Autoblog

Hyundai recalls 65,000 Elantras for fuel pump problem

Jonathon Ramsey — 2008-08-28T17:58:00+00:00

Filed under: Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Recalls/TSBs, Safety, Hyundai

Some 2008-model Hyundai Elantras are being recalled due to fuel pumps that could lose pressure and decreasing engine performance. In Elantras with the 2.0-liter Beta engine, gasoline with ethanol added creates a buildup of film on the pump's electrical contacts. This can cause the engine to hesitate during starting or while running. The recall is voluntary, and if you have one of the affected cars, don't hesitate to contact your dealer.

[Source: Freep]

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5 stars all around: Hyundai Genesis aces NHTSA crash tests

Michael Harley — 2008-08-28T13:31:00+00:00

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Safety, Hyundai

Hyundai's all-new Genesis sedan made yet another smashing impression as it pulled-off perfect 5-star ratings in recent U.S. government testing conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Korean luxury vehicle was sent into a fixed barrier at 35 mph with two crash dummies strapped inside. Once the dust settled, instruments revealed both front seat passengers would have had less than a 10 percent chance of injury -- results earning 5-star ratings. Front and rear seat side impact testing revealed a low probability of injury as well, also earning the car 5-star ratings. In NHTSA rollover testing, the Genesis exhibited less than a 10 percent chance of rollover, again placing it among the top performers in that category. The admirable crash test scores earned by Hyundai's first venture into the luxury segment are sure to give the competition even more sleepless nights, especially considering all that luxury and safety starts at just $33,000.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Hyundai Genesis

[Source: Hyundai, Safercar.gov]

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We knew it! Heated seats boil your boys

Chris Shunk — 2008-08-28T10:28:00+00:00

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Tech

Heated seats can be just what the doctor ordered in the middle of winter, but if you're trying to pass on your car-loving gene pool, you may be better off freezing. Scientists studying male fertility have discovered that the proliferation of heated seats raises the temperature of your junk by a full degree Fahrenheit verses sitting in the car without artificially warmed seats. That's enough to cut your chances of reproducing, and it makes us strategically point a fan at close range just thinking about it. Even without electronically warmed seat bottoms, guys that sit in the car for long periods of time raise the temperature of their man parts by a couple degrees above optimal sperm-making levels. Hmmm, just typing "above optimal sperm-making levels" makes us a bit queasy. The cure? Turn off the heated seats, wear boxers, and don't sit in the car for too long at once. OK... lets talk about something else.

[Source: Drive]

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Pirelli bringing 'chipped' tire to market in 2010

Dan Roth — 2008-08-28T09:29:00+00:00

Filed under: Aftermarket, Etc., Safety, Tech

Pirelli has announced a further innovation in the ongoing quest to remove the driving from driving. Sensors have been stashed in tires already for the hasty implementation of TPMS, but Pirelli has taken it a step further, putting a sensor package on the tire carcass itself. One implementation of the "Cyber Tire" is the "Lean," which harnesses power from the vibrations of the vehicle and beams information including tire pressure, temperature, and load to the vehicle's computer.

Cyber Tire Lean is setting things rolling for the eventual trotting out of full-blown Cyber Tire, which will be built into the tire. The high tech rubber will be more sophisticated and capable of communicating directly with stability control and anti-lock brakes to improve the effectiveness of dynamic safety systems. Cyber Tire will also carry a three-axis accelerometer that will facilitate real-time calculations of friction coefficients, contact force, and load. Pirelli is most proud of the edge the Cyber Tire will give the nanny systems to catch and correct idiotic driving faster than ever before.

[Source: The Auto Channel via Gumball144]

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Lambdas get IIHS Top Pick rating

Dan Roth — 2008-08-27T07:58:00+00:00

Filed under: Safety, Crossovers/CUVs, Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Saturn

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety took some GMC Acadias and smashed them up to see how the big crossovers hold up against immovable objects, and unlike recent tests conducted for the Chevy Equinox and Pontiac Torrent, the news is positive. An AWD Acadia SLE acted as a stand-in for all of the Lambda models - Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, Saturn Outlook, and all Acadia trims included. It didn't matter whether the IIHS attacked the front, side, or rear - the CUV earned a "good" rating in all directions. With the standard fitment of Stabilitrak, the IIHS also bestowed a Top Safety Pick crown on GM's big haulers. The Lambas now have both a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designator about which to brag.

[Source: Inside Line]

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Smart recalls ForTwo for bad paint, which could lead to loss of windshield or roof

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-08-23T13:54:00+00:00

Filed under: Economy, Recalls/TSBs, Safety, SMART

Click above for high-res gallery of the smart fortwo

Of all the possible reasons that a vehicle could be recalled, a poor paint job doesn't at first seem all that newsworthy. After all, cars could theoretically be recalled for exploding gas tanks, runaway engines or any number of horror-inducing problems. Bad paint? No harm, no foul -- just take it back and have it repainted properly. Unless, of course, that paint problem could lead to the loss of your windshield or roof while driving. This is exactly the worry that the NHTSA has with 43 smart ForTwo's, all sold in 2008. It seems that some adhesive was laid over the problematic paint, and if the paint lets go... so does the glue. While it's never happened to us personally, we tend to agree with the NHTSA's assessment that the sudden loss of either the glass in front of you or the ceiling protecting your dome could potentially lead to a crash. Anybody who's concerned can contact their dealer, assuming that they haven't already been notified of the problem.

Gallery: smart fortwo

[Source: Next Autos]

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BMW Sauber discovers cause of KERS shock

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-08-22T11:29:00+00:00

Filed under: Motorsports, Green, Safety, BMW

According to Team BMW Sauber, it has "concluded their investigations into the KERS incident at Jerez." Incident? You mean that time when one of your mechanics was literally thrown to the ground after doing nothing more than touching your car? Right, that one. If you are truly interested in reading all of the techno-babble regarding why the experimental KERS hybrid system reached out and touched someone, click past the break for the details. Here are the highlights: It was an accident. The KERS control unit malfunctioned. Nobody was seriously hurt and nobody was ever in any real danger (Dr Evil: Riiight...). Christian Klein, the driver, was insulated from any shocks due to his race suit and gloves.

BMW Sauber has apparently fixed the problem and feels confident that it will be ready to continue testing in the Autumn. Recently, the BMW team voted in favor of running the KERS hybrid system for next year's race season, so it'll have to be ready to go sooner rather than later.

[Source: BMW]

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Audi R8 test drive ends with a swim

Noah Joseph — 2008-08-20T14:27:00+00:00

Filed under: Euro, Safety, Supercars, Audi

There have got to be cheaper ways to go for a swim, but one driver apparently couldn't find one. The 33-year-old Dutch man from the town of Woerden in the Netherlands went by his local Audi dealership to check out a brand spankin' new R8 supercar... and then proceeded to drive it into the nearest river. The driver was reportedly speeding - 80 mph according to police, but closer to 125 if you ask some of the bystanders - in a 50 zone when he hit a bump, lost control and skidded into a dyke. Although local law enforcement authorities are reportedly investigating the incident, nobody was hurt. The same cannot be said, sadly, for the car, which is reportedly in a repair shop where the dealer's insurance company will surely declare it a write-off.

After Intersection magazine gave another Audi product the treatment by lowering it into a swimming pool in England - the same one that Jeremy Clarkson drove a Rolls-Royce into, by the looks of things - we can't help but wonder and worry if this isn't a developing trend. In the meantime, we'll do our part to remind the motoring public that although the R8 is an incredibly capable car, it is not a submersible Lotus. Thanks to everyone who sent in the tip.

[Source: AutoJunk.nl]

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IIHS crashes eight SUVs, four earn Top Safety Picks

John Neff — 2008-08-20T11:33:00+00:00

Filed under: SUVs, Safety

Click above for high-res gallery of each crash test

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has released complete crash test scores today for eight SUVs including the 2009 Ford Escape, 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander, 2008 Nissan Rogue, 2009 VW Tiguan, 2008 Chevy Equinox/Pontiac Torrent, 2008 Jeep Wrangler 2-door, the Jeep Patriot and the Suzuki Grand Vitara. When we say complete crash tests, we mean the IIHS performed front, side and rear crash tests on all eight SUVs.

Each vehicle was given an overall rating of good, acceptable, marginal or poor, and the Escape, Outlander, Rogue and Tiguan earned good ratings in all three tests and, since they each come with electronic stability control as standard equipment, were also named Top Safety Picks by the IIHS. The rest of the group received either acceptable or marginal ratings in some tests, though the worst performing was the Jeep Wrangler 2-door. While the Jeep did earn a good rating in the frontal crash test, its side crash test was rated as poor, the lowest rating possible.

Automakers with SUVs that earned Top Safety Pick awards will now be touting their achievements from the rooftops. Ford has already started, noting in a press release that the Escape tops Toyota and Honda in combined safety and fuel efficiency ratings. Other automakers, meanwhile, are trying to explain away why their vehicles didn't perform as well in the IIHS tests. General Motors issued a press release noting that the Equinox and Torrent earned 5-stars in the NHTSA tests and that the IIHS side crash test is a "single and very sever test."

Follow the jump for the press release from the IIHS that explains their testing procedures and goes further into why each vehicle earned the ratings it did.

Gallery: IIHS SUV Crash Tests

[Source: IIHS]

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Small recall for big suspension issue on 2008 Honda Element

Michael Harley — 2008-08-19T14:27:00+00:00

Filed under: SUVs, Recalls/TSBs, Safety, Honda, Holden

~~All owners of 2008 Honda Elements are being asked to stop driving their cars until they have had them inspected at their local Honda dealer.~~ According to a recall issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the front bushing bracket of the left trailing arm of the rear suspension may have been improperly welded. If it fails, it could separate from the trailing arm causing the suspension to release part of the wheel hub, thus leading to a loss of control or crash. Although only 241 Elements are potentially affected (there are specific VIN number ranges during certain production dates), Honda is notifying all owners immediately and will inspect and replace defective parts at no charge. Rather than taking a risk, err on the side of safety and call your Honda dealer if you've got the keys to a 2008 Element in your pocket.

UPDATE: According to Honda spokesman Chris Martin all the affected owners were already notified before this story was published. Approximately half of the affected vehicles were unsold and sitting on dealer lots. Those have already been repaired. If you haven't already heard from Honda than you should be fine.

[Source: NHTSA via Carscoop]

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Traffic deaths down, U.S. roads reach record level of safety

Chris Shunk — 2008-08-18T19:28:00+00:00

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety

Safer vehicles and increased law enforcement has resulted in the lowest driving fatality rate ever last year. There were 41,059 traffic deaths in 2007, down 1,600 from 2006. Fatalities are now at 1.37 per 100 million miles traveled, which is the lowest number since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration started keeping track. The proliferation of safety technology, like side curtain air bags, stability control, and traction control, are apparently helping to make our roads safer, and good old-fashioned seat belts are being used more than ever. The "Click it or Ticket" campaign isn't the only way law enforcement has helped to lower fatalities either, as increased drunken driving patrols have lead to a 3.7% decline in deaths. Still, 13,000 people died last year as a result of drunken driving, which is 13,000 too many.

News on the safety front isn't as good for motorcycle drivers, though. A record 5,154 bikers lost their lives on U.S. roads in 2007, which is over 200 more than in 2006. Part of the reason for that increase is that there are more motorcycle drivers on the road, with 6 million motorcycles registered last year, up 2.2 million in the past decade.

[Source: Kicking Tires via CNN]

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BMW X5 "Security" model can handle .44 Magnum fire

Michael Harley — 2008-08-15T18:57:00+00:00

Filed under: SUVs, Safety, BMW, Police/Emergency, Special/Limited Editions

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 BMW X5 Security

If you happen to be the Head of State of a controversial nation, have a lot of enemies, or you are just plain paranoid, BMW's latest X5 variation may appeal to you. It's called the BMW X5 Security, and it has been armored by the factory to protect its occupants against some serious firepower (BMW claims safety class "VR4" to resist the penetration from a .44 Magnum, .357 Magnum, or a nine-millimeter Luger). While BMW is understandably mum about specifics, we do know that the body panels (including the roof and trunk) have been reinforced with a ballistic-resistant armored fiber developed in the Netherlands. The windows are upgraded to laminated 22-mm thick security glass, and a camera system with intercom keeps the passengers informed of what's happening outside their isolated cocoon. To handle the extra mass (you know its packing some weight) the Security package is bundled to the X5 4.8i model with its 4.8-liter 350-hp V-8. Nearly indistinguishable from the regular model, BMW has reportedly attempted to maintain the X5's driving dynamics with upgraded suspension and brakes. It's apparently no slouch, but we have yet to see any armored car that is considered exceptionally nimble.

Gallery: 2009 BMW X5 Security

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BMW recalls 200,000 vehicles over issue with front passenger air bag

Chris Tutor — 2008-08-13T15:57:00+00:00

Filed under: Recalls/TSBs, Safety, BMW

BMW is recalling 200,000 units of its 3 Series, 5 Series and X3 SUVs to repair potentially faulty air bag sensors. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website says the recall campaign covers 2004-2006 5 Series, 2004-2006 X3 and 2006 3 Series vehicles, though only those equipped with sport seats.

Apparently the problem is with the front passenger sport seat that, over time, develops cracks in its covering. An air bag sensor beneath the area can then be damaged so that the car no longer senses the weight of a passenger. That means, of course, the passenger airbag might not be deployed in an accident.

BMW is doing the right thing by quickly addressing the issue even though no accidents or incidents have been reported in relation to the problem. Also, according to NHTSA, the company will extend the warranties of several of BMW models to cover the issue for 10 years with no mileage restriction. A summary of the recall No. 08V384000 is available here from NHTSA.

[Source: Associated Press via CNN]

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BMW considering a 3-wheeler, large scooters

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-08-06T17:29:00+00:00

Filed under: Safety, BMW, Motorcycles, Rumormill

Rumors from various European motorcycle mags indicate that BMW is considering getting back into the scooter game. The Bavarian company's last foray into scooterdom resulted in the C1. Being that this was BMW Motorrad, its scooter would need to be different from everyone else, and indeed it was. Featuring a full roof, roll bars and seat belts along with ABS brakes, BMW claimed that C1 riders were safe enough that they did not need to wear a helmet. Unfortunately, though, not everyone agreed and low sales numbers resulted in the innovative machine's cancellation in 2002. Now, BMW is said to be considering a three-wheeled machine, which could allay some of the safety fears which ultimately led to the demise of the C1.

Rotax is also rumored to be involved, offering an 80 degree, four-valve per cylinder, liquid-cooled, V-Twin engine in three different sizes and ranging from 33 to 75 horsepower. The machine is said to retain the C1's windshield and roof and add BMW's paralever rear suspension design. BMW: You've got our attention, now please don't disappoint.

[Source: Visor Down]

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Ford debuts Blind Spot Mirror on '09 Edge

Chris Shunk — 2008-08-06T14:29:00+00:00

Filed under: Safety, Crossovers/CUVs, Ford

Click above for high-res gallery of 2009 Ford Edge

The blind spot has been a consistent safety issue for automobiles since before the invention of the C-pillar. Some automakers have recently tackled the problem with complicated warning systems that beep when your blind spot is about to cause an accident. Ford is taking a different but no less effective low-tech route with the introduction of its Blind Spot Mirror on the 2009 Edge. The technology behind the Blind Spot Mirror is simple; it's little more than a secondary convex mirror in the top right corner of the traditional side mirror that gives a clear view of what before was only visible by craning your neck left and right. We've seen this type of tech used before on aftermarket mirrors for towing applications, but it makes just as much sense on an unencumbered passenger vehicle.

Ford came up with the mirror in response to its own customer research that showed drivers were 76% more confident behind the wheel when using the mirror. The overwhelmingly positive feedback has led the Blue Oval to introduce the Blind Spot Mirror across its lineup as quickly as possible, starting with the 2009 Edge. Check out Ford's official presser after the jump and view the '09 Edge in our gallery below.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Edge with Blind Spot Mirror

[Source: Ford]

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Traffic Enfarcement: What's wrong with this picture?

Dan Roth — 2008-08-05T17:58:00+00:00

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Safety

The script for selling one of these "automated revenue enhancement devices" to a municipality might go something like "and the best feature of the Robthepopulace 3000 is that it never makes a mistake - machines don't lie!" Tell that to Thomas, who received a citation in the mail after a South African traffic camera nabbed his VW Polo "clearly traveling in excess of the 60 km/h limit." Right. Technically, the camera is not lying, but machines are incapable of interpreting on their own, otherwise the fleece-bot would have noted that while the car was indeed traveling in excess of the limit, it was on a hook! Thomas got the ticket because his car obscured the plate of the tow truck dragging his little Polo somewhere. While the picture doesn't lie, the government agency drew a false conclusion and stuck to it. We wonder if the amount of the ticket could be deducted from Thomas's income tax to ensure fairness. Now that's just crazy talk. Thanks for the tip, Erwin!

[Source: Daily WTF]

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Ford Flex earns five stars all around for crash safety

Chris Shunk — 2008-08-05T14:01:00+00:00

Filed under: Safety, Crossovers/CUVs, Ford

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Ford Flex.

Ford has made safety one of its top priorities, and its efforts have paid off. Not only does the Blue Oval have more five-star crash rated vehicles than any other automaker, but it's added another notch to its safety belt with NHTSA giving the Flex five stars for both front and side impact tests. A front crash impact score of five stars means that there is a 10% or less chance of serious injury at 35 mph, and the five star side impact score indicates a 5% chance of serious injury at 38.5 mph. The Flex comes standard with dual front air bags, headliner mounted side curtain air bags, traction and stability control, and tire pressure monitoring, which helps with NHTSA scoring. The Flex also received four stars for rollover protection, tying the CUV for best in class in the crossover segment.

With a Volvo-derived platform and plenty of heft, we're not surprised the Flex achieved a five-star score in NHTSA testing. Then again, it doesn't hurt that just about every automaker engineers all new cars and trucks specifically to score well on the Fed's tests. Hit the jump to view Ford's press release.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Ford Flex

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Flex earns five stars all around for crash safety

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Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder wins for Most Toxic New Car Smell

Michael Harley — 2008-07-30T17:01:00+00:00

Filed under: Car Buying, Green, Safety

That envious "new car" smell, the unique scent that makes all of your friends jealous as they check out your new ride, is actually quite toxic. The potent brew of freshly released bromine, chlorine, lead, and other heavy metals are responsible for a variety of acute and long-term health concerns that adults, and especially children, should be concerned about. That being the case, the Ecology Center has released its annual consumer guide to the most toxic (and cleanest) new cars on the market. Taking the tallest podium as the worst offender is the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spider GT. Following in second is the Suzuki Reno, while the BMW 128i Convertible lands third. The least offensive new vehicle, as researched by the Center, is the Acura RDX SH-AWD. The Smart Pure Coupe and Chevrolet HHR LT take second and third cleanest, respectively. While the Ecology Center is quick to point out that the offenders aren't as bad as last year's group, they offer little information as to how consumers can limit their exposure... short of not buying a new car.

[Source: HealthyCar via The Car Connection]

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VIDEO: Shocking! See F1 mechanic getting zapped by KERS system

Jeremy Korzeniewski — 2008-07-30T13:29:00+00:00

Filed under: Motorsports, Green, Safety, Videos, BMW

Follow the jump to watch the video

Anybody who wants to know why Formula 1 teams are reconsidering using the Kinetic Energy Recovery System, or KERS need only watch the video embedded after the jump. So far, there have been two incidents of KERS failures, the first requiring the U.K. Red Bull team to make a call to the local Fire Department and the second, as seen in the video, sending a BMW mechanic to the ground. The KERS system recovers energy that would be lost to braking so that it can be reused on the next straightaway. We aren't in the business of finding enjoyment from the suffering of others, but since the mechanic was basically unharmed, let this be a reminder that high voltage hurts. Yowzah! Thanks for the tip, Lachlan!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Shocking! See F1 mechanic getting zapped by KERS system

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Volvo recalls 1,000 C1 platform cars for steering fault

Dan Roth — 2008-07-29T08:57:00+00:00

Filed under: Recalls/TSBs, Safety, Volvo

It's not a large recall, but the effort will correct a potentially serious problem. Slightly more than 1,000 C1 platform cars -- C30, S40, V50, and C70 -- are in need of a replacement power steering return line. The hose isn't up to spec and could rupture, leading to a rapid loss of fluid and with it, power assistance, making steering dangerously difficult. Some drivers would welcome a blissfully simple and surgically accurate manual rack in their cars, but jettisoning power steering while underway might not be what they had in mind. Contact your Volvo dealer to see if your car is one of the roughly 1,020 affected, the fix is free of charge.

[Source: Inside Line]

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