Saturday 8 October 2016

Volkswagen Recalls 281K Cars for Possible Fuel Leaks

Volkswagen Recalls 281K Cars for Possible Fuel Leaks


Volkswagen Recalls 281K Cars for Possible Fuel Leaks

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Volkswagen has announced three separate recalls affecting a total of 281,505 vehicles in the U.S.

The recalls are not related to diesel engines, but rather possible fuel leak issues with the affected vehicles. The first recall affects the 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI models that require partial zero emission vehicle (PZEV) modifications, as well as the front-wheel-drive Audi A3 with a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine. Those vehicles have faulty evaporative emissions systems, with rubber seals within suction pumps inside the gas tanks that were assembled with too much tension. As a result, gas can collect within the evaporative emission components instead of being pumped out, causing the charcoal filter to get flooded and leading to a continuous gasoline smell inside the car. The condition can also cause gas station nozzles to stop prematurely due to fuel splashing back or a fuel leak. The first recall affects a total of 110,042 cars.

SEE ALSO: Volkswagen Won't Sell Off Any of its Brands to Pay for Dieselgate

The second recall involves the 2007-2012 Audi Q7 and 2009-2012 Audi Q5 models. According to Volkswagen, part of the fuel filler flange can crack, causing fuel to leak. The German automaker hasn't found the cause of the issue yet, but dealers will install rubber bands around the flange to protect the fuel pump and replace any damaged flanges. That recall involves a total of 143,214 vehicles.

The third and last recall affects the 2012-2013 Audi A6 and A7 models, featuring fuel pump hoses that can leak for unknown reasons. The problem was first discovered by Audi following warranty claims for fuel leaks last November. A total of 28,249 cars affected by the third recall and currently Audi dealerships do not have a schedule on when they will replace the fuel pump and hose in affected vehicles.

Discuss this story on our Volkswagen Forum

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Traffic Fatalities Up 10.4 Percent in First Half of 2016

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Preliminary data shows that traffic fatalities in the U.S. are up 10.4 percent during the first half of 2016.

The data is not yet finalized, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates 17,775 people have died in car crashes during the first six months of this year. That figure is also the highest during the same time period since the first half of 2008, when 17,894 people died in car-related accidents.

The increase can likely be attributed to drivers spending more time on roadways, with the number of miles traveled by drivers in the U.S. increasing 3.3 percent to 50.5 billion miles. The fatality rate has increased from 1.05 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles last year to 1.12 fatalities.

SEE ALSO: Traffic Deaths Increased by 7.7 Percent Last Year

According to NHTSA, traffic fatalities were up 7.2 percent last year, with a total of 35,092 people dying on roadways due to traffic accidents. Preliminary data from NHTSA originally estimated a 7.7-percent increase.

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Volkswagen Won’t Sell Off Any of its Brands to Pay for Dieselgate

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Volkswagen has no plans of selling off its brands to cover the costs of its massive diesel scandal.

Late last year, there was a report that Volkswagen was ready to sell off some of its brands like Bentley and Lamborghini if it is unable to pay back a $21-billion loan. But recently, supervisory board chairman Hans Dieter Poetsch told German daily Boersen-Zeitung that "The Volkswagen group is financially solid and has many options for financing." He went on to say that the company is financially solid without extraordinary measures like a capital increase and it is not thinking of selling parts of its brands.

SEE ALSO: Everything We Know About the Volkswagen Atlas

The German automaker has set aside $19.8-billion to pay for costs related to the worldwide diesel scandal and currently faces civil litigation and potential fines from government regulators in the EU and other markets. Poetsch, however, indicated that he doesn't expect any further provisions will be necessary. "The items that seem most likely are reflected in the provisions made so far. From today's point of view, that is robust," he said.

[Source: Reuters]

Discuss this story on our Volkswagen Forum

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Jaguar Land Rover Hires Cartoon as Brand Ambassador

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Jaguar Land Rover is thinking outside the box for its newest global ambassador.

The British automaker has announced Noodle, Japanese guitarist and founding member of virtual British band Gorillaz, as its newest brand ambassador. Noodle will help drive a new skills gap campaign aimed at inspiring young people to become future engineers and innovators, as well as joining the Jaguar Racing crew.

According to Jaguar Land Rover, it plans on using its entry into Formula E to promote its "thought leadership position as a business that is shaping the future to solve the technology innovation and skills gap challenges."

SEE ALSO: More Jaguar Land Rover SVR Models on the Way

Gorillaz has released five albums since 2000 and has sold more than 100-million records worldwide. Noodle will help to highlight the opportunities for young people to get involved and be part of the next generation of electric vehicle technology.

"The young minds of today are the engineers of tomorrow," said Noodle. "We are in the driving seat and our imaginations are the fuel. It's time to lead the charge and build a better world!"

Discuss this story on our Jaguar Land Rover Forum

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Friday 7 October 2016

Lexus LC500 Caught on Video Doing Laps at the Nurburgring

Lexus LC500 Caught on Video Doing Laps at the Nurburgring


Lexus LC500 Caught on Video Doing Laps at the Nurburgring

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Lexus has taken the all-new LC500 testing on the Nurburgring as it gets ready to begin deliveries early next year.

Sporting a 5.0-liter V8 engine, the Lexus LC500 will have 471 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque when it arrives at dealerships next year. The luxury coupe was first announced with 467 hp and 389 lb-ft of torque, but at the 2016 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, Lexus LC chief engineer Koji Sato revealed that it got a slight bump in performance thanks to improvements made to the car's intake and exhaust.

SEE ALSO: Lexus LC GT500 Competing in 2017 Super GT Season

The Japanese luxury automaker claims the LC500 is the most dynamic car it has created since the LFA supercar. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound as amazing as the LFA's V10 while making laps on the track, but it still does sound plenty mean.

Discuss this story on our Lexus Forum

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Nominees for 2017 World Car of the Year Award Announced

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The shortlist of nominees for the 2017 World Car of the Year award have been announced, with Audi and Kia leading with three entries each.

The awards are organized by a non-profit committee of automotive journalists from around the world (22 different countries) and have been an annual occurrence since its inception in 2004. To be eligible for a World Car of the Year nomination, the vehicle must be new and must be available for sale in at least five countries on at least two continents.

The top three finalists will be announced at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, and the winners will be announced at the 2017 New York Auto Show. Last year's winner for 2016 World Car of the Year was the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

The full shortlist is below:

Nominees for 2017 World Car of the Year: Buick Lacrosse, Buick Envision, Chevrolet Cruze, Chrysler Pacifica, Audi A5/S5, Audi Q2, Audi Q5, Volkswagen Tiguan, Honda Civic, Infiniti Q60, Mazda CX-9, Subaru Impreza, Toyota CH-R, Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Genesis G80, Kia Cadenza, Kia Rio, Kia Sportage, SsangYong Tivoli/Tivoli XLV, Skoda Kodaiq, Fiat 124 Spider, SEAT Ateca, and Jaguar F-Pace.

Nominees for 2017 World Luxury/Performance Car of the Year: Cadillac CT6, Cadillac XT5, Lincoln Continental, Audi R8 Spider, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class, Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster, Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman, Honda NSX, Lexus LC500, Bentley Bentayga, Range Rover Evoque Convertible, Hyundai Genesis G90, and Volvo S90/V90.

Nominees for 2017 World Urban Car of the Year: BMW i3, Smart Brabus, Smart Cabriolet, Citroen C3, Citroen E-Mehari, Suzuki Baleno, Suzuki Ignis, and Ford Ka+.

Nominees for 2017 World Green Car of the Year: Chevrolet Bolt, Chevrolet Malibu, Tesla Model X, Audi Q7 e-tron 3.0 TDI, BMW 740 e iPerformance, Mercedes GLC 350 e, Honda FCV Clarity, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Prius Prime, Hyundai Ioniq, and Kia Niro.

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5 Things You Should Know About the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport

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Just in time for fall, Hyundai is (pumpkin) spicing things up with its compact sedan. 

The new Elantra Sport is finally here and is easily going to be the most fun compact car the brand has ever offered in North America (yes, even counting the Veloster).

With 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque blasting out of its 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, we couldn't wait to drive the new Elantra Sport around an autocross circuit. After a few laps, it became clear that there are some important things to share with you before we take it out for a thorough shakedown early next month.


The Exhaust Actually Sounds Good

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Compact cars, even sporty ones with turbocharged engines, aren't typically known for awesome noises. They typically have buzzy, annoying soundtracks, but that isn't the case with the new Elantra Sport, which sounds rowdy and tough. Think of a rally car, and you'll have a great idea of what this car sounds like. The noise reverberates off nearby buildings and echoes into the distance. It's unlike anything Hyundai has ever put on a factory car before. In fact, the designers looked at how loud a car can legally be and made the Elantra Sport that loud.

The Elantra Sport sound this good thanks to a special North American-spec airbox that Hyundai says allows for more sound with less baffling. This is due to the use of a porous material on the intake tube that lets the sound spread better.


Two Sporty Transmissions

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A sporty car needs to have a sporty gearbox, and two transmissions are available in the Elantra Sport. The most obvious choice is the six-speed manual transmission, which feels great and is similar to what we experienced in the Veloster Rallye. The other offering is the seven-speed dual clutch automatic, which is fast to swap gears once the car is in motion, but kind of sluggish off the line. Keep in mind that the models we tested were prototypes, and the final products could be more refined when they arrive.


Sportier Tires

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I was overjoyed to hear that the new Elantra Sport will come from the factory with more aggressive rubber around its 18-inch wheels. The Hankook Ventus S1 Noble tires are described as ultra high-performance all-season tires, meaning they will provide excellent grip and responsiveness, which is exactly what a compact car like this needs.

Around the autocross course, the tires were predictable and responsive while handling the abuse doled out by speed-hungry automotive journalists.


Better Brakes and Handling

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Hyundai made several important modifications to the normal Elantra in order to make the Sport model more fun to drive. The biggest change is the use of a multilink rear suspension rather than the torsion beam axle found in the standard Elantra. There's also a thicker front stabilizer bar (24 mm vs 22 mm), higher spring rates in the front and rear shocks, and stiffer dampers. The Elantra Sport also has a quicker steering rack and features a different steering tune compared to the regular Elantra. Finally, braking gets an improvement thanks to larger diameter front rotors, which are now 12 inches compared to 11.


Upgraded Interior

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The changes aren't all performance oriented, however, as Hyundai has updated the interior of the car as well. You'll notice subtle but attractive red accents inside the car, including stitching on the steering wheel, seats and shift boot. The steering wheel is also flat-bottomed for that extra sporty touch and features a cool red stripe on the bottom center.

The gauges are upgraded, too, with a sporty look that places the zeros directly at the 6 o'clock mark.


There's much more to discuss when it comes to the Elantra Sport, and we can't wait to see how it fares after a full week of testing. While there's no new Honda Civic Si out there, this Hyundai may be able to fill the gap for those looking for a sporty compact sedan.

Discuss this story at our Hyundai Elantra Sport Forum

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First Official Trailer for The Grand Tour Promises a Show Full of Hijinks

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After teasing Top Gear fans for what seems like ages, the former hosts of the popular motoring show have released the first official trailer for The Grand Tour.

The new show, which stars Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond, is an Amazon original series and is highly anticipated because the of how poorly the revamped Top Gear has performed.

The trailer previews the all-too-familiar banter and unmistakable chemistry between the three hosts and gives us a glimpse of what to expect when the show starts airing weekly on Amazon Prime starting on November 18.

So far, we can see epic road trips and challenges, drifting supercars, explosions, crazy antics, and basically everything people loved from Top Gear before the trio left the show. Watch the full trailer above.

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Ambitious Company Wants to Make this Cheap 3-Wheel Electric Car a Reality

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A new company has an ambitious plan of building "the most attractive, affordable, and practical electric car ever with base price starting at $10,000."

That company is called Sondors, founded by Storm Sondors, who raised $10-million and delivered 15,000 electric bikes. The Sondors eBike has since become the largest electric bike distributor in the U.S. and is currently sold in 67 other countries worldwide. And like the electric bike, Sondors plans on cutting out the middleman by allowing buyers to pre-order their cars online before they are custom built and delivered to their doorstep.

SEE ALSO: Elio 3-Wheel Car Priced at $7,300, But There's a Catch

The Sondors electric car is a three-seat, three-wheeled vehicle and the company plans on offering three different range options: 50 miles, 100 miles and 200 miles. The car's body will be made of aluminum, while the three-wheel design will help create less drag.

The company is offering just under $1-million in common shares of Sondors Electric Car Company at $12 per share, with a minimum investment of $120. In addition to equity, each investor will automatically be added to the company's reservation list and once the car is available for sale, they will be among the first to buy it. Investors will also have the option to gift or sell their reservation.

Learn more about Sondors by watching the video below.

Discuss this story on our Alternative Fuel Forum

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AMG Pacer from Wayne’s World is Heading to Auction

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The original 1976 AMC Pacer used in Wayne's World is crossing the auction block.

Sporting a baby blue paint job over the original yellow exterior, several modifications were made for the film, including tow hooks welded to the front subframe, 0.25-inch steel plates welded to the rocker panels for camera supports, and both the heater and air conditioning have been removed. The rear wheelhouses were also modified to fit speaker boxes, while a hole was drilled in the roof for the now-famous licorice dispenser.

According to the auction listing at Barrett-Jackson's website, "every effort was made in the car's extensive restoration to bring it back to its movie condition."

SEE ALSO: Top 10 Cheapest Cars from the 2016 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction

Every bolted-on body part was removed and the exterior body was stripped to bare metal. The bumpers and original wheels were also rechromed while the body was refinished with Nason base coat/clear coat to match the movie color. Inside, the seats and headliner have been recovered, while the all interior panels and the dash have been refinished.

The only part of the restoration that isn't true to the movie are the upgraded speakers and stereo, as the 10-inch restoration speakers are not functional since there was never an amp in the car. The stereo however, does work so you can do your own rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody."

The car will cross the auction block at Barrett-Jackson's Las Vegas 2016 auction running October 13 to 15.

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Thursday 6 October 2016

Jeep Grand Wagoneer Could Push into $140K Range

Jeep Grand Wagoneer Could Push into $140K Range


Jeep Grand Wagoneer Could Push into $140K Range

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Jeep is planning to push its products to uncharted territory when it comes to price. 

The new Grand Wagoneer will aim to compete with the Range Rover and will have a price that could push up to the $140,000 mark. "Pushing the car up to $130,000 to $140,000 may be possible, but we need to establish Grand Wagoneer in its own right first," Jeep CEO Mike Manley told Auto Express. 

SEE ALSO: Jeep Grand Wagoneer Being Shown to Dealers this Summer

The Grand Wagoneer and its sibling the Wagoneer will be based on a stretched version of the next-generation Grand Cherokee's platform which means they should arrive on the market by 2018 as 2019 models. Both models will feature three rows of seating, while the Grand Wagoneer will offer more plush luxury options.

Pushing up to that price point will pit the Jeep against some of the world's top luxury brands such as Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW.

[Source: Auto Express]

Discuss this story at our Jeep Forum

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Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Volante Will Start at $850K

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Aston Martin is giving 99 lucky customers the chance to own the new Vanquish Zagato Volante, but the privilege doesn't come cheap.

This car, which was styled by Italian design house Zagato, will sell for at least $850,000, though there are still bespoke options that can be added beyond that. Aston expects each buyer to put down a $150,000 deposit, made by October 10, and will begin delivering cars in October of 2017. Production will end in early 2018.

Aston didn't plan on building the car initially, but the positive feedback was so great that the brand moved ahead with production. The car is powered by a naturally-aspirated V12 laying down 590 horsepower and can hit 60 mph from a standstill in 3.5 seconds.

SEE ALSO: 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante Review

What really sets this car apart is its unique style, achieved in part by large body panels which reduces split lines, giving the Zagato a smooth and clean look. And since they are made from carbon fiber, the weight of the Zagato Volante was kept in check.

[Source: Automobile]

Discuss this story at our Aston Martin Forum

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Volkswagen Atlas Seven-Seat SUV to Debut October 27

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The name for Volkswagen's new seven-seat SUV has been set: Atlas. 

According to Automotive News, Volkswagen will fully reveal the new Atlas on October 27 at an event in Santa Monica, California. Earlier this year, Volkswagen trademarked a number of new names in the U.S. including Atlas.

The concept that teased the new model was called the CrossBlue, while up until now it was believed that the production model would be called the VW Teramont.

SEE ALSO: New VW Teramont Will Get up to 280HP

Unlike its previous offerings in the crossover and SUV space, the Touareg and Tiguan, VW wanted its new product to have a name that was easier for Americans to pronounce. The new name also changes Volkswagen's convention of using 'T' as the first letter of its crossover's names.

A Volkswagen spokesperson wouldn't comment on the speculation when asked by Automotive News. 

The Atlas will be built in Chattanooga, TN and will be based on VW's MQB modular platform. After the Atlas launches, a new larger Tiguan model will go on sale in mid-2017.

[Source: Automotive News]

Discuss this story at our Volkswagen Forum

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Ford Edge Under NHTSA Investigation Over Faulty Warning Lights

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) has opened a preliminary investigation into certain warning-light issues with the 2011-2013 Ford Edge. 

In the affected group, which is made up of about 380,000 units, the 'door ajar' warning light stays lit up even after all the doors are closed. While it may not cause direct safety issues, NHTSA says that having a light stuck on negates the effectiveness of the whole system.

SEE ALSO: 2017 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost Nets Small MPG Boost

"When the light is illuminated continuously, vehicle occupants cannot be certain if any of the doors are properly latched," said NHTSA. "Reported safety consequences as a result of this issue include doors opening while driving, doors cannot be locked while driving, and the interior dome lights staying on continuously."

One injury has been reported as a result of this issue, though details were not offered.

NHTSA will now work to discover the scope of the issue to find out whether or not there should be a safety recall.

Discuss this story at our Ford Forum

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How This Massive Mazda MX-5 Miata Fan Just Won The Trip of a Lifetime

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For a diehard Mazda MX-5 Miata fan, what could be better than a trip to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca?

To celebrate the Millionth Mazda MX-5 Miata's epic 18-stop tour, AutoGuide recently held our #MX5Movement photo contest on Instagram and after hundreds of incredible entries, the winner was Roddy Merritt from Jackson, Mississippi.

While he couldn't have been more excited when we flew him to Monterey, California for the annual Miatas at Mazda Raceway event, what he didn't know is that we had a big surprise in store for him. When he got there we presented Roddy with the keys to a shiny new 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata to use for the weekend and fulfill a bucket list experience: driving on the world-famous Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca race track!

Here's how it all went down.

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Nissan Versa Under Investigation for Airbags that Deploy when Doors are Closed

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a preliminary investigation into a group of 155,000 Nissan Versa vehicles over complaints that the airbags have been deploying inadvertently. 

Based on the complaints on the NHTSA database, the driver or passenger side curtain can deploy when the door is closed in a "possibly aggressive manner," according to NHTSA.

SEE ALSO: 2016 Nissan Versa Note to Start from $15,005

"The company has received an inquiry from NHTSA concerning the MY2012 Nissan Versa Sedan," said a Nissan spokesperson. "Nissan is actively investigating this issue and, as always, working cooperatively with the regulators to answer their questions."

No injuries have been reported as a result of this problem.

If the issue is found to be systemic, NHTSA may order a recall of these vehicles.

Discuss this story at our Nissan Forum 

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Tuesday 4 October 2016

2017 Porsche Macan Recalled to Address Oversteer Issue

2017 Porsche Macan Recalled to Address Oversteer Issue


2017 Porsche Macan Recalled to Address Oversteer Issue

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Approximately 240 Porsche Macan vehicles are being recalled to address a possible oversteer issue.

The affected units are all from the 2017 model year and include the Macan, Macan S, Macan GTS and Macan Turbo models. According to the recall notice, the anti-roll bar connecting links may move out of position, allowing the vehicle to oversteer in certain driving conditions. The condition could lead to a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

To address the issue, Porsche dealers will inspect and replace affected front anti-roll bar links for free.

SEE ALSO: 2017 Porsche Macan Review

The issue was first discovered last month when a batch of connecting links arrived from a supplier and did not meet Porsche's specifications. Following a technical investigation, the German automaker confirmed a potential safety threat which prompted the recall campaign. Porsche is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the defect.

"This can cause rattling noises and can subsequently cause the anti-roll bar to stop functioning during extreme driving maneuvers," Porsche warned. "If this happens, the sporty handling as designed into the Macan may be impaired, resulting in oversteering of the vehicle."

Discuss this story on our Porsche Macan Forum

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Volkswagen Golf R Facelift Smiles on Camera for Spy Photographers

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Spy photographers have once again caught the Volkswagen Golf R's facelift on camera.

Last month we spotted the Volkswagen Golf R facelift testing in the Austrian Alps and now the German automaker has taken it on the Nurburgring to fine tune the changes. A bit of camouflage has been shed up front, giving us a better look at the newly designed front bumper, while this particular prototype has camouflage in the rear, suggesting that there might be a new rear bumper.

Expect changes to the front grille, headlights and bumpers as part of the facelift, although it's still unclear if a performance upgrade is in the cards. With the newly released Focus RS and upcoming Honda Civic Type R boasting impressive power numbers, it's likely Volkswagen will have a response to those competitors.

SEE ALSO: Volkswagen Golf R Facelift Spied Testing in Wagon Form

The facelift will apply to all Golf models in the lineup but expect the R to have a more aggressive design. We should see the facelifted Golf in its entirety this fall.

Discuss this story on our Volkswagen Golf Forum

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Lamborghini Aventador Facelift Goes Testing at the Nurburgring

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Lamborghini is putting its facelifted Aventador to the test at the world famous Nurburgring.

This isn't the first time spy photographers have caught the Lamborghini Aventador facelift testing, but it is the first time it has hit the track. Like before, the prototype is still sporting plenty of camouflage but we can spot the larger air intakes up front, as well as the extra air intakes on the upper part of the rear fenders. Out back, the Lamborghini Aventador facelift is benefiting from a new bumper and larger diffuser.

SEE ALSO: Lamborghini Aventador Spied Sporting a Facelift

Overall, the facelifted Aventador is looking slightly more aggressive than the current offering, drawing inspiration from the hardcore Aventador SV model. Along with changes to its aesthetics, expect Lamborghini to increase power output anywhere from 20 to 40 horsepower to further separate the Aventador from the Huracan.

Discuss this story on our Lamborghini Forum

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Ford F-150s Being Investigated For Braking Issues

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US safety regulators are opening up an investigation spurred on by complaints of the brakes in recent model Ford pickup trucks

Nearly 282,000 Ford F-150s could be affected by a potential brake issue, says the National Highway Traffic Safety Association. Vehicles affected include 2015 and 2016 models equipped with the 3.5-liter V6 engine.

The investigation starts due to the 25 complaints of sudden and complete loss of braking, but NHTSA has said there's been no injuries or deaths related to these complaints.

This investigation is one of three that were opened last Wednesday for Ford vehicles. There were also investigations posted on the NHTSA website for 2011-2013 model year Edge and 2010 Fusion sedans.

Discuss this story on our Ford Forum

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Faraday Future Partners with LG Chem for EV Batteries

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Electric vehicle startup Faraday Future has inked a deal with LG which will see the tech company providing batteries for Faraday Future's upcoming electric vehicles.

LG Chem provides batteries for a number of electric vehicles, including the Ford Focus EV, Chevrolet Volt, and the upcoming Chevrolet Bolt, which is rated to get over 200 miles on a single charge.

Faraday Future and LG are working together to help build a battery with the highest energy density in the industry.  The company is a natural competitor to another new electric vehicle start-up, Tesla, but Faraday Future is expanding their operations to include mobility solutions as well.

While Faraday Future has yet to unveil a production vehicle, they have shown off a radical looking concept, and spy photographers have spotted a prototype that looks similar to a Tesla Model X, hinting at Faraday Future's upcoming products. A major aspect of the automakers cars is its VPA scalable architecture, that can be modified to accommodate a number of different body styles and drive train set ups.

Despite the lack of a lineup, the automaker has already broke ground on a $1 billion assembly plant near Las Vegas.

"LG Chem worked closely with Faraday Future to develop a tailored cell chemistry to optimize the range and safety of our mass-production battery hardware," Tom Wessner, Faraday Future's vice president of global supply chain, said in a statement.

Faraday Future is backed by a Chinese billionaire Jia Yueting who owns LeEco, a Netflix-like service offered in Asia. LeEco recently unveiled its own concept car, the LeSee model in Beijing which was also an EV, and featured a self-driving technology.

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Ford Police Interceptor Utility Gets Sleek Light Bar Spoiler Integration

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Those Ford Police Interceptor Utility vehicles just became much more difficult to spot, thanks to the removal of the roof-mounted light bar. Instead vehicles will have a light bar integrated into the rear spoiler of the vehicle.

The Interceptor Utility features bright LEDs in the spoiler of the vehicle, that means that there's no visibility reducing light rack in the rear window, and the vehicle has a sleeker overall appearance.

The lights can shine in various combinations of red and blue, or only amber. They can also light up in a way to direct oncoming motorists around the vehicle. They also feature a dimming function that lets them shine at full intensity or dim all the way down to 20 percent.

"Together with our front visor light bar, Rear Spoiler Traffic Warning Lights offer a fully integrated solution for agencies wishing to minimize the presence of their police vehicles," said Arie Groeneveld, chief program engineer, Ford police programs.

Discuss this story on our Ford Forum

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Monday 3 October 2016

Clive Owen, Dakota Fanning Star in New BMW Films: The Escape

Clive Owen, Dakota Fanning Star in New BMW Films: The Escape


Clive Owen, Dakota Fanning Star in New BMW Films: The Escape

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BMW Films: The Escape is arriving October 23 and the first trailer for the short film has been released.

Starring Clive Owen and Dakota Fanning, the BMW short film is written and directed by Neill Blomkamp, who is known for the movie District 9. Marvel fans will also recognize Jon Bernthal in the trailer, who recently played The Punisher on Netflix's Daredevil.

BMW Films was originally launched in 2001 with a series of eight branded short films called "The Hire," which also featured Owen as "The Driver." Now, the series makes a return with Blomkamp at the helm.

SEE ALSO: BMW X2 Concept Previews Coupe-Inspired Compact Crossover

"I just think it was a brilliant idea originally," said Owen in a behind-the-scenes video. "They're serious pieces of work. They're short films, but they're serious filmmakers doing what they do best."

You can also watch a behind-the-scenes sneak peek video below.

Discuss this story on our BMW Forum

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Is This the BMW i5?

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A recent patent publication in Japan may have just revealed the BMW i5.

The patent has been registered to BMW and was originally filed earlier this year in April, but was just recently published. The images reveal a vehicle that looks similar to the i3, but is sleeker and a bit longer while sporting four doors – all styling characteristics that would fit in with an i5 model.

Since last year, there have been plenty of rumors and speculation on the BMW i5 and in last December, there was a report that the German automaker was in the "final stages" of making a decision on the body style.

SEE ALSO: BMW i5 in 'Final Stages' of Body Style Decision

At the time, BMW board member for sales and marketing, Ian Robertson, said the BMW i5 would either be a lengthened version of the i3 or a traditional sedan to rival the upcoming Tesla Model 3.

It is believed the BMW i5 will arrive sometime by 2020.

Discuss this story on our BMW Forum

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Top 5 Debuts from the 2016 Paris Motor Show

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Get the Flash Player to see this player.

Just like that, another international auto show is in the books. After two hectic press days, this week's festivities in the City of Light have wound down to a crawl.

Now that the dust has settled, we've finally had a chance to analyze the reveals from this year's show. Accordingly, here are Top 5 the most important debuts from Paris this year.

2016 Paris Motor Show Coverage


5. Hyundai RN30 Concept

We start at the Hyundai display, where the RN30 concept made its global debut. Based on the brand's i30 hatchback, this in-your-face machine previews what the South Korean automaker's upcoming N high-performance division will offer. Power is provided by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provides about 380 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. A swift-shifting dual-clutch transmission sends those ponies to every wheel. Expect a production version to go on sale sometime next year.


4. Lexus UX Concept

If you think the RN30 looks over the top, check this out. Lexus' UX design study was one of the wildest concepts this year. Appropriately, this concept was penned in France and supposedly previews what a production subcompact crossover – one that's smaller than the brand's NX – might look like. Based off the Toyota C-HR, we expect conventional and hybrid propulsion systems to be on the menu, though no powertrain information has been released.


3. Audi RS 3 Sedan

 

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That's not the case with Audi's RS 3, which also debuted in Paris. This pint-sized performer features a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that thunders with 400 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. That's enough meat 'n potatoes to reach 62 miles an hour in a supercar-like 4.1 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph, but if you ask nicely, they'll increase top speed to 174 mph. A seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive round out this capable four-ring four-door's powertrain.


2. Honda Civic Type R

But sometimes, you'd just rather have a hatchback, and if that's the case, Honda will happily answer the call with its new Civic Type R. Aside from super-aggressive styling, this five-door compact features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that's allegedly good for 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of twist, though we wouldn't be surprised if these figures increased before it goes on sale. Expect a six-speed manual gearbox and plenty of chassis upgrades.


1. Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta

Finally, on to our No. 1 pick, the most exciting car revealed here in France… it's the Ferrari LaFerrari Ferrari Aperta by Ferrari! This redundantly named exotic machine allows you to enjoy the face-distorting performance of a standard LaFerrari all while getting sunburn on your bald spot! A fabric roof is standard, but the company will sell you a carbon fiber lid for extra money. As with its hardtop sibling, a 950-horsepower hybrid drivetrain provides the thrills, though supposedly revised control software improves fuel efficiency, but who cares about that?

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The Hardest Mazda MX-5 Miata Quiz Ever

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The Hardest Mazda MX-5 Miata Quiz Ever » AutoGuide.com News
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Volkswagen Dealers get $1.85 Million in Settlement

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Volkswagen AG is making nice with its once-ornery U.S. dealer network to the tune of $1.85 million per dealer.

The automaker announced details of its $1.21 billion dealer settlement late yesterday, Reutersreports, with cash payouts to its 652 dealers spread out over the next 18 months. Meanwhile, once-loyal Volkswagen owners have hopped on the buyout bandwagon in big numbers.

Of the 475,000 emissions-cheating 2.0-liter TDI models sold in the U.S., 311,000 owners have so far opted to take part in the customer settlement. For now, the only option is a buyback and cash payout, as regulators haven't approved a fix for the polluting vehicles. Under the settlement, 85 percent of the afflicted vehicles must be off the road by June 2019.

Whether they've soured on the brand or aren't confident Volkswagen can ever offer a fix, many are turning to the cash option. One longtime Volkswagen owner told TTAC that he'll hand over his vehicle on November 2, claiming he doesn't believe the company can find a fix —especially one that can be incorporated into his wagon.

About 3,300 owners have opted out of the settlement, preserving their right to fight the automaker in a class-action lawsuit.

A federal judge could sign off on the settlement on Oct. 18, after the U.S. Justice Department, Federal Trade Commission and lawyers representing U.S. owners gave their approval yesterday.

Under the dealer agreement, some of the automaker's incentive payments will continue, and the company will buy back any remaining unsold diesel vehicles. Capital improvements to dealerships requested by the automaker are suspended. Also included in the agreement is the stipulation that Volkswagen can not sell any diesel vehicles in 2016 or 2017. (The automaker isn't sure if it even wants to market a U.S. diesel again.)

While the agreement moves Volkswagen closer to its goal of putting the diesel nightmare behind it, its 3.0-liter diesel models remain in limbo. About 85,000 Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche 3.0-liter TDI models await a settlement in the U.S., with the automaker hoping for a technical fix. If it doesn't find one by the end of October, its only option is another expensive buyback program.

A version of this article originally appeared on TheTruthAboutCars

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Chevy Will Make First Bolt Deliveries to Lyft Drivers

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Lyft confirmed earlier today it's drivers would be the first to receive Chevrolet's new battery electric Bolt this fall as the two companies cozy up closer. 

There has been speculation the General would offer it's first mass-scale BEV to Lyft's army of independant contractors ever since General Motors invested $500-million in the ride-sharing service earlier this year.

At the World Mobility Leadership Forum in Detroit, Emily Castor, Lyft's director of transportation, told USAToday: "drivers on the Lyft platform will be receiving Bolts to drive first."

Lyft will not be purchasing the cars for a corporate fleet, instead it will be offered to the company's 315,000-strong driver network, across some 200 U.S. cities.

It's still likely we won't see the Bolt arriving in consumer hands en mass until at least January 2017.

[Source: USAToday]

A version of this story originally appeared on GMInsidenews.com

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