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10 automakers shack up in Detroit hotel to talk Takata airbags

Since Takata has decided not to take the lead concerning potential issues with its airbag inflators, the automakers have. Perhaps that's unsurprising, since it's the automakers, not Takata, that will take a beating on the dealership floor if consumers decide its models are a health hazards. The Detroit News reports that Toyota, Honda, General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Mazda, BMW, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Subaru met in a hotel conference room near the Detroit Metropolitan Airport last week to sort out a way to understand the technical issues involved. So far, faulty airbag inflators have been ruled the cause of five deaths and 50 injuries around the world, but neither Takata nor investigators understands exactly why the inflators are malfunctioning. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently asked Takata to issue a national recall, Takata declined, citing a minuscule failure rate and the fact that it's still investigating the issue. Toyota and Honda then made an industry-wide appeal for "a coordinated, comprehensive testing program" that would pinpoint the problem inflators and get them replaced, and that's what the Detroit meeting was about. Numerous issues, however, will make this a long row to hoe: simply getting the parts to replace the nearly 20 million inflators in cars recalled around the world so far - even working with other suppliers - will take a years, but more importantly, no one knows if the replacement inflators currently being installed will suffer the same issue. Answers will hopefully come quickly with Takata, the ten automakers and NHTSA all independently investigating the problem.

BMW X4 M40i caught production-ready

It seems like BMW is pretty committed to this whole X4 thing. Aside from the current xDrive28i and xDrive35i, we've captured a round of spy photos showing what our spy shooters tell us is a more dynamic M40i model.
The higher-performance hunchback follows in the footsteps of BMW's other sub-M cars like the M235i. In fact, much like the high-po 2 Series, the M40i is expected to make use of a 3.0-liter, turbocharged six-cylinder, developing 365 to 375 horsepower.
Aside from that, the rest of the X4 M40i fits the brief of other near-M models, with a more aggressive body kit, larger wheels, firmer suspension and brawnier brakes. Expect some mild tweaks inside, too, including sportier seats and an M-specific steering wheel.

Elvis Presley's BMW 507 has never looked better

After two grueling years of work, BMW Classic is finally finished restoring the 507 roadster that once belonged to Elvis Presley. Now that it is restored to original condition, the vehicle will be on display at this year's Concours d'Elegance in Pebble Beach, CA, on August 18. The 507 will be in the exact same shape as when the King of Rock 'n' Roll took delivery of it on December 20, 1958. Not only did BMW Group Classic bring the 507 back from the scrapyard, it also went to great measures to ensure that the classic was restored in an authentic manner. The vehicle was painted once again in Feather White. But the primer coat, filler, and top coat were applied using methods that were used roughly 60 years ago, giving the 507 a truly original shine. The 150-horsepower 3.2-liter V8 was restored to its original spec, but utilizes a variety of old and new components. Other notable features include a black-and-white interior, center-lock rims, and a Becker Mexico radio. The 507 will be on display alongside numerous vintage BMWs as the company celebrates its centennial. Related Video: Featured Gallery Elvis Presley's Restored 1957 BMW 507 View 20 Photos Related Gallery Elvis Presley's 1957 BMW 507 View 59 Photos News Source: BMWImage Credit: BMW Auto News Celebrities BMW Convertible Classics Pebble Beach bmw 507