2007
2007-2008 Kia Sorento SUVs recalled over potential airbag fault
While airbags can be a major safety asset in the event of an accident, crash test data and real-world incidents have shown that front airbags can actually be dangerous for younger, lighter children. Many newer vehicles now have sensors that turn off the front passenger airbag when the occupant doesn't meet weight requirements, but the sensor may not work in some 2007 and 2008 Kia Sorento models.
Toyota to repair 650,000 Prius models globally over coolant risk
Toyota has announced that it will voluntarily repair 650,000 Prius models for a fault in the hybrid cooling system. According to Reuters, a glitch in the vehicle's coolant pump could cause the vehicle to overheat and lose power, though no accidents or injuries have been reported in association with the problem to date. It's worth noting that this isn't an official recall in conjunction
Toyota to repair 650,000 Prius models globally over coolant risk
Toyota has announced that it will voluntarily repair 650,000 Prius models for a fault in the hybrid cooling system. According to Reuters, a glitch in the vehicle's coolant pump could cause the vehicle to overheat and lose power, though no accidents or injuries have been reported in association with the problem to date. It's worth noting that this isn't an official recall in conjunction
Honda recalling 410,000 Odysseys and Elements for brake problem
Honda Element – Click above for high-res image gallery
MINI Cooper S recalled for protruding tailpipes, inadvertent tattoos
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2008 MINI Cooper S
Aston Martin offers power upgrades to last-gen V8 Vantages
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
NHTSA investigating GM SUV fires
You might remember a bout of fires consuming a handful of Ford trucks, SUVs and cars that was due to a faulty cruise control switch that could ignite even if the vehicles were parked. General Motors is apparently having a similar issue, and although it doesn't involve the same cruise control system, the potential outcome – a car fire – is the same.
By the Numbers: 2007
Toyota passes Ford as second largest automaker in the U.S.; Mazda grows the most in 2007
Automobile names Audi R8 top car for '08; GM wins for hybrid tech
click above for more high-res images of the gorgeous Audi R8
Honda recalling 43,000 Acuras for power steering hose
Those of you rolling in a 2005–2008 Acura RL take note: Honda has issued a recall for your power steering hose and being the educated consumer that you are, you won't have to wait by the mailbox to know about it.
LA 2007: Mercedes S400 Bluetec Hybrid - it's new, we think
Mercedes-Benz is confusing the blog out of us with its nomenclature. Sure, it's usually pretty straightforward: one letter for the class, three numbers for the (approximate) engine displacement. Tack on 4Matic for all-wheel-drive, chop off a zero and add AMG for the performance models. But they just about lost us on this one.
IIHS wrecks new Scion xD. Rates average, good
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) did its worst to the new Scion xD, and after performing both the frontal offset test and a side impact test with the standard front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat torso airbags, the xD came away with ratings from "good" to "average."
Tokyo Motor Show: Honda CR-X CR-Z Concept
Click the image above for live and press shots of the Honda CR-Z concept.
In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 MINI Cooper S
Click the image above for more high-res images.
Sydney 2007: HSV turns 20, celebrates with anniversary-edition Clubsport R8
click above image to view gallery of 20th Anniversary HSV Clubsport R8