• Chrysler expands ignition-switch recall to include 2008 models

    September 25, 2014
    Chrysler has expanded its ignition-switch recall to include nearly 350,000 vehicles from the 2008 model year.

    The latest campaign adds the Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, Chrysler 300, Jeep Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

    The company earlier this year acknowledged defective ignition switches in approximately 1.5 million vehicles from various model years, ranging from 2005 to 2011, but it did not include the vehicles listed in the latest announcement.

    Echoing General Motors’ problems with the Cobalt and other models, Chrysler warns that ignition keys in affected vehicles may inadvertently hang in the ‘start’ position or flip too far back to ‘accessory’ or ‘off’ after starting the engine. The latter scenarios can result in engine shutdown, loss of power steering and airbag malfunction.

    Chrysler cites a single minor accident that was “possibly related” to either condition, but the company maintains that it is unaware of any related injuries.

    A time-frame for fixing the defective vehicles has not been announced.

  • Jeep driver teaches Corvette owner a lesson in parking etiquette [Video]

    September 25, 2014
    Ever come across a car parked so selfishly that you wished you had a practical (and legal) way of dishing out some justice? This Jeep Cherokee owner did exactly that, and the results went viral almost instantly.

    According to nj.com, Kyle DeMattia found parking to be at a premium at a local restaurant, only to discover that a Corvette Grand Sport was hogging multiple spaces near the front door.

    Rather than fight for a remaining space in the rear of the lot, DeMattia parked his Cherokee in such a way that his displeasure with the Corvette driver’s parking job would be made very clear. So, he parked his Cherokee on the curb, perfectly parallel to the crooked Corvette, and went inside to eat.

    DeMattia then shared the picture of his parking job along with a video of the Corvette owner’s reaction.

    Photo/Video courtesy of Kyle DeMattia (@LIFTED95XJ).

  • Cadillac aims to double China sales by 2015

    September 25, 2014
    General Motors is reportedly aiming to double Cadillac sales in China by 2015.

    Following the appointment of former Infiniti chief Johan de Nysschen to lead the struggling luxury brand, GM’s China president, Matt Tsien, voiced confidence in the new executive’s appreciation for the world’s largest auto market.

    “We’re very optimistic about the luxury market, we believe that the luxury market by 2016 here will become the largest luxury market in the world, surpassing even the size of luxury in Europe,” Tsien said, as quoted by Bloomberg.

    GM is not the only major automaker to set its sights on China, though the country is particularly important for Cadillac as its sales continue to stagnate in the US and other markets. Appealing to local luxury tastes, the company recently unveiled a long-wheelbase ATS-L that will precede additional models built in and for China.

    Combining all brands, GM set a 2013 sales record in China with nearly 3.2 million vehicles leaving showrooms in the country. Buick accounted for a significant portion, followed by Chevrolet.

    Looking forward to 2015, GM plans to invest billions in expanding local production capacity to help meet a 100,000-unit sales target for Cadillac models.

  • Paris preview: Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid

    September 25, 2014
    Porsche has confirmed plans to formally unveil its Cayenne S E-Hybrid next month in Paris.

    The company recently published a full set of details about the updated 2015 Cayenne SUV. Although not an all-new model, the 2015 Cayenne gets a revised look inside and out and two fuel-sipping additions to its engine lineup.

    Borrowing technology from the Panamera S E-Hybrid, the new plug-in SUV replaces the existing Cayenne Hybrid. The drivetrain consists of a 333-horsepower 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine that works in conjunction with a 95-horsepower electric motor linked to a lithium-ion battery pack.

    Together, the two power sources generate 416 horsepower and 435 lb-ft. of torque, enough to sprint from zero to 62 mph in 5.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 151 mph. Alternatively, the plug-in hybrid Cayenne can drive on electricity alone at speeds of up to 78 mph, but Porsche has not disclosed the SUV’s maximum driving range.

    Porsche says the battery pack can be recharged while driving or by plugging the Cayenne into a regular household charger. Fuel economy figures will be published closer to the plug-in hybrid’s on-sale date.

    As expected, the mid-range Cayenne S ditches its 4.8-liter V8 engine in favor of a brand new 3.6-liter V6 engine that develops 420 horsepower at 6,000 rpms – 20 more ponies than the outgoing eight-cylinder – and 406 lb-ft. of torque from 1,350 to 4,500 rpms. Linked to an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox, the Cayenne S is capable of reaching 62 mph from a stop in 5.2 seconds before topping out at 160 mph.

    The visual updates are minor and largely limited to revamped headlights similar to the ones found on the smaller Macan, a new front bumper with integrated LED daytime running lights and a revised radiator grille. Out back, the Cayenne gains more squared-off tail lamps and an updated bumper.

    Interior pictures were not published but Porsche hints the updates are equally minor. The Cayenne gets a multi-function steering wheel inspired by the one found in the 918 Spyder and optional ventilated rear seats.

    The 2015 Porsche Cayenne is scheduled to go on sale in the United States on November 1st, 2014. The Cayenne Diesel will retail for $61,700, the Cayenne S will cost $74,100, the S E-Hybrid model will sticker for $76,400 and the Cayenne Turbo will be priced at $113,600. The aforementioned figures do not include a mandatory $995 destination charge.

    Porsche will detail the 2015 Cayenne GTS and Cayenne Turbo S in the coming months.

  • Chevrolet reveals 2015 Colorado Sport Concept

    September 25, 2014
    General Motors has continued its Chevrolet Colorado promotions by introducing a ‘Sport’ concept at the State Fair of Texas.

    Geared for adventurers, the midsize pickup has been outfitted with an easy-left tailgate, rear bumper assist steps and a GearOn accessory system that helps organize cargo inside the bed while bikes or kayaks ride above the bed.

    It’s a truck for those who need the versatility of a pickup to support their work and lifestyle interests, but don’t need a full-size truck to do it,” said Colorado marketing head Tony Johnson.

    If the concept makes its way to production, buyers will be able to choose from extended- or crew-cab configurations. Engine choices will likely match the existing options, either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder or 3.6-liter V6.

    GM has not yet confirmed if the model will eventually arrive in showrooms, though the concept appears to be production-ready.