Limited-run model adds more than 20 sporty interior and exterior enhancements to Passat3.6-liter VR6 engine is paired with a lowered suspension and sport exhaustDesigned at Volkswagen’s Engineering and Planning Center in Chattanooga, Tenn.Pricing starts at $29,090Today, Volkswagen of America, Inc., debuted the 2018 Passat GT special model at the North American International Auto Show. The production model, previewed by a concept at Automobility LA in 2016, was designed by the company’s North American engineering hub in Chattanooga, Tennessee, based on extensive feedback from U.S. customers and dealers.“The Passat GT illustrates how the North American Region can shape Volkswagen vehicles specifically for the U.S. market,” said Dr. Matthias Erb, Chief Engineering Officer, North American Region, Volkswagen. “Combining a local perspective with our global engineering expertise allows us to create vehicles that meet the needs and desires of customers … [Read more...] about 2018 Volkswagen Passat GT (US‑Spec)
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1 million Toyota and Honda cars recalled in the US to fix faulty Takata airbags
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the US has recalled over a million Toyota and Honda vehicles to fix cars equipped with the faulty Takata airbags. This is the third time that the recall has been issued after 20 people died because of these faulty airbags. 2012 Honda AccordTakata uses the chemical ammonium nitrate to trigger a small explosion that fills the airbags in the event of a crash. However, the chemical has been known to deteriorate when exposed to high temperatures and humidity. This, in turn causes the chemical to burn too fast, blowing apart a metal canister. The shrapnel from the explosion is sent hurling to the driver and passenger, causing grievous injury or even death. Over 180 people have suffered injuries due to this problem. Toyota CorollaMost of the affected models are built between 2009 and 2013. The list includes popular vehicles such as the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Yaris, Lexus ES350, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Honda Fit (Jazz) and many … [Read more...] about 1 million Toyota and Honda cars recalled in the US to fix faulty Takata airbags
Honda robots prepare us for our hideous/complex future
Honda just introduced a quartet of new robots at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. These four glossy, battery-powered, meter-high machines exist under the moniker 3E, which stands for Empower, Experience, Empathy. These terms reflect new thinking in ideal use cases for Artificial Intelligence, focusing on automatons that nudge, monitor, connect or support humans, or complete drudgerous or dangerous work. In the case of these four bots, this means social and assistance robots that can teeter about encouragingly like a giant leering light bulb (3E-A18,) provide casual chair-based mobility like an actuated barstool (3E-B18,) affably lug light cargo like a grimacing camping cooler (3E-C18) or trudge off-road like a squat shrunken ox (3E-D18.) “The idea is, individually and collectively, these the robots will help leverage strengths with the humans they work with, to expand human potential,” says Marcos Frommer, Honda’s spokesperson for … [Read more...] about Honda robots prepare us for our hideous/complex future
Subaru is teasing us with a new WRX concept we can’t have
No sooner has Subaru run the WRX STI out of the UK market, it’s dangling the prospect of a new one under our noses. This sketch is our first look at what Subaru is snappily titling ‘Viziv Performance Concept 2’. Set to star at the 2018 Tokyo motor show later this week, the car “embodies the brand’s vision for the future of making cars that deliver Enjoyment and Peace of Mind to its customers”, says Subaru. The capital letters are the company’s own… Essentially, what we’ve got is the Viziv concept wearing the usual WRX STI get-up: deeper side sirts, flared intakes and pumped wheelarches. Is it just us, or does that complex wing and the red pinstriping give this thing more than a hint of the latest Honda Civic Type R’s wacky visual? Subaru’s adamant that the WRX STI is out of the UK for good. So we’ll not torture ourselves. Meanwhile, you may be reading this in Japan, or the USA, or another … [Read more...] about Subaru is teasing us with a new WRX concept we can’t have
Mercedes recalls over 16,000 cars in the US – GLC, GLE, GLS, S-Class, GT and Maybach S600 involved
Mercedes-Benz has issued a recall for a number of its vehicle models in the United States to address four separate problems affecting these cars. In total, over 16,000 vehicles are implicated this time around, with the problems specific to the US market at present.The bulk of the recall involves 8,700 units of the GLE, GLS, S-Class, Maybach S600 and several AMG models (model year 2017 ad 2018). The recall is to address a potential flaw with the latches on their left-rear passenger doors, which may not lock properly. Each vehicle will have to be inspected by a local technician and have the lock mechanism replaced if required.The next half of the recall involves 8,134 units of the GLC, which require the headlights to be checked and possibly readjusted. Also recalled are 432 examples of the G-Class (particularly the G550, including the 4×4) for potentially faulty power brake units.Finally, 10 units of the AMG GT fitted with the optional AMG Performance Seats will need to either have … [Read more...] about Mercedes recalls over 16,000 cars in the US – GLC, GLE, GLS, S-Class, GT and Maybach S600 involved