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!

Toyota Camatte57s concept gives families a carbuilding project

The auto industry hasn't quite figured out how to build a car that buyers assemble at home from cardboard boxes like Ikea furniture — but the latest version of Toyota's car for teaching kids to enjoy driving comes darn close.

Last year, Toyota unveiled its Camatte concept at a Tokyo toy conference, presenting the idea of a home-built, electric go-kart kit as a way to involve children in the fun of final vehicle assembly. The new Camatte57s version revealed ahead of this year's toy convention features even more parts — the 57 refers to the number of body panels — in part to make customizing a Camatte much easier. The controls have been swapped so that adults can ride side-by-side with their offspring with duplicate accelerators and brakes to help teach driving skills.

Toyota hasn't yet committed to selling the kit or said much about just how fast the Camatte 57s would roll once it's bolted together. It's not a street-legal car, and never would be, but building one looks a lot more fun than most toys — and it's hard for most parents to fit behind the wheel of a Little Tykes.

Source: Yahoo!

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

Are You James Hunt or Niki Lauda? Take Skip Barber Racing School’s Quiz to Find Out

The new racing movie Rush, which opened today, dives into the relationship and friendship between iconic F1 drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda, with the wild, wooly 1976 Formula 1 season serving as the backdrop. Fierce competitors, the two wheelmen once lived together but couldn’t have been more different; James Hunt was a notorious playboy, while Lauda is well known for being cool and calculating.

In celebration of the movie’s debut, our friends at Skip Barber Racing School put together a short quiz to help you figure out which of these two racing legends you most resemble. There are no wrong answers, and besides, what else do you have to do on a Friday afternoon, work? We didn’t think so—head here to take the quiz and see whether you’re a Hunt or a Lauda (or something in between).

When you’re done, read up on Hunt in our “10 Things You Need to Know” piece, and don’t forget to check out our interview with Rush director Ron Howard while you’re at it. Oh, and see the movie, too—it’s good.

Source: CarAndDriver