An Observation for Japanese abundant drive in design and innovation creativity, the Tokyo Motor Show has been a location symbolizing forward thinking. The Tokyo Motor Show has served as a unique showcase of cars, trucks and motorcycles depicting bold ideas along with the occasional bizarre attraction. Giving consumers a peek at new arrivals for dealerships, the 2011 show is presenting the world a look at new production vehicles such as Toyota GT-86, Subaru BRZ and Mazda’s car displaying I-ELOOP hybrid technology. Cars like Volkswagen’s Cross Coupe Concept and the most extreme design study of the year, the Toyota Fun-Vii provides a strong statement to a wide-open vision for global motoring. Presenting the future of motoring, the 2011 edition auto exhibition at Tokyo’s Big Sight venue serves importantly in the recuperation during a difficult present.

Held first in 1954, the Tokyo Motor Show was held to highlight the products created by a people recovering from their imperialistic errors of the 1930s that ultimately led to direct combat with the United States during World War Two. Demonstrating modest and utilitarian vehicles for an new, evolving culture, the Tokyo Motor Show beginnings would see Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi (a diverse corporation that debuted their very first vehicle at the 1959 event) gain steps into the Japanese marketplace. As Japanese auto brands became increasingly more global, the Tokyo Motor Show grew into a spotlight event for the car business when European and even American manufacturers fought for exhibition space. The precursor vehicle to the Audi R8 (the Avus concept sports car) was a significant world premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1991. In recent years, the Honda FCX and the Nissan GT-R were some of the high-profile production cars the Japanese exhibition brought to light.

As automotive entities arrived at the Tokyo Big Sight venue for the 2011 exhibit, this show staging came just short of nine months after Japan’s worst environmental disaster. On March 11, a 9.0 magnitude underwater earthquake shook the Asian country violently. The Earthquake spawned an equally as destructive tsunami that ultimately led to the lives of almost 16,000 people being lost (including an employee at the Honda R&D Center in Tochigi). Placing second below the human loss of Japan’s worst natural event, a country’s massive industrial complex was brought to a halt due to damage and power interruptions.

The Japanese auto industry shutdown not only slowed productivity on the Asian island but surged worldwide as vital vehicles and parts were unable to flow out of the country for almost a month. Possessing large North American assembly capacity, American and Canadian workers at Honda as well as Nissan plants operated under reduced capacity for months following the disaster. For Honda, it wasn’t until August when Honda’s supply to North American plants for the Civic and Accord returned to full capacity. Toyota, Subaru, Suzuki, Mazda and Mitsubishi also suffered global productivity setbacks throughout 2011 year.

Nearly nine months since the disaster, Japanese auto companies have returned to full operations for the most part but continued to haunted by sales sheet declines through 2011. With production hindrances more than likely playing a role, many of the leading Japanese automakers are heading into the end of the year posting regional and even global losses. Toyota has recorded a 7.5 percent decline in United States vehicle sales in 2011 compared to previous year. In the 11 months of this year, the top Japanese automaker’s Lexus division (consisting largely of cars built in Japan) holds a 14.2 percent drop over 2010. Honda’s tightened supply through much of this year has also been a contributing factor to a 5.5 percent drop in American sales for the 11 months of 2011. Mitsubishi Motors production for the first six months within the country of Japan fell by 12.6 percent. One of the few bright notes was Nissan that actually bettered Japan corporate rivals by increasing global sales by 18.8 percent for 2011. Nissan’s success could be owed to sizeable amounts of part and vehicle sources outside of Japan. However, the electric Nissan Leaf’s production in Japan slowed the distribution of the very hot new vehicle.

While Japanese auto companies returned to normality over the summer of 2011 in the production of vehicles, the effects of the earthquake and tsunami left these companies in-line with their national community. Five of the major Japanese auto manufacturers immediately donated the equivalent of over 13 million dollars US of aid on top of other provisions including blankets, generators and forklifts. Showing unity, autoworkers and other individuals of regions outside of Japan were also generous to their colleagues. American Honda Motor Company and the Red Cross teamed up to raise money to help aid the Japanese people. For days following the earthquake, Nissan provided their headquarters in Yokohama City as a temporary shelter. A wonderful scene of humanity overcoming the typical coldness of corporation allowed the first steps following this natural disaster aftermath to be made for all Japanese citizens still dealing with hurt.

A much-needed public celebration of engineering marvels, Japanese auto companies are seeking a lot of support from the biennially scheduled world-class event. Similar to the auto shows proceeding after the government-assisted bailouts of General Motors and Chrysler little more than a year ago, the Tokyo Motor Show for 2011 is something more than a display of cars, trucks or motorcycles. The auto companies of Japan are the compilation of people who have committed themselves to move forward. Without forgetting the past, the present and future seeks to carry on an overall spirit of progressive innovation. The attending crowd for the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show have witnessed first-hand the resilience of an auto market seeing the optimism with every vehicle presentation. Unlike several North American auto shows in Chicago and Los Angeles that remain secretive on actual event attendance, the 2011 Tokyo grandly announces the daily count at the turnstiles. After 8 days of public exhibition, the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show has entertained 513,200 admirers of the transportation culture.

Enduring from what has been a year of struggles, the auto manufacturers of Japan are positioning themselves to overcome hard times with a driven intention.

Information source: American Honda Motor Company, Nissan Americas, Tokyo Motor Show
Photo source: Unnamed photographers via Newspress UK

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A few months back there was some speculation about a Chevrolet Malibu Coupe. General Motors quickly put those rumors to rest though, saying it wasn’t in the plan “for now.” The decision to nix it likely comes down to two things: competition with the Camaro, and the fact that mid-size mainstream coupes don’t sell too well. Toyota ditched the Camry Solara due to low sales.

People mostly seem to want something small, inexpensive and sporty. Except in luxury and performance categories, where coupes continue to do well. Think Infiniti G37 Coupe, Cadillac CTS Coupe, and the like. What Car? says that Mazda could offer a mid-size coupe of its own, as a variant of the next-generation Mazda6. The car would do battle against the Honda Accord Coupe and the Nissan Altima Coupe.

The Mazda Takeri Concept, introduced at the Tokyo Auto Show to preview the next-gen 6, has lines that would lend itself well to a coupe. It’s the best iteration of Mazda’s new “Kodo” styling language, which is debuting first on the CX-5 crossover. Given Mazda’s penchant for performance, they could make a Mazda6 coupe work out. Especially a Mazdaspeed6 Coupe with a low price tag.

We know, its probably a long shot (at least the low price part). What Car? says the car would (of course) use Mazda SkyActiv technology, offering a high compression, small displacement four-cylinder along with auto stop/start and i-ELOOP. The coupe would debut alongside the international Mazda6 hatchback, debuting sometime in 2014.

The executive who spoke with the outlet anonymously didn’t specify whether or not the coupe would be sold in the United States, but if it does get the green light we don’t see why it wouldn’t be. Keeping it international-only wouldn’t make much sense. The on-sale date of the next-generation Mazda6 sedan is scheduled for January 2013. That means the production car could debut at any number of auto shows between now and next year – Los Angeles seems like a good bet but stay tuned.

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Zoom Zoom. With a tagline like that, Mazda has a lot of live up to. The MX-5 Miata has had a successful run since its introduction in 1989. In fact, according to The Guinness World Book of Records sales it is the most popular sports car in the world based on sales.

In February, Mazda crossed the 900,000 unit barrier. The MX-5 Miata has held the record for a two-seat sports car since May 2000, when it logged 531,890 units. Amazingly, it has undergone just two whole generations of vehicles since its introduction. With such an iconic vehicle in it stable, Mazda is looking forward to crossing the 1,000,000 barrier with an all-new vehicle coming in 2014. Most wouldn’t accuse the current generation MX-5 of being a bloated, overweight sports car.

However, it just doesn’t seem to have the cachet that the original did. The company is hoping to reignite that with a “back to the basics” redesign. According to What Car? Mazda research and development chief Hirotaka Kanazawa says “We will return to the original. It will be lightweight and the cost will be lightweight too. It will be easy to handle and fun to drive.” That fits in perfectly with Mazda’s recent drive to reduce weight and boost fuel economy with the all-encompassing SkyActiv campaign. The next MX-5 is rumored to tip the scales at around 2,200 pounds. The original weighed 2,150 pounds while the current car checks in at 2,410 pounds.

Styling looks to be influenced by the Mazda Takeri Concept that launched at the Tokyo Auto Show. The Takeri is a good-looking car, much more so than the cartoonish current Mazdas which are endearing, but not exactly alluring.

The 2014 model will likely be powered by a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder using SkyActiv technology. That makes the fourth-generation MX-5 the first to use forced induction. SkyActiv will help ensure the car posts impressive fuel economy figures. Cheap, fun-to-drive, lightweight; the MX-5 formula has a lot of enduring appeal. It just seems like the last generation of the car had little effort put into it. If Mazda puts a true effort in, there is a good chance it can capture the attention of enthusiasts all over again.

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Mention the words ‘subcompact’ or ‘economy car’ and your mind conjures up images of bare-bones cars with tons of road noise, no comfort, no radio, and horrible acceleration. Today’s subcompacts are a different story. Ever since market speculators have driven up the cost of oil and by extension gasoline, Americans’ use of gas-guzzling SUV’s for commuting has been slowly replaced with smaller cars. However, no longer satisfied with the uncomfortable transportation appliances of old, today’s small car buyers want many of the options formerly not available in this class. One car with these options is the Mazda2.

I test drove the Mazda2 with a manual transmission and the Touring package which includes 15 inch alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, tweeters, upgraded seat cloth with red piping, trip computer, and fog lights. All this for a sticker price of $16,430. I should also mention that ABS, stability control, key-less entry, air conditioning, power windows, locks, and power mirrors are standard equipment on even the base Mazda2 Sport.

On the outside, the car is sporty looking while the interior has a high quality look for the price. The switches and dials all have a quality feel. The front seats have a high level of lumbar support which may be too much for some drivers, but are otherwise comfortable with nice side bolsters. The seat bottom may be too soft for some on long trips. The 60/40 split back seat is quite flat and uncomfortable with headrests that when raised block the driver’s rear window visibility. Leg room is barely adequate for my 5’11’’ frame when seated behind the driver’s seat. I would relegate the backseat to short trips for adults or kids.

After starting the car, the engine runs very quietly. The clutch engagement is perfect and the weighting is very light and easy. You won’t have a sore leg after driving the ‘2’ with a manual in city traffic. The shifter is also smooth and light and allows for easy shifts. You will need to put your foot down, however as the 100 horsepower engine is merely adequate for acceleration. You won’t win any races, but it will keep up with traffic just fine. That is the trade-off for EPA rated mileage of 29 city/ 35 highway with some drivers reporting highway mileage over 40 mpg. Like all Mazda’s, the corners are where the ‘2’ really shines. Steering feel is great and lends to cornering that is nice, flat and confident. The car is quieter than I expected on the road and had a ride quite unexpectedly smooth over our frost-heaved pavement.  The car feels solid for its size.

In summary, the Mazda2 is an excellent value for the money. It is reasonably fun to drive while providing great fuel economy in an attractive package with a nice array of standard features.

Before You Buy

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Continuing down their road to recovery following the natural disaster that amounted in the sad loss of over 15,000 Japanese citizen, the spirit to endure from the troubles have seen industrial production return, stabilizing the traumatic experiences of millions. In only a month, many of the Japanese auto plants were operational again with at least some production.

Upcoming in December, the Japanese auto industry will have a moment to shed light on the greatness in their vehicle culture and technology with the biennial Tokyo Motor Show. Always a showcase for creative designs and high-tech innovations, the 2011 edition of the car exhibition will count upon the country’s major automotive companies to refresh some optimism in the population.

Mazda Motor Corporation is one automaker ready to demonstrate there is indeed brightness in the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’. Showing off their Mazda CX-5 in the brand’s home country for the first time, the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show will perform the world debut of a concept car indicating direction for the next mid-sized sedan. The TAKERI concept embodies the two leading philosophies Mazda is touting as the future for their auto brand.

A concept car assimilating a good deal of production car characteristics, the Mazda TAKERI four-door sedan is said by the auto company “to bring a new level of strength and allure to sedan styling.” The latest vehicle to be crafted on the ‘KODO-Soul of Motion’ design language, loud tones of the Mazda SHINARI concept are telegraphed through the shapely sheet metal of the TAKERI sedan. Like the SHINARI, the front end features a large, upright grille opening complemented with a chrome accent sailing under and towards the headlamp housings. At the rear end of the concept vehicle, the Mazda TAKERI formulates a near fastback profile for what is likely superior aerodynamic balancing.

An elegant use of curves achieves a classically refined yet sporty appearance for the Mazda TAKERI concept which is said to provide a “comfortable ride feel”. While specific details are not provided on the interior accommodations, images of the Mazda TAKERI cabin leaves expectations of enviable comfort a real possibility.

First time being exhibited by Mazda, the TAKERI concept is a regenerative braking system designed to recycle kinetic energy into electrical energy. While the TAKERI is not a hybrid, the electrical energy will be channelled back into vehicle’s electric-powered systems. With the surge of energy into the electrical hardware, the engine will be less burdened to produce the electric power thereby allowing the engine to run with more efficiency. The powerplant attached to the Mazda TAKERI concept car is a diesel version of the engine using SkyActiv technology. The SkyActiv-D engine is a highly efficient, clean diesel powerplant likely to deliver outstanding fuel economy when combined with the benefits from Mazda’s regenerative braking.

Along with the SkyActiv technology undertaking, Mazda says the latest TAKERI concept is part of a three-step “Building Block Strategy” for electrically based fuel savings. With step one being stop/start technology and the second being regenerative braking, the TAKERI possesses two of Mazda’s Building Block Strategy. Full hybrid and other electric powertrain technology are on the horizon as the Japanese auto brand’s third step.

Receiving major retouch in the past 2011 model year, a replacement design to the current Mazda6 is not likely to occur until the 2014 model year in North America. Since the development process for most new vehicles is roughly two years, a production four-door vehicle based on the Mazda TAKERI concept is a likely. Disregarding production questions, the TAKERI concept’s presentation at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show

Information and photo source: Mazda Motor Corporation

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Thanks to the evolutions in cell phones and the boom of mobile tablets, the current consumer marketplace expects a lot from a small package. Translating to automobiles, a new push by all car manufacturers sees the development of compact vehicles receiving the attention and focus once belonging to a crossover or exotic sports car. Upcoming government regulations and even the motivation of auto companies themselves have seen some impressive numbers coming from under 2-liter engines in recent model years.

For the 2012 model year, the following four engines are desirable four cylinders that no longer represents a compromise to motorists.

Hyundai Kappa Engine

Besides building up their influence on the North American marketplace, Hyundai is quickly gaining steam as a global automotive player beyond South Korean borders. Striding with the creation of the Tau V-8 utilized on the Genesis and Equus (a powerplant awarded in Ward’s list of the 10 Best engines of 2010), Hyundai’s gained mastery of engine technology was carried down to their entry-level four-cylinder power. Introducing the subcompact Hyundai i20 in 2008 for Asia and Europe, the four-cylinder Kappa engine would be the product of the equivalent of $421 million American investment into creating their most refined, small power unit.

Either 1.2 or 1.25 liter in engine displacement, Hyundai’s Kappa in-line four-cylinder engine incorporates many high quality touches including the use of aluminum and stainless steel. The Kappa’s aluminum engine block weighs less than other manufacturers in the compact car class. A double overhead cam powerplant, the valves in the upper area of Hyundai’s Kappa engine actuate with beehive-shaped springs providing lower friction. Also reducing resistance, Kappa powerplant piston rings and skirt are coated with a thin layer of anti-friction material.

Acting on reducing common consumer complaints that smaller, compact car engines are generally noisy and run with less finesse than larger powerplants, the Hyundai Kappa powerplant’s work for improving fuel economy also involves improvements for vibration as well as noise reduction. A new belt design and a silent-type timing chain insure driving the Hyundai i10 as well as i20 compacts is refreshingly subtle.

Audi 1.8 TFSI

Introduced as the new powerplant for the Audi A5 Coupe, a smaller 170-horsepower TFSI gasoline engine has been devised to meet stricter emission and fuel economy standard.

Turbocharged, Audi’s new for 2012 1.8-liter powerplant takes advantage of several measures to maximize efficiency. Weighing 289.91 pounds, the Audi 1.8 TFSI engine consists of high-strength alloy piston and a lightweight polymer oil pan. Uniquely, direct and indirect fuel injection is rushed into the four combustion chambers of the Audi A5’s 1.8-liter engine. The strategically placed fuel injectors guarantee a well-balanced air-fuel mixture that greatly reduces fuel economy. Said to produce 41.27 miles per gallon fuel consumption, Audi advertises the savings as a 21 percent improvement over the previous model Audi engine. A clean-operating powerplant, the new Audi 1.8 TFSI engine already applies with 2015 emission requirement for the Europe marketplace.

Assisting the Audi 1.8 TFSI engine’s smooth, optimum running condition, a fully electronic coolant regulation system is created for the four-cylinder unit. Bringing the Audi A5 Coupe’s new engine to ideal operating temperature as quickly as possible, the Audi 1.8 TFSI also incorporates oil-jet piston head cooling and key turbocharger parts capable of withstanding up to 980 degrees Celsius heat.

Mazda SkyActiv-G Engine

Rather than basing their company’s future on a hybrid and all-electric vehicle, Mazda is promoting their SkyActiv technology philosophy. Designing vehicles around lighter, more mechanically efficient components, the SkyActiv-G powerplant debuting to American in the 2012 Mazda3 is a pivotal item to the Japanese auto company’s upcoming fleet.

The 2-liter Mazda SkyActiv-G inline four-cylinder engine utilizes higher than average compression (12 to 1) for optimal thermal efficiency. Overcoming the common problem of engine knocking (a premature combustion of the engine’s cycle air-fuel mixture), Mazda engineers employed several features to combat the issue. Cavity pistons, multi hole fuel injectors and a special “4-2-1 exhaust system allows equipped models of the 2012 Mazda3 to greater, further performance. Compared to the standard Mazda 2-liter engine, the SkyActiv-G achieves fuel economy roughly 4 miles per gallon better on average. At the same time, the Mazda3 with SkyActiv contributes a modest 7 horsepower gain (155 horsepower total) over the base 2-liter powerplant.

Unlike many high compression engines, the SkyActiv-G engine can run at peak power on only regular unleaded gasoline.

Ford 2.0-liter Ecoboost

Establishing a technological edge in powertrain technology American automakers rarely accomplished with six-cylinder engines, the stir Ford has created with their Ecoboost technology compared to that of a Mustang GT 5-liter V-8 or their Escape Hybrid. Carrying over the lessons learned with the V-6 engine, Ford has downsized the Ecoboost technology with newly arriving four-cylinder vehicles.

Said to be the first global use of Ford Motor Company’s advanced engine technology, the 2.0-liter Ecoboost arrives to the United States in the 2012 model year on the Edge and Explorer crossover vehicles as well as the sport compact Ford Focus ST. Featuring the assistance of a single turbocharger, the 2.0-liter Ecoboost engine performance is maximized from the small displacement through gasoline direct injection and Ford’s TI-VCT (twin independent variable camshaft timing) system. Bracing to provide North American road car buyers with near unthinkable performance from a four-cylinder engine, horsepower from the 2.0-liter Ecoboost will range between 240 to 247 horsepower. A stout performer, the 2.0-liter Ecoboost-equipped 2012 Ford Edge fuel economy is impressive with 21 miles per gallon city and 30 miles per gallon highway. While other competing crossover vehicles produce four-cylinder models capable of matching fuel consumption figure, the 2.0-liter Ecoboost engine achieves its goal while delivering between 50-70 horsepower more to the Ford Edge.

Information source: Audi AG, Hyundai Motors Ford Motor Company, Mazda Motor of America

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GAH! No! This can’t be happening! THIS CAN’T BE HAPPENING!! But, it is, and, although it pains me deeply to say this, it isn’t all that surprising. No, I’m not about to go on a screed about the manifest stupidity of the American car buying public (I can let that topic slide for the moment), but it was hard to say for any gearhead with grease permanently crusted under their nails to say this was a surprise.

The RX-8, as lovely and potent a ride as it is, never sold anywhere near what Mazda thought it was going to. So sure, the economy tanked, nearly went into another great depression (thank you a-hole bankers and easily bought off politicians!), and yeah, you might be able to say that the RX-8 is a little confusing with those wacky doors and trying to have its cake and eat it too (it’s a two seater! it’s a four seater! it’s practical! it’s sporty!), but, as always, it was two things concerning the one thing that really sets the RX-8 apart that did it in: Its rotary engine.

‘This time,’ said the techno-boffins from Hiroshima, ‘this time we got all those, erm, bugs, worked out of the rotary engine! This time it’s going to be different! You’ll see! Just buy one and you’ll get it!’

And of course, what we, the gearheads with a penchant for things rotary, got, was a wonderfully flexible plant that still (still! still? still!!) put out pollutants like Gary, Indiana and drank fuel the a sailor drinks rum.

I used to race a fully-prepped RX-7 in rallies. Sweet Jeebus that thing was fast. And the powerband? Forgetaboutit. Flexible as a rubber band. As a matter of fact, that’s what driving the thing felt like: It felt like you were on one end of a giant rubber band, and when you stood on the right-hand peddle, zzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZWAAAAAAAANGGGG! you were suddenly at the next turn. Which was good. Because that meant you were closer to the next check point where I could pull off and top up the tank. I swear I’ve driven Hemi ‘Cudas that did better MPGs than that car did.

So, when Mazda (all blessings and peace be upon them) announced they were at long last bringing back the rotary mill in a new car dubbed the RX-8 AND, more importantly, said that it was going to be the cleanest and most efficient Wankle engine ever, me and every other rotary guy out there said a silent, “yeah, sure, I’ll believe it when I see it.”

And sure, to a certain extent, the engine in RX-8 was cleaner and more efficient then the last rotary … but it was nowhere near where it should have been in either of those measurements. It still just squeaked into 50 state compliance on the sniff test (or that’s what tuners were telling me at the time) and owners said that they were lucky to see 14 MPG in every day driving.

And so, here we find ourselves on this sad day when Automotive News has reported that Mazda has stopped production of its RX-8, ” … due to lackluster sales and ever tighter global emissions standards.”

The Japanese concern was able to sell a meager 1,134 of the RX-8s in 2010, and 2011 looks even worse, with sales down by 21 percent through July. That sound you hear is the rending of garments and gnashing of teeth from the product planning offices. And this downward trend comes after Mazda was compelled to eliminate the RX-8 from the European market last year after it Borked the emissions tests. So, Mazda said that ” … it simply can’t justify continuing to manufacture the vehicle without sales in the old country.”

According to Automotive News, production has already wrapped up in Hiroshima, Japan as of July, and global sales will cease this year. A.N. says that U.S. dealers have 300 RX-8 units in stock, so if you’ve been putting off buying one of these guys, you might want to get down to the dealer double-quick.

Sources say that, “While this may be the end for the rotary sports car in the near-term, Mazda has made it clear that the manufacturer isn’t giving up on its rotary heritage any time soon. ”

Yeah, yeah, yeah … I’ve heard that one before.

Source: Autoblog

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A phenomenon created when major road networks were formulated across North America in the 1950s, the summer family automobile trip was inaugurated. Originally identified as a time when a large station wagon was loaded up with belongings, the trip in route to a landmark or camping ground for some family memories. In the 1980s, minivans all but destroyed the station wagon providing more interior space and an affordable price. In the latest evolution of the family hauler, the sport utility or crossover vehicles demonstrate both brawn on the exterior and user-friendly spaciousness on the inside cabin. Providing expanded capability over other vehicles (at least giving the illusion of increased road toughness), the crossover is the lead body style found cruising down the highway with a trailer and a full roof rack.

Beyond the type of automobile, a technological evolution through the past decade is potentially changing the attitude of the multiple-hour journey. Better fuel economy in these larger family utility vehicles allows the fuel pump shock to the ever-rising prices to be somewhat moderated. Satellite radio, MP3 capability, multi-zone climate control and the back seat DVD-based entertainment console has the ability of deeply reducing boredom. Electronic navigation systems replace the passenger-seated spouse’s objection to driving direction; therefore averting the normal holiday-bred bickering that the children will remember for years to come.

For 2011, the following set of six family adventure vehicles shows varying ways to partake the nation’s highways.

Dodge Grand Caravan

For over 27 years, Chrysler has championed the minivan for the American driving public. Even as other auto manufacturers have come and gone from the segment, the Dodge Grand Caravan remains a leading transportation choice for the typical family. In 2011, the Dodge Grand Caravan was given revitalization with refreshed interior and exterior design. For under $30,000, Quad headlights, multi-zone climate control, power windows and remote keyless entry delight Grand Caravan buyers as basic vehicle equipment. One of three Media Center infotainment systems is offered on the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan including an optional high-end model featuring GPS navigation and a 30-gigabyte hard drive. Known as the Media Center 730N, the unit is conducted by a 6.5-inch touchscreen. Earning a much-needed revision in 2011, the Dodge Grand Caravan overcomes a long-time lethargic 0 to 60 mile per hour acceleration plaguing minivans. Recipient of Chrysler’s new 283 horsepower Pentastar V-6 engine, a smooth shifting 6-speed automatic transaxle gives the 7-passenger minivan pep modern crossover buyers would envy.

Mercedes-Benz R-Class

Alright, a Mercedes-Benz as a family hauler might be a little more than the Joneses would ever expect. Tipping over the $50,000 mark, the Mercedes-Benz R-Class does employ more than just the German brand’s bravado. Providing seating for six or seven passengers, the minimum cargo availability is 19.4 cubic feet. As a luxury utility vehicle, the Mercedes -Benz R-Class delivers with high-tech thrills. An optional rear seat entertainment system featuring two front headrest-mounted, LCD screens and a pair of wireless headphones are suited for watching DVD movies or playing video games. Mercedes-Benz R-Class buyers are also likely to be lured to a pair of Premium packages that offer a bundle of high-tech comfort goodies including a 40-gigabyte hard drive, power liftgate and harman/kardon LOGIC7 surround sound speaker system. Equipment packages which would certainly be appreciated on long family outings, these Premium packages carry a $4,000 price tag. Coming as gasoline or diesel powered, the R-Class powerplant choices is the 268 horsepower, 3.5 liter V-6 and the 3-liter BlueTEC diesel six-cylinder. With BlueTEC being clean diesel technology, the R-Class is able to commute up to 24 miles per gallon in highway driving. All models of the R-Class arrive standard equipped with 4Matic all-wheel drive control including an electronic stability program as well as Trailer Stability Assist.

Chevrolet Traverse

Exiting the station wagon segment officially when they retired the Caprice, leaving the minivan category a few years back, Chevrolet has banked heavily on more truck-like vehicles attracting American families. The Chevrolet Traverse is a large crossover created after a period that some would argue as over-dependence on their large sport utility vehicle; almost leading to the brand’s fatal downfall. Proving that large sport utility vehicle capability can be merged with car-like driving manners, the Traverse became a hit for Chevrolet since introduction in the 2009 model year. Cruise control, 6-speaker sound system and storage space in a well-designed center console as well as under the floor makes the base LS of the Chevrolet Traverse a very handy family hauler. Beyond the standard feature list, one of the Traverse’s most compelling items for parents’ relaxation is one of two rear seat entertainment systems. One entertainment system provides dual DVD players would will double the chances that children will overcome boredom. Powered by just a V-6 engine, this 288 horsepower power unit propels not only the crossover’s more than 4,700 pound of curb weight but has power to spare for 5,200 pounds of trailing pulling capacity.

Mazda5

Not a hatchback but not quite a minivan, the 2012 Mazda5 is an all-new vehicle from a Japanese manufacturer excelling with out-of-the-box thinking for family transportation. The Mazda5 everyday utility encompasses itself in youthful styling demonstrated through Mazda’s recent concept vehicles. Existing within only 180.5 inches of total length, a clever seating allows up to six occupants to travel. With second row chairs instead of a typical bench seat, there will no longer be a fight between siblings over rear seat territory. Placing the small utility vehicle above many contending for family commuting honours, the Mazda5′s ace is its price starting under $20,000. For the base price of the 2012 Mazda5 Sport model, the vehicle includes power windows, remote keyless entry, MP3 stereo system and automatic climate control. For a $23,875 price, the Mazda5 Grand Touring comes well loaded with a 6-disc CD changer and power sliding moonroof.

Ford Flex

Appearing extremely truck-like on a platform that also created the Taurus sedan; the Ford Flex’s box-like exterior allows optimum interior space to the achievable. Rated for up to seven passengers, the Flex interior can be maximized to 83.2 cubic feet (more room than the current Ford Explorer). However, for family outings where the rear seats will need to be available, there is a minimum cargo room of 20 cubic feet presented when all three rows of seats are in use. All Ford Flex models also come with Ford MyKey, air conditioning with rear control and AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control. An optional refrigerated compartment within the second row seating and PowerFold third row seats will be the delight of travel plans. The Heavily equipped Limited and Titanium offer a standard 390-watt, 12-speaker Sony sound system. A 262 horsepower 3.5 liter V-6 and the 355 horsepower EcoBoost 3.5 liter twin-turbo powers the 2011 Flex. A Class 3 towing package is optional allowing a maximum trailer hauling weight of 4,500 pounds.

Volvo V50

One of the few carmakers to weather the whole North American minivan craze with a wagon in their line-up, Swedish brand Volvo found a few faithful to the original car-based utility. Though Volvo has withdrawn their long-time V70 model from the market, the company has supplemented the demand for an extra capacity car through the S40-based Volvo V50. Though the V50 wagon has gone since 2004 without a major exterior redesign, there is a timelessness to the Volvo styling DNA that keeps the Swedish products contemporary. The low 57.4-inch overall height of the Volvo V50 makes the vehicle a balanced handler as well as useful for attaching loads on the roof. Inside of the Volvo V50, the five-passenger cabin features up to 62.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Power seats, air conditioning and HD Radio are comfort items found inside of all 2011 Volvo V50 models. A premium surround sound speaker arrangement and power glass sunroof is a few options available to enhance the V50 wagon. In the United States, the Volvo V50 is powered solely by the top performing, turbocharged, five-cylinder 2.5 liter engine generating 227 horsepower. Living up to Volvo’s safety reputation, the V50 includes standard six airbags as well as the brand’s Dynamic Stability and Traction Control.

Information and photo Source: Chrysler Group, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Mazda, Mercedes Benz USA, Volvo

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Designing small cars with the artisanship most automakers have reserved only their large, higher margin vehicles, Mazda could be viewed as a trendsetter in North America. Mazda has ahead of Ford and Chevrolet who are only now realizing the personality available in compact designs. Unafraid to be unique at the risk of disturbing conventional car buying habits, the Japanese auto brand continuing support of rotary engines as well as radical, forward-thinking production such as the Mazda MPV is a hallmark of their past. Introduced as the MINAGI Concept car at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March, the 2012 Mazda CX-5 will be newest exhibit of the small car specialist’s enterprising future.

Launching their new compact crossover CX-5 for the 2012 model year, the vehicle will become the showcase for a more philosophical expression for Mazda adapting two, new guidelines, KODO and SKYACTIV. Brought to life on the SHINARI Concept, Mazda’s KODO design language is fueled by the desire to institute natural, free-flowing forms in sheetmetal and glass. SKYACTIV is Mazda’s approach to creating efficient, fuel-efficient motoring across the spectrum of creation. Instead of focusing solely on a key piece of technology to achieve desired efficiency, SKYACTIV covers technologies relating to the powertrain, chassis and body construction prioritizing weight reduction as well as improved torque production at lower range driving.

A sleek, brilliant crossover vehicle, the Mazda CX-5 uses the KODO design language to call off a sporty physique. Mazda describes the MINAGI Concept/CX-5 stance as projecting the strength of a cheetah. The CX-5′s front end wears a modified grille grin characterized with chrome trim. Evident at the Geneva Motor Show, the MINAGI Concept’s production ambition was made perfectly clear.

The 2012 Mazda CX-5′s interior reflects top-class construction. Displayed on the MINAGI Concept in black with satin chrome accents, comfort and even luxury wraps the crossover vehicle’s cabin. Solid, milled aluminum door handles accompany the high quality look inside of the Minagi Concept. When the 2012 Mazda CX-5 is released, expect to see a more entry-level cabin made available on lower cost trim models. However, based on the competitiveness of the compact vehicle market, Mazda will need to maintain few compromises in planning the production CX-5′s interior.

The 2012 Mazda CX-5 production crossover vehicle will be officially introduced at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September. For North American customers, expect the CX-5 to take the place of the Mazda Tribute compact utility vehicle. While Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology will be pivotal in selecting a fuel-efficient yet peppy powerplant, Mazda has not announced engine options for either the MINAGI Concept or the CX-5. Expect powertrain details to arrive close to its late 2011 to early 2012 release.

Information and photo source: Mazda Motor Corporation

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More than two weeks after the massive earthquake and tsunami, the work in stabilizing Japan in the aftermath has been slow. While the tragedy is still fresh with assessments of the Asian island region has sadly reinforced dire predictions of loss, fate of the thankfully many more survivors depends on the ability to regain some sort of normality. Part of this social recovery mission entails restarting the businesses inside this vital industrial market. Slowly, the Japan automotive industry is restarting output from their manufacturing facilities in this realignment with pre-disaster life.

Much of Japanese auto production for the meantime has focused on keeping part supplied to plants outside of Japan. Honda, Nissan and Toyota have production facilities well embedded in the North American market. This diversity has shielded a good deal of those companies’ infrastructure and personnel from harm. Toyota has reported their Japanese plants were producing parts for export since the 21st of March. In facilities such as the Nissan’s truck plant in Canton, Mississippi and Honda’s East Liberty, Ohio plant have been able to operate normally (though many plants cancelled overtime shifts in fears of exhausting part stores of components imported from Japan).

Not immediately impacted, the earthquake and tsunami effects are now beginning to flow down the production chain to a point where North American assembly is beginning to express concerns. For North American vehicle production, the critical dates are April 1st for Nissan and April 4th for Honda. Honda stated even though the majority of their parts and components are supplied by North American based companies, there is still “a few critical parts” Toyota and Mazda (who currently builds the Mazda6 at the AutoAlliance International facility) have not reported any immediate concerns in North American production.

The Japanese automakers were not the only car company affected by part supply issues. Last week, the General Motors Shreveport, Louisiana and Buffalo, New York plants idled production related to the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. Citing a shortage of electronic air sensors supplied by Hitachi, production of the medium sized pick-up has since resumed.

Two weeks following the earthquake fallout, limited production of full vehicles has resumed amidst the less than ideal atmosphere. Production of the Toyota Prius and Lexus CT 200h is set to resumption Monday supplying the very popular hybrid vehicles to domestic as well as global markets. Almost all Japanese-branded hybrid and electric vehicles are built in Japan meaning the need to restart assembly was dire Nissan has also reset production of their all-electric Nissan Leaf on March 24th. Ironically, the electric Leaf’s assembly restarts as rolling power blackouts remain a concern around both the auto and battery plants.

Though operations of one Nissan plant has commenced, another manufacturing is still idled creating a possibility widespread assembly issue. Nissan’s Iwaki plant supplies VQ series 6-cylinder engines for much of the Japanese and overseas market. Used in several Nissan and Infiniti products, the Iwaki engine manufacturing facility was the site of several fires following the earthquake. Requiring repairs that are now ongoing, Nissan is considering options to extend production at the Decherd, Tennessee plant to supply their Japanese facilities for the interim.

Unlike Honda Toyota, and Nissan, Subaru as well as Suzuki depends solely on production in Japan. Subaru has been able to restart limited assembly of their mini-vehicles on March 29th but the rest of automotive production will not recommence at least until March 31st. Suzuki operations will be restricted to only part assembly in the automotive business up to March 29th but their commercial vehicle and motorcycle assembly is already back in full production.

Existing as secondary concern to the humanitarian efforts in Japan, the auto industry is nonetheless an important part to the livelihood of individuals throughout the world. However, as the recovery effort in Japan is still underway, the road ahead for the global auto market through the next few weeks has the potential of being a bumpy path to normality.

Information source: General Motors, Honda Motor Company, Nissan Motor Company, Subaru, Toyota Motor Corporation

Photo source: Chris Nagy, Honda Motor Company

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The aftermath of the deadly Japanese earthquake and tsunami continues to leave the Asian country on alert. Earthquake aftershocks following the violent 8.7 magnitude shake, massive rationing of everyday goods, power supply and nuclear radiation concerns as well as the fact that many unfortunate people have lost lives has provided a reason for sombre time. However, some optimism reigns for when the sadness can be dealt with moving forward. Japanese auto companies (like many other industries and offices in the region) have positioned themselves along with their employees taking stock in the recent events, helping whenever possible.

Honda, Nissan and Toyota provided immediate, official accounts to damage and injures but several waited until further evaluations of the aftermath before releasing statements. After company assessments over the weekend Mazda, Mitsubishi Motors, Subaru and Suzuki reported on the situation of their operations. Mazda, Mitsubishi Motors and Suzuki sent out word Monday that their factories and headquarters escaped damage. This was not an immediate surprise since most of these automakers’ infrastructure was in the southern part of Japan, away from the earthquake epicenter. Despite minor damage to equipment, Subaru as well as its parent Fiji Heavy Industries, survived with the seismic event without loss.

Cooperating with energy conservation efforts in Japan as well as to insure the safety of employees, all automakers have suspended production for the Monday and Tuesday. The temporary ceasing of automotive manufacturing operations is also performed following assessment of several facilities and suppliers reported damage.

While the industry is currently idled in Japan, most of the country’s automaker who did not suffer major damage intends to be restarted later this week. Subaru, Toyota and some Nissan facilities plan to resume production on March 16th while Mitsubishi Motors has production set to restart the next day. Planning initially to be restarted Wednesday the 16th, Mazda revised their production idle to the 20th of March. Mazda cited their shutdown extension as a move to assure their employee’s well being.

While some plants are set to restart production on the 16th of March, Nissan and Honda plans regarding their harder hit operations will have some of the Japanese auto company starting later. Though the corporation reported six of their manufacturing plants suffering stress from the earthquake, Nissan’s Tochigi Plant (production facility for most notably the GT-R supercar) and the Iwaki Plant (builder of Nissan VQ series engines) sustained concerning damage in the natural disaster. Following the earthquake, fires were reported at both Nissan manufacturing plants that were promptly doused before spreading. With no major injuries or serious damage, Nissan will have the Tochigi Plant and Iwaki Plant complexes back in production by the March 18th.

Honda has been the only manufacturer to announce an on-site death of an employee. A 43-year old R&D associate in Tochigi was killed when a wall collapsed in the building’s cafeteria. While reporting one death, Honda injury toll in Tochigi is revised to 17 employees (dropping from an original account of 30). Suspending production until the next week, Honda’s intends to restart production of all plants for the 20th of March.

In their most recent press release, Honda also mentions the status of North American automobile production and supply. Saying the current situation has no immediate impact on the manufacturing plant in the United States and Canada. However, Honda is actively monitoring the supply line. Well 80% of their products are produced in North America, the Honda CR-Z, Fit as well as the Acura RL and TSX are imported directly from the recently closed Japanese facilities. Honda is also convinced they have enough Japanese-made vehicle components to sustain plants in the United States and Canada. Toyota and Nissan, who have manufacturing presence in the United States, were able to follow Honda’s suit by assuring North American stock of parts is sufficient for the short-term. However, Nissan is cautioning there will be delivery delays of the GT-R and 370Z. Fortunately for the company and North American customers, a ship of 600 Nissan Leaf electric vehicles that left a day ahead of the earthquake and tsunami is proceeding safely to the United States.

There are those who believe that an industry who propel people to prosperity. In reality, the converse is actually true. The Japanese people, despite their cultural of discipline and self-motivation, have been positioned in a time of need. Among those helping the cause for aid and assistance is Japan’s home-based auto companies. Honda, Toyota, Mazda and Nissan have donated a collective amount of 660 million yen (roughly the equivalent of $8.23 million US dollars) to aid efforts. Mitsubishi Corporation itself has provided 400 million yen (almost 5 million US dollars) in immediate aid to the relief preparations. Honda North America has also pledged to match Red Cross donations of the 29,000 employees without limit. Beyond monetary assistance, Honda is also donating 1,000 portable gas generators and 5,000 gas canisters. Nissan’s non-monetary work included the donation of vehicles and fork lifts as well as food and blankets. Most notably on the 11th of March, Nissan Global Headquarters in Yokohama City served as temporary shelter to 150 people affected by the natural disaster. In the building, food and warmth were provided in a show of corporate/community spirit.

The human toll is compiled in number, but the tragic reality is many of us can never be accurately measured since there is no true measure of a value of an individual life. As charity and human kindness is extended to the Japanese public in this dark time, we like forward to a brighter future as a global community whether dealing with a large corporate or a single person. One person expressing this hope is Toyota president Akio Toyoda who issued a personal statement first expressing “I offer my prayers to all those who lost their lives in the March 11 Tohoku Earthquake and its ensuing aftermath, as well as my sympathy to the survivors and their families.” Acknowledging the relief effort as the first priority, Toyoda ended saying “Determined to provide hope for not only those suffering and forced to undergo extreme hardships, but also for the region overall, we will do our utmost toward the realization of recovery.”

Information source: American Suzuki Motor Corporation, Honda Motor Company, Mazda Motor Corporation Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan Motor Company, Subaru, Toyota Motor Corporation

Photo source: Mazda Motor Corporation

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Mazda recently announced that its beloved MX-5 roadster had crossed the 900,000 unit mark. That’s a lot of roadsters, and the milestone was reached over 22 years since the original launched in 1989. The MX-5 is the world’s best-selling two-seater, a record it has held since 2000.

With the Chicago Auto Show in full-swing, Mazda has released a new special edition model, apparently to celebrate the occasion. Introduced as a 2006 model, the current MX-5 is likely to set to get replaced in the near future, a possible reason for Mazda’s introduction of a special edition.

The special edition MX-5 gets a really clever name (not) – it is dubbed simply the MX-5 Miata Special Edition. The model is limited to just 750 units and is differentiated primarily by its black and gray interior color scheme, chrome air vents and instrument colors along with aluminum pedals on the manual transmission model.

There is your choice of two colors, Sparkling Black Mica or Dolphin Gray Mica. New 17-inch Bright Finish aluminum alloy wheels are standard.

The Special Edition comes standard with Mazda’s Power Retractable Hard Top (PRHT) and will include all the features of a fully-equipped Grand Touring model with Premium package.

This means added equipment like Bluetooth®, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio with a six-month complimentary subscription, Xenon headlights, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with a Traction Control System (TCS), an alarm and Mazda’s Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System.

In addition, the Special Edition adds the Suspension package which includes Bilstein shock absorbers, a limited slip differential (LSD) and stiffer suspension tuning. The 2011 MX-5 Miata Special Edition is exclusive to North America and starts at $30,925 when equipped with a manual transmission, and $31,525 when opting for a six-speed automatic.

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Since its introduction in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 has been a much-loved sports car around the world. So much so in fact, that since 2000 it has held the record for the “best-selling two-seat sportscar.”

In the United States the car is often referred to as the Miata, despite its official MX-5 moniker. In Japan, it goes by simply the Mazda Roadster. MX-5 is the original program code for the car. With so many referring to the car as Miata, you think it would make sense for Mazda to adopt it officially? Anyway, we digress.

The MX-5′s lightweight, front-engined, rear-wheel drive formula has remained remarkably similar through the years. The car utilized the same basic platform and components as the 1989 until a full-redesign arrived in 2005 as a 2006 model.

When the record was first announced in 2000, the MX-5 held the record at 531,890 units. Since then the record has been updated as the car hit 700,000 and 800,000 units. Now, Mazda is reapplying as the car has broken the 900,000 unit hurdle. The barrier was crossed 21 years and 10 months after the original started production in April 1989.

Mazda recognizes the MX-5 as a very important element to its brand. Nobuhiro Yamamoto, the car’s project manager commented, saying: “Since Mazda launched the original MX-5, it has undergone two complete product redesigns and a series of upgrades. Its enduring success is due to the strong support it enjoys from MX-5 fans around the world. Going forward, I will strive to keep the MX-5′s spirit alive while evolving it into a car that will be loved by even more people.”

We look forward to seeing what is in store for the car in the years to come as it passes the 1,000,000 unit mark.

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With once established small car brands such as Hyundai seeking a higher spot in the automotive hierarchy developing V-8 powered premium vehicles, Japanese-based Mazda is, on the other hand, more content to make gains inside more modest frameworks. Working within tight styling confides, Mazda itself have long been searching to find their design path. In past years, concepts like the Mazda Nagare and the Furai gave a passionate, futuristic window into possible shapes but these one-off design studies are yet to significantly embody production vehicles. After more than a year in the role as Mazda’s General Manager of Design, Ikuo Maeda is determined to see original Japanese-inspired interpretations of motoring. “My goal is to create designs that people can point to proudly and say, ‘This is a Mazda design’.” Maeda says as he introduces latest creation, the Mazda SHINARI.

A four-door coupe concept, it appears that some influence has been drawn off European vehicles like Audi A7 Sportsback and Mercedes-Benz CLS. Some might argue that Japanese Mazda in fact beaten the Europeans to the punch with a the configuration concept citing Mazda’s RX-8 is a four-door coupe. However, since the front doors need to be opened on the RX-8 before the rear doors, these are more passages than true rear passenger doors. The Mazda SHINARI four-door design is visually and functionally more in line with the premium European counterparts.

Recognized as Mazda’s new ‘KUDO- Soul of Motion’ design philosophy, the intended goal of the Japanese fashion is to formulate “a graceful and carefree form”. Capturing the powerful forces of nature through the vehicle’s sheetmetal and glass, the Mazda SHINARI concept is assembled to convey the harmonous shaping of high-strength materials. Translating into the SHINARI’s design philosophy is the short, curvy snout of the Mazda RX-8 as well as the Mazda 6-style roof arching between the A and C-Pillars. Apart from these features, which are presented in much more observable manner on this latest concept vehicle, there is an abundant of unique aspects to the Mazda SHINARI design. Forgoing the smiling grille, the placement of the SHINARIi’s single intake is centered around shapely front fascia work. A forward-leaning look gives aggression to this four-door coupe enhanced by a fastback roof line.

So eloquently expressing speed on the outside, the interior arrangement of the Mazda SHINARI succeeds in reinforcing the car’s design theme. Entrusted to create an athletic feel for driver and passengers, the four-door coupe is rounded with well-defined edges manufactured in aluminum and soft leather. When laying out the controls of this new Mazda concept, intent was placed into putting the driver into a cockpit. As the driver’s hands rest on a thick racing-style steering wheel, instruments are set in easy reach within a dedicated driver space.

Beyond the focus in creating a daring interior layout, technology takes center stage in the form of Mazda’s Human Machine Interface (HMI) brainchild. Presenting a three-dimension floating display, the SHINARI utilizes the HMI to offer the following three unique driving impressions: Business, Pleasure and Sport. In Business mode, occupants of the SHINARI are provided with connections to their workday while the Pleasure setting brings entertainment and comfort controls to the forefront. In the Mazda SHINARI’s Sport mode, the driving characteristics of the car changes unlocking performance settings including the paddle shifters. However, with the SHINARI being a design study only, there’s no powertrain to approximate exactly what kind of performance experience a driver can expect.

Unlike concept vehicles like the Nagare and Furai, there appears to be a deeper production car focus in play for the Mazda SHINARI concept study. This vehicle might be the unique identity Mazda has long been seeking in future road-going cars.

Information and photo source: Mazda

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Under increased pressure, NHTSA opens investigations into BMW and Mazda over power steering failures.

Apparently, NHTSA used to just take consumer complaints…and make cheerful paper machete dolls out of them. Sort of like crash-test dummies, but much more festive.

Those pesky ‘runaway Toyota’s’ however, brought an end to the long standing tradition of ‘arts & crafts’ at NHTSA. Now, the government agency actually has to do something about all those old complaints.

Case in point; non-functioning steering wheels.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received 33 complaints, and 1 accident report concerning power steering assist failure on the 2007-2009 Mazda3.

The complaints “allege loss of power steering assist while driving, requiring excessive force on the driver’s part to maintain control, or in some cases causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle”.

According to reports, the Mazda 3′s hydraulic power steering pump can fail if contaminates get into the pump. In 2009, Mazda issued a Technical Service Bulletin to its dealers concerning the problem. However, they didn’t issue a recall.

After cleaning out a broom closet, one of the NHTSA janitors discovered another old stack of complaints. This time about BMW.

They received 107 reports of steering failures on the 2003-2005 BMW Z4.

The Z4 uses a drive-by-wire electric power steering system. Instead of the steering wheel being connected to the front wheels, it’s connected to a bunch of sensors…which can stop working when the car reaches speeds in excess of 45 mph. The steering system can also experience problems if the temperatures exceeds 75 degrees. So, if you drive your Z4 through Florida…you’re screwed.

The complaints allege that the BMW’s steering wheel can stick, bind, or lock up. One wreck has also been attributed to the problem.

So far, no recalls have been issued in either case.

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