Hold that spot: Lexus offers real-time parking search

Soon to be available on U.S. models: Real-time availability of the nearest, least expensive available parking spots in your city.

Your car's navigation system can already tell you where to find gas, food and lodging. And as in-dash navigation systems become connected – and try to compete with nav applications on smartphones – they'll be able to do even more, like guide you to an available parking spot. 

That's what the 2014 Lexus IS can do, at least in Europe. The U.K.-based startup Parkopedia, which relies partly on crowdsourcing to show space availability, said it would supply parking information as part of the car's navigation system. Its partner, traffic-data aggregator Inrix, told MSN Autos that the feature would soon be available in the U.S. 

While Lexus spokesman Michael Kroll couldn't confirm when the parking feature would be available, he told us that it's possible. "It depends on the access to the type of data," he said. "While that feature isn’t available in the U.S., we’re always evaluating new technologies that can bring value to our owners."

Parkopedia allows users to find and compare commercial, street and private parking on a computer or a mobile device. Lexus said it could provide information on more than 42,000 parking lots and show real-time availability to direct drivers to the nearest and least expensive available lots. Currently, individual parking spaces, such as those on the street, are not included in the Lexus service.

However, by integrating the parking service into the vehicle, Lexus has beaten BMW and Audi to the punch.

• 2014 Lexus IS: First drive review

BMW i, the automaker’s venture capital arm and electric vehicle brand, has invested in “mobility” apps" to display information on mass-transit systems. BMW i has also formed a joint venture with Park Now, a website that allows drivers to book parking in advance, and has invested in ParkAtMyHouse.com, which lists private spaces for rent. According to Jim Bak, director of community relations at Inrix, Lexus will be using Park Now when it launches the service for the IS in the U.S.

Like Parkopedia, Park Now allows drivers to find and book parking spots online or using a mobile app, and to search for the best rate in a given location. Unlike Parkopedia, Park Now gets its data from parking facility operators, and it’s currently not available in BMW vehicles. Park Now covers only the San Francisco Bay Area, although the service is expected to expand to other cities.

Audi won’t help find drivers a parking spot, but it does want to make it easier for them to pay for one. The automaker recently unveiled a wireless payment system that allows drivers to exit garages without reaching for their wallets. 

As with BMW i and Park Now, Audi is working with a parking facilities operator, in this case the Ingolstadt Economic Development Agency in the automaker’s hometown, which manages nine lots and underground garages in the city, with a total of 6,200 spaces. But the Audi wireless parking payment system is hardly high-tech. It uses a radio frequency identification (RFID) transmitter mounted on the inside of the car’s windshield to allow the car to communicate with a parking facility and then bill the user – a system that's been used for years for electronic toll collection. Eventually, after its employee pilot program ends, Audi says the parking system will be added to its Audi Connect in-car online services.

Ingolstadt could take a cue from New York City, which recently introduced a new app and a pilot program that incorporates 264 parking spaces along a nine-block stretch of the Bronx to help drivers find and pay for parking from their smartphones. The system and app, called PayByPhone, uses wireless sensors positioned in parking spaces that allows drivers to check on real-time parking availability.

But until such information spreads to every city, we'll just have to rely on our sharp eyes and good luck to nab a downtown spot.

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Aston Martin V12 Vantage S: Defying age at 205 mph

The 'baby' of Aston Martin's family is getting older -- but with plenty of new hardware, it's getting faster.

It's a wonder how new muscle and a fresh wardrobe can shake off age.

Now in its eighth year, the baby Aston Martin Vantage has a few wrinkles -- the Volvo-sourced switchgear from its former Ford ownership and the pop-up nav are two examples -- but the latest V12 Vantage S hides them well. Especially at 205 mph.

That makes this entry-level model the fastest Aston in production, aside from the out-of-print One-77 supercar the Dubai Police just purchased, which reaches 220 mph. It's also 15 mph faster than the V12 Vantage it's replacing.

For the V12 Vantage S, Aston plucked the 565-horsepower V12 from its flagship Vanquish and fitted a racing-style electrohydraulic 7-speed automatic gearbox similar to those used on its Vantage race cars. All other Aston models, even the One-77, use six gears. Quicker shifts, along with an adaptive damping system that changes the suspension stiffness to one of three modes, are here specifically to eat Porsche 911s.

• Photo gallery: Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

The steering, developed by ZF, offers a quicker ratio and two levels of boost. When the "Sport" button is pressed, the steering becomes heavier, and the exhaust -- lighter, smaller and built off the unit in the One-77 -- sounds appropriately nasty and uncivilized. A carbon fiber grill, black 10-spoke rims, black roof and black paint between the taillights cap off its new bumblebee costume. 

Pricing hasn't been announced, but with the current V12 Vantage at $182,650, we wouldn't be surprised if Aston added an additional 10 grand.

While the Vantage has been around in its current generation since 2006, it's just as smoking hot to drive as the day it arrived. Unlike much of the car industry, boutique manufacturers like Aston Martin can't afford to overhaul their models every five years. All the V12 Vantage needed was some gym time.

You'll need some time there, too, if you're ever going to fit in this Aston's slim carbon fiber bucket seats.

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2014 BMW X5: Teaching its drivers to play nice

A host of new active safety and convenience features could calm drivers down, but only if they order them.

BMW has trimmed some fat, added power and introduced features that may placate its owners' trademark aggression toward others on the road.

Unfortunately, many of those features –  including an autopilot feature that can guide the driver in stop-and-go traffic – are options on BMW's ever-popular X5, now in its third generation.

The 2014 X5 packs a revised version of the company's twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine, soon to be refreshed across the lineup. Thanks to Valvetronic -- a nifty electronic valve lift control that we won't get into here -- the engine now makes 445 horsepower, up from 400. The twin-turbo inline-6 engine remains the same at 300 horsepower, although the diesel model's 6-cylinder is down slightly on power and torque – to 255 horsepower and 413 lb-ft – in the name of greater efficiency. The 8-speed automatic transmission now replaces the diesel's 6-speed unit.

Efficiency is the buzzword these days, and if you buy a new X5 when it arrives this fall, you'll see the EfficientDynamics sticker on the back window. As seen on the new 3-Series, this system incorporates auto start-stop, battery regeneration that takes the engine load off the alternator, and various Eco Pro driving settings that desperately try to save fuel on this 5,000-pound SUV; curb weights are reduced by 170 to 230 pounds, depending on the engine trim. 

Those Eco Pro settings, as we've found while driving the small X1, are typically BMW in that they don't ruin the driving experience. In the X5, Eco Pro will even lower the heat levels on the seats and side mirrors, plus it can decouple the engine from the transmission when the driver lets off the accelerator between 30 and 100 mph, allowing for greater coasting. Porsche employs the same system on its Cayenne S Hybrid. A new Proactive Driving Assistant tells the driver when to let off the gas on approaching corners.

BMW is particular proud of its Aero Blades, two black plastic moldings hanging on both sides of the glass hatch, and its frontal Air Breathers, otherwise known as air ducts. They're supposed to help with fuel economy. 


But since this is a Bimmer and not a Range Rover, the 2014 X5 packs some more giddy-up in its step. Rear-wheel drive will be available for the first time on 6-cylinder models, along with launch control; torque vectoring for the rear axle, which can split power left and right; and adjustable suspension and drive settings. The interior now looks like every BMW from the 5-Series on up, which is to say, attractive and simple.


The best feature by far is Traffic Jam Assistant, which can start and stop the car in dense traffic up to 25 mph and self-center the car between lanes. It's different from the car's active cruise control, which automatically comes to a stop but doesn't restart on its own. Among the other new safety gadgets are auto-braking with pedestrian detection, night vision with animal detection and blind spot monitoring. Oddly, none of these features is on the current X5.

Ferociously hated by BMW purists when it debuted in 1999, the X5 has sold more than 1.3 million copies and spawned three other "X" variants, including a 555-horsepower X5 M that truly is a driver's machine. A few years back, I drove one on a racetrack in the pouring rain, hitting speeds of 130 mph. It was stupidly brilliant.

Expect a new M in another year, and don't expect it to lose its cool. Hot-headed M drivers, however, are another problem entirely. 

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Recalls: Honda Fit for melting window switches, Ford for faulty child locks

About 686,000 Honda hatchbacks are being recalled again for faulty switches, while Ford will fix child safety locks on about 13,000 models from 2013.

Honda is recalling nearly 686,000 cars worldwide for the second time to fix window switches that can melt and cause fires, according to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

A total of 143,083 Honda Fit models from 2007-2008 are affected in the U.S., with 34,881 in Canada and the rest in overseas markets bearing the model name Jazz and a smaller Fit-based hatch called the City, according to the NHTSA and the New York Times.

The same Fit hatchbacks were recalled in 2010 for driver-side power window switches that could allow liquid to seep through and cause a short, which could then overheat, cause the switch to melt or start fires within the door. At that time, Honda said the problem caused a fatal car fire in South Africa and was aware of seven related switch problems on customer cars in the U.S., according to the Times.

Now, Honda said the original repair -- which involved laying a plastic cover over parts of the window switch controls -- could still let water onto the electronics below. Honda said it received at least one report of a melted circuit board due to the plastic separating from the controls in the U.S.

Dealers will replace damaged window switches immediately starting on July 19, and all other Fit owners without damaged switches will have to come back to their dealers a second time in October when more parts become available, Honda said. Owners can contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009 or on its service website.

In April, Honda recalled 45,782 Fit hatchbacks from 2012-2013 to update software for the stability control.

Door fire recalls have plagued Honda and other automakers within the last 12 months. In October, Honda recalled more than 268,000 CR-Vs for driver-side switch fires resulting from water contact, as did Toyota for the same problem on 2.5 million cars. In August, GM recalled nearly 250,000 SUVs for power-window switches that could cause a fire in the driver's door. 

Between March and October 2012, Honda recalled more than 1.3 million Honda Pilots, CR-Vs and Civics forheadlight switch parts that could melt. 

***

Ford is recalling more than 13,000 cars to fix childproof door locks that may inadvertently switch off when the rear doors are closed.

The 2013 Ford Explorer, Taurus and Lincoln MKS models are affected, with most in the U.S. and a small fraction in Canada and Mexico. Childproof lock switches are located on the rear door frames of all new cars and prevent the doors from being opened from the inside, even if the door is unlocked. No injuries or accidents have been reported.

In June, Ford recalled nearly 467,000 cars to fix problems with fuel leaks, steering loss and cracked wires, including the 2013 Explorer, Taurus and MKS.

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Nissan debuts 'world's fastest' electric race car for 2014 Le Mans

Zero Emission On Demand Racing Car will compete in next year's famous 24-hour endurance race.

Purely petroleum-powered cars have always ruled racing. But more alternative-fuel rivals are preparing to enter the field.

We reported earlier that Aston Martin contested a hydrogen-gasoline hybrid at the ADAC Zurich 24 Hours of Nürburgringin Germany in May, while a modified Le Mans car recently set an electric vehicle land speed record of 204 mph.

Now Nissan has revealed its prototype Zero Emission On Demand Racing Car (ZEOD RC) that will debut at next year's 24 Hours of Le Mans -- and which the company claims is “the world's fastest electric racing car” that can reach more than 186 mph.

But like Aston Martin's hydrogen-powered Rapide, the ZEOD RC will also require gasoline to run, since current battery technology doesn’t offer the energy storage or fast-charging capability needed to complete 24 hours of racing in a pure electric car. Andy Palmer, executive vice president at Nissan, said that the driver would be able to switch between electric and gasoline operation on the fly.

The ZEOD RC will compete in the Garage 56 category at Le Mans that was added to showcase vehicles using new and innovative technology, and in which Nissan’s controversial DeltaWing racecar competed in 2012. Before the automaker returns to the world's premier endurance race next June, engineers will test multiple variations of new electric powertrains that could spawn a range of alternative-fuel race cars.

Palmer said in a statement that the Nissan ZEOD RC “is a natural progression that follows on from the development of  … the Leaf RC race car prototype,” which MSN Autos had the opportunity to drive last year in Dubaiand uses the same 107-horsepower electric motor as in the production Nissan Leaf.

Ben Bowlby, Nissan's director of Motorsport Innovation and the chief designer of the ZEOD RC noted that the car’s development will be crucial to the "electrification" of future racecars.

Bowlby, who worked on Nissan’s DeltaWing program -- to which the ZEOD RC bears a strong resemblance -- added that the ZEOD RC design team “concentrated heavily on packaging and aerodynamic efficiency that will not only provide extreme performance but high levels of energy efficiency.”

Nissan will apply some of this knowledge to the next Nissan GT-R, which will pack a hybrid system containing a small lithium-ion battery for extra performance, according to Road & Track.

The Nissan ZEOD RC will make its testing debut later this summer. And even though the car won’t compete until next year's Le Mans, Nissan will be revealing aspects of the ZEOD RC program and peaks at the progress of the prototype on YouTube and the NISMO.TV channel.

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Tesla expanding fast-charge stations to 80 by end of 2013

Electric automaker announces bold plans to allow owners to drive their cars cross-country.

We have to admit that we enjoy poking some fun at Elon Musk and Tesla Motors whenever possible. But it's starting to feel like the joke’s on us. 

Tesla is planning to rapidly expand its Supercharger network across the continental United States and Canada through 2015. Currently, the company's eight Supercharger stations,open since October, are assembled on the East and West coasts of the country, one of which led to a New York Times reporter becoming stranded between New York and Boston. 

The Supercharger stations allow Model S owners in specific areas to get about three hours' worth of charge for freein just over 20 minutes.

Tesla says the new stations will be "free forever," able to charge at 120 kW (a technology that is currently in beta testing) and you'll only be able to pull in for a charge if you own the top-end 85-kWh Model S  -- and certainly not if you're driving a Nissan Leaf or a Mitsubishi i-MiEV. Those cars use a separate Japanese fast-charge standard called ChaDeMO, which claims to have nearly 1,700 stations across the globe. 

As of now, there are two competing standards for electric car charging: the aforementioned ChaDeMO setup, embraced by Mitsubishi and Nissan, and the new SAE standard, which has been accepted by just about everyone else. Then there's Tesla. Like Apple, it doesn't care what standard everyone else is using, instead choosing to stick to its guns with its own, admittedly sleeker setup. It's also worth noting that few, if any, fast-charge SAE or ChaDeMO stations are available to the public.

Tesla claims it will have 27 stations in North America by the end of June, including from Vancouver to Portland, Austin to Dallas and in Illinois and Colorado, as well as four more stations between New York and Boston, an area where Musk admitted the company had spaced its chargers too far apart.

By December, Tesla said it would "connect most of the major metro areas in the U.S. and Canada" by installing stations in Florida, Arizona, Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia. By that time, including Canadian stations in Ottawa and Montreal, Tesla will have roughly 80 stations, according to its website map. By 2015, the company plans to cover nearly the entire continent, save for Mexico, with 100 or more stations that will allow drivers to go from Los Angeles to New York "without spending a cent on fuel."

Owners are encouraged to take a break, hit the rest room and grab a bite while their cars are charging, and charge stations are typically located near malls, restaurants and other conveniences. The company may allow owners to see how busy the stations are on their Tesla smartphone app.

But that begs the question: What do you do if you arrive and someone else's car is just sitting on the plug, fully charged? Tesla encourages customers to be courteous, use good etiquette and even leave a card on the windshield with contact information. But time will tell how this plays out.

More than 13,000 customers are now on the waiting list for a sleek new Model S, and Tesla expects to sell more than 21,000 of them this year. Last week, the company famously repaid its $465 million federal loan months ahead of schedule, and its stock has risen to more than $100 a share. 

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NHTSA says self-driving cars not ready for public use

Agency seeks to provide safety guidelines while also encouraging the technology.

The federal government doesn't want states to license self-driving cars for average drivers, at least not in the near term.

In a statement released Thursday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that more data is needed before self-driving cars can be expanded beyond testing, as they're currently allowed in Nevada and California. 

The agency added that it plans to study the technology over the next four years to decide if automakers are sufficiently focusing on safety prior to making autonomous vehicles available to the public. 

“Whether we’re talking about automated features in cars today or fully automated vehicles of the future, our top priority is to ensure these vehicles -- and their occupants -- are safe,” Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in the statement.

And as with NHTSA Administrator David Strickland’s initial comments on self-driving cars at a meeting in Washington, D.C. last October, the agency also laid out what it sees as five levels of autonomous driving technology -- and the highest level is already on the road.

According to NHTSA, Level 0 is for cars in which the driver is in complete control at all times, while Level 1 includes vehicles with common safety features such as stability control and brake assist. Level 2 cars have at least two automated functions, such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure prevention, and Level 3 incorporates what NHTSA called "limited self-driving automation" in which the vehicle takes over critical safety functions, such as collision avoidance with autonomous braking and the “driver is available for occasional control.” The 2014 BMW X5 has a feature called "Traffic Jam Assistant" that fits into this category.

Level 4 is described as "full self-driving automation," with the driver not expected to be available for control at any time during the trip.” Google and automotive supplier Continental have already logged tens of thousands of miles on public roads in Level 4 vehicles.

Several states have also already made testing of Level 4 autonomous cars legal. In its recommendations, NHTSA indicated that the agency plans to be proactive in providing guidelines to states.

The agency recommended that states not permit self-driving vehicles on public roads with the exception of testing, although most state laws already have this limitation. NHTSA also recommended that states require drivers testing self-driving cars to get extra training and special licenses to prove that they can safely operate the vehicles on public roads.

But NHTSA also cautioned states against overly regulating self-driving technology, because it is still evolving very rapidly and the agency sees lots of potential in technology leading to fewer accidents. 

“As additional states consider similar legislation, our recommendations provide lawmakers with the tools they need to encourage the safe development and implementation of automated vehicle technology,” Strickland said.

NHTSA’s comments come as automakers such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, General Motors and Toyota have talked about bringing autonomous cars to market. And self-driving innovation -- and potential competition -- is also emerging from outside the traditional auto industry in the form of Google.

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Conquering the Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 in wet Seattle

We race a rear-wheel-drive Gallardo after a soaking rain shower and live to tell about it. For $200,000, you can, too.

Lamborghini has long been a name associated with automotive dreams. And, if I’m honest, fear.

When the sensuous Miura of the 1960s gave way to a more radical and exotic Countach of the 1970s, owning a Lamborghini became a little more intimidating, and not just on price and maintenance costs. The very mystique surrounding a Lamborghini relied on the driver's ability to handle it.

Since the Countach, Lamborghini has continued to build mid-engine powered exotic machinery with equally aggressive designs and breathtaking performance, all the way through today's flagship Aventador. When I was invited to drive the Gallardo LP550-2 at Pacific Raceways outside Seattle, I met some Lamborghini owners who were just as eager as I was to understand the true capability of these handbuilt machines. 

• Photos: Lamborghinis at Pacific Raceways

One of the first people I met at the track was Arian, the enthusiastic owner of a Murcielago LP640 finished in Verde Ithaca paint, an electric green hue.

"The guy who sold me my first Lamborghini Gallardo told me, 'If you're not going to drive it, just park it in the garage, buy yourself a poster, because it’s a lot cheaper,'" Arian said. "That was my motivation for driving it more and I went from driving my sports car 2,000 miles per year to 8,000 to 10,000 miles per year, and I’m enjoying it."

 

While the rainy spring weather in Seattle no doubt deterred some owners from bringing their cars to the track, Arian was one of the first to arrive and the last to leave, despite the wet conditions.

"Since I bought the Murcielago LP640, I come to the track quite a bit and it teaches me how to drive better every day, every time I come out here, so it’s pretty fun," he said.

This particular track day at Pacific Raceways was organized by Bellevue Lamborghini as an opportunity for Lamborghini owners to experience their cars and for prospective owners to drive one as it was intended. 

"We call it a race day event, but it's actually not a race. It's for people to drive the cars in a liberated way," said Shahin Zonoonix, a salesman at Bellevue Lamborghini. "It's not the average test drive but to expose the car, what the capabilities are and how comfortable they are to drive. The more you teach people how they are, the more people become intrigued."

And, of course, to overcome that Lamborghini fear factor.

My opportunity to drive the Gallardo LP550-2, a special rear-wheel-drive model, came after the sporadic rain showers had turned to a steady drizzle, ensuring the aging track surface would be soaking wet and dotted with spots of standing water. While the rain slowed down the track speeds, the conditions were actually perfect to experience the drivability of the Gallardo in all conditions. 

The Gallardo is powered by a 550-horsepower V10 engine mounted behind the seats, and while the Gallardo is typically offered with all-wheel drive, the LP550-2 delivers all the power to the rear wheels. The e-gear automated manual transmission allows the driver to shift manually with paddles mounted behind the steering wheel but also includes a fully-automatic mode for highway cruising. 

On the rain-soaked Pacific Raceways course, the overall balance of the chassis and the excellent directional stability, even in the rainy conditions, was impressive. The communicative steering really gave me the information I needed to determine how much traction was available from the track surface in what were very slippery conditions.  

Coming out of Turn 3b onto the back straight, the e-gear transmission allowed full-throttle upshifts without upsetting the car’s balance, adding to the confidence of driving the Gallardo in less than ideal conditions. The electronic stability program is very unobtrusive; it's there to help when needed, but under most conditions, it doesn't interrupt the driving experience. But I wasn’t stupid in the rain, either, and I didn't experiment with the more aggressive CORSA program on the ESP that allows more slip.

What may at first appear to be an intimidating and overpowering machine is actually a sophisticated and refined car that is meant to be used and enjoyed. And every person I saw climb out of the driver's seat, or even the passenger seat, had a huge smile.

Mike Meredith is a producer at MSN Autos and has worked in motorsports public relations and practiced law before joining the site in 1999. A lifelong automotive enthusiast, Meredith has raced sports cars, teaches high-performance driving and enjoys auto detailing in his copious free time.

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Why autonomous cars won't sap the fun from driving

With the wealth of benefits that self-driving technology will bring, cars that take control are inevitable. But losing the thrill of driving isn’t.

When a government agency declares the country is "at a historic turning point for automotive travel," I'm not apt to believe it at face value. Last week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that autonomous vehicles would completely change our relationship with carsin the next two decades, unlike any advances we've seen in the past century.

These are bold declarations. But NHTSA is correct, and it wants to prepare drivers for this sea change. 

You may already own a car with self-driving technology, such as Volvo's City Safety system, which automatically brakes before a collision. Yet while these systems can take control from the driver, you should realize that fully autonomous cars won’t take the fun out of driving. If anything, they'll mitigate the parts that aren't so fun.

Self-driving technology is already here in some ways. Driver assist systems currently available in production cars are gradually taking over more of the mundane tasks from humans, such as staying within a lane or keeping pace with traffic, and are making driving safer and less stressful.

Features such as lane-keeping assist and collision avoidance are now available primarily on higher-end vehicles. But they are starting to trickle down to less expensive cars. Subaru’s EyeSight system will apply the brakes automatically to avoid a collision when a vehicle in front slows or stops, while the 2014 Kia Cadenza’s adaptive cruise control allows a driver to forgo the accelerator and brake in stop-and-go traffic.

As these features become more common, the majority of the driving public will become accustomed to them. And as they become more plentiful, there will be too many benefits to turn back, until most cars are eventually driving themselves.

NHTSA’s statement last week pointed out the range of potential benefits from self-driving technology in addition to safety. These include reduced fuel consumption and traffic congestion, with fewer emissions and pollution. NHTSA also noted that self-driving cars will open “new windows for millions of people … with a range of disabilities.” And it predicted that autonomous cars will bring “significant new opportunities for investments ... in the various industries that develop, manufacture and maintain them.”

Despite these benefits, some driving enthusiasts reflexively resist the rise of the technology and fear that it will take away the pleasure of driving. I think of what Ibro Muharemovic, an engineer at Continental, told me while giving a demonstration of the company's self-driving Volkswagen Passat at the Chicago Auto Show in February. When I brought up the issue of auto enthusiasts being opposed to self-driving technology, Muharemovic said, “I always ask them, ‘Do you like traffic? Do you like your daily commute?’” 

After logging more than 15,000 miles in the Passat to fulfill the 10,000 automated-mode miles required by Nevada to get an autonomous license for the car, Muharemovic has a unique behind-the-wheel perspective on autonomous driving and its benefits. He mentioned, for example, that his girlfriend noticed that he’s less stressed when he comes home from work after he had let the Passat drive as opposed to piloting his own Jeep Grand Cherokee.

For those who fear that self-driving cars will take the fun out of driving, he explained that it’s not an "either/or" choice. “I drove to West Virginia in this car,” he told me. “It’s about a nine-hour drive from Detroit. Out of that entire nine hours, I drove for 45 minutes. And the only reason I drove that much was because there was this nice mountain pass, with sharp S-turns.”

After he was done having fun, he continued his boring interstate drive in autonomous mode. That's an easy compromise we could all make.

Doug Newcomb has been covering car technology for more than 20 years for outlets ranging from Rolling Stone to Edmunds.com. In 2008, he published his first book, "Car Audio for Dummies" (Wiley). He lives and drives in Hood River, Ore., with his wife and two kids, who share his passion for cars and car technology, especially driving and listening to music.

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Recall: 467,000 Ford models for fuel leaks, steering loss, wiring

Seven 2013 Ford and Lincoln models are affected.

Ford is recalling nearly 467,000 cars to fix problems with fuel leaks, steering loss and cracked wires, the company said Monday.

A total of 466,068 cars, all from the 2013 model year, may have faulty fuel delivery modules in their tanks that can leak gasoline on the ground or contact other hot parts, which could result in a fire. Ford said no fires or injuries have been reported. 

The 2013 Explorer, Flex, Fusion, Taurus and the Lincoln MKS, MKZ and MKT are affected, including police versions of the Taurus and Explorer. In total, about 390,000 models are in the United States, with the rest in Canada and other worldwide markets. 

An additional 500 2013 Lincoln MKZ sedans equipped with engine block heaters are being recalled for electrical cords that can crack in cold weather. The optional heater, which warms the engine before the vehicle is started, has a cord that plugs into a standard 120-volt outlet and can crack and fray below minus 20 degrees Celsius, Ford said. Only 107 vehicles are affected in the United States, with the rest in Canada. The car, which shares components with the Fusion, is all new for 2013.

Finally, 23 Fusion models from 2013 have steering gears "that may have been built without an internal retaining clip," which could lead to a complete loss of steering control, Ford said. Only cars built between April 19 and 23 are affected.

In April, Ford recalled 3,037 cars for fuel leaks, including the 2012 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS and the 2013 Ford Explorer, because of faulty tank seams. 

In December 2012, Ford recalled 15,833 Fusion models from 2013 for engines that could overheat and catch fire. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently investigating steering failures reported by owners of other models. At least five owners of 2008 F-250 and F-350 pickup trucks said that their vehicles had problems with the steering gear box that caused them to lose control. Filings also show at least 15 reports of steering loss on 2005-2008 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor models due to alleged separation of the upper and lower steering shafts.

Ford's turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine, available in many models affected under the company's latest recall, is also under investigation for power losses and stalling. The automaker has been sued by owners in two states over the matter.

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Is a Rolls-Royce SUV really in the cards?

Speculation about drivetrains and platforms abound as rumors of an ultra high-end SUV from Rolls-Royce pick up steam…again.

The on again/off again saga of a proposed Rolls-Royce SUV seems to be back on, with a litany of questions regarding its construction fueling rampant rumor-mongering. The latest rumor, according to Automobile, is that Rolls-Royce is planning to have an SUV-style model “under way” by 2017. 

Aside from the question of what stage of production “under way” entails, the rumor mill still doesn't know what kind of powertrain such a vehicle would have or what platform it might be built upon.

If it exists, Rolls-Royce parent company BMW will be trying to keep development costs down, as any production of a Rolls-Royce SUV would be in very low numbers, even as Bentley, Lamborghini and Maserati prepare to sell their own 4x4 models. That means a bespoke platform is out of the question, and apparently the platform for the upcoming Phantom replacement has been ruled out for use in a crossover-type vehicle. 

The expanding market for SUVs like the new Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz GL and the upcoming Audi Q8 has revived plans for a new BMW X7, however, which as a three-row SUV would necessitate a longer wheelbase than the existing X5 and X6 have. Such a frame would likely be suitable for a Rolls-Royce SUV. If the BMW X7 gets the green light, expect an announcement from Rolls-Royce to follow -- even though CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös has already ruled that out.

• Q&A with Rolls-Royce: It's not about the numbers

Presuming an X7 comes to pass, and a Rolls-Royce SUV is developed on its platform, what engine would it carry? As a Rolls-Royce, one would expect nothing less than a V12, but the logistics of putting one in the current BMW X platform might make it too tight a fit. An easier solution would be to adapt BMW’s twin-turbo V8, although this could upset Rolls buyers even more than building an SUV. Following that train of thought, why not go with something completely new, like a plug-in powertrain (which, despite owners hating the 102EX electric concept, is yet anotherrumored possibility)? 

The Rolls-Royce brand is all about exclusivity, so look for a bigger push toward either the V12 or hybrid powertrain to set itself apart from competitors like Audi and Porsche. For now, though, it looks like the question isn’t so much "Is the world ready for a Rolls-Royce SUV?" as it is "Is Rolls-Royce ready for a Rolls-Royce SUV?"

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Porsche reveals 911 50th Anniversary Edition

German automaker celebrates 50 years of the 911 with limited edition model.

The year 1963 was the first for the Porsche 911. To celebrate 50 years, the German automaker has announced that it will build a limited run of air-cooled 911 classic replicas.

Just kidding. They are, however, offering a special, limited-edition 50th anniversary model.

The rear-wheel drive vehicle is based on the 911 Carrera S, but it gets a wide body -- typically reserved for the Carrera 4 models – in the back. Only 1,963 units will be built (very clever, Porsche).

The Porsche comes with a 3.8-liter flat six making 400 hp mated to either a seven-speed manual or the dual-clutch PDK transmission. Top speed is estimated to be 186 mph; 0-60 mph takes 4.5 seconds with the manual and 4.3 seconds with the PDK. A sport exhaust system and Porsche's Active Suspension Management System is also included in the package. 

• Photos: 50 years of the Porsche 911

Available in three colors -- Graphite grey, Black monochrome and a lighter Geyser grey metallic -- the 911 is fitted with special 50th anniversary badges out back on the deck lid. Other exterior features include chrome strips on the front air inlets, Porsche's Dynamic Light System, high-gloss window frames and sport design exterior mirrors on the door panels. Included as well are special 20-inch machine-polished Fuchs rims with matte black pockets.

The interior features green-labeled gauges (plus silver caps) with white needles, Pepita tartan-design seats and matching decorative panels, gear shifter and brushed aluminum door plus center consoles. This color scheme continues around the interior, a nod to 911 heritage.

Porsche plans to unveil the car to the public at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt come September. There is no word yet on U.S availability but the 911 will be available at German Porsche dealers starting Sept. 23.

Pricing will be 121,119 Euros, which converts to $158,520.55 U.S. at the current conversion rate. This car is sure to be a hit with 911 fans and car enthusiasts alike -- let's just hope it sees its way to our shore side in the near future. 

-- Max Gilles

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Video: Koenigsegg Agera drags Bugatti Veyron

Lucky supercar owners take their pride to a Swedish airstrip, and only one walks away without embarrassment.

Since Bugatti claimed the record for the world's fastest production car in 2005 and later in 2010, everyone and anyone with wealthy friends – including BBC's "Top Gear" – has been trying to kill its 268-mph supercar with a camera.

The latest attempt is from GTSpirit.com, which posted a video of a Swedish man who happened to have access to a runway, a Bugatti Veyron 16.4 and the one-of-one Koenigsegg Agera S Hundra. It's a 26-minute clip that shows the supercar pair taking shots at each other, with one losing every time the accelerators are mashed. While it doesn't appear either driver was following the rules of a certified time trial, the evidence is clear: The Swedes make a very fast automobile.

This particular Agera is the 100th car that Koenigsegg has ever built. I visited the factory in Angelholm, Sweden, last year, and believe me, they take their sweet time with every car. The Agera has roughly the same power as the Veyron – 1,045 horsepower versus 1,001, although the power in both cars can vary by 20 or more horsepower with each engine – and being rear-wheel-drive, it is lighter. 

This is not the 1,200-horsepower Veyron Super Sport, which just reclaimed its Guinness record in April after many supercar companies claimed to have beaten it on testing technicalities. 

But despite all that, it sure is fun to watch one of these cars get absolutely whupped, and unless one of the drivers didn't have his foot down, I'm quite shocked. 

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Detroit Electric delays SP:01 EV

Company still finalizing production location.

Detroit Electric will delay its SP:01 EV roadster for at least a month, according to a company executive who talked to theDetroit News. 

The startup electric car company still hasn’t finalized a manufacturing location in Wayne County, Mich., and while production was scheduled to start in August, it's now slated for September.

CEO Don Graunstadt told the News that the delay will also push back hiring for the plant, which is expected to need more than 100 workers and have a capacity of 2,500 cars per year.

In April, Detroit Electric unveiled the SP:01, which is based on the Lotus small-car platform. Much of the company brass came over from the British brand.

The SP:01 is scheduled to deliver 201 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque from its mid-mounted electric motor, featuring 180 miles of range from its battery pack. The body is made of carbon fiber, leading to a curb weight of just 2,403 pounds, including electronics.

Detroit Electric touted its 360 Powerback technology in April. It charges the car’s battery at 240 volts, and it can send power back to the home if residential power goes out. The plan is to build 999 copies of the roadster at $135,000. After, it will work with partner Geely on a midsize sedan for the mass market.

-- Jake Lingeman

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Recalls: Toyota, Lexus hybrids for weak brakes; GM sedans for lights

2010 Toyota hybrids may require longer distances to stop; new 2013 and 2014 Cadillacs and Impalas have software glitches that could flash the brake lights intermittently.

Toyota is recalling 242,000 hybrids worldwide to fix weakened brakes, including about 87,000 in the U.S., the company said early Wednesday.

The 2010 Toyota Prius and Lexus HS 250h have brake pressure accumulators – metal plungers filled with brake fluid surrounded by a nitrogen casing that allows for hydraulic pressure – that can crack over time due to vibration. The nitrogen gas could then leak into the brake fluid, which can cause the brake pedal to travel farther, resulting in decreased braking power. 

Dealers will inspect the entire brake booster pump assembly and replace it at a date to be determined. Owners can visit www.toyota.com/recal​l or www.lexus.com/recall​ for more information, or call either Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 and Lexus at 1-800-255-3987. 

In November, Toyota recalled 670,000 Prius hybrids in the U.S. from 2004-2009 – out of 2.77 million Toyotas worldwide – for weak steering linkages that could break and hybrid systems that could fail. In 2010, Toyota updated its braking software after complaints of brief braking loss over choppy pavement.

General Motors is recalling 1,627 cars to fix brake lights that can flash intermittently and cruise control systems that can switch off, according to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. GM said that "electrical noise" interfering with the body control module can cause the problems on 2013 Cadillac ATS and XTS and 2014 Chevrolet Impala models.

Dealers will begin reprogramming the module starting June 7. Owners can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339.

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Lincoln cuts free maintenance plan in half

Reduction from 4 years/50,000 miles to 2 years/24,000 miles matches other luxury brands, but Lincoln is also struggling to survive.

Lincoln has made a strong push to stay relevant – and alive – as Ford’s only other brand after the demise of the Mercury division in 2010. It even attempted a relaunch as the "Lincoln Motor Co." earlier this year and has made an effort to revamp vehicle styling to distance itself from Ford.

But whereas luxury brands usually go out of their way to woo buyers and keep repeat customers with perks, Lincoln is going the opposite direction with complimentary maintenance. Automotive News reported that Lincoln is cutting its free maintenance program in half, from four years or 50,000 miles to two years or 24,000 miles.

In a May 6 memo, Lincoln told its dealers the shortened free-maintenance schedule “complements short-term 24-month leases,” and in the statement Ford said it was “competitive with other luxury brands.” While former Ford brands Jaguar and Volvo also recently scaled back their complimentary maintenance programs, Lincoln’s only domestic competitor, Cadillac, and its German rivals offer free maintenance for four years.

Audi offers only one-year/5,000-mile maintenance, while Lexus does only six to 12 months, or between 5,000 and 10,000 miles, depending on the model. Jaguar now covers only the first factory-scheduled maintenance trip, after offering full maintenance last year for 4 years or 50,000 miles. Volvo's 3-year/36,000-mile plan is still decent, but it now covers three services instead of four.

Dealers were disappointed about Lincoln’s decision, and with the way potential car buyers may view it as another sign that the brand could be on its deathbed. But a Rhode Island Lincoln dealer told Automotive News that most Lincolns are leased for between two and three years, so he doesn’t expect that the reduced free maintenance period will hurt his business.

But that's just one dealer, and with Lincoln’s recent push to stay viable, the move to cut the free maintenance – oil changes, tire rotations, fluid top-offs – is puzzling. And it’s not a good sign for the struggling brand, which saw sales rise just 0.4 percent last month after bungling the launch of its 2013 MKZ during the Super Bowl. That car suffered so many quality problems that vehicles were shipped from Ford's Mexican plant to Michigan for final inspection, which delayed deliveries by several months.

For the first four months of the year, Lincoln sales were down 10.5 percent, which is a slight improvement compared with the 13.4 percent slide for the same period a year ago.

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2014 Chevrolet SS priced at $44,470

GM's full-size sedan now isn't just for police.

The 2014 Chevrolet SS sedan will cost $44,470 when it goes on sale in the fourth quarter of 2013. That price includes neither destination charges nor gas-guzzler tax, to which the SS will be subject.

The SS will get Chevy's 6.2-liter small-block V8 making 415 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission will send power to the proper axle. The sprint to 60 mph will take about five seconds, according to General Motors.

Standard features will include high-intensity discharge headlamps with LEDs, automatic parking assist, Chevrolet MyLink, Bose premium audio system, heads-up display, dual-zone climate control, alloy pedal covers, heated and ventilated front seats, Side Blind Zone Alert and lane departure warning, rearview camera and keyless entry and start.

The only options offered are a sunroof ($900) and a full-size spare ($500).

The cars will be offered in five colors: Mystic green, Silver Ice metallic, Red Hot 2, Phantom black metallic and Heron white. All interiors will be black.

The SS has a MacPherson strut front and multilink independent rear suspension as well as an electronic power steering system, which GM says is optimized for sporty driving. Brembo brakes will sit up front, but GM isn't specifying who'll supply the rear brakes.

The SS has a nearly 50/50 weight distribution according to GM, and we believe them. We drove both the V8 and V6 Caprice Police Patrol Vehicles in 2012, and they were miles ahead of the older Caprice and even the current-at-the-time Impala. Those cars all had a sport setting for the transmission; we hope the SS will have the same.

Regardless, it's good to see the General back in the full-size rear-wheel-drive sedan market. We shed more than a single tear when the G8 finally met its demise.

-- Jake Lingeman

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