GM Recalls 857,735 Vehicles, Cue The Late-Night TV Class Action Law Suit Ads

Today, GM announced the recall of 857,735 vehicles equipped with heated windshield wiper fluid systems [although at least one early bird attorney already has the number inflated to 944,000 on his "Lemon Law" website]. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a short circuit in the wiper fluid system’s electric wiring may cause other electrical features to malfunction, resulting in an odoriferous smoke and a significant fire hazard. The recall was reportedly issued for certain 2006-2008 model year vehicles and applies specifically to the 2007-2008 Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Cadillac Escalade EXT, GMC Acadia, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Saturn Outlook; the 2006-2008 Hummer H2, Cadillac DTS, Buick Lucerne; and the 2008 Buick Enclave.

To rectify the problem, GM will install a wire harness with an in-line fuse that will automatically disable the system in the event of a short circuit.

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Do the Terms ‘Hybrid’ and ‘Fuel Efficient’ Have to Equate Odd/Bad Design?

…That is the question that many people are asking. While design taste and preferences are truly a matter of preference, and to some design falls second or third to utility or performance, an appealing design will make or break a vehicle.

One modern day, non-hybrid design that exemplifies bad design and a sales flop is the Pontiac Aztec.

While picking on the Aztek at this time is a little off topic in that it is not a Hybrid it is still a prime example of what happens when design fails function. Although the car has been out of production for years Pontiac is still able to sell new Azteks from their stockpile of “New” cars that never sold. In 2007 they sold 25 Azteks.

The concern today turns toward the hybrid and ultra fuel sippers that are growing in demand as gas prices continue to climb. Europeans have been enduring high gas prices for decades and on a whole adjusted their shopping to what they could afford, smaller cars and diesels, a long time ago. After a solid 15 years of SUV mania in the states it is difficult to break those shopping habits along with the feelings of need for utility and safety associated to SUV’s. And believe me, the American auto industry was more than happy to sell those marked-up SUV’s to a thirsting populace. So much so that during that 15 year span of SUV mania cars nearly slipped off the radar in the design and board rooms. Now that another fuel crisis is upon us and new technologies are advancing the auto industry is having to rethink just what the Car will become. …And that in turn is leading to some interesting, odd and sometimes quirky autos.

Follow the Leap for analysis on 10 designs that represent the Hybrid-Electric-Fuel Efficient market.

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Video: The Hyundai Genesis Coupe Gets its Production Model Debut

The buzz of anticipation is over as the Hyundai Genesis Coupe production model gets to spin its tires at its own New York Auto Show unveiling. Swirling past the crowd of clicking photographers the Genesis Coupe pranced about, one in silver and one in red, to an old stand-by of a Van Halen classic pumped out by a cover band while narrowly missing the barriers that sealed off the staging area.

Hyundai has been discussing their production intentions for the Genesis Coupe for some time, but now the numbers have been pegged down and are official. With a 2.0 liter turbo-charged four-cylinder model you are looking at 212-hp to get you moving. However, if you are the type that needs a bit more the DOHC 3.8 liter all-aluminum V6 will provide you with 306-hp.

The production version of the Hyundai does not carry the same aggression and flare of the Genesis Coupe shown at the LA Auto Show, but that was to be somewhat expected. With a starting price starting around $21,000 and the 306-hp V6 starting around $25,000 you are sure to have a little coin left over for what is sure to be a plethora of aftermarket accessories to choose from.

For being Hyundai’s first attempt at a rear-wheel drive sports coupe the Genesis Coupe is far from a disappointment. Those who are complaining about plastics on the interior are more then welcomed to spend much more money on other cars… that is why we have so many alternatives. Take a look at the videos provided by AutoBlog of the official unveiling of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe on the next page, and following that will be Hyundai’s official Press Release. (more…)

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The UK’s Lightening GT is Ready! Pre-Order at Will!

The UK’s answer to Tesla and the EV revolution that is vamping up is the Lightening GT, and the word coming down the pipeline is the Lightening Car Company is taking pre-orders now. For 15,000 British pounds you can cement your place in line to receive one of the first Lightening GT’s to step out onto the left hand lane. The Lightening Car Company appears to have everything in order and expects to make delivery of their EV coupe in 2009.

What the buyers of the Lightening GT will be getting for their money is a vehicle that is safe for the environment and lightening fast off the line. With a body consisting of carbon fiber and Kevlar and a front-to-back weight distribution of 48/52 the combined 700-hp between the independent 4-electric motors will have no problem propelling the Lightening GT to its reported zero-to-sixty in a flat 4 seconds.

Each wheel is spun by its own 120 kw electric motor with traction control and regenerative braking to boot. Unlike the Tesla EV car in America there is no transmission or gears or drive-shafts to create any mechanical difficulties or production hold-ups in the Lightening GT. And unlike a gasoline engine that requires increased revolutions in order to reach its top speed the Lightening GT’s full power is available in an instant from the NanoSafe batteries.
…After the leap you will find a full photo gallery and technical specs… (more…)

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Land Rover presents their Limited Special Edition Defender SVX

Land Rover presented their Special Edition Defender SVX destined to sell out in the UK when it is released for sale in the Summer of 2008. As a special preview Land Rover presented the first Defender two-seat drop-top to the Red Cross to be auctioned off to raise money for their humanitarian efforts. The winner of the auction will be the first to own Land Rovers make-over of the off-road vehicle that has traversed the world. With its new chrome grill surround, clear headlights and polished roll bars the revised Defender is sure to catch many eyes, both human and animal, when they make their way along the worlds unpaved trails.

Land Rover plans to make only 200 of their Special Edition Defender, so if you are in the UK and have a true yearning for one you best act fast. (more…)

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