Chronicling the Ever-Changing Automotive Industry
If you live on the eastern seaboard of the US, you know that a huge snowstorm came through the mid-atlantic area and dumped 2+ feet of snow on us. In a bit of bad luck, a Baltimore City snow plow got stuck in the fluffy white stuff. Lucky for the snow plow, a Hummer H2 was nearby, and was able to get the plow back in service. Click past the jump to see the H2 in action.
Continue reading ‘Video: Hummer H2 saves the day!’
2010 Toyota Corolla S
When it rains, it pours. In Toyota’s case, make that a monsoon. Automotive News is reporting that the NHTSA is considering an investigation into concerns over Toyota’s bread-and-butter small car, the Corolla. So far, 83 owners in the United States have complained about steering issues with their cars, a feeling similar to hydroplaning or being buffeted by the wind. Some 73 of the reports have occurred at speeds of 40mph and greater, and the consensus from owners is that it takes a tight 2-handed grip on the steering wheel to keep the car driving straight when this problem occurs.
Continue reading ‘PedalGate: Now SteeringGate? Toyota Corolla Steering issues’
We’ve had some talk about the 2011 Mustang, both in V6 and GT trims. Ford has finally released information and videos of its 2011 Shelby GT500, the most powerful factory Mustang ever built, in both Coupe and Convertible trim. Follow the jump for high-resolution images, videos, and my take on what this new model means to fans of the iconic pony car.
Continue reading ‘Hot Car: 2011 Shelby GT500; Less weight + More power = More fun!’
We knew it was coming, and Toyota has announced another recall; this time for the brakes on the 2010 Toyota Prius. In a slightly surprising turn of events, the automaker also included their 2010 Lexus HS250h hybrid, which is based off of the same design as the Prius, with Lexus appointments and refinement. Toyota is recalling a total of 148,500 vehicles for problems with the dual braking systems mentioned in the previous article. The problem occurs when the car’s computer needs to mix the traditional friction braking system with the regenerative braking system employed by most hybrids. This transition period can leave drivers without proper braking power, even though Toyota says that the brakes will work and that drivers just need to apply more pressure to the brake pedal.
Continue reading ‘PedalGate Update: Recall on 2010 Prius / Lexus HS’
Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood (pictured) has gotten some good TV time this week. First he warned American drivers of Toyota’s recalled vehicles to park them immediately. Shortly thereafter, he retracted part of that statement in a “clarification” in which he told drivers to get their recalled cars to Toyota dealerships as soon as possible. In a report which came out Friday on the Detroit News, LaHood is apparently looking to limit in-car distractions for drivers.
Continue reading ‘Transportation Secretary LaHood looks to stem in-car distractions?’
If your 556-horsepower Cadillac CTS-V isn’t fast enough, Hennessey Performance has a few upgrades for you. Through new engine management, internals and exhaust, they wrangle another 150 horses out of the Corvette engine currently powering Cadillac’s halo car. If you’re snowed in like the rest of us in the Washington, D.C. area, go ahead and click through the link to see its speed run.
Continue reading ‘Fun Stuff: Grocery-Getter Cadillac CTS-V gets tuned up’
