Auto Sources

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Euro, Hatchbacks, Volkswagen

Click above image to view all new high-res shots of the VW Scirocco

As we say in the biz, you cannot put the toothpaste back in the tube, so you might as well squeeze out what’s left. After two official images of the yet-to-debut 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco hit the web the other day, a couple of sites have decided just to publish the whole lot of pre-release images. There are seven in total now (VW will likely release dozens more after the vehicle debuts in Geneva next week), including a pair of interior photos that show, surprise, surprise, a cockpit that appears remarkably similar to the one in the Golf and Jetta. Despite that, the deeply bolstered tan leather seats are stitched with a nifty retro pattern that makes us want to crank the cassette player to 11. There is more info about the 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco that we had like to tell you, but it’s embargoed until Monday. It’s highly unlikely, however, that this tube of toothpaste will not be squeezed dry by then.

[Source: Carscoop, The Vehicle Connection]

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Infiniti

A certain sales manager from a certain dealership in Long Island was kind enough to take a little bit of the wind out of Infiniti’s sails ahead of its unveiling of the redesigned FX CUV. The detailed headlamp shot above was posted on an Infiniti FX forum (who knew?), and pretty much confirms the styling tweaks the new fascia will get, particularly when you imagine it on the set of spy shots we’ve seen already. The only thing that’s left to the imagination is the reconfigured rear end, which will likely sport some new tail lamps and a redesigned bumper. We had be remiss not to point out that it’s not in the dealer’s ideal interest to include his name and contact information in his forum signature, lest Infiniti’s corporate communications folks come calling.

Thanks for the tip Jonathan.

[Source: InfinitiFX.org]

Filed under: Recalls/TSBs, Safety, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury

If you drive a Ford product built before 2005, do us all a favor and give your dealership a call. Ask them if your automobile or truck is one of the 10 million automobiles out there recalled for repair of a cruise control switch. Trust us, this is not something you want to ignore, as there have been fires, lawsuits, and deaths attributed to this issue.

Word from Washington is that federal safety officials are concerned as less than half of the recalled automobiles have been returned to dealerships for repair (come on people, we told you about this in August, 2006!). This has triggered a rare “consumer advisory” from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration who are urging motorists to take action. Ford is also re-notifying owners. The NHTSA is also swift to point out that there is no need to schedule an appointment for the repair as some dealers are even providing quick drive-through services for the fix.

The long list of recalled cars has been included after the jump.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

Continue reading Recalled Ford owners urged to get cruise control fixed

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupes, Etc., Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Jeep, Toyota, Volkswagen

Research International USA’s TRU branch has polled the youth of our country and discovered that they’d like a fun, stylish automobile more than anything (duh) — namely the Mustang. Twenty-somethings posed the same question picked the Honda Civic above all else, mainly because they’ve had a dose of reality, and are now paying their own insurance and fuel.

So what exactly does this study say? As you mature, your experience leads to more practical decision making, perhaps? That there’s a whole subset of spoiled brat high schoolers who have their insurance and fuel paid for and also anticipate that being handed the keys to a 3,500 pound wheeled liability is a birthright? Probably a bit of both, we suppose, but the fact remains that the Mustang is a flashy, fun vehicle that even non-car people could point out in a crowd and undoubtedly has decent youth appeal.

The rest of the teens choices weren’t earth shattering. Besides the Mustang, the automobiles that young drivers most desire are posted below the fold.

[Source: KickingTires]

Continue reading Those teens that do get their license prefer Mustang

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Recalls/TSBs, Safety, Acura

Honda put out two recall notices today that affects some 273,000 2004-2008 Acura TLs. One of the recalls addresses a windshield wiper issue, where a potentially faulty circuit breaker on 129,600 ‘04 and ‘05 TLs could fail, rendering the wipers useless.

The other recall is a bit more compelling. Apparently an issue with high temperatures under the hood can cause the power steering hose to degrade to the point that it could crack and leak fluid onto the catalytic converter. This could result in a fair amount of smoke, or, at worse, a fire.

Neither issue has resulted in a crash or injury, but Acura dealers have been instructed to replace the power steering hose and, in the case of the windshield wiper motor, inspect the unit and replace it if necessary. Naturally, there’s no charge for either recall.

[Source: Detroit News]