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Toyota Issues Voluntary Recall on 94,000 2011MY Sienna Minivans
Toyota said on Monday it will conduct a voluntary safety recall of some 94, 000 units of its new 2011MY Sienna minivan (built before early November 2010) because of a potential problem with the brake light switch bracket. According to the Japanese automaker, due to the proximity with the parking brake, the stop lamp switch bracket could be deformed by the driver"s foot during parking brake operation. The company said that depending how deformed the bracket becomes, the brake lights may remain on or, if the deformation is significant, the brakes could become partially engaged due to contact from the bracket, resulting in brake drag with associated brake noise, brake vibration, and/or illumination of the brake warning light.
New Lancia Stratos in Rally Car Guise and More. Could be Built in Limited Numbers if there's Interest with Video
The New Lancia Stratos has completed yet another step of its lengthy unveiling process. This time we have information about the official presentation, which took place on November 29-30, at the Paul Ricard Circuit in Le Castellet, France. There, a select few had the opportunity to see the cabin for the first time, a racecar concept, while they were also informed that the New Stratos could be built in limited production run if there's substantial interest from potential buyers. The New Stratos is the modern-day incarnation of the legendary Lancia Stratos HF of the "70s. Back in 2008, German businessman Michael Stoschek commissioned Pininfarina to build this unique car, after having dwelled on the idea since 2003.
Porsche Launches New 911 GT3 RSR Endurance Racer
Porsche has unveiled an updated version of its 911 GT3 RSR racecar, which will participate in next year"s GT Championship. The German firm's engineers modified the exhaust system and air intake housing, with the 4.0-liter boxer powerplant delivering 5 more horsepower, for a total of 455 hp at 7, 800 rpm. While the power increase isn't much of an improvement, Porsche claims that the six-cylinder unit is better adapted to different fuel grades and its driveability is superior compared to the outgoing model. The car also comes with a modified bodykit with a new front lip providing higher downforce, while the rear wing"s position has changed. In addition, there are larger front wheels and new LED tail lamps, borrowed from road-legal 911s.
New Hyundai i40: VW Passat and Ford Mondeo Rival Teased Ahead of Geneva Debut
These are the first teaser renderings of Hyundai's new competitor in the European market D-segment, the i40 that will take on the likes of the VW Passat, Ford Mondeo, Renault Laguna and Toyota Avensis from next year. It is based on a modified version of the North American Sonata's platform and aside from the estate model seen here, it will also be offered in a four-door sedan version, which will enter the market later towards the end of 2011. Designed and developed by Hyundai"s German R&D centre in Russelsheim with European buyers in mind, the station wagon's exterior styling is heavily influenced by the South Korean automaker's Genus Concept model from 2006 (scroll down for photos).
Video: New Ferrari 458 Challenge at the Valencia Circuit
At this year"s Bologna Motor Show in Italy, Ferrari unveiled the fabulous 458 Challenge, a competition model boasting the standard model's 4.5-liter V8 capable of 570 hp. To promote the new racer, Ferrari also organized a series of tests at the Valencia circuit in Spain, inviting its own test drivers and Challenge Cup competitors to share their thoughts about the car. According to Raffaele De Simone, the 458 Challenge is faster than its predecessor, the F430 Challenge, but also easier to drive, while Maurizio Mediani was impressed with the double-clutch gearbox. Scroll down for the video. By Csaba Daradics _______________________________ VIDEO _______________________________
Irmscher Unleashes Camaro i42 with 509HP Supercharged 6.2-liter V8
With the European launch of the Chevrolet Camaro just around the corner, General Motor's semi-official tuning partner across the pond, Irmscher, is gearing up for the presentation with the release of a limited production version of its i42 Camaro study, which was showcased at this year's Essen Motor Show. For the creation of the i42 Camaro, Irmscher joined forces with Auto Magnus und Velocity Performance Parts. Based on the Camaro SS with the 6.2-liter V8, the i42 benefits from a bevy of upgrades, the most important being the addition of a supercharger and a new custom exhaust system, which boost output to 509-horsepower. The tune allows the Camaro i42 to complete the 0-100km/h (62 mph) sprint in about 4.
Jaguar Reportedly Looking into the SUV Segment
According to UK magazine Autocar, Jaguar is considering the development of a crossover / SUV model, presumably to boost sales in Europe and the North America. While creating internal competition for Land Rover models, such as the Evoque, doesn"t sound like a good idea, the project has the backing of Jaguar boss Adrian Hallmark. "We need a crossover and we need to stop being a saloon-based company", he told Autocar. This gives the news some credibility, otherwise we might have been tempted to dismiss it as an empty rumor. But what could determine Jaguar to make such a move? The first thing that comes to mind is economy of scale. Creating an entry-level crossover - if that"s what Jaguar aims for - wouldn"t cost the British automaker an arm and a leg.
FAIL: 2 Fast, 2 Furious Lancer Evo VII Breaks Free Of Dyno In Puerto Rico Video
Dynamometers, or dynos for short, are a useful tool in any racer"s arsenal. By applying some basic physical principles, a dyno can calculate the amount of horsepower and torque being transferred from the wheels to the track, without ever needing to leave the safety of the garage. So here"s the scoop (according to the posters): some students at Mech-Tech College in Ponce, Puerto Rico were putting a Lancer Evolution VII through its paces on the school"s dyno, when disaster struck. Everything seems normal until 16 seconds in, when the Lancer careens to the left and slides off. Of course, it was all captured on video for our edification. According to the EvolutionM forum, the vehicle was improperly strapped down.
Audi, What Big Eyes You Have: New R18 is a Diesel Racer with Lots of LEDs
Audi has unleashed its latest LMP1 racer, the R18. After winning the Le Mans 24 Hours nine times since 1999 with the R8, R10 TDI and R15 TDI, the Ingolstadt-based automaker aims for the top spot with a closed coupe again. "In the future, aerodynamic efficiency will be even more important at Le Mans than it was in the past", says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. "A closed car has clear advantages in this respect. Our computer simulations have been confirmed in the wind tunnel and during initial track tests". Unlike its predecessor, which had a 5.5-liter V10 diesel engine, the new model uses a much smaller, 3.7-liter V6 TDI, mated to a modified six-speed transmission. The R18 features a one-piece carbon fiber monocoque, which saves weight and increases stiffness.
FAIL: 2 Fast, 2 Furious Lancer Evo VII Breaks Free Of Dyno In Peurto Rico Video
Dynamometers, or dynos for short, are a useful tool in any racer"s arsenal. By applying some basic physical principles, a dyno can calculate the amount of horsepower and torque being transferred from the wheels to the track, without ever needing to leave the safety of the garage. So here"s the scoop (according to the posters): some students at Mech-Tech College in Ponce, Puerto Rico were putting a Lancer Evolution VII through its paces on the school"s dyno, when disaster struck. Everything seems normal until 16 seconds in, when the Lancer careens to the left and slides off. Of course, it was all captured on video for our edification. According to the EvolutionM forum, the vehicle was improperly strapped down.
