Official 2012 Fiat 500 fuel economy numbers fall short of 40 mpg

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Fiat

2012 Fiat 500

2012 Fiat 500 – Click above for high-res image gallery

2011 marks the official return of Fiat here in the United States, with the adorable little 500 hitting dealerships in the coming weeks. With Fiat’s MultiAir 1.4-liter engine under the hood, you’d be right to expect top-notch fuel economy numbers. And while the 500’s EPA ratings of 30 miles per gallon in the city and 38 mpg on the highway aren’t bad, it’s not exactly what we were hoping for.

For comparison, consider the fact that much larger C-segment entries like the Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus and Chevrolet Cruze are all capable of achieving 40 mpg or higher (granted, you have to spec certain transmissions and option packages on the latter two in order to achieve it). What’s more, the 30/38 mpg rating on the Fiat 500 is only with the five-speed manual transmission. Cars equipped with the six-speed self-shifter will only achieve 27/34 mpg. Ouch.

Still, with prices starting at $15,995 for the entry-level Pop model, we don’t think Fiat will have too much trouble moving 500s out of showrooms. Besides, the majority of people purchasing the Fiat 500 will be doing so because of its style rather than its frugality.

Gallery: 2012 Fiat 500

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[Source: Automotive News – sub. req.]

Official 2012 Fiat 500 fuel economy numbers fall short of 40 mpg originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Barrett-Jackson 2011: 1990 Coors Extra Gold Top Fuel Dragster Replica

Filed under: Auctions

1990 Coors Extra Gold Top Fuel Dragster Replica

Barrett-Jackson 2011: 1990 Coors Extra Gold Top Fuel Dragster – Click above for high-res image gallery

Every fancied owing your own Top Fuel Dragster? Are you also a fan of beer brewed from the waters of Golden, Colorado? Barrett-Jackson has the car for you. It may only be a replica but this 1990 Coors Extra Gold Top Fuel Dragster has plenty of V8 oomph sitting right behind your head.

Auctioned off on multiple occasions, the goal of the dragster is to produce $1 million for the Darryl Gwynn Foundation. To date the car has raised $810,000 and hopefully the final hammer at the 2011 Barrett-Jackson stage will get it much closer to its goal.

Check out the official Barrett-Jackson site here, and be sure to check out Speed’s online streaming video of the live auction here.

Gallery: Barrett-Jackson 2011: 1990 Coors Extra Gold Top Fuel Dragster Replica

Photos copyright (C)2011 Jeff Glucker/AOL

Barrett-Jackson 2011: 1990 Coors Extra Gold Top Fuel Dragster Replica originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010-2011 Saab 9-3 faces recall over possible fuel pump defect

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Recalls, Safety, Saab, Luxury

2010 Saab 9-3

2010 Saab 9-3 – Click above for high-res image gallery

Saab has announced that it is recalling around 4,400 9-3 models for defective fuel pumps. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration says that the vehicles made have been built with pumps that did not meet the correct specifications, and as a result, the pumps may seize, causing the engine to stall. NHTSA believes that the defect could potentially increase the risk of an accident. As far as we know, no incidents have been reported as a result of the issue.

Saab will replace the fuel pumps free of charge, and the campaign is expected to get under way on or around February 18. Owners may contact Saab directly at 1.800.955.9007 or visit the NHTSA site for more information on the recall. Hit the jump for a look at both notices.

Gallery: 2010 Saab 9-3

2010 Saab 9-32010 Saab 9-32010 Saab 9-32010 Saab 9-32010 Saab 9-3

[Source: NHTSA]

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2010-2011 Saab 9-3 faces recall over possible fuel pump defect originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Mercedes wants you to think Twitter is fuel

Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz engineers play with twitter car control

Mercedes-Benz engineers test out their “tweet fuel” – Click above to watch video after the jump

Automakers have taken to social media with varying degress of success. On one side, we’ve got the Ford Fiesta Movement and on the other we’ve got… nearly every other automaker’s social outreach. And now, we have Mercedes-Benz.

Four teams of two have been picked to race Dallas at Cowboys Stadium, with one team each leaving from New York, Tampa, Chicago and Los Angeles. Each team is captained by a “celebrity” well-versed in the Twitter universe – an odd combination of “coaches,” but they’ve got what Mercedes wants: 7,087,730 followers, combined.

So how does Twitter factor into the race? Each team needs to collect something Mercedes is calling “tweet fuel” and it’s based on the rather vague description of “twitter activity.”

Said “fuel” will help push the team further in their respective vehicles, with NY behind the wheel of a 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic, Tampa driving a 2011 E550 Cabriolet, Chicago getting the keys to a 2011 GL350 BlueTec and LA will use a 2011 S400 Hybrid. If they “win,” each member will receive a 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe.

One more note, Mercedes has put out a teaser of a faux Tweet-guided CL, proving once again that automakers are better at contrived stunts than viral videos. Check it out for yourself after the jump.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

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Video: Mercedes wants you to think Twitter is fuel originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Ford C-Max Energi and C-Max Hybrid offer two options for fuel-sipping MPVs

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Ford, Electric

2013 Ford C-Max Energi

Ford C-Max Energi – Click above for high-res image gallery

We’ve already told you about the 2012 Ford C-Max, the Blue Oval’s new mini-minivan that’s set to launch here in North America later this year. The C-Max story doesn’t end with just the one gasoline-powered model, though – Ford is bringing two more versions of its small people mover to the 2011 Detroit Auto Show: the C-Max Energi and C-Max Hybrid.

What’s important to note is that while the gasoline C-Max with sliding doors is actually based on the three-row Grand C-Max that Ford sells in other markets, the Hybrid and Energi use conventional front-hinged rear doors and seat five, just like the shorter-wheelbase C-Max available in Europe. The automaker’s kinetic design language is in full force here, and the Aston Martin-like grille on these smaller C-Max models resembles what first debuted on Ford’s Focus Electric at last week’s Consumer Electronics Show.

2013 Ford C-Max HybridThe C-Max Hybrid uses the Blue Oval’s next-generation gasoline/electric powertrain technology, and we’re told that fuel economy will be higher than the 41 miles per gallon that’s currently on tap in the Fusion Hybrid sedan. By building upon the powersplit technology currently used in the automaker’s hybrids, Ford says that the C-Max Hybrid will be able to operate in electric mode at speeds higher than 47 miles per hour.

The big story here, however, is the C-Max Energi, which is essentially a range-extended plug-in hybrid that’s not completely unlike the Chevrolet Volt. Ford is targeting an overall driving range of more than 500 miles using both the battery-backed motor and Atkinson-cycle engine, and much like the Focus Electric, the automaker’s new MyFord Mobile software will allow users to monitor the C-Max Energi’s charging state while on the go.

Both the C-Max Hybrid and Energi will be built alongside the standard C-Max at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant starting in 2012, with European models being built in Valencia, Spain starting in 2013. Follow the jump for the full details in Ford’s press release, and check out each version of the new C-Max in our high-res galleries below.

Gallery: 2013 Ford C-Max Energi

2013 Ford C-Max Energi2013 Ford C-Max Energi2013 Ford C-Max Energi2013 Ford C-Max Energi2013 Ford C-Max Energi

Gallery: 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid

2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid

[Source: Ford]

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2013 Ford C-Max Energi and C-Max Hybrid offer two options for fuel-sipping MPVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Tata pours $15M into project researching water as fuel

Filed under: Technology, Earnings/Financials, Tata

Ratan Tata has a drink

The lure of extracting hydrogen from water in a somewhat real-time fashion in sufficient quantities to power an automobile has so far been a complete dead-end pursuit. One of the biggest problems is that it takes more energy to release the hydrogen from its water-tight bonds than is actually returned by the resulting hydrogen.

But those basic laws of physics haven’t stopped scientists with well-funded checkbooks from trying. The latest endeavor comes from Daniel Nocera of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is being funded by Indian businessman Ratan Tata, who, among other things, heads the global automaker that bears his name. At this time, the total grant comes in at $15 million.

As intriguing as all of this sounds, it bears mentioning that water-powered cars have repeatedly failed in their missions (see here) of offering nearly free fuel for all.

Take the story of the MDI’s air car. In 2007, Tata signed a deal with MDI to bring the air-powered car to market and the companies said in early 2008 that the car would require nearly two years of work. We have heard little about it since then except a name change to FlowAir and a lot of skepticism that it would ever see the light of day at all. Will Tata’s hydrogen bet fare any better? Thanks to Matteo and Roy B. for the tips!

[Sources: Sify News, ANSA.IT | Image: AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade]

Report: Tata pours $15M into project researching water as fuel originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota recalls fuel massive spike in complaints to NHTSA

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Toyota

Ray LaHood complaints

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration got a wee bit busier this year. As of December 14th, the agency reported that it had received over 64,000 complaints. Edmunds’ calculations, which remove duplicates, pegs the figure at more than 40,000 complaints – thanks in no small part to the spate of massive recalls from Toyota.

In fact, NHTSA reports that it received 87 complaints for every 100,000 vehicles sold by Toyota in 2010, more than double the Japanese automaker’s performance from the previous year and the highest percentage of any company selling cars in the United States.

Not that other automakers fared that much better. Nissan came in with the second highest ratio at 62 complaints per 100,000 vehicles and Volkswagen nabbed third place with 58. The industry average of 47 complaints per 100,000 vehicles was up from fewer than 30 in 2009. For what it’s worth, Ford and Honda had the lowest ratios of complaints, and there was little difference between American and Japanese manufacturers.

These complaints are a good thing, says NHTSA, as the agency can then determine if a customer’s problem is singular or part of a larger issue that affects multiple vehicles, possibly prompting an inspection or safety recall. So don’t quit yer’ complaining!

[Source: LA Times | Image: Alex Wong/Getty Images]

Report: Toyota recalls fuel massive spike in complaints to NHTSA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota recalls fuel massive spike in complaints to NHTSA

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Toyota

Ray LaHood complaints

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration got a wee bit busier this year. As of December 14th, the agency reported that it had received over 64,000 complaints. Edmunds’ calculations, which remove duplicates, pegs the figure at more than 40,000 complaints – thanks in no small part to the spate of massive recalls from Toyota.

In fact, NHTSA reports that it received 87 complaints for every 100,000 vehicles sold by Toyota in 2010, more than double the Japanese automaker’s performance from the previous year and the highest percentage of any company selling cars in the United States.

Not that other automakers fared that much better. Nissan came in with the second highest ratio at 62 complaints per 100,000 vehicles and Volkswagen nabbed third place with 58. The industry average of 47 complaints per 100,000 vehicles was up from fewer than 30 in 2009. For what it’s worth, Ford and Honda had the lowest ratios of complaints, and there was little difference between American and Japanese manufacturers.

These complaints are a good thing, says NHTSA, as the agency can then determine if a customer’s problem is singular or part of a larger issue that affects multiple vehicles, possibly prompting an inspection or safety recall. So don’t quit yer’ complaining!

[Source: LA Times | Image: Alex Wong/Getty Images]

Report: Toyota recalls fuel massive spike in complaints to NHTSA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009-2010 Mazda5 minivans recalled over fuel pump concerns

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Recalls, Mazda

2009 Mazda5

2009 Mazda5 – Click above for high-res image gallery

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a safety recall on certain Mazda5 minivans from the 2009 and 2010 model year.

This recall focuses on the van’s fuel pump, with NHTSA citing that water may not have been completely removed from the pump’s harness connector before vehicle assembly. Thus, the connector pin may corrode, causing the pin to break. If the harness connector breaks, this could lead to an inoperative fuel pump. The Mazda5’s engine could stall, and the inability to restart the engine increases the risk of a crash.

Approximately 16,200 of the Mazda minivans are effected by this problem, and the safety recall is expected to begin on or before December 11th. Dealers will inspect the fuel pump connector and replace the harness free of charge. For the full details, follow the jump to read NHTSA’s official statement.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda5

[Source: NHTSA]

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2009-2010 Mazda5 minivans recalled over fuel pump concerns originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo recalls various 2011 models over fuel cutoff calibration fears

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Volvo

2011 Volvo S60 at the beach

Volvo fuel shutoff recall models – Click above for high-res image gallery

Volvo and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration have announced that the Swedish automaker will recall some 6,046 vehicles from the 2011 model year due to a possible flaw in the engine control module. According to NHTSA, a fuel shut-off parameter in the software is too sensitive, and under certain conditions, the engine may stall. Volvo is concerned that the problem may lead to an accident. A total of four models are covered in the recall, including the 2011 S60 and S80 sedans along with the XC60 and XC70 softroaders.

Volvo is scheduled to begin the recall on or before December 10, and owners will have their vehicle’s software updated free of charge to fix the problem. Concerned drivers may contact Volvo directly at 1.800.458.1552 or at customercare@volvoforlife.com.

Gallery: Volvo Fuel Cut-Off Recall

[Source: NHTSA]

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Volvo recalls various 2011 models over fuel cutoff calibration fears originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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