A new report has just been released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The report details the most-stolen new cars in the U.S., based on 2009 data. According to the report, the Camry and the Audi S8 topped the list. The least stolen car was the discontinued Mercury Mariner. Camry wins by sheer Read on! →
Because of EPA disclosure regulations, a new car buyer can leave a dealer’s lot confident that his or her new vehicle will clock in at the miles per gallon rated on its sticker, right? Maybe not always. But is that a cause for alarm, and what should be done about it, if anything? ‘Actual mileage Read on! →
Big push coming for Audi e-Tron line
Posted by Mark
Hybrid and other green technologies are becoming all the rage. Audi’s electric drive train technology, called e-Tron, is set to start appearing in showrooms and the company is starting to promote it heavily. Going green at Le Mans Audi’s electric version of the R8, dubbed the R8 e-Tron, has been confirmed for production and is Read on! →
A company called the Rhinotire might make flat tires go the way of the dodo with it’s product, cleverly called Rhinotires. The tire uses an inserted layer of polymer to create a seal which fixes flats and provides other benefits like longer tread life and better fuel economy. To end flats forever like Rhinotires want Read on! →
Just what is this octane, anyway?
Posted by Mark
Octane is known to have something to do with gasoline, but not everyone understands what it is. The quick version is that it’s a component of gasoline, but not the only one, and yes the octane number has something to do with how much is in every gallon. For starters, octane is a hydrocarbon Before Read on! →
The SAE 2010 Convergence conference has come and gone, and Automotive News reports that automakers want electronics suppliers to give them more than just parts. Considering how technologically complex even the most basic vehicle models are in terms of features, software and more, automakers are asking for suppliers to give them technical support. Automotive electronics: Read on! →
Dodge recalls nearly 10,000 police cars
Posted by Mark
A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration press release Monday reported that Chrysler will be recalling nearly 10,000 Dodge Chargers fitted to be used as police patrol cruisers. The cars may have a light bulb harness connector that overheats, leading to failure of the low-beam headlights. The issue can also possibly lead to problems with the Read on! →
In mid-July, the Energy Information Administration reported that gasoline demand was at its lowest since June of 2004. The combination of a soft economy and better fuel efficiency is contributing to a lower demand. This lower demand is causing, and being compounded by, rising gasoline prices. Drop in gasoline demand Over 2008, the demand for Read on! →
Ford is recalling late model versions of its rear-wheel drive vehicles, including the Mustang, F series pickups and Expedition SUV, among others. The issue is with a transmission sensor that is not calibrated correctly, which can cause the reverse gear to malfunction. Back that thing up Ford, according to USA Today, has announced a recall Read on! →
New cars selling for less than last year
Posted by Mark
New car prices are down from last year. That coupled with the dropping price of gasoline could make this summer a little rosier for recession-weary motorists. Fuller inventories Many auto dealer are offering discounts that were not seen last year because of the shortage of vehicles from Asian automakers. The output from those automakers suffered Read on! →