Lawsuit claims GM trucks don’t run properly on American diesel

2015 Chevrolet Silverado HD General Motors line of diesel-powered heavy duty trucks are billed as workhorses, able to haul tens of thousands of pounds with impunity. Endless wells of hairy-chested torque from a 6.6-litre Duramax gets things rolling in a hurry.However, a class action lawsuit filed this week in Detroit seeks to put the brakes on certain models of GMs heavy-hauler, reports the Detroit News.Plaintiffs allege problems with the powertrains high-pressure fuel pumps, units manufactured by Bosch and installed in Duramax-equipped trucks from the 2011 to 2016 model years. According to the suit, the pump introduced metal shavings into the fuel injection system, leading to catastrophic and expensive damage.GM and Bosch declined to offer the Detroit News comment.At the root of this issue, say the complainants, is the composition of American diesel fuel. They claim it to be thinner than European diesel, a trait that allows for less lubrication and eventual degradation of the Bosch pumps. Plaintiffs in the suit say once this happens, debris finds its way into the engine.Lets examine this claim. As we all learned in Gearhead 101, modern diesel fuel is ignited under compression without a spark. A key indicator of diesel fuel quality is its cetane number, a measure of the fuels ignition speed that is, how long it takes to go bang! under compression. A higher cetane number indicates the fuel ignites more readily when sprayed into hot compressed air, such as the environs of an engine cylinder.Generally, diesel in Europe has a cetane rating of approximately 51, while the stuff on this side of the pond is generally rated around 45, except for a few areas in which a minimum of 48 is mandated (not to mention California, whose diesel fuel has a cetane rating of 53).For about the last ten years, all the American highway diesel fuel has been classified as Ultra-Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD), a blend which lowered the measured sulphur content to less than 15ppm. This, the suit claims, is the root of the problem. The fuel pump used in the trucks in question, a Bosch CP4, was introduced in 2011. Plaintiffs claim it was designed for the European market and didnt play well when swilling American ULSD. This may be so, but it would behoove the smart lawyer to also note that the Duramax engines in question are not fitted with a lift pump. This is a bit of tech that takes some of the workload off the main pump the Bosch CP4, in this case.Without a lift pump, a low-pressure unit which pulls the fuel first, the CP4 is under constant suction and tasked with two jobs, drawing fuel and pressurizing it. This situation may introduce air bubbles into the mix since the pump is located waaaay up in the engine bay, a long distance from the fuel tank. The presence of air means the absence of liquid, and could help explain the production of metal shavings, which are claimed to be causing the expensive damage mentioned in this lawsuit.Regardless of the reason for the fuel pumps alleged degradation diesel quality or being overworked well be keeping an eye on this case as it works its way through the
Origin: Lawsuit claims GM trucks don’t run properly on American diesel

Pininfarina wants to build an SUV and become a real automaker

Pininfarina BattistaDerek McNaughton Just months after revealing its incredible electric Battista hypercar, Pininfarina is already watering down looking to expand its brand by announcing itll build an SUV.The move no doubt stems from the fact that to be able to make any money in todays automotive world, you need to build a great all-rounder, and for everybody, thats been an SUV.Pininfarina wants to realize its potential as full-fledged automaker, with volume models on top of its flagship super-EV.The Battista makes 1,900 horsepower, but we dont expect Pininfarinas SUV will. What we do expect is that it will be extremely luxurious, electric and exclusive. It will ride on Pininfarinas new skateboard platform, still in development, set to underpin a few new models. The platform is being jointly developed with an unnamed supplier, and will likely be licenced to other brands to offset development costs.Pininfarina does not want to join up with a brand like Porsche, as tempting as that may be; the German automaker is currently developing a similar EV platform that will underpin the Taycan and the Audi E-Tron GT. Pininfarina says the platform works for cars, but wont support a vehicle like the high-riding SUV its developing. As for performance, the SUVs likely to come fitted with lithium-ion battery packs with a capacity of 100 to 124 kWh, will carry the vehicle up to 600 kilometres on a single charge.The SUV will likely fall in the 200,000- to 400,000-euro range ($300,000 to $600,000) meaning it will compete with offerings from Bentley and Rolls-Royce, as well as the upcoming Aston Martin SUV set to revive the Lagonda
Origin: Pininfarina wants to build an SUV and become a real automaker

Dealership creates the convertible Challenger that Dodge won’t

A North Carolina dealership has created the Challenger convertible that Dodge wont build from the factory.Ford and Chevrolet have convertible versions of their modern pony cars, but Dodge has never personally stepped up to the game and created its own, and its seeming more unlikely as the platform ages.Tired of waiting, Keffer Dodge, Chrysler, Ram and Jeep sent three Challengers off to a shop named Convertible Builders in Florida, which chopped off the top and added a soft fabric version that opens and closes with the push of a button.According to Motor Authority, the conversions were done to a standard Challenger and two R/T Scat Pack models, one fitted with the 485-horsepower 6.4-litre HEMI V8; and the other with a 5.7-litre V8 that makes 375 horsepower. All three come with automatic transmissions for optimum cruising.The gray, white, and red cars are listed at US$64,000, US$60,000 and US$56,300, respectively. That means that the conversion of the vehicle to convertible costs about US$16,000 on top of the base price of an automatic Challenger.Theres no telling what Convertible Builders has done to improve the structural integrity of the Challenger so it can handle the loss of a roof, but from the name of its shop, we can guess this isnt their first rodeo. Perhaps in the future, these conversions will even be seen as a classic move, and command a premium for their
Origin: Dealership creates the convertible Challenger that Dodge won’t

Electric car sales climb in wake of new $5,000 federal rebate program

2018 Honda Clarity plug-in hybrid Canadas new rebate program to help make electric cars cheaper appears to be showing early signs of stimulating sales but mostly in the two provinces that require a minimum number of electric car sales.On May 1, Ottawa began offering rebates of up to $5,000 on the purchase of some electric vehicles in a bid to bring the cost of lower-end models closer to that of their gas-powered cousins.Announced in the March budget, the incentives are part of Ottawas goal to increase sales of electric cars to 10 per cent of all vehicles sold by 2025, 30 per cent by 2030 and 100 per cent by 2040.Last year, electric and plug-in hybrids accounted for about two per cent of total vehicle sales.Matthew Klippenstein, an engineer who began tracking electric vehicle sales a few years ago on his website Canada EV Sales, said they accounted for four per cent of all vehicle sales in May and June.Its still a tiny share the Ford F-series pickup trucks alone accounted for seven per cent of all vehicle sales but it is rising. And Klippenstein said the federal rebate has definitely increased sales in the past couple of months.Transport Canada reports that more than 14,000 electric cars and minivans were bought nationwide using the rebate since May 1. The department, which is overseeing the rebate program, also said overall electric vehicle sales were up 30 per cent between January and June, compared to the year before.But Klippenstein said there is one caveat to the data. More than eight in 10 of the electric vehicles sold in May and June were sold in British Columbia and Quebec. Those are the only two provinces that have a provincial rebate Ontario did until last year when Premier Doug Ford cancelled it after being elected and both allow their rebate to be combined with the federal one for even greater savings.Even more important to the sales distribution is that both B.C. and Quebec require dealerships to sell a certain percentage of electric cars, Klippenstein said. If they dont meet the quotas they have to either pay a fine or buy credits from competitors who exceeded their quotas.Klippenstein said there is still a limited supply of electric cars and those the automakers are sending to Canada are going to B.C. and Quebec first to make sure dealerships hit their quotas. Dan Woynillowicz, policy director at Clean Energy Canada, said there is still work to do to install public charging stations in the provinces that have never had a rebate. The lack of that infrastructure is contributing to lower sales there.Transport Canada hasnt yet been able to provide further details about what kinds of cars were the most popular purchases or sales numbers by province.The federal rebates are available for fully electric vehicles whose lowest-end model retails for less than $45,000, or $55,000 for vehicles that have seven or more seats like minivans. Up to $5,000 is available, with fully electric vehicles bought outright or leased for at least four years eligible for the maximum.Shorter-range plug-in hybrids or fully electric cars leased for shorter times are eligible for rebates between $625 and $3,750 depending on the length of the lease and the type of
Origin: Electric car sales climb in wake of new $5,000 federal rebate program

Bentley recreates long-lost 1939 Corniche performance saloon

Mulliner, Bentley’s in-house bespoke division, has faithfully recreated the company’s 1939 Corniche performance saloon, 80 years after the sole example was destroyed.  The Corniche, named in reference to the French coastal roads on which it was designed to be driven, was built in 1939 as a high-performance reworking of Bentley’s pivotal MKV luxury saloon. Key upgrades over the MKV included lightweight steel body panels, a bespoke overdrive-equipped gearbox and modifications to the iconic 4 1/4-litre straight-six engine.  Following successful speed trials at Brooklands, where it surpassed 100mph, the Corniche was damaged in an accident on French roads, and subsequently destroyed completely during a German bombing raid on the Dieppe port where it was being stored.  Despite the loss of the only Corniche produced, a stockpile of parts for future models remained, and Bentley has been able to use original components for the continuation model.  The project has been ongoing since 2001, when ex-Bentley director Ken Lea and a team of enthusiasts set out to create a Corniche using original parts and plans. Bentley gave financial support to the restoration in 2008, before bringing it in-house around 18 months ago at new CEO Adrian Hallmark’s request.  Mulliner has been chiefly responsible for the work carried out since, although Bentley claims many employees from other departments devoted their spare time to rebuilding the Corniche.  Bentley believes the underlying chassis to be an original unit from 1939, but the ash frame, interior and body have been built from scratch.  The body panels were finished by the same team responsible for hand-forming the current Mulsanne’s bodywork, and are based on original blueprints donated by the family of the Corniche’s designer, George Paulin.  The interior is trimmed throughout in period-correct leather and cloth, while the wooden window surrounds have been heat-formed over a number of hours in a purpose-built steam booth.  It took a team of metalworkers three months to recreate the Corniche’s prominent front grille, each slat of which was digitally designed to enhance airflow.  As with the original, the Corniche is powered by a MKV-derived 4 1/4-litre engine with higher-compression pistons, larger carburettors and a reconfigured inlet manifold.  A Bentley spokesman said the Corniche’s resurrection is “proof that we have the skill to do restorations of this complexity”, hinting that more such projects could follow.  Bentley is marking its centenary in 2019, and has unveiled a number of limited-run special editions and organised several commemorative events as part of the celebrations.  The rebuilt Corniche will make its public debut at Blenheim Palace’s Salon Privé in September, where it will be on display alongside heritage models such as the Birkin Blower and WO Bentley’s 8.0-litre
Origin: Bentley recreates long-lost 1939 Corniche performance saloon

Hyundai Ioniq: UK pricing confirmed for updated model

Hyundai has released pricing details for its refreshed Ioniq family hatchback. The range now starts from £22,795 for the entry-level hybrid model, with the upgraded electric version priced from £29,450. The Toyota Prius rival now offers 182 miles of WLTP-certified range in fully electric form, marking a 36% improvement over the range of the outgoing 28kWh model. It’s still around 100 miles less than the currently sold-out Kona Electric, however. The Ioniq Electric’s 38.3kWh battery pack is mated to an electric motor producing 134bhp and 218lb ft of torque, and is fitted with a new 7.2kW onboard charger compatible with Type 2 AC charging points. Hyundai claims the facelifted EV can be charged to 80% capacity in as little as 54 minutes as a result. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain variants are unchanged, but the latter now has a WLTP target electric range of 32 miles. The Ioniq Hybrid will be offered in three basic trim levels, along with a limited edition 1st Edition. The entry-level SE Connect features 15in alloys, rear parking sensors, an 8in touchscreen and a number of driver assistance features. The Premium trim, starting at £24,695, adds bespoke 15in alloy wheels, keyless entry, wireless charging, heated seats and a widescreen 10.25in touchscreen. Above that, Premium SE starts from £26,995 and includes 17in wheels, an electric parking brake, electrically adjustable seats and adaptive cruise control. The 1st Edition costs £24,955 and is based on Premium spec, with 17in wheels and an electric parking brake. The plug-in hybrid and electric versions are both offered in two trim levels: Premium and Premium SE. Premium models start at £29,950 for the plug-in hybrid and £29,450 for the electric version. They include 16in wheels, a 10.25inch widescreen touchscreen, wireless charging pad, keyless entry and rear view monitor.  Premium SE models cost from £31,950 (PHEV) and £31,450 (electric) and add the likes of privacy glass, chrome door handles, leather heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, an electrically operated driver’s seat and automatic windscreen wipers, along with safety features including blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert. Prices for the electric model include the UK Government’s discount. Visually, the new Ioniq is marked out from its predecessor by a redesigned front fascia (on both hybrid and electric models), revised front and rear bumpers and reshaped front and rear light
Origin: Hyundai Ioniq: UK pricing confirmed for updated model

New Hyundai Kona Hybrid to start from £22,495

The new Hyundai Kona Hybrid will be priced from £22,495 when it goes on sale in the UK near the end of September. The latest version of the Korean firm’s compact SUV, which joins the existing petrol, diesel and fully electric models, will be offered in three trim levels, all of which will use the same 1.6-litre petrol-electric powertrain. That unit, taken from Kia’s larger Niro, uses a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, making 104bhp on its own, mated to a 43bhp electric motor also powering the front wheels.  Both are linked through a six-speed dual-clutch auotmatic gearbox and a small (1.56kWh) lithium ion battery that recharges through coasting and braking. Total system output is 139bhp, with a combined torque figure of 195lb ft. That’s sufficient for a 0-62mph time of 11.2sec on the smallest wheel size, and a maximum speed of just under 100mph. The hybrid is considerably more frugal on paper than the normal petrol equivalents, managing a claimed 72mpg (66mpg on 18in wheels) and CO2 emissions of 90g/km (99g/km on 18in wheels). For comparison, Hyundai claims the base 1.0 T-GDI petrol engine manages 54.3mpg combined.  Entry-level Kona Hybrid SE models feature climate control, 16in wheels with a design bespoke to the hybrid version, special badges and unique white accents on the air vents and gear level. There is a 7in touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, rear parking sensors and camera and lane-keeping assist. The mid-level Kona Hybrid Premium starts at £24,295, and additions include 18in wheels, a 10.25in touchscreen, Krell sound system, keyless entry, privacy glass, wireless smartphone charging. The top Premium SE trim level is priced from £27,195 and includes the likes of LED front and rear lights, standard autonomous emergency braking, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a head-up display. All three trim levels are available with different versions of Hyundai’s SmartSense safety packs as options. The £22,495 starting price for the Kona Hybrid compares to £17,305 for the petrol, and £27,250 for the electric
Origin: New Hyundai Kona Hybrid to start from £22,495

Tesla scrutinized by U.S. agency over Model 3 safety claims

The Tesla Model 3 PerformanceHandout / Tesla The U.S. National Highway Traffic Administration sent Teslas Elon Musk a cease-and-desist letter last year regarding Model 3 safety claims and has subpoenaed the carmaker for information on several crashes, according to documents posted by a nonprofit advocacy group.NHTSA lawyers took issue with an October 7 Tesla blog post that said the Model 3 had achieved the lowest probability of injury of any vehicle the agency ever tested, the documents released Tuesday by the legal transparency group Plainsite show.The regulator said the claims were inconsistent with its advertising guidelines regarding crash ratings and that it would ask the Federal Trade Commission to investigate whether the statements were unfair or deceptive acts.The documents, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, also include orders for information that NHTSA sent to Tesla following several crashes, including a fatal March 1 crash involving a Model 3 operating on Autopilot.Representatives for Tesla and NHTSA didnt immediately respond to requests for comment. A spokeswoman for the FTC declined to comment.NHTSA issued a statement in October that took exception with Teslas characterization of the agencys safety ratings. The agency said its crash tests combine into an overall safety rating and that it doesnt rank vehicles that score the same ratings. NHTSAs guidelines for the use of its test results in advertising warn that using terms such as safest and perfect to describe a particular rating or an overall score are misleading. NHTSA issued a similar statement in 2013, when Tesla said that its Model S achieved a vehicle safety score equated to 5.4 stars. The agency said then that it doesnt rate vehicles beyond 5 stars.This is not the first time that Tesla has disregarded the guidelines in a manner that may lead to consumer confusion and give Tesla an unfair market advantage, Jonathan Morrison, chief counsel at NHTSA, wrote in an October 17 letter addressed to Musk.Al Prescott, Teslas deputy general counsel, wrote in a reply letter that the company respectfully disagreed with NHTSA.Tesla has provided consumers with fair and objective information to compare the relative safety of vehicles having 5-star overall ratings, Prescott wrote in an Oct. 31
Origin: Tesla scrutinized by U.S. agency over Model 3 safety claims

Peugeot e208 pricing announced

Peugeot e-208 pricing announced The new electric 208 has a range of 211 miles (WLTP) Peugeot has announced prices and specification details for its new 208 range – including the pure-electric e-208. The electric supermini will cost from £25,050, including UK Plug-in Car Grant. Powered by a 50 kWh motor and 100 kW (136 hp) electric motor, the e-208 will be available in one of four trim options – Active, Allure, GT Line, and GT. Allure sees a £1,200 premium over entry-level Allure spec, GT Line starts at £28,100, and the e-208 is the only powertrain available in GT trim, costing from £29,650. Electric models come with 16-inch alloys, leather-effect trim, and Peugeot’s new, configurable, 3D i-Cockpit. Allure adds Peugeot’s 3D real-light clusters, while GT-Line features front and rear parking sensors plus reversing camera, 17-inch alloys, Active Brake Assist with night function, and cyclist & pedestrian detection, eight colour ambient lighting, LED headlights, and sportier styling details. All e-208’s come with the same powertrain, which allows for a range of up to 211 miles on a single charge. Charging can be carried out at up to 100 kW on DC CCS rapid units, and at 11 kW from an AC point. Peugeot will provide a ‘Charging Pass’ to customers with free subscription for an introductory period, and the above prices are subject to model approval by OLEV. Since it meets all the criteria for the Category 1 Plug-in Car Grant, there are no problems expected in it being approved, with deliveries expected to start in early 2020.
Origin: Peugeot e208 pricing announced