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Autoblog Minute: VW finds CO2 'irregularities', Takata dropped by automakers, SEMA recap

Fri, Nov 6 2015

Volkswagen's diesel emissions scandal gets a new wrinkle, US regulators hit Takata Corporation with a substantial fine, and we head to Las Vegas for a look at tuner paradise at the 2015 SEMA show. Autoblog senior editor Greg Migliore reports on this edition of Autoblog Minute Weekly Recap. Show full video transcript text [00:00:00] Volkswagen's diesel emissions scandal gets a new wrinkle. US regulators issue a significant fine to Takata Corporation. And we take a peek inside tuner paradise at the 2015 SEMA show. I'm senior editor Greg Migliore and this is your Autoblog Minute Weekly Recap. The VW diesel emissions scandal, first brought to light in September, gets a new wrinkle, as an internal investigation by the German automaker revealed [00:00:30] irregularities in CO2 emissions that could affect approximately 800,000 vehicles. VW estimates the issue could pose a 2-billion euro economic risk. VW claims that most of the vehicles affected have diesel engines, but industry analysts say a 1.4-liter gas engine is also affected. VW says that fuel consumption figures were set too low during the CO2 certification process. During all of this, sales of some diesel-powered Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche models [00:01:00] have been halted. Takata Corporation is back in the news in connection with its deadly airbag scandal. Federal regulators fined Takata $70 million. If the parts supplier does not comply, the fine could balloon to $200 million. Takata was also dropped this week by its biggest customer, Honda. And now, Toyota and Mazda will be following Honda's lead in dropping Takata. We're also hearing that Mitsubishi and Subaru are considering a switch in air-bag inflator suppliers. SEMA 2015 [00:01:30] came and went. We saw offerings from Mopar, like the AWD Challenger concept. Honda unveiled a Ridgeline that it will race at the Baja 1000, which gives us a hint at what future production model could look like. The celebrity presence was also felt in Vegas as it always is. Kid Rock brought a Duramax Diesel Chevy Silverado, and Acura restored and presented Ludacris with his now famous 1993 Acura Legend. Those are the highlights from the week that was. Be sure to come back on Saturday for my full recap, [00:02:00] where I'll have some added insight into Hyundai's foray into the luxury sector. For Autoblog, I'm Greg Migliore. Autoblog Minute is a short-form video news series reporting on all things automotive.

Autoblog Minute: Honda drops Takata, airbag maker fined $70M

Fri, Nov 6 2015

US regulators hit Takata Corporation with a substantial fine, and Honda drops the embattled parts supplier. Autoblog's Adam Morath reports on this edition of Autoblog Minute. Show full video transcript text [00:00:00] US regulators hit Takata with a substantial fine, and Honda drops the embattled supplier. I'm Adam Morath and this is your Autoblog Minute. In the latest developments surrounding Takata's deadly airbag scandal, Transportation secretary Anthony Foxx released a statement accusing Takata of providing investigators with quote, "incomplete, inaccurate, and misleading information." Foxx also announced that a 70 million dollar fine, [00:00:30] which could grow to 200 million should Takata Corporation not meet certain conditions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration exercised its authority, issuing a mandate to speed up repairs citing 2019 as the deadline to fix recalled cars. Japanese automaker Honda dropped Takata in the wake of the scandal. The company said in a statement: "Honda expects its suppliers to act with integrity at all times and we are deeply troubled by this apparent behavior by one of our suppliers." We'll continue to report [00:01:00] as the story evolves. For Autoblog, I'm Adam Morath. Autoblog Minute is a short-form video news series reporting on all things automotive. Each segment offers a quick and clear picture of what's happening in the automotive industry from the perspective of Autoblog's expert editorial staff, auto executives, and industry professionals.

Autoblog Minute: 2015 SEMA Show recap

Fri, Nov 6 2015

We take a trip to Las Vegas for a recap of the 2015 SEMA show, the trade show for automotive aftermarket professionals and enthusiasts. Autoblog's Eddie Sabatini reports on this edition of Autoblog Minute. Featuring commentary from Senior Editor Greg Migliore. Additionally, we've got our full roundup of SEMA Show coverage, below. Have a look through our collection of posts, and scroll down for the full Autoblog Minute transcript. Show full video transcript text [00:00:00] We take a trip to Las Vegas for a preview of SEMA, the trade show for automotive aftermarket professionals and enthusiasts. I'm Eddie Sabatini and this is your Autoblog Minute. Mazda, Ford, Chevy, Mopar, Roush, and Galpin are just a few of the industry names on hand at this premier tuner show. For a closer look at this year's action we go to Autoblog Senior editor, Greg Migliore: [00:00:30] - [00:01:00] [Greg Migliore Interview] For our full coverage of the 2015 SEMA Show head to Autoblog.com/sema. [00:01:30] For Autoblog I'm Eddie Sabatini. Autoblog Minute is a short-form video news series reporting on all things automotive. Each segment offers a quick and clear picture of what's happening in the automotive industry from the perspective of Autoblog's expert editorial staff, auto executives, and industry professionals. SEMA Show Chevrolet Ford Honda Concept Cars Autoblog Minute Videos Original Video SEMA 2015

2015 SEMA Show Recap | Autoblog Minute

Fri, Nov 6 2015

We take a trip to Las Vegas for a preview of the 2015 SEMA Show, the trade show for automotive aftermarket professionals and enthusiasts. Autoblog's Eddie Sabatini reports on this edition of Autoblog Minute, with commentary from Senior editor, Greg Migliore. Chevrolet Ford Honda Mazda Autoblog Minute Videos Original Video galpin

Honda Drops Takata, Parts Company Fined by US Regulators | Autoblog Minute

Thu, Nov 5 2015

US regulators hit Takata with a substantial fine and Honda drops the embattled supplier. Autoblog's Adam Morath reports on this edition of Autoblog Minute.

Honda tunes HR-V, shows Baja Pilot pre-runner at SEMA

Wed, Nov 4 2015

Honda has a lot more at the SEMA Show than just it's tough looking, Baja-prepped Ridgeline, but the automaker isn't really saying a whole lot about them. Even though the company has a massive gallery of photos showing off these aftermarket creations, Honda has kept details about their mods quite sparse. While the Ridgeline Baja Race Truck guns for the checkered flag, the Pilot Baja Chase Vehicle is going along for the ride in case any assistance is necessary. The crossover wears a similar Honda Racing livery as its turbocharged sibling, and the company outfits the machine with an LED bar, bumper guards, and off-road tires to get through the desert. Honda also wants buyers to know that there's tuning potential from their new HR-V. To show what's possible from the little crossover, tuners like Bisimoto Engineering, MAD Industries, Tjin Edition and Fox Marketing have some wild creations on display. The weirdest of the bunch definitely is the bizarre pink example above. The little CUV tries to look tough with a wide-body kit, new front bumper, big side sills, and a lowered suspension over metallic gold wheels. Other takes on the model make it ready for the track or to haul Honda's Grom motorcycle. Finally, the 2016 Pilot Elite Concept "Black Edition" wears production and concept components from Honda Genuine Accessories. Darkened parts for the wheels, grille, and trim give the crossover a handsome, monochromatic aesthetic. You can check out the whole SEMA cavalcade in the gallery above. Vehicles on Display in the Honda Booth at the 2015 SEMA Show Nov 3, 2015 - LAS VEGAS In additional to the Ridgeline Baja Race Truck announced today, Honda also showcased accessorized and customized versions of multiple new Honda models, including: Pilot Baja Chase Vehicle – a specially tuned 2016 Honda Pilot, in desert racing livery, which will operate as a support vehicle in Honda's SCORE Baja 1000 campaign. Pioneer 1000 – Honda's newest and most powerful side-by-side offering, also in custom desert raving livery, will accompany the Pilot Baja Chase Vehicle on the Baja peninsula to assist in the racing effort. 2016 Honda CR-Z hybrid sports coupe – making its North American debut and boasting new styling, upgraded equipment and features and a new EX-L Navi trim. 2016 Honda HR-V -- four custom-designed HR-Vs from top U.S.

Honda Baja race truck previews 2017 Ridgeline at SEMA [w/video]

Tue, Nov 3 2015

Honda is heading to this year's SCORE Baja 1000 with a mean-looking, race-prepped Ridgeline Baja Race Truck in the unlimited class. The tube-framed pickup makes a grand debut at the 2015 SEMA Show, but take a good look at the styling on display here. While it's a lot more aggressive than the real thing, it previews the production model that arrives in the first half of 2016. The race truck looks seriously tough with huge fenders, chunky off-road tires, and tons of LED lighting. According to Honda, "the front fascia, hood, roof, bed, and side profile" all feature elements that are inspired by the upcoming production version. Based on the version here and earlier teases, those cues suggest a more traditional, pickup-like appearance than the previous Ridgeline. Of course, any Baja truck needs serious power, and for this Ridgeline that comes from Honda Performance Development's HR35TT racing engine. The twin-turbocharged, 3.5-liter V6 makes around 550 horsepower in this application. Look closely at the front to find a hidden hood scoop that sends cool air to a custom intake plenum. Check out the gallery above for a look at the Baja Ridgeline at the SEMA Show. The video below shows off the tube-frame chassis underneath, and offers a great look at the engine, too. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Honda Announces Return to Baja at 2015 SEMA Show, Ridgeline Baja Race Truck Hints at Styling Direction for All-New 2017 Ridgeline Pickup Nov 3, 2015 - LAS VEGAS Today at the 2015 SEMA Show, Honda revealed its Ridgeline Baja Race Truck, a purpose-built racing machine that marks Honda's return to off-road truck racing, while also providing an early glimpse at the styling direction for the all-new 2017 Honda Ridgeline pickup that will hit dealer showrooms in the first half of next year. The Honda exhibit also showcased a multifaceted display of personalized Honda cars, SUVs, powersports products and two- and four-wheeled racing machines. The Honda Ridgeline Baja Race Truck, in red, white and black Honda Racing livery, will compete in this year's running of the SCORE Baja 1000. The tube-frame unlimited class off-road truck is powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 developed by Honda's U.S.

Honda recalls 2016 Pilot for warning light issue, 35k affected

Tue, Nov 3 2015

Honda is recalling 35,406 examples of the 2016 Pilot in the US because the vehicles' warning lamps might not activate immediately. Specifically, the campaign covers two-whee-drive models with build dates between May 4, 2015, and September 8, 2015, and four-wheel drive versions from between May 7, 2015, and September 4, 2015. Due to this issue, if there's a malfunction in aids like the tire pressure monitoring system, anti-lock brakes, or electronic stability control, the corresponding warning light might not immediately illuminate on the instrument panel. When the ignition is turned off and then back on, the alerts do appear. Still, the fault puts the Pilot out of compliance with federal rules. Beginning November 27, the fix will simply be updated instrument cluster software for the affected Pilots. According to documents submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (PDF): "As of October 8, 2015, Honda has not received any warranty claims, field reports, injuries or crashes related to this issue." Related Video: RECALL Subject : Improper Software to Module FMVSS 126,135,138 Report Receipt Date: OCT 16, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V668000 Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Potential Number of Units Affected: 35,406 All Products Associated with this Recall Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s) HONDA PILOT 2016 Details Manufacturer: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) SUMMARY: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2016 Honda Pilot 2WD vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to September 8, 2015 and 2016 Pilot 4WD vehicles manufactured May 7, 2015 to September 4, 2015. In the affected vehicles, when one of the safety systems such as tire pressure monitoring, anti-lock braking or electronic stability control malfunctions, there is potential that the instrument panel will not illuminate the corresponding warning light, however the warning lamps will illuminate when the ignition is turned off and then turned back on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic stability control systems", number 135, "Light vehicle brake systems" and number 138, "Tire pressure monitoring systems". CONSEQUENCE: If a safety system cannot immediately warn the driver when needed, the driver may be at at increased risk of a crash. REMEDY: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge.

Honda adds tech to 2016 CR-Z, no powertrain upgrades

Tue, Nov 3 2015

Rumors suggest that the next-gen Honda CR-Z could finally become a real performance machine by dropping the hybrid setup in favor of a detuned version of the European Civic Type R's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. We aren't there yet, though, and for 2016 the wedge-shaped model instead receives a styling upgrade and some new tech. However, the hybrid powertrain is still exactly the same. As previewed by the Japanese version earlier this year, the 2016 CR-Z receives a revised face with a reshaped grille. The front diffuser now slashes through the lower air dam to create triangular niches for the foglights. At the back, a redesigned bumper further echoes the nose's styling. Honda's designers also tweak the interior by switching to an electric parking brake. This might seem minor, but because there's no longer a lever, a center console with an armrest can take up the open space. In addition, drivers can enjoy better infotainment from a standard, seven-inch Display Audio system. For the EX trim and above, the screen is used for the company's LaneWatch tech, too. Moving up to the top-spec EX-L adds navigation and heated leather seats. Even with the powertrain the same, the 2016 CR-Z might drive a little better. Honda's engineers thicken the front stabilizer bar a hair and widen the rear track by 0.4 inches. The brake discs are also now 11.1 inches at the both ends, versus 10.3-inches at the front and 10.2 inches at the back previously. For 2016, Honda revises the trims to LX, EX, and EX-L, but prices jump slightly. A base model now starts at $21,130 (with the $835 destination charge) versus $20,965 last year (with $820 destination). Perhaps these upgrades are enough to goose CR-Z sales because through September the model is down 25.1 percent with a volume of just 2,205 units. Related Video: Design Updates, Enhanced Tech and New Higher-Level Trim Make the Fun and Efficient 2016 CR-Z Hybrid Sport Coupe More Stylish and Feature Rich • New styling, inside and out, and new line-topping EX-L with standard navigation • New available features include 7-inch Display Audio, Smart Entry and Push Button Start/Stop, Electric Parking Brake and Honda LaneWatch™ • New Honda accessories options TORRANCE, Calif., Nov.

2015 Mexican Grand Prix is a lot like old times

Mon, Nov 2 2015

The last time Formula One visited Mexico, in 1992, 26 cars powered by eight engine manufacturers (counting Honda and Mugen-Honda separately) lined up on the grid; it would have been nine engine makers but the Brabham-Judd cars failed to qualify. In 1992 Lewis Hamilton was seven years old, Sebastian Vettel was five, Max Verstappen was still five years away from being born. Two of the current Sky Sports F1 commentary team, Martin Brundle and Johnny Herbert, were drivers. The starting three were Nigel Mansell on pole – 39 years old, this the year he'd win his only World Championship – and Riccardo Patrese both driving Williams-Renault cars, followed by Michael Schumacher in a Benetton-Ford. Only 13 of the 26 starters would finish. The circuit is has been reworked to today's safer standards, the track surface is brand new and slippery, but the atmosphere and packed grandstands haven't changed. Nico Rosberg was another point of consistency, scoring pole position for the fourth race in a row to beat his now-World-Champion teammate Hamilton by almost two-tenths of a second. The last time Rosberg turned pole position into a victory? The Spanish Grand Prix back in May. Vettel locked up third for Ferrari, followed by the Infiniti Red Bull Racing duo of Daniil Kvyat and Daniel Ricciardo. Williams went two-up as well, Valtteri Bottas in sixth ahead of Felipe Massa in seventh. Max Verstappen turned in a great late lap to reserve eighth place, Sergio Perez did all he could in front of his home crowd to get ninth, teammate Nico Hulkenberg the caboose in the top ten. In that 1992 race the first three on the grid finished the race in the same order after Mansell dominated, and it was almost the same in 2015. If Rosberg had driven the whole season like he drove today the Driver's World Championship would still be up for grabs. He got a great start and held his line through the first corner, coming out ahead of Hamilton through the initial kinks, pulling away as soon as he got to the straight. Hamilton was never more than a few seconds behind, but every time the Brit inched closer the German found a few more tenths to keep his distance. The field got bunched up when the Safety Car came out on Lap 53 after Vettel spun and got stuck in the barriers, but Rosberg handled the restart perfectly. Both drivers made small mistakes in the last few laps while driving on the edge, but Rosberg earned a strong victory, crossing the line two seconds ahead of his teammate.