BMW’s Best Six Is…A Diesel

BMW six-cylinder engines have long been a byword for silky smoothness and zingy performance; the elastic surge of acceleration that gathered intensity as the tach needle swung past 4000 rpm, accompanied by that velvety snarl from under the hood, meant “The Ultimate Driving Machine” tagline was more than just clever advertising shtick. But not every BMW six has been a home run. Remember the M20 eta engines? These torquemeister motors were designed to lug, not to rev, in the belief that the higher gearing they could pull would deliver vastly improved fuel efficiency. The etas were redlined at 4750 rpm, and sort of drove like diesels, except they were way smoother, and with lighter pistons and conrods, revved faster. Confused BMW drivers spent the whole time pounding the steering wheel in frustration as the etas smacked the rev-limiter just when they were expecting them to hit their stride.

BMW’s relatively new N55 straight six, now the mainline engine for the U.S. market, is no eta. But it’s most definitely not the sweetest six BMW has ever made. The N55 is technically impressive, boasting Valvetronic variable valve timing and an innovative twin-scroll turbocharger. It’s more efficient that its predecessor, yet delivers potent performance. So what’s the problem?


The problem is the N55 is almost impossible to drive smoothly in stop-start traffic. There is a strange hesitation in the power delivery when you accelerate from a standstill – almost as if the turbocharger has to spool – and then a big surge of torque arrives all at once. It’s the single most annoying characteristic of our N55-powered 535i GT long termer.

I’m still not sure whether this is purely a calibration problem; whether the BMW engineers haven’t quite got the new ZF eight-speed auto trans to have a civilized conversation with the engine when you nail the gas or vice versa. But after driving the new BMW 535d in England, I suspect the problem might be the N55. Because BMW’s new 299 hp 3.0-liter turbodiesel hooked to the eight-speed ZF may just be one of the finest all-round passenger car powertrain combos in the business.

This engine is the third, and most powerful, version of BMW’s N57 common rail, direct injection, twin-turbo oil-burner, developing its 299 hp at 4400rpm, and a hefty 442 lb-ft of torque from just 1750 rpm. A low inertia small turbocharger delivers near instant grunt off idle, while a larger second turbocharger ensures volumetric efficiency at higher engine speeds.

Compared with the N55, the N57 delivers pure, seamless thrust right from standstill – even when you’re easy on the gas pedal – the ZF swiftly shuffling through its eight ratios. It’s perfect for the cut-and-thrust of London, where you’re constantly hustling for the smallest advantage in the traffic. The gobs of instant grunt mean rolling response on the freeway is impressive, too – just wiggle your big toe, and the 535d jumps to attention, allowing you to plug that gap in the fast moving stream of Benzes, Jags, and Range Rovers heading for the Home Counties on a Friday afternoon.

The N57 growls like a contented lion when you tickle the throttle, and there’s a slightly granular quality to the feedback from the engine room, but otherwise you lose nothing compared with the N55-powered 535i. At about 5.6 seconds the 535d’s claimed 0-60 mph time is virtually identical. More impressively, you’ll spend less at the pump, as BMW claims the 535d will return 36.3 mpg on the combined Euro cycle. We saw a best of 36.7 mpg for a 100-mile motorway run, and a worst of 23.5 mpg after 67 miles of stop-start running around the greater London area. Total consumption for our 1032 miles in the car was 30.2 mpg (all figures U.S. gallons). When a 13.8-gallon fill costs just over $120, such math is more than merely academic.

Part urban assault weapon, part trans-continental cruiser, the 535d is the best of the new 5-series models I’ve driven so far (the 550i I drove during our Car of the Year evaluation last year was spoiled by its slow, clunky, and noisy six-speed manual transmission). And most of the credit goes to the N57 turbo-diesel. It’s BMW’s best six.

Angus Mackenzie on March 16 2011 5:00 AM 

[Source: blogs.motortrend.com] 

2011 Mazda Mazda2: Driven

The 2011 Mazda Mazda2 is uncomplicated; and that's quite nice. While vehicles like the MINI Cooper or the Ford Fiesta can feel a bit overwrought or even gimmicky for some tastes, especially inside, it feels like Mazda has intentionally gone for a simpler—yet sporty—look and feel for its smallest, lowest-priced hatchback.

While our test car's Spirited Green hue was in itself a little over the top, look past that and this little hatchback is tastefully styled inside and out, and that goes a long way toward feeling the part of a hotter hatch even if it isn't. The Mazda2's pert, upright stance, low front end; and its simple hatch design with plenty of window space is a refreshing departure from the cavelike claustrophobia you'll find in some other small cars.

Inside, the Mazda2's instrument panel is simple, and essentially a more stripped-down version of the dash of the Mazda3 (and Mazda5); its trims seem chosen to establish a dark, somewhat sporty feel; and its appointments seem unabashedly anti-luxury.

Econo-car specs, yet more fun

The Mazda2 comes with old-school econo-car specs, including a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes just 100 horsepower and 98 pound-feet of torque. While that sounds like a downer, consider that the Mazda2 weighs only about 2,300 pounds. Yep, it's actually quite sprightly with the five-speed manual gearbox, as we had it.

There are two conditions to that, though: Firstly, you need to keep the revs up; let them slip much below the 2,500-rpm mark and it's happy maintaining but just feels like it's bogging down in any attempt to accelerate. Secondly, if you want to be quick, we'd advise keeping your right foot buried in it until you pass the 4,000-rpm torque peak. Despite quite a bit of noise, from there on up to the 6,000-power peak is where you need to keep it.

Obey those rules, and the 2 is a dream to drive, thanks mainly to its stellar manual gearbox. In everything from clutch takeup to shift linkage, it hits all the right sensory marks, and with the gears spaced right, helping you keep the revs up, you won't necessarily need or want more power.

A blast to drive at low speeds

Drive the Mazda2 enthusiastically in tight corners, and you won't be disappointed, because of quick, responsive steering (electric assisted) that actually feels physically attached to the tires. Thanks again to that great steering feel and how buttoned-down the suspension feels at low speeds, powering out of a corner in second or third gear is way more fun than it should be.

There are a few indicators that the Mazda2 isn't altogether so sophisticated, though, and they come out when driving the 2 at higher speeds, or if you're not so smooth. There's lots of fore-and-aft motion, and stomping on the gas in one of the lower gears, braking rapidly, or just shifting quickly will leave the nose diving down and back up. Being a very short, rather tall car with mushy tire sidewalls probably doesn't help. Pedal feel for the brakes also is by no means like that of the Miata, or Mazda's sportier cars.

And while we're on the subject of down sides, packaging isn't so stellar. Front seats is about what you'd expect in a car in this class; they're rather spongy and unsupportive, though there's plenty of space for most adults. In back, an average-height adult will fit, but you don't free up nearly as much space as you think you might by folding the back seats; they don't fold as nearly as those of the Honda Fit. And throughout the interior of our Mazda2 Touring, the grippy, contrasting fabric felt good and looked great but proved a magnet for lint, as well as stray pet fur from coats and trousers.

Packaging, interior materials leave lots to be desired

Plastics aren't any better than those in the Mazda3 and Mazda5, which is to say that there's lots of hard and hollow. The center console—if you want to call it that, as it's more of a plastic tray that's bolted to the floor includes some useful bins—but it looks easily scratched (and actually was in our test car); the buttons for central locking, oddly, are down on that console plate, looking almost like an aftermarket installation.

Our Mazda2 included far more steering-wheel controls than is customary for a car of this price (and league), though, including sound-system volume and mode buttons, plus those for the trip computer and cruise control. Switchgear felt satisfying, if not upscale.

Mileage was certainly no disappointment either. Over about exactly 100 miles of driving, mostly zippy stop-and-go driving around town, at low speed—probably as most Mazda2s will be used—we averaged 31 mpg. Considering we drove with right foot to the floor for some of it, that's very impressive: 2 mpg better than the EPA city rating of 29 mpg and the best real-world city-driving average we've seen from a gasoline-fueled non-hybrid in a long, long time. The closest I can recall is the 33 mpg overall, in city driving, we saw in a Toyota Yaris a couple of years ago.

Good mileage, zippy feel could overcome drawbacks

Overall, it's a matter of what you want out of a small car. At $16,430 for our test Mazda2 Touring, you could get a larger Mazda3 sedan (though the 3 hatch costs more). And if you're the type of small-car shopper who doesn't buy into the Mazda2's zippy driving feel, this little hatchback might feel a little too much, from the inside, like what small car used to be: a little drab, and a little too basic. But in contrast to blander-driving small-car options like the Yaris, or the Nissan Versa or (outgoing) Chevrolet Aveo, the Mazda2 has surprisingly many attributes in common with the MX-5 Miata sports car: In addition to an excellent manual transmission and great steering, you feel like you're moving quickly in the Mazda2, only if you actually study the speedometer's movements you're really not. We really like that.

For more pictures, details, and related news, see our full review on the 2011 Mazda2.

[Source: www.thecarconnection.com]

Shelby GT500 To Get 600 Horsepower

By Tim Healey Contributing Writer

Ford isn't taking the challenge from the upcoming 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 laying down.
Instead, the Blue Oval gang is upping the horsepower count on the next-generation 2013 Shelby GT500 to over 600. In fact, the final number will likely come in around 620.

The extra power will come from a boring of the engine, expanding it from 5.4 liters to 5.8, and swapping the Eaton supercharger for the same TVS unit found in the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and the ZL1 itself.

Despite the increase in power, the car will keep its solid rear axle.

Some things never change.

[Car and Driver via AutoGuide]

Japanese auto companies extend plant shutdowns

Associated Press | Posted: Wednesday, March 16, 2011 1:28 pm

Japanese auto companies on Wednesday extended shutdowns of car-assembly plants affected by the country's devastating earthquake and tsunami, but in a sign of progress, some parts factories in Japan plan to resume production later this week.

Toyota Motor Corp., the world's biggest automaker, said Wednesday it will extend production halts at its car plants through March 22, affecting about 95,000 vehicles. The company halted production March 14 and originally thought it would restart it today.

Toyota, however, will resume production on Thursday at factories that make replacement parts for vehicles already on the road. And it will restart plants on March 21 that make parts for overseas factories.

Japan is the world's second-largest producer of automobiles after China, and is a top trade partner with the United States, which imported 1.2 million vehicles from Japan in 2009. The earthquake, tsunami and radiation from damaged nuclear power plants have raised concerns of falling supplies of high-mileage cars made only in Japan. Those models include the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris and hybrids such as the Toyota Prius.
Among other affected plants:

Nissan Motor Co. said it was resuming production at two car-assembly factories on Thursday and Friday for as long as its inventory of parts lasts. Three other Nissan plants are suspending production until Sunday. Nissan has not disclosed the number of vehicles affected by the production cuts.

Workers at most of Nissan's plants have been able to repair damage, although restoration efforts will take longer at the Iwaki engine plant because of aftershocks affecting the region. The company said it is still taking time to arrange delivery of parts from suppliers.

Nissan said all North American manufacturing plants will continue to operate on schedule. It does not expect any short-term impact on sales or availability of cars and trucks. In addition, the company has a 50 days' supply of vehicle stock in North America or already in transit from Japanese ports.

Honda Motor Co. has suspended production at six Japanese plants through the end of the week, along with a research and development center and an engineering office. The production cuts will affect 16,600 vehicles and 2,000 motorcycles.

Honda's auto plants will remain closed because of the shortage of parts from northeastern Japan, where the earthquake and tsunami were centered. The company's plans for the factories may become clearer over the weekend.

Mazda and Subaru plants will remain closed through March 20. Mitsubishi is running three plants on Wednesday and Thursday, using inventory parts.

Following the earthquake and tsunami, Japanese auto companies have been assessing the damage to their plants as well as to the ports and roads key to their distribution channels.

[Source: www.stltoday.com]

Subaru Outback Touring Value-Packed

Subaru has wheeled-out a sharply priced ‘Touring’ model of its Outback wagon, loaded with extras but stickered at only $42,990 (manual) or $44,990 (automatic).

The extra kit is valued at $3,360 and sets-up the Outback Touring exceptionally well for family trips or weekend adventures.

Included are a towbar, roof crossbars, side cargo nets, a rear step panel, rear cargo tray and carpet mats.

Also inside you score a 14-litre travel fridge, an additional 12V power socket, reverse parking sensors, four water bottles, a picnic rug, first-aid kit and a couple of Subaru polo shirts.

Only 500 Subaru Outback Touring models will be produced.

[Source: www.carshowroom.com.au]

BMW Launches New X3 Range

by Brad Leach

BMW has released its new X3 SUV lienup with extra kit but no change in price for the entry-level model.

The three-model lineup is xDrive20d at $62,200, xDrive28i priced at $71,900 and xDrive30d stickered at $74,900. BMW says the extra kit included in the latest models represents great savings with the range-topping 30d model scoring $10,000 worth of extras but rising in price over the previous model by only $2,500.

BMW’s latest X3 is actually larger all-round (length up by 83mm to 4,648mm, width up by 28mm to 1,881mm and height up by 12mm to 1,661mm) but pleasingly styling changes for the handsome X3 range are minimal. Range-topping xDrive30d now gains the X Line Package as standard equipment – aluminium window frame moldings and side sills, titaniuam-look inserts for the bumpers and stainless steel for the load sill and door sills.















There are also some new colours.

Inside, styling is also relatively unchanged, but there is some extra space, a standard 6.5-inch screen for the BMW iDrive system or segment-biggest 8.8-inch screen with the Navigation System Professional. Entry-level xDrive20d runs Sensatec seat trim in black or beige, while 28i and 30d score standard Nevada leather in beige, black, Havanna/black, oyster/black or red brown/black (the leather is available as an option in 20d).

Luggage space is 550-litres with the seats in place or a very handy 1,600-litres with all seats folded.

Performance gets a boost with the entry-level 20d (2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel) now good for 135kW at 4,000rpm and 380Nm from 1,750rpm. The 20d also improves fuel economy (helped by the introduction of auto start/stop) – now down to 5.6l/100kms.

BMW X3’s petrol version is now the six-cylinder 28i with 190kW/310Nm and fuel consumption rated at 9.0l/100kms.

[Source: www.carshowroom.com.au]

Chevy Volt Production May Rise; It's Not As Simple As You Think

By John Voelcker Senior Editor

It all started when General Motors CEO Dan Akerson said the company wanted to "double" production of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, its range-extended electric car.

Various media outlets reported the news with varying degrees of accuracy. So far, GM has not officially said it will make more Volts.

Looming deadline

and sell 10,000 Volts this year, and 45,000 during 2012. Akerson said last month GM hoped to make as many as 25,000 Volts this year.

He is responding to strong consumer demand for the 2011 Volt, but he also wants to hike Volt volume for economies of scale that will drive down the costs of the Volt's many unique components--as fast as possible.

The Federal income tax credit of $7,500 for purchase of a Volt only applies to the first 200,000 cars GM sells. At $41,000 without incentives, the Volt is a tough sell.

(The Obama administration wants to convert the tax credit to a purchase rebate, and a bill has been introduced to raise the incentive cap from 200,000 to 600,000 vehicles per maker.)

$10,000 cheaper?

The Detroit News said Akerson challenged the Volt team to cut $10,000 out of the car's cost via higher volumes, new cell technology, even re-engineering the car's unique interior.

A source told the paper that's been accomplished, though gave no timeframe for when Volt 2.0 might launch.

Not that simple

So doubling production should be as simple as ordering more cells and other components, and perhaps adding a second shift at the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant, right?

It's not that easy. Not by a long shot, in fact.

Volume production of plug-in cars, from not only GM but Nissan too, is a very new phenomenon indeed. Nissan has had its own delays in getting its all-electric Leaf model to buyers who put down deposits months ago.

New raw materials, new plants, new workers

Ramping up production requires not only adding a shift at the assembly plant--which trade journal Automotive News says GM is planning to do early next year--but also ordering higher volumes of the lithium-ion cells, battery-pack components, electric motors, power electronics, and other parts unique to the Voltec plug-in powertrain.

None of those parts was mass-produced before, oh, late last year. The plants that make them are often the first of their kind, and may be the sole source for that particular component anywhere in the world.

That's very different to the supply chain for more conventional auto components--from door handles to seat assemblies, and constant-velocity joints to transmissions--that often builds the same part at multiple locations across the globe. That allows much finer variations in volume to be absorbed across a network of factories.

Risk of new tech

But for the electric assemblies, you can't just turn up the dial and spit more parts out the other end. Raw materials and components must be ordered, plants must be built, and workers hired and trained--all for components that weren't mass-produced even two years ago.

In the end, it's the risk of pioneering new technology: If it takes off, the maker has to scramble to meet demand before competitors get there. And the auto industry is known globally for its ability to squeeze costs out of high-quality, complex electromechanical devices through successive generations of re-engineering.

Of course, GM would much rather be in this position than having tooled up to build high volumes of a vehicle that flopped. Pontiac Aztek, anyone?

[Source: www.greencarreports.com]

Porsche 911 Singer Design

By Brett Davis

Ever wanted to buy a brand-new circa-1970s Porsche 911? Now’s your chance. An independent US Porsche tuner has come up with a package that offers the power and reliability of a new Porsche 911 matched with the classic, sexy and simple awesomeness of the old-school 930 Porsche exterior. Meet the first of such vehicles: the Singer Design 911.

It all starts with the donation of any pre-1994 (964 or 930) Porsche 911. The body is then completely stripped and rebuilt. Almost all of the panels are replaced with custom carbon fibre items, so the entire exterior is just about brand new. The Singer is also made a lot lighter thanks to the carbon revisions, not that the original 964/930 Porsche needs to go on any kind of diet.

Without ruining the original profile of the 911, the Singer’s body is custom-made, packaging together the best elements of the old-school range, such as widened wheel arches, slimline bumpers, and overall clean and crisp details and trimming. The Singer retains all of the original VIN identification and registration properties of the donor car.

Bespoke Fuchs-style 17 x 9-inch wheels on the front and 17 x 11 inch rear alloy wheels offer simply mouth-watering deep dish offsets. It also features a retractable 1973 Carrera RS ducktail-esque rear spoiler with integrated engine intake and vents, and to top off the exterior, the car is painted in flat green which melts over the cool, retro 911 body. The company will also do other classic colours if you wish.

As if the entire restore isn’t good enough, Singer also fits a complete 997 drivetrain under the body. This means it features a 3.8-litre flat-six engine which is tuned and uses roaring individual throttle bodies and a GT3 crank to produce 306kW of power – keep in mind this thing weighs 1088kg.

Singer also fits a G50 six-speed gearbox and limited-slip diff from a 993 911. Singer says the car will sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds and go on to a top speed in excess of 270km/h.

Other modern features include Brembo brakes, adjustable Moton/Bilstein/Eibach suspension, lightweight electronic air-conditioning, satellite navigation, MP3/iPod compatible in-car entertainment and an all-new custom-stitched leather and Recaro interior in traditional decor.

All this is available from $US200,000 (around $AU200,000). Not bad for one of the coolest Porsche 911s on Earth.

[Source: www.caradvice.com.au]

VW to build new Kombi

By: Matt Campbell

Volkswagen is set to build a production version of the Kombi concept van is displayed at last week’s Geneva motor show.

The German car maker is currently testing public reaction to the retro-inspired concept, called the Bulli after Germany’s nickname for the famous camper van.

There’s no word on a timeline for the new model, which is expected to fight for sales against the likes of other boxy niche cars such as the Toyota Rukus and Kia Soul.

Powering the concept car was a pure electric drivetrain, but it’s expected Volkswagen will opt for traditional petrol and diesel variants when the car makes it to production.

The new Microbus (the name is yet to be confirmed) will utilise Volkswagen Group’s new modular underpinnings, meaning the van can be stretched, downsized, slimmed down or widened depending on the tastes of the market in which it will be sold. The first car to be built from the new modular platform is Audi’s third-generation A3.

A report from UK automotive site Autocar suggests the new model will be built alongside the next-generation Beetle in Mexico.

[Source: www.allvoices.com]

Win an Audi A3 playing the new RS3 iPad racer

by Tsikot 
Filed under: Etc., Hatchback, Audi

Gameloft has teamed up with Audi to launch a free iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch app that pits players against each other for the chance to win a brand-new Audi A3 Sportback. The app is effectively a demo for Gameloft’s “Asphalt 6: Adrenaline” driving game and is available as a free download from the Apple App Store.

Players compete in a three-race career mode in the game, featuring two regular races and then an elimination round. The races will be on two tracks, one in Tokyo and one in the Bahamas.

The final round of the contest, which kicked off on March 3rd, is a three-lap time trial around the Bahamas circuit. Participants post their times online, and the fastest one at the end of the contest wins a 2011 Audi A3 Sportback Quattro. Get your iPads at the ready…

[Source: Gameloft]

Police Officers Test-Drive 2012 Ford Police Interceptors

The Ford Motor Co. is featuring the company's 2012 Police Interceptor sedan and utility in six Web videos that feature test driving and evaluation by law enforcement officers.

In the videos, officers drive the new Police Interceptors, which debut later this year, in a series of competitive driving exercises against the Chevrolet Tahoe PPV and Dodge Charger Pursuit.

Officers test power and performance on a black lake simulating slick conditions, capability and durability in the Dog Bone gravel pit, and acceleration, handling and braking tests on a tight, aggressive cone course.

"As we prepare for one of the biggest launches in our history of developing police vehicles, we're committed to remaining the nation's largest provider," according to Lisa Teed, Ford Police Interceptor marketing manager. "These videos prove our new vehicles are purpose-built, capable, and deliver the safety, technology and performance officers need to excel at their jobs."

Ford's Police Interceptor sedan and utility have been put through their paces, undergoing a battery of torture tests to ensure the vehicles' individual components can hold up to rigorous driving.

The Michigan State Police and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department tested the durability and capability of the vehicles through a variety of punishing tracks. Ford's pursuit-rated utility brings versatility to law enforcement in times when agencies have to do more with less, according to Ford.

Ford's portfolio provides departments the ability to select the vehicle that best meets their needs. Agencies can now select from a combination of two body styles, all-wheel drive (AWD) or front-wheel drive (FWD), and multiple powertrains delivering at least 20% better fuel efficiency than the 4.6-liter single-overhead-cam (SOHC) V-8 offered in the current Crown Victoria Police Interceptor.

Ford's 2012 Police Interceptor utility vehicle is equipped with a 3.7-liter V-6 engine. This Ti-VCT engine, which delivers at least 300 hp and E85 compatibility, is mated to a unique six-speed automatic transmission that combines lowered initial gears for improved off-the-line acceleration and higher gearing for improved efficiency at lower engine rpm when cruising.

For the sedan, officers will have their choice of a 3.5-liter V-6 engine delivering at least 280 hp and E85 compatibility, or the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 twin-turbocharged, direct-injection engine delivering at least 365 hp and 350 lb.-ft. of torque across a broad rpm range.

Both Ford Police Interceptors will be manufactured at Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant and will debut after production of the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor ends at the end of 2011.

[Source: www.policemag.com]

Ford halts Melbourne Falcon assembly as demand drops off

Ford has temporarily shut down its car manufacturing operations for two days a week to address falling demand for its locally made Falcon and Territory models. 
 
The car maker will ramp up to its full five-day cycle again on March 28 as it prepares to build an updated model of its Territory SUV, which will feature a more fuel-efficient diesel engine variant that customers have been requesting for years.

Ford spokeswoman Sinead McAlary said the down-time — which will primarily affect the Broadmeadows assembly plant — was necessary ‘‘to balance out our inventories’’.

The Geelong-based casting and engine plants will also be affected, although Ms McAlary said because it worked ahead of the production cycle their ‘‘down days’’ could be different or fewer than the manufacturing workers.

Ford Australia has suffered declining sales  in recent years of both the Falcon large car and Territory SUV.

It has been speculated that the next generation of the Falcon could be built from 2015 on US-supplied underpinnings, or even fully imported from the US. Ford has declined to comment directly on the Falcon’s future beyond the current model.

The managing director of GM Holden, Mike Devereux, has said he believes it is necessary for car makers to produce at least 100,000 cars annually to achieve the economies of scale needed to generate profits.
Toyota Australia boss David Buttner puts the break-even figure for the company's Avalon plant higher, at about 150,000 units.

Last year, Ford Australia built 38,615 Falcons and 11,558 Territorys for a total of 50,173 cars. In the same time Holden built just 57,645 Commodores, but from next month will add a locally-produced version of the Cruze small car that is expected to add at least 30,000 sales to the company’s domestic total.

[Source: theage.drive.com.au]

Toyota and Chrysler issue recalls

New York - Japanese automakers Toyota and Honda and US rival Chrysler have recalled tens of thousands of vehicles in the United States for a range of problems, according to a US government agency website on Monday. 

Toyota is recalling 22 000 vehicles from model years 2008 to 2011 - including Tacoma and Tundra pickup trucks, Land Cruiser and Sequoia vehicles - because of problems with their tyre pressure monitoring system, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said. 

Honda issued a recall of 36 656 Honda Civic hybrid vehicles, model years 2006 and 2007, to fix a faulty electrical system battery. 

Chrysler notified the NHTSA that it was recalling 20 459 Jeep Wrangler vehicles from model years 2010-2011 because of problems with axle attachments that could lead to the loss of directional control. - Sapa-AFP 

[Source: www.capeargus.co.za ]

Swedish designers to "revive" the Jaguar E-Type

Visualtech, a Swedish design firm which designed the "Growler E", a concept inspired by the legendary Jaguar E-Type, announced that it will be building a limited edition production car based on the Growler E.
According to Visualtech, the first Growler E is expected to roll out in mid 2012.
The company also announced that the Growler E will most probably be powered by a Jaguar XKR-sourced 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine, which will be able to produce close to 600hp, propelling the car from standstill to 100kmh in less than four seconds.
Visualtech added that the Growler will come with a composite body glued to a carbon fiber structure, with front and rear tube frames holding the running gear.

[Source: Autoblog]

Weak February auto sales split analysts over year's prospects

By Li Fangfang (China Daily)
Updated: 2011-03-08 09:29

BEIJING - China's passenger vehicle sales dropped slightly in February from last year, the first fall in more than two years and giving rise to uncertainty about the entire year's sales.

Domestic sales of cars, sports utility vehicles, multipurpose vehicles and minivans dipped by 0.4 percent year-on-year to 880,027 units in February, a 37.3 percent dive from the previous month's figure, according to data released by the China Passenger Car Association on Monday.

"February is not a good indicator of overall market growth due to various factors, such as Chinese New Year, consumers getting used to changes in policies and the rise in sales in January in advance of the Spring Festival," said Lin Huaibin, the manager responsible for China Vehicle Sales Forecast of the consulting company IHS Automotive.

In addition, "dealers get rid of the previous year's inventory in January, leading to comparatively lower sales in February", Lin said.

Rao Da, secretary-general of the association, said "the stagnancy of the automobile market in February is reasonable, but it will lead to a downtrend in the coming months".

He warned against "being optimistic about whole year sales in 2011," predicting the possibility of the first negative year's growth in 25 years.

But Lin, of IHS Automotive, still expects the market to grow 10 percent in 2011, stimulated by the subsidy for fuel-efficient vehicles as well as the more than 9.5 percent GDP growth forecast by the company's economist.  

"Take a look at past trends for February sales compared with annual car sales growth. In 2008, February sales were down 30 percent month-on-month, but by the end of the year, annual sales growth was 7.3 percent," Lin said.

"And in 2009, the same story. February sales were down 5 percent month-on-month, but the market grew 46.8 percent. And last year, February sales were down 32 percent, but the market grew 35 percent."

Lin also told China Daily that the effect of Beijing's quota policy on car purchase started to emerge in February, along with the expiration of the aforementioned incentives on small-engine cars. Toyota's sales in China fell 2.8 percent year-on-year to 44,100 units, and Mazda's sales in the country plunged 29 percent from last year to 9,033 units during the same month.

Beijing accounts for around 10 percent of Mazda sales and 5 percent of Toyota sales in China, according to IHS Automotive.

"The drop in sales for these two automakers is significant, and demonstrates that sales growth in China will clearly cool this year for some manufacturers," said Lin.