Archive for October, 2010

New Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is throwback to classic 392 Hemi V-8

Wednesday, October 27th, 2010


 New Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 is throwback to classic 392 Hemi V 8New for the 2011 model line is a Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, coming this quarter, that pays homage to the legendary 392-inch Hemi V-8.
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Consumer Reports: GM still lagging behind Ford, Asian brands

Wednesday, October 27th, 2010


 Consumer Reports: GM still lagging behind Ford, Asian brandsGeneral Motors Co. showed considerable improvement in Consumer Reports magazine’s annual 2010 Car Reliability Survey, but still lags behind Ford Motor Co. and most Asian brands.
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NHTSA seeks GM, Ford and Toyota data in Jeep probe

Wednesday, October 27th, 2010


Washington – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has asked three major automakers for data as part of its investigation into whether fuel tanks in more than 3 million Jeep Grand Cherokees pose a fire hazard.
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Consumer Reports: Ford, GM climb in reliability

Wednesday, October 27th, 2010

 Consumer Reports: Ford, GM climb in reliabilityThe Ford Fusion is the most reliable family sedan sold in America, General Motors continues to move up in the reliability rankings and Chrysler Group LLC is showing signs of life.
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GM to build small Cadillac in Lansing, invest $190M

Wednesday, October 27th, 2010

 GM to build small Cadillac in Lansing, invest $190MGeneral Motors plans to announce that it will build a compact Cadillac at its Grand River Assembly plant, putting 600 people to work.
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J.D. Power: Hybrid, electric car demand may be overhyped

Wednesday, October 27th, 2010

 J.D. Power: Hybrid, electric car demand may be overhypedDemand for hybrid cars and electric vehicles may be more modest than advocates for those fuel-saving technologies expect, capturing only 7.3% of global sales by 2020.
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Hyundai CEO: 80% of Cars Bought Here Will Be Built Here

Sunday, October 24th, 2010

Hyundai CEO John Krafcik told CNNMoney yesterday he expects four out of every five Hyundai models sold in the U.S. to be built here by the end of next year. That includes the redesigned Elantra, which is slated to move…
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Ford taps social networks for global test drive of 2012 Focus

Sunday, October 24th, 2010

 Ford taps social networks for global test drive of 2012 FocusFord wants to put young potential buyers behind the wheel of 100 Focus compact cars to generate buzz and provide Ford engineers with rapid feedback about the new car.
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News & Rants: Recall Alert: Toyota and Lexus Vehicles

Saturday, October 23rd, 2010

Toyota is recalling roughly 740,000 vehicles including the 2005-06 Avalon, 2004-06 Highlander, 2004-06 Lexus RX 330 and 2006 Lexus GS 300, IS 250 and IS 350 to replace a brake master cylinder seal. A small amount of brake fluid could leak from the master cylinder, leading the brake warning lamp to illuminate. Drivers could experience weaker brake response as a result.

Toyota has recalled millions of vehicles in the U.S. over the past year for problems with floormats, brakes and gas pedals. Using incentives to drive sales, the automaker had been trying to come back from the image hit it took because of the numerous recalls. 

In this most recent recall, if the warning lamp is illuminated and the vehicle is driven without refilling the master cylinder brake fluid reservoir, the driver will notice a spongy or soft brake pedal feel. Braking performance could gradually decline.

Owners of the recalled vehicles will be notified of the recall by mail in early November. Toyota and Lexus dealerships will replace the brake master cylinder cup with a newly designed one for free.

For more information, owners can call Toyota at 800-331-4331 or Lexus at 800-255-3987.
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News & Rants: Feature of the Week: Window Shades

Saturday, October 23rd, 2010

Here in Denver the sun shines more than 300 days per year, and at an elevation of 5,280 feet that sun is wicked bright. Many of us can’t even walk outside without shades on. I’d love to keep my kids’ eyes protected as well, but honestly, I can barely keep track of my own sunglasses. That’s why I’m such a fan of integrated window shades in cars.
I see this feature with regularity in high-end brands such as Lexus and occasionally even in midlevel brands such as Hyundai. I was most certainly excited to see window shades in the new 2011 Honda Odyssey, as well.

Many car manufacturers use UV-treated tinted glass in their cars, but window shades add an extra level of protection. They’re especially useful if your infant in her rear-facing infant-safety seat gets a bum raps and ends up with the sun shining directly on her for the entire car trip.

Even better, they keep the number of tacky Winnie the Pooh suction-cup window shades off the road. Thank you, car manufacturers! Those things are just plain cheesy.

Does your car have integrated window shades? If not, what tricks do you use to keep your little ones cool, comfy and out of the sun while you’re driving? Tell us in the comment section below.
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