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Category Archives: engineering
Camaro, Corvette Auto Transmissions Faster than Manuals
The latest evidence against manual shifting comes from Chevrolet whose paddle shifter automatic transmissions on Camaro and Corvette models in 2012 have a new software algorithm that improves tap response time ~60% compared to the previous system. As a result, the 2012 Camaro ZL1’s six-speed automatic transmission has a 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds – a tenth of a second faster than GM’s official manual transmission time. Continue reading
Mazda Tribute Recall Follows Ford Escape Defect for Fires
Mazda is recalling 2001-2002 Mazda Tribute SUVs because the master cylinder cap can leak brake fluid, corrode an underhood ABS wiring connector and possibly start a fire. The recall follows one announced by Ford two weeks ago for the same safety defect on Escape SUVs, which mechanically are the same as Mazda Tributes. Like Ford, Mazda said it will tell owners to park their vehicles outside until parts are ready. Continue reading
Volt Fire Hearings Pits Ideologues versus Engineers
In the end how you view this low-voltage Congressional short circuit – with lots of smoke but no fires – depends on how you view Obama Administration actions that used taxpayer-funded subsidies to encourage production of the Volt. These include $151.4 million in stimulus funds for LG Chem, which produces lithium-ion polymer battery cells for the Volt, and $105 million given directly to GM, as well as an end-user federal tax credit of up to $7,500 per Volt purchased. Such subsidies will likely be hotly debated for all industries during the election. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, engineering, fools 'n frauds, news, news analysis, people, safety
Tagged auto informed, autoinformed.com, automotive news, california republican darrel issue, dan akerson, GM, icct, john german, Ken Zino, nhtsa, obama administration, ohio republican jim jordon, volt, volt fires, volt hearings
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NRC Agrees Toyota Unintended Acceleration Mechanical – but NHTSA Didn’t Address Auto Electronics Safety Concerns
One simple step – the requirement of electronic data recorders that would show the actual driver or computer inputs immediately before and during an accident – doesn’t appear immanent. While this will end many false accusations used by product liability attorneys to garner huge fees from large lawsuits against automakers, there appears to be little appetite for the reform in lawyer- dominated Washington. Continue reading
NHTSA Keeps Chevrolet Volt Battery Fire Probe Open
GM said this morning that it was “optimistic” that no recall would be required, a politically sensitive issue since the federal government, which NHTSA is part of, still holds a large 27% stake in GM. For GM’s part, a safety recall is arguably more damaging to the reputation of the Volt than the proposed customer service action. Last year Chevrolet sold 7,671 Volt models , which cost more than $40,000 without taxpayer subsidies to its mostly rich buyers, another political controversy in itself. Continue reading
GM Changes Chevrolet Volt to Protect Battery to Stop Fires
It was not immediately clear whether NHTSA would require that Chevrolet Volt EVs be recalled or whether the modifications can be done as a customer satisfaction procedure. There remains at this moment an ongoing NHTSA engineering analysis, which could lead to a recall. GM said it was “optimistic” that no recall would be required, a politically sensitive issue since the federal government still holds a large stake in GM. Continue reading
Milestones: 5 Million Bosch Start-Stop Systems
Volkswagen explored this concept with demonstration units decades ago. However, the effectiveness of electronic controls monitoring such variables as battery state of charge and engine temperature and heater operation, makes stop-start systems viable with no negative aspects. Stop-start is virtually undetectable to drivers, except for a slight shudder on engine reactivation. Once you drive a vehicle with start-stop you will go crazy when idling and realizing that you are getting zero miles per gallon for no reason other than to make oil companies wealthier. Continue reading
New 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Revealed after Press Leaks
Press leaks about the new Mercedes-Benz SL have apparently prompted an extensive official release of the all-aluminum sports car ahead of its official introduction at the North American International Auto Show next month. Continue reading
New 2.0-Liter Turbo Engine Debuts in the Cadillac ATS
The Cadillac version of GM’s new powerplant will be one of highest specific output automotive engines, bar none, and more than 20% higher than the next closest competitor, the Mercedes-Benz C250 1.8-liter turbo at 111.6 hp/L. The turbo four will be joined in the ATS with a normally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a 3.6-Liter V6 engine when production begins next summer. Frankly, it’s the price of entry in a segment where Cadillac has failed several times with inferior offerings. Continue reading
Ford Employees to Beta Test Latest My Ford Touch Patch
Ford Motor Company will beta test new software designed to ease myriad consumer complaints about the My Ford Touch infotainment system, which caused Ford and Lincoln vehicles to sink to below average in Consumer Reports quality ratings.
Ford’s overall reliability rank among 28 major car makes slipped from the 10th to the 20th spot this year—the biggest drop for any major nameplate in Consumer Reports 2011 Annual Auto Survey. The badly needed software upgrade is coming for 2013 models – and to owners of existing My Ford Touch equipped vehicles. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, engineering, news, news analysis, people, quality, recalls, safety
Tagged auto informed, autoinformed.com, automotive electronics problems, automotive news, Ken Zino, lincoln my touch patch, microsoft software problems, My Ford Touch, my ford touch patch, my touch, my touch beta testing
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Tidbits – Leaf, Marchionne, Volt, Politics, Rust, Electronics
Nissan has re-opened “reservations” for the 2012 Nissan Leaf electric vehicle in Delaware, Indiana, Louisiana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. Deliveries will begin next spring. Nissan LEAF is now available for order in 30 states, including Washington, D.C. National … Continue reading
Milestones: GM Builds 100 Million Small Block V8 Engines
GM also announced Tuesday that the fifth-generation small-block under development will feature a new direct-injection combustion system that will help enhance efficiency over the current-generation engine. Chevrolet now sells more four-cylinder engines than V8s, and the traditional powerplant of Detroit cars and trucks is threatened with extinction as fuel economy and emission regulations become more stringent. Continue reading
GM Will Lend Cars to Concerned Chevrolet Volt Owners as NHTSA Volt Battery Fire Investigation Continues
General Motors announced Monday that any Volt owner concerned about safety can contact his or her Volt advisor to arrange for a free GM vehicle loan until resolution of the issue. A letter to Volt owners will go out today. The aggressive customer satisfaction move came after the National Highway traffic safety Administration announced on Friday that it would open a preliminary evaluation of Volt battery assemblies after NHTSA test results caused electrical fires up to three weeks after an initial vehicle New Car Assessment Program side pole crash test. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, customer satisfaction, electric vehicles, engineering, fuel economy or emissions, marketing, new vehicle, news, news analysis, results, transportation
Tagged auto informed, auto news, autoinformed, autoinformed.com, automotive news, chevrolet volt, GM, Ken Zino, nhtsa, volt battery fires, zino
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Chevrolet Volt Earns 5 Stars in Euro NCAP with No Battery Fires. GM Announces Volt Export Plans to China Next Year
At the same time the National Highway Traffic safety Administration was preparing to announce that a formal investigation had begun over Chevrolet Volt battery fires, the European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP) released its latest results, which gave the Opel Ampera a top 5-star rating. The Ampera is a virtual clone of the Chevrolet Volt.
Posted in auto news, economy, electric vehicles, engineering, environment, news, news analysis, safety
Tagged auto informed, auto news, autoinformed, autoinformed.com, automotive news, chevrolet volt, euro ncap, gm china, iihs, Ken Zino, nhtsa, volt, volt exports, volt fires, zino
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Toyota Recall Active on 420,000 Lexus and Toyota V6 Models
Toyota Motor Sales today announced that it will conduct a safety recall involving approximately 283,200 Toyota and 137,000 Lexus vehicles to replace the crankshaft pulley on the V6 engine. No other Toyota or Lexus vehicles or these Toyota models with 4 cylinder engines are involved. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, engineering, manufacturing, news, recalls, safety
Tagged auto informed, auto news, autoinformed, autoinformed.com, automotive news, Avalon, Camry, es 350, highlander, highlander hybrid, Ken Zino, lexus, lexus recalls, nhtsa, recalls, rx 350, rx 400h, safety recall, sienna, solara, toyota, toyota recalls, zino
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