Monthly Archive for September, 2010

BMW announces Recall of 198,000 V8 and V12-powered Cars

Published on September 30, 2010 in Recalls. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

2005 BMW 750Li

If you own a late-model 5,6, or 7-series BMW or a Rolls-Royce Phantom, your car may be part of a recall being initiated by BMW this week.  The recall affects 198,000 cars from model years 2002 to 2010.  In the recalled cars, a leak can develop in the power braking system, leading to lessened braking assistance.  While this would not cause a full loss of braking ability, the driver of an affected vehicle will have to use more pressure on the brake pedal to bring their car to a full and complete stop.  Read on for the press release and complete list of affected vehicles.

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MD Enacts Hands-Free Cell Phone Law, Effective Oct. 1

Published on September 30, 2010 in General. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

If you live in the state of Maryland, your state is joining several others in the country by enacting a law banning the non-hands-free use of cell phones while driving.  The law, which goes into effect October 1st, 2010, was created to try and stem a certain form of distracted driving.  Read on for the details.

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Paris Motor Show 2010: Ford announces 2012 Focus

Published on September 30, 2010 in Hot Car - Upcoming. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , .

During this week’s Paris Motor Show, Ford has unveiled its 2012 Focus.  Glimpses of the new global car have been seen in their release of next-gen airbag technology and a prior preview.  With new sheetmetal, more efficient engines, and a redone interior, Ford’s Civic-fighter might have a chance, given the sales of the just-released Fiesta.

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13 Chrysler Employees Fired after Fox 2 Catches them Drinking on the Job

Published on September 28, 2010 in Manufacturer Update. 1 Comment Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

A Detroit-based Fox 2 reporter was tipped off to some startling activity going on at Chrysler’s Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit, MI.  Last week, reporter Rob Wolchek captured several Chrysler employees drinking on their lunch break at a public park, as well as consuming what could be marijuana.  Not only did he and his camera crew catch them one day, but all week!  That just stuns me, with as much trouble as the automaker is in, it can’t afford to have people on the payroll who aren’t sober during their shift.  Chrysler apparently agrees, since they’ve now fired 13 of them, and suspended 2 more for a month without pay.  Read on for more details and the incriminating video and follow-up report.

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Update: Hyundai Recalling 139,500 2011 Sonatas over Steering Issue

Published on September 27, 2010 in Recalls. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , .

There was a post I made at NHTSA investigating steering issues on 2011 Sonata?, where The Detroit News was reporting that an investigation was under way into the 2011 Hyundai Sonata over a steering issue, namely the linkages involved?  Well, Hyundai and the NHTSA have officially recalled 139,500 2011 Sonatas for that same issue.  Click past the jump for more details and the press release.

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Ford’s new EcoBoost F-150 Gets Endurance and Durability-Tested

Published on September 24, 2010 in Fun Stuff, Hot Car - Upcoming and Under the Hood (In Depth). 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , .

The news is quickly making it through the automotive industry (and the posts here on Road Reality) that Ford is expanding its line-up of EcoBoost-equipped vehicles, including the 2011 F-150 full-size pickup truck.  Ford’s EcoBoost engines combine turbochargers and direct injection to create more power while keeping the all-mighty MPGs in check.  Now, they’ve released a set of endurance and durability tests for the 2011 F-150, powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6.  Read on for more details and the requisite pictures.

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