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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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First Ride: 2011 Harley-Davidson CVO models

Filed under: Motorcycle, Reviews

Appealing to the Senses, Not the Sensibilities

2011 Harley-Davidson CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide

2011 Harley-Davidson CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide – Click above for high-res image gallery

Harley-Davidson isn’t exactly known for innovation. While the majority of players in the motorcycle world tend to push the envelope of performance and technology, The Motor Company has historically taken a different approach to its lineup of heavyweight motorcycles. In place of traction control and electronically adjustable suspension setups, H-D focuses on chrome, paint, tradition and… more chrome.

Nowhere is that strategy more evident than the yearly crop of models from its Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) unit, which has proven to be a rather successful way to entice buyers into its highest priced wares. As such, we shouldn’t expect any major adjustments to the basic way of thinking that’s proven itself time and time again from the brain-trust in Milwaukee.

That said, there are some meaningful updates for the 2011 model year that we were interested in seeing and hearing, so we saddled ourselves up on each of the four new CVO bikes in beautiful Lake Tahoe for some good ol’ fashioned riding impressions. Kick back, throw on your very best leather chaps and read on, Harley fans.

Gallery: 2011 Harley-Davidson CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide

2011 Harley-Davidson CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide

Continue reading First Ride: 2011 Harley-Davidson CVO models

First Ride: 2011 Harley-Davidson CVO models originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: 8.4M recalled Ford models still on the road without fixes

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Ford

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, there are around 8.4 million recalled Ford vehicles on the road right now that have never been serviced for a potential fire risk. The vehicles are the remainder of a 14 million-unit recall that covered 1993-2003 F-Series pickups, 1995-2003 Windstars, 1995-2002 Explorers and 1995-2003 Rangers that were built with faulty cruise control units. The units could leak onto the vehicles’ anti-lock brake system and cause a fire even if the vehicle is off.

Ford says that it has done its best to notify owners of the problem multiple times and NHTSA agrees that the company’s efforts have been adequate. Unfortunately, many of the current owners may have bought the recalled vehicles used and thus may not even know that there’s a potential problem.

The recall is the largest in the history of the automotive industry, so it should come as no surprise that there are still some loose ends to be tied up. Owners can search to see if there are outstanding recalls on their vehicles at the NHTSA website. If that’s the case, NHTSA urges owners to take their vehicle to the dealer as soon as possible.

[Source: Automotive News]

Report: 8.4M recalled Ford models still on the road without fixes originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Oct 2010 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wiesmann upgrades all V10 models to twin-turbo V8

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, MISC

Wiesmann Coupe prototype

Spy Shots: Wiesmann prototype out for a spin – Click above for high-res image gallery

Wiesmann was in a bit of a pickle when BMW announced it was no longer producing its V10. In addition to the M5 and M6, the high-revving 10 was used to power the Roadster MF5 and GT MF5 and we assumed Wiesmann would make the switch to the new 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. We were right. What we didn’t guess is that it would be sticking the new mill under the hoods of both the Roadster MF4 and GT MF4. The Wiesmann MF3 will retain its 343 horsepower six-cylinder engine.

No word yet on how much power the twin-turbo will produce when utilized with the MF4, but when stuffed into the engine bay of the MF5 it’s set to produce 555 horsepower, allowing it to run from 0-60 mph in less than four seconds, hit a top speed of 193 mph and become the most powerful Wiesmann ever produced.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Wiesmann Coupe

[Source: Wiesmann]

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Wiesmann upgrades all V10 models to twin-turbo V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz prices new biturbo V8 models

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG – Click above for high-res image gallery

Ready to experience the thrill of a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 that produces 536 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque? Unfortunately, that kind of excitement doesn’t come cheap. Mercedes-Benz has announced pricing for its upcoming 2011 CL63 AMG coupe and S63 AMG sedan. The two-door starts at $151,125 and the four-door will set you back at least $138,875. Both are available with the optional AMG Performance Package, which ups the power output to 563 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. A little lower on the power pole sits the restyled 2011 CL550 4MATIC, which starts at $114,025, and is motivated by a 4.6-liter V8 which produces 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.

The 4.6-liter unit is 20 percent smaller, in terms of displacement, than the engine it replaces, yet produces 12 percent more horsepower, 32 percent more torque and improves fuel economy by 10 percent. The AMG mill also sees considerable gains in power, and thanks to direct-injection and the use of start/stop technology it sees a 20 percent rise in fuel economy.

Gallery: Paris 2010: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz prices new biturbo V8 models

Mercedes-Benz prices new biturbo V8 models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: More speculation bubbles up around Mini Moke/Beachcomber/Canyon Coupe models

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Crossover, Mini, Rumormill

Mini Beachcomber concept car

Mini Beachcomber concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember back in the day when BMW revived the Mini and there was just one version? That was the three-door hatchback, but was also a long time ago in product lifecycle terms. These days, the Mini franchise has expanded to include a convertible, the Clubman and the Countryman crossover. There are diesel, gasoline, supercharged and JCW versions of each, and there are more yet on their way: never mind the Mini E or the electric scooter concept unveiled in Paris (let alone the WRC rally version). In the cards are said to be coupe and seven-seat versions of the Countryman, along with production versions of the Speedster and Coupe models unveiled last year in Frankfurt.

Engine choices and one-offs aside, that’s already eight body-styles off one little car. But that ain’t even the end of it. Not according to reports from Mini’s homeland of jolly old England.

Britain’s Autocar magazine reports that BMW is working on two parallel programs to put a Jeep Wrangler or Honda Element-style crossover into the mix as well. One program apparently calls for a high-riding three-door model tentatively known as the Canyon Coupe, a model that revives the old Mini Moke beach car bodystyle. The other is closer to the above-pictured Beachcomber Concept unveiled nearly a year ago, and while doors would be added, so might removable roof panels, frameless doors and a wind-down rear window to give a real open-air experience.

Only one will be given the green light (if at all), but either would offer the All4 all-wheel drive system and a pillarless frame that would allow easier access, as well as a proper four-door version of the next-gen Clubman, addressing criticism that the single rear suicide door on the current model doesn’t work well for right-hand drive markets (like Mini’s own domestic market in the UK).

Gallery: Mini Beachcomber concept

[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: More speculation bubbles up around Mini Moke/Beachcomber/Canyon Coupe models originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coda EV models to be available through Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Technology, Electric

All-Electric Coda Sedan

All-Electric Coda Sedan – Click above for high-res image gallery

Want to drive an electric car but not ready to spend the money to own one? EV manufacturer Coda has the perfect solution for you. Coda has teamed up with Enterprise Rent-A-Car to place its all-electric sedan into the rental car company’s fleet. The plan is to introduce about 100 sedans across various Enterprise locations throughout 2011.

The Coda Sedan is the company’s first vehicle and it will be launched in the coming months. It’s a five-passenger sedan with a full-size trunk and a cruising range of between 90 and 120 miles per charge. Coda is utilizing a 6.6 kW on-board charging system which requires six hours for a full charge, however, the system can provide a 40-mile cruising range with just a two hour charging period.

In addition to the Coda Sedan models entering the Enterprise rental fleet, the rental company will serve as a loaner car system for Coda owners. If a Coda vehicle requires service, an Enterprise rental car will be made available during the time the owner’s Coda vehicle is in the shop. Read more in the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: All-Electric Coda Sedan

All-Electric Coda Sedan

[Source: Coda]

Continue reading Coda EV models to be available through Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Coda EV models to be available through Enterprise Rent-A-Car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin recalls 2007-2008 V8 Vantage, DBS, DB9 models over suspension fear

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Recalls, Aston Martin, Luxury

2008 Aston Martin DBS

2008 Aston Martin DBS – Click above for high-res image gallery

The National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration has issued a recall for select Aston Martins. If you own a V8 Vantage, DB9 or DBS produced during the 2007 and 2008 model years, you should head on in to your local dealership. A cam bolt in the front bottom suspension arm could crack, allowing the lower control arm to move about in ways it shouldn’t.

As always, dealers will replace the bolt free of charge. The recall is scheduled to begin on or before October 18th, 2010 and is said to potentially affect 1,090 vehicles.

Gallery: 2008 Aston Martin DBS

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Aston Martin recalls 2007-2008 V8 Vantage, DBS, DB9 models over suspension fear

Aston Martin recalls 2007-2008 V8 Vantage, DBS, DB9 models over suspension fear originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buick dealers reportedly clamoring for more Regal models amidst strong early sales

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Buick, GM

2011 Buick Regal

2011 Buick Regal – Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Regal is Buick’s latest attempt at reinventing its own brand image. Apparently, the plan is working even better than Buick thought it might – dealers are asking for more. In fact, in their monthly re-orders, dealers are asking for twice as many cars as General Motors can actually provide.

Currently, the Regal is built in GM’s Russelsheim, Germany plant and production has just begun on the 2.0-liter turbocharged model (read: not the higher-output GS that will arrive sometime next year). Production of North American Regals will soon be shifted to The General’s Oshawa, Ontario facility.

Buick has already sold nearly 4,000 Regals through August of 2010. The Chinese bought about 80,000 examples in 2009 and 150,000 Vauxhall/Opel versions have found homes in European driveways year-to-date in 2010. It’s clear that people around the world like this car, ourselves included, and the addition of the 2.0T should only further the car’s success. As for us, we’re eagerly anticipating the final addition to the Regal line, the GS.

Gallery: Third Drive: 2011 Buick Regal

[Source: Ward’s Auto]

Buick dealers reportedly clamoring for more Regal models amidst strong early sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Mulally says Ford may pare global lineup to just 20 models

Filed under: Ford

Ford Mondeo

When Alan Mulally took charge of Ford four years ago, the Blue Oval had nearly 100 models. There are fewer than half that now, and the CEO wants to trim the number down to “less than 30, on our way to 20 to 25.” His goal of simplification appears to be driven by the desire to cut costs for everyone – distributors, suppliers, dealerships, as well as Ford itself. That will not only help the brand in the present as it makes do in lean times, but can compound the rewards when markets – especially in Asia – go nuts again.

Mulally says the returns can be put into research and development, along with engineering for the remaining models. To put this in perspective, on Ford’s U.S. site alone, there are 18 vehicles, not including the soon-to-die Explorer Sport Trac, which of course leaves out cars like the Falcon, Territory, Kuga and S-Max, among others. So the natural question is: Which vehicles would or should get the axe?

[Source: Bloomberg]

Report: Mulally says Ford may pare global lineup to just 20 models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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