April 2, 2013April 2, 2013 zoomvroom Car Culture, World News

Crash-Test Dummies Now Have Genders!

Even though it has been about a year since female crash-test dummies came onto the crash test scene, the news passed many of us by. Had it not been for the comment of reader, I probably wouldn’t have thought to write a post on it. I just know what the ladies in my family are saying…

In the 1950s and 1960s, crash-test regulations were relatively relaxed. Ralph Nader (the man who wrote Unsafe at Any Speed) was one of many who argued that the government should focus more on redesigning the cars, not simply training and policing drivers. These efforts payed off in 1966 with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, which kicked off America’s now tough safety rules. Automakers hated this act, along with Standard 201 (which basically said that occupants of a car weren’t injured in the first part of the collision, they were actually injured when they hit the interior of the car). I have family members who can attest to that fact. The automakers said that it was against the rules of physics, even though they knew that it wasn’t.

One of the things that the automakers pushed back against was the fact that Standard 201 required NHTSA to test the cars with at least two different-sized dummies. These two dummies were supposed to show the wide range of the human form. The larger dummies were 95th percentile dummies (meaning that only 5 percent of America’s men were larger than the dummy), and the smaller dummies were 5th percentile female dummies. The 95th percentile dummies were around from 1949 and Sierra Sam (the result of a contract with the U.S. Air Force).

The automakers didn’t want to have to spend more money on testing with the 5th percentile dummies. They argued that there was no such dummy. It would take far too long to develop one, and who would know what it would like?

The fed’s regulators were beaten back when they were revising Standard 201 in 1967. Hard. The automakers were happy when they learned that the regulators had lost out when they couldn’t meet many criteria and rules. But, the regulators won out with the fact that there were different-sized dummies.

But, 1973 turned out to be a bad year. First, the oil crisis happened, then the previous rules for the crash-test dummies were thrown into the shredder. The new crash-test dummy was a 50th percentile male dummy – basically the average American guy. This “guy” was called Hybrid II. Hybrid II would be our only crash-test dummy until 2011.

2011 changed everything for Hybrid II. He lost his buddy in the passenger seat, but he did get a lady. Because of the fact that the average American man was standing in for us for so long, a lot of women were injured quite differently than the guy. Why? Because they may have been shorter. Height can make the difference between life and death for a lady in a car crash. If the airbag was designed for the average guy who is about six feet, then the airbag will hit them in the chest, and create a cushion around their entire body. However, shorter women can hit the airbag chin first. This can cause severe spinal injuries to these women.

In testing with female crash-test dummies, NHTSA found that these female dummies were three times as likely to be severely injured or killed in the event of a crash than Hybrid II. Also, the female dummy is about the same size as a 12-13 year-old child. The female dummy is a petite 108 pounds, and a whopping 4′ 11″. Hybrid II is 5-foot 9, and 172 pounds. Safety activist groups are now pushing NHTSA to also make a dummy that mimics the crash responses of the elderly and ever-increasing obese populations.

However, NHTSA started out with cars that appeal to women, like minivans. Data from the North American Trade Agreement shows that there is a large influx of women driving the popular Honda CR-V. NHTSA is now testing vehicles with both gender dummies. However, women should remember that these female crash test dummies are only sitting in the passenger seat.

Much progress has been made, with much more to go. I have a mom, sister, and grandma – all of whom drive. Let’s make driving safe for everyone.

January 22, 2013 zoomvroom Car Reviews, New car info, The History of Autos, World News

The Last of It’s Breed.

Ford’s Mustang has just received it’s last major update. I’ll give you a short (ish) list of all the major updates of this generation of the Mustang.

2003: Two concept cars are shown at every major auto show across the country, with much hype.

2005: The Fifth-generation Mustang is unveiled at the North American International Auto Show. It has a 210-horsepower 4.0 liter V6 with 240 lb-ft of torque. The other engine is a 4.6 liter, 300-horsepower, 320 lb-ft V8. Either of these engines can be had in a convertible body style or a coupe body style. The available transmissions are a Tremec five-speed manual, or a Ford-built five-speed automatic.

2006: The Pony Package is available for the V6 Mustang only. It includes: an upgraded suspension derived from the GT, 17-inch wheels with wider, nicer tires (also from the GT), a rear deck spoiler, unique door striping and emblems, and a unique grille design with fog lamps. The GT-based Shelby GT-H is tuned by Shelby North America to have 319 horsepower and almost 350 lb-ft of torque. The GT-H is only available for rent through Hertz. It is a nod to the 1966 “Rent-A-Racer” program, where one could rent a Shelby GT350H for the day. 500 are made in 2006. Two years later, another run of 500 was tuned.

2007: Ford Custom Accessories introduces a new model at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The V6 Appearance Package has a lot going for it (it is now considered a collector’s car). The equipment that comes with it is: a chrome billet-style upper grille, body-color side scoops, a black satin front lip spoiler, GT hood scoop (not functional), bright rolled exhaust tips, black satin hood stripe, unique decklid spoiler applique, GT black satin decklid applique, upgraded black floor mats, and 18-inch premium polished aluminum wheels. Ford introduces a GT California Special that hearkens back to the 1968 Mustang GT California Special. The package is now considered a collector’s item. The package adds non-functional side scoops, 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, and unique vinyl striping.

In 2008, Ford re-introduced the Bullitt model, after a seven-year hiatus. It was available in Dark Highland Green or Midnight Black paint. The Bullitt model was so reminiscent of the car used in the 1968 Steve McQueen movie, Bullitt, that the aging McQueen bought one. Peter Egan of Car & Driver owned one until 2011.

The 2009 model year for the Mustang was certainly exciting. The Mustang turned 45, so Ford came out with a special 45th Anniversary Edition. It had the same functional equipment as the GT model but came with a lot more. This model came with special badging of a Mustang colt. It also had a hood scoop, rear spoiler, the Ambient Lighting Package and special 17 inch polished aluminum wheels. Also, the Iacocca Silver 45th Edition was introduced. 45 custom units were built. They have custom bodies built by Gaffaglio Family Metalcrafters of Southern California, but retain the stock running gear from the GT. Lee Iacocca was given unit one of forty-five. One unit was sold for $352,000 at a Barrett-Jackson auction.

The 2010 GT receives an update to it’s engine, bringing 15 much-needed horsepower and more torque. The transmissions remain unchanged, but the AdvanceTrac stability control system is now standard. It has a new Sport Mode that allows for more spirited driving. Nothing new for the V6, except for the AdvanceTrac updates. Also, there is a new Track Pack gives the car a sportier edge. It includes larger brake pads (front and rear), Pirelli summer tires, stabilizer bars and rear control towers from the GT500, a recalibrated AdvanceTrac stability control system, and an aggressive 3.73:1 rear axle ratio with carbon fiber plates in the differential.

2011: Desperately in need of a major update, the Mustang is taken into the stable for new guts. It receives two new engines: a 305-horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque Duratec V6 engine. The GT finally gets a true 5.0 liter engine. The 4951 cc engine pumps out a hearty 412 horsepower and an impressive 390 lb-ft of torque. The transmissions are now a Getrag six-speed manual, and a new six-speed automatic. Badging on the new models is not as much as before. One of the ways to tell a GT from a V6 model is to check just ahead of the doors. If a V8, it will have a “5.0” badge. V6 models have none.

2012: Not much has happened yet for the Mustang, but there are some highlights: The historic Boss 302 is back in action! Built for road racing, the “base” Boss 302 is bloody fast. It seats four, has a six-speed manual transmission, has 444 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque (down 10 lb-ft on the GT), and has Pirelli P-Zero summer tires. The Boss 302 Laguna Seca Edition is truly THE car that Chevy and Mopar should be chasing. It has the same amount of horsepower and torque as the “base” 302, but loses it’s rear seat. IF you are wanting a fast car for SCCA racing, check out the Laguna Seca. It is more expensive, but a lot more fun than a Mazda Miata…Initially, only 750 units were going to be built, but now it is in regular production.

2013 (model year): All models have unique “blacked-out” taillights that blend in better to the car when not in use. The GT models also get functional heat extractors and fog lamps in the grille. Plus, GT models get an extra eight horsepower, bringing the total to 420 horsepower. Torque remains the same. The new GT Premium model is the last major update for the fifth-generation of the Mustang. One can easily call it the “Boss for a Smaller Budget.” Why? HID (high-intensity-discharge) headlights, a new front look with those cool new heat extractors, Ford’s cool new Track Apps (tracking track times, fuel economy, stuff like that), scalloped taillights, and those eight more rearing-to-go horses. Since this pony is truly the last of it’s breed, enjoy the powerful engine, cheaper price than the Boss 302 and GT500 while you can. One can expect to see resale values of the 2013 GT Premium shoot up in the next few years. You can see my idea of a perfect GT Premium with the attached link. Please send in your idea of a perfect GT Premium – I’d like to see it! http://bp3.ford.com/2013-Ford-Mustang?branding=1&lang=en#/MakeItYours/Config%5B%7CFord%7CMustang%7C2013%7C1%7C1.%7C401A.P8C..HD…8R3Z-63132A08-AC.~YZKAA.59G.44X.GT.COU.PRE.51S.55R.%5D

Oh, and the GT Premium comes in the convertible bodystyle! Double VROOM!

December 3, 2012 zoomvroom Car Reviews, New car info, World News

Audi’s Allroad is Back and Hungry!

Just six years ago, any potential buyer for a family-friendly Audi station wagon could choose between the: A4 Avant (wagon in German), A6 Avant, or the A6-based Allroad. The Allroad was slightly higher than the A4 and A6 Avant’s, and was more fun to drive (but notoriously unreliable).

Determined NOT to let Volvo get out of sight, Audi has re-introduced the Allroad. This time, it is based on the very reliable A4 platform. Even though the A4 is a smaller car than the A6, the Allroad is actually a bit bigger than the older model. It’s engine is much less powerful than the mighty 250 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque twin-turbo, 2.7-liter V6. The 300 horsepower, 280 lb-ft of torque V8 is still much more powerful than the much more fuel-efficient 2.0 liter turbo four cylinder that pumps out 211 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Also, the ride-height-adjustable air suspension isn’t available on the new model. But, Audi has raised the A4-based Allroad 1.5 inches, compared with the normal A4 Avant. Plus, it borrows the A5 coupe/convertible’s one-inch wider track, front and rear. To keep the new Allroad competitive, Audi changed the tire size from a 245/40/18 to a 245/45/18. You can still get the 245/40/18’s on optional 19-inch wheels. Audi predicts most buyers will stick with the 245/45/18’s. Audi has also changed the final driv ratio to compensate for the tall tires.

Even though those various mechanical bits are very exciting, Audi has to protect them. So, stainless-steel skidplates come standard on the Allroad. There’s also enough plastic cladding around both the bumpers to make a Tupperware jealous. For those who don’t want to look like their car belongs to yet another Bear Grylls fan, Audi will paint all that plastic cladding body color for just $1,000 (it’s worth it to look rugged on the Allroad…)!

Inside the Allroad, the interior is pretty much the same as the outgoing A4. But, some materials have been upgraded. The electronics are state-of-the-art. The MMI navigation and infotainment system can be had with a T-Mobile SIM card that wirelessly connects to Google Maps. This will add $15 to $30 to your monthly payment, but the graphics and navigation are on par with the high-end private jets. This little SIM card also allows for weather information, points of interest, and a few other features. It’s well worth that extra money.

The Audi Allroad really doesn’t have much competition. It’s only real competition is the Volvo XC70, which Motor Trend last tested way back in 2008. The 235-horsepower, inline-six cylinder powered Volvo may look WAY cheaper on paper, but it doesn’t come with: all-wheel-drive, navigation, leather interior, sunroof, and power seats (all of which are standard on the $40,900 Audi), you’ve added almost SEVEN THOUSAND dollars to the Volvo’s $33,825 base price. Now, the Audi seems like a pretty good deal…

Even though the Allroad is bigger than the old model, it doesn’t feel like it inside. Audi has always been in the top five for safety, and the Allroad is no exception. All of its safety equipment seems to take away a lot of interior space. While there isn’t much room in the back seat, you can go for a few hundred miles sitting on very comfortable seats, knowing that all the airbags in the back will protect you from death. In comparison, the Volvo is bigger, being about five inches longer and wider. But, the Volvo has about 350 pounds on the Audi (which isn’t a lightweight either).

At Motor Trend‘s test track, the whole test crew was impressed at how fast the chunky (ish) Audi is. The Quattro all-wheel-drive system puts down all of those 258 lb-ft of torque with a lot of ease. Since the Allroad is more focused towards touring, it doesn’t have the rear-wheel biased feel as the A4 Avant. Instead, the center differential of the Quattro all-wheel-drive system has a 50/50% torque distribution. Surprisingly, there is very little brake dive and body role in the Allroad. The electro-mechanical steering may be a bit light feeling, but responds to a command almost instantly. Michael Febbo of Motor Trend would like to see Audi Drive Select become an option on the Allroad someday. Also, an Allroad S with the supercharged 3.0 liter V6 from the S4 would be nice.

But, the Allroad is still a pretty quick station wagon. 0-60 in 6.5 seconds may not seem like a lot, but it is for a station wagon. The Volvo XC70 hits 60 in a leisurely 8.9 seconds. In the quarter mile, the chunky Swede falls far behind, with a run of 16.7 seconds at 87.9 miles per hour. The Audi will do the quarter mile in 15 seconds flat at 92.4 miles per hour. That’s pretty fast for a station wagon.

The Allroad will go just about 90% of the places a CUV (compact utility vehicle) will go. That’s pretty good for a station wagon. It also handles like a station wagon (still pretty fu n to drive), looks like a CUV, and is a good car. Overall, the Allroad is a good car for a family of four who is outdoorsy and needs some four-wheel-drive capability, without having to sacrifice the fuel economy and sport touring gains of a station wagon. I’d recommend it to almost anybody in the market for a $40,000 station wagon. Also, it’s a good compromise for automotive journalists who will miss the two station wagons and one hatchback option. As I said before, it’s a great car. How about this as a replacement to the old family car?

October 31, 2012 zoomvroom World News

Fisker Has a Problem…

Due to the relentless pounding on the Jersey Shore, at least twelve Fisker Karmas became good friends with the ocean last night. According to an eyewitness report from Jalopnik.com, these twelve or thirteen Karmas turned into car bombs. Four other Karmas were caught up in the fire. Fisker says that the cause of the fire is unknown, yet somebody with a good idea of chemistry (like me!) knows that lithium-ion and salt water aren’t very good friends…Fisker announced that severe damage to the dock restricted their access. However, this is yet one more string of bad news for Fisker, as the battery manufacturer, A123 Systems, recently filed for bankruptcy. All I can say is they had some bad Karma (no pun intended…)

August 29, 2012 zoomvroom Recall Alert!, World News

Slow CODA Sales AND a recall?

Slow sales is never a good thing. Unless the product is a niche product. With CODA, the tiny start-up electric car company based out of Los Angeles, CA, sales have been slow. Horribly slow.

CODA’s been mum about sales figures since March (when the cars started showing up in the showrooms). But, NHTSA recently recalled ALL CODA vehicles. CODA won’t tell how many that is, but it seems that CODA has only sold about 78 (if that much) units since March. The recall will fix a side-airbag problem: The airbags may or may not deploy in the event of a crash. Why? Because they were not installed properly in Benicia, CA. Oops. This could mean life or death for CODA. Here’s to hoping there’s no more problems with the car.

August 25, 2012 zoomvroom The History of Autos, World News

One of the World’s Oldest Luxury Automobile Makers is 110 (and two days)!

Happy Birthday to you, Cadillac! 110 years and two days ago, Cadillac was formed by Henry Leland. Henry Leland took the remnants of the Henry Ford Company, and started Cadillac. 110 years and two days later, Cadillac is still very much a part of the luxury automobile industry. In honor of the 110th anniversary of Caddy, here is a list of the top five coolest Cadillacs from Motor Trend. After that, I will add about one or two to the list. Feel free to comment with your favorite Caddy. I can’t wait to see what your favorites are!

1937 Cadillac Phaeton model 5859 — Look up classic beauty in the dictionary, and you’ll see an image of the custom-built 1937 Cadillac Fleetwood V-16 shown here. The Phaeton model 5859 was built by coachbuilder Fran Roxas who relied on the original blueprints of Cadillac designer John Hampshire. The original sketches of the powerful V-16 car served as inspiration for the Ciel concept car.

1937 Cadillac Phaeton model 5859

1949 Cadillac— The 1949 Cadillac was a major step forward for the company, as the outgoing car’s ancient L-head V-8 was replaced by a flathead V-8 that put out 10 more horsepower (160 versus 150). The new engine was about 200 pounds lighter, revved higher, and got better fuel mileage. The Cadillac was also named as Motor Trend’s very first Car of the Year!

1949 Cadillac Series 62 Club Coupe

1959 Cadillac Eldorado — This beauty incorporated new styling, with sharp and massive tailfins that have gone down in automotive history. Its twin-bullet taillights, and jewel-like grille added to its appeal, and let’s not forget its name translates to “the golden one” in Spanish.

1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz Convertible

Cadillac Ciel concept — The Cadillac Ciel is just a concept, but it’s still one of the most gorgeous cars we’ve ever seen wearing the brand’s logo.

The Ciel concept stunned spectators at Pebble Beach last year with its effortless combination of strong retro themes with Cadillac’s current design language. The four-door convertible wears rear-hinged “suicide” doors, and is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.6 liter V-6 mated to a hybrid all-wheel-drive drivetrain producing an estimated 425 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque.

Cadillac CTS-V (second generation) — Where do we even begin? The CTS-V is fast, has a wonderfully composed chassis, and looks like a million bucks on the road. How do we know? We had a CTS-V in our garage for a year, and nearly everyone who got seat time with the beast fell in love.

2009 Cadillac CTS-V

Here’s my list of MY favorite Cadillacs:

2003 Cadillac CTS: The 2003 Caddy CTS was a game-changer for Cadillac. This was one of Cadillac’s darkest days, and the CTS is really what saved Cadillac from becoming limos. It was the first sporty Cadillac since the mid-50’s. This is a beautiful car that deserves a lot of recognition. Over 300,000 were sold before production ended for the first generation in 2008.

2003 Cadillac CTS

Cadillac Escalade: All three generations. The Cadillac Escalade was introduced for the 1999 model year in response to the Lincoln Navigator, the Mercedes-Benz ML320/350/500, and the Lexus RX300. The first generation didn’t sell well. The second generation sold very well. Money was looser than it is now. People bought Escalades because they could. The third generation is currently the best-selling Cadillac of the 21st Century. According to the National Highway Loss Administration, the Cadillac Escalade is the most-stolen vehicle in the U.S.

1999 Cadillac Escalade

P.S. Google Images is always a good place to find nice pictures of a Caddy that you want to attach for the comment.

August 23, 2012 zoomvroom Car Reviews, New car info, World News

The Ferocious New Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Attacks Yet Again!

Ford and Carroll Shelby both shared one awesome wish: to build a production Mustang that would reach at least 200 mph, yet be tame enough to drive around town. Their wish finally came true, and Carroll Shelby lived to see it happen!

The all-new, epic-cool Mustang GT500 weighs almost 3850 pounds (down by almost 50 from last year’s model), can do burnouts 24/7, reach 205 mph in 5th gear (as Ford claims), have almost as much torque as a Dodge Ram 2500 with the optional Cummins Turbodiesel, and get 18 mpg. That’s gonna be kinda hard for Chevy and Dodge to beat. It has more horsepower than the 638-horsepower Chevy Corvette ZR1, and makes ten MORE horsepower than the new Dodge Viper! Plus, it gets pretty much the same gas mileage as a Challenger R/T.

To handle all that ludicrous power, Ford had to beef up the Tremec TR60 transmission to a 3.31:1 final drive ratio. Because of all that power pounding the ground, Ford has HUGE brakes that have a 14 INCH diameter on the front. The brakes are Brembo vented disc brakes with a six-piston caliper. The back is almost as scary, with 11.8 inch vented discs with one piston calipers. That’s what you’ll need when you need to stop from 205 mph on the Interstate 5…

The massive supercharged 5.8 liter engine was first fired up in late December. It took almost two months of constant tuning to get the engine power consistent in power delivery. The supercharger is the same one that GM uses on their blown LS9 Corvette engine. That supercharger is an Eaton TVS Series 2300 supercharger. Ford’s SVT (Special Vehicle Team) engineers went a bit crazy (in a very, very good way!) by cross-drilling the block and heads. The camshaft profiles were updated, along with many other changes including making the block all-aluminum and carbon fiber. They also added a larger cooling fan, a higher-flowing intercooler pump, and a much larger intercooler heat exchanger. All of this contributes to the 200+ mph top speed (UNGOVERNED) of the GT500!

Ford states that the new GT500’s engine is the most powerful production V8 in the world. Of course, the ridiculously fast Koenigsegg Agera R and SSC Aero TT both best 650 horsepower, delivering well over 1000 horsepower EACH! But, if you define production as mass production, Ford’s strong statement DOES ring true. The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is faster, lighter, seats two, has only 638 horsepower, yet 604 lb-ft of torque (four more than the GT500).

Just about anybody who has driven the previous GT500 will tell you that it had WAY too much power for the tranny to put down at one time. Ford apparently realized this large problem and ditched the ancient 3.55:1 final drive ratio in favor of a better 3.31:1 final drive ratio. The 0-60 times of the old GT500 were often electronically limited, and were not much faster than the less powerful GT. SVT also optimized every gear except fourth to get maximum power down to the ground as quickly as possible. To keep the transmission from burning out too quickly, SVT added a dual-disc clutch and a carbon-fiber driveshaft.

For those interested in beating a Camaro ZL1 on a road course should get the optional Performance Package, which adds a Torsen limited-slip differential, and an SVT-designed Bilstein suspension system. The suspension has electronically adjustable dampers with two driver-selectable modes: Normal and Sport. Normal will allow more comfort on the underfunded roads of the U.S., while Sport tightens up the suspension, basically eliminating body roll in corners at track days.

The Track Package is also available when you click the Performance Package option. The Track Package further adds onto the Performance Package by adding an: external engine cooler, rear differential cooler, and a transmission cooler to fight heat soak at track days. The seemingly chubby 3850 pound GT500 rides on second Generation Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar tires that are positioned on 19-inch front and 20-inch rear forged aluminum wheels.

Because of an all-new Mustang coming out for the Mustang’s 50th anniversary in 2015, this will most likely be the last major update for this amazingly successful pony. Here’s to hoping that there will be an AMAZING 2018 Mustang GT500 (as 2018 will be the 50th birthday of the GT500)! See ya suckas! VROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

Here’s the link to the Ford website (which does have the Mustang GT500).

http://www.ford.com/cars/mustang/

August 10, 2012 zoomvroom World News

Is This a Hint of What Will Come?

I’m not sure if you’ve seen the latest batches of pictures that Porsche recently released of the 918 prototype, you were likely scratching your head. Why? Because Porsche initially painted this forthcoming supercar in a bland black-and-white paint pattern based upon the historic Martini Racing colors. Well that color experiment went belly up. Porsche repainted. Check out the Martini Racing inspired color choice. Here is a sneak peek, and you’re in some very good luck…

Porsche 918 Spyder in Martini Racing Colors

This photo was taken by a Porsche photographer at the Nürburgring racetrack, where it was doing many grueling laps. Porsche has been pretty much mum about releasing technical information about the 918 recently. Us car enthusiasts can only wait until September 18, 2013 (9/18!), when Porsche will release this lovely car. Here’s to hoping that Porsche will do what Ford did with the GT: Replicate the old factory racing livery colors on the production 918.

P.S. Is it just me, or does this possibly herald a new era of Porsche competing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans? I encourage you to watch the Steve McQueen movie, Le Mans. I also encourage you to remember the following thought; I’d LOVE for my loyal subscribers to buy me one when it comes out (it is expected to go for approximately $1.4)… I don’t want to disappoint you by not showing you a picture of one of the historic Porsche 917’s:

July 25, 2012 zoomvroom Recall Alert!, Vehicle repair, World News

Be Careful Driving These Cars!

For those of you who own a 2009-2010 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup and/or a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, listen and listen good!

The 2009-10 Dodge Ram 1500 has a problem where the variable-speed gears in the rear end will stop turning (mostly at highway speeds), causing the rear wheels to lock up. Several people have complained to NHTSA about the rear wheels locking up while on the highway and their truck spinning out. Of course, NHTSA started investigating, and found out that there is a small software glitch that tells the gears to stop spinning. This means that up to 230,000 Ram 1500 pickups will be recalled. The closest dealer will fix the truck for free!

With the amazing new Jeep Grand Cherokee, everything seemed fine until somebody called Jeep to tell them that a fire had just occurred. Jeep, not expecting something like that, called NHTSA almost immediately. NHTSA found out that the power-steering fluid hoses can leak onto the hot engine, which could start a fire! If you take your 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (with any engine) to your local dealer, it will be fixed with heavy-duty hoses.

Not only is this bad for Mopar’s reputation, but it could also cause (hopefully) false concern about the rest of the product line that SRT, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram sell. Let’s hope that the problems are limited to these two vehicles. If you want any more information, you can go to: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/defect/results.cfm for the Grand Cherokee, or http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/defect/results.cfm for the Ram 1500

June 27, 2012 zoomvroom Car Reviews, New car info, World News

The Otherworldly Tesla Model S Blows Away the Competition (in Terms of Pricing and Performance…)!

Elon Musk’s Space-X commerical rocket just successfully docked with the International Space Station earlier this month. This means that (hopefully) we will be able to go into space and see the wonders of the Universe right before our eyes. Back here on Earth, there is a car that will make us feel like astronauts of our own – the Tesla Model S.

The Model S (should stand for Model Superb) starts at just under $97,000, and will take you all the way up to $110,000 before you start clicking option boxes! But, it’s worth it. The car will catapult you to 60 mph in a seemingly slow 5.6 seconds , and take you an amazing 300 MILES per charge! That makes the 100-mile range of the Nissan LEAF seem like absolutely NOTHING (which it is…)!

As of December 2012, Tesla will be finished installing “Supercharger” charging units by the roadside for the Model S, upcoming Model X, and current Roadster. These Superchargers will put 150 miles of charge into the depleted batteries in just 1/2 an hour! But, they’ll only be between key cities. The Model S will accelerate a ’69 Pontiac GTO Judge with the Ram Air IV package from 60 mph to 80 mph. That’s really fast. “Luxury” models stop going any faster than 110 mph, but a “Performance” model will take you all the way to 130 blistering mph!

The Tesla Model S may have some bad rear seat lateral support, comfort and space, but sometimes stuff like that just can’t be helped. But, the slingshot-like performance, standard equipment levels, and styling that should send Fisker Automotive (the one and only competitor to the Model S as of now) back to the drawing board. If you have the money, want to look cool drag racing a Ford Mustang GT (which you should beat), and have four (or six with the optional rear-facing seat for kids) slack-jawed passengers, I suggest buying this car while it lasts. If you don’t have $96,500, go for the Fisker Karma, which goes for just a tad over $83,000. But, you won’t look as cool as you would in a Model S, would you?

Now, I’ve got to answer possibly the hardest question that I’ve ever faced: IS the Tesla Model S the best car in the world? My answer: No. That honor goes to the Pagani Huayra. However, the Tesla Model S is probably the third or fourth best. But, it is the best ELECTRIC car built. Now I’ve REALLY got to start getting PAID for all the yard work I do, Mom!