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

Source: NHTSA Press Release

Consumer Advisory: Dorel Recalls 447,000 Infant Child Restraint Systems

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission are alerting consumers of a recall involving certain infant child restraints manufactured by Dorel Juvenile Group under Safety 1st, Cosco, Eddie Bauer and Disney branded names. Consumers should immediately stop using the infant seat carrying handle.

Dorel is recalling 447,000 seats because when used as an infant carrier, the bolts that attach the child restraint handle to the seat can loosen causing the handle to fully or partially separate from the seat creating a fall hazard. Consumers should not use the handle until the repair kit has been installed. The car seat is safe for use in a vehicle as it meets federal safety standards.

To receive a free repair kit, owners of the affected child restraint models should contact Dorel’s customer service department at 1-866-762-3316 or visit http://www.djgusa.com/safety_notice.

In addition, parents and caregivers are urged to sign up with NHTSA to automatically receive updates about child seat recalls via email. Consumers may sign-up for recall notifications by visiting www.safercar.gov and clicking on the “e-mail” or “RSS” option to register.

Consumers with questions about this or any other safety recall campaign may call NHTSA’s toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153).

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

Three Honda models - Accord, Fit, and Odyssey - bag ALG’s Residual Awards for 2010 model year. The 11th Annual Residual Awards are given to models in each industry segment that ALG foresees will maintain the highest percentage of their original market value after a period of three years.

Honda Accord topped in the Best Midsize Car category, the Fit won in the Best Compact Car category, and the Odyssey reigned in the Best Minivan category. Since model year 2001, American Honda Motor Co, Inc. has gained 20 model awards and six overall brand awards from ALG.

Winners are determined by meticulously studying the competition in each segment, industry trends, as well as historical vehicle performance. Among the main factors considered by ALG in forecasting the vehicle’s residual value are vehicle quality, pricing strategies, and production levels relative to demand.

Info Source: Honda
Image Source: cars4fast

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