People who own a 2005 through 2007 Chevrolet Corvette with a removable roof or 2006 to 2007 Corvette Z06 have to contact their dealer now. General Motors is recalling these vehicle models due to possible roof panel problem. Seems like the adhesive attaching the roof panel to the vehicle’s frame has been failing causing these parts to separate. When partial separation happens, the driver may notice symptoms like snapping noise when driving over bumps, poor roof panel fit, wind noise, water leak in the headliner, and roof panel movement or bounce when the door or hatch is closed.
If there is a complete separation, it is possible that the roof panel will be detached from the vehicle and if it happens while the vehicle is running, it can hit a following vehicle and cause injury or fatality and/or property damage.
As remedy, Chevy Corvette dealers will install a newly designed roof panel free of charge. This recall is expected to begin in January 2010.
Info Source: NHTSA
Image Source: Autoblog
PRESS RELEASE
As part of its customer racing programme, BMW Motorsport is offering private teams another attractive car from 2010: the BMW Z4 GT3. This sports car is an impressive addition to the BMW product range and offers drivers and teams the opportunity to compete in international and national championships in accordance with GT3 regulations – such as the FIA GT3 European Championship, International GT Open and the ADAC GT Masters – as well as in 24-hour endurance races.
The BMW Z4 GT3 is powered by a four-litre, eight-cylinder engine producing approximately 480 bhp. When it comes to electronics, the private teams can look forward to innovative BMW solutions, which have proven themselves in the BMW M3 GT2: the engine is controlled by the modern ECU 408, while the Power400 control unit is responsible for operating all actuators. The transmission takes place via a sequential, six-speed gearbox. The scope of delivery also includes rims with locking and safety clips, as well as racing ABS and optional air conditioning.
The BMW Z4 GT3 in its racing version is available from the second quarter of 2010 at an estimated price of 298,000 Euro (plus VAT). If interested, please send an email to Z4GT3@bmw-motorsport.com or send a fax to +49 89 382 208 55.
Press Release Source: BMW Motorsport
Image Source: Autoblog
Note: The image is not the actual car featured in the press release
The all-new 2010 Kia Forte received highly esteemed honor from NADAguides.com for delivering new-edge styling, value, and fuel efficiency. It is also recognized above competition for providing consumers with high-class combination of standard safety features.
According to Michael Sprague, Vice president for Marketing of Kia Motors America, consumers and dealers have come to recognize the Kia Motors brand for their attractively designed and priced models (including Kia Forte) with impressive fuel efficiency and a long list of standard safety features that are backed by an industry-leading warranty. “Forte is a very strong contender in the popular compact segment and it has definitely helped us continue to raise our brand awareness,” Sprague added.
To qualify for NADAguides.com “Car of the Month,” the vehicle must come new for the model year and should carry an impressive blend of fuel efficiency, styling, low price point and cost of ownership. Vehicles that are previously chosen as “Car of the Month” are carefully reviewed by the editors at NADAguides.com to pick the most worthy “Car of the Year.”
Info Source: Kia
Image Source: jalopnik
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation plans to release its all-new compact crossover next spring. Called RVR, this Mitsubishi baby is intended for sequential global release, and will be first seen in the Japanese automotive market.
Despite its lightweight compact body, the RVR offers not just high environmental efficiency but also high performance and generous utility space. It will be equipped with an all-new 1.8L MIVEC petrol engine.
This compact crossover, which measures 4.3 meters in length, joins the mid-size Outlander and full-size Pajero to expand Mitsubishi’s crossover line up.
Info Source: Mitsubishi
Image Source: netcarshow
Toyota proves that it stays in the minivan game as it unveils the all-new third-generation Sienna minivan at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show today.
Renowned for transporting people and cargo comfortably and efficiently, the 2011 Sienna will drive and look more like a sedan without compromising personal comfort and its capacity to accommodate cargo and carry big loads.
The third-generation Sienna comes more dynamic and expressive with its stronger profile, responsive handling, and high shoulder character. It is also equipped with modern features plus satisfying driving dynamics. Toyota offers new Sienna models, including a sporty SE, as it remains to be the only offering segment that’s available in all-wheel drive option.
Source: Toyota
Unveiled at Frankfurt Motor Show, the Wiesmann MF5 Roadster stunned everyone with its pearly white exterior finish and red upholstered interior. The manufacturer will release only 55 examples of this car and each model comes with a price quote of staggering $278,000 USD or 189,500 Euro.
Wiesmann lived up to its reputation of making car for the big boys by equipping the MF5 Roadster with a BMW-powered 5.0-liter V10 engine. It cranks out 507 horsepower and 520 Nm of torque. This Wiesmann masterpiece is capable of achieving a top speed of 310 km/h and an acceleration of 0-100kmh in 4 seconds, just enough to tickle your follicles.
With its elegance, strength, and speed, the Wiesmann Roadster MF5 will truly appeal to all your senses.
Info Credit: supercars.net
Photo Credit: autoblog
Honda has officially released two brush-up photos of the all-new Accord Crosstour. This model is based on the highly-esteemed Accord and it comes with an aggressive design. It receives a longer and wider stance, a bold front grille, and a roomy cargo compartment. So what do you think of this new model?
Source: Honda
Honda has officially confirmed the release of its all-new crossover model dubbed as Accord Crosstour this fall of 2009. This new addition to the Honda lineup is based on the award-winning Honda Accord and will be sold as 2010 model. Additional information about this new model will be announced later this year.
No official image has been released yet.
Info Source: Honda
Image: M. Balisky
To meet the Federal Motor Safety Standard No. 108, a vehicle’s rear turn signal at present can be either amber or red. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is asking for the public’s opinion on a proposed regulation that would mandate vehicle rear turn signal to be amber-colored only.
This regulation was made after a study proved that amber lights are 5.3% more effective than red turn signals in preventing crashes. The study focused on vehicles that switched rear turn signal color from one model year to the next. Though 5.3 seem like a small percentage, NHTSA believes that it is statistically significant.
European countries already require that rear turn signals be amber.
Public comment for the proposed regulation will be accepted until Sept. 6.
Info Source: KickingTires
Image Source: egmCarTech
BMW has released images of the 2011 BMW X1, displaying this new soft-roader in every possible environment. This BMW model will be unveiled this year at Frankfurt Motor Show.
PRESS RELEASE:
THE BMW X1 CONFIRMED FOR UNITED STATES IN 2011
Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey – July 1, 2009 … It was confirmed today that the BMW X1 is planned to debut in the United States in calendar year 2011. The X1 has been conceived with the flexibility to offer traditional rear-wheel drive and xDrive all-wheel drive configurations, as well as a wide variety of gasoline and diesel powertrain choices. In light of rapidly evolving US market demands, fuel prices, and regulatory standards, elements of the X1’s US launch plan, including engine and drivetrain configurations, will be forthcoming closer to the time of launch.
The BMW X1 will debut in Europe this fall with a choice of four engines - one gasoline and three diesels - and will be available in rear-wheel drive and xDrive all-wheel drive configurations. The X1 will set new benchmarks in the premium compact segment for efficiency, comfort, utility, and of course driving dynamics. Achieving up to 5.2 L/100km (45.2 miles per US gallon) on the European test cycle, the BMW Advanced Diesel-powered X1 sDrive18d will provide remarkable fuel efficiency while still achieving a top speed of 200km/h (124mph). Each drivetrain choice for the X1 will showcase the latest results of BMW’s EfficientDynamics engineering strategy, which is focused to reduce emissions and consumption while enhancing the performance expected of any BMW.
Photo and Info Credit: autoblog
