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Feb 8, 2010 Object
Worried owners of 2009 and 2010 Pontiac Vibes should now be somewhat relieved that GM dealers are getting the parts they need to fix that vehicle, which was included in the recent Toyota recall of 2.3 million vehicles for sticky accelerator pedals.
Parts are being shipped this week, and letters will be sent to owners Feb. 16. Owners are being instructed in that mailing to contact their dealers after Feb. 22 to schedule an appointment.
The rest is here:
News & Rants: Pontiac Vibe Gets Fix
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Feb 8, 2010 Object
My first week test driving the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart seemed to revolve around the Recaro front seats. My kids were nearly obsessed with them. They wanted to know why the seats have two holes just below the head restraint; I just wanted to know why I couldn’t adjust the seat’s height so I could have a better view of the road.
My eldest daughter thought the holes were to “hold onto when you turn around to look behind you when backing up.” However, my younger daughter, Cade, had a much more imaginative explanation: “I think they’re to stick your pigtails through.”
A quick call to Mitsubishi put the debate to rest. The Recaro seats, which are part of a $2,750 optional package, are race-inspired, so the holes are for the shoulder straps of a five-point harness. Hmm, I like the pigtail idea better. Either way, my daughters decided it’s “totally not fair” that I get cool racecar seats and they get boring — aka normal — seats in the back. Do you hear that Mitsubishi? Kids want to ride in cool seats, too!
Check back here and on Twitter.com/MotherProof as I write about my six-month test drive of the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart.
View original post here:
News & Rants: Mitsu Sportback Test Drive: Front Seats Have Pigtail Holders
Feb 8, 2010 news
Porsche has released details of its fastest turbo 911 ever - the new 911 Turbo S.
Read more from the original source:
Porsche 911 Turbo S: fastest ever
Feb 8, 2010 Object
The Darth Vader Shadow Alarm Clock is still not available in the market because it is just a prototype. This is a simple alarm clock with digital display and snooze function perfect for the biggest fans of Star Wars.
A shadow of the Darth Vader will be projected on the wall …
See more here:
Darth Vader Shadow Alarm Clock available for pre-order
Feb 8, 2010 Object
The all-new GT500 is here, and not only does the super snake pack more horsepower and torque, it’s gone on a much needed diet. Bow down.
Some people watch the Super Bowl for the game, others watch it for the ads. If you stepped out for a beer during one of the breaks, we’ve got the best of the best automotive spots for your perusal and a poll to determine the top ad from the game.
Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 2.8.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Feb 8, 2010 Object, video
Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Ford
You’ve no doubt read by now everything we’ve had to say about the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 with its new aluminum engine. But what does it sound like? Glad you asked. We’ve got two clips of B-roll after the jump showing both the GT500 coupe and convertible out running on what appears to be a frigid Michigan afternoon (feel sorry for the guy driving the drop top). Fortunately, lots of time is spent mashing both their throttles so we can hear that new 5.4-liter supercharged aluminum engine howl. Question: Can a car look lighter? If so, the GT500 definitely does, especially at WOT as the car transfers its weight to the rear wheels with haste and boogies off. Follow the jump and twist the dial to 11 before you hit play.
[Source: Ford]
Continue reading Video: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 plays its new aluminum soundtrack
Video: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 plays its new aluminum soundtrack originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Feb 8, 2010 Object, news
Let’s face it; a quick test drive around a dealership isn’t enough time to figure out if a car will fit into your family life. Even the one to two weeks we spend in our test cars here at MotherProof.com is barely enough time to uncover a car’s endearing traits and maddening quirks.
With that in mind, Mitsubishi is extending our test drive of the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart to about six months. That’s right, folks. This poor car is really going to go through the ringer, especially when my daughters and their friends get in the backseat.
I’ll be documenting the six-month test drive in detail here in our News and Rants section as well as at Twitter.com/MotherProof.
Feb 8, 2010 Object
Filed under: Spy Photos, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Crossover, Hatchback, Hyundai
Hyundai HED-5 - Click above for high-res image gallery
It’s been nearly two years since the Hyundai HED-5 concept bowed at the Geneva Motor Show, but in late 2008, the Korean automaker announced that a production version of the compact crossover would arrive in 2010. And here it is.
Spied while testing in Northern Scandinavia, Hyundai’s unnamed answer to the Opel Zafira gets substantially toned down from its conceptual predecessor, although shades of Hyundai’s new “Fluidic Sculpture” design language are peering through the camo.
The hoods squat proportions are balanced by the acres of windshield, and if there wasn’t enough glass up front, Hyundai has seen fit to add a set of small windows aft of the A-pillars. Even with the camouflage covering much of the rear hatch, it’s obvious that the mini-’ute is destined to provide plenty of cargo space, and judging by the size of the rear doors, back seat passengers won’t be wanting for legroom.
Although the original HED-5 concept was powered by a 2.2-liter diesel putting out 212 horsepower and 340 lb.-ft. of torque, when Hyundai announced production plans for the crossover, it mentioned a new 286-hp, 2.0-liter Theta Turbo GDI engine. When it eventually makes it to markets abroad, expect either the 115-hp 1.7-liter diesel from the ix35 concept or a 136-hp 2.0-liter oilburner to be available, along with a few choice gasoline powerplants. No word on U.S. availability, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see the production version on the show stand in Geneva next month.
Spy Shots: Hyundai HED-5 leaves show stand for snow mound originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Feb 8, 2010 Object
Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Sedan, Hatchback, Lexus, Toyota, Electric
It would seem that Toyota has an interesting and hitherto unknown concept vehicle up its sleeves, judging by a European patent that L’Automobile in France was somehow able to dig up. Despite our best efforts, we weren’t able to locate the actual patent filing ourselves, so you’ll have to head on back after clicking here to see the rest of the associated images.
So, what do you think? Judging by the absolutely minuscule engine compartment and Toyota’s well-earned position at the top of the hybrid vehicle food chain, it would be a reasonable assumption to conclude that this is some kind of new hybrid vehicle concept. It does seem to share some design cues with the 2007 1/X concept, though it could also be an all-electric, fuel cell or conventional design.
L’Automobile seems to think that this vehicle may wear a Lexus badge and could possibly debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, but we can’t say for certain. In any case, it’s an intriguing design that shows what styling direction the Japanese giant may take with future people movers.
[Source: L'Automobile (translated)]
Patent drawings reveal Toyota’s next concept? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Feb 8, 2010 Object
Filed under: Saab, Earnings/Financials
Spyker’s deal to purchase General Motors’ ailing Saab division out of the throes of insolvency appears to be moving along quite nicely. Production of vehicles is underway, a plan is in place to launch critical new models and the European Union has approved of a European Investment Bank loan of 400 million-euros ($546 million) to Spyker.
It would seem that the road to a successful acquisition is so sure that the executive committee of Saab dealers have made an unsolicited offer of $24 million dollars to help Spyker complete the deal. Peter Hallberg, president of the association, said, “Those of us close to the business think that there’s substance to Spyker’s business plan for Saab, and that there are no great, imminent risks.”
What’s more, Spyker has just reported that it has entered into an agreement to secure a $25 million convertible loan from an investment company owned by Heerema Holding Company Inc. that’s conditional on the EIB’s aforementioned $546 million loan. Details can be found in the press release after the break.
[Source: New York Times, Spyker]
Continue reading Report: Saab dealers stumping up $24M in unsolicited funds to make Spyker deal a reality
Report: Saab dealers stumping up $24M in unsolicited funds to make Spyker deal a reality originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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