2011 Honda Odyssey

Several recalls have been announced in the last few days and we thought to offer some information about the cars affected. Let's start with the 2011 Honda Odyssey.

Just two weeks ago the Japanese automaker Honda issued a recall for 33,341 of its Odyssey 2011MY units due to a potential problem with the windshield wiper linkage roads. Now, a second recall has been issued for the same 2011MY. They said that they will voluntarily recall about 2,800 units because of a problem with the side windows.

According to the car manufacturer, there is a potential for one or both windows to become detached from the window regulator, which will cause the window to stop working, thus preventing it from being rolled up or down, or it could even drop into the floor. Worst case scenario, Honda said that the window may bind and shatter onto the passengers, but the good news is that this hasn't happened yet.

They said that they will start sending notifications to the owners affected by this recall and they will replace either the passenger's and/or the driver's front door window glass, free of charge.

2011 Volvo S40

Moving on, Volvo is recalling several S40 units, and by several we mean only seven units (in the U.S.), which might be the smallest number of recalls ever. This affects the 2011MY S40 sedans in the United States due to a production error. The Swedish automaker told the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) that a crack may have formed on the top side of the passenger side support member in the power unit compartment during the production of the components. They said that this crack could have an effect on the car's front structure.

The company's dealers will have to inspect the top side of the passenger side support member in the engine compartment for cracks. They won't take any further actions if they don't find any cracks.

Aside from the seven units in the United States, they are also recalling four cars from Canada and two from Puerto Rico, due to the same potential problems.

2011 VW Jetta

Lastly, Volkswagen has issued a voluntary recall for its 2011MY Jetta model in the United States because of a defect in the wiring system that controls the anti-theft alarm system and the horn. They manufacturer stated that in some circumstances an electric short in the horn could cause the engine to stall. Luckily, no injuries or accidents have been reported due to this issue. This recall affects 71,043 units and the company will notify the owners by mail.

Source: Honda, Volvo, VW via Carscoop

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Recalls – MY2011 Honda Odyssey, Volvo S40 and VW Jetta

The usage of mobile data is growing in popularity and increasingly more people use different type of gadgets and devices even while driving. The effect: the also growing rate of accidents caused by driver's lack of attention.

This is why, at the International CTIA WIRELESS 2011 Show, Sprint has announced its new Android application which reduces distracted driving by limiting the functionality of your smartphone, an app to be launched later this year. This news is just in time for April, the National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

For your safety while being behind the wheel, the application locks your phone's screen while your car is in motion, it redirects calls to voicemail, it doesn't allow text messaging and text message alerts and sends back automated response message saying that you are not available. If you are tempted to believe this app leaves nothing else to do with your phone, you should know that it gives access to three key contacts and three mobile applications, such as GPS navigation.

Sprint's CEO, Dan Hesse declared:

“As mobile data usage continues to grow in popularity, Sprint wants to ensure its wireless consumers engage in safe behavior for themselves and others.”

What is more useful, in our opinion, is the fact that DriveFirst application give parents and business administrators Web portal access to configure DriveFirst for their teens’ or employees’ mobile devices, who are sometimes tempted to break the rules and might need this kind of mobile usage limitation.

Sprint says the app will be available in the third quarter of this year and will require a $2-per-month charge for each device that utilizes its features. Meanwhile, it can be tested with other distracted driving solutions at the “Sprint Innovation Station”, in the exhibitor hall from the International CTIA WIRELESS 2011 Show.

Share your opinion: would you personal use this application while driving or would you keep it only for your teen children?

[Source: Autoblog]

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Sprint's DriveFirst app – a Safe-driving Solution

Wald 2011 BMW 5-Series

Another tuning program has been revealed (sort of) at the beginning of this week is for the 2011 BMW 5-Series. Developed by the Japanese tuner Wald, the first images of their new personalization package tells us about how the exterior will look. Their new bodykit gives the 5-Series a wide, low down look, along with a new set of cool exhaust tips.

Wald 2011 BMW 5-Series

The wide bodykit consists of extended wheel arches, a roof spoiler, side skirts, rear apron and a boot lid lip. In the front, we notice the fresh design of the apron, with generous air intakes and integrated LED daytime running lights. From the looks of these pictures, this 5-Series seems to be a little bit closer to the ground, which means that the tuning program will also feature a custom suspension system.

Wald 2011 Mercedes CLS

Moving on, we find the customization program for the 2011 Mercedes CLS. Just like with the 5-Series, they didn't reveal any information about what to expect. But, we do find out about how the car's exterior will look. The new bodykit comes with a redesigned front spoiler that got bigger air intakes, and the trademark AMG side fins. They also removed the standard LED daytime running lights that were installed horizontally, and installed their own, vertically-positioned ones.

This bodykit also offers wider wheel arches, new side skirts, along with a set of rims that will be finished in dark grey / black.

More information about both tuning programs should be revealed in the weeks to come. Stay tuned.

Source: Wald

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Japanese Tuner Wald Does The 5-Series And The CLS

CSR Volkswagen Scirocco

Another German aftermarket specialist has revealed today a tuning program; we are talking about CSR Automotive and their latest upgrade program for the sexy Volkswagen Scirocco. Probably the most interesting thing about it is the wheels. Dubbed Cirrus, these rims have a carbon fiber look and measure 8.5×20 in the front and 10.5×20 in the back. This set has a price tag of "only" 3,400 Euros.

CSR Volkswagen Scirocco

Of course this wouldn't be a proper tuning program if it only had a new set of rims. CSR Automotive also offers an aerodynamic package for the Scirocco, along with a set of Toyo tires and a stainless steel rear silencer. The bodykit consists of a single-frame front grille, an O-Line-Design rear apron and new side skirts. In addition, the coupe sports new upper and lower rear wings, an integrated diffuser and headlight trims.

CSR Volkswagen Scirocco

Source: CSR Automotive via ZerCustoms

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CSR Volkswagen Scirocco Unvelied

VATH Mercedes CL500

I think this is the most beautiful car we've seen this year and finally a tuning program that we really like. The popular German tuners from VATH decided to take the exquisite Mercedes CL500 and boost its power output and also do some updates as far as the exterior look is concerned. The car retained its original 5.5-liter engine, but it now develops a whopping 460 hp and 600 Nm of torque, thanks to the new sport camshafts, air filters, stainless steel sport catalysts, manifolds, and the new rear silencer.

VATH Mercedes CL500

They also deactivated the car's top speed limiter which means that you can take it all the way to 290 km/h. The tuning program also consists of a complete body kit that includes a new front spoiler, rear diffuser, and a trunk-lip spoiler – all of them made from carbon fiber. In addition, the VATH CL500 sits on an exquisite set of 20-inch forged rims, covered by 245/30ZR20 tires for the front wheels and 285/25ZR20 for the ones in the back.

VATH Mercedes CL500

VATH has also installed a three-way adjustable sports suspension, along with a performance braking system, while in the cabin you'll find a new sport steering wheel, various car trim parts and a new 360 km/h speedometer.

VATH Mercedes CL500

Unfortunately, no word about the price tag, but whatever it is, it's worth it!

VATH Mercedes CL500

Source: VATH via ZerCustoms

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VATH Unleashes Mercedes CL500 Tuning Program

Wimmer Reveales Mercedes C63 AMG Performance

The tuners over at Wimmer thought that the Mercedes C63 AMG wasn't powerful enough so they boosted up the horsepower figure. Dubbed Performance, the car develops 601 hp and 720 Nm of torque from its V8 6.3-liter, more than the previous tuning program revealed, which offered 580 hp and 690 Nm of torque.

Wimmer Reveales Mercedes C63 AMG Performance

This tuning program consists of redeveloped sports camshafts and cylinder heads, along with a brand new manifold, an optimized air intake system, down pipe and high flow catalytic convertors, a sport air filter and a stainless steel exhaust system. Included in the package is this flamboyant exterior paintwork.

Wimmer Reveales Mercedes C63 AMG Performance

The car has a power-to-weight ratio of 2.79 kg / hp and can hit a top speed of 329 km/h (if you deactivate the limiter).

All of these upgrades will set you back 19,900 Euros.

Wimmer Reveales Mercedes C63 AMG Performance

Source: Wimmer via ZerCustoms

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Wimmer Reveales Mercedes C63 AMG Performance

Peugeot RCZ Nokia

The Peugeot RCZ is in my opinion the most beautiful car the French manufacturer ever made, followed closely by the 607. Last week they've unveiled the race car version which will participate in various races across Europe together with the Nokia team.

Peugeot RCZ Nokia

The Team Peugeot RCZ Nokia will take part in the entire VLN 2011 championship, along in the epic 24 Hours of Nurburgring in the D1T category. Last year, the RCZ finished on the first (Michael Bohrer) and third place (Stephane Caillet) in the endurance race.

Peugeot RCZ Nokia

We don't have that many information about the car, except for the fact that it will be powered by a 2.0-liter HDi FAP engine that produces 200 hp. In comparison to the production model, this race-ready RCZ features a big boot lid wing, new wheels & tires, and probably a roll cage.

The official debut of the car occurred during a special event and it will be sponsored by Jean-Philipe Peugeot and Miss France 2011.

Source: Peugeot

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Peugeot RCZ Nokia Revealed

2011 Ford F-150

If you are in the market for a pickup truck that offers great fuel efficiency, you might want to have a look at the 2011 Ford F-150 or the Ranger. The reason for this is that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a document in which the new V6 3.7-liter engine puts Ford on top of the most fuel efficient pickup manufacturers.

The 2011 Ford F-150 that has this engine will do 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, while the combined cycle is rated at 19 mpg, making it the best choice regarding fuel consumption in its class, which is the non-hybrid full-size pickup segment.

2011 Ford Ranger

As far as the 2011 Ford Ranger is concerned, EPA says that it can do 22 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg in a combined cycle. Again, this puts the model on the first place in the compact segment.

Source: EPA via ZerCustoms

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EPA – 2011 Ford F-150 And Ranger – Most Fuel-Efficient Trucks

A month to go until Fast Five premiere, people. You better start booking tickets!

Check out the full cast poster of the latest Fast and Furious movie and start believing what they say.

Summer starts April 29th!

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Fast Five Full Cast Poster

Suzuki Kizashi Turbo Concept

It looks like this is the week for rumors as another one surfaced the Internet today about two new Suzuki models that will have their official debut at the upcoming New York Auto Show. Our colleagues from WCF believe that one of these cars might be the Kizashi Turbo, based on the concept previously showcased which had a 2.4-liter engine that developed 290 hp (294 PS / 216 kW). The car had a trunk-mounted spoiler, 19-inch alloy wheels and an updated suspension.

We'll have to wait until April 20^th to find out which are the two new models.

Source: Leftlane News via WCF

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Rumors – Suzuki Will Release Two New Models At NY Auto Show