The Car Exam News #7: The EPA wants to “grade” for MPG, Kia’s Georgia plant to build the Hyundai Santa Fe, & the 2011 Buick Regal a Top Safety Pick

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The EPA wants to grade new vehicles for MPG

Automakers are already being forced to adjust to stricter fuel economy standards coming soon, and now they may have another thing to worry about—their vehicles earning letter grades from the government. The Detroit News reports that Environmental Protection Agency wants to add letter grades (“A+” through “D”) to new vehicles in an attempt to sway potential buyers from purchasing “gas guzzlers” and move them to possibly buy more efficient vehicles—and also save some money in the process.

Vehicles with the best fuel economy would earn “A’s” and those with the worst would earn “D’s.” The grades would also compare fuel economy between gas-powered vehicles, hybrids, electric cars, etc. While the EPA feels that fuel economy grades will help new car and truck buyers make better-informed financial decisions and also buy more efficient cars, American and foreign automakers don’t like the proposal and see it as unfair. The idea may have some merit for consumers, but many consumers already know what they want and won’t be swayed to buy something different because the EPA gives their potential vehicle a “C” grade.

Source: The Detroit News (http://www.detnews.com) 8/31/10

Kia’s Georgia plant to build the Hyundai Santa Fe

Automotive News is reporting that Kia will add a second shift at its West Point, Georgia factory to now build the Hyundai Santa Fe. Due to strong customer demand for the hot-selling 2011 Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai-owned Kia will build the Santa Fe alongside the Kia Sorento (pictured here); both SUV’s share the same platform. This is being done in order to free up more capacity at Hyundai’s Alabama plant to build more Sonatas.

Source: Automotive News (http://www.autonews.com) 8/31/10

The IIHS adds the 2011 Buick Regal as another Top Safety Pick

Add another car to the list: the IIHS announced on Monday (8/30/10) that the 2011 Buick Regal earned its award as a “Top Safety Pick,” just as the 2011 Ford Fiesta did the week before. The 2011 Regal earned the award for achieving its “good” ratings for side, front, rollover, and rear impact protection. This must be good news for General Motors; any positive news it can get to help the Buick brand win buyers is a good thing, and it just may help bring more consumers into Buick showrooms across the U.S seeking a mid-sized car.

Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (www.iihs.org) 8/30/10

The Car Exam News #6A – The Ford Fiesta is a Top Safety Pick, the 2011 Toyota Highlander, Toyota recalls Corolla/Matrix & GM recalls the Pontiac Vibe

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The 2011 Ford Fiesta is an IIHS Top Safety Pick

The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) announced Wednesday that the 2011 Ford Fiesta sedan and hatchback earned its award for Top Safety Pick. The Fiesta is the first minicar to earn the Institute’s Top Safety Pick award since the Institute added a roof strength requirement for rollover protection, which is quite impressive.

However, it should be noted that the IIHS is only including Fiestas built after July 2010 because Ford made distinct design changes to increase the strength of the outside door handles in order to minimize the chance of doors opening in side impact crashes. If you are a consumer in the market for a Fiesta, you may wish to inspect the manufacturer’s tag on the car (probably somewhere on the door sill or opening on the driver’s side door) to find the manufacture date of the car—if having the enhanced Fiesta it of the utmost importance to you.

Source: IIHS.org (8/25/10)

Toyota debuts the 2011 Highlander at the Moscow Motor Show

Toyotainthenews.com is reporting that the 2011 Toyota Highlander made its debut at the Moscow Motor Show. Although it is not the U.S. version, it is closer to it and the U.S. model may get the same minor design changes: a new grille, headlights, hood and front facia (the 2010 U.S. model it pictured above). The 2011 Highlander should still have the same engine choices currently offered: a 187 hp, 2.7L four-cylinder engine, a 208 hp (156 kW) 3.3 liter Hybrid/V6 engine, and a 270 hp, 3.5-liter double overhead cam V6 engine. The 2011 Highlanders should go on sale soon.

Source: Toyotainthenews.com (8/26/10)

Toyota recalls the 2005-2008 Corolla and Matrix

The Christian Science Monitor is reporting that Toyota is recalling the 2005-2008 Corolla and Matrix due to engine stalling issues (improperly manufactured electronic control modules may engines to stall while the cars are moving). Apparently, Toyota has received about 1,000 complaints about the problem. Toyota should start contacting owners about a fix for the recalled cars by the middle of September.

Source: The Christian Science Monitor (8/26/10)

GM recalls the Pontiac Vibe, the mechanical twin of the Toyota Matrix for the same stalling issue

GM has to join the recall bandwagon with Toyota: AutoGuide.com is reporting that General Motors is recalling about 200,000 2005-2008 Pontiac Vibes for the same stalling issues that 1.1 million Toyota Corolla and Matrix models have been recalled for. Like Toyota, GM will notify Vibe owners in September when the Engine Control Modules (ECM) on their vehicles will be replaced. however, since Pontiac dealerships don’t exist anymore, Vibe owners will be instructed to take their cars to other GM dealerships to be repaired.

Source: AutoGuide.com (8/27/10)

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The Car Exam News #6 – The Ford Fiesta is a Top Safety Pick, the 2011 Toyota Highlander, Toyota recalls Corolla/Matrix

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The 2011 Ford Fiesta is an IIHS Top Safety Pick

The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) announced Wednesday that the 2011 Ford Fiesta sedan and hatchback earned its award for Top Safety Pick. The Fiesta is the first minicar to earn the Institute’s Top Safety Pick award since the Institute added a roof strength requirement for rollover protection, which is quite impressive.

However, it should be noted that the IIHS is only including Fiestas built after July 2010 because Ford made distinct design changes to increase the strength of the outside door handles in order to minimize the chance of doors opening in side impact crashes. If you are a consumer in the market for a Fiesta, you may wish to inspect the manufacturer’s tag on the car (probably somewhere on the door sill or opening on the driver’s side door) to find the manufacture date of the car—if having the enhanced Fiesta it of the utmost importance to you.

Source: IIHS.org (8/25/10)

Toyota debuts the 2011 Highlander at the Moscow Motor Show

Toyotainthenews.com is reporting that the 2011 Toyota Highlander made its debut at the Moscow Motor Show. Although it is not the U.S. version, it is closer to it and the U.S. model may get the same minor design changes: a new grille, headlights, hood and front facia (the 2010 U.S. model it pictured above). The 2011 Highlander should still have the same engine choices currently offered: a 187 hp, 2.7L four-cylinder engine, a 208 hp (156 kW) 3.3 liter Hybrid/V6 engine, and a 270 hp, 3.5-liter double overhead cam V6 engine. The 2011 Highlanders should go on sale soon.

Source: Toyotainthenews.com (8/26/10)

Toyota recalls the 2005-2008 Corolla and Matrix

The Christian Science Monitor is reporting that Toyota is recalling the 2005-2008 Corolla and Matrix due to engine stalling issues (improperly manufactured electronic control modules may engines to stall while the cars are moving). Apparently, Toyota has received about 1,000 complaints about the problem. Toyota should start contacting owners about a fix for the recalled cars by the middle of September.

Source: The Christian Science Monitor (8/26/10)

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The Car Exam Examines Electric Cars, Part 1: The Tesla Roadster

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The Tesla Roadster is an electric sports car Tesla hopes will bring electric cars into mainstream America. It is an attractively-styled two-seater powered by a 375 volt AC induction air-cooled electric motor with variable frequency drive. These are the performance numbers for the base model: 288 horsepower (215 kW) at 5,000-6,000 rpm, 273 lb-ft of torque at 0-5,400 rpm, and 0-60 miles-per-hour comes in at 3.9 seconds (the sport model adds 22 more lb-ft of torque at 0-5,100 rpm).

The Tesla Roadster’s battery is a lithium-ion battery with a whopping 6,831 individual cells. It has a range on a full charge of 245 miles, which should just be fine for around-town driving or a quick getaway to suburbs or destinations a bit further away. Charge time is 3.5 hours (an empty to fully-charged battery using the Tesla Home Connector–240 Volts and 70 Amps). Tesla states the battery should last for seven-years or 100,000 miles.

The price of admission to own Tesla Roadster is steep, however: the base model is $109,000 before the federal $7,500 tax credit; $101,000 after that. The Sport model bursts the piggy bank at $128,500 ($121,000 after the same tax credit).

The Tesla Roadster clearly isn’t meant to be an affordable sports car for Americans with moderate incomes. Tesla has a long road to climb. It will be building cars in the old NUMMI facility formerly jointly-owned by GM and Toyota. If Tesla can build and successfully sell enough cars (it also has a Sedan—the Model S—due to go on sale in 2012) and improve its battery technology, then it may find enough affluent buyers to make it a viable player in the U.S. auto market. Challenges remain, however and time will tell.

P. Scott

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The Car Exam Quick Quiz #21: The 2010 Mercedes Benz ML 350

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Good Grades: Pleasant exterior styling, comfortable seats, superb engine/transmission combination— the 3.5 liter, 268 horsepower V6 and the 7-speed automatic transmission work well together. At 4600 pounds, it surprisingly doesn’t feel like it is. The ML 350 drives like a muscle car. It feels and drives more powerful than it is. The Ml 350 feels quick and nimble, and it has good handling (and braking) as well. The ride feels a bit firm, but generally appropriate for the way it drives. The ML 350 seems better suited to paved roads than dirt trails. Out of all of the SUV’s I’ve driven to date, the ML 350 is the most fun by far.

Bad Grades: Stark-feeling, all-black interior on my tester was simply disappointing—put the Lexus RX 350 interior in this SUV, and this would really be a masterful vehicle. Also: too many buttons on the dashboard, an unimpressive navigation system, and less-than-stellar fuel economy (17 mpg city, 21 mpg highway).

Final Grade: If buyers want a fun-to-drive SUV, look no further than the Mercedes Benz ML 350. If you want better fuel economy, then choose the BlueTEC 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel engine—just don’t expect the driving fun you’ll get the 3.5 liter V6 model.

The Car Exam Grade: B/B+

Base MSRP: $45,700

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The Car Exam News #5 – August 14, 2010: Free national parks weekend and the Mustang Boss is back for 2012

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Free National Parks Entry Days–that’s this weekend!

Saturday and Sunday (August 14 and 15) are Free National Parks Entry Days–that’s this weekend! If you don’t have any plans for the weekend, that may be a good excuse to get out and enjoy the weekend. Go to: http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm for more information.

The Mustang Boss 302 Returns for 2012

Ford announced yesterday that the Mustang Boss 302 will return for the 2012 model year. Styling is based upon the original 1969 model with “C” stripes on the fenders, a beefier suspension, and its 5.0 liter V8 will pack 440 horsepower (28 hp more than the 2011 Mustang GT) and 380 lb.-ft. of torque (10 lb.-ft. less than the Mustang GT). There will also be a special Laguna Seca model, which will delete the rear seat and add a race-ready suspension.
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The Car Exam News #4 – August 12-14, 2010: GM says no to a mid-engined Corvette, Chrysler hopes to turn a profit—and GM does

No mid-engined Corvette from Chevrolet

GM officials say a mid-engined Corvette is not in the cards. This may have a great deal to do with development costs for such a car; while GM is doing better, it’s not out of the woods just yet. The Corvette needs to stay affordable, and financial commitment needed for such a change would be substantial. A hybrid Corvette maybe in Chevrolet’s plans, though, but time will tell.

Source: Automotive News (www.autonews.com) 8/11/10

GM turns a profit–and Whitacre prepares to leave

Speaking of General Motors, the company reported that it made a second-quarter net income of $1.3 billion dollars. This is good news for a company that needs to continue to become profitable–especially if it wants to get out from under government control anytime soon and shed its “Government Motors” label. GM also announced that Ed Whitacre will be stepping down as CEO on September 1, and will be replaced by Daniel Akerson. Whitacre will stay on as Chairman until December 31.

Source: Autoweek.com (8/12/10)

Chrysler hopes to turn a profit

Chrysler is hopeful that new products will begin to help the struggling automaker return to profitability. Chrysler has several new products like the 2011 jeep Grand Cherokee, the upcoming redesigned Dodge Charger and the Fiat 500 in the mix, Chrysler desperately needs new and improved vehicles to get customers in the showrooms.

Source: news.yahoo.com (8/7/10)

The Car Exam News #4 – August 12, 2010: GM says no to a mid-engined Corvette, plus GM and Chrysler news

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No mid-engined Corvette from Chevrolet

GM officials say a mid-engined Corvette is not in the cards. This may have a great deal to do with development costs for such a car; while GM is doing better, it’s not out of the woods just yet. The Corvette needs to stay affordable, and the financial commitment needed for such a change would be substantial. A hybrid Corvette maybe in Chevrolet’s plans, though, but time will tell.

Source: Automotive News (www.autonews.com) 8/11/10

GM turns a profit–and Whitacre prepares to leave

Speaking of General Motors, the company reported that it made a second-quarter net income of $1.3 billion dollars. This is good news for a company that needs to continue to become profitable–especially if it wants to get out from under government control anytime soon and shed its “Government Motors” label. GM also announced that Ed Whitacre will be stepping down as CEO on September 1, and will be replaced by Daniel Akerson. Whitacre will stay on as Chairman until December 31.

Source: Autoweek.com (8/12/10)

Chrysler hopes to turn a profit

Chrysler is hopeful that new products will begin to help the struggling automaker return to profitability. Chrysler has several new products like the 2011 jeep Grand Cherokee, the upcoming redesigned Dodge Charger and the Fiat 500 in the mix, Chrysler desperately needs new and improved vehicles to get customers in the showrooms.

Source: news.yahoo.com (8/7/10)

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The Car Exam News – Edition #3: August 11, 2010 – Honda recalls some models, better MPG for F-150, and The Car Exam’s upcoming series on electric cars

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Honda is recalling some models due to roll away risk

Honda announced Monday that it is recalling about 400,000 vehicles (the 2003 Honda Accord and Civic models, as well as the 2003 through 2004 Element)due to concerns that their ignition interlocks could fail, which could allow the vehicles to roll away. This is a result of a two-year investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

In September of 2008, NHTSA began the investigation of the Honda models after getting 15 complaints that alleged 10 crashes, and last month after the lengthy investigation, the NHTSA and Honda agreed that there was problem with those models (only one minor injury has been reported, though). Honda will begin notifying owners in September when their cars can be repaired.

Source: The Detroit News (8/9/10)

2011 Ford F-150 pickups to gain 20% better MPG than 2010 models

Ford announced today its 2011 F-150 Pickup line up will have 20% better MPG than the outgoing 2010 models. The 2011 F-150 series will have the following choices of engines: a 3.7-liter, 300 hp V6; a 5.0-liter, 360 hp V8; a 6.2-liter, 411 hp V8 with 434 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm–it can tow a 11,500 lb trailer; and a twin-turbocharged EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6 (horsepower and torque ratings not yet available). A six-speed automatic transmission will be standard in the F-150 on all engines.

Source: Breitbart.com (8/11/10)

Upcoming: The Car Exam Examines Electric Cars

Coming soon, The Car Exam will begin a multiple-part series on electric cars. The Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf, and the Tesla Roadster will be covered, which one of the three may be most practical right now, and why they may have difficulty grabbing a strong foothold in the market place. Stay tuned!

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The Car Exam News – Edition #2: August 9, 2010 – New vehicles from GM, and good news for Ford

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New Vehicles on the horizon from General Motors

According to the Automotive News (www.autonews.com), General Motors is getting ready to tackle the next round of $4.00 per gallon price hikes (whenever that happens) by preparing to sell a number of new, fuel efficient small cars across its product range during the next three to four years: Chevrolet (the Aveo in 2011; the Spark in 2012), GMC (the Granite- a small, car-based truck-possibly in 2014), Buick (the Verano, in 2012), as well as Cadillac (the ATS–possibly in 2013 04 2014). Don’t forget about the Chevrolet Cobalt Replacement, the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze (see photo above), which should make its debut later this year. GM will also be designing) its larger models to produce better fuel economy, too.

Source: Automotive News 8/9/10

Good News for Ford

The Wall Street Journal (online.wsj.com) is reporting that Ford’s profits may be moving higher. Ford has reshaped the company by streamlining its business. It cut costs, sold Land Rover, Volvo and Jaguar in recent years and vastly improved its product quality (which reduces warranty costs and helps resale values rise). However, Ford will losing some money in the second half of 2010 because it is discontinuing the Mercury brand. Nevertheless, Ford has introduced some successful vehicles (the 2010/2011 Mustang (insert photo), 2010 F-150, 2010 Taurus and the 2011 Fiesta, for example) and it has more new vehicles on the way (the Focus, as well as the Explorer, just to name a few). Ford will also be bringing new Lincoln models to the market soon, fortifying that lineup.

Source: The Wall Street Journal Online 8/8/10

Photos by P. Scott