Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[GM, CAW reach tentative agreement]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/gm-caw-reach-tentative-agreement/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/gm-caw-reach-tentative-agreement/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/gm-caw-reach-tentative-agreement/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Canadian Auto Workers

Automotive News reports General Motors and the Canadian Auto Workers have reached a tentative labor agreement that will see the automaker invest $692.8 million into Canadian facilities over the life of the four year-deal. The two groups closed a 30-hour negotiating session that touched on everything from wages and benefits, to plant closings and new model manufacturing. The agreement covers around 8,200 workers currently, and GM has agreed to add or maintain 1,750 positions over the next four years. That means the automaker will postpone the consolidation of the company's Oshawa plant, where the current Chevrolet Impala is assembled. The manufacturer had planned to completely shutter the line, impacting around 2,000 workers.

GM will continue with plans to assemble the next-generation Impala at its Hamtramck facility, but will now also build the 2014 model on one shift in Oshawa. The move will employ around 750 Canadian workers, though that number may grow if the production is moved to two shifts later in 2014.

Even so, the CAW isn't entirely happy with the proposed settlement. The union was not able to secure the production of another vehicle. Union leaders say that's largely due to the fact that GM is in market share decline in Canada.

As you may recall, the CAW recently reached a similar tentative agreement with Ford.

GM, CAW reach tentative agreement originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 chevrolet impalacanadian auto workerscawchevrolet impalageneral motorsgmimpalaFri, 21 Sep 2012 13:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20329897/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/21/gm-caw-reach-tentative-agreement/20329897/article-detail.xml 20329897 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/candadian-autoworkers-union-628-1347917616-1348236681_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/candadian-autoworkers-union-628-1347917616-1348236681.jpg <![CDATA[Uncle Sam's shopping list for government fleets]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/uncle-sams-shopping-list-for-government-fleets/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/uncle-sams-shopping-list-for-government-fleets/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/uncle-sams-shopping-list-for-government-fleets/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 Chevrolet Caprice

Edmunds has taken a closer look at which vehicles are most heavily favored by the federal government by evaluating percentage of model sales in 2011. Not surprisingly the Chevrolet Caprice topped off the list with a whopping 79.2 percent of sales going to government agencies, while the out-to-pasture Ford Crown Victoria took second with 57.2 percent of total sales. But that's pretty much where the predictability comes to a close. The Chevrolet Express van takes a distant third with 10.7 percent. Like the Ram Dakota, which came in fifth at 9.2 percent, we imagine that has more to do with the number of civilian models sold each year rather than any great number of government service vehicles on the road.

Other notable models include the Ford E-Series in seventh place, the Ford Expedition in eighth and the Dodge Grand Caravan in ninth. Even the old Chevrolet Impala made the cut with 5.3 percent of its sales heading off to government duty. That's good enough to nab the machine 10th place. Head over to Edmunds to have a look at the full list.

Uncle Sam's shopping list for government fleets originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroelt expresschevrolet capricechevrolet impaladodge grand caravanemergencyford crown victoriaford e-seriesford expeditiongovernmentgovernment usepoliceram dakotaWed, 23 May 2012 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20242028/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/23/uncle-sams-shopping-list-for-government-fleets/20242028/article-detail.xml 20242028 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/chevrolet-caprice-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/chevrolet-caprice-628.jpg <![CDATA[Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #278 LIVE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/16/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-278-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/16/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-278-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/16/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-278-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Autoblog Podcast graphic

We record Episode #278 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and we're joined by David Kiley of Autoblog and AOL Autos. Drop us your questions via our Q&A module below, and chime in to direct our conversation. Our main focus will be recapping what we saw at the New York Auto Show, but who knows where the conversation will take us! Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #278
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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #278 LIVE originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog podcast topicsbrake override systemchevrolet impaladodge dart pricingford mustangMon, 16 Apr 2012 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20216985/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/16/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-278-live/20216985/article-detail.xml 20216985 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[The Chevrolet Impala mascot over the years]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/14/the-chevrolet-impala-mascot-over-the-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/14/the-chevrolet-impala-mascot-over-the-years/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/14/the-chevrolet-impala-mascot-over-the-years/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Chevrolet Impala badge

The 2014 Chevrolet Impala just made its debut at the New York Auto Show, and stuck there on its vaguely-Hofmeister-esque C-Pillar is a new version of the classic Impala mascot. The gracefully leaping African antelope is a little smoother and more rounded, but still the well-established icon it's been since its 1958 introduction. It may seem a small detail, but changing a long-established bit of iconography is tricky. Designers must carefully balance any tweaking against recognizeability and consumer goodwill.

"We kept the stylized interpretation of the animal, and made the impala more muscular. We also added defined edges, to give the impala a sleek form and make it look like it was running fast" says Joan Kallio, lead creative designer for Chevrolet global badging, and the latest version of this chrome animal glyph is surely smoothed and stylized compared to the squiggly 1958 original. If the car is as successfully refined as its logo, the new Impala will do fine. Check out the press release after the jump.

Continue reading The Chevrolet Impala mascot over the years

The Chevrolet Impala mascot over the years originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 new york auto show2014 chevrolet impalachevrolet impalachevrolet impala badgeSat, 14 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20211030/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/14/the-chevrolet-impala-mascot-over-the-years/20211030/article-detail.xml 20211030 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2014-chevrolet-impala_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2014-chevrolet-impala.jpg <![CDATA[2014 Chevrolet Impala is a full-size improvement [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/2014-chevrolet-impala-new-york-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/2014-chevrolet-impala-new-york-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/2014-chevrolet-impala-new-york-2012/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2014 Chevrolet Impala

General Motors has officially unveiled the 2014 Chevrolet Impala at this year's New York Auto Show. Riding on the same bones as the 2013 Malibu, the next-generation Impala boasts a considerably more attractive exterior with plenty of personality. Borrowing the best elements of design from the GM stable, we see more than a little Camaro and Lacrosse in the sedan's front fascia and stylized hips. Buyers can look forward to either standard 18-inch wheels or a slew of larger options, including massive 20-inch rollers. Under the hood, GM has graced the 2014 Impala with a range efficient direct-injection engines, including a 2.4-liter four-cylinder paired with the automaker's eAssist hybrid system.

With 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque, the drivetrain falls well short of the 288 horsepower offered up by the Ford Taurus, though it does so while returning significantly better fuel economy. GM Says the four-cylinder Impala will return 35 mpg highway, six mpg better than the full-size Ford.

Those who need a little extra grunt can step up to the company's tried-and-true 3.6-liter V6 with 303 horsepower and 234 lb-ft of torque, and there's also a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder available that produces 195 horsepower, while all three engines are mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. Keep scrolling for the official press release from Chevrolet, and check our galleries of live and official images while you're at it.

Continue reading 2014 Chevrolet Impala is a full-size improvement [w/video]

2014 Chevrolet Impala is a full-size improvement [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 chevrolet impala2014 impalachevroletchevrolet impalaimpalanew yorknew york 2012new york auto showWed, 04 Apr 2012 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20208178/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/04/2014-chevrolet-impala-new-york-2012/20208178/article-detail.xml 20208178 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2014-chevrolet-impala-ny_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/2014-chevrolet-impala-ny.jpg <![CDATA[Ontario seizes pair of taxi cabs for street racing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/ontario-siezes-pair-of-taxi-cabs-for-street-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/ontario-siezes-pair-of-taxi-cabs-for-street-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/26/ontario-siezes-pair-of-taxi-cabs-for-street-racing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Toronto Cab Racing

Two taxi drivers in Toronto recently found themselves on the wrong side of the law after officers stopped the duo for illegal "stunt driving." The drivers had their Chevrolet Impala taxis impounded and their licenses revoked for seven days after officers busted the two street racing early on the evening of January 25. The Toronto police haven't released any details about what spurred the two to show down on Younge Street, Canada's longest, or the drivers' ages. In addition, their employers are keeping their mouths shut about whether or not the duo will continue to have jobs after their mandatory license suspension lifts in a week.

According to our neighbors to the north, Younge Street once had a bustling street racing scene. Regardless of whether these two were settling an old score or just horsing around, running light to light near the crowded Dundas Square area is a recipe for disaster. Hit the jump to check out a video of the news report for yourself.

Continue reading Ontario seizes pair of taxi cabs for street racing

Ontario seizes pair of taxi cabs for street racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet impalaimpalaontarioreckless drivingtaxitaxi drivertorontovideoThu, 26 Jan 2012 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20157721/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/26/ontario-siezes-pair-of-taxi-cabs-for-street-racing/20157721/article-detail.xml 20157721 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/cab-racing-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/cab-racing-628.jpg <![CDATA[GM commits another $68M to Oshawa to build Impala]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/19/gm-commits-another-68m-to-oshawa-to-build-impala/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/19/gm-commits-another-68m-to-oshawa-to-build-impala/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/19/gm-commits-another-68m-to-oshawa-to-build-impala/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Chevrolet Impala emblem

General Motors has announced that it will invest an additional $68 million into the company's Oshawa assembly plant to produce the next-generation Chevrolet Impala. Those funds are on top of over $100 million headed toward the facility to help launch production of the Cadillac XTS in the plant. The Impala marks the fifth new model to be manufactured at Oshawa since 2009, and GM says the new investment will secure approximately 350 jobs. The next-generation Impala will be built both in Oshawa and at the GM plant in Hamtramck, Michigan, which is also responsible for building the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu.

From what we've heard so far, Impala buyers can expect their new vehicle to be based on a variant of the GM Epsilon 2 platform with a 3.6-liter V6 under the hood. The vehicle may also boast a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, and the GM eAssist system may rear its head as well.

The Oshawa assembly plant currently employs 4,400 workers, and the facility produces the Chevrolet Camaro, Camaro convertible, Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Equinox and Buick Regal. The plant recently added two new shifts, thereby securing 1,300 jobs in the process. Hit the jump to view the full press release.

Continue reading GM commits another $68M to Oshawa to build Impala

GM commits another $68M to Oshawa to build Impala originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet impalahamtramckimpalaoshawaoshawa assembly plantMon, 19 Dec 2011 09:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20130434/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/19/gm-commits-another-68m-to-oshawa-to-build-impala/20130434/article-detail.xml 20130434 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/impala-emblem_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/impala-emblem.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Chevrolet Impala recalled for improper routing of power steering hose]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/15/2012-chevrolet-impala-recalled-for-improper-routing-of-power-ste/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/15/2012-chevrolet-impala-recalled-for-improper-routing-of-power-ste/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/15/2012-chevrolet-impala-recalled-for-improper-routing-of-power-ste/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2011 Chevrolet Impala

General Motors has announced that it is recalling certain Model Year 2012 Chevrolet Impalas for improper routing of the vehicle's upper power steering hose, which could lead to melting of the hose due to its close proximity to the catalytic converter. The safety concern is that the melted hose may drip power steering fluid onto the vehicle's catalytic converter, resulting in a blaze.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that 10,344 Model Year 2012 Chevy Impalas manufactured between April 19, 2011 and July 29, 2011 could potentially be affected by this recall. GM dealers will inspect vehicles to ensure the upper power steering hose is routed correctly and make any repairs or alterations free of charge.

Click past the jump for a look at the NHTSA recall notice. Owners may contact NHTSA or General Motors for more information.

Continue reading 2012 Chevrolet Impala recalled for improper routing of power steering hose

2012 Chevrolet Impala recalled for improper routing of power steering hose originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet impala2011 impalachevroletchevrolet impalachevy impalaimpalanational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsanhtsa recallrecallMon, 15 Aug 2011 15:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20018067/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/15/2012-chevrolet-impala-recalled-for-improper-routing-of-power-ste/20018067/article-detail.xml 20018067 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/chevrolet-impala_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/chevrolet-impala.jpg <![CDATA[Aging Chevy Impala gets standard 302-hp V6 for 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/16/aging-chevy-impala-gets-standard-302-hp-v6-for-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/16/aging-chevy-impala-gets-standard-302-hp-v6-for-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/16/aging-chevy-impala-gets-standard-302-hp-v6-for-2012/#commentsFiled under: ,

2011 Chevrolet Impala
2011 Chevrolet Impala - Click above for high-res image gallery

General Motors has finally come out and said exactly what kind of power the 2012 Chevrolet Impala will bring to the table when it debuts later this year. In February, we heard that the aging full-size four-door will come with a 3.6-liter V6 under the hood mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, though at the time, The General elected to skip handing out any specifics beyond displacement. According to GMInsideNews, the 2012 Impala will pack a full 302 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque in standard trim when it touches down.

The 2012 Buick Lacrosse is set to receive the same updated 3.6-liter V6.

Unfortunately, those impressive numbers are to be the sum total of the updates that GM has planned for the Impala. The model has been on sale in its current configuration since 2006 and a full update isn't scheduled to land until 2014 at the earliest. Still, as GMInsideNews points out, the refreshed six pot gives the 2012 Impala almost as much power as the old Impala SS - not too shabby.

Aging Chevy Impala gets standard 302-hp V6 for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 May 2011 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20122012 chevrolet impala2012 impalachevroletChevrolet ImpalaimpalaMon, 16 May 2011 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19941877/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/16/aging-chevy-impala-gets-standard-302-hp-v6-for-2012/19941877/article-detail.xml 19941877 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/2011-chevrolet-impala-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/2011-chevrolet-impala-630.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Chevy Impala to soldier on with new V6, replacement delayed until 2014]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/07/2012-chevy-impala-to-soldier-on-with-new-v6-replacement-delayed/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/07/2012-chevy-impala-to-soldier-on-with-new-v6-replacement-delayed/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/07/2012-chevy-impala-to-soldier-on-with-new-v6-replacement-delayed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2011 Chevrolet Impala
2011 Chevrolet Impala - Click above for high-res image gallery

When discussing the current W-body Chevrolet Impala, the phrase "long-in-the tooth" is an understatement. And while Chevrolet's biggest retail sedan was scheduled to get a complete overhaul in 2013, a report from GMInsideNews states that the next Impala has now rescheduled for the 2014 model year.

In an effort to keep the elderly Impala passably fresh until its new Epsilon-based replacement arrives, General Motors is reportedly ready to outfit the big sedan with its 3.6-liter V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Both the current 3.5- and 3.9-liter V6 engines have been canned, and because of the W-body architecture, adding a six-speed automatic transmission to the existing engines would not have been feasible.

No other updates are scheduled for the 2012 model year as of this writing, but we're sure that the Impala will continue to be a fleet queen until a more consumer-worthy replacement arrives.


Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Impala

2011 Chevrolet Impala2011 Chevrolet Impala2011 Chevrolet Impala2011 Chevrolet Impala2011 Chevrolet Impala

[Sources: GMInsideNews, Motor Authority]

2012 Chevy Impala to soldier on with new V6, replacement delayed until 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet impalachevroletchevrolet impalachevyimpalaw-bodyMon, 07 Feb 2011 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19833503/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/02/07/2012-chevy-impala-to-soldier-on-with-new-v6-replacement-delayed/19833503/article-detail.xml 19833503 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/01-2011-chevrolet-impala630-1297112030_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/01-2011-chevrolet-impala630-1297112030.jpg <![CDATA[GM recalls 2009-2010 Chevrolet Impala over faulty seat belts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/15/gm-recalls-2009-2010-chevrolet-impala-over-faulty-seat-belts/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/15/gm-recalls-2009-2010-chevrolet-impala-over-faulty-seat-belts/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/15/gm-recalls-2009-2010-chevrolet-impala-over-faulty-seat-belts/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2009 Chevrolet Impala SS

General Motors has issued a recall for 392,409 2009 and 2010 Chevrolet Impalas. The issue at hand lies with front seatbelt anchors. A number of Impalas may have front belts that were not properly secured to the anchor pretensioner mounted nearest to the door. In a crash, this could cause the seatbelt anchor to separate and not act very much like a safety feature.

There have been no reported injuries to date and GM is ready to fix this free of charge at your nearest Chevy dealer. Both front anchors will be inspected and, if need be, replaced. Impala owners will be notified of this recall by mail, on or around October 25th, 2010. For more information, take a look at the press release after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM recalls 2009-2010 Chevrolet Impala over faulty seat belts

GM recalls 2009-2010 Chevrolet Impala over faulty seat belts originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 chevrolet impala2010 chevrolet impalaChevrolet Impalachevrolet recallchevychevy impalachevy impala recallgeneral motorsgeneral motors recallgmimpalaimpala recallrecallsafetyFri, 15 Oct 2010 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19676081/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/10/15/gm-recalls-2009-2010-chevrolet-impala-over-faulty-seat-belts/19676081/article-detail.xml 19676081 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/2009-impala_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/2009-impala.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Consumer Reports</i> gives top marks to Nissan Altima and Hyundai Sonata among family sedans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/29/consumer-reports-gives-top-marks-to-nissan-altima-and-hyu/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/29/consumer-reports-gives-top-marks-to-nissan-altima-and-hyu/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/29/consumer-reports-gives-top-marks-to-nissan-altima-and-hyu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


2010 Nissan Altima and 2011 Hyundai Sonata - Click either image above for high-res image gallery

The minds at Consumer Reports have just wrapped up testing on a handful of family sedans. The publication lined up the Chevrolet Impala, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima and Suzuki Kizashi for a four-door throw down, and by the time the dust settled, Nissan and Hyundai reigned supreme. Both the four-cylinder Altima and Sonata racked up 'Excellent' ratings from the Consumer Reports testers, but only the Altima managed to walk away with the coveted 'Recommended' badge - the Sonata is too new for CR to weigh in on the Big Hyun's reliability.

Likewise, the Kizashi secured an 'Excellent' rating, though missed out on the honor of being 'Recommended' for the same reason. The same can't be said for the Chevrolet Impala. The Bowtie only managed a 'Good' rating, though it fared poorly enough in testing to be 'Not Recommended.' According to Consumer Reports, the big Chevrolet's disappointing fuel economy, clumsy four-speed transmission and lackluster fit-and-finish simply mean that it's due for a new model in a big way. Hop the jump for the full press release blast.


Gallery: Quick Spin: 2010 Nissan Altima


Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Hyundai Sonata


[Source: Consumer Reports]
Photos by Michael Harley / Copyright (C)2009, (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Consumer Reports gives top marks to Nissan Altima and Hyundai Sonata among family sedans

Consumer Reports gives top marks to Nissan Altima and Hyundai Sonata among family sedans originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>altimabreakingbreaking newsBreakingNewsChevroletChevrolet ImpalaChevroletImpalachevycomsumer reports recommendationsComsumerReportsRecommendationsConsumer ReportsConsumerReportsfamily sedanfamily sedansFamilySedanFamilySedansHyundaiHyundai SonataHyundaiSonataImpalaKizashinissanNissan AltimaNissanAltimaSonataSuzukiSuzuki KizashiSuzukiKizashiTue, 29 Jun 2010 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19535081/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/29/consumer-reports-gives-top-marks-to-nissan-altima-and-hyu/19535081/article-detail.xml 19535081 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/altima-profile-2010-305_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/altima-profile-2010-305.jpg <![CDATA[Charting the Five-Ohs: Next-gen Cop Car Comparo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/19/charting-the-five-ohs-next-gen-cop-car-comparo/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/19/charting-the-five-ohs-next-gen-cop-car-comparo/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/19/charting-the-five-ohs-next-gen-cop-car-comparo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

It used to be that every full-line American automaker offered a version of its mainstream full-size sedan to make it appropriate for police duty. By the time 1996 rolled around, the Chevrolet Caprice, which was the last would-be competitor to the standard-setting Ford Crown Victoria, was discontinued, leaving the lucrative police market to the Blue Oval Boys.

The automotive industry took notice, and plans began in corporate board rooms to remedy that situation, and even a few new entrants - most notably Carbon Motors - sprung up with promising designs that eschewed the mainstream production-based sedan design.

In 2005, Dodge rolled out a factory police package for its full-size Charger sedan, and for the first time in a decade the Crown Victoria faced some stiff V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive competition. Then in 2009, Chevrolet announced that its new Zeta platform Caprice would be returning for the 2011 model year packing a strong 6.0-liter V8 of its own.

How would Ford answer this newly mounted competition? Would the aging Panther-based Crown Vic finally get an update? Nope. Instead, Ford just recently announced that it would soon offer a highly ruggedized version of its most recent Taurus sedan, optionally equipped with the stout 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine powering all four wheels as seen in the revived Taurus SHO.

We decided to see for ourselves how the three new competitors stacked up against the old guard Crown Vic on paper, and as you can see, there's little to separate each offering on the spec sheets. It should prove interesting to see how police agencies react to these choices, especially since reliability and durability will be mostly unknown factors for the first time in ages. See for yourself.

Ford Crown Vic Ford Taurus Dodge Charger Chevrolet Caprice
Availability Forever Late 2011 2005 - Present 2011
Type Four-door, body on frame Four-door, enhanced unibody Four-door, unibody Four-door, unibody
Engine 4.6L V8 3.5L V6
Twin-turbo 3.5L V6		 5.7L Hemi V8 6.0L V8
Power 250 horsepower 263 horsepower
365 horsepower		 368 horsepower 355 horsepower
Torque 297 lb-ft 249 lb-ft
350 lb-ft
 395 lb-ft 385 lb-ft
Fuel Economy 14 City / 21 Highway 18 City / 28 Highway (2010 Ford Taurus FWD)
17 City / 25 Highway (2010 Ford Taurus SHO AWD)
 16 City / 25 Highway 15 City / 24 Highway (2009 Pontiac G8 GT)
Driveline Rear-Wheel Front or All-Wheel Rear-Wheel Rear-Wheel
Shifter Column Column Column Console
Wheels 17-inch steel 18-inch steel 18-inch steel 18-inch steel
Brakes Four-Wheel Discs Four-Wheel Discs Four-Wheel Discs Four-Wheel Discs
Cop Brakes Y Y Y Y
Cop Suspension Y Y Y Y
Cop Cooling Y Y Y Y
Seats Front - Cloth
Rear - Vinyl Bench		 Front - Cloth
Rear - Vinyl Bench		 Front - Cloth
Rear - Cloth Bench		 Front - Cloth
Rear - Vinyl Bench
Interior Volume 106.4 Cubic Feet 102.3 Cubic Feet 104 Cubic Feet 112 Cubic Feet
Trunk Space 20.6 Cubic Feet 20.1 Cubic Feet 16.2 Cubic Feet 18 Cubic Feet
Special Features
 Overwhelming Ubiquity

Tough as nails

Capable of withstanding 75-mph rear impact		 Seats with downsized lateral bosters, cut-outs for utility belts

Ford SYNC

Safety Canopy(R) side-curtain air bag

Rollover protection system

Customizable steering-wheel switches

Rear doors swing 71-degrees

Capable of withstanding 75-mph rear impact

BLIS(R) (Blind Spot Information System)

Cross Traffic Alert

Rear View Camera System

Reverse Sensing System		 160-mph (certified) calibrated speedometer

AM/FM radio with CD player, changer controls, four speakers and clock with auxiliary audio input jack

Load-leveling, height-control shock absorbers

Independently switched red/white LED dome lamp		 Seats with downsized lateral boosters, cutouts for utility belts

In-dash touch-screen computer technology

Driver information center in the instrument cluster with selectable speed tracking feature

Charting the Five-Ohs: Next-gen Cop Car Comparo originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletChevrolet Impalachevrolet impala policeChevroletImpalaChevroletImpalaPoliceChevy ImpalaChevy Impala Police Cruiserchevy impala ppvChevyImpalaChevyImpalaPoliceCruiserChevyImpalaPpvcop carcop carsCopCarCopCarsdodge chargerdodge charger cop carDodge Charger Police carDodgeChargerDodgeChargerCopCarDodgeChargerPoliceCarford crown vicford crown victoriaford policeford police carford police cruiserford police interceptorFord Police Interceptor Crown VictoriaFord TaurusFord Taurus Police Interceptorford taurus SHOFordCrownVicFordCrownVictoriaFordPoliceFordPoliceCarFordPoliceCruiserFordPoliceInterceptorFordPoliceInterceptorCrownVictoriaFordTaurusFordTaurusPoliceInterceptorFordTaurusShoImpalaimpala policeImpalaPolicepolice cameraspolice carspolice impalapolice interceptorpolice interceptorsPoliceCamerasPoliceCarsPoliceImpalaPoliceInterceptorPoliceInterceptorsFri, 19 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19407079/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/03/19/charting-the-five-ohs-next-gen-cop-car-comparo/19407079/article-detail.xml 19407079 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/police-badge-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/03/police-badge-250.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #153 - with Phil Berg]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/autoblog-podcast-153-with-phil-berg/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/autoblog-podcast-153-with-phil-berg/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/autoblog-podcast-153-with-phil-berg/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!


Long-serving automotive journalist Phil Berg joins regulars Chris, Sam, and Dan to chew over some recent items. Starting us off, the car we all want in our driveways, the Cadillac CTS-V Sportwagon continues to be grist for the rumormill. Staying with GM, we move on to the debut of the Buick Regal and its potential use of GM's latest mild hybrid system. We next hit up the coming Impala, which will not be a version of the stillborn Pontiac G8, before we comment briefly about third quarter reports and the fervor surrounding GM's financials. The final two items before we hit questions are the delay of BMW's new X3, and a possible wagon or SUV version of the Toyota Prius.

Let us know what you think by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #153 - with Phil Berg

Autoblog Podcast #153 - with Phil Berg originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastbuick regalBuickRegalCadillac CTS Sport Wagoncadillac cts wagonCadillacCtsSportWagonCadillacCtsWagonChevrolet ImpalaChevroletImpalaCTS WagonCTS-VCtsWagonfeaturedgm mild hybridGM quarterly resultsGmMildHybridGmQuarterlyResultsphil bergPhilBergpodcasttoyota priusToyotaPriusTue, 17 Nov 2009 18:15:00 ESTAutoblog Podcast #153Autoblog1:19:43buick regal; toyota prius; gm quarterly; cts v; cts wagon; autoblog podcast; http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19243454/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/17/autoblog-podcast-153-with-phil-berg/19243454/article-detail.xml 19243454 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/autoblog-podcast_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/07/autoblog-podcast.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: Lutz says next Chevy Impala to stay front-drive, gain hybrid variant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/report-lutz-says-next-chevy-impala-to-stay-front-drive-gain-hy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/report-lutz-says-next-chevy-impala-to-stay-front-drive-gain-hy/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/report-lutz-says-next-chevy-impala-to-stay-front-drive-gain-hy/#commentsFiled under: ,

2009 Chevrolet Caprice (Middle East) - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember those AWESOME rumors about the rear-wheel drive Pontiac G8 living on as a Chevy Caprice? Not going to happen, though used Chevy cop cars will still be the hot Christmas item come 2017 or so. Inside Line's Ed Hellwig reports that after a sit down meeting with General Motors' Maximum Bob Lutz, not only won't there be a true successor to the 1994-1996 Impala SS, but the next Impala will remain front-wheel drive.

The new Impala will get bigger says IL, and add features - probably in an attempt to keep up with the hefty and tech-laden Ford Taurus. Lutz mentions that the new Impala will not only sport decent fuel economy, but also feature GM's hybrid technology. Whether or not this means a Chevy Volt style gas-electric powertrain or the General's next-generation belt-alternator mild hybrid system isn't clear. All we know is, once the few, still-lingering-on dealer-lots G8s are gone, they are gone baby, gone.


Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Caprice (Middle East)


[Source: Straight Line Blog]

REPORT: Lutz says next Chevy Impala to stay front-drive, gain hybrid variant originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bob LutzBobLutzCapriceChevroletChevrolet CapriceChevrolet ImpalaChevroletCapriceChevroletImpalaChevyChevy CapriceChevy ImpalaChevyCapriceChevyImpalaImpalaMon, 16 Nov 2009 09:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19239919/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/16/report-lutz-says-next-chevy-impala-to-stay-front-drive-gain-hy/19239919/article-detail.xml 19239919 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/09_caprice-arabia_002_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/09_caprice-arabia_002_opt.jpg <![CDATA[SEMA 2009: Who lives in an Impala, under the sea?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/sema-2009-who-lives-in-an-impala-under-the-sea/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/sema-2009-who-lives-in-an-impala-under-the-sea/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/sema-2009-who-lives-in-an-impala-under-the-sea/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


SpongeBob SquarePants Impala by IMF Kustoms - Click above for high-res image gallery

We were cruising through the back part of the central hall at SEMA, on the prowl for Camaros, Mustangs, Challengers something interesting when we were stopped dead in our tracks by this masterful use of pigment, cleverly disguising a late-eighties Chevy Caprice. Looks like SpongeBob has traded his pineapple for a box. The graphics are really stunning up close and depict everyone's favorite sponge in a variety of vignettes. The whole SpongeBob gang is there -- Patrick, Gary, Mr. Krabs, Squidward and Plankton are all there. Classic. Just one of the beautifully airbrushed vehicles we hope to share with you this week. Oh, and although it's a bit hard to see from the pics, the interior was equally well adorned -- seats, dash, headliner, the whole nine yards. Check it in the gallery below.


Gallery: SEMA 2009: Sponge Bob Impala


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.

SEMA 2009: Who lives in an Impala, under the sea? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chevrolet ImpalaChevroletImpalaChevy ImpalaChevyImpaladonkSEMAsema 2009Sema2009spongebobspongebob squarepantsSpongebobSquarepantsTue, 03 Nov 2009 19:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19221483/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/03/sema-2009-who-lives-in-an-impala-under-the-sea/19221483/article-detail.xml 19221483 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/03-sponge-bob-impala-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/03-sponge-bob-impala-630op.jpg <![CDATA[All four new Nationwide Series cars tested at Talladega]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/all-four-new-nationwide-series-cars-tested-at-talladega/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/all-four-new-nationwide-series-cars-tested-at-talladega/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/all-four-new-nationwide-series-cars-tested-at-talladega/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Nationwide Series cars testing at Talladega - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've already shown you the new Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger cars that will soon be running in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, but Chevy also introduced a new Impala car and Toyota a new Camry. All four new cars were out at Talladega Superspeedway today for some test runs, which gives us our first chance to view the new, more production-like bodies in the revealing light of day.

What we've learned is that all four manufacturers - Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge and Toyota - worked with NASCAR to develop the new body types that look markedly more like their production counterparts than cars raced in the upper level Sprint Cup. Those cars, based on the NASCAR Car of Tomorrow chassis, look identical from the bleachers, making the task of identifying your favorite brand practically impossible. Not so with the new Nationwide Series cars. They actually have distinct shapes that clearly communicate which pony car and/or family sedan you're watching race.

We wondered how much these new bodies would affect aerodynamics and give some brands with sleeker designs an edge, and we're told that all four cars are within "three horsepower of drag and just a few pounds of downforce." Those teams that might have an advantage are likely Chevrolet and Toyota, both of which opted to base their cars on family sedans - the Impala and Camry - with sleeker front ends. The Mustang and Challenger cars may suffer a disadvantage when it comes to wind with their more upright and recessed grilles, but Ford and Dodge will surely win the PR war with their iconic pony cars on the track.


Gallery: Nationwide Series tests four new cars at Talladega


[Source: NASCAR]

All four new Nationwide Series cars tested at Talladega originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camrychallengerchevroletchevrolet impalaChevroletImpaladodgedodge challengerDodgeChallengerford mustangFordMustangimpalamustsang fordMustsangFordnascarnationwide seriesNationwideSeriestalladega superspeedwayTalladegaSuperspeedwaytoyotatoyota camryToyotaCamryMon, 02 Nov 2009 16:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19219712/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/02/all-four-new-nationwide-series-cars-tested-at-talladega/19219712/article-detail.xml 19219712 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/nationwidecarstest002_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/nationwidecarstest002_opt.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: Enterprise sold cars after removing side impact airbags]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/report-enterprise-sold-cars-after-removing-side-impact-airbags/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/report-enterprise-sold-cars-after-removing-side-impact-airbags/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/17/report-enterprise-sold-cars-after-removing-side-impact-airbags/#commentsFiled under: ,



Enterprise, the country's largest car rental and fleet agency, is finding itself in hot water after purposely deleting standard safety equipment from some 66,000 Chevrolet Impalas it purchased between 2006 and 2008 for its nation-wide fleet of rental cars. The full-size Chevy comes fitted standard with side-impact curtain airbags, but Enterprise chose to have the equipment removed to save the cost.

In an investigative piece broken by The Kansas City Star, industry sources say that deleting "unwanted equipment" can save fleet buyers like Enterprise significant costs, especially advantageous in the highly competitive rental car business where the lowest price is often the determining factor for many customers. By removing the airbags from the Impalas, Enterprise was said to have saved $11.5 million.

The rental company also acknowledged having ordered some 5,000 Chevrolet Cobalts and Buick LaCrosses with the airbags removed at the factory. The placement of side-impact curtain airbags has been shown to dramatically reduce the number of fatalities from side collisions, the second most deadly type of accident after head-on collisions. Although the airbags came as standard equipment on the Impala, as well as the Cobalt and LaCrosse, federal safety regulations did not mandate their inclusion, therefore Enterprise broke no law in removing them. Research discovered at least five fatal side-impact collisions involving fleet-purchased Impalas from various companies.

To make matters worse, however, Enterprise reportedly sold 745 Impalas on the open market, falsely advertised as having the side airbags when they did not. Enterprise says the listing that specified the cars in question had the airbags was simply "a glitch in the system", and offered as recourse to buy back the cars from their new owners for $750 over their Blue Book value. That works out to $175 more than the cars would have cost with the airbags installed as standard equipment from the factory.

[Source: The Kansas City Star via CBS]

Continue reading REPORT: Enterprise sold cars after removing side impact airbags

REPORT: Enterprise sold cars after removing side impact airbags originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airbagchevrolet impalachevrolet impala airbagChevroletImpalaChevroletImpalaAirbagchevy impalachevy impala airbagChevyImpalaChevyImpalaAirbagenterpriseenterprise airbagenterprise impalaenterprise rent-a-carEnterpriseAirbagEnterpriseImpalaEnterpriseRent-a-carkansas citykansas city starKansasCityKansasCityStarside airbagside curtain airbagside impact airbagSideAirbagSideCurtainAirbagSideImpactAirbagMon, 17 Aug 2009 13:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19131524/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/08/17/report-enterprise-sold-cars-after-removing-side-impact-airbags/19131524/article-detail.xml 19131524 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/enterprise-impala_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/enterprise-impala.jpg <![CDATA[Pontiac G8 could live on, sans Pontiac... but don't hold your breath]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/pontiac-g8-could-live-on-sans-pontiac-but-dont-hold-your-br/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/pontiac-g8-could-live-on-sans-pontiac-but-dont-hold-your-br/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/08/pontiac-g8-could-live-on-sans-pontiac-but-dont-hold-your-br/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Pontiac G8 GT - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The brand's demise next year will mark the end of the Pontiac G8, but there's a faint glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel for the Aussie-built sports sedan. Speaking with Automotive News, Tom Stephens, General Motors' vice chairman of global product development, said "there's still discussions on" resurrecting the G8, "but Chevrolet already has several sedans. How many sedans do you need to cover the waterfront?"

His comments don't imbue us with much hope for the G8's future, particularly after GM CEO Fritz Henderson has clearly stated that no Pontiac models will live on within the "new" GM. Although there's a groundswell of enthusiast support for the General to replace the Impala SS - due to be killed next year - with the G8, or possibly offer the rear-wheel drive sedan as a Buick model, the idea doesn't seem to be gaining traction within the automaker.


Gallery: Review: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Pontiac G8 could live on, sans Pontiac... but don't hold your breath originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buick g8BuickG8chevrolet impalaChevroletImpalag8pontiacpontiac g8PontiacG8Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19060751/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/06/08/pontiac-g8-could-live-on-sans-pontiac-but-dont-hold-your-br/19060751/article-detail.xml 19060751 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/01_pontiacg8_garage-580op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/06/01_pontiacg8_garage-580op.jpg <![CDATA[GM recalling 1.4 million passenger cars over potential engine fires]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/13/gm-to-recall-1-4-million-passenger-cars-over-potential-engine-fi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/13/gm-to-recall-1-4-million-passenger-cars-over-potential-engine-fi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/13/gm-to-recall-1-4-million-passenger-cars-over-potential-engine-fi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has just announced a major recall covering nearly 1.5 million General Motors passenger cars from the late 90's and early 2000s. The recall affects various Buick, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac models equipped with normally aspirated versions of GM's much-utilized 3800 3.8-liter V6.

Apparently, some of these engines can drop oil onto the exhaust manifold during hard braking. If that manifold has gotten hot enough and the oil dribbles below the heat shield, it can start a small fire. The flames can then engulf the plastic spark plug wire channel, potentially resulting in a full-on engine compartment fire.

The fix? Dealer service departments will be asked to remove said spark plug wire retention channel from the front of the engine bay, and then retrofit two new retainers.

Models Affected:

1997-2003 Buick Regal
2000-2003 Chevrolet Impala
1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina
1998-2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
1998-1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue
1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix

The recall is slated to begin in May. Official NHTSA Release after the jump.

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading GM recalling 1.4 million passenger cars over potential engine fires

GM recalling 1.4 million passenger cars over potential engine fires originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BuickBuick RegalBuickRegalChevroletChevrolet ImpalaChevrolet LuminaChevroletImpalaChevroletLuminaChevyengine fireEngineFireGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMGrand PrixGrandPrixImpalaIntrigueLuminaMonte CarloMonteCarloNHTSAOldsOldsmobileOldsmobile IntrigueOldsmobileIntriguePontiacPontiac Grand PrixPontiacGrandPrixrecallRegalMon, 13 Apr 2009 12:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1515491/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/04/13/gm-to-recall-1-4-million-passenger-cars-over-potential-engine-fi/1515491/article-detail.xml 1515491 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/2003-pontiac-grand-prix-gt-580_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/2003-pontiac-grand-prix-gt-580.jpg -1 2