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Honda S2000, Acura RSX recalled over brake boosters

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Recalls, Acura, Honda

2006 Honda S2000

Honda has announced a recall that affects two of our favorite, dearly departed cars from the brand’s portfolio: the S2000 roadster and Acura RSX coupe. A total of 5,239 S2000 models from the 2006 and 2007 model years are affected by this problem, as are 13,113 2006 Acura RSX models.

“A production error may have allowed brake booster components to be produced outside of the original specifications, potentially causing decreased brake assistance over time, which could increase the risk of a crash,” American Honda said in a press release. Thus, dealerships will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake booster setups in these vehicles, free of charge.

No crashes or injuries have been reported in relation to this brake problem. Honda says the problem was discovered during warranty claim analysis.

The recall will officially kick of in July, and owners will be notified by mail of this problem. Scroll down to read Honda’s official statement.

Continue reading Honda S2000, Acura RSX recalled over brake boosters

Honda S2000, Acura RSX recalled over brake boosters originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jun 2013 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Mustang Boss 302 fails Motor Trend brake test. Here’s why

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Safety, Ford

2012 ford mustang boss 302

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford’s new M3-fightin’ Mustang, the 2012 Boss 302, is a 444-horsepower, rear-wheel-drive two-door designed to fight well above its weight class. Motor Trend decided to spend quality time with the coupe, and something scary happened. Not scary as in ‘whoa, this thing is scary fast’ but more along the lines of ‘call my tailor, I ruined my pants’ terrifying.

Part of M/T’s testing gauntlet includes a look at braking distance. Road Test Editor Scott Mortara ran the Ford up to 70 miles per hour. Now it was time to see how quickly he could bring it to zero. Typically, this is just a matter of mashing the brakes and holding on. The sound of straining tires is a sound that’s welcome, but a metallic snapping noise is not. Either way, the 2012 Boss 302 was a runaway pony.

Mortara used the six-speed manual transmission to reduce the coupe’s speed before exiting the track through a gap at its end. What went wrong? A pin that connects the brake pedal to the rod that actuates the master cylinder had failed and snapped off. Normally, the brake pedal connects to the rod in a manner that distributes the pressure evenly over a large surface area and would still actuate the brakes when one presses the pedal. The setup on this particular Mustang was faulty, and allowed for far more pressure on the individual piece that failed.

Ford has examined this car, as well as the brake installation process at its assembly plants. It seems this car is unique in its defect. Motor Trend contends that it’s possible the brake assembly was removed then reinstalled after the vehicle left the factory, which could explain why the part failed in such an abnormal manner. Check out the full story over at Motor Trend.

Gallery: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302: First Drive

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

[Source: Motor Trend]

Ford Mustang Boss 302 fails Motor Trend brake test. Here’s why originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Jaguar considering shooting brake, Evoque-based CUV

Filed under: Wagon, Crossover, Jaguar, Rumormill

jaguar badge on XF grille

Jaguar is looking to expand on its existing lineup of vehicles. Currently, Leaping Cat buyers can choose from variants on the two-door XK, four-door XF and flagship XJ sedan. A two-door, four-passenger XJ-based coupe is reportedly in the works and will take aim at the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class. Also apparently being discussed is a shooting-brake based on the XF and an entry-level crossover based on the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque.

According to Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director for Jaguar, crossovers will be a definite part of the automaker’s future. Besides the proposed entry-level Evoque-based CUV, Jaguar is considering another crossover based on the Range Rover Sport.

[Source: Automobile]

Rumormill: Jaguar considering shooting brake, Evoque-based CUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Ferrari to unveil all-wheel-drive shooting brake in Geneva?

Filed under: Hybrid, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari, Rumormill

Ferrari 612 Scaglietti unveiling

We’re anticipating a new Ferrari to be unveiled in a few months time at the Geneva Motor Show, but just what form – and arguably just as vitally, what technology – the new Prancing Horse will take has been the subject of much rumor and conjecture as of late.

Based on Ferrari chief Luca di Montezemolo’s reported pronouncement that his company is preparing “a very different new Ferrari” for the Swiss salon, initial reports speculated that a production-ready hybrid could be in the cards. But the latest reports seem to call that into question.

So if not a hybrid, what has Maranello got in store for us? Most reports point towards a replacement for the 612 Scaglietti, the company’s flagship (if somewhat lackluster) four-seat GT. Others suggest a shooting brake two-door wagon, while yet others report that whatever debuts will incorporate the company’s part-time all-wheel drive system, if not necessarily a hybrid drivetrain. The truth probably lies in the combination of several of these reports, if not all of them, but we’ll just have to sit tight to see what will lie underneath the veil come March.

[Sources: Le Blog Auto, Eurocarblog]

Rumormill: Ferrari to unveil all-wheel-drive shooting brake in Geneva? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Ford Focus equipped with brake-based torque vectoring

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Hatchback, Ford

2012 Ford Focus

2012 Ford Focus – Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2012 Ford Focus is set to hit dealers early next year, and in addition to a cadre of standard and optional features, Ford is equipping every new Focus with its new breed of “torque vectoring control.”

For the uninitiated, torque vectoring systems actively split power between the two driven wheels to maximize traction and increase performance. Some higher-end systems manipulate the output to each wheel through a set of electronically controlled gears, while others apply a subtle amount of braking to the inside wheel, causing more power to be sent to the outside wheel, thus helping rotate the vehicle through a turn. Ford is using the latter on the 2012 Focus, the first implementation of its kind on a Blue Oval model in North America.

Thanks to the continued implementation of standard traction control systems, these torque vectoring setups are becoming more common and have finally reached the compact segment. While the benefits generally outweigh the negatives, we’ve found other brake-based systems have a tendency to overheat the pads, rotors and fluid when flogged long and hard enough (ahem, GTI). We’ll be able to test it out for ourselves soon, so look for a full driving report in just over a month. In the meantime, get the full details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2012 Ford Focus

2012 Ford Focus hatchback

Continue reading 2012 Ford Focus equipped with brake-based torque vectoring

2012 Ford Focus equipped with brake-based torque vectoring originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota recalling 94,000 2011 Sienna minivans over brake light bracket issue

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Recalls, Toyota

2011 Toyota Sienna

2011 Toyota Sienna – Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota has issued a voluntary recall for approximately 94,000 2011 Sienna minivans produced before the beginning of November 2010. The recall is a result of a Stop Lamp Switch Bracket placed near the parking brake. When the parking brake is fully applied it may deform the switch bracket. This could result in the brake lights remaining lit or even partial engagement of the brakes resulting in a reduction of brake effectiveness over time.

No other vehicles have been affected by the issue and no accidents or injuries have been reported as of a result. Owners of affected vehicles will receive a notice in the mail by the middle of January, which contains instructions on how to handle any affects they might feel if their switch bracket has been deformed. A second notice will be sent out in February to inform customers that replacement parts are now available and appointments can be made with local Toyota service departments. Hop the jump for the full details.

Gallery: Review: 2011 Toyota Sienna

2011 Toyota Sienna

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota recalling 94,000 2011 Sienna minivans over brake light bracket issue

Toyota recalling 94,000 2011 Sienna minivans over brake light bracket issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz considering CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake, diesel AMGs a long way off

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Mercedes-Benz, Diesel, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

In the span of two weeks, Mercedes-Benz announced two new CLS-based production models: the recently revealed CLS63 AMG and plans to produce a wagon version inspired by the CLS “Shooting Brake” Concept shown at the Beijing Motor Show. Now we’ve learned that another CLS variant could combine the two.

The CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake would adapt all the go-fast bits of its sedan counterpart into the five-door model set to go into production in 2012. That means the M157 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 putting out between 518 and 550 horsepower and up to 590 pound-feet of torque depending on the spec. We’ve yet to get official word from M-B if the CLS Shooting Brake is bound for U.S. shores, but if the AMG version does come to fruition, don’t expect it much before 2013.

Additionally, AMG execs told us that diesel performance models from the in-house tuner are a long way off. More to the point, AMG officials believe that gasoline engines have the potential to return just as much torque and fuel economy as their oil-burning counterparts, negating the need to develop high performance diesels. Here’s hoping they’re right…

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Break Concept

Gallery: LA 2010: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

Mercedes-Benz considering CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake, diesel AMGs a long way off originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Ultimate Shooting (Through) Brake – Maserati Quattroporte hearse

Filed under: Wagon, Etc., Europe, Videos, Specialty, Design/Style

Maserati Quattroporte Hearse

Maserati Quattroporte Hearse – Click above to watch the video after the jump

Remember when we told you about Intercar Modena turning a Maserati Quattroporte into hearse? We’re not sure if this is one of theirs, but the number of Maserati hearses built has to be very low, but that hasn’t stopped some fortunate soul from capturing one in the wild. The video after the jump is quick but the car is clearly visible. It’s a rare spotting of a vehicle people are dying to get into (Thank you! Try the veal!).

When you get set to leave this world, you may want to go out in style. Cadillacs and Lincolns are the chariots of commoners. A Mercedes is a step in the right direction. There are some, however, with a privileged palate and serious sense of style, and some of them will doubtlessly opt for coachbuilt Italian splendor. The Maserati Quattroporte hearse is a wonderful example of how someone can shoot through to the other side in fine style. Put on your best black suit and make the jump to see the video. Thanks for the tip, Monty!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Ultimate Shooting (Through) Brake – Maserati Quattroporte hearse

Video: Ultimate Shooting (Through) Brake – Maserati Quattroporte hearse originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Sep 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Mercedes working on B-Class-based CLC Shooting Brake

Filed under: Wagon, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz, Rumormill, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Break concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Oh, Mercedes. When will you learn that the CLC was just a bad idea? BMW did so with the chopped-trunk 318ti, but Mercedes seems determined to make its counterpart work. To that end, the Silver Star automaker is reportedly working on a new derivative.

Drawing its inspiration from the CLS Shooting Break concept (pictured above) and its underpinnings from the B-Class, the CLC Shooting Brake (hopefully they’ll get the spelling right this time) is expected to slot in below the C-Class Estate wagon, but presumably with a svelter roofline.

That doesn’t mean they’ll get the door count right though: the jury’s still out on whether it’ll be a proper shooting brake with three doors (like the existing CLC, but longer) or five doors like a conventional wagon. Engine options, meanwhile, are tipped to revolve around turbocharged fours, ranging from 108 horsepower and 1.2 liters to a 272-hp CLC22 AMG with 4Matic all-wheel drive. Sources expect the CLC Shooting Brake to arrive around September 2013.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Break Concept

Gallery: Beijing 2010: Mercedes-Benz Shooting Break concept

[Sources: Autobild]

Rumormill: Mercedes working on B-Class-based CLC Shooting Brake originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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