All In Gear
- Tesla safety probe closed, defect 'not identified'
Tesla has been absolved of blame in incidents where three of its Model S battery packs caught fire when hit with road debris. The NHTSA closed its investigation into Tesla after the car's safety was improved and no initial defect was found.
- Ford Mustang gets a Whipple Supercharger
Ford Mustang for 2015 is yet to reach showrooms, but the people at Whipple Superchargers have already developed a 700-horsepower upgrade for it, according to a leaked press release. The Ford Mustang upgrade includes an air-to-water intercooler, high-flow fuel injectors, and a high flow intake and exhaust system.
- British automaker Zenos to roll out first car in U.S. next year
Zenos said it will bring its E10 to American shores beginning next year. Aimed at owners inclined to turn their own wrenches, the basic car doesn't include an engine or transmission.
- The top-selling cop car is a Ford Explorer
Ford reportedly sold more than 13,000 of its Explorer crossover vehicles to police departments across the US, outselling cop cars built by competing automaker Dodge.
- Tesla (TM) Model X tougher to design than previous model, says CEO
For a car that won't hit the streets until 2015, Tesla Motor's upcoming Model X reportedly has its share of attention, with as many as 13,000 pre-orders for the vehicle.
- Ford uses Oculus tech to test the cars of the future
Facebook made headlines when it purchased virtual reality headset maker Oculus VR Inc this week, but Ford has already found a use for this nascent technology.
- Tesla Model X reservations reach 13,000
Tesla Model X reservations have crept over 13,000 units worldwide, which is impressive for a high-priced luxury vehicle. The Telsa Model X electric crossover began testing in California earlier this year.
- Nissan recall: 990,000 vehicles for airbag software defect
Nissan recall includes Altima, Leaf, Pathfinder, Sentra, and Infiniti models with a software glitch that could prevent certain airbags from deploying during collisions. Nearly 990,000 vehicles are affected by the Nissan recall.
- Nissan recalls 990,000 cars for airbag sensor software defect
Nissan is recalling thousands of vehicles for a defect involving airbag sensor software, including the 2013-2014 Leaf, Altima, Sentra and Pathfinder crossover; the 2013 NV200 van; as well as the 2013 Infinity JX35 and the 2014 Infinity Q50 and QX60.
- Honda unveils model house built to support electric car
Honda is showcasing its energy efficiency technology in a model house built around the electric car at the University of California at Davis. The structure includes provisions for the company's Fit EV sedan, LED lighting, plus uses solar and geothermal energy sources, according to the automaker.
- Car involved in crash that killed 'Fast and Furious' star was driven at unsafe speed
Investigators report that speed, and not mechanical failure, led to the crash that killed "Fast and Furious" film series star Paul Walker in November.
- Uber, Lyft beef up insurance for drivers. Is it enough protection?
As ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft are growing in popularity, they face growing pains in the form of safety concerns and driver protection. Both Uber and Lyft have recenty expanded their insurance policies to address some of those issues.
- What Tesla's Elon Musk could do with Google CEO Larry Page's money
- Researchers explore why rechargeable batteries wear out
The rechargeable batteries used in electric cars eventually fail with use -- and researchers are now searching for the reason. Meanwhile, development continues on technology that will allow batteries to hold bigger charges for longer periods of time.
- Volvo's car-to-car communications test starts in Scandinavia
Can a car warn other cars of nearby road hazards? Volvo is trying to make it so, and developing technology that the company says will allow an auto's on-board computer to send a warning to other vehicles of slippery conditions while on the road.
- Electric car range fluctuates in extreme weather, reports AAA
AAA reports that its own testing shows rough weather can negatively impact an electric vehicle's range, but the organization cautioned that electric motors still offer less maintenance than traditional engines and other benefits.
- Arizona bill would allow for direct sales of autos, including Tesla
A bill that would allow direct sales of cars serves as a "pre-emptive strike" against any measures to block automaker Tesla from selling its vehicles to consumers, according to an Arizona lawmaker. Meanwhile, Tesla reportedly named Arizona as a potential home for its planned battery factory.
- As Viper sales slow, Chrysler temporarily closes production plant
Chrysler will suspend production of its SRT Viper sports car for about two months due to dwindling sales. While the Viper's Detroit production line is halted, 91 staff members will also be temporarily laid off, as well, according to the company.
- GM recall, again: nearly 64,000 Cadillac XTS sedans for fire risk
General Motors is recalling 63,900 Cadillac XTS sedans in the US because of a problem that could lead to a fire. The GM recall affects 2013 and 2014 model XTS sedans manufactured between February 14, 2012 and March 7, 2014.
- General Motors CEO Mary Barra apologizes, appoints new safety czar. Is it enough?
General Motors (GM) CEO Mary Barra appointed Jeff Boyer as the automaker's new head of safety Tuesday in an effort to reverse course following recent safety issues affecting millions of GM vehicles.