Toyota recalls 138,000 cars in the UK

Toyota has yet again had to recall cars due to a fault. This time they are recalling 138,000 cars in the UK due to a faulty electrical window switch. This marks one of several recalls Toyota has had to make over the years. The recall comes as Toyota announce that in total, over 7 million people in several countries will be affected.

The cars affected are the Toyota RAV4, Corolla, Auris and Yaris models built between September 2006 and December 2008. Drivers of the mentioned cars could find that “Power Window Master Switch” may become stuck an inoperable and perhaps even more concerning is that they could catch fire if incorrectly lubricated by a user.

It is reported that one serious case has been reported in the UK and because of this Toyota have made the decision to recall all cars it has identified could be affected.They say symptoms are an uneven or “notchy” action. The switch is not designed to be lubricated with commercial lubricants and if done so, this is when the switch may overheat or melt.

Toyota have said that the owners of the cars affected will be contacted within the next six weeks and asked to make an appointment with their local dealer or approved garage. A repair or replacement will then be carried out free or charge. More information can be found by contacting Toyota customer relations on 01737 367600.

Range Rover Hybrid Confirmed

 

Jaguar Land Rover have announced plans to introduce hybrid technology to Land Rover’s range most likely starting with the flagship Range Rover models. 

Peter Richings, chief engineer for hybrid technology at Jaguar Land Rover said: “Plug-in hybrids definitely have the most potential. The Range Rover is the logical place to start as buyers of this car are able to afford the technology. It makes sense to put it in the top car and let it filter its way down the range.”

He also said that the Range Rover was the logical choice due to the added weight the hybrid technology brings with it.

Although a release time couldn’t be confirmed, Ritchings did say “It will be sometime after 2015, but before 2020.” Suggesting that the technology to successfully turn such a large vehicle into a practical hybrid is still a few years away.

Although Jaguar Land Rover may not be too far away from creating something for the Range Rovers range as they have already experimented with a Jaguar XJ prototype which replaced the 5.0 litre V8 in the car with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and a 94bhp electric motor. This resulted in the prototype having fuel economy of 73.5mpg and was able to run for 25 miles on electric power only.

2012 Paris Motor Show Preview

One of the world’s largest motors shows is due to start this week and Car leasing madesimple have put together a quick preview of some of the most anticipated cars  due to appear at the event.

Aston Martin

Aston will show off their newly announced follow-up to the iconic DB9 which will replace the Virage at the top of Aston Martins line-up. The new DB9 supports an impressive 510bhp from its 5.9 litre v12 engine and takes some of its high end looks from the Virage itself.

Audi

The main attraction to Audi’s space at the event will be the new A3 Sportsback and the S3 hothatch. The S3 will showcase a new 296bhp 2.0 litre turbocharged engine that will launch the car from 0-62 mph in 5.1 seconds. Whereas the A3 sportsback shows off a longer wheel base and more room.

BMW

The biggest car BMW will muster up at the Paris Expo will be the BMW 3-series GT concept which will make its debut at the show. The 3-Series GT is the first time a new body style has been introduced to the 3-series range since the 1994 Compact model.

Ford

Ford have two primary exhibitions at the Paris Motor Show, one will be the facelifted version of the UK’s biggest selling car, the FordFiesta. The other will be the new Ford Mondeo which is the first large saloon car to feature a 1.0 litre petrol engine reportedly producting 123bhp.

Jaguar

Jaguar will introduce the new F-type to the world at the Paris Expo. The car will be put on sale with a new supercharged 3.0 litre V6 engine as well as a new version of the existing 5.0 litre V8. 

Kia

The Korean giant will show off two cars this year with the Kia Carens making its expo debut along with the new Kia Procee’d. The Procee’d could excite with its competitive styling and inevitably cheap pricing. The current generation of Kia cars have brought them into a serious competitive position with the UK’s primary manufacturers by using current technology and stylish design, the Carens and Procee’d are no different.

Land Rover

Jaguar Land Rover are aiming even higher than before with the newly announced Range Rover 4. The new Range Rover is claimed to be the most luxurious yet. Land Rover claim the car is better with regard to ride and handling and the first ever hybrid version is planned for later in 2013.

Mclaren

The Mclaren P1 is the much anticipated follow-up to the ageing Mclaren F1. The  P1 boasts KERS technology from Formula 1 racing and the car has a reported power output of 960bhp. Mclaren say the focus for the P1 is more about track performance than outright speed with the car claiming to be the best track day car ever.

Peugeot

Peugeot have had a very busy few months with several different upcoming cars being announced. The biggest of which is the ambitious new 208 GTI which Peugeot promise to “revive a legend” meaning the 205 GTI. The 208 GTI will be powered by 197bhp 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine which will do 0-62 in 7.0 seconds. The 208’s rally version the 208 Type R5 will also be unveiled.

Peugeot also have a concept city car on show the 2008 concept. The much anticipated Onyx supercar will also be at the Paris Expo along with the new 260bhp 1.6 turbo engine Peugeot RCZ.

Renault

Renault’s main party piece at the event will be new Renault Clio which has an impressive re-design from the previous model. Renault say the new Clio is more upmarket and desirable than the previous models and is due to sale just a few weeks after the show itself.

Seat

Seat will unveil the next Leon at the Paris motor show which for the first time appear in three different body styles: five-door, three-door and estate. All of the body styles use the new MQB platform built by Volkswagen.

Volkswagen

Possibly one of the stand-out cars at this year’s Paris expo will be the next Volkswagen Golf. The mk7 golf will no doubt be just as competitive as ever in the hatchback sector and feature market leading innovations and gadgets.

It costs £800,000, the production is limited to 500 models, but the supercar is expected sell out before going on sale to the public. The car will be revealed as a design study at the Paris motor show, McLaren Automotive’s first appearance at an international show. The similar final production version will be unveiled next year with the British manufacturer’s 50th anniversary.

The highly anticipated P1 has been described as taking “technological and spiritual inspiration from the company’s racing division”. Executive chairman of McLaren Automotive Ron Dennis says:”The P1 will be the result of 50 years of racing and road car heritage. Twenty years ago, we supercar performance bar with the McLaren F1 and our global with P1 is to redefine it once again”.

Operations managing director, Anthony Sheriff, says pure pace is not the new models objective. “Our aim is not necessarily to be the fastest in absolute top speed but to be the quickest and most rewarding series-production road car on a circuit. It is the true test of a supercar’s all-around ability and much more important technical statement. It will be the most exciting, capable, technologically advanced and most dynamically accomplished supercar ever made”.

McLaren is refusing to provide any more details around the car before its public reveal. However, some of the P1’s secrets have come to light! Sources say the P1 retains the MP4-12C’s “everyday usability” with the familiar deep windscreen, narrow A-pillars and relatively slim width. Whilst shorter than the current Porsche 911, the interior will be different from the 12’s. However, its unclear whether the cabin architecture will remain the same.

McLaren styling boss Frank Stephenson is said to have expressed the car in a deep, technical nature. Sculpted by wind tunnels, the aerodynamically significant areas of the exterior are exposed in matt black and the styled surfaces are body coloured. The fresh headlamp design references the McLaren logo and is tipped for the face lifted version of the 12C.

Also present are stylistic nods to the McLaren F1 in the roof’s air scoop, the single ridge running through the door and the fighter plane styled cockpit. The P1 takes advantage of a modified version of the MP4-12C’s carbon fire Monocell. The P1’s outer panels are said to be made from carbon fire and itself the weigh less than 1300kg. Also, the remaining under structure is said be very different from the 12C’s.

The front and rear aluminium sub frames and suspension systems are believed to have undergone redesigns, to accommodate more advanced chassis, which incorporates active damping and active control fancy out anti-roll bars and eliminate body lean. Judging by the P1’s shape, the engine and transmission could be placed much lower in the rear of the car. It seems the centre of the rear deck is lower than on the 12C. It appears likely that the intake manifold has been redesigned to sit lower on top of the engine and the exhaust system redesigned and rerouted.

Judging by the large air intakes that feed the P1’s engine compartment, there appears to be a desire to manage the high temperatures generated by the big hike in power. Along with the deep side intake, many forward-facing vents are mounted over the rear wheels, which are matched by the large exhaust ports over the rear LED light strips.

According to the latest information, the P1’s engine will not be a V10 or V12, but a modified version of the 12C’s twin-turbo V8. The power will jump from 600bhp to around 800bhp at 9000rpm. This significant potential is supplemented by a KERS system (a pair of flywheels that deliver up to 160bhp in short bursts).
Rumours suggest that the P1 will have a top speed of 239mph and a 0-60mph time of less than three seconds. It has also been reported to have completely obliterated the best lap time for a road-legal car at the Silverstone circuit.

According to leaks from potential buyers, the P1 will be fitted with a new kind of acrylic windows, replacing conventional glass. Also, there is no need for windscreen wipers as water apparently rolls off this car.
 The P1’s 2013 arrival is consistent with the McLaren promise of a new car launch every year until 2020, is likely to be an investment attraction for buyers. We only say this because the 108 F1s costing £540,000 two decades ago, now fetch up to £3.8 million at auction!

Written By Chris Rendell, Writer for Car leasing made simple.

Auto Braking: Advances in Road Safety

Advances in technology in the last few years means that there is a constant stream of new and innovative techniques and technology making cars more durable and safer. Perhaps one of the most interesting is the automatic emergency braking systems or Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) to give it it's official name. 

AEB uses systems such as radar, lidar (laser) or video technology in order to track the distance between your car and the one in front and waits until it is too late for you to react become automatically applying the brake.  Tests and existing technology prove the AEB systems have a great effect at reducing road collisions with up to a 25% improvement. It may not totally avoid the car infront, however will aim too, depending on road conditions. 

The benefits of this kind of technology are huge not only financially but emotionally. With over 90% of all accidents being small fender bender collisions, they still result in a lot of people having to receive treatment for whiplash. An AEB system in your car may prevent minor injuries that would not only keep you out of work, but cost the NHS and taxpayers money too. You could also take into account the economic value of having less congestion on the roads due to crashes causing traffic. 

The technology shows early signs of being extremely successful. It could also be considered a compulsory option for new cars to have built in as part of safety measures as early as the end of 2013. Although the technology has clear benefits, it has been slow to be adopted by car companies when you consider Volvo had it first in the XC60 in 2008, four years ago. Euro NCAP, a leading crash test organization has said that AEB is still not available in 79% of new cars on sale in Europe. However big names such as Ford, Audi, Honda, Jaguar, Mercedes, Lexus and VW all offer AEB.

The system, although advanced, is not perfect. Most manufacturers only offer AEB technology that handles low speed collisions. Although high speed AEB exists, there is room for improvement. There is also AEB technology to avoid pedestrians but this is also new tech and only Lexus and Volvo offer it.

So in the near future expect you new lease car or showroom car to have automatic braking technology as standard. It could potentially save your life or stop a serious injury from occurring.

Chevrolet named new Manchester United Shirt Sponsor

 From 2014, Chevrolet will become the Manchester clubs main shirt sponsor. General Motors, who own Chevrolet, and Manchester United announced the deal on the yesterday. Chevrolet will become the 5^th shirt sponsor in the clubs history.

The financial side of the partnership is undisclosed but it is to last for seven years starting in 2014.

Manchester United’s commercial director Richard Arnold, says the deal provides “long-term” brand building opportunities for the club.

He adds: “We have been partners with Chevrolet for only six weeks, but already they have produced some fantastic ideas that will benefit both the partnership and our 659 million followers around the world. They are a key partner on our current tour and I know they have enjoyed experiencing the buzz generated by our fanatical support and the sell-out crowds in South Africa, China, and Europe.”

It’s Chevrolet however, who may feel the main benefactors in the deal. Although a huge brand in America, the following in the UK is distinctly smaller and has only grown slightly in the last few years. This shirt sponsorship however could be seen as a good start to a sales growth in the UK. 

Chevrolet are already the main automotive sponsor for Manchester United after signing a 5-year deal in May this year. The American motoring company also signed a contract last week to become Liverpool FC’s main automotive sponsor.