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Toyota Symbol

[Rock Solid Shifts]With surprisingly little press from the danger that is created by a sticking gas pedal, eight Toyota models have been suspended from sales and even from being manufactured, a drastic safety measure taken until the problem of the unwanted acceleration can be fixed.  The source of the problem are parts made by CTS Corp. and manufactured in Ontario, Canada, and maybe just a by product of former President of Toyota Katsuaki Watanabe’s super aggressive growth strategy that catapulted the company to be the largest auto maker world wide in 2008.

As to the accidents and injuries these acceleration problems have caused, probably nobody but Toyota knows the extent.  And its a pretty good indication from their actions that things are serious and injuries or deaths are a reality.  Corporations act in the best interest of their shareholders, or in other words make decisions based on the bottom line.  Stopping production and sales of these eight vehicles will lead to huge losses.  The scary part comes in when we realize that they made the decision off knowing that if they continued sales they would lose even more.  Can we speculate where those loses come from?  Lawsuits maybe? Could be a good guess.

Leave a comment. I want to hear what you think.

Cars that sales and production have been halted:

the 2009-2010 RAV4, the 2009-2010 Corolla, the 2007-2010 Camry, the 2009-2010 Matrix hatchback, the 2005-2010 Avalon large sedan, the 2010 Highlander crossover, the 2007-2010 Tundra pickup and the 2008-2010 Sequoia large SUV.

Popularity: 6% [?]

Are we re-living history?  Twenty-five years ago the release of the Buick Regal T-Type and Grand National sported V8 power with V6 fuel economy.  And that may be understated.  These cars’ economic V6 engines utilized turbochargers to boost power past that of V8 engines.  These engines were powerhouses, just ask any drag racing veteran.  They will tell you.  And don’t forget, this is all while reducing fuel consumption.

Nothing new right? Well, Ford has come out with technologies to use in conjunction with this concept to increase it’s benefits.  Instead of spraying fuel into the intake ports, it is injected directly into the cylinder at extremely high pressure, 35 times that of a regular fuel injected engine.  Ecoboost also takes advantage of a twin independent variable valve timing system, and an advanced turbo charging system.

O.k. that’s the technology.  Here are the benefits:  20% better fuel economy and 20% less CO2 emissions.  the variable valve timing and high pressure direct ignition system allows for the combustion of the fuel in the most efficient and cleanest way.

By using small, low inertia rotors that spin at high speeds Ford EcoBoost engines can deliver the same strong low-end torque ,characteristic of the popular diesel engines, and the power everyone craves across the full engine speed range.  Ford states that “turbines are carefully selected to ensure that maximum torque can be achieved at 1,500rpm or lower, with the absolute minimum of delay when the driver wants quick acceleration in traffic.”

The option to downsize (this is my favorite).  With less friction, less wieght, more power, and more efficiency downsizing is always a better option.  For example Ford will adapt its Ecoboost concept to a three-cylinder 0.9 and 1.2-liter engines for the Fiesta and upcoming Focus. At 1.2-liters, the engine will still be capable of about 135 horsepower and 135 lb-ft of torque from about 1500 rpm.  The lighter weight engines cuts front axle weight and will produce better handling as well, a win win win for everybody.

I love the idea of these engines.  I only hope the reliability can be maintained, and the maintenance remain at normal levels.  Do me a favor and leave a comment if you drive a car with an ecoboost and tell us all what you think.

till next time.

Popularity: 21% [?]

Chevy Volt Review

Rock Solid Shifts – What exactly is the Chevy Volt?  A swirling array of rumors and claims confuse many, which lead them to ask this question again.  A better question would be what does this car mean to me? And what does it mean to the future of the automotive industry?

First, the 2011 Chevy Volt solves the problem electric vehicles have always faced: limited range.  Unless you are far from the norm, you understand just by looking at your own driving habits that most trips in a car are short range, with an occasional long distance trip.  Pure electric vehicles do a fantastic job at the first half, despite common belief.  Their efficiencies are high and operation costs extremely low.  With the Volt you get the best of both worlds.

Second, the lithium Ion battery is superior to the others except in one aspect: price.  However the mass production of the Chevy Volt serves as a beacon to where the automotive industry is headed, which is cheaper batteries.

Motor Trend Full Review Here with test drive and commentary from the chief engineer.

Popularity: 11% [?]