Tag Archives: recalls

News

Here’s What The Next-Gen Chevy Bolt Could Look Like

The Chevy Bolt has lengthy been plagued with points. Whether it was recollects, a lackluster design, unhealthy person suggestions, or a very excessive price ticket, something always seemed to stop it in its tracks. With a cushty beneath $30,000 beginning price ticket and over 250 miles of vary, we desperately wished this nameplate to work. The Bolt, regardless of providing immense bang in your buck, was riddled with issues and niggles.

However, we reimagined the next-gen Chevy Bolt, particularly with most of us anticipating its comeback within the subsequent yr or two. The EUV model will return to U.S. roadways in 2025, whereas the OG Bolt remains to be lacking in motion. Whatever the case, our renderings offer you an concept of what *might be* carried out to make this electrical automotive cool. Without additional ado or teasing, let’s get into what makes the next-gen Bolt one thing price drooling over. Never thought we might say that.

To provide the most correct and up-to-date info potential, this text makes use of dependable sources, together with Chevy press briefings.

Chevrolet Bolt EV front-quarter

Related

Why Chevy Discontinued The Bolt EV And What Comes Next

Chevy took the Bolt EV and the Bolt EUV off the markets on the flip of 2024, and this is what lies in its future.

Well, Hello There, Next-Gen Bolt EV

Chevy Bolt EV AI Rendering
TopSpeed

For those that have been inside a previous-gen Chevy Bolt or Bolt EUV, you have seemingly been barely unimpressed by its look, really feel, and efficiency. This mannequin happened as Chevrolet’s tester for electrical driving, offering 247 miles (Bolt EUV) and 259 miles (Bolt). These figures replicate the 2023 nameplate, which was the ultimate one we might see earlier than the corporate introduced its abrupt discontinuation.

Regardless, months later, we see news of a new EUV hitting the U.S. streets in 2025, triggering a flurry of articles, opinions, and speculations on the redesign. Our renderings are simply that: Ours. However, they may present a touch at what Chevrolet/GM will do to make this comeback notable, particularly after the recall scenario and battery issues the earlier launch encountered.

Chevy Needs To Make The Bolt Series Sexy

Although the Bolt and Bolt EUV were never meant to rock our worlds, this nameplate did provide drivers an incredible entry-level automotive. Yes, it was a bit overpriced for what you bought, however on the finish of the day, the Bolt household did what it needed to. Chevy had excessive hopes in electrical and PHEV configurations, investing hundreds of thousands into testing, battery developments, and an total tech overhaul. Looking at our renderings/design magic, you see a far sleeker, sexier, and thrilling model of Bolt.

Our model: It has rounded edges, distinct strip lighting on the entrance, a easy, virtually luxurious-feeling grille space, and dramatic lightning bolt tail lights. This model of Bolt resembles that of the doomed Apple EV, which might be a wonderful approach for Chevy to swoop in and save the day.

Chevy Bolt EUV cruising

Related

10 Things A New Chevy Bolt EUV Needs

Will Chevy make a brand new Bolt EUV? If so, what may make this tiny electrical crossover a a lot better SUV? Here are ten issues that we are able to consider.

Come On, Chevrolet, Show Us What You’re Made Of

Chevy Bolt EV AI Rendering
TopSpeed

With the Chevy Bolt EUV coming to market (again) within the subsequent yr, we do hope GM will take our trace and make this mannequin modern, highly effective, and inexpensive. We’re in a lull throughout the electrical area, with many drivers finally searching for PHEV and hybrid powertrains. However, with a cool sufficient mannequin and a pleasant value to match, this might be the model’s solution to take a chunk out of the EV area as soon as and for all. We’ve seen how a lot hope individuals have for the Bolt.

What the 2025 Chevy Bolt wants:

  • New physique with sharper components
  • Upgraded inside tech and infotainment
  • Better vary and perkier battery efficiency

Chevrolet is aware of we would like it. There just needs to be more of a push in the design department to get the world excited for the following technology of Bolt/Bolt EUV. Make the lighting converse for itself. Give the inside cabin a touchscreen. Give us one thing we HAVE to buy. We dare you.

Motorsport

Toyota Recalls 661,000 Trucks And SUVs Over Axle Failures And Transmission Issues

In only a matter of days, Toyota has issued two remembers protecting nicely over half one million automobiles. In whole, 661,663 vehicles and SUVs are probably affected, with each remembers being driveline-related.

The largest recall covers roughly 381,000 Tacoma pickups from 2022 and 2023, in response to Toyota. In a press release, the corporate says the rear axle meeting on some vehicles may have welding particles on the ends, left in the course of the manufacturing course of. This may trigger retaining nuts to loosen and probably come off. Should that occur, Toyota states car stability and braking efficiency may be negatively affected.


Motorsport

Ford Reinspecting Takata Airbag Repairs For Incomplete, Sloppy Work

Ford has had some unhealthy luck with remembers, racking up probably the most of any automaker for the final a number of years. Now, the corporate has to reinspect automobiles it is already fastened for incomplete and sloppy work associated to the large Takata airbag recall.

An investigation by The Detroit Free Press found that the Blue Oval confronted a difficulty the place dealership technicians did not carry out the repair and billed for it anyway, or accomplished the restore incorrectly. Ford advised the publication that it is aware of of practically 42,000 automobiles that might have points with their airbags.

Ford initiated its re-inspection program in March 2022, overlaying a spread of years, makes, and fashions. According to Ford’s submitting with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this system runs by March 31, 2027. The report discovered that Ford allegedly issued fines to sellers for the improper work, at $10,000 for every violation.

The program covers the 2005-2014 Ford Mustang, 2005-2006 Ford GT, 2004-2011 Ford Ranger, 2006-2012 Ford Fusion, 2006-2012 Lincoln MKZ/Zephyr, 2006-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, and 2007-2010 Ford MKX. Ford spokesperson T.R. Reid advised the Freep that it’s discovered only one.5 % of reinspected vehicles to have points.

Ford has needed to fiddle with fastened automobiles up to now. Last yr, the automaker recalled roughly 231,000 older Rangers that had their Takata airbag efficiently eliminated. The firm wished to examine the finished restore work as a result of a few of the pickups had their new entrance passenger airbag inflators put in incorrectly, which can not deploy as meant. 

The Takata airbag recall stays probably the most large in US historical past, overlaying 67 million automobiles from over 30 automotive manufacturers. Millions have but to get replaced, and automakers have taken drastic motion to take away the lethal inflators from vehicles. The defective airbags have killed 26 folks and injured greater than 400 within the US alone.

Toyota, BMW, Honda, and others have gone so far as to issue do-not-drive orders for older vehicles with unrepaired airbags. Ford additionally issued two Takata-related do-not-drive orders six years in the past, and it has accomplished 98.5 % of these repairs. The firm is constant to succeed in out to the remaining prospects. 

The reason behind the exploding inflators is the propellant that may degrade over time when uncovered to moisture and temperature fluctuations, making older automobiles particularly harmful. The degraded propellant may cause the inflator to blow up, sending shrapnel into the cabin.

Motorsport

GM Recalls 323,000 HD Trucks Because Tailgates Won’t Stay Latched

The yr is off to a tough begin for Detroit automakers, at the least in the case of recollects. Another one other substantial recall impacts 323,232 Chevrolet and GMC heavy-duty pickup vans as a result of their tailgates spontaneously open.

The recall applies to Silverado HD and Sierra HD vans from the 2020 by means of 2024 mannequin years. That contains 2500 and 3500 fashions, however solely these outfitted with an influence latch on the tailgate. The flawed design permits water to get into the digital swap used for the latch, which might trigger a brief circuit. In flip, this might trigger the tailgate to unlatch whereas the car is in park. Sitting nonetheless, the gate would doubtless stay upright. But driving away with the gate unlatched might result in issues.

Since this drawback probably impacts brand-new vans, General Motors has additionally issued a cease sale for autos at present at dealerships. Documentation posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states these vans can’t be pushed or traded with different sellers. Furthermore, any licensed used pickups on sale at dealerships falling below the recall will lose that certification till repaired.


Motorsport

Ford Kicks Off 2024 By Recalling 2 Million Explorers

It’s January 24, and Ford is already virtually one-third the best way to all the remembers it had final 12 months. That’s saying one thing, seeing as how Ford was the most-recalled automaker in 2023 by a large margin. 58 remembers had been issued overlaying 6.1 million Blue Oval autos within the US final 12 months, and now, 1.8 million Explorers within the States have trim items that might come off whereas driving.

That quantity expands to 2.2 million autos globally, based on Automotive News, and all of it stems from a easy drawback. Recall number 24V-031 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that “some of the exterior A-pillar applique trim clip attachments are not properly engaged due to improper assembly or repair.” The problem impacts Explorers from the 2011 by 2019 mannequin years, and as you possibly can most likely guess, clips that “are not properly engaged” can result in the trim piece flying off.


Motorsport

Ram Recalls 142K Trucks Because Turn Signals Could Activate High Beam Lights

Vehicle recollects are at all times a critical matter as a result of security ought to be the highest precedence. That mentioned, some recollects are extra critical than others. If we’re being sincere, high-beam lights activating through the use of a flip sign is not the worst factor on this planet. Actually, it feels like one thing James May would do to Clarkson in a basic Top Gear bit.

But this recall is not a joke. Ram is recalling 142,150 pickup vans as a result of turning left or proper simply may flip these headlights to full shiny. A malfunctioning module within the steering column is the offender, and may be answerable for stopping the flip alerts from robotically shutting off. The inconvenience to the driving force is a blue indicator on the dashboard denoting the excessive beams are on. Folks approaching the truck, nevertheless, is likely to be a tad upset over the non permanent blindness brought on by eyeball-searing headlights.


Motorsport

Porsche Recalls 53 Caymans And Boxsters Because Their Spoilers Extend Too Far

Automotive remembers are often critical enterprise. But typically they are often humorous. Porsche has issued a brand new recall that impacts a small variety of Porsche 718 Caymans and Boxsters as a result of the energetic rear wing on some fashions can lengthen too far.

This recall impacts a complete of 53 examples of the 2023 and 2024 718 Cayman GTS 4.0, 2024 718 Boxster GTS 4.0, and 2024 718 Boxster S.


Featured

New Maruti Grand Vitara SUV Completes 1 Year, Here’s A Quick Recap


The SUV is now pricier by up to Rs 34,000 and has already been a part of three recalls over the last one year

Maruti Grand Vitara

Back in September 2022, Maruti launched the ‘Grand Vitara’ as its second attempt in the compact SUV segment. It replaced the S-Cross crossover as a stronger competitor to the Hyundai Creta and is positioned above the Maruti Fronx in the carmaker’s Nexa lineup. Let’s take a look at where things stand now, as the SUV completes one year since its launch:

An Increase In Prices

Variant

Launch Price (September 2022)

Current Price (September 2023)

Difference

Mild-hybrid

Sigma MT

Rs 10.45 lakh

Rs 10.70 lakh

Rs 25,000

Delta MT

Rs 11.90 lakh

Rs 12.10 lakh

Rs 20,000

Delta AT

Rs 13.40 lakh

Rs 13.60 lakh

Rs 20,000

Zeta MT

Rs 13.89 lakh

Rs 13.91 lakh

Rs 2,000

Zeta AT

Rs 15.39 lakh

Rs 15.41 lakh

Rs 2,000

Alpha MT

Rs 15.39 lakh

Rs 15.41 lakh

Rs 2,000

Alpha AT

Rs 16.89 lakh

Rs 16.91 lakh

Rs 2,000

Alpha AWD MT

Rs 16.89 lakh

Rs 16.91 lakh

Rs 2,000

Strong-hybrid

Zeta+ e-CVT

Rs 17.99 lakh

Rs 18.33 lakh

Rs 34,000

Alpha+ e-CVT

Rs 19.49 lakh

Rs 19.83 lakh

Rs 34,000

All prices ex-showroom Delhi

Compared to the Grand Vitara’s launch price, the SUV’s starting price has gone up by Rs 25,000. Its lower-spec mild-hybrid variants have become pricier by Rs 20,000, whereas the strong-hybrid variants now cost Rs 34,000 more.

Introduction Of CNG And Black Edition

Maruti introduced CNG variants of the Grand Vitara in early 2023, making it the first model in its segment to offer the alternative fuel option. The CNG variants were available in the Delta and Zeta trims of the SUV.

Variant

Launch Price (January 2023)

Current Price (September 2023)

Difference

Delta CNG

Rs 12.85 lakh

Rs 13.05 lakh

Rs 20,000

Zeta CNG

Rs 14.84 lakh

Rs 14.86 lakh

Rs 2,000

Maruti Grand Vitara CNG

The CNG variants of the Grand Vitara are priced at a premium of up to Rs 1 lakh compared to their regular petrol counterparts.

Maruti Grand Vitara Black Edition

Maruti briefly offered a Black Edition of the Grand Vitara, which was also showcased at the Auto Expo 2023. The Black Edition featured a fresh black shade, a matte silver finish for the chrome elements, and black treatment for the roof rails and alloy wheels. It was available in the higher-spec Zeta, Zeta+, Alpha, and Alpha+ variants.

Small Safety Feature Update

In July 2023, Maruti added an ‘acoustic vehicle alerting system’ (AVAS) to the strong-hybrid variants of the Grand Vitara. The AVAS alerts people around the SUV when it operates silently in EV mode.

Maruti Grand Vitara cabin

No other changes have been made to the SUV’s equipment list. It still features a 9-inch touchscreen system, wireless phone charging, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a heads-up display. Safety features include up to six airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, electronic stability program (ESP), and a 360-degree camera.

Also Read: Maruti Grand Vitara AWD 3000km Review

Recalled Thrice Already

The Maruti Grand Vitara has faced three recalls between late 2022 and early 2023. The first recall involved a possible problem in the shoulder height adjuster assembly of the front seat belts. The SUV was part of a total of 9,125 units of Maruti cars that were recalled. The second recall was due to a suspected issue in the airbag controller, affecting more than 17,000 models. The third recall was related to a possible defect in the rear seatbelt mounting brackets, affecting more than 11,000 units. All three recalls included its Toyota counterpart, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder.

Maruti Grand Vitara

Sales Performance So Far

Maruti Grand Vitara

The Grand Vitara received over 57,000 pre-orders even before its launch. The SUV’s strong-hybrid variants accounted for a quarter of the total bookings. In the last six months, the SUV has sold around 9,000 units, with total sales approaching 1 lakh. It holds over 20% of the market share in its segment, trailing behind the Hyundai Creta. Maruti also started exporting the Grand Vitara to 60 countries in early 2023.

Could Get A Crash-test Rating Soon

Maruti Suzuki may submit the Grand Vitara for crash tests conducted by the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). This initiative by the government aims to evaluate car safety. If tested, the Grand Vitara could soon receive its own crash-test rating, further establishing itself as one of the safest compact SUVs.

Read More on: Maruti Grand Vitara on road price

Motorsport

Massive Recall of 3.3 Million Hyundai and Kia Models due to Fire Risk

Hyundai Motor Group is currently facing one of the biggest automotive recalls this year. The recall affects a total of 3,372,743 vehicles from Hyundai and Kia, with a risk of fire due to potential issues with electronic modules. These fires can occur at any time, even when the vehicle is parked and turned off. As a precautionary measure, the automakers recommend parking the vehicles outside until the problem is addressed.

The recall currently includes models up to the 2015 model-year, except for a few exceptions from Kia. The following is a complete list of the affected models from Hyundai and Kia:

Make/Model Model Year Number Recalled
Hyundai Accent 2012-2015 240,589
Hyundai Azera 2012-2015 29,232
Hyundai Elantra 2011-2015 777,145
Hyundai Elantra Coupe 2013-2015 22,481
Hyundai Equus 2014-2015 6,013
Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2011-2015 51,789
Hyundai Santa Fe 2013-2015 45,322
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2013 75,554
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2011-2015 83,213
Hyundai Tucson 2010-2013 170,402
Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell 2015 60
Hyundai Veloster 2012-2015 116,911
Hyundai Veracruz 2010-2012 23,840
Kia Borrego 2010-2019 62
Kia Cadenza 2014-2016 30,362
Kia Forte / Koup 2010-2013 179,051
Kia K900 2015-2018 5,015
Kia Optima 2011-2015 383,382
Kia Optima Hybrid 2011-2013 32,891
Kia Rio 2012-2017 207,746
Kia Rondo 2010-2011 1,596
Kia Sorento 2011-2014 397,163
Kia Soul 2011-2013 349,309
Kia Sportage 2010-2013 143,615

The specific problem varies slightly depending on the brand. Both Hyundai and Kia are dealing with potential brake fluid leaks, but Kia is still investigating the exact cause. In Kia vehicles, the issue is with the hydraulic electronic control unit, which has resulted in four fires and six thermal incidents (smoke, smoldering, or melted components) according to the recall documents at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Hyundai has encountered more incidents of fires. Recall documents reveal 21 fires and 22 thermal events in recent years, all believed to be caused by brake fluid leaking internally in the anti-lock brake module. This leakage can lead to a short circuit. Thankfully, no crashes, injuries, or fatalities have been reported as a result of these issues in either Hyundai or Kia vehicles.

Out of the 25 models affected by the recall, the Hyundai Elantra accounts for the highest number of recalled units at 777,145. The Kia Sorento comes next with 397,163 recalls, followed by the Kia Optima with 383,382.

Hyundai Group recommends that owners of the affected vehicles park them outside until the problem is resolved. The remedy involves replacing fuses in the hydraulic electronic control unit for Kia models and the anti-lock brake module for Hyundai models. As this is a safety recall, Hyundai/Kia dealers will perform the necessary repairs free of charge. Owners of affected vehicles can expect to be notified in November.

News

Triumph TR2 returns as a lightweight electric sports car

The Triumph TR2, a classic sports car from the 1950s, is making a comeback in the form of a lightweight electric version called the TR25. The design of the steering wheel pays homage to the original spoked steering wheels of Triumph cars from the 1950s, with a single dial in its hub. The central binnacle features three additional dials that show speed, charge level, and range.

The TR25 boasts impressive specifications, including an estimated weight of 1095kg, which is 200kg lighter than the i3 S. It also has a projected acceleration time of 5.2 seconds for the 0-62mph sprint and a top speed of 115mph. The lighter weight of the TR25 contributes to an estimated touring range of 190 miles.

The original TR2 broke records in its time, achieving a speed of 124.889mph, surpassing its rival, the Sunbeam Alpine, which had set a mark of 120mph. The TR2 is now on display at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, after being purchased for £250,000 with funding from the National Heritage Memorial Fund in 2020.

While the TR25 may signify a revival for Triumph cars, it is unlikely to enter mass production. Instead, it is expected to help Ani and Makkina, the builders of the TR25, progress their business into a new phase. Nevertheless, the TR25 achieves its creators’ goal of creating a small, desirable EV roadster reminiscent of classic roadsters.