Author: Jon Yanca

With Toyota’s unintended-acceleration woes still a hot topic, the company received another blow yesterday when Consumer Reports issued a “Don’t Buy: Safety Risk” warning for the 2010 Lexus GX460. After running the luxury SUV through one of its emergency-handling testing procedures, CR found that the rear of the GX slid out much too far, nearly 90 degrees, before the electronic stability-control system brought the skid under control.

Lexus yesterday responded by saying it was looking into the issue and then later in the day issued a stop-sale notice to its dealers, offering loaner cars to GX owners until the issue can be resolved. So while the rest of the media was whipping up its usual frenzy of drama and general fear, we gave CR a call to find out more about this specific test and hear firsthand about the publication’s experience with the GX460.

We spoke with senior automotive engineer Jake Fisher and he explained that each vehicle CR evaluates is put through a series of tests that include those with constant parameters, such as slaloms and acceleration runs, as well as others indicative of real-world responses—CR calls them “elicit reaction” tests—to a given scenario. The test that the GX460 failed was of the latter type. While the GX made it through CR’s coned handling course (similar to our lane-change test) without incident, it failed one portion of a test where the testers attempted to emulate a driver who has entered a corner with too much speed.

In this particular test, the GX was driven down a straightaway at 60–65 mph and steered into a decreasing-radius turn that the SUV could only safely negotiate at a maximum of 50 mph. CR’s testers then emulated various responses by either braking, turning abruptly, or lifting off of the throttle. The vehicle behaved normally and the stability control intervened satisfactorily in the first two cases, but not in the third. The last action caused the rear to lose traction as a result of forward weight transfer, inducing what is called “lift-throttle oversteer,” one of the things stability control is intended to prevent. All four of CR’s test engineers were able to reproduce the response, concluding that the GX460’s stability control allows the vehicle to get too far sideways before the stability control collects it, which could lead to all manner of bad things, such as a rollover if a wheel falls off the road or strikes a curb.

Stability-control software programming could be the cause of (and therefore solution to) the issue, but it’s entirely possible that the fix could require hardware changes. The same day CR tested the GX, it also ran the 2010 Toyota 4Runner through the same exercises. The 4Runner and GX share a platform as well as many components, but the 4Runner didn’t have the same issue with any portion of the test, safely understeering during the lift-throttle situation. The two big differences between the SUVs? Tire compound and rear suspension hardware. The GX460 is available with two different tires, one made form a harder compound than the 4Runner’s rubber and one made from a softer compound than that found on the Toyota. If the GX in question was on the hardest possible compound, it’s possible that lower levels of grip could be to blame; that tire may slide a bit more than the stability-control system is programmed to deal with. (We’re checking back with CR to determine the tires worn by their test vehicles.) It’s also important to note that the 4Runner uses coil springs at all four corners while the GX460 is equipped with adaptive, adjustable air springs in the rear, which could account for a difference in transient response.

But if you’re one of the approximately 5000 owners of a new 2010 GX, do the results of CR’s test justify a major-league freak-out? Just like the unintended-acceleration fiasco, probably not. It’s important to note a few things here. First, as reported by CR, there have been no known rollover problems with the GX under normal conditions. Second, Fisher told us that in the two other non-lift-throttle runs through the same test, the GX460’s stability control acted quickly and appropriately. Finally, while it’s great that CR has noted this issue with the GX—and we certainly think the stability control should be more effective in preventing lift-throttle oversteer—drivers of top-heavy SUVs, or any vehicle for that matter, are ultimately responsible for knowing the physical limitations of their vehicles and driving accordingly. No matter how familiar or unfamiliar a person is with a road or individual corner, it’s on them if they’re driving too fast for both the vehicle and conditions. So don’t do that.

Related posts:

1. 2010 Lexus GX460 – First Drive Review
2. 2010 Lexus GX460 – Short Take Road Test
3. Toyota Announces Details and Pricing on Safety Connect, Lexus Enform Services

It has long been speculated that Ford would offer a variation of its turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 engine in the F-150, and now it’s official.

In a release touting the latest four-cylinder EcoBoost offerings planned in the European C-Max, 2011 Edge, and the next Explorer, Ford said it has retooled the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 for rear-wheel-drive application in the F-150. The engine is expected to launch by the end of this year and the marketing department is surely readying its campaign as Ford says the 3.5-liter will offer best-in-class fuel economy with the power and tow rating of a V-8. No other details have been released, but be on the lookout for a slow and prolonged trickle of power ratings and official fuel-mileage numbers.

Additionally, Ford announced that is has upped its overall expected EcoBoost engine production. By 2013, the Dearborn-based automaker anticipates it will be making some 1.5 million four- and six-cylinder EcoBoost engines, which is about 200,000 more than initially expected. Hopefully, a fair number of them will find their way into high-performance applications like this mean little Fiesta our spy shooters recently caught.

Related posts:

1. Ford Confirms 230-hp Four-Cylinder EcoBoost is On the Way
2. 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor – First Drive Review
3. 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor – Road Test

The off-road-ready Ford F-150 SVT Raptor has been on sale now for several months but many enthusiasts have been waiting to get their hands on the optional 411-hp, 434-lb-ft 6.2-liter V-8 Raptor. Well, as of today, the wait is over and if you weren’t among the nearly 3000 customers who pre-ordered their 6.2-liter Raptors, you can now find them on dealer lots. And with only a $3000 premium on top of the $38,995 base price, we can’t imagine too many people will skip over the much-needed horsepower.

Ford Racing Performance Parts also took the opportunity to remind us of its line of Raptor-specific accessories, including the sweet TireGate (below) that holds a full-size spare in the same fashion as your favorite Trophy Truck. There also are some less-useful but equally showy items available, like colored engine valve covers. Serious off-roaders planning to put their trucks to the test might want to consider the upgraded skid plate, light bar, or tow kit. Check out FordRacingParts.com for more info.

Related posts:

1. 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor 6.2 and Raptor XT – Auto Shows
2. 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor – Auto Shows
3. 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor – First Drive Review

In 1969, Chevrolet built 3675 copies of the Camaro convertible that paced that year’s Indianapolis 500. Sold with the RS/SS appearance and performance packages, the ’69 replicas were all decorated in white paint with Hugger Orange stripes and orange houndstooth interiors. Now, fast forward 41 years and Chevy is doing something very similar—but slightly different—with its new 2010 Camaro.

Limited to just 200 units, the 2010 Camaro Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Edition will be offered only as a coupe—likely since the convertible isn’t yet available—wearing Inferno Orange with White Pearl stripes, the reverse of the original paint scheme. Starting with a 2SS model and its 400-hp, 6.2-liter V-8 and adding the RS appearance package, all replicas will come equipped with the six-speed automatic; 20-inch wheels; a special grille, engine cover, and floor mats; and Indy 500–embroidered headrests and badges.

The Indy 500 Edition will be priced at $41,950, about a three-grand premium over a similarly equipped RS/SS car. Then again, there are only 200 being made and exclusivity (and speculation) has its price. We expect to see at least one at next year’s Barrett-Jackson auctions.

[View with PicLens]

Related posts:

1. 2010 Chevrolet Camaro V6 and V8 Performance Test Results – Car News
2. 2010 Chevrolet Camaro Transformers Special Edition – Car News
3. 2010 Chevrolet Camaro Fuel Economy Figures and Option Packages Released – Car News

Continuing with a long-standing tradition, BMW today released further details of its latest Art Car. Designed by American artist Jeff Koons, this BMW M3 GT2 will follow in the footsteps of past Art Cars and go racing. This one will compete in the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 12–13.

Although BMW has only released this teaser of Koons’s planned design—the full reveal will take place on June 1 at the Centre Pompidou in Paris—we do have a few details about what will lie under his canvas. This M3 GT2 race car has a specially developed version of the M3’s 4.0-liter V-8 engine that allows production of up to 500 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, depending on the air restrictor size. It’s connected to a six-speed sequential transaxle for better weight distribution. And to further reduce the weight compared to a stock M3, this wide-track GT2 car is fitted with a body that makes extensive use of carbon fiber, helping to bring it down to just 2535 pounds. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph is said to be achieved in only 3.4 seconds.

The M3 GT2 marks the 17th Art Car presented by BMW since the tradition began in 1975 with a 3.0 CSL painted by Alexander Calder. Koons’s new design is said to be the culmination of collected images of race cars and graphics, vibrant colors and speed. He then layered them into a digital collage and the result is Koons’s interpretation of power, motion, and light.

While we already appreciate the art and beauty in the production M3, we’re anxious to see what Mr. Koons’s final piece looks like when it’s rolled out. Until then, check out the gallery of past Art Cars below.

[View with PicLens]

12►

Related posts:

1. BMW Alpina B6 GT3 Race Car – Auto Shows
2. Lotus Evora Cup Race Car – Car News
3. Aston Martin Unveils Rapide Race Car

No doubt, the Bentley Continental Supersports is one fast machine. But in order to speed up sales of this radical ride, Bentley is introducing an option to add two rear seats like those found in the regular Continental coupe and the Supersports convertible variant. The Comfort Seat option will transform this 5011-pound two-seater into a rocket ship for four. Sadly, ticking the box means the lightweight, Supersports-specific carbon-fiber–backed seats will be tossed in favor of regular Conti chairs with power adjustment, heat, and massage. The awesome carbon-fiber rear bracing (seen below) will be jettisoned as well.

A Bentley spokesman we talked to at the New York auto show explains that this option does two things to help accelerate sales. First, and most obviously, it makes the Supersports that much more practical—if you can even associate practicality with this car. Second, it attracts a more typical Bentley customer, one who is not exactly enticed to spend $272,000 on a vehicle without cushy power seats.

The option will command a drop-in-the-bucket premium of about $5K.

Related posts:

1. 2010 Bentley Continental Supersports – Auto Shows
2. 2011 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible – Official Photos and Info
3. Bentley Considering Ragtop Version of its Superfast Continental Supersports

No steering wheel and neither two wheels nor four, so why are we bringing you this Olympic bobsled? Well, because it’s freaking awesome. And we don’t often get a chance to see a bobsled in person.

This “Night Train” practice sled—we, and even M-B PR staff, still have no idea why it’s here—was pushed out at the New York auto show by Steve Holcomb’s U.S. sled team during the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R-class unveil. We got a few minutes to talk with pushman Justin Olsen to find out a few more details about the bobsled experience and the team’s gold-medal-winning ride.

Made in the U.S.A., the sled is composed of a fiberglass/Kevlar composite and weighs about 465 pounds—the minimum for a four-man sled is 464 pounds. There is no steering wheel but rather a right and left lever for controls and only one real “seat” for the driver. The rest of the crew sort of piles in behind him. Olsen said that each man’s position in the sled is critical for maximum speed and though there is no verbal communication between the teammates once they’ve filed in, sometimes they’ll give a tap to slightly reposition another member to achieve that optimum placement. Getting as low as possible is the goal for all the pushmen and the team even trains in the wind tunnel to determine the best aero. There is one hand brake at the rear that deploys a horizontal blade, but it isn’t used during the run, only after crossing the finish.

The sled reaches speeds around the 100-mph mark, and Olsen says it’s like riding a roller coaster with your eyes closed since he must keep his head down the entire ride. Sounds like fun to us.

Related posts:

1. Mini Has a Laugh With Its Stand at the New York Auto Show
2. The Most Significant Debuts of the 2009 New York Auto Show – Feature
3. 2011 Suzuki Kizashi Sport Appears Before New York Show

Today, during the U.S. debut of the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg at the New York auto show, VW of North America CEO Stefan Jacoby confirmed that the upcoming New Mid-Size Sedan (NMS) will have a diesel engine option for North America. The NMS, which is the working title for the Passat replacement, most likely will be powered by the current corporate 140-hp, 2.0-liter TDI turbo-diesel. We are crossing our fingers that maybe, just maybe, VW will give us the uprated Euro version which puts out 170 hp.

While little else is known about the NMS, we can tell you that it will be built at VW’s new plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, alongside the next Jetta, which was previewed by the NCC concept. VW previously handed out the above NMS sketch which shows that it will wear the current VW family face, as seen on the latest Golf and Touareg.

Look for the NMS to debut sometime later this year as a 2011 model; by then we should know its official name. We hope.

Related posts:

1. 2010 Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion Diesel – Auto Shows
2. 2011 / 2012 VW Passat Replacement / New Mid-Sized Sedan (NMS) – Car News
3. Volkswagen Releases Another NMS Teaser Sketch

Although we’ve been expecting Mitsubishi to bring a gasoline-powered version of its i microcar to North America, company spokesmen have confirmed that no decision has been reached on a small Mitsubishi for the U.S. We’ve been told that the Japanese automaker is still debating whether it wants to keep the i’s unique shape strictly for the electric i-MiEV, which is scheduled to arrive here in late 2011. This would be similar to what  Toyota has done with the hybrid-only Prius, associating its silhouette with eco-friendliness. Should Mitsubishi decide not to offer a gas i here, it would most likely bring a version of the small car that will replace the Colt, based on its upcoming “global small” platform.

While we can understand why Mitsubishi would want to save the i shape just for electrified vehicles, the company needs something—anything—to create brand awareness, and having multiple variants of the i on the road could only help.

Related posts:

1. Mitsubishi Gets Ready for Small Cars, Next Outlander to Get Plug-In Hybrid Option
2. 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport – Auto Shows
3. Mitsubishi i-MiEV Electric Car Prototype – Short Take Road Test

The 2010 Buick LaCrosse has only been on the market for a short time, but a few significant changes are already in store for the brand’s newest flagship. Aside from the 2.4-liter four-cylinder now finding its way into the engine bay—we’ll bring you our first drive review tomorrow—Buick will stop offering the 3.0-liter V-6 in North American LaCrosses at the end of the 2010 model year, leaving the aforementioned four-cylinder and the 3.6-liter V-6. The reason for killing the 3.0-liter engine is that the 2011 model will now be able to offer all-wheel drive paired with the direct-injection 3.6-liter. (Other markets such as China will continue to see the 3.0 serve duty as the LaCrosse’s top powerplant due to displacement restrictions.) Additionally, the top-trim CXS is set to get a pretty trick front suspension called HiPer Strut, starting with vehicles produced in late May.

In short, HiPer Strut is a modified MacPherson strut system that allows for a shorter spindle length, thus changing the geometry of the setup, which allows the tire to maintain negative camber while cornering. What that means for you is improved tire contact with the pavement under load, reduced torque steer, more-communicative steering, and less kickback in the steering system when you run over imperfections in the road.

While we had just a quick jaunt behind the wheel of a HiPer Strut–equipped LaCrosse, we came away impressed. During full-throttle launches, our CXS wearing the optional 19-inch wheels and Goodyear Eagle RS-A rubber (18s with Michelin tires are standard) exhibited very little torque steer. It also provided slightly more intuitive steering than other LaCrosses, which already have a good steering box, and did in fact lessen the reaction of the steering wheel after running over some decent-size potholes. The electronically controlled dampers—part of the Touring Package—managed body control very well, even after we managed to fully unload all four wheels followed by a quick turn.

The HiPer Strut suspension will come standard on all 2010 CXS models produced after May with no price increase for the running change. When asked why the system didn’t launch with the car, Jim Federico, chief engineer for LaCrosse, simply said he really wanted the system then but that it just wasn’t fully ready and so he made the call to wait. Hopefully, we’ll see more of this technology and that type of responsible decision making from General Motors .

Related posts:

1. 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS – Video
2. 2010 Buick LaCrosse CXS – Short Take Road Test
3. Buick to Offer 2.4-liter Ecotec in 2010 LaCrosse – Car News