Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Pole Dance: NHTSA to add new side-impact crash test? [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/pole-dance-nhtsa-to-add-new-side-impact-crash-test-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/pole-dance-nhtsa-to-add-new-side-impact-crash-test-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/pole-dance-nhtsa-to-add-new-side-impact-crash-test-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

NHTSA side-impact pole test - click above to watch the video

Not satisfied with cars that manage crash forces well enough to avoid spilling your drink, and engines that run so clean they'll barely asphyxiate ants, a new crash test is reportedly coming in the works from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Along with the test will come new dummies and new testing equipment, all of which means it's likely to have a big impact on future car designs. The side-impact pole test will simulate side collisions with objects like trees or telephone poles, a type of accident that current side-impact tests don't accurately simulate.

According to The New York Times, the new test will use a 10-inch round pole that will collide with the car at speeds of up to 20 mph. A 75-degree angle will be used, and the point of impact will be just aft of the A-pillar. Naturally, automakers won't have to pass the test all at once, the standard will be phased in. For 2011, 20 percent of an automaker's fleet will have to meet the standard and by 2014, the pole crash standard will be at 100 percent - all new cars will have to comply.

It's a change that could potentially change the face of auto design, the same way pedestrian impact standards in Europe have led to some peculiar front sheetmetal. Materials changes may also be employed to meet the regulation, with additional high-strength steel being substituted. The more conventional metals currently used are easier to form, while stronger metals require all sorts of hot pressing and tempering to be put into shape. Manufacturing cost will go up, which means prices will probably also increase, or profit will decrease while prices hold steady. Safe cars are a laudable goal, but how safe is safe enough? Follow the jump to see a video of how Ford's 2010 Mustang GT convertible and coupe models fare, then let us know what you think by leaving a comment.

[Source: The New York Times]

Continue reading Pole Dance: NHTSA to add new side-impact crash test? [w/VIDEO]

Pole Dance: NHTSA to add new side-impact crash test? [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crash testcrash test videocrash test videoscrash testingcrash testsCrashTestCrashTestingCrashTestsCrashTestVideoCrashTestVideosfordford mustangford mustang crash testFordMustangFordMustangCrashTestmustangmustang crash testMustangCrashTestnhtsanhtsa standardnhtsa videoNhtsaStandardNhtsaVideopole impact crash testPoleImpactCrashTestvideovideosWed, 18 Nov 2009 14:56:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Judge orders Toyota not to not destroy car crash information]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/report-judge-orders-toyota-not-to-not-destroy-car-crash-informa/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/report-judge-orders-toyota-not-to-not-destroy-car-crash-informa/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/report-judge-orders-toyota-not-to-not-destroy-car-crash-informa/#commentsFiled under: , ,

According to Bloomberg, Toyota has been ordered by Texas Judge T. John Ward no to destroy any of its crash data, and research projects related to product liability or crashworthiness. The temporary restraining order, which is in effect until after a October 7 hearing (at which it will be determine if the order should be extended), stems from allegations from former Toyota lawyer Dimitrios Biller that the Japanese automaker withheld evidence in over 300 rollover lawsuits. Ward wrote of his decision "The court finds an immediate threat of irreparable harm in that, under the allegations, a threat exists that evidence material to this case would be destroyed or altered."

As is typical of most companies being sued for what could amount to hundreds of millions of dollars, Toyota isn't commenting for the most part. Toyota spokesman Mike Michels only says that the company feels it acted appropriately in the lawsuits. While Biller's suit is big in its own right, there is a lot at stake if the former Toyota attorney wins the suit. Lawyers are already looking to reopen cases which were previously settled or rejected for lack of evidence. Dallas area lawyer Todd Tracey has asked Ward to reopen several cases which were either settled or rejected, and there are likely other lawyers and injury victims lining up to do the same.

[Source: Bloomberg]

REPORT: Judge orders Toyota not to not destroy car crash information originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>billercrash datacrash testcrash test datacrash testingCrashDataCrashTestCrashTestDataCrashTestingcrashworthinesscrashworthydimitrios p. billerDimitriosP.Billerrollover lawsuitRolloverLawsuittoyotatoyota lawsuitToyotaLawsuitThu, 01 Oct 2009 15:31:00 EST<![CDATA[5 Stars for '09 Ford F-150]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/5-stars-for-09-ford-f-150/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/5-stars-for-09-ford-f-150/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/08/5-stars-for-09-ford-f-150/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Ford's 2009 F-150 has garnered five-star government crash ratings and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety (IIHS), which Ford says makes its newly redesigned full-sizer the safest out there. Vehicle safety is still largely a question of the loose nut behind the wheel, but the F-150 does come with a raft of safety gear. Acronyms and names abound, from RSC (Roll Stability Control), to K-bags and Safety Canopy curtain airbags, it all helps the pickup earn five stars in front- and side-impact crash testing. We'd expect no less from Ford, considering the F-Series is a perennial sales champ, and probably the most pivotal vehicle Dearborn makes. The '09 F-series has been racking up accolades and these safety ratings are yet another feather in its cap. With competitors nipping at its heels, the F-Series cannot be anything other than stellar, and for now, with the long list of huzzahs, it appears to have met the challenge. Press release after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading 5 Stars for '09 Ford F-150

5 Stars for '09 Ford F-150 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above to view video of the 2008 Smart fortwo crash test

Anybody who watches Autoline on Detroit or reads our Autoline on Autoblog posts will know that John McElroy is a certifiably nice guy. Bob Lutz is known more as a brash talker who isn't afraid to make his views known, regardless of what others may think. Both of them, though, are very closely attuned to the auto industry. The head product-honcho at GM and our very own Mr. Nice Guy share the opinion that the Feds should suspend their ever-increasing crash-testing standards for a few years. If a car is safe enough for our European relatives, it should be safe enough for us, right? In reality, this is not the case, as the U.S. standards differ enough from those across the pond that a car sometimes needs to be designed specifically to pass one or the other. For this reason, the Chevy Beat won't be sold on U.S. soil.

To complete the deal, McElroy also suggests doing the same for environmental standards. As with crash tests, though both the U.S. and the European regulations are strict, they don't quite match. Therefore, many cars -- especially those equipped with diesel engines -- can't be sold in the States despite being available in Europe. Lutz doesn't specifically touch on this point, but we'd hazard a guess that he'd go along with it as well.

[Source: Wards Auto]

Lutz agrees with McElroy, calls for moratorium on U.S. crash test standards originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crashcrash testingCrashTestingeuro ncapEuroNcapsafetyWed, 03 Sep 2008 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[5 stars all around: Hyundai Genesis aces NHTSA crash tests]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/5-stars-all-around-hyundai-genesis-aces-nhtsa-crash-tests/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/5-stars-all-around-hyundai-genesis-aces-nhtsa-crash-tests/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/28/5-stars-all-around-hyundai-genesis-aces-nhtsa-crash-tests/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hyundai's all-new Genesis sedan made yet another smashing impression as it pulled-off perfect 5-star ratings in recent U.S. government testing conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Korean luxury vehicle was sent into a fixed barrier at 35 mph with two crash dummies strapped inside. Once the dust settled, instruments revealed both front seat passengers would have had less than a 10 percent chance of injury -- results earning 5-star ratings. Front and rear seat side impact testing revealed a low probability of injury as well, also earning the car 5-star ratings. In NHTSA rollover testing, the Genesis exhibited less than a 10 percent chance of rollover, again placing it among the top performers in that category. The admirable crash test scores earned by Hyundai's first venture into the luxury segment are sure to give the competition even more sleepless nights, especially considering all that luxury and safety starts at just $33,000.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Hyundai Genesis


[Source: Hyundai, Safercar.gov]

Continue reading 5 stars all around: Hyundai Genesis aces NHTSA crash tests

5 stars all around: Hyundai Genesis aces NHTSA crash tests originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5-starbarriercrash testingCrashTestinghyundaihyundai crash testhyundai genesisHyundaiCrashTesthyundaigenesisNHTSAresultsThu, 28 Aug 2008 13:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghastly! Saab may have used human cadavers for safety research]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/ghastly-saab-may-have-used-human-cadavers-for-safety-research/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/ghastly-saab-may-have-used-human-cadavers-for-safety-research/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/ghastly-saab-may-have-used-human-cadavers-for-safety-research/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Vägverket, the Swedish Road Administration, is reporting that General Motors used ten human cadavers for crash research. While it isn't clear which GM vehicle hosted the corpses on their one-way trip into a wall, a spokesman for Vägverket said it was most likely the Saab brand. The spokesman was also quick to point out that all of the cadavers were people "who had donated their own bodies." (Well, that is comforting to know!)

While cadavers were used in the earliest crash tests (first started in the late 1930s), most of us were under the assumption that fully-instrumented million-dollar synthetic crash test dummies, or computer simulations, had replaced human remains in current testing. Apparently, some folks at GM may have been thinking otherwise. As of today, neither General Motors or Saab have acknowledged any tests involving dead bodies, but our hunch says this issue hasn't been laid to rest. Thanks for the tip, Will!

UPDATE: Saab called to let us know that neither it nor General Motors use "postmortem human test subjects" for safety research, nor do they have the facilities to even do so. They do, however, provide funds to certain bio-mechanical research projects, often through universities, the results of which they use to make better crash test dummies.

[Source: The Local]

Ghastly! Saab may have used human cadavers for safety research originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 May 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CadaverCrash testingCrashTestingDead BodyDeadBodydummyGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMSaabThu, 08 May 2008 16:02:00 EST<![CDATA[New York '08 Preview: Ford featuring crash-tested Taurus]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/18/new-york-08-preview-ford-featuring-crash-tested-taurus/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/18/new-york-08-preview-ford-featuring-crash-tested-taurus/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/18/new-york-08-preview-ford-featuring-crash-tested-taurus/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to view high-res gallery of crash-tested Ford Taurus

Ford has been very quiet about what it will have onstage at the New York Auto Show tomorrow, but one vehicle we do know that will be under the lights is the Ford Taurus. While there will certainly be a number of Taurus models waxed, polished and placed just so in Ford's display at the Jacob Javits Center, one in particular will be a mess. Ford will display a crash-tested Taurus in New York to show off the big car's five-star rating for frontal and side crash tests from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Unlike the mangled Celica that used to sit outside your highschool at prom time, the crash-tested Taurus on display in New York will be interactive. Show goers will be allowed to sit in the post-crash Taurus to see what a crash test dummy sees after a 35-mph meet up with an offset concrete barrier. Looking at the pic above, it is pretty impressive that the passenger compartment remains untouched after such an event. We're looking forward to our seat time with this one, though any trip to the Autoblog Garage might necessitate a tow truck.

Gallery: Ford Taurus Crash Test Car


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading New York '08 Preview: Ford featuring crash-tested Taurus

New York '08 Preview: Ford featuring crash-tested Taurus originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Mar 2008 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nine major automakers and two automotive suppliers have formed a group to look into and develop virtual crash tests that they say will be more realistic than violently smashing cars into immovable barriers.

DaimlerChrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, Peugeot-Citroen, Renault and Toyota joined suppliers TRW and Takata last year to form the Global Human Body Models Consortium LLC. The group is expected to announce its plans today at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress in Detroit.

And just what are their plans? They have recruited 40 research and university groups worldwide to develop "virtual humans" that will simulate crash test dummies which, they say, will provide better accident prediction data. The group hopes to have the project wrapped up in 2011. The companies will split the budgeted $18 million cost, but are looking to Uncle Sam and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. for a funding boost.

GM spokesman Alan Adler told the Associated Press that the data acquired from simulated tests would still be confirmed using good old crash testing.

Ford has a leg up on the group, having already developed a virtual adult male it uses to develop interiors and some safety devices. TRW also does some simulated tests on their restraint systems, pictured above.

[Source: The Associated Press via Journal and Courier Online]

Automakers, suppliers team to seek virtual crash testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Apr 2007 08:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automotive safetyautomotive safety researchautomotive testingAutomotiveSafetyAutomotiveSafetyResearchAutomotiveTestingcomputer simulated automotive crash testingcomputer simulated automotive crash testscomputer simulated crash testingcomputer simulated crash testscomputer simulationComputerSimulatedAutomotiveCrashTestingComputerSimulatedAutomotiveCrashTestsComputerSimulatedCrashTestingComputerSimulatedCrashTestsComputerSimulationcrash dummycrash testcrash test dummiescrash testingCrashDummyCrashTestCrashTestDummiesCrashTestingGlobal Human Body Models Consortium LLCGlobalHumanBodyModelsConsortiumLlcsafety researchSafetyResearchvirtual crash dummiesvirtual crash dummyvirtual crash testingVirtualCrashDummiesVirtualCrashDummyVirtualCrashTestingSun, 15 Apr 2007 08:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Forbes names least safe cars of 2007]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/01/forbes-names-least-safe-cars-of-2007/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/01/forbes-names-least-safe-cars-of-2007/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/01/forbes-names-least-safe-cars-of-2007/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

In an obvious effort to keep its readership alive (and in turn circulation numbers up) Forbes magazine has made a list of the least safe cars of 2007. Before the flame wars start, note that cars on the list are not necessarily unsafe, but instead are not as safe as other cars available. Therefore, they are the least safe 2007 model year cars.

Most of the vehicles on the list are there because they don't have standard side air bags. But three -- Saturn's Ion, as well as Suzuki's Aerio and Forenza -- made the cut even with side air bags. To understand why these particular vehicles were named in the article, Forbes outlines its methodology, which includes crash tests, injury claims and the opinions of Consumer Reports' researchers.

The seven models named by Forbes are after the jump.

[Source: Forbes Magazine]

Continue reading Forbes names least safe cars of 2007

Forbes names least safe cars of 2007 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Nov 2006 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has given the new 2006 Hyundai Azera a frontal offset impact rating of "Good", the organization's best rating for crashworthiness. Like many a Hyundai, the Azera's virtually a padded room on wheels with Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, ABS and eight airbags all standard.

The Azera's "Good" rating gives Hyundai a full-boat of highly rated vehicles. All current model Hyundai vehicles tested by the IIHS, which includes the Elantra, Santa Fe, Sonata and XG300/XG350, have earned a "Good" frontal offset impact rating.

[Source: Hyundai and IIHS]

Hyundai Azera proves crashworthiness to IIHS - earns "Good" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Apr 2006 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Azeracrash testcrash testingcrash testsCrashTestCrashTestingCrashTestselantrafront offset impactFrontOffsetImpactGood ratingGoodRatingHyundaiIIHSInsurance Institute for Highway SafetyInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetymidsize sedanMidsizeSedansanta feSantaFesedansonataThu, 06 Apr 2006 13:32:00 EST