The 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG’s big bark: Motoramic TV

The words “four cylinder” and “AMG” sit uneasy in close proximity. Four-cylinder engines are cheap, economical workhorses that, in their rare upmarket appearances, serve as fuel-economy specials. In a performance context, four-bangers connote the sport compact crowd — Hondas, GTIs and rally cars. None of those Venn diagrams overlap the territory of AMG, Mercedes-Benz’ cathedral to big horsepower and bigger money. Right now, if you want a four-cylinder AMG, one of your options is to cut an SL65 motor into thirds.

But come November there’ll be an easier path to quad-piston AMG entertainment. The 2.0-liter four-banger beneath the hood of the CLA45 AMG pumps out 355 hp, 332 lb-ft of torque and a truly bratty exhaust note. AMG’s littlest motor claims a bunch of production-car superlatives, including highest specific output (178 horsepower per liter) and highest boost pressure (26.1 psi). I’m guessing you’ll want to fill up with premium.

Mercedes introduced the CLA45 AMG at the new Bilster Berg race track in Germany. Nestled amongst quaint storybook hills where you can easily imagine witches getting pushed into ovens, Bilster Berg is a merciless succession of blind corners and drastic elevation changes. It’s certainly not a track to flatter your abilities or mask a car’s shortcomings. And while Mercedes led the CLA-driving ducklings around the track with a pace car, that pace car was an SLS AMG driven by a fellow who seemed to occasionally forget that he had an SLS while we had CLAs. A rolling roadblock he wasn’t.

That stacked two-liter motor sends its power through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel-drive. The latter is not a totally tricked-out torque-vectoring physics-rearranger like you’d find in a Mitsubishi Evo — this system is here to launch you off the line, banish torque steer and get you up to the ski condo. Under normal running, it’s 100 percent front-wheel-drive, but the system can push up to 50 percent of the torque rearward. Even so, there’s no rear torque bias and consequently never any power oversteer. You can pitch the tail out with lift throttle and a sudden yank of the wheel, but it would probably take a dirt road and serious left-foot rally techniques to drift a CLA45 around a corner. The brake-based Curve Dynamic Assist, which is active even with stability controls off, does offer brake-based torque vectoring to help tidy your line.

AMG models used to be all about the motor, but lately they’ve become well-rounded packages as the AMG goblins get their hands deeper and deeper into the development cycle. Indeed, if you had a front-end collision in your CLA45 AMG, I don’t think the repair place could use many CLA250 parts in the rebuild — engine, cooling, suspension, brakes, aero trim and many other parts are AMG-specific. And yet, the motor still dominates the experience.

Stomp the gas, listen to the exhaust fire off a couple of angry blats and you’ve done 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. That’s a very legit number, and one that’s comfortably ahead of the larger six-cylinder cars that compete at the CLA45’s $50,000 price range.

I suppose we’ll soon find out whether the high-performance Benz crowd embraces a car with a mere two liters beneath the hood, but I like Mercedes’ angle. There are enough V-6-powered, 300-or-so horsepower sport sedans in the world. There aren’t enough wildly boosted German four-cylinders that bark and pop like a World Rally Championship car. Besides, a four-cylinder that outruns sixes: that’s very AMG.

Source: Yahoo!

Subaru Viziv concept projects an angular, angrier future

The Subaru Viziv Concept revealed at the Geneva Motor Show showcases the brand’s ideas for a future-generation crossover. It has two-doors, four seats, and draws its name from “vision for innovation.” It also appears a little reminiscent of Kia’s Cross GT concept from earlier this year: only better looking, smaller and less Korean.

It looks futuristic, as most concepts do, but retains some features – like the rear end – that appears modern and relatable. The interior boasts custom displays for each of the vehicles occupants, along with Subaru’s EyeSight stereo camera system.

For the engine, Subaru chose a plug-in hybrid design, utilizing a 2.0-liter Boxer diesel motor powering the front axle and two independent electric motors to spin the rear. This design saves weight, but more importantly, eliminates the need for a propeller shaft, meaning the designers could lower the floor and increase passenger legroom. It also varies the power between the front and rear depending on driving conditions and the level of spiritedness the driver displays behind the wheel.

Given we are talking about Subrau, it will come as no surprise to learn that the transmission of choice will be a CVT. That shouldn’t worry you, however, as Subaru has come along way in their continuously variable transmissions, preserving the driving experience while maximizing fuel efficiency. This is also another clear indication that CVTs are here to stay, whether we like it or not.

Source: Yahoo!

2015 Cadillac Escalade Photos Leak Online

Two-thirds of GM’s latest-generation full-size SUVs—the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon—have been revealed so far this year, leaving the best (or at least the ritziest) for last: Cadillac’s Escalade. The first images of the big Caddy, which is set to be revealed any moment now, have leaked online, apparently pulled from a video AOL Autos/Autoblog posted that has since been taken down. Cadillac previously released a photo of the Escalade’s interior, but this is our first peek at the exterior.

• Instrumented Test: 2014 Cadillac CTS Vsport Twin-Turbo V-6
• Instrumented Test: 2013 Cadillac XTS FWD Premium
• Instrumented Test: 2013 Cadillac ATS 3.6

As you can see, the Escalade looks about how you’d expect—it’s angular and still follows Cadillac’s well-established Art and Science design theme. We don’t have any details about the rest of the 2015 Escalade quite yet, but we can safely assume it will again share a great deal underneath with the Tahoe and Yukon, including a variation of those trucks’ latest-generation small-block V-8 engines. As was the case previously, expect the Cadillac to use a slightly larger and more powerful V-8 than its siblings—in this case, we’d put our money on GM’s new 6.2-liter V-8, which is optional in the Yukon and unavailable in the Tahoe. Look for full details soon, but in the meantime, head over to Carscoops, which has built a gallery filled with screenshots of today’s leaked video.

Source: CarAndDriver

Pit (Viper) Boss: How a 125-hp Passion Informs SRT Engineering Head’s 640-hp Profession

A 125-hp Formula Ford race car is everything that an SRT product isn’t. But it is a part of deciding what SRT products will be.

In this new series, we peek into the personal stables of the people behind our favorite cars. Russ Ruedisueli (roo-duh-SELL-ee) has been racing in Formula Vee and Formula Ford for more than 20 years and, at 54, continues to successfully compete in SCCA events. That experience cross-pollinates with his day job as the head of Chrysler’s SRT and motorsports engineering.

C/D: How did you get started racing?
RR: Tom Wilkinson [now communications manager at Chevrolet] started racing out of Waterford Hills, Michigan, in a Formula Vee, and that was like my introduction to heroin. He got me out there crewing with him and then got me into the car and through driver’s school. A couple years later I moved up to Formula Fords, and that’s where I’ve kind of  landed.

C/D: Those are very different from the cars SRT sells.
RR: Yeah, they are. But the basics of making a car handle and respond so that the driver is comfortable still apply. If the driver is comfortable, you get better lap times and better race results.

• Comparo: 2013 SRT Viper GTS vs. 2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
• Instrumented Test: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT
• Name That Exhaust Note, Episode 194: 2013 SRT Viper GTS

Support Vehicle

Ruedisueli’s tow rig is a Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT. He’s usually the only guy at the track who tows his race car with a vehicle he engineered. Usually.

C/D: Is there anything on the new Viper that was directly influenced by your racing?
RR: The shifter on the old Viper was very tall. Almost an arm, shoulder, and elbow shift was required. [Race cars] have very small shifters that you click with your wrist. We worked hard on shortening the shifter, lowering the efforts, and dialing in the detents so that you can shift that thing with your wrist now.

C/D: A skinny-tired race car likes to move over its tires, to be a bit loose. Does the racer in you want to make SRT cars similarly loose?
RR: We set the SRT stuff up so it can move around a bit, so you can drive a little bit with the throttle. We’re proud of that. Our dynamics team that put the basic packages together is all ex-racers. We’re all anti-push; we’d rather have a little oversteer than understeer.

Source: CarAndDriver

Subaru EyeSight System Adds Lane-Keeping Assist, More Autonomous Functionality

First-generation EyeSight system, as viewed from inside the vehicle.

Subaru made mild waves last year when it announced it would offer a relatively low-cost suite of driver-assistance technologies dubbed EyeSight in the 2013 Legacy and Outback (the kit later expanded to the 2014 Forester‘s option sheet). The stereoscopic camera–based system enabled adaptive cruise control, pre-collision automatic braking, collision warning, and lane-departure warning, but its operating range was fairly limited compared to the radar- and sonar-based systems used by pricier luxury brands. Now, Subaru’s back with the second-generation EyeSight system, and it’s improved on the original’s capability while adding more functions.

For those not familiar with Subie’s stereoscopic camera setup, it works like this: a pair of forward-facing cameras mounted at each side of the rearview mirror “see” what’s in front of the car. By angling the cameras relative to one another and stitching their feeds together, the system’s brain gains a rudimentary form of depth perception, and thus object recognition. For its second act, EyeSight has inherited the ability to see color. Before, the system’s “eyes” saw the world in black-and-white dog vision; with color, the setup’s ability to discern its surroundings is boosted by a claimed 40-percent increase in viewing angle and distance.

This enhancement is critical, because one of EyeSight’s key limitations compared to a conventional radar-based system is its viewing distance and reaction quality. Stereoscopic cameras can’t see as far as radar or process what they’re seeing as quickly. Adding color allows Subaru to up EyeSight’s operating speeds, enabling automatic pre-collision braking from 31 mph and pre-collision brake assist (which aids the driver’s braking in emergency scenarios) from 43 mph—both thresholds are 12 mph faster than before.

Cleverly, Subaru has extorted EyeSight’s ability to “see” color to enable brake-light and traffic-signal recognition. This info is looped into the adaptive cruise-control function, meaning if EyeSight sees brake lights or red lights ahead, it can trigger automatic braking sooner. Just as the first-gen system could cut throttle if the driver attempted to accelerate from a stop with an object in the way, the second-gen version can do the same, but adds the ability to do so in reverse.

• Comparison Test: 2014 Subaru Forester vs. Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4
• Instrumented Test: 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek 2.0i
• Instrumented Test: 2013 Subaru BRZ Automatic

Finally, EyeSight’s new features include an Active Lane Keep System, which can actively steer the vehicle to keep it within a lane. Subaru’s press release—as translated from Japanese—extolls Lane Keep’s ability to “further reduce the burden on the driver.” We wouldn’t jump the gun so quickly if we were Subaru; color or otherwise, EyeSight’s cameras are still rendered partially or totally useless in severe weather or if the windshield gets dirty. But we still applaud the company for finding a way to bring luxury-car safety tech to the masses.

EyeSight currently can be had for as little as $2740 bundled in a package on Legacy and Outback Premium models (total prices, EyeSight included: $26,830 and $30,360) and $2400 on the Forester 2.5i Touring (for an out-the-door price of $30,820). The new EyeSight setup goes on sale in Japan next year, and while Subaru hasn’t outlined plans—or feature allocation—for the U.S. yet, we expect it will arrive here shortly thereafter.

Source: CarAndDriver

“Gone in 60 Seconds” star Eleanor fetches $1 million at auction

When Mecum Auctions estimated that "Eleanor" – the hero car from Gone in 60 Seconds — would sell for around $300,000, most believed that prediction was low. As it turned out, it was, as the modified 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 fetched $1 million at the blocks last week, proving that Eleanor was worthy of her "unicorn" status.

There were multiple GT500s used in Jerry Bruckheimer's remake of the 1974 original, but this particular machine marked the "hero" car driven by Nicolas Cage, as well as being featured in the movies' promotional material. By all accounts, she remains beautiful, and was glamorized and brought to life impeccably by Bruckheimer and his team. While there were many stunning cars documented in the movie, including "Bernadine," the majestic Jaguar XJ220, none held the allure of Eleanor.

Even Mecum were surprised by the response Eleanor drew after announcing the silver 'Stang was for sale. They originally deemed the car a Mustang with a cool story, but as it turned out, that story romanticized the machine into an icon. An icon worth far for more than Dana Mecum ever imagined.

Many treasures were offered at Mecum's Indianapolis Spring Auction, but this particular item remained the prized jewel. Would you pay over $1 million for a Mustang? One lucky bidder did. And with that, they acquire the privilege of calling Eleanor their unicorn.

Photo: David Newhardt, courtesy of Mecum Auctions

Source: Yahoo!

Where Aston Martin began: Flickr photo of the day

When tractor builder David Brown took over Aston Martin after World War II, he focused on building four cars — dubbed DB2 prototypes — that could immediately take on racing at Le Mans. This one, the fourth built, was Brown's personal ride, and later raced around Europe on its massive for the period 18-inch tires. Caught by Ian Leech at Kensington Palace this summer, the DB2 has a stance that no other Aston can match. Post your photos to the Motoramic group on Flickr, or send us a message via Twitter, Facebook, Google+, or Tumblr.

Source: Yahoo!

Recall: 344,000 Honda Odyssey minivans for sudden braking

Honda is recalling 344,187 Odyssey minivans for stability control systems that can apply the brakes without necessity or warning, according to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Yaw sensors on 2007-2008 Honda Odyssey models can allow the brakes to build hydraulic pressure if they fail to calibrate the vehicle's physical orientation and steering angle on each startup. If there is too much pressure in the brake lines, "heavy and unexpected" braking can result without the driver tapping the brake pedal and without any brake lights flashing, Honda said.

In June, the NHTSA opened an investigation into the 2007-2008 Odyssey after receiving 22 owner complaints of sudden braking, which in some cases caused "vehicle speed to drop by as much as 30 mph in a very brief amount of time." Honda said it had received 109 warranty claims and 205 additional reports of sudden braking starting in April 2012. No injuries or accidents have been reported, Honda said.

Honda said it did not have any new yaw sensors available and dealers would not fix the cars until parts arrive in March 2014. In the meantime, Honda will send out letters in December instructing owners how to calibrate the stability control system to prevent sudden braking and how to deal with the problem if it occurs while driving. Those instructions should be available on www.recalls.honda.co​m or by calling Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

Honda has had several problems with its stability control systems on other models. In April and July, Honda recalled nearly 92,000 Fit hatchbacks due to a stability control system that allowed the car to skid at a greater angle than allowed by federal requirements.

In March, Honda recalled nearly 250,000 vehicles for a similar problem to the Odyssey in which the stability control system was inadvertently applying the brakes. This problem, which affected the 2005 Pilot, 2005 Acura RL and 2005-2006 Acura MDX, was due to damaged electrical capacitors that could send false signals that the vehicle was sliding and apply the brakes for a "fraction of a second," Honda said. If the driver were to brake at the same time, the computer could increase the braking force, due to a feature called brake assist, without the driver's input.

Earlier model years of the Odyssey have been affected by other major recalls. In September, Honda recalled 404,700 minivans and SUVs, including the 2003-2004 Odyssey, to fix airbags that could deploy inadvertently.

Honda recalled 870,000 models in December 2012, including the 2003-2004 Odyssey, for faulty ignition interlocks that could let them roll away unexpectedly. The 2002-2004 Odyssey were also recalled in 2004 for faulty transmissions that could lock up, and the 2003 Odyssey was recalled in 2003 for leaking fuel tanks.

[Source: NHTSA]


Source: MSN

Recall: 344,000 Honda Odyssey minivans for sudden braking

Honda is recalling 344,187 Odyssey minivans for stability control systems that can apply the brakes without necessity or warning, according to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Yaw sensors on 2007-2008 Honda Odyssey models can allow the brakes to build hydraulic pressure if they fail to calibrate the vehicle's physical orientation and steering angle on each startup. If there is too much pressure in the brake lines, "heavy and unexpected" braking can result without the driver tapping the brake pedal and without any brake lights flashing, Honda said.

In June, the NHTSA opened an investigation into the 2007-2008 Odyssey after receiving 22 owner complaints of sudden braking, which in some cases caused "vehicle speed to drop by as much as 30 mph in a very brief amount of time." Honda said it had received 109 warranty claims and 205 additional reports of sudden braking starting in April 2012. No injuries or accidents have been reported, Honda said.

Honda said it did not have any new yaw sensors available and dealers would not fix the cars until parts arrive in March 2014. In the meantime, Honda will send out letters in December instructing owners how to calibrate the stability control system to prevent sudden braking and how to deal with the problem if it occurs while driving. Those instructions should be available on www.recalls.honda.co​m or by calling Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

Honda has had several problems with its stability control systems on other models. In April and July, Honda recalled nearly 92,000 Fit hatchbacks due to a stability control system that allowed the car to skid at a greater angle than allowed by federal requirements.

In March, Honda recalled nearly 250,000 vehicles for a similar problem to the Odyssey in which the stability control system was inadvertently applying the brakes. This problem, which affected the 2005 Pilot, 2005 Acura RL and 2005-2006 Acura MDX, was due to damaged electrical capacitors that could send false signals that the vehicle was sliding and apply the brakes for a "fraction of a second," Honda said. If the driver were to brake at the same time, the computer could increase the braking force, due to a feature called brake assist, without the driver's input.

Earlier model years of the Odyssey have been affected by other major recalls. In September, Honda recalled 404,700 minivans and SUVs, including the 2003-2004 Odyssey, to fix airbags that could deploy inadvertently.

Honda recalled 870,000 models in December 2012, including the 2003-2004 Odyssey, for faulty ignition interlocks that could let them roll away unexpectedly. The 2002-2004 Odyssey were also recalled in 2004 for faulty transmissions that could lock up, and the 2003 Odyssey was recalled in 2003 for leaking fuel tanks.

[Source: NHTSA]


Source: MSN

Jaguar’s Future Sports Sedan, New Aluminum Platform, and the Future Lineup [2013 Frankfurt Auto Show]

By far, the best news to come from Jaguar at the Frankfurt auto show was that underneath the C-X17 crossover concept sat all-new, all-aluminum architecture destined first for a clean-sheet sports sedan. There were no photos of said sedan, nor renderings, nor sketches or previews or teasers. The announcement contained little more about the car than what we crammed into the first sentence of this paragraph. And yet, this information was—on its own—enough to erase the stain of X-type, the jokes about Connolly leather seats, and that Ford radio head unit haphazardly stuffed into the S-type’s dashboard.

There is only one proper—nay, gentlemanly—reaction to news like this, and that is by politely clearing one’s throat and asking: “HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO WAIT TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?!” This response may be conditioned by watching too much Breaking Bad. Maybe it’s because we just love rear-wheel drive and sports sedans. The reason why doesn’t matter, though. So, with not a single Bothan spy harmed, here’s what’s in the pipeline from Jaguar.

Architecture: Lightest Weights, Layouts

Since the architecture is so scalable and flexible, Jaguar will use it for virtually all of its next-generation models. Engines are fitted longitudinally, so rear-wheel drive is the primary layout, and most if not all future Jags will offer all-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive system is similar to what was designed for the XF and XJ AWD models on sale now, but is a more advanced version with much new hardware. Engineers say that the aluminum platform is so light and has been so well optimized, many models will be the lowest weight in their classes.

Compact Sports Sedan (2015)

Jaguar’s response to the Audi A4 and the BMW 3-series is the first recipient of the flexible, scalable, all-aluminum architecture. Rear-wheel drive will be standard and all-wheel drive optional. An all-new turbocharged four-cylinder will deliver upwards of 250 horsepower, while Europeans will be treated to a brand-new four-cylinder turbo-diesel. Jaguar’s 375-plus-hp supercharged V-6 will power upmarket models—including the hotter S model, which Jaguar bosses say is an extremely important trim. A high-performance RS is likely, and although the architecture in general could fit a V-8, we think Jaguar will coax more power out of the V-6. Having heard in the past from a Jaguar engineer that future models would offer a manual transmission, well, this seems like the perfect application.

Although the name was rumored to be Q-type, with the crossover being called XQ-type, neither name can be used. Jaguar pulled both applications for trademark after Audi launched a formal complaint about Q-type. Nissan, too, probably would have had something to say—remember that Infiniti sells only models called Q and QX now.

Mid-Size Crossover SUV (2015–2016)

It’s not officially green-lit yet, but Jaguar execs are very hot to build a crossover, and the U.S. and China are particularly enthusiastic. The plan was to use the C-X17 concept to gather answers to two questions. (We’re generously paraphrasing both.) First, would the mere notion of a Jaguar SUV trigger widespread fits of yelling in Latin? Second, assuming the reaction was not Glossolalia, how does this particular design fit?

To get the most accurate reaction, Jaguar designed and built the C-X17 along production parameters—the fenders are the right height to accommodate a true suspension on the actual aluminum architecture, for example—so they could get as accurate of an impression as possible from the public. Overall, Jaguar is shooting for something roughly the size of an Audi Q5, but with more storage despite a more rakish design. It would sit about half a class above the Audi.

As the concept has been designed, it can accommodate an inline-four or a V-6—and yes, Jaguar’s V-8 would also fit. Executives say they would absolutely consider sportier S and RS versions.

XJ Replacement (2016)

Jaguar is already testing early prototypes of the next-gen XJ, which should arrive in 2016. We do not believe it will ride on the new aluminum architecture, but would instead take on a lighter-weight version of the brand-new platform used for the Range Rover Sport. Both are aluminum, but they’re not tremendously related beyond that, and the idea is that the Land Rover design might better suit a very large, very luxurious sedan. This is still up in the air, though.

• First Drive: 2014 Jaguar XFR-S
• Instrumented Test: 2014 Jaguar F-type V-8 S
• First Drive: 2014 Jaguar XJR

Next-Gen XF, and Maybe XK?

It won’t be for several more years that we see a replacement for the XF, which launched back in 2008. With the help of a major face lift, a new engine portfolio, the addition of optional all-wheel drive, and the new wagon model for Europe, the XF still feels fresh, and is Jaguar’s top seller globally. We expect it to receive the new four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines (just the former for us) after the new compact sedan does in 2015.

Jaguar has said virtually nothing about the XK, but based on what executives are saying about general product cadence, a replacement would be a very low priority. The company is investing in all the new products you see above, but it still ain’t the Volkswagen Group, and that means it needs to focus on core models for the next several years. High-end grand-touring coupes are a tiny market even by niche standards, and Jaguar’s brand-new F-type covers the territory well enough.

Source: CarAndDriver

The Current Rogue is So Popular that Nissan Says It’ll Keep Building It

2013 Nissan Rogue

You’d think that with Nissan’s recent unveiling for the second-generation Rogue, which goes on sale in November, that the company would be hard at work selling off the remaining examples of the outgoing model. This is a typical strategy, one that clears space on dealer lots for the latest and greatest—but in this case, Nissan won’t be employing it. In fact, the automaker has announced the unusual—but not unprecedented—move to continue selling the old Rogue alongside the new one “for the immediate future” because of its overwhelming popularity.

The old Rogue will be sold under the new name “Rogue Select,” and will go on sale in January of next year. Setting the Select apart—aside from its nearly decade-old styling—will be its price, which Nissan assures us will ring in at less than $20,000. That ensures at least a $3000 price difference between the Rogue Select and the base 2014 Rogue, although Nissan has yet to outline standard and optional feature availability for the former. The outgoing Rogue has seen sales increases through August of this year, which prompted Nissan to continue offering it. Although somewhat strange, it’s not uncommon for companies to continue selling outdated goods alongside new stuff. Chevy has done it in the past with the Malibu Classic sold from 2004–2005, and most recently it put the last-generation Impala sedan on life support for fleets.

• First Drive: 2014 Nissan Versa Note Hatchback
• First Drive: 2013 Nissan Juke NISMO
• Instrumented Test: 2013 Nissan Sentra SL 1.8

In case you were concerned that Nissan’s Rogue production facility could get mighty confusing with two generations of the same car rolling down the line together, don’t be. Rogue assembly switches from Japan to Smyrna, Tennessee, while the Select will continue to be built in Japan. More Rogue Select details, including pricing, will be revealed closer to the new-old/old-new model’s on-sale date.

Source: CarAndDriver

Nov. 7: Art Arfons sets a 576-mph speed record on this date in 1965

It's easy to look at pictures like this one of Art Arfons and his jet-powered Green Monster on the Bonneville Salt Flats and imagine there's some high-dollar engineering and technical work that went into pushing to 500 mph and beyond. What it doesn't show was that Arfons was the ultimate shade-tree mechanic, an Akron, Ohio, gearhead who started building drag racers so powerful they got him banned from sanctioned events, and who managed to scrounge jet engines the U.S. Air Force considered worthless. On this date in 1965, Arfons topped 576 mph, a record he would never beat. Hear his secret to getting a broken turbine running for not much money:

Source: Yahoo!

Nov. 7: Art Arfons sets a 576-mph speed record on this date in 1965

It's easy to look at pictures like this one of Art Arfons and his jet-powered Green Monster on the Bonneville Salt Flats and imagine there's some high-dollar engineering and technical work that went into pushing to 500 mph and beyond. What it doesn't show was that Arfons was the ultimate shade-tree mechanic, an Akron, Ohio, gearhead who started building drag racers so powerful they got him banned from sanctioned events, and who managed to scrounge jet engines the U.S. Air Force considered worthless. On this date in 1965, Arfons topped 576 mph, a record he would never beat. Hear his secret to getting a broken turbine running for not much money:

Source: Yahoo!

Fiat Celebrates 30 Years of the Panda with a Winter-Themed 4×4 [2013 Frankfurt Auto Show]

Maybe we’re only noticing this because we’re still in the muggy, dog days of summer, or maybe automakers are responding to global warming in a very clever way, but we seem to be in the golden age of winter-themed special editions. BMW continues to put out Frozen edition after Frozen edition of M3s and 6-series, Cadillac “frosted” its outgoing CTS, and Jeep has a Polar-inspired Wrangler at the Frankfurt show. Now we’re being treated to Fiat’s Panda 4×4 Antarctica in celebration of the Panda’s 30th birthday.

As is only logical for a winter-themed Panda, Fiat has finished the Antarctica’s exterior in white, complemented by a black roof and accented by orange on the wheel hubs and mirror housings—the orange treatment continues on the interior, too. Windows have been darkened and fog lights added to amplify the special edition’s Great White North credentials. The 4×4 rides on gray diamond-finish 15-inch aluminum wheels fitted with 175/65 snow tires that Fiat claims doesn’t harm fuel economy.

Fuel is consumed by a choice of a gasoline-drinking 0.9-liter turbocharged two-cylinder rather at 85 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque, or a 1.3-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel cranking out 75 horses and 140 lb-ft. Regardless of engine choice, a six-speed manual transmission handles shifting duties and a stop-start system comes as standard.

• First Drive: 2014 Fiat 500L
• Long-Term Road Test Wrap-Up: 2011 Mini Cooper S Countryman ALL4
• Comparison Test: 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz G550

The Panda 4×4 Antarctica will go on sale in European markets closer to the end of the year. Even though this limited edition won’t ever set tread on American soil, we continue to hold out hope that this admirable little off-roader will serve as the foundation for Jeep’s upcoming B-segment offering.

Source: CarAndDriver

Elon Musk Explains Tesla Model S Fire

After a Tesla Model S burned on a Seattle highway last week, Elon Musk has spoken: Gas-swilling drivers are five times more likely to have their car catch on fire than a Tesla. Unlike the last time the Tesla CEO went to bat against critical media reports, there was no New York Times or unfavorable review to tar and feather last week, only bad luck and physics.

As we reported, there really wasn’t a big deal to the Model S fire given it had only happened one time and was completely contained. Indeed, we now know that a “curved section” of metal fell off a tractor-trailer and punched a hole—with a force of 25 tons—through the car’s quarter-inch-thick armor plating that protects the battery pack. In scientific terms, it would appear as though there was an ensuing short circuit from the impact, then what’s known as a thermal runaway—when a battery’s temperature keeps rising and its energy essentially consumes itself—and finally, a fire. (Tesla would not comment nor confirm this speculation.) It was an accident, and like any accident with a moving vehicle that propels itself with a chemical process, fires can and do happen.

But while Musk references stats from the National Fire Protection Association and the Department of Transportation to draw his above conclusion—including his suggestion that gasoline leaks in a similar accident would “burn the entire car to the ground”—we also know that lithium-ion battery R&D is a relatively new line of work.

• Instrumented Test: 2013 Fiat 500E
• First Drive: 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive
• Comparison Test: 2012 Chevrolet Volt vs. 2012 Fisker Karma EcoSport

Researchers at MIT published a study in May 2012 in which they punched lithium-ion batteries with varying strikes and force. They found that physical impacts can cause increases in temperature and wrote that it was “very important to detect onset of electric short circuit” even without an imminent fire condition. This isn’t to say that Tesla hasn’t engineered a great car, or that gasoline is inherently safer than batteries. Neither is true. We all just have a lot more to learn about how these batteries fail—and how they can be made stronger—in a car crash.

Source: CarAndDriver

2014 Ford Fiesta ST, truly a hot hatch: Motoramic Drives

Hot hatches are a dying breed. Because even when automakers set out to make one, they lack the stripped-down simplicity of the classics like the Mark II Volkswagen GTI, but manage minivan-like dimensions. The current (and outgoing) GTI packed a few too many Whoppers, while the Ford Focus ST carries a price tag that creeps into RWD coupe territory. I wanted a lighter, cheaper and less powerful car to toss around. Fortunately Ford delivered just that with the 2014 Fiesta ST—and it’s a blast.

While not as aggressively tuned as the Focus ST, it’s more enjoyable on the street. Softer, more compliant, and with a gentle push in turns compared to its larger sibling, the Fiesta won’t tripod around the bends with the inside wheel lifting—but it’s a car you can go all out with peace of mind. Yes, the 197 ponies is less than the Focus ST, but because of its lower output you don’t get the annoying tug of torque steer when powering out of the corner. The turbo 1.6-liter Ecoboost motor loves to be revved to the limit, and without discernible lag at lower rpms. Plus, the lighter weight and smaller cockpit gives the sense of speed, even if you’re scooting around at a law-abiding 60 mph.

The Fiesta doesn’t just shine when at full tilt, either. The short-shifting, slick six-speed grabs gears confidently, yet is still docile enough for the morning commute. Bumps and road imperfections don’t upset the solid chassis, and the damping strikes a pleasant balance between sporty and forgiving.

Because this ST is based on a B-segment car, it’s refreshingly simple—my only tech qualm is your having to hold down the traction button to completely shut it off, which seems overkill for a forgiving ride. On the flip side, it keeps the EVTC torque vectoring system on, simulating a limited-slip differential.

The simplicity filters down to the sheet metal, with the ST resisting boy-racer frills and instead incorporating subtle aero touches. The main gripe is with the optional Recaros—unless you have the feathery frame of a horse jockey, the tight side bolsters feel like you’re enclosed in a casket.

But being able to opt out of them highlights one of the strengths of the Fiesta ST—pricing and packaging. Starting at $21,400, it’s cheaper than both the Civic Si ($22,515) and Volkswagen GTI ($24,200). Since the creature comforts that add weight and cost—such as a moonroof—are optional, you’re not forced to get a fully loaded version for the performance, which is a refreshing change from other automakers.

That, coupled with the spunky performance, makes Ford’s capable five-door worthy of the hot hatch moniker.

Source: Yahoo!

Recall: 344,000 Honda Odyssey minivans for sudden braking

Honda is recalling 344,187 Odyssey minivans for stability control systems that can apply the brakes without necessity or warning, according to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Yaw sensors on 2007-2008 Honda Odyssey models can allow the brakes to build hydraulic pressure if they fail to calibrate the vehicle's physical orientation and steering angle on each startup. If there is too much pressure in the brake lines, "heavy and unexpected" braking can result without the driver tapping the brake pedal and without any brake lights flashing, Honda said.

In June, the NHTSA opened an investigation into the 2007-2008 Odyssey after receiving 22 owner complaints of sudden braking, which in some cases caused "vehicle speed to drop by as much as 30 mph in a very brief amount of time." Honda said it had received 109 warranty claims and 205 additional reports of sudden braking starting in April 2012. No injuries or accidents have been reported, Honda said.

Honda said it did not have any new yaw sensors available and dealers would not fix the cars until parts arrive in March 2014. In the meantime, Honda will send out letters in December instructing owners how to calibrate the stability control system to prevent sudden braking and how to deal with the problem if it occurs while driving. Those instructions should be available on www.recalls.honda.co​m or by calling Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

Honda has had several problems with its stability control systems on other models. In April and July, Honda recalled nearly 92,000 Fit hatchbacks due to a stability control system that allowed the car to skid at a greater angle than allowed by federal requirements.

In March, Honda recalled nearly 250,000 vehicles for a similar problem to the Odyssey in which the stability control system was inadvertently applying the brakes. This problem, which affected the 2005 Pilot, 2005 Acura RL and 2005-2006 Acura MDX, was due to damaged electrical capacitors that could send false signals that the vehicle was sliding and apply the brakes for a "fraction of a second," Honda said. If the driver were to brake at the same time, the computer could increase the braking force, due to a feature called brake assist, without the driver's input.

Earlier model years of the Odyssey have been affected by other major recalls. In September, Honda recalled 404,700 minivans and SUVs, including the 2003-2004 Odyssey, to fix airbags that could deploy inadvertently.

Honda recalled 870,000 models in December 2012, including the 2003-2004 Odyssey, for faulty ignition interlocks that could let them roll away unexpectedly. The 2002-2004 Odyssey were also recalled in 2004 for faulty transmissions that could lock up, and the 2003 Odyssey was recalled in 2003 for leaking fuel tanks.

[Source: NHTSA]


Source: MSN

Aston Martin Killing Scion iQ–Based Cygnet

One of the most unlikely luxury cars ever built will soon be no more: Production of the Aston Martin Cygnet minicar is ending “later this year,” a company spokesman confirmed to Car and Driver after Autocar first reported the news. Production of left-hand-drive versions already has come to a close, and right-hand-drivers will follow soon.

The Cygnet, which was never offered in the U.S., is an upgraded version of the Toyota iQ—badged as a Scion here. Its modifications consisted of adorning iQ bodies with styling elements resembling Aston Martin’s high-priced sports cars, and lavishly fitting interiors with leather and faux suede. The operation in Gaydon made no changes to the somewhat-lethargic powertrain of the iQ.

• Instrumented Test: 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish vs. The Hocking Hills
• First Drive: 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster
• Instrumented Test: 2014 Aston Martin Rapide S

To kindle interest in the Cygnet, the British manufacturer originally said that only those who already owned an Aston would be allowed to purchase a Cygnet, but we soon discovered that wasn’t the case—anyone was able to get one. Now is the last chance. “It may still be possible to secure a car in the dealer network,” Aston says. There’s no word on a potential successor—here’s hoping it stays that way.

Source: CarAndDriver

Cougar parade: Flickr photo of the day

While not a parade of aging housewives, this pack of Mercury Cougars, sent to us courtesy of JohnStreeter, perhaps forms a more fetching lineup. If you have a photo to share, please add it to Motoramic's Flickr group, or send us a message via Twitter, Facebook, or Google+.

Source: Yahoo!