Auto Trends

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS, originally uploaded by Jarvis Chau

Motor Trend reports that the upcoming generation of Chevrolet Camaro may be quite a bit different from what we have become used to over the past year.

It should come as no surprise that the Camaro could be downsizing its platform, all as part of Chevrolet’s plan to hit the new Cafe Regulations coming in 2016. The consultancy firm, Grant Thornton LLP, confirmed these rumors to the Automotive Press Association on Thursday (February 4^th, 2010), stating that the Camaro’s new platform coming out in 2014/2015, should be significantly smaller and lighter than the current one.

Is Smaller Better?
The new Camaro will keep its same overall wide stance, but could be as much as one foot shorter than it currently is. It’s being called the Alpha Platform, and will also be shared with the future Cadillac ATS (possibly CTS too). The Camaro, which is currently a heavyweight at 3750 lbs, found many of its future consumers rather happy as news spread through the web vines late yesterday. But the idea of a smaller, V-6 engine, well, that ran hot and cold among enthusiasts

The idea of a muscle car has stood behind the V-8 as long as many current Camaro consumers can remember. However, the Japanese and European markets have brought a following of new-tech performance buffs, who seem to like the idea of a performance oriented turbocharged, or possibly even supercharged V6. The current six cylinder is sitting at 304 horsepower, with plenty of potential to kick that output up another 100 to 150 horsepower with a power adder…

But the V-8 rumble, well, that’s some technology that hasn’t quite yet been developed.

One point that some consumers have made, is that back when Ford dropped its GT (V-8) in the Mustang II in 1974, it became one of the Mustang’s all-time lows. The premium engine in 1974 was a minuscule 2.8L V6, which offered only 105 horsepower (base Mustang offered a 2.3-liter with 88 horsepower). But this was another era, with hindering technologies, different drivers, and different expectations.

While a pumped 3.6-liter V-6 Camaro SS could produce some pretty wicked numbers, the question is whether or not buyers are ready to forgo the V-8 as its premium offering. With a bigger 5.0-liter coming out in the next generation Mustang in 2011, Chevrolet could be setting themselves up to satisfying a new kind of muscle car buyer. But should they produce at least a low volume of V-8’s to appease the muscle heads? Perhaps a job for the Z28…

Source: Left Lane News

Water abstract – Out of the frying pan into the fire!, originally uploaded by Mukumbura

Toyota continues to hit hard times. As recall notices for their line of vehicles reaches an astounding 8.1 million (over five continents), and the federal government steps in to complete a formal investigation of these vehicles, now Toyota must face a new rash of consumer complaints focused on poor brake performance of their popular hybrid line of Toyota Prius’.

Prius Brake Complaints
According to reports, consumers have been complaining about the Prius having difficulty maintaining its brake function while going over bumpy terrain. What appears to happen, according to data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is as these vehicles enter a pot hole, or other road abnormality, the brakes momentarily let go, causing the vehicle to speed up.

To date there have been 102 U.S. complaints against the Prius, accounting for at least two injuries. Japan has received 14 complaints, 13 of them within the past two months. Once again, the federal government has stepped in to do some investigations, as Toyota scrambles to find a solution.

Conflicting Claims as to the solution of Toyota’s Accelerator Problem
In the meantime, there is concern of “conflicting claims” given by Toyota, as to what is actually the problem with their accelerators. While Toyota has already made a public announcement for recalls which would commence over the next 90 days, substituting a steel reinforcement to the pedal assembly, there is evidence Toyota may not be completely confident in this fix.

According to Toyota sources, the current pedals have a tendency to wear prematurely, causing them to “stick”. There is also concern that the floor mats could catch the pedal, causing a similar problem. However, during a private meeting held by Toyota officials, a letter was identified, stating the unintended acceleration was “very, very hard to identify.”

In addition, Toyota officials were noted as saying, that the accelerator pedals “are unlikely to be responsible for the sensational stories of drivers losing control over acceleration as their cars race to 60 miles per hour or higher.” In addition to all this, there is also question as to when Toyota first became aware of these problems.

When did Toyota First Know about the Problem?
Sources says Toyota may have known about the accelerator problem as early as 2004, others says it was just this past October, 2009. There is also reports suggesting accidents may have occurred as early as 2007 due to accelerator issues, and officials are asking why nothing was done then?

To break down all this conflicting evidence, Toyota is set to face a hearing later in the month (February 25, 2010), to which all these claims will be appropriately addressed and hashed out. Stay tuned…

Source: Auto News

All photos originally uploaded by Jim Greenfield

When shopping around for a luxury sport coupe with a little kick, you’d be crazy not to consider the 2010 Audi S5. Featuring a host of performance statistics that would make most Mercedes CLK and BMW 335i drivers cower down at a stoplight, the S5 offers some serious competition for being the new kid on the block.

While some folks might tell you that the S5 is simply a glorified A5 with a significant hike in price, a closer look says differently. The Audi S5 is a subtler version of the Audi Nuvolari quattro GT concept, showcased back in 2003. It features a new, sleek front fascia, wide-mouth grille, aluminum diffuser blades, high-tech LED running lights, muscular shoulder flanks, and distinct V-8 growl.

In coupe or cabriolet form, the S4 is punchy to say the least. A tuned, 4.2-liter V-8 highlights the coupe with 354 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, giving it the capability of launching its 3,800+ pound body from zero to sixty in just 5.1 seconds. The cabriolet soft top gets a leaner (lighter) supercharged, 3.0-liter V-6, which despite a slight dip in horsepower (333 hp), maintains the equivalent torque and fun factor (0-60 5.1 seconds) as the V-8 .

There are several luxury amenities offered by the S5 that cannot be found among any other luxury sport cabriolet’s in its class. These include its customizable, adaptive ESP (Electronic Stability Program) suspension; seat belt presenter (no more reaching behind you to buckle up); folding soft top, which can be raised or lowered while in motion (up to 30 mph); and behind-the-neck heater vents (helps extend top down season).

The S5 comes standard with Quattro all-wheel-drive, a sport tuned suspension, 200 mph speedometer, electronic space configuration for rear passengers, and the leading cargo capacity (trunk) of its class. Some of its most notable options include a moon roof, 10 speaker (Bamg & Olufsen) sound system, and a 6/7-speed S-Tronic double-clutch transmission. The two points that disappoint reviewers most about the Audi S5, is its soft brake system and poor fuel economy (14/21 coupe (manual), 16/24 coupe (auto), 17/26 convertible (auto)).

Starting at $52,400 for the coupe and $58,250 for the cabriolet, the 2010 Audi S5 nestles itself quite comfortable between its competition (BMW 335i Coupe $42,650 and Mercedes CLK $56,100).