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[2009 Mazda3 recalled over stability control software concern]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/02/2009-mazda3-recalled-over-stability-control-software-concern/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/02/2009-mazda3-recalled-over-stability-control-software-concern/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/02/2009-mazda3-recalled-over-stability-control-software-concern/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



If you own a 2009 Mazda3 with stability control, you may need to schedule some time at the local Mazda store for repairs. Mazda is recalling 7,100 2009 models for a problem with its Dynamic Stability Control system that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says is not in compliance with federal motor safety standards. NHTSA says the issue is that "the yaw rate measured after completion of the sine with dwell steering input exceeded the test standards." Sounds complicated.

Mazda hasn't yet given a timetable for owner notification, but 2009 Mazda3 owners can call 1-800-222-5500 to see if their vehicle is affected by the recall. Any Mazda dealership will be able to inspect and replace the stability control system free of charge. Hit the jump to read the official NHTSA press release.

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading 2009 Mazda3 recalled over stability control software concern

2009 Mazda3 recalled over stability control software concern originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mazda 3mazda3nhtsarecallstability controlStabilityControlTue, 02 Jun 2009 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Evergreener: Long-running Ford Ranger augments safety features for 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/06/evergreener-long-running-ford-ranger-augments-safety-features-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/06/evergreener-long-running-ford-ranger-augments-safety-features-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/06/evergreener-long-running-ford-ranger-augments-safety-features-f/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click on the image above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Ford Ranger

Despite dwindling sales in a dwindling segment, Ford's Ranger refuses to pack up. For 2010, the compact pickup looks unchanged on the outside, but beneath the skin it gains some new electronic gubbins to help make it more competitive.

In the main, the trucklet soldiers on into its next model year with a larger complement of standard safety equipment. Traction and stability control (AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control in Blue Oval-speak) will be built into every 2010 Ranger, along with new side airbags designed to protect the head and torso.

The rest of the package continues essentially unaltered, with Ford continuing to wave the Ranger's banner as America's most fuel-efficient pickup (the base 2.3-liter four-cylinder nets 21 miles-per-gallon in the city and 26 mpg on the highway).

Rumors have persisted that the Ranger might be euthanized ahead of its Twin Cities production plant's scheduled closing in 2011 - and indeed, just yesterday word came down that the truck's assembly lines will be idled for an additional two weeks due to slow sales. But the added investment in safety equipment for 2010 would seem to indicate that the Ranger is likely to soldier on until the plant's scheduled closing date. Click on the jump for Ford's official press release.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Ranger


[Sources: Ford Motor Company; Minneapolis Star Tribune]

Continue reading Evergreener: Long-running Ford Ranger augments safety features for 2010

Evergreener: Long-running Ford Ranger augments safety features for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blue OvalBlueOvalcompact pickupCompactPickupFordfuel economyFuelEconomyminneapolisminnesotapickupRangerrollover protectionRolloverProtectionstability controlStabilityControltraction controlTractionControltwin citiesTwinCitiesFri, 06 Feb 2009 13:03:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 Toyota Corolla, Matrix get standard stability and traction control]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/24/2010-toyota-corolla-matrix-get-standard-stability-and-traction/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/24/2010-toyota-corolla-matrix-get-standard-stability-and-traction/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/24/2010-toyota-corolla-matrix-get-standard-stability-and-traction/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's not every day that you get more for the same money. Yet that's what Toyota is offering with the 2010 Corolla, which will come with traction control and vehicle stability control and no price increase over the outgoing model. The MSRP of that car remains $15,350 for the base model 5-speed sedan. The Matrix also adds the two features as standard, but the price on the CUV goes up by $201, to $21,960. Both cars will arrive in dealer showrooms at the end of February, and for more pricing info you can check out the press release after the jump.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading 2010 Toyota Corolla, Matrix get standard stability and traction control

2010 Toyota Corolla, Matrix get standard stability and traction control originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Jan 2009 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car buyingCarBuyingcorollacrossovercuveconomyfeatureshatchbackmatrixoptionssedanstability controlStabilityControltoyotatoyota corollatoyota matrixToyotaCorollaToyotaMatrixtraction controlTractionControlvehicle stability controlVehicleStabilityControlSat, 24 Jan 2009 11:04:00 EST<![CDATA[I'm sorry, Dave - more autonomy in the name of safety?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/28/im-sorry-dave-more-autonomy-in-the-name-of-safety/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/28/im-sorry-dave-more-autonomy-in-the-name-of-safety/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/28/im-sorry-dave-more-autonomy-in-the-name-of-safety/#commentsFiled under: , ,



"Open the pod bay doors, HAL."
"I'm sorry, Dave, I can't do that."

That type of belligerence might be coming to your car under the guise of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. Many cars can already be had with the necessary hardware like GPS navigation systems that help a vehicle determine its position, and stability control that can already fire individual brakes to effect course corrections. Is the next step writing the software to interconnect those systems into an active safety net? This would effectively enable the car to steer you out of trouble if it compares your trajectory with the nav system and determines you're off-course.

Passive safety systems have seemingly hit a wall, and the mass that all that crash safety adds must be either offset through the use of more exotic and expensive materials, or the result is a stupendously heavy vehicle. The next step will be active safety, a baby-step that has already been made with stability control and active cruise control. Current maps in navigation systems aren't adequate for driver aids, as they're mainly bird's-eye-view positional representations. Once maps with more data become available, the possibility of your car bringing all its situational awareness equipment to bear so that it can execute lane changes and warn you about a blind hairpin curve coming up might not be such fantasy.

[Source: Automotive Design Line]

I'm sorry, Dave - more autonomy in the name of safety? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adaptive cruise cont...AdaptiveCruiseCont...automotive x-prizeautomotive-x-prizeautomotivex-prizeautonomousautonomous vehicleautonomous vehiclesAutonomousVehicleAutonomousVehicleshal 9000Hal9000mapmappingmultitaskmultitaskingmultitasking-helpersnavigationnavigation systemNavigationSystemsafe drivingSafeDrivingsafetystability controlStabilityControlFri, 28 Mar 2008 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Maserati recalls 718 Quattroportes for traction control issue]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/21/maserati-recalls-718-quattroportes-for-traction-control-issue/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/21/maserati-recalls-718-quattroportes-for-traction-control-issue/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/21/maserati-recalls-718-quattroportes-for-traction-control-issue/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Maserati only recently started selling the new automatic transmission version of the Quattroporte sedan and now it's being recalled. Apparently there is a problem with the low voltage threshold for the traction control and stability control that causes it to shutdown prematurely when it thinks the battery is low. The software problem evidently doesn't affect the anti-lock brakes, which should continue to function normally. Only 718 cars are affected by the recall that requires a replacement of the electronic control unit, though considering the Quattroporte is a six-figure car, that number likely represents a decent portion of those on the road.

[Source: NHTSA via MotorAuthority]

Continue reading Maserati recalls 718 Quattroportes for traction control issue

Maserati recalls 718 Quattroportes for traction control issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Aug 2007 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>maseratimaserati quattroporteMaseratiQuattroportequattroportestability controlStabilityControltraction controlTractionControlTue, 21 Aug 2007 17:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Stability control could become required by law]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/11/stability-control-could-become-required-by-law/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/11/stability-control-could-become-required-by-law/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/11/stability-control-could-become-required-by-law/#commentsFiled under: , ,

This week lawmakers will be proposing that stability-control systems be federally mandated for all new vehicles sold in the U.S. USA Today reports that comments will be taken for 90 days on the proposal and if approved a final rule could be issued as early as next year with a phase-in period to allow automakers enough time to disseminate the technology across their entire line ups.

Currently stability control is available on about half of all new models sold, but in some instances can cost up to $900 as an option. Studies have shown, however, that stability control can save a lot of lives, somewhere in the order of 10,000 per year. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, if the technology were made standard, then fatal single-vehicle crashes would fall by 56% and the risk of single-vehicles crashes would drop 40%.

Since anti-lock brakes are an integral component in stability-control systems, the new rule would also make that technology standard across the board for the first time. Though it has never been federally mandated as standard equipment, ABS is now standard on 80% of all new vehicles sold.

[Source: USA Today]

Stability control could become required by law originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Sep 2006 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>active safetyActiveSafetyfederal lawFederalLawIIHSmandateNHTSApassive safetyPassiveSafetysafetystability controlStabilityControltraction controlTractionControlMon, 11 Sep 2006 16:38:00 EST<![CDATA[IIHS pushing for mandatory stability control]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/14/iihs-pushing-for-mandatory-stability-control/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/14/iihs-pushing-for-mandatory-stability-control/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/14/iihs-pushing-for-mandatory-stability-control/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety claims that making electronic stability control (ESC) a standard feature in the US could reduce auto deaths by up to one-third, which would result in a whopping 11,000 fewer fatalities per year.

The institute's numbers show that otherwise identical vehicles have a 43 percent reduction in fatal crashes when equipped with ESC. Not only were single-vehicle crashes (most often occurring when a vehicle loses control and leaves the roadway) reduced, but high-speed multiple-car collisions were also less common. Not surprisingly, the number of low-speed crashes remained the same, as ESC doesn't do much good in a parking lot unless some serious hooliganism is involved.

While some call for specific federal legislation that would mandate the technology on all motor vehicles, an upcoming revision to NHTSA's rollover test that will invoke a dynamic handling maneuver is said to effectively require ESC on most vehicles. Approximately 70 percent of SUVs and 40 percent of passenger cars sold in the US in the current model year have ESC as standard equipment.

We've explored the limits of electronic stability control on several SUVs that have recently rolled through the Autoblog Garage, and we can state that modern electronic babysitters are indeed amazing at arresting our intentional attempts at upsetting the vehicles. As such, we definitely support the idea of ESC as standard equipment, just so long as each vehicle also includes a means to completely deactivate it.  

[Source: Money/CNN]

 

 

 

IIHS pushing for mandatory stability control originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jun 2006 07:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electronic stability programinsurancerolloversafetystabilitracstability controlStabilityControlWed, 14 Jun 2006 07:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Flipped off! 2006 SUV rollover resistance improves greatly, says NHTSA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/01/rollover-beethoven-2006-model-year-suv-safety-improves-greatly/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/01/rollover-beethoven-2006-model-year-suv-safety-improves-greatly/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/01/rollover-beethoven-2006-model-year-suv-safety-improves-greatly/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

According to a new National Highway Traffic Safety Administration brief, SUVs are getting smarter about turning turtle. By its count, around seven out of every ten SUVs contain electronic stability control programs, reducing the likelihood of rollovers. In fact, nearly 70 percent of 2006 model year SUVs have it as standard fit-an impressive leap over last year's 43 percent. In fact, this bit of silicon trickery has led to no fewer than 39 models obtaining a four star rollover resistance rating. Of course, the increasing crop of car-based crossovers (and their attendant lower centers of gravity) likely has something to do with the higher scores as well.

Among this year's four-star class: Chevrolet's HHR (inexplicably classified as an SUV due to its flat load floor), Hyundai Tucson, Honda Pilot, and Suzuki's Grand Vitara, which is currently rolling around in the Autoblog Garage.

Chief SUV rollover risk were the Nissan Xterra 4x4 (25 percent chance of rollover), Chevrolet Tahoe 4x2 and Hummer H3 (24 percent chance)... but even these rated well enough to obtain three-star ratings.

Check out the link for more results.

[Sources: Car & Driver; Volvo]

Flipped off! 2006 SUV rollover resistance improves greatly, says NHTSA originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jun 2006 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crash testCrashTestESCGrand VitaraGrandVitaraH3HHRNhtsaRolloverrollover testRolloverTeststability controlStabilityControlSUVSUV SafetySuvSafetyTahoeTucsonXTerraThu, 01 Jun 2006 07:03:00 EST