Ford’s New 5.0 V-8: Back In Black, And Ready For The Track
The 5.0 is back, and Ford didn't take the opportunity lightly. The 2011 Ford Mustang GT will pack a 412-horsepower, 5.0-liter V-8 that for all practical purposes is an all-new engine. A very stoutly built, race-ready one at that.
Along with the 3.7-liter V-6 that will also be introduced in the 2011 Ford Mustang, Ford suddenly has a completely refreshed powertrain lineup for the pony car and nothing to be ashamed of. Considering weight, in fact, the 'Stang now has a leg up on its rivals.
It's an about-face from the past several years, when Ford has seemed a step behind other automakers with respect to V-8 engines—especially if you take a look at power output. Even with the Mustang's lighter weight than the Camaro and Challenger, Ford's current 315-horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8 in the 2010 Mustang GT is no match for the larger Chevy and Chrysler V-8s.
With the '5.0' badge, the 2011 Mustang GT approaches the power output of those big-displacement engines while promising both stout construction and race-ready performance plus better fuel economy in everyday driving.
Bore is 92.2 mm (3.63 inches), with a 92.7-mm (3.65-inch) stroke, calculating out to just over 302 cubic inches and—this time—properly rounding up to 5.0 liters. And the new engine in the 2011 GT makes 412 horsepower, which should be enough for the lighter Mustang to beat both the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS and the 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T. In the Camaro SS, GM installs a huge 6.2-liter V-8, making 426 horsepower, while Chrysler puts its 372-hp, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 in the Challenger R/T, among other vehicles, and the 425-hp, 6.1-liter V-8 in the Challenger SRT8.
At the same time, Ford projects an estimated 17 mpg city, 25 highway for the new engine (with the automatic) in the Mustang. The Camaro SS gets 16/25, while the Challenger SRT8 is rated at just 13/19.
The new engine will require just 87-octane gasoline, though 91-octane will be recommended for peak performance.
Dirty, Dirty Rental Cars Might Make You Sick
If you regularly rent cars for business or family vacations, you've likely had at least one or two rentals that grossed you out in some way.
Now you have a reason to be concerned, not just squeamish.
NBC's Today Show tested vehicles in Miami, which is one of the largest rental-car hotspots in the country, renting cars from six of the top rental companies—a wide range of vehicle types (showing a Pontiac G6, Chrysler Town & Country, and Saturn Vue)—and found them to be absolutely disgusting.
Visually, of course, they found the food crumbs and sticky residues we're accustomed to seeing, if not in the cupholders, under the seat if we dare look. But they also found dried vomit.
The show also had a team of microbiologists swab the interior, including the steering wheel, switchgear, knobs, and handles, and they found the vehicles to be ridden with illness-causing bacteria—as much as a public restroom, they said, including strains of bacteria that are markers for stomach bugs and flu virus. There was even bacteria present, on a rented child seat, that could cause strep throat.
And that's in addition to all the other toxins in new cars that we've already reported—such as lead, mercury, arsenic, bromine, and antimony, as tested by HealthyStuff.org.
According to the report, rental companies have been downsizing their cleaning staff and rushing the cars out for other rentals. A former franchise owner told NBC that only about 30 percent of the cars that come in get deep-cleaned, so 7 out of 10 are getting a very cursory tidying-up, or none at all.
Watch the video below for the full report. But trust us, it's probably not one that you should watch while eating
[Today Show, via Autoblog and MSNBC]
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
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GM Recalls Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5 For Power Steering Problem
General Motors has issued a recall for the 2005 - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, the 2007 - 2010 Pontiac G5, the 2005 - 2006 Pontiac Pursuit (Canada), and the 2005 - 2006 Pontiac G4 (Mexico). GM cites a potential failure of the models' power steering motor as the cause for the recall. In all, 1.3 million vehicles are affected, making this GM's largest single recall in recent years.
The announcement comes after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a federal probe into the matter. The NHTSA received 1,132 complaints of power steering failures in the Cobalt, which allegedly resulted in 14 crashes and one injury.
According to Jamie Hresko, GM's vice president of quality, the problem develops over a number of years: "It tends to occur in older models out of warranty." GM has said that even in the event of a power steering failure, the cars would be safe to drive, and that warning lights would still come on. However, controlling the vehicles at speeds below 15 mph would take more effort than normal.
It's important to note that the NHTSA doesn't seem to have pressured GM to take action, and the recall appears voluntary. As Hresko said: "Recalling these vehicles is the right thing to do for our customers' peace of mind." It sounds as if GM might've learned a thing or two by watching Toyota working damage control. Still, it's good to see General Motors getting in front of a potentially damaging event.
GM says that it is working on a fix for the problem, and that owners will be notified when a solution has been determined. We've pasted GM's complete press release below.
* * * * *
GM Recalls Compact Cars to Fix Power Steering Assist
Safety Recall Covers 1.3 Million Chevrolet and Pontiac Models
·2005 - 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt
·2007 - 2010 Pontiac G5
·2005 - 2006 Pontiac Pursuit (Canada)
·2005 - 2006 Pontiac G4 (Mexico)
DETROIT -- General Motors will conduct a safety recall of 1.3 million compact cars to replace a motor in the power steering system. Vehicles affected are the 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt; 2007-2010 Pontiac G5; 2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit sold in Canada, and the 2005-2006 Pontiac G4 sold in Mexico.
GM told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the voluntary recall on Monday after concluding an investigation that began in 2009. NHTSA opened an investigation Jan. 27 into approximately 905,000 Cobalt models in the United States after receiving more than 1,100 complaints of loss of power steering assist, 14 crashes and one injury.
"After our in-depth investigation, we found that this is a condition that takes time to develop. It tends to occur in older models out of warranty," said Jamie Hresko, GM Vice President of Quality. "Recalling these vehicles is the right thing to do for our customers' peace of mind.
"While greater steering effort under 15 mph may be required, if the customer experiences loss of power steering assist, it is important to note that the vehicle can still be safely controlled because the customer can still steer the vehicle," Hresko said. "When the condition occurs, both a chime will sound and a 'Power Steering' message will be displayed."
Plans for the remedy are being developed. Customers will be notified when the plan is finalized.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
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Mahindra Pickup On Track For Late Spring, Insists U.S. Distro
Despite some reports that the automaker might be lagging in its certification of its upcoming compact pickup model, the TR20 and TR40, the U.S. distributor for Mahindra reassures that U.S. plans are proceeding as planned.
"Timing stays the same," insisted Global Vehicles USA spokesman Mike Geylin, who said that the models are still set for a late spring on-sale date. Geylin confirmed to TheCarConnection.com that "EPA certification is in progress," but added that the application paperwork has not gone in because that's the last thing you do in the process. Global Vehicles has been reassured by the Mumbai-based automaker that it's all on time.
In December, the CEO of Global Vehicles said that the automaker had completed all testing and would be submitting its emissions-certification paperwork for approval by February. But as of late last month, the EPA had told PickupTrucks.com that Mahindra hasn't yet applied.
And regarding crash-testing? Look to the parent company, says Mahindra's U.S. importer. "We cannot say anything specific about crash testing," said Geylin. "Mahindra & Mahindra is responsible for this, except, according to M&M, everything is moving in a positive way."
Mahindra has delayed the introduction of its TR-Series pickups in the U.S. several times already, to adapt the models for the U.S. market with a number of small changes, including a redesigned hood and front- and rear-end styling (which might or might not be safety related).
Frugal Shopper: For Happiness, Don’t Sweat The Numbers
Consumer Reports, as part of this week's torrent of announcements from its Annual Auto Issue, named the 2010 Honda Fit and 2010 Toyota Prius the best new-car values of the year.
While it so happens we like both of those models very much (and appreciate the Prius' 51-mpg rating), they definitely wouldn't fit every shopper—not even every shopper who's strongly value-minded.
Of course, we each hold a different formula for value, and what matters in a vehicle.
Initial price certainly is just a small part of the story. The 2010 Chevrolet Aveo, with the 1LT package, one of CR's designated worst values this year, has a bottom-line sticker price of just $14,970. Likewise, CR chose one of the more expensive Prius models, the well-equipped 2010 Toyota Prius IV model, which includes leather seats (heated in front), an upgraded water-repellent windshield, a Plasmacluster ionizer, Bluetooth connectivity, the upgraded JBL premium audio system with satellite radio.
Other top-scoring vehicles on the CR value scale include the 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring, the Subaru Forester 2.5x, and the Acura TSX (four-cylinder).
It's also revealed, unabashedly, a list of "worst value" vehicles. Six of the eight "worst value" vehicles—including the Dodge Avenger R/T, Charger R/T, Grand Caravan SXT, and Nitro SLT; the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara; and the Chrysler Sebring Convertible Limited—are from Chrysler. The Mercedes-Benz S550 was called the worst value among luxury sedans.
2005-2010 Saturn Models Added To GM Certified Used Roster
General Motors has just added Saturn models from the 2005 through 2010 model years to its Certified Used Vehicles program.
Although the brand is no more, and most Saturn showrooms have closed, you'll find the certified Saturn models wherever GM Certified Used Vehicles are on offer—that's at 3,400 Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC dealerships nationwide.
As with other GM Certified Used Vehicles, the Saturn models get a 12-month/12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a fully transferable 100,000-mile/five-year powertrain warranty, and 24-hour roadside assistance, plus a free vehicle history report, a three-day or 150-mile satisfaction guarantee, and three-month trials of both GM's OnStar suite of services and XM Satellite Radio.
The 2010 Saturn Aura, Vue, and Outlook are the last of the Saturns and were made in very small numbers. For 2009 and earlier, Saturn also offered Sky roadster, along with the Aura Hybrid and Vue Hybrid models. There's also the 2008 Saturn Astra, the compact hatchback model that ended up being sold for one year only, and the Ion that preceded it. The Saturn Relay minivan and L-Series mid-size sedan, although they were available in the early part of the timeframe, don't appear to be covered by the program.
TheCarConnection.com's team of editors especially liked the Saturn Aura—calling it for 2009 "a neat-looking and responsive mid-size sedan."
In addition to helping move dealership stock of late-model used Saturns, the move will likely help bolster the resale value of all Saturn models in the long run.
Certified used vehicles are now sold through new-car dealerships for a wide range of brands and are typically good choices for shoppers working with a limited budget but looking for more vehicle than they could afford new. Thanks to a thorough inspection (GM Certified Used cars get checked on 117 points) and the full replacement of some wearable items, certified used vehicles promise an experience that rivals new-car piece of mind.
This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
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Toyota-Hired Firm Finds No Problem With Electronic Throttle
A Toyota-funded test of vehicles has failed to find issue with the automaker's electronic throttle system, which some safety advocates have accused of being linked to widespread reports of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.
Back in September, Toyota recalled 3.8 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles for issues with mismatched floor mats that might cause dangerous unintended acceleration, then more than three weeks ago, Toyota initiated a separate recall for an issue with throttles in 2.3 million vehicles, including the 2010 Toyota RAV4. About 1.7 million vehicles are affected by both recalls.
This is not to be confused with the brake-related recall covering the 2010 Toyota Prius and 2010 Lexus HS 250h—although the 2004-2009 Prius is among the many vehicles covered by the floor mat recall.
The latter of the two accelerator recalls was linked to a throttle mechanism that would become sticky due to exposure to moisture, along with a combination of age and wear.
Toyota had an external engineering and scientific consulting firm—Menlo Park, Californiabased Exponent—conduct an independent analysis of the so-called Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence (ETCS-i), and the firm was "unable to induce inintended acceleration in any of the ETCS-i equipped Toyota and Lexus models it tested," according to Toyota.
"In all cases, the vehicles either behaved normally or entered a fail-safe mode where engine power was significantly reduced or shut off," stated Toyota in a release on the matter.
Many safety advocates in recent weeks have criticized Toyota's lack of another line of defense, in the way of a so-called smart throttle that would automatically override the throttle signal if the brake pedal is pressed. Toyota has confirmed that it will be adding such a feature to future vehicles.
According to the Wall Street Journal, which obtained a copy of Exponent's study, the firm's study said that "Exponent has so far been unable to induce, through electrical disturbances to the system, either unintended acceleration or behavior that might be a precursor to such an event, despite concerted efforts toward this goal."
A total of six Toyota and Lexus vehicles were studied in Exponent's initial test, according to the WSJ, with analysis including electronic "anomalies" along with tests for sensitivity and "noise" induced on individual components. When abnormalities were detected, the system reduced power rather than increased it, according to Exponent, in what Toyota describes as a limp-home mode.
"Exponent's testing and evaluation is ongoing," added Toyota, confirming that the affirmation involved testing on multiple vehicles and components, in normal and abnormal conditions.
The electronic throttle system, called a drive-by-wire system by some because it does away with the traditional cable connection between the gas pedal and throttle body, has been installed into most Toyota vehicles now for much of the past decade.
Today, the Toyota Motor Corp. said that it is looking at new ways of assuring quality and reliability in its vehicles, which might involve some radical changes in the way in which the company develops its vehicles and how transparent it is with the public about design changes.
For a complete list of vehicles covered by each accelerator-related recall, along with an index of stories to date and a timeline for breaking news on the issue, visit Toyota And Lexus Recall: Everything You Need To Know.
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This story originally appeared at The Car Connection
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2011 Kia Sportage: First Pics, Preview Info Ahead Of Geneva
Kia has shown us the first pictures of the U.S.-spec 2011 Kia Sportage, several weeks ahead of its March 2 premiere at the Geneva auto show.
The new 2011 Kia Sportage, which will share its platform with the 2011 Hyundai Tucson, will have a longer wheelbase, more interior and cargo space, and an improved ride.
The face of the 2011 Kia Sportage (shown in U.S. spec in the pictures to the right) is becoming familiar; its bold, swept-back look and styling cues compare to those of the recently introduced Kia Forte, Forte Koup, and Kia Soul, as well as in the recently introduced 2010 Kia Sorento, though in the Sportage it's even more flamboyant, with the lower air dam pinched upward (at least visually) in the middle. From the side, its silhouette looks to be a more abbreviated, aggressive take on the stance and cues of the Sorento. The Sportage has a pronounced shoulder crease that runs from the edge of the headlights all the way to the taillights. "Fresh, bold, athletic and sporty" is how Kia describes the design, with a "commanding driving position and heightened sense of security."
Also of note to design connoisseurs: the nice, clean line running from the rear window down through the door edge and into the wheel well, and the carved-out sill area that flares out only to fade into the rear wheel well. And the wheels; just as with its 2010 Kia Forte Koup, Kia has chosen a very distinctive wheel design.
Overall, the new Sportage looks like it will be a huge leap ahead. The outgoing Sportage was first introduced for 2005. TheCarConnection.com gives the 2010 Kia Sportage an overall score of 6.6 out of 10 versus other vehicles in its class, with likes including its carlike dynamics, overall practicality, and strong overall value, including strong warranty coverage. Dislikes include its old-tech four-speed automatic transmission, weak 173-horsepower V-6, and dated styling.
Kia's very brief preview release falls short on powertrain and mechanical information. But we know that the 2011 Kia Sportage is expected to share some underpinnings with the 2011 Hyundai Tucson. A direct-injection, four-cylinder engine with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are expected for the U.S. market, with front- or all-wheel drive versions.
For an additional sneak peek, you'll also want to check out these teaser pics of the Euro-spec version.
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U.S. Fleet Shrinks, As More Vehicles Go To The Crusher
For the first time since Word War II, the annual number of vehicles scrapped exceeded the number of new vehicles sold.
That's solemn news for the auto industry. U.S. vehicle sales had been in a sustained boom period of 15 to 17 million vehicles per year from 1994 through 2007. And the size of the fleet has been on the rise, with only a few wartime hiccups, for a century.
According to the Earth Policy Institute (EPI) post that kicked it off earlier this week, during 2009 about 14 million vehicles were retired, while only about 10 million vehicles were sold--effectively shrinking the U.S. fleet by a very significant 4 million vehicles, or about two percent of the total fleet, down to 246 million.
The EPI attributes many reasons for the shift, including urbanization, congestion, economic uncertainty, petroleum uncertainty, gas prices, concerns about climate change, and disinterest in automobiles among young people. Also cited: improvements to mass-transit systems, higher parking fees, and unwillingness to take on long-term debt (even when it's available).
Here's where it gets interesting. Assuming a vehicle life expectancy of 15 years, the first vehicles from the sales boom that really kicked in around 1994 will be retiring about now, so EPI projects that scrappage rates will be higher than sales for the next ten years or more--with a total fleet decline of ten percent, to a total of about 225 million vehicles.
But above all, simple market saturation might be just as much to blame. According to the organization, there are 209 million licensed drivers for 246 million vehicles. And you can bet those 37 million vehicles aren't future-minded electric rides like the 2010 Tesla Roadster, or for that matter garage queens like vintage Gullwings or split-window Corvettes. Nope, most of these surplus vehicles are just past their years of steepest depreciation but have plenty of service left. Cash for Clunkers added as many vehicles as it took out of service, so the affects it had on fleet size are debatable.
And while the end of the year finished on a positive note, as Marty Padgett reported earlier this week in his sales analysis, Reuters also summed that U.S. auto sales were at their lowest raw numbers in 27 years.
Looking at all these factors, however brief this snapshot might be, it's tough to imagine sales bouncing back to where they were just a few years ago anytime soon.
Do you think an industry migration to electric vehicles, or at the very least more fuel-efficient vehicles, could give auto sales the burst of life they need? Let us know what you think.
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2010 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Bottom Line
TheCarConnection.com's editors have written this road test summary of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class based on firsthand driving impressions. Experts at TheCarConnection.com have compared the 2010 G-Class to other vehicles and compiled a companion full review of quotes from other sources-all to give you the most comprehensive review of the G-Class on the Web.
Likes
Amazing off-road talent
True SUV styling
Excellent forward visibility
Dislikes
Military-grade price
Just five seats
Tough entry and exit
Fuel economy
The 2010 Mercedes-Benz G-Class is no curvy crossover in the latest idiom. Based on a design built for the Shah of Iran's military, the G-Class has evolved only slightly in the two decades or more since it was first engineered. It's one of the most capable sport-utes on the planet-and one of the most expensive. With a base price of more than $100,000, the G-Class is a cult object and a celebrity magnet, with its only real competition being the Land Rover Range Rover or, possibly, the Lexus LX 470 and HUMMER H2.
The 2010 G-Class certainly stands out from the crowd. Its design is based on military vehicles, and as such it can seem very basic. The sides are flat, the windshield is very nearly vertical, and the overall shape is strikingly boxy in an age where even pickup trucks have gone aero. The interior's more of the same, with rugged shapes, flat door panels, and lots of tall glass areas-but it is decked out in leather and chrome in abundance, to justify the G-Class' extreme price tag. For 2010, buyers will see light cosmetic touches like new side trim and chrome accents, with a leather-padded dash inside.
Two G-Class models are defined by their powertrains. The 2010 G550 sports Mercedes' widely used, smoothly stalwart 382-horsepower V-8 engine coupled to a seven-speed automatic. The 5.5-liter, 500-hp G55 AMG adds an intercooled supercharger and upgrades to a beefier five-speed automatic to push the barn-door body through the atmosphere. The G550 accelerates to 60 mph in about 8 seconds; the G55 AMG pounces more brutishly to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, while gulping gas to the tune of 11/13 mpg. The smaller V-8 manages 12/15 mpg.
On-road performance is about what you'd think. The top-heavy feel requires rapt attention on the highway, to control the slow steering and to manage the body through crosswinds. The gas pedal requires a hefty foot, and so does the brake-no multitasking allowed. Still, the amount of ultimate grip available is astonishing, and the G55 model can be hustled to its limits thanks to big, grippy 19-inch wheels and tires and upgraded brakes. With its tall-wagon handling and decent ride, the appeal of the G-Class clearly rests in its extreme off-road talents. It looks heavy-duty-and it is. An automatic four-wheel-drive system with three electronic locking differentials and low-range gearing keeps it clawing over rocky paths and plugging through muddy bogs where you'll only find Land Rovers and wildlife.
Inside, the G-Class impresses with all the headroom you're likely to need. It is somewhat narrow, though, and front-seat passengers will notice the width the most since the center console is fairly tall and bulky. The seats themselves are typically firm and power-adjustable, with multicontour adjustments. The second-row bench has some bottom-cushion tilt to soften the flat cushion. It's a five-seat SUV with plenty of cargo room, but passengers will notice it takes a good climb to get into the G-Class, and cargo loading through the side-hinged rear door takes a higher lift than in today's crossovers. High-quality materials and an excellent finish mark the cabin.
Neither NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) nor the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has crash-tested the G-Class. Anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution along with stability control are standard in the 2010 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, as are curtain airbags. A rearview camera is standard, and it's useful since visibility is constrained at the rear, where a wide frame surrounding the rear window blocks out most of the view.
There are many luxury conveniences fitted to the G-Class. Both G-Class models sport Bluetooth connectivity, a sunroof, a navigation system with 40GB of hard drive space for maps and music, a six-DVD audio system, satellite and HD radio, real-time traffic, an iPod interface, a wood-and-leather heated steering wheel, and heated and cooled leather seats in front, with heated second-row seats standard as well. However, there's no American-style DVD entertainment system despite the high sticker price.
The Bottom Line: The 2010 Mercedes-Benz G-Class takes its off-road-and its luxury-quite seriously.
Other Choices
If you like the 2010 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, also consider:
- Land Rover Range Rover
- Lexus LX 470
- HUMMER H2
Reason Why:
If you like the 2010 Mercedes-Benz G-Class and want a luxurious, somewhat exclusive vehicle, you should check out the Land Rover Range Rover, HUMMER H2, and Lexus LX 470. The Lexus LX 470 is far less expensive than the G-Class but no less talented. The Land Rover Range Rover has every bit as much off-road credibility as the G-Class, along with a breathtaking price tag to go with its legendary capability. Military-vehicle buffs might also put the HUMMER H2 on the same page, but its cramped interior and its uncertain future life after General Motors should give buyers pause.
Buying Tip:
If you're moving up to a G-Class, why stop with the G550? The uber-powerful G55 isn't so much more expensive--and won't the neighbors talk?
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