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Report: Toyota secures trademark for Supra name Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Toyota 
Toyota FT-HS Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
What's in a name? Well now, that'd depend on the name, wouldn't it? For instance, while both are sporty cars from Ford, there's a big difference to Blue Oval fans when discussing the merits of the Ford Mustang versus the Ford Probe. When talk turns to Toyota, the name that conjures up the most memories in the hearts and minds of enthusiasts is 'Supra.'
Despite all this, the Japanese automaker inexplicably let its trademark for the iconic Supra moniker pass by in 2006. Luckily, nobody tried to punish Toyota by trying to snap up the name, and now the chance is over. According to Car and Driver, Toyota has reapplied for the trademark on the Supra name, and now has three years to make use of it.
This revelation just so happens to coincide with reports that Toyota president Akio Toyoda wants "to see the next Supra tested in the near future." Kinda makes you wonder, doesn't it? We're thinking that it's unlikely that Toyota would use the Supra name for its long-anticipated FT-86 revival, so we'll of course be keeping our ears to the ground for any sportscar news coming out of Japan.
[Source: Car and Driver]Report: Toyota secures trademark for Supra name originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Surprise! New York cabbies prefer Crown Vics to hybrids Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Work, Ford 
If it weren't for the somewhat obsessive and frankly narrow-minded love by taxi drivers and police officers for the body-on-frame Ford Crown Victoria, we'd imagine the old Panther platform would have been put out to pasture a very long time ago. As it stands, though, New York cabbies especially seem hell-bent on keeping it around on life support as long as possible.
Interestingly, though, a report from USA Today suggests that cab drivers make more money when operating a Crown Vic than any other automobile, and that supposedly includes hybrids. According to John Shaban, a 27-year-old cab driver, "I don't like the hybrids... Mechanics charge an arm and a leg for them."
Could it be that customers inherently prefer the Crown Vic? Shaban believes so, saying, "People wait for the Crown Vic because it's roomier. They're more likely to get in." Regardless, that's all set to change soon as Ford finally discontinues its long-running rear-wheel-drive people mover. It's expected to be replaced with - you guessed it - a hybrid or some other fuel efficient alternative.
[Source: USA Today | Image: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty]Surprise! New York cabbies prefer Crown Vics to hybrids originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Report: NHTSA expands Ford Windstar corrosion probe to front subframes Filed under: Minivan/Van, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Ford 
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has opened a second investigation into 1999-2003 Ford Windstar minivans. The new probe has arisen amidst reports of front subframe corrosion that can cause the vehicle to lose steering. Apparently, a number of owners in salt-belt states have complained of front steering components rusting to the point of failure, causing a total loss of steering in the process. NHTSA will be looking into a total 900,000 potentially affected vehicles as part of the first stage of a process that could ultimately lead to recall.
As we first reported in May, Windstar minivans of the same vintage are currently under investigation for a similar corrosion concern in the rear of the vehicle. The government agency launched an investigation after receiving 234 complaints of the vehicles' rear axles fracturing. Owners claim that the design allows for road salt and grime to collect in certain places, accelerating corrosion in the process.
Ford says that it is doing everything it can to cooperate with the investigation and address any design issue, should one exist. According to Automotive News, the Windstar, which was built between 1994 and 2003, has been the subject of a total of 10 recalls so far.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]Report: NHTSA expands Ford Windstar corrosion probe to front subframes originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Ivan 'Ironman' Stewart moving from off-road trucks to... electric bikes? Filed under: Motorsports, Truck, Motorcycle, Electric, Racing 
 Off-road racing fans will no doubt be familiar with the name Ivan "Ironman" Stewart, winner of 17 Baja 500s and three Baja 1000s over his 37-year career. Apparently, even an iron man can only take so much pounding and Stewart has decided it's time to ride off silently into the sunset.
Stewart has decided to auction virtually all of his off-road racing memorabilia, race truck building business and vehicles. Instead of pounding dirt, Stewart will be peddling electric bicycles out of a new shop in San Diego, California.
The Ivan Stewart Electric Bike Center will sell, service and rent battery-powered bicycles from an initial shop in downtown San Diego, followed by two additional stores in La Jolla and Del Mar to the north.
[Source: San Diego Union-Tribune via PickupTrucks.com]Ivan 'Ironman' Stewart moving from off-road trucks to... electric bikes? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
AutoblogGreen for 07.30.10 
AutoblogGreen for 07.30.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 05:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Spy Video: Nissan GT-R SpecM gets wrung out at the 'Ring Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Europe, Japan, Nissan 
Just when we thought the softer-riding Nissan GT-R SpecM had disappeared for good, the car shows up at the Nurburgring for a little abuse. The crew from Auto Motor und Sport managed to lay their hands on a lengthy video of a few barely-cloaked examples of the car scooting around Green Hell, and everyone's best guess is that the vehicles are a peek at what we can expect out of the Nissan 2011 supercar lineup. As you likely recall, the SpecM is designed to be a more comfortable interpretation of the company's no-holds barred bruiser. The suspension is tuned more for the street than busting around your favorite road course, and the interior is supposedly swaddled in more high-grade materials.
Judging from what we see in the video, we're guessing that the new SpecM will wear aero additions borrowed from the mighty Spec-V, along with wheels swiped from the same car. Hit the jump to see the flick for yourself.
[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via Carscoop]Continue reading Spy Video: Nissan GT-R SpecM gets wrung out at the 'Ring Spy Video: Nissan GT-R SpecM gets wrung out at the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Video: Elon Musk chats it up on The Colbert Report Filed under: Videos, Celebrities, Humor, Tesla, Electric 
Elon Musk on The Colbert Report - Click above to watch the video after the jump
Elon Musk apparently has a sense of humor. Proof of which can be found in the video after the break, where you'll see the co-founder of Paypal, Tesla Motors and Space X sit-down with Stephen Colbert of Comedy Central's The Colbert Report.
As always, Colbert takes a lighthearted slant with the interview, making a few comic-relief jabs along the way. For instance, after detailing Musk's seemingly heroic take on the automotive and space exploration industries, Colbert point-blank asks Musk whether he's a super hero or a super villain. We'll let you figure that one out...
Our favorite quote, though, is this: "You have these electric cars that uses no fossil fuels, but then you've also got this rocket, this Space X that puts the rocket into space, using about as much fuel as 2,000,000 Hummers. So... are you just trying to break even as spectacularly as possible?"
There are plenty more gems in the video, and we don't want to spoil the whole thing for you. So just check out the video after the break.
[Source: The Colbert Report]Continue reading Video: Elon Musk chats it up on The Colbert Report Video: Elon Musk chats it up on The Colbert Report originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.29.10 
In a world where sport compacts are mainly turbocharged hatchbacks, can the Civic Si still hold its own?
Before Lieberman leaves for an editorship at Motor Trend, he reflects on his time at Autoblog and lists off a few things he would've done differently.
Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 7.29.10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Ferrari trots out past and future at Nürburgring Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Ferrari, Racing 
Retired Ferrari F1 cars take to the Nurburgring - Click above for high-res image gallery
If you're lucky wealthy enough to own one of Ferrari's retired works Formula One machines, the automaker's F1 Client department takes care of maintenance and preparation of your historic racer, whether it be Nigel Mansell's ex-F190, Michael Schumacher's championship-winning F2001 or any number of pedigreed prancing ponies.
This week, the crew brought 10 of its most prized possessions out to the Nürburgring so current owners could spend some quality time behind the wheel. And the open wheelers weren't the only exotic wares in Germany. Four of the Enzo-based FXXs and 15 of the newer 599XXs were on hand, each track-only variant equipped with cutting-edge technologies that the Maranello boffins are experimenting with for future products. The "owners" of these XX models are essentially paying for the privilege of being Ferrari beta testers, but to our eyes, there are worse ways to spend a few days at the Green Hell.
[Source: Ferrari]Continue reading Ferrari trots out past and future at Nürburgring Ferrari trots out past and future at Nürburgring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Sounds About Right: San Francisco spending $25M to determine how much parking should cost Filed under: Government/Legal 
If you reside or frequent a large metropolitan area, you're probably all too aware of the cost to park your vehicle. In cities like New York or Chicago, you can pay upwards of $30 or more for a full day of parking. To make matters worse, even with astronomical costs many drivers can't even find an open spot.
San Francisco is looking for a permanent solution to its parking problems by going high tech and paying big bucks to do it. Frisco is investing $25 million on a new electronic parking system that will constantly gauge demand for spots and raise or lower pricing accordingly. So why go to all this expense and trouble to set parking prices?
Parking that's too cheap may lead to spots getting filled too quickly, which will lead to cars circling around waiting for spots, clogging streets with unnecessary congestion. The goal of the $25 million project is to make parking cheap enough for people to afford it while at the same time expensive enough to ensure spots are always available.
The electronic parking system will work as a network, setting prices between a quarter and $6 per hour depending on demand. The high-tech solution will start with 190 new meters in the Hayes Valley area of San Francisco and in two years end with 6,000 metered spaces and 12,250 spots at the city's 15 parking garages. The system will eventually make it possible for advanced planners to go online to find where the most spots are located. Distracted driving aficionados will be able to search for spots on their smartphone, making it easier for multi-taskers to park and harder for pedestrians and other drivers to avoid getting hit.
[Source: NPR | Image: Ingrid Taylar - C.C. License 2.0]Sounds About Right: San Francisco spending $25M to determine how much parking should cost originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Man spends nearly $200,000 to win right to park truck in his own driveway [w/video] Filed under: Truck, Etc., Government/Legal, Videos, Work, Ford 
Man pays nearly $200,000 to park truck in his own drive - click above to watch the video
Beware of the home owner's association. Considered this country's most basic, ruthless unit of government, HOAs are typically organized and manned by retirees with little better to do than tell you what to do with your property - something A.J. Vizzi recently learned the hard way. When Vizzi purchased his home in Odessa, Florida, he was told he would be allowed to park his Ford F-350 Super Duty in his home's driveway, even though the neighborhood's rules forbade keeping vehicles anywhere other than the garage. The truck didn't fit in the home's garage.
The local HOA soon changed its mind, and before long a lawsuit ensued. In 2008, a judge ruled in Vizzi's favor, but the association quickly appealed the decision. In March, a second judge sided with Vizzi, and the courts awarded him $187,000 in legal fees to be paid by the HOA. In total, the association claims that the ordeal has cost over $300,000, including the cash it now has to pay to Vizzi. Take a look after the jump to watch a local news report on the legal battle. Thanks for the tip, Sea Urchin!
[Source: My Fox Tampa Bay]Continue reading Man spends nearly $200,000 to win right to park truck in his own driveway [w/video] Man spends nearly $200,000 to win right to park truck in his own driveway [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Unlikely Pacer: Ford Fiesta to lead the field at CarFax 400 Filed under: Motorsports, Budget, Sedan, Ford  Sure enough, the upcoming Sprint Cup Carfax 400 will be paced by none other than the Blue Oval's tiny 2011 Fiesta Sedan. With less than a third of the displacement of the tube-frame beasts lapping Michigan International Speedway, we wouldn't quite expect lightning-quick pace laps, but hey - safety first. While pace cars are typically some sort of performance product, manufacturers aren't past parading less than muscular new hardware in front of the captive audiences of the raceway.
If Ford was looking for a way to bring its marketing for the Fiesta out of the social media realm and into a more mainstream American venue, they could have hardly done better than the Sprint Cup. On average, the series races net 7.9 million viewers. On Sunday, August 15, each and every one of those souls will get to watch a maroon four door fiesta lead the pack, complete with a massive Blue Oval decal down the side. Talk about cheap advertising. Check out the gallery for a few shots from the car's unveiling.
[Source: Ford Racing via Facebook]Unlikely Pacer: Ford Fiesta to lead the field at CarFax 400 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Nissan reveals new object detection, rear-collision avoidance systems [w/video] Filed under: Safety, Technology, Nissan 
Nissan object detection and Forward Collision Avoidance Assist Concept - click above for high-res image gallery
Vehicles from an increasing number of automakers are becoming more aware of their surroundings than the drivers that operate them. The latest is Nissan, which has announced several new safety technologies set to be added to its lineup, including a Forward Collision Avoidance Assist Concept. The system works like similar systems from other manufacturers including Acura, Lexus, Ford and Mercedes-Benz, but evolves the concept even further.
A front-mounted radar sensor detects when the vehicle is closing too quickly and first warns the driver and then applies the brakes automatically to avoid or minimize the effects of a crash.
Additionally, the moving object detection uses the surround-view camera system to determine if there are pedestrians or other objects moving in proximity of the vehicle. Unlike pedestrian detection systems from Volvo and Lexus, this system only functions at very low speeds and doesn't apply the brakes. Instead, the driver gets an audible and visual warning of anything moving around them. No specific vehicle applications or timing have been announced, but it's safe to assume we'll be seeing this tech featured on Infiniti's wares sometime next year.
[Source: Nissan]Continue reading Nissan reveals new object detection, rear-collision avoidance systems [w/video] Nissan reveals new object detection, rear-collision avoidance systems [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Volvo sale to Geely to close next week? Filed under: China, Europe, Volvo, Earnings/Financials, Luxury 
Volvo may finally part ways with Ford by the end of next week. The Detroit Free Press reports that the Blue Oval is aiming to close its $1.8 billion sale of the Swedish automaker to Geely in as little as 10 days, though Ford has merely said that its goal is to hand over the Volvo reigns by the end of the third quarter of this year. The move to send Volvo packing is part of Ford CEO Alan Mulally's strategy to slim the company down to focus on its core brands - a scheme that seems to be working so far.
In the meantime, Volvo managed to turn a profit of $53 million before taxes in the second quarter of this year. The news is a big leap from the same time last year - in the second quarter of 2009, the brand lost a heady $237 million. Ford's sale of Volvo seems to have been on glacial pace, partly due to the number of government agencies in the U.S., Europe and China that were needed to sign off on the deal. By the time the ink dries on the last document, Geely will have secured the largest overseas acquisition of any Chinese automaker so far.
[Source: The Detroit Free Press]Volvo sale to Geely to close next week? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
More details on BMW's rumored X4 swirling about Filed under: SUV, Europe, BMW, Rumormill, Luxury 
2010 BMW X6M - Click above for high-res image gallery
The good people at AutoExpress are doing their best to fan the flames of the BMW X4 rumors. The site claims to have snagged a bevy of information on the Bavarian brand's product plans, including a more detailed account of what we can expect out of the much-rumored X4. Supposedly the new high-rider will borrow a heaping helping of design cues from the X6, so if you aren't a fan of that brute, odds are you won't like the new model, either. Unlike the big boy, the site claims that the X4 will make use of a double-gated hatch in the rear similar to what's found in the 5 Series Gran Turismo - a smart choice to help load and unload parcels.
AutoExpress also lays out drivetrain possibilities, including the likelihood of one very thrifty 2.0-liter turbo diesel mill that promises around 50 mpg. The site says that in that configuration, 0-60 is likely to click off in a somewhat loping 8.6 seconds, though there will be more potent variations available, including one powered by a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with north of 300 horsepower.
It all sounds good, but BMW itself hasn't said word one about seriously mulling a new 'ute.
Photos by Damon Lavrinc / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: AutoExpress]More details on BMW's rumored X4 swirling about originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Almost as Quick as the Car: Porsche builds 25,000th Panamera Filed under: Sedan, Porsche 
2011 Porsche Panamera - Click above for high-res image gallery
When the Porsche Panamera was introduced in 2009, skeptics panned the sedan as oddly proportioned and thoroughly unattractive. Later, as the media began to test and review the all-new Porsche, skepticism gave way to fanaticism as the Panamera's amazing handling and jaw-dropping powertrains won over even some of its biggest doubters. Less than a year after the vehicle's introduction, Porsche has ample reason to celebrate as the Leipzig factory has just built Panamera number 25,000. That's peanuts for a mass-market automaker, but an incredible feat for a sports car maker that in most years is thrilled to produce 100,000 models globally.
Panamera number 25,000 is Ruby Red and packs a 300-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 that was added to the lineup back in May. The special Panamera will be delivered to the U.S. market, where to date 5,000 copies of the sedan have been sold. Porsche looks to keep up the Panamera momentum with a hybrid variant that is expected to bow in 2011. Hit the jump to get the details in the release.
Photos by Michael Harley / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Porsche]Almost as Quick as the Car: Porsche builds 25,000th Panamera originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Regrets, I've Had a Few: Jonny Lieberman bids farewell to Autoblog Filed under: Etc., Hirings/Firings/Layoffs 
A little over a month ago, I got a call from Jonny. Something was up. He was excited and anxious, and before the words "MacKenzie offered me a job, and I've accepted" came out of his mouth, I knew he was off to greener pastures.
I'm proud of a lot of things at Autoblog, but getting Dr. Lieberman on board is near the top of that list. And now he's gone, taking the Senior Editor position at Motor Trend after the buff book's editor-in-chief called and said, "We need to talk." Plenty of people have moved on from Autoblog over the years, but given Jonny's penchant for prose and never-say-die attitude, we asked him to pen a farewell letter before heading off to do some ludicrous comparison test for MT. You'll be missed, sir, so the floor is yours... one last time.
Damon Lavrinc - Senior Editor
Working at Autoblog has been one of the best experiences of my car-writing career. As you may or may not know, if there's a website about cars, odds are it's hoisted my byline at some point. From The Truth About Cars to Jalopnik to Clunkbucket and most points in between, I've cranked out some auto-centric virtual ink nearly everywhere. But Autoblog was the feather in my digital cap. No car website commands more respect, is more widely read or opens as many doors. And yeah, a pretty big door just got opened for me.
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the wonderful men behind the screen. I've worked at some sites filled with mega-friendly people that weren't capable of pouring piss from a boot. Other places were hyper-competent and staffed almost totally with assholes. Autoblog combined near-ruthless professionalism with the kind of positive working environment you only dream about in any job. It really is a wonderful operation, one that sent me Japanese whiskey as a wedding gift. Thanks to Damon Lavrinc for always being in my corner and John Neff for not only giving me the chance, but for running such a tight ship. I'd like to thank especially Drew Phillips, "my photographer," for putting up with my right foot on all those canyon runs.
But of course, it's not all roses and sunshine. There are quite a few things I regret. In true Butthole Surfers fashion, allow me to quote, "Well son, the funny thing about regret is, it's better to regret something you have done, than to regret something you haven't done." Sadly, while there's nothing I regret doing at Autoblog (well, maybe SEMA), there's a whole slew of things I regret not doing. With that in mind, here's a small list of stuff that for one reason (lazy!) or another (extra lazy!) I never got around to sharing. Read on...Continue reading Regrets, I've Had a Few: Jonny Lieberman bids farewell to Autoblog Regrets, I've Had a Few: Jonny Lieberman bids farewell to Autoblog originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
NHTSA to update 5-star testing process Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety 
2011 Chevrolet Cruze Crash Testing - Click above for high-res image gallery
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is set to debut a new testing procedure for the 2011 model year that will make it more difficult for new cars and trucks to earn the government agency's coveted five-star safety rating. Just as interestingly, the recent influx of electronic safety gadgets, such as lane departure and collision warning, will be included in the testing regiment as well.
NHTSA will calculate one simple-to-understand grade for each vehicle based on how it manages to perform throughout the agency's testing. While the revised parameters promise to make safety-minded comparison shopping between new automobiles a bit easier, it also means that pre-2011 ratings will not be directly comparable to the new ones.
A total of 55 new 2011 cars, trucks and minivans (including the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze seen above undergoing GM's internal safety testing) will be tested by NHTSA with the new procedures, and the list is made up of both brand new models and some of the more popular nameplates Americans seem most likely to purchase in large numbers next year. You can check out NHTSA's official release and the initial list of what cars will be subjected to this new testing regime after the jump.
[Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]Continue reading NHTSA to update 5-star testing process NHTSA to update 5-star testing process originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
Subaru releases 2011 rally cars at X-Games Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Budget, Performance, Hatchback, Subaru 
Subaru has pulled back the sheets on the company's newest breed of rally heathens. Built by Vermont SportsCar, the all-wheel drive bruisers will be piloted by the likes of Travis Pastrana and Sverre Isachsen at this year's X Games. The tuning house started with a bone-stock 2011 WRX STI before gutting the interior, seam-welding the entire chassis and stitching in a full roll cage. The stock gas tank was scrapped for a rally-legal fuel cell, and a fire-suppression system installed in case things go fricassee. Down below, a set of EXE-TC adjustable coilovers were swapped for the stock bits to help the car tackle the varied course of X Games 16.
The speed gurus at Vermont SportsCar managed to yank a full 500 screaming ponies and 560 pound-feet of twist from the turbo 2.0-liter flat four under the hood, even with a 45 mm restrictor plate in place. Not too shabby. The fire-breathing mill is laced with an anti-lag system as well as launch control and bolted to a five-speed dog box transmission. The stock electronically adjustable center differential remains in place, though boasts a more advanced controller.
The X Games is debuting a new rally feature this year. Called SuperRally, the track pits four cars against one another simultaneously. Subaru is hoping the new car will help the company fend off competition in the new event. Hit the jump for the full press blast.
[Source: Subaru]Continue reading Subaru releases 2011 rally cars at X-Games Subaru releases 2011 rally cars at X-Games originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
2011 BMW 5-Series nabs IIHS Top Safety Pick laurels Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Safety, BMW, Luxury 
2011 BMW 535i - Click above for high-res image gallery
The 2011 BMW 5 series can stick another feather in its jaunty Alpine cap. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has awarded the German automaker's middle child the coveted Top Safety Pick accolade. The newest generation of the 5er managed to nab the highest ratings possible for front, side, rear and rollover crash protection, becoming the first 5 Series to win the Top Safety Pick in the model's history. Surprisingly enough, the 2011 5 Series is also the first BMW to take the award since the IIHS incorporated its new roll-over test.
The institute says that BMW has made up impressive ground in the area of side impact protection. Last year's car only managed a "marginal" rating during that section of testing, while the new car was granted the highest rating possible. The institute goes on to say that its test replicates an impact from a larger vehicle, such as an SUV of a pickup truck, to accommodate for the higher number of these vehicles on the road today. Full details at the link below.
[Source: IIHS]2011 BMW 5-Series nabs IIHS Top Safety Pick laurels originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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