For many years now, there have been hybrids. Each year, more and more automakers strap hybrid drivetrains to existing cars, and some even create new cars to host the hybrid goodies. Honda and Toyota have become famous for their hybrids. Then, something interesting happened; these same automakers started putting their hybrid drivetrains in more upscale vehicles. Lexus had a hybrid version of its very popular RX SUV and LS luxobarge. While the regular cars scored high marks for frugality, the luxury hybrids were more performance-oriented. So what’s going to happen when Ford takes its award-winning hybrid formula, used in the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, and mixes it with the Lincoln MKZ?
Continue reading ‘Preview: 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid’
Cadillac’s best-selling car, the CTS, has been a hot seller for years now, helping the Escalade to keep the company afloat. Recently, GM informed the NHTSA of a recall it was beginning to run, for the brakes on the 2003-2007 CTS. In colder areas of the US, exposure to road salt can break down the rubber brake lines closest to the wheels of the car, causing fluid leak, longer braking times, and increased risk of a crash.
Continue reading ‘Recall: 2003-2007 Cadillac CTS’
Dynos, or Dynamometers, measure a car’s power. The brochures will give you an unencumbered number, but by the time the rubber meets the road, that power has been reduced. Inside Line got a chance to put a 2011 Mustang GT on a dyno, and found that its power ratings have been underestimated by Ford. The dyno test run by IL showed about 440 total horsepower, quite a bit higher than the Ford-released number of 412. Click past the jump to see the video.
Continue reading ‘In-Depth: 2011 Ford Mustang Dyno results’
Ever wonder how they test the barriers in use in front of military bases? So do I, so when I saw the video below, I just had to watch it! No real explanation needed, just watch the video and see for yourself – it’s surprising.
Continue reading ‘Video: Truck versus Military Base barrier’
Consumer Reports has a new video they’ve produced, showing the before and after for brake override systems, and it’s eye-opening. They took a new Toyota Avalon (pre recall) and a Toyota Camry (post recall) and tested them, comparing their results to previous test results on the corresponding vehicles. Click past the jump for the video and my analysis.
Continue reading ‘Consumer Reports tests Brake Override’
Recently, Hyundai had a door latch problem with their 2011 Sonata. Now, Subaru is recalling over 1,500 2010 Tribecas for their door latches. The difference is, in the Subaru recall, rolling down the window can cause the door latch to let go and the door to open. I’d file this recall under “safety” for sure. From the NHTSA’s report, it appears that some door latch cables were installing incorrectly in the front doors of the Tribeca, which lets them get tangled with a lowering window.
by John Suit
Source: NHTSA
For many years now, there have been hybrids. Each year, more and more automakers strap hybrid drivetrains to existing cars, and some even create new cars to host the hybrid goodies. Honda and Toyota have become famous for their hybrids. Then, something interesting happened; these same automakers started putting their hybrid drivetrains in more upscale vehicles. Lexus had a hybrid version of its very popular RX SUV and LS luxobarge. While the regular cars scored high marks for frugality, the luxury hybrids were more performance-oriented. So what’s going to happen when Ford takes its award-winning hybrid formula, used in the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan, and mixes it with the Lincoln MKZ?
