Autoblog

10 motorists dead after fog, smoke envelope Florida highway

Zach Bowman — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:57:00 EST

Drivers on a stretch of Interstate 75 in Florida found themselves in the midst of a scene from a nightmare early Sunday morning. Fog and smoke from a nearby brush fire combined to significantly reduce visibility, which resulted in a massive pile up just south of Gainesville involving 12 cars and six or seven semi trucks. The collisions began at 3:45AM EST and police have confirmed at least 10 deaths associated with the incident and ensuing vehicle fires. All six lanes of the highway are closed now as investigators work to discern exactly what caused the tragedy.

According to reports, the smoke and fog were still heavy when rescuers arrived, forcing emergency personnel to listen for screams and cries in the darkness. The wreckage was spread over a mile across both sides of the interstate. Around 18 people were injured and taken to local hospitals for treatment, though their conditions are unknown at this time.

Authorities had closed the highway earlier in the day due to poor visibility, but later opened the road again when the smoke appeared to have cleared. Follow the jump for a Reuters news report on the incident.

Continue reading 10 motorists dead after fog, smoke envelope Florida highway

10 motorists dead after fog, smoke envelope Florida highway originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM launches ad campaign touting Chevy Volt safety [w/video]

Autoblog Staff — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:33:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Safety, Hatchback, Electric

General Motors has launched an advertising campaign touting the safety of the Chevrolet Volt extended-range plug-in electric vehicle, just as its CEO testified to Congress that a recent Volt fire that took place after a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash test would never occur under real-world circumstances, Bloomberg has reported.

GM CEO Dan Akerson (pictured) said in the campaign that he "couldn't be prouder" of the technology the company uses to produce the Volt, the wire service noted. The campaign includes full-page ads in 19 U.S. daily newspapers, including the The New York Times, as well as a television ad that will debut on News Corp's Fox News channel. GM has also released a new "normal" ad that calls the Volt "the car America had to build." You can watch the 30-second clip, which may appear in or around the Super Bowl, after the jump.

Akerson spoke Wednesday in a hearing with the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform's Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs, Stimulus Oversight and Government Spending. Both he and NHTSA Administrator David Strickland said the car was safe and defended NHTSA's handling of the situation against accusations from some Republican members of Congress who've been critical of the Obama Administration and its relationship with GM.

NHTSA said late last week that it finished its two-month investigation into the crash test that resulted in a fire three weeks after the fact last summer, and concluded that neither the Volt nor other electric vehicles pose more of a fire risk than conventional vehicles.

Continue reading GM launches ad campaign touting Chevy Volt safety [w/video]

GM launches ad campaign touting Chevy Volt safety [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Matchbox 2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty by Superlift suspensions is one hot fire truck

Zach Bowman — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Truck, Work, Ford, Police/Emergency

We have little interest in running into burning buildings, but we can imagine being a firefighter has its perks. For starters, those guys and girls get the chance to pilot some seriously incredible machinery. Superlift, Matchbox and Ford got together to create what could very possibly be the world's most bad-ass brush truck using a 2011 F-350 Super Duty as the base chassis. The truck wears an astonishing 10-inch lift and 41-inch Interko IROK tires. A full tube exo-cage helps protect the PPG "Oh So Orange" paint, and a smattering of lights and sirens ensure that everyone will see this emergency vehicle coming.

A full fire-fighting utility bed, complete with water tanks, pumps and hoses, sits ready to take on brush fires and the like, and a front-mounted water canon means that the Matchbox brush truck can tackle flames going and coming. We dig it.

Matchbox 2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty by Superlift suspensions is one hot fire truck originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda recalling 86,000 units for fire, rollaway concerns

Chris Shunk — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Crossover, Hatchback, Honda

It has been a tough year for recalls at Honda. Just last month, the automaker recalled 1.51 million vehicles in the U.S. for an engine stall issue. In May Honda recalled another 833,000 vehicles for an airbag issue.

Now Honda is adding another 86,000 vehicles to the tally for a pair of issues. The Detroit News reports that the automaker is recalling 80,111 2006 CR-V vehicles to replace the power master switch. The recall comes after the U.S. government had five reports of driver door fires that resulted from faulty switches, and Honda says the issue occurs when the switch allows residue from interior cleaners to accumulate. The cleaners could eventually wear out electrical contacts, which would lead to a fire.

Honda also announced that 5,626 2011 CR-Z models with manual transmissions are being recalled to update electric motor controls software. Honda has received complaints of roll-away problems that occur when the battery is low on juice and the engine is stalled. When this happens, it's possible for the electric motor to rotate in the wrong direction, and when the brakes aren't engaged, the vehicle can roll backwards even when the transmission is in a forward gear. Sounds confusing - and dangerous. Honda will reportedly begin notifying owners of the affected vehicles sometime in September. Full details from Honda in the press blast below the fold.

Continue reading Honda recalling 86,000 units for fire, rollaway concerns

Honda recalling 86,000 units for fire, rollaway concerns originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Sep 2011 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Boss firefighter keeps spraying after burning car blows up in his face

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 17:37:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Videos

Not everyone has the stuff it takes to be a firefighter. Take the gent you see holding the hose in the image above: as point-man on the water jet, he strides up to the burning Chevrolet to put out the fire. While performing what appears to be a routine hose-down right next to the sedan, something inside the car explodes with enough force to jolt the cameraman in the nearby apartment.

What's the fireman do? You can see for yourself in the vid after the jump, but it looks a lot like a shrug of the shoulders and getting on with business. Masked firefighter, we salute you.

Continue reading Boss firefighter keeps spraying after burning car blows up in his face

Boss firefighter keeps spraying after burning car blows up in his face originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Aug 2011 17:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Burning cars filling up Berlin streets

Zach Bowman — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Government/Legal, Safety

Berlin is facing a rash of vehicle arson this year with more than 320 vehicles set ablaze in 2011 so far. Authorities claim that at least 140 of those incidents have been politically motivated, with the arsonists leaving notes at the scene. Those crimes have targeted luxury makes like BMW and Mercedes-Benz as part of growing unrest among Germany's lower classes. The notes typically contain some sort of anti-gentrification message. As for the rest of the torchings, law enforcement says those crimes are largely copycat in nature or simply vandalism for vandalism's sake.

Nationwide, Germany is facing unemployment of around seven percent while Berlin deals with nearly double that figure at 13.5 percent. Most of the fires take place at night, all but ensuring that criminals get away without fear of being caught. The city's police force has escalated patrols and added helicopter surveillance, but with over 3,000 miles of city streets to cover, the police department can't be everywhere at once. Thanks for the tip, Toy Yoda.

Burning cars filling up Berlin streets originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler replaces Dodge Charger police car after 'suspicious' fire

Zach Bowman — Tue, 31 May 2011 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., Chrysler, Dodge, Police/Emergency

Chrysler has agreed to replace a Dodge Charger Pursuit and all of the police gear inside for free after the vehicle mysteriously burnt to the ground. As you may recall, a Curry County, Oregon sheriff's deputy saw his new cruiser (which had 6,000 miles on it) go crispy after stopping to assist in a search and rescue operation.

Patrick Combs, the rescuee, was found and taken to a local hospital by ambulance, but deputy Jared Gray's new Charger Patrol didn't survive the scene. The fire seemed to take hold in the passenger-side front wheel well and continued to reignite after fire crews extinguished the blaze.

There was one small caveat to the vehicle's generous replacement, however. In exchange for the new set of wheels, the sheriff's department had to agree to sign a non-disclosure, which means we may never know exactly what set the car ablaze.

As our friends at The J point out, no reports of toasty civilian Chargers have been made to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Chrysler replaces Dodge Charger police car after 'suspicious' fire originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 May 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW showcases range of police, fire and paramedic vehicles at RETTmobil

Noah Joseph — Thu, 12 May 2011 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, BMW, Misc. Auto Shows, Police/Emergency

BMW X3 emergency vehicle - Click above for high-res image gallery

With its SLS AMG first-response vehicle, Mercedes-Benz may have gotten our attention, but it's hardly the only automaker offering specially equipped emergency vehicles at the RETTmobil expo this year in Fulda, Germany. While Mercedes used the Gullwing to highlight its range of emergency vehicles, BMW is relying on the strength of its full model range to speak for itself.

Among the vehicles BMW is showcasing for the first responders and local government officials visiting the trade show this year is a 5 Series Touring with lights and sirens controlled directly from the iDrive system, and with a specially designed load floor extension with built-in fracture points that allow first responders to access all their equipment while reducing injury in case of a rearward collision.

In response to numerous fatalities caused by traffic colliding with police cars stopped on the side of the road, BMW is also showcasing a specially prepared X3 that is inherently easier to see due to its taller form, and also features additional LED lighting for increased visibility.

There's also an R 1200 RT paramedic motorcycle on display that integrates such features as radio equipment, siren, PA system, strobe lights, fire extinguisher, front crash bar and an electrically adjustable windscreen direct from the factory. Other vehicles on display include X1 and X3 crossovers and 3 and 5 Series wagons for police, fire and paramedic applications, along with the eye-catching 123d police car prepared by AC Schnitzer and the X6 ambulance we reported on back in 2009. Check 'em out in our high-resolution image gallery.

Continue reading BMW showcases range of police, fire and paramedic vehicles at RETTmobil

BMW showcases range of police, fire and paramedic vehicles at RETTmobil originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 May 2011 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Top Gear Australia tries towing a 600-ton truck

Zach Bowman — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Videos, Work, Australia, Humor

Top Gear Australia tows a mining truck - Click above to watch video after the jump

Everyone knows the danger of exceeding your vehicle's tow rating. Perils aplenty await those foolhardy enough to brush off manufacturer recommendations, including nuked transmissions, en fuego brakes and popped head gaskets, to name just a few. But what happens when you put a standard-duty pickup truck up against something truly monumental. You know, something like a 600-ton mining truck?

The crew from Top Gear Australia wanted to know just that, so they borrowed a run-of-the-mill General Motors pickup, strapped one serious tow rope to the aft of both rigs and got down to business.

Or at least they tried.

Judging from the short preview clip after the break, things didn't go quite the way the TG team imagined. It wasn't for lack of trying that the big mining truck failed to budge an inch as the driver of the pickup sent a pair of what were certainly minty-fresh rear tires to their blazing great beyond. Follow the jump to check out the quick teaser.

[Source: CarPix via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Top Gear Australia tries towing a 600-ton truck

Video: Top Gear Australia tries towing a 600-ton truck originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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General Motors updates official statement about Chevrolet Volt in CT fire

Dan Roth — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 23:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Government/Legal, Chevrolet, Electric

While some have been quick to point fingers at the 2011 Chevrolet Volt involved in two separate incidents at the Barkhamsted, CT home of Storm and Dee Connors, General Motors has updated its earlier statement to improve the clarity of the situation. "While the Volt's battery pack sustained damage," says General Motors Global Electric Vehicle Executive Doug Parks, "it was not extensive enough or of the type that would suggest that it caused the fire."

GM experts are working with fire officials in the small town in the Northwest corner of Connecticut to help determine the cause of the blaze that also destroyed a home-built Suzuki Samurai EV that Storm Connors had been chronicling on a blog. General Motors is confident that the engineering and systems in the Chevrolet Volt provide exceptional safety, and the vehicle's involvement in this situation is one of circumstance, merely a damaged vehicle due to its parking spot, and not the root cause of the fire. Full statement posted after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading General Motors updates official statement about Chevrolet Volt in CT fire

General Motors updates official statement about Chevrolet Volt in CT fire originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiat increases stake in Chrysler to 25%

Noah Joseph — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:23:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler, Fiat

Fiat is seriously commited to rebuilding Chrysler, and to that end it's increased its stake in the Michigan-based automaker by an additional five percent.

The reshuffled ownership breakdown still leaves the United Auto Workers as the largest shareholder at 63.5%, with Fiat's stake now up to 25%, the U.S. Treasury Department retaining 9.2% and the Canadian government 2.3%.

The increased stake came with government approval as Chrysler meets certain performance parameters, in this case the production of the Fully Integrated Robotized Engine (FIRE) at its plant in Dundee, Michigan.

Fiat will have the opportunity to increase its stake by another five percent when it demonstrates growth in overseas markets, and again with the production of a 40 mpg vehicle in the United States. At that point Fiat will have had the opportunity to increase its stake to a maximum of 35%. Details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Fiat increases stake in Chrysler to 25%

Fiat increases stake in Chrysler to 25% originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Fire guts Dennis Gage's home, misses car collection

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 09:26:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc., Celebrities

Dennis Gage, host of My Classic Car on Speed TV and noted mustache aficionado, had a particularly rough Christmas this year. According to the Indianapolis Star, Gage's home in southern Indiana caught fire and was subsequently destroyed. His wife and son were home at the time but managed to escape without injury. Sitting next to the house is Gage's detached garage, which is home to several classic cars and motorcycles. The garage also escaped the fire without injury and his collection was unharmed.

That's certainly great news about his cars and bikes, but at the end of the day all of that stuff is just that - stuff - and it can be replaced. We're very happy to hear that his family made it out of the house safely and hope that the affable auto aficionado and his family rebound quickly. Thanks for the tip, beammeup1701!

[Source: Indianapolis Star | Image: MadStache via Facebook]

Report: Fire guts Dennis Gage's home, misses car collection originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari reportedly investigating 458 Italia fire risk [w/video]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Safety, Ferrari

Ferrari 458 Italia - Click above for high-res image gallery

That Ferrari 458 Italia... it's so hot right now. Nobody but the sickest of pyromaniacs wants to see Ferrari's exquisite new 458 Italia go down in flames (if that's you, you'll want to click on past the break...). Sadly, though, the case of Ferraris on flambé is spreading like.. ahem, wildfire. So problematic is the issue that the Italian automaker itself is now investigating the cause of the conflagrations.

According to various reports, there have been at least three separate instances where Ferrari 458 Italias have burst into flames without being involved in an accident. At this time, Ferrari is assuming that these three cases are unrelated, and it's not willing at this time to rule out driver error.

Interestingly enough, though, at least one of these flame-broiled Ferraris caught ablaze in transport to London in a Heathrow warehouse, meaning it was not being driven at the time of the fire. Here's hoping that Ferrari's investigation doesn't turn up any major design flaws. In the meantime, perhaps 458 owners should keep an extinguisher handy... just in case.

Gallery: Ferrari 458 Italia

[Source: Daily Mail]

Continue reading Ferrari reportedly investigating 458 Italia fire risk [w/video]

Ferrari reportedly investigating 458 Italia fire risk [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Olympic figure skater uses leaf blower to dry Porsche Boxster, burns down mansion instead?

Zach Bowman — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Safety, Porsche, Celebrities, Canada, Luxury

Having unintentionally set at least one vehicle aflame inside of a garage ourselves, we know it takes cat-like reflexes and a certain presence of mind to keep from reducing all of your worldly possessions to cinders in that type of situation. It also helps to not try to dry out the interior of your Porsche Boxster with a leaf blower. That's exactly what Olympic figure skater Kurt Browning was allegedly trying to do when his droptop went all toasty. According to The Toronto Star, the city's fire department says that Browning left said leaf blower unattended, the car caught fire and his house went up shortly thereafter.

Browning had attempted to put out the flames with a fire extinguisher, but the damage was already done. A total of 80 firefighters and 10 trucks were on hand to attempt to reduce the damage and protect surrounding homes from potential fire. No one was injured in the blaze, but the house is said to have suffered hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage. We're guessing the Porsche is a lost cause, too.

[Source: The Toronto Star | Image: George Pimentel/WireImage.com]

Olympic figure skater uses leaf blower to dry Porsche Boxster, burns down mansion instead? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari 458 Italia fans the flames in the City of Lights

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Europe, Ferrari, Luxury

Ferraris have been known to have the fire inside, and sometimes the coupes like to give their owners a baptism by fire. Literally. The gent in the photo was cruising through Paris in his new 458 Italia when he noticed that the rear fender was on fire. While he bolted from the driver's seat and left the car burning in the middle of the street, a passerby happened to have a fire extinguisher and put the flames to rest before the 458 got an even blacker paint job.

We presume that was a different passerby than the one with the camera, who just took lots of photos of the car-b-que. Click the link for more of them, and watch out for flaming stallions in Paris.

[Source: Autogespot (translated)]

Ferrari 458 Italia fans the flames in the City of Lights originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Jul 2010 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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"Crash tax" bill sent to man after minor accident - you could get one too

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Safety

If you are involved in or are a witness to an accident, what's the first thing you should do? Call #911, right? While we're certainly not advising against using the emergency service, making that call may wind up being rather costly to either yourself or the victim. Proof of such can be seen in the case of Cary Feldman, who was traveling through Chicago Heights, IL on his motor scooter when he was stuck from behind.

As CBS 2 Chicago tells it, a witness to Feldman's accident called #911, as you might hope and expect them to do. "There was no fire, there was no explosion, there was no debris," according to Feldman. "From what I saw, they came, they saw, and they left."

Still, the Chicago Heights Fire Department responded and examined the scene before they left. Shortly thereafter, Feldman received a bill for $200 while the person who hit him, who lives in Chicago Heights, got a bill for $100.

"Crash taxes" are an alarming trend in the 41 states that have not banned the practice.

Don't think you can just avoid the issue by not paying. Feldman reports that officials were "sending me letters and they even turned it over to collections without sending a final notice... So this is what I call extortion. This is how they get you to pay it."

Such so-called "crash taxes" are an alarming trend in the 41 states that have not banned the practice. At present, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Tennessee are the only states that don't allow these so-called crash taxes. Illinois lawmakers are even considering legislation that would allow municipalities to bill up to $250-per-hour for emergency services that are already funded in part by taxes. It's also being considered in some California towns.

Not everyone with a vote in Illinois thinks the would-be law is a good idea. Representative Karen Yarbrough (D - 7th District) calls it a "very bad bill," adding, "This is just another way to reach into a consumer's pocket." Chicago Heights Fire Chief Thomas Martello suggests that such methods are necessary in response to tight budget constraints and says that house fires won't incur an added bill.

Feldman remains unconvinced that the tactic is appropriate. "I'm going to call it a scam," said Feldman. "Just a way to make money instead of helping people." So, we ask you: Good, creative way to ease tight budget constraints for emergency services, or just another blatant money grab? Consider the topic officially up for debate. Feel free to voice your own opinion in our Comments section below.

[Source: CBS 2 Chicago]

"Crash tax" bill sent to man after minor accident - you could get one too originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Apr 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tata Nano becomes CarBQ in Mumbai

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Tata

Car fires are nothing new, but when it happens to the world's cheapest car on its way to its new home, the Tata Nano tends to lose its allure.

According to our friends at IndianAutosBlog, Satish Sawant, a Mumbai-based (irony alert) insurance agent, took delivery of his $2,500 hatchback, and while being chauffeured back to his house (Sawant doesn't have a license yet), a motorcyclist overtook him and pointed to the rear of his new baby. At which point, the driving duo noticed flames coming from the rear. Says Sawant, "I have no idea what happened... The engine was behind me and I did not realize the car was on fire."

This is apparently the second incident of a Nano catching fire, which, along with a recent spate of electrical issues, has some questioning the quality of the budget runabout. Naturally, today's lesson is: You get what you pay for.

Gallery: Tata Nano

[Source: IndianAutosBlog]

Tata Nano becomes CarBQ in Mumbai originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Mar 2010 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler releases details on Fiat-infused fours, new V6

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

Chrysler's New Four- and Six-Cylinder Engines - Click above for high-res image gallery

If Chrysler is looking to gain any one thing from its new parents at Fiat, it's engine technology. Specifically, the Pentastar will be enlisting its Italian overlords to supply direct injection systems, turbocharging, and Fiat's Multiair variable valve technology, along with new dual-clutch transmissions. Chrysler claims all of this technology is going to boost the overall fuel-efficiency of its vehicles by 25 percent between now and 2014, with over 80 percent of Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles getting new mills in the process.

To that end, Chrysler has finally announced the details of its new powertrain lineup, including two small-displacement four-cylinders and a new V6.

On the four-pot front, Chrysler will begin fitting one of two new 1.4-liter four-cylinder engines on future models: a naturally aspirated version kicking out 100 horsepower (at 6,750 rpm) and 95 pound-feet of torque (at 4,250 rpm), as well as a turbocharged variant that churns out 170 hp (at 6,750 rpm) and 170 lb-ft of twist (at 3,000 rpm). In keeping with its Italian ancestry, Chrysler has dubbed these new mills "Fully Integrated Robotized Engines" and each features Fully Variable-valve Actuation (FVVA) - what we've come to know as Multiair across the Atlantic. Chrysler maintains that both engines offer a 10 percent reduction in emissions and fuel consumption while putting out between 10- to 15-percent more power than its outgoing mills.

A larger displacement, 2.4-liter inline four with Multiair will also come to market, putting out 190 hp (at 6,000 rpm) and 175 lb.-ft of torque (at 4,200 rpm), and along with the new trio of four-cylinders, Chrysler announced specs on the new Pentastar V6. Displacing 3.6 liters and putting out 280 hp (at 6,400 rpm) and 260 lb-ft of torque (at 4,400 rpm), the new six will see similar fuel consumption and emissions reductions and will be fitted to the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee later this year.

In 2010, Chrysler says that it will begin to equip its mid-size vehicles (D-segment) with a new six-speed Dual Dry Clutch Transmission (DDCT), that improves fuel economy and can handle up to 260 lb-ft of torque. Expect to see the new tranny making its way into the next-generation Sebring and Chrysler's new crossovers.

And if all that wasn't enough, Chrysler announced its intentions to bring a hybrid Ram 1500 market this year, along with working with the Department of Energy to build a small test fleet of plug-in Rams and minivans, including an electric delivery van for fleet use in 2011 or 2012. All the details are available in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Chrysler's New Four- and Six-Cylinder Engines

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler releases details on Fiat-infused fours, new V6

Chrysler releases details on Fiat-infused fours, new V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo recalls over 140K 2001-2005 and 2010 MY vehicles over fuel system issues

Michael Harley — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety

2010 Volvo XC60 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Vehicles manufactured by Volvo are the subject of two different recalls newly announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA). The recalls, both involving problems with fuel systems, cover more than 140,000 vehicles manufactured within the past decade.

The first recall is directed at 136,100 2001-2005 model year S60, S80, V70, XC70, and XC90 vehicles sold and operated in warmer climates. According to NHTSA, the fuel pump can develop cracks in its flange when exposed to hot temperatures (and thermal cycling) combined with varying fuel quality. A compromised flange may leak fuel and/or result in a fire. Owners are instructed to bring their vehicles into the dealer for inspection. If the part is defective, Volvo will replaced it with modified flange at no charge. The recall campaign is scheduled to begin in January 2010.

The second recall is directed at 5,253 2010 model year XC60 vehicles. According to NHTSA, a fuel line rail cover designed to protect the fuel lines on the XC60 may be improperly attached, thus exposing the lines to damage. The damaged pieces may leak, possibly resulting in a fire. Owners of the affected models are asked to bring their vehicles to the dealer for inspection and/or a repair at no charge. The recall campaign is scheduled to begin in January 2010.

Owners are asked to contact NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 or visit www.safercar.gov for more information. The full text from both recall notices is after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Volvo XC60

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Volvo recalls over 140K 2001-2005 and 2010 MY vehicles over fuel system issues

Volvo recalls over 140K 2001-2005 and 2010 MY vehicles over fuel system issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep recalling over 161k 2007-2008 Wrangler AT models due to tranny temp. sensor absence

Michael Harley — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Recalls, Safety, Chrysler, Jeep, Off-Road

Owners of model year 2007-2008 Jeep Wranglers with automatic transmissions may have to visit their local dealers as Chrysler is recalling 161,450 of the SUVs over potential transmission overheating problems. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), Wrangler models manufactured between June 2006 and July 2008 with automatic transmissions were not fitted with a transmission fluid temperature warning system. If the AT fluid in the affected vehicles overheats, it may boil over and come in contact with hot engine or exhaust components - possibly leading to a fire.

To help alert drivers that their Jeep's transmission is overheating, dealers will inspect and install a visual "Hot Oil" message in the instrument cluster accompanied by an audible chime to indicate the elevated fluid temperature. The service will be performed free of charge starting in December. For more information, owners of the affected models may call Chrysler at 1-800-835-1403, NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236, or visit www.safercar.gov. Full press release after the jump.

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Jeep recalling over 161k 2007-2008 Wrangler AT models due to tranny temp. sensor absence

Jeep recalling over 161k 2007-2008 Wrangler AT models due to tranny temp. sensor absence originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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