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2010-12-16T21:52:00.001-08:00

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Top 10 green cars to watch in 2010

2010-05-24T01:38:00.000-07:00

Top 10 green cars to watch in 2010

As part of the regular 'Top 10' series, WhatGreenCar looks ahead to the greenest and most innovative cars due for launch in 2010.

In a world overturned by the 'credit crunch' and threatened by ‘climate change’, one in which economic and environmental concerns require equal attention, there cannot have been a better time to buy a fuel-efficient, low emission car.

The good news is that, as government, company car and London Congestion Charge incentives for low carbon cars steadily increase, the auto industry is now offering a wider range of quality new low carbon models, some of which will appear in UK showrooms during 2010.

This year's crop of new models includes an incredible range of technical innovations designed to maximise performance and drive down emissions. Of the 'Top 10' cars listed below, two are fully electric, two are petrol-hybrid, one is a 'plug-in hybrid', and at least three will launch with the latest Gasoline Direct Engine (GDI) or EcoBoost turbocharger/direct injection technology.

As noted by Dr Ben Lane, Managing Editor of WhatGreenCar: "While it may be confusing for consumers trying to choose a new car, with so many technologies on offer, there’s no doubt that manufacturers are fully engaged with the challenge of designing, and more importantly selling, greener and ultra-green cars."

Note: While we usually provide a WhatGreenCar environmental rating for all models listed, as most of these cars have yet to be launched, only published and/or target CO2 emissions are available. Models are therefore rated using tailpipe CO2 and are listed in order of increasing CO2 emissions.

Peugeot iOn electric Peugeot iOn electric – CO2: 0 g/km – WGC Rating 10
Following years of being ahead in the electric vehicle (EV) world, Peugeot has now partnered with Mitsubishi to launch the iOn electric car – a French incarnation of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV (Sister PSA company Citroen are badging the same car as the 'C-Zero'). Unlike most of the EVs currently available, the iOn is a proper four-seat electric car (as opposed to a quadricycle). Bigger than the G-Wiz, and with more room than the two-seater MINI E, the iOn shares the same chassis and body as the Mitsubishi i-car. The iOn’s 63bhp electric motor provides adequate performance of 0-62 mph in 13.0 seconds, a top speed of 87 mph, a range of up to 81 miles, and a recharge time of 6 hours using a conventional three-pin plug. However, zero-emission motoring does come at a cost – on top of car purchase, the first 16 kW lithium-ion battery pack is expected to be leased for several hundred pounds per month. That said, fuel costs are less than 2p per mile, road tax is nil, and the car will qualify for the 100% discount from the London Congestion Charge. Price tbc; available autumn 2010. Website: Peugeot iOn

Nissan LEAF Nissan LEAF electric – CO2: 0 g/km
When launched later this year, the Nissan LEAF will be the world's first zero-emission C-segment (small family) car. Designed specifically for a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis, then LEAF is a medium-size hatchback that comfortably seats five adults and has a range of more than 100 miles to satisfy consumer requirements. The car is powered by a compact set of lithium-ion batteries, which generate power output of over 90kW, while its electric motor delivers 80kW/280Nm. This ensures a highly responsive, fun-to-drive experience that is in keeping with what drivers have come to expect from a conventionally powered car. The LEAF can be charged up to 80% of its full capacity in just under 30 minutes with a quick charger, or more usually at home on a standard socket over 8 hours. While Nissan zero-emissions model is unlikely to be cheap, it will qualify for the planned £2k-£5k consumer grants due in 2011. As with the iOn, fuel costs are less than 2p per mile, road tax is nil, and the car will qualify for the 100% discount from the London Congestion Charge. Price tbc; available autumn 2010. Website: http://www.nissan-zeroemission.com

Toyota Plug-in Prius Toyota Plug-in Prius hybrid – CO2: 59 g/km (expected)
Following the highly successful launch of the third generation Prius in 2009, this year brings the next development of the Prius story with the launch of the eagerly awaited Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV) based on the latest model. The PHV, which uses lithium-ion batteries (a first for Toyota), offers greater range on electric power only, significantly reducing fuel consumption and emissions. As its name suggests, the plug-in version can be charged from an external source as well as by the car’s own hybrid drive system. Although test cycles that measure the performance of a PHVs are yet to be fully developed, estimates are that the Prius PHV emits only 59g CO2/km in the New European Driving Cycle. Repeat 59g CO2/km, which should be considered as incredible for a car of this size! Only Approximately 600 units will be introduced in Japan, the United States, and Europe this year with 20 coming to the UK in mid-2010. Likely to be initially available on lease from summer 2010. Website: Official Toyota Blog

Audi A1 Audi A1 – CO2: <99>
This year will see Audi will launch its long-awaited challenge to the Mini. The compact supermini-sized A1 will use the VW group’s MQB modular transverse engineering package and there will be three different body styles: a three-door hatch, a roomier five-door and a convertible. While the standard Audi A1s on offer will be front-wheel drive, being an Audi, Quattro four-wheel drive will also be available – S1 and Q1 derivatives will have the added traction gains allowed by all-wheel drive. The choice of engine will be between a 1.4 petrol-unit (65bhp up to 200bhp for the hot hatch) and a 1.6 diesel engine (75bhp and 130bhp). Transmissions on offer will include a standard manual, and a twin-clutch, seven-speed S-tronic gearbox. The car is already being billed as a challenger to BMW's ultra-successful Mini, and Audi is reported to be targeting 100,000 sales in the A1's first year. Future innovations may even include an electric version of the A1 (again following hot on Mini E’s trail) by 2011. From £11,000 (estimated); available summer 2010. Website: Audi

Toyota Auris hybrid Toyota Auris hybrid – CO2: <99>
With the 2010 Auris hybrid, Toyota will (again) be forging ahead of other car makers with its commitment to hybrid technology. Not only will the Auris hybrid be the smallest hybrid car on the market, it will also be Toyota’s first European hybrid based on a regular production car, and will use the same hybrid technology as Toyota’s latest Prius (the Hybrid Synergy Drive). While Toyota has not yet provided complete performance details, it claims that the new model should achieve a sub 99g/km CO2 figure with class-leading fuel economy and a 0-62mph acceleration time of around 10 seconds. In order to help it achieve these figures, the hybrid is 20mm lower than a standard Auris, and features additional flat undertrays and a rear diffuser. Even the alloy wheels are designed to reduce air turbulence in the wheel arches, and the car is fitted with low rolling-resistance car tyres. The engine is able to operate in three modes: ECO for maximum fuel economy, POWER, which uses the electric motor to boost performance, and EV, switching the Auris to electric power alone – for up to 1.25 miles at speeds of to 31mph. Other innovations include solar panels on the roof help power the ventilation system, while LED lights front and rear reduce energy consumption and improve economy. Price tbc; available mid-2010. YouTube: Toyota Auris hybrid

Citroen DS3 Citroen DS3 HDi – CO2: 99 g/km (expected)
Launched at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show the DS3 brings a radically new look to the Citroen range, and is expected to be the first of three planned DS models in a new range. The new supermini has been designed to be more fuel efficient than the current C3, with two HDi DPFS engines (90bhp and 110bhp) complementing three petrol engines (VTi 95, VTi 120, THP 150), developed in conjunction with BMW. In particular the lower powered diesel unit will power a car with official CO2 emissions of only 99g/km – in other words a road tax free car. The more powerful diesel unit has emissions of 115g/km, while the three petrol engine versions emit between 136g/km to 160g/km. Visually striking the new model line promises to offer an extensive level of customisation, including four roof colours, coloured wing mirrors and rubbing strips allowing a myriad of colour-coding options. Inside the cabin the French carmaker is also planning on a radical departure from current models. Safety is also at the heart of the DS3 concept with 6 airbags, ESP, ABS with EBD and EBA fitted as standard across the range. Price tbc; available early 2010. Website: Citroen DS3

Volvo S60 Volvo S60 – CO2: 119 g/km (expected)
First unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show last year, 2010 should see the production version of the much publicised S60 Concept. While it remains to be seen which of the numerous on-board innovations make it to the real-world version, its looks and emissions are likely to be close to those of the Concept model. The new S60 will come with a four-cylinder 1.6-litre petrol unit using high-efficiency GTDi (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection) technology, producing 180 horsepower. GTDi’s ability to improve fuel economy by around 20% is the main reason that the S60 is expected to have CO2 emissions of only 119g/km – remarkable for a non-hybrid petrol car and more like a diesel in this respect. The new model may also come with an updated radar-based Volvo’s Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) which maintains a set time gap to the vehicle in front; now usable in slow-moving queues with repeated starting and stopping. Also advertised is the S60’s Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and pedestrian detection, which gives an audible and visual warning to the driver, before automatically braking the car to avoid a pedestrian. Prices tbc; available mid-2010. Website: Volvo S60 Concept

Ford C-MAX Ford C-MAX – CO2: TBA
Building on the green credentials of the 2009 Ford C-MAX, the all-new 2010 model will provide even better comfort and lower emissions. Based on new C-segment vehicle platform, Ford will offer both a choice of a five-seat C-MAX or seven-seat Grand C-MAX, which features twin sliding doors and innovative seat design to provide outstanding space and flexibility. In addition to upgraded versions of Ford’s highly acclaimed TDCi diesel engines, the new C-MAX range introduces a number of advanced new technologies including the more fuel-efficient, lower-CO2 EcoBoost petrol engines which use turbocharging and direct injection technology to improve fuel consumption by up to 20%. Ford philosophy is that this technology provides similar benefits to hybrid or diesel engine designs at lower cost. EcoBoost is also able to deliver the strong low-end torque and responsive performance of a large capacity engine, but with the size, weight and fuel economy of a much smaller unit. Other new innovations include a new more versatile seat layout, semi-automatic parallel parking, blind spot detection, seat belt warning lights for rear seat passengers, and power operation for the tailgate. Prices tbc; available 2010. Website: Ford

Honda CR-Z Honda CR-Z hybrid – CO2: TBA
For drivers who want a sports coupe that can claim to be green, Honda is planning to launch the CR-Z (Compact Renaissance Zero) as a follow-up to the successful second-generation CR-X. The new CR-Z is set to be a hybrid and will be the next Honda hybrid to be launched following the successful Insight launched in 2009, and before the Jazz hybrid which is next in line. Like the Insight, the CR-Z will utilise a mild hybrid Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) drive-train, which places an electric motor between the petrol engine and transmission. Unlike Toyota’s Prius system, this limits the possibility of electric-only operation, but does significantly increase overall fuel economy, so reducing emissions. Although its sporty image, the efficiency of the 2+2 front-wheel drive sports coupe CR-Z is helped by its small size and low weight. From £16,000 (est); available summer 2010. Website: Honda CR-Z

BMW 5 Series BMW 5 Series – CO2: TBA
Under its EfficientDynamics branding, BMW’s 5th generation 5 Series will continue to squeeze maximum performance with minimum emissions. There are plenty of greener (and not so green) models to choose from in the new line-up ranging from the most popular diesel-powered 520d (184hp, 0-62 in 8.1 seconds, top speed of 141mph, 56.5 official mpg, and CO2 of just 132g/km), right up to the petrol-powered twin-turbo 535i (0-62 in 6.0 seconds, 155mph, 33.2mpg , CO2 199g/km). Other main models include the 525d, 530d, 535d, 523i, 535i and 528i. (There is also a decidedly un-green twin turbo 4.4-litre V8 550i with CO2 emissions of 243g/km.) All 5 Series with manual gearboxes will get a gearshift indicator light, to assist with eco-driving. Regenerative breaking is a standard feature – this tops the battery up with juice using kinetic energy gleaned from breaking. Low-rolling resistance tyres are also an option on some models. As you’d expect from BMW, interior finish is improved yet again, with the new model taking the interior refinement close to 7 Series levels. Other new innovations include: Park Assist (which scans the roadside for a suitably proportioned parking space), 360 degree cameras which give an all round view for parking convenience and better views around blind junctions and four-wheel steering, which lowers the new BMW’s turning circle by 0.5 metres. From £27,555; available March 2010. Website: BMW Blog

Toyota Incentives Trigger Bounce sales of the industry

2010-03-14T20:53:00.000-07:00

Santa Monica, California - March 11, 2010, Edmunds.com, major online source for automotive information, car sales in early March has been evaluated and found that so far this month, industry sales increased, since almost one years .

"Data from the first week of the month that the sales pace, to a seasonally adjusted annual growth of approximately 12.5 million units - the highest since August 2009," said Edmunds.com Senior Analyst Ray Zhou, PhD. Generous incentives from General Motors and Toyota have stimulated this growth, but expect the cool and that is the month with a 11 million SAAR in the low side. "

Sales through its incentive program, Toyota's market share of retail so far this month is 16.8 percent, an increase of 10 percent since March of this year by 15.2 percent to 31 percent from 12.8 percent last month, Society is changing when the widespread recalls. Official retail figures, Toyota is the rate of about 47 percent higher than the same period last year, and approximately 71 percent higher than last Mon

Chevrolet - a brand strongly encouraged another - is also a big winner so far this Mon The share of the retail market so far this month is 12.9 percent, an increase of 13 percent over last March's 11.4 percent and 14 percent from 11.3 percent last Mon

Ford has a late start of the race had incentives this month, and Honda does not react with other offers, both companies seem to suffer market share losses in a row.

In the first eight days of March, the market share in retail of Honda 9.2 percent, 18 percent from last March by 11.2 percent and 11 percent from 10.4 percent last Mon

In same period, Ford's share increased by 11.7 percent below retail, five percent in March, up 12.4 percent from 12.5 percent and five percent per Mon

Hyundai Mulls New Canada Plant

2010-02-03T23:34:00.000-08:00

reported that Hyundai, the possibility of a new production plant in Canada will be considered if the brand sets its growth trend. "Canada should, where our volumes grow to the point we have a system we would investigate. Hyundai chairman and chief executive of Germany, "said Steve Kelleher. But, he warned," for producers a real desire to grow revenues and built equipment to meet this growth, but it too fast you lose focus on what you have, where you are in the first place and quality. "goodness, what could he possibly referring to?

Mr. Kelleher said material and the reflection that if the market share of Hyundai, growing by 10-15%, would be sufficient to make a profitable investment. Hyundai is not far from this goal, the share rose 6% to 7.5% of one years ago. And it was not only produces Hyundai Hyundai also have a positive impact on adding more dealers across Canada that a good experience for growth. "Hyundai is sustainable revenue growth," said Kelleher. Auto Manufacturers in Canada had a game plan better by now, because Hyundai is not waiting for anyone.

JDM cars a big hit among Malaysians

2010-02-03T23:31:00.000-08:00

JDM stands for Japan domestic market, and as the term suggests, are for Japanese cars JDM consumption. There is no chance that the local dealer would get a green light from the Japanese customers to bring in cars like the Toyota Caldina Estima or Alphard MPV and how popular they are - and where all Klang Valley will see motorists, they are very Most, however. Here we take a look at a few models of JDM Naza introduces world, with their Chinese New Year Sale type as we do.

The Toyota Caldina is one of the "hot car" for some time. Although in general have, not on cars in Malaysia, the real estate-style body shape captured has not hindered the popularity of the Caldina here. It is the sporty design and the rarity factor, though not so rare now! In addition to the GT-4-turbo model, the ZT is the variant Caldinas on the street. It is powered by a naturally aspirated engine 2.0-liter engine with 150 hp and 200 Nm of torque. The 1AZ-FSE engine is a twin-cam unit with direct injection VVT-i Toyota system into a four-speed automatic transmission paired. Toyota 4WD and FF versions sell well in Japan, but many of the presented ZTS of the latter.

The Toyota Alphard requires very little introduction. Measured by the number on the street, we see that the number was the most popular big Estima MPV imported from Japan celebrated. It has become a status symbol and standard bearer for many wealthy family households. Sent here in different configurations, you can choose from seven or eight-seat versions, with one or two doors and several electric motors - the best known are the 2.4-liter variant. The latest 2008 model introduced by Naza World with business-class-style single middle row of seats, a dynamic-looking front end and a choice of a 2.4-liter VVT-i with Super CVT-i or 3, 5-liter V6 engine with Dual VVT-i 6-speed Super ECT auto.

Alphard VIP-style boxy or too heavy for you? The soft, flowing form of the Estima was a good alternative. Sharing much of the Alphard's creature comforts, including the captain seats and entertainment system, the Estima in a number of years of construction, configurations and versions, the 2.4-liter models, the fully loaded 3.5 V6 models. Launched in 2006, the latest generation Estima comes with a beaked nose and back "line in the middle.

While popular imported Toyota MPVs, there are alternatives for those who do not want to follow the trend. Nissan Elgrand is a large and ill-looking MPV, and even more celebrity-watching Boxie than Alphard. The Nissan is easy due to its massive chrome grille, which also recognized at Elgrand black. The Elgrand comes with a choice of 2.5-liter or 3.5-liter V6 engines, both from the award-winning VQ-series. Most of here from the "Highway Star" and "Rider" versions.

This MPV's offer comfort and luxury in abundance, but to be honest, they are not as exciting strictly for riders who can choose to ride Honda Odyssey Absolute. The Odyssey is a different approach to the large MPV segment, with a low slung body (like a larger car), while no compromises in one room. The absolute version is the range topper with a stronger version of the K24A engine. Here is the DOHC i-VTEC engine generates 197 hp and 232 Nm of torque, is introduced to more than 158 hp and 218 Nm from the standard model of Honda Malaysia.

Finally, the Nissan GT-R. Although not a Japan-only model, it is not officially sold in Malaysia and are looking for hands on the performance of the largest car importers like Japan Naza World. The GT-R has an excellent reputation for its performance, the super cars eclipse can cost much more. Nissan hero of a hand-powered built twin-turbo V6 engine with 480 hp and 580 Nm. Power goes to all four wheels via an activated double-clutch gear and a sophisticated 4WD system.

These cars and more JDM models are available to Naza World, with its Chinese New Year promotional offer for 30% discount on standard prices. Since the selection units are in high demand, it will be good to pay the Na Auto Mall (in PJ to visit along the Federal Highway Research Institute), even if only to admire the collection of cars and some are very rare. The promotion ends on 6 February, which is this Saturday. Prices are after the jump.

Toyota Caldina ZT (R) 2005 RM132, 000
Toyota Caldina ZT (R) 2006 RM138, 000
Toyota Estima 2.4 Prem (A/7S) 2005 NFL RM153, 000
Honda Odyssey Absolute 2.4 (R) 2005 RM163, 000
Toyota Caldina GT4 (R) 2005 RM166, 000
Toyota Estima 2.4 Aeras 2006 RM203, 890
Toyota Estima 2.4 Aeras S & G 2006 rm208, 890
Toyota Previa 2.4 (R) 2007 rm208, 890
Toyota Estima 2.4 G 2006 RM211, 890
Toyota Estima 2.4 Aeras 2007 RM218, 890
Nissan Elgrand 3.5 (R) 2005 RM218, 890
Toyota Estima 2.4 Aeras S & G 2007 RM223, 890
Toyota Estima 2.4 G 2007 RM228, 890
Toyota Estima 2.4 Aeras 2008 RM233, 890
Toyota Estima 2.4 Aeras S & G 2008 RM238, 890
Toyota Estima 2.4 G 2008 rm243, 890
Nissan GT-R 3.8 (NFL) (R) 2007 RM5XX, XXX
Nissan GT-R 3.8 (NFL) (R) 2008 RM5XX, XXX

Peugeot 207 S16 celebrates IRC domination

2010-02-03T23:29:00.000-08:00

Peugeot is dominated by the Intercontinental Rally Challenge last for three years with the S2000 rally car 207, and most recently wrapped Briton Kris Meeke in the 2009 season in style, as for myself share in 2009 IRC drivers. In honor of the victory (and sell more cars) Peugeot UK has 207 Special Edition S16, which is limited to 250 examples made.

Based on the three-door Sport 1.6 VTi 207, the S16 provides a complete 207 RC Cup Bodykit is front and rear spoilers, side skirts and rear diffuser for pseudo ", 17" Hockenheim alloy SP Sport mesh grille, dark rear windows of 207 GTi, special interior badge, signed by Kris Meeke and of course - Rally vinyl graphics that simulate Meeke's IRC wins 207 S2000. decals combines elements in the Union Jack and Peugeot lion, they are not happy with the lid of the flag and as a race car does. Not everyone will love, so they can have their S16 Bianca in pure white.

Maximum speed of 200 km / h, 0-100 km / h up to 10.7 seconds is not really playing the SS speed, but hey, at least you'll feel like a champion behind the wheel!

Another image after the jump.

TTAC’s Complete Guide To Toyota’s Gas Pedals: Teardown, Pictures, Toyota’s Fix, Analysis

2010-02-03T23:27:00.000-08:00

Here TTAC and only complete web directory of Toyota gas pedals (for now), tear downs, photos, analysis, explanation, and to determine shim of comments all together in one portal:

Part 1: Exclusive: TTAC also take two gas pedals Toyota: unhide both recalled, CTS pedal assembly and free recall, Denso pedal assembly. Note: Assumptions and conclusions in this first layer is missing a more complete understanding of the importance of friction aspect of the arm unit CTS.

Part 2: Toyota Gas Fix explanation - exclusive photos: Describes the proposed set of Toyota's recall, CTS accelerator assembly, with detailed photos and graphics. Explain the importance of meeting the hand rubbing its limitations.

Part 3: Simulation of Toyota accelerator Fix - Friction is reduced by too much?: TTAC simulates the adjustment required for assembly of Toyota recalled, CTS pedal, and notes how the solution changes the degree of friction, and possible unintended outcomes. With detailed pictures

Part 4: Why should I replace the flawed Superb Toyota Denso accelerator pedal CTS: Detailed analysis with pictures of two meetings pedal explanation of why you feel Denso in design and appeal to the fact that all CTS pedal pedal replaced with Denso .

Part 5: Toyota pedal is TTAC Shim Fix: In a best-Stop Solution Gap: solution out of Toyota here with detailed photographs, which document the entire Toyota to establish our comments.
Posted in Editorials, features, safety technology
Tagged as comparing the Toyota gas pedal, CTS, CTS accelerator, DENSO, DENSO and gas pedals CTS compared Denso accelerator accelerator photos accelerator Shim, demolished the gas pedal, gas pedal explains how the electronic gas pedal, how gas - Pedals work, NHTSA, recall CTS accelerator accelerator recalled to determine the accelerator recalled sticky, sticky throttle, gas Toyota, Toyota gas pedal disassembled, Toyota recalled, Toyota recalled gas pedal, gas pedal to the Toyota

First official pix of new Kia Sportage

2010-02-03T23:24:00.000-08:00

New Kia Sportage

We have already seen how the new Kia Sportage looks in the eyes, because the patent for the EU in the middle of last month, but here are the first official photos of Kia's teaser that they on their Kia Buzz blog.

And an orange and a silver car appeared. Is teasing as in North America and Europe spec Spec. In North America-Spec is an orange light, as required by law (pictured above), while in Europe-Spec is very clear lenses. Looks pretty good, as smaller and stronger version of the Sorento!

The new Sportage will be longer, lower and wider than the previous generation model. It will also be a longer wheelbase will likely be transformed into a more spacious interior and plusher ride. It will premiere at the Geneva show in March.

Check the jump for the full pix.

TrueDelta On The Toyota Recall

2010-02-03T23:22:00.000-08:00

In recent months the media has been increasingly critical of Toyota and its actions, has become an unintended acceleration crisis. Ralph Nader recently joined the battle, charging that Toyota lost control of the process of quality control. Is it? Is this crisis, indicating a decline in Toyota? If the (cause?) Cause of unintended acceleration caught during the development of cars? I'm not so sure. Once the cars are in the hands of customers, which is a different question, and one for all manufacturers can and should learn.

To step back from a call to see what the payback facts.

First, when the time for quality control are clear distance, Toyota will have soon after the reports of unexpected acceleration starts rolling in. They are not. In the first place back in October 2009, she recalled, and accused of Floor Mats. Then, in January 2010, she recalled, and accused the throttle mechanism. If you start with the assumption that the mechanism is flawed CTS, you can blame. But I suspect that if we were told the meeting that Denso is the problem, we could not find fault with it. This is a Rorschach test, with spare parts. Even now some cases and historical review shows that none of them is the real problem, and said that the problem could be in software. Of course, all three be true, these reasons are not mutually exclusive.

So the source of the problem is not easy to find, even if Toyota is aware of the problem. The opening is during development, if they do not know about the problem and not looking for the source, would be very unlikely.

So, how likely it is that Toyota could learn about the problems during development? At this point the media is Toyota owners fear that they would take control of their cars will lose at some point. The human mind is wired for 150-person Community. So if you hear something bad happened to someone else, he concludes that "I'm next." Truth: over 5400000 cars were recalled for a problem that is about 2000 times reported. Even assuming that the problem was about ten times each time they are reported, we have something that happens in one of every 250 cars in an accident which results in perhaps one of every 5000 vehicle.

Unfortunately, Mr. Nader, but something that occurs in one of every 250 cars, and only if we assume that 90% of the cases reported, no sign of a common goal of quality.

For this rare problem, you need a few hundred cars to test, perhaps several thousand cars. Well, these days, many car manufacturers build fewer physical prototypes than before. Widely used for testing encountered in the real world takes place in computer simulations. I doubt anyone still based on even one hundred pre-production "alpha" prototypes. Dozens, perhaps. And for all we know some or even most of the prototypes may have Denso parts.

Of course some parts are more critical than others, and they should be investigated more thoroughly. 1980 warned the collapse of the Audi, a car manufacturer needs to check a component, which may very well lead to unintended acceleration. When two components are used, then both should be tested. And that's not enough for the prototype parts manufactured with production tooling test tested. Finally, if something is unlikely to do engineering, but the dealer or the owner can not be done by installing incorrect Floor Mats-test, which even then.

Undoubtedly, every automaker is also to some extent. Can anyone more than Toyota? Without the benefit of post we expect Toyota to have more tests done than it did? I personally have no idea. I strongly suspect that even the overall test system can not manage to find a problem with the pedal assembly, and virtually every other automaker could be completed by Toyota, where it is now.

In Floor Mats, on the other hand, one of those things, engineers can not be considered because they often assume that the vehicle is used as intended, and that operator error is not their problem. We are used to this by the Germans. Obviously affects the Japanese and American engineers, as well.

Moving on ... once production starts a few hundred "pilot" cars are paid to employees to drive and note any problems. This leads to the third piece of the puzzle: how much time the car must be tested before a problem occurs. This is clearly isn't 'a problem that occurs when the car is driven, or even during the first 10,000 miles.

During development, only a few prototypes to move more than a couple of one thousand miles. And almost nobody in the establishment of experimental auto accumulate more than a few one thousand miles before being sold to dealers as "executive demonstrations." Compressed development schedules involved. Led by Toyota, automakers spend a few months to develop a car than they used to. That means less time to be a problem during the prototype testing.

Put all the pieces together and every problem that a small percentage of the car reached after these cars are on track for a while probably not be detected during development of the car.

Of course, there still smoking gun: it may be that someone has noticed this problem some acceleration in Toyota, and has decided not to conduct or attempted to chase and were blocked by other individuals within the company. But still no hint.

Moving product and Toyota was still guilty. Pedal recall includes one five years old model, the 2005 Avalon. Some of the reported cases in 2005 Camrys (although not included in the pedal Recall). Even if a problem that a small percentage of these cars become not arise during development, clearly began appearing once in a hundred thousand cars were in the hands of customers. Dealers should be aware of numerous cases of unintended acceleration in 2007 or 2008, maybe even in 2005.

Which system has to the owners of Toyota vehicles to be tested for learning problems and quickly develop engineering solutions for them? Judging from the reactions of True Delta car reliability survey, Toyota has a generally good job of identifying and fixing common problems in the beginning of the model run. Which is why Toyota generally continue to perform well in reliability surveys. Common problems are caught and fixed. If Toyota has not lost control of the quality.

But the system is not in this particular case, that is not connected to a common problem. Why? Is there a system of Toyota is much less attention to the rare problems, even if they can cause fatal accidents? Is there a way cars less close after the first year or two of ownership? Each of these may be a factor. But if someone asks these questions?

These are questions not only for Toyota. All manufacturers have a feature of the current Toyota as a wake-up call for their use of the rare but potentially fatal, owners of cars have problems, a thorough investigation into these problems and then fixing them to improve.

The Winners: Subaru Up 28%, VW Up 41.4%, Audi Up 37.9%, Mercedes Up 45.3%

2010-02-03T23:21:00.000-08:00

Volkswagen and Audi combined for one hell of a month, with total turnover of 40 per cent. In the beetle returned something, but still Jettas VWOA oil for bread. The Audi in combination A4/A5/Q5 combined two-thirds mark in January 6510 sales. 's Subaru Impreza and Forester are few of their number in 2009, but the new Legacy / Outback duo was more than 100 percent. Mercedes had a strong board in January not only tired SLK, CLK, CLS and CL to grow sales. Also, 156 people bought the R-Class, the Mon

Felipe Massa stars in Ferrari 599XX shakedown 2010

2010-02-03T23:10:00.000-08:00

In 599XX is one of the most extreme car Ferrari, along with fellow model FXX-XX. Making its debut in Geneva last year shows, the 599XX is made for the song, but an official game, which means that unlimited and approval by the regulatory restrictions or limitations. This 700 hp Bolter, with Ferrari's own words "a true technology lab, which contains the best technology from Ferrari.

In 599XX has finally released their debut song, driven by none other than the driver of the Formula 1 Scuderia's Felipe Massa. The Brazilian driver 599XX satisfied customers and members of the Ferrari Corse Clienti program (individual race Ferrari) at the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia, where seven cars around the circuit. After a few laps Felipe said: "I've really enjoyed testing this car, I think it is very powerful and has exceptional stability. Whereas it is scheduled for a song is really easy to drive."

Ferrari will organize customer events at tracks in America, Europe and Asia with 599XX. My guess is that the Asian leg will be in Shanghai to coincide with F1 racing. I was in a Ferrari A1GP race in Shanghai and conduct an event FXX, which sounded absolutely ballistic! More pictures after the jump.