Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Push Me, Pull You: R&T investigates the comings and goings of gear changes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/push-me-pull-you-randt-investigates-the-comings-and-goings-of-ge/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/push-me-pull-you-randt-investigates-the-comings-and-goings-of-ge/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/push-me-pull-you-randt-investigates-the-comings-and-goings-of-ge/#commentsFiled under:



When it isn't unusual to get into five or six different cars a month, you realize you spend a lot of time figuring out how, and how many ways, one can shift the gears in an automatic or double-clutch car. Where is the shifter? How many settings does the shifter have? How do I get into manual shift mode? Once there, how does it work? Are there paddle shifters as well? Do the paddle shifters move with the wheel or not? And so on...

Road & Track surveyed a number of automakers about how they set up their manual shifting modes. Some require you to push the lever forward to upshift, while for others that's a downshift, and a couple demand you move the lever side-to-side. The 13 makers examined all have their reasons, the loose consensus being that the forward-for-downshift bunch is modeled after driving dynamics, the forward-for-upshift bunch based on intuitiveness and customer feedback.

At least two makers have two cars that use different shifting methods. And if not for Subaru, Audi, and Porsche there'd be a nice way to classify the forward-for-upshift crowd as being for buyers who aren't into sporting driving. As far as we're concerned, forward should be for downshifts, and single-function paddles should be mounted on the wheel, not the column. But you can tell us what you think in the comments.

[Source: Road & Track]

Push Me, Pull You: R&T investigates the comings and goings of gear changes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gearboxManual TransmissionManualTransmissionroad and trackRoadAndTrackshiftingtransmissionTue, 01 Dec 2009 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[NHTSA opening probe into Ford Freestar/Mercury Monterey transmission defect]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/nhtsa-opening-probe-into-ford-freestar-mercury-monterey-transmis/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/nhtsa-opening-probe-into-ford-freestar-mercury-monterey-transmis/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/nhtsa-opening-probe-into-ford-freestar-mercury-monterey-transmis/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating hundreds of reports that 2004-2005 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans are fitted with defective transmissions that could dangerously fail without warning. Most alarming is that many of the transmissions reportedly fail at highway speeds. In a common complaint, the engine will suddenly surge and then all power is immediately lost. The vehicle is forced to coast powerlessly to a safe spot out of the flow of traffic. Angry owners have flooded message boards to report incidents of transmission failures which leave them stranded and stuck with $3,500 repair bills.

To date, there have been 654 customer complaints and 2,791 warranty claims. However, according to NHTSA, as many as 205,000 vehicles may be affected. The investigation, expected to take a year, will focus on the torque converter output shaft which drives the wheels. Ford Motor Co. has not yet released an official statement regarding the investigation.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

NHTSA opening probe into Ford Freestar/Mercury Monterey transmission defect originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DefectFord Freestarford minivansFordFreestarFordMinivansFreestarMercury MontereyMercuryMontereyMontereyNHTSARecallTorque ConverterTorque Converter FailureTorqueConverterTorqueConverterFailureTransmissionTransmission FailureTransmission problemTransmissionFailureTransmissionProblemTue, 24 Nov 2009 18:31:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Disgruntled Volvo owner starts blog, crafts lament in her native Swedish tongue]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/video-disgruntled-volvo-owner-starts-blog-crafts-lament-in-her/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/video-disgruntled-volvo-owner-starts-blog-crafts-lament-in-her/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/video-disgruntled-volvo-owner-starts-blog-crafts-lament-in-her/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Freya Svensson feels like she's getting screwed. According to her blog postings, she owns a still new-looking Volvo XC70 that has had more than its fair share of problems: a faulty transmission and an internal coolant leak that could have been caused by a cracked cylinder head or head gasket. To make matters worse, Svensson says the transmission, cylinder head and motor mounts (twice) have been replaced by Rusnak Volvo in Pasadena, California. Svensson further claims that when the transmission was replaced, she told Rusnak that it still didn't feel right but the dealership allegedly wouldn't take a look at it again. Now that the supposed defective tranny is out of warranty, the dealership wants to repair it. None of this tale is funny, odd, or different from some of the dealer/warranty horror stories that we hear about all the time. So why are we bothering to report on this one? As you might have guessed from the viking helmet and acoustic guitar show above, Svensson has no issue in pulling out all the stops in order to get her message across. She's even got t-shirts. This amuses us.

For starters, Svensson started up her own website, Rusmackedvolvo.com, which details her problems with Volvo North America and Rusnak Volvo. She took to Facebook to friend Volvo North America President Doug Speck, offering to help him add to his paltry friend total of 24 in exchange for free repairs to her Scandinavian lemon. To add a little flair, Svensson then took to YouTube to provide a video play by play of what is going on with her cursed wagon. The blonde haired, blue eyed Svensson plays up the Swedish connection by even singing an original composition, "O Rusnak Volvo" in her native tongue. Hit the jump to watch the clip, and don't worry if you don't speak Swedish - Svensson has been thoughtful enough to provide English subtitles.

[Sources: Rusmackedvolvo.com; YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Disgruntled Volvo owner starts blog, crafts lament in her native Swedish tongue

VIDEO: Disgruntled Volvo owner starts blog, crafts lament in her native Swedish tongue originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cracked head cylinderCrackedHeadCylinderrusnak volvoRusnakVolvotransmissionvolvo dealervolvo wagonvolvo xc70VolvoDealerVolvoWagonVolvoXc70Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Jeep recalling over 161k 2007-2008 Wrangler AT models due to tranny temp. sensor absence]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/jeep-recalling-over-161k-2007-2008-wrangler-at-models-due-to-tra/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/jeep-recalling-over-161k-2007-2008-wrangler-at-models-due-to-tra/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/jeep-recalling-over-161k-2007-2008-wrangler-at-models-due-to-tra/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



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

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

[Source: NHTSA]

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2007 Jeep Wrangler2007JeepWrangler2008 Jeep Wrangler2008JeepWranglerAT fluidAtFluidfirefluidJeep RecallJeep Wrangler RecallJeepRecallJeepWranglerRecallNHTSAnhtsa recallNhtsaRecalloverheatRecallTransmissionwrangler pickupwrangler truckWranglerPickupWranglerTruckWranglerUnlimitedFri, 20 Nov 2009 08:57:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Nissan GT-R class action suit over transmission failures settled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/20/report-nissan-gt-r-class-action-suit-over-transmission-failures/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/20/report-nissan-gt-r-class-action-suit-over-transmission-failures/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/20/report-nissan-gt-r-class-action-suit-over-transmission-failures/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



It was nearly a year ago when we reported on a NAGTROC forum user getting hit with a $20,000 bill to replace his toasted transmission after using Launch Control (LC1) on his GT-R. In time for the second model year of the car, Nissan first dropped Launch Control, then they decided to include it, but with safeguards (LC2). In the meantime, a growing number of owners of the initial batch got together and filed a class action suit against Nissan in the hopes of receiving some compensation for their transmissions.

That suit was settled last weekend in California. The verdict: any owners with LC1 will have their warranties reset for 5 years/60,000 miles once they upgrade to LC2, and the LC2 transmission and internals -- including VDC -- will be fully covered by Nissan. If you use the LC2 with VDC on and something breaks, everything's covered. If you turn the VDC off and use LC2 and something breaks, you're in the poo.

However, if you turn the VDC off and use LC2, then turn VDC back on and everything is fine, then you drive for a while and then a few weeks later something breaks, Nissan will have to prove that turning the VDC off weeks earlier is what caused the breakage. Previously the burden of proof was on the owner; now it's on Nissan. Owners of 2009 cars will also get a $75 coupon for service at a GT-R-approved dealership. Owners will receive notices in the mail with the details. Whew. Glad that's over. Now can we get back to enjoying one of the finest cars on the roads today? Hat tip to Matt

[Source: NAGTROC]

REPORT: Nissan GT-R class action suit over transmission failures settled originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 gt-r2009 gtr2009 nissan2009 nissan gt-r2009Gt-r2009Gtr2009Nissan2009NissanGt-rfalsegt-rgt-r launch controlGt-rLaunchControlgtrlaunch controlLaunchControlnissannissan gt-rNissanGt-rnissangtrrecalltransmissionSun, 20 Sep 2009 18:03:00 EST<![CDATA[What happens if you shift into Reverse while driving?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/what-happens-if-you-shift-into-reverse-while-driving/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/what-happens-if-you-shift-into-reverse-while-driving/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/what-happens-if-you-shift-into-reverse-while-driving/#commentsFiled under:



Trying to write about the best scenes in Woody Allen's Annie Hall is like trying to find unhealthy food at McDonalds. Where do you even start? Luckily, this is a car site, so we can just skip to the part where Christopher Walken's character explains to Woody,
I tell you this because, as an artist, I think you'll understand. Sometimes when I'm driving on the road at night I see two headlights coming toward me. Fast. I have this sudden impulse to turn the wheel quickly, head-on into the oncoming car. I can anticipate the explosion. The sound of shattering glass. The flames rising out of the flowing gasoline.
To which Woody (fine, Alvy) answers, "Right. Well, I have to go now, Duane, because I'm due back on the planet earth." And really that's the right response. When one encounters crazy, one should run. Of course, we work with Dan Roth and sadly running isn't an option. Much like Walken's Duane, Dan wonders exactly what would happen on a "long, uninteresting stretch of highway" if he shifted his car from drive to reverse? Dan goes ahead and researches what would happen if you were to somehow get a forward moving vehicle's transmission into R. We ain't going to spoil the details (hint: not good!), but you can read all about what happens on AOL Autos.

What happens if you shift into Reverse while driving? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ReverseTransmissionWed, 09 Sep 2009 07:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Reports of Toyota RAV4 gearbox woes mount as owner anger grows]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/reports-of-toyota-rav4-gearbox-woes-mount-as-owner-anger-grows/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/reports-of-toyota-rav4-gearbox-woes-mount-as-owner-anger-grows/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/28/reports-of-toyota-rav4-gearbox-woes-mount-as-owner-anger-grows/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Imagine merging into speeding highway traffic when your transmission suddenly balks at the shift, leaving you struggling to choose between that 70,000-pound semi filling your rear view mirror or the shrinking median on the right side of the road. This scenario is just one of the complaints being lodged against Toyota's 2001-2003 RAV4 as owners complain about the Japanese automaker's reluctance to acknowledge a fault with the so-called cute-ute's electronically-controlled transmission.

According to the reports (more than 120 complaints have been lodged to the NHTSA so far), the engine control module (ECM) may fail and send mixed signals to the transmission. Once the tranny starts to misbehave (noticed through rough or missed shifts), the ECM needs to immediately be serviced to avoid major transmission damage. Long story short, owners are miffed that Toyota has internally confirmed the issue (a TSB was issued to dealers in March of 2006), but has failed to notify consumers who are facing costly repair bills to replace transmissions when all many needed was a simple electronic module.

A spokesman for the NHTSA says the agency doesn't like to open investigations unless the problem is identified as a clear safety issue, but they "are watching it very closely." Toyota, meanwhile, is studying the issue to determine whether to extend its warranty on the parts in question.

[Source: NYTimes.com]

Reports of Toyota RAV4 gearbox woes mount as owner anger grows originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cute-uteDefectECMRAV4recallrough shiftingRoughShiftingshifting problemsShiftingProblemsToyotaToyota RAV4ToyotaRav4trannytransmissionTSBFri, 28 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Next-gen GM six-speed automatic to boost mileage another 5 percent ]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/14/next-gen-gm-6-speed-automatic-to-boost-mileage-another-5-percent/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/14/next-gen-gm-6-speed-automatic-to-boost-mileage-another-5-percent/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/14/next-gen-gm-6-speed-automatic-to-boost-mileage-another-5-percent/#commentsFiled under:

It's only been a year since General Motors launched its 6T40 six-speed automatic transmission for mid-size and compact cars. When it was introduced, this new transmission brought with it a five percent bump in fuel efficiency. The engineers at GM Powertrain are now developing a second generation variant of the 6T40 for introduction in 2011 that will bump fuel efficiency by yet another five percent.

The new version will have updated electronic control strategies based on the work done for the new 2011 Chevy Equinox with the four-cylinder engine. The Equinox manages a 32 mpg highway rating. These new controls developed for the Equinox will contribute three percent of the improvement for 2012 models like the Cruze compact.

Another two percent improvement will come from refinements to the guts of the transmission. Changes to the hydraulic valve body, friction plates and variable flow solenoid will cut internal pumping losses and friction.

GM is also working on its own in-house developed dual clutch transmissions. GMPT is developing a dry clutch system that should yield another incremental improvement in efficiency, but no announcement was forthcoming about timing.

[Source: General Motors]

Next-gen GM six-speed automatic to boost mileage another 5 percent originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>6-speed automatic6-speedAutomaticfuel economyFuelEconomygeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmtransmissiontransmission improvementsTransmissionImprovementstransmissionsFri, 14 Aug 2009 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Hello? Chevy reportedly vows to call Camaro owners who may have bad transmissions]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/hello-chevy-reportedly-vows-to-call-camaro-owners-who-may-have/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/hello-chevy-reportedly-vows-to-call-camaro-owners-who-may-have/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/23/hello-chevy-reportedly-vows-to-call-camaro-owners-who-may-have/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Chevrolet Camaro - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last week, we told you about a problem some members of the Camaro5 forums who own V8-powered SS models equipped with the Tremec six-speed manual transmission were reporting. The owners were experiencing a broken output shaft on hard launch; a serious problem that will likely render their brand new Bowtie pony car immobile. General Motors responded by putting a hold on V8 Camaros with manual trannies at its Oshawa assembly plant, but until now, there hasn't been a definitive plan for replacing the affected transmissions.

Camaro5 is now reporting that GM will pick up the phone and call all owners who may have the defective gearbox, presumably to schedule time at the dealership to fix the problem parts. GM told Camaro5 that the calls will take place in a couple weeks, after an internal investigation regarding the issue is complete.

At this point, we don't know what happened to cause the problem with the Tremec 6060 transmission, nor do we know exactly what parts GM will need to repair. What we do know, however, is that we'll update you as soon as we have more information.


Gallery: One Night Stand: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro


[Source: Camaro5]

Hello? Chevy reportedly vows to call Camaro owners who may have bad transmissions originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 camaro2010 chevrolet camaro2010 chevy camaro2010Camaro2010ChevroletCamaro2010ChevyCamarocamarochevrolet camaroChevroletCamarotransmissiontransmission problemTransmissionProblemThu, 23 Jul 2009 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan instructs dealers to reprogram GT-R launch control]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/29/nissan-instructs-dealers-to-reprogram-gt-r-launch-control/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/29/nissan-instructs-dealers-to-reprogram-gt-r-launch-control/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/29/nissan-instructs-dealers-to-reprogram-gt-r-launch-control/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Few topics have set the Autoblog commenting system on fire more than the Nissan GT-R. And once stories began to surface about Godzilla's gearbox grenading when customers invoked the power of launch control, it was like a Hateraid atom bomb had gone off below the fold. Well folks, strap on your riot gear and grab a stick of C4. Nissan's in the news again, officially addressing the GT-R's gearbox failure and rolling out a new software program to mitigate the problem.

Make the jump for all the details.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Nissan GT-R


Gallery: 2008 Nissan GT-R Details


[Source: InsideLine, StraightLine]

Continue reading Nissan instructs dealers to reprogram GT-R launch control

Nissan instructs dealers to reprogram GT-R launch control originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gearboxgt-rlaunch controlLaunchControlnissannissan gt-rnissan gtrNissanGt-rNissanGtrtransmissionThu, 29 Jan 2009 19:55:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW M3 recalled over new double-clutch gearbox]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/bmw-m3-recalled-over-new-double-clutch-gearbox/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/bmw-m3-recalled-over-new-double-clutch-gearbox/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/bmw-m3-recalled-over-new-double-clutch-gearbox/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dual clutch transmission... sounds complicated. And it is. Case in point: BMW's new DCT on its latest-generation M3. This new transmission from Munich is so complicated that apparently even BMW couldn't get it right the first time, so they're issuing a recall. The problem, as concluded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is that under hard braking the transmission's software is prone to initiate a multi-stage downshift, which could cause the car to stall. The solution, however, should be fairly simple, as BMW is asking all owners of 2008 or 2009 M3s equipped with the DCT (about 2,500 in the United States) to come in for a software update, free of charge, at their local dealership. After the software update, M3 owners can perform all the panic stops they want in smooth-shifting bliss.

The official recall notice can be viewed on the NHTSA website. Thanks for the tip, TKE!

Gallery: 2009 BMW M3 Facelift


[Source: Good Car Bad Car]

BMW M3 recalled over new double-clutch gearbox originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw m3bmw m3 dctbmw m3 dct recallbmw m3 recallbmw recallBmwM3BmwM3DctBmwM3DctRecallBmwM3RecallBmwRecalldctdouble clutchDoubleClutchdsgdual clutchdual sequentialDualClutchDualSequentialgearboxrecalltransmissiontwin clutchTwinClutchThu, 20 Nov 2008 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan drops Launch Control from 2010 GT-R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/nissan-drops-launch-control-from-2010-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/nissan-drops-launch-control-from-2010-gt-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/20/nissan-drops-launch-control-from-2010-gt-r/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It appears that GT-R owners won't have to worry about voiding their warranties if they use Launch Control -- for the 2010 model year, the car won't come with the feature. Inside Line is quoting a Nissan exec as saying "It's gone. We just don't want to deal with the warranty nightmare anymore. It'll make the 2009 GT-R really special. It'll be the only R35 with launch control."

We've previously reported cases where Nissan GT-R owners have brought their cars to the dealership with transmission trouble only to be told their warranties won't cover it. It turns out that disabling the car's VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) too often, in order to use the Launch Control function, meant Nissan wasn't covering the repairs. The cost to fix/replace the transmission is only $20,000, so you can imagine owners weren't too upset. Apparently the GT-R owner's manual states that damage to the transmission is not covered if it is proven to be the result of using Launch Control with the VDC turned off. In fact, the manual states that the only reason you should turn off VDC is to "rock" the vehicle when stuck in mud or snow. We await Nissan's revised performance numbers. Thanks for the tip, Mike!

UPDATE: Nissan just contacted us to say, "No final decision has been made about the inclusion of launch control on the MY2010 GT-R." So, for now at least, Inside Line's report is just speculation.

[Source: Inside Line]

Nissan drops Launch Control from 2010 GT-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gt-rgtrlaunch controlLaunchControlnissan gt-rNissanGt-rtransmissionvdcwarrantyThu, 20 Nov 2008 11:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Dodge recalls over 20,000 Charger and Magnum cop cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/07/dodge-recalls-over-20-000-charger-and-magnum-cop-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/07/dodge-recalls-over-20-000-charger-and-magnum-cop-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/07/dodge-recalls-over-20-000-charger-and-magnum-cop-cars/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Dodge Charger Cop Car

Demonstrating that good cop cars can also go bad, Chrysler has announced a recall of Dodge Chargers and Magnums equipped with the police package and column shifter. While the cars aren't exactly taking sides with the villainous, they are having difficulty displaying the proper transmission gearshift position on the dash. This error is leading to more than a few headaches for men and women in uniform, and can be downright dangerous if they're not in the gear they think they are. The recalled cruisers are 2006-2009 models, and they number more than 20,000 strong (including the 150 sold to Kuwait). Dealers will reportedly add a locking mechanism to the gearshift cable to keep the displays honest.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: Dodge Charger Cop Car


[Source: Good Car Bad Car]

Dodge recalls over 20,000 Charger and Magnum cop cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>displaydodge chargerdodge charger police cardodge charger stolendodge magnumDodgeChargerDodgeChargerPoliceCarDodgeChargerStolenDodgeMagnumpolicepolice packagePolicePackagerecalltransmissionFri, 07 Nov 2008 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla secures $40 million in financing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/03/tesla-secures-40-million-in-financing/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/03/tesla-secures-40-million-in-financing/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/03/tesla-secures-40-million-in-financing/#comments
Click above for a high res gallery of the Tesla Roadster v1.5

Despite recent negative news surrounding Tesla Motors, the all-electric automaker has just secured $40 million in financing to move forward with ramping up production of its battery-powered sports car, the Tesla Roadster. It was just last month when Tesla was unable to secure a $100 million investment round and was forced to cut nearly 25% of its work force. The failure to fund also slowed work on its second model, an all-electric sedan known as the "Model S." The San Carlos, California-based automaker has more than 1,200 orders for the $109,000 roadster, but has delivered just over 50 to date. With early transmission problems solved and plenty of cash on hand, the high-profile automaker seems to have finally found itself in a position to zip forward.

Gallery: 2009 Tesla Roadster v1.5


[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

Tesla secures $40 million in financing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FinancingfundinginvestorModel SModelSTeslaTesla Model Stesla motorstesla roadstertesla-roadsterTeslaModelSteslamotorsTeslaRoadsterTransmissionMon, 03 Nov 2008 15:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler ekes out additional 2 mpg on 2009 minivans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/11/chrysler-eeks-out-additional-2-mpg-on-2009-minivans/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/11/chrysler-eeks-out-additional-2-mpg-on-2009-minivans/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/11/chrysler-eeks-out-additional-2-mpg-on-2009-minivans/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


With moms now actually reading EPA fuel economy figures on the window sticker before trying out the dozen cup holders found in most modern minivans, Chrysler went back to the engineering lab and knocked out a few more miles per gallon for its 2009 minivan offerings. Bragging that no other minivan offers better fuel economy than the 2009 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan, the automaker is boasting EPA figures of 17 city / 25 highway for the minivans when equipped with the automaker's 4.0L six-cylinder engine and minivan-first 6-speed automatic. Considering that the original 1984 Chrysler Town and Country achieved 18 city / 21 highway with a 2.6L four-cylinder and three-speed transmission, we've clearly come a long way. To squeeze out the extra miles per gallon, Chrysler tweaked the large 4.0L V6 engine and then changed the ratios on the transmission. With a higher ratio first gear, and smaller steps between the new ratios, the minivans are quicker off the line and the engine doesn't loose as much speed between shifts. The result is a fuel economy improvement of about 8 percent or about 2 mpg. Now, if the engineers could just do something about that minivan stigma...

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler ekes out additional 2 mpg on 2009 minivans

Chrysler ekes out additional 2 mpg on 2009 minivans originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 chrysler town and country2009 dodge caravan2009ChryslerTownAndCountry2009DodgeCaravan6-speedChryslerDodgeDodge CaravanDodgeCaravanefficientfuel economyFuelEconomyimprovementsMinivanTown CountryTownCountrytransmissionThu, 11 Sep 2008 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford, GM considering joint engine development]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/ford-gm-considering-joint-engine-development/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/ford-gm-considering-joint-engine-development/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/ford-gm-considering-joint-engine-development/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In a move that will help both ailing automakers, General Motors and Ford are holding discussions about sharing engine and powertrain technologies. Although neither company will officially acknowledge the liaisons, the meetings have been going on for more than a month, according to sources. Engine and powertrain development costs are significant -- an entirely new engine could cost $1 billion, while a transmission could cost upwards of $800 million -- so splitting those costs offers substantial savings to both companies. In addition to the financial incentives, technology sharing would open doors that otherwise would have remained shut (e.g., GM sharing Volt technology with Ford). This wouldn't be the first time the two competitors have climbed in the sack together... years ago, they successfully partnered on a six-speed automatic transmission that is widely used by both companies today.

This rumor definitely makes for a fun what-if game. If these discussions bear fruit, what engines would you like shared across the aisle? A Vortech V8-powered F-150 or an LS9 Mustang GT500? How about a Malibu powered by a twin-turbo DI Ecoboost V6?

[Source: Detroit News]

Ford, GM considering joint engine development originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CollaborateDealEngineFordGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMpartnershippartnershipstransmissionMon, 04 Aug 2008 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche buyers not keen on start-stop tech]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/24/porsche-buyers-not-keen-on-start-stop-tech/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/24/porsche-buyers-not-keen-on-start-stop-tech/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/24/porsche-buyers-not-keen-on-start-stop-tech/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Porsche, like every other automaker under the sun, is under pressure to produce vehicles with improved fuel efficiency that emits less CO2. The current 911 puts out 225 g/km of CO2, but Porsche believes that it can hack another 10 g/km off that figure with the implementation of start-stop technology on its flat-six engines. Not so fast, say Porschephiles. According to the automaker, buyers aren't fond of such a feature on their arse-engined performance machines. Porsche didn't cite the reasons behind consumer's reluctance, but a 10 g/km reduction doesn't seem like much in the overall product scheme of Porsche.

During the launch of the 2009 911, CAR asked Porsche engineers what the CO2 limitations are of the current flat-six, and according to Thomas Wasserback, "it might be possible to produce a Boxster that emits 180 g/km, it would be difficult to engineer a 911 to produce 200." However, Porsche intents to maintain current performance levels, despite a possible reduction in engine output, by lessening equipment levels and making use of more lightweight materials and body shells. Interestingly, Porsche estimates that the new 911s equipped with the seven-speed PDK transmission, which increases fuel economy and decreases emissions, will account for 80-percent of all 2009 911s sold and could spell the end of the stick shift within five years. However, manual transmissions will remain standard on Porsche's 911 Turbo, GT2 and RS models due to the torque limitations of the PDK gearbox, but a stronger version of the 'box is in development, so expect to see dual-clutch technology on all those models in the coming years.

Gallery: 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera and Carrera S


[Source: CAR]

Porsche buyers not keen on start-stop tech originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911gearboxpdkporschestart stopstart-stopStartStoptransmissionTue, 24 Jun 2008 12:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Correction: Pontiac G8 GT will NOT have an optional 6-speed stick]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/24/correction-pontiac-g8-gt-will-not-have-an-optional-6-speed-stic/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/24/correction-pontiac-g8-gt-will-not-have-an-optional-6-speed-stic/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/24/correction-pontiac-g8-gt-will-not-have-an-optional-6-speed-stic/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Last week, we linked to a CarDomain piece about a lunch that gang had with GM's Bob Lutz. One of their topics of conversation with the product czar was manual transmissions, and it was reported that the '09 Pontiac G8 GT would be offered with an optional Tremec 6-speed manual transmission. This was certainly welcome news, both to us and readers. Unfortunately, it turns out that this information was, in fact, too good to be true. Pontiac's Jim Hopson dropped us a note this morning to clarify. In it, he writes, "We currently have no plans to offer the Tremec on any other G8 model (including the GT mentioned in the article), although it might be an option we could consider in the future." That's a bummer, and there you have it: The only way you'll be able to get a manual in the Pontiac G8 is if you pony up for the über-caliente GXP performance variant when it arrives later this year. Jim's email, in its entirety, is pasted after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT


[Source: Pontiac]

Continue reading Correction: Pontiac G8 GT will NOT have an optional 6-speed stick

Correction: Pontiac G8 GT will NOT have an optional 6-speed stick originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automaticcorrectiong8g8 gtG8GtgtmanualpontiactransmissionTue, 24 Jun 2008 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW may sell engines and transmissions to GM and Fiat]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/28/bmw-in-talks-to-sell-engines-and-transmissions-to-gm-and-fiat/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/28/bmw-in-talks-to-sell-engines-and-transmissions-to-gm-and-fiat/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/28/bmw-in-talks-to-sell-engines-and-transmissions-to-gm-and-fiat/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Word out of Frankfurt from the Financial Times Deutschland is that BMW is in talks to sell engines and transmissions to both General Motors and Fiat. All three companies have declined to officially comment.

The news is interesting, but not surprising. You may recall that GM has been selling transmissions to BMW for well over a decade for use in various 3 Series and 5 Series models (the current BMW 328i automatic uses a 6-speed GM 6L45 unit). So far, however, all have been automatic transmissions.

Speculating about the details, our tipster suggests that BMW may be helping GM with their SMG-style transmission program. As for the engines? It is possible that BMW could be selling its 4.4L V8 for the Cadillac line or lending GM a twin-turbo to compete with Ford's twin-turbo direct-injected V6? Thanks for the tip Brad!

[Source: Automotive News Europe, subs. req'd]

BMW may sell engines and transmissions to GM and Fiat originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWDealEngineFiatGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsNegotiationTransmissionThu, 28 Feb 2008 16:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla finds a solution to transmission troubles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/24/tesla-finds-a-solution-to-transmission-troubles/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/24/tesla-finds-a-solution-to-transmission-troubles/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/24/tesla-finds-a-solution-to-transmission-troubles/#commentsFiled under: ,



The team at Tesla Motors has been hard at work attempting to prove that they can deliver a performance-minded electric vehicle to the world, but along the way they've hit a few bumps in the road. On top of recent organizational changes, one of the major hold ups on delivering the Roadster has been transmission issues. Their initial thought is to build the first production run with temporary single-speed boxes that will not live up to the proposed performance numbers, then modify the delivered cars once a solution arrives. Now it looks like the road ahead is getting smoother. It turns out that early adopters might not have too long to wait before they get their hands on the real Roadster. Tesla is reporting that through research and development of the WhiteStar sedan they happened to run across a solution for the drop top. They are dubbing it DriveTrain 1.5 and it should be submitted to testing next week.

DriveTrain 1.5 doesn't appear to be an easy fix, as it involves replacing the Roadster's entire powertrain. The electric motor is to be changed from an air-cooled motor to a more powerful liquid cooled unit and the power electronics will also be altered to supply the necessary increased current flow to the new motor. This adjustment will allow for the use of a single-speed transmission with a reduced gear design. The transmission is being developed and produced with the assistance of engineering firm Ricardo, which produces, among other things, the Bugatti Veyron's dual clutch gearbox.

[Source: Tesla via Autoblog Green]

Tesla finds a solution to transmission troubles originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jan 2008 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DriveTrain 1.5Drivetrain1.5RoadsterTeslaTransmissionThu, 24 Jan 2008 08:32:00 EST