Automotive Addicts

---

• 2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Revealed
• Introduction: 2012 Toyota Camry Burns Up the Internet with Kyle Busch at the Wheel
• 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T Review & Test Drive
• Ferrari Announces The 458 Spider
• Planned Obsolescence? Unavailable Part Forcing Owner To Scrap ’04 Chevy Cavalier

2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class Revealed Posted: 25 Aug 2011 04:50 AM PDT As cars tend to get smaller, lighter and more sophisticated so they ultimately consume less fuel, automakers are forced to get creative. Mercedes-Benz has joined the rankings of this new innovative thinking with the introduction of the all-new B-Class. The new Mercedes-Benz B Class gets a new direct injection turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine coming in two different flavors, one producing 122 horsepower and 147 ft-lbs. of torque or 156 horsepower and 184 ft-lbs. of torque. Two new 1.8-liter turbocharged diesel engine options will also be available with 107 horsepower / 184 ft. lbs. of torque and a version with 134 horsepower / 221 ft. lbs. of torque. The new Benz B Class will premier at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show demonstrating that small vehicles do not have to be boring. To add to the excitement, the B-Class will direct its power through a new 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission and have start/stop capability. A new 6-speed transmission will also be available for the purists at heart. New EV and/or hybrid versions of the B-Class are expected at a later date. So far there is no word on the B-Class making it to the states but we speculate that we will see a US version as early as the LA Auto Show this November. Press Release A quantum leap in the compact class Sensational: outstanding aerodynamics set a new benchmark Efficient: drive system with new engines and dual clutch transmission Safe: radar-based COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST with adaptive Brake Assist Spacious: flexible vehicle concept, also prepared for alternative drives Substantially more agile and efficient, but as comfortable and spacious as ever – the new B-Class from Mercedes-Benz is a winner on all fronts. The vehicle’s lower height and more upright seat position provide for a first impression that hints at the compact sports tourer’s dynamic credentials. With a new four-cylinder petrol engine featuring direct injection and turbocharging, a new diesel engine, a new dual clutch transmission, a new manual transmission and new assistance systems, the front-wheel drive car also rings in a new technological era for compact cars from Mercedes-Benz. “No model change in the history of Mercedes-Benz has ever seen so many new developments introduced in one fell swoop,” stresses Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Group Research and Head of Development, Mercedes-Benz Cars. “Future B-Class customers will benefit from this quantum leap in terms of exemplary low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions combined with driving pleasure, plenty of space and the customary high standard of safety from Mercedes-Benz.” The world premiere of the new B-Class (length/width/height: 4359/1786/ 1557 millimetres) will take place at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (13 to 25 September 2011). It will be making its way to European dealers in November 2011. Outstanding aerodynamics: astounding cd value despite station wagon rear end An outstanding drag coefficient of cd = 0.26 places the new B-Class at the forefront of its market segment. Apart from the aerodynamic exterior design, numerous optimisation measures on points of detail such as the air flow around the front wheels, the underbody design and the cooling air flow are also crucial contributory factors to this excellent aerodynamic performance. Patents are pending for innovative details such as the serrated wheel arch spoiler. With the optional ECO Technology package, which will be available at a later date, the B-Class even achieves the world-class aerodynamic credentials of the E-Class Coupé, attaining a drag coefficient of cd = 0.24 which is nothing short of sensational for a vehicle with a station wagon rear end. New engines, new transmissions: designed for maximum efficiency The new B-Class features new petrol and diesel engines as well as new manual and automatic transmissions. All transmissions and engines have been developed in-house, with production taking place at the plants in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim and -Hedelfingen, Rastatt/Baden, Gaggenau/Baden and Kölleda/Thuringia. The simultaneous development process enabled perfect coordination of engines and transmissions, e.g. with regard to implementation of the ECO start/stop function which features as standard on all B-Class models. Common features of the new drive systems are the use of state-of-the-art technologies for maximum efficiency, very smooth running, high tractive power right from low revs, sustainability in terms of compliance with forthcoming emissions standards and low weight. For the purposes of transverse installation the engines, all of which are turbocharged, and the two transmissions are very compactly designed, providing the B-Class with an exemplary small turning circle for a front-wheel drive vehicle of under eleven metres. The engine and transmission suspension disposes of a four-point mounting system comprising engine mount, transmission mount and two self-aligning supports. This suspension system has been designed specifically to meet the requirements of the high-torque engines with regard to minimum noise levels. The hydraulic damping integrated in the transmission mount is a key contributory factor to the exceptionally high ride comfort. The new four-cylinder petrol engines (internal designation M270) mark the launch of a completely new engine series. The combustion process is based on the third-generation Mercedes-Benz direct injection system which was introduced last year with the BlueDIRECT V6 and V8 engines. Its use in the B-Class marks this technology’s debut in the compact segment. The new four-cylinder engines have been designed for both transverse and longitudinal installation. In the new B-Class they are initially available with a displacement of 1.6 litres, as the B 180 rated at 90 kW (122 hp) and the B 200 with an output of 115 kW (156 hp). Their maximum torque of 200 and 250 Nm respectively is available from an engine speed of 1250 rpm. The new four-cylinder diesel engine is a further development of the OM651 deployed in the C- to the S-Class, a common rail direct-injection engine of the third generation. With its displacement scaled down to 1.8 litres and numerous optimised points of detail, this is the first time that the compression-ignition engine has been mounted transversely in a Mercedes-Benz car. The B 180 CDI generates 80 kW (109 hp) of power, while the B 200 CDI has an output of 100 kW (136 hp). The maximum torque stands at 250 Nm from 1400 rpm for the 80 kW variant and 300 Nm from 1600 rpm for the 100 kW variant. Another Mercedes-Benz premiere is the new 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission in the B-Class. This transmission is extremely compact, extremely variable with regard to adaptation of the engine speed thanks to seven gears, incorporates an electric oil pump for start/stop capability, shifts gear without any interruptions in tractive power and combines the comfort of an automatic with the efficiency of a manual transmission. The new 6-speed manual transmission designed along similarly compact lines as a three-shaft transmission is a close relative of the DCT. Extremely easy gear shifting, low shift forces, low internal friction and a low weight are among its most important characteristics. Chassis and suspension: refined sportiness now for the sports tourer, too “Fascinatingly agile” is the assessment of all test drivers who have put the new B-Class through its paces to date. Three factors are instrumental to the substantially enhanced dynamic performance in comparison to its predecessor, which does not come at the cost of any compromises on comfort: the lowered centre of gravity, the new four-link rear axle and the upgraded ESP® Electronic Stability Programme. A sports suspension is optionally available for further enhanced agility. This suspension is lowered by 20 mm for an even lower centre of gravity and features sports dampers with amplitude-selective damping and a Direct-Steer system to emphasise the car’s sporty character. Steering: mechanical with electric assistance The electromechanical steering of the B-Class has been redesigned. The electric motor of the servo assistance system is now located directly on the steering gear as a dual pinion EPS system, thereby optimising the package as a whole. A Direct-Steer system is available in combination with the sports package. Locating the EPS system here results in a noticeably more direct steering ratio over the turning angle with the aid of the variable ratio. This enhances the vehicle’s handling and agility substantially. The electromechanical steering system makes an important contribution to the vehicle’s overall efficiency, as the steering assist function only requires energy when steering actually takes place. New assistance and braking system reduces the risk of rear-end collisions As a world first in the compact segment, the B-Class features a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist as standard, which lowers the risk of rear-end collisions. The COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST system gives a visual and acoustic warning to alert a possibly distracted driver to identified obstacles, and prepares Brake Assist for the most precise possible braking response. This is initiated as soon as the driver emphatically operates the brake pedal. In contrast to other systems available on the market for the compact class, the new COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST feature is not merely an urban driving system designed to minimise the effects of minor collisions. Rather, this innovative solution aims to provide protection against typical rear-end collisions in all dangerous driving situations at speeds of over 30 km/h. Mercedes-Benz expects the new safety system to have a significant, positive effect on accident statistics. The democratisation of safety also encompasses an array of other assistance systems which have been adopted into the B-Class from the larger model series. These include: Adaptive Headlamp Assist Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist ATTENTION ASSIST (standard) Speed Limit Assist (speed limit sign recognition) Active Parking Assist Brake HOLD function (standard with 7G-DCT) Hill Hold function Linguatronic Reversing camera DISTRONIC PLUS with BAS PRE-SAFE® (featuring for the first time in this class of vehicle). Driving simulator: performance capabilities unsurpassed in the car industry Fine-tuning of the safety systems prior to deployment in real test-drive conditions took place in the new driving simulator at the company’s Technology Centre in Sindelfingen. With its 360° screen, fast electric power system and the twelve metre-long rail for transverse or longitudinal movements, the dynamic driving simulator is the most powerful in the entire car industry. It went into operation at the end of 2010. A dome measuring 7.5 metres in diameter is mounted on six individually extendable cylinders forming a so-called hexapod and on a linear motion system. A complete vehicle is installed in the dome. The inner surface of the dome serves as a projection panel on which road traffic situations are displayed true-to-life, with moving pedestrians, oncoming traffic and housing. The handling of any current or future Mercedes model can be simulated mathematically and the test driver experiences the calculated vehicle movements realistically and in real time by means of the motion system. Plenty of space inside, prepared for alternative drives The new vehicle concept underscores the dynamic aspirations of the new B-Class. The most striking aspect is the reduced height: at 1557 millimetres, the new model crouches almost five centimetres lower on the road than its predecessor. The seat height in relation to the road has also been reduced (minus 86 mm). In response to requests from many customers, the seat position is more upright, however. The headroom has nevertheless been further improved. With 1013 mm of headroom at the front (without sliding roof), the B-Class is among the most spacious cars in its segment in this discipline, too. The B-Class is optionally available with the so-called EASY-VARIO-PLUS system. This enables simple reorganisation of the interior so as to enable the transportation of bulky items. Features of the EASY-VARIO-PLUS system include fore/aft adjustment of the rear seats by up to 140 millimetres and a front passenger seat whose backrest can be folded forward onto the seat cushion. The new B-Class features an enhanced variant of the sandwich floor. The modular “Energy Space” concept means that it is already designed to accommodate versions with an alternative drive: appropriate interfaces in the body shell enable the main floor panel to be modified and a step to be produced for the versions with alternative drive. This multifunction well begins under the driver’s seat and offers space for the alternative energy accumulators.

Introduction: 2012 Toyota Camry Burns Up the Internet with Kyle Busch at the Wheel Posted: 25 Aug 2011 04:23 AM PDT The new 2012 Toyota Camry has been unveiled continuing to be a benchmark for other midsized best-sellers in the USA. Toyota has kept things rather conservative in the new styling of the 2012 Camry to avoid swaying too far from its predecessor. A new ad campaign, featuring Nascar driver Kyle Busch, has hit the internet with a creative contrast of the new 2012 Camry against the 800-horsepower Nascar Camry. Toyota cleverly rolls out the new 2012 Camry Hybrid in one of the ads in an "Electrifying" display. The new 2012 Toyota Camry looks decent in my opinion and has become my "Guilty Pleasure vehicle" in the automotive enthusiast world. Toyota took an already good thing and made it, well, good again. Even the official 2012 Toyota Camry Daytona 500 pace car is a looker. The only that question remains is, will the 2012 Toyota Camry keep its traditional sales records. Be sure to hit up the videos and official 2012 Toyota Camry press release below for additional information, pricing and additional specs. Press Release Toyota Announces Pricing for All-New 2012 Camry and Camry Hybrid • 2012 Camry Has More Features and All Popular Models are Priced Lower or the Same as 2011s • Class-Leading Driving Dynamics, Safety Features and MPG • Camry Begins Arriving at Dealerships in October TORRANCE, Calif., August 23, 2011 – - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. today announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the all-new, seventh-generation Camry, America’s best-selling car for nine years running and 13 of the past 14 years. The Camry remains an excellent value as all popular models receive either a price decrease or remain flat in comparison to last generation Camry models. The 2012 Camry and Camry Hybrid debut a bold, sophisticated new design with a more spacious interior, class-leading safety features, improved driving dynamics and an even quieter ride than before. “Despite all of the enhancements to the all-new Camry, prices for all popular models have been reduced with dramatic repositioning on SE, XLE and Hybrid models, representing the best value in the segment,” says Bob Carter, Toyota Group Vice President and General Manager. “Competing in the industry’s most competitive segment, we expect the Camry to continue as America’s best-selling car.” The all-new Toyota Camry is powered by a revised 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine equipped with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), which features reduced noise and vibration levels and produces 178 horsepower, an increase of nine horsepower, and 170 lbs-ft. of torque. Fuel economy is also improved with EPA estimated mpg ratings of 25 city/35 hwy/28 combined. All four-cylinder models are matched with six-speed automatic transmissions. For those looking for more power, a 24-valve, DOHC 3.5-liter V6, which employs Dual VVT-i is available in the SE and XLE models. The V6 generates 268 horsepower and 248 lbs.-ft. of torque and is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift and has EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 21 city/30 hwy/25 combined. All 2012 Camrys are equipped with a class-leading 10 standard airbags, and like all Toyota models, the Camry will feature Toyota’s Star Safety System™ standard, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. It also features the standard Smart Stop Technology brake-override system. An electronic tire pressure monitoring system is also standard. Simplified Model Line-Up The all-new Camry and Camry Hybrid will offer four different model grades to choose from. Camry will be available in the entry-level L, value-driven LE, premium XLE and sporty SE grades. The XLE and SE are available with four-cylinder or V6 engines. The Camry Hybrid is offered in LE and XLE grades. The Camry L is equipped with an impressive list of standard features including standard Bluetooth® hands-free capability, air conditioning with air filter, power windows with driver’s auto-down, power door locks, cruise control, dual color-keyed power outside mirrors, projector beam headlamps, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, tire pressure monitor system and a six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with an auxiliary audio jack and USB with iPod® connectivity. It also comes with 16-inch wheels and four-wheel disc brakes. All of this standard equipment in the Camry L adds up to an excellent value with a base MSRP of $21,955. For $545 more, the Camry LE model adds to this package a long list of additional features starting with the all-new Display Audio system, which features a 6.1-inch touch screen that provides vehicle information and offers phone book access and music streaming via Bluetooth wireless technology. The LE model also includes remote keyless entry, auto on/off headlamps, side rocker panels with chrome inserts, steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth controls, and variable intermittent wipers. The Camry LE will carry a base MSRP of $22,500, a decrease of $200 or 0.9 percent compared to the 2011 model. The sporty Camry SE four-cylinder model is a tremendous value, adding 17-inch alloy wheels, the all-new Display Audio system, a stylish integrated body kit, sport-tuned suspension and steering, unique headlamps with black sport trim bezels, chrome exhaust tip(s), heated outside mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, a leather shift knob and unique Softex-trimmed sport seats, all for only $500 more than the LE model. Four-cylinder SE models will have an MSRP of $23,000, a decrease of $965 or 4.0 percent. Despite adding content such as 18-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, unique body styling, smart key, and Display Audio with navigation and EntuneTM, the 2012 SE V6 model will remain priced at $26,640. The Camry XLE adds premium content with additional standard features like the all-new Display Audio, 17-inch alloy wheels, premium chrome exterior accents, heated outside mirrors, integrated chrome fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio and Bluetooth controls, wood-style interior trim, dual-zone auto climate control with rear air vents and eight-way power driver seat. The Camry XLE will start at $24,725 for four-cylinder models, a decrease of $2,000 or 7.5 percent compared to previous model year. Camry XLEs equipped with the V6 engine will come standard with Display Audio with Navigation and Entune, along with leather-trimmed seats with heated driver and front passenger seats, back up camera, and smart key. The MSRP for XLE V6 models will be $29,845, which is the same price as the 2011 model. Camry Hybrid Offers More Power and Class-Leading MPG The Camry Hybrid model is also reinvented for 2012, utilizing a highly revised Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain that includes a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces a combined 200 horsepower and offers better MPG, all while featuring a significantly lower MSRP than its predecessor. The Camry Hybrid LE not only delivers the best MPG of any mid-size sedan, achieving manufacturer-estimated 43 city/39 mpg hwy/41mpg combined, but it will also carry a MSRP of $25,900, an impressive decrease of $1,150 compared to the 2011 model. The premium Camry Hybrid XLE model features a MSRP of $27,400, a decrease of $800 compared to the previous model with upgrade package. The new Camry models with four-cylinder and V6 engines will begin reaching Toyota dealers in October; Camry Hybrid models will arrive in November. The MSRPs for the 2012 Camry do not include the delivery, processing and handling (DPH) fee. The DPH for the Camry is $760. The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary. [source: Toyota]

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T Review & Test Drive Posted: 24 Aug 2011 09:07 AM PDT 'THE MAN VAN' Dodge, the manufacturer of the first minivan back in 1984, has introduced a special version of their Grand Caravan that is more manly, trying to leave the stigma of the minivan as only a 'soccer mom's vehicle.  The all-new 2011 Grand Caravan R/T is certainly more macho under the sheet metal skin, inside the cabin with a more aggressive exterior design including all of the storage tricks and entertainment systems available only from Dodge. Just because a driver needs the versatility of a minivan doesn’t mean that the experience has to be boring.  Dodge engineers redesigned and retuned virtually every system in the new Grand Caravan's suspension.  That suspension overhaul, combined with the new V6 engine that delivers best-in-class horsepower, gives Grand Caravan drivers a dynamic driving experience that other minivans in the segment just don't have. R/T is where versatility meets performance and attitude.  Uniquely designed both inside and out, the Dodge Grand Caravan R/T proves a driver doesn't have to give up a spirited driving experience or their identity when they have a family.  The 2011 throws down the gauntlet for a whole new level of cool transportation for families on the go. Dodge has redesigned the 2011 Grand Caravan to match its new attitude about driving with a sleek and athletic look.  A new front fascia sports the new Dodge signature 'split crosshair' grille, a new hood and quad headlamps all combine to give the face of the new 2011 Grand Caravan a more aggressive feel.  A new, more sculpted rear fascia and liftgate, new rear 'ring of fire' LED taillamps, a new Dodge badge, a 12mm lower ride height, new premium 225/65R17 inch lower-rolling resistance all-season radial tires , and a new rear spoiler all contribute to the new look and it's class-leading aerodynamics and excellent fuel economy. Also new for 2011 is the latest innovation from the minivan leader: the Stow 'n Place roof rack system that lets you stow the roof bows in the side rails when they are not in use, then snap them easily into place when needed. The ability to stow the roof bows when they're not being used means less aerodynamic drag and wind buffeting and better overall efficiency. At the heart of the all-new 2011 Grand Caravan R/T is an all-new powertrain.  The new 3.6 liter Pentastar DOHC, all-aluminum V6 engine is mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transaxle with AutoStick that allows you to shift gears manually when the spirit of higher performance overcomes you.  This potent combination replaces all three of the previous minivan engines.  With the Pentastar engine, the new Grand Caravan delivers best-in-class horsepower, 283hp at 6,400rpm and 260lb.ft. of torque at 4,400rpm without sacrificing fuel economy of 17mpg/city and 25mpg/highway. The 2011 Grand Caravan also features a new Eco mode which is a driver-selectable fuel economizer mode.  You can change the transaxle shift schedule with the flip of a switch to maximize your fuel economy. The new suspension system has been re-tuned to give a smoother ride with better road holding capability.  Up front is an independent MacPherson strut setup coil over gas-charged shocks, a stabilizer and an isolated suspension cradle.  The rear setup is a twist beam axle with coil springs, a track bar, gas-charges shocks, or optional 'self-leveling shocks', and a stabilizer bar to keep the rear from leaning out when cornering. The power-assisted rack & pinion steering system is weighed on the heavy side that gives you a better feel for the road, a great on-center feel and quick responses to your inputs when driving around slow city traffic or when cruising along in the mountains. The brakes have also been re-worked and are larger-11.9 inch vented discs up front clamped with larger, aluminum seated single piston calipers and 12 inch solid discs in the rear also clamped with aluminum seated single piston calipers.  Standard ABS, ESC and all-speed Traction Control work in tandem to help you keep control of your direction during severe braking maneuvers and when you are braking on wet or slick pavement. The R/T model that I tested rode on 17X6.5 inch cast aluminum wheels and wrapped with the aforementioned 225/65R17 inch Michelin Energy Saver all-season radial tires. The new more powerful powertrain, re-tuned suspension gives the all-new 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan a ride like no other minivan on the market.  But it is inside that really impresses. Owners will step into an all-new world-class interior for 2011.  A modern, one-piece instrument panel uses soft materials, is more intuitive with improved ergonomics and larger redesigned gauges.  Aluminum trim is found the center stack and larger aluminum plates are fitted onto the dashboard giving the new Grand Caravan a more luxurious look. The stick shifter is now located on the dashboard near the instrument cluster for ease of use.  An available new 'super' center console provides clever functionality and storage for the active commuter, as well as easy driver/passenger access with a pass-through storage space for larger items, like a purse.  Chrome trim rings in the console glow an ambient blue-green color, allowing passengers to find the items they are looking for at night.  The instrument cluster is trimmed in chrome and easy to see and understand.  All dials, switches and buttons are within easy reach for use day or night. The new Caravan also features more comfortable, largerStow'n Go seats with a new, easy to use one-touch fold-down function.  The two center captain's chairs and the rear 60/40 bench seat can be configured anyway for your cargo storage needs.  The distance between the wheel-housing is 49.1 inches so you can carry plywood sheets as well as host of other cargo good easily.  The front bucket seats are new and feature premium materials and new door trim are soft to the touch.  It is all real luxury in a minivan. A new Dodge brand steering wheel with integrated controls for audio, navigation and speed control also offers the minivan segment's first heated steering wheel option.  The best storage in the segment rounds out the improved interior with a dual-tiered glove box, storage rails next to the front seats, and storage in all of the doors. Safety and security features include standard front seat-mounted side airbags, a new driver-side knee blocker airbag, three-row side-curtain airbags, 3-point safety belts for all seven seats, front/rear crumple zones, steel beams in each door, tire pressure monitoring system, remote keyless entry and the LATCH system for child seats.  The optional Safety Sphere package includes ParkSense rear park assist system, ParkView rear backup camera, Blind-Spot monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection system, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic headlamps. R/T is where versatility meets performance and attitude.  Uniquely designed both inside and outside, the Dodge Grand Caravan R/T proves a driver doesn't have to give a spirited driving experience or their identity when they have a family.  The 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T throws down the gauntlet for a whole new level of cool transportation for families on the go. COPYRIGHT:2011:HARVEY SCHWARTZ SPECIFICATIONS Price: Base R/T: $30,595.00/As-Tested $37,790.00 loaded including destination charges Engine: 3.6-liter V6 283 horsepower @ 6400 rpm / 260 ft-lbs. torque @ 4400 rpm Wheelbase: 121.2in. Total length: 202.8in. Total width: 78.7in. Total height: 67.9in. Lift over height: 24.4in. Track: f/r-65.6/64.8in. Fuel tank: 20 gallons Turning circle: 39.1 ft. Towing with trailer tow pack: 3,600lbs. Curb weight: 4,510lbs. Weight distribution: f/r-56/44% Headroom: f/m/r-39.8/39.337.9in. Legroom: f/m/r-40.7/36.5/32.7in. Cargo volume: 143.8 behind front seats/83.8 behind second row/33cu.ft. behind third row 0-60mph: 8.3 seconds EPA mileage: 17mpg/city, 25mpg/highway

Ferrari Announces The 458 Spider Posted: 24 Aug 2011 06:56 AM PDT The new Ferrari 458 Spider. Image: Ferrari Just when you thought that the Ferrari 458 couldn't get any more stunningly beautiful, Ferrari proves us by introducing a topless version of their latest 8-cylinder masterpiece. Called the 458 Spider, the new car features a retractable hardtop instead of the simple folding canvas top found on earlier Ferrari convertibles. It's not the first power-retractable hardtop to come out of Maranello (that honor goes to the Ferrari California), but the 458 Spider's top folds neatly under the rear deck lid, which keeps it (and the car's occupants) cleaner. Image: Ferrari Ferrari is quick to point out the 458 Spider is the world's first mid-rear engined berlinetta fitted with a power retractable hard top, and we won't argue that point since the Ferrari California is a front engine, rear drive grand touring car. Whatever the classification, the 458 Spider's lines are impressive, and it's even better looking than its hard top stablemate. Image: Ferrari The 458 Spider is powered by the same 4.5-liter V-8 as the 458 Italia, which produces 562 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. The only available gearbox is a paddle-shifted, seven-speed dual clutch unit, and the combination helps the 458 Spider get from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in under 3.4 seconds. Maximum speed is said to be in excess of 198 miles per hour, but we're pretty sure that's with the retractable aluminum top in place. Still, Ferrari assures buyers that their electric windstop mitigates cockpit turbulence, allowing normal conversation at speeds over 125 miles per hour. Look for more details on pricing and availability in the coming weeks, after the car makes its official debut at September's Frankfurt Auto Show. Source: Ferrari

Planned Obsolescence? Unavailable Part Forcing Owner To Scrap ’04 Chevy Cavalier Posted: 24 Aug 2011 06:55 AM PDT A 2003 Chevy Cavalier Coupe, not the one owned by PaperDol. It's no secret that drivers are holding onto cars longer these days, since the whole concept of disposable income seems to have gone the way of the dinosaur. The average time that drivers hold on to new cars now is something like 10 years, which, under most circumstances, doesn't pose a problem with parts availability. That's not always the case, as a California blogger who goes by the name PaperDol recently found out. PaperDol drives (or drove, actually) a 2004 Chevy Cavalier. A few weeks back the accelerator pedal went to the floor, with no corresponding forward motion from her car. At first, the driver thought her foot had slipped from the accelerator; upon closer inspection, she realized that the accelerator pedal assembly itself had broken. PaperDol's first trip was to her trusted mechanic, who was unable to locate the $50 part in GM's replacement part inventory. Because of federal safety laws, the part couldn't legally be replaced with a used one, so her mechanic advised her to bring the car to a Chevy dealer. Thus began, in PaperDol's words, a "nightmare of mind-searingly bad customer service," and anyone who's had recent experience with a large corporation can associate far too well. First she was told the part was on its way, only to find out later that the last example in America, the world and perhaps the entire universe had been sold just three weeks earlier. The response from a mechanic at the dealership, "there are no guarantees in life," did nothing to ease PaperDol's frustration. The dealer's next course of action was to try and upsell her into a new Chevy, going so far as to offer seven-year financing to "keep the payments low" (and, coincidentally, pad the profits made by the dealership on the loan). For now, the situation is at an impasse: PaperDol is sans cars, the dealership has run out of options and GM is only saying that it will "get back to the customer." Source: Left Lane News

You are subscribed to email updates from Automotive Addicts To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610