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Statement by American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Regarding VSA Modulator Recall

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:16:45 +0000

Honda has announced a recall for some 410,000 vehicle due to a defect with the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) module. According to the automaker, 344,00 Odysseys and 68,000 Elements (MY 2007-2008) are affected by the problem and owners will be notified via mail this April to take their vehicles into dealers.

The issue with the VSA results in a softening sensation through brake pedal and a longer pedal travel that requires owners to apply more pressure to bring their vehicles to a halt. The condition worsens over time as the stability control system lets a small amount of air into the braking system.

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Press Release

Honda will recall approximately 344,000 Odyssey and 68,000 Element vehicles from the 2007-2008 model years in the U.S. to modify the Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) modulator. Honda has received customer complaints of brake pedals that feel “soft” or that gradually exhibit a pedal height that gets lower (closer to the floor) before the vehicle stops. In affected vehicles, this condition tends to very slowly increase over time.

Some VSA modulators were assembled in a manner that could allow air intrusion, making it possible for air to enter the modulator during the VSA self-check mode. While only a miniscule amount of air can enter the system during each check, over a period of months or years, the air will accumulate and can result in the “soft brake pedal” or “low brake pedal” condition symptoms associated with this issue. Although not all vehicles being recalled are affected by this issue, we are recalling all possible units to assure all customers that their vehicles will perform correctly.

Honda is announcing this recall to encourage all owners of these vehicles to take their vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as they receive notification from Honda that their vehicle is affected. Notification to customers will start at the end of April.

Once owners of these vehicles receive written notification of this recall from Honda, they should contact their authorized Honda dealer to schedule an appointment for repair. When Honda identifies concerns of this nature, nothing is more important to the company than fulfilling our obligation and responsibility to alert our customers. To this end in addition to contacting customers by mail, after April 19, 2010, owners of these vehicles will be able to determine if their vehicle requires repair by going on-line or calling. Honda owners can go to www.recalls.honda.com or call (800) 999-1009, and select option 4.

Motor Trend Classic resurrected, goes quarterly

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:16:35 +0000

We were just talking with a friend about his Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI. “How on earth did you afford that?” is the highly sanitized version of the question we posed to him. Answer: He bought used, and then explained to us that he would never buy a new car again, no matter what. A decision that’s fine by us, but which buff book is our pal going to read if he’s unwilling to ever walk into a new car dealership again?

Meet – or re-meet as the case may be – Motor Trend Classic. The fine folks at Motor Trend tried their hand at this classic car thing a few years back in 2005 but were forced to shutter the magazine in 2006. But that was then (and they were trying to sell 12 issues a year. Correction: Motor Trend Classic launched with two issues in 2005 and then went to six issues for 2006). Motor Trend Classic every three months is now.

The cost to entry is a good bit higher than your standard car mag (roughly three times). However, the new magazine is (thankfully) largely free of advertising and it features a unique format and higher quality paper. Hence the high price: $14.95 per issue.

Also of note, Motor Trend will be using this weekend’s Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance to relaunch the Classic magazine. In fact, Amelia Island will feature a special “Motor Trend Class” devoted to cars found on the cover of Motor Trend, including the gorgeous streamlined Norman Timbs Special seen above that graced the cover of the October 1948 issue. Pretty nifty.

Press Release

Norman Timbs Special Headlines First-Ever Class For The Concours

JACKSONVILLE, FL; MARCH 1, 2010 — The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance Foundation, Inc. announced today that it will feature a class devoted to Motor Trend cover cars of the past during the 15th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, March 12-14, 2010. It is believed to be the first time a concours has featured cover cars as a judged class.
The Motor Trend class will include:

• 1948 Norman Timbs Special – October
• 1948 Davis Devin – August
• 1949 Kurtis Sports Car – Issue 1, Volume 1
• 1951 LeSabre – March
• 1953 Hudson Italia Prototype – December
• 1955 Ghia Streamline X “Gilda” – September
• 1955 Flajole Forerunner – September
• 1956 Firebird II Concept Car – April

Motor Trend will use the Amelia weekend to re-launch Motor Trend Classic, a publication devoted to the great cars and automotive designs of the past, according to Matt Stone, the publication’s new editor.

Headlining the class will be the Norman Timbs Special. Constructed in the late 40s over a period of about three years, it was the cover car for the October 1949 issue of Motor Trend. General Motors will be displaying the LaSabre, created by their famed auto stylist Harley Earl, along with their futuristic Firebird II Concept vehicle, which took a number of styling queues from the jet designs of the ’50s.

“The idea for this class came about when I was talking with Ken Gross about displaying a large shot of the MT cover that featured the Timbs Special, and he suggested doing an entire class of cover cars; I thought that was a great idea,” says Amelia Founder and Co-Chairman Bill Warner. “Besides the Timbs car, people will love the Hudson Italia and the Ghia Streamline X Gilda. In future shows, I can see us doing a class for many of the automotive magazines out there from hot rods to muscle cars.”

Tickets for the 15th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance are $45 for adults purchased in advance and $50 the day of the show. Students ages 12-18 are $20, and children under 12 are admitted at no charge when accompanied by a paying adult. Event tickets can be ordered in advance at www.ameliaconcours.org or can be purchased at the door.

Geneva Motor Show: New Focus Station Wagon

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 10:44:24 +0000

At next week’s Geneva Motor Show, Ford will stage the world premiere of the fifth member of its Focus family after the five-door hatchback, four-door sedan and the C-MAX and Grand C-MAX minivans, the station wagon model.

According to our sources, the more practical and roomy Focus SW (also known as the Estate in some countries) will initially be launched in Europe. However, if there’s enough interest by buyers in other international markets, Ford will add the station wagon variant to its global range of Focus models in the very near future.

more detail. …

Geneva Motor Show: New Seat Ibiza ST

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:43:03 +0000

The SEAT Ibiza increases its range with the arrival of the wagon version, called ST, a vehicle that stands out for its youthful, sporty design in addition to functional, to be presented to society in the next Geneva Motor Show. Thus, the Spanish brand continues its product offensive and allows the company to offer the latest range, fresh and attractive market.

This is the first time that Seat includes the supply of its most popular model family a body, a point that reinforces the Ibiza one of the pillars of the brand sales and manufactured exclusively at the SEAT plant in Martorell ( Barcelona).

The new Seat Ibiza ST is a car with a strong personality. A new concept of family car in this segment, not surrendering a modern design that simultaneously provides a wide range of possibilities in terms of practicality and interior functionality. Thus, the ST Ibiza unlike SC and 5-door versions in its body, longer with 4.23 meters, and the volume of luggage, now 430 liters, extendable if the backs of the rear seats tilted down.

The new model debuts Spanish brand new range of engines that include the 1.2 TSI engine with 105 hp between petrol variants and the complete range of TDI engines common rail. Furthermore, the Seat Ibiza ST has a broad standard equipment in three finishes: Reference, Style and Sport.

A modern and attractive design

Undoubtedly the feature that identifies the new Seat Ibiza ST is its large tailgate, which enables substantially increased freight opportunities as well as the ease of doing, preserving the usual sporting spirit of the brand models thanks to an innovative design personality and work of SEAT Design Director Luc Donckerwolke. The new hatchback has a very wide opening angle and provides the Seat Ibiza ST extremely distinctive image.

Following in the stands behind the lever opening the trunk, which marks the personality of the vehicle. As is characteristic of the Spanish company, SEAT logo toggles to open the trunk.

Also, all pilots and extol the sporty bumper of the vehicle.

The personality of the new Seat Ibiza ST also is marked by its front. The design language “Arrow Design” permeates the front of the vehicle. All the lights that stretch to the side of the body and the radiator grille with the logo of the brand presiding give a arrowhead that has already become the symbol of the new image of SEAT.

Another Ibiza Differentiator ST rails are installed on the roof, a very interesting and practical solution when transporting larger luggage.

The interior of the Seat Ibiza ST is characterized by its greater capacity. The trunk is wider thanks to 430 liters, 138 liters which is more than the 5-door version, be expandable if the backs of the rear seats tilted down. Besides the quality of its coating materials also include accommodation in order to have small objects, incorporating serial a 12 volt, for example, connecting a refrigerator.

Six thrusters to choose

The Seat Ibiza ST will be available with a full range of engines. Thus, the mechanics that make up the offering will be, in point of gasoline, 70 hp 1.2 engines, 85 hp 1.4 and the new 1.2 TSI with 105 hp, while the diesel range, in addition to the known 1.6 TDI CR 90 and 105 hp, will debut the new 1.2 TDI CR 75 hp. The entire range of engine meets EU rules-5 emissions.

Vast serial

SEAT’s new model will feature a full equipment since the entry version, including items such as ABS, ESP and TCS + EBA, driver & passenger airbag, head airbag, passenger airbag disconnection, air conditioning, Help Assistant pending the start, witnessed loss of tire pressure, electrohydraulic steering, CD/MP3 radio, central locking with remote control, comfort suspension, audible seat belt anchors in front seats and rear seats Isofix in preparation + anchorage Top Tether. Among the optional highlights the possibility of having the XDS electronic limited slip in the engines above 100 hp.

On sale later this spring, the Seat Ibiza ST will become a perfect ally for those who need space for a family trip with some baggage, or to customers for their hobbies need a vehicle with great carrying capacity.
Photos: carscoop

Super Cars – Frankfurt Motor Show

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 10:47:10 +0000

Super Cars

Frankfurt Feature: Cars for the rich and famous

There was a definite green tinge to the air at Frankfurt, but it wasn’t all electric cars and low-CO2 hybrids. That would be boring. The appeal of motor shows lies in the chance not only to see the type of cars we’ll be taking our kids to school in at some point, but also to get up close and personal with the type of metal only Premiership footballers can afford – and a couple that even they won’t be able to get their hands on.

But if you weren’t able to get to Frankfurt, fret not, for here we take you through the stuff that would have been making you sick with envy on the stands.

CAR: Lamborghini Reventón Roadster COST: £1,000,000 REAL COST: One wig per journey

The Lamborghini Reventón is based on the Murcielago but has an interior inspired by a fighter jet and a body apparently styled by Batman’s tailor. Only 15 copies of this drop-top edition will be made, and each will cost exactly €1.1m – or about £995,000 in proper money. A 670bhp V12 propels it to 62mph in 3.4 seconds. Want one? Call 1-800-what-credit-crunch. Only joking, they’re probably already all sold.

CAR: Brabus E V12 ‘one of ten’ COST: £450,000 REAL COST: Your dignity

In taking power so seriously, Brabus has become possibly the silliest niche carmaker ever. We mean that in a good way. Its Frankfurt offering, though, is frankly ridiculous: the Merc E Class-based V12 will demolish 100mph from standstill in 9.9 seconds and has a set of rear wheel spats to improve airflow for stability at its 217mph top speed. Well, that’s what Brabus says they’re for – we know they’re really inspired by the first-generation Honda Insight. Brabus loves a bit of green car action. Not.

CAR: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing COST: £150,000 (approx) REAL COST: A garage roof extension

You’d think that the joint efforts of Mercedes and McLaren would produce a car of epic goodness. Sadly the resulting SLR was a bit of a duffer, relatively speaking. This is Mercedes’ riposte – a supercar that pilfers its history by pillaging the gullwing doors of the legendary 300SL and adding them to a menacing body shrouding a 563bhp 6.2-litre V8. We’re promised it will handle too, which it will have to if it’s to hold a candle to the next car on this list…

Frankfurt Car Rental

CAR: Ferrari 458 Italia COST: £150,000 (approx) REAL COST: Irresistible coolness

The ‘basic’ Ferrari just happens to be shaping into the best one this time around. Ferrari chose Frankfurt to give the all-new 458 Italia its debut, showing a car whose heart-melting shape is clearly inspired by the Enzo – compared to which it’s the best value car this side of a Tata Nano. See, according to Schumacher (who helped develop it), the 458 Italia is quicker than the £1m invitation-only Enzo around Ferrari’s test track. £150k sounds dirt-cheap now, right.

CAR: Audi e-tron COST: £N/A REAL COST: An odd feeling of tranquillity

Wrapped in a shell resembling the R8 supercar is an all-electric drivetrain capable of knocking out 62mph in 4.8 seconds, and the battery won’t go flat until 150 miles are done with. Nice. Individual motors power each wheel, and although Audi won’t confirm production, there’s every chance something like this alternatively powered R8 clone will see limited production for well-heeled environmentalists. The e-tron is Audi’s Tesla, basically.

CAR: Aston Martin Rapide COST: £150,000 REAL COST: Constant requests for lifts

Look familiar? Look again. The extra shut lines behind the front doors on this Aston tell you this is the British maker’s family hatchback. The Rapide is a bona-fide supercar (well, in terms of price anyway) rather than a very expensive hatch like the Porsche Panamera, and it’s built for people who basically can’t be bothered with the hassle of running an Aston and an SUV, as is the norm. Add two useable seats to the DB9’s basic shape and viola! A V12 runabout is born. Sales start early 2010.

CAR: Audi R8 Spyder COST: £112,000 REAL COST: Your reputation as an affable person

Audi loves a good new model, and this one is one of the more predictable; Audi was always going to make a show-off’s version of the sublime R8. On this list its £110,000 makes it look cheap, but this is far from a lacklustre drop-top. Based on the V10 R8, the Spyder gets four-wheel drive and 525bhp, making it one of the fastest convertibles on the planet.

CAR: Rolls-Royce Ghost COST: £200,000 REAL COST: ‘Poor man’s Roller’ jibes

Phantom too cumbersome for you? How about this then: the compact Roller? The Ghost is Rolls-Royce’s ‘driver’s car’ and will be knocked out at the astonishing rate of 1,000 per year. Like much on this list, it has a very powerful V12 under the bonnet and shows a cynical disdain for the environmental concerns of fellow motorists. Convertible and coupé versions will follow, plus, we hear, a stripped out ‘Cup’ version for track days. That’s not actually true.

CAR: Bentley Mulsanne COST: £220,000 REAL COST: ‘Poor man’s Roller’ jibes

The Mulsanne has four fewer cylinders than the Rolls-Royce Phantom it will vie with for sales, but its mammoth 885lb.ft of torque means owners will feel more than adequately powered. We can’t be sure yet, but it’s a good bet the Bentley will emit less carbon dioxide per mile then, good for all kinds of ‘you dirty boy’ type name-calling directed towards Phantom owners at the gentleman’s club. In fact, put bio-ethanol in it, as is a possibility, and appearing in a rap video has never been cleaner.

Geneva Motor Show: New Opel Meriva MPV Spotted

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:43:02 +0000

True, GM’s European arm has officially revealed the new Opel Meriva but we couldn’t pass the opportunity to share with you these ‘real-life’ photographs of the small MPV that was bagged by our man with the long lens in Germany. You can read the full story on the 2010 Meriva here, but as a reminder, Opel’s Citroen C3 Picasso rival that features rear-hinged back doors will make its first public outing at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

At launch, it will be marketed with six engines offering a power bandwidth from 75 HP to 140 HP and a choice of 5 and 6-speed manual transmissions (depending on the engine) as well as a 6-speed automatic gearbox

According to Opel, fuel consumption has been reduced by an average of 15 percent compared with the current generation Meriva.

Designed and developed at Opel’s engineering center in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the new Meriva will be built at GM’s plant in Zaragoza, Spain and is scheduled to go on sale across Europe this summer.

Source:carscoop

Lamborghini Murcielago – depth of field (MPH Motor Show 2008)

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 06:47:30 +0000

Image taken by Adam Foster | Codefor.