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Thanks to smaller engines, vehicle dependability falls for first time in 16 years

As automakers have made engines smaller and smaller to improve fuel economy, problems in those vehicles have gotten bigger and bigger. That's the synopsis of a J.D. Power vehicle-dependability study, which found that dependability dropped for the first time in 16 years, largely because the proliferation of four-cylinder engines is causing the vehicles to be less reliable. Specifically, the number of problems per 100 vehicles (or what J.D. Power calls PP100) during the past 12 months for 2011 model-year vehicles rose six percent from the year-earlier figures for 2010 model-year cars. Singling out four-cylinder vehicles revealed about a 10-percent increase in problems during the past year. This issues largely related to engine hesitation, rough transmission shifting and lack of power, signaling the inability of vehicle makers to iron out some of the problems in their smaller engines as they strove for better fuel economy. Six- and five-cylinder engines proved far more reliable. Among car brands, BMW's Mini sub-brand came out as least reliable, with 185 problems per 100 vehicles during the past year. Toyota's Lexus badge was easily the most reliable, with just 68 problems per 100 vehicles. Coming in second place was Mercedes-Benz. The overall average was 133. Check out J.D. Power's press release below. J.D. Power Reports: Increased Engine and Transmission Problems Contribute to Decline in Vehicle Dependability for The First Time in More Than 15 Years General Motors Company Receives Eight Segment Awards, While Toyota Motor Corporation Garners Seven and Honda Motor Company Earns Six WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: o Owners of 3-year-old vehicles (2011 model year) report more problems than did owners of 3-year-old vehicles last year, according to the J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS) released today. The study, now in its 25th year, examines problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of 2011 model-year vehicles. Overall dependability is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality. The study finds that overall vehicle dependability averages 133 PP100, a 6 percent increase in problems from 126 PP100 in 2013. This marks the first time since the 1998 study that the average number of problems has increased. "Until this year, we have seen a continual improvement in vehicle dependability," said David Sargent, vice president of global automotive at J.D.

Recharge Wrap-up: Formula E gets more power, Tesla outsells competition

Tesla sold significantly more electric vehicles than its competitors in 2015. Tesla delivered 50,580 vehicles in 2015. 208 of those were its new Model X SUV, and likely half of its Model S units were sold in the US. By comparison, Nissan sold 17,269 Leafs. For General Motors, through the end of November, Cadillac sold 1,024 ELRs, while Chevrolet sold 15,393 Volts and 2,477 Spark EVs. Ford sold similar numbers of its plug-in vehicles in 2015, compared to Nissan and GM, putting each of those automakers between 17,000 and 19,000 EVs. By comparison, Tesla had quite a year. Read more at Teslarati. Lexus is teasing an "unprecedented" world premiere at the 2016 Detroit Auto Show. The automaker is rumored to debut its LC 500, powered by a 465-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8, as well as the LC 500h using a hybrid powertrain consisting of a V6 engine and electric motor. The LC 500h is rumored to produce over 470 horsepower. The Lexus LC will be based on the LF-LC concept that debuted in Detroit in 2012. Lexus has set up a dedicated microsite for its presentation at the Detroit show on January 11. Read more from Hybrid Cars. Formula E will raise its power limit for its third season. According to the newly published FIA Formula E 2016 Technical Regulations, output will be boosted from a maximum 200 kW (268 horsepower) to 250 kW (335 horsepower). While race energy will still be limited to 28 kWh, the battery weight limit has been raised from 200 kilograms (441 pounds) to 230 kilograms (507 pounds), likely to help accommodate the higher output. Meanwhile, overall car weight drops from 888 kilograms (1958 pounds) to 880 kilograms (1940 pounds). Lighter, more powerful cars should make the next season of Formula E even more exciting. Read more at Current E. Related Gallery Lexus LF-LC Concept: Detroit 2012 View 11 Photos News Source: Telsarati, Hybrid Cars, Lexus, Current E, FIA Formula EImage Credit: Formula E Green Motorsports Detroit Auto Show Lexus Tesla Electric Hybrid recharge wrapup

Sportier version of a Lexus RC F spotted at Nurburgring

While most of the auto industry was focused on Frankfurt today, elsewhere in Germany our spy photographers spotted something interesting at the Nuurburgring — a Lexus RC F that seems even sportier. There appears to be a bigger fixed rear spoiler under the camo, along with a modified front skirt and a different rear bumper with a different diffuser. There just might be air outlets behind the rear wheel, and possibly a wider track in the rear. Are these just cosmetic changes, or a harbinger of higher performance or something more potent than the current 467-horsepower 5-liter engine — say, something beyond 500 horses? Unknown at this point. Related Video: Featured Gallery Lexus RC F Sport spy shots Spy Photos Lexus Coupe Luxury Performance lexus rc f