Toyota says it will recall 3.8 million vehicles in the United States to address problems with a removable floor mat that could interfere with the vehicle's accelerator and cause a crash. The company says it will be the largest recall in its history. Owners could learn about the safety campaign as early as next week.
Toyota and the US federal government warned owners of Toyota and Lexus vehicles about safety problems tied to the removable floor mats. They say the mats could interfere with the vehicle's accelerator and cause a crash. The recall will affect 2007-2010 model year Toyota Camry, 2005-2010 Toyota Avalon, 2004-2009 Toyota Prius, 2005-2010 Tacoma, 2007-2010 Toyota Tundra, 2007-2010 Lexus ES350 and 2006-2010 Lexus IS250 and IS350. Owners should take out the floor mats on the driver's side and not replace them. Toyota's previously largest recall was about 900,000 vehicles in 2005 to fix a steering issue.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
howlowcanyougo ?
Peugeot is searching for the most fuel efficient driver in Ireland. Peugeot has announced details of its How Low Can You Go? competition. A €3,000 shopping spree will be presented to whoever records the best fuel consumption figure in Ireland.
To take part in the Peugeot competition go to www.howlowcanyougo.ie.
To take part in the Peugeot competition go to www.howlowcanyougo.ie.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Lotus / Frankfurt Motor Show - 15 September 2009
Lotus' stand at the show was displaying three new cars, the Evora, Exige Cup 260 and Elise Club Racer. Lotus Operations Director, Luke Bennett, during his press conference reminded the assembled press that the brand is all about a performance, technology and lifestyle. "We make exciting sports cars and develop engineering innovation. Our brand stems from our motor racing heritage – Lotus, of course, grew out of the disciplines of motorsport - and we have more news later relating to Lotus’ return to the motorsport arena." Trends in consumer preferences and the emergence of new technologies create an enormous opportunity for Lotus to stand as a leading light in the automotive industry. The future trend is clear and Lotus intends to lead the change, not follow.As an example, the new multi-award winning Lotus Evora sets new standards for fuel efficiency in the high-performance sports car market with CO2 emissions of 205 g/km. The Evora is Lotus’ first step to migrate from a single platform car company to a three model range, a vital stage in our long term brand development and initial feedback since launch has been positive. First customer deliveries of the Evora have already started and there is a substantial order bank of five months’ production, clearly demonstrating its appeal to the 21st century sports car customer.To cope with this demand, Lotus have recruited 150 additional staff representing a 30% increase which probably makes them unique in an industry hemorrhaging jobs currently. And brand development continues, with €25m of investment earmarked for product development this year on top of the €35m invested last year.Similarly, Lotus Engineering is committed to driving forward with sustainable low carbon technology derived from our ethos and expertise of reducing vehicle weight. Lotus engineering has an impressive track record in technologies development such as hybrid and electric vehicles and alternative sustainable fuels. Bennett was proud to report at Frankfurt that Lotus Engineering increased sales by 23% over the last financial year, despite the global economic challenges. The Lotus Range Extender engine that was on show at their stand is a great example of this expertise. This 1.2 litre, 3 cylinder engine has been designed and optimized specifically for series hybrids.True to Lotus, it combines innovation and simplicity of design with its aluminium monoblock construction which integrates the cylinder block, the cylinder head and exhaust manifold in one casting, resulting in reduced mass, assembly costs and package size as well as improvements in durability and emissions. It can run on gasoline or sustainable alcohol fuels and weighs just 56 kilos. A "fast route to market" design and development process has given vehicle manufacturers wanting to source a dedicated range extender for series hybrid vehicles a new viable option. The Lotus Range Extender will be first showcased in the Limo Green project which is funded by the UK Technology Strategy Board, targeting less than 120 g/km CO2 emissions in a large, executive saloon. Also, announced was the return of Lotus to the global motorsport arena.Firstly, Lotus and F1. A Malaysian-led initiative, championed by Proton, is entering the F1 arena. Details are still being finalised, with more announcements to come. Secondly, Lotus will be competing in a number of global endurance racing events in 2010/11. Endurance racing is the arena where the combination of performance and efficiency really counts and another area where the Lotus Evora will be a class leader. The Type 124 (pronounced One Twenty Four) Endurance Racecar is the next step in the evolution of the Evora. The car will make its 24 hour racing debut at the ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours which provides a great test for the Evora’s performance, efficiency and durability under tough and demanding endurance race conditions.
At the heart of the Lotus Evora are fundamental racecar elements: mid-engine layout, high-tech and super-stiff extruded and bonded aluminium chassis and very strong lightweight forged aluminium wishbones. All these elements mean that it is a natural evolution from the road going Lotus Evora to a competitive endurance racecar.From the outset the design team had intentions to take the Evora racing and the chassis was designed with this in mind. Endurance races are the perfect events to showcase the efficiency, handling and durability characteristics that have been fundamental to the concept of the Evora.The Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar has a race-tuned version of the mid-mounted Toyota V6 engine, with power increased to over 400 ps (depending on race regulations). Vehicle mass is expected to be reduced by up to 200 kg, bringing the weight of the racecar to less than 1200 kg (depending on race regulations).Further changes for the Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar include a six speed sequential paddle shift racing gearbox, full FIA specification roll cage, FIA-compliant 120 litre ATL fuel system, FIA fire extinguisher system, competition carbon fibre rear wing, diffuser and front splitter. The racecar is fitted with AP Racing 6 piston callipers front and rear, with a race-tuned Bosch ABS system, 4-way adjustable dampers and adjustable anti-roll bars. The racecar runs on 18” rims shod with Pirelli racing slicks and the wheels widths have been increased over the roadcar to 9 ½ J on the front and 11 J on the rear. The aerodynamically efficient Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar body design, made from lightweight composite and carbon fibre panels, remains predominantly unchanged from the road car, with the only modifications being to the lower sections of the front and rear clamshells and the side sills. Luke Bennett, Director of Lotus Cars Limited, said, “Motorsport has been in our blood ever since our founder, Colin Chapman, built the first Lotus back in 1948. We are proud of our motorsport history, which includes victories in Formula One, Le Mans, saloon car, rally car and sportscar racing around the world; more recently, we won the British GT3 Championship in 2006 with the Lotus Exige. The Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar is from the same unique stable and we expect it to be a competitive racecar when we enter various endurance races next year.”Roger Becker, Vehicle Engineering Director for Group Lotus Plc said, “Every Lotus car is designed to be at home on the race track as well as the road, and the Evora is no different. Designed primarily as an everyday road car, the Evora’s lightweight and stiff structure, its aerodynamics and performance means that it is perfectly suited to taming race tracks around the world, and we are looking forward to seeing the new Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar line up on the grid for the 2010 season.”The racecar is expected to compete in a number of endurance races in 2010/ 2011 forming part of a factory-supported race program. The races that are targeted are: The 2010 ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours (Nürburgring Nordschleife, Germany) in May 2010, Merdeka Millennium 12 Hours (Sepang, Malaysia) in August 2010, BritCar 24 Hours (Silverstone, UK) in October 2010 and the Dubai 24 Hours (Dubai Autodrome, UAE) January 2011. The END
At the heart of the Lotus Evora are fundamental racecar elements: mid-engine layout, high-tech and super-stiff extruded and bonded aluminium chassis and very strong lightweight forged aluminium wishbones. All these elements mean that it is a natural evolution from the road going Lotus Evora to a competitive endurance racecar.From the outset the design team had intentions to take the Evora racing and the chassis was designed with this in mind. Endurance races are the perfect events to showcase the efficiency, handling and durability characteristics that have been fundamental to the concept of the Evora.The Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar has a race-tuned version of the mid-mounted Toyota V6 engine, with power increased to over 400 ps (depending on race regulations). Vehicle mass is expected to be reduced by up to 200 kg, bringing the weight of the racecar to less than 1200 kg (depending on race regulations).Further changes for the Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar include a six speed sequential paddle shift racing gearbox, full FIA specification roll cage, FIA-compliant 120 litre ATL fuel system, FIA fire extinguisher system, competition carbon fibre rear wing, diffuser and front splitter. The racecar is fitted with AP Racing 6 piston callipers front and rear, with a race-tuned Bosch ABS system, 4-way adjustable dampers and adjustable anti-roll bars. The racecar runs on 18” rims shod with Pirelli racing slicks and the wheels widths have been increased over the roadcar to 9 ½ J on the front and 11 J on the rear. The aerodynamically efficient Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar body design, made from lightweight composite and carbon fibre panels, remains predominantly unchanged from the road car, with the only modifications being to the lower sections of the front and rear clamshells and the side sills. Luke Bennett, Director of Lotus Cars Limited, said, “Motorsport has been in our blood ever since our founder, Colin Chapman, built the first Lotus back in 1948. We are proud of our motorsport history, which includes victories in Formula One, Le Mans, saloon car, rally car and sportscar racing around the world; more recently, we won the British GT3 Championship in 2006 with the Lotus Exige. The Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar is from the same unique stable and we expect it to be a competitive racecar when we enter various endurance races next year.”Roger Becker, Vehicle Engineering Director for Group Lotus Plc said, “Every Lotus car is designed to be at home on the race track as well as the road, and the Evora is no different. Designed primarily as an everyday road car, the Evora’s lightweight and stiff structure, its aerodynamics and performance means that it is perfectly suited to taming race tracks around the world, and we are looking forward to seeing the new Lotus Evora Type 124 Endurance Racecar line up on the grid for the 2010 season.”The racecar is expected to compete in a number of endurance races in 2010/ 2011 forming part of a factory-supported race program. The races that are targeted are: The 2010 ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours (Nürburgring Nordschleife, Germany) in May 2010, Merdeka Millennium 12 Hours (Sepang, Malaysia) in August 2010, BritCar 24 Hours (Silverstone, UK) in October 2010 and the Dubai 24 Hours (Dubai Autodrome, UAE) January 2011. The END
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Brabus E V12 - The Black Baron is born.
Brabus has unveiled the limited edition E V12 sedan which is based on the new Mercedes E-Class, the E V12 features a 6.0-liter V12 biturbo bored out to 6.3-liters producing a whopping 800 hp and 1100 Nm of torque. While details are limited at this time, up front, Brabus have outfitted the engine with a ram-air system, a quad-exhaust, and revised engine electronics. To keep this utter beast under control, the company has added a fully adjustable sports suspension, new stabilizers, a high performance braking system, and black 19-inch alloy wheels outfitted with 255/35 (front) and 285/35 (rear) tires.
In terms of styling, Brabus made major modifications to improve aerodynamics, engine ventilation, and brake cooling. Changes include a revised front bumper, new front quarter panels, aggressive side sills, and never seen before, rear wheel covers. Out back, the car features a trunk-mounted spoiler and a carbon fiber rear diffuser.
Thanks to all these tweaks, the E V12 rockets from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds, 0-200 km/h (124 mph) in 9.9 seconds, and 0-300 km/h (186 mph) in 23.9 seconds. If you keep your foot planted, the car will eventually top out at an electronically limited 350 km/h (217 mph). Without the limiter, Brabus estimates the car can hit a top speed in excess of 370 km/h (230 mph). Fuel consumption is rated at 15.7L/100km (15 mpg), while CO2 emissions are a ridiculous 372 g/km. Inside, the car features black leather upholstery, an Alcantara headliner, carbon fiber trim, and a 400 km/h (249 mph) speedometer. Production will be limited to ten units, and prices start at €600,
000. I dont think one of the ten will be lucky enough to make it to these shores.
In terms of styling, Brabus made major modifications to improve aerodynamics, engine ventilation, and brake cooling. Changes include a revised front bumper, new front quarter panels, aggressive side sills, and never seen before, rear wheel covers. Out back, the car features a trunk-mounted spoiler and a carbon fiber rear diffuser.
Thanks to all these tweaks, the E V12 rockets from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds, 0-200 km/h (124 mph) in 9.9 seconds, and 0-300 km/h (186 mph) in 23.9 seconds. If you keep your foot planted, the car will eventually top out at an electronically limited 350 km/h (217 mph). Without the limiter, Brabus estimates the car can hit a top speed in excess of 370 km/h (230 mph). Fuel consumption is rated at 15.7L/100km (15 mpg), while CO2 emissions are a ridiculous 372 g/km. Inside, the car features black leather upholstery, an Alcantara headliner, carbon fiber trim, and a 400 km/h (249 mph) speedometer. Production will be limited to ten units, and prices start at €600,
000. I dont think one of the ten will be lucky enough to make it to these shores.Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Frankfurt International Motor Show 2009
Amazing day had in Frankfurt today at motor show. All major manufacturers had a presence at the show which is a real site to be seen. No expenses spared despite falling car sales world wide. Brabus, Lotus and Peugeot/Citroen caught the eye with world premiers and other interesting models on display. Full report to follow........................
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Thelma & Louise to join in the fun...........
RTE Radio 1's Derek Mooney Show has announced that regular show contributor, Brenda Donoghue and RTE weather girl, Nuala Carey have been chosen to drive the Mooney car in the upcoming cannonball.ie run.
The lucky duo with travel the 600 km journey over three days in an Audi TTRS which has been loaned by Audi Ireland for the charity run. Brenda will have to be poker face like in order to keep the ferocious German coupe which produces 340 bhp and has a top speed of 250 km/h between the cats eyes on the winding roads across the country.
Co-driver, Nuala will be charged with keeping tabs on the onboard sat nav and tuning the wireless to RTE Radio 1 !
The public are welcome to attend the set-off from Merrion Square on Friday, September 11 @ 9.30 am
The lucky duo with travel the 600 km journey over three days in an Audi TTRS which has been loaned by Audi Ireland for the charity run. Brenda will have to be poker face like in order to keep the ferocious German coupe which produces 340 bhp and has a top speed of 250 km/h between the cats eyes on the winding roads across the country.
Co-driver, Nuala will be charged with keeping tabs on the onboard sat nav and tuning the wireless to RTE Radio 1 !
The public are welcome to attend the set-off from Merrion Square on Friday, September 11 @ 9.30 am
Monday, August 24, 2009
Honda pulls plug on Frankfurt Motor Show
Faced with shrinking sales and an uncertain economic climate, Honda has announced plans to withdraw from the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Citing the 'unprecedented market downturn' and their recent withdrawal from Formula One, the company said the move is part of a coordinated effort to reduce costs in order to strengthen their business position in light of the current economic crisis. Honda who had hoped to debuted their Accord Tourer concept at the show will instead focus on several green initiatives such as expanding fuel cell research, creating more hybrid vehicles, and launching the 'Honda Academy' which is aimed at improving quality and customer service.
While many auto shows have seen serious cuts in manufacturer attendance, Honda's absence may cause other automakers to reconsider their presence at one of the premier industry events of 2009."
Citing the 'unprecedented market downturn' and their recent withdrawal from Formula One, the company said the move is part of a coordinated effort to reduce costs in order to strengthen their business position in light of the current economic crisis. Honda who had hoped to debuted their Accord Tourer concept at the show will instead focus on several green initiatives such as expanding fuel cell research, creating more hybrid vehicles, and launching the 'Honda Academy' which is aimed at improving quality and customer service.
While many auto shows have seen serious cuts in manufacturer attendance, Honda's absence may cause other automakers to reconsider their presence at one of the premier industry events of 2009."
Audi to unveil RS3 in Frankfurt
The article quoted here is from the Swedish edition of Auto, Motor & Sport, and they claim to have a source inside the Ingolstadt-based Audi who says the RS3 is coming soon.Audi has not yet officially unveiled an RS3 but we can let loose our imaginations, can't we?
An RS3 will most likely come with Audi's 2.5 liter, 5-cylinder turbocharged engine first seen in the TT RS. That engine produces 340 hp and 450 Nm of torque. It will also be a strict quattro (all-wheel drive). The Swedish mag is also speculating that an RS3 variant of that engine may be dialed up a little and feature anywhere from between 350 to 400 hp, making the model faster than an R8 with the 4.2 liter FSI engine.
If there is going to be an RS3, the Frankfurt motor show next month would be the ideal place to premiere it and that's what the Swedes at Auto, Motor & Sport are saying.
Looks like we will just have to wait until then !"
Sunday, August 9, 2009
guy in gt3 gets flashed by van man towing a lotus - when ridiculous is in a rush
Had a pretty unique experience on Saturday morning last... in preparation for the phoenix park races, I was asked to tow a lotus race car with a Nissan Interstar up to the park. So off I took nice and easy until the rope was taught and proceeded out of the estate and onto the road.first, second and third. right that will do, that's fast enough for this journey. Following the Lotus' owner in his GT3 my mobile began to ring with a flurry of calls...
The nub of the calls were all the same - I wasn't driving fast enough. Can you believe what I write ? It's true, I promise. I was driving at about 40 km/h which in antibody's book is plenty fast enough when towing another vehicle. The calls kept coming until the final call came to pull over. So I did, and I got to drive the GT3 which was a pleasant surprise for a Saturday morning.
After wedging myself into the bucket seats I and finding my way around the cock pit I pulled off like a granny in a Micra. No need to be the big boy this day. Unbelievably stiff clutch and no travel between gears, I thing this is called close ratio gear box ? This is the closest thing to a Massey Ferguson 35 that I have driven. So, everything is going grand until i look in my rear view mirror to see the new driver of the van flashing and waving me on all while sitting on the rear bumper of the GT3. And I did think to myself at that time last Saturday morning, this is ridiculous in a rush.
The nub of the calls were all the same - I wasn't driving fast enough. Can you believe what I write ? It's true, I promise. I was driving at about 40 km/h which in antibody's book is plenty fast enough when towing another vehicle. The calls kept coming until the final call came to pull over. So I did, and I got to drive the GT3 which was a pleasant surprise for a Saturday morning.
After wedging myself into the bucket seats I and finding my way around the cock pit I pulled off like a granny in a Micra. No need to be the big boy this day. Unbelievably stiff clutch and no travel between gears, I thing this is called close ratio gear box ? This is the closest thing to a Massey Ferguson 35 that I have driven. So, everything is going grand until i look in my rear view mirror to see the new driver of the van flashing and waving me on all while sitting on the rear bumper of the GT3. And I did think to myself at that time last Saturday morning, this is ridiculous in a rush.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Phoenix park motor races
Off to the Phoenix park in Dublin today for bi-annual motor races with team oph.ie
Report later....................
Report later....................
Friday, July 31, 2009
OPH.ie
Took a spin to Optimum Performance & Handling (OPH.ie) in Orion Business Park, Ballycoolin, Dublin 15, earlier this week, to check out the scene at Dublin's only Lotus and Porsche specialist.
OPH.ie is the brainchild of Dubliner & Lotus Elise Trophy race driver, Connaire Finn, who works closely with his staff to ensure a professional, friendly & personal service.
Clients can relax in a plush, motor-themed, waiting suite where they can enjoy refreshments, while browsing the very latest motoring magazines.
OPH.ie houses a top motor-shop bay, which can house ample cars, with the following services on offer :
Servicing and repairs to : Lotus, Porsche and BMW
Servicing and repairs to : Lotus, Porsche and BMW
Car paint detailing
Track car tuning - including set-up & valeting
Lotus engine conversion
Pre-purchase inspections
Handling optimisation
Expert advice on motorsport participation in Ireland
Over night parts availability ensures a swift service and on show at the facility, to whet your appetite, are both a Porsche 911 GT3 and a fully race prepared Lotus Elise S1.
Connaire as Chairman of Lotus Club Ireland and member of Porsche Club Ireland hopes to grow the business by having an OPH presence at up-coming club events.
Well worth a visit and you might even get a spin in the GT3 !
More details @ http://www.oph.ie/
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Imported used cars keep coming
SIMI data states that 46,783 new cars were registered in the state from January to June 2009, down 62% on the same period last year. However, what is more staggering is the amount of imported used cars registered for the same period, 32,041.
For imported used cars to represent over 40% of all cars registered in the state, since the start of the year, shows that the current car market and the VRT system is not viable. Evidence of this fiasco is BMW's decision to offer nearly new UK registered cars here in Ireland through their BMW Sterling Collection programme.
Is there anything that can stop the flow of Irish consumers over the English channel ?
For imported used cars to represent over 40% of all cars registered in the state, since the start of the year, shows that the current car market and the VRT system is not viable. Evidence of this fiasco is BMW's decision to offer nearly new UK registered cars here in Ireland through their BMW Sterling Collection programme.
Is there anything that can stop the flow of Irish consumers over the English channel ?
Jay Leno to appear on Top Gear
US TV host and absolute car nut Jay Leno has confirmed on his website, www.jaylenosgarahe.com, that he is to appear on BBC's Top Gear, next season. The show's lead presenter, Jeremy Clarkson, is no stranger to Jay, who occasionally writes a column in The Sunday Times, providing the reader with an alternative view into the motoring world, through the eyes of a yank. Looking forward to the show airing and I'm taking bets if he will wear all denim.
Tax my car? Sure, why would i bother ?
Read an interesting article in Irish Times Motoring supplement this week, about untaxed cars in Ireland. It seems that 10% of the cars sold in Ireland since January of this year have not yet been taxed for road use. Is this a symptom of the recession ? Or is it a message to the Government that road tax for cars is too expensive and not justified considering the state of our regional roads and the fact that a taxi only pays 78 euro a year in road tax ? Or perhaps it's the fact that drivers do not fear the 65 euro on the spot fine if stopped by Gardai. Maybe Minister Dempsey should add the offence to the penalty points menu!
Anyway, taxed or not have a safe Bank Holiday weekend if you're out and about.
Anyway, taxed or not have a safe Bank Holiday weekend if you're out and about.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
cannonball.ie
I hope to travel along myself and will post on the event here.......
More details & sign up @ cannonball.ie
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