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Toyota USA initiates recall for miss assembled drive shafts

Toyota North America has announced that it is conducting a safety recall of the 2016 model year Avalon Hybrid and Camry Hybrid vehicles due to a miss assembled front drive shaft issue. Apparently 671 vehicles are affected by this recall but only up to 42 of them are potential equipped with these shoddily built drive shafts.

These front drive shafts may have been miss assembled at the manufacturing plant. And when installed in the aforementioned vehicles, could cause vibration and components in the drive shaft assembly to come apart. This could then cause a loss in propulsion and the inability of the transmission to hold the vehicle stationary when the gear is left in the Park position.

Also, the lose of propulsion at higher speeds could result in an increased risk of a crash. If the parking brake isn’t applied in the affected vehicles, they could roll away, which is also increases the risk of ithem crashing into pedestrians or other cars.

The automaker has said that its dealers will check customer vehicles based on the serial numbers of the drive shafts and replace them at no cost to the customers should they be deemed to be part of the recall. All known owners of the involved vehicles will receive a notification by first class mail starting in early August.

This incident seems to be isolated only to North America and has no bearing to Toyota vehicles sold in other markets. Despite this recall, its good to know that established automakers like Toyota, are putting the safety of their customers before the importance of their quarterly sales figures.

GM believes its Lunar Rover helped pave the way for its modern advanced EV vehicles

Many don’t realise this, but General Motors had a hand in developing the 1971 Lunar Rover that made history by servicing as the primary mode of transportation of the Apollo 15 astronauts on the moon. It was a fully electric vehicle, which at the time was relatively new technology and used in an environment that was relatively unknown.

At the time, the vehicle was a testament of the the willingness of that generation of engineers to push the boundaries of what was possible. Working with its partners, GM developed, designed and tested the Lunar Rover. It also helped create a revolutionary electric motor drive system, suspension, mesh wire wheels and a unique drive controller adapted for lunar gloves.

Project Chief Engineer of the Lunar Rover, Ferenc Pavlics as well as his team had spent extensive time time overcoming challenges of building an EV for astronauts and technology that would inevitably be filtered down into future electric vehicles. Till this day, Pavlics remembers the hard work, innovations and dedication that was required to build the vehicle that would eventually become the Lunar Rover.

“When our team began engineering for the Lunar Rover, there were so many unknowns, including varied terrain, extreme temperatures and the effect of reduced gravity,” said Pavlics, now retired. “We pushed the boundaries of automotive technology and worked hand in hand with the astronauts on the vehicle’s design.”

Now, some 46 years later, GM believes that with its 2017 Chevy Bolt electric vehicle, that it is once again at the forefront of EV technology. Costing a fraction of the budget used to develop the Lunar Rover, the Bolt EV’s 383km range makes it a practical mode of transportation for most city dwellers.

The car is equipped with electronic precision shift, one-pedal driving thanks to regenerative braking, steering wheel paddle, 10.2-inch-diagonal color screen, the top-trim model adds leather-appointed seats, front and rear heated seats, Surround Vision Camera system, Reverse camera system as well as others.

Chevrolet, GM’s subsidiary, has not seen it fit to offer the Bolt here in our market. Only Nissan, Mitsubishi and a handful of others have brought in fully electric vehicles for Malaysian car buyers.

Hopefully that eventually changes once our country’s infrastructure is upgraded to support the EV platform.

Kia Cerato earns top marks in safety for US market

In the US, the Kia Cerato, which is still known as the Forte, has been awarded the Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+) by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)(USA), which is the best possible rating. The award pertains to the car built after March 2017 that is equipped with the optional front crash prevention and high intensity discharge (HID) headlights with Dynamic Bending Light tech.

The latest accolade complements the one recently received by the car for being named highest-rated compact car in the 2017 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS). The results were tabulated based on data from customer satisfaction survey and issues reported in the first 90 days of ownership.

“Kia Forte is one of our most popular and best-selling vehicles,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president, Product Planning KMA. “The new distinction of TSP+ rating from the highly-respected IIHS reconfirms the high priority we place on safety for our customers and why Forte remains a favorite in the compact sedan class.”

For a vehicle to qualify for the TSP, the IIHS states that these vehicles have to earn “good” ratings in five crash worthiness tests – small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength and head restraints – as well as an “advanced” or “superior” rating for front crash prevention and an “acceptable” or “goo” rating in headlight testing.

Over in the US, the Cerato is offered in three different trim levels, namely the LX, S and EX. All come with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine that produces either 147bhp or 164bhp and mated to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.

There’s also a whole host of sophisticated tech that comes with the car, which include autonomous emergency braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Forward Collision Warning, and Dynamic Bending Light system mentioned earlier.

Based on recent news, it looks like Kia is constantly improving by producing safe and technologically advanced models that are able to offer kit of more expensive European cars but at a much cheaper price.

Lotus Evora GTE430 is lightest and most track focused in the family

Lotus has released a new variant of its Evora sports car called the GT430 and boasting that its the most powerful road going car that it has ever produced. Sporting lightweight carbon-fibre panels and better performance, the car is pipped to be the most exhilarating Lotus on the road right now. In fact, it has even managed to beat the lap time of the super lightweight Lotus 3-Eleven on the manufacturer’s Hethel test track.

Its looks aren’t that dissimilar from other variants that bear the nameplate, however the devil is in the details. It has specially designed body panels that feature exposed carbon weave sections at the front and rear. The front and rear bumper, front splitter, front access panel, roof panel rear wing and tailgate are all made from carbon-fibre.

When placed side by side with the regular version, it becomes apparent that the GTE430 has larger front apertures, a new carbon fibre splitter, air blades and louvers positioned on top of each front wheel arch.

At the rear, aero ducts behind each wheel reduce pressure in the wheel arch, there’s wider Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, and a large rear diffuser. Both are crowned by the large, profiled carbon wing. As a whole, the car generates up to 250kg of downforce through its thoroughly tweaked aerodynamics.

And the extensive use of these lightweight materials has resulted in the car shedding 26kg at 1,258kg making it the lightest Evora produced, lighter still than the anorexic Evora Sport 410. This feat was accomplished despite the addition of 9kg worth of aero kit including the carbon-fibre rear wing as well as larger wheels and tyres.

The car is still powered by the same 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine that produces 430bhp and 440Nm of torque. The increase in torque is a direct result of a new air-to-liquid gearbox cooler which first debuted on the Evora 400.

The engine is mated to 6-speed manual gearbox that features a low inertia, single-mass flywheel. Lotus has also fitted the car with a Torsen-type limited slip differential (LSD) to give it better traction and faster exit speeds during cornering.

Thanks to the performance increase, the car is able to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 3.8 seconds and reach a top sped of 305km/h. And the edition of a titanium exhaust system that is 10kg lighter than the standed one, the car seems to hit all the right notes.

As for suspension, the car gets Öhlins TTX two-way adjustable shocks and Eibach Springs which not only offer a 10kg weight saving but provide drivers with better options to fine tune the setup to suit their needs.

Just like the exterior, the cabin incorporates the same carbon theme with the carbon trim panels, carbon race seats and carbon instrument binnacle cover that complement the graphics design on the instrument panel.

There’s the same dynamic stability modes (Drive, Race and Off) that alter the electronic safety systems based on how much control the driver prefers to have over the car.

Despite the extreme weight saving measures that were taken, Lotus still managed to give it a touchscreen infotainment system that offers iPod and bluetooth connectivity functions as well as satellite navigation and reverse camera integration.

The steering wheel, dashboard, door panels, transmission tunnel and centre console are all trimmed in a combination of black Alcantara and perforated leather, with a full leather or full Alcantara trim option available at no additional cost. All trim choices are complemented by contrasting twin colour stitching, in red and white, and matte black interior panels.

Speaking of the car, Jean-Marc Gales, CEO, Group Lotus plc said, “The Evora GT430 is a landmark car for Lotus. It’s a truly beautiful car, meticulously finished in hand-crafted carbon, and employing the latest aerodynamics and lightweight materials. This highly developed vehicle perfectly reflects Lotus’ attention to engineering and design.”

According to Lotus, only 60 of these cars will ever be produced making it one of the rarest Evora cars in the history of the company. We shall have to wait and see if one or two manages to make its way to our shores.

Honda releases heartwarming video of its efforts to improve mobility of young patients

Honda has released a new video that chronicles the struggles of Brynn Fraser, an 8-year-old boy who suffers from serious birth defects. This touching short story portrays Honda’s goals in the health sector, especially when it comes to mobility.

Technology that it has developed will be able to improve the quality of living of young people like Brynn as well as empower them to overcome their disabilities. The automaker’s Asimo robot also stars in the clip and can be seen performing varies activities much to the amazement of the young patients who suffer similar disabilities as young Brynn.

We recently covered a story where Honda announced that it had invested heavily in Nationwide Children’s hospital in Ohio for the construction of a new facility that will focus on Gait Analysis and Mobility Enhancement.

And this latest video is to serve as a tool to raise awareness and bring in more funds for the project. Honda has been posted it on several of its social media sites including Youtube and Twitter, and is asking fans to head on over to throw their support behind this programme.

“We hope everyone who sees this video will be inspired by the passion and determination of the doctors and staff at Nationwide Children’s Hospital,” said Jeffrey Smith, vice president of Corporate Communications for Honda North America.

He later added, “When we saw these young patients’ positive reaction to Honda’s ASIMO, we wanted to create an opportunity for others to join us in supporting this new effort to help children with mobility issues.”

For very “Like” or “Share” of this video, Honda will donate $1 to this facility that helps young patients overcome their disabilities that is a result of birth defects, disease or injury. The new center will also conduct spine motion analysis, sports performance programs and injury prevention programs.

In addition to that, it will also be conducting extensive R&D in prosthetic and wheelchair development, which will aid the improvement of these young kids’ mobility problems. Check out the video and let us know what you think of Honda’s new initiative and whether other automakers should be doing the same.

Mercedes-Benz to issue voluntary fix of 3 million diesel vehicles

Luxury vehicle maker, Mercedes-Benz may be in a little bit of a pickle according to a report by AutoExpress. An article published on the website stated that the German automaker has announced a voluntary fix for about 3 million vehicles with diesel engines.

Apparently, its parent company, Daimler has been accussed of selling over a million vehicles that produce more emissions than their supposed to, in markets such as the US and Europe between 2008 and 2016. In fact, the article also states that a German court has issued a search warrant against the company, which should signal that a thorough investigation into this matter is already in the works.

However, the Stuttgart based manufacturer has stated that, this voluntary fix is meant to reassure its customers that the engines that bear the Mercedes-Benz name have the latest diesel technology and adhere to the stipulated requirements. In other words, to them, the programme isn’t an admission of guilt, rather its about the automaker’s commitment and restoring confidence in the oil burning platform.

It will carry out these fixes as well work with the various German regulatory bodies to resolve this issue in a professional manner. The work will be done at no cost to customers, which means that like most other service campaigns, customers are only required to schedule an appointment, then show up at the stipulated time.

Ever since the Volkswagen dieselgate debacle, regulatory bodies are starting to operate with a higher level of scrutiny when it comes to emissions regulation issues. This comes at the heels of rumours that VW wasn’t alone in this. It is believed that emission regulations have become so stringent in recent years, that automakers have had to resort to cheating in order to comply with them.

That said, until actual concrete evidence surfaces, these are baseless accusations from certain parties as a means to ruin the image of certain automakers. As for Mercedes-Benz, they should be able to come out of this fiasco unscathed as long as they are able to weather this storm perfectly well. Bear in mind that the brand produces some of the best vehicles and engines at the moment, which says a lot about its reputation and what the company stands for.

Regardless of how this event pans out, we will be bring you the latest news as soon as we find out.

Source: AutoExpress

Mercedes-Benz X-Class to bridge gap between luxury SUV and utilitarian workhorse

Mercedes-Benz’s new pick-up truck is meant to offer the best of both worlds by combining the rugged ‘go-anywhere’ capabilities with luxuries better suited for more upmarket sedans. Called the X-Class, this pick-up is based on the Nissan Navara, which means it shares pretty much the same wheelbase and similar dimensions with its Japanese sibling.

Much to our dismay, the production version of the X-Class bares very little resemblance to the ludicrously outlandish concept vehicle that was revealed not long ago. The contours are far more conservative this time around, the lines and curves mimic that of the M-Class vehicles, which isn’t a bad thing. Around the back, things are pretty docile too, however depending on the trim level that is chosen, the X-Class will come with number of exterior add-ons that will that make it look a little more special.

Overall, the German automaker has done a fantastic job at concealing what is essentially a Navara pick-up by conferring their own design language onto that of the Japanese stalwart. And it will be available in three different variants which are the Pure, Progressive and Power.

The Pure variant is being marketed as a workhorse that will spend most of its days hauling cargo and getting the dirty jobs done while offering a comfortable ride and decent interior. Then there’s the Progressive, which is aimed at buyers who want a rugged outdoors vehicle that still has decent styling and creature comforts that are required by business people.

https://youtu.be/7aGK4xW2jFM

Lastly, the Power variant is the most expensive of the lot and comes loaded with the best kit that is available. It still has the same rugged off-road capabilities but sports more grown up looks – both inside and out. Merc hopes that this variant will attract the execs who want both style and 4×4 abilities.

The X-Class is being offered with two engine choices, a petrol and a diesel one with a displacement of 2.3-litres. However, power outputs of these engines vary depending on the state of tune with the lowest being 163bhp and the most powerful of the lot having 190bhp.

A more powerful V6 diesel will be released next year and it will deliver 258bhp and a colossal 550Nm of torque. Depending on the model, you will also get paddle shifters, engine stop/start function, as well as drive programs that alter engine behavior based on Which you choose: Comfort, ECO, Sport, Manual and Off-road.

These engine can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed (7G-Tronic Plus) automatic transmission. Buyers can even opt to have either all-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive configuration. Basically, its a vehicle that has been designed to appeal to a variety of needs and wants especially to those who want a luxury pick-up truck rather than a humble workhorse.

The suspension features MacPherson struts upfront and multi-link rear as well as a 1,632mm front and 1,625mm rear track, which is much wider than what its competitors are able to offer. At 3,150mm its got a significantly longer wheelbase, shorter front and rear overhangs as well as 202mm ground clearance, making it an ideal vehicle for off-road excursions.

https://youtu.be/_00I5RfvAGw

Inside, things are far more pleasant. The leather upholstery and leather stitched steering wheel give the cabin a luxurious ambiance, something that’s to be expected of the automaker. The seats come with lumbar support, which makes it easier on your back and should make for a more plient ride quality.

There’s also the COMMAND infotainment, touch controls and crisp LCD display. Everything is laid out pretty wheel, making it feel more like an M-Class rather than an X.

Just like other Mercs, this one is equipped with a slew of safety tech that include Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Traffic Sign Assist, Trailer Stability Assist, as well as giving drivers live traffic information.

Check out the extensive picture gallery below to know in detail whether upcoming Mercedes-Benz pick-up truck appeals to you.

Lexus LC to star as Black Panther’s sidekick

The highly anticipated Marvel movie, Black Panther will feature a Lexus LC as the Protagonist’s ‘sidekick’. The Japanese automaker has teamed up with Marvel for a collaboration that will see the new 2018 Lexus LC be the car of choice for the Black Panther character in Marvel Studios’ Black Panther, slated to hit theaters on Feb. 16, 2018.

Directed by Ryan Coogler, and starring Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan and Lupita Nyong’o, the film follows T’Challa, who, after the events of Marvel Studios’ “Captain America: Civil War,” goes back home where he takes the place of his father as King of the technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda.

“Marvel continuously captures audiences through charismatic characters and inspiring stories — the ideal fit for Lexus’ mission to craft amazing, engaging experiences,” said Brian Bolain general manager, Lexus marketing. “And the LC’s aggressive styling, high performance and agile handling are a perfect fit for the Black Panther’s quick, cat-like reflexes and superhuman feats. We’re excited to see the duo in action.”

Taking the significance of this vehicle to the next level, Lexus also teamed up with Marvel Custom Solutions to create an original graphic novel by writer Fabian Nicieza and cover illustrations by artists Scott “Rahzzah” Wilson and Szymon Kudranski.

In the comic, the LEXUS LC 500 plays an important role in helping the Black Panther defeat a legendary villain in what is probably going to be an entertaining and well illustrated comic. No word yet on when exactly that this comic will go on sale, but it will probably be after the launch of the movie.

As a means to celebrate the partnership, Lexus and Marvel will host an exclusive Black Panther themed event on Friday, July 21 during Comic-Con after-hours. There will be special performances by DJ Lulo Café and a surprise headliner. It is at that invite-only event that the duo will be unveiling six variant covers for the graphic novel to industry guests and comic enthusiasts.

In case you didn’t know, the Lexus LC is a new sports car from Lexus with a 5.0-litre V8 engine that produces 471bhp and 398Nm of torque. It is mated to a 10-speed electronically controlled Direct-Shift transmission with magnesium paddle shifters. Working together, the powertrain allows the car to accomplish the 0-100km/h sprint in a mere 4.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 270km/h.

Sporting an angular design that is both aggressive yet elegant, the LC 500 is touted as a luxury sports car that offers the best of both worlds.

Ford Focus can be yours for just RM668/month

Ford has made it even easier for car buyers to own its award winning mid-size family hatchback, the Focus. According to the automaker, owning a Focus will only cost you RM668/month or you can forgo this deal for a RM15,000 cash rebate, the choice is yours.

This is an exceptionally good deal based on the numbers but we would advice our readers to speak with a Ford repesentive to know the full terms and conditions of this repayment scheme before committing to anything.

That said, the Focus is one of the best vehicles that the US based automaker sells in our market. It’s the third generation car of the Focus family and is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged EcoBoost engine.

Thanks to forced induction technology, a smaller engine is now able to offer similar output to a much larger displacement one. As such, though the car only has a 1.5-litre engine compared to the 2.0-litre one in its predecessor, power is relatively similar.

It’s exceptionally smart too – the automated louvers behind the front grille open and close to minimize drag of up to 6% enabling the car to save more fuel. The car does this automatically when it detects the vehicle’s speed is sufficiently high and that the engine is receiving adequate air for cooling purposes.

Then, there’s a slew of safety tech such as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert feature. This system warns drivers of obstacles (vehicles) that are in their blind spots and also alerts them when it detects a vehicle approaching from either left or right side of the car, up to a range of 40 metres.

But the Focus’ best party trick, is its ability to park on its own, with minimal human intervention. Through the use if the Enhanced Active Park Assist system, the car is able to parallel or perpendicular park perfectly, with the driver only having to change gears, brake and accelerate when necessary.

In addition to that, the car can also drive itself out of parking spaces through the use of the Park-Out Assist feature. This takes the stress out of having to carefully maneuver out of tight parking spaces on congested streets. Sounds like magic, but in actual fact, the car relies on various ultrasound sensors that act as its eyes, to help it navigate in and out of spaces.

Enhanced Active City Stop system, allows the Focus to apply the brakes as and when needed at speeds of up to 50Km/h when it senses an impending collision. It cuts engine power and engages the brakes to prevent avoidable fender benders or reduce their severity.

Finally, there’s Enhanced Transitional Stability, which is a Godsend for those who constantly drive during heavy downpours. This system, monitors the car’s movements and intervenes when necessary to prevent the driver from loosing control and sending the vehicle into a spin.

Going one step further, with the Ford MyKey, owners can set limits on the abilities of the Focus when the supplementary key is in the hands of a different driver. This key can be programmed to enable or disable certain features in the vehicle. For example, if a less experienced person is about to drive, the owner can programme the key, allowing for additional features. These could include, reducing the maximum speed of the car, prompting low-fuel alerts earlier and limiting entertainment (SYNC 3) functionality until seat belts are fastened.

Other features of the Focus include the following:

Keyless entry Push-button Start
Six airbags
Dual-zone climate control
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Power-assisted Steering (EPAS)
Torque Vectoring Control
Hill Launch Assist
Six-speed SelectShift with paddle shifters

The Ford Focus can be ordered in six different body colours that include Frozen White, Panther Black, Ingot Silver, Candy Red, Magnetic and Winning Blue. The Focus Trend is priced at RM118,888, the Focus Sport+ is RM139,888 while the sedan version, the Focus Titanium+, comes with a price of RM139,888.

For more information about this or other Ford models, visit the automaker’s local website or your nearest authorized dealer.

Sebastien Loeb to take on steep banking of Autodrome de Linas-Montlhéry

Nine-time World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb will be taking part in the race up the steep banking of Autodrome de Linas-Montlhéry at this year’s Les Grandes Heures Automobiles (LGHA). He will be piloting his monstrous Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak, the very same car that he used to shatter the Pikes Peak Hill Climb record in 2013. A feat that remains unbeatable till this day.

Unlike its road going brethren, the the 208 T16 Pikes Peak is powered by a 3.2-litre turbocharged V6 engine that puts out 875bhp. The whole car weighs a minuscule 875kg even with all the aerodynamic bits tacked on. In 2013, the car oly took 8 minutes and 13 seconds to complete the legendary hill climb race in Colorado Springs, a record that still stands today.

As such, judging from Leob’s track record, at at this year’s Les Grandes Heures Automobiles (LGHA), we may witness another record being broken. That said, it isn’t the only Peugeot competing though, because Peugeot will be showing off its Group B 205 T16s, African Rally 204 and CD-Peugeot LM66 short-tail Le Mans racer too.

The new second-generation 3008 road car will be making its world dynamic debut at the very same event, which will be a big deal for the fans of the French automaker. We will get into more of that at a later date, but we digress.

The LGHA will also play host to a display of rare classic cars and motorcycles for the public to view and admire. Though this is an annual event, this year, the organisation is hoping to attract more international car clubs and competitor participation.

Sebastien Loeb and his racer will be in action on the 23rd of September, which isn’t that far away but until then, check out his Pikes Peak hill climb attempt in this video below and let us know what you think.

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English

Toyota USA initiates recall for miss assembled drive shafts

GM believes its Lunar Rover helped pave the way for its modern advanced EV vehicles

Kia Cerato earns top marks in safety for US market

Lotus Evora GTE430 is lightest and most track focused in the family

Honda releases heartwarming video of its efforts to improve mobility of young patients

Mercedes-Benz to issue voluntary fix of 3 million diesel vehicles

Mercedes-Benz X-Class to bridge gap between luxury SUV and utilitarian workhorse

Lexus LC to star as Black Panther’s sidekick

Ford Focus can be yours for just RM668/month

Sebastien Loeb to take on steep banking of Autodrome de Linas-Montlhéry

Osamu Masuko, former Chairman of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, passed away at 71

Production of limited edition Pikes Peak Bentley Continental GT underway

F1 (Round 7): Results And Highlights Of 2020 Belgium Grand Prix

Aston Martin DB5 Junior for the little ones

F1 (Round 7): Preview & Starting Grid For 2020 Belgium Grand Prix

Money-saving offer for Ford owners from Sime Darby Auto ConneXion

Bentley offers customisation services for Continental GT model collection

Fuel Price Updates For August 29 To September 4, 2020

Team Fordzilla reveals ultimate virtual racing car (w/VIDEO)

Birthplace of the Mercedes-Benz SL – the racetrack

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