Report: Continental recalling nearly 400,000 tires used on Ford F-Series pickups

Filed under: Truck, Recalls, Ford

2008 Ford F-250

Due to some apparently shoddy rubber, Continental and Ford are recalling 2008-2009 F-250 and F-350 pickup trucks equipped with certain tires. The issue lies with nearly 400,000 Continental tires that are susceptible to uneven wear and, in certain situations, can experience tread belt separation. If that occurs, the risk of an accident will rise substantially.

This recall affects trucks built from May 6th, 2007 through September 20th, 2008. Approximately 390,657 units are faulty and the specific tires in question are:

  • Continental Contitrac LT275/70R18 125/122S (outline white letters, black sidewall)
  • Continental Contitrac TR BSW LT275/70R18 125/122S (black sidewall)
  • Continental Contitrac TR OWL LT275/70R18 125/122S

Click past the jump to read the full NHTSA bulletin. And yes, we clearly are all reminded that this isn’t the first foray Ford has had with not-so-great tires…

[Source: NHTSA via Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Report: Continental recalling nearly 400,000 tires used on Ford F-Series pickups

Report: Continental recalling nearly 400,000 tires used on Ford F-Series pickups originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series caught working out in the cold

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series spy shots

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series spy shots – Click above for high-res image gallery

Hold on to your hats, folks. As if the current 451-horsepower Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG weren’t hardcore enough, the folks in Stuttgart are working on an even hotter Black Series version of Merc’s BMW M3 killer.

The bulgier fender flares you see here won’t be the only visual upgrades – our spies tell us that a new front spoiler will be on deck, as well as a revised rear diffuser with some Formula One-inspired cues. This development car still uses the old front fascia not found on the new-for-2012 car, but we’ll probably see the updated headlamps and LED running lights as part of the new package.

The automaker’s 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 will still be the powerplant of choice, current intelligence reports suggest we can expect about 510 horsepower on tap – 29 more ponies than the already-potent C63 with the P31 Development Package. That grunt runs through Mercedes-Benz’s seven-speed AMG Speedshift transmission, and even with the added Black Series bits, we’d expect that a few pounds have been shaved off of the AMG’s curb weight.

Our spies even suggest that a C63 AMG Black Series Coupe is in the works, and it will bow shortly after the sedan’s official debut. Consider that a proper successor to the shockingly great CLK63 AMG Black Series that debuted in 2007.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series: Spy Shots

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series spy shotsMercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series spy shotsMercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series spy shotsMercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series spy shotsMercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series spy shots

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series caught working out in the cold originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Isle of Man considering TT World Series

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Motorcycle

Isle of Man TT The Isle of Man TT Races could become an international series as soon as 2014, according to the British island’s government. The Isle of Man’s Department of Economic Development is considering expanding its most-recognized brand into a multi-national racing series.

The idea here is to expand the global profile of the island itself, and build a revenue stream for racers and the Isle of Man alike. Right now the idea is in its infancy, and it remains to be seen whether the the Isle of Man will go through with it.

Details like where additional races would be held are yet to be worked out. Expansion of the TT, which started in 1907, is certainly an exiting thought, so we’ll keep our fingers crossed.

[Source: AllAboutBikes]

Isle of Man considering TT World Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Mar 2011 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #221: Cadillac XTS, 2012 BMW 6 Series and Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet

Filed under: Podcasts, BMW, Cadillac, Chrysler, Jaguar, Lexus, Nissan

Autoblog podcast logo

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Autoblog Podcast #221 is here, and the two Chrises, Zach and Dan chat about the 2012 BMW 6 Series, whether or not the Cadillac XTS has a shot, and debate whether or not the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet is hot, or a hot mess. Questions and feedback wrap it up, and it’s an hour and twenty three minutes of fun this week. Thanks for listening, we’ll see you next week!

Autoblog Podcast #221: Cadillac XTS, 2012 BMW 6 Series and Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet

  • 2012 BMW 6 Series
  • Murano CrossCabriolet First Drive
  • Cadillac XTS

In the Autoblog Garage:

  • 2011 Lexus IS 350 AWD
  • 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible
  • 2011 Jaguar XFR
  • 2011 Lexus CT200h

Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert Zach Bowman

Runtime: 01:23:26


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Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

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Autoblog Podcast #221: Cadillac XTS, 2012 BMW 6 Series and Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW confirms New Energy Vehicle, an electric 5 Series for China

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, China, BMW, Shanghai Motor Show, Electric, Luxury

2010 BMW ActiveHybrid5 Concept

2010 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

The Chinese will get their very own plug-in hybrid BMW at next month’s Shanghai Motor Show when BMW debuts the 2011 5 Series New Energy Vehicle. According to BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer, the car – based on the long-wheelbase 5 Series – is aimed specifically at the Chinese market.

There wasn’t much else to be had from BMW about the New Energy Vehicle, except that it probably won’t hit North American shores. It may, however, loan some of its technology to the ActiveHybrid 5, which BMW showed off as a concept last year. So far, we’re still waiting on the production version of that car, which uses a more traditional gasoline-electric hybrid set up.

Gallery: Geneva 2010: BMW 5 Series Active Hybrid Concept

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Motor Authority]

BMW confirms New Energy Vehicle, an electric 5 Series for China originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: 2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe [w/video]

Filed under: Coupe, BMW

2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe

Pics Aplenty: 2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe – Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe has officially come out of hiding. We’ve given you some of the details on the redesigned two-door, and now we have an onslaught of photos for you to look through. The redesigned shark-skinned coupe, powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8, can be seen in all of its high-res glory in the gallery below.

As if that weren’t enough, we also have B-Roll footage of the 400-horsepower 2012 650i in action pasted after the break. So what are you waiting for? Time to stop reading and start clicking, because this mega-gallery has over 120 photos for you to scroll through. Enjoy!

Gallery: 2012 BMW 6 Series coupe

2012 BMW 6 Series coupe

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: 2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe [w/video]

Pics Aplenty: 2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BMW’s new 6 Series Coupe hits the road

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, BMW, Luxury

2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe

2012 BMW 650i Coupe – Click above to watch the video after the jump

Following closely on the heels of the official images-and-press-blast debut of the 2012 BMW 650i, BMW has let loose video footage of its next big coupe.

Having lost the squared-off decklid of the last 6 Series, the 2012 650i is sleeker and more aggressively styled than the last generation. In motion, the coupe looks silky smooth, but ready to pounce thanks to its 400-horsepower twin-turbo V8.

As pretty as this thing is, it’s hard not to start squirreling your pennies away for this thing’s Stateside launch. Pricing for the 650i is still a mystery, but we expect it will be pretty dear. Click past the jump to see BMW’s new grand tourer in motion.

Gallery: 2012 BMW 6 Series coupe

2012 BMW 6 Series coupe

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Video: BMW’s new 6 Series Coupe hits the road

Video: BMW’s new 6 Series Coupe hits the road originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This is your 2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe, America

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW, Luxury

2012 bmw 6 series coupe

2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe – Click above for high-res image gallery

The shark has finally surfaced – the 2012 BMW 6 Series coupe has officially arrived. Its lines are tighter, its bite is more potent and it’s heading to your local BMW dealership sometime this fall. Under the hood sits the same 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that our man Chris Paukert sampled in the convertible. It produces 400 horsepower between 5,500 rpm and 6,400 rpm, and a stout 450 pound-feet of torque from 1,750 rpm up through 4,500 rpm.

That power is managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission, which can be controlled manually via a pair of paddle-shifters. Should you prefer to row your own gears in the more traditional manner, a six-speed manual gearbox will also be offered. The engine and both transmission options help propel the car from 0-60 miles per hour in just 4.8 seconds and on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph.

In the cabin, the 2012 6 Series Coupe is filled with BMW’s latest gadgetry. A 10.2-inch high-definition screen serves as the nexus of visual information. This modern Sixer boasts available Lane Departure Warning, Active Blind Spot detection, Rear and Top View Cameras, a Parking Assistant and a three-dimensional heads-up display.

This is all just the tip of the iceberg for the 2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe. Don’t break out the checkbook just yet, because pricing hasn’t been announced. For now, check out the updated two-door in the gallery below. Also, be sure to click past the jump to dive into the full press release.

Gallery: 2012 BMW 6 Series coupe

2012 BMW 6 Series coupe

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading This is your 2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe, America

This is your 2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe, America originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe configurator goes live, causes momentary consideration of kidney sale

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, BMW

bmw 1 series m

The 2011 BMW 1M is a highly anticipated two-door said to be created to remind drivers of the 1988 M3. Though it weighs nearly 400 pounds more than the E30 M3, the new 1M does get 340 horsepower courtesy of a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six. If those numbers are intriguing, you may want to head to BMW and see how much it will cost you to own one.

We tested out the configurator for ourselves, and our Alpine White 1M is going to add $53,735 to our AmEx balance. The wife may throw a fit, but we’ll probably never see her again anyway… Time to start writing from the road. Thanks for the tip, Luis!

Gallery: 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe: Detroit 2011

2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Jeremy Korzeniewski / AOL

[Source: BMW]

2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe configurator goes live, causes momentary consideration of kidney sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New SPEED series replicates Smokey and the Bandit beer run tonight

Filed under: Etc., Videos

American Truckers does the Smokey and the Bandit beer run – Click above to watch video after the jump

SPEED is looking to revamp its program lineup as it enters its 15th year on the air. One of the programs that’s set to hit televisions is called American Truckers. Hosted by Rob Mariani, the series looks at iconic rigs, amazing routes and the people who make up the industry. To kick off the series, the crew of American Truckers has decided to get down to business and re-create a route with which most of your are familiar: the epic 1,800-mile beer run from Smokey and the Bandit.

The first and most important part of the journey (besides the beer, of course) is making sure they have the right vehicles. Bud Brutsman, producer of American Truckers, Rides, Overhaulin’ (the list goes on…), and his crew acquired a 1974 Kenworth W900 Snowman tribute truck. Year One stepped up to the plate and handed over the keys to a resto-mod 1978 Pontiac Trans-Am. The Bandit car is packing a 605-horsepower LS7 engine with a five-speed transmission, Baer six-piston calipers on 14-inch front and rear rotors and a roll-cage with a five-point racing harness.

Vehicles in order, the team set out on their journey from Atlanta with their sights set on Texarkana. How’d they fare? Read on to find out…

Gallery: Year One Pontiac Trans-Am Ban III resto-mod

[Source: Speed | Image: Year One]

Continue reading New SPEED series replicates Smokey and the Bandit beer run tonight

New SPEED series replicates Smokey and the Bandit beer run tonight originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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