Takata Airbag Recall: BMW Issues ‘Do Not Drive’ Order for 90,000 Older Vehicles

By

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May 4, 2023

Approximately 90,000 BMW vehicles built between 2000 and 2006 already under recall for faulty Takata airbags.

According to BMW, who stated that they have been working to recall all affected vehicles since 2016, there are still numerous vehicles that have not responded to the recall. These potentially defective airbags can cause additional injury to the occupants in the case of an accident. Now that the airbag inflators have further aged, the risk of serious injury or death is substantially higher.

BMW of North America has issued a “do not drive” warning for approximately 90,000 2000-2006 model BMW 3 Series (E46) including M3. This also includes the 2000-2003 5 Series (E39), including the M5 and the 2000-2004 X5 (E53). Many of which are equipped with certain driver’s front airbag inflators manufactured by Takata.

Here is the automaker’s full statement:

“We cannot state strongly enough just how urgent it is for our customers to take this warning seriously. We know these airbags only become more dangerous over time, which is why we are taking yet another step to get these parts out of our vehicles. Customers must park these vehicles immediately and take a few moments to check if their vehicle is safe for them and their family members to drive. Repairing these vehicles is quick, easy to arrange, and is completely free of charge.”
Claus Eberhart, Vice President of Aftersales BMW NA,

Go to one of these sites to see if your BMW is part of this recall:

Visit www.bmwusa.com/recall
Visit www.nhsta.gov/recalls
Or you can call BMW Recall Services through its customer care hotline at (866)-835-8615

Old vs New Drag Race: Watch a NEW 2023 Honda Accord Race a Classic V8 Monster!

By

Nathan Adlen

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May 4, 2023

Honda Accord Hybrid vs Pontiac Trans Am drag race — Image: TFLcar

How far have cars come in 30 years? Surprisingly, the Pontiac Trans Am and Honda Accord Hybrid are closely matched!

Our recently acquired 1995 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is lighter and more powerful than the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid. This old-school coupe has a 305 horsepower 5.7-liter LT1 V8, making about 330 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a Borg Warner T56 six-speed manual transmission.

For many of us, the Honda Accord Hybrid is remarkable more because of its efficiency than its performance. This is a family sedan that gets remarkable MPG numbers (51 City / 44 Highway mpg), while still being an engaging car to drive. Rather than the standard, gas-only Accord’s 1.5-liter turbocharged unit, the Hybrid has a 204-horsepower combined output from its gas engine and electric motor, the latter of which feeds the front wheels via an e-CVT. The thing is, the “e-CVT” isn’t a conventional transmission at all.

Instead of using the gas motor to occasionally drive the front wheels, this system uses two electric motors to work out power delivery takes most of the time. The gasoline engine largely works as a generator, sending its energy through the battery, then an electric motor to drive the front wheels. Under hard acceleration or when the hybrid battery is low, though, the gas engine and electric motor work together to power the front wheels.

Nevertheless, the whole mileage and efficiency high point of the Accord hybrid are completely inconsequential to this test. What we’re looking at is acceleration, in a standing-start quarter-mile and a rolling start drag race. We’re also measuring braking and, for the first time, handling!

This video may not be what you expect, because the results were remarkably close!

The VW Golf R 333 Special Edition Gets Gold Paint, Special Graphics and a Badass-Looking Akrapovič Exhaust System

By

Zach Butler

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May 4, 2023

VW will reveal its 333 Limited Edition Golf R on May 31.

A new short video is making the rounds this week, teasing a new special edition Golf R with some performance tweaks. Called the ‘333’, we get a few subtle hints of what this car’s all about.

Just looking at the silhouette, things look like your standard Mk8 Golf R. This one brings in some fresh looking gold paint, which does help jazz the hot hatch up a bit from its more reserved white, black and blue hues. Sticking with the aesthetic changes, Volkswagen also fitted some gloss black mirror caps and black fender trim (With the ‘R’ still standing out in blue), as well as some blue brake calipers sitting behind 19-inch Estoril wheels. Down the side, the VW Golf R 333 Limited Edition gets ‘333’ decals, so nobody can mistake what you’re driving here. The automaker does point out in the teaser that this car is a ‘near-production study’, so we could see some small details change between now and the reveal at the end of this month.

The coolest part of this Golf R we can see, though, is the quad-tip Akrapovič exhaust system. Not only does it look cool, but it should help the car’s 2.0-liter E888 turbo engine sound pretty badass. I certainly hope so, because then I’ll seriously want one. I like the stock Golf R Mk8 just fine, so these tweaks would be icing on the cake.

For the moment, we don’t have much more information to go on. But what does the ‘333’ mean?

Well, European buyers saw the 20th Anniversary Edition put out 14 more horsepower than the standard model, which measures out to 333 in German Pferdestärke (or PS). Going by the mechanical horsepower figure we use, that means this car should put out the same 328 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Whether VW will sell it with a 6-speed manual transmission, its 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission or both remains to be seen.

It’s also unclear whether the VW Golf R 333 Limited Edition will actually make it to the U.S. With the clock ticking to bring out cool and fun ICE models before Wolfsburg axes them entirely, here’s to hoping we will see this car over here, at least in limited numbers. Hopefully, we’ll know more about that on May 31.

2024 Acura TLX Pricing Revealed: The Grown-Up Type R Costs At Least $51,995

By

Zach Butler

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May 4, 2023

2024 Acura Type S lineup — (Images: Acura)

2024 Acura Integra Type S reservations open up on May 11.

When we saw the first spy shots emerge for Acura’s hottest Integra, I’ve held the notion that springing for one will cost you somewhere between the new Civic Type R’s price tag and the more powerful, all-wheel drive TLX Type S. That proved an accurate assessment as the automaker formally revealed Integra Type S pricing Thursday, but brace yourself: The price tag may be higher than you expect.

Including a $1,195 destination fee, the most potent version of Acura’s revived front-drive liftback will cost you at least $51,995. For reference, that’s $7,105 higher than its Honda-branded sibling (assuming you can actually find a Type R at MSRP, mind you) and $4,950 off the TLX Type S. If you’re just looking to buy within the Integra lineup, it’s also $14,500 more than the manual-equipped Integra A-Spec with Technology. So, for a luxury brand, the Integra Type S is certainly leaning toward the ‘premium’ end of this spectrum on its MSRP.

At its core, the 2024 Acura Integra Type S brings in the proven K20C1 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. It puts out 5 more horsepower than the Type R, for a total output of 320 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Like the Type R, that power makes its way exclusively through a 6-speed manual transmission to the front wheels. The performance-tuned Integra also brings in adaptive damping, lightweight 19-inch hweels and 265/30-R19 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires from the Marysville, Ohio factory. Other create comforts include a 10.2-inch Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument cluster, head-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support and a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D audio system.

Want one? You can snag an early place in line…if you act fast

As much as I was hoping it would land slightly under $50,000 rather than slightly over it, the Integra Type S still positions itself in a white space between Honda’s offerings and the other cars in the Type S lineup, particularly the TLX.

Acura will open up ‘limited reservations’ for the 2024 Integra Type S on May 11 at 10:00 AM Pacific (1:00 PM ET). When I say limited, only the first 200 production units are up for grabs at participating dealers. Knowing how these small-run reservation affairs typically shake out, it’s likely the whole lot will sell out within minutes.

Since its production run is just around the corner, we will have an opportunity to test out the new Integra Type S in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for those updates.

2024 Acura Integra Type S Finally Revealed with Full Specs: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

The Tesla Model 3 Long Range Is Available Once Again, After a Long Hiatus

By

Zach Butler

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May 3, 2023

After being off the menu for months, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range is now available.

If you’re looking for the best possible range out of your Model 3, then you finally have the option to order it once again. CEO Elon Musk noted the company paused orders for this particular configuration due to high demand. Now, though, it’s back to bridge the gap between the standard, rear-wheel drive base model and the top-end Performance.

At $47,240, the Model 3 Long Range leans a little bit more toward the Performance in terms of price. You do still get a dual-motor all-wheel drive layout, of course, as well as a 4.2-second 0-60 time and that better range figure. Unlike many other EVs on the market at the moment, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range also qualifies for the full $7,500 EV tax credit, bringing down your long-term costs significantly if you have a tax liability to take advantage of that credit.

As before, you still get five exterior color options, with four beyond the no-cost Pearl White Multi-Coat setting you back $1,000 to $2,000. An all-black interior is standard, while going for the black-and-white interior will cost another $1,000. The Model 3 Long Range comes standard with 18-inch ‘Aero’ wheels for the best possible range, though you can upgrade those to 19-inch sport wheels for an extra $1,500. According to Tesla’s figures, doing so will knock about 15 miles of the range (for 310+ miles, rather than 325+ miles).

With every available option, you can push the Model 3 Long Range’s price up to $66,740.

Depending on the level of semi-autonomous driving assistance you’d like, you can spend another $6,000 for Tesla’s Enhanced Autopilot feature. While you do get Autopilot as standard, the enhancements allow it to navigate while the feature is active, navigate lane changes on its own where possible, as well as enable parking systems like Autopark and Smart Summon. Full Self-Driving capability is supposed to go above and beyond even that capability, navigating city streets on its own. It’s not a fully baked feature just yet, and the automaker does emphasize that it is not a fully autonomous feature and the driver should still pay attention.

The good news is that, no matter how you configure it, you shouldn’t have to wait too long to get one. Tesla’s current delivery estimate is June 2023 if you order one right now, so you should only have to hold on for a few weeks if you take the plunge.

The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E Gets a Price Drop Up to $4,000 and A Slight Range Boost

By

Zach Butler

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May 2, 2023

Ford re-opened order books for the 2023 Mustang Mach-E and dropped its price by up to $4,000.
The size of the MSRP cut depends on the model, with the top-end models seeing a larger drop.
Ford says the price cut is possible through assembly plant upgrades, allowing the automaker to increase production through the end of the year.
- Of course, opening up orders again lets Ford pick up market share against its chief rivals, including General Motors and Tesla.
Mustang Mach-E Standard Range models get new lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which allow better range and power.
- AC charging for LFP models is also faster.
The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E qualifies for a partial $3,750 federal EV tax credit.

If you were looking to order a 2023 Mustang Mach-E, now’s your chance.

Not only can you actually order through your local Ford dealer once again, but prices are now slightly lower than they were over the past several months. Depending on which model you’re looking at, Ford announced Tuesday it cut Mach-E pricing by anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000. It also trimmed $1,000 off the GT Performance Edition package if you’re wanting to get into the hottest Mach-E with 480 horsepower.

Other highlights for the 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E is the inclusion of BlueCruise 1.2 hands-free driving capability, as well as better driving range for the Standard Range models. Those cars use new lithium iron phosphate batteries, improving the base range to an EPA-estimated 250 miles for RWD variants. The eAWD Standard Range cars get 226 miles on a charge, while these dual-motor versions also get 45 more horsepower.

On a side note, Ford did not mention any substantial powertrain changes for the Extended Range (ER) models or the top-end Mustang Mach-e GT.

Here’s how much prices have decreased

Both options for the Standard Range Mach-Es get a $3,000 price drop, to $42,995 and $45,995 for the RWD/AWD Select trims (excluding destination). The California Route 1 — an AWD-only trim — is $1,000 cheaper, for a baseline MSRP of $56,995. The Premium gets a $4,000 price cut (to $46,995 for the RWD version or $49,995 for AWD), as does the GT (down to $59,995).

Opting for the Extended Range battery on premium models is still $7,000, so that’s no more expensive than before. The Mustang Nite Pony package is still $800, but BlueCruise functionality is $200 more (for a total opt-in price of $2,100). Select models now get a ‘Comfort Package Lite’ for $1,500 that adds heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, power folding mirrors and a memory driver’s seat. Premium models with the standard range battery now get new 19-inch wheels and the GT has an all-season tire option.

What about the tax credit?

When you check out the new 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E pricing, you’ll also have to factor in state tax incentives and the federal EV tax credit. However, the Mach-E is not currently eligible for the full federal credit, so you’ll be able to get just $3,750 factored in on your 2023 taxes should you order one this year.

Want a Car That Will Last More Than 250,000 Miles? Buy One of These Models

By

Zach Butler

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May 2, 2023

This new study shows the car, SUV and truck models most likely to last beyond 250,000 miles.

You know the old adage about getting what you pay for — but that rings painfully true with just how damn expensive new cars are these days. A new iSeeCars study looks into the vehicles most likely to get you your money’s worth by distance, measuring the odds they will last at least 250,000 miles. That’s farther than the Earth to the moon, and some models have a remarkably high chance of hitting that mark.

Of course, you probably know what’s coming next: I’ll go “Toyota, Toyota, Toyota, Toyota,” you’ll yawn and that will pretty much be the end of the matter. There’s a ton of truth to that impression, as the brand does make its fair number of appearances among the 260 million car, truck and SUV units sold between 2012 and 2022 that iSeeCars analyzed. However, a decent number of American vehicles make the list (namely trucks), as well as a couple models you might not expect to pass the quarter-million-mile mark so frequently.

On the whole, the average chance of a vehicle hitting 250,000+ miles is a surprisingly high 11.8%.

At least I found it surprising, but perhaps that speaks to modern cars and trucks being relatively robust compared to their forebears. Vehicles that sit well above that average, mind you, are also popular sellers that are more prominently represented in the cross-section of vehicles this research study looked at. The Ford F-Series is the most popular nameplate in America by far, so it makes sense that some models in the lineup make the list.

Among the longest-lasting cars, the Honda Pilot actually lands in the top three, with a staggering 42.7% chance to make it past that 250K ballpark. Now, these are family car and SUV models that folks tend to hang onto, as are most of the others on this list. Nevertheless, for a model that’s only been around 21 years (the Pilot started production in April 2002), that really speaks to how well Honda engineers that particular vehicle.

The list: Top 25 Cars and SUVs most likely to last 250,000 miles or more (excluding trucks)

Slicing iSeeCars’ data, we’ll look at the vehicles most likely to go beyond 250,000 miles excluding trucks. We’ll cover the pickup side of the equation over on TFLtruck.com.

Rank	Vehicle	Chance of Lasting 250,000+ Miles
25	Mitsubishi Lancer	11.2%
24	Volkswagen Jetta	11.7%
23	Honda Odyssey	13.8%
22	Volkswagen Golf	14.2%
21	Honda Civic	14.7%
20	Acura RL	14.9%
19	Chevrolet Trailblazer	15.6%
18	Lexus GS 300	15.9%
17	Nissan Xterra	16.2%
16	Subaru Legacy	16.2%
15	Toyota Matrix	16.7%
14	Toyota RAV4	18.1%
13	Ford Expedition	19.9%
12	Toyota Camry	20.4%
11	Subaru Outback	22.3%
10	Toyota Sienna	23.3%
9	Honda Accord	27.1%
8	Honda CR-V	27.5%
7	Honda Element	27.8%
6	Acura MDX	29.2%
5	Toyota Avalon	33.1%
4	Toyota 4Runner	41.0%
3	Honda Pilot	42.7%
2	Toyota Sequoia	47.1%
1	Toyota Land Cruiser	47.9%

The 2024 Volvo XC40 and C40 Recharge Offer RWD Configuration with Better Range

By

Zach Butler

-

May 2, 2023

Volvo revised its two small electric crossovers, the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge, with better range and rear-wheel drive single-motor variants.
- This marks the first RWD car in Volvo’s lineup since the last-generation S90 ended production in 1998.
- Single-motor Volvo XC40 and C40 Recharge models also get a larger 82.0-kWh battery pack.
The all-wheel drive Twin Motor models also get a range bump, according to the official U.S.-market specs published Tuesday.
- Twin Motor variants keeps the same 78-kWh battery pack as before.

The updated, rear-wheel drive 2024 Volvo C40 Recharge now gets up to 297 miles on a charge.

Apart from just eking more range out of its small electric crossovers, though, Volvo made an interesting change in switching both the XC40 and C40’s single-motor variants to a rear-motor, rear-wheel drive layout. It’s the first time any Volvo’s sent power exclusively to the rear since the old S90 went out of production in 1998. Prior model years ran in a front-wheel drive configuration. News first broke of new RWD electric Volvos back in January, though now we have official confirmation that they’ll make it to U.S. showrooms as well.

Now, the 2024 Volvo XC40 and C40 Recharge models get a new, in-house developed electric motor putting out 248 horsepower. The new unit sitting on the rear axle is more efficient in itself, Volvo says, but it’s also pared to an 82-kWh battery pack rather than a 78-kWh unit. The changes result in far better EPA range estimates, with the XC40 Recharge Single Motor at 293 miles and the C40 Recharge Single Motor at 297 miles.

On top of the range bump, these updated EV siblings get improved DC fast charging from 150 kW to 200 kW. Volvo’s statement Tuesday claims the difference amounts to a 10-80% charging session in 28 minutes, rather than 40. That will make a significant difference on long road trips, provided the charging infrastructure cooperates along the way.

The Twin Motor versions also get better range

It’s not just the new rear-wheel drive configuration that Volvo’s focusing on here, either. The 2024 XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge Twin Motor variants also get the new 248-horsepower rear motor. Coupled to a less potent 147-horsepower motor on the front axle, performance should work out about the same as before. The front motor only kicks in when needed, though, so the change should amount to 254 miles on a charge for the XC40 (up 21 miles from before), and 257 miles for the C40 (up 31 miles).

There is a catch with these Twin Motor versions, in that they retain the 78-kWh battery pack and the slower 150 kW charging speed. As ever, you trade the extra range for AWD capability, so whichever is the better option is up to you and your budget.

Outside the powertrain changes, the 2024 Volvo XC40 and C40 Recharge retain most other details from earlier models. New options include 19-inch aerodynamic wheels, as well as new exterior paint colors and ‘exterior themes’. Pricing is not yet available, but we will post another update when we have that information.

Approximately 90,000 BMW vehicles built between 2000 and 2006 already under recall for faulty Takata airbags.

How far have cars come in 30 years? Surprisingly, the Pontiac Trans Am and Honda Accord Hybrid are closely matched!

VW will reveal its 333 Limited Edition Golf R on May 31.

For the moment, we don’t have much more information to go on. But what does the ‘333’ mean?

2024 Acura Integra Type S reservations open up on May 11.

Want one? You can snag an early place in line…if you act fast

After being off the menu for months, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range is now available.

With every available option, you can push the Model 3 Long Range’s price up to $66,740.

If you were looking to order a 2023 Mustang Mach-E, now’s your chance.

Here’s how much prices have decreased

What about the tax credit?

This new study shows the car, SUV and truck models most likely to last beyond 250,000 miles.

On the whole, the average chance of a vehicle hitting 250,000+ miles is a surprisingly high 11.8%.

The list: Top 25 Cars and SUVs most likely to last 250,000 miles or more (excluding trucks)

The updated, rear-wheel drive 2024 Volvo C40 Recharge now gets up to 297 miles on a charge.

The Twin Motor versions also get better range

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