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[This is how you set your V8 Miata on fire in your garage]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/this-is-how-you-set-your-v8-miata-on-fire-in-your-garage/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/this-is-how-you-set-your-v8-miata-on-fire-in-your-garage/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/this-is-how-you-set-your-v8-miata-on-fire-in-your-garage/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

V8 Miata on fire video

We were never all that great at math, but we can tell you that Miata + V8 = awesome. That even applies to heavy cast-iron small block Chevrolet V8s with carburetors instead of fuel injection. But as one aspiring wrench recently found out, even the most sound of formulas can lead to disaster when you start throwing in unknown variables. Variables like a leaky fuel system. The gentleman in the video below seems keen on firing up his partially installed Chevrolet engine using a jug of fuel and a remote starter, but disaster strikes when things suddenly go all flambé.

From what we can see, it looks as if the carb itself is leaking fuel down the front and back of the engine. Throw in a few sparks and suddenly you have a fresh reminder to check on your fire extinguisher's expiration date. Or, in this guy's case, whether or not you even own a fire extinguisher. After dousing the garage in gasoline and spreading the flames with authority, our young hero manages to get his hands on a garden hose and actually manages to get the fire under control before the scenario turns into an awkward conversation with the insurance company. Check out the insanity in the video below.

Continue reading This is how you set your V8 Miata on fire in your garage

This is how you set your V8 Miata on fire in your garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firemazda miatamazda miata on firemiata on firev8 miata on firevideoMon, 29 Apr 2013 20:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20552512/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/29/this-is-how-you-set-your-v8-miata-on-fire-in-your-garage/20552512/article-detail.xml 20552512 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/v8-miata-on-fire-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/v8-miata-on-fire-628.jpg <![CDATA[Auto journo learns hard way that new vehicles burn differently than old ones]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/auto-journo-learns-hard-way-that-new-vehicles-burn-differently-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/auto-journo-learns-hard-way-that-new-vehicles-burn-differently-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/auto-journo-learns-hard-way-that-new-vehicles-burn-differently-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Terry Box, a writer for the Dallas Morning News, was tootling down the Dallas North Tollway in a Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn pickup after work and enjoying the ride. Box thought the $53,335, option-filled press loaner had been "flawless - very serious competition for anything built by Ford or Chevy." And then, for reasons that still aren't clear, something in the engine compartment caught fire and the Ram cremated itself on the shoulder of an off-ramp.

Box tells the story and it isn't an indictment of the truck, but a cautionary tale about how new vehicles don't burn like the old ones did - and why not to go back for your gym bag. It could also be a kind reminder about what kind of safety gear everyone should keep in their cars. Click the link to read the whole piece.

Auto journo learns hard way that new vehicles burn differently than old ones originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dallasfireramram 1500ram 1500 laramie longhornread thisterry boxtexasMon, 15 Apr 2013 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20539937/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/15/auto-journo-learns-hard-way-that-new-vehicles-burn-differently-t/20539937/article-detail.xml 20539937 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/terry-box-ram-fire_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/terry-box-ram-fire.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Opa!</i> Flaming cheese closes tunnel in Norway after truck fire [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/opa-flaming-cheese-closes-tunnel-in-norway-after-truck-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/opa-flaming-cheese-closes-tunnel-in-norway-after-truck-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/opa-flaming-cheese-closes-tunnel-in-norway-after-truck-f/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Behold, the power of cheese. Flaming fromage has clogged up the Brattlitunnelen in Norway for almost a week. According to Reuters, a truck was hauling brunost, a caramelized Norwegian goat cheese, through the tunnel when the cheese somehow caught fire. Due to its high percentage of fat and sugar, the cheese can burn "almost like petrol" if it gets hot enough, and the fire-concentrating properties of the tunnel meant it took four days to put out the flames.

But there's still the toxic fumes to deal with - the tunnel near the costal town of Narvik remains closed and might not reopen for another week until fondue and its odors are cleared. You can watch firefighters work to put out The Tunneling Inferno in the video below.

Continue reading Opa! Flaming cheese closes tunnel in Norway after truck fire [w/video]

Opa! Flaming cheese closes tunnel in Norway after truck fire [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brattlitunnelenbrunostcheesecheese firefirefromagenarviknorwaytunnelvideoWed, 23 Jan 2013 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20436451/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/23/opa-flaming-cheese-closes-tunnel-in-norway-after-truck-f/20436451/article-detail.xml 20436451 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/norwaycheesetunnel_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/norwaycheesetunnel.jpg <![CDATA[Watch bystanders try to put out fire on transporter full of new Volkswagens]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/watch-bystanders-try-to-put-out-fire-on-transporter-full-of-new/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/watch-bystanders-try-to-put-out-fire-on-transporter-full-of-new/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/watch-bystanders-try-to-put-out-fire-on-transporter-full-of-new/#commentsFiled under: , ,

VW transporter conflagration - video screencap

Watching a small fire that no one can stop from becoming a big fire is like watching a train wreck in Super Slo-Mo. That is the spectacle we get from a rural two-lane road in Poland when a transporter truck hauling seven Volkswagen Passat wagons catches flame.

The cause appears to be some sort of tire or axle failure on the trailer that starts a small fire under one of the cars. For unknown reasons, no one among the bystanders has a fire extinguisher, so they try to put the flames out with snow. That doesn't work, and then when it takes 12 minutes for the volunteer fire department to arrive in their vintage Mercedes-Benz pump and get the first stream of water shooting - almost five minutes before the state fire department - the conflagration is big enough to cook cattle and s'mores for Zeus.

The transporter inferno is on the long side at 23 minutes, but you'll find it all in the video below.

Continue reading Watch bystanders try to put out fire on transporter full of new Volkswagens

Watch bystanders try to put out fire on transporter full of new Volkswagens originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firefire departmentlive leakpassatpassat wagonpolandtransportervideovideosvolkswagenFri, 04 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20416796/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/04/watch-bystanders-try-to-put-out-fire-on-transporter-full-of-new/20416796/article-detail.xml 20416796 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/vwtransporterfire_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/vwtransporterfire.jpg <![CDATA[Hurricane Sandy destroys 16 Fisker Karmas at port with water and fire]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/hurricane-sandy-destroys-16-fisker-karmas-at-port-with-water-and/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/hurricane-sandy-destroys-16-fisker-karmas-at-port-with-water-and/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/hurricane-sandy-destroys-16-fisker-karmas-at-port-with-water-and/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Even before Hurricane Sandy made landfall in the US, there was no doubt the storm would wreak havoc for automakers (especially luxury brands) in the Northeast, but it looks like Fisker may have taken the biggest, most spectacular hit.

According to Jalopnik, 16 Fisker Karma models waiting to be shipped off to dealers at Port Newark were flooded during the storm surge, and while it isn't clear how it happened, some of the cars ended up catching on fire.

This isn't the first (or second) time a Fisker Karma has caught fire, but it is a different scenario that led to the fires. While the first two instances may have been related to a hot engine compartment, the storm-damaged Karmas were sitting in a lot full of other cars when they were flooded with sea water. Since none of the vehicles were being charged and it's unlikely that any had recently been driven, the best guess of a cause for these fires is some sort of short caused by the batteries coming in contact with salt water.

Fisker has released an official statement about the fires (read it below) saying the company will investigate the situation, but as of yet, there is no additional information.

Continue reading Hurricane Sandy destroys 16 Fisker Karmas at port with water and fire

Hurricane Sandy destroys 16 Fisker Karmas at port with water and fire originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 fisker karmafirefiskerfisker karma firefrankenstormhurricane sandykarmasuperstorm sandyWed, 31 Oct 2012 15:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20366700/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/31/hurricane-sandy-destroys-16-fisker-karmas-at-port-with-water-and/20366700/article-detail.xml 20366700 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/01-2012-fisker-karma-fd-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/01-2012-fisker-karma-fd-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy Cruze recalled for potential fire down below]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/22/chevy-cruze-recalled-for-potential-fire-down-below/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/22/chevy-cruze-recalled-for-potential-fire-down-below/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/22/chevy-cruze-recalled-for-potential-fire-down-below/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



No, General Motors is not recalling the Chevrolet Cruze because DVD copies of Steven Seagal's seminal 1997 hit Fire Down Below were left in the trunk of every car that's been sold. If wishing made it so. Rather, the Cruze has been recalled to modify the engine shield that's located under the vehicle. The worry is that any fluids that might leak from above could potentially collect on top of the shield and then ignite and start a fire.

You may recall that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began investigating the Cruze in April over engine fires and then last month expanded its investigation to include 370,000 vehicles spanning two model years. The official recall announced today affects 413,418 Cruzes for the 2011 and 2012 model years that were built in the United States through May 2012. That includes every Cruze built so far at the company's Lordstown, OH assembly plant through the end of last month.

GM is also simultaneously executing a second, smaller recall on up to 249 Cruzes that may have partially completed welds in their trunks.

This is not the first time that nearly every Cruze sold to the public has been recalled. In May 2011, GM recalled the Cruze to inspect each unit's intermediate steering shaft covers to ensure they were properly installed.

Continue reading Chevy Cruze recalled for potential fire down below

Chevy Cruze recalled for potential fire down below originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chevrolet cruze2012 chevrolet cruzechevroletchevycruzeengine fireengine shieldfirerecallFri, 22 Jun 2012 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20264450/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/22/chevy-cruze-recalled-for-potential-fire-down-below/20264450/article-detail.xml 20264450 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/01-2012-chevrolet-cruze-eco-review-opta_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/01-2012-chevrolet-cruze-eco-review-opta.jpg <![CDATA[Dramatic garage fire clouds Williams celebration at Spanish Grand Prix]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/dramatic-garage-fire-clouds-williams-celebration-at-spanish-gran/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/dramatic-garage-fire-clouds-williams-celebration-at-spanish-gran/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/dramatic-garage-fire-clouds-williams-celebration-at-spanish-gran/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Fire at the Spanish Grand Prix

Yesterday's Spanish Grand Prix was an enormous cause for celebration for Williams. The Formula One team that was once at the very top of its game hadn't won a race since 2004, but it broke that losing streak when Pastor Maldonado claimed the checkered flag for the team against Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen and against all odds. But the celebrations in the team's garage were cut short when a massive fire broke out just after the race.

The fire erupted an hour and a half after the grand prix's conclusion as team members were toasting their victory in the garage on pit lane, sending smoke billowing out over the track. Members of other teams - Force India and Caterham chief among them - quickly sprung into action to help their comrades put out the fire. A total of 31 people were subsequently sent to the emergency medical center on site, with all but one treated and released. The remaining Williams team member is being treated for burns suffered in the incident and is expected to be sent back to the UK for further treatment in the coming days.

Officials are still looking into the cause of the fire, which reportedly emanated from the racecar that Bruno Senna drove until it was disabled in a collision with Michael Schumacher that took both cars out of the race. Suspicions center around a malfunction in the Kinetic Energy Recovery System. The incident is not the first time a Williams facility suffered from a fire, the factory back in Grove having caught on fire a few years ago. Scroll down to watch video of the incident in Barcelona this weekend.

Continue reading Dramatic garage fire clouds Williams celebration at Spanish Grand Prix

Dramatic garage fire clouds Williams celebration at Spanish Grand Prix originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barcelonaf1fireformula 1formula onespainspanish grand prixvideowilliamswilliams f1williams fireMon, 14 May 2012 13:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20237712/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/14/dramatic-garage-fire-clouds-williams-celebration-at-spanish-gran/20237712/article-detail.xml 20237712 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/espgp-fire_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/espgp-fire.jpg <![CDATA[Dodge introduces Durango Special Service model for police and fire]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/dodge-introduces-durango-special-service-model-for-police-and-fi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/dodge-introduces-durango-special-service-model-for-police-and-fi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/19/dodge-introduces-durango-special-service-model-for-police-and-fi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Dodge Durango Special Service models - police and fire vehicles

The Dodge Charger has already done a fine job ingratiating itself with our nation's police forces, and with Ford's Crown Victoria finally off the beat, Chrysler is understandably keen to gain a bigger share of the law enforcement pie. Enter the 2012 Durango Special Service.

Available in both rear- and all-wheel drive and Pentastar V6 or Hemi V8 flavors, this Durango variant has been uprated for the sort of duty cycles common among police and fire crews. Available modifications include a heavy-duty brake setup, larger battery, 220-amp alternator, as well as an engine cooler and upsized water pump. Properly equipped, Chrysler says the Durango SS can tow a class-leading 7,400 pounds, and it offers a bladder-perforating 550-mile range.

Dodge has improved interior lighting to make sure that officers don't have to squint while writing you that speeding ticket, and they've also gone to the trouble of brooming the third row of seats for increased capacity (K9 duty, anyone?). Thoughtfully, they've left the second-row HVAC controls so that perps can be stored at proper temperatures.

Want to know more? Check out our high-res image gallery and then shuffle past the jump to see the official press release.

Continue reading Dodge introduces Durango Special Service model for police and fire

Dodge introduces Durango Special Service model for police and fire originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 dodge durango2012 dodge durango special servicedurangodurango firedurango policefirelaw enforcementpolicepolice carspecial serviceMon, 19 Mar 2012 11:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20196176/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/19/dodge-introduces-durango-special-service-model-for-police-and-fi/20196176/article-detail.xml 20196176 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2012-dodge-durango-special-services-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/2012-dodge-durango-special-services-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Spoiler Alert: Despite the elements, Daytona 500 finally finishes [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/spoiler-alert-despite-the-elements-daytona-500-finally-finishe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/spoiler-alert-despite-the-elements-daytona-500-finally-finishe/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/28/spoiler-alert-despite-the-elements-daytona-500-finally-finishe/#commentsFiled under:



It would seem Gaia herself did not want the 54th running of the Daytona 500 to take place. After being delayed more than 24 hours by water falling from the sky in the form of rain, fire threatened to end the race early with just 40 laps to go when Juan Pablo Montoya slammed his car into a jet dryer truck under caution. Watch the video of the incident after the jump.

The jet dry truck, which is basically a heavy duty pickup with a helicopter jet engine attached, burst into flames on impact, spilling hundreds of gallons of burning jet fuel and diesel onto the raceway. Fortunately, both Montoya and the driver of the jet dryer truck were not seriously hurt, but the burning fuel threatened to end the Daytona 500 after 160 laps.

Twitter had a field day with the incident. The account @NASCARJetDryer tweeted "The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated..., #imaight!" Brad Keselowski tweeted his view of the fire from behind the wheel of his No. 2 Miller Light Dodge Charger on an iPhone, which he actually had with him in the car. Fortunately the entire field was parked under a red flag at the time. Our favorite tweet came from @SpeedSportLife, which commented on the direction Montoya took to hit the jet dryer truck: "See what happens NASCAR drivers turn right???"

Continue reading Spoiler Alert: Despite the elements, Daytona 500 finally finishes [w/video]

Spoiler Alert: Despite the elements, Daytona 500 finally finishes [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 01:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brad keselowskidave blaneydaytona 500firejet dry truckjuan pablo montoyamatt kensethTue, 28 Feb 2012 01:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20181170/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/28/spoiler-alert-despite-the-elements-daytona-500-finally-finishe/20181170/article-detail.xml 20181170 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/140099474-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/140099474-opt.jpg <![CDATA[10 motorists dead after fog, smoke envelope Florida highway]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/10-motorists-dead-after-fog-smoke-envelope-florida-highway/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/10-motorists-dead-after-fog-smoke-envelope-florida-highway/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/30/10-motorists-dead-after-fog-smoke-envelope-florida-highway/#commentsFiled under: , ,



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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentcrashfirefloridaflorida i-75 crashi-75interstate pile uppile upvehicle fireMon, 30 Jan 2012 14:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20159988/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/30/10-motorists-dead-after-fog-smoke-envelope-florida-highway/20159988/article-detail.xml 20159988 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/deadlyinterstatecrash.17ca58a38d7c4877a114e061a8716b3d-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/deadlyinterstatecrash.17ca58a38d7c4877a114e061a8716b3d-opt.jpg <![CDATA[GM launches ad campaign touting Chevy Volt safety [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/gm-launches-ad-campaign-touting-chevy-volt-safety-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/gm-launches-ad-campaign-touting-chevy-volt-safety-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/27/gm-launches-ad-campaign-touting-chevy-volt-safety-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

gm ceo akerson with chevy volt

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 chevrolet voltakersoncampaignchevroletcongressdan akersonfirehamtramcksafetyvoltvolt advertisingvolt commercialvolt fireFri, 27 Jan 2012 11:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20157772/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/27/gm-launches-ad-campaign-touting-chevy-volt-safety-w-video/20157772/article-detail.xml 20157772 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/volthearing_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/volthearing.jpg <![CDATA[Matchbox 2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty by Superlift suspensions is one hot fire truck]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/04/matchbox-2011-ford-f-350-super-duty-by-superlift-suspensions-is/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/04/matchbox-2011-ford-f-350-super-duty-by-superlift-suspensions-is/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/04/matchbox-2011-ford-f-350-super-duty-by-superlift-suspensions-is/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Matchbox 2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty Fire Truck

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f-350f-350 super dutyfirefire truckfirefighterfordford super dutymatchbox 2011 ford f-340 super duty brush truckmatchbox brush truckmatchbox fire trucksemasema 2011super dutyFri, 04 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20098166/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/04/matchbox-2011-ford-f-350-super-duty-by-superlift-suspensions-is/20098166/article-detail.xml 20098166 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/matchbox-ford-truck-04-1320353323_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/matchbox-ford-truck-04-1320353323.jpg <![CDATA[Honda recalling 86,000 units for fire, rollaway concerns]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/05/honda-recalling-86-000-units-for-fire-rollaway-concerns/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/05/honda-recalling-86-000-units-for-fire-rollaway-concerns/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/05/honda-recalling-86-000-units-for-fire-rollaway-concerns/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

cr-v recall 2006

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cr-zfirehondanhtsapower master switchrecallroll awayMon, 05 Sep 2011 17:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20034655/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/05/honda-recalling-86-000-units-for-fire-rollaway-concerns/20034655/article-detail.xml 20034655 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/2006-honda-cr-v_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/2006-honda-cr-v.jpg <![CDATA[Boss firefighter keeps spraying after burning car blows up in his face]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/28/boss-firefighter-keeps-spraying-after-burning-car-blows-up-in-hi/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/28/boss-firefighter-keeps-spraying-after-burning-car-blows-up-in-hi/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/28/boss-firefighter-keeps-spraying-after-burning-car-blows-up-in-hi/#commentsFiled under: , ,



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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car explosioncar firefirefire fightingfirefightersfirefightingfirefighting videovideoSun, 28 Aug 2011 17:37:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20028538/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/28/boss-firefighter-keeps-spraying-after-burning-car-blows-up-in-hi/20028538/article-detail.xml 20028538 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/firefighterexplodingcar_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/firefighterexplodingcar.jpg <![CDATA[Burning cars filling up Berlin streets]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/burning-cars-filling-up-berlin-streets/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/burning-cars-filling-up-berlin-streets/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/23/burning-cars-filling-up-berlin-streets/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Berlin car arson

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arsonberlinfiregermanyunemploymentvandalismvehicle arsonTue, 23 Aug 2011 10:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20023381/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/23/burning-cars-filling-up-berlin-streets/20023381/article-detail.xml 20023381 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/berlin-car-arson-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/berlin-car-arson-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler replaces Dodge Charger police car after 'suspicious' fire]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/31/chrysler-replaces-dodge-charger-police-car-after-suspicious-fi/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/31/chrysler-replaces-dodge-charger-police-car-after-suspicious-fi/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/31/chrysler-replaces-dodge-charger-police-car-after-suspicious-fi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Dodge Charger Patrol on Fire

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chargerchryslerdodgedodge chargerdodge charger firedodge charger pursuitfirepolice carTue, 31 May 2011 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19954324/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/31/chrysler-replaces-dodge-charger-police-car-after-suspicious-fi/19954324/article-detail.xml 19954324 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/charger-fire-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/charger-fire-630.jpg <![CDATA[BMW showcases range of police, fire and paramedic vehicles at RETTmobil]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/12/bmw-showcases-range-of-police-fire-and-paramedic-vehicles-at-re/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/12/bmw-showcases-range-of-police-fire-and-paramedic-vehicles-at-re/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/12/bmw-showcases-range-of-police-fire-and-paramedic-vehicles-at-re/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

BMW X3 emergency vehicle
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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 series3 series3 series touring5 series5 series touringambulancebmwfirefire departmentfuldagermanymergencypolicerettmobilx1x3x6Thu, 12 May 2011 08:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19937850/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/12/bmw-showcases-range-of-police-fire-and-paramedic-vehicles-at-re/19937850/article-detail.xml 19937850 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/web630-x3-emergency2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/web630-x3-emergency2.jpg <![CDATA[Video: <i>Top Gear Australia</i> tries towing a 600-ton truck]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/19/video-top-gear-australia-tries-towing-a-600-ton-truck/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/19/video-top-gear-australia-tries-towing-a-600-ton-truck/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/19/video-top-gear-australia-tries-towing-a-600-ton-truck/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

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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2011 Chevrolet Volt involved in Connecticut fire

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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Chrysler and Fiat logos

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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