• Detroit-based tuner previews 710-hp BMW M4-based coupe

    January 9, 2016

    A Detroit-based tuner called Hoffy Automobiles has published a batch of computer-generated images that preview the Mamba GT3 Street.

    Named after a venemous snake, the Mamba GT3 takes the form of an aggressive-looking coupe based on the BMW M4. It gains a completely redesigned front end with numerous air vents and LED lights, fender flares that put even DTM cars to shame, a wide air diffuser with four integrated four exhaust pipes, and a trunk-mounted wing that’s almost as tall as the roof. The only remaining visual connections between the GT3 and the M4 are twin kidney grilles and the shape of the lights.

    Hoffy promises the cabin has been upgraded with sport seats for the front passengers, Alcantara upholstery on the seats, the headliner, and the steering wheel, a heads-up display inspired by the world of jet fighters, Bluetooth connectivity, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. It also features a 600-watt sound system.

    The M4′s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six engine has been tweaked to deliver 710 horsepower, a 285-pony bump over the M4. The coupe can reach 60 mph from a stop in approximately three seconds, and it goes on to a top speed of 210 mph.

    The Mamba GT3 Street Concept will be introduced to the public in February, and it will go on sale shortly after. Pricing information hasn’t been revealed, though that hasn’t stopped a wealthy collector from buying the very first prototype.

  • Takata recalls affect 375K older Mazda6 sedans

    January 9, 2016

    Older Mazda6 sedans are the latest vehicles to be affected by the ongoing Takata recall campaigns.

    The Japanese supplier has continued to perform internal testing of airbag inflators recovered from vehicles in the field. The investigations recently resulted in a ruptured inflator from a Mazda6.

    After consulting with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in December, the company decided to recall all vehicles that were built with the same components that experienced a failure. The expansion includes passenger-side airbags for the 2003-2008 model years, including the 2006-2007 Mazdaspeed6. A small batch of 2004 RX-8 vehicles is also included, limited to a single production week in late June 2003.

    Like millions of other vehicles recalled for defective Takata airbags, the affected Mazda sedans could increase the chance of occupant injuries from flying shrapnel or airbag failure if the inflator is activated in a crash.

    Service technicians will replace the passenger airbag in the affected vehicles. The campaign appears to be implemented on a nationwide basis, rather than focusing on states with high absolute humidity. Moisture has been identified as a likely factor contributing to field failures and deaths.

  • Toyota’s North American production surpasses two million units

    January 9, 2016

    Toyota has set a production record in North America, building more than two million units on the continent in 2015.

    The specific production totals include 2,035,028 vehicles adorned with Toyota, Scion and Lexus badges, along with 1,933,702 engines. The milestone represents a significant increase from 2011, when less than 1.3 million vehicles were built in North America.

    The company’s Kentucky facility accounted for the largest number of vehicles, with more than 450,000 vehicles rolling off the assembly line. The plant now builds more than 330,000 Camry sedans each year.

    Combining output from Toyota’s Kentucky, Indiana, Mississippi and Texas factories, along with the approximately 80,000 Camry sedans built at Subaru’s Indiana plant, the US accounts for 65 percent of the company’s North American production. Most of the remaining total is produced in Canada, while around 108,000 units rolled off two assembly lines in Mexico.

    The Japanese automaker has been building vehicles in Ontario and Kentucky for 30 years. This year also marks 20-year anniversaries in Indiana and West Virginia, a 15-year run in Alabama and five years of assembly in Mississippi.

  • Dodge’s Hellcats get full-length body stripes

    January 9, 2016

    Following strong demand in 2015, the Dodge Challenger and Charger SRT Hellcats are due to get new visual customization options for 2016.

    Buyers can now add dual full-length body stripes from the factory. The sporty bands feature a faux carbon-fiber appearance, running the length of the car from the front fascia, across the roof and deck lid and down the rear bumper.

    The stripe design has been tailored to emphasize the SRT Hellcat’s signature NACA duct hood vent.

    The stripes can be added to any color in Dodge’s Hellcat palette, including 10 hues ranging from Bright White Clear Coat to Maximum Steel Metallic. The company is also extending availability of its limited-edition Plum Crazy color, originally scheduled to end in December.

    “But exceptionally strong customer demand, plus the opportunity to pair this legendary high-impact hue with the new SRT Hellcat stripe, means dealers will be able to continue ordering the high-impact, highly popular color through January,” FCA said in a statement.

    The stripes can be added to either the Challenger or Charger starting this month for an extra $995.

  • Maserati recalls GranTurismo over fire risk

    January 9, 2016

    Rusty fuel lines have prompted a recall for Maserati’s 2016 GranTurismo, including hardtop and convertible variants.

    Factory workers recently noticed the issue via routine visual inspections during final assembly. The main fuel lines appeared discolored, indicating a lack of galvanization treatment.

    An investigation concluded that a batch of fuel lines had not been galvanized, leaving the lines prone to quick corrosion and eventual leaks. Degradation could be accelerated by exposure to road salt.

    “If the leaked fuel comes into contact with an ignition source there is potential for a vehicle fire,” the company warns.

    The problem affects a small batch of just 33 vehicles, most of which are still in dealer inventory. Service technicians will install a new fuel line that has been treated with the proper galvanization to resist corrosion.