Pimped up FORD Transit with 640hp -- silly but worth a smile

Back in the 1990's TWR refitted a Ford Transit van with a Jaguar XJ220 twin turbo 3.0 L V6 engine, originally it produced 540 hp. For some time thereafter this Ford van was a parts truck for the Benetton F1 racing team. The original engine on the Jaguar XJ220 produced a 0-60 mph (98 km/h) time of 3.6 seconds, of course the Transit van due to it's weight would not match that time.

More recently Don Law Racing acquired the van and began restoring and improving it, the van currently produces 640 hp with a top speed of 170 mph (273 km/h)

For the full article follow the link to Road&Track.com: http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-videos/ford-transit-that-helped-build-xj220



YouTube video of pimped up Transit van:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=yZO7mJ81hRE

2015 Hyundai Sonata

The South Korean manufacturers are often overlooked when it comes to mid sized sedans, but Hyundai and it's sister company KIA do a pretty good job at it.
The new 2015 Hyundai Sonata will be challenging the new Accord and Camry head on. The difference between them is the value you get for the money, let me explain.
Nice standard features include Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning System, hands free Smart Trunk, driver knee airbag, modern LED lighting, emergency stop signal, electronic parking brake and heated rear seats.
Most if not all of these features are often extras or not available in their Japanese competition, if you want to call them that because all of these cars built for the North American market are built in the US (including the Sonata). Which is pretty funny because the American manufacturers are starting to build some of their vehicles in Mexico, South Korea and believe it or not Italy.
Now back to the 2015 Sonata, looks pretty nice probably not as sporty looking as it's sister car the Kia Optima.






The Sonata has grown nearly 1.4 inches in length and is almost 1.2 inches in width and the cabin has become more spacious and luxurious than it's predecessor.
"To help improve ride and handling performance, significant changes were made to the front and rear suspension resulting in enhanced responsiveness, handling and stability. In addition, steering feel has been further enhanced with the development of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) resulting in a larger data processing unit, increased logic control cycle and motor control speed and greater steering column rigidity."
Three engines are available for the 2015 Hyundai Sonata in the Korean market, a 2.0-liter CVVL (166 hp, 148 lb-ft of torque), 2.4-liter GDi (198 hp, 184 lb-ft of torque) and a 2.0-liter LPi (149 hp, 143 lb-ft of torque), mated to a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission.
Here in North America the base engine will probably be the 2.4-liter GDi (198 hp, 184 lb-ft of torque) with an optional engine in the 2.0T (274 hp, 269 lb-ft of torque).

More pictures and the full article can be found on AutoGuide.com by following this link: http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2014/03/2015-hyundai-sonata-makes-korean-debut.html

2015 AUDI TT (what a ride)

The 2015 AUDI TT, the interior, -- das ist uber cool -- hope my German is OK.



This is so cool, the GPS in the best possible location, right in front of you, next to your speed and RPM display. It's actually a virtual display, a 12.3 inch hexagonal display providing 1440 x 540 pixel resolution via two Nvidia processors. The TT will also sport two 64 GB SD card slots and an 11 GB hard drive.

That's not all, the exterior gets even better. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so here it is.



The 2015 TT uses an aluminum shell with hot stamped high-strength steel forming floors. Length of the TT comes in at 2,505 mm, this is the shortest version of the MQB platform but is still 37 mm longer than the previous model. New version has shaved of 50 kg from it's weight while at the same time making it's structure 23 percent stiffer.
Mechanically North American models will be offered with the 2.0L TFSI engine producing 230 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The TT-s model cars will produce 310 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque producing a 0–100 km/h time of 4.7 seconds.
Possibly we may get a six-speed manual gearbox in the North American market but we will probably be restricted to a version of the Quattro all-wheel-drive system mated to a six-speed Stronic automatic transmission.
Other world markets (such as Europe) may receive a diesel engine, possibly in a front wheel drive configuration as well.

The beautifully thought out interior has 15 driver assist systems including adaptive cruise control, lane assist, park assist, night vision and head-up display.



There’s no word yet on pricing. Full article and pictures found on autos.ca web-site, follow link: http://www.autos.ca/audi/preview-2015-audi-tt/

Recalls, Recalls ... GM SUVs, FIAT 500L, HONDA Odyssey ... what a week!

General Motors
GM is recalling 1.5 Million vehicles after last month's recall of more than 1.6 million vehicles for faulty ignition switches which were linked to 12 deaths. The latest recalls covers airbag wiring harnesses, brake parts and other components across several models.
"last month's ignition-switch recall of such older GM models as the 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion has led to government criminal and civil investigations, congressional hearings and class-action lawsuits in the United States and Canada. All ask why GM took so long to address a problem it has said first came to its attention in 2001"
The latest recalls covers more than 1.5 million newer crossover utility vehicles, luxury sedans and full-size vans. 
1.18 million SUV s, some 2008-2009 and all 2010-2013 Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia crossovers, some 2009 and all 2010-2013 Chevrolet Traverses and some 2008-2009 and all 2010 Saturn Outlooks to repair an issue that could lead to the non-deployment of side airbags. GM said it will repair the wiring harness of seat-mounted side airbags. Most of the vehicles were sold in the US, with some in Canada and Mexico.
"In the Cadillac XTS sedans, a brake booster pump wiring issue can lead to overheating, melting of plastic parts and a possible engine compartment fire, the spokesman said. There were two reports of fires in unsold cars on dealer lots in June and September last year as well as two cases of melted components."
GM is also recalling 303,000 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans to replace plastic material in the passenger instrument panel to meet federal head-impact crash standards for unbelted passengers. Affected are vans from model years 2009 through 2014 rated to carry up to 10,000 pounds.

Full article on Reuters.com, link; http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/17/gm-recall-idUSL2N0ME0SH20140317
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FIAT 500L
Chrysler Group is recalling 18,092 (2014 model year) Fiat 500L cars in the United States because drivers may not be able to shift out of park on the automatic transmission. In some 2014 Fiat 500L models the transmission shift lever may have a delayed effect or no effect on selecting a gear in certain temperatures.
Chrysler dealers will replace the shifter module or update the shifter software as needed free of charge. The 2014 Fiat 500L recall is expected to begin in April.

Full article on Reuters.com, link; http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/17/us-chrysler-usrecall-idUSBREA2G0PU20140317
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HONDA Odyssey
Honda is recalling almost 900,000 Odyssey minivans to replace a fuel-related part that could increase the risk of a fire. Honda said in a statement that it plans to replace the fuel strainer free of charge.
Recall consists of 886,815 Honda Odyssey minivans in the United States between 2005-2010 models years.
"The vehicles’ fuel strainers may be in danger of deteriorating prematurely with exposure to high temperatures and acidic chemicals, Honda said, resulting in cracks in the material. Those cracks could lead in rare cases to leaking fuel, increasing fire risks. Honda said it was unaware of any or injuries related to the issue.
Because the cars being recalled are no longer in production, replacement parts will not be available until the summer."

Full article on Time.com, link; http://time.com/26570/honda-odyssey-minivan-recall-fire/

2015 Volkswagen Cross Coupé (official UPDATE)

Knowing that many of my loyal readers have really taken a likening to the 2015 Volkswagen Cross Coupé / Tiguan. So I have been constantly searching the internet for updated information on this new 2015 model.

UPDATE:
Official specification information from VW Canada website on the 2015 Volkswagen Cross Coupé.
" We took the ruggedness of an SUV, combined it with a TDI Clean Diesel engine, two electric motors and five distinct driving modes, all for your enjoyment. The result? 516 lb-ft of torque, 0-60 mph (97km/h) in 6.5 seconds and fuel consumption levels of just 2.7 L/100 km. "

There are 3 official photos on the VW Canada website (2 posted above) as well as the official quote above. Here is the link to VW Canada: http://www.vw.ca/en/models/concept-car/cross-coupe.html
Youtube video of the 2015 VW CrossCoupe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAu0ayu9FmE

2015 JEEP Renegade

It's back. Well sort of. Take a quick look at "it".


Picture curtsey autos.ca

Since the Fiat/Chrysler/Jeep merger we have had many of these "mixed" platform vehicles. This is one such vehicle, the 2015 Jeep Renegade shares it's roots with the Fiat 500L. Yes the 500L.
Many of the Renegades powertrain technology will come from the larger new Jeep Cherokee. There will be sixteen different engine, transmission, and drive-train combinations available depending on your continent. Base engine in North America will be the 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir 4-cylinder engine that is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. This 9-speed transmission can also be paired up with the new optional 2.0-liter MultiJet II diesel engine, which will be available for the North American market.
1.4L inline four-cylinder turbo mated to a six-speed manual will be available for certain other markets. 
Two all-wheel drive technologies will be available, the Active Drive and Active Drive Low. Both systems feature four selectable drive modes (Auto, Snow, Sand, and Mud) but only the Jeep Active Drive Low includes a selectable 20:1 crawl ratio.
As well for those planning on taking their Regenade into the wilderness, a Trailhawk 4×4 model is in the works. Features will include the Active Drive Low system, the Selec-Terrain system with a Rock setting, increased ride height (0.8 inch higher / 2 cm), revised fascias that are boulder proof, and improved water fording. Skid-plates will be installed to help keep drivers from having an oil-pan-vs.-rock-related incident.

Inside cabin goodies:
The segment's largest full-color instrument cluster display - a configurable 7-inch display between the speedometer and tachometer that displays information relative to the driver. The Uconnect infotainment systems (see below), Bluetooth connectivity, HD Radio, SiriusXM Radio, USB and auxiliary audio via a 5-inch or 6.5-inch color touch screen. Navigation equipped models also boast SiriusXM Travel Link for traffic, weather and more.
"Models featuring the new Uconnect Access system will also feature an embedded cellular antenna that grants the infotainment system one-touch access to roadside assistance, 911 assist, and the ability to receive and read text messages aloud."
Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic alert, and a rearview camera with dynamic trajectory guides will also be available.


Picture curtsey autos.ca

Love or hate it, the 2015 Jeep Renegade will offer the buyer what many car companies don't in cars and SUVs and that's --- personalization.
You can design the looks and capabilities of this SUV to your specific needs, that might be enough for some buyers to see past it's quirky looks. True to it's FIAT platform this Renegade will be built in Italy, on sale fall of 2014 worldwide.

Short video and full article link to cnet.com : http://reviews.cnet.com/suv/2015-jeep-renegade/4505-10868_7-35835328.html

Full article on autos.ca link: http://www.autos.ca/jeep/preview-2015-jeep-renegade/

The "Salt Eraser"

OK if your like me and live in a cold winter climate region chances are that your city or town is bombarding the streets with road salts. These road salts will eventually make their way on to your automotive carpets and dry to a nasty crusty white product.
Most of us have tried to remove these salts with soap, heavy cleaning detergent, scrub brushes and even mini steam vacuums without any success.
Finally after 28 years of putting up with it I finally found a product that actually WORKS. It's called Salt Eraser and is made in Canada by Dryshine (http://www.dryshine.ca/index_en.html)
(sounds like an infomercial, I assure you I have no links to the dryshine company)

It's very simple to use:

• Remove the loose dirt from the carpets (light brush scrubbing and vacuuming)
• Hold can upside down spray the salty area until a thick foam develops
• Let stand for 10 minutes to penetrate
• Scrub area with a brush to help loosen the salt
• Once dried vacuum salt out

Depending on how old and thick the salt stains are it make take two procedures (my carpet salt stains were REALLY bad).
One can can do four carpets one time, I used one can for my front carpets alone (2 times).
Bought a pack of two Salt Eraser cans from Costco for around $16 Canadian tax in. Well worth the money.