Scion teases iM Concept

Scion has released several teaser images for its mysterious iM Concept, which will be formally unveiled next month in Los Angeles.

The iM Concept car reflects the evolution of Scion as the needs and desires of its youthful customers also evolve,” the company said in a statement, without elaborating.

Find the Right Brakes For Your Vehicle.

The teasers simply show a few zoomed-in shots of the “distinctively sporty” front end, including the headlights and LED fog-lights. The model has a low ride height, while two-piece brake rotors can be seen behind black wheels with low-profile tires.

The angular grille and proximity of the front door to the wheel well are somewhat similar to Toyota’s Corolla-based Auris hatchback, which competes against the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf in Europe.

The model likely represents the first new entry as the struggling brand begins a significant restructuring of its entire lineup. Aside from the Scion-badged Auris, the range is also expected to add a four-door sedan version of the 2016 Mazda2 and potentially a small crossover.

Questions surrounding the iM Concept will be answered on November 19.

List of 7.8 million vehicles involved in the Takata airbag recalls

October 22, 2014 – 6:50 am ET

Owners of the following vehicles are being urged to act immediately on recalls involving potentially defective airbags made by Takata, according to a corrected list distributed late Tuesday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

BMW: 627,615 vehicles

2000-05 3-series sedan

2000-06 3-series coupe

2000-05 3-series sports wagon

2000-06 3-series convertible

2001-06 M3 coupe

2001-06 M3 convertible

Chrysler: 371,309 vehicles

2003-08 Dodge Ram 1500

2005-08 Dodge Ram 2500

2006-08 Dodge Ram 3500

2006-08 Dodge Ram 4500

2008 Dodge Ram 5500

2005-08 Dodge Durango

2005-08 Dodge Dakota

2005-08 Chrysler 300

2007-08 Chrysler Aspen

Ford: 58,669 vehicles

2004 Ranger

2005-06 GT

2005-07 Mustang

General Motors: Undetermined total number vehicles

2003-05 Pontiac Vibe

2005 Saab 9-2X

Honda: 5,051,364 vehicles

2001-07 Honda Accord)

2001-02 Honda Accord

2001-05 Honda Civic

2002-06 Honda CR-V

2003-11 Honda Element

2002-04 Honda Odyssey

2003-07 Honda Pilot

2006 Honda Ridgeline

2003-06 Acura MDX

2002-03 Acura TL/CL

2005 Acura RL

Mazda: 64,872 vehicles

2003-07 Mazda6

2006-07 MazdaSpeed6

2004-08 Mazda RX-8

2004-05 MPV

2004 B-series truck

Mitsubishi: 11,985 vehicles

2004-05 Lancer

2006-07 Raider

Nissan: 694,626 vehicles

2001-03 Nissan Maxima

2001-04 Nissan Pathfinder

2002-04 Nissan Sentra

2001-04 Infiniti I30/I35

2002-03 Infiniti QX4

2003-05 Infiniti FX35/FX45

Subaru: 17,516 vehicles

2003-05 Baja

2003-05 Legacy

2003-05 Outback

2003-05 Baja

2004-05 Impreza

Toyota: 877,000 vehicles

2002-05 Lexus SC

2002-05 Toyota Corolla

2003-05 Toyota Corolla Matrix

2002-05 Toyota Sequoia

2003-05 Toyota Tundra

 

Volkswagen Amarok-R

 Volkswagen has announced another vehicle that will be delighting the brand’s fans at this week’s Wörthersee festival in Austria. The Amarok R-Style is a performance version of the pickup that VW seemingly sells all over the world… except the US and Canada, of course.

The truck is powered by a 3.0-liter TDI V6 making 272 horsepower and a stout 442 pound-feet of torque. That engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic, and the pair are reportedly good for helping the truck reach 62 miles per hour in 7.9 seconds. While a 20-year-old GMC Cyclone pickup would laugh that figure off as cute, the Amarok R-Style at least looks the part of a performance truck with 22-inch wheels bursting out of fenders widened by 2.36 inches on either side. There’s also a carbon fiber diffuser out back, side sill extensions and bigger air intakes up front. Oh, and two chromed tailpipes for good measure.

Inside, the Amarok R-Style apes the GTI with a black, white and red color scheme on its surfaces and deeply bolstered sport seats. A new steering wheel, eight-inch touchscreen, subwoofer and carbon fiber dashboard round out the other extra upgrades.

Volkswagen to Build Cars in Malaysia, will Start with the Passat from 2011

The Volkswagen Group on Tuesday signed an agreement with Malaysia’s DRB Hicom auto group for local vehicle assembly as the Wolfsburg-based automaker seeks to expand its operations in Southeast Asia under the Strategy 2018 growth program. The announcement came after VW abandoned alliance talks with Malaysian state-owned carmaker Proton earlier this year for undisclosed reasons.

The one billion ringgit ($318 million) deal with DRB Hicom will see VW beginning the assembly of Passat models from the end of 2011 with an initial annual capacity of “several thousand vehicles.” The German carmaker said it plans to build further models for the Malaysian market on the basis of a local full scale production in a second expansion phase from the end of 2012.

“Developing the market potential of the ASEAN region is of major significance for the Volkswagen Group’s long-term growth strategy,” said Christian Klingler, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG. “We will be using existing structures and capacities at the DRB Hicom plant in Pekan to systematically extend our presence in the Malaysian market of the future.”

The Malaysian joint venture will be Volkswagen’s second in the Asean region, as the German company set up assembly operations in Indonesia for the production of the Touran in 2009

Carlsson Does the New 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS Sports Saloon

The new CLS won’t be arriving in Mercedes-Benz dealerships before the end of January 2011, yet German tuning firm Carlsson has already unveiled its performance and styling program for the second generation of the banana-shaped sports saloon.

The German tuner revamps the Mercedes model’s exterior with a comprehensive aerodynamics package comprising of a restyled front bumper that incorporates a lip spoiler and LED fog lights, side skirts, a rear apron with a built in diffuser and space for the new rectangular-shape tail pipes, and a boot lid spoiler.

The side air outlets, revised grille and the new bonnet with power domes are also part of the package, which can be complemented by a choice of alloy wheel designs.

For the interior, Carlsson’s menu includes an Alcantara sports steering wheel, pedals and foot rest made of brushed aluminium, plus unique floor mats featuring the firm’s logo with a matching boot cover.

The tuning house offers performance upgrades for the CLS 350 CGI petrol and 350 CDI V6 diesel models. With the CK35 kit, the V6 petrol engine‘s output is lifted from 306HP and 370Nm to 333HP and 410Nm. As a result, the car’s 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time drops from 6.1 seconds to 5.9 seconds.

Thanks to the firm’s C-Tronic DIESEL POWER electronic tune, the 350 CDI produces 320HP and 780Nm of peak torque, up from the stock model’s 265HP and 650Nm. This allows the diesel-powered to go from 0 to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds instead of the standard 6.2 seconds.

Other performance features include Carlsson’s patented C-Tronic Suspension system that can lower the vehicle’s ride height by up to 30 mm, as well as constantly adjust the spring travel depending on the road conditions.

Hyundai, VW top insurance industry safe car list

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — South Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia and German car maker Volkswagen lead the insurance industry’s annual list of the safest new vehicles, used by safety-minded consumers looking to buy a new car.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recognized 66 vehicles on Wednesday with its “top safety pick award” for the 2011 model year, the most-ever awarded by the Virginia-based group. The number was more than double the 27 vehicles selected last year.

Hyundai Motor Corp. and its affiliate Kia Motors Corp., and Volkswagen AG and its Audi brand received the most awards with nine, followed by eight awards apiece by General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. The awards, used in advertising to attract car buyers, bolster Hyundai and Volkswagen as they attempt to build a larger foothold in the United States.

Hyundai’s Genesis sedan, Sonata midsize and Santa Fe and Tucson sport utility vehicles picked up awards, while Kia was recognized for the Optima midsize car, the Forte and Soul small cars, and the Sorento and Sportage SUVs. Volkswagen won plaudits for the Jetta and Jetta SportWagen, the Golf and GTI small cars and the Touareg and Tiguan SUVs. Audi’s A3 and A4 sedans and Q5 SUV also made the list.

Subaru and Chrysler received five awards apiece while Volvo and Mercedes had four. Subaru was the only automaker to win awards in every vehicle category in which it competes. Nissan and Honda had two awards each and Mitsubishi and BMW had one.

Hyundai said the award was particularly sweet for the Sonata, which also received the top score of five stars in the government’s crash test program. The combination put Sonata “in a safety position unsurpassed in the industry,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America.

Mark Barnes, Volkswagen of America’s chief operating officer, said the recognition for VW was a “testament to our commitment to engineering safe vehicles.”

GM’s winners include the Chevrolet Malibu, Cruze and Equinox; Cadillac CTS and SRX; Buick LaCrosse and Regal and GMC Terrain. Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing, said the award would build on “the already strong global safety reputation of the Cruze.”

Ford’s picks include the Ford Taurus, Fusion, Fiesta, Explorer and Flex; and the Lincoln MKS, MKZ and MKT. Ford vice president Sue Cischke said the Explorer, which arrived at dealer showrooms earlier this month, offered a good example of the company’s safety improvements, including inflatable seat belts and technology that helps a driver maintain control of the vehicle along tough curves.

Toyota, which has grappled with several high-profile recalls during the past year, scored with the Toyota Avalon, Corolla, Sienna, Highlander and Venza; the Lexus RX; and the Scion tC and xB. Toyota said its eight safety picks were “reflective of our ongoing commitment to developing safe and reliable vehicles for our customers.”

The vehicles were chosen for protection in front, side and rear crash tests. To qualify for the award, the insurance industry group also requires the vehicles to have anti-rollover electronic stability control, or ESC, and receive top scores in roof strength tests.

Institute president Adrian Lund credited automakers for “quickly rising to meet the more-challenging criteria for `Top Safety Pick.'” He said several automakers have requested tests for new models coming out early next year and Lund predicted more winners would be added.

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: http://www.iihs.org

Lamborghini to celebrate Italy with Tricolore edition Gallardo?

Two weeks ago reports began to surface that Lamborghini could be preparing to launch a new two-tone Bicolore edition of the Gallardo at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show. But since the pace of the automotive industry is unrelenting, this week’s reports indicate that a Tricolore edition could be in the works, too.

So… a two-tone special followed by a three-tone one? We must have lost something in the translation here. And we almost did. Word has it that the second special-edition Gallardo will not be a three-tone model, but a Tricolore in the sense of the Italian flag. The country, you see, is preparing to celebrate 150 years of unification, a national milestone which Lamborghini very well might celebrate with a commemorative patriotic edition featuring the red, white and green.

Then again, it could just be a three-tone paint job. We’ll have to wait and see, with sources tipping the Tricolore edition’s launch to take place in Geneva in March.

BYD to sell electric crossover in the U.S by 2011

When Chinese automaker BYD‘s E6 electric crossover hit the stage at the Detroit Auto Show in January, the ambitious automaker announced that the vehicle’s production schedule was on track and that U.S. deliveries would get underway by the end of the year. Well, plans frequently change and BYD’s dreams of delivering the E6 to American buyers by the end of 2010 isn’t going to happen. Even though the E6 has been delayed, there appears to be some indication that the automaker could launch the electric crossover in the U.S. in 2011.

The Wall Street Journal prodded Stella Li, BYD’s senior vice president and head of U.S. operations, for info on the E6’s delay and reports that:

The holdup was caused by BYD’s efforts to make the car roomier, especially its rear-seat area that was cramped thanks to a beefy battery pack that needs to be stored under the seat.

Li provided the WSJ with an updated launch schedule, telling the news outlet that 50 E6 electric cars – all destined for fleet duty – should hit U.S. turf sometime in 2011. Furthermore, Li declared that private buyers interested in the E6 will get a crack at owning one in 2012. We’re not going to take bets that BYD’s plans won’t get derailed again.

Hyundai Drops Pricing on New Sonata Hybrid, Starts from $26,545

Hyundai’s all-new 2011 Sonata Hybrid sedan will carry a starting price of $25,795 plus a $750 fee for freight charges for a total of $26,545 when it arrives in the firm’s dealerships in early January. The most fuel efficient version of the South Korean maker’s mid-size sedan will comes in just two flavors, with the next version being the tech-feature-packed Premium model priced at $30,795, or $31,545 if you add the freight charge.

Both variants deliver 40-mpg on the highway and 35 mpg in the city, with a 37 mpg combined rating from the EPA. Hyundai’s first hybrid in the States features a proprietary parallel hybrid drive system, which utilizes a 169HP 2.4-liter Theta II (operating on an Atkinson Cycle) linked to a 6-speed automatic transmission, a 30kW (151 lb-ft) electric motor and a lithium polymer batteries.

Its two propulsion units produce a combined output of 209 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and 195 lb-ft of torque.

“[The] Sonata Hybrid offers something new to the mid-size sedan segment, with its segment-leading 40-mpg highway fuel economy rating, differentiated appearance, and incredible value,” said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America president and CEO. “Like the 2.4L direct-injected Sonata and the 2.0L Sonata Turbo launched earlier this year, Sonata Hybrid demonstrates Hyundai’s unique approach melding innovative technologies and emotional design into products more and more people want to put in their driveways.”

Both versions of the Sonata Hybrid come equipped with LED lights, audio system, power windows, locks and mirrors, and alloy wheels as standard. For more details on each models features check out the list below.

 

SONATA HYBRID KEY FEATURES

• 2.4L Atkinson Cycle 4-cylinder hybrid engine
• Hybrid starter-generator (HSG)
• Permanent magnet high-power density motor
• 270V lithium polymer battery
• 6-speed automatic transmission
• Electronic stability control with traction control system
• ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist
• Front active head restraints
• Front, front seat side and curtain airbags
• 16-inch Eco-spoke alloy wheels
• Headlight LED accents
• LED taillights
• Front fog lights
• Side mirror-mounted turn signal indicators
• Unique, tinted chrome front grille
• Bodyside molding tinted chrome inserts
• Chrome window belt-line moldings
• Chrome exterior door handles
• Proximity entry with push-button start
• Remote keyless entry, alarm and immobilizer
• Electroluminescent instrument cluster (Supervision)
• 4.2-inch TFT multi-function trip computer with hybrid technology display
• Dual automatic temperature control
• Floor console mounted rear vents
• Power driver seat with lumbar support
• Chrome interior door handles
• Leatherette interior door panel inserts
• Tilt & telescopic steering wheel with cruise and audio controls
• Metalgrain interior accents
• AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 with iPod/USB & Aux input jacks
• Power windows, locks, heated mirrors
• Integrated Bluetooth with phonebook transfer
• Automatic light control
• Solar control glass

SONATA HYBRID PREMIUM PACKAGE ADDS THESE FEATURES

• Panoramic sunroof with tilt & slide
• 17-inch Eco-spoke alloy wheels with unique finish
• Navigation system with high-resolution touch-screen display
• Rear backup camera
• Infinity premium speakers, subwoofer/external amplifier (400-watt)
• HD Radio Technology with multicasting
• Leather seating surfaces with heated front seats and rear seat bottom cushions
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel & shift knob
• Auto-dimming mirror / HomeLink / compass
• Premium door sill plates
• Glossy black door surround and outside mirror housing

New Lexus CT-200h Hybrid Priced from $29,995 in the U.S.

Lexus has dropped pricing details for its all-new CT-200h ahead of the hybrid model’s U.S. market launch in early March. The five-door model will be priced from $29,120, plus $875 for delivery, processing and handling, which comes out to a total of $29,995 [about €22,450] making it the least expensive car in the Lexus lineup in the U.S.

“For just $1,000 more than the cost of a non-luxury hybrid, buyers can indulge in a CT 200h with our proven Lexus Hybrid Drive technology,” said Mark Templin, group vice president and general manager, Lexus Division. “Lexus hybrids currently make up 90 percent of all luxury hybrid sales in the U.S., so you can imagine how excited we are to continue our leadership in this market with the CT 200h.”

The fifth hybrid model in the Lexus lineup makes use of a 1.8-liter gasoline engine that works in conjunction with an electric motor, a battery and a generator. The system has a combined total output of 134 hp (100 kW) and allows the CT 200h to accelerate from 0-60 mph [96 km/h] in 9.8 seconds. According to the manufacturer, the hybrid model has EPA-estimated ratings of 43 mpg city and 40 mpg on the highway utilizing regular 87-octane gasoline.

Standard features on all CT 200h’s include SmartAccess with push-button Start/Stop and touch sensors on exterior front-door handles; leather steering wheel; a six-speaker, audio system with a CD player, and Bluetooth; integrated satellite radio receiver (with a complimentary 90-day trial subscription); USB/iPod connectivity; 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels; and dual zone automatic climate control. The CT 200h is also equipped with a standard eight-airbag Supplemental Restraint System.

Optional features will include a sixth-generation navigation system with a backup camera, a moonroof, heated seats, and a Premium Audio Package, which includes the Lexus premium audio system with 10-speakers and six-disc CD changer, HomeLink and electrochromic rearview mirror with compass.