Feds Widen Safety Probes Of Ford, VW And Nissan Vehicles
DETROIT (AP) - The U.S. 2.3 million vehicles from Ford, Volkswagen and Nissan. Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln MKZ: NHTSA has expanded a 2016 investigation to include just over 1 million vehicles. The probe now covers the 2006-2012 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ as well as the 2006-2011 Mercury Milan. Investigators are looking into a total of 735 complaints to NHTSA and Ford that the brake pedal can travel farther toward the floor than expected, potentially increasing stopping distance. The agency now has reports of 30 crashes resulting in three injuries. Tests at NHTSA's Ohio laboratory found stuck valves and corrosion in the brake hydraulic control unit. Ford told the agency that newer versions have a different coating and aren't corroding. Eight Volkswagen models: The government is expanding an investigation into the 2015 recall of 416,000 Volkswagens to address driver air bags that failed to inflate. The probe now affects 1.2 million CC, Passat, Eos, Golf, GTI, Tiguan, Jetta and Jetta Sportwagen vehicles from the 2010-2014 model years. The agency and VW have received a total of 852 complaints that models outside the scope of the recall have the same problem, or the recall repair didn't work.
In addition, VW has received almost 3,000 warranty claims. The recall was done to address failure of air bag wiring in the steering wheel. Nissan Murano: NHTSA is upgrading an investigation into brake problems with over 108,000 Nissan Murano SUVs from the 2009 model year. It's now an engineering analysis, which is a step closer to a recall. Last year the agency began investigating a problem similar to the Ford one in which the brake pedal traveled closer to the floor than expected. The agency says 484 consumers have complained to NHTSA or the company, including 14 who reported crashes with three injuries. NHTSA says it will test hydraulic brake control units at its lab. It says similar control units and brake fluid are used in other Nissan vehicles. Nissan maintains that the brake system remains intact and that full braking is available even if the pedals travel a longer distance, the agency said. Nissan wouldn't say what other models could be affected. It has notified affected Murano owners that dealers will flush brake fluid and test anti-lock brake actuators and replace them if needed, at no cost to owners.
Earlier in the year, photos of an undisguised Mk8 Volkswagen Golf were seen circulating around the web, revealing the eight-generation hatchback in its full glory for the first time. Here, we get another look at a test mule that鈥檚 also free from any camouflage wrapping, and the high-res photos give us a clearer look of what鈥檚 to come. With the Mk8 Golf, the Wolfsburg-based automaker chooses to take on an evolutionary styling approach, perhaps to the detriment of its fanbase. It still looks recognisably a Golf - the C-pillar design is almost identical to the outgoing model. Proportions-wise, it鈥檚 similar to that of the Mk7, except the nose appears to be lower and the body a tad longer. Of course, the headlights are much slimmer than before, and they feature a trailing edge that subtly guide the eyes into the shoulder line. A wide, dual-chrome bar grille joins the headlights, below which is a gaping intake, as well as a thick chrome strip that highlights the lower apron. Round the side, the wing mirrors appear to sit lower, and the door handles, which are positioned right along the tornado line, have a deeper groove than before. Under the skin, the Mk8 Golf is set to ride on an updated MQB platform that is reportedly up to 50 kg lighter than before. Meanwhile, the EA288 Evo 2.0 litre TDI turbodiesel will get a 12-volt version of the mild hybrid system and will be offered in power outputs ranging from 136 hp to 204 hp.
The rumors claiming Volkswagen would turn the next-generation GTI into a hybrid hot hatch weren't entirely accurate, according to a recent report. The German firm considered the switch, but it will instead take the current car to the next level without straying far from the formula that has made it a hit. When it breaks cover in early 2020, the eighth-generation GTI will pack an updated version of the seventh-gen model's turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, according to unverified information obtained by British magazine Autocar. The standard car will boast 252 horsepower, while the upgraded TCR model will offer 286 horsepower. To add context, the 2019 GTI comes with 228 horses. Both models will stick to front-wheel drive. Transmission options will include a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. In its quickest configuration, the GTI TCR will take under six seconds to reach 60 mph from a stop. Autocar learned former Volkswagen Group chairman Matthias Mueller approved a plan to add a 48-volt mild hybrid system to the GTI. It would have provided a boost at lower engine revolutions, but it likely wouldn't have powered the car on its own. Herbert Diess, Mueller's successor, allegedly canceled the project and ordered a non-hybrid GTI. Volkswagen hasn't confirmed what the next-generation GTI will be powered by. The model is expected to make its debut before the end of the year, and we expect it will arrive in American showrooms for the 2021 model year. Meanwhile, the gasoline-electric powertrain that should have powered the GTI reportedly remains on track for production, and it will power other Volkswagen models.
