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[IIHS rates 72 booster seats for belt fit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/09/iihs-rates-72-booster-seats-for-belt-fit/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/09/iihs-rates-72-booster-seats-for-belt-fit/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/09/iihs-rates-72-booster-seats-for-belt-fit/#commentsFiled under:

IIHS Booster SeatThe Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has released its third round of booster seat evaluations in which researchers examine how well child safety restraints work with existing seat belts. According to the IIHS, a child booster seat should put the lower portion of the seat belt across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt at mid-shoulder. Those booster seats that met these criteria were awarded a Best Bet or Good Bet rating depending on effectiveness. Those that didn't adequately reposition the seatbelts didn't receive any type of recommendation from the Institute.

Interestingly enough, the IIHS doesn't perform crash tests to evaluate booster seats. Instead, it says that it's the seatbelt fit that matters most of all, allowing the factory passenger restraints to do their work without causing injury to kids. For a full list of the IIHS Best and Good Bets, you can hit the jump and have a look at the full press release.

[Source: IIHS]

Continue reading IIHS rates 72 booster seats for belt fit

IIHS rates 72 booster seats for belt fit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Booster SeatsBoostersBoosterSeatsIIHSInsurance Institute for Highway SafetyInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetyThu, 09 Sep 2010 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19625363/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/09/iihs-rates-72-booster-seats-for-belt-fit/19625363/article-detail.xml 19625363 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/good-fit-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/good-fit-250.jpg <![CDATA[IIHS awards 2011 Buick Regal Top Safety Pick]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/30/iihs-awards-2011-buick-regal-top-safety-pick/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/30/iihs-awards-2011-buick-regal-top-safety-pick/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/30/iihs-awards-2011-buick-regal-top-safety-pick/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Buick Regal at IIHS
2011 Buick Regal at IIHS - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) just wrapped up its battery of batterings on the 2011 Buick Regal, and the results have netted "Good" ratings for front, side, rear and rollover impact protection.

Additionally, the Regal is the seventh vehicle from General Motors to earn a Top Safety Pick award, which includes the aforementioned rollover test where the Regal excelled. Buick's Euro-born sedan was able to withstand almost five-times its weight - up from the federally-mandated standard of 1.5 times.

The Regal joins its Buick sibling, the LaCrosse, along with the 2011 BMW 5 Series, Ford Taurus, Hyundai Genesis, Toyota Avalon and Volvo S80 as a Top Safety Pick in the large car segment. Full press release after the break.


Gallery: 2011 Buick Regal crashed at IIHS

Continue reading IIHS awards 2011 Buick Regal Top Safety Pick

IIHS awards 2011 Buick Regal Top Safety Pick originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 buick regal2011BuickRegalbuickbuick regalBuickRegaliihsInsurance Institute for Highway SafetyInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetyregaltop safety pickTopSafetyPickMon, 30 Aug 2010 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19613576/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/30/iihs-awards-2011-buick-regal-top-safety-pick/19613576/article-detail.xml 19613576 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/01-buick-regal-iihs-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/01-buick-regal-iihs-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Catfight! IIHS criticizes NHTSA for losing focus on driver safety]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/28/catfight-iihs-criticizes-nhtsa-for-losing-focus-on-driver-safet/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/28/catfight-iihs-criticizes-nhtsa-for-losing-focus-on-driver-safet/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/28/catfight-iihs-criticizes-nhtsa-for-losing-focus-on-driver-safet/#commentsFiled under: ,

Crashed CarsThe insurance industry-funded Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is calling out its governmental counterpart, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for distracting drivers from genuine safety concerns.

Consumer Reports cites a release penned by IIHS president Adrian Lund as saying that unintended acceleration and distracted driving have drawn focus away from other threats, thanks largely to the efforts of NHTSA and the national media. Instead of focusing on runaway sedans and texting teens, Lund says that we should really be worried about speeding drivers and running red lights. IIHS says that last year, those two factors alone were responsible for 13,500 deaths and millions of injuries.

Compare that against the 6,000 deaths associated with distracted driving, and the IIHS point becomes clearer. So, why are the feds so concerned with an issue that's (statistically, at least) half as dangerous as speeding and running red lights? Lund says it's because the general public isn't exactly warm to the idea of more legislation to curtail speed.

What do you think? Is the IIHS position more valid than NHTSA's? Is it the other way around? Follow the jump for an informal poll on the matter.

[Source: Consumer Reports | Image: Mr. Wabu via CC 2.0]

Continue reading Catfight! IIHS criticizes NHTSA for losing focus on driver safety

Catfight! IIHS criticizes NHTSA for losing focus on driver safety originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Aug 2010 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Distracted DrivingDistractedDrivingIIHSInsurance Institute for Highway SafetyInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetyNational Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationNationalHighwayTrafficSafetyAdministrationNHTSASafetySpeedingunintended accelerationUnintendedAccelerationSat, 28 Aug 2010 09:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19611370/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/28/catfight-iihs-criticizes-nhtsa-for-losing-focus-on-driver-safet/19611370/article-detail.xml 19611370 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/lexuscrashed_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/lexuscrashed.jpg <![CDATA[2011 Kia Sportage bags IIHS 'Top Safety Pick']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/20/2011-kia-sportage-bags-iihs-top-safety-pick/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/20/2011-kia-sportage-bags-iihs-top-safety-pick/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/20/2011-kia-sportage-bags-iihs-top-safety-pick/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2011 Kia Sportage - Click above for high-res image gallery

When it comes to the 2011 Kia Sportage, there's a lot to talk about. From where we sit, it's one of the best-looking compact crossovers on the market, it's reasonably priced (starting below $20,000) and as we found out in our first drive, it's a pretty enjoyable steer, too. To add to these selling points, the Sportage was just named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, earning high marks in frontal, side, rear and rollover crash tests.

Top Safety Picks are nothing new for Kia these days - the Soul, Sorento, and Forte sedan have all been given this seal of approval. Follow the jump to read Kia's own words about the Sportage's safety recognition.


Gallery: 2011 Kia Sportage


[Source: Kia]

Continue reading 2011 Kia Sportage bags IIHS 'Top Safety Pick'

2011 Kia Sportage bags IIHS 'Top Safety Pick' originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 kia sportage2011 sportage2011KiaSportage2011Sportagecrash testcrash testingCrashTestCrashTestingIIHSiihs top safety pickIIHS Top Safety PicksIihsTopSafetyPickIihsTopSafetyPicksInsurance Institute for Highway SafetyInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetykiaKia sportagekia sportage 2011KiaSportageKiaSportage2011sportageTop Safety PickTopSafetyPickFri, 20 Aug 2010 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19600306/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/20/2011-kia-sportage-bags-iihs-top-safety-pick/19600306/article-detail.xml 19600306 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/sportage630opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/sportage630opt.jpg <![CDATA[Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M models earn Top Safety Pick status from IIHS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/16/cadillac-cts-infiniti-m-models-earn-top-safety-pick-status-from/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/16/cadillac-cts-infiniti-m-models-earn-top-safety-pick-status-from/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/16/cadillac-cts-infiniti-m-models-earn-top-safety-pick-status-from/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has put a new crop of large luxury vehicles through its crash test gauntlet, and the Cadillac CTS and Infiniti M joined some impressive company in scoring a Top Safety Pick designation. The CTS and M clinched the highly regarded award by receiving the top score of "Good" in roof strength testing. To achieve the top score in rollover safety, a vehicle's roof has to be able to support four times the weight of the entire vehicle.

The Top Safety Pick designation is handed out only to vehicles that received a "Good" score for all four IIHS crash tests while also featuring standard stability control to help avoid accidents altogether. The Cadillac and Infiniti join the BMW 5 Series, Lincoln MKS, Volvo S80, Hyundai Genesis and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class as Top Safety Pick winners.

Since large luxury vehicles cost so much and contain so many safety features, it's not all that surprising that so many models aced IIHS testing. But not all vehicles passed the test with flying colors. The Lexus GS and Audi A6 managed only an "Acceptable" score in roof testing, while the aging Acura RL lagged behind the competition with a "Marginal" rating. Hit the jump to read over the IIHS presser.


Gallery: 2011 Cadillac CTS sedan


Gallery: 2011 Infiniti M


[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Continue reading Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M models earn Top Safety Pick status from IIHS

Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M models earn Top Safety Pick status from IIHS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 top safety picks iihs2010TopSafetyPicksIihsA6Acura RLAcuraRlcadillac cts top safety pickCadillacCtsTopSafetyPickCTSGSIIHSiihs roof testsIIHS top safety pickIihsRoofTestsIihsTopSafetyPickInfiniti Minfiniti m top safety pickInfinitiMInfinitiMTopSafetyPickInsurance Institute for Highway SafetyInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetylarge luxury IIHS roof testingLargeLuxuryIihsRoofTestingLexus GSLexusGsMM 56M35M56RLMon, 16 Aug 2010 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19594279/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/16/cadillac-cts-infiniti-m-models-earn-top-safety-pick-status-from/19594279/article-detail.xml 19594279 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/iihs-safety-roof_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/iihs-safety-roof.jpg <![CDATA[2011 BMW 5-Series nabs IIHS Top Safety Pick laurels]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/29/2011-bmw-5-series-nabs-iihs-top-safety-pick-laurels/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/29/2011-bmw-5-series-nabs-iihs-top-safety-pick-laurels/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/29/2011-bmw-5-series-nabs-iihs-top-safety-pick-laurels/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


2011 BMW 535i - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 BMW 5 series can stick another feather in its jaunty Alpine cap. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has awarded the German automaker's middle child the coveted Top Safety Pick accolade. The newest generation of the 5er managed to nab the highest ratings possible for front, side, rear and rollover crash protection, becoming the first 5 Series to win the Top Safety Pick in the model's history. Surprisingly enough, the 2011 5 Series is also the first BMW to take the award since the IIHS incorporated its new roll-over test.

The institute says that BMW has made up impressive ground in the area of side impact protection. Last year's car only managed a "marginal" rating during that section of testing, while the new car was granted the highest rating possible. The institute goes on to say that its test replicates an impact from a larger vehicle, such as an SUV of a pickup truck, to accommodate for the higher number of these vehicles on the road today. Full details at the link below.


Gallery: 2011 BMW 5 Series IIHS Crash Test


[Source: IIHS]

2011 BMW 5-Series nabs IIHS Top Safety Pick laurels originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 5 Series2011 BMW2011 BMW 5 Series20115Series2011Bmw2011Bmw5Series5 Series5SeriesBMW 5 SeriesBMW 5 Series Top Safety PickBmw5SeriesBmw5SeriesTopSafetyPickIIHSInsurance Institute for Highway SafetyInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetyTop Safety PickTopSafetyPickThu, 29 Jul 2010 13:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19573475/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/29/2011-bmw-5-series-nabs-iihs-top-safety-pick-laurels/19573475/article-detail.xml 19573475 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/01-5-crash-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/01-5-crash-630.jpg <![CDATA[Mitsubishi Lancer earns Top Safety Pick award, first Mitsubishi to pass new rollover test [*UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/22/mitsubishi-lancer-earns-top-safety-pick-award-first-small-car-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/22/mitsubishi-lancer-earns-top-safety-pick-award-first-small-car-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/22/mitsubishi-lancer-earns-top-safety-pick-award-first-small-car-t/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Mitsubishi Lancer ES - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has named the Mitsubishi Lancer one of its top safety picks. The four-door sedan managed to be the first Mitsubishi that the Institute has tested to pass the new roll-over test with a "good" rating. As much as we like entertaining ourselves by thinking about the researchers flipping a bevy of cars and SUVs from 9-to-5, that isn't quite how the institute tests for rollover strength.

Instead, a large metal plate exerts a steady force on the roof of a vehicle until the crash structure deflects by five inches. At that point, the boffins measure the amount of force it took to bend the roof and compare it to the overall weight of the vehicle. From there, a strength-to-weight ratio can be established. Currently, the federal government requires a vehicle's roof to be able to withstand 1.5 times the weight of the car, and in order for a vehicle to earn a "good" rollover rating from the IIHS, the roof needs to be able to stand up to four times the weight of the vehicle.


Gallery: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer ES


[Source: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Mitsubishi Lancer earns Top Safety Pick award, first Mitsubishi to pass new rollover test [*UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 Mitsubishi Lancer2010MitsubishiLancercrash testCrashTestIIHSInsurance Institute for Highway SafetyInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetyLancerlancer ESLancerEsmitsuMitsubishiMitsubishi LancerMitsubishiLancerrolloverrollover safetyRolloverSafetyroof testRoofTestThu, 22 Jul 2010 15:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19564641/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/22/mitsubishi-lancer-earns-top-safety-pick-award-first-small-car-t/19564641/article-detail.xml 19564641 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/2010-mitsubishi-lancer-es-white-f-3-4_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/2010-mitsubishi-lancer-es-white-f-3-4.jpg <![CDATA[IIHS performs rollover test on 12 mid-sized SUVs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/02/iihs-runs-rollover-tests-on-mid-sized-suvs/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/02/iihs-runs-rollover-tests-on-mid-sized-suvs/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/02/iihs-runs-rollover-tests-on-mid-sized-suvs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

IIHS rollover tests for midsized SUVs - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has completed a round of rollover testing on 12 mid-sized SUVs (though most are technically CUVs, but whatevs), and the results show that some carmakers are exceeding federal rollover standards. Six of the haulers scored a Good rating, led by the 2010 Jeep Liberty, one scored Acceptable, and the remaining five were Marginal. The Good rating means a tested car has a roof that is twice as strong as the current government safety standard.

Five of the top six - the Chevrolet Equinox, 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Highlander and Venza, and Kia Sorento - also scored Good marks for front-, side- and rear-occupant protection, and so earn the coveted classification of being an IIHS Top Safety Pick. If your CUV isn't listed, fear not, as the IIHS is testing them in groups.

Follow the jump for the full release, and you can have a look at the entire batch of tested vehicles in the high-res gallery below.


Gallery: IIHS Rollover tests for CUVs


[Source: IIHS]

Continue reading IIHS performs rollover test on 12 mid-sized SUVs

IIHS performs rollover test on 12 mid-sized SUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 chevrolet equinox2010 ford edge2010 honda accord crosstour2010 honda pilot2010 jeep liberty2010 mazda CX-72010 mitsubish endeavor2010 nissan murano2010 toyota higlander2010 toyota venza2010ChevroletEquinox2010FordEdge2010HondaAccordCrosstour2010HondaPilot2010JeepLiberty2010MazdaCx-72010MitsubishEndeavor2010NissanMurano2010ToyotaHiglander2010ToyotaVenza2011 jeep grand cherokee2011 kia sorento2011JeepGrandCherokee2011KiaSorentochevrolet equinoxChevroletEquinoxhonda accord crosstourhonda pilotHondaAccordCrosstourHondaPilotiihsInsurance Institute for Highway SafetyInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetykia sorentoKiaSorentoMazda CX-7MazdaCx-7mitsubishi endeavorMitsubishiEndeavornissan muranoNissanMuranorolloverrollover testRolloverTesttoyota highlandertoyota venzaToyotaHighlanderToyotaVenzaWed, 02 Jun 2010 10:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19499352/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/02/iihs-runs-rollover-tests-on-mid-sized-suvs/19499352/article-detail.xml 19499352 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/iihsrollovercuv_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/iihsrollovercuv.jpg <![CDATA[IIHS condemns use of mini trucks and low-speed vehicles on public roads]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/20/iihs-condemns-use-of-mini-trucks-and-low-speed-vehicles-on-publi/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/20/iihs-condemns-use-of-mini-trucks-and-low-speed-vehicles-on-publi/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/20/iihs-condemns-use-of-mini-trucks-and-low-speed-vehicles-on-publi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



If you live in the U.S. sunbelt or in an upscale gated community, you've probably seen quite a few of those hopped-up electric golf carts trolling around your neighborhood. These low-speed vehicles are great for zipping to the mailbox or heading over to the clubhouse, and the vehicles are currently allowed on select public roads in 46 of the 50 United States. But even though they're perfectly legal in many areas, The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has a pretty serious warning for anyone looking to take these vehicles onto high-traffic areas. IIHS tested both a GEM electric cart and a minitruck in side impact crashes, and the results were sobering to say the least.

The first test was a side impact affair between a GEM EV and a crash barrier moving at 31 miles per hour. The crash test dummy, which was buckled up and in the driver's seat, showed injuries consistent with catastrophic injury or death. IIHS then performed the same test with a Smart ForTwo replacing the barrier, but the results were very similar. The crash, which typically nets relatively low injury risk for vehicles with high safety scores, was so severe that the crash dummy's head almost hits the ForTwo's windshield. Chief research officer David Zuby said that the test shows that these vehicles "weren't designed to protect people in a crash with a microcar like the Smart ForTwo, let alone larger cars, SUVs, and pickups in everyday traffic."

After demolishing a few GEMs, the IIHS then focused its glare on the 2008 Tiger Star minitruck. The Tiger was pitted against a 2010 Ford Ranger in an offset front crash with the minitruck going 25 mph and the Ford 35 mph. The results were similarly catastrophic, with the Ranger dummy relatively unharmed while the Tiger dummy's head hit the steering wheel hard in spite of the fact that it was wearing a safety belt. Hit the jump to read over the IIHS' strongly worded press release.

[Source: The Insurance Institute For Highway Safety]

Continue reading IIHS condemns use of mini trucks and low-speed vehicles on public roads

IIHS condemns use of mini trucks and low-speed vehicles on public roads originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 May 2010 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crash testcrash testingCrashTestCrashTestingDavid ZubyDavidZubyford rangerFordRangerGEMGEM cargem evGemCarGemEvGM CartGmCartIIHSiihs crash testIihsCrashTestInsurance Institute for Highway SafetyInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetyLEVlow speed vehiclelow speed vehiclesLowSpeedVehicleLowSpeedVehiclesLSVsmart fortwoSmartFortwotiger star minitruckTigerStarMinitruckZubyThu, 20 May 2010 18:39:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19484796/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/20/iihs-condemns-use-of-mini-trucks-and-low-speed-vehicles-on-publi/19484796/article-detail.xml 19484796 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/crash-2-1274366744_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/crash-2-1274366744.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai Genesis sedan and Mercedes-Benz E-Class named IIHS Top Safety Picks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/13/hyundai-genesis-and-mercedes-benz-e-class-named-iihs-top-safety/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/13/hyundai-genesis-and-mercedes-benz-e-class-named-iihs-top-safety/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/13/hyundai-genesis-and-mercedes-benz-e-class-named-iihs-top-safety/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2010 Hyundai Genesis gets crash tested - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's no secret that earning a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety will boost a car's street cred, and now the engineers at Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz can stand tall knowing that the Genesis and E-Class sedans have just received this prestigious honor.

Hyundai launched its flagship Genesis in 2009, but the automaker made slight changes to the roof structure for the 2010 model year, which has (obviously) greatly improved the crash ratings. Thus, the Top Safety Pick award only applies to Genesis models built after January 2010. The Benz, on the other hand, has been on sale for decades, but this is the first time that the E-Class has garnered IIHS's top rating.

Hit the jump to read the full crash test results, and be sure to scroll through the galleries below to see high-res shots of the two cars getting smashed.


Gallery: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Crash Test


Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E Class Crash Test


[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Continue reading Hyundai Genesis sedan and Mercedes-Benz E-Class named IIHS Top Safety Picks

Hyundai Genesis sedan and Mercedes-Benz E-Class named IIHS Top Safety Picks originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 May 2010 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Hyundai Genesis2010 Hyundai genesis sedan2010 mercedes-benz e-class2010HyundaiGenesis2010HyundaiGenesisSedan2010Mercedes-benzE-classE-ClassGenesisHyundaiHyundai GenesisHyundaiGenesisIIHSiihs crash testiihs crash testingIihsCrashTestIihsCrashTestingInsurance Institute for Highway SafetyInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetymercedesmercedes-benzMercedes-Benz E-ClassMercedes-benzE-classThu, 13 May 2010 16:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19476544/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/13/hyundai-genesis-and-mercedes-benz-e-class-named-iihs-top-safety/19476544/article-detail.xml 19476544 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/ces100504opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/ces100504opt.jpg <![CDATA[IIHS asks gov't to mandate ABS on motorcycles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/09/iihs-asks-govt-to-mandate-abs-on-motorcycles/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/09/iihs-asks-govt-to-mandate-abs-on-motorcycles/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/09/iihs-asks-govt-to-mandate-abs-on-motorcycles/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Motorcycle

How far is too far? In a recent press release, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety made a plea to the federal government to require anti-lock braking systems on all motorcycles sold in the U.S. The group cites a newly-released study showing 22 percent fewer damage claims are made on motorcycles with ABS compared to non-equipped models, in part, as justification for the law.

Although we cannot agree more with Institute president Adrian Lund when he says, "the best motorcycle accident is the one that never happens," we also can't help but notice the possibility of selfish motives on the part of the insurance industry. If you're a lifelong gearhead, you might agree that a good "insurance agent" can be a great asset, however, would you want them effectively telling you what you can and cannot do on your motorcycle?

Are we saying that motorcycle ABS is a bad thing? No way. In fact, with each new ABS-equipped bike we ride, braking performance seems to improve dramatically. However, one of life's greatest pleasures can come at the precise moment tap your brake to initiate a sliding entrance into that sharp left-hander, just before powering out with a pasted-on grin. Dangerous? Of course, but that's why we buy good insurance, right? Check out the IIHS's complete press release after the jump, and let us know what you think of the proposal.

[Source: Washington Post]

Continue reading IIHS asks gov't to mandate ABS on motorcycles

IIHS asks gov't to mandate ABS on motorcycles originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 May 2010 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>absanti lock brake systemAntiLockBrakeSystemgovermentgovernment controlGovernmentControlinsurance companiesInsurance Institute for Highway SafetyInsuranceCompaniesInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetymotorcyclemotorcycle racingmotorcycle safetyMotorcycle Safety Foundationmotorcycle stuntMotorcycleAccidentMotorcycleCrashMotorcycleRacingmotorcyclesMotorcycleSafetyMotorcycleSafetyFoundationMotorcycleStuntmotorcyle absMotorcyleAbsSun, 09 May 2010 15:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19468128/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/09/iihs-asks-govt-to-mandate-abs-on-motorcycles/19468128/article-detail.xml 19468128 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/backin_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/backin.jpg <![CDATA[IIHS releases latest round of safety scores for Infiniti M, Lexus HS and Toyota 4Runner]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/09/iihs-releases-latest-round-of-safety-scores-for-infiniti-m-lexu/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/09/iihs-releases-latest-round-of-safety-scores-for-infiniti-m-lexu/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/09/iihs-releases-latest-round-of-safety-scores-for-infiniti-m-lexu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



First the Oscars and now this! The envelope please! The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released a bevy of scores for the Infiniti M, Lexus HS 250h and Toyota 4Runner and it was nothing but "Good" all around. The Infiniti and Toyota were tested for frontal offset and side impacts, with their "Good" score maintaining the scores of their predecessors. The Lexus scored a first-time Good" in the frontal offset test. You can get all the details on the most recent round of crash-testing here and scan the IIHS archives to see how the competition stacks up.


Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M56


[Source: IIHS]

IIHS releases latest round of safety scores for Infiniti M, Lexus HS and Toyota 4Runner originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Hyundai Sonata - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata has a lot of things going for it. Not only does the sedan wear sleek new sheetmetal, it's powered by a powerful yet fuel-efficient 2.4-liter four-pot mill with direct injection, capable of achieving up to 35 miles per gallon on the highway and it's priced below the $20,000 mark. Now, the Sonata can wear another badge of honor, as it has just earned the rating of Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

According to the IIHS, a Top Safety Pick vehicle must earn the highest rating of "good" in all front, side and rear crash tests, and it must be equipped with electronic stability control. This is a relatively big achievement for Hyundai, as the 2011 model is the first Sonata to receive this high honor.

We're in the process of conducting our first drive on the Sonata as you read this, so stay tuned for full driving impressions in the not-too-distant future.


Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata


[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

IIHS names 2011 Hyundai Sonata a Top Safety Pick originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 Hyundai Sonata2011 sonata2011HyundaiSonata2011SonataHyundaihyundai sonataHyundaiSonataIIHSInsurance Institute for Highway SafetyInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetySonataThu, 18 Feb 2010 16:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19363972/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/02/18/iihs-names-2011-hyundai-sonata-a-top-safety-pick/19363972/article-detail.xml 19363972 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/2011sonataopt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/02/2011sonataopt.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan Frontier tops latest round of IIHS crash tests, Chevrolet Colorado hits bottom]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/04/nissan-frontier-tops-latest-round-of-iihs-crash-tests-chevrolet/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/04/nissan-frontier-tops-latest-round-of-iihs-crash-tests-chevrolet/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/04/nissan-frontier-tops-latest-round-of-iihs-crash-tests-chevrolet/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

IIHS compact pickup crash tests - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has tested five compact pickup trucks for both rollover and side impact crashes, and overall, it would seem that the trucks' performances were pretty dismal. Only the Nissan Frontier was given a 'Good' rating from the IIHS for rollover protection, with the Ford Ranger falling to second place with an 'Acceptable' rating and the Chevrolet Colorado, Dodge Dakota and Toyota Tacoma earning lowly 'Marginal' scores.

Side impact scores also failed to live up to expectations for some trucks, with the Frontier, Ranger and Tacoma getting 'Good' ratings and the Colorado getting the lowest 'Poor' rating. Equally as disturbing, though, was the performance of the Dakota, which was tested with optional side air bags (all the other trucks come standard with the bags) that failed to deploy in IIHS testing. Chrysler has reportedly identified the software glitch that caused the air bags not to deploy and is working on a fix. The Dakota will be retested with properly functional air bags at a later date.

See the results of the testing in our image gallery below and click past the break for the official press release from the IIHS.


Gallery: IIHS Compact Pickup Tests


[Source: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Continue reading Nissan Frontier tops latest round of IIHS crash tests, Chevrolet Colorado hits bottom

Nissan Frontier tops latest round of IIHS crash tests, Chevrolet Colorado hits bottom originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has once again announced the winners of its Top Safety Pick award - all 27 of them. This time out, 19 cars and eight SUVs made the all-important grade. To break it down a bit for you, Subaru is the only make to earn top marks in each of the classes in which it competes (four), winning a total of five awards. Ford and Volvo combined to take home six Top Safety Pick awards (the most of any automaker), VW/Audi comes away with five and Chrysler gets four. Added to this year's safe list in the small car segment are also two new competitors, the Nissan Cube and Kia Soul.

New for 2010 are more stringent rollover standards used in the evaluations by the IIHS, a tweak which is apparently responsible for keeping Toyota, the world's biggest automaker in terms of sales, from receiving a single award - even though last year, between Toyota, Lexus and Scion there were eleven winners. BMW, Mazda, Mitsubishi and Saab were also absent from the list for the same reason, as the was the Ford Fusion. The Toyota Camry, meanwhile, didn't make the cut because of a marginal rear crash rating. All 27 winners - and a full press release - can be found after the jump.


Gallery: 2010 IIHS Top Safety Picks

Large carsLarge carsLarge carsLarge carsMidsize cars

[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Continue reading 2010 Top Safety Picks announced by IIHS, new roof strength rule shakes things up

2010 Top Safety Picks announced by IIHS, new roof strength rule shakes things up originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Top Safety Pick2010 Top Safety Picks2010TopSafetyPick2010TopSafetyPicksIIHSInsurance InstituteInsurance Institute for Highway SafetyInsuranceInstituteInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetySafetyTop Safety PickTopSafetyPickWed, 18 Nov 2009 13:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19244580/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/11/18/2010-top-safety-picks-announced-by-iihs-new-roof-strength-rule/19244580/article-detail.xml 19244580 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/iihs_tsp10_award_250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/iihs_tsp10_award_250.jpg <![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: IIHS reveals before and after of Malibu/Bel Air crash]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/26/pics-aplenty-iihs-reveals-before-and-after-of-malibu-bel-air-cr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/26/pics-aplenty-iihs-reveals-before-and-after-of-malibu-bel-air-cr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/26/pics-aplenty-iihs-reveals-before-and-after-of-malibu-bel-air-cr/#commentsFiled under: , ,

IIHS '09 Malibu vs. '59 Bel Air crash test - Click above for high-res image gallery

We're all well aware of the video released recently by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. You know the one. Modern Chevy Malibu versus vintage Chevy Bel Air. Crash test. The results speak for themselves (see the video again after the jump). The two cars, one a 1959 model and the other from 2009, illustrate exactly how far vehicle safety has come in the 50 years since the IIHS was founded. There are two others dates you should know. 1972 was when the IIHS launched the Highway Loss Data Institute and began collecting objective data on insurance losses. The other date is 1992 when the Vehicle Research Center was opened and the IIHS began crashing cars.

In addition to the aforementioned video, the IIHS has also just released a gallery of images, before and after if you will, of the two cars involved in the celebratory crash. Note the passenger compartment of the '09 Malibu, which stays completely intact, versus the Bel Air that crumbles like a cereal box. Thanks for the tip, Derrick!


Gallery: IIHS '09 Malibu vs. '59 Bel Air crash test


[Source: IIHS]

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: IIHS reveals before and after of Malibu/Bel Air crash

Pics Aplenty: IIHS reveals before and after of Malibu/Bel Air crash originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Sep 2009 19:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet malibuChevroletMalibufalseiihsinsurance institute for highway safetyInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetymalibumalibu bel airMalibuBelAirSat, 26 Sep 2009 19:49:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19175084/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/09/26/pics-aplenty-iihs-reveals-before-and-after-of-malibu-bel-air-cr/19175084/article-detail.xml 19175084 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/0002-malibu_lg_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/0002-malibu_lg_opt.jpg <![CDATA[VIDEO: IIHS celebrates 50th anniversary by crashing modern Malibu into '59 Bel Air]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/video-iihs-celebrates-50th-anniversary-by-crashing-modern-malib/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/video-iihs-celebrates-50th-anniversary-by-crashing-modern-malib/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/17/video-iihs-celebrates-50th-anniversary-by-crashing-modern-malib/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


2009 Chevy Malibu versus 1959 Chevy Bel Air - Click above to watch the video after the break

They just don't build 'em like they used to. While that old saying is constantly bandied about in regards to modern-day cars and trucks, it's once again worth saying and was the first thing that popped into our heads after watching the video pasted after the break.

You see, most of the time, we like to think of our old automobiles as tank-like hunks of metal with full frames and acres of dead space in front of the driver and the massive chrome front bumper. While that may often be the case, all those thick bits of steel don't automatically equal safety. This point is driven home by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which decided to celebrate its 50th anniversary by crash testing a 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air into a 2009 Chevy Malibu. The results were eye-opening. Says the IIHS of the Bel Air's performance:
The dummy's head struck the steering wheel rim and hub and then the roof and unpadded metal instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel.... The windshield was completely dislodged from the car and the driver door opened during the crash, both presenting a risk of ejection. In addition, the front bench seat was torn away from the floor on the driver side.
Ouch.... an instant death according to the IIHS. And the '09 Malibu? "A high acceleration was recorded on the left foot, indicating that foot injuries would be possible." Well now, as much as we like our left foot (perfect for operating the clutch, ya know), we'd rather take our chances in the new car, thank you very much. Click past the break to watch the video in all its car-crushing glory, and take a moment to mourn the passing of what used to be a rather nice '59 Bel Air.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: IIHS celebrates 50th anniversary by crashing modern Malibu into '59 Bel Air

VIDEO: IIHS celebrates 50th anniversary by crashing modern Malibu into '59 Bel Air originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Lincoln MKT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has dumped all of its latest safety gadgets into the already structurally sound 2010 Lincoln MKT, and the Blue Oval's engineering labor appears to have paid off as the luxury crossover has just scored a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. The Top Pick status of the 5,000 lb MKT doesn't come as a surprise, as it is mechanically identical to the well-regarded Ford Flex.

The MKT scored a "Good" rating in each category, including structure, injury measures and restraints. The IIHS added that "dummy movement was well controlled. After the dummy moved forward into the airbag, it rebounded into the seat without its head coming close to any stiff structure that could cause injury."

The Lincoln MKT comes with standard equipment like an advanced structural safety system that combines octagonal front frame rails, tunnel rails and support members that are designed to absorb and redirect crash forces away from the passenger compartment. Along with the usual safety suspects like side curtain airbags, Ford offers optional safety equipment like Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Warning Brake Control and a Blind Spot Information system. Hit the jump to read the Ford press release.

Gallery: 2010 Lincoln MKT


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Lincoln MKT earns Top Safety Pick from IIHS

Lincoln MKT earns Top Safety Pick from IIHS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blue OvalBlueOvalcrash testCrashTestFord FlexFordFlexIIHSinsurance instituteinsurance institute for highway safetyInsuranceInstituteInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetyLincoln CrossoverLincoln MKTLincolnCrossoverLincolnMktThu, 10 Sep 2009 17:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19157313/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/09/10/lincoln-mkt-earns-top-safety-pick-from-iihs/19157313/article-detail.xml 19157313 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/2010-lincoln-mkt-sunset-630-stopped-1252613020_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/09/2010-lincoln-mkt-sunset-630-stopped-1252613020.jpg <![CDATA[Subaru Legacy and Outback, Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring new IIHS Top Safety Picks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/subaru-legacy-and-outback-dodge-avenger-and-chrysler-sebring-ne/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/subaru-legacy-and-outback-dodge-avenger-and-chrysler-sebring-ne/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/subaru-legacy-and-outback-dodge-avenger-and-chrysler-sebring-ne/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Four 2010 model year vehicles have just been awarded Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: Subaru's Outback and Legacy, the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler's Sebring. Top Safety Picks are given to those vehicles that come equipped with electronic stability control and receive front, side, and rear crash test ratings of 'Good' in IIHS testing.

The Legacy has boasted a 'Good' rating for a few years now, while the all-new Outback takes the cake on its first try. The Sebring and Avenger continue their runs of 'Good' form in their current generations.

[Source: IIHS]

Subaru Legacy and Outback, Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring new IIHS Top Safety Picks originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IIHS microcar roof tests - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has just tested the latest batch of the smallest cars on the market to determine the strength of their roofs in the event of a rollover accident. Coming out on top with a "good" rating was the Smart Fortwo, which isn't all that surprising - due in large part to the runabout's diminutive size, Daimler put lots of effort into the design of its so-called Tridion safety cell.

Somehow, we're equally as unsurprised that the Chevy Aveo scored the lowest of the six automobiles tested. Chevy's least expensive car earned a "marginal" rating from the Institute. Sitting in between those two bookends were the Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Mini Cooper, and Toyota Yaris, all of which scored "acceptable" ratings.

It's interesting to note that the Smart Fortwo fared quite a bit better in this kind of test than in the Institute's series of frontal offset crash tests versus a Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan. Click past the break for the official press release.


Gallery: IIHS microcar roof tests

iihs-roof-smartiihs-roof-smart-2iihs-roof-aveoiihs-roof-aveo-2

[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Continue reading IIHS tests roof strength on microcars, Smart Fortwo comes out on top

IIHS tests roof strength on microcars, Smart Fortwo comes out on top originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevy aveochevy aveo crash testchevy aveo roof testChevyAveoChevyAveoCrashTestChevyAveoRoofTesthonda fithonda fit crash testHondaFitHondaFitCrashTesthyundai accenthyundai accent crash testHyundaiAccentHyundaiAccentCrashTestiihsinsurance instituteinsurance institute for highway safetyinsurance institute for highway safety crash testInsuranceInstituteInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetyInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetyCrashTestmini coopermini cooper crash testMiniCooperMiniCooperCrashTestrolloverrollover caserollover protectionrollover testRolloverCaseRolloverProtectionRolloverTestsmartsmart fortwosmart fortwo crashsmart fortwo crash resultssmart fortwo crash t...smart fortwo roofsmartcarSmartFortwoSmartFortwoCrashSmartFortwoCrashResultsSmartFortwoCrashT...SmartFortwoRooftoyota yaristoyota yaris crash testToyotaYarisToyotaYarisCrashTestFri, 21 Aug 2009 09:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19135284/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/08/21/iihs-tests-roof-strength-on-microcars-smart-fortwo-comes-out-on/19135284/article-detail.xml 19135284 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/iihs-roof-smart-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/08/iihs-roof-smart-opt.jpg -1 2