VW has unveiled its new model at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The new German cabriolet based on the 6th generation of the Golf.
The replacement of the roof with an electrically operated cloth top, the redesigned rear end and the more swept-back angle of the front windscreen frame along with the necessary structural reinforcements pretty much sum up the changes over the standard Golf hatchback upon which the Cabriolet is based. [Read more →]
The estate version of Hyundai’s European i40 has made its world premiere at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Designed and engineered at Hyundai’s headquarters in Germany, the i40 Estate will fill the gap left by the outgoing Sonata in the South Korean automaker’s range and will compete against the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat. A four-door sedan version will be introduced this year, with most bets going towards the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show in September. [Read more →]
Saab announced a mild facelift across the 9-3 range, which gets refreshed exterior and interior styling plus the introduction of gasoline direct injection on the 2.0-liter engines. The facelifted range will carry the 9-3 Griffin moniker and it is basically a last edition before a new generation takes over in 2012. [Read more →]
Today, Volvo released a full set of photos and additional specs on its Plug-in Hybrid, which will be launched in 2012.
The new model is a world’s first diesel plug-in hybrid, the result of close co-operation between Volvo and Swedish energy supplier Vattenfall.
The Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid’s powertrain consists of a five-cylinder 2.4-litre D5 turbo diesel with 215 hp and maximum torque of 440 Nm that drives the front wheels, and a 70HP-strong electric motor that receives its juice from a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and motivates the rear wheels. The car also features a six-speed automatic transmission. [Read more →]
Honda recalling its Fit model in the U.S., which affects 97,201 2009 and 2010 model year Fit vehicles. Parts of the engine valvetrain, the lost motion springs may bend or break over time due to the compression forces exerted on them by the rocker arms, resulting in abnormal engine noise or even damage.
There are no crashes or injuries have been caused by the defective components. Honda will start notifying customers by mail in early March, and have them take their vehicles for an inspection carried out at an authorized dealer. [Read more →]
According to NHTSA, jam nuts on the vehicles’ suspension could come loose over time, eventually allowing the toe link to completely separate from the vehicle. If this happens, the rear wheel could turn in or out, making the vehicle difficult to steer. GM says that owners may hear a metallic clanking noise in the rear of the vehicle as a warning before this happens. [Read more →]
More than 32,000 Suzuki Grand Vitara and SX4 vehicles are being recalled in the United States over an improperly manufactured component of the tension adjuster pulley that could cause the drive belt to either slip or come off and lead to engine overheating or stalling. [Read more →]
Kia Motors released a new commercial for TV. In Kia Motors’ Super Bowl ad, titled “One Epic Ride,” the all-new 2011 Optima becomes an object of desire and people across space and time, including Poseidon, will go to great lengths to snatch the midsize sedan from the clutches of others and put themselves behind the wheel. [Read more →]
Porsche’s new special edition is based on the entry-level 911 Carrera Coupe and Convertible models boasting a black theme, and adding numerous extras and features. Production will be limited to just 1,911 examples worldwide with sales to start around April. [Read more →]