Volkswagen won "Engine of the Year" from, uh, somebody today for its twincharger 1.4-liter four-cylinder. This engine uses a supercharger and a turbocharger to deliver up to 158 horsepower from its meager displacement. The engine has actually been around…
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Are you into small crossover SUVs? Well, you might find yourself taking a second look at the 2011 Kia Sportage. To start, it looks rather good; it’s all crisp edges and bulges compared to the shapeless Sportages that preceded…
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Honda released photos and information on the 2011 Accord sedan and coupes today. As you can see, this mid-cycle refresh is pretty light on the refresh. Cosmetically, the Accord gets a new grille, front bumper, trunk lid and revised…
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If you happen to be one of those who are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the 2011 Mazda 2, here’s some new info for you to chew on. After the jump we’ve provided the full dealer order guide so…
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Although still at least a couple years off, Mercedes-Benz has released new photos and technical details about what to expect when its electric-powered supercar, the SLS AMG E-Cell, finally does roll onto the scene.
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A family favorite, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has a new look for the 2011 model year. Gone is its blocky exterior, which has been replaced by a sleek, new look, according to Cars.com editor Mike Hanley. Chrysler has made significant improvements on the inside, with premium materials that give the midsize SUV a luxurious look. But has the redesigned Grand Cherokee lost its rugged feel? Read Mike’s full review to find out.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review
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We’re having quite the issue with pollen around these parts of Colorado, and my poor 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart is suffering the brunt of it. Achoo! 
It’s been parked outside all week while I’ve neglected it by test-driving another car, and now it’s completely covered with thick, yellow pollen. Now I know why my daughter keeps waking up so stuffed up that she’s near tears in misery.

I’m feeling a little guilty about the Sportback, so I’ll be making some time to take it through the car wash today, clean it up inside and out, and take her for a little joyride. If I get really motivated I might even try to make space for it in the garage. Nah, who am I kidding?  That’s not gonna happen.

As a member of my family, the Sportback continues to be a total trooper, suffering from overuse and abuse one week and neglect the next. What’s a family without at least a little dysfunction?
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As of June 13, 18 children have died from being left inside hot cars this year, according to a San Francisco State University researcher. That number is higher through the first half of this year than at any time since the statistic was first tracked in the late 1990s.

During the summer, parents’ routines change, and this can increase the chance of a harried parent unintentionally leaving a sleeping child in the backseat on a hot day. To keep this statistic from increasing, parents, guardians and baby sitters need to be vigilant in keeping kids safe in and around cars.

The best way to ensure that you or a caretaker doesn’t leave a child behind in a hot car is to put a purse, briefcase or cell phone in the backseat. This will prompt you to check back there when you grab for the item. 

Another good tip is to teach children that cars aren’t toys. They shouldn’t be allowed to play in them. Keep your car locked at all times – even in the garage – and make sure the keys are out of a child’s reach.

The summer can be a deadly time of year for children. Besides hyperthermia, they’re also at risk of being hit by a car that’s pulling into or backing out of the driveway or parking spot. For more information on keeping kids safe around cars, go to KidsandCars.org, a national nonprofit organization.
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Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today filed a Noncompliance Information Report (NCIR) with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), informing the agency of the company’s intent to conduct a voluntary safety recall of potentially 17,000 2010 model year Lexus HS 250h vehicles to address a compliance issue with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 301.

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A Statement from Mark Templin, Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager, June 25, 2010

“We want to assure our customers that their safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. We take the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) test results very seriously and appreciate the NHTSA bringing its concerns to our attention. Our engineers conducted similar testing during the development of the new HS 250h and the vehicle performed safely. While we are investigating and vigorously working to understand the different test results, we have stopped delivery of the involved vehicles. As soon as the issue is better understood and/or a remedy is developed, we will contact every owner.

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