The College Driver News

Miss Tuning 2010 Calendar

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:30:04 -0500

In a break from our typical format, I decided to post images from the Miss Tuning 2010 calendar. The calendar, which was made available in late September, features 13 images of 19 year old model Martina Ivezaj. Ivezaj, was crowned Miss Tuning 2009, by beating out nearly 350 contestants including Leslie Braumann and Nina Zivkovic.

The Miss Tuning 2010 calendar was shot over the course of one week by LA-based photographer Christian Holzknecht. The purpose of the calendar now in its third year is to capture a location's tuning culture, its people, and their lifestyle. The 2010 calendar was shot in the beautiful British Virgin Isles.

The Miss Tuning 2010 calendar will be limited to just 1,500 copies as it has been since the calendar was introduced in late 2007. Each calendar will cost 25 Euros or about 37 dollars. For those of you who really want to get your hands on these images, I have done some fact finding and have found high resolutions images on their site.

So what is your favorite month? Ours is June.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Cover

Source: Tuning World Bodensee

Hyundai Genesis Coupe featured in Xbox 360 game

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:11:36 -0500

If you love driving, video games and slamming through 100 renowned real-world tracks and exotic road courses from around the world, then the new "Forza Motorsport 3" is the game to have. For the first time ever, Hyundai will be featuring one of their vehicles in the game, the Genesis Coupe.

"Genesis Coupe's participation in ‘Forza Motorsport 3' will raise Hyundai's awareness with driving enthusiasts and the very important youth segment," said Joel Ewanick, vice president, Marketing, Hyundai Motor America. "The mission for Genesis Coupe was to create a pure performance car and for it to appear in such a realistic racing simulator is awesome."

According to Hyundai, Turn 10 Studios developed the game where players will live out their dreams behind the wheel of more than 400 of the most-beloved cars, including a roster of Hyundai favorites. The vehicles can be driven on more than 100 renowned real-world tracks and exotic road courses from around the globe. Breathtaking HD graphics and the most advanced vehicle performance modeling in a video game make "Forza Motorsport 3" the most realistic racing experience ever. Introducing a host of driving assists and adjustable skill levels, "Forza Motorsport 3" is a gripping pick-up-and-play experience for racing novices and seasoned pros alike.

Players will even be able to share their customized rides via Xbox LIVE.

Hyundai says their relationship with Microsoft developed from a lust for high performance automobiles.

Source: Hyundai

World's first inflatable seat belt

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:51:05 -0500

Thanks to Ford and their engineers, the three-point safety belt has been reinvented to offer better protection, save more lives and hopefully make more passengers wear them.

The inflatable rear seat belts will spread crash forces over five times more area of the body than conventional seat belts. This helps reduce pressure on the chest and helps control head and neck motion for rear seat passengers.

Ford's inflatable rear seat belts will debut on the next-generation Ford Explorer, which goes into production next year. Then Ford will eventually offer inflatable seat belt technology in vehicles globally.

The Explorer was the first vehicle in Ford's lineup to get their Canopy side-curtain airbags that remained inflated during roll-overs and the first to use Roll Stability Control, Ford's name for a stability control system.

theCD's take: Ford says over 90% of research participants found the inflatable seat belt more comfortable to wear. Hopefully more people will wear their seat belt because of this reason alone.

Suzuki Kizashi pricing announced

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:37:53 -0500

Suzuki has finally revealed the price of its stylish new competitor in the midsize segment. The base model will start at $19,735, which includes destination and handling.

Being the base model of a non-luxury brand, the Kizashi is packed with enough features that push a comparably priced Accord, Camry, Altima or Malibu off the road. Eight airbags, push-button keyless entry and start, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 9-speaker audio system with steering wheel controls, ESP, power everything and ambient lighting are all standard.

A 2.4-liter 180 horsepower inline-4 will be the only available engine when the Kizashi reaches dealerships next month. All-wheel drive will be available on all trim levels with a continuously-variable transmission, and FWD buyers can opt for a six-speed manual over the CVT.

Click here to see more images or check out the two press releases below for more information on features and trim levels.

Kizashi Trim Levels

Kizashi Features/Comparison

Source: Suzuki

Chrysler LLC will offer live TV option on Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, and Jeep models

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:04:24 -0500

Chrysler LLC announced that they will be offering 20 channels of live TV as an option on all of their brands as a Mopar option. Vehicle owners will be able to watch live sports, breaking news, kids' programs and primetime network shows in the back seat.

Mopar's suggested retail price is $629, plus installation. A one-year pre-paid FLO TV service subscription is included with installation.

The entertainment package will be available as a dealer-installed option on the following 2008-2010 model year vehicles with factory DVD entertainment systems: Chrysler Town & Country, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey, Dodge Nitro, Ram 1500 and Ram 2500/3500.

The service also can be added to select 2008-2010 model-year vehicles when new Mopar headrest or seat-top DVD entertainment systems are purchased.

Audiovox Corp., of Hauppauge, NY, supplies FLO TV Auto Entertainment hardware that integrates with Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Car and Ram Truck vehicles' existing entertainment systems and new Mopar 7-inch DVD screen systems. A small antenna, similar in size to a laptop mouse, is mounted on a vehicle's roof to deliver the digital TV signal. Inside the vehicle, the receiver and wiring are installed under the interior trim of the vehicle and are not visible to occupants.

Chrysler will definitely be showing it off at the NAIAS this January and we'll be give you footage of how it operates.

Source: Chrysler

Toyota begins notifying owners of floormat issue

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:43:42 -0500

Toyota has begun mailing out letters to owners of certain Toyota/Lexus models to notify them of the the potential for an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat that could interfere with the accelerator pedal.

The letter tells owners of the following vehicles to take out their driver's floormat and not replace it with any other floormat until Toyota develops a remedy.

• 2007 - 2010 Camry
• 2005 - 2010 Avalon
• 2004 - 2009 Prius
• 2005 - 2010 Tacoma
• 2007 - 2010 Tundra
• 2007 - 2010 ES350
• 2006 - 2010 IS250 and IS350

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Toyota are working together to understand how a floormat can cause the throttle to get stuck in the wide-open position. The recent disaster with the loaner Lexus ES350 has prompted the NHTSA to look into the design of Toyota's gas pedals.

The pedals have a single pivot point and an arm made out of plastic. Vehicles such as my Pontiac Grand Prix have a second pivot at the actual pedal, allowing it to rotate a few degrees upward. This seems like a cost-cutting design at Toyota, but would not be an issue if people just learned how to install floormats.

Being an engineering student with experience, I often see how engineers in the corporate world can only do so much given the cost constraints that they have to prevent things like this from happening. If you can not properly install floormats, then you shouldn't be taking almost 2 tons of steel on the road.

The incident with the Lexus ES driver was not his fault entirely though. According to reports, the dealership was using all-weather floormats on top of the cloth mats. Now that's just stupid, and the dealership should be at fault for the death of this car load of people.

One thing I would blame Toyota engineers for though is not displaying directions for turning the engine off while the vehicle is in motion, using the Power button. It's a new technology and many people still don't know how to use it.

So what do you think? Is it Toyota's fault, the dealerships or drivers'?

Recalled: Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:04:58 -0500

Chrysler is recalling 12,674 vehicles that may have been built without a front wheel spindle nut. The affected vehicles include the 2009-2010 Chrysler 300, 2009-2010 Dodge Charger and 2009-2010 Dodge Challenger. This recall only affects rear-wheel drive versions of these models.

Without a front wheel spindle nut, a separation between a tire and wheel could occur while driving. This could obviously lead to an accident.

Dealers will inspect the tire and wheel assembly and if it's found without a spindle nut, it will be repaired free of charge. You can call Dodge at (1-800-835-1403) if you have one of the mentioned vehicles.

Source: NHTSA

It's official: texting ban in full effect in NY

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:17:05 -0500

It is now entirely illegal to be texting while driving in the state of New York. We reported on this in late August and the ban is now in effect to fine all who text and drive.

The law says that drivers can be fined for the offense only if they are pulled over for another offense (going through a stop sign/red light because you had to tell your bff what you're doing, which is definitely not paying attention to the road).

If you're caught texting and driving, the fine is $150 (plus whatever else you were pulled over for).

theCD's take: DON'T TEXT AND DRIVE! It's really not worth risking your life or that of others. Just pull over if it's that important or get a Ford vehicle with SYNC that reads your text messages over the speakers and allows you to respond by voice.

Recalled: Pontiac G5, Chevrolet Cobalt and Saturn Ion

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:07:49 -0500

The NHTSA and GM are recalling over 50,000 vehicles in the states of Arizona, Nevada, Texas, California and Florida for an issue with the fuel system. The affected vehicles are the 2006-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2007 Pontiac G5, and 2006-2007 Saturn Ion.

The plastic supply or return port on the "modular reservoir assembly" may crack. If either of the ports develop a crack, fuel will obviously leak. As the crack gets larger, fuel will start dripping at a pretty good rate, which could cause a fire in the presence of an ignition source.

Dealers will replace the fuel pump module free of charge. A slew of other states are being included as "special coverage" so be sure to check out the link below and see if yours is on there.

You can contact Chevrolet (1-800-630-2438), Saturn (1-800-972-8876) or Pontiac (1-800-620-7668) for more info.

Source: NHTSA

Ford Taurus SHO on Late Night

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:59:56 -0400

Ford's new Taurus SHO made a special appearance the other night on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. The skit was of course funny, and Conan showed off his classy, original 1992 Taurus SHO.

What's better, the original SHO or the new 2010 model?

How to decorate your car for Halloween

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:31:11 -0400

The College Driver has put together some nifty decorations for pimping out your ride, Halloween style. Adding some (ridiculous) character to your car is definitely a way to get some attention (which I like) and your friends will probably think you're crazy too, but that's even more reason to do it.

I volunteered my untrusty Pontiac for the task and brought out a camera to show you how it's done. Remember to play it safe tonight if you're partying it up and leave your car behind for the goblins.

You'll need:

- A Dollar Tree store

- About $6

- Five minutes

Tires will cost more come January

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:17:53 -0400

If the tread on your cars tires is looking a little low and they need to be replaced, do it before January to avoid paying a lot more money.

President Obama imposed three years worth of 30 percent tariffs on low-cost tires imported from China. The tariff is forcing wholesalers to pass the cost on to retailers, and to all of us.

The most affordable tires will cost atleast $50 more and brand names like Michelin will cost atleast $80 more.

"It's not just tires overseas; prices for domestic wheels like Goodyear and Michelin are also going up," said 9WSYR, a Syracuse, NY news station.

American tire manufacturers believe that if Chinese-made tire prices are going up to be at about their price level, then they have to up their prices as well to create a price difference.

Winter tires are not going to be affected by the tariff this year since warehouses have stocked up on them, but currently there's a shortage of all-season and summer tires at the "old price".

A quick visit to the TireRack.com showed that the prices have not changed yet, with the Kumho tires a friend of mine put on his car this past summer still at the same price. It cost him a little over $400 to change all four tires.

If he waited until next spring, he'd pay more than $200, the cost of two tires at today's prices!

theCD's take: This is the last thing that we need. The price of changing the rubber on your car is already through the roof and this will definitely cause some safety issues in the future. Drivers will put off changing their tires because they simply can not afford it.

Source: 9WSYR