Archive for December, 2010
Ford Offers Satellite Radio Censorship Option in MyKey Upgrade
Posted on 29. Dec, 2010 by admin.
Ford is giving the parents of teen drivers one fewer thing to worry about. A major upgrade to its MyKey system — parents can limit a car’s top speed, stereo volume and more — will allow parents to block explicit satellite radio content, Ford announced today.
This development probably won’t make your teenager happy, but what’s new? This new feature works like a TV’s V-chip and blocks 16 stations on Sirius Satellite Radio that are labeled explicit. Some of the stations include Playboy, Hip-Hop Nation and Howard Stern.
The upgraded MyKey will also allow parents to limit a car’s top speed to 65, 70, 75 or 80 mph. The previous version limited the top speed to 80 mph.
This new version will be standard on the Ford Taurus and Explorer by late 2011 and later on some Ford and Lincoln models.
MyKey also features:
- Seat belt reminder: A chime sounds at regular intervals and the stereo system is muted until the driver buckles up.
- Early low-fuel warning: The driver is alerted when the fuel tank has 75 miles until empty, unlike the usual warning that occurs at 50 miles to empty.
- Always-on safety systems: Active Park Assist, which helps the driver select a parallel parking spot, the blind spot warning system and traction control cannot be turned off.
- Speed alert: A chime sounds at 45, 55 or 65 mph.
- Quieter stereo system: The stereo system’s volume can be limited to 44 percent of maximum volume.
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2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Facelift Leaked
Posted on 29. Dec, 2010 by admin.
All we have is a single photo each of the interior and exterior, but they reveal most of what you’ll need to know about the look of the next Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. Well, except for the power, pricing, and performance, of course. Fortunately we’ve got you covered–on power, at least. The next C63 AMG will get power from a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V-8…
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Holiday Incentive Recap
Posted on 29. Dec, 2010 by admin.
This time of year is a great time to buy a new car, especially if you’re eyeing a 2010-model-year vehicle. Over the past two weeks we’ve reported on the deals offered by Kia, Hyundai, Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Chevrolet, Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep. Most of the domestic brands and Nissan are big on cash-back deals; Korean and most Japanese automakers are playing up their special lease deals.
The largest cash-back deal we saw was $5,500 off of a 2010 Nissan Titan, and Honda’s $0 down payment, $0 first month's payment, $0 due at signing lease deal is one of the best offerings this season.
All of the current incentive programs end on Jan. 3, so you’ll have to act fast if anything piques your interest.
For more information, check out each brand’s rundown below:
1. Chevrolet Incentives
2. Chrysler Group Incentives
3. Honda Incentives
4. Toyota Incentives
5. Nissan Incentives
6. Hyundai Incentives
7. Kia Incentives
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Cars.com Reviews the 2011 BMW 335iS
Posted on 29. Dec, 2010 by admin.
Even with newer entries like the Cadillac CTS and Infiniti G Series gunning for it, the BMW 3 Series remains the best-selling compact luxury vehicle by a wide margin. Part of that has to do with the car’s wide array of options and configurable trims. For the 2011 model year, the lineup grows larger, with the addition of a new track-tuned model called the BMW 335is. According to Cars.com editor Kelsey Mays, the 335is combines outstanding performance with surprising livability. But the trim, at around $50,000, costs nearly as much as a M3. Is it worth it? Follow the link below to find out.
2011 BMW 335 Review
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Video: LS1 Miata Burnout Leads To Forum Smackdown
Posted on 28. Dec, 2010 by admin.
Cram a big ‘Merkin V-8 into a lightweight roadster? Classic formula. Use said roadster to produce clouds of power-induced tire smoke? Just as classic. Getting beat down on a car forum for street racing and acting like a fool? Instant classic. The holiday week hasn’t been too kind to Miata.net forum user 1SIKZ31. With a very clean LS1-Miata…
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Ford to Add Stop-Start Technology to Non-Hybrids in 2012
Posted on 28. Dec, 2010 by admin.
Ford will start using start-stop technology on some of its gasoline-powered vehicles starting in 2012, the automaker announced today.
The system would seamlessly shut off a vehicle’s engine at a stop and turn it back on once the driver puts his/her foot back on the accelerator.
A lot of the technology is already in use on the 170,000 hybrid sedans and crossovers, including the Ford Escape Hybrid, Ford has on roads here already.
What makes the start-stop technology different from a full hybrid system is that these vehicles won’t be getting regenerative braking or large battery packs. The new patented system uses a beefier 12-volt battery and more robust 12-volt starter motor to achieve the seamless start-stop functions.
The system will also include a light on the dash that alerts drivers when the engine is off and a special tachometer that moves to a not-running zone, which will be similar to what’s featured on other hybrids.
According to Ford, the system will start showing up on its sedans, crossovers and SUVs in 2012. The system has already been launched on the European versions of the Ford Focus and C-Max. We wouldn’t be surprised if U.S. models got the feature, too.
Overall, the system will improve fuel economy by 4% to 10%, according to the automaker. Ford will have more information when it officially unveils the system at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
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Rendered: Artist Interprets Chevrolet’s Next-Gen Corvette
Posted on 28. Dec, 2010 by admin.
The C7 Chevrolet Corvette has been the subject of rampant speculation since the C6 came out, with everything from all-wheel drive to mid-engine orientation supposedly planned. Most of those rumors have been shot down, and we’re told the Stingray concept is only a general study in possible directions. So what to expect of the C7 ‘Vette? This…
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Porsche Cayman, Boxster To Be Built Alongside VW Golf
Posted on 28. Dec, 2010 by admin.
We already knew the 2012 Porsche Boxster and Cayman would be built in-house at the Volkswagen Osnabrueck plant, bucking the trend of outsourcing construction to contract firms like Valmet or Magna. What we didn’t know is that the next-gen Cayman and Boxster would be built alongside Volkswagens. Golf convertibles, to be precise. It’s only supposed…
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2012 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback European Production Design Trademarked
Posted on 28. Dec, 2010 by admin.
If you’re longing for the Cruze Hatchback, you’d better start looking for tickets to Australia or Europe, as that’s the closest you’re going to get. Today, images of the final production design of the European Chevrolet-badged version of the car (shown at the Paris auto show) emerged from the EU’s trademark office. They reveal a car essentially…
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2012 Ford Focus Gets Torque Vectoring, We’re Not Thrilled
Posted on 28. Dec, 2010 by admin.
The first North American Ford to get torque vectoring control will be the 2012 Focus. Ford is pitching the system as a safety- and performance-enhancing addition that helps the car “carve through turns like a downhill skier.” We’re not convinced. First, we should understand how the system works. According to Ford, the torque-vectoring (TV) system…
