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

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

Fiat loading cheaper Microsoft infotainment software on 15 models

As the successful Ford Sync system has shown, software now reigns supreme in car infotainment, especially as cloud-based content on connected portable devices displaces physical media such as CDs. It’s also become the new battleground among automotive software suppliers.

Microsoft, which owns and publishes MSN, and the Canadian company QNX, a subsidiary of BlackBerry maker RIM, are the two biggest players in the industry and provide proprietary software for most current automotive infotainment applications. Linux’s open-source platform is also gaining traction, as seen on the Cadillac Cue system, as automakers warm to this more flexible approach.

But Microsoft has scored a major coup with Fiat as it launches a cheaper, simpler infotainment platform for future Chrysler and Fiat vehicles, despite Chrysler's awards for its QNX-backed Uconnect system in various models.

Microsoft says its new Uconnect 5.0 system will be available on 15 new models, including Dodge, Alfa Romeo and Fiat's European brand Lancia. The 2014 Fiat 500L will be the first model to offer the system when it goes on sale this summer.

Chrysler’s roundabout relationship with Microsoft can be traced back to one of the software giant’s first forays into consumer-facing automotive infotainment with Fiat’s Blue&Me system, which predated Ford Sync. Like Sync, Blue&Me started as a basic pairing system for Bluetooth phones and media players and then evolved to include other features, such as Fiat's eco:Drive app, which records fuel-economy data to a USB stick.

Microsoft's new software, based on its Windows Embedded operating system, has a smaller processor, reduced storage space and a touch screen that's half the size of the Uconnect screens on cars like the Dodge Dart, for example. The platform also can adapt to new portable devices and applications as they become available through the life cycle of a vehicle.

Chrysler declined to comment which models would receive the new software, but due to its more limited functionality, we'd expect it to be offered only on lower-trim models and commercial vehicles like the upcoming Fiat ProMaster van.

Fiat chose automotive supplier Continental to design the head unit for the infotainment system. Fiat also asked Continental to work with Windows Embedded to deliver the new system within 18 months – as opposed to the two years it took Microsoft and Fiat to develop the Blue&Me system – just in time for the European debut of the Fiat 500L at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

“We needed a high-quality, upgradable solution, but we didn’t want a huge processor that would drive up the cost,” Candido Peterlini, director of product planning for infotainment at Fiat, said in a statement. “We also have a lot of entertainment services that take advantage of Internet access and social networks. With an infotainment system based on Windows Embedded Automotive, we can integrate people’s digital lives with their cars in a balanced way.”

Peterlini said he expects Microsoft's Uconnect 5.0 system to not only remain on par with the highly regarded QNX-based system, but also to boost the status and sales of its global brands. "By offering the Uconnect infotainment system based on Windows Embedded in all models, we anticipate a 30 to 40 percent increase in market penetration," he said.

[Source: Microsoft]

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

Volkswagen mulls new Phaeton for the US market

 

 

 

Volkswagen is giving some serious thought to bringing back the Phaeton sedan to the U.S., Automotive News reports.

 

We haven't seen the Phaeton since 2006, when it was withdrawn from the North American market after lackluster sales.

 

Built at the same factory as the much more expensive Bentley Continental GT and sharing much of the underlying mechanicals, the Volkswagen Phaeton managed to be a slower seller in the U.S. than the upmarket Bentley. The Phaeton nevertheless stayed popular in other markets, especially Southeast Asia, and was even given two facelifts in 2007 and 2010.

 

The report cites VW CEO Martin Winterkorn making statements regarding the need for an upmarket offering in North America. "A brand as large as Volkswagen needs a halo project in the upscale segment,” he stated.

 

• Slideshow: High-end cars on a budget: Fake it till you make it

 

According to Automotive News, a new Phaeton model may be previewed at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show in January, and will likely be based on the current Audi A8 sedan.

 

There had been some talk three years ago about a possible return of the Phaeton, but with the economy the way it was, we weren't particularly surprised that nothing materialized. The concept of an $85,000 Volkswagen sedan has remained an easier sell in countries where executive sedans tend to be chauffeured, but at the same time we're not ruling out a successful return of this plush sedan to our shores.

 

-- Jay Ramey

 

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Source: MSN

Brammo gives electric-motorcycle riders a proper range app

Range is a constant concern when driving an electric car, although various onboard and offboard features and apps allow you to calculate just how far you can go before running out of power.

But what if you own an electric motorcycle? It’s not as if you have a free hand to fiddle with a screen or an app while balancing on two wheels.

That’s why electric motorcycle maker Brammo is offering a range calculation app for its Empulse model that can be displayed on a smartphone and mounted on the bike's handlebars for easy access. While the app allows Empulse riders to see their EV range at a glance, it also takes into consideration traffic conditions and performance data. Plus, it can even learn individual driving habits to further fine-tune range calculations.

The app, designed by Abalta Technologies, includes a map that overlays a green “range polygon” -- unlike the radial-shaped map seen on the Nissan Leaf -- to represent the distance the Brammo Empulse can travel round-trip before needing a recharge. It also displays the location of charging stations in an area. (We got a hands-on look at the app on a bike-mounted iPhone at the Telematics Detroit conference last week.)

To more accurately calculate the Empulse's range, the app (called EOLAS-EV) also takes into account topography, temperature and other factors that may affect mileage, as well as factors such as real-time and predictive traffic data and information on traffic lights and stop signs.

• Q&A with Brammo CEO Craig Bramscher

“The reality of owning an electric vehicle is you may have to spend four hours charging somewhere,” Abalta engineering manager Sychuang Na told MSN Autos. “You see on your odometer you have 31 miles of range. But what does that mean? Can you get where you want to go? That’s the real answer."

The polygon shows range in a clearer, real-world manner that's a more accurate representation of the available distance a rider can expect to travel, he added.

“We bring all this data together, send it up to our platform, which then it calculates a range,” Na said. "And the app tells you whether you’re 31 miles of range is really 31 miles -- and whether your 31 miles will actually get you to your destination."

The more a rider uses the app, the more accurate the range estimates will be, Na said.

“Someone who likes to drive 85 mph on a freeway is going to consume more energy than someone who likes to drive 65,” he said. “And someone who likes to race away from a stop light and brakes hard at the next one will get less range. So it starts to learn a driver’s behavior.”

[Source: Abalta Technologies]

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

Investigation: Honda Odyssey for sudden airbag deployment, Pontiac G6 for faulty brake lights

The U.S. government is investigating two car models for airbags that can inadvertently deploy and brake lights that can fail to switch on while stopping, according to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NHTSA received six complaints from owners of 2003-2004 Honda Odyssey models alleging that their front airbags deployed without warning or a crash. The agency said it received 41 additional complaints regarding illuminating air bag warning lights, although the two issues are not necessarily linked. Honda sourced its airbags from supplier TRW, which also supplied airbags for nearly 920,000 Jeep models that were recalled in November for inadvertent airbag deployment. The Odyssey's airbags contain the same electrical circuit that was prone to "overstress" in the Jeep models, the filings said. As many as 320,000 vehicles may be affected.

In December, Honda recalled 870,000 vehicles for faulty ignition interlocks that can let the autos roll away unexpectedly when parked, including the 2003-2004 Odyssey.

In April 2013, Honda, along with five other automakers  that share the same parts, recalled 561,000 cars, including the 2002 Odyssey, for front passenger airbag inflators that could rupture and injure occupants during a crash.

General Motors sent NHTSA more than 1,100 reports of brake light malfunctions on the 2005-2008 Pontiac G6, a discontinued midsize sedan. The complaints, along with at least 314 sent directly to NHTSA, allege that the light operation was reversed; the brake lights illuminated when the brake pedal wasn't depressed and switched back off when the pedal was depressed. Other complaints show that some G6 models were difficult to shift from the park position and that the cruise control system did not function properly. GM also reported more than 14,000 related warranty claims regarding the brake lights. About 551,511 cars may be affected.

On June 5, General Motors recalled 1,627 cars from the 2013 and 2014 model years to fix brake lights that could flash intermittently and cruise control systems that could switch off.

While NHTSA investigations often lead to recalls, this is not always the case. No recall is official until the manufacturer announces it formally to the agency.


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

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

Volvo details new Drive-E powertrains

Volvo released details of its new Drive-E family of powertrains on Friday. Vehicles with the extra-efficient engines will arrive at dealerships early next year.

Drive-E is also Volvo’s name for all of its green innovations, encompassing everything from a sustainable manufacturing process, use of recycled materials and low-emission powertrains.

The new Drive-E engines will weigh nearly 100 pounds less than some of the company’s current engines, with fuel economy savings ranging from 13 to 26 percent. Official fuel numbers will be available next year, according to Volvo.

Two Drive-E engines will be offered in the United States: a 240-hp gas-powered four and a 302-hp, gas-powered four that uses both a turbo and a supercharger. Volvo also says both engines could get electric power or “other spearhead technology,” and could also work as plug-ins.

Technical features of the new engines include friction reduction with new ball bearings, high-speed continuous variable valve timing and intelligent heat management. The Drive-E cars will also use stop-start and brake regeneration to save energy. An electric oil pump keeps pressure up when the engine is stopped. Volvo says that using a supercharger to boost low-end torque gives the engines a naturally aspirated feel, while the turbo boost kicks in when airflow builds up. Lastly, eight-speed transmissions will cascade down the Volvo range, tuned for efficiency.

These new engines have been prepared for electrification in the future. They both sit transversely in the engine bay, leaving space for an electric motor in the front or back. Volvo says it expects batteries to be located in the center.

Derek Crabb, vice president of powertrain engineering at Volvo sees this architecture as a long-term solution.

“A four-cylinder, transversely mounted engine is a way of building up for an electrified future,” said Crabb. “Hybrids are definitely going to be a dominant part of the top end of our range.”

-- Jake Lingeman

 

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Source: MSN

Nissan 'smartwatch' can track a driver's heart rate on hot laps

"Smartwatches" that act as wearable computers are generally acknowledged as the next big wave in personal tech. Following Samsung's release last week of its Galaxy Gear smartwatch and Sony's recently updated SmartWatch 2, rumors are that Apple is readying a similar device.

Now, Nissan has introduced its own smartwatch specifically designed for drivers of the automaker's Nismo performance models, which include variants of the 370Z, Juke and GT-R. The Nissan Nismo Watch connects to a car via Bluetooth to allow drivers to gather telemetry data such as speed and fuel efficiency and keep tabs on track performance.

In addition, it receives "tailored car messages from Nissan" and will "track and rate the user's social performance across Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram via Nissan's proprietary Social Speed software," the automaker said in a news release.

The Nismo Watch also has a heart rate monitor, and Nissan plans to add other features that will provide drivers with "real-time biometric data."

These include an electroencephalogram​ to monitor brainwaves to assess drivers' concentration levels and emotions to help them get "in the zone," an electrocardiogram that measures heart health and helps recognize symptoms of fatigue and a skin temperature calculator to record core body temperature and hydration levels.

Nissan said that the Nismo Watch grew out of the Nismo Lab that the automaker unveiled earlier this year – "a bespoke, mobile laboratory that features the latest, advanced biometric training tools." One of these is JukeRide, an analysis tool that collects telematics data from Nissan Nismo race cars and biometrics from team drivers during races.

A YouTube video that Nissan released shows the Nismo Watch connecting to an iPhone app to access vehicle telemetry data as well as display a warning about icy roads and a message about scheduled maintenance. It also advises "You should slow the pace" after measuring a heart rate of 92 beats per minute.

Unveiled ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show this week, the Nismo Watch will be available in black, white and black and red. The sleek, circular timepiece secures to the wrist with a snap-fit mechanism and the user interface consists of two buttons. We can't see how the interface can be easily accessed, or even how the small watch display will be visible while a driver is twisting the wheel while on the track.

While Nissan hasn't yet announced pricing, we've seen free smartphone apps that perform some of the telemetry functions, albeit with a larger screen that can be positioned on the dash or windshield. Another potential drawback is the Nismo Watch's lithium battery; it can last just over a week on a full charge via a micro-USB cable. So you may want to wear it only on track day.

[Source: Nissan]

Source: MSN

Nissan 'Taxi of Tomorrow' may not be NYC's only cab ride

Nissan's love-it-or-hate-it yellow cab is supposed to replace Manhattan's entire taxi fleet within the next decade, but legal battles between cab drivers and the city mean it may not be the only car in town.

On Tuesday, a New York state supreme court judge ruled that the city had overstepped its boundaries by mandating that all taxis be replaced with the Nissan NV200 van, the winning vehicle chosen two years ago under Mayor Michael Bloomberg's "Taxi of Tomorrow" competition.

Currently, despite not being able to buy the discontinued Ford Crown Victoria, taxi owners and companies can buy a wide selection of vehicles including versions of the Toyota Prius, Hyundai Sonata and even the Mercedes ML (see taxi photos here). The latest decision means that cab drivers will be able to choose other vehicles when their current taxis are taken out of service.

Bloomberg isn't pleased with the ruling. According to the New York Post, he told one taxi president that he would "destroy his f***ing industry" if the courts didn't overturn the decision before his term ends Dec. 31. Nissan, obviously, would love every cab to be a Nissan and plans to sell them for $30,000 each. Whether or not you like the idea of sliding doors, that price nets a panoramic sunroof, rear climate controls and USB charging ports — not to mention a lot more headroom.

But as Bloomberg News — an independent news operation from Bloomberg himself — and Car and Driver reported, there is more at stake than just vehicle choice. New York City still has a law that requires a small percentage of taxis to be hybrids, and the NV200 won't be offered in that trim until 2014. The first Nissan vans are supposed to be on the streets by Oct. 28.

Also, since the vans aren't handicapped-accessib​le, there could be other consequences. Another lawsuit claims the city is violating the Americans With Disabilities Act because it is qualifying the NV200 as a car, not a van, which under city law is required to be accessible if used as a taxi.

So it seems no one is happy yet. Unless another fare hike comes up — or everyone straight-up hates the new Nissan's boxy shape — New Yorkers won't be affected by all the infighting.

[Source: Bloomberg; Car and Driver]



Source: MSN

Ford reveals S-Max concept ahead of Frankfurt Motor Show

 

 

 

Here's another one that'll probably go straight into the “not bound for United States shores” file: the Ford S-Max concept, which will make its grand debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. Ford says the S-Max previews a “future sport activity vehicle,” which may, in fact, be contemporary PR-speak for “mini-minivan.”

 

Look beyond the carbon-fiber interior detailing (and add some door handles) and you'll see a vehicle that looks more or less production-ready. The S-Max concept isn't too wildly sculpted, sharing styling cues with current Fords Fiesta, Escape/Kuga, C-Max and Fusion/Mondeo -- from the creases on the hood to the high, hexagonal grille to the stainless steel trim surrounding the greenhouse. Its overall proportions are in line with those of other European MPVs like the Citroën C4 Picasso.

 

What's under the S-Max's pleasing skin is likely to be far more relevant to North American shoppers than the concept vehicle itself. The concept is laden with advanced technology: Some of it, like pre-collision assist braking safety systems and park assist, is meant to help with driving; other systems, like built-in ECD heart rate monitoring and glucose level monitoring (meant to warn parents if a child enters diabetic shock) are intended to aid vehicle occupants.

 

Further, the S-Max gets Ford's new 1.5-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine. The turbocharged gasoline powerplant will reach our dealer lots under the hoods of 2014 Fusions, where it will replace the current (and slightly less efficient) 1.6-liter EcoBoost without sacrificing output.

 

--Graham Kozak

 

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Source: MSN

GM sees Tesla as 'big' threat

General Motors CEO Dan Akerson is known for taking the post-bankruptcy corporate behemoth to task for not innovating fast enough and for squandering research dollars on pie-in-the-sky patents.

Now the executive is reportedly looking over his shoulder at Tesla, the upstart electric-car company co-founded by maverick billionaire Elon Musk, as a potential threat to GM’s own business.

 

According to Bloomberg, Akerson recently warned employees that Tesla should be seen as a disruptive force in the automobile industry and that GM needs to pay attention to how Tesla operates and adapt accordingly. Akerson has even assigned a small team to study Tesla and how it could hurt the larger automaker, according to GM Vice Chairman Steve Girsky.

 

“He thinks Tesla could be a big disrupter if we’re not careful,” Girsky told Bloomberg.

 

GM introduced the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid at the end of 2010 – and the ill-fated EV1 15 years earlier – but the Volt has underperformed the company's sales expectations, despite leading all plug-in cars in 2012. GM is working on the next-generation Volt, which could cost $10,000 less than its predecessor when introduced in 2015 or 2016. The current Volt starts at $35,995 with factory rebates, while the Tesla Model S starts at $69,900 – and outsold the Volt in the first quarter of 2013.

At the same time that Akerson is pushing innovation, he’s also pushing for accountability on patents. The CEO wants to shift research and development spending away from futuristic concepts and focus instead on commercial applications.

 

Under Akerson, GM cut R&D spending by 9.3 percent to $7.37 billion last year, and saw the departure of some of the company’s top R&D executives. And while Akerson wants GM to take more risks, the CEO expects R&D to focus on ideas that car buyers will actually want.

 

“The definition of success at R&D used to be: How many patents have you generated?” Girsky said. “We have a new definition of success: How much of your stuff actually goes into the car?”

 

Girsky acknowledged that GM is still struggling to believe in its own ability to pick up the pace of innovation. But he pointed to GM’s plan to implement 4G LTE in most U.S. vehicles starting next year and the debut of the diesel version of the Chevrolet Cruze earlier this year as examples of GM’s ability to fast-track significant technologies to market. 

“At some point, the mindset … went from, ‘We can’t do it, we can’t do it, we can’t do it’ to ‘Wow, not only can we do it, but we’re going to win,’” Girsky said. To encourage employees’ efforts, Girsky has taken to awarding patches depicting Apollo 13, the 1970 NASA space mission often cited as a prime example of overcoming overwhelming odds to accomplish success.

 

And in a case of Tesla learning from GM and then vice-versa, Girsky noted that the underbody of the Model S is similar to a “skateboard-like” concept that GM came up with in 2002 for fuel-cell vehicles.

“In the old days, [GM] would’ve said, ‘It’s a bunch of laptop batteries and don’t worry about it,’” Girsky said.

He added that Akerson’s “view of the world is this kind of thing can change, can impact our organization. It may not be in his lifetime here," he added, "but it will be in somebody’s lifetime. And we need to be prepared."

[Source: Bloomberg]

Source: MSN

2014 Cadillac XTS Vsport priced at $63,020

We knew the 2014 XTS Vsport would get twin-turbo power, but now Cadillac has officially revealed the pricing and specs for the new high-powered XTS at a healthy $63,020, including destination.

 

The 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 delivers 410 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque and has an array of new features, including all-new cylinder block casting, strengthened connecting rods, more than 12 lbs. of boost from the two turbochargers and an all-new direct-injection fuel system.

 

The powerplant is the centerpiece of Cadillac's new Vsport series, which we got a taste of in the form of the CTS Vsport revealed this year. Don't fret though -- the automaker clearly states that this is not a replacement for the V-series, but sits just below Cadillac's high-performance lineup.

Exterior goodies include upgraded 20-inch wheels, a unique grille and Vsport badging all while allowing the buyer to customize their XTS to their taste.

“The addition of the new Cadillac Twin Turbo expands and elevates the XTS luxury sedan,” said Bob Ferguson, vice president of Global Cadillac. “This is a compelling enhancement to what is already one of the most technically advanced sedans in our history."

Cadillac hasn't officially stated whether AWD will be standard with the Vsport, but with this much power, it is a safe bet to assume so.

 

The XTS Vsport is slated to go on sale in August and will be offered only in the up-level premium and platinum collection trim levels.

-- Max Gilles

 

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Source: MSN

Recall: 176,000 BMWs for power braking failure

BMW is recalling 176,000 cars worldwide to fix power brake failures, according to wire reports and filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

On 2012-2014 BMW models with the company's new 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine -- including the Z4 sDrive28i, 320i and 328i, 528i, X1 sDrive28i and xDrive28i, and the X3 xDrive28i -- the engine vacuum pump can lose pressurized oil meant to drive the power brake mechanism.

Due to a poor fit of the intake camshaft's seal disk, oil may be blocked from leaving the engine to lubricate the vacuum pump, which could then cause the vacuum pump to fail and the loss of power-assist braking. While the brakes would still work, stopping distances would increase due to increased driver force needed on the brake pedal.

A total of 76,190 cars are affected in the U.S. The diesel-powered 328d is not affected.

BMW first discovered the issue from a U.S. dealer in October 2012 and while it initiated further quality checks at its factories and moved the seal disk deeper within the camshaft, the problems continued to mount throughout this year. By September, BMW said it received 105 warranty claims, 61 reports from dealers and 23 owner complaints regarding failed vacuum pumps and loss of braking. The issue typically occurred within the first hundred miles, BMW said.

In November BMW dealers will install a locking ring into the camshaft so the seal disk won't move anymore. Owners can call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or by email at CustomerRelations@bm​​wusa.com.

In February BMW recalled V8-powered X5 models from 2007-2010 that had similar vacuum pump and power braking failures. A check valve in the brake vacuum pump connected to that engine -- a one-way valve that releases pressure and is supposed to keep an airtight seal -- can leak small amounts of lubricating oil into the vacuum hose that connects to the brake booster, which is responsible for providing power assist. Also in February, BMW recalled 570,000 cars, including the Z4 and previous-generation 3-Series, for power failures and engine stalling.

In May, BMW recalled 42,080 3-Series cars from 2002-2003 to replace frontal airbags that had inflators that could rupture and injure occupants during a crash.

[Source: NHTSA]


Source: MSN

Your car is most likely to be vandalized on Halloween

As you head out tonight to trick-or-treat with your kids or maybe attend a costume party, you may want to take extra precautions for your car.

According to the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), a research organization supported by the insurance industry, personal vehicles are almost twice as likely to be vandalized on Halloween than on any other day of the year.

The HLDI combed through claims for vandalism from 28 companies representing more than two-thirds of the insurance market for private passenger vehicles. It analyzed vandalism claims – including incidents such as tires being slashed and windows being broken – that were filed under comprehensive insurance coverage from 2008 through 2012.

In doing so, the institute discovered that Halloween had the highest average number of daily claims: 1,253. This is almost twice the average number of claims per day, at 692, and much higher than any other holiday.

For example, the HLDI found that the daily average for the Fourth of July was 987 and for New Year’s Day it was 944, while Thanksgiving and Christmas had below average claim numbers.

The HLDI’s analysis showed that vandalism occurs more often on weekends and in the summer. The frequency of claims was 16 percent higher than average on Saturdays and 7 percent higher on Sundays, while other days of the week all had an average or below average number of claims. On a month by month basis, claim numbers were highest in July, followed by August and June.

HLDI Vice President Matt Moore suggested ways to help prevent vandalism to your car on Halloween, or any night.

"If you have a garage, use it," Moore told MSN Autos. "If you park on a street, try to park under a light."

Moore offered one more bit of advice that may help protect your car for the price of a few pieces of candy: "Don’t stint on giving out goodies to the kids."

That may also apply to older trick-or-treaters. HDLI recently reported that the drop in driver licensing among teens correlates with higher unemployment among the group.

"Paying for their own cars, gas and insurance is hard if they can't find a job," Moore said.

And we correlate that a lot of unemployed and bored teens could take out their frustrations by vandalizing your vehicle tonight if you stiff them on Halloween candy.

[Source: Highway Loss Data Institute]

Source: MSN

Your car is most likely to be vandalized on Halloween

As you head out tonight to trick-or-treat with your kids or maybe attend a costume party, you may want to take extra precautions for your car.

According to the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), a research organization supported by the insurance industry, personal vehicles are almost twice as likely to be vandalized on Halloween than on any other day of the year.

The HLDI combed through claims for vandalism from 28 companies representing more than two-thirds of the insurance market for private passenger vehicles. It analyzed vandalism claims – including incidents such as tires being slashed and windows being broken – that were filed under comprehensive insurance coverage from 2008 through 2012.

In doing so, the institute discovered that Halloween had the highest average number of daily claims: 1,253. This is almost twice the average number of claims per day, at 692, and much higher than any other holiday.

For example, the HLDI found that the daily average for the Fourth of July was 987 and for New Year’s Day it was 944, while Thanksgiving and Christmas had below average claim numbers.

The HLDI’s analysis showed that vandalism occurs more often on weekends and in the summer. The frequency of claims was 16 percent higher than average on Saturdays and 7 percent higher on Sundays, while other days of the week all had an average or below average number of claims. On a month by month basis, claim numbers were highest in July, followed by August and June.

HLDI Vice President Matt Moore suggested ways to help prevent vandalism to your car on Halloween, or any night.

"If you have a garage, use it," Moore told MSN Autos. "If you park on a street, try to park under a light."

Moore offered one more bit of advice that may help protect your car for the price of a few pieces of candy: "Don’t stint on giving out goodies to the kids."

That may also apply to older trick-or-treaters. HDLI recently reported that the drop in driver licensing among teens correlates with higher unemployment among the group.

"Paying for their own cars, gas and insurance is hard if they can't find a job," Moore said.

And we correlate that a lot of unemployed and bored teens could take out their frustrations by vandalizing your vehicle tonight if you stiff them on Halloween candy.

[Source: Highway Loss Data Institute]

Source: MSN