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Autoblog Podcast #327

New York Auto Show, Jim Farley interview, 2014 Chevrolet Silverado fuel economy, Ford fuel economy app challenge
Episode #327 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff Ross talk about this year's New York Auto Show, Chevrolet's latest assault in the pickup truck fuel economy battle, and Ford's reward for developing a better fuel economy app. Dan also has an interview with Ford's Jim Farley about the future of Lincoln. We wrap with your questions and emails, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!
Autoblog Podcast #327:

Jaguar releases C-X75 concept build story

If you want to know what was going through the minds of decisionmakers at Jaguar when the company decided to build the batty C-X75 Concept, look no further than the quick video after the jump. Jaguar set about building a car with the performance of a Bugatti Veyron, the electric range of a Chevrolet Volt and the emissions of a Toyota Prius, and they turned to a legendary engineering firm to help make it happen. Williams, the same crew behind Williams F1, helped Jaguar stitch the concept car together, and the result is unlike anything we've seen before.
The twin-charged 1.6-liter four-cylinder mounted amidship is paired with an electric motor at each wheel for a combined output of over 850 horsepower. And, since the whole chassis is hewn from carbon fiber, a production version would've been light enough to give machines like the McLaren P1 and Ferrari LaFerrari a run for their money. Shame they apparently couldn't make the business case work. Watch the concept build story in the video below for yourself.

Jaguar recalls 7k F-Types for two seperate issues with electrical system

Jaguar is the latest automaker to join in on the recall action from this morning, as the British automaker has announced steps it's taking to remedy two separate problems. The larger of the two recalls deals with an issue related to the seatbelt sensors specifically on the F-Type (we're inquiring with Jaguar if the recall pertains to the coupe, convertible or both models). According to the notice issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "the seatbelt harness connector which connects the Seatbelt Tension Sensor (STS) to the Occupant Classification Sensor Control Module (OCSCM) may not have been correctly wired," which could result in the front passenger air bag remaining activated even when a shorter individual (child or adult) occupies that seat. As a result, the British automaker is notifying the owners of such F-Types manufactured between August 31, 2012, and October 22, 2014, to bring their cars in to their local dealership to correct the configuration of the harness connector wire. The second Jaguar recall addresses a wider range of models but a much smaller number of actual vehicles. It affects the F-Type as well as the 2015 XF and XJ sedans, but only 272 of them in the United States. In those affected vehicles, the Front End Accessory Drive belt, Power Assisted Steering pump pulley and the battery positive cable at the alternator may detach. Since those issues could increase the risk of fire or the loss of power steering, Jaguar is calling those few affected units in to dealers to have the requisite components checked, and if necessary, repaired. Details of both recalls can be found in the notices below. Report Receipt Date: NOV 07, 2014 NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V714000 Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Potential Number of Units Affected: 7,079 Manufacturer: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC SUMMARY: Jaguar Land Rover North America LLC (Jaguar) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 F-TYPE vehicles manufactured August 31, 2012, to October 22, 2014. In the affected vehicles the seatbelt harness connector which connects the Seatbelt Tension Sensor (STS) to the Occupant Classification Sensor Control Module (OCSCM) may not have been correctly wired. The OCSCM senses whether there is an occupant in the front passenger seating position, and the STS senses whether tension on the seatbelt indicates a child restraint is being used in the front passenger seating position.