egmCarTech

EPA, DOT propose new design for fuel-economy labels

Earlier this week, we reported that the NHTSA and EPA are each proposing a new standard of auto grading based on fuel efficiency. The 17,000-member National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) has voiced its opposition to the measures, stating that such changes would “confuse the buying public, make vehicle purchasing decisions more difficult or treat certain automakers or fuel types unfairly.”

The organization says that it will however, back the alternative option offered by the agencies; a more modest revision of the current automotive sticker design, which the two agencies say are desperate need of refreshment.

“We think a new label is absolutely necessary to help consumers make the right decision for their wallet and for the environment,” said Gina McCarthy, an assistant EPA administrator.

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Dan Akerson - CEO of General Motors

Yesterday was Dan Akerson’s, the new CEO of General Motors, first day on the job. Here is a letter he sent to employees.

Hit the jump for the rest.

GM Employees,

As Labor Day approaches in the U.S. and Canada, I would like to wish everyone at General Motors a safe, happy holiday weekend. I also ask that we pause for moment to reflect on what this day means as we celebrate labor’s many contributions here and around the world.

Of course, labor’s role in building up this nation and others is well recognized and rightly so. And, coming from a union family, I know on a very personal level the good things that unions can do.

I met recently with UAW President Bob King and Vice President-GM Department Joe Ashton at Solidarity House, and we agreed that, while we will not always see eye to eye on everything, GM will succeed to the extent that management and labor work together. I believe very deeply in that.

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Adam Ferrara, Tanner Foust and Rutledge Wood on Top Gear USA

Top Gear USA will be coming to the History channel later this fall and while we’re pretty excited, we doubt it’s going to be as good as its British counterpart… or will it?

The folks at the History channel have just released an exclusive preview showing Adam Ferrara, Tanner Foust and Rutledge Wood as each get hold of their favorite Lamborghinis and try to convince each other that theirs is the baddest bull of them all.

We’re just wondering if we’re going to get an American Stig?

Click through for the preview.

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2011 Mini Countryman

Mini is pretty ambitious about expanding its lineup. Besides the new 2011 Mini Countryman, the BMW Group brand has plans for a coupe and roadster model, both due next year. According to reports coming out of UK, Mini is also working on a coupe version of the Countryman to rival the new Range Rover Evoque.

The Mini Countryman coupe is concept is already on the drawing boards at the company’s design studio in Munich and is one of the new niche models being considered by executives.

Insiders say that the model is being studied due to the success that the BMW X6 had, showing that customers have a taste for coupe-like off-roaders. It can be said that Mini will develop a coupe model that will undercut the Evoque when it comes pricing while offering a similar and dramatic style.

Click here for more news on the Mini Countryman.

Refresher: The base 2011 Mini Countryman is available in the U.S. with a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine making 120-hp and a maximum torque of 118 lb-ft. The Mini Cooper S Countryman model is powered by a 1.6L twin-scroll turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 180-hp and 177 lb-ft (192 lb-ft with Overboost) of torque. Both models come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission. A 6-speed automatic is available as an option.

2011 Mini Countryman:

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2011 Ford Mustang / 2011 Chevrolet Camaro

So August sales were somewhat depressing but we kind of new it was coming. When the beginning of the month comes up and we report some boring sales news, there’s one sales article we here at egmCarTech love to report – the sales war between the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro.

Click here for prices on the 2010 Ford Mustang.

In July 2010, the Ford Mustang took the lead selling a total of 7,489 units with the Camaro lagging behind by only three units for a total of 7,486 units. August 2010 sale figures are in for both cars and its seems this time around the Camaro beat the Mustang, and not just by three units. The Camaro won August 2010 against the Mustang, 6,321 to 5,570.

Click here for prices on the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro.

“Possibly more significant is calendar year to date, with 60,000 Camaro sales to 53,000 Mustang sales,” says spokesman Monte Doran. “Car shoppers continue to be excited about the Camaro, which has now been on the market over a year. As a result, Camaro has taken the lead in the segment with virtually no incentives.”

- By: Omar Rana

Source: DriveOn

2011 Dodge Durango

After all the spy shots, a couple of image leaks and months and months of debating what it will be called, Chrysler Group LLC today unveiled the new 2011 Dodge Durango. Chrysler says that the new Durango will lead the new Dodge product onslaught for 2011 just as the new 2011 Grand Cherokee is doing for the Jeep brand.

Click here to get prices on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Unlike many other SUVs and crossovers, the 2011 Durango doesn’t seem shy to be both. “The Durango’s stiffened unibody structure is engineered with the driving enthusiast in mind,” says Chrysler. “The end result is a vehicle that delivers premium driving performance combined with SUV capability and crossover versatility.” All the new good looks are carried over inside with an upgraded interior, about which Chrysler says “Durango passengers will feel materials that are refined and soft to the touch.”

Power for the 2011 Dodge Durango comes from two engine choices. Standard is the company’s fuel-efficient 3.6L Pentastar V6 and optional is the 5.7L HEMI V8 with fuel-saving, Multi-displacement system (MDS) 4-cylinder mode. The Pentastar V6 has a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds while the V8 can pull 7,400 pounds.

Production of the all-new 2011 Durango will start in the next couple of months and will go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Hit the jump for the press release and to enjoy the high-res photo gallery.

2011 Dodge Durango:

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2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Wonderful – here is some more recall news for you guys. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened an investigation into 37,889 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI sedans after receiving complaints of engine stalling due to fuel system contamination (and you were thinking that diesels are a better bet – we’re being sarcastic).

“The Office of Defects Investigation has received seven complaints on 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI vehicles alleging that while driving and without warning, the engine limped and then stalled almost immediately,” said NHTSA. “A preliminary evaluation has been opened to access the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.”

We’re pretty sure that Volkswagen, like every other automaker, is working diligently with the NHTSA and will let us know soon enough if a recall will be necessary.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Inside Line

From L to R: Alan Mulally, Sergio Marchionne, Ed Whitacre (replaced by Akerson)

As expected auto sales cooled off during the month of August with the overall sales down 21 percent.

“The car market and the overall economy are pretty weak,” said Joe Phillippi, principal of consulting firm AutoTrends in Short Hills, N.J. “Showroom traffic is down. We still have issues on the margin with some people not being able to get credit, and people are nervous.”

FoMoCo’s Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealers delivered 157,503 new vehicles in August, down 11 percent versus a year ago, when FoMoCo outpaced the industry during the “Cash for Clunkers” sales program.

“Ford continues to outperform the overall industry,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “In this market, consumers are looking for vehicles that offer industry-leading quality, fuel economy, safety and technologies, and growing numbers of them are turning to Ford.”

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2011 Chevrolet Volt

For Californians previously on the fence regarding whether to purchase a Chevrolet Volt or other plug-in electric hybrid vehicle, consider this; the Governator has granted owners of such vehicles unrestricted access to highway HOV lanes, with only one caveat; you have to wait until 2012. The measure was introduced by a state Senator from San Francisco and will allow 40,000 advanced technology vehicles access to the HOV lanes during commuting hours between 2012 and 2015.

Click here for more news on the Chevrolet Volt.

This program is not the first of its kind, as a similar program implemented in 2005 offered the same advantage to hybrids like the Prius through 2010. The program was so wildly successful that when being sold with the HOV sticker, Prius resale values increased by as much as $4,000 in California.

Law makers wanted all other permissions to HOV lanes to expire before granting plug-ins access, as the states HOV lanes are already somewhat crowded; some 85,000 vehicles now have access free of the ‘high occupancy’ requirement.

A spokesman for the senator said the following: “It is imperative that we find ways to limit our carbon footprint,” said Yee. “(The law) will provide a great incentive for car manufacturers to develop higher emission standards and for individuals to purchase greener vehicles. The governor’s signature of this bill will help jump-start sales of these green vehicles and encourage greater stewardship of our environment.”

Click here to read our first drive impressions of the 2011 Chevrolet Volt.

Refresher: The 2011 Chevrolet Volt is powered by 16-kWh, “T”-shaped lithium-ion battery that powers the electric drive unit, which allows it to drive 40 miles on battery power alone. According to GM’s preliminary specs, the system puts out 150-hp and a maximum torque of 273 lb-ft, allowing the Volt to go from 0-60 mph in about 9 seconds, hitting a top speed of 100 mph. The battery can be re-charged by plugging into a household outlet and takes less than 3 hours to recharge on 240 volts, and about 8 hours on a standard 120-volt outlet. The Chevrolet Volt also carries a 1.4 4-clyinder engine that allows the five-door, FWD sedan to travel additional miles while averaging a fuel-economy of 50 mpg. A fully charged battery and full tank of gas will allow the Volt to travel 300 miles. Prices for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt start at $41,000 but with a full federal income tax credit (which range from $0 to $7,500), the Volt can cost  a total of $33,500.

2011 Chevrolet Volt:

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'The Man in the White Suit' book cover

Ben Collins has won a legal battle against BBC, which was threatening to sue him if he released an autobiography revealing himself as The Stig. Mr. Justice Morgan declined to give BBC a “temporary injunction preventing publication of the HarperCollins book on the second day of the hearing, after weighing up legal arguments from both sides in private.”

Shortly after the hearing, Ben Collins left the high court and was bombarded by photographers and the media. Collins remained pretty quiet while leaving court but exchanged a couple of word with the media who asked him if he was the Stig. When asked whether he had his trademark white helmet with him, he replied: “You’re trying to tempt me into saying something I shouldn’t.”

No word on whether Collins will stay on at BBC as The Stig – but we highly doubt it.

Hit the jump for the video explaining the fiasco.

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