 RPM, insinuating that the vehicle was speeding out of control with Brian Ross behind the wheel when it was actually sitting in a parking lot with the transmission firmly in Park.

Toyota concludes that Brian Ross “failed in his basic duty as a journalist” by not disclosing that Dr. Gilbert’s work was being paid for by a group of “trial lawyers involved in litigation against Toyota.” Finally, the Japanese automaker “reserves the right to take any and every opportunity to protect and defend” its reputation.

The ball is officially in your court, ABC News.

Gallery: Toyota letter to ABC News

[Source: Gawker]

Toyota asks ABC News for apology, retraction of Brian Ross report originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments


{ 0 comments }

Report: Volvo XC30 compact crossover coming in 2012

by Steven J. Ewing on March 18, 2010

Filed under: , ,

2010 Volvo C30 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Much like the 3 Series-based BMW X1, Volvo is reportedly hard at work on its own diminutive soft-roader, modeled on the C30 hatchback. The new small crossover, said to be dubbed XC30 (natch), will ride on a slightly taller version of the C30’s chassis, and while the drivetrain and powerplants are likely to be straight out of the three-door hatch, it’s been reported that the styling will be more akin to that of the larger XC60 CUV.

The addition of a small(er) crossover to Volvo’s lineup doesn’t shock us, especially since other European luxury marques have discussed the possibility of creating crossovers in this segment as well. Audi is supposedly working on a Q3 to slot below the hot-selling Q5, and Mercedes-Benz has been rumored to be creating a crossover based on the next-generation B-Class, possibly called BLK.

Volvo is also said to be working on a five-door wagon-like version of the C30 (possibly called V30), but that supposed project remains in murkier parts of the rumormill for now. Look for the XC30 crossover to bow sometime in 2012.

Gallery: 2010 Volvo C30

2010-volvo-c30-large-12010-volvo-c30-large-42010-volvo-c30-large-22010-volvo-c30-large-32010-volvo-c30-large-5

[Source: CarsGuide]

Report: Volvo XC30 compact crossover coming in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments


{ 0 comments }

Spy Shots: Updated Mercedes-Benz C-Class wagon spotted touring about

March 18, 2010

Filed under: , , ,

Mercedes-Benz C-Class wagon spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Last week, the forthcoming revised Mercedes C-Class sedan was caught on a field trip, and this week it’s the C-Class wagon.

Naturally, the same changes spotted in that last round of photos – new hood, headlights and bumpers, a more upright grille, LED taillamps, and altered rear fascia – have taken the small step over to this car as well. The spy shooters at CarPix also suggest that noticeable interior changes might be on the way, since “test drivers are always very keen on covering the dash up.” We expect a few modest material changes and maybe some COMAND updates, but not a full-on interior redo. Either way, you can check out high-res exterior shots in the gallery of photos below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Mercedes C-Class wagon

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Updated Mercedes-Benz C-Class wagon spotted touring about originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments


Read the full article →

Mazda MX-5 Matte and Black Special Edition is darkened hotness

March 18, 2010

Filed under: , , , , ,

Mazda MX-5 Matte and Black Special Edition – Click above for high-res image gallery

We make no effort to hide the fact that we love the Mazda Miata just the way it is. In fact, it’s always been just about perfect in our eyes, as evidenced by our most recent road test of the sporty little Japanese runabout. But if bright schoolbus yellow just isn’t your bag, baby, may we suggest something a little more subtle?

Mazda has just rolled out the MX-5 Matte and Black Special Edition at the 21st annual Salon du Cabriolet, Coupé & SUV in Paris. Ostensibly to celebrate the Miata’s 20th birthday in France, we kinda think Mazda just wanted to prove that its sportscar looks pretty darn good in the automotive equivalent of the little black dress. And boy, does it ever.

There’s nothing special underhood, so the 2.0-liter four still puts out an adequate 167 horsepower. We can’t say that we see them in the photos ourselves (fortunately), but design label LK by Laure Kczekotowska Paris has reportedly decked the MX-5 out in rhinestones, gems, and crystals. Ah well, nothing can be perfect. See for yourself in the image gallery below.

Gallery: Mazda MX-5 Matte and Black Special Edition

[Source: Mazda via Le Blog Auto]

Mazda MX-5 Matte and Black Special Edition is darkened hotness originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments


Read the full article →

Spy Shots: 2011 Ford Fiesta EcoBoost

March 18, 2010

Filed under: , , ,

2011 Ford Fiesta Ecoboost – Click above for high-res image gallery

The EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6 found in the Ford Flex and Taurus SHO has quickly become one of our favorite mills on the market. But what we’ve really been hankering for from FoMoCo is its smaller displacement offerings, specifically the 1.6- and 2.0-liter turbocharged engines slated to arrive next year.

Along with the Fusion, the all-new Fiesta is set to get a boosted mill sometime in 2011, and these newest spy shots reveal that a high-performance version of Ford’s diminutive hatch is in the works.

Tucked behind a modified version of the Euro-market Fiesta’s Titanium Trim front fascia is a slim intercooler matched with blacked-out trim, a subtle body kit and a prototype rear diffuser modified to fit the European-spec rear bumper and dual exhausts. A set of 17-inch anthracite Speedline wheels complete the package, which poses two questions.

One, is this a prototype of a production vehicle or something that’s planned for this November’s SEMA Show? Either way, Ford’s got big plans for its new three-door and showing off its aftermarket potential is sure to be high on the priority list.

Two, which EcoBoosted engine is powering the mule? The smart money’s on Ford’s new 1.6-liter inline four, which should be good for around 170 horsepower and a similar amount of torque in turbo’d form. The less-than-plausible, yet far more compelling, option is the Fusion’s forthcoming turbocharged 2.0-liter four-pot, which is good for between 230 and 250 hp and 240 pound-feet of twist. Obviously, we’re hoping for the latter, but we’d be just as content with the 1.6-liter option and the possibility of future models turning up the wick even further.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Ford Fiesta Ecoboost

Spy Shots: 2011 Ford Fiesta EcoBoost originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments


Read the full article →

Report: V6, V8 engine popularity continued to fade in 2009

March 18, 2010

Filed under: , ,

Turning the past completely upside down, four cylinder engines marched up ten percent to further solidify the market dominance of lower cylinder count powertrains. According to Ward’s Automotive, nearly 62 percent of cars produced in 2009 carried four bangers, up ten percent in just a year from 2008’s 51.7 percent. Despite the V8 engine’s precipitous fall from a high of being fitted to 88 percent of all cars sold in 1969, there’s a sweet spot for the smaller powerplants, too.

Numbers are up for engines below 3.0 liters, while displacements smaller than 2.0 liters actually saw a decline for 2009. While engines between 2.0 and 2.9 liters are perhaps not as exciting as the typically larger V6 and V8 engines, they’re less expensive and can still provide satisfying performance thanks to improvements like direct injection and forced induction. It’s also worth noting that production numbers for trucks dropped for 2009, as well, skewing numbers further in favor of smaller engines.

Ward’s comprehensive analysis of different engine sizes and types and their market share and volume lays it out for you in the link below. Either way, we suspect that the garages of car nuts are still filled with a majority of high-performance engines, regardless of displacement or cylinder count.

[Source: Ward's Automotive]

Report: V6, V8 engine popularity continued to fade in 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments


Read the full article →

Followup: Toyota considering stall fix for 1.2M Corolla and Matrix models

March 18, 2010

Filed under: , , , , ,

Are you tired of hearing about Toyota recalls and safety concerns? If that’s the case, we must regrettably inform you that there’s an update to note on a previously reported issue, this one potentially affecting some 1.2 million Corolla and Matrix models from 2005, 2006 and 2007. This issue concerns a possible defect that may cause affected vehicles to stall due to a failure in the engine’s electronic control unit. At this time, Reuters reports, this is not a recall, just an investigation.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration first began investigating the problem back in November of last year, and up to that point, the government agency had received 26 such complaints. Apparently, there’s no rhyme or reason as to when the cars will stall out, and it can happen at any speed, even at a steady cruise on the highway or through an intersection.

According to a letter sent as a response to a query from NHTSA, Toyota is suggesting that this particular issue doesn’t create “an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety,” calling the problem more of an inconvenience to owners. NHTSA says Toyota even issued a bulletin back in September of 2007 to dealers outlining a fix to replace the ECU with an improved model.

For what it’s worth, we’d wager that electronic gremlins are the very last thing Toyota wants the public to hear about right about now in the wake of recalling some 8.5 million vehicles so far this year, most of which were to address potential mechanical problems with the accelerator pedal and ill-fitting floor mats that can cause cases of unintended acceleration. The automaker has repeatedly ruled out electronic problems as the cause of its sudden acceleration issues.

[Source: Reuters]

Followup: Toyota considering stall fix for 1.2M Corolla and Matrix models originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments


Read the full article →

Suzuki Germany releases special Nürburgring edition Swift Sport – sort of

March 18, 2010

Filed under: , , ,

Suzuki Swift Sport “Rock am Ring” edition – Click above for high-res image gallery


When you think of the Nürburgring, and what cars come to mind? Porsche 911 GT3? BMW M5? Nissan GT-R? How about a Suzuki Swift?

Now the Swift – especially in Sport guise – is one of those hot little hatchbacks we wish was offered for sale in North America, and we may well get our wish with the next-gen model. But in the meantime, is it really worthy of a Nürburgring edition à la Lexus LFA? Well no, not really, but hold your horses there a minute, because the Suzuki Swift Sport “Rock am Ring” edition isn’t about speeding around the road course. It’s about the music, man.

Every summer – in case nearby residents weren’t annoyed enough by the noise – the Nürburgring plays host to the “Rock am Ring” (Rock at the ‘Ring) music festival, and Suzuki is one of the biggest sponsors. So to celebrate the arrival of this year’s rock-fest, Suzuki’s Deutsch subsidiary has released this special edition.

Instead of semi-slick tires and strut braces, the Rock am Ring edition Swift gets a Clarion infotainment system with a 6.9-inch color display, 30-gig hard drive, iPod connectivity and upgraded speakers. Oh, and the requisite special badging, of course. For our part, we’d blast some of our most spirited driving music, flog it around the track and make sure to add one of those Nordschleife stickers to the package.

Gallery: Suzuki Swift Sport “Rock am Ring” edition

[Source: Suzuki]

Suzuki Germany releases special Nürburgring edition Swift Sport – sort of originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments


Read the full article →

Video: GM explains next-generation heads-up display tech

March 18, 2010

Filed under: , , ,

GM explains next-generation heads-up display tech – Click above to watch the video after the jump

Recently, we told you about the new heads-up display technology that General Motors is working on. The new concept, developed in the human/machine interface department of GM, is an enhanced vision system that builds upon conventional heads-up technology and displays important information across the entire windshield using cameras and sensors placed around the car.

This new high-tech, forward-thinking system won’t come to market for quite a few years (if ever), but this interesting video offers an in-depth look at the technologies that GM is using to better enhance heads-up technology. Hit the jump to see for yourself.

Gallery: GM Next-Generation HUD Concept

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Video: GM explains next-generation heads-up display tech

Video: GM explains next-generation heads-up display tech originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments


Read the full article →

Jerry York, former exec of Chrysler and General Motors, dies at 71

March 18, 2010

Filed under:

Jerome “Jerry” York, the former CFO of Chrysler and General Motors, died today at a hospital in Pontiac, Michigan after succumbing to a brain aneurysm he suffered late Tuesday evening.

York enjoyed stints at the Big Three during the 1960s and later helped Chrysler pull its way out of its financial crisis and government bailout in 1980. He also served on the board of IBM and Apple, and earlier this decade was instrumental in efforts to bring GM back from the brink, along with an attempted takeover bid of Chrysler with Kirk Kerkorian. Apple’s press release on York’s death is available after the jump, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Continue reading Jerry York, former exec of Chrysler and General Motors, dies at 71

Jerry York, former exec of Chrysler and General Motors, dies at 71 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments


Read the full article →

← Previous Entries