Ford will soon begin mailing “goodwill payment” checks to approximately 32,000 C-Max Hybrid drivers as appeasement for a downgrading of the model’s fuel economy estimates.

On August 15, Ford announced that the C-Max Hybrid’s city/highway combined fuel economy rating would be adjusted from 47 to 43 mpg. At the time Ford cited EPA testing procedures that allowed the C-Max Hybrid to be certified under the Ford Fusion Hybrid’s results due to the two models being grouped in the same “family.”

Upon announcing the downgrade, Ford dealers upgraded all existing C-Max Hybrids’ engine management software to compensate for the discrepancy, and all units built after July 2013 will have those upgrades from the factory. Further, engineering changes to the C-Max Hybrid’s aerodynamics and a lower-friction motor oil specification will help boost fuel economy ratings for 2014 models set to go on sale in December.

Those leasing the C-Max Hybrid will receive $325 while outright owners will receive $550. According to Automotive News, all checks will be enclosed with a letter from Ford marketing manager CJ O’Donnell explaining the reasons for the mileage adjustment and a statement of thanks for purchasing the model. Delivery of the checks are slated for this month.

The Ford Fusion Hybrid’s EPA rating will remain at 47 mpg.<![CDATA[
/* @Himanshu 09-01-2013 New code to work with br tag, p tag and /n */
div.post-content1{
color: #000000;
font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;
font-size: 15px;
line-height: 1.333em;
margin-bottom: 16px;
margin-top: 10px;
}
/* @Himanshu 09-01-2013 New code to work with br tag, p tag and /n */
div.post-content1 ul li
{
list-style:disc !important;
margin-left:20px;
color:#000000;
}
div.post-content1 ol li
{
list-style-type: decimal !important;
margin-left:20px;
color:#000000;

}
#editorial_graph ul li
{
list-style:none !important;
margin-left:0px;
}
]]>

BMW has announced a voluntary recall of 76,190 2012-14 cars over fears of a possible loss of power braking. Units affected include 3-Series, 5-Series, X1, X3, and Z4 models  built between May 2012 and August 2013 and equipped with the N20 or N26 turbo four-cylinder motors.

According to the recall bulletin on F30post, the issue stems from a potential restriction of oil supply from the intake camshaft to the vacuum pump. If that pump were to fail, the driver would experience a sudden loss of power braking assist. Applying normal pressure to the brake pedal would then result in vastly increased braking distances.

BMW is already aware of three accidents due to this problem, all on low-mileage cars. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received seven reported incidents.�

Though there is not a fix at this time, BMW is reportedly working on a solution involving a locking ring inserted onto the camshaft so that oil flow to the vacuum pump remains unimpaired. 

For now, BMW recommends that you continue to drive your vehicle until the recall notice is sent to owners in December. The two-hour fix will be conducted free of charge. However, if drivers experience any loss of braking ability BMW recommends that they pull over immediately.

List of models affected:

• 2012-14 320i/328i, 320i/328i xDrive Sedan manufactured between May 2012 – August 2013
• 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagon manufactured between March 2013 – May 2013
• 2012-13 528i, 528i xDrive Sedan manufactured between June 2012 – June 2013
• 2013-14 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i manufactured between June 2012 – June 2013
• 2013-14 X3 xDrive28i manufactured between June 2012 – August 2013
• 2012-14 Z4 sDrive28i manufactured between June 2012 – June 2013

<![CDATA[
/* @Himanshu 09-01-2013 New code to work with br tag, p tag and /n */
div.post-content1{
color: #000000;
font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;
font-size: 15px;
line-height: 1.333em;
margin-bottom: 16px;
margin-top: 10px;
}
/* @Himanshu 09-01-2013 New code to work with br tag, p tag and /n */
div.post-content1 ul li
{
list-style:disc !important;
margin-left:20px;
color:#000000;
}
div.post-content1 ol li
{
list-style-type: decimal !important;
margin-left:20px;
color:#000000;

}
#editorial_graph ul li
{
list-style:none !important;
margin-left:0px;
}
]]>

A private team called Ciceley Racing has announced it will field a 2014 Mercedes-Benz A-Class in the Dunlop MSA British Car Touring Championship. �

The race-going A-Class will stand out from its regular-production sibling thanks to an aerodynamic body kit consisting of a lip spoiler up front, side skirts that incorporate exhaust outlets on both sides, a functional air diffuser integrated into the rear bumper and a large spoiler mounter on top of the hatch.  Large orange alloy wheels wrapped in low-profile Dunlop tires will help the track-bound A maintain grip while going around corners while beefier brakes will safely bring the car to a stop even in the most extreme circumstances.

Ciceley promises the stock A’s plush interior will be replaced by a full roll cage, a bucket seat and an analog instrument cluster.

Precise technical specifications will be published closer to the car’s track debut but preliminary information hints the hatchback will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injected four-cylinder engine with an overboost function linked to a six-speed sequential gearbox.  

Look for the modified A-Class to debut at England’s Brands Hatch Circuit next March.  It will go head-to-head against equally modified BMW 1-Series, Honda Civics and MG 3 hatchbacks.<![CDATA[
/* @Himanshu 09-01-2013 New code to work with br tag, p tag and /n */
div.post-content1{
color: #000000;
font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;
font-size: 15px;
line-height: 1.333em;
margin-bottom: 16px;
margin-top: 10px;
}
/* @Himanshu 09-01-2013 New code to work with br tag, p tag and /n */
div.post-content1 ul li
{
list-style:disc !important;
margin-left:20px;
color:#000000;
}
div.post-content1 ol li
{
list-style-type: decimal !important;
margin-left:20px;
color:#000000;

}
#editorial_graph ul li
{
list-style:none !important;
margin-left:0px;
}
]]>