Chronicling the Ever-Changing Automotive Industry
From 1938 to 2012, the Volkswagen Beetle has changed quite a bit. At the same time, the shape is similar, albeit much larger. Recently, noted car enthusiast and comedian Jay Leno got his chance to drive the new Beetle. He also got to drive the oldest known surviving example, which dates back to 1938. Click past the jump for the video, which contains Mr. Leno’s impressions of the new Beetle.
Continue reading ‘Video: Jay Leno Drives the Oldest and Newest VW Beetle’
For the last year or so, the rumor mill has been churning out a lot of fluff, but very little substance. About the only thing which was known for sure was that the new Volkswagen was code-named the NMS, or New Mid-sized Sedan. Last week, VW came out and said that the NMS was in fact the replacement Passat, and that it was keeping the name. Click past the jump for pictures, details and my impressions.
Continue reading ’2012 VW Passat Surfaces’
Garmin Nuvi 785T
Remember the laptop battery recalls which came and went a couple years ago? Yeah, me too. It seems that an unknown number of Garmin satellite navigation units can spark a fire if their faulty batteries get too hot. The affected units are available both as built-in navigation units sold with a car and through the aftermarket.
There’s a long list of recalled units after the jump, including specific recalls from Nissan and Suzuki. As more manufacturers figure out specifics, we’ll be sure and keep you informed.
Continue reading ‘Garmin Recalls Nav Units, Affects Automotive Market’
It’s hump day, and if you’re in the D.C. metro area, the meteorologists are calling for snow this weekend and the temperature is in the 40-degree (Fahrenheit) range. No better time than this to watch a video of a convertible, and a fast one at that. The Audi R8 is the supercar from VW’s luxury arm, a car that shares some of its components with Lamborghini, also controlled by VW. This isn’t the run-of-the-mill V8-powered R8 either, it’s the 2011 Audi R8 V10 Spyder. Follow the jump to see the video.
Continue reading ‘Fun Stuff: 2011 Audi R8 Promotional Video’
Since 2006, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests each car model for sale in the United States in several crash scenarios. They run them into walls, barriers, other cars, poles, all the major accident types. Speeds range from 5 mph to 40 mph, and all of the results are analyzed and finally tallied. The vehicles which earn “good” ratings in each of the 4 tests are added to the “Top Safety Picks” list for that model year. This year, the IIHS added a “roof stability” test, which pushes a metal plate at a constant speed into one half of the roof of a vehicle. How well the car sustains this crushing force determines its score.
With this new test, recent winners such as Toyota, BMW and Mazda were left out in the cold. Chrysler modified its seats and head rests in order to garner better crash ratings for its vehicles, as did GM to get its Malibu on the list. Read on after the list to see how each manufacturer did.
Continue reading ‘The Safest Cars in America: IIHS Top Safety Picks for 2010′
Recent Comments
David Batzek commented on Older Jeep Grand Cherokee under investigation for gas tank problem
My 99 just started rusting over last fee months (to were it was noticeable). Now today the skid plate [more]
John Suit commented on Older Jeep Grand Cherokee under investigation for gas tank problem
Yes - but you'll have to submit any issues you have with a vehicle to the NHTSA through their web [more]
Keren Cathey commented on Older Jeep Grand Cherokee under investigation for gas tank problem
Is there anyway for us, as consumers, to influence a recall on these vehicles? I also have a 99 Grand [more]
wayne duckstein commented on Detroit 2012: Ford Announces 2013 Fusion
Nice artical John [more]
Patty clipner commented on Older Jeep Grand Cherokee under investigation for gas tank problem
I also have a 1999 jeep grand Cherokee limited which has began to emit high gas fumes. It also [more]